WWE Raw review (Jan. 1): 3 takeaways

The Big Red Machine wrecks shop

Kane stood tall to end the first episode of Monday Night RAW in 2018. The Big Red Machine delivered a powerful Chokeslam from Hell to Brock Lesnar. He announced his presence over the Universal Champion and Braun Strowman, with just a few weeks remaining until their collision at the Royal Rumble.

It’s a little grating, sure, that Kane is main eventing in 2018. It’s perhaps more grating that he’s in a high-profile title match at the Royal Rumble. At this point though, it’s best to accept that this is how it’ll be for just the rest of the month. Kane’s done his time, he knows his role, and he’s seldom had big title matches in his career. It is what it is. It’s not like he’s main eventing WrestleMania.

Next: Ranking every Royal Rumble

Apathy is fine here if that’s what you’re about when it comes to this program. It’ll be a tough sell going forward. But, would it surprise you if the match turned out well? Strowman is who he is, and Lesnar can work well if the motivation is there. It’s enigmatic, to be sure. But maybe they’ll surprise us in Philly in a few weeks. Maybe.