WWE Raw Supershow Results
June 18, 2012 - Episode #994
Season 20, Episode 25
Live in Uniondale, N.Y.
Aired on USA Network
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

Following the No Way Out PPV, this week's WWE Raw started with full pyro and bright lights inside the Nassau Coliseum. Michael Cole said they are five weeks away from recognizing 1,000 episodes of Raw and introduced Jerry Lawler ringside. They discussed the "dawning of a new era" on Raw with Vince McMahon telling John Laurinaitis that he's fired last night at No Way Out. Laurinaitis gives his farewell address, and Cyndi Lauper returns to WWE TV.

In-ring: Justin Roberts introduced Mick Foley to start the show. Foley, making a surprise return in his hometown market, came out dressed in a suit. Foley said he was contacted to make an appearance on Raw as part of the build-up to 1,000 episodes, then Board of Directors contacted him last night to be one of the former Raw GMs to audition for the GM role. And, since he's local to the area, Foley said he will be interim GM of Raw and Smackdown this week.

For his first order of business tonight, Foley booked Kane & Daniel Bryan against World champion Sheamus & WWE champion C.M. Punk, which is three-fourths of Friday's Smackdown main event and three-fourths of last week's Raw main event. Foley said there is one unfortunate item tonight - Laurinaitis has been given a chance to give his farewell address. Foley then introduced "the former Executive VP of Talent Relations and the former GM of Raw and Smackdown," John Laurinaitis to boos.

Laurinaitis hobbled out to boos before being greeted by "You got fired" chants. Laurinaitis, sporting a neckbrace, sling, and a crutch, frowned toward the crowd and began introducing himself. He used his one good arm to try to quiet the hostile crowd. "You suck!" chant from the crowd. He pleaded for peace so he could introduce himself again. Foley interjected and did a bit getting more boos for Laurinaitis. "Shut up!" Big Johnny yelled at the crowd. He said the WWE fans and fans here in Long Island are extremely rude. He said he will give his farewell address later tonight, but he booked tonight's main event before he was fired last night. It will be the house show/Raw dark match main event of John Cena vs. Big Show, David Otunga, and himself. Laurinaitis then shouted in Foley's face, "Have a nice day." Cue up Laurinaitis's music to leave the ring as Cole re-announced the three-on-one handicap match tonight.

Suddenly, Sheamus's music played to bring out the World champion. Sheamus had a good laugh looking at Laurinaitis in his poor state. On the way to the ring, Sheamus stopped to smile in Johnny's face before entering the ring to hug Foley. Cult of Personality then played to bring out WWE champion C.M. Punk, who also had a good laugh at Big Johnny's plight. Punk stopped on the entrance ramp to kick some imaginary dirt at Johnny's feet before telling him he's outta here, like a baseball umpire. Cole plugged Punk on Jimmy Fallon's late-night show tonight as Punk posed in the ring. Up next: Punk & Sheamus vs. Bryan & Kane in tag action.

[Commercial Break]

[Q2] In-ring: Back from break, Kane's music played to bring out Kane as Cole noted Kane received a longer kiss from A.J. last night before the WWE Title match. Daniel Bryan then came out to loud "Yes!" chants. Cole noted A.J. got involved in the finish of the title match at No Way Out, appearing to help Punk keep the WWE Title. It's unfathomable to think it's now normal for WWE to book their WWE champion and World Hvt. champion together in an unannounced tag match to start the show.

1 -- WWE champion C.M. PUNK & World Hvt. champion SHEAMUS vs. DANIEL BRYAN & KANE

Lots of tags in and out to start the match as Cole noted Punk's title reign has surpassed Triple H for fourth-longest in the last 15 years. Kane and Punk battled, prompting Cole to discuss Kane's history of strange relationships. Punk then fought out of the heel corner before knocking Bryan to the floor. Punk followed with a suicide dive taking out Bryan. Punk tried to follow with a springboard move on Kane, but Kane blasted him with an uppercut. Apparently it was the best uppercut in history, as Cole said Kane and Bryan are now "dominating" the match, leading to break.

