WWE Raw Supershow Results
November 12, 2012 - Episode #1,015
Live from Columbus, Ohio
Aired on USA Network
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

This week's three-hour Raw opened with a video package recognizing Veteran's Day. John Cena narrated the video, noting they honor military veterans and U.S. military today.

Raw then transitioned to an opening video narrated by the new voice-over announcer making this sound too melodramatic. The focus was on Jerry Lawler returning from heart attack, Vickie Guerrero revealing more evidence on the John Cena/A.J. Lee "scandal," Brad Maddox attempting to earn a $1.0 million contract over Ryback, and C.M. Punk vs. John Cena in the main event.

Live in the arena, Randy Orton's music played to bring out Orton for the opening match. On commentary, it's Jim Ross and Michael Cole to start the show. After a replay of events on Smackdown when Orton beat Alberto Del Rio in a Falls Count Anywhere match, Dolph Ziggler's music played to bring out Orton's opponent. The announcers noted this is a Captains Battle to preview Survivor Series, with the big question to be answered tonight who Team Foley's fifth member is for the PPV match.

1 -- RANDY ORTON vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER

Ziggler took control early on, including nailing seven or eight consecutive elbow drops to the chest for a nearfall. Ziggler then applied a reverse chinlock as the announcers wondered whether Orton is 100 percent after his brutal match against Del Rio last week on Smackdown. Orton broke free of the chinlock and landed successive clotheslines into a powerslam.

Orton followed with a spike DDT from the second rope, then fired up the crowd teasing an RKO. Suddenly, Del Rio hopped on the ring apron. Orton saw him coming, though, and bumped him off the ring apron. Ziggler tried to follow with Zig-Zag, but Orton ducked, then rolled him up for a quick three count that popped a hot crowd tonight.

WINNER: Orton at 3:20. Too quick of a loss for Ziggler, but it set up a longer-form match...

Post-match: Ziggler, Del Rio, and Ricardo Rodriguez put the boots to Orton. Suddenly, Kofi Kingston sprinted down to the ring and cleared the heels from the ring. Kofi, fired up, stood tall with Orton, then Teddy Long's music played. It's a Teddy Special coming up. Long came out on-stage and said Vickie Guerrero is too busy with the A.J. scandal, so he is booking a match because it's a Super Show. Long said that on behalf of Smackdown GM, this will re-start as a tag match right now.

2 -- RANDY ORTON & KOFI KINGSTON vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER & ALBERTO DEL RIO

Kofi controlled Ziggler early on, then Raw cut to break at 1:10.

[Commercial Break]

[Q2] Back from break at 4:10, Del Rio was in control working on Kofi. Ziggler tagged in and nearly took his second pin of the night via backslide, but Ziggler escaped, then dropkicked Kofi in the face. Ziggler followed with a reverse chinlock while doing a headstand to show off, but he couldn't put Kofi away. Kofi broke free, escaped a corner attack, and reached Orton for a hot tag as Del Rio entered for the heels.

Orton and Del Rio resumed their feud before Kofi blind-tagged and body-pressed Del Rio, who didn't see him coming. Kofi followed with SOS and appeared to score the pin with Ziggler almost too late to break up the pin. The crowd popped, thinking it was a three count, but the match continued. Ricardo then distracted Kofi, allowing Del Rio to nail an enziguiri on Kofi for the pin for the win. Post-match: Orton seethed on the outside while Del Rio posed in the ring. Ross and Cole provided final hype for the traditional Survivor Series match on Sunday as Orton helped Kofi to his feet in the ring.

WINNERS: Del Rio & Ziggler at 7:48. Basic set-up for the Team Foley vs. Team Ziggler match on Sunday. Even-Steven booking says Team Foley gets the win on Sunday.

Tonight: A smiling Jerry Lawler returns to Raw two months after suffering a heart attack.

Backstage: Vickie Guerrero was shown walking down the hallway. Ross said she will reveal more evidence in the A.J. Lee "scandal" up next.

[Commercial Break. A local WWE ad for Raw TV in Houston in January has John Cena live and C.M. Punk vs. Ryback for the WWE Title.]

Latest Cena/A.J.-Vickie/Dolph segment

In-ring: Back from break, Vickie Guerrero was standing with Dolph Ziggler following Ziggler's match. Ziggler defined "scandal," noted he just wrestled two matches, and said he is not out here to hide behind his former manager. Instead, he is out here for the truth about John Cena. Ziggler went to the Titantron for another look at Cena/A.J. "revelations" from two weeks ago and last week.

