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WWE Raw Report
CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 4/4: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live Raw - The Rock & Austin live, fall-out from WrestleMania 27, Sin Cara debuts

Apr 4, 2011 - 10:15:54 PM
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WWE Raw Results
April 4, 2011 - Episode #931
Live from Atlanta, Ga.
Aired on USA Network
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor


Pre-Raw cut-in: Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler were on the call for the live Raw during the Hall of Fame airing. Ross said they will hear from Triple H on Raw. Also, Cena calls out Rock.

Arena: Once Raw started live after the Hall of Fame ceremony, Jim Ross introduced the show and noted John Cena will call out The Rock tonight.

Announcers: Ross and Jerry Lawler were shown on-camera back in the saddle again. Cue up Triple H's music. Hunter walked out on-stage in street clothes and sporting sunglasses. He wasn't the selling the effects of the mach against The Undertaker very much, but took his time walking to the ring. Once Hunter entered the ring, he limped a bit to sell the match. He grimaced during his traditional in-ring posing, then took a mic.

Hunter, still wearing shades, surveyed the arena for a while to milk the moment. There were about three or four chants going at the same time. Hunter finally spoke that it's the most tired and beat up he thinks he's ever been in his life. He said that last night, 71,000 fans in the Georgia Dome watched him stand in the ring at WrestleMania against The Undertaker and the Undefeated Streak. Hunter said he's never been a nervous or emotional guy, but he stood in the ring last night and when the gong hit and Taker walked down that ramp, he almost hyperventilated. Hunter said he's wrestled Undertaker before. "Hell, I wrestled him at WrestleMania before," but never like this. There's your acknowledgement after Mania.

Hunter said Taker is willing to destroy himself to preserve The Streak. He said he beat on him like he's never beat someone before, but he kept getting up; he kept coming. Hunter said they left everything they had in the ring last night. Pause for applause. Hunter said apparently it wasn't good enough for him. Hunter murmured. He said he hears a lot of people talking - Phenom, Deadman, supernatural, but no one has gone through his stuff like that. Hunter said what he saw getting carried off last night was a man. "A man that is willing to destroy himself to keep that Streak intact," he said. Hunter said that people are talking Taker will never be the same and maybe he'll never be back. (Boos). Hunter said if that's the case - he's not buying it - he wants to say one thing.

Hunter removed his glasses and paused. Hunter said he wants to say thank you to Deadman. Hunter looked into the camera and said Taker gave him the fight of his life. He said he doesn't believe Taker won't be back, not after what he felt last night with that magic. "You'll be back," Hunter said. "And when you're back, I'll be waiting." The crowd popped for the teased re-match. Hunter dropped the mic and his music played. PYB (3) talk time: 6:32. Ross said Hunter is getting a strong ovation as Lawler talked up the "incredible" clash between Hunter and Taker. Hunter then limped out of the ring and thanked the crowd on the way out.

On-camera: Ross and Lawler talked about the word on the street that Michael Cole is going to challenge him for a match tonight. Lawler said he heard the rumor, too, which is why he wore his gear. Ross said Cena calls out Rock...tonight. They cut to break.

[Commercial Break]

Announcers: Ross and Lawler were shown on-camera plugging Steve Austin on the show tonight introducing the "Tough Enough" cast. Ross then talked to Lawler about his first WrestleMania match experience. Michael Cole then interrupted on-stage in his amateur wrestling gear. Cole said that despite biased officiating by Steve Austin, Team Cole emerged victorious. Cole said that he defeated Jerry Lawler. He said that after WrestleMania, the world wasn't talking about The Rock or The Streak, but how he stole the show and how he is now 1-0 and undefeated at WrestleMania. Cole said that with Shawn Michaels now inducted into the Hall of Fame, he can be referred to as "Mr. WrestleMania."

Lawler interrupted from ringside asking Cole for his attention, please. He told Cole to shut up and Cole flexed like he was staring into the bathroom mirror. Lawler said Cole didn't beat anyone, as a stupid computer beat him. Lawler noted Cole tapped out and he was crying like a little girl. Cole stood with arms folded blinking repeatedly. "You tapped out" chant from the crowd. Lawler said that Cole's record book may show he won, but he will be forever known as a worthless jackass.

