Monday Night Raw TV Report 8/15/11

Reported by Earnest I Aguilar

Alright, honestly I have NO idea what happened at SummerSlam since I want to be completely surprised and have a natural reaction while writing tonight's "Raw Report", which emanates from Rey Mysterio's hometown of San Diego.

Speaking of him, the only thing I do know is that supposedly he will get a WWE Championship match with whoever won last night's title bout between John Cena & C.M. Punk - man I hope it was "The Straight-Edge Superstar!" There's only one way to find out and that is to press play and start watching...

Introduction Segment: Video Recap

A highlight package plays of last night's WWE Championship match and the result...C.M. Punk wins, only to be "Jacknife Powerbombed" by Kevin Nash and Alberto Del Rio cashes in his "Money In The Bank" Briefcase to win the WWE Title!

Wow, did not see that coming - glad Punk technically won, but I was definitely surprised to see the image of Kevin Nash on my screen. I did have a slight feeling A.D.R. would cash in, but not that way. Cool! The regular "Raw" Video now plays, followed by the pyro exploding in the Sports Arena.


Segment #1: Arena Promo

It's now "time to play the game" (ya, I know I use that line a lot!), as the Chief Operating Officer Triple H makes his way to the ring. He has the microphone and says that a lot of people are upset about the results from "SummerSlam." (I'm not!) He apologizes to the WWE Universe and John Cena. He says he's sorry to Cena because Cena's foot was apparently (it was) on the rope and HHH counted to three anyway, however he had no problem raising C.M. Punk's hand.

"The Game" claims that he had nothing to do with the subsequent events of Kevin Nash attacking C.M., but has invited him via text (how personal!) to explain himself. Since he promised that after "S.S." we would have only ONE undisputed WWE Champion, he brings out the new Title holder.

Alberto Del Rio saunters out and is very, very pleased with himself. (Please, now get a new Title!) As per usual, he announces himself and adds "Undisputed WWE Champion." He reminds us that this was his destiny and he is the greatest of the great. He wants to represent all of us with respect, honesty, and passion. He just wants to be "our champion," and will sign autographs and take pictures with all his people in the lobby. (How nice!).

A.D.R. also says that it is official to make his first title defense against the former and short (no pun intended!) WWE Champion Rey Mysterio. He goes on to put over Rey in his hometown and blow smoke up you know where...he also loves beating the masked superstar. After tonight, the fans in San Diego will have a new hero - the WWE Champion Alberto Del Rio.

Backstage, we quickly see Triple H walking into John Cena's lockeroom as Jim Ross calls it a very "volatile situation."

Commercials.

Match #1: Single - R-Truth VS. John Morrison (Falls Count Anywhere Rules)

During Morrison's entrance, an old-school interview-esque side video airs of John saying what he's going to do to Truth, which is take him down.

Both lockup and push each other into the corner. A few aggressive punches are traded and R-Truth hits a hip-toss and roll-up for a two-count, followed by Morrison's Small Package for a two. "The Monday Night Delight" clotheslines Truth over the top-rope and proceeds with a Corkscrew Plancha, and attempts another near-fall, only for two on the mats. Morrison uses the barricade to launch off with a Flash-kick and cover, but again only getting two! Truth finally reverses a Suplex attempt into a front-sitdown-facebuster. Ads.

R-Truth now firmly in control, after dumping Morrison off of the top turnbuckle to the floor in the break. Truth drives his knee to the head of "The Master of Par Cor" against the security wall and covers. 1 - 2 - Morrison kicks out! Truth crotches John on the wall and sends him over to the crowd.

Truth chucks Morrison into another security railing in the middle of the crowd and after another 2-count, throws him back to the mat, where he is met with a Roundhouse Kick from "The Shaman of Sexy." 1 - 2 - Truth with the shoulder up. R slams Morrison's head into the steel steps and drags a commentary chair over to Morrison, who serves up a running forearm and Suplexes Truth INTO the chair. Truth is seated (literately) in position for a running-knee and Morrison hooks the leg for the 1 - 2 - 3!

Winner via Pinfall: John Morrsion

C.M. Punk is shown walking backstage, and J.R. speculates that Punk doesn't know Nash may be here tonight.

Ads.

