WWE Monday Night RAW Results
March 9, 2015
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Results by: Mike Tedesco of Wrestleview.com
“Then. Now. Forever.” The WWE video leads us into the show.
A video kicks off the show that recaps the events from last Monday’s RAW. Roman Reigns was set to square off with Seth Rollins when The Authority, with an assist from Randy Orton, cost him the match. Rollins picked up the victory.
The Authority welcomes Randy Orton home
Randy Orton’s music hits, and he makes his way to the ring. Tonight’s main event will see Orton team with Seth Rollins to take on Roman Reigns. Big Show, Kane, Seth Rollins, and J&J Security are already in the ring. Kane says they could have done this in private, but they wanted to do it in public to prove to everyone who refuses to believe that Orton is one of them. Kane wants to reveal the people’s ignorance. Kane says it is his duty as the Director of Operations to welcome Orton back to The Authority. The crowd boos this. Big Show says he goes back a long time with Orton before stopping to look at the angry crowd. Big Show says it’s ignorant people like them that make him angry when he’s trying to make a point. Big Show says he sees the most talented, sadistic, and aggressive athlete he’s ever seen. Big Show sees a man who is so ruthless that he would RKO his own father if he stood in the way of something he wants. Big Show shakes his hand and says, “Welcome home, bro. Welcome back to The Authority where you belong.”
Jamie Noble takes the microphone. Noble says as a member of The Authority, he is proud… Noble stops and screams that he can’t do this. Noble says Orton is a snake, and Rollins takes the microphone from him. Rollins says Orton will have to excuse Noble because he’s the sensitive one. Rollins mocks him and asks if Noble’s feeling were hurt when he got an RKO. Rollins says Noble is 100% thrilled Orton is back in The Authority. Rollins wants Joey Mercury to say something, but he declines. Rollins says they aren’t “J&J Public Speaking,” so they should give them a break.
Rollins wants to address the elephant in the room. Everyone in the entire WWE Universe has been saying the same thing: Randy Orton is not really a part of The Authority. People think Orton is just biding his time until he gets revenge on Seth Rollins. Rollins says they must feel like the biggest idiots on Planet Earth right now. Rollins stands side by side with Orton and says they’re proud members of The Authority. The crowd boos before chanting, “RKO.” Rollins says everyone had a little doubt, including himself. J&J had a little doubt, as did Kane and Big Show. Rollins jokes and says no one really cares about what Big Show thinks. Rollins says they’re all back together as one big happy family. Rollins wants to take this opportunity to extend his hand and say, “Randy Orton, welcome home.” Orton shakes hands with him. Rollins demands that everyone stand up and pay respect to one of the most decorated champions in the history of WWE and his partner for tonight’s main event. Rollins wants the crowd to give it up for Randy Orton, and they give him a nice hand.
Orton takes the microphone and looks out at the crowd. Orton says that was very touching and kind. Orton says he felt their words at the bottom of his heart, but it left him thinking something. What the hell happened to The Authority? Do they hear themselves kissing his ass? Orton says Kane was the Devil’s Favorite Demon, but now he’s the Devil’s Favorite Dumbass. Which Kane is it? The one that kicks ass and takes names or the one that kisses ass and makes coffee. As for Big Show, he should be the most dominant giant in WWE history. Instead, he uses all that size, strength, and power to bitch, moan, and feel sorry for himself. Big Show went from the most dominant superstar in history to the most pathetic. Orton goes to Jamie Noble and says he speaks from the gut. Why does Noble despise him? Is it because everyone knows who he is or is it because he can get on all the rides at Disneyland and he can’t? Orton says his six-year old daughter feels the same way. Orton goes to Joey Mercury before just walking away.
Finally, Orton gets to Seth Rollins, the self-proclaimed future of WWE. Rollins has been blinded by his ego and can’t even see what’s happening right here. Orton says he’s been waiting for Rollins to feel safe and secure. Only when he feels that way, he’ll pick his opportunity to strike. Orton says he plans on making Rollins his bitch. Rollins will feel every kick, stomp, and punch until he takes him apart piece by piece until there is no Seth Rollins left. The fans are chanting, “RKO.” Orton then says he’s just playing around and screwing with them. Orton says he’s just messing around before poking them all. Rollin exaggeratedly laughs and says Orton had him. Maybe Orton should be the one taking over for Jon Stewart. If the people think they’re having fun right now, wait until they see what he and his family member do when the dismantle Roman Reigns on the way to WrestleMania. Rollins wants them to bring it in. The Authority stands together and says in unison, “That’s what’s best for business.”
