The non-televised WWE live event in Tallahassee, Florida last night was a Ron Simmons Appreciation Night.
Ron’s friend John “Bradshaw” Layfield hosted the festivities, introducing the former WCW champion going through his young days at FSU, playing football, and having his jersey retired.
The WWE Hall of Famer was then introduced to the crowd and he came out wearing his retired #50 jersey. After a video of all his accomplishments played, Simmons took the mic and addressed the crowd.
JBL also gave Simmons a plaque after June 22, 2013, was declared Ron Simmons Day in Tallahassee.
The former APA member then ended the night with his usual “DAMN!”
The hilarious promo for the SummerSlam 2013 pay-per-view has been released featuring the Bella Twins, Daniel Bryan, Kane, Prime Time Players, Dolph Ziggler, and AJ Lee.
The ad has the Bella Twins playing beach volley, Daniel Bryan trying to start a fire at camp with kids and never manages, Kane coming to the rescue, PTP munching away on corn on the cob, and Ziggler “showing off” winning toys for AJ at a park.
The advert ends with Brie and Nikki Bella doing their best Baywatch running on the beach.
The McMahon Family Foundation has just donated $25,000 to Stamford’s Palace Theatre to benefit its arts education programs according to Broadwayworld.com.
“We are so grateful to the Vince & Linda McMahon Family Foundation for its generosity. The scholarships we are offering to our Triple Threat Performer Intensive would not be possible without this grant,” said Palace Theatre Executive Director Michael E. Moran, Jr.
“While educators and employers place increased focus on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) courses, research shows that integrating those subjects with the arts can enhance students’ interest,” Linda McMahon said. “Arts education, especially at a young age, promotes creative thinking, teamwork and communication – skills necessary for success later in life.”
The Smack is being laid Down for us tonight in Dayton Ohio. After a recap of the results from last Sunday’s Payback PPV, Daniel Bryan makes his way to the ring. Bryan is upset that for the first time in his 13 year career, a match was stopped due to injury. Bryan acknowledges that the WWE claims they were acting to protect him, but he knows the truth: they think he is the weak link. Bryan is especially angry at Randy Orton. After the match, Orton helped Bryan up and shook his hand, but Bryan took it as pity. Bryan claims Orton patted him on the head after, like a good little doggy.
Randy Orton comes out to explain that he wasn’t feeling pity, but respect. Bryan was obviously hurt but he kept coming and never gave up; Orton was impressed by that. Bryan doesn’t believe him and wants to prove he’s not the weak link later tonight. Orton promises to hurt Bryan and tells him to respect that. \
Commercial
Match #1: Sheamus v. Cody Rhodes.
The two men exchange several forearm shots. Sheamus hits Cody with a suplex and then twists his arm. Cody gets free and then Sheamus hits him with a punch. Cody climbs to the top rope but Sheamus throws him to the mat. Cody rolls out to the floor and then trips Sheamus up in the ring apron and sends him crashing to the floor.
Cody slams Sheamus into the barrier. Cody re enters the ring followed by Sheamus; Cody stomps Sheamus as he enters the ring and hits him with a knee strike to the arm. The two men exchange strikes and Cody takes Sheamus to the mat, working on his arm and shoulder. Cody hits Sheamus with a knee to the head and then wraps up the arm again. Sheamus lands a couple punches and Cody responds with another shot to the shoulder and a rollup attempt. Sheamus attempts a slingshot tackle but Cody counters it with an armbar!
Sheamus punches his way out and Cody responds by snapping Sheamus’ arm over the top rope. Sheamus hits Cody with a clothesline and a knee lift. Sheamus follows up with a rolling senton, a forearm, and a high knee. Sheamus attempts White Noise but Cody counters. Sheamus gets Cody in the Texas cloverleaf and Cody taps; Sheamus wins!
After the match, Damien Sandow attacks Sheamus. We’re also shown a video of the awesomely creepy Wiatt family.
Commercial
Match #2: Curtis Axel with Paul Heyman versus Wade Barrett.
The two men lock up and Axel hits Wade with a clothesline; Wade responds with a few punches. Wade hits Axel with an elbow and a dropkick. Axel lands a few punches and an elbow. Axel stomps Wade in the corner; Wade responds with a kick and a clothesline. Wade mounts and pounds Axel. Axel lands several punches; Wade responds with a knee and a suplex. Barret knocks Axel out to the floor and goes out after him.
Wade slams Curtis into the barrier and then rolls him back in. Axel lands some clubbing blows and tries a suplex but Wade blocks it. Wade hits Axel with a big boot to the face and climbs to the second rope. Wade misses with the elbow. Axel hits Wade with a swinging neckbreaker for the win!
Commercial
Recap of the fake Mark Henry retirement from Raw.
Commercial
Match #3: AJ versus Natalya.
