Tonight’s WWE RAW opens up with a recap of the Battleground main event and the Big Show causing the match to end in a no contest.
Inside the arena, Justin Roberts introduces Stephanie McMahon. Stephanie says last night’s match between Daniel Bryan and Randy Orton was ruined. Both men are livid and it’s all because of the actions of one selfish man – and tonight, he’ll have to answer to everybody. She calls out the Big Show.
Big Show comes out and starts to explain himself before Stephanie screams at him to shut up. She says she understands he makes bad decisions when he’s under pressure and asks him what he has to say for himself. Big Show apologizes. She mocks him and says he’s a sorry pathetic excuse of life. Triple H has bailed him out countless times and they even bought off his mortgage when he got into financial trouble. It’s time for him to man up and take responsibility for his actions.
Big Show asks if he can leave. Stephanie says no and pokes him in the chest. She says they don’t just own his home – they own him. He doesn’t have the right to free will. They have to personally approve everything he does – and now, it’s time for him to beg for forgiveness. She demands he gets down on his knees and beg. He won’t do it. She calls him worthless and says he’s got no soul. Big Show says he knocked out Randy Orton because he couldn’t take it anymore. He knocked out Daniel Bryan because she told him to. Stephanie denies it and slaps him in the face. Several times. She then fires him and makes him leave the ring.
Later tonight – it will be Daniel Bryan, Cody Rhodes & Goldust vs. The Shield in a 6-man tag match.
Dolph Ziggler’s music hits and the Show Off is out for the opening match of the night. He’ll be facing Damien Sandow in a rematch of last night’s match at Battleground.
Dolph Ziggler vs. Damien Sandow
Sandow gets the upper hand early, using his size to dominate Ziggler for several minutes. Sandow is totally dominating, with power moves and submission holds. Ziggler finally gets some offense in by poking Sandow in the eye -but it doesn’t last long. Sandow throws him outside of the ring.
Back from commercial, Sandow is in control inside the ring. Ziggler has barely gotten any offense in, with Sandow showing some serious aggression. Michael Cole says that Big Show has been escorted out of the arena by security. Ziggler tries fighting back but it’s a futile effort, as Sandow throws him out of the ring again. Sandow works him over on the outside and slams his head into the ringside post. Back inside, Sandow remains in control. Ziggler moves out of the way as Sandow was running at him in the corner and finally unloads on the Money in the Bank briefcase holder. Zigglers some offensin and is now in control as both men brawl on the outside. In the ring, Ziggler punches Sandow in the corner 10 times and hits a neck breaker and dropkick. 2 count for Ziggler. Dolph goes for the Zig Zag but Sandow shakes him off. Ziggler goes up top but Sandow runs to the ropes and knocks Ziggler down. 2 count for Sandow. Ziggler hits a Fame Asser and gets the 3 count out of nowhere.
Winner: Dolph Ziggler
Backstage, Stephanie McMahon berates Brad Maddox, running him down for failing several times last night at Battleground. There’s no WWE Champion and it’s all his fault. Maddox says, “Triple H…” but Stephanie cuts him off and says Triple H has been working all day to fix the mess that Maddox made last night. She says Maddox will apologize to the WWE Universe and tell them how he’s going to make it up to them.
Michael Cole introduces a WWE App exclusive – during the break, the “greatest WWE Champion in history” Bruno Sammartino came out as Jerry Lawler sang Happy Birthday to him (his birthday was yesterday).
Alicia Fox’s music hits and she comes to the ring joined by Rosa Mendes and Aksana. Out next are Natalya, Eva Marie & Jojo.
Alicia Fox, Rosa Mendes & Aksana vs. Natalya, Eva Marie & Jojo
Natalya starts off with Aksana. Natalya is in control and tags in Eva Marie. Eva gets a 1 count and she and Aksana go back and forth. Aksana gets control and brings Eva Marie into her corner. She tags in Rosa Mendes. Rosa tags in Alicia Fox, who slams Eva’s head into the canvas twice. Bodyslam by Fox and she gets a 1 count. Alicia delivers and elbow to Natalya in the corner and continues to work over Eva Marie. Eva tags in Natalya, who hits Fox with a clothesline and a big bodyslam. Natalya throws Fox into the 2 other Divas, knocking them off the canvas. Natalya hits Fox with an elbow, locks in the sharpshooter and gets the win for her team.
Winners: Natalya, Eva Marie & Jojo
Brad Maddox comes out on the stage and says he wants to publicly apologize for what transpired last night at Battleground. To make sure that Daniel Bryan and Randy Orton get a definitive ending – the two will square off inside Hell in a Cell in 3 weeks. In addition – there will be a special guest referee. Later tonight, one of 3 WWE Hall of Famers will selected as the ref. The WWE Universe will get the chance to vote on who the ref will be (via the WWE App) and the referee will be announced later tonight. He introduces the first candidate: Booker T. Booker makes his case for why he should be selected – and says he’ll do what’s right for business.
