WWE Raw Results
January 31, 2011 - Episode #922
Live from Providence, R.I.
Aired on USA Network
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

Five minutes before going on the air, WWE announced WWE champion The Miz vs. World Hvt. champion Edge for the second straight week.

Live in the arena to start Raw, Michael Cole introduced the "Road to WrestleMania." Cole and Lawler then plugged WWE champion Miz vs. World champ Edge tonight. "There must be a winner" is the tagline after the DQ finish last week.

In-ring: Justin Roberts introduced Alberto Del Rio's personal ring announcer, Ricardo Rodriguez, to introduce Del Rio. A mariachi band came out behind Ricardo to formally introduce the Royal Rumble winner, Del Rio, who drove up behind the stage. This looked like a Smackdown bit. Once in the ring, Del Rio waited out boos before introducing himself. Del Rio said the people never listen because he said for weeks it was his destiny to win the Royal Rumble.

Del Rio said tonight's show will be dedicated to celebrating his victory. He pointed to the WrestleMania banner hanging above the ring. Del Rio said he hired the best mariachi band in all of Mexico for the occasion. He said this isn't The Beber's music, but real music. He has something important to announce, as well. He can face either the WWE champ or World Hvt. champion at WrestleMania. Del Rio said he's going to announce his decision...right now. Del Rio paused and said something in Spanish. Awkward silence. Suddenly, The Miz's music interrupted. Apparently a cue was missed somewhere.

Miz and Alex Riley walked to the ring dressed in formal suits as Cole stood up and talked up Miz like a proud father watching his son. Miz addressed Del Rio, congratulating him on his impressive victory. He said Del Rio winning the biggest Rumble in WWE history is almost as impressive as him beating Orton three times. Miz said he hopes Del Rio faces him at Mania. He said he will still be champ by the time WrestleMania comes around, but he can't say the same for Edge.

Miz said he thinks Edge will lose the World Title at Elimination Chamber. He gave Del Rio a scoop that Edge was mocking Del Rio after the Rumble last night. Miz said Edge's words were mocking Del Rio's accent, his scarf, and "rental" cars. Del Rio had a big laugh at this. Riley gave Del Rio his word that Edge has no respect for a "second-rate JBL meets Tito Santana knock-off" like Del Rio. Del Rio changed facial expressions to anger. He then smirked and said he gets this. This is a ploy to make him choose Edge over Miz. "Are you lying to me, gringo?" he asked. Miz said he would never lie. The crowd didn't buy it. Miz reminded Del Rio that he took out Edge's "little buddy," Christian, and Edge doesn't respect him. Del Rio thought things over, then Edge's music hit for the next interruption.

Edge walked out on-stage in street clothes with a confident bounce to his step. In the ring, Edge took a trumpet and played a little tune before his music stopped and he smiled for the crowd. Edge said Miz is right. "I don't like you and I don't respect you," Edge said. He's wrong about one thing because he wouldn't say those things behind Del Rio's back. Edge vowed to be champ at WrestleMania and beat Del Rio if he chooses him. Edge rolled his r's and mocked Del Rio's catch phrase saying he's the Rated R Superstar. Del Rio paused and said it's his destiny to become the greatest champion.

Del Rio milked his announcement and vowed to become the new...World Hvt. champion. Edge congratulated a smirking Del Rio by popping him in the face. The ring cleared and Del Rio recovered to attack Edge from behind. Del Rio then took one of the mariachi's guitars and cracked it over Edge's left arm. Del Rio slapped on the cross arm-breaker and Edge tapped out furiously. Del Rio kept the hold locked in, then smiled for the crowd as Edge sold on the mat. Referees eventually hit the ring to separate Del Rio from Edge. Del Rio then picked up the World Title belt and smiled before leaving the ring with Ricardo. Edge continued to sell on the mat as Cole said Del Rio is two months away from possibly realizing his dream. PYB (3) talk time: 11:40.

Segment Reax: Strong opening segment, aside from the production issues, following up on the Rumble and setting the stage for the Chamber and WrestleMania. Del Rio carried himself very well in the segment.

Up next: Santino & Kozlov vs. Harris & McGillicutty in a Tag Title match. They had a graphic to confirm that Cole wasn't making things up unlike last week.

[Q2]

[Commercial Break]

Announcers: Cole reset the stage as they showed the exterior of the arena. Cole fed to a video from "Moments Ago" when Del Rio made his announcement to face Edge for the World Title. Cole and Lawler were then shown on-camera to talk about Edge having to face Miz later tonight.

