WWE Raw Supershow Results
May 14, 2012 - Episode #989
Live in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Aired on USA Network
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

This week's live WWE Raw started with a shot of Triple H walking backstage. Hunter, in a suit and selling a broken arm, was stopped by John Laurinaitis. Laurinaitis tried to explain why he didn't help out when Brock Lesnar beat him up and humiliated him two weeks ago. He extended his support and sympathy to Hunter, who ignored him, then said what he'll share his thoughts with the world tonight. Hunter paused before wishing Big Johnny good luck with John Cena on Sunday.

Cue up the Raw theme intro. Inside the arena, Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler introduced the show before Triple H's theme music played to a strong reaction. The camera focused on Hunter's giant elbow brace to sell his "complicated" injury. Cole then fed to video from two weeks ago when Lesnar took out Hunter and tried to injure him while Laurinaitis slipped out of the ring to wash his hands of what happened in the ring.

Back live, Hunter was shown talking a good, long look at the video replay. Hunter started his promo saying the physical doesn't bother him; he is offended by Lesnar. Offended that Lesnar claimed he needed to bring legitimacy back to WWE. Hunter said the day before Lesnar came back to WWE, he was in the ring in front of 78,000 going toe-to-toe with The Undertaker. He said Lesnar's arrogance and stupidity offends him, Taker, Shawn Michaels, John Cena, Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, Bob Backlund, and Bruno Sammartino. Hunter said it offends him as a fan.

Hunter continued yet another "defend the company" speech by admitting he was slightly embarrassed by Lesnar. He said he bought into the same crap today as he did in 2002 when he thought Lesnar was the Next Big Thing. Hunter said when Lesnar got challenged for the first time to actually fight and continue on for WWE, he quit. He said Lesnar went on to UFC with all the hype in the world, went straight to the top, but when someone kicked his ass just a little bit and when it wasn't so easy, Lesnar quit. So, then he came back to WWE. Hunter said Lesnar thought he could take out Cena. But, Cena never quits. So, Cena did what Brock has never done - Cena reached down inside and found that extra to beat Lesnar. Then, Lesnar came out the next night making ridiculous contractual demands. He said after that, Lesnar quit again.

Suddenly, Brock Lesnar's music played to bring out Paul Heyman flanked by a man holding an envelope. In the ring, Heyman held back the man with the envelope before saying he finally gets it. He said it's the big spin, damage control, and what every promoter has said over the years when they lose their biggest star. Heyman said Hunter screwed up as a businessman because his client, Brrrrrock Lesnar, entered into a binding agreement with John Laurinaitis on live television. He said Hunter defiantly and illegally ripped up Brock's contract. Heyman said Hunter brought a fighter into an entertainment company, and then got upset when he wanted to fight?

Heyman said Hunter doesn't get the seriousness of this situation. He then handed over a lawsuit to Hunter, suing him for the millions owed to Brock. Heyman said he's disappointed by the way things have turned out, but on a personal note, Brock expected much more from Hunter. He wanted a fight, but he got a corporate sycophant who hasn't lived up to the hype that has surrounded him for years. Heyman then pointed to Hunter's good arm and said he'll be signing over the millions with that arm. Hunter had enough and grabbed Heyman around the face before palming his head like a basketball against the ropes.

Hunter backed away, then turned back to face Heyman. He told Heyman to tell Lesnar that he's going to get everything he deserves. Hunter threw down the mic and walked out of the ring as his music played. Cole tried to recap that Lesnar is suing WWE, then Heyman interrupted everything. Heyman told Hunter he just screwed up again because he put his hands on him. He claimed it's assault and battery - lawsuit #2. Heyman said he will see Hunter in court.

