WWE Raw Results
September 6, 2010 - Episode #901
Live from Washington, D.C.
Aired on USA Network
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

Tonight's WWE Raw #901 episode started cold with Nexus already assembled in the ring. Michael Cole quickly noted their presence and Wade Barrett stepped forward with mic in hand. Barrett opened: "How fitting." Boos. He waited them out before acknowledging Raw emanating from the nation's capital. Barrett said he talked about doing something memorable that will be remembered forever last week. He said they destroyed a WWE institution last week, The Undertaker. They cued up footage from last Monday's Raw showing Barrett give Taker the overhead slam, followed by Justin Gabriel hitting the 450 splash.

Back live, David Otunga took the mic and said they are the new phenom in WWE. Otunga said they cut Darren Young and Skip Sheffield is down with an injury and had the greatest nights of their lives. Michael Tarver was next to talk about savoring their moment taking out Taker. But, they weren't done, as they took out five top stars on Raw. Tarver said Edge and Chris Jericho were so scared that they took themselves out of the match. Heelish revisionist history. Heath Slater was next to focus on him pinning the WWE champion, Sheamus, during the elimination match.

Justin Gabriel was next to talk about doing his finishing move to both Taker and John Cena in the same night. Taker and Cena in the same sentence for some seed planting. Gabriel then introduced footage from Raw where he hit said finisher on Cena. They replayed it a few times for added effect and showed Gabriel pinning Cena. Back live, Gabriel had a good laugh and said that was like the third time he's hit the move on Cena. Maybe four. Gabriel said it gets more and more satisfying each time he hits the move. "You can see me, John," he said.

Barrett was next to say he pinned Randy Orton, which is just a taste for Night of Champions when he beats Orton, Cena, Sheamus, Jericho, and Edge to bring the WWE Title "back home" to Nexus. Barrett said it will be historical, ground-breaking, and everything he has said. Suddenly, Randy Orton's music interrupted to a big pop. Orton slowly walked out on stage to let the moment breathe before his music stopped.

Orton said what he took away from last week was him taking out two of Nexus's men in less than 30 seconds. Orton said he doesn't need to roll footage of that because he'll do it again. Orton said he's going to make it his business to hit Barrett with the RKO at Night of Champions. Barrett said that's real tough talk, so why not come to the ring and try giving him the RKO. Orton, whose eyes looked a bit weird, glared back at Barrett and slowly walked down the ramp. Suddenly, the Raw GM buzzed.

Michael Cole approached the podium and opened up the laptop to read off the piece of paper on the keyboard. Cole read that for the first time ever, Gabriel will face John Cena. Gabriel sold confidence. Also, Orton doesn't have to wait until NOC, as he gets Wade Barrett for the first-time ever tonight. Cole read that Nexus is banned from ringside tonight to make sure both matches are fair. Slater and Tarver flipped out while Barrett sold mild disdain and confidence facing Orton tonight. Lawler plugged what's to come as they cut back and forth between Orton and Barrett staring each other down. PYB (3) talk time: 11:10.

NOC PPV hype video: Sheamus. He's the WWE champion. A voice-over man with an Irish accent hyped the Six-Pack Challenge with Sheamus defending the title at Night of Champions and the first man to score a pinfall or submission wins the title.

[Commercial Break]

[Q2]

In-ring: Chris Jericho came to the ring for a match of unhyped proportions. Suddenly, the GM buzzed again. Jericho looked perplexed. Cole went to the podium and read that when Jericho and Edge took themselves out of the match last week, it was a slap in the ace to WWE fans and him, the GM. Cole read that if Jericho and Edge do not win their matches tonight, they will be taken out of the Six Pack Challenge. Jericho snapped to attention and yelled at Cole. Jericho wanted to know who the GM is right now. Cole just shrugged his shoulders as Jericho continued to scold him. John Morrison then came out as Jericho's opponent. Cole reminded viewers of Jericho's bold statement that he'll be out of WWE for good if he doesn't win at Night of Champions.

