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8/29/11
BOKCenter in Tulsa, Oklahoma
"Burn it to the Ground" hits to lead us into to RAW!
JR:
Welcome to Monday Night Raw, we are live here in Tulsa, Oklahoma!
"IT'S TIME TO PLAY THE GAME"
The crowd gives a VERY mixed reaction for arguably the most controversial man in all of the WWE. Triple H walks on stage showing his face for the first time since Summerslam. Triple H takes a moment at the top of the ramp to stare out into the crowd. The COO where's a suit and his hair in a ponytail. He walks down the ramp, enters the ring, and grabs a microphone. The Game's music dies down, but the crowd’s raucousness does not. While some in the crowd chant "Triple H" others chant "CM Punk", and yes some chant "We Want Bryan!" Triple H smiles and opens his mouth to speak.
The crowd somehow gets even louder for the "Anti-Hero" CM Punk. Punk comes out and doesn't taunt, he just simply walks down to the ring and grabs a mic.
Punk:
Now Hunter while I have to admit I'm surprised to see you actually out here, seeing as apparently you're a busy man and all. I just wanted to come out here before you spoke so I could expose any corporate BS that you might try to sell to these people in Tulsa and those people at home.
The crowd pops and now nearly unanimously chants for CM Punk.
Punk:
Nonetheless, however, I am surprisingly glad you're here. Y'see I'm glad you're here 'cause we want some answers!
Another pop from the crowd as Trips speaks for the first time.
Punk:
Yes Hunter, we. We meaning me, these people in Tulsa, those people watching, and even a few guys in the locker room, who will remain nameless in order to protect their job security.
Hunter gets a cocky grin on his face.
HHH:
So what would you "guys" like to know?
Punk:
Well, for starters, why'd you screw me out of the WWE Championship?
The crowd cheers as Hunter keeps his condescending smirk.
HHH:
I believe Johnny already told you why, it's what was best for business. My job is to do what's best for business.
The crowd really boos HHH now as Punk just sort of laughs, fully expecting it.
Punk:
Come on Mr. COO, you didn't come all the down here just to tell us something you're little stooge told us two weeks ago. May I ask WHY it was "best for business"?
HHH:
It was "best for business" because the WWE needed a champion that would be loyal to this company and not go running to some low-budget Indy fed with OUR top championship. That someone was a man who loves the WWE more than nearly anybody I've ever known, John Cena.
Big time mixed reaction for this.
Punk looks out to the crowd for a second before continuing.
Punk:
That was the load of corporate BS I've ever heard since Vince McMahon claimed that "Bret screwed Bret"!
The crowd cheers big time.
Punk:
Why in the hell would I come back and defend my title and then just up and leave again? Hunter, I know you're obviously not the brightest guy, but even you're not that stupid.
The crowd cheers as Triple H's face is now a scowl.
Punk:
Just admit it Hunter, the reason you screwed me out the title wasn't because it was "best for business" for WWE, it's best for yourself. Let's face it Hunter you like the feel of John Cena's lips in your ass!
The crowd pops as Trips continues to glare.
HHH:
Maybe I don't want a champion who wreaks havoc and has to have his language censored. A champion this company can be proud to have represent it.
The look Punk's face says "spare me"
Punk:
Oh you mean like you were? I mean you really fit the corporate image, with your "oh so original" D-Generation X. I mean parents loved it when their kids yelled "Suck it!" at the top of their lungs and pointing at their crotches. What a role model you were!
The crowd cheers as Punk points out the BS.
Punk:
Ok, so you've already lied about one question. Question number two! (Punk holds up two fingers) Why do I not yet have my rematch for the WWE Championship?
The crowd gives another largely mixed reaction for the WWE Champion, John Cena. Cena walks down the ramp and to the ring. Cena grabs a mic.
Punk:
Hey everybody, the Champ is here!
The crowd gives a large mix of boos and cheers.
Punk:
Well I guess Triple H's ass has gone too long without a kissing so John I hope you brought your Chapstick!
The crowd goes "Oh" as Cena just (pretends to) laugh.
Cena:
Actually I'm here for the same reason you're here for some answers!
Cena:
Well Hunter give us some answers. Why hasn't CM Punk been given a rematch?
HHH just smirks before responding.
HHH:
You all wanna know why he hasn't gotten a title match?
The crowd answers "Yes!"
HHH:
Well, there are a number of reasons. Number one, I don't think I should reward a man who invades RAW and attacks other contenders because he can't get a title shot.
HHH:
Secondly, and more importantly, one of my jobs is to sell Pay-Per-Views, and I don't know about you people, but I would never buy an event where I already know the winner. The fact is Punk you can not beat John Cena.
The crowd disagrees with this as Punk cockily smirks
Punk:
So you think I can't beat Cena?
Punk:
Well if you knew Cena could beat me, why did you screw me out of the WWE Championship at Summerslam?
Cena looks genuinely intrigued as Triple H just stares at Punk.
Punk:
After all, if you KNEW I couldn't beat Cena, then why would you even need to screw me?
Triple H continues to stare at Punk as Cena looks bothered.
HHH:
Listen I don't have to answer to any of you!
The crowd really boos as Triple H goes to leave the ring.
The crowd gives yet ANOTHER loudly mixed reaction (Interestingly he garners more cheers than Cena) for The Miz. Miz comes down to the ring with a mic in hand. Miz enters the ring and stares down Triple H.
Miz:
Oh please cut the act. Cena you can make mean faces all you want but I know you and Triple H are in cahoots!
Cena just smirks and shakes his head.
Miz:
See Hunter, I know you weren't lying when you said screwing Punk was "best for business". Because, you see John Cena for what he is..... a walking advertisement. You know what half of the WWE Universe has known for years. You know that Cena isn't the best wrestler, he isn't the best on this mic, but you know that he is the most marketable.