Back in the ring, Ziggler handed it over to Vickie, who was drowned out by loud, loud boos. Vickie noted A.J. threatened to give her the beating of her life, then screamed over the crowd that she will not be threatened by anyone. Vickie said she could have suspended by A.J., but she did not because she is not a vindicative person. Vickie then called A.J. to the ring to explain herself because she has even more evidence.

A.J.'s music played to cheers, and out came a very upset A.J. dressed in street clothes. A.J. stomped into the ring, then asked Vickie why she is trying to do this. Vickie told A.J. that she needs to own her mistake having an affair with John Cena. A.J. cut her off and paused for a "Shut Up, Vickie" chant. A.J. said she doesn't care about Vickie's power or influence, but Vickie told her she needs to care. They sneered at each other off-mic, then Vickie told A.J. to be very careful. Vickie said she is her boss and A.J. just needs to admit to an affair with Cena. "Admit it!" she repeated. A.J. then cut her off and said she admits it. A.J. said she admits the truth - "John Cena and I...pause...are just friends." A.J. smirked after setting up Vickie.

[Q3] A.J. told Vickie to admit what this is really about. A.J. said it's about Vince McMahon walking out on-stage on Raw 1,000 and personally appointing A.J. as Raw GM, not Vickie. It's also about her embarrassing Vickie in the ring...and being able to do it again if she wanted to. Dolph interrupted, telling Vickie that it's not worth it. A.J. added a pun-intended line that Vickie is just trying to throw her weight around. And, the weight jokes are back on the first Raw following the election.

Vickie calmly told A.J. she has really caused a mess for herself. She then noted she has been sent very interesting voice-mails. And, the Claire Lynch storyline continues. The voice-mail was A.J. telling "John" that what happened last night was a mistake. Vickie asked A.J. if that's her voice. A.J. said it is, but said that's not her message. Vickie played another voice-mail. A.J. was heard saying they need to stop doing this because she loses control when she sees him. Back in the ring, A.J. asked Vickie how she manipulated her voice.

Vickie rolled a third voice-mail. A.J. said she wants to be very clear about this that Cena drives her crazy and they should be together. A.J. asked Vickie if she hacked into Cena's phone and edited those messages. A.J. said Vickie is a vindictive liar, but Dolph cut her off. Dolph told A.J. that they all know something happened. Dolph asked A.J. which was more disappointing - the fact that Cena won't talk to her anymore or all the nights in the hotel room?

Suddenly, John Cena's music played and Cena stomped down to the ring not in a good mood. A.J. tried to hold back Cena from doing anything, then turned around and popped Dolph in the face. Cena followed with a right hand jab to Ziggler that cleared Ziggler to the outside. Cena's music played, then Cena and A.J. stood tall in the ring as Vickie smirked on the outside. To conclude the segment, Cole stressed A.J.'s claim that the voice-mails were doctored.

Still to come: Cena's night continues with a match against Punk. Plus, Big Show in action up next.

On-camera: Cole and Ross were shown presenting a Veteran's Day message. Cole fed to a video package saluting U.S. military personnel who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break, Cena and A.J. were backstage trying to figure out what's going on. Cena said he doesn't understand why A.J. has to go through, as this is a new low for Vickie and Dolph. Cena said this is something that never happened and never would happen. A.J. said that's true, but paused on the "never would happen" line. Cena smiled and said he just meant "never happened." Things got awkward, so Cena bailed to get ready for his match against Punk tonight. The camera stayed on A.J., who smiled.

Replay: WWE went to footage from last Monday after Raw when Big Show attacked Sheamus and William Regal in a pub in England.

In-ring: William Regal was in the ring preparing to face Big Show, who marched out to the ring with the World Title belt looking like a toy slung over his shoulder.

[Q4]

3 -- World Hvt. champion BIG SHOW vs. WILLIAM REGAL -- non-title match

Regal tried to get early revenge on Show, but Show cut him off with corner headbutts. Show continued to pick Regal apart with body shots before bodyslamming him center-ring. The crowd tried to rally with a "Let's Go Regal" chant, then Show airballed an elbow drop. Regal, fired up, tried to mount some offense on Show, but he couldn't get him off his feet. Show then stopped Regal with a chokeslam grip, dropped him center-ring, and covered Regal for the win.

