WWE Monday Night RAW Results
May 11, 2015
Cincinnati, Ohio
Results by: Mike Tedesco of Wrestleview.com
“Then. Now. Forever.” The WWE video leads us into the show.
We’re in the parking garage, and we see a limousine pull up. The driver parks the vehicle and gets out. The driver opens the back door and out walks Triple H, the Chief Operating Officer of WWE. He’ll be out, next.
The RAW video plays, and we’re brought into the arena to see a big pyrotechnics display. We’re six days away from WWE Payback. Michael Cole, JBL, and Booker T welcome us to the show.
Triple H returns to address The Authority’s problems
Eden Stiles introduces Triple H to the ring. Triple H comes out to a light reaction from the crowd. The commentators talk about Daniel Bryan being in the building. Bryan will be on the show later tonight. Triple H gets in the ring and says, “Daddy’s home.” That’s what he says to his children when he’s gone for a week or so. Immediately, they behave better. Triple H says, “Well, Daddy’s home, and that seems to be something I need to say to my Director of Operations, Kane, and to the WWE World Heavyweight Champion, Seth Rollins.” Triple H says he left for a few weeks to run a billion dollar company, and people just can’t do what you ask them to do. He doesn’t want them to hang out or like each other. He just wants them to do what he tells them to do. He’s not going to watch this whole thing fall apart because of someone’s unchecked ego. Triple H says he’s going to clear the air once and for all before calling out Kane and Seth Rollins.
Seth Rollins’ music hits first, and the WWE World Heavyweight Champion makes his way to the ring with J&J Security clapping for Triple H. Rollins shakes hands with Triple H and welcomes him back. Rollins says that he wants to be the first to say that he completely agrees with him 100%. A big “We want Ambrose” chant breaks out. This is Dean Ambrose’s hometown. Rollins says they want the same thing, which is what’s best for business. What’s best for business is him at the top of his game, but he can’t do that with a 7-foot cancer walking around trying to poison The Authority from the inside. Maybe Kane is jealous that he’s the man and Kane never was… A big “You sold out” chant fires up. Rollins yells at the fans and says he’s trying to talk to his boss. Rollins feels that Kane has made it his personal mission to ensure that he loses the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Another big “We want Ambrose” chant breaks out. Rollins says a few weeks ago in a WWE App vote, he gave the power to the people to make his match at WWE Payback a triple threat. Then last week, inexplicably, he added “The Lunatic Fringe” Dean Ambrose to the match. Rollins says, “There, you happy? I said his stupid name!” That gets a big pop. Now it’s a Fatal 4-Way, which is basically a 3-on-1-handicap match where he doesn’t have to get pinned to lose his title. Kane has also physically assaulted him on numerous occasions (An “Ambrose” chant breaks out), and he doesn’t think that Kane is fit to be the Director of Operations anymore. Rollins says he knows that Triple H and Kane go back a long way, but this is not the same Kane he used to run with. Kane is broken and can’t be fixed. Maybe it’s time to take him out back and put the old dog out of his misery.
Kane’s music hits, and he makes his way to the ring to a nice pop. Kane says he may be older than Rollins, but with age comes wisdom. His many years of experience and expertise is telling him to grab Rollins by his turkey neck and Chokeslam him straight to Hell! Rollins says this is what Kane does all the time. Rollins says he’ll slap Kane in the face, and Kane dares him to. Triple H says he’s seen enough. Triple H says he respects Kane, but he needs to get on the same page as the rest of them. Kane needs to check his ego aside. He gets that Rollins can be a little irritating sometimes and you’d want to punch him in the face, but you don’t because he says Kane doesn’t. Triple H says Rollins is what’s best for business. Right now, Kane leaves him no choice but to say that if Rollins does not walk out of Payback at the WWE World Heavyweight Champion, then maybe Kane’s services as the Director of Operations are no longer needed. Rollins and J&J Security snicker behind Triple H’s back. Kane says it’s a shame Triple H feels that way because as much as he respects him, it might be worth it to eviscerate him.
