WWE Raw Supershow Results
December 19, 2011 - Episode #968
Live in Philadelphia, Pa.
Aired on USA Network
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

This week's live WWE Raw the night after the TLC PPV started with the usual Raw intro video, now with Kane included, before going live to the arena. No pyro. Instead, a drumroll. No announcers. Long drumroll. "Live from Philadelphia," C.M. Punk was heard saying. Punk said that on behalf of John Laurinaitis, he is proud to announce the result of TLC. First, in the triple threat TLC title match. Was the winner...Alberto Del Rio...was it The Miz...or was it The Best Wrestler In The World? Loud cheers. And, the winner was...Cult of Personality played to bring out Punk with the WWE Title belt around his waist. As Punk made his way to the ring, Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler plugged the PPV replay and said it was a chaotic and eventful night.

Once in the ring, Punk smirked toward the crowd before acknowledging a Punk chant. Punk introduced events from the title match last night and noted Ricardo Rodriguez's big fall through a table. He said with everything happening in the match, he still managed to retain his title. Punk said he is beat up and sore. And, this is a title a lot of people never thought he would hold. Which brings him to his next contest. Who won the U.S. Title match last night? Cue up the drumroll. Was it Mr. Ziggles? Or, was it Zack Ryder? Big reaction. And, the winner was...Spoiler Alert...Zack Ryder.

Out came Ryder with the U.S. Title belt around his waist. Ryder entered the ring and fist-pumped with Punk before fist-pumping with the crowd. Once Ryder's music stopped, Ryder and Punk stood together in the ring as Ryder soaked up the moment. Punk then noted there was a World Title match last night between two big monsters. Cue up the drumroll. Did Mark Henry win? Or, was it Big Show? Cheers for Show. The drumroll continued. Punk said it actually was Big Show, but, then...big Spoiler Alert...the unthinkable happened. Punk said it honestly makes him proud to say the new World Hvt. champion is Daniel Bryan. Bryan came to the ring as Michael Cole noted he's going to be sick. In the ring, Bryan shook hands with Ryder before hugging Punk.

Once all three men were assembled in the ring, Punk led a "Daniel Bryan" chant. Punk said if any city would appreciate this scene right here, it's Philadelphia. He said it's a city so rich in pro wrestling history. "E-C-W" chant. Punk said this trips him out because no one would ever would have thought Punk and Bryan would be the two top champions in WWE after they met down the street at the Murphy Rec Center ten years ago. Punk also shouted out to Ryder and noted this is crazy. He said honestly this is not about him, but about Ryder and Bryan. He said they started at the bottom and worked their way to the top. Punk said they live, eat, and breathe wrestling. And, he wants to hear from them.

Ryder took the mic and said he called his dad this morning to make sure he's still the U.S. champion. He said his dad told him he knows it. Next, Bryan took the mic. Cole said this cannot be real. Bryan said people never even expected him to get to WWE. He said people like Cole said he shouldn't even be here. Bryan told Cole that not only did he get to WWE, and he's a champion. And, not just any champion, but World Hvt. champion. Bryan said it's unbelievable.

Suddenly, Punk turned his attention to the stage, where The Miz was standing like a statue. Dolph Ziggler came out next to stand next to him. Alberto Del Rio followed out third. Lawler asked who let last night's losers come out on-stage. Miz, Ziggler, and Del Rio then marched to the ring. And, the fight was on. The faces fended off the heels, then the heels regrouped ringside. The heels then huddled together, so Ryder decided to flip-dive Ziggler. The other two heels rammed Ryder into the ring steps, then the face champs charged the heels to fight. John Laurinaitis interrupted them on-stage to settle things down. Laurinaitis then booked the main event for tonight: a six-man tag match. Laurinaitis told the crowd it's their Christmas present. Cole thanked "Santa Johnny" for restoring order. Lawler said Cole's boys are going to get embarrassed again after last night. So, it's a classic mid-2000s Raw six-man tag main event.

