Kurt Angle WWE
Kurt Angle, pictured at the Lions Gate Premiere of “See No Evil” at the Century Stadium Promenade 25 on May 8, 2006 in Orange, California, has returned to WWE as the new GM of “Monday Night Raw.” Getty Images

The “Monday Night Raw” after WrestleMania is always WWE’s biggest non-PPV event of the year, and the 2017 show did not disappoint. Two prominent WWE superstars made their returns less than 24 hours after the conclusion of WrestleMania 33.

Kurt Angle appeared on “Monday Night Raw” for the first time in 11 years, recently having rejoined the company with his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame. Finn Balor also came back, showing up on “Monday Night Raw” for the first time since the summer.

READ: What's next for The Undertaker, John Cena, Brock Lesnar and more WWE superstars?

Angle’s appearance wasn’t just a one-time thing, and he’ll be part of the show going forward. He’s the show’s new general manager, replacing the recently fired Mick Foley.

Foley ran the show with “Monday Night Raw” commissioner Stephanie McMahon when he held the position, but Angle could be left on his own for the foreseeable future. Stephanie was put through a table at WrestleMania 33, and Vince McMahon indicated Monday night that she could be off TV for some time.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Athg0neuV_0?list=PLF0CB8E7B4C77DB61" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

It’s hard to believe that Angle’s first storyline back with WWE won’t eventually lead to him competing in the ring sometime over the next 12 months. Angle appears likely to have a match at WrestleMania 34 in 2018, but he could find himself on a card as soon as SummerSlam in August.

There’s no question that Balor’s return means he’ll be one of the top wrestlers in WWE for the near future. He was on his way to becoming the biggest babyface on “Monday Night Raw” before he suffered a shoulder injury.

Balor defeated Seth Rollins for the WWE Universal Championship at SummerSlam, but he was forced to relinquish the belt the next night. Monday’s appearance was his first appearance on TV since Aug. 22, though he had been wrestling non-televised matches at live events in the build towards WrestleMania 33.

Balor could be headed for an eventual match with Brock Lesnar, who won the WWE Universal Championship from Goldberg at WrestleMania 33. Balor is still owed a rematch for the title, as is current United States Champion Kevin Owens.

It’s difficult to make any predictions for WWE in the near future, considering several wrestlers could be swapped on “Monday Night Raw” and “SmackDown. WWE has announced that changes to the rosters will be coming soon, though it’s unknown how many superstars will be switching shows.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rCkmmvDVkN0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

If there is a draft and Balor is eligible to be moved, he would be one of the first selections. He’s the longest reigning NXT Champion in history, and he was the fifth overall pick in July’s WWE Draft immediately following the brand split.

Balor was drafted ahead of the likes of Roman Reigns, John Cena and Brock Lesnar.

RELATED STORIES