WWE Monday Night RAW Results
November 3, 2014
Buffalo, New York
Results by: Mike Tedesco of Wrestleview.com
“Then. Now. Forever.” The WWE video leads us into the show.
A video kicks off the show with a recap of the events of last week’s RAW. Seth Rollins said he was going to move on to John Cena following his defeat of Dean Ambrose at Hell in a Cell, but Randy Orton interrupted him. Orton attacked him, but The Authority held him back. Orton then dropped Rollins with an RKO out of nowhere. Later in the night, Rollins fought John Cena in the main event. After a disqualification finish, the entire locker room emptied out and got into a brawl.
Mr. McMahon makes a surprising comeback to Monday Night RAW
Mr. McMahon’s music hits, and the Chairman of WWE makes his surprising return to RAW to a tremendous reception. McMahon pumps his arms and jumps up in the air as he comes down the ramp with Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. McMahon asks if the crowd has missed him, and they respond kindly. McMahon says things have been pretty much kept in hand since he left with The Authority running things. The crowd boos them. McMahon says they seem a little underappreciated. Those who have subscribed to the WWE Network know what an extraordinary experience it is for $9.99. Last Friday, he announced that for the entire month of November, the WWE Network is free. The second longest running PPV in WWE history, the Survivor Series, is for free.
That means we’ll see Team Authority take on Team Cena in a traditional five-on-five Survivor Series Elimination Match. As good as that is, it’s time to raise the stakes. McMahon wants the next generation to feel what he feels. He wants them to feel true power that they’ve earned. McMahon says he can remember when he beat the United States Government. That was a great accomplishment. Then he beat Ted Turner and WCW. He laid it all on the line. Then there was the fictitious battle with God, but we know how that turned out. It’s time to raise the stakes. Team Cena versus Team Authority where if The Authority loses, they’ll no longer be The Authority. The Authority will no longer be in power. A big “YES!” chant breaks out. McMahon’s music hits, and they go to leave the ring.
Dean Ambrose’s music hits, and he comes out to the stage. Mr. McMahon shakes hands with Ambrose before leaving the ring to him.
Tonight we’ll see The Big Show take on Mark Henry. Coming up next, we’ll see Ambrose fight Cesaro.
-Commercial Break-
Mr. McMahon is standing by his limousine with Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. McMahon says it felt good to be out there. He knows they were surprised a bit, but he’s always liked surprises. It’s on the line, but he knows he can count on the two of them. Triple H says with Vince, nothing surprises him. McMahon mentions that Triple H’s tie is crooked. McMahon tells them to have a good show since it seems like they’re underappreciated. Stephanie says with a stiff smile, “Bye Dad. Be safe getting home.” McMahon gets in the limo, and it drives off. Triple H asks what that was, and she doesn’t know. Stephanie says, “Let’s go figure this out.”
Replays are shown of Bray Wyatt interfering in Dean Ambrose’s Hell in a Cell match to cost him the match against Seth Rollins.
Dean Ambrose vs. Cesaro
Replays are shown of Ambrose destroying Cesaro last week on RAW. Then this past Friday on Smackdown, he defeated Cesaro in a Trick or Street Fight.
Charles Robinson, my favorite referee of all time, is the official for this match. The bell rings, and they circle the ring. They trade waistlocks before Ambrose wrenches the arm. Cesaro fights up and elbows out. Cesaro kicks him in the face before punching him to the corner. Ambrose turns him and punches away at him. Ambrose hits a short-arm clothesline for a one count. Ambrose hits a headlock takeover. Cesaro tries to roll him for a pin, but Ambrose kicks out twice. Cesaro fights out and whips him off. Ambrose hits a shoulder block before hitting the ropes. Ambrose quickly rolls him up for a one count. Ambrose hits another headlock takeover, but Cesaro fights up and dumps him over the top rope. Ambrose goes behind the barricade. Cesaro follows him out, and Ambrose snaps him off the barricade. Ambrose bounces his head off the barricade before jumping off with a diving elbow drop. Ambrose slides in to break the count before getting back out. Ambrose throws Cesaro into the ring and rubs his forearm in his face. Cesaro counters with a powerbomb. It’s shown that Cesaro is bleeding from the side of the head above his ear.
Cesaro punches away at him before stomping him in the corner. Ambrose quickly tackles him down and punches away at him. Ambrose then clotheslines him over the top rope. The referee keeps Ambrose back before the cameras show that the cut has gotten worse for Cesaro. Bray Wyatt’s video flashes, and we go to commercial…
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Bray Wyatt seated at the top of the ramp in a rocking chair. Cesaro DDTs Ambrose off the top rope for a near fall. Cesaro applies a chin lock, but Ambrose fights up. Cesaro kicks him back into the ropes. Ambrose goes for a rebound clothesline, but Cesaro ducks the clothesline and hits a German Suplex for a near fall. Cesaro gives him a few crossface forearms before delivering a massive forearm to the jaw. Cesaro applies a chin lock with Ambrose’s own arm across his throat. Ambrose gets out by biting Cesaro’s hand and giving him a jawbreaker.
