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| Reported by Ernest I Aguilar |
Tonight a new era begins....tonight we will have a new WWE Champion (and hopefully an actual new WWE Title)....tonight we have a new leader in the Raw world. And by the end of tonight, I say the new WWE Champion is NOT in the tournament final of Rey Mysterio VS. The Miz, but instead the championship will be in the hands of the Money In The Bank briefcase holder: one Alberto Del Riiiooooo! It all goes down, live from Hampton, Virginia!
Match #1: Single - Rey Mysterio VS. The Miz (WWE Championship Tournament Final)
The show opens with the big match and Rey Mysterio making his entrance as Michael Cole & Jerry "The King" Lawler welcome us to Monday Night Raw and explain the situation (as to why we got here) surrounding the WWE Championship. The Miz is out next, who seems to be healed and is no longer limping. (Oh and I am wrong, they are still using WWE Spinner Belt for the Championship - damn!)
The audience is not the only one watching, as we are shown the backstage locker room, with most of the roster looking on a monitor.
Formal introductions, courtesy of Justin Roberts, are said and the bell rings!
Highlights:
- Rey Mysterio & The Miz lockup and Miz holds Mysterio in a head lock
- Quick covers by Miz for quck kick-outs by Rey
- Headscissors from Rey throw Miz to the mat
- Mysterio attempts a top-rope hurricanrana but Miz catches him and tosses Rey face-first into the turnbuckle
- Miz stalks Mysterio and runs at him with a harsh clothesline. 1 - 2 - Mysterio kicks out!
- "The Awesome One" wears down Rey with a rear chinlock and delivers a high-knee to the gut for a 2-count
- Miz becomes aggressive, throwing Mysterio outside the ring and follows it up with an on-target baseball slide to Mysterio's face
- Mysterio counters a knee on the apron and uses the ring back to headscissor Miz into the ring steps (hard to describe, but neat move!)
- Commercial break
- Back in the ring, Rey fights his way out of another headlock, but Miz grabs Mysterio's arms and hits him with a knee-to-the-back/neckbreaker combo. 1 - 2 - Rey kicks out!
- Standing waistlock switch-arounds by both and the Masked Man chucks Miz into the ring post and climbs the turnbuckle
- Seated Senton off the top-rope and a crossbody for a 2 by Rey
- Miz ducks a kick and drives Rey's face into the canvas with a DDT. 1 - 2 - Mysterio's shoulder up! (A close-up of a frustrated Miz is shown, which is well, awesome camera work and story-telling!)
- Victory Roll-up from Mysterio. 1 - 2 - Miz kicks out!
- Dropkick-to-the-knee and 619 set-up, but Miz gets out of it
- Big spin-out sit-down powerbomb by Miz for a close two-count!
- Miz is now stalking Mysterio with a sadistic look on his face. He attempts the Skull-Krushing-Finale (Front Russian Legsweep) in the corner but Mysterio wiggles out
- Miz attempts a running-knee in the corner, but Mysterio moves and Miz smashes his knee on the middle turnbuckle
- Mysterio takes down Miz with another hurricanrana and plants him with the 619 and "Rocket-Man" splash combo.
- 1 - 2 - 3! Mysterio wins!
Winner via Pinfall and NEW WWE CHAMPION: Rey Mysterio
Rey Mysterio is now a 2-Time World Heavyweight Champion and first-time WWE Champion. The wrestlers backstage celebrate, as does Mysterio, until Miz takes him down from behind with a vicious double-axe-handle, shoving Rey into the corner. And as I called it, Alberto Del Rio now makes his way to the ring, briefcase and referee in tow, complete with huge grin on his face.
A.D.R. looks like he's going to cash in his MITB contract until Mysterio sprinboards off the ropes with a crossbody. Del Rio collects his belongings and walks back up the aisle. Rey still keeps his new WWE Title for now.
Lawler & Cole inform us that Triple H will deliver a "State Of WWE" address later tonight. (These times, they are a changin!)
Ads.
Segment #1: Backstage Celebration Promo
Much like a NASCAR Race, everyone sprays champagne on the new WWE Champion, and John Cena walks up and shakes Rey's hand, saying "congratulations."
Josh Matthews interviews Rey and in a reference from "School Of Rock" (great movie - watch it!), Mysterio claims "it's a long way to the top if you want to rock and roll, baby!" He goes on to give the usual speech about the sacrifices and tells his children that "daddy's bringing home the gold." More wrestlers spray champagne on him.
Segment #2: Raw Replay
Cole & Lawler tell us what happened last week and we get the footage to go along with the events.
Commercials.
Match #2: Single - WWE United States Champion Dolph Ziggler VS. Evan "Air" Bourne (Non-Title)
Prior to the match, we are shown how Dolph won the U.S. Title from Kofi Kingston at "Capitol Punishment." (Note: Dolph's theme music is also a little more "heavy", shall I say - I like it for the new attitude).
