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SummerSlam is just around the corner, and this past week, WWE rolled out with the final edition of Monday Night RAW before the big event. Similar to the week before, it was an angle-driven episode, going into the mega event of the summer.
Although there weren’t any outstanding TV matches, it was much better than last week’s episode. New matches were announced for SummerSlam, and Big Show made his return to RAW during an angle with RVD, Mark Henry and The Shield. But who stole the show? Who were the top superstars and performers of the night? Let’s find out.
Damien Sandow
The owner of the chocolate briefcase and the intellectual saviour of the masses faced the other Money in the Bank winner, Randy Orton with Cody Rhodes on commentary. After a good back and forth action, Sandow exchanged words with Cody, which resulted in Cody distracting Sandow, enabling Orton to hit the RKO for the pinfall victory.
Cody vs Sandow was announced for SummerSlam, which is the right way to go. Although the briefcase is not on the line, this will probably elevate Sandow to become a legitimate threat for the World Heavyweight championship, and hopefully help Cody in achieving the same level for a future shot at the title.
Rating: ** ½
Randy Orton
Orton faced Sandow this past week and defeated him. Also, Orton interrupted the Cena-Bryan segment, and reminded them that he could easily cash-in his Money in the Bank briefcase on the winner at SummerSlam. With Orton not even being on the card, one has to believe that he will indeed cash-in his contract on the eventual winner, thus starting a program with Daniel Bryan and John Cena for the WWE championship.
Rating: ** ¾
Rob Van Dam
RVD took part in the 20 man over the top rope battle royal, and eventually eliminated Mark Henry to win the bout. He will now face the United States Heavyweight champion, Dean Ambrose during the pre-show match this Sunday at SummerSlam. RVD had no opponents going into the last week of a major PPV, which doesn’t speak too well about the direction creative had for him.
RVD will look to add one more championship in his impressive list of accomplishments, after having a good outing this week on RAW.
Rating: ***
CM Punk
CM Punk was scheduled to face Paul Heyman this past week on RAW, but before the bout, Heyman came out with Lesnar and confessed to it being a set up to lure Punk out. Heyman then gave Punk two alternatives, and Punk responded by attacking Brock Lesnar with a camera and a steel chair.
Punk then laid Axel out with a GTS when he tried to attack him, and closed the show staring down Lesnar. Their match at SummerSlam will likely be off the charts, and with Punk getting back at Lesnar, things look interesting going into SummerSlam. I for one cannot wait for their bout this Sunday.
Rating: *** ½
Daniel Bryan
Bryan takes back the number one spot this week, and what a week it was for the former American Dragon! First, he opened the show in a match against Barrett, but lost when Maddox screwed him out of the match. Then he was involved in a segment with John Cena, and delivered an intense promo, showing great mic abilities and determination.
Bryan will likely win his match against Cena, only to lose the title to Orton after he cashes in his contract. Either way, it will be interesting to see what transpires at SummerSlam.
Rating: *** ¾