Cesaro runs into a boot. Ambrose ducks a clothesline and hits a running cross-body before punching away at him. Ambrose hits a running forearm in the corner before hitting a bulldog for a near fall. Cesaro quickly knees him in the midsection and elbows him in the back of the head. Ambrose quickly hits him with a knee to the midsection and punches away at him on the ropes. Ambrose runs into a big boot, but he falls back into the ropes and hits a clothesline for a near fall. Wyatt is seen laughing on stage. Cesaro quickly kicks Ambrose back to the corner, but he soon runs into a back elbow. Ambrose goes for a tornado DDT, but Cesaro counters by throwing him up in the air for a Very European Uppercut and a near fall. Ambrose rolls to the apron to recover. Ambrose shoulders him as he goes to grab him before giving Cesaro a back body drop over the top rope. Ambrose catches him with a suicide dive before pointing at Wyatt. Wyatt laughs and watches intently.
Ambrose rolls Cesaro into the ring and goes to the top rope, but Cesaro crotches him up there. Ambrose falls to the mat, and Cesaro picks up a two count with a backslide pin. Ambrose quickly gets to his feet and hits Dirty Deeds for the win!
Winner by Pinfall: Dean Ambrose
Match Rating: ** 1/4
Ambrose stares at Wyatt, who is still sitting at the top of the ramp. Ambrose makes like he’s going to go after Wyatt, but Wyatt’s video flashes and the screen goes black. When the screen comes back, the rocking chair is empty. Ambrose stands in the ring and angrily looks on.
Triple H and Stephanie McMahon are talking backstage. Stephanie says when they go out there, it has to be all confidence and smiles. They have to put together the strongest Survivor Series team there has ever been. Triple H says she’s right, and he takes out his phone. Stephanie asks who he’s calling, and he says he’s calling Randy Orton. Stephanie says this is the same Orton that defied their authority last week by giving Seth Rollins, the leader of Team Authority, an RKO. Triple H says all of that was before her dad decided that he needed to make them stronger. Triple H says they need the strongest team, so that means he has to call Randy Orton.
Jimmy and Jey Uso make their entrance to the ring. Jimmy will be in singles competition against The Miz, next.
-Commercial Break-
Jimmy Uso w/ Jey Uso vs. The Miz w/ Damien Mizdow
Replays are shown of Jimmy and Jey Uso beating The Miz and Damien Mizdow on RAW last week with twin magic. They did it again to Miz and Mizdow the next night on WWE Main Event.
They lock up, and Miz knees him in the midsection before applying a side headlock. Jimmy whips him off, but Miz takes him down with a shoulder block. Miz hits the ropes, but Jimmy kicks him in the midsection. Jimmy hits a snapmare before hitting a low clothesline for a two count. Miz runs into an arm drag, and Jimmy applies an arm bar. Jey Uso is seen mocking Mizdow at ringside. Miz tries to get out, but Jimmy takes him down again. Miz quickly backs him to the corner and kicks him down. Miz punches away at him before the referee backs him up. Jimmy slides out of a whip, ducks a clothesline, and hits a Samoan Drop. Jimmy goes for a running hip bump to the face, but Miz rolls to the apron and snaps him off the top rope. Miz gets back in the ring and runs into a hip toss. Miz ducks a running clothesline and big boots him down. Miz stomps away at him before choking him on the bottom rope. Miz kicks away at him in the corner before hitting his trademark clothesline. Mizdow mimics it at ringside. Miz goes to the top rope and hits a double axe handle for a near fall. Miz then applies a chin lock. Jimmy soon fights up at ringside and punches him. Miz reverses a whip, but Jimmy holds on. Jimmy pulls the top rope down to get Miz out of the ring. Mizdow falls next to Miz at ringside.
Jimmy hits an over-the-top-rope cross-body on Miz, and Mizdow falls down as well. Jey Uso superkicks Mizdow at ringside after he tried to roll into the ring with Miz. Jey gets in the ring, and Miz catches him with a Skull Crushing Finale for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: The Miz
Match Rating: * 1/4
Michael Cole quotes Gorilla Monsoon’s “irresistible force meets the immovable object” line before talking about Mark Henry facing Big Show later tonight on RAW.
Sheamus’ music hits, and the WWE United States Champion makes his way to the ring. Sheamus will face Rusev immediately following RAW for the WWE United States Championship on the WWE Network. Sheamus is in action, next. That will be two matches in one night for him.
-Commercial Break-
Sheamus vs. Tyson Kidd w/ Natalya
Replays are shown of Rusev challenging Sheamus on Smackdown. Rusev says he’s defeated all the great Americans before saying he’s crush the American Champion. Sheamus responded by saying he takes personal pride in representing what it stands for. Sheamus went to attack Rusev, but Rusev got out of the ring.
