WWE Raw Results - Spoilers

Tonight's WWE RAW kicks off from Phoenix, Arizona with The Shield standing guard in front of the ring. Triple H's music hits and out he comes in a suit.

Triple H stops and smiles at The Shield before heading to the ring. Triple H shows us footage from SummerSlam where Randy Orton became WWE Champion by cashing in. Triple H says that was business, nothing personal at all. He shows us footage from last week's RAW where The Shield beat Daniel Bryan down in front of the McMahons and then hit with a RKO from Orton. Triple H says that was personal. Triple H says Bryan insulted his wife and family so that's the personal response he gets for it. Triple H says he's willing to be the bigger man and move on. Triple H says ratings and social media buzz were through the roof last week - business is booming and it's all due to Randy Orton, the new face of WWE. Triple H brings Orton out to the ring.

Triple H congratulates Orton on breathing new life into WWE and the WWE Title. Triple H liked to reward people who excel. He got Orton a little gift. Triple H wants to make it clear that he did it out of his own pocket. A new Cadillac Escalade is brought into the arena. Orton thanks Triple H and thanks him for realizing he's the only one fit to be the face of WWE. Orton goes to check out his new Cadillac but here comes Daniel Bryan to the stage. Bryan talks about how sweet the new Cadillac is and says it's well deserved. Bryan has some thank you's of his own. He thanks the WWE Universe for believing in him and supporting him. Bryan thanks John Cena for giving him the chance to main event SummerSlam for the WWE Title. Bryan then thanks Triple H for showing his true colors and proving that his view about what's best for business and what the WWE Champion should look like is more narrow-minded than Vince McMahon. Bryan says Triple H is nothing but a sell-out in a suit now. Bryan cracks on Triple H's extra large nose. Orton tells Bryan to show them both respect. Bryan says the face of WWE is going to get re-arranged at Night of Champions. Bryan declares he will become the new WWE Champion and gets a "yes" chant going. Triple H rips Bryan and says he's a "B" at best. Triple H announces Bryan vs. Seth Rollins for tonight. If he makes it through that, Bryan vs. Dean Ambrose. And if he makes it through those two, he will have to face Roman Reigns.

- The announcers show us footage from CM Punk and Curtis Axel from last week's RAW. Still to come tonight, Punk vs. Axel in singles action. Fans can vote for the stipulation on the WWE App - Paul Heyman banned from ringside, Heyman as special referee or Heyman will be forced to step in the ring with Punk if Punk wins. We go to commercial.

Cody Rhodes vs. Fandango

Back from the break and Cody Rhodes is in the ring as Damien Sandow joins commentary. Out comes Fandango dancing with Summer Rae.

During the match, Fandango's music hits and out comes The Miz dressed like him on the stage. Miz mocks Fandango and dances with Rosa Mendes it looks like. Cody rolls a distracted Fandango up for the win.

Winner: Cody Rhodes

- After the match, Sandow attacks Rhodes and Miz tosses Fandango from the ring. RAW General Manager Brad Maddox comes out and makes a tag match.

Cody Rhodes and The Miz vs. Fandango and Damien Sandow

The match is about to start as we go to commercial.

The end comes when Fandango and Summer Rae walk off. Cody and Miz double team Sandow. Miz hits a Skull Crushing Finale for the win.

Winners: The Miz and Cody Rhodes

- After the match, Fandango says his own name from the stage and dances around with Summer as we go to replays.

- Still to come, Punk vs. Axel with fans picking the stipulations.

- Back from the break and we get a vignette for Los Matadores.

- Josh Mathews is backstage with Christian. He's asked about Triple H but Randy Orton interrupts. They have words and will face later tonight.

- We see footage from the WWE App where CM Punk was talking about the available stipulations. Punk wants Heyman in the ring. We cut to Heyman and Axel backstage. Axel says Punk will have to out-wrestle him tonight and he can't do that. Axel says the situation is better than perfect. Heyman doesn't seem so sure. Back to another commercial.

