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This week from the WWE scene: Brock Lesnar and CM Punk engage in ferocious brawl; Daniel Bryan receives 'Corporate Makeover'; Randy Orton makes bold statement to Bryan and Cena; The Shield win in Six-Man Tag Team chaos on Main Event.
WWE Monday Night RAW - 5th August 2013 (Episode 1054)
WWE Monday Night RAW - 5th August 2013 (Episode 1054)
Stephanie McMahon opened the show in Green Bay and she discussed the corporate makeover that Daniel Bryan went through before showing a video package of his makeover.
Daniel Bryan was then introduced, with a beard still in tact, but wearing a suit and his hair slicked back. The crowd were not a fan of the new look as they responded with boos when Daniel Bryan asked them if they liked it. The #1 Contender then went on to mock John Cena saying that his merchandise was useless, and he said he would make John Cena tap out at SummerSlam, until the boss Vince McMahon made an entrance.
Mr McMahon made fun of the new look, and even gave a reference of Daniel Bryan looking like a mini Mick Foley. One last thing however was needed to complete the makeover, and that was to lose the beard.
With the crowd fully vocal chanting NO! NO! NO! a barber chair was sent down to the ring and Daniel Bryan gingerly made his way to the chair, before Wade Barrett was revealed as the barber to shave the beard.
Daniel Bryan would distract Wade Barrett before hitting him and putting him in the barber's chair. Barrett's beard was partially shaved off before Bryan attacked Wade Barrett then left to the stage and told Vince McMahon he would remain the same before revealing an awesome "The Beard is Here" shirt in the same format of John Cena's t-shirt.
Really strong segment to kick off Monday Night RAW, the corporate makeover was highly anticipated by people watching RAW and this had a good ending. Fans get what they want as Daniel Bryan keeps the beard, hopefully Wade Barrett won't be solely used as a prop but have more meaning. Vince McMahon as a heel is really working. Great start to RAW.
World Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio faced Rob Van Dam, and Rob Van Dam was seeking retribution after Alberto Del Rio faked an injury to defeat Rob Van Dam a few weeks ago on SmackDown.
With the returning Ricardo Rodriguez back in his corner, Alberto Del Rio dealt well with Rob Van Dam's high-flying game although not entirely. Rob Van Dam's second attempt of the Rolling Thunder was successful but a moonsault attempt was countered. Ricardo Rodriguez attempted to give Alberto Del Rio the advantage by setting up the bucket in the corner of the ring, but Rob Van Dam threw Del Rio into it and picked up the win.
After the loss, Del Rio was irate and took his frustration out on Ricardo Rodriguez. He attacked him with the bucket then threw him outside of the ring, and kicked his head that was behind the steel steps leaving him in a bad way.
Alberto Del Rio and Rob Van Dam had quite an entertaining and well-matched athletic contest. The win for Rob Van Dam is important although it does not really damage Del Rio's status. Plus, Del Rio's attack on Rodriguez showed that he is still danger but the spot when his head was kicked in the steel steps did not really go well.
Cody Rhodes was in the ring and he addressed the situation between himself and Damien Sandow. Rhodes had also brought a box into the ring.
Cody Rhodes revealed the contents of the box and it was a beaten up briefcase of which was thrown into the Gulf of Mexico a few weeks ago. Damien Sandow came out to collect the briefcase and told Cody Rhodes to leave the ring.
When Sandow was back in the ring collecting the briefcase Rhodes attacked him off-guard and Sandow retreated. Cody Rhodes opened the briefcase and took out the ruined contract, before the two had a distant staredown.
The feud between Damien Sandow and Cody Rhodes is awesome. This leads to an SummerSlam match and I cannot wait for it. One of the best midcard feuds in years, both men are doing the job perfectly. Another great segment between the two.
Leviathans of Power Ryback and Mark Henry battled in a rematch from WrestleMania 29, but again it would not end smoothly.
Daniel Bryan was then introduced, with a beard still in tact, but wearing a suit and his hair slicked back. The crowd were not a fan of the new look as they responded with boos when Daniel Bryan asked them if they liked it. The #1 Contender then went on to mock John Cena saying that his merchandise was useless, and he said he would make John Cena tap out at SummerSlam, until the boss Vince McMahon made an entrance.