They circle the ring, and Kidd gives him a quick kick more for show. Kidd starts kicking him some more, but Sheamus blocks it and punches away at him. Sheamus uppercuts him down a few times before sending him into the ropes. Kidd gets out of a body slam and kicks him in the midsection. Kidd hits the ropes, but Sheamus catches him with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker that Cole incorrectly calls an Irish Curse. Rusev and Lana are seen watching backstage. Sheamus hits a pair of knee drops before hitting a knee drop off the second rope. Natalya is seen sadly watching on as Kidd kicks out at two. Kidd quickly elbows and kicks Sheamus away before hitting a drop-toe-hold into the ropes. Kidd dropkicks him in the head for a one count. Kidd punches away at him in the corner. Kidd chokes him with his knee before clubbing him. Kidd kicks him in the face before choking him some more. Kidd applies a chin lock, but Sheamus eventually fights up and gets Kidd on his back. Sheamus backs him to the corner to break up the hold.
Sheamus hits a running shoulder thrust in the corner before hitting a running knee lift to the jaw. Sheamus sends him into the ropes. Kidd goes for a crucifix pin, but Sheamus counters into an Alabama Slam. Sheamus applies the Irish Cloverleaf, but Kidd gets to the bottom rope. Kidd quickly kicks him in the knee before flipping to the apron. Sheamus goes to suplex him back into the ring, but Kidd knees him in the face. Kidd snaps him off the top rope and hits a springboard missile dropkick to knock Sheamus out of the ring. Kidd goes to the apron and goes for a kick, but Sheamus blocks it. Sheamus pulls him down and hits a rolling senton on the floor! Sheamus picks him up, and Kidd punches him. Kidd ducks a clothesline and throws Natalya in front of him. Sheamus puts the brakes on as Kidd gets in the ring and wins by count-out!
Winner by Count-Out: Tyson Kidd
Match Rating: * 3/4
Sheamus cannot believe what just happened. Natalya talks to Kidd in the ring before he turns around into a Brogue Kick. Sheamus looks down at Kidd before taking his WWE United States Championship and posing with it. Sheamus will fight Rusev immediately following RAW on the WWE App.
Dolph Ziggler is seen walking backstage. He’ll be in action, next.
-Commercial Break-
Dolph Ziggler makes his entrance and waits for his opponent in the ring. Instead, The Authority’s music hits. Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, Kane, Jamie Noble, Joey Mercury, and Seth Rollins make their way to the ring. Ziggler looks completely confused. Replays are shown of Mr. McMahon announcing that if The Authority loses at Survivor Series, they will no longer be in power.
Stephanie says we all heard her father’s announcement earlier tonight. She and Triple H are ecstatic about this opportunity because they are winners. Unlike most people who are afraid to stand up for what they believe, they pin their hopes and dreams on false idols like John Cena. By most people, she means the people of Buffalo. They’re winners. That’s why at Survivor Series, they’ll put together the strongest Survivor Series team in history under the leadership of Mr. Money in the Bank, Seth Rollins, and his teammate Kane. Of course, their other partner will be “The Viper” Randy Orton.
Triple H says they’ve heard the rumors. They’re not naïve. A lot of people think that they’re petty enough to punish those that would team with John Cena against The Authority. Triple H says they wouldn’t do that. Ziggler is free to do what he wants. Ziggler can partner and side with who he wants, but Triple H wants him to question some things. If Ziggler does side with Cena, what happens after? Let’s say Team Cena wins. Who gets the credit? It wouldn’t be Ziggler. Cena would be the one looking like the bigger hero because he’d win with Ziggler on his team. Let’s say Team Cena loses. Who takes that heat? Cena won’t take the blame for the loss. It’ll be Ziggler. Cena would say, “What would you expect with someone like Ziggler on my team?” Triple H doesn’t think there is anything about Ziggler that is a failure, but Ziggler knows as well as he does that every time he rises to the top, something is always in his way. Ziggler busts his ass harder than anyone in the back, but who gets the credit? It’s not Ziggler. It’s John Cena. They can call it the “glass ceiling,” but if it is, you certainly can’t see or break through it.
Stephanie says you have to wonder where John Cena is tonight. Triple H says Cena cares so much for his supposed team that he’s not even in the building tonight. Let’s say Ziggler takes the gamble. Maybe it works out for him and teaming with Cena will get him championship shots. Maybe he’ll be the WWE World Heavyweight Champion and get the girls and the fans’ adulation. Stephanie says that’s a lot of “maybes.” Triple H says that is a lot of uncertainty, or Ziggler can just pick up the phone and say “no” to John Cena. Ziggler knows he has the talent and ability like Triple H does. If Ziggler wants certainties, they can tell him how. If Ziggler turns Cena down, all of his uncertainty will go away. Ziggler can write his own ticket and have anything he wants. This is where it gets interesting. Ziggler asks, and they’ll give anything he wants.
