Raw
Miami, Florida
June 7, 2010
results thanks to pwtorch.com
The "Viewer's Choice"
three-hour WWE Raw trying to get hits on WWE's website started with the
recognizable sound of Bret Hart's theme music. Out came Raw GM Bret Hart and
Smackdown GM Teddy Long to the ring to kick off the show. Ringside were Michael
Cole and Jerry Lawler. No three-man booth tonight.
In-ring: Hart welcomed the audience to the show and plugged WWE's website to
help select matches and stipulation. Long patted him on the shoulder and said
the WWE fans are in control of the wrestlers from Raw and Smackdown. He teased
the fans deciding the fate of the WWE Title. Hart said everyone involved in the
Fatal Four-Way PPV match will see action tonight. This looked like a college
class presentation with Hart and Long going back and forth as if they were
reading from a Powerpoint. Long name-dropped Randy Orton...
After an awkward pause, cue up Orton walking to the ring with his shoulder in a
sling. They showed a clip from last week when Edge smashed Orton's shoulder into
a doorway. Orton entered the ring to a strong reaction and Orton said he wants
Edge tonight. He asked Hart if he has a match tonight. Edge then walked out sans
music to interrupt the conversation. Edge, on stage, said if Orton wants a match
so bad, they should have a match tonight. Long interrupted and told "playa" Hart
that he wants to run something by him. Long whispered sweet nothings in Hart's
ear and Hart liked what he heard.
Hart said they're letting everyone in the arena decide what's up tonight. Long
told Miami that it's their choice tonight in (a) debate, (b) sit-up contest, or
(c) one-arm match with Edge's arm tied behind his back. Hart then polled the
audience, which comically drew boos on (a) and (b) and cheers on (c). Edge was
indignant about this polling result. "That's not fair! That's not fair to me!"
Edge shouted. Hart wished him good luck. They went to a wide-shot of the arena
to end that segment. Long then announced the first match tonight: Chris Jericho
vs. Big Show. They're just giving that away on free TV with no hype? Long
revealed the options for voting on WWE's website. (a) Over the Top Rope
challenge, (b) Submission Match, or (c) Body Slam Challenge. Big Show came out
first and Long said they'll reveal the stipulation after the commercial break.
PYB (3) talk time: 8:20. That was a rough, rough opening segment trying to
explain the concept for the show. We'll see if they clean this up as the show
goes on.
[Commercial Break]
In-ring: Big Show was warming up in the ring as the announcers stalled for more
time to plug the type of match for tonight's show. Ringside, Matt Striker
assumed his role as NXT host to plug the voting reveal. 48 percent for a Body
Slam Challenge was the result. Show pumped his fist for the joyous occasion and
out came Chris Jericho looking expressionless. Cole quickly recapped their
history as a tag team as Jericho sold concern once he entered the ring.
[Q2]
1 -- BIG SHOW vs. CHRIS JERICHO -- Bodyslam Challenge match
Big Show comically opened up wide for Jericho to attempt a bodyslam, but Jericho
slapped Show across the face. Show turned angry and chopped Jericho across the
chest. Show then missed with a corner attack and Jericho attempted a bodyslam,
but Show laughed in his face and landed a headbutt. Show fired himself up and
teased the KO Punch, so Jericho quickly rolled to the outside to avoid the
finish. Show then palmed Jericho's head like a basketball to bring him back into
the ring, but Jericho kicked him away and started working over Show's right
shoulder. This turned into Jericho slugging away at Show's shoulder before Show
swatted Jericho to the mat like a flyswatter. Show then caught Jericho in
mid-air and delivered a simple bodyslam center ring for the anti-climatic win.
Post-match: Show slapped on his modified Camel Clutch and Jericho started
tapping out. Show kept it locked in, then Justin Roberts erroneously announced:
"Winner via submission, Big Show." This is a mess so far. Show then dumped
Jericho over the top rope to the floor to "win" the over-the-top-rope challenge
stipulation as well. Jericho just shook his head on the floor while Show left
the ring.
