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 Punk
  CM 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 Strongest
  The 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.