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| Reported by Ernest I Aguilar |
I a very proud Canadian tonight, as that where Raw emanates from...my home country of Canada! Much like in Raws past, usually something special happens on a Canadian Raw, and since this episode is from Edmonton, Alberta, here's hoping! Read on to find out...
Introduction Segment: Arena Promo
Michael Cole welcomes us to Raw, and puts an emphasis on "Alberta!" (No Raw video/pyro combo - sorry Edmontonians!) In the ring is Ricardo Rodriguez, Alberto Del Rio's personal ring announcer. He introduces the WWE Champion, who rolls out in a $225,000 car. (No make/model given this time). A video replay of last week's events is on screen, where Del Rio assaulted and injured Rey Mysterio. Rey will be out for a number of months.
"My name..." is John Cena's music. Even before Alberto can utter his own calling, the former WWE Champion hits the ring. John Cena says that while everyone knows who Del Rio is, he re-introduces himself as "John Cena, I'm the guy who's going to take the WWE Championship off your waist." Cena doesn't believe in Alberto's rich scheme and claims there is only one man in this company that can go toe-to-toe with him. That man is C.M. Punk, who Del Rio is not, and when Cena faces A.D.R. him for the WWE Championship he's going to "whip your ass!" (Good, they're keeping Cena's promos serious).
"Cult Of Personality" blares on the speakers as C.M. Punk walks out to the ring next. Punk feels a bit of deja vu, in that Cena wants another title match. C.M. says it won't happen that way, since he already beat Cena twice, and that if anyone gets a title shot, it's him.
Alberto finally speaks and tells them it's his time (and then says something in Spanish) because he's the WWE Champion. Punk cuts him off again and goes on to have a problem with A.D.R., Triple H, Kevin Nash, and even Jack Tunney (isn't he dead?) trying to screw him. Punk thinks that John should pay attention, since he's also had problems with Triple H in the past. He speculates that no matter who won the SummerSlam match, they would've been taken out and Alberto would be WWE Champion no matter what, as that is what whoever wants.
Cena & Punk both argue on who will cash in their rematch clause for the WWE Title tonight. Del Rio on the other hand, chooses to ignore both and wants to celebrate. But not in Canada, as apparently we are "mugrosos"? (Someone want to look that up for me?)
Should I use the line - nah! I'll just say the C.O.O finally gets involved as Triple H power-walks to the squared circle. HHH informs A.D.R. that he won't wrestler either Superstar in the ring, but he will wrestle someone next. He also tells Cena & Punk that to solve their #1 Contender issues, they will wrestle each other (again) and the winner will face A.D.R. for the WWE Championship at "Night Of Champions." Triple H walks out, as do C.M. & John, leaving Alberto waiting on his unnamed opponent for after the break.
Commercial.
Match #1: Single - Alberto Del Rio (WWE Champion) VS. John Morrison (Non-Title)
Prior to the match, another video replay of last week's events, this time with R-Truth & Morrison's match, plays. After a bit of "chasing", John Morrison fires away and takes down Del Rio with punches and a few kicks. Sweep of the legs and pinning combo for a two count by Morrison. Two stiff kicks to the gut and head from Alberto puts him in control.
He works over John's left arm for a bit, until "The Monday Night Delight" counters with a baseball slide and high dropkick. Off the apron, Morrison shoots a Springboard Moonsault, but lands on his feet (impressive!) since Alberto moved. A.D.R. then shoves John into the barricade and sends us into a break.
Ads.
Back from cheap plugs, Del Rio has "The Prince of Par Cor" in a rear-chinlock and then catches Morrison in a Tilt-A-Whirl Backbreaker for a 2! This time, it's Alberto's turn to fly outside, as Morrison chucks him over the turnbuckle/ringpost and then builds some momentum with clotheslines and a Russian Legsweep. A.D.R. ducks another clothesline and almost gets a pin with a German/Belly-To-Back Suplex.
He then attempts the Cross-Armbreaker, which Morrison reverses into a roll-up for another two-count and then nails a boot-to-the-face and a huge Tilt-A-Whirl DDT. 1 - 2 - kickout by Del Rio! Another near-fall is claimed out of a Hurricanrana from "The Shaman of Sexy" and soon after a Flashkick. This sets up A.D.R. for a Starship Pain Moonsault, but Del Rio rolls out of the ring and tosses Morrison into the ring post. He then locks in the Cross-Armbreaker and collects the win via Morrison tapping out!
