WWE Monday Night RAW Results
January 19, 2015
Dallas, Texas
Results by: Mike Tedesco of Wrestleview.com
“Then. Now. Forever.” The WWE video leads us into the show.
A video highlighting Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. kicks off the show. Snippets of the “I Have a Dream” speech, his most famous, are played. It also shows photos of famous Civil Rights activists, such as Rosa Parks, Jackie Robinson, James Taylor, Condoleezza Rice, Muhammad Ali, Nelson Mandela, and Barack Obama. In the arena, the crowd gives the video a standing ovation.
The RAW video plays, and we’re brought into the arena to see some pyrotechnics. Michael Cole, JBL, and Booker T welcome us to the show. It’s a RAW Reunion. Hulk Hogan, Shawn Michaels, Ric Flair, Scott Hall, Kevin Nash, Sean Waltman, and The New Age Outlaws will be on the show tonight.
Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman call out Seth Rollins for a fight
Brock Lesnar’s music hits, and the WWE World Heavyweight Champion makes his way to the ring with Paul Heyman to a great reception. Lesnar paces around the ring as the crowd boos him. Heyman says, “Ladies and gentlemen, my name…” Lesnar grabs the microphone from him and says he’s here to fight. Lesnar calls out Seth Rollins to a big reaction from the crowd. Heyman tries to talk him down, but Lesnar insists. Lesnar says when he shows up, it’s business time. Lesnar says Rollins has about ten-seconds to get his “weasely ass” out here. The crowd counts down for him, but Rollins doesn’t come out. Lesnar says that’s what he thought. When he shows up, Rollins is nowhere to be found.
The Authority’s music hits, and Triple H makes his way out to the stage. Replays are shown from last week when John Cena put Lesnar through a table. Rollins then caught Cena and Lesnar with a pair of Curb Stomps. Triple H says he gets it. They’re upset, and he understands why. Rollins embarrassed Lesnar last week with the Curb Stomp. Triple H asks if Lesnar would have done the same thing given the opportunity. Triple H then brings up that Lesnar suplexed Rollins first. Maybe it’s understandable what Rollins did. Maybe we should all just calm down, go in the back, give Lesnar a steak, and talk about it like businessmen. Heyman tries to reason with Lesnar that Triple H is trying to be reasonable. Lesnar asks if Triple H is trying to fix this or is he here to fight? Lesnar prepares to fight as Heyman screams that Triple H is their meal ticket.
Stephanie McMahon’s music hits, and she comes to the ring with Kane and Big Show. Stephanie says she wants cooler heads to prevail here. This isn’t what Lesnar wants to do right now. Stephanie gets in the ring with the two men and tells Lesnar to think about this. Heyman insists that they’re being reasonable here. Lesnar is very antsy. Seth Rollins then appears on the titantron, laughing. Rollins says Lesnar is always two steps behind. Lesnar wants to get his hands on him, but why can’t he just be patient? Lesnar will get his shot at him right before he takes his title at the Royal Rumble. Heyman says they’ll keep this between the adults. Heyman begs The Authority to put a leash on their puppy before Lesnar fixes it all by himself. If The Authority fixes this, his Beast will be happy. If Brock Lesnar fixes this, there will be a lot of broken bodies and a depleted roster. That’s what’s worst for business. Heyman says whether they fix it or Lesnar fixes it, here’s a spoiler for Sunday. At the end of the championship match on Sunday, we’ll hear that Lesnar is still the champion.
John Cena’s music hits, and he comes out to his usual mixed reception from the crowd. Cena is wearing new blue gear. Cena tells Heyman not to spoil anything before telling Rollins to shut up. They’ve already signed the contract and kicked the crap out of each other. This Sunday, they’ll settle it. Cena is here to talk to The Authority. A long way back, The Authority asked them to join him, but he said, “Hell no.” They were embarrassed and concocted a plan to eliminate him. That’s why Lesnar is here. That’s why they come out and say he’s not the man he says he is. They try to break his spirits and force him to quit every week. Cena is here to tell them to keep it up because every single thing they say and do lights a fire in him like he’s never had before. He’ll make sure he never gives up. He’ll take that fire into Sunday at the Royal Rumble, knock the teeth out of their mercenary and their protégé, and say, “The Champ is here!” Rollins rolls his eyes on the titantron. The Authority has no fire. They use their false sense of authority, and it makes him sick. They use their politics to fire three superstars that he would do anything to get back. They used to have fire, but now they’re just ashes. Cena says Triple H and Stephanie McMahon aren’t The Authority. They’re the worlds biggest “ash-holes.”