Segment #2: Arena Promo

"Awesome!" (Ya, I use that a lot too!) The Miz struts to the ring and seems to have a a satisfied look on his face this week. Apparently (again, I haven't read the results to be surprised) Michael Cole tells us that he was a part of SummerSlam last night. The Miz is out to say "hi" to Jared from Subway, and calls Jared a "Mizfit." Miz claims that he can be a better spokesperson for Subway. Miz then takes a Sub from Jared and plugs the new Oven-Crisp Chicken Sandwich.

"The Awesome One" tells us that if anything, he will be champion again, because "he's The Miz and he's AWWEESSOOMME!" Miz then munches on the new product.

A limousine pulls up in the parking lot and out comes the 7-Foot Kevin Nash.

Commercials.

Match #2: Diva Tag-Team - Kelly Kelly (WWE Divas Champion) & Eve Torres VS. The Bella Twins (Nikki & Brie)

Damn, Kelly's still the Champ. I like her, but I called Beth Phoenix to win and she should've. A little trash-talking happens before referee Jack Doan orders the bell to be rung and Kelly Kelly immediately runs a Bella Twin into the corner. The Champ wastes no time with a boot-choke, Hand-Stand Headscissors, Bulldog, and "Stink-Face." Nikki (apparently) kicks Kelly from behind and The Twins take over with tags.

The Bella works over Kelly's left leg, with a very unique submission that puts Kelly's leg almost across her own throat. After a bit of screaming, Kelly fights out and drives the Twin to the mat with a Flapjack. Tags in Eve who cleans house with dropkicks, clotheslines, and a neck breaker to setup the Moonsault to receive the count!

Winners via Pinfall: Eve Torres & WWE Divas Champion, Kelly Kelly

Post match, The "Divas Of Doom" Beth Phoenix & Natalya (dressed in apparel appropriate for an awards ceremony) come out and applaud the win for the divas.

Up next, Kevin Nash will be here to explain his actions.

Ads.

Segment #3: Arena Promo

Kevin Nash gets a formal introduction (sans music/video) from ring announcer Justin Roberts, touting all his accomplishments in both WWE & WCW. Nash explains that he & Trips have been friends for close to 20 years, and last night at SummerSlam he received a text from a friend, upon his invitation to the pay-per-view, to "stick the winner for me." Nash says he finds out that HHH says he has nothing to do with that, but asks "The Game" to be on the same page.

The man that got powerbombed by the former Diesel walks out to the stage. "Mr. Cult Of Personality" C.M. Punk has his "pipebomb" and calls Nash's explanation a "load of crap." He mocks HHH's line of "good for business" and major "C.M. Punk" chants break out. Punk says that both Nash & Triple H have NO idea what's good for business.

Kevin retorts and tells Punk to "watch your mouth", to which C.M. responds by telling Nash to "watch the show", since he says whatever he wants. "The Second City Saint" debates who is telling the truth and Nash offers the evidence from his telephone. Punk also offers a text message, from his sister that says "OMG, Kevin Nash, WTF, thought he was dead, LOL!" Punk says that his sister is right, as Nash's career is dead.

Punk is not pissed off at anyone except for Nash & Triple H and accuses them of bringing their "cronies back." Both take pot-shots at each other, including Punk bringing up Nash's famous "vanilla midget" quote from WCW about the legendary (late) Eddie Guerrero.

Mr. Nash orders C.M. to thank him, since he & Scott Hall changed the business in 1996 with guaranteed contracts and such. More cheap-shots are taken (with C.M. saying he'd rather be C.M. Punk and himself instead of 3 or 4 other characters in two different companies like Nash) before Punk has enough and wants to fight Nash, that is until a line of "security" form in front of the ring.

Punk then decides to go after Triple H backstage, since he figures this was his doing. The two stare-down each other as the commentators wonder what just happened. (I can tell you that was a great "work-shoot" segment and actually has me interested in Kevin Nash for the first time in a long while! Thank you C.M. Punk!)

A video-recap plays of Rey Mysterio's World Heavyweight Championship win from "Fatal 4-Way" 2010 and hype for tonight's main-event.

Commercials.

Segment #4: Locker Room Promo

Kevin Nash is looking for Triple H, but finds John Laurinaitis instead. Laurinaitis tells Kevin that C.M. Punk's words from SummerSlam and tonight were inappropriate, so he gets Kevin to have another chat with him somewhere else.


