WWE Monday Night Raw: CM Punk Explains, Three Hour Format, AJ in Charge of Raw

This July 30 edition of Monday Night Raw was a big test for the WWE as it is sticking around with a permanent three-hour format for its flagship show. Even though the show had more time for wrestling matches, some of it felt very dragged out. Although I felt Raw put on a better product than in past editions, the show in its new three hour time slot felt too long to watch as a viewer. 

Raw displayed lots of video packages and recaps of what went on throughout the night. There was only one match in the first hour alone. Most of the first hour was filled with talking segments and video packages.

The second and third hour of Raw increased its productivity. There were some excellent television matches and the return of Randy Orton. The main event between the Big Show and John Cena was a solid match until CM Punk broke that up. However, it made perfect sense, since Punk is all about the spotlight with his new heel character.

Best matches of the night:

Sheamus versus Daniel Bryan in a street fight match

Your winner via pin fall, Sheamus. 

Match Rating: 4/5

Chris Jericho and Christian versus The Miz and Dolph Ziggler

Your winners via pin fall, Chris Jericho and Christian. After the match, Ziggler hits Jericho in the back with a briefcase.

Match Rating: 4.5/5

Bryan is backstage and continuing his evaluation with the doctor.

The Big Show versus John Cena 

Match Rating: 4/5

No contest match. While Cena was going for the Attitude Adjustment, Punk came in and broke it up. Punk, who appeared confused in the ring, grabbed a microphone and announced that nobody won the match. 

Worst matches of the night:

Tensai versus Tyson Kidd

Your winner via disqualification, Tyson Kidd. After the victory, Tensai attacked Kidd in the ring, forcing the reversed decision. 

Match Rating: 2/5

Kofi Kingston versus Titus O'Neil

Your winner via pin fall, Titus O'Neil.

Match Rating: 2.5/5

Grading AJ's first night as General Manager of Raw:

I felt AJ, as confusing as a character she is, did a pretty decent job. She looked and felt comfortable in the role of a General Manager. Her appeal was also good, as AJ was dressed in a business suit for the occasion. She also made some solid match choices for Raw and dropped a three-way at Summerslam against the WWE title holder CM Punk, the Big Show, and John Cena. 

Did CM Punk explain enough?

With a new, live three-hour format, CM Punk had lots of time in the beginning of the show to clearly explain his actions last week. I felt Punk's explanation was passable. The reason for wanting to be under the center of attention was passable as well.

The return of Randy Orton

So maybe I wanted to see Orton return on another scale. It just wasn't meant to be because there was not the right situation for that. The WWE once again picking Heath Slater to lose against Orton was fine with me. I am started to feel bad for Slater, as his potential, in my view, has been squashed with these mounting losses.

Overall Monday Night Raw Rating: 3.5/5