WWE Monday Night RAW Results
Des Moines, Iowa
September 2, 2013
Commentators: Jerry Lawler, JBL & Michael Cole
Report by: David Stephens of Wrestleview.com
Triple H is already in the ring as RAW comes online. His heel theme is pumping through the arena speakers. The Shield is present in front of the ring to provide protection for the cerebral assassin. Triple H introduces the face of the WWE, Randy Orton. Orton makes his way to the ring and holds his Title overhead to taunt the crowd.
Orton claims that as the Champion he must represent the company. Anyone who is not happy with this situation will be found and punished. Orton says that last week Daniel Bryan defaced his personal property. Orton says that as a result he was forced to deface Daniel Bryan. A clip shows Orton spray-painting ‘no’ on Bryan’s chest on Smackdown.
Orton refers to the audience and says that he has a game to play. He asks if Daniel Bryan should face him at Night of Champions for the WWE Title. The crowd responds with the affirmative but Orton ignores them. Orton continues to run down Bryan and put himself over as the face of the company. Orton says that Bryan will always be a ‘B+’ competitor.
Triple H speaks and says that the WWE has the best fans in the world. It is his job to ensure that they get the best show possible. HHH adds that he also is responsible for Superstar health and wellbeing. Trips fears that Bryan is becoming a danger to himself. The crowd is only adding fuel to the fire with their chanting and raving. They are confusing popularity with what is best for business.
Triple H reminds the audience of Doink the Clown. Doink was ‘insanely’ popular but having him as Champion would not be best for business. (Triple H throwing the words ‘insane’ and ‘clown’ together is no doubt in reference to Scott Hall appearing on last week’s episode of Insane Clown Posse Theater)
Bryan comes out to the ramp and says that he has no problem being compared to Doink the Clown. Bryan claims that HHH is a corporate sellout. Daniel adds that Orton gave up on being in the Title picture until someone handed it to him. Triple H wants Bryan to give his Night of Champion match away, but there is no way Bryan won’t fight Orton.
Bryan amuses the crowd by saying that Stephanie McMahon is manlier than Randy Orton. Orton asks how many times he has to be punched in the face before getting the message. Bryan tells the story of his struggle and always being held back because of his size. Bryan was told that he would never be World Champion. Bryan has accomplished an entire litany of things that he was told he could not do. Bryan had to scratch and claw his way to the top. Orton was handed his success. Bryan says that he knows that he can beat Orton for the Championship. Bryan wants Randy Orton one on one. Orton has the genetics of a Champion but not the heart.
Triple H responds by saying that his anger is misdirected. HHH says that the real person that Bryan should be angry with is The Big Show. He has an ironclad contract, but chooses to sit back and watch Bryan be decimated each and every week. Bryan should be mad at Show, not Triple H or Orton. Trips announces that tonight’s main event will be Daniel Bryan versus The Big Show.
-Commercial-
Triple H and Orton are walking through the back. Cody Rhodes approaches. Triple H asks him about his dad; Cody says he is doing well. Rhodes thinks that tonight’s main event will be good if no one interferes. Rhodes is confused as to why his former Legacy mentor doesn’t want to fight Bryan. Cody offers that Orton versus Bryan is what is best for business. Triple H responds that he doesn’t need to take Cody’s advice. HHH notes that Rhodes has a wedding coming up. Orton and Triple H are upset that they did not receive invitations for the wedding. Trips says that he has gotten Rhodes a wedding present. Tonight Cody will be fighting Orton. Rhodes is happy with the decision. Triple H says that if Cody cannot win tonight than it will be the end of his employment.
Fandango w/ Summer Rae v. The Miz
Miz hits a hiptoss. Fandango rolls out of the ring to catch his breath. Miz catches him with a baseball slide. Miz rolls him back into the ring and follows for a roll up. Fandango kicks out. Miz takes him down with a side headlock.
-Commercial-
Back from the break Summer Rae is cheering her man on from the outside. Fandango dodges a splash in the corner but gets tossed towards the middle of the ring. The action continues as Miz works the leg of his opponent. Jerry Lawler mentions twerking for the second time tonight. Miz locks on the Figure Four and Fandango is forced to tap.