Highlights:
- Immediate headlock by Dolph and shoulder-block onto Evan
- Leapfrog and calf-kick by Bourne and Enziguri attempt, which was ducked and turned into a mini-famasser from Ziggler
- Ziggler goes for a splash in the corner but "Air" moves out of the way and kicks away at the U.S. Champ
- Dropkicks and clotheslines by Evan, complete with a hurricanrana off the top rope for a 2!
- Bourne misses "Air-Bourne" Shooting-Star-Press and Ziggler capitolizes with the "Zig-Zag" and clutches in his Sleeper for the finish
Winner via Submission: Dolph Ziggler (United States Champion)
Post match, "Perfection" takes the microphone and confidently/angrily declares "follow that!"
Jerry tells us that in a rematch from last week, Kofi Kingston will face Alberto Del Rio later tonight.
Ads.
Segment #3: Backstage Promo
Eve & The Bella Twins are arguing about the Twins' siwtcheroo when some dude with a case of beer walks by and very quickly (I cry pre-tape!) tattoos one of the Twins arms with a sharpie. This segments was pointless and a cheap plug for "Keystone Beer."
Match #3: Diva Tag-Team - Maryse & Melina VS. Eve Torres & WWE Divas Champion Kelly Kelly
Highlights:
- Flatliner and Standing Moonsault right away by Eve onto Maryse (Eve shakes her rear taboot, which tells me some old "Attitude Era" signs are slowly making their return - along with the above beer segment)
- Maryse hits Eve from behind with a kick-to-the-head and after a "stinkface" tags in Melina
- Eve punches her way past Melina and slaps hands with Kelly Kelly
- The current Divas Champion lands on Melina with Lou Thesz Press, then slaps Maryse's behind and provocatively mocks the French-Canadian
- Kelly turns her attention back to Melina and completes the match with her Famasser leg-drop for the 1 - 2 - 3!
Winners via Pinfall: Eve Torres & WWE Divas Champion Kelly Kelly
Backstage, Triple H is chatting with Raw's resident crazy-man R-Truth. Michael tells us that he will also announce a "blockbuster" return to the WWE up next! (I bet a "Kliq" member).
Commercials.
Segment #4: Arena Promo
"Time To Play the Game." The new WWE Chief Operating Officer (which means he basically runs all the shows, marketing, and well, everything) Triple H walks to the ring all smiles and is greeted with cheers and chants of his name by the fans.
First off, "The Game" gives credit to Mr. Vince McMahon for his vision of making the WWE what it is today. (I share that, to most degrees). He thanks Vince, as do the fans, and then Triple H moves on to talk about the future of WWE.
Already, he looks to the main-event, announcing that there will be a second WWE Championship match, and as agreed on by both participants, WWE Champion Rey Mysterio will defend his title against....John Cena! (Please, please keep the title on Rey!)
Now HHH brings out the man who everybody has been pining over the last few weeks...he has been resigned and please welcome back...
JIM ROSS!
To an ovation from the crowd and Jerry Lawler (and shame on Michael Cole's face), Good Ole J.R. is back and goes to take his place behind the announcer's booth. Cole doesn't shake his hand and instead has a microphone, standing on the table.
Cole claims that he's done everything for the company but refuses to work with J.R. After listening to Cole rant, HHH says that he can't fire Cole, since it would cost too much money (ah, still thinking like the Greenwich Snob!), so instead gives the option of Cole quitting. Triple H informs Cole that he is relieved from commentary and booked him in a match - next!
Cole saunters to the back to get ready, while "The Truth will set everyone free."
R-Truth says (while congratulating invisible people in the aisle) that he likes the new man in charge, since it's a new day and new regime. As with everyone, he is looking out for number one. Truth wants to know what Triple H will do for him and the conspiracy against The Truth.
"The Game" plays the mind one too, and has a little chat with a few non-existent people as well, which drives Truth nuts, but not as much as The C.O.O. mentioning that he has re-signed another superstar, one who wants a piece of R-Truth - John Morrison!
"The Monday Night Delight" walks out to the stage and fiercely stares at Truth, then beats the heck out of all around the ring and inside too! He gets some satisfaction by flying "Starship Pain" and poses for the fans.
Up next is Michael Cole VS. a Mysterio opponent of Triple H's choosing, as well as later the second WWE Championship match - Cena VS. Mysterio!
Ads.
Match #4: Single - Michael Cole VS. ???
All hail the "shrimp of shrimps" - Michael Cole comes out in Triple H's gear, completely impersonating him and his entrance. (This is actually quite amusing).
His opponent - the man I've been wanting to see on Raw in a long while - The "Long Island Ice-Z" Zack Ryder! (That's my win for the night - yes I'm ripping off "Aftermath"!)