Suddenly, the Raw GM buzzed and Cole stepped to the podium. Cole slowly opened the laptop and read that for the first-time ever, they're going to have a Raw Rumble match. Seven in the match. The winner will go on to face WWE champ The Miz at the Chamber PPV. Remaining six will be in the Chamber match itself. The participants are...Randy Orton (huge pop), C.M. Punk (huge boos), John Morrison (decent pop), R-Truth (diminishing returns), Sheamus (boos), and...Cole rolled his neck...Jerry Lawler. "Me?" Lawler stood up and asked. The crowd chanted, "Jerry, Jerry" before asking Cole to read it again. Cole then read the final name: John Cena (big mixed reaction).

In-ring: Justin Roberts introduced the WWE Tag Title match up next. Out came Santino and Kozlov, along with Tamina. Out as the challengers were Nexus's McGillicutty and Harris without any other members coming to the ring with him.

1 -- WWE tag champions SANTINO & KOZLOV (w/Tamina) vs. NEW NEXUS (HUSKY HARRIS & MICHAEL MCGILLICUTTY) -- WWE Tag Title match

Cole and Lawler discussed Punk and Nexus helping Miz retain the WWE Title over Randy Orton at the Rumble. Cole said he spoke with Miz, who claimed he knew nothing - nothing! - about Nexus's interference ahead of time. Cole heeled on Santino remaining on the floor during the Rumble match, then sneaking in at the end of the match to almost eliminate Del Rio for the win. A graphic came across the screen advertising the world premiere trailer for Triple H's "The Chaperone" movie. Basic back-and-forth action early on. Husky then used his girth to knock around Santino. The heels tagged in and out working over Santino before eventually just knocking Santino to the outside. Tamina checked on him as they cut to break.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break, McGillicutty scored a two count on Santino as Tamina sold concern ringside. Santino tried making a hot tag, but Miek cut him off. Kozlov then popped Mike from the ring apron and dual tags were made. Kozlov and Harris are legal. Kozlov with a boot to the face, then multiple head butts into a chest press for a two count. Santino then blind-tagged into the match and dumped Mike over the top rope. Santino then warmed up the Cobra for Husky, who took the strike. There must be a reason why they had big ol' Husky sell for that. Santino with the cover for the win.

WINNERS: Santino & Kozlov at 8:10 to retain the WWE Tag Titles. (*1/4)

[Q3] Post-match: As Santino and Kozlov were on the way out, Randy Orton stormed the ring and dropped both Husky and Mike with RKOs to a big reaction. Orton paced around the ring seething after losing to Miz at the Rumble thanks to Punk and Nexus. "Randy, Randy" chant as he looked around the ring and spotted Harris motionless on the mat. Punt? Lawler wondered if Orton was hearing voices. Orton squinted his eyes, then looked down at Harris, and slowly backed away. Lawler figured out what was going on. Cole said it's too much. Harris remained motionless as Orton seethed.

Suddenly, C.M. Punk's voice interrupted. Punk, seconded by Mason Ryan and David Otunga, slowly walked out on stage telling Orton not to do it. Orton ignored Punk as Harris slowly tried to get up. Punk tried to get Orton's attention as Orton kept one eye on Punk and one eye on Harris. Punk told Orton to take some advice and don't do it. Punk warned Orton that if he kicks Husky in the head right now, there will be serious consequences. That seemed to fuel Orton even more. He then calmed down a bit as Harris slowly reached his knees. Orton exited IED mode and lowered his head. Very tight camera shots on Orton, who then surveyed the crowd, which wanted the Punt.

Orton smirked toward Punk, then had a chuckle. He snapped back into IED mode (to a big reaction), then Punted Harris in the head. Punk, Ryan, and Otunga came flying to ringside and chased Orton away. Orton ran through the crowd as Punk asked for help for Harris. Orton stood in the 200 level seats staring into the ring as Punk glared back at him from inside the ring. They cut to commercial with Orton standing tall in the stands glaring toward the ring.

Segment Reax: Orton is so good with the facial expressions and shifting gears taking the audience through various emotions. This is where he really shined. It also upped the stakes for the Orton vs. Punk feud. Well done.

[Commercial Break]

Moments Ago: Orton stormed the ring and took out Mike and Husky. Cole, backing Nexus, called it a "horrible situation." They showed Orton striking Harris, then escaping the ring as Nexus could only look on. Cole said he believes Orton has taken his personal vendetta too far.

