WWE RAW: Complete Preview, Rumors, News and More for July 30

With WWE’s 1,000th RAW out of the way, it’s on to the shows that gave fans legitimate concern; 1,001 and beyond.

This is the start of the new era.

As much as concerns have risen about the content of a three-hour programming, Vince McMahon and company have a plan in place and will execute it to the best of their ability.

Let’s see if they can pull it off!

Where: U.S. Bank Arena, Cincinnati, OH

When: Monday, July 30 at 8 p.m. ET

Watch: USA Network

CM Punk Goes Bad

After a wild 1,000th episode of RAW that saw CM Punk standing tall in a ring full of WWE superstars like John Cena and The Rock, it has become blatantly clear that Punk has turned heel.

Question on Everybody's Mind: Why is heel CM Punk better?

While there was little doubt that Punk was a great face for the WWE, most fans realize that Punk is a wild card that shouldn’t be stifled. With the best mic skills in the company, Punk is much better as the bad guy.

Hype Meter: 5 out of 5 heel turns

There have been complaints about Punk’s WWE title reign and how uneventful it was, but in one night he took a huge step towards legend status.

Not only did he retain his title, he put The Rock to sleep; not a bad night at all.

Rumor Mill: Randy Orton coming back tonight? (Wrestling Inc.)

AJ the GM

While the best part of RAW 1,000 should have been the wedding of AJ and Daniel Bryan, Vince McMahon threw the WWE Universe a swerve that we didn’t see coming and did not want—AJ is the new RAW General Manager

Question on Everybody's Mind: Will this storyline entertain or infuriate?

As much as I hated the way the WWE swerved the fans, AJ has intrigued us for the last three months and there is no doubt that the company has done it once again with her becoming GM. Add in her lack of mental clarity, and RAW could be wild ride.

Hype Meter: 4 out of 5 interesting divas

My hope is that AJ gets the power and completely lets it go to her head. With this crazy chick already being unstable, the power should turn her heel and make her join up with a stable—like a female member of the nWo.

Rumor Mill: WWE superstars unsure of transition to 3 hours (Wrestling Observer via WrestleZone)

Zig-Zag and Chris Jericho

With Chris Jericho being rumored to leave after SummerSlam, the plan will be to put over Dolph Ziggler before returning to a tour with his band Fozzy.

As much as I love Y2J, this is perfect.

Question on Everybody's Mind: Is Zig-Zag ready for the main event?

If you've been watching the WWE over the last year, you know that not only is Ziggler ready physically and mentally but also the people calling the shots backstage are ready to give him the gold.

Just not right now.

Hype Meter: 3 out of 5 shortened dream fueds

Before officials put the strap around his waist, they want to continue building Ziggler's character by making him battle the biggest stars in the company.

With Jericho reportedly leaving after SummerSlam, we may get another longer feud with a returning star like Randy Orton until WWE feels Sheamus’ run with the strap is over.

Rumor Mill: Jericho’s Leaving after SummerSlam (WestleZone)

"

If you need more wrestling, catch Ring Rust Radio’s first annual draft LIVE! this Tuesday, July 31 at 6 p.m. ET. Don’t miss it!

"

Check back for more on the World Wrestling Entertainment as it comes, and visit Bleacher Report’s Wrestling Page to get your fill of WWE/TNA. For more Wrestling talk, listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot topics you just can’t miss (some language NSFW).

Follow @Donald_Wood

Listen to internet radio with RingRustRadio on Blog Talk Radio