Curtis Axel vs. CM Punk

Back from the break and WWE Intercontinental Champion Curtis Axel waits in the ring for this non-title match. Out next comes CM Punk to a big pop. Paul Heyman comes out to the stage as Jerry Lawler reveals the stipulation. If Punk wins, Heyman must get in the ring with him. The bell rings and here we go.

Heyman looks on from the stage as Punk and Axel go at it. Punk keeps control and goes for a quick roll up. Axel slides out of a GTS and goes to the floor to re-group. Punk runs up the ramp at Heyman but Axel comes from behind and fights him back to the ring. Axel works Punk over and brings him back into the ring. Axel with more offense and a 2 count. Punk turns it around and drops Axel. Punk goes up for the big elbow drop but Axel rolls out of the ring. Punk with a suicide dive out onto the floor as Heyman looks on. We go to commercial.

Back from the break and they're going at it. Axel with a big clothesline to the back of the head for a 2 count. Axel with a big dropkick to the jaw for a 2 count. Punk with kicks. Axel blocks and catapults Punk to the second rope. Punk comes back with a crossbody and 2 count. Axel ducks the roundhouse kick. More back and forth. Punk comes back and nails the elbow from up high. Axel blocks GTS and hits his finisher for a close 2 count. Punk nails a GTS for the win.

Winner: CM Punk

- After the match, Heyman looks shocked as Punk gets ready to fight. Heyman walks off to the back but he's met by WWE referees, who bring him back to ringside. Punk waits for Heyman to come to the ring to fight. Punk leaves the ring and Heyman runs to the back. Heyman walks up the ramp but this time security brings Heyman to Punk. Punk rolls him in the ring but Axel makes the save with a low blow. Heyman hands Axel a pair of handcuffs and Punk's arms are put behind his back as the crowd boos. Axel holds Punk while Heyman yells and smacks him. Punk sits on his knees as they taunt him. Punk jumps up and drops Axel with a roundhouse. He kicks Heyman's leg out and goes to work on him with kicks. Axel makes the save from behind. Axel works Punk over and brings in a kendo stick. Axel hands the kendo stick to Heyman and he nails Punk. Axel holds Punk up on the ropes and Heyman wails away with the stick. Axel pulls Punk out of the ring and throws him into the announcers table. More trash talking and punches from Axel. Heyman comes out of the ring and hits Punk with several more kendo stick shots. Heyman yells that Punk broke his heart. A "walrus" chant breaks out in the crowd as a WWE doctor checks on Punk. We go to commercial.

- We get a look at CM Punk walking away during the break.

- Total Diva Jo Jo is in the ring to announce the next match.

Natalya vs. Brie Bella

Natalya comes out first with Cameron and Naomi by her side. Out next comes Brie Bella with Eva Marie and Nikki Bella.

Typical back and forth Divas match. The rest of the Total Divas get involved and break up a Sharpshooter. Brie takes advantage and gets the win.

Winner: Brie Bella

- After the match, Divas Champion AJ Lee comes out to the stage. She talks about watching last night's episode of Total Divas. She mocks all of them. AJ says she sees nothing but a bunch of useless, interchangeable, talentless women. AJ says she has done more in 1 year than all of them combined. AJ says she worked her life for this while they were just handed 15 minutes of fame. AJ says she didn't suck up to the right people. She got here because she's good. She earned the title. AJ says none of them will ever be able to lace up her Chuck Taylors and that gets a pop. She calls them worthless excuses for women. She says they will never be able to touch her and that is reality. AJ drops the mic and skips away.

- We see Rob Van Dam and Ricardo Rodriguez backstage warming up. Back to commercial.

Rob Van Dam vs. Alberto Del Rio

Back from the break and out comes Ricardo Rodriguez to introduce Rob Van Dam. RVD is out first for this non-title match. Out next comes World Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio. Ricardo takes off his coat to reveal a RVD t-shirt.