[Commercial Break]

Back live, Punk fought out of a hold from Kane before tagging in Sheamus. Sheamus delivered high-impact offense to Kane, cleared Bryan from the apron, and landed a kneelift on Kane for a nearfall. Sheamus went back to Bryan to deliver six of ten big forearm strikes to the chest before Kane accidentally knocked Bryan off the apron. Kane clotheslined Sheamus over the top rope moments later, then Bryan double-kicked Sheamus on the floor. This allowed the heels to begin working on Sheamus back in the ring. Bryan nailed rapid-fire Yes! kicks, then a double-foot corner dropkick. Kane re-entered moments later and landed a top-rope clothesline before tagging in Bryan, who landed Yes! stomps and kicks.

[Q3] Punk hot-tagged into the match at 12:30 and landed trademark offense on Bryan with a corner knee and running bulldog. Punk wanted a top-rope Macho Man elbow, but took too much time, allowing Bryan to cut him off. Bryan then executed a superplex and sold a left knee injury on the crash landing.

Suddenly, pop music played to bring out A.J. sporting a Kane mask and black and red outfit. She looked like a joker character from a game show. A.J. pranced and danced around the ring, drawing Kane away from the match. A.J. left just as soon she arrived, then Kane slowly followed walked to the entranceramp. Bryan called out to Kane to get back in the ring, which then led to Bryan taking the GTS from Punk into the Brogue Kick from Sheamus for the pin and the win. Afterward, Kane sold inner conflict as Bryan sold jaw pain following the double finishers. In the ring, Punk tried to figure things out as Bryan continued to hold his jaw on the floor.

WINNERS: Punk & Sheamus at 14:21. Good, long-form tag match with escalating bizarreness from A.J. playing mind games with everyone. (**1/4)

Raw Tonight: Will Brock Lesnar accept Triple H's Summerslam Challenge? Cole said Lesnar will inform Triple H and WWE's audience of his answer tonight.

[Commercial Break]

Backstage: Dolph Ziggler and Jack Swagger were arguing about who's better. Ziggler said Swagger is the weak link and Vickie Guerrero knows who the real star of their group is. Vickie suddenly emerged and shouted that it's time for her to make a decision on who deserves her admiration, respect, and affection. She said she just spoke to Mick Foley and they will settle this in the ring right now. Ziggler stomped off, then Swagger told Vickie it better be him. She smiled after they left.

Backstage: Laurinaitis and David Otunga shared a laugh about Mick Foley, then gulped when Big Show entered the shot to ask what's so funny. Laurinaitis said what's funny is how Raw will end tonight when Cena will be knocked out by Big Show. He said what else is funny is these people don't deserve him after he poured out his heart for them. Laurinaitis vowed to leave a lasting impression they'll never forget. Show said he doesn't find anything funny. "Anything at all," he said, and left. Otunga noted he's in a bad mood. Laurinaitis half-smiled and said Cena is going to get his tonight.

In-ring: Dolph Ziggler came out first for the Vickie Invitational. On-camera, Cole and Lawler commented on a cougar like Vickie having two young guys fight over her tonight. Vickie, the cougar, having two guys fighting over her. Dolph posed in the ring leading to break.

[Commercial Break]

[Q4]

2 -- DOLPH ZIGGLER vs. JACK SWAGGER

As Raw returned from break, Swagger was on his way to the ring as Vickie stood by ringside. Swagger got the upperhand, then Ziggler, who did a Flair Strut that drew Whoos. Cole played up their amateur wrestling backgrounds before things got testy in the ring. Suddenly, Ziggler sold a left knee injury, causing Swagger to pause. Swagger then capitalized by going right after the knee with a chop block into sustained offense. Ziggler cried out in pain as Swagger worked the knee, then applied an anklelock. Ziggler escaped moments later before hitting the Zig-Zag out of nowhere. Ziggler draped an arm over Swagger and scored the pin for the win.

