WWE Raw Supershow Results
August 6, 2012 - Episode #1,001
Live in San Antonio, Texas
Aired on USA Network
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

This week's three-hour Raw started with the new WWE signature open before WWE rolled a video package on the WWE Title issue involving champ C.M. Punk, challengers John Cena and Big Show, and authority figure A.J. Lee.

After an updated Raw intro video aired, WWE went live to the arena for full pyro and fireworks after last week's fire mishap. On commentary, Michael Cole introduced the "brand-new three-hour Raw" before Justin Roberts introduced Raw GM A.J. Lee, who came out on-stage dressed in a white powersuit. A.J. skipped to the ring as Cole plugged social media. In the ring, A.J. waited out a smattering of applause before welcoming everyone to Raw. A.J. said she's here to announce some blockbuster matches for tonight, most notably Big Show vs. Randy Orton. After the crowd cheered Orton, A.J. paused and announced her next big match of Daniel Bryan vs. John Cena.

A.J. was set to announce another match, but Cult of Personality played to bring out WWE champion C.M. Punk with an interruption. The crowd cheered Punk, who made his way into the ring selling a headache. In the ring, Punk ignored a light "C-M-Punk" chant and said he made a mistake. Punk said he did something he's not proud of and would like to take it back if he could. So, he's here to apologize to A.J. after losing his cool. Punk said whether or not he was justified in his anger, A.J. should still deserve respect. Punk said that in front of everyone, he would like to say he's sorry. A.J. seemed shocked by this. A.J. then accepted his apology.

Punk said that he hopes they can continue to be friends going forward, then offered some digs at A.J.'s booking before asking if they can cancel the triple threat match at Summerslam. The crowd replied, "No! No! No!" A.J. said Punk is right that she's new at this and might make mistakes, but the triple threat is not a mistake. She said her decision stands. Punk groaned then asked if this is her response to being humiliated when she asked him to marry him. Punk asked A.J. if she's going to be the evil GM who sticks it to the guy everyone likes (boos). He said he's not worried about facing either Cena or Show in a singles match, but a triple threat just isn't fair.

Suddenly, John Cena's music played to bring out Cena, who quickly saluted the crowd, did a Hulkamania pose, and kept on walking to the ring. In the ring, Cena stared down Punk, whose arms were folded in annoyance. Cena said Punk has become one of those guys - the last guy he ever expected to be one of those guys coming out to the ring demanding respect. The crowd interrupted with a "Let's Go Cena / Cena Sucks" chant, which Cena paused for. Cena said if Punk wants to play the blame game for the triple threat, then it's on Punk. He said Punk is the one who got involved in the #1 contender match last week, which Punk is now upset about. Cena paused to introduce himself to A.J. and say she smells great.

Punk ignored Cena's jab and said he's a fact-teller. Punk said he didn't stick his nose into Cena's business, but Cena sticking his nose in his face during his expert commentary. Cena laughed at Punk's view of the facts, then Punk said he won't be disrespected by Cena, Big Show, or anyone (looking down at A.J.). Punk then said he saved Cena's life last week when Big Show was about to flatten him and kill his worn-out back. Cena sarcastically thanked Punk for the save, then told Punk he's probably not going to be champion after Summerslam. Punk shot back that he was victorious at Summerslam last year, then Cena began talking until Big Show's music played.

As Show made his way out to the ring, A.J. cut things off and said she's not about to let things get out of hand tonight. She told Show and Cena to save their aggression for tonight since they have matches later. Punk then complained about not having a match tonight when he should be in the spotlight every week.

[Q2] A.J. told Punk that before he so rudely interrupted, she was about to announce that the fans get to pick Punk's opponent tonight. A.J. rattled off the options: Miz, Kane, or Rey Mysterio. A.J. said voting begins right now because Punk's match is next (not in the main event). Punk smirked and nodded along annoyed by this turn of events. A.J. then skipped out of the ring as her music played and Cole plugged the voting options for Punk's opponent. As Cole and Lawler continued to discuss the voting, they showed Punk waiting by in the ring selling annoyance.