Natalya starts the match off with a push after AJ started running her mouth. AJ pushes back and lands a dropkick to the back. Natalya goes for the sharp shooter but AJ blocks it. Natalya keeps AJ’s legs wrapped up and gets her in another submission hold before AJ makes her way to the ropes. AJ gets Natalya’s back and applies a sleeper. Natalya free herself by backing AJ into the corner. AJ lands a kick and gets a two count.
Commercial
Natalya hits a suplex, AJ lands a kick, Natalya lands a clothesline. Natalya gets AJ up in a modified airplane spin, but AJ is able to slip out and lock in the black widow. Natalya taps and AJ retains her Divas title.
In the back, Kaitlyn goes crazy and attacks Aksana. The other Divas try to get Kaitlyn to calm down.
Match: Chris Jericho versus Alberto Del Rio.
The two men lock up; Alberto knocks Y2J down with a shoulder block. Jericho lands a dropkick, a clothesline, a chop, a punch, and running knees to the back. The two men exchange some more strikes and Jericho knocks Alberto off the ring apron with a springboard dropkick. Jericho knocks Alberto into the barrier with another dropkick. Ricardo distracts Jericho and Alberto lands a kick.
Commercial
Jericho misses a splash and falls to the floor. Alberto slams Y2J into the barrier, kicks him, and rolls him back into the ring. Jericho sidesteps an Alberto charge and then hits him with an elbow to the top of the head from the top rope. Jericho tries to catch Alberto in the Walls but Alberto rolls out and hits Y2J with a kick. Alberto lands a few headbutts.
Jericho hits a flying crossbody and then takes Alberto down with a 1 armed bulldog. Jericho hits Del Rio with the lionsault but can’t capitalize. Alberto tries to lock in the armbreaker, but Jericho counters with the Walls. Alberto and Y2J trade places again but this time Ricardo runs in to save Alberto. Jericho attacks Ricardo first and puts him in the walls.
Dolph Ziggler runs into the ring and attacks his rival, Alberto Del Rio, causing Jericho to lose by DQ. Ricardo interfered first, but Jericho attacked Ricardo before Ricardo actually hit anyone, so Ricardo’s run in did not result in a DQ. Jericho looks angry with Dolph for costing him the match. Ricardo and Alberto hit Dolph with a cheap shot after the match and then blow him a kiss.
Commercial
Match #4: Drew McIntyre with 3MB versus Christian.
Christian gets control early, sends Drew out to the floor and then hits him with a baseball slide dropkick. They exchange some strikes and Christian goes to the top; Christian tries for a crossbody but Drew catches him and drops him with a side slam. Christian hits Drew with a kick and then a flying back elbow. After a few more exchanges Christian hits the Kill Switch for the win!
After the match, Christian says it’s great to be back after 10 months, and also says he thinks we all know why he’s back: One more match! Before a decent “one more match” chant can build up any steam, the Shield comes out and beats Christian down, finishing him off with a triple powerbomb.
Commercial
When we return, Rene Young tries to interview Paul Heyman and find out whether or not he ordered the attack on CM Punk by Brock Lesnar. Heyman notes that Punk said he is NOT Heyman’s client but his friend, that makes the question personal, not business. Heyman asks Rene about her relationship with her father, and asked her why her fiancee dumped her recently. Heyman says that Rene should have asked Heyman about his clients; Brock Lesnar and Curtis Axel.
Commercial
Match #5: Daniel Bryan V. Randy Orton.
The two men exchange a series of strikes and headbutts very quickly. Orton eventually lands a suplex an stomps Bryan in the corner. Daniel turns it around and lands several kicks to Orton. Bryan tries to tie up Orton’s knee but Orton counters and applies a headlock. Bryan lands a knee strike and tries to apply the no lock but Orton blocks it.
Orton drops Bryan on his back and then on the ropes. Orton tries a suplex but Bryan blocks it. Bryan lands a punch and Orton snaps Bryan’s head on the top rope and then suplexes him out to the floor.
Commercial
Bryan lands a punch; Orton responds with a dropkick. Randy puts Bryan on the top rope and lands a punch. Orton tries a superplex but Bryan blocks it. Bryan knocks Orton down with a headbutt and then hits him with a missile dropkick. Bryan hits Orton with a series of kicks and a dropkick.
The two men exchange strikes and Bryan runs up the ropes and over Orton. Orton catches Bryan in a powerslam. Orton hits Bryan with a European uppercut and picks him up. Bryan slides out and hits Orton with 9 kicks to the body and a 10th to the head! Bryan goes for a cover and gets a 2 count. Bryan climbs to the top but Orton cuts him off. Orton lands a punch and then takes Bryan down with a superplex!
Orton hits Bryan with a rope hung DDT and sets up for the RKO! Bryan retreats to the floor and Orton goes after him. Orton drops Bryan onto the security barrier, the same way he did Monday when Bryan got hurt. Bryan recovers this time and hits Orton with a running knee strike from the ring apron.
