WWE Raw TV Results
October 20, 2014 - Episode #1,116
Live in Kansas City, Mo.
Report by James Caldwell (@JCTorch), PWTorch assistant editor
- The Card: Final Hell in a Cell PPV hype, John Cena & Dean Ambrose vs. The Authority in a handicap Street Fight, The Usos & Sheamus vs. The Miz & Rhodes Bros. in a six-man tag re-match from Smackdown, and Hulk Hogan advertised locally.
Live Raw on USA Network
Raw opened with a shot of the Hell in a Cell structure hanging above the arena. Michael Cole introduced the show before Triple H's music played to bring out Hunter joined by Seth Rollins, Randy Orton, and Kane. No Stephanie McMahon. All four men were dressed in suits. Ties for Hunter and Kane, but open collars for Rollins and Orton. As The Authority slowly walked down to the ring, Cole hyped Raw in a hot city with the World Series starting tomorrow night in Kansas City.
In the ring, Hunter welcomed everyone to Raw. He said this is a Raw to be proud of because these three men - Rollins, Kane, and Orton - will compete in a handicap street fight against John Cena (mixed reaction) and Dean Ambrose (strong reaction). Lots of K.C. Royals blue in the crowd tonight.
Hunter said if Cena and Ambrose make it through tonight, they will advance to Hell in a Cell on Sunday. Hunter hyped the Cell, advertising unspeakable things inside this Cell on Sunday. And it's all live on WWE Network for $9.99. Why would people give the heels their money? Hunter then hyped his HIAC win/loss record, but said it's not his point. Because it's not the match you win, rather survive.
Hunter then hyped the double main event of Cena vs. Orton and Ambrose vs. Rollins on Sunday. Rollins spoke up next, but paused for "You Sold Out" chants. Rollins said he is Mr. Money in the Bank, but he would like to be called Undisputed Future WWE World Hvt. champion. Boos. Orton spoke up next that he is the Main Event of Hell in a Cell and vowed to beat Cena on Sunday. "I will end the decade-long rivalry once and for all," Orton said.
Hunter tried to calm down Rollins and Orton, noting it's a "double main event." But, which match goes on last? Hunter added a little something to Orton against Cena because the winner of the match will receive "an opportunity with WWE World Hvt. champion Brock Lesnar." Orton, from St. Louis, said unlike the Royals who haven't won a baseball title in 29 years, he will make Hunter proud by winning on Sunday and then become champion. The crowd picked up loud Royals chants, which drew a smile from Hunter as Orton seethed. Hunter said The Authority always wins, then Kane shot off his pyro to close the segment.
THE NEWS: Cena vs. Orton is a default #1 contender match for the WWE World Title at HIAC ... and that guy Brock Lesnar is still on the roster.
Last Tuesday on Main Event: Damien Sandow and The Miz mocked Sheamus, who dropped Sandow with a Brogue Kick.
In-ring: Sheamus's music played to bring out the U.S. champion for an opening six-man tag match. Lilian Garcia returned to Raw TV as the new ring announcer replacing Justin Roberts introducing Sheamus before Raw cut to break.
[Q2] [Commercial Break at 8:14]
Back from break, The Usos were introduced as Sheamus's tag partner. What did Sheamus do for the past four minutes? WWE wanted an inset promo from the Usos, but an inset promo from the Rhodes Bros. was cued up. WWE quickly cut to the Usos's inset promo. Out first for the heels were Goldust and Stardust, which brought up their inset promo talking about their title defense against the Usos on Sunday. Back to the arena, where Miz and Damien Sandow came out as the last participants in the tag match.
1 -- U.S. champion SHEAMUS & THE USOS vs. THE MIZ (w/Damien Sandow) & WWE tag champs GOLDUST & "STARDUST" CODY RHODES -- six-man tag match
Before the bell sounded, Miz dropped off the ring apron and told Sandow to get in the ring. "Really?" Sandow asked. Sandow hopped on the ring apron to get in the mix, then Miz joined the commentary team to discuss the "opportunity of a lifetime" he gave Sandow. The match quickly cut to another break after basic opening action.
[Commercial Break at 8:24]
Back from break, the heels were working on Uso. Sandow then tagged in and some of the crowd cheered, just as Miz was talking about Sandow not being more popular than he is. Sandow tried to execute Miz's moveset, but Uso blocked Sandow/Miz's charging corner clothesline. Exit Sandow, enter Stardust to maintain control for the heels.
[Q3] Hot tag to Sheamus as Sandow entered for the heels. Miz got hyped cheering on Sandow, who took punishment from Sheamus. The action broke down before the Usos started flying, then Cody did a springboard splash onto the Usos on the floor. Sheamus then came off the top with a splash to Sandow on the floor.
Back in the ring, Sheamus measured Sandow for a Brogue Kick, but Cody came flying in with a Disaster Kick attempt. Sheamus ducked, then smashed Cody with a Brogue Kick. But, Sandow rolled up Sheamus from behind for a quick three count. Miz flipped out in excitement on commentary, saying he won. Cole asked if Miz can do that himself on Sunday by knocking off Sheamus.
WINNERS: Team Miz/Sandow at 9:42. Basic six-man tag with the hot tag, high-flying, and chaotic finish setting up Sheamus in jeopardy of dropping the title on Sunday.
[Commercial Break at 8:33]
Authority Office: Orton wanted to talk to Hunter. Orton noted he's not easy to deal with, but he appreciates the opportunity on Sunday. He said when he beats Cena on Sunday, he will be the guy to beat Brock Lesnar, and then go to WrestleMania as WWE champ. Hunter said he doesn't doubt him, but this was Seth Rollins's idea. Hunter said he was looking out for him. Orton wasn't so sure, but said he'll thank him personally.
