WWE Raw Supershow Results
October 24, 2011 - Episode #960
Live in Austin, Tex.
Aired on USA Network
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

The night after the Vengeance PPV, this week's live WWE Raw Supershow started with full pyro and crowd shots. Michael Cole introduced the show from on-campus at the University of Texas before Cole and Jerry Lawler were shown on-camera. They played up the shifting sand theme of "never before seen" and "first-time ever" events at Vengeance before talking over still-shots of the ring collapsing during Mark Henry-Big Show and Alberto Del Rio retaining the WWE Title. They showed slow-motion footage of Kevin Nash powerbombing Triple H and Cole added some more hyperbole.

In-ring: Triple H's music hit to begin the events. Hunter emerged on-stage dressed in jeans and a t-shirt and slowly walked to the ring. He wasn't selling the effects of the powerbomb spot. Hunter, looking upset, waited out a "Triple H" chant in the ring. He opened by saying this is a tough business, which he learned when he started under Killer Kowalski. Hunter said he's always lived by the credo that you either make friends or make money. Hunter said he thought he had both with Kevin Nash. Hunter name-dropped Shawn Michaels to a pop, then drew boos for a Nash reference. Hunter said he thought he still had friends, but when he got into a position of power, he found out some friends were there just to share in his power. Hunter solemnly said when Nash came back, it all changed. Hunter threw up the Wolfpack sign that looked like Hook 'Em Horns in Austin. Hunter said this might sound corny, but Nash broke his heart. The crowd "aaaahed."

Hunter stared into the ringside camera and said he wants to take that out on Nash. He said he's known Nash for 20 years and he knows he's here in the building. Hunter vowed to kick his ass tonight. The camera swung around to show the entrance ramp, but no sign of Hunter. "Triple H" chant as Hunter surveyed the arena. He told Nash not to hide, but be a man.

Instead, a raspy voice belonging to John Laurinaitis interrupted. Laurinaitis said he heard a rumor Nash was in Austin and he was at home watching Raw. Hunter told Laurinaitis to shut up. Laurinaitis said he has a show to run and the people want action. Hunter told Laurinaitis if he walks through the ropes, it won't end well. Laurinaitis told Hunter not to embarrass the company. Hunter reminded Laurinaitis he still reports to him as COO, so what's going to happen is Laurinaitis is the guy who goes backstage and finds Kevin Nash and brings him to the ring. Hunter told Laurinaitis to find Nash and offer him a contract he can't refuse, or he's going to get arrested when he finds Nash. Then, he's going to embarrass WWE. Hunter told Laurinaitis to offer him the biggest contract ever so he can kick his ass.

Hunter dropped the mic and stomped out of the ring. Laurinaitis told him he's being unreasonable. Hunter stopped on the entrance ramp and turned around to tell Laurinaitis to shut up. Suddenly, Nash popped Hunter from behind with a sledgehammer. Laurinaitis ran up the stage and told Nash to get out of here. Nash then fought off security guards before disappearing to the back. Laurinaitis, selling concern for Hunter, checked on Hunter as he sold nerve damage. Refs and medics then hit the stage to check on Hunter, who was coughing up a lung at this point. "Triple H" chant before they cut backstage to show Nash walking past wrestlers in the hallway. Nash disappeared before they went to a replay of Nash smashing Hunter from behind with the sledgehammer. Back to the backstage area, Hunter was shown being helped backstage. Hunter refused medical attention before collapsing on the floor. A paramedic was called for as Hunter writhed in pain on the floor.

[Q2] [Commercial Break]

Announcers: Back live, Cole and Lawler were shown on-camera to talk in hushed tones about Hunter's health. Cole said Hunter has been taken to a local medical facility. Lawler recapped the history between Hunter and Nash before Cole noted there were rumors all day about Nash being in Austin... Moments Ago: Nash's attack on Triple H was replayed.

Backstage live: Hunter was placed on a stretcher to be taken away in an ambulance, but Nash interjected himself into the proceedings. Nash propped up Hunter against a bunch of boxes, then delivered another sledgehammer shot. Security rushed to the scene to push Nash away before medics checked on Hunter again. They checked for a pulse as Laurinaitis said he's sorry. No response from Hunter, who was placed on the gurney again and placed in the ambulance. They cut to break.

[Commercial Break]

Back live: The ambulance was shown leaving with Triple H inside. And, another replay of Nash taking out Hunter in the opening segment. One "Moments Ago" replay is okay, but two? Lawler called it the worst act of cowardice he's ever seen.

Arena: They cut to a live shot of the arena before Randy Orton's music hit to bring out someone younger than 40-years-old 28 minutes into the show. Cole said they were trying to "regroup" with tag action before Sheamus came out as Orton's partner. Cole and Lawler plugged the WWE '12 video game featuring The Rock ahead of his in-ring PPV return at Survivor Series. Christian came out first for the heel team, followed by IC champion Cody Rhodes. Lawler called it a continuation of the battles from Vengeance last night.