WINNER: Show at 1:38. Effective use of Regal to make Show look completely dominant heading into Survivor Series.

Post-match: Show wasn't done. He wanted a KO Punch on Regal, but Sheamus came flying to the ring to cut off Show. Sheamus then tackled Big Show to the mat before putting the boots to the World champ, which sent Show rolling to the outside. Sheamus removed his t-shirt, then called Show to get back in the ring. But, Show had enough for the night and left the ring before Sheamus checked on Regal.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break, Kaitlyn's music was playing as the announcers read some promotional items. Suddenly, the bell sounded before they announced the match in-play.

4 -- KAITLYN vs. LAYLA -- #1 contender's match to the Divas Title

With Divas champ Eve Torres on commentary, Michael Cole noted that the winner faces Eve for the title at Survivor Series. After a quick back-and-forth match, Kaitlyn scored the pin on Layla. She then had a staredown with Eve to set up their title match on Sunday.

WINNER: Kaitlyn at 1:15.

Announcers: Cole and Ross were shown on-camera to set up a video package on Jerry Lawler suffering a heart attack on the air two months ago. They went to a dramatic video that emphasized Lawler snoring when he passed out as he suffered a heart attack. The video included backstage footage of medics tending to Lawler in a frantic scene trying to save Lawler's life. The video came across distasteful and emotionally-exploitative due to WWE turning a real-life event where a person nearly died into a wrestling angle. Ross said Lawler's return is next.

[Commercial Break]

Jerry Lawler Return Segment

Back from break two minutes before the top of the hour, Michael Cole and Jim Ross were in the ring to give a formal introduction for Jerry Lawler. Ross welcomed out Lawler, whose music played to loud cheers and applause. Lawler then emerged on-stage with crown in-hand to another loud applause. Lawler smiled to the crowd and bounced down to the ring before looking into the crowd to survey the audience. In the ring, Lawler embraced ROss, then stared at Cole before hugging him.

[Q5 -- second hour] After the hugs and tears, Ross presented Lawler with a microphone before Cole & Ross dipped out of the ring to give Lawler center-stage. "Jerry, Jerry" chant before Lawler began his return speech thanking the WWE audience for their support. Lawler said he thought there was a time where he might not ever return to a WWE ring again, so this moment is beyond words for him. He referenced "It's A Wonder Life," and said he didn't know how much his life meant to other people until a near-death experience allowed him to realize that. Lawler thanked everyone for their words and prayers. "Thank you all so much. It's so great to be back," Lawler said.

And, the wrestling angle continued with Cult of Personality playing to bring out C.M. Punk and Paul Heyman. "You've got to be kidding me," Cole said on commentary. Cole recapped the Punk-Lawler feud before Lawler's heart attack as Punk cockily walked to the ring with Heyman holding up the WWE Title belt behind him. Cole tried to deflect the heat on the promotion for this angle by putting the heat on Punk for the "ultimate sign of disrespect" from the WWE champion.

Once Cult of Personality stopped, the crowd showered Punk with boos. Punk then leaned on the top rope and stared down at Lawler, who was at the announce table now. Punk told Lawler that he's glad Lawler left the ring because he would have "beaten you to death" if he stayed in the ring. "Again," he added. Punk continued to mock Lawler before saying the audience's behavior is disrespectful. He said what they do is in bad taste because a 62-year-old man putting on his wrestling gear and thinking he can go toe-to-toe with Punk is in bad taste. Punk said one of the side effects of facing the Best in the World is a heart attack. He accused the crowd of encouraging Lawler to wrestle, so the blame is on Lawler and the audience.

Punk continued that people think he is a bad person and what he does is in bad taste. "No," he said. "Shame on you, Jerry Lawler, for trying to steal my spotlight with this heart attack stunt." Punk said people want to talk about the number of minutes Lawler was clinically died, but a real number is how long he has been WWE champ. Punk said he just tied Diesel for longest-reigning WWE champion. He then offered another number - 365 - for how long he will be WWE champion next Monday on Raw after retaining the WWE Title at Survivor Series.

Punk returned to Lawler, telling him he's glad Lawler is back to watch him do what he does at Survivor Series. Punk told Lawler not to croak before the PPV. Lawler responded that he'll do that, but the only thing he sees that's on life support is Punk's run as WWE champion. Suddenly, Paul Heyman feigned feeling sick standing behind Punk. Heyman dropped the WWE Title belt before pretending to have a heart attack. Punk mockingly did the "X" signal before checking on Paul. He did some CPR compressions before frantically asking for a paramedic. On commentary, Lawler just stood there, annoyed by this. Punk continued to do CPR as the crowd sold annoyance. Heyman then "came to" and sat up before pointing a finger at Lawler and laughing.