Suddenly, the Wyatt theme interrupted. It was a vignette for Bray Wyatt hyping his re-born henchmen, Luke Harper and Erick Rowan. Bray also talked about a female individual (or figment of his imagination) guiding him on the path. Bray talked in tongues and an empty rocking chair rocked back and forth to close the vignette.
In-ring: From the Wyatts to Divas champion A.J. Lee. A.J. came out for Divas tag action on the other side of the break.
[Commercial Break at 8:42]
[Q4]
2 -- Divas champion A.J. LEE vs. ALICIA FOX (w/Paige) -- non-title match
Before the bell sounded, Cole hyped A.J. vs. Paige for the Divas Title on Sunday. WWE then replayed events from Friday's Smackdown leading into this singles match. Once the bell sounded, Fox started on the advantage and gloated about it. A kick to the head led to more gloating, then she executed an emphatic backbreaker for a close two count. More punishment, but Alicia took her eyes off A.J., allowing A.J. to respond with offense. Alicia and Paige then ran a distraction play on A.J., allowing Fox to get a surprise pin on A.J. Afterward, Paige and Fox gloated about the win while A.J. looked forward to Sunday.
WINNER: Fox at 4:16. Same deal as the opening match with the heel getting a one-up on the babyface champ heading into the PPV. Fox continues to impress when given a chance to shine.
Locker Room: Randy Orton approached Seth Rollins to discuss the whole WWE Title situation. Rollins made it clear that he plans to be WWE champion via his briefcase, whether on Lesnar ... or Orton. Orton was not too pleased by Rollins's bravado.
[Commercial Break at 8:53]
Post-Raw: Hulk Hogan "exclusive interview" on WWE Network.
In-ring: Randy Orton's music played just before the top of the hour to bring out Orton dressed in a suit. This time, Orton wanted to talk about John Cena by himself. He said it seems like just yesterday when both of them were making their WWE debuts in 2002. "Let's Go Royals" chant interrupted Orton, who responded that the Royals will not win. Ever. Never. Not in 100 years.
[Q5 -- second hour] Orton continued with a discussion about his history with Cena. He said he respects what he's accomplished, but Cena is still "that punk kid from Boston, Mass." who doesn't belong in the same ring with him. Orton told Cena to shove Hustle, Loyalty, and Respect up his ass. He said he's never cared about fighting for what is right (Hogan reference), then vowed to beat Cena on Sunday. "I'm telling you, John Cena, I will beat you and I will savor every second of it," he said. Orton vowed to go on to face The Beast ---
John Cena's music interrupted to bring out Orton's PPV opponent for the rebuttal. Cena posed with Royals fans in the crowd as JBL noted Orton's background being from St. Louis. Cena told Orton to shut up, then called Orton the "biggest dumbass alive" every time he speaks. Cena said Orton sounds like a grandpa peeing his pants talking about the past.
How stupid is Orton? He came to this city with everything going on right now - pause for Royals-related chants - and he told the people that the Royals have no shot at winning the title. 2002 he might have been right. That's also the last time Orton was relevant. But, now it's 2014 and the Royals are in the World Series. And they have their eyes square on the World Series Championship. Orton tried to interrupt by saying being there and winning it is completely different.
Cena said that's right, but Orton has no chance of winning their match on Sunday. Why? Because he's got his eyes on him. And if he beats him on Sunday, then he gets The Beast one more time.
Suddenly, Paul Heyman's voice interrupted. Heyman returned to TV reminding everyone of the Class of 2002 - John Cena, Randy Orton, and the next big thing, Brock Lesnar, who conquered The Rock for the WWE Title. So, if you think about it, the reigning, undisputed champion of 2002 is also the champ in 2014. Now, this Sunday, Cena and Orton are going to enter - pause to admire the Cell structure - the Cell.
Heyman said the winner of Cena vs. Orton is the ultimate loser because he has to face The Beast. Heyman stepped to Orton to tell him that he wants no part of his beast. And then there's Cena, who wants both Lesnar and the title. Suddenly, Cena hoisted Heyman in the air for an AA, but he put Heyman down as Orton paced in the background. Orton then spun Cena around and dropped him with an RKO. "Who's stupid now?!" Orton shouted down at Cena. Heyman laughed to himself and stood next to Orton, who who then surprised Heyman by dropping him with an RKO. Orton stood tall in the ring shouting toward the crowd as Cena and Heyman recovered in the ring.
[ JC's Reax: Major re-heat effort behind Orton the last two weeks trying to hype another round of Cena-Orton, but it's unfortunate a heel finally got in the physicality on Heyman that's been building for months and months. Can't get that moment back. ]
Video Package: Big Show vs. Rusev feud heading into Hell in a Cell.
Backstage: Rusev and Lana were shown walking down the hallway. Rusev is in action next.
[Commercial Break at 9:13] [Q6...]
[...Q6] Moments Ago: John Cena opted not to give Paul Heyman an AA, so Orton dropped him, then Heyman with RKOs.
In-ring: Rusev was waving his Russian flag as Big E. prepared to face him in singles action. It's a re-match from Main Event.
3 -- RUSEV (w/Lana) vs. BIG E.
Big E. ran over Rusev early on, sending Rusev reeling to the floor. Big E. didn't wait for Rusev to get back in the ring, as he tried to follow up with offense on the floor. Back in the ring, Rusev and Big E. traded bombs until Rusev took control with kicks and stomps. Rusev then caught Big E. running the ropes with a big leg whip. This was turned into a two-segment match with Raw heading to break with Rusev in control.
[Commercial Break at 9:23]
Back from break, Rusev cut off a comeback attempt with a big kick to the face. Rusev went right into The Accolade in the middle of the ring. Quick shift to the finish out of the break, setting up an apparent post-match segment.
WINNER: Rusev via submission at 7:22.