Raw replay: Cole narrated clips from a few months ago when Brock Lesnar snapped Triple H's arm, which helped set up their Summerslam match in two weeks. Lawler said both men are here tonight and things are sure to explode.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Back from break, C.M. Punk was still pacing around in the ring annoyed by the opening segment events. On-camera, Cole and Lawler talked about the Twitter voting that took place during the break to decide on Punk's opponent tonight. Lawler then stood up and announced the winner, which was Rey Mysterio with 47 percent. Kane had 31 percent and The Miz had 22 percent. Upon the reveal, Punk mock applauded as Cole discussed the rivalry between Punk and Rey a few years ago. Rey stretched out his ring introduction as Punk waited in the ring, then Rey entered the ring to kick things off against Punk.

1 -- WWE champion C.M. PUNK vs. REY MYSTERIO -- non-title match

As Punk controlled early on, Lawler continued to counter Punk, saying he believes the WWE Title should be respected, but not necessarily the champion, which Punk is demanding. The announcers also stressed Punk's recent "attitude" change. Punk, in control, wanted a top-rope move, but Rey knocked him off the top rope to the floor. Rey then splashed Punk on the outside and they cut to break with Lawler saying this could be a big upset if Rey wins. Odd comment, even if it plays up Rey's "ultimate underdog" moniker in recent years.

[Commercial Break]

[Q3] Back live, Rey and Punk were selling in the corner after an apparent collision. Rey and Punk then battled to the top turnbuckle, where Punk executed a superplex. Punk made a cover, but Rey kicked out in time. Rey came back with a quick kick to the chest for a two count, then both men sold on the mat. Rey then dropkicked Punk to the second rope and connected with the 619. Rey went up top for a splash, but Punk got his knees up to block. Punk then quickly capitalized with the GTS center-ring. Punk with the cover for the win.

Post-match: Punk sold a mouth injury a la Samoa Joe on TNA Impact a few weeks ago after his match against The Pope. As Punk declared himself to be the Best in the World, WWE cut to a replay of the high points from the match. Back live, Punk was shown sitting in the corner before declaring himself BITW again.

WINNER: Punk at 10:13. Just not enough shown to fully digest the match. The story was Punk fueling his heelish demand for respect with a victory over a top star, even if WWE seemed to knock Rey down a peg claiming throughout the match that a victory for him - a former top champion - would be an upset.

Still to come tonight: Randy Orton vs. Big Show, plus John Cena vs. Daniel Bryan.

Backstage: Alberto Del Rio and Ricardo Rodriguez were shown trying to park the Car of the Week backstage. Ricardo tried to explain something to Del Rio, who sold frustration and shoved Ricardo away before they started walking down the hallway.

[Commercial Break]

Vignette: Wade Barrett is returning. The vignette focused on Barrett's underground fighting background. Barrett's full face was shown and he's now sporting a beard. Barrett said he had to go back to his roots in underground fighting to rediscover himself. The vignette did not indicate when he's returning.

Backstage: A.J. Lee was shown in her office before Del Rio and Ricardo walked in to kiss up to her. Del Rio said she hopes she doesn't act like Booker T over on Smackdown and make him wrestle before Summerslam. A.J. said he's good because she doesn't have a match for him tonight. Del Rio smiled and told Ricardo that's good because he thought she would do something "crazy." A.J. then re-entered the shot and asked what he called her. A.J. said she decided Del Rio has a match tonight, and it's next. Del Rio, frustrated, demanded Ricardo get his gear.

Live tonight: Shawn Michaels back on WWE TV in his hometown. ... Video package: The Brock Lesnar vs. Triple H fight on Raw 1,000 two weeks ago to promote their Summerslam match.

[Commercial Break...] [...Q4]

In-ring: Christian was in the ring after his ring entrance occurred during the break. Alberto Del Rio's music then played to bring out Ricardo, who scrambled on-stage to give a proper ring intro for Del Rio on short notice. Del Rio was late coming out, then emerged on-stage still removing his dress shirt on the way to the ring. Del Rio finished lacing his boots on the ring steps, then angrily entered the ring before WWE replayed events from the Sheamus vs. Del Rio feud in recent weeks.

