WWE Monday Night RAW Results
January 12, 2015
New Orleans, Louisiana
Results by: Mike Tedesco of Wrestleview.com
“Then. Now. Forever.” The WWE video leads us into the show.
The show kicks off with a video highlighting the events of last week. The Authority held John Cena Appreciation Night. At the end of the show, they had Cena in the ring when they brought out Erick Rowan, Ryback, and Dolph Ziggler to the ring. The Authority then fired them from WWE for being on Team Cena. Confetti rained down on a shocked and dejected Cena as the show came to an end.
John Cena addresses The Authority’s actions from last week
John Cena makes his way to the ring. The new RAW commentary team of Michael Cole, JBL, and Booker T welcome us to the show. Cena gets in the ring and listens to the mixed reaction he’s getting. Cena mentions that they’re really riled up in New Orleans. It’s good to be back in the city that hosted WrestleMania XXX. Bourbon Street is all about having a good time and acting like a fool. This isn’t like last week, even though The Authority is back in power. Cena can’t believe that he works for two people who got their jobs back not by working hard but because their whipping boy scumbag hold a Hall of Famer hostage and expected him to gamble with his life. Cena made the choice, but he’d do it again because it’s the right thing to do. What upsets him is a guy like Triple H, a 13-time champion and automatic Hall of Famer, will only be remembered as a slimy, backstabbing sociopath whose only goal is to make everyone’s lives miserable. The Authority that claims to listen to the WWE Universe fired Ryback, Erick Rowan, and Dolph Ziggler. Cena hopes The Authority is listening because he has a question for the crowd. Cena asks if the crowd likes Dolph Ziggler, and that gets a good reaction. Cena asks if any of the men deserved to get fired, and the crowd shouts, “No!” Cena asks if they want to see those three men back tonight, and a “YES!” chant breaks out. Cena also wants to address the world, and he tells them to go on Twitter and put “#AuthoritySucks.” If they can’t hear and see the crowd, then The Authority is just deaf, blind, and stupid.
Cena knows The Authority just might be deaf, blind, and stupid, so he has a Plan B. In two weeks at the Royal Rumble, he’ll face Seth Rollins and Brock Lesnar for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. His plan is simple. He’s going to win. He’s showing up hell bent for leather and leaving as the WWE Champion. When the Royal Rumble is over, the very second he stands proudly in the ring and shouts, “The Champ is here,” is the very moment he says, “You can’t see me,” because he’s going to take the championship and go home. He’ll then wait until The Authority gives those superstars their jobs back or this show’s most coveted prize is going to be sitting at home. What will that do to The Authority’s reputation, Monday Night RAW, and Smackdown?
The Authority’s music hits, and Triple H and Stephanie McMahon make their way to the ring. The crowd boos them as they stand in the ring. Stephanie asks if Cena is listening to himself. She’s sure if she’s Erick Rowan, Ryback, and Dolph Ziggler, who are sitting at home because of Cena, they’ll be happy to watch the Royal Rumble and see him win the title before taking his ball and going home. She’s sure the people want him to turn his back on them like he did to his teammates. What a noble sacrifice Cena is willing to make. Triple H expected a lot more from Cena than this. The plan is to take his ball and go home. Cena knew the consequences going into this. Cena knew the stipulations. Triple H was clear that he thought what Cena was doing was a mutiny. He said that anyone who joined with him would be fired. Cena convinced them to do it anyway knowing they would lose their jobs. Then Cena won, and The Authority was out of power. Did they come out and cry about it? No, they walked away with their heads held high. They looked for a way back in, and they found it because The Authority always wins. Stephanie says they were able to win because Seth Rollins was able to use him by exploiting his weakness. At the end of the day, Cena is selfish. Cena always has to be the star of the show, even when he had to be the “hero” to save Edge and bring back The Authority at the expense of the men who put their livelihoods on the line, his teammates.
Triple H says they’ll give Cena the opportunity to be the hero again. Truth be told, they didn’t want to fire those guys last week. They hated doing it. Cena says they talked about it for a few seconds and fired them on live television. Triple H says they did it because they keep their promises, unlike Cena. They’ll put it out to the WWE Universe. Do they want to see Erick Rowan, Ryback, and Dolph Ziggler get their jobs back and be here in the WWE? The crowd responds positively. The question is how much does Cena want them back. Triple H will give him the opportunity to be the hero. All Cena has to do to get them their jobs back is win his match tonight. Cena asks what kind of match it is – a 10-on-1 handicap match? Triple H says it won’t be something as unoriginal as that. If Cena wins, all three men will get their jobs back. If he loses, he’ll crush people’s dreams, which he does best. It’s a simple one-on-one match-up between Cena and the man who used him, Mr. Money in the Bank, Seth Rollins. Due to the magnitude of the match, they’ll turn it into a Lumberjack Match to make sure it doesn’t get out of control. They’re going to bring out the lumberjacks because the match takes place right now.
