Raw
Nashville, Tennessee
July 5, 2010
results thanks to pwtorch.com
Tonight's WWE Raw opened
cold in the arena with the Nexus 7, including Wade Barrett, assembled in the
ring. Barrett raised the mic to his mouth, which drew boos. He paused before
beginning with a promo that their attacks on Mr. McMahon, John Cena, etc. are
all part of a "bigger picture." Barrett said McMahon thought he controlled them,
but that is not the case. He said things changed very, very quickly and just
like the audience, he had no idea what their agenda is.
Barrett said Mr. Sheffield has something to say regarding Ricky Steamboat. Skip
Sheffield took the mic and said unlike what they did to Mr. McMahon, what they
did to Steamboat and the WWE Legends was for fun. He said they took advantage of
a loophole in the Raw GM's rulings and the audience loved every second of their
beat down on the Legends. The fans booed. He said the audience watched like
rubberneckers on the highway gawking at a car accident. Nice line. Skip said
more people are interested in his DVD now than before they attacked him. He said
Steamboat should be thanking each of them.
Suddenly, the MacBook buzzed and the lights flickered in the arena. On cue,
Michael Cole approached the podium to read an email from the Raw GM. Cole said
the GM has decided on his punishment for Nexus. Per the GM, "none of the Nexus
can compete for a WWE Title until further notice." And furthermore, the ruling
of Nexus not being able to touch WWE Stars, and vice versa, has been lifted.
Lawler whispered it could be open season on Nexus.
Cue up John Cena's theme music for the interruption. Cena slowly walked out on
stage and looked into the ring. Cena said one thing the Nexus has failed at has
been getting into a fair fight. Cena said his math is seven-on-seven. Nexus
readied in the ring, then Randy Orton, Truth, Evan Bourne, Hart Dynasty, and
John Morrison walked up behind Cena. They marched to the ring, then the Raw
heels suddenly jumped the babyfaces from behind. The feuding babyfaces and heels
went after each other as Nexus took off to avoid an attack. Cena put an
exclamation mark on things by dropping one of the Usos with an Attitude
Adjustment.
Sheamus, as the heels retreated, said Cena doesn't get it. Cena said they're
crazy because they had Nexus prime for a beating. Sheamus said all of the heels
support Nexus taking out Cena and Bret Hart, no matter what their agenda is.
Sheamus said Cena asked him last week to join him in the fight against Nexus.
Sheamus said him and everyone else "respectfully decline." Sheamus said if
Cena's friends have any brains, they will too.
Randy Orton took the mic from Cena and said he and Cena aren't friends and
probably never will be. "Unless, we have to," Orton said. Orton said Nexus is a
serious threat to each and every one of them. He asked Edge what's wrong with
him. After all, they jumped them at the Fatal Four-Way PPV. Orton said if they
can't take out Nexus by themselves, then they should continue the
seven-on-seven.
Cue up the MacBook and the lights flickering for another interruption. Cole said
the GM wants no fighting tonight. He read that the GM has booked all eight MITB
competitors in a series of matches. Also, Cena will be in the ring tonight
against Wade Barrett. But, it's not going to be a match. The GM wants Cena and
Barrett to shake hands and call a truce. Cena said they all know the anonymous
Raw GM is watching, so Mr. Anonymous GM, instead of shaking hands with Barrett
for a truce, he make a fist and knock Barrett's teeth out. "Does that work?"
Cena asked. And the MacBook speaks. Cole read that the GM wants Cena to be the
bigger man and Cena will do the right thing. Or else, his actions will be met
with "appropriate consequences." Cole suddenly paused. "And that's the bottom
line cause the Raw GM said," he said. Well, that's either a huge clue or a huge
red herring. Nice cliffhanger conclusion to a decent opening segment. PYB (3)
talk time: 11:53.