Mr McMahon made fun of the new look, and even gave a reference of Daniel Bryan looking like a mini Mick Foley. One last thing however was needed to complete the makeover, and that was to lose the beard.
With the crowd fully vocal chanting NO! NO! NO! a barber chair was sent down to the ring and Daniel Bryan gingerly made his way to the chair, before Wade Barrett was revealed as the barber to shave the beard.
Daniel Bryan would distract Wade Barrett before hitting him and putting him in the barber's chair. Barrett's beard was partially shaved off before Bryan attacked Wade Barrett then left to the stage and told Vince McMahon he would remain the same before revealing an awesome "The Beard is Here" shirt in the same format of John Cena's t-shirt.
I'm afraid that the #BarrettBarbers is no longer #OpenForBusiness.
— Wade Barrett (@WadeBarrett) August 6, 2013
Really strong segment to kick off Monday Night RAW, the corporate makeover was highly anticipated by people watching RAW and this had a good ending. Fans get what they want as Daniel Bryan keeps the beard, hopefully Wade Barrett won't be solely used as a prop but have more meaning. Vince McMahon as a heel is really working. Great start to RAW.
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| Image: WWE.com |
With the returning Ricardo Rodriguez back in his corner, Alberto Del Rio dealt well with Rob Van Dam's high-flying game although not entirely. Rob Van Dam's second attempt of the Rolling Thunder was successful but a moonsault attempt was countered. Ricardo Rodriguez attempted to give Alberto Del Rio the advantage by setting up the bucket in the corner of the ring, but Rob Van Dam threw Del Rio into it and picked up the win.
After the loss, Del Rio was irate and took his frustration out on Ricardo Rodriguez. He attacked him with the bucket then threw him outside of the ring, and kicked his head that was behind the steel steps leaving him in a bad way.
#RAW @RRWWE don't bite the hand that feeds you! #WHC #theriodeal No muerdas la Mano de quien te da de comer
— Alberto Del Rio (@VivaDelRio) August 6, 2013
Alberto Del Rio and Rob Van Dam had quite an entertaining and well-matched athletic contest. The win for Rob Van Dam is important although it does not really damage Del Rio's status. Plus, Del Rio's attack on Rodriguez showed that he is still danger but the spot when his head was kicked in the steel steps did not really go well.
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Cody Rhodes revealed the contents of the box and it was a beaten up briefcase of which was thrown into the Gulf of Mexico a few weeks ago. Damien Sandow came out to collect the briefcase and told Cody Rhodes to leave the ring.
When Sandow was back in the ring collecting the briefcase Rhodes attacked him off-guard and Sandow retreated. Cody Rhodes opened the briefcase and took out the ruined contract, before the two had a distant staredown.
The feud between Damien Sandow and Cody Rhodes is awesome. This leads to an SummerSlam match and I cannot wait for it. One of the best midcard feuds in years, both men are doing the job perfectly. Another great segment between the two.
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The short action consisted of Mark Henry hitting a shoulder block, responded to by a chop block that sended Mark Henry to his knees. The World's Strongest Slam then went for a power slam but Ryback escaped the ring and got himself purposely counted out. Mark Henry won, but not in the way he wanted.
This match definitely pleased the crowd, as they were chanting "BORING" as the two squared off. These would have got longer as the match continued so the quick finish seems quite pointless of the whole match itself. It is surprising that The Shield did not attack but this could just be used as something to build up for Mark Henry. Pointless segment though overall.
Backstage, The Bella Twins were discussing the success of E!s New Reality Show Total Divas, and they almost got into a dispute of who was the star before agreeing that they both were stars. New Diva Eva Marie appeared and discussed Natalya before Natalya came backstage. Natalya slapped Brie Bella in the face after she insulted Natalya. Just an advert to show things are heating up on Total Divas, nothing really relevant.
John Cena was all seriousness when he cut a promo in reponse to what Daniel Bryan said earlier in the night, he was fired up to say the least.
The WWE Champion spoke about his loyalty to the WWE and also said that Daniel Bryan is not the first nor last to mock him. After quite a serious promo, things get even more serious with the arrival of Randy Orton. The Viper said that it does not matter who wins at SummerSlam because he would beat whoever wins.
