We are just six nights away from the WWE’s second-longest running pay-per-view, Survivor Series. While there are still some matches all-together to be decided, one match contains the traditional team-vs.-team. However, members on both Team Cena and Team Authority still have yet to be revealed. Who will be the final participants on both sides?
Once again, Bray Wyatt played mind games with Dean Ambrose last week. Will Ambrose get some revenge as they move into their battle at Survivor Series?
There are no championships on the line at Survivor Series; does that change tonight?
All this and more, plus my picks for Survivor Series, so read on!
Monday Night Raw TV Report for November 17th, 2014 – “Standing Tall”
Introduction Segment: Video Promo
Recap from the events last week, where Ryback made the decision to not join either team is shown.
Segment #2: Arena Promo
The Authority’s music kicks off Raw, with the entirety of Team Authority walking out; Michael Cole, Jerry “The King” Lawler, and John “Bradshaw” Layfield welcome us. Triple H is first on the microphone and talks about the stakes that have been raised for their Elimination Match at the PPV. He wonders why we want Team Authority to lose, and thereby have “the inmates run the asylum,” which he compares to World Championship Wrestling – WCW. He announces that there will be a contract signing to make this huge bout “official.”
Stephanie then runs down who is on The Authority’s Team – Kane, Seth Rollins (Captain), Mark Henry, United States Champion Rusev (with Lana), and Luke Harper. She talks about one guy they wanted but did not get, Ryback. “The Big Guy” then walks out and lets The Authority know “Ryback wants what’s best for Ryback.” McMahon tries to convince Ryback that Cena is “jealous” of him and shows footage from about 18 months ago, where Cena was making fun of Ryback on Raw. Back live, Stephanie asks him if he is happy with a complacent Cena, or wants the “respect” of The Authority. Ryback states that he “plays for Team Ryback.”
Triple H is eager to get the night going and makes the first match, with Harper facing Intercontinental Champion Dolph Ziggler.
“The Show-Off” makes his entrance to take on the (former?) Wyatt Family member up next!
Commercials.
Match #1: Single for the Intercontinental Championship – Luke Harper (Challenger) (with Seth Rollins, Joey Mercury, and Jamie Noble) VS. “The Show-Off” Dolph Ziggler (Champion)
Right before the bell, Seth Rollins, Joey Mercury, Jamie Noble, and Harper himself jump Dolph and beat him down. Rollins, Mercury, and Noble exit and leave the referee to check on Ziggler. The bell does ring, as Dolph orders the referee to do so. Luke measures “The Show-Off” and delivers a big-boot right away. 1 – 2 – Dolph gets the shoulder up. Harper gives him a sit-down powerbomb, but Ziggler still raises his shoulder. Luke dives at Dolph in the corner, but the I.C. Champ moves, sending Harper tumbling to the floor!
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Luke is back in control, grappling Dolph with the Gator Roll grounding headlock. Ziggler counters with a sit-down jawbreaker, then moves as Luke hits the post shoulder-first. Dolph plants him with the Fameasser but only gets a near-fall! He goes to boot Harper, but Luke counters and turns him around with a spinning sidewalk slam! Harper measures up Dolph again, but the Intercontinental Champion nails a superkick for two! Dolph drops out of a powerbomb attempt, but Harper comes back with a discus clothesline and covers for the sudden hard-fought victory!
Winner via Pinfall and NEW Intercontinental Champion: Luke Harper (with Seth Rollins, Joey Mercury, and Jamie Noble)
Post-match, Harper, Mercury, Noble, and Rollins gloat; then Seth drives Dolph to the canvas with the Curb Stomp. They continue to revel over Harper’s victory and an out-cold Dolph.
Commercials.
Segment #3: Video Promo
“The new day is coming,” featuring Kofi Kingston.
Segment #4: Backstage Promo
The Miz and Damien Mizdow put over a new idea they have for a movie to Grumpy Cat, an actual cat with a grimace on its face. Yes, I just typed that. Miz and Mizdow read the cat the riot act, but then Miz comes back and tells the cat he’s a “big fan” and has “friended” it on Facebook.
Adam Rose and his Posse make their entrance, as he will be in action next!
Ads.
Match #2: Single – Adam Rose (with The Party Posse) VS. Tyson Kidd (with Natalya)
Partway through the match, as Rose is in control, The Bunny tries to sweeten up Natalya. This displeases Adam, who is forced to tap to the Sharpshooter by Kidd.