Cole said that's real cute, Jerry. He told Jerry to get over it that he beat him. Cole said Steve Austin mandhandled him, then Lawler took advantage. He told Lawler to admit he's a better athlete and better man. In fact (what?), he has a proposition. What? How about you (what?) have a re-match (what?). Cole told Lawler to prove to the world that he's still The King. Lawler said he's on. Cole smiled and Lawler prepared to compete as Cole sauntered down to the ring. Ross said he's looking forward to this. Cole said he forgot one thing. He's not talking about a WrestleMania re-match since he already beat him. Cole said he's talking about a re-match from his match last Monday on Raw against this man. Cue up Jack Swagger's music, which drew groans. Swagger and Cole posed on the stage, then Cole did some push-ups.

1 -- JERRY LAWLER vs. JACK SWAGGER (w/Michael Cole)

They locked up and Swagger took control before Lawler retaliated in the corner. Swagger sold frustration and charged Lawler for a big shoulder tackle, then another. Swagger then missed with a corner splash across the ring and the two men backed away from each other. They circled the ring as the crowd chanted, "Jerry, Jerry." Swagger showed off his strength with a standing powerslam, but missed with a sort of seated butt splash. Lawler bounced off the ropes to follow up, but Swagger smashed him with a clothesline. Swagger then put the boots to Lawler before missing with a running Vader Bomb. Lawler capitalized with left hand jabs, then a dropkick that decked Swagger. Lawler looked to the crowd, then went to the second rope and dropped the strap. However, Cole hopped on the ring apron. Lawler gave chase and pounded on Cole before Swagger grabbed Lawler from behind and slapped on the anklelock. Lawler fought the hold for a moment before tapping out. Post-match: Swagger kept the hold locked in as Lawler kept tapping. The ref reprimanded Swagger, but left the ring to note to Justin Roberts he was reversing the decision. Ross asked for a sense of urgency to check on Lawler. Roberts announced the reverse decision and Cole complained to Roberts.

WINNER: Lawler via reverse decision at 3:51.

Cole then got in Ross's face and went into his Cole Mine, which was covered in Caution tape. Cole spotted a bottle of JR's BBQ sauce, then squirted a bottle onto Ross. Ross, covered in sauce, slowly backed away from the table and wiped himself down. Cole squirted more at Ross, then Ross stood up and went after Cole, who ran away ringside. The crowd cheered on Ross, who chased Cole up the entrance ramp. Cole disappeared to the back, then Ross disappeared. More of that irreverent treatment of Ross tucked inside an angle that McMahon gets a kick out of.

Up next: With no announcers left on the show, a graphic flashed on the screen advertising Orton & Rey vs. Punk & Rhodes.

[Commercial Break]

[Q3]

Back live: They cut to a Moments Ago clip and Cole narrated it, saying this is what Ross deserved. Cole said so many people are jealous of him and he set the all-time attendance record for an entertainment event at the Georgia Dome. They went to a slow-motion replay of Cole squirting BBQ sauce in Ross's face. Josh Mathews and Booker T were at the announce position with Cole in the Cole Mine.

In-ring: Randy Orton came to the ring still sporting tape over his right knee. Orton slowly made his way to the ring surveying the crowd without an icy glare, but with his eyes more open. Rey Mysterio then came out looking a little bit like Mistico in an all-white outfit. Rey joined Orton in the ring, then Cody Rhodes's music hit to bring out Rhodes in his dark jacket and with his head lowered. C.M. Punk then came out and they went to back and forth shots of Punk and Orton.

2 -- RANDY ORTON & REY MYSTERIO vs. CODY RHODES & C.M. PUNK

Orton took the early advantage on Cody, then tagged in Rey. Cody landed a bit of offense, but Rey cut him off and tried ripping off Cody's protective mask. Cody then rolled to the floor to catch a breather as they cut to break.

[Commercial Break]

Back live, Legacy Exploded with Orton slamming Rhodes before dropping a trademark knee to the skull. Orton then tagged in Rey, who dropped a springboard leg on Rhodes for a two count. Booker said Punk was doing a heck of a job working the apron during the match, then right on cue, Punk tagged into the match. Punk tagged right back out as the heels worked over Rey, who suddenly rolled up Cody and scored a two count. Orton then tagged in and Cody landed forearm smashes before Orton exploded on Cody with a clothesline for a two count. Orton took his eyes of Cody momentarily to focus on Punk, giving Cody an opening to chopblock Orton at the bad knee.

