WWE Raw Results
September 20, 2010 - Episode #903
Tape-delayed from Indianapolis, Ind.
Aired on USA Network
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

Tonight's WWE Raw #903 episode opened with Justin Roberts giving a formal ring introduction for the new WWE champion, Randy Orton. Huge pop for Orton who came out with a smile on his face and possession of the title. Before Orton could complete his ring intro, Sheamus's music hit to interrupt Orton. Sheamus said he can't stand for this since Orton cheated to win. He claimed discrimination. Sheamus also said Orton has never beat him one-on-one.

Orton retorted that Sheamus won his title in a fatal four-way match with Nexus's help. He called him pathetic and told Sheamus he better cash in his guaranteed title re-match quick otherwise he's going to be receiving a Punt to the skull. Sheamus said he's not scared by Orton's little facial expressions or temper tantrums. "Fella, I'll kick your head off," Sheamus declared. Orton got in his face and double dog dared him.

Suddenly, the Raw GM buzzed and Michael Cole stepped to the podium to read an email from the GM. Cole read they will have a singles re-match with a No DQ, No Count-out, No Escape stipulation. No excuses in two weeks in the Hell in a Cell. Sheamus said he's never been in Hell in a Cell, but he ended Triple H's career. Sheamus said he wants one more thing before he leaves. He wanted his title belt back. Orton held it up selling confusion. Sheamus told him he didn't beat him one-on-one. The fans chanted for an RKO as Sheamus questioned Orton's honor.

Orton said he is not an honorable man. He said he's hospitalized many people - some deserved it, some didn't deserve it, and some were in his way. Orton said he would RKO his own grandmother to get the WWE Title, then RKO Sheamus's grandmother just to see the look on her face. Orton said he's the champ, which means he carries the title. Orton told Sheamus that if he really wants to do something about it...pause...go ahead and take it. Orton tossed it to Sheamus, who caught it, then took an RKO center ring. Orton then retrieved his title and held it up in the air before his music hit. PYB (3) talk time: 7:15.

After Orton's music hit and he walked out of the ring, he returned to the ring after seeing Sheamus face-down on the mat. Orton teased the Punt, but Sheamus rolled out of the ring just in time. Sheamus sold the RKO as he stared back at Orton from the stage. Orton then posed with the title belt in the ring. So, it's Orton vs. Sheamus for the WWE Title at the Hell in a Cell PPV.

Still to come tonight: John Cena vs. Wade Barrett. And comments from Cena.

[Commercial Break]

Announcers: Hart Dynasty's Tyson Kidd and D.H. Smith were at the announce table to discuss their WWE tag title loss at the PPV last night. Cole mocked the champs and asked if they cried in their hotel rooms after the loss. D.H. Smith looked like he wanted to pummel Cole. Kidd tried a comeback, then the new tag champs Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre came out to the ring. Cole asked HD if they were short-changed by having to be in the first part of the match. Kidd said they were a victim of circumstance. Cole mocked Kidd's hair deal as Santino and Kozlov came out to the ring to face the new tag champs.

1 -- WWE tag champions CODY RHODES & DREW MCINTYRE vs. SANTINO & KOZLOV -- non-title match

Smith did a McIntyre impersonation on commentary to try to create levity. Cole said they're pretty boring on commentary. Kidd called out Cole for acting like a big-shot since he came the liaison for the Raw GM. In the ring, Santino teased the Cobra, but McIntyre smashed him with a boot to the face. Mac and Cody started exchanging tags working on Santino as Kidd vowed to regain the tag titles. Kozlov eventually took a lukewarm tag and started throwing around kicks before landing a powerslam on Mac. Cody broke up the pin, then chaos broke out. Santino ate the floor, then Kozlov booted Cody in the chest. Kozlov turned around and took the Future Shock DDT from Mac to give the new tag champs a victory. HD said they were impressed and they will challenge for the tag titles next week on Raw. Cole "evaluated their performance" on commentary as the new tag champs posed in the ring with the titles. Smith shot back at Cody that he's holding the title upside down. Cole popped for Smith's line in "evaluation" mode.