The lumberjacks include Big Show, Kane, Bad News Barrett, Cesaro, Titus O’Neil, Curtis Axel, Tyson Kidd, Fandango, and Justin Gabriel. Cena will face Seth Rollins, next.
-Commercial Break-
Lumberjack Match
John Cena vs. Seth Rollins w/ J&J Security
None of the lumberjacks could be considered a friend of John Cena. The bell rings, and they take a few moments before Rollins grabs his wrist. Cena pulls him in for a side headlock before taking him down. Rollins fights up as a “Let’s go Cena/Cena sucks,” chant breaks out. Rollins backs him against the ropes, and Barrett grabs at his leg. Cena gets out of the ring and immediately takes him down with a back elbow. Cena gets in the ring, and Rollins kicks away at him. Rollins punches him down before elbowing him in the back of the head. Cena punches back at him before sending him to the corner and connecting with a bulldog. Cena picks him up, and Rollins quickly throws him out of the ring. All of the lumberjacks gang up on Cena before throwing him back into the ring. Rollins picks up a two count. Rollins wrenches the arm and kicks him in the ribs. Rollins punches him in the face before Cena comes back with some right hands. Cena then clotheslines him out of the ring. J&J Security makes sure the lumberjacks stay away from Rollins. They all check on how he’s doing as Rollins smiles.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Cena flat on his back. During the commercial break, Barrett swept the feet of Cena. Rollins gets Cena to his feet and connects with a short-arm clothesline. Rollins angrily looks into the crowd before they exchange right hands. Cena comes out on top, but he has a whip into the ropes reversed. Cena quickly comes back with a pair of shoulder tackles before hitting a back suplex powerbomb. Cena goes for the 5 Knuckle Shuffle, but Rollins goes to kick him in the head. Cena blocks it and goes for an STF, but Rollins claws to the ropes. Cena hits another back suplex powerbomb before hitting the 5 Knuckle Shuffle. Cena connects with the AA, and J&J Security quickly gets on the apron. Cena punches them away as the lumberjacks pull Rollins out of the ring to save him. Cena then takes all the lumberjacks out with a cross-body from the top rope! Cena rolls Rollins back into the ring and picks up a near fall.
Cena picks Rollins up, and Rollins surprises him with an inside cradle for a near fall. Rollins quickly kicks him in the face before picking up another near fall. Rollins goes to the top rope, but Cena punches him. Cena goes for a superplex, but Rollins rakes the eyes. Rollins does a sunset flip, runs across the ring with Cena on his shoulders, and powerbombs him in the corner for a near fall. Rollins angrily stomps the mat before Cena catches him with a spinebuster for a near fall. They trade punches before Cena ducks one and goes for an AA, but Rollins flips to his feet. Rollins kicks him in the midsection before hitting the Skywalker for a near fall. Both men pulls themselves up to their feet. Cena avoids a splash in the corner and connects with an AA, but J&J Security pulls Cena out of the ring before he picks up the win.
The lumberjacks attack him before Cesaro hits a Cesaro Swing into the barricade. They throw Cena into the ring, and he avoids a Curb Stomp before applying an STF. Kane grabs Rollins’ hand before he can tap out. Kane and Cena start a tug of war with Rollins. Rollins kicks Cena away from him. Big Show quickly pulls Cena out of the ring and gives him a Knockout Punch! Cena actually took a good bump on the floor. Big Show throws Cena back into the ring, and Rollins picks up the victory over him. Dolph Ziggler, Erick Rowan, and Ryback are still fired.
Winner by Pinfall: Seth Rollins
Match Rating: * 3/4
Rollins celebrates his victory in the ring as replays are shown of the end of the match. Big Show and Kane holds Rollins up on their shoulders as J&J Security enthusiastically claps for him. Cena comes to and doesn’t look happy.
Tonight, we’ll see the contract signing for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship match at Royal Rumble. WWE World Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar, John Cena, and Seth Rollins will all be in the ring. Daniel Bryan will also be on the show.
-Commercial Break-
The Usos and Dean Ambrose are in an office with Stephanie McMahon. She wants to address what happened on Smackdown last Friday. The Usos made some comments on that show about being upset that The Authority fired Erick Rowan, Ryback, and Dolph Ziggler. She says that had everything to do with John Cena and nothing to do with The Authority. Jimmy Uso asks if that’s it and there’s no punishment. Stephanie says that’s it. She then stops them before they leave. Stephanie then tells Jimmy to tell his wife that she’ll compete with her hand tied behind her back. As for Dean Ambrose, he checked himself out of the hospital after his Ambulance Match. Therefore, she deems him a threat not only to himself but others. They have a doctor of abnormal psychology who will check on him. If Ambrose doesn’t pass the test, then he won’t be in the Royal Rumble. The doctor comes in and asks Ambrose to come with him. Ambrose looks dumbfounded as he goes off.
