WWE Raw Storyline Tracker
By Robin Scannell, PWTorch Specialist

Episode - July 9, 2012

(1) C.M. Punk vs. Daniel Bryan

Raw opened with a recap of the WWE Title feud between C.M. Punk and Daniel Bryan with involvement from A.J. A.J. then came to the ring and said that as the special guest referee, she knows her actions can greatly affect the outcome of the match. She then introduced Punk. Punk came to the ring and asked A.J., “What is this all about?”

A.J. repeated Punk’s comments about her from Smackdown, that she needed professional help. A.J. said that she doesn’t need help. A.J. said that no one has cared for her like Punk has. A.J. said that Punk’s eyes send love straight into her heart and that he turns her on. A.J. says that she knows what she has to do. A.J. then got down on one knee and proposed to Punk.

Daniel Bryan then came to the ring chanting “No!” saying that she’s about to make the biggest mistake of her life. He said that Punk is just playing her because she’s their referee. Bryan said that he’s never stopped having feelings for her, while Punk only cares about himself. Punk said that Bryan knows nothing about him or how he really feels about A.J. Bryan dared Punk to say, “I do."

Bryan then said that he and A.J. had the same idea. When he woke up this morning, he planned on proposing. Bryan then got on his knee and asked A.J. to marry him. Punk intervened, asking for his ring, but Bryan didn’t have one. Punk said that Bryan is a liar and a fraud. They argued some more until the GM chime sounded.

The GM booked Punk and A.J. against Daniel Bryan and Eve. Bryan was annoyed, saying that he and A.J. should be a team. The GM then said that A.J. may see Bryan in a different light if he beats Punk.

A.J. then said that this entire thing is confusing. She spoke of the surprise of the proposals. A.J. said they all need some time to think. She then said that she has a feeling that she will walk out of the arena with her future husband.

Backstage, Eve wished Punk good luck, saying that A.J. is highly emotional, and that she bets that if A.J. doesn’t hear the words “I do” tonight, she’ll do whatever it takes to make sure Punk doesn’t leave Money in the Bank with the WWE Title. Eve then said she understands that Punk has been overshadowed by Rock, Cena, amongst others, and said “but A.J.?” calling it pretty emasculating.

In the main event, C.M. Punk and A.J. defeated Daniel Bryan and Eve when Bryan dropped down from the ring apron, preventing Eve from making the tag, allowing A.J. to get the victory.

After the match, A.J. hugged Punk. Bryan then said that he proved that she means more to him than any match. He suggested they go get married right now. Punk said that Bryan is just using her because he thinks it will help him become the WWE Champion.

Punk said that he wouldn’t marry A.J. He said he’s sorry if that hurts her, but he cares about her enough to tell her the truth. A.J. slapped Punk.

Bryan then told A.J. to come home. A.J. looked like she was going to go with Bryan when she slapped him too. A.J. chanted “Yes!” and then skipped to the back as the show ended.

***

(2) WWE Title Money in the Bank Match

John Cena and Kane vs. Chris Jericho and Big Show was a match booked for Raw. Later, backstage, Jericho praised him and Big Show working together in the past. Show said them teaming together resulted in many of his most embarrassing moments, and just told Jericho to say out of his way.

John Cena came to the ring and talked about Money in the Bank’s huge risks and even greater rewards. He promised to win and he promised to stop Big Show. In the match that followed, John Cena and Kane defeated Big Show and Chris Jericho by disqualification when, strangely, Big Show just pulled Cena out of the ring to break up a pinfall. After the match, Show threw Cena into the barriers and knocking Kane down. Then, Show found two ladders beneath the ring and sandwiched Jericho between one of them, pressing down on the top of it. Cena then picked up the other ladder and hit Big Show a few times with it, until Show was out of the ring.

***

(3) Sheamus vs. Alberto Del Rio

Sheamus defeated Jack Swagger in a short match. After the match, Alberto Del Rio was shown on the screen blasting his car horn. Del Rio then said that Swagger isn’t him, and that on Smackdown he left him like a dying perro (dog). He then said he would take the World Title on Sunday. Del Rio then drove off in his car. Sheamus then hit Swagger with a Brogue Kick as a message to Del Rio.

***

(4) World Title Money in the Bank Match

Tensai (with Sakamoto) and Dolph Ziggler defeated Tyson Kidd and Christian in a very short match, with Tensai pinning the IC champion for the victory.

Later, Sin Cara defeated Heath Slater in a short match to qualify for the World Title MITB match.

***

(5) The Reveal of the Anonymous Raw GM

Backstage, Zack Ryder mentioned being the Smackdown GM, and Santino then spoke about looking for the Anonymous Raw General Manager, dressed as Sherlock Holmes.

Cole and Lawler went back on forth on their favorite GMs when Cole hit a cup of water onto Lawler. Cole started to apologise when the GM chime sounded. Cole began to read the email but then refused. Lawler then read that he would face Cole in a WrestleMania rematch, but that there would be a poll to decide if it would happen.

Backstage, Santino asked Chris Jericho if he was the GM. Jericho said that he hates the computer, and that Santino could be the GM. Santino wondered if Jericho was right and then walked away. Later, backstage, Santino found a cell phone, which Great Khali took from him. Santino asked if he’s the GM, and it seemed that he wasn’t.

Later, Cole then asked for the results of the poll, and 75 percent voted in favor of the match. Josh Mathews and Booker T took over on commentary for the match. Cole left the ring, so Booker T threw him back in. Lawler spun Cole around via an airplane spin and pinned him for a three count. The GM chime then sounded and reversed the decision due to Booker’s interference.

Santino then came to the ring, and said the GM was under the ring. The GM denied this via a suspiciously specific denial “There is absolutely no one under the ring sending anonymous emails."

Santino then got pulled under the ring. Lawler grabbed Santino, pulling him out, and Hornswoggle with laptop was pulled out too. Lawler asked if Hornswoggle caused all of this misery, and then threatened to spank him. Hornswoggle kicked Lawler, bit Santino, and then kicked Cole.

Reax: Hornswoggle is 26. Don’t say you’re going to spank a 26-year-old just because he’s a little person! Between Michael Cole coming onto A.J., and Lawler saying this, they really have the entire spectrum of “creepy” covered.

As for the actual reveal, it makes zero sense, so despite me praising WWE for answering the mystery, the answer was just so illogical that they should have probably just let it be.

***

(6) Tag Team Title Picture

It was announced that Kofi Kingston and R-Truth would face Hunico and Camacho on the MITB pre-show.

***

Other Stories

- On the July 3 Smackdown, Brodus Clay defeated Drew McIntyre in less than a minute.

- After Heath Slater’s losing effort against Sin Cara, he called out a former champion. Bob Backlund came to the ring and ended up applying the Crossface Chickenwing, which Slater tapped out to.

Current Feuds Active this Week (# weeks)

Sheamus vs. Alberto Del Rio (15)
C.M. Punk vs. Daniel Bryan (11)
Christian vs. Cody Rhodes (8)
Honorable Mention: Jerry Lawler vs. Michael Cole (began 84 weeks ago)

Email any comments to scannell.torch@gmail.com or follow me on Twitter @robinocracy for my thoughts on Money in the Bank and Raw.

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

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