WWE Raw TV Results
June 24, 2013 - Episode #1,047
Live in N. Charleston, S.C.
Aired on USA Network
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

Second Hour Results

Vignette: A.J. Lee is crazy. And she plays with dolls. Now shop on WWE's website.

In-ring: Jerry Lawler's music was playing. Already in the ring were Lawler, Brad Maddox, and Vickie Guerrero standing on a black carpet. Lawler said they are here to announce the 2K14 video game cover. He then plugged the cover art contest for the winner to have his or her design on the flip-side of the video game. Vickie tried to interrupt, but Lawler talked over her with the final contest details.

Vickie said she will take it from here, drawing boos. Vickie egged them on with an "Excuse Me!" shout, then got angry when the crowd wouldn't co-operate. Louder boos when she tried talking again. Vickie then shifted gears to picking the stipulation for Orton vs. Bryan tonight. Even louder boos. Vickie said the options are "Extreme Night," Lumberjack Match, or Falls Count Anywhere. "Excuse Me!!!!!" Vickie shouted. JBL said this is disrespectful. Vickie paused before talking again, drawing more boos. Vickie said she has picked her own cover as an example of great leadership.

She then fed to her own cover, which featured 2003 Vince McMahon flanked by Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. Brad said that's fantastic as Cole called her a brown-noser. Brad revealed his own cover - Brad Maddox in the middle and Cena and Punk on the left and the right.

Lawler interrupted and revealed the actual cover, which featured The Rock, popping the crowd. The intro was complete with Rock's music, fireworks, and a giant banner coming down from the ceiling. (The cover art features Rock dressed in wrestling gear holding a mic upside-down mid-promo.) On commentary, Cole hyped Rock's recent movie success and JBL noted he's headlined the last two WrestleManias.

Backstage: Ryback returned to TV after a one-week absence. Ryback, not in a good mood, marched down the hallway ahead of his return match next.

[Q6] [Commercial Break at 9:16]

In-ring: Ryback marched to the ring with purpose as Cole recapped Ryback wrestling for the first time since losing to John Cena at Payback. Lawler did not reference Ryback pinning Cena in Stage 1, so JBL got the point across that Ryback pinned the WWE champion at Payback. Great Khali's music then played to bring out Khali, Natalya, and Hornswoggle. Natalya was much more concerned about Ryback than Khali was. Khali seemed confused by what was happening.

5 -- RYBACK vs. GREAT KHALI (w/Natalya and Hornswoggle)

Khali controlled the match early on as the announcers wondered how much Cena took out of Ryback. Khali remained the aggressor with elbows to the head that looked vicious and chops to the head. Ryback tried to make a comeback, but Khali smashed him with a clothesline. Swoggle told Khali to stay on top of Ryback, but Ryback kicked Khali at the knees. Ryback then lifted Khali in the air and put him on his shoulders after a brief struggle. Ryback marched, then marched a second time and delivered Shell-Shock for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Ryback at 2:19. Interesting deal. Khali looked the best he's looked this year, making it seem like they were using Ryback to enhance Khali for a minute there. Then, Ryback offered a Feat of Strength to get back on-track after losing to Cena at the PPV.

Up Next: Mark Henry "blindsided" John Cena last week. Now, John Cena responds to Henry's attack.

Heading to break, WWE ran a spot for "Total Divas" premiering on E! next month.

[Commercial Break at 9:25]

Back from break, John Cena's music played to bring out WWE champion John Cena. Cena was in a good mood tonight, chatting it up with the on-stage cameraman. Cena then stormed the ring to loud cheers before Cole plugged the new WWE Magazine with Cena on the cover. Cole followed with an official plug for Cena vs. Henry for the WWE Title at the MITB PPV.

[Q7] With the plugs out of the way, Cena stood center-ring listening to the crowd. Cena noted they have a lively bunch here tonight before addressing the fans. He said he is holding the WWE Title and tens of thousands of men have tried to hold this, but only 43 men have succeeded. Whether you've held it for eight years, like Bruno Sammartino, or one night, like Rey Mysterio, it puts you in elite company.

Cena said through the years, many men have tried dastardly things to hold this title. He said shortcuts do not work, whether you try to buy it or steal it. Cena said even Vince McMahon felt as if he needed to be WWE champion to justify his existence. And, last week, they saw how low a man will sink to chase this title. Cena frowned and started at the title belt before continuing.