The Shield show up and surround John Cena and Randy Orton but Daniel Bryan evens the odds, before a main event is scheduled for later in the night, The Shield vs. Daniel Bryan, Randy Orton and John Cena.
Review: Quite a serious promo by John Cena and this was definitely better than some of his other promos. The Shield made things exciting with their arrival and the announcement of the main event built some excitement and speculation about what would ensue with the combustible elements teaming up.
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Luke Harper and Erick Rowan were savagely beating down Tons of Funk before scoring the pinfall, then the hypnotic Bray Wyatt entered the ring. Wyatt would finish off Brodus Clay before delivering another subliminal and subtle message to Kane.
But then then fire went up in the ring and Kane showed up on the titantron. He had his own message for Bray Wyatt, telling him that at SummerSlam his own family won't be able to save him surrounded in a "Ring of Fire".
Review: Compelling segment, the Bray Wyatt and Kane feud is another epic feud. The possibility of an inferno match has everyone abuzz, this is going to be huge.
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The former Divas' Champion was hell bent on hurting Layla but then she was distracted by AJ Lee. Layla took advantage to pick up the win with the Chick Kick, and Layla and AJ skipped off in triumph.
Review: Just like the crowd the match had no interest until AJ Lee got involved. This feud is interesting but are we really going to see Kaitlyn vs. AJ Lee again? Something else must be introduced.
Christian defeated Heath Slater in a quick and comical matchup where the #1 contender to the World Heavyweight Champion would outwit the 3MB.
After seeing off other 3MB members and stringing together some signature offense, Christian hit a huge spear to win.
CM Punk squared off with Curtis Axel in what was a very compelling match but ended in a No Contest, and the arrival of a Beast.
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Then, The Beast Arrived.
Brock Lesnar made his way to the ring and CM Punk awaited him, but as Lesnar got into the ring, CM Punk was pulled out of it by Curtis Axel. He went to attack CM Punk but found himself on the receiving end of a GTS, before CM Punk went to take on Brock Lesnar.
CM Punk almost slayed the Beast, but his attention was turned to Paul Heyman allowing Brock Lesnar to take control and dish out a beating on The Best in the World.
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I'm calling my insurance person not to save 15% but to take out a policy on @HeymanHustle who has challenged @CMPunk next week on #WWERaw.EPIC segment. CM Punk and Curtis Axel had some great action in the ring, then the Lesnar and Punk brawl was great. I cannot wait for SummerSlam. By the way, "Paul, say something stupid" is the line of the night.
— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) August 6, 2013
I’m baaaaaaaaaaaaack! #RAWKingston - debuting new attire - would tango with a very game Fandango who came close to defeating CM Punk last week on SmackDown. After back and forth exchanges for the pinfall, a Trouble in Paradise hit home for the victory.
— Kofi Kingston (@TrueKofi) August 6, 2013
The Real Americans Jack Swagger and Antonio Cesaro were accompanied by Zeb Colter as they faced The Usos in a terrific tag team match.
Zeb Colter bashed the Green Bay Packers prior to the match, and we saw some great team work by all combatants. The Usos managed to fight off Swagger and Cesaro's isolation tactics to put together a flurry of explosive offense but back in the ring Jey Uso received a cheap shot from Jack Swagger that lead to a very well-executed Neutralizer to give the Real Americans the win.
Review: Great tag team match, teamwork personified. I enjoy watching both of these teams in action and it was a really good contest. Hopefully The Usos only suffer this loss as some sort of rarity, but the Real Amercans needed the win more. Tag team divison is getting fun to watch.
Big E Langston and Dolph Ziggler battled once again after their match last week had an uneasy finish, but chaos would ensue yet again.
Dolph Ziggler got off the mark to begin things with a superb drop-kick, before the two went back-and-forth until Big E Langston established his dominance. But after Langston hit hard on the canvas after a splash was missed, Ziggler came near to the win but it was just a near fall. AJ Lee observed the ring before Kaitlyn came out and the two brawled and it even went inside the ring, of where Ziggler attempted to split things up. However he became the recipient of a huge shot by Langston followed by the Big Ending to finish things off.