Both men are down outside the ring and the ref starts counting. Bryan makes it in before the ten count, but instead of just letting Orton get counted out, Bryan flies out of the ring again and hits Orton with a suicide dive! The re starts counting again and again Bryan makes it in before the ten count but Orton does not.
The winner by countout Daniel Bryan!!
Daniel Bryan is upset about the match ending in a count out and asks the ref to restart the match; the ref says no. Daniel Bryan angrily screams YES! at the referee and the crowd joins in. Bryan and the crowd are still yelling for the ref to restart the match as Smackdown goes off the air.
Mick Foley appeared on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart – or John Oliver now – a few days ago to challenge Zeb Coulter in a hilarious segment.
During the episode, a clip of Zeb Coulter’s segment from RAW was aired regarding immigration including a clip with JBL and Cole arguing with closed captions while William Regal and Antonio Cesaro wrestled.
The host, British John Oliver, tore his jacket’s sleeves, got a cheap replica title on his shoulder and cut a promo but then brought out Mick Foley for “a little help.”
“Zeb, you have a problem with immigrants? Now you have a problem with me,” said Foley, decked in his usual attire. Foley said that immigrants do the toughest and dirtiest jobs and if someone has a problem with them, they have to answer to Foley and Oliver.
Foley and Oliver then invited Zeb on the show next week to discuss immigration. You can check out the funny seven minute segment below.
TNA Hall of Famer Sting brought back the Main Event Mafia during this week’s episode of IMPACT Wrestling on Spike TV.
Sting assembled the band back together to take down the Aces & Eights and the second member of the group was revealed on last night’s show and it was non other than Kurt Angle. TNA taped another TV show after the live broadcast and another member will also be revealed on the show that will air next week.
The original Main Event Mafia was assembled in 2008 and consisted of Kurt Angle, Sting, Kevin Nash, Booker T, Scott Steiner, and Samoa Joe.
The daughter of two time WWE Hall of Famer and former 16 time World Heavyweight champion Ric Flair, Ashley, made her NXT television debut during yesterday’s tapings held at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida.
Her dad was with her to share the experience with his daughter and appeared in the ring as well in front of the fans. Ashley, who wrestles under the name of Charlotte, has been signed to a developmental deal since May 2012 and made her wrestling debut for NXT at the end of January of this year in a dark match.
The 27 year old was excited to have her dad by her side. “All my life my dad @RicFlairNatrBoy has taken me to work with him….. I finally get to TAKE him to work,” she wrote on Twitter.
Jim Ross called her “athletic as hell” and said she had an impressive debut.
The Examiner newspaper is reporting that a script for Terminator 5 is being prepared with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in mind to play alongside with the original Terminator himself, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Film producer Megan Ellison – who now owns the rights for the Terminator franchise – is determined to get the former WWE champion on board after Schwarzenegger recently promised that he will be part of the fifth instalment of the popular franchise.
The newspaper reports that calls to Dwayne Johnson’s reps were not immediately returned.
If the rumours end up to be true, this would probably be Johnson’s biggest role in a Hollywood movie yet.
WWE announcer and former wrestling Matt Striker has been released from WWE effective immediately after the company decided not to give him a new deal.
“WWE.com has learned that WWE has chosen to not renew Matt Striker’s contract. As of today, June 20, 2013, Striker will no longer be working with WWE. WWE wishes him the best in all his future endeavors,” a statement from WWE read.
Matt Striker has been employed by WWE since 2005, making his debut on Smackdown against Kurt Angle. Several news outlets outed him that he was a school teacher and WWE played it into the angle and later in the year was given a teacher gimmick hosting his own segment titled Matt Striker’s Classroom.
He moved to ECW in August 2006 and had a match at WrestleMania 23 in a four on four bout against the ECW Originals, his only in-ring participation at WrestleMania.
Striker eventually moved to ringside commentary and did play-by-play for ECW and later Smackdown. He hosted NXT and other WWE shows and was a backstage interviewer lately.
WWE creative head writer David Kreizman has parted ways with the company, this time instead of being fired he was the one who walked away from WWE.
The former soap opera writer who worked on television hits such as Guiding Light, As The World Turns, and All My Children, joined WWE in March of this year and only managed to stay onboard for less than four months.
You think working for the McMahons is easy? Ask the handful of writers who have departed this year because of the stress and drama backstage!
Rey Mysterio underwent surgery earlier today again under the care of Dr. James Andrews, a surgery which Mysterio himself described as a “minor procedure.”
The 38 year old Superstar has been out of action since March of this year and was taken out of story lines by Mark Henry due to a knee injury he had to fix. His return was supposed to be in late August although it’s not clear if this new surgery will once again delay his return.