WINNER: Show at 2:53. Big Show in the opener having a slow-motion, standing
"match" isn't how I would have opened the show. I'm waiting to see where this
Jericho storyline goes with him on an unofficial losing streak and looking like
a sad figure lately. (n/a)
Up next: Who should the Hart Dynasty face: John & Jey Uso, Dudebusters, or Khali
& Hornswoggle?
Backstage: The Usos and Tamina cut a promo making their case. Dudebusters were
texting on their iPhones and Barreta said he just voted for them. Khali and
Hornswoggle just stood there. Khali did his arms-extended pose, as did
Hornswoggle. This is like the mid-1990s Raw gimmick where the babyface tag teams
were in one locker room waiting to hear who would get the title shot at the
Quebecers.
[Commercial Break]
In-ring: Unified tag champions Hart Dynasty were in the ring waiting to know
their opponents. Striker was ringside again to plug who gets the shot at HD. As
expected, Khali & Hornswoggle won with 54 percent. Usos had a solid 30+ percent.
Khali and Hornswoggle came to the ring for the random match against the tag
champions.
2 -- Unified tag champions HART DYNASTY (TYSON KIDD & D.H. SMITH w/Natalya) vs.
GREAT KHALI & HORNSWOGGLE
Khali and Kidd started things off, with Khali dominating the proceedings. Big
Show, then Khali in the opening matches isn't the best way to keep viewers tuned
in. Hornswoggle then tagged in and airballed a Tadpole splash. Smith ran into
the ring and knocked Khali off the apron, then Kidd made a soft, safe pin on
Hornswoggle for the win.
Post-match: The Usos and Tamina hit the ring. The three-on-three brawl was on.
This time, the Hart Dynasty knocked the Usos out of the ring and stood tall. The
Usos backed away and sold the fight would continue another day.
WINNERS: HD at 1:20. They kept the match as short as possible trying to avoid
killing the babyface momentum for Hart Dynasty up against the "likable" freak
show duo of Hornswoggle and Khali. (n/a)
[Q3]
Announcers: Suddenly, Jerry Lawler said he has a problem. Lawler told Cole
there's an issue he needs to address. Lawler walked into the ring, leaving Cole
dumbfounded. Cole then talked on-camera about a "serious situation" involving
The Undertaker. Cole rolled footage from Smackdown on the whole funeral angle
writing off Taker for now. "There will be vengeance!" Kane shouted over and
over.
Up next: The cast of the A-Team as the guest hosts for the show. So far on this
show, let's just say it's a good thing WWE's audience typically doesn't tune in
for the bonus first hour of the show.
[Commercial Break]
In-ring: Justin Roberts introduced the cast of the A-Team, starting with Quinton
"Rampage" Jackson, Bradley Cooper, and Sharlto Copley. Cooper came out first as
the A-Team theme played. He said he was supposed to be joined by the other two,
but he doesn't know where they are. Cooper, fresh off the MTV Movie Awards last
night, plugged his movie and said they have a great show tonight. He then walked
back out to the back. Okaaay.
Backstage: Lawler was looking around for someone and shoved a PA away. Jackson
and Copley then grabbed Lawler and dragged him to the back. Jackson and Lawler
together at last. Lawler said someone stole his crown. Copley vowed to find out
who stole the crown and return it to Lawler. Jackson and Copley walked off after
having an idea who stole it. They walked back out to the hallway and bumped into
the Bella Twins. The Bellas told Jackson they've seen "all his fights." Jackson
said he's B.A. Copley no-sold being Copley. Yeah, they're apparently
in-character.
In-ring: Santino came to the ring and he will be up against Kozlov in the next
segment. It's either (a) "a match," (b) Arm Wrestling, or (c) a dance-off.
They're going with Show, Khali, and Kozlov in the first three matches of the
show. Unbelievable.
[Commercial Break]
In-ring: Santino was warming up, then turned serious as Kozlov walked out.
