WWE Raw Results
January 10, 2011 - Episode #919
Live from Nashville, Tenn.
Aired on USA Network
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

Of all the theme music to begin Raw, Santino Marella's music hit to bring out Santino, Kozlov, and Tamina. Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler are on commentary, with Lawler back at the desk after a one-week absence. They plugged John Cena on the show to address Nexus tonight. Lawler said they are introducing "one of the greatest Superstars of all-time" as the first Hall of Fame inductee tonight.

Suddenly, Nexus stormed the ring and beat down Kozlov and Santino before an opening Tag Title match. Punk emerged in a new SES/Nexus mix t-shirt directing traffic. They dumped the tag champs out of the ring before standing tall in the ring. Nexus looked like the Oregon Ducks in those yellow hi-liter-looking jerseys. They never revealed who the tag champs were supposed to face for the tag titles.

Punk opened his promo sarcastically apologizing for cutting off the tag title match. He claimed Nexus is stronger than ever under new management. Punk knocked Wade Barrett, then claimed to have put John Cena out of the equation two weeks ago. After a "Cena, Cena" chant, Punk said he can't wait for Cena's latest farewell speech tonight. Punk said in an act of selfless leadership tonight, he will make the ultimate sacrifice when he initiates himself the new leader of the new Nexus. Punk said he is not the only one being initiated tonight. He said everyone in the group must prove he has what it takes to belong in the new Nexus. Isn't this how Darren Young was booted from the group? Punk said they will take over WWE entirely with a stronger group. Mission Statement 2.0.

David Otunga took the mic and said they would be honored to be initiated into the new Nexus tonight. Punk told Otunga the honor will all be his. He addressed Michael McGillicutty first. He told Mike to step up. Punk said Nexus is famous for group beat downs, including a beat down on the "chairman of the board." Another "Cena, Cena" chant. Punk said, "Yes, Nexus has beaten down John Cena, too." Punk told Mike his initiation will be receiving a Nexus-style beat down. He told Husky that he's the lead-off hitter, so get it started.

Husky readied himself to fight while Mike questioned the direction. Otunga delivered a dominator, then Slater delivered his finisher. Harris surveyed Mike, then delivered a running sentaun splash. The crowd was quiet for this. They slowly set up Justin Gabriel landing his top rope 450 splash as someone in the crowd cat-called, "Just do it already!" Punk then took a knee and the other Nexus members placed Mike's body on his shoulders to deliver the G2S. More silence. Nexus's music hit and Punk slipped out of the ring staring down Mike's fallen body before the other Nexus members followed him out. Cole recapped that Mike is apparently the first member of the new Nexus. The other Nexus members eventually hauled Mike out of the ring and he was positioned on their shoulders like a funeral or crucifixion. Cole called it bizarre. PYB talk time: 8:40.

[Commercial Break]

[Q2]

In-ring: Back from break, R-Truth rapped his way to the ring. He did a full intro and Cole told him to go away. Justin Roberts handed it over to Ricardo Rodriguez, who was selling an injury from Rey's 619 on Smackdown. Cole called it a "real treat" to have Alberto Del Rio on Raw. It's not that much of a treat if it happens in back-to-back weeks. Ricardo introduced Del Rio, who eventually made his way to the ring for the opening match of the night. Lawler again plugged the big Hall of Fame announcement later to come tonight. It sure sounds like a Shawn Michaels announcement is coming.

1 -- ALBERTO DEL RIO vs. R-TRUTH

The match moved to the floor early on and the referee's audio was mic'ed up, so it was obvious a count-out was coming. At eight, Ricardo started screaming, "What's up, what's up, what's up?" toward Truth. Del Rio slipped into the ring at eight, Truth popped Ricardo with a slap, and the ref reached a ten count to count out Truth. Cole, a heel advocate (some of the time), talked up how great Del Rio's win was.