Highlights:
- Zack kicks Cole in the gut and runs his head into the top turnbuckle
- Huge "Lets go Ryder" chants
- Ryder "Woo Woo Woo's" it up and quickly ends the match with his Roughryder finisher (a jumping front legdrop take-down)
Winner via Pinfall: "Long Island Ice-Z" Zack Ryder
Ryder celebrates as Jim Ross & Lawler plug the matches for the rest of the night, including up next Kofi VS. Del Rio.
Commercials.
Match #5: Single - Alberto Del Rio VS. Kofi Kingston
As A.D.R. rides out in his 1960 Rolls Royce, his personal ring announcer Ricardo Rodriguez, is back in full swing.
Highlights:
- Punches and kicks from Del Rio to ground Kofi right away
- Kingston rolls up Alberto quickly for a 2-count and then sends him to the outside with a clothesline
- Ads.
- Del Rio now has Kofi locked in an armbar submission (focusing it for later, perhaps - great story telling again)
- Kingston moves out of a running Alberto and flys off the top with a crossbody for a near-fall!
- Boom Drop by Kofi and he is now firing up for a possible Trouble In Paradise, which he misses and Del Rio takes him down with an armbar takedown. 1 - 2 - kickout by Kingston
- Kofi kicks Del Rio out of the corner and rolls him again in a Victory Roll, but A.D.R. reverses it, however Kingston reverses it and gets a close pin, until Del Rio grabs the rope! (the crowd cheered wildly, thinking that Kofi won. That's how close it was!)
- Del Rio slingshots Kofi's left arm off the rope (again, nice continuity) and clamps on the Cross Armbreaker submission
- Kofi fights a little, but the pain is too much and he is forced to tap out!
Winner via Submission: Alberto Del Rio
Up next is the second WWE Title Match!
Ads.
Segment #5: Lockeroom Promo
Josh Matthews interviews The Miz in his quarters and begins to ask him about his earlier loss. Miz tells Josh to "shut your mouth" and blames the whole gig on John Cena, since Cena lost the WWE Title originally to "the man whose name we shall not mention."
He also accuses Triple H of false-advertising in a way, since his new champion is a masked man, or literately, a man with no face! Miz questions Rey's ability to go for interviews and magazine covers, since his face is hidden.
Meanwhile, The Miz is on "The George Lopez Show" Wednesday night (Miz's cheap plug, not mine!). Miz concludes by saying that Triple H's new Raw is a huge mistake.
Match #6: Single for The WWE Championship - Rey Mysterio (Champion) VS. John Cena (Challenger)
The champion makes his way to the ring first, and along with the announcement of "current WWE Champion", something still tells me that Rey is losing the title tonight - I just hope to my original thought of A.D.R. and NOT Cena again! We shall find out after these commercials.
Before Cena comes out, it is also announced that a #1 Contender Battle Royal will happen for the WWE Divas Championship at SummerSlam. (In other words, who cares!)
John Cena is now out and receives a pretty darn good ovation from the people in Hampton.
Highlights:
- Both show respect and "knuckle" each other to begin
- Rey starts kicking Cena until he gets thrown down with a shoulder-block
- Mysterio scores the first two-count after a Sunset Flip
- Cena backdrops Mysterio out of a headlock for a quck cover
- Springboard Bulldog by Mysterio. 1 - 2 - Cena kicks out!
- The Champ (Mysterio!) dives onto Cena on the outside with a flipping senton
- Cena whips Mysterio into the stairs, but Rey counters by leaping on them and leapfrogging Cena, however he walked right into a clothesline from John
- Cena rolls Mysterio back in the ring. 1 - 2 - Mysterio kicks out!
- Waistlock submission by Cena, which Rey fights out and drives Cena's head into the mat with a DDT!
- Mysterio goes for an Enziguri, but Cena counters into an STF attempt, but Rey grabs the ropes quickly
- Rey "jaw-breaks" Cena on the ropes and springboards a Moonsault subsequently for a 2-count!
- Rey attempts a 619, but John catches him and slams him down with a powerslam. 1 - 2 - Mysterio kicks out!
- Dropkick-to-the-gut by Mysterio and both men down
- Mysterio goes for another springboard Moonsault but Cena ducks, however Rey lands on his feet!
- Spin-out-powerbomb from Cena reversed into a snapmare by Mysterio!
- Bulldog by Rey reversed into the second spin-out powerbomb, and followed by a 5-Knuckle Shuffle Fistdrop
- Attitude Adjustment try but Rey fights out but gets caught out of a springboard crossbody!
- Another A.A. attempt, but Rey counters with a headscissors and dropkick. 1 - 2 - kickout by Cena!
