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| Reported by Ernest I Aguilar Zevallos |
Tonight's Raw is a mystery, since my PVR description doesn't give anything other than "featured John Cena and CM Punk." What are we in store for on this episode? Read on to find out...
Introduction Segment: Arena Promo
The show kicks off with the C.O.O of Raw, as Triple H makes his way to the ring. He says that it is job to make sure the WWE "flourishes, survives, that it thrives," and we get what we want.
To accomplish this, "The Game" announces that BOTH Raw & Smackdown Superstars will be on Raw EVERY Monday Night for the foreseeable future! (I don't like this, it may overload the show). While that is the cool part of his job, HHH claims that all the lying done by his best friend Kevin Nash lately regarding his actions with C.M. Punk are not.
He calls out "Big Sexy", but instead receives a "cult of personality." (Yea, ok, that was bad!). C.M. Punk walks out and while making his entrance, they replay the events from last week's Raw. (Check out my report to know!). Punk congratulates Triple H on a "performance", calling it "Pacino in 'Heat' level thespianism." C.M. also wants the C.O.O. to stop lying and reveal that he & Nash have been in cahoots together.
A theme music I haven't heard in about a week (I'm watching "WCW Best Of Monday Nitro" after these Raws for August) plays and Kevin Nash himself walks out to the classic nWo song. Nash confesses that he did lie because Triple H wouldn't let him do what he wanted to Punk, so he had to get "The Game" out of the building. Nash questions HHH's manhood, since he lets C.M. take shots and walk all over him.
Triple H tells Kevin that he can't be trusted anymore, and orders him to leave and not come back. Kevin acknowledges that he did lie about the car crash, but not the texts. However, he is not leaving, since John Laurinaitis signed him to a contract. HHH tells him not to cross the line again, and C.M. Punk begins making vomiting sounds.
He does this to show that he is sick of all the lying. Punk takes a couple shots of Nash's character and physical condition, but "Diesel" orders the C.O.O. to make a match between him & "The Straight-Edge Superstar" at "Night Of Champions." Following a few cheap jabs at Stephanie & HHH's relationship, Triple H grants the match and then says that he has two words for the both of them: all chant along: "suck it!"
The World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton now walks to the stage out of no where, and apparently coming up next is Champion VS. Champion, as he takes on United States Champion Dolph Ziggler.
Commercials.
Match #1: Single - World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton VS. United States Champion Dolph Ziggler w/ Vickie Guerrero (Non-Title)
Both lockup and break. Ziggler is aggressive early with punches until Orton takes him down with a strong clothesline. Big dropkick and quick cover by Dolph, for a quick two-count. A Lou Thesz Press with mount punches by Randy and a Slingshot DDT are tried, but Vickie gets on the apron to distract and break it up. On the outside, Ziggler nails the "Zig-Zag" and he climbs back into the ring to beat the 10-count. However, Orton does too and Ziggler immediately stomps away on him to send us into a break.
Returning from commercials, the U.S. Champion is slamming the World Champ's head on the steel steps outside the ring. Inside, Dolph clamps on a rear-chinlock, which Orton fights out of and then gets shoulder-blocked to the mat. Ziggler ascends the turnbuckle, but Randy punches him into a sitting position. Off the turnbuckle both fly with a top-rope Superplex. Orton covers, 1 - 2 - Ziggler kicks out! Randy now fires out and hits a few short clotheslines and snap-powerslam.
Big belly-to-belly suplex by Orton for a 2! Ziggler counters and drives Orton with a "Famasser", also for a 2! A neckbreaker is reversed into a roll-up from Orton, only for the two, but he counters a dropkick into a slingshot-in-the-corner and high backdrop neckbreaker - all for a nearfall! Orton measures Ziggler for a Punt Kick, but Dolph counters with a kick-to-the-chin (almost Sweet Chin Music-esque) and also receives a nearfall!