[Q4] Punk tagged in and teased the G2S, but Orton slipped out and teased the RKO, only to have Punk shove him off. Punk then smashed Orton's knee from behind again. Punk went back to work on Orton's knee with repeated kicks and smashes. They cut to another break.

[Commercial Break]

Three seconds of a 20-second Smackdown plug aired leading back to break where Cody and Punk were in the ring. Orton went to his corner looking for a tag, kicked Punk away, and made the tag to Rey, who delivered a springboard moonsault. Rey then missed with a kick strike and Punk threw him into the corner. Cody cheap-shooted Rey from the apron, then Orton ran around to the other side to smash Cody on the ring apron. Rey then set up Punk for the 619, but Cody intercepted him in mid-air with a step-up kick. That was a great counter. It was only good for a nearfall, though.

At 13:30, Cody followed up on Rey as they replayed Cody's great counter with the step-up kick. Cody then rammed Rey sternum-first into the corner turnbuckle as Orton reached out looking for a tag. However, the heels isolated Rey in their corner continuing to wear down Rey. Cole and Booker bickered on commentary before Rey turned it around on Punk. Orton took the ultimate hot tag moments later as Rhodes also tagged in.

Orton cleaned house on Cody as Booker noted Orton was blocking out the pain. Orton set up Cody for the big spike DDT from the second rope and connected. Orton then crouched down to enter his happy place before shooting a glare toward Punk, who dropped off the ring apron. Orton then grappled Cody from behind and executed the Angle Slam. Punk broke up a pin, then Rey cleared Punk to the outside. Orton followed with an uppercut that put Cody on the second rope and Rey fluidly nailed the 619 that spun Cody back to center-ring. Orton followed right up with the RKO and that was it for Cody.

WINNERS: Orton & Cody at 16:31. Nice long-form tag match giving everyone quality TV time and giving the babyfaces some shine with Rey getting a measure on comeuppance on Cody after his loss at WrestleMania. It looks like Orton vs. Punk will continue after Mania, though, as there wasn't much resolved. (**1/2)

Post-match: Orton and Rey celebrated as the crowd applauded the babyfaces. Cole then immediately plugged Cena and Rock in an "electrifying collision" still to come. They cut backstage where Steve Austin was shown walking down the hallway. Austin stopped and saw Triple H. Austin said if the match happens again, he'll be there. "Hell of a match," Austin told Hunter. He extended his hand they shook. "Thanks, man," Hunter said. Austin walked off, and he's out to the ring next.

[Commercial Break]

Sin Cara video: Another Sin Cara video aired back from break. His logo flashed. He was advertised to debut tonight, but it was the first mention of Sin Cara on the show so far.

Announcers: Mathews plugged WWE's website and Taker advancing to 19-0 at WrestleMania. Pause. The glass broke and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin's music hit to bring out Austin just before the top of the second hour. Cole groaned and complained about Austin's ATV at WrestleMania last night.

[Q5 -- second hour] Austin methodically navigated the four corners to pose in the ring as Cole said he thinks he'll go Streak for Streak with Undertaker at WrestleMania putting 19-0 vs. 1-0. Austin flipped off Cole in his Cole Mine before taking the mic. "Austin, Austin," chant from the crowd. "Oh hell ya," Austin opened in his classic drawl. Austin said Tough Enough is premiering right after Raw. He said he's going to bring these kids out here right now to line them up and see what they got.

The cast of "Tough Enough" marched out single-file dressed in street clothes. Jeremiah Riggs is so money. Booker told everyone to keep their eyes on Miss USA. That's who USA is trying to market. Austin said he has 14 men and women here and he's going to put them through the paces. He noted Bill DeMott, Booker T, and the lovely (what?), lovely (what?) Trish Stratus. Austin said by the time he gets done with these 14, there's going to be just one left standing. Austin gave them some mic time to introduce themselves.

Ryan Howe introduced himself, followed by Christina Crawford. Andy Leavine just said his name. A.J. Kirsch said he was born for this. Luke Robinson called himself a future legend. Jeremiah Riggs was next. He gave a shout-out to Atlanta and said he represents the Dirty South. Booker said he likes that kid. Rima Fakih was next. She took her time on the mic and the crowd applauded. Michael Zakki was booed for a clichéd promo. Ivelisse Velez spoke in Spanish while looking back and forth toward the crowd. Eric Watts was next. Very commanding presence. M-Dogg 20 was next. He noted he's from Cleveland. Michelle Deighton, Jonny Fairplay's wife, was next. She said she's good enough to be a Diva. Martin Casaus said he can't wait to perform for WWE.

