WWE Raw Review - 3 September, 2012

Normally at this time the big Summer angle would be wrapping up. We saw it with the Summer of Punk, the Nexus angle (to an extent), the Edge/Undertaker feud and many more.

This year there was no such case. It was only in late July when he say something remotely big happen, when CM Punk delivered the GTS to The Rock. But, the whole thing with Punk proved to be a slow transition, and so, the Summer went by with out that big 'Summer angle' that people were hoping for.

September is when big angle generally end, but last night on Raw we just saw the beginning of one. The image of Paul Heyman creeping his head out of that black car is what will surely be the next big angle this year, and that image certainly has people talking. In many ways, the slow Summer has given way for what should be a very interesting Autumn.

CM Punk & Sheamus

This slow transition into a full fledged heel has been great to watch, and Punk has taken it all in his stride perfectly. The home town boy was always going to get that reception, and Punk did a very good job of not making the fans boo him, as well has staying away from any over-the-top babyface antics.

The back and forth exchanges were a good watch, and Sheamus did manage hold his own, even though he stuttered like a “mumbling, stuttering little fuck” (sorry, any chance to quote my favourite film).

Randy Orton vs. Dolph Ziggler

Although we've seen this match-up so many times before (they'll be close Ziggler/Kingston's record if they keep things up) at least we saw a much needed Dolph Ziggler

I ripped into creative last week on my Smackdown review for having Ziggler lose yet again to Orton, in what was a pretty pointless match to begin with, but at least they salvaged themselves here by giving Ziggler the win.

It was a good, relatively lengthy match and one of the better ones they've had together this year. Thumbs up from me.

Rey Mysterio & Sin Cara vs. Cody Rhodes & Tensai

I'm pretty sure this isn't the first time Mysterio and Sin Cara have teamed up together but quite frankly, I'm far too lazy to check.

The match wasn't anything special, and I'm still wandering what Tensai was doing in that match-up in the first place, but it still managed to develop the Rhodes/Cara angle a little bit further.

CM Punk Takes a Day Off

Once again, Punk did an excellent job of showing that his character has changed over the past couple of weeks, but in a manner that didn't look too heelish.

Having him walk out was a good way to get the Chicago crowd to boo him, but just as good to see Punk have a solid meaning behind his actions. It's the little things like this that are making Punk's slow heel turn that much fun to watch.

Sheamus vs. Jack Swagger

As someone who thinks Jack Swagger is vastly overrated I didn't really care that he was squashed here. People can moan about how he deserves more all they want but at the end of the day Jack swagger isn't capable of being anything more than a lower midcarder. He showed that in his feud with Rey Mysterio, and in his reign as World Heavyweight champion as well.

This was nothing more than filler really. Sheamus got the win, but it didn't exactly mean a whole lot for him. In saying that though, it did lead into a good incident involving Ricardo Rodriguez, who sold that Brogue Kick like a champ.

The potential lawsuit from David Otunga also makes this dire storyline a bit more interesting. Hey, it's better late than never, right?

Eve vs. Kaitlyn

Honestly, I had trouble concentrating on this match thanks to Miz and Cole, but I don't think I missed a whole lot anyway.

I am liking what they're doing with Eve here though. Having her play nice and getting in the head of the Divas champion Layla is making for some good Divas air time, and for the first time in months, there's something going on in that division.

Could all of these mind games by Eve lead to a Layla heel turn? Don't count it out.

Daniel Bryan and Kane

While not quite up there with the antics of last week, this was another great showing between these two men.

As silly as they were, all three anger management segments were entertaining, and once again proved how Bryan can pretty much run with any ball he's given.

I said on Twitter that it was hypocritical of me to want them to 'hug it out' even though I always go on about the lack of wrestling on Raw, but come on, it was Kane. And Daniel Bryan. Hugging it out. I couldn't not choose it.

The whole segment probably went on a bit longer than it showed have, but that's just a minor complaint on a segment that was really funny.

Have them team up, have them face each other, I don't care. I'm just really enjoying this storyline.

U.S. Championship

Antonio Cesaro vs. Santino Marella

I got excited when they announced this match last night, and 5 minutes later I was left disappointed. In a 3 hour show, is this the most time a U.S. title match can get?

Granted, this whole storyline with Santino's arm and Aksana has been dreadful, but the match still deserved to go on longer than it should have.

Hopefully it'll get more time at Night of Champions (if it happens) and that the storyline ends after that.

AJ Lee & Vickie Guerrero

I think it's safe to say that AJ's time as GM just hasn't quite worked. I don't know what it is exactly, but her whole spell thus far has been bland.

This segment with Vickie didn't do much for me (I literally just remember it for AJ's constant stalling and Vickie's continuous laughing), but who knows, they might be going somewhere with this nervous breakdown that the GM suffered last night.

Maybe the GM role will prove to be too much for her. Maybe she'll go back to just being a Diva. I don't know, and to be honest, I'm finding it hard to care.

John Cena vs. Alberto Del Rio

A good main event here than had both men working really hard. It wasn't that much different from there match last year at Vengeance, and I mean that as a compliant. It had solid action, good spots and a feel good ending as well.

The ending with Paul Heyman made an ok episode of Raw that much better. It's hard to say we're they'll go with this angle exactly, so I might just sit back and enjoy the ride. I have a feeling it'll be a good one.

Stray Observations:

“Shut up, Harold!”

“I am better than this” said Jack Swagger after he had a chance to face the World Heavyweight champion Sheamus. Kayfabe wise, he really shouldn't be complaining.

Speaking of that backstage segment, why did AJ want him to stick around? He already competed in a match.

“Hug him back! Hug him back! Hug him back!”

“Dr. Shelby should be nominated for the Noble Peace Prize!”

Liked the way the referee ensured that Rey Mysterio's tag to Sin Cara was made inside the ring.