Winner via Submission: Tyson Kidd (with Natalya)
Post-match, Rose is upset and takes a swing at The Bunny, but The Bunny counters and actually humps Rose from behind. (Yes, I unfortunately just typed that too.) Rose is infuriated as The Bunny walks upstage, making continuous humping motions. (That was pretty risque/tacky/needless)
Commercials.
Segment #5: Arena Promo
Bray Wyatt saunters to the ring. The lights are darkened as he begins. “They have lied to us all right from the beginning. They tried to convince us that love will make us rich; far more rich than any dollar bill ever could. They tried to convince us that love was the most precious gift that we could ever receive. But what they forgot to mention was that everything you love could be ripped away from you at the drop of a hat. As we all know, a man that has nothing to love, a man that has nothing to lose, is the most dangerous man in this world. Poor Dean Ambrose. For people like Dean Ambrose, every waking day is another pathetic attempt to express himself. To share his love, out of obligation, not desire. And a man like Ambrose, he has no choice. He will end up in the same misery day-after-day; he will always be alone. Well if Dean Ambrose takes anything away from this, I pray that he does not mistake my generosity for something malignant. It is true, that at first, I had to get his attention by any means necessary. But I’m promising you Dean, from the bottom of my heart, right here right now, today I come in peace, man. I know that you still feel the torment that you suffer at my hands Dean. But you must understand that that momentary suffering, it was a gift, because I know the pains you have endured in this life time. A mother who drowned herself in her own misery rather than take care of her baby boy. A father who abandoned you; an entire lifetime of isolation, Dean. And I bring these things up to you, because I want you to see the salvation that I can offer. It’s all real, Dean. It’s all real and it’s all my passion Dean. I want you to feel it, I want you to feel how I can save you Dean. I pray that you can understand how our souls are intertwine. Embrace us Dean, embrace us Dean and I can make this all go away.”
Ambrose appears on the Titan Tron and counters Wyatt. He wonders why Wyatt is wanting to “dig up bones from his past.” Dean reveals to Bray that this message is taped, and he is actually in the arena right now! Wyatt looks around and turns into Ambrose who jumps him. They roll around in the ring until Wyatt escapes. Ambrose yells at Bray, “I don’t need any saving!”
Ryback makes his entrance for a match, next!
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Match #3: Single – Ryback VS. Cesaro
This contest starts out pretty even, then Ryback gains domination with a big splash and slam. Cesaro reverses an Irish Whip attempt, and gives Ryback a T-Bone/Exploder Suplex. Ryback counters a run with a Lou Thesz Press and repeatedly rams Cesaro’s head against the canvas. Cesaro counters punches in the corner with a powerbomb, then gives Ryback a double-stomp. Cesaro mount-punches then throws Ryback hard into the corner, and clotheslines him hard over the ropes too.
Commercials.
Cesaro is still in major control, wearing down Ryback with a grounding headlock. He dives off the top rope, but is caught and tossed overhead with a belly-to-belly suplex! Ryback gains momentum and sets up for the Meathook clothesline. Cesaro moves to the apron to avoid, but is chucked back in. Ryback hits a splash off the corner. He tries the Shellshock, but Cesaro drops out and German suplexes Ryback. Ryback elbows Cesaro and runs at him, but Cesaro moves and repeat-German suplexes him three times! Cesaro dives off the turnbuckle with an elbow, but Ryback gets the shoulder up at two! Ryback counters with a military-press/powerslam drop, and runs at Cesaro for the Meathook Clothesline, but Cesaro counters with an uppercut! He nails another one and covers, 1 – 2 – Ryback lifts his shoulder! Ryback reverses The Neutralizer into a Shellshock, but Cesaro wiggles into a pin combo for a near-fall! Ryback ducks and nails the Meathook clothesline, then finishes off Cesaro with the Shellshock and 1 – 2 – 3!
Winner via Pinfall: Ryback
Segment #6: Backstage Promo
John Cena is interviewed by Rene Young. He states The Authority’s existence is in danger, and wants to see his teammates with him to “take The Authority out of power.” Young questions him about Ryback, and Cena replies, “Ryback’s made it pretty obvious that he’s on ‘Team Ryback.’”
Lana and her charge, the United States Champion Rusev make their grand entrance. Rusev will be wrestling next.
Ads.