This Big E Langston and AJ vs. Dolph Ziggler and Kaitlyn is heating up. Chaos has ensued in all encounters and this is leading up to a match at SummerSlam, I would guess a mixed tag team match. Big E Langston and Dolph Ziggler had some great action in the ring and Dolph Ziggler puts over Langston without looking too weak in the process. Nicely done.
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In the main event, The Shield battled the combustible elements of Randy Orton, John Cena and Daniel Bryan in a six man tag team match, but it would ultimately conclude in a disqualification.
Momentum was going for the team of Orton, Cena and Bryan early on, but The Shield managed to maintain control and isolate Daniel Bryan before throwing him into Randy Orton, and The Viper would strike back later on. Bryan would then manage to get the YES! Lock on Seth Rollins, but the other members of The Shield broke it up and suffered the disqualification loss.
John Cena and Randy Orton then fought off The Shield, followed by Randy Orton making an emphatic statement with RKOs to both Daniel Bryan and John Cena. Then the WWE Universe in Green Bay were on their feet when Randy Orton was on the brink of cashing in, only to be halted by The Shield who attacked Daniel Bryan and John Cena as Randy Orton looked on.
Randy Orton has set in stone to turn heel, a good ending to the show that sets up the SummerSlam match really well and shows the delicate balance of the WWE Championship situation.
Awesome RAW, many notables including the makeover, brawl between CM Punk and Brock Lesnar, six-man tag team match, briefcase battling between Rhodes and Sandow, Kane's challenge to Bray Wyatt and more. Cannot wait for SummerSlam!
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John Cena and Randy Orton then fought off The Shield, followed by Randy Orton making an emphatic statement with RKOs to both Daniel Bryan and John Cena. Then the WWE Universe in Green Bay were on their feet when Randy Orton was on the brink of cashing in, only to be halted by The Shield who attacked Daniel Bryan and John Cena as Randy Orton looked on.
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Awesome RAW, many notables including the makeover, brawl between CM Punk and Brock Lesnar, six-man tag team match, briefcase battling between Rhodes and Sandow, Kane's challenge to Bray Wyatt and more. Cannot wait for SummerSlam!
Randy Orton holds the briefcase that puts him in line for a shot at the WWE Championship, that is all that matters to The Viper as The Shield beat down his potential opponents. Chaos ends as an opportunity for Big E Langston to defeat Dolph Ziggler. Kane and Bray Wyatt will step into a "Ring of Fire" at SummerSlam. Cody Rhodes got one-up on Sandow, but now they will face at SummerSlam. And much more from Green Bay in a great episode of RAW.
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WWE Main Event - 7th August 2013 (Episode 45)
The Shield, Mark Henry and The Usos engaged in an enthralling six-man tag team match on the featured contest on Main Event. The Usos and Mark Henry dominated the majority of the match, thwarting any attempts from The Shield to gather momentum and this resulted in The Shield having to resort to their typical tactics. With the referee's eyes of the action momentarily, the Hounds of Justice capitalized on the opportunity to pick up another win.
Also on Main Event, Natalya showcased her excellent wrestling skills when she defeated Aksana in Singles Competition, and Intercontinental Champion Curtis Axel would defeat Sin Cara after he diverted his momentum against him.
Featured contest of The Shield vs. Mark Henry and The Usos was very well booked and seemed to have much more meaning and anticipation than that of what would have been on RAW or SmackDown. Diva's Matches could solidify a place on Main Event with a spot for action, but Curtis Axel vs. Sin Cara was predictable and we have already seen too many encounters with the two - all of which Curtis Axel has won.
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Also on Main Event, Natalya showcased her excellent wrestling skills when she defeated Aksana in Singles Competition, and Intercontinental Champion Curtis Axel would defeat Sin Cara after he diverted his momentum against him.
Featured contest of The Shield vs. Mark Henry and The Usos was very well booked and seemed to have much more meaning and anticipation than that of what would have been on RAW or SmackDown. Diva's Matches could solidify a place on Main Event with a spot for action, but Curtis Axel vs. Sin Cara was predictable and we have already seen too many encounters with the two - all of which Curtis Axel has won.
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