CM Punk's Weak 1st Promo Back, Randy Orton Looks Better Than Ever and More Raw Takes

WWE is hotter than it ever has been, and that is even more true coming out of an exciting Survivor Series: WarGames 2023.

The main reason for that is the return of CM Punk, who arrived to a raucous ovation from a committed Chicago crowd at the end of Saturday's premium live event.

The Best in the World cut his first promo back at the end of WWE Raw on Monday night in a packed Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. He said less than expected but still remains the talking point of the company.

Seth Rollins tried to quickly move past the Punk drama, facing challenges from Jey Uso and Drew McIntyre.

Randy Orton also made his return at Survivor Series and looks better than ever. He defeated Dominik Mysterio in Monday's main event.

The Creed Brothers also impressed. Julius and Brutus Creed ran through a tag team turmoil match to earn a future Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship match.

It was a highly anticipated episode of Raw that set up some exciting future stories, though it did not always live up to the major hype from Survivor Series.

CM Punk Return Promo Misses the Mark

Fans were waiting with bated breath to hear what CM Punk would say in his return to WWE. After three hours, he arrived to deliver a fairly generic promo that seemed to toe the company line.

In both of his All Elite Wrestling return promos, he delivered passionate and inflammatory remarks about his past and future. He was unafraid to address companies and wrestlers directly.

The Best in the World reintroduced himself to the WWE Universe without the same fire. He said he was back home and back only to make money, not friends.

It's possible he is playing it coy, setting up a quick heel turn, but fans expected the same energy he brought to his return on Saturday. He looked happy and energized in Chicago, but he looked checked out in Nashville.

Especially in comparison to an earlier energized promo from Randy Orton, Punk sold the idea that he is back in WWE not because of a passion for the business but a sizable paycheck.

He is clearly still a top guy. Fans are clamoring to see Punk as much as he will appear. Hopefully, he will bring more of his peak energy to future performances.

Seth Rollins is the Only Option for CM Punk's Return Feud

Seth Rollins is the world heavyweight champion and has a ton of responsibilities to fill. He will defend his gold against Jey Uso next week, and Drew McIntyre is still looking for a rematch.

However, the money match is Rollins vs. CM Punk. It is the contest everyone wants to see, and the best way to reintroduce The Best in the World in WWE.

Rollins showed his value during his rivalry with Cody Rhodes, but there is real heat between The Visionary and Punk. This is a story that can elevate both men if done right. But it should not be delayed.

Rollins has never minced his words about Punk. In an interview with Nick Hausman of Wrestling Inc, he called the former AEW star a "cancer" before Royal Rumble 2023. Even when The Best in the World was working on WWE Backstage in 2019, the two exchanged jabs.

While that heat touches on reality, it has clearly been heightened to set up a story for the future. With all the work put into this, it has the potential to be the hottest angle on Raw.

Nothing else is going to stand in comparison for Punk's return feud.

Punk vs. Rollins should be penciled in for Royal Rumble on January 27.

Randy Orton is in Best Shape of His Life and Ready For Major Push

Randy Orton has returned to WWE action looking bigger and healthier than ever. He has bulked up and is working smoothly in the ring.

His return promo was full of confident energy followed by a fun nine-minute sprint in which he dominated Dominik Mysterio.

There are few wrestlers in the world with a higher ceiling for success than Orton. He is a 14-time world champion and could be a titleholder again at any time.

The Viper should be a major focus on the main roster going forward. He can become a fresh constant nuisance for The Judgment Day and The Bloodline.

If WWE wants to maximize Orton at his best, he could be the perfect challenger for Roman Reigns going into the Royal Rumble in 2024.

WWE Commits to Creed Brothers as Top Tag Team

WWE delivered an exciting tag team turmoil match that became an important moment for The Creed Brothers.

Julius and Brutus Creed defeated DIY, The New Day and Imperium to become the No. 1 contenders to the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship.

That is a strong collection of pinfall victories that should set them up as the pairing that can dethrone The Judgment Day. While Damian Priest and Finn Bálor are likely to be worrying about Randy Orton, the Creeds will be too much for them.

WWE has protected Julius and Brutus since they first arrived in NXT. Every loss by the tag team has been due to messy circumstances, and the athletic heights they can reach are almost impossible for others to match.

This is the time to create the next great tag team in a division that needs a leader. The Judgment Day is too distracted to stay active, but The Creed Brothers will be committed to elevating a talented roster.