- A recap is shown highlighting the events leading up to the 3 Stages of Hell match between John Cena and Ryback. Also tonight, Triple H returns to Raw live!
- Stephanie McMahon comes out to seemingly no reaction. Michael Cole reminds us that it's been almost a year since Stephanie appeared in such a capacity and he says there's been no "rumors" on why she is here. Stephanie says it's great to be back on Raw but she wishes it was under better circumstances. She talks of Triple H not being able to finish his match against Curtis Axel and while he has been medically cleared to return, she is making an "executive decision" to not allow him to come back tonight. Steph wants us to understand that Triple H has given his life to the WWE and not to be so selfish - it's not about "us" (the fans). The fans boo.
- With that, Vince McMahon's music hits and out struts Vince. Vince says it sounds like we're happy to see him and his request tonight is not to boo his daughter Stephanie. So the audience boos her. Vince says she has feelings just like everyone else. Vince says that both Stephanie and he care about Triple H more than the fans and he won't compete tonight. The fans are not happy so he asks the audience what they want? You want Triple H. What the hell do you want from that man? WWE is family entertainment says Vince, it's not a bloodsport. So he states for the record, Kofi Kingston last week was put through a table and what did you guys chant? One more time! Well, there's not gonna be one more time for Triple H. Not tonight, not any night. Like Stephanie says that this Curtis Axel guy is beneath Triple H...well everyone here is beneath Triple H.
- The Shield interrupts and they as they make their way through the audience and into the ring, we go to commercial.
Match #1: Randy Orton, Kane & Daniel Bryan vs. The Shield
- Before the match, we're shown a recap from Smackdown. Bryan and Kane pretty much dominate from the onset before we cut to another commercial break. When we come back, Kane has been isolated by The Shield and they work him over in the corner. Finally, a hot tag to Orton who cleans house and nails Rollins and Reigns with a double DDT. As Orton puts a face lock on Reigns, Rollins kicks him in the back of the head to take control again. The Shield take turns wearing Orton down but he catches a break when he catches Rollins coming from the top rope with a drop kick. Tag to Bryan who absolutely destroys everyone in his path. The match degenerates as everyone starts interfering. Kane is laid out by a spear. The finish sees Randy Orton attempt an RKO but it gets countered and he's pushed into Bryan. A dazed Bryan then walks right into a headlock driver by Ambrose for the 1-2-3.
- Tonight, Albert Del Rio takes on Big E Langston.
- Also tonight, Chris Jericho and CM Punk will have their contract signing!
- Backstage, Daniel Bryan and Randy Orton are arguing. Orton says to drop it but Bryan is having none of it. He says both Kane and Orton actually think he's the "weak link" and that neither respect him. Kane says "you've lost touch with reality" but Bryan says the reality is that he's the weak link. Bryan says since it's clear that neither respects him, he's going to have another match and he'll beat the hell out of that person to finally get that respect.
- Backstage, we see Triple H entering the arena and he asks a backstage worker where Vince's office is. He storms in and sees Vince and Stephanie sitting on a couch. Triple H says what's going on? He's wrestling tonight against Curtis Axel. Stephanie tries to plead with him and says that Axel is not worth it. Triple H says he's cleared to wrestle and he's wrestling tonight - bottom line. Vince asks what happened to the "cerebral assassin"? He asks Triple H to put his ego aside but Triple H says he's going to wrestle tonight. Vince says no and Triple H asks who is going to stop him. Vince doesn't say anything else except he gives him some advice not to do something he'll regret.
Match #2: The Usos vs. The Primetime Players
- We come back from break with The Usos vs. The Primetime Players already in progress. Basic action so far, with the PTP in control. Usos get the hot tag and take over. Sick superkick on Darren Young, followed up by a huge top rope splash and The Usos pick up the win.
- Up Next: The RUBBER MATCH. Big E Langston vs. Alberto Del Rio.
If you'd like to discuss this so far awesome episode of Raw, be sure to visit the Raw thread in the official Rajah forums for some varying opinions from a colorful bunch of wrestling fans!
Match #3: Big E Langston vs. Alberto Del Rio
-Bell rings and Big E immediately on the attack. Alberto quickly reverses momentum, only to miss a flying baseball slide and take a huge shoulder tackle on the outside. Back in the ring, Big E steamrolls Del Rio, then gets a 2 count. Del Rio can't catch a break, getting caught and destroyed every time he attempts a comeback. Huge "We Want Ziggler" chant breaks out in Hartford. Del Rio finally gets some momentum and hits an incredible superkick, then locks in the cross armbreaker! Big E rolls out... then muscles Del Rio up and drops him over the top rope. Del Rio comes back quickly, hits a BRUTAL german suplex and locks in the Armbreaker again! Big E tries to roll through, but Del Rio holds Langston's shoulders down with a unique roll up. Del Rio picks up the win. Good match!
- Up Next: Sheamus vs. Cody Rhodes.
It's Monday Night, why not check out Colt Cabana's weekly hilarious "Worst Promo Ever"?
