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| Reported by Earnest I Aguilar |
The most "controversial" man in professional wrestling makes his "official" return tonight on Raw...what will the real WWE
Champion (in my mind) C.M. Punk have to say tonight? Plus, what will the C.O.O. of the WWE - Triple H - be doing in house tonight.
And of course, will the second-most popular Superstar
grace us with his presence? That's right, I'm talking about Mr. "Woo Woo Woo" - Zack Ryder! Read on to find out, as Raw is
live from Indianapolis, Indiana - also home of Superbowl XLVI (46) in 2012!
Introduction Segment: Video Highlights
An excellent video recap package of both the "Money In The Bank" Pay-Per-View and last week's Raw airs, detailing the situation surrounding the WWE Championship. (This would've been much more effective if Punk had NOT returned for a long while
in my opinion).
The pyro immediately explodes in the arena and Michael Cole welcomes us to Raw (I guess that answers one question) and informs us that we have two LEGITIMATE (not in my eyes) WWE Champions.
Segment #1: Arena Promo
Mr. "Cult Of Personality" himself, the WWE Champion C.M. Punk runs out on stage and shows off is WWE Championship just like
he has won it for the first time (well, I guess he has!). Punk takes a microphone and soaks in the adoring chants of his name
from the crowd. He begins by stealing John Cena's catchphrase and proclaims "the champ is here!" Punk sits in the middle of
the ring and asks the "$64,000 question - why did I come back." Apparently, it's a story and he will tell us.
Punk says he knew for a year about the decision of either staying or leaving the WWE. Part of his decision was who he worked for - he decided to cause a "stir" for those people, and low and behold it worked. The "Second City Saint" tells us that it was all for us...he wants to make this place (WWE) better for us and that's why he came back.
He touts John Cena as the WWE Champion being the "soul-crushing status quo." C.M. says that Cena's WWE Championship is equal
to the guy in the front row with the World Heavyweight one (and Punk actually points him out), a "belt." Punk says he has a
CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE and it is the "MOST IMPORTANT TITLE IN THE WORLD," and it indicates he is the best "PROFESSIONAL WRESTLER
THIS WORLD HAS TO OFFER and THE ONE - THE ONLY WWE CHAMPION."
"Apparently it is time to play the game," C.M. says since Triple H's music hits. The Chief Operating Officer walks to the
ring. The crowd gives H.H.H. a warm reception as well. "The Game" goes on to explain why he re-signed C.M. Punk: business. It was good for business, just like bringing back Jim Ross and John Morrison.
Triple H says, despite his "personal feelings," the WWE Universe wanted Punk back, so he gave them Punk back. The WWE Champion picks up on the "personal feelings" quote and questions Triple H about it. H.H.H. retorts by telling Punk he is a "smug, overrated, attention-seeking, guy that puts a little too much stalk in his own hype." Punk the C.O.O. that it is like
"looking in a mirror." (Pot calling black?!)
C.M. agrees with smug, but wants Triple H to admit that he hates his guts. Punk says we live in the era of Vince McMahon, who
created a bunch of "yes men," all while letting actual main-event talent "slip through their fingers." Batista, Mick Foley, Chris Jericho (who's two autobiography books are AWESOME!), and Brock Lesnar.
Hunter then tells Punk the real reason Punk resigned - to feed his own ego. However, Punk says that's a "maybe", but he is
the WWE Champion. Triple H reiterates that John Cena is also the WWE Champion and will be fixed later tonight.
Just as Motorhead plays again (to which Punk reveals he likes), C.M. calls Triple H back in the ring. Punk tells H.H.H. that
just because he is now officially contracted, he won't shut up. He wants to talk about egos and hogging the spotlight. Punk
mocks "The Game's" path to the top and says that he is a bully. Punk threatens Triple H and says he better watches who he
pushes around, and Punk pushes back.
