WWE Raw TV Results
May 6, 2013 - Episode #1,040
Live in Roanoke, Va.
Aired on USA Network
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

Back from break, the announcers made it official for later in the show - Ryback vs. Kane in a singles match.

In-ring: Dolph Ziggler's music played to bring out the World Hvt. champion flanked by A.J. Lee and Big E. Langston. The trio then bounced down to the ring as WWE replayed events from last Friday on Smackdown when the World Title issue blew up. Lots of Smackdown replays tonight, so apparently someone in WWE was listening to last Thursday's Livecast.

[Q5 -- second hour]

3 -- World Hvt. champion DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/A.J. Lee and Big E. Langston) vs. ALBERTO DEL RIO -- non-title match

Del Rio and Ziggler exchanged control, then Del Rio kicked Ziggler in the left shoulder to continue setting up for the cross arm-breaker. Ziggler responded with a one-arm suplex, though, then used his good arm to pound away at Del Rio's upper body. Del Rio responded with body shots before knocking Ziggler to the outside.

Suddenly, Jack Swagger's music played to bring out Swagger and Zeb Colter for a closer look at the action. Cole noted that at least Zeb changed his vest this week. Del Rio was angered by their presence, then Swagger and Zeb stopped to have a chat with Big E., who presented himself as a roadblock. Swagger and Zeb then walked around Big E. to join the announce position. Meanwhile, Ziggler continued to sell on the outside as Del Rio angrily argued with the ref about the interruption leading to break.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break, Ziggler was working on a headlock while Zeb joined the commentary discussion. Ziggler then snapped off a leaping dropkick that wowed the crowd, but it was only good for a nearfall. Ziggler slowed down the pace working on Del Rio as Zeb argued with Lawler and Cole on commentary. Back in the ring, Del Rio face-dropped Ziggler to get some breathing room. Del Rio then tried a corner enziguiri, but missed. Except, that when he missed, he accidentally hit Ziggler in the head on the way down. So, Del Rio covered Ziggler for a two count.

As Ziggler continued to sell the head blow, Del Rio went for a suplex, but Ziggler countered with a neckbreaker for a two count. Ziggler, still selling the left shoulder, then slowly climbed to the corner, allowing Del Rio to crotch him. Meanwhile, the announcers and Zeb mocked the French on commentary. Back in the ring, Del Rio grappled Ziggler for a reverse facebuster off the top turnbuckle and connected. But, Del Rio could not follow up, allowing Ziggler to deliver another neckbreaker to get some breathing room.

[Q6] Del Rio suddenly fired off successive offense before nailing Ziggler with a standing sidekick. Del Rio covered, but Ziggler escaped a pin attempt. Del Rio wanted the cross arm-breaker and he applied it in-full. But, A.J. hopped on the ring apron to distract the ref, then Big E. yanked Del Rio out of the ring and chucked Del Rio into Swagger's lap. The ref threw out the match, then Swagger flipped out by destroying Big E. and Del Rio.

Post-match, Swagger pulled out a ladder, then Ricardo Rodriguez tried to hop on Swagger's back, but Swagger destroyed him. Swagger then brought the ladder into the ring and destroyed Ziggler with it. Del Rio wanted some of Swagger, but Swagger chucked the ladder at Del Rio. Zeb then entered the ring and clapped up Swagger, who stood tall in the ring before leaving. WWE replayed Swagger's path of destruction as the announcers wondered aloud if they could be looking at a new World champion.

WINNER: No Contest at 14:53. They really endorsed Swagger here, while continuing to make Ziggler look even more vulnerable as champ.

Earlier Tonight: Ryback confronted John Cena and booked them in a Last Man Standing match for the WWE Title at Extreme Rules.

Announcers: Cole, Lawler, and JBL talked more about the Lesnar-Hunter business from earlier in the day when Lesnar and Paul Heyman "invaded" WWE Headquarters. Lawler noted Lesnar entered Triple H's office and destroyed it, then Cole plugged footage still to come tonight.

Still to come: Ryback vs. Kane in tonight's main event.

[Commercial Break]

Announcers: Jerry Lawler said he can't wait to see the footage of Triple H's office being destroyed. Really? Isn't Lawler the face color commentator? Cole then fed to a video package on WWE's new content deal with Yahoo. This included on-camera comments from Stephanie McMahon on Raw's new pre-show this summer.

