-- A quick recap of last night's WWE Payback PPV is shown.
-- Live from Grand Rapids, MI - it's Raw!
-- Ricardo Rodriguez is out as Alberto Del Rio's personal ring announcer. The new World Heavyweight Champion comes out as Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler sell the fact that Del Rio relentlessly attacked Dolph Ziggler's head seeing as how Ziggler was returning from a concussion. Del Rio says he's the real Superman - forget about the Man of Steel - he is the Man of Gold. Del Rio talks about the night after Wrestlemania as being controversial; despite being hurt, he gave Ziggler a fight but what did the fans do? They cheered for him while he attacked an injured man. He's not surprised or offended - he heard the reaction last night. Alberto says he gave the fans everything but he never got the respect he deserves. He goes on to play the nationality card a little bit, saying American fans are basically pigs and cowards who cheer for their own. He's fought for the fans for the last five months and got nothing but last night he fought for Alberto Del Rio and he got the belt. But he wants to show everyone why he is the best. He's going to give the people a second opportunity to show him respect.
-- He's interrupted by CM Punk who comes down to the ring, accompanied by Paul Heyman. Punk talks about beating Del Rio and then holding onto the belt for 434 days. Punk says he's out here because he heard Del Rio proclaim to be the best. But there's only one best in the world and you're looking at him right here. Punk says he's out here to challenge him but Heyman interrupts Punk and reminds Alberto that his clients "don't fight for free". An annoyed Punk asks Heyman what he's doing. Heyman tries to reason with him saying they never talked about this and Punk is banged up from his match last night. Heyman adds that the title won't even be on the line if they were to wrestle. Punk agrees with everything and concedes that Dolph Ziggler should get the first crack at the title. But he feels he stole the show last night and proved he is the best against Chris Jericho and he wants to do it again tonight on Raw! Del Rio feels as if Punk is making a big mistake. Punk then officially challenges him and the crowd cheers. Del Rio says he's the champ and he's someone who Punk does not want to face.
-- EXCUSE ME, EXCUSE ME Vickie Guerrero hollers as she comes out on the stage and says Alberto Del Rio doesn't get to make that decision. As great as Payback was last night, she can't think of a better way to continue the momentum by having Alberto Del Rio face CM Punk live tonight as the main event.
-- Tonight, Vickie Guerrero has a surprise announcement for Mr. McMahon, Triple H & Stephanie and the entire WWE Universe.
- Also, tonight Randy Orton faces Daniel Bryan.
-- Backstage, we see Wade Barrett walking around as he gets a rematch against new champion Curtis Axel tonight.
-- Backstage, Paul Heyman tells CM Punk that he cares about him a lot. Punk says that he obviously wasn't clear enough - last night Heyman almost cost him the match but he's not Brock Lesnar, he's not Curtis Axel. He's not Heyman's client. Punk says he doesn't want him at ringside any longer tonight or any night. He'll always be a Paul Heyman guy but that's the way it has to be. He walks away from a stunned Heyman.
-- Wade Barrett is already in the ring when Vickie comes out and says Barrett's rematch against Curtis Axel has to wait. But right now, Barrett has to face her big surprise - this man...Christian's music hits and out comes Captain Charisma. Michael Cole reminds us that Christian has missed nearly a year of action due to a shoulder injury.
Wade Barrett vs. Christian
-- Barrett spends much of the time trying to attack Christian's shoulder but Christian gets the win via the Killswitch. WINNER: Christian.
-- Later on, fans can vote on the WWE App the stipulations for Orton vs. Bryan - No DQ Match, No Count Out Match or a 2 of 3 Falls Match. Polls will open soon - download the app.
-- A Wyatt family vignette is shown.
Damien Sandow & Cody Rhodes vs. Sheamus
-- This is a 2-on-1 Handicap match. Sandow and Rhodes overpower Sheamus for much of the match, double teaming him as one would expct in a Handicap match. As Sandow holds his arms, Rhodes slaps and taunts him which only angers Sheamus and allows him to mount a comeback. The finish sees Sheamus attempt the Brogue Kick but Sandow comes out of nowhere and surprises him for a quick rollup for the 1-2-3. WINNERS: Damien Sandow & Cody Rhodes
-- Still to come tonight, will Mark Henry retire?
