WWE Monday Night RAW Results
Brooklyn, New York
July 15, 2013
Commentators: Jerry Lawler, JBL & Michael Cole
Report by: David Stephens of Wrestleview.com
The show kicks off with an increasingly rare pyro display at the open. Forget the budget, it is going to be an explosive RAW as the crowd roars with approval. The lights go out as the crowd hushes. A long drum roll culminates with a spotlight showing off the new General Manager of RAW. Brad Maddox loudly introduces himself and welcomes us to the Maddox Era (trademark pending). The flamboyant GM claims that he will be the greatest General Manager in the history of the company. Maddox thanks the fans for the “warm” welcome. He announces Alberto Del Rio versus Dolph Ziggler for later tonight.
Cena’s music hits and he skips and hops his way down to the ring. With a smug grin he acknowledges the heat and throws his hands up into the air. The Champ is here.
Cena has a mic and is amused that this is the Maddox Era. He confidently tells Maddox that this is the first time during the Maddox Era that Brad will be in a ring with someone more hated than himself. Cena says he doesn’t even know if Maddox will be a good GM so he is willing to give him a fair chance.
Maddox says that for the first time in history the WWE Champion will pick his own opponent for Summerslam. Even Cena is a bit confused. Maddox must be stupider than he looks. He notes that he could choose anyone from Dutch Mantel to Michael Cole. However Cena candidly admits Cole fights like a girl. Though on that vein Cena says that he could even wrestle a Bella Twin. I see what you did there Cena.
Randy Orton comes down to the ring and announces that there is a good chance that Cena won’t even be Champion come Summerslam. Orton has his freshly won Money in the Bank briefcase and lets Cena know that when he cashes in Cena won’t see it coming. I believe the correct term is “OUT OF NOWHERE”.
Fandango’s music hits and he dances down to the ring with the dazzling Summer Rae by his side. Orton is upset that he was interrupted but Fandango tells him to hush. Fandango claims that when Orton cashes in it won’t be against Cena it will be against him. Fandango is convinced that he is going to win the Title from Cena because that is what the fans want to see.
Fandango tries to teach Cena how to say his name, but Orton responds with a punch to the face. Maddox and Cena roll out of the ring as Orton pounds on Fandango.
Maddox is not amused with the tussle so he announces that tonight’s first match will be Randy Orton v. Fandango. Brad yells for a referee because it is go time.
-Commercial-
Randy Orton v. Fandango w/ Summer Rae
The match is underway as the show returns from commercial. Orton is in control and connects with a few uppercuts. Orton looks to drop a knee but Fandango moves out of the way and stomps on his opponent. Fandango uses the leverage of the ropes to choke Orton and then knees him in the head. Fandango sets up for a suplex but Orton counters with one of his own. Fandango rolls out of the ring to take comfort in the arms of his dance partner. Orton follows after and slams his foe’s head into the apron. Fandango hits Orton in the gut and rolls back into the ring. As Orton follows, Fandango slides out the other side. Orton follows after and uses the barricade to punish the ballroom star.
Fandango is rolled back into the ring. Orton whips him into the corner but is caught with a boot. Fandango again uses the ropes to torment Orton. Fandango drops to the outside and punches Orton in the head. Fandango delicately returns to the ring and applies a side headlock. The crowd begins to chant for “Randy Savage”. While not in the same arena, this RAW is close to the location of the now famous post-Wrestlemania XXIX edition of RAW.
Fandango is pushed into the corner and Orton chokes him till the referee forces him off. Summer looks concerned as Orton mounts Fandango for a ten-count punch. Orton pulls his opponent to the middle of the ring and connects with a dropkick. Cover, but Fandango kicks out. Orton stares at Fandango and tries to figure out how to finish his opponent off. Orton circles around Fandango and throws a few kicks for good measure. Fandango counters a splash in the corner, which sends Orton falling out of the ring. Fandango follows Orton out of the ring and whips him into the steel steps. Fandango climbs up on the steps and poses as the show heads to commercial.