Winner via Submission: WWE Champion Alberto Del Rio
Post match, Del Rio clamps on the Cross-Armbreaker again to Morrison on the outside until the referee (Mike Sparks I think) breaks it off. Alberto holds his WWE Title high and we get the promotion for tonight's main event between Cena & Punk. Up next though, Eve with Kelly Kelly will face Brie Bella.
Commercials.
Match #2: Single - Nikki Bella (w/ Brie Bella) VS. Eve Torres (w/ Kelly Kelly - WWE Divas Champion)
For the third time, a small video plays of Beth Phoenix & Natalya (dressed up all too pretty for their new storyline) and they claim that they don't want to be like any of the other Divas, but what they do want, we won't be told. (Alright, kind of pointless).
Nikki takes control early and hammers away on Eve before sending her to the outside with a reverse rope-guillotine. Eve reverses a headlock and backdrops Nikki in the ring and follows with Standing Moonsault for a two-count. A Flatliner by Torres sets up for a failed Moonsault, but Eve quickly recovers with a Spinning Suplex/Neckbreaker combo for the pin!
Winner via Pinfall: Eve Torres
Post match, Kelly Kelly drops the other Bella with the K-2. (Fameasser). The ladies from the video earlier appear on stage and clap at Eve & Kelly's success.
Backstage, Kevin Nash (to a decent pop) is walking backstage and shakes some tech-guys hand. We learn that he & Triple H will have a confrontation tonight about SummerSlam.
Ads.
Match #3: Single - Alex Riley VS. "The All-American-American" Jack Swagger
Vickie Guerrero introduces and accompanies Jack to the ring as her "potential new client." Lockup by both wrestlers and a couple of amateur-wrestling take-downs by Swagger. Riley hits a huge Spinebuster out of no where, and while this is going on, Dolph Ziggler walks out and protests Vickie's choosing of new clients. Vickie ends up on her rear on the mat, which Swagger sees and confronts Dolph. He then gets back into the ring to get rolled-up by A-Ry for the pin! (This should've been longer).
Winner via Pinfall: Alex Riley
Postmatch, Ziggler & Guerrero argue to the back as Swagger yells from the ring.
Backstage, Triple H is on the phone in the hall way and proceeds to walk forward.
Commercials.
Segment #2: Arena Promo
Triple H is out for the second time tonight and wants to explain all the controversy with Kevin Nash in front of everyone. Nahs obliges and makes his way to "The Game." They embrace with a "bro-hug" and HHH says that there is no conspiracy and everything that happened at SummerSlam wasn't supposed to happen but did not come from him.
Nash responds by saying that he believed HHH and was going to apologize to C.M. Punk, until he thought it over and decided not to after the insults hurled last week. Triple H tells Nash that he doesn't work here (WWE) and he can't have him call his guys out.
In a great one-liner and Canadian-only cheap plug, the C.O.O. tells Nash if he wants to beat up C.M. Punk, "call him out to the Tim Hortons across the street and beat him lifeless!" (For those who don't know, Tim Hortons is a doughnut/coffee/soup/sandwhich establishment, and is Canada's equivalent of Starbucks, only cheaper and better!). HHH then asks Nash to just leave.
At this point, C.M. Punk also makes his second appearance, and decides to play a game of "Clue" to find out who sent the text message. He speculates that it was "big lazy with the giant tube of Just For Men in the conservatory" or "Triple H backstage with his trusty sledgehammer" or "may it was Stephanie McMahon with a candlestick in the library or something." (His money's on her.)
Punk also tells Nash he should've just apologized and "crosses the line" to finish talking. Punk says that last week Nash "got off easy. This week, I'm kicking your ass."
Before he can get to Nash, HHH blocks his way, which sets off C.M. again. Punk wonders what Trips' problem is and why he is scared of Punk being WWE Champion. He also inquires who's really "pulling the strings: is it you, is it 'Big Sexy', or is it your bean-headed wife?" Triple H threatens back and reminds Punk he really is the "same-damn guy I've always been, and I'll leave you lying where you stand."
C.M. backs off for now, insisting that he doesn't want Triple H to "take this nice suit off, and fold it up, and put it in your wife's purse, where you keep your cell phone, as well as your balls!" Nash takes umbrage and decks Punk from the side. Triple H rushes Kevin out of the ring and the two walk up the ring with the camera picking up HHH saying that Nash can't do that even though he understands. Punk sits in the ring rubbing his lip and smiling.