-- Backstage, Vickie Guerrero tries to explain to Triple H that announcing Alberto Del Rio vs. CM Punk was a genius move. Triple H agrees but wonders what the main event would have been if CM Punk didn't come out and confront Del Rio? Vickie avoids the question and asks Triple H what he thought of her big surprise - Christian's return. Triple H says Christian has been cleared for like a month and a half, so why bring him back now? Triple H then talks about RVD's return next month. Vickie and Brad Maddox both try to take credit for it but Trips shoots them both down saying when he made the deal with RVD, neither one of them was there. What Triple H does want to talk about is The Shield. He tells Vickie that she needs to make an example out of them. They have been running roughshod. Be strong if they get involved and take control. Vickie tells Triple H she can count on him. Triple H jokes especially putting 3MB in the show tonight - stroke of genius. Brad is happy but Vickie slaps him on the chest and says Triple H is being sarcastic.
-- Backstage, Daniel Bryan is warming up when Kane comes and stands next to him. He wants to talk but Bryan says he's busy and doesn't want to hear "I told you so" anyway. He says Kane is probably glad that Team RKO didn't win the title because he likely thinks Bryan is still the weak link. Kane feels Team Hell No should give it another shot. Bryan disagrees and says only Team Daniel Bryan - Team DB - matters. Kane says he's acting like a DB. Bryan says he has to do it himself and he needs to win the WWE Championship. Kane says he wants to win it too so are we done? Is this it? Neither knows but Kane wishes him good luck. A confused Bryan feels Kane only wished him good luck because he still feels he's the weak link.
-- Polls are now open for the Bryan/Orton stipulation as decided by WWE fans.
-- Backstage, we see Randy Orton blame Daniel Bryan for the loss at Payback and proclaim that Bryan is the weak link.
-- Jerry Lawler announces the results of the fan vote: No DQ match wins with 54%.
Randy Orton vs. Daniel Bryan
-- They start off grappling on the mat before Bryan targets Orton's hamstring. Orton recovers mid-match but Bryan continues to work over Orton's leg before the match heads outside. Back in the ring, Orton locks in a chin lock to slow things down. Bryan catches Orton with a clothesline and then nails him with a drop kick in the corner. Showing some great in-ring psychology, Bryan hooks the left leg for a cover, only to get a two count. Back outside, Orton side steps a charging Bryan suicide dive. Orton then finds a Kendo stick under the ring and attacks Bryan with it, driving it into his abdomen as we go to commercial. Back from commercial, Bryan hits a missile dropkick from the top rope and it lays them both out. Orton launches Bryan out with a slingshot and then kicks him in the ribs out onto the floor. A doctor checks in on Bryan (who has presumably injured his ribs) and tries to tell him not to go back but he walks back in to receive more punishment. After consulting with the doctor, the referee calls off the match. WINNER: Randy Orton.
-- After the match, Orton helps a stunned Bryan to his feet and embraces him. It appears Bryan may have legitimately injured his shoulder as Orton seemed to break character and actually looked like he kissed Bryan on the head while Bryan had a shocked look throughout.
-- Later tonight, CM Punk (without Paul Heyman) faces Alberto Del Rio.
-- AJ Lee comes to the ring and says that this is what it feels like to have it all. Her baby Ziggy couldn't be here tonight because he's not medically clear but he will be back soon to be with the greatest Diva champion of all-time - ME. Last night, she made Kaitlyn tap out. Did I play mind games with her? Yes. Did I crush her spirits? Yes. AJ says there's not a woman in this audience or the locker room who is as strong, brilliant or courageous as she is. AJ then challenges any woman in the back and when nobody comes out at first, she says "that's what I thought". With that, Stephanie McMahon's music hits and out comes Steph with a smirk on her face. Steph says while AJ's story is tremendous and she deserves congratulations but she doesn't understand why AJ perpetuates this stereotype of vicious, conniving women who are out to get each other. She feels what AJ did was degrading to Kaitlyn and it's time she start acting like a champion. AJ apologizes and says she should think and act more like her. Instead of dating a WWE superstar, maybe she should marry one. And this isn't even starting on her Daddy issues. Steph says she expected something original and AJ says what she did to Kaitlyn was original, it was months in the making and it was a masterpiece. Stephanie says she's a McMahon and nobody does crazy better than them. She again warns AJ that she better start acting like a champion. AJ says the reason Steph is out here is because AJ is like Steph, but only younger. Steph says she can take everything away from AJ and if she wanted to, AJ wouldn't even have a job anymore. Kaitlyn and the other divas interrupt and Kaitlyn congratulates AJ. Stephanie walks up the ramp, grabs the mic and tells Kaitlyn to never interrupt her again, and that goes for all the Divas. Kaitlyn talks about being manipulated and humiliated and being played like a puppet and being broken. But now it's her turn and she storms the ring and a cat-fight erupts. Big E Langston pulls AJ out of the ring and carries her away.