Orton finally nails the Slingshot DDT and gets "in the zone" for an R.K.O., but Ziggler reverses into a Sleeper Submission attempt, which is reversed into a Flapjack and final R.K.O. for the 1 - 2 - 3!
Winner via Pinfall: World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton
(Excellent match).
Post match, Jack Swagger who is watching in his locker room, is pleased with the result as Orton celebrates his victory.
Another replay of last week's events, this time with the WWE Champion Alberto Del Rio assaulting his opponent for "Night Of Champions" John Cena.
Segment #2: Backstage Promo
Josh Matthews attempts to interview Cena about last week, but Cena just pushes the microphone away and walks off camera. Matthews informs that John will go to the arena next.
Ads.
Segment #3: Arena Promo
Unlike others, Josh doesn't lie, and the #1 Contender for the WWE Champion is in the ring. Cena calls the dichotomy between the WWE Champion Alberto Del Rio's actions & words, as well as a "douchebagery!" (which was bleeped out). Cena then calls out Del Rio, but instead "gets some" with Mark Henry.
Henry wants to get some and lists his wrestlers that he has dismantled - Kane, Big Show, and Sheamus. "The World's Strongest Match" says that both Cena & whoever wins the Steel Cage match on Smackdown tomorrow (Tuesday), will join "the hall of pain" and Mark Henry will be the new World Heavyweight Champion.
One of the participants of the Cage Match interrupts, as Christian saunters to the ring. He takes the stick and tells Henry that it will be him whom he faces at "Night Of Champions." Christian then turns to Cena and says that he is sick of him, since Cena is always whining and complaining. Cena retorts by mocking Christian, and then just simply saying, "you want some, gets some, if not get gone!"
Cena throws down the mike and Christian & Mark look to double-team John until Sheamus runs down to the ring and evens the odds. Both Christian and Henry vacate the ring at this site.
Backstage, John Laurinaitis likes what he sees and decides to make a tag-team match between Henry & Christian VS. Cena & Sheamus. Triple H gets in Laurinaitis' face and says that he already booked that match, and to remember that HHH is his boss.
Up next is a battle of the out-spoken mouths: C.M. Punk VS. The Miz!
Commercials.
Match #2: Single - C.M. Punk VS. The Miz
Prior to the match, The Miz cuts a promo saying that he is sick of Punk's verbiage and puts himself over as only Miz does. The Miz says tonight will be an example to get attention, because he's "The Miz and he's AWWWEEEESSSOOOME!"
Lockup, Irish Whip, and shoulder-block by Punk. Cheap-shot punch by Miz which was retaliated with a stiff kick and elbow from Punk. Snap Suplex and C.M. goes to the top but is cut-off from Miz. Aggressive kicks and a running-knee from The Miz, as well as a driving DDT. 1 - 2 - Punk kicks out!
Rear-chinlock by Miz to wear down C.M. Big knee-to-the-back-of-the-head and neckbreaker for a 2 count from Miz. Great close-up of Miz's face following a huge running-clothesline in the corner. Top-rope Double Axe Handle to drop Punk. Another attempt by Miz is countered by C.M. but Miz regains control with a stiff kick to the head and rear-chinlock. Punk fights out with elbows to Miz's sides and attempts a G.T.S, which Miz wiggles out of and takes down C.M. with a Reverse DDT. Miz throws Punk shoulder-first into the ring post and ads follow.
During the break, Miz also chucked Punk into the ring post, this time face-first. Back in the ring, Punk regains control with a backdrop, kicks, and a Calf-Kick. Knee/Bulldog combination and Springboard Clothesline. A second G.T.S. attempt is countered into a Skull-Krushing Finale, which was reversed into an over-the-shoulder Snapmare and Butterfly Backbreaker from Punk.
A la the late, great "Macho Man Randy" Savage, The "Second-City Saint" delivers an elbow drop from the top-rope and goes for his third G.T.S. At this point, R-Truth runs out and both he & Miz double-team Punk, thereby getting Miz DQ'D.
