WWE Raw Results
July 26, 2010
Tape-delayed from San Antonio, Tex.
Aired on USA Network
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

Tonight's WWE Raw started with a recap video of last week's Raw when John Cena confronted Nexus in the final segment, then balked at joining the group and formed his seven-member team to face Nexus at Summerslam.

Arena: They went to the AT&T Center in San Antonio without the Raw pyro intro. After a pause, John Cena's music was cued up to bring out Cena to a typically strong reaction. Justin Roberts introduced Cena as the cameras panned the audience. Cena thanked the audience for the reaction, then paused for various mixed reactions. Cena said everything certainly is bigger in Texas. That always reminds me of the giant DDP hand sign in the Alamodome on Nitro in the 1990s.

Cena recapped the Nexus storyline thus far, with them taking out individuals at-will for reasons only known to them. He said it all stopped last Monday when he assembled his team when the Raw stars said they had enough. He said they will prove at Summerslam that Nexus is not invicible. Otherwise, he said, they'll take over the show. "And if they do, that might be the very end of Monday Night Raw," Cena said in an ominous voice, trying to sell the audience on Nexus being a threat.

Cena said his team isn't exactly Superfriends and he's not Superman. He went for comedy on Great Khali not being a good Wonderwoman. He said they will set aside their differences at Summerslam... Chris Jericho's music interrupted to bring out Jericho in a suit. Cena said Jericho is on his Summerslam team, then the crowd chanted, "Y2J." He glared into the audience before saying he was standing backstage waiting until Cena would say what he thought he would say: "my team...John Cena's team." Jericho said people have been excitedly telling him for the last week they're glad he finally joined Cena's team. He said he didn't get involved in this to be part of Cena's team or shamelessly pander to the audience. Jericho said he got involved because of his personal problems with Nexus and Wade Barrett.

Jericho said he knows Nexus and Barrett more than Cena does, so this should be his team. Cena interrupted and "sold" the team to Jericho. He listed a bunch of names the team could be called, including the "Liontamers." Cena said he just wants to beat Nexus. Jericho told Cena not to pander to him. He said this team will do what he says on his terms under his guidance...Cena interrupted by slapping the mic out of Jericho's hand, which drew a look from Jericho. Cena said it's not about him or Jericho, but "this business." He told Jericho they need to save the business. "Do you understand what I'm saying to you right now?!" he asked. Cena told him it's gutcheck time and they need to co-exist.

Cena got down to it and said Jericho is essential to this team. Jericho surveyed the audience before slowly walking over to his fallen mic. Jericho slowly picked it up, then told Cena never to knock the mic out of his hand again. That drew a pop. Second off, he said, Jericho told Cena the only chance he has of beating Nexus is having the best in the world standing by him. Jericho said he also sees the big picture in-play that the other threat to this business is John Cena. He said Cena does what he wants and runs the show, but with the support of the "drones" he dances around like puppets on a strong. Jericho said as soon as the threat of Nexus is demolished at Summerslam, he's turning his sights to Cena. "I'm going to get rid of you," he vowed as Cena looked down sternly.

[Q2]

Cena shot back that he's standing right here, so take your best shot. He dropped the mic as Jericho glared back at him. The Raw GM chimed in and Cena chucked his hat across the ring. Michael Cole went to the podium and announced Team Nexus vs. Team Cena will now be an elimination match. He said they will have a preview tonight. Cole read that Nexus will be in an elimination match tonight against seven Raw members. He added that Cena and Jericho need to show how they can function as a team against opponents of his choosing. "And if you're not down with that, I've got two words for you," Cole read. Austin, Piper, and DX references thus far. Cue up the Raw music to end the segment with Cena and Jericho teasing tension. PYB (3) talk time: 12:50. Good opening segment setting the stage for the rest of the show, hyping Summerslam, trying to convince the audience that Nexus is a threat to tear down the McMahon empire, teasing Jericho vs. Cena post-Summerslam, and announcing some news for Summerslam.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Back from break, WWE champ Sheamus came out on stage. Justin Roberts introduced him to the crowd and he grabbed a seat ringside to scout his opponent for Summerslam. Cue up Randy Orton coming out to the ring, apparently for a warm-up match. Orton stared Sheamus, then did his pose in the ring as they continued to stretch out the pre-match intro. Jey Uso came out with Jimmy Uso and Tamina to face Orton.