Another mix of pop and heat as Cena looks legitimately pissed off, Punk is smirking in the corner and Triple H's face is a beat red.
Miz:
And why not? He's big enough, he's got half of the women in the audience ready to marry him, and he’s gullible enough that you could put him in any stupid outfit you can think of-
Cena:
Miz, that's enough!
Miz slowly turns to Cena with a shit-eating grin on his face.
Cena:
You'd better shut your mouth before I shut if for you!
The women and children cheer.
Miz:
Oh I'll gladly kick your ass like I did at Wrestlemania, Cena! Just give me a title shot, and I'm all yours.
Cena:
Wherever, whenever, Miz!
Miz and Cena begin to stare down
Punk:
Ladies, ladies, please. Now, Miz I admire you for coming out here these past few weeks and showing more balls than I thought you ever had. But if anybody is getting a title shot, it's yours truly.
The crowd pops in support of CM Punk
Punk:
But don't worry after I put my knee through Cena's head, I'll gladly give you a shot.
HHH:
No! You all seem to be forgetting that this is my show! This is my company! No one's getting anything unless I say so! And I say neither of you are getting a title shot!
BIG time heat for the COO
HHH:
But since you all wanna fight so bad, here's what I'm gonna do. Tonight, Cena you're gonna go one-on-one with Dolph Ziggler, Champion versus Champion.
The crowd cheers for the big match
Triple H then goes to CM Punk
HHH (Pointing at Punk):
And you're gonna go one-on-one with... him.
Triple H points at Miz! The crowd cheers even louder for this match. Triple H's music hits and he leaves the ring.
We come back from to break at ringside.
The crowd gives a good pop for the WWE Tag Team Champions Air Boom, as Kofi gets ready for singles competition. Both men do the signature thunderclap at the top of the ramp as their pyro goes off.
Cole:
Well two big time main events made by our COO here tonight!
JR:
Big matches indeed, however part of me has to believe The Game hasn't told us everything that he is up to.
King:
C'mon JR! You really think he used the announcement of those matches as a distraction?
JR:
I don't call him the Cerebral Assassin for nothing, King.
Kofi is now in the ring awaiting his opponent.
The crowd actually gives some decent heat for Drew McIntyre (considering he hasn't been on Raw for quite sometime).
Cole:
Well as Kofi and Evan prepare for their WWE Tag Team Championship defense at Night of Champions in thirteen days against Michael McGuillicutty and David Otunga, tonight Kofi must face this man Drew McIntyre.
JR:
Interestingly, these two men feuded for the WWE Intercontinental Championship on Smackdown just last year and now Kofi once more has championship gold around his waist and meanwhile Mr. McMahon's "Chosen One" is at a cross roads in his career.
Drew McIntrye vs. WWE Tag Team Champion Kofi Kingston w/Evan Bourne
ENDING:
McIntyre puts Kofi up on the top turnbuckle and goes up to the second rope and grabs Kofi in a SUPERPLEX POSITION. Kofi however, begins to jab McIntyre in the ribs. McIntyre falls off of the turnbuckles onto his feet on the mat. Kofi grabs McIntyre in a front headlock on the second rope. Kofi leaps off for a TORNADO DDT- but McIntyre throws Kofi off! Kofi lands on his feet and runs toward McIntyre- BUT GETS A BIG BOOT IN THE FACE! Cover!
McIntyre pulls Kofi up to his feet, puts Kofi up on his shoulders in a fireman's carry position. McIntyre smirks before DROPPING KOFI ACROSS HIS KNEE GUT FIRST!! McIntyre stands up and cockily raises both arms in the air to the heat from the crowd. Bourne meanwhile smacks the mat in support of his partner Kofi, who is writhing in pain right now. McIntyre brings the slowly rising Kingston into the center of the ring before hooking him up and hitting A REVERSE STO! Cover!
No! Kofi kicks out again!
McIntyre looks up at the ref for a moment before bringing Kofi to his feet. McIntyre whips Kofi into the ropes and catches Kingston with a TILT-A-WHIRL- KOFI COUNTERS WITH A BIG DDT!! McIntyre gets spiked right on his head! Kofi stays on the ground tending to his hurt ribs before draping his shoulder over McIntyre!
3- No! McIntyre is just barely able to kick out!
Kofi slowly rises to his feet at the same time as McIntyre. Kofi throws some rather groggy forearms to the head of McIntyre. Drew stumbles back and Kofi sends him off the ropes. Kofi leapfrogs under and McIntyre bounces off the ropes again where Kofi leapfrogs over, McIntyre hits the ropes once
more AND RUNS RIGHT INTO A REVERSE ELBOW FROM KINGSTON! McIntyre uses the ropes to slowly rise to his feet in the corner. Kofi runs in and jumps for the KORONCO BUSTER- BUT MCINTYRE MOVES AND KOFI LANDS HARD ON THE TOP TURNBUCKLE! McIntyre follows up by punching Kofi hard in the back twice and going up to the second turnbuckle and hooking Kingston up for a back suplex. The "Sinister Scotsman" then goes all the way to the top AND HITS A BIG AVALANCHE BACK SUPLEX!!! McIntyre hooks Kofi's leg!
3- No! Kofi somehow nudges his shoulder up!
McIntyre is now very pissed off. He smacks the mat and screams at the ref. When McIntyre finally settles down he pulls Kingston to his feet and DOUBLE UNDERHOOKS KOFI'S ARMS! LOOKING FOR THE FUTURE SHOCK DDT! McIntyre turns his head toward Evan Bourne at ringside and smirks. However, McIntyre's cockiness allows Kofi to break Drew's grasp and HIT THE SOS!!
No! McIntyre still kicks out!
