Monday Night Raw T.V. Report for 04/04/2011

Reported by Earnest I Aguilar

Same Raw state, different Raw arena, same Raw time! That is what is going down tonight for Monday Night Raw, live in Atlanta, Georgia, again, only this time in the Philips Arena. Introduction Segment: Arena Promo The Raw video/song & pyro is back as the new "year" for WWE, the night after Wrestlemania, begins. Another person who is back - the real voice of the WWE as Jim Ross welcomes the WWE Universe to the show, as does Jerry "The King" Lawler, who is sitting beside J.R. on commentary. They inform us that John Cena will be calling out The Rock tonight. It's time to play the game! Triple H makes his usual entrance to cheers from the Hot-Lanta crowd. He also receives "you tapped out" chants from the people too. HHH says he is feeling the most beatup ever and recaps his brutal match with The Undertaker. Trips puts over The Undertaker and his Wrestlemania streak, saying The Phenom will keep fighting to keep his streak perfectly intact. The Game is still struggling with the willpower of The Undertaker and his ability to take the punishment he did 24 hours ago. Triple H then sincerely thanks The Undertaker for the fight of his life, and when he's back Triple H will be waiting. As Triple H walks out of the arena to ovations, J.R. says that Michael Cole may come out and challenge Lawlwer to another match. Commerical. Segment #1: Arena Promo While Jerry saying that he is happy with his Wrestlemania, his opponent walks out, still in his amateur-wrestler ring gear, and reminds us that he actually did defeat "The King" and is now 1 - 0, thereby claiming himself to be "Mr. Wrestlemania." (That's right, move over Shawn - yea, right!) Lawler tells Cole to shut his mouth and says that it was really a "stupid computer that beat me!" In the records, Michael Cole may be a winner, but he will be forever known as a "worthless jackass!" (Jerry's words). Michael retorts that it was because of Stone Cold mandhandling Lawler, who then took advantage. He is a better athlete and a better man. Cole proposes a rematch, to which Lawler accepts, however it is actually against Jack Swagger from last week's Raw. Jack foolows Cole to the ring and it's on! Match #1: Single - Jerry "The King" Lawler VS. Jack Swagger Highlights: - Jack Swagger corners Jerry Lawler with punches but Jerry counters with some of his own - Overhead powerslam by Swagger - Missed legdrop by Swagger - Jack goes for his patented corner-springboard-splash but finds the mat again - Cole (who was at ringside) distracts Lawler enough for Swagger to lock in the Anke-Lock submission - Lawler taps out! Winner via Submission: Jack Swagger Postmatch, Swagger does not let go of the hold, so referee Jack Doan tells Justin Roberts to reverse the decision. Winner via Disqualification: Jerry "The King" Lawler Upset, Cole goes to his "fortress of Cole-itude" (thanks Dad for that one!) and finds J.R.'s Bar-B-Que sauce in there. Thinking it's a joke, Cole sprays it all over Jim's grey suit and face. Ross gets up and chases Cole out of the arena. Ads. Well, that's a shame. Michael Cole is back on commentary in his "booth" (by the way, which is taped up with police caution tape following the destruction of it last night at Wrestlemania), as well as Josh Matthews & Booker T. Match #2: Tag-Team - Randy Orton & Rey Mysterio VS. Cody Rhodes & C.M. Punk Highlights: - The former "Legacy" members start out as Randy Orton & Cody Rhodes stare each other down before engaging in a headlock - Cody stomps away in the corner but gets caught in a Lou Thesz press by Orton - Tag to Rey brings in the high-flyer. He tries to tear off the protective mask of Rhodes but Cody rolls out of the ring to bring a commercial break - Rhodes is still in the ring but we see Randy is taking control again. Snapmare into a knee drop by Orton for 1-count. Tag to Rey - Drop of the Dime springboard legdrop by Mysterio for only a 2-count! - The scarred one manages to tag in C.M. Punk, who uses Cody to double-team Rey with a double-elbow - Mysterio counters a suplex into a small package for a 2! - Orton back in and goes back and forth with his previous protege - Rhodes gets Orton into the corner, and C.M. Punk trips him up. He gets slapped in the ring and stomps away on a fallen Randy - Punk tries for the Go To Sleep fireman's carry knee-buster but Randall tries for an R.K.O. Niether execute and C.M. gets control again for another ad break - The two rivals are stil going at it, with Randy scoring a back-body-drop and hot-tags Myterio - Rey flys in and nails some impressive moves - He tries for the 619, but Cody intercepts with a springboard knee-to-the-face. Punk covers, 1-2- kickout by Mysterio! - Rey counters a Powerbomb attempt by Punk into a Hurricanrana to the corner turnbuckle - Randy gets the tag and cleans out the ring, including hitting a middle-rope DDT on Rhodes - An Olympic Slam by Orotn but still only a two-count on Rhodes! - Rey dumps Punk out of the ring then nails Rhodes with the 619 this time, who turns around into an R.K.O. by the Viper! - 1 - 2 - 3! Winners via Pinfall: Rey Mysterio & Randy Orton Stone Cold is walking backstage and