1 -- RANDY ORTON vs. JEY USO (w/Jimmy Uso and Tamina)

Cole noted the anonymous Raw GM booked the match to give Orton some warm-up work before Summerslam. Orton quickly dominated and continued to stare down Sheamus in-between moves on Jey. Orton glared down Sheamus too long after a forearm to the chest, allowing Jey to take control. The crowd rallied behind Orton, who made a trademark comeback and executed a spike DDT on Jey while staring down Sheamus. Orton then went down to the ground to tease the RKO and deliver it center ring. Orton with the cover for the win.

WINNER: Orton at 2:36. Effective squash to get over Orton as a threat for the WWE Title and on a "hot streak" going into Summerslam. (*)

Post-match: Jimmy ambushed Orton from behind while Orton was staring down Sheamus. Jimmy then picked up Orton, who fired off right hand blows. Sheamus tried a pump kick on Orton, but Orton kicked and Jimmy took the boot. Sheamus then turned around and ate an RKO center ring. Suddenly, The Miz's music hit. Miz stormed the ring with the MITB briefcase in hand. He stared down at Sheamus, then ref Chioda presented the briefcase to Roberts. Orton was slowly walking around ringside as Sheamus was trying to get himself together in the ring. Orton then surprised Miz out of nowhere with an RKO. And cue up Orton's theme music. Cole said the bell never rang, so the match never started and Miz still has the case. This is going to get old fast with the loose application of the "cash in" rules. Cole said the story here is Orton looking dominant heading into Summerslam, with Sheamus vulnerable. Cole gave a final plug for Orton looking strong as he posed in the ring with carnage everywhere.

[Q3]

Backstage: Edge was talking to someone (or himself) about Cena's team for Summerslam. The camera panned left to show Ted DiBiase and Maryse standing there. Edge told DiBiase he wishes DiBiase was on the team instead of Great Khali. Maryse sneered at the thought of Khali on the team as Edge talked him down. Maryse said they can't even understand him when he talks. DiBiase said that when he beats John Morrison tonight, Cena will realize his error and take Khali and Morrison off the team. Edge said he likes the sound of that. Edge walked off, then the camera caught Ranjin Singh listening off to the side while pretending to have a conversation with a stagehand. Singh said he'll talk the guy later. Apparently he has some work to do getting Khali in domination mode.

[Commercial Break. A spot aired for Strikeforce: Houston next month. They had a brief plug for Bobby Lashley on the card. That should be the emphasis of the spot if they're running it on WWE programming.]

San Antonio: Back from break, they showed clips of the famous Riverwalk in San Antonio. Great honeymoon spot, if you're looking for an endorsement.

In-ring: Sheamus and The Miz were bickering at each other in the ring back live in the building. The MacBook buzzed and Cole had another email to read. Cole read the email that it will be a "tandem of champions" with WWE champ Sheamus and U.S. champion The Miz teaming up together. Miz and Sheamus continued to bicker. Apparently the match isn't happening right now, as Cole fed to a Summerslam Recall.

Summerslam Flashback: Summerslam 1988 in New York City. They showed a clip of Jimmy Hart and Honky Tonk Man with a pre-match promo setting up the big title switch with Ultimate Warrior taking the IC Title in seconds.

Backstage: Edge was on the phone. Suddenly, Great Khali stormed into the locker room and shouted at Edge. Singh translated and added words he put in Edge's mouth. Edge stammered and said he didn't say those things and only has respect for him. Singh said Khali is challenging Edge to a match right now. "You...and me...now!" Khali said. Edge made a booking decision that if he beats Khali, then Khali's off the team. Did he run that by Cena and Jericho? Edge walked off and Khali pounded his fists together.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Great Khali danced out to the ring with Singh by his side. Lawler was nowhere to be found ringside. Cole said Lawler was informed by the Raw GM that he will be part of the seven-on-seven tag team match later tonight. Cole said that, according to Edge, Khali will be off the team if he loses to Edge up next. Out came Edge still getting himself prepared for in-ring action.

[Q4]

2 -- EDGE vs. GREAT KHALI (w/Ranjin Singh)

Kayfabe, it doesn't speak well of Cena and Jericho as leaders of the group if they're "allowing" this to occur, unless they're taking the approach of letting it play out, then deciding after-the-fact. Edge tried to run around Khali early on and Khali answered with a hard chop to the chest. After a minute of action, Nexus walked out to the ring from backstage and circled the ring. Singh and Edge bailed here. Khali was left along in the ring as Nexus hopped on the ring apron. They entered the ring together to circle around him as he simply stood there with his arms out. The crowd chanted for Khali before Nexus slowly separated to leave an opening in their circle for Khali to exit. Khali took the pass and left the ring. Cole said he doesn't recall Nexus giving anyone a pass before. Khali and Nexus had a stare down to close the segment.