[Commercial Break]
[Q2]
In-ring: John Morrison came out first for the opening match. Cole said the Raw
GM was busy emailing him during the break and booked Morrison against Ted
DiBiase. Out came DiBiase, with Maryse, for the opening match. Cole wanted
Maryse to DTR (define the relationship), but Maryse balked and laughed at him.
1 -- TED DIBIASE (w/Maryse) vs. JOHN MORRISON
DiBiase worked over Morrison early on. Maryse said she and DiBiase love each
other and her love of money is just a coincidence. She said they have an
economic stimulus plan to employ people to drive their limo, polish their
jewelry, etc. Morrison made a comeback at 2:00 and hit a spinning heel kick for
a two count. Maryse suddenly had a phone call as DiBiase hit a powerslam for a
two count. Morrison then came back with an enziguiri kick as Maryse hung up and
left the announce table. She grabbed Morrison's fur coat and teased Morrison
with it while DiBiase used the distraction to hit a thumb to the eye. DiBiase
followed with Dream Street for the pin and the win.
WINNER: DiBiase at 3:27. Basic match with more emphasis on Maryse than the
in-ring competition. The match was presented as a filler and featured two
wrestlers losing momentum right now. (*)
Backstage: Kozlov and Santino were walking down the hallway. Santino said it
will be like old times - Italy and Russia back together like World War II.
"Except no Nazis," Santino said. Kozlov became annoyed and told Santino that if
he loses their match tonight, he will pound him in the face.
Announcers: Cole fed to a video package hyping a possible truce between Cena and
Barrett later tonight.
[Commercial Break]
JC: It's worth noting how the announcers have failed to re-visit the obvious
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin reference at the beginning of the show. They could
play it up with speculation that it's Austin or someone pretending to be Austin.
The fact they haven't discussed it creates more distrust between the announcers
and viewers when a big item is dropped on the audience and the announcers treat
it like it's nothing.
[Q3]
In-ring: The Russian and the Italian came out to the ring, then the Englishman
walked out on stage to vow revenge against Kozlov and Santino. Cue up the
Indian's theme music to bring out Great Khali with Runjin Singh. Cole said Khali
and Singh have been at odds lately. Cole said Singh wants Khali to be more
aggressive. So, it's England & India vs. Italy & Russia.
2 -- WILLIAM REGAL & GREAT KHALI (w/Runjin Singh) vs. SANTINO MARELLA & KOZLOV
Regal worked alone and never tagged Khali into the match. Kozlov won with the
Iron Curtain for the quick pin and the win. Post-match: Khali stepped into the
ring and made some noises as Kozlov stood his ground prepared to fight. Kozlov
and Santino then lifted up Regal for Khali to give him a chop. Cue up Khali's
theme music as Singh entered the ring and asked everyone to dance. Apparently
he's not trying to encourage Khali to turn heel anymore? Who knows what's going
on here.
WINNERS: Kozlov & Santino at 1:35. A complete booking mess compounded by Singh
all over the TV. There just doesn't seem to be a point to any of this. (n/a)
Still to come: Edge's Cutting Edge segment with Chris Jericho and Evan Bourne.
Also still to come: Update on Nexus's beating on Ricky Steamboat and other WWE
Legends last week. It's up next.
[Commercial Break]
Announcers: Lawler talked on-camera about what happened last week when the Nexus
took out Ricky Steamboat, Legends, and him when they were celebrating
Steamboat's career. Lawler said burning out someone else's candle doesn't make
yours burn any brighter. Lawler fed to a video package on Nexus taking out the
Legends last week on Raw.
Backstage: Arn Anderson was with Josh Mathews selling emotion after watching the
video again. Anderson said it's hard to watch and stomach. He said Ricky
Steamboat is "bad, bad, it's serious." He said what's worse is Ricky is one of
the good guys. Very controversial and potentially in bad taste to turn a
real-life health scare last week into part of the angle. Sheamus then walked up
behind Anderson and peered over his shoulder. Sheamus told Anderson he used to
be The Enforcer, but now he's a pathetic old man.
