Two matches set for RAW 1000 next week

Next week, the long-awaited 1000th episode of Monday Night RAW will take place, and it appears Vince McMahon is taking no chances with the success of this show. The special episode will be a new start for RAW, as the show is scheduled to go to three hours full-time starting with the 1000th episode. In addition to many stars of the past being called to make appearances (reportedly 20-30 were confirmed for the show, with many others being contacted), WWE is looking to stack the show from top-to-bottom, giving the episode more of a pay-per-view feel. Expect big matches and major angles to be taking place, with WWE already confirming two major contests.

The first will be Christian defending the Intercontinental Championship against a yet-to-be-named opponent. A vote was cast during tonight’s episode of RAW, with fans voting on whether they wanted an IC, WWE United States or WWE Divas Championship match next week. The IC title won by a large margin, and Christian will defend the title. However, we will not learn who his opponent is until next week, which not only adds intrigue to the match, but really makes you think Christian’s run as champion is in question. Will the challenger be a current WWE star, a former star, or even a future star from FCW?

In addition to the IC title match, we will be getting a WWE Championship match as well. Current champion CM Punk, who successfully retained his title against Daniel Bryan at Money in the Bank this past Sunday, will defend his belt against the new RAW “Mr. Money in the Bank” John Cena. At the end of tonight’s episode, Cena stormed the ring following a Punk/Big Show match that saw Show assault Punk post-match after losing via disqualification. Show dared Cena to cash in on the vulnerable Punk and pretty much guarantee a new reign as champion, but Cena told the crowd and Punk that he wants Punk fresh and healthy, and will cash in next week in a standard match. This will be only the second time the briefcase has been cashed in this way, with Rob Van Dam cashing in against then-champion Cena at ECW One Night Stand 2006 after announcing he would do so the night after winning the case.

On top of these two major matches, AJ has accepted a marriage proposal from Daniel Bryan, and the two are set to tie the knot next week. WWE TV weddings never end well, and considering the two characters involved here, it’s hard to predict what is going to happen here.