Monday Night Raw
January 5th 2015, American Bank Center, Corpus Christi, Texas
Announcers: Alex Riley, JBL and William Regal
A video package covering the opening and main event of Smackdown is shown, ending with Orton's RKO on Rollins and Cena's victory.
The guest GM Steve Austin comes out to the ring with a mic to open Raw. He accepts the pop from the crowd and raises his mic. "Hello Corpus Christi and welcome to what I guarantee will be an awesome episode of Monday Night Raw." The fans cheer this statement and Austin smiles at the crowd. As Austin goes to speak again, Seth Rollins comes out to the ring with J&J Security. Jamie and Joey grab a mic from ringside as Rollins enters the ring. Noble and Mercury enter the ring and hand Rollins the mic as Seth squares up to Austin
Seth smiles at Steve then starts talking. "Steve, it must be a true honor to meet me in person. And I'm sorry for interrupting your little homecoming but I need to ask you something. Well, I'm not asking actually I'm telling you. Last week on Smackdown, John Cena conspired with Randy Orton to get one over on me. John Cena knows that he has to cheat to beat me. I am not going to let John Cena just screw me over. I want John Cena in a match tonight so I can show everyone that I am the better wrestler and then I can go to the Rumble and prove that I am also better than that scumbag Randy Orton."
Rollins finishes speaking and just as he does, Austin walks over to him and knocks the mic from Rollins hands and starts speaking again. "First of all kid, you don't ever tell me what to do or I will drop you on your ass right here. Secondly, I can't wait to book you to face John Cena tonight because I really want to see him kick your rat ass. I would also like to announce that tonight Randy Orton will clash with The Big Show in what I believe is gonna be a great match. And finally Bray Wyatt is gonna team up with Luke Harper to clash with the team of Erick Rowan and Dean Ambrose."
This last sentence is interrupted by Randy Orton's music as he heads out to the ring with a mic. Orton enters thorough the ropes and gets in the face of Rollins. He then turns to Austin and addresses him. "Steve, it's nice to see you again. My dad told me to tell you that he really loves the podcast. An I gotta say I think it's gonna be awesome to have Austin be in charge of Raw. It's actually bringin back memories of my early days here. And now I get onto Mr Rollins, Mr Money In The Bank. You a pretty arrogant guy, you know that? You go around flaunting these titles, all your accolades. I was like you once. I killed legends. I was the youngest world champion in WWE history. But here's a piece of advice. When I went around flaunting all the things I'd done, it bit me in the ass. An that is exactly what is gonna happen to you. That RKO you got on Smackdown is just a taste of everything you're gonna get. At the Royal Rumble, I'm going to show you why being a little shit is going to drop you in it."
Rollins and Orton start mouthing off at each other until John Cena's music hits. Cena heads out to the ring with a microphone and jumps in under the bottom rope. John walks over to Austin then shakes his hand. Cena then turns to Orton and offers him a handshake as well. Orton accepts his hand and then Cena begins to speak. "Randy, I know I should be grateful for what you did for me but what happened on Smackdown is not what I wanted. I need to prove that I can beat Seth by myself. I wanna prove to myself that I can beat Seth Rollins clean in the middle of this ring."
Austin jumps between all three men and raises his mic. "John, I fully understand where you're comin from. When you just can't get that W against one guy, it grates on you. I know that feeling an that's why tonight you're gettin Seth Rollins, one on one. An I know that Rollins usually has people ready to run in an help him, so I wanna make a match where Seth can't have any o his goons run in on you. I'd have a Steel Cage match or Hell In A Cell but we don't have nay o that stuff here. I could set up the match with a stipulation where if anyone interferes then they're fired but that's just borin. No, I need somethin different, somethin entertaining." Austin looks around at the audience as he thinks then goes back to talking. "Would the people of Corpus Christi like to see John Cena and Seth Rollins face off in a Lumberjack Match?" The fans cheer this as Rollins and J&J Security protests. Austin leaves the ring as Cena and Orton follow him. Rollins throws a tantrum in the ring as Noble and Mercury escort him from the ring.
