WWE Raw Supershow Results
September 12, 2011 - Episode #954
Live in Ottawa, Ont., Canada
Aired on USA Network
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

This week's live WWE Raw Supershow started with the sound of WWE's Raw intro video before they cut to a live shot inside the arena, where Alberto Del Rio's music was playing. Michael Cole said it's a "critical" Raw Supershow tonight. Already in the ring was WWE champ Del Rio along with Ricardo Rodriguez. Del Rio said he can take the booing, but he won't be disrespected. Ricardo tried to talk, but Del Rio yanked the mic away from him. Del Rio shifted his focus to John Cena, noting he's Undisputed WWE champion and no one makes fun of him. Del Rio said he's the man who took out Rey Mysterio and he also retired someone...you remember him...Edge. Del Rio said he's the man around here and he's going to teach Cena a lesson at Night of Champions.

Suddenly, Bret Hart's music hit and out came Hart sporting cargo shorts, a t-shirt, black jacket, and sunglasses. Cole groaned while Lawler and Jim Ross celebrated Hart's arrival. Hart entered the ring and played to the crowd as Cole continued to heel on Hart. Ross talked up Hart's resume as Del Rio stared down Hart. Once Hart's music stopped, the crowd cheered big for Hart. He said he didn't come out here to disrespect Del Rio, but give him some advice. He said it seems obvious to him that Del Rio is a man that doesn't know what it means to be a World champion. Del Rio told "Bret" that he destroyed Rey Mysterio and Edge, and if Hart wants the same treatment - Hart cut him off. Hart told "amigo" that he's all style, but no substance. Ricardo was great in the background making gestures trying to enhance Del Rio. Hart gave Del Rio instructions on what he needs to do to become a great champion, which drew Del Rio's ire.

Del Rio called Hart "a former champion who looks like a punk and a homeless person" before running down his wardrobe. Del Rio said Hart looks like one of those illegal Canadians he hires to clean his house. Hart shook his head as Del Rio declared he would make an example out of Hart. Suddenly, John Cena's music hit before Del Rio could put his hands on Hart. Cena made his way to the ring to back up Hart while Del Rio and Ricardo circled around the ring. Cole continued to heel on Canada as Cena surveyed the crowd. Del Rio wasn't amused. Cena spoke. He said he disagrees with Del Rio's assessment of Hart, saying he sees a WWE Hall of Famer. As for Del Rio, he sees someone who has finally grown a set of jalapenos because every time he stands in the ring with Del Rio, he runs away like a coward. Cena told Del Rio to go ahead and hop in his car, turn around, go back to Mexico, and party like there's no tomorrow because he is the WWE champion...for six more days. Cena declared he's going to beat Del Rio at Night of Champions this Sunday. Del Rio told Cena not to be stupid and give the fans what they want. Cena said if Del Rio wants to fight, he's been waiting a month. Del Rio paused and told Cena they should give the fans the match they want to see: Cena versus...Del Rio shoved Ricardo in the way...Ricardo Rodriguez. Del Rio noted Ricardo wants to and will make Cena pay tonight.

Cena said he gets it that Del Rio wants to wait until Sunday, but if they're going to make a special match for tonight, they need to make the heartless, gutless, thousand-aire WWE champion Del Rio put the title on the line against...the Best There Is, the Best There Was, and the Best There Ever Will Be, Bret Hart. Hart removed his jacket to fight as Del Rio shot Cena a cocky look. "Are you serious?" Del Rio asked. The crowd chanted, "We want Bret," before Cena told them to get it on.

Suddenly, John Laurinatis's raspy voice was heard interrupting. Cena mocked John's voice before Laurinaitis introduced himself. He said that on behalf of Triple H, they give the fans what they really want to see: a tag match. Del Rio & Ricardo vs. Hart & Cena. Cena was happy with his booking being over-ruled, telling Laurinaitis it was the first good decision he's ever made. So, Cena really didn't want Hart to challenge for the WWE Title. Sounds heelish.

