WWE Raw Results: Highlights, Analysis, and Grades for January 1
By Bryan Heaton
Photo Source: WWE.com
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Previously on WWE Raw, it was Christmas Day, so nothing really important happened. Well, except for new tag team champions being crowned. And John Cena coming back. Oh, and Drew Gulak dressed as an elf. So, wow, I guess a lot happened.
Tonight, everyone’s nursing their New Year’s Eve hangover, as Raw rings in the new year another action packed episode. There’s been a pair of championship matches scheduled for this week. Plus, the build to the Royal Rumble continues.
In the first of the title matches, Roman Reigns will defend the Intercontinental Championship against Samoa Joe in a rematch from Christmas Day. But there’s a twist this time, since last week’s bout ended with Reigns getting disqualified for shoving an official. If Roman gets DQ’d again this week, he’ll lose the title as well. Samoa Joe excels at getting under an opponent’s skin. Can he work his magic to win gold?
The other title match is a Cruiserweight Championship clash. Cedric Alexander finally gets his opportunity to take the title from Enzo Amore. The Zo Train is sure to be hanging around, potentially giving Enzo the edge necessary to retain. But Enzo was reportedly hospitalized earlier in the day. Will Da Realest Guy be able to defend his title as scheduled?
Beyond announced matches, Brock Lesnar will be in the house for the first Raw of 2018. The Beast had a terrific 2017, winning the Universal Championship at WrestleMania and defending it against all comers since. But with a tough challenge coming up at the Royal Rumble, Lesnar will make his presence felt in Miami. Lesnar’s Rumble opponents, Kane and Braun Strowman, can’t be too far behind. What kind of chaos awaits the WWE Universe?
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