Detailed Results
After making his surprise return at Fastlane, where he got a small measure of revenge against members of The Authority, RAW kicks off with “The Viper” Randy Orton! Orton says that he’s not the type of guy to talk their ears off with a twenty-minute promo or monologue, but there’s something that he needs to get off of his chest. Orton says that he has been out of action for the last four months because of The Authority, more specifically because of Seth Rollins. “The Viper” then shows what transpired back in November when WWE COO Triple H gave the order to Seth Rollins and company to “finish it”, which resulted in Seth Rollins delivering a Curb Stomp to Orton on the exposed announce table, as well as on the steel steps, putting Orton out of action. After showing the footage, Orton says he is there to let The Authority and everyone else know that he is just “getting started”. Orton continues, saying that, last night, Seth Rollins got away from him, but that will not happen again. Orton then calls Seth Rollins out to the ring, but instead, “The Viper” gets WWE COO Triple H, who leads WWE Principal Owner Stephanie McMahon, The Authority’s Director of Operations Kane, and “The World’s Largest Athlete” Big Show to the ring with Seth Rollins nowhere in sight.
Stephanie McMahon welcomes Randy Orton back, saying that the Randy Orton she saw at Fastlane is the kind of Orton that she wants as the “face of WWE”. Not buying what Stephanie has to say, Orton says that he is not part of this “family” and he is not going to “forgive” Seth Rollins. Stephanie says that there is no reason why the “face and the future of WWE” cannot exist at the same time, saying that The Authority had no choice and that they can “forgive” Randy Orton, asking Orton to come back to The Authority. Orton responds by saying that he would rather “kick some ass than kiss some ass” before Big Show tries to convince Orton. Big Show says that he knows that he understands Orton’s “anger and frustration” before saying that joining The Authority was the “best personal decision” he has ever made. Big Show then says that coming back to The Authority is the “best decision” that Orton could ever make. Orton accuses Big Show of “selling out” before Stephanie again confronts Orton, saying that Orton does not do what he does for the love of the crowd, he does them because he wants to “reap the rewards” and he has done some heinous things to get those rewards. As the crowd nearly drowns Stephanie out with “RKO” chants, Stephanie tells Orton that he has done some terrible things to Stephanie’s father, brother, husband, and even Stephanie herself. Stephanie says that she cannot force Orton’s hand, proposing a “business conference” to discuss their issues like “professionals”, asking if Orton will listen. “The Viper” takes a step back and crosses his arms, which prompts Stephanie to leave the ring. A visibly angry Triple H then stares Orton down before exiting the ring as well, followed by Kane & Big Show. However, Orton halts The Authority on the ramp, saying that he will be there for the business conference.
At Fastlane, Bad News Barrett defeated Dean Ambrose by disqualification to retain his Intercontinental Title, but the post-match attack by Ambrose would leave Barrett down in the ring as “The Lunatic Fringe” walked off with Barrett’s Intercontinental Title belt. Still without his title belt, the Intercontinental Champion was in action on RAW as Bad News Barrett went one-on-one with Dolph Ziggler in a non-title match with the man who pinned the Intercontinental Champion last Thursday on SmackDown, R-Truth, a guest on commentary. During the match, the action would spill to the outside where Bad News Barrett would intentionally throw Dolph Ziggler into R-Truth before bringing Dolph back into the ring. At the end of a hard-fought match, it was Dolph Ziggler hitting the Zig Zag on Bad News Barrett, pinning the Intercontinental Champion for the win. After the match, Dean Ambrose would come out with Barrett’s Intercontinental Title belt, taunting the champion with the belt before getting in Dolph Ziggler’s face, shoving his way past “The Show-Off” and walking off with the Intercontinental Title belt again.
