WWE Raw TV Results
August 12, 2013 - Episode #1,054
Live in Sacramento, Calif.
Aired on USA Network
Report by James Caldwell (@JCTorch), PWTorch assistant editor

Third Hour Raw Results

Raw returned two minutes before the top of the hour with The Miz already in the ring looking annoying. Miz then annoyingly introduced his talk show, trying to get the crowd to shout along "Miz...Tee...Vee." Miz then got down to business, welcoming out his first guest, Daniel Bryan. Bryan slowly emerged on-stage, then bounced down to the ring as Cole called it a rough night for Bryan thus far.

[Q9 -- third hour] Miz then welcomed out the current WWE champion John Cena to a mix of boos and cheers. The boos got heavier when Cena walked out on-stage. As Cena entered the ring, WWE introduced a new graphic showing Triple H as special ref for the WWE Title match at Summerslam.

With everyone assembled in the ring, Cena toyed with his title belt as the three participants tried to feel out the vibe of the crowd. Miz said it's time to cut right to it that Triple H will be their referee on Sunday. Bryan said he thinks it's great that someone finally stood up to Mr. McMahon. Not himself, but Triple H. Bryan said they can finally have the match the fans deserve.

Cena waited out boos, then said Miz has to love this. He said Miz TV is usually a train wreck of a segment. Cena also kissed up to Triple H by noting he will ensure order and make sure the match is called right down the middle. With that out of the way, Miz got serious about a friendly rivalry turning personal last week. He wanted to know what Cena's real issues with Bryan are.

Cena said it's not like that; there's no underlying theme. Cena said it's all about the WWE Title. Bryan wants it and he has it. Cena said Bryan deserves the opportunity to compete and he's going to put up a great fight on Sunday. Miz asked Bryan if he understands that as code for Bryan is going to lose. He said Bryan was selected because Cena wants to ride the sudden wave of popularity while securing an easy win.

Bryan cut off Miz, telling him that if he doesn't shut up, he will punch him in the face. Big pop for someone vowing to punch Miz in the face. Loud "Yes!" chants. Bryan waited out the chants, then said he doesn't get why Cena and People Like Cena think all he's capable of is just putting up a great fight. Cena tried to explain what he meant, but Bryan cut him off. Bryan stared down Cena and said last week he did what he does best - made some explosive remarks, got the fans on their feet cheering or booing, and grabbed the spotlight. And that - that - is why he doesn't watch television. Bryan said it's because of Cena being about more style than substance, not being in it for the wrestling. Another dog-whistle moment that led to "Yes" chants from the vocal males.

Bryan said this t-shirt he's wearing is a parody of Cena. He said he thinks Cena is a parody of wrestling, which popped the vocal males again. Bryan said he doesn't want to be a parody. "I want to be the WWE champion and I want to be WWE champion for one reason - it's not for the fame, it's not for the glory, it's so everyone knows that no one is better than Daniel Bryan!" Mix of boos and cheers for the strong words.

Cena had enough and removed his clothing, drawing cheers from the vocal females. Cena then slowed down and said Bryan almost got him. He said "parody" is strong. Cena said he's not a parody. He said he's out here for the same reason Bryan is out here - all of "this" as he pointed to the crowd. Cena said all of these people with these signs and hands in the air chanting "Yes" or "No" are doing it because they believe in Bryan. Cena said they believe in Bryan and you feel empowered when you hear it. Cena said WWE is not about grabbing a spotlight, but about these people choosing their favorite star, put their hand in front of their face, or ride the momentum of a beard.

Cena calmed down and said they're just wearing t-shirts, but that's like saying the American Flag is just cloth. He said it's about the message like loyalty. Cena said he will fight for his fans. Cena calmed down again before addressing "parody." Cena said Bryan isn't the first person who says Cena is wrong with all of this. Five Moves of Doom. Get him out of here. Cena said it's been going on for years and he won't be the last to bring it up. Cena said he's showed up every day for 12 years (except for last night in Oakland) and busted his ass for the kids in the audience, parents, and the Make-a-Wish kid he met today.

Cena continued to patronize everyone, telling Bryan that he (Bryan) is red-hot right now, but he will always have critics. He told Bryan to be proud of what he's accomplished in WWE, but he should recognize what he has become, too. Cena said what he has become is a man who has spent the last 12 years *wrestling* around the world. Cena cited international cities, then shouted out to Sacramento. He said he has stood in front of the biggest, most hostile crowd and biggest stars for 12 years and he did it while holding the WWE Title.

