WWE Over the Limit PPV Results
May 20, 2012
Live from Raleigh, N.C.
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

PPV Pre-Show

YouTube pulled a Ring of Honor with the pre-show stream unavailable or subject to an error message for the first seven minutes. Apparently it was a ploy to watch a 15-second Wendy's ad over and over. Inside the arena, PWTorch correspondent Benjamin Tucker and PWTorch reader Jim H. noted it's an empty arena with the crowd late-arriving and a slow-working security crew. Jim noted the upper level is completely tarped off.

A - ZACK RYDER vs. KANE

Half-way into the Zack Ryder vs. Kane pre-show match, the stream started with Kane in control of the action. The crowd, which was filing in, tried to rally behind Ryder, who avoided a chokeslam before walking into a sidewalk slam that resulted in a nearfall. Kane then avoided the Rough Ryder and finished off Ryder with a chokeslam. Cue up the post-match pyro for Kane on the way out.

WINNER: Kane at Unknown Time.

After video packages aired, they went to a backstage bit where Eve booked a People's Power Battle Royal, and the winner will choose to face U.S. champion Santino or IC champion Cody Rhodes. Eve also announced the Battle Royal will start the PPV.

In the arena, Michael Cole's music played to bring out Cole to take over the commentary position from Josh Mathews and Matt Striker. Booker T, then Jerry Lawler were introduced as Cole cut a promo on Mathews & Striker before proclaiming the A-Team is here.

Cody Rhodes's music then played to bring out the Intercontinental champion. Santino was out next. They're getting a closer look at the show-opening Battle Royal. Cole noted fans are still filing into the arena, then Justin Roberts announced the Battle Royal and wrestlers started coming out for the match. Christian, making his TV return, was the last man out. The pre-show ended with the men preparing to fight.

Live PPV Results

1 -- PEOPLE'S POWER BATTLE ROYAL

As the PPV started with the copyright warning, sounds of a battle royal were heard in the background. The video feed picked up with men fighting in the ring. Heath Slater was dumped out, then Booker T showed off his ability to read the roster by announcing Michael McGillicutty's elimination. JTG then took a flat-back bump off the ring apron for another elimination. Yoshi was suplexed over the top rope by McIntyre and he sold an ankle injury landing on the floor.

Yoshi limped away in the background as Big Zeke was tossed out. Jey Uso was out next. Meanwhile, Lawler discussed buzz in the locker room about this potentially being John Laurinaitis's final night as authority figure. Suddenly, Mac, Reks, and Hawkins were tossed out. Of course, Mac threw a fit ringside. Titus and D-Young then doubled up on Great Khali to eliminate the big man, creating a sigh of relief for Santino and Rhodes ringside. William Regal, a late entry, was still around, along with Christian. Jimmy Uso then eliminated Titus. D-Young got revenge a few moments later by eliminating Uso.

Down to seven men. Make it six with Regal eliminated by Christian, drawing boos. Cole called this a look at the future of WWE. Alex Riley then eliminated D-Young after Young helped himself over the top rope. Meanwhile, Booker called Miz a one-hit wonder. Cole said they'll talk about that later in the show. Miz then eliminated Riley, so it's a Final Four of Miz, Tyson Kidd, Christian, and David Otunga.

Kidd delivered a springboard double dropkick on Miz and Otunga, then skinned the cat when Miz tried to toss him out. But, Otunga eliminated Kidd from behind. Miz and Otunga came to an agreement and decided to go after Christian, who was heel before he left TV. Christian tried to fight off the two heels, but they cornered him and landed kicks as Cole ranted on Booker. Christian then dumped Otunga over the top rope out of nowhere.

Miz tried to sneak-attack Christian, but he held onto the top rope to avoid elimination. Christian then avoided elimination again. More close shaves before both men found themselves on the ring apron. Christian then head-butted Miz to the gut, sending Miz off the apron to the floor. Christian wins the battle royal. Post-match, Christian pointed to Santino, making his selection to face Santino later in the PPV.