Match #3: Single - Alex Riley VS. "The All-American-American" Jack Swagger

(Note: Vickie Guerrero and the WWE United States Champion Dolph Ziggler are on guest commentary)

Swagger & Riley shoulder/elbow tie-up and Jack shoves Alex into the corner with shoulders. A-Ry reverses with fierce punches and a strong clothesline. Swagger counters with a kick-to-the-knee and sets up Riley in the corner for the "Swagger-Bomb". He nails it but only gets a 2! Swagger locks in a Surfboard Stretch and follows later with a backdrop for a quick-count. Alex catches Swagger in a Spinebuster and plants him on the mat with an STO.

(Note: the camera pans to Vickie to takes J.R.'s cowboy hat and wears it herself). In the ring, Riley boots Swagger in the face, while Vickie steps on the apron to put the hat on the ref. (He quickly ditches it).

This distracts A-Ry and allows Swagger to grab him from behind and finish him off with the Gutwrench Powerbomb. (Albeit, he struggled getting Riley into position).

Winner via Pinfall: "The All-American-American" Jack Swagger

Postmatch, as Jack is happy with his win, Dolph Ziggler takes J.R.'s hat and stomps on it.

Another video-recap plays of Rey Mysterio's WWE Championship win from "Raw" 3 weeks ago.

Ads.

Segment #5: Backstage Promo

Vickie Guerrero is walking backstage where Jack Swagger catches up with her. He thanks her for the "assistance" and butters her up (not literately, people!) by recognizing her "swagger" (pun intended) with her managing skills and asks her to "expand her roster", comparing her to greats like Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, and (late) Freddy Blassie.

Segment #6: Video-Recap

A package airs on the WWE's Fan Axxess for "Summerslam." It' sincerely nice of them to do this for extra fan involvement.

Segment #7: Locker Room Promo

C.M. Punk walks into the room, finding Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley (ok, obviously I did miss a lot not reading the results!). She tells Punk she is sorry for last night, but he "technically" did not win since Cena's foot was on the rope. However, she says that "in the end, people always get what they deserve."

Commercials.


Match #4: Tag-Team - Kofi Kingston & Evan "Air" Bourne" VS. David Otunga & Michael McGillicutty (WWE Tag-Team Champions) (Non-Title)

McGillicutty & Kofi start-out with a lockup and Kofi kicking Michael in the gut and hitting an uppercut. He tags in Bourne and in a sweet spot, catches Evan in a Sidewalk Slam position, for Bourne to take McGillicutty down with a Flying Headscissors. (Hard to describe, but must-see!)

Bourne goes for Otunga on the apron, which allows McGillicutty taking advantage with a high dropkick. Tags in and out by the Champions and decent double-team maneuvers to wear down Bourne. Snap Suplex by McGillicutty and a rear-chinlock. Evan soon ducks out of a clothesline attempt and quickly slaps hands with Kofi.

Kingston comes in with energy, and takes down both his opponents, especially Michael with a Springboard Chop and Top-Rope Crossbody. Otunga tries the save but gets tossed for the efforts. McGillicutty inadvertently shoves Kofi into Evan, who tags himself in. Kingston hits "Trouble In Paradise" and Bourne follows up with the Shooting Star Press "Air Bourne" to get the win!

Winners via Pinfall: Kofi Kingston & Evan "Air" Bourne

Backstage, Rey Mysterio is putting on his mask and preparing for his WWE Championship match, which is next!

Ads.

Match #5: Single for the Undisputed WWE Championship - Alberto Del Rio (Champion) VS. Rey Mysterio (Challenger)

Alberto Del Rio wheels out in a $200,000 Ferrari F4-30, colored red. Rey Mysterio is out next with the hero's welcome from his hometown faithful.

A walk-around and stare-down starts off, with traded waistlocks by both Mexican wrestlers. Rey soon kicks Del Rio and tries to score with two pin combos but to no avail. A vicious kick-to-the-quadricep (thanks J.R.!) slows Rey's momentum and Del Rio takes control. He chucks Mysterio into the corner and Irish Whips him, but Rey baseball slides underneath and sets up Alberto for the 619. Del Rio avoids and takes a break on the outside, as do we.

Returning from commercial, Alberto has Rey in a leg-scissors lock but Rey fights out and drop-toeholds Del Rio into the second turnbuckle. Rio counters a top-rope attempt and punches away on Mysterio, but Rey counters again with a HUGE Tornado DDT. Springboard Crossbody by Rey for a 2-Count! Spinning Sunset Flip for another 2 but Mysterio is now taken down again with another harsh kick-to-the-gut.

