WWE RAW five-point review: August 26, 2013

Daniel Bryan

Every Sunday, before Monday Night RAW, WWE.com releases an article titled “Raw Five-Point Preview” covering, what in their opinion is supposed to be the crème de la crème of what’s currently shaking up the WWE Universe. This top-5 list looks at top storylines, interesting character developments, and more specifically what YOU should be looking out for on Mondays show.

So, it only seems fitting that if they think that these points deserve our attention, we should give it to them.. In the form of a breakdown of what made the cut and caught our attention and what merely, slipped.

• Intercontinental Champion Curtis Axel vs. CM PunkCM Punk’s quest to hurt Paul Heyman continued this week when the WWE Universe granted him the stipulation that if Punk wins, Heyman must get in the ring with him. But the Second City Saint found himself in a trap once again owing to the devious cunning of Paul Heyman who assaulted Punk viciously, after he was low-blowed and handcuffed by Curtis Axel.The segment delivered manifold and made for some intense TV viewing. Paul Heyman makes you believe that each word out of his mouth is gospel and you are spellbound by the drama that only that one man can bring. He laid repeated stiff kendo stick shots to Punk all the while chastising him of his betrayal, leaving him a broken mess.Credit must go to to Curtis Axel who seemed to be taking beating after beating from Punk and becoming his rag doll every week but is now getting more promo time and significant amount of offence in on CM Punk which is necessary for him at this stage if he is to portray a strong WWE Intercontinental Champion. The match now set at Night of Champions is Punk vs. Heyman and Axel, handicap elimination match. It will be interesting to see if the IC title is up for grabs in it and how things take shape henceforth.

• World’s Largest + World’s StrongestThe team touted as the World’s Largest + World’s Strongest made a no-show appearance on tonight’s broadcast, whereas The Shield, posing at the new faction’s muscle, continued to assert their dominance over anyone in their path. While not altogether a no-show, Big Show did refuse to make any comments on The Shield running Daniel Bryan down in the main event to avoid getting himself in more trouble or even fired.On one hand The Shield continues to grow into an absolutely unstoppable force not seen by the WWE Universe in recent times and make for some great matches and beat downs whenever they are around, and with their latest alliance with the bosses I can only see their star rising higher up the ladder.
• RVD’s new allianceThe somewhat oddball pairing of the charismatic Ricardo Rodriguez and the talented RVD finally seems to be coming together, though one can’t help but think that a certain sense of Ricardo vs Alberto del Rio is looming over it. RVD defeated ADR in a rather quick match following a distraction earning the right to go to Night of Champions to challenge him for the World Heavyweight Championship.I do find it a little demanding for the viewer to get invested in this feud as it just feels too lacklustre at the moment, then again it is too early to tell and might get interesting over the weeks. ADR continues to excel as a heel and a gifted performer in the ring and there is absolutely no doubt that they will put on a great show at Night of Champions.

Kane and the Wyatts

• Where is Kane?The question remains unanswered. The Big Red Monster who was last seen being eerily carried off by the Wyatts has been missing for a couple of weeks now, but the Wyatts have offered no explanation. Bray Wyatt cut an interesting promo on Monday Night pronouncing his finisher, “Sister Abigail”.Personally, I feel that the Wyatts have great potential and present that aura of mystique and premonition which has been missing since the absence of the Undertaker.The Undertaker who is nearing retirement age now, will always be one of Vincent K McMahon’s prized creations and has lent his superior aura of dominance and supernaturalism to the WWE which has made him a rightful legend of the business and a first ballot future Hall of Famer.The Wyatts can be seen in a similar light adding back to the Universe that same sense of supernaturalism. Though it is sometimes disheartening to hear the dead responses of the crowd during or after their outings, one can only hope that they continue to appear as something captivating and unreal and don’t pass away as uninteresting or overcomplicated.
• Summer of The ViperThis could have more aptly been titled as the “Summer of the Beard” as Daniel Bryan continues to prove that he is red-hot, in the ring, on the mic and as a character. WWE went the “ruin a car” way for tonight’s show and let’s face it, who doesn’t enjoy watching a $85,000 Cadillac being destroyed with spray paint?Though I felt that the opening promo felt like a repeat telecast of what we have already seen and the gist of almost every single Triple H feud, “Business vs Personal”. Daniel Bryan ran the gauntlet with the entire roster watching helplessly and provided an excellent match with Rollins for the second time.

These two warriors made for some compelling spots and an exciting match.The finish was an expected one with the new faction standing tall and mocking, but entertainment was all around anything Bryan touched.Sparing a thought for Randy Orton, his match with Christian which was carried out in typical heel persona showcasing brilliant wrestling for the 10-15 mins. It seems as though all the stars have aligned for this feud and I am looking forward to it as the anchor that carries the WWE forward into the race toward WrestleMania XXX.

The Not-So Minor Things:

Apart from the 5 points laid out by WWE, one thing no one saw coming was that absolute bombshell of a promo by one AJ Lee. The girl just won me over a hundredfold and millions of others like me. From striking point to striking point her promo was reminiscent of Punk’s promo laying it all out there and baring soul which is the best way to sell a promo. Her line, “You will never be able to lace up my Chuck Taylor’s” resonated greatly with me and I applaud her every bit I can for it. To anyone who hasn’t watched it, you can watch it here.

Elsewhere, Cody Rhodes, Damien Sandow, Fandango and The Miz continued to exist and carry forward their feuds, Los Matadores are coming and Ryback (entertainingly) bullied Josh Mathews. The Prime Time Players continue to enjoy their sudden push and look great as faces and it is enjoyable to see the crowd catching up with their dance.

In conclusion, one looks at this WWE roster without John Cena, Sheamus, Chris Jericho, and recently even the Big Show, but it still looks mighty strong and shows that WWE’s strategy of developing and nurturing talent has been right all along.