comes across Triple H. He tells him if it happens again, Steve Austin will be there to watch another round of HHH VS. Undertaker. Ads. Segment #2: Video Promo More Sin Cara footage airs and please dude, show up now! Segment #3: Arena Promo "Oh hell yeah!" Austin plugs the new Tough Enough show/season (which I won't get right now in Canada - hello "Score" bring it here please!). The contestants come out to some really bad hip-hop/pop music. As per usual, with Steve putting over the riggers of the show, every statment he says ends a in "What?" from the crowd. The 3:16 man passes the microphone around for the new kids to tell us who they are and what they are about. Nothing thrilling is said other than there name and where they were from. A couple put themselves over, but not really well. AWESOME! Not the new dudes and dudettes, but the WWE Champion The Miz interrupts this. He reminds us about his start on Tough Enough in 2004, which doesn't matter anymore because he is the man now with the WWE Championship and it was his headlining match at Wrestlemania that matters now. He tells the crew to look at his WWE title, because that's the closest he'll ever get. Inticing Stone Cold as well, The Miz inquires if he has one more run and asks for "one-more-match" (as does the crowd). Stone Cold complies and the Tough Enough rookies clear the ring, while Alex Riley beats down Austin from behind. The toughest S.O.B. in the WWE proves why he is as he mounts a comeback, literately with the Lou Thesz and a Stone Cold Stunner to A-Ry. The Miz is staring down Stone Cold at the top of the ramp, while all the Tough Enoughs get Steveweisers tossed to them for a celebration, which included Steve pouring two brewskys all over Cole's mine! Ads. Match #3: Single - Evan Bourne VS. Alberto Del Rio That's right, crossover time again and Evan has no entrance, as oppose to Alberto who is introduced by Ricardo Rodriguez (sans car). (You know the routine!) Highlights - Alberto stares down Bourne and just wants to tear through, which he does via choking him in the corner - Del Rio continues the assault on the outside, throwing Bourne into the barricade and grounding him on the mat with a reverse chinlock - Evan getws a comeback withh a unique roll-up, knee-to-the-face, and another different pin combo, but all for a 2! - Bourne tries for his "Air-Bourne" Shooting Star Press but gets caught with an Enziguri by Alberto, who then locks in his Cross-Armbar submission - Evan taps out quickly! Winner via Submission (for real!): Alberto Del Rio Alberto looks happy again as another commerical break occurs. Segment #4: Wrestlemania Recap Video Promos air for the events that led up to the "Granddaddy Of Them All" from all of last week. Segment #5: Arena Promo Excuse her! Vickie Guerrero and Dolph Ziggler enter Atlanta. She blames Laycool for their loss the previous night and Dolph asks John Morrison and Trish Stratus for a rematch. Ads. Match #4: Mixed Tag-Team - Vickie Guerrero & Dolph Ziggler VS. John Morrison & Trish Stratus Highlights: - John Morrison & Dolph Ziggler begin (who should've had a match all to themselves at 'Mania) - Punches by Ziggler to ground Morrison commence - John picks up Dolph into the corner and hammers away with punches of his own - After a bit of contemplation, Ziggler tags in Vickie, so Triswh Stratus is forced to come in due to the rules - Vickie attemps (and I use that word lightly!) a cartwheel - Matrix duck by Trish and a quick rollup for a no count - The women get into more or less of a catfight before Vickie actually controls by slamming Stratus' head on the mat. An actual pin attempt by Guerrero but only for a quick 2! - They switch partners and it's the men again, who provide the real wrestling action - Clotheslines and flying calf-kicks by the "Monday Night Delight" - Flashkick is ducked by Ziggler who chucks Morrison with a flip-over German Suplex. Covers for 1 - 2 - breakup! - Trish saves the pin and slaps Dolph, who gets nailed with the Flashkick and a Starship Pain Moonsault to get the 1 - 2 - 3 by The Guru of Greatness! Winners via Pinfall: Trish Stratus & John Morrison Commericals. Match #5: Single for the WWE United States Championship - Sheamus (Champion) VS. Daniel Bryan (Challenger) (Note: This was pulled from the Wrestlemania card last night, which was very unfortunate/stupid and you'll see why with the match highlights) Highlights: - Hammerlock by Daniel Bryan, but Sheamus backs him into the corner and runs at Bryan with a vicious double ax handle smash - Sheamus ties Daniel in the ropes and slaps away at his chest with closed fists - A great camera shot of Sheamus' cocky smirk shows that Sheamus knows how to act like a heel in a match - Tilt-a-whirl backbreaker by Sheamus. 1 - 2 - kickout! (very close!) - Bryan struggles out of a armlock/chinlock submission and begins to kick away at Sheamus and dish out a few clotheslines too - Running calf-kick and a cover by Bryan. 