-- Coming up next, a rematch from last night: Dean Ambrose defends his United States title against Kane.
Dean Ambrose vs. Kane
-- Kane dominates most of the match but the other members of Shield once again interfere and cause a DQ finish. They triple team Kane with a spear and a powerbomb as Michael Cole wonders about Vickie's assurance earlier to Triple H. WINNER: Kane via DQ.
-- Backstage, amid rumors of his retirement, we see Mark Henry with Tamina Snuka, Titus O'Neil and Darren Young.
-- Later tonight, John Cena will be live on Raw.
-- Backstage, we see the Shield strutting proudly. Vickie confronts them and says he warned them not to get involved. They laugh her off and Ambrose tells Vickie that maybe in the future she should think about what you're doing before you do it. Before Vickie can answer, Vince McMahon greets everyone and congratulates The Shield and says they remind him of himself - ruthless. He wishes them a good night and they leave. Vince says that while he likes The Shield, he never liked the Halloween-mask-wearing-freak Kane anyhow. He walks away, leaving Vickie stressed out.
-- Later tonight, CM Punk takes on Alberto Del Rio.
-- Another Wyatt family promo is shown.
-- Zeb Colter comes out to the top of the ramp and talks about being spied on by the government and of foreigners sneaking into the country. He says we're at war and war calls for some unusual alliances. So that's why Jack Swagger and he have decided to work alongside a man who has honor, integrity and respect. While that man is not technically born in the US, he embodies the spirits that all Americans strive to reach. He speaks five languages - the most important one being English - and with that, Antonio Cesaro comes out.
Antonio Cesaro vs. William Regal
-- Cesaro dominates and wears Regal out with a front face chinlock. Finish sees him hit the Neutralizer for the 1-2-3. WINNER: Antonio Cesaro. After the match, he opens up the "Don't Tread On Me" flag and drapes it over the fallen Regal. Colter then pledges alongside Cesaro as Cole and Lawler call him a hypocrite.
-- Backstage, we John Cena head to the ring.
-- Back from commercial, John Cena heads to the ring and is greeted by a mixed reaction. Michael Cole informs us that Ryback has not been medically cleared to compete on Raw tonight. As the audience both cheer and boo, Cena says he loves it - look around and listen - I love this. All of us are under this roof because we have one common interest - we love the WWE. There are folks out there who have their favorite superstars and he has his - and he points to the audience. He admires the fans' honesty, there's people out there who don't like him. But there's also another group that knows that each time he steps into the ring, he goes to war for them. He's going to take time out tonight to speak to THAT group. Cena says he had a horrible 2012 and often he asked and begged his fans to "hang in there". And they did. Moments like the Royal Rumble, challenges like CM Punk, The Rock, Ryback and walking out the better man. He stands in this ring and proudly says "THE CHAMP IS HERE" as he hoists the belt up above his head. Skeptics and critics will always be there but to those who hung in there for him, he says thank you. Tonight is not the night he will ask you to hang in there. Tonight he feels as good as he has ever felt and he can handle any challenge put forth. Whether you like him or not, all eyes are focused on Money in the Bank where he'll find out where his next challenge will come from. He wants to send a message - he'll always be ready. Cena says he realizes he won't have the belt forever but the next person to hold it will need to earn it.
-- Mark Henry comes out with a big grin on his face. He brings out his wrestling boots and leave them at the top of the stage as he walks to the ring with a concerned John Cena looking on. Henry shakes Cena's hand and gets emotional telling Cena he wants him to stay. He wants to tell the boys and girls in the back and everyone here. The fans chant "Henry". Mark says he respects everyone in this business because he knows how difficult it is. He was a seasoned veteran in 2002 when Cena broke into the business. At the rate John is going, he's going to be the greatest WWE champion of all time. Henry says if he had any regrets, despite all his successes, and then he doesn't really finish his thought and says he's out here to formally retire from the active roster of the WWE. As Henry commends the audience, Cena hands him the title and Henry hoists it up and fights off tears. Michael Cole comments it's the only championship Mark Henry hasn't held. He gives Cena the belt back. Henry talks about traveling all over the world multiple times but he stands here before everyone - a proud, proud man. He's on the road close to 200 nights a year, and gets even more emotional talking about his wife, son and daughter who cries everytime he has to go on the road - baby, I'm coming home. Cena and Henry then pose together. As they go to hug, Henry suddenly turns on Cena and bodyslams him to the ground. He removes his tie and shirt and then stands over the fallen Cena yelling at him: "I've got a lot more left in the tank". Henry then throws the belt on Cena and leaves as "Henry chants" sort of drown out the boos. In the stage area, Henry picks up his boots and says "That's what I do!"
