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After an eventful “Go Home” episode of Monday Night RAW just days before SummerSlam, the WWE Universe is abuzz about the endless possibilities that can happen come Sunday.
This past week, RAW came to us live from Sacramento, California and featured CM Punk taking on Paul Heyman in the main event. Also, a huge 20-man over the top rope battle royal was announced going into the show, to determine the number one contender to face Dean Ambrose for the WWE United States championship at SummerSlam in the pre-show match.
That’s not all; the WWE champion John Cena and Daniel Bryan were the guests for the Miz TV segment. So what were the talking points coming out of the show? Let’s find out.
5. RVD is the number one contender for the WWE United States championship
After making his return to the WWE last month at the Money in the Bank PPV, Rob Van Dam found himself in a huge 20 man over the top rope battle royal this past week on RAW. With RVD, Mark Henry and Ryback being the last three men standing, Henry and RVD were successful in eliminating the “Big Hungry”.
RVD and Henry then went toe to toe to determine the number one contender, and RVD finally dumped Henry out to become the new number one contender. It is almost sad that this bout is bumped off the main card and will be a pre-show match.
There was a point in the WWE when Dean Ambrose was heaped with praises, and was seen as the next WWE/World champion. With RVD being the hottest new edition in the WWE, one would have imagined this would have easily made it to the main card. Why does WWE want two matches involving “Divas” on the show?
Anyway, it’s a shame that RVD vs Ambrose will be a pre-show match come Sunday.
4. Big Show finally returns
After nearly a month of speculation, the Big Show finally returned to WWE TV after the 20 man battle royal. After RVD eliminated Henry, both men stood in the ring as The Shield made their way out, and surrounded the ring. This brought the angry giant out to even the odds, as The Shield retreated.
With Show and Henry not having a feud going into SummerSlam, they will likely be involved in a tag team match against Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns for the WWE Tag Team championships. What is in store for Show after SummerSlam? We’ll have to wait and find out.
3. Vince McMahon-Triple H feud takes a new turn
Triple H
Last week, Daniel Bryan infuriated Vince McMahon, and this week’s RAW started with the RAW GM, Brad Maddox screwing Daniel Bryan during his match with Wade Barrett. Vince McMahon then announced Maddox as the special guest referee for the WWE championship match come Sunday, which brought out the COO of WWE, Triple H.
Triple H then said that he agreed with Vince, and that the match of that caliber needed an official who could handle things, but it wouldn’t be Maddox. He then announced himself as the guest referee and proceeded to deliver a Pedigree to Maddox, which resulted in the chairman walking out of the ring. With Vince-Triple H feud now spilling into the WWE title picture, how will this affect the WWE championship match come SummerSlam?
One has to wonder if Vince would try to spoil the party for the winner of the bout this Sunday.
2. John Cena tells Bryan to earn his respect
John Cena and Daniel Bryan were involved in a great segment this past week on RAW, when they came out as the guests for Miz TV. Bryan told Cena to take him seriously, and said Cena wasn’t a wrestler. John Cena then retorted, saying Daniel Bryan doesn’t belong in the league of Hogan, Rock and CM Punk.
Daniel Bryan then said Cena can never earn his respect as a wrestler, as John Cena slapped Daniel Bryan. Daniel Bryan refused to strike back, saying Cena didn’t deserve that honour. With the war of words coming to an end this Sunday, will Daniel Bryan finally realize his dream of becoming the WWE champion after a 15 year journey? If this week’s RAW was any indication, the main event at SummerSlam is going to be one for the ages!
1. CM Punk has the last laugh
Before the scheduled Punk-Heyman bout started, Heyman brought out Lesnar and confessed to it being a trap. Heyman then said Punk had a choice; he could either face both of them in a 2-on-1 handicap match, or he could tuck his tail between his legs and leave.
Punk out smarted Heyman and took Lesnar out, first with a camera and then with a chair. Punk chased Heyman, and delivered a GTS to Curtis Axel, who tried to interfere. With just days to go, CM Punk dished out Lesnar’s own medicine. Will Punk get his hand raised this Sunday? Or will the beast dominate the Second City Saint? We can only wait and find out, as SummerSlam is just around the corner.