We come back from a commercial break to see Dean Ambrose coming out to the ring. He is followed out by Erick Rowan. The two men stand in the ring next to each other as Dean looks on edge and Erick looks calm. Bray Wyatt and Luke Harper come out next and the two men argue with Dean and Erick as they enter the ring.
Match #1: Dean Ambrose and Erick Rowan vs Bray Wyatt & Luke Harper
vs
Last 2 Mins: Dean Ambrose is trying to brawl with Harper but he is too fatigued to mount any real offence. Harper hits Ambrose with a punch and Dean stumbles back towards his corner. Rowan tries to tag him in but he can't reach. Harper goes for the Big Boot on Dean but Dean ducks it and Harper goes straight past him and kicks Rowan straight in the face. Rowan falls to ringside as Harper turns his attention back to Ambrose. Harper goes to lift Ambrose up but Dean headbutts Luke in the stomach. Dean follows this up with a Double Arm DDT. Ambrose gets to his feet first but before he can go on the offensive, Bray starts shouting at him from ringside. Ambrose goes over to Wyatt and gets in his face. Wyatt pulls something from his back pocket and sticks it in Dean's face. It turns out to be a bloodied piece of wrist tape and as Ambrose backs away from it, Harper hits Dean with a Big Boot to the back of the head. Ambrose goes down as Wyatt drops from the apron and goes round the ring to Rowan and starts laying into him with boots and punches to keep him out of the match. Just as Dean gets to his feet, Harper hits him with the Discus Clothesline and covers him for the victory. Harper and Bray head backstage as Bray laughs, holding the wrist tape in his hands.
Winners: Bray Wyatt & Luke Harper @ 14:44
We now go to the announce team who tell us that Steve Austin has just booked Dean Ambrose to face Bray Wyatt at the Royal Rumble. The team then discuss what Bray just stuck in Dean's face and wonder where it's from.
We now head backstage to Renee Young who is with Paige. Renee asks Paige about her recent success against both Bella Twins. Paige responds by telling her that it's no surprise she beat both Bella Twins and that tonight she is going to show Nikki Bella that she is a pathetic excuse for a Diva's champion.
We head back to the ring where Nikki Bella is heading out with Brie beside her. Nikki starts telling Brie to not get involved as Paige comes out to a massive ovation.
Match #2: Nikki Bella w/Brie Bella vs Paige
vs
Last Min: Paige has Nikki up against the ropes and is slapping her in the face. The referee breaks them up and Brie drags her sister out of the ring. Paige starts shouting at Brie who is now checking that her sister is alright. Brie shouts back at Paige then she gets up on the apron as the two Divas trade insults. Paige gets right in the face of Brie when Brie smacks her in the face. Paige drags Brie over the top rope and the two start brawling. The referee calls the match as Nikki drags her sister out of the ring. Nikki berates her sister as they head backstage.
Winner: Paige by DQ @ 9:32
The New Day are spotted backstage discussing something as we head to a break. We come back from commercials to see that The New Day are in the ring. All three of them have mics and Big E speaks up first. "A lot of people have condemned my actions recently. People in the back. People in the street. Even you, you people in the audience. The WWE Universe. I gotta tell you that just cos people call you that that it doesn't mean the whole universe revolves around you. You think we're to sing and dance so you can laugh at us like we're some kinda joke. We're here to be the most dominant team in the WWE. We're here to be tag team champions. We are not a comedy act. When I attacked that jackass at ringside, I was showing all of you that I am to be taken seriously."
Big E stops talking and Xavier Woods pats him on the back. After this, Big E walks over to Kofi and Xavier Woods starts talking. "Do you see what you people did? You turned a kind, gentle man into an aggressive assailant. Big E is lucky to not be in jail and that's on your hands. You made him this way."
As Xavier Woods continues to berate the audience, Jimmy & Jey Uso come out to the ring with microphones. The Usos look at all three members of the New Day, look at each other and then start laughing. Jey Uso is the first to address the other team when he says "Are you three jokers really doin this? You're gonna blame the fact that you're not tag champs on the fans? There's one reason why you guys are not tag team champions and that is that you're simply not the best team in the WWE. Maybe you gotta come out and here and sing and dance cos you can't back it up in this ring."