WINNERS: Cody & Drew at 4:07. Irrelevant match made more irrelevant by Cole "evaluating the performance" of Hart Dynasty on commentary. It just takes the audience out of the match. Smith showed pretty good charisma when he had a chance to talk. Refreshing. (*)

On-camera: Cole asked Lawler if he's had a chance to watch the "Legendary" movie in theaters yet. Not too many folks have. Lawler then held up the DVD due out next Tuesday. He said his favorite part are the bloopers.

Recap: John Morrison doing his training last week before Chris Jericho cost him the Six-Pack Challenger qualifier match against Sheamus. ... They cut backstage to show Morrison doing more training. He gets Chris Jericho tonight. So, Jericho is on the show and the announcers made no big deal about Jericho being on Raw after his Night of Champions loss.

[Commercial Break]

Backstage: Edge was holding his hair in frustration, then Zack Ryder walked in wanting to get some Edge Time. Edge said they are not friends and he should be WWE champion right now. He said the Raw GM probably isn't going to give him a title match anytime soon. "I'm screwed," he said. Daniel Bryan then walked in sporting some unique athletic gear. Big pop for Bryan from the live crowd. Edge accused Bryan of lucking his way into the U.S. Title last night. Ryder then became the butt of the joke before Edge hand-picked Bryan to take out his anger on tonight. Bryan casually smiled and said he'll see him out there. Ryder did the "L" for Loser signal and Edge mocked him for having it backward.

[Q3]

In-ring: Chris Jericho came out as Cole said they'll have Edge vs. Bryan tonight if the Raw GM agrees. Cole said Jericho must still be in shock after being eliminated via RKO two minutes into the Six-Pack Challenge. Lawler said he had to take the walk of shame back to the locker room. They didn't sell the stipulation here. John Morrison then came out to face Jericho as Cole recapped Morrison feeling like he was about to qualify for the Six-Pack Challenge vs. Sheamus until Jericho interrupted to cost him the match.

2 -- JOHN MORRISON vs. CHRIS JERICHO

Morrison aggressively went after Jericho, who rolled to the outside to slow down Morrison. Back in the ring, Jericho ate a leg whip to the face from Morrison. Morrison then knocked Jericho to the floor and followed with a big splash on the floor. The camera zoomed in on Morrison selling intensity as they cut to break.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break, Morrison was in control of the match until Jericho kicked Morrison off the ring apron to the floor. Cole recapped that Jericho reneged on his statement that he would leave WWE if he didn't win at Night of Champions. That wasn't explained well at all, and it chips away at the trust between viewer and WWE on any future stipulations or proclamations announced. Jericho then suplexed Morrison back into the ring and stomped on his face. Jericho began taunting Morrison, who kicked him in the mush. Jericho shook it off, then smashed Morrison in the face before choking him across the middle rope.

Morrison made a comeback at 8:00 and fired off a dropkick sending Jericho to the corner. Morrison was showing tremendous intensity here during his comeback. Jericho then blocked a corner attack and landed a bulldog. Morrison tried to come back with the Flying Chuck, but Jericho countered into the Walls of Jericho center ring. Morrison made the bottom rope to break the hold, which interestingly drew boos from the crowd. Jericho argued with the ref, then Morrison tried a pin. Suddenly, they had a rolling pin attempt exchange. Finally, Jericho countered into the Walls, only to have Morrison corkscrew out. Morrison then smashed him with a running knee to the face. Morrison followed with Starship Pain and actually connected this time. Morrison with the cover for the clean win. Cole noted it was a big win for Morrison while the "downward spiral" continues for Jericho.

Post-match: Morrison celebrated the win on the way out. His music stopped and they revisited Jericho, who sold frustration and confusion in the ring. Jericho then pulled himself out of the ring and sat down on the ring apron contemplating his career.