Cena goes to leave, but Stephanie calls him back. She says she wants to savor this moment. It’s the turning point in Cena’s career. Cena used to be the man who overcame the odds and inspired the people. Everyone looked up to him because he would win at the end of the day. That’s not who Cena is today. Cena is the man who personally lied to everyone by bringing The Authority back. Cena can talk about how much he doesn’t like them and make his corny jokes, but they’re here because of him. It’s interesting that he used the word “fire,” because he’s the man responsible for those three men being fired. Cena tore their hearts out. That’s all on him. It’s time to look in the mirror. No one wants to cheer Cena or see him win at the Royal Rumble. Cena isn’t the man he used to be.
Rollins says Cena is a loser. No one wants to cheer a loser or a failure. That’s all Cena does anymore. Last week, Cena failed to get his friends’ jobs back when he single-handedly beat him. This Sunday, Cena will fail again. Rollins says everyone knows Cena is a failure except Cena himself. If there’s one thing that he and Lesnar can agree on is that Cena’s time is up. What Cena should do is step away and take himself out of the match. Cena should tuck his tail between his legs and walk off with whatever dignity he has left. Cena makes fun of Rollins’ faulty delivery of his lines before saying he should find Rollins’ in that room and rip his mouth off. Cena says they don’t have to like him, but they damn sure have to respect him. Cena wants to sweeten the pot. If he wins at the Royal Rumble this Sunday, they give Erick Rowan, Dolph Ziggler, and Ryback their jobs back. Triple H asks if that’s something the crowd would like, and they shout in the affirmative. Triple H says they gave Cena the opportunity last week, but he failed miserably. Triple H says he’s inclined to make this happen, but Cena has to put something on the line. If Cena wants the opportunity again, then he’ll have a match tonight. If Cena wins, all three of those guys will get their jobs back. If Cena loses, not only are those three guys fired, but he’ll give up his opportunity in the title match at the Royal Rumble. Triple H tells him to put his money where his mouth is. Stephanie mentions Cena said he’d do anything to get those men their jobs back. Is he really willing to lose his opportunity at Royal Rumble, or is he all talk?
Triple H says they’ll leave it up to the WWE Universe to decide Cena’s fate. 15 million people have downloaded the WWE App. Do they want to see Cena risk it all to get Erick Rowan, Ryback, and Dolph Ziggler their jobs back or do they know Cena is a failure? It’s a simple yes or no answer. Triple H wants to know what the WWE Universe truly thinks of John Cena.
The commentators talk about The Authority’s question to the WWE Universe. Michael Cole then demonstrates how to download the WWE App. Daniel Bryan will face Bray Wyatt, next.
-Commercial Break-
Bray Wyatt vs. Daniel Bryan
This is Bryan’s first RAW match since early May. They circle the ring and lock up. Wyatt powers him to the corner and goes to punch him, but Bryan ducks it and hits some kicks. Wyatt pushes him away and uppercuts him down. Wyatt stomps his head before pushing him into the bottom rope. Bryan counters a whip and kicks him. Bryan sends him into the ropes and turns him inside out with a knee to the midsection. Bryan goes for a running kick to the face, but Wyatt quickly gets out of the ring. Bryan then takes him down with a baseball slide. Bryan goes to the top rope and connects with a cross-body block to the floor. Kane’s music hits, and he makes his way down to the ring. Bryan stares at him as he comes to the ring.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Bryan down in the corner. Wyatt goes for an avalanche, but Bryan counters with a drop-toe-hold. Bryan kicks the middle rope into Wyatt’s face before going to the second rope. Wyatt quickly comes back with an uppercut that sends him over the top rope. Wyatt goes outside the ring and sends him headfirst into the barricade. Bryan holds his neck in pain. Wyatt drives him into the ring apron before rolling him back into the ring for a two count. Wyatt head-butts him in the shoulder and applies a nerve hold. Bryan fights up and elbows out. Bryan hits the ropes, ducks a clothesline, and gets annihilated with a back elbow from Wyatt. Wyatt talks a little trash before getting to his feet and choking him on the ropes. Wyatt pulls him neck-first into the ropes and holds his knee on his throat. Bryan writhes around in pain before Wyatt chokes him on the bottom rope again. Wyatt drops an elbow for a two count. Wyatt head-butts him in the shoulder a few times before applying a full nelson. Wyatt then transitions to a chin lock. Bryan tries to fight up, but Wyatt powers him back down. Bryan eventually fights his way back up to his feet as the crowd wills him on with “YES!” chants.” Bryan gets out with a jawbreaker before hitting the ropes. Wyatt then flips him over with a nasty clothesline! Bryan rolls out of the ring to recover.