WWE Monday Night RAW Results
February 23, 2015
Nashville, Tennessee
Results by: Adam Martin of Wrestleview.com
The WWE intro hits followed by the RAW introduction.
We go live to Nashville. Randy Orton is out first to kick off the show. Orton grabs a mic. The crowd in Nashville starts up a loud “RANDY” chant. Orton said he has something he needs to get off his chest tonight. He brings up how he’s been out of action for the last “four freaking months” because of Seth Rollins. We get a reminder of what went down last November of The Authority attacking Orton giving him a curb stomp over the steel steps. Back live, Orton said he has been replaying that scene over and over in his head. He is here tonight to tell The Authority and tell the world he is just now getting started. Orton said Rollins got away last night at Fastlane. He calls out Rollins to the ring right now.
Triple H’s music hits instead. Triple H walks out with Stephanie McMahon, Big Show and Kane. All four head to the ring. Stephanie grabs a mic and welcomes Orton back. She said the Orton we saw last night was the Orton everyone knows and loves. Stephanie said that was the Orton she wants as the face of WWE. Orton cuts her off saying he isn’t part of this family and isn’t part of The Authority. He wants to bash Rollins’ brains in. Stephanie thinks he can forgive Rollins and sees no reason why the face and future of WWE can’t exist at the same time. She said Orton left them no choice, but everyone here is willing to forgive him. “Come back home. Join The Authority,” said Stephanie. Orton said that is tempting, but he’d rather kick some ass instead of kiss ass.
Big Show grabs the mic and says he knows Orton is frustrated and angry. He said all that anger and frustration Orton has, he understands and he’s had to put it to the side in the past himself. “Joining The Authority was the best personal decision I’ve ever made,” said Big Show. A loud “YOU SOLD OUT” chant starts up in Nashville. Big Show says Orton returning to The Authority is the best decision he could ever make. Orton says by coming back he means selling out. Stephanie wants Orton to look her in the eyes. She said Orton isn’t a good guy and brings up the bad things he’s done during his career without caring what the crowd thinks. Stephanie brings up the horrible things Orton has done to her and her family. She wants Orton to hear them out as she can’t force his hand. Stephanie suggests a business meeting so they can do what is right and for him to come back home.
Stephanie exists the ring with help from Big Show and Kane. Triple H stares down Orton. Triple H then exists the ring along with Big Show and Kane. All four head to the back. Orton tells them to wait a minute. “I’ll be there. I’ll see you in the back. Business meeting, fine,” adds Orton. Orton drops the mic as we see a shot of Stephanie smiling.
We hear from Michael Cole, JBL and Booker T at ringside. The fallout from Fastlane takes place tonight on RAW asking what is next for John Cena after his loss to Rusev. We also see that Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship is now confirmed for WrestleMania 31. We will hear from Roman Reigns tonight.
WWE Intercontinental Champion Bad News Barrett (without his title) walks out. They bring up how Dean Ambrose stole the title last night at Fastlane. Barrett faces Dolph Ziggler next.
-Commercial Break-
Back live, Barrett is on the mic and wants to make it clear that he is still the WWE Intercontinnetal Champion and he wants back his property. Ziggler’s music cuts him off.
R-Truth has joined Cole, JBL and Booker T on commentary tonight.
Non-Title Match
WWE Intercontinental Champion Bad News Barrett vs. Dolph Ziggler
Lock up and Barrett drops Ziggler early with a big right hand. Barrett with shots to Ziggler in the corner. Barrett with a quick snap suplex. Barrett grounds Ziggler with a headlock. Ziggler with a swinging neckbreaker and big elbow. Barrett with a big kick to the chest of Ziggler. Barrett with shots to the lower back of Ziggler in the corner and follows with a high knee. Barrett with big knees to the back of Ziggler. Barrett drops Ziggler on his head cutting off a comeback. Barrett with big right hands over Ziggler. Barrett with more knees. Barrett crotches himself missing a big boot on Ziggler. Ziggler connects with a big dropkick that sends Barrett over the top rope to the outside as we head to a commercial.