Tonight’s special guest will be Wiz Khalifa. We’ll also hear from Brock Lesnar on his future and his WrestleMania opponent.
Daniel Bryan’s music hits, and he looks at the ladder set up on the stage before making his way to the ring. Bryan high fives a child who is holding up a “Connor The Crusher” sign. Bryan will face Bad News Barrett, next.
-Commercial Break-
Footage is shown of Stardust attacking Daniel Bryan from behind at the end of Thursday Night Smackdown.
R-Truth will be on commentary for the next match. R-Truth has a burlap sack with him.
Daniel Bryan vs. Bad News Barrett
They circle the ring and lock up. Bryan wrenches the arm before applying a hammerlock. Barrett elbows out and hits the ropes, but Bryan turns him inside out with a knee to the midsection. Bryan drops a knee for a one count. Bryan takes him down with a hammerlock before digging his knee into the shoulder blade. Barrett backs him to the corner and elbows him in the face before stomping him. Barrett hits a snapmare before going for a knee drop, but Bryan rolls out of the way. Bryan kicks him in the knee before wrenching the arm again. Bryan then executes a double underhook suplex for a two count. Bryan applies a hammerlock, but Barrett fights up and punches out. Barrett sends him to the corner, but he runs into the boots. Bryan slides through his legs and kicks him to the corner. Bryan goes for a corner dropkick, but Barrett big boots him down. Barrett ties him up in the ropes and knees away at him before big booting him to the floor.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Barrett kicks Bryan in the ribs as he’s laid out across the top turnbuckle. Barrett connects with a superplex for a near fall. Barrett picks him up and goes for The Wasteland, but Bryan elbows out. Bryan then counters the Winds of Change into a crucifix pin for a near fall. Bryan then ducks a clothesline and connects with the Busaiku Knee Kick for the win!
Winner by Pinfall: Daniel Bryan
Match Rating: * 1/2
Bryan leads the arena in a huge “YES” chant before replays are shown of the finish. Barrett then takes Bryan out with a Bull Hammer! Barrett celebrates before turning his attention to R-Truth. R-Truth doesn’t understand why he’s looking at him, so the commentators remind him that he’s stolen the Intercontinental Championship on many occasions. Barrett backs up the ramp before Dean Ambrose’s music hits. Ambrose runs down the ramp and clotheslines him on the floor! Ambrose will be in action, next.
-Commercial Break-
R-Truth is still on commentary and will call this next match.
Dean Ambrose vs. Stardust
Stardust made his entrance wearing the stolen WWE Intercontinental Championship. The match begins, and Stardust begins to freak out over the “Cody” chants. They lock up and Ambrose takes him down with a headlock. They get back to their feet, and Ambrose applies a side headlock. Stardust whips him off, but Ambrose takes him down with a shoulder block for a one count. Ambrose chops the chest before ripping at his face. Ambrose punches him to the corner before hitting a snapmare and a low clothesline. Ambrose drops an elbow before attempting a suplex, but Stardust blocks it. Stardust then hits a front suplex before hissing at him. Ambrose quickly knees him in the midsection and dropkicks him against the ropes. Ambrose rubs his forearm on his face before raking him against the ropes. Stardust reverses a whip and kicks him in the head. Stardust does a cartwheel before taunting him. Ambrose slaps him in the face and clotheslines him out of the ring. Ambrose then takes him out with a suicide dive. Ambrose sends him into the ring, but Stardust attacks him as he tries to get back in the ring. Stardust attacks the left knee before knocking him to the floor.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Ambrose trapped in a single leg crab. Ambrose fights out and kicks him away. Ambrose boots him in the face and punches him. Ambrose chops him to the ropes before taking him down with a pair of running forearms. Ambrose connects with a running forearm in the corner before hitting a bulldog. Ambrose tries to shake feeling into his leg before going to the top rope. Stardust charges him, so Ambrose jumps over him. Stardust goes for the Cross Rhodes, but Ambrose gets out with a snapmare. Stardust forearms him into the ropes, but Ambrose comes back with a rebound clothesline. Ambrose connects with Dirty Deeds for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Dean Ambrose
Match Rating: * 1/4
Ambrose retrieves the Intercontinental Championship and holds it up. Bad News Barrett runs down and attacks him. Daniel Bryan then runs down and tries to even the odds. Luke Harper runs in and joins the brawl. Dolph Ziggler then runs down and joins the fray. R-Truth doesn’t understand what’s happening. R-Truth then sneaks over to the ring and puts the Intercontinental Title in the burlap sack. In the ring, Stardust hits Ambrose with the Cross Rhodes. Ziggler superkicks Stardust before Harper takes him out with a Discus Clothesline. Bryan then takes Harper out with a Busaiku Knee Kick. Barrett then takes Bryan out with a second Bull Hammer. Barrett goes over to R-Truth and demands to get his title back. R-Truth then hands the bag over to him. Barrett takes the bag and leaves through the crowd. Barrett takes the title out of the bag, and it’s a replica toy belt. Barrett slams it down in frustration as R-Truth reveals the real title at the top of the stage.