Suddenly, Mick Foley's music played. Again, Cole tried to pass the heat on WWE by putting it on Punk for a "disgraceful" display. In the ring, Foley addressed Punk and a "recovered" Heyman. He said it never ceases to amaze him that Punk continues to disrespect a man who deserves respect. After Punk mocked Lawler's heart attack and "missing work" for two months, Punk told Foley that they have nothing left to discuss since he's no longer in the Survivor Series match.

Foley ignored Punk and said he will let the audience pick the fifth member of his team tonight. Punk mocked Foley for allowing the worthless people to choose his fifth team member, then went on about Foley's team being worthless. Foley had enough of Punk's rant and screamed in his face that Lawler was dead, but came back to them and the world does not revolve around Punk. Foley said while he was overseas serving the U.S. troops, Vince McMahon changed the teams for Survivor Series, which did not make him happy because he wanted to teach Punk a lesson. But, he then realized that Punk doesn't care about lessons and only cares about his WWE Title belt. So, Cena or Ryback is going to strip Punk of all that he cares about.

Punk said that isn't going to happen and there's nothing Foley can teach him about respect. He said the screaming and yelling doesn't matter to him because Foley doesn't matter. Punk told Foley that this doesn't involve him, so get lost. Foley said it does involve him, though. He said that during Punk's match with Cena later tonight...right here in Columbus, Ohio...he will be the special guest enforcer. Foley's music then played to wrap up the segment. Punk was not pleased by this development, then consulted with Heyman, who equally did not enjoy this announcement. Cole set this up as Punk getting what he deserves after mocking Lawler. (Yep, election season is over, Vince McMahon is mad, and he's in a desperate, exploitive mood to make money at Survivor Series.)

[Q6] On commentary, Cole said the choices for the fifth member of Team Foley will be revealed later tonight in a RawActive Poll.

Backstage: Brad Maddox was shown warming up backstage. Cole said if he beats Ryback tonight, he wins $1.0 million and makes himself famous.

Up next: An eight-man tag match of Rey & Cara & Kidd & Gabriel vs. PTPers & Primo & Epico.

[Commercial Break]

Backstage: Punk was complaining to Heyman in the locker room area. Punk told Heyman to fix it, because he's starting to think that Heyman is against him, too. Heyman said they're running out of options, then brought up the "Brad Maddox situation." Punk, battling his internal conflict, told Heyman to fix that, too. Punk, flustered, stomped off, then Heyman tried to figure out what to do next.

In-ring: Sin Cara was making his entrance for an eight-man tag match up next. Rey Mysterio came out next as Lawler was shown on-camera with Cole talking about how much he missed this. Not Cole, but "this." The heels were already in the ring, then the bell sounded.

5 -- REY MYSTERIO & SIN CARA & TYSON KIDD & JUSTIN GABRIEL vs. PRIME TIME PLAYERS (TITUS O'NEIL & DARREN YOUNG) & PRIMO & EPICO (w/Rosa Mendes) -- eight-man tag match

The heels controlled Gabriel early on as Kidd waited for a tag. Kidd has a chance to end a 12-match losing streak here. Rey then tagged in for the faces as Cole and Lawler tried to keep the show upbeat and distract from the previous segment. After Rey delivered high-flying offense, the two teams squared off on the floor leading to break.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break, the heels were in control of the action wearing down Rey as Cole recapped the just-completed European Tour. Rey then broke free on D-Young and tagged in Kidd, who flew at Young with a springboard dropkick. Kidd followed with a kick to the head before coming off the top with a Blockbuster.

[Q7] The action then broke down with men flying all over the place as Cole tried to sell excitement. Back in the ring, Rey connected with 619 to D-Young as the crowd roared. Gabriel then came off the top with a 450 splash for the pin and the win. Cole said that is what WWE tag action is all about.

WINNERS: Team Gabriel at 10:01. WWE strategically placed this match after Lawler-Punk for a "feel-good" moment to try to move on past the segment that disgusted most viewers.

WWE followed this up with a video package on WWE's work for the military. Back in the ring, Justin Roberts acknowledged members of the Ohio National Guard in the arena to continue WWE's attempt to babyface the company.

