It’s the RAW before Money in the Bank. And instead of hyping the PPV, the WWE is focused more on the Wyatt Family debut and Vickie Guerrero’s Job Evaluation. I’m looking forward to see the Wyatt Family, and I feel like their debut might go with the job evaluation. But shouldn’t you be focused on PPV buys for Sunday instead???
Don’t Fall Vickie!!!
After another Wyatt Family promo at the beginning of the show, Vickie and Brad Maddox were in the ring with a ladder and a couple of refs. Vickie said that the symbol of the ladder has helped launch many careers. She climbed the ladder and said it is tough for a woman to get to the top in a male dominated world. She said while her and the WWE Universe may have seen eye-to-eye, every decision she made was for them. Jerry Lawler interrupted and said her job evaluation will include all factors, including the opinion of the WWE Universe. He said there will be a vote on the App for the WWE Universe to grade Vickie’s job. Vickie said she considers the WWE Universe her family, and that they have their good days and bad days. She said Mark Henry and John Cena will be face to face, and tonight Kane will face Christian, Randy Orton will face Kane, and Sheamus will face Daniel Bryan.
Segment Analysis: So this means that there will be multiple segments of Vickie tonight. And this may be the thing that ends the show as well. Unless it involves the Wyatt Family, I think that is a major disappointment. Survey Says: 2/5
Where Was This At Wrestlemania 28?
Sheamus vs Daniel Bryan. Sheamus hit a headlock takedown then a shoulder tackle. They reset and Bryan applied an armbar then hit a clothesline. Sheamus hit a couple of punches then some knees to the head and applied an armbar. Bryan got out then ducked a clothesline and hit a running high knee. Bryan hit some kicks but Sheamus came back with a kick of his own. Bryan ducked a clothesline then hit a backbreaker for two. Bryan was thrown over the top but he ducked a Sheamus charge and Sheamus went over the top. Bryan went for a knee off the apron but Sheamus caught him and dropped him into the barricade.
Back from break Bryan escaped a headlock but ran right into an Irish Curse backbreaker. Sheamus caught Bryan with a knee to the face then an elbow. Sheamus hit a rolling senton and got ready for a Brogue Kick, but Bryan ducked and Sheamus went over the top. Bryan hit a dive to the outside. Bryan hit a missile dropkick off the top for two. Bryan hit a couple kicks, but Sheamus ducked the third and rolled to the apron. He caught Bryan with a punch then hit his rope punches. Sheamus went to the top but Bryan crotched him. Bryan went for a hurricarrana but Sheamus blocked it, then hit a battering ram off the top for two. Sheamus went for White Noise, but Bryan escaped and hit a drop toe hold into the turnbuckle, then a kick to the head for two. Bryan went for a headbutt off the top but Sheamus moved. Bryan reversed Sheamus and hit a roll up for two. Bryan went for a No Lock but Sheamus escaped, and Sheamus applied a Cloverleaf. Bryan countered into a small package and picked up the three count for the win.
Both men shook hands after the match.
Match Analysis: Very good match. Great way to start the show. It really picked up after the commercial break with some great counter sequences. Bryan picked up a surprisingly clean win over Sheamus. And I like the finish, it makes near falls like that more believable. These two have great chemistry together. Survey Says: 4/5
They showed a camera guy asking for directions to the Wyatt house from a few days ago.
Backstage Dolph Ziggler and AJ talked. Dolph asked why she wasn’t with him on Monday. AJ said she would do anything to make sure they left Money in the Bank champions. AJ asked if Dolph wanted to go all the way. He said he did, to his third World Championship. Then they kissed.
Another Mark Henry video package aired.
DEATH METAL YELL!!!
The Shield vs Tons of Funk. Clay and Tensai threw Rollins around a bit to start. Both men hit suplexes the Clay splashed Rollins in the corner, but he moved out of the way of the mat splash. Rollins tagged in Reigns and both men took turns working over Clay. Clay fought out of a headlock but ran right into a Reigns elbow. Clay fought out of another headlock but Reigns beat him down again with some punches. Reigns went to backdrop Clay but Clay countered with a roll up, then blocked a Reigns suplex. Both men made tags and Tensai took it to Rollins. Tensai rolled into Rollins in the corner, but he missed a second time then Rollins dropped him in the corner. Tensai ducked a Rollins dive and hit his chokeslam powerbomb for two. Reigns made a blind tag and Rollins flipped onto Clay on the outside, then Reigns hit the Spear for the win.
Match Analysis: For a short match it wasn’t bad. Shield looked good in the ring and dominated most of the match, but Tons of Funk held their own and performed well also. Survey Says: 2.5/5
They showed the camera man from earlier at the Wyatt house. The dark haired one snuck up from behind and told the camera guy to follow him.
HOW WILL CENA EVER HIT THE ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT ON MARK HENRY???
