Raw
Nashville, Tennessee
January 10, 2011
results thanks to wrestleview.com
The show kicks off with
Santino's music filling the arena. The Tag Team Champions make their way down to
the ring accompanied by Tamina.
WWE Tag Team Championship
Santino & Kozlov [c] v. ?
Before the opponents can even enter, Nexus runs down to the ring and attacks the
Champs. They are all sporting a new Nexus T-shirt which is emblazoned with
Punk's fist holding on to a lightning bolt. After the slaughter, Punk grabs the
mic. He says that the Tag Team match has been postponed to a later date. Ever
since Nexus hit the scene, they have dominated. Now, they are even stronger.
Punk tells the members of Nexus that they have the potential to be greater than
any star in WWE history. Punk says that he has the tools to help them succeed.
Punk says that unlike the former Nexus leader, Wade, he can actually accomplish
things. Not to mention the fact that he injured Cena and put him out of action.
Cena's days of hustle, loyalty and respect our over, but Punk's are just
beginning. Punk says that tonight he will make the ultimate sacrifice by
initiating himself as the new leader of the New Nexus.
Punk says that each member of Nexus must prove to themselves, the group, and the
worthless people in attendance, that they have what it takes to be a member of
the New Nexus. If all members pass, then Nexus will be at the apex of its power.
They will take over the WWE entirely. Otunga grabs the mic. He speaks on behalf
of the other members when he says that they would be honored to be initiated
tonight. Punk says that the honor will be his.
Punk calls Michael McGillicutty up first. Nexus is famous for their group beat
downs. Michael's initiation is to be on the receiving end of one of those Nexus
beat downs. Punk calls up Husky as the leadoff hitter. Michael looks to be
questioning whether or not the initiation is worth it, but Otunga strikes before
Husky has the chance. Slater looks hesitant as the members of Nexus eye each
other. Slater leaps and connects with a clothesline. It is Husky's turn as he
hits a running Senton. Otunga and Harris drag Michael towards the corner.
Gabriel scales the turnbuckle. He looks down as he takes in the situation and
atmosphere. Justin leaps and connects with his devastating 450 splash. CM Punk
then drops down to one knee. The four remaining members of Nexus lift Michael up
off the mat and place him on Punk's shoulders! Punk stands to his feet and hits
the GTS!
The Nexus music hits and they begin to exit the ring. Punk pauses as the Nexus
members scoop up Michael. He is carried from the ring over the shoulders of
Nexus in a crucifix position as Punk leads the way. Michael is officially the
first member of the New Nexus.
****Commercial****
R-Truth's music hits and he hips and hops his way down to the ring. Alberto Del
Rio's personal ring announcer is introduced, and he brings the Smackdown Star
down to the ring for this match.
R-Truth v. Alberto Del Rio
The match starts off with a mild slap fight. Truth pushes Rio into the corner
and mounts him. He begins a ten punch, but Rio knocks him down. Rio tries for a
quick cover, but Truth kicks out. Truth is whipped into the ropes, but springs
back with a hurricarana. He aims for a lariat, which sends both men spiraling
out of the ring. The referee begins the ten count. They begin to bRawl on the
outside of the ring. Alberto Del Rio's personal ring announcer grabs a hot mic.
He starts shouting "what's up" at R-Truth. This causes Truth to whirl around and
pop him in the jaw. Del Rio slides back in the ring right before the ten count
expires. Truth is counted out, and this match is over.
Winner via Count Out: Alberto Del Rio
After the match, Del Rio grabs the mic. He says that his destiny is to win the
Royal Rumble and headline Wrestlemania. He says that that isn't important
tonight, because tonight they are in Nashville, TN - a place renowned for its
music. Rio calls their music and culture a joke. Especially that "awful country
music". Rio says that he is from Mexico, a place with real music and culture. A
"U-S-A" chant breaks out. Rio says that he will now showcase some of that
talent. He calls over Ricardo who performs one of the worst Mariachi musical
interludes in the history of mankind.
Tonight: Morrison v. King Sheamus
****Commercial****
Recently, Michael Cole has been on the receiving end of a lot of criticism. I
support Michael Cole in every conceviable way. Even though he is a pompous,
arrogant, self centered jerk. Just kidding, Michael Cole has done a great job,
and is the epitome of manhood. We need more people like him. Michael is an award
winning journalist and two time Slammy winner. Not to mention the fact that he
is handsome. Ladies and gentlemen the highest honor that anyone can receive is
to call themselves a Cole Miner.
Jerry stands up and says that he has a message from the entire WWE Universe. And
I quote... SHUT UP!
Lawler gets to his feet and looks to punch Cole. Michael says that Lawler can't
touch him because of the GM's orders. Lawler says that no one would ever call
Cole handsome. What Cole is, is a coward.
*GeneralMail Alert
Michael Cole is not a coward, and neither is Lawler. Tonight, The Miz & Alex
Riley will take on Jerry Lawler & Randy Orton
In the back, Punk is with the remaining members of Nexus. He calls up Husky as
the next initiate. If Harris chooses, his initiation will be to take three
lashings from each Nexus member. They proceed one at a time. When they finish,
Punk tells them to hold Harris up on his feet. Punk has a leather strap for
himself and brutally unloads on the back of Harris!
