Former world champions return, faction splits & more - 5 surprises that may happen on WWE RAW before the Draft
The final episode of WWE RAW before the 2024 Draft will air from the Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio, tonight. Besides the Draft, WWE is also building up towards the Backlash Premium Live Event, which is less than two weeks away.
Tonight's RAW will feature a Battle Royal to crown the new Women's World Champion as well as a bout between Awesome Truth and DIY for the World Tag Team Titles. In addition, Dominik Mysterio and JD McDonagh will team up to take on the team of Andrade and Ricochet. Furthermore, Gunther will appear in person for the first time since his Intercontinental Championship loss to Sami Zayn at WrestleMania XL.
With that in mind, let's take a look at five surprises WWE RAW could feature tonight.
#5. Alexa Bliss returns to WWE RAW
Alexa Bliss has been away from the ring for more than a year now. After failing to capture the WWE RAW Women's Championship in a match with Bianca Belair at Royal Rumble last year, Bliss went on maternity leave.
The multi-time women's champion has given several updates on herself over the past couple of months, which has led to speculation among the fans about her possibly returning to the squared circle.
Since WWE RAW is in her hometown this week, it is possible that she returns during the Battle Royal for the Women's World Title tonight and even goes on to win it.
WWE recently started airing cryptic messages on RAW and SmackDown, which are apparently related to Uncle Howdy and the Wyatt Six faction. So Bliss' return may be imminent.
#4. DIY wins the World Tag Team Championship
After winning the WWE RAW Tag Team Titles in a Six-Pack Ladder Match at WrestleMania XL, Awesome Truth were presented the new World Tag Team Championship by Triple H last week.
The Miz and R-Truth are set to defend the newly introduced titles for the first time against DIY on tonight's episode of WWE RAW. DIY, who got a big win over The New Day and The Creed Brothers last week, could possibly end Awesome Truth's sixteen days long reign tonight.
This is because Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano are among two of Triple H's most supported stars and them winning the titles would make the WWE RAW tag team division more competitive. It would also allow the Stamford-based promotion to book many big matches, which it might not be able to do more often during Awesome Truth's reign.
#3. Chad Gable betrays Alpha Academy
Chad Gable apparently turned to the dark side and brutalised Sami Zayn in front of his family after he failed to capture the Intercontinental Championship in the main event of WWE RAW last week.
A more serious and vicious Gable likely means he will also part ways with Alpha Academy, a faction which has been booked in a comedic manner for the majority of its existence.
Gable could form a new alliance with The Creed Brothers as it was teased by Julius Creed recently. Julius and Brutus Creed may take out Otis and Akira Tozawa for Gable. It would also make sense for Gable and the Creeds to join forces as The Creed Brothers represent Gable's ideology about pro wrestling better than any other tag team.
This potential opportunity may also lead to a World Tag Team Championship shot for The Creed Brothers in the future.
#2. Liv Morgan turns heel
Liv Morgan started her Revenge Tour with an attack backstage on Rhea Ripley, which led to the latter suffering an injury that forced her to vacate the Women's World Championship.
WWE subtly teased a Liv Morgan heel turn on last week's episode of RAW, and it is likely that it will happen because of the fan reactions she has been getting. She will participate in the Battle Royal for the Women's World Title, so it could happen tonight.
A major possibility is that Becky Lynch wins the title by eliminating Morgan after which the twenty-nine year old loses control and attacks The Man. Such an angle could set up a major feud between Morgan and Lynch, and also ensure that a big name like Lynch carries the WWE RAW Women's division while Ripley is away.
Another angle the Stamford-based promotion could book is a Morgan title win, possibly by unfair means, which lasts until Ripley returns from injury.
#1. AJ Styles returns to WWE RAW to attack Cody Rhodes
AJ Styles was drafted to WWE SmackDown in the Draft last year. He recently became the number one contender for the Undisputed WWE Championship and may return to the red brand tonight to make a statement.
Cody Rhodes is advertised for tonight's episode of WWE RAW, so he will likely appear to cut a promo once again. The Phenomenal One could show up during the segment and attack The American Nightmare to heat up their feud heading into Backlash: France next month.
In another possible scenario, the two former Bullet Club members may simply have a war of words, but seeing as Styles is a heel now and there is very little time left until Backlash, WWE may choose to directly have The Phenomenal One take out Rhodes tonight.