2 -- ALBERTO DEL RIO vs. CHRISTIAN

Del Rio charged at Christian, but Christian side-stepped Del Rio and landed blows in the corner. The action then moved to the floor, where Del Rio destroyed Christian ringside. Back in the ring, Del Rio began targeting the left arm to set up for his finisher. Del Rio got over-confident, allowing Christian to make a comeback with signature offense. Christian teased the Killswitch, but Del Rio blocked and kicked Christian in the shoulder. Del Rio arm-snapped Christian, then kicked him in the shoulder. He missed with a flying butt splash to the shoulder, though, allowing Christian to recover and set up for the Spear. But, Del Rio sidekicked Christian to block.

Del Rio followed with a cross arm-breaker attempt, but Christian blocked. Christian then tried a top-rope move, but Ricardo provided a distraction. That allowed Del Rio to use his loose ring boot to smash Christian across the face behind the ref's back. Del Rio then slapped on the cross arm-breaker for a quick submission win.

Post-match: Sheamus appeared on the Titantron to call out Del Rio. Sheamus said Del Rio was right about him being beneath him. The camera pulled back to show Sheamus standing above Del Rio's car of the week. Sheamus also told Ricardo not to leave the keys in the car next time he gets Del Rio's bags. Sheamus revved the engine and said he feels classier already, before driving the Ferrari out of the building to tour San Antonio. Del Rio, annoyed, left the ring to conclude the segment.

WINNER: Del Rio via submission at 3:06. Christian sure has fallen down the ladder, but at least WWE gave him an "out" with the outside interference. At the same time, Del Rio needed a convincing win to even remotely view him as a legit threat to the World Title at Summerslam. It turned out to be a classic Star vs. Star three-minute WWE match where neither man was really advanced.

Up Next: Orton vs. Show in the top-of-the-second-hour match.

[Commercial Break]

Smackdown plug: Booker T is the new Smackdown GM. What does he have in store for WWE fans going forward? ... San Antonio exterior shot: The Alamo.

In-ring: Randy Orton's music played just before the top of the hour to bring out Orton to a strong reaction. Orton took his time posing ringside before posing in the ring as Cole repeated Orton's line from Smackdown that WWE is his life.

[Q5 -- second hour] Big Show made his way to the ring at the top of the hour as Cole reset the show, plugging Cena vs. Daniel Bryan later on tonight. Lawler told viewers that if they tuned in late, they missed "a heck of a first hour," and viewers should note Raw starts an hour earlier now.

3 -- RANDY ORTON vs. BIG SHOW

Show dominated early on, then paused for a "Big Show Sucks" chant from the ringside fans. Show then began taunting Orton, telling him he's in over his head tonight. Orton teased a comeback, but Show cut him off with a back elbow smash. Show then settled into a reverse chinlock and continued taunting Orton. With both men back on their feet, Orton built some momentum trying to knock Show off his feet, then executed a dropkick to knock down Show. Orton wanted the RKO next, but Show grabbed him around the throat and delivered a huge chokeslam. Show made the cover, but Orton kicked out just before three.

Show, angry, paced around the ring as Orton slowly rolled out of the ring after taking the chokeslam. Show tried to palm Orton back into the ring, but Orton yanked Show across the top rope. Orton tried to sneak back in for an RKO, but Show shoulder-blocked him clear out of the ring to the floor. On the outside, Show and Orton traded blows as the referee was shown in the background applying a ten count. Show eventually rolled Orton back into the ring, then made a loud noise to call for the chokeslam again. Orton escaped, though, so Show dumped Orton over the top rope to the floor again.

On the outside at 5:00, Show bent Orton across the announce table and delivered a big slap to the chest. Show tried to follow with a ringpost shot, but Orton pushed him off. Orton tried an RKO on the floor, but Show blocked and speared Orton onto the floor. In the background, the ref reached a nine count, Show continued to sell on the floor, and the ref reached ten for a double count-out.

Post-match: Show was the first man to his feet and wobbled around the ringside area before WWE replayed Show's big spear taking out Orton on the floor. Show then rolled Orton back into the ring to inflict more punishment, but Orton ducked the KO Punch and delivered a big RKO center-ring. Orton recoiled into the corner and sold that he used all of his energy before his music played. Orton and Show continued to sell the effects to close the segment.

WINNER: Double count-out at 5:42. Neither man could afford a loss, so the double count-out was a reasonable conclusion if the match had to take place.

Raw tonight: Triple H and Brock Lesnar are both in the building. Lawler said that spells trouble for someone. Plus, Shawn Michaels is live tonight in his hometown.

