Welcome to another edition of the top RAW rumors that could have a major impact on the red brand. With Hell in a Cell right around the corner, RAW saw some major developments.
RAW Women's Champion Rhea Ripley will face Charlotte Flair at the pay-per-view. Kofi Kingston will face Drew McIntyre for the chance to challenge WWE Champion Bobby Lashley on the show.
We will take an in-depth look at what is in store for The All Mighty Bobby Lashley at the upcoming Hell in a Cell show.
Apart from that, this article will take a look at RAW commentator Adnan Virk's sudden ouster from WWE. Why did Virk leave the company just weeks after joining? Let's find out!
#5 Reason why Adnan Virk left WWE as the RAW announcer
As reported earlier, Adnan Virk has parted ways with WWE and has left his role as the lead announcer on RAW. Virk had joined RAW after WrestleMania 37 by replacing Tom Phillips. He had commented in an interview that he was surprised at how many WWE fans did not know who he was.
The former ESPN personality received mixed reactions for his work in WWE. Taking to Twitter, Virk clarified that the decision to leave RAW was a mutual one between him and WWE.
He stated that it had become difficult for him to juggle all of his jobs and chose to leave WWE. Corey Graves replied to Virk by wishing him well for his future.
Thanks to @WWE for a wonderful opportunity. The weekly travel along with my other jobs was a grind for me and my family. Am grateful to everyone with the company especially @WWEGraves and @ByronSaxton for being such fantastic teammates.
#4 RAW Superstar Bobby Lashley to feud with John Cena?
There have been rumours regarding former RAW Superstar John Cena possibly making his return to WWE soon. Cena had stated in an interview that he is interested in returning to the squared cricle.
“I really, really want to get back to WWE,” he said. “I really want audiences to get back to WWE."
It was also reported that WWE is trying to get Cena to return once the crowd has returned to WWE in July. PWInsider reported that the production of his TV show Peacemaker will end by July 6th, which will free him up for a return by July 16th.
RAW Superstar Bobby Lashley's manager MVP, made an interesting comment on Instagram hinting at a possible feud between John Cena and the WWE Champion. On a post by WWEonFox, MVP said that on behalf of The ALL Mighty Bobby Lashley and The Hurt Business, he is looking forward to Cena's return.
Would you like to see a match between The All Mighty and The Champ? Let us know below!
#3 Possible reason for Alexa Bliss being absent on RAW
Alexa Bliss and her segments with Lilly have become some of the most interesting aspects of Monday Night RAW as of late. However, Bliss was seemingly absent from RAW this week, as she did not make an on-screen appearance.
It is believed that she may have missed RAW to be with her pet pig Larry, who was very ill. However, PWInider reported that she was present backstage on RAW despite not being used.
Bliss had made social media posts indicating that Larry was in pain and not feeling well. She had tried to contact many vets, some of whom refused to help the animal as it was a large pig.
Unfortunately, Alexa's pet pig Larry could not make it and died at the age of four. Bliss made a heartfelt post about her pet's passing.
"This morning Larry-Steve gained his Angel wings. I'm so sorry we couldn't find you the help you needed in time. Some people didn't agree to help you. But I want you to know Larry, YOUR LIFE MATTERED. We are completely heartbroken."
#2 RAW Superstars Drew McIntyre and Bobby Lashley to face each other inside HIAC
Adam Pierce announced on RAW that Drew McIntyre will face Kofi Kingston next week. The winner of that match will take on Bobby Lashley at Hell in a Cell.
As per Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Drew McIntyre vs Bobby Lashley is set to take place inside the demonic structure at the pay-per-view.
"So Hell in a Cell is being moved to 6/20 without any Hell in the Call program being at the level one would expect for such a show. Hell in a Cell should be the culmination of a feud, and the only program that appears at this point to be ready for it would be Bobby Lashley vs. Drew McIntyre for the WWE title,'' stated Meltzer
Though many fans believe that the program between McIntyre and Lashley on RAW has stretched long enough, this may be the final match between the two men. It has also been reported that McIntyre will be feuding with the recently returned Jinder Mahal over the summer.
#1 Randy Orton's reaction to his finisher being stolen on RAW
RAW Superstar Randy Orton is known to be very possessive about his moveset, especially his finisher - the RKO. However, this week on RAW, his tag team partner Riddle used the RKO to beat Xavier Woods in a stellar match.
Orton sent out a text following the match to Riddle. Speaking on RAW Talk, Riddle said that Randy Orton was quite alright with his finisher being used.
“I wanted to get redemption for Randy. I knew he was busy tonight, I heard he was watching Operation Gumbo Drop and eating some munchies. He knows how to take care of his body. Randy was like, ‘I saw that, bro.'” said Riddle
Xavier Woods helped Kofi Kingston pick up a win against Randy Orton on RAW last week. This had led to a confrontation between Riddle and Woods following that match.
It will be interesting to see how the chemistry between The Viper and The Original Bro continues to evolve on RAW.