Welcome to another edition of the top RAW rumors that could have a major impact on the red brand. This week's RAW was hit and miss with some matches exceeding expectations but the majority of the show falling flat.
McIntyre and Kingston delivered a stellar match as expected. With McIntyre beating Kingston, he has now earned the right to face WWE Champion Bobby Lashley at Hell in a Cell. This article will take a look at what the segment between Kingston and McIntyre this week could have meant.
Apart from that, we will also take a look at another round of roster cuts, an update on a current champion's gruesome injury and much more. So without further ado, let's dive in and check some big rumors and stories related to RAW:
#5 Backstage reaction to RAW Superstar Jinder Mahal winning the WWE Championship in 2017
RAW Superstar Jinder Mahal created history when he beat Randy Orton at Backlash in 2017 to become the WWE Champion. The Maharaja had a six-month long reign. Though fans have often criticized WWE's decision to put the title on Mahal, the decision was welcomed by the roster according to performer WWE Superstar Sin Cara.
Sin Cara, now known as Cinta De Oro, spoke on SportsKeeda's UnSKripted and talked about the backstage reaction to Jinder Mahal becoming the WWE Champion. Oro stated that it is always good to see an underdog like Mahal, Kingston or Bryan win the WWE Championship:
"Jinder is a very nice guy also. I can't say nothing bad about him. He worked really hard to get his physique better to that level that he wanted. So, it was an awesome feeling for a lot of us. The reaction was great," said Cinta.
Jinder Mahal returned to WWE after a lengthy absence a few weeks back. However, instead of the Singh brothers by his side, this time he was accompanied by giants Veer and Shanky on RAW.
#4 More RAW and SmackDown superstars could be released by WWE soon
Fightful Select has reported that WWE is planning another round of Superstar cuts soon, which could involve high-profile names from RAW and SmackDown as well. WWE released multiple superstars earlier this year as part of budget cuts. Some of the big names who were let go included RAW announcer Samoa Joe, Peyton Royce and Bo Dallas among others.
WWE has also released some NXT superstars and backstage employees as well. The most recent WWE release was that of former RAW commentator Tom Phillips. Fans had thought that Phillips would be replacing Virk after his quick exit from the company. Unfortunately, even he was let go by WWE. Jimmy Smith has been brought in as the new lead RAW announcer.
#3 Update on Sheamus' injury on RAW
The United States champion Sheamus suffered a nose injury on RAW this week during his match against Humberto Carillo. PWInsider has reported that The Celtic Warrior has suffered a broken nose and will have to take some time off:
For those who have asked if Sheamus suffered a broke nose taking that hard shot from Humberto Carrillo, PWInsider.com has confirmed he 100% broke it.
The report also stated that the US Champion will have to sit out for some time even though he is one tough superstar. Sheamus has put an end to speculation about him vacating the US Championship. The former WWE Champion made it clear on Twitter that he has no such plans.
#2 Backstage reaction to Jimmy Smith's debut on RAW
Jimmy Smith replaced Adnan Virk as the lead commentator on RAW this week. Smith is a former MMA fighter who has also served as a host on multiple podcasts and talk shows and was even been part of NXT for a brief period.
Jimmy Smith's RAW debut garnered a positive reaction from fans and critics. As per WrestleVotes, the RAW production crew was extremely happy with Jimmy Smith's performance:
"The RAW production people I've spoken with were absolutely thrilled with Jimmy Smith's performance last night. "Tremendous" & "Natural fit" were two comments concerning his debut," WrestleVotes tweeted.
#1 Seeds for Brock Lesnar's return planted on RAW?
Brock Lesnar was brought up a few times this week on RAW, leading to speculation that he may be returning soon. During a confrontation between Drew McIntyre and Kofi Kingston, The Scottish Warrior taunted Kingston with the fact that he held a win over Lesnar while Kingston did not.
Even The Almighty Bobby Lashley made a snide remark regarding Lesnar, asking why people were talking about someone who 'doesn't even work here'. Brian Alvarez pointed out on Wrestling Observer Live that this might be a way for WWE to plant seeds for an upcoming Lesnar return:
“When I heard that, I thought that they are building toward Lashley vs. Lesnar. That's a match that they haven't done. It is a match that people have been asking for a long time and maybe that’s their plan for SummerSlam. Maybe that is their plan for WrestleMania, etc,'' said Alvarez