Lots of back and forth to start. RVD sends Del Rio out to the floor and we take another commercial break.

Back from the break and RVD fights out of a hold. It's revealed that if RVD can win this, Brad Maddox is giving him a title shot at Night of Champions. Del Rio with a double stomp to the back. He mocks RVD now. Del Rio comes off the top but RVD cuts him off with a kick. RVD with clotheslines now. RVD nails Rolling Thunder but Del Rio kicks out at 2. Del Rio fights back but RVD sends him to the mat. RVD with a split legged moonsault for 2. More back and forth. Ricardo stands on the announce table and distracts RVD. RVD rolls Del Rio up for the win and the title shot.

Winner: Rob Van Dam

- We get a look back at John Cena telling fans he needed surgery and won't be back for another 4-6 months. We get a Cena Twitter update.

- Still to come, Daniel Bryan vs. The Shield in a Gauntlet Match. Back to commercial.

- Josh Mathews is backstage with Ryback. Mathews brings up Ryback's recent bullying. Ryback grabs Mathews by his face and brings him to his knees. Ryback says he finally found a way to shut Mathews up and pushes him away by his face.

- We see footage from earlier with what happened between Heyman, Axel and Punk.

- Renee Young approaches Heyman and Axel backstage. She asks if Heyman was afraid earlier tonight. Axel says what happened was something Punk will never forget. Heyman says Punk is a child who just needs to keep getting punished, and punished, and punished, and punished. Heyman says he feels like a man right now, a man who put his prodigal son in place. Heyman says Punk will learn that he's the last person to come up against. They get in a car and drive off.

Christian vs. Randy Orton

We go to the ring and out comes Christian to a nice reaction. We go to commercial.

Back from the break and out comes WWE Champion Randy Orton for another non-title match. The bell rings and Christian goes for an early roll up. Back and forth action until Orton takes control. They fight on the apron and Christian dumps Orton to the floor. Christian with a diving shot that sends Orton back into the barrier. Christian works Orton over and brings him back in the ring. Christian with the inverted neckbreaker for a 2 count. Christian goes to the top but Orton moves. Orton with a big dropkick.

Orton keeps control and sends Christian back out to the floor. Orton brings the fight back into the ring and keeps Christian grounded. Christian fights out but has Killswitch blocked. Orton with more offense and a 2 count. Orton ends up pushing Christian hard from the top out to the floor. We go to commercial.

Back from the break and Orton is in control in the middle of the ring with a headlock. Christian fights out and starts to make a comeback. They trade shots in the corner. Orton climbs up for a superplex and nails it. Christian with a roll up for 2 out of nowhere. Lots of back and forth now. Christian ducks a RKO and mounts Orton with right hands in the corner. Christian fights back and nails a big crossbody for a close 2 count. Christian comes back off the top but Orton catches him with a jackknife pin for 2. More back and forth. Orton blocks Killswitch but catches a tornado DDT for a 2 count. Orton nails the draping DDT from the ropes. Christian blocks the RKO. Orton leaps over a spear but Christian nails the next one for a 2 count. Another RKO is blocked. Orton blocks Killswitch and sneaks in a thumb to the eye. Orton nails a RKO for the win.

Winner: Randy Orton

- After the match, Bryan appears on the big screen and congratulates Orton. Bryan is backstage in front of the Cadillac that Orton received from Triple H earlier in the night. Bryan wonders if he is the new face of WWE if he defeats Orton at Night of Champions. Bryan steps to the side to reveal "yes" spray painted all over the Escalade. Orton flips out in the ring and we go to commercial.

- Back from the break and Triple H, Maddox and Orton are looking at the spray-painted Escalade. Maddox points out everyone is laughing at Triple H and Orton. Triple H says this Cadillac is his personal property. Triple H says the WWE Title is also his property and Orton is carrying it for him. Triple H orders Maddox to gather the WWE roster to watch what happens to Bryan tonight. Triple H will fire anyone who dares to help. Orton says Bryan is going to pay and Triple H agrees.