WINNER: Christian at 12:13 to earn a U.S. Title shot later in the show.

Announcers: Cole, Lawler, and Booker reset the show before Cole fed to a propaganda video on John Laurinaitis's "people power" regime. The video was "interrupted" by John Cena running down Laurinaitis on Raw before the PPV. The video fed into a standard PPV intro, complete with fireworks and the PPV theme music.

Suddenly, Vickie Guerrero's voice interrupted. Vickie walked out on-stage excusing herself before shouting out to the Board of Directors watching at home. She talked herself up as a potential candidate to replace Laurinaitis if he is terminated tonight. But, before that, she will lead new tag champions tonight. Out came Jack Swagger and Dolph Ziggler, who was sporting a new, silver robe with a collar. Kofi Kingston's music then led out Kofi and R-Truth to defend the Tag Titles.

2 -- WWE tag champions KOFI KINGSTON & R-TRUTH vs. JACK SWAGGER & DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Vickie Guerrero) -- WWE Tag Title match

The heels isolated Kofi throughout the first five minutes before R-Truth tagged in and Vickie provided a distraction to allow the heels to cheat to regain the advantage on Truth. Booker then predicted a title change, giving away there won't be a title change. Meanwhile, Lawler was wrapped up in Vickie's wardrobe selection tonight. Truth scored with a nearfall on Ziggler, but Ziggler came back with a high dropkick for a two count to give the heels control again.

Ziggler & Swagger combined on a wheelbarrow and X-Factor that drove Truth's face into the mat, but it resulted in a two count only. Vickie screamed at Ziggler to finish off Truth, but Truth came back with a small package for a two count. Ziggler then cut off Truth from making a tag to Kofi. Truth suddenly countered a corner move with a Tornado DDT, allowing him to make the tag to Kofi.

Kofi entered hot on Dolph with a springboard flying clothesline. More high-flying offense from Kofi. A Boom Drop got Kofi fired up. He wanted the finisher, but Dolph ducked. Kofi suddenly flew off the top with a twisting lateral press, but Swagger broke up a pin attempt. Kofi then dumped Swagger to the floor, but walked into the Zig-Zag. Dolph made a cover, but Truth broke up a pin attempt. Truth then flew over the top rope onto Swagger ringside. Back in the ring, Kofi nailed Dolph in mid-air with Trouble in Paradise. It was good for the pin, prompting Vickie to flip out ringside.

WINNERS: Kofi & Truth at 12:17 to retain the Tag Titles. Good, high-energy "start" to the PPV (not counting the pre-show-style battle royal). The announcers giving away the finish was the chief drawback to an otherwise fine tag match. (**1/2)

Backstage: Eve talked to Curt Hawkins and Tyler Reks about going into the crowd to confiscate anti-Laurinaitis signs. David Otunga offered his legal opinion, then Reks and Hawkins walked off to find signs.

3 -- Divas champion LAYLA vs. BETH PHOENIX -- Divas Title match

Back in the arena, Beth Phoenix came out first before WWE rolled footage of Layla capturing the Divas Title from former Diva Nikki Bella at Extreme Rules last month. Layla scored with early offense before Beth targeted the surgically-repaired knee to begin wearing down the champ. Layla fought back before Beth offered an impressive display of strength with a standing military press, but Layla countered into a single-arm DDT. After a series of close nearfalls each way, Beth kicked Layla's knee, but Layla came right back with the Lay-Out for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Layla at 7:10 to retain the Divas Title. Solid women's match following the Gail Kim vs. Awesome Kong script from TNA several years ago.

Backstage: Matt Striker brought in Randy Orton to discuss his loss to World champ Sheamus on Smackdown before dropping Sheamus with a post-match RKO. Orton said Sheamus is a big boy and he knew what he was in for after his "fluke" win. Chris Jericho then walked into the shot and said he likes Orton, even enjoyed watching the two of them wear each other out while he sat in the back watching with a smile. Jericho said he will prove he is the best in the world once again tonight. Orton got in close and told Jericho if he gets in his way tonight, he'll be the best in the world at being RKO'ed...and losing. Orton walked off and Jericho gulped.