- Drop-toe-hold by Mysterio into the second turnbuckle on Cena
- Rey lands on Cena from the top-rope with a Seated Senton
- 1 - 2 - Cena rolls into the STF, however Rey reverses it into an STF submission of his own
- Cena looked more surprised at first, but now begins to fade!
- John "Cena's up" and carries Rey into a third Attitude Adjustment attempt - but his knee buckled and he dropped into the second rope
- Rey dials up and phones for the 619! Flying off the top-rope, Mysterio almost nailed "Rocket-Man" splash but Cena got his injured knee up!
- Mysterio shoulder-blocks in the corner and hurricanrana attempt, but Cena tosses him off in an awkward powerbomb (Rey landed on his stomach)
- Cena now imitates Rey and dives onto Mysterio with a Seated Senton of his own. 1 - 2 - WWE Champion kicks out!
(This is becoming a really great match, and convinced not sure who's going to win now)
- A fourth A.A. attempt but Rey drops Cena into the second rope again!
- This time though, Cena is quick enough and intercepts Rey into the Attitude Adjustment successfully!
- 1 - 2 - 3!
Winner via Pinfall and NEW WWE CHAMPION: John Cena
Post match, Cena receives the championship and helps Rey Mysterio up, shaking his hand in sportsmanship and class. As Cena is celebrating his 9th WWE Championship win, unfamiliar music blares the speakers. No one comes out on stage, so Cena is looking around the arena.
To a big cheer, out walks the other WWE Champion - C.M. PUNK! He is in ring gear and has the title strapped around his waist. Ross & Lawler are not speaking.
Punk enters the ring and stares down Cena. Cena holds up his WWE Title to mild cheers, while "The Straight-Edge Superstar" does the same and gets even louder adoration. John walks off with Punk standing in the ring with the WWE Championship (his) to close the show and fade to black.
Reporter's Rumblings - By Moe Tapp
I thought tonight was another strong Raw, save for a few points I will get to. I liked that they opened up Raw with the WWE Championship tournament final, however I knew something was up since they opened the show with it!
On the plus side, Miz VS. Mysterio was a great match and the celebration that Rey was given backstage (NASCAR race-winning style) really put over his win big-time and the importance of the WWE Championship - which I liked a lot.
I also liked the new attitude of Dolph Ziggler and really hope he gets a long run with the U.S. Title. He is putting it over just as important as well, which is a good thing. See below remark for my new challenger to that championship:
Zack Ryder - FINALLY. Yes, I'll admit I've jumped on his bandwagon, but that is without watching his Internet videos. I just think if the guy can get himself over without creative, then that's awesome (sorry Miz!) and he deserves a push on T.V.
He is over huge right now and I think would be a great candidate for Ziggler's U.S. Title. That'd be an excellent feud with both their personalities/mic skills and definite ability to put on technical matches.
A few downsides/noticeables to the show:
Briefly, I love the fact that Triple H brought back Jim Ross for commentary. He will be much more enjoyable to listen to on Raw. However, I was definitely expecting more out of his annoucements.
Perhaps he is doing things week-by-week, which I guess is o.k., but something "earth-shattering" should've been said tonight. (Such as a new WWE Title and/or get RID of the RAW G.M. gimmick!)
I was also right & wrong about the WWE Championship - right on the fact that it didn't stay on one person by show's end, wrong on who it was. When they teased Alberto Del Rio cashing in his MITB briefcase, and then didn't follow through (with Mysterio getting the advantage), I thought, there's a good storyline and these two can go at it at SummerSlam for the title.
Unfortunately, as we saw, the championship went straight back to Cena, which I think was unnecessary. They did a great job at putting Rey over as the new champion and the title itself, and then switch it back to the usual suspect who DOES NOT NEED IT to be "over" - this was the "hot-potato" factor which diminishes the value (if it isn't already, especially due to the design of it!) and it NOT a reputation the supposed top WWE Championship should have.
Speaking of over, another real down was the return of C.M. Punk. Don't get me wrong, I love what he's doing, but too soon. They could've waited in my opinion, at the very earliest Survivor Series just to throw a timeline in there, and produce a bunch of other contender's/storylines around the championship (I.E. Rey VS. A.D.R.)
It kind of threw away all the hype and suspense of C.M. Punk "leaving" only 8 days ago and he's back already. Too rushed and desperate. Now I see another "unification match" for Cena's and Punk's titles at SummerSlam, which should've been saved for few months down the road. Again, have Rey keep the title for a while, then either A.D.R. or Cena win it (say at Survivor Series), and then Punk could come back and claim that they (whoever is the champ at the time) are not the real WWE Champion, he is.
And since he has the title, he determines when and where the challenger faces him, if at all. Boom, instant storyline for at least 2 months, probably until Royal Rumble.
