Although it may not look it, this episode of Raw was the biggest Raw of Daniel Bryan's career. Therefore, this was the biggest Raw for the internet fans. I've always noticed that Raw after a Pay-Per-View is always good. This Raw was no different. You want to know why this show was so good for Bryan and us fans? Well, part of the answer lies in the show opener.
John Cena Announces He Is Leaving For Surgery
John Cena opened the show by saying he was disgusted when he heard that Triple H attacked Daniel Bryan. He praised his match with Daniel Bryan, then he made the announcement. He said that he had to go and recover from his elbow injury, and the crowd exploded. They cheered for Cena's temporary departure, and I was kind of happy about it, too. John Cena is one of the hardest working wrestlers in the industry today. No doubt about it. It's rare that he misses a Raw, and the guy does house shows as well. I can't remember the last time John Cena spent more than one week off the air. Time off will be good for him. Not only is it good for him, but it's good for the WWE roster. Cena will be out for 4-6 months. This will give wrestlers the chance to fill in his shoes, and get new wrestlers on television. Wrestlers like Dolph Ziggler and Cody Rhodes can finally get the chance to solidify themselves as main eventers. Best of all, Daniel Bryan has the chance to become the WWE's number one face. That leads to this.
Daniel Bryan confronts Stephanie McMahon
Before John Cena left he welcomed to the ring Daniel Bryan. Daniel Bryan came down to the ring, and shook Cena's hand, and Cena left. Before Daniel Bryan can say anyhing Stephanie McMahon's music hit. Stephanie apologized for her husband's actions, but says that Triple H did what's best for business. Daniel Bryan he expected Stephanie McMahon or Vince McMahon to do what triple H did, but not triple H. He continued by telling Stephanie that when you lay with trash you start to stink referring that Triple H acting like that because of Stephanie. She tells Bryan that he has a place in the WWE, but the WWE Championship is not it. She continues by saying he's not an "A", but a solid "B+". Bryan comes back by telling Stephanie that she's reminding him of a B word. Stephanie tells Bryan he needs to calm down, and Bryan replies by smacking the microphone out of her hand. After getting a new microphone, she calls for security to escort him out of the building. He words to Stephanie that he will be back, and walks away.
Damien Sandow vs Cody Rhodes
A rematch from Sunday night's SummerSlam started up Raw. As the match began, the commentators pointed out that another victory of the Money In The Bank holder will place Cody Rhodes as the #1 contender for the World Heavyweight Championship. During the match Cody Rhodes sprung off the top rope and hit Sandow with a missile dropkick. Sandow prevented a top turnbuckle attack by pulling Cody Rhodes violently down to the mat. Damien continued reversing moves throughout the match, looking like an intelligent fighter. Cody hit Sandow with a top turnbuckle moonsault. At the end, Cody hit Damien with a disaster kick, and Damien rolled out the ring. As Cody went after him, Damien grabbed his head on the apron, and slammed it on the top rope. As Damien went for an attack, Cody reversed and won the match with a roll up.
This was a good match. I think it was even better than their SummerSlam performance. I don't think this rivalry is over yet not only because of the finish, but because they both have an opportunity at the WHC. I'm going to make a prediction that Damien Sandow is going to cash in the Money In The Bank briefcase before Cody has a chance at the title, allowing a triple threat match for the title between Del Rio, Cody, and Sandow. I think a match like with those three will be spectacular. I don't think Sandow is ready for the title, so I think his reign will be short. I still think that Sandow can play as a great rival for Cody in the beginning of his reign.
Funkadactyls vs AJ Lee & Layla
Nothing special happened in this match. The Funkadactyls won by a roll up, and Layla's reaction to getting pinned was pretty cool. Moving on.
Dolph Ziggler vs The Shield
Tonight was a good, yet confusing night for The Shield. They had two matches tonight and both were scheduled because their opponents had opinions on Triple H's actions at SummerSlam.
Dolph started the match against Dean Ambrose and was very careful not to get in The Shield's corner, but it was only a matter of time until it happened. Roman Reigns came in a little later, and beat the crap out of Dolph. I liked what I saw in Roman. He's slowly getting better in the ring, and I would hope so since he's tagging with great technical wrestlers. Dolph was in The Shield's corner, and they were taking turns beating him down. The whole time Ziggler is super selling, of course. At one point Ziggler began to comeback, hitting a dropkick on Roman and a fame-ass-er soon after. At the end a distraction cost him as he ran into a spear by Roman Reigns. After the match, The Shield finished Dolph off with a triple powerbomb. I can't help but wonder where WWE is going with Dolph Ziggler.
