Raw Five-Point Preview: July 22, 2013

Raw Five-Point Preview: July 22, 2013

With a new Raw GM in place and two first-time Money in the Bank winners holding championship contracts, there’s an aura of uncertainty in WWE that hasn’t been felt in some time. As the road to SummerSlam heats up, what will unfold on tonight's Raw? Here are five reasons to tune in at 8/7 CT on USA Network.

1. Has Brock Lesnar awakened the beast within CM Punk?

Brock Lesnar attacks CM Punk: Raw, July 15, 2013

Brock Lesnar represents Paul Heyman in his brutal attack of CM Punk.

CM Punk is undergoing tough times. He’s without his coveted WWE Championship, his trust in Paul Heyman has been ripped to shreds and now his body has been battered by Heyman’s monstrous client, Brock Lesnar.

But could Lesnar’s assault backfire for the Heyman camp? Could it actually motivate, rather than intimidate, the man who built his career on fighting through adversity and challenge? Chances are Punk has something up his straight-edge sleeve for this week’s Raw.

Vote: Would Punk stand a chance against Lesnar?

2. Big Show returns!

Chris Jericho vs. Big Show: SmackDown, May 24, 2013

Chris Jericho and Big Show square off on SmackDown.

Ever since losing a match to Chris Jericho in May, The World’s Largest Athlete has been absent from TV, except for his participation on the WWE Payback and Money in the Bank Kickoff panels. During an exclusive interview in June, the angry giant revealed: "I'll take time off any time I want to, for as long as I want to!” Will the 441-pounder reveal who or what he’s after when he returns this Monday on Raw?

Big Show's monster knockouts

3. Is the Hall of Pain poised to induct three new members?

The Shield Triple Powerbombs Mark Henry: Raw, July 15, 2013

The Shield set their sights on a new target.

Last week, The Shield added Mark Henry to its list of massive Superstars the group has decimated with its signature Triple Powerbomb. The assault left The World’s Strongest Man down for the count. But Henry is certainly not one to back down from a fight. Could The Shield have bitten off more than they can chew with this latest assault of one of WWE’s most dangerous and unpredictable Superstars? Something says they better watch their collective backs.

Relive Mark Henry’s painful path of destruction

4. Is GM Brad Maddox capable of running Raw?

New Raw General Manager Brad Maddox encounters Stephanie McMahon and Triple H: Raw, July 15, 2013

Brad Maddox receives some words of wisdom from Stephanie McMahon and Triple H.

He’s young and inexperienced … and he’s in charge of the longest running weekly episodic television show in history. Brad Maddox was put in power by none other than Mr. McMahon himself. Last week’s Raw was the first under Maddox’s reign, and the exciting night still has the WWE Universe talking. It remains to be seen if the young man has what it takes to truly lead. What do you think?

Vote: How would you grade Maddox’s first night?

5. Who will The Wyatts target next?

The Wyatt Family attacks R-Truth: Raw, July 15, 2013

The Wyatt Family continues their mysterious actions on Raw.

First it was Kane and R-Truth on Raw, then it was Justin Gabriel and 3MB on WWE Main Event who were brutally attacked by The Wyatt Family. After weeks of hints about when they would officially debut in WWE, the group came out swinging. Now, it’s clear no one is safe from their twisted agenda. But so far, the ragged trio has only offered cryptic clues as to what it’s all about, and especially why Kane was targeted first. Will we learn more about what makes them tick on this week’s Raw?

Bray Wyatt's hidden message uncovered? | The Wyatts Raw debut

As the road to SummerSlam heats up, be sure to tune in tonight at 8/7 CT on USA Network.

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