In-ring: Alberto Del Rio was introduced first (by Ricardo Rodriguez) for the World Title match. After Cole talked up Del Rio, the lights went out for Jericho to make his entrance. In the ring, Jericho surveyed the crowd with his eyes before Orton's music played to a strong reaction. "Wow!" Lawler shouted. Booker simply said, "That man." Cole called him the franchise of Friday Night Smackdown. Orton posed in the ring to fire up the crowd before Sheamus's music played to bring out the World champ. In the ring, Lilian Garcia handled formal ring intros. After Lawler offered some WWE Math on the deck stacked against Sheamus, the bell sounded.

4 -- World Hvt. champion SHEAMUS vs. RANDY ORTON vs. CHRIS JERICHO vs. ALBERTO DEL RIO -- World Title match -- Fatal Four-way

Sheamus quickly cleared Del Rio to the outside and Orton quickly cleared Jericho to the outside, then Sheamus and Orton teased coming together, but the heels cut them off. Meanwhile, Cole referenced Jericho and Orton's history back when Orton punted Jericho out of WWE a few years ago. Sheamus and Orton cleared the heels again, then went at it in the ring, resuming their Smackdown battle. The heels then cleared Sheamus before double-teaming Orton. Del Rio and Jericho took a quick trip to the outside to attack Sheamus's shoulder, targeting the his injury to further stack the deck against the champ.

Back in the ring, Orton met the heels with rapid-fire offense before the heels cut him off. Jericho and Del Rio then started arguing, which allowed Orton to knock Del Rio to the outside. As the men battled, Cole announced to WWE's TV audience that Raw is moving to three hours starting July 23, with more to be announced on Raw tomorrow night. Sheamus re-entered the ring and cleared everyone except for Del Rio. The two men battled in the ring before Sheamus landed a rolling sentaun. Ricardo provided a distraction, though, allowing Del Rio to nail Sheamus with a step-up enziguiri for a close two count.

At 8:30, Del Rio slowed things down with a mat-based submission on Sheamus. Sheamus fought back with strikes, a knee lift, and bodyslam for a two count. Del Rio cut off Sheamus again, but Sheamus came back with rapid-fire forearm strikes before Jericho dropkicked both men to the outside. The crowd came to life for Orton-Jericho in the ring, which included Orton dropping Jericho with a snap powerslam. Orton then brought Sheamus back into the ring, but Del Rio cut off Orton before Orton could hit the RKO on Sheamus.

They reset at 12:00 with all four men in the ring. Sheamus scored a close nearfall on Orton, then Orton sent Sheamus flying into the ringpost and out to the floor. Orton then grappled Del Rio and Ricardo for a simultaneous DDT from the second rope. Orton covered Del Rio, but he kicked out in time. Jericho then dropped Orton with the Codebreaker and Orton rolled to the outside. Del Rio caught Jericho from behind with the cross arm-breaker, but Jericho countered into the Walls of Jericho. Sheamus broke it up, but Jericho nailed Sheamus with the Codebreaker. Jericho was slow to cover, allowing Sheamus to kick out in time.

At 14:30, Jericho started kicking and taunting Sheamus. The two men traded control before Jericho applied the Walls of Jericho center-ring. Sheamus tried to reach the ropes, but Jericho dragged him back to center-ring and sat down on the Walls. Suddenly, Orton dropped Jericho with the RKO. Del Rio broke up a pin, then Orton dropped Del Rio with the RKO. Sheamus suddenly nailed Orton with the Brogue Kick, then Jericho rolled up Sheamus for a close two count. Big back-and-forth sequence. Everything came to a standstill as Sheamus grappled Jericho and nailed White Noise for the pin and the win. The crowd wanted Orton to win, but they were okay with Sheamus.