Post-match, Lana spoke in the ring about Big Show failing Americans this Sunday. Rusev said Show belongs in a circus wallowing in his own excrement. Rusev vowed to rip out Show's heart and devour it. He said Show will fail his country and the people will despise him for it. Lana spoke next to honor the "true red, white, and blue," which produced the Russian flag. Except there was no flag, just the Cell structure.
On the video screen, Big Show smiled a big smile. Suddenly, the American flag dropped and patriotic music played. Rusev and Lana flipped out, then Rusev approached the American flag and teased pulling down the flag, but a person dressed in Army gear hit the ring looking like a fan hopping the rail. Security hit the ring, then Rusev smashed the man with a boot to the face. Rusev left the ring, then security checked on the man, who sold a head injury. Cameras stayed on the individual, making it seem like an angle. The crowd didn't know how to handle it, the announcers remained silent, and Raw cut to break.
[Q7] [Commercial Break at 9:30]
Moments Ago: Rusev wanted to yank down an American flag, but a man dressed in military gear hit the ring. He promptly took a kick to the head, then Big Show came down to ringside to help the man away from ringside during the break.
Back live, Show was in the ring looking quite upset and emotional. Show stared into the crowd as WWE zoomed in tight on Show's eyes. Show couldn't find the words, then stomped the mat. He said you do not disrespect an American solider. Ever. "Rusev," he continued before pausing to collect himself. "You want my attention. You want to get inside my head. Young man, my head is a very dark place to be." Show vowed to unleash his wrath on Rusev.
"I am an American. I am a giant," he said. Show vowed to end Rusev's 15 minutes of fame at Hell in a Cell on Sunday. Show threw down the mic, but decided he wasn't done. He called down Rusev to come fight him now. No sign of Rusev, so Show left the ring to find Rusev backstage.
WWE cut backstage to show Show approaching Rusev's locker room. Inside were his suits and gear, but no sign of Rusev. Show then left the locker room.
[ JC's Reax: Major desperation to sell the PPV (and Network subs) using a fake military rep to set up Big Show's big ra-ra speech promo. ]
Somewhere: Dean Ambrose was watching Kane's latest movie to scout for the main event. In walked John Cena to question his scouting tactics. Ambrose said they're like Batman and Superman with different tactics of going about justice. Ambrose and Cena agreed to disagree, then vowed to save it for the ring when they team up in the main event.
[Q8] [Commercial Break at 9:44]
Announcement: Top heel authority figure has been selected for an Eisenhower Fellowship. Announced in the context of the show, it sure makes the organization seem like terrible people for selecting a heel for their program.
4 -- SUMMER RAE vs. BRIE BELLA
Immediately back from break, the bell sounded for a pre-Halftime Divas match to hype Brie vs. Nikki at the PPV. On cue, they showed Nikki standing backstage watching the match on a monitor. Summer controlled early on, but Brie responded with the X Factor for the pin and the win. Backstage, Nikki sold anger over her sister one-upping her before their PPV match. Brie did the Daniel Bryan "Yes!" chants, prompting a Bryan reference from Cole heading to break.
WINNER: Brie at 3:42.
Backstage: Dean Ambrose was shown carrying bags down the hallway for a top-of-the-hour Halftime segment.
[Commercial Break at 9:52]
In-ring: Dean Ambrose came to the ring just before the top of the hour with his bags full of props. Prop #1 was a Seth Rollins mannequin. Ambrose removed the mannequin's arm and slapped "Rollins" in the face with it. Ambrose then screwed the mannequin's mouth with a screwdrier and hammered the mannequin's face. He then pulled out a saw to cut off his testicles, but he remembered Rollins sold his to The Authority months before.
[Q9 -- third hour] Ambrose pulled out tongs and squeezed the dummy's crotchal area as the announcers cracked jokes to make the bit less cool. Ambrose then piledrove the mannequin and stood over his work. Seth Rollins's music interrupted to bring out Rollins flanked by Jamie Noble and Joey Mercury in suits. Cue up more dummy jokes from the announcers. Ambrose threw the arm of the mannequin toward Rollins, who ignored it.
Rollins started walking down to the ring, noting he grew up in the Midwest like the audience. He said unlike all of them, though, he was destined to be more than some pathetic Midwestern piece of trailer park trash. The crowd didn't take the bait on the cheap heat. Rollins said they will never have any idea what it's like to be him. He then called out fans for taking pictures and videos of him because they know he's the best part of Raw every week.
Rollins went on to talk about Hell in a Cell, then Mick Foley's music suddenly interrupted for this week's Halftime show act. Foley hit the ring and took a mic standing next to Ambrose. Foley said he came by to visit an old friend (the HIAC Cell). Foley told a story about December 2012 when his kids raved about The Shield. And they were right about Shield dominating. But, as great as they were as a cohesive unit, he visualized the day when Rollins and Ambrose would go face-to-face. And he almost always pictured Rollins coming out on top. Rollins said he's thankful Foley still has a few good thoughts left in his half-working brain. Foley told him he missed the "almost" in the sentence. Because on Sunday, it's Hell in a Cell.
Foley went back in time to 18 years ago when he fell off the top of the Cell and now wears Santa Claus outfits to remember the shreds of innocence left in him. Ambrose spoke up that he lost his innocence years ago and no one else in this company understands him, except for maybe Foley. Ambrose said Rollins is going to wake up in a hospital bed on Monday morning asking himself if it was all worth it at Hell in a Cell. Rollins said Ambrose is out of his mind, but he will beat him just like he's been beating him all along the way.
Foley interrupted and swung the conversation back to himself going off the top of the Cell. Foley said he breaks up his life into pre-Cell and post-Cell segments. He wasn't the same afterward. See, just like the people here in Kansas City, they get the game they've been waiting 29 years for tomorrow. And, six days from now, Ambrose and Rollins get the match they've been waiting their entire lives for. "Have a nice day," he closed. As Foley's music played, Ambrose tried to hit Rollins with a chair, but Rollins got away. Ambrose chucked the mannequin toward Rollins, Mercury, and Noble as the trio walked away from ringside.