Up next is Kofi Kingston & Evan Bourne challenging David Otunga & Michael McGillicutty for the WWE Tag-Team Championship!
Ads.
Segment #3: Backstage Promo
In the area, Kevin Nash & Triple H are disputing HHH's new position. Nash says the C.O.O. has changed after being told to leave, since he is all corporate business now. Nash walks away and "The Game" looks frustrated and conflicted with his decision.
Match #4: Tag-Team for the WWE Tag-Team Championship - Kofi Kingston & Evan "Air" Bourne (Challengers) VS. David Otunga & Michael McGuillicutty (Champions)
During the champions entrance, Jerry "The King" Lawler has another great one-line, saying David & Michael are the "bland leading the bland" and that The Bushwhackers (great old-time reference) "showed more personality in 5 seconds than these guys showed in their entire career."
McGillicutty & Bourne start out with Michael playing power early. Evan lands on his feet out of a Snapmare (cool!) and then tags in Kofi. He springboards off the turnbuckle with a Crossbody and a nearfall. David distracts Kingston long enough for McGillicutty to regain the control.
Kingston counters with Headscissors and then slaps hands with Evan, who flys around with a Hurricanrana, kicks, spin-kicks, and high-knees. McGillicutty breaks up a pin attempt, but Kofi takes over the top-rope. On the apron, Kingston nails Otunga with the "Trouble In Paradise" and Evan soars off the turnbuckle with the "Air Bourne" Shooting Star Press. 1 - 2 - 3!
Winners & NEW WWE Tag-Team Champions: Kofi Kingston & Evan "Air" Bourne
Post match, the new champs celebrate happily and all three announcers put them over as "new & exciting" to set the tag-division on fire. (I'm sure they can do that, since the crowd really enjoyed the win with a huge pop). (Also, I did say something special always happens on a Canadian WWE show!).
More plugs for tonight's main event and the break time.
Commercials.
Segment #4: Backstage Promo
Josh Matthews interviews the new WWE Tag-Team Champions, and Kofi says that after thinking about team for a while, he and Evan did it and are the new champions. Zack Ryder (woo-woo-woo!), Titus O'Niel, Derrick Bateman, a Diva, & Eve Torres come in and pour champagne all over the new title-holders (ala NASCAR race).
Segment #5: Backstage Promo
Triple H is walking around and John Laurinaitis runs up. He says that Kevin Nash has been in a car accident (suspicious much?). Laurinaitis (he really does sound like Al Bundy, which is kind of an insult to Ed O'Neil!) gives Hunter the address of the hospital Nash is supposedly at and John is now in charge back here on Raw. (This should be interesting!)
Ads.
Match #5: Single - Santino Marella VS. ???
As Santino is making his entrance, Raw's other resident conspiracy theorists The Miz & R-Truth attack him from behind and bring him to the ring, for R-Truth to lay him out with the Jumping Flatliner and Skull-Krushing Finale.
Winner: No Contest
Segment #6: Arena Promo
R-Truth tells the crowd to "shut-up" and says that what just happend to "Little Jimmy" (Santino) will happen to all "Little Jimmys." R-Truth says that Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, Kevin Nash, C.M. Punk, & John Cena are all involved in the conspiracy. Truth says with HHH in charge, it is no longer about Miz or Truth.
Miz agrees with Raw's Crazy-Man and also tells the crowd to "shut-up while I'm talking"! Miz rants that only a few months ago he beat John Cena in the main event of WrestleMania. Now that Triple H is in charge, to get noticed Miz has to pick a fight with Jared from Subway.
Both Truth & Miz mock Canadians (eh!?) and are sick of being underutilized. Miz says instead of waiting, they are going to take it. That includes any spiders and conspiracies to squash and push around, according to "the Truth, the whole Truth, and nothing but the Truth!" And "it's AWESOME"! They both tell Edmonton fans they suck and R-Truth cuts into a rap.
The main event is next!
Commercials.
Match #6: Single for the #1 Contendership to the WWE Championship - C.M. Punk VS. John Cena
(Note: Both John Laurinaitis and WWE Champion Alberto Del Rio are sitting on either side of the commentators). (Note #2: Punk tosses his T-shirt into the crowd and they receive it, while Cena throws his shirt into the crowd and it was chucked right back at. Alright, that was a first I saw and amusing! Way to voice your opinion WWE fans!)