[Commercial Break. Local promo for tomorrow night's Smackdown taping in Houston still advertising John Cena vs. Big Show & John Laurinaitis and Triple H live.]

In Two Weeks: Summerslam from Los Angeles.

In-ring: Tyler Reks and Curt Hawkins were in the ring back from break. Cole said it's two-on-one handicap action, which can only mean one thing: Ryback time. Ryback came out sporting a bruised and red left eye, which WWE focused on as he made his entrance. WWE cut to an inset promo from Ryback discussing his plans to eat Reks and Hawkins tonight.

[Q6]

4 -- RYBACK vs. TYLER REKS & CURT HAWKINS

Ryback overpowered Reks early on, then Reks found a tag to Hawkins, who took some offense, then decided to tag in Reks and bail. Ryback continued to focus on Hawkins, though, which allowed Reks to blast Ryback with some offense. Reks and Hawkins then began wearing down Ryback, who eventually made a comeback on Hawkins. Ryback finished him off with a marching backpack slam for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Ryback at 2:50.

Still to come tonight: John Cena vs. Daniel Bryan in what Cole announced will be the main event.

[Commercial Break]

Back live, Primo and Epico were in the ring (no Rosa Mendes) and so were the Prime Time Players along with A.W. A.W. said he is still the owner of All World Promotions, whether people like it or not. Was there a buyer in the market? Odd comment. A.W. introduced the PTP'ers, leading to a pre-match dance and trash-talking.

5 -- PRIME TIME PLAYERS (TITUS O'NEIL & DARREN YOUNG w/A.W.) vs. PRIMO & EPICO

As the action started up, Cole claimed A.W. has been "clever" on the mic recently. "Clever?" Lawler retorted. A.W. was given live mic time for a few seconds to ask the audience to give it up for Titus O'Neil. Titus then suplexed D-Young on top of Primo, prompting A.W. to proclaim his team is worth millions of dollars. As D-Young dominated, A.W. offered a safe analogy that "he's like Mother Theresa, he can do no wrong." Epico then tagged into the match and cleaned house, drawing concern from A.W. Epico delivered multiple back-drops on D-Young, then Titus dragged Young out of the ring and A.W. asked for a time-out. A.W. said he's seen enough and they're out of here.

Suddenly, Kofi Kingston's music played to bring out Kofi and R-Truth to distract the PTP'ers. The tag match turned into a ringside brawl, then D-Young got distracted once he re-entered the ring. This allowed Epico to drop Young from behind with the backstabber for the pin and the win. The tag champs Kofi & Truth had big smiles on their face backing away from the ring as the PTP'ers threw a fit ringside while Primo & Epico celebrated in the ring.

WINNERS: Primo & Epico at 4:30.

[Q7] Announcers: Cole and Lawler claimed the tag match is an example of young talent making their mark on three-hour Raws. Cole transitioned to another up-and-comer, Damien Sandow, who tried to interrupt DX's Reunion on Raw 1,000 two weeks ago, then tried to interrupt a Brodus Clay dance number last week.

Backstage: Josh Mathews caught up with Damien Sandow, who noted his job is to rid the masses of ridiculousness. He said that includes dancing. As a result, he said he will dispose of Brodus Clay to the betterment of WWE tonight. And, you're welcom.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Back from break, Cameron & Naomi introduced Brodus Clay over the P.A. system to set up Clay's full ring entrance. However, Damien Sandow jumped Clay on the entrance stage and took him out at the knees. Sandow kind of fell down in the process, then inflicted a beating on the floor below the stage. Sandow continued to focus on Clay's previously injured left knee as the dancers tried to shout encouragement from the stage. Referees eventually spilled out to break up the attack and pull Sandow away from Clay. Sandow stood tall on the entrance ramp, pleased with his work, and told the crowd, "You're welcome." WWE went to a replay of Sandow's attack before going back to a live shot of Clay writhing in pain on the floor. Sandow then leaned down and told Clay that he did this to himself.