Backstage: Brad Maddox was shown warming up for Ryback. Paul Heyman then walked in and asked a cameraman documenting Maddox's big night to shut off the camera. Heyman then took Maddox down the hallway for a chat.

[Commercial Break]

Vignette: Johnny Curtis on the dance-floor for a Dancing with the Stars-inspired bit. His big line was, "Mind if I cut in?" This week's name is Fandango.

Backstage: The Miz was on the phone with a mystery person. He said he knows he's on the Survivor Series poster and will find a way to make it on the Survivor Series PPV. Dolph Ziggler then barged in and engaged Miz in an argument. Miz noted he's main-evented WrestleMania, unlike Ziggler, then asked Ziggler if he's ever going to cash in his MITB briefcase. Mick Foley then walked in and told Ziggler to put up two members of his team against two of his. Ziggler booked Rhodes Scholars, then Foley said he'll put Kane and the RawActive winner up against them. Ziggler walked off and Foley said Amy Schumer says hello, an insider line that no one in the arena got. Miz then noted to Foley that they've never seen eye-to-eye, but he wants to be on Team Foley. Foley noted he's on the ballot.

Announcers: Cole said the options for Team Foley's fifth member are Santino, Zack Ryder, or The Miz.

In-ring: R-Truth's music played to bring out Truth for singles action. Cole announced a new match for Survivor Series - U.S. champ Antonio Cesaro defending the U.S. Title against R-Truth. Cesaro's music then played to bring out the champ sporting a European carry-all. Cesaro stood on-stage and said Truth has turned into a joke who talks to an invisible child. He said it's like the U.S. - a once-proud country that turned into a joke. Cesaro vowed to show Truth and everyone in this country that you don't mess with a true superpower. Cesaro's music played again leading to break.

[Q8] [Commercial Break]

6 -- R-TRUTH vs. TENSAI

The match was joined in-progress with the crowd chanting "Albert" and Cesaro on commentary with Lawler and Cole. Cesaro noted his man-purse is a satchel, which prompted a discussion of what's inside the carrying object. Cole said perhaps there are "artifacts" inside the bag. Artifacts. Cesaro then noted he's not happy to be back in the U.S. after spending two weeks in Europe on the tour. Lawler asked Cesaro why he's so unhappy, then Cesaro responded in one of his five languages. Cesaro followed by asking Lawler if he speaks "Memphis." Cesaro then noted Truth is unfit to wrestle since he's wearing jeans. "You wouldn't see Roger Federer on the court in jeans," Cesaro said.

In the ring, Truth dropped Tensai with his finisher for the win. Cole suggested that could be a sign of things to come at Survivor Series, which Cesaro refuted. Post-match, Cesaro tried to cut a promo on Truth, but Truth cut him off and offered a Knock-Knock joke at Cesaro's expense before vowing to become U.S. champion for the second time on Sunday.

WINNER: Truth at 2:17.

WWE '13 video plug: Cole narrated footage of a video-game version of Ryback destroying a video-game version of Brad Maddox. Lawler then plugged Ryback-Maddox with a $1.0 million contract on the line up next.

Backstage: Brad Maddox was shown walking down the hallway with a camera following his every move... DVD plug leading to commercial: WWE's compilation video on the NWO. The trailer ended with WWE's simplified look at the end of WCW after the NWO angle imploded.

[Commercial Break]

Back live one minute before the top of the hour with the NFL game hitting Halftime, Cole plugged the Ryback-Maddox coming up next. Before that, though, Cole fed to a video replay from earlier in the show when Vickie Guerrero presented more "evidence" that A.J. Lee and John Cena had an inappropriate relationship. This spilled over into the third hour.

[Q9 -- third hour] The video replays continued with a look at Jerry Lawler's return an hour ago, which was interrupted by C.M. Punk. On commentary, Lawler narrated that he wouldn't expect anything less from Punk. WWE skipped over Punk's heel promo to Mick Foley's breathless promo aimed at Punk that he will be special enforcer for Punk vs. Cena tonight.

In-ring: Justin Roberts gave a formal intro that if Brad Maddox wins the following match, he will receive a $1.0 million WWE contract. Maddox was introduced first to no music. He strutted out on-stage and did some posing as sirens played in the background. An ambulance then backed up to the stage area where Alberto Del Rio's vehicle usually pulls up. The announcer said an ambulance ride could be in Maddox's future. Cole then fed to an inset promo from Maddox earlier today. He said win or lose, tonight is the greatest night of his life. After tonight, no one is ever going to forget the name...Brad Maddox.