Post-match: Vickie slipped into the ring to make out with Ziggler and give him a round of applause. So, the relationship appears to be strengthened rather than Ziggler set to break off on his own. Ziggler then sold the knee on the way out of the ring as Cole talked about Triple H's situation with Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman.

WINNER: Ziggler at 4:11. Fine win for Ziggler, while Swagger had the majority of offense to retain credibility. It was interesting to see Ziggler positioned as a sympathetic figure to see how the crowd would respond to Ziggler in a default face role.

PPV replay: WWE showed portions of Triple H's promo last night at the PPV, specifically his proposal for a fight against Brock Lesnar at Summerslam.

Backstage: A black limo pulled up at the arena, and Lawler wondered if it's Brock Lesnar to respond to Hunter.

[Commercial Break]

Smackdown generic plug: Did Dolph Ziggler finally prove himself against Sheamus? Find out 20 minutes earlier or Friday night on Smackdown.

Raw 1,000 Flashback: Jerry Lawler narrated footage from October 5, 1998 when Vince McMahon was greeted at the hospital by Mick Foley and Mr. Socko. Then, Dr. Stone Cold paid McMahon a visit. Lawler called the whole scene a classic moment.

Back live, Cole cackled and laughed and had a good old time. Suddenly, Brock Lesnar's music played in the building. And, out came Paul Heyman. "Oh no," Cole said before introducing Heyman to the home audience. After Cole recapped the lawsuit situation, Brock's music stopped, leading to a few "ECW" chants that Heyman ignored. Heyman noted he's here as an advocate representing Brock Lesnar. Heyman said everyone else caters to Triple H's whims, but he's not one of those people. "No!" he said in response to Hunter's request for Brock to drop his lawsuit, for him to drop his suit against Triple H, and for Lesnar to fight Hunter at Summerslam. Heyman thanked everyone for their attention and time.

[Q5 -- second hour] Suddenly, Triple H's music played as Heyman tried to leave the ring. Hunter emerged on-stage in a suit as the crowd applauded. Hunter smirked toward the ring as Cole plugged the main event handicap match tonight. Hunter eventually hit the ring and circled around Heyman, who shot Hunter a perplexed look. Hunter surveyed the crowd for a bit before saying he looks around the arena and sees they're not in a bingo hall and he's not one of Heyman's cronies. Hunter said Heyman is a habitual liar, and the thing is Brock will fight him at Summerslam. Hunter said he only wants to listen to one guy and he wants to hear it from Brock that he will fight him at Summerslam.

Hunter claimed he can give Brock what he wants: the star and what it's all about. Hunter told Heyman to check out the screen. Hunter showed a Summerslam PPV poster with Lesnar on the cover. All Lesnar has to do is agree to fight him to get that. Heyman sarcastically asked Hunter if he's going to play to his ego with that? Heyman claimed Brock has no ego. Hunter said Heyman is a better liar than that. He said it's all about ego. He doesn't think Brock wants to make money sitting in a court room. The legal talk didn't go over well with the crowd, which sat quietly before Hunter said if Brock doesn't fight him, then Brock will go down in history as the guy who is scared of Triple H.

Heyman smirked and said Hunter is good. He said Hunter really is That Damn Good. He said he doesn't buy Hunter's plea. He told him to stop pretending to be a wrestler and ass-kicker he used to be, so he can go back to his ivory tower and play the King of Kings at home with his children. Heyman said in his world, Hunter isn't the king of anything. "Are you getting angry at me?!" Heyman cackled. He asked Hunter if he's going to hit him now. Heyman claimed Hunter is getting more and more like Vince as every day goes by. He said he figured out how to push Vince's buttons and he's learning how to do the same thing for Hunter. Heyman offered Hunter his chin to give him a good shot, because if Hunter hits him, they will own WWE. He said in their WWE, they will have nothing for Hunter. Heyman turned to leave before going too far saying he does have something for Stephanie.

