WWE RAW: Top 3 things WWE got absolutely right on the August 19 episode

WWE presented the 1,369th episode of Raw from the Xcel Energy Center, St Paul, Minnesota on August 19. Most notably, the show featured the return of the King of the Ring tournament.

Raw featured the first two matches of the tournament, as Cedric Alexander wrestled Sami Zayn and Cesaro battled Samoa Joe.

While Dolph Ziggler wrestled Roman Reigns, Braun Strowman received a US Championship opportunity against AJ Styles. Also, the Revival and Randy Orton continued their rivalry against the New Day. With so many budding stories, this episode was quite an eventful one.

As things ended, two cold-hearted heels left the most impact on the minds of the viewers.

In this article, we look at the top 3 things WWE got right on Raw.

#3 Dolph Ziggler and the start of Raw

Dolph Ziggler continued on his streak of insulting superstars, verbally mocking Roman Reigns on Raw. He told WWE's Big Dog that he'd replace him as "The Guy." The Show-Off followed it with a surprise superkick, taking the company's top star to his limit before his ego led to his downfall.

While there'd be a debate on how a guy who recently got beaten by Goldberg so convincingly took WWE's Big Dog Roman Reigns to the limit, the match itself was great. It's always great when Raw doesn't start with overly long promos but effective storytelling from two of the best in the business.

Besides providing a good start to Raw, the contest gave Reigns another strong match after his fight against Buddy Murphy last week. As a bonus, Ziggler got a good showing too after a string of terrible losses.

Now, it'd be intriguing to see where Ziggler goes from here. Will this story lead to a push or face turn down the road?

#2 The Fiend attacks Jerry "The King" Lawler

Jerry Lawler appeared to ask tough questions to Sasha Banks at the "King's Court." He started with talking about the King of the Ring tournament, name dropping legends and former winners like Steve Austin, Bret Hart, and Brock Lesnar.

Lawler added that Ricochet and Cedric Alexander from Raw had bright chances, and he was about to predict his expected winners from SmackDown when the light started to go out. Lawler tried to escape, but the darkness was too much for him. The Fiend appeared to take him out with the Mandible Claw. The segment ended as referees checked on Lawler as the crowd chanted Yowie Wowie.

This was another impactful outing for Bray Wyatt. WWE and Wyatt have got everything right with the Fiend character. It's a great idea to have him attack legends consistently, solidifying his maniacal images.

What ifs aren't always good, but a thought crossed this writer's mind during Raw. What if the Fiend had attacked Austin at the end of Raw Reunion?

#1 RKO Outta Nowhere: The Orton-Kingston rivalry turned more brutal on Raw

We can assume that New Day vs. The Revival might have wrestled a spectacular bout on Raw. Anytime these two tag teams are in the ring together, good things happen.

However, the match ended quickly as Randy Orton attacked a dancing, clapping, running and steamrolling Big E with an RKO. Kofi Kingston tried to make a save, and did pretty well until he suffered the same fate as Big E.

It was Woods' fate to suffer worse on RAW as he was victim to an elevated RKO by Orton with the Revival's help. Woods suffered an attack by the Revival, as Orton held Kingston sinisterly making him see his partner suffer an injury. Now, WWE has built upon the story reporting that Woods was rushed to a medical facility.

It's the most interesting that the WWE Championship saga has become since Kingston won the title. The Revival and Orton are unusually great together. The New Day is back as the underdog. Orton is back to his devilish best.

All of the above makes sure that this rivalry will be an intriguing part of WWE going forward.