WWE Raw: 10 Things You Might Have Missed (Jan 9)
4. US Title Loss Has Improved Roman Reigns Chances At Royal Rumble
Long time viewers will know the way WWE works by now. Regularly, the promotions makes use of something called telegraph booking. This dictates that someone who looks weak heading into a pay-per-view will (in all likelihood) come out on top at the supershow itself. That appears to be the case with Roman Reigns.
Put into a challenging situation by Stephanie McMahon on Raw, Reigns dropped the WWE United States Title to Chris Jericho in a handicap match. Teaming with his buddy Kevin Owens, Jericho bagged the belt and will now head to Royal Rumble and try to help Owens retain the WWE Universal Title against Reigns.
Oddly, there's every chance that Roman will now win that very championship. He's been weakened by losing the US gold, almost freed up from other titles so that he can capture Raw's top prize. As much as that may anger many watching, it's usually how WWE's creative team do business.
Put it this way, Roman Reigns losing at Royal Rumble would be a shock after what happened on this week's Raw.