-- Later tonight, CM Punk will take on Alberto Del Rio in the main event. Again, no Paul Heyman.
-- Backstage, Mark Henry is interviewed by Renee Young. He says he fooled everyone like puppets. The WWE title is the only thing he hasn't held and he is challenging John Cena for it right now. He then says he will leave one of his boots in Cena's rear end.
Chris Jericho vs. Heath Slater
-- Drew McIntyre and Jinder Mahal at ringside. Standard match with the commentators more concerned about other happenings on Raw tonight. Jericho nailed the Lionsault followed by the Codebreaker for the 1-2-3. After the match, Jericho beats up McIntyre and Mahal as well. WINNER: Chris Jericho.
-- Backstage, Paul Heyman is coaching Curtis Axel. He's interrupted by Matt Striker and asked if CM Punk asking him to stay away from ringside means something bigger. Heyman says he's best friends with the best in the world but sometimes friends need some space and directs the attention back to Curtis Axel.
-- The Miz joins the others at ringside for commentary.
Sin Cara vs. Curtis Axel
-- Miz talks about the match last night and how he feels Paul Heyman's coaching genius helped Axel win the title. And he is out here tonight to identify any weaknesses in Axel. Cole mentions Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig and observes that Axel won the same title that his father on and that too on Father's Day. Oh, the match, nobody is talking about it at all but Axel catches Sin Cara off the top rope with a knee to the back of the neck and then hits a DDT for the pin. WINNER: Curtis Axel.
-- After the match, the Miz sarcastically claps for Axel, who yaps back at Miz.
-- Still to come, the main event.
-- Michael Cole updates us on Daniel Bryan's situation. He's still being evaluated and if he is cleared, he will face Dean Ambrose on Friday's Smackdown.
-- Backstage, Vince encourages Vickie and Brad Maddox that they are doing a great job. He says Mark Henry sucked him in, he had him crying. He wants to know what they are going to do about the Henry/Cena situation. Vickie and Maddox announce John Cena vs. Mark Henry at Money in the Bank PPV. Stephanie walks up and says this show is a disaster and she needs to assert herself. Triple H then joins them and say he told her to make an example of the Shield but Vince says nobody told him that. Triple H says when he wants something done, it better be done and she better start listening to him. Vince reassures Vickie and says she'll be fine if she listens to him. After he walks away, Steph takes her aside and says that if she were Vickie, she wouldn't listen to either one of them. With a big smile on her face, she then puts her arm around Vickie and says she knows who to listen to.
-- Backstage, CM Punk is walking when Paul Heyman stops him and says that everyone is trying to play things up. He thanks Punk for letting him be a part of things and once again thanks Punk and says he's the best in the world. As Punk heads to the ring, Heyman continues to suck up to him.
Alberto Del Rio vs. CM Punk
-- Punk attacks Del Rio with kicks and punches causing Del Rio to bail to the outside. Punk throws him back in but Del Rio uses the opportunity to turn the tide and nails him with a vicious kick to the head. They take turns on offense until Punk tries for the Go to Sleep which Del Rio fights off and runs to the outside. Punk dives onto Del Rio and works over his arm and throws him back in the ring but gets distracted by Rodrigo Rodriguez. Del Rio lays him out on the floor as we go to commercial. Back from commercial, Michael Cole updates us that Daniel Bryan suffered a stinger and should be ready to compete on Smackdown. Cole also says that Bryan was so upset at the match being stopped that he confronted and screamed at Triple H backstage. Back to the match, Punk fights back as both competitors appear to be favoring their left arms. Del Rio continues to isolate Punk's arm but misses a kick and almost gets rolled up for a pin. Punk then catches Del Rio with the GTS but Alberto manages to roll to outside as the referee starts the count. Rodrigo picks up Del Rio and they stumble away, resulting in a countout. As they approach the stage area, Dolph Ziggler appears from nowhere and assaults Del Rio as officials try to separate the two. Ziggler than chases Del Rio to the back. WINNER: CM Punk by countout.
-- As Punk has his arm raised, Brock Lesnar's music hits. Lesnar walks down and paces around the ring. He jumps up on the apron and takes a mic. He approaches Punk and acts like he's about to say something but then picks Punk up and nails him with the F5. With Punk laid out face down, Brock laughs and walks off. He stops half way up the ramp and smirks back at Punk as the show ends.