Austin took the mic back and the crowd chanted, "Stun them all." Suddenly, The Miz's music hit and Cole went nuts clapping it up for Miz, who stood on-stage sporting something from the Christopher Walken "Continental" collection. Alex Riley was in a tux. Austin, in the ring, was not too happy about this interruption. Miz said he was told on "Tough Enough" to go back to "Real World," but no one will ever tell him anything ever again after the guts and valor he showed last night at WrestleMania.

The vocal males were pro-Miz after a video replay of Miz taking a big clothesline from Cena during their match at Mania. Miz said he is still WWE champion, then slowly started walking to the ring. Miz said he just headlined WrestleMania and he beat John Cena. Miz said he is the new face of WWE. Miz stepped into the ring and told "Buckwheat" Eric Watts to move. Miz walked up and down the line-up and told them this is the closest any of them will get to a WWE Title.

Miz then stopped and surveyed Austin, who looked down his nose toward Miz. Miz asked Austin if he wanted to hold his WWE Title belt. Austin smirked. Miz asked Austin if he's thinking what he's thinking. He asked Austin if he has one more run. Austin kept smirking. Miz said he bets Austin thinks he's tough enough. "One more match" chant from the crowd. Austin cocked his head, knowing what Miz was up to here. Miz suggested they clear the ring and find out if Austin can have one more match. Austin smirked, then whispered, "Clear the ring."

The contestants bailed, then Riley cheap-shotted Austin from behind. Miz bailed from the ring, then Riley landed right hand blows on Austin in the corner. Riley show-boated, so Austin turned the tables with classic Austin right hand blows, then stomps to the mid-section. Austin stomped a mudhole and walked it dry. Riley then bounced the ropes and accepted a Thesz Press, which Mathews noted is vintage Stone Cold. Austin dropped the trademark flying elbows, then stalked Riley and dropped him with the Stunner.

Austin called for a round of beers for himself, then tossed beers to all of the "Tough Enough" contestants. It was odd not having his theme music playing here. After everyone had a beer in-hand, Austin's music played and he toasted the Tough Enough contestants. Austin caught his breath after getting an in-ring workout, then celebrated posing in the ring. They went to a replay of Austin dropping Riley with a Stunner. Back live, Austin approached the Cole Mine and doused Cole with a round of beers after Cole tried to beg off Austin. Austin left the ringside area the contestants followed him out as Cole hung his head selling despair. "What is wrong with that man?!" Cole suddenly shrieked. PYB (3) talk time: 15:20.

[Q6] Still to come: Cena calls out The Rock.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Back from break, Justin Roberts introduced Alberto Del Rio's personal ring announcer, Ricardo Rodriguez. Ricardo sold frustration. Del Rio then emerged via standard ring introduction sans vehicle. Del Rio sold he was not happy after failing to win the World Title at WrestleMania. Cole said he doesn't get Edge destroying Del Rio's car after retaining the World Title. Evan Bourne was introduced, Brodus Clay started walking to the ring, Extreme Rules was plugged, Cole said he thinks Austin likes him, and the bell sounded for a match.

3 -- ALBERTO DEL RIO (w/Brodus Clay) vs. EVAN BOURNE

Bourne scored with early offense before Del Rio cut him off with a boot to the gut. Del Rio checked his mouth, as he appeared to have a cut lip. Del Rio then smashed Bourne to the outside and rammed him into the guardrail. Back in the ring, Del Rio slapped on a neck vice that Bourne escaped. Bourne then landed a knee strike for a two count. Bourne suddenly found himself up top looking for Air Bourne, but Del Rio smashed him with a step-up enziguiri. Del Rio followed right up with the cross arm-breaker and Bourne tapped, giving Del Rio the win. Afterward, they zoomed in tight on Del Rio's cut lip to sell aggression written on Del Rio's face.

WINNER: Del Rio via submission at 2:40. Fine match re-establishing Del Rio's quest for the World Title, although it shows where WWE sees Bourne on the pecking order. (*)

DX video: A DVD plug for "DX: One Last Stand" aired. Included is behind-the-scenes access to Michaels and Hunter's final run as DX.

[Commercial Break]

[Q7] WrestleMania Week: They recapped all of the various events during WrestleMania Week in Atlanta. ... Announcers: Back live, Mathews and Booker tried talking about Mania Week, but were interrupted by Cole. He said he'll give Lawler his WrestleMania re-match at the Art Challenge next year.