Silence. Utter silence. Kozlov stomped out to the ring as Santino did his random
facial expressions. Striker introduced the voting results with the audience
going for the absurd with 84 percent on a dance-off. Santino cut a promo saying
he was a Backstreet Boy #6, so this one is "pretty much in the bags."
[Q4]
3 -- SANTINO MARELLA vs. KOZLOV -- Dance-off
Santino was given the dance floor first. Cue up some light techno music and
Santino attempted some break-dancing moves. He busted out the Carlton, of
course, followed by the Cobra dance. I'm surprised no water sprinkler or
shopping cart. The crowd popped after Santino finished his deal. Kozlov said he
is a serious contender and something else. Kozlov said he is more stronger and
faster. Cue up Kozlov's dance opportunity. Some hard techno music hit and Kozlov
started doing the robot with a moonwalk, followed by the electric slide. Kozlov
took Scotty 2 Hotty's Worm before showing off some flexibility. Santino was
shocked. "Vintage Kozlov," Cole declared. Striker polled the audience. Santino
was booed. Kozlov won and he flexed his ab muscles. Kozlov then danced with
Santino like they were on "Dancing With The Stars." Santino tried to jump into
Kozlov's arms, but Kozlov head-butted him to the ring, smiled, and walked out of
the ring.
WINNER: Kozlov. Kozlov has assumed Chris Masters's role on Raw as the big,
muscular wrestler with a "hidden talent" gimmick to get a laugh and lose
credibility as a wrestler.
backstage: The Divas from both brands were shown backstage. The voting will be a
"PG" Divas summer spectacular six-on-six match, Battle Royal, or champion vs.
champion with Eve vs. Layla.
NXT plug: Wade Barrett won Season One. Who will win Season Two? It begins
tomorrow night.
[Commercial Break]
On-stage: The Divas were assembled on stage to find out their fate. 73 percent
voted for a Battle Royal. Interesting selection. Apparently the fans want to see
someone get injured. The Divas then walked to the ring and it was on.
4 -- DIVAS BATTLE ROYAL
Bodies started flying out of the ring in the first two minutes before it settled
on Eve in a perilous situation with Maryse and Jillian Hall. Maryse and Hall
worked over Eve before dumping her over the top rope to the floor. Jillian
celebrated the "victory" with Maryse, who didn't want Jillian to share in her
spotlight. Maryse then unceremoniously dumped Jillian to the floor to pick up
the victory and bask in her own glory.
WINNER: Maryse at 3:50. As expected to continue the feud between Maryse and Eve
and reinforce Maryse's heel character. (n/a)
[Q5 -- second hour - first standard hour]
Announcers: At the top of the hour, Cole and Lawler reset the show. Lawler said
he's "never seen anything like it" with Kozlov in the dance-off. They went to a
video package on Big Show over Jericho in the opening match. Cole then plugged
Edge vs. Orton later tonight in a gimmick match.
Backstage: Sheamus was shown walking around, then he stopped and turned
toward...Kane. Kane walked up to Sheamus and said the fact that Sheamus isn't on
Smackdown means nothing to him. He said he took out Triple H, so he could have
taken out Taker. Sheamus smirked and said if he took out Taker, he'd shout it
loud and clear he did the deed. Sheamus said when he took out Hunter, he made
sure everyone was watching. He didn't appreciate the false accusation from Kane.
Kane said he doesn't like liars. He said he hopes to see Sheamus real soon.
So, who should Sheamus face next? (a) Kane, (b) Mark Henry, or (c) Evan Bourne.
That was the first mention tonight on last week's star-of-the-show Evan Bourne.
[Commercial Break]
In-ring: Sheamus came out first. He's the first of the four Raw wrestlers in the
Fatal Four-Way title match in action tonight. Cue up a video package from last
week when John Cena selected Evan Bourne as his partner to take out Sheamus and
Edge in a tag match. Sheamus was not happy watching the replay from the ring.