The New Day begin hurling abuse at The Usos until Steve Austin comes out. He has a mic and says to the men in the ring. "Alright guys calm down. I don't want you lettin all that anger out. You'll probably wanna save that for your match that's gonna happen... right now.Big E and Kofi are gonna face Jimmy and Jey Uso. An that's the bottom line, cos Stone Cold said so." Austin heads backstage as Xavier Woods leaves the ring and the four other men get ready for the match.
Match #3: The New Day (Big E & Kofi Kingston) w/Xavier Woods vs The Usos (Jimmy & Jey Uso)
vs
Last Min: Big E is throwing Jey Uso around the ring like a ragdoll. Big E picks up Jey and throws him over his shoulder as Jey attempts to push towards his own corner. Big E resists and goes to slam Jey into the New Day's corner. However, Jey is able to drop over Big E's back and roll through onto his feet. Just as Big E notices, Jey is able to jump at Jimmy and tag him in. Jimmy is able to hit Big E with multiple forearms and then drops him to the floor with a Superkick. Jimmy then calls for Big E to get as he reaches his knees, Jimmy runs the ropes. As he hits the rope, Jimmy's legs are grabbed by Xavier Woods. Jimmy is immobilized which gives Kofi Kingston the opportunity to hit Jimmy with the SOS to the back of the head. Xavier releases the legs and Jimmy stumbles back into the ring. This allows a now standing Big E to hit the Big Ending on Jimmy and cover him for the victory. The New Day head backstage celebrating as The Usos stay in the ring looking displeased.
Winners: The New Day (Big E & Kofi) @ 8:50
We now to a pre-recorded vignette of Adam Rose. He is sat at a table with the head of The Bunny costume. He is stroking it and saying "I remember when we were best friends. We were inseparable. We always partied together" Rose then pulls out a pair of scissors and viciously stabs the head three times. "But that's done. The party's over. Adam Rose is dead. I'm something new now. I'm something scary. I'm a hunter. I'm a killer. I'm not a Rosebud, I'm..." Rose pauses and looks at the camera, then whispers "Kruger." The vignette ends with an image saying "Leo Kruger, returns next week."
We now go back into the ring where Miz is stood with a mic and Mizdow is stood next to him. Miz tells the crowd to shut up then begins speaking. "I know all of you people think you can get under my skin by saying that I suck, or that I'm awful, but nothing that any of you people say can hurt me. It's just like how I'm not bothered that we have to face The Dudley Boys as well as The Throwbacks at the Royal Rumble. That's because I am confident that I can single-handedly defeat both teams because I have proven that I am the greatest tag team champion of all time."
The fans boo The Miz as Damien Mizdow grabs Miz's mic and starts talking. "I don't know how this is still something you're confused about, but if you actually watch the footage from TLC, you wren't even in the match except for the end. I did all the work. You just stood there and stole the spotlight. If anything, I'm the greatest tag team champion of all time, but I don't wanna be that. I just wanna have some acknowledgement that I am a useful part of this team."
The Miz looks shocked at Mizdow's comments then takes his mic back. He mumbles angrily into the mic and then starts talking again. "I don't know who you think you are. I'm the A-List, moneymaking, red-carpet walking superstar actor. You are my stunt double. You have a job to do and that is do what I do. I own you. If I say that I am the most important member of this team, then I am the most important member of this team. You are an afterthought. I bet most of these people don't even like you. I am the most popular member of this team."
Miz's tirade is interrupted by The Dudley Boyz. Bubba comes out with a mic to the stage and D-Von followed him out. Bubba looks around at the audience then starts talking. "Miz, you must either be deaf or dumb, but I'm pretty sure that even deaf or dumb people can hear that these fans hate you man. Mizdow gets pops. Mizdow puts asses in seats. You put your head further up your own ass. You come out here and moan about that one movie you were in and people fall asleep. Then Mizdow copies you and everyone cheers again. I don't know if you're caught up in your own ego or what but you are the Marty Jannetty of this tag team. Mizdow is a star, and thats a fact."
