WWE RAW opens up with a recap of The Shield's reign of terror in WWE and their confrontation with John Cena, Sheamus & Ryback last week. Plus - The Rock is in the house.
In the arena, Paul Heyman is in the ring and introduces himself. He says this is not how he envisioned things going down - but it's something he feels compelled to do. He says - tonight is the last time we're ever going to see Paul Heyman. He may be a lot of things, but he'll never play the victim. Everything he's ever done, it's been with great passion and with great sacrifice. He admits that his passions usually end up betraying him. He's sacrificed everything to give the fans ECW, he came to WWE for Brock Lesnar's first run and more recently, he saw a man that could carry WWE into the future and even surpass Bruno Sammartino's legacy - CM Punk. He can see the future - and something really bad is going to happen here, not just to him, but onto everybody around him, including CM Punk. Paul gets emotional as he said Punk needs to be focused and he's become a distraction for Punk. The sins of the mentor will befall upon his protege - and he can't let that happen. For that reason, he must tender his resignation. He can't believe the fans aren't upset to see him go - and he says he won't miss them either. Punk needs to be focused on becoming WWE Champion again, he loves Punk and he needs to leave so Punk can fulfill his destiny.
CM Punk's music hits and out comes the former WWE Champion. Punk enters the ring and pleads with Heyman, asking, "What are you doing?" Heyman says he's in his way and Vince McMahon thinks he paid The Shield and Brad Maddox to interfere on Punk's behalf. Vince thinks Paul had something to do with Brock Lesnar attacking him. Punk says he won't allow Heyman to quit. Punk says everybody looks up to Heyman, just like he does. Heyman says Vince McMahon is going to make their lives hell and he needs to leave. Punk says he won't allow Heyman to leave. This Sunday will be the 455th day of his WWE title reign and Paul Heyman will be in his corner this Sunday when he regains what is rightfully his. Heyman's face lights up. Heyman says Punk is right. Punk will win the WWE title this weekend and the two embrace in an emotional hug. Paul looks to the sky and says "thank you" as he tells CM Punk that he's the Best in the World. Jerry Lawler says Paul Heyman was just trying to upstage the Pope by quitting. Considering CM Punk's comments about the Pope today, maybe that wasn't the best comparison!
Later tonight - WWE Champion The Rock will address the WWE Universe.
Backstage, we see Mark Henry walking to the ring to induct someone into the Hall of Pain next.
Back from commercial, Great Khali is dancing in the ring with Natalya & Hornswoggle.
Mark Henry vs. Great Khali
Footgae is shown of Mark Henry's return last week and his destruction of multiple superstars on RAW and Friday's SmackDown. Khali surprisingly gets the upper hand early on and throws Mark Henry into the corner and goes to work on him. It doesn't take long for Mark Henry to take control, drop Khali with a clothesline and deliver an impressive powerslam for the win in around 2 minutes. Henry leaves the ring, but then returns and delivers a powerslam to Hornswoggle. The crowd chants, "1 more time!"
Winner: Mark Henry:
Friday night on SmackDown, Mark Henry takes on Randy Orton in the battle of former World Heavyweight Champions.
Later tonight, Elimination Chamber partners John Cena, Ryback and Sheamus will take on the team of 3MB.
Backstage, Teddy Long is talking to Booker T as Chris Jericho interrupts them. Jericho says he's a former World Heavyweight champion, he's been in more Elimination Chamber matches than anybody in history and it makes good business sense to allow him to participate him in the Elimination Chamber match this Sunday. Booker says everybody has had to earn their way into the match. Teddy Long whispers an idea into Booker T's ear and he says the idea sucks. Booker T says Jericho has to wrestle Daniel Bryan tonight - and if he wins, he's in the match. Jericho says Daniel Bryan's good and has a great beard. Jericho says he accepts and says this Sunday, he'll be the 7-time, 7-time, 7-time World Heavyweight champion. Now can you dig that, sucka?!
Vickie Guerrero is shown backstage and Paul Heyman approaches her. Paul Heyman says Vickie should add a stipulation to the Rock vs. CM Punk WWE Championshp match this Sunday. Vickie's phone rings and it's Mr. McMahon. She puts Vince on speaker. Paul Heyman tells Vince he's sorry for Brock Lesnar's actions and he knows Vince is making a Hurculean effort to recover. Vince calls Heyman a weasel and asks what he has in mind for the stipulation. Heyman says The Rock has a huge ego and will do anything to win - including getting counted out or disqualified. He wants Vince to strip The Rock of the title if he tries to get counted out or disqualified. Vince says he wants the stipulation in writing. Heyman thanks Vince profusely and Vince hangs up in his face.