Kofi gets up holding his back as McIntyre rises to his feet hurt as well. McIntyre runs blindly toward Kofi with a clothesline- but Kofi ducks. McIntyre turns around and gets double-chopped down. Drew quickly rises to his feet and gets knocked back down with a dropkick! Kofi hits the ropes as Drew slowly rises up again. Kofi hits a SUPERMAN PUNCH! The crowd cheers as Kofi runs all around the ring before hitting the ropes, stopping to dance, AND HITTING THE BOOM DROP!! Kofi rolls up to his feet and claps his hands in the air as the crowd chants along with Kofi. "Boom! Boom! Boom!" McIntyre stands.... AND GETS NAILED WITH TROUBLE IN PARADISE!!! Kofi hooks the leg!
After the match Bourne enters the ring to celebrate with Kofi.
The crowd boos as were not even given a moment to show replays of the previous match. David Otunga walks out from behind the curtain.
Lawler:
Oh great what is this loud mouth doing here?
Cole:
More importantly, where is Michael McGuillicutty?
JR:
Well we know the two haven't been seeing eye to eye lately. But what is Otunga doing out here?
Otunga slowly walks down the ramp and it is clear something is more than meets the eye. Suddenly, MCGUILLICUTTY SLIDES IN THE RING BEHIND KOFI AND EVAN. McGuillicutty slides into the ring and tries to clothesline Kofi from behind- but Kofi sees him coming on the titantron and ducks! Evan hits a big knee to the jaw of McGuillicutty! McGuillicutty then turns around and gets nailed by Trouble in Paradise!! The Tag Team Champions' music hits as Otunga stands at the end of the ramp, his planned foiled, looking very frustrated not just with the champions, but with his partner as well.
A black screen is all we see we hear a crowd counting with the referee.
The crowd goes absolutely wild.
Announcer:
The winner and new World's Champion: Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat!!
We then fade into the infamous scene at the Chi-Town Rumble where Ricky Steamboat has just defeated his hated rival Ric Flair for the NWA World Championship. Steamboat is handed the World Championship and holds it high for all of the Chicago native to see. Meanwhile, Ricky's wife brings his infant son to the ring as Ricky holds both the World Title and his child as the scene pauses on this image.
???(VO):
Even today it still gives me goose bumps.
The image now fades to a man standing outside an empty ring. The young man looks awfully familiar to the WWE Hall of Famer we just saw.
???:
That moment was the best of his life. He would always tell me that it was a close a perfect moment as he's ever had. Everything that he had worked for and cared about was within arms reach.
The young man pauses before continuing
???:
My whole life has been building up to my own perfect moment. Now I stand here closer than I've ever been to that perfect moment. I can't even imagine what it will be like when I have my perfect moment but, I do know one thing. When it happens I will bring my father into the ring, just as he did me.
???:
I am Richie Steamboat, and my moment is near.
We come back from break and see Triple H walking backstage. His face is still red as he approaches the door to his office. However, before he can enter...
Triple H turns his attention and sees the man who jogs on-screen, Zack Ryder. The crowd cheers big time for the Long Island Iced-Z.
Ryder (breathing heavy):
I've been looking all over for you. Listen, last week-
Triple H holds out his hand motioning him to shut up for a second.
HHH:
Who the hell are you?
Ryder sort of laughs it off at first but then sees the deadpan on the face on the COO.
Ryder:
Are you serious, bro? I'm Zack Ryder! Anyway-
HHH again motions for quiet
HHH:
First off, I'm not your damn bro. Second, who in the hell do you think are? It's "Mr. Helmsley", you understand?!
Ryder:
Y-yeah, I'm sorry M- Mr. Helmsley. But last week I got screwed by Dolph Ziggler and I know I can beat him-
HHH:
Listen you had your shot and ya' lost. I don't care about any excuse you have. Now get out of my face or else you'll be lucky if you can even curtain jerk on Superstars.
Ryder:
But Mr. Helmsley-
Triple H ignores Zack Ryder and enters his office where we can see John Laurenitis waiting inside. The Game slams the door behind him leaving Zack Ryder very confused and very bummed out as the crowd boos Triple H's harsh treatment of "The Long Island Iced Z".
The crowd pops for perhaps the representation of the Divas division herself, Kelly Kelly. Kelly, however, does not dance or taunt on the way to the ring. Instead she marches toward the ring determined and focused.
JR:
As you can see ladies and gentlemen, normal vibrant smile is gone from the beautiful face of Kelly Kelly and in its place is a cold icy look of anger.
Cole:
And the reason Kelly is angry is due to this vicious assault on her best friend Eve Torres, last week.
We are shown replays of last weeks brawl between Beth and Natalya with Kelly and Eve, including Beth screaming at Kelly, "I'm going to take out all of you bimbos, one...by one" and the subsequent brutal sharpshooter on Eve. Also shown is Eve being helped out by Kelly and several trainers.
We come back and see Kelly in the the ring glaring up at the titantron.
**YOU CAN LOOK BUT YOU CAN'T TOUCH**
The crowd is much more negative for Brie Bella accompanied by her sister Nikki.
Cole:
We can confirm that Eve's back was indeed injured last week.
King:
That assault by Beth and Natalya was absolutely uncalled for!
Brie enters the ring and looks a bit uncomfortable looking at the icy stare of Kelly Kelly.
Kelly Kelly vs. Brie Bella w/Nikki
ENDING:
As soon as the bell rings Kelly sprints toward Brie and takes her down with a Lou Thesz Press! Kelly grabs Brie's head and pounds it into the mat repeatedly! The ref finally pulls the former Divas Champion off of Brie Bella. Kelly brings Brie up to her feet and hits the K2!!! Cover!
Cole:
Kelly wins in record time!
JR:
I think it's safe to say we've never seen this side of Kelly Kelly before!