Still to come: Cena & Ambrose vs. Orton & Rollins & Kane in a handicap Street Fight.
Up Next: Dolph Ziggler and Cesaro in singles action.
[Q10] [Commercial Break at 10:15]
5 -- IC champion DOLPH ZIGGLER vs. CESARO -- non-title match
The bell sounded back from break to begin the post-Halftime match. JBL noted the death of Ox Baker as Ziggler and Cesaro felt each other out in the ring. Cesaro rocked Ziggler with a forearm, but took too much time gloating, allowing Ziggler to nail a dropkick in response. Cesaro won the next exchange dropping Ziggler across the top rope. Ziggler sold the effects heading to break.
[Commercial Break at 10:23]
Back from break, Cesaro was still in control of the action. Cesaro wanted a top-rope move, but it was ill-advised, as Ziggler intercepted with a snap dropkick to the mush. Ziggler then fired off a round of offense to rock Cesaro for a two count.
[Q11] Reset at 9:00 with Ziggler and Cesaro blocking each other's moves. Cesaro then smashed Ziggler with a big European Uppercut. It KO'ed Ziggler for the pin and the win, putting Cesaro in line for an IC Title shot down the line.
Post-match, Cesaro wasn't done. Cesaro wanted the Neutralizer to put an exclamation point on his win, and he delivered it mid-ring. Cue the siren for Cesaro to leave with the win and insult to injury.
WINNER: Cesaro at 9:30. Solid match; will a title re-match be added to the PPV? Also, it worth drawing attention to Ziggler losing again? It's almost expected, especially if he's holding a title.
Authority's Office: Rollins and Orton were arguing. Triple H walked in to make Kane the general out there in the ring. But, Rollins and Orton didn't want to hear it. So, Kane screamed at them to put aside their differences and work together to take out Cena and Ambrose before Hell in a Cell. General Kane got the troops quieted down to Hunter's approval to end the segment.
[Commercial Break at 10:33]
HIAC Pre-show: Miz TV with Damien Sandow as guest, plus the pre-show panel with Booker T, Alex Riley, and guest Paul Heyman with Renee Young.
Video Package: Hell in a Cell By the Numbers. Long video package going through the HIAC history before bringing it forward to Cena vs. Orton and Ambrose vs. Rollins this year.
Suddenly, the Wyatts theme interrupted. Their vignette played again with Bray talking about rebuilding Luke Harper and Erick Rowan. And Bray's desolation coming.
In-ring: John Cena's music played first for the TV main event. After Cena came out, Dean Ambrose joined him looking for a fight. The faces prepared for their fight as Raw headed to break.
[Q12] [Commercial Break at 10:45]
Backstage: Hulk Hogan was shown standing backstage talking to a wide-eyed Renee Young about topics to be saved for WWE Network after Raw.
In-ring: Kane and Randy Orton were out first for the heel trio. Seth Rollins then joined them on the stage for a united march down to the ring to square off against the babyface duo.
6 -- JOHN CENA & DEAN AMBROSE vs. THE AUTHORITY (RANDY ORTON & SETH ROLLINS & KANE) -- handicap Street Fight
Ambrose got his hands on Rollins early on to preview their PPV match. Meanwhile, the crowd picked up a ritualistic "Let's Go Cena / Cena Sucks" chant while Cena waited on the ring apron. Ambrose then took the fight to the outside, where bodies were splattered across the floor by Ambrose's wild antics.
Ambrose then went under the ring to retrieve a table, but Kane cut him off with a blast onto the table. Kane bounced Cena off the table, too, heading to break.
[Commercial Break at 10:54]
Back from break, Rollins was working on Ambrose mid-ring. The heels continued to work on Ambrose per General Kane's orders heading to the top of the hour.
[Q13 -- over-run] Ambrose fought back against Orton, then finally got a hot tag to Cena. Chaos broke out with weapons becoming involved. Rollins then got the best of Cena with a facebuster back in the ring, but Cena kicked out of a pin.
Back to the floor, where Kane sent Cena hard into the announce table, then into the ring steps. Everyone returned to the ring, then the Cell was suddenly lowered down to the ring. Ambrose took advantage by smashing Rollins into a Cell wall before smashing Orton with his rebound clothesline off the ropes. Ambrose then bashed Orton with Kendo Stick shots into a side Russian Legsweep using the stick.
Ambrose grabbed a chair and brought it into the ring, where he smashed it into Orton coming off the second rope. Ambrose then popped Kane with a chair shot to the back before back-dropping Kane onto Orton. Ambrose saved a suicide dive onto Rollins for last. Back in the ring, more chaos until Orton dropped Ambrose with an RKO in the middle of the ring. Orton covered Ambrose for the pin and the win.
WINNERS: Team Authority at 18:30. Chaotic main event attempting to give a taste of the PPV on Sunday. The problem is they gave away one of the key selling points of the PPV - Ambrose getting his hands on Rollins - in the opening seconds of this match. They spent the better part of three weeks stressing whether Ambrose or Cena would get his hands on Rollins and then gave it away right here in the main event to the point where it wasn't even a big deal that Ambrose was working on Rollins with some rudimentary wrestling offense in the opening seconds. The lack of attention to detail, over-exposure of top stars, and repetitive matches is really hurting the booking in the three-hour era.
Post-match: Rollins suddenly dropped Orton with a Curb Stomp in the middle of the ring. The announcers were stunned by Rollins taking out his stablemate. "I call the shots around here!" Rollins declared. Rollins then left the cage and celebrated on top of the Cell to close Raw 11 minutes past the top of the hour.