In-ring: Ted DiBiase's music hit to bring out DiBiase and Maryse. DiBiase had a mic in-hand. DiBiase addressed Jerry Lawler. He said Lawler's career is over and his is just getting started. DiBiase told Lawler it's time for him to step aside for the future. He told Lawler to give him his spot in the Raw Rumble. Lawler stood up, but Cole interrupted. He asked DiBiase if he's ever met Lawler. Cole said this man is a Legend and Hall of Famer. He referenced The Showstopper and said Lawler is the scene-stealer. Cole said there is no way Lawler is going to allow DiBiase to take his spot.

Lawler eventually took the mic from Cole and told both of them he had something to say. Lawler said he's not giving up his spot to anyone. He said the Road to WrestleMania has always been under construction for him. He's been in WWE for 18 years and he's never been in a match at Mania, so his Road to Mania starts tonight in the ring. Lawler said if it weren't for Cole, he would probably be WWE champion right now. He said he knows he can beat The Miz and he vowed to win the Raw Rumble.

DiBiase slapped Lawler on the back of the head and Lawler collided with Cole. DiBiase ran off, then Lawler went to punch him, but DiBaise threw Maryse in harm's way. Everyone calmed down, then Maryse slapped DiBiase for putting her in harm's way. Cole said DiBiase deserved that. Maryse stomped off, then Lawler decked DiBiase with a right hand. Cole, who changes on a dime, then heeled on Lawler.

[Q4] Cole told Lawler to get a hold of himself. Lawler said he's close to punching Cole in the face and he doesn't care if he gets fired or not. Cole told Lawler to get a hold of himself. He said Lawler won't even win tonight. they went to a slow-motion replay of Lawler decking DiBiase out. Cole continued to rant and rave on Lawler, who clenched his fist. Cole, indignant, gave Lawler the floor to plug Edge vs. Miz tonight. Cole then talked about the seven-man Raw Rumble match later tonight before adding a final dig at Lawler.

Segment Reax: Finally, the first sign of a breaking point in the DiBiase-Maryse relationship. Also, more build toward a potential Lawler vs. Cole match. Strong character interplay here.

[Commercial Break]

Vignette: One of those videos that didn't look like it was part of the show aired. Rain, heavy boots in mid, a dark cabin house. The numbers "22111" or something that would likely be the date of the Raw after the Chamber flashed on the screen in a strange, indecipherable script like one of those CAPTCHA gimmicks on a web form. Interesting.

2 -- U.S. champion DANIEL BRYAN (w/Gail Kim) vs. TYSON KIDD -- non-title match

The The Bellas were on commentary for the match heeling on Bryan. They explained the bet was like "Cruel Intentions" trying to be Bryan's first. After some basic action that the announcers didn't focus on, Bryan applied the LeBell Lock for a quick submission victory. Bryan and Gail hugged in the ring as the Bellas said it looks like true affection "for two losers." Gail planted a kiss on Bryan, then the Bellas entered the ring. Gail shoved one of them down, then another catfight broke out. Bryan tried to separate them before refs stormed the ring. Gail and one of the Bellas could not be separated. Bryan eventually separated Gail from Bella #1 to conclude the segment.

WINNER: Bryan via submission at 1:45. Too short to amount to much. Bryan just has to survive this phase of his WWE "indoctrination" until WWE gives him something to sink his teeth into. (n/a)

Backstage: Edge and Miz were shown on a split-screen walking to the ring for the top-of-the-second hour main event.

Hall of Fame plug: Shawn Michaels gets his moment.

[Commercial Break]

Smackdown video: The Road to WrestleMania has officially begun. Now, the stars of Smackdown are looking to make an impact. Generic plug.

In-ring: Edge and Miz were already in the ring back from break. Roberts handled the formal ring intros for the two top champions in WWE. Edge flexed his left arm to mildly sell Del Rio's arm-breaker in the opening segment. Miz noted the Raw GM established there must be a winner in this match.

[Q5 -- second hour]

3 -- WWE champion THE MIZ (w/Alex Riley) vs. World Hvt. champion EDGE -- non-title match

The bell sounded right at the top of the hour to begin the re-match from last week's Raw. They replayed what happened earlier tonight when Del Rio popped the guitar across Edge's left arm. Edge took control of the match, though, and wasn't showing any ill-effects of the arm-breaker.