Once Maddox hit the ring, Ryback's music played. The big-man marched out on-stage, posed, shot of pyro, and marched to the ring ready for a 9:00 snack. Cole noted Ryback is hungry for revenge after Maddox cost him the WWE Title at Hell in a Cell last month. WWE went to a replay of Maddox low-blowing Ryback during the title match, setting up this match tonight. Back live, EMTs came to ringside with a stretcher ready for Ryback. Cole said WWE is prepared.

7 -- RYBACK vs. BRAD MADDOX -- If Maddox wins, he earns a $1.0 million contract

Once the bell sounded, Maddox dipped out of the ring and circled around the ring as the ref started a ten count. Maddox broke the ten count, then returned to pacing around the ring. Maddox teased entering the ring, so Ryback took that as opening to drag him into the ring. Ryback then slammed Maddox to the mat as Cole plugged Maddox charging big bucks for autographs and action shots. Ryback then slammed Maddox back-of-the-head-first into the mat several times before standing over him. The ref asked Maddox if he wants to give up as Lawler noted the "turning point" during this match was when Ryback showed up.

Ryback continued to toy with Maddox before whipping him upside-down into the corner turnbuckle. Ryback declared Maddox dead, then delivered a running British Bulldog powerslam. Ryback stalked Maddox again, then measured him for a giant clothesline that took Maddox clear over the top rope to the outside in front of the EMTs.

At 4:00, Ryback scooped up Maddox on the outside and rolled him back into the ring. Maddox tried climbing up Ryback's legs, so Ryback positioned him for a powerbomb and connected, then slammed Maddox on the back of his neck two more times with powerbombs. The ref checked on Maddox, who said he wants to continue. Ryback then led the crowd in a "Feed Me More" chant as he measured Maddox for the giant clothesline. Ryback called for the end, then lifted Maddox in the air for Shell Shock. Ryback delivered it center-ring, then covered Maddox for the win.

Post-match: Cole said Maddox's 15 minutes of fame is officially over. After a replay of Ryback destroying Maddox for five minutes, they showed EMTs strapping Maddox to a stretcher on the outside. Lawler said Ryback has to be the favorite for the WWE Title match at Survivor Series, then Ryback left the ring and destroyed Maddox some more. Ryback then got a running start to destroy Maddox with another clothesline. Cole said he hopes Cena and Punk are watching this closely.

Ryback wasn't done. He dragged Maddox over to the stage area before hoisting him on his shoulders and carrying Maddox toward the stage area, where he slammed Maddox into the ambulance door. Ryback then opened the ambulance door, emphatically threw Maddox inside, and slammed the doors shut. After Ryback won the Ambulance Match, Ryback's music played and the ambulance drove off with Maddox inside. Cole said they could be looking at the new WWE champion on Sunday.

WINNER: Ryback at 5:32. Apparently this was WWE's way of covering for Ryback not caring about losing the WWE Title match at Hell in a Cell the night after on Raw. And, make Ryback look like a serious threat to end Punk's title reign before it hits one year, which has not been a point of emphasis from Ryback or Cena, who is stuck in a Claire Lynch story and unable to market his role in the title match on Sunday.

[Q10] Still to come: Punk vs. Cena with Mick Foley as special enforcer. Cole then plugged Sheamus vs. David Otunga tonight. Cole suggested the same result for Maddox could be in-store for Otunga.

Main Event plug: Team Hell No defends the Tag Titles against Rhodes Scholars this Wednesday.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break, Cole and Lawler recapped Ryback sending Brad Maddox to the hospital in an ambulance. They cut to a backstage shot of the ambulance leaving the building during the break. The announcers then plugged the RawActive poll for who should be the final member of Team Foley at Survivor Series.

In-ring: David Otunga was in the ring ready for singles action against Sheamus, who was given a full ring intro.

