 |
| Image: WWE.com |
WWE Monday Night RAW - 29th July 2013 (Episode 1053)
Chairman of the Board Vince McMahon was flanked by RAW General Manager Brad Maddox when he opened the show.
Brad Maddox apologized for allowing John Cena to pick his SummerSlam opponent, but it was obvious that this was not on his own doing, but by the enforcement of Vince McMahon.
The Chairman proceeded to run down Daniel Bryan and indicate that he was not worthy of being the WWE title challenger at SummerSlam, much to the disarray of the WWE Universe in Laredo, Texas.
But the atmosphere would quickly change as Daniel Bryan himself would interrupt, and everyone in the Laredo Energy Center was on their feet embracing the YES! YES! YES! chants that filled the arena abuzz.
Vince McMahon stated that he did not like the idea of either John Cena or Daniel Bryan as WWE Champion, and wished that there would be a combustion between the two when they lock up at SummerSlam, and that is the way that Vince himself would win.
Daniel Bryan did not show much care for that bizarre prediction, but had the WWE Universe shouting YES! YES! YES! once again as he left the ring.
 |
| Image: WWE.com |
Six man tag team action was next on RAW, as The Shield looked to settle their differences with The Usos and Mark Henry, after burning rivalries had reached a tipping point.
The Shield attacked Mark Henry previously, but then on consecutive occassions, The Usos would back him up on the verge of other attacks and see of The Shield. However, The Shield would be the ones leaving with the upper hand as they picked up the victory.
Mark Henry dominated The Shield in the early goings of the bout, but the Hounds of Justice saw an opening to team up on The Usos, using the tactic of reverting back to their corner to prolong damage.
Seth Rollins would also pay for his actions, after taunting Mark Henry, Jey Uso caught him off guard and was able to tag in Mark Henry who came near to dismantling Seth Rollins, until a spear by Roman Reigns cut this short.
Dean Ambrose and Jimmy Uso were left in the ring, and the SuperFly Splash that was thought to end it was blocked by the knees of Dean Ambrose, who followed this up with a bulldog driver to pick up the victory.
It was not ended there, as it left the World's Strongest Man fuming, he attacked The Shield who managed to flee, but judging by that, this may not be the end of it.
 |
| Image: WWE.com |
Ryback was featured in a backstage segment where he threatened one person who was having food at catering. The Human Wrecking Ball was very aggressive and threw the man threw a table, fitting the theme of his tables match later that night. I and many others found the segment rather comical but it is some fun that also adds to his character and is set up well for the Tables match.
Following a video package showing the Wyatt Family's recent actions in the WWE, Kane intruded into Brad Maddox's office and asked for the whereabouts of the Wyatt Family - he was obviously very angry. Maddox responded by saying that they were not there and told Kane he could send them a message in the main event against Daniel Bryan.
Rob Van Dam was the victor after he tangoed with Fandango in a match that ended in a countout.
Both competitors were very agile and flexible and showed this with constant back-and-forth jumps, kicks and the distraction from Summer Rae, who stopped Fandango from acquiring too much damage.
Rob Van Dam was on a roll with the Rolling Thunder and Monkey-Flip, but after Fandango untangled himself from the loss that was becoming an inevitability, he was about to be the recipient of a high flying move from Van Dam, but Summer Rae stopped it allowing Fandango to flee the ring, and he lost by countout.
Fandango spoke from the mic to pronounce his name correctly before dancing away. Meanwhile, Rob Van Dam embraced his victory.
 |
| Image: WWE.com |
Review: It's great to see Rob Van Dam being used to face such fresh talent such as Fandango, and Wade Barrett previously. Van Dam is performing very well and picking up wins whilst also allowing his opponents. Fandango's drastic increase of spotlight can only mean bigger and better things for Fandango, and many fans should be intrigued of what could be to come.
Divas Champion AJ Lee and Kaitlyn's storied rivalry continued as they battled in Singles competition.
Throughout the match the former friends showed that they knew each other very well, as it consisted with a lot of counters and reversals.
Out of nowhere when AJ Lee came off the ropes Kaitlyn hit a spear to pick up the victory.
This left AJ Lee in another breakdown, Big E Langston tried to calm her down to no avail, then Dolph Ziggler showed up and added insult to injury by further making the situation worse.
Then he laid out another challenge, he wanted a match vs. Big E Langston, right that moment.
An impromptu match between former allies would commence as Dolph Ziggler squared off with Big E Langston.