[Q2] Announcers: WWE cut to Cole and Jerry Lawler on-camera ringside. Something happened off-camera that distracted the announcers, then Cole and Lawler recapped the legal aspects of Heyman's claims. Cole then plugged follow-up to Laurinaitis and Big Show's feud tonight. Cole said if Show does not apologize to Laurinaitis, he could be fired. Lawler also announced Big Show vs. Kane. Also still to come, Cena returns in the flesh after Laurinaitis tried to break his arm on Raw two weeks ago. Cole plugged Cena-Laurinaitis face-to-face tonight.

Suddenly, Cult of Personality played to bring out WWE champion C.M. Punk. Cole recapped the end of last week's Raw when C.M. Punk lost to Daniel Bryan and Lord Tensai in a handicap match, then Bryan submitted Punk as the show went off the air. Back live, Punk showed anger watching the replay. Cole plugged a tag match of Punk & Santino vs. Bryan & Cody Rhodes coming up next. First commercial 18 minutes in.

[Commercial Break]

Back live, U.S. champion Santino came out to join Punk. IC champion Cody Rhodes was out next and Cole said Rhodes believes the IC Title is more important than Santino's U.S. Title. Daniel Bryan then came out to loud "Yes!" chants as Cole threw a quick plug for Punk-Bryan at the PPV before trying to talk up WWE Magazine.

1 -- WWE champion C.M. PUNK & U.S. champion SANTINO vs. DANIEL BRYAN & IC champion CODY RHODES

Rhodes and Punk started the match-up, but Punk wanted a piece of Bryan. An odd vibe in the arena after the long opening segment and WWE quickly going to this match with a "unique" mix of wrestlers and sense that this should have been better-promoted and/or featured at the top of the second hour. Things got a little odder when Punk launched Bryan over the top rope to splash Rhodes. Punk then landed a suicide dive on the heels ringside. They set up a spot for Santino to deliver a suicide dive, but he got stuck in the ropes for a comedy spot. Punk tried to explain the move to his partner and Bryan stroked his beard before WWE cut to break. Very odd start.

[Commercial Break]

[Q3] Back from break, Santino and Rhodes were locked in a corner tussle. Rhodes then kicked Santino in the gut as Cole ranted on people tweeting for Punk. Bryan then tagged in and got the crowd involved with "Yes!" chants followed by a big corner dropkick to Santino. Bryan followed with continuous knee drops set to the tune of "Yes!" that the crowd followed along with. The heels continued to wear down Santino as Cole gave Bryan the kiss of death saying he could be the new WWE champion in six days at the PPV. Santino showed some life, so Bryan kicked him in the gut and tagged in Rhodes. Bryan re-entered and landed more kick strikes before taunting Punk. More tags by the heels.

Santino suddenly rolled underneath Rhodes and flew across the ring to tag in Punk, but fell short for a comedy spot. Punk shook his head. Santino then kicked away Rhodes and finally made a tag to Punk, who cleaned house. Punk tore up Rhodes while pointing to Bryan before calling for the end. Rhodes escaped the GTS, though, only to take a roundhouse kick to the head. Bryan decided to get involved, then high-tailed it out of the ring when Punk almost got him. Punk, distracted, nearly took Cross Rhodes, but Punk escaped. Rhodes then got spooked by Santino's Cobra and spun back into Punk, who delivered the GTS for the pin and the win.

Post-match: Bryan slowly backed away from the ring and stared down Punk from the entrance ramp. Punk celebrated in the ring and held his title belt high in the air while Bryan did the belt-around-the-waist motion.

WINNERS: Punk & Santino at 10:54.

Still to come tonight: Randy Orton vs. Chris Jericho. Head-shaking. Yet another potential PPV headline match tossed out with no advanced notice. Cole then plugged what was presented as more important than Orton-Jericho - an announcement by John Laurinaitis. Cole claimed it could change the future of WWE.

[Commercial Break]

2 -- BETH PHOENIX vs. ALICIA FOX

A. Fox was already in the ring back from break. Phoenix then came out not showing any effects of her ankle injury before the announcers plugged Phoenix vs. Divas champion Layla at the PPV on Sunday. A few moments in, Layla came out on-stage for a closer look at Phoenix dismantling Fox. Phoenix finished off Fox with the Glam Slam, then tried a post-match attack, but Layla stormed the ring to clear Phoenix to the outside.

