RAW PRIMER 8/21: What is announced and what to expect from post-Summerslam fallout including Heyman & Lesnar

RAW PREVIEW
AUGUST 21, 2017
BROOKLYN, N.Y. AT BARCLAYS CENTER
By Joey Galizia (@RamJam89), PWTorch contributor

“FALLOUT FROM A NUKE”

To say that we were treated to a fantastic main event last night at Summerslam would be the understatement of the century. It was one of the most insane displays of athleticism, aggression, and destruction in the history of combat sports, and possibly one of the best WWE main events of all time. Considering the build and hype it was getting it had a lot to live up to. IT CERTAINLY SURPASSED ITS EXPECTATIONS. Eventually, when all the smoke settled it would be the Beast, Brock Lesnar, who would emerge victorious and remain Universal Champion. Every man came out a much bigger star afterwards, especially Braun Strowman. His performance should catapult him to the top because they made it clear that he could handle Lesnar all on his own. With Paul Heyman and Lesnar scheduled to appear tonight, the road to No Mercy begins. If WWE’s smart, they’ll give us the Monster versus the Beast at that venue.

“ANY GIVEN SUNDAY”

A slew of new champions emerged last night, especially for the red brand:

-Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins remerged as a synchronized unit to become tag team champions. There may still be some hidden animosity between the former Shield brothers, but it was all business last night. Meanwhile, Cesaro was the hero of Summerslam for murdering a beach ball and drinking the tears of the a**holes who brought it. Like all title changes though… a rematch will occur. Maybe tonight. Maybe No Mercy.

-Sasha Banks begins her fourth reign as Raw Women’s champion after making Little Miss Bliss tap out to her vicious Banks Statement submission. Sasha has been looking to claim the throne since her biggest rival Charlotte was sent to SD. Bliss will also be looking for her rematch, but I feel like she won’t rush said opportunity, and pick the perfect time to strike.

-I called it in my predictions, but it really was basic fact that Neville would retake his place at the top of the Cruiserweight Division. Tozawa is a fantastic talent and his involvement with the Titus Brand has certainly given him an added public flair, but Neville had been running rampant through the roster since he won the title at the Royal Rumble. He’s done some horrific things to keep the purple strap, and he did MUCH more to get it back. Technically, Akira would also be guaranteed a champions rematch (GOD I HATE THIS RULE) which he may cash-in on tonight, but that has 205 Live written all over it.

-Finn Balor searched deep within his soul to awaken the demon, and it was more than enough to defeat Bray Wyatt. Will Bray pick a new soul to torment? Hopefully, because it’s time for Balor to be pushed to bigger and better things.

-The Intercontinental Championship was the only title not defended on last night’s show. A damn shame, but the champion did compete. His Miztourage defeated the likes of Jason Jordan and the Hardys when Miz snuck in for a skull crushing finale on J.J. With those two destined to clash for the strap, this was a good way to build some sympathy for the recently discovered spawn of Kurt Angle.

-Big Cass defeated the Big Show in a big match that should have been as far away from this card as possible. It’s time for Cass to either move on from his former Realest Guy rival, or mend their relationship because I don’t think I can watch them in a ring together for another second.

Fallout from a crazy long show, and were still in Brooklyn for another two nights. Might we see a call up or two? GUESS YOU’LL HAVE TO WATCH TO FIND OUT.

NOW CHECK OUT LAST WEEK’S ARTICLE: RAW PRIMER 8/14: What to look for and expect on tonight’s final Raw before Summerslam, Nia vs. Sasha, Seth-Dean