Another RAW, another record new low rating. That seems to be the trajectory as of late, but seriously, what do you expect? RAW is once again without a champion. Well, they do have a champion, but he's never there. Not only that, but the show is also missing their marquee attractions Roman Reigns and John Cena. Say what you want about those two men but they bring in the ratings. Since nostalgia acts like Triple H, The Undertaker, Kane and Shawn Michaels went back into the hiding, the RAW show in particular just hasn’t rebounded from their absence.
In this article, we try to give wrestling fans a little bit of hope for the future while taking a look at developing and rumored storylines. However, we warn you, not every developing storyline is as good as the Kurt Angle and Drew McIntyre saga. Some, we would rather pass on, but that isn’t likely to go down given the way things are playing out on-screen.
Along with developing storylines, we will also discuss rumored angles and arrivals that can make things real interesting, real quick. We will discuss possible scenarios for both the Royal Rumble, WrestleMania, along with much more.
Enjoy the article folks and like always, be sure to share it with a friend. Without further ado, here are 10 WWE storylines currently in development fans should expect to see and 10 current reports Let’s get started!
20 In Development: Alexa Bliss Face Turn
Since the beginning of the fall, various wrestling gossip pages have been discussing the possibility of Alexa Bliss turning babyface. Finally, in December, it might be in development. We want to stress the world might, as WWE can easily be swerving its fan like they have done in the past.
However, during a recent episode of RAW, Alexa applauded her long-time rivals Bayley and Sasha Banks following their victory. What made the angle that much more peculiar is the fact that they defeated Alexa’s former counterpart, Mickie James. This has led some to believe that a babyface turn might be on the way.
19 Reported: EC3 Debuting At The Royal Rumble
This is the recent rumor behind the scenes to emerge. According to Ringside News, EC3 might be set for his main roster debut in the new year. What makes it that much better is the fact that his debut might take place at the Royal Rumble. We have seen this formula in the past, most recently with AJ Styles.
As for booking scenarios, two things exist. One, he will be a Royal Rumble entry making his debut. However, another rumor also exists that Carter might ignite a feud with John Cena. This according to The Express. We will take any of those scenarios.
18 In Development - Which Brand Lars Sullivan Joins?
According to Sescoops, it was Vince McMahon himself who decided to air the Lars Sullivan vignettes well in advance. The boss sees money in the NXT star and we don’t blame him. Based on his NXT performances alone, it is obvious that Sullivan is a massive star for the future. Not only does he have the look but his movement in the ring is remarkable. If you thought Braun Strowman moves well for a big man, wait until you see this guy.
The plan is for both RAW and SmackDown to bid on Sullivan’s services. According to Dave Meltzer, the big man is likely to join RAW.
17 Reported: Aleister Black Joins The Main Roster
We can’t wait to see Aleister Black "fade his opponents to black." That can happen sooner rather than later according to the recent news. For some time now, Black has been rumored to join the main roster. However, that finally might come to fruition in the upcoming weeks. According to the speculation, he might be on the main roster as of early 2019.
In terms of storylines, we still aren’t sure just yet. Nonetheless, we can expect a mammoth push for Black and likely one that is set to take place on RAW, given the show's poor ratings in the recent weeks.
16 In Development: DIY Reunites
Here, we add some NXT flavor to the article. However, before we continue, we must advise the readers about a spoiler alert. So, if you want to be surprised, please scroll passed the next paragraph.
For those that can't help themselves and read the spoilers, both Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa hinted at a DIY reunion following the in-ring ambush of Aleister Black. The segment closed with a hint of the two reuniting. This would provide another incredible twist and one fans wouldn't mind one bit as NXT continues to offer must-see character developments.
15 Reported: Bray Wyatt Bringing Back The Family
For weeks now, we have been awaiting the return of Bray Wyatt (a return that is much needed at this point). While Finn Balor was getting attacked on RAW, fans thought it was the perfect time for Bray to return. However once again, he was a no show.
