7 Ups & 6 Downs From WWE RAW (Jul 27)

2. Legacy

Randy Orton
WWE.com

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.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.