Rollins screams that is direct insubordination, but Triple H screams at him to shut up. Triple H says Kane needs to let him know right now. If this is something Kane doesn’t think he can do, then maybe this is the place they amicably part ways. Kane stares at Triple H for a little while before backing up. Triple H says his silence implies that isn’t what he wants. Triple H says he needs to know they’re on the same page. Tonight, all four participants in the Fatal 4-Way will see action tonight. Triple H says he needs to know that Kane is invested in this, so he’ll give him a reason when he goes one-on-one tonight with Roman Reigns. As for Seth Rollins, the WWE World Heavyweight Champion, he’ll face Randy Orton in the main event! The crowd loudly cheers for that. Jamie Noble says, “With all due respect, HUNTER, it’s easy for you to stroll up in and out of here in your limousine and put the champ in a match when we’re six days away from a Pay Per View. Just in case you ain’t been watching on your big screen at home, Seth Rollins is the man around here!” Triple H towers over Noble and looks down on him. Noble looks a little nervous. Triple H chuckles and says he didn’t realize they were still here. There’s another guy in the Fatal 4-Way at Payback that needs to see action tonight. As a matter of fact, he should see competition right now. Triple H gets on J&J Security’s level and repeats the line. Since they stack up to one full man, they’ll face Dean Ambrose in a handicap match. Triple H then orders Kane and Rollins to follow him out.
Dean Ambrose’s music hits, and he makes his way to the ring to a nice pop from the crowd. Ambrose walks right by Triple H, Seth Rollins, and Kane and gets in the ring to a big reception. He’ll face J&J Security, next.
-Commercial Break-
J&J Security vs. Dean Ambrose
Dean Ambrose will start the match against Joey Mercury. Ambrose rolls out of the ring and rips Jamie Noble off the apron. Ambrose brings Mercury into the ring the hard way before stomping him down in the corner. Ambrose jabs and head-butts him before body slamming him down. Mercury throws some wild punches that don’t connect before Ambrose punches him. Ambrose sends him into the ropes, but Mercury holds on. Ambrose then clotheslines him over the top rope. Ambrose brings Noble into the ring the hard way, and Ambrose tries to beg him off. Ambrose pretends to show sympathy before kicking him in the midsection. Ambrose goes for Dirty Deeds, but Noble gets away and leaves the ring. Mercury shoulders him in the midsection at ringside and tries to throw him into the ring, but Ambrose rebounds out and clotheslines J&J over the commentary table. Ambrose sits on the table and laughs. Ambrose throws Mercury into the ring and goes to the top rope. Noble tries to grab him, but he’s kicked away. Mercury rips him off the top rope and clotheslines him down for a two count. Mercury punches away at him before tagging Noble in. Noble drops a knee before sending him into the ropes for a back elbow. Noble drops a leg for a two count. Noble hits a snapmare and tags in Mercury. Mercury stomps him before dropkicking him down for a two count. Mercury applies a chin lock, but Ambrose gets to his feet and shoulder blocks him down. Apparently they clunked heads, and Ambrose falls.
Noble is tagged in, and Ambrose pops up to scare him. Ambrose punches away at him before hitting the ropes for a pair of running forearms. Ambrose connects with a running forearm in the corner before Mercury pulls Noble out. Ambrose then takes J&J Security out with a suicide dive. Ambrose goes to the top rope for a flying elbow drop, but Mercury breaks up the pin. J&J sends him into the ropes, but they lower their heads and eat a kick. Mercury punches him back, but Ambrose rebounds with a double clothesline. Ambrose throws Noble into Mercury before hitting him with Dirty Deeds for the win. Ambrose then bows for the hometown crowd.
Winner by Pinfall: Dean Ambrose
Match Rating: * 1/4
Daniel Bryan will be live on RAW. Bryan will set the record straight on his health and the WWE Intercontinental Championship later tonight.
-Commercial Break-
Sheamus will be the guest commentator for this next match. This Sunday, Dolph Ziggler will face Sheamus at WWE Payback.
Dolph Ziggler vs. King Barrett
Before the match begins, Barrett says over the last few weeks, a commoner friend of Ziggler’s has tried to rise up against him. That peasant’s name is Neville. Gravity hasn’t forgotten Neville. Neville will be reacquainted with gravity when he’s hit with a Royal Bull Hammer this Sunday. Barrett says he’ll steal a page from his good friend, Sheamus. Ziggler will go from a common show off to a royal arse kisser. Barrett laughs and tells the referee to ring the bell.