As much as Triple H wants to "slap those rotten-ass tattoos of your skinny fat-ass" (his words, which by the way are an
oxymoron!), he took the job of C.O.O. for them (pointing to the crowd) and says he will not break the rules. He also suggests
that Punk not break them either. Punk asks Triple H what will happen, flapping his tie in his face, including if H.H.H. has
to "ask his wife first." Punk leaves the ring and holds his WWE Championship up high on the ramp.
Backstage, we see Rey Mysterio and John Morrison warming up, who face The Miz and R-Truth in Tag-Team action. Up next though
is the WWE Divas Battle Royal, to determine who will face Kelly Kelly for the WWE Divas Championship at WWE "SummerSlam."
Commercials.
Match #1: Divas Battle Royal (#1 Contender Stipulation) - The Bella Twins (Nikki & Brie) VS. Alicia Fox VS. Rosa Mendes VS.
Tamina VS. Melina VS. Natalya VS. Eve VS. A.J. VS. Gail Kim VS. Kaitlyn VS. Beth Phoenix
(Note: WWE Divas Champion Kelly Kelly is on commentary, who provides nothing riveting to hear). Also, I am going to just type who gets eliminated and who wins, since the "highlights" will be a cluster!
Elimination Order:
- Melina (how far has she fallen?)
- Gail Kim
- Rosa Mendes
- Kaitlyn
- Tamina
- A.J.
- Natalya (same comment as Melina!)
- Alicia Fox
- Eve
- The Bella Twins (simultaneously by Beth Phoenix)
Winner via Elimination & Number #1 Contender for the WWE Divas Championship: Beth Phoenix
Post match, Kelly Kelly enters the ring to congratulate the winner, however Beth turns back to her heel (and better) ways, by tossing the Divas Champ into the barricade and declaring that her "days as the cute perky blond little bimbo are officially over!"
Segment #2: Locker Room Promo
The Miz is preparing for his match when his tag-team partner, Raw's residential split personality R-Truth walks in. Truth
says that they are both the same, even though The Miz disagrees. Truth reminds Miz of the events from last week and claims
they are a "conspiracy." According to Truth, that is "C-O-N-SPIRACY." He informs Miz to be careful, or he's "gonna get got!"
Ads.
Segment #3: Backstage Promo
Josh Matthews welcomes the other WWE Champion, John Cena. Cena gives prop to C.M. Punk's ability to speak his mind, but
focuses on Triple H. Cena says that when "The Game" makes his decision on the WWE Title, John will be there as well.
Match #2: Tag-Team - R-Truth & The Miz VS. Rey Mysterio & John Morrison
Highlights:
- Morrison & Miz start off with John punching Miz around the ring
- Morrison forearms R-Truth off the apron, then walks right into a clothesline from The Miz
- Miz takes control with stomps and a suplex. 1 - 2 - Morrison kicks out!
- "The Monday Night Delight" wiggles out of a shoulder-slam attempt and sweeps Miz's legs from under him
- Mysterio is tagged in and flies around the ring and to the outside with a baseball slide and jumping Senton on R-Truth
- Morrison follows with a Spinning Corkscrew on The Miz to the floor
- Commercials.
- Rey is now locked in a rear chin lock by R-Truth (Miz countered a move from Mysterio during the break and tagged in Truth)
- Abdominal Stretch by Truth
- The Masked Man fights back, including an Enziguri on Miz, but falls quickly back from a DDT, courtesy of The Miz
- Corkscrew Elbow by Truth on Rey-Rey. 1 - 2 - Mysterio gets the shoulder up!
- Mysterio tries to crawl through Miz's legs and tag Morrison, however Miz grabs him and Irish Whips Rey into the corner
- Miz attempts a diving move from the top-turnbuckle, but Mysterio counters with a dropkick of his own and slaps hands with "The Shaman of Sexy"
- "The Guru of Greatness" rushes in and nails both Miz and Truth with dropkicks and clotheslines. He hits Truth with a Flipping Uranage and goes for the Starship Pain, but Miz pulls Truth out of the way
- Truth tries his Scissor Kick, but Morrison ducks and hits him in the head with a Pele' Kick. This sets up Truth for a 619,
but Miz yanks Mysterio to the floor and over chucks him over the wall
- "The Prince Of Par Cor" takes out Miz with a Flash kick, but turns right into the jumping Flatliner by Truth. 1 - 2 - 3!