In case you currently live in 2005 and don’t know how to download an app, Michael Cole gives us the walkthrough. Jerry Lawler says, “Don’t get mad at us – we know, most of you know how to download an app, right?” King gets it!
Up next, Los Matadores. Back from commercial, 3MB is in the ring and they’ll be facing Los Matadores. Los Matadores introduce El Torito.
Los Matadores vs. Jinder Mahal & Drew Mcintyre
Diego & Mahal start off, with Diego hitting a hip toss and a hurricanrana to start. Fernando tags in and Los Matadores hit a double backdrop on the 3MB star. Mahal tags in Drew McIntyre, who gets control on Fernando. Diego tags back in and hits some high flying moves on McIntyre. Fernando tags back in and they hit their finisher for the win.
Winners: Los Matadores
After the match, Heath Slater chases El Torito around the ring. He gets knocked down and El Torito goes to the top rope and hits a hurricanrana on Heath Slater.
Backstage, Ryback and Curtis Axel are shown walking to the ring with Paul Heyman. Back from commercial, the Heyman Guys are in the ring. Paul Heyman says the record books will show that CM Punk beat Ryback last night. But they should reflect that CM Punk is a bully and a cheater. CM Punk’s music hits and he’s got a microphone. Punk asks Heyman if he’s really calling him a cheater. He admits to no wrong doing and all he did last night was win. Punk says he kicked Ryback in the balls last night – but he only did that to see if he had any. Heyman starts ranting on Punk but Punk cuts him off and says he can beat Ryback again if he wants. Punk assumes they’re out here to issue a rematch – and Punk accepts. Punk says, that’s what you get when you’re a bully and pick on somebody who is smarter than you. Heyman tells Ryback to do something about this. Ryback challenges Punk to come to the ring right now. Punk looks to the crowd and R-Truth’s music hits. Truth tells Punk the two of them should hit the ring together and Punk is game. They walk to the ring and we’ve got a match.
CM Punk & R-Truth vs. Ryback & Curtis Axel
Punk starts off with Rybak and the crowd is chanting Punk’s name. Ryback tags in Curtis Axel before the match can start. Punk gets the upper hand early and tags in R-Truth. 2 count for Truth. Truth is in control as Heyman pulls Axel aside and tells him to slow it down. Ryback asks Heyman, “What do we do?” as we go to commercial.
Back from commercial, R-Truth has the upper hand on Curtis Axel. Axel tags in Ryback. Truth knocks Axel off the apron and Ryback is going to town on Truth with power moves. Big splash by Ryback. Big bear hug by Ryback as he squeezes and shakes the life out of Truth. Truth tries fighting back but Ryback slams him to the mat and gets a 2 count. Ryback tags in Axel. The heels go back and forth beating down truth and tagging in and out. Ryback slaps Truth into one corner and then the other – and the other. Ryback taunts Punk and Truth is really hurting. 2 count for Ryback. Abdominal stretch by Ryback. Punk is fired up and wants in. Punk gets the hot tag and dives off the top rope onto Axel. Punk unloads on Axel and plays to the crowd. Punk hits a running high knee on Axel and goes up top for the Randy Savage elbow. He connects and signals for Go To Sleep. Punk takes out Ryback and then hits Go to Sleep on Axel. Ryback enters the ring but gets knocked out with a high kick. Punk tags in R-Truth, who hits his running kick on Axel for the win.
Winners: CM Punk & R-Truth
Up next, we’ll find out the next WWE Hall of Famer who fans will have the chance to vote for as the special guest referee for Daniel Bryan vs. Randy Orton at Hell in a Cell.
Justin Roberts introduces the next WWE Hall of Famer .. Bob Backlund. Backlund comes out and makes his pitch. Backlund says he’s been a good guy and he’s been bad. He doesn’t care who wins – he’s going to do the job and his top priority is good decisions in the ring for the match. If the match gets out of control, he’s going to put that person in the cross face chicken wing.
Kofi Kongston’s music hits and it’s time for the next match. Kofi is selling that his ribs hurt from last night. Randy Orton will be his opponent.
Kofi Kingston vs. Randy Orton
Randy Orton gets the upper hand early and throws Kingston outside of the ring. Orton throws him into the ringside barrier twice. He knocks him down with a clothesline and throws him back into the ring. 2 count for Orton. Orton hits an uppercut, but Kingston throws him outside of the ring. They get back into the ring and Kofi throws him out again. Orotn catches his breath outside of the ring and gets back in. Kingston goes for a top rope attack but Orton moves out of the way. Kofi rolls to the outside as we go to commercial.