-Commercial Break-
Back live, Ziggler with big rights to Barrett in the corner. Ziggler is able to counter a Wasteland attempt into a big DDT. Barrett catches Ziggler with a big boot and then a big fall back powerbomb! Barrett nearly lost his balance on that. Barrett connects with the Winds of Change and Ziggler just barely kicks out before three. Ziggler counters another Wasteland attempt into a close roll up. Barrett hits the corner shoulder first. Zig Zag. Ziggler wins.
Winner: Dolph Ziggler
After the match, Dean Ambrose’s music hits and he walks down the ramp with the WWE Intercontinental Championship in hand. Ambrose gets in the ring and walks up to Barrett who is sitting in the corner. Ambrose and Barrett trash talk. Ambrose turns back and sees Ziggler getting his eye on the title as well. Ambrose rolls out and leaves with the title.
Up next, we look back at the confrontation between Sting and Triple H at Fastlane.
-Commercial Break-
Back live, we see photos of the confrontation between Sting and Triple H last night at the Fastlane PPV. Sting vs. Triple H has been confirmed for WrestleMania 31. Later tonight, WWE will take a look at the man they call Sting.
Backstage, The Authority are talking with Seth Rollins and Randy Orton. Rollins says Triple H isn’t actually considering bringing Orton back. Stephanie cuts him off saying he needs to show her some respect. Kane suggests a more direct approach would be better. Stephanie said this is about The Authority and together they are unstoppable. “I’m talking about absolute power,” adds Stephanie. Rollins says they can’t trust Orton. Stephanie thinks Orton can find it in his heart to forgive him and they can forgive Orton. She asks Orton if he is able to move forward. Orton extends his hand to Rollins. Orton and Rollins shake hands. Stephanie books Randy Orton and Seth Rollins against Daniel Bryan and Roman Reigns for later tonight.
-Commercial Break-
Back live, we see the newly reunited Prime Time Players in the ring. We see a video of The Ascension running down The Bushwhackers, the latest Hall of Fame inductees.
The Ascension vs. The Prime Time Players
We start with Viktor going after Darren Young in the corner. Tag to Konnor who also goes after Young. Quick tag back to Viktor who hits a big uppercut and chops. Viktor with a quick suplex on Young and then applies a front face lock. Tag to Konnor who knocks Titus O’Neil off the ring apron. Young with a clothesline that drops Konnor. Konnor tosses Young with force into the second turnbuckle pad in the corner. Tag to Viktor. The Ascension with a double team drop on Young. Titus sends Konnor over the top rope. Viktor tosses Titus out. Viktor attempts a cradle pin. Young counters into a pin of his own for the pinfall.
Winners: The Prime Time Players
After the match, The Ascension attacks Darren Young and Titus O’Neil. Cole puts over how this officially ends the undefeated streak of The Ascension in WWE. The Ascension with a double team sweep and charge combo on Young after dumping Titus out of the ring.
We will hear from Roman Reigns live next.
-Commercial Break-
We see a photo of The Rock at the Oscars last night.
Back live, Roman Reigns is out and on his way to the ring. Reigns grabs a mic and says it has been one hell of a month. He talks about winning the Royal Rumble and how apparently that wasn’t good enough. Reigns did what he promised and that was walk out a winner last night at Fastlane. He looks up at the sign and says now he is going for WrestleMania. Reigns said he heard “them” all month and knew they were rooting for the other guy. He goes to address all of his doubters when Daniel Bryan’s music hits.
