#Raw Discussion Thread, Jan. 2, 2017: Goldberg returns for 2017's first Raw

[Smart Marx]

Raw preview, Jan. 2, 2017: Goldberg returns for exciting first Raw of the New Year
The legendary Goldberg re-emerges for 2017’s first Raw, less than four weeks before he meets Brock Lesnar and 28 other Superstars in the Royal Rumble Match. What will the powerhouse have to say about his impending chance to compete in the main event of WrestleMania 33? WWE.com has some ideas.

What does Goldberg have in store?
We haven’t seen Goldberg since he announced his intention to enter the 2017 Royal Rumble Match — and that was before he knew Brock Lesnar was also in the bout — so it will be interesting to hear what’s going through the WCW icon’s mind less than four weeks before the over-the-top-rope extravaganza.

Will Goldberg have a message for The Beast Incarnate, who suffered a shocking, swift defeat to the returning veteran at Survivor Series? How is Goldberg preparing for what’s sure to be a daunting challenge? Regardless, Goldberg never makes an appearance unless it means something. Who’s next? It’s anyone’s guess.

Can Sami Zayn be the Last Man Standing?
Sami Zayn might have been able to survive 10 minutes against the imposing Braun Strowman at Roadblock: End of the Line, but next Monday night on Raw, he’ll have to not only defeat The Monster Among Men, but keep him flat on his back for a 10-count in a Last Man Standing Match — a seemingly impossible feat.

And yet, The Underdog from the Underground wears his moniker proudly, and wants nothing more than to prove to his critics, including Raw General Manager Mick Foley, that he can not only withstand Strowman’s punishment, but overcome it. Is Zayn being foolhardy, brave or a combination of both? We’ll find out Monday night.

Are Kevin Owens’ days numbered?
With Seth Rollins serving as a much-needed equalizer to counter Chris Jericho’s distractions, United States Champion Roman Reigns successfully defended his title against WWE Universal Champion Kevin Owens this past Monday night, and if that was any indication of what's to come at Royal Rumble, The Big Dog could be leaving the Alamodome with titles on both shoulders.

The Architect might not be there on Jan. 29 to keep Jericho at bay, but a shark cage hanging high above the ring will prevent “The Best in the World at What He Does” from helping his bestie steal another win. Should Owens be worried?

Will Neville earn his crown as “King of the Cruiserweights”?
Neville’s new attitude has been paying off as of late, most recently in the form of a non-title bout victory over WWE Cruiserweight Champion Rich Swann this past Tuesday night on WWE Network’s 205 Live. And yet, the so-called “King of the Cruiserweights” has yet to truly sit on his division’s throne.

After defeating Swann, has Neville earned a WWE Cruiserweight Championship opportunity in the near future?

What’s next for Bayley?
With her most recent win over Raw Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair evidently stricken from the record book, Bayley was forced to battle The Queen for No. 1 contendership this past Monday on Raw. And since Dana Brooke served as the special guest referee, it wasn’t exactly the fair fight The Huggable One had hoped for.

Defeated and unfairly taken out of title contention by the crafty Charlotte, Bayley might need to rethink her path to the Raw Women’s Title. How will she respond to The Queen’s machinations?

Don’t miss Raw at 8/7 C on USA Network!

 

[Kiffy Lube]

I might be on for this tonight, not lookin' forward to Goldberg that much but his last couple of promos were better than I expected.

 

[Smart Marx]

I might be on for this tonight, not lookin' forward to Goldberg that much but his last couple of promos were better than I expected.

I best be seeing your beautiful in here.

Not looking forward to Goldberg, but Lesnar hi-jinx should be fun.

 

[Kiffy Lube]

I guess I can't let my Grandma down.

 

[Smart Marx]

I guess I can't let my Grandma down.

It wouldn't be nice.

 

[Crippler]

Sami bout to sacrifice himself, for the future of the company.

 

[Kiffy Lube]

Let's get greasy.

 

[Deezy]

BRAUNNNNNNNN about to become a monster today

 

[Smart Marx]

New year, new Raw? Braun about to destroy some people.

 

[Deezy]

 

[Hidden Blaze]

IT'S A NEW YEAR YES IT IS!!

 

[Crippler]

Jesus Foley's face looks like he had a stroke and a mental breakdown

 

[Cwalker]

Foley with the WOAT haircut

 

[Smart Marx]

Foley looks like he's battling cancer.

 

[Kiffy Lube]

I thought Roddy Piper died.