1 - 2 - kickout! - Bryan counters into a Labell Lock submission attempt. Sheamus powers out and gives Bryan another backbreaker and follows up with the Brogue boot-to-the-face. - 1 - 2 - 3! Sheamus wins! Winner & Still United States Champion via Pinfall: Sheamus Postmatch, Sheamus continues the beatdown on Bryan until, yes my request came true! Sin Cara's music plays (a drum-beating type with hyms) and he runs into the ring and hits Sheamus immediately with many of his patented lucha libre moves, including a beautful perfect top-rope plancha. Sheamus looks shocked as he just got owned by the Mexican superstar, who stares down the U.S. Champ and soaks in adoration from the crowd atop the ramp. Up next, the confrontation between The Rock & John Cena (again)! Segment #6: Arena Promo John Cena does arrive first to another mix of cheers & boos. As usual, he takes it in stride and plays to the people. Cena doesn't mention The Rock by name yet (only calling him a "certain someone") and still won't complain about his loss at Wrestlemania. Instead, he congratulates The Miz on his success to walk in and out the WWE Champion at Wrestlemania. He puts over The Miz and says he's got respect now. (Good, because The Miz was way overshadowed last night, which he can't afford. This should help). Cena talks about that "certain someone" again. John officially calls out The Rock. If ya smell....The most electrifying man in Sports Entertainment answers and gives the crowd his poses before taking the microphone. "Fruity Pebbles" chants envelope the arena. The Rock says that Cena should've expected the payback and The Rock does it better than anybody because the people love it. The Rock tells Cena that he does respect Cena and knows that John lives and breathes WWE, along with his many accomplishments and accolades. However, it doesn't change that The Rock doesn't like him. They trade cheap-shots about clothes (Tooth Fairy & Baby Gap remarks) and then Cena says the talking is done and it's time for the match between The Rock & John Cena. He compares other sports figures to this matchup and this is what the people want. John Cena has no idea what he asked for because The Rock will bring it and make history. The biggest matchup of all time, on the grandest stage of all time - Wrestlemania XXVIII. The Rock will have the millions (cue the crowd) and millions behind him at the biggest crowd - the people's Wrestlemania, if ya smell what The Rock is cooking. The Rock offers his hand for a shake agreement, which Cena takes hard and stares him down. The two icons continue the looks before The Corre comes out and tries to take them out. Cena & The Rock dismantle the Smackdown gang with the 5-Knuckle-Shuffle fistdrop and The People's Elbow elbow drop, Attitude Adjustment and Rock Bottom. John Cena & The Rock clasp hands again and gaze at each other with Raw going off the air. Reporter's Ramblings - By Moe Tapp Much like Wrestlemania XXVII, this was an alright Raw and some highs/lows went along with it. Of course, the #1 high was the fact that they had 5 matches and they were all actually really good. The best of them was the tag match with Orton/Mysterio VS. Punk/Rhodes. They continued to tell a great story with their individual feuds in that match and I believe these four can work great together. Only nitpick was Cody eating the R.K.O. after a big Wrestlemania win - should've ended in DQ or have Punk take the fall. Cody needed/needs to stay strong with his new character, which he is playing perfectly. Most of the promos were well done, except for anything involving Michael Cole. I think after Wrestlemania, I'm tired of the feud and disappointed that he is still a commentator since it just doesn't work with the character. He should be a manager and only that at this point. And J.R. should be back behind announcing desk! The short interaction with Triple H and Stone Cold was cool - nice to them "move on" and acknowledge one another for their accomplishments while now realizing it's time to step aside and let the new/current crew take over. My big low for the night was the ending - while I liked The Rock/John Cena promo and thought was geniuine, it made absolutely positively no sense for The Corre to come out and attack the two wrestlers. They just should've ended Raw with the handshake and stare down - that's a moment unto itself. Plus, The Corre looks very weak now after a Wrestlemania jobbing basically and a whooping by the two bigger stars tonight. Again, The Rock/Cena should've ended it alone. The last part I really liked about Raw was Sin Cara's debut. It was just straight up show up, beatdown who he chose to (in this case U.S. Champ Sheamus) and leave the crowd pleased. Keep It Simple Stupid and now intriguing to see this new feud and superstar. All in all, an average Raw tonight but I think I'm worn from all the hype to 'Mania and the event itself, so there wasn't anything overly special, sans the annoucement of The Rock VS. John Cena at Wrestlemania XXVIII - which was expected anyway. Very interesting to see how they pull this off and for how long they have interactions for. One more addition: a triva question Who could possibly be the biggest star in wrestling EVER and not be in the Hall Of Fame yet? (Credit to my Dad for stumping me with this one). The answer in 7 days! That's it for the first Raw of April, so as always, Be Excellent Wrestling-Online readers and WWE Fans!