Husky Harris is the second member to join the New Nexus
****Commercial****
Daniel Bryan w/ The Bella Twins & Mark Henry v. Tyson Kidd & Ted Dibiase w/
Maryse
Bryan and Ted start things off. Dibiase sends Bryan to the outside and distracts
the ref. Tyson runs over to hit a cheap shot. Bryan is rolled back into the ring
by Dibiase, and then Tyson is tagged into the ring. Kidd distracts the referee
this time, as Ted stomps on Bryan. Ted gets the tag and kicks the US Champion in
the gut. Ted cinches in a rear headlock. Bryan escapes by using his elbow and
then charges at the ropes. Dibiase is floored by a lariat, and Henry gets the
tag. Ted rolls to Kidd, and Tyson flies into the ring. Kidd is hit with a punch
and is backed into a corner. Henry charges, but Kidd slides out of the way.
Dibiase runs into the ring and helps hit a stereo dropkick with his partner on
Henry. The World's Strongest Man stays on his feet and takes out his foes with a
couple of clotheslines. Henry scoops up Kidd and hits The World's Strongest
Slam. This match is over.
Winners via World's Strongest Slam: Daniel Bryan & Mark Henry
****Commercial****
The Big Show comes down to the ring and he cuts a promo. First he announces that
he will be taking out the newest member of the Smackdown roster, Wade Barrett,
this week on Smackdown. Next, he explains how he will be winning the Royal
Rumble this year.
The Nexus music hits and CM Punk walks onto the entrance ramp surrounded by
Slater, Justin Gabriel and David Otunga. David continues walking down to the
ring. It appears that his initiation is to attack The Big Show. Otunga slaps him
in the face, and then stands with his arms spread open, ready to take his
punishment. Show kicks him in the gut, and then throws him out of the ring. On
the outside, Show throws him over the commentator's booth, and then into the
guardrail. Show rolls him back into the ring, and then connects with a chokeslam.
Show isn't finished, as a grabs the arm of Otunga, glances at Punk, and then
connects with a Knockout Punch. The Big Show's music hits. Punk, Slater and
Gabriel raise their arms in the New Nexus salute.
****Commercial****
John Morrison v. King Sheamus
Sheamus gets the upper hand at the offset of the match as he is able to ground
Morrison. Sheamus connects with a couple kicks to the gut and a lariat which
sends Morrison to the mat. Sheamus locks on a nice western tourniquet. Morrison
is trying to wriggle free off of his side. He escapes, and runs at the ropes.
Morrison kicks Sheamus in the gut with his knee. He sets up Sheamus under the
top turnbuckle. Morrison attempts Starship Pain, but Sheamus pushes him right
over the ring post!
****Commercial****
Back from the commercial, Sheamus has Morrison's back draped over the apron.
Sheamus connects with several hammering blows across John's chest. Sheamus rolls
into the ring and tries for a cover. Morrison kicks out. Sheamus begins to toy
with Morrison as he settles in with a modified chin lock. Morrison escapes, and
knocks Sheamus back into the corner. He begins with a frenzied series of kicks.
Sheamus is sent to the outside by Morrison who is still struggling with an
injured arm. Morrison vaults out of the ring, but Sheamus plants his knee into
the ribs of Morrison. Sheamus grabs him and drops him rib first on the steel
steps before rolling him back in the ring.
Sheamus is prepping for the Brogue kick as Morrison struggles to get to his
feet. Sensing the charging Irishman, Morrison drops to the mat. This prevents
the kick, but Sheamus nails him in the back instead. Morrison climbs the
turnbuckle, but Sheamus is heading right for him. Sheamus looks to have a
counter, but Morrison plants him onto the steel post! Morrison flies forward
with his running knee, and this match is over!
Winner via Running Knee: John Morrison
CM Punk is in the back holding two kendo sticks. Punk says that Slater and
Gabriel's initiation, if they choose to accept, is too beat each other with the
Kendo sticks, until he tells them to stop. Gabriel and Slater are both holding
their lightsabers kendo sticks, but are hesitant. Punk tells them that they must
do this to be in the New Nexus. He expects all his soldiers to hit homeruns.
They still hesitate. Punk screams for them to DO IT! They both pause, and look
at Punk. Contemplating their options, they are clearly thinking of striking
Punk. The Straight Edge star laughs, and asks if they are going to hit him.
Going farther, he tells them to do it. He holds out his arms and closes his
eyes, repeating the command for them to hit him. They drop their kendo sticks
and exit the room as Punk smiles.
****Commercial****
Shawn Michaels is announced as the first inductee in the WWE Hall of Fame class
of 2011
The Heartbreak Kid's music hits... and Shawn Michaels comes out to greet the
crowd!!