Winners via Pinfall: R-Truth & The Miz
Post match, the beating continues, as Miz drives Morrison down with the Skull-Crushing Finale and Miz hits him in the head
with the dreaded water-bottle foreign object! They leave the ring, pleased with their work.
Segment #4: Backstage Promo
Matthews is back with Triple H and asks about the tension between him & C.M. Punk. H.H.H. is not bothered by Punk's comments, since he's been told them for 10 years (true true!), and tells John Cena to keep this strictly business.
Ads.
Segment #5: Arena Promo
"Perfection" time! The United States Champion Dolph Ziggler & Vickie Guerrero grace Indianapolis with their presence. Vickie
has the stick and introduces her client, who has proven himself to be "far more superior than C.M. Punk and John Cena."
Dolph says his statement "follow that" from his match last week was directed to every superstar under contract. He claims that no one will ever has his skills, techniques, talents, and charisma. He declares that he is more of a man than anyone in the arena and locker room.
A surprise challenger walks out (and not Kofi Kingston!). Alex Riley asks Ziggler why he always hides behind Guerrero if he
is such a man. Vickie defends her "client" and touts his accomplishments, but Riley just "excuses her" and inquires when the last time Ziggler did something on his own.
He challenges Dolph to drop Vickie, and gets in his face, telling Dolph that will "be exposed for what you actually are - a bleach-blonde, arrogant, fraud!" Ziggler responds by removing his suit jacket & U.S. Title, then promptly rolling out of the ring. We over hear him saying "really, I don't even know who you are," insinuating that A-Ry is not worth his time, as he and Vickie back away up the ramp.
Up next, is David Otunga & Michael McGillicutty WWE Tag-Team Champions (should we still call them that?) taking on an
"odd-couple" pairing of Santino Marella & Zack Ryder! (alright, answers another question!)
Commercials.
Match #3: Tag-Team - David Otunga & Michael McGillicutty (WWE Tag-Team Champions) VS. Santino Marella & Zack Ryder
Highlights:
- Marella & McGillicutty lock-up to begin and Santino judo-tosses Michael to the mat
- McGillicutty tags in Otunga and David takes control (Huge "we want Ryder" chants!)
- Waist lock by Otunga but Santino fights out with a jawbreaker and tags in the popular wrestler
- The "self-proclaimed Internet Champion" storms in and takes down both former Nexus members
- Ryder goes for his finisher, but Michael ducks it and gets help from David to deliver a backbreaker/second-rope elbow drop
combo. 1 - 2 - 3! (Boo, boo, boo!)
Winners via Pinfall: WWE Tag-Team Champions David Otunga & Michael McGillicutty
Ads.
Segment #6: Locker Room Promo
Following a recall of tonight's face-off between Triple H & C.M. Punk, Josh Matthews (man, he makes his way around!) is with
the real WWE Champion C.M. Punk. Punk hopes that H.H.H. does the right thing, since he is the champ. Punk quickly walks away
to a "thank you" from Matthews.
Match #4: Single - Alberto Del Rio VS. Evan "Air" Bourne
Highlights:
- Bourne ducks a clothesline, kicks Alberto in the thigh, and snaps off a Hurricanrana
- Del Rio takes over with a boot-to-the-face and controls most of the match with various arm holds
- Backbreaker from A.D.R., as well as an Armbar Slam, both for a 2-count!
- Evan muscles his way out of a Suplex and kicks/knees Del Rio to the mat
- "Air" climbs the turnbuckle but gets met with an Enziguri by Alberto who subsequently clamps on his Cross-Armbar Submission
- Bourne taps out!