WINNER: Phoenix at 1:20.

Announcers: Cole and Lawler talked on-camera about John Cena while a Facebook graphic was shown on the screen. WWE then rolled a video package on Cena's Make-a-Wish charity work as Cena narrated. Back live, WWE showed the crowd applauding the piece.

[Q4] Cole plugged Orton-Jericho tonight and something presented as bigger than that - John Laurinaitis's involvement. WWE again rolled footage of Big Show mocking Laurinaitis's voice last week, then noted Laurinaitis might fire Show tonight. Plus, Show vs. Kane still to come.

[Commercial Break]

Announcers: Back live, Cole and Lawler were shown on-camera to plug an Over the Limit pre-show Sunday night on YouTube. Lawler announced Zack Ryder vs. Kane on the pre-show. WWE continuing to get stretch out of this feud. Cole then introduced yet another video on the Show-Laurinaitis interaction from last week, this time a full-blown recap of Show making fun of Laurinaitis's voice and schoolteacher Eve catching Show cutting up throughout the week.

Back live, Laurinaitis's music played to bring out Laurinaitis and David Otunga, who was returning to TV after a month-long absence during the Jennifer Hudson trial. Cole said Laurinaitis and Otunga are here to watch Kane vs. Big Show on the other side of the break.

[Commercial Break]

Ringside: Laurinaitis was shown sitting down texting or tweeting while Otunga sipped coffee over his shoulder. Big Show's music then played to bring out Show as Laurinaitis looked up to examine Show's entrance. Moments later, Laurinaitis went back to texting. Meanwhile, Lawler said Show should receive an apology from Laurinaitis, and Cole spoke from Vince McMahon's psyche about Laurinaitis needing to keep talent under his thumb to make sure no one gets out of line. Pyro then shot off to bring out Kane to face Show at the top of the hour. The announcers continued to play up the idea of this potentially being Show's final WWE match if he doesn't apologize to Laurinaitis before the bell sounded.

[Q5 -- second hour]

3 -- BIG SHOW vs. KANE

Show landed rapid-fire blows to the mid-section early on, then Kane came back with offense. Laurinaitis was then shown looking down texting. Cole said the man is busy running two shows and managing 100 Superstars on the roster. Cole, playing the heel announcer now, called Laurinaitis one of the best of all-time in Japan, trying to promote Big Johnny ahead of facing Cena at the PPV. The match spilled to the outside, where Show scored with a big spear. Show rolled Kane back into the ring, then Laurinaitis interrupted on the mic. He decided he wanted an apology now. Kane used the distraction to kind of shove down Show because he couldn't lift him up for a chokeslam. Kane with the cover for the win.

WINNER: Kane at 4:09.

Post-match: Laurinaitis and Otunga slowly entered the ring to confront Show, who sold the effects before pulling himself to his feet. Johnny demanded Show look into his eyes before demanding an apology. Laurinaitis repeated Cole's pre-match comments about needing to keep control of the locker room before reminding Show that he will be fired if he doesn't apologize. Show winced and sold head pain from the match before speaking into his mic. He said he's been thinking long and hard about what he's going to say tonight.

Show went back to breaking into wrestling in WCW. He said he's seen and done it all, and finally had a WrestleMania moment. He said there's a part of him that can walk away with his head held high. He said the truth is he loves what he does. Show gave another "defend the company" speech, saying it's not just about the matches, but putting smiles on kids's faces and locker room bonds. Show told Johnny not to erase 18 years of his life for something petty. Show said he'll take a fine or being barred from a title match ever again. Show offered a non-apology, saying if he offended Laurinaitis by mocking his voice, then he's sorry. Show asked Laurinaitis to let him stay. Laurinaitis said he doesn't think Show said he's sorry. Laurinaitis asked for something more sincere and louder so the people in the cheap seats can hear it. Show apologized again, then Laurinaitis told him to prove it by begging him. Otunga nodded along.