Match #4: Single – United States Champion Rusev (with “The Ravishing Russian,” Lana) VS. ??? (Non-Title)
Prior to the bout, Lana cuts a promo berating the Americans for ogling over photos of “celebrity” Kim Kardashian. Lana says her body does not compare to Kim’s, insinuating it is much better. (I agree!) So, she offers to expose herself, with a topless photo. Of course, (most of) the crowd votes for yes, so Lana puts up the picture on the Titan Tron; however it is of a topless Russian President, Vladimir Putin on horseback. Lana tells us “in your broken, pathetic, American dreams.”
Heath Slater walks out and makes an empty threat, because he is quickly dismantled with a big kick and The Accolade submission by Rusev!
Winner via Submission: United States Champion Rusev (with “The Ravishing Russian,” Lana)
Segment #7: Backstage Promo
Miz and Mizdow are pointlessly talking to Grumpy Cat again, when Erik Rowan walks in and takes Miz/Mizdow’s stuffed cat.
Big Show walks down to the ring for some in-ring competition, next!
Commercials.
Match #5: Single – The Big Show VS ???
Stephanie McMahon talks to Show first, and entices him to leave Team Cena by offering him a spot in the 2015 WWE Hall Of Fame. Sheamus walks out to counteract McMahon’s verbal’s, but Stephanie surprises Show and Sheamus by booking them against each other, with the winner receiving a WWE World Heavyweight Championship title shot.
Both men reluctantly do this, starting by tagging each other’s hands. They lock up and are even a few times. Big Show suddenly fires away with slaps and fists, as does Sheamus right back. Show rams Sheamus’ head into the top turnbuckle, then slaps him hard against the corner. He dumps Sheamus to the floor, then hurls him to the timekeeper’s area, by Lillian Garcia, the ring announcer.
Ads.
Sheamus is now in control, pounding away on Show with fists. He hits a boot and knee for two! Show counters and scoop-slams Sheamus, then drops a big elbow for another two-count. Show scoop-slams Sheamus again, then clutches on a reverse Indian deathlock. Sheamus makes a mini-comeback, punching away at Show then giving him a running knee. Show counters with a superkick, but misses another big elbow!
Sheamus uses the ropes for a jawbreaker, then rockets off the top rope with a Battering Ram, which is countered by a mid-air Spear from Show! 1 – 2 – Sheamus gets the shoulder up! Show sets up for the chokeslam, but Sheamus hops out of it and drives him down with White Noise. 1 – 2 – Show kicks out! big catches Sheamus out of a Brogue Kick and chokeslams him down! 1 – 2 – Sheamus still gets the shoulder up! Show climbs to the second turnbuckle, but Sheamus meets him and drops backwards with Show on his shoulders!
Rusev and Mark Henry suddenly make their way to the ring. They completely destroy both Show and Sheamus, with Henry giving Sheamus The World’s Strongest Slam through the announce table, and Rusev clamping on The Accolade to Show.
Commercials.
Match #6: Single – Brie Bella VS. Nikki Bella
(Note: Brie is dressed as Divas Champion A.J. Lee, while the real A.J. is on commentary.) Brie takes this one after a roll-up and distraction from the Divas Champion!
Winner via Pinfall: Brie Bella
Post-match, Nikki tries to assault Brie, but A.J. makes the save. She then drives Brie face-first with a DDT. Lee skips off, happy!
Ads.
Segment #8: Video Promo
Another “new day is coming,” this time with Big E.
Segment #9: Locker Room Promo
John Cena walks in on Ryback taping up; he wonders if “The Big Guy” has given another thought to joining his team. Ryback denies him, so Cena tries to convince him more. Ryback says he gets it, and but only wants to be in it for himself. Cena challenges him to do something bold, otherwise he will be stale again.
The Usos emit their usual entrance, and will be involved in tag-team action, next!
Commercials.
Match #7: Eight-Man Tag-Team – The Usos (Jimmy and Jey), and Los Matadores (Diego and Fernando) (with El Torito) VS. Tag-Team Champions Goldust and Stardust, and Miz and Damien Mizdow (Non-Title)
While the fans want Mizdow (who does his own stunts when he is not in the ring), this breaks down a bit with tosses and dives to the outside.
Ads.
Goldust and Stardust double-stomp one of the Matadores, then Miz controls one of them while Mizdow mimics Miz. Everyone but Mizdow works over the Matadore, much to the dismay of the fans. (They want Mizdow) Miz eventually tags in Mizdow, to a loud pop, then quickly tags himself back in, to loud boos.
