RAW this week starts with a recap from the lead up and to MITB. VKM tried to screw Punk, but Cena wanted none of it and Punk defeated Cena for it. Punk left through the crowd with the strap. Then, last week Rey won the WWE Title, then had to defend against Cena. Of course Super Cena won that match, but then Punk out to the ring, real Title belt in hand, huge smile on his face and grooving to his ROH entrance music, Cult of Personality.
Pyro.
Punk out to the stage showing off his belt, then out to the ring. He's listed as Champion on the popup, and Justin announces Punk as WWE Champ. King is thrilled that JR is at announce, Cole, not so much. Punk just soaks up the love and poses all over the ring for the fans who so love him! His music ends, but the mixed reaction continues. Most positive, including a, "CM Punk" chant. Punk says, "The Champ is here!" "CM Punk!" chants grow again as Punk sits in the ring. He says the $64,000 is why, after all he said and did, did he come back.
He has a story. He knew his contract expired on July 17, 2011 (though that's not always agreed upon). So as far as a year back, he had this monument us decision to make. He loves the place he works, just hates the people who runs it. He could stay with the skull crushing status quo. Or he could speak his mind and leave a changing wake. He spoke his mind and there's change. The next night after MITB VKM was released from his duties. You can feel the change in the air. He thinks the fans are also part of the change. The fans have been fed scraps, not what we're entitled to. He's here to give that, make it fun again. Fun again for everybody. Is he unorthodox, people get worried when he has a mic, yes and he wouldn't have it any other way.
Sitting home looking at the Title he decided that his voice needed to be heard by us, the fans. He can't do that with a megaphone at various media outlets, can't do it at ComiCon, can't do it on Kimmel. He can't change this place for the better, what it should be while sitting on his couch in Chicago. He picked up the phone to come back. His timing couldn't have been better. Back to the skull crushing status quo with Cena as the WWE Champ. Cena is as much WWE Champ as this guy in the front row with his shop zone.com replica belt (also wearing a Cena shirt).
What he has is a belt, what Punk has is a Championship Title! So much for change, huh? Same old, same old. "CM Punk!" chants. Cena, no matter the outcome of the bogus Championship program while Punk was on vacation, no matter who thinks they're the Champ, Punk's the one holding the most important Title in the world. That indicates to everybody that he's the best professional wrestler this world has to offer! He's the one, the only WWE Champion. Punk hold the strap high and again says he's WWE Champion, then Triple H's music hits. Punk quietly says, oh, it's time to play the game.
Trip out in yet another ill fitting suit jacket, but the tie is very nice. "Triple H!" chants. He motions for them to quiet. Punk says he H-H-H, the C-O-O! Trip will address what Punk said about the Title in a second. Since Punk came out to tell the fans why he re-signed, Trip thought he come out and state why he re-signed Punk. It comes to one thing, business. It was good for business. Same reason he brought back JR. Same reason he brought back JoMo, it was good for business. Both names get solid pop. The fans wanted it and it's his job to try to give the Universe what they want. The fans spoke, he put his feelings aside and gave them Punk.
Punk asks about personal feelings? Trip says is was meant to be a compliment, take it as that. Punk tells Trip to not hide behind his suit. What are Trip's feeling about Punk. Trip thinks he's a smug, overrated, attention seeking guy that puts a little too much stock in his own hype, not that it's a bad thing. Punk says it's like looking in a mirror. Is he smug, yes. Overrated, not for Punk to say. He wished Trip would say that he hates Punk's guts, but what a commodity Punk is. We live in this era VKM built he surrounded himself with people who only said yes and screwed the pooch on this talent roster. VKM let main event talent go. Like Batista, Foley, Jericho, Brock Lesnar. He could go on and on and on. Not only did Trip not want to see Punk go anywhere else, he couldn't afford for Punk to go elsewhere. Why doesn't Trip tell the truth. Trip then say that Punk should tell everybody why he re-signed?
Punk says he did, he wants to facilitate change. Trip says it's one way of saying, but he think Punk wants to hear his own voice. If a pipe bomb goes off without no one to hear, does it make a sound? But Punk needs a platform. Without the WWE, Punk and his pipe bomb means nothing. That Punk did for his own ego. Punk says maybe, 50/50 at best. Punk likes facts, truths. Punk says he's WWE Champion. Trip says Cena's also WWE Champion. Much heat for that. Trip says that's a situation he'll fix later tonight.
