WWE Monday Night RAW Results
April 20, 2015
Albany, New York
Results by: Mike Tedesco of Wrestleview.com
“Then. Now. Forever.” The WWE video leads us into the show.
A video kicks off the show recapping the events from last week’s RAW. Randy Orton beat WWE Tag Team Champions Tyson Kidd and Cesaro in a Handicap Match for the right to choose a stipulation for his match against Seth Rollins at WWE Extreme Rules. Seth Rollins wanted Kane to lay down for him so he could also pick a stipulation, but Kane took exception to that. Kane attacked Rollins and J&J Security before lying down and letting an unconscious Rollins pin him. Rollins’ stipulation was to ban the RKO, and Orton chose to face him in a Steel Cage Match. Seth Rollins will defend the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Randy Orton in a Steel Cage Match with the RKO banned this Sunday at WWE Extreme Rules.
Randy Orton talks about his match against Seth Rollins at Extreme Rules
A Steel Cage is seen hanging over the ring as we go into the arena. Randy Orton’s music hits, and he makes his way to the ring to a nice reception from the crowd. The Steel Cage is lowered, and it surrounds the ring. Orton gets into the cage and slams the door shut. Orton looks around the ring and says for someone who prides themselves on being the smartest guy in the room, Seth Rollins is one dumb bastard. Last week, Rollins chose to ban the RKO from their match at Extreme Rules. Rollins made a big mistake in thinking the RKO is his greatest weapon. His greatest weapon is to inflict unspeakable pain on those who are deserving, and Rollins deserves it more than anyone. Orton doesn’t need the RKO to win. That would be too quick and easy. Rollins gave him no choice. This will be slow and agonizingly painful for him. When the door closes and the bell rings, he’s going to break Rollins’ jaw so no one has to listen to him run his mouth week in and week out. Then he’ll drag Rollins’ carcass to one of the corners and stomp his ribs so hard that they break. As Rollins is gasping for breath, he’ll grab him by the stupid blonde streak and run him into the cage until every bone in his body is aching. Once the beating and misery are over, so will Rollins’ reign as WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
Seth Rollins’ music hits, and he makes his way to the stage with J&J Security. Rollins says he doesn’t want to state the obvious, but Orton has a real anger problem. Orton asks if he’s just realizing that. Orton says he doesn’t have an anger problem; he has a Seth Rollins problem. This Sunday, he’ll do everything in his power to make sure that goes away. Rollins says he has to be honest. He wasn’t listening to what Orton was saying because he was responding to e-mails. Basically Orton said that Rollins is a jerk, and the losers in the crowd ate it up. The crowd loudly boos him. Rollins wants to explain something to Orton. Rollins says, “I play this game of human chess better than anybody.” Rollins says he’s on track to become the greatest WWE World Heavyweight Champion of all time. In the ring, he can out maneuver anybody. Outside of the ring, he can out think anybody. Rollins says he’s the best at everything. If Orton doesn’t believe him, he’s standing here with the title to prove it. Orton is one of the greatest WWE Superstars of all time and a sure fire Hall of Famer, but as good as he is, Rollins is that much better. Rollins says, “Cage or no cage, Authority or no Authority, you can make all the little threats you want, but at Extreme Rules you will not be walking out WWE World Heavyweight Champion, and that is a promise.” Orton stops him and says he’s got to get this all out of his system. Since Rollins banned the RKO at Extreme Rules, after this segment is over, he’s going to RKO every son of a bitch he sees backstage. Before RAW goes off the air, he’s going to RKO Rollins, and that is a promise. The crowd loudly cheers that as Orton’s music plays. Rollins just glares at him.
Triple H will make an announcement about WWE Tough Enough later tonight. Dean Ambrose’s music hits, and he makes his way to the ring for a match. He’ll face Luke Harper, next.
-Commercial Break-
Replays are shown of Luke Harper powerbombing Dean Ambrose out of the ring through a ladder at WrestleMania 31. We then see footage of Harper powerbombing Ambrose through the commentary table on Smackdown three weeks ago.
Dean Ambrose vs. Luke Harper
Before the match begins, Luke Harper cuts a promo. Harper says he doesn’t know why Ambrose isn’t afraid of him, but after tonight, he will be.
