Monday Night Raw TV report for 02/13/2012

Reported by Earnest I Aguilar

The only thing known for tonight is the one and only...the return of WWE Hall-Of-Famer "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels! The "show-stopper" will be in town to deliver a message to his best friend WWE C.O.O. Triple H. What will said talk be about? Only one way to find out and that's to read on....you know it!

Monday Night Raw for February 13th, 2012 - "The Inner Battle In All"

Introduction Segment: Recap, Promo, & Welcoming

A video montage of Kane & John Cena's rivalry airs to prologue Raw. An up-close of Kane's monstrous face is then shown, and he is live, promising that tonight two things will happen: John Cena will embrace the hate, and someone will take a ride in an ambulance. 

The regular Raw video plays but no pyro blasts. Michael Cole welcomes us to Monday Night Raw from San Diego, California. He also informs us that "he's back!" Vice President Of Talent Relations & Interim General Manager of Raw John Laurinaitis has retained his job, so he will continue his weekly duties on the show. Also, in another return, Cole puts over Shawn Michaels with his many nicknames and says that he is here tonight as well.

Segment #1: Arena Promo

Jerry "The King" Lawler also welcomes us to Raw, and introduces the six participants who will be competing in the WWE Championship Elimination Chamber match this Sunday. This is debate-style, with every superstar stating why he will win the Elimination Chamber match.

First up is the WWE Champion C.M. Punk. Before he can get a word out though, the Interim G.M. of Raw interrupts and proclaims how great it is to be back as the General Manager of Monday Night Raw. Laurinaitis comes and goes quickly, so it is back to the ring.

Punk begins the proceedings by congratulating John on his employment, but also berates him and ponders how it is that he kept it. Meanwhile, the reason why C.M. will win the match on Sunday is simply because he is the "best wrestler in the world."

Dolph Ziggler then says he is the best wrestler in the world and backs it up every single night.

R-Truth goes on another of his classic rants, saying that if he is "elected" he will trade Dolph Ziggler & Vickie Guerrero to Smackdown! for Hornswoggle and a box of spiders. He will also make it legally required to shout "what" in every line of the Pledge Of Allegiance. Truth is also going to gulp down his Grand-Ma-Ma's favorite "Spider Stew" which will help him eliminate everyone in the Elimination Chamber. God Bless "Little Jimmy" & God Bless United States Of America

The Miz demotes all his five opponents.

Kofi Kingston disputes Miz's "afterthought" comment, and instead declares that he might walk in as a "so-called afterthought, but I just might walk out the next WWE Champion."

Lastly, Chris Jericho, is surrounded by "neophytes." The TRUE best in the world at everything he does is the only human being that has been in more Elimination Chamber matches and eliminated more wrestlers. The last time he was in the bout, he walked out as the World Heavyweight Champion. Jericho picks on Punk specifically, and orders him to give the World Title right now, since his master has come to claim what is his.

Punk takes a cheap-shot at "Y2J's" Dancing With The Stars career. Ziggler calls this entire segment a joke, but Truth reiterates with an insult on Dolph. 

Lawler then announces that they are all competing in individual matches, starting with Kofi Kingston against Chris Jericho. Jericho shoves Kofi out of the way and walks right over to C.M. Punk. He gets in Punk's face but then turns around into a Trouble In Paradise spin kick. Jericho is laid out.

The other matches are The Miz VS. WWE Champion C.M. Punk & Dolph Ziggler taking on R-Truth.

Commercials.

Match #1: Single - Chris Jericho VS. Kofi Kingston

Kofi immediately rushes Jericho into the corner with kicks and continues to do so around the ring. Kingston clotheslines Chris over the ropes and follows up with a suicide dive to the outside! He then slams Jericho's head on the announce table and rolls him back in the ring. Kofi traps Jericho in the corner for an almost 10-punches until Y2J counters with a powerbomb out of the corner. 