1 -- CHRIS JERICHO vs. JOHN MORRISON -- Jericho off the PPV with a loss

Jericho jumped Morrison as the bell sounded to attack Morrison with a full-blown attack. Morrison teased an early nearfall, but Jericho kicked out and came back with a flying sledgehammer for a two count of his own. Jericho then tossed Morrison to the floor and demanded an answer from Cole on who the GM is. Jericho, who is showing some belly, then ran over to Morrison on the other side of the ring as they cut to break.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break, Jericho was in control. In-between moves, Jericho leaned on the ropes to scream at Cole who the GM is. Cole then talked about people feeling that Jericho's career has stalled, prompting Jericho to make this proclamation for Night of Champions. Morrison made a spirited comeback, but Jericho cut him off. Jericho tried a Lionsault, but Morrison ducked and came off the ropes with a springboard kick for a two count. Morrison paused, then Jericho cut off Morrison's momentum. They traded offensive move teases, then Jericho hit an enziguiri kick to the head. He made a cover, but Morrison kicked out.

At 8:00, Jericho shot Morrison off, but missed with a shoulder tackle. Morrison then tried to follow with Starship Pain, but Jericho moved. Morrison sold an ankle injury landing on the near attempt and Jericho capitalized with the Walls of Jericho. Morrison sold and sold, then finally reached the bottom rope for a break. Jericho argued with the ref on the rope break, then tried to follow with a top rope superplex, but Morrison blocked. Morrison then landed right hand blows taking Jericho off the top. He tried to reposition himself for Starship Pain and he connected. Morrison then made the cover and yes, scored the pin. Jericho is out of Night of Champions.

[Q3] Post-match: Morrison celebrated the victory and Jericho was shown gathering his thoughts in the ring. Jericho then walked out of the ring and merely sat down on the ring steps with a befuddled look on his face. Lawler said he almost feels sorry for him. The camera focused in on Jericho's mouth, where he was bleeding. Lawler asked what Jericho is going to do now. Jericho then gathered himself and walked off as the crowd applauded. They stayed with Jericho for a while as he slowly walked up the entrance ramp contemplating what's next.

WINNER: Morrison at 9:56. Excellent TV match with high stakes and a chance for Morrison to shine for the first time in a while. The finish seemed to hint that Jericho is gone from WWE and is being written off Night of Champions, but it could also be a way for WWE to avoid being forced to book Jericho to win the match at Night of Champions since now he's out of the match. Potentially, it's a way to get them out of a corner they were backed into with Jericho having to win the title if he does indeed re-sign with WWE. Good story to the match and post-match selling what's next. (***)

Still to come: Barrett vs. Orton and Cena vs. Gabriel. Nexus is banned from ringside.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Divas champion Melina came out to the ring as Cole plugged a sneak peek at John Cena's "Legendary" to come later in the show. Alicia Fox then came out and told Melina to slow down on defending the title at Night of Champions vs. Lay-Cool in the unification match. She reminded Melina of her re-match clause from Summerslam and a title match was on.

2 -- Divas champion MELINA vs. ALICIA FOX -- Divas Title match

The match spilled to the outside early on, and you knew this was going to be a short match. The match ended up going two minutes with Melina scoring a pinfall via her version of the Canadian Destroyer. Melina thwarts Alicia and moves on to face Lay-Cool at Night of Champions.

WINNER: Melina at 2:11 to retain the Divas Title. Not enough time allotted for the match. Okay for what aired. (*)

Backstage: The Miz, dressed in a GQ suit, was peeking behind the curtain of something in the hallway. Miz said he's going to reveal his journey to "awesome" tonight. Josh Mathews wanted a peek behind the curtain, but Miz cut him off and slapped his wrist to send him away. Cole excitedly plugged he can't wait for the reveal to come tonight.

[Commercial Break]

[Q4]

Backstage: Edge was in the locker room talking to Zack Ryder, of all people. Edge said he doesn't get why his PPV title match spot is on the line like Jericho's. Ryder then interjected that he wants to face Edge tonight. Edge said that's so easy because Ryder sucks. Ryder said he's an NOC, bro - a former number one contender. Edge shouted out to the invisible General Manager, seeking confirmation of Ryder's challenge. Edge looked toward the ceiling and said that if Ryder's music does not play as his opponent tonight, he will smash the Raw GM computer to a million pieces. The crowd popped live. That was a great organic reaction. Ryder went back to what Edge said earlier about him being a tool. Ryder acted hurt by that, which Edge shrugged off.