-Commercial-
Orton looks for a backbreaker but Fandango counters into a suplex. Orton gets back to his feet and hits a clothesline. Randy follows with an exploder suplex. Orton sets Fandango up on the top rope and looks for a Superplex. The move connects from the top rope. Once again Orton is unable to capitalize off the move for a pin. Orton’s momentum is not lost as he connects with a snap scoop slam. Orton has Fandango on the apron, but Fandango blocks the DDT with a kick. Fandango climbs to the top turnbuckle. Orton springs back to his feet and knocks Fandango to a seated position.
Orton pulls Fandango so that his legs are on the second turnbuckle and connects with a suspended DDT. The crowd is please and Orton commands them to cheer louder. Orton hits the RKO and finishes the match.
Winner: Randy Orton
Dolph Ziggler is walking in the back with AJ. She asks if he is going to start talking to her soon. Ziggler tells her to stop apologizing because it is time to move on. AJ is relieved and throws her arms around Ziggler. Dolph does not meet her embrace. Her puppy dog eyes are in full bloom as she looks at her love. He tells her that she does not understand, it is time for him to move on from her. Ziggler coldly announces that they are finished as an item.
-Commercial-
Mark Henry makes his way down to the ring wearing a full suit. While his jacket is not pink this time, he is sporting a purple dress shirt and tie. He says that last night Cena showed up to their match as advertised. Henry calls Cena a great Superstar. He claims that he was very close to winning the belt, but came up short. The crowd chants, “You Tapped Out”. Henry acknowledge that fact and says that Cena would make each of them tap as well. Henry says that he is not here to make excuses. He wants another shot at the belt because he believes he can beat Cena.
The stench of injustice is in the air as the Hounds of Justice appear in the crowd. The members of the Shield make their way down to the ring and circle the World’s Strongest Cena Tap-Out Victim. Henry attempts to take it to the Shield at the start. Henry is pumped up as he punches and tosses the Shield members around the ring. Eventually the numbers game prevails and Ambrose leaps onto the back of Henry. Rollins is kicked away but Reigns connects with a spear. The three man team lifts Henry up high into the air and demolish him with a Powerbomb.
-Commercial-
Brad Maddox is in his office on the phone with his mom. He lets slip that they still reside together. Jericho walks into the shot. Maddox knows that Jericho wants to be Champion and thinks that the best way for that is for him to impress John Cena. Maddox suggests Jericho versus Rob Van Dam tonight on RAW. Both Jericho and the audience agree.
Alberto Del Rio v. Dolph Ziggler
The Champion takes it right to Ziggler with some punches. Ziggler dodges a clothesline and hits a dropkick. Cover, but Rio kicks out. Ziggler drops a series of elbows. Cover, but Rio kicks out. Rio gets back to his feet and takes the offense to Ziggler. Rio chokes him out against the bottom rope until the referee forces the break. Ziggler hits a splash followed by a clothesline. Ziggler is whipped into the ropes but kicks Rio in the gut. Ziggler charges at Rio but gets sent flying high for a brutal fall out of the ring.
-Commercial-
Rio has Ziggler in a headlock as the show comes back from the break. Rio pulls down his kneepad and looks for a strong kick. Ziggler dodges but is caught with a back body drop. Rio charges for another kick. Ziggler counters with a leaping Tornado DDT. Cover, but Rio kicks out. Ziggler hits a dropkick and covers, but again Rio kicks out.
The action continues as Alberto sets up Ziggler in the tree of woe. Rio charges from the other side of the ring but Ziggler pulls himself up and Rio crashes into the steel post. Ziggler hits a Fame-Asser from the second rope. Ziggler covers, but the bell rings. The referee looks confused. The camera shows the ring bell and enlightens the viewers to the presence of AJ Lee. The match continues and Rio takes advantage with a strong kick to the back of Dolph’s head. This match is over.
Winner: Alberto Del Rio
After the match AJ climbs into the ring. AJ looks at Ziggler and then slaps him across the face. The tornado of slaps continues as she yells that Ziggler broke her heart.
