Asuka vs. Nia Jax: Latest Rumors and Preview for WWE Raw Jan. 15

On Monday's WWE Raw, Asuka will look to chop down the powerhouse Nia Jax.

The battle of the red brand's most intimidating women will highlight its trip to San Antonio, Texas. Asuka has rolled over Raw's midcarders. Now it's time to face an imposing force, one more capable of spoiling her unblemished record.

Raw's focus throughout the night will be the Royal Rumble.

The Jan. 28 pay-per-view is less than two weeks away. Title matches are set. Superstars continue to officially enter the two upcoming 30-person Battle Royals. Animosity continues to swell.

The Rumble build hasn't hit a high gear as of yet, but that promises to change with the event fast approaching.

Who will be out of action due to injury? What face-offs can we expect? Backstage news, the WWE.com's Raw preview and storyline analysis help answer those questions ahead of the latest Raw which will air on Monday at 8 p.m. ET on USA Network.

News, Rumors

Paige has been forced to play cheerleader for Absolution after a recent injury. While it seemed like it was only a matter of time before she was back in action, the situation appears to be worse than first imagined.

Mike Johnson of PWInsider reported: "We have been told by multiple sources she is 'done' as an in-ring wrestler."

WWE and Paige both yet to confirm the news. Fans are left to analyze The Anti-Diva's social media messages for clues.

Samoa Joe is hurt, too. After he took down Rhyno last Monday, WWE announced on its official website that Joe had been pulled from the Mixed Match Challenge due to a right foot injury.

Pro Wrestling Sheet's Ryan Satin added: "Sources tell us the injury is legit and not a work that was announced for storyline purposes. We're also told he currently needs crutches to move around."

The man Joe called out last week, though, may be in the house come Monday. Marc Middleton of Wrestling Inc noted that John Cena is advertised to appear on the latest Raw.

Raw Streaks

Finn Balor teamed up with Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson to take down Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins and Jason Jordan last week. That marked the eighth consecutive win for the former NXT champ, per CageMatch.net. 

His booking around Survivor Series made it easy to worry that the company didn't value Balor. More recently, though, he's been victorious several times over and now has his old Bullet Club brothers at his side. A reenergized Balor is poised to have a strong year.

He, Gallows and Anderson should make some significant noise moving forward. 

Curt Hawkins is the star of a different story. He's been Raw's doormat.

After going winless in 2017, he has now lost his first two matches in 2018, a defeat at a house show against Braun Strowman and a loss to Matt Hardy last Monday, per CageMatch.net. Betting against Hawkins will remain the safest bet on the red brand until the eventual shocking upset that ends his streak.

Royal Rumble Build Marches On

Reigns will not defend the Intercontinental Championship against The Miz until next week, but the rivals are sure to cross paths in Texas first.

The A-Lister and his Miztourage laid out Reigns on the most recent edition of Raw. The heels ambushed the IC champ and towered over his body.

On Monday, Reigns is sure to be in the mood for vengeance. 

Reigns' tag team partners from last week, meanwhile, have some issues to sort out. Jordan has grated on Rollins of late with both his attitude and performance. During their loss to The Balor Club, Jordan's slip-ups cost the team. 

The Raw tag team champs will look to sort things out on Monday or else leave themselves vulnerable as their enemies seek to pick them apart.

Monday's Raw also promises to touch on the rivalry between Cedric Alexander and Enzo Amore. The challenger wasn't able to dethrone Amore last week, as he only won via count-out. Alexander will get another crack at the Cruiserweight Championship at the Royal Rumble, though, WWE revealed on Friday.

Before that showdown, the two rivals are sure to antagonize each other, with Amore leading the way on the mic.

Ahead of his Universal Championship match against Brock Lesnar and Kane at the Royal Rumble, Strowman will administer his own style of antagonizing. But his approach will mirror Godzilla's more than Amore's.

Last Monday, The Monster Among Men yanked down part of the backstage set onto Lesnar and Kane with a grappling hook. The WWE.com Raw preview hinted at Strowman issuing more destruction this time around when it asked: "What chaos will Strowman create this week?"

San Antonio fans will also see Asuka face her toughest test on the main roster to date.

The Empress of Tomorrow enters her battle with Jax undefeated. Both women will seek momentum ahead of the first women's Royal Rumble match. It's a bout that may not go the distance, though. 

Absolution, who has targeted Asuka in recent weeks, may storm in to upend the contest. Or WWE may look to save the full version of the showdown for later. Plus, a no-contest would both extend Asuka's streak and avoid pinning another loss on Jax.