Post-match: Del Rio said his destiny is to win the Royal Rumble and headline WrestleMania. He went for a cheap pop referencing Nashville before calling the audience silly Americanos thinking they know something about music and culture. He said they know the Biebers, American Idol, hip-hop, and that "horrible and boring" country music. Del Rio said in Mexico, they know music and they know culture. Ricardo was selling in the corner while Del Rio milked a "U-S-A" chant. This was like Del Rio's house show promos as Dos Caras before his TV introduction. Del Rio told Ricardo to go ahead and sing a tune. He coughed, then sang "La cucaracha."

Announcers: Cole tried to get serious plugging John Cena appearing on Raw tonight while Ricardo continued to sing horribly in the background. The announcers randomly plugged John Morrison vs. Sheamus happening tonight and Ricardo continued to sing to no heat.

WINNER: Del Rio via count-out at 1:48. What is going on with this show tonight? It feels like they gave up competing against the BCS Title game...or just gave up on tonight's show in general. (n/a)

[Commercial Break]

Raw Replay: Two weeks ago, The Miz jumped Jerry Lawler at the announce desk and bashed him into next week.

[Q3]

Announcers: They went to a shot of Jerry Lawler at the announce desk and Lawler said he's not over what happened. Cole talked up Miz before telling Cole he should apologize to Miz for "ruining his life." Suddenly, the Raw GM buzzed and they both grimaced. Cole stepped to the podium as the fans on the front row behind Cole chanted, "We want JR." Cole read that the Raw GM supports Cole in every conceivable way. The camera zoomed in tight as Cole stammered out "even though he's a conceited, pompous, arrogant, self-centered?, pretentious jerk." Cole said he's just kidding. The GM's email continued that Cole is the epitome of manhood. Cole talked himself up and read that Cole is witty, intelligent, and...handsome.

Lawler rolled his eyes ringside. Cole continued to talk himself up before Lawler interrupted. "Jerry, Jerry" chant as Lawler said he has just received a message from the entire WWE Universe. "Will you please shut up?" Lawler said. Lawler said no one in their right mind would ever say, think, or write that Cole is handsome. He said Cole is a coward. Cole reminded Lawler he cannot touch him or he will be fired. Lawler closed the laptop and walked back to the announce desk, but the Raw GM buzzed again. Cole smiled and re-opened the laptop. "It still works," he said. Cole read that Cole is not a coward. And neither is Lawler. That's why the GM knows Lawler cannot wait to extract revenge on Miz. Therefore, Miz and Alex Riley will take on the team of Lawler and Randy Orton tonight. The crowd applauded and the Raw theme music played.

Backstage: C.M. Punk was shown in a close-up shot. He said McGillicutty is in the group now. Punk told Husky he's next. His initiation is in his left hand. He gave Husky a strap and said he will take a lashing from everyone assembled (Slater, Gabriel, and Otunga). Husky said he accepts. Husky assumed the position before Punk whispered in his ear to take his shirt off. Otunga whipped Harris three times across the back. Gabriel was next and delivered a whipping. Slater was next. Punk then told Slater and Gabriel to get him up. Punk delivered multiple belt whips. "That is the stupidest thing I've ever seen," Lawler said in a voice-over. They faded to commercial with Punk staring down at Husky's back while Husky recovered on the ground.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Back from break, Bryan Daniel's music was playing. Cole introduced a tag match up next on this "bizarre night." Bryan was with Mark Henry and they're up against Ted DiBiase and Tyson Kidd in a (unstated) re-match from Superstars. It's officially re-run night.

2 -- U.S. champion DANIEL BRYAN (w/Bella Twins) & MARK HENRY vs. TED DIBIASE (w/Maryse) & TYSON KIDD

Bryan started the match with rapid-fire kicks on DiBiase before the heels isolated Bryan. Cole did his usual digs at Bryan before plugging Bryan and Derrick Bateman on a double-date with the Bella Twins on NXT tomorrow night. Bryan escaped DiBiase's offense and reached out for a tag to Henry. Kidd also tagged in. Henry knocked down Kidd with headbutts before measuring him for a big corner splash, but Kidd moved. It only delayed the inevitable, as Henry came back with the World's Strongest Slam on Kidd moments later for the win. Afterward, Henry smiled and celebrated with Bryan, who was joined by the Bellas for a post-match celebration.

