Sights Set.
The 1009th edition of WWE Monday Night RAW came to you, live, from the Times Union Center in Albany, NY. For the first time since suffering a near fatal heart attack during RAW two weeks ago, Hall of Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler would sit down for an exclusive interview, live via satellite from his home in Memphis, with his friend and colleague Michael Cole as “The King” would update everyone on his road to recovery. Speaking of recovery, it was revealed last Tuesday that John Cena underwent surgery to remove bone spurs from his elbow, putting the ten-time WWE Champion out of action for up to six weeks, but Cena vows to appear live on RAW. Also, after last week’s main event ended with John Cena pinning CM Punk, despite Punk’s foot being on the bottom rope, the WWE Champion has been nothing short of outraged at the mistake made by the referee with Punk intending to address the issue on RAW. What will the respect-obsessed champion have to say about the controversy?
Match Results
- Dolph Ziggler def. Kofi Kingston by pin following the Zig Zag.
- The Prime Time Players def. Zack Ryder & Santino Marella by Titus O’Neil pinning Santino Marella following the Prime Time Plunge.
- Non-Title: Ryback def. The Miz by pin following Shell Shocked.
- Wade Barrett def. Tyson Kidd by pin following the Souvenir.
- 6-Man Tag: Sheamus, Sin Cara, & Rey Mysterio def. Alberto Del Rio, David Otunga, & Ricardo Rodriguez by Sin Cara pinning Ricardo Rodriguez following the Swanton Bomb.
- Tensai def. Brodus Clay by DQ after Big Show interferes.
Detailed Results
After being pinned by John Cena, despite having his foot on the bottom rope, in last week’s tag team main event, RAW kicks off with WWE Champion CM Punk seated in the middle of the ring, with his associate, Paul Heyman. Heyman states that he is “honored” to be sharing the ring with the WWE Champion and the “best in the world”, CM Punk. Heyman then says that the show is “grinding to a halt” right now because RAW will not continue until “justice is served”. Heyman then shows footage of John Cena hitting the Attitude Adjustment on CM Punk, pinning the WWE Champion and, despite Punk’s foot being on the bottom rope, the referee still makes the three-count. Heyman then demands that the referee of last week’s main event, Brad Maddox, come to the ring to admit to his mistake and willingly hand over his “resignation”! Referee Brad Maddox then reluctantly makes his way to the ring, admitting that he made a mistake, saying that it was his first time refereeing a main event and he should have checked ropes. Heyman then asks for the referee’s resignation, but Maddox says that he is sorry for the mistake. CM Punk then interrupts, asking how Maddox got employed and how he looks at himself in the mirror, “pretending” to be a man. Maddox explains that, when RAW expanded to three hours, he received a phone call from RAW General Manager AJ Lee saying that she needed more referees for the show. Heyman then says that Maddox is not even a “real referee”, calling Maddox a “replacement” and a “scab”. CM Punk says that Maddox is the “buffoon” who was hired by the “idiot General Manager”. The WWE Champion then says that, if AJ Lee was good at making decisions, she would come out there and fire Maddox.
RAW General Manager AJ Lee then skips her way to the ring, telling Brad Maddox that he can return backstage, before Paul Heyman says that he assumes that AJ is out there to rectify what happened last week. The GM replies by saying that, when you “assume”, you “make an ass out of you and me”. AJ then says that she is not going to allow them to berate an official and hold her show “hostage”, asking who Heyman thinks he is. CM Punk then says that he is the WWE Champion and he is the reason that AJ Lee has a job and he is the reason that all of the fans are there. CM Punk continues that they both know why there is so much animosity between them as the WWE Champion shows footage from two months ago where AJ proposed to Punk. Punk then says that, if she agrees to forget what happened in the main event last week, then he will forget that she used to wear a CM Punk t-shirt every week and he will forget all of the text messages and voice mails that are unfit to air on television. The WWE Champion then dares the GM to reveal how “intimate” they were behind closed doors, saying that he is the reason that she skips to the ring, and telling her to tell everyone how he is the “best in the world”! Heyman then backs CM Punk up, telling the WWE Champion to let him handle it. Heyman then mocks AJ by proposing marriage, saying that they will be the “most influential couple” in WWE history! Heyman continues that he will come up with all the ideas and she can take credit for them, adding that he likes them “dumb” and “ambitious”. The GM responds by slapping Heyman across the face before storming out of the ring!