Laurinaitis asked Show if he really wants to waste 18 years of his life. Show paced around the ring, cried a bit, teased bending down, got back to his feet, walked around some more, teased bending down again, stood up when the crowd shouted not to do it, walked around some more, teased taking a knee again, and stood up again. Show then got in Laurinaitis's face and said he'll beg. He sold tears as he told Johnny not to make him get on his knees. Laurinaitis said Show disgusts him. He said he'll do what's right for business because that's what he always do. Johnny said he'll reconsider it, then left the ring. He didn't define what "it" is, but the suggestion was re-considering firing Show. Cole questioned what Laurinaitis meant, too.

On-stage, Laurinaitis said he's already re-considered it. He then started to fire Show, but Show interrupted in the ring. Show then dramatically dropped down to both knees and cried. Show shouted, "I apologize." Johnny asked him what he's apologizing for. "I apologize for making fun of your voice and I'll never do it again," Show said. "Are you happy?! Are you happy now?" On-stage, Johnny paced around a bit before saying he's not happy. As GM of both Raw and Smackdown, he wished Show the best in his future endeavors. Johnny smiled as Show cried. He told Show, "You're fired." Show broke up crying in the ring as Johnny and Otunga disappeared to the back. The camera stayed on Show for a while as Show continued to cry to sell the announcement.

[Q6] [Commercial Break]

Moments Ago: Laurinaitis gleefully "fired" Big Show. They replayed Show crying leading into break .WWE cut to the announcers for reaction. Lawler quietly talked about what happened while Cole gazed into space. Lawler said he is friends with Big Show and Show deserved better than that. Cole continued to sell being conflicted, remaining silent and looking down at the announce desk.

And, now for something different, Brodus Clay's music played to bring out Clay and the dancers in matching green outfits. Lawler spoke again, saying he is stunned by what just happened with Big Show. Cole remained silent. Kofi Kingston then came out with R-Truth before Cole spoke up that you "can't grieve forever," so six-man tag action on Raw! Lawler asked Cole if he has no compassion at all. Cole ignored him in typical "the show must go on" fashion, then plugged Kofi & Truth defending the Tag Titles against Jack Swagger & Dolph Ziggler at the PPV. The Miz came out first for the heel trio before Vickie Guerrero interrupted. Vickie introduced Dolph and Jack, then Cole recapped events on Raw tonight. Before the match started, Cole read a tweet about Laurinaitis ruining WWE.

4 -- BRODUS CLAY & WWE tag champions KOFI KINGSTON & R-TRUTH vs. THE MIZ & JACK SWAGGER & DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Vickie Guerrero) -- six-man tag match

Clay cleared the heels to the outside, then stood tall in the ring as WWE cut to break one minute into the match.

[Commercial Break]

Back live, Vickie was screaming and Dolph was working a headlock on R-Truth. WWE suddenly cut to the skybox to show A.W., Mason Ryan, Primo, Epico, and Rosa Mendes watching the action. Cole said A.W. is closing in on a deal with Mason Ryan. So, he's wining and dining him...at a WWE show. WWE cut back to the ring to show the heels working on Truth before cutting back to an over-the-shoulder shot of A.W.'s stable watching in the skybox. Back in the ring, Kingston tagged into the match. He dropped Miz with the STO, then the action broke down. Dolph ran into The Headbutt, then Kofi dropped Miz with Trouble in Paradise. Clay followed with the Big Splash on Miz for the pin and the win. After the match, Clay brought four Little Jimmys into the ring to dance with everyone.

WINNERS: Team Clay at 6:58. Miz is heading off to film "The Marine 3" next month, so he's just being used to fill a spot and build Clay's resume.

[Q7] Up Next: Chris Jericho vs. Randy Orton in the main event.

