Seth Rollins to start the new Shield; The New Day's ex-rival to replace Big E? 4 surprises that could happen on WWE RAW this week

Tonight's episode of WWE RAW happens to be five days before Saturday Night's Main Event. However, there's a lot more happening on the red brand beyond the upcoming special.

Last week saw some huge surprises, in the form of Drew McIntyre returning and The New Day betraying Big E. So, how will those angles be followed up on? We shall see. Let's look at four potential surprises that could happen on this week's episode of WWE RAW.

#4. Damian Priest returns on WWE RAW

This would certainly put a spanner in the works for Finn Balor ahead of his World Heavyweight Championship match against Gunther. Damian Priest wasn't on WWE RAW last week, after getting injured during a backstage fight with The Judgment Day following Survivor Series. Balor had cost him against The Ring General.

So, once Priest returns, he will want two things: another shot at the World Title and revenge against Finn Balor. He can get both of them at the same time if he's back on Monday night. Adam Pearce could simply add him to the match at Saturday Night's Main Event, making it a triple threat. After all, heel vs. heel matches hardly ever work well.

#3. Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston introduce Omos as their new bodyguard

After kicking Big E out of The New Day on WWE RAW last week, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods are public enemy number one. They might just be the most hated stars within the fanbase and the locker room right now. That's why Woods and Kingston may need a bodyguard.

This is where seven-foot giant Omos comes in. He hasn't been seen in months, but recently made an appearance alongside other WWE RAW stars. That might be an indication of The Nigerian Giant's return. Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston know the power of Omos all too well after he destroyed them at WrestleMania 37.

The New Day recruiting him to fill the void of Big E's absence would garner maximum heat, especially after the original plans of their third member did not work out. It's not quite the fun-loving faction anymore, but rather a more serious unit. One that is all business now.

#2. Alexa Bliss returns on WWE RAW and costs The Wyatt Sicks

The Wyatt Sicks are back in action on WWE RAW this week. They will face The Final Testament and The Miz in an eight-man tag team match. While all signs point towards a victory for the babyfaces, it might not be so straightforward. What if a familiar face returns to haunt the Wyatts?

Alexa Bliss last appeared at the 2023 Royal Rumble, where Uncle Howdy made his presence felt after her RAW Women's Title match against Bianca Belair. That could directly link to her return, where she costs The Wyatt Sicks.

Little Miss Bliss doesn't even need to join The Final Testament full-time, although Karrion Kross did say she is welcome to do so. Either way, if she returns to cost the Wyatts, it would add more intrigue to this rivalry. Perhaps, Bliss may eventually join forces with Uncle Howdy down the line, too.

#1. Seth Rollins convinces Drew McIntyre to join forces with him

Drew McIntyre returned at the end of WWE RAW last week, attacking Sami Zayn after his main event match against Seth Rollins. The Scottish Warrior was also likely behind Jey Uso being laid out backstage. Safe to say, McIntyre has a problem with the OG Bloodline.

Rollins is seemingly cool with Zayn and Uso, but he hates Roman Reigns. The Visionary could end up resenting the two of them for going back to The OTC, before vowing to take down the OG Bloodline. He would need help, though, which is why we could see Seth Rollins having a secret meeting with Drew McIntyre.

Whether or not the details are revealed this Monday itself, The Visionary could discuss forming a new Shield. Only this time, the "justice" being delivered is removing Roman Reigns from any sort of power on WWE RAW or SmackDown. McIntyre can agree to join forces with Rollins, before Kevin Owens is eventually added due to their common hatred for The OTC.

The three of them are among the noble few who stood their ground when it came to The Bloodline. Reigns' babyface turn hasn't moved either of them, so it makes sense that they will want to destroy what he is trying to rebuild. The seeds for the new Shield can be planted on WWE RAW this week.