6 Ups And 7 Downs From Last Night's WWE Raw (August 31st)
Tough to match last week's energy levels, even with Sting and a Divas' first.
WWE took the momentum of last week and pumped the brakes Monday evening, slowing things down a bit so everyone could readjust themselves. After last weeks surprise returns, it was doubtful that WWE was going to top Raw this week, so viewers needed to bring expectation levels down to something a little more manageable. Even with fans expecting a more normal episode, it still fell short of expectations: Sting made his presence felt right away and declared that he wanted to be champion to fill the void in this trophy case; Nikki Bella continued her efforts to back into history; WWE plugged a crappy soap opera over a real storyline; and the company aimed high and fell short with a Divas Beat the Clock challenge. Despite these shortcomings, Raw provided a few fun moments, with new and existing wrestlers being put over strongly and the titles being portrayed as something everyone wants. The Night of Champions PPV is three weeks away, and three title matches already are set, while others are in motion. Its obvious WWE took its foot off the gas a little, but at least its coasting downhill rather than drifting to a halt. So what scored a pinfall and what was left looking up at the lights Monday night? Lets get to it