They bell rings, and they begin throwing punches. Harper quickly slaps him in the face and sends him into the ropes. Ambrose ducks a pair of clotheslines and hits a running cross-body block before punching away at him. Ambrose splashes him in the corner and connects with a running bulldog. Harper quickly twists out of Dirty Deeds and superkicks him before punching him in the back of the head. Harper goes for a powerslam, but Ambrose slides off and throws him out of the ring. Ambrose connects with a suicide dive before removing the top of the commentary table. Ambrose pushes him into the steel steps, but Harper soon comes back by throwing him over the barricade. They brawl in the crowd before Ambrose throws him over the barricade. Ambrose jumps off the barricade into an uppercut. Harper tries to throw him into the ring, but Ambrose bounces off the ropes and clotheslines him at ringside. They brawl up the ramp before Harper throws him into the LED boards. Harper looks off the stage and goes for a powerbomb, but Ambrose slides off. Ambrose goes for Dirty Deeds, but Harper twists out and pushes him off the stage. Harper runs off as Ambrose chases him. Ambrose stands at the top of the stage looking angry that Harper got away.
No Contest
Match Rating: 1/2 *
J&J Security is seen cautiously looking backstage for Randy Orton before giving the OK for Seth Rollins. Titus O’Neil walks up to them barking, and Rollins almost jumps out of his skin. The Prime Time Players walk off. A stagehand is seen laughing, and Rollins intimidates him. Rollins walks into Triple H and acts scared. They shake hands. Triple H says it seems like he’s afraid of an RKO happening around every corner. Rollins laughs and says he’s not afraid. Triple H says he wouldn’t want to see his champion sweat. Rollins says he will handle Orton before asking about Kane. Triple H says he got Kane’s voicemails and texts, but he’s going to let him cool off. He’s been busy dealing with Tough Enough anyway. Triple H says when Kane gets here they’ll talk. Rollins asks about Orton and quietly says he could use some more security. Triple H says it’s one guy before walking off.
The Lucha Dragons make their entrance to the ring. They’ll be in action against The New Day to determine who will challenge for the WWE Tag Team Championships, next.
-Commercial Break-
Lucha Dragons vs. Big E and Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods
Sin Cara will start against Kofi Kingston. The crowd is loudly chanting, “New Day sucks.” Kalisto is tagged in, and he starts a “Lucha” chant. Big E tags in, and they circle the ring. Big E grabs him by the mask and sends him into the ropes. Kalisto goes for a head-scissor takeover, but Big E holds him up. Kalisto lands on his feet and goes for a crucifix pin, but Big E holds him again. Big E goes for a backbreaker, but Kalisto kicks him in the head. Big E sends him into the ropes, but Kalisto hits a head-scissor takeover. Kalisto dropkicks him in the midsection and tags in Sin Cara, who comes off the top rope with a flying head-butt for a two count. Tyson Kidd, Cesaro, and Natalya are seen watching backstage. Kingston is tagged in, and he sends Cara into the ropes, but Cara takes him down with a shoulder block. They hit the ropes before Cara takes him down with a springboard arm drag. Cara punches and chops him in the corner. Kingston kicks him back before going for a tornado DDT, but Cara counters into a northern lights suplex for a two count. Cara sends him into the ropes, but Kingston holds on. Kingston sidesteps Cara, and he goes outside the ring. Xavier Woods distracts Cara, and Kingston baseball slides him into the commentary table. Kingston throws him into the ring and stomps away at him. Big E tags in, and he stomps Cara. They trade tags and continue to stomp Cara. After a few moments, Big E whips Kingston into Cara for a one count. Big E tags in, and he punches Cara in the midsection. Big E stops Cara from making a tag. Cara backflips over him, but Big E quickly clotheslines him down.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Kingston dropkick Cara down before punching away at him. Big E tags in, and he clubs Cara in the midsection. Big E starts clapping, but the crowd chants, “New Day sucks” to it. Cara kicks Big E away before elbowing Kingston in the face. Cara backflips over him and tags in Kalisto. Big E tags in Kingston.
Kalisto hits a springboard cross-body block before ducking a clothesline and hitting a springboard corkscrew cross-body. Kalisto rolls him up, but Kingston rolls through. Kalisto kicks him in the head and hits a kneeling head-scissor takeover. Big E breaks up the pin. Big E sends him into the ropes, but Kalisto flips against the ropes and takes him down with a kick to the head. Kalisto then back body drops Kingston out of the ring. Kalisto and Cara go to the top rope and hit stereo moonsault blocks to the outside! Woods cannot believe what he’s seeing. Kingston rolls into the ring, and Woods grabs Cara’s legs under the apron! The Lucha Dragons are counted out. The New Day will face Tyson Kidd and Cesaro for the WWE Tag Team Championships at WWE Extreme Rules this Sunday.