Jericho clamps on a grounding headlock then holds onto the ropes as Kofi tries a drop kick, but lands flat on his back. Jericho whips Kofi into a corner, but Kingston counters with a springboard cross body for a two-count! Kofi tries another springboard move but literately is caught in a Walls of Jericho submission. Kofi struggles, but manages to get to the ropes for a break. Jericho debates referee Charles "Little Naitch" Robinson, then turns around into another Trouble In Paradise. Kofi slowly crawls over for the cover. 1 - 2 - foot on ropes! 

Jericho soon gives a quick thumb-to-the-eye and drives down Kingston with the Codebreaker. 1 - 2 - 3!

Winner via Pinfall: Chris Jericho

Backstage, a first glance at Shawn Michaels is shown. He is walking around and finds his best friend Triple H to embrace in a hug. Up next, Big Show faces Randy Orton coming out of the events from last Friday Night's Smackdown (read the report on wrestling-online.com!)

Ads.

Segment #2: Locker Room Promo

Following the "WWE Rewind" of Kane's attack on Zack Ryder at the Royal Rumble Pay-Per-View, John Cena is in his locker room, talking to his wheel-chair and back/neck brace bound friend. John asks how he is feeling and Ryder replies by wanting to tell Eve how he really feels. Cena wonders if it is a good idea, since Kane has attacked him every time. So instead, John will go and get Eve to come to Ryder's locker room. The "Long Island Ice-Z" concurs.

Segment #3: Office Promo

John Laurinaitis gloats more about keeping his job, but his legal adviser David Otunga brings him into reality. Otunga says that while the WWE Board of Directors gave John this job, it is still "interim," not "permanent." However, David has an idea to solve this problem, and also make Laurinaitis the permanent G.M. of Smackdown.

Commercials.

Match #2: Single - Big Show VS. Randy Orton

(Note: World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan joins Lawler & Cole by the commentator's table.) Randy goes right after Show with slaps and punches. Big tries to push him off, but Orton plays it smart and dropkicks his knees. Show soon counters with a slap-to-the-chest and a side slam. 1 - 2 - Orton gets the shoulder up! Big tempts the knockout punch but Orton slides out of the ring for a break.

Ads.

Back live, Orton is all over Show's back with a sleeper hold. Show drops to his knees but tosses Orton over his shoulder. Big is fired out and gains momentum with a few clotheslines and a back splash in the corner. "The Apex Predator" counters a running Show with a huge dropkick for a two-count! On the outside, Show drags Orton to the announce table and bashes his head on it. He tosses Orton in the ring and stares down the World Heavyweight Champion. Show turns his attention back to Orton but gets dropkicked on the apron and Randy manages to pull off a HUGE springboard DDT and an R.K.O. - TWICE! 

Bryan runs in now and rams his World Title into Orton's head, knocking him out and subsequently does the same to Big Show. Daniel poses with his championship held high.

Winner via Disqualification: Randy Orton

Up next, "H.B.K." returns!

Commercials.

Segment #4: Arena Promo

"The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels is here and throttles on down to the ring with his usual entrance to the smiles of the fans. (Although, the crowd sounded really dead on their reaction). Now the people are alive, with chants of "HBK" beginning. At first, Shawn admits he is nervous because he doesn't do this anymore very often. 

He also tells us that he was inquired as to why he shows up around this time of year every time. Duh - it's WrestleMania time! And what is WrestleMania without "Mr. WrestleMania himself." He says that like all of us, he was watching Raw last week and waited for Triple H to accept The Undertaker's challenge for WrestleMania XXVIII. However, much like all of us, Michaels was shocked when he did not.

"Mr. Hall-Of-Famer" (a new moniker he gave himself) then asks his best friend to come on down and confess the words we all want to here. The WWE C.O.O. Triple H answers the call and enters the ring with his buddy. They both please the crowd with DX pose. HHH puts over HBK, then Michaels asks him to challenge 'Taker again.

Triple H declines again but Shawn is still not convinced. "The Game" restates his case from last week, that he does not want to "end" the Undertaker. He has already won the war. He is not "that guy." Shawn questions that statement, saying that Trips has done whatever it takes to win. Shawn also questions whether "The Cerebral Assassin" is also "The Sellout," since marrying Stephanie McMahon, has he become "one of them?"