The bell rings, and Ziggler immediately superkicks him for a near fall. Sheamus calls him a dirt bag for attacking him at the sound of the bell. Ziggler punches him in the corner and hits a snapmare before dropping an elbow for a two count. Ziggler then dropkicks him off the apron. Sheamus claps for Barrett.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Ziggler kick out of a pin at two. Barrett then applies a chin lock. Ziggler fights up and stomps the foot, but Barrett elbows him in the back of the neck. Barrett taunts the crowd, and Ziggler surprises him with a famouser for a two count. Ziggler looks like he’s wearing eyeliner. Barrett blocks a superkick and goes for The Wasteland, but Ziggler gets out. Barrett then kicks him in the midsection and goes to the corner to pull his elbow pad down. Barrett goes for a Royal Bull Hammer, but Ziggler dropkicks him. Ziggler rolls him up for a two count, but Barrett kicks out. Sheamus gets off commentary to help. Ziggler sidesteps Barrett, who hits the ring post shoulder first. Sheamus gets on the apron, and Ziggler scares him off. Ziggler then turns into the Royal Bull Hammer for the loss.
Winner by Pinfall: King Barrett
Match Rating: 3/4 *
Sheamus slowly gets in the ring and looks down on Ziggler. The crowd chants, “You look stupid.” Sheamus kicks him and taunts him to get up. Sheamus taunts the crowd and stomps Ziggler some more. Sheamus slaps him down in the corner and yells how Ziggler isn’t fit to clean his shoes. Ziggler quickly takes him down and punches away at him. Sheamus powers him off and rips his head off with a Brogue Kick. Sheamus stands over him and screams, “Are you not entertained?”
Later tonight, we’ll see Roman Reigns face Kane. We’ll also see Randy Orton face Seth Rollins in the main event.
-Commercial Break-
Luke Harper’s music hits, and he makes his way to the ring with Erick Rowan. They used to be together in The Wyatt Family. This past Thursday on Smackdown, Harper beat Fandango down before Erick Rowan made his way to the ring. Rowan then attacked Fandango and slammed him down. JBL says this is the most brutal pairing since Bruiser Brody and Stan “The Lariat” Hansen.
Erick Rowan w/ Luke Harper vs. Fandango
The bell rings, and Fandango quickly attacks Rowan. Rowan turns him around, but he runs into a back elbow. Fandango comes off the second rope with a clothesline to the back of the head for a two count. Rowan quickly pushes him off and connects with a spin kick. Rowan hits a full nelson slam for the win. The commentators tried to figure out how many seconds this match would last the entire match.
Winner by Pinfall: Erick Rowan
Match Rating: 1/4 *
Rowan hits Fandango with a running forearm in the corner before sending him into a Discus Clothesline from Harper. Harper and Rowan celebrate in the ring as the commentators talk about how the tag team division is wide open.
John Cena’s United States Championship Open Challenge is next.
-Commercial Break-
A replay is shown of Bret Hart introducing Sami Zayn as John Cena’s opponent in the United States Championship Open Challenge last week. Zayn was injured during his entrance, but he still went on with the match. The replay shows the highlights of the match before Cena caught him with a springboard stunner followed by the AA for the win.
John Cena makes his way to the ring to his usual mixed reaction. Cena says it’s different from last week as it sounds like there are some fans of his here tonight. There are also some non-fans. Cena says everyone can appreciate the United States Championship. A “USA” chant breaks out. Cena says they all live in America, and the United States is the greatest country on earth. This title is its trophy. A while ago, he wanted to win it because he thought the wrong guy had it. Ever since he won it, he’s been renewed with passion and purpose. Everyone has given the title a life of its own. If you ask anybody, they’ll tell you “THE championship” is the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. We heard Triple H scheming and plotting about it. That trophy is so guarded that some superstars work their entire careers and will never get close to it. That’s not the case with his United States Championship. It’s what he and the fans believe in. It’s what the United States of America is all about. It is a symbol of excellence, sportsmanship, and opportunity. Every week, he gives an opportunity to any man who is brave enough to walk down the ramp and try. He’s given opportunities to WWE and NXT Superstars.