Same Raw state, different Raw arena, same Raw time! That is what is going down tonight for Monday Night Raw, live in Atlanta, Georgia, again, only this time in the Philips Arena.


Introduction Segment: Arena Promo

The Raw video/song & pyro is back as the new "year" for WWE, the night after Wrestlemania, begins. Another person who is back - the real voice of the WWE as Jim Ross welcomes the WWE Universe to the show, as does Jerry "The King" Lawler, who is sitting beside J.R. on commentary. They inform us that John Cena will be calling out The Rock tonight.

It's time to play the game! Triple H makes his usual entrance to cheers from the Hot-Lanta crowd. He also receives "you tapped out" chants from the people too. HHH says he is feeling the most beatup ever and recaps his brutal match with The Undertaker. Trips puts over The Undertaker and his Wrestlemania streak, saying The Phenom will keep fighting to keep his streak perfectly intact. The Game is still struggling with the willpower of The Undertaker and his ability to take the punishment he did 24 hours ago. Triple H then sincerely thanks The Undertaker for the fight of his life, and when he's back Triple H will be waiting.

As Triple H walks out of the arena to ovations, J.R. says that Michael Cole may come out and challenge Lawlwer to another match.


Commerical.


Segment #1: Arena Promo

While Jerry saying that he is happy with his Wrestlemania, his opponent walks out, still in his amateur-wrestler ring gear, and reminds us that he actually did defeat "The King" and is now 1 - 0, thereby claiming himself to be "Mr. Wrestlemania." (That's right, move over Shawn - yea, right!)

Lawler tells Cole to shut his mouth and says that it was really a "stupid computer that beat me!" In the records, Michael Cole may be a winner, but he will be forever known as a "worthless jackass!" (Jerry's words).

Michael retorts that it was because of Stone Cold mandhandling Lawler, who then took advantage. He is a better athlete and a better man. Cole proposes a rematch, to which Lawler accepts, however it is actually against Jack Swagger from last week's Raw. Jack foolows Cole to the ring and it's on!