A fast paced matchup between two prime athletes proved for some great entertainment... for the time it lasted.
Dolph Ziggler's tactic of outwitting Big E Langston included side-stepping him to throw him over the top rope.
AJ Lee then engaged in a moment of madness as she attacked Dolph Ziggler, pulling his hair and getting Big E Langston disqualified.
Ziggler looked on from outside the ring as an irate Langston shouted at AJ, but then Dolph Ziggler hit the ZigZag on Langston from behind and kept Showing Off.
As Michael Cole put it, "everything is falling apart around AJ."
The Divas match was good and there is uncertainty about whether AJ will be in action or not at SummerSlam. Meanwhile I expected Dolph Ziggler vs. Big E Langston to take place at SummerSlam, but this could still be a possibility with the uncertain conclusion. This feud is dramatic but also gives Big E Langston the spotlight to show his talent.
World Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio was in complete shock after he lost to Christian when he was dominating Captain Charisma.
The major turning point in the match was when Alberto Del Rio seriously damaged Christian's arm with the steel steps, he would take a threshold in the match thereafter with vicious attacks dominating Christian.
Christian had minor glimpses of fighting back but none really materialized, it looked like Del Rio would finish it with a Cross Arm Breaker, but Christian reversed. The roll-up pin got the win for Christian and Alberto Del Rio was livid after his loss.
Divas Champion AJ Lee and Kaitlyn's storied rivalry continued as they battled in Singles competition.
Throughout the match the former friends showed that they knew each other very well, as it consisted with a lot of counters and reversals.
Out of nowhere when AJ Lee came off the ropes Kaitlyn hit a spear to pick up the victory.
This left AJ Lee in another breakdown, Big E Langston tried to calm her down to no avail, then Dolph Ziggler showed up and added insult to injury by further making the situation worse.
Then he laid out another challenge, he wanted a match vs. Big E Langston, right that moment.
 |
Image: WWE.com
|
A fast paced matchup between two prime athletes proved for some great entertainment... for the time it lasted.
Dolph Ziggler's tactic of outwitting Big E Langston included side-stepping him to throw him over the top rope.
AJ Lee then engaged in a moment of madness as she attacked Dolph Ziggler, pulling his hair and getting Big E Langston disqualified.
Ziggler looked on from outside the ring as an irate Langston shouted at AJ, but then Dolph Ziggler hit the ZigZag on Langston from behind and kept Showing Off.
As Michael Cole put it, "everything is falling apart around AJ."
The Divas match was good and there is uncertainty about whether AJ will be in action or not at SummerSlam. Meanwhile I expected Dolph Ziggler vs. Big E Langston to take place at SummerSlam, but this could still be a possibility with the uncertain conclusion. This feud is dramatic but also gives Big E Langston the spotlight to show his talent.
World Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio was in complete shock after he lost to Christian when he was dominating Captain Charisma.
The major turning point in the match was when Alberto Del Rio seriously damaged Christian's arm with the steel steps, he would take a threshold in the match thereafter with vicious attacks dominating Christian.
Christian had minor glimpses of fighting back but none really materialized, it looked like Del Rio would finish it with a Cross Arm Breaker, but Christian reversed. The roll-up pin got the win for Christian and Alberto Del Rio was livid after his loss.
 |
| Image: WWE.com |
A standard match that was booked to put both of the stars in action obviously. Alberto Del Rio is definitely struggling to impress the fans but this match may have been different because it was not as basic. It had more of a triumph for Christian's win and Del Rio lost in an upset, an interesting setting for the World Heavyweight Champion.
Cody Rhodes and Wade Barrett took to the ring in quite a relatively short match.
Rhodes took some early punishment from brutal shots by Barrett, but with knees to the face of Barrett he regained control to deliver some perfectly executed finesse moves.
Cody Rhodes reigned victorious, but Damien Sandow would have an input of negativity, with a mockery of his family name that left him irate. As the Money in the Bank briefcase sinks somewhere in the Gulf of Mexico, the Damien Sandow and Cody Rhodes saga is far from a culmination.
Wade Barrett is suffering from many losses currently in the WWE, hopefully this will change soon and he will gain some momentum. Cody Rhodes and Damien Sandow's rivalry is great as it showcases younger talent. The match was quite short, but it did not need to be long as it did not really serve a purpose accept for leading it onto the next part of the Rhodes and Sandow feud.
Daniel Bryan and Kane squared off in one of two main event matches on RAW, in a clash of former tag team partners.