Backstage: Kaitlyn was shown talking to Cameron and Naomi. Suddenly, a boing-boing noise was heard. It was Kaitlyn's phone. Apparently the secret-admirer sent her a message. Cam and Naomi warned Kaitlyn about getting too close to the secret guy. Natalya walked in and Kaitlyn read a message with Simpsons quotes. Natalya then brought in Great Khali to suggest he go into the men's locker room to find out who the secret-admirer is. "I'm stooge?" Khali asked, prompting Lawler to lose it on commentary. Khali figured out the plan, then walked off. After the Divas walked off, the Bellas emerged behind a curtain and smiled.

Arena: The Shield's music played to "end the fun and games," according to the announcers. Cole said they are in six-man tag action tonight, then noted they are undefeated as a unit. More Smackdown replays, this time of Shield boasting that they put down Undertaker, then Shield took out Daniel Bryan, then triple-powerbombed Kane. Back in the arena, Shield stood tall leading to break.

[Q7] [Commercial Break]

Back from break, the Usos and U.S. champion Kofi Kingston were in the ring. The bell sounded to begin the six-man tag match.

4 -- THE SHIELD (DEAN AMBROSE & ROMAN REIGNS & SETH ROLLINS) vs. THE USOS & U.S. champion KOFI KINGSTON -- six-man tag match

Shield quickly took apart Uso while the announcers endorsed Shield's undefeated streak as a trio. Lawler said he doesn't think they will be able to stay undefeated, though, to which JBL responded that they have faced every top Superstar in a three-man match, and have defeated all of the combinations. Shield continued to isolate Uso, who suddenly responded with a Samoan Drop on Rollins. Kofi then hot-tagged into the match as Ambrose entered.

Kofi ran over Ambrose with strikes and kicks, then dropkicked Reigns off the ring apron. Kofi wanted the Boom Drop on Ambrose, and he connected. Kofi then cross-body-splashed Ambrose, but Reigns broke up a pin. Chaos broke out before Reigns destroyed Uso on the outside with a clothesline. Back in the ring, Kofi wanted a top-rope move on Ambrose, but Rollins shoved Kofi down to the mat. Ambrose then spiked Kofi into the mat with a DDT of sorts for the pin and the win. Cole called them "Money" Mayweather, staying undefeated.

WINNERS: Shield at 6:41. Shield gave up a lot of offense to a lower-card tag team and a mid-card champion put together for a makeshift match.

Announcers: Back to Cole and Co., who recapped the "chaotic scene" at WWE HQ earlier today. More WWE employees got their name on television "tweeting photos" of the scene. WWE showed a photo of Hunter's office after it was destroyed by Lesnar.

Still to come: Ryback vs. Kane in the main event.

[Commercial Break]

[Q8] Wednesday on Main Event: Randy Orton vs. Antonio Cesaro, complete with a match-up graphic.

In-ring: Antonio Cesaro was introduced to the ring. Cesaro was dressed in a French painter's hat with aviators. Apparently this is WWE's latest bright idea for Cesaro's look. Already in the ring was Zack Ryder. Before the match started, WWE replayed Kofi beating Cesaro to retain the U.S. Title on Main Event, then Cesaro jumping Kofi from behind in the hallway and ripping out Kofi's hair.

6 -- ANTONIO CESARO vs. ZACK RYDER

As the match started, Cole plugged Heyman's footage coming up after the match. Cesaro quickly dismantled Ryder as Lawler said at least Cesaro did not yodel tonight. Cesaro beat down Ryder in the corner as one single fan in the crowd shouted, "Let's Go Ryder," over and over and over. About ten fans joined in echoing, "Woo, Woo, Woo." Ryder then found an opening and attempted a corner attack, but Cesaro intercepted with a European Uppercut. Cesaro then nailed the Neutralizer for an easy pin and the win.

Post-match, Cesaro took the mic. He asked if that's all the competition WWE has for him tonight because if so, it's absolutely ridiculous. Because he is Antonio Cesaro and he puts the "W" in "WWE." Which "W?" Cesaro said there is no one in this company, no one in NXT, no one on Slam, Main Event, Superstars, Main Event, or Raw who can hold a candle to what he can do in this ring. Cesaro slammed down the mic, then left the ring.

WINNER: Cesaro at 2:02. Okay, Cesaro back on track. Will it last more than one week?

Announcers: Cole and Co. plugged Paul Heyman's version of events coming up on the other side of the break. But, first, security-cam footage of Heyman and Lesnar entering WWE HQ, forcing themselves in the building, approaching Triple H's office, and scattering employees.

"Live Via Satellite," Heyman was shown being mic'ed up for an interview next.

[Commercial Break]

"Air Bourne" is the theme song for Extreme Rules. Evan Bourne teaser?

