RAW Occupied.
The 1085th edition of WWE Monday Night RAW came to you, live, from the FedExForum in the hometown of WWE Hall of Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler, Memphis, TN. With less than a month remaining until WrestleMania XXX, the Guest Host of “The Show of Shows” would make a special appearance on RAW as “The Immortal” Hulk Hogan would make his way to Memphis to make a major announcement regarding WrestleMania!
Another WrestleMania legend would be on hand for RAW as, for the first time since making his WrestleMania XXX showdown with Brock Lesnar official, The Undertaker would make his presence felt on RAW as “The Phenom” will respond to Brock Lesnar’s guarantee to “conquer” his undefeated WrestleMania streak.
One thing is certain, The Wyatt Family has their sights set on destroying John Cena, but on RAW, the fourteen-time World Champion would get his first opportunity to put a chink in the armor of the sinister trio as John Cena would go one-on-one with The Wyatt Family’s Erick Rowan.
Match Results
- John Cena def. Erick Rowan by roll-up.
- Non-Title: The Usos def. Ryback & Curtis Axel by Jimmy Uso pinning Curtis Axel following the Superfly Splash.
- Non-Title: Big E (with Cesaro) def. Jack Swagger by roll-up.
- Seth Rollins & Roman Reigns def. Goldust & Cody Rhodes by Seth Rollins pinning Cody Rhodes following the Curb Stomp.
- The Bella Twins def. AJ Lee & Tamina Snuka by Nikki Bella pinning AJ Lee following the Rack.
- Memphis Street Fight: Sheamus def. Christian by pin following the Brogue Kick through a bass drum.
- Daniel Bryan & Big Show def. Randy Orton & Batista by Daniel Bryan pinning Randy Orton following the running knee.
Detailed Results
RAW kicks off with the Guest Host of WrestleMania XXX as “The Immortal” Hulk Hogan makes a special appearance in Memphis for a major WrestleMania announcement. Hogan says that the last couple of weeks have been crazy for him, but he has taken the time to watch some of his classic matches on the WWE Network and, as he was watching his WrestleMania III classic against Andre The Giant, he got pumped up and came up with a “historic idea”. Hogan continues, saying that he just had to come to RAW and announce his big idea. “The Hulkster” then announces that, in honor of one of the greatest Superstars of all-time, WrestleMania XXX will have the first ever 30-Man Over-The-Top Rope Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal, where the winner will earn the Andre The Giant Memorial Trophy! After Hogan finishes his announcement, he is joined in the ring by John Cena. Cena tells Hogan that is good to have him back and Hulk indeed, “still rules”, saying that Hogan is back “where he belongs”. Cena continues, saying that his favorite moment was seeing Hulk Hogan slam Andre The Giant at WrestleMania III and he knew then that Hulkamania would “live forever”. Cena then announces that he will be the first man to throw his hat into the ring for the 30-Man Over-The-Top Rope Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania!
With John Cena and Hulk Hogan standing tall in the ring, The Wyatt Family makes their way to ringside as Bray Wyatt says that he has always been fascinated with “pride”, saying that Cena and Hogan are both “liars”. Bray continues, saying that “hope is dead”, just like Cena’s legacy will be and, if Cena looks him square in the eye, he will see a “god”. Cena says that he does not see a god, he sees a “homeless man” who found a torch and a rocking chair. Cena then opts out of the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal, instead laying out an open challenge to Bray Wyatt to face him, one-on-one, at WrestleMania! Bray says that it is all “fun and games” for John Cena until it is Cena that is caught in the “spider’s web”.
With Hulk Hogan in his corner, the opening match of the night would see John Cena going one-on-one with The Wyatt Family’s Erick Rowan, with Bray Wyatt & Luke Harper in his corner. Despite being dominated for most of the match, the resilient John Cena would surprise Erick Rowan, rolling Rowan up for the win. After the match, Luke Harper & Erick Rowan get on the ring apron, ready to fight, but Bray Wyatt orders Harper & Rowan down off of the apron before The Wyatt Family exits. As Hulk Hogan’s theme blares throughout the arena, Hulk Hogan invites John Cena to do a pose-down with “The Hulkster” as the past and present of the WWE pose for the fans in an unforgettable RAW moment.
One week after delivering a Pedigree to a helpless Daniel Bryan at the conclusion of RAW, WWE COO Triple H would appear on RAW, along with WWE Principal Owner Stephanie McMahon. Stephanie says that Daniel Bryan “viciously attacked” Triple H last week and Daniel Bryan suffered the consequences, saying that, instead of firing Daniel Bryan, they have decided to “lead by example”, offering a “sincere apology”. Stephanie continues, saying that there is a certain “niche following” for Daniel Bryan and they will not fire Daniel Bryan, but only if Bryan apologizes to them! Stephanie then says that Triple H is “above” Daniel Bryan in every conceivable way and, if Daniel Bryan does not apologize, there will be “severe consequences”.
With The New Age Outlaws guests on commentary, new WWE Tag Team Champions The Usos would face Ryback & Curtis Axel in a non-title match on RAW. In the end, it was Jimmy Uso hitting the Superfly Splash on Curtis Axel, pinning Axel for the win.