[Q3]

1 -- RANDY ORTON & SHEAMUS vs. IC champion CODY RHODES & CHRISTIAN

Orton dominated Christian early on, resuming their summer-long World Title feud. Rhodes then tagged in and took some offense from Sheamus before Rhodes cut him off. Rhodes with a reverse chinlock on Sheamus as Cole robotically fed to a break at 2:45.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break, Sheamus was still being worked over by the heels. Orton took a hot tag and cleaned house before delivering his trademark DDT from the second rope to Christian. Orton set up for the RKO on Christian, but Rhodes distracted him and Christian nailed a flying elbow strike to give the heels the advantage again. Christian took too long setting up for a second-rope, which allowed Orton to intercept him with a dropkick.

Sheamus tagged in and delivered impactful offense on Rhodes, but he couldn't put him away. Sheamus tried the Brogue Kick, but Rhodes avoided, then nailed a step-up kick to the jaw. Christian nailed a spear behind the ref's back, but Orton broke up a pin by Rhodes. The action broke down at this point before Orton nailed the RKO on Christian. Rhodes then dumped Orton over the top rope. Sheamus tried to intercept Rhodes with a Brogue Kick, but the move was botched. Sheamus quickly recovered and delivered the High Cross on Rhodes for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Orton & Sheamus at 11:27. Nice, professional TV tag match the crowd invested in. Orton and Sheamus continue to be protected as future World Title contenders and the heels were given enough offense to retain some credibility. Basically a copy & paste of last night's PPV. (**)

Vengeance last night: Miz and Truth's interference against John Cena during the WWE Title match was recapped.

Office: John Laurinaitis was on the phone with Stephanie McMahon. Apparently she blames Laurinaitis for what happened to Hunter. David Otunga tried to calm down Laurinaitis, who said this makes it seem like he's promoting unsafe working conditions. John Cena then barged in and told "Carlton Banks" to hit the bricks. After some more Fresh Prince references, Otunga bailed. Cena told Laurinaitis he's tired of Miz and Truth interfering in his business, so he wants a match. Laurinaitis said he's picking Cena's partner tonight for the match. Cena shot back that as long as his partner isn't carrying a skateboard, he'll be fine.

[Q4] Next Monday on Raw: Halloween edition. What's lurking in the dark? The Superstars of WWE come face-to-face with...the Muppets. Kermit was sporting Cena's red color scheme that is now out-dated with Cena switching to a black color scheme last night.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Back from break, Santino was in the ring ready for a singles match. U.S. champion Dolph Ziggler then came out flanked by Vickie Guerrero and Jack Swagger. More Twitter references from Cole as they flashed a tweet from Ziggler earlier in the day about "stealing the show" at Vengeance, which has nothing to do with anything in the context of WWE's stories. Plus, he's a heel.

2 -- U.S. champion DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Vickie Guerrero and Jack Swagger) vs. SANTINO -- non-title match

Ziggler didn't take Santino seriously early on, so Santino dropped him with a hip toss. Ziggler, angered, started a methodical attack. Santino ducked a clothesline, though, and delivered another hip toss followed by a sailor's salute fist drop. Santino then wanted the Cobra, but Swagger provided a distraction. Ziggler with the Zig-Zag for the win.

Post-match: Swagger and Ziggler put the boots to Santino before Swagger slapped on the anklelock. Suddenly, Mason Ryan hit the ring to little reaction. Ryan cleared the heels from the ring and started ranting and raving in the ring. On the floor, Ziggler and Swagger no-sold Ryan, who continued to scream and shout.

WINNER: Ziggler at 1:48.

Backstage: The Bellas were shown talking in the hallway. Zack Ryder then came running into the shot saying Laurinaitis has picked him as Cena's partner.

Up next: Alberto Del Rio with a victory speech after retaining the WWE Title last night.

Survivor Series plug: On Nov. 20, The Rock brings it. For the first time in seven years, Rock returns to action.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Justin Roberts introduced Ricardo Rodriguez, who introduced Alberto Del Rio. Del Rio, in street clothes, came out on-stage as Cole talked up Del Rio's "courage" beating the odds last night. Lawler tried to counter Cole as Del Rio slowly made his way into the ring.

[Q5 -- second hour] Del Rio said he proved once and for all that he is the better man when he defeated Cena last night. He said he's moving on to new challengers after Cena had his chance. The problem is no one is better than him in WWE, so people better get used to seeing him as WWE champion for a long, long, long, long time. Del Rio held up his title belt before Cult of Personality interrupted.