Backstage, Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, Kane, Big Show, & Seth Rollins are joined by Randy Orton, but as soon as Stephanie begins to talk, Rollins completely ignores the Principal Owner, trying to confront Triple H about not letting Orton back in The Authority. With his mind clearly on Sting, Triple H does not respond and an enraged Stephanie calls Rollins “disrespectful”, asking if Rollins has a problem with her because she’s a woman before telling Rollins to back down and think of someone besides himself for a change. Kane then chimes in, saying that, as Director of Operations, he is against bringing Orton back to The Authority, saying that, after what Orton did to himself and J&J Security at Fastlane, he suggests a more “direct approach”. Stephanie interrupts Kane, telling the Director of Operations to look at the “bigger picture”, saying that it’s not just about Kane or Seth Rollins, it is about The Authority. Stephanie then says that “dominance is child’s play”, what they would have with Randy Orton on board is “absolute power”. Rollins asks how they are supposed to trust Orton, but Stephanie argues that, if Orton is able to forgive Rollins for an attack that was his idea, then they should be able to forgive Orton and move forward. Stephanie then asks Orton if he is able to “move forward”, saying that, if Orton says no, then they will deal with the consequences, but if Orton says yes, then she “guarantees” that Orton will have their full “support” and The Authority will welcome Orton back with “open arms”. Orton then extends his hand to Seth Rollins, who reluctantly shakes the hand of “The Viper”, much the approval of Kane & Big Show. Stephanie then says that they are going to mark the “monumental occasion” with a tag team match where Randy Orton will team with Seth Rollins to face Roman Reigns and Daniel Bryan!
The newly reunited Prime Time Players were in action on RAW as Darren Young & Titus O’Neil would face The Ascension. In the end, it was Darren Young surprising Viktor with a roll-up as The Prime Time Players hand The Ascension their first loss! After the match, The Ascension would assault The Prime Time Players, knocking Titus O’Neil out of the ring before focusing on Darren Young, taking Young out with the Fall of Man.
For the first time since defeating Daniel Bryan at Fastlane to ensure his spot in the main event of WrestleMania against Brock Lesnar for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, Roman Reigns would make an appearance on RAW. Roman says that, at Fastlane, he did exactly what he said he was going to do and now he can confidently say that he’s going to WrestleMania. Reigns says that he knows that they were rooting for the “other guy”, but before he can continue, Roman is interrupted by the arrival off the man he defeated at Fastlane, Daniel Bryan. Bryan says that he saw Reigns win the Royal Rumble Match and he knew that Reigns “deserved” the opportunity to be in the main event of WrestleMania, but he felt like the fans on the inside. Bryan then says that he knows that there are people out there who see the “potential” in Roman Reigns, but he is not one of them, saying that there is no bigger “doubter” of Roman Reigns than Daniel Bryan! Bryan continues, saying that when they talk about “promise” and “potential”, what they are really saying is “size” and “strength” and “athletic ability” before saying that he has seen countless guys like that walk down the ramp who do not have “half the heart” that he does. Bryan then says that is what The Authority doesn’t see and what the fans do see, saying that is why they like Daniel Bryan and that is why they do not like Roman Reigns and that is also why Bryan does not like him.
Daniel Bryan then says that he gave everything he had and then some at Fastlane, but he still lost the match and he does not regret a thing. Bryan continues, saying that he did nothing wrong, it was Roman Reigns who proved that he has more “heart” than Bryan thought that he did. Bryan then says that they fought at Fastlane and Roman Reigns beat him, so all that’s left for him to say is “congratulations”! Bryan then shakes Roman’s hand before saying that if there is one man he wants to team with in the main event tonight, it’s Roman Reigns. Bryan then tells Roman to do him a favor and “beat the crap” out of Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania. Bryan then exits the ring as Paul Heyman makes his way to the ring. Heyman says that they probably think that he is there to “cause trouble”, but he is out there to say “congratulations”, also shaking the hand of Roman Reigns. Heyman then says that he cannot say that he is surprised because his “money” will always be on Roman Reigns no matter whom Roman faces, saying that his money would be on Roman even against the likes of Hulk Hogan, Triple H, The Rock, or John Cena. Heyman continues, saying that his money was on Roman Reigns at the Royal Rumble and his money was on Roman Reigns at Fastlane. Heyman then says that Reigns is “the guy” and that Reigns is the “right guy in the right place at the wrong time”, saying that Roman is not fighting a “man” at WrestleMania, he is fighting a “beast”. Heyman then says that Reigns cannot “slay” his beast and, at any other time in history, his money would be on Roman Reigns, but at WrestleMania, his money is on Brock Lesnar. Heyman then says that, at the end of the night, it will be Brock Lesnar walking out as the WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
Roman Reigns then asks Paul Heyman to step closer, daring Heyman to tell him again that he can’t beat Brock Lesnar. Roman then says that he is “motivated” by those who doubt him before saying that Heyman was there when Roman was face-to-face with Lesnar the night after the Royal Rumble. Roman continues, saying that he does not care if Lesnar “respects” him before telling Heyman that he is going to beat Brock at WrestleMania and it’s no longer about beating him, it’s the “way” he beats him. Reigns then says that, when he is done with Brock Lesnar, Lesnar is not going to like him anyways! A visibly shaken Paul Heyman then exits the ring as Roman Reigns stands tall in the ring.