A staredown ensues before both luck up and chain-wrestle with headlocks and leg-scissors. Cena whips Punk into the ropes and C.M. responds with a shoulder-block take down. He poses for some quick cheers but gets caught with a couple of shoulder-block tackes from Cena and then a spinning backdrop.
Cena poses for a mixed reaction and then gets rolled in a pinning combo, but only for two. Running knee and bulldog by Punk, who then stares at the WWE Champion sitting at ringside. John C punches Punk off the apron and we have a commercial.
Ads.
Returning from the break, Cena has a headlock clamped on until Punk counters with a backdrop. "Go To Sleep" attempt by Punk, but John gets out and tries an "Attitude Adjustment." C.M. gets out of that and flies off the ropes with a Springboard Clothesline. 1 - 2 - Cena kicks out!
Another G.T.S. is tried but Cena wiggles out and goes for the STF but "The Second City Saint" kicks off of that. Out of no where, Cena locks in the Cross-Face/LaBell Lock submission but Punk gets to the ropes. Cena runs into the ringpost and "The Straight-Edge Superstar" picks him up for a third and successful G.T.S. 1 - 2 - Cena punches out! (Literately!)
Punk climbs the turnbuckle and poses before missing a diving elbow as Cena rolled out of the way. Big boos from the crowd as Cena flies off the adjacent turnbuckle with a legdrop to the back of Punk's head. 1 - 2 - C.M. kicks out! Consistent elbows by Punk gets himself out of another A.A. and then he delivers a harsh running-knee for a nearfall!
Cena quickly drives Punk with his successful Attitude Adjustment. 1 - 2 - C.M. kicks out! (Great match!) Both are resting on the mat with the Edmontons chanting for both. Cena runs Punk into the corner and sets him up top. C.M. headbutts Cena off and soars with a Crossbody, however Cena rolls through, but Punk reverses into a Sunset Flip for a 2 count! (Awesome sequence!). Stiff kick from Punk and another G.T.S. try before we hear Kevin Nash's voice on the microphone to see him on the stage. (Told you that was suspicious!)
Nash says "this isn't over yet" and walks to the ring, which distracts Punk enough to walk into an Attitude Adjustment. Cena covers and picks up the "W"!
Winner via Pinfall & New #1 Contender for the WWE Championship: John Cena
Post match, WWE Champion Alberto Del Rio immediately assaults his new opponent until Laurinaitis and referee Mike Sparks (I think) pull him off and corner A.D.R. Del Rio charges again and again, bashes Cena with the WWE Title and throws him into the ringside barrier. An up close shot of Alberto's face, saying something in Spanish closes the show.
End of Raw.
Reporter's Rumblings - By Moe Tapp
Another "general" Raw I would say, but with a better mix of matches and promo this week, even a little more on the former. On to my "likes/dislikes."
Excellence: WWE Champion Alberto Del Rio VS. John Morrison - two guys who wrestle well and have some chemistry. I still believe Morrison could be main-event (even though I don't like his backstage antics personally), he has talent and Del Rio would be the perfect heel to launch John into the next level. Promo between Triple H, C.M. Punk, & Kevin Nash. Alright, really only when Punk came out to "liven it up" and push the envelope as he always does now.
Evan Bourne & Kofi Kingston winning the Tag-Titles. I wasn't sure about their team last week, but the announcers really put them over made me believe they can give the tag-division a shot in the proverbial arm. Now they just need more then one set of opponents! Post-match celebration for the new Tag-Champs - also makes it feel more special winning the titles when you "party" like other sports teams do.
Miz & R-Truth - this was a great promo, albeit I was expecting a famous Canadian of some-sort to interrupt, but on reflection, I'm glad they didn't. This was a stand-alone and pulled off well - they also have great chemistry together and "bounce" off their respective skills.
The main-event - even though I pretty much knew it would be Cena winning, Punk & him gel really well in the ring and I enjoyed seeing this match. RAW WAS IN CANADA!
Bogus: The opening promo - other than setting up tonight's main event, there was nothing "earth-shattering" or memorable. Again, why are Natalya & Beth dressed like they're going to a gala? They want to be different from the current WWE Divas, yet they're just a "pretty" as the others.
Also, a Bella vs. Eve and/or Kelly Kelly - bring in new competition, tired of seeing these mixed up all the time! Alex Riley VS. Jack Swagger was way too short and I'm not sure where I stand on Vickie Guerrero "new client" storyline - gots to play it out first for a while. Nash & Triple H's initial promo - kind of confusing and just plain boring.
Still, decent show and good build for Night Of Champions - makes me interested in A.D.R. VS. John Cena and the Tag-Titles.