Backstage, AJ Lee confronts referee Brad Maddox, saying that he had better not mess up again because she will see to it that he never works in the wrestling business ever again. The agitated GM continues that she put him in the main event last week and he “embarrassed” her and made her look like an “idiot”. Maddox apologizes to AJ, but the GM stares into space before Lee begins to cry.
The opening match of the night saw “Mr. Money-in-the-Bank” Dolph Ziggler, with Vickie Guerrero in his corner, went one-on-one with former tag team champion Kofi Kingston, with R-Truth in his corner. Before the match begins, however, there is a confrontation on the outside of the ring between Vickie Guerrero and R-Truth with Vickie mocking Truth’s imaginary friend, Little Jimmy. This leads to a heated confrontation between Dolph and Kofi, as well, with Kofi accidentally knocking water into the face of Vickie. The referee for the match then separates the two parties, ejecting both Vickie and R-Truth from ringside before the match finally gets underway. At the end of an incredible, fast-paced match, it was Dolph Ziggler hitting the Zig Zag on Kofi Kingston en route to picking up the win.
At a local restaurant earlier in the day, footage is shown of Daniel Bryan and anger management therapist, Dr. Shelby, as the doctor informs Bryan that he has a new technique to help Bryan and Kane co-exist with each other outside of the ring. The waiter then comes out to take Bryan’s order and the waiter is none other than Kane! Amused by the idea, Bryan says that he wants a tag team partner who is not a psychotic “freak”, but Dr. Shelby says that the waiter is not Kane, his name is “Gerald” and “Gerald” is just a friendly waiter. Kane then says that there is a new cook because the old cook was really annoying and always took credit for things that he did not deserve. Kane then says that he took the old cook by his “scraggly goat beard” and dunked his head in the deep fryer before he took the deep-fried beard and sprinkled it on every meal he has served that day! Dr. Shelby tries to assure the other patrons that Kane is just kidding, but Kane says that he does not know what the doctor is talking about, because he’s “Gerald”.
The Prime Time Players were in action on RAW as Darren Young & Titus O’Neil faced the team of Zack Ryder & Santino Marella. In the end, it was Titus O’Neil hitting the Prime Time Plunge on Santino Marella en route to picking up the win for The Prime Time Players.
The RAW Special Guest of the night was then revealed to be three-time WWE Champion, “The Hardcore Legend” Mick Foley! The legend says that he is not there as a hardcore legend, but as a fan and, as a fan, he occasionally sees things that “inspire” him and one of those moments was the true emergence of CM Punk last year. Foley continues that the Punk that he knew last year was the “voice of the voiceless”, but now he is “bullying referees” and following the lead of Paul Heyman. WWE Champion CM Punk then interrupts, making his way to the ring, shoving his way past Mick Foley before telling Foley not to “grandstand” and say what he has to say to Punk’s face. Punk then accuses Foley of trying to stay “relevant”, asking if Foley is there to plug his latest book. Foley says that he is not there to plug anything, revealing that, following Punk’s WWE Title win last year, he sent Punk a congratulatory text and Punk replied, telling Foley that Foley’s congratulations meant a lot to him. Foley then says that he is “deeply disturbed” by Punk’s recent actions, not to mention Punk’s alignment with Paul Heyman. Punk says that Foley has “no idea” what he is talking about, but Foley says that he used to be a “Paul Heyman guy” and he did not make it in the business until he “stopped listening” to Heyman and did what he wanted to do. Foley continues, saying that Heyman is going to do what is best for Heyman, not for Punk. Foley then asks if Punk is going to continue to be an “inspiration” or if he is just going to be a “Kool-Aid drinker”. Punk then asks if Foley is done, but Foley says that he is not done before changing the subject to Hell in a Cell, saying that he “earned” his respect for his involvement in the diabolical match. Foley says that anybody who endures Hell in a Cell goes on to be respected for the entirety of their career, telling Punk to ask Shawn Michaels or The Undertaker about Hell in a Cell. Foley then says that he wants Punk to step up and face John Cena inside Hell in a Cell and prove that he is the “best in the world”!