Daniel Bryan gets on the mic and says he did mean to interrupt. “It’s because you mentioned the doubters. People who doubt Roman Reigns. Now I saw you win the Royal Rumble match…*booing from the audience*…and I knew that you deserved that opportunity to main event WrestleMania,” adds Bryan. He said somehow he felt like the people and he just booed and booed. Bryan said a lot of people were Roman Reigns doubters and he was the biggest doubter of all. He said when people talk about potential, they really mean size and don’t have half the heart that he does. Bryan said that is why the audience likes him and doesn’t like Reigns. “And that is why I didn’t like you. Last night, I had an opportunity, if I beat you I go on to main event WrestleMania and win back the WWE World Heavyweight Championship that I never lost. And I gave it every single thing that I had and I gave it things that I didn’t know I had.” Bryan said he dug down deep last night and he still wasn’t able to beat Reigns. “I can honestly say that I don’t regret a thing, because I gave it every single thing that I had and it wasn’t me.” Bryan said he doesn’t care how many people boo Reigns still. “Guess what, sir, you beat me. I put it all on the table and all I have left to say is this…congratulations.” Bryan extends his hand to Reigns. Bryan and Reigns shake hands. He said if he could pick one superstar to team up with tonight, it is Reigns. Bryan tells Reigns to go beat the crap out of Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania.
Bryan exists the ring as Paul Heyman interrupts. Heyman steps aside as Bryan heads to the back. Heyman introduces himself and he knows that you think he is here to cause trouble this evening. He asks for permission from Reigns to enter the ring and Reigns allows it. Heyman said he is actually here to say congratulations to Reigns and shakes hands with Reigns. “That was a hell of a main event last night and even more impressive victory by you, the number one contender for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship,” adds Heyman. Heyman said he can’t say he is surprised. He said his money would always be on Roman Reigns. He said Reigns is different and ahead of everyone else. Heyman fantasy books Reigns against Bruno Sammartino, Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, The Rock, Triple H and John Cena – saying his money would be on Reigns every single time. He said Reigns is “the guy” and the right guy in the right place…at the wrong time. “You’re not fighting a man at WrestleMania. You’re fighting a beast. And Roman, I have so much respect for you. You can’t slay my beast. You can’t conquer the conqueror. You can’t be the one to beat the one in 21 and 1.” Heyman predicts an announcement following the main event of WrestleMania. The only title that truly matters will be raised high as the announcer proclaims the winner and still reigning and defending WWE World Heavyweight Champion of the world…Brock Lesnar.
Reigns asks Heyman to stand right in front of him. He wants Heyman to repeat that he can’t beat Lesnar at WrestleMania. Reigns begs Heyman for more motivation. He brings up Heyman being present when he faced his client Brock Lesnar. Reigns said he is going to tell Heyman what he told Lesnar. “I’m going to beat Brock. I’m going to beat Brock at WrestleMania,” said Reigns. Reigns said respect goes out the window. He promises people will remember the way he beats Lesnar at WrestleMania and to “believe that.”
Later tonight we get Daniel Bryan and Roman Reigns vs. Randy Orton and Seth Rollins.
Up next, The Usos get a rematch against Cesaro and Tyson Kidd with the WWE Tag Team Championships on the line.
-Commercial Break-
WWE Tag Team Championships
Cesaro & Tyson Kidd (c’s) w/ Natalya vs. The Usos w/ Naomi
We start with Cesaro and Jimmy Uso. Cesaro with a big right and tag to Tyson Kidd. Jimmy with shots to both Cesaro and Kidd. Kidd is able to dropkick away at Jimmy. On the outside, Jey is able to get in a big clothesline on Cesaro as Jimmy tosses Kidd back in the ring. Kidd works over Jimmy and tags in Cesaro. Cesaro keeps Jimmy grounded with a headlock. Kidd tags himself in and eats clotheslines from Jey who also got the tag. Jey with a big headbutt dropping Kidd in the tree of woe. Jey with a jumping headbutt to Kidd for a two count. Kidd tosses Jey over and hits Jimmy with a kick. Kidd tries to flip off the ring apron, The Usos catch Kidd and dump him into the barricade. Cesaro eats a back body drop on the outside. Cesaro breaks up a pinfall attempt by Jey on Kidd. Cesaro and Jimmy go over the top rope. In the ring, Jey is up top, jumps and gets a cross body into a cover for two.