WINNERS: DiBiase & Henry at 2:43. Just not enough time or basic-level build-up for this to mean anything. If they're trying to set up a U.S. Title feud involving Bryan, they're not doing a good job of it. (n/a)

Backstage: Smackdown's Big Show was shown hugging a production assistant. Lawler said they'll find out why he's here on Raw next.

[Q4]

[Commercial Break]

NXT video: Before coming back from break, they invested a minute of TV time showing Jacob Novak eliminated from NXT on last week's show before Dolph Ziggler berated him. Back live, Cole plugged NXT tomorrow night on WWE's website.

In-ring: Big Show came to the ring smiling it up for the crowd as Cole said it's a "special treat if you think of it like that." Lawler said he hopes Show is here for a friendly visit and not an invasion. Show took the mic and thanked the GM for some time to discuss some issues. How does he have a direct line to the GM? Show said issue #1 is Wade Barrett. He said Barrett was knocked out of Nexus last week and he'll KO Barrett this week on Smackdown. Issue #2: the Royal Rumble. Show put everyone on notice that he's ready to win the Rumble and go on to WrestleMania.

Suddenly, the Nexus theme music hit. Lawler said this might be more stupid than anything else they've done tonight interrupting Big Show. Punk, Gabriel, Otunga, and Slater stood on the stage. Punk looked at Otunga as if to tell him his mission is Big Show. Otunga slowly walked down the ramp before turning back to check with Punk if he understands him. Otunga then confidently marched to the ring and Show told him just to turn around. Otunga slapped him instead. Otunga proceeded to lean back as if he were ready to take his beating. Show proceeded to destroy Otunga ringside, including a huge open-hand chop as Otunga was draped across the announce table. Otunga ate the ring steps before Show scooped up Otunga and tossed him back into the ring. The crowd chanted, "Knock him out." Show delivered a chokeslam instead before pulling up Otunga and delivering a big KO Punch to the side of the head. Slater grimaced on-stage while Punk just rubbed his eyebrow. Punk raised his fist in the air, then Slater and Gabriel raised their fists in the air.

Still to come tonight: John Cena speaks after Nexus's attack two weeks ago. Up next: Sheamus vs. Morrison.

[Commercial Break]

[Q5 -- second hour]

In-ring: John Morrison came out for the top-of-the-second hour main event. Morrison was all-smiles as Cole recapped Morrison coming up just short of the WWE Title last week. (WWE has wasted so much air time during this show that they missed an opportunity for Morrison to have that big comeback babyface promo vowing to get another WWE Title shot after coming up inches short against Miz last week.) They rolled a video package on the Miz vs. Morrison match last week and cut back to Morrison playing to the crowd in the ring. King Sheamus then came out to face Morrison in a re-match from the TLC PPV, just without the ladder. Cole reset the show and plugged the big Hall of Fame induction announcement to come. Lawler said he's going on-record that it's the greatest star of all-time. Based on the Top 50 DVD that WWE recently put out, it sounds more like Michaels.

3 -- JOHN MORRISON vs. KING SHEAMUS

Cole said he gained more respect for Morrison last week as Sheamus dominated early on. Cole ribbed Lawler about putting himself in the spotlight yet again in the TV main event still to come. Lawler said he didn't ask for this match and the GM "booked this match" because he's still hurting from two weeks ago. Morrison fought back against Sheamus from his knees before knocking down Sheamus in the corner. Morrison slowly set up Starship Pain, but Sheamus popped up to his feet and shoved Morrison over the top rope. Morrison sold on the floor and Cold robotically fed to a break.