October 20, 2014 - Episode #1,116
Live in Kansas City, Mo.
Report by James Caldwell (@JCTorch), PWTorch assistant editor
- The Card: Final Hell in a Cell PPV hype, John Cena & Dean Ambrose vs. The Authority in a handicap Street Fight, The Usos & Sheamus vs. The Miz & Rhodes Bros. in a six-man tag re-match from Smackdown, and Hulk Hogan advertised locally.
Live Raw on USA Network
Raw opened with a shot of the Hell in a Cell structure hanging above the arena. Michael Cole introduced the show before Triple H's music played to bring out Hunter joined by Seth Rollins, Randy Orton, and Kane. No Stephanie McMahon. All four men were dressed in suits. Ties for Hunter and Kane, but open collars for Rollins and Orton. As The Authority slowly walked down to the ring, Cole hyped Raw in a hot city with the World Series starting tomorrow night in Kansas City.
In the ring, Hunter welcomed everyone to Raw. He said this is a Raw to be proud of because these three men - Rollins, Kane, and Orton - will compete in a handicap street fight against John Cena (mixed reaction) and Dean Ambrose (strong reaction). Lots of K.C. Royals blue in the crowd tonight.
Hunter said if Cena and Ambrose make it through tonight, they will advance to Hell in a Cell on Sunday. Hunter hyped the Cell, advertising unspeakable things inside this Cell on Sunday. And it's all live on WWE Network for $9.99. Why would people give the heels their money? Hunter then hyped his HIAC win/loss record, but said it's not his point. Because it's not the match you win, rather survive.
Hunter then hyped the double main event of Cena vs. Orton and Ambrose vs. Rollins on Sunday. Rollins spoke up next, but paused for "You Sold Out" chants. Rollins said he is Mr. Money in the Bank, but he would like to be called Undisputed Future WWE World Hvt. champion. Boos. Orton spoke up next that he is the Main Event of Hell in a Cell and vowed to beat Cena on Sunday. "I will end the decade-long rivalry once and for all," Orton said.
Hunter tried to calm down Rollins and Orton, noting it's a "double main event." But, which match goes on last? Hunter added a little something to Orton against Cena because the winner of the match will receive "an opportunity with WWE World Hvt. champion Brock Lesnar." Orton, from St. Louis, said unlike the Royals who haven't won a baseball title in 29 years, he will make Hunter proud by winning on Sunday and then become champion. The crowd picked up loud Royals chants, which drew a smile from Hunter as Orton seethed. Hunter said The Authority always wins, then Kane shot off his pyro to close the segment.
THE NEWS: Cena vs. Orton is a default #1 contender match for the WWE World Title at HIAC ... and that guy Brock Lesnar is still on the roster.
Last Tuesday on Main Event: Damien Sandow and The Miz mocked Sheamus, who dropped Sandow with a Brogue Kick.
In-ring: Sheamus's music played to bring out the U.S. champion for an opening six-man tag match. Lilian Garcia returned to Raw TV as the new ring announcer replacing Justin Roberts introducing Sheamus before Raw cut to break.
[Q2] [Commercial Break at 8:14]
Back from break, The Usos were introduced as Sheamus's tag partner. What did Sheamus do for the past four minutes? WWE wanted an inset promo from the Usos, but an inset promo from the Rhodes Bros. was cued up. WWE quickly cut to the Usos's inset promo. Out first for the heels were Goldust and Stardust, which brought up their inset promo talking about their title defense against the Usos on Sunday. Back to the arena, where Miz and Damien Sandow came out as the last participants in the tag match.
1 -- U.S. champion SHEAMUS & THE USOS vs. THE MIZ (w/Damien Sandow) & WWE tag champs GOLDUST & "STARDUST" CODY RHODES -- six-man tag match
Before the bell sounded, Miz dropped off the ring apron and told Sandow to get in the ring. "Really?" Sandow asked. Sandow hopped on the ring apron to get in the mix, then Miz joined the commentary team to discuss the "opportunity of a lifetime" he gave Sandow. The match quickly cut to another break after basic opening action.
[Commercial Break at 8:24]
Back from break, the heels were working on Uso. Sandow then tagged in and some of the crowd cheered, just as Miz was talking about Sandow not being more popular than he is. Sandow tried to execute Miz's moveset, but Uso blocked Sandow/Miz's charging corner clothesline. Exit Sandow, enter Stardust to maintain control for the heels.
[Q3] Hot tag to Sheamus as Sandow entered for the heels. Miz got hyped cheering on Sandow, who took punishment from Sheamus. The action broke down before the Usos started flying, then Cody did a springboard splash onto the Usos on the floor. Sheamus then came off the top with a splash to Sandow on the floor.
Back in the ring, Sheamus measured Sandow for a Brogue Kick, but Cody came flying in with a Disaster Kick attempt. Sheamus ducked, then smashed Cody with a Brogue Kick. But, Sandow rolled up Sheamus from behind for a quick three count. Miz flipped out in excitement on commentary, saying he won. Cole asked if Miz can do that himself on Sunday by knocking off Sheamus.
WINNERS: Team Miz/Sandow at 9:42. Basic six-man tag with the hot tag, high-flying, and chaotic finish setting up Sheamus in jeopardy of dropping the title on Sunday.
[Commercial Break at 8:33]
Authority Office: Orton wanted to talk to Hunter. Orton noted he's not easy to deal with, but he appreciates the opportunity on Sunday. He said when he beats Cena on Sunday, he will be the guy to beat Brock Lesnar, and then go to WrestleMania as WWE champ. Hunter said he doesn't doubt him, but this was Seth Rollins's idea. Hunter said he was looking out for him. Orton wasn't so sure, but said he'll thank him personally.