On-stage: Vickie Guerrero interrupted with Dolph Ziggler. Ziggler cut a promo on John Morrison for his "big win" at WrestleMania...that Snooki won for him. Ziggler told Morrison to bring Trish Stratus to the ring with him to see if they can get the job done without Snooki. Another unadvertised, unhyped cameo for Trish.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: With Ziggler & Vickie in the ring back from break, John Morrison came out for an announced mixed tag match. Morrison did his slow-mo entrance as Vickie waved him off. Trish Stratus's music hit next to bring out Stratus. Meanwhile, Mathews told Cole he should face Snooki at WrestleMania since they're both 1-0. Cole said maybe he will since it would do box office. Mathews laughed and said it wouldn't. Booker plugged Trish on Tough Enough coming up next.

4 -- DOLPH ZIGGLER & VICKIE GUERRERO vs. JOHN MORRISON & TRISH STRATUS

Ziggler and Morrison started things off against each other. Ziggler had enough of Morrison, so he tagged out to Vickie. Trish slowly entered and Vickie teased a cartwheel before comically falling on her head. Vickie then piefaced Trish, who exploded on her with chops. "Aaaaaahhhhh!" Vickie shrieked. The heels cut off Trish and Vickie worked her over in-between shrieks. The men eventually tagged in and Cole tried act serious putting over the feud and the two wrestlers. Ziggler went for a pin, but Trish broke up the pin and slapped Ziggler. Morrison then followed right up with the Flying Chuck. Cole complained about the mixed tag rules as Morrison set up and connected with Starship Pain. Booker said he didn't think Morrison got all of it, but it was good for a pin. Ringside, Vickie screamed and threw a fit while Morrison and Trish celebrated.

WINNERS: Morrison & Trish at 3:24. Uninspired effort that captured the entire theme of WWE's product right now. The commentary is just awful, WWE isn't getting any new stars over, and it feels like Morrison and Ziggler are stuck in mid-card purgatory. Positioning them in the dead Q7 quarter-hour captured it all. This show was missing a sense of urgency at the very beginning coming right off WrestleMania and it's felt like any other show throughout.

Still to come: Cena calls out Rock.

[Commercial Break]

[Q8]

In-ring: Back from break, Justin Roberts announced the following match is for the U.S. Title. No hype for the match, which was appropriate after it was bumped from WrestleMania with no notice to paying customers last night. Sheamus came out in new trunks that were red, white, and blue symbolic of him being U.S. champion. Bryan came out sporting a very sharp new royal purple ring jacket. Mathews recapped the Bryan vs. Sheamus pre-Mania lumberjack match that turned into a battle royal before the opening bell.

5 -- U.S. champion SHEAMUS vs. DANIEL BRYAN -- U.S. Title match

Mathews and Booker took turns knocking Bryan trying to play him up like an underdog while not doing a very good job of it. The state of announcing is at an all-time low in WWE. Cole talked himself up as Sheamus worked over Bryan in the ring. Sheamus then scored with the Irish Curse backbreaker for a nearfall and sold frustration. Sheamus tried to work over Bryan with mat holds, then Bryan landed a kick strike, ducked a clothesline, and nailed a clothesline of his own. Bryan sold the back, then exploded on Sheamus with a flying kick strike for a nearfall. Cole was mid-Rock-Cena plug when Bryan teased the LeBell Lock, but Sheamus fought it off and nailed a backbreaker. Sheamus followed with the Brogue Kick and made the cover for the win.

WINNER: Sheamus at 3:52 to retain the U.S. Title. The announcers did their best to knock Bryan, the match was designed to reinforce Sheamus, and Bryan has transferred whatever momentum he had to Sheamus. Back to square one for Bryan, joining about ten other younger wrestlers on the roster who can say the same thing. (*1/4)

Post-match: Booker reinforced his attempted underdog point as the announcers sold Sheamus being on a roll. Booker added that Sheamus made that look really easy. Afterward, Sheamus put the boots to Bryan to add insult to injury. Suddenly, some new music played and Sin Cara walked out on-stage making his WWE TV debut.