Titus O'Neil vs. Jack Swagger

We go to the ring and out first comes Darren Young with Titus O'Neil. Out next comes Zeb Colter with Jack Swagger. Colter talks about The Primetime Players have stole victories from the Real Americans lately. Zeb takes a shot at Titus and Young's mothers for being on welfare. Swagger and Titus go at it to start the match.

Good back and forth match. Titus blocks the ankle lock. Young gets involved and distracts Swagger and Cesaro. Swagger turns around to a spinebuster from Titus for the win.

Winner: Titus O'Neil

- We get a look back at SummerSlam where Kane lost the Ring of Fire match against Bray Wyatt. The Wyatts will speak next. Back to commercial.

- Back from the break and they air a WWE.com video from Bray Wyatt and The Wyatt Family. Bray talks about Sister Abigail, the name of his finishing move.

- We see footage from tonight of what has happened with Randy Orton's Cadillac that Triple H bought for him.

- Brad Maddox is backstage with the doctor. Apparently CM Punk is refusing medical attention. Punk walks in and wants a match with Heyman. Maddox announces a Handicap Elimination Match for Night of Champions - Punk vs. Heyman and Axel.

- The WWE roster begins to gather on the stage for tonight's main event. We go to commercial.

- We get another vignette for Los Matadores.

Gauntlet Match: Daniel Bryan vs. The Shield

The WWE roster is on the stage as Daniel Bryan makes his way out first.

Daniel Bryan vs. Seth Rollins

Out next comes one-half of the WWE Tag Team Champions Seth Rollins through the crowd with his partners. Renee Young is on the stage talking to Big Show about the Triple H regime. Show refuses to speak this week. She goes to Dolph Ziggler for comment and he won't speak either. She goes to The Miz for comment but he doesn't want to get fired either.

Bryan with an early surfboard submission as Reigns and Ambrose look on from ringside. Good back and forth match. Bryan with clotheslines and kicks while Rollins is on his knees. Bryan misses a roundhouse kick and Ambrose turns it around on the apron. Rollins springboards in but Bryan cuts him off and applies the half crab. Rollins makes it to the ropes and breaks the hold. Bryan sends Rollins to the floor and nails a suicide dive, causing Rollins to land hard on the other side of the announce table. Bryan works Rollins over as the fans chant "yes" and we go to commercial.

: Back from the break and Rollins is in control, keeping Bryan on the mat. Rollins smacks Bryan around and hits another flying elbow in the corner. Bryan looks to make a comeback but Rollins drops him in the corner again. Rollins tells him to stay down and smacks him some more. Bryan nails a dropkick in the corner out of nowhere. Bryan comes back and trades shots with Rollins. They trade pin attempts now. Rollins with a big kick to the head. Big inverted suplex by Rollins but Bryan kicks out at 2. Rollins with more offense in the corner. Bryan climbs up for a super German and drops Rollins on his face from up high. Bryan drops Rollins again for the pin.

Daniel Bryan vs. Dean Ambrose

Ambrose comes right in and goes to work on Bryan. Bryan gets the Yes Lock applied early on but Roman Reigns interferes for the bell, disqualifying Ambrose

Daniel Bryan vs. Roman Reigns

The third match doesn't last as The Shield beat Bryan down with the triple team. The WWE roster looks on from the stage. Triple H's music hits and out he comes, staring at some of the talents. He locks eyes with Big Show but Show just looks away. The Shield drops Bryan with the triple powerbomb. Triple H is still daring anyone to help Bryan. Here comes Randy Orton next. Triple H sends Orton to the ring to get revenge on Bryan. The Shield holds Bryan while Orton approaches. Orton taunts Bryan and nails a RKO while fans chant for Big Show. We see Show looking angrily at Triple H. Orton heads back up the ramp as Bryan is left laying at the feet of The Shield. Orton holds the WWE Title up high from the ramp. Triple H dares the roster to laugh now. RAW goes off the air with The Shield standing over Bryan.