One night after losing the WWE Tag Team Titles at Fastlane, The Usos, with Naomi in their corner, would get the opportunity to regain the gold on RAW when they challenged the new WWE Tag Team Champions Cesaro & Tyson Kidd, with Natalya in their corner, for the WWE Tag Team Championship. During the match, despite not actually tagging into the match, Tyson Kidd would be the legal man in the match against Jimmy Uso and Kidd would attempt a roll-up on Jimmy, putting his feet on the ropes. However, Jimmy’s wife Naomi would see Kidd’s attempt at cheating and would shove Kidd’s feet off of the ropes. This would lead to a confrontation between Natalya and Naomi as Natalya shoves Naomi down on the outside. Natalya would then see Jimmy Uso climbing to the top rope for the Superfly Splash and Natalya would blatantly interfere, pulling on the foot of Jimmy, making Jimmy lose his balance. This would result in The Usos winning the match by disqualification, meaning that Cesaro & Tyson Kidd are still the WWE Tag Team Champions. After the match, Naomi would pull Natalya off of the ring apron, apparently hurting Natalya’s ankle in the process. Despite this, Cesaro & Tyson Kidd would leave with smiles on their faces as they are still the champions.
Backstage, Damien Mizdow confronts his boss, The Miz, telling Miz that, ever since being hired as The Miz’s personal assistant, it has allowed him to step out of Miz’s shadow. Mizdow explains that a company has contacted him to be a spokesman in their commercial, thanking The Miz for the opportunity. The Miz appears upset before he instructs Mizdow to lint roll his jacket.
After being rolled out in a casket in a mockery of The Undertaker at Fastlane, the self-proclaimed “New Face of Fear” Bray Wyatt would appear with an open casket on RAW. Speaking to the casket, Bray says that if their “entire existence” is defined by “moments”, then Undertaker’s loss at WrestleMania last year ended his existence. Wyatt then says that the “evil” that used to inhabit the devil himself now resides in him, saying that he knows that Undertaker is “afraid”, but there is “no reason to hide”. Bray then says that it’s “so much better down here” before slamming the casket shut and telling The Undertaker to find him.
Following a loss to Goldust at Fastlane, Stardust would viciously attack his older brother later that same night right in front of their father, Dusty Rhodes, and, on RAW, Stardust was in action, going one-on-one with Jack Swagger. During the match, Stardust would have control of the match, but when his brother Goldust comes out to the stage, Stardust takes his focus off of Jack Swagger. Swagger takes advantage of the distraction, locking in the Patriot Lock on Stardust, making Stardust tap out to pick up the win as Goldust glares at his younger brother.
One night after a crushing submission loss to Rusev at Fastlane, John Cena would appear on RAW to address the next move of his career. Cena says that his match with Rusev was a true championship match and he thought that he would be the first man to break the Accolade and defeat Rusev. Cena then says that Rusev used a low blow to win their match, saying that he does not have a problem with losing, he has a problem with Rusev. Cena continues, saying that Rusev walks around like some sort of “Russian hero”, but when push came to shove at Fastlane, Rusev proved that he is a “coward”. Naturally, this brings out the United States Champion, Rusev, along with Lana as Lana says “I told you so” before saying that John Cena “failed” at Fastlane. Lana continues, saying that Cena failed his country and, just like an American, Cena “gave up” and Cena was “humbled” by Rusev. Lana then says that Cena has been searching for words to justify his failure while Rusev has been receiving congratulatory phone calls from Vladimir Putin. Rusev then addresses John Cena, saying that he “broke” Cena in front of his family, his friends, and his “stupid country”. Rusev then says that it his time and he is the United States Champion and “no one” can beat him, saying that he wants Cena to admit that “Rusev and Russia” is better than “Cena and America”.