Still to come tonight: Orton vs. Rhodes in a re-match from Smackdown and the final showdown between Triple H and C.M. Punk before Night of Champions.

[Q2]

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Back live, John Morrison's music was playing. He was on the way to the ring for a tag match with Alex Riley against Dolph Ziggler and Jack Swagger, with all three men already in the ring with Vickie Guerrero.

1 -- JOHN MORRISON & ALEX RILEY vs. U.S. champion DOLPH ZIGGLER & JACK SWAGGER (w/Vickie Guerrero)

Cole and Lawler bantered back and forth, suggesting Lawler is wrestling again this week. The heels quickly cornered Morrison as Ross talked about the history of managers in wrestling. Swagger wanted a tag, so he blind-tagged himself into the match after Morrison KO'ed Ziggler. Riley cleaned house, but Swagger came back on him with the anklelock. Riley escaped by tossing Swagger into Ziggler, then he finished off Swagger with a finishing move. Ziggler had a chance to break up the pin, but refused to intervene. Post-match, Vickie screamed at Ziggler for screwing it up before they went to a replay of the finish. Back live, Swagger complained from the ring as Ziggler and Vickie stood on the stage.

WINNERS: Riley & Morrison at 2:44. Presented as a filler segment with this program stuck in neutral.

Backstage: Josh Mathews brought in The Miz and R-Truth to discuss conspiracies. He said despite Miz and Truth's negative thoughts toward Triple H, he has granted them a Tag Title shot at Night of Champions. So, have their thoughts changed? Miz, indignant, ripped the mic away and the two began walking down the hallway for Miz to do one of his walking promos saying Triple H can make it seem like he's doing something good, but it's a façade. Miz turned his attention to Hunter-Punk, saying Punk should change his name to B.S. Punk. Truth took the mic and said he actually agrees with Hunter. Miz: "Really?" Truth in reply, "Ninja, please, hell no." Truth said he wants Triple H gone this Sunday, too, and now they're going to show everyone something.

Miz and Truth disappeared, then re-appeared in the arena to continue walking to the ring as Ross asked who should be new COO if Triple H loses on Sunday. Truth said Hunter's position is "coo," so if it's doubled, then Hunter is "coo coo." Miz nodded along as they made their way into the ring. Miz said the truth is Air Boom is going to get got this Sunday. Truth said that's awesome. Cue up Miz's theme music as Cole noted Miz is taking on Kofi Kingston next.

[Commercial Break]

[Q3]

In-ring: Back live, Miz and Truth were still in the ring. Evan Bourne's music hit to bring out Bourne first, then Kofi Kingston's music played for them to do an over-the-top, high-energy entrance.

2 -- WWE tag champion KOFI KINGSTON (w/Evan Bourne) vs. THE MIZ (w/R-Truth)

Miz quickly took control of the match, looking to keep Kofi on the mat. Miz and Kofi had a rapid-fire exchange before spilling to the outside together. The non-wrestling partners helped their partners to their feet as Ross sent the show to break 1:30 into the match.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break, Miz had Kofi in a reverse chinlock while Truth was jawing with the ringside fans. Cole turned his attention to trying to get a reaction out of Ross while Miz lost control of the match in the ring. Kofi made a comeback with rapid-fire offense before connecting with a double springboard cross-body splash for a two count. Kofi tried a small package, but Miz escaped. Kofi with a standing dropkick, but Miz crotched Kofi on the top turnbuckle. Miz then dropped Kofi on the back of his head before calling for the end. Miz wanted the Skullcrushing Finale, and he connected. No resistance from Kofi and it was good for the win. Post-match: Bourne checked on Kofi as Miz and Truth gloated. Truth, satisfied, left the ring with Miz as the announcers stressed the challengers's chances to capture the Tag Titles on Sunday.

WINNER: Miz at 8:22.