Until next week, Be Excellent Wrestling-Online Readers and WWE Fans!
Introduction Segment: Arena Promo
Michael Cole welcomes us to Raw, and puts an emphasis on "Alberta!" (No Raw video/pyro combo - sorry Edmontonians!) In the ring is Ricardo Rodriguez, Alberto Del Rio's personal ring announcer. He introduces the WWE Champion, who rolls out in a $225,000 car. (No make/model given this time). A video replay of last week's events is on screen, where Del Rio assaulted and injured Rey Mysterio. Rey will be out for a number of months.
"My name..." is John Cena's music. Even before Alberto can utter his own calling, the former WWE Champion hits the ring. John Cena says that while everyone knows who Del Rio is, he re-introduces himself as "John Cena, I'm the guy who's going to take the WWE Championship off your waist." Cena doesn't believe in Alberto's rich scheme and claims there is only one man in this company that can go toe-to-toe with him. That man is C.M. Punk, who Del Rio is not, and when Cena faces A.D.R. him for the WWE Championship he's going to "whip your ass!" (Good, they're keeping Cena's promos serious).
"Cult Of Personality" blares on the speakers as C.M. Punk walks out to the ring next. Punk feels a bit of deja vu, in that Cena wants another title match. C.M. says it won't happen that way, since he already beat Cena twice, and that if anyone gets a title shot, it's him.
Alberto finally speaks and tells them it's his time (and then says something in Spanish) because he's the WWE Champion. Punk cuts him off again and goes on to have a problem with A.D.R., Triple H, Kevin Nash, and even Jack Tunney (isn't he dead?) trying to screw him. Punk thinks that John should pay attention, since he's also had problems with Triple H in the past. He speculates that no matter who won the SummerSlam match, they would've been taken out and Alberto would be WWE Champion no matter what, as that is what whoever wants.
Cena & Punk both argue on who will cash in their rematch clause for the WWE Title tonight. Del Rio on the other hand, chooses to ignore both and wants to celebrate. But not in Canada, as apparently we are "mugrosos"? (Someone want to look that up for me?)
Should I use the line - nah! I'll just say the C.O.O finally gets involved as Triple H power-walks to the squared circle. HHH informs A.D.R. that he won't wrestler either Superstar in the ring, but he will wrestle someone next. He also tells Cena & Punk that to solve their #1 Contender issues, they will wrestle each other (again) and the winner will face A.D.R. for the WWE Championship at "Night Of Champions." Triple H walks out, as do C.M. & John, leaving Alberto waiting on his unnamed opponent for after the break.
Commercial.
Match #1: Single - Alberto Del Rio (WWE Champion) VS. John Morrison (Non-Title)
Prior to the match, another video replay of last week's events, this time with R-Truth & Morrison's match, plays. After a bit of "chasing", John Morrison fires away and takes down Del Rio with punches and a few kicks. Sweep of the legs and pinning combo for a two count by Morrison. Two stiff kicks to the gut and head from Alberto puts him in control.
He works over John's left arm for a bit, until "The Monday Night Delight" counters with a baseball slide and high dropkick. Off the apron, Morrison shoots a Springboard Moonsault, but lands on his feet (impressive!) since Alberto moved. A.D.R. then shoves John into the barricade and sends us into a break.
Ads.
Back from cheap plugs, Del Rio has "The Prince of Par Cor" in a rear-chinlock and then catches Morrison in a Tilt-A-Whirl Backbreaker for a 2! This time, it's Alberto's turn to fly outside, as Morrison chucks him over the turnbuckle/ringpost and then builds some momentum with clotheslines and a Russian Legsweep. A.D.R. ducks another clothesline and almost gets a pin with a German/Belly-To-Back Suplex.
He then attempts the Cross-Armbreaker, which Morrison reverses into a roll-up for another two-count and then nails a boot-to-the-face and a huge Tilt-A-Whirl DDT. 1 - 2 - kickout by Del Rio! Another near-fall is claimed out of a Hurricanrana from "The Shaman of Sexy" and soon after a Flashkick. This sets up A.D.R. for a Starship Pain Moonsault, but Del Rio rolls out of the ring and tosses Morrison into the ring post. He then locks in the Cross-Armbreaker and collects the win via Morrison tapping out!
