WWE Raw Storyline Tracker
By Robin Scannell, PWTorch Specialist

Episodes - Extreme Rules to Over the Limit

(1) Triple H vs. Brock Lesnar

The April 30 edition of Raw opened with discussion of the phenomenal match between Brock Lesnar and John Cena from Extreme Rules. Cena’s hard-to-explain post-match speech was then shown.

WWE Raw Starring Brock Lesnar began with John Laurinaitis coming out to the ring and introducing Lesnar. Then, Triple H came out. Hunter shook hands with Lesnar and then spoke about doing what Laurinaitis didn’t have to guts to do. Hunter said that the contract negotiations weren’t valid, and that the original contract stands, and so Lesnar wouldn’t get the jet or the limo unless he paid for it. Hunter ran down the opponents that fans want to see Lesnar face.

Lauriniatis occasionally interjected, but wasn’t listened to by Hunter. Hunter asked if they had a deal and Laurinaitis’ interruptions caused Hunter to turn around. This allowed Brock to take advantage and attack him. Hunter fought back, but Brock locked in the Kimura. Sheamus, Big Show, Kofi Kingston and R-Truth then ran out for the save. Security surrounded Lesnar, as Hunter said that his arm was broken.

On the May 7 edition of Raw, it was announced that Triple H would appear the following week, and that Lesnar, although invited to Raw, was not appearing and but a legal representative would instead. Paul Heyman came out to Lesnar’s music and cut a promo on Lesnar’s simple demands that the audience were witnesses to. Heyman read a statement saying how Lesnar embarrassed Cena and Triple H. Hunter lasted a long time in the Cell at WrestleMania with Undertaker, but not a minute in the ring with him. The statement ended with Lesnar saying that he quits and isn’t coming back.

Then, the following week, backstage, John Laurinaitis told Triple H that he had his support and sympathy for Lesnar’s attack. Laurinaitis asked if Hunter was going to say something, but he just said that he’d say it in front of the world. Hunter then wished Laurinaitis luck in his match against Cena at Over The Limit.

Triple H was introduced and came to the ring and said that he’s offended that Brock talks about legitimacy when the day before, he faced Undertaker at the most watched WrestlMania. Hunter listed a number of legends that it offends, in addition to the WWE Universe.

Hunter said that when Lesnar had to fight, he quit. Then when someone kicked he ass in the UFC, he quit. Then he came back to WWE and lost, and so he quit.

Paul Heyman then came out accompanied by a man holding an envelope. Lesnar said that he gets that its spin and damage control, from losing his biggest star. Heyman brought up the biding oral contract. Heyman asked why you would bring a fighter into an entertainment company and not like it when he wants to fight. Heyman said that he is being served. Then, Hunter put his had on Heyman’s face and Heyman tried to talk him down. Triple H said that Lesnar would get everything he deserves and walked out the ring. Heyman then said that he’ll also see him in caught for assault and battery for putting his hands on him.

***

(2) John Cena vs. John Laurinaitis

On the April 30 edition of Raw, backstage, Eve told Laurinaitis that he needs to decide what kind of leader he is, and who Cena’s next oponenet will be. Laurinaitis said he knows who it will be, but Cena won’t like it.

John Cena came out to the ring with his arm in a sling, an apparent ligament injury. Cena said that there were no breaks and no tears. Laurinaitis came out and said that he actually brought in Lesnar to help motivate Cena and push him to be the best he can be. Cena, however, said that Laurinaitis was a corporate jackass.

As Laurinaitis was set to introduce his opponent, Lord Tensai (with Sakamoto) came to the ring, but Laurinaitis attacked Cena from behind with a microphone, and said that Cena’s opponent was him. They attacked Cena, with Laurinaitis slamming a chair onto Cena’s arm. Laurinaitis then told Cena “you can’t see me,” and walked away, as the show ended.

The following week, Laurinaitis said that no-one will question his authority and that Cena would appear in a satellite interview later that night. Laurinaitis then said that if anyone mocks his voice they will face severe consequences. He then put himself over as the biggest wrestling superstar in Japanese history.