Everyone has a chance, except Rusev. This Sunday at WWE Payback, he’ll face Rusev in an “I Quit” Match. Here’s a simple fact: he never gives up. Last week, Rusev said he’d confront him in the ring and tell him exactly how he’ll make him quit. Cena has been strongly advised to cancel the open challenge, but that’s a bad idea. It’s the United States, so he’ll leave it up to a vote. Cena asks if they want to see a United States Championship match right now, and the crowd cheers loudly. Cena says Cincinnati is the place to be, and he’s the man to beat. The challenge starts now. Cena says, “You want some? Come get some!”
Neville’s music hits, and he’s answering the United States Open Challenge.
WWE United States Championship Match
John Cena (c) vs. Neville
The bell rings, and they circle the ring. They lock up, and Cena powers him to the corner. The referee backs Cena up, and he gives a clean break. They circle the ring again, and a “Let’s go Cena/Cena sucks,” chant breaks out. Cena wrenches the arm and brings him to a knee. Cena twists the arm, but Neville twists and flips out before wrenching Cena’s arm. Neville takes him down with a suplex followed by an arm bar. Cena gets to his feet and grabs the rope. Cena holds his arm in pain in the corner. They circle the ring again, and Cena punches him in the face. Cena sends him into the ropes for a back elbow and a one count. Cena then applies a chin lock. Neville fights up, and Cena obviously whispers a spot into his ear. Cena whips him off and misses a clothesline. Neville then takes him down with a jumping heel kick. Cena rolls out of the ring to recover.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Neville whips Cena to the corner, but Cena pops out. Cena ducks a clothesline and connects with a pair of shoulder blocks. Cena goes for a back suplex powerbomb, but Neville gets out and connects with a German Suplex and bridges it for a two count. Cena immediately rolls out of the ring to catch his breath. Neville baseball slides him down and goes to the apron. Neville then hits an INSANE springboard corkscrew senton to the floor! Neville rolls him into the ring for a near fall. An “NXT” chant breaks out. Neville goes to the apron and shoulders him in the midsection. Neville flips into the ring, but he misses a right hand. Cena then catches him with a back suplex powerbomb followed by the 5 Knuckle Shuffle. Cena goes for the AA, but Neville holds the top rope. Cena runs into a boot to the face, and he goes down. Neville connects with a Phoenix Splash for a near fall! Neville cannot believe Cena kicked out.
Neville picks Cena up, and Cena punches him a few times before Neville spin kicks him in the midsection. Neville kicks him down before hitting the ropes. Cena takes him down with a Michinoku Driver for a near fall! Cena goes for the AA, but Neville rolls him up with a crucifix pin for a two count. Cena whips him to the corner, but Neville slingshots over him and does two quick flips to the corner. Neville hits a back elbow and comes off the second rope with a cross-body, but Cena rolls through and powers him up. Cena goes for the AA, but Neville lands on his feet and connects with a jumping heel kick for a near fall! The crowd chants, “This is awesome.” Neville pulls Cena to the corner to set up for a Red Arrow, but Cena picks the ankle and applies the STF! Cena screams for Neville to give up. Neville turns it into a pin for a two count. Cena quickly pops up and turns him inside out with a clothesline! Neville pulls himself up in the corner and sidesteps Cena. Neville kicks him in the head, but Cena rebounds and connects with an AA for a near fall! Neville pulls himself to the apron, and Cena catches his breath before going over to him. Cena gets him on his shoulders and goes to the second rope for a Super AA. Neville counters into a sunset flip, walks to the center of the ring with Cena on his shoulders, and hits a sit-out powerbomb for a near fall. Neville goes to the top rope for the Red Arrow… and he connects! Rusev gets in the ring and attacks Neville for the disqualification!
Winner by Disqualification: Neville
John Cena retains the WWE United States Championship
Match Rating: ***
Rusev sends Neville into the ropes and takes him out with a thrust kick. Rusev stares at Cena and paces the ring. Rusev stomps the ring a few times and connects with a thrust kick on Cena. Rusev screams before stomping the spine and applying the Accolade. Rusev holds it in as the crowd chants, “We want Lana!” Cena shouts some instructions to Rusev. Rusev grabs the United States Championship and holds it up as the flag of the Russian Federation unfurls above the ring.
Tonight’s main event will see Randy Orton face Seth Rollins. Coming up next, we’ll see Roman Reigns face Kane.
