WWE Raw Recap: Heyman Accepts Punk's Challenge, Bryan and Cena Sign Contract

The Monday, July 22 edition of WWE Raw, which aired live from Austin, Texas, opened with a video package recapping Paul Heyman's betrayal on CM Punk and hyping the road to the SummerSlam pay-per-view.

Raw general manager Brad Maddox was shown standing in the ring. Maddox introduced WWE champion John Cena first. The Raw general manager began to interview Cena in the ring and questioned his decision to select Bryan as his opponent for the WWE title.

Bryan came out to the ring next to a loud ovation from the crowd. Cena credited Bryan for his recent success and said that size does not matter when competing for the WWE Championship belt. After both wrestlers signed the contract, Maddox booked Bryan in two matches to prove his value and toughness.

Match No. 1: Sheamus vs. Alberto Del Rio

Your winner via pinfall: Albert Del Rio.

Other than watching Sheamus' massive bruise on his left leg, this was a very good, entertaining and physical opening match. 

Match Rating: 4/5.

Backstage, Booker T and Teddy Long discussed Mr. McMahon's decision to name Vickie Guerrero the new general manager of SmackDown.

Match No. 2: Christian vs. Titus O'Neil

Your winner via pinfall: Christian.

Despite being tossed around the ring with ease for most of the match, Christian came back strong for the victory. However, this was a decent match at best despite Christian's late comeback after O'Neil's dominance in the first half of the battle.

Match Rating: 3/5.

Mark Henry arrived to the ring and talked about The Shield's assault on him. After The Shield quickly attacked Henry, Jimmy and Jey Uso stormed toward the ring to make the save.

Match No. 3: Dolph Ziggler vs. Darren Young

Your winner via pinfall: Dolph Ziggler

Another decent but unspectacular match. It was good to see the WWE give Young some more time as a singles wrestler, but he just hasn't clicked with the crowd. Unfortunately for tag team partners O'Neil and Young, who competed in single matches, this edition of Monday Night Raw should certainly be forgotten from their memories.

Match Rating: 3/5.

After the match, Big E Langston and AJ Lee ran toward the ring but failed to attack Ziggler, who barely escaped and rushed toward the backstage area.

The Miz stood inside the ring and welcomed the crowd to Miz TV. After showing a preview of the new TV show, Total Divas, on E! Entertainment, The Miz welcomed Jerry Lawler to the ring. Lawler introduced himself to the cast before getting slapped on the face by Eva Marie, who said she is looking to make a name for herself.

Afterward, The Miz hyped the show before a commercial break.

Match No. 4: Fandango vs. Cody Rhodes

Your winner via pinfall: Cody Rhodes.

Not much to cover on this basic match, as it essentially served one purpose, which was to intensify Rhodes' new feud with Damien Sandow.

Match Rating: 2.5/5.

Punk came out to the ring and began to discuss Brock Lesnar's recent attack. The former WWE champion told Lesnar that he is not afraid of him and went on to talk about Heyman's betrayal. Suddenly, Heyman appeared on the entrance way screen and accepted Punk's match request against Lesnar.

Match No. 5: Wade Barrett vs. Rob Van Dam

Your winner via pinfall: Rob Van Dam. 

Van Dam continues to look impressive since his return to the WWE. At 42 years of age, Van Dam doesn't appear to have lost any sort of momentum inside the ring. This was an improved match over the previous three.

Match Rating: 3.5/5.  

Match No. 6: Daniel Bryan vs. Jack Swagger

Your winner via pinfall: Daniel Bryan.

Match Rating: 3/5.

Match No. 7: Daniel Bryan vs. Antonio Cesaro

Your winner via pinfall: Daniel Bryan.

Bryan is truly getting the biggest push of his career after being slotted in two impressive consecutive and physical matches, especially the final battle with Cesaro. Terrific work by Bryan all around both inside and outside of the ring. 

Match Rating: 4/5.

However, it did not end there, as Bryan had to square off against one more opponent. That opponent would be Ryback.

Match No. 8: Daniel Bryan vs. Ryback

Your winner via disqualification: Daniel Bryan.

Despite the third consecutive win, Bryan paid the price by getting slammed through a table. After the match, Cena came out to ringside for the save. Bryan was shown celebrating in the ring as Raw faded to black.

Match Rating: 3.5/5.