Winner: The Miz
-Commercial-
Booker approaches Daniel Bryan in the locker room. He cautions Bryan to watch his back. Bryan deserves better than having to go back to wrestling in high school gyms. He can achieve so much success and money with this company. Booker suggests that he drops his Title match with Orton. Booker is worried that Bryan will be injured or beaten to the point that Bryan’s career will come to an end. Booker likes Bryan and wants him to have long-term success.
-Commercial-
Dolph Ziggler is in the ring for the next match. He is awaiting his opponent. Dean Ambrose runs into the ring from behind. The United States Champion begins to pound on his Night of Champions opponent. The bell has not rung for the match. Ambrose tosses Ziggler shoulder first into the steel post.
Ryback’s music hits and he makes his way down to the ring. Ambrose heads out to allow Ziggler’s real opponent to have a match.
Dolph Ziggler v. Ryback
Ziggler is barely on his feet when the match starts. Ryback tosses him across the ring with a belly-to-belly suplex. Ryback punches and taunts Dolph. Ryback tosses him again this time simply by the hair. Ryback pounds his head into the ground and then continues with the punches. Ziggler catches a brief opening and kicks Ryback in the head. He mounts him in the corner and starts a ten-punch attack. Ziggler backs away for a moment, which is enough time for Ryback to flip him inside out with a Meathook. Ryback hits Shell Shocked as the last bit of light leaves Ziggler’s eyes.
Winner: Ryback
Stephanie McMahon and Triple H are in an office. Brad Maddox walks in and shares that Big Show is refusing to fight Daniel Bryan tonight. Stephanie leaves the office and says that she is about to have a very public conversation.
Promo airs for Los Matadores
-Commercial-
Stephanie is in the ring and says that she grew up in the backstage areas of arenas across the nation. She introduces her friend, her giant – The Big Show. He makes his way down and into the ring.
Big Show hugs Stephanie as he gets into the ring. Stephanie runs over several failures in the financial life of Big Show and says that he is broke. Stephanie says that there aren’t many job opportunities for someone in his position. Stephanie reminds Show of his family and the people that need him. Stephanie says that if Big Show does not wrestle Daniel Bryan tonight he will face further roadblocks. Steph even goes as far as to point out that giants don’t live as long as other people. Stephanie leaves the decision in the hands of Show. Big Show looks to cry as RAW goes to commercial.
-Commercial-
During the commercial an angry and emotional Big Show took out his aggression on a table backstage.
The Prime Time Players v. 3MB (Heath Slater & Jinder Mahal w/ Drew McIntyre)
Slater starts the match with Titus. Slater is stomped on while Titus blows a whistle. Young gets the tag and hits a double team shoulder block on Slater. Heath pushes Young towards the corner and tags in Jinder. He plants Young with a shoulder block only to be met with an elbow. Young hits an Atomic Drop and goes for the cover. Jinder kicks out. Young kicks Jinder but gets tripped up.
Slater gets the tag and stomps on his opponent. Jinder gets in a cheap shot. Slater seesaws the throat of Young into the bottom rope. Heath cinches on a side headlock. Jinder gets the tag and exchanges some quick tags with his partner as they continue to isolate Young. Darren sense a brief opportunity and drops Jinder.
Titus gets the tag and charges into the ring. He tosses Jinder overhead and follows with a boot then a pin. Slater makes the save. Young chases Slater out of the ring. Titus decimates Jinder with a sitout spinebuster. Cover and this match is over.
Winners: The Prime Time Players
After the match, the crowd dances along with the victors.
-Commercial-
Brad Maddox is on the phone in his office. Heyman comes up to him and tells Maddox to call back. Heyman is upset that Maddox made a match between Punk and Curtis that almost guarantees that Punk will get his hands on Heyman. Paul is worried that if that happens then Paul Heyman will never be seen again. Triple H walks up and Maddox walks away. Triple H claims that he has watched Heyman weasel his way through situations for years. The match at Night of Champions guarantees that Heyman won’t be able to weasel his way free. Trips claims that Punk getting his hands on Heyman is what is best for business.
-Commercial-
Cody Rhodes v. Randy Orton
If Rhodes does not beat Orton than this will be the end of Rhodes’ career. A close-up shot of Rhodes’ face reveals a very emotional Superstar about to have the fight of his life. Cody’s baby blue eyes shine with a tint of desperation and a dash of martyrdom.