Anderson asked Sheamus if he knows what's happening to the company. He said just
because he's the champ, he's not safe. Anderson said they need to understand
their weaknesses, put ego aside, and fight together. Sheamus said Nexus is
smarter than the Four Horsemen because Nexus is smart enough not to interfere in
his business. Anderson said Sheamus is comfortable and champion of a thriving
company. He said if Sheamus doesn't get together with the other guys, he'll end
up a great white shark with nothing around him. Sheamus said Anderson must have
been hit in the head too many times because he doesn't fear Nexus. Anderson
sighed and told him he just doesn't get it.
Still to come: Here's a random announcement. Divas Title match with Alicia Fox
vs. Eve later on tonight. Also tonight: R-Truth vs. U.S. champion The Miz in a
MITB preview match. Non-title, apparently.
[Q4]
[Commercial Break]
WWE Classics On Demand: They went back to July 4, 1993 for Lex Luger's bodyslam
on Yokozuna. They showed the launch of the Lex Express and Luger doing the whole
tour leading to his WWF Title match against Yokzokuna at Summerslam. They
quickly went to a clip of Summerslam '93 where the voice-over man said Luger's
"campaign was successful." Apparently a count-out victory and not actually
winning the WWF Title is a success according to WWE's version of history.
In-ring: R-Truth was already in the ring after completing his rap. Truth asked
Nashville what's up. Truth's music hit again and The Miz came out mocking
Truth's rap again with a plug for the MITB PPV. It comes across as something
Cena would have done when he was starting to get over as a heel doing the raps.
It's not main event level. Miz then did his own line about being Awesome before
smashing Truth in the head with the mic. Miz knocked Truth to the outside and
pounded on Truth's arm before selling that he was trying to break Truth's hand
and separate his shoulder.
After Miz's big injury spot, medics and refs checked on Truth as Miz sat quietly
on the ring apron watching Truth be escorted away. Miz did a more main event
level heel promo asking Truth if it hurts right now. He said he's going to make
it hurt for anyone who steps in the ring with him. Miz quietly said he's The Miz
and he's awesome. Fade to commercial. Of note, Miz vs. Truth never started.
[Commercial Break]
NXT plug: Titus O'Neil was eliminated last week, so what's next for the seven
remaining NXT Rookies?
Recap: Cole and Miz narrated clips of Miz's attack on R-Truth. Cole said Miz is
trying to send a message to everyone involved in the MITB ladder match.
In-ring: Edge came out for his Cutting Edge segment at the top of the second
hour. The ring was covered in ladders as the MITB briefcase hung above the ring.
[Q5 - second hour]
Edge started with a mock moment of silence for R-Truth. "He only knew one song,
but he did it oh so well," Edge said. He referenced the opening segment when
Randy Orton reminded him Nexus took both of them out at Fatal Four-Way. Edge
said he's decided to make allies rather than enemies. Edge said he's willing to
provide leadership and direction for Nexus so he can make allies with them. He
predicted another victory in MITB, then introduced his first guest on Cutting
Edge tonight, Evan Bourne.
Instead, Chris Jericho's music hit to bring out Jericho. The WrestleMania 26
opponents stared down each other as Jericho said he doesn't take a back seat to
Bourne, the hypocrites, or Edge. Jericho said he knows what Edge is doing out
here pandering to Nexus so they won't attack him. Jericho said his NXT Rookie
was Wade Barrett, so he would like to think all of the chaos caused by Nexus was
due to his influence. Jericho smiled and said they took it to the point of
destroying Ricky Steamboat "just like I did at WrestleMania last year." He said
Edge asked Jericho why they would listen to a guy who barely beat Evan Bourne
two weeks ago. Jericho shot back that they shouldn't listen to a guy who lost to
him at WrestleMania. Edge said his mind wasn't clear at WrestleMania because he
was too concerned with what the people thought about him. Edge said the fun
begins in two weeks because he owns MITB. Edge said he might even cash in his
briefcase after the WWE Title match inside a steel cage. Jericho cut him off and
said he is the most valuable performer in WWE and he can't be replaced despite
Edge's attempts to copy him throughout his WWE career. Jericho said he will win
MITB and become WWE champ again.