Another strong show, WWE is constantly strong at the moment and I'm really excited to see where this goes up until N.O.C.

Just a shame that we go from Brock vs Punk at Summerslam to Punk vs Axel and Heyman...I can't see another 10/10 match from that.

AJ Lee pipebomb

Marky wrote:AJ Lee pipebomb

glad I wasn't the only 1 who took notice of that

Great show, I'm awaiting people being annoyed with how heavily involved Triple H is but for me this is necessary, this is his first heel run as the boss and must establish himself as King of the Castle, with his backstage politicking in years gone by it also makes perfect sense to use the knowledge we as fans have to thwir advantage, the more dominant Triple H appears the stronger Daniel Bryan will appear in the long run.

Really enjoying this, also liked how Show, Dolph and Miz didn't comment, as faces you'd expect them to comment but it doesn't fit with their chatacters so its a good change, its all leading to a dressing room revolt, probably peaking at Survivor Series

Another solid raw, The New Regime looked really strong with HHH truly looking like "The King of Kings". The story is just shouting for someone to step up and help out Bryan. Im just wondering who it will be, Im guessing it will be the trio of Henry, Show and Ziggler that will help take out the shield.

Oh btw, I absolutely hate this new partnership between RVD and Ricardo, I get it but its not neccesary.

I agree with Kayfabe on the HHH stuff, love the stamp of authority he's put on the show with him punishing people and even saying that the title belt was his property...he seems so natural in this role which makes it awesome. The theme tune change was perfect.

Survivor Series could see a pretty cool match.

Orton, The Shield & HHH (or Barrett) v Bryan, Ziggler, Show, Henry & ??? (Punk/Miz or even a Cena return?)

Rumours have been that Ambrose v Ziggler and Show/Henry vs Reigns/Rollins at NOC. Guessing there will be a revolt by the focused on guys soon (Show, Ziggler, Miz). Hard to see how Miz goes from wearing Joseph's technicolor trousers to getting involved with the big main event feud. 

Enjoyed that Raw. It was intriguing, not the greatest entertainment if you took it as a one off show, but very good in the context of what they are doing. Its making Bryan look amazing too, hes just the focus of everything that stands against the evil powers. 

I hope they give some promo time to people to explain why they didnt step up and help. Show could talk about how he got fired before, Henry could talk about how he doesnt have long left and doesnt want to get fired before his time is up, Ziggler can talk about how he feels he has unfinished business after his WHC disappointment etc etc

Might be a bad idea BUT what about this.

Corporation Team (HHH, Vince, Steph and w/ Heyman)
Orton (WWE Champ), Lesnar (World Champion), Rollins/Reigns (Tag Champs), Ambrose (US Champ) and Axel (Intercontinental)

against

Bryan, Punk, Show/Henry, Ziggler and Miz

All titles swap hands with the winning team?

There's a long list of reasons why I think that's an awful idea if I'm honest

It probably is but it popped in to my head and I thought I'd share.

Yep WWE is very strong at the moment, im loving it! 

Usually im on here trying to find the positives, but since there is quite a few ill try and single out the negatives

I want the CM Punk vs Paul Heyman feud to come to an end, i've had enough of it tbh, and i would love to see Punk get involved in the big feud with Bryan, Im hoping Punk is the guy to make the step to help Bryan, it would fit Punk's character perfectly as the rebel and he has history with HHH.

2nd negative is RVD teaming with Ricardo. Just simply don't like it, having said that i am looking forward to the Del Rio vs RVD match at night of champions.

A couple of final things, Great promo by AJ Lee! Guess her and Big E are over now? Makes sense i guess. 

Also Sandow comment when The Miz came out dancing "I see Miz is here to renew his idiot licence" something like that anyway  

Another good Raw.