Orton backs Rhodes into the corner and hits a few punches. Rhodes fights back with some punches and kicks of his own. Rhodes whips Orton across the ring but is caught with a clothesline. Orton grabs Rhodes and drops him gut first onto the top rope. Orton bashes the head of Rhodes into he turnbuckle and then tosses him out of the ring. Cody counters as Orton tries to toss him into the steel steps. Orton’s head meets the steps instead. Rhodes rolls him back into the ring and goes for a cover. Orton kicks out.
Back inside the ring Rhodes applies a Venetian Armbar. Orton fights free but gets planted with a dropkick. Cover, but Orton kicks out. Orton rakes the eyes or Rhodes and goes for a cover. Cody kicks out. Orton backs Rhodes into the corner and bashes him with a ten punch. Rhodes fights back and slams Orton stomach first. Rhodes gets up for a ten-count punch of his own in the corner. Orton slides under his legs. Orton pulls Rhodes forward and hits a vicious neckbreaker.
-Commercial-
Back from the break they brawl to the outside of the ring. Orton sends Rhodes into the barricade with a back body drop. They fight back into the ring. The momentum switches back and forth with neither man taking full control. Cody Rhodes knocks Orton back and goes for broke. He climbs to the top turnbuckle and leaps for a huge moonsault. Orton sidesteps and Rhodes lands stomach first in the middle of the ring.
Orton responds with a suspended DDT. Orton taunts the crowd as he prepares for the RKO. The crowd is roaring as Cody reverses – and hits Cross Rhodes. Cover, but Orton kicks out. Rhodes counters another RKO and tries for a roll up. Orton kicks out. Rhodes misses a disaster kick and lands awkwardly on his leg. Orton kicks out the back of his leg. Orton finally connects with the RKO.
Winner: Randy Orton
After the match Orton makes his way up the entrance ramp as the fallen Rhodes wits in the ring. Triple H joins Orton on the ramp with a microphone. Despite a heartfelt fight, this is the end for Cody Rhodes. Triple H fires Cody.
-Commercial-
CM Punk’s music hits. He makes his way down to the ring carrying a kendo stick. Punk begins to speak and says that he is finished with empty threats. Punk claims that he has said everything that he needs to say. He is done talking, Punk wants to fight. If fighting Curtis Axel is the only way to face Heyman than he is fully on board. Punk would invite them out to the ring but he knows that they wouldn’t come. Punk says that he is in such a dark place right now that he wouldn’t even want to fight himself. Punk says that he is not here to convince people of the biblical ass beating that will happen at the PPV. Instead, Punk wants all of the fans to know that he is going to destroy Heyman. Heyman says that Punk broke his heart, so Punk is going to break his face.
-Commercial-
Daniel Bryan is in the locker room as Big Show approaches. Show assures Bryan that he did not want any part in tonight’s happenings. Bryan says that he doesn’t care. Show points out what happened with Rhodes earlier tonight. Show says that he has a family to take care of which puts him in a no win situation. Bryan agrees that it is a no win situation because Show is not going to win.
-Commercial-
#1 Contenders Match for Divas Championship
Natalya v. Brie Bella v. Naomi
The women are a bit out of sorts at the start as the paving for a Triple Threat match is not in the usual Diva repertoire. Natalya tries to capitalize with a Sharpshooter but Naomi catches her with a roll up. Natalya kicks out. Brie climbs to the top rope and leaps for a crossbody. Natalya catches her and lifts her up. Naomi hits rear view and covers Natalya. AJ, who had been on commentary for the match, runs into the ring and attacks. The referee calls for the bell.
Winner: No Contest
-Commercial-
Rob Van Dam w/ Ricardo Rodriguez v. Damien Sandow
Ricardo does a long rolling r during the introduction for Rob. Sandow kicks Rob back at the start. Sandow goes for a cover but RVD kicks out. Dam is whipped towards the ropes but kicks Sandow and rolls him up with a leg scissors. Sandow kicks out. Damien hits a big boot and a cover of his own. RVD kicks out. Sandow gets behind Rob for a seated rear choke. Ricardo cheers on as RVD hits a springboard kick. RVD looks for Rolling Thunder but pauses as a new sound fills the arena. Alberto Del Rio’s music hits and he walks out onto the entrance ramp. Rob is knocked out of the ring as RAW goes to commercial.