Back from commercial, Orton is in control. Kofi fights back and hits a chop off the top rope. Kofi runs the ropes, slides through Ortons legs and Orton delivers a sick dropkick to Kofi’s face. Kofi goes off the top rope for a cross body but Orton turns it into a powerslam. 2 count for Orton. Orton tries to give Kofi a DDT on the ropes but Kofi throws him out of the ring. Kofi goes for a baseball slide to the outside and Orton delivers a clothesline. Orton throws him into the ringside barricade and then throws him Onto it via suplex. Orton gives Kofi a DDT off the barricade onto the ringside floor and Kofi is out. Orton rolls him into the ring. Orton delivers a devastating KRO and gets the win.
Winner: Randy Orton
Daniel Bryan runs to the ring and destroys Randy Orton. Daniel Bryan is a man possessed – as WWE officials try to separate the two men. Bryan chases Orton to the back.
Backstage, Vickie Guerrero is talking to Alberto Del Rio. Vickie has an announcement tonight. Del Rio says he trusts Vickie to pick a suitable opponent as his next challenger and tells her that she’s sexy, beautiful and intelligent. Vickie’s falling for it as Del Rio wraps his scarf around her neck and kisses her cheek. Del Rio rolls his eyes as he walks away. Vickie smells the scarf and makes a weird face.
Justin Roberts introduces the final WWE Hall of Famer …. SHAWN MICHAELS! HBK says he and Triple H are close personal friends, but the word there is “personal.” Tonight, we’re talking business. HBK says that he trained Daniel Bryan, however, he will not let that sway him. He won’t let his relationship with Triple H sway him either. He encourages everybody to download the WWE app, vote for “H B Shizzle” …. and says he wants to be the one to call the match. The crowd chants “HBShizzle” and Michaels says he wants to get that trending. He tells the fans he doesn’t care what’s best for business – he wants what’s best for the WWE Universe.
World Heavyweight champion Alberto Del Rio comes out. Vickie Guerrero screams “Excuse Me!” and announces his opponent – Ricardo Rodriguez.
Alberto Del Rio vs. Ricardo Rodriguez
Ricardo comes out with no music wearing a pink RVD shirt and pleads with Vickie Guerrero. Ricardo walks sheepishly to the ring as Del Rio looks ready for him (“licking his chops” as Cole said). Vickie says she has one more announcement – he’ll defend the World Heavyweight championship at Hell in a Cell against …… John Cena. Ricardo rolls him up from behind and gets a 3-count on Del Rio. Vickie laughs at him as Ricardo celebrates at ringside on the announcers table. Del Rio runs up and swipes Ricardo’s legs out from under him. He delivers an absolutely sickening kick to Ricardo’s head and throws him into the ring steps. Del Rio grabs a chair and wraps it around Ricardo’s arm. He stomps on the chair as Ricardo screams in pain. He applies the cross arm breaker as 2 referees rip him off his former personal ring announcer. Del Rio looks craze. Ricardo lays in pain grabbing his arm as Del Rio’s music hits again.
It’s confirmed that somehow, John Cena will in fact return at WWE Hell in a Cell to face World Heavyweight champion, Alberto Del Rio. They show a tweet from John Cena confirming the news.
Zack Ryder vs. Fandango:
Fandango is in control early. Ryder gets control by slamming Fandango’s head into the mat. He goes for the Broski Boot but Fandango rolls to the outside. Ryder follows him and throws him back into the ring. Fandango kicks ruder in the head and gives him a stunner on the top rope from the apron. Fandango goes up top for his finisher and nails it for the win.
Winner: Fandango
The announcers make reference to a “wrecking ball” and say that ‘somebody’ (Hulk Hogan) was on a wrecking ball himself recently.
Jerry Lawler announces who got the most votes and will be the special guest referee for Daniel Bryan vs. Randy Orton at Hell in a Cell. After a drumroll – we find out that the guest referee will be … Shawn Michaels, with 61% of the votes.
The Real Americans are in the ring with Zeb Colter. Their opponents will be Santino & Great Khali.
The Real Americans vs. Santino & Great Khali
Swagger starts out throwing Santino around. Santino does his “get thrown into the ropes, walk silly” thing and hits an atomic drop on Swagger. Swagger back in control as he throws Santino into his corner and tags in Antonio Cesaro. Cesaro hits a few strikes and tags Swagger back in. Snap mare and Swagger locks in a submission hold. Swagger hits a Swagger Bomb and tags in Cesaro. Great Khali gets tagged in and he dominates Cesaro. Khali elbows Cesaro into the corner and gives him a big slap to the chest. Cesaro crawls into another corner and Khali slaps him again. Swagger tries to get involved but Khali knocks him to the floor. Cesaro hits a blow on Khali’s leg and Cesaro gives CKhali the Cesaro Swing like he did at Backlash. Quite an impressive display of strength. Cesaro pins Khali for the easy win.
