What to Expect from the Dec. 2 Edition of Raw

After a pretty dismal week of TV tapings last week, Raw returns for its first show of December needing a solid three hours to build hype ahead of the Tables, Ladders and Chairs pay-per-view later in the month.

The shows are now running out thick and fast ahead of the Royal Rumble at the beginning of 2014, and WrestleMania season is just around the corner—with no defining rivalries in the pipeline.

After the Wyatts captured Daniel Bryan during last week's edition of Raw, their ongoing rivalry with Bryan and CM Punk looks set for another twist this week as Punk seeks retribution.

Let's take a look at what we can expect from this Monday's edition of Raw—with hopes for a big show.

Another Sandow vs. Ziggler Gimmick-Fest

Photo courtesy WWE.com

Over the past two weeks, both Dolph Ziggler and Damien Sandow have put on a couple of pretty decent matches for the crowd in attendance. Unfortunately, they haven't been left to wrestle on their own—they've been plagued with gimmicks.

If it wasn't a music-themed match two weeks ago, then it was a cheesy attempt at a hardcore match last week. So whilst most things in the WWE are pretty hard to predict, you'd be surprised if creative didn't throw another gimmick match in the mix tonight.

What you can expect is another solid match between two of the company's brightest stars.

The Big Show's on the Sidelines, but He'll Still Strike

Photo courtesy WWE.com

Even though The Big Show has not been cleared to compete in action—storyline speaking, of course—you'd still imagine he would be involved with Raw at some point tonight.

Regardless of whether people like him or not, Show is still crucially involved with the top-level storyline in the company—The Authority.

Show's next opponent could well be COO Triple H at the TLC pay-per-view, and if that is the case, it would seem impossible to keep him off TV for a week with the event just around the corner.

Expect Show to get involved with either a match involving Randy Orton or another of Triple H's stooges—perhaps The Shield. It would be hard to envisage Show not being on Raw.

Another Twist in Punk, Bryan vs. Bray Wyatt

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Arguably one of the most intriguing storylines in the WWE at the moment is that involving Bray Wyatt, CM Punk and Daniel Bryan.

During last week's show, Wyatt captured Bryan and carried him backstage before Punk's attempts to help his friend were thwarted by The Shield.

Wyatt certainly adds an exciting and interesting element to Raw, as his next move is often unpredictable. That is applicable this week too, as the situation regarding Bryan is up in the air.

Will he return to lead the fight against Bray and his family? Or will he return with Bray?

Whatever the situation, it adds an interesting touch to the show.

Another Mark Henry Squash as His Momentum Builds

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Many WWE fans will have been delighted to see Mark Henry return. He is one of the most iconic Superstars on the roster, and he is certainly one of the most fearsome.

Since his return, he has dispatched of his opponents pretty easily—and with the help of Big E Langston, he disposed of Curtis Axel and Ryback last week, too.

The question is, who's next for Henry? He has yet to build a pretty solid rivalry since his return, and you would hope Ryback would not be the direction creative takes looking ahead.

Whatever the case, Henry will be squashing somebody on Raw this week, as creative looks to continue his momentum ahead of TLC.

More Positively Timid Buildup for the Unification Match

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Many people are unsure if the unification match between John Cena and Randy Orton will reach a conclusive ending at TLC.

Conspiracy theorists are predicting another no-contest ending to a pay-per-view main event, which really would be suicidal for buy-rates ahead of some of the biggest pay-per-view shows of the year.

One thing you can expect is a more confusing and average buildup for the match on Raw. Perhaps Cena will have a relatively easy victory before Orton interferes, or vice versa. Perhaps they will both cut an uninspiring promo on each other.

Regardless, it will make for timid viewing.