WINNER: Morrison at 10:18. Excellent TV match with Morrison really getting over his renewed intensity during this program with Jericho. And, the Jericho "downward spiral" storyline continues - destination unknown. (***)

Backstage: They showed the locker room sign door for John Cena. Cole said they'll hear from Cena next on Raw.

[Q4]

[Commercial Break]

Backstage: Josh Mathews brought in John Cena to talk about not leaving the PPV as WWE champion. Cena said things are great: his fantasy football team did great, the economy is out of its slump, Mathews has a new tie, and Randy Orton won the WWE Title. Cena went back to a few weeks ago when he noted he would take out the entire group. Cena said they're down to five and now he takes out the Nexus leader tonight.

In-ring: The Miz came out in a suit with possession of his MITB briefcase. Lawler noted the last time they saw Miz, he was crying after losing the U.S. Title. Miz said, for the record, he did not tap out at Night of Champions. Miz claimed Bryan did not beat him. Miz walked down the entrance ramp as he claimed to have a tender MCL. He said the doctors begged him not to compete, but despite the medical risk, he competed. He sounds like Bobby Lashley. Miz called out a "fatso" ringside. He said he tapped out to save himself from potential surgery. Miz said he can and he will regain the U.S. Title. "Because I'm The Miz and I...did not tap out!" They cut to a shot of a fan holding up the big "Hello my name is..." nametag gimmick that Miz has been using for his new t-shirt with "I tapped out" in the name section. Lawler chuckled at that shot. Miz joined the announcers as they cut to break. Effective heel promo to get his heat back after the title loss.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Edge came out first for the match-up with Daniel Bryan. Cole sold relief that Miz claims he was actually injured when he lost to Daniel Bryan. Miz signed the cover of his WWE Magazine for Cole. Cole said it's never leaving the broadcast table. Right next to the thesaurus. Daniel Bryan has a new ring intro: Flight of the Valkyries. He came out almost sheepishly acknowledging the new theme song. Edge sold shock. Miz cut a promo on Bryan as Bryan paraded around the ring with the U.S. Title in his possession. Cole mocked Bryan now holding the title before Lawler made a comeback on Miz. And begin the match.

[Q5 -- second hour]

3 -- U.S. champion DANIEL BRYAN vs. EDGE -- non-title match

Edge attacked Bryan to jumpstart the match before knocking Bryan to the outside and smashing him into the guardrail. Lawler debated Miz on his arguments before asking Cole why he keeps trashing Bryan. Cole gave the "he's a vegan and doesn't own a TV" argument, which Lawler mocked. Miz then announced he has signed Alex Riley to a "personal services" contract. He said Riley does everything he needs to do. In the ring, Bryan kicked Edge at the knees to make a comeback before nailing a running clothesline. Bryan teased the LeBell Lock, but Edge countered. Bryan then hit a jawbreaker into a flying knee strike for a nearfall. They cut to a shot of Miz looking sternly into the ring.

Bryan then went up top for a missile dropkick, but Edge kicked him in the sternum. Edge then went to the corner and measured Bryan for the spear, but Bryan countered into the LeBell Lock. Suddenly, Riley ran down to ringside and jumped on the ring apron. Miz then snapped Bryan across the top rope and Edge followed up with a spear for the pin and the win. Cole said that's what happens when you mess with Miz. Lawler said it took three men to beat Daniel Bryan here tonight.

Post-match: Suddenly, the Raw GM buzzed and Cole walked up to the podium to read. Cole shook his head after reading the email. He said that due to outside interference by Miz, he is reversing the referee's decision. The winner via DQ is now...the United States champion Daniel Bryan. Cue up the Star Wars theme. Edge snapped and grabbed the mic. He said he is sick of this stupid beep beep beep. Edge said he's sick of Cole, the computer, and the GM. He said this is his career. Edge threw the mic away, then stomped off to the back.

