WWE Raw thoughts 2/9/2013

The last few weeks of WWE television have been some of the best in a very long time. In fact, it could be said that it's the best since I've been watching WWE. Although it's not the risky, attitudinal stuff I remember from 1999-2001, it is a compelling show for the PG era that we now live in. This is down to it now being about a very fundamental factor: The battle between Good and Evil.

Daniel Bryan vs The Establishment
The months leading to Summerslam saw Daniel Bryan's popularity soar. With John Cena's injury, coupled with the events that transpired at the end of Summerslam, Bryan has been shot into the number-one-guy slot. This is refreshing as he is a babyface that we all actually like and want to succeed. At the other end of the scale is the new WWE Champion, Randy Orton. Now corporate-backed, Orton is the ultimate villain that we all despise due to his screwing of our new hero's crowning glory at Summerslam. And to top it off, in Randy's corner is the new, evil boss Triple H. Austin vs McMahon 2.0 has began.

The last few weeks have seen Bryan (and Orton) start the show, be talked about throughout, and then end with a cliffhanger - usually with Bryan beaten down and seemingly without hope. It's brilliant stuff as all we want to see is Bryan gain the revenge that he rightfully deserves. Eventually we'll see this happen, but for now we are continually pissed off that he keeps getting cut down - it's all great stuff that will give us an ace pay-off when Bryan finally 'wins'. We hope.

Raw: Ryback destroyed Ziggler (after Ambrose attacked)

As well as the tyrannical boss and the evil champion, Bryan has had to deal with 'hired guns' The Shield. On Raw last night, Ryback also seemed to be a tool at the disposal of Triple H and co. as he dominated Dolph Ziggler - another face that is being punished for speaking out against the new regime. After a shorter-than-expected World Heavyweight Championship run, and ending his feud with ex-girlfriend AJ and heavy, Big E Langston, this is a positive road for Ziggler to be travelling down as it could result in him joining Bryan as the newest 'made-men' in the WWE.

Trying his best to add to the face side of the fence is Big Show. Last night, along with the last couple of weeks, showed the anguish and utter frustration Show has as he wants to do the right thing. It's now been mentioned that he has money issues - something else to tug at our heart-strings.

Ultimately, the top three faces - Bryan, Ziggler and Show - have been put in their places and it'll be great to see them get their payback for the weeks of beatdowns.

Cody Rhodes
Although I've been disappointed that Cody and Damien's (Sandow) feud has seemingly been ended, I'm happy that the future could be very bright for Cody.

Last night, Cody made the mistake of talking out of turn to Triple H and Orton and found himself in a match (vs Orton) with his job on the line. Not realising that Cody is having time off, I thought he was going to get a valuable victory over Orton (whether it be clean or due to Bryan interference). Unfortunately, it wasn't to be and after a hard fought battle, with Cody hitting Cross-Rhodes for a near three-count, Orton delivered an RKO and sent Cody packing.

An emotional Cody tore into the McMahons on departure

Later in the night, as Cody was being escorted out of the building, he delivered a blistering promo about the McMahon's hatred of the Rhodes'; humiliating his father twenty years prior, his brother a few years after, as well as dashing Cody's dream, too. I'd have thought that Cody will have time off for his wedding before returning and being instantly elevated after this revealing information about the McMahon/Rhodes history and feud. A new chapter can be written with Cody doing well from the potential situation.

Other
The Punk vs Heyman situation continues to grow and be a very good supporting storyline to the Bryan vs HHH/Orton. Both are great storytellers and have such a personal history that it writes itself. Week after week, these guys sell the Night of Champions pay-per-view (if Bryan hadn't already!) more and more, giving us the hope and belief that Punk will finally get his revenge on Heyman after his betrayal at Money in the Bank. Punk guaranteeing that he will 'break' Heyman's face is a sight I'd pay good money to see!

Some excellent, gripping storylines happening right now on WWE TV; can't wait to see what happens next.

Fantasy Booking
I've read rumours today that this Big Show turmoil could all be a set-up so that he helps Bryan only to screw him over at Night of Champions. I'm willing to see how this plays out, but despite this being the umpteenth time that Show would have turned heel, it's not the worst thing that could happen.

Could this be the newest addition to the new regime?

If it did happen then it could keep Bryan occupied for a month or so whilst someone else (Ziggler?) challenges Orton. In that month, Bryan could slay the giant - a huge feather in his cap - before going back and demanding another shot at Orton for the next pay-per-view. It continues the chase and keeps us drawn in hoping on hope that Bryan finally gets his moment of glory.

@jimmosangle