5 TAKEAWAYS FROM WWE RAW

- Kelvin Kately, Senior Editor

Summer Slam is nearly here and on Monday night in Detroit, we got a lot of good reasons to tune into the PLE on both Saturday and Sunday! Being that this is the first two-night event in Summer Slam history, the need for something to invest in was a priority for me. I’m sure I’m not alone in that sentiment. So, let’s look at five things from Raw that I’m excited for heading into the weekend. 

1. Naomi’s First Title Defense

Naomi’s change in attitude has catapulted her status to a legitimate force in the women’s division. By capturing the Women’s World Championship and shocking everyone in the process, she provided her much needed villainous ways to the Raw roster. In doing that, she has elevated that championship while also giving Rhea Ripley a credible threat in her own chase for that title. Going into Summer Slam we don’t have a foregone conclusion that Rhea will be walking out as the champion. Actually… it’s almost the opposite!

   2. Dominik Mysterio is THAT Guy

The Rise of Dominik Mysterio needs to be studied. From his debut with his father, to his turn against him to join The Judgement Day, to his appearance at AAA. The leaps and bounds by which he grew has been nothing short of astronomical! Keep in mind that he is a second generational wrestler following one of the best to ever do it. To say he stepped out of that shadow is a huge statement. I say that to say, this weekend if he beats AJ Styles, we need to start having the conversation of where he fits in the main event scene. The reaction to AJ pinning him on Raw led me to this belief. 

  3. Karrion Kross is In a Must Win Situation

Karrion Kross has been the talk of the town since WrestleMania week. He is becoming undeniable. The WWE Universe is squarely behind him and you can see how much it means to him. He doesn’t have to say it at all. On Raw, he seemingly confirmed a theory that I had about him. Everyone he has interacted with has turned in some way. That is important, as this interaction with Sami Zayn can lead to very interesting things for both men. A Karrion Kross loss (say that fast 5x) would hurt both men, IMO. Although, I think this is a sleeper match of the weekend. 

   4. CM Punk is Also In a Must Win

The Seth Rollins injury has caused a lot of dominoes to fall. The clear story was the Money in the Bank cash-in. On Raw, CM Punk made a very good case of why he and Gunther are a must watch Summer Slam match.  Father time is catching up to CM Punk. Gunther is a dominant champion, but is he on CM Punk’s level? Summer Slam will give us our answer! One thing is for sure. We could be looking at one of the last chances for CM Punk to capture a title. Making good on this opportunity is imperative. 

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    5. The Bron Brons Are For Real

Bronn Breaker and Bronson Reed made a definitive statement on Monday Night Raw. The decimation of Roman Reigns and Jey Uso has completely removed them from the shadow of Seth Rollins. I would argue that they don’t need Seth Rollins and are good enough with just Paul Heyman guiding the ship. Please don’t come after me. But, that’s how big of a statement they made. These two instantly have become a threat and it’s questionable if Roman and Jay can get the job done. 

This weekend is shaping up to be a historical one. NXT and SmackDown! will be giving us more to look forward to. Raw gave us a great “go-home” show to set the tone. We had a couple of speed bumps. But, the excitement for Summer Slam is definitely in the air as we arrive at the destination! 

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