-Commercial Break-
Back live, Jey gets his knees up countering a flying elbow by Kidd. Jey with a roll up for two on Cesaro. Cesaro uppercuts Jey in the back of the head in the corner. Cesaro Swing on Jey, tag to Kidd and Jimmy breaks up a pinfall attempt. Tag to Cesaro who lands a big uppercut to Jey in the corner. Cesaro sits Jey up on the top turnbuckle, tags in Kidd, Jey counters a suplex attempt, has Cesaro on his shoulders and drops him down in an electric chair. Hot tag to Jimmy who comes off the top with a big splash. Kidd breaks up the pinfall attempt with a flying elbow to Jimmy. Jimmy with a roll up on Kidd from the ring apron for a close two count. Jimmy with a big kick to the head of Kidd. Jimmy misses a corner splash, Kidd with the roll up using the ropes and Naomi knocks the legs of Kidd off the ropes. Jimmy with a superkick to Kidd. Natalya walks up and pushes Naomi down. Jimmy goes up top and Natalya crotches Jimmy. The referee calls it. Naomi pulls Natalya off the ring apron.
Winners via DQ: The Usos
Winners and still WWE Tag Team Champions: Cesaro & Tyson Kidd
After the match, Natalya is favoring her ankle. She heads to the back with Cesaro and Tyson Kidd who were announced still tag team champions.
Bray Wyatt is up next.
-Commercial Break-
Backstage, The Miz asks where Damien Mizdow was. Mizdow said he just got some really big news. Miz said he also has big news. He talks about winning every major title in WWE and the only title he’s yet to win is the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. Miz puts over that he will be in “The Marine 4.” Mizdow thanks Miz for giving him the spotlight and how he is getting contacted for roles in commericals. Miz says he is happy for Mizdow sarcastically.
Highlights of Bray Wyatt calling out The Undertaker at Fastlane last night is shown. We then see Bray Wyatt standing over a casket backstage. Wyatt talks about Undertaker going 21-1 at WrestleMania last year. He wants to finish the job at WrestleMania this year. Wyatt closes the casket ending the promo with, “Find me.”
Stardust is on his way out next.
-Commercial Break-
Stardust vs. Jack Swagger
Stardust with some big kicks and rights early backing Jack Swagger to the corner. Swagger fires back with some rights of his own. Nashville starts a loud “CODY” chant making Stardust upset. Swagger takes down Stardust at the knee. Stardust blogs a Swagger Bomb. Swagger gets the Patriot Lock applied countering an attack by Stardust. Stardust gets to the ropes to force a break. Goldust’s music hits and he walks out on the ramp. Swagger gets the Patriot Lock applied again. Stardust quickly taps out.
Winner: Jack Swagger
After the match, Goldust leans down staring down Stardust. Stardust freaks out in frustration inside the ring as the crowd starts a loud “CODY” chant again.
We see picture highlights from Fastlane last night of Rusev getting a submission victory over John Cena to retain the WWE United States Championship.
John Cena is live next.
-Commercial Break-
We get a reminder that WrestleMania 31 is 34 days away.
John Cena’s music hits and makes his way to the ring. Cena talks about his match last night at Fastlane against Rusev with the WWE United States Championship on the line. He takes his hat off to Rusev last night, but reminds everyone he had Rusev looking down the eyes of defeat for the first time in his career. Cena said he made a promise to himself to never give up and he didn’t last night. He pictured himself breaking the submission to defeat Rusev, but brings up how Rusev low blowed him. “Last night at Fastlane I lost. And Rusev won. I got no problem with that. My problem is with Rusev. Because this man parades around like he is a hero, some sort of Russian hero,” adds Cena. He said last Rusev had a chance to prove he was that hero and he instead proved he was a coward.