Winner via Submission: WWE Champion Alberto Del Rio
Post match, Del Rio clamps on the Cross-Armbreaker again to Morrison on the outside until the referee (Mike Sparks I think) breaks it off. Alberto holds his WWE Title high and we get the promotion for tonight's main event between Cena & Punk. Up next though, Eve with Kelly Kelly will face Brie Bella.
Commercials.
Match #2: Single - Nikki Bella (w/ Brie Bella) VS. Eve Torres (w/ Kelly Kelly - WWE Divas Champion)
For the third time, a small video plays of Beth Phoenix & Natalya (dressed up all too pretty for their new storyline) and they claim that they don't want to be like any of the other Divas, but what they do want, we won't be told. (Alright, kind of pointless).
Nikki takes control early and hammers away on Eve before sending her to the outside with a reverse rope-guillotine. Eve reverses a headlock and backdrops Nikki in the ring and follows with Standing Moonsault for a two-count. A Flatliner by Torres sets up for a failed Moonsault, but Eve quickly recovers with a Spinning Suplex/Neckbreaker combo for the pin!
Winner via Pinfall: Eve Torres
Post match, Kelly Kelly drops the other Bella with the K-2. (Fameasser). The ladies from the video earlier appear on stage and clap at Eve & Kelly's success.
Backstage, Kevin Nash (to a decent pop) is walking backstage and shakes some tech-guys hand. We learn that he & Triple H will have a confrontation tonight about SummerSlam.
Ads.
Match #3: Single - Alex Riley VS. "The All-American-American" Jack Swagger
Vickie Guerrero introduces and accompanies Jack to the ring as her "potential new client." Lockup by both wrestlers and a couple of amateur-wrestling take-downs by Swagger. Riley hits a huge Spinebuster out of no where, and while this is going on, Dolph Ziggler walks out and protests Vickie's choosing of new clients. Vickie ends up on her rear on the mat, which Swagger sees and confronts Dolph. He then gets back into the ring to get rolled-up by A-Ry for the pin! (This should've been longer).
Winner via Pinfall: Alex Riley
Postmatch, Ziggler & Guerrero argue to the back as Swagger yells from the ring.
Backstage, Triple H is on the phone in the hall way and proceeds to walk forward.
Commercials.
Segment #2: Arena Promo
Triple H is out for the second time tonight and wants to explain all the controversy with Kevin Nash in front of everyone. Nahs obliges and makes his way to "The Game." They embrace with a "bro-hug" and HHH says that there is no conspiracy and everything that happened at SummerSlam wasn't supposed to happen but did not come from him.
Nash responds by saying that he believed HHH and was going to apologize to C.M. Punk, until he thought it over and decided not to after the insults hurled last week. Triple H tells Nash that he doesn't work here (WWE) and he can't have him call his guys out.
In a great one-liner and Canadian-only cheap plug, the C.O.O. tells Nash if he wants to beat up C.M. Punk, "call him out to the Tim Hortons across the street and beat him lifeless!" (For those who don't know, Tim Hortons is a doughnut/coffee/soup/sandwhich establishment, and is Canada's equivalent of Starbucks, only cheaper and better!). HHH then asks Nash to just leave.
At this point, C.M. Punk also makes his second appearance, and decides to play a game of "Clue" to find out who sent the text message. He speculates that it was "big lazy with the giant tube of Just For Men in the conservatory" or "Triple H backstage with his trusty sledgehammer" or "may it was Stephanie McMahon with a candlestick in the library or something." (His money's on her.)
Punk also tells Nash he should've just apologized and "crosses the line" to finish talking. Punk says that last week Nash "got off easy. This week, I'm kicking your ass."
Before he can get to Nash, HHH blocks his way, which sets off C.M. again. Punk wonders what Trips' problem is and why he is scared of Punk being WWE Champion. He also inquires who's really "pulling the strings: is it you, is it 'Big Sexy', or is it your bean-headed wife?" Triple H threatens back and reminds Punk he really is the "same-damn guy I've always been, and I'll leave you lying where you stand."
C.M. backs off for now, insisting that he doesn't want Triple H to "take this nice suit off, and fold it up, and put it in your wife's purse, where you keep your cell phone, as well as your balls!" Nash takes umbrage and decks Punk from the side. Triple H rushes Kevin out of the ring and the two walk up the ring with the camera picking up HHH saying that Nash can't do that even though he understands. Punk sits in the ring rubbing his lip and smiling.
Up next is Kofi Kingston & Evan Bourne challenging David Otunga & Michael McGillicutty for the WWE Tag-Team Championship!
Ads.