Backstage: A.J. Lee was shown contemplating things. The camera then pulled back to show A.J. in a meeting with Daniel Bryan. A.J. said the psychologist last week said Bryan may be sane, but he has definite anger management issues. Bryan said that perhaps it's because she left him at the altar in two weeks. Bryan said he's calm now and he thinks if he beats John Cena tonight, then he should be added to the WWE Title three-way match. A.J. said that's not possible because he already has a Summerslam match...against Kane. Bryan was not pleased. "No," he quietly said. "Yes!" A.J. quietly said in response. They increased the volume before Bryan did the "No!" motion without saying the word to try to throw off A.J., but A.J. remained locked in and one-upped Bryan to end the segment. There was no mention of whether Charlie Sheen will be involved.

[Commercial Break]

San Antonio exterior shot: The River Walk. Great honeymoon location. They showed a riverboat going down the river as Lawler wondered whether Sheamus is having a fun joyride right now.

In-ring: Kelly Kelly's music played to bring out a returning Kelly, much to Lawler's excitement. Cole noted it's the first time Kelly has been on Raw in a couple of months. Kelly's old tag partner turned enemy, Eve, came out next to face Kelly.

[Q8]

6 -- KELLY KELLY vs. EVE

Eve decided she was above Kelly and wanted to leave the ring, but Kelly pulled her back into the match and scored early offense to fire up the crowd. Eve then cut off Kelly and took control of the action before Kelly scored a victory in three minutes. Afterward, Eve threw a fit ringside as Kelly celebrated in the ring.

WINNER: Kelly at 3:05.

Announcers: Cole and Lawler talked on-camera about the Sheamus-Del Rio events tonight. Cole and Lawler noted Sheamus stole/borrowed Del Rio's car, then Cole fed to a replay of Sheamus taking Del Rio's car out of the building for a sightseeing tour of San Antonio. Cole said they believe Sheamus is touting around town from Del Rio's vehicle.

Tonight: Brock Lesnar and Triple H are both here tonight. Lawler said things will explode tonight. Cole also plugged Shawn Michaels live tonight. Michaels will be up next.

[Commercial Break. Of note, A.J. tweeted that Kane and Miz will face each other tonight after not being picked to face C.M. Punk in the opening match. It's the "everyone gets a trophy" match.]

In-ring: Back from break, Justin Roberts gave the formal ring introduction for Shawn Michaels returning to his hometown. Michaels bounced out on-stage dressed in a Mr. Hall of Fame t-shirt, blue jeans, and a straw hat. After full pyro on-stage, Michaels did a victory lap ringside before playfully entering the ring. Michaels did his old-school JBK pose in the ring as Lawler and Cole were shown standing up applauding from the announce table. Michaels then posed in the corner flashing a Hook 'Em Horns sign to the crowd.

After Michaels's music stopped, Michaels waited out "H-B-K" chants before joking that he's a little out of shape. Michaels said that first of all, he has to thank WWE fans for allowing him to be a part of history. Michaels went back to Raw 1,000 for a historical moment when DX re-united. "Priceless," he described it. Michaels said he's pretty comfortable watching the world go by on his ranch, but when he heard Raw was going to be in San Antonio, he figured there was no way #HBK was going to miss out. So, here he is.

Michaels said the irony is the more things change, the more they stay the same. He said he walked into the locker room and saw a lot of new faces. But, one thing that is the same is the talk about the confrontation at Summerslam - the clash of Triple H and Brock Lesnar. Michaels said everyone wants to know his opinion. Suddenly, Brock Lesnar's music interrupted and Michaels wiped his brow. After a pause, Lesnar emerged on-stage flanked by Paul Heyman. Lawler said he thinks Michaels needs to get out of the ring right now.

[Q9 -- third hour] At the top of the hour, Lesnar slowly made his way to ringside as Michaels remained still in the ring. Lesnar then hopped on the ring apron and bounced up and down before squaring off with Michaels. The crowd booed Lesnar's presence before Heyman took the mic and said it's not surprising that everyone wants to know Michaels's opinion on the match between his client, Brock Lesnar, and Michaels's best friend, Triple H. Heyman said Michaels is the greatest in-ring entertainer in WWE history. And, Brock and he would seek out his opinion, too, except for not this match in particular because Brock Lesnar is not going to head into Summerslam as an entertainer. Rather, Brock is showing at Summerslam to f-f-f-f-f-ight Triple H and prove that he is the baddest dude on the planet today. "H-B-K" chant from the crowd as Heyman paused.