Backstage: Vickie was trying to get some time with Smackdown GM Teddy Long, who announced Dolph Ziggler will defend the U.S. Title in a fatal four-way match against Morrison, Swagger, and Riley on Sunday. Vickie said it's unfair since the other champs have one-one-one matches. Vickie then saw Kelly Kelly off-camera and walked up to her for some harsh words. Vickie said she can't wait to see Beth Phoenix beat Kelly this Sunday at Night of Champions. Heck, she could even beat her. Long walked into the shot and said he was looking for some competition for Kelly, so consider Vickie booked. Vickie back-tracked, but Long walked off and Kelly smiled in Vickie's face.

Backstage: Elsewhere, a camera "snuck up on" Cena and Hart as they were having a conversation. Is someone going to run over Hart again? Ross and Lawler then plugged Lawler's latest mystery partner tag match against McGillicutty and Otunga tonight.

[Commercial Break]

[Q4]

Smackdown plug: Edge returns to Smackdown for the first time since confronting Christian at Summerslam.

In-ring: Back live, Otunga and McGillicutty were in the ring with a mic. Mike said he doesn't get Lawler saying they have no personality. Mike asked Lawler if he knows who his father is. Otunga then took the mic and said he's a Harvard-educated lawyer. Lawler shot back that he knew Mike's father... and he's not his father. Lawler said about Otunga, the last thing they need is another lawyer. Lawler then introduced his tag partner, Sheamus. Mike and Otunga tried to sell confidence as Sheamus marched to the ring. Didn't Sheamus and Lawler feud a while ago?

3 -- JERRY LAWLER & SHEAMUS vs. MICHAEL MCGILLICUTTY & DAVID OTUNGA

Lawler started things off for his team and took an early beating from the former tag champs. Lawler escaped Mike, then tagged in Sheamus, who delivered a running bodyslam before delivering trademark forearm strikes across the chest. Sheamus nailed a running knee lift, smiled to the crowd, and went up top for a flying shoulder tackle. Sheamus called for the end, but Otunga slipped into the ring. Sheamus then dropped him with a Brogue Kick, turned around, and dropped Mike with a Brogue Kick. Sheamus called for the end and set up for the Cross. Lawler told Otunga to watch as Sheamus dropped Mike with the Celtic Cross. Sheamus with the pin for the win. Post-match: Sheamus and Lawler celebrated as the camera picked up a shot of Lawler with a bloody nose.

WINNER: Sheamus at 2:31. They really made Sheamus look like a huge, dominating star here.

Still to come: Hunter-Punk Final Face-off before Night of Champions. Cole suggested words could come to blows tonight.

Backstage: Ricardo was doing push-ups before Del Rio walked in. Ricardo took a swig of some sort of protein shake/aphrodisiac before Del Rio stormed off in disgust. Ricardo went back to his push-ups.

[Commercial Break]

Back live, Michael Cole plugged an article on WWE's website for potential candidates to replace Triple H as COO if Hunter loses at Night of Champions.

In-ring: John Cena's music played to bring out Cena, seconded by Bret Hart. The two stood on-stage, then Cena led them to the ring for the top-of-the-second-hour main event match. The announcers stressed Cena and Hart in the same category of popularity to enhance Cena before Cole mocked Hart's "wrestling gear" of a t-shirt and shorts.

[Q5 -- second hour] At the top of the hour, Ricardo walked out in all-black wrestling gear to introduce Del Rio. Del Rio then came out and Ricardo whimpered behind him that he didn't want to wrestle. Ross plugged Del Rio vs. Cena for the WWE Title on Sunday as Team Del Rio reluctantly made their way to the ring. Ricardo is so great. Del Rio's music stopped and Ricardo pleaded with Del Rio not to have to fight. "Thank you, Bret," chant as Del Rio shoved Ricardo into the ring once the bell sounded.