Post-match: Sheamus stood tall, still World champ, as they showed Orton sporting a cut on his nose. Orton eyed Sheamus, who celebrated on the entrance ramp.

WINNER: Sheamus at 15:54 to retain the World Title. Nice nearfall sequences at the end to make this a standout PPV match. Orton was clearly the top star here. WWE has two more PPVs before Summerslam, but you have to think Sheamus-Orton for the World Title at Summerslam, with Orton winning after Sheamus has a nice four-month run. (***1/4)

Backstage: Eve talked to IC champion Cody Rhodes, who talked up Laurinaitis and his good luck not having to face Christian tonight, so that Christian can legitimize the U.S. Title. Christian then stepped into the shot and asked Rhodes what he's talking about. He told Cody that he's completely full of crap, and he's changed his mind that he wants to face Christian for the IC Title tonight. Rhodes was beside himself.

In-ring: The Miz's music played to bring out Miz with a mic in-hand for a bonus singles match. Miz cut a promo knocking Brodus Clay, then vowed to prove he's the best dancer in WWE. It's the "Ted DiBiase 2010 mid-card heel heat." Miz cued up his music, then put on a hat and danced Michael Jackson. Brodus Clay's music interrupted to bring out Clay and his dancers for their own dance number.

5 -- BRODUS CLAY vs. THE MIZ

Brodus delivered an early headbutt that cleared Miz to the outside. Miz tried to sneak-attack Brodus, but Clay cut him off before knocking Miz to the floor. On the outside, Clay lit up Miz with a chop before Miz ran Clay into the ringpost. Back in the ring, Miz wore down Clay before Clay built some momentum and landed The Headbutt. Clay ran into a corner boot, but crotched Miz and climbed up top. Clay delivered an overhead slam before landing The Splash for the pin and the win. Suddenly, a kid hit the ring. WWE went to a replay of Miz dancing, which Lawler tried to narrate, before showing the finish. Back in the ring, several kids assembled in the ring to dance.

WINNER: Clay at 4:12. A basic come-down match after the Fatal Four-way.

After a video package aired, WWE showed Hawkins and Reks in the crowd confiscating signs. Lawler and Booker said it's a violation of freedom of speech. Suddenly, the bell sounded in the background. Cody Rhodes then came out to defend the IC Title. Rhodes did the basic "heel on the local crowd" promo, saying is a better man for having not traveled to the Carolinas when Dusty Rhodes was in the territory. Rhodes said he will prove himself tonight. Christian came out next to challenge Rhodes for the title.

6 -- IC champion CODY RHODES vs. CHRISTIAN -- Intercontinental Title match

The announcers did a pre-match bit about Booker not having a "vested interest" in the match, so he was going to sit this one out. Booker then jumped in on commentary 20 seconds in. In the ring, Rhodes assaulted Christian early on before Christian knocked Rhodes to the outside. On the floor, Rhodes rammed Christian into the ring steps before rolling him back into the ring. Back in the ring, Rhodes went after Christian's upper body to target Christian's pre-existing injuries.

Four minutes in, Rhodes and Christian spilled over the top rope to the floor and both men sold the effects. Rhodes then popped Christian with an enziguiri before scoring a two count in the ring. The announcers said it appears the lay-off is affecting Christian, who then came back with a kick to the face and missile dropkick from the second rope for a two count. Christian airballed a flying splash, then Rhodes came off the second rope with a moonsault for a two count.

Rhodes, upset about the nearfall, said he's tired of being jerked around and he's better than everyone. The announcers said Rhodes is losing his focus. Christian then countered a corner toss and dropped Rhodes with the Killswitch. Christian rolled over Rhodes and scored the pin to capture the IC Title. Afterward, Christian sold emotion as Rhodes rolled out of the ring.

WINNER: Christian at 7:25 to capture the IC Title. The match didn't get to that next level, coming across like a basic TV singles match. Damage has been done to Rhodes this year and Christian was a heel prior to his absence, so the crowd wasn't into this until there was a prospect of a title change at the end.