I dont think the Punk/Heyman feud will or should come to an end just now, WWE need to keep Punk out of Bryans way just now or he'll inadvertently hinder Bryans progress as his whole persona is designed for this battle so him taking a back seat would turn him into the Punk-lite we got before WM29, I also think Punks nailed on to win the Rumble and win the WWE/WHC off Lesnar at Mania with Heyman finally getting his comeuppance so I'd expect this to drag on yet for a number of reasons.

Has Primo and his twin cousin been repackaged as Tito Santanas children?

It shows you how much the WWE value the IC title if its not getting defended at a show dedicated to title matches.  Unless Punk costs Axel the title between now and then.

Also, I though Big Show had "Iron Clad" contract?  I think I might be looking to deep into it though.

NickisBHAFC wrote:Yep WWE is very strong at the moment, im loving it! 

Usually im on here trying to find the positives, but since there is quite a few ill try and single out the negatives

I want the CM Punk vs Paul Heyman feud to come to an end, i've had enough of it tbh, and i would love to see Punk get involved in the big feud with Bryan, Im hoping Punk is the guy to make the step to help Bryan, it would fit Punk's character perfectly as the rebel and he has history with HHH.

When Punk went in to Maddox asking for the match with Heyman I was hoping he would say no and then Punk would be the one to storm out and help Bryan (seeing as he said he didn't even care about his career anymore). Shame. This story is built for Punk to enter.

I would guess Punk vs Axel would be for the IC belt with Axel winning to prolong the feud with Punk winning the next match at the next PPV, just out of intrest why do some people seem so sure Lesnar will resurface and wrestle again before mania? His contract atm seems to be following the same pattern as last year which means no more apperances until around elimination chamber time

I honestly have a few issues with the direction of Orton's heel turn...

1) He hasnt actually done anything which resembles a heel, and definitely not the top heel. I said this a few weeks ago, but the only that changes with a heel Orton is that he froths at the mouth when he lands an RKO.

2) Orton and D.Bryan have gotten the biggest pops for six months now, I am highly annoyed that their inevitable (I called it!) feud is basically a vehicle for HHH to make his corporate evil bow

3) I still dont understand why a nine-time World champ, who holds the MiTB needs to play lackey.

Done alright, Triple H should look pretty good at the end, done better DBry could also escape enhanced. Orton isnt going to come out of this stronger

I'm gonna be really contreversial here and say I think Punk should be in the spot Bryan is. For me, I just don't see Bryan carrying the company. Yes he's hot with the crowd and I suppose that's all that matters but I just do not see him as a believable champion. His wrestling is top notch but on the mic and in general I just don't see him as the top face of the company. With Punk's history with Triple H and the fact he should be the guy with the title, I'd love for him to be in this feud. Not to say I didn't absolutely love Lesnar's feud with him, although Lesnar is my all time fave

I think the problem if Punk was in the feud would be the fact that you'd have one guy carrying the company...Punk is in a great feud that works really well and as you said so yourself Bryan is over with the crowd and that's all it needs.

Right now Bryan is doing a brilliant job at being the top face along with Punk.

I don't think Punk could be in Dragon's place, at least not in this feud he is a 2/3 time WWE champion, who's last reign was the longest reign in over 20 years to have him be denied the belt would be a) no sensical and b) lack the emotional pull of Bryan as he's already been established at the pinnacle.

Despite my personal reservations of the pacing of the Punk feud, I'm happy for him to continue, Dragon has been lucky that he has shed himself of Cena for a few months, the last thing he needs is Punk coming in to step on his toes instead.

Punk can't be in the title picture all year round. I'd rather he is out of it for this half of the year and comes back into it for Mania season. That's probably/hopefully what they are holding him back for.

For the first time in a long time WWE have two top faces not fighting for control, Punk and Bryan both have the ability to shine without getting in each others way...Bryan due to being the centre of action and really having the backing of the fans and Punk due to him and Heyman having amazing chemistry and him and Lesnar having an amazing match that will hopefully feature a rematch in the near future.

