WWE Raw Storyline Tracker 7/30
By Robin Scannell, PWTorch Specialist

(1) WWE Title Picture

Raw opened with Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler discussing a fire on the Raw set prior to the show starting.

C.M Punk then came to the ring and spoke about his “Raw moment” that was biggest that most people’s WrestleMania moments. He said he had a bad taste in his mouth over how Raw 1,000 ended, and referenced Jerry Lawler’s comment that Punk had “turned his back on the WWE Universe,” (in reality, Lawler only said that Punk had “turned on the WWE Universe”).

Punk sat on the announce table to speak to Lawler, and explained that The Rock is one man, a delusional movie star, and not the WWE Universe. Punk said that the Rock disrespected him when he interrupted him the week before, he then ignored him as he spoke to Bryan, and then Rock spoke like he was just going to take the WWE Title from Punk. Punk went on to say that Rock wanted to make Raw 1,000 all about him when he ran out to help Cena.

Punk said that was when he showed Rock the kind of man he’s dealing with and will face at Royal Rumble. Punk said that no one heard from Rock, he’s become silent. Punk said the show ended with the attention and focus on the WWE Champion – the best wrestler in the world.

Big Show then came to the ring when Punk commented on Show wanting to steal the spotlight, too. Show said the focus on Raw 1,000 was on him, not Punk, as he was the one to cost Cena the title and make him the first to cash in a MITB contract and lose (Cena won by disqualification?). Show said Punk would have tapped out to Cena if it were not for him.

John Cena then came out, heading straight for Big Show. Soon after, A.J. Lee was introduced and came to the stage. A.J. announced John Cena vs. Big Show for a title shot against Punk at Summerslam.

Later, backstage, Punk admitted to Cena that he took advantage of Big Show’s involvement because the WWE Title was on the line, and he said that he’d like to think Cena would have done the same thing. Punk said people were saying Punk should have done more to help Cena, but Punk said he challenges any of them to get in the ring with Big Show and see how they fare.

Punk said he respects and likes Cena, but that he wished neither Cena nor Show luck as he doesn’t care who wins. Punk said he knows Cena’s upset with himself because he did to Rock in one night what Cena couldn’t do in a year, but he just has to let it go.

C.M. Punk came out for commentary for the main event match, saying that he was there to ensure neutrality.

During the John Cena vs. Big Show match, Show threw Cena over the announce table and onto Punk. Then, in the ring, Cena went for an Attitude Adjustment on Show, when Punk attacked them, ending the match. Punk took Justin Roberts’s mic and said that the winner is nobody, that they are both losers.

As Punk walked backstage, A.J. came out and announced that they’re both winners, so Punk will face them both in a Triple Threat match at Summerslam for the title. Punk came back out and shouted at A.J., calling her crazy, and asking her to show him some respect, as A.J. just smiled at him.

***

(2) Sheamus vs. Alberto Del Rio

Alberto Del Rio defeated Santino Marella in a non-title match. After the match, Del Rio said that he destroyed the U.S. Champion like nothing. Del Rio said that Santino, Sheamus, and all the fans are beneath him. Del Rio then refused to compete again, unless it’s for the World Title, meaning he won’t compete until Summerslam.

Santino Marella is the second longest reigning champion currently, behind only Punk.

***

(3) Daniel Bryan vs. A.J

Backstage, Daniel Bryan tried to muster up the courage to knock on A.J.’s door, but he couldn’t do so. Later, he tried to do so again, but to no avail. Later still, Bryan finally spoke to A.J., asking if she was completely insane for leaving him at the altar. A.J. told Bryan that she was his boss, not his bride-to-be. A.J. mentioned the white coats from the week before, and said that she thought he was marrying her to have her legally committed. Bryan denied that, saying they were his friends. A.J. then said its okay, and announced Bryan vs. Sheamus in a match that wasn’t for the title.

Fans were able to vote for the stipulation between a No Holds Barred match, Falls Count Anywhere match, or a Street Fight.

Backstage, Sheamus told Josh Mathews that he didn't care what stipulation was chosen, but that he's happy the fans get to decide. Sheamus then asked Mathews if he was okay.

Reax: Those stipulations are so similar; I guess that’s what viewers can expect going forwards. Also, it was one of those odd WWE segments with Sheamus and Mathews.

Before Bryan's match, he got angry at the crowd, saying that only he gets to chant "Yes!" Sheamus then came out, and it was revealed that 73 percent of respondents selected Street Fight compared to 14 percent for a No Holds Barred and 13 percent for a Falls Count Anywhere match. Sheamus defeated Daniel in a good, long match after hitting a Brogue Kick that was good for the pinfall.

After the match and commercial back, Bryan refused to leave the ring, saying that he hurt his neck and wanted to see a doctor. Kofi Kingston and R-Truth then came out and tried to convince Bryan to leave. Bryan then attacked the invisible child, Little Jimmy, and Truth left the ring to check on him. Bryan said that R-Tuth was out of his mind and doesn’t belong here.

Then, the four men in white walked out, and A.J. said that they’re for “the little guy in the ring,” Daniel Bryan, as Bryan has seemed mentally unstable and needs to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. The men then escorted Bryan from the ring.

Backstage, Bryan spoke about his neck hurting, and then said that he just wants to get this over with. The doctor then asked Bryan questions all with the answer “Yes,” Bryan then began to shout “Yes!” over and over, annoyed with the questioning.

Later, backstage, Bryan was given the Rorschach test (inkblots), and when three of the inkblots were put on the table, they appeared to resemble a “goat face." Bryan flipped and started ranting about Charlie Sheen.

Finally, the doctor’s conclusion was that Bryan is very bitter, irritable, extremely short-tempered, and has a weird obsession with Charlie Sheen, but that he is 100 percent sane. Then, after the doctor left, the lights turned red and Kane introduced himself as Bryan’s anger management therapist, and attacked him.

***

(3) Tag Team Title Picture

In a singles match, Titus O’Neil (with Darren Young and A.W.) defeated Kofi Kingston (with R-Truth) when A.W. threw a shoe at Kofi, distracting him, and allowing O’Neil to take advantage for the win. During the match, A.W. made a joke comparing NBA star Kobe Bryant in a Colorado hotel room to O’Neil. After the match, Cole apologized for A.W.’s comments.

***

(4) Chris Jericho vs. Dolph Ziggler / Christian vs. The Miz

In a tag team match, Christian and Chris Jericho defeated The Miz and Dolph Ziggler after Christian hit a thumb to Miz’s eye, allowing Jericho to hit the Codebreaker and get the pinfall. After the match, Ziggler attacked Jericho with the MITB briefcase.

***

(5) Brodus Clay vs. Damien Sandow

“Queen Diva” Vickie Guerrero interrupted Brodus Clay (with Cameron & Naomi) to show them how to dance. Then, Damien Sandow came out and referred to himself as a martyr for the horrible crime against humanity when Shawn Michaels and Triple H attacked him last week. Then, Sandow attacked Clay and broke Clay’s necklace.

***

Other Stories

- Heath Slater challenged any current Superstar to a match, and Randy Orton came out. Orton won the short match that followed.

- Tensai (with Sakamoto) defeated Tyson Kidd in a match. However, after the match, Tensai kept attacking Kidd, causing the decision to be reversed. Tensai then took out his anger on Sakamoto.

[Torch art credit Grant Gould (c) PWTorch.com]

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