Daniel Bryan continued his great roll picking up the win after the match spanned for a few minutes. Unlike Daniel Bryan's previous matches it was not as high paced, however this is understandable because he was in the ring with a big guy like Kane.
The Big Red Monster managed to thwart Daniel Bryan's attempts of the kicks at times and came close to sealing the match with a Chokeslam, but Daniel Bryan was able to reverse and got the inside cradle to pin Kane and win the match.
Kane was extremely frustrated following his loss, and delivered a Chokeslam to Daniel Bryan.
Then, the Wyatt Family came an attacked Kane again. Kane held off for longer than previously but it was the same outcome, and Kane was told to "Follow The Buzzards".
Daniel Bryan continues to impress, this guy is on a great roll as of late and a win against Kane has tremendous value. Meanwhile the loss from Kane did not harm him much because of the situation with the Wyatts following the bout. I can't wait to see what happens next with Kane and the Wyatt Family.
Brie Bella defeated Natalya in a Singles match, tensions boiled over prior to the match with the Bellas insulting Natalya's looks. Natalya was distracted during the match by Nikki Bella, and Brie Bella capitalized to pick up the win.
Intercontinental Champion Curtis Axel was in action against R-Truth, but CM Punk would effect the final outcome and almost got his hands on Paul Heyman.
They matched up well for the start of the match, before Axel gained the upperhand. CM Punk then had an input and took out Curtis Axel momentarily before going after Paul Heyman.
However, the Mad Scientist would just manage to escape after Curtis Axel fought off Punk for the time being. Paul Heyman has got himself in trouble with the Straight Edge Savior.
This was a great segment because it showed how fired up CM Punk was. I did not care much for the match itself, but when CM Punk went after Paul Heyman it was great, and you get the feeling it is becoming inevitable as to when Paul Heyman will get punished.
Vince McMahon, Stephanie McMahon and Triple H were backstage discussing Daniel Bryan. Vince McMahon said he wanted "someone like Triple H... but 23 years younger". Stephanie McMahon managed to sink tensions by suggesting a 'corporate makeover for Daniel Bryan'.
It was tables galore in the main event as Ryback battled the WWE Champion John Cena.
The match was very physical with Ryback enforcing his dominance early on, but John Cena's grit and determination allowed him to get back in it.
Ryback came close to winning when he had the table leaned against the turnbuckle, and he attempted to drive John Cena through it but John Cena sidestepped him and Ryback managed to thwart his own momentum.
But John Cena was able to hit the Attitude Adjustment sending Ryback crashing through the table, the WWE Champion picked up a huge win.
Daniel Bryan then appeared chanting YES! YES! YES! and he held John Cena's belt, before Cena took it away and the two stared down once again.
Daniel Bryan could be the guy to end John Cena's title reign, it is going to be interesting to see come SummerSlam.
Review: Very physical tables match up, it is a rarity having these matches on RAW and it was great to see. There was a good end to the match and then when Daniel Bryan showed up he had glimpses of a heel character in my opinion. They have really maxed up on Daniel Bryan to show he poses a huge threat at SummerSlam.
Surprisingly entertaining for a taped show. Interested to see how Daniel Bryan's corporate makeover unfolds, plus the situation between the Wyatt Family and Kane. Although nothing significant unfolded, the show was well booked and proved for some good wrestling. Good edition of RAW.
WWE Main Event - 31st July 2013 (Episode 44)
Wade Barrett got back to winning ways as he defeated R-Truth in Main Event from Houston, Texas in the featured match.
R-Truth frustrated Wade Barrett during the match, as he mocked the Bare-Knuckle Brawler causing him to revert to an aggressive comeback, but eventually Barrett stated his dominance over the Truth. It was a swift turn in momentum where Wade Barrett picked up the win. Following a flurry of offense by R-Truth, he looked to dive through the ropes, but Barrett hit the Bullhammer Elbow and picked up the win.
In the other matches, The Usos defeated the Prime Time Players in a terrific tag team contest, a relentless offense by the twin brothers got them the win. Also, Drew McIntyre was destroyed by Mark Henry in a quick singles match.
Review: While the featured match between R-Truth and Wade Barrett did not seem as appealing at first, Main Event proved to be a good show. The best match was the tag-team match, it was some great stuff. Meanwhile Mark Henry squashing McIntyre shows that he is raging to take on The Shield. Well booked Main Event.
Wrestling News from the Web
Cody Rhodes and Wade Barrett took to the ring in quite a relatively short match.