Connor “The Crusher” Michalek will be the first ever recipient of the “Warrior Award” at this year’s Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Connor’s father is shown at ringside.
Brock Lesnar will appear before the crowd, next.
-Commercial Break-
Paul Heyman is in the ring when we return from the break. Heyman says, “Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Paul Heyman, and all day long they have been trying to get me to preview this video, but instead I decided to come out here live and watch this video along with every single one of you.” A video then airs that highlights the career of Roman Reigns. After the conclusion of the long video, the crowd is lightly booing. Heyman says Reigns makes some interesting points, which he will retort. Heyman then introduces Brock Lesnar to the ring.
Brock Lesnar’s music hits, and the WWE World Heavyweight Champion makes his way to the ring to a good reaction. Heyman says he understands what a fan pleasing video that way, but to his client, that was nothing short of sheer propaganda. If it came out the tail end of a bull, it wouldn’t smell any different. Heyman mocks the fact that Reigns was the standout in NXT who went on to become the badass of The Shield. Then he defeated 29 other superstars at the Royal Rumble and even defended his right to main event WrestleMania when he beat Daniel Bryan at WWE Fastlane. Heyman says he’s known Reigns’ family since he was 14 years old. He already stooged this off to his client. Heyman wants to tell the truth about Roman Reigns because the WWE Universe likes to live vicariously through its own fantasies. The truth is when Reigns was 9 years old, his father, who was one generation removed from cannibal, used to take Roman and his savage cousins to all the bars in Pensacola where the football players would hang out. His father would say, “If there’s one man left standing, don’t bother coming home tonight.” They would also take him to the beach, where they would say the same thing about the muscle-heads there. It’s a powerful, profound motivation for any young man, let alone the baddest member of that family. The only problem is Reigns will not beat Lesnar for the title. Lesnar will not lose the title to him at WrestleMania.
Just because he’s paranoid doesn’t mean the whole world isn’t against them. If The Authority has it in their heads to get that title off Lesnar and place it on Reigns so Seth Rollins can cash in Money in the Bank on him – because he’s not man enough to cash in on Lesnar – because Rollins is cheaper as champion than Lesnar, he’ll spell it out for them. If anyone has it in their heads to pull a “Montreal Screwjob” on Lesnar will not leave that stadium alive. While Reigns is coming into WrestleMania with the mindset that he wants to stay a member of his family, the sheer beating that Lesnar will give him at WrestleMania will make everyone respect Reigns. When they’re wheeling him down the street, everyone will say, “That’s one badass Samoan. He took an ass kicking like nobody else I’ve ever seen.” Heyman’s microphone then goes out, and he looks furious. Heyman says he like how Oz behind the curtain likes to shut his microphone off instead of taking the microphone out of his hand. If they want to take the title away from Lesnar, grab a leg and take your best shot. If Lesnar wants to spend his summer unifying the WWE and UFC titles, that’s what he’ll do. Heyman’s microphone then goes out again.
Heyman tells them to censor this one. If Lesnar wants to go down to Las Vegas and slap around Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, he’ll do it. If you combine them together, they’re still 10-pounds shy of Lesnar. Here’s a message for everyone who keeps shutting off his microphone. This title doesn’t belong to WWE anymore. It belongs to Brock Lesnar. It’s his, and he’s not giving it back. In 2002, they put a rookie in the ring with The Rock figuring he’d make headlines by beating the NCAA Division I Heavyweight Champion, and that rookie sent Dwayne Johnson off to Hollywood. In 2014, they took this accomplished athlete and fed him to the unbeatable Undertaker at WrestleMania. He didn’t just kill the streak; he nearly killed the Undertaker to the point where Bray Wyatt has to resurrect him. At SummerSlam, one beast suplexed John Cena out of the main event of WrestleMania. Here’s his question because it’s all the same answer. Who did that to The Rock, Undertaker, and John Cena, and what the hell will he do to Roman Reigns at WrestleMania? The answer is Brock Lesnar, Brock Lesnar, Brock Lesnar, Brock Lesnar, etc. This is reigning, defending, undisputed WWE Heavyweight Champion of the World, and the one who will leave Roman Reigns flat on his back at WrestleMania, Brock Lesnar. Lesnar’s music hits, and he stares at the WrestleMania sign.