Ziggler looks conflicted as the fans begin to buzz. Stephanie tells him not to listen to the crowd and think about himself. Ziggler looks conflicted before asking if he can have anything he wants. Triple H says all he’ll have to do is ask. Ziggler says, “Alright, you know what I want? I want you out of power. I want you gone, I want your wife gone, I want your corporate goon gone, I want the sell out gone, I want these two jabronis gone! I want them out of power for good!” The fans loudly cheer that as Stephanie smiles and shakes her head. A “YES!” chant breaks out.
Triple H says that’s too bad because he really wanted to give the people what they want. They want nothing more than to give them what they want, but Ziggler won’t let it happen. Now when the little twelve year olds are out there tweeting their displeasure, they’ll have no one to blame but Ziggler. These are the crossroads in life where decisions are made. If the wrong decision is made, then sometimes you end up empty handed. Triple H says he hopes Ziggler doesn’t wind up that way because it happens at any time, like now for instance. Ziggler will defend his WWE Intercontinental Championship right now against the future of the WWE, Seth Rollins. Triple H says, “Good luck, Dolph. You’re gonna need it.”
-Commercial Break-
WWE Intercontinental Championship Match
Dolph Ziggler (c) vs. Seth Rollins
The bell rings, and this championship match begins. They circle the ring and lock up. Ziggler applies a waistlock and grounds Rollins. Rollins applies a hammerlock before hitting a headlock takeover. A “You sold out” chant breaks out. Rollins cinches in the headlock as Noble and Mercury watch at ringside. Ziggler fights up and whips him off, but Rollins hits a shoulder block. Rollins goes right back to the chin lock, but Ziggler soon fights back up. Ziggler whips him off, but Rollins once again hits a shoulder block. Rollins hits the ropes, but Ziggler leapfrogs him and hits a hip toss for a one count. Rollins quickly rolls out of the ring to regroup with Noble and Mercury.
Rollins gets back in the ring and goes for a test of strength, but he instead kicks Ziggler. Rollins punches him in the corner a few times before backing away. Ziggler blocks a punch and hits some of his own. Ziggler has a whip reversed on him, but Rollins lowers his head and eats a kick. Ziggler hits the ropes, but Rollins clotheslines him down for a one count. Rollins puts him in the corner and bounces him off the turnbuckle. Rollins repeats that in another corner. Ziggler blocks a third shot and does it to Rollins before punching him. Ziggler sends him to the opposite corner before hitting a back body drop for a one count. Ziggler picks him up and goes for a neckbreaker, but Rollins counters into a suplex for a one count. Rollins chokes him on the middle rope before sending him into the ropes for a back elbow. Rollins smiles at the crowd, and they boo him. Rollins sends him into the ropes, but Ziggler ducks a clothesline and hits a dropkick.
Ziggler clotheslines him before hitting a splash in the corner. Ziggler punches away at him before going for another avalanche, but Rollins counters into an STO into the turnbuckle for a near fall. Rollins hits a snapmare and reapplies a chin lock. Ziggler fights up and gets out with a jawbreaker. Ziggler then hits a wild clothesline over the top rope that also sends him over. Once to his feet, Rollins quickly drives him into the apron. Rollins drops him on the apron as we go to commercial.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Ziggler trapped in a chin lock. During the commercial break, Rollins drove Ziggler into the barricade. Back to live action, Ziggler punches out of the chin lock, but Rolling knees him in the midsection. They hit the ropes, but they have the same idea and hit a double running cross-body block. Both men are down with the wind knocked out of them.
Ziggler elbows him in the face before ducking a clothesline and hitting a pair of his own. Ziggler avalanches him in the corner and hits a neckbreaker. Ziggler drops an elbow for a two count. Rollins avoids a famouser and rolls him up for a two count. Ziggler blocks a kick and takes him down before hitting a catapult into the corner. Ziggler goes to the second rope and starts punching him. Rollins comes back by running across the ring with him on his shoulders to powerbomb him in the corner for a near fall. Rollins goes to the top rope, but Ziggler quickly runs up there. Rollins punches him back down and goes for a diving knee, but Ziggler avoids it. Ziggler quickly hits a famouser for a near fall! Ziggler cannot believe Rollins kicked out. Ziggler goes for a big DDT, but Rollins throws him off. Rollins avoids a kick and hits an enzuigiri for a near fall.
