WWE Raw TV Results
July 8, 2013 - Episode #1,049
Live in Baltimore, Md.
Aired on USA Network
Report by James Caldwell (@JCTorch), PWTorch assistant editor

Third Hour Results

Vickie Guerrero Job Evaluation

In-ring: Vickie Guerrero was shown sitting on a stool while Brad Maddox stood next to her. Vickie sold concern as she waited for the McMahons to come out. Mr. McMahon's music then played to bring out McMahon, Stephanie McMahon, and Triple H. Once in the ring, Vince tried to fire up the crowd as Vickie breathed deeply to sell concern over this job evaluation.

After the McMahons sat down at a table opposite Brickie, Stephanie McMahon stood up and introduced the segment. She gave Vickie the floor to speak. Steph reprimanded Vickie for leaving her stool, then Vickie tried to play nice with the crowd, which booed her. Vickie said she would like to humbly state for the record that she always took pride in producing high-quality programming and entertainment. She noted she replaced the mentally-unstable A.J. Lee and she brought back the likes of Rob Van Dam and The Rock under her administration. Vickie said she would even say that she inspired The Undertaker to return to WrestleMania, which Steph didn't buy.

[Q9 -- third hour] Stephanie noted that Vickie omitted Brock Lesnar, who took out her father and her husband. She then asked Vickie if bringing back Brock Lesnar was a good idea. Vickie said she did what Mr. McMahon taught her - doing the right thing for business. She said she had no idea that Brock would attack McMahon and Triple H.

Mr. McMahon then stood up and soaked in some cheers before speaking. McMahon told Vickie that she has no reason to apologize because he thinks that bringing Brock Lesnar back was a "stroke of genius." McMahon said he believes - just like everyone believes - that Vickie is highly entertaining, which drew boos. McMahon said she has made boneheaded decisions, but it was in an attempt to create highly-entertaining family programming.

Triple H spoke up that that he knows Vickie can be "at times unintentionally entertaining," but she's terrible at her job. "No, you're rotten," he said. Hunter then brought it back to a few weeks ago when Vickie botched a video game reveal and booed her out of the building. Hunter said he knows McMahon thinks it's entertaining, but if they put on what McMahon thinks is entertaining, the "Golden Girls" would still be on TV.

Hunter returned to Vickie, noting she has the most annoying voice in the history of television. McMahon spoke up that Vickie does have a "unique voice," but he believes she has qualifications that no one else does. McMahon said Vickie has broken through that glass ceiling of male-dominated corporate structure. Unlike some other short-sighted individuals, he believes Vickie should be named permanent GM.

Triple H spoke up next that if he could speak for the short-sighted side of the table, he would like to note that McMahon can do whatever he wants to do, which is the whole point of this anyways, right? To put a spineless puppet in a position of "power" to do whatever McMahon wants him to do. Hunter said they could argue this all night, but they should let Stephanie decide this since she called this meeting.

McMahon leaned down to make sure "daddy's little girl" does the right thing. Hunter said he, too, does not have a problem with his wife, mother of his children, and the woman who will have to put up with him after this making the right decision. Stephanie had enough and stood up to note that this will not drive a wedge in her family. So, the WWE App Vote will decide.

To the polls... 75 percent Fail to 25 percent Pass. The arena crowd popped as Triple H chuckled to himself, McMahon sat down in his chair upset, and Vickie sold with tears. Vickie tried to "kick out" of her "Gut Check" that she is not a spineless puppet and the fans will come to respect her. Vickie said she will not have some personality contest decide her future. Vickie finished kicking out, then Stephanie said she has two words for you. Vince told her not to do it. "You're.....fired!" Stephanie told Vickie, who sold having a health event. Vickie slumped down to the mat clutching her stomach as Brad Maddox tried to console her. Vickie then fell down to the mat before throwing a fit as the crowd sang the "Na na na goodbye" song. Even Mr. McMahon sold being afraid of Vickie's mental state. The crowd chanted, "No more Vickie" as Vickie crawled onto the table and tried to get the McMahons to listen to her. "Who do you think you are?!" Vickie shouted.

Mr. McMahon was the last McMahon in the ring. He said the crowd just broke Vickie's heart, then told them not to turn into animals. McMahon said Vickie didn't fail, but "each and every one of you!" McMahon entered Heel Mode by saying the crowd failed and has no idea what the right decision would be. McMahon said he will make the right decision because they need a new GM of Raw. And the people deserve this. "Brad Maddox," McMahon said, stunning Brad. And, Vickie threw another fit.

Grandfather McMahon tried to calm down Vickie as Brad sold a lot of thoughts colliding in his head at the same time. Cole sold shock on commentary as Brad continued to process what just happened. "What qualifications does Brad Maddox have to run this show?" Cole asked. JBL welcomed everyone to the Titanic and McMahon helped Vickie away from ringside while Vickie cried into McMahon's coat. Everyone headed up the entrance ramp as Brad continued to sell inner conflict to conclude the 15-minute segment.