That trajectory won't continue for much longer. Bray is set to return but the only thing is, we don’t know exactly what his role will be. According to the rumors, a Wyatt Family reunion seems most likely, especially with Harper also being held off television.
14 In Development: Shane McMahon World Cup Storyline Resumes
Shane McMahon winning the World Cup tournament at Crown Jewel added to an overall awkward night. Obviously, the trophy win was meant for storyline purposes. However, for whatever reason, we haven’t heard much of it as of late.
Most fans hope WWE slips this story under the rug. However, that is not the case and it is still in development, at least behind the scenes. According to multiple sources, the story is set to return in early January. It will likely be used for something on the Road to WrestleMania as well, given that Shane is slated for a significant match.
13 Reported: Shane McMahon vs. Daniel Bryan
According behind the scenes rumblings, WWE has big plans for Shane McMahon at next year's WrestleMania. The thought process behind Shane winning the tournament was to turn him heel. Some assumed that this would lead to a storyline against Daniel Bryan.
That might still be the case. However, instead of Shane wrestling as a heel, he will likely maintain his babyface persona while locking up with Bryan. Given their lengthy history, such a match would make perfect sense, at least on paper. Maybe WWE might start developing this storyline a little farther in the New Year.
12 In Development: Main Roster Wrestlers Joining NXT
"We are also at the point where you can see some talent that have been on Raw and SmackDown for periods of time, who have had some success or haven't for whatever reason, who aren't being utilized, go back to NXT." (Source Wrestlinginc)
Triple H made this declaration most recently. It seems that the plan is in full effect, at least on live events. We recently saw Luke Harper challenge Ricochet at a live show for the N.A. Championship. Tyler Breeze also appeared at a live event most recently. We can expect this to develop even further with main roster talent actually joining NXT storylines.
11 Reported: The End Of Corbin's GM Run
In all honesty, Baron Corbin hasn’t done a bad job in his position as the RAW GM. This is by far his best run as a WWE Superstar. Given the way his promos were in NXT, it is hard to believe this is the same dude. As they say, experience is everything.
However, rumors are starting to emerge that his days as the GM are numbered. A possible replacement iis Alexa Bliss, who is taking care of the women's side of things, but can also gain power by taking care of the men as well. Hulk Hogan is another strong possibility.
10 In Development: Women’s Tag Team Championship
Stephanie McMahon teased the Women's Tag Team Championship on route to the Evolution PPV. Nowadays, WWE is flat out talking about the titles on the air. During a recent episode of RAW, both Sasha Banks and Bayley discussed the possibility of becoming the inaugural Women's Tag Team Champions after the question was asked by a planted audience member.
Surely, we will see this angle magnify in the new year. 2019 is likely to the year of the Tag Title straps in the Women's Division. It's more of a question of when at this point. WrestleMania 35 might make the most sense.
9 Reported: Natalya Turns Heel On Ronda Rousey
Speaking of the Women's Division, a dramatic heel turn might be taking place sooner rather than later. According to the Wrestling Observer, Natalya was supposed to turn heel months prior. However, with the tragic passing of her father, WWE decided to wait on the heel turn.
The time might be now. In the recent days, the likes of Times Now and Forbes are reporting that the heel turn is set to take place in the next couple of weeks. TLC might be the perfect time for the turn. It would setup a mega match for the Royal Rumble.
8 In Development: Rousey, Charlotte, and Lynch Triple Threat Beef
We provide both a developing storyline and a rumor. Starting with the developing topic. It is likely that Ronda Rousey, Charlotte Flair, and Becky Lynch all come together at WrestleMania in a blockbuster Triple Threat match. One that has the likelihood of main eventing the show. Given Rousey's recent promos and the ongoing heat between the sides, it is clear that the company will revisit this storyline.