Big E. Langston charges into the ring and hits a vicious clothesline. He removes his strap and follows up with his finisher. The Big Finish, or The Big Ending – something like that. The commentators refuse to call it by name for whatever reason. The guy has been around for quite some time, it would be nice if the commentators could enlighten to his signature finisher instead of making us Google.
-Commercial-
R-Truth raps his way down to the ring, which reminds the WWE Universe that he is still under contract. He begins to speak, but the lights go out in the arena.
A video plays of Bray Wyatt lighting a lantern and announcing that his family is here. The Wyatt Family begins to walk down to the ramp to the ring. Apparently the lantern that Wyatt lit on video has magically turned into an electric lantern. That’s continuity for you.
As the lights come back up the members of the Wyatt Family attack Truth in the ring as Bray looks on from a rocking chair. They toss Truth to the outside and look to their leader.
Wyatt gets into the ring and has a microphone. He claims that there are no heroes. He says that people need someone to tuck them into bed at night and tell them that everything is all right. Unfortunately everything is not all right. Wyatt says that the person who made the members of the audience was a liar. Wyatt claims to be the “Eater of Worlds” and has had the answers all along.
Truth is not pleased that he was attacked and grabs a steel chair as he steps up on the apron. The Wyatt Family looks at him. The other members of the family leave the ring so that Bray is left on the inside by himself. With arms outstretched he yells to Truth to attack. The other members circle behind Truth and that’s all she wrote. The ensuing attack leaves Truth helpless. Wyatt kisses Truth on the forehead and hits a modified headlock driver. Wyatt is over top of Truth as he says that this is not the “truth” that they seek. Bray calls out to Kane and tells him to follow the buzzards.
-Commercial-
Video Package airs for the WWE Performance Center
The Real Americans make their way down to the ring with Zeb Colter. He notes that they are in Brooklyn, which is supposed to be a melting pot. Zeb claims that it is more of a porta-potty. Zeb wants Cena to choose one of the Real Americans for his Summerslam opponent.
Jerry Lawler reveals the result of the WWE App vote to find out who The Real Americans will face tonight. The Usos beat out Tons of Funk and the Primetime Players.
Antonio Cesaro & Jack Swagger w/ Zeb Colter v. The Usos
Cesaro and one of the Usos start the match. Uso gets distracted with a swing at Swagger so Cesaro uses his strength to toss him overhead. A couple of quick tags are exchanged by the Americans to maintain control. The other Uso is finally able to get the tag and charges into the ring. Cesaro tries to use the same strength maneuver, but Uso counters into a Roll Up. This match swiftly reaches its conclusion.
Winners: The Usos
-Commercial-
Damien Sandow v. Christian
Sandow is fresh off his Money in the Bank win. He and Christian lock up at the start. Sandow slides out of the ring and Christian follows. Back inside the ring Christian is blocked for a DDT and sent crashing hard out of the ring. Last night a punch from Sheamus chipped Christian’s teeth during the Ladder Match. Christian gets back into the ring and this time does connect with a Tornado DDT. Christian sets Sandow up on the second rope and leaps out of the ring for a punch. Christian is showing wear and tear from the match last night. Christian flies off the top rope for a crossbody. Cover, but Sandow kicks out.
Christian punches Sandow and then leaps from the second rope for a flying uppercut. Christian looks for the Unprettier, but Sandow blocks and hits a Russian Leg Sweep. Sandow looks for The Elbow of Disdain, but Christian counters into a roll up for the win.
Winner: Christian
After the match Sandow grabs a mic and his briefcase. He announces that he is still the intellectual savior. Cody Rhodes flies into the ring and attacks his former partner. They brawl in the ring until Sandow is sent to the outside.
-Commercial-
1-800-FELLA Commercial Airs
A video plays that shows Vickie was on hand before RAW trying to get support for her return.
Brie Bella w/ Nikki v. Naomi w/ Cameron
This match is undoubtedly designed to promote Total Divas. If you’ve missed the plugs it will air July 28th on E. Brie tosses Naomi out of the apron but Naomi climbs to the top rope and leaps for a crossbody. Brie looks to roll through for a cover, but it seems Naomi was the one supposed to cover. After regaining their balance and assuming a proper pin position, Naomi picks up the win.