A promo video airs for Fandango.
Daniel Bryan vs. Chris Jericho
Daniel Bryan is out first, followed by Chris Jericho. Jericho and Bryan go at it as Booker T and Teddy Long are shown watching the match backstage. Daniel Bryan gets the early upper hand as he delivers a series of kicks to Jericho's chest, hits a snap mare, drops a knee on Jericho's chest and gets a 2 count. Jericho now in control as he chops Bryan down and throws him into the corner. Both men brawl on the outside. Bryan is on the apron as Jericho jumps to the middle rope and does a flying cross body attack, but nobody's home. Jericho lands on the outside. Bryan goes into the ring, runs off the opposite ropes and hits a flying dive onto Jericho on the outside. Back from commercial, Jericho is in control as the crowd starts a loud "Y2J" chant. Jericho whips Bryan into the corner, runs after him but eats a boot. Daniel Bryan hits a dropkick into the corner. Rapid fire action action between both men and Bryan is now in control. Loud" Yes!" chant. Bryan goes for a dropkick but Jericho catches his feet and attempts the Walls of Jericho. No go. Jericho goes for a Lionsault but Bryan gets his knees up. Daniel Bryan goes to the top rope but Jericho knocks him off. Big chop to Bryan as Jericho climbs the ropes and attempts a Superplex. Bryan blocks it, throws Jericho to the mat and his a big flying headbutt off the top. 2 count for Bryan.Bryan delivers a series of knees to Jericho's chest. Jericho attempts the Walls of Jericho and he's got it locked in. Daniel Bryan attempts to power out of the move and actually reverses it into a No Lock. Impressive spot, but Jericho breaks free. Jericho goes for the Walls of Jericho again but Bryan counters and throws Jericho with his feet. Bryan lands a very stiff kick to Jericho's head and gets a 2 count. The crowd chants "Yes!" as Bryan responds "No!" as he delivers kicks to Jericho's chest. He goes for a big kick, but Jericho moves and attempts a small package. 2 count. Jericho hits the Codebreaker and gets the 3 count!
Winner: Chris Jericho
Chris Jericho has now officially been entered into Sunday's Elimination Chamber match, his 8th time wrestling in the chamber. The participants now include Randy Orton, Mark Henry, Chris Jericho and Daniel Bryan, with 2 spots remaining.
Later tonight, The Shield will address the WWE Universe.
3MB vs. John Cena, Sheamus & Ryback
3MB is in the ring first and Jerry Lawler says they're upset they didn't win a Grammy Award last night. Sheamus comes out first for the babyface team, followed by Ryback and John Cena. Michael Cole informs us that during the commercial break on WWE Active, 3MB made fun of Sheaus, Ryback & Cena. Ryback starts off with Slater. Slater talks trash to Ryback, dances in front of him and shoves him. Ryback kicks him down and gives him a huge gorilla press slam before tagging in Sheamus. Slater tags in McIntyre. Sheamus unloads on McIntyre with a series of strikes in the corner and an irish whip into the opposite corner. Drew McIntyre gets some offense but he's no match for Sheamus. Sheamus delivers his 10 punch attack to McIntyre, who is standing outside the apron. Sheamus throws McIntyre back into the ring and tags in John Cena. Jinder Mahal tagged in. Mahal slaps Cena in the face but then pays for it dearly. Cena delivers the 5 Knuckle Shuffle, but 3MB hits the ring all jumps Cena. Sheamus and Ryback come in to even the oods and Ryback, Cena and Sheamus simultaneously hit Shellshock, AA & White Noise on 3MB.
Winners: John Cena, Ryback & Sheamus
After the match, Ryback, Sheamus and John Cena cut promos on The Shield. Sheamus wants justice tonight. Cena gets heavily booed. Cena questions why The Shield would address the WWE Universe tonight and leave themselves so exposed. Tonight, "The Shield gets the sword" and justice will be served.
Footage is shown from SmackDown of Del Rio & Big Show's feud, with Del Rio pouring orange paint onto Big Show.
Backstage footage is shown of of Alex Riley & Yoshi Tatsu from this afternoon, where they were making fun of the Big Show. Big Show lays out both men.
Big Show comes out for an in-ring interview. Matt Striker asks him, "Big Show, do you feel..." and Big Show knocks him out cold with a WMD Knockout Punch. Big Show holds the microphone for a while but doesn't say anything. He drops the microphone and leaves the ring.