Winners by Pinfall: The New Day
Match Rating: * 1/2
The New Day celebrates in the ring until Randy Orton runs in and attacks Big E from behind. Orton takes Woods and Kingston out with RKOs. Big E gets on the apron before rethinking it and walking off. Orton holds up two fingers for the amount of RKOs he’s given out so far. Orton then poses for the crowd.
The commentators make the hard sell for the WWE Network and the free month of April for new subscribers. They then talk about John Cena facing Rusev in a Russian Chain Match for the WWE United States Championship. Replays are shown of Cena beating Bad News Barrett on RAW before being attacked by Rusev with the chain. John Cena will defend the WWE United States Championship later tonight against a mystery opponent.
Photos are shown of Big Show attacking Roman Reigns and Chokeslamming him on top of a cab. We’ll take a look at that, next.
-Commercial Break-
A video recaps the vicious assault Big Show perpetrated on Roman Reigns from last week’s RAW. Big Show will face Roman Reigns at WWE Extreme Rules in a Last Man Standing Match. Big Show says when he’s done with him, he won’t be the last one standing. Big Show finished off by saying, “Respect that!”
Curtis Axel vs. Fandango
Before the match begins, Curtis Axel gyrates to Fandango’s entrance theme. Fandango is using his old entrance theme. They circle the ring, and Fandango applies a waistlock. Axel stomps him down before sending him into the ropes for a dropkick. Axel screams, “AxelMania” before tearing his shirt off a la Hulk Hogan. Fandango rolls him up for a two count. Fandango dropkicks him down before connecting with a pair of clotheslines. Fandango kicks him in the back of the knee before hitting a sit-out front suplex. Fandango poses for the crowd before going to the top rope for the Last Dance. Fandango picks up the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Fandango
Match Rating: 1/2 *
Fandango’s new music plays instead of his old one. They then switch it to his old theme, and Fandango dances with the crowd.
The Miz will face Damien Mizdow later tonight with the winner getting the “Miz” brand.
Triple H is seen walking backstage. He’ll make an announcement on WWE Tough Enough, next.
-Commercial Break-
Triple H makes an announcement about WWE Tough Enough
Triple H says The Authority was at a crossroads a year ago. They had to make a decision about the future of the WWE. They found a man to lead the WWE into the next generation. This man could be the face of the WWE for the next ten years. If you look at it a few weeks after the greatest WrestleMania in history, you’ll have to agree that Seth Rollins is that man. Now it’s time to find the next Seth Rollins. That starts on June 23 right here live on the USA Network with the return of Tough Enough. This reality show lets you possibly live your dream of being a WWE Superstar. Triple H asks the crowd who has dreamed about that, but the reaction is very, very light. Who hasn’t had that dream to stand at the top of the stage in front of thousands and millions watching at home at WrestleMania with the WWE Championship above your head? That is the dream, and he is here to say that being a WWE Superstar is better than any dream you could ever have. Now you have the opportunity to turn your dream into reality. All you have to do is show the WWE Universe that you are Tough Enough. Send your video submissions to WWEToughEnough.com, and maybe you’ll be selected among 10 men and 5 women to compete. At the end of the season, one man and woman will be chosen by WWE decision-makers and the WWE Universe to receive WWE contracts. Triple H asks, “Do you have what it takes?” If you do, show the world that you are truly Tough Enough.
Kane’s music hits, and he makes his way to the ring in a suit. Triple H says Kane is a little seasoned to be Tough Enough. Kane says he’s been sending voicemails, text messages, and e-mails. Triple H says he got them, but he wanted Kane to calm down and cool off. Kane says it’s been his honor to serve as Director of Operations, but he can no longer deal with the constant disrespect of the man who he helped become champion, Seth Rollins. Since it’s clear that Triple H has put his faith into a man he thinks isn’t worth the investment, his decision is obvious: he’s giving Triple H his two week’s notice. Triple H tells him not to do something he’ll regret later. Triple H wants to go to the back and talk it out.
