It’s Tuesday Night Raw! No for real, this is the report from last night’s Monday Night Raw, but I am watching it for the first time today on Tuesday, because I was at a work event Monday night. Onto the show!

Last week, it was announced that Daniel Bryan either defend his WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Kane in a Stretcher Match at Money In The Bank, or forfeit the title if he is not healthy enough by June 29th. In the case of him giving up the championship, it will then be hung above the ring in a Ladder Match, featuring other superstars. Alberto Del Rio has already (unfortunately defeating Dolph Ziggler) qualified, so who is next to make the bout?

The other big story, and probably even bigger than the WWE World Heavyweight Championship scenario, is Seth Rollins’ betrayal of his “brothers” in The Shield. Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose are scheduled to be on Raw; what will they have to say/do about their former ally? Why did Rollins join his long-time rival Triple H in Evolution?

Following both last week’s Raw and Smackdown, the Intercontinental Championship picture is quite busy. Who will Bad News Barrett defend against next: Cesaro, Rob Van Dam, or U.S. Champion Sheamus?

Erik Rowan and Luke Harper stepped up in Bray Wyatt’s absence last week, but “The Eater Of Worlds” returned on Smackdown with a video promo. Will the eerie trio be in full-effect on Raw and what/who will they go after this time?

All this and much more, so read on!

Monday Night Raw TV Report for June 9th, 2014 – “Alliances and Careers Evolving”

Introduction Segment: Arena Promo

Justin Roberts asks us to welcome The Authority, Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. The C.O.O. and one of the Principal Owners walk down the aisle, all smiles. Michael Cole welcomes us to Minneapolis, Minnesota, and informs that “The Game” and Stephanie have a “blockbuster” announcement, possibly pertaining to the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

Both have microphones, with Triple H starting out. Stephanie goes on, letting us know that they have Dr. Joe Maroon to give us an update on WWE World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan. Dr. Maroon declares Bryan not cleared to wrestle “this month,” but will work with him to get him back in the squared circle very soon. The Authority now “officially strip Daniel Bryan of the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.” (Stephanie)

McMahon “sincerely” offers her “condolences” to both him and his wife, Brie, who “quit” to save Bryan’s Title. McMahon makes it official, that the Money In The Bank ladder match will be for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at the Money In The Bank pay-per-view. Already announced is Alberto Del Rio; Triple H then places “The Viper” Randy Orton in there too, because “he is who he is.”

They both go back to ripping both Daniel and the fans for loving him and The Shield, despite it all going the way that The Authority originally predicted. A montage of Rollins’ backstabbing on Reigns and Ambrose is shown. Back live, Triple H proclaims “I believe in Seth Rollins.” He books Roman and Dean to face The Wyatt Family in a six-man tag-team bout, with The Shield’s partner a mystery. “Tonight, you will witness history, as The Shield whimpers into extinction. Seth Rollins adapted, and tonight, The Shield perish!”

Up next, U.S. Champ Sheamus will face I.C. Champ Bad News Barrett in a Money In The Bank qualifying match!

Commercials.

Match #1: WWE World Heavyweight Championship Money In The Bank Ladder Match Qualifying, Single – United States Champion Sheamus VS. Intercontinental Champion Bad News Barrett (Non-Title)

Prior to this contest, Barrett gives us some “bad news” that he will win and become the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion.

Lockup into the corner and shoving between the two to begin. Barrett slugs and kicks away in another corner, but Sheamus comes out with a clothesline. He drops a few knees to Barrett’s head, but Barrett comes back with punches and a short-arm clothesline. He sets up Bad News for the “Ten Beats Of The Bowron,” but Wade punches Sheamus off the apron, and dives off the steps with a body block!

In the ring, Sheamus counters again with a clothesline, then manages to whale on Wade with the “Ten Beats Of The Bowron” punches. Sheamus suplexes him back into the ring for a near-fall! Barrett moves from a dive-attempt by Sheamus, then kicks Sheamus harshly and sends him to the floor again. (Note: the crowd is split for both competitors.)