[Q2] Tonight: John Cena speaks out about Kane's attack at the end of Raw. Next: It's the TNA special with Randy Orton vs. Wade Barrett in a re-match from the PPV on the show after the PPV.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Randy Orton came out for the first match of the show as Cole recapped Orton's victory over Wade Barrett in a tables match last night. Meanwhile, this week's YouTube Mystery Video flashed - http://www.youtube.com/user/prophetless2012 . As Barrett came out to face Orton, they showed a still-shot of Orton's RKO through a table to beat Barrett at TLC.

1 -- RANDY ORTON vs. WADE BARRETT

The camera focused on a cut over Barrett's right eye from the PPV. Barrett, angered, scored with early offense before Orton came back with a hard clothesline and uppercut. Barrett then knocked Orton to the outside to take control leading to an early break.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break, Barrett was still wearing down Orton. Cole noted Barrett believes he has to beat a man of Orton's caliber before he can receive a World Title opportunity. Cole heelishly said he would like to see either Orton or Barrett get a shot at Bryan. Orton made a comeback, but Barrett came back with a Wasteland tease. Orton blocked, though, and delivered a backbreaker. Orton then stalked Barrett for his elevated DDT and connected. Orton went to That Place for the RKO, but Barrett thumbed him in the eye. That was good for a DQ. Cole was quick to point out Barrett used a thumb to the eye last month to beat Orton, so he wasn't going to allow it this time.

[Q3] Post-match: Barrett put the boots to Orton as the ref reprimanded him. Barrett then picked up the scraps and delivered a Black Hole Slam. Cole said it's now called the Winds of Change. Barrett wasn't done, as he retrieved a table from under the ring. Barrett saw Orton reach his feet, so he gave him a big boot. Barrett then measured Orton for a table spot and delivered Wasteland through the table, folding up Orton like an accordion. Barrett then stood on Orton's chest to put an exclamation point on the post-match attack. As Barrett left the ring, refs checked on Orton. Lawler said knowing Orton, this will come back to haunt Barrett. After a replay of the post-match, they showed Orton crawling on his belly trying to reach out for vengeance on Barrett.

WINNER: Orton via DQ at 8:01. Good follow-up for Barrett's character to re-establish him as a force. It also keeps the feud going and could re-invigorate Orton's character. The crowd reaction wasn't very strong for Orton during the match and this could be a way to return Orton to a strong position after being out of the Smackdown title picture for a few months.

Announcers: Cole and Lawler talked about the Triple H vs. Kevin Nash sledgehammer ladder match at the PPV. They showed a still-shot of Lawler using the hammer to blast Nash and send him through a table. Cole said it will take Nash at least six weeks to recover. Lawler said he wouldn't be surprised if they never see Nash again.

Backstage: Beth Phoenix and Alicia Fox were shown walking backstage. They're in action against each other next.

[Commercial Break]

2 -- Divas champion BETH PHOENIX vs. ALICIA FOX -- non-title match

Phoenix came out alone for the contest, similar to at TLC when Natalya did not accompany her. Also, Alicia Fox was without Eve and Kelly Kelly. Before the bell sounded, Beth taunted Fox by holding out her title belt to ask Fox if she wants it. A. Fox executed a neckbreaker into a leg drop and it was good for a shockingly quick win. Afterward, Fox staked her claim for a future title shot.

WINNER: Fox at 0:48.

Tonight: Six-man tag match still to come.

Video: John Cena through the years. Now, Cena looks back on the last ten years in WWE in the current issue of WWE Magazine.

[Q4] [Commercial Break]

Rock plug: The Rock is up for the Biggest Badass of the Year from Entertainment Weekly. Cole read a canned statement to vote now.

In-ring: Sheamus came to the ring for an unadvertised match, which seems to be Sheamus's specialty as of late. Cole and Lawler then plugged Jinder Mahal's attempts to run with Sheamus as of late. Jinder, now sporting a turban, came out to face Sheamus. Jinder called him classless and without honor. Jinder told Sheamus it's about time someone puts him in his place. Sheamus just laughed, like everyone watching at home, as Cole noted Jinder asked for this re-match.