John Cena came out. He said Mark Henry said earlier he wanted to talk to him. Cena said he is standing there, and they just needed the World’s Strongest Man. Mark Henry came out. Henry said Cena had the same look he did last week, the look of fear. Cena said he wasn’t afraid, but Henry said he should be. Henry said for 17 years he’s been starving, and there’s only one thing that can satisfy it. Cena asked if this was about a damn Snickers bar. Henry said normally he would attack Cena, but instead he’s gonna chill. Henry said Cena is just like everyone else here, a puppet. Henry said if he wins the WWE Title, it will solidify his career and make him a first ballot Hall of Famer. Cena said he sees a desperate man. A man who sold out his family just to win some gold. Cena said he better walk out Champion otherwise he gets nothing, 17 years down the drain. Henry said he doesn’t care what Cena thinks. Henry said there are lines Cena won’t cross. Cena interrupted him, and Henry said if he does it again Money in the Bank will start early. Cena said there’s a line, and Henry should cross it and see what happens. Henry said he took a paycut before, and he won’t fight for free. Henry then said he would give Cena a sample. Cena backed up and Henry laughed. Henry went to leave then hit Cena. Cena went for an AA but Henry collapsed on top of him. Henry then hit the World’s Strongest Slam.
Segment Analysis: That wasn’t a bad promo exchange between both men. I liked Henry’s work a little better than Cena’s. Cena can’t go from stupid and goofy to serious like that. As I said, they have been doing a good job of building it up as Henry’s one big shot. Survey Says: 3/5
They interviewed Randy Orton. He said he wouldn’t hesitate to cash in on a vulnerable John Cena if he wins Sunday.
Paul Heyman Must Have Stole Batista’s Sunglasses
Chris Jericho vs Curtis Axel. Axel said Jericho needs a jacket with Christmas lights, while all Axel needs is his IC Title to shine. Jericho started the match with a dropkick, then clotheslined Axel over the top. Jericho hit a dropkick through the ropes. Axel caught Jericho with a shoulder to the gut coming back in the ring, then a neckbreaker. Back from commercial Axel had an armbar applied. Axel missed an axe handle off the top. Jericho started a comeback. He went for the Walls but Axel countered. Axel ran right into a boot from Jericho. Axel ducked a clothesline then hit Jericho in the back of the head for two. Axel missed a splash and Jericho hit a crossbody off the top for two. Jericho went for the Lionsault but Axel got his knees up then hit a swinging neckbreaker for two. Axel missed a dropkick again and Jericho hit a Lionsault for two. Jericho went for the Codebreaker, but Axel caught him and dropped him on the ropes, then hit the Perfect Plex but only for two. Axel went for another neckbreaker, but Jericho countered and applied the Walls. Axel got to the ropes. Jericho then knocked Axel off the apron into the announce table. Axel then stared down Miz, who was on commentary. Axel got back in the ring, but walked right into a Codebreaker, giving Jericho the win.
Match Analysis: Another good match. Three on RAW? And only half way through the show? Must be a new record. Axel loses for the first time under Heyman but that really doesn’t matter to most people. Jericho needed a win more heading into Sunday. Survey Says: 3/5
Backstage, Cody Rhodes, Damien Sandow, Jack Swagger, Antonio Cesaro, Zeb Colter and Wade Barrett all argued about who would win the MITB Match. It ended with Fandango coming in, and Wade Barrett punching him before he could finish saying his name.
The WWE.com reporter walked into the Wyatt house and found Bray Wyatt.
THE MEXICO IWC EXPLODES!!!
Alberto del Rio vs Sin Cara. Sin Cara hit an armdrag then a hurricarrana. Sin Cara went to the top but Del Rio caught him with an enziguri kick to the head. Del Rio threw Sin Cara into the ropes but Sin Cara hit a springboard elbow. Del Rio caught Sin Cara with another kick to the head. Dolph Ziggler came out. He said since Ricardo isn’t here, he would introduce Del Rio properly. He said Del Rio is a coward who tried to end his career, and has no chance to win Sunday. Del Rio left the ring and attacked Ziggler. Sin Cara hit a crossbody from the top and Dolph walked away.
Segment Analysis: That wasn’t good. It isn’t a good way to start Ziggler’s face turn and it came off kind of forced. Hopefully they do better on Smackdown. Survey Says: 2/5
#GOOD FOR BUSINESS
Everyone came out for Vickie’s Job Evaluation. Vickie thanked the McMahons for giving her the opportunity to run RAW. She talked about the superstars she brought back. Steph then asked if bringing back Brock Lesnar was a good idea. She apologized for Brock attacking HHH and Vince. Vince said Vickie has always been entertaining, and that is the main goal of RAW. Triple H chimed in and said she was terrible at her job. HHH said Vickie was supposed to promote the new WWE video game, but she was instead booed out of the building. HHH said Vince may think she is entertaining, but his view doesn’t mean anything because the Golden Girls aren’t on TV anymore. HHH said Vickie had an annoying voice. Vince chimed in and said Vickie should be permanent GM. HHH then said they should let Steph decide since she called the meeting. Both Vince and HHH tried persuading Steph. She said to let the APP decide. Vickie got a failing vote, 75%-25%. Stephanie fired Vickie. Vickie went on a huge rant. Vince then named Brad Maddox GM.
