WWE Raw 15/8/11: Results, Review and Analysis

The new WWE Champion Alberto Del Rio makes his entrance during the start of the show

The dramatic events that took place at the end of 24th Annual SummerSlam on August 14 raised many questions in the minds of the WWE fans. The impending Raw on the very next night promised answers to all those questions. But were they answered? What did Triple H have say about his refereeing horrors? Did Rey Mysterio succeed in winning his rematch for the WWE Championship? Continue reading to find out more.

Raw Opener:

As it has been a tradition for the past few weeks, Triple H came out first to kick off the 951st episode of Monday Night Raw in San Diego, California. He apologised for his howlers during the main event of SummerSlam and announced that he had invited Kevin Nash to explain his actions on Sunday during which Nash attacked CM Punk after Punk won the Undisputed WWE Championship Match against Cena under controversial circumstances. Triple H invited the new WWE Champion Alberto Del Rio, who came out with pride, holding the WWE Championship in his hand. Del Rio promised that he would be successful in his first title defense match against Rey Mysterio which will be the main event of the night. While this segment was good, it wasn’t the one that the crowd expected. Either Cena or Punk coming out and staking the claims on the events of Sunday would have been entertaining to start off Raw rather than Triple H’s lame apology speech.

Segment Rating: 2/5

Match 1: R-Truth vs. John Morrison

Falls Count Anywhere match

This match was a rematch of last week’s match in which R-Truth won. John Morrison was seeking revenge on R-Truth for injuring his neck. The falls count anywhere match added a bit of flavor to this rivalry since John Morrison favors this stipulation. Morrison dominated this match in which plenty of action took place outside the ring. There were a few great athletic spots with creativity from John Morrison. Morrison got the victory after a running knee to the chin left R-Truth flummoxed. This is the right way to end a long-running feud by giving the final say to the battered and bruised guy who in this case was John Morrison.

Winner: John Morrison

Match Rating: 4/5

Segment 1: Miz promotes Subway!

The Miz making the subway promo

These are the kind of segments which prove that wrestling is still business. Miz did a five minute promo on Subway, promoting their newest product. He talked about the fact that he was a better spokesperson for subway than Jared the actual spokesperson through his promo. A complete waste of time which would neither help the viewers nor the Miz.

Segment Rating: 1/5

Match 2: Kelly Kelly & Eve vs. The Bella Twins

Divas Tag-Team Match

An ecstatic Eve and jubilant Kelly Kelly after the match

Divas matches are beginning to lose their sheen after a few bright spots in the last few months. It is mainly because of the involvement of models turned wrestlers in those matches. This match was no exception as it turned out to be a boring and uneventful match which was won the Eve and Kelly. Natalya and Beth Phoenix came out in the end only for a staredown with Eve and Kelly. Hopefully, this feud continues in the future for some good diva wrestling action.

Winners: Kelly Kelly & Eve

Match Rating: 3/5

Segment 2: Kevin Nash taunts CM Punk!

The guards preventing CM Punk from attacking Kevin Nash

Kevin Nash came out in the ring to give his explanation on the attack on CM Punk. He said that he received a text message from a good friend. The message that was conveyed to him was to attack the winner of the Undisputed WWE championship match at SummerSlam. He also said that Triple H gave him tickets to attend SummerSlam. CM Punk came out to interrupt Nash. The duo had plenty of exchanges which were funny as well as meaningful. I liked it. When the interaction was about to culminate into a slugfest, the guards interfered and prevented CM Punk from attacking Kevin Nash. This was the most intriguing part of the show for me to see an old timer having a go at the current sensation. Punk keeps entertaining us with his witty oneliners. Kevin Nash did a good job by not entirely revealing the person who sent the text message. He just revealed that Triple might have been that person. Fantastic way to keep the fans guessing.

Segment Rating: 4/5

Match 3: Alex Riley vs. Jack Swagger

Singles Match

Jack Swagger standing tall after defeating Alex Riley

Vickie Guerrero and Dolph Ziggler were at commentary during the match which was awful by the way. The match was good until Vickie interrupted to cause distraction for Alex Riley. Jack Swagger got the pinfall victory. During the end of the match, JR’s hat was in the thick of the action which was hilarious to see. After the match, Jack Swagger was seen approaching Vickie to be his Manager. I really liked this, because Vickie is a heel who gains heat for basically anyone. She speaks, and boos come out. She, like it or not, is a reason Dolph was battling for World Titles. She may be a vital factor in the future turn of events for Jack Swagger it she accepts his offer.

Winner: Jack Swagger

Match Rating: 3/5

Match 4: Kofi Kingston & Evan Bourne vs David Otunga & Michael McGillicutty

Tag-Team Match

Evan Bourne midway through his Shooting Star Press

It is good to see that WWE is keen on improving its tag team division. There are atleast one or two tag team matches per week on Raw and Smackdown which are good signs of change. This match was filled with high-flying action as Kofi Kingston and Evan Bourne executed their air-borne moves to perfection. An exciting match to watch and Evan Bourne finished it off with his Air Bourne finishing move. Otunga and Michael need to improve or else their belts won’t be hanging around their waists for long. During the match, JR and Jerry Lawler were discussing about the lack of quality in WWE’s tag team divison which was good and as I said earlier, the winds of change stirring.

Winners: Kofi Kingston & Evan Bourne

Match Rating: 3/5

Match 5: Alberto Del Rio (c) vs Rey Mysterio

Singles Match for the Undisputed WWE Championship

Alberto Del Rio: arriving in style

Rey Mysterio came out to a big pop from his home crowd of San Diego, California. Alberto Del Rio and Rey Mysterio share a strong Mexican lineage. Both men put on a wonderful match in which perfection was the key. All the moves executed by both men were without any botches. Del Rio proved his worth as a Champion in terms of wrestling ability in this match. He was the deserving winner in the end.

Winner and Still WWE Champion: Alberto Del Rio

Match Rating: 5/5

Segment 3: Cena pissed off at recent turn of events

Cena saving Rey Mysterio from Del Rio

After the winning the WWE Championship Match, Alberto Del Rio attacked Rey Mysterio and was taunting to break his arm. John Cena came out and made the save for Mysterio. John Cena said that he was pissed off at the recent turn of events in Summerslam. However, he added that he wasn’t angry at Hunter or Punk, but was unhappy with worthless men like Alberto Del Rio who become champions by taking a shortcut. He delivered an emotional speech which was kind of good. This feud between Del Rio and John Cena is likely to continue to till Survivor Series during which the Rock is set to return to restart his feud with Cena.

Segment Rating: 4/5

The Bottomline:

An excellent show to follow up SummerSlam. Kevin Nash’s surreal interaction with CM Punk was the best moment of the night. Five good matches to satisfy wrestling enthusiasts. Intriguing backstage segments involving CM Punk, Stephanie, John Laurinitis and Kevin Nash were gold. This week’s show keeps the ball rolling for next week wherein we may get to know the actual person who sent the message to Kevin Nash from Triple H’s mobile.

Raw Rating: 4/5