Winner via Disqualification: C.M. Punk
Post match, Punk finally hits a G.T.S. on R-Truth and notices Kevin Nash walking slowly to the ring. Miz & Truth then attack again from behind, and leave Punk laying for Nash, who drops C.M. with the Jacknife Powerbomb.
Ads.
Match #3: Single - Sin Cara VS. "The All-American-American" Jack Swagger
Swagger forces Cara into the corner right away until Sin gets out with an Enziguri, Flying Armscissors, and a dropkick. Jack rolls to the outside, only to be met with an Asai Moonsault/Reverse DDT combo. Cara is in the ring and gets clotheslined by Swagger and then "Swagger-Bombed" from the corner.
Vickie Guerrero now walks and stands in the aisle, watching the match. Jack notices this. Sin lands on his feet from a Powerbomb attempt and then flips over Swagger with a Sunsetflip pin. Swagger kicks out and knocks down Cara with a shoulder-block. Another distraction for Jack is Dolph Ziggler, who walks to the ring and calls Swagger a "loser."
This allows the masked wrestler to Tornado DDT "The All-American-American" and finish him off with a Springboard Swanton/Moonsault.
Winner via Pinfall: Sin Cara
Dolph demands Vickie to the back with him, while we get a reminder of tonight's main-event.
Commercials.
Match #4: Tag-Team for the WWE Tag-Team Championship - Evan Bourne & Kofi Kingston (Champions) VS. David Otunga & Michael McGillicutty
Despite coming out separately, Kofi & Evan are apparently now named "Air-Boom." Bourne & McGillicutty lock up to start and Evan armdrags him a couple times before missing a move in the corner. McGillicutty takes over with a huge (nice) dropkick and frequent tags between David & Michael.
Bourne reverses into an almost Victory-Roll and slaps hands with Kingston, who flys around the ring with a Springboard Chop and top-rope Spinning Crossbody on McGuilicutty. "Air-Boom" double-teams Otunga by having Kofi hold Bourne's hand and shoot him over the top-rope to the outside. Kingston turns and delivers some "Trouble In Paradise" to Michael for the 1 - 2 - 3!
Winners and STILL WWE Tag-Team Champions: "Air-Boom" Kofi Kingston & Evan Bourne
Post match, "Air-Boom" celebrate and walk to the back, while Michael & Otunga take umbridge with Jerry "The King" Lawler's comments during the match. All they do is stare him down and swipe his headset off his skull.
Up next is WWE Divas Champion (who is shown in the back talking with Eve Torres) in action.
Ads.
Match #5: Single - WWE Divas Champion Kelly Kelly w/ Eve Torres VS. Brie Bella w/ Nikki Bella
They need to find more heel Divas, I'm tired of these matchups. In any case, Brie takes control early. During the bout, we are shown the "Divas Of Doom," Beth Phoenix & Natalya talking about their lack of luck with getting matches. (Maybe it has something to do with the fact that they are still dressed up in awards banquet).
Back in the ring, Kelly manages a Lou Thesz Press with mount punches, but thats' about it as The Bellas pull the switcheroo and Nikki nails "Twin Magic" (X-Factor Facebuster) to get the duke.
Winner via Pinfall: Brie Bella
Commercials.
Segment #3: Video Promo
A highlight package putting over Alex Riley is aired, recapping his start and subsequent face-turn to superstar.
Segment #4: Video Promo
The world premier trailer for Triple H's new movie "Inside Out" plays. Could be good, but I'll wait for rental/free T.V.
Match #6: Tag-Team - Mark Henry & Christian VS. Sheamus & John Cena
Sheamus and Christian begin circling around the ring. Waistlock and inside baseball slide by Christian, followed up by a slap. Christian deals out a right hand to Sheamus' taped ribs and then tags in Henry. Sheamus & Mark shove each other and Sheamus gets the better with hammering punches.