Nikki pulls her sister out of the ring as Kelly looks enraged. Kelly grabs a mic
Kelly (nearly shrieking):
Beth! Natalya! You can call me a bimbo or an idiot all you want but when you hurt my fellow divas, that's when you've taken it too far!
The crowd gives some heat for the Women's Champion Beth Phoenix and Natalya. Both women stand at the top of the ramp and Beth has a mic in hand.
Beth:
You don't like me taking out the trash, Kelly? Well too bad! That's the name of the game. You girls can't hang in the ring with women like Natalya and me!
Kelly:
Oh yeah! Well I have a rematch clause, so we'll see who can hang! I want my rematch in your hometown at Night of Champions. I'm going to humiliate you in front of all of your friends and family!
Beth:
You're going to humiliate me?! You've already humiliated me! You humiliate me every time I see you skip down to the ring in you're skimpy outfits with your fake smile. You humiliate me because whenever my friends or my family turns on their TV to see me wrestle, they see you and think that I am associated with you. At Night of Champions, not only will I humiliate you, but when I'm done with that, I'm going to end you!
Beth's music hits as she heads to the back with Natalya and Kelly mouths "Oh yeah? We'll see about that!"
We go to the interview area where we see Byron Saxton.
Byron:
Please welcome my guest at this time, the United States Champion...
The camera pans out to reveal the interviewee
The crowd boos as Ziggler smirks with a beaming Vickie Guerrero at his side and and the United States Championship around his waist.
Byron:
Dolph, last week you cost Zack Ryder his match-
Dolph:
Wait, wait, why are we talking about Zack Ryder?!
Dolph:
You heard the boss, he had his shot, and he lost, the end.
Byron:
Umm, ok. Well, tonight R-Truth and John Morrison face off in a Number One Contender's match for your United States Championship. Any comments on either of your possible challengers?
Ziggler:
What is there to say? You've got R-Truth, who is probably the only person (and I use that word loosely) I've ever seen lose an argument John Morrison whose physique while impressive, doesn't come anywhere close to mine.
Vickie fans herself as Ziggler flexes
Byron (confused):
Umm Dolph what does this have to do with-
Byron:
Er, well tonight you take on John Cena. Does it worry you to take on the WWE Champion?
Dolph:
Worry me? Why should worry me? Y'see unlike John Cena, I haven't lost my title since winning it the first time. Unlike John Cena, I won my title without any help from a biased referee. Unlike John Cena, I have managed to keep my title in this company. Now if you'll excuse me I have to go prove that I am THE GUY to beat here in the WWE.
Ziggler and Vickie walk off screen
JR:
Cena vs. Ziggler, next!
A shot of every championship is shown as the recognizable voices of many WWE Superstars are heard.
Cena: I will never forget it....
Orton: I will never forget......
Christian: I will never forget.....
Triple H: I will never forget.......
Sheamus: I will neva' forget.......
Now shots of each man winning their first World title is shown accompinied by their voice
Orton: It was in Toronto; Canada
Sheamus: San Antonio; Texas
Christian: Tampa; Florida
Mysterio: Chicago; Illinois
Swagger: Las Vegas; Nevada
Cena: Los Angeles; California
Orton: I became the youngest World Champion in history.
Sheamus: I shocked tha' world.
Mysterio: I proved dreams do come true.
Miz: I proved I wasn't just a reality star.
Triple H: I became The Game!
Cena: I ended a historic title reign.
Now a close up of every superstar is shown
Triple: It was the night I became....
Miz: The night I became....
Mysterio: The night I became....
Sheamus: Tha' night I became....
We come back from break at ringside.
**I’M HERE TO SHOW THE WORLD**
The Oklahoma crowd gives some big time heat for the United States Champion, Dolph Ziggler. Ziggler, obviously, does not come alone followed by his manager Vickie Guerrero.
King:
Well here comes the brash and cocky Dolph Ziggler.
Cole:
You say cocky, I say confident. Say what you will about Dolph Ziggler but is he has the facts to back up his claims. He is the longest reigning champion in the WWE right now.
King:
Yeah, but John Cena is the WWE Champion which is and always has been the most important prize in all of this business, and I think Cena is going to teach him some respect tonight.
Ziggler taunts in the ring as Vickie applauds at ringside.
For the second time tonight, the crowd gives a mixed reaction (though this one is notably less negative) for the WWE Champion, John Cena. Cena salutes before sprinting down the ramp into the ring.
King:
Wow, Triple H continues to impress as COO, eh JR! Another huge night of great RAW matches!
JR:
While I agree that it is nice to see such high profile matches tonight, it appeared to me that “The Game” may have been ducking some of the inquiries made by CM Punk, Miz, and even John Cena by making these matches.
King:
Oh c’mon, JR! I think Triple H did a great job!
Champion vs. Champion Non-Title
WWE Champion John Cena vs. WWE United States Champion Dolph Ziggler w/Vickie Guerrero
ENDING:
Ziggler has Cena on the ground in a side headlock. Ziggler then smiles before doing a very beautiful headstand while keeping the hold applied. The crowd gives Ziggler some heat for being arrogant while even applying a submission. Ziggler goes back to the ground and continues to wear Cena down. Cena sticks out his arm and begins to shake it inciting the crowd to clap in unison. Cena rolls onto his knees before beginning to elbow out of the hold and getting to his feet. Cena gives a Ziggler a big hard elbow to the gut forcing Ziggler to break the hold. Cena throws a heavy right hand at Ziggler- BUT ZIGGLER CATCHES CENA WITH A JUMPING REVERSE STO/SHOULDER BREAKER! Cena grabs his shoulder and stumbles into the ropes with his face grimacing in pain. Ziggler runs up behind Cena, jumps, AND HITS A HOT SHOT ON THE TOP ROPE BY GRABBING CENA’S HEAD AND JUMPING CLEAN OVER THE ROPES TO THE OUTSIDE! Cena goes down as Ziggler stays on the outside for a moment taunting to the jeers from the crowd. Ziggler then slides back into the ring and covers Cena!