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Sheamus whips Barrett into the corner, but Wade elbows him and gives Sheamus a Tornado Suplex! (Impressive!) Barrett leaps off the second rope with an elbow, but Sheamus gets his knees up! Sheamus builds momentum with axe-handle clotheslines and a shoulder-ram. He runs but catches a knee. Barrett tries a kick, but Sheamus ducks and drives him down with the Irish Curse backbreaker. 1 – 2 – Barrett kicks out! Sheamus rockets himself off the top, but Barrett ducks and spins him around with the Winds Of Change slam! 1 – 2 – Sheamus gets the shoulder up! Sheamus wiggles out of Wasteland, but Barrett ducks the Brogue Kick! (Note: The fans get louder with their fondness of both wrestlers!)

Sheamus gears himself up for another Brogue, but Bad News rolls out of the ring. Sheamus quickly follows up with a low, front dropkick, and another dive off the top rope to the outside! Barrett moves again and the U.S. Champ nails the barricade! Referee Mike Chioda begins the 10-count, but Sheamus slides in at 9!

Barrett capitalizes with Wasteland! 1 – 2 – Sheamus still kicks out! The I.C. Champ winds up for The Bullhammer, but Sheamus catches him in the White Noise slam! 1 – 2 – Barrett now kicks out! (Note: fans are eating this up!) They both slug away near the apron, where Barrett headbutts Sheamus. Barrett yanks his arm and kicks away. He hurls Sheamus into the ring post, then continues to kick away. Barrett backs away, but gets suddenly Brogue Kicked! Sheamus covers and receives the hard-fought victory!

Winner via Pinfall and Qualified: United States Champion Sheamus

Segment #2: Video Promo

The Wyatt Family appear on screen, with Luke Harper talking first. “They said that we were ‘piriahs.’ Two discarded ‘animals.’ Sometimes, sometimes I still get those ‘urges.’ ‘urges’ from a deep, dark place.”

The leader chimes in, “Urges’. Every man has ‘urges.’ But the true measure of a man is to admit them. To learn to control them. The Shield use to refer to themselves as ‘the most dominant force in our universe.’” Bray says he doesn’t recall it that way, as the trio instead became engulfed with the “faults of man.” Wyatt predicts that “they’ll burn for it.” He declares that he is “reborn,” and the Wyatt Family’s “bond” will never be split, and their “urges” won’t be tamed.

Commercials.

Segment #3: Arena Promo

“The Ravishing Russian,” Lana comes to the stage and tears down United States Champion Barack Obama for being a “girly-man.” She shows a picture of Russian president Vladmir Putin topless, comparing his muscular physique to a video of President Obama working out, much skinnier. Her and Justin Roberts then announce Alexander Rusev, who is now being hailed from Russia.

Rusev walks out, waving the Russian flag and says something in Russian, then declares himself “The Super Athlete.”

Match #2: Single – “Long Island Iced-Z” Zack Ryder VS. “The Super Athlete” Alexander Rusev (with “The Ravishing Russian” Lana)

Rusev crush! Alexander finishes this one quickly with The Accolade, forcing Ryder to tap-out!

Winner via Submission: “The Super Athlete” Alexander Rusev (with “The Ravishing Russian” Lana)

Later tonight, Seth Rollins will be interviewed by Michael Cole regarding his actions last week.

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Match #3: Tag-Team – Rybaxel (Ryback and Curtis Axel) VS. Goldust and R-Truth

Rybaxel wins this one, after Axel rolls-up Goldust for the 1 – 2 – 3!

Winners via Pinfall: Rybaxel (Ryback and Curtis Axel)

Segment #4: Backstage Promo

Layla is having her makeup done when Summer Rae comes around and pours a bunch of liquid and powder all over her.

Commercials.

Segment #5: Arena Promo

3.M.B. are in the ring and Heath Slater has the microphone. Before he can get going, The Shield interrupt and walk through the crowd. Reigns and Ambrose brawl with McIntyre and Mahal while Slater escapes to the stage. Reigns catches him with a vicious Spear, almost turning him upside down!

In the ring, Ambrose has the microphone. He tells us that The Shield was “untouchable.” They ran roughshod over everybody in WWE, but had a “cancer” within, named Seth Rollins. Dean call shim a “suck-up who would sell out to The Authority.” Ambrose graphically depicts what he will do to Rollins when he gets his hands on him, and can’t wait to hear what he has to say for himself later tonight. (Note: Seth is shown watching backstage.) “We want you to stand out here, in this ring, in front of the whole world and lie through your teeth. We want you to stand out here, in the middle of this ring, in front of the whole world, and we want them to hear Triple H’s words coming out of your mouth. We’re going to listen to every word of it, and then we’re going to beat the hell out of you.”