Seth Rollins storms his way out to the ring with J&J Security. Rollins cannot believe Kane thinks he isn’t worth the investment. If Kane wants to quit, then he should quit. They don’t need a loser like Kane in The Authority. Kane says he doesn’t remember Rollins having the gall to call him a loser when he had his hand wrapped around his throat. Rollins says Kane then pulled him on top of him so he could win because it was Kane’s job to lose. Kane tucked his tail between his legs, became a coward, and did what he was told. Kane says, “You are nothing but a spoiled little punk who’s been given everything and thinks that he earned it! You’re only champion because we made you champion! I handed you the Money in the Bank contract myself. Do you really thing anything would be different if we’d have recruited Dean Ambrose instead of you? Hell, if we’d have wanted to, we could have made El Torito champion!” They go back and forth before Triple H steps between them. A “YES” chant breaks out. Triple H says this is not how they do business. Triple H stares at Rollins before looking at Kane, who looks livid. Triple H says Kane did what was right and best for business last week. It’s what Kane always does. There has been no one more loyal to The Authority than Kane, which is why in Rollins’ Steel Cage match against Randy Orton at WWE Extreme Rules, he is making Kane “guardian of the gate.” If anyone wants to get in or out of the cage, they have to go through Kane. Kane says, “Thank you, Triple H. I won’t let you down.” They shake hands.
Rollins cannot believe that Triple H is going to award Kane for this kind of behavior. Kane is being made gatekeeper for no reason at all. Triple H says Rollins needs to get on the same page as Kane really fast. Kane extends his hand, and Rollins looks disgusted. Rollins then shakes his hand before throwing the microphone down and walking off. The crowd boos him as he goes up the ramp.
Roman Reigns will respond to Big Show’s attack last week “for the first time.” John Cena will continue his WWE United States Championship open challenge later tonight.
Replays are then shown of Naomi attacking Paige after losing a Battle Royal to determine the number one contender for the WWE Divas Championship. Naomi is seen walking backstage. She’ll face Brie Bella, next.
-Commercial Break-
Seth Rollins and Kane are angrily talking backstage. Triple H walks up and says he’s known Kane for twenty years. While Kane is one of the toughest men he’s ever met in his life, he’s a corporate man now. Kane is no longer hellfire and brimstone. Kane says he is, and he’ll prove it. Kane walks off. Rollins asks if Triple H sees what he’s talking about. Triple H says it took a lot of people to make him champion. First and foremost is the man who just walked off. Having the title doesn’t make you the man. Proving it every night is what does. Tonight, Rollins will step into the ring and have the match he was supposed to have against Dolph Ziggler. Triple H says Rollins better start showing the world what he already knows. Rollins says not only will he face Dolph Ziggler tonight, he’s going to destroy him. When he’s done with that, the entire world will know exactly what he’s about. He’s no longer the future; he is the man.
Naomi makes her way to the ring not smiling or dancing. A pre-taped promo is shown with Naomi. Naomi asks how many times does she have to beat a Bella in order to get a shot at the Divas Title. Everyone tells her to be a good girl and wait her turn. Paige got in her way, so she removed her from the equation. The truth is she doesn’t care what the people want from her anymore. She’s done waiting.
Naomi vs. Brie Bella
Nikki Bella will be on commentary for this match. They lock up, and Naomi powers her against the ropes. Naomi pushes her off before they lock up again. Naomi powers her to the corner and slams her head in the corner. Naomi then face plants her down. Naomi kicks her in the face. Brie sidesteps a splash, but Naomi kicks her in the face. Naomi takes her down before hitting a headlock takeover. Brie applies a head-scissor, but Naomi gets out. Naomi taunts the crowd before Brie forearms her in the face. Brie sends her into the ropes for a clothesline. Brie pushes her in the corner before the referee backs her up. Naomi then forearms her in the face. Brie elbows her in the face a few times, but Naomi knees her in the ribs and kicks her out of the ring.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Brie trapped in a front face-lock. Naomi body slams her down before dropping an elbow. Naomi punches her in the back of the head before slamming her down by the hair. Naomi stomps her before applying a chin lock. Brie fights up, but Naomi kicks her in the back of the knee before stomping the back. Naomi slaps her down a few times before punching her in the back of the head again. Naomi puts her in the corner before stomping her down. Naomi hits a snapmare before applying another chin lock. Brie fights up, but Naomi clubs her. Naomi sends her into the ropes, but she lowers her head and eats a kick. They then take one another out with a double clothesline.
Brie comes back with a clothesline and a dropkick before hitting a running knee to the face. Brie goes to the second rope for a missile dropkick. Brie covers for a two count. Naomi knees her in the midsection before hitting a bulldog into the top turnbuckle. Naomi goes to the top rope for a cross-body block, but Brie moves out of the way. Brie then covers for a two count. Naomi slaps her in the face before hitting the Rear View for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Naomi
Match Rating: * 1/2
Naomi points at Nikki Bella and shouts. Nikki rises up from her chair and holds the WWE Divas Championship up.