Michaels interjected that he's not here to dispute the attributes of Brock Lesnar. Heyman tried to interrupt, but Michaels told him to slow down. Michaels said any other time with any other guy, Brock Lesnar is the man. But, Lesnar went somewhere he shouldn't have gone with Hunter - or any man - by making it personal. He said he doesn't even recognize Hunter right now. Michaels said he's going to give his opinion anyways, even if it's not being asked for. HBK said on this day, at Summerslam, the guy he's going with is Triple H. Lesnar just smiled and shook his head. Michaels said he believes it so much that he wants to be there to see it personally. In fact, he will be in Hunter's corner at Summerslam to see Hunter defeat Lesnar.

Heyman smiled and said that's the big announcement and will be part of the end of Triple H's career. He said Michaels left WWE on his own terms, but Lesnar isn't going to give Hunter the option because he will destroy Hunter. Lesnar then took the mic from Heyman and told Michaels the only reason why Shawn thinks Hunter can beat him is because he's never been in the ring with him. Until now. Lesnar inched closer toward Michaels to tease a fight, but Triple H's music played to stop Lesnar in his tracks.

Hunter emerged on-stage in a t-shirt and jeans looking for a fight. Hunter marched toward the ring and locked eyes with Lesnar, then hopped onto the ring apron. Hunter and Michaels stood next to each other to square off against Lesnar, who eyed the DX members. Lesnar then smiled and slipped out of the ring, drawing boos from the crowd. Lesnar took the mic from Heyman and re-entered the ring, then told Hunter he'll see him at Summerslam. As for Michaels, he'll see him before then. Michaels looked very concerned by this declaration. Lesnar then slipped out of the ring and paced around the ring as Michaels sold concern. Hunter locked eyes with Lesnar, who slowly walked around the ring before bouncing up and down ringside. Lesnar and Heyman continued to back up the entrance ramp, then Hunter's music played as Lesnar disappeared to the back. Cole said he's not sure what Lesnar meant by seeing Michaels before Summerslam, but he doesn't like it. Overall, surprising restraint by WWE not giving away the physicality and making viewers pay to see the fight.

Announcers: As Hunter's music continued to play in the background, Cole and Lawler went back to the Sheamus-Del Rio issue and re-visited Sheamus taking Del Rio's car. They're acting like it's a huge angle, but it feels so mid-card. Back on camera, Lawler said Sheamus is probably taking care of the car. Cole then went to Sheamus's tout page to show Sheamus touting from the Alamo in Del Rio's car. Sheamus proceeded to sing Deep in the Heart of Texas to a crowd pop. Cole said he doesn't think this is funny at all, which Lawler disagreed with.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Alex Riley is on WWE television. Riley was in the ring waiting for an opponent before Cole and Lawler introduced Chris Jericho at the announce position. Jericho talked over Vickie Guerrero, who came out on-stage to introduce Dolph Ziggler. After Vickie gave a long-winded intro for Ziggler, Cole fed to a replay from last week when Jericho and Ziggler mixed it up in tag action. Before the bell sounded, Jericho mocked Ziggler's pink and teal merchandise, which he was wearing.

[Q10]

7 -- DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Vickie Guerrero) vs. ALEX RILEY

Once the bell sounded, Ziggler did a Ric Flair strut, then locked up with Riley as Jericho said Ziggler is treading in water that he's not familiar with. Cole then asked Jericho about not being able to get the job done, going through all of Jericho's failures on WWE PPVs this year. "But, yet, I'm always in these big matches competing," Jericho said. He said perhaps he has been a little off, though, and perhaps he needs this fire underneath him to get back on track. Ziggler, in control of the action, looked down at the announce table to trash-talk Jericho, then landed a dropkick on Riley and trash-talked Jericho some more. Cole then asked Jericho if he might have too many eggs in his basket, causing him to be distracted. Jericho avoided the question as Ziggler slowed things down in the ring with Riley.

Ziggler measured Riley for a neckbreaker and connected with one eye on Jericho. Jericho then hopped up on the announce table and filmed Ziggler yelling at him to tout it to his followers. Ziggler played to Jericho's camera, then Riley rolled up Ziggler from behind for a quick three count as Jericho shouted and celebrated.

