WWE Monday Night Raw
Washington, DC
September 6th 2010
Commentators: Michael Cole, Jerry “The King” Lawler
Report by: David Stephens of Wrestleview.com
Are you ready? Then stop questioning your heart and join me because it is time for Monday Night Raw!
RAW kicks off with the Nexus standing in the middle of the ring. They are singing the glories of last week’s RAW in which they destroyed the Undertaker and defeated the team of 5 RAW Superstars. Each of the Nexus members take their time explaining their exploits and putting over their dominance. In particular, Slater puts over the fact that he pinned the WWE Champion, and Gabriel puts over hitting the 450 Splash on both The Undertaker and John Cena in the same night. Wade retakes the mic to proclaim that he “de-venomized” the Viper, by pinning Randy Orton. In two weeks time, he is set to win the six pack challenge and bring the WWE Championship to Nexus!
Randy Orton’s music hits and he makes his way out to the entrance ramp. Orton tells Wade to roll the footage of the countless times he has hit the RKO on the Nexus members. Better yet, Orton vows to hit Wade with a RKO at Night of Champions. Wade tells him that if he wants to be a tough guy, how about he comes into the ring right now and just try to give him an RKO!
*GeneralMail Alert*
Last week was a historic night for Nexus as a unit, but tonight will be about individuals. Tonight, for the first time ever Justin Gabriel will take on John Cena in a 1-on-1 match. Plus Wade Barrett will face Randy Orton! To assure that both matches are fair, Nexus will be banned from ringside for the evening.
****Commercial*****
Chris Jericho begins to make his way down to the ring for a match.
*GeneralMail Alert*
Last week when Edge and Jericho took themselves out of the main event, it was a slap in the face to the WWE Universe and the General Manager. As a result, if Edge and Jericho do not win their respective matches tonight, they will be removed from the Six Pack Challenge at night of Champions.
Chris is screaming at Michael Cole demanding to know who the General Manager is, but Cole just shrugs his shoulders.
Chris Jericho v. John Morrison
Jericho charges straight at Morrison and plunging him into the corner. He follows up with a slew of punches and whips him into the ropes. Morrison goes for a quick roll-up, but Jericho kicks out. Same attempt, and again a kick out. Jericho hits an arm lariat and goes for a pin, Morrison kicks out. Chris throws John to the outside of the ring. He continues to scream at Cole demanding to know who the General Manager is as we go to commercial.
****Commercial*****
We come back from commercial and it is Jericho with Morrison locked into a chokehold square in the center of the ring. Jericho releases and connects with an elevated side slam. Pin attempt, but Morrison kicks out. Jericho again screams at Cole to try and ascertain the identity of the General Manager.
Chris tries for another side slam, but Morrison spins out and connects with a couple of clotheslines. Morrison hits a heel kick, and then immediately a back breaker. Cover, but Jericho kicks out. Chris tries an attempt at the Walls of Jericho, but Morrison quickly counters. Jericho attempts a Lionsault, but Morrison rolls out of the way. John springboards for his Flash Kick, and then goes for a cover. Jericho kicks out.
Chris goes for the Code Breaker, but Morrison holds on to the ropes to counter. Chris tries for a quick roll up, but no luck. This time it is an enziguiri kick from Jericho, but still he cannot get the pinfall. Morrison is trying to get to his feet, but Jericho grabs him and whips him towards the corner. Morrison dodges and Chris charges straight into the turnbuckle and falls to the mat. Morrison tries for Starship Pain, but Chris moves out of the way. Jericho goes for the Walls of Jericho, and this time he connects!
Morrison is screaming in agony and struggling with everything he has to get to the ropes. Finally he reaches, and the referee breaks the hold. Jericho sets up Morrison on the turnbuckle, looking to go for a suplex. John regains some fight, and knocks Chris off and into the middle of the ring! Morrison leaps and connects with Starship Pain! Morrison goes for the pin and connects!
Winner via Starship Pain: John Morrison
As a result of this match, Chris Jericho will no longer be competing in the Six Pack Challenge at Night of Champions! After the match there is pure shock on the face of Chris Jericho. He appears as a tired competitor who struggles to get to his feet. He sits on the ring steps, just trying to collect his thoughts. Chris begins a slow walk to the back and the crowd starts up with a huge “Y2J” chant.