Striker then sent it backstage where Kane, Henry, and Bourne were assembled in a
line-up according to size. And the winner is...Kane with 88 percent. Cue up the
Raw theme music before switching to Kane's theme music. Sheamus sold concern
having to face Kane here.
5 -- KANE vs. SHEAMUS
Kane knocked Sheamus to the floor early on and worked him over. Kane tried a top
rope move, but Sheamus crotched him. He then executed a running powerslam taking
Kane off the top. Impressive. Sheamus scored a nearfall and they went to break
with Sheamus in control. It was the first time in 73 minutes there was a sense
of urgency on the show.
[Commercial Break]
[Q6]
Back from break, Kane blasted Sheamus with a boot to the head ala Sheamus's pump
kick before continuing the attack on Sheamus. Kane landed a double foot-dropkick
to the face for a two count as the announcers continued to talk up the
Undertaker storyline. Kane then teased a chokeslam, but Sheamus kicked him away.
Kane regrouped and tried again, but Sheamus slipped out and hit a reverse DDT
backbreaker across his knee. Sheamus then measured Kane for the pump kick, but
Kane moved and Kane threw Sheamus over the top rope to the floor. Sheamus
returned to the ring and, this time, he took the chokeslam.
After taking the chokeslam, Sheamus rolled out of the ring and fell face-first
on the floor. The ref began a ten count and Sheamus initially tried to re-enter,
but decided to hop off the apron and walk away. Kane wins via count-out.
"Coward!" Kane shouted at Sheamus, who disappeared to the back. Kane then
angrily left the ring as the "investigation continues" with Taker's assault.
WINNER: Kane via count-out at 7:25. A step-up in the ring on this show after
some poor matches in the first hour of the show. WWE is certainly selling the
audience on Kane right now, as evidenced by the voting for this match. (*1/2)
Still to come: Orton vs. Edge with Edge having one hand tied behind his back.
Also still to come: John Cena faces Jack Swagger, Rey Mysterio, or C.M. Punk.
[Commercial Break]
Announcers: Cole plugged tonight's Viewer's Choice Raw before going back to last
week's NXT Season Finale. ... NXT video: They focused on Wade Barrett, who was
declared the winner of Season One.
Backstage: Savannah brought in Barrett for a promo. Barrett was dressed in a
Jericho-like suit sans tie. Barrett downplayed the idea of him winning NXT
because the result was never in question and he's destined for things much
greater than that show. Barrett said in one week's time, something will be
accomplished that has never been accomplished in WWE history.
Locker room: Ted DiBiase was telling Virgil the fans shouldn't have a choice .
Jackson and Copley then walked in and accused DiBiase of stealing the crown.
DiBiase said he can buy anything he wants. Copley played good cop before Jackson
got in Virgil's face and vowed to punch Virgil in the face. DiBiase called for
back-up. In walked I.R.S. sporting Lawler's crown. Schyster said Lawler never
paid the back taxes on the crown, so he's taking ownership. This is so random
and lame. Copley kept flashing his "FBI badge," trying to act like he was doing
serious acting. DiBiase took the badge and said they're not FBI, they're the
A-Team. Suddenly, there was some random gas spewing in the locker room. Everyone
ran off and Copley randomly dropped to the locker room. He tried to sell death
here. Unbelievable. Back live on commentary, Lawler made a "gas" fart joke.
That's about all you can do with that.
Backstage: They showed R-Truth and The Miz on a split-screen approaching the
ring for a tag match. Truth will team with Christian, MVP, or John Morrison. Miz
will team with Dolph Ziggler, William Regal, or Zack Ryder.
[Q7]
[Commercial Break]
In-ring: Cue up R-Truth's theme music. The U.S. champion came out to the ring
doing his rap as they cut to crowd shots of the various demographics in the
arena. Truth got the cheap pop referencing Miami before asking them what's up.