Suddenly, the Wyatt theme interrupted. It was a vignette for Bray Wyatt hyping his re-born henchmen, Luke Harper and Erick Rowan. Bray also talked about a female individual (or figment of his imagination) guiding him on the path. Bray talked in tongues and an empty rocking chair rocked back and forth to close the vignette.
In-ring: From the Wyatts to Divas champion A.J. Lee. A.J. came out for Divas tag action on the other side of the break.
[Commercial Break at 8:42]
[Q4]
2 -- Divas champion A.J. LEE vs. ALICIA FOX (w/Paige) -- non-title match
Before the bell sounded, Cole hyped A.J. vs. Paige for the Divas Title on Sunday. WWE then replayed events from Friday's Smackdown leading into this singles match. Once the bell sounded, Fox started on the advantage and gloated about it. A kick to the head led to more gloating, then she executed an emphatic backbreaker for a close two count. More punishment, but Alicia took her eyes off A.J., allowing A.J. to respond with offense. Alicia and Paige then ran a distraction play on A.J., allowing Fox to get a surprise pin on A.J. Afterward, Paige and Fox gloated about the win while A.J. looked forward to Sunday.
WINNER: Fox at 4:16. Same deal as the opening match with the heel getting a one-up on the babyface champ heading into the PPV. Fox continues to impress when given a chance to shine.
Locker Room: Randy Orton approached Seth Rollins to discuss the whole WWE Title situation. Rollins made it clear that he plans to be WWE champion via his briefcase, whether on Lesnar ... or Orton. Orton was not too pleased by Rollins's bravado.
[Commercial Break at 8:53]
Post-Raw: Hulk Hogan "exclusive interview" on WWE Network.
In-ring: Randy Orton's music played just before the top of the hour to bring out Orton dressed in a suit. This time, Orton wanted to talk about John Cena by himself. He said it seems like just yesterday when both of them were making their WWE debuts in 2002. "Let's Go Royals" chant interrupted Orton, who responded that the Royals will not win. Ever. Never. Not in 100 years.
[Q5 -- second hour] Orton continued with a discussion about his history with Cena. He said he respects what he's accomplished, but Cena is still "that punk kid from Boston, Mass." who doesn't belong in the same ring with him. Orton told Cena to shove Hustle, Loyalty, and Respect up his ass. He said he's never cared about fighting for what is right (Hogan reference), then vowed to beat Cena on Sunday. "I'm telling you, John Cena, I will beat you and I will savor every second of it," he said. Orton vowed to go on to face The Beast ---
John Cena's music interrupted to bring out Orton's PPV opponent for the rebuttal. Cena posed with Royals fans in the crowd as JBL noted Orton's background being from St. Louis. Cena told Orton to shut up, then called Orton the "biggest dumbass alive" every time he speaks. Cena said Orton sounds like a grandpa peeing his pants talking about the past.
How stupid is Orton? He came to this city with everything going on right now - pause for Royals-related chants - and he told the people that the Royals have no shot at winning the title. 2002 he might have been right. That's also the last time Orton was relevant. But, now it's 2014 and the Royals are in the World Series. And they have their eyes square on the World Series Championship. Orton tried to interrupt by saying being there and winning it is completely different.
Cena said that's right, but Orton has no chance of winning their match on Sunday. Why? Because he's got his eyes on him. And if he beats him on Sunday, then he gets The Beast one more time.
Suddenly, Paul Heyman's voice interrupted. Heyman returned to TV reminding everyone of the Class of 2002 - John Cena, Randy Orton, and the next big thing, Brock Lesnar, who conquered The Rock for the WWE Title. So, if you think about it, the reigning, undisputed champion of 2002 is also the champ in 2014. Now, this Sunday, Cena and Orton are going to enter - pause to admire the Cell structure - the Cell.
Heyman said the winner of Cena vs. Orton is the ultimate loser because he has to face The Beast. Heyman stepped to Orton to tell him that he wants no part of his beast. And then there's Cena, who wants both Lesnar and the title. Suddenly, Cena hoisted Heyman in the air for an AA, but he put Heyman down as Orton paced in the background. Orton then spun Cena around and dropped him with an RKO. "Who's stupid now?!" Orton shouted down at Cena. Heyman laughed to himself and stood next to Orton, who who then surprised Heyman by dropping him with an RKO. Orton stood tall in the ring shouting toward the crowd as Cena and Heyman recovered in the ring.
[ JC's Reax: Major re-heat effort behind Orton the last two weeks trying to hype another round of Cena-Orton, but it's unfortunate a heel finally got in the physicality on Heyman that's been building for months and months. Can't get that moment back. ]
Video Package: Big Show vs. Rusev feud heading into Hell in a Cell.
Backstage: Rusev and Lana were shown walking down the hallway. Rusev is in action next.
[Commercial Break at 9:13] [Q6...]
[...Q6] Moments Ago: John Cena opted not to give Paul Heyman an AA, so Orton dropped him, then Heyman with RKOs.
In-ring: Rusev was waving his Russian flag as Big E. prepared to face him in singles action. It's a re-match from Main Event.
3 -- RUSEV (w/Lana) vs. BIG E.
Big E. ran over Rusev early on, sending Rusev reeling to the floor. Big E. didn't wait for Rusev to get back in the ring, as he tried to follow up with offense on the floor. Back in the ring, Rusev and Big E. traded bombs until Rusev took control with kicks and stomps. Rusev then caught Big E. running the ropes with a big leg whip. This was turned into a two-segment match with Raw heading to break with Rusev in control.
[Commercial Break at 9:23]
Back from break, Rusev cut off a comeback attempt with a big kick to the face. Rusev went right into The Accolade in the middle of the ring. Quick shift to the finish out of the break, setting up an apparent post-match segment.
WINNER: Rusev via submission at 7:22.