Afterward, Ziggler threw a fit as Riley bailed from the ring to avoid Ziggler's wrath. Jericho mockingly said Riley is trending before mocking Ziggler after his loss. The announcers and Jericho also mentioned Riley hasn't won a match in forever. To back that up, Riley ended his eight-match TV losing streak and "improved" his televised record to 3-23 this year. Jericho had enough of Ziggler screaming at him from inside the ring, so he dropped his headset and returned the trash-talk from Ziggler.

WINNER: Riley at 4:18. Still no official announcement of a Jericho vs. Ziggler match, but this certainly moved things closer toward a match.

Announcers: Cole and Lawler read A.J.'s tweet about booking Kane vs. Miz tonight after they lost the Punk vote at the top of the show.

[Commercial Break]

Announcers: Cole and Lawler re-visited Sheamus taking Del Rio's car. Cole then fed to a new San Antonio tout from Sheamus, who sampled some of the cuisine. He "accidentally" spilled some food on Del Rio's car to conclude the tout.

In-ring: The arena went dark and Kane's pyro shot off to bring out the man in the welder's mask for a match against Intercontinental champion The Miz. Miz slowly walked out on-stage, then marched to the ring to face Kane.

8 -- IC champion THE MIZ vs. KANE -- non-title match

Miz angered Kane early on, so Kane destroyed Miz with corner blows. Kane nearly got himself DQ'ed when he barely broke before five, then glared at the referee. Miz took advantage of the slight distraction to cut off Kane at the legs to begin chopping down the big man.

[Q11] Kane shook off the leg work and scored a few nearfalls, but missed with a corner splash attempt. Miz then stalked Kane for the Skullcrushing Finale, but Kane rammed Miz into the corner. Kane then stalked Miz for the chokeslam and connected center-ring. Kane covered Miz for the pin and the win. After a replay of the finish, Kane was shown breathing heavily before leaving the ring.

WINNER: Kane at 3:48. Well, apparently Kane needed a win before facing Daniel Bryan at Summerslam, but this sure didn't help Miz as one of WWE's mid-card champions needing a credibility boost.

Up Next: Cena vs. Bryan in the main event.

[Commercial Break]

Back live, Sheamus was shown arriving at the building with a beat up version of Del Rio's car. He said he's sorry about the mess, but Mexican food goes right through him. Sheamus handed over the keys to a random stagehand, then walked off.

In-ring: Daniel Bryan was introduced first for the main event. Bryan shouted, "No!" as the crowd chanted, "Yes!" to anger him. Bryan did a bit from the house show tour ripping up a fan's sign before entering the ring and shouting, "No!" at the crowd. Bryan continued to pace the ring shouting at the crowd before WWE cut backstage to show Del Rio and Ricardo finding Del Rio's car in terrible shape. Del Rio then grabbed Ricardo around the neck and told him to clean this mess. Ricardo began slowly picking off objects, including a leaf and traffic cone. WWE cut to break.

[Commercial Break]

This Friday: Chris Jericho brings back the Highlight Reel on Smackdown. His guests will be Dolph Ziggler and Vickie Guerrero.

Back live, Daniel Bryan was still freaking out in the ring. Lawler then plugged Tom Arnold touting about Raw. This was clearly a promotional tie-in deal, as the announcers plugged Arnold's new movie coming out in two weeks.

[Q12] John Cena's music then played to bring out Cena for the TV main event as Cole excitedly reset the show from San Antonio. WWE went to another replay of issues between Punk and A.J. that set up the Punk-Cena-Show triple threat WWE Title match main event at Summerslam in two weeks.