WINNER: No Decision. This was just thrown out there, much like a lot of content on the show since the opening segment. Raw has been a bit messy with some attempts to build intrigue for Summerslam, but with a need to simplify things and not get over-complicated. (n/a)

Later tonight: Cena and Jericho vs. Miz and Sheamus. ... Backstage: Mark Henry, Evan Bourne, Yoshi Tatsu, Goldust, Hart Dynasty, and Jerry Lawler were shown walking down the hallway. They'll be up against Nexus next.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Nexus was assembled in the ring staring at the entrance ramp. Cue up Mark Henry's theme music to bring out the babyface second-stringers for the seven-on-seven elimination match. Justin Roberts announced them as Team Raw.

3 -- TEAM RAW vs. TEAM NEXUS -- Elimination match

The match started with Yoshi Tatsu and Michael Tarver here. Tarver landed an innovative powerslam and eliminated Yoshi at the 0:52 mark. Not a good night for Yoshi as he continues to have "Primo status" on WWE TV. Evan Bourne got in some work, then Jerry Lawler tagged in to a strong reaction. Lawler busted out a dropkick on Justin Gabriel before hitting a "vintage" fist drop from the second rope for a close two count. Barrett then pulled Gabriel out of the ring and Nexus regrouped on the outside. Lawler stood tall in the ring as Cole fed to break.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break, they recapped Lawler being eliminated via Heath Slater. So, it's a seven on five situation. Tyson Kidd was working on Slater back live and Hart Dynasty proceeded to tag in and out working on Slater. Smith executed a nice standing vertical suplex to a good reaction and made a cover, but Slater kicked out. Smith then attempted a running powerslam, but Slater escaped. Slater then dropped Smith with a modified Zig-Zag for the pin on Smith at 7:00. Goldust then entered to a big homestate pop. Goldust measured Slater as they hit the top of the hour.

[Q5 -- second hour]

David Otunga tagged in when Slater took control. Otunga then hit his Dominator finishing move for an elimination at 8:15. Mark Henry entered next and cleaned house on Nexus. Skip Sheffield then entered and wanted a piece of Henry. Skip talked big, then landed clubbing forearms to Henry's back. Skip attempted a trademark clothesline, but Henry blocked with a scoop slam. Henry then launched Gabriel into the ring and landed a big corner splash. Henry didn't see Skip, though, and Skip landed a big clothesline when Henry turned around. Skip with the pin on Henry at 10:15.

Evan Bourne and Tyson Kidd looked at each other as the two remaining members of Team Raw. Kidd attempted a springboard move, but Skip blocked with a clothesline. Skip then tagged in Darren Young, who hit his finisher on Kidd for an elimination at 11:00. So, it was Evan Bourne by himself. Bourne tried to fight off everyone, but the Nexus leader, Wade Barrett, grabbed Bourne and delivered his overhead slam finisher for the final pin. Cole called it a "dominant, clean sweep." Nexus stood over Bourne's fallen body to celebrate the victory before Barrett started directing traffic.

WINNERS: Nexus at 11:43. Two positives: they didn't expose any of Nexus's weaknesses in the ring and painted a picture that Nexus is a dominant force heading to Summerslam. Two negatives: the eliminations were too quick in an unrealistic fashion and the Raw second-stringers were presented as a group that can't beat a freshman basketball team. Since the goal was to sell the top match at Summerslam, the positives outweighed the negatives. (*)

Post-match: Skip measured Bourne and delivered a big running clothesline. Otunga and Slater then picked up Bourne for Otunga to land his Dominator finisher. Gabriel then went to the corner and did his icy glare into the crowd before nailing the big 450 splash on Bourne. Barrett took the mic and said what just happened was total domination. He said Nexus has always been about one common purpose while the cracks are already starting to show in Team Cena...or Jericho. Nexus said their personal agendas and egos are starting to show. Barrett said those cracks are going to destroy the foundation of Team Cena.

Skip Sheffield took the mic and said no one of Team Cena is willing to sacrifice himself for the betterment of the group. Skip said what the audience is looking at right here, right now is Nexus. "We are unbreakable," he said. Michael Tarver said Summerslam will be no different. He said they will eliminate every member of their opposing team until there is one person left...and he hopes it's John Cena. Tarver said they'll rip him apart until everyone has had their fill. He said they will pounce and will put Cena out of his misery. Cue up Nexus's theme music as Cole suggested Nexus is backing up all of their talk thus far. Nexus left the ring as Cole suggested the stack is decked against Team Cena.