Michaels makes his way into the ring and has a mic. The crowd starts a, "one
more match" chant, but Michaels shakes his head. Before he can speak, Alberto
Del Rio's music hits. He walks down to the ring with the mic. He says that these
people used to cheer HBK, but now they cheer him. It's because they know that he
is the present, and the future of the WWE. Rio again says that he'll win the
Royal Rumble, and then go on to win a belt at Wrestlemania. After which, he'll
become the NEW Mr. Wrestlemania. Del Rio has a huge smirk on his face as he
looks at Shawn. HBK looks at Del Rio, and then hits him with Sweet Chin Music!
Michaels holsters the mic that he never had to use, and struts around the ring.
He grabs Del Rio's scarf and puts it around his own neck. Michaels struts his
way back out of the arena.
****Commercial****
The Miz is in the back looking very downtrodden. Alex Riley looks pumped up
about their match tonight. Riley says that he is upset because despite all of
the great things that he has done, the only thing that people are talking about
is Randy Orton. The Miz says that people are treating it like a fact that Orton
will win the Championship from him at the Royal Rumble. Miz says that people are
not giving him the respect that he has earned and deserves. Miz says that
tonight they will show that the only given is the fact that he'll be the
Champion for a very long time.
Jerry Lawler has gone to prepare for his match, so Josh Mathews is now on
commentary
Michael Cole is in the ring. He says that they are about to be joined by John
Cena. Before he can continue, CM Punk's voice is heard in the arena. Punk is
standing on top of the Titantron! He says that tonight is the start of the New
Nexus. His members have been willing to go through their initiations, and endure
sacrifice. Punk says that he is about to undergo the greatest sacrifice. Punk
says that this sacrifice will prove that he was a member of Nexus, and willing
to make the ultimate sacrifice. Punk asks the crowd, should he dive off the Tron?
Break every bone? Tear every muscle? Punk holds his arms out in the crucifix
position.
Punk says that he has one more question. How gullible is the crowd? Punk picks
up his shirt to show that he is harnessed. He says that he is being spotted by
two guys. In fact, he is safer on top of the Tron than anyone is in the crowd.
Punk asks, "what kind of idiot would jump off the Tron?"
Answer: Shane McMahon and Jeff Hardy.
The Nexus music hits and Harris, Otunga & McGillicutty make their way down to
the ring. Slater and Gabriel are not present as they did not go through with the
initiation. Video packages hits as Punk makes his way down and into the ring.
Punk has a mic and says that anyone who actually thought he would jump off the
Tron is stupid. Punk says that anyone who would jump off the Tron would be
mentally unstable, and Punk is mentally superior. Punk doesn't need an
initiation because he is the leader of the New Nexus. Punk says that Cena is not
even here.
Cena appears on the Tron, and is live via satellite. Cena mocks Punk. He says
there was no need to give the Nexus a physical initiation because Cena has
already taken them all out. Well, all except for one member. The new member.
Cena has yet to take out CM Sucks. Punk says that he is not afraid of Cena. John
counters by challenging him to a match next week on Raw! Punk accepts. Cena says
that next week, Punk will be dealt with. "As sure as I wear purple, and the sun
rises in the morning, you'll be dealt with". In the end, it's about Cena kicking
Punk's ass!
****Commercial****
The Miz & Alex Riley v. Jerry "The King" Lawler & Randy Orton
Lawler and Riley kicks things off. Miz distracts him which allows Riley to get
in a couple of shots. Now that Lawler is weakened, Miz tags himself into the
match. Miz gets in a kick, but Lawler connects with a devastating punch. Lawler
mounts him and hits a series of right arms. Lawler takes him out of the ring and
bangs the head of Miz over the announce booth, much to Michael Cole's chagrin.
Back in the ring, Lawler tags in Orton as Miz tags in Riley.
Orton throws him into the corner, but has a overhead throw countered. Riley tags
in The Miz. Orton is quick to capitalize and drops Miz to the mat. He stomps
across his face, and then hits a strong kick to the gut. Lawler gets the tag.
Lawler relies on his fists to do the talking. He even taunts Miz into standing
up, just to knock him back down. The referee backs Lawler off of Miz, which
allows Miz to charge forward and achieve a full frontal mount. After a series of
punches, the ref pulls him free. Miz locks on a rear choke. Lawler is sent into
the corner, and is hit with Miz's signature splash. We head to the final
commercial of the night... at 11:04pm EST.
****Commercial****
Back from the break, Alex Riley charges at Lawler with a shoulder block. Lawler
dodges, and Riley flies into the steel post shoulder first. Lawler and Riley are
both on their backs, struggling to make the tag. Riley tags in Miz, but Lawler's
tag is not seen by the ref. Miz begins to attack Lawler and goes for his
finisher. As the ref's back is turned, Orton slithers into the ring and hits an
RKO! Miz is covered by Lawler, but Riley makes the save. Miz tags in Riley.
Orton grabs Riley and hits the suspended DDT. He stares down Miz who is standing
on the apron. Orton tags in Lawler, and then heads over to continue staring down
The Miz, just daring him to enter the ring. Lawler climbs to the second rope,
and connects with his flying fist drop! This match is over!
Winners via Flying Fist Drop: Jerry "The King" Lawler & Randy Orton