Match #1: Single - Jerry "The King" Lawler VS. Jack Swagger

Highlights:

- Jack Swagger corners Jerry Lawler with punches but Jerry counters with some of his own
- Overhead powerslam by Swagger
- Missed legdrop by Swagger
- Jack goes for his patented corner-springboard-splash but finds the mat again
- Cole (who was at ringside) distracts Lawler enough for Swagger to lock in the Anke-Lock submission
- Lawler taps out!

Winner via Submission: Jack Swagger

Postmatch, Swagger does not let go of the hold, so referee Jack Doan tells Justin Roberts to reverse the decision.

Winner via Disqualification: Jerry "The King" Lawler

Upset, Cole goes to his "fortress of Cole-itude" (thanks Dad for that one!) and finds J.R.'s Bar-B-Que sauce in there. Thinking it's a joke, Cole sprays it all over Jim's grey suit and face. Ross gets up and chases Cole out of the arena.

Ads.


Well, that's a shame. Michael Cole is back on commentary in his "booth" (by the way, which is taped up with police caution tape following the destruction of it last night at Wrestlemania), as well as Josh Matthews & Booker T.


Match #2: Tag-Team - Randy Orton & Rey Mysterio VS. Cody Rhodes & C.M. Punk

Highlights:

- The former "Legacy" members start out as Randy Orton & Cody Rhodes stare each other down before engaging in a headlock
- Cody stomps away in the corner but gets caught in a Lou Thesz press by Orton
- Tag to Rey brings in the high-flyer. He tries to tear off the protective mask of Rhodes but Cody rolls out of the ring to bring a commercial break
- Rhodes is still in the ring but we see Randy is taking control again. Snapmare into a knee drop by Orton for 1-count. Tag to Rey
- Drop of the Dime springboard legdrop by Mysterio for only a 2-count!
- The scarred one manages to tag in C.M. Punk, who uses Cody to double-team Rey with a double-elbow
- Mysterio counters a suplex into a small package for a 2!
- Orton back in and goes back and forth with his previous protege
- Rhodes gets Orton into the corner, and C.M. Punk trips him up. He gets slapped in the ring and stomps away on a fallen Randy
- Punk tries for the Go To Sleep fireman's carry knee-buster but Randall tries for an R.K.O. Niether execute and C.M. gets
control again for another ad break
- The two rivals are stil going at it, with Randy scoring a back-body-drop and hot-tags Myterio
- Rey flys in and nails some impressive moves
- He tries for the 619, but Cody intercepts with a springboard knee-to-the-face. Punk covers, 1-2- kickout by Mysterio!
- Rey counters a Powerbomb attempt by Punk into a Hurricanrana to the corner turnbuckle
- Randy gets the tag and cleans out the ring, including hitting a middle-rope DDT on Rhodes
- An Olympic Slam by Orotn but still only a two-count on Rhodes!
- Rey dumps Punk out of the ring then nails Rhodes with the 619 this time, who turns around into an R.K.O. by the Viper!
- 1 - 2 - 3!

Winners via Pinfall: Rey Mysterio & Randy Orton

Stone Cold is walking backstage and comes across Triple H. He tells him if it happens again, Steve Austin will be there to watch another round of HHH VS. Undertaker.


Ads.


Segment #2: Video Promo

More Sin Cara footage airs and please dude, show up now!


Segment #3: Arena Promo

"Oh hell yeah!" Austin plugs the new Tough Enough show/season (which I won't get right now in Canada - hello "Score" bring it here please!). The contestants come out to some really bad hip-hop/pop music. As per usual, with Steve putting over the riggers of the show, every statment he says ends a in "What?" from the crowd. The 3:16 man passes the microphone around for the new kids to tell us who they are and what they are about. Nothing thrilling is said other than there name and where they were from. A couple put themselves over, but not really well.

AWESOME! Not the new dudes and dudettes, but the WWE Champion The Miz interrupts this. He reminds us about his start on Tough Enough in 2004, which doesn't matter anymore because he is the man now with the WWE Championship and it was his headlining match at Wrestlemania that matters now. He tells the crew to look at his WWE title, because that's the closest he'll ever get.