But, since I am a writer for this awesome website and not for WWE, I like you faithful readers of this report will just have to sit back on my couch and watch tonight's latest event unfold next week. Overall though, still a great Raw from actual wrestling match standards!
Until then, Be Excellent Wrestling-Online readers!
Match #1: Single - Rey Mysterio VS. The Miz (WWE Championship Tournament Final)
The show opens with the big match and Rey Mysterio making his entrance as Michael Cole & Jerry "The King" Lawler welcome us to Monday Night Raw and explain the situation (as to why we got here) surrounding the WWE Championship. The Miz is out next, who seems to be healed and is no longer limping. (Oh and I am wrong, they are still using WWE Spinner Belt for the Championship - damn!)
The audience is not the only one watching, as we are shown the backstage locker room, with most of the roster looking on a monitor.
Formal introductions, courtesy of Justin Roberts, are said and the bell rings!
Highlights:
- Rey Mysterio & The Miz lockup and Miz holds Mysterio in a head lock
- Quick covers by Miz for quck kick-outs by Rey
- Headscissors from Rey throw Miz to the mat
- Mysterio attempts a top-rope hurricanrana but Miz catches him and tosses Rey face-first into the turnbuckle
- Miz stalks Mysterio and runs at him with a harsh clothesline. 1 - 2 - Mysterio kicks out!
- "The Awesome One" wears down Rey with a rear chinlock and delivers a high-knee to the gut for a 2-count
- Miz becomes aggressive, throwing Mysterio outside the ring and follows it up with an on-target baseball slide to Mysterio's face
- Mysterio counters a knee on the apron and uses the ring back to headscissor Miz into the ring steps (hard to describe, but neat move!)
- Commercial break
- Back in the ring, Rey fights his way out of another headlock, but Miz grabs Mysterio's arms and hits him with a knee-to-the-back/neckbreaker combo. 1 - 2 - Rey kicks out!
- Standing waistlock switch-arounds by both and the Masked Man chucks Miz into the ring post and climbs the turnbuckle
- Seated Senton off the top-rope and a crossbody for a 2 by Rey
- Miz ducks a kick and drives Rey's face into the canvas with a DDT. 1 - 2 - Mysterio's shoulder up! (A close-up of a frustrated Miz is shown, which is well, awesome camera work and story-telling!)
- Victory Roll-up from Mysterio. 1 - 2 - Miz kicks out!
- Dropkick-to-the-knee and 619 set-up, but Miz gets out of it
- Big spin-out sit-down powerbomb by Miz for a close two-count!
- Miz is now stalking Mysterio with a sadistic look on his face. He attempts the Skull-Krushing-Finale (Front Russian Legsweep) in the corner but Mysterio wiggles out
- Miz attempts a running-knee in the corner, but Mysterio moves and Miz smashes his knee on the middle turnbuckle
- Mysterio takes down Miz with another hurricanrana and plants him with the 619 and "Rocket-Man" splash combo.
- 1 - 2 - 3! Mysterio wins!
Winner via Pinfall and NEW WWE CHAMPION: Rey Mysterio
Rey Mysterio is now a 2-Time World Heavyweight Champion and first-time WWE Champion. The wrestlers backstage celebrate, as does Mysterio, until Miz takes him down from behind with a vicious double-axe-handle, shoving Rey into the corner. And as I called it, Alberto Del Rio now makes his way to the ring, briefcase and referee in tow, complete with huge grin on his face.
A.D.R. looks like he's going to cash in his MITB contract until Mysterio sprinboards off the ropes with a crossbody. Del Rio collects his belongings and walks back up the aisle. Rey still keeps his new WWE Title for now.
Lawler & Cole inform us that Triple H will deliver a "State Of WWE" address later tonight. (These times, they are a changin!)
Ads.
Segment #1: Backstage Celebration Promo
Much like a NASCAR Race, everyone sprays champagne on the new WWE Champion, and John Cena walks up and shakes Rey's hand, saying "congratulations."
Josh Matthews interviews Rey and in a reference from "School Of Rock" (great movie - watch it!), Mysterio claims "it's a long way to the top if you want to rock and roll, baby!" He goes on to give the usual speech about the sacrifices and tells his children that "daddy's bringing home the gold." More wrestlers spray champagne on him.
Segment #2: Raw Replay
Cole & Lawler tell us what happened last week and we get the footage to go along with the events.
Commercials.
Match #2: Single - WWE United States Champion Dolph Ziggler VS. Evan "Air" Bourne (Non-Title)
Prior to the match, we are shown how Dolph won the U.S. Title from Kofi Kingston at "Capitol Punishment." (Note: Dolph's theme music is also a little more "heavy", shall I say - I like it for the new attitude).