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Wyatt squash Bryan with a running senton splash for a near fall. During the commercial, Wyatt sidestepped a corner dropkick, and Bryan landed on his neck. Wyatt reverses a whip to the corner, but Bryan scales the ropes and backflips over him. Bryan hits the ropes, ducks a clothesline, and connects with a flying elbow. The crowd is going crazy with the “YES!” chant as Bryan connects with a corner dropkick. Bryan connects with a bunch of stiff kicks in the corner before propping him up on the top rope and hitting a super-hurricanrana for a near fall. The crowd chants, “This is awesome!” Bryan hits him with some stiff kicks while Wyatt is on his knees. Wyatt ducks a kick to the head and pushes him into the ropes. Bryan holds on, so Wyatt charges. Bryan pulls the top rope down to get him out of the ring. Bryan then connects with a suicide dive! Bryan throws him into the ring and gets on the apron, but Kane pulls him down. The referee was checking on Wyatt, so he didn’t see the interference. Wyatt viciously sends him into the corner before connecting with Sister Abigail for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Bray Wyatt
Match Rating: ** 1/4
Kane applauds the result of the match. Replays are shown of the end of the match. Kane gets in the ring, and he’s still clapping. Kane then grabs Bryan by the throat and connects with a Chokeslam. Kane takes off his jacket and talks a little trash before punching away at him. Kane stands up and just stares at him. Kane then kneels down and punches away at him some more. The commentators talk about how Bryan will face Kane this Thursday on Smackdown. If Bryan loses, he’s out of the Royal Rumble match.
Voting on the WWE App will open later tonight asking if John Cena should put his title opportunity on the line for a chance to rehire Dolph Ziggler, Erick Rowan, and Ryback. Hulk Hogan, Shawn Michaels, and Ric Flair will have a Legends’ Panel about the Royal Rumble later tonight.
-Commercial Break-
Triple H is seen talking on his cell phone in his office. Scott Hall and Kevin Nash tap him on the shoulder, and they hug. They’re wearing nWo shirts. Nash tells him to get rid of the suit and hang out with them tonight. Shawn Michaels then walks in and says Triple H should join them on the Legends’ Panel and get them drinks. HBK asks what it is with the suit, before telling him to bring back Cena’s friends. Triple H says he doesn’t come to HBK’s home and tell him how to kill defenseless animals. Nash then wonders where X-Pac is. Damien Mizdow comes in dressed as X-Pac. X-Pac comes in, and Mizdow mimics everything he does. The Miz comes in and says that’s his stunt double before telling Mizdow to go change. Mizdow does the “Suck It” sign to them and runs off. Nash wonders what kind of show Triple H is running. Triple H says he’s so ashamed.
Hulk Hogan, Shawn Michaels, and Ric Flair will be out for a Legends’ Panel, next.
-Commercial Break-
Replays are shown of Triple H telling John Cena that he’ll leave it up to the WWE Universe whether or not John Cena puts his Royal Rumble title shot on the line to get Dolph Ziggler, Erick Rowan, and Ryback their jobs back. Voting opens right now.
John Cena is seen talking with Renee Young backstage.
Royal Rumble Legends’ Panel with Hulk Hogan, Shawn Michaels, and Ric Flair
Byron Saxton is in the center of the ring, and he welcomes the fans to the Royal Rumble Legends’ Panel. Coming out first is a two-time Royal Rumble winner and WWE Hall of Famer, “The Immortal” Hulk Hogan. Hogan makes his way to the ring to a great reception from the crowd. Out next is a two-time WWE Hall of Famer and the winner of the 1992 Royal Rumble, the first time the WWE Championship was on the line in that match, “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair. Flair comes out to shouts of “WOO” and a nice reception from the crowd. Finally, a two-time Royal Rumble and the first man to emerge victorious from the number one spot, “The Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels.