Backstage: Miz was staring off into space while holding his MITB briefcase. Miz rubbed his temple, then Sheamus walked in holding his head. Sheamus said Miz has tried to cash in the briefcase twice, but it's never going to happen. He said there's no chance Miz can beat him. Sheamus said if Miz thinks he can, Miz should name the time and place. Miz said perhaps tonight immediately after they face Cena and Jericho. He suggested Sheamus will hit the Attitude Adjustment and Jericho will slap on the Walls of Jericho to set him up for the cash-in to walk out WWE champion. Sheamus warned "fella" that if he keeps pushing him, he'll make him regret it. Sheamus then smashed the briefcase across the locker room and they huffed and puffed at each other. Sheamus walked off, leaving Miz to catch his breath.

[Q6]

[Commercial Break]

San Antonio: They showed an exterior shot of The Alamo. Cole parlayed that into a discussion of Team Cena having their last stand against Nexus.

In-ring: The Bella Twins came out to the ring. Wait, when did it become Thursday night? Jerry Lawler was back on commentary after the Survivor Series squash. It's Nikki one-on-one with Divas champ Alicia Fox, who came out to face Nikki.

4 -- Divas champion ALICIA FOX (w/Jillian Hall) vs. NIKKI BELLA (w/Brie Bella) -- non-title match

The feud has apparently "graduated" to Raw after a run on Superstars. Alicia made short work of Nikki, finishing her off in a minute. Afterwards, Jillian took the mic and basked in Alicia's spotlight after the Bellas were finally thwarted. Alicia didn't appreciate Jillian taking her spotlight, so she dropped her with an Axe Kick and proudly walked out of the ring.

WINNER: Alicia at 1:03. (n/a)

Still to come: John Cena and Chris Jericho vs. The Miz and Sheamus in the TV main event.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: R-Truth was ringside completing his rap before giving a shout-out to San Antonio. Truth joined Cole and Lawler on commentary for the next match. Out first was Ted DiBiase, along with Maryse. Cole recapped events on last week's Raw when John Morrison and DiBiase brawled, with Morrison gaining the upperhand. Cue up Morrison's theme music to bring out Morrison, complete with a little facial scruff.

5 -- JOHN MORRISON vs. TED DIBIASE (w/Maryse)

Maryse tried to trip Morrsison from the outside in the opening seconds of the match, which gave DiBiase an opening to work on Morrison. Truth said they need to start thinking positively for Morrison and for Team Cena. Morrison fired off right hand blows to start a comeback before hitting an enziguiri kick. Morrison then went to the corner for Starship Pain, but Maryse got on the apron to run a distraction. Truth and Morrison sent Maryse running away, then DiBiase created an opportunity to bump Morrison and Truth into each other to feed the "dissension" storyline. DiBiase then rolled up Morrison for the pin and the win.

WINNER: DiBiase at 2:15. Another short singles match, but with an eye on Team Cena vs. Team Nexus at Summerslam. (*)

[Q7] Post-match: Morrison and Truth bickered at each other. Cole and Lawler recapped the ending before cutting back to the arena where Morrison and Truth also watched the replay. Morrison complained to Truth, who tried to tell him not to be upset. Backstage, John Cena was shown rubbing his face while watching on a monitor to sell frustration with his team falling apart. I'm surprised Cole didn't interject an overly-excited line that Cena needs The Miz - "the Bobby Knight, the Bobby Cox, the Denny Crum of NXT" - as the coach of the team.

WM26 plug: They advertised the NBC special on WrestleMania 26 with clips of The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels back on TV. The one-hour special premieres on Saturday, August 7.

[Commercial Break]

Last week recap: They went back to the end of Raw last week when John Cena teased joining Nexus before announcing his seven-man team for Summerslam, including Bret Hart.

Announcers: Cole and Lawler were shown on-camera to talk about this week's developments with Team Nexus in control and Team Cena showing signs of dissension after last week's formation.

Backstage: Josh Mathews was with Randy Orton for a discussion. Mathews asked Orton if he would rather face Miz or Sheamus at Summerslam. Orton said he doesn't care who walks into Summerslam as champion, as he will be walking out as champion, via RKO. Orton stared straight ahead to end the brief conversation.

In-ring: The Miz's music hit to bring out MITB holder/U.S. champion The Miz for the tag team main event. Miz held up his briefcase as they cut to break.

NXT plug: Someone is going home on NXT tomorrow night. They plugged the NXT voting on WWE's website.

[Commercial Break]

[Q8]

In-ring: Miz was in the ring waiting for his tag partner, WWE champion Sheamus. Cole said this has the makings of a disaster. Cole said Miz is "stalking" Sheamus with the briefcase in his possession. Out first for Team Cena was Chris Jericho, who methodically made his way to the ring as Cole posed the question of whether it's time for Team Cena to get their egos in check. Cue up John Cena's music to bring out Cena as the final part of the equation.