Cena says that Rusev can say whatever he wants about John Cena, but he better not insult America when he is around. Lana says that Cena gave up at Fastlane and Cena’s entire life is a “lie”, showing pictures from Fastlane where a ringside doctor is tending to an unconscious Cena. Cena fires back, saying that when it comes to America, he will continue to get back up and fight because that is what he is about and that is what America is about. Cena says that Rusev is no “hero” and, if Rusev is supported by Vladimir Putin and the Russian Federation, then they should be “embarrassed”. Cena then vows that he is going to beat Rusev and bring the United States Championship back home to America and he is going to do it at WrestleMania! Rusev asks Cena what makes him think he “deserves” a rematch at WrestleMania before saying that Cena is a “quitter”, telling Cena that he does not deserve a rematch, so his answer is “no”! The Russian flag then unrolls above the ring as Rusev & Lana walk to the back, leaving a perplexed John Cena in the ring.
Backstage, Seth Rollins confronts Randy Orton in the locker room, dismissing J&J Security before Rollins says that he knows that Orton hates him. Orton says that “hate” is a strong word and he is a “big picture guy”, saying that, in the interest of what is “best for business”, Rollins can consider them as being on the “same page”. A bit relieved by what Orton has to say, Rollins says that they can “forget” about what happened and move forward. Orton corrects Rollins, saying that he will never forget what Rollins did, but he can offer Rollins a bit of “reassurance”. Orton then says that, tonight, he is going to show Daniel Bryan and Roman Reigns that they are “lucky” that he wasn’t a part of the Royal Rumble Match. Rollins says that he can agree with that before saying that they are going to go out there and show Bryan and Reigns what the “future” and the “face” of WWE are all about. Orton then shakes Rollins’ hand, saying “by any means necessary”.
After Nikki Bella used the unfair advantage of hooking the tights to retain the Divas Title at Fastlane, Paige would be looking to get back on track on RAW as Paige would team with former rival Emma to face The Bella Twins, Brie Bella & Divas Champion Nikki Bella, in tag team action. In a short match, Brie Bella would knock Paige off of the ring apron and when Emma goes to check on Paige, Brie Bella would take advantage, hitting the Bella Buster and pinning Emma. After the match, Paige would catch Brie Bella with a kick to the face, but Nikki Bella would blast Paige with a forearm to the face, telling Paige to leave her sister alone.
The announcement was made on RAW that the bizarre and oftentimes disgusting tag team known as The Bushwhackers will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2015 as Butch Miller & Luke Williams will join “Macho Man” Randy Savage, Rikishi, & Arnold Schwarzenegger in the WWE Hall of Fame!
Still claiming to be in the Royal Rumble Match because he was never officially eliminated, Curtis Axel announced on RAW that he will be a part of the second annual Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania. Axel then says that he cannot be stopped before he is introduced to his opponent and former tag team partner, “The Big Guy” Ryback. After announcing his entry into the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal, Ryback would make quick work of the delusional Curtis Axel, hitting Shell Shocked and picking up the win.
Then it was time for the main event as, after surprisingly rejoining The Authority earlier in the night, “The Viper” Randy Orton would team with “Mr. Money-in-the-Bank” Seth Rollins, with Kane, Big Show, and J&J Security in their corner, to face the two men who went one-on-one at Fastlane, Daniel Bryan & Roman Reigns. During a wild tag team match, Randy Orton & Seth Rollins would work surprisingly well as a team throughout the match, but when Randy Orton sets Roman Reigns up for his signature DDT, Rollins decides to tag himself. Orton would still deliver his DDT to Reigns before exiting the ring in a fit of rage and, as Kane, Big Show, and J&J Security try to calm Orton down, the action continues inside the ring. Seth Rollins would go for the Curb Stomp on Roman Reigns, but Reigns would move out of the way before blasting Rollins with the Superman Punch. Roman was then set to deliver the Spear before Daniel Bryan tags himself into the match, which actually puts a smile on the face of Roman Reigns. Bryan then hits the running knee on Rollins, pinning Rollins for the win. After celebrating their victory, Daniel Bryan & Roman Reigns would exit the ring as an angry Randy Orton continues to pace outside the ring. “The Viper” then enters the ring, glaring at Seth Rollins, who is still struggling to get to his feet. Orton then looked like he was about to deliver his signature punt to the head of Rollins before J&J Security enter the ring and “The Viper” immediately strikes, taking Jamie Noble out with the RKO! Orton then stands Rollins up in the corner before slapping “Mr. Money-in-the-Bank” on the shoulder and walking out of the ring, leaving a surprised and confused Seth Rollins in the ring.
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