Henry just runs into Sheamus and he collapses. "The World's Strongest Man" rips the tape off Sheamus' body and tags in Christian, who stoms away in the corner and then grips the Irish wrestler with a ground-front-facelock. During this, Cena is encourging Sheamus on the apron.
Huge right hand takes down Sheamus from Henry who was tagged back in, and then switches again with Christian. Sheamus manages to counter a top-rope move from Christian into the "Irish Curse" backbreaker. Sheamus crawls slowly and slaps hands with John Cena.
Cena cleans house on Christian with his set of shoulder-blocks, a Spin-Out Backdrop, and the "5-Knuckle-Shuffle." An "Attitude Adjustment" is tried but Christian slides out and goes for a Tornado DDT. Cena throws him off and kicks Christian and slams him down with an over-the-shoulder powerslam.
Cena kicks Henry off the apron and catches Christian in another "A.A." attempt, but Christian holds onto the ropes. Still, Cena locks in the STF Submission until Henry breaks it up. Henry tries to rush Sheamus against the ropes, but Sheamus moves and Mark flies right out of the ring.
Sheamus follows with a top-rope-shoulder block, then comes back into the ring in time for a Brogue Kick to Christian, which allows Cena to drop Christian with the "Attitude Adjustment." 1 - 2 - 3!
Winners via Pinfall: Sheamus & John Cena
Backstage, Triple H is watching this match on his monitor and C.M. Punk walks in. HHH informs Punk that it his match with Kevin Nash at "Night Of Champions" is canceled. Instead, "The Straight-Edge Superstar" will be facing himself - "The Game."
The show closes with a stare-down between Punk & Triple H, as well as Cena & Sheamus celebrating in the ring.
End Of Raw.
Reporter's Rumblings - By Moe Tapp
I wasn't overly impressed with tonight's Raw, so the following opinions will definitely be leaning on the "Bogus" side more!
Excellence: Dolph Ziggler/Randy Orton & Miz/C.M. Punk - both great matches and both had great chemistry together to put on a working match with drama built in! Cena's promo with Henry and Christian - again much more adult and just "to the point." Also, I really dig Henry pretty much for the same reason.
The Alex Riley video - probably should've been done a little bit earlier when he was "hotter," but still a good production to help him get over with the fans. The main-event match for who was in it (Cena/Henry) wrestling-wise was actually decent. Sheamus is really good and over as a face too!
Bogus: The first promo with Nash/HHH/Punk - I like Punk a lot, but it's just getting to much of the same, especially the pot-shots at Stephanie. Plus, while probably the more interesting storyline (from many viewers standpoints), it should not be the focus of Raw - the WWE Championship storyline should. As stated above, not going to like the idea of everybody on Raw again. It waters the Smackdown guys because now you will see them twice a week, plus it kind of says that except for most of the main-event wrestlers, the rest of the card on Raw can't carry the show, so they need star power from the other brand. Follow?
Also as mentioned, not a fan right now of the Raw Divas, because there's only four - Kelly, Brie/Nikki, & Eve. Again, they need to change up the lineup because it's BORING seeing the same women every week wrestle each other. And, stop having Natalya/Beth do commentary backstage/via video and actually kick some butt like they said they were going to do - albeit in ring attire! The match change at "N.O.C." - I'm sure they'll come up with an intriguing enough reason, but it is way too soon for Trips to be in the ring after accepting his new job. Plus, it kind of came out of no where since HHH was trying to basically stay neutral between Punk & Nash, so why insert himself into the match if he wants to prove he has nothing to do with what has been going on the last 2 weeks? No sense, in my opinion!
No Alberto Del Rio, whatsoever. I believe he can't make a physical appearance due to Visa Issues, but couldn't they have pre-taped a quick interview for something? He is the WWE CHAMPION and should be the focal point of the show after all!
All in all, I thought just a sub-par Raw and like it was going through the motions, as the saying goes. Hopefully better next week!