Edge cut off Edge with a gut shot, then pounded him into the corner. Jericho
then dropped Edge center ring and teased the Walls of Jericho center ring.
Suddenly, Evan Bourne ran to the ring and dropped Jericho with a springboard
double knee smash. Edge and Jericho then tried to chase down Bourne, who
scampered out of the ring. Suddenly, the lights flickered and the MacBook made a
noise. Cole then went to the podium and read an email from the GM. He said the
GM wants to know if the audience wants to see some action, then give him a hell
yeah. Cole announced the GM's next booking decision: Edge and Jericho vs. Bourne
and...Randy Orton. As I expected last week, the St. Louis Connection is
official. Cue up Orton's theme music to bring out Orton to stand next to Bourne.
Orton and Bourne then hit the ring as Jericho and Edge bailed. The tag match is
next.
[Commercial Break]
3 -- RANDY ORTON & EVAN BOURNE vs. CHRIS JERICHO & EDGE
Back from break, the bell sounded to begin the match. The announcers continued
to play dumb on the Steve Austin references by the anonymous GM. Meanwhile,
Bourne started things off against Edge before Orton and Jericho tagged in. Orton
rammed Jericho into the corner and teased the RKO, but Jericho scampered to his
corner to tag in Edge. Cole then gave a plug for the big Smackdown Supershow in
Atlanta tomorrow night with a plug for WrestleMania 27.
[Q6] Bourne tagged in and cleared Edge and Jericho to the outside with
rapid-fire offense. Bourne then landed a dropkick through the ropes on Jericho
to knock him into the guardrail. Bourne followed with a splash on the outside
before rolling Jericho back into the ring. Back in the ring, Jericho put the
brakes on to avoid a double knee smash. He followed by dropping Bourn face-first
into the mat to regain control as they cut to break.
[Commercial Break]
Back from break, Bourne was crying out in pain as Edge worked him over on the
mat. Jericho then tagged in and worked over Bourne. Bourne broke free, then
teased a tag to Orton, but Edge cut him off. He tried to follow with a suplex,
but Bourne hit a knee to the head to escape and follow with a kick strike to the
head. Bourne then crawled across the ring to Orton to make a hot tag. Jericho
also tagged in after slightly hesitating. Orton attacked Jericho, then dropped
him with the trademark spike DDT from the second rope. Orton then teased the RKO
as the crowd screamed with Edge sneaking in behind Orton. Orton flung him away,
but then walked into an enziguiri from Jericho. And the crowd goes quiet.
Edge and Jericho started working over Orton, with Edge focusing on Orton's
injured shoulder. Orton started to fight out of the heel corner before Jericho
landed a dropkick to the jaw for a close two count. Jericho tried a Lionsault,
but Orton moved out of the way and Jericho ate the mat. Jericho crawled over to
his corner and made a tag after Edge sold hesitation to tag in. Bourne also
tagged in for Orton and landed high-flying, high-impact offense on Edge. Edge
then cut off Bourne with a kick to the face. Edge went to the heel corner to tag
in Jericho, who yelled at Edge to listen to him. Jericho then walked into a kick
to the face from Bourne. Edge, not pleased with Jericho trying to give him
instructions, got the big eyes and smashed Jericho with the spear in the corner.
Edge took off to the back as Bourne then slowly gathered himself and climbed up
top. Bourne came off the top with the Air Bourne to a big pop and followed with
a cover on Jericho for the pin and the win.