-Commercial Break-
Kane vs. Roman Reigns
Kane attacks Roman Reigns as he comes over the barricade for his entrance. Kane punches him around ringside and knees him in the ribs a few times. Kane uppercuts him down and slams him spine-first into the ring post. Kane uppercuts him down before head-butting him. Kane slams him off the ring steps and throws him into the ring. This match hasn’t started yet. Kane tries to get in the ring, but Reigns punches him back to the floor. Reigns powers him into the barricade, but Kane powers him into the apron. Kane takes turns slamming him into the barricade and ring apron before throwing him over the steel steps. Kane removes the top of the commentary table and takes the monitors off. Reigns punches back at him and bounces him off the apron. Kane reverses a whip into the steps, but Reigns jumps over them. Reigns jumps off the steps, but Kane grabs him by the throat. Kane goes for a Chokeslam on the table, but Reigns gets out and connects with a Superman Punch. Reigns then spears him over the table and knocks him out. Reigns stands on the commentary table and celebrates. This match never officially got underway. Replays are showed of what just happened.
Daniel Bryan will be out later tonight to address the status of the Intercontinental Championship and his overall health.
-Commercial Break-
Replays are shown of Naomi and the returning Tamina Snuka attacking The Bella Twins during their entrance last Monday on RAW.
A pre-taped promo is shown with Naomi and Tamina Snuka. Naomi says The Bellas got a taste of their own medicine last week. She’d be Divas Champion if not for Brie Bella. Tamina says Payback comes early.
Brie Bella w/ Nikki Bella vs. Tamina Snuka w/ Naomi
They lock up, and Tamina powers her to the corner. Brie gets out and punches away at her. Tamina pushes her back and viciously kicks her down. Brie elbows her in the face, but Tamina grabs her by the hair and pulls her into a backbreaker. Tamina sends her to the corner hard, and Brie collapses to the mat. Naomi loves what she is seeing. Tamina applies a knee-to-the-back chin lock, but Brie fights up and knees her. Tamina then clubs her in the face to take her down. Tamina drops a pair of knees for a one count. Tamina chokes her on the middle rope before Brie pops up. Brie takes her down, but Naomi comes back with a clothesline for a two count. Tamina goes for a back suplex, but Brie flips through. Brie connects with a clothesline and a dropkick, but Tamina doesn’t go down. Tamina pushes her to the corner, but Brie elbows her in the face. Brie hits a missile dropkick for a two count. Brie hits a sloppy drop-toe-hold into the ropes and hits a running knee to the face. Brie backs up and goes for another one, but Tamina pushes her away and superkicks her down for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Tamina Snuka
Match Rating: 1/4 *
Randy Orton will face Seth Rollins in the main event.
-Commercial Break-
Curtis Axel is in the ring. A replay from the RAW Pre-Show is shown. Curtis Axel is doing his Hulk Hogan impression, and Damien Sandow does a Macho Man impression before challenging him to a match.
Curtis Axel vs. Macho Mandow
Axel rips his shirt off a la Hulk Hogan and punches Mandow before sending him to the ropes. Mandow holds on and avoids the Hogan Big Boot. Mandow clotheslines him down and hits a running forearm before body slamming him down. Mandow points at the corner and goes to the top rope. The Ascension’s music hits, and they come out to the stage. Viktor asks if the crowd thinks this is entertaining. Viktor says they’re two idiots imitating two old relics from the past in a desperate attempt to jumpstart their pathetic careers. Konnor says dressing like a legend doesn’t make you a legend. There’s a difference between being laughed at and being laughed with. Viktor says there’s a new age in the WWE. This is the dawning of the age of total destruction. They are The Ascension. Konnor says, “Welcome to the wasteland!” Mandow punches Konnor and sends him over the top rope. Mandow then body slams Viktor down and implores Axel to Hulk Up. Axel connects with the Hogan Leg Drop. Mandow goes to the top rope, but Konnor pulls Viktor out of the ring. Mandow and Axel beg them to get back in the ring. Axel and Mandow shake hands in the ring.
No Contest
Match Rating: 1/4 *
Daniel Bryan will address his health and the Intercontinental Championship, next.