The crowd loudly cheers all three men as they sit in the ring. Saxton asks about the ongoing vote on the WWE App asking whether John Cena should place his title shot on the line to win back the jobs of Erick Rowan, Ryback, and Dolph Ziggler. HBK will start it out. HBK breathes heavily before saying, “Yes.” Flair says, “No.” Hogan says, “Definitely yes.” Switching gears to this Sunday and the Royal Rumble match, all three men have built great legacies. Flair said his Royal Rumble win in 1992 was the greatest moment of his career. Does he still feel that way? Flair says it was the greatest moment of his career. Flair says he entered in number three, but it wasn’t the first time he went an hour, as the people of Dallas know. Flair says men like Shawn Michaels, Hulk Hogan, The Undertaker, Roddy Piper, and soon to be Hall of Famer Randy Savage were in that match. It was one of the greatest nights of his career. There is nothing like winning the Royal Rumble in the world of professional sports.
Shawn Michaels is one of only three men to win back-to-back Royal Rumbles, and no one will ever forget the image of him dangling on the top rope from 1995. HBK says the Royal Rumble is the epitome of what’s in the future. The future is WrestleMania. HBK says all of them would be nowhere if it weren’t for the Royal Rumble. There would be no Mr. WrestleMania if not for the Royal Rumble.
Saxton asks for Hogan’s Royal Rumble memories. Hogan says the thing he remembers about the Rumble is the competition that comes out in the ring. You never knew who was coming from behind or down the ramp. The bigger the name was, the bigger the target. That’s what he remembers. Hulkamania helped him survive it.
Saxton says there have only been twenty-two superstars to win the match. Who will win it? HBK says he’ll go for someone unconventional. HBK says Bray Wyatt can win the Royal Rumble. As whacked out as he is, he’s a very talented young man. In spite of what’s going on upstairs, he’s got the focus. Hogan says Wyatt won’t win. HBK gets to his feet and gets in Hogan’s face. Hogan is always needling him. Hogan stands up, and HBK says it’s SummerSlam 2005 all over again. Hogan says HBK doesn’t want any of that again. HBK says he’s right and sits down. Hogan says there is a man who has worked too hard to get so far not to be in the main event at WrestleMania. This Sunday, brother, he’s going with Daniel Bryan, Jack! A “YES!” chant breaks out. Flair says he likes guys that walk on the wild side. He’s going with Dean Ambrose. Flair does his strut and says, “Woo!”
Big Show’s music hits, and he makes his way to the ring sarcastically clapping for the legends. All three legends get to their feet and wait for him to get in the ring. Big Show says we have three Hall of Famers. These are three Royal Rumble match winners. These are three legends. Big Show doesn’t see legends. A “You Sold Out” chant breaks out. Big Show screams that he did what he did for his family. They’d do the same thing. Hogan says if Big Show couldn’t tell, these people don’t want him out here. Big Show warns Hogan to pipe down. None of them picked him, and he knows why. They’ve always been jealous of him. Big Show came on the scene and made an impact. His first night in WCW saw him beat Hogan for the WCW Championship. That haunts Hogan. As for Flair, he was stylin’ and profilin’ when he came in. Flair put him in the Figure Four, but he got up and gave him a Chokeslam to take him out of the top spot. That brings him to HBK. It’s funny to him how when he came onto the scene, Michaels faded out of the picture. If he were in the ring with the Big Show, he would eat him alive. That’s the problem with all three of them. Three washed up has-beens are in the ring begging for a little attention. Big Show says he’ll win the Royal Rumble match. There isn’t anyone in the back that can throw him out of the ring. Big Show tells them to get out of the ring and go back to the Old Folks’ Home. If they don’t, he’ll give them a Royal Rumble preview right now.
Flair asks if he’s done before removing his jacket. Flair chops and punches Big Show before running into a Knockout Punch. Hogan and HBK check on him as Big Show blames the crowd for Flair doing something stupid. Roman Reigns’ music hits, and he comes to the ring through the crowd. Reigns gets in the ring, and Big Show tells him to hold on. Big Show says something bad will happen to him if he doesn’t get out of the ring. Big Show says he will knock him out. Reigns noticeably whiffs three punches before ducking a clothesline. Big Show goes for a Chokeslam, but Reigns gets out and punches him. Reigns then clotheslines him over the top rope. Big Show retreats from the ring as Reigns stands tall. Reigns then checks on Flair at ringside.