Post-match: Bourne celebrated and got his shine with the victory. Orton then
walked over to Bourne still maintaining the soulless expression on his face as
he surveyed the scene. As Bourne continued to celebrate, Orton spun him around
and suddenly dropped him with an RKO. The crowd gasped in the arena. Orton
simply shot Bourne a classic Orton look as Lawler talked about not being able to
trust a snake. Cole said it reinforces the idea that it's every man for himself
at the MITB PPV.
WINNERS: Bourne & Orton at 15:40. Good, long-form match on Raw with plenty of
combustible elements to sell the MITB match. The build-up feels much more
organic this month than for the Fatal Four-Way PPV last month. They need to turn
Bourne taking the RKO into sympathy, though, rather than leaving it as Bourne
looking like bad for trusting Orton. (**1/4)
[Q7]
[Commercial Break. A plug for the Raw house show in Houston later this month has
Randy Orton vs. Edge in a Texas Street Fight.]
Backstage: Randy Orton was walking down the hallway when David Otunga, Heath
Slater, and Michael Tarver stopped him. Orton said he can't forgive them for
interrupting his title match at Fatal Four-Way. Otunga said they had to do what
they had to do to make a point to management. He said they're trying to
apologize. Otunga suggested the winner of the MITB match could get a nice
opportunity to win the WWE Title after Sheamus vs. Cena in the cage. Otunga said
he thinks Orton needs to ignore Cena trying to recruit him for his little cause.
Orton said he's heard what they have to say, now get out of his face.
Announcers: Cole and Lawler plugged the Supsershow Smackdown TV taping in
Atlanta tomorrow night. Cole said it's the home of WrestleMania 27 next year. He
then plugged Money in the Bank being so popular at WrestleMania that it now has
its own PPV. Cole ran down the MITB line-up and said R-Truth is no longer in the
match due to Miz injuring him. One slot has opened up. Also, two slots still
open in Smackdown's MITB match.
Backstage: Josh Mathews said they received an email during the last commercial
break. He announced Hart Dynasty vs. the Usos for the Unified tag titles at the
MITB PPV. In walked the Usos and Tamina to discuss the tag title match. He said
this is exactly what they've been waiting for since coming to WWE. The Usos then
bet each other that Mathews doesn't even know which one is Jimmy and which one
is Jey. Tamina introduced them and said Mathews is just like Hart Dynasty:
ignorant.
Tamina and the Usos walked off, then Divas champ Alicia Fox walked in to
complain that she hasn't been given any interview time since her victory at the
Four-Way PPV. Alicia said it was not a fluke that she won the "title" at the
Four-Way PPV. Oops, she said "title" instead of "championship." Alicia then
walked off to head to the ring for the Divas Title match. Lawler said the "title
match" is up next.
[Commercial Break]
[Q8]
Summerslam Recall: They debuted a "Summersam Recall" going back to Wembley
Stadium in London for Summerslam 1992. They focused on Bret Hart vs. British
Bulldog for one of the epic WWF matches of the 1990s.
4 -- Divas champion ALICIA FOX vs. EVE TORRES -- Divas Title match
Back from break, Alicia was in the ring proudly holding her Divas Title. They
replayed the Four-Way PPV where Alicia captured the title, setting up Eve
cashing in her re-match clause tonight. They cut back to Alicia cradling the
title to sell how happy she was to hold the title. Eve then came out to face
Alicia and the match was on. Eve was aggressive early on and sent Alicia reeling
into a neutral corner. Alicia then started to sell a leg injury, which suckered
in the ref and Eve. Alicia blindsided Eve, then dropped her with her Axe Kick
finisher for the surprise pin and the win. Alicia then hobbled out of the ring
still selling the "injury" after the heelish win.
WINNER: Alicia at 1:20 to retain the Divas Title. Basic title match thrown out
on TV with no advanced hype, but solid reinforcement of Alicia as the lead heel
in the division. Fine, overall. (n/a)
[Commercial Break]
Breaking News from the anonymous Raw GM: Cole read an announcement of Randy
Orton vs. Edge in a singles match for next week.