It's a shame that Lesnar isn't around more, I think people forget just how good he is.

How long since he's been called Dragon you indy hipster?  

I agree on all the points though. Punk adds a main event feud alongside the title, which Bryan couldnt really do. Hes also involved in a very good story that relates to his long term story and persona very well. 

I'm intrigued with how they pace the Bryan feud. NOC is clearly set up for a title match and then theres Battleground and HIAC. Battleground could end up being a new gimmick so its hard to call that, but Hell in a Cell is such a feud-ender. They need to justify Bryan being given three straight shots at a title.

Thats then followed by Survivor Series. Which means there will be big marquee matches. This main event feud is about more than Bryan/Orton, very interesting to see how they work the other big name faces into the feud.

Yeh i wish Lesnar was around full time. The guy is someone who only comes around once in a blue moon imo. He can wrestle, move ridiculously quick, sell really well and look aabsolutely destructive. I agree on what others have said, it is good to have 2 faces in the company at their peak. I'm just a big Punk fan and what him to be centre of attention. Hopefully he's in the main event at Mania vs Cena for the title.

After their last match I'd LOVE to have Punk vs Lesnar round 3 as the main event...after having Punk beat Lesnar in a return match at Summerslam.

Or what about this...at Royal Rumble Punk comes in early and manages to stay in for over an hour or so, then number 30 hits and it's Lesnar, he hits the F-5 on Punk and then eliminates the rest of the people leaving just him and Punk, as he attempts to take Punk out punk reverses and they both hit the ground meaning their was no winner.

It's decided that Punk and Lesnar will go on to face the WWE Champ and the World Heavyweight Champion respectively, a draw is done and Punk goes on to face the World Champ and Brock gets the WWE Champ in title matches.

They announce that the winners of the WWE Title match and the World Title match will then go on to face each other in the main event to crown the new Undisputed Champion of the WWE.

Didn't even realise I was doing that

 

I think Punk will come back into the title equation in the autum/winter time, both feuds will need a break and will probably resume (well the Punk one wil, Dragon :p may get bumped) around Rumble time

I presume that they are building to a Survivor Series big tag match as the main event. That leaves them with only TLC before Royal Rumble, so they dont really need to filler too long after that. Could see Orton/Punk in that time. 

Can see it being one of the most star-studded Rumbles in a while, teasing old names appearing at Mania.

People have been predicting big SS tags for years now though, we finally had one last year and it got bumped off the card!

Can I ask does anyone know anything about Lesnar's contracted dates? I presumed, based on last year, that this was it for him 'til mania but I've seen a few folk predict him back before then. I don't mean that in a sarky way, I'd love him back sooner and hope someone knows something I don't?

I assume it's all just wishful thinking, I'm not saying Lesnar needs to be full time but an appearance every few months would be awesome...he's such a talented wrestler and it's a shame he didn't like the travelling.

It says something when he's a part timer but gets the reception he does compared to the others.

Lesnar reminded everyone at Summerslam just how good he really is. It's the first fued since he re-signed that had me fully invested. The chemistry between he and Punk was unreal. They told a story in-ring and it had one thing which is so important - emotion. It made you truly realise how wasted Lesnar was with Triple H. I'm sure Punk will get his revenge at some point but i'm not sure we'll see Lesnar in a better match than Summerslam ever again. That will take some beating.

I like how they've handled Lesnar's schedule though. I think they've got the balance of his appearances pretty much bang on. I'd maybe like to see him wrestle one more PPV in the year but I think its better that he isn't around all the time. It makes it more of a big deal when he does show up.

If his music hit at the Rumble - i'd MTFO.

Another very good show, I can see why people want Punk getting involved, but I just think it'd take all the thunder away from Bryan. Punk is already massively over, and although I think he needs a big feud, no need to take away Bryan's to give it to Punk. I think it makes perfect sense that Punk is preoccupied with Heyman and that's all he cares about right now, the difficult part is when the Heyman inevitably has to be postponed until Wrestlemania. Presumably after Night of Champions. Punk will surely not be away from a world title scene for that long, the only possibility is that he goes for the World Heavyweight Title.