Riley then pulled Miz out of the ring to avoid Edge's offensive attack. Miz proceeded to yank Edge's arm over the top rope before ramming him into the ring steps. Cole also provided a medical update on Harris, saying he is undergoing tests backstage after taking the Punt from Orton. Back in the ring, Miz worked over Edge's left arm before Riley landed a cheap shot behind the ref's back. Edge came back with a heel kick to the face, but Miz yanked Edge by the arm to the mat. Miz applied a submission hold, yes, Miz with a submission, wrenching back on Edge's shoulder trying to force a submission. Edge cried out in agony, then escaped, and they had a double knock down.

Edge and Miz beat a ten count and reached their feet simultaneously. Edge dropped Miz with a facejam, then scored a nearfall. Cole and Lawler continued to trade jabs and Toby Keith song references as Edge scored another nearfall on Miz, who fired back with a quick boot to the head for a nearfall. Nice exchange. Miz and Edge, not Cole and Lawler. Miz then went up top for an axehandle, but Edge caught him with a boot to the gut. Edge then measured Miz for the Spear as Riley warned him. Miz side-stepped Edge and Edge ate the turnbuckles.

Suddenly, John Cena's voice interrupted from somewhere in the arena. Cena was up in the skyboxes announcing a party up in here. Cena led the crowd in a coordinated "Miz is Awful" chant. Miz, distracted, then turned around to take a Spear from Edge. It's only illegal on Smackdown. Edge made the cover to score the win on Miz.

WINNER: Edge at 8:54. Pretty good back-and-forth before the "sports entertainment" finish with Cena distracting Miz. The announcing was a distraction, as usual. If WWE can blow off the Cole vs. Lawler deal at Mania (or in the next segment), everyone would benefit. (*3/4)

Post-match: Cena smiled as Edge waved up toward Cena as Cole called this stupid. Cena did a fist pump as Miz sold on the mat. More smiling from Cena. "This is ludicrous," Cole said before checking on Miz. Cole left the announce table to tell Riley to do something. "Go do something!" Cole shouted at Riley. "He's all the way up there!" Riley shot back. Great heel response. That was great. Miz calmly just stared ahead shutting out the noise from Cole and Riley before glaring up toward Cena, who continued to smile from the skyboxes.

WrestleMania 27 is...62 Days Away.

[Commercial Break]

[Q6] Announcers: Lawler was scowling at Cole, who said there was a huge announcement over the weekend. They plugged "Stone Cold" Steve Austin as the host of the new Tough Enough season re-launching this spring. It premieres the night after WrestleMania 27.

On-stage: Vickie Guerrero excused herself onto the show. She said Edge may have won tonight, but her odds of winning this Friday as nearly impossible. On Smackdown, the World Title will be defended in a way that has never, ever been defended before. She welcomed everyone to watch this historic Smackdown occasion.

In-ring: Exit Vickie, enter new Divas champion Eve, along with former champ Natalya for a tag match. Shouldn't Natalya just pop Eve and cash in her re-match for the Divas Title? Or at least be upset about losing the title? Anyways, Cole went back to the Rumble last night to show McCool having a simultaneous pin on Natalya as Eve pinned Layla. Lay-Cool then came out for the Divas tag match. Earlier Today: They went to footage from the locker room earlier in the day when Layla and McCool tried to have a civil discussion about their recent issues. They eventually hugged it out.

4 -- Divas champion EVE & NATALYA vs. LAY-COOL (LAYLA & MICHELLE MCCOOL)

McCool wanted no part of Natalya, so she tagged in Layla, who suddenly dropped to the mat and covered herself. Layla then ran over to McCool looking for shelter from big bad Natalya. Eve eventually tagged in and Lay-Cool ran interference. Layla then executed a sort of flip-over jawbreaker from the second rope. She covered Eve for the win. Layla and McCool celebrated, then ran away when Natalya re-entered the ring to check on Eve.

WINNERS: Layla & McCool at 2:42. Not exactly a ringing endorsement of the Divas division for Eve to come out of obscurity to become new champion last night, then taking a loss at the hands of cowardly Layla tonight. Looking for a positive development here, they reinforced Natalya as an intimidating figure.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Great Khali's music hit to bring out Khali in his Raw TV return. He was joined by Mark Henry and Ranjin Singh. Roberts announced Khali and Henry at 832 pounds. Cole was now joined by Josh Mathews. Mathews said he can't wait for someone to punch Cole in the mouth. Cole said it won't be Lawler. Mathews said someone will. Already in the ring were the Uso Brothers. Mathews then tried to reinforce the weight of Henry and Khali by saying they're about the same weight as "the chick who played Precious." Sad.