The Rosebuds are seen sitting in the catering area. Heath Slater sits next to Erick Rowan. Slater says he’s going to accept John Cena’s WWE United States Championship Open Challenge. Rowan walks off. Randy Orton then gives Slater an RKO through the table. Orton eats a chip before noting that’s three people he’s given an RKO to.
We’ll hear from Roman Reigns about Big Show’s attack, next.
-Commercial Break-
Roman Reigns addresses Big Show’s attack from last week
Roman Reigns makes his way to the ring through the crowd. Replays are shown of Big Show’s vicious assault from last week. Big Show viciously Chokeslammed him on top of a cab. Reigns says he doesn’t feel like talking. He feels like fighting. Reigns says, “Big Show, bring your ass out here right now!”
Bo Dallas’ music hits, and he makes his way to the stage. Dallas says he couldn’t help but notice the anger in Reigns’ voice. As the iconic Jedi Master Yoda said in the greatest Star Wars movie ever made (Episode I), “Anger leads to hate, and hate leads to suffering.” We all know Reigns has suffered after being Chokeslammed onto a taxicab last week. Reigns also suffered by failing at WrestleMania. Dallas says Reigns is kind of a bust. Dallas says Reigns is the Tim Tebow of WWE. Reigns gets chance after chance, but he fails every single time. It doesn’t have to be that way. Despite what millions of people think, he knows that Reigns can be WWE Champion one day. If Reigns works hard, his dreams can and will come true. Dallas gets in the ring and says, “All you have to do is Bolieve!” Reigns then takes him down with a Superman Punch. The crowd boos him as he sets up in the corner. Reigns then delivers a Spear to Dallas. Reigns says if Big Show had any guts, he’d be out here tonight. Big Show has no choice this Sunday. At Extreme Rules, he’ll bring the big fight to him, and he will be the last man standing. Reigns says, “You can BOLIEVE that!” Reigns’ music plays, and he poses for the crowd.
Dolph Ziggler is seen warming up backstage. He’ll face Seth Rollins later tonight.
-Commercial Break-
Sheamus makes his way to the ring. The commentators talk about how he’ll face Dolph Ziggler in a “Kiss Me Arse” Match this Sunday at WWE Extreme Rules.
Sheamus vs. Zack Ryder
Before the match begins, Sheamus tells the referee to ring the bell. Sheamus says, “Before we get started with this…” Sheamus then Brogue Kicks Ryder in the face. Sheamus says that was easy. Sheamus rolls him over and says he could pin Ryder right now, but where’s the fun in that. Sheamus thinks Ryder deserves more than a five second match. Sheamus throws him to the corner and stomps him while talking trash on the microphone. Sheamus says this is the problem with WWE. There are too many pretenders. None of them would last two seconds in the ring with him. Sheamus knees him in the midsection before putting him on the top rope. Sheamus asks if he’s ok before kneeing him in the ribs. Ryder falls to the apron. Sheamus thought New Yorkers were supposed to be tough. Sheamus says people like Dolph Ziggler and Ryder don’t belong in the ring. Sheamus then throws him out of the ring, and Ryder takes a nasty bump on the floor. Sheamus says WWE should be all about real men and superstars. Sheamus then gives Ryder another Brogue Kick at ringside. Sheamus says, “So much for your New York hometown hero.” Sheamus throws Ryder into the ring and wonders where the New York spirit is. Are they not entertained? Sheamus suggests one more shot to finish the job. Sheamus props Ryder up in the corner and signals for a Brogue Kick. Dolph Ziggler runs in and gives Sheamus a Zig-Zag. Sheamus rolls out of the ring and retreats.
Winner by Disqualification: Sheamus
Match Rating: 1/2 *
John Cena will defend the WWE United States Championship in an open challenge, next.
-Commercial Break-
Immediately following Smackdown on April 30, Stephanie McMahon will be on Chris Jericho’s podcast on the WWE Network.