The Miz and Damien Mizdow are seen backstage. It’s The Miz’ Golden Globes After Party. Miz’ close and personal friend, George Clooney, won the Cecil B. DeMille Award. As a long time FOG (Friend of George), he’d be remiss if he didn’t congratulate him. One day, he’ll win the gift he really covets – a Slammy.
Dean Ambrose is in the office with the psychologist. The doctor asks if he knows why he’s here. Ambrose gets really close and asks if it’s been because he’s a bad boy. That’s what the doctor wants to find out. He wants to know what makes Ambrose’s clock tick. He asks Ambrose to sit back and reflect. The doctor starts a metronome, and Ambrose stares at it psychotically.
-Commercial Break-
Tyson Kidd and Cesaro w/ Natalya and Adam Rose vs. The New Day
Replays are shown of Cesaro and Tyson Kidd blindsiding The New Day while dressed as Rosebuds last week on RAW. Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods will represent The New Day. The bell rings, and Cesaro quickly puts himself through the ropes to keep Kingston back. Kingston then dropkicks him out of the ring before hitting a baseball slide. Kingston knocks Kidd down before Cesaro runs away from him. Kingston ducks a clothesline as Cesaro tags Kidd in. Cesaro then throws Kingston into a kick from Kidd. Kidd hits a springboard elbow drop for a one count. Kidd applies a chin lock, but Kingston fights up. Kidd quickly gets him in his corner and tags in Cesaro. They stomp Kingston down before Cesaro gives him a European Uppercut. Kingston elbows both men away before kicking away at Cesaro. Cesaro quickly kicks him and big boots Woods off the apron. Kingston catches him with an inside cradle for a two count. Cesaro then tags in Kidd before hitting the Cesaro Swing. As Cesaro swings him, Kidd dropkicks him in the head for a near fall. Kidd attacks him in the corner before Cesaro is tagged in. Cesaro punches him before tagging Kidd back in. Kingston quickly knocks Cesaro out of the ring before catching Kidd with a pendulum kick.
Xavier Woods is tagged in, and he hits a springboard clothesline before hitting a traditional one. Woods kicks him before sending him to the corner for a running forearm. Woods then hits a rolling clothesline before catching Cesaro with an enzuigiri. Kingston then pulls the top rope down to get Cesaro out of the ring. Woods punches Kidd before scaring Rose off the apron. Big E clotheslines Rose at ringside. Woods tags Kingston in, and they hit a combination backbreaker/top rope elbow drop for the win.
Winners by Pinfall: The New Day
Match Rating: *
“Macho Man” Randy Savage is expected to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame later tonight. They then show some superstars doing Savage’s famous “Ohhh yeah” catchphrase. The contract signing for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship match at the Royal Rumble will also happen later tonight.
-Commercial Break-
Footage is shown from the Indianapolis Colts locker room last night as they did a Ric Flair promo to celebrate their win over the Denver Broncos. Hulk Hogan, Shawn Michaels, Ric Flair, and Scott Hall will be on RAW next week for a RAW Reunion.
Big Show insults the crowd and Roman Reigns
Big Show makes his way to the ring. Replays are shown of Big Show knocking John Cena out earlier in the night to cost him his match against Seth Rollins. Big Show says whoever created the phrase, “All men are created equally” wasn’t a giant. When you’re a giant, you’re naturally at the top of the food chain. Things naturally come easy for you. A “Big Show sucks” chant breaks out. Big Show says they’re in the shallow end of the intellectual gene pool. Big Show asks how they felt their first day on the job. He figures they were nervous and scared. On his first day on the job, he beat Hulk Hogan for the World Heavyweight Championship. It was easy. A “boring” chant breaks out. Big Show says they spend their lives living day-to-day living from failure to failure while doing everything in their power to reach mediocrity. They’re losers and can’t help themselves. The world doesn’t want competition. Competition is good for America, but they don’t want that. Think about the last time a new guy came on the job, if they even have jobs. Did they flash fake smiles at that person while thinking of the ways they could stab that person in the back to have job security?
That brings him to Roman Reigns. Big Show doesn’t think of Reigns as competition. To him, Reigns is WWE’s version of the NBA’s New York Knicks, who are on a fifteen-game losing streak by the way. When Reigns faces him, he’ll take his big fist and knock Reigns out. Then Reigns will hop out of the ring, hop into a chair, sit next to Spike Lee, and be like everyone else: a loser watching him dominate the WWE. The crowd boos. Big Show says Roman Reigns is a loser, and if you’re a fan of his, you’re a loser by proxy.