Suddenly, Miz and Riley began pummeling Bryan in the ring. Riley ripped off his jacket, then Miz landed a boot to the face. Great intensity from Miz, who tried to shake off a "You tapped out" chant. Miz landed another kick to the head as the chants grew louder. Riley then held up Bryan for Miz to land a kick to the gut. More blows to the gut. Miz slapped Bryan across the face before landing a kick to the gut. Miz grabbed Bryan and slapped him around some more. Bryan showed babyface grit here before Miz landed another foot to the face. The camera zoomed in tight on Miz's face as he sold intensity.

Miz then paintbrushed Bryan some more to taunt him. He teased ripping Bryan's hair out before trying to gouge his eyes out. Miz then dropped Bryan with the Skullcrushing Finale in center ring. Miz held Bryan's head on the mat before trash-talking him some more. Miz stood up and drew boos before leaving the ring. Lawler spoke on behalf of Bryan as Cole remained silent. Miz picked up his jacket, dusted himself off, and walked out to chants of "You tapped out." They replayed the post-match attack before Miz and Riley were shown on stage mock clapping for Bryan. Refs eventually entered the ring to check on Bryan and roll him over on his back.

WINNER: Edge initially at 4:04, then Bryan via reverse decision. The feud just picked up a notch with Miz delivering another main event-level performance getting over as a top heel. That's the kind of intensity he brings to the role and Bryan plays a great underdog babyface the fans can rally behind in contrast. Terrific advancement in the feud. As for the match, they never really got out of first gear, but they only had four minutes to work with and the emphasis would be on the post-match. (*)

Still to come tonight: Cena vs. Barrett.

[Commercial Break]

[Q6]

In-ring: New Unified Divas champion Michelle McCool and still Women's champion? Layla came to the ring with a cameo from the Smackdown brand after taking the Divas Title from Melina at Night of Champions. Melina, sans title, came to the ring looking for revenge. Tonight, she gets Layla for the Divas Title in a guaranteed re-match. McCool is on commentary.

4 -- Co-Women's champion LAYLA (w/Unified Divas champion Michelle McCool) vs. MELINA -- Unified Divas Title match

The match quickly spilled to the outside to the base of the announce table in front of McCool, who cheered on Layla. Back in the ring, Melina wanted a top rope move on Layla, but Layla countered into a sort of Stunner/Cutter type maneuver. She seemed surprised she executed it, then covered Melina for the win.

WINNER: Layla at 2:04. And there's Melina's title re-match cleared from the docket and Lay-Cool take the women's division title(s?) to Smackdown.

Still to come: Cena vs. Barrett.

[Commercial Break]

Backstage: Cameras caught up with Barrett conspiring with the other four remaining members of Nexus to discuss strategy vs. Cena tonight.

Elsewhere backstage: Mathews brought in Chris Jericho, who had an announcement to make. Jericho held up his Breaking the Code DVD to promote the "best career in the history of WWE." Jericho said the DVD proves he is the best in the world at what he does. He said the DVD should be in the Smithsonian. Jericho said this DVD proves that as great as he's been in the past, he will get better. Jericho said he found the IP Address off Cole's computer and he's "this close" to exposing the GM to the entire world. He said he's going to run this show, sabotage this show, and do whatever he wants. Jericho demanded a title match vs. Orton or Sheamus after Hell in a Cell.

Randy Orton then walked in and said he hears him loud and clear. He wanted Jericho in the ring. Orton said if he beats him, he'll give him a title shot whenever he wants. Orton said the catch is he's tired of hearing Jericho talk and he's tired of seeing his face. He vowed to take out Jericho for a long time. Jericho said he's made a career of beating and embarrassing guys like Orton who have underestimated him. He told him he'll see him next week. Jericho walked off and Orton sneered. Cole said it's the main event next week.

In-ring: R-Truth's new music hit and Truth bounced out to the ring with Eve getting over the new theme. They abruptly cut to a break.

[Q7]

[Commercial Break. More of that sandwich lady commercial from Taco Bell. Every month, a new Taco Bell commercial gets ridiculously played out on Raw.]