Hunter grabbed Heyman around the collar as Heyman told him to do it. Hunter released his grip and Heyman said he's not going to hit him. Hunter straightened Heyman's tie, then Paul noted he knew Hunter wouldn't hit him because he's out-thought him. Heyman said Hunter met his match in him. "I'm smarter than you," he said. Hunter then leaned back and popped Heyman in the jaw with a right hand. Hunter picked up the mic to cheers, then leaned down next to Heyman, and comically asked him if he saw that coming. Hunter told Heyman to tell Lesnar that he will see him at Summerslam. That is, unless he's afraid of the same thing happening to him.

Hunter slipped out of the ring as Cole said Heyman had that coming, especially naming Hunter's wife. Meanwhile, refs and trainers hit the ring to check on Heyman to sell the punch from Hunter. Cole said a lot of people have wanted to do that for a long time. They went to a replay of Hunter's punch as Cole said Heyman thought he had Hunter. Cole said Hunter may rue the day he did this to Heyman, though. In the ring, Heyman was shown sitting up, acting dazed. So, is Heyman the sympathetic figure who doesn't know any better than to be a liar and Hunter the bully for strong-arming people into getting what he wants and picking on someone who can't help but be a heel?

Still to come: Cena in a handicap match. Also, Santino vs. Alberto Del Rio returning from concussion.

[Commercial Break]

Back live, WWE randomly plugged Metallica appearing at the Orion Music Fest this weekend in New Jersey. Cole related it to Metallica providing WrestleMania theme songs.

[Q6] In-ring: Ricardo Rodriguez was introduced to introduce Alberto Del Rio. Lawler wondered aloud what's on his underwear tonight. Ricardo then introduced Del Rio, who emerged ringside in his car of the week selling a lot of pent-up anger. Lawler continued to discuss Ricardo's underwear before Cole plugged tickets for Night of Champions in Boston on-sale this weekend. U.S. champ Santino emerged next to face Del Rio in non-title action.

3 -- U.S. champion SANTINO vs. ALBERTO DEL RIO -- non-title match

As the bell sounded, Cole noted Del Rio has been cleared to compete after missing out on his World Title shot last night due to a concussion. Del Rio quickly attacked Santino and beat him from pillar to post. Santino tried to fight back with right hands, but Santino delivered a headbutt. Santino ducked a clothesline, though, and landed a hip toss, but missed with the Sailor's Salute drop. Santino made a comeback, then looked down inside his trunks for his Cobra, but Del Rio popped him with an enziguiri. Del Rio followed up with the cross arm-breaker for a quick tap-out.

Post-match: Ricardo and Del Rio stood over Santino to taunt him before Del Rio kicked the Cobra away. Ricardo stayed behind to drop Santino with a single-arm DDT following up on Del Rio's finisher. Del Rio smiled as Ricardo continued to yell at Santino on the way out of the ring.

WINNER: Del Rio via submission at 1:27. Fine return match for Del Rio. Meanwhile, the U.S. Title continues to be wasted around Santino's waist.

Flashback: Cyndi Lauper in WWE during the rock 'n wrestling era. They showed clips of Captain Lou Albano in her "Girls Want To Have Fun" music video and lots of Wendi Richter and Lauper clips. Lawler said Lauper is next.

[Commercial Break]

Back live, Divas champion Layla was in the ring. Layla said that as part of Raw celebrating 1,000 episodes, it is her honor to introduce Wendi Richter and, making her first appearance in a WWE ring in 27 years, Cyndi Lauper. Out came Lauper and Richter running to the ring to join Layla. Lauper and Richter reminisced about the '80s, then Heath Slater's music interrupted. Slater said he knows they're no longer near the Long Island railroad, but this is all a train wreck. Lauper asked who he is. Slater asked if that's a joke before introducing himself. Slater and Lauper debated music before Slater told all three of them to leave his ring so the whole world can witness his first single. "We Want Ryder" chant before Slater introduced his song. Lauper tried talking over Slater, prompting Cole to tell her to be quiet.