Mysterio has been taking time off for quite a while now, taking care of injuries and other personal issues. He currently sits on strike two on the Wellness Program, with his last suspension coming in April of last year where he was suspended for 60 days.
WWE made the news for all the wrong reasons after a 5 year old was killed by her brother after he practiced “wrestling moves” on his sister in Louisiana.
The brother, 13 years of age, was arrested on on day and charged with second degree murder after autopsy revealed that his sister died of severe blunt trauma, which included broken ribs, a lacerated liver and internal bleeding.
In an interview with the boy, detectives said that he had had been practicing “World Wrestling Entertainment-style moves” on his little sister, which eventually led to hear death.
“The death of Viloude Louis is a tragedy and we express our heartfelt condolences. Authorities have already charged the accused with second degree murder and determined that this was not an accidental death due to a wrestling move,” a statement from WWE reads. “The facts of this case clearly point to a lack of parental supervision and a teenager who had a history of violent behavior toward his 5-year-old stepsister. It is illogical to conclude that the repeated, brutal and ultimately fatal beating of a 5-year-old little girl by a teenager could be confused with imitation of WWE action seen on TV.”
PWInsider.com is reporting that the match between Daniel Bryan and Randy Orton was called off for real and was not part of the storyline yesterday. The call was made after Bryan suffered a stinger following the missile dropkick on Orton.
The site also adds that Bryan was pissed backstage and expressed his anger towards Triple H for stopping the match in the gorilla position which resulted into a loud argument. The two eventually cooled down their jets afterward and HHH explained that they were protecting him and didn’t want him to get hurt.
The original finish of the match was supposed to be Bryan winning against Orton.
Monday Night RAW did 4,153,000 viewers for this week’s show for a 3.0 rating, up 163,000 viewers from last week.
Hour one did 4,030,000 viewers followed by 4,260,000 in the second and 4,170,000 in the third hour. (Ratings compile by Nielsen Media Research and put online by PWInsider.com)
The first time ever match between CM Punk and Brock Lesnar is expected to be held at SummerSlam in August and not at the Money In The Bank pay-per-view next month.
With Lesnar still on limited dates with the company, it makes sense to hold off on to this big match for one of the biggest pay-per-views on the WWE calendar, not to mention that it gives WWE around 2 months to build Punk’s revenge on Heyman and his client.
SummerSlam will be taking place on August 18 at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California.
Post Fruity Pebbles announced in a press release today that WWE champion John Cena will be appearing on TV commercials, a mobile photo app and a toy giveaway, extending the partnership between WWE and Fruity Pebbles.
Cena became the first man to knock Fred Flintstone off the popular cereal box and TV commercials, a partnership that started thanks to The Rock calling Cena “fruity pebbles” because of his wide variety of colored t-shirts during their feud for WrestleMania 28.
“We’re thrilled to be expanding our partnership with John Cena beyond the cereal box and connecting him with fans both on TV and at play,” said Sharon Pupel, Marketing Director at Post Foods. “We hope kids enjoy virtually interacting with the ‘champ’ through the launch of the PebblesPics app and on-pack giveaway, and we want to make sure we continue to provide fans with fun and positive experiences, not only at the breakfast table, but throughout the day whenever and wherever they choose to play.”
Last night, I’m sure many wrestlers got payback, but let’s just see who. Here’s hoping that both Heavyweight Champions retained their titles, as their challengers do not need/should not have, respectively, the championships. Also, what was the fallout from Chris Jericho VS. C.M. Punk? Did they actually wrestle, or did the “Straight-Edge Superstar” just cut one of his infamous “pipe bombs” and walk out?
For tonight, the only known is that Triple H has vowed to take on Curtis Axel. Will “The Game” get his hands on the *potentially* new Intercontinental Champion, or are there going to be more road blocks put in his way? Either way, put an end to it and get him/The McMahons off the TV!
So many unanswered questions lie ahead (especially since I don’t know the results of the Pay-Per-View), so to get those responses, read on for Raw!
Monday Night Raw Report for June 17th, 2013 – “A New Champion Here, A New Challenger There, A Heel Turn Here, A Face Turn There, A Return Here, A Return There.”
Introduction Segment: Recap
A video showing the events of last night (including Dolph Ziggler losing – boooooooo!!!!), John Cena & The Shield retaining (good), and Curtis Axel & A.J. Lee capturing singles championships for the first time (yay!). Plus, C.M. Punk and Chris Jericho did actually wrestle, with Chicago’s own coming home and winning.
Segment #1: Arena Promo
Ricardo Rodriguez announces his friend, and NEW World Heavyweight Champion, Alberto Del Rio. He says the fans called his victory controversial, because Del Rio chose to attack Dolph Ziggler’s vulnerable head.