Backstage: Ted DiBiase was on the phone telling someone he loves spending time with that person. Suddenly, Maryse walked in and wanted to know who he was talking to. It was his mom, he claimed. Maryse said she likes all the things DiBiase said. Maryse told DiBiase to stop playing innocent. She pulled out a note she found. "I want you so bad," read the note. DiBiase said he didn't write that because he can tell it to her face. DiBiase asked why she thinks the note is for her. Maryse said it could only be her. DiBiase said it could be him with his dashing good looks and big money. Maryse started cutting a promo on him in French, which upset DiBiase. He avoided the relationship issue by walking away. They're certainly in the crazy cycle. Maryse just flipped her hair as DiBiase disappeared.

In-ring: Nexus's music hit to bring out Justin Gabriel. It feels rushed to go from a lot of different segments to a singles match featuring John Cena without any pre-match promo or thoughts from Cena on the show. Gabriel stood in the ring as they cut to break before Cena's intro and match.

[Commercial Break]

Quick plug: Next Monday on the "season premiere" of Raw: it's Raw Roulette. How do you have a season premiere when you never have an off-season?

In-ring: Gabriel was shown pumping himself up in the ring, then John Cena's music hit to bring out Cena. Cena did his full ring intro to push them closer to the top of the hour as Gabriel retreated on the outside.

3 -- JOHN CENA vs. JUSTIN GABRIEL -- Nexus banned from ringside

The bell sounded as the announcers talked up Gabriel's individual character talking points to try to establish his personality within Nexus. Cena took control early on with a head scissors as the crowd was fired up with a loud dueling chant of "Let's Go Cena" vs. "Cena Sucks." Gabriel broke free and they backed away from each other before locking up again with Gabriel taking control. Cena then reversed in the corner, only to run into an elbow from Gabriel. Cena rolled to the outside as they plugged an "exclusive preview" of Legendary next.

[Q5 -- second hour] Back in the ring at the top of the hour, Gabriel landed a kick strike to the thigh following an Eddie Guerrero-style slingshot shoulder drop to the mid-section. Gabriel then nailed a springboard cross-body splash for a two count. The announcers reset and brought up Chris Jericho losing his spot at Night of Champions to reinforce that point. Gabriel then slapped on a great submission hold stretching Cena's body in various directions. Cena powered up to his feet, though, only to have Gabriel counter a bodyslam attempt with a sit-out slam for a two count.

Gabriel then positioned Cena for a nice springboard moonsault center ring, but Cena moved out of the way. Cena fired up with the standard comeback, then called for the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena dropped the fist, Gabriel came to his feet, and Cena went for the Attitude Adjustment. Gabriel elbowed out, though, and landed an STO followed by a kick strike to the face. Gabriel then went to the corner looking for the 450 Splash, but Cena came to his feet and crotched Gabriel. Cena then teased a top-rope Attitude Adjustment and kinda tripped on the ropes on the way down executing the finisher. Cena with the pin for the win.

WINNER: Cena at 6:11. Good match with a good crowd and Gabriel given enough offense to retain credibility before the expected finish. It was also interesting to hear the announcers focus on Gabriel individually with an eye on trying to make some singles stars out of the Nexus group for down the road. (**)

Announcers: Cole and Lawler talked up "Legendary" coming out on Friday. Lawler presented it as if WWE chose only a select number of "elite" theaters to show the movie. That's a pretty smart way to market to the WWE audience this "limited release," which is only being shown in 100-200 theaters, even if it's completely and utterly misleading.

Legendary video: They aired an extended video preview of the movie, with sit-down comments from Cena, Danny Glover, and Patricia Clarkson discussing the story of the movie.

