WWE News: The Rock and Lesnar Help Push Raw Past Five Million Viewers

On the aftermath of the Royal Rumble pay-per-view, WWE Raw on Monday night had plenty to offer for viewers.

Raw, which was fueled by The Rock's first night as WWE champion and Brock Lesnar's unexpected return, soared past five million viewers on Monday night (via TV By the Numbers). The show also featured another WWE star in Chris Jericho, who returned to Raw and participated in a tag team match.

The Monday, Jan. 28 edition of WWE Raw had 4.86 million viewers in its opening hour. Raw's second hour saw a major boost to 5.27 million viewers. The show's third and final hour dipped slightly to 4.93 million viewers. In adults 18-49, WWE Raw peaked during its second hour with a 2.0 rating share. 

On Monday night, WWE Raw was the No. 1 show on cable television. Right behind Monday Night Raw was MTV's Teen Mom, which notched in the No. 2 spot with a 1.8 rating share in adults 18-49

My quick take on WWE's direction with Monday Night Raw:

Now more than ever, with its WrestleMania season kicking into full gear, the WWE needs to capitalize on its momentum. With Lesnar making his return back to the company, the WWE's roster has been truly boosted, especially with the additions of The Rock and Jericho.

Although it will remain interesting to see whether the WWE can keep up its higher viewership on Monday Night Raw, the initial impact has generated new buzz around the WWE and in a very good way.

WWE did a very good job in keeping CM Punk in the title picture, as The Rock accepted his challenge on Raw to face him in a rematch at the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view. Lesnar's return will also mean that his manager, Paul Heyman, will most likely stick around longer.

Taking a look at the current WWE roster, the company has all the necessary tools to draw even higher viewership during its WrestleMania season.

Since The Rock's return to the company, the WWE has begun to garner new attention by producing higher viewership numbers. That attention should stick with the WWE right up to its WrestleMania pay-per-view event.