Post-match, Lana spoke in the ring about Big Show failing Americans this Sunday. Rusev said Show belongs in a circus wallowing in his own excrement. Rusev vowed to rip out Show's heart and devour it. He said Show will fail his country and the people will despise him for it. Lana spoke next to honor the "true red, white, and blue," which produced the Russian flag. Except there was no flag, just the Cell structure.
On the video screen, Big Show smiled a big smile. Suddenly, the American flag dropped and patriotic music played. Rusev and Lana flipped out, then Rusev approached the American flag and teased pulling down the flag, but a person dressed in Army gear hit the ring looking like a fan hopping the rail. Security hit the ring, then Rusev smashed the man with a boot to the face. Rusev left the ring, then security checked on the man, who sold a head injury. Cameras stayed on the individual, making it seem like an angle. The crowd didn't know how to handle it, the announcers remained silent, and Raw cut to break.
[Q7] [Commercial Break at 9:30]
Moments Ago: Rusev wanted to yank down an American flag, but a man dressed in military gear hit the ring. He promptly took a kick to the head, then Big Show came down to ringside to help the man away from ringside during the break.
Back live, Show was in the ring looking quite upset and emotional. Show stared into the crowd as WWE zoomed in tight on Show's eyes. Show couldn't find the words, then stomped the mat. He said you do not disrespect an American solider. Ever. "Rusev," he continued before pausing to collect himself. "You want my attention. You want to get inside my head. Young man, my head is a very dark place to be." Show vowed to unleash his wrath on Rusev.
"I am an American. I am a giant," he said. Show vowed to end Rusev's 15 minutes of fame at Hell in a Cell on Sunday. Show threw down the mic, but decided he wasn't done. He called down Rusev to come fight him now. No sign of Rusev, so Show left the ring to find Rusev backstage.
WWE cut backstage to show Show approaching Rusev's locker room. Inside were his suits and gear, but no sign of Rusev. Show then left the locker room.
[ JC's Reax: Major desperation to sell the PPV (and Network subs) using a fake military rep to set up Big Show's big ra-ra speech promo. ]
Somewhere: Dean Ambrose was watching Kane's latest movie to scout for the main event. In walked John Cena to question his scouting tactics. Ambrose said they're like Batman and Superman with different tactics of going about justice. Ambrose and Cena agreed to disagree, then vowed to save it for the ring when they team up in the main event.
[Q8] [Commercial Break at 9:44]
Announcement: Top heel authority figure has been selected for an Eisenhower Fellowship. Announced in the context of the show, it sure makes the organization seem like terrible people for selecting a heel for their program.
4 -- SUMMER RAE vs. BRIE BELLA
Immediately back from break, the bell sounded for a pre-Halftime Divas match to hype Brie vs. Nikki at the PPV. On cue, they showed Nikki standing backstage watching the match on a monitor. Summer controlled early on, but Brie responded with the X Factor for the pin and the win. Backstage, Nikki sold anger over her sister one-upping her before their PPV match. Brie did the Daniel Bryan "Yes!" chants, prompting a Bryan reference from Cole heading to break.
WINNER: Brie at 3:42.
Backstage: Dean Ambrose was shown carrying bags down the hallway for a top-of-the-hour Halftime segment.
[Commercial Break at 9:52]
In-ring: Dean Ambrose came to the ring just before the top of the hour with his bags full of props. Prop #1 was a Seth Rollins mannequin. Ambrose removed the mannequin's arm and slapped "Rollins" in the face with it. Ambrose then screwed the mannequin's mouth with a screwdrier and hammered the mannequin's face. He then pulled out a saw to cut off his testicles, but he remembered Rollins sold his to The Authority months before.
[Q9 -- third hour] Ambrose pulled out tongs and squeezed the dummy's crotchal area as the announcers cracked jokes to make the bit less cool. Ambrose then piledrove the mannequin and stood over his work. Seth Rollins's music interrupted to bring out Rollins flanked by Jamie Noble and Joey Mercury in suits. Cue up more dummy jokes from the announcers. Ambrose threw the arm of the mannequin toward Rollins, who ignored it.
Rollins started walking down to the ring, noting he grew up in the Midwest like the audience. He said unlike all of them, though, he was destined to be more than some pathetic Midwestern piece of trailer park trash. The crowd didn't take the bait on the cheap heat. Rollins said they will never have any idea what it's like to be him. He then called out fans for taking pictures and videos of him because they know he's the best part of Raw every week.
Rollins went on to talk about Hell in a Cell, then Mick Foley's music suddenly interrupted for this week's Halftime show act. Foley hit the ring and took a mic standing next to Ambrose. Foley said he came by to visit an old friend (the HIAC Cell). Foley told a story about December 2012 when his kids raved about The Shield. And they were right about Shield dominating. But, as great as they were as a cohesive unit, he visualized the day when Rollins and Ambrose would go face-to-face. And he almost always pictured Rollins coming out on top. Rollins said he's thankful Foley still has a few good thoughts left in his half-working brain. Foley told him he missed the "almost" in the sentence. Because on Sunday, it's Hell in a Cell.
Foley went back in time to 18 years ago when he fell off the top of the Cell and now wears Santa Claus outfits to remember the shreds of innocence left in him. Ambrose spoke up that he lost his innocence years ago and no one else in this company understands him, except for maybe Foley. Ambrose said Rollins is going to wake up in a hospital bed on Monday morning asking himself if it was all worth it at Hell in a Cell. Rollins said Ambrose is out of his mind, but he will beat him just like he's been beating him all along the way.
Foley interrupted and swung the conversation back to himself going off the top of the Cell. Foley said he breaks up his life into pre-Cell and post-Cell segments. He wasn't the same afterward. See, just like the people here in Kansas City, they get the game they've been waiting 29 years for tomorrow. And, six days from now, Ambrose and Rollins get the match they've been waiting their entire lives for. "Have a nice day," he closed. As Foley's music played, Ambrose tried to hit Rollins with a chair, but Rollins got away. Ambrose chucked the mannequin toward Rollins, Mercury, and Noble as the trio walked away from ringside.