[Q7] Suddenly, Roddy Piper's music interrupted to bring out Piper to a big reaction. Lauper cheered in the ring as Piper entered the ring to make this an unofficial WWE Legends night. Piper acknowledged the Divas one-by-one before telling Miss Slater to take a hike. Slater claimed Piper didn't even like Lauper back in the day. Lauper said Piper saw the error of his ways and is here to apologize. Piper said he knows they launched WWF to where it is today with the rock 'n wrestling connection. One more thing - Piper said he's waited a long time to do this. Cole snorted and made a bunch of noises as Piper requested an item from ringside. Piper pulled out a record and shouted out to Captain Lou, which drew "Lou" chants. Piper said he had a bad day one day and hit the Captain over the head with a gold record. He then gave Lauper a new gold record as Cole continued to make noises in the background. Piper said Lauper is gold to WWE. Cole said he's going to be sick. Piper hugged it out with Lauper as Slater sold disbelief in the corner.

Slater echoed Cole and said it was 20 years ago. He said no one remembers or cares about it. He then told all four of them to get out of his ring so the whole world can hear his single again. Slater began singing again, then Piper thumbed him in the eye. Lauper then blasted the gold record frame over Slater's head. Cue up dancing as Slater sold on the mat. Piper stopped to peer down to look at Slater, who appeared to be bleeding from the forehead. Cole apologized on behalf of the entire WWE crew for the segment. WWE then plugged Lauper's new "Echo" song available on iTunes.

Still to come: Cena vs. Team Show in a handicap match.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Primo, Epico, and Rosa Mendes were in the ring selling anger over what happened at No Way Out last night. AW then walked out on-stage sporting a headset mic. AW introduced himself, then introduced future tag champions Prime Time Players, Titus O'Neil and Darren Young. The new #1 contenders came out on-stage as Cole said he thinks AW made the right move dumping Primo & Epico.

4 -- PRIME TIME PLAYERS (TITUS O'NEIL & DARREN YOUNG w/AW) vs. PRIMO & EPICO (w/Rosa Mendes)

The PTP'ers double-teamed Epico early on as Rosa tried to encourage Epico from ringside. She even tried a rally clap that the audience didn't follow along with. Primo then tagged in and landed some offense before the action broke down. Darren Young and Primo were left alone in the ring, where Primo landed a backstabber. O'Neil then pulled DY to the outside and Primo & Epico landed a double kick. Instead of returning to the ring, Young and O'Neil decided to call it a night, noting they're already #1 contenders and don't need this tonight. AW led them away as Primo and Epico demanded another piece of them.

WINNERS: Primo & Epico via count-out at 2:58. This felt like an NXT or Superstars match, right down to the audience not caring.

[Q8] Backstage: Laurinaitis was shown talking strategy with Otunga and Big Show, who continued to no-sell him.

Leading to break, Cole plugged Chris Jericho's band Fozzy's new record album as a graphic indicated Jericho is returning to Raw next Monday, which will be two days after his suspension is up.

[Commercial Break]

Video plug: Raw moves to three hours starting July 23 when WWE recognizes 1,000 episodes, complete with DX's return.

In-ring: John Laurinaitis was introduced back from break. Laurinaitis said John Cena cheated last night in an act of cowardice. He said Cena and five other men beat down Big Show, allowing Cena to escape the cage. Laurinaitis recapped McMahon firing him before Cena delivered an AA through the announce table. Laurinaitis said he's not the loser and Big Show isn't the loser. He said each and every fan is the loser because they no longer have People Power. Laurinaitis pointed around the arena calling them losers. He said the next time people see him is when he's inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. He claimed today is one of the darkest days in WWE history, but he is going to give the fans what they deserve. Laurinaitis vowed to give Cena the biggest beat down ever before introducing "wrestling extraordinaire and legal counsel," David Otunga. Otunga emerged on-stage and posed before Big Show's music played to bring out an unhappy giant. Cole claimed Show completely dominated Cena last night before Cena escaped the cage to win. Lawler talked solemnly about Cena in big trouble tonight before they cut to break.