-Commercial Break-
WWE Tough Enough will premier on the USA Network on June 23. Chris Jericho will host the show. Hulk Hogan, Daniel Bryan, Billy Gunn, Lita, Booker T, and Paige will be involved with the show. They then show some videos that have been submitted.
Daniel Bryan returns to address his health and the Intercontinental Championship
Daniel Bryan’s music hits, and the WWE Intercontinental Championship makes his return to RAW after a month-long absence to a huge reception. A big “YES” chant breaks out. Bryan leads an arena wide “YES” chant in the ring. Bryan stands in the ring, and a big “Daniel Bryan” chant breaks out. Bryan smiles and looks out in the crowd. Bryan holds up the microphone and looks sad. Bryan says, “So the last couple of weeks, I’ve been in and out of doctor’s appointments. Other than that, I’ve been having a lot of downtime, and I don’t do so well with downtime. I need to be where the action is. I need to be where there’s some excitement. I need to be where there’s energy.” A “YES” chant breaks out. Bryan says he needed to be standing back there right behind the curtain waiting for his music to hit so he could come out here and be part of a reaction like that. Bryan wonders how long it’s been since the crowd treated him like he’s something special. It’s been years since they started treating him way better than anyone in the back has treated him. That’s why it was so crushing to him last year – almost exactly a year ago – when Stephanie stripped him of his WWE World Heavyweight Championship. It was crushing for him because he let the fans down. They weren’t going to give him an opportunity; the fans were. A “YES” chant breaks out.
Bryan says the hard thing to admit is that Stephanie was right to do it. The crowd boos that. No one knew how long he would be out. He was hurt and couldn’t defend the championship. If the crowd deserves anything, it’s a fighting champion. That’s why he asked to come out here tonight. A “NO” chant breaks out. Bryan sadly looks at the crowd. Bryan says, “I had an MRI last week. They don’t know how long I’ll be out. They said maybe weeks, uh, maybe months. They said I might never be able to wrestle again.” Bryan nearly choked up on that last line. Bryan then says, “But despite the uncertainty in my career, that makes me know for a fact what needs to happen with the Intercontinental Championship. You deserve to have WWE Superstars fighting for this championship. You deserve Wade Barrett. You deserve Dolph Ziggler. You deserve Dean Ambrose fighting for this championship. The Intercontinental Championship should not be sitting on a physical therapist’s chair. It deserves to be in this ring, and in this ring is where I’m going to leave it. Tonight, I officially relinquish my Intercontinental Championship.” A “Thank you, Daniel” chant breaks out. Bryan looks like he’s close to tears as he looks out into the crowd. Bryan says they’ve got it all wrong. For everything they’ve done for him, he has one thing to say: Thank you. The crowd gives him a standing ovation as he puts the Intercontinental Championship down in the middle of the ring and leaves. Bryan walks up the ramp as the crowd chants, “Thank you, Daniel.” Bryan looks like he’s going to cry. Bryan stops at the top of the ramp and looks out into the crowd. Bryan then starts a HUGE “YES” chant as his music plays.
-Commercial Break-
The commentators put over huge how classy Daniel Bryan is. JBL says that a superstar didn’t defeat Bryan. Bryan was defeated by injuries, which he can relate to.
The New Day makes their way to the ring. Xavier Woods tells them to not embrace the negativity. Daniel Bryan is gone, but they need to embrace positivity because they’re there. Woods then tries to get a “New Day Rocks” chant started, but instead of “rocks” the crowd yells, “sucks.” Kofi Kingston says one day they’ll get the chant right. Kingston says The New Day is all about giving chances and second chances, especially when it comes to people they care about. Big E says, “Well except for Pete Rose! He does not deserve a second chance!” The crowd loudly boos that. What about Cesaro and Tyson Kidd? They failed, but at Payback they’ll get another opportunity in a two-out-of-three falls match. That’s Authority approved. They’ll give everyone in attendance a second chance like they gave Cesaro and Kidd. They try another “New Day Rocks” chant, but it turns into “New Day Sucks” again.