Rollins picks Ziggler up and kicks him in the midsection and chest before kicking him down to the mat. Rollins goes for a Curb Stomp, but Ziggler avoids it. Ziggler goes for a Zig-Zag, but Rollins holds on to the ropes. Joey Mercury gets on the apron, so Ziggler scares him off. With the referee’s back turned, Jamie Noble snaps Ziggler off the top rope. Rollins then sends Ziggler shoulder first into the ring post. Rollins hits the Curb Stomp, and he laughs. Randy Orton runs in through the crowd and drops Rollins with an RKO right in front of the referee! The referee doesn’t know what to do. The bell doesn’t sound.
Noble and Mercury get on the apron and stare at Orton. Orton then walks off. Kane is walking down the ramp and yells at Orton, but he just keeps walking.
No Contest
Match Rating: ** 1/4
-Commercial Break-
Replays are shown of Randy Orton delivering an RKO to Seth Rollins during an Intercontinental Championship match.
Triple H and Stephanie McMahon are in their office. Stephanie says they can’t trust Orton. Orton bursts in and says he wasn’t making a statement just now. He wasn’t trying to beat Rollins’ ass because he wants to save that for later. Orton is here to ask for a favor. Orton wants Rollins, tonight. Stephanie asks why they would do that. Why would they have their co-captains face one another? Orton flips out and says that is the biggest load of garbage he’s ever heard. Orton says he’d be better off fighting for someone else instead of Team Authority. Maybe he should fight for Team Cena. Orton says neither of them have the stomach to do what he did last week. Last week, he put Seth Rollins down. Today, he did the same thing by handling the situation.
Triple H yells for Orton to stop before getting right in his face. Triple H says he needs Randy Orton on his team. He needs Orton on Team Authority. He also needs Seth Rollins. Orton laughs at that. Triple H asks if Orton knows what is at stake here. Everything is at stake here. If Orton burns, they all burn. They’re all in it together. There is no “forgive and forget.” Triple H says he sees the look in his eye, and he needs that. He needs The Viper. He needs the guy that for twelve years he’s done battle with. They went against them all for twelve years. Triple H needs him to get this done. Triple H says he’ll give Orton his match with Rollins tonight! Triple H tells him to do what he needs to do because when this over, this is over. When it’s over, they’ll pick each other up, pat each other on the back, and then go to war. Triple H says this is a “no lose” situation. They have to win. Orton will have his match. Then they’ll go to Survivor Series and win. Triple H asks if they have a deal and extends his hand. Orton shakes hands with him before saying they have a deal.
The commentators talk about what just happened before they’re interrupted by a creepy video of Luke Harper that shows only his eyes.
Replays are shown of Mark Henry talking on Miz TV, which was on WWE Smackdown this past Friday. Henry said it’s about strength before Big Show came out to attack him. Henry got the better of him by sending him through a barricade. Big Show will take on Mark Henry later tonight.
-Commercial Break-
Titus O’Neil is standing in the middle of the ring with a microphone. O’Neil says at Survivor Series, winning will be officially spelled as “T-I-T-U-S.” He assured The Authority that he would not back down from anybody. Ryback’s music cuts him off.
Titus O’Neil vs. Ryback
They lock up, and Ryback powers him to the corner. O’Neil punches him back and shoulders him in the midsection before kneeing him. Ryback punches back before whipping him to the corner. Ryback runs into a boot before O’Neil hits an over-the-shoulder backbreaker. O’Neil taunts the crowd before hitting a running boot to the face. O’Neil stomps him before chopping the chest. O’Neil kicks him and talks some trash. O’Neil hits the ropes, and Ryback comes back with a spinebuster. Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, and Kane are seen watching backstage. The commentators talk about how they’re scouting Ryback. Ryback hits a meat hook clothesline before hitting Shell Shocked for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Ryback
Match Rating: 1/2 *
Renee Young is backstage with the Big Show. She goes to ask a question, but he stops her. Big Show says wants to talk about the opportunity they have to remove The Authority from power. If John Cena needs the World’s Largest Partner, he’d be honored to be on his team. Speaking of partners you can count on, his former partner Mark Henry betrayed him in a way he cannot even begin to explain. Three World’s Strongest Slams before throwing him into the barricade without even breaking a sweat. This is a man who has been to his house, eaten at his table, and rode on his bus. Henry threw all that away because he felt like that was what he needed to do. He feels so betrayed that he cannot even explain it. Between him and Henry, there is 40 years of experience in WWE. In that time, they’ve been loved, hated, and everything in between. In spite of everything that happened last week, there’s a part of him that wants his friend back. Big Show says he misses his friend. There’s also a part of him that just wants to knock Mark Henry the hell out of his life.
Mark Henry will face The Big Show, next.
-Commercial Break-
Some members of the Buffalo Bills are shown at ringside. Lilian Garcia goes, “What do NFL players watch on Monday nights? Monday Night RAW, of course!”
Sheamus will defend his WWE United States Championship against Rusev immediately following RAW on the WWE Network.