Backstage, The Shield is with Director of Operations Kane as Kane tells Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, & Roman Reigns that they aired their “dirty laundry” on SmackDown in an unprofessional matter. Kane continues, saying that he has taken it upon himself to “light a fire” under The Shield to see if they can remain a “valuable asset” or if they will become “disposable”. Kane then says that the cracks began to show in The Shield when Seth Rollins & Roman Reigns lost the WWE Tag Team Titles to Goldust & Cody Rhodes late last year, so Rollins & Reigns will get the chance to exercise their “demons” when they face Goldust & Cody Rhodes tonight! Seth Rollins says that they will gladly face the Rhodes brothers tonight, asking Kane if it is really about them or if Kane is trying to “deflect” from the fact that Kane twice got pinned by Daniel Bryan last week. Kane then sternly tells The Shield to “step it up” and Dean Ambrose says that they will exercise the demon that he is talking about. Roman Reigns then gets in Kane’s face, saying that they will destroy any other “demon” that gets in their way.
In a rematch from last week’s RAW, Intercontinental Champion Big E would face Jack Swagger, with Zeb Colter & Cesaro in his corner, in a non-title match. During the match, Zeb Colter would encourage Cesaro to get involved in the match while Jack Swagger distracts the referee. However, Cesaro would let Swagger handle Big E on his own, but an argument between Swagger and Cesaro would allow Big E to take advantage, rolling Swagger up for the win. After the match, Jack Swagger and Cesaro would get in each other’s face at ringside and this would enrage Zeb Colter as Colter screams that they are going to settle this right now. Zeb then orders his team to shake hands and, while Cesaro and Swagger listen to their manager, Cesaro intentionally tries to crush Swagger’s hand with his own.
Four weeks before he puts his undefeated WrestleMania streak on the line against Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania XXX, the legendary Undertaker would make a special appearance on RAW to address Lesnar’s promise to “conquer” the streak. However, before The Undertaker can speak, he spots Paul Heyman standing on the stage. Heyman nervously introduces himself to “The Phenom”, saying that The Undertaker has the greatest streak in sports-entertainment. Heyman continues, saying that “Mr. WrestleMania” himself, Shawn Michaels, never won two WrestleMania matches in a row and even Stone Cold Steve Austin and John Cena only got to four WrestleMania victories in a row, saying that The Undertaker has had twenty-one consecutive victories in twenty-one consecutive WrestleMania matches. Heyman then says that he is there tonight to ask The Undertaker to not step into the ring with Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania XXX. Heyman claims that he “worships” the streak and, while Brock Lesnar is stepping into the unknown at WrestleMania, it is The Undertaker who needs to fear the unknown. Heyman then vows that, if Undertaker does step into the ring with Lesnar, then the streak will be “conquered”. The Undertaker then tells Paul Heyman that, since Heyman is Lesnar’s “messenger boy”, then he has a message for Heyman to deliver to Lesnar. The Undertaker then tells Heyman that “the fear of death is far greater than death itself, but the fear of the unknown is the greatest fear of all”, concluding that, if Brock Lesnar shows up to face him in New Orleans at WrestleMania XXX, Lesnar will “rest in peace”.
Per the orders of Director of Operations Kane, The Shield’s Seth Rollins & Roman Reigns, with United States Champion Dean Ambrose in their corner, would face Goldust & Cody Rhodes in tag team action on RAW. In the end, it was Seth Rollins hitting the Curb Stomp on Cody Rhodes, pinning Cody to pick up the win for himself and Roman Reigns.
Before she defends the Divas Title against Natalya on Main Event, Divas Champion AJ Lee would team with her bodyguard, Tamina Snuka, to face The Bella Twins in tag team action on RAW, with Natalya a guest on commentary. In the end, it was Nikki Bella hitting the Rack on AJ Lee, pinning the Divas Champion for the win. After the match, Nikki Bella would hold up the Divas Title, an action that would lead to a face-off between The Bella Twins and Natalya.
With The Authority threatening “severe consequences” for his failure to apologize, Daniel Bryan appears on RAW. Bryan says that The Authority is trying to “scare” him into apologizing for something he should have done a long time ago and that is kick Triple H in the face. Bryan continues, saying that, if Triple H wants to put his hands on him, then he is going to fight and, if Triple H wants him to apologize for him standing up for himself, then he’s got one word for Triple H, “no”. Bryan then proclaims that it ends here tonight, saying that they are going to make it so Triple H has to listen to them because they are going to “occupy” RAW! Bryan explains that he is not going to leave the ring until he gets what he wants and he will not be alone and he will fill the arena with members of the Yes Movement. Daniel Bryan more than makes good on his promise as a slew of fans wearing Daniel Bryan apparel literally fill the entire ring and the entire ringside area, all chanting “yes” with Daniel Bryan! The Authority then comes out to the stage as Triple H congratulates Daniel Bryan on having his Yes Movement, calling the men and women in and around the ring “hippies and trolls”. The COO then says that this is the moment where “reality” comes crashing down on them, saying that they all have thirty seconds to get out of the ring before he calls for security and has them all arrested. The members of the Yes Movement do not budge, however, as they chant “no” at The Authority. Before Triple H can call for security, Daniel Bryan says that he can throw them out, but asks Triple H how he would like it if every single fan in the arena joined him in the parking lot and they had their rally out there while RAW can continue in front of an arena full of empty chairs!