Another leg-scissors submission and Del Rio tries to rip the mask off Mysterio. Mysterio fights out and moves out of the way, letting Alberto fly out of the ring. Baseball slide by Rey and Sprinboard Moonsault to the outside! Rey throws Alberto back into the ring and flys off the top-rope with a Seated Senton. Another 619 attempt is aloofed by a clothesline from Del Rio. Tilt-A-Whirl-Backbreaker from Del Rio, but he only gets 2! (Great close-up of his disbelieving face!)

Springboard Enziguri, complete with resounding smack, from Del Rio but still only 2! Rey nicely reverses Alberto's Cross-Armbreaker submission attempt into a roll-up for a seriously close two-count! Mysterio reverses another Cross-Armbreaker into a Hurricanrana, which sets up another 619 and this time he hits it. He goes to the top for the "Rocket-Man Splash" but Del Rio gets his knees up and ties up Rey for the 1 - 2 - 3!

Winner and STILL WWE Champion: Alberto Del Rio

Postmatch, "The Mexican Aristocrat" celebrates and then beats down Mysterio, working over his left arm/shoulder. He locks in the Cross-Armbreaker until John Cena runs down (to a huge pop) and hammers away on Del Rio. Alberto escapes and backs up the ramp with Ricardo Rodriguez and WWE Championship in tow.

John Cena says that while there are many reasons, he's only "pissed off at a scumbag like you." He tells Del Rio that he is NOT a champion, but a target, and that since he has the WWE Championship, he is a target and everyone he knows is an enemy. Cena says he got lucky and that Alberto's destiny is "John Cena whooping your ass!"

End Of Raw.


Reporter's Rumblings - By Moe Tapp

A great follow-up "Raw" to what seemed (in my opinion) a great "SummerSlam." Thank you for whoever's decision NOT to put the WWE Title on John Cena. Even though he is still in the Title picture, I always think he makes a better "chaser" than Champion. And seeing Kevin Nash again was definitely a twist I wasn't expecting. This is going to be an interesting storyline. By the way, in a rip-off from my favorite movie of all-time (you have to guess!), the "likes/dislikes" will now be "Excellent" and "Bogus."

Excellent: Alberto Del Rio as WWE Champion. Much like C.M. Punk, he always has had the all-around skills to be the top-guy for the Championship. I would even say more-so than C.M., he looks like a Champion with his character. The Miz's promo - still can deliver on the microphone no matter what situation they put him in. (Which is also a "Bogus.")

The exchange between Punk & Nash. Like I said above, C.M. Punk has now made me interested in Kevin Nash again and this promo was executed well to seem like a "work/shoot," mentioning all the highly-talked about rumors/backstage incidents throughout Nash's career in both WCW & WWE. This should be a good story and really intriguing each week. Stephanie McMahon back - a new twist at least. John Cena's closing promo - short, passionate, aggressive, "adult" if you will, and to the point. Keep going like that.

Bogus: R-Truth/John Morrison - already tired of this, even though they put on great matches. Also, no "crazy promo" - what's up with that? Miz's "Subway Segment" - what was the point of that other than wasting his talent? Kelly Kelly as WWE Divas Champion - should've gone to Phoenix. Beth/Natalya dressed up like an awards banquet - for them to be claiming to get rid of all the "prettiness" in the Divas division, they sure looked "pretty" themselves.

Vickie Guerrero/Dolph Ziggler commentary - while Dolph is great, they focused too much on it and it took away from the decent match Swagger & Riley were having. Tag-Champs losing - Otunga & McGillicutty were just beginning to "gel" together and then they lose to the make-shift of Kingston/Bourne? No sense at all. Rey Mysterio. Great, great wrestler, great passion for the business, great loyalty to his fans, but oft-injured.

I think it's time to put the boots in the closet dude, as it seems every 3 months or so, I read about you getting some sort of injury and they have to play the angle out on T.V. to write you off. However, I still respect him as who he is, it's just time in my opinion to call it.

Overall, a heavily-promo/story Raw with not much in the match department for caring (except the main event WWE Title match), but still very well done. Look forward to the continued feuds of Nash/Punk/HHH/Stephanie (never thought I'd say that, but that's because of one name in there) and Del Rio/Cena.

Until next week, as always Be Excellent Wrestling-Online Reader and Fans.