WWE Rumors: Raw 1000 Results, the Rock, CM Punk and Tuesday's Top WWE Buzz

After all the hype and build, WWE treated Raw 1,000 like both a celebration, with dozens of stars that may or may not be familiar to today's audience returning, and a pay-per-view, with big angles set up that will carry us through the summer. 

CM Punk's heel turn has been teased for weeks and it was made official last night, as the WWE champion laid out The Rock at the end of the show, this coming after he didn't try to help John Cena when Big Show attacked him. 

I really liked the way they did the turn, and Punk was so great in his role. He is so much better as a heel that I never want to see him as a face again 

RAW 1,000 BRINGS ALL THE SURPRISES OUT

Just as we anticipated going in, the 1,000th episode of Raw was an unpredictable night that featured a number of skits and promos, as well as a few interesting tidbits that will tell us where WWE is headed for the rest of the year?

Question on Everybody's Mind: What was the biggest surprise?

Our Take: While I could easily go with the finish of CM Punk going heel, I have to say that The Rock challenging whomever the WWE champion is to a match at the Royal Rumble for the title was the biggest surprise. It gives WWE plenty of time to think of a direction, as well as promote the event properly around a WrestleMania title shot and the Great One's return. 

Hype Meter: 5 out of 5 Nostalgia Shows

Watching last night's show, it was abundantly clear just how much WWE relies on old stars to sell a show. The new stars did fine in their role, but it was everyone from past generations who stole the limelight. 

Deeper Dive

Complete Raw 1,000 Reactions, Results and Analysis (B/R)

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THE ROCK AND CM PUNK FOR THE WWE TITLE?

After touching on it before, we wanted to give proper time to the challenge from The Rock for the WWE championship at the Royal Rumble. Based on his promo after WrestleMania, we knew he would be going after it, but this was an interesting development for both Rock and WWE to take. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: Rock has to face CM Punk, right?

Our Take: Six months out, I would say he doesn't have to. Based on the angle, it would make the most sense and be a major coup for Punk, who as we all know hasn't exactly been given a lot to do as champion. 

Hype Meter: 5 out of 5 Screwjob FInishes

It will be fascinating to see how WWE plays this out. Rock in the title picture might actually make the belt feel important. As long as it isn't being used to set up another Rock-Cena WrestleMania match, it should be good for all involved. 

Deeper Dive

Who Would Have The Best Match With The Rock? (B/R)

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KELLY KELLY NOT BACK IN WWE FULL-TIME

Despite talk she would make her return to WWE last night, Kelly Kelly is reportedly not coming back to WWE full-time, at least right now. Her career outside of WWE, where she doesn't have to run ropes, is taking off and she is trying new things. 

Question on Everybody's Mind: Will Kelly Kelly be missed?

Our Take: Truth be told, I hadn't even realized she was gone. I think WWE is in capable hands with AJ and Eve leading the charge, though I don't want to see either one trying to wrestle. It's not exactly a ringing endorsement for the division, but Kelly Kelly wasn't that big of a deal.

Hype Meter: 3 out of 5 Fallen Divas

Give credit to Kelly Kelly: She could have stayed in WWE and been the biggest fish in the pond for a long time. Instead, she saw an opportunity to try something that is likely better for her physical health in the long-term. 

Deeper Dive

Kelly Kelly's Future With WWE (Figure Four Online h/t Wrestle Zone)

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WWE WANTED NOTHING TO DO WITH GOLDBERG

Even though WWE seemingly brought back anyone and everyone who might be carrying a phone on them at the time the company called, Goldberg was one of the unlucky few to not even receive an invite to last night's festivities. He revealed the news on Twitter late Monday night. 

"

No.. so fans can't blame meRT @CenaOrtonN1Fan: @Goldberg I know you are not going to be at Raw 1000, but were you contacted about appearing?

— Bill Goldberg (@Goldberg) July 23, 2012"

Question on Everybody's Mind: What is with Goldberg and WWE?

Our Take: If you recall his one-year run with the company, Triple H did everything he could to bury Goldberg. Sure, Triple H did that to everyone, but there was something about the way he humiliated him that could lead one to assume they don't like each other. If you don't get along with Triple H, odds are good you don't get on Raw. 

Hype Meter: 4 out of 5 Spears

Goldberg may not have been the best WWE superstar ever, but he should have at least been given the opportunity to turn the invite down. He was one of the most important wrestlers from one of the most important eras in the history of the business. His absence, while not noticeable, was felt. 

Deeper Dive

Ranking Legends' Appearances On Raw 1,000 (B/R)

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Check back for more on the WWE as it comes, and check out Bleacher Report’s Wrestling Page to get your fill of the WWE. For more WWE talk, check out Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot topics you just can’t miss.

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