Big E w/ Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston vs. Cesaro w/ Tyson Kidd and Natalya
The bell rings, and a “New Day Sucks” chant breaks out. Big E knees away at him before punching him down. Big E applies a side headlock before whipping him off. Cesaro hits the ropes and catches him trying a leapfrog with a powerslam. Cesaro does a double stomp before hitting a European Uppercut. Big E sends him into the ropes, but Cesaro flips to the apron. Cesaro boots him back and connects with a cross-body block for a two count. Cesaro stomps him in the corner to the tune of “New Day Sucks.” Cesaro then clotheslines him over the top rope.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Cesaro trapped in an abdominal stretch. Cesaro fights out, but Big E soon gets him back in the hold. The New Day is cheering at ringside. Cesaro breaks out and hits a gutwrench suplex. Cesaro punches away at him, but Big E soon floors him with a belly-to-belly side suplex. Big E goes for a big splash, but Cesaro moves. Cesaro charges him in the corner, but Big E takes him down with a one-armed slam for a two count. Big E shoulders him in the midsection and connects with a clothesline for a two count. Cesaro comes back with an uppercut. Cesaro springboards off the middle rope with a twisting uppercut. Cesaro ducks a clothesline and hits a pair of rolling German Suplexes. Cesaro then connects with a scary belly-to-belly overhead throw. Cesaro then connects with three running uppercuts. Cesaro goes for the Cesaro Swing, but Kingston gets on the apron. Kidd pulls Kingston off and kicks him in the face. Michael Cole thought Kingston was Xavier Woods. Woods yells at Cesaro before Cesaro rolls Big E up for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Cesaro
Match Rating: * 1/4
Axelmania and Macho Mandow will face The Ascension on the WWE Payback Kickoff Show. A second PPV has been added for May, which will feature the return of the Elimination Chamber. Elimination Chamber takes place on May 31!
Randy Orton will face Seth Rollins in the main event.
-Commercial Break-
This week on Smackdown, Roman Reigns will face Kane in a match where there has to be a winner by pinfall or submission.
The Prime Time Players are seen backstage. They’re doing an impression of D-Generation-X. They had glow sticks, and Darren Young was wearing a blonde wig.
Bray Wyatt addresses his targeting of Ryback
Bray Wyatt makes his way to the ring to a great reception from the crowd. The fireflies illuminate the arena. Wyatt says he feels sorry for everyone in the crowd. Wyatt wishes he could reach out and fix everything. He wishes he could wake them up from the nightmare, but he can’t. Fear is all around them. It has engulfed this world like a wildfire. If they need proof, it isn’t hard to find. Open a newspaper or turn on the TV, and you’ll see fear sold to you left and right. Fear of a crumbling economy and global conflict. Fear of a dying earth. Some refuse to accept the true power of fear. They adopted the idea that if they work hard enough, they can overcome the odds. Ryback must be an inspiration to them. Wyatt says Ryback shattered his ankle into a million pieces. The doctor came to him and said he’s afraid to tell him he’ll never compete again. Wyatt laughs heartily before saying Ryback didn’t accept his fate lying down. Ryback fought back and is doing what he loves once again. Wyatt sarcastically says, “My hero.” Then along came the spider. Wyatt understands Ryback has gone toe-to-toe with fate, but he’s never faced anything like him before. Ryback has never seen anything like the New Face of Fear before. Ryback must be asking himself, “Why me?” The answer is simple: Ryback was in his way. Wyatt laughs. Wyatt asks if the kids want to hear something their parents will never tell them. The nightmares never stop and sometimes the bad guy just wins. Wyatt kneels in the ring and says, “Behold the New Face of Fear!”
Ryback’s music hits, and he charges down to the ring. Wyatt waits for him and clubs away at him as he gets in the ring. Wyatt hits the ropes, and Ryback gives him a spinebuster. Ryback then connects with a Meat Hook Clothesline, and Wyatt gets out of the ring to retreat. Ryback then starts a big “Feed Me More” chant.
Coming up next, we’ll see Randy Orton face Seth Rollins in the main event.