Seth Rollins and Randy Orton will face Roman Reigns in the main event.
Bray Wyatt’s video flashes, and he appears on the screen backstage. Wyatt is standing in front of the urn. Wyatt says, “WrestleMania is almost here. The reaper awaits you, Deadman. Where are you? Tonight, find me.”
-Commercial Break-
Replays are shown of Ryback defeating Kane on Smackdown following some failed interference from Big Show. Big Show was then ordered to face Ryback by Kane, and Big Show picked up the win.
Big Show and Kane vs. Erick Rowan and Ryback
The André The Giant Memorial Battle Royal trophy is at ringside. Kane will start the match against Ryback. Ryback punches away at him before having a whip reversed. Ryback takes him down with a shoulder block before shouldering him in the corner. Ryback hits the ropes and hits a Lou Thesz Press before hitting a big splash. Ryback then connects with a spinebuster. Ryback goes for the Meat Hook Clothesline, but Kane big boots him down. Big Show is tagged in, and he spears Ryback down. Big Show taunts him before kicking him in the ribs. Big Show throws him across the ring before standing on his midsection. Big Show punches him before sending him into the ropes for a shoulder block. Big Show chops his chest in the corner before slamming him into the corner. Big Show chops him again before Kane is tagged in. Kane hits the ropes and big boots him down. Kane kicks him in the head before trying for a suplex, but Ryback blocks it. Ryback then connects with a suplex.
Erick Rowan is tagged in. Rowan hits Kane with a running forearm before sending him into the corner. Rowan head-butts him before going to the second rope for a diving back elbow. Rowan applies a side headlock, but Kane whips him off into Big Show. Big Show fakes getting into the ring so Ryback will inadvertently distract the referee. Big Show goes to give Rowan the Knockout Punch, but he accidentally gives it to Kane instead. Ryback then takes Big Show down with the Meat Hook Clothesline at ringside. Rowan then picks up the win. The crowd was deathly silent throughout the whole match.
Winners by Pinfall: Erick Rowan and Ryback
Match Rating: 1/4 *
Big Show and Kane argue in the ring until Stephanie McMahon’s music hits. Stephanie charges down to the ring and orders them to turn around. She asks why they can’t act like professionals. She reminds them that we’re three weeks away from WrestleMania. Don’t they understand that they represent The Authority, which means they represent her and Triple H, which means they represent WWE? Maybe Randy Orton was right. Maybe Big Show is too busy whining and maybe Kane is too busy getting coffee. She doesn’t know what happened to the monster and the giant, but she wants them back. Stephanie then tells them to get out of her ring. She then screams the order at them. Big Show and Kane leave the ring. Kane says they can work it out themselves. She tells them to pack up and leave the arena. It’s time they think about the bigger picture and what’s best for business. Until they can do that, they’re out. Stephanie asks, “Do I make myself clear?” They sheepishly agree and walk off.
Replays are shown of the disastrous debut of The Miz’ erectile dysfunction commercial. Miz slapped Damien Mizdow in anger.
The Miz is backstage making a pitch to Wiz Khalifa. Miz says their name could be “The Miz and Wiz!” Khalifa says he likes Miz, but after that commercial, he isn’t sure their brands would mesh well. Khalifa says he already met a WWE A-lister, and it’s Wizdow. Damien Wizdow comes in dressed as Khalifa. Wizdow then unleashes a hilarious rap on Miz before saying that he’s in the André The Giant Memorial Battle Royal. Miz goes off in a huff as Khalifa and Wizdow shake hands.
-Commercial Break-
Sheamus will be returning soon.
Wiz Khalifa performs his songs “We Dem Boyz,” “Black and Yellow,” and “Go Hard or Go Home.” The crowd gives him a decent reception and Wizdow comes out to celebrate with him.
Replays are shown of AJ Lee’s return on RAW last week. She’ll be in action with Paige, next.
-Commercial Break-
Byron Saxton is backstage with The Bella Twins. They’re wearing Flintstones themed gear as they watch a scene from that movie. Brie Bella says they’re the stars of the movie as they were the only Divas selected for it. Nikki says no one would ever want to see an appearance from AJ and Paige in the movie. Nikki says AJ and Paige will be little pieces of rubble. They’ll knock them back to the Stone Age at WrestleMania. Brie says, “Yabba dabba doo.”