He denies Michaels' claims, but Shawn replies, even calling Triple H a "coward" since he did not accept 'Taker's challenge. HHH glares at his friend and tries to walk away until Shawn provokes him. HHH gets in his face and yells at him about all the responsibility of taking over the company. He says that years ago, Undertaker was just an opponent, but now with his new business responsibility, HHH sees Undertaker as a "brand," a brand that is good for this business. 

Trips reminds Shawn that the two of them and The Undertaker are the end of an era. An era that would do anything in this business to get over and be someone. However, this is now 2012 and it's a different mentality. Trips is not the one to end that era, because The Undertaker is all that's left. He's not going to do it for the people, or the Undertaker himself, or even because Shawn wants to live vicariously through HHH in trying to defeat "The Deadman."

Shawn tells him that it is a nice little speech, but there is a difference. Shawn is at peace with his life, and HHH is not, because he has not defeated The Undertaker. Michaels orders Hunter to look him in the eye and tell him "no." Helmsley disrobes his suit jacket and gets up in Shawn's face. "NO!" he fiercely declares, then Shawn walks past him and out of the arena, again to chants of "HBK."

As Triple H begins to exit, the familiar bell rings and the same video package of highlights of W.M. 27 plays on the 'Tron, with the voice-over of Triple H's speech from last year, and The Undertaker wanting what is his. "Immortality."

(Awesome segment!)

Ads.

Match #3: Single - Dolph Ziggler (with Vickie Guerrero) VS. R-Truth

Ziggler wants a "test of strength" but quickly kicks Truth in the gut and takes him down with a fireman's carry for one. Truth somersaults and splits out of the way into a jumping calf-kick. Truth misses a shoulder-in-the-corner and Dolph rolls him up for two. Ziggler clutches on a rear chinlock to wear R down, but Truth soon fights out of it with right hands.

Dolph comes back with a punch, neckbreaker, and jumping elbow drop. He then begins to do sit-ups to show off, but Truth catches him (awkwardly) in a small-package and receives the victory!

Winner via Pinfall: R-Truth

Segment #5: Locker Room Promo

Zack Ryder is texting on his phone when Santino Marella walks in. Santino "Valentino" Marella offers some tips on love for Ryder, including garlic breath mints. (Pointless).

Commercials.

Match #4: Single - Brie Bella (with Nikki Bella) VS. Tamina Snuka

(Note: WWE Divas Champion Beth Phoenix is on commentary, and it is announced that Tamina will challenge her for the title at Elimination Chamber).

A side headlock is gripped by Brie right away but Tamina wiggles out and delivers a chop to the chest area. Bella counters with a rope-jawbreaker, then dropkicks Tamina. Nikki tries to distract Tamina but she dispatches her quickly and goes to work on Brie. A Samoan Drop followed by a Superfly Splash from the top rope finish this contest.

Winner via Pinfall: Tamina Snuka

Ads.

Segment #6: Backstage Promo

Josh Matthews tries to ask John Cena about his reaction to The Rock, but he hears screaming and runs off. Kane is putting Eve Torres in the ambulance, but is beaten on by Cena. However, Kane gets back and assaults Cena, then drives off with the ambulance. Eve manages to escape just before, into the waiting arms of Cena, which did not please their watcher - Zack Ryder. He rolled in just as Eve and Cena had a mini-make-out session. All three have a bewildered look on their face with silence.

Commercials.

Segment #7: Backstage Promo

Eve tries to explain it being a "heat of the moment" thing between her & Cena, to a seething Ryder. She says that she never thought they were going to be together, just stay friends. Zack angrily rolls off.

Match #5: Single - The Miz VS. WWE Champion C.M. Punk (Non-Title)

A lock up and judo-takedown from Punk. Snap suplex for a one-count by the "Second City Saint" and a boot to the mouth as well. Miz rushes Punk into the corner and then chucks him shoulder-first into the turnbuckle. Side Russian legsweep from Miz for another one. Miz clamps on an armlock to wear down the WWE Champion.