[Commercial Break]

Back live, Teddy Long was ringside being greeted by Michael Cole, who tried to kiss up to Long. Long then ripped up his nametag and showed the ripped-up pieces to the crowd. In the ring, Big Show claimed it took six men to defeat him last night. So, because of that loss last night, John Laurinaitis was fired. He thanked Johnny for his iron-clad contract, big, fat bonus, and allowing him to be him. Show said he's proven himself against Cena and he's off to bigger and better things. He said he sees no reason to compete tonight. Laurinaitis and Otunga acted dumbfounded before Show told them they are on their own. Long tried to analyze what just happened, but his audio was off. Otunga and Laurinaitis talked strategy in the ring as WWE paused for what felt like forever before John Cena's music played.

[Q9 -- over-run] Cena stormed out to the ring in a jolly mood as Laurinaiits and Otunga bailed to ringside to talk more strategy as Cena did his pre-match routine. Laurinaitis hobbled around ringside before Otunga bravely entered the ring to face off against Cena.

5 -- JOHN CENA vs. DAVID OTUNGA & JOHN LAURINAITIS -- non-title match

The crowd started a dueling chant of "Let's Go Cena / Cena Sucks" as Otunga posed. Cena and Otunga then locked up and Cena dominated. Otunga reached out to Big Johnny for a tag, but Johnny backed away from the corner. Big Johnny continued to back off from a tag, selling injuries. Cena continued the assault before missing with a corner attack. A loud dueling chant picked up as Otunga continued the attack on Cena. Meanwhile, Cole said it would be really embarrassing for Cena to lose to Otunga and Johnny tonight.

At 3:00, the fans picked up a "We Want Ryder" chant before Otunga posed to try to distract them. Big Johnny then decided he wants a tag, and Otunga obliged. Johnny limped into the ring, threw down the crutch, ripped off the neckbrace and sling, and put the boots to Cena. Johnny tried a cover, but Cena kicked out at one. Johnny, frightened, hobbled over to Otunga for a tag, but Otunga bailed. Otunga then turned his back and walked away from ringside to a pop. Back in the ring, Johnny was all alone in the ring. Cena was ready for Johnny, who slowly turned around to take a right hand from Cena. Cena lit up Johnny with offense before delivering the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena then nailed the Attitude Adjustment after mocking Johnny's voice. Cena wasn't done, though. Cena pointed to Long, then delivered a second AA. The crowd wanted more. Cena delivered a third AA, then slapped on the STF. Johnny tapped out before Cena even locked it in, giving Cena the win.

WINNER: Cena via submission at 6:14. Basically, a pay-off for the TV audience after a pay-off for the PPV audience last night.

Post-match: Cena posed for the crowd as Long celebrated ringside and Big Johnny sold on the floor. Lawler said Laurinaitis has been knocked out of a WWE ring for the last time. Cena continued to pose in the ring as people left the arena in the background. Cena did the You Can't See Me handwave to Laurinaitis as Cole declared the end of People Power. Cole signed off to one last shot of Laurinaitis selling before Cena waved him good-bye. They signed off nine minutes past the top of the hour. So, is Eve going to return to WWE TV with some sort of loophole to get Laurinaitis his job back?

FINAL THOUGHTS: Overall, a holding pattern show. At times, it felt uninspired following an uninspired PPV customary for Raw's dog days of summer when they could use an off-season. For now, it appears WWE has wrapped up Laurinaitis's run as authority figure, paving the way for what's next beginning next week, especially what they do with Jericho returning from suspension.

***

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