Backstage: Josh Mathews brought in C.M. Punk, who mocked Vince McMahon's voice when talking about what Vince's reaction would have been ten years ago if someone told him that Punk and Daniel Bryan would be headlining a WWE PPV. Punk said tonight won't be a five-star classic that everyone is expecting, but a...his voice trailed off as A.J. walked into the shot. She said in a normal voice that tonight will be a lot of fun to watch. Punk, flabbergasted, walked off. A.J. flashed a smirk after Punk walked off.

In-ring: Daniel Bryan's music played to bring out the #1 contender to the WWE Title, prompting loud "Yes!" chants from the vocal males. Lots of "Yes!" signs, too. Cult of Personality then brought out WWE champion C.M. Punk, who played to the crowd before Justin Roberts handled formal ring intros. Loud "Yes!" chants for Bryan. Loud cheers for Punk, but not at Orton's level from earlier in the night.

7 -- WWE champion C.M. PUNK vs. DANIEL BRYAN -- WWE Title match

The crowd was split for Bryan and Punk with dueling chants as Punk targeted Bryan's left knee. Bryan came back with Yes! kicks, but Punk came back with more offense targeting the knee. Punk then applied a standing submission into a Curb Stomp for a two count. He followed by tossing Bryan over the top rope to the floor. Bryan sold the effects, then rammed Punk into the guardrail when Punk tried to follow up.

Back in the ring, Bryan worked over Punk's shoulder/upper back area to return the favor after Punk's submission attack earlier in the match. After Punk tried to fight back, Bryan applied a surfboard stretch into a neck submission bending Punk's body backwards. Punk escaped with elbow strikes before landing forearm strikes to the face. Punk followed with a suplex for a two count. Booker said they may be here for another hour since neither man wants to relent. The crowd picked up a loud dueling chant as the two men traded control.

At 12:00, Bryan climbed up top and flew clear across the ring to deliver a headbutt for a two count. Bryan followed up with a submission targeting the upper back before they came to their feet and collided mid-ring after bouncing off the ropes. Punk was the aggressor once the two men came to their feet, but ran into a corner boot, only to drop Bryan with a snap powerslam when Bryan charged at him. Moments later, Punk sent Bryan flying over the top rope to the floor and Bryan sold the knee injury. Punk followed right up with a suicide dive that put both men on the floor.

Back in the ring, Bryan caught Punk with a dropkick to the ribs and scored a close two count. Bryan, fired up, assaulted Punk with rapid-fire kicks to the gut, but Punk blocked and scored with a Dragonscrew legwhip. He followed with the figure-four leglock in Flair Country. Punk and Bryan suddenly traded slaps while still in the figure-four as the crowd whoo'ed loudly. Bryan then reached the bottom rope to break the hold.

Punk and Bryan reset with a rapid-fire exchange of holds before Bryan popped Punk in the head with a kick strike. Cole said Bryan is going to win his first WWE Title, which meant Punk was going to kick out, which of course happened. Bryan then lowered a kneepad and landed bare knee strikes to the mid-section. Punk hung up Bryan on the top rope, landed a flying clothesline, and covered Bryan for a two count. The crowd, not invested in Bryan as a heel, chanted, "This is awesome," evaluating the performance during the performance.

Champ and Challenger came to their feet at 20:00, and traded offense. Punk teased the GTS, but Bryan escaped. Bryan suddenly teased the Yes! Lock, but Punk countered with a roundhouse kick to the head. Punk made a cover, but Bryan got his foot on the bottom rope, then kicked out of a second pin attempt. "Aaaaahhhh!" Punk shouted, selling frustration not being able to put away Bryan. For his next move, Punk went up-top and set up the Macho Man elbow on the anniversary of Randy Savage's death. Punk then came off the top and connected, but he sold the injured ribs after landing the elbow. As the vocal males chanted, "Randy Savage," Punk slowly made a pin attempt, which Bryan kicked out of.