6 -- WWE champion SHEAMUS & U.S. champion THE MIZ vs. JOHN CENA & CHRIS JERICHO

Cole said Cena deserves the "manager of the year" award if he can get his team on the same page before Summerslam. Cole said he doesn't understand why the team members can't put their egos aside for the "good of the team." It sounds like Vince McMahon is feeding those lines. The bell sounded and neither team could decide who should start. Cena eventually cleared Miz to the floor and Miz regroupd while Sheamus stared down at him. Back in the ring, Cena and Miz squared off, then Miz slapped Sheamus on the chest to tag him in. Sheamus reluctantly entered the ring and locked up with Cena. Jericho then tagged in for Cena and battled with Sheamus.

Cole and Lawler continued to reinforce Team Cena having a "weak link" to make it seem like the odds are even compared to the less-experienced Nexus unit. Jericho dumped Sheamus over the top rope and Miz shouted at Sheamus that he's losing the match for them. Sheamus shouted back to get out of his face. Meanwhile, Cena and Jericho appeared to be on the same page talking strategy in the ring as they cut to break.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break, Cena and Miz were battling in the ring. Cena then drove Miz to his corner and Jericho tagged in to work on Miz. Jericho smiled and lifted his arm in the air, as if to say he could get a cheer any time he wants from the audience. Jericho then teased the Walls of Jericho, but dropped the hold when Sheamus tried to charge him off the ropes. Jericho tried to fire up the crowd, then Miz blindsided him with a clothesline.

Cole and Lawler talked about the Raw GM tonight, including the DX reference earlier. Lawler referenced them being in San Antonio and tried to get Cole to answer the question on which DX member is from San Antonio, but Cole didn't finish the conversation with a "Shawn Michaels" correct response and went back to calling the action. Nice job playing up the red herrings involved with the anonymous Raw GM. Miz and Sheamus continued to work over Jericho as the announcers wondered if Cena will start considering replacements for his current team. Just before the top of the hour, Sheamus cut off an attempted hot tag by Jericho. Sheamus then put Jericho in a Camel Clutch as they hit the top of the hour.

[Q9 -- over-run] Cena tried to fire up the crowd as Jericho fought back to his feet. Jericho escaped with elbows, but Sheamus dragged him back to the heel corner to tag in Miz, who went back to work on Jericho. In the discussion on egos with Team Cena, Lawler said Cole has an ego so big that...Cole cut him off and said he thought Lawler was talking about JR. Anyways, Cena eventually got the hot tag at 12:30 and cleaned house on Sheamus, who also tagged in. Cena set up the Five Knuckle Shuffle and connected. He wanted the Attitude Adjustment, but Jericho snuck in the back door on Cena and dropped him with the codebreaker. So much for working babyface tonight. Miz then tagged in for Sheamus and quickly made the cover on Cena for the pin and the win.

WINNERS: Miz & Sheamus at 13:18. Unremarkable tag match, but interesting with Jericho working babyface for 13 minutes of the match. It was an interesting look inside the window of a potential babyface run for Jericho down the road ala Randy Orton being turned face by the fans. Miz and Sheamus definitely benefited from being in the ring with Cena and Jericho to continue subtly reinforcing them as main event-level stars. (**)

Post-match: Sheamus stared down Miz, who took his title belt and briefcase to walk off. Back in the ring, Jericho smirked at the audience before walking over to Cena and slapping on the Walls of Jericho. Cena then countered into an STF center ring. Jericho immediately tapped out as Great Khali suddenly walked to the ring. Edge then entered the ring and speared Khali. Cena shoved Edge to ask him what's up. Morrison and R-Truth then entered the ring and a shoving match ensued. Khali then dropped Morrison with a chop. Cena tried to tell him enough. Jericho kicked the ropes before challenging Khali to do something. They went off the air with Jericho yelling and screaming at everyone while red in the face.

FINAL THOUGHTS: Not as strong as last week's epic episode of Raw, but effective shifting the balance back to Nexus to cover for the appearance of a lopsided Summerslam main event consisting of top WWE stars vs. inexperienced Rookies. WWE went all-out trying to tease tension within Team Cena, which had some effectiveness during the show. Great Khali still seems like an awkward fit in the group. It appears Bret Hart's role will "evolve" into the "coach" of Team Cena in the next stage of the build-up. It will be interesting to see how WWE fills out the rest of the Summerslam card, with the Raw mid-card wrestlers essentially reduced to nothing.

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