WWE Raw 5 Takeaways: Lackluster Showdown For The Beast

The first WWE Raw of 2018 was an underwhelming show as a whole, but did feature a few standout moments at the same time.

As the first WWE Raw of 2018, one might expect some memorable moments to help set the tone for the rest of the year.  However, there wasn’t much to be found along those lines last night.

But there were some positives to take away from the show, including some solid in-ring competition as the WWE inches closer to the Royal Rumble.  With that being said, let’s take a look at five key takeaways from the Jan. 1 edition of WWE Raw.

5. Finn Balor Sets Up Potential Dark Horse Royal Rumble Match Win

Everybody loves a good underdog story, and the same can be said in the WWE.  Over the years, fans have been treated to some awesome storytelling from individuals that didn’t appear to stand a chance to reach the level they reached.

Could the WWE be preparing to do the same with Finn Balor?  The Demon King has not done anything of true significance in months, but maybe a new year will change his fortunes.  Balor announced last night that he would be entering the Royal Rumble match and he made some good points along the way.

Balor was the first-ever Universal Champion and he never got a rematch for it.  It was cool to see Balor team with Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson last night to defeat The Miztourage and Elias, but the bigger picture could be on Jan. 28 at the Royal Rumble for The Demon King.

Maybe Balor’s lack of direction over the past few months is just setting up a potential Royal Rumble match win.  Maybe it will lead to Balor joining the Universal Championship picture at WrestleMania.  Maybe, just maybe, the talk about Balor not being over enough is just talk and the WWE has something planned for him after all.

It’s a slim chance, but the thought of the possibility of The Demon King winning the Royal Rumble match is an intriguing one that could finally lead to the WWE giving Balor the chance he deserves.