A new champion left destroyed; crashing the monster party - 5 huge surprises for this week's WWE RAW
This week's episode of WWE RAW marks the red brand's final show before Bad Blood in Atlanta, Georgia. The card features three heated grudge matches from RAW, including two involving The Judgment Day.
Rhea Ripley battles Liv Morgan for the Women's World Championship with Dominik Mysterio locked above in a shark cage. Damian Priest and Finn Balor continue their rivalry.
Drew McIntyre and CM Punk fight inside Hell in a Cell. After a surprising title change to end last week's show, what's in store for this week? The next five surprises could catch fans off guard during the Bad Blood go-home episode of WWE RAW.
#5. The Judgment Day runs roughshod all over RAW
The Judgment Day is the focal point of RAW and has a heavy presence at Bad Blood. Since only two members are booked in matches, JD McDonagh, Carlito, and Dominik Mysterio will likely interfere in Atlanta.
Ripley got the upper hand last week by announcing the shark cage stipulation for her match with Morgan. Morgan and Dirty Dom will leave Mami lying in the ring or backstage to build doubt about whether she can still win on Saturday.
Balor, McDonagh, and Carlito will attempt do the same to Priest, putting the Terror Twins down in a hole before Bad Blood. Since Jey Uso helped Priest and Ripley, The Judgment Day will most likely add him to their hit list on RAW.
#4. A smaller star determines the outcome of the Last Monster Standing match
The Last Monster Standing match between Braun Strowman and Bronson Reed will feature a lot of carnage and mayhem. The two have already destroyed the backstage area and vehicles in the parking lot in this ongoing battle of the behemoths.
Reed ripped the top rope down in their first encounter, so physical damage to the arena is a certainty on RAW. How the victor is determined, however, is anything but certain.
The Miz took exception to Strowman interrupting his match with Reed last week. He was also upset that The Monster of All Monsters didn't think he could handle the big Aussie. The A-Lister could turn on Strowman, helping Reed secure the win.
On the other hand, Seth Rollins could make a shocking return to get retribution on Reed. His interference could aid the former Universal Champion's win. A non-monster could ultimately pull the strings to determine which monster makes it to his feet.
#3. The Wyatt Sicks pick a new target
Uncle Howdy and the Wyatt Sicks have been quiet in the arena after dispatching American Made. Howdy has cut brief promos in pre-taped videos mentioning "The Red." After a few weeks of idling outside the ring, it's time the group picks its next target inside the ring.
Nikki Cross could deliver a message to Liv Morgan or the Pure Fusion Collective. Dominik Mysterio could receive a creepy letter since he's turned on Ripley, Priest, and his father.
The Wyatt Sicks have an aura unlike anything else in WWE. Getting the faction into its next feud should be a priority before and after Bad Blood.
#2. Several names step up to new Intercontinental Champion Jey Uso
After many attempts to capture singles gold, Jey Uso fulfilled his dream by defeating Bron Breakker for the Intercontinental Championship.
A quick title change was slightly shocking since Breakker was presented as dominant after just winning the belt at SummerSlam. The former NXT Champion will demand a rematch.
The Judgment Day will come calling after Jey stood by Ripley and Priest's side over the last few months. Ilja Dragunov, Ludwig Kaiser, and Pete Dunne could look for another opportunity at the title. Jey Uso will be a busy man on RAW.
#1. CM Punk and Drew McIntyre both stay upright heading into Bad Blood
CM Punk has a busy week ahead. He'll probably have to deal with a hard-charging McIntyre on RAW. The two will have to be separated to preserve their Hell in a Cell match for Bad Blood.
The Best in the World will then be the special guest referee when Trick Williams challenges Ethan Page for the NXT Championship. Punk can't be obliterated on RAW and then show up on NXT the next day as if nothing happened.
That could be part of the plan, however, as Ethan Page claimed to have a way to deal with Punk last week. If he leaves Punk alone on RAW, McIntyre could crash the CW premiere of NXT to attack his enemy.
Should The Scottish Warrior leave Punk bloodied and beaten again on RAW, he may fill in as the new special guest referee on Tuesday. The brutal attack could then put into question whether The Voice of the Voiceless will even be able to compete at Bad Blood.