C.M. Punk then headed to the ring and explained that Laurinaitis is embarrassed that his guy, Brock Lesnar, lost to Cena. Punk said that Laurinaitis is a joke and that Cena would beat him. Laurinaitis then said that Punk would face Lord Tensai.

In his interview, Cena said that he was medically cleared, and yet was advised not to compete for the next few months. Cena said he was contacted by the board and that he told the board not to fire Laurinaitis until after their match at Over The Limit. Cena said he’d kick Laurinaitis’s ass at the pay-per-view.

In the final segment of the May 14 edition of Raw, Laurinaitis insulted Cena for being a loser at WrestleMania and looking like a loser against Brock Lesnar. Cena came out and insulted Laurinaitis, and spoke of his failures, and him being 1-4. Cena called Laurinaitis a loser over and over again. Cena and Laurinaitis both had Pittsburgh Penguins references, Laruinaitis said they were all losers, and Cena told Laurinaitis to “go puck yourself,” and had a hockey puck to hand.

Eve came out and handed Laurinaitis a piece of paper. Cena took it and read the stipulations that it will be a singles match with no interferences for a superstar allowed, as they will be terminated. If Laurinaitis loses the match, he will be terminated. Cena then asked what Laurinaitis’ announcement was. Laurinaitis slapped Cena across the face and left the ring.

Reax: This allows Big Show, Brock Lesnar, or any other returning superstar the chance to help Laurinaitis out in the match.

***

(3) WWE Title Picture

Eve announced a Beat the Clock challenge to determine number one contender for the WWE Title. In the Beat the Clock challenge, The Miz defeated Santino Marella in 4:18. Chris Jericho defeated Big Show in around 4:19, via countout, in a confusing scene, which was not quick enough to take the lead. Randy Orton defeated Jack Swagger in 4:16. Kane vs. The Great Khali ended when the current time ran out.

Daniel Bryan defeated Jerry “The King” Lawler in 2:20. C.M. Punk then walked out to the stage and held up his title, as Bryan chanted “Yes!” over and over.

Reax: One of the problems with this is you have to accept that all ten wrestlers deserved their match. However, Miz had just lost to Santino the night before, and Jerry Lawler certainly hasn’t done anything to earn a spot. Lord Tensai, however, is undefeated, having beat Cena. Even Brodus Clay is undefeated after beating lots of lower names. Obviously it doesn’t fit into WWE’s story, but it’s hard to defend the choice when you have wrestlers that simply don’t deserve to have this opportunity. This is where a babyface announcer could say that even though Miz lost on the Extreme Rules pre-show, Laurinaitis is still grateful to Miz for his help at WrestleMania.

The following week, C.M. Punk’s announced match with Lord Tensai was changed to include Daniel Bryan, making the match a handicap match. Bryan and Tensai defeated Punk. After the match, Bryan locked in the Yes! Lock and then chanted Yes! over and over as the show went off the air.

Then, on the May 14 edition of Raw, C.M. Punk and Santino Marella defeated Daniel Bryan and Cody Rhodes in a tag match.

Later, backstage, A.J. interrupted Alex Riley talked to C.M. Punk. A.J. wished Punk luck, but Punk said that he didn’t want to get involved in whatever is going on between her and Bryan, as she’s been pretty unstable.

***

(4) Divas Title

On the April 30 edition of Raw, Layla El defeated Brie and Nikki Bella in a Triple Threat match, with an instant dropkick and pin, to retain the WWE Divas Title, which she had won the night before.

The following week, Kelly Kelly and Layla defeated Natalya and Maxine in a short match. Beth Phoenix was on commentary and it was announced that Layla would defend her title against Beth Phoenix at Over the Limit.

Then on the May 14 edition of Raw, Beth Phoenix defeated Alicia Fox. Layla was on the stage for the match. After the match finished, Beth went to attack Alicia but Layla ran in for the save.

***

(5) Tag Team Title Picture

On the April 30 edition of Raw, Kofi Kingston and R-Truth defeated Epico and Primo (w/ Rosa Mendes) to win the WWE Tag Titles. Backstage, A.W. said that they wouldn’t have lost the titles under his representation.