Alberto Del Rio vs Sin Cara
As the match began I couldn't help but think to myself that Sin Cara was about to job hard to the World Heavyweight Champion. I was right. Before the match could really get started Sin Cara injured himself while hitting a suicide dive. Del Rio wanted to keep on fighting even while doctors were checking out the situation. The match ended giving Alberto Del Rio a victory.
He grabs the microphone and talks about how the Hispanic community needs a hero, and that he is that hero. All of a sudden Ricardo Rodriguez comes out and tells Alberto that he is no hero. Ricardo continues by saying he's glad he goes not represent Alberto anymore, then announces he represents Rob Van Dam. Sure, he can represent the Hispanic community. RVD heads into the ring and attacks Del Rio, and sets up for the 5 Star Frog Splash, but Del Rio rolls out of the ring in retreat.
Real Americans vs Prime Time Players
I guess The Prime Time Players are faces now that Darren Young announced that he's gay.This was an above decent tag team match. Cesaro hit a gutwrench suplex on Titus O'Neil, and that move just looks amazing. The Real Americans work as a team, dominating Titus. Then, Darren Young gets a hot tag, and it looked pretty cool. He got the pin after hitting his finisher, which is a fireman's carry gutbuster.
I'm a fan of Antonio Cesaro, so I wasn't happy that the Real Americans lost, but it looks like they're giving PTP a push because of the buzz around Darren Young. I don't like this. Darren Young didn't make a big deal about it, so WWE shouldn't either. After the Money In The Bank Pay-Per-View The Real Americans looked like they were on their way to tag team #1 contenders. I was hoping to see a triple threat tag team match between Shield, Usos, and Real Americans. Now it looks like PTP vs Shield. I like the Prime Time Players, but they have to wait their turn. A rivalry with The Real Americans would've been great is The Real Americans were to have the titles with them. Imagine Zeb Colter talking about homosexuality negatively, and Darren Young defending it. I guess we have to wait and see what WWE is planning.
Ryback The Bully
Ryback goes into a locker room and tells someone in there the locker room belongs to himself. He tells the man to pick up his bag. The man does so. Ryback grabs it and throws it to the side, and tells the man to go get it. Ryback repeats this until they are in the showers. He tells the man to turn on the shower head and fill up his bag. The man says this is all he has, and Ryback smacks him. The man fills up the bag, and Ryback tells him to get out of the his locker room. I love the Bully Ryback segments. I think this gimmick is perfect for him. I'd love to see Ryback try to bully the new announcer for Smackdown, Alex Riley. I think that will be a great way for Ryback to take this out of backstage, and for Alex Riley to have a match.
Big Show vs The Shield Tornado Handicap Match
Big Show dominated The Shield for the majority of the match. There was a moment in the match when Roman Reigns went for a spear, but Big Show beat him to it, spearing Roman. Roman disappears for a while after that. Show later double suplexes Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins. Roman Reigns then comes in and spears Big Show. The Shield then triple powerbomb him, and work together to pin Big Show. This match was surprisingly entertaining. I love how dominant The Shield made Big Show look even though he lost. Twitter was joking that The Shield might have another match, but some of us were hoping it were true.
CM Punk vs Curtis Axel in a Brawl
CM Punk comes out to respond to Paul Heyman. Earlier that night Paul Heyman came out to forgive CM Punk and ask Punk to reunite with him. Punk was great tonight, calling out someone in the crowd that was booing him. He told the guy he wanted to fight and if he had any ball he would come into the ring and fight Punk. He calls out Paul Heyman. Moments later Heyman comes out with Curtis Axel. Punk begins apologizing for not hurting Heyman, and taking his guard down at SummerSlam to attack Heyman. He also apologizes that Heyman thought that losing to Lesnar was going to stop Punk from hurting Heyman. Heyman replies by saying he is sorry for what was about to happen referring to Curtis Axel going in to attack him. CM Punk is sitting in a chair in the middle of the ring waiting for Curtis Axel to near the ring.
The two begin to brawl. A lot of interesting things happened in this match, but I noticed that Punk didn't sell one of Axel's chops at all. Punk threw Axel over the barricade and then did a suicide dive over the barricade. That looked awesome. He then grabbed the bell and hit Axel with it. After dragging him in the ring, Curtis Axel was set up for a GTS. He reversed and attacked Punk's injured leg. Axel begins an assault on Punk's leg using a chair. Axel sets up the chair on CM Punk's leg, and is about to smash it when Punk moves out of the way. The brawl ended when Punk hit a GTS on Axel, using the steel steps.