Big Show vs. Mark Henry
Charles Robinson, the greatest referee of all time, is back to referee this colossal contest. The bell sounds, and Big Show powers Henry to the corner before punching away at him. Big Show then whips him hard into the opposite corner. Henry collapses to the mat, but Big Show puts him back in the corner and punches him. Big Show sends him to the opposite corner, but he runs into a back elbow. Henry punches him back before sending him into the corner. Henry avalanches him before backing up. Big Show then takes him down with a thrust kick. Big Show kicks him in the head, which the camera angle showed he missed by a few inches. Big Show drops an elbow for a two count. Big Show then kicks him out of the ring. Big Show goes outside, and Henry throws him spine-first into the ring post. Henry repeats the move, and Big Show quickly comes back by spearing him down at ringside!
Big Show puts Henry back in the ring and drops an elbow on the small of his back. Big Show drops two more elbows in the same spot before applying a modified Haas of Pain. Henry claws to the bottom rope and forces a break. Big Show pulls him out to the apron and chops the chest. Big Show then gets on the apron and stands on his chest. The crowd is chanting for one of the Bills players, and they cheer when he acknowledges them. Big Show goes to the top rope, but Henry rips him off the ropes for a near fall. Henry talks a little trash and kicks Big Show in the ribs a few times. Henry then picks him up and hits the World’s Strongest Slam for a near fall. Henry angrily kicks him out of the ring and sends him into the steel steps. Henry picks up the top half of the steps and cracks Big Show in the head with them. The referee calls for the bell.
Winner by Disqualification: Big Show
Match Rating: * 1/4
Henry yells for the cameraman to get out of his way, and he looks at the bottom portion of the steel steps. Henry approaches Big Show. Big Show punches him, but Henry just head-butts him back. Henry then gives him the World’s Strongest Slam on the steps! Henry screams, “That’s what I do!” Henry talks a little trash before looking wildly at the crowd as his music hits. Henry then puts his shirt on top of Big Show.
Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, and Kane are watching what just happened. Triple H sends Kane off to see what Henry’s interest is in joining Team Authority. Stephanie says with Rollins, Orton, Kane, and Henry, they’ll be unstoppable. They just have to get one more. Of course, this all hinges on Orton and Rollins co-existing after tonight. Triple H says she has to trust him and let the guys get this out of their system. When this is over, they’ll be stronger than ever. They’ll then go on to Survivor Series and win.
-Commercial Break-
WWE Divas Champion AJ Lee is with the commentary team to offer her insight on the next contest.
Renee Young is backstage with Brie Bella. Renee says she’s in day eight of thirty as Nikki’s assistant. Brie goes to talk, but Nikki comes up and asks if she agreed to let her do an interview. Brie can’t do anything unless she tells her to. People don’t care about what Brie has to say. The new number one contender has a match to win, so let’s go. Renee goes to talk, but she stops when she sees Erick Rowan standing next to her in his sheep mask. He plays with her hair before lifting his mask. Rowan says, “Pretty.” Renee says, “Thank you? Excuse me!” Renee runs off.
Emma vs. Nikki Bella w/ Brie Bella
Replays are shown of Nikki Bella winning a Divas Halloween Costume Battle Royal to become the number one contender for the WWE Divas Championship.
They lock up, and Nikki takes her down. A “CM Punk” chant breaks out. Nikki sends her into the ropes and hits a shoulder block. Emma punches her back, but Nikki quickly comes back with a spinebuster for a two count. Nikki applies a hammerlock and slams her on the arm for a two count. Nikki applies a surfboard stretch, but Emma elbows her back. Emma hits a pair of clotheslines before ducking one and hitting a running cross-body block. Nikki reverses a whip into the corner, but she misses an avalanche. Emma applies the Dil-Emma before going for a move in the corner, but Nikki dropkicks her. Nikki hits the Rack Attack for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Nikki Bella
Match Rating: 1/2 *
Nikki Bella orders her sister to come in the ring and raise her arm. She whispers something in Brie’s ear that Brie doesn’t like. Nikki says it again, and Brie reluctantly starts walking toward AJ. AJ gets up from commentary, and Brie slaps her. The camera misses AJ knocking Brie down. AJ then chases Nikki off.
Randy Orton will face Seth Rollins in tonight’s main event.
-Commercial Break-
A promo video for Xavier Woods is shown. Woods is dancing with a gospel choir in the background. Woods says it’s time to feel good. This is a new day. They put a sparkling blue cape on him, but he goes back to the microphone to talk about the new day again. They pull him back.
Zack Ryder vs. Rusev w/ Lana
A tweet from Ryder is shown from earlier in the day when he offered his services to John Cena. The commentators surmise that this match is to punish Ryder for making that tweet. A replay is then shown of Rusev challenging Sheamus to a United States Championship match on Smackdown. They’ll fight on the WWE Network immediately following RAW.