The commentators talk about what just happened. They then send it to Renee Young, who is backstage with John Cena. The WWE App voting has concluded. The WWE Universe voted that John Cena should put his title match on the line to get Erick Rowan, Ryback, and Dolph Ziggler’s jobs back. Renee asks if this means that the WWE Universe is turning their backs on him to get him out of the title match. Cena says some may have voted that way, but some have the confidence that he can win and get them their jobs back. He’s been loved and hated, but he still goes out there every single day and says the most important thing about WWE is the WWE Universe. Tonight, they voted him to fight knowing if he loses that those three guys will still sit at home, and he’ll be out of the opportunity at Royal Rumble. Cena says he wants to fight because it’s moments like this that make a champion. Tonight, they’ll see that the champ is here.
-Commercial Break-
Bad News Barrett vs. Dean Ambrose
Charles Robinson, my favorite referee of all time, is the official for this match. They circle the ring and lock up. Ambrose applies a waistlock, but Barrett soon turns it on him before taking him down. Ambrose gets to his feet and applies a side headlock. Barrett whips him off, but Ambrose hits a shoulder block. Ambrose hits the ropes and connects with a running forearm for a one count. Ambrose chops the chest a few times before raking his face on the ropes. Barrett kicks and clubs him before sending him to the opposite corner. Ambrose boots him in the face and hits a second rope back elbow. Ambrose drops an elbow before stomping the midsection. Ambrose has a whip reversed. Barrett ducks a clothesline and kicks him in the throat before booting him in the head. Barrett picks up a two count. Barrett punches him before sending him into the ropes, but Ambrose takes him down with a running cross-body block. Ambrose punches away at him before getting up. Barrett goes to the apron, and Ambrose dropkicks him to the floor.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Ambrose trapped in a chin lock. Ambrose fights up and punches out. Ambrose sends him to the corner, but Barrett sidesteps an avalanche. Barrett clubs away at him before kicking him in the ribs for a two count. Barrett quickly reapplies the chin lock. Ambrose fights up, but Barrett elbows him in the neck. Barrett sends him into the ropes, but he lowers his head and eats a kick. Ambrose punches away at him before hitting the ropes and hitting a pair of running forearms. Ambrose catches him with another running forearm in the corner before connecting with a bulldog. Ambrose goes to the top rope and hits a diving elbow drop on a standing Barrett for a two count. Ambrose chops and punches him before trying to hit the ropes, but his knee collapses. Barrett rolls him up for a two count. Ambrose then rebounds off the ropes with a clothesline for a near fall.
Ambrose struggles to get to the top rope, and Barrett crotches him up there. Barrett goes for a Bull Hammer, but Ambrose avoids it. Ambrose punches him back, but Barrett soon tries with a Wasteland attempt. Ambrose gets out and hits Dirty Deeds for the win!
Winner by Pinfall: Dean Ambrose
Match Rating: * 1/2
John Cena will face a mystery opponent later tonight. If Cena wins, Dolph Ziggler, Erick Rowan, and Ryback get their jobs back. If Cena loses, they’re still fired, and he loses his championship opportunity at Royal Rumble.
-Commercial Break-
The Dallas Cowboys are seen enjoying the show at ringside. JBL says they were one catch away from the NFC Championship Game. Maybe they should have deflated the ball. They then make the hard sell for the WWE Network.
The Royal Rumble “By The Numbers” video plays.
The New Day makes their entrance pushing their positive spin on things. If they’re not smiling, they’ll put the entire roster in the hospital. Kofi Kingston and Big E will represent The New Day, next.
-Commercial Break-
Tomorrow on the WWE Network, they’ll air Santino’s Royal Rumble Lottery Spectacular.
The New Day vs. Tyson Kidd and Cesaro w/ Adam Rose and Natalya
Big E will start the match against Tyson Kidd. Kidd dropkicks him down, but he soon runs into a slam for a two count. Kofi Kingston is tagged in, and Big E catapults Kidd into a dropkick from Kingston for a two count. Adam Rose gets on the apron and causes a distraction. Cesaro uppercuts Kingston down while the referee’s back is turned. Cesaro is tagged in, and he kicks Kingston in the head. Cesaro holds him up on for a delayed vertical suplex, and he tags Kidd in. Kidd hits Kingston with a cross-body block as Cesaro drops him with the suplex for a near fall. Kidd applies a chin lock, but Kingston fights up. Cesaro tags back in, and he punches Kingston in the ribs before hitting an uppercut. Cesaro knocks Big E off the apron. Kidd is tagged in. Cesaro hits the Cesaro Swing before Kidd dropkicks him in the head. Big E breaks up the pin. Cesaro is tagged back in, and he applies a chin lock. Kingston fights up and punches them away. Cesaro stops him from making a tag and carries him back to his corner. Kingston kicks Kidd in the head and rolls Cesaro up for the win.