Summer Rae w/ Cameron and Eva Marie vs. AJ Lee w/ Paige
Summer immediately knees her in the midsection before throwing her down. Summer kicks her in the spine before sending her into the ropes. AJ counters into a roll up for a two count. AJ dropkicks her down before having a whip reversed on her. AJ hits a head-scissor takeover before kicking her in the midsection. AJ goes for a wheelbarrow bulldog, but Summer counters into a face-buster for a two count. Summer applies a chin lock, but AJ fights up. Summer quickly takes her down for a two count. Summer puts her in the corner before choking her with her boot. AJ quickly kicks her in the back before hitting a Thesz Press. AJ hits a running elbow before sending her to the corner. AJ hits a corner clothesline before they fumble through a neckbreaker. AJ kicks her before connecting with a DDT for a near fall. Summer goes for a body slam, but AJ kicks her in the knee. AJ hits the ropes, but Summer hits a spin kick for a near fall. Summer is frustrated as she sends her into the ropes. AJ then catches her with the Black Widow for the win.
Winner by Submission: AJ Lee
Match Rating: 1/4 *
Sting will speak for the first time on WWE television, next.
-Commercial Break-
A video showcases some highlights from the Sting/Triple H feud. Sting says he tried to save WCW from the broken authority that ran it, but he failed. He knows the pain of failure. After WrestleMania, Triple H will know that pain as well. Triple H cannot control vengeance and will collapse under his thirst for control. Sting says his loyalty never wavered. Despite his lies, Triple H’s loyalty is to himself. Sting says, “You need to be taken down, and I’ve been waiting 14 years to do it. Triple H, at WrestleMania, game over.” They put a strange voice filter on the video to change the tone of it.
Rusev is walking backstage with Lana when he bumps into John Cena. Rusev says if he wants a rematch, it’s still no. Cena says performing at WrestleMania is not a right. It’s a privilege. If he hasn’t earned it, then so be it. Rusev should listen because he’s too stupid to understand the same thing. Rusev has had the privilege to come to this great country to chase a dream. If Rusev wants to be proud of where he’s from, he can. It does not give him the right to come down to the ring every week and degrade the country that has given him the opportunity. Rusev’s action will have repercussions. Cena says Rusev has the right to free speech, and he has the right to shut his mouth. Cena dares him to say one word about the United States, and they won’t need a match at WrestleMania. Cena says he’ll prove how much fight America has. Rusev and Lana then walk off.
-Commercial Break-
Randy Orton returns to Smackdown this Thursday night.
Replays are shown from Smackdown of Curtis Axel challenging Rusev to match from Monday Night RAW.
Rusev w/ Lana vs. Curtis Axel
Rusev attacks Axel as soon as he enters the ring. The referee orders him back and checks on Axel. Axel demands that the match starts. The bell rings, and Axel punches and kicks him. Axel hits the ropes, and Rusev takes him down with a thrust kick. Rusev stomps the spine before applying the Accolade for the win.
Winner by Submission: Rusev
Match Rating: 1/4 *
Rusev and Lana talk in the ring as the flag of the Russian Federation unravels above them. Rusev says this represents each and every one of the Americans. Axel is pathetic and delusional. Axel thinks he’s a man from the past that is no more. Back in the real Hulkamania days, America was strong. All they do now is live in the past. Rusev says all Americans want to do is negotiate. They are spineless. If they had a spine, it would be made of Jell-O. If they had a heart, it would be filled with disease. If they had a soul, God would look down and spit on it.
John Cena angrily walks out to the stage and removes his shirt. Cena then runs down to the ring. Rusev kicks away at him, but Cena takes him down and applies the STF. The crowd begins chanting “USA.” Cena releases the hold, pulls him to the middle of the ring, and reapplies the STF. Cena completely stretches him until he passes out. Referees and trainers run down to check on Rusev. Cena pours a bottle of water over his head to revive him before reapplying the STF for a third time. Rusev taps out. Lana begs Cena to let him go. Lana says they’ll give him a match. Lana then says they’ll give him a match at WrestleMania. She then says he’ll get a United States Championship match at WrestleMania. Cena finally releases the hold and stares at Lana before smiling. Cena stares at the WrestleMania sign before leaving the ring.
Randy Orton and Seth Rollins will take on Roman Reigns in tonight’s main event.
Bray Wyatt is seen standing behind the urn again. Wyatt says, “I would walk through fires of Hell just to see you, but I can’t wait much longer. Tonight, I raise the dead. Find me!”