In-ring: Truth and Eve were still dancing. Cue up a new Ted DiBiase theme song to bring out DiBiase and Maryse. He has the T-Pain modulator gimmick to his new theme song. This doesn't fit him at all. I assume WWE is about to release a new "WWE: The Music" CD.

5 -- R-TRUTH & EVE vs. TED DIBIASE & MARYSE -- mixed tag match

Truth and DiBiase started things off with Truth mocking DiBiase with the "What's up?" crowd chant. Truth delivered a big heel kick to the face, then DiBiase recovered to the corner. He tagged out to Maryse, which forced Eve into the match. Maryse took control after a brief cat fight, then the men brawled to the outside. Back in the ring, Eve hit a neckbreaker on Maryse to score the pin for the win.

Post-match: DiBiase was shown on the outside trying to figure out how they lost. Truth and Eve then celebrated via dance on the way out. DiBiase and Maryse then had an argument that the audio picked up once Truth's music stopped. Suddenly, they stopped when some cheesy love music played. A graphic slowly unfolded on the Titantron that read: "I will have you." The "o" in "you" was in the shape of a heart. Maryse and DiBiase no-sold, then walked off to continue their dispute.

WINNERS: Truth & Eve at 2:41. Well, that's a sign there could actually be future development for DiBiase and/or Maryse's careers. Apparently a new character (or PG Val Venis) will be debuting soon. (3/4*)

Backstage: Cena and Barrett were shown on a split-screen heading to the ring for the TV main event.

[Commercial Break]

Ringside: Members of the Indianapolis Colts were shown ringside, with one member possessing a spinner WWE Title. Next week: Randy Orton vs. Chris Jericho confirmed.

In-ring: John Cena's music hit to bring out Cena for the TV main event. Cena paused to soak in the crowd cheers before storming the ring. Some high-pitched individuals were very close to the arena mic to make it on the show. Cena posed for the Colts ringside, then pumped himself up in the ring. Cena smiled after his music stopped, then waited for Wade Barrett to come out to the ring. Barrett was accompanied by Gabriel, Slater, Otunga, and Tarver. They remained on the stage as Barrett made his way to the ring. Barrett stopped at the announce table and grabbed a mic.

[Q8] Barrett stood on the table and said there's been a slight change of plans. He said he knows Cena wants to face him tonight, but he heard Cena say he wants to pick apart Nexus one by one. Barrett told Cena he can take on all four men in a gauntlet match. He said if Cena can beat the four of them, he gets to face Barrett tonight. There is an alternative option for all five of them to get in the ring and take down Cena. Cena sold a big decision in the works as the crowd chanted, "One by one." That was the decision.

6a -- JOHN CENA vs. HEATH SLATER -- Nexus Gauntlet match

Heath Slater was the first to hit the ring as Barrett remained standing on the announce table. After a brief back-and-forth, Cena caught Slater in mid-air and hoisted him up on his shoulders to deliver an emphatic Attitude Adjustment. Cena made the cover for the pinfall as the crowd popped for the "Cena feat of strength." David Otunga made his way to the ring next as they cut to break.

WINNER: Cena at 2:25.

[Commercial Break]

6b -- JOHN CENA vs. DAVID OTUNGA -- Nexus Gauntlet match

Otunga was in control of the match back from break. Barrett continued to watch from the announce table as Otunga kind of paraded around the ring rather than trying to go for a pin. Otunga then executed a suplex and stared into the crowd before eventually making a cover for a two count. Otunga continued to act cocky, so Cena scored a pin with a small package. Barrett just rolled his eyes from the announce table.

WINNER: Cena at 6:55.

6c -- JOHN CENA vs. MICHAEL TARVER -- Nexus Gauntlet match

Tarver stormed the ring and blasted Cena with rights and lefts and stomps and kicks. Cena then recovered and slapped on the STF moments later to force a submission.

WINNER: Cena via submission at 7:58.