[Commercial Break at 10:12]

[Q10] Back from break, WWE ran another vignette on Rob Van Dam, this one going back to October 2002 with Jim Ross painting a beautiful picture on commentary.

Backstage: Mr. McMahon continued to console Vickie Guerrero, who said that she loves her job. McMahon vowed to make it right. Suddenly, Brad Maddox entered to offer false sympathy for Vickie, then he tried to thank McMahon for the job opportunity. Vickie glared a hole through Brad, who tried to cheer everyone up by noting he will pick up where Vickie left off. McMahon reminded Brad that he gave the crowd what they deserve with this decision. Suddenly, Vickie snapped on Brad and physically assaulted him. "Get ouuuuuuuut!" Vickie shouted, sounding like "Scary" Sherri Martel. McMahon then took back his jacket as Vickie sat down on the floor.

And now for the comedown match, Kane's pyro shot off to bring out Kane for the next match. The announcers tried to collect themselves before trying to focus on the MITB ladder match that Kane and Christian will be involved in on Sunday. As Christian made his arrival, Cole plugged "Summer Camp" on USA Network. And, suddenly, Michael McGillicutty resurfaced on Christian's Titantron.

5 -- KANE vs. CHRISTIAN

Christian went straight to the slow-clap trying to get the crowd involved in the comedown match. Kane was having none of the slow-clap and started beating up Christian until Christian made a comeback at 2:30. Cole sounded like a funeral director noting tweets on the screen before forcing enthusiasm as Christian splashed Kane on the outside. Both men were sprawled out on the floor as Raw cut to break.

[Commercial Break at 10:24]

Back from break, Christian executed a Tornado DDT off the second rope for a nearfall. Christian then warmed up the slow-clap to tease the Killswitch, but Kane shoved Christian into the ropes for a big boot. Kane followed with a chokeslam. "Ballgame," JBL said. No kick-out from Christian, who took the three count.

WINNER: Kane at 7:41.

Post-match: Suddenly, the Wyatt Family appeared on the Titantron as Kane stood tall in the ring. The video showed Bray Wyatt rocking back and forth in his chair. Wyatt said he has no followers, just brothers and sisters for the cause. Wyatt said people buy & sell fear and crave war. Wyatt said he thinks it's time for the masses to wake up and see the world deteriorating. Wyatt said this is not the beginning, but the end. Wyatt walked through a door, then lit a match. "We're here," he said with dramatic effect that made the crowd react.

[Q11] Back in the arena, the lights were out. Suddenly, the Wyatts's background music from the vignettes played and the crowd shrieked. Bray Wyatt was shown walking through the crowd holding a lantern. Behind him were Luke Harper and Erick Rowan, who was wearing the sheep mask. Wyatt continued to lead the trio through the darkness of the arena. Suddenly, the Wyatts were in the ring to attack Kane. Harper and Rowan beat down Kane, who tried to fight back, but they dragged him out of the ring and ran him into the ringpost. On-stage, Bray Wyatt rocked back and forth in his rocking chair while his big men inflicted punishment to Kane.

Harper then placed Kane's head against one set of ring steps before the two big men jammed another ring step into Kane's throat/neck area. Harper and Rowan stared down at Kane, then Wyatt walked over to Kane and knelt down next to him. Wyatt extended his arms, looked toward the ceiling, and laughed, then an image suddenly flashed before Raw cut to break.

[Commercial Break at 10:33]

MITB video: How low will Mark Henry go in order to get the WWE Title? Now, can Cena survive Henry on Sunday?

Moments Ago: Cole talked in hushed tones about the "horrifying debut" of Bray Wyatt and the Wyatt Family. The announcers used seven or eight adjectives to describe the Wyatts's assault on Kane.

Backstage: Vickie Guerrero was shown in a zombie-like state carrying a box of her belongings from her office. Vickie had tears running down her face, then she stopped and found Ryback staring at her. Ryback slowly put down Vickie's box, then hugged her. "You deserve better, Vickie. It's going to be okay," Ryback said in a movie villain voice. Ryback then handed Vickie her box. Vickie went back to crying.

On commentary, the announcers had no idea what to do with that. Also at commentary, the Bella Twins were ringside to commentate on Divas action. Out came Divas champion A.J. Lee, Alicia Fox, and Big E. Langston for a tag match. Kaitlyn and Layla were out next to face the heel duo as the Bellas mumbled about something. Cole told them to speak up, so they cracked fat jokes about Kaitlyn.

6 -- Divas champion A.J. LEE (w/Big E. Langston) & ALICIA FOX vs. KAITLYN & LAYLA

Prior to the bell sounding, Kaitlyn tried to attack A.J., but she was held back by Layla. The match then started with Alicia battling while A.J. stood on the floor, not wanting to get anywhere near Kaitlyn. A.J. couldn't hide forever, though, as she tagged in, but Kaitlyn destroyed her with a spear on the outside. Kaitlyn made sure A.J. felt it before their title match on Sunday, then left with Layla. Big E. then scooped up A.J. and carried her away from ringside.