R-Truth vs Bray Wyatt
This was a fast paced match, which is cool to see with Bray's size. There was one spot where Bray hit a monstrous cross body. The match ended after Bray hit his finisher, the Sister Abigail, and got the pin.
After the match there was a promo for an upcoming tag team named "Los Matadores" whose gimmick is being dressed like matadors and saying "Ole!". The first thing that comes to mind is El Generico, of course, but it is rumored that this may be Primo and Epico.
3MB vs The Usos
There wasn't much special in this match except the finish where Jimmy tagged in Jey as he went for a suicide dive, and Jey hit the superfly splash and got the pin. I love that there were two tag team matches tonight, though.
The Miz vs Wade Barrett
I think I'm one of the few people that actually like The Miz. He has a lot of charisma, and energy that is entertaining. During the match Wade Barrett hit one of his vintage moves, which is the big boot to the outside. I absolutely love this move. Its one of my favorite from Barrett. At the end Miz ended up getting the win after an interference from fandango, who hit The Miz with a diving leg drop as Miz had Barrett in the figure four lock.
Randy Orton Coronation
For the coronation, all of the WWE superstars were on the stage, and The Shield were doing security. The Shield has lost it's way. In the ring were Triple H, Vince McMahon, and Stephanie McMahon. While on the mic, Triple H pretty much said he did what was best for business. He referred to Randy Orton as an A+, and said that was what the WWE Universe deserved. He said he attacked Daniel Bryan for the fans. Then, he announces the new WWE Champion Randy Orton. Orton takes the mic and says he owes everything to Triple H and that he deserves respect. Boy, am I glad to see him as a heel again. Triple H invites Daniel Bryan to the ring, who sneaked back into the building. Bryan came out after Hunter did some convincing. As soon as he neared the ring The Shield attacked Bryan. triple H warned the wrestlers on the stage t not interfere. Bryan fought back and walked toward the ring when Roman Reigns came out of nowhere and speared DB. After a few moments of beating, Triple H called for the Hounds of Justice to let him in. Bryan slowly entered the ring, and the moment he did Orton hit Bryan with an RKO.
This was a spectacular ending. It made me hate Triple H, the McMahons, and Randy Orton. I have to give this show a 4/5. I think some matches like Barrett vs Miz, Usos vs 3MB, and Layla & AJ vs Funkadactyls could have used more time, or could have been better.
John Cena Announces He Is Leaving For Surgery
John Cena opened the show by saying he was disgusted when he heard that Triple H attacked Daniel Bryan. He praised his match with Daniel Bryan, then he made the announcement. He said that he had to go and recover from his elbow injury, and the crowd exploded. They cheered for Cena's temporary departure, and I was kind of happy about it, too. John Cena is one of the hardest working wrestlers in the industry today. No doubt about it. It's rare that he misses a Raw, and the guy does house shows as well. I can't remember the last time John Cena spent more than one week off the air. Time off will be good for him. Not only is it good for him, but it's good for the WWE roster. Cena will be out for 4-6 months. This will give wrestlers the chance to fill in his shoes, and get new wrestlers on television. Wrestlers like Dolph Ziggler and Cody Rhodes can finally get the chance to solidify themselves as main eventers. Best of all, Daniel Bryan has the chance to become the WWE's number one face. That leads to this.
Daniel Bryan confronts Stephanie McMahon
Before John Cena left he welcomed to the ring Daniel Bryan. Daniel Bryan came down to the ring, and shook Cena's hand, and Cena left. Before Daniel Bryan can say anyhing Stephanie McMahon's music hit. Stephanie apologized for her husband's actions, but says that Triple H did what's best for business. Daniel Bryan he expected Stephanie McMahon or Vince McMahon to do what triple H did, but not triple H. He continued by telling Stephanie that when you lay with trash you start to stink referring that Triple H acting like that because of Stephanie. She tells Bryan that he has a place in the WWE, but the WWE Championship is not it. She continues by saying he's not an "A", but a solid "B+". Bryan comes back by telling Stephanie that she's reminding him of a B word. Stephanie tells Bryan he needs to calm down, and Bryan replies by smacking the microphone out of her hand. After getting a new microphone, she calls for security to escort him out of the building. He words to Stephanie that he will be back, and walks away.