[Commercial Break]

Back live, Cole said Orton takes on Jericho next. Lawler then read some sponsor messages before WWE cut backstage to show C.M. Punk talking to Alex Riley, who tried getting Punk in trouble with Jericho last month during the alcoholism angle. Apparently they buried the hatchet. A.J. then walked up to Punk, so Riley took off. A.J. wished Punk good luck against Bryan at the PPV, but Punk said he doesn't want to be involved in whatever Bryan and A.J.'s relationship is. Punk danced around the topic before saying A.J. seems pretty unstable right now. He walked off and A.J. sold inner conflict. Back live, Cole said she has issues.

In-ring: World Hvt. champion Sheamus came out for commentary on the main event. The lights then went out to bring out Chris Jericho. Jericho smirked to the crowd before slowly walking to the ring as Cole plugged Jericho on the cover of Revolver Magazine tomorrow. Sheamus said he's been on the cover of Muscle & Fitness before shooting on Cole that he's probably never read it because he's never worked out a day in his life. Randy Orton then came out as Sheamus focused his attention on Orton ahead of the four-way title match at Over the Limit on Sunday. Cole offered some WWE Math on the stacked deck against Sheamus, who talked up his opponents as Orton completed his entrance in the ring.

5 -- RANDY ORTON vs. CHRIS JERICHO

Cole said Alberto Del Rio is not here on Raw, but he will have some comments on the four-way title match on Smackdown. So, apparently that's the big hook for Friday's Smackdown. Orton quickly took control of the match, then cleared Jericho to the outside and stood tall in the ring. Once again, WWE cut to break 1:00 into the match.

[Commercial Break]

Back at 4:15, Jericho was working a headlock on Orton in the ring. They cut to a shot of Jericho cheating to take control of the match during the break. Meanwhile, Sheamus jabbed Cole on commentary and said he hopes WWE pays Lawler well to put up with Cole. Back in the ring, Jericho cut off Orton's comeback, but Orton got his knees up on a Lionsault attempt. Orton then ran over Jericho with clotheslines before delivering a powerslam. Orton locked eyes with Sheamus, then wanted a second-rope DDT, but Jericho back-dropped him over the top rope to the floor right in front of the announcers.

Ringside, Jericho talked trash to Sheamus, who stood up before Lawler calmed him down. Jericho then whipped Orton hard into Sheamus. Jericho leaned on the ring apron to admire his work, but then Orton took control back in the ring. Orton was ready to deliver the RKO to Jericho, but Sheamus dragged Jericho to the outside and delivered a hard clothesline, his temper flaring up. The result was Orton was DQ'ed because of Sheamus's outside interference.

Post-match: Jericho ran away as Sheamus tried to chase him down. Orton then chased down Sheamus ringside and spun him around. Sheamus told him not to touch him, and Orton shouted back, "That was my W!" Sheamus said he doesn't care about Orton winning a match. Orton then told Sheamus to come into the ring and settle it. "You feeling lucky?" Sheamus asked. In the ring, Orton and Sheamus circled each other before referees stormed the ring to keep them separated.

WINNER: Jericho via DQ at 8:42. Oh, how much more Orton-Jericho could have been. The finish was predictable WWE booking, but Orton-Sheamus feels like the only feud between full-time wrestlers with some juice.

Coming up next: Laurinaitis has an announcement for Cena that will "change the future course of WWE forever."

[Commercial Break]

Earlier Tonight: Back live, WWE replayed Laurinaitis firing Big Show earlier in the show. On commentary, Lawler recapped the events. WWE cut to Cole and Lawler on-camera, and Lawler said Big Show did not deserve that. Cole asked what Laurinaitis is going to do for an encore. Cole then read a tweet from Eve booking Orton vs. Sheamus for Friday's Smackdown. Well, the Eve character has as much business sense as WWE Creative giving away another PPV main event on free TV with limited notice.