4 -- JOHN CENA & BRET HART vs. WWE champion ALBERTO DEL RIO & RICARDO RODRIGUEZ

Cena did a matador routine waving his red t-shirt into the crowd to make Ricardo run through it like a bull. Cena then tossed his t-shirt into the crowd and Ricardo tried to attack him from behind, which made Cena slowly turn around before back-dropping Ricardo across the ring. Ricardo hugged Del Rio's waist, which was considered a blind tag. Cena chased Del Rio and Ricardo around ringside before Del Rio blasted him with a kick to the head back in the ring. The champ went to work on Cena before Cena came back with a corner attack and dropkick. Ricardo then accidentally tagged into the match and Cena delivered his comeback routine on Ricardo. The crowd wanted Hart, though. Cena then hoisted up Ricardo for the Attitude Adjustment as Del Rio walked away from ringside. Cena connected with the AA, saw Del Rio was gone, and approached Hart for a tag after trying to get the crowd invested.

Hart took his time entering the ring and approached Ricardo for the Sharpshooter. Ricardo immediately tapped, giving Hart the win. Post-match: Hart's music played before Cena took the mic. He told Del Rio to keep running all the way to Night of Champions. He said at the end of the night, The Champ is here (pointing to himself) for a mixed reaction. Cena and Hart celebrated in the ring before Hart's music played again. Hart posed in the ring as they faded to commercial.

WINNERS: Cena & Hart via submission at 3:23. What you would expect on the show before a PPV trying to give Cena some of Hart's rub in Canada and give the crowd/TV audience a happy moment.

Video: Before they cut to break, John Cena narrated a video package on the tragedy of 9/11, followed by footage of WWE assembling at the Compaq Center in Houston for a live Smackdown two days later. Cena said Americans sent a message of defiance to terrorists, leading to clips of McMahon's speech from that Smackdown. Cena flashed forward to ten years later. He said 9/11 is now a Day of Remembrance. He said they will never forget the fallen, but always remember who they were on that day and in the days that followed. Footage of President Bush's speech at Ground Zero was shown. Cena said they are the strongest nation on earth because of who they are as a people. Cena said they remain one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. The video concluded with a shot of an American flag blowing in the wind.

[Commercial Break]

[Q6] In-ring: Kelly Kelly's music hit to bring out the Divas champion for the next match on the show. Out next was Vickie Guerrero along with Ziggler trailing in the background.

5 -- Divas champion KELLY KELLY vs. VICKIE GUERRERO (w/U.S. champion Dolph Ziggler) -- non-title match

Vickie did some stretching to pretend like she was warming up, then Kelly began toying with her over-matched opponent. Jack Swagger came to ringside and jawed with Ziggler before punching the U.S. champ in the mouth. Vickie, distracted, was rolled up from behind by Kelly for the win. Afterward, Vickie argued with both men before Beth Phoenix ran into the ring to get her hands on Kelly, but Kelly avoided and ran away, setting up their title match at the PPV.

WINNER: Kelly at 1:09.

Still to come: World Hvt. champion Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes tonight. Plus, Hunter-Punk face-off.

Video package: WWE TV Network plug. It was the same video that ran last week plugging the channel's debut in 2012.

[Commercial Break]

Next Monday: Hugh Jackman guest-stars on Raw Supershow. Back live, Lawler played up Jackman's arrival on Raw next week. Ross then fed to a video package on Triple H to hype his in-ring return at Night of Champions.

Backstage: Josh Mathews said Hunter has had a Hall of Fame career, but nothing compares to what Mark Henry has done lately inducting people into the Hall of Pain. Henry walked into the shot and told Mathews to be quiet. He said he took out Big Show, Kane, and ran Sheamus through a barricade at Summerslam because people have been over-looking him for 15 years. Henry said all of that frustration got him to this point where he's going to beat the World Hvt. champion on Sunday. Henry said Orton is entering his Hall of Pain.

In-ring: Back in the arena, Orton's music hit to bring out Orton for the default main event. Orton stood on-stage with the World Title belt in his hand before turning around to make sure Henry wasn't behind him. After Orton was introduced, Cole asked Ross if it's Henry's time on Sunday. Ross said he thinks it is and Cole agreed. Lawler agreed with both that it doesn't look good for Orton on Sunday. Orton vs. Rhodes is next.