The following week, Dolph Ziggler (with Jack Swagger & Vickie Guerrero) defeated Kofi Kingston (with R-Truth), after Vickie distracted the ref and Swagger interfered, giving Ziggler the advantage to get the victory. Backstage, A.W. was with his new clients Primo, Epico, and Rosa. They were joined by Mason Ryan.

Then, on the May 14 edition of Raw, R-Truth, Kofi Kingston and Brodus Clay defeated Dolph Ziggler, Jack Swagger, and The Miz in a tag match, with Brodus pinning Miz.

***

(6) Brodus Clay

On the April 30 edition of Raw, Brodus Clay beat JTG in a short match. Jerry Lawler spoke about JTG having a surprise, but nothing happened, and he lost anyway, in a short match.

The following week, Brodus Clay defeated The Miz in a nearly 5 minute match. Before the match, in an inset promo, Clay reminded people to “call their momma” on Mother’s Day. Miz cut a promo asking why he had a match with “this."

***

(7) Big Show vs. John Laurinaitis

On the May 7 edition of Raw, backstage, Laurinaitis walked into Big Show while texting and shouted at him. Big Show responded by mocking Laurinaitis's voice, as Eve watched on.
In a rematch from Extreme Rules, Big Show defeated Cody Rhodes by countout. After the match, Show unsuccessfully told Cody to come back.

Reax: Of course, this shouldn’t be the end of it, as Big Show won the match. He should logically get another shot at the title.

Eve then came to the ring and told Show to apologize to John Laurinaitis. Eve called him a freak who wouldn’t be able to find work outside of WWE. He did and asked if Eve was “Happy?” and then left the ring.

Later, backstage, two USA Network stars were talking to Big Show about John Laurinaitis, when Big Show turned and saw Eve staring at him.

The following week, Kane defeated Big Show after Laurinaitis, who was at ringside, asked for an apology, distracting Show, allowing Kane to “chokeslam” him for the win. Laurinaitis and David Otunga entered the ring and Laurinaitis asked for an apology, and if it wasn’t good, he’d fire him.

Big Show spoke about everything he’s done and asked Laurinaitis not to erase all of that for something petty. He then sincerely apologised. Laurinaitis made him repeat him saying sorry. Then, he asked him to get on his knees and beg. Show was very reluctant and upset and asked not to do that. Laurinaitis said he would reconsider it. When Laurinaitis was on the stage, he was about to fire Show. Show then got on his knees and apologised. Laurinaitis then fired Big Show.

***

(8) World Title Picture

On the May 7 edition of Raw, Chris Jericho and Alberto Del Rio (w/ Ricardo Rodriguez) defeated Sheamus and Randy Orton, after hitting the Codebreaker on Sheamus and getting the pinfall victory. During the finish, Sheamus accidentally Brogue Kicked Orton, and so, after the match, Orton RKO’d Sheamus in reply.

After, backstage, Laurinaitis and Eve were talking about Big Show’s apology. Then, Jericho and Del Rio came in and argued about who should get the title shot. Orton then walked in and attacked them, and then Sheamus walked in too. Eventually Laurinaitis made the match a Fatal Four Way.

The following week, Chris Jericho defeated Randy Orton by disqualification when Sheamus, who was on commentary, pulled Jericho out of the ring and attacked him, after Jericho had taunted him and thrown Orton into him.

Orton was annoyed at this and both guys were about to fight in the ring, when referees ran out to keep them separated. It was announced after that Sheamus would face Orton on Smackdown.

***

Current Feuds Active this Week (# weeks)

Raw

C.M. Punk vs. Daniel Bryan (3)
John Cena vs. John Laurinaitis (3)
Triple H vs. Brock Lesnar (3)
Kofi Kingston & R-Truth vs. Dolph Ziggler & Jack Swagger (2)

Smackdown

Sheamus vs. Alberto Del Rio (7) / Randy Orton (2)

Email any comments to scannell.torch@gmail.com or follow me on Twitter @robinocracy for my thoughts on Over The Limit.

[Torch art credit Travis Beaven (c) PWTorch.com]

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