Roman Reigns’ music hits, and he makes his way to the ring. As Reigns gets in the ring, Big Show exits and walks up the ramp. Reigns asks where Big Show is going. He thought he wasn’t a threat to Big Show. Big Show turns his back and walks off as the crowd boos him. Reigns says he gets that he’s not a threat to Big Show, but that’s because he doesn’t want his spot. Reigns remembers when he won the WCW Championship from Hogan, but he was only twelve years old at the time. Reigns knows another story about a giant. Reigns then retells the story of “Jack and the Beanstalk,” only he replaces Jack’s name with his own. In the story, Reigns punches the giant in the mouth. “Wham, bam, thank you ma’am, the giant’s teeth are down his throat,” Reigns says. The giant cowardly walked away and proved he is the only loser in the entire kingdom. That whole part about being a loser is addressed to Big Show. Believe that!
Luke Harper makes his way to the ring as Big Show smiles and walks behind him.
Roman Reigns vs. Luke Harper w/ Big Show
The bell rings, and Harper powers him to the corner before punching away at him. Reigns soon turns him around and hits some right hands. Reigns sends him to the corner before hitting a Samoan Drop. Reigns sets up for a Spear, but Harper rolls out of the ring.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Harper kick Reigns a few times before taking him down for a one count. Reigns quickly grabs him and knees him in the face before raking his face on the ropes. Harper quickly comes back with a kick and a club to the spine. Harper goes for a suplex, but Reigns counters into one of his own for a two count. Reigns clotheslines him in the corner before Harper takes him out with a dropkick. Harper leaves the ring and grabs Reigns, who went outside to recover. Harper sends him into the steel steps before Big Show gives him a pep talk. Harper throws Reigns into the ring and hits a slingshot senton for a near fall! Harper does the gator roll before keeping a side headlock applied. Reigns fights up and powers out, but Harper head-butts him in the throat. Harper hits the ropes, and Reigns hits a pair of back elbows. Reigns then comes back with a leaping clothesline.
Reigns hits a pair of corner clotheslines before hitting a neckbreaker for a two count. Reigns goes for a Samoan Drop, but Harper rakes the eyes. Harper big boots him down for a near fall. Harper goes for a powerbomb, but Reigns slides off and hits a back suplex for a two count. Reigns sets up in the corner, but Big Show distracts him by throwing a chair at ringside. Harper goes for a slam, but Reigns fights out. Reigns hits the ropes, and Harper catches him with a spinning side slam for a near fall. Harper goes for a powerbomb, but Reigns gets out and hits a Superman Punch. Harper rolls near the apron to recover. Reigns gets out and stares at Big Show before hitting an apron dropkick. Reigns punches Harper before Big Show distracts him. Harper superkicks him coming back into the ring for a near fall. Harper sets up for a Discus Clothesline, but Reigns spears him for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Roman Reigns
Match Rating: * 1/4
Big Show immediately runs into the ring and attacks Reigns following the victory. Big Show pulls him up to his feet and hits a vicious Knockout Punch. The crowd loudly boos him as he walks off with a grin on his face.
Footage is shown of John Cena losing to Seth Rollins earlier in the night after heavy interference. The contract signing for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship match at Royal Rumble will take place immediately following RAW. Daniel Bryan also returns to the city where his greatest victory happened at WrestleMania XXX. Naomi will be in action with one arm tied behind her back, next.
-Commercial Break-
The Miz and Damien Mizdow are seen backstage again. Miz talks about the winner of the Best Picture at the Golden Globes. Miz then asks Damien Mizdow to speak. Mizdow says for the past six months, he’s had cameras film Miz every waking minute. It’ll be called “Manhood.” Miz looks confused, and Mizdow mimics that.
Naomi will have one arm tied behind her back
Alicia Fox vs. Naomi
They circle the ring, and Alicia teases her a bit. Alicia goes for a test of strength knowing that Naomi doesn’t have both arms. Naomi kicks and punches her. Naomi gets her up, but Alicia comes back with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker for a near fall. The Usos are seen sadly watching backstage. Alicia applies an overhead wristlock, but Naomi fights up. Alicia punches her in the face and powers her to the corner. Alicia elbows her in the head before Naomi comes back with an elbow and a kick. Naomi hits a pair of clotheslines before kicking her to the apron. Naomi then big boots her to the floor. Naomi knees her in the face before bouncing her off the apron. Naomi throws her into the ring. Alicia kicks her in the face as she reenters the ring. Alicia connects with the Scissor Kick for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Alicia Fox
Match Rating: 1/2 *
Dean Ambrose is seen backstage with the psychologist. The doctor wants to do some image association therapy. Ambrose jokingly yells, “Thursday” like the Smackdown commercials. The doctor holds up a picture of Triple H, and Ambrose responds, “Irritable bowel syndrome.” A picture of Seth Rollins is shown, and he says, “Scumbag.” A picture of Roman Reigns is shown, and he says, “Brother.” Kane is shown, and Ambrose responds, “Toothpaste.” A picture of “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan is shown, and Ambrose responds, “HOOO!” Stephanie McMahon is shown, and Ambrose yells, “HOOO!” The doctor nervously laughs.