Cara removed his ring jacket, bounced on the stage, then pointed toward the ring. Cara stormed the ring and jumped into the ring to go right after Sheamus with a head scissors. Cara knocked Sheamus to the outside, then came flying off the top rope with a big splash that wowed the crowd. Booker wondered what Cara's beef is with Sheamus. Mathews said he bets Cara is a Trending Topic right now. Sin Cara then bounced up the entrance ramp to the stage and pointed toward Sheamus. They replayed Cara's huge splash on Sheamus before showing Cara on the stage pointing to the crowd.

Announcers: Cole said they understand Cena has been sequestered all day and he will call out Rock next.

[Commercial Break. A commercial for Rock's new movie, "Faster," incorporated his "sports entertainment" background.]

Arena: Back from break, they went right to a shot of the arena. Pause. John Cena's music hit and Cena came out on-stage two minutes before the top of the hour. Cena stormed the ring and leaned on the top rope before pointing to some people on the front row. Cena tipped his hat and walked around the ring. The camera picked up on a fan in the crowd shooting a double bird to Cena. Lots of kids in this audience compare to Mania.

[Q9 -- over-run] Just past the top of the hour, Cena walked around the ring smiling at a loud mixed reaction. He said he gets it - some people are upset with a certain someone's actions at WrestleMania. Cena said he saw it coming, though, since that certain someone put it on his Twitter. And he knew that person wasn't talking about Zack Ryder. Cena said he just didn't expect it during the main event of WrestleMania. But, if he didn't do that, then the main event of WrestleMania would have ended in a...draw. "And that would have sucked donkeys," Cena said.

Cena said it wasn't his night last night, then he congratulated Miz on walking in and walking out of Mania still WWE champion. Cena said Miz is still the most annoying person on the face of the earth and he wants another shot at him. Cena sarcastically said Miz has earned all of their respect tonight. Which brings him back to that certain someone. A loud "Rocky, Rocky" chant followed. Cena the good thing is that certain someone is here tonight and he was supposed to be the guest host of Mania, but he quickly got involved in business. "My...business," Cena said. He said that means they have certain business to settle right now.

Cena leaned against the ropes looking toward the Titantron. Nothing yet. Cena raised his eyebrows and smiled, then sold annoyance, and that was the cue for Rock's music to hit. Cena perked up and Rock stomped out to the ring wasting no time making his presence known in the ring. Rock posed in the ring, then stopped in the middle of the ring and his music stopped. Cena stood off to the side of the ring as Rock looked at him out of the corner of his right eye. Rock kept pacing as Cena stood still. A "Fruity Pebbles" chant came up as Rock backed away to a neutral corner.

Rock began his promo. He told Cena he would be direct. He asked Cena what he thought would happen since payback was coming. Rock said if you poke a shark in the eye, he swallows you whole. Rock said the people like him talking trash on candyasses. He said Cena is wrong about respect. Rock said he respects Cena. (boos) Rock said he knows what Cena has done and just because he's been away doesn't mean he hasn't been following Cena living and breathing WWE. He said that he knows that it's because of Cena's drive that Cena has become one of the best Superstars and champions of all-time.

But, it doesn't change the fact...flat out...that Rock just doesn't like him. Rock came within a foot of Cena and said they are completely opposite. Look, talk, act, fight different. But, the truth is they're very similar in one thing: whatever it is that John Cena and Rock do, they want to do it the absolute best. Better than anyone. Period. Actually, though, Rock shops at department stores and Cena shops at Baby Gap. Cena smirked and said there's fashion advice from the Tooth Fairy. Rock stopped dead in his tracks pacing the ring before Cena told Rock to hear the people.

Cena said people are standing because they want to see a match. "Not just a match." He said they want to see generations collide. Only in WWE can Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James happen. Cena said the match people want to see is John Cena vs. The Rock. "So, do you want to talk about it or do you want to bring it?" Cena asked before taking off his shirt and cap. Cena flexed for Rock, who surveyed him and slowly raised the mic to his lips. Rock said Cena has no idea what he just asked for. "Oh yeah, The Rock will bring it. You bet your candyass The Rock will bring it," he said.

Rock said they should make history and do something that's never been before. He proposed it: WrestleMania 28 - John Cena vs. The Rock. The crowd booed, wanting it now. Cena smirked, then surveyed the crowd, which tried to act excited. Rock said it can't be just any match-up. It's The Rock, the People's Champion with the millions...and MILLIONS, in the main event vs. the people's champion, John Cena. If you smell what The Rock is cooking.