He said what's up is the WWE audience. Truth said he wants to know who they
picked as his tag partner. They cut to a shot of Christian, MVP, and Morrison
backstage waiting for the word. MVP got a strong reaction in his hometown. And
the winner is...Morrison with 54 percent. Apparently the audience wanted (a)
Morrison vs. Miz again, (b) more of Truth & Morrison from WrestleMania, or (c)
they just wanted to see Morrison on TV. Morrison came out to the ring as Lawler
was shown on-camera voting for Miz's partner. Lawler picked Regal.
Out first was The Miz with mic in hand. Miz sarcastically congratulated Truth on
his tag partner. He mocked the audience for picking Hornswoggle and Khali, then
Kozlov in a dance-off earlier tonight. Miz said he doesn't care who his tag team
(no partner) is. Miz then introduced his potential partners standing backstage
waiting to hear the result. Regal sold boredom staring at his nails. And the
winner is...Zack Ryder with 45 percent. Tight vote. Cue up Ryder's theme to
bring out Miz's partner. Cole referenced Alicia Fox turning on Ryder last week
in a throwaway bit with Ashton Kutcher. That's one piece of history WWE can
intentionally forget.
6 -- U.S. champion R-TRUTH & JOHN MORRISON vs. THE MIZ & ZACK RYDER
Truth started off working against Miz, then Morrison tagged in and double-teamed
Miz. Truth re-entered as the babyfaces worked over Miz until Miz blasted Truth
with a boot to the face. Cole plugged Season Two of NXT as Ryder worked over
Truth. Miz and Ryder then tagged in and out working over Truth for a few
minutes. Miz then yanked off Truth's shoe and Truth hot-tagged Morrison, who
cleaned house on Miz. Morrison landed a flying knee strike on Miz, but Ryder
broke up the pin. Truth hopped into the ring with one shoe before Ryder sent him
flying to the outside. The action broke down before Miz dropped Morrison with
the Skullcrushing Finale for the pin and the win.
WINNERS: Miz & Ryder at 3:21. Basic, short Raw tag match. The audience lost
interest early on after the pairings were announced. WWE is selling the audience
on the "sizzle" of the pairings or stips or match-ups being announced, but the
audience isn't interested in the "steak" of the match-ups.
[Q8]
Backstage: Edge told Bret Hart that it isn't fair. Hart said it's going to
happen. Off-camera, Kane shouted, "Bret!" Kane then accused Hart of taking out
Taker since they have quite the history and Hart came back to WWE "for closure."
Kane suggested the legend of The Undertaker has surpassed Hart's. Kane said if
he finds out it was Hart, he will wind up in a vegetative state like his
brother. Kane walked off and Hart just maintained his same demeanor without
reacting.
Taker DVD plug: In an odd segue, WWE wants the audience to buy an "Undertaker's
Deadliest Matches" DVD. Why not go all the way with it and say the proceeds will
go to Taker's medical bill?
[Commercial Break]
Arena: Silence. After a pause, Edge's music hit to set up the end of the second
hour/first hour main event. Randy Orton then came out with his arm in a sling as
the referee forced Edge to stand still and have his left arm tied behind his
back. If this is a shoot, why would they leave Edge with his good right hand?
7 -- EDGE vs. RANDY ORTON -- One-arm match
After they briefly danced around the ring, Orton ran over Edge with his free
left shoulder before stomping on Edge. Orton then started pounding on the mat
with his one good arm. He teased a one-arm RKO, but Edge shoved him off. Edge
then reached behind his back and untied the knot. Apparently the ref didn't pay
attention in Boy Scout's. Now free, Edge attacked Orton and the ref called for a
DQ.
[Q9 -- third hour/standard second hour] After the DQ, Edge went to the corner
and teased the Spear, but Orton blocked with a kick to the head. (Note, not a
Punt.) Edge rolled to the outside and Orton tried to follow out, but Edge
smashed Orton. Edge then retrieved a chair and measured Orton for a chair shot
to the shoulder. Orton convulsed and sold pain as Edge ripped his hair out to
sell the angle. Edge smiled and walked away from ringside as Orton winced in
pain. They replayed Edge's attack on Orton before showing Edge smiling from the
stage. Orton came to his feet and sold the shoulder injury as the announcers
talked in quiet tones.