Rusev’s music hits as he walks out with Lana on the stage. Lana gets on the mic and uses the American phrase she always hears: “We told you so.” She talks about how Cena failed last night and how he let his country down. “And just like all Americans, you gave up,” adds Lana. She says the great John Cena was humbled by the great athlete, Rusev. Lana talks about Rusev getting message of praise from the Russian Federation and Vladimir Putin.
Rusev grabs the mic saying it is Rusev’s time now. “I am United States Champion and nobody can beat me,” yelled Rusev. Rusev wants Cena to admit he is beneath him and that both Rusev and Russia is better than both Cena and America. Cena says Rusev better watch what he says about the United States of America. Lana says Cena gave up and his entire life is just a big lie. Photos of Cena passed out on the mat last night are shown by Lana. Cena said he will keep fighting until he gets the job done and that is what Americans do. He said you might get lucky and catch us with a jab, but we come back stronger. Cena says Rusev is no hero and is garbage. “It is time for me to take the trash. Rusev I’m gonna beat ya and I’m going to bring the United States Championship home. And by my word, I’ll make sure you are humbled at the grandest stage of them all because John Cena is going to beat your ass at WrestleMania.” Rusev asks Cena why he thinks he deserves a rematch at WrestleMania. “What makes you think you deserve? Because you are the great John Cena?” Rusev said Cena is a quitter, that Cena doesn’t deserve it and his answer is no. The Russian flag falls over the ring by Cena and Rusev heads to the back with Lana.
Backstage, Seth Rollins wants to talk with Randy Orton. Orton wants J&J Security out telling Rollins to “keep his pets at the door.” Rollins kicks them out and says he knows Orton hates him. Orton said they are on the same page tonight. Rollins is ready to put the past behind them. Orton said he will never forget what happened, but reassures him everything is fine tonight and that he wants to prove that Roman Reigns and Daniel Bryan were lucky that he wasn’t in the Royal Rumble match this year. Rollins and Orton shake hands.
WWE takes a special look at Sting next.
Paige is on her way out for a Divas tag team match.
-Commercial Break-
A video package runs focusing on the career of Sting.
Paige & Emma vs. The Bella Twins
We start with Brie and Emma. Brie pushes Paige off the ring apron who was yelling at Nikki. Brie with a quick facebuster on Emma and gets the fast pinfall.
Winners: The Bella Twins
After the match, Paige blasts Brie with a big superkick. Nikki with a big shot on Paige that drops her right away. Nikki grabs her WWE Divas Championship and holds it up over Paige yelling at her to never touch her sister. Nikki taunts Paige with the title on the outside.
The Bushwhackers (Luke Williams and Butch Miller) are officially announced as the next inductees into the Class of 2015 WWE Hall of Fame this year.
Curtis Axel is standing in the ring pointing at the WrestleMania sign wearing a #Axelmania t-shirt. He brings up how he was never eliminated from the Royal Rumble match. Axel said he is officially entering himself into the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania. “You can’t stop me. You can’t stop #AxelMania.” Ryback’s music cuts him off.
Ryback vs. Curtis Axel
Before the match, Ryback grabs a mic and tells Axel to turn his upper lip south and to shut his mouth. He puts over how great Rybaxel was as a tag team. Ryback said he plans to be the last man standing in that Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.
The bell rings and here we go. Axel with some big rights to Ryback backing him against the ropes. Ryback with a huge clothesline on Axel. Ryback already is ready to finish it. Ryback gets Axel up and drops him with Shell Shocked. Ryback gets the pinfall.
Winner: Ryback
-Commercial Break-
This Thursday night on Smackdown we get a Fastlane rematch. Dolph Ziggler, Ryback and Erick Rowan take on Seth Rollins, Big Show and Kane in a six man tag team match.