The Raw GM then buzzed and Cole read from the podium. The Usos have no chance against Khali and Henry, so he's changing this to a...dance-off. Great, a house show bit. Cole finished, "Let's boogie, woogie, oogie." Cue up some dance music. The Usos danced as Mathews tried to get an answer from Cole on who the GM is. Cole stood up and danced, too. After the Usos finished, Khali and Henry did something. I wouldn't call it dancing. Cole suggested Henry do the Texas Two-Step. They finished and Cole called that stupid. Suddenly, the Usos jumped Khali and Henry from behind. Henry and Khali easily fought them off and Khali actually tried a pinfall. Cole told "dummy" Khali it's not really a match and he doesn't have to make a cover. Oh, Khali. Henry's music hit and Khali tried dancing to Henry's music.

Segment Reax: They only had two minutes for Bryan vs. Kidd to save time for this? C'mon.

[Q7] Earlier Tonight: Orton dropped Husky Harris with the Punt, then left into the stands to celebrate his actions. Cole heeled on Orton, then suggested Husky was taken to the hospital following Orton's strike. Cole then plugged the Raw Rumble match coming up later.

[Commercial Break]

Vignette: Part 2 of the strange, creepy man in a long trench coat walking into a cabin house while rain poured. The lights flickered inside the cabin, then the screen went pitch black. "22111" flashed again.

Announcers: Cole and Mathews no-sold the video back from break despite the arena being dark after it played live in the arena. Cole then put on a fake smile to introduce the debut trailer on Triple H's "The Chaperone" movie. Kids adventure combined with bumbling villains equals Duntson Checks In 2011. Back live, Cole chuckled to himself about Triple H playing a chaperone.

In-ring: Now, for something more serious, Justin Roberts introduced the Raw Rumble and recapped the match stipulations - winner gets Miz at the Chamber, the other six are in the Chamber match. John Morrison was #1 and they replayed Morrison's cat-like leap onto the guardrail to avoid elimination during the Rumble last night. But, did he win the match? No. Out as #2 was, appropriately, Sheamus. Cole plugged the start of the Raw Rumble up next on the other side of the break.

[Commercial Break]

[Q8]

Smackdown plug: Cole announced World Hvt. champ Edge & Kelly Kelly vs. Dolph Ziggler & Lay-Cool in a three-on-two handicap match with Edge's World Title on the line this Friday. Wow, talk about setting expectations too high.

5 -- RAW RUMBLE MATCH

The bell sounded and Morrison and Sheamus picked up their feud. Morrison landed ten punches to the forehead as the countdown clock brought in John Cena as #3. Sheamus waited for Cena, who took his time entering the Rumble after playing to the crowd. Cena landed right hands on Sheamus before executing his trademark offense. Cena and Morrison then squared off and Morrison countered the Attitude Adjustment into a kick strike. The countdown clock wound down again to bring in C.M. Punk as #4. Cole noted Punk lasted longer than anyone else in the Rumble. Punk instantly cleaned house, but no eliminations. Mathews noted Punk will have to do this on his own rather than using New Nexus for back-up. No eliminations, but Sheamus had a handful of Cena's crotch in a close-up shot.

Out as #5 was R-Truth. Truth danced to the ring and ran over Cena for his first target. Truth then tried to eliminate Morrison, who skinned the cat back into the ring. Morrison then tried to eliminate Truth, but they both skinned the can back into the ring. Well, except for Truth, who had trouble skinning the cat and threw himself back through the middle rope. Not quite Kozlov quality. Punk then dropped Cena with a DDT as they reached #6, Jerry Lawler. Cole sighed as Lawler jogged to the ring. Punk wanted Lawler, who landed right hands on everyone. "Jerry, Jerry" chant as he cleaned house. He nearly eliminated Punk, but Sheamus made the save. Sheamus then tried to dump out Lawler as Cole cat-called from the announce table. Lawler held on for dear life.