-Commercial Break-
Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman appear before the crowd
Brock Lesnar’s music hits, and the WWE World Heavyweight Champion makes his way to the ring with Paul Heyman. The crowd loudly boos them. Heyman starts off by saying, “Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Paul Heyman, and it is with great pleasure that I return to the scene of the crime where 282 days ago, the rancid city of New Orleans, along with millions and millions of people around the world, laid witness to this.” A video is shown of Brock Lesnar ending The Undertaker’s undefeated streak at WrestleMania XXX. The crowd is booing even louder. The death of a myth, and the end of a legacy. It was the rise of a beast. It all happened in one moment when The Undertaker’s undefeated streak at WrestleMania was conquered by his client, Brock Lesnar.
Heyman’s client is not one to dwell on the past because he’d remind them that he is the only man in history to ever hold the NCAA Division I heavyweight championship, the undisputed UFC Championship, and the undisputed WWE Heavyweight Championship of the World. It’s an accomplishment so unattainable by any single athlete. No man has ever held two of those distinctions let alone three. No man could do that, but a beast could, and that beast is Brock Lesnar. Heyman loves dwelling on the past, which is why he reminds them with great glee that his client conquered The Undertaker’s undefeated streak at WrestleMania. 282 days later, and it still burns them when he tells them that his client conquered The Undertaker’s undefeated streak at WrestleMania. To him, it’s still relevant because he loves what happens every single time this Disney-fied, publically traded, “Then. Now. Forever,” fantasy that runs up against the reality that is Brock Lesnar. People thought The Undertaker’s undefeated streak would last forever. Fantasy! The Cenation flag will fly high forever. Fantasy! Lesnar is the reality! Now, Seth Rollins is the future of WWE. Fantasy or reality?
There’s a triple threat match at the Royal Rumble where the reigning, defending, undisputed WWE Heavyweight Champion of the World Brock Lesnar will defend his title against John Cena and Seth Rollins. Tonight, all three men will be in the ring at the same time for a contract signing. His client will explain to those two men fantasy and reality face-to-face-to-Curb-Stomping-face.
The contract signing for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship match at Royal Rumble will take place later tonight.
-Commercial Break-
“Macho” Man Randy Savage is expected to be announced as being a part of the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2015 later tonight. Superstars are shown doing his famous “Ohhh yeah” catchphrase (all except Kane).
The Miz w/ Damien Mizdow vs. Jey Uso w/ Jimmy Uso
They circle the ring and lock up. Jey powers him to the corner before punching him. Miz reverses a whip to the opposite corner and hits his trademark corner clothesline. Miz goes for a double axe handle from the top rope, but Jey punches him in the midsection. Jey hits a powerslam, and Mizdow impressively mimics that. Miz quickly drops Jey to the apron, but Jey comes back with a cross-body from the top rope for a two count. Jey hits a Samoan Drop before connecting with a running hip bump for a near fall. Miz pushes him to the corner and blocks a kick before kicking him in the hamstring. Miz goes for the Figure Four Leglock, but Jey rolls him up for a two count. Miz avoids a superkick. Mizdow tries to pull Miz out of the ring, but Jimmy pulls Mizdow out. Miz uses the distraction to hit the Skull Crushing Finale for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: The Miz
Match Rating: 1/2 *
The WWE Network will debut in the United Kingdom and Ireland next Monday.
Daniel Bryan will be out, next.
-Commercial Break-
Daniel Bryan talks about WrestleMania XXX and the future
Daniel Bryan makes his way to the ring to a tremendous reception from the crowd. An arena wide “YES!” chant breaks out. Replays are shown of Daniel Bryan defeating Randy Orton and Batista to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania XXX. A loud “Daniel Bryan” chant breaks out. Bryan laughs as they do so and looks quite humble. Bryan says something seems familiar about all of this. He feels like something big happened the last time he was here in New Orleans. Bryan can’t think of what it was. Then it starts to come back. The last time he was in New Orleans, he won the main event of WrestleMania and became the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. A big “YES!” chant breaks out. Bryan says that’s not bad for a lumberjack-looking, B+ player. Two weeks ago, he declared his intentions to be in the Royal Rumble match. Bryan figured that it’s fitting in the city of his greatest accomplishment that he declares his intention to win the Royal Rumble match. This year, he’ll do it all over again and win the title at this year’s WrestleMania again!