[Commercial Break]

[Q7] In-ring: Back live, Orton was still in the ring before they went to a replay of what happened at the end of Smackdown when Henry took out Orton. Cody Rhodes then came out along with his two baggers to hand out paper bags to fans on the front row.

6 -- World Hvt. champion RANDY ORTON vs. Intercontinental champion CODY RHODES -- Champion vs. Champion non-title match

Rhodes took the early advantage, but Orton came back with a back-body drop that sent Rhodes half-way across the ring. Suddenly, Mark Henry came out on-stage, so Orton grabbed a chair and teased chasing after him, but Henry ran away to the back. Rhodes then attacked Orton from behind on the entrance ramp and the two men brawled ringside before re-entering the ring. Moments later, Henry re-emerged on-stage with his own chair. Henry sat down on the stage, drawing Orton out of the ring again. After a lengthy stare down with Henry, Orton returned to ringside and Rhodes dropped him with a kick. The ref should have been near a ten-count at this point (the ref was only at four, though) and WWE abruptly cut to break.

[Commercial Break]

Back live, the crowd was trying to rally behind Orton as Rhodes was in control of the match with Henry watching from the stage. Cole with a Big Show & Kane reference as Orton broke free of Rhodes. That drew Henry down from the stage to ringside for a closer seat. Orton tried to divide his attention between Henry and Rhodes, which allowed Rhodes to try Cross Rhodes before Orton countered with his trademark DDT off the second rope. Orton then dropped down on the mat for the RKO, which Henry's attention. Henry stood on the ring steps, which drew Orton's attention. Rhodes then popped Orton with his mask behind the ref's back and nailed Cross Rhodes for the pin and the win.

Post-match: The announcers stressed it was a cheap victory before Henry entered the ring with chair in-hand. Henry measured Orton and popped him across the back with the chair before demanding the title belt. Henry held it up high as Orton sold on the mat. Henry's music played before Henry shouted down at Orton that it's his time now. After a replay of Henry's attack, Cole rhetorically asked if the 15-year wait is finally over Henry.

WINNER: Rhodes at 10:25. More maintenance work for Night of Champions. Fine.

[Q8] Up Next: The Final Face-Off between Punk and Hunter. Ross teased a potential physical encounter.

This Friday on Smackdown: Edge is back. With him comes the Cutting Edge featuring Mark Henry and Randy Orton having a discussion before the PPV. (No mention of Bret Hart or Trish Stratus on Smackdown, just focus on Edge.)

[Commercial Break]

Raw Replay: Triple H dropping Kevin Nash and "firing" him on last week's Raw. So, they're not completely ignoring Nash after announcing his "release" on their website Wednesday.

In-ring: Back live, Triple H's music hit to bring out the COO dressed in a suit. Hunter, with a stern look on his face, surveyed the arena before making his way to the ring. Cole set the stage for Hunter-Punk at Night of Champions before Hunter's music stopped. After a two-second pause, Cult of Personality played to bring out C.M. Punk on-stage. Punk surveyed the arena before Cole stacked the deck against Hunter by noting Punk is in the prime of his career, has won a lot of big matches recently, and Hunter has only wrestled one time this year. Punk made his way into the ring, folded his arms, and waited out a "C-M-Punk" chant.

Punk spoke first. He said he doesn't want to speak for Hunter, but he's fascinated that everyone is waiting for what they're going to say to each other. Punk said he respects Hunter. He especially respects him for firing Nash. But, just because he respects Hunter doesn't mean he likes him. He said Hunter doesn't like him, either. Punk said people talk and people have told him about the horrible things Hunter has said behind his back. He said any time they have to have a conversation, Hunter's skin just crawls. Punk said when he first got here, Hunter called him an "under-sized, pompous, Internet darling." Hunter quipped, "Okay, it's changed a little bit." Punk said that's the problem because nothing has changed since Vince McMahon was fired. He said Hunter's just as bad as McMahon. Punk said Hunter shares the same philosophy that a guy like him doesn't belong in the ring with Hunter. Punk said they also both share the same bodybuilder fantasy.