-Commercial Break-
Replays are shown of John Cena’s vicious attack on Rusev. Lana agreed to give Cena a WrestleMania match for the United States Championship.
Trainers backstage are checking on Rusev. Lana walks in, and they argue in their native tongue before Rusev sends her away.
Xavier Woods and Big E w/ Kofi Kingston vs. Tyson Kidd and Cesaro w/ Natalya
A pre-taped promo is shown with The New Day. They say they’re going to clap their way to the top at WrestleMania. Cesaro and Kidd may stand at the top of the mountain at the beginning of the night, but they’ll be at the top of the mountain at the end.
Xavier Woods and Tyson Kidd will start the match. Kidd applies a waistlock before going to a side headlock. Michael Cole has no idea that Kofi Kingston isn’t wrestling at the moment. Kidd sends him into the ropes, but Woods takes him down with a head-scissor takeover. Woods sends him to the corner and hits a running forearm. Big E tags in and throws Woods into Kidd. Big E then covers for a one count. Big E hits a trio of backbreakers before hitting snake eyes on the turnbuckle. Woods kicks Kidd in the face after tagging in and picks up a two count. The crowd is absolutely silent. Kidd kicks Woods in the face before Cesaro tries to interfere. Cesaro blind tagged in, and he chop blocks Woods. Cesaro uppercuts Woods before trying to get the crowd going. Kidd tags back in, and he stomps away at Woods’ knee. Kidd applies a modified toehold. Cesaro tags in, and he kicks Woods in the knee before applying a single leg crab. Woods tries to get to the bottom rope, but Cesaro keeps him back. Woods kicks him away. Kidd is tagged in, and he attacks Big E. Natalya tries to go for a distraction, but it backfires. Woods his an awkward looking rolling face-buster for the win.
Winners by Pinfall: The New Day
Match Rating: 1/2 *
Jimmy and Jey Uso make their way to the ring with Naomi. Naomi will go one-on-one with Natalya, next.
-Commercial Break-
Natalya w/ Tyson Kidd and Cesaro vs. Naomi w/ The Usos
We join this match in progress. Natalya forearms Naomi in the face before having a whip to the corner reversed on her. Natalya sidesteps a splash and counters a slingshot bulldog. Natalya hits the ropes, but Naomi rolls her up. They trade pinfall attempts before bridging up. Natalya tries for a backslide, but Naomi flips over her. Natalya counters a kick and slams her into a split. Natalya dropkicks her in the head for a one count. Natalya goes for the Sharpshooter and locks it in. Naomi claws to the ropes and twists Natalya face-first into the turnbuckle. Kidd checks on his wife as The Usos take Cesaro down at ringside. Naomi then hits Natalya with the Rear View for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Naomi
Match Rating: 1/4 *
Natalya argues with Tyson Kidd before saying the Tag Team Title is hers. She walks off with it. Los Matadores make their way to the ring to absolutely no reaction. They’ll face The Usos.
The Usos w/ Naomi vs. Los Matadores
The two teams shake hands. Jey Uso will start against Fernando. They lock up, and Jey powers him to the corner. They give a clean break before Jey wrenches the arm. Fernando reverses a whip to the corner and does a headstand in the corner. Fernando then hits a head-scissor takeover before taunting the crowd.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Jimmy doing a dance before giving Diego an uppercut. Jey tags back in. They hit a double team back elbow/elbow drop combo for a two count. Diego puts Jey in the ropes, and Fernando tags in. Fernando applies an arm bar as a “CM Punk” chant hits. This crowd is not happy with the presentation tonight. Diego tags in, and they hit the ropes before taking each other out with a double cross-body. The crowd is turning on this match. Jimmy tags in, and he hits Diego with a cross-body block for a two count. Diego comes back with a head-scissor DDT for a near fall. Diego jumps into a superkick, and Fernando breaks up the pin. Jey then takes Fernando out with a scary looking over the top rope splash. El Torito provides a distraction, and Los Matadores pick up the win.
Winners by Pinfall: Los Matadores
Match Rating: 1/4 *
Replays are shown of Randy Orton “messing around” with The Authority at the start of RAW.
A random shot of JBL’s hat is shown before we go backstage to Seth Rollins with J&J Security. Jamie Noble tries to warn him about Randy Orton, but he says he knows what he’s doing. Rollins asks if they really think Orton is that stupid to step up to him. Noble says they have a bad feeling about it. Rollins asks if either of them was the person who masterminded the destruction of The Shield or brought back The Authority? Rollins says he is the architect. The blueprint for tonight is not to worry about Randy Orton. They need to focus on Roman Reigns because he’ll get what he deserves tonight. Rollins tells them to trust him.