The bell rings, and Rusev powers him to the corner. Ryder tries to punch him back, but Rusev soon overtakes him. Rusev hits a quick hip lock takeover and applies a chin lock. Rusev sends him to the corner and punches him. Rusev sends him to the corner, but he soon runs into some knees. Ryder hits a missile dropkick to take him down. Ryder hits a low dropkick to the corner. Ryder goes for the Broski Boot, but Rusev takes him down with a thrust kick. Rusev then stomps his spine and applies the Accolade for the win.
Winner by Submission: Rusev
Match Rating: 1/4 *
Rusev keeps the Accolade applied long after the sound of the bell. He releases it after Lana taps him on the shoulder. Rusev celebrates as the Russian Federation flag unfurls above the ring. Lana gets in the ring and tells the crowd to shut up. They loudly chant USA. Lana says today, she and Rusev will fulfill the directive of Mother Russia’s noble leader, Vladimir Putin. Putin’s image is shown on the screen. That directive is to bring him the United States Championship. Rusev takes the microphone and says, “Sheamus, you no different than any other. You will hurt, you will beg and suffer. You will be annihilated.”
Sheamus’ music hits, and the WWE United States Champion makes his way out to the ring. Sheamus says he takes a tremendous amount of pride wearing the title around his waist. It signifies the opportunity someone like himself can have in this country. If they think they can take the title and bring it back to Russia, then they really are delusional. Rusev gets out of the ring as Sheamus gets in. Tonight, on the WWE Network, immediately after RAW goes off the air, Rusev is in for the fight of his life, fella.
Randy Orton will face Seth Rollins in tonight’s main event.
-Commercial Break-
Stephanie McMahon stops Rusev and Lana backstage. Stephanie congratulates them on what just happened. She knows they’re very well informed and know what it means to be loyal and respect authority. Everyone understands the implications of what could happen at Survivor Series. Since Rusev has never been pinned by anyone on the WWE roster, she wants to offer him a position on Team Authority. They granted him his request to face Sheamus immediately following RAW on the WWE Network with the title on the line. As we say in America, “I scratch your back, you scratch mine.” Rusev whispers something. Lana says they’ll confer with Vladimir Putin and get back to her. They shake hands and go their separate ways.
The Miz and Damien Mizdow are on commentary for the next match. Mizdow mimics everything he does.
Fernando w/ Diego vs. Stardust w/ Goldust
Replays are shown of Gold and Stardust bullying El Torito on Smackdown only to be embarrassed by the bull. Los Matadores took advantage of the distraction and won their match.
They lock up, and Fernando applies a waistlock. Stardust elbows him in the head and sends him to the corner, but he runs into the boots. Fernando hits a diving hurricanrana, but Stardust soon takes him down. Stardust slams his head off the mat a few times before stomping him. Stardust hits a snapmare before applying an arm bar. Fernando fights up and hits a jawbreaker. Fernando counters a back suplex, but Stardust comes back with a clothesline over the top rope. Stardust throws him back into the ring and slaps JBL’s hat into Miz’ face. Fernando hits a pair of diving back elbows after Stardust gets in the ring. Fernando hits a flapjack into the corner. Goldust distracts him, and Stardust hits a reversed DDT. Diego pulls him off the apron, but Goldust sends him into the steel steps. El Torito dropkicks Goldust into Miz and Mizdow. Miz and Mizdow yell at Goldust. Fernando hits a backstabber on Stardust and picks up the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Fernando
Match Rating: 1/2 *
Replays are shown of Mr. McMahon returning to RAW earlier in the night. McMahon said if Team Authority loses at Survivor Series then they’re out of power. Later in the evening, Triple H granted Randy Orton a match against Seth Rollins for tonight. Orton had given Rollins an RKO just before that.
Randy Orton will face Seth Rollins in the main event, next!
-Commercial Break-
Gold and Stardust will defend the WWE Tag Team Championships against The Usos in a Steel Cage Match this Friday on Smackdown.
Triple H and Stephanie McMahon are seated at ringside to watch this next match. Kane, Noble, and Mercury are there as well.
Randy Orton vs. Seth Rollins
The bell rings, and they stare at each other from across the ring. They slowly circle the ring, and Orton talks a little trash to him. Orton then kicks and punches him to the corner. Rollins reverses a whip to the opposite corner, but Orton pops right out and clotheslines him down. Orton stares at Triple H and Stephanie. Rollins hits some right hands, and Orton hits some of his own. Orton then throws Rollins out of the ring. Orton goes outside and clotheslines him in the back of the head. Orton then sends him into the barricade a few times before taking him down.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Orton yelling at Rollins from ringside. Rollins is in the ring. Orton gets on the apron, and Rollins snaps him off the top to get him back on the floor. Rollins goes for a plancha, but Orton sidesteps him. Orton throws him into the ring and covers for a one count. Orton then applies a chin lock. Rollins fights up and powers him to the corner. Orton quickly punches him before clotheslining him in the corner. Orton charges into a back elbow, and Rollins quickly follows up with an STO into the corner. Rollins chokes him on the ropes before wrenching the arm and kicking him in the chest. Rollins connects with another kick to the chest before stomping him. Rollins drops a knee for a two count. Rollins stares at him in the corner before punching him in the midsection a few times. Rollins goes for an avalanche, but Orton sidesteps him and clotheslines him out of the ring. Orton goes outside and bounces him off the commentary table before hitting a back suplex on top of it. Orton dismantles the table as Triple H asks what he’s doing.