No eliminations, then Randy Orton came out as #7 to get everyone in the mix. Before Orton entered, though, Punk slid under the ropes to hide under the ring. Orton went looking for Punk under the ring and proceeded to drag Punk out from under the ring. Orton unloaded with right hand blows, then Punk slid back into the ring. Orton followed in and they continued their battle. Orton then clotheslined Punk over the top rope at 8:52 for the first elimination. Truth suddenly clotheslined Orton over the top rope at 8:55. Orton stood up and shot Truth a look. Truth, channeling Aaron Rodgers, just did the belt-around-the-waist motion to tell Orton what it's all about. Hot exchange leading to commercial.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break, the five remaining wrestlers were still in the match. Sheamus was working on Cena in one corner. Lawler and Morrison were working on Truth in another corner. Cena did a Cena Comeback on Sheamus, including the Five Knuckle Shuffle. He then stacked up Morrison and Truth in the corner for a double splash. He went for a double AA and dumped Truth over the top rope, but Morrison held on. Truth out at 13:12. Cena sold a back injury as Morrison and Cena battled on the ring apron. Cena teetered. Morrison with a kick to the back. Sheamus tried to eliminate both of them, but they ducked and Sheamus found himself on the ring apron. The crowd chanted for Jerry to eliminate all three, but Sheamus re-entered the ring and kicked Cena in the head.

[Q9 -- over-run] The action reset at the top of the hour as Morrison and Sheamus battled. Morrison found himself hung up in the ropes, but he saved himself, then tried to eliminate Sheamus, but Sheamus landed a catapult shoulder tackle on Morrison. Cena suddenly slapped on the STF on Sheamus, who tapped out. Morrison then grazed Cena with Starship Pain going for a big move that didn't quite work out. Suddenly, Lawler tried to dump Morrison, but Morrison caught his feet on the ropes again to save himself. Morrison then caught Cena with the flash kick. More back-and-forth action. Sheamus tried to dump Morrison again. Finally, a Brogue Kick eliminated Morrison at 16:48.

So, it's Cena, Lawler, and Sheamus. Lawler tried to eliminate Cena, but Cena held on to the top rope. Sheamus then rocked Lawler and tried to eliminate Cena, who held on to the top rope. Sheamus then bumped Lawler into Cena and Cena was gone. Lawler sold disbelief he eliminated Cena. Sheamus then tried to tackle Lawler, but Cena helped pull down the top rope and Sheamus was eliminated. Lawler is the winner. "This is a travesty!" Cole shouted.

WINNER: Lawler at 18:18 to earn a WWE Title shot vs. Miz at the Chamber. Excellent "Rumble" match. It had the "Final Four" elements that were completely missing from the end of last night's Rumble match and really delivered some compelling drama. Lawler's quest was elevated, Morrison was elevated, and WWE delivered just enough of a taste of Orton vs. Punk without giving away the whole thing. Great booking and good use of the "in-between Rumble and WrestleMania" PPV in February to deliver a different type of match with Miz vs. Lawler rather than giving away one of the few matches they actually have in their arsenal to save for WrestleMania. (***1/2)

ORDER OF ENTRY
1 -- John Morrison
2 -- Sheamus
3 -- John Cena
4 -- C.M. Punk
5 -- R-Truth
6 -- Jerry Lawler
7 -- Randy Orton

ORDER OF EXIT

1 -- Punk (via Orton at 8:52)
2 -- Orton (via Truth 8:55)
3 -- Truth (via Cena at 13:12)
4 -- Morrison (via Sheamus at 16:48)
5 -- Cena (via Lawler at 18:05)
6 -- Sheamus (via Lawler at 18:18)

Post-match: Cena stood in the ring and celebrated with Lawler as Cole told Miz his Road to WrestleMania is over at the Chamber. They cut backstage to show Miz and Riley watching on confidently. Mathews congratulated Lawler. Cole said in three weeks, Miz gets the night off. Cole told Lawler to take his pictures now because it will be all over at Elimination Chamber. Cole said Lawler's Road to WrestleMania hits a dead end in three weeks. Lawler smiled and celebrated as they signed off six minutes past the top of the hour.

FINAL THOUGHTS: Strong show. The undercard remains a glaring weakness of the Raw brand, but WWE effectively focused on the Del Rio-Edge, Punk-Orton, Miz-Cole, and Miz-Lawler/Cena stories leading to the Chamber and Rumble. Nice rebound from what I thought was a thumbs-down Rumble PPV. Of course, many viewers probably felt like suckers by the end of Raw for ordering the Rumble and getting arguably a better "Rumble" match on Raw the night after.

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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