[Commercial Break]

Back live, Sheamus had Morrison in a submission hold working him over on the mat. Sheamus followed with a standing powerslam for a nearfall. Sheamus continued to wear down Morrison, who suddenly fired off a round of stomps and kicks. Morrison then missed with the flying chuck, but Sheamus ate the floor trying to follow with a clothesline. Morrison wanted a plancha on the outside, but Sheamus nailed a gutbuster in mid-air. Sheamus then dropped Morrison on the ring steps before returning to the ring. Sheamus wanted the Brogue Kick, but Morrison fell down to the mat and Sheamus punted him in the back. Suddenly, Morrison smashed Sheamus into the ringpost before nailing a kick strike. Cole went into autopilot saying Morrison was building momentum, then Morrison made a cover and it was good for a three count, surprising Cole and drawing a reaction from the crowd.

WINNER: Morrison at 12:05. Decent TV match, but this show has so little energy tonight that it took away from Morrison's style of match when he thrives on an energetic feel in the building. Sheamus seems like he's lost an edge to his character and he's not in any position to be ready for a feud against Triple H. The more Sheamus loses, the less it seems like Hunter is returning to feud against Sheamus. (**)

[Q6]

Announcers: Cole and Lawler talked about C.M. Punk's new Nexus group and the initiations tonight. Lawler sent a message to the kids to "just say no" to any type of group that asks you to go through an initiation. A video package recapped the three initiations thus far.

Backstage: Punk had two kendo sticks in-hand. Punk had Slater and Gabriel with him. He recapped the previous three initiations and told them they will beat each other with kendo sticks until he tells them to stop. Punk told them he's serious. Gabriel was more eager to do this than Slater was. They took their positions and breathed deeply before Punk told them if they're not in, then they're out. They went back to teasing kendo stick shots, which infuriated Punk. Eventually, they stopped and turned toward Punk, who smiled and asked if they're going to hit him. He extended his arms and told them to do it. Gabriel and Slater lowered their sticks, then walked away. Punk smiled.

Hall of Fame induction: Lawler said the roof will come off the building when the first 2011 Hall of Fame inductee is announced...next.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Jerry Lawler was in the ring to plug the Hall of Fame induction announcement up next. Lawler said one of his greatest career moments was being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. Lawler said fewer than 100 wrestlers have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. He slowly talked about the traits and characteristics of a Hall of Famer. Lawler said the first inductee has earned the respect of each and every one of them. He said he deserves to be a first ballot Hall of Famer. Lawler fed to a video package on...Shawn Michaels. They aired a lengthy video package on Michaels through the years. The final voice on the video was Vince McMahon's famous WrestleMania 12 announcement: "The boyhood dream has come true for Shawn Michaels." Cole made it official as a graphic showed HBK.

In-ring: Suddenly, Michaels's music hit and Shawn Michaels was back on Raw in the flesh for the first time since the night after WrestleMania 26. The crowd came to life as Michaels walked out on-stage and saluted the crowd. Cole, with zero credibility, declared this awesome. Michaels entered the ring smiling for the crowd as the crowd roared. He waited out a "one more match" chant before Alberto Del Rio suddenly interrupted. Del Rio walked out on-stage and walked to the ring introducing himself. Del Rio then listed all of the nicknames for Michaels and told him that these people used to cheer him...pause for loud cheers.

[Q7] Del Rio entered the ring and said these people cheer him now. The fans booed. Del Rio told Michaels the people know he is the present and future of WWE. And Michaels is just history. Michaels smirked. Del Rio said he's going to win the Royal Rumble, then win the Hvt. Title or the WWE Title at WrestleMania to become the new WrestleMania. Del Rio smiled in Michaels's face, then Michaels nailed him out of nowhere with a direct superkick. Michaels held his pose for a few moments, then did a little Flair Strut before wiping off the toe of his boot. Michaels picked up Del Rio's scarf and danced in the ring before leaving the ring. They cut to a replay of Michaels knocking the wink off Del Rio, who sold beautifully. Michaels watched the replay before shaking hands on the way out from ringside. Michaels was shown on-stage doing a Scott Hall NWO pose before disappearing to the back.