Punk fights out of it with elbows but gets caught in a neckbreaker position, however he counters with a stiff kick-to-the-head. Both are now punching back and forth, but Miz gets the better with more vicious blows. Punk counters a running Miz with a high calf-kick, then he brings him down with the running knee/bulldog combo. A G.T.S. attempt is foiled by Miz and he runs in the corner with a clothesline.

"The Straight-Edge Superstar" ducks a top-rope move from Miz and twirls him to the mat with a powerslam. Punk climbs the ropes but is cut off by Miz. A superplex attempt is tried but Punk fights off with chops and then flies with an elbow. Another G.T.S. is tried but Miz squirms out for a Skull Krushing Finale attempt, however Punk counters that and manages to grapple Miz with an Anaconda Vice submission. Miz doesn't fight it and taps quickly.

Winner via Submission: WWE Champion C.M. Punk

Backstage, the ambulance is driven back into the garage of the arena.

Ads.

Segment #8: Arena Promo

John Cena is out and sounds somber. He calls the previous moment between him & Eve awkward. (No foolin'!) For what it's worth, he apologizes to Ryder. He then goes on and claims that this was Kane's plan all along, to turn everyone against him. So, now Cena has no choice but to "embrace the hate." 

This would've worked if it was anybody else, but as we all know, Cena is not anyone else. Cena says push him enough to his breaking point, then he will snap. Huge "we all hate you" chants envelope the arena. Cena disposes of these thoughts, since he will always be who he is on his own and continue to do what he does. He will adapt, overcome, and win. Cena guarantees that Kane will leave in an ambulance this Sunday, and as for "his good friend Dwayne..." a quick WrestleMania message.

Before that can be delivered, Zack Ryder wheels out and hobbles to the ring on crutches. He pushes the microphone out of Cena's hands and slaps him across the face. Cena responds by taking his chain and shirt off, getting in Ryder's face.

Ryder attempts to slug Cena, but John blocks it and slightly pushes him down. Zack backs out of the ring and tells Cena to "get the hell away from me." Cena is in the ring with a disappointed and despondent look on his face.

On the TitanTron, Kane appears, informing Cena he is in denial. Kane claims that Cena has embraced the hate, by stealing Ryder's supposed girlfriend, something Kane would not even stoop to. This Sunday, Cena will not adapt, he will not overcome, and he will not win. Cena will leave, body and soul, in an ambulance.

Cena turns his back and Kane walks out on the stage, behind Ryder. (You know where this is going). He pushes him wheelchair and all off the stage (and an actually great looking bump). Cena gets ringside agents, medical personnel, and referees to lend aide to his fallen (former) friend. Eve Torres is also out, kneeling beside and looking on.

The show closes with Ryder being loaded onto a stretcher and Eve & Cena in disbelief.

End Of Raw.

Reporter's Rumblings - By Moe Tapp

Wow! This was an awesome "go-home" show for Raw before the Pay-Per-View, and definitely leaves me intrigued for next week. It was actually so awesome, to be honest, that I did not find any huge faults to report, and it was all EXCELLENT, so for this week only, no need to dissect the show. All in all, it was beautiful!

On the other hand, since it is the last show before Elimination Chamber, I provide my picks as usual below:

Chris Jericho wins the WWE Championship and sets up a rematch with C.M. Punk for WrestleMania

Tamina receives her first WWE Title after putting down Beth Phoenix for the victory

Cena wins decisively this time and "embraces the hate", totally destroying Kane in the Ambulance match

In a HUGE upset and wild-card, I choose either Wade Barrett or Cody Rhodes to walk out with the World Heavyweight Championship, and Sheamus to face him at WrestleMania. (I figure that the other wrestlers - Bryan, Big Show, & Orton - can have a WrestleMania match on their own/with each other based on the recent storylines).

Alright, let's see how I do by next week and if there are any surprises like I predicated. Overall though again, great show tonight to hype up for Elimination Chamber and next week's Raw. Until then, as always Be Excellent wrestling-online.com readers and wrestling fans!