John Cena makes his way to the ring as the crowd sings, “John Cena sucks” to his music. Cena says Albany still has something left in the tank. They know that this Sunday on the WWE Network WWE is going extreme. For one night it’s not about the rules. It’s about the revenge. We saw that Rusev means business, and why shouldn’t he? It also seems that Rusev has brought a few fans here. Rusev means business because he handed him his first loss at WrestleMania. Rusev cringes every single time he says, “The Champ is here!” That’s why a normal win isn’t good enough for Rusev. That’s why Rusev personally chose a Russian Chain Match. The winner has to touch all four corners consecutively. To do that, the loser needs to be beaten damn near lifeless. Rusev needs to take the fighting spirit away from him. Whether you’re a John Cena fan or a Rusev fan, everyone knows he’ll never give up. Cena will fight to win. This Sunday, Rusev’s plan is to beat him motionless and confidently stomp to all four corners to get the WWE United States Championship back. Rusev wants to prove that WrestleMania was not a fluke. That’s a hell of a plan, but there’s one problem. Cena says, “My name is John Cena and for ten years, night after night, I have proven that although I can’t win them all, if you knock me down, I get back up!” Cena says he’ll beat the dog crap out of Rusev, drop the American flag, and prove that WrestleMania wasn’t a fluke. It was a statement that the champ is here. The United States Championship is a symbol of excellence and opportunity. This Sunday, Rusev gets the opportunity to have a Russian steel chain shoved up his ass.
That doesn’t mean he’s not going to defend the WWE United States Championship tonight. They’re going to have a fight here tonight. Cena says he’s focused on the match of his life and isn’t in a losing mood. For right now, Albany is the place to be, John Cena is the man to beat, and the John Cena US Open Challenge starts right now. Cena says, “You want some, come get some!” Kane’s music hits, and he will be accepting the challenge!
WWE United States Championship Match
John Cena (c) vs. Kane
The bell rings, and Kane kicks Cena in the midsection before delivering an uppercut. Kane punches him in the corner before hitting another uppercut. Kane sends him to the corner, and Cena collapses down to the mat. Kane punches him before kicking him out of the ring. Seth Rollins and J&J Security are seen watching backstage. Kane drops Cena on the barricade before throwing him back into the ring. Kane punches Cena before getting in the ring. Cena fights back, but Kane floors him with a sidewalk slam for a near fall. Kane shoulders him in the corner a few times before sending him sternum-first into the turnbuckle. Cena rolls out of the ring to recover. Kane leaves the ring, and Cena begins punching away at him. Kane then whips Cena into the barricade. Kane gets back into the ring to take a count-out. Cena gets back in the ring at seven. Kane clubs him before stomping away at him. Kane connects with a suplex for a two count. Kane stomps him a few times before punching him in the midsection. Kane uppercuts him down for a two count. Kane hits some short-arm shoulder thrusts before dropping a knee on the ribs for a near fall. Cena starts to punch back at him and sloppily ducks a punch. Cena goes for a shoulder block, but Kane doesn’t go down. Kane then uppercuts him down. Kane whips him to the corner and hits a corner clothesline. Kane whips him to the opposite corner, but Cena sidesteps him. Cena then hits a back suplex powerbomb. Cena goes for the Five Knuckle Shuffle, but Kane grabs him by the throat and Chokeslams him down for a near fall! Kane screams at the referee in anger.
Kane gets to his feet and signals for the end. Cena slowly gets to his feet. Kane goes for a Tombstone Piledriver, but Cena slides off and hits the AA for the win.
Winner and still WWE United States Champion: John Cena
Match Rating: * 1/2
Seth Rollins and J&J Security are seen laughing at Kane’s misfortunes backstage. Dolph Ziggler will face Seth Rollins in tonight’s main event.
Immediately following RAW, we’ll see “Hulk Hogan’s Rock ‘n’ Wrestling” cartoon show.
-Commercial Break-
Kane is walking backstage when he sees Triple H. Triple H just gives him a look, and Kane walks off.
Renee Young is backstage with The Miz. She says the entire “Miz” brand is on the line tonight when he faces Damien Mizdow. Miz says he’s the A-list superstar. He’s the sole reason Damien Mizdow has a job in this company. For him to challenge him for his brand is an absolute joke. Miz holds up “The Marine” DVD and covers Summer Rae’s face. Renee cuts him off and says Byron Saxton is standing backstage with John Cena.
Byron Saxton congratulates him on another successful title defense. John Cena says that’s what’s great about the US Open Challenge. On RAW, you can always expect the unexpected. This Sunday, the Champ… Rusev viciously punches Cena in the back of the head with the chain. Rusev then puts him in the Accolade and pulls back on his face with the chain! Cena’s face is distorted as the chain digs into his flesh. Referees run in and pull him off.
