WWE Raw 30/7/2012 Preview: AJ takes charge as GM

After a scintillating Raw 1000, this week’s WWE Monday Night Raw #1001 comes to us live from the U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio. Garnering the highest TV ratings in a while and leaving the viewers dumbstruck in the end after CM Punk‘s attack on The Rock, Raw 1000 has set a high bar for the shows to follow. This Monday’s Raw might not match it in terms of star power, but there is plenty to look forward in this 3-hour show.

CM Punk’s attack on the Rock at Raw 1000 will be the prime talking point of Raw #1001

CM Punk set to explain his actions

Perhaps dropping the biggest pipebomb of his career even without a word being said, CM Punk turned heads by attacking the ‘Great One’ The Rock which was watched by millions around the world. This is a clear sign of a heel turn by the second city saint. But, one has to wonder whether CM Punk can pull it off this time around. He is an established babyface and hence he might not get the heel reaction unless and until he takes up a new gimmick. More importantly, we will be getting to know about the reasons behind Punk’s change in demeanour.

AJ takes charge as the Raw GM

Following Vince McMahon’s shocking revelation last week, this week’s Raw will be the first one that AJ will be in-charge of as the General Manager. Mr. McMahon stated that he picked AJ mainly because he wanted to make the show more exciting and unpredictable than it currently is. So, what AJ brings to the table will be of prime interest on this week’s show. For Daniel Bryan though, it might be a nightmare. Let’s wait and watch how things pan out on Raw.

Ignominy for John Cena

Though it was overshadowed by Punk’s attack on the Rock, John Cena became the first man to fail to cash in the Money in the Bank briefcase successfully. He won the match via disqualification but that did not help him get his hands on the WWE Championship. What John Cena does next will be keenly followed. In my opinion, he should go after Punk, leading up to Summerslam.

‘The Viper’ Randy Orton is expected to return to action very soon.

Randy Orton set for return?

With his 60 day suspension coming to an end yesterday, there is wide speculation that Randy Orton might return to action on this week’s Raw or Smackdown. Either way, WWE gets a huge shot in the arm with the Apex Predator being one of the crowd pullers of this era. Bringing him back on Raw might be a good option to keep the crowd going during the show.

Is Dolph Ziggler messing with the wrong guy?

Chris Jericho has shrewdly thwarted Dolph Ziggler’s allegations of him being past his prime by attacking him twice in a row last week. This has prompted us to question the Show Off’s motive behind the allegations. Is Ziggler right by saying that Chris Jericho doesn’t belong in the same ring as him? Or does he have the ulterior motive of hogging in the limelight by messing with an icon of pro-wrestling? These questions will be answered in the coming weeks.

Has The Miz regained his Awesomeness?

Can you believe it? The Miz is a triple crown champion (Tag-team, WWE and Intercontinental Championships) which is a feat that hasn’t been accomplished by greats like The Undertaker and John Cena. Does this mean that the Miz is back to being the awesome one? His first title defense on Smackdown against former champion Christian ended in controversy, with Christian accusing The Miz of poking his eye with a thumb and The Miz using Christian’s pants as leverage during the pin-fall. So, it is likely that this feud will continue for the near future. Simply put, The Miz’s road back to awesomeness begins with this IC title reign.

The winds of change are indeed stirring.