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The RAW after SummerSlam was expected to be off the hook, but unfortunately as it has happened many times before, WWE came out with an underwhelming episode. The fall-out of one of the best SummerSlams of all time was supposed to intrigue the fans, while playing out the new Corporation storyline against Daniel Bryan.
Instead, WWE came out with a very weak episode, which was angle driven and did not have any long matches. But there were certain superstars who made an impact even on an uneventful episode. So who were the superstars that made the most impact on this week’s RAW? Let’s find out.
5. Curtis Axel
Reading his name, the first thought in your mind would be “Was this episode so bad?” Unfortunately, the answer is yes. This past week on RAW, Axel played the “third wheel” like he does so well, and after Lesnar left, the WWE apparently remembered Axel was also a part of Heyman’s stable.
Axel then challenged Punk to a fight, and surprisingly held his own, before not-so-surprisingly, losing the fight and getting GTS’d on the steel steps. Curtis Axel is one of the hardest working superstars in the WWE, and has helped guys like Triple H and The Rock in getting back to ring shape.
Being the son of the legendary Mr. Perfect, there were/are a lot of expectations from Curtis Axel. Even though he’s the Intercontinental champion, he couldn’t find a place for himself on the SummerSlam card. Let’s hope he gets his due credit from now.
Rating: ** ½
4. Cody Rhodes
One guy who has been on a roll in the WWE in the past couple of weeks is the son of the legendary Dusty Rhodes, Cody. Cody is involved in a phenomenal feud with Damien Sandow, and after picking up a victory at SummerSlam, Cody faced Sandow in a rematch this past week on RAW and defeated the intellectual saviour once again.
Cody Rhodes deserves to be in the main event scene, and after beating Sandow, Cody told the announcers that he should be the number one contender for the World Heavyweight championship, and I agree with him. This might lead to another match next month between the two former best friends with the briefcase on the line, and I for one wouldn’t be opposed to that idea. Yet another great day at work for the youngest member of the Rhodes family.
Rating: ** ¾
3. The Shield
The Shield rose again
I cheated with this pick. The Shield was involved in three segments, as they went from being “The hounds of justice” to the corporate henchmen. They faced Dolph Ziggler and Big Show in separate matches and took them out, and were also the enforcers in the main event segment for the corporation, and took out Daniel Bryan. What will happen going forward? Will they be anything more than just sidekicks of the corporation? We’ll find out.
Rating: ***
2. Daniel Bryan
After losing the WWE title to Randy Orton this past Sunday, Daniel Bryan kicked off this week’s RAW in a segment with Stephanie McMahon. Daniel Bryan is enroute to become the new age Steve Austin, and has the crowd on his side. With Daniel Bryan being the hottest superstar in the company, he can arguably be “the next John Cena”, or even the first Daniel Bryan.
RAW ended with Bryan lying on his back after an attack by The Shield and Randy Orton, which is a reminiscence of the birth of Stone Cold Steve Austin as the blue collar hero.
Rating: *** ¼
1. CM Punk
For yet another week, the number one spot belongs to CM Punk. Punk was involved in yet another outstanding segment, first on the mic and then in a slugfest along with Curtis Axel. Punk also ripped into a fan who booed him, and then took on Curtis Axel and laid waste into the third generation superstar.
Will this be the start of a feud between Punk and Axel? One would think so, and that would only be beneficial for Axel, who doesn’t have anyone to feud with. Although Punk needs to go back into the main event scene and the title picture, this can be a good break for Punk.
Rating: *** ½