WINNER: Orton via DQ at 1:35. It was what it was to stack the deck against Orton
as one of the challengers in the PPV main event. (n/a)
Announcers: Cole and Lawler were shown on-camera watching Orton walk off,
selling that Orton's in jeopardy at the Fatal Four-Way PPV. Cole reset the
action already happening on the show tonight. They focused on the 12-Divas
Battle Royal earlier in the show. Still to come in the voting, John Cena vs.
Swagger, Mysterio, or Punk.
[Commercial Break]
Video recap: Edge circumvented the match gimmick vs. Randy Orton and took out
Orton in the post-match.
Backstage: Evan Bourne thanked John Cena for picking him last week. Cena cut him
off and said thank you to Bourne for having his back. He put over Bourne, who
acted too much like a fanboy to be taken seriously, and they shook hands before
parting ways. Savannah then asked Cena what he thinks about not knowing who his
opponent is tonight. Cena played nice with the WWE fans who support him and said
he feels good knowing he won't have to wait to see if his name will be called.
Cena ramped up his energy level to plug they're about to do it big tonight and
said he hopes his opponent is in the same frame of mind.
Locker room: Copley woke up from a one-hour nap and Mean Gene Okerlund stepped
in holding a mic to tell Copley what happened. Okerlund said Copley is a
well-respected, yet delusional actor. Copley apologized to "captain" Okerlund
that he failed. Okerlund then mocked his replacement and Josh Mathews walked in
to say he's standing right there. Okerlund told Copley he has a chance to blow
the original A-Team TV show out of the water. Copley excitedly walked away after
hearing the pep talk. Okerlund turned to Mathews, who said he wanted to talk
about this. Okerlund told "loser" Mathews to save it.
In-ring: Drew McIntyre smugly walked out to the ring for the next match on the
show. Teddy Long was shown on-camera announcing the fans will vote on Yoshi
Tatsu, Goldust, or a "mystery opponent" as McIntyre's opponent. The "mystery
opponent" was not mic'ed up, so they had some unintentional comedy with distant
audio of an apparent Matt Hardy shadow shouting something off-camera.
[Commercial Break]
[Q10]
Ringside: Striker introduced the voting, with 88 percent going to the Mystery
Man. After an awkwardly long pause, the mystery man did the Hardy V1 hand
signal. Hardy then walked out of the shadows and shook hands with Long. Hardy
excitedly walked to the ring entrance as McIntyre shouted angrily that this
match is not happening. McIntyre said Hardy is suspended. Long then showed up on
the stage to tell McIntyre that Hardy was suspended from Smackdown, but not Raw.
Start the match.
8 -- MATT HARDY vs. DREW MCINTYRE
McIntyre screamed at Long after the bell sounded, then Hardy tackled McIntyre
and knocked him to the outside. Hardy took the fight to the announce table and
knocked him into Cole and Lawler's laps. Hardy rammed McIntyre into the ringpost,
then took him back into the ring. Hardy landed the Twist of Fate and scored a
pinfall for the win. Post-match, Hardy continued to blast away at McIntyre
before grabbing some of Mac's hair. Hardy stared at the hair with a psychotic
look on his face while McIntyre rolled away and regrouped on the stage.
WINNER: Hardy at 1:24. Hardy scored his "revenge match victory" with three weeks
of TV packed into a five-minute segment, but apparently the feud continues.
(n/a)
Backstage: In a dark area of the building, Rampage Jackson was randomly seated
on a chair with his hands tied behind his back. DiBiase, Virgil, and I.R.S.
(with more unintentional comedy wearing Lawler's crown) surrounded Jackson.
DiBiase told Jackson they're headed straight to the ring. Jackson bit his lip to
keep from laughing at the absurdity of this before they cut to break.
