4 Takeaways from the final RAW before WrestleMania 40 – Another leader taking over; massive betrayal teased & more 

The last RAW before WrestleMania 40 began with great enthusiasm, setting the tone for the weekend.

At the start of the show, The Rock and Roman Reigns delivered a strong message and showed no mercy to their opponents on Night 1. The repercussions of Dominik Mysterio’s choices continued to shake up Judgment Day, along with other developments.

Here are some possible key points to consider after watching RAW this week:

#4. Chad Gable’s Possible Role in Gunther and Sami Zayn’s WrestleMania 40 Match After RAW Attack

Last year, Chad Gable went up against Gunther in a match that displayed his impressive in-ring abilities, earning him a well-deserved standing ovation from the crowd.

Despite his determination to become Intercontinental Champion, his recent loss in the Gauntlet Match on RAW has hindered his pursuit. However, the 38-year-old remains determined to prove himself by throwing Sami Zayn off his game and convincing him that he is incapable of defeating The Ring General at WrestleMania 40.

This week on the red brand, a vignette was shown of Gable training Zayn. Zayn was determined to win a singles championship after a long time, and the Alpha Academy member offered him some helpful tips and challenges. During one moment, Gable put Zayn in a headlock from behind, possibly foreshadowing a potential betrayal or interference in an upcoming event.

In addition, Gunther’s interference in RAW to divert Sami Zayn’s attention during his match with Bronson Reed could potentially have consequences. Gable could potentially use this against Gunther and unintentionally aid Sami Zayn in winning the match.

#3. Solo Sikoa: The Promising Successor to a Tribal Legacy

To a literal extent, Solo Sikoa can be described as a man of few words. Throughout his time in NXT, the 31-year-old delivered powerful promos while holding the North American Championship.

Despite this, he has hardly spoken during his time on the main roster. During the most recent episode of RAW, Seth Rollins interrupted The Bloodline and issued a challenge to The Rock. However, Solo stepped in and declared that he was the only one who would be taking on that challenge, not The Final Boss or The Tribal Chief.

The featured match featured Sikoa and Rollins in a chaotic Bloodline Rules match. With the recent shift in The Enforcer’s outlook, it is possible that he is preparing to assume Roman Reigns’ spot at WrestleMania 40.

With the induction of Paul Heyman into the Hall of Fame, The Rock’s busy Hollywood schedule, and the limited appearances of the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, Sikoa could potentially step into a more involved role.

#2. WWE Tag Team Championship Split Confirmed on RAW

The Judgment Day has faced several challenges in recent months, including Dominik’s unexpected alliance with Santos Escobar against his own father, Rey Mysterio, which has left them perplexed.

Last week, Damian Priest predicted that WrestleMania would have a significant impact on each member of Judgment Day. Finn Balor and Damian Priest have been scheduled to put their Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles on the line in a Six-Pack Ladder Match against a star-studded group of popular wrestlers and former champions.

During his commentary on this week’s episode of RAW, Michael Cole revealed that the ‘Mania match would come to an end once both sets of titles were successfully pulled down. In May 2022, the tag team titles were unified after The Usos defeated RK-Bro. Following this, various teams such as Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens, Cody Rhodes, and Jey Uso have held the titles before the current reign of Judgment Day.

#1. Will Drew McIntyre’s pursuit of CM Punk hinder his chances of winning the title?

Despite his injury, CM Punk will still be able to participate in WrestleMania 40. The former WWE Champion will serve as part of the commentary team on Night 2.

Since his return at Survivor Series, the 45-year-old has caused some tension among the WWE roster. Drew McIntyre was particularly unhappy when Punk eliminated him at the Royal Rumble. However, he did take solace in being responsible for CM Punk’s injury during the event.

Despite having multiple platforms to do so, McIntyre consistently taunts the RAW star, whether it be through social media, promos, or even during matches. While he has openly expressed his desire to reclaim the championship at WrestleMania, his actions towards Punk could potentially hinder his chances of doing so.

If Punk continues to provoke him, McIntyre may lose focus on the larger goal and allow his animosity to consume him.