****Commercial*****
Divas’ Championship Match
Melina v. Alicia Fox
Before the match, Alicia Fox has the microphone and informs Melina that she will not be defending the Championship at Night of Champions, but instead, Fox will be winning it from her tonight. Alicia goes on to say that she will take the Title and go on to win at Night of Champions. Fox declares that once she does, she will become the Undefined Woman’s Champion! (Yes, she really did say “undefined”)
The match starts with Melina taking it right to Fox. She drops her with a split legged punch, and then knocks her to the outside of the ring. Fox says she is done and leaving, but Melina pulls her back into the ring. Fox is able to kick out of a cover attempt, and then throws Melina head first into the second rope. This allows her to grab the hair of Melina and slam her head to the mat. Melina dodges a clothesline with the Matrix move, and attempt to send Fox outside the ring with a hurricarana. It did not quite work out, so Fox pulls her back into the ring. Melina grabs Fox and yells out with her signature primal scream. She hits the Sunset Split, and this match is over!
Winner & STILL Diva’s Champion: Melina
In the back Josh Mathews is with The Miz. Miz starts to talk and Mathews just looks confused. There is something covered with a black drape, which Miz describes as the “Road to Awesome”. Josh asks to see what’s behind the drape, but Miz tells him to scram.
****Commercial*****
In the back, Edge is talking to Zack Ryder. Zack is talking about the fact that he understands the stress that Edge is under because he also used to be a Number One Contender. As a result, he would like to face Edge tonight. Edge says that he used to think Ryder was a tool, but now he actually likes him. Edge pleads with the General Manager to make Ryder his opponent. Ryder does a “Woo Woo Woo You Know It”. Edge says that if Ryder’s music does not play as his opponent, then he will destroy the General Manager’s laptop. Ryder finally realizes that Edge had called him a tool. He explains that it hurt his feelings, bro. Edge just walks away.
Ted Dibiase is in his locker room talking to his mom on the phone. This is made evident when he says “I love you” and Maryse asks who it was. Maryse has a note that Dibiase left in her dressing room which says, “I want you so bad”. Ted says that he did not leave the note. Further, he questions whether it was really for Maryse, perhaps it was for him?. Maryse is angered and starts to rant in French. Ted tries to get across that he has no idea what she is saying, but eventually just walks away.
****Commercial****
Justin Gabriel v. John Cena
Wow, very anti-Cena sounding crowd tonight (Probably 60-40).
Cena starts the match by attempting to ground Gabriel. He locks on a leg scissors hold. Cena uses his free hand to slap the chest of Justin. Gabriel is able to to land a couple of kicks and punches. The two are trading blows back and forth in what is turning out to be a fairly even turn about. Justin hits a nice springboard swanton, and goes for the cover. Cena kicks out.
Gabriel locks on a very nice body scissors variation. The pain is starting to show on Cena. He uses his strength to power out of the move and get to his feet. Justin quickly turns the tide and goes for a gut wrench slam. He connects and goes fo rthe pin. Cena kicks out.
Justin goes for a springboard moonsault. Cena kicks out and starts to hulk up. He hits his shoulder block and then follows with the side slam. It’s time for the 5 Knuckle Shuffle… and Cena connects! John has Gabriel up on his shoulders, but Justin counters into a DDT! Cena is able to kick out.
Justin heads to the top turnbuckle and is looking to go for the 450 Splash. Cena runs up after him and could be looking to finish things right here. He grabs Justni Gabriel and puts him up on his shoulders! Cena connects with the Attitude Adjustment from the second rope, and this match is over!
Winner via Attitude Adjustment: John Cena
//Trailer Plays for John Cena’s latest film ‘Legendary’//
****Commercial****
We come back and Miz is in the ring with his drape covered board. Miz says that when he first started in the business, there were very few who were willing to accept him. They said he should go back to reality television and MTV. He started as the host of Smackdown, all whilst listening to people tell him that he didn’t belong in the business. Then, he became tag partners with John Morrison. They said that he was just riding the coat tails of Morrison. Then, he became the US Champion. But still, people said that it wasn’t enough. But then, he won Money in the Bank.
Miz says he has punched in his ticket to becoming the WWE Champion. Miz is on the path to become the biggest star in company history. Miz calls for a drum roll. The Miz unveils the black drape, and it is the cover of the newest WWE Magazine, with Miz on the cover! The reason it means so much to him is because as a kid he collected the magazines, dreaming to be on the cover. Miz finally lets loose and says “I’m the Miz, and I’m Awesome!”.
Daniel Bryan’s music hits, and he makes his way down to the ring microphone in hand. Bryan says, “Hi Mike Mizanin, my name is Daniel Bryan”. Daniel says that they have a lot in common. Such as the fact that people said he wouldn’t make it. Miz says the difference is that Daniel still hasn’t made it. Daniel says he might be right for instance, Bryan says that he came out to music that was generic and he couldn’t recognize. He has a $10 haircut. And, he has to wear his ring attire in the back just so that security doesn’t throw him out. Even still, he had to show his ID three times!