I agree with the consensus that the RVD/Ricardo partnership doesn't really work, RVD doesn't seem like he wants him to be there and Ricardo doesn't seem to know what to do. I think it's all leading up to Rey Mysterio's return though. I heard RVD's contract has him return for a set number of dates and then take some time off, so I think at NoC he'll be written out and Ricardo will bring somebody else back, either Mysterio or somebody else, to try and take down Alberto.

I really liked the ending of Raw, having the men who stood up now stepping back out of fear is a great way to make the Triple H/Orton power-trip get over and also to make Bryan look even more isolated which is the best way to get him over, I think he'll be most over when he's fighting the battle on his own rather than having the back up of his own. I also think The Shield have found new relevancy with this feud even if it is much lower than what people expected after their first few months.

I also think Orton is in a much better position now than he has been for quite a long time, he was still over but looked bored, he clearly wasn't putting a lot of effort in and his character screamed out heel. He was stuck in limbo where he wasn't involved in title feuds and arguably was playing lackey to the likes of Bryan and Kane before this feud anyway. He had slipped well down the ladder and this has put him right back at the top as the number one, or two if you want to count Triple H, heel in the company. Triple H makes this feud from an ordinary world title feud into a feud that has wider significance.

Orton will be better off from this than had he turned heel without the corporate side of the story of had stayed face and become champion. He was stale, and this has refreshed him.

kingraf wrote:I honestly have a few issues with the direction of Orton's heel turn...

1) He hasnt actually done anything which resembles a heel, and definitely not the top heel. I said this a few weeks ago, but the only that changes with a heel Orton is that he froths at the mouth when he lands an RKO.

2) Orton and D.Bryan have gotten the biggest pops for six months now, I am highly annoyed that their inevitable (I called it!) feud is basically a vehicle for HHH to make his corporate evil bow

3) I still dont understand why a nine-time World champ, who holds the MiTB needs to play lackey.

Done alright, Triple H should look pretty good at the end, done better DBry could also escape enhanced. Orton isnt going to come out of this stronger

This was discussed on the podcast last night. Your points about Orton are all correct, but the biggest problem for me was the line when HHH said that he believes the WWE Title is his and Orton is just holding it for him. There is no aspect of Orton's character over the last 10 years that would accept someone saying that about him.

kingraf wrote:I honestly have a few issues with the direction of Orton's heel turn...

1) He hasnt actually done anything which resembles a heel, and definitely not the top heel. I said this a few weeks ago, but the only that changes with a heel Orton is that he froths at the mouth when he lands an RKO.

Disagree with this point...he is already slowly turning his moveset into more of how a heel would do things.

Using the headbutt the amount of times he did against Christian, the shoving off the apron (ok anyone would do it, just the way he did it) and then the eye gouge plus the couple of attempted roll ups.

These all point to heel for me and I like the fact he isn't just trying to use the normal heel way of winning! i.e. gaining interference etc. I think it makes sense that what he does is 'cheat' but in a more educated and thoughtful manner...given that's how Orton has always been...calculated! I think we will see ever so subtle changes in his persona. He doesn't need a complete overhaul...i prefer this than the way WWE usually do heel turns!

Also whilst I understand the point about HHH saying Orton is merely carrying his title...lets not forget that this is a guy who hasn't been in the title picture for yonks! I think he would be more than happy with a title reign...regardless of how others see it...now in time we may well see Orton turn (I don't think it will be another full turn to face..more just trying to move himself away from the 'corporation') to become the Tweener that I personally think suits him best!

The best thing about Raw? The return of Rasa Mendes!!!!

She gets me so excited I cant spell her name right!!

That was one of the more nonsensical things that happened. "During the break Rosa Mendes is here for some reason"

There doesnt need to be a reason for Rosa Mendes!!!