Reigns takes the mike now, informing Rollins that he “committed the most unforgivable sin.” Roman isn’t scared one bit, and makes a promise that he will run through Rollins, Orton, and Triple H. “We’re going to have our own ‘Game Of Thrones.’ Believe that!”

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Match #4: Tag-Team – Tag-Team Champions The Usos (Jimmy and Jey) VS. Fandango and Damien Sandow (with Layla) (Non-Title)

(Note: Sandow is dressed in a horrid skin-tight, flesh-colored body-suit.) The Usos take this one shortly, after a jumping calf-kick and Superfly Splash!

Winners via Pinfall: Tag-Team Champions The Usos (Jimmy and Jey)

Commercials.

Match #5: Single – Xavier Woods VS. “The Inspirational” Bo Dallas

Prior to the bout, Bo gives us some “inspirational” words, telling Daniel Bryan to let go of his anger. Instead, to come back “stronger than ever,” is to “Bo-Lieve!”

Bo locks up and they trade waistlocks. Dallas clamps on a standing side headlock, but is flipped over with a fireman’s carry. Bo gives Woods props and locks up again. They flip through some moves again, then Bo gives Xavier a knee-to-the-gut. Bo clotheslines him down and then is impressed, as well as giving Woods more props. Xavier gets fired up and gives Woods a shoulder-tackle, but is launched at by Dallas! He is driven down with the “Bo-Dog” (springboard bulldog), giving Bo Dallas the victory!

Winner via Pinfall: “The Inspirational” Bo Dallas

Post-match, Dallas makes his victory lap and tells Woods to “keep up the good work. One day you’ll be a champion of life.”

Up next, Rob Van Dam takes on Cesaro in a Money In The Bank Qualifying match!

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Segment #6: Arena Promo

Paul Heyman is in the ring, and he once again puts over Brock Lesnar defeating The Undertaker’s WrestleMania streak. Heyman also puts over Lesnar’s home state, which is right here in Minnesota. Heyman announces that they will have a “WrestleMania Victory Party.” (This actually gets pretty decent cheers!) Heyman proclaims his client will be the next WWE World Heavyweight Champion, and pulls the bait-and-switch, bring his new client and winner of the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania, Cesaro!

Match #6: WWE World Heavyweight Championship Money In The Bank Qualifying Match, Single – Cesaro (with Paul Heyman) VS. Rob Van Dam

They circle around the ring, then Cesaro whips Van Dam off the ropes, who comes back with a spin-kick and front-dropkick. Rob leaps up but is caught and turned around with a powerslam by Cesaro! Van Dam reverses a whip into the corner, then monkey-flips him out! Van Dam soars off the top rope with a kick, sending Cesaro to the floor. He follows up with an over-the-rope senton flip!

Commercials.

Cesaro now in control, with a side headlock takedown. Van Dam elbows out of it and hits another spin-kick for two, but is given a fall-away slam out of the corner. Cesaro chucks Rob into the barricade, then gives him an uppercut and jumping double-stomp. Van Dam comes back again with another couple of kicks, a clothesline, and furry punches.

Van Dam flips over with the split-legged moonsault for two, but rolls into an uppercut for a near-fall by Cesaro! He slams Van Dam with a Tigerbomb for another two-count, but almost loses when Van Dam rolls him up with his legs! Rob nails the Rolling Thunder Rolling Senton. Van Dam tries another split-legged move in the corner, but Cesaro pushes him crotch-first into the turnbuckle! He then pulls him further by the leg, and finishes this one with The Neutralizer!

Winner via Pinfall and Qualifying: Cesaro (with Paul Heyman)

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Segment #7: Arena Promo

Michael Cole is in the ring, which is decked out with two chairs and a black mat. He introduces Seth Rollins, who walks out to new music/video, and an all-black suit. Rollins cuts in right away, as do the fans with massive boos. Seth defends his actions as “best for my business.” He touts himself as the creator The Shield, saying he is an “architect” and “mastermind.” Rollins calls Dean Ambrose a “lunatic,” and Roman Reigns “the golden boy.” Seth declares that his former tag-team partners owe him everything, since The Shield’s greatness would never have happened without him.