Alberto says he did the same thing, more or less, that Ziggler did to him the night after Wrestlemania when Dolph cashed in his Money In The Bank briefcase on him, when he had an injured ankle. Del Rio wonders why they were cheering for Dolph, implying he was a coward for doing so, and a pig. Alberto says that for the last five months, he fought for the people and didn’t get anything. However, last night he fought for himself and won the World Title. (As my Dad said, “heel turn!”)
The “Mexican Aristocrat” says he is going to give the people a second chance and fight for them, but before he can go any further, a returning C.M. Punk with Paul Heyman interrupts, to a huge ovation. He reminds Del Rio that the last time they tangled, he beat him for the WWE Championship at Survivor Series 2011 (and from a sarcastic reminder from Heyman), was champion for 434 days.
Punk says he is out because Del Rio says he is “the best,” which C.M. will always dispute. He then challenges Alberto to a match tonight, despite Heyman’s objects since he already wrestled last night and the title would not be on the line. He also backs Dolph Ziggler, saying “The Show Off” deserves and better get his rematch.
Del Rio tries to back out, but Supervising Manager Vickie Guerrero, with Assistant Brad Maddox, forces the World Heavyweight Champion to compete against “The Straight Edge Superstar.”
Also, she will have a surprise for the McMahon-Helmsley family, and has booked Randy Orton to take on Daniel Bryan. Up next, Wade Barrett, who is shown walking through the backstage area, will have his rematch for the Intercontinental Champion Curtis Axel.
Commercials.
Segment #2: Backstage Promo
C.M. Punk and Paul Heyman are discussing their status. Punk says that while he will always be a “Paul Heyman guy,” he is not wanting Paul E. at ringside by his matches or interviews anymore.
Match #1: Single for the Intercontinental Championship – Wade Barrett (Challenger) VS. Curtis Axel (Champion)
Prior to the bout, Supervising Manager Vickie Guerrero and Assistant Brad Maddox walk back out and announces that it is changed. Barrett will now be facing her “big surprise”:
Christian!
Match #1: Single – Wade Barrett VS. Christian
Christian is all over Barrett, diving off the top rope with a frog-splash-crossbody to the outside. Barrett gains control with a grounding rear chinlock, but Christian soon comes back with a clothesline and Tornado DDT. 1 – 2 – Wade kicks out! He counters Christian with a kick, but gets a pump-handle moves turned around into a rope-hung jawbreaker. Christian drives him down with the Unprettier for the victory!
Winner via Pin Fall: Christian
Michael Cole announces that Daniel Bryan and Randy Orton will wrestle in either a No-Disqualification Match, No Count-Out, or 2 out of 3 Falls; the stipulations are determined by the fans on the WWE App.
The same Wyatt Family video from last week airs.
Ads.
Match #2: 2 on 1 – Team Rhodes Scholars (“The Intellectual Saviour Of The Unwashed Masses” Damien Sandow and Cody Rhodes) VS. Sheamus
Both Damien and Cody can be in the ring at the same time, so they are all over Sheamus, taking turns to pound and stomp away. They double-suplex Sheamus for a two-count, then Sandow drops some repeated elbows, including the “Elbow Of Distain.” Damien holds Sheamus back as Rhodes slaps him, but Sheamus powers up and tosses Cody to t outside.
He shoulder-rams Sandow in the corner and rolls over him with the fireman’s carry. Sheamus pounds away on Rhodes against the ropes and catches him with White Noise as he flew off the ropes! Sheamus is gearing up for the Brogue Kick but Damien slides underneath and rolls him up for the sneaky 1 – 2 – 3!
Winners via Pin Fall: Team Rhodes Scholars (“The Intellectual Saviour Of The Unwashed Masses” Damien Sandow and Cody Rhodes)
Post-match, Sheamus Brogue Kicks Cody anyway and stares down Sandow.
Later tonight, Mark Henry may announces his retirement.
Segment #3: Video Promo
Rob Van Dam, former innovative ECW and WWE Champion/Superstar will return at Money In The Bank!
Commercials.
Segment #4: Office Promo
Supervising Manager Vickie Guerrero and Assistant Brad Maddox are sucking up to Chief Executive Officer Triple H, touting their success so far tonight. HHH likes how they booked Punk and Del Rio, and brought back Christian, but wonders what their back up plans were. Also, he doesn’t recall them making the deal with Rob Van Dam, like Maddox thinks they did.
Segment #5: Locker Room Promo
Kane walks in and wants to talk to a warming-up Daniel Bryan. He is not happy he and Bryan lost, so he wants to give Team Hell No another shot. “No!” shouts Daniel, and he wants prove himself by beating Randy Orton tonight and winning the WWE Championship later. Kane wants that title too, and wishes “good luck” to Bryan, who misconstrues this as being the “weak link.”
Ads.
Match #3: Single – “The Viper” Randy Orton VS. Daniel Bryan
Prior to the contest, Randy was interviewed on the WWE App and calls Bryan “the weak link” and it was because of him they lost to The Shield. Speaking of the App, the results reveal No Disqualification rules.
