WWE Monday Night Raw Preview: 5 Predictions for Tonight's Show

Bleacher Report is gearing up for the March 5, 2012 edition of WWE Monday Night Raw, and in preparation, we've rounded up the top five predictions for tonight's show. 

Tonight on Raw, the WWE Universe will continue to barrel down the road to WrestleMania, and it's full speed ahead.

Last week, Raw closed with an electric promo from The Rock, which featured a small interruption from John Cena.  The big story of the promo was Cena pointing out Rock's promo notes written on his wrist.

The line was blurred between reality and kayfabe, and although I'm certain that it was a work, there are no shortage of fans who believe Cena was shooting on The Rock.  

Earlier in the night, CM Punk was caught off guard by Chris Jericho after his rematch with Daniel Bryan, and put on the shelf for the night with the Walls of Jericho.  

The Rock and Shawn Michaels are scheduled to appear on Raw, and it's safe to expect fireworks tonight.

Share your thoughts on our picks, and give predictions of your own in the comment section!

CM Punk Steps It Up on the Microphone

WWE Champion CM Punk isn't one to be overshadowed, especially in regards to mic work.  

Last week, it was The Rock and John Cena who had the promo of the night, while Punk was backstage recovering from the Walls of Jericho.

Tonight, expect Mr. Pipebomb himself to let it all hang out on the microphone.  He'll unleash some fresh material on Chris Jericho, and maybe some innocent bystanders like Cena and Rocky as well.  

Eve Finds More Success as a Heel

I didn't think that Eve would rebound from the brutal "Hoski" beatdown from the fans, but she's taking it in stride, and she's on her way to becoming (if she hasn't made it already) the best heel Diva in the WWE.

On SmackDown, Eve had an excellent match with Natalya, and I expect her to continue to build momentum with this heel turn. 

Tonight, expect her to cut another condescending promo and have a strong showing in a match as well.

Tensions Between HBK and Triple H Rise

Long-time friends Shawn Michaels and Triple H have had their differences, and The Undertaker has made sure to stir the pot going into his WrestleMania match with Triple H.

When pressed by The Undertaker, who claimed that Triple H couldn't get the job done against him because Shawn couldn't either, Triple H responded by boldly claiming that he knew he could do what Shawn couldn't.

With Michaels appearing tonight, I expect him to question Triple H's assertion in an attempt to see if there's anything more to Hunter's confidence that he could do what Shawn could not.

Anything to get Michaels into an uncertain role as a special guest referee, I'd say.

John Cena Continues to Sway Fans with a Strong Performance

For two weeks straight, John Cena has put in some great work on the microphone.  Two weeks ago, he cut a great promo to set up The Rock's return.

Last week, he threw a big wrench in The Rock's promo, pointing out his promo notes and leaving "The People's Champ" visibly bothered. 

One of the WWE's top priorities (if not the top priority) will be to keep this momentum going for John Cena.  Expect some more subtle (or not so subtle) tricks to give Cena an edge against the Rock.  

I don't know what kind of promo he'll cut tonight, but I'm predicting that it'll be very good, and it will continue to sway some fans and get more people in his corner.

The Rock Goes Hollywood

Here's my left-field prediction for the night.

Tonight, The Rock will go Hollywood heel.  The WWE has tried to get the fans to shy away from Rocky, but there's been little effect. So now they won't leave any doubt that fans should not be behind "The People's Champ" anymore.

How it happens is anyone's guess.  Maybe The Rock will be pushed a little too hard and show some resentment towards the WWE Universe, for whatever reason.  

WWE Creative will certainly have to put their thinking caps on for this to work well.