WWE Raw TV Results
June 17, 2013 - Episode #1,046
Live in Grand Rapids, Mich.
Aired on USA Network
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

WWE Raw opened with a video package with snapshots from all of the key matches at Payback last night, including trying to make it seem like the conclusion to John Cena vs. Ryback was epic.

On-stage: Ricardo Rodriguez was introduced to boos. Apparently the crowd picked up on Alberto Del Rio's heel turn last night. Ricardo acted nice, then introduced new World Hvt. champion Alberto Del Rio, who emerged on-stage dressed in a suit with the World Title belt. Del Rio played disingenuous babyface as WWE cut to shots of fans booing. On commentary, Jerry Lawler criticized Del Rio for attacking Dolph Ziggler while he was down in order to secure the World Title.

Once in the ring, Del Rio asked the crowd how their weekend was. Del Rio asked why they're talking about "Man of Steel" when their real Superman is right here. Ricardo added to Del Rio's opening remarks to boos, then gave the long, drawn-out introduction for Del Rio again.

Del Rio resumed his promo by saying some people think the way he won the World Title last night was controversial, but what about the night after WrestleMania when Ziggler took advantage of his weakened state to cash in Money in the Bank? "What did you people do? You cheered for him," Del Rio said. "You cheered for a coward who attacked an injured man." Del Rio said he should be surprised or offended, but he's not. "I get it!" he said. Del Rio noted he heard the reaction that night and every other night. "I always gave you everything! And you never showed me the respect I deserved," Del Rio continued.

Del Rio entered full heel mode accusing the crowd of disrespecting his people. Del Rio asked what's wrong with these people for cheering a pig and a coward like Ziggler and not him. "I guess that's what America is all about - pigs and cowards," Del Rio said. Del Rio said he fought for the people for the last five months, but last night, he fought for himself and he got this (held up the World Title belt).

Del Rio said he will show why he is the best. Del Rio: "I'll give you a second chance to show me the respect I deserve." The crowd booed, then Cult of Personality suddenly played to bring out C.M. Punk to a huge reaction. Punk and Paul Heyman made their way to the ring as Del Rio held up the World Title belt to taunt Punk. On commentary, Lawler hyped Punk for coming close to breaking The Undertaker's Streak at WrestleMania two months ago.

In the ring, Punk asked Ricardo how he's doing before noting it's been a while since he crossed paths with Del Rio. He said the last time they were in this situation was Survivor Series 2011 when Punk beat Del Rio to win the WWE Title, then go on to be champion for 434 days. Punk said he can tell that Del Rio remembers that night very well.

Punk got to his point that Del Rio claimed to be the best. Pause for "C-M-Punk" chant. Punk let his beard do the talking, then noted there is only one Best in the World. "And you're looking at him right now," Punk said. Punk challenged Del Rio, then Paul Heyman interrupted and noted his "clients" don't fight for free. Punk said, "Paul," over and over to interrupt, but Heyman kept talking.

Punk and Heyman eventually had a mid-ring discussion about Punk not being 100 percent, then Punk noted he knows that Dolph Ziggler very well deserves a title re-match (cue that Ziggler is going face), but he wants to fight Del Rio tonight. Del Rio told him he doesn't want to do this, but Punk said he wants it tonight. The crowd responded with "Si" chants. "C?" Punk asked with his hand. Del Rio then did the heelish squint before noting Punk doesn't want him in the ring. Punk then asked Ricardo if he wants to fight. "Somebody's gonna fight me tonight," Punk said.

Suddenly, Vickie Guerrero interrupted to loud boos. Brad Maddox seconded her on-stage. Vickie said unfortunately for Del Rio, he doesn't get to make that decision. Vickie said as good as Payback was last night, she can't think of a better way to continue the momentum than making the main event tonight Del Rio vs. Punk. Suddenly, the Raw music played to apparently make the ruling official. Punk and Heyman then dipped out of the ring continuing their discussion.

[Q2] Still to come: Vickie's Big Surprise for the McMahon Family - Vince, Stephanie, and Triple H. Plus, Randy Orton vs. Daniel Bryan tonight.

Backstage: Wade Barrett was shown walking down the hallway. He gets his IC Title re-match against Curtis Axel next.

OPENING SEGMENT NEWS: Punk and Ziggler officially faces, Del Rio officially heel, Heyman tension with Punk continues.

[Commercial Break at 8:16]

Backstage: C.M. Punk and Paul Heyman resumed their conversation from Raw. Punk said he thought he made himself clear last night after Payback that he isn't Heyman's "client," Heyman nearly cost him his match vs. Jericho last night, he doesn't need help like Curtis Axel or Brock Lesnar, and he doesn't want Heyman ringside for his matches anymore. The crowd popped. Punk said he'll always be a Paul Heyman Guy, but he doesn't need Heyman's help. Punk walked off, leaving Heyman to contemplate his life.

In-ring: Wade Barrett was in the ring awaiting his IC Title re-match vs. Curtis Axel, but Vickie and Brad interrupted on-stage. Vickie then said her big surprise is this man...pause...Christian's music played to bring out a returning Christian to a big reaction. Christian, looking lighter and aged, hit the ring to a big ovation as Barrett complained about this set-up. Before the bell, Cole noted Christian has been out of action for one year recovering from a shoulder injury.

