Well, that’s one way to get respect, we suppose. WWE Champion CM Punk’s desire for vindication took a brutal turn for the worst last week when, in a Steel Cage Match, Punk pummeled Jerry “The King” Lawler into unconsciousness after the WWE Hall of Famer refused to acknowledge The Second City Saint as Best in the World. It took John Cena to stop the attack, and the WWE Universe seemed hesitant to give Punk the dues he covets, though, as the champion defiantly turned his back on Cena and strolled out of the arena without another word. With Cena set to challenge Punk for the WWE Title at Night of Champions per Raw General Manager AJ Lee, how will the reignited rivalry between the two play out when Raw reconvenes this week?

Also, anybody else really excited to see those anger collages?

Destiny within reach?

Randy Orton and Alberto Del Rio compete in a World Heavyweight Championship No. 1 Contenders Match as the World Champ Sheamus joins Michael Cole on commentary.

If we were to say the last two weeks were among the best of Alberto Del Rio’s career, it wouldn’t be much of an exaggeration. Two SmackDowns ago, The Essence of Excellence forced Randy Orton (!) to tap out to a savage Cross Armbreaker, and Del Rio picked up a win over the furious Kane this past Friday on the blue brand as well. Del Rio is surging ahead as Night of Champions  — and another showdown with World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus  — looms ahead. How will The Mexican Aristocrat follow up those two bravura performances as he hurtles toward his destiny?

The anger sharks are swimming

Daniel Bryan attends an anger management class which is also joined by Kane.

Daniel Bryan and Kane have been assigned to create “anger collages” this week representing the things that get them the most worked up. We’ve already made a couple mock-ups of what we think they might bring to class ( BRYAN | KANE), but we’re pretty sure what they come up with will be must-see television all the same. Also, what’s going to happen to poor Harold first? Chokeslam through the refreshments table? Or a “No!” Lock in the middle of the sharing circle? We’re shivering with anticipation here.

Heavy lies the pantsuit

Vickie Guerrero has some choice words for Raw General Manager AJ Lee and claims that she will go to the Board of Directors.

Raw General Manager AJ Lee’s job might be in jeopardy, thanks to Vickie Guerrero’s one-woman vendetta to remove the pint-sized wild card from the red brand’s front office. AJ, who’s been battling speculation about her mental stability for the entire summer, didn’t exactly help her case by jumping Vickie and attacking her this past week. Will AJ’s run as GM burn out before it ever really begins? Or will she squash the opposition and prove her mettle against Vickie’s schemes?

Cena's next step

John Cena competes against Intercontinental Champion The Miz on Raw.

John Cena looked peeved at CM Punk to say the least last week after The Second City Saint left Jerry “The King” Lawler lying in a heap. The Cenation leader has never been one to stand for disrespect — particularly toward Lawler — and it stands to reason he might have some kind of retaliation in mind for Punk. Speaking of which …

Punked?

WWE Champion CM Punk meets WWE Hall of Famer Jerry Lawler inside of a Steel Cage on Raw.

The WWE Universe is willing to forgive a lot when it comes to their champions, but a vicious beating of Jerry Lawler in the middle of a steel cage might be pushing it a bit. Even CM Punk’s staunchest supporters over the last year might begin to question The Voice of the Voiceless’ actions against Lawler this past week, not to mention the mean streak that seems to have been born out of his perceived state of perpetual disrespect. Punk will no doubt have words for the WWE Universe, Lawler and John Cena when Raw returns, but the only way to find out what is to tune in at 8/7 CT on Monday night.