Winner via Submission: Alberto Del Rio
Post match, A.D.R. locks in the submission again, until Kofi Kingston runs out to make the save. Del Rio scrambles and Kofi
helps his buddy Bourne in the ring
Backstage, Triple H is walking fiercely toward the ring. His decision is up next. (And I think I know what it will be).
Commercials.
Segment #7: Arena Promo
Prior to H.H.H. coming out, results from a "poll" is shown on screen and it says that the WWE Universe voted John Cena (54%)
as the REAL WWE Champion. (Rigged! Based on his popularity, and my personal opinion again, it is C.M. Punk).
The C.O.O. is now in the ring and he has thought about this for a long time. He re-states that this is the first time there
are two WWE Champions and they both have legit reasons to be. Just before Hunter can announce his decision, he is cut-off by
a voice from behind the scenes.
John Laurinaitis walks to the ring, microphone in hand, and tells us that he is Vice-President of WWE Talent Relations, meaning he handles all contracts. Laurinaitis informs Triple H that Vince would want him to strip the WWE Championship from: JOHN CENA!
The Champ himself enters the debate. Cena tells "Mr. Laurinaitis" that he is the YES man and it is him personally who wants Cena's title off him. John (C) is fine with losing the title, in an actual match, but not because of a "goon" in a suite.
John (L). Cena reminds Laurinaitis of the best moment from the "Money In The Bank" Pay-Per-View, punching him in the face! Cena wants to do that again, Triple H has no problem with it, but John L does and leaves the ring. Cena poses the question of what Triple H will do.
HHH is not going to strip Cena, since his claim is legitimate. Again, the REAL (in my opinion) WWE Champion interjects himself. C.M. Punk and asks Triple H if he was the one who was going to be stripped (of the title!).
Triple H says neither will be stripped, but instead they will unify the title at "SummerSlam." WWE Champion C.M. Punk VS. WWE
Champion John Cena. One match, one winner, one title! The C.O.O. leaves the ring to the back and Cena & Punk stare at each other.
C.M. smirks holds up his title, to cheers and his music. Cena does the same, to his music and a mix of cheers/boos. They do
this a few times, in a "one-ups-manship" and stand on the turnbuckles to close the show.
Reporter's Rumblings - By Moe Tapp
Meh. Kind of a lackluster Raw. Nothing too big to note, as the expected happened by the end of the show anyway - C.M. Punk
VS. John Cena.
In a new format, I am going shorten this up each week by saying "my likes" and "my dislikes", followed by a summarizing
statement of the overall show.
"Likes": Beth Phoenix heel-turn. She never really clicked for me as a face and to see her turn bad again means she can do
some damage like she is meant too. Now just put the title around her waist! Zack Ryder, getting face time - awesome! Miz &
R-Truth getting a win (especially Truth getting the actual pin). Alberto Del Rio still reacting to winning a simple match
like it is the biggest accomplishment he has done so far.
It really emphasizes the importance of winning even just one match and makes me believe he truly loves to win! Opening promo, that was excellent and seemed "real"/shoot. They are starting to
bring back small elements of the Attitude Era and I like it - seriousness back into the WWE!
C.M Punk putting over the WWE Title and Dolph Ziggler putting over himself/United States Title. Alex Riley as the new challenger for said U.S. Title.
"Dislikes": Zack Ryder taking the job - should not have lost that match, let alone be the one to be pinned! Again, talk about killing momentum. He could be a serious U.S. Title contender. (Also, where is the Internet Championship they talk about - he
should bring that with him to put it over more).
Ending promo. I knew what was coming and also kind of boring compared to what was delivered earlier. Plus, I did not see the point of John Laurinaitis being there, other than a small "twist" that wasn't going to happen anyway. I still think (as apparently many others) Punk's return is too soon and I believe the title should still be on Rey Mysterio.
Overall, again a 50-50 Raw tonight. Some good, some bad, but nothing "groundbreaking." I guess we have to get that after the
last few weeks of "explosiveness." Hopefully, next week with the "go-home" show to SummerSlam will be much more interesting.