Until then, Be Excellent Wrestling-Online Readers and Wrestling Fans!
Introduction Segment: Arena Promo
The show kicks off with the C.O.O of Raw, as Triple H makes his way to the ring. He says that it is job to make sure the WWE "flourishes, survives, that it thrives," and we get what we want.
To accomplish this, "The Game" announces that BOTH Raw & Smackdown Superstars will be on Raw EVERY Monday Night for the foreseeable future! (I don't like this, it may overload the show). While that is the cool part of his job, HHH claims that all the lying done by his best friend Kevin Nash lately regarding his actions with C.M. Punk are not.
He calls out "Big Sexy", but instead receives a "cult of personality." (Yea, ok, that was bad!). C.M. Punk walks out and while making his entrance, they replay the events from last week's Raw. (Check out my report to know!). Punk congratulates Triple H on a "performance", calling it "Pacino in 'Heat' level thespianism." C.M. also wants the C.O.O. to stop lying and reveal that he & Nash have been in cahoots together.
A theme music I haven't heard in about a week (I'm watching "WCW Best Of Monday Nitro" after these Raws for August) plays and Kevin Nash himself walks out to the classic nWo song. Nash confesses that he did lie because Triple H wouldn't let him do what he wanted to Punk, so he had to get "The Game" out of the building. Nash questions HHH's manhood, since he lets C.M. take shots and walk all over him.
Triple H tells Kevin that he can't be trusted anymore, and orders him to leave and not come back. Kevin acknowledges that he did lie about the car crash, but not the texts. However, he is not leaving, since John Laurinaitis signed him to a contract. HHH tells him not to cross the line again, and C.M. Punk begins making vomiting sounds.
He does this to show that he is sick of all the lying. Punk takes a couple shots of Nash's character and physical condition, but "Diesel" orders the C.O.O. to make a match between him & "The Straight-Edge Superstar" at "Night Of Champions." Following a few cheap jabs at Stephanie & HHH's relationship, Triple H grants the match and then says that he has two words for the both of them: all chant along: "suck it!"
The World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton now walks to the stage out of no where, and apparently coming up next is Champion VS. Champion, as he takes on United States Champion Dolph Ziggler.
Commercials.
Match #1: Single - World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton VS. United States Champion Dolph Ziggler w/ Vickie Guerrero (Non-Title)
Both lockup and break. Ziggler is aggressive early with punches until Orton takes him down with a strong clothesline. Big dropkick and quick cover by Dolph, for a quick two-count. A Lou Thesz Press with mount punches by Randy and a Slingshot DDT are tried, but Vickie gets on the apron to distract and break it up. On the outside, Ziggler nails the "Zig-Zag" and he climbs back into the ring to beat the 10-count. However, Orton does too and Ziggler immediately stomps away on him to send us into a break.
Returning from commercials, the U.S. Champion is slamming the World Champ's head on the steel steps outside the ring. Inside, Dolph clamps on a rear-chinlock, which Orton fights out of and then gets shoulder-blocked to the mat. Ziggler ascends the turnbuckle, but Randy punches him into a sitting position. Off the turnbuckle both fly with a top-rope Superplex. Orton covers, 1 - 2 - Ziggler kicks out! Randy now fires out and hits a few short clotheslines and snap-powerslam.
Big belly-to-belly suplex by Orton for a 2! Ziggler counters and drives Orton with a "Famasser", also for a 2! A neckbreaker is reversed into a roll-up from Orton, only for the two, but he counters a dropkick into a slingshot-in-the-corner and high backdrop neckbreaker - all for a nearfall! Orton measures Ziggler for a Punt Kick, but Dolph counters with a kick-to-the-chin (almost Sweet Chin Music-esque) and also receives a nearfall!
Orton finally nails the Slingshot DDT and gets "in the zone" for an R.K.O., but Ziggler reverses into a Sleeper Submission attempt, which is reversed into a Flapjack and final R.K.O. for the 1 - 2 - 3!