Out came C.M. Punk, who waited out a "C-M-Punk" chant while standing on the entranceramp. Punk said perhaps Del Rio has taken too many blows to the head because he's beaten him in recent weeks and he's never received his one-on-one title shot. Punk asked "Berto" if he has the cajones to put the title on the line against him. Del Rio said he'll put the title on the line against a worthy opponent, but Punk didn't even win his match last night at Vengeance. After calling Punk a loser, he told Punk to come see him when he gets a victory against someone. He said Punk's at the back of the line as far as he's concerned.

Punk wiped his face before saying Del Rio brings up a lot of good points and perhaps he should subscribe to his Newsletter. Punk said perhaps he is a loser and maybe he's at the back of the line, but maybe he should just put Del Rio to sleep anyways.

John Laurinaitis interrupted and noted he's in charge, not Triple H. He said this is not happening on his watch. In the ring, Laurinaitis introduced himself before Punk raised the mic to John's mouth so people can actually hear him. Laurinaitis said they both make good points and he's thinking of a match at Survivor Series: WWE champion Del Rio vs. Punk.

Punk said that's exactly what he wants, but what's the catch? Laurinaitis said there's one thing he has to do. He wants Punk to tell him he respects him. Punk looked stunned before asking if he's Aretha Franklin. He said the problem is Laurinaitis doesn't respect him, and this place isn't better off with him in charge. Laurinaitis told Punk to swallow his pride and tell him he respects him. Punk paced the ring before mockingly doing Laurinaitis's voice saying he respects him. Laurinaitis said he has one more chance to do it right. "C-M-Punk chant" before Punk reset. "Okay, Mr. Laurinaitis, sir, I respect you. I respect the fact that each week, you come out here in front of the millions of fans live on USA Network with this awesome, completely lost, deer-in-the-headlights look."

Punk said he respects him for never being any good in the ring, but he somehow ascended the WWE corporate ladder. He said he respects him for doing so much with so little. "I respect you! How does that sound?" Laurinaitis said that's not good enough and he's not suitable for a WWE Title shot, so he's going to take another week to think about it. Punk said that's fine, so while Laurinaitis is thinking about it for a week, he wants him to think about this. Punk then jumped Del Rio and tried the G2S, but Ricardo made the save. Laurinaitis and Del Rio backed away as Punk held Ricardo hostage. Punk delivered the G2S as Del Rio sold anger on the outside.

Still to come: Miz & Truth vs. Cena & Ryder.

WM28 plug: WrestleMania comes to Miami for The Rock vs. John Cena, with tickets on-sale November 5.

[Commercial Break. Smackdown plug for tomorrow night's TV taping in Houston: 41-man battle royal, Cena vs. Del Rio, and Big Show vs. Mark Henry.]

[Q6] Beth Phoenix and Natalya were ringside back from break. Natalya entered the ring for competition while Beth joined the announcers to talk about her title retention against Eve last night. Alicia Fox then randomly came out as Natalya's opponent.

3 -- NATALYA (w/Divas champion Beth Phoenix) vs. ALICIA FOX

Natalya dominated the match, but too much taunting caught up with her, as Alicia scored a quick roll-up pin for the win. Afterward, Kelly Kelly and Eve were shown watching the match on a backstage monitor and having a laugh at Natalya's expense. Beth and Natalya attempted a post-match beating on Alicia, but she made it out of the ring to safety.

WINNER: Alicia at 2:15.

Still to come: Miz & Truth vs. Cena & Ryder.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: John Morrison came out for a randomly-generated match. Wade Barrett's music brought out Barrett, complete with cape. Cole hyped Barrett's recent work on Smackdown as Cole did more social media plugs.

4 -- JOHN MORRISON vs. WADE BARRETT

Lawler asked Cole why he keeps tweeting during the show instead of paying attention to the show. Cole referenced Jim Ross and said he's trying to set the record straight on Ross's potshots. Barrett dominated early on and took Morrison to the floor, where he threw Morrison into the barricade. They cut to break with Barrett in control.

[Commercial Break]

[Q6] Back from break, Barrett continued to punish and dismantle Morrison. Meanwhile, Cole said he's about to embarrass Ross after all of the things Ross has said about him tonight online. Barrett lost control, then Morrison nailed a knee strike to the face for a two count when Barrett reached the ropes. Barrett came back with a spinning sidewalk slam for a two count, then tried Wasteland, but Morrison countered with a legsweep. Morrison then wanted Starship Pain, but Barrett avoided. Morrison then tried a springboard move and landed on Barrett's shoulders, but Barrett couldn't hold him and dropped him to the mat. A la Sheamus in the opening match, Barrett recovered with a second attempt at Wasteland for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Barrett at 9:08. WWE is trying to sell a resurgence for Barrett, but it's the boy who cried wolf since WWE has tried this four or five times since writing him off from Nexus earlier this year.