Highlights:
- Immediate headlock by Dolph and shoulder-block onto Evan
- Leapfrog and calf-kick by Bourne and Enziguri attempt, which was ducked and turned into a mini-famasser from Ziggler
- Ziggler goes for a splash in the corner but "Air" moves out of the way and kicks away at the U.S. Champ
- Dropkicks and clotheslines by Evan, complete with a hurricanrana off the top rope for a 2!
- Bourne misses "Air-Bourne" Shooting-Star-Press and Ziggler capitolizes with the "Zig-Zag" and clutches in his Sleeper for the finish
Winner via Submission: Dolph Ziggler (United States Champion)
Post match, "Perfection" takes the microphone and confidently/angrily declares "follow that!"
Jerry tells us that in a rematch from last week, Kofi Kingston will face Alberto Del Rio later tonight.
Ads.
Segment #3: Backstage Promo
Eve & The Bella Twins are arguing about the Twins' siwtcheroo when some dude with a case of beer walks by and very quickly (I cry pre-tape!) tattoos one of the Twins arms with a sharpie. This segments was pointless and a cheap plug for "Keystone Beer."
Match #3: Diva Tag-Team - Maryse & Melina VS. Eve Torres & WWE Divas Champion Kelly Kelly
Highlights:
- Flatliner and Standing Moonsault right away by Eve onto Maryse (Eve shakes her rear taboot, which tells me some old "Attitude Era" signs are slowly making their return - along with the above beer segment)
- Maryse hits Eve from behind with a kick-to-the-head and after a "stinkface" tags in Melina
- Eve punches her way past Melina and slaps hands with Kelly Kelly
- The current Divas Champion lands on Melina with Lou Thesz Press, then slaps Maryse's behind and provocatively mocks the French-Canadian
- Kelly turns her attention back to Melina and completes the match with her Famasser leg-drop for the 1 - 2 - 3!
Winners via Pinfall: Eve Torres & WWE Divas Champion Kelly Kelly
Backstage, Triple H is chatting with Raw's resident crazy-man R-Truth. Michael tells us that he will also announce a "blockbuster" return to the WWE up next! (I bet a "Kliq" member).
Commercials.
Segment #4: Arena Promo
"Time To Play the Game." The new WWE Chief Operating Officer (which means he basically runs all the shows, marketing, and well, everything) Triple H walks to the ring all smiles and is greeted with cheers and chants of his name by the fans.
First off, "The Game" gives credit to Mr. Vince McMahon for his vision of making the WWE what it is today. (I share that, to most degrees). He thanks Vince, as do the fans, and then Triple H moves on to talk about the future of WWE.
Already, he looks to the main-event, announcing that there will be a second WWE Championship match, and as agreed on by both participants, WWE Champion Rey Mysterio will defend his title against....John Cena! (Please, please keep the title on Rey!)
Now HHH brings out the man who everybody has been pining over the last few weeks...he has been resigned and please welcome back...
JIM ROSS!
To an ovation from the crowd and Jerry Lawler (and shame on Michael Cole's face), Good Ole J.R. is back and goes to take his place behind the announcer's booth. Cole doesn't shake his hand and instead has a microphone, standing on the table.
Cole claims that he's done everything for the company but refuses to work with J.R. After listening to Cole rant, HHH says that he can't fire Cole, since it would cost too much money (ah, still thinking like the Greenwich Snob!), so instead gives the option of Cole quitting. Triple H informs Cole that he is relieved from commentary and booked him in a match - next!
Cole saunters to the back to get ready, while "The Truth will set everyone free."
R-Truth says (while congratulating invisible people in the aisle) that he likes the new man in charge, since it's a new day and new regime. As with everyone, he is looking out for number one. Truth wants to know what Triple H will do for him and the conspiracy against The Truth.
"The Game" plays the mind one too, and has a little chat with a few non-existent people as well, which drives Truth nuts, but not as much as The C.O.O. mentioning that he has re-signed another superstar, one who wants a piece of R-Truth - John Morrison!
"The Monday Night Delight" walks out to the stage and fiercely stares at Truth, then beats the heck out of all around the ring and inside too! He gets some satisfaction by flying "Starship Pain" and poses for the fans.
Up next is Michael Cole VS. a Mysterio opponent of Triple H's choosing, as well as later the second WWE Championship match - Cena VS. Mysterio!
Ads.
Match #4: Single - Michael Cole VS. ???
All hail the "shrimp of shrimps" - Michael Cole comes out in Triple H's gear, completely impersonating him and his entrance. (This is actually quite amusing).
His opponent - the man I've been wanting to see on Raw in a long while - The "Long Island Ice-Z" Zack Ryder! (That's my win for the night - yes I'm ripping off "Aftermath"!)