Heyman/Lesnar-Hunter Segment

Back in the arena, Justin Roberts introduced Paul Heyman appearing "live via satellite." On-camera, Heyman introduced himself as the advocate for Brock Lesnar. Heyman then introduced footage of Brock Lesnar at WWE HQ earlier today.

In the video shot by Heyman, Heyman was shown introducing the footage from outside WWE "World Headquarters." Brock Lesnar was then shown entering the building with Heyman following his every move. Lesnar entered the building and Heyman mocked the Extreme Rules poster featuring Sheamus and an Andre the Giant statue. Heyman then yelled at the receptionist, who asked if they have an appointment. To the fourth floor they went. In the elevator, Lesnar angrily stared down an unsuspecting employee, who got off the elevator as quickly as possible. Heyman said no one seems happy who works here.

They got off the elevator and glared at some employees before walking down the hallway toward Triple H's office. Heyman paused for Lesnar to glare down The Rock on a PPV poster. Heyman then noted there is not one poster of Brock Lesnar in this hallway. They stopped at the board room and Heyman said that will be a lovely place when Hunter and Stephanie McMahon take over. They kept walking down the hallway before stopping at Triple H's office, where "Paul Levesque" was on the door.

[Q9 -- third hour] Heyman and Lesnar entered the office area, surprising a lady sitting in the office. Heyman said she is much prettier than Stephanie, then Lesnar shoved down a male assistant. Lesnar then barged into Hunter's office and Lesnar surveyed the various photos on the wall. Lesnar grabbed Hunter's World Title belt, unstrapped the belt, put it over his shoulder, and sat down in Hunter's office chair.

Lesnar then destroyed Hunter's laptop and tossed it aside. Next was a Brock Smash to the desktop computer keyboard. Lesnar then grabbed a sledgehammer hanging on Hunter's office wall and used the hammer to destroy the desk. Lesnar then began chucking furniture and smashing glass. Heyman said this is how Hunter is going to look at Extreme Rules. Lesnar surveyed the scene, then said he thinks he's done. Heyman then placed a business card on Hunter's destroyed desk. Lesnar left the office as Heyman laughed to himself.

Back to the satellite interview, Heyman said he's not sure how many of the people are aware of his history, but he's associated with the word "extreme." Heyman said ironically he's become the voice of reason trying to calm down Lesnar and discourage him from causing further destruction. But, now, things are different after Hunter decided to Pedigree him on national TV. Heyman said he's no longer going to discourage Lesnar, but encourage Lesnar. And he will do that by begging Lesnar to hurt Triple H inside the steel cage. Heyman said he will plead with his client to exploit the opportunity that only an old-school steel cage match can provide. Heyman said that Lesnar is going to take Triple H to the extreme. And then, Brock is going to go further and further and further and further and further and further and further...

Suddenly, Triple H's music played live in the arena. Hunter came out on-stage with his shirt sleeves rolled up, a leather jacket on top of the rolled-up sleeves, and black jeans on. As Heyman remained on the Titantron, Hunter marched to the ring and glared toward the Tron with a few words in-mind for Heyman. First was mockery of Heyman's hair. Second, does Heyman ever open his mouth without a bunch of crap coming out of it? Next, Hunter said he knows something about extreme, being the founding father of DX. Hunter said he tore through the Attitude Era and also the guy who knocked Heyman's monster, Brrrrock Lesssnar, out cold at WrestleMania.

Hunter said he is not for one second buying this crap that on a Monday he decided to go to WWE HQ when everyone knows he's at Raw. Heyman tried to answer, but Hunter told him to shut up. Hunter said Heyman wants to destroy his office and intimidate office people, but he doesn't care. He said he has two offices (the bathroom?) and he's standing in his other office. That being the ring. Hunter said this one has a great view and this office is more like his home. Because this office - this home - is where he grew up and became a man, something Lesnar never became.

Hunter said if Lesnar has something to say to him, then have Lesnar say it to his face. Hunter said if Lesnar thinks he will destroy his real office like his other office, then has a warning for Lesnar. "In this office, I fight back," Hunter said in conclusion. Hunter then posed for an appreciative crowd before leaving the ring.

End of Act II. This felt like the first segment of the show that really counted for something (which ignores the Cena-Ryback opening segment that felt more like one of Cena's overly-carefree bits not taking his current opponent seriously). Of course, Hunter dismissed the entire angle the same way every other top babyface blows everything off as not affecting them.

THIRD HOUR COVERAGE CONTINUES...

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