Winners by Pinfall: The New Day
Match Rating: 3/4 *
The New Day celebrates with the Rosebuds. Adam Rose isn’t very happy about that.
John Cena will face a mystery opponent later tonight. If Cena wins, Dolph Ziggler, Erick Rowan, and Ryback will get their jobs back. If he loses, he’s out of the title match this Sunday. The nWo, represented by Scott Hall, Kevin Nash, and X-Pac, will be out next.
-Commercial Break-
Daniel Bryan will now face Kane in a No Disqualification match this Thursday on Smackdown. If Bryan loses, he’ll be removed from the Royal Rumble match.
The nWo talks about their influence on the Monday Night War
Scott Hall, Kevin Nash, and X-Pac make their way to the ring to the nWo’s music. They don’t have the black and white filter effect, though. Hall says, “Hey, yo!” Hall says we can’t have a reunion without X-Pac, Big Sexy, and The Bad Guy. If it’s ok, he’d like to take a little survey. How many people are here for the RAW Reunion? The crowd cheers. Hall then asks how many people are here for the RAW Reunion with the nWo. The crowd says, “nWo.” Nash says the nWo single-handedly created the Monday Night War, which you can relive on the WWE Network for $9.99. Nash says, “You’re welcome, Hunter.” They invaded WCW, which caused Vince McMahon to pick up his game, which created Stone Cold Steve Austin, DX, and the entire Attitude Era. People say they have egos, but you have to say one thing about the nWo. They’re probably responsible for everything great that has ever been created. X-Pac says, “Dallas, Texas, raise a little hell and make a little noise!”
The Ascension’s music hits, and they charge their way down to the ring. Viktor grabs a microphone and says, “Welcome to RAW Reunion.” It’s the nWo or the Wolfpack. All they see are three old dogs just begging to be put out of their misery. Konnor says they’re just the two to do it. The crowd chants, “You suck!” They were born and bred to rip and shred. No tag team is better than The Ascension. Not from the past, present, or future. It sure as hell isn’t a tag team from WCW. Konnor says it’s their time to rise before saying, “Welcome to the Wasteland.” The crowd loudly chants, “nWo.” Hall throws his toothpick in Konnor’s face.
JBL gets up from the commentary table and removes his jacket and tie. JBL says they can paint themselves green, but it doesn’t make them a frog any more than wearing face paint and shoulder pads makes them a great tag team. They have the audacity to come out here in front of these legends that changed the business. JBL had a feeling this might happen, so he made a phone call to a legend he knows very well. JBL rips off his shirt to reveal an APA shirt. Ron Simmons’ music hits, and he joins JBL’s side in an APA shirt.
The APA is reunited. They hug before getting in the ring. The APA and nWo corner The Ascension before The New Age Outlaws’ music hits. Road Dogg and Billy Gunn make their way to the ring. Road Dogg says, “Now wait just a Dallas Cowboy minute.” Road Dogg meant “cotton picking minute.” They want to throw a party without the New Age Outlaws. It looks like an old school party because old school parties don’t stop. This party is compiled of thoroughbreds and racehorses. Road Dogg then asks who invited the jackasses. The New Age Outlaws then attack The Ascension. Billy Gunn gives Viktor a tilt-a-whirl powerslam. JBL then annihilates Viktor with a vicious Clothesline From Hell!
A replay is shown of John Cena talking about how he wants to fight tonight because moments like this make a champion. Triple H and Stephanie McMahon will let John Cena know who he’ll face, next.
-Commercial Break-
Triple H and Stephanie McMahon are seen backstage. Triple H says it’s that time. We’ve heard all the speculation, but now it’s time to hear who John Cena will face tonight. Stephanie says this is so special that they need a drum roll. A man with a drum shows up and starts a drum roll. John Cena will face Seth Rollins. The drum roll stops, and they tell him to keep going. Cena will also face Big Show. The drum roll stops, and they tell it to continue again. Cena will also face Kane. The drum roll continues so they tell him to go away as he’s fired. Stephanie says they’ll be ringside to watch the systematic self-destruction of John Cena. A man then shows up playing the military taps.
