Backstage Reaction On RAW’s NXT Callups, WM 35 Plans For WWE Title

– Anyone watching Monday Night RAW last night was floored when HHH opened the show announcing four major NXT callups into the Red brand’s main roster. Having said that, the WWE Universe wasn’t the only ones “shocked” to see Ricochet, Aleister Black, Tommaso Ciampa, and Johnny Gargano debut on RAW; with all four superstars winning their respective matches.

According to Ringside News, pretty much no one backstage was filled in regarding these main roster debuts until Hunter made the announcement during his opening promo. As per the report, these callups weren’t something planned long-term, and there was no word regarding the debuts at Elimination Chamber. In fact, the talent most shocked about last night’s callups were those NXTers who were brought up to the main roster in January, who have yet to be used in a solid storyline by WWE creative.

Based on the report, there were a lot of people backstage at RAW last night who were quite surprised by what transpired.

– On to SmackDown LIVE news, the men’s Elimination Chamber match blew many fans away, as Kofi Kingston came so close to defeating WWE World Heavyweight Champion, Daniel Bryan. Alas, Bryan would retain; however, because of this, he’ll be looking for a new opponent and soon as Wrestlemania 35 rolls around.

Dave Meltzer chimed in on this during the most recent edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, noting that the next number one contender will be revealed during tonight’s SD LIVE. While plans could change at any moment, it seems as if New Day’s Kofi Kingston is not a talent management is thinking about when it comes to the WWE title plans moving forward.

Rather, Meltzer gets the feeling that a “recognizable” superstar will be returning to challenge Bryan. Some names that were thrown out on who this superstar could be include, John Cena, Dave Batista, The Undertaker, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, Kurt Angle, or potentially Bray Wyatt.

Only time will tell …