Reax: That was a sudden surprise and definitely needed to reinvigorate the show. You just wonder how much more WWE could have gotten out of Michaels's first in-the-flesh Raw appearance since the night after WrestleMania 26.

Still to come tonight: another WWE Hall of Famer is on Raw, as Lawler teams with Orton against Miz and Riley.

[Commercial Break]

Smackdown plug: Wade Barrett took on some of the biggest names in WWE when he was leader of Nexus. Now, as a member of Smackdown, he takes on Big Show this Friday.

Backstage: The Miz was quietly looking at his WWE Title belt and Alex Riley walked up to him all excited about facing Randy Orton and Jerry Lawler tonight. Miz was upset about no one talking about him the last week after he successfully defended the WWE Title against John Morrison. He said no one gives him the respect he deserves. Miz vowed to embarrass and humiliate Orton and Lawler tonight.

In-ring: Michael Cole stood in the ring and firmly said they will be joined by John Cena tonight. Suddenly, C.M. Punk interrupted from somewhere in the arena. Punk was shown standing on top of the Titantron some 30 feet up in the air. Punk said they are done talking about John Cena because it's the C.M. Punk show tonight. He said he wants to talk about the new Nexus. Otunga, Mike, and Harris have shown their commitment to the group. Punk said he will do the same. Josh Mathews was randomly on-camera now. Punk said his initiation will be the ultimate sacrifice. He said he hopes that through his sacrifice...pause...it will prove he was not only a member of Nexus, but he was their leader. Cole said he's 50 feet in the air. Mathews whispered Punk shouldn't do it. "So, should I dive off this Tron?" Punk asked. The crowd cheered him on. Punk extended his arms as Cole pleaded with him not to do it. Punk had one more question. "How gullible are all of you people?" he asked. Punk said he's wearing a harness. This is really wrong considering Owen Hart. Punk said he has two people harnessing him. Punk asked the crowd what kind of idiot would jump off a Titantron. Punk called Nashville mindless sheep. Punk's SES music hit as Cole, back to playing a heel, laughed and said Punk fooled the crowd (despite selling that he was caught up in Punk's tease moments earlier).

The battered and bruised Otunga, Husky, and McGillicutty walked out on-stage and slowly walked to the ring. Punk emerged from off-stage after leaving the top of the Titantron. Punk stood in the ring and showed off his safety harness. Punk declared himself the new leader of Nexus after saying anyone who would consider jumping off the Tron is mentally challenged. Punk acknowledged a "Cena, Cena" chant before Cena appeared on-camera from via satellite. Cena said Punk is classless, incompetent, uncool, unprofessional, unengaging, low rent, and wasting everyone's time. Cena asked Punk why he would give them a physical initiation when he already did. Cena said he initiated everyone else except for one new member...C-M-Sucks.

Punk laughed from inside the ring and said he will not be intimidated by Cena. Cena told Punk to prove it next week in a one-on-one match. Punk laughed at the idea, then accepted the challenge. Cena said that's good because he was hoping Cena would. Cena removed his cap and said Punk is right that if he's provoked, he can be the most physically violent man on the planet. "That means next week you get dealt with," Cena shouted. The camera zoomed in tight on Cena as he declared it's not about t-shirts or armbands next week. "It's about me whooping your ass," he said before Cena's music hit. PYB (3) talk time: 10:45.

Up next: TV main event with Miz & Riley vs. Orton & Lawler.

[Commercial Break]

April 2 in Atlanta: WWE Hall of Fame. The rapid-fire clips of past HOF inductees included The Rock, Shatner, Flair, Hart, Rhodes, and Rocky Johnson, then Okerlund, Piper, and Austin.