The Bella Twins will be the guest commentators for the next match.
Summer Rae and Alicia Fox vs. Natalya and Paige
Paige will start the match against Summer Rae. Paige kicks her before tagging Natalya in. They take Summer down before Paige kicks her in the head. Natalya dropkicks her in the face before tagging Paige back in. They hit a double-team suplex. Paige then crawls on her before head-butting her. Paige head-butts her down before tagging Natalya in. A “CM Punk” chant starts up. Natalya kicks Summer in the face before being distracted by Alicia Fox. Summer hits a spin kick to the face for a two count. Alicia is tagged in, and she knees away at Natalya. Alicia hits a northern lights suplex for a two count. Alicia applies a chin lock before body slamming her down. Alicia misses a leg drop. Paige is tagged in, and she hits a trio of short-arm clotheslines. Paige kicks her a few times before covering, but Summer breaks it up. Natalya throws her out of the ring. Natalya sends Alicia into a kick from Paige. Paige then applies the PTO for the win.
Winners by Submission: Natalya and Paige
Match Rating: 1/4 *
Paige and Natalya will face The Bella Twins this Sunday at the Royal Rumble.
John Cena will face Seth Rollins, Big Show, and Kane in the main event. If Cena wins, Dolph Ziggler, Erick Rowan, and Ryback will get their jobs back. If he loses, he’s out of the title match at Royal Rumble.
-Commercial Break-
The Royal Rumble Kickoff show will see a Six-Man Tag Team Elimination Match featuring The New Day versus Cesaro, Tyson Kidd, and Adam Rose.
Rusev w/ Lana vs. R-Truth
R-Truth says this Sunday at the Royal Rumble, every flag waving, apple pie eating, red-blooded American WWE Superstar is coming for Rusev. R-Truth sidesteps him and punches away at him before dropkicking him over the top rope. Rusev angrily gets back in the ring, and R-Truth kicks him. R-Truth hits the ropes, but Rusev superkicks him down. Rusev stomps the spine and applies the Accolade for the win.
Winner by Submission: Rusev
Match Rating: 1/4 *
Seth Rollins is seen walking backstage with J&J Security when he bumps into Brock Lesnar. Lesnar says he’s not going to hurt Rollins tonight. He’s a prizefighter. He hopes Rollins takes out John Cena to do them both a favor. Then on Sunday, he’ll get paid to take him out, and he will take him out. Lesnar then walks off with Paul Heyman. Rollins looks a little concerned.
-Commercial Break-
The Usos will defend their WWE Tag Team Championships against The Miz and Damien Mizdow this Sunday at the Royal Rumble PPV. The Miz says this Sunday he’ll win his Tag Team Titles back. Then he’ll have two chances to win the Royal Rumble because he has a stunt double that will do whatever he says.
Jey Uso w/ Jimmy Uso vs. The Miz w/ Damien Mizdow
The Miz takes exception to the crowd cheering louder for Damien Mizdow. Jey rolls him up for a two count. Miz quickly big boots him down and punches away at him. Miz boots him in the head for another two count. Mizdow is mimicking everything at ringside. A “We Want Mizdow” chant breaks out. Miz chokes Jey on the ropes before taunting the crowd. Jey fights back, but Miz catches him with a Reality Check for a two count. Miz applies a chin lock and rips at his face. Jey fights up and elbows out. Miz reverses a whip to the corner and taunts the crowd. Miz connects with his patented corner clothesline before going to the top rope for a double axe handle. Mizdow imitates the move at ringside. Miz goes for the Skull Crushing Finale, but Jey gets out. Miz charges, but Jey sidesteps him, which causes him to hit the ring post shoulder first. Jey superkicks him before hitting the Superfly Splash for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Jey Uso
Match Rating: *
The commentators talk about the WWE Network and the price benefits of watching the Royal Rumble there rather than cable.
Hulk Hogan was asked about John Cena’s chances tonight. Hogan says it can only get better. Cena will go out and fight to get their jobs back. Then he’ll win the title at the Royal Rumble. John Cena will face Seth Rollins, Big Show, and Kane, next.
-Commercial Break-
The New Age Outlaws will face The Ascension this Sunday at the Royal Rumble.
Triple H and Stephanie McMahon are seated at ringside. Big Show, Kane, and Seth Rollins are already in the ring with J&J Security.
