Multiple WWE Superstars pulled double duty on the January 11 Monday Night Raw, despite reports suggesting that there were surplus stars backstage.
Fightful Select reported that Raw stars Asuka, Ricochet, Cedric Alexander & Shelton Benjamin were all at the venue backstage, while PWInsider also added Nikki Cross and Humberto Carrillo to that list. The reports noted that they hadn’t heard of injuries side-lining any of the talent that were kept off the show.
On RAW, there were a few stars who pulled double duty – Jeff Hardy faced both Elias and Jaxson Ryker, whilst Keith Lee and Sheamus initially teamed together against The Miz and Morrison before they started scrapping with each other and went one on one. Riddle was also defeated by Bobby Lashley in a United States Title match and decided to then square off with MVP afterwards.
Why WWE didn’t pencil the Superstars available backstage into the Raw show is currently unclear, but Monday’s show at Tropicana Field was hastily re-written at the last minute following Drew McIntyre’s positive COVID-19 test (who still made his presence known via a pre-taped promo).
Despite his diagnosis, WWE are still promoting the Royal Rumble Match with Goldberg on Sunday 31st January, which falls just days after his period of isolation ends.
Inside the Ropes wishes Drew McIntyre a speedy recovery.