John Laurinaitis's music then played to bring out Laurinaitis to an indifferent reaction. Laurinaitis tried to draw boos claiming any fans of John Cena are losers. He said Cena lost to The Rock at WrestleMania, he looked like a loser after facing Brock Lesnar at Extreme Rules, and he is better than Rock and Brock combined. Big Johnny said there's nothing wrong with losers because if there were no losers, there would not be winners like him. Suddenly, John Cena's music played just before the top of the hour.

[Q9 -- over-run] Cena offered a brief message to the on-stage camera before storming the ring. Cena was showing no effects of Laurinaitis's attack that followed Lesnar's Extreme Rules beating two weeks ago. In the ring, Cena smiled before taking a sniff of Laurinaitis's shoulder. He said he smells like desperation. Cena then mocked Laurinaitis's voice before asking Laurinaitis if he's going to fire him now. Cena ran down Big Johnny before running down his track record. Cena noted Team Johnny won at Mania, but he did nothing. Then, he wanted C.M. Punk removed as WWE champion, but Johnny didn't win that one. Then, he brought in Brock Lesnar, but Lesnar lost and quit. Cena channeled "Dumb and Dumber," calling him a "Looooooser." Cena continued to say "loser" each time Laurinaitis tried to talk before Johnny stopped trying. Cena then told Laurinaitis he's going to be a loser at Over the Limit. Cena said during Johnny's back-stabbing rise in WWE, he's managed to step on everyone and make a lot of enemies.

Cena followed up with a poll of the audience. He asked who wants to punch Laurinaitis so far back into time that he turns into a skateboarder again. For his next poll, Cena asked the crowd who wants to beat him so bad that he turns into a baby calf. Cena waited out applause before waiting out a "Yes!" chant. He said Laurinaitis has no concept of reality, so he cannot think of a better place to give him a wake-up call...than right here in Pittsburgh. Cena said the Steel City is known for a lot of things - the Steel Curtain (big pop) being the first of them. He recapped the Steel Curtain's legacy and noted he will similarly destroy and decimate his opponent, Big Johnny, at Over the Limit. Cena said the second is the Penguins. Johnny interrupted and said he was going to refer to the Penguins later in his "promo," but Cena stole his "stuff." Cena pretended not to be able to hear Laurinaitis before uttering "loser" over and over. Cena then gave Laurinaitis the floor to go ahead and offer his reference to the Pittsburgh Penguins. "Losers!" Johnny said, to boos. Cena called that interesting. He then pointed out a few members of the Penguins ringside. He said that on behalf of himself, WWE, and the Penguins, "John Laurinaitis, go puck yourself," before dropping a puck at Johnny's feet. Loud "Yes!" chants followed.

Johnny had enough and said those are pretty tough words. But, he's Big Johnny. He said he may be taller than Cena, which bothers him, but he should know something. Suddenly, Eve came down the entrance ramp in the background. Johnny said he can make changes to a match and do anything he wants. Once in the ring, Eve tried interrupting Laurinaitis, but he kept talking. Eve finally got his attention and handed him a document. Eve disappeared as Laurinaitis read it over. Cena ripped it up, though, before reading it over.

Cena said it's from the Board of Directors. Cena read that the Board wants to the audience to make sure they know what they are getting at the PPV, attempting to babyface the promotion. Therefore, the match will be one-on-one. There will be no special guest referee. No one is allowed at ringside. The only way to win is via pinfall or submission. Any Superstar who interferes in the match will be immediately terminated. He told Laurinaitis to be concerned with the next line - if Laurinaitis loses this match, then he will be officially terminated. The crowd cheered loudly, then shouted, "Yes!"

Cena's music played to wrap up, but Cena cut it off. He said he heard Cole say something earlier about Laurinaitis having a huge, gigantic announcement, so he wants to hear it. Cena mockingly asked what his major announcement is. Laurinaitis then slapped Cena across the face and left the ring. Cena turned serious and stared at Laurinaitis, who disappeared to the back. Lawler said they may see the last of Laurinaitis on Sunday. They signed off 14 minutes past the top of the hour.

***

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