Winner via Pinfall: World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton
(Excellent match).
Post match, Jack Swagger who is watching in his locker room, is pleased with the result as Orton celebrates his victory.
Another replay of last week's events, this time with the WWE Champion Alberto Del Rio assaulting his opponent for "Night Of Champions" John Cena.
Segment #2: Backstage Promo
Josh Matthews attempts to interview Cena about last week, but Cena just pushes the microphone away and walks off camera. Matthews informs that John will go to the arena next.
Ads.
Segment #3: Arena Promo
Unlike others, Josh doesn't lie, and the #1 Contender for the WWE Champion is in the ring. Cena calls the dichotomy between the WWE Champion Alberto Del Rio's actions & words, as well as a "douchebagery!" (which was bleeped out). Cena then calls out Del Rio, but instead "gets some" with Mark Henry.
Henry wants to get some and lists his wrestlers that he has dismantled - Kane, Big Show, and Sheamus. "The World's Strongest Match" says that both Cena & whoever wins the Steel Cage match on Smackdown tomorrow (Tuesday), will join "the hall of pain" and Mark Henry will be the new World Heavyweight Champion.
One of the participants of the Cage Match interrupts, as Christian saunters to the ring. He takes the stick and tells Henry that it will be him whom he faces at "Night Of Champions." Christian then turns to Cena and says that he is sick of him, since Cena is always whining and complaining. Cena retorts by mocking Christian, and then just simply saying, "you want some, gets some, if not get gone!"
Cena throws down the mike and Christian & Mark look to double-team John until Sheamus runs down to the ring and evens the odds. Both Christian and Henry vacate the ring at this site.
Backstage, John Laurinaitis likes what he sees and decides to make a tag-team match between Henry & Christian VS. Cena & Sheamus. Triple H gets in Laurinaitis' face and says that he already booked that match, and to remember that HHH is his boss.
Up next is a battle of the out-spoken mouths: C.M. Punk VS. The Miz!
Commercials.
Match #2: Single - C.M. Punk VS. The Miz
Prior to the match, The Miz cuts a promo saying that he is sick of Punk's verbiage and puts himself over as only Miz does. The Miz says tonight will be an example to get attention, because he's "The Miz and he's AWWWEEEESSSOOOME!"
Lockup, Irish Whip, and shoulder-block by Punk. Cheap-shot punch by Miz which was retaliated with a stiff kick and elbow from Punk. Snap Suplex and C.M. goes to the top but is cut-off from Miz. Aggressive kicks and a running-knee from The Miz, as well as a driving DDT. 1 - 2 - Punk kicks out!
Rear-chinlock by Miz to wear down C.M. Big knee-to-the-back-of-the-head and neckbreaker for a 2 count from Miz. Great close-up of Miz's face following a huge running-clothesline in the corner. Top-rope Double Axe Handle to drop Punk. Another attempt by Miz is countered by C.M. but Miz regains control with a stiff kick to the head and rear-chinlock. Punk fights out with elbows to Miz's sides and attempts a G.T.S, which Miz wiggles out of and takes down C.M. with a Reverse DDT. Miz throws Punk shoulder-first into the ring post and ads follow.
During the break, Miz also chucked Punk into the ring post, this time face-first. Back in the ring, Punk regains control with a backdrop, kicks, and a Calf-Kick. Knee/Bulldog combination and Springboard Clothesline. A second G.T.S. attempt is countered into a Skull-Krushing Finale, which was reversed into an over-the-shoulder Snapmare and Butterfly Backbreaker from Punk.
A la the late, great "Macho Man Randy" Savage, The "Second-City Saint" delivers an elbow drop from the top-rope and goes for his third G.T.S. At this point, R-Truth runs out and both he & Miz double-team Punk, thereby getting Miz DQ'D.