Segment #3: Backstage Promo
In the area, Kevin Nash & Triple H are disputing HHH's new position. Nash says the C.O.O. has changed after being told to leave, since he is all corporate business now. Nash walks away and "The Game" looks frustrated and conflicted with his decision.
Match #4: Tag-Team for the WWE Tag-Team Championship - Kofi Kingston & Evan "Air" Bourne (Challengers) VS. David Otunga & Michael McGuillicutty (Champions)
During the champions entrance, Jerry "The King" Lawler has another great one-line, saying David & Michael are the "bland leading the bland" and that The Bushwhackers (great old-time reference) "showed more personality in 5 seconds than these guys showed in their entire career."
McGillicutty & Bourne start out with Michael playing power early. Evan lands on his feet out of a Snapmare (cool!) and then tags in Kofi. He springboards off the turnbuckle with a Crossbody and a nearfall. David distracts Kingston long enough for McGillicutty to regain the control.
Kingston counters with Headscissors and then slaps hands with Evan, who flys around with a Hurricanrana, kicks, spin-kicks, and high-knees. McGillicutty breaks up a pin attempt, but Kofi takes over the top-rope. On the apron, Kingston nails Otunga with the "Trouble In Paradise" and Evan soars off the turnbuckle with the "Air Bourne" Shooting Star Press. 1 - 2 - 3!
Winners & NEW WWE Tag-Team Champions: Kofi Kingston & Evan "Air" Bourne
Post match, the new champs celebrate happily and all three announcers put them over as "new & exciting" to set the tag-division on fire. (I'm sure they can do that, since the crowd really enjoyed the win with a huge pop). (Also, I did say something special always happens on a Canadian WWE show!).
More plugs for tonight's main event and the break time.
Commercials.
Segment #4: Backstage Promo
Josh Matthews interviews the new WWE Tag-Team Champions, and Kofi says that after thinking about team for a while, he and Evan did it and are the new champions. Zack Ryder (woo-woo-woo!), Titus O'Niel, Derrick Bateman, a Diva, & Eve Torres come in and pour champagne all over the new title-holders (ala NASCAR race).
Segment #5: Backstage Promo
Triple H is walking around and John Laurinaitis runs up. He says that Kevin Nash has been in a car accident (suspicious much?). Laurinaitis (he really does sound like Al Bundy, which is kind of an insult to Ed O'Neil!) gives Hunter the address of the hospital Nash is supposedly at and John is now in charge back here on Raw. (This should be interesting!)
Ads.
Match #5: Single - Santino Marella VS. ???
As Santino is making his entrance, Raw's other resident conspiracy theorists The Miz & R-Truth attack him from behind and bring him to the ring, for R-Truth to lay him out with the Jumping Flatliner and Skull-Krushing Finale.
Winner: No Contest
Segment #6: Arena Promo
R-Truth tells the crowd to "shut-up" and says that what just happend to "Little Jimmy" (Santino) will happen to all "Little Jimmys." R-Truth says that Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, Kevin Nash, C.M. Punk, & John Cena are all involved in the conspiracy. Truth says with HHH in charge, it is no longer about Miz or Truth.
Miz agrees with Raw's Crazy-Man and also tells the crowd to "shut-up while I'm talking"! Miz rants that only a few months ago he beat John Cena in the main event of WrestleMania. Now that Triple H is in charge, to get noticed Miz has to pick a fight with Jared from Subway.
Both Truth & Miz mock Canadians (eh!?) and are sick of being underutilized. Miz says instead of waiting, they are going to take it. That includes any spiders and conspiracies to squash and push around, according to "the Truth, the whole Truth, and nothing but the Truth!" And "it's AWESOME"! They both tell Edmonton fans they suck and R-Truth cuts into a rap.
The main event is next!
Commercials.
Match #6: Single for the #1 Contendership to the WWE Championship - C.M. Punk VS. John Cena
(Note: Both John Laurinaitis and WWE Champion Alberto Del Rio are sitting on either side of the commentators). (Note #2: Punk tosses his T-shirt into the crowd and they receive it, while Cena throws his shirt into the crowd and it was chucked right back at. Alright, that was a first I saw and amusing! Way to voice your opinion WWE fans!)
A staredown ensues before both luck up and chain-wrestle with headlocks and leg-scissors. Cena whips Punk into the ropes and C.M. responds with a shoulder-block take down. He poses for some quick cheers but gets caught with a couple of shoulder-block tackes from Cena and then a spinning backdrop.