They begin with some wrestling holds and then engage in kicks-in-corner for both. Bryan ducks a clothesline and reverses a Lou Thesz press into the Half-Crab submission. Orton kicks out, but Bryan fires back with more kicks-in-the-corner of his own. Randy scratches at Daniel’s eyes and throws him to the outside, then chucks him right back in.
He clamps on a grounding headlock and delivers the 8-Punch in the corner. Bryan comes back with a clothesline and charges at Orton with a running dropkick in the corner. He pulls down the top rope, which sends Randy tumbling over. Bryan follows that up with a dive, but Orton moves and pushes Daniel to the mat floor!
“The Viper” now brings out a Kendo Stick to play with. He whacks Bryan on the back, then on the chest. He gets a cover but only for two!
Commercials.
Back on air, Orton has Bryan atop the turnbuckle and tries a suplex, but Daniel fights battles out with punches and a headbutt. He flies off the top rope with a front-missile-dropkick and both are down! Bryan is up first and kicks away again, but misses the last one and ends up in a t-bone suplex from Orton!
He attempts the slingshot-DDT, but Bryan reverses into the “No Lock” Crossface submission. Randy reverses into a slingshot and kicks him to the floor after Daniel tried to counter. There is speculation Bryan may be hurt and the ringside doctor is checking on him. Bryan wants to keep wrestling, but Chad Patton, the referee, calls off the match and gives it to Orton.
Winner via Referee Stoppage: “The Viper” Randy Orton
Post-match, Orton goes over and picks up Daniel, hugging him. Bryan walks off with the doctor, shaking his head.
Ads.
Segment #6: Arena Promo
NEW Divas Champion A.J. Lee skips out with Big E. Langston. She first states that her “Baby Ziggy” isn’t hear, because he is not medically cleared tonight. (Boo!) A.J. calls herself the strongest and best Divas champion ever, so she challenges any woman to confront her.
At first, no one answers the call, until the most powerful woman in the WWE walks out. Stephanie McMahon and berates A.J. for insinuating stereotypes that they just want to tear each other down. She wants A.J. to start acting like a champion with class and grace. A.J. threatens that she should just do it the “McMahon” way and marry a superstar on the roster. Stephanie reminds her that she is the one who can take away that title, and her job!
Kaitlyn, along with Natalya, Cameron, Naomi, Alicia Fox, and Layla walks out to the stage. She yells at A.J. on how she was humiliated and broken, and that she will do the same to her. They engage in a cat fight until Big E. pulls Lee away, leaving Kaitlyn in the ring.
Up next, a U.S. Championship rematch will take place.
Commercials.
Match #4: Single for the United States Championship – Dean Ambrose (Champion) VS. Kane (Challenger)
Kane dominates this bout, until The Shield interferes quickly. Roman Reigns spears Kane and the three Triple-Powerbomb the “Big Red Monster,’ causing a DQ.
Winner via Disqualification: Kane
Ads.
Segment #7: Backstage Promo
The Shield are walking through the hallways, when Vickie and Brad confront them. Dean Ambrose taunts her “severe consequences,” and is about to tell them “you’re…” when Mr. McMahon enters the picture. He is impressed with The Shield, since they remind him of himself, with “ruthless aggression.” Vince tells them to keep it up and they happily stroll off.
Commercials.
Segment #8: Arena Promo
Zeb Colter walks out and spews his usual “prophecies” about America, but does bring out a new partner he and the “Real American” Jack Swagger have aligned themselves with … Antonio Cesaro! This leads to…
Match #5: Single – William Regal VS. Antonio Cesaro (with Zeb Colter)
In short, Cesaro completely controls this contest (unfortunately, because this could’ve been a GREAT match), and finishes off Regal with “The Neutralizer.”
Winner via Pin Fall: Antonio Cesaro (with Zeb Colter)
Post-match, Cesaro and Colter drape a “Don’t Tread On Me” banner all over a downed William, then hold their palms to their chest.
WWE Champion John Cena will be out next to say something!
Ads.
Segment #9: Arena Promo
John Cena, still the WWE Champion following Payback, honestly loves “this,” referring to fans both cheering and booing him. He admires their honesty, because they have/will always be truthful on when they don’t like him. He also acknowledges his fans … the ones who support him no mater what.
Cena thanks all of those who “hung in there for me,” and that he is looking forward to his next challenger. Cena warns the next Money In The Bank winner that he will not be phased, that he will always be ready for that wrestler to cash in his briefcase, and that the next person to hold this WWE Championship earns it.
Just now, Mark Henry walks out. He is donned in a suit and is carrying his boots, and symbolically puts on the stage. With tears in his eyes, Henry asks John to stay so he can tell everyone something. “The World’s Strongest Man” says that he respects everyone in this business, because he knows how difficult it is. He called himself a “seasoned veteran” when Cena came in in 2002, and he’s doing an awesome job.