Winner via Disqualification: C.M. Punk
Post match, Punk finally hits a G.T.S. on R-Truth and notices Kevin Nash walking slowly to the ring. Miz & Truth then attack again from behind, and leave Punk laying for Nash, who drops C.M. with the Jacknife Powerbomb.
Ads.
Match #3: Single - Sin Cara VS. "The All-American-American" Jack Swagger
Swagger forces Cara into the corner right away until Sin gets out with an Enziguri, Flying Armscissors, and a dropkick. Jack rolls to the outside, only to be met with an Asai Moonsault/Reverse DDT combo. Cara is in the ring and gets clotheslined by Swagger and then "Swagger-Bombed" from the corner.
Vickie Guerrero now walks and stands in the aisle, watching the match. Jack notices this. Sin lands on his feet from a Powerbomb attempt and then flips over Swagger with a Sunsetflip pin. Swagger kicks out and knocks down Cara with a shoulder-block. Another distraction for Jack is Dolph Ziggler, who walks to the ring and calls Swagger a "loser."
This allows the masked wrestler to Tornado DDT "The All-American-American" and finish him off with a Springboard Swanton/Moonsault.
Winner via Pinfall: Sin Cara
Dolph demands Vickie to the back with him, while we get a reminder of tonight's main-event.
Commercials.
Match #4: Tag-Team for the WWE Tag-Team Championship - Evan Bourne & Kofi Kingston (Champions) VS. David Otunga & Michael McGillicutty
Despite coming out separately, Kofi & Evan are apparently now named "Air-Boom." Bourne & McGillicutty lock up to start and Evan armdrags him a couple times before missing a move in the corner. McGillicutty takes over with a huge (nice) dropkick and frequent tags between David & Michael.
Bourne reverses into an almost Victory-Roll and slaps hands with Kingston, who flys around the ring with a Springboard Chop and top-rope Spinning Crossbody on McGuilicutty. "Air-Boom" double-teams Otunga by having Kofi hold Bourne's hand and shoot him over the top-rope to the outside. Kingston turns and delivers some "Trouble In Paradise" to Michael for the 1 - 2 - 3!
Winners and STILL WWE Tag-Team Champions: "Air-Boom" Kofi Kingston & Evan Bourne
Post match, "Air-Boom" celebrate and walk to the back, while Michael & Otunga take umbridge with Jerry "The King" Lawler's comments during the match. All they do is stare him down and swipe his headset off his skull.
Up next is WWE Divas Champion (who is shown in the back talking with Eve Torres) in action.
Ads.
Match #5: Single - WWE Divas Champion Kelly Kelly w/ Eve Torres VS. Brie Bella w/ Nikki Bella
They need to find more heel Divas, I'm tired of these matchups. In any case, Brie takes control early. During the bout, we are shown the "Divas Of Doom," Beth Phoenix & Natalya talking about their lack of luck with getting matches. (Maybe it has something to do with the fact that they are still dressed up in awards banquet).
Back in the ring, Kelly manages a Lou Thesz Press with mount punches, but thats' about it as The Bellas pull the switcheroo and Nikki nails "Twin Magic" (X-Factor Facebuster) to get the duke.
Winner via Pinfall: Brie Bella
Commercials.
Segment #3: Video Promo
A highlight package putting over Alex Riley is aired, recapping his start and subsequent face-turn to superstar.
Segment #4: Video Promo
The world premier trailer for Triple H's new movie "Inside Out" plays. Could be good, but I'll wait for rental/free T.V.
Match #6: Tag-Team - Mark Henry & Christian VS. Sheamus & John Cena
Sheamus and Christian begin circling around the ring. Waistlock and inside baseball slide by Christian, followed up by a slap. Christian deals out a right hand to Sheamus' taped ribs and then tags in Henry. Sheamus & Mark shove each other and Sheamus gets the better with hammering punches.
