By James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

WWE Raw TV preview 1/16

-- WWE is coming off an interesting week that mainly consisted of discussion surrounding Brodus Clay's return as "Funkasauras." Secondary was discussion of Chris Jericho's second week playing an over-the-top, mock babyface.

However, WWE's actual main focus last week on Raw was the John Cena vs. Kane feud. WWE left off last Monday with Kane "injuring" U.S. champion Zack Ryder and dismantling Cena outside the arena. WWE essentially took a feud that was viewed as a bridge to Cena's WrestleMania program with The Rock and turned it into a standard feud, potentially setting up a match at the Royal Rumble PPV.

-- One match advertised in advance is Ryder vs. Jack Swagger for the U.S. Title. However, WWE played up an injury angle during the week that suggested Ryder would not be able to defend the title on the show. Ryder was kept off this past weekend's Raw house shows to sell the injury, as well.

-- Seemingly lost in the shuffle last week was WWE champion C.M. Punk, who will continue his feud with Dolph Ziggler leading into the Rumble PPV in two weeks. WWE will also likely crank up the general Rumble PPV and Rumble match hype.

-- Primo & Epico are the new WWE tag champions after WWE booked a rare title change on Sunday's Raw brand house show in Oakland, Calif. WWE will have follow-up on Primo & Epico ending Air Boom's title reign dating back to mid-2011.

-- WWE will likely have follow-up on the non-finish to the Daniel Bryan vs. Big Show World Title match on Friday's Smackdown. The non-finish was the result of an injury angle involving Bryan's love interest, A.J.

Smackdown stars advertised for the Raw taping include Bryan, Big Show, Mark Henry, IC champion Cody Rhodes, Sheamus, and Wade Barrett.

-- WWE is advertising some form of a Divas match that will include a cameo from celebrity blogger Perez Hilton, who is advertised as guest ring announcer. Also in the celebrity category, former TV principal Mr. Belding (Dennis Haskins) says he will be in-attendance at Raw from Anaheim, Calif., but he likely will not appear on the show.

-- For the live crowd at the Honda Center, WWE is advertising a double main event - WWE champion C.M. Punk vs. Dolph Ziggler and John Cena vs. Kane.

-- Torch Reader Alert: We're looking for a correspondent at the TV taping. Email us at pwtorch@gmail.com if you plan to attend.

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