Winner: Naomi
-Commercial-
CM Punk’s music hits as the 10pm EST hour kicks off. He has his hoodie up and limps down to the ring after the attack he faced at the hands of the Ladder Match and Paul Heyman last night. Punk received 13 staples to his head after the PPV.
Punk has a microphone and says that he knows that both Heyman and Brock Lesnar are in the building. Punk says that he is not waiting anymore and calls them out.
Heyman walks out onto the ramp without entrance music and alone. He has a microphone and looks to the tumultuous crowd. Heyman says that he is looking at an empty ring right now because as far as Heyman is concerned Punk does not exist. Heyman points out that in 2005 the WWE had no vision for Punk and CM Punk was a figment of Heyman’s imagination. Heyman says he took in, taught and mentored Punk. He martyred his entire career for Punk. Together, they were the longest reigning WWE Champion of the past 25 years. Together they came within an inch of beating The Undertaker at Wrestlemania. They were the best in the world. But, without Heyman, Punk is not the Best in the World.
Heyman says that the truth is a lot harder pill to swallow than pin. Everyone keeps asking Heyman about what happened but Punk let him down. CM Punk went home after WrestleMania and found himself. When he came back he said he didn’t need Heyman. Paul lied and manipulated Punk because he lost his way.
Heyman drops some more truth nuggets. Punk has no family, he is estranged from his mother, and has no wife. All that Punk has is the WWE Universe. All Punk has is there respect and admiration. The crowd starts to get hot and cheer for Punk. Heyman says that all Punk needs and craves in his life is the WWE Championship. Punk took Heyman’s best friend away (aka Punk) so Heyman took Punk’s chance at the Title away (aka Money in the Bank). Heyman drops that the best part is that Punk made him swear on his children, but it was Heyman’s children that helped him see the light. They wanted to know why Punk doesn’t listen like Lesnar. Heyman says that the reason Heyman betrayed him and cost him the briefcase is due to the fact that CM Punk can’t beat Brock Lesnar.
Punk takes a moment and then asks if Heyman is done. Punk says that he saw last night that the truth does hurt. But he trusted Heyman and didn’t see it coming. Now he has 13 staples in his head as a result. Punk says that Heyman knows when he is telling the truth because he knows him so well. Punk says that when he wants something nothing will stand in his life. Punk says that he is going to get Heyman. He swears on Heyman’s own children that he is going to get Heyman. He is going to go after everybody who helped Heyman. He is going after Heyman’s friends, families and anybody that gets between the two of them. Punk will rip apart and hurt anyone that gets in his way.
Punk claims that the truth is that Heyman doesn’t have a future. He is going to destroy everything around Heyman and get him to his last breath. Punk calls Heyman a son-of-a-bitch and asks if he is lying.
Heyman admits that Punk is not lying since he knows him so well. Heyman says that what he is going to do is spell out Punk’s future for him right now. Heyman drops down and shouts, “it’s clobbering time”.
Brock Lesnar’s music hits he joins the side of Heyman. Punk is ready and stares at Lesnar. Brock looks ready to jump up on the apron, but Heyman runs up behind Punk and blindsides him. Punk rolls out of the ring and takes the action to Lesnar.
At first Punk is able to get in a bit of offensive but he is still weak from last night’s fight. Lesnar takes control and tosses Punk over the commentator’s booth. Punk is not finished and leaps back at Brock. Lesnar grabs Punk and tosses him into the steel post. Lesnar stands over Punk’s body before lifting him back up on his shoulders. Brock hits Punk with an F-5 on the commentators’ booth. Punk rolls off and Lesnar jumps up on top. Heyman taunts Punk as Lesnar’s music hits.
Heyman and Lesnar make their way up the ramp and towards the back. Punk tries to get to his feet, but falls back to the ground clutching his throat.
-Commercial-
Cena has yet to make a decision as to his Summerslam opponent. He is walking through the hallway when The Great Khali appears. He speaks in his native tongue. Cena also replies in Punjabi. Khali is very pleased and says, “that’s awesome”.