3 -- SHEAMUS vs. JINDER MAHAL

Sheamus wasn't impressed with Jinder's offense early on, so Jinder offered a more aggressive attack to begin wearing down Sheamus. Sheamus quickly came back with Polish Hammer blows before going up top. He missed with a shoulder block, but landed on his feet and scored with an Irish Curse backbreaker. Sheamus followed with the Celtic Cross for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Sheamus at 1:55. Another fine squash for Sheamus for what seems like the eighth straight WWE show. Can they not find a decent feud for Sheamus post-Christian? Apparently this deal with Jinder is a placeholder until Christian is healthy or until Great Khali comes back or something. It's also worth noting not a single male from the Raw roster was in a match in the first hour.

Up next: John Cena speaks out about Kane's return and attack last week. But, first, a psychedelic WWE Network plug.

[Commercial Break]

Smackdown plug: A generic look at the Orton-Barrett and Kane-Henry TLC PPV matches and a plug for what's next on Friday's Smackdown.

[Q5 -- second hour] At the top of the hour, John Cena's music hit to a tepid reaction. Once Cena stormed the ring, a few more cheers were heard from the kids and families. Once his music stopped, Cena was greeted by loud boos from the vocal males. Cena waited out the boos and "Cena Sucks" chants before noting what he's about to say will be shocking. He said there are people out there who don't like him. Loud boos. Cena sarcastically said it caught him by surprise, too. Cena said some of those people are here and some are not here. Like, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Cena looked into the camera and told Rock he is ready for April 1.

Cena said he can understand why Rock does not like him. Then, there's a monster on the loose and he attacked him for no rhyme or reason last week. The crowd popped. Cena said he would like to think he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. If he wasn't, then he's here to face his fears. Cena told Kane that if last week was an accident, then they can go their separate ways. But, if it wasn't, then they need to handle business.

Instead, Mark Henry's music played to bring out an injured Henry sans World Title for the first time in three months. Lawler noted he's the ex-World champ. On-stage, Henry told Cena that he needs to be concerned about is he had Cena KO'ed in the middle of the ring last week. And, if it weren't for Kane, Cena would be the newest member of the Hall of Pain. Henry said he's tired of listening to Cena tell jokes. The crowd started a "Sexual Chocolate" chant as Henry tried to ignore them. Henry, now on the apron, said he's not in the mood for jokes after losing the World Title last night.

Henry, now in the ring, said he's here to address his injuries and Cena needs to get out of the ring right now. Suddenly, Kane's pyro shot off and the arena went dark. Kane's theme then played to bring out Kane with the welder's mask on top of his new mask. Henry bailed from the ring, leaving Cena alone in the ring. Kane then walked around the ring to stalk Henry, who tried to beg off. Henry shouted that he's not scared of Kane, but he's hurt right now. Kane then slowly turned toward the ring to stare down Cena as the lights came back on.

Kane approached the ring, removed the welder's mask, and flipped back his hair as Cena sold fear. Kane then hit the ring and Cena nailed him with right hands before clotheslining Kane over the top rope. Kane landed on his feet, though, and yanked Cena to the floor to throw him across the announce table. Kane followed with right hand strikes that had Cena choking and coughing. Kane then tried to rip Cena's face off before trying to choke him on the table. Cena came up bleeding from the mouth before Kane tore apart Cena's t-shirt. Kane's music played and he left the ring with possession of Cena's "Rise Above Hate" t-shirt. Back at the announce table, Cena recovered and sold fear. They cut to a shot of Kane on the entrance stage breathing heavily. Kane then left as Cena continued to sell fear at the announce table. Lawler asked, "What does this mean?"

[Commercial Break]

Announcers: As WWE showed a shot of the Liberty Bell, Cole talked about Kane's attack on Cena "moments ago." The announcers then tried to figure out why Kane has targeted Cena. Cole noted Henry put Kane in the Hall of Pain, so he doesn't understand Kane's thinking here.

In-ring: Primo & Epico, along with Rosa Mendes, were in the ring for a tag match. Out came the Usos, who did their war dance before bouncing to the ring for another Smackdown-heavy match.

