Post by Patriot174 on Aug 25, 2014 10:10:20 GMT -5
Legendary Raw Opening
August 25, 2014
The WWE Universe is still buzzing about the brutal beating John Cena suffered at the hands of Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam. To kick off Raw, WWE Hall of Famers Hulk Hogan, Shawn Michaels and Ric Flair will be in the house to weigh in on the upcoming Brock-Cena rematch at Night of Champions. And following a week of relative silence for the normally outspoken Superstar, Cena will be at Raw to address the WWE Universe. What else awaits? WWE.com offers some theories and predictions.
1. WWE Hall of Fame Forum
Immediately following Raw Pre-Show on WWE Network, catch a very special and rare WWE Hall of Fame Forum, featuring Hulk Hogan, Shawn Michaels and Ric Flair LIVE at Raw. Hear their predictions for the upcoming Cena vs. Lesnar World Title rematch at Night of Champions on Sept. 21. After Lesnar’s dominating offense, does anyone believe Cena stands a chance against The Beast Incarnate? Who thinks Cena has it in him to dethrone the new champion? Get exclusive analysis of the huge pay-per-view rematch from sports-entertainment's most decorated legends.
2. Cena addresses SummerSlam mauling
John Cena didn’t have a chance. At SummerSlam, one of the most resilient Superstars in history was utterly ravaged by Brock Lesnar, a monster who maliciously toyed with Cena’s barely-conscious form for what seemed like an eternity before finally finishing off his prey with an F-5. “Hustle, Loyalty and Respect,” it seemed, was no match for Lesnar’s superhuman cruelty. Now, as WWE World Heavyweight Champion, The Beast Incarnate rules WWE without mercy, without compassion and without an ounce of remorse.
Last week on WWE Main Event, exclusively on WWE Network, Triple H announced that Cena will be exercising his rematch clause against Lesnar at Night of Champions. Is this a wise move on Cena’s part? With his SummerSlam beating fresh in his mind, Cena will address his upcoming collision with the ring’s most dangerous competitor.
3. The World’s Strongest Patriot
The Hall of Pain might have to open an international wing. As Lana was boasting about Rusev’s SummerSlam Flag Match victory over Jack Swagger last week on Raw, imposing former U.S. Olympian Mark Henry defended Old Glory by taking down “The Hero of the Russian Federation” with a thunderous World’s Strongest Slam that you could have probably felt in Moscow.
No Superstar from any nation has been able to defeat Rusev by pinfall or submission, but The Bulgarian Brute has never faced anyone quite like The World’s Strongest Man. Will Henry make The Ravishing Russian eat her words by humbling the so-called “super athlete”? Regardless, expect an international incident this week on Raw.
4. An all-new Nikki Bella?
Last week, Nikki Bella severed her relationship with her sister Brie in a stunning act of betrayal. She cost her twin a huge match against Stephanie McMahon at SummerSlam, then went on to lambaste Brie on Raw before sending her sister to the canvas with a forceful slap.
Without her sister by her side, the bitter Bella has already reaped success, having defeated Emma on WWE Main Event last Tuesday night. How will Nikki’s new attitude pay off this week? Furthermore, will Brie be able to rebound in light of this Bella Twins rift?
5. Rollins makes Ambrose hit the bricks
At the conclusion of one of the craziest Falls Count Anywhere Matches in Raw history last Monday night, Seth Rollins forced the referee to stop the bout when he Curb Stomped Dean Ambrose onto a pile of cinder blocks. Thanks in no small part to an assist from Kane, Mr. Money in the Bank sent his nemesis out of the arena on a stretcher and, to date, Ambrose’s whereabouts are unknown.
Having dispatched the perennial thorn in his side, where does Rollins go from here? Does he dare attempt to cash in his Money in the Bank contract on WWE World Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar? Will he aim to crush another Superstar under his combat boot to assert himself as WWE’s dominant rising star? Now that Ambrose appears to be out of his two-toned hair, look for Rollins’ hot streak to continue this week.
Don’t miss Raw this Monday at 8/7 CT on USA Network, and be sure to tune in to WWE Network for Raw Pre-Show at 7:30 ET and Backstage Pass immediately following Raw.
-WWE.com