Damien Sandow vs Cody Rhodes
A rematch from Sunday night's SummerSlam started up Raw. As the match began, the commentators pointed out that another victory of the Money In The Bank holder will place Cody Rhodes as the #1 contender for the World Heavyweight Championship. During the match Cody Rhodes sprung off the top rope and hit Sandow with a missile dropkick. Sandow prevented a top turnbuckle attack by pulling Cody Rhodes violently down to the mat. Damien continued reversing moves throughout the match, looking like an intelligent fighter. Cody hit Sandow with a top turnbuckle moonsault. At the end, Cody hit Damien with a disaster kick, and Damien rolled out the ring. As Cody went after him, Damien grabbed his head on the apron, and slammed it on the top rope. As Damien went for an attack, Cody reversed and won the match with a roll up.
This was a good match. I think it was even better than their SummerSlam performance. I don't think this rivalry is over yet not only because of the finish, but because they both have an opportunity at the WHC. I'm going to make a prediction that Damien Sandow is going to cash in the Money In The Bank briefcase before Cody has a chance at the title, allowing a triple threat match for the title between Del Rio, Cody, and Sandow. I think a match like with those three will be spectacular. I don't think Sandow is ready for the title, so I think his reign will be short. I still think that Sandow can play as a great rival for Cody in the beginning of his reign.
Funkadactyls vs AJ Lee & Layla
Nothing special happened in this match. The Funkadactyls won by a roll up, and Layla's reaction to getting pinned was pretty cool. Moving on.
Dolph Ziggler vs The Shield
Tonight was a good, yet confusing night for The Shield. They had two matches tonight and both were scheduled because their opponents had opinions on Triple H's actions at SummerSlam.
Dolph started the match against Dean Ambrose and was very careful not to get in The Shield's corner, but it was only a matter of time until it happened. Roman Reigns came in a little later, and beat the crap out of Dolph. I liked what I saw in Roman. He's slowly getting better in the ring, and I would hope so since he's tagging with great technical wrestlers. Dolph was in The Shield's corner, and they were taking turns beating him down. The whole time Ziggler is super selling, of course. At one point Ziggler began to comeback, hitting a dropkick on Roman and a fame-ass-er soon after. At the end a distraction cost him as he ran into a spear by Roman Reigns. After the match, The Shield finished Dolph off with a triple powerbomb. I can't help but wonder where WWE is going with Dolph Ziggler.
Alberto Del Rio vs Sin Cara
As the match began I couldn't help but think to myself that Sin Cara was about to job hard to the World Heavyweight Champion. I was right. Before the match could really get started Sin Cara injured himself while hitting a suicide dive. Del Rio wanted to keep on fighting even while doctors were checking out the situation. The match ended giving Alberto Del Rio a victory.
He grabs the microphone and talks about how the Hispanic community needs a hero, and that he is that hero. All of a sudden Ricardo Rodriguez comes out and tells Alberto that he is no hero. Ricardo continues by saying he's glad he goes not represent Alberto anymore, then announces he represents Rob Van Dam. Sure, he can represent the Hispanic community. RVD heads into the ring and attacks Del Rio, and sets up for the 5 Star Frog Splash, but Del Rio rolls out of the ring in retreat.
Real Americans vs Prime Time Players
I guess The Prime Time Players are faces now that Darren Young announced that he's gay.This was an above decent tag team match. Cesaro hit a gutwrench suplex on Titus O'Neil, and that move just looks amazing. The Real Americans work as a team, dominating Titus. Then, Darren Young gets a hot tag, and it looked pretty cool. He got the pin after hitting his finisher, which is a fireman's carry gutbuster.
I'm a fan of Antonio Cesaro, so I wasn't happy that the Real Americans lost, but it looks like they're giving PTP a push because of the buzz around Darren Young. I don't like this. Darren Young didn't make a big deal about it, so WWE shouldn't either. After the Money In The Bank Pay-Per-View The Real Americans looked like they were on their way to tag team #1 contenders. I was hoping to see a triple threat tag team match between Shield, Usos, and Real Americans. Now it looks like PTP vs Shield. I like the Prime Time Players, but they have to wait their turn. A rivalry with The Real Americans would've been great is The Real Americans were to have the titles with them. Imagine Zeb Colter talking about homosexuality negatively, and Darren Young defending it. I guess we have to wait and see what WWE is planning.
Ryback The Bully
Ryback goes into a locker room and tells someone in there the locker room belongs to himself. He tells the man to pick up his bag. The man does so. Ryback grabs it and throws it to the side, and tells the man to go get it. Ryback repeats this until they are in the showers. He tells the man to turn on the shower head and fill up his bag. The man says this is all he has, and Ryback smacks him. The man fills up the bag, and Ryback tells him to get out of the his locker room. I love the Bully Ryback segments. I think this gimmick is perfect for him. I'd love to see Ryback try to bully the new announcer for Smackdown, Alex Riley. I think that will be a great way for Ryback to take this out of backstage, and for Alex Riley to have a match.