Rhodes took some early punishment from brutal shots by Barrett, but with knees to the face of Barrett he regained control to deliver some perfectly executed finesse moves.
Cody Rhodes reigned victorious, but Damien Sandow would have an input of negativity, with a mockery of his family name that left him irate. As the Money in the Bank briefcase sinks somewhere in the Gulf of Mexico, the Damien Sandow and Cody Rhodes saga is far from a culmination.
Wade Barrett is suffering from many losses currently in the WWE, hopefully this will change soon and he will gain some momentum. Cody Rhodes and Damien Sandow's rivalry is great as it showcases younger talent. The match was quite short, but it did not need to be long as it did not really serve a purpose accept for leading it onto the next part of the Rhodes and Sandow feud.
Daniel Bryan and Kane squared off in one of two main event matches on RAW, in a clash of former tag team partners.
Daniel Bryan continued his great roll picking up the win after the match spanned for a few minutes. Unlike Daniel Bryan's previous matches it was not as high paced, however this is understandable because he was in the ring with a big guy like Kane.
 |
| Image: WWE.com |
Kane was extremely frustrated following his loss, and delivered a Chokeslam to Daniel Bryan.
Then, the Wyatt Family came an attacked Kane again. Kane held off for longer than previously but it was the same outcome, and Kane was told to "Follow The Buzzards".
Daniel Bryan continues to impress, this guy is on a great roll as of late and a win against Kane has tremendous value. Meanwhile the loss from Kane did not harm him much because of the situation with the Wyatts following the bout. I can't wait to see what happens next with Kane and the Wyatt Family.
Brie Bella defeated Natalya in a Singles match, tensions boiled over prior to the match with the Bellas insulting Natalya's looks. Natalya was distracted during the match by Nikki Bella, and Brie Bella capitalized to pick up the win.
Intercontinental Champion Curtis Axel was in action against R-Truth, but CM Punk would effect the final outcome and almost got his hands on Paul Heyman.
They matched up well for the start of the match, before Axel gained the upperhand. CM Punk then had an input and took out Curtis Axel momentarily before going after Paul Heyman.
However, the Mad Scientist would just manage to escape after Curtis Axel fought off Punk for the time being. Paul Heyman has got himself in trouble with the Straight Edge Savior.
 |
| Image: WWE.com |
Vince McMahon, Stephanie McMahon and Triple H were backstage discussing Daniel Bryan. Vince McMahon said he wanted "someone like Triple H... but 23 years younger". Stephanie McMahon managed to sink tensions by suggesting a 'corporate makeover for Daniel Bryan'.
It was tables galore in the main event as Ryback battled the WWE Champion John Cena.
The match was very physical with Ryback enforcing his dominance early on, but John Cena's grit and determination allowed him to get back in it.
Ryback came close to winning when he had the table leaned against the turnbuckle, and he attempted to drive John Cena through it but John Cena sidestepped him and Ryback managed to thwart his own momentum.
But John Cena was able to hit the Attitude Adjustment sending Ryback crashing through the table, the WWE Champion picked up a huge win.
Daniel Bryan then appeared chanting YES! YES! YES! and he held John Cena's belt, before Cena took it away and the two stared down once again.
Daniel Bryan could be the guy to end John Cena's title reign, it is going to be interesting to see come SummerSlam.
 |
| Image: WWE.com |
Surprisingly entertaining for a taped show. Interested to see how Daniel Bryan's corporate makeover unfolds, plus the situation between the Wyatt Family and Kane. Although nothing significant unfolded, the show was well booked and proved for some good wrestling. Good edition of RAW.
WWE Main Event - 31st July 2013 (Episode 44)
Wade Barrett got back to winning ways as he defeated R-Truth in Main Event from Houston, Texas in the featured match.
R-Truth frustrated Wade Barrett during the match, as he mocked the Bare-Knuckle Brawler causing him to revert to an aggressive comeback, but eventually Barrett stated his dominance over the Truth. It was a swift turn in momentum where Wade Barrett picked up the win. Following a flurry of offense by R-Truth, he looked to dive through the ropes, but Barrett hit the Bullhammer Elbow and picked up the win.
In the other matches, The Usos defeated the Prime Time Players in a terrific tag team contest, a relentless offense by the twin brothers got them the win. Also, Drew McIntyre was destroyed by Mark Henry in a quick singles match.
 |
| Image: WWE.com |
Wrestling News from the Web
COMMENTS