WWE 'Monday Night Raw' Preview 1/4/16: Roman Reigns Defends WWE Title, Vince McMahon Referee

WWE will air the first Monday Night Raw of the New Year, the January 4, 2016 edition, from the AT&T Center in San Antonio, and Roman Reigns will defend the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in the main event with Vince McMahon as the special guest referee. We've got a full preview of the show for you, so let's get into it.

Last week, Reigns stood in the ring at the beginning of the show while McMahon berated him. The boss goaded him into throwing a punch, and Stephanie McMahon tried to have the champion arrested. Instead, the chairman stupidly shoved the cop, which led to his arrest.

At the end of the show, the League of Nations beat down John Cena following his match with Alberto Del Rio for the WWE United States Championship. The Usos tried to help but the League continued to have the advantage. But then, Reigns hit the ring and evened the odds.

By the time the faces had cleaned house, McMahon had come back into the arena. He said Reigns' days as WWE World Heavyweight Champion were numbered, and to prove his point, he put Reigns in a match for tonight's Raw. He must defend the belt against former champion Sheamus, with Vince McMahon himself as the special referee. He then wished Reigns a Happy New Year to close the show.

Reigns had already overcome some pretty major odds on the December 14, 2015 episode of Raw when he had to win the title from Sheamus or lose his job. Sheamus, as usual, had the League of Nations in his corner, but Reigns managed to neutralize them during the match. On top of this, McMahon continually intervened at ringside by distracting the referee, but all that earned him was a Superman Punch from Reigns.

But tonight, the situation is a bit different. McMahon could not only affect the outcome, but could directly decide it with a fast count or some other shenanigans. And given the way McMahon has treated his enemies when he's refereed their matches, Reigns is in for a tall task.

So there are multiple ways this could unfold tonight. Reigns could accidentally (or purposely) knock out McMahon and another referee could come down and count the fall. Or McMahon could turn and join Reigns (or vice versa), which would effectively turn both men heel. Or Triple H could return (even for a post-match beatdown) to set up a match with Reigns at Royal Rumble, as so many fans expect.

But no matter what happens, it's unlikely that Reigns would drop the title so soon after gaining it, so don't expect to see the Celtic Warrior walk out with the belt tonight.

Elsewhere, John Cena returned last week and got a shot at Alberto Del Rio for the U.S. title, but the League of Nations intervened and caused the disqualification just as it looked like Cena was about to recapture the belt.

Many fans are hoping Cena gets the title back soon, as his United States Championship Open Challenge was the best part of Raw for much of 2015. But if he doesn't get it back, could Cena throw his hat in the ring for the 30-man Royal Rumble in three weeks?

And speaking of the Rumble, we already know Big Show and Curtis Axel will be involved. What other Superstars will announce their entry tonight?

As always, check back with MStars immediately after the show for a full recap of all the action. But for now, let us know your predictions for tonight's show in the comments section below.