Roman Reigns & Daniel Bryan vs. Seth Rollins & Randy Orton
Rollins was accompanied by J&J Security, Big Show and Kane. We see footage of Jon Stewart responding to Rollins this past week. Back live, Rollins introduces his partner tonight and the face of WWE – Randy Orton.
-Commercial Break-
Back live, we start with Daniel Bryan and Seth Rollins. Bryan with a big knee to Rollins. Bryan gets a surfboard submission applied on Rollins and then tags in Roman Reigns. Rollins bails to the corner and tags in Randy Orton. Orton catches Reigns with a quick dropkick and then tosses Reigns to the corner. Reigns fires back with a clothesline and tag to Bryan comes come flying off the corner with a shot on Orton. Bryan works over the arm of Orton. Orton gets Bryan grounded, gets in a stomp and tags in Rollins. Rollins right rights to Bryan. Bryan fires back with rights of his own. Bryan tosses Rollins over the top rope, hits the ropes and Rollins bails when Bryan attempts a suicide dive. Rollins regroups with Orton, Big Show, Kane and J&J Security at ringside as we go to a commercial.
-Commercial Break-
Back live, we see Orton working over Reigns against the ropes. Orton with uppercuts and rights to Reigns. Reigns fires back with some shots of his own. Orton drops Reigns with a quick clothesline from the corner. Tag to Rollins. Rollins jumps on Reigns and drops some big right hands. Reigns with a big tilt-a-whirl slam on Rollins. Hot tag to Bryan. Bryan dropkicks Orton in the corner off the ring apron. Bryan with right hands to Rollins. Bryan flips over Rollins in the corner, hits the ropes and levels Rollins with a big jumping clothesline. Bryan with kicks to the chest of Rollins. Bryan winds up for a big kick, Rollins ducks, rolls up Bryan and gets a two count. Bryan gets the Yes Lock applied on Rollins. Orton breaks it up. Reigns clotheslines Orton over the top rope. Rollins kicks Reigns out. Bryan tosses Rollins over the top rope. Bryan with a suicide dive pushing Rollins into the barricade at ringside. Bryan is up top. Rollins crotches him with a distraction from Joey Mercury on the ring apron. Tag to Orton who tosses Bryan to the corner. Orton with repeated uppercuts to Bryan in the corner. Orton puts Bryan up on the top turnbuckle. Orton with a big right, jumps up with Bryan, Bryan with shots to the ribs of Orton, Bryan headbutts Orton, right hand, Orton goes down, Bryan jumps and misses a flying headbutt when Orton rolls out of the way. Tag to Reigns. Reigns with a big jumping clothesline on Rollins. Reigns with repeated clothesline shots to Rollins in the corner. Reigns has Rollins up on his shoulders and hits a modified facebuster. Superman Punch to Mercury. Rollins with a kick to the head of Reigns. Tag to Orton. Orton and Reigns exchange shots. Orton with a snap powerslam on Reigns. Orton sets up Reigns for his DDT through the ropes and Rollins tags himself in. Orton still hits the DDT and jumps down upset. “Screw this,” yells Orton at ringside. In the ring, Reigns with his Superman Punch on Rollins. Bryan tags himself in. Reigns laughs it off. Bryan with his flying knee to Rollins. Bryan gets the pinfall.
Winners: Roman Reigns & Daniel Bryan
After the match, both Roman Reigns and Daniel Bryan smile celebrating the win. At ringside, we see an upset Randy Orton pacing. Orton slaps the barricade in frustration. The screen goes black. We return live to see Orton standing in the corner of the ring. Rollins is just starting to recover. RKO on Jamie Noble who jumps in. Orton backs off Joey Mercury. Orton gets the face of Rollins in the corner. Orton slaps Rollins on the chest and holds back. Orton walks to the back as we see a surprised look on the face of Rollins to close the show.
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