CM Punk then says that he heard the same speech from John Cena after SummerSlam and after Night of Champions, saying that he heard the same speech from Cena and Bret Hart. Punk then says that he would not lower himself to putting his hands on Foley because, like the fans, Foley is “beneath” him. Punk continues that he does not know how many times he will have to defeat John Cena, but he does know that he does not need to do anything for the fans. Punk says that Foley jumped off of his roof as a teenager and used thumbtacks and barbed wire, saying that Foley would probably set himself on fire just to earn the respect of the fans, but the only thing that he wants is to bring the fans to their knees. Punk says that he does not need to go through the car crash that is Hell in a Cell for respect because he has “raised the bar” by being the WWE Champion for 309 days and counting. Foley then says that he has a statistic for Punk, saying that, throughout his three reigns as WWE Champion, Foley only held the title a total of 29 days. Foley then screams at the WWE Champion, saying that no one cares how short his three combined title reigns were, asking Punk if Punk wants to be a “statistic” or a “legend”. Foley continues that Superstars are defined by the moments they create and the legacy they leave. Foley then reveals that he has talked to AJ Lee and it was revealed to him that John Cena will be ready to compete at next month’s Hell in a Cell event, but the GM is leaving the decision with Punk. Foley then asks if Punk will decide to have his moment of greatness inside Hell in a Cell or if Punk will “settle”, telling Punk to make the decision for himself and for the fans! Will CM Punk agree to step inside Hell in a Cell against John Cena?
After Ryback crashed the debut of Miz TV last week, “The Sin City Cyborg” would face the toughest test of his undefeated career as Ryback went one-on-one with Intercontinental Champion The Miz in a non-title match. Ryback would prove that he is truly an unstoppable force as the powerhouse would survive the best that The Miz had to offer before hitting Shell Shocked on Miz and pinning the Intercontinental Champion!
Backstage, AJ Lee informs Alberto Del Rio, David Otunga, and Del Rio’s personal ring announcer, Ricardo Rodriguez, will face World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus, Rey Mysterio, & Sin Cara in a 6-Man Tag Match!
After defeating his tag team partner, Justin Gabriel, on last week’s RAW, Tyson Kidd would go one-on-one with “The Bareknuckle Brawler” Wade Barrett. In the end, it was Wade Barrett putting Tyson Kidd down with the short-arm elbow strike that he calls the Souvenir.
For the first time since his life-threatening heart attack during RAW two weeks ago, Hall of Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler would appear, live via satellite from his home in Memphis, for an exclusive interview about the heart attack and his road to recovery as friend and colleague Michael Cole would conduct the live interview. After showing some exclusive photos from Jerry Lawler’s heart attack two weeks ago, Michael Cole would introduce the Hall of Famer, who receives a standing ovation from the crowd in Albany. Lawler starts off by apologizing for his raspy voice, saying that it is a result of having a breathing tube inserted into his throat for several days, saying that it is so great to see the fans and be a part of RAW. Cole then asks “The King” the last thing that he remembers from that night two weeks ago. Lawler reveals that he only remembers the opening segment of RAW between Bret Hart and CM Punk, saying that he doesn’t even remember competing later that night and he remembers nothing between then and when he woke up following the heart attack. Lawler then says that all the fans and every person he has ever known has contacted him with their support. Cole then asks when Lawler will be able to come back and take his rightful spot at the announcer’s position. Lawler then jokes that he dares anyone to try and survive three hours sitting next to Michael Cole without having a heart attack. Lawler says that he is leaving his return in the hands of the doctors and, as soon as they say he is ready to go back to work, he will be on the first plane back to RAW! The Albany fans then give a well-deserved and emotional ovation to the Hall of Famer.