In-ring: The Nexus music hit to bring out Wade Barrett to the ring for the
"truce" with John Cena. Barrett began his promo saying everything they've done
has had a purpose and it's unfortunate John Cena has been caught in the middle
of everything. He asked Cena to come out and shake hands like men. Cena's music
hit and he slowly walked out on-stage checking around the arena to make sure he
wouldn't be jumped on the way to the ring.
Cena entered the ring and Barrett said they have caused him a lot of harm,
including the WWE Title. Barrett said he is not in their future plans for
beatings, though. Barrett said he wants to put everything behind them and move
on to the future. He said the Nexus 7 are going to be here for a long, long
time, so it can be easy or hard for Cena. "The choice is yours," Barrett told
him. Cena cautiously looked around before asking Barrett that if they shake
hands right now, then no more attacks, no more chaos? Cena said he needs
Barrett's word. Cena rolled the mic around in his hands before extending his
hand. Barrett went to shake, but Cena yanked his hand away.
[Q9 -- over-run] Cena smiled and said they have a little bit in common looking
ahead to the future. He did one of his sarcastic babyface promos, including a
magic eight-ball. He told Barrett to take his truces, his short-term plans, his
long-term plans, crumple them up and shove them up his Nexus. Cena said the
future is him taking Barrett down along with the entire Nexus. He said he'll do
it himself, with help, or by any means necessary to go through every single one
of them. "That's the future. You've got my word on it," he said.
Cena started to leave the ring before Barrett told Cena what they've done to him
in the past is nothing compared to what they can do to him in the future.
Barrett said it's not about Cena. He said they took out Bret Hart and Mr.
McMahon. He warned Cena he'll face some very severe consequences unless he
shakes his hand. Cena stared at Barrett's extended hand and shook, then he
pulled Barrett close and teased the Attitude Adjustment. Suddenly, Nexus hit the
ring and beat down Cena before Evan Bourne tried to make the save. The parade of
babyfaces hit the ring until Mark henry's music hit to bring out Henry and the
rest of the mid-card Raw babyfaces.
Chaos erupted in the ring with the Raw babyfaces taking control of the action to
clear Nexus from the ring. Darren Young was left alone in the ring as the rest
of Nexus retreated to the stage. Suddenly, the MacBook buzzed. Cole went to the
podium and read what the GM said: "I wanted peace. If things don't stop now,
there will be consequences." Cole paused as Cena grappled Young and slapped on
an STF center ring. Cena squeezed it on tight as Young tried to fight the hold.
Suddenly, the MacBook buzzed again. Cole said in a direct message to Cena that
because of his actions, he will now face all members of the Nexus next week in a
seven-on-one handicap match next week.
Cena held his head in frustration and concern. Meanwhile, Young, who didn't tap
out to the STF, tried to crawl away, only to have Cena grab him, kick him, stomp
him, and punch him. Cena landed a big clothesline before staring down in the
corner. Nexus and the Raw babyfaces were gone at this point. The crowd was hot
with a "Cena, Cena" chant as Cena stared down at Young. Cena toyed with Young a
bit before chucking him into the ringpost. Young sold on the outside as Cena
huffed and puffed inside the ring selling anger and determination. Cena then
left the ring and grabbed the ring steps. Cena did a big dead lift and chucked
the ring steps into Young, who put up his hands to block.
Cena did a big "I'm going to rip someone's head off" facial expression before
running Young over the announce table. Cena then pushed the table over Young and
ran back into the ring to celebrate with the crowd. Cena did a big Triple H pose
with veins bulging out of his head. He put up six fingers for the hard camera
(since he "eliminated" Young) before celebrating in the ring and posing to close
the show. PYB (3) talk time: 13:15.