The Bruno Sammartino Hall of Fame induction video from last week is shown.
Jack Swagger vs. Zack Ryder:
Swagger is accompanied to the ring by former WWE manager Zeb Coutler. Swagger starts off very aggressive, tackling Ryder and throwing him into the corner. Ryder hits a miissile dropkick off the top rope and hits the Broski Boot. Booker T and Teddy Long are shown backstage watching the match. Ryder gets in a little offense but Swagger is all over him with power moves. Swagger powerbombs Ryder into the turnbuckle, a nasty spot. Swagger locks in the Patriot Act aknle lock submission and it's all over.
Winner: Jack Swagger
After the match, Swagger says he wants to introduce a friend of his. He's a great American, Zeb Coulter. Zeg says, "Fellow Americans, what's wrong with America?" He says he knows what's wrong, Jack Swagger knows what's wrong - but most people have forgotten. He rambles about Vietnam and being a patriot and says he doesn't recognize the country any more ... He says many "American citizens" don't look like him and don't talk like him. People are crossing our borders in record numbers and .. he goes on with a bunch of very right-wing redneck talking points. They kept repeating, "We the People."
Backstage, we cut to Booker T and Teddy Long, who say that Jack Swagger is in the Elimination Chamber match this Sunday. Dolph Ziggler, with AJ & Big E, approaches them and says he wants to be in the SmackDown Elimination Chamber match. Booker T says first, he has to go through the Big Red Machine, Kane.
Footage is shown of Brock Lesnar destroying The Miz last week on RAW. Michael Cole informs us that Mr. McMahon underwent successful hip surgery but there is no time table for his return.
The Miz vs. Cody Rhodes:
Antonio Cesaro is on commentary. This Wednesday on WWE Main Event, Chris Jericho hosts the Highlight Reel with his guest, The Miz. Solid match with both men getting in good offense, until the action goes to the outside and Antonio Cesaro charges The Miz. Miz delivers a big boot to Antonio Cesaro's face. Cesaro attacks Miz back, throws him into the ring post and the bell sounds. After the match, Cesaro destroys Miz and throws him into the ringside barrier several times.
Result: No Contest
WrestleMania Reading Challenge video is shown.
Brodus Clay & Tensai vs. Primo & Epico
Brodus Clay and Tensai hit a few big-man spots to win this one in around one minute. After the match, Clay & Tensai dance with the Funkadactyls. Rosa Mendes gets in their faces and the Funkadactyls throw them out of the ring and they continue to dance.
Winners: Brodus Clay & Tensai
The Shield makes their way to the ring through the crowd to address the WWE Universe. Ambrose introduces the Shield and says they are here to shield WWE from atrocities, like the ones John Cena commits every day. Rollins & Reigns threaten Cena, Ryback and Sheamus and say that John Cena is a failure. He's not just a superstar, he's a philosphy. Ambrose says WWE has a "John Cena problem." For the past decade, John Cena has poisoned WWE and this Sunday, they will right the wrong. They call out anybody that wants to challenge them. The lights go out and Cena, Ryback and Sheamus are in the ring. Everybody's brawling and the Team Cena cleans house. Everybody escapes brawling through the crowd.
Alberto Del Rio vs. Damien Sandow
Sandow runs down Nashville and the local hockey team. Ricardo Rodriguez introduces the World Heavyweight champion. Quick match, with Del Rio hitting a stiff superkick to Sandow's face and getting the submission win with the cross-arm breaker.
Winner: Alberto Del Rio
After the match, Del Rio says Big Show gave the best promo of his life tonight by not saying a word. Del Rio says the time for talk is over - and this Sunday, he's going to retain the World Heavyweight title and says he's going to WrestleMania as champion.
Backstage, Wade Barrett is shown walking to the ring for his match against Kofi Kingston. Barrett is brutally attacked by Bo Dallas. Barrett is left laying, as WWE officials tend to him.
Another Fandango promo airs.
Kofi Kingston vs. Intercontinental Champion Wade Barret
Barrett is selling the effects of Bo Dallas' backstgae attack, but still starts off strong. Footage is shown of Barrett capturing the Intercontinental championship from Kofi Kingston back on RAW in December. Kingston hits a big top rope splash onto Barrett's back and gets a 2 count. Kingston follows up with a stiff kick. Barrett whips Kingston into the corner but nobody is home when Barrett follows up with a running attack. Barrett is clearly a few steps behind, but still has enough in him to hit the Winds of Change sideslam for a 2-count. Barrett loads up his elbow for the Bull Hammer, but Kingston ducks, goes for Trouble in Paradise but misses. Barrett ties up Kingston in the mat apron, hits the Bull Hammer and gets the pinfall.