8 -- SHEAMUS vs. DAVID OTUNGA

As the two locked up center ring, Cole promoted Sheamus's toughness by noting he kicked out of a KO Punch at Hell in a Cell. Otunga then paused to pose, then WWE cut backstage to show William Regal watching the match on a monitor, as well as Michael McGillicutty and Aksana randomly watching next to Regal. Cole said it's "always a sell-out" backstage when Sheamus is fighting in the ring. After Sheamus waited out Otunga's posing antics, he dropped Otunga with White Noise. Sheamus then drifted to the corner to set up for and deliver the Brogue Kick, which Cole noted Otunga once tried to get banned. Once Otunga turned around, he ate the Brogue Kick for the pin and the win. Cole asked if that will be Big Show at Survivor Series on Sunday.

Post-match, Sheamus took the mic and said that is exactly what he's going to do to Big Show at Survivor Series so that he can take back his World Title. WWE suddenly cut backstage to show Big Show destroying William Regal. Show then looked into a camera, breaking the fourth wall, and said this is what is going to happen at Survivor Series. Show KO Punched Regal, then Sheamus flew out of the ring and charged toward the back leading to break.

WINNER: Sheamus at 2:23. More basic build-up for the top players at Survivor Series on Sunday. This is a very heavy reinforcement show after WWE reshuffled the line-up last week on Raw.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break, Josh Mathews was standing outside the Trainer's Room. Mathews said Regal is currently being tended to by trainers. He said "early speculation" is that Regal suffered a concussion and may have a broken jaw.

Video package: Cole fed to a video message from Kevin Costner supporting the Wounded Warrior Project that helps soldiers recover after serving in the military.

[Q11] Backstage: Kane was shown walking down the hallway. Daniel Bryan tried to have a word with Kane, but Kane kept walking, ignoring him. Kane finally stopped and asked Bryan what he wants. Bryan said he just wants to wish him luck with his *new* partner. Kane sighed, then said he doesn't have a new partner, but they have a new partner. Bryan told Kane to just go right ahead and team with someone else. Of course, Kane could have refused Mick Foley's booking. Kane then disappeared. "No!" Bryan shouted and the live crowd responded, "Yes!" Bryan suddenly found himself alone and mock-cried a bit.

In-ring: Cody Rhodes's music played to bring out Cody Rhodes and Damien Sandow for tag action. Kane then came out representing the tag champions. Once Kane hit the ring, Justin Roberts announced Kane's partner and final member of Team Foley...drumroll...Miz with 60 percent, Ryder with 34 percent, and Santino with 6 percent. Yeah, right on 60 percent for Miz. Was this WWE's way of mocking polls and the voting process post-election loss for Linda? Miz then walked out on-stage and walked to the ring, but Daniel Bryan's music played to bring out the other tag champion. Bryan was initially mad, then stopped to grab a Miz sign, paused, forced a smile, walked up to Miz, grabbed Miz's hand, and shook Miz's hand himself. Amazing. Bryan then entered the ring and raised Kane's hand in the air.

[Commercial Break]

9 -- THE MIZ & WWE tag champion KANE (w/WWE tag champion Daniel Bryan) vs. RHODES SCHOLARS (CODY RHODES & DAMIEN SANDOW)

The match was joined in-progress with Miz controlling the action against Damien Sandow as Bryan tried to act encouraging seated ringside next the announcers. Kane then tagged in to work as a cohesive unit with Miz, prompting Bryan to sell jealousness. It's like the starting quarterback injured and not wanting the back-up to do too well, but also not wanting to cheer against his team. Bryan then stood up and shouted at Miz, who just smiled at him.

Miz dumped Rhodes clear over the top rope to the outside, but took too long to follow up, which allowed Rhodes Scholars to take control. Bryan offered some half-hearted cheering toward Miz, who tried to fight back against Sandow. Miz eventually broke free and tagged in Kane as Rhodes tagged in for Sandow. Kane and Rhodes now legal. Kane delivered a sidewalk slam to Rhodes for a nearfall, then climbed to the top turnbuckle as Bryan shouted encouragement now from the ringside area. Kane delivered a clothesline, then clotheslined Sandow over the top rope. On the outside, chaos ensued with Miz shoving Bryan into Rhodes. Miz threw Rhodes back into the ring, where Kane chokeslammed Rhodes for the pin and the win.

Post-match: Bryan slipped into the ring to celebrate with Kane, who was celebrating with Miz. Bryan and Miz then shouted in each other's faces as Kane stood in the middle. Bryan then raised Kane's hand in victory as Miz continued to yell at him.

WINNERS: Kane & Miz at 5:39. More basic set-up for Survivor Series to focus on whether these three can get along in the traditional Survivor Series match.