"Last week, chasing this, Mark Henry disgraced his family. Mark Henry cheated the WWE Universe. And, quite frankly, I thought his speech was an utter disaster." He said guys like Edge, Shawn Michaels (big pop), and Ric Flair (big pop in Flair Country) have had to do that same speech. "And, last week, Mark Henry made a mockery of all of them," he said.

Henry said he gets why. He said Henry realizes the door is closing and time is running out. And he will not have a legacy in WWE unless he holds onto the title. Cena said that's where he comes in. Because if Henry wants the title, he has to go through him. Cena paused to smile. Cena introduced himself: "I'm John Cena, WWE champion," which drew big cheers. Cena told Henry that the best part of his speech was when he handed him back the title and said you have to earn it. Cena told Henry that at MITB, the only thing Henry earned was the right to have his teeth knocked down his throat.

Cena said Henry is big, bad, and dangerous, but he forgot to check his calendar because they're in the middle of Whoop-Ass season. And, Henry will find out what everyone already knows: "Our time is now and The Champ...is...here!" he said. Cena's music played, then he stomped out of the ring holding the title belt in the air.

[ JC: Was that John Cena or someone else in Cena's body? No poopy-jokes, no cutting down the heel opponent, just straight talk vowing revenge on the heel while also building up the heel. Stunned. ]

After Cena exited to the back, WWE ran a video package re-introducing Rob Van Dam. The highlight reel focused on RVD's big moments in WWE and ECW through the years set to One Of A Kind. The graphic noted RVD returns in three weeks at MITB.

In-ring: Justin Roberts announced a triple-threat tag match to determine the #1 contender's to the Tag Titles. Out first were Tons of Funk, accompanied by a Superstars for Sandy Relief winner named Scotty from Tennessee.

[Commercial Break at 9:39]

Back from break, 3MB members were in the ring for the #1 contender tag match. Out next were The Usos sporting their new war face-paint. This line-up is not a strong endorsement of the tag division. Plus, where are the Prime Time Players?

6 -- THE USOS vs. TONS OF FUNK (BRODUS CLAY & SWEET T w/Cameron and Naomi) vs. 3MB (DREW MCINTYRE & JINDER MAHAL w/Heath Slater) -- three-way, three-team #1 contender's match to WWE Tag Titles

JBL made a fat joke about Tons of Funk early on. Then, JBL noted he thinks Clay ate the Sandy Relief winner. Suddenly, Clay flew off the ring apron with a big splash on 3MB on the outside. Back in the ring, Sweet T nearly scored a three count on Uso. After complaining about the nearfall, the Usos hit a Superfly Splash for the pin and the win.

WINNERS: Usos at 2:04 to become #1 contender's to the Tag Titles.

[Q8] Post-match, The Shield's music played. WWE tag champs Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns led the group in the crowd making sure the Usos knew what they were up against. In the background, U.S. champion Dean Ambrose sneered as he backed up his men.

Video Preview: WWE Studios's "The Call" is out on DVD tomorrow. WWE replayed the commercial spot where David Otunga, then Kane interrupted Halle Berry's press interview promoting the movie when it was out in theaters in the spring.

Backstage: Paul Heyman was shown rapidly walking down the hallway, appearing to be a nervous wreck. Cole asked if Paul will have answers on the other side of the break.

[Commercial Break at 9:49]

Paul Heyman Address

Immediately back from break, Paul Heyman walked out on-stage without music. As Heyman marched to the ring, WWE replayed the end of last week's Raw when C.M. Punk had "just won a match" (no mention of who Punk beat) before Brock Lesnar returned to WWE and dropped Punk with the F5.

In the ring, Heyman thought over his words before introducing himself to boos. Heyman said that for the past week, he has been dogged by every person in his life about Lesnar attacking Punk last week on Raw. He said that for the first time in his life, he has ignored Punk's texts and emails over the past week. So, he would like to handle this face-to-face in front of the audience. Heyman said he knows Punk wants answers, which he will get. In a round-about way, Heyman asked Punk to join him in the ring.