No! Cena pops his shoulder up.
Ziggler quickly rolls to his feet next to the still grounded Cena. Ziggler does his signature taunt by running his hands through his hair before expelling any sweat, water or whatever hair product he has put on his head. Ziggler then leaps…. AND HITS A BIG ELBOW DROP!! Ziggler waits a moment before kipping-up beautifully. Ziggler smirks as Vickie claps at ringside while the crowd boos. Ziggler measures Cena as he begins to sit up. Ziggler runs in… AND HITS A RUNNING NECKSNAP! Ziggler covers!
No! Cena still kicks out!
Ziggler has a brief look of disbelief on his face before rising to his feet. Cena slowly rises to his feet, turns around, AND GETS NAILED BY A FLAWLESS DROPKICK BY ZIGGLER! Cover!
NO! Cena kicks out yet again!
Ziggler smacks the mat in disbelief and frustration. Ziggler grabs Cena by the head and pulls him up to his feet- BUT CENA QUICKLY BREAKS ZIGGLER’S GRASP, KICKS HIM IN GUT, HOOKS HIM UP, AND HITS A BIG RELEASE FISHERMAN’S SUPLEX!! Cena covers!
NO! This time Ziggler barely kicks out!
Cena rises to his feet slowly in the center of the ring as Ziggler does the same using the ropes. Ziggler runs at Cena with a wild clothesline- but Cena ducks! Ziggler turns around AND NEARLY GETS DECAPITATED BY A HUGE LARIET FROM CENA! Vickie screams in horror as the crowd lets out a collective gasp.
No! Ziggler some how gets the shoulder up!
Cena brings Dolph back to his feet and irish whips him into the ropes and catches him on the rebound with a hip toss- but Ziggler lands on his feet, goes behind and HITS AN AWESOME BRIDGING GERMAN SUPLEX!
No! Cena pops out just before 3!
Ziggler throws a near tantrum in the ring. Ziggler begins to scream in the ref’s face that he had a three-count. Meanwhile, Cena rises up in the corner using the ropes for assistance. Ziggler sees this, runs toward Cena and hits a STINGER SPLASH…… RIGHT INTO AN EMPTY CORNER! ZIGGLER’S HEAD BOUNCES OFF THE RING POSTAS CENA MOVED OUT OF THE WAY! Ziggler bounces back toward the center of the ring as Cena slowly rolls onto the ring apron before heading to the very top rope. Ziggler stands up, doubled-over AND CENA LEAPS OFF THE TOP TURNBUCKLE WITH A LEG DROP-BUT ZIGGLER DIVES OUT OF THE WAY! Cena crashes into the hard mat below! Ziggler takes a moment to catch his breath before measuring the now rising Cena. Ziggler runs and LEAPS FOR THE ZIG ZAG….. But Cena counters with a modified snapmare! Ziggler quickly gets to his feet, turns, AND GETS A DIVING SHOULDER BLOCK FROM CENA! Cena then quickly hits the ropes again and hits another diving shoulder block! Ziggler again rises to his feet quickly and throws a drunken right hand, which Cena easily ducks and picks up Ziggler for a SPIN-OUT POWERBOMB- but Ziggler back flips off of Cena AND HITS AN INVERTED POWERSLAM!! Ziggler turns Cena over and covers!
NO! Cena still fights his shoulder off of the mat!
Ziggler simply gazes at Cena with a look of disbelief on his face. The crowd is pretty crazy at this point as well. Vickie is screaming at ringside. Cena slowly and groggily gets to his feet and Ziggler runs in for a big bulldog- BUT CENA COUNTERS WITH AN AMAZING SPIN-OUT POWERBOMB!!! Cena rolls back to up to his feet and holds his hand up in the air to the mixed reaction of the crowd. Cena bends down and does his “You can’t see me!” taunt before hitting the ropes, AND HITTING THE FIVE-KNUCKLE SHUFFLE!! Cena gets to his feet and waits for the US Champion to get to his. Cena gets Ziggler up for the ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT…. BUT ZIGGLER SHIFTS HIS BODY AND APPLIES THE SLEEPER!! Ziggler is on Cena’s back with his signature submission locked in! Cena stumbles around the ring with his arms stretched out trying to find the ropes! It’s clear the WWE Champion is fading! Suddenly, CENA BACKS UP HARD INTO THE CORNER WITH ZIGGLER ON HIS BACK FORCING THE BRASH SUPERSTAR TO BREAK HIS HOLD! Cena stumbles forward exhaustedly onto one knee as Ziggler rests in the corner. Suddenly, Cena runs at Ziggler with a big shoulder thrust… BUT DOLPH MOVES AND CENA RUNS SHOULDER FIRST INTO THE RING POST! Cena pulls his shoulder out of the corner, grips his shoulder, turns around AND GETS NAILED WITH A FAME-ASSER FROM ZIGGLER! Hook of the leg!
3-NO! Cena gets his foot on the bottom rope!
Ziggler doesn’t even react he just slumps to the mat, exhausted. When Ziggler finally does stir he slowly gets to stand up and waits for his opponent. Cena finally does rise and Ziggler runs up, jumps for the ZIG-ZAG… BUT CENA SCOOPS ZIGGLER UP ON HIS SHOULDERS IN A FIREMAN’S CARRY POSITION! Cena goes toward the center of the ring and THROWS ZIGGLER OFF FOR AN ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT…. BUT ZIGGLER LANDS ON HIS FEET! Ziggler quickly throws a SUPERKICK- BUT CENA CATCHES ZIGGLER’S KICK, TAKES ZIGGLER DOWN, STEPS OVER, AND LOCKS IN THE STF!!! Ziggler is flopping around like a fish as Cena pulls back on the hold!
