This week’s RAW rolled out from the US Airway Center in Phoenix, Arizona and saw some good TV matches, along with some good segments. The Punk – Heyman/Axel feud took a new turn, as Heyman dished out punishment to Punk with tears in his eyes, saying he fathered him, and that Punk turned his back on him. The episode also featured a solid match between Christian and Randy Orton, and the main event saw Daniel Bryan taking on The Shield in a gauntlet match. So who were the top superstars coming out of the show? Let’s find out.
5. Seth Rollins
Seth Rollins was involved in a good match against Daniel Bryan in the main event, as the first opponent of the gauntlet. Seth Rollins and Daniel Bryan have put on amazing matches before, and they made the best of the limited time they had this week. Seth Rollins is an amazing performer, but has never received any decent opportunity to showcase his skills. The final moments of the bout was amazing, with Rollins getting flipped inside out with a huge German suplex from the top rope! The Shield has been put on the side burner for the moment, as the entire focus is on the Daniel Bryan – Corporation angle. I hope they get back to their dominating best soon, and it was yet another good week for Rollins and the other two members of the faction.
Rating: ** ½
4. Daniel Bryan
This week, Daniel Bryan was involved in a good opening segment, and he proceeded to destroy Orton’s new Cadillac! An irate Triple H then vowed to make an example out of Daniel Bryan, as Bryan had to face all the three members of The Shield in the gauntlet in the main event. Bryan put on a fantastic match with Rollins, and was well on his way to win the gauntlet, but was then attacked by the trio. The night ended with Orton delivering an RKO to Daniel Bryan, as the Corporation once again had the last laugh at the end of the show. Daniel Bryan is the hottest performer in the industry at the moment, and WWE’s pace has been sensible, as they’re taking their time to play out the entire angle.
Rating: ** ¾
3. Randy Orton
Randy Orton’s run as the WWE champion is being overshadowed by Daniel Bryan’s momentum. Orton faced Christian this week, and like their previous matches, these two put on a fantastic TV match that received close to 15 minutes. Orton won the match in the end with a thumb to the eye, and finished the night off on a good note by RKO’ing Daniel Bryan! The Daniel Bryan – Randy Orton/Triple H feud is gaining momentum as we get closer to the Night of Champions PPV, and we can only wait and see how the angle plays out.
Ratinig: ***
2. CM Punk
CM Punk faced Curtis Axel this week, with the stipulation that if Punk won, he would face Paul Heyman right afterwards. Punk put on a good match with Axel, and picked up the victory in the end. Paul Heyman and Axel then attacked Punk, and handcuffed him, while Heyman absolutely destroyed Punk with a kendo stick! Heyman is one of the best non – wrestling personalities in professional wrestling, and he proved that once again. Punk was at the receiving end of an assault this week, and it will be interesting to see where they go from here. Also, it has been confirmed that at the NoC PPV, Punk will take on Heyman and Axel in a 2 on 1 handicap elimination match! This feud has to be one of the best feuds of the year, and I for one cannot wait to see how it ends.
Rating: *** ½
1. Christian
At number 1 is Captain Charisma, Christian. Although Christian isn’t involved in any major feuds, he still is one of the best workers in the industry, and put on a solid match with Orton. There are certain performers who never get their due recognition in pro wrestling, and Christian is one of them. His match with Orton showed that the two still have good chemistry, and although he lost the bout, Christian proved once again just why he is “Captain Charisma”.
Rating: *** ¾
How did Ric Flair spend $1500 at a pizza place? More details here
