WWE Raw TV Results
June 3, 2013 - Episode #1,044
Live in Hartford, Conn.
Aired on USA Network
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

Coming back from break, WWE plugged their partnership with the Special Olympics. Back live in the arena, WWE showed representatives and athletes from the Special Olympics on the front row.

On-stage: Ricardo Rodriguez came out to introduce Alberto Del Rio for the top-of-the-second-hour main event. Cole noted Del Rio is the #1 contender to Dolph Ziggler's World Title, then WWE replayed footage from the Del Rio vs. Big E. Langston series leading to Match #5 tonight. WWE also focused on tension between Big E. and A.J. last week on Raw.

[Q5 -- second hour] Big E. was introduced to the ring along with A.J. Lee. More footage from the Series set the stage for the decisive match tonight. Before the bell sounded, Cole noted A.J.'s injured boyfriend, Dolph Ziggler, is on the cover of the June WWE Magazine.

3 -- ALBERTO DEL RIO vs. BIG E. LANGSTON (w/A.J. Lee) -- Match #5 in 2-2 Series

Del Rio knocked Big E. to the outside early on, but Big E. avoided a baseball slide-kick, then he smashed Del Rio with a clothesline. Meanwhile, Cole claimed that Ziggler is not at Raw tonight and is recovering from his concussion at home. Cole said an interview with Ziggler is on WWE's App.

Back in the ring, Langston man-handled Del Rio as A.J. watched intently. The announcers turned their attention to the McMahon Family Drama and some vocal males responded to the match with a "We Want Ziggler" chant. Meanwhile, Zeb Colter was speaking on the App. Suddenly, Del Rio slapped on the Cross Arm-breaker, but Langston used his power to flip onto his stomach and power Del Rio to the ring apron. Del Rio then tried the move again, Big E. tried to flip again, but this time Del Rio trapped Big E.'s shoulders to the mat and it was good for a three count.

Post-match, Del Rio quickly scampered out of the ring to celebrate with Ricardo while A.J. sold frustration ringside. WWE replayed the pinning predicament for the finish, then cut back to Del RIo celebrating on-stage while Langston and A.J. stood around in the ring.

WINNER: Del Rio at 4:53. The finish was unique, but an anti-climatic way to apparently end the Series. Maybe it's going seven. But, if it was the finale, and if Del Rio is ever going to be taken seriously as a top face, he needed a more decisive victory over Langston here.

Backstage: Sheamus was shown walking down the hallway. He's up next.

[Commercial Break. A spot for Smackdown in Houston on July 25 advertised Sheamus, Del Rio, Big Show, Orton, and "many more."]

In-ring: Sheamus was introduced for the next match back from break. Sheamus stopped to pose with a fan on the front row who looked exactly like C.M. Punk, complete with Punk's beard styling. Cody Rhodes was then introduced to represent Damien Sandow against Sheamus. Before the bell sounded, Sandow joined the announcers to promote a new book, "Fate of the States," written by JBL's wife.

[Q6]

4 -- SHEAMUS vs. DAMIEN SANDOW

Sandow stumbled over himself, prompting the announcers to wonder what's wrong with him. Sandow covered by saying he's watching his best friend face a brute of a man. Cole then quizzed Sandow on being exposed as a liar during the Shell Game on Smackdown. "I'm a magician," Sandow dryly replied. Rhodes knocked Sheamus to the floor as the announcers debated Mental vs. Physical Strength. The "Prince of Precision" then dragged Sheamus back into the ring to inflict more punishment. Meanwhile, Sandow plugged the first item for Smackdown - another Mental Feat competition.

Sheamus made his comeback at 3:30, startling Sandow. Sheamus then posed for the crowd, prompting Sandow to note he's embarrassing himself on television. Rhodes cut off Sheamus, then nailed a neckbreaker for a two count. Rhodes measured Sheamus for Cross Rhodes, but Sheamus countered. Rhodes then tried a top-rope moonsault, but Sheamus avoided. Sheamus followed right up with White Noise, insulting Sandow, who then declared that Cody is brilliantly playing opossum.

Sheamus warmed up for the Brogue Kick, then Rhodes stumbled into Sheamus to take the Brogue. Sheamus covered and it was good for the win. Ringside, Sandow just sneered and shook his head. He said Sheamus is causing the audience to "drink from the trough of ignorance."

Sheamus then walked out of the ring to approach Sandow, who told him to just leave. Sheamus wanted a handshake, but Sandow slapped his hand away. So, Sheamus slapped Sandow across the face, knocking down Sandow to the floor. Sheamus resumed his celebration as Sandow sold intense anger recovering on the floor.

WINNER: Sheamus at 5:22. Payback for Sandow on June 16? It's certainly building to a grudge match at the PPV.

Still to come: Jericho-Punk contract signing. The graphic was changed to remove C.M. Punk and only feature Jericho and Paul Heyman.

Video Preview: The "Total Divas" spot that debuted during the Kardashians last night.

[Commercial Break]

Did You Know: The WWE App has been downloaded over 6,000,000 times. How many times has it been deleted?