In terms of the rumor, it is believed that Rousey will join SmackDown Live in the fall of 2019. FOX wants a legitimate draw with fighting background. Rousey can be the perfect fit making this rumor one that is likely to go down.
7 Reported: John Cena Returning To RAW
Finally, John Cena is set for a WWE return towards the end of 2018. Given that RAW no longer has Roman Reigns either, the show is in desperate need of a legitimate draw. Cena's timing really couldn’t be more perfect.
Fans are starting to debate which brand he will join. Given that he might challenge for title win number 17, some believe he will return to SmackDown. However, the recent rumblings tell us otherwise with rumors that Cena is set for a RAW return. He will likely start up a storyline with one of the prominent heels; Bobby Lashley or Drew McIntyre in particular.
6 In Development: Another New Heel Stable
One of the main reason for RAW's dwindling numbers in the last couple of episodes is the repetitiveness. Fans are constantly witnessing the heels come out on top. Making matters worse, the company persists on pushing the heel stable angle. They recently did so with Braun Strowman, Dolph Ziggler, and Drew McIntyre. It appears as though they are going back down that road again with Lashley, McIntyre, and Corbin.
The stable isn't terrible, but just really repetitive. It will be interesting to see how this one develops and if the group stays intact.
5 Reported: The Return Of Hulk Hogan
Both Cageside Seats and Wrestling Inc. reported on the possibility of Hulk Hogan signing a new WWE deal. Since his Crown Jewel appearance, we haven’t heard much from The Hulkster. However, that is likely to change in the upcoming months with a new deal looming.
It is also possible Hogan gets involved in storyline, somehow. Rumors pertaining to a return link Hulk to a possible GM role. There is also the chance that he does something nWo related, given the fact that the stable is set to enter the Hall of Fame in 2019.
4 In Development: Kurt Angle and Drew McIntyre Storyline
“So is Angle coming back now against Drew? I say that’s the impression I got was that Angle was gonna come back and get McIntyre.” (Source Ringside News)
Those are the recent words from wrestling pundit Dave Meltzer. Kurt Angle is set to return at some point. Perhaps even as early as TLC. In terms of what's going to take place, the developing storyline might see Angle return to his Wrestling Machine days and completely snap on McIntyre. Their match was a classic and a brilliant piece of storytelling, and here's to hoping that it furthers in the upcoming weeks.
3 Reported: Brock Lesnar vs. Seth Rollins At WrestleMania
According to Dave Meltzer, this seems to be the current plan at the moment. Universal Champion Brock Lesnar defending the title against Seth Rollins. Although this is a great match, the bout should have taken place earlier in the year when Rollins was at his peak heat. Also, Lesnar still in the championship picture seems far-fetched for most fans but hey, that's the current reality.
Fans have mixed emotions when it comes to this main event match at WrestleMania. Like it or not, it is the rumored Universal Title bout for WrestleMania at the moment.
2 In Development: Drew McInytre & Dolph Ziggler Split
Aside from The New Day, WWE inevitably breaks up their tag teams. The usual outcome. One wrestler thrives as a solo act while the other just manages to stay afloat. This is likely to take place with Ziggler and McIntyre, especially with McMahon's future plans relating to Drew and his massive push.
It will come to the point when the two finally go their own separate ways. It appears as though that time is now with Ziggler who recently interrupted McIntyre's appreciation night. The two are now disbanded and it will be interesting to see how the story prolongs between these two.
1 Reported: AJ Styles' WrestleMania Opponent
At this point, we can’t really think of a developing storyline for AJ Styles heading into WrestleMania. He's feuding with Daniel Bryan at the moment, though we expect that feud to end in early 2019.
That leaves his WrestleMania opponent wide open. Given the fact that he is the top performer, fans are speculating something big for The Phenomenal One. At this point, a reoccurring name that keeps emerging is Shawn Michaels. A match between wrestling’s best from the past and present would blow the roof off any arena.