Until then, as always, Be Excellent Wrestling-Online Readers & WWE Fans!
Champion (in my mind) C.M. Punk have to say tonight? Plus, what will the C.O.O. of the WWE - Triple H - be doing in house tonight.
And of course, will the second-most popular Superstar
grace us with his presence? That's right, I'm talking about Mr. "Woo Woo Woo" - Zack Ryder! Read on to find out, as Raw is
live from Indianapolis, Indiana - also home of Superbowl XLVI (46) in 2012!
Introduction Segment: Video Highlights
An excellent video recap package of both the "Money In The Bank" Pay-Per-View and last week's Raw airs, detailing the situation surrounding the WWE Championship. (This would've been much more effective if Punk had NOT returned for a long while
in my opinion).
The pyro immediately explodes in the arena and Michael Cole welcomes us to Raw (I guess that answers one question) and informs us that we have two LEGITIMATE (not in my eyes) WWE Champions.
Segment #1: Arena Promo
Mr. "Cult Of Personality" himself, the WWE Champion C.M. Punk runs out on stage and shows off is WWE Championship just like
he has won it for the first time (well, I guess he has!). Punk takes a microphone and soaks in the adoring chants of his name
from the crowd. He begins by stealing John Cena's catchphrase and proclaims "the champ is here!" Punk sits in the middle of
the ring and asks the "$64,000 question - why did I come back." Apparently, it's a story and he will tell us.
Punk says he knew for a year about the decision of either staying or leaving the WWE. Part of his decision was who he worked for - he decided to cause a "stir" for those people, and low and behold it worked. The "Second City Saint" tells us that it was all for us...he wants to make this place (WWE) better for us and that's why he came back.
He touts John Cena as the WWE Champion being the "soul-crushing status quo." C.M. says that Cena's WWE Championship is equal
to the guy in the front row with the World Heavyweight one (and Punk actually points him out), a "belt." Punk says he has a
CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE and it is the "MOST IMPORTANT TITLE IN THE WORLD," and it indicates he is the best "PROFESSIONAL WRESTLER
THIS WORLD HAS TO OFFER and THE ONE - THE ONLY WWE CHAMPION."
"Apparently it is time to play the game," C.M. says since Triple H's music hits. The Chief Operating Officer walks to the
ring. The crowd gives H.H.H. a warm reception as well. "The Game" goes on to explain why he re-signed C.M. Punk: business. It was good for business, just like bringing back Jim Ross and John Morrison.
Triple H says, despite his "personal feelings," the WWE Universe wanted Punk back, so he gave them Punk back. The WWE Champion picks up on the "personal feelings" quote and questions Triple H about it. H.H.H. retorts by telling Punk he is a "smug, overrated, attention-seeking, guy that puts a little too much stalk in his own hype." Punk the C.O.O. that it is like
"looking in a mirror." (Pot calling black?!)
C.M. agrees with smug, but wants Triple H to admit that he hates his guts. Punk says we live in the era of Vince McMahon, who
created a bunch of "yes men," all while letting actual main-event talent "slip through their fingers." Batista, Mick Foley, Chris Jericho (who's two autobiography books are AWESOME!), and Brock Lesnar.
Hunter then tells Punk the real reason Punk resigned - to feed his own ego. However, Punk says that's a "maybe", but he is
the WWE Champion. Triple H reiterates that John Cena is also the WWE Champion and will be fixed later tonight.
Just as Motorhead plays again (to which Punk reveals he likes), C.M. calls Triple H back in the ring. Punk tells H.H.H. that
just because he is now officially contracted, he won't shut up. He wants to talk about egos and hogging the spotlight. Punk
mocks "The Game's" path to the top and says that he is a bully. Punk threatens Triple H and says he better watches who he
pushes around, and Punk pushes back.