-Commercial Break-
A still photo is shown of John Cena trapped in the Accolade with Rusev’s chain wrapped around his face.
The Winner receives the right to “The Miz” brand
Damien Mizdow w/ Summer Rae vs. The Miz
Replays are shown of Damien Mizdow challenging The Miz to this match on Thursday Night Smackdown. Miz insulted Summer Rae before being slapped in the face. As Miz makes his entrance, they show footage of him on the 2004 Tough Enough competition.
Mizdow quickly rolls Miz up for a two count. Mizdow talks a little trash as he backs up to let Miz up. They circle the ring, and Miz kicks him before applying a side headlock. Miz goes for the Reality Check, but Mizdow counters into a backslide pin for a two count. Miz gets out of the ring to recover, but he’s faced with Summer Rae. Mizdow chases him back into the ring. Miz catches him with an inside cradle for a two count. Miz punches away at him before stomping him down. Miz digs his boot into Mizdow’s face before hitting a snapmare. Miz hits a running boot to the head for a two count. Miz goes for his patented clothesline, but Mizdow counters into the Reality Check. Mizdow clotheslines him in the corner and hits a neckbreaker. Mizdow connects with a kneeling DDT for a near fall. Mizdow goes for the Skull Crushing Finale, but Miz counters into a roll-up with a handful of tights for a near fall. Miz goes for the Skull Crushing Finale, but Mizdow pulls him into the ropes. Summer Rae rakes Mizdow’s face, as the referee is distracted. Miz connects with the Skull Crushing Finale for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: The Miz
Match Rating: 3/4 *
Summer Rae hands The Miz a microphone. Miz says on behalf of this momentous victory, it’s only fitting that he says this one more time: “Because I’m The Miz, and I’m…” Randy Orton runs in and gives him an RKO! Orton holds up four fingers for the amount of RKOs he’s given out.
The commentators make another hard sell for the free month of April for the WWE Network. You’ll also get WWE Extreme Rules for free. They then run down the matches. For the WWE Intercontinental Championship match, they said that match would happen depending on Daniel Bryan’s health. Added to the event this Sunday, we’ll see Dean Ambrose face Luke Harper in a Chicago Street Fight. The New Day will face Tyson Kidd and Cesaro for the WWE Tag Team Championships on the Extreme Rules Kickoff Show.
Seth Rollins will face Dolph Ziggler in tonight’s main event.
-Commercial Break-
The commentators talk about some awards the WWE Network has won.
Bray Wyatt’s video flashes on the screen. Wyatt says, “What is it that motivates me to do the things I do? Is it money? Is it power? Is it respect? For most men, it can be a combination of all three of these things, but you, you’re different, just like me. But unlike me, it is the fear that motivates you. I mean, you can lift all the weights in the world, but there is nothing you can do to lift off the weights of your own personal failures. That weight will drag you down. That weight will suffocate you. That weight will blind you until the only thing you’re able to see is my face looking down on you. Oh I can’t wait for that moment, man. That moment when you realize all that hard work was for nothing. It all fades away, and so will you. Behold the new face of fear!”
Ryback makes his way to the ring. They show footage of him in the 2004 Tough Enough competition.
Adam Rose vs. Ryback
They circle the ring, and Ryback blocks a kick before knocking him down. Ryback chops the chest before hitting some shoulder thrusts in the corner. Rose knees him in the face and hits a missile dropkick. Rose drops some forearms as the Rosebuds are seen at ringside. Rose picks up a two count. The kick out sends him flying across the ring. Rose applies a chin lock, but Ryback powers up and hits the Boulder Holder. Ryback hits the Meat Hook Clothesline followed by Shell Shocked for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Ryback
Match Rating: 1/4 *
A pair of Rosebuds dressed as a hot dog and a banana try to attack, but it doesn’t hurt Ryback. Ryback takes them both down before picking them both up for a big Shell Shocked. Ryback gets on the microphone and asks, “What did the banana say to the hot dog? Nothing because their asses just got Shell Shocked!” Rose Mendes runs down and checks on Rose.