Winner: Wade Barrett
- After the match, Barrett yells for Bo Dallas to come to the ring.
- Ziggler vs. Kane is up next. Back to commercial.
Kane vs. Dolph Ziggler
Back from the break and out comes one-half of the WWE Tag Team Champions Kane. Out next comes Dolph Ziggler with AJ Lee and Big E Langston. The winner of this will get the final Elimination Chamber spot.
Ziggler strikes first with right hands. Kane turns it around and beats him up in the corner. Kane with a 2 count. We see Booker and Teddy watching backstage. Kane with a slam and another 2 count. Ziggler cuts Kane off with a big dropkick. Ziggler turns it around now and takes Kane to the corner. Kane comes back and drops Ziggler on his face and calls for a chokeslam. Ziggler scrambles to the floor as we go to commercial.
Back from the break and Kane slams Swagger. Kane with a clothesline in the corner. Kane runs into a boot but knocks Ziggler off the corner and out to the floor. Kane comes out on the floor and Langston stares him down. Ziggler sends Kane into the fan barrier. Ziggler comes in to break the count. Kane comes to the apron and Ziggler nails a neckbreaker. Ziggler drops a bunch of elbow drops now. Ziggler with another 2 count. Kane ends up catching Ziggler in mid-air. Ziggler slides out and nails a big DDT. Ziggler with a 2 count. Kane turns it around for a 2 count of his own now. Kane with a big clothesline in the corner. And another. Ziggler blocks the sideslam and locks in the sleeper hold. Kane tosses him to the mat but Ziggler hits the big leg drop for another pin attempt. Ziggler goes for the sleeper again but Kane nails the sideslam for 2. Kane climbs to the top but AJ gets on the apron and distracts him. Kane misses the shot from the top. Ziggler accidentally knocks AJ off the apron and into Langston’s arms. Kane takes advantage and hits the chokeslam for the win and the final Chamber spot.
Winner: Kane
- Up next, The Rock. Back to commercial.
- We get an in-depth look at the Elimination Chamber match.
- We go to the ring and out comes WWE Champion The Rock to a big pop from the crowd.
Rock says this is a very special night because not only are we sold out, but he’s been waiting a very long time to say this… “finally The Rock has come back to Nashville.” The crowd chants Rocky. Rock says Nashville is very special to him. Rock is going to tell us why and says it’s story time. He talks about a 15 year old Rock and his family moving to Nashville in 1987. Rock shouts out his high school. Rock name drops Jeff Jarrett. Rock tells a story about buying a car from a crackhead in a bar. Rock says another crackhead was sleeping in the backseat. Rock pulled it over and kicked the guy out. Rock then wondered if the car was stolen. What did he do next? Rock ditched that bitch in a Burger King parking lot and went right to a place called Tootsie’s Lounge. Rock says there’s two points here – never buy a car from a crackhead and don’t be like The Rock when he was 15, doing what he shouldn’t be doing. Rock talks about wrestling locally in Nashville when he was 25. Rock say she’s WWE Champion now and will still be after Elimination Chamber. CM Punk’s music hits and out he comes with Paul Heyman.
Rock compares their earlier segment to a love scene from Twilight. Rock calls Punk a homeless looking vampire boy. Rock tells them to bring it if they want to stack the odds against him. Rock says he will beat Punk’s punk ass at Elimination Chamber and if Punk comes down to the ring, he will beat him around Nashville tonight. Rock gets ready to fight as Punk walks to the ring. Punk stops at the foot of the ramp and talks with Heyman. Heyman says he has Punk’s back. They look to leave but Punk rushes the ring and starts brawling with Rock. Punk takes control in the corner but Rock nails him with a spinebuster. Rock goes for The People’s Elbow but Heyman pulls his leg and trips him. Punk takes advantage and drops Rock with a GTS. Punk grabs the WWE Title belt and leaves with it. Punk goes to the ramp and tells Rock story time is over. Punk says every time Rock wants to bring it, he’s just going to take it because it belongs to him. Punk drops the mic and raises the WWE Title up. RAW goes off with Rock getting to his feet and Heyman telling Punk he’s the best.
* Pictures of THE UNDERTAKER In NASHVILLE - Site of Tonight's WWE RAW