As much as Triple H wants to "slap those rotten-ass tattoos of your skinny fat-ass" (his words, which by the way are an
oxymoron!), he took the job of C.O.O. for them (pointing to the crowd) and says he will not break the rules. He also suggests
that Punk not break them either. Punk asks Triple H what will happen, flapping his tie in his face, including if H.H.H. has
to "ask his wife first." Punk leaves the ring and holds his WWE Championship up high on the ramp.
Backstage, we see Rey Mysterio and John Morrison warming up, who face The Miz and R-Truth in Tag-Team action. Up next though
is the WWE Divas Battle Royal, to determine who will face Kelly Kelly for the WWE Divas Championship at WWE "SummerSlam."
Commercials.
Match #1: Divas Battle Royal (#1 Contender Stipulation) - The Bella Twins (Nikki & Brie) VS. Alicia Fox VS. Rosa Mendes VS.
Tamina VS. Melina VS. Natalya VS. Eve VS. A.J. VS. Gail Kim VS. Kaitlyn VS. Beth Phoenix
(Note: WWE Divas Champion Kelly Kelly is on commentary, who provides nothing riveting to hear). Also, I am going to just type who gets eliminated and who wins, since the "highlights" will be a cluster!
Elimination Order:
- Melina (how far has she fallen?)
- Gail Kim
- Rosa Mendes
- Kaitlyn
- Tamina
- A.J.
- Natalya (same comment as Melina!)
- Alicia Fox
- Eve
- The Bella Twins (simultaneously by Beth Phoenix)
Winner via Elimination & Number #1 Contender for the WWE Divas Championship: Beth Phoenix
Post match, Kelly Kelly enters the ring to congratulate the winner, however Beth turns back to her heel (and better) ways, by tossing the Divas Champ into the barricade and declaring that her "days as the cute perky blond little bimbo are officially over!"
Segment #2: Locker Room Promo
The Miz is preparing for his match when his tag-team partner, Raw's residential split personality R-Truth walks in. Truth
says that they are both the same, even though The Miz disagrees. Truth reminds Miz of the events from last week and claims
they are a "conspiracy." According to Truth, that is "C-O-N-SPIRACY." He informs Miz to be careful, or he's "gonna get got!"
Ads.
Segment #3: Backstage Promo
Josh Matthews welcomes the other WWE Champion, John Cena. Cena gives prop to C.M. Punk's ability to speak his mind, but
focuses on Triple H. Cena says that when "The Game" makes his decision on the WWE Title, John will be there as well.
Match #2: Tag-Team - R-Truth & The Miz VS. Rey Mysterio & John Morrison
Highlights:
- Morrison & Miz start off with John punching Miz around the ring
- Morrison forearms R-Truth off the apron, then walks right into a clothesline from The Miz
- Miz takes control with stomps and a suplex. 1 - 2 - Morrison kicks out!
- "The Monday Night Delight" wiggles out of a shoulder-slam attempt and sweeps Miz's legs from under him
- Mysterio is tagged in and flies around the ring and to the outside with a baseball slide and jumping Senton on R-Truth
- Morrison follows with a Spinning Corkscrew on The Miz to the floor
- Commercials.
- Rey is now locked in a rear chin lock by R-Truth (Miz countered a move from Mysterio during the break and tagged in Truth)
- Abdominal Stretch by Truth
- The Masked Man fights back, including an Enziguri on Miz, but falls quickly back from a DDT, courtesy of The Miz
- Corkscrew Elbow by Truth on Rey-Rey. 1 - 2 - Mysterio gets the shoulder up!
- Mysterio tries to crawl through Miz's legs and tag Morrison, however Miz grabs him and Irish Whips Rey into the corner
- Miz attempts a diving move from the top-turnbuckle, but Mysterio counters with a dropkick of his own and slaps hands with "The Shaman of Sexy"
- "The Guru of Greatness" rushes in and nails both Miz and Truth with dropkicks and clotheslines. He hits Truth with a Flipping Uranage and goes for the Starship Pain, but Miz pulls Truth out of the way
- Truth tries his Scissor Kick, but Morrison ducks and hits him in the head with a Pele' Kick. This sets up Truth for a 619,
but Miz yanks Mysterio to the floor and over chucks him over the wall
- "The Prince Of Par Cor" takes out Miz with a Flash kick, but turns right into the jumping Flatliner by Truth. 1 - 2 - 3!