Kane is walking backstage when Renee Young stops him. She says it’s been a rollercoaster night for him. Kane was named the gatekeeper for the match at Extreme Rules, nearly resigned from his position, and lost to John Cena. She asks about the tweet, and he doesn’t know what she’s talking about. J&J Security tweeted that Kane should have denture cream and a box of depends. Kane charges into the office and demands to know what’s going on. Seth Rollins apologizes. Rollins says the Randy Orton thing has him on edge. Rollins knows Kane helped him win the Money in the Bank contract, but he gets embarrassed when he keeps bringing it up. Rollins says he knows Kane has done all he can to help him stay on top. He appreciates it so much that he’s dedicating his match against Dolph Ziggler to him. Kane is the bigger man, both literally and figuratively. Rollins walks off with J&J Security. Randy Orton then walks up and smirks. They don’t see him.
-Commercial Break-
This Thursday on Smackdown, we’ll see Ryback face Rusev.
Dolph Ziggler vs. Seth Rollins w/ J&J Security
They circle the ring, and Rollins kicks him down before punching away at him. Rollins stomps him down in the corner before the referee backs him up. Ziggler spins him around and punches him before hitting a neckbreaker. Ziggler drops an elbow for a one count. Rollins knees him in the midsection before having a whip reversed on him. Rollins holds the ropes, and Ziggler hits him with a clothesline that sends them both over the top rope. Ziggler slams his face off the apron before punching him. Rollins rolls into the ring and kicks him as he gets back in. Rollins misses a clothesline and eats a dropkick for a one count. Ziggler wrenches the arm before hitting a textbook suplex for another one count. Rollins counters a dropkick and catapults him to the corner. Ziggler rolls out of the ring to recover.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Rollins applying a chin lock. Ziggler fights up, but Rollins slams him down. Rollins hits a running forearm in the face before dropping a knee for a two count. Rollins stomps him before clubbing him down. Rollins catches him with a back suplex for a near fall. Rollins applies a chin lock, but Ziggler fights up and hits a jawbreaker. Ziggler elbows him in the face and sidesteps a splash in the corner. Rollins goes for a back suplex, but Ziggler flips through. Ziggler hits a running clothesline before splashing him in the corner. Ziggler goes for a neckbreaker, but Rollins pushes him in the ropes and kicks him in the midsection. Ziggler goes for a big DDT, but Rollins pushes him off. Ziggler ducks a kick and plants him with a DDT for a near fall.
Both men are down as replays are shown of that exchange. Ziggler goes for a famouser, but Rollins sidesteps it and rolls him up for a two count. Ziggler blocks a kick, but Rollins comes back with an enzuigiri for a two count. Rollins pulls himself up to his feet and goes for a turnbuckle powerbomb, but Ziggler counters into a roll-up for a near fall. Ziggler immediately superkicks him down for another near fall. Ziggler waits for him to get up. Sheamus runs down and distracts him. Ziggler shouts at him before Rollins attacks him from behind. Rollins hits a turnbuckle powerbomb before connecting with a modified DDT for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Seth Rollins
Match Rating: * 3/4
Seth Rollins says he just did what he said he was going to do. Rollins proved that he is the man. As for Randy Orton, at Extreme Rules his little RKO won’t save him. At Extreme Rules, he’ll prove once and for all… Triple H’s music cuts him off, and he makes his way to the ring looking very serious. Triple H takes the microphone and says, “Ladies and gentlemen, the man who will defeat Randy Orton this Sunday, the WWE World Heavyweight Champion, Seth Rollins.” Triple H goes to say something, but Rollins grabs the microphone out of his hand. Rollins wants to finish his thought. Rollins says he proved he is the man by demolishing Dolph Ziggler. This Sunday, he’ll prove this is his WWE when he pins Randy Orton’s shoulders to the mat, rendering Kane’s position as the gatekeeper obsolete.
Rollins goes to say something disparaging about Kane, so his music hits. J&J Security and Triple H try to beg him off. Rollins demands that the cage be lowered so he can protect himself from Kane. Rollins turns around and sees that Randy Orton snuck into the cage as it was being lowered. Orton attacks him, but Rollins fights him off and tries to climb the cage to escape. Rollins sweeps the feet and catches him as he falls with an RKO! Triple H looks livid. Kane is seen laughing. Orton holds up the WWE World Heavyweight Championship as his music plays. Orton then lays it across Rollins’ waist.
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Quick Match Results
Dean Ambrose NC Luke Harper
The New Day def. Lucha Dragons
Fandango def. Curtis Axel
Naomi def. Brie Bella
Sheamus def. Zack Ryder via DQ
John Cena def. Kane to retain the WWE United States Championship
The Miz def. Damien Mizdow to retain “The Miz” brand
Ryback def. Adam Rose
Seth Rollins def. Dolph Ziggler (non-title)
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