Hunter interrupted and said it's not about the bodybuilder type. He referenced Michaels, Hart, Mick Foley, and Rey Mysterio. Hunter and Punk went back and forth before Punk said this company is always about the big guys. Hunter told Punk he could use it as an excuse for his failures. Punk laughed before Hunter told Punk he's too worried about his opinion. Hunter said the audience's opinion does. Punk asked Hunter if he's listening to them. Hunter said Punk bitched about not getting a reaction the first six years and thought he was getting held back. Hunter told Punk to be a star by getting over with the audience. He said when Punk gets them on his side, they'll come in droves to see him. Hunter said Punk won't have to beg and plead for a cup at 7-Eleven, but 7-Eleven will ask them to have Punk on the cup.

[Q9 -- over-run] Punk paced around the ring before asking where his WWE ice cream bars are, which drew the first strong reaction of the segment. "Is he serious?" Cole interjected. Punk said he's ignoring the brass ring speeches. He said he remembers his first one back at Survivor Series when he was on the same team with DX. He said that crowd wasn't chanting for DX, Michaels, or Hunter, but were chanting...the crowd filled in a "C-M-Punk chant." Punk said the story doesn't have a happy ending because he grabbed the brass ring and went nowhere with it. Punk said he doesn't play games. Hunter smirked and asked Punk if this is all about not happening opportunities. He said Punk's had titles and main events, so maybe at some point in time, Punk has to stop blaming everyone else and maybe he's not as good as he thinks he is.

Hunter said he told Punk a story a few weeks ago about Cena telling Punk he almost lost hope in him. Hunter said Punk was beside himself wondering who this John Cena guy was telling him that. Hunter said Cena came from nothing and became the biggest star in the industry. He said some people love him and some people hate him, but Cena sells out arenas around the world. Hunter said Cena won them over and Punk needs to worry about winning over the crowd. Hunter said people ask him for his opinion on talent all the time. He said he once thought Cena was nothing, but he turned out to be the biggest star in the business. Hunter said it's about winning over the crowd.

Punk interrupted and asked Hunter if he's really listening to the audience. Hunter interrupted that this crowd is chanting his name, but that wasn't the case last year. Punk said he earned everything the last six years and sacrificed everything to make it. Hunter said that's what you do in WWE and you're handed nothing. He said that's how you get over in this business, whether it's his "warped Internet philosophy," but this is going around in circles. Hunter said it's about the two of them and now Punk has turned it from business to personal. He said Punk gets him - just a man he insulted that's going to kick Punk's ass - Sunday in the ring. Punk said he's dead wrong about that. He said it's not about Cena - "I'm the best in the world." Punk said he's going to kick Hunter's ass, too, and he's going to pin him one, two, three. Punk said his quest in WWE doesn't end until Hunter is removed as COO.

Punk said this is Phil Brooks talking to Paul Levesque now because...Punk's mic cut out. Punk blamed Hunter for cutting out his mic. Punk then took Hunter's mic and that mic cut out, too. Punk got in Hunter's face, then Hunter demanded another mic. Hunter asked a stagehand what's going on. Hunter handed the third mic to Punk, but Punk looked down at the "pipe bomb," grabbed it, and popped Hunter in the face with it. Punk then looked down at Hunter and did a DX crotch chop. "Suck it," he said before leaving the ring with a big smile on his face. Punk smirked as he disappeared to the back with Hunter checking on his eye. They cut out nine minutes past the top of the hour without that final hard sell from Ross.

SEGMENT THOUGHTS: Another talking segment that took way too long to get the point of two men wanting to have a fight on pay television Sunday night. Way too insider, again, with WWE going off-the-tracks into Worked Shoot Fantasyland before finally getting back to the fight element. The mystery of who cut out Punk's mic was a bit of a distraction, but they overall drove the point home for the PPV...if the audience didn't tune out before they got there.

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