Trip's music starts and he's leaving, but Punk says he likes Motorhead, but he wants to talk about the pipe bomb that's about to go off in the woods and he wants Trip there to hear it. He's just getting warmed up. Just because Punk signed his name, he's not going to shut up. He's not going to toe the company line. Put out PG doctrine and go to promo class and media training. He's staying and doing things his way. Hunter Hearst Helmsley, let's talk about Trip hogging the spotlight over people who deserved the spotlight. Even carrying HBK's bags, he liked to push people around and tell them what to do. How many times did Trip say, "Well, you know, I don't think he's got what it takes." while laying in bed with his wife. Trip gives this a nod, of sorts. Punk says no matter what, wearing a $5,000 suit (gosh, I hope not!), wearing his trunks or dressed like a poor man's Conan, Trip is the same guy he's always been. A bully who throws his weight around and push people around. Punk likes to push back. Trip says this is ego? He has a massive ego. That ego is telling Trip to slap all those tattoos off Punk's scrawny fat ass! But, he's not doing that because this is bigger than that. He took the job of COO for the fans. That comes with responsibilities, rules. He might not like the rules, but he does respect them. For the fans, he won't break them. He strongly suggests Punk doesn't break them either.
Or what?" asks Punk. Trip going to beat Punk up? Fight Punk? Punch him in the face? Or does he have to ask his wife's permission first. Punk flips the front of Trip's tie, then hangs his mic in front of Trip's face, dropping the mic Punk says, "Pipe bomb!"
Backstage Rey's getting ready and JoMo comes flying out between two large metal cabinets, flips over Rey and startles him, but then they laugh about it.
- Commercial
Divas Battle Royal
All the Divas in the ring, Kelly at announce. Melina eliminated right off the ball. Kim is out, then Kaitlyn quickly tossed out. Tamina tossed, then AJ. Eve with a Thesz press on Fox. Natalya tossed out as Eve works Fox through the ropes.
- Commercial
Bellas on Beth, but she kicks them both off. Eve still working Fox. Eve over, but on the apron and hangs Fox up top. Eve pulls herself up letting Fox baseball slide out. A Bella after Eve and Beth rests. Eve hung up top by her knees! Finally the Bella stomps her out. Beth picks up a Bella, crotch on one shoulder. Beth picks the other the same way and she dumps them out together!
Winner - Beth
Finally Beth is getting what she deserves! Oh, wait, Kelly in to see Beth, but is attacked. Beth grabs a mic and says that Kelly's days as a cute, blonde bimbo are over.
R-Truth up to Miz backstage. Really? Really? Really? They go back and forth about who R-Truth is talking to. R-Truth says they're the same. Didn't Miz say last week that Trip in charge is a problem. Miz says it is. Two champs and neither are him! R-Truth says conspiracy? C-O-N-spiracy. R-Truth got Miz talking to himself. Punk's back with the Title? Why were they competing in that Tourney? R-Truth tells Miz to be very, very careful or Miz is going to get got! Miz is left contemplating this.
- Commercial
Cole says that this is the first city Rock used, "It doesn't matter what you think!" King then taunted Cole that Rocky used it at Cole.
Josh backstage with Cena. What does Cena think of Punk's words? Cena says he's focused on Trip as he has a huge decision to make. Tonight he'll make that decision. As that has to do with Cena, he'll be out there for the announcement.
Tag Team Match - R-Truth & Miz vs. Rey Mysterio & JoMo
R-Truth out sins music. Miz follows soon after. Cole talks up Miz, then they cut to video of Miz on Lopez this week. Miz really played the fans well. Miz and R-Truth are ready to go.
- Commercial
Rey out to the ring in digital camo gear, giving his shirt to a kid on the way to the ring. JoMo out to join Rey.
JoMo and Miz start up. JoMo rushes R-Truth who drops to the floor. JoMo on Miz hard, flapjack on Miz, then a blow to R-Truth on the apron. JoMo turns into a clothesline, then Miz stomps JoMo as R-Truth screeches. Miz suplexes JoMo for two. JoMo wiggles free of Miz, sends him into the face corner, then trips Miz. Rey tags in and off the top with a leg drop for two. Rey sends Miz out through the ropes, then Rey kicks R-Truth from the apron. Rey runs and flies off the apron in a seated senton on R-Truth as JoMo flies in a corkscrew to take Miz down, all in front of announce.