Earlier tonight: Nash took out Triple H, who was sent to the hospital. Cole added an update that Hunter suffered a concussion and a neck injury. Perhaps even a broken neck. On-camera, Cole and Lawler did the old "show must go on" line. Cole then got up from his seat and said he's had enough of this.

Cole told the crowd that Jim Ross has been spreading vicious rumors and lies about him tonight. He said that what Ross doesn't realize is Ross sent out some photos to the entire world. They showed a photo of a fat man with Ross's head photoshopped on the body. Cole told the Hook 'Em Horns fans they'll love this one. They showed a doctored photo of Ross in a Sooners cheerleader outfit. Cole said here's the deal: he's had enough of Ross. Cole called out Ross for a Michael Cole Challenge next week on Raw. If Ross wins, then Ross can have his seat back on Raw. Cole said if he loses to JR next week, then he'll quit. That was the only reaction to the childish segment. Lawler said Cole just bit off a lot more than he can chew.

Up Next: Cena & Ryder vs. Miz & Truth.

[Commercial Break]

[Q8] Next Monday: Halloween Raw with the Muppets.

Backstage: Zack Ryder was nodding his head up and down like a bobblehead waiting for an interview with Josh Mathews. Ryder said he's been waiting for this Raw TV main event forever. He said Miz and Truth can't fistpump like him, then Miz and Truth jumped Ryder. The stage lighting used during Cena-Del Rio last night came into play again, as the heels threw Ryder through the panels. Refs and security told them to get lost before refs checked on Ryder.

In-ring: Miz and Truth came out to the ring. Miz asked for his music to be cut. He said when Triple H tried to fire them, he tried to cut off the revolution they started. But, look at Triple H now. Truth said Hunter got exactly what he deserves. Truth said the party they started last night is only just getting started. He said nothing is going to save Cena until he gets got. Miz told Cena he can wear all the motivational catchphrases he wants, but Cena can't rise above them. They cut to break.

Smackdown plug: the ring collapsed at Vengeance during Henry vs. Show. This Friday on Smackdown, they have a confrontation that no ring can contain. What's the future of the World Title?

[Commercial Break]

Survivor Series plug: The Rock returns to in-ring action for the first time in seven years on November 20.

In-ring: Miz and Truth were still in the ring back from break. Roberts announced that this will now be a handicap match. After a pause, Cena's music hit to a typically big reaction. Cena slowly walked out, stared at the on-stage camera, flashed a Hook 'em Horns, and stormed the ring. On the outside, Cena stood next to a man wearing an anti-Cena t-shirt, then gave his shirt to a pro-Cena standing next to him. Cena then returned to the ring to face Miz and Truth.

5 -- JOHN CENA vs. THE MIZ & R-TRUTH -- handicap match

Cena dominated each opponent individually to begin the match, then the heels used the numbers advantage to cut off Cena and begin working him over. Cole noted Cena has switched to camo trunks to honor the U.S. military. Cole added that Austin is close to Fort Hood, which hosted Tribute to the Troops last year.

[Q9 -- over-run] Cole reset things at the top of the hour, noting Hunter is currently hospitalized following an attack by Nash earlier in the show. The crowd started a dueling chant as the heels continued to wear down Cena. Cena fought back against Miz and set him up for the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena wanted the AA on Miz, but Truth smashed Cena with a steel water bottle, causing a DQ.

WINNER: Cena via DQ at 4:49.

Post-match: Miz and Truth inflicted a beating on Cena. The heels then left the ring to retrieve steel chairs. Suddenly, Laurinaitis walked out on-stage, flanked by referees. He said he's not standing for chaos and they have disrespected him like Punk did earlier tonight. He said he wants them to get out of the ring. Now. Miz and Truth slowly walked out of the ring, turning their backs on Laurinaitis.

Laurinaitis then told them to stop. He's now going to allow Cena to choose his own partner for a legit tag match. Therefore, Miz and Truth will be teaming up at Survivor Series against Cena and a partner of his choice. Cena yanked the mic away from Laurinaitis, collected himself, and accused Laurinaitis of a set-up. He then paused to reflect on being able to choose anyone he wants. Cena told Miz and Truth he's sick of them thinking they run this show, but if he's going to defeat them, then his partner is going to have to be someone who can bring out. Pause for "Rocky, Rocky" chant. Not out of friendship, but he chooses his partner to be...The Rock. "Are you kidding me?!" Truth shouted toward Miz, who sold shock. Cena then stood in the ring as the announcers called Cena & Rock possibly the biggest pairing in WWE history. WWE stayed with back-and-forth shots of Cena and Miz & Truth for a while before they signed off eight minutes past the top of the hour.

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