Still to come: Cena & Ambrose vs. Orton & Rollins & Kane in a handicap Street Fight.
Up Next: Dolph Ziggler and Cesaro in singles action.
[Q10] [Commercial Break at 10:15]
5 -- IC champion DOLPH ZIGGLER vs. CESARO -- non-title match
The bell sounded back from break to begin the post-Halftime match. JBL noted the death of Ox Baker as Ziggler and Cesaro felt each other out in the ring. Cesaro rocked Ziggler with a forearm, but took too much time gloating, allowing Ziggler to nail a dropkick in response. Cesaro won the next exchange dropping Ziggler across the top rope. Ziggler sold the effects heading to break.
[Commercial Break at 10:23]
Back from break, Cesaro was still in control of the action. Cesaro wanted a top-rope move, but it was ill-advised, as Ziggler intercepted with a snap dropkick to the mush. Ziggler then fired off a round of offense to rock Cesaro for a two count.
[Q11] Reset at 9:00 with Ziggler and Cesaro blocking each other's moves. Cesaro then smashed Ziggler with a big European Uppercut. It KO'ed Ziggler for the pin and the win, putting Cesaro in line for an IC Title shot down the line.
Post-match, Cesaro wasn't done. Cesaro wanted the Neutralizer to put an exclamation point on his win, and he delivered it mid-ring. Cue the siren for Cesaro to leave with the win and insult to injury.
WINNER: Cesaro at 9:30. Solid match; will a title re-match be added to the PPV? Also, it worth drawing attention to Ziggler losing again? It's almost expected, especially if he's holding a title.
Authority's Office: Rollins and Orton were arguing. Triple H walked in to make Kane the general out there in the ring. But, Rollins and Orton didn't want to hear it. So, Kane screamed at them to put aside their differences and work together to take out Cena and Ambrose before Hell in a Cell. General Kane got the troops quieted down to Hunter's approval to end the segment.
[Commercial Break at 10:33]
HIAC Pre-show: Miz TV with Damien Sandow as guest, plus the pre-show panel with Booker T, Alex Riley, and guest Paul Heyman with Renee Young.
Video Package: Hell in a Cell By the Numbers. Long video package going through the HIAC history before bringing it forward to Cena vs. Orton and Ambrose vs. Rollins this year.
Suddenly, the Wyatts theme interrupted. Their vignette played again with Bray talking about rebuilding Luke Harper and Erick Rowan. And Bray's desolation coming.
In-ring: John Cena's music played first for the TV main event. After Cena came out, Dean Ambrose joined him looking for a fight. The faces prepared for their fight as Raw headed to break.
[Q12] [Commercial Break at 10:45]
Backstage: Hulk Hogan was shown standing backstage talking to a wide-eyed Renee Young about topics to be saved for WWE Network after Raw.
In-ring: Kane and Randy Orton were out first for the heel trio. Seth Rollins then joined them on the stage for a united march down to the ring to square off against the babyface duo.
6 -- JOHN CENA & DEAN AMBROSE vs. THE AUTHORITY (RANDY ORTON & SETH ROLLINS & KANE) -- handicap Street Fight
Ambrose got his hands on Rollins early on to preview their PPV match. Meanwhile, the crowd picked up a ritualistic "Let's Go Cena / Cena Sucks" chant while Cena waited on the ring apron. Ambrose then took the fight to the outside, where bodies were splattered across the floor by Ambrose's wild antics.
Ambrose then went under the ring to retrieve a table, but Kane cut him off with a blast onto the table. Kane bounced Cena off the table, too, heading to break.
[Commercial Break at 10:54]
Back from break, Rollins was working on Ambrose mid-ring. The heels continued to work on Ambrose per General Kane's orders heading to the top of the hour.
[Q13 -- over-run] Ambrose fought back against Orton, then finally got a hot tag to Cena. Chaos broke out with weapons becoming involved. Rollins then got the best of Cena with a facebuster back in the ring, but Cena kicked out of a pin.
Back to the floor, where Kane sent Cena hard into the announce table, then into the ring steps. Everyone returned to the ring, then the Cell was suddenly lowered down to the ring. Ambrose took advantage by smashing Rollins into a Cell wall before smashing Orton with his rebound clothesline off the ropes. Ambrose then bashed Orton with Kendo Stick shots into a side Russian Legsweep using the stick.
Ambrose grabbed a chair and brought it into the ring, where he smashed it into Orton coming off the second rope. Ambrose then popped Kane with a chair shot to the back before back-dropping Kane onto Orton. Ambrose saved a suicide dive onto Rollins for last. Back in the ring, more chaos until Orton dropped Ambrose with an RKO in the middle of the ring. Orton covered Ambrose for the pin and the win.
WINNERS: Team Authority at 18:30. Chaotic main event attempting to give a taste of the PPV on Sunday. The problem is they gave away one of the key selling points of the PPV - Ambrose getting his hands on Rollins - in the opening seconds of this match. They spent the better part of three weeks stressing whether Ambrose or Cena would get his hands on Rollins and then gave it away right here in the main event to the point where it wasn't even a big deal that Ambrose was working on Rollins with some rudimentary wrestling offense in the opening seconds. The lack of attention to detail, over-exposure of top stars, and repetitive matches is really hurting the booking in the three-hour era.
Post-match: Rollins suddenly dropped Orton with a Curb Stomp in the middle of the ring. The announcers were stunned by Rollins taking out his stablemate. "I call the shots around here!" Rollins declared. Rollins then left the cage and celebrated on top of the Cell to close Raw 11 minutes past the top of the hour.
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