Brad Maddox is in his office when Stephanie McMahon is also shown. He goes for a hug, but Steph shakes his hand. Stephanie asks how things are going. Brad starts to reply but she was not talking to Brad. HHH appears behind Maddox and says that he is doing an okay job so far. HHH and Stephanie convince Brad that Vince does not like it when decisions are left up to other people. Especially not left to a Superstar, Cena, for the second biggest PPV of the year. They continue to convince him that he only received the job because he was the only person standing nearby. HHH wishes Maddox the best in his future endeavors later tonight.
-Commercial-
Rob Van Dam v. Chris Jericho
This is RVD’s first match on RAW in six years. They lock up and struggle for control. They exchange an arm bar and RVD’s jumps back to his feet. He taunts the audience to get his Attitude Meter raised. Jericho extends a couple of chops but is knocked to the mat. He connects with a dropkick on RVD and then a few punches. In the corner Rob hits a few shoulder thrusts and then a monkey flip. RVD hits a standing moonsault and a cover. Jericho kicks out.
Jericho switches the momentum in his favor and hits a side slam. Jericho kicks RVD in the back and follows with a dropkick.
-Commercial-
Back from the break the match is still underway. Jericho is close to a pinfall but Rob barely kicks out. Jericho hits a baseball slide to send Rob out of the ring. Jericho tries to pull him back inside. RVD counters a suplex on the apron and goes for the cover. Jericho kicks out. RVD applies a legscissors to stretch the midsection of Jericho.
Chris lifts RVD up for a Powerbomb. Cover, but RVD kicks out. Chris whips him into the ropes but RVD capitalizes and sets up Rolling Thunder. Jericho rolls out of the ring. RVD climbs onto the apron and kicks Jericho. He leaps for a moonsault from the apron.
-Commercial-
Back from the break both men are still slugging it out. Jericho hits a running bulldog and looks for the Lionsault. RVD dodges and hits a Rolling Thunder. RVD counters a splash but misses a kick. Jericho plants RVD with a DDT that stands him straight up. Jericho looks for the Walls but RVD tosses him to the side. RVD kicks Jericho and sends him down to the mat. RVD is holding his head in pain as Jericho is whipped across the ring. RVD dodges a bulldog and sends Chris into the ropes. RVD misses a split-leg moonsault, which allows Jericho to finally hit his Lionsault. RVD looks for a Five Star but Jericho is right up to counter. Rob is bleeding from his head. Jericho tries to submit him in the Walls of Jericho but RVD will have none of it. RVD leaps for the Five Star Frog Splash and picks up the win.
Winner: Rob Van Dam
-Commercial-
The entire WWE Roster is present on the entrance ramp. Cena makes his entrance and says that he cannot announce his competitor because he has yet to make a decision. Cena has been listening to countless Superstars make their plea all night. Cena says that he did not hear from the most important voice. Cena wants to hear from the WWE Universe. He knows that they are tough on him but he does respect their honesty. He wants to make his decision based on a match that the WWE Universe would like to see. He needs their help.
The crowd erupts in finger pointing and yelling, “Yes”. Cena says that they are already getting the hang of it. He wants to have a match the audience wants to see. Cena announces that it is Heath Slater’s birthday and asks the crowd. They boo. He asks about the rest of the members of 3MB but he receives more boos. Cena continues to run down members of the roster but the crowd is not yet fully convinced. Khali, Y2J, RVD et. al. are suggested. Even Sheamus gets a fair number of boos.
Cena asks if there is anybody that he is forgetting. The crowd continues with the chants for Bryan but Cena ignores them. He says that he has made his decision. It is a man who deserves the opportunity. The crowd chants for Daniel Bryan. Cena says that he respects the beard but there is someone who deserves the match. Cena continues to dismiss the chants. Cena sternly looks to the camera and announces his decision – Daniel Bryan!
The crowd is on its feet. Bryan’s music hits and he charges down to the ring. He stands in front of Cena and yells along with the crowd. YES!
David Stephens
Follow me on Twitter! @TheDaveStephens