Backstage: Triple H was hot about Vince McMahon while having a stern conversation with Stephanie McMahon. Hunter threw his bag in the trunk of his vehicle, then told Steph to tell that "crazy old bastard" that he will be in the ring at the start of next week's Raw ready to wrestle Curtis Axel. Hunter's vehicle sped away as Steph sighed about being caught in the middle of Family Drama.

[ JC: That was an abrupt end to this week's story, unless it's a swerve and Hunter returns to the building. ]

Smackdown: Ryback destroyed Kofi Kingston, who was wrestling with a pre-existing elbow injury. Cole said this is why WWE is concerned about Triple H wrestling tonight. He said Kofi will be out a couple of months.

Backstage: Daniel Bryan kicked a trashcan, then paused when Ryback approached him. Ryback talked down to Bryan, who said he's not afraid of him. "You have truly lost your mind," Ryback said. He vowed to make Bryan the Missing Link tonight.

GM Office: Paul Heyman was standing by with Curtis Axel, then Vince McMahon walked in. McMahon said Hunter isn't facing Curtis Axel tonight, and Axel won't be facing Hunter next week, either. Heyman smiled and said he supposes they'll see each other on Smackdown. Heyman started to leave with Axel, but Vince said Axel will still be in action tonight. "Oh, here it is," Heyman sighed. Vince said Axel will be in action tonight. And it will be against John Cena in a re-match from last week. Only, this time it will be a No DQ match. Vince then gave Axel one of his "young lions" pep-talks before an annoyed Heyman and Axel left.

[Q7] Backstage: Fandango was shown walking down the hallway with Summer Rae on his arm. Fandango's in action next.

[Commercial Break]

Smackdown plug: The Miz hosts MizTV with special guests Randy Orton & Team Hell No. Plus, Curtis Axel will be on the show.

In-ring: Fandango's music played to a big reaction from the crowd. Summer Rae then danced on-stage to pave the way for Fandango making his entrance. The Hartford crowd was more engaged in "Fandango'ing" than recent crowds. WWE then cut to footage from last week's Raw when special ref The Miz took over Fandango vs. Wade Barrett. Back live, Fandango and Rae posed in the ring as Cole noted Fandango is facing Great Khali tonight. Introduced "from India," Great Khali came out with Natalya and Hornswoggle for the match.

5 -- FANDANGO (w/Summer Rae) vs. GREAT KHALI (w/Natalya and Hornswoggle)

Khali mocked Fandango's dancing early on. Lawler then drew attention to Khali's chin, leading to a Jay Leno joke that caused Cole to snort and lose it on commentary. Fandango had enough of this and tried to work on Khali in the corner, but Khali escaped and did the indy-style leg kick with a knee slap to simulate the sound. Fandango then bailed from the ring and tried to regroup with Rae. Fandango then left up the entrance ramp, drawing boos.

Suddenly, The Miz appeared on-stage to yell at Fandango. But, Miz didn't see Wade Barrett following behind him to smash Miz with the Bullhammer. Barrett held up the IC Title belt in the air as FandangoRae stood their ground on the floor while Miz sold on the stage. No count-out decision announced here. Barrett then marched to the ring, as he's apparently facing Miz next.

WINNER: No Decision announced when Raw cut to break at 2:40. It came across like WWE wanted to protect Fandango by not stressing a match decision, which is a good sign that they're still in the Fandango business.

[Commercial Break]

6 -- IC champion WADE BARRETT vs. THE MIZ -- non-title match

The bell sounded immediately back from break. An upset Miz tried to attack Barrett, but Barrett cut him off and continued the pre-match attack on Miz. Meanwhile, Cole noted that Fandango is trending on Twitter right now. Lawler said Summer Rae might have something to do with that. In the ring, Miz made a comeback, then climbed to the top rope, but Barrett cut him off.

[Q8] Miz teased the figure-four leglock, but Barrett shoved him away and nailed Winds of Change for a nearfall. "Come on!" Barrett shouted. Suddenly, Fandango's music played to bring out Fandango and Summer Rae on-stage for an encore. FandangoRae danced as Barrett screamed from inside the ring. Barrett then turned around and Miz took down Barrett before awkwardly applying the figure-four. Barrett flailed around in the ring trying to sell the move, then he tapped out. On-stage, FandangoRae sold satisfaction over this outcome against the IC champ.

WINNER: Miz via submission at 3:23. It looks like Barrett vs. Miz vs. Fandango for the IC Title at Payback.

Still to come: Ryback vs. Daniel Bryan. Plus, the Punk-Jericho contract signing with Paul Heyman rep'ing Punk. It's next.

Movie Plug: "12 Rounds 2" starring Randy Orton is out tomorrow.

[Commercial Break]

Exterior Shot: Hartford, Connecticut. On commentary, Cole recapped events at the top of the show when Stephanie McMahon made a surprise appearance to veto Triple H wrestling tonight. Then, Hunter showed up and told Vince and Stephanie that he is wrestling tonight. "No you're not," Vince told Hunter. Then, Hunter bailed from the arena and told Stephanie to tell her crazy father that he will be wrestling next week on Raw.

THIRD HOUR COVERAGE CONTINUES AT PWTORCH.COM . ...

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