[Commercial Break]

NXT plug: Five Rookie Divas begin their journey to becoming an NXT Diva tomorrow night on NXT. No mention of Aloisia or a replacement.

In-ring: U.S. champion The Miz was in the ring. He introduced himself as "Mike Mizanin" and having "no right to be here." He said that's how he was thought of by people in WWE when he first showed up. Miz said he had to start from the bottom on Tough Enough. Cue up a still photo of geeky Miz on Tough Enough. He said he heard the voices from Superstars, Legends, and fans asking why Miz is here. Miz mocked their voices of dissension. Another still photo from him as the host of Smackdown. What horrible memories of that era. Miz said he kept hearing the voices that he does not belong. He said each of the fans would have left under those circumstances.

Cue up a photo of Miz and Morrison as tag champions. Miz said the doubters kept saying he was riding Morrison's coattails and was just the sidekick. He said after they split, he became the United States champion. But that still wasn't good enough. Miz said people thought he would never rise to the next level. But, he won the Money in the Bank. Miz said he punched in his ticket to becoming a WWE champion. He said the man that was shunned and ostracized can now be viewed in this entire company.

[Q6] That led to him asking for a drumroll as he pulled down the curtain to reveal a blown-up version of this month's WWE Magazine cover with Miz on the front. This is the PG version of the traditional Playboy cover reveal. Miz said it's a big deal for him because as a kid, he used to buy every WWE Magazine issue (job security for Vince Russo) and now he's on the cover. Miz told every man, woman, and child to stand up and admit they were wrong. "I made it! I did it! I am the poster child! Not Cena, not Orton, no one besides me," he declared.

Miz waited out the boos before bringing down his voice to tell the audience they have no choice but to admit they were wrong. Because I'm The Miz...and I have earned the right to say, "I'm...Awesome." Cole put over the promo, then Daniel Bryan's music hit to bring out Bryan, which drew Cole's ire. Cole said Bryan is interrupting The Moment of Miz's career. Bryan entered the ring and introduced himself to "Mike Mizanin." Bryan said he came out here to seriously congratulate him because they have a lot in common. Bryan said he clearly hasn't accomplished as much as Miz because he just came out to generic rock music he can't even identify with. Bryan said he's the anti-Superstar, but one thing he does know is that if he gets to face Miz for the U.S. Title, he can beat him. Miz agreed...that Bryan paid $10 for that haircut. Miz asked Bryan what makes him worthy to challenge for the title because he doesn't think Bryan deserves it. Bryan agreed, then introduced a Photoshopped picture of Miz on the cover of the next WWE Magazine showing Miz tapping out to Bryan with a headline of "Miz Taps!"

Bryan vowed to beat Miz, make him tap out, and become the new U.S. champion. Miz mocked thinking it over before telling "Daniel" that he doesn't like him. He said he didn't like him on NXT, took his spot on Smackdown, or took him when he came out here to interrupt his moment. Miz asked Bryan if he really thinks he can beat him when he can annihilate him. Bryan had enough and cut to the chase - yes or no on the title match? Miz sold thinking it over again and whispered, "Yes." Bryan thanked him for the title shot, then Miz sarcastically thanked him.

Miz tried a left arm shot, but Bryan ducked and slapped on the Lebell Lock, which Cole noted by name. Alex Riley tried to make the save from behind, but Bryan fought him off. Bryan then ducked a briefcase shot and dumped Miz to the outside. Bryan then slapped on the Lebell Lock on Riley, who repeatedly tapped out as Miz stared down Bryan from the floor. No help from Miz. Suddenly, Bryan took a look at the giant Miz poster in the ring and pretended to stroke the cover. He played to the crowd on what he should do with it. Bryan then landed a big kick strike, knocking the poster to the mat. Cole called it sickening while Bryan smiled at Miz, who sternly walked off. They cut to back-and-forth shots of Miz and Bryan to conclude the segment. PYB (3) talk time: 13:20. A whole lot of TV time invested into Miz and Bryan, which is a sign WWE is really behind this program. Good back-and-forth setting up the issue heading to Night of Champions.