At 22:30, Bryan suddenly went nuts on Punk with successive knees and strikes. Bryan chanted, "Yes!" several times before charging Punk and missing with a flying dropkick. Punk then nailed the high knee and tried the bulldog, but Bryan wrestled Punk to the ground and slapped on the Yes! Lock center-ring. Punk teased tapping out, then Bryan rolled Punk over onto his shoulders. The ref counted a three and called for the bell. The announcers said Punk was tapping out. Punk took his title belt and left the ring as Bryan sold shock over what happened. They went to a replay of Bryan's shoulders on the mat with the submission locked in; Punk tapped out one second after the pin was counted.

WINNER: Punk at 23:55 to retain the WWE Title. An expectedly very good PPV match between two of the best. It wasn't a blow-away match, but still very good. The finish was interesting - it could lead to a title re-match, or just give Bryan an "out" complain about on TV to advance his heel character. (****)

Backstage: Eve and David Otunga walked up to Teddy Long, who was sporting a nametag for Laurinaitis. Long said if Laurinaitis loses tonight, he may talk to the Board about putting Eve and Otunga in-charge. Or, he may talk to the Board about having Eve and Otunga fired. Eve and Otunga sold concern before WWE went back to the ring.

In-ring: Hunico's music played to bring out Hunico and Camacho. Hunico said it won't be a good night for his opponent tonight. After a pause, Ryback's music played to bring out the big man, who did some military poses of sorts on-stage before hitting the ring.

8 -- HUNICO (w/Camacho) vs. RYBACK

"Goldberg" chants once the bell sounded for the buffer match before the main event. Early on, Hunico knocked Ryback off his feet, which the announcers drew attention to, then Ryback came back with power offense, including a lift-up powerbomb. Ryback then finished off Hunico with his fireman's carry finisher. Ryback demanded more competition after they replayed the high points from the match before destroying Hunico's bike on the way out.

WINNER: Ryback at 1:54.

DVD plug: Best of Clash of the Champions focusing on the best from NWA & WCW. The voice-over man noted it's available this Tuesday. Back live at the announce table, Cole called John Laurinaitis an integral part of WCW, which Lawler laughed at. Cole then talked up Laurinaitis's Sunday on his potential final day in-charge. WWE then ran a video package on Laurinaitis vs. Cena, also noting Brock Lesnar's re-involvement in WWE storylines after WrestleMania.

In-ring: Laurinaitis's presidential music played to bring out Big Johnny for the main event. Roberts noted the match can only be won by pinfall or submission. After a pause, Laurinaitis slowly walked out in a People Power red and black track suit. Booker said Laurinaitis looks like he's ready for a fight. Cole plugged No Way Out in four weeks, wondering if Laurinaitis will still be GM for their next PPV. After a pause, John Cena's music played to a loud reaction. The top face pecking order is Cena, Orton, and Punk. Cena told the on-stage cameraman that this is going to be fun, then stormed the ring. WWE showed the Cena Kids on the front row from Extreme Rules last month as Cena finished his ring intro. Before the bell sounded, Laurinaitis removed his track jacket to reveal long-sleeve Under Armour gear. Cena had a good laugh before the ref made sure everyone was ready.

9 -- JOHN CENA vs. JOHN LAURINAITIS -- straight-up one-on-one match -- if Laurinaitis loses, he's "fired" -- any Superstar who interferes is "fired"

Once the bell sounded, Laurinaitis high-tailed it out of the ring, but Cena grabbed him, threw him back into the ring, and pulled the shirt over Johnny's head. Cena landed a slap to the chest, then a slap to the back. Laurinaitis tried to cover himself, then Cena hoisted Johnny onto his shoulders and did a big airplane spin. Johnny drunkenly stumbled out of the ring, then Cena retrieved the ring bell and rang the bell in Johnny's ears.