WINNER: No Contest/DQ? at 2:10.

Backstage: Josh Mathews made his next interview stop at C.M. Punk, who was rolling his wrists for the camera. Josh noted that Randy Orton doesn't think Punk is the Best in the World, which Punk said Orton is entitled to think, but Orton has to face facts. Punk said holding the WWE Title longer than anyone in the modern era makes him the Best in the World, and when he grabs the MITB briefcase on Sunday, he will once again prove that he is the BITW.

[ JC's Reax: Punk remains stuck in non-babyface babyface land since half of his title reign was as a heel cheating to win, which isn't much to brag about. ]

[Q12] In-ring: Randy Orton's music played to bring out Orton for the TV main event. The announcers noted Orton thinks he's the best All-Star in the WWE Title MITB match on Sunday. Tonight, he gets a chance to prove it against Punk.

[Commercial Break at 10:45]

Back from break, the latest Rob Van Dam vignette was from June 2006 when John Cena walked into ECW Territory and lost the WWE Title to RVD with help from Paul Heyman. This Sunday, RVD returns to WWE.

In-ring: Randy Orton was waiting around in the ring as WWE plugged the MITB pre-show match of The Shield vs. The Usos (not pictured tonight) on Sunday. Cult of Personality then played to bring out C.M. Punk by himself. As Punk entered the ring, the announcers noted that this match is Vickie Guerrero's final piece of business.

7 -- C.M. PUNK vs. RANDY ORTON

Early roughhousing led to Orton shoving Punk in the chest, then they reached a stalemate and squared off center-ring. The crowd picked up a dueling chant of "Let's Go Randy / C-M Punk" before Orton dropped Punk with a shoulder tackle. Orton then walked into a kick to the mid-section, but Orton snapped off a dropkick for a nearfall. Punk responded with knees to the gut, then a snap suplex for a nearfall of his own.

Another loud dueling chant picked up as the two men exchanged control on their feet. Orton wanted the second-rope DDT, but Punk flipped Orton onto the ring apron and dropkicked him to the floor. Punk then measured Orton for a flying suicide dive that sent both men head-first into the guardrail. Orton sold neck pain as Raw cut to break.

[Commercial Break at 10:55]

Back from break two minutes before the top of the hour, Orton was controlling Punk with a mid-ring chinlock. Punk fought to his feet, then escaped with strikes, but Orton grappled Punk and t-bone suplexed him across the ring for a nearfall.

[Q13 -- over-run] Orton and Punk continued to exchange control as the announcers recapped the big events on the show tonight. Punk then rocked Orton with a corner knee, followed by a clothesline before going up-top. Punk wanted a Macho Man elbow drop, he took a look at the MITB briefcase hanging above the ring, and delivered the elbow. Punk then led the crowd in almost a "Feed Me More" chant before wanting the GTS, but Orton flung him to the ring apron and dropped him with a second-rope DDT.

Orton came to his feet as half of the crowd chanted his initials, then Orton fired himself up. JBL said is about hitting a home run as Orton set up for the RKO, but Punk blocked, only to have Orton respond with a snap suplex for a two count. Orton followed up with kicks, punches, and headbutts in the corner. Orton followed with seven punches in the corner, but Punk avoided eight, nine, and ten to knee Orton in the mouth.

At 13:00, Punk teased the GTS, but Orton elbowed out. Orton then wanted the RKO, but Punk countered with a kick to the face. Punk wanted the GTS again, and this time he connected. Punk covered and it was good for the three count to give Punk a clean win in the TV main event.

WINNER: Punk at 13:40. Surprising clean victory for Punk to conclude the pre-PPV main event. Not quite to the Bryan-Sheamus level from earlier, but a good, solid main event. (**3/4)

Post-match: Suddenly, Daniel Bryan stormed the ring and destroyed Punk with kicks and knees. Very aggressive from Bryan, almost as if Punk owed Bryan something. Bryan then grabbed a ladder out from under the ring and wanted to end Orton's night. Orton turned around and ate a ladder from Bryan, who then set up the ladder center-ring.

Bryan climbed the ladder, reached up, and grabbed the WWE Title MITB briefcase as Cole gave a final hard sell for Sunday's PPV. Cole wondered if Bryan will conquer the All-Stars and become Mr. MITB as Raw signed off seven minutes past the top of the hour.

FINAL THOUGHTS: Interesting decision to focus on the MITB All-Star match as the top draw for Sunday. Cena vs. Henry certainly got its TV time, but the totality of All-Star match hype made it seem like WWE believes that is the top draw for Sunday. But, Cena-Henry had the best, most consistent hype over the past four weeks, mainly because there's actually a clearly-defined face and a clearly-defined heel. The rest of Raw? The characters all over the place.

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