Stephanie McMahon’s music hits, and she makes her way to the ring smirking. The crowd yells, “HOOO!” at her. She says in case Bryan isn’t feeling physically fit, she wanted to give him a copy of the WWE Fit Series featuring her. She goes to give him the DVD, but he turns it down. Stephanie says this city holds a lot of memories. It was only a few miles from here that they broke records at the Mercedes Benz Superdome at WrestleMania. Bryan did make history and defeat her husband to go on to become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. Bryan proved that he is an A+ player until reality came crashing down. When she thinks about 2014 for Daniel Bryan, this is what she remembers. Footage is shown of Kane giving Bryan three Tombstone Piledrivers at ringside last April. Stephanie says a very serious neck injury happened to him. An A+ player win and stays on top. Bryan has been gone for eight months. With surgery, physical therapy, and setbacks, he had to wonder if he’d ever get back here. These people believe in him for some reason. They believe he’ll write the next chapter in the underdog story. His wife believes in him. His unborn troll children believe in him. Does Bryan believe in himself? Is he ready to do this all over again? A “YES” chant breaks out. Bryan simply says, “Yes” over and over again before crescendoing into a loud “YES!” chant. Bryan tells her to join in and raise her arms because that’s probably a better workout then you get from her DVD. Bryan then says, “HOOO!”
Bryan says that’s why she doesn’t get the Average Joe’s because he wasn’t born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He had to fight, scratch, and claw for everything he’s ever been given. No matter what she and her husband say, he will not stop fighting. They will not stop fighting. We will not stop fighting. We will keep on going through the Royal Rumble match and through WrestleMania until they finally prove her wrong one more time. Stephanie says the one thing a silver spoon does afford you is an education. Clearly, Bryan isn’t smart enough to listen to reason. Since Bryan wants to fight so badly, his first match will not be at the Royal Rumble match. It’ll be on Smackdown this Thursday against someone Bryan is very familiar with.
Kane’s music hits, and he makes his way to the ring. Bryan baseball slides him before punching away at him at ringside. Kane quickly sends him into the steel ring steps before stomping away at him. Kane takes off the top half of the steel steps and removes his jacket. Kane goes to give him a Tombstone Piledriver on the steps, but Bryan slides off and punches away at him. Referees run down and pull him back as the fans boo. They want to see Bryan fight. Bryan breaks free and dropkicks him into the barricade. Bryan took a flat bump on the ground. Bryan then gets in the ring and connects with a suicide dive! Kane retreats to the back as the referees hold Bryan back. The crowd chants “Daniel Bryan” as he stands in the ring and poses for them. Bryan leads a huge “YES!” chant as the commentators talk about his match on Thursday.
Seth Rollins is talking to J&J Security about how he loves seeing John Cena flat on his back. Rollins turns around, and Brock Lesnar is in his face. Lesnar says Rollins is the guy that beat John Cena as well as weaseled his way into his match at the Royal Rumble PPV. Rollins says he’s the future of WWE. Lesnar says the future starts when he says it starts. Paul Heyman comes up and says what Rollins did tonight was remarkable. Rollins beat John Cena tonight. At Royal Rumble, he’s not just fighting John Cena. He’s coming after the title held by Brock Lesnar. They’ve worked like reasonable men in the past. Maybe they can do that again. Maybe they can get rid of John Cena. Then may the best man win. Lesnar and Rollins stare at each other for a few moments before Lesnar walks off.
The contract signing for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship match at Royal Rumble will take place later tonight.
-Commercial Break-
Paige w/ Natalya and Tyson Kidd vs. Brie Bella w/ Nikki Bella
They circle the ring and lock up. Paige powers her into the ropes and elbows her. Paige goes to the apron and knees her in the face a few times. Paige screams before Brie kicks her in the face. Brie hits a running knee to the face before going to the second rope for a missile dropkick. Brie picks up a two count. Brie slams her head off the mat a few times before applying a chin lock. Paige fights up, but Brie takes her down by the hair and reapplies the chin lock. Paige fights up and head-butts her a few times before ducking a clothesline and superkicking her for a near fall. Tyson Kidd gets on the apron for some reason, and it distracts Paige. Brie then rolls Paige up for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Brie Bella
Match Rating: 1/4 *
Paige gets out of the ring, and she slaps Tyson Kidd in the face. Natalya has to hide her laughter as Paige walks off.
John Cena is seen sitting in his locker room looking quite pensive. He’ll be in the ring with Brock Lesnar and Seth Rollins later tonight to sign a contract for the title match at Royal Rumble. The commentators talk about the proposal Paul Heyman made to Brock Lesnar and Seth Rollins about taking Cena out.
Highlights are shown of the Ambulance Match between Bray Wyatt and Dean Ambrose last week on Monday Night RAW. Wyatt won a hard fought match.