-Commercial-
Back from the break Sandow goes for a cover, but Rob kicks out. RVD fights his way back into the match only to be sent to the mat with a side Russian Leg Sweep. Sandow drops the Elbow of Disdain and goes for the cover. RVD kicks out. Sandow pulls back the arms of RVD to stretch him out. The crowd chants to get behind Rob as Ricardo leads them. RVD is tripped up into the second rope. Sandow charges across the ring and hits his knee against the back of Rob. Cover, but RVD kicks out.
Rob starts to fight back with a series of kicks. RVD flips across the ring and hits Rolling Thunder. RVD looks to the corner for the finish but Sandow catches up to him and tries to throw him out of the ring. RVD stays on the apron and hits a jawbreaker. RVD leaps to the top rope. RVD launches himself high up into the air for the 5 Star Frog Splash.
Winner: Rob Van Dam
-Commercial-
During the break Stephanie McMahon announces that AJ Lee shall defend the Divas Championship at Night of Champions in a Fatal Four Way against Brie, Natalya & Naomi.
Cody is walking through the back flanked by security. Josh Mathews approaches and asks if he has any parting words. Rhodes says that he lost fair and square. Rhodes’ anger is over the stipulation. Cody claims that the McMahons have hated the Rhodes for two decades. They took Dusty and put him in polka dots. They took Dustin and painted him gold. Rhodes has a family to take care of, and angrily walks out of the arena.
The locker room makes their way out onto the entrance ramp for tonight’s main event.
-Commercial-
Daniel Bryan v. The Big Show
Bryan is ready to fight but Show doesn’t want to lock up with the diminutive star. Bryan launches himself towards Show, but gets swapped away. Show tells him not to attack because he doesn’t want to hurt him. Show grabs Bryan by the head and tells him not to make him fight as he throws him out of the ring. Show says that this is not going to end well. Bryan scurries back into the ring and relentlessly kicks Show till he falls to the mat. Bryan covers, but Show kicks out. Despite desperately not wanting to fight, Show is for some reason choosing not to just let Bryan pin him and call it a night.
Show is hit with a dropkick and then begins to fight back. Show hits a chop and tosses Bryan across the ring. Show shouts that he doesn’t want to hurt Bryan and that this was not his idea. Show flicks Bryan across the ring again. Show lifts him up by the hair and punches him in the gut. Bryan fights back and manages to kick out the legs of Show. Bryan hits a series of kicks but gets blocked for his last wind up. Bryan responds by planting Show with a DDT. Bryan climbs up to the top rope. He leaps for a crossbody but Show catches him with a spear in midair. Show is ready for the end and looks for the KO punch. Show can’t bring himself to do it and heads out to the apron.
Triple H is not going to let Show leave the match. HHH’s music hits and he makes his way down to the ring flanked by The Shield. Show is commanded to get back into the ring, but refuses. The Shield charges into the ring and begins to attack Bryan. Show heads back to the ring and looks to make the save. HHH slides right in after him. Triple threatens to fire Show if he interferes, telling him to think of his family. The Shield hits a triple Powerbomb on Daniel Bryan. Big Show falls into the corner crying. Show is absolutely wailing as tears fall down his cheeks. Triple H gets right in his face. Triple H tells Show to ball up his fist and knock Daniel Bryan out. Show is weeping gallons as he walks towards Bryan. Roman Reigns is holding a limp Bryan up on his feet. Show will have none of it and slides out of the ring. Triple H is furious as Show looks to head up the ramp.
Stephanie McMahon’s music hits and she walks down the ramp towards Big Show. She pleads with him to think of his family. She offers him one last chance at redemption. Show begrudgingly heads back to the ring.
Back inside Show walks towards the limp Bryan. He considers punching out Triple H, but Stephanie McMahon steps between them. Show has no other option and delivers the KO punch to Daniel Bryan. Show slides out of the ring and is walked to the back but HHH and Stephanie. Triple assures Show that he did the right thing.
Randy Orton’s music hits and he walks out onto the ramp. The locker room can only look on helplessly. Randy Orton rolls into the ring and is alone with the fallen Daniel Bryan. Orton holds his Title up in the air to gloat his dominance as RAW goes off the air.
David Stephens
Follow me on Twitter! @TheDaveStephens