Cena exhaustedly releases his submission before celebrating though obviously in pain.
Cole:
What a match!
JR:
It truly shows what it takes to be a champion in the WWE!
We see replays leading up to the ending of the match
When we come back we see Vickie tending to a recovering Dolph Ziggler as Cena stands on the top of the ramp holding the WWE Championship in the air one last time before heading to the back. In the ring, Ziggler is clearly out of breath but still manages to scream, “I’m the best!” and pound the mat in frustration. Vickie tries to settle her client down, as Ziggler continues to shriek “I. AM. THE. BEST!” Ziggler stands and turns and GETS NAILED WITH A ROUGH RYDER FROM ZACK RYDER!!! Ryder came through the audience to get payback on Ziggler! Vickie screams as Ryder pumps his fist as the crowd chants, “Woo, Woo, Woo, you know it!”
We come back from break to see an earlier today video outside of Triple H's office. We see recorded from a distance Abraham Washington shaking hands with both Triple H and John Laurenitis.
Cole:
Ladies and gentlemen, what you are looking at is the end of a meeting earlier between Abraham Washington, Triple H, and John Laurenitis concerning Jack Swagger's contract. WWE.com has confirmed that Jack Swagger has indeed signed a long-term contract worth, are you ready for this 10 million with 5 million guaranteed!
Lawler:
You've gotta be kiddin' me! What has Jack Swagger done to earn that much?!
Cole:
Well according to Abraham Washington this is a new and improved Jack Swagger. Speaking of which ladies and gentlemen, the following video is brought to you by Mr. Washington
Jorge Quintero's 300 Violin Orchestra plays as we see Jack Swagger working out in a dark room, his body silhouetted as clips of Swagger's accomplishments play in the background.
JR:
Right out of Oklahoma, this kid is has got it all.
We hear the rather distinguishable voice of the great Keith David narrating the video package.
David:
A former 2-time All-American...
As Swagger does push-ups we see clips of him at OklahomaUniversity in the background.
Striker:
Perhaps the WWE's fastest rising superstar.
Clips of Swagger's debut in ECW play as Swagger does leg squats.
David:
A former ECW Champion...
Clip of Jack Swagger pinning Matt Hardy to win the ECW Championship
Mathews:
Swagger has done it!
David:
A former Mr. Money in the Bank...
As Swagger does bench presses; we see his MITB win at Wrestlemania, in the background
David:
..and a former World Heavyweight Champion.
We see Swagger hitting the Gutwrench Powerbomb on Chris Jericho on his way to winning the World Heavyweight Championship.
David:
And now Jack Swagger is going to come back bigger...
Swagger hitting the Gutwrench powerbomb on Evan Bourne
Swagger making Big Show tap out to the ankle lock
David:
And better than ever!
The package ends with numerous Swagger highlights and then with a close-up of Swagger's eye opening ending the package epically.
We come back to ringside where Justin Roberts stands in the center of the ring.
Roberts:
The following contest is a number one contender's match for the WWE United States Championship!
"THE TRUTH HAS SET ME FREE!"
The crowd boos the demented R-Truth. Truth walks down the ring mumbling all the way.
JR:
R-Truth qualified for this match last week albeit with some help from the United States Champion, Dolph Ziggler.
We see a replay of Ziggler costing Zack Ryder his match with R-Truth.
When we come back we see Truth in the ring seemingly talking to an accomplice only he can see in the corner.
**AIN'T NO MAKE BELIEVE**
The crowd pops pretty big for "The Shaman of Sexy" John Morrison. Morrison enters in slow motion and the fans blowing in his hair.
We are then showed a replay of Morrison defeating Alex Riley last week, via the Starship Pain.
When we are shown the ring, Morrison is taunting in the corner, before turning to face his rival
JR:
These two have a VERY personal rivalry that should really add to the drama of this match.
King:
Well R-Truth injured John Morrison months ago out of, in my mind jealously.
Cole:
Remember, the thing that made R-Truth snap was John Morrison defeating him in a Number One Contender's match.
Number One Contender's match for the United States Championship
R-Truth vs. John Morrison
ENDING:
A very quick paced match as one would expect with the two competitors in the match. Eventually, it becomes too much for Truth who rolls to the outside of the ring. Morrison however grabs the top rope and LAUNCHES HIMSELF TO THE OUTSIDE WITH A CORKSCREW PLANCHA- BUT TRUTH MOVES.... Too early apparently as Morrison amazingly lands on his feet! Truth turns and gets thrown by Morrison RIGHT OVER THE BARRICADE!! R-Truth slowly gets back to his feet JUST AS MORRISON LAUNCHES HIMSELF RIGHT OVER THE BARRICADE AND ONTO TRUTH!!!
JR:
Who will win this match and go on to Night of Champions?!
We come back to see Morrison clotheslining R-Truth in the middle if the ring. Truth quickly rises to his feet only to be dropkicked right back down. Morrison quickly follows up with a BREAKDANCE LEG-DROP! Cover!
Morrison pulls Truth up to his feet and hooks him up for a side Russian legsweep- but Truth counters with a hard elbow to the side of Morrison's head. Truth then hits a front Russian legsweep! R-Truth then takes a moment before rising to his feet and bringing Morrison to his. R-Truth hooks Morrison up, picks him up for a vertical suplex, and DROPS HIM RIGHT ON HIS FACE WITH A SIT-OUT GOURDBUSTER! Truth turns Morrison over and covers!
No, Morrison gets his shoulder up.
Truth shakes his head and then smacks it before rising to his feet. Truth brings JoMo up to his feet and hooks him up for a suplex yet again. Truth lifts Morrison up and HITS THE TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES! Cover!
No! Morrison barely kicks out!