This Week in WWE History: September 4, 1995 at the Mall of America. Wow, 15 years ago for the first WCW Nitro. Can't believe it's been that long. Pillman, Liger, Flair, Ted Turner, Eric Bischoff, Hulk Hogan, Sting, Bossman, Anderson, and the battle lines drawn with Lex Luger's surprise debut after jumping to WCW "mere hours after his last appearance with WWE." They aired clips of there "being no rules" anymore with the NWO, Blaze, etc. WWE's voice-over man said WWE "returned fire" in the TV ratings with the Attitude Era. And, WWE eventually purchased WCW. They went back to Sept. 1995 to put over WCW firing the first shot, "the echoes of which are still ringing every Monday night." Pretty interesting (for a number of different reasons) little video package promoting WWE Classics on Demand.

[Commercial Break]

[Q7]

In-ring: Edge came out for his match with his PPV slot on the line. Cole suddenly had an email on his Blackberry. He announced from the GM that John Cena will face the winner of Orton or Barrett on next week's show. Cole fudged the actual method of communication, settling on, "It was a text message." Instead of Zack Ryder, Great Khali's music hit as Edge's opponent. Edge's eyes bugged out, then he approached the Raw GM podium. Edge teased bashing the thing into a million difference pieces before the referee told him to get in the ring.

4 -- EDGE vs. GREAT KHALI (w/Runjin Singh) -- Edge off the PPV with a loss

The bell sounded and Edge immediately rolled to the outside. He mocked Khali's Frankenstein-like walk, which drew an odd laugh from Khali. Edge continued to mock Khali's walk, then tried to attack Singh, but Khali palmed his head. Edge then drew Khali to the outside and kicked Khali at the knee. Edge ran back into the ring and Khali began hobbling. The ref fast-counted Khali, giving Edge a count-out victory before Khali could hobble back into the ring. Edge wins. The crowd popped for Edge out-smarting Khali.

Post-match: The Raw GM buzzed and Cole read an email that the GM is not accepting this victory. He announced that it will now be a No DQ, over-the-top rope challenge. Edge sold befuddlement. The crowd didn't like this.

WINNER: Edge via count-out at 1:17; decision over-ruled. (n/a)

[Commercial Break]

4b -- EDGE vs. GREAT KHALI (w/Runjin Singh) -- Edge off the PPV with a loss -- No DQ, over-the-top rope challenge

The bell sounded back from break with both men in the ring. Khali landed knock-down clotheslines, then shoved Edge into the corner. Lawler noted they're already down to a five-pack and could be down another beverage if Edge loses this. Khali took Big Show's gimmick with the "shhhh" frying pan chop. Edge then ran under the ropes and Khali walked over the top to the outside. Suddenly, Cole flipped out, noting Khali walked over the top rope to grab Edge on the outside. Cole said Khali just eliminated himself, but Lawler tried to cover, saying you need to be thrown over the top. Back in the ring, Edge and Khali kinda set up a spot to eliminate Khali over the top rope. Cole was beside himself with this turn of events.

WINNER: Edge at 1:39. The end result was a complete waste of time involving Khali to keep Edge in the PPV match. (n/a)

Up next: Orton vs. Barrett in the TV main event.

[Commercial Break]

[Q8]

Smackdown plug: Kane has the edge on The Undertaker. Now, Taker returns to action for the first time since being put in a "vegetative state" by Kane. They're giving away his in-ring return on free TV, and the opponent will be C.M. Punk.

Backstage: Chris Jericho was shown staring off into space. Josh Mathews walked up to Jericho to get a word with him. Jericho just stared straight ahead. Mathews reminded Jericho of the stipulation for Night of Champions. He said Jericho has no chance of becoming WWE champ at the PPV. "What are your future plans?" he asked. Jericho continued to just stare straight ahead. Mathews had enough of waiting and pulled the mic away. Suddenly, there was a noise off-camera. A shadow of a figure emerged. John Morrison then sat down next to Jericho and said it's a bad day. No answer. Morrison asked Jericho if he still thinks he's the best in the world at what he does. No answer. Morrison put his hand on his back and said things will get better. Jericho looked like he smelled something rotten and turned his head to face Morrison. No words. They resumed staring off into space to conclude the segment. That was so bizarre, yet so effective continuing to shine Morrison and set up what's next for Jericho.