Inticing Stone Cold as well, The Miz inquires if he has one more run and asks for "one-more-match" (as does the crowd). Stone Cold complies and the Tough Enough rookies clear the ring, while Alex Riley beats down Austin from behind. The toughest S.O.B. in the WWE proves why he is as he mounts a comeback, literately with the Lou Thesz and a Stone Cold Stunner to A-Ry. The Miz is staring down Stone Cold at the top of the ramp, while all the Tough Enoughs get Steveweisers tossed to them for a celebration, which included Steve pouring two brewskys all over Cole's mine!


Ads.


Match #3: Single - Evan Bourne VS. Alberto Del Rio

That's right, crossover time again and Evan has no entrance, as oppose to Alberto who is introduced by Ricardo Rodriguez (sans car). (You know the routine!)

Highlights

- Alberto stares down Bourne and just wants to tear through, which he does via choking him in the corner
- Del Rio continues the assault on the outside, throwing Bourne into the barricade and grounding him on the mat with a
reverse chinlock
- Evan getws a comeback withh a unique roll-up, knee-to-the-face, and another different pin combo, but all for a 2!
- Bourne tries for his "Air-Bourne" Shooting Star Press but gets caught with an Enziguri by Alberto, who then locks in his
Cross-Armbar submission
- Evan taps out quickly!

Winner via Submission (for real!): Alberto Del Rio

Alberto looks happy again as another commerical break occurs.


Segment #4: Wrestlemania Recap Video

Promos air for the events that led up to the "Granddaddy Of Them All" from all of last week.


Segment #5: Arena Promo

Excuse her! Vickie Guerrero and Dolph Ziggler enter Atlanta. She blames Laycool for their loss the previous night and Dolph asks John Morrison and Trish Stratus for a rematch.


Ads.


Match #4: Mixed Tag-Team - Vickie Guerrero & Dolph Ziggler VS. John Morrison & Trish Stratus

Highlights:

- John Morrison & Dolph Ziggler begin (who should've had a match all to themselves at 'Mania)
- Punches by Ziggler to ground Morrison commence
- John picks up Dolph into the corner and hammers away with punches of his own
- After a bit of contemplation, Ziggler tags in Vickie, so Triswh Stratus is forced to come in due to the rules
- Vickie attemps (and I use that word lightly!) a cartwheel
- Matrix duck by Trish and a quick rollup for a no count
- The women get into more or less of a catfight before Vickie actually controls by slamming Stratus' head on the mat. An actual pin attempt by Guerrero but only for a quick 2!
- They switch partners and it's the men again, who provide the real wrestling action
- Clotheslines and flying calf-kicks by the "Monday Night Delight"
- Flashkick is ducked by Ziggler who chucks Morrison with a flip-over German Suplex. Covers for 1 - 2 - breakup!
- Trish saves the pin and slaps Dolph, who gets nailed with the Flashkick and a Starship Pain Moonsault to get the 1 - 2 - 3 by The Guru of Greatness!

Winners via Pinfall: Trish Stratus & John Morrison


Commericals.


Match #5: Single for the WWE United States Championship - Sheamus (Champion) VS. Daniel Bryan (Challenger)

(Note: This was pulled from the Wrestlemania card last night, which was very unfortunate/stupid and you'll see why with the match highlights)

Highlights:

- Hammerlock by Daniel Bryan, but Sheamus backs him into the corner and runs at Bryan with a vicious double ax handle smash
- Sheamus ties Daniel in the ropes and slaps away at his chest with closed fists
- A great camera shot of Sheamus' cocky smirk shows that Sheamus knows how to act like a heel in a match
- Tilt-a-whirl backbreaker by Sheamus. 1 - 2 - kickout! (very close!)
- Bryan struggles out of a armlock/chinlock submission and begins to kick away at Sheamus and dish out a few clotheslines too
- Running calf-kick and a cover by Bryan. 1 - 2 - kickout!
- Bryan counters into a Labell Lock submission attempt. Sheamus powers out and gives Bryan another backbreaker and follows up with the Brogue boot-to-the-face.
- 1 - 2 - 3! Sheamus wins!

Winner & Still United States Champion via Pinfall: Sheamus

Postmatch, Sheamus continues the beatdown on Bryan until, yes my request came true! Sin Cara's music plays (a drum-beating type with hyms) and he runs into the ring and hits Sheamus immediately with many of his patented lucha libre moves, including a beautful perfect top-rope plancha. Sheamus looks shocked as he just got owned by the Mexican superstar, who stares down the U.S. Champ and soaks in adoration from the crowd atop the ramp.