Rollins says The Shield accomplished everything, and he learned from Evolution that “you have to evolve, you have to adapt.” The fans chant, loudly, “you sold out!” Rollins turns it around, saying he “bought into the ‘evolution’ of Seth Rollins.” Seth puts the proverbial “nail in the coffin,” saying that he was not “brothers” with The Shield; they were “business partners.” “You (Cole) and everybody else better start believing in SETH ROLLINS!”

He then tosses the chair to the floor, challenging The Shield to live up to their declaration form earlier. Reigns and Ambrose walk out and the fight is getting ready! However, The Wyatt Family (Luke and Erik) appear in the ring and begin to brawl. Roman and Reigns dispatch of them for a minute, and go for Rollins, but Bray Wyatt comes in and makes it four-on-two. That is until John Cena charges out and evens the odds! The Wyatt Family and Rollins vastly retreat, leaving Ambrose, Reigns, and Cena standing tall in the ring.

Commercials.

Match #7: Single – Divas Champion Paige VS. Alicia Fox

They lock-up, with Alicia shoving Paige out of the ring. Alicia tries a clothesline, but hits Aksana instead! Paige puts her back in the ring, but is knocked off the apron with a dropkick. Fox in control now with a grounding rear chinlock. Alicia gets a two-count with a Northern Lights Suplex; then slams Paige down head-first. As she panders to the fans, Paige almost takes it with a roll-up!

Alicia signals she’s done, giving Paige a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. 1 – 2 – Paige gets her shoulder up! Fox picks up Paige again, but the Divas Champion counters with a headscissors, sending Fox to the floor! She gives her rapid knees against the ropes, screams at her, then follows up with short-arm clotheslines. She misses a second-rope missile dropkick, but rams Fox into Aksana against the apron. Paige clamps on her P.T.O. finisher, forcing Alicia to submit!

Winner via Submission: Divas Champion Paige

Post-match, Alicia goes nuts again, assaulting Aksana. She then eyes the corner and grabs a fan’s popcorn and water, dumping it all over Aksana in the ring. She continues to batter Aksana, then force-feeds her the popcorn and hugs her, saying “I’m sorry.”

It is official, as The Wyatt Family will face Ambrose, Reigns, and John Cena later tonight!

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Match #8: Single – “A Real American” Jack Swagger (with Zeb Colter) VS. Santino Marella

Santino gets the best of Swagger for a bit, but eventually Jack come out on top after countering a Cobra Shot and Gutwrench-powerbombing Santino!

Winner via Pinfall: “A Real American” Jack Swagger (with Zeb Colter)

Commercials.

Segment #8: Locker Room Promo

Cody Rhodes is trying to pump up his brother, Goldust, by promising a “magnificent” partner next week.

Segment #9: Office Promo

The Authority are chatting about John Cena when Triple H promises that this will be the final time she’ll ever see The Shield. Smackdown General Manager Vickie Guerrero walks in and wants to celebrate Brad Maddox and Daniel Bryan being on. Stephanie slaps the drink out of her hand and orders her to leave, threatening to fire her a second time.

Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose make their entrance through their fans now, for the main event, next!

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Match #9: Six-Man Tag-Team – The Shield (Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns) and John Cena VS. The Wyatt Family (Bray Wyatt, Luke Harper, and Erik Rowan)

A big stare-down ensures, as does the slugfest that follows. It eventually breaks to one-on-one with Ambrose and Rowan. He leaps onto Erik with punches and kicks away in the corner. Dean pie-faces Luke off the apron and springboards with a splash onto him! He tags in Reigns, who gives Rowan the 10-punch in the corner, then slaps and clotheslines him down.

Rowan comes back with a forearm, then switches with Harper. Roman wiggles out of two suplex-attempts, then gives one of his own to Luke. He rams Harper in the corner, and lets Dean tag himself in. Ambrose ties Luke’s knee up against the middle rope, then runs at him with a front-dropkick. Ambrose runs again, but eats a big boot from Luke!

Bray now in, who gives Ambrose a punch and scoop-slam. Rowan gets tagged and boot-chokes Ambrose, then hurls him into the corner of the barricade. He Irish Whips Ambrose on the outside, but is turned around and sent into the steps! Bray back in and works over Ambrose, as does Luke. Dean tries another comeback with punches, but Luke slams him down after catching his leg.

Commercials.

Erik is tearing away at Ambrose, until Dean headbutts his way out. He runs off the ropes but is sidewalk-slammed down, then splashed in the corner by Wyatt. He almost gets a second one, but puts his boots up, then dives off the top rope, but is slammed down! 1 – 2 – Reigns breaks it up!