Match #4: Sheamus vs. Cody Rhodes
Sandow on commentary. We start with some back & forth punching & such. Really unique spot ending with Sheamus taking a kick to the face and falling outside. Great back and forth stuff. Cody goes for crossrhodes, Sheamus reverses with a snapmare, Cody runs to the corner, Sheamus follows him in, Cody moves, Sheamus blast the turnbuckle, some more high speed reversals, ending in a WHITE NOISE, and a BROGUE KICK to put Cody away. After the match Sheamus & Sandow go face to face at the commentary table, and exchange some words, before Sheamus DECKS Sandow.
Backstage Triple H is stomping around yelling about Vince to Stephanie. He's leaving, so he doesn't have to beat his "kids' grandfather's ass on live TV." Not like he's already done that 100 times. HHH says next week, he's wrestling Curtis Axel.
We see a Smackdown replay of Ryback slaughtering Kofi.
Backstage Bryan is looking pissed. He kicks over a table then is confronted by Ryback. Ryback claims his vomit is bigger than Bryan. Bryan is "not afraid" of Ryback. Ryback challenges Bryan to a match. "Go ahead, underestimate me, and see what happens." The Match is on for later.
We cut to Heyman, Axel, & Vince backstage. Vince sees potential in Axel. Vince says the match with HHH won't be happening next week either. Vince books Curtis Axel vs. John Cena for later tonight in a No Disqualifications Match. "Do you want me to say it in Yiddish?" Vince-to-Paul. Subtle Vinnie.
Up Next. FaaaanDaaaanGooooooo
You know Fandango's blonde dancer Summer Rae? She's actually an NXT Diva and quite a good wrestler. Check her out here vs. Paige in a great match from NXT.
Team Hell No will be The Miz's guests on Miz TV on Smackdown this week.
Match #5: Fandango vs. The Great Khali
King: "Look at the size of Khali's chin. He gets fan mail from Jay Leno." Jeeez. haha. Fandango takes some punishment, but quickly comes back, before quickly getting taken back down with clotheslines. Fandango rolls out and he's on his way out of the arena... Miz comes out to prevent it.... only to get BULL HAMMAH'ed on the stage by Wade Barrett. Pretty sure Fandango just got counted out as we go to commercial.
We come back from commercial and go right into the opening bell for...
Match #6: Intercontinental Champion Wade Barrett vs. The Miz
The Intercontinental Championship is NOT on the line. Barrett in control. Miz ducks as Barrett's running and Wade goes over the top and out, allowing Miz some time to regroup. Miz now takes control on the outside, slamming Barrett into the barricade. Miz working the knee of Barrett. Miz gets caught by the "winds of Change" sidewalk slam for a 2 count. Fandango's music hits, and he & Summer Rae are dancing on the stage distracting Barrett... Wade turns around into a trip, and Miz locks in the Figure 4. Barrett taps out.
Graphic for Ryback vs. Daniel Bryan later. Bryan's been amazing tonight. Loving the seriousness.
Up Next: the CM Punk/Chris Jericho contract signing.
Why not spend the commercial getting a good laugh out of "Stu's Kitchen". A funny cooking show featuring Player Dos & AhPasquuualeeeeee...
Jerry Lawler will host the Contract signing, he introduces the participants... First... Chris Jericho... And secondly... CM Punk will be represented by Paul Heyman. No recap can do this justice. It's Chris Jericho & Paul Heyman trading words. Jericho with some entertaining insults towards Punk & Heyman. "Mr. Walrus" being a childish highlight. All Jericho cares about is Heyman delivering Punk in Chicago on June 16th. Heyman signs the contract "Signed, Sealed, & Delivered." He says, then asks Jericho if he's truly prepared to face The Best In The World CM Punk in Chicago, his hometown where he can do no wrong, in front of a biased crowd. Jericho says "How about SummerSlam in Los Angeles? Madison Square Garden in NYC? RIGHT HERE IN HARTFORD, CT!" Heyman says no, Jericho sarcastically says "weeell I guess we'll have to have the match in Chicago then." More entertaining banter, before Jericho asks Heyman to... stand up... and.... unbutton his jacket... "I know exactly where this contract needs to be filed" Jericho rolls it up and stuffs it down Heyman's pants. o_0
Punk vs. Jericho is now official for Payback in Chicago.
Still to come, Daniel Bryan vs. Ryback, & John Cena vs. Curtis Axel in a No Disqualifications Match.
Sheamus vs. Antonio Cesaro on Main Event this week. Should be GREAT!
Match #7: THe Bella Twins & AJ Lee vs. Cameron, Naomi, & Kaitlyn
We start with a hairpull from Kaitlyn to AJ, which causes AJ to tag out immediately, we now have Nikki Bella & Naomi going at it. Kinda sloppy, unfortunately. Unlike that Summer/Paige match I linked to earlier, if you want some good women's wrestling. The Future is bright for WWE. Did you know Stephanie McMahon just announced a tournament to determine the first NXT Women's Champion?
Kaitlyn gets the hot tag and comes in to take out one of the Bella's with a Scorpion Death Drop. The Bella kicks out, goes to tag AJ, but AJ backs off the apron, the Bella then turns around into a spear. Kaitlyn takes the win.