-Commercial Break-
Randy Orton vs. Seth Rollins
The bell rings, and they circle the ring. Rollins applies a hammerlock, but Orton counters into a headlock takeover. Rollins gets out with a head-scissor. Orton gets up, but Rollins catches him with a side headlock. Orton whips him off, but Rollins takes him down with a shoulder block. Rollins hits the ropes, and Orton connects with a back elbow. Orton sends him into the ropes, but he lowers his head and eats a kick. Rollins kicks and punches him before wrenching the arm. Rollins sends him into the ropes, but Orton slams him by the hair. Orton sends him hard into the corner, and Rollins rolls up the turnbuckle a la Shawn Michaels before stumbling into an uppercut. Orton stomps him all over his body before dropping a knee for a one count. Orton backs up for a knee drop, but Rollins moves. Orton ducks a clothesline and connects with his patented backbreaker. Orton holds his knee in pain before walking into a reverse STO in the corner. Rollins then connects with a high knee to the back, which sends Orton out of the ring.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Orton trapped in a chin lock. Orton fights up and punches out. Orton sends him into the ropes, but Rollins catches him with a running headlock slam for a two count. Rollins stomps him and intimidates the referee. Rollins connects with a running forearm in the corner. Rollins circles around him before getting him to his feet. Rollins sends him to the corner and stares menacingly at the crowd. Rollins charges into a back body drop to the apron. Rollins quickly goes to the top rope, but Orton crotches him on the top rope. Orton smiles before looking out into the crowd. Orton then connects with a top rope superplex. They trade punches and head-butts from their knees before getting to their feet and punching away at each other. Rollins kicks him in the midsection and hits the ropes. Orton hits a pair of clotheslines before going for a powerslam, but Rollins holds onto the ropes. Rollins elbows him in the face before jumping off the second rope into a powerslam for a near fall.
Rollins rolls to the apron to recover, and Orton grabs him by the hair. Orton goes for a hanging DDT, but Rollins snaps him off the top rope. Rollins hits a slingshot kick to the head followed by a springboard flying knee to the face for a near fall. Rollins takes a few moments before grabbing him. Orton twists him around and goes for his patented backbreaker, but Rollins flips through it. Orton then connects with a T-bone suplex. Orton goes for a hanging DDT, but Rollins drops him to the apron. Rollins then connects with a step-up enzuigiri to send him to the floor. Rollins then takes him down with a suicide dive! Rollins rolls him back into the ring and stalks him. Rollins charges him in the corner, but Orton sidesteps him. Orton goes for an RKO, but Rollins counters into a roll-up for a two count. Rollins then superkicks him for a near fall.
Rollins drops to the mat and imitates Orton’s RKO taunt. Rollins goes for a turnbuckle powerbomb, but Orton counters into a back body drop. Rollins lands on his feet and hits the ropes, but Orton spins him into the ropes for a hanging DDT. Orton then drops down and shows Rollins how to do that taunt. Orton gets the crowd going and goes for an RKO, but J&J Security attack him for the disqualification.
Winner by Disqualification: Randy Orton
Match Rating: ** 1/4
J&J Security double-team Orton before he fights them off. Orton sends Jamie Noble shoulder-first into the ring post. Rollins then takes Orton down and punches away at him. Rollins gets Mercury and Noble to their feet as a “We want Ambrose” chant breaks out.
Kane’s music hits, and he makes his way to the ring. Kane goes to ringside and grabs a steel chair. Rollins and J&J Security look on nervously. They then triple-team Orton as Kane watches on. Dean Ambrose runs down and takes Rollins down. Roman Reigns joins in as well and clears J&J Security from the ring. Rollins is trapped in the ring with Orton, Ambrose, and Reigns. Rollins looks at Kane for help, but he just stands there. Ambrose connects with Dirty Deeds. Ambrose, Reigns, and Orton look at Kane, but he doesn’t do anything. An “RKO” chant breaks out. Ambrose holds Rollins up for Reigns to spear him down. Kane continues to watch on. Ambrose, Reigns, and Orton look at Kane again, but he stands there as like a statue. Reigns and Ambrose hold Rollins up for Orton to RKO. Reigns then spears Orton down! Ambrose then spikes Reigns on his head with Dirty Deeds, and the crowd explodes! Ambrose celebrates in the ring as Kane continues to watch on.
———-
Quick Match Results
Dean Ambrose def. J&J Security
King Barrett def. Dolph Ziggler
Erick Rowan def. Fandango
Neville def. John Cena via DQ in a WWE United States Championship Match
Tamina Snuka def. Brie Bella
Curtis Axel NC Macho Mandow
Cesaro def. Big E
Randy Orton def. Seth Rollins via DQ (non-title)
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