Post-WrestleMania Raw Preview: Expect NXT Debuts, Big Returns, and Much More

WrestleMania is over, but in the eyes of many fans the true big event will be happening tonight. Yes, it’s time for the long-awaited Raw after WrestleMania, and its requisite collection of big debuts, huge returns, new stories, and rowdy crowds. Let’s break down what to expect.

The biggest news from WrestleMania was undoubtedly the retirement of the Undertaker at the hands of Roman Reigns. The Big Dog is in line for the boos of a lifetime at tonight’s Raw, and his detractors will no doubt get a great deal of schadenfreude enjoyment from the predicament. Whether those boos are addressed in any meaningful we is a question I’d prefer not to address. (Because the answer is too depressing.)

The other headline from WrestleMania was the return of the Hardy Boyz, and we can look to see them address their future tonight on Raw. The big question is whether or not they’ll be fully into the Broken gimmick, as their appearances backstage at Mania could suggest them going either way. Don’t expect them in a match tonight–that’s pure speculation, but given that they’ve been in two consecutive brutal ladder contests, I’d say they’ve earned a break.

Matt & Jeff Hardy make a shocking return to WWE: WrestleMania 33 (WWE Network Exclusive)

Two Raw stars were notable for their absence last night. One of those is Samoa Joe, and I’d put money on the line to say he’ll show up on behalf of Triple H to extract vengeance on Seth Rollins, setting up a feud to last for the next few months.

That other missing star is Finn Balor, who’s been medically cleared and worked several house shows this past month, but made no appearance at ‘Mania. Just remember, we were robbed of a massive Finn entrance this year. I would be shocked if Balor didn’t make a comeback tonight.

In addition, there are a handful of NXT stars reported for debut–those being Shinsuke Nakamura, Andrade “Cien” Almas, and Tye Dillinger. We don’t know which will be headed to Raw and which to SmackDown, but all three are expected to debut this week.

Fans salute Nakamura after WWE Network cameras stop rolling: NXT Takeover Exclusive, April 1, 2017

All that, and we haven’t even got to the champions. Bayley retained the Raw Women’s Championship, but there’s no clear direction for her going forward–unless the long-awaited Sasha heel turn happens tonight. (Oh my!)

Kevin Owens proved himself the better man than his best bud Chris Jericho, claiming the US Championship in the process. Jericho will be off soon to pursue avenues outside WWE for a bit, so we’ll see the future direction for KO tonight.

Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar - Universal Title Match: WrestleMania 33 (WWE Network Exclusive)

Then there’s Brock Lesnar, who conquered Goldberg in a five-minute match that should mark a definitive end to their rivalry. Who comes after the Universal Champion? No idea, and I love it. Roman, Seth, Owens, and Finn all have legitimate claims on a championship match, and while one of those names in particular is almost certainly the one to beat Lesnar, it could be months before the Big Dog gets there.

Should be a fun show, so stick with us for everything as it happens!