The fans loudly and proudly chant “Thank You Henry,” and “Sexual Chocolate.” He says that he has had a lot of success, including being both World Heavyweight Champion and ECW Champion. They also chant “one more match,” and John tosses him his WWE Championship.
Henry holds it up proud, and then gives it back to Cena, saying “this is something you gotta earn.” Mark says he is officially retiring from the WWE Active roster, and the crowd tonight, calling them “one of the best in the last five years.” Henry talks about his family, wife and children, then says “baby, I’m coming home.”
“The World’s Strongest Man” holds up John’s hands then suddenly drops him with the World’s Strongest Slam! He stands over Cena and yells “I’ve got a lot more left in the tank!” Henry goes up to the stage and shouts “that’s what I do!”
Commercials.
Segment #10: Backstage Promo
Henry is interviewed by Rene Young, and he officially challenges Cena for the WWE Championship, citing that’s the title he hasn’t held yet. He has two boots with him, because one of them he’s going to leave in John’s rear end.
Match #6: Single – Heath Slater (with “3.M.B.” partners Jinder Mahal and Drew McIntyre) VS. “Y2J” Chris Jericho
Jericho boots Slater out of the corner and dives off the top rope with an axe handle. He plants Slater with the running bulldog, but is cut off the ropes by McIntyre. Slater takes advantage with boots and a scoop slam, but misses a second-rope knee drop. Chris nails the Lionsault and Codebreaker (double-knee-driver) and the 1 – 2 – 3!
Winner via Pin Fall: “Y2J” Chris Jericho
Segment #11: Backstage Promo
Matt Striker interrupts a conversation between Paul Heyman and his other “guy” Intercontinental Champion Curtis Axel. He asks Heyman what he thought of C.M. Punk “dumping” him, but Paul E. puts Striker down for his line of questioning. He says they should really be talking about Axel, who will be “better than perfect.”
Ads.
Match #7: Single – Sin Cara VS. Intercontinental Champion Curtis Axel (with Paul Heyman) (Curtis Axel)
(Gee, I wonder who wins this for the umpteenth time?!) (Note: The Miz is on commentary) This actually lasts longer than expected, with Cara putting up more of a fight, but the new I.C. Champ finishes it off with a (very sloppy looking) DDT.
Winner via Pin Fall: Intercontinental Champion Curtis Axel (with Paul Heyman)
Segment #12: Office Promo
Mr. McMahon agrees with Vickie and Maddox on they are running the show, and books Henry VS. Cena for the WWE Championship. Stephanie and Triple H enter, and try to get in their influence, telling Guerrero and Brad to listen to them as well. Vickie is confused.
Segment #13: Backstage Promo
Paul Heyman rushes out and wishes C.M. Punk good luck, calling him “the best in the world.”
Commercials.
Match #8: Single – World Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio (with Ricardo Rodriguez) VS. C.M. Punk (Non-Title)
(Note: Del Rio made his entrance, to almost NO reaction prior to the break, and Punk came out after.) Punk is fired up right away, with kicks and punches until Alberto escapes to the outside for a rest. Punk chases him but is cut off and stomped on back in the ring.
Snap suplex gets two for Del Rio, He corners and attacks C.M., then uses the ropes for an advantage. “The Straight-Edge Superstar” attempts a G.T.S. but Alberto wiggles out. Punk follows with a dive to the outside, but Alberto comes back again and focuses on Punk’s arm.
Ads.
Del Rio has Punk locked in an armbar, but runs into a boot from Punk. He counters again with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker and repeatedly headbutts C.M. on the canvas. Alberto ascends the top rope but misses a dive, allowing “The Second City Saint” with a kick-to-the-face and knees-to-the-face.
Del Rio counters again on Punk’s arm, then delivers punches to his kidneys against the ropes. He nails the Backstabber for two. Punk manages to hit the Go-To-Sleep on the World Heavyweight Champion, who falls out of the ring. Ricardo picks him up and drags to the to stage, allowing getting counted-out.
Winner via Count-Out: C.M. Punk
Post-match, Dolph Ziggler runs out and attacks both Rodriguez and Del Rio, until referees separate them. In the ring, Punk is alone and confronted by another “Paul Heyman Guy,” “The Beast Incarnate,” Brock Lesnar!
He’s back and stands in the ring with a microphone. Lesnar gets in C.M.’s curious-looking face, but instead plants him with the F-5 and laughs! He stands at the bottom of the ramp, staring at a face-down C.M. Punk to close the show.
End Of Raw.
Reporter’s Rumblings – By Moe Tapp
Man, this Raw was packed and really one of the better “post-pay-per-view” shows, storyline-building wise. Even though they were shorter than usual, it still had a nice balance of matches and promos as well. (A little more on the promo side, though.) Onto the analysis.