Seth Rollins, Big Show, and Kane vs. John Cena
If John Cena wins this match, Dolph Ziggler, Erick Rowan, and Ryback will get their jobs back. If Cena loses, he’ll be taken out of the WWE World Heavyweight Championship match this Sunday at the Royal Rumble.
Charles Robinson will officiate this huge match. Cena will start the match against Rollins. The bell rings, and Rollins quickly tags in Big Show. A “Let’s go Cena/Cena sucks,” chant breaks out. Cena quickly knocks Rollins off the apron before turning into a shoulder block. Big Show powers him to the corner and punches him in the midsection. Big Show viciously chops his chest before tagging Rollins back in. Rollins punches him in the ribs before clubbing him down. Rollins punches away at him before hitting a short-arm clothesline for a two count. Rollins gets him to his feet before pushing him to the corner. Rollins stomps him down before talking trash to the crowd. Cena reverses a whip to the corner and connects with a bulldog. Rollins quickly rolls out of the ring to regroup. Kane is tagged in, and he uppercuts Cena down. Kane punches him in the corner before slamming him off Big Show’s foot. Big Show tags in, and he hits a body shot. The Authority is seen happily watching at ringside. Big Show sends him to the corner and hits a running butt bump. The crowd chants, “You Sold Out” toward Big Show. Cena ducks a right hand and hits some of his own. Cena lifts him up, but he falls down due to Big Show’s weight. Big Show picks up a near fall.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Rollins standing over Cena as he struggles to get up. Rollins hits a running forearm in the corner for a two count. Cena pulls himself up on Rollins’ tights. Cena hits a trio of right hands before having a whip reversed. Rollins then applies a sleeper hold. Cena fights up, so Rollins jumps on his back. Cena backs him to the corner to get out of the hold. Rollins catches him with a blockbuster for a near fall. Rollins punches the mat in frustration. Big Show is tagged in, and Rollins tells him to finish Cena off. Big Show steps on Cena before going to the second rope. Cena quickly rolls out of the way of a slingshot body splash.
Rollins is tagged in, and he goes for a diving knee, but Cena avoids it. Cena knocks Kane off the apron and hits a pair of shoulder tackles on Rollins. Cena hits a back suplex powerbomb before connecting with the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena goes for the AA, but J&J Security pulls Rollins off him. Cena punches them off the apron, and Rollins rolls him up for a near fall. Rollins quickly superkicks him for another near fall. Triple H is seen getting anxious at ringside. Stephanie McMahon does not look happy about this. Cena pops up and hits the AA, but Kane pulls him out of the ring. Kane removes the top portion of the stairs as Big Show spears Cena at ringside. The referee begins counting Cena out. Triple H stands over Cena and counts in his face. Cena gets in before the count of ten. Kane is tagged in, and he waits for Cena to get to his feet. Kane connects with a Chokeslam for a near fall. Kane cannot believe it. Rollins tags in, and he sets up for a Curb Stomp.
Sting appears on the titantron, and the lights in the arena go out! Sting is appearing on RAW for the first time ever. Sting comes out to the stage and points at The Authority! Cena rolls Rollins up for the win! Dolph Ziggler, Erick Rowan, and Ryback are rehired!
Winner by Pinfall: John Cena
Match Rating: **
John Cena celebrates in the crowd as Triple H tears apart the commentary table. Triple H screams that this isn’t supposed to happen. The crowd erupts with the “YES!” chants. Triple H calls for Sting to come back. The crowd chants, “We want Sting!” Brock Lesnar’s music hits instead, and the WWE World Heavyweight Champion makes his way to the ring with Paul Heyman. Lesnar spears Rollins down, but Big Show and Kane quickly rips him off. Lesnar fights them off, and he drops Kane with an F-5. Lesnar quickly tackles Rollins again and punches away at him. Big Show pulls him off, and Lesnar hits him with an F-5 as well! Rollins retreats up the ramp with J&J Security as the crowd is on fire. Lesnar paces the ring as the show comes to an end.
———-
Quick Match Results
Bray Wyatt def. Daniel Bryan
Dean Ambrose def. Bad News Barrett (non-title)
The New Day def. Tyson Kidd and Cesaro
Natalya and Paige def. Summer Rae and Alicia Fox via Submission
Rusev def. R-Truth via Submission (non-title)
Jey Uso def. The Miz
John Cena def. Seth Rollins, Big Show, and Kane
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