WWE Monday Night Raw: 5 Best Moments of the August 6, 2012, Episode

On this subpar episode of WWE Raw, there was more filler than substance. While there were a lot of matches, they were mostly disappointing. 

Kane vs. Miz, for example, isn't going on any Raw DVD collection. 

It seemed like Jerry Lawler and Michael Cole were talking about Sheamus stealing Alberto Del Rio's car for hours—or as Lawler would say, "He didn't steal it, he just borrowed it." We got the joke the first three times, guys. 

It wasn't a wasted episode, though, as two excellent matches and a returning icon—among other things—were the oases in a desert of mediocrity.   

Wade Barrett Vignette

In a slickly produced vignette, Wade Barrett talked about returning to his bareknuckle roots to recharge, to rediscover himself.

The Fight Club-inspired visuals were stunning. Drawn in by the gritty images and Barrett's narration, WWE did its best to drum up interest in his return. 

The video adds depth to his character, reemphasizing Barrett's backstory. It explains his absence in a more original way than a kayfabe injury. 

Hopefully, we'll see more of these and more of Barrett soon.  

Randy Orton vs. Big Show

CM Punk vs. Rey Mysterio and Alberto Del Rio vs. Christian were both cut short before their full momentum was reached. 

The second best match of the night featured two veterans. It had a bigger feel than the other non-main event matches on the show, both men seeming desperate to win.

Big Show teemed with aggression and overconfidence. Randy Orton remained resilient even when a chokeslam knocked the air out of him. 

Orton and Show got the loudest reaction from the crowd other than Daniel Bryan and John Cena. San Antonio seemed most engaged with these two, so much so that when it ended in a double countout, they booed in disapproval. 

No, it wasn't the most satisfying ending, but the booking made perfect sense. Both Orton and Show walked out looking just as strong as when the night started.   

Shawn Michaels Appearance

What looked like it might be just a sentimental speech with Shawn Michaels thanking his hometown crowd, got interesting in a hurry when Brock Lesnar's music came on.

We've seen an overload of recaps and video clips about Lesnar’s match with Triple H at SummerSlam. It was refreshing to see new action in the feud, even if no blows were thrown. 

When Lesnar crept toward Michaels, there was real tension in the air. 

Would Michaels take a bump? Would Lesnar clamp the Kimura Lock on Michaels?

On a blasé night, Michaels and Lesnar managed to create some of the most compelling moments on the show, no Sweet Chin Music or F5s needed.  

Chris Jericho’s Commentary

Putting Chris Jercho on commentary while his rival wrestled wasn't original by any means, but Jericho's charm and comic timing made for great entertainment. 

When asked why he was wearing one of Dolph Ziggler's shirts, Jericho said he'd found it in the trash.

"Is this teal?" he asked, pointing to the blue in the shirt.

Jericho took several jabs at Ziggler, much of which were hilarious. How often do you hear a Methuselah reference in wrestling?

Jericho is a one-of-a-kind talent, in the ring and at the announce table as well.

Daniel Bryan vs. John Cena

John Cena in the Raw main event is nothing new, but having it be the best match of the evening certainly is. 

The fans chanted for and against Cena with fervent passion. Bryan took the opportunity to turn the attention on himself and successfully reeled the crowd in.

The match didn't live on hype and energy alone, though. Bryan and Cena began with a slow tempo mat wrestling and feeling each other out. 

The action soon turned, Bryan turning to chest-stinging kicks and thrilling flying moves. 

Bryan dominated much of the match, but Cena's comeback wasn't his usual Superman routine. Bryan kept finding a way to regain the advantage. 

Both wrestlers raised the temperature of an already hot crowd. Showing off some electric chemistry, Bryan and Cena may have convinced WWE creative to book them in a feud in the near future.