Ambrose gets the eventual tag to Cena, who is all over Rowan with a spin-out backdrop and Five-Knuckle Shuffle. Rowan comes back with a huge body block, then punches in the corner. Bray tags in and works over Cena, then conducts the crowd in chants of “He’s Got The Whole World.” Cena dropkicks him down (impressive height!), but Harper comes in and is dominate. He drops Cena with a Torture Rack Neckbreaker (unique!). He gets a two-count, then Alligator-Rolls Cena around the ring.

The entire Wyatt Family continue to control Cena, preventing him from making the much-needed switch. Bray dances around with Cena before tossing him a third-of-the-way across the ring! 1 – 2 – Cena kicks out! He manages to move before Bray can senton-splash him, then gets the hot-tag to Roman!

Reigns is fired up, running all over Harper and Rowan. Dean hops the ropes and jumps on Rowan, while Reigns gives both the running front-dropkick from the floor to the apron! In the ring, Reigns slams Harper with a spinning backdrop, while Cena soars off the top with a crossbody! Bray runs in out of the other side and plants Cena with the Sister Abigail! Rowan nails him with the Superman Punch, while Ambrose rockets through the ropes with a suicide dive! Harper hits Reigns with a superkick, but only gets two!

Harper begins to charge, but Reigns beats him with the Spear, getting the sudden victory!

Winners via Pinfall: The Shield (Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose) and John Cena

Post-match, Cena, Roman, and Ambrose celebrate as Seth Rollins and Triple H look on backstage to close the show.

End Of Raw.

Reporter’s Rumblings – By Moe Tapp

I thought this was a pretty good Raw, especially following a majorly shocking and awesome end to last week! There were the usual ups and downs (unfortunately, a few more downs), but in general, a good show. Onto the analysis:

Excellence: Opening match between Sheamus and Barrett – that was brutally physically, suspenseful, and just pure fun to watch! I could see these two go at it anytime and be thoroughly thrilled! And actually, I think it made more sense for Sheamus to win, as he doesn’t have a big program going on right now for the U.S. Title, whereas Barrett has been tied up with R.V.D and Cesaro lately.

Both The Wyatt Family’s and Shield’s promos; I think the Shield one-upped The Family tonight with their intensity. Reigns really reminds me of the cocky, “Big Daddy Cool” persona of Kevin Nash, only Reigns can actually wrestle!

I like Rusev and Lana’s verbal spouts, but am waiting for a full-on feud for Alexander to come. Hopefully, it will be shortly down the line. Loving Bo Dallas’ persona – keep it going!

Seth Rollins’ explanation was great too, feeling real and showing off his superb mike skills. This will be a great rivalry!

Bogus: Do not care for Rybaxel, the Rhodes Brothers (really, they should’ve never split up) (although, am slightly intrigued on who Goldust’s partner will be), Damien Sandow’s ever-changing gimmicks, and Jack Swagger/Colter storyline.

Unfortunately, I loved Paige at the beginning and thought she’d be different, but they haven’t given her much to do and she basically now just like any other Diva. I have no interest in Alicia Fox and want this feud to end. Bring back A.J. quick, and have her and Paige engage in a long feud for the summer – that will be many more times better! Cesaro/R.V.D. was disappointing; it felt slow and a little mistimed/cued at points. I know these two can do better, so let’s hope they improve next time they square off!

Stephanie/Triple H/Vickie segment was pointless, as was Summer dumping stuff on Layla.

On the fence: I usually love when The Shield/Cena and Wyatts go at it, but tonight’s bout seemed a bit long and drawn-out. I think they should’ve just brawled for a while at the beginning, then had a match, and another big brawl at the end, with neither coming out on top to keep momentum on both sides.

The decision to strip Daniel Bryan of the WWE World Heavyweight Championship – on one hand, having the suspense until the Pay-Per-View of whether he is going to wrestle or not could’ve created more buys (and the Money In The Bank Ladder Match could’ve still been set, then just changed to be for the Championship at the Pay-Per-View itself); on the other hand, this will give even more empathy for Bryan and he’ll come back as big as ever (fan-favorite-wise) and really be the top guy. Then pursuing and winning the title at Summerslam, maybe, creating another great summer of stories!

Until next week, (back at regular times!), as always Be Excellent Wrestling-Online Readers and Wrestling Fans!