Winners via Pinfall: R-Truth & The Miz
Post match, the beating continues, as Miz drives Morrison down with the Skull-Crushing Finale and Miz hits him in the head
with the dreaded water-bottle foreign object! They leave the ring, pleased with their work.
Segment #4: Backstage Promo
Matthews is back with Triple H and asks about the tension between him & C.M. Punk. H.H.H. is not bothered by Punk's comments, since he's been told them for 10 years (true true!), and tells John Cena to keep this strictly business.
Ads.
Segment #5: Arena Promo
"Perfection" time! The United States Champion Dolph Ziggler & Vickie Guerrero grace Indianapolis with their presence. Vickie
has the stick and introduces her client, who has proven himself to be "far more superior than C.M. Punk and John Cena."
Dolph says his statement "follow that" from his match last week was directed to every superstar under contract. He claims that no one will ever has his skills, techniques, talents, and charisma. He declares that he is more of a man than anyone in the arena and locker room.
A surprise challenger walks out (and not Kofi Kingston!). Alex Riley asks Ziggler why he always hides behind Guerrero if he
is such a man. Vickie defends her "client" and touts his accomplishments, but Riley just "excuses her" and inquires when the last time Ziggler did something on his own.
He challenges Dolph to drop Vickie, and gets in his face, telling Dolph that will "be exposed for what you actually are - a bleach-blonde, arrogant, fraud!" Ziggler responds by removing his suit jacket & U.S. Title, then promptly rolling out of the ring. We over hear him saying "really, I don't even know who you are," insinuating that A-Ry is not worth his time, as he and Vickie back away up the ramp.
Up next, is David Otunga & Michael McGillicutty WWE Tag-Team Champions (should we still call them that?) taking on an
"odd-couple" pairing of Santino Marella & Zack Ryder! (alright, answers another question!)
Commercials.
Match #3: Tag-Team - David Otunga & Michael McGillicutty (WWE Tag-Team Champions) VS. Santino Marella & Zack Ryder
Highlights:
- Marella & McGillicutty lock-up to begin and Santino judo-tosses Michael to the mat
- McGillicutty tags in Otunga and David takes control (Huge "we want Ryder" chants!)
- Waist lock by Otunga but Santino fights out with a jawbreaker and tags in the popular wrestler
- The "self-proclaimed Internet Champion" storms in and takes down both former Nexus members
- Ryder goes for his finisher, but Michael ducks it and gets help from David to deliver a backbreaker/second-rope elbow drop
combo. 1 - 2 - 3! (Boo, boo, boo!)
Winners via Pinfall: WWE Tag-Team Champions David Otunga & Michael McGillicutty
Ads.
Segment #6: Locker Room Promo
Following a recall of tonight's face-off between Triple H & C.M. Punk, Josh Matthews (man, he makes his way around!) is with
the real WWE Champion C.M. Punk. Punk hopes that H.H.H. does the right thing, since he is the champ. Punk quickly walks away
to a "thank you" from Matthews.
Match #4: Single - Alberto Del Rio VS. Evan "Air" Bourne
Highlights:
- Bourne ducks a clothesline, kicks Alberto in the thigh, and snaps off a Hurricanrana
- Del Rio takes over with a boot-to-the-face and controls most of the match with various arm holds
- Backbreaker from A.D.R., as well as an Armbar Slam, both for a 2-count!
- Evan muscles his way out of a Suplex and kicks/knees Del Rio to the mat
- "Air" climbs the turnbuckle but gets met with an Enziguri by Alberto who subsequently clamps on his Cross-Armbar Submission
- Bourne taps out!
Winner via Submission: Alberto Del Rio
Post match, A.D.R. locks in the submission again, until Kofi Kingston runs out to make the save. Del Rio scrambles and Kofi
helps his buddy Bourne in the ring
Backstage, Triple H is walking fiercely toward the ring. His decision is up next. (And I think I know what it will be).