The Usos come in and hits the opposite team off the apron, then everyone comes to nail their finishers. Stardust gets the duke over an Uso!
Winners via Pinfall: Damien Mizdow and The Miz, and Tag-Team Champions Goldust and Stardust
The announcers give an update on Team Cena, in which Sheamus, The Big Show, and Dolph are all out of action. Up next, the contract signing will take place!
Commercials.
Segment #10: Arena Promo
Team Authority is out first, with “The Game” on the microphone. Triple H puts over the high-stakes contest at Survivor Series and declares The Authority will win. He stops slowly, almost choking up. He asks if we “love WWE,” to which there is a loud reaction, but reiterates his and Stephanie’s passion for this business. Both he and Stephanie enforce to the other members of Team Authority that they will win, and want to bring out “what’s left” of Team Cena.
John Cena obliges, but it ends up just being him. Triple H mockingly looks around but Cena insists that “Team Authority will lose.” Cena puts down Team Authority, mocking them and says that he can pick out anyone from the audience and win. After he gives Triple H harsh words, Stephanie slaps Cena. He tells her to leave, because it’s on!
“I’m here to show the world,” blasts the speakers, as Dolph Ziggler makes his way back! The Big Show joins them next, followed up two unexpected of Erik Rowan and Cesaro! However, Cesaro quickly switches to Team Authority. The last man to arrive: “The Big Guy!” Ryback marches out and it’s really on! Both teams brawl, all around, leaving HHH and Ryback for a stare-down. Cena sneaks back in, spins Triple H around, and gives him an Attitude Adjustment through the table! Stephanie slides in and checks on her husband while Rowan, Show, Ryback, Cena, and Ziggler raise each other’s arms and stand tall to close the show.
End Of Raw.
Reporter’s Rumblings – By Moe Tapp
This was on okay Raw. I felt it was a bit down form the previous two weeks, and parts of it just moved along, wanting to get to Survivor Series. Other parts were really well done! Onto the analysis:
Excellence: Opening promo set up Raw and Survivor Series very nicely; as usual, it was great mike-work from both Stephanie and Triple H. Ryback has improved on the stick too since turning face, and I like the “tweener” right now, where he is not solidified as heel or face, despite the raucous face-cheers..
As always/as well, loved the promo between Wyatt and Ambrose; both these men are also always awesome with their oratories and tonight was no different. This is my favourite feud right now.
Fantastic, physical, matches between Dolph/Luke, Sheamus/Show, and Ryback/Cesaro.
Ending was suspenseful and awesome, in general. Minus Cena’s routing of making fun of The Authority, the rest of the segment was great, especially the build on who was going to join Team Cena. Very intrigued by Erik Rowan, and both my Dad and I were thinking the last guy was actually going to be Roman Reigns, which was the suspenseful part. Very well done.
Bogus: The match between Harper and Ziggler was good, and both guys are awesome all-around, but I just don’t think it was right to put the I.C. Title on Harper. Storyline-wise, I see can see the “reward” given to Luke for demolishing Ziggler and joining The Authority. However, his seeming split from The Wyatt Family was unexpected/out-of-nowhere and it doesn’t seem like he’s at the single-title stage yet. Same with Erik Rowan; they have seemed to just leave Bray Wyatt/The Wyatt Family without any explanation.
Was really put-off by The Bunny and his “actions” with Adam Rose, as well as his subsequent “taunts.” That was truly out-of-nowhere, and was seriously unnecessary. I honestly wouldn’t be surprised to see another “public apology” from WWE on another controversial move like that. Just wrestle and end the stupid storyline!
Didn’t like how Cena went back to his childish promo stick, making fun of The Authority like that. Here’s where another classic “passionate” Cena promo would’ve been much more effective.
Not liking/into the Bellas/A.J. feud; bring up another NXT Woman or go back to Paige VS. A.J. Definitely missed Paige tonight!
I miss the traditional Survivor Series matches; the eight-man that was on Raw could’ve been saved for the PPV like that. They also could’ve had a Divas one, instead of the title match this Sunday.
Lastly, Grumpy The Cat’s segments were a waste.
Survivor Series Picks: A.J. to retain Divas Title, Gold/Stardust better keep Tag-Titles, Bray/Dean to no-contest, The Authority wins and keeps their power.
Hopefully, next week’s Raw will be much better. The WWE Landscape is to be changed somehow by then, thanks to Survivor Series! Until then, as always, Be Excellent Wrestling-Online Readers and Wrestling Fans!