[Commercial Break]
In-ring: It must continue. Jackson, in-character, was held against the ropes
after being "held hostage" by DiBiase and Co. Virgil and I.R.S. held Jackson to
the ropes as DiBiase cut a promo. This whole bit is absurd, but you're telling
me I.R.S. and Virgil were able to secure Jackson, a UFC fighter, to the ropes?
DiBiase said everyone has a price, even him. Roddy Piper's music hit and Piper
walked out to a good pop. Piper was sporting an odd hat for some reason. Piper
started his promo picking up the feud with Mr. T from 25 years ago over the
A-Team. The crowd died for this as Piper rambled in Jackson's face while
plugging the new A-Team movie. He vowed to knock the Mohawk off Jackson's head.
Suddenly, the A-Team music hit and Dusty Rhodes drove a golf cart with Okerlund
and Copley to the ring.
Jackson finally fought off I.R.S. and Virgil before snapping the handcuff off
the top rope. Jackson then stalked DiBiase, but Jackson dropped him with a
spinebuster. Rhodes dropped I.R.S. with an elbow. Virgil stood there not sure
what was going on. Piper then fed Virgil to Jackson, who gave him a uranage.
This looked like a bad independent show on Legends Night.
Okerlund then entered the ring and asked Copley and Jackson how they did it.
Copley cut a random promo saying he called Rhodes to provide back-up since he
lives in Florida. Rhodes cut a promo hyping the movie coming out on Friday.
Rhodes, Okerlund, Copley, and Jackson then did a curtain call. Jackson grabbed
Lawler's crown and held it up to conclude the deal. From UFC's perspective, it's
quite obvious why there have been no references to Jackson being a UFC fighter
because it would kill the credibility of the entire company with Jackson's
involvement in some of the worst TV ever conceived.
[Q11] Still to come: John Cena vs. Swagger, Rey, or Punk.
[Commercial Break]
Next week: Mark Feurstein guest-hosts with Big Show from Smackdown on the show.
Cole plugged Show appearing on an upcoming episode of "Royal Pains." The
announcers were shown on-camera and Lawler had his crown back. Lawler then went
to the voting for the Cena main event. Lawler selected Rey Mysterio as Cena's
opponent. Lawler didn't have a good Internet connection and couldn't get his
vote through. Lawler finally got his vote through. This show is officially off
the rails.
Backstage: Okerlund, Jr. brought in the three potential main-eventers to cut
promos promoting themselves for the vote. Rey said he's the top dog on Smackdown
and he wants the top dog on Raw. Swagger said it would be World Champion vs.
World Champion, Raw vs. Smackdown, and All-American American vs. The Face of the
Company. Mathews asked C.M. Punk why he should get the vote and Punk cut off
Mathews for asking stupid questions. Punk, sporting the black mask, said he can
make Cena a better person, like he did with Luke Gallows and Serena. Punk said
he will show everyone that Straight Edge means he's better than you.
In-ring: John Cena's music hit to a loud pop and Cena charged the ring for the
main event. Cena held up his WWE Title belt before they cut to crowd shots as
Cena completed his entrance. Cole started to send it to a commercial, but
changed course and sent it to Striker to find out who's facing Cena. And the
winner is...C.M. Punk with 45 percent of the vote. Surprise. Back in the ring,
Cena and the ref then talked things over under the guise of Punk having two
potential sources of outside interference. Apparently WWE's solid booking of
Punk on Smackdown has transferred to Raw that the audience wants to see Punk get
his comeuppance at the hands of Cena. Okay, that's how WWE would explain the
voting.
[Q12]
9 -- WWE champion JOHN CENA vs. C.M. PUNK (w/Luke Gallows and Serena) --
non-title match
Cena went for Punk's mask early on and Punk bailed to the floor to complain to
the ref. Cena tried again and Punk bailed to the outside again. Punk then cut
off Cena and went to the mat with submission holds wearing down Cena. Cena
teased a comeback, but SES nipped at Cena's heels from the outside to allow Punk
to regain control heading to break.