Commercials.
Segment #7: Arena Promo
Prior to H.H.H. coming out, results from a "poll" is shown on screen and it says that the WWE Universe voted John Cena (54%)
as the REAL WWE Champion. (Rigged! Based on his popularity, and my personal opinion again, it is C.M. Punk).
The C.O.O. is now in the ring and he has thought about this for a long time. He re-states that this is the first time there
are two WWE Champions and they both have legit reasons to be. Just before Hunter can announce his decision, he is cut-off by
a voice from behind the scenes.
John Laurinaitis walks to the ring, microphone in hand, and tells us that he is Vice-President of WWE Talent Relations, meaning he handles all contracts. Laurinaitis informs Triple H that Vince would want him to strip the WWE Championship from: JOHN CENA!
The Champ himself enters the debate. Cena tells "Mr. Laurinaitis" that he is the YES man and it is him personally who wants Cena's title off him. John (C) is fine with losing the title, in an actual match, but not because of a "goon" in a suite.
John (L). Cena reminds Laurinaitis of the best moment from the "Money In The Bank" Pay-Per-View, punching him in the face! Cena wants to do that again, Triple H has no problem with it, but John L does and leaves the ring. Cena poses the question of what Triple H will do.
HHH is not going to strip Cena, since his claim is legitimate. Again, the REAL (in my opinion) WWE Champion interjects himself. C.M. Punk and asks Triple H if he was the one who was going to be stripped (of the title!).
Triple H says neither will be stripped, but instead they will unify the title at "SummerSlam." WWE Champion C.M. Punk VS. WWE
Champion John Cena. One match, one winner, one title! The C.O.O. leaves the ring to the back and Cena & Punk stare at each other.
C.M. smirks holds up his title, to cheers and his music. Cena does the same, to his music and a mix of cheers/boos. They do
this a few times, in a "one-ups-manship" and stand on the turnbuckles to close the show.
Reporter's Rumblings - By Moe Tapp
Meh. Kind of a lackluster Raw. Nothing too big to note, as the expected happened by the end of the show anyway - C.M. Punk
VS. John Cena.
In a new format, I am going shorten this up each week by saying "my likes" and "my dislikes", followed by a summarizing
statement of the overall show.
"Likes": Beth Phoenix heel-turn. She never really clicked for me as a face and to see her turn bad again means she can do
some damage like she is meant too. Now just put the title around her waist! Zack Ryder, getting face time - awesome! Miz &
R-Truth getting a win (especially Truth getting the actual pin). Alberto Del Rio still reacting to winning a simple match
like it is the biggest accomplishment he has done so far.
It really emphasizes the importance of winning even just one match and makes me believe he truly loves to win! Opening promo, that was excellent and seemed "real"/shoot. They are starting to
bring back small elements of the Attitude Era and I like it - seriousness back into the WWE!
C.M Punk putting over the WWE Title and Dolph Ziggler putting over himself/United States Title. Alex Riley as the new challenger for said U.S. Title.
"Dislikes": Zack Ryder taking the job - should not have lost that match, let alone be the one to be pinned! Again, talk about killing momentum. He could be a serious U.S. Title contender. (Also, where is the Internet Championship they talk about - he
should bring that with him to put it over more).
Ending promo. I knew what was coming and also kind of boring compared to what was delivered earlier. Plus, I did not see the point of John Laurinaitis being there, other than a small "twist" that wasn't going to happen anyway. I still think (as apparently many others) Punk's return is too soon and I believe the title should still be on Rey Mysterio.
Overall, again a 50-50 Raw tonight. Some good, some bad, but nothing "groundbreaking." I guess we have to get that after the
last few weeks of "explosiveness." Hopefully, next week with the "go-home" show to SummerSlam will be much more interesting.
Until then, as always, Be Excellent Wrestling-Online Readers & WWE Fans!
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