'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Extreme Rules was solid and gave us some really good finishes which surely includes the Shield’s domination. But after some really violent and hardcore matches, RAW this week had the responsibility of developing new stories and carrying forward the old ones.
Several new developments took place on RAW this week and WWE made sure that most of the issues were given enough importance. Though the show lacked a lot of pace and didn’t match the post-Wrestlemania RAW, this week’s RAW did some justice to certain storylines. Here are the 5 talking points of RAW this week:
1. Curtis Axel (Joe Hennig) is the new Paul Heyman guy
Well, no one expected this. For all those who aren’t sure as to who Curtis Axel is, the name Michael McGillicutty should clear you of all doubts. McGillicutty is a former NXT Champion and is considered one of the brightest talents in WWE right now and why wouldn’t he be? He is the son of Curt Hennig, better known as Mr. Perfect. But just like all good wrestlers in WWE, Joe rose to the top the hard way and from what we see this week on RAW, Curtis Axel has finally received a push that he so badly deserved. The only problem Curtis had all these while was his mic skills and with Paul Heyman on his side now, this issue looks neutralised. Let’s hope WWE gives this new talent something worthy now.
2. Ryback announces Ambulance match with Cena at Payback
After that huge spot at Extreme Rules where Ryback and Cena went through the wall of light, Ryback seemed unfazed by that horrific crash and came out this week on RAW in an ambulance. He stood on top of the vehicle and delivered what I would call a good promo, considering his standards. He challenged Cena for an Ambulance match mainly because the latter refused to get into one despite suffering from concussions. Ryback promised to put Cena into an ambulance next time around and then start a new reign as the top star of the company. Ryback finally looks somewhat convincing with his character.
3. The Shield dominate yet again
The Shield after winning their title at Extreme Rules, showed just why they are the champions this week on RAW. They faced off against the team of Kane, Daniel Bryan and Kofi Kingston in a six man tag match and this match was hands down, the match of the night. With several moves and counters, this match had all the requirements to entertain a crowd in RAW. The Shield are magic inside the ring and Ambrose sums it all up with his mic skills. It’s now going to be interesting to see how WWE books these three wrestlers. But at the moment it seems the Age of the Shield has indeed begun.
4. Big E Langston pins Alberto Del Rio
Curt Axel was one of the biggest surprises on RAW this week and as if that wasn’t enough, WWE made several fans scratch their head as Big E Langston picked up a rather clean victory over Alberto Del Rio. With Ziggler absent, Big E managed to pin the No.1 contender. Now will this lead to some questions rising into Big E’s mind? Will Big E now feel confident enough to go against Ziggler and challenge him? What seems now a possibility, I feel will soon turn into reality. It’s high time that Big E will find the courage to go against Ziggler and challenge the World Heavyweight title.
5. Are John Cena and Triple H really injured?
John Cena is supposed to be suffering from concussions. While many think this is just a kayfabe injury, there is news backstage that Cena is really injured. He was however, present in a dark match on RAW last night. It now remains to be seen whether Cena is really injured or is WWE just making it a storyline injury.
Another huge injury news is Triple H’s breakdown during his match with Curt Axel. Triple H suddenly dropped to his knees and nearly passed out during his match and when woken up by the medical team, he looked dazed and disoriented. Apparently the Game wasn’t sure where he was and looked completely unaware of the match. God knows where WWE is heading with this and guess we will have to wait another week to know more about this injury.