Segment Analysis: That went much longer than it needed to. Brad Maddox’s facial expression at the end was great. See you again here in two months when we go through the same stuff with him. Survey Says: 1.5/5
Backstage, Vickie started slapping Brad Maddox when he went to thank Vince McMahon.
Rocking Chair, FROM OUT OF NOWHERE!
Christian vs Kane. Kane threw Christian into the turnbuckle then caught Kane with an uppercut. Kane backed Christian into the corner then hit a clothesline. Christian escaped and hit an elbow off the top. Christian went for a pin but Kane caught him and reversed it into a backdrop. Christian once again escaped Kane and dropped him on the ropes. Kane charged at Christian and he moved. Christian hit a dive to the outside. Back from commercial, Kane missed his clothesline from the top. Christian went for a spear but Kane caught him with a chokeslam and picked up the win.
Suddenly, Bray Wyatt appeared on the titantron. Wyatt went on a tangent, saying he created war and that this isn’t the beginning, but it is the end. The Wyatts then appeared on stage and started walking to the ring. The lights came on and they attacked Kane. Eventually, they slammed the steel steps into Kane’s head.
Segment Analysis: Nothing much to the match. It was really short. The Wyatt Family debut was well done. It was very creepy and the promos gave a sort of House of A 1000 Corpses vibe. I expected them to have a bigger debut, but it was well done for what it was. Except the idiot fans chanting Husky Harris after. Wow, you know who wrestlers used to be? Do you think you are cool or something? Survey Says: 3.5/5
Backstage, Ryback hugged Vickie and told her she deserves better.
Kaitlyn and Layla vs AJ and Alicia Fox ended with Kaitlyn attacking AJ and spearing her outside the ring.
Backstage, CM Punk said Randy Orton was wrong saying Punk wasn’t the best in the world, and he will make history when he wins Money in the Bank for the third time Sunday.
The Battle of The Chops!
CM Punk vs Randy Orton. After a quick offensive exchange both men stared each other down then locked up again. Orton took Punk down with a clothesline. Punk caught Orton with a spinning kick but Orton came right back with a dropkick. Orton did the Garvin stomp then dropped a couple of knees on Punk, but Punk moved out of the way of the last one. Orton regained the upperhand and went for the middle rope DDT, but Punk tossed him to the outside then hit a dive through the ropes.
Back from break, Orton had a headlock applied. Orton worked it into a t-bone suplex for two. Punk fought out of another headlock and hit a kick to the head, but Orton caught Punk with a clothesline. Orton hit a couple more but Punk rolled through into a pin attempt, then hit a spinning neckbreaker for two. Punk hit a running high knee then the Macho Man Elbow off the top. He went for the GTS but Orton pushed him through the ropes then hit his middle rope DDT. Orton went for an RKO, Punk tried to counter into a backslide but Orton countered with a scoop slam for two. Orton hit some corner punches, but Punk escaped and hit another high knee. Punk went for anther GTS but Orton escaped, and Punk then escaped another RKO with a kick to the face. Punk finally connected with a GTS for the win.
After the match Daniel Bryan attacked Punk then took out a ladder and put it in the ring. He took out Orton with it, then climbed the ladder and grabbed the briefcase.
Match Analysis: Another solid match on RAW. It’s refreshing to see so much good wrestling on one show. Seeing Bryan on top to end the show was a bit strange, especially because whoever ends the show on top before the PPV rarely wins at the PPV. Good match between Orton and Punk with some solid counters, especially Punk’s last escape of the RKO. Survey Says: 4/5
OVERALL
I thought that was a solid episode of RAW. There were two really good matches and a handful of solid, shorter ones. As I just said, I like when there is a good amount of wrestling like that on the show. I was surprised to see the WWE Title Match get so little air time. I guess the WWE knows the ladder matches sell the show, so they aren’t too worried about that. I liked the Wyatt Family stuff. The videos were very creepy as was their entrance. I’m okay with them starting off with Kane. You don’t want to push them too hard immediately, or they might end up like The Shield is now. I wasn’t a fan at all of the McMahon/Vickie stuff. And if this is getting dragged out until Wrestlemania 30, god help us all. But the positives out weighed the negatives. I’m giving the show a 7. Definitely worth watching.
Until Next Time,
Justin C
Follow Me On Twitter @JCWonka