Bray Wyatt will call out The Undertaker, next.
-Commercial Break-
Bray Wyatt demands that The Undertaker accept his challenge
We come back from the break to see the arena illuminated by the fireflies. Bray Wyatt is in the center of the ring. Wyatt says he never sleeps, but he’s always dreaming. In the darkness of these dreams, he starts to see things. Wyatt says he sees the world as not what it is, but what it should be. He sees the world laid barren to the virus that infects it. He sees cities burning and governments crumbling. All his beautiful creations are laid to ruin. Wyatt says there is such beauty in chaos. In these dreams, it is the buzzards that guide him. He sees them circling in the distance, and he follows them. When he reaches them, he is astonished by what it is he sees. Below the buzzards is a shell of a man. Below the buzzards lies the mighty Undertaker. Wyatt says it was always about Undertaker. Pride has always been his favorite sin. It is pride that led him straight to Undertaker. Wyatt says he will not worship Undertaker. He will not stand by his side. He just wants to walk over his broken bones on the way to his throne. Wyatt says he cannot be Undertaker’s redemption because he is the new face of fear.
Wyatt says Undertaker knows fear. All these people used to fear Undertaker. This is preordained. Wyatt says he was chose. Undertaker always knew the streak would end. Undertaker thought he would be carried off, but the cruel hands of fate stole his destiny. Wyatt says he can give it all back to him. WrestleMania will be Undertaker’s resurrection and requiem. It’ll be Undertaker’s final resting place. Will Undertaker answer him and accept his challenge? Wyatt does sing-song and says, “Come out, come out wherever you are!” Wyatt points at the urn in the ring. Wyatt wonders if this is how he brings him back. All of Undertaker’s power is locked inside a jar. Wyatt laughs before wondering if this urn can bring back the dead. Wyatt takes the urn and removes the top.
Wyatt stares psychotically at it before laughing. Wyatt says it is empty. It is empty, shallow, and hollow just like… the urn starts to unleash smoke. Thunder starts to rumble in the arena, and Wyatt demands that Undertaker come out. The bell tolls, and the arena erupts. The lights go out, and the bell tolls again. A single spotlight shines in the ring, and Bray Wyatt’s rocking chair is in the middle of it. The urn is gone. The titantron has a message on it. It says, “At WrestleMania, the man comes around.” Undertaker’s voice sounds in the arena, and he says, “You will Rest In Peace!” A bolt of lightening hits the rocking chair, and it sets on fire. Wyatt laughs maniacally as it burns in the center of the ring. Undertaker’s music plays as Wyatt looks insane.
-Commercial Break-
The commentators talk about The Undertaker accepting Bray Wyatt’s challenge. We then see replays of John Cena attacking Rusev before Lana granted Cena a match for the United States Championship at WrestleMania.
There will be an exclusive interview with John Cena following RAW on the WWE Network.
Roman Reigns comes out to an extremely light reaction. Replays are shown of Paul Heyman’s promo from earlier in the night where he said that Reigns would fall to Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania.
Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins and Randy Orton w/ J&J Security
Randy Orton and Seth Rollins disagree over who will start the match. Orton agrees to let Rollins start. They lock up, and Reigns powers Rollins down before punching away at him. Rollins pulls Reigns face first into the turnbuckle before Reigns comes back with a right hand. Rollins kicks him away and pulls the top rope down to get him out of the ring. The referee keeps Rollins back before he catches J&J Security trying to interfere. Reigns attacks Rollins at ringside and puts him in the ring. Rollins goes to make a tag, but Orton wasn’t on the apron. Orton is talking to J&J Security at ringside. Reigns hits Rollins with a back suplex powerbomb for a one count. Reigns wrenches the arm before digging his shoulder into him. Rollins punches him, but Reigns picks him up. Rollins elbows him in the face and chop blocks him. Reigns pushes him off, but Rollins comes back with a spinning slam for a one count. Rollins kicks Reigns in the midsection before putting him on the ropes. J&J Security barks some orders at Orton, and he takes exception to that. Orton gets in their faces before slapping Jamie Noble down. Rollins yells at J&J Security before sending them off to the back. Reigns then takes Rollins out with a fireman’s carry flapjack. Reigns punches Rollins in the corner to no reaction. There’s a light smattering of boos before Reigns hits a jumping clothesline. Reigns puts him in the corner, but he runs into a boot. Rollins sidesteps a clothesline and hits an enzuigiri.