Per the orders of RAW General Manager AJ Lee, World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus would team with Sin Cara & Rey Mysterio to face “The Mexican Aristocrat” Alberto Del Rio, David Orunga, and Del Rio’s personal ring announcer, Ricardo Rodriguez, in a 6-Man Tag Match. During the match, Ricardo Rodriguez would get tagged in and Rodriguez would take the brunt of the abuse as Rey Mysterio hits the 619 on Rodriguez before Sin Cara lands the Swanton Bomb on the personal ring announcer, pinning Rodriguez for the win. After the match, David Otunga finds himself alone in the ring with Sheamus, Sin Cara, & Rey Mysterio as the World Heavyweight Champion levels Otunga with the Brogue Kick!
As the WWE fans decide the name of their team via #RAWactive, the WWE Tag Team Champions, Kane & Daniel Bryan, appeared to learn the name of their unlikely duo and, given the options of Team Teamwork, Team Hell No, or Team Friendship, 59% of the fans voted that Kane & Daniel Bryan will be referred to as Team Hell No! The newly christened Team Hell No is then blind-sided by Cody Rhodes and Damien Sandow as Rhodes hits the Beautiful Nightmare on Kane while Sandow hits the straightjacket neckbreaker on Daniel Bryan! Rhodes & Sandow then proclaim that their team will be known as the Rhodescholars, saying that they will be the next WWE Tag Team Champions!
The Divas Champion was in action on RAW as new champion Eve teamed with Beth Phoenix to face former champion Layla and Alicia Fox. In the end, it was Eve hitting the swinging neckbreaker on Alicia Fox en route to picking up the win. After the match, the injured Kaitlyn comes out, saying that she has security camera footage from the night she was attacked. Kaitlyn admits that, while she could not tell who attacked her at Night of Champions, she could tell that her assailant had blonde hair. This revelation leads to an argument between Eve and Beth Phoenix as the Divas Champion accuses Phoenix of attacking Kaitlyn. However, “The Glamazon” denies any involvement in Kaitlyn’s injury, but Eve still lays Beth Phoenix out with a neckbreaker.
Two titanic Superstars would collide on RAW as “The Funkasaurus” Brodus Clay went one-on-one with Tensai. In the middle of the match, a giant Superstar that dwarves everyone brings the match to a halt as “The World’s Largest Athlete” Big Show returns! Big Show first levels Tensai with the W.M.D. before a charging Brodus Clay gets the same treatment! Big Show has re-established himself as the dominant giant on RAW, but who will “The World’s Largest Athlete” target next?
With a month out of action ahead of him after undergoing arm surgery last Tuesday, John Cena appears on RAW. Cena says that he was not supposed to be a part of RAW, but with his career in jeopardy, he wanted to come to RAW and say thank you to the fans. Cena then turns his attention to CM Punk, saying that Punk misquoted him, saying that, if Punk defeated him at Night of Champions, then it would establish who Punk is and it did. Cena says that he is going to “guarantee” that he will walk into Hell in a Cell to “fight”, but Cena is interrupted by WWE Champion CM Punk and Paul Heyman as Punk and Heyman make their cocky entrance to the ring. Punk says that Cena should be a politician, saying that the fans might buy into what Cena says, but Punk does not. Punk continues that there always be only one CM Punk and he is the same person who has beat Cena multiple times over the last year, saying that his 309 day title reign will not end at the hands of a one-armed man. Punk says that it is not fair that Cena gets so many title shots, but that is not the reason why he won’t be facing Cena at Hell in a Cell. The WWE Champion then says that Cena will not be medically cleared to compete by Hell in a Cell and not because Cena will not be fully recovered from his surgery, it will be because, if Cena does not leave the ring, he will make the last week of Cena’s life pale in comparison to what he will do. Punk then turns his back and gives Cena five seconds to leave, but Cena produces a lead pipe and, when Punk turns back around, he is caught in the mid-section with the weapon! As John Cena greets the fans around ringside, CM Punk makes his exit from the arena, but not before passing Mick Foley. However, Punk would take his frustrations out on “The Hardcore Legend”, delivering a cheap kick to the mid-section of the legend. The WWE Champion would then start to leave the arena again, but decided to turn around and say one last thing to Foley. However, when Punk turns around he is greeted by the sight of a seething Ryback, who stares down the frightened WWE Champion!
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