Brock Lesnar returns to "WWE Monday Night Raw" as the road to "Royal Rumble" stops at New Orleans.

A week after Romans Reigns retained the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, and Mr. McMahon announcing the title will be defended during the actual Royal Rumble match against 29 other competitors, Lesnar is booked to appear during the show. It's unknown what purpose Lesnar will serve on the show, if either he will help hype the 30-man Royal Rumble match or allude to his next "WrestleMania" opponent.

For Reigns, the booking for him can go either way. He can be booked in the same manner he has been for several weeks -- overcoming the odds -- or start succumbing under the pressure of defending his WWE World Heavyweight Championship against 29 other names in approximately two weeks.

Last "SmackDown," Intercontinental Champion Dean Ambrose fought Kevin Owens into a double count out. As a result, the Ambrose and Owens storyline will continue and likely lead to a "Royal Rumble," match. Also at the last "SmackDown," WWE Divas Champion Charlotte defeated Becky Lynch with the assistance of Ric Flair. The Lynch and Charlotte storyline also will continue, leading to another rematch at the "Royal Rumble."

United States Champion Alberto Del Rio may have another opponent ahead of the "Royal Rumble." It was expected that John Cena would resume his storyline against Del Rio, however, it was announced Cena suffered another legitimate should injury, which will sideline him for several months, thus missing "WrestleMania" -- at least in terms of wrestling. In the interim, and also utilizing the opportunity that his tag-team partner Sin Cara is also sidelined due to a should injury, Kalisto defeated Del Rio at "SmackDown," and has gaining promo and air time as a singles competitor. Kalisto is most likely in line to compete for Del Rio's title.

Also appearing on the show are WWE World Tag Team Champions The New Day, who are seeking the spotlight, again, after Chris Jericho returned the ridiculed the trio.

"WWE Monday Night Raw" airs weekly at 8 p.m. EST on the USA Network.