Orton gets in the ring, and Rollins punches him. Rollins quickly reverses a whip to the corner and charges, but Orton gives him a back body drop to the apron. Rollins then connects with an enzuigiri to the head. Rollins goes to the top rope, but Orton crotches him up there. Orton stares at the crowd before punching Rollins in the face. Orton hits a scary superplex for a near fall! Orton stares at Rollins writhing in pain on the apron. Orton kicks him in the chest and goes for a hanging DDT, but Rollins counters with a back body drop over the top rope. Rollins then wipes him out with a suicide dive. Triple H is seen agonizing over this match at ringside.
Rollins puts Orton back in the ring and hits a springboard diving knee to the temple for a near fall. Rollins gets him in position for a powerbomb, but Orton gives him a back body drop. Rollins counters that by impressively landing on his feet and hitting an enzuigiri. Rollins goes for a Curb Stomp, but Orton counters with a powerslam for a near fall! Orton puts Rollins on the middle rope and hits his trademark hanging DDT. Orton gets the crowd going before dropping down in position for an RKO. Rollins counters with a backslide pin for the win!
Winner by Pinfall: Seth Rollins
Match Rating: ** 1/2
Kane, Mercury, and Noble get in the ring and clap for both men. Rollins raises his arm in victory. Triple H is staring at Orton from ringside, inferring that he wants Orton to follow through on their deal. Orton says it’s really hard to do what he promised to do. Orton asks what Triple H would do in his position. Triple H tells him to try and think of the big picture. Orton approaches Rollins, who is standing with Kane, Noble, and Mercury. All are clapping for him except Rollins. Orton shakes hands with Noble before moving to Mercury and shaking his hand as well. Orton stares at Kane and shakes hands with him. Rollins is talking with Orton and telling him that they have to protect this for Survivor Series.
Rollins says he’s sorry, and Orton shakes his hand. Orton puts his forehead against Rollins’ before dropping him with an RKO! The crowd explodes as Orton clears the ring of Mercury, Noble, and Kane before setting up for a punt on Rollins! Triple H quickly gets into the ring and stops him. Triple H grabs him by the head and talks to him. Triple H calms him down. Orton bumps Triple H and punches him down!
Kane, Mercury, and Noble attack Orton and triple-team him! Orton fights back and clears the ring of the three men before leaving the ring to attack Rollins. Orton puts Rollins on the table and punches away at him. Mercury pulls him off, and Orton RKOs him on the floor! Kane and Noble pull Orton off Rollins. Rollins then gives Orton a Curb Stomp on the commentary table! Orton is bleeding from the forehead and looks completely dazed. Triple H orders them to stop. Triple H and Stephanie confer amongst themselves as Orton falls to the floor. Stephanie tells him to finish this. Triple H looks completely conflicted as he kneels near Orton. Triple H sadly turns his back and says, “Finish it.”
Triple H walks off as Kane sets up the bottom half of the steel steps. They put Orton against the steps. Rollins talks some trash to Orton before going to the top of the commentary table. Rollins backs up as Orton slowly begins to rise. Rollins taunts the crowd before leaping off the table and hitting a Curb Stomp on the steel steps! Rollins stands on top of the steps as Orton lays on the ground in a broken heap. Rollins taunts the crowd as the show comes to an end.
Stay tuned for Rusev vs. Sheamus for the WWE United States Championship.
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Quick Match Results
Dean Ambrose def. Cesaro
The Miz def. Jimmy Uso
Tyson Kidd def. Sheamus via CO (non-title)
Dolph Ziggler NC Seth Rollins in a WWE Intercontinental Championship Match
Ryback def. Titus O’Neil
Big Show def. Mark Henry via DQ
Nikki Bella def. Emma
Rusev def. Zack Ryder via Submission
Fernando def. Stardust
Seth Rollins def. Randy Orton
E-Mail – MikeyT817@gmail.com
Twitter – @MikeTedescoWV
“Mike’s Thoughts” will be up tomorrow exclusively on this site. Be sure to check it out and share your feedback on this episode of RAW.
To see a recap of what happened on the Post-RAW show with Sheamus defending the WWE United States Championship against Rusev, click here.
Did you miss last week’s episode of RAW? Click here to check it out! Also, be sure to check out my recap of Smackdown this Friday.
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