Cena then rammed Laurinaitis face-first into the announce table over and over as the announcers cackled. For his next trick, Cena put a headset on Laurinaitis, then put on a headset and did commentary, imitating Cole and Booker T. Laurinaitis mumbled, "Five time, five time," then Cena smashed Laurinaitis into a TV monitor. Cole told Cena to please end this. Back in the ring, Johnny stood up and extended a hand to Cena, who pretended to consider it. Cena then slapped Johnny, dropped him on the mat, and left the ring again.

Cena retrieved a mic, then re-entered the ring and noted he just came up with an idea. He told Johnny that he's about to put him in the STF. He said if Laurinaitis taps out, he's fired. He said he'll let go of the hold if Johnny can last ten seconds. Cena applied the hold and Johnny did an over-dramatic tease, but lasted ten seconds. "Wow! That was pretty good!" Cena declared. He said this good news/bad news. Cena said the good news is Johnny made it, but now he's going to do it again. Johnny held on for another ten seconds and Cole excitedly declared he's a courageous, brave man.

Cena left the ring again and retrieved some water for a few sips. Cena noted Johnny looks a bit parched, too. He then retrieved a few water bottles and poured the contents of one bottle over Johnny's head. Another bottle was dumped over Johnny's head. Then, Cena dumped water over Johnny's groin area. "Shrinkage!" Booker declared.

Cena went back to the outside and retrieved a fire extinguisher from under the ring. Cena taunted Johnny with the extinguisher, then lightly sprayed Johnny before spraying him over and over for another ten seconds. Johnny spilled to the outside, then Cena ran Johnny into the guardrail. Next, Cena retrieved a ringside trashcan and dumped the contents onto Johnny. Cole called it degrading and humiliating. Lawler called it fitting. Johnny then tried to run away again, but Cena retrieved him. Johnny suddenly yanked Cena arm-first across the guardrail, re-injuring Cena's left arm. Johnny, energized, attacked the left arm before grabbing a chair.

In the ring, Johnny measured Cena for a chair shot and jabbed Cena in the gut before landing chair shots across the back. Johnny made a cover, but scored a two count only. Laurinaitis then wanted a chair shot to the head, but Cena blocked and intercepted the chair. Cena then delivered a chair-aided Five Knuckle Shuffle. Suddenly, Laurinaitis delivered a low blow. Cole said that's legal because it's pinfall or submission only. After delivering the low blow, Laurinaitis left the ring and tried to leave through the crowd. Johnny crawled through the crowd before reaching the back of the floor section. Johnny disappeared through the curtain at the back of the floor section. In the ring, Cena put his hands in the air, wondering what's going on.

Suddenly, a "fired" Big Show emerged with his hands on Johnny, dragging Laurinaitis back through the crowd to the ringside area. Show flung Johnny into the ring and stood on one side of the ring as Cena stood on the other side of the ring. Johnny, cornered, tried begging for his life. Show then stepped on Johnny's hand as Cole said they should just fire Johnny and get it over with. Johnny then walked into Big Show's big right hand for a chokeslam. Show flung Johnny away to Cena for the Attitude Adjustment, but Show popped Cena with a KO Punch. The crowd booed as Show walked to the corner and watched. Johnny came to, then slowly crawled over to Cena. Johnny rolled Cena over and made a cover for a three count.

Post-match: Lawler wondered why Show would help Johnny after what he did to him last week on Raw. Show then helped up Johnny and raised his arm as the crowd stood quietly. Show left the ring as Johnny tried to celebrate while selling the effects of Cena's beating. After a replay, Johnny was shown sitting on the ring entrance. He then stood up and limped a few feet as Cena sold in the ring. Cole said he can't wait for Raw tomorrow as Laurinaitis hobbled some more to end the PPV at 9:48.

WINNER: Laurinaitis at 17:03. As expected, one of the worst main events people had to pay to see in recent history. WWE gave the Cena Fans some high points with Cena dismantling Johnny early on, fulfilling what Cena advertised before the match. Moving forward, it looks like Cena vs. Big Show is the next feud for Cena while Brock Lesnar remains off TV.

***

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