Rollins goes to make a tag to Orton, but Orton takes his hand away. Rollins begs him to not play around. Orton gives him double middle fingers, which the camera quickly cuts away from. Orton holds it up as Rollins turns into a spear from Reigns for the loss. Orton just stares at Rollins.
Winner by Pinfall: Roman Reigns
Match Rating: 1/2 *
The crowd is starting to buzz as Orton gets in the ring. Orton stands over him and says, “Shame on you for not thinking I was going to do something.” Orton grabs him by the hair and starts slapping and punching him before throwing him over the top rope. Rollins tries to scurry away from the ring, but Orton clotheslines him at ringside. Orton sends him into the steel steps, and Rollins takes out a cameraman in the process. Orton throws the top half of the stairs and puts Rollins’ head on top of it. Orton asks if he remembers what he did. Orton says, “Unfortunately for you, I remember everything.” Orton sends him into the other set of steel steps before slowly stalking him. Orton says he’s not a part of this family. Orton grabs him by the head and asks how stupid he is before sending him into the barricade. Orton gives him some uppercuts before knocking him over the barricade.
Rollins tries to crawl away through the crowd, but Orton continues to stalk him. Orton has a steel chair, and he smacks it off Rollins’ back. Orton continues to crack the chair off Rollins’ broken body. The crowd is not really responding to this. Orton holds Rollins up for some people to take a picture. Orton cracks the chair off him one more time before talking some trash. Rollins sounds like he’s crying. Orton knocks him over by the barricade. Rollins is bleeding from the back as Orton hits a hanging DDT on the floor. Orton stands over him before looking at the commentary table. Orton then throws him over the commentary table. Orton removes the top from the table and tosses the monitors away. One of the monitors explodes against the ring apron. Orton stands him up on the table and delivers a very deliberate RKO, which destroys the table. The crowd finally reacts to something as Orton storms away.
WWE Network Exclusive Footage with an exclusive interview with John Cena
Trainers and EMTs are loading Seth Rollins onto a stretcher. Randy Orton surveys the damage from the top of the ramp. Replays are then shown of Orton’s vicious attack on Rollins culminating with an RKO through the commentary table. The commentators talk about Undertaker accepting Bray Wyatt’s challenge as well as John Cena being granted a match against Rusev for the WWE United States Championship at WrestleMania.
Byron Saxton is backstage with John Cena. Saxton asks him about getting the match against Rusev at WrestleMania. Cena says, “You know, what a turn of events. Here I am thinking that I’m going to be sitting on the sidelines watching WrestleMania, and I’ve got to give Stephanie McMahon credit. She made a very valid point. It is a privilege for me to perform at WrestleMania, not a right, but I told Rusev if he continually goes down to that ring and runs down the country that has given him the opportunity to make a very fantastic living as well as a name for himself – he is a hero of the Russian Federation because of what he has done in the USA, and yet he continues week after week to go out there and tell everyone how bad that this country is and how weak that this country is. I told him if he continues to do that, I’d show him exactly how weak we were, and he’s gonna get got. And tonight, he got got. And fortunately out of that, I got a WrestleMania match for the United States Championship, and I realized right then and there as I was trying to make him realize you don’t mess with the USA, that what a better way to humble an ignorant, conceited super-athlete than on the grandest stage of them all at WrestleMania, it will be so satisfying for me to hand him his first defeat and proudly hoist that United States Championship.”
Saxton asks what it will mean to him to be able to bring the title back to America. Cena says, “Are you kidding me? It is now in the hands of the undefeated, unstoppable super-athlete Rusev. He has made a claim in the WWE that he cannot be beat, that no one can defeat him. As a matter of fact, no one can escape his dreaded submission hold, and I have opportunity. That’s what WrestleMania is about. An opportunity to show the world you can do it and you can do it better than anybody else. Trust me, when you tune into WrestleMania on the WWE Network and you see Rusev face off against John Cena, at the end of that night you will get my very best. And if everything goes according to plan, I will be so very proud to have a moment where I can hand not only someone who needs to be humbled their first loss, but bring the United States Championship home where it belongs to the United States.”
———-
Quick Match Results
Daniel Bryan def. Bad News Barrett (non-title)
Dean Ambrose def. Stardust
Erick Rowan and Ryback def. Big Show and Kane
AJ Lee def. Summer Rae via Submission
Rusev def. Curtis Axel via Submission (non-title)
The New Day def. Tyson Kidd and Cesaro (non-title)
Naomi def. Natalya
Los Matadores def. The Usos
Roman Reigns def. Seth Rollins and Randy Orton
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