1 -- WADE BARRETT vs. CHRISTIAN

The vocal male-heavy crowd greeted Christian with a "Welcome Back" chant, then Barrett took out his anger on Christian with hard strikes. Christian fought back with a corner punch, then a flying dropkick for a nearfall. Christian followed with a Tornado DDT for a nearfall, then did the slow clap to set up for the Killswitch, but Barrett kicked him in the gut. Christian avoided Wasteland, then dropped Barrett with the Killswitch center-ring. Christian covered for the win.

Post-match, Christian sold being fired up about returning from injury and getting back in the ring. WWE then replayed the finish before returning to a live shot of Christian playing to the crowd and soaking in the atmosphere. On commentary, Lawler called it a big win for "that young man."

WINNER: Christian at 3:10.

Announcers: Cole said Vickie Guerrero isn't done tonight. He said Vickie has created three stipulation options for Bryan vs. Orton tonight - No DQ, No Count-out, or 2/3 Falls.

Vignette: The Wyatts. They're coming, led by Bray Wyatt.

[Commercial Break at 8:28] [...Q3]

[Q3...] Back live, Rhodes Scholars were in the ring. Damien Sandow did not enjoy a replay of Sheamus beating him on Payback Kick-off last night, then Sheamus's music played. Apparently it's a handicap match, per Vickie running wild booking matches tonight.

2 -- SHEAMUS vs. RHODES SCHOLARS (CODY RHODES & DAMIEN SANDOW) -- handicap match

Rhodes Scholars quickly pounded Sheamus down to the mat and tried to keep him grounded with repeated punches and kicks. JBL questioned why Vickie booked this match, prompting Lawler to say perhaps Vickie is trying to shake things up to prove to the McMahons that she can handle Raw. Sandow then dropped the Elbow of Disdain to Sheamus, but he kicked out.

Rhodes began slapping around Sheamus, who fired up out of anger. Sheamus then ducked Rhodes, who went flying over the top rope to the floor. Sheamus took advantage by making his comeback on Sandow, then he scooped up Rhodes and delivered Ten Forearms to the Chest against the ropes. Sheamus followed with White Noise center-ring. Sheamus wanted to end Rhodes's night with a Brogue Kick, but Sandow came out of nowhere with a roll-up for a quick three count.

Post-match, Sandow slipped out of the ring and smiled about his victory while Sheamus seethed in the ring. Sheamus then did the house show bit getting his heat back by turning around and dropping Rhodes with the Brogue Kick. Sheamus turned around and continued to stare down Sandow, who glared at him from the stage. A long staredown ensued as the announcers recapped the events.

WINNERS: Rhodes Scholars at 3:30.

Still to come: Bryan vs. Orton. Plus, is Mark Henry retiring? WWE played the dramatic "retirement music" in the background over a graphic teasing Henry speaking later tonight.

Video Package: Before heading to break, WWE ran the highlight video on Rob Van Dam that aired during Payback last night to signal RVD's return to WWE at Money in the Bank in July.

[Commercial Break at 8:40]

GM's Office: Vickie and Brad asked Triple H what he thinks about their genius booking tonight. Hunter was initially not in a good mood, but changed his mood to saying it was a good move putting Punk vs. Del Rio in the main event. But, what if Punk didn't wander down to the ring - what would have been their main event? (How did WWE go years without this question being posed to Teddy Long?) Vickie had no answer for Hunter's question, then changed subjects to Christian's return. Hunter had a question - if he was medically cleared for a month-and-a-half, why did they wait so long to bring him back? They again had no answer.

[Q4] How about Rob Van Dam? Hunter noted he negotiated RVD's return, but he doesn't recall Vickie and Brad on those phone calls. They again had no answer. Hunter then changed topics to The Shield. He told Vickie to take control of The Shield, making an example out of them tonight. Hunter said she has carte blanche to do whatever it takes to make a point. Hunter concluded by telling them good job tonight, especially putting 3MB in the show. Brad thought it was a compliment, but Vickie smacked him and said he was being sarcastic.

Locker Room: Daniel Bryan and Kane had a conversation as Bryan prepared to face Orton next. Bryan vowed to beat Randy Orton, then floated the idea of challenging for the WWE Title. Kane said he wants the WWE Title, too, then they asked each other if this means they're done as a tag team. Neither had an answer, so they tabled it for another time. Kane then offered a comment making Bryan think he thinks he's the weakest link. Kane just sighed and walked off, leaving Bryan to prepare for Orton.

[Commercial Break at 8:49]

Smackdown Replay: Bryan, Kane, and Orton ended The Shield's unpinned/unsubmitted Streak in six-man tag matches on Friday night.

Back live, Randy Orton's music played and Cole called that Smackdown moment "better times" for all three involved. Of course, all three lost to The Shield in title matches at Payback last night. On the WWE App earlier tonight, Orton blamed Bryan for causing them to lose to Shield at Payback. Orton then called Bryan the weak link and vowed to prove it next.

After Orton completed his ring intro, Daniel Bryan's music played to a strong reaction. The crowd instantly starting "Yes!ing" as Bryan bounced down to the ring. Cole noted Bryan has decided to branch out individually and start facing top stars to prove that he's not the weakest link, including going after the WWE Title "down the road."

In the ring, Lawler stood up to announce the stipulation vote - No DQ won with 54 percent vote. 36 percent for 2/3 Falls, and 10 percent for No Count-out.

SECOND HOUR RAW COVERAGE CONTINUES AT PWTORCH.COM . ...

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