7 Ups & 6 Downs From WWE RAW (Jul 27)
2. Legacy
The one RAW hook that didn't leave any kind of foul taste in the mouth was Randy Orton naming his next target, which turned out to be Drew McIntyre.
This was forecasted. Orton was pinpointed as the WWE Champion's SummerSlam opponent several weeks ago, though this didn't make the reveal any less satisfying. It is the right match at the right time - a popular, excelling World Champion vs. a 'Viper' approaching career-best form - and last night's execution was simple but effective.
Orton cut a good promo at the top of the show. 'The Legend Killer' did a sterling job of framing himself as a massive star, putting over his old title reigns, iconic teams, legacy, and accolades, stating that not even The Rock and 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin could hold a candle to his longevity. Randy said that the desire to become WWE Champion again had hit him like a ton of bricks when he woke up, so he was challenging McIntyre. Comparing resumes would be a short conversation, Orton said, and while he respected what the champ did to Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania, he had a problem now.
RAW closed with Orton nailing the promised RKO out of nowhere on Drew, holding the belt as the show went off the air. Sometimes, simple is best. The setup was as streamlined as it gets and all the better for it.