6d -- JOHN CENA vs. JUSTIN GABRIEL -- Nexus Gauntlet match

Gabriel entered the ring and landed kick strikes to the body for a two count. Gabriel then went to the ring apron and landed an Eddie-style slingshot sentaun for another nearfall. Gabriel slowed down the pace and went on the offensive until Cena fought back with a dropkick. Cole noted Cena has added a dropkick to his repertoire. Cena then went up top, but Gabriel cut him off. Gabriel wanted a superplex and he connected center ring. Both men sold the effects of the move. Gabriel eventually made a cover, but Cena kicked out. Gabriel then went to the apron and connected with a springboard moonsault for another nearfall. Gabriel stood over Cena and waited for Cena to crawl over to him to attempt a suplex, but Cena countered with a suplex of his own.

Both men sold the effects and Cena made a cover for a two count. Cena and Gabriel exchanged words in the ring as both men came to their feet to start trading bombs. Gabriel then executed a clumsy STO for a two count. It fit within the context of a match where you're not going to execute every move perfectly with the opponent wearing you down. Gabriel then missed with a springboard move and Cena made the big comeback. Cena eyed Barrett and gave him the You Can't See Me handwave before dropping the Shuffle on Gabriel. Slater then jumped into the ring and the ref called for the bell to throw out the match.

WINNER: No Contest (or Cena via DQ) at 13:45.

[Q9 -- over-run] Post-match: Barrett tried to enter the ring with a chair, but Cena stole the chair from him and Nexus scattered. Nexus retreated up the entrance ramp as Cena stood his ground in the ring. Cena then took the mic and said Barrett owes him one. He wanted to end it now. Barrett smirked from the stage. Barrett mocked the offer and said he doesn't think he has anything to gain from taking out Cena again. He said if he's going to face Cena, he needs something to sweeten the deal. Cena told him to name it. Barrett said Cena claims he will do anything for the WWE Universe. He said how about Cena put himself on the line. Barrett said he's tried to recruit Cena in the past; this time, he wants it to be a little different. He said he's taking the choice out of Cena's hand. Barrett said he'll fight him one-on-one in two weeks time at Hell in a Cell. The crowd wanted the match now. He said under one condition. Cena wanted to know now. Barrett said if he beats Cena, Cena joins Nexus. No ifs, no buts, no maybes, no excuses, and no escape clauses. Barrett summed it up saying if he wins, "John Cena joins the Nexus." Cena waited out the boos from the crowd and said he's not backing down from the fight. "You're on," he said.

Cena stopped Barrett short and said they need to make this big. Really big. Cena said he's putting his lifeblood on the line here. He said here's what happens if he wins. Cena said if he wins... Nexus is done. He said he doesn't mean "Nexus has been weakened" or the "foundation has been shaken." He said Tarver goes back to Macy's selling women's fragrances. Gabriel goes back to working at the Twinkie factory. Otunga goes back to mooching off his wife. Actually, nothing will really change. Slater goes back to working at Wendy's..."as the chick from Wendy's." And the great Wade Barrett goes down in history as the winner of NXT Season 1 who flushed it down the toilet. Cena summed it up that either he joins Nexus or "Nexus is done, bud." Cena asked Barrett if the stakes just got a little too high for him. Barrett stared down his nose at Cena and declared, "You're on, Cena." Cena smiled as Cole and Lawler chuckled to themselves at the big stakes on the line. They closed the show with Cena and Barrett trading looks before Cena posed in the ring as they faded to black.

FINAL THOUGHTS: They needed to do something big for the Hell in a Cell PPV and this seems to be the way to go trying to convince folks to spend another $45 two weeks after Night of Champions. Nexus vs. Cena has a three-month back-story to help sell the potential blow-off match to the feud. Also, Randy Orton is a hot character to sell the WWE Title match, but they need to get him in jeopardy and re-establish Sheamus on the lead-in show being taped tonight for next week. A possible Miz vs. Bryan re-match could be a very strong trio of matches from the Raw brand to sell the PPV on.

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