Bray Wyatt is seen backstage. Wyatt says 30 souls will enter the Royal Rumble match. 29 souls will fall. It will take time to realize that we’re not in Wonderland anymore, Alice. Whatever it is he does next will change the world forever. Some will laugh. Some will cry. Most will be too shocked by what they see. They’ll have no choice but to sit there in silence while the animal in the cage will be set free. No man will be immune to his wrath. Wyatt says, “Please, run!”
-Commercial Break-
It is official. “Macho Man” Randy Savage will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame: Class of 2015. An absolutely tremendous video highlighting his incredible career is shown. The New Orleans crowd is applauding him. A “Randy Savage” chant breaks out. Hulk Hogan will induct him into the Hall of Fame.
Two local wrestlers vs. The Ascension
A pre-taped promo is shown of them saying they are better than Demolition, the Powers of Pain, and The Road Warriors. Konnor starts the match against a very small wrestler. Konnor splashes him in the corner before sending him into the ring post. The guy takes a flat bump on the floor from the apron. Konnor throws him into the ring and slams him into the corner. Konnor punches him before Viktor tags in. Viktor hits him in the face before knocking his partner off the apron. Konnor is tagged in, and they throw him directly into the air and watch him fall. They hit the Fall of Man for the win.
Winners by Pinfall: The Ascension
Match Rating: 1/4 *
Dean Ambrose is seen with the psychologist. Ambrose says they’ve made a lot of progress. The camera zooms out, and the doctor is seen lying on the couch crying. Ambrose says he understands. As for the adolescent thing, he won’t go blind. Ambrose has him sign the papers to “get him help.” Ambrose then get up and says that he’s a spineless pile of cow dung, and yes, it’s weird that he pees sitting down. The doctor cries hysterically as Ambrose leaves.
-Commercial Break-
Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Shawn Michaels, and Scott Hall will be on RAW next week for a RAW Reunion. More surprises are also in store.
Rusev is out in the ring with Lana. She says Ryback was supposed to face Rusev tonight, but as the Americans say, “He got canned.” They want to thank The Authority for firing Ryback. They would also like to thank John Cena for failing to get Ryback’s job back. So typical – an American has a job, but he chooses to be insubordinate. A “USA” chant breaks out, but she tells the crowd to shut up. They chant louder. She says the “USA” chants will not help them. She wants them all to take a moment to imagine how Ryback feels sitting at home. Maybe he can get a job at a deli or some other stupid place that he talked about in his stupid story. Rusev takes the microphone and says Ryback is a spineless man that deserves to be fired. Ryback doesn’t deserve to be in the same ring as him, just like all of the cowardly Americans don’t deserve him as the champion. Rusev says he has a secret for Ryback. Ryback is a lucky man because he got fired and the super American John Cena couldn’t win his job back. What would have happened is he would have wound up with him in the Royal Rumble match when he was going to throw him and 28 other men over the top rope!
Dean Ambrose’s music hits, and he makes his way to the ring to a nice reception from the crowd. Ambrose punches away at him as soon as he gets in the ring. Ambrose dropkicks Rusev out of the ring, and Rusev flips out at ringside.
-Commercial Break-
Rusev w/ Lana vs. Dean Ambrose
We join this match in progress as Ambrose chops the chest in the corner. Ambrose avoids an avalanche in the corner and connects with a running bulldog. Ambrose looks to the crowd before jumping over Rusev and tweaking his knee. Rusev then chop blocks him in the knee. Rusev kicks away at him before dropping an elbow on the knee and applying a leg lock. Ambrose rips at his face, but Rusev punches him and wraps it around the second rope. Rusev hits a running shoulder to the knee before wrapping it around the second rope again. Rusev goes for a running shoulder, but Ambrose avoids it. Ambrose goes for a tornado DDT, but Rusev pushes him off. Rusev goes for a thrust kick, but Ambrose avoids it and rolls him up for a two count. Ambrose punches and chops him before Rusev knees him in the midsection. Rusev goes for a fall-away slam, but Ambrose slides out and hits a rebound clothesline. Ambrose goes to the top rope and punches Rusev back. Ambrose hits a flying elbow while Rusev is standing, and he picks up a near fall for that.
Ambrose has trouble putting weight on the knee. Rusev knocks him down and stomps away at the knee. The referee backs him up, and Ambrose punches away at him. Rusev kicks away at the knee and hangs him up in the tree of woe. The referee backs Rusev up and calls off the match on account of Ambrose’s knee.
Winner by Referee’s Decision: Rusev
Match Rating: 1/2 *
Ambrose argues with the referee over the call before turning into a thrust kick from Rusev. The flag of the Russian Federation unfurls above the ring as Rusev and Lana celebrate in the ring.
The commentators make the hard sell for the WWE Network. Seth Rollins is seen walking with J&J Security. The contract signing is next.
-Commercial Break-
Daniel Bryan will face Kane on Smackdown, which will be on its new night this Thursday.