[Q6]

4 -- THE USOS (JIMMY & JEY USO) vs. EPICO & PRIMO (w/Rosa Mendes)

As the match started, Cole talked up Epico and Primo's failed attempt to win the Tag Titles at TLC. Very quick pace to begin the match, indicating it wasn't going long. They cut backstage to a shot of tag champs Kofi & Evan Bourne watching the match on a monitor. The director continued to focus on Rosa as the heels took their team wearing down Uso. Jey Uso took a hot tag, then the action broke down. In the confusion, Epico dropped Jey with the backstabber for the pin and the win. Cue up Team Rosa's celebration.

WINNERS: Epico & Primo at 2:54. The crowd didn't care for this. Other than the Kane-Cena segment, this show has felt like filler since the opening segment.

Announcers: Cole and Lawler plugged the Royal Rumble at the end of January. Cole said just about anyone has a chance to win the Rumble, just look at this. They ran the generic Rumble video hosted by 2011 runner-up Santino.

Backstage: Josh Mathews brought in IC champion Cody Rhodes to ask him about his victory over Booker T at TLC. Rhodes mocked the Rumble video with Santino before ridiculing Booker T for thinking he could return to the ring. Santino then interrupted with a Christmas present. Cody didn't buy it, though, as Santino couldn't hold in his smile since it was a trick. Santino then pulled out his Cobra sock puppet inside a pic-a-nic basket. Santino made snake noises and told Cody to beware. Cody held his ground and tried not to react.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Santino's music brought out Santino for the next match. As Cole plugged social media items, Santino flashed his Cobra to an uninterested crowd. Cody Rhodes then came out to face Santino. So, they're actually having a match.

5 -- IC champion CODY RHODES vs. SANTINO -- non-title match

Cody took his time dismantling Santino as Cole and Lawler bickered. Santino came back with a hip toss, then teased the Cobra, but Rhodes ducked and hit the Alabama Slam for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Rhodes at 1:25. Santino fulfilled his role as the designated Raw brand enhancement talent. A good, solid, clean victory for Rhodes, although a heel like Dolph Ziggler could have really used this spot.

[Q7] Tribute to the Troops video: They replayed John Cena's show-closing message on last week's special. Next was a music video recap of the Troops special set to music from Nickelback.

Still to come: Six-man tag main event.

WM28 plug: They aired a Rock vs. Cena plug for WrestleMania 28 on April 1.

[Commercial Break]

Backstage: The Bella Twins were arguing with each other while standing next to John Laurinaitis and David Otunga. The Bellas were not happy with the way Teddy Long talked to them last night at TLC. Laurinaitis calmed them down and said the Board is watching Long. In the meantime, he would like to wish them a Merry Christmas. They planted kisses on his cheeks, which Otunga approved. Suddenly, Vickie Guerrero interrupted and demanded a U.S. Title re-match for Dolph Ziggler. Hornswoggle then barged in with mistletoe and kissed Vickie, who freaked out. Everyone walked away, leaving Vickie to throw a fit.

Announcers: Cole had a big laugh before Cole and Lawler plugged TLC events last night. Cole then fed to a video interview with Ryder and his dad after TLC. In the video, Zack's Dad talked about the whole family loving Zack.

Backstage: Mathews brought in Big Show, who tried to act happy. Mathews asked Show about finally ending his nine-year drought before Bryan cashed in his MITB briefcase on him. Show talked quietly about having the title in his hands. He held back tears saying it took him nine, long years to get back to the top, then it was gone in seconds. Show said he was speechless when Bryan cashed in. He said it's probably his fault since he encouraged Bryan to go ahead and cash in the briefcase on Mark Henry several weeks ago instead of waiting for WrestleMania. Show collected himself and gave credit to Bryan for living his dream. Mathews got real and told Show he has to be burning inside. Mathews noted Show has the shortest World Title reign in history. Show just stared at Mathews, who kept his ground, before Show rolled his shoulders, choked back tears, and said, "Okay." Show walked off. Interesting set-up for Friday's Smackdown.

In-ring: The Miz, then Dolph Ziggler, then Alberto Del Rio quickly came to the ring in separate intros. No Ricardo Rodriguez to introduce Del Rio. Cole noted Ricardo took a big fall off a ladder through a table at TLC last night. As they were about to head to break, this week's Raw Mystery Video interrupted. The girl told the boy that she cannot help him anymore. The video ended and Del Rio's music was heard as they went to break.