- Commercial
Chinlock on Rey by R-Truth in the center of the ring. Rey moves his arms and pulls R-Truth down. R-Truth drops an elbow on Rey. Abdominal stretch on Rey who screams a bit as R-Truth talks smack. Rey free and kicks at R-Truth, but Miz tags in and works Rey over with a snap mare, then a huge kick for a long two. Elbow down on Rey's shoulder and then a chinlock as Cole loudly complains that Miz got a three count. Rey up and elbows out. Rey with a blow on R-Truth on the apron. Rey kicks out at Miz, then takes Miz down with an enziguri. Kick to Rey's knee, then a sick DDT on Rey for two.
R-Truth tags in and on Rey with a blow. Chinlock on Rey on the mat as JoMo paces and calls out to Rey. Rey free and nails R-Truth with a couple kicks, but R-Truth corkscrew elbow on Rey gets R-Truth a long two. Miz tags in and stomps Rey. Miz taunts Rey, but Rey comes at Miz with blows. Rey tries to tag out, but can't make it far enough. Rey whipped and Miz hits his huge corner clothesline. Miz climbs, but Rey was ready and nailed a flying Miz with a drop kick! (Beautiful!)
JoMo and R-Truth both tag in. JoMo on R-Truth with clotheslines, then a kick to the head. Miz taken out with a drop kick, then on R-Truth with a beautiful spinning suplex on R-Truth. JoMo up for starship pain, but Miz pulls R-Truth and JoMo hits only mat. Everyone in, flying all over. Rey sets up for 619, but Miz pulls Rey from the ring and sends him over the barrier into the fan area. Miz on the apron and JoMo takes him out with a kick. JoMo then turns to R-Truth who slams JoMo face first to the mat for three.
Winners - Miz & R-Truth
Cole is screeching about how Miz sacrificed himself for R-Truth to get the pinfall. Cole really tweaking about Miz, so JR tells Cole to drink a Sanka. Cole asks if it's 1952, but I remember Sanka! Cole claims to not know what it is. Miz in and hits JoMo with a SCF. Then R-Truth in and plows JoMo's face with a water bottle.
Cole, King and JR are still talking about Sanka and all the changes going on in the WWE.
Josh is backstage with Trip. Josh asks about the personal problems earlier on the show. Trip asks Josh if he shaved today. Josh quietly says he hasn't. Trip tells him that he probably should. Trip says he's been in the business for 20 years, this isn't his first BBQ. Punk dropped the bomb about Trip's wife? Get in line, that bomb's been dropped for 10 years, time for new material. Doesn't bother Trip a bit. Josh asks about Cena who has vested interest in what Trip has to say. Cena can come out, so can Punk, but the way things are going, Cena should keep this strictly business.
- Commercial
SummerSlam Recall - MSG, Honky Tonk Man wanted someone to wrestle, out came Ultimate Warrior. Warrior easily defeated HTM for the IC Title.
Dolph and Vickie out. Dolph in black suit, shirt and red tie. Vickie in an elegant black jumpsuit. She acts all shy with her first couple EXCUSE ME! Were quiet and shy looking, then she started to bellow her EXCUSE ME! as we're all used to hearing. She says the controversy of having two WWE Champions, a many who's gone above and beyond, has gone to prove himself far more superior than Punk and Cena. Her client, US Champion, Dolph Ziggler.
Dolph says that after his victory last week he said, "Follow that!" That's for the whole roster. No one will ever have his skills, his techniques and talents. No one will ever have this charisma. He's more of a man than anyone in this arena and certainly more than anyone in that locker room.
