General Manager AJ kicked off the show by booking Big Show vs Randy Orton and Daniel Bryan vs John Cena. WWE Champion CM Punk then shortly interrupted her and apologised for yelling at the GM on last weeks Raw. AJ accepted the apology. Punk went on to then call the triple threat at SummerSlam for his title a "mistake" and asked her to cancel it, but she refused.
John Cena then also joined them and reprimanded Punk for coming out and demanding respect when he has to earn it. He also stated that the Triple threat match coming about was his fault when he interfered in his match with Big Show last week. Punk retorted by claiming that he hasn't changed and that he's just stating the facts like he always has. Big Show also predictably came out, but before he could utter a word AJ demanded that everyone preserve their energy and informed Punk that he'll next face an opponent that will be voted for by the fans on Twitter (out of Kane, Mysterio and The Miz).
CM Punk defeated Rey Mysterio in a tremendous back and fourth contest. As expected these two put on a solid match up as they did during the majority of their entertaining feud a few years ago. Good start to the show.
We were shown an intriguing VT with Wade Barrett talking about going back to his roots and attending a kind of underground fight club. It actually got me quite excited for his return.
Alberto Del Rio defeated Christian in a decent match up. When you pit two wrestlers like these who clearly take pride in their craft then you're going to get an enjoyable bout.
Afterwards World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus appeared on the tron and decided to take Del Rio's beautiful Ferrari for a little spin after Ricardo Rodriguez accidentally left the keys in the boot.
Big Show versus Randy Orton ended in a double count out. The match ranged from fair to quite drab for the majority of it, it's pretty skippable really. The count out occurred after Show had speared Orton on the outside. As the giant dragged him back to the ring 'The Viper' managed to pull out an RKO.
Ryback beat Curt Hawkings and Tyler Reks in an average Handicap match. Ryback was made to look maybe a little more vulnerable than usual against the tag team but in the end provided his usual finishing sequence.
Primo and Epico defeated Titus O'Neil and Darren Young in a fair tag team bout. Primo and Epico looked solid enough, they just had to work with unremarkable opposition. Young was pinned by Primo after the Tag Team Champions Truth and Kingston persuaded him to make his was back into the ring as he, along with his partner and manager AW were about to leave.
Before the bell had even rung for their match, Damien Sandow began attacking Brodus Clay on the ramp, eventually taking out his leg. Sandow received a healthy reception from the fans in attendance.
Kelly Kelly defeated Eve in a mediocre Divas bout. This is why I didn't miss the lack of Divas action on last weeks Raw, there's just no interest or really decent action in it for me.
Shawn Michaels made his much welcome return to the show and his hometown of San Antonio, and of course began with a thank you to all the fans for their support. But before he could say much more, Brock Lesnar, accompanied by Paul Heyman, interrupted HBK. Heyman admitted that as the all-time greatest wrestling performer he would normally ask Michaels his opinion on Lesnar versus Triple H, but this was different as Lesnar was heading into SummerSlam to "fight" 'The Game, not entertain anyone.
HBK stated that on most days Lesnar would be the favourite in a fight, but this time he was unsurprisingly going with his long time friend Triple H to be victorious in their clash. He was in fact so confident that he also announced he will be in Triple H's corner for the match. As Lesnar began to threaten Michaels, Triple H made his way out and caused his future opponent to back off. But before Lesnar left he warned HBK that he'll see him before SummerSlam.
Alex Riley defeated Dolph Ziggler in a passable contest. Most of the entertainment came from Jericho (who was on guest commentary) and Ziggler's interactions, which actually caused the Money in the Bank holder to be distracted and pinned by Riley.
Kane beat The Miz in an unremarkable match up. It wasn't bad, just rather drab and unmemorable really.
John Cena defeated Daniel Bryan in an enjoyable enough match up, with Bryan benig allowed a surprisingly generous amount of offense. I'm surprised they gave away a first time match like this on a Raw, although a potential feud between the two would probably ruin all the momentum Bryan's on right now. Cena has a reputation of ruining a wrestler's push quite easily by making childish jokes about them and not putting them over in the ring with his Superman-like comebacks.
Afterwards Big Show decided to take the attack to Cena, with Punk shortly following and taking out both his SummerSlam opponents. He then reiterated his words last week regarding the fact that as WWE Champion he deserves more attention and prominence (which I agree with) and added that he's had enough of acting nice for everyone and paying his dues now. As the champ went back to the ring he was met with a WMD from Big Show, who also then KO'd Cena for good measure.
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