[Q8] [Commercial Break]

This Friday on Smackdown: Daniel Bryan has two former champions to come face-to-face with: Big Show and Mark Henry. How will Bryan respond?

In-ring: Zack Ryder's music played to bring out Ryder for the babyface trio. They went to a wide shot of the arena, which then led to a shot of Ryder walking through the crowd to the ringside area. Cole said Ryder thinks he's a man of the people now. Daniel Bryan's music played next to bring out Bryan from another section of the arena. Cole was beside himself. Cult of Personality played last to bring out C.M. Punk, "the ringleader," as Cole called him. Punk emerged from the middle section and made his way to the ring through the fans as Cole freaked out on commentary. Cole said he's embarrassed to be part of Raw tonight. The three face champions held up their titles for the hard camera as Cole continued to rant.

6 -- WWE champion C.M. PUNK & World Hvt. champion DANIEL BRYAN & U.S. champion ZACK RYDER vs. ALBERTO DEL RIO & THE MIZ & DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Vickie Guerrero) -- six-man tag match

Bryan and Ryder dumped the heels to the outside one-by-one before Ryder flew over the top rope with a flip dive. Punk followed with a top-rope dive on the heels to get the crowd fired up. The face trio then stood tall in the ring leading to commercial.

[Commercial Break]

Back live, Bryan blasted Miz with a flying kick followed by multiple kick strikes. Miz came back with a DDT, though, for a two count. The heels then isolated Bryan in their corner as Vickie shouted encouragements. Cole reset two minutes before the top of the hour and reluctantly described the new champions involved in the match. He continued to say he's embarrassed to be part of WWE tonight. Bryan fought back on Del Rio, but Del Rio whipped him into the corner and landed a kick to the chest.

[Q9 -- over-run] At the top of the hour, Del Rio continued the assault on Bryan as the announcers played up the brewing issue between Bryan and Big Show. Bryan then blasted Ziggler with a desperation boot to the face and tagged in Ryder, who flew at Ziggler with quick strikes. Next was the Broski Boot for a two count. Dolph then came back with a dropkick that allowed the heels to regain control of the match working on Ryder. Del Rio then lost control of the match and Ryder crawled across the ring to Punk for a hot tag. Miz also tagged in, setting up Punk vs. Miz.

Punk delivered signature offense before heading up top for a Macho Man elbow drop. Punk made a cover, but Miz kicked out, only to find himself in a submission. Ziggler broke it up, though, and the action broke down after Del Rio legally tagged in. Punk tagged in Bryan, who came off the top with a dropkick to Del Rio. Punk then dropped Miz with a GTS. Miz rolled out of the ring, then Del Rio shoved Punk to the outside. Bryan missed with a kick to Del Rio, then Del Rio appeared to have Bryan positioned for a win, but Bryan came out of nowhere with the LeBell Lock. Cole shouted at Del Rio to escape or someone to break it up, but Del Rio tapped out to Bryan. "You gotta be kidding me!" Cole shouted.

WINNERS: Team Bryan via submission at 13:15. Bryan needed a credible victory, even in a six-man tag, after his MITB cash-in at the PPV last night. He still seems to be positioned as the non-deserving, yet scrappy underdog champion, so it will be interesting to see how this plays out on Smackdown. Overall, a fine six-man tag to close the show. (**)

Post-match: The face trio celebrated with their titles as Cole said he doesn't want to hear about the balance of power shifting in WWE and the dawn of a new era. Punk, Bryan, and Ryder did a victory lap around ringside before Punk stood on the announce table to flash his title belt in Cole's face. The show closed six minutes past the top of the hour with a final shot of Punk in the foreground and Ryder in the background standing tall.

FINAL THOUGHTS: This came across like a show where the writers were exhausted and WWE was devoid of ideas, so Team Punk and the Cena-Kane feud dominated the show to set the stage for the next five weeks of TV leading to the Rumble. There wasn't a sense of urgency on the show, which was okay the night after a PPV and without another PPV until the end of January since it was more about table-setting tonight.

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