Riley's music hits and the fans seem to really like him. Riley says that if Dolph's such a man, why does he always hide behind a woman, or in this case, Vickie Guerrero! Vickie grabs the mic and says EXCUSE ME!! Thanks to her… EXCUSE ME!! Thanks to her Dolph is a former WHC, former IC Champ and current US Champ. Riley into the ring. He gets in Vickie's face and says, 'Excuse me' in a very congenial way. Riley asks when was the last time Dolph has done anything on his own. Reminds him of someone. Miz hid behind Riley, Dolph hides behind Vickie. Riley says if Dolph wants to be a real man, then drop Vickie. Or is Dolph afraid that without Vickie he'll be shown as what he is, a bleach blond arrogant fraud. Dolph closes his eyes at that verbal assault, then backs away with Vickie. Dolph says, off mic, that Dolph doesn't belong there with him. Dolph takes off his jacket and strap, hands them to Vickie, then rolls out of the ring. Vickie follows as Dolph yells up at Riley that he doesn't know who Riley is. Riley is in the ring pacing and fuming.
Cole tells everyone to go vote online as to who we think should be Champ.
Backstage, split screen, Santino and Ryder are heading for the ring, also are McGillicutty and Otunga for a Tag Match.
- Commercial
Tag Team Match - David Otunga & Michael McGillicutty vs. Santino & Ryder
Otunga and McGillicutty out together. Santino out, but waits for his tag partner. Ryder comes out all smiles. They bump fists, then into the ring. Video of Cole dressed as Trip last week when Ryder so quickly pinned him.
Arm drag from Santino on McGillicutty. A blow to Santino's back, then McGillicutty stomped him. Otunga tags in and they both clothesline Santino in a corner. Otunga works Santino as the, "We want Ryder!" chants grow louder. Scoop slam to Santino, then an elbow drop for two. Cole goes off about Ryder's Title belt. It's like wearing a King crown to announce. Who does that? Santino starts fighting back with a jawbreaker. Both tag out.
Ryder on McGillicutty with clotheslines and back elbows. McGillicutty whipped, but gets his knees up. Otunga is sneaking into the ring, so Ryder quickly takes him out. A big running knee at McGillicutty who's sitting in a different corner. Ryder pulls him to the middle and pins for two. Santino rushes the ring with his cobra sock on his arm, but sent out the other side. McGillicutty reverses on Ryder, then tags in Otunga who comes in off the top for three.
Winners - Otunga & McGillicutty
The Champs celebrate in the ring together.
- Commercial
Video from earlier between Trip and Punk.
Backstage Josh asks Punk what he thinks Trip will do about the Title after their altercation in the ring. Punk says he checked his Magic 8 Ball and it said, "Cloudy at best." He doesn't know what the decision will be. He tested Hunter and he came through with flying colors. At MITB he beat Cena in the ring for the Title. "Now the Champ is walking this way," as Punk walked away.
Ricardo announces ADR who comes out in a 1953 Rolls Royce Silver Wraith. King rips on Cole's car having a Hefty bag as a back window. Ricardo holds the ropes for ADR to get in the ring.
- Commercial
Alberto Del Rio vs. Evan Bourne
ADR in the ring showing off his case. Video of ADR defeating Kofi last week on RAW. ADR kisses his case, then Evan's music hits. Evan slaps hands, then slides into the ring to pose a bit.
Evan dodges around ADR, then hits a fast hurricanranna. Evan then runs into a big boot. ADR runs and kicks Evan's upper arm, but it was obvious (to me) that ADR slapped his hip for the sound as he kicked Evan, and actually slapped a moment too soon - something I've seen ADR do numerous times. ADR pins for two. ADR wrenches Evan's arm in the ropes, wearing out that arm for later. ADR hits a drop kick on Evan's back and very obviously hits his own hips for the sound effect. ADR pins for two. Snap mare on Evan, then and arm/head hold on Evan on the mat. Evan up and kicking out. Spinning back breaker on Evan for two.
ADR hits an arm-bar slam on Evan as Cole talks about how out of date King and JR are on announce. JR comes back about them being on radio, right? Evan works to his feet through ADR's hold. A couple kicks to ADR, but he comes back with head butts. ADR pulls Evan up, then raises Evan who wiggles out and comes back with kicks. Evan hit’s a high knee on ADR and slaps his own leg. (I thought we were well past this with the new HD cameras. I'll figure it out tomorrow.) Evan climbs, but ADR runs up the corner and kicks Evan in the head. ADR locks on his arm bar finisher. Evan screeches, but then finally has to tap out.
Winner - ADR
Ricardo announces ADR the winner with all of his flair. ADR rushes Evan again and locks on his arm bar again! Kofi runs down to make the save, but ADR flees before Kofi could touch him. Kofi is screaming mad, ADR on the ramp totally ticked off.