Truth sits up and begins to mumble to himself. Truth then crawls toward the corner and begins to speak with his imaginary manager. Truth mumbles "What do I gots ta' do?!" Truth then nods and says "Yeah I tried 'dat!". Truth then nods again, puts his hand out and yells "Break!", as if to break the huddle. Truth then kicks the rising Morrison in the gut and hits the ropes- but gets caught off the rebound with a MOONSAULT SIDE SLAM!!! The crowd pops big for the amazing move by "The Shaman of Sexy" who covers Truth!
3- No! Truth barely kicks out!
Morrison slowly crawls toward the ropes, still feeling the effects Truth's earlier offense. Morrison stands using the ropes for support and sees Truth sitting up. MORRISON RUNS IN FOR THE THE KNEE- BUT TRUTH DUCKS, GRABS MORRISON'S LEGS AND GETS A SUNSET FLIP PIN!
No! Morrison rolls to his feet!
Truth rolls to his feet at relatively the same time. Morrison runs in for a clothesline- but Truth does a split to duck out of the way! Truth points to his head as if to say he's smarter than Morrison. Truth than turns AND GETS A SPRINGBOARD FLYING CHUCK TO THE FACE FROM JOHN MORRISON!! Morrison then pulls Truth toward the corner of the ring. Morrison grabs the top rope, SPLIT LEGS OFF THE TOP WITH STARSHIP PAIN- BUT TRUTH ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY! Morrison lands on his feet AND GET TAKEN OUT BY A LIE DETECTOR FROM R-TRUTH!!! Cover!
3- NO! Morrison somehow, someway kicks out!
Truth looks at the ref with a crazed look of disbelief. The ref emphatically informs Truth that Morrison indeed got his shoulder up before three. Truth turns to see Morrison clutching the ropes and beginning to recover. Truth turns toward the corner where his allegedly transparent friend stands and asks "Should I finish it?!" Truth then nods in understanding and yells out to the crowd, "K Y'ALL, I'M FINISHING HIM!" The Tucson crowd boos R-Truth's claim as Morrison uses the ropes to pull himself to his feet. TRUTH JUMPS FOR TRUE CONVICTION- BUT MORRISON HOOKS HIS ARMS IN THE TOP ROPE AND TRUTH HITS THE MAT HARD! Truth sits up AND GETS A RUNNING KNEE FROM MORRISON TO THE FACE!!!
Cover!
Winner and Number One Contender for the WWE United States Championship:
John Morrison
The crowd cheers as Morrison celebrates.
JR:
And so John Morrison will challenge Dolph Ziggler for the United States Championship, at Night of Champions!
We see replays of the finish of the match.
We return to see Morrison celebrating some more.
Backstage, we see a split screen of both The Miz and CM Punk walking toward the ring.
JR:
Well ladies and gentlemen; our main event is coming up next!
We see the same dark room that Dean Ambrose was in last week. Ambrose sits on a chair in the center of the room, his face shrouded in shadows.
Ambrose:
I am the next natural step in the evolution of this sport. However, in order for evolution to occur, a mass extinction must precede it. The next step of the evolutionary chain is the one that can not only survive this extinction, but thrive in it. You see I'm not only the next step in the evolutionary process, but I'm bringing forth the mass extinction. Then natural selection will reign supreme, survival of the fittest. The fittest in this sense is not in terms of physique, but in terms of who is able to adapt to the environment. Trust me when I say that the environment of the WWE is about to change, very greatly. You may think I'm joking, but trust me.... I take what I do very seriously.
All of Ambrose's face is now illuminated.
Ambrose:
My name is Dean Ambrose... and the world as you know it.... Is about to change.
We come back to ringside.
The crowd gives a mixed reaction for the former WWE Champion, The Miz.
Miz doesn't do much taunting during his entrance, instead opting to head down to the ring meaning business.
JR:
Well here comes the often outspoken Miz, who has called out WWE management over the past number of weeks.
Cole:
Listen JR, it's been well documented that I'm a huge fan of The Miz, but honestly his actions over the past few weeks have been absolutely ridiculous!
King:
It's not often I agree with you, Michael but Miz really needs to learn to keep his mouth shut!
Miz waits in the ring for his opponent.
The crowd goes absolutely wild once more for "The Voice of Voiceless" CM Punk.
King:
Speakin' of loud mouths, what place does CM Punk have to claim that he should get a WWE Title match with John Cena?
JR:
C'mon King! You know that Punk was screwed at Summerslam, and I don't about you, but it seems like something fishy is going on here!
Punk stands on the second rope and taunts, while staring down his opponent.
ENDING:
Punk has Miz in the corner and runs in for a SHINING WIZARD- BUT MIZ MOVES AND PUNK BANGS HIS KNEE RIGHT INTO THE TOP ROPE! Punk grabs his knee and writhes in pain as Miz slowly recovers. Punk kneels with his head between the second and third rope while tending to his clearly injured knee. Miz runs up, jumps off of Punk to the outside, and HITTING HIS SIGNATURE HOTSPOT, BOUNCING PUNK'S NECK OFF THE SECOND ROPE! Miz then grabs Punk's leg that with the injured knee AND BOUNCES IT OFF THE OUTSIDE EDGE OF THE RING! Punk flops around in pain as Miz keeps a hold of Punk's leg. Miz jams an elbow right into the knee before dragging Punk onto the floor. Miz then grabs Punk AND TOSSES HIM RIGHT INTO THE STEEL STEPS!! Punk hits the steps so hard that the top half of the stairs get knocked off!
Miz rolls back in the ring and then out again to break the count. Punk meanwhile is laid out on the bottom half of the steel steps. Miz stand on the steps, grabs Punk's leg, AND SLAMS IT KNEE-FIRST ONTO THE STEEL STEPS!!! Punk screams out in pain and grabs his knee. Miz brings Punk to his feet and rolls him back into the ring. Miz covers!