Cena poses for a mixed reaction and then gets rolled in a pinning combo, but only for two. Running knee and bulldog by Punk, who then stares at the WWE Champion sitting at ringside. John C punches Punk off the apron and we have a commercial.
Ads.
Returning from the break, Cena has a headlock clamped on until Punk counters with a backdrop. "Go To Sleep" attempt by Punk, but John gets out and tries an "Attitude Adjustment." C.M. gets out of that and flies off the ropes with a Springboard Clothesline. 1 - 2 - Cena kicks out!
Another G.T.S. is tried but Cena wiggles out and goes for the STF but "The Second City Saint" kicks off of that. Out of no where, Cena locks in the Cross-Face/LaBell Lock submission but Punk gets to the ropes. Cena runs into the ringpost and "The Straight-Edge Superstar" picks him up for a third and successful G.T.S. 1 - 2 - Cena punches out! (Literately!)
Punk climbs the turnbuckle and poses before missing a diving elbow as Cena rolled out of the way. Big boos from the crowd as Cena flies off the adjacent turnbuckle with a legdrop to the back of Punk's head. 1 - 2 - C.M. kicks out! Consistent elbows by Punk gets himself out of another A.A. and then he delivers a harsh running-knee for a nearfall!
Cena quickly drives Punk with his successful Attitude Adjustment. 1 - 2 - C.M. kicks out! (Great match!) Both are resting on the mat with the Edmontons chanting for both. Cena runs Punk into the corner and sets him up top. C.M. headbutts Cena off and soars with a Crossbody, however Cena rolls through, but Punk reverses into a Sunset Flip for a 2 count! (Awesome sequence!). Stiff kick from Punk and another G.T.S. try before we hear Kevin Nash's voice on the microphone to see him on the stage. (Told you that was suspicious!)
Nash says "this isn't over yet" and walks to the ring, which distracts Punk enough to walk into an Attitude Adjustment. Cena covers and picks up the "W"!
Winner via Pinfall & New #1 Contender for the WWE Championship: John Cena
Post match, WWE Champion Alberto Del Rio immediately assaults his new opponent until Laurinaitis and referee Mike Sparks (I think) pull him off and corner A.D.R. Del Rio charges again and again, bashes Cena with the WWE Title and throws him into the ringside barrier. An up close shot of Alberto's face, saying something in Spanish closes the show.
End of Raw.
Reporter's Rumblings - By Moe Tapp
Another "general" Raw I would say, but with a better mix of matches and promo this week, even a little more on the former. On to my "likes/dislikes."
Excellence: WWE Champion Alberto Del Rio VS. John Morrison - two guys who wrestle well and have some chemistry. I still believe Morrison could be main-event (even though I don't like his backstage antics personally), he has talent and Del Rio would be the perfect heel to launch John into the next level. Promo between Triple H, C.M. Punk, & Kevin Nash. Alright, really only when Punk came out to "liven it up" and push the envelope as he always does now.
Evan Bourne & Kofi Kingston winning the Tag-Titles. I wasn't sure about their team last week, but the announcers really put them over made me believe they can give the tag-division a shot in the proverbial arm. Now they just need more then one set of opponents! Post-match celebration for the new Tag-Champs - also makes it feel more special winning the titles when you "party" like other sports teams do.
Miz & R-Truth - this was a great promo, albeit I was expecting a famous Canadian of some-sort to interrupt, but on reflection, I'm glad they didn't. This was a stand-alone and pulled off well - they also have great chemistry together and "bounce" off their respective skills.
The main-event - even though I pretty much knew it would be Cena winning, Punk & him gel really well in the ring and I enjoyed seeing this match. RAW WAS IN CANADA!
Bogus: The opening promo - other than setting up tonight's main event, there was nothing "earth-shattering" or memorable. Again, why are Natalya & Beth dressed like they're going to a gala? They want to be different from the current WWE Divas, yet they're just a "pretty" as the others.
Also, a Bella vs. Eve and/or Kelly Kelly - bring in new competition, tired of seeing these mixed up all the time! Alex Riley VS. Jack Swagger was way too short and I'm not sure where I stand on Vickie Guerrero "new client" storyline - gots to play it out first for a while. Nash & Triple H's initial promo - kind of confusing and just plain boring.
Still, decent show and good build for Night Of Champions - makes me interested in A.D.R. VS. John Cena and the Tag-Titles.
Until next week, Be Excellent Wrestling-Online Readers and WWE Fans!
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