WWE Monday Night Raw August 8, 2011 Results: The Top 5 Moments of the Night

Tonight's WWE Monday Night Raw paved the road to SummerSlam, with plenty of in-ring action and a great deal of time dedicated to the WWE Championship Unification bout between CM Punk and John Cena.

We'll break down the top five moments of the show, ranging from Cena's wrestling ability to the contract signing between CM Punk and John Cena.  The show gave us a great deal to mull over, and built toward not only SummerSlam but also toward next week's Raw as well.

Quick Results:

R-Truth def. John Morrison via Pinfall
Alex Riley def. Dolph Ziggler via DQ
Beth Phoenix def. Eve Torres via Pinfall
CM Punk def. Alberto Del Rio via Pinfall
The Miz def. Kofi Kingston via Pinfall
John Cena def. Jack Swagger via Pinfall 

Regardless of ranking, I will say that tonight's go-home edition of Raw for SummerSlam was a very solid show. I believe they accomplished exactly what they needed to in order to ensure the main event between Punk and Cena stays hot.

The Miz Stomps out Rey Mysterio and Gets Angry

The Miz was slated to take on Rey Mysterio in the second match of the night, but it wasn't meant to be.  The Miz jumped Rey as he was making his entrance, beat him down and made his way to the ring.  Rey was left in the hands of ringside officials and taken backstage.

That wasn't what sold me on this moment, though.  The Miz grabbed the mic from Michael Cole and unleashed an angry rant, wondering why he was yet to be booked for SummerSlam, despite doing so much PR work for the WWE.

After calling down a referee to call the match a forfeit by Rey, The Miz was shocked to find that WWE COO Triple H scheduled him for a new match.  The Miz went on to face Kofi Kingston and won by pinfall after hitting the Skullcrushing Finale.

John Cena Continues to Prove He Can Wrestle, Manhandles Jack Swagger

After Triple H finished the opening segment of Raw, he announced that John Cena would be participating in the first match of the night.  Cena made his way to the ring and found his opponent would be "The All-American American," Jack Swagger.

Cena is often criticized for his repetitive matches and limited move-set, but it would seem that WWE Money in the Bank was the night he turned a new leaf.  Cena is, of course, still using his tried and true moves, but he's also showing he can use plenty more than those.  Cena actually landed a drop kick against Swagger.

It's simply nice to see that Cena is not deaf to fans and critics.  It also doesn't hurt that Jack Swagger is talented as well.  Overall, the match was a great start to the show and set the tone for another Raw packed with in-ring action.

WWE COO Triple H Announces He Will Guest Referee CM Punk vs. John Cena

WWE Monday Night Raw began with WWE COO Triple H making his way to the ring and making an announcement regarding the WWE Championship Unification bout between John Cena and CM Punk.  Whether it was due to ego or personal interest, Triple H announced he would be the special guest referee for the main event of SummerSlam.

Plenty of speculation was flying around regarding whether there would be a stipulation added on to Punk vs. Cena, and this was one of my favorite predictions.  We're unsure whether or not Triple H will call the match straight or who he will screw if he doesn't.  It leaves us guessing up until the final minutes of Sunday's main event.

Where the WWE wants to take this angle from here remains to be seen.  The only thing that is certain is that the unpredictable nature of this main event can only boost interest and hype.

Beth Phoenix and Eve Torres Put on a Real Wrestling Match

The bashing of the WWE Divas division has been at an all-time high as of late.  The lack of talented female wrestlers and abundance of models who lack in-ring ability is readily apparent each time Raw comes on the air.

Last week, Beth Phoenix battered WWE Divas Champion Kelly Kelly,and boldly stated that it was time for a change.  Tonight, Beth faced Eve Torres, who has the looks of a model but quite a bit of talent of her own.  The two put on a short but well-timed quality wrestling match that left me wanting more.

Some will disagree with my placing this moment so high on the list, but in all honesty, it's about time that the Divas had something with applauding—this match was it.  Beth Phoenix meets Kelly Kelly at SummerSlam and will look to begin the reign of "real" women wrestlers.

The Contract Signing of CM Punk vs. John Cena Sells SummerSlam to the Masses

The final segment of Raw takes my top spot.  The contract signing for the main event of SummerSlam, CM Punk vs. John Cena, delivered on all levels.  Of course, Punk had a little help this time around.

With Punk playing the clip of The Rock's YouTube promo where he went on a Cena bashing spree, the tone was set for the final moments of Raw.  Punk claimed Cena was everything but a man who had to work for what he earned.  Cena answered by telling Punk he was a hypocrite and a phony, and if he didn't win this Sunday at SummerSlam, he'd be a one-hit wonder as well.

Punk and Cena were both on-point in their delivery, and I'd venture to say this was one of the best Cena promos in a long time.  Triple H and John Laurinaitis were in the ring as well during the segment and before the night was over found themselves caught in the midst of an altercation.

Punk and Cena threw the table aside and were ready to fight.  Johnny Ace stepped in between them, only to eat a head kick Punk threw at Cena.  Triple H then held back Punk, only to be caught by a punch from Cena.  Punk bailed from the ring, and the broadcast came to a close with Punk asking if "the fix was in."

Easily, this was the best moment of the night.  What do your top five moments look like?  Let me know in the comments!