As Bubba passes his mic over to D-Von and he starts to say "Testify", Cesaro's music hits and The Throwbacks come out to the stage. Tyson Kidd has a mic and addresses Bubba. "First of all Bubba, don't steal my catchphrase or I'll kick your head in. Fact. And secondly, I'm a little offended that we got left outta this tag team soiree. It's kinda hypocritical actually because you were gonna start a tag team war and the best tag team in the WWE weren't gonna be here. Bubba, D-Von, you said you were here to reinvent this division, to improve it. Honestly, I don't know if you've been watching for the past few weeks but me and The Swiss Superman have been improving this division with our presence. We are the number one team in wrestling and all the tag teams in this company should be honored to bask in our presence. And at the Rumble, we're gonna make this division better cos were gonna give it some real champions. We are going to show everyone that we are the best in the world at what we do today. The Hart Incarnate and The King Of Swing are gonna take this division by storm. Fact."
Just as Tyson finishes his sentence, Steve Austin comes out to the stage. He looks at all three teams then raises his mic. "You know what, this GM job gives you a hell of a lotta exercise. I've been walkin in an outta this arena all night and I am puffin. But movin back onto by job tonight, I can see that there is some aggression between all o you guys, especially Mr D-List and his bearded buddy in that ring over there. So I have a perfect solution for everyone to get a bit of anger out. Right now, The Dudleys are gonna team with Damien Mizdow to face The Miz and The Throwbacks."
The Miz throws a tantrum in the ring while Mizdow smiles. Mizdow notices what The Miz is doing and starts to copy him. On the stage, Austin leaves as The Throwbacks offer the Dudleys a handshake. The go to shake their hands when the Throwbacks pull back and walk down to their ring.
Match #4: The Miz & The Throwbacks (Cesaro & Tyson Kidd) vs Damien Mizdow & The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and D-Von)
vs
Last Min: Cesaro is brawling with Bubba-Ray in the ring when Bubba pokes Cesaro in the eyes. Cesaro swings wildly at Bubba but the shot is ducked and Cesaro gets dropped with the Bubba Bomb. Bubba goes over to the opponent's corner and starts mocking them but he gives Cesaro time to get to his feet. Cesaro turns Bubba around and hits him a forearm. The shot knocks Bubba back into the corner. Cesaro goes to hit him again but Bubba dives out of the corner past Cesaro and Cesaro stumbles into the corner. The Miz tags himself in as Bubba scampers over to his corner. Miz grabs his opponent's foot but Bubba is able to reach the hand of Mizdow. Mizdow gets in the ring as Bubba hold Miz away from his corner. Mizdow walks between Miz and his corner as Miz begs Mizdow not to hurt him. Miz gets to hsi feet and offers Damien a handshake. Damien looks at his partner then looks at the crowd. Mizdow then accepts the handshake as Miz gloats to his opponents. Miz goes to pull away put Damien holds on. Miz's face takes on a look of horror as Mizdow drags him into an Uranage Slam. The fans cheer a s Mizdow calls for the Skull Crushing Finale. Miz staggers to his feet and Mizdow hits the SCF. Mizdow covers Miz for the win and he celebrates with the Dudleys in the ring. The Miz rolls out to ringside and throws a tantrum as The Throwbacks simply walk backstage.
Winners: Damien Mizdow and The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and D-Von) @ 13:24
We now go backstage to Renee Young who is stood with The Big Show. Renee asks him how he feels about facing Randy Orton next. Big Show says that he Randy Orton has this idea that he's a locker room leader, but that all he is is a daddy's boy who could never succeed on his own. Show says he can't wait to see how Randy does against a real opponent when his buddy Triple H isn't right behind him.
The Big Show enters the arena first. He is followed out by Randy Orton who races down the ramp and jumps into the ring to start a brawl with Show to start the match.