Highlights:
- Zack kicks Cole in the gut and runs his head into the top turnbuckle
- Huge "Lets go Ryder" chants
- Ryder "Woo Woo Woo's" it up and quickly ends the match with his Roughryder finisher (a jumping front legdrop take-down)
Winner via Pinfall: "Long Island Ice-Z" Zack Ryder
Ryder celebrates as Jim Ross & Lawler plug the matches for the rest of the night, including up next Kofi VS. Del Rio.
Commercials.
Match #5: Single - Alberto Del Rio VS. Kofi Kingston
As A.D.R. rides out in his 1960 Rolls Royce, his personal ring announcer Ricardo Rodriguez, is back in full swing.
Highlights:
- Punches and kicks from Del Rio to ground Kofi right away
- Kingston rolls up Alberto quickly for a 2-count and then sends him to the outside with a clothesline
- Ads.
- Del Rio now has Kofi locked in an armbar submission (focusing it for later, perhaps - great story telling again)
- Kingston moves out of a running Alberto and flys off the top with a crossbody for a near-fall!
- Boom Drop by Kofi and he is now firing up for a possible Trouble In Paradise, which he misses and Del Rio takes him down with an armbar takedown. 1 - 2 - kickout by Kingston
- Kofi kicks Del Rio out of the corner and rolls him again in a Victory Roll, but A.D.R. reverses it, however Kingston reverses it and gets a close pin, until Del Rio grabs the rope! (the crowd cheered wildly, thinking that Kofi won. That's how close it was!)
- Del Rio slingshots Kofi's left arm off the rope (again, nice continuity) and clamps on the Cross Armbreaker submission
- Kofi fights a little, but the pain is too much and he is forced to tap out!
Winner via Submission: Alberto Del Rio
Up next is the second WWE Title Match!
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Segment #5: Lockeroom Promo
Josh Matthews interviews The Miz in his quarters and begins to ask him about his earlier loss. Miz tells Josh to "shut your mouth" and blames the whole gig on John Cena, since Cena lost the WWE Title originally to "the man whose name we shall not mention."
He also accuses Triple H of false-advertising in a way, since his new champion is a masked man, or literately, a man with no face! Miz questions Rey's ability to go for interviews and magazine covers, since his face is hidden.
Meanwhile, The Miz is on "The George Lopez Show" Wednesday night (Miz's cheap plug, not mine!). Miz concludes by saying that Triple H's new Raw is a huge mistake.
Match #6: Single for The WWE Championship - Rey Mysterio (Champion) VS. John Cena (Challenger)
The champion makes his way to the ring first, and along with the announcement of "current WWE Champion", something still tells me that Rey is losing the title tonight - I just hope to my original thought of A.D.R. and NOT Cena again! We shall find out after these commercials.
Before Cena comes out, it is also announced that a #1 Contender Battle Royal will happen for the WWE Divas Championship at SummerSlam. (In other words, who cares!)
John Cena is now out and receives a pretty darn good ovation from the people in Hampton.
Highlights:
- Both show respect and "knuckle" each other to begin
- Rey starts kicking Cena until he gets thrown down with a shoulder-block
- Mysterio scores the first two-count after a Sunset Flip
- Cena backdrops Mysterio out of a headlock for a quck cover
- Springboard Bulldog by Mysterio. 1 - 2 - Cena kicks out!
- The Champ (Mysterio!) dives onto Cena on the outside with a flipping senton
- Cena whips Mysterio into the stairs, but Rey counters by leaping on them and leapfrogging Cena, however he walked right into a clothesline from John
- Cena rolls Mysterio back in the ring. 1 - 2 - Mysterio kicks out!
- Waistlock submission by Cena, which Rey fights out and drives Cena's head into the mat with a DDT!
- Mysterio goes for an Enziguri, but Cena counters into an STF attempt, but Rey grabs the ropes quickly
- Rey "jaw-breaks" Cena on the ropes and springboards a Moonsault subsequently for a 2-count!
- Rey attempts a 619, but John catches him and slams him down with a powerslam. 1 - 2 - Mysterio kicks out!
- Dropkick-to-the-gut by Mysterio and both men down
- Mysterio goes for another springboard Moonsault but Cena ducks, however Rey lands on his feet!
- Spin-out-powerbomb from Cena reversed into a snapmare by Mysterio!
- Bulldog by Rey reversed into the second spin-out powerbomb, and followed by a 5-Knuckle Shuffle Fistdrop
- Attitude Adjustment try but Rey fights out but gets caught out of a springboard crossbody!
- Another A.A. attempt, but Rey counters with a headscissors and dropkick. 1 - 2 - kickout by Cena!
- Drop-toe-hold by Mysterio into the second turnbuckle on Cena
- Rey lands on Cena from the top-rope with a Seated Senton
- 1 - 2 - Cena rolls into the STF, however Rey reverses it into an STF submission of his own
- Cena looked more surprised at first, but now begins to fade!