9 -- JOHN CENA vs. DANIEL BRYAN

The crowd picked up a loud "Let's Go Cena / Cena Sucks" dueling chant in the opening seconds of the match. Bryan was not pleased with the chant and shouted, "No!" demanding that this match be about him. The crowd then chanted, "Yes!" so Bryan bailed from the ring and shouted "No!" at the ringside fans. Bryan picked out a bunch of fans dressed as referees, who pretended to be refs instructing him to return to the ring. Bryan then stormed the ring and ran right into an armdrag from Cena. Cena maintained the hold as the crowd picked up a dueling Cena chant. Bryan then transitioned to an armbar into a shoulder snap. Bryan shouted at the crowd, then Cena shot Bryan off the ropes and Bryan bailed from the ring. Bryan played cat and mouse with Cena, who tried to re-enter the ring, but Bryan smashed him with a baseball slide kick. Bryan then measured Cena for a running knee off the ring apron. Bryan proceeded to shout "No!" at the ringside fans, then picked out one of the "refs" to engage in a verbal battle. Bryan shouted in the fan's face as Raw went to commercial.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break, Bryan was in control of the action in the ring. Bryan blasted away at Cena with No! kicks, then built a head of steam to deliver a big corner kick for a two count. Bryan slowly reached his feet to measure Cena for another round of kicks, but lost control when Cena reversed a corner whip. But, Bryan avoided a follow-up from Cena and dropped Cena into the middle turnbuckle with a drop toehold. Cena followed with a mat-based submission as Cena raised his arm to call for the fans to rally behind him.

Cena started feeling it, then went into his signature offense with a sit-out slam into the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Bryan then staggered to his feet and walked into the AA, but Bryan countered with a guillotine submission. Cena tried to escape with a corner smash, but Bryan maintained the hold. Cena started to fade, but then found his power to ram Bryan into the corner to break the hold. Cena then tried an STF, but Bryan kicked him away.

[Q13 -- over-run] At the top of the hour, the fans started chanting "Yes!" to get in Bryan's head as he tried shaking their voices out of his head. Bryan then climbed to the top turnbuckle for a high-risk diving headbutt and he connected, which took the crowd down a notch when they anticipated Cena moving out of the way. Bryan made a cover, but Cena kicked out. Bryan then slowly returned to his feet and measured Cena for Yes! kicks. One landed, then a second and a third and a fourth and a fifth and sixth and seventh. He went for a big eighth, but Cena ducked and slapped on the STF center-ring. Bryan teased tapping out, but countered into the No! Lock. Cena blocked, though, and hoisted Bryan up into the air and onto his shoulders for a quick Attitude Adjustment. Cena made the cover for the win.

WINNER: Cena at 14:01. That felt like it could have gone 20-25 minutes extending the counter/reversal sequence at the end to continue taking advantage of Bryan's resiliency and arsenal of offense. Solid TV main event with Bryan so good at what he does in the ring and with his character.

Post-match: WWE champion C.M. Punk came out to get his spotlight at the end of Raw. Punk entered the ring and held up the WWE Title belt in Cena's face. Cena then tossed Punk out of the way when he saw Big Show storming the ring from behind. Cena landed offense on Show, then teased the AA, but Punk blasted Cena from behind. The fans booed Punk, who asked, "What?" toward the crowd. Lawler then jumped to the announce table and grabbed a headset. Punk said maybe it is his fault for being disrespected because he's let people disrespect him. He said he's been shaking hands, smiling, and kissing babies, but he let people walk all over him. Punk said from here on and out, he does what he does best: standing tall in possession of the WWE Title, proving that he is the best wrestler in the world. Punk said anyone who stands in his way will be on the mat, just like Cena and Show.

Punk re-entered the ring bouncing around on his feet and went for a big roundhouse kick on Show, but Show grabbed his foot, then landed a big KO Punch on the champ. Cena then slowly stood up to his feet and the crowd screamed knowing what was coming. Show waited for Cena to turn around, then blasted him with a KO Punch. Show grabbed the WWE Title belt and held it over his shoulder before standing tall over Punk and Cena before his music played. WWE went to a replay of Show's double KO Punches, then returned to a live shot of Show standing tall with possession of the title belt. Cole said Show could be the new WWE champion at Summerslam. They signed off six minutes past the top of the hour.

FINAL THOUGHTS: That final portion of the show seemed rushed for Punk to get comeuppance (at the hands of a heel) literally 30 seconds after about as official of a heel turn as Punk is going to provide. WWE obviously wanted to make Show seem like a threat to the title, but it seems like the real money is on the Punk-Cena issue, not convoluting things by adding Show to the mix and then having him stand tall over two top stars. Just too much added to the soup in the final two minutes of the show, like they didn't know how to end the show and settled on enhancing the third guy in the title match without doing much to encourage viewers to come back next week. It was like a flat ending to a movie that should have ended two scenes ago and you feel kind of blah when the credits roll.

***

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