Backstage Trip is heading for the ring.
- Commercial
The poll standings are 54% for Cena, 46% for Punk.
Trip out to the ring. He takes a mic and says he's thought about this for a long time. In the first time in WWE history there's two WWE Champions. There's Cena - very mixed reaction - and Punk, also very mixed! Both have legit reasons as to why they're WWE Champion. But what he's going to do is basically… Laurinaitis stops Trip and comes to the ring. Laurinaitis introduces himself and gets some solid heat. He's the Executive VP of Talent Relations. A job he took over from JR. it's his job to sign talent and manage their contracts.
Trip asks when this became Career Day? If he needs to sign new talent, he'll call. What does he want? He says Trip's been corporate for a very short time where he's worked corporate with VKM. He knows how VKM thinks and would want Trip to handle this. "Strip the WWE Championship from John Cena."
Of course Cena's music hits and the fans are still mixed. JR says Cena's a polarizing figure in the WWE. Cole says Cena elicits quite the reaction from the fans. Much heat for Cena in the ring. Cena says interesting group, very interesting - more heat. It's the night for a huge decision. Thinking, that's something Laurinaitis' never done! He's been by VKM's side for ten years because he's the 'yes man' Punk's been talking about! When Punk said 'yes men' Laurinaitis' face should have been on the tron! For ten years that's all Laurinaitis' done. Yes, Vince, I'll get you more coffee, suit looks great, built like a Greek God. Laurinaitis wants Cena stripped because Cena took him out at the MITB. Cena says to Trip that he'll lose it when he's supposed to lose it, not stripped because of a goon who wears a suit and used to carry a skateboard. If you don't got it, get it. If you can't get it, figure it out. Trip is all smirky.
Laurinaitis tells Cena that he's out of line. He didn't make his decision off Cena unprofessional behavior, but because Punk pinned Cena in the ring. Cena steps in saying unprofessional behavior, match with Punk. Laurinaitis keeps bringing up that MITB PPV quite a bit. Great night, great match, great city, lot of good moments. Cena's favorite was punching Laurinaitis out. It was like Laurinaitis' face caved around his fist. He might do it right now. That's a great idea, to do right now. Laurinaitis looks at Trip who tells Laurinaitis that he doesn't have a problem with Cena doing it. Laurinaitis quickly flees through the ropes.
He straightens his tie outside. Cena asks if Trip's going to strip Cena because Punk defeated Cena once? Cena and Trip faces off at WMXXII, does that mean Cena can strip Trip of being COO and run the joint himself. Trip says he won't strip Cena, his claim on the Title is legitimate. When VKM left, he didn't hear from Punk other than at ComiCon. Then he sent Punk a contract and didn't hear anything from Punk until Cena was beating Rey on RAW for the WWE Title. Punk walked up with his signed contract and said to hit his music. That's legitimate, so he's not stripping Cena of the Title.
Punk's music hits and he comes out, smiling and smirking, talking to the fans on his way down the ramp. Punk says he's been there before, seen the writing on the wall. He's not stripping Cena of his paper Championship? Now that Punk's back permanently, officially… "CM Punk!" chants grow loud, very loud. Punk asks if Trip's stripping Punk of the Title he won from Cena? Going back to status quo? Normal, the nice happy-go-lucky job where they put smiles on people's faces? He comes in and finds a urinal to go throw up in?
Trip says what he was going to say was… Cena stepped up to them and Trip backed him off. Trip says that just for the record, he's not Hunter, he's Cena's boss. Cena looks unhappy. They're settling it, no one's getting stripped. At SummerSlam they'll face off. One match, one winner, one WWE Champion. Trip drops his mic and stalks up the ramp.
In the ring Punk's smirking at Cena who looks rather petulant. Mixed chants for them both. Punk drops his mic and raises his belt over his head. Cena then does the same, but he gets much less love than Punk. Punk up on the corner posing and the fans are wild. Cena then points at a corner and does the same. Still not Punk's reaction. As each poses, their music hits, going back and forth rather quickly. They're glaring, posing and really making the fans wild!
Biggest pop
Punk
Trip
Ryder
JoMo/Rey
Biggest heat
Miz/R-Truth
ADR
Cole
Most mixed
Cena