Up next, the confrontation between The Rock & John Cena (again)!


Segment #6: Arena Promo

John Cena does arrive first to another mix of cheers & boos. As usual, he takes it in stride and plays to the people. Cena doesn't mention The Rock by name yet (only calling him a "certain someone") and still won't complain about his loss at Wrestlemania. Instead, he congratulates The Miz on his success to walk in and out the WWE Champion at Wrestlemania. He puts over The Miz and says he's got respect now. (Good, because The Miz was way overshadowed last night, which he can't afford. This should help).

Cena talks about that "certain someone" again. John officially calls out The Rock. If ya smell....The most electrifying man in Sports Entertainment answers and gives the crowd his poses before taking the microphone. "Fruity Pebbles" chants envelope the arena.

The Rock says that Cena should've expected the payback and The Rock does it better than anybody because the people love it. The Rock tells Cena that he does respect Cena and knows that John lives and breathes WWE, along with his many accomplishments and accolades. However, it doesn't change that The Rock doesn't like him. They trade cheap-shots about clothes (Tooth Fairy & Baby Gap remarks) and then Cena says the talking is done and it's time for the match between The Rock & John Cena. He compares other sports figures to this matchup and this is what the people want.

John Cena has no idea what he asked for because The Rock will bring it and make history. The biggest matchup of all time, on the grandest stage of all time - Wrestlemania XXVIII. The Rock will have the millions (cue the crowd) and millions behind him at the biggest crowd - the people's Wrestlemania, if ya smell what The Rock is cooking.

The Rock offers his hand for a shake agreement, which Cena takes hard and stares him down. The two icons continue the looks before The Corre comes out and tries to take them out. Cena & The Rock dismantle the Smackdown gang with the 5-Knuckle-Shuffle fistdrop and The People's Elbow elbow drop, Attitude Adjustment and Rock Bottom. John Cena & The Rock clasp hands again and gaze at each other with Raw going off the air.


Reporter's Ramblings - By Moe Tapp

Much like Wrestlemania XXVII, this was an alright Raw and some highs/lows went along with it.

Of course, the #1 high was the fact that they had 5 matches and they were all actually really good. The best of them was the tag match with Orton/Mysterio VS. Punk/Rhodes. They continued to tell a great story with their individual feuds in that match and I believe these four can work great together. Only nitpick was Cody eating the R.K.O. after a big Wrestlemania win - should've ended in DQ or have Punk take the fall. Cody needed/needs to stay strong with his new character, which he is playing perfectly.

Most of the promos were well done, except for anything involving Michael Cole. I think after Wrestlemania, I'm tired of the feud and disappointed that he is still a commentator since it just doesn't work with the character. He should be a manager and only that at this point. And J.R. should be back behind announcing desk!

The short interaction with Triple H and Stone Cold was cool - nice to them "move on" and acknowledge one another for their accomplishments while now realizing it's time to step aside and let the new/current crew take over.

My big low for the night was the ending - while I liked The Rock/John Cena promo and thought was geniuine, it made absolutely positively no sense for The Corre to come out and attack the two wrestlers. They just should've ended Raw with the handshake and stare down - that's a moment unto itself. Plus, The Corre looks very weak now after a Wrestlemania jobbing basically and a whooping by the two bigger stars tonight. Again, The Rock/Cena should've ended it alone.

The last part I really liked about Raw was Sin Cara's debut. It was just straight up show up, beatdown who he chose to (in this case U.S. Champ Sheamus) and leave the crowd pleased. Keep It Simple Stupid and now intriguing to see this new feud and superstar.

All in all, an average Raw tonight but I think I'm worn from all the hype to 'Mania and the event itself, so there wasn't anything overly special, sans the annoucement of The Rock VS. John Cena at Wrestlemania XXVIII - which was expected anyway. Very interesting to see how they pull this off and for how long they have interactions for.


One more addition: a triva question

Who could possibly be the biggest star in wrestling EVER and not be in the Hall Of Fame yet? (Credit to my Dad for stumping me with this one). The answer in 7 days!


That's it for the first Raw of April, so as always, Be Excellent Wrestling-Online readers and WWE Fans!