[Commercial Break]
Back from break, Cena teased the Attitude Adjustment, but Punk slipped out and
hit a DDT for a two count. Punk then knocked Cena to the outside and Serena
kicked Cena in the gut with the ref's attention held by Punk in the ring. Back
in the ring, Cena fired up his big comeback and did the usual routine. Suddenly,
Wade Barrett walked out on stage as Cena teased the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Punk
had to hold his place for a long time before Cena delivered his trademark move.
Barrett slowly started walking to the ring and Cena turned his back on Punk.
Suddenly, Michael Tarver was shown hopping the guardrail. Season One NXT Rookies
then surrounded the ring taking out the SES as Cena stood dumbfounded in the
ring. Barrett then led the NXT Rookies onto the ring apron. They surrounded Cena
before slowly walking into the ring. David Otunga floored the ref and Cena stood
in the middle of all of them. Cena then attacked Barrett, but an eight-on-one
brawl broke out.
WINNER: No Result at 10:14.
Post-match: Cena tried to fight them off as all eight ganged up on Cena. Barrett
started directing traffic. Of note, all eight of them were wearing "N" armbands
like they're part of a gang. The Rookies then attacked Striker and Lawler
ringside. They over-turned the announce table and started creating havoc
ringside. Justin Roberts was victimized here. Barrett then started ripping away
the ring apron and the turnbuckles. Daniel Bryan ripped off Roberts's shirt and
choked him by his tie.
Cena was left alone in the ring as chaos was everywhere. Cena tried to fight
back in the ring, but Tarver KO'ed him. Otunga then dropped Cena with a uranage
in what was left of the ring. The Rookies started hitting finishing moves on
Cena before Darren Young picked up Cena and fed him to Slater for a big
knock-down clothesline. Cena was lifeless here. Punk then tried to enter the
ring, but Bryan secured him and the Rookies started pounding on Punk. The
announcers were nowhere to be found, so it was raw sound in the arena. The
Rookies then fed Cena to Skip Sheffield, who delivered a big knock-down
clothesline. Slater choked Cena with a turnbuckle before Bryan shouted down at
Cole that he is not better than him. Cena slowly got up to his knees and Bryan
spit in his face. Bryan then delivered a kick strike to the back.
[Q13 -- over-run] The Rookies picked up Cena and fed him to Barrett, who landed
his rolling bodyslam. Gabriel then went up top and delivered his big 450 Splash
from the corner to a big thud. Apparently everyone in the back was being held
hostage by the A-Team. The Rookies then left the ring, with the ring a total
mess and Cena out cold in the middle of the ring. Cena opened his eyes to show
signs of life before the camera panned the ringside area where bodies were
everywhere.
Medics entered the ring checking on Cena, who remained out cold. The announcers
ringside were shown stirring slightly before a stretcher was brought to the ring
for Cena. Cena was placed on a backboard as they showed concerned fans watching
ringside. It was quite surreal for the PG era of Raw with no announcers and raw
sound in the arena. The camera cut to more shots of chaos ringside before
showing Cena strapped down on the backboard. Cena was then put on a stretcher
and wheeled away from ringside. They wheeled him up the entrance ramp. The
camera cut to a shot of WWE staffers removing the announce table that had Lawler
trapped underneath. It's worth noting Michael Cole kinda disappeared during the
melee. Cena was shown being taken away to the back as they ended the show five
minutes past the top of the hour.
CLOSING THOUGHTS: One of the worst episodes of Raw of the year (even worse than
the MacGruber Volcano Raw) ended with an amazing angle involving the NXT
Rookies. Apparently the NXT Eight are forming a gang to dominate Raw. I'm all
for it, as it added a sense of realism to the show after the first three hours
of the show were a complete disaster. The audience that stuck around to the end
certainly has reason to tune in for the follow-up next week (and possibly on NXT
tomorrow night). Follow-up, follow-up, follow-up will make or break this.