In-ring: WWE champion Sheamus's music hit to bring out the champ. He'll be on commentary for the Orton vs. Barrett main event.

[Commercial Break]

Next Monday: Raw Roulette - spin the wheel, make a deal, and take your chances.

Back live, Lawler plugged Cena facing the winner of Orton vs. Barrett next week. Also, John Cena's music was playing. Cena and Edge joined Sheamus ringside to have a five-man commentary booth on the main event. This ought to be interesting. Wade Barrett came out first as Edge and Sheamus bickered amongst themselves. Barrett then pointed down at the men ringside to talk some trash to them. Lawler and Cena discussed Jericho being cut from the Six-Pack challenge as Barrett waited for Randy Orton. After a Cena Pause, Orton's music hit to bring him out.

5 -- RANDY ORTON vs. WADE BARRETT

The bell sounded and Orton aggressively attacked Barrett. Cena talked strategy of the key to Nexus being isolating them. Suddenly, the match moved to the floor where Orton banged Barrett's head off the announce table in front of the men assembled ringside. Back in the ring, Orton shouted to the crowd before stomping on Barrett. Orton caught Barrett with an elbow, but Barrett blasted him with a big boot to the face. Sheamus, meanwhile, asked why it's fair that he could lose the WWE Title without ever being pinned. Cole defended the Raw GM's decision-making, continuing to hint Cole is the GM. Lawler backed up Sheamus, then Cole noted Sheamus won the title because of Nexus. Sheamus said that fact is irrelevant. He said his poor granny at home has been praying and is distraught because of these circumstances. Great delivery.

[Q9 -- over-run] Orton made a comeback, but Barrett cut him off and delivered a backbreaker. Cena put over Barrett, saying he looks like he belongs. Sheamus said he has a touch of the flu, which is why he hasn't been in the ring this week. Cole returned fire and Sheamus said he better watch out or Cole won't be on TV next week. Orton delivered his trademark fallaway backbreaker and Edge added good commentary that it makes your feet go numb when you take the move. Orton then fired up and set up for the spike DDT from the second rope, but Barrett blocked and back-dropped Orton over the top to the floor.

Suddenly, some new music hit and out walked Darren Young on stage. Young said Barrett thought he could kick him out of Nexus and get away with it. Young slowly walked down to the ring and said he's going to show Barrett he wasn't the weakest link, but the missing link. Young approached the ring steps as Barrett stared him down. Orton then snuck in the back door and dropped him with the RKO. Orton with the pin for the win. Orton was frothing at the mouth post-match, which was a good look to get over his intensity.

Post-match: Orton called Young into the ring, smiling at him. Young took the bait and ate an RKO from Orton. Sheamus and Edge then tried to corner Orton, but Orton avoided their attacks. Orton smashed Edge with the RKO. Orton then ducked a kick from Sheamus and hit the RKO. Orton did his IED convulsions and his music hit as Cole said he is on fire. No sign of Cena here.

WINNER: Orton at 6:03. They needed to have Orton win, but without making Barrett look weak, so enter Darren Young with the random interruption. They're at the make-or-break point with Nexus on the audience teetering on the edge of not caring about the group anymore. On commentary, Edge was terrific, Sheamus was solid playing a confident top champion, and Cena was good picking his spots to interject comments. (*1/2)

They replayed the roll of RKOs, then cut back live to the ring where John Cena was now in the ring. It's Cena vs. Orton next week. Cena took off his t-shirt and stared down Orton, who returned the stare with a glare. Orton slowly inched toward Cena, who stood his ground. They continued to stare down each other, then Orton eased up and wiped his mouth. "Cincinnati, brace yourselves, Cena and Orton live on Raw next week," Cole said. They continued to stare each other down as the crowd chanted, "Fight, fight," to conclude the show. The facial expressions were pretty over-the-top, but effective to sell...next week's Raw. We'll see if they can sell the PPV next week.

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