Rock extended his hand for a shake to make it official and Cena surveyed the arena. Cena then shook and they brought the handshake in tight. Rock's music played. Suddenly, The Corre showed up ringside. Cena and Rock stood their ground in the ring before Corre stormed the ring to put the boots to them. Rock fought back on Barrett, then Heath Slater was left alone in the ring. Cena dropped the Five Knuckle Shuffle as Rock watched on, then Rock called for the People's Elbow. Before that, Barrett ate a spinebuster. Then, the People's Elbow. Slater was next to eat the Attitude Adjustment as Rock watched.

Cena's music played, but Rock dropped Barrett with the Rock Bottom and his music stopped. Booker said it was a game of one-upmanship. Cena and Rock stared each other down, then shook hands center-ring. Cole, with zero credibility, said he thought tonight was a draw. Cena left the ring and Cole gave the big plug for Rock vs. Cena at next year's WrestleMania. Rock and Cena celebrated in the ring and on the outside, respectively, to close the show 16 minutes past the top of the hour.

FINAL THOUGHTS: Poor show before a highly newsworthy final segment setting up Rock vs. Cena in one year's time. It's not a good time to be a Raw mid-carder (or a member of The Corre) right now unless WWE re-focuses on the rest of the roster once the dust settles from this year's WrestleMania.

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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ABOUT US

THE TORCH REACHES MORE COMBAT ENTERTAINMENT FANS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE

PWTorch editor Wade Keller has covered pro wrestling full time since 1987 starting with the Pro Wrestling Torch print newsletter. PWTorch.com launched in 1999 and the PWTorch Apps launched in 2008.

He has conducted "Torch Talk" insider interviews with Hulk Hogan, The Rock, Steve Austin, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Eric Bischoff, Jesse Ventura, Lou Thesz, Jerry Lawler, Mick Foley, Jim Ross, Paul Heyman, Bruno Sammartino, Goldberg, more.

He has interviewed big-name players in person incluiding Vince McMahon (at WWE Headquarters), Dana White (in Las Vegas), Eric Bischoff (at the first Nitro at Mall of America), Brock Lesnar (after his first UFC win).

He hosted the weekly Pro Wrestling Focus radio show on KFAN in the early 1990s and hosted the Ultimate Insiders DVD series distributed in retail stories internationally in the mid-2000s including interviews filmed in Los Angeles with Vince Russo & Ed Ferrara and Matt & Jeff Hardy. He currently hosts the most listened to pro wrestling audio show in the world, (the PWTorch Livecast, top ranked in iTunes)


REACHING 1 MILLION+ UNIQUE USERS PER MONTH
500 MILLION CLICKS & LISTENS PER YEAR
MILLIONS OF PWTORCH NEWSLETTERS SOLD
PWTORCH STAFF

EDITORS:
Wade Keller, editor
(kellerwade@gmail.com)

James Caldwell, assistant editor
(pwtorch@gmail.com)

STAFF COLUMNISTS:
Bruce Mitchell (since 1990)
Pat McNeill (since 2001)
Greg Parks (since 2007)
Sean Radican (since 2003)

We also have a great team of
TV Reporters
and Specialists and Artists.

PWTORCH VIP MEMBERSHIP

PWTorch offers a VIP membership for $10 a month (or less with an annual sub). It includes nearly 25 years worth of archives from our coverage of pro wrestling dating back to PWTorch Newsletters from the late-'80s filled with insider secrets from every era that are available to VIPers in digital PDF format and Keller's radio show from the early 1990s.

Also, new exclusive top-shelf content every day including a new VIP-exclusive weekly 16 page digital magazine-style (PC and iPad compatible) PDF newsletter packed with exclusive articles and news.

The following features come with a VIP membership which tens of thousands of fans worldwide have enjoyed for many years...

-New Digital PWTorch Newsletter every week
-3 New Digital PDF Back Issues from 5, 10, 20 years ago
-Over 60 new VIP Audio Shows each week
-Ad-free access to all PWTorch.com free articles
-VIP Forum access with daily interaction with PWTorch staff and well-informed fellow wrestling fans
-Tons of archived audio and text articles
-Decades of Torch Talk insider interviews in transcript and audio formats with big name stars.


**SIGN UP FOR VIP ACCESS HERE**

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THE TORCH: #1 IN COMBAT ENTERTAINMENT COVERAGE | © 1999-2013 TDH Communications Inc. • All rights reserved -- PRIVACY POLICY