After a pause, Cult of Personality played to bring out C.M. Punk with his face covered by his black hood. Punk, untrusting, slowly walked to the ring with eyes locked on Heyman. Punk stood opposite Heyman and removed his hood as the crowd briefly chanted his name. "You want to do this in public?" Punk asked in an accusatory tone. Punk accused Heyman of having a rotten reputation in this business and as a human being.

Punk went for a history lesson. He said that in 2005, he was signed to a WWE contract. At that time, the Senior VP was "that goof" John Laurinaitis. So, Johnny thought it would be a good idea to put him in Louisville to go through Developmental. Punk said that because Heyman pissed off a lot of people in WWE, Heyman was in-charge of Developmental. And Heyman was set up to fail. He said that C.M. Punk was not supposed to succeed, even drawing emails and texts from WWE management telling Heyman to cut him. Punk said that Heyman refused to fire him, though. "He saw something in me, and he had my back," Punk said.

Punk said that when ECW was resurrected, Heyman's first draft pick was him. Pause for "C-M-Punk" chant. He said he doesn't want to bore anyone with this dirty laundry between friends, but he has two things to say to Heyman. Punk told Heyman to tell Brock Lesnar that he's coming for him. Punk said Lesnar might be bigger and stronger than him, but he's not better. Punk said he is the Best Wrestler on the Planet and he will tell Heyman to his face that there is no one more sadistic, relentless, or dangerous than him because he will do whatever it takes to take Lesnar down. Heyman nodded along and took a deep breath.

[Q9 -- third hour] And now, to address what happened last week. Punk said that he's heard all the horror stories about Heyman, but Heyman never did him wrong. So, did Lesnar attack him on his own or did Heyman put Lesnar on him after seeing the writing on the wall at Payback? Punk shouted at Heyman not to manipulate him. "For the first time in your life, make me the exception to the rule and do not lie to me!" Punk said. Punk got fired up demanding Heyman tell the truth.

Heyman wiped his head, looked down at the mat, sold tears, and waited out a "tell the truth" chant. Heyman said he never wanted it to be this way between them, but since Punk demands the truth, he deserves it. Heyman said he will tell him the truth to his face. "On my children, I did not know that Brock Lesnar would be here last week," Heyman said to boos. Heyman said the boos are the same response the McMahons and Laurinaitis would give him when he endorsed Punk.

Heyman said it's a fact that Brock Lesnar fulfilled his contractual obligations at Extreme Rules, and he did not know Lesnar would be here last week. Heyman said the minute Punk said Lesnar needed Heyman's help, Punk picked a fight with Brock Lesnar. Heyman said Punk should have known this was coming because their professional jealousy runs very deep. It's why he never pitched the idea of Punk and Lesnar teaming together.

Just like in 2005 and 2006, Heyman said he made a decision by putting their friendship first. Heyman said he accepts himself for all his flaws, but he is not stupid. He said he will walk down the aisle with Punk again one time soon. And that time is when Punk is in the main event of WrestleMania. "That's my dream," Heyman said. He said that as uncomfortable as it is for the whole world to hear, "I love you." He said he's not going to screw up his dreams just because Punk needs some space. "I will never - never represent anyone against you, and that includes Brock Lesnar," he said. Heyman said Brock will have a problem with that, but that's Brock's problem and he'll deal with that later.

Heyman said here in 2013, everyone is telling Punk to get rid of him, which drew cheers (and the first crowd response in a while). Heyman said his fate is in Punk's hand. "It's your move, Punk," Heyman told him. Punk, with arms folded, soaked in Heyman's words as the two stared at each other. Cole mumbled something on commentary, then Heyman broke the staredown by pacing the ring. Heyman said it's the best he has as Punk continued to sell conflict over what to do. The crowd chanted for a GTS as Punk wiped his mouth.

Punk spoke. "I'm sorry I doubted you," he said. Punk hugged Heyman and the camera focused on Punk's eyes, which sold sadness and emotion. Cult of Personality played, then JBL said he's not sure which is more dangerous: Heyman leading Lesnar or Lesnar going rogue, if Heyman is to be believed.

Suddenly, Prime Time Players's music played, quickly moving things away from Punk-Heyman business. The Players hit the ring as Cole plugged Punk in singles action against the Players next.

[Commercial Break at 10:10]

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

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