In-ring: The Miz's music hit to bring out Miz and Riley. Cole suggested Miz should already be in the Hall of Fame. They showed Cole and Josh Mathews on commentary as Miz completed his ring intro. Jerry Lawler's music hit to bring out Lawler with crown in-hand. Cole noted Lawler holds two victories over Miz. After a pause, Randy Orton's music hit to a huge reaction. Orton emerged on-stage, wiped his mouth, stared into the ring, and slowly made his way to the ring locking eyes with Miz as Cole plugged the Orton vs. Miz WWE Title match at the Royal Rumble. Orton eventually made it into the ring and Lawler backed off, leery of his partner. Orton posed in the ring as the announcers suggested Lawler is giving Orton the blueprint on how to defeat Miz.

4 -- WWE champion THE MIZ & ALEX RILEY vs. JERRY LAWLER & RANDY ORTON

The bell sounded one minute before the top of the hour and Orton "talked strategy" to Lawler, who started things off against Riley. Miz and Riley set a trap for Lawler, who was taken off his feet to bring in Miz to work on Lawler. But, Lawler came back with a right hand strike before unloading with right hand blows.

[Q9 -- over-run] Miz rolled out of the ring and Lawler quickly grabbed him to deliver some forceful offense ringside. Back in the ring, Miz tagged out to Riley, who quickly accepted a bodyslam from Lawler. Orton then tagged in and went to work tattooing Riley with uppercuts and right hand blows. Riley escaped to Miz, who tagged in and took a series of boots to the forehead. Orton then walked on Miz's chest and tagged out to Lawler. Lawler continued the attack on Miz, who accepted multiple right hand blows. Miz then came out of the corner with a boot to the face to cut off Lawler's attack. Miz followed with a signature corner clothesline. A graphic come on the screen saying "Continues" and Cole said they will be back with the conclusion of the match after their last commercial break.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break seven minutes past the top of the hour, Lawler was caught in a rear chinlock. Lawler then escaped and decked Riley. The crowd roared anticipating the hot tag to Orton, but Miz distracted the ref and the ref didn't see the tag to Orton. The ref disallowed the tag, then Miz decked Orton off the ring apron. Back in the ring, Miz wante the Skullcrushing Finale on Lawler, but Orton snuck in the back door with the RKO on Miz. Lawler made a cover, but Riley broke it up just in time. Nice false finish. Mathews said it's clear Miz wasn't going to be able to kick of Lawler's pin following the RKO.

Orton then took the hot tag at 9:30 and Riley was caught in Orton's grasp. Orton decked Riley, who rolled to the ring apron in perfect position for Orton's spike DDT off the second rope. Orton dropped down to the mat setting up the RKO, but Miz teased sneaking into the ring. Miz slowly turned away, Riley tried to get Orton, but Orton dropped Riley with the RKO. Miz sold fear as Orton slowly walked over to Lawler, who tagged in. The crowd wasn't familiar with this unique ending, so they waited for the finish, which was Lawler coming off the second rope with a fist drop on Riley. Orton continued to lock eyes with a fearful Miz as Lawler made the cover on Riley for the pin and the win.

Post-match: Miz dropped off the ring apron, grabbed his WWE Title belt, and stomped off to the entrance ramp while still selling concern with Orton. The announcers plugged John Cena vs. C.M. Punk next week on Raw before they went to final back-and-forth shots of Miz standing on the stage and Orton smiling toward him ready to strike. They signed off 12 minutes past the top of the hour.

WINNERS: Lawler & Orton at 11:21.

FINAL THOUGHTS: Weird show. The first hour was a waste of airtime, Shawn Michaels's appearance was quite the surprise, but could have meant more, no one is buying the New Nexus as a threat, they did a harness angle with C.M. Punk that was in poor taste almost mocking Owen Hart, they still only have one match announced for the Rumble, Michael Cole's character continues to be a train wreck, the Raw mid-card is non-existent, the Smackdown cameos mean less and less each time, Wade Barrett is off Raw just like that, and we still don't know who Santino and Kozlov were supposed to face in the opening Tag Title match.

We welcome your 0-10 score and comments on this show for a "Raw Reax" feature in the Torch Feedback section of PWTorch.com. To contribute your thoughts on Raw, email to pwtorch@gmail.com using our Feedback form.

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