WWE RAW, 23rd September - Preview

Last week’s RAW and SmackDown showed that the best time for any fan to be watching wrestling is right now. After two great episodes back to back, RAW and SmackDown have nearly erased all the confusion that Night of Champions managed to create. However, it also managed to bring up a lot of new and interesting developments into storylines that were turning out to be stale.

Here are the issues that RAW should focus on this week.

1. CM Punk will return to his home-town. 

CM Punk after being driven through a table at Night of Champions didn’t make an appearance on RAW last week. However, Punk is scheduled to return to RAW tonight in his home-town Chicago. After costing Punk a chance to thwart his former best friend, he will have a few words for the ‘Human Wrecking Ball’ who has aligned himself with Heyman as his client. How will Punk respond to his new challenge? Will Ryback and Heyman spoil Punk’s homecoming and teach him a lesson in front of his home fans? Ryback attacking Punk at Chicago is sure to create a lot of heat for the big man and WWE will be keen on making use of this.

2. Randy Orton‘s new vicious avatar

Randy Orton was belittled by Stephanie which led out the viper exposing his deadlier side on the Miz. Orton completely ruined Miz and sent him injured in his home-town. Not only that he also claimed to do the same to Bryan and reclaim the title. How does this new side of Orton affect Bryan’s chances? Will Bryan be able to handle the viper?

3. Why did the superstars help Bryan?

Last week on RAW, we saw all the faces in the roster help Bryan from getting thwarted by The Shield again. They however had to face the brunt on SmackDown last week. But the question that remains is why did all the superstars come out to help Bryan. Are we witnessing a revolt of sorts? If yes, will Triple H be able to handle it? Are The Shield enough to withstand the entire roster? As far as I see it, Triple H will come up with some new recruits as his henchmen to stand up against the rebels.

4. Will AJ Lee be able to stand up against the Total Divas?

AJ Lee successfully defended her title at Night of Champions showing her credibility as champion. After Aksana, Layla and Alicia Fox backed out from helping her, AJ has vowed to take on all of the Total Divas herself. Will AJ be able to handle everyone? Or will the Total Divas dominate the champion?

5. Will RVD capitalise on his second chance?

RVD failed to capture the title at Night of Champions after Del Rio disqualified himself. He also made a statement last week by helping Bryan from The Shield and nearly knocking the trio out at SmackDown. After receiving another title shot, Del Rio sneaked up from behind and attacked RVD who is still recovering from its effects. Will RVD along with Ricardo be able to retaliate? What does Mr. Monday Night have in store for the champion?

6. How will the Rhodes family respond to last week’s events?

Dusty Rhodes was knocked out by the Big Show after he was openly asked by Stephanie McMahon to do so. Big Show chose the better of the two evils by knocking the Hall of Famer out rather than allowing The Shield to. So what does the Rhodes Family have to say to the outrageous action of Stephanie? Will they retaliate? Will we see the return of Cody Rhodes?