Match #5: The Big Show vs Randy Orton
vs
Last Min: Orton attempts to take Big Show down with the Thesz Press but Show holds onto him and grips him in a Bearhug. Orton starts hitting Show with Headbutts and Big Show drops him. Show comes running at Orton as he tries to recover and Randy goes for a Powerslam. Show resists the slam and is able to throw Orton back into the middle of the ring. Orton lands hard and struggles to get to his feet. Show goes for the WMD on the winded Orton but Randy avoids it and kicks Show in the stomach. Show is staggered by the kick and Orton follows it up with an RKO. As Orton attempts to crawl to the cover, Buddy Murphy and Wesley Blake come running down the ramp. The two attack Orton and stop the cover as the ref calls the match off. Show gets up now and tells Murphy and Blake to hold Orton in position for the WMD. Both men pick him up by the arms and Show prepares for the punch. Just before the impact, Orton pulls Murphy in the way. Murphy is knocked out and falls from the ring. Orton follows this up by hitting an RKO on Wesley Blake. Show goes for the WMD again but Orton dodges the shot and hits Show with another RKO. Show rolls from the ring and heads backstage as Blake helps an unconscious Murphy backstage and Orton celebrates in the ring.
Winner: Randy Orton by DQ @ 10:50
Renee Young is backstage with Seth Rollins and asks him how he feels about facing John Cena in a style of match that he has never lost in. Seth says "I don't care what John Cena's record is in Lumberjack matches. John has never faced me in a Lumberjack match. Tonight, John is gonna learn that he can get me in whatever match he wants but I am still gonna beat him because I am the future of the WWE. John Cena is a joke. Randy Orton is a joke. I am the undisputed future of wrestling, and tonight I am going to be a winner."
John Cena enters the ring first. He is followed out by Seth Rollins who is accompanied by J&J Security. Then the Lumberjacks head out. They include Bull Dempsey, Buddy Murphy, Wesley Blake, Ryback, Curtis Axel, Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso, Goldust, Stardust, Swagger, Rusev, R-Truth, Dolph Ziggler, Diego, Fernando and Titus O'Neil.
Main Event: John Cena vs Seth Rollins w/J&J Security (Lumberjack Match)
vs
Last 4 Mins: Cena throws Rollins over the top rope and out of the ring. Rollins lands on Goldust, Stardust, Ryback and Swagger. Seth jumps up and gets back into the ring. Ryback and Swagger start arguing with Gold and Stardust and all four start brawling. Rusev then runs around the ring and attacks Swagger. As Cena and Rollins brawl in the ring, all the lumberjacks attempt to break up the fight at ringside. This turns into a brawl itself. As the ref attempts to break up the fight outside the ring, Seth Rollins hits John Cena with an Enzuiguri. Cena is laid out and Seth calls for his security to throw him his briefcase. Joey Mercury goes to get it and throws it in to Rollins. Cena gets to his feet and Seth goes to hit him with the briefcase. Cena ducks it and lifts Rollins up for the AA. Cena hits Rollins with the AA and he goes for the cover. The ref is still distracted and John goes over to him to get him to count the cover. Rollins is able to get to his briefcase and walk over to Cena. Seth is able to crack Cena in the back of the head with the case and Cena stumbles back into the ring. Seth hits Cena with the Shiranui and kicks the briefcase out of the ring as Jamie Noble shouts at the referee to turn around. Seth covers Cena and the ref turns around to count. Seth gets the three and dives out of the ring and runs backstage with J&J Security as Cena rages in the middle of the ring. The brawl between the Rumble participants closes out Raw.
Winner: Seth Rollins @ 16:03
Matches confirmed for Royal Rumble:
Brock Lesnar (c) vs Roman Reigns (WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match)
Rusev (c) vs Jack Swagger (WWE United States Championship Match)
Miz & Mizdow (c) vs The Throwbacks vs The Dudley Boyz (WWE Tag Team Championship Match)
Randy Orton vs Seth Rollins
Dean Ambrose vs Bray Wyatt
Royal Rumble Match Including:
Rusev
Swagger
Titus O'Neil
Kofi Kingston
Xavier Woods
Big E
R-Truth
Curtis Axel
Adam Rose
Stardust
Goldust
Fandango
Diego
Fernando
Jimmy Uso
Jey Uso
Kane
Dolph Ziggler
John Cena
Bull Dempsey
Buddy Murphy
Wesley Blake
Big Show
Ryback