Bryan says that despite all of that, he knows if he had a match for the UIS Title, he would beat him. Miz says he agrees, that Bryan has a $10 hair cut. Bryan counters by saying that if he beats him, maybe this would be the cover of the magazine. On the Titantron appears a magazine with a picture of Miz in the crossface (which we are calling the Labelle Lock apparently) and it says “Miz Taps”.
They start to banter back and forth, but Bryan interrupts and gets straight to the point. He asks Miz yes or no, match at Night of Champions for the US Title? The Miz says…. Yes!!!!
Miz tries to hit a cheap shot, but Bryan sees it coming and locks on the Labelle Lock! Alex Riley comes out of the crowd to make the save. Bryan manages to knock Riley back and send Miz outside of the ring. Daniel then locks the Labelle Lock onto Riley! Miz can only look on as his NXT Rookie from Season 1 makes his NXT Rookie from Season 2 tap over and over again in the middle of the ring. Finally Miz relents and takes a look at The Miz ‘s magazine cover. With a smile on his face, Bryan kicks the poster and knocks it over. It’s official, Daniel Bryan v. The Miz for the US Title at Night of Champions!!!
****Commercial****
Edge v. The Great Khali
Despite the pleas that Edge made, Zack Ryder is not his opponent. Edge is staring at the laptop of GM really debating whether or not to break it.
At the start of the match, Edge walks around the ring taunting the giant. Finally Khali heads out after him. Edge uses it to his advantage by knocking out the knees of Khali, and then heading back into the ring. The referee hits the ten count, which makes Edge the winner.
Or not.
*GeneralMail Alert*
That match will not count. Instead, it will restart as an over the top rope challenge!
****Commercial****
So, we get back and Khali walks himself out of the ring. Cole is baffled and asks why the match isn’t over. Regardless, Khali gets back into the ring. I’m really confused. Edge knocks him out by kicking the rope into the rope and then plowing him to the outside.
Winner: Edge
****Commercial****
In the back, Josh Mathews attempts to interview Jericho. Chris just looks forward without saying anything. John Morrison attempts to sit down and comfort Jericho, but it doesn’t do much good.
****Commercial****
Randy Orton v. Wade Barrett
Edge, Cena & Sheamus are all on commentary for this match.
Randy starts by taking it right to Wade. He backs him into the corner and then whips him to the other side. Orton follows up with a clothesline. Wade slides out of the ring, but Randy follows right after him. Orton slams Wade’s head into the announce table, before sending him back into the ring. Orton is staring down Wade as he attempts to whip him hard into the corner. Wade counters, but Randy moves out of the way of the clothesline. Wade gets the upper hand on the next exchange as he hits a big boot to the face.
Wade mounts Orton and starts to pummel him in the head. Barrett spins Orton around and hits a neckbreaker. Wade goes for the cover, but Orton kicks out at 2. Wade locks on a headlock and attempts to keep the Viper grounded. Ort on gets to his feet and hits a nice back slam. Wade shakes it off and sets Orton back down with a well placed kick.
Wade seems to be soaking in the experience and is stalking Orton. Wade lifts Orton up for the Wasteland, but Orton counters into a reversed neck breaker. Orton follows up with his snap scoop slam, and this could be the beginning of the end. Wade is looking to the outside for comfort, but Randy catches him while he is still on the apron. Wade throws him to the outside of the ring!
Out of nowhere music hits the arena that we haven’t heard before. Darren Young makes an entrance, with microphone in hand. Young says that he is about to prove that he is not the weakest link in Nexus. He has distracted Wade long enough that Orton is able to sneak back into the ring. Orton hits the RKO and this match is over!
Winner via RKO: Randy Orton
After the match, Orton calls Young into the ring. Instead of saying thanks, he hits him with an RKO! Edge runs in for a spear, but he too gets hit with an RKO! Sheamus tries to enter, and we see our 4th RKO!! The show fades to black as Cena and Orton stare each other down in the middle of the ring.
Raw Thoughts
Bow-chicka-wow-wow.