- John "Cena's up" and carries Rey into a third Attitude Adjustment attempt - but his knee buckled and he dropped into the second rope
- Rey dials up and phones for the 619! Flying off the top-rope, Mysterio almost nailed "Rocket-Man" splash but Cena got his injured knee up!
- Mysterio shoulder-blocks in the corner and hurricanrana attempt, but Cena tosses him off in an awkward powerbomb (Rey landed on his stomach)
- Cena now imitates Rey and dives onto Mysterio with a Seated Senton of his own. 1 - 2 - WWE Champion kicks out!
(This is becoming a really great match, and convinced not sure who's going to win now)
- A fourth A.A. attempt but Rey drops Cena into the second rope again!
- This time though, Cena is quick enough and intercepts Rey into the Attitude Adjustment successfully!
- 1 - 2 - 3!
Winner via Pinfall and NEW WWE CHAMPION: John Cena
Post match, Cena receives the championship and helps Rey Mysterio up, shaking his hand in sportsmanship and class. As Cena is celebrating his 9th WWE Championship win, unfamiliar music blares the speakers. No one comes out on stage, so Cena is looking around the arena.
To a big cheer, out walks the other WWE Champion - C.M. PUNK! He is in ring gear and has the title strapped around his waist. Ross & Lawler are not speaking.
Punk enters the ring and stares down Cena. Cena holds up his WWE Title to mild cheers, while "The Straight-Edge Superstar" does the same and gets even louder adoration. John walks off with Punk standing in the ring with the WWE Championship (his) to close the show and fade to black.
Reporter's Rumblings - By Moe Tapp
I thought tonight was another strong Raw, save for a few points I will get to. I liked that they opened up Raw with the WWE Championship tournament final, however I knew something was up since they opened the show with it!
On the plus side, Miz VS. Mysterio was a great match and the celebration that Rey was given backstage (NASCAR race-winning style) really put over his win big-time and the importance of the WWE Championship - which I liked a lot.
I also liked the new attitude of Dolph Ziggler and really hope he gets a long run with the U.S. Title. He is putting it over just as important as well, which is a good thing. See below remark for my new challenger to that championship:
Zack Ryder - FINALLY. Yes, I'll admit I've jumped on his bandwagon, but that is without watching his Internet videos. I just think if the guy can get himself over without creative, then that's awesome (sorry Miz!) and he deserves a push on T.V.
He is over huge right now and I think would be a great candidate for Ziggler's U.S. Title. That'd be an excellent feud with both their personalities/mic skills and definite ability to put on technical matches.
A few downsides/noticeables to the show:
Briefly, I love the fact that Triple H brought back Jim Ross for commentary. He will be much more enjoyable to listen to on Raw. However, I was definitely expecting more out of his annoucements.
Perhaps he is doing things week-by-week, which I guess is o.k., but something "earth-shattering" should've been said tonight. (Such as a new WWE Title and/or get RID of the RAW G.M. gimmick!)
I was also right & wrong about the WWE Championship - right on the fact that it didn't stay on one person by show's end, wrong on who it was. When they teased Alberto Del Rio cashing in his MITB briefcase, and then didn't follow through (with Mysterio getting the advantage), I thought, there's a good storyline and these two can go at it at SummerSlam for the title.
Unfortunately, as we saw, the championship went straight back to Cena, which I think was unnecessary. They did a great job at putting Rey over as the new champion and the title itself, and then switch it back to the usual suspect who DOES NOT NEED IT to be "over" - this was the "hot-potato" factor which diminishes the value (if it isn't already, especially due to the design of it!) and it NOT a reputation the supposed top WWE Championship should have.
Speaking of over, another real down was the return of C.M. Punk. Don't get me wrong, I love what he's doing, but too soon. They could've waited in my opinion, at the very earliest Survivor Series just to throw a timeline in there, and produce a bunch of other contender's/storylines around the championship (I.E. Rey VS. A.D.R.)
It kind of threw away all the hype and suspense of C.M. Punk "leaving" only 8 days ago and he's back already. Too rushed and desperate. Now I see another "unification match" for Cena's and Punk's titles at SummerSlam, which should've been saved for few months down the road. Again, have Rey keep the title for a while, then either A.D.R. or Cena win it (say at Survivor Series), and then Punk could come back and claim that they (whoever is the champ at the time) are not the real WWE Champion, he is.
And since he has the title, he determines when and where the challenger faces him, if at all. Boom, instant storyline for at least 2 months, probably until Royal Rumble.
But, since I am a writer for this awesome website and not for WWE, I like you faithful readers of this report will just have to sit back on my couch and watch tonight's latest event unfold next week. Overall though, still a great Raw from actual wrestling match standards!
Until then, Be Excellent Wrestling-Online readers!
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