WWE Raw: 10 Things You Might Have Missed
Jason Jordan is gonna' need more than new music...
Wasn't it strange to hear Paul Heyman claim on Raw that this is the 'most stacked heavyweight division in WWE history'? There is a push to make guys like Roman Reigns, Braun Strowman and even Samoa Joe (to a lesser extent) Raw's focal point, but names such as Hulk Hogan, The Ultimate Warrior, Steve Austin, The Undertaker and more would take exception to Heyman's comments.
That line may have slipped your net, just like Heyman's subtle set up for a potential Brock Lesnar departure from WWE. Go back and watch the segment again if you really want to pick up on what WWE are playing at here. Either the stage is being set for a title switch at SummerSlam or creative are playing around with the idea of a swerve.
Elsewhere, Raw was stuffed full of other little easter eggs you may not have noticed. Cheeky commentary barbs, a little bit of 'Broken' and some of the most gentlemanly heel work in WWE history all featured.
Wonderful...
10. Raw Marked 21 Years To The Day Since Kurt Angle Won Olympic Gold
A full 21 years ago, Kurt Angle was beating Abbas Adidi (with a broken freakin' neck) at the 1996 Summer Games to become an Olympic gold medal winner. Coincidentally, this week's Raw fell on July 31, the exact date in '96 when Angle became an American hero and realised his dream.
A lot has happened since then, including multiple World Titles in both WWE and TNA, serious substance abuse problems in Kurt's personal life and a grand entry into the WWE Hall Of Fame. On July 31, 1996, few pro wrestling fans even knew who Kurt Angle was. Now, he's Raw GM and one of the biggest stars in the industry.
Angle did mention the 21 year landmark during his opening promo, but it was barely mentioned after that. Focus quickly shifted to Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman hitting the ring, so you'd be forgiven for missing this one.