Excellence: Though I don’t like the actual turn (more on that in “Bogus,”) Del Rio’s promo & reasoning for becoming heel made sense at least made some sense, so props for continuity there. Nice genuine surprise return of Christian – was truly not expecting that and hope he is booked to move up the card. Very excited for Rob Van Dam to come back, and I could easily see him winning a Money In The Bank spot and/or mix it up with The Shield nicely. Also, Ambrose, Rollins, and Reigns continue to do no wrong, same with Daniel Bryan. Another fantastic match he had tonight, this time with Randy Orton. I’m not sure of the “injury” storyline though, as they did have me thinking if it was real or not, for a bit. Definitely know it’s not though.
Love A.J. as the new Divas Champion, as she has already brought interest as a challenger to the title, now she can carry it to a higher/more recognized point. Was hoping though that another either returning or debuting (Paige from NXT!) Diva would be her next challenger. I also hope that Antonio Cesaro’s new alliance with Zeb Colter is a turn-around for the good, a la Jack Swagger. He has a lot of potential and use that has not been tapped into yet.
Absolutely LOVED the Mark Henry retirement fake-out. That had both my Dad and I going. At first, he thought it was a work, then with Henry’s superb acting and real tears, we both had it written as legit, then the swerve fooled as after all! That was brilliance, and I am glad he is getting another main-event/Heavyweight Title level run. Henry has really stepped up his game in the last couple years, so definitely deserves this again.
Bogus: At least it was minimal this week, but The McMahons should still be off the TV. They really only put themselves over nowadays and take away from the other talent. I believe they should be saved for just big announcements from now on. In the “don’t care” file: “3.M.B.,” and Brad Maddox – why is he there other than to just stand around in the background? If Sheamus won cleanly over Sandow at the Pay-Per-View Pre-Show, then that feud should be over. No need to continue tonight. Again, where were The Usos and their “renewed push?” Bring them back!
I believe did one backwards tonight – Brock Lesnar/C.M. Punk. While it was cool to see him return, I think they should’ve had Curtis Axel step up and be the one to defind Heyman against Punk, solidifying his status much better than just beating Sin Cara frequently. Then, they could move on to Lesnar/Punk for Summerslam. I could see scenarios on how they’ll stretch it out until then from now, but I think if they shoot right into Lesnar/C.M. at MITB, then they will waste it a great rivalry.
Lastly, absolutely HATED Dolph Ziggler losing the World Heavyweight Championship and Alberto Del Rio’s heel turn. Like I said, while Del Rio’s reasoning made some sense, I think he was pretty over as a babyface and could still taken it further. More importantly, Ziggler was WAY over and should’ve carried the belt for a LONG run properly this time. The only bright side is that now Dolph will be a full-face, and can really have the sympathy and fan support as a chaser for the championship. Then when he wins again, the fans will be elated even more so, and help him become one of the more better-rated and loved wrestlers in recent years.
Overall, pretty good Raw tonight to what apparently was a pretty decent Pay-Per-View. Definitely looking forward to seeing the awesome promos-to-come between Henry/Cena, Dolph, and Daniel Bryan/”The Shield.” Plus, let The Wyatt Family show up soon! Until next week, as always, Be Excellent Wrestling-Online Readers and Wrestling Fans!
Brock Lesnar returned to RAW and delivered an F5 to CM Punk, leaving the former WWE champion motionless in the middle of the ring to end the broadcast.
During the show, Punk told Heyman yet again that he is not his client and he doesn’t need his help unlike Curtis Axel and Brock Lesnar. Punk eventually banned Heyman from accompanying him to the ring for his matches since he almost cost him his match against Jericho at the Payback pay-per-view.
Before walking out for his match against Alberto Del Rio, Heyman stopped Punk and told him that he loved him and hugged him. After the match was over, Brock Lesnar’s music hit the speakers and out walked the former UFC and WWE champion. After circling the ring, Lesnar jumped in, grabbed a microphone, smiled at Punk, dropped the mic, and hit the F5 to close off the show.
There was a wardrobe malfunction on RAW during the segment featuring the new Divas champion AJ Lee and former champ Kaitlyn.
After Stephanie McMahon threatened to fire AJ following the trading of insults, Kaitlyn and the rest of the Divas locker room came out to face AJ. Kaitlyn proceeded to go in the ring and tackle the new champion and while the two were rolling around in the ring, Kaitlyn’s top had enough and decided to let one nipple out.
“A slight wardrobe malfunction may or may not have happened (from the velocity of the Spear),” Kaitlyn wrote on Twitter.
Kaitlyn quickly arranged her top as Big E Langston escorted AJ out on his shoulder to avoid further confrontation.
You can check out two photos from the slip below. (Images courtesy of the Twitter account @KaitlynsNipple)