Despite this threat, Triple H calls for security and that security does come out, however, there are only two men in suits up against a countless number of rowdy members of the Yes Movement. The two security officers then go back to The Authority, saying that there is just too many of them to handle. As Triple H quickly begins to lose his patience, Stephanie orders the two security guards to do their job. Stephanie then says that the members of the Yes Movement are backing the “wrong horse”, asking them if Daniel Bryan is “worth it”. Bryan says that The Authority underestimates the power of the people and, despite what Stephanie thinks, the fans own the ring and they own the arenas. Triple H insists that the show goes on, ordering that the next match will take place! The Authority then exits as Damien Sandow comes out, but faced with Daniel Bryan and his massive Yes Movement, Damien Sandow backs down from even trying to get close to the ring. This brings The Authority back out as Triple H argues with Damien Sandow before Stephanie gets involved, telling Sandow not to “disrespect” her husband. Clearly close to her breaking point, Stephanie exclaims that, from the moment she was born, the WWE has belonged to her and she does own Daniel Bryan and the fans, screaming at Daniel Bryan and the Yes Movement to “get out”! Daniel Bryan again decrees that they will not leave the ring or the ringside area until they get what they want and that is a one-on-one match between Daniel Bryan and Triple H at WrestleMania! Daniel Bryan then lays it out in simple terms, saying that The Authority does not get their show back until they get what they want. Triple H then claims that he actually “likes” Daniel Bryan and he took it upon himself to “protect” Daniel Bryan from everything that would happen when Bryan became successful. Triple H continues, saying that he has been trying to protect Daniel Bryan since SummerSlam and the reason he did not fight Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania was for his “own good”.
The COO then vows that, at WrestleMania, he will not stop until he “ends” Daniel Bryan because that is the way he operates. Left with no other choice, an angry Triple H proclaims that he will fight Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania! Triple H then tells Daniel Bryan and the Yes Movement to “shut up” and get out of his ring before he and Stephanie try to make their exit. However, Daniel Bryan calls The Authority back out to the stage, saying that a match with Triple H at WrestleMania is not the only thing he wants. Bryan then explains that, as much as the fans want to see him face Triple H at WrestleMania, what they really want is to see Daniel Bryan get a shot at the WWE World Heavyweight Championship! Daniel Bryan explains that, what they want is for the stipulation to be added that, if he defeats Triple H at WrestleMania, then he will be added to the WWE World Heavyweight Title match between Randy Orton and Batista that very same night, making it a Triple Threat Match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship! This sends Triple H over the edge as the COO charges towards the ring and has to be restrained by security as Triple H screams at Daniel Bryan that he will get what he wants!
Memphis’ own Jerry “The King” Lawler then appears in the ring to reveal the stipulation for the match between Sheamus and Christian as the fans overwhelmingly vote for a Memphis Street Fight between “Captain Charisma” and “The Celtic Warrior” with various musical instruments set up at ringside! Sheamus is the first to grab a musical weapon, swinging and missing Christian with an acoustic guitar. The fight then makes its way onto the staging area as Christian leaps off the stage, planting Sheamus with a tornado DDT on the concrete floor! Back in the ring, Christian would nearly break a kendo stick over the body of Sheamus, leaving Sheamus’ body welted up. Later on in the match, Sheamus would return the favor with kendo stick shots of his own. Sheamus would then toss four steel chairs in the ring before setting his sights on the drum set at ringside, dismantling the drum set to procure the bass drum, setting it up in the corner. However, the time Sheamus took looked to cost him as Christian fights back, stacking two chairs on the chest of Sheamus before hitting the Frog Splash, but when Sheamus kicks out, Christian would grab the bass drum. However, Christian would not get to use the bass drum as Sheamus pops up with the Brogue Kick, putting his foot through the bass drum into the face of Christian, pinning Christian for the win!
The Wyatt Family then appears with a message for John Cena as Bray Wyatt says that it was a “euphoric” moment for him to see Cena standing in the ring with Hulk Hogan, asking if Cena sees himself in Hulk Hogan. Bray then says that Cena is every bit a “monster” as he is, saying he has a lot of different names. Bray then says that he accepts Cena’s challenge for a match at WrestleMania, telling Cena that Cena’s time is over and his time is “forever”.
Then it was time for the main event of the evening as WrestleMania opponents would have to team up as WWE World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton would team with the #1 Contender for his title at WrestleMania, Batista, to face another potential challenger, Daniel Bryan, and “The World’s Largest Athlete” Big Show. During the match, Batista would charge at Daniel Bryan with the intention of hitting the Spear, but Bryan would side-step Batista and “The Animal” would collide with Randy Orton. Despite this, Randy Orton would briefly regain the advantage before Daniel Bryan fights back, hitting the running knee on Orton, pinning the WWE World Heavyweight Champion for the win.
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