Winners: The Real Americans
After the match, Swagger throws Hornswoggle into the ring. Cesaro gives Hornswoggle the Cesaro Swing until Santino runs in and gives Cesaro the Cobra. Swagger tries to attack Santino but Khali chops him. Santino helps Hornswoggle up, but he’s walking around the ring totally dizzy from the Cesaro Swing.
WWE Rise Above Cancer promo video airs featuring Titus O’Neil talking about losing his grandmother to breast cancer when he was 17.
The Miz is shown walking to the ring for to host Miz TV with his special guest – himself. Miz welcomes fans to the show and Bray Wyatt’s music hits. The Wyatt Family comes out with their eerie entrance. Harper and Rowan are in the ring and try to attack The Miz. The Miz exits the ring and goes after Bray Wyatt. The Miz escapes. Wyatt leans his head back and laughs at The Miz.
Backstage, Stephanie is talking to Brad Maddox. Triple H walks in and Stephanie kisses him. Triple H says he’s been working all day to clean up Maddox’s mess. Triple H says he’s incompetent and will stay backstage. Triple H will be ringside to make sure what happens in tonight’s main event is what’s best for business.
The Shield’s music hits and the arrive through the crowd. They hold up their titles as we head to commercial. Back from commercial, Goldust, Cody Rhodes and Daniel Bryan are introduced. Triple H is out last.
Daniel Bryan, Cody Rhodes & Goldust vs. The Shield
Goldust and Rollins start off. Rollins gets in his face and calls him a punk. Goldust starts off hot, but Rollins kicks him in the gut and gets the upper hand. Goldust hits some of his signature spots, then an inverted atomic drop and running attack. Goldust tags in Cody, who hits a jumping springboard kick off the top rope to enter the ring. Ambrose tags in. Cody in control, hitting a suplex and getting a 1 count. Cody throws Ambrose into the face corner and Goldust tags in. Goldust looking great so far, very quick and aggressive. Cody is tagged back in and works over Ambrose. Ambrose gets the upper hand and attacks Cody in the corner. Ambrose whips Cody into the reverse corner but gets kicked int he face when he arrives. Cody goes up top – but Reigns distracts him and Ambrose throws him to the outside of the ring. Cody is in pain outside while Triple H looks on with a smile. We go to commercial.
Back from commercial, The Shield is in control, dominating Cody Rhodes. Ambrose attacking Cody and screaming at him. Ambrose perches Cody on the top rope and punches him several times. Cody knocks him off and hits him with a picture perfect moonsault. Triple H is looking on with a scowl on his face. Daniel Bryan gets the hot tag and unloads on Seth Rollins. The crowd ha exploded with YES! chants. Bryan hits a ridiculous belly to back suplex on Rollins. Bryan hits a top rope hurricanrana on Rollins. Reigns interrupts a pinfall attempt. Goldust hits the ring and throws Rollins outside. Reigns throws Goldust out, but Cody takes him out with a nasty kick and they both go to the outside. Bryan and Rollins are the legal men and the action is incredibly fast paced. Yes Lock by Bryan and Ambrose runs in with a chair. The match is ruled a DQ – and the winners are Cody Rhodes, Goldust and Daniel Bryan. Triple H grabs a microphone and says he’s overturning the decision and restarting the match under no DQ rules. All 6 men brawl. Bryan dives to the outside of the ring onto Reigns and Ambrose. He screams Yes! and the crowd goes nuts. Out of nowhere, Randy Orton appears and gives an RKO to Bryan! It’s a No DQ match, so that was legal. He throws Bryan into the ring and Rollins pins him for the 3.
Winners: The Shield
The Shield beats down Goldust 3 on 1 as Triple H watches on. Big Show’s music hits and the place goes crazy. Big Show comes out and walks to the ring as The Shield and Triple H await him. Big Show enters the ring and The Shield attacks him 3 on 1. Big Show takes them out and then stares down Triple H. Reigns takes out Big Show and The Shield beat him down again. Triple H screams at them to “Finish Him!” and they attempt a triple powerbomb. Big Show shakes them loose and then delivers a knockout punch to Triple H! The place goes bananas as Big Show leaves the ring. Triple H is out like a light. Daniel Bryan stands over Triple H and screams YES! as the crowd cheers along.
Daniel Bryan fixes Triple H’s tie as he lays there unconscious. Bryan leads the crowd in a loud YES! chant to end the show.
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