[Q12] Video preview: Tribute to the Troops #10 this December from Norfolk, Virginia. WWE plugged The Muppets, Flo Rida, and Kid Rock on the show. Back on-camera, Cole and Lawler added color to the Tribute to the Troops announcement today.

Up next: The main event of John Cena vs. C.M. Punk to preview the WWE Title match at Survivor Series.

[Commercial Break]

Back live, Mick Foley's music played to bring out the special enforcer for the main event, which Justin Roberts underhyped as "the next contest" on the show. It feels like one of those deals where WWE didn't want to over-play their hand promoting Cena-Punk because of an anticipated non-finish, but it defines down one of WWE's only PPV headline match-ups. On-camera, Cole thanked the WWE audience for record-breaking ticket sales for WrestleMania 29 over the weekend.

Cult of Personality then played to bring out Punk and Heyman as Foley watched from ringside. After a pause, John Cena's music played to bring out Cena to a strong mixed reaction. Cena marched to the ring as Cole plugged Cena with an opportunity to set his own record at Survivor Series by starting his 11th WWE Title reign.

10 -- WWE champion C.M. PUNK (w/Paul Heyman) vs. JOHN CENA -- non-title match -- Mick Foley special enforcer

The bell sounded six minutes before the top of the hour. As the crowd picked up a loud dueling chant, Cena took the advantage, sending Punk to the outside to recover. Raw cut to break at 1:05.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break two minutes before the top of the hour, Punk was on the top rope to deliver a double axehandle smash to Cena. Punk followed with a hard clothesline before settling into a neck vice trying to wear down Cena. The camera focused on Paul Heyman, who the announcers called the lowest form of life and a bottom-feeder.

[Q13 -- over-run] At the top of the hour, Punk slapped on a sleeperhold to continue wearing down Cena. Cole reset the show and plugged Survivor Series in six nights as Cena teased a comeback. Punk and Cena then traded bombs from a standing position before Cena landed a shoulder tackle into the sit-out slam. Cena set up for the Five Knuckle Shuffle, but Punk countered with a roll-up for a close two count. Punk with a swinging neckbreaker for another nearfall.

At 8:00, Punk measured Cena for a corner knee. Punk followed with a clothesline, then climbed up-top for a Macho Man elbow drop, which he missed after showboating too long. Cena then followed up with Five Knuckle Shuffle, but missed. But, Cena tried again and delivered it on his third try. Cena wanted the AA, but Punk elbowed out. Punk back-kicked Cena in the face, then called for the end. Punk set up for Go 2 Sleep, but Cena dead-weighted out of the move. Another AA tease, then Punk dropped him with an STO into the Vice. Punk teased tapping out, but instead positioned himself for a rope-break.

At 11:00, Punk crawled to the ring apron. Punk wanted a springboard, but Cena ducked and Punk flew through his hands. Cena teased the STF, but Heyman entered the ring to distract Cena. Foley dragged Heyman out of the ring, then Punk kicked Cena in the head, but Cena kicked out of a pin just in-time. Punk then tried to follow with G2S, but Cena grabbed Punk's knee and slapped on the STF center-ring as the crowd went wild. Punk teased tapping, but he relieved pressure on the hold and reached the bottom rope for a break.

At 12:30, Punk rolled out of the ring and dropped to the floor. Punk started to crawl away from the ring while clutching his knee. Suddenly, Ryback emerged on-stage to scare Punk back toward the ring, where Cena was waiting. Cena dragged Punk back into the ring, then Cena walked into the ring, where Punk teased the GTS, but Cena escaped and dropped Punk with an AA center-ring. Cena covered Punk and it was good for the win.

WINNER: Cena at 13:20. Cena got a win back over Punk, and it makes it even more bizarre that WWE didn't hype this match as strongly as they could have if they were going to deliver a clean finish. Overall, Cena and Punk delivered yet another strong performance with the benefit of a start-to-finish hot crowd in Columbus. (***)

Post-match, Ryback entered the ring and stared at Cena. The two men then slowly approached the WWE Title belt, which was on the mat after Punk left it behind. They reached down and grabbed one end of the belt for a mini-tug-of-war, then Punk stood on the ring apron. They scared Punk away, though, then resumed a tug-of-war that became a little more contentious. Suddenly, Punk hopped up on the ring apron in the background and did a Daniel Bryan sad face, which drew some laughs live. Punk pointed to his chest and said, "Mine," as Raw signed off nine minutes past the top of the hour.

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