Backstage Bryan psyching himself out, Kane says he's crazy to face Ryback tonight. Bryan says he'll be fine. Kane says Bryan has lots of heart, and has nothing to prove to anyone. Bryan says Kane is wrong, he DOES have something to prove, and beating Ryback will prove it He screams that he wants Kane nowhere near him tonight. Kane says Bryan's lost his mind, and leaves. Bryan is amazing tonight. American Dragon shining through.
New creepy ass Wyatt Family video. The Wyatt Family is amazing, and I can't wait for their WWE debut. Here's a similar video that aired on NXT in the past...
Match #8: Daniel Bryan vs. Ryback
Ryback arrives in an Ambulance. WAKE UP! FEEDING TIIIME! He exclaims. Bryan jumps Ryback at the bell with a flying knee! Bryan in control with sick kicks! Gets caught with a big boot though. "You're a weak little man!" Ryback goes for a running splash but Bryan gets his knees up! Bryan with more kicks! Goes for the Lebell Lock but gets reversed, then kicked in the face again. Ryback with knees to the ribs. Now standing on Bryan's head.Ryback goes for a Loe Thesz Press, only to get caught and put in a half crab! Bryan into an Indian Deathlock now! Stands up and drops MMA style elbows on Ryback! This is awesome! More kicks in the corner! Ryback catches Bryan going off the ropes with a clothesline sending Bryan over & out. We cut to commercial. My god The American Dragon is taking on Ryback tonight on Raw!
Back from commercial we see Ryback hit a running shoulder to Bryan's ribs in the corner, and get a 2 count out of it. Ryback stomping Bryan now. Over and Over. And an elbow drop to the abdomen. Ryback now applies a rear chin lock. Bryan with some elbows, goes off the ropes, but gets cut off with a knee to the belly. Ryback has Bryan by the beard now, yelling in his face, then TOSSES Bryan across the ring, BY THE BEARD. Ryback misses a corner spear and hits the post. Bryan... RUNNING DROPKICK TO THE SPINE, and AGAIN TO THE FACE.... and AGAIN TO THE FACE! And a top rope dropkick to the face! And now Bryan hits the flying headbutt off the top rope! Gets a LOOONG 2 count. Bryan gets a serious look on his face, and begins slapping himself. KICKS. KICKS. MORE KICKS. Ryback CATCHES A HEADKICK and hits a HUGE Powerbomb. This should be on PPV. My god. Ryback reaches down to pick up Bryan... and gets caught in a Lebell Lock! It's locked in! Ryback's crawling! Ryback gets the ropes after a long time in the hold. Ryback rolls out. Bryan... goes off the ropes. Suicide Dive! Ryback sidesteps it and Bryan goes into the announce table! Ryback now repeatedly drives Bryan's spine into the post. Back in the ring, Bryan's motionless. Ryback's getting a table. Powerbomb through the table gives Bryan the Disqualification win.... but Ryback's not done...
Cena comes out to stop Ryback from doing any more damage... Ryback feigns coming into the ring, only to be interrupted by Curtis Axel's musio. Looks like we're going right into Axel vs. Cena up next after the commercial...
Match #9: WWE Champion John Cena vs. Curtis Axel: No DQ Match
Cena gets caught by Axel after a distraction from Heyman to kick us off. Axel in control. Cena comes back, hits a chair shot to the back and now they're fighting over the announce table. Ref counting? No DQ but I guess there is countouts. Back in the ring Axel catches Cena with a chair to the ribs. Cena now no-selling it and we're at a standoff. Cena ducks a headshot and we're at a standoff again. Another duck and Cena dropkicks the chair into Axel's face for a 2 count. Through a series of slightly boring events, Axel takes back control. Axel now has an armbar locked in. Cena powers out, only to get a knee to the ribs. SHAH! SHAH! Axel exlaims while striking Cena. Cena coming back with right hands. Shoulder block, another one, back suplex. 5 Knuckle Shuffle... hits. Goes for the AA, Axel escapes, and Cena runs shoulder first into a chair that was set up between turnbuckles. Axel beating down Cena on the mat. Axel now goes to work with a chair to the spine. Gets a 2 count. Another chair shot. Another 2 count. "Stay Down! He has a chair! He's gonna wear you out 'til you stay down! Go ahead, wear him out!" Heyman is gold. A chair to the ribs, and again to the back. OOF. Axel drives the chair into Cena's ribs while he's on the ground. Brutal. Neckbreaker on the chair! 1, 2, CENA KICKS OUT. I was faked out there. Thought that was it! Cena now catches Axel with an STF out of nowhere... Axel uses an ipad, yes, an ipad, that Heyman handed him to smack Cena in the head and break the hold. To the outside now... they're brawling.... Ryback jumps Cena and drives him through a table before saying "You can't see me" to him. Cena gets counted out. Curtis Axel wins via countout.
"Get up John, Get up John.... At Payback... RYBACK RUUUULES!" Ryback says in Cena's face as Raw goes to black.
Thanks for joining me on my first foray into live Raw reporting, let me know what you thought! Constructive criticism is welcome! Goodnight everyone. Remember to visit the Rajah Forums! It's a great community!