No! Punk inches the shoulder up!
Miz grabs Punk's leg and kicks the back of his knee. Punk squirms away and heads toward the ropes for solace. Miz follows Punk but gets hit in the throat with a Mongolian chop. Punk hits another before sending Miz off the opposite ropes and catching him off the rebound with a SCOOP POWERSLAM! Cover!
Punk takes a moment to slap his knee and try to soothe some of the pain. Punk rises to his feet as Miz has already groggily risen to his. Punk hits a spin kick to the mid-section of Miz. Punk then grabs Miz in a double-underhook AND HITS THE WELCOME TO CHICAGO BACKBREAKER! Notably Punk used his left knee on the maneuver so as not to tweak the bad knee. Cover!
No! Miz gets his shoulder up.
Punk brings Miz to his feet and sends him into the corner. Punk goes to the corner opposite Miz, looks out to the audience, and says, "Let's try this again". Punk runs in... but stumbles due to his bad knee.... AND MIZ HITS HIM WITH A RUNNING BIG BOOT!! Miz covers!
Miz smacks the mat for a moment before calming himself. Miz gets to his feet, grabs Punk's leg, AND HITS A LEG DDT ON PUNK, HYPEREXTENDING THE KNEE! Miz hooks the bad leg!
No! Punk slips his shoulder up!
Miz slaps the mat again out of frustration. Punk is beginning to stand using the ropes again. Miz goes up to Punk, turns him around, AND GETS A ROUNDHOUSE KICK TO THE SKULL!! Miz goes down! Punk takes this opportunity to catch his breath before calling for the Go to Sleep! Punk picks up Miz on his shoulders.... Punk stumbles around due to his knee... But Punk gets his bearings and HITS THE GTS.... BUT MIZ BLOCKS THE KNEE TO THE FACE WITH HIS ELBOW, RIGHT INTO PUNK'S KNEE!! Punk falls onto the knee and Miz quickly hits the ropes, AND NAILS A KNEE TO THE SIDE OF THE HEAD INTO A NECKBREAKER! REALITY CHECK! Cover!
Miz cannot believe it! Miz now stands and measures Punk for the Skull Crushing Finale! Miz comes up behind CM Punk.... Hooks one arm.... But can't hook the second arm as CM Punk fights it... PUNK COUNTERS WITH A PEPSI TWIST! Punk then grabs Miz's head and arm and LOCKS IN THE ANACONDA VICE!!! Miz immediately begins to squirm and move toward the ropes. Punk pulls back on the hold!
MIZ GETS HIS FOOT ON THE BOTTOM ROPE!
The ref quickly counts forcing Punk to break his submission hold. Punk stands up and has a look of absolute exhaustion and disappointment on his face. Miz is exhaustedly sitting against the ropes. Punk runs at Miz- but Miz kicks Punk hard in the BUM KNEE! Punk falls into a kneeling position and MIZ HITS THE SNAP DDT!! Cover!
No! Punk gets his shoulder up!
Miz gets in the ref's face now holding up three fingers. Miz then goes back to Punk and sends him into the corner. Miz places Punk on the top rope and hooks him up for a SUPERPLEX.... BUT PUNK HOLDS ON! Punk punches Miz in the ribs a few times. Punk then headbutts Miz, knocking him off the top rope! Punk then gains his footing on the top rope, points his arms in the air, LEAPS OFF THE TOP.... AND HITS THE SAVAGE ELBOW!! Cover!
The crowd pops big as Punk gingerly gets to his feet and has his arm held high by the official.
JR:
What a match and what an effort by both men!
We see replays of the finish of the match and the moves leading up to the finish.
We come back and see Punk celebrating in the corner. Punk drops down and SEES MIZ WAITING FOR HIM! Miz however doesn't attack, instead he and Punk stare down. MIZ EXTENDS HIS HAND! Punk looks puzzled and cautious as Miz says, "We've gotta stick together!” PUNK SHAKES MIZ'S HAND! The crowd applauds and then Miz then exits the ring. Punk then grabs a mic
Punk (breathing heavy):
So now that THAT'S out of the way, why don't we get down Triple H down here to give me my rematch!
The crowd cheers big as Punk waits.
And Triple H doesn't come out. Punk shakes his head
Punk:
That's fine, that's fine, because you just made the second biggest mistake of your career as COO. Your first was screwing me out of the WWE Title, now I'm going to come on this show every week and tear it apart until I get my rematch!
The crowd cheers the rebellious CM Punk
Punk:
I don't care if I have to come through the audience, hell I'll parachute from the sky if I have to! 'Cause I will not rest until I get my rematch and neither will you, Hunter!
The crowd goes absolutely bananas as Stephanie McMahon walks out on stage!! Steph has a mic in hand as CM Punk stares at the Billion Dollar Princess, as surprised as anybody.
Stephanie:
Ladies and gentlemen, at Night of Champions; John Cena will defend the WWE Championship against....
The crowd chants "CM Punk!" as Punk himself looks on confused and intrigued. Steph herself has a bit of a smirk on her face.
The roof nearly comes off BOKCenter as Stephanie's music plays.
Punk's confused look has changed into a smirk. While Steph's announcement has somehow raised even more questions, it has given us a major answer. RAW goes off....
WWE Championship
John Cena(c) vs. CM Punk
World Heavyweight Championship
4-Way Scramble Match
Christian(c) vs. Randy Orton vs. Mark Henry vs. Sheamus
WWE Women's Championship
Beth Phoenix(c) vs. Kelly Kelly
WWE Intercontinental Championship
Cody Rhodes(c) vs. Justin Gabriel
WWE United States Championship
Dolph Ziggler(c) vs. John Morrison
WWE Tag Team Championship
Air Boom(c) vs. Otunga & McGuillicutty