Big Show vs The Shield Tornado Handicap Match
Big Show dominated The Shield for the majority of the match. There was a moment in the match when Roman Reigns went for a spear, but Big Show beat him to it, spearing Roman. Roman disappears for a while after that. Show later double suplexes Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins. Roman Reigns then comes in and spears Big Show. The Shield then triple powerbomb him, and work together to pin Big Show. This match was surprisingly entertaining. I love how dominant The Shield made Big Show look even though he lost. Twitter was joking that The Shield might have another match, but some of us were hoping it were true.
CM Punk vs Curtis Axel in a Brawl
CM Punk comes out to respond to Paul Heyman. Earlier that night Paul Heyman came out to forgive CM Punk and ask Punk to reunite with him. Punk was great tonight, calling out someone in the crowd that was booing him. He told the guy he wanted to fight and if he had any ball he would come into the ring and fight Punk. He calls out Paul Heyman. Moments later Heyman comes out with Curtis Axel. Punk begins apologizing for not hurting Heyman, and taking his guard down at SummerSlam to attack Heyman. He also apologizes that Heyman thought that losing to Lesnar was going to stop Punk from hurting Heyman. Heyman replies by saying he is sorry for what was about to happen referring to Curtis Axel going in to attack him. CM Punk is sitting in a chair in the middle of the ring waiting for Curtis Axel to near the ring.
The two begin to brawl. A lot of interesting things happened in this match, but I noticed that Punk didn't sell one of Axel's chops at all. Punk threw Axel over the barricade and then did a suicide dive over the barricade. That looked awesome. He then grabbed the bell and hit Axel with it. After dragging him in the ring, Curtis Axel was set up for a GTS. He reversed and attacked Punk's injured leg. Axel begins an assault on Punk's leg using a chair. Axel sets up the chair on CM Punk's leg, and is about to smash it when Punk moves out of the way. The brawl ended when Punk hit a GTS on Axel, using the steel steps.
R-Truth vs Bray Wyatt
This was a fast paced match, which is cool to see with Bray's size. There was one spot where Bray hit a monstrous cross body. The match ended after Bray hit his finisher, the Sister Abigail, and got the pin.
After the match there was a promo for an upcoming tag team named "Los Matadores" whose gimmick is being dressed like matadors and saying "Ole!". The first thing that comes to mind is El Generico, of course, but it is rumored that this may be Primo and Epico.
3MB vs The Usos
There wasn't much special in this match except the finish where Jimmy tagged in Jey as he went for a suicide dive, and Jey hit the superfly splash and got the pin. I love that there were two tag team matches tonight, though.
The Miz vs Wade Barrett
I think I'm one of the few people that actually like The Miz. He has a lot of charisma, and energy that is entertaining. During the match Wade Barrett hit one of his vintage moves, which is the big boot to the outside. I absolutely love this move. Its one of my favorite from Barrett. At the end Miz ended up getting the win after an interference from fandango, who hit The Miz with a diving leg drop as Miz had Barrett in the figure four lock.
Randy Orton Coronation
For the coronation, all of the WWE superstars were on the stage, and The Shield were doing security. The Shield has lost it's way. In the ring were Triple H, Vince McMahon, and Stephanie McMahon. While on the mic, Triple H pretty much said he did what was best for business. He referred to Randy Orton as an A+, and said that was what the WWE Universe deserved. He said he attacked Daniel Bryan for the fans. Then, he announces the new WWE Champion Randy Orton. Orton takes the mic and says he owes everything to Triple H and that he deserves respect. Boy, am I glad to see him as a heel again. Triple H invites Daniel Bryan to the ring, who sneaked back into the building. Bryan came out after Hunter did some convincing. As soon as he neared the ring The Shield attacked Bryan. triple H warned the wrestlers on the stage t not interfere. Bryan fought back and walked toward the ring when Roman Reigns came out of nowhere and speared DB. After a few moments of beating, Triple H called for the Hounds of Justice to let him in. Bryan slowly entered the ring, and the moment he did Orton hit Bryan with an RKO.
This was a spectacular ending. It made me hate Triple H, the McMahons, and Randy Orton. I have to give this show a 4/5. I think some matches like Barrett vs Miz, Usos vs 3MB, and Layla & AJ vs Funkadactyls could have used more time, or could have been better.
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