I don’t know, seemed like a good way to start off the thoughts section. So I suppose we shall start at the top of the show. No complaints regarding the first segment, well, except for one. I get that it makes sense to ban Nexus from ringside for the matches, but what about the rest of the roster? Perhaps Nexus has earned this seemingly double-standard of banishment, but we can’t forget that they did face a TEAM. Sure at this point Sheamus, Edge & Jericho aren’t going to be coming to the save, but what about guys such as Evan Bourne, Mark Henry, et al? I’m just saying it would make a lot more sense to ban everyone from ringside, not just one particular faction. Maybe I’m nitpicking, but it would add to the realism if they enforced a blanket ban.
I’m glad that someone in the WWE realized that the mystery General Manager angle needed to be played up a little bit more. I don’t know about you guys, but I was starting to accept the fact that it was just a computer and that was that. Yeah, that’s freakin’ crazy and odd as hell, but the gimmick had become so complacent and bland that I just stopped caring. Jericho’s ranting at least reminded me that there is apparently a mystery to be solved. At least I know remember.
The match itself was pretty awesome. Like most of you, I’m in a little bit of shock that he lost the match, but at the same time, I’m pretty happy. Not because Jericho won’t be competing, but because once again just when I thought I had this crazy industry figured out, it still surprised me. Maybe tonight’s the last time we see him for awhile, maybe he’ll be back next week. I’m honestly not that sure. Yes, I know of all the contract rumors, but as for specific details, very few know of the actual dates it will take effect. Before you doubt that fact, keep in mind that nearly everyone in this crazy internet world had him competing (and losing) at Night of Champions. So much for that. Wow, just wow Chris Jericho. What an amazing talent. Those close ups after the match were the first time I’ve ever seen the age, pain, and wear and tear on his face. Such a class act.
So, let’s talk about Alicia Fox. For the love of God stop sending me e-mails about her. No matter how many videos you send to show me she is really talented (in which you apparently ignore the botches and then don’t respond once I point them out…) you aren’t going to change my mind. It’s not that I dislike her as a person, it has nothing to do with that. It has to do with the fact that there are so many absurdly talented Divas in the world that deserve the belt so much more than her. Portia Perez comes to mind just off the top of my head. Don’t know who that is? Then stop sending me all your love for Alicia Fox, and go watch some real women’s wrestling.
I got a kick out of the Ryder and Edge segment. They don’t seem to know exactly what to do with Ryder at the moment, which is a shame. Not cause he is super great, but because I really love his theme music. What? It’s catchy!
I’m baffled, bewildered and bemused by the Dibiase/Maryse segment. What the hell just happened? Regardless, at least they are doing something with the couple. So… good job!
I have to give a lot of credit to the Justin Gabriel match. There were some moves from both guys that I haven’t seen them use before. Sure, it was a quick match, but it was pretty fantastic. Gabriel has a bright career in this business. I truly believe that. He came out of the match looking pretty strong. You have to keep in mind the fact that he was only beaten by an Attitude Adjustment off the second rope! That’s not a bad way to get pinned by Cena.
No real comment about the Khali/Edge match. I just kind of laughed. Too bad about no Ryder though, I was looking forward to his theme.
Miz & Daniel Bryan had a pretty awesome (pun intended) segment tonight. Just all around fantastic. I have to say that I’m really glad Bryan got fired and kicked out of Nexus. Sure, that was pretty annoying at the time. But, as a result he is in this great feud with the Miz and getting substantial mic time. Dragon deserves it.
I hate to leave on a pessimistic note, but I really did not enjoy the Darren Young inclusion in the final match. I don’t really have any comments on the match itself considering its brief length. I was actually interested in Young for the first time ever as he made his entrance. I thought to myself, maybe there is something to this guy that I missed. Apparently not, because the decision was made to bury him on the spot. Like, a shovel wasn’t fast enough so they hired a back-hoe to dig the hole, he was buried so deep. It made no sense. I actually thought for a good second, that Young was going to call out NXT Season 2 guys to attack Wade in the ring. But, obviously that didn’t happen. Could be an interesting angle, but maybe a bit too tired if we end up with NXT 1 v. NXT 2 at Survivor Series. Yeah, let’s just scratch off that idea.
All in all, not a bad RAW. Certainly some intriguing moments that are going to be with me till next week. The future of Jericho, Bryan v. Miz, and even Justin Gabriel and the Nexus. Not too shabby.
I do read every single e-mail you guys send, and really appreciate hearing your thoughts. Send me some e-mails, and have a safe week everyone!
So that’s RAW…. Love it? Hate it? Disagree with everything I said? Just want to chat wrestling? I’m always up for reading your thoughts and do my absolute best to reply to every message I get. Send them over to me at david@wrestleview.com. (there were a lot of great ones that I didn’t get a chance to respond to this past week, and I hope to reply to them this week so sorry if you were one of them!)
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