Henry just runs into Sheamus and he collapses. "The World's Strongest Man" rips the tape off Sheamus' body and tags in Christian, who stoms away in the corner and then grips the Irish wrestler with a ground-front-facelock. During this, Cena is encourging Sheamus on the apron.
Huge right hand takes down Sheamus from Henry who was tagged back in, and then switches again with Christian. Sheamus manages to counter a top-rope move from Christian into the "Irish Curse" backbreaker. Sheamus crawls slowly and slaps hands with John Cena.
Cena cleans house on Christian with his set of shoulder-blocks, a Spin-Out Backdrop, and the "5-Knuckle-Shuffle." An "Attitude Adjustment" is tried but Christian slides out and goes for a Tornado DDT. Cena throws him off and kicks Christian and slams him down with an over-the-shoulder powerslam.
Cena kicks Henry off the apron and catches Christian in another "A.A." attempt, but Christian holds onto the ropes. Still, Cena locks in the STF Submission until Henry breaks it up. Henry tries to rush Sheamus against the ropes, but Sheamus moves and Mark flies right out of the ring.
Sheamus follows with a top-rope-shoulder block, then comes back into the ring in time for a Brogue Kick to Christian, which allows Cena to drop Christian with the "Attitude Adjustment." 1 - 2 - 3!
Winners via Pinfall: Sheamus & John Cena
Backstage, Triple H is watching this match on his monitor and C.M. Punk walks in. HHH informs Punk that it his match with Kevin Nash at "Night Of Champions" is canceled. Instead, "The Straight-Edge Superstar" will be facing himself - "The Game."
The show closes with a stare-down between Punk & Triple H, as well as Cena & Sheamus celebrating in the ring.
End Of Raw.
Reporter's Rumblings - By Moe Tapp
I wasn't overly impressed with tonight's Raw, so the following opinions will definitely be leaning on the "Bogus" side more!
Excellence: Dolph Ziggler/Randy Orton & Miz/C.M. Punk - both great matches and both had great chemistry together to put on a working match with drama built in! Cena's promo with Henry and Christian - again much more adult and just "to the point." Also, I really dig Henry pretty much for the same reason.
The Alex Riley video - probably should've been done a little bit earlier when he was "hotter," but still a good production to help him get over with the fans. The main-event match for who was in it (Cena/Henry) wrestling-wise was actually decent. Sheamus is really good and over as a face too!
Bogus: The first promo with Nash/HHH/Punk - I like Punk a lot, but it's just getting to much of the same, especially the pot-shots at Stephanie. Plus, while probably the more interesting storyline (from many viewers standpoints), it should not be the focus of Raw - the WWE Championship storyline should. As stated above, not going to like the idea of everybody on Raw again. It waters the Smackdown guys because now you will see them twice a week, plus it kind of says that except for most of the main-event wrestlers, the rest of the card on Raw can't carry the show, so they need star power from the other brand. Follow?
Also as mentioned, not a fan right now of the Raw Divas, because there's only four - Kelly, Brie/Nikki, & Eve. Again, they need to change up the lineup because it's BORING seeing the same women every week wrestle each other. And, stop having Natalya/Beth do commentary backstage/via video and actually kick some butt like they said they were going to do - albeit in ring attire! The match change at "N.O.C." - I'm sure they'll come up with an intriguing enough reason, but it is way too soon for Trips to be in the ring after accepting his new job. Plus, it kind of came out of no where since HHH was trying to basically stay neutral between Punk & Nash, so why insert himself into the match if he wants to prove he has nothing to do with what has been going on the last 2 weeks? No sense, in my opinion!
No Alberto Del Rio, whatsoever. I believe he can't make a physical appearance due to Visa Issues, but couldn't they have pre-taped a quick interview for something? He is the WWE CHAMPION and should be the focal point of the show after all!
All in all, I thought just a sub-par Raw and like it was going through the motions, as the saying goes. Hopefully better next week!
Until then, Be Excellent Wrestling-Online Readers and Wrestling Fans!
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