WTF: Raw, July 16, 2012

I hope everybody enjoyed the final two-hour Raw. I also hope everybody who enjoyed the New York Times best selling WWE Encyclopedia picks up the sequel: WWE Encyclopedia, 2nd Edition

Now that that’s out of the way, here’s this week’s WTF (Weekly Top Five):

5. LOVEBIRDS
The only thing that would’ve made the Daniel Bryan-AJ engagement better is if DB used a “Macho Man” Randy Savage voice to ask her. Remember that? “Elizabit … Elizabit…” Classic.

In reality, though, I feared that the whole AJ storyline would’ve just faded away, resulting in the fans who invested their time and energy into her recent character being left disappointed. But this gives it some very interesting legs. I’ll be waiting awaiting my invitation.

4. ARE YOU READY?
No, D-Generation X wasn’t on Raw tonight. But WWE did do a very simple and effective thing to help members of the WWE Universe get in front of the TV at 8 p.m. ET next week: They announced that DX will reunite right at the start of the show.

I know, I know; you’re thinking “Sullivan, how many times are you going to say ‘simple and effective?’” Sure, I use that phrase often; but it’s true, simple and effective is THE way to go. Period. I guess I’m the anti-Russo.

 Pick up the new WWE Encyclopedia

3. THE ASS IS BACK
Rikishi was never all that kind to me during our interactions over the years, but that doesn’t mean I can’t give credit where credit is due. He looked amazing tonight (well, he looked amazing for Rikishi), and seeing him dance with his sons was one of those Raw moments that people will remember for a long, long time. Well done.

2. REY’S RETURN
Welcome back. Mysterio vs. Alberto Del Rio at SummerSlam is a match people will pay to see, including me.

 It’s good: The new WWE Encyclopedia

1. CM PUNK – BIG SHOW – JOHN CENA
I’m a sucker for dynasties, which is why I love seeing CM Punk kick off the show by selling the importance of his eight-month WWE Championship reign. I’m also a sucker for history; so when Punk said somebody like him would’ve never even seen the light of day on the first-ever Raw nearly two decades ago, I knew we had the makings of a good segment.

Punk wasn’t the only bright spot of segment one; Big Show did his part, too. With one statement (telling Punk he would kick his ass), he accomplished three goals. First, he continued to solidify his character as a no-nonsense monster. Second, the arrogant tone in his voice nearly guaranteed the WWE Universe would stay tuned to see Show hopefully get what he deserved. And finally—and most importantly—it reminded fans that John Cena could potentially cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase at any time, including tonight.

Then in the final segment of the show, John Cena ran down with his newly-repaired briefcase, as we all expected. BUT … he didn’t do what I assumed he would do. Like most people I talked to, I thought Cena was going to tell Punk that he would cash in his contract at SummerSlam. Instead, Cena told the champ that they would compete next week at Raw 1000.

The way I see it, this is actually a far better plan. It works by getting more eyeballs to tune into the mega-show that will be Raw 1000. Then, once they are there, WWE can upsell them to SummerSlam … hopefully.

The new WWE Encyclopedia would buy you (return the favor)