WWE World Heavyweight Championship contract signing
Triple H and Stephanie McMahon are in the ring. Stephanie says it’s time for the contract signing for the triple threat match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at the Royal Rumble. It’s available on the WWE Network for $9.99. She introduces the man who used John Cena to bring them back, Mr. Money in the Bank, Seth Rollins. Rollins makes his way to the ring limping with J&J Security tailing behind him. They then bring out the man used by Seth Rollins, the man who brought back The Authority but not his friends, Mr. Hustle, Loyalty, and Broken Promises, John Cena. Finally, they bring out the current WWE World Heavyweight Champion, Brock Lesnar. Lesnar comes to the ring with his advocate, Paul Heyman.
Heyman takes the microphone, and says for those that can’t tell the players without the scorecard, as much as he’d love to take the credit for The Authority’s return, that architect is Seth Rollins. Heyman says Rollins had a plan, and that plan was endorsed by himself. What he endorsed was desperately needed by The Authority. What was desperately needed for The Authority was bad for John Cena. What’s bad for John Cena is good for Brock Lesnar. What’s good for Brock Lesnar is what’s best for business. Rollins thanks Heyman before saying it was a hell of a plan. Heyman irritatingly says he isn’t done yet. His client, Brock Lesnar, has conquered everything in his path. That will include anything that comes before him at the Royal Rumble PPV. That is the end of his statement.
Rollins laughs before saying he wants to get something straight. Rollins is upset that this match is turned into a triple threat match. Heyman says he is upset because a triple threat could be a double cross where the reigning, defending, undisputed WWE Heavyweight Champion of the World can lose despite not being pinned or tapping out. Rollins says Heyman is very perceptive as he just spelled out the rules of every triple threat match in WWE history. Brock Lesnar has a list of accomplishments that are incomparable. His motto is, “Eat. Sleep. Conquer. Repeat.” Is Heyman saying Brock Lesnar can’t handle a triple threat match? Heyman goes to speak, but Rollins says, “I wasn’t finished yet.” Rollins doesn’t have the list of accomplishments that Lesnar does, but Lesnar doesn’t have his. He is Seth Rollins. He built and destroyed The Shield. He is Mr. Money in the Bank. He single-handedly brought back The Authority. Tonight, he pinned John Cena’s shoulders to the mat to ensure that Erick Rowan, Ryback, and Dolph Ziggler doesn’t have jobs in this company. Whether either of them like it or not, whether it’s Plan A or Plan B, he is walking out WWE Champion. Rollins then signs the contract.
Heyman goes to speak, but Brock Lesnar takes the microphone away. Lesnar says, “Let me tell you something, ‘Mr. Curb Stomp.’ I conquered The Undertaker. I conquered him (Triple H), and I conquered him (John Cena), and I damn sure will conquer you.” Cena says Lesnar doesn’t have to get pinned at the Royal Rumble to lose that championship, but he will get pinned. Triple H thinks he gave a favor by putting Rollins in the match. Cena says Rollins is going to get his ass kicked, and then he’ll kick Lesnar’s ass. Cena then signs the contract and asks if Lesnar is in. Lesnar then signs the contract.
Rollins says that sounds like a great plan. Cena and Lesnar will team up to kick his ass, but there’s one glaring problem. All of Cena’s plans don’t go the way he imagines them. What was the first plan? He planned to keep The Authority out of power for good. Cena failed. Tonight, he planned to get Dolph Ziggler and company their jobs back, but he distinctly remembers pinning his shoulders to the mat all by himself to ensure that would happen. In two weeks at the Royal Rumble, it’ll be strike three, if he can make it that far. Rollins goes to hit Cena with the briefcase, but he ducks it. Cena punches him to the corner until Lesnar hits him with a German Suplex. Lesnar gives Rollins a big German Suplex. When Lesnar gets up, Cena gives him an Attitude Adjustment through the table! Cena yells at Triple H and takes off his shirt. Rollins then spins Cena around, kicks him, and hits a Curb Stomp! Rollins then sees Lesnar coming to, and he gives him a Curb Stomp for good measure! Rollins celebrates in the ring as The Authority claps for him.
They’ll show a preview of “The Macho Man Story” on the WWE Network immediately following RAW.
Seth Rollins is standing at the top of the stage with The Authority. Brock Lesnar and John Cena are still down in the ring. Lesnar has a few cuts on his forehead. Rollins music plays as the show comes to an end.
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Quick Match Results
Seth Rollins def. John Cena in a Lumberjack Match
The New Day def. Tyson Kidd and Cesaro
Roman Reigns def. Luke Harper
Alicia Fox def. Naomi
The Miz def. Jey Uso
Brie Bella def. Paige
The Ascension def. Two local wrestlers
Rusev def. Dean Ambrose via Referee’s Decision (non-title)
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