Cena calmed down again and told Bryan to think that he's a parody because he'll beat Bryan at Summerslam. "I've wrestled and beaten them all," Cena told Bryan. Cena named Triple H, HBK, Batista, Orton, Punk, The Rock. That was enough for Bryan, who finally interrupted. Bryan said he talks about those people like they are so much better than him. Cena said Bryan is on his way to greatness, but he doesn't belong in that class right now. Bryan lowered his head and shook, on the verge of breaking down.

Cena told Bryan that if he is good enough to beat him on Cena, then and only then will be have earned his respect. "And there it is," Bryan said. He said Cena just spelled it out that he doesn't respect him. Bryan said not only that, but he is not trying this like the matches he had with the big-names he just mentioned. How could Cena understand the hunger and desire that he has to hold that title just once. Because for Cena this is just another Summerslam. "For me, this is the biggest match of my life!" Bryan shouted, drawing "Yes!" chants.

[Q10] Bryan paused before continuing. He said he learned a custom in Japan to get someone fired up for a big match. He said that custom is taking their hand and slapping the other person as hard as they can in the face. Bryan said he wants to do it so badly, but the problem is Cena is not a wrestler and he does not deserve it.

Cena had enough and cleared the Miz TV set. Cena then reached back and popped Bryan when Bryan refused to slap him. Bryan pointed his finger at Cena, then shook his head no. Suddenly, Triple H's music played to big-foot the segment. Hunter, looking completely out-of-place based on the tone of the promo exchange, marched down to the ring smiling at what was happening, then he pulled Cena back and tried to calm him down.

Suddenly, Randy Orton's music played to bring out Orton holding the WWE Title MITB briefcase. On-stage, Orton held up the briefcase for Cena and Bryan to get a good look at, concluding a 20-minute segment after WWE switched around their usual Q1 long-form talking segment.

Still to come: Punk vs. Heyman.

[Commercial Break at 10:19. Speaking of Batista, a spot for "Riddick" aired.]

Back from break, Fandango's music was playing in the background as the announcers plugged Domino's as the sponsor of this segment. Suddenly, R-Truth's music played to keep this moving.

7 -- FANDANGO (w/Summer Rae) vs. R-TRUTH

Before the bell sounded, Fandango's music played for an apparent dance-off. FandangoRae danced, then Truth's music played again for Truth to do his dance routine. Suddenly, Fandango blasted Truth from behind. Truth fired back with a tackle as the ref who tried to officiate the mixed tag match earlier tried to restore order. Truth eventually knocked Fandango to the floor, where Fandango took the mic and announced himself as he sold flat on his back on the floor. Fandango's music played again as the announcers tried to figure out if there was a match that took place.

WINNER: Whatever. Running short on time, so they cut this down to a few minutes of basic character reinforcement.

Backstage: Ryback bullied a P.A., then WWE focused on RVD, Ryback, and Mark Henry as the primary players in the #1 contender Battle Royal.

Total Divas plug: While Summerslam is on, Natalya and Tyson Kidd work on their relationship issues.

[Commercial Break at 10:25]

[Q11] Locker Room: Curtis Axel was shown sitting with Paul Heyman as Heyman taped up. Axel forced a question about whether he's nervous about facing C.M. Punk tonight. Heyman, wearing a suit, said he thinks he's having second thoughts about this.

Raw faded to the ring, where Rob Van Dam was introduced first for the battle royal. Brodus Clay and Tensai were out next, then 3MB members Jinder Mahal, Drew McIntyre, and Heath Slater. Ryback was out seventh. As Ryback cockily strutted to the ring, Cole sent Raw to break.

[Commercial Break at 10:32]

Back from break, the ring was filled up with 19 players. The only man missing was Mark Henry, who slowly walked to the ring eying his foes. Henry chucked his t-shirt into the crowd, then entered the ring, which parted like the Red Sea upon Henry's arrival.

7 -- U.S. TITLE #1 CONTENDER BATTLE ROYAL

The bell sounded and everyone ganged up on Henry, but Henry fought them off and a free-for-all broke out. Ryback eliminated Justin Gabriel, then Darren Young. Ryback and Tensai then met face-to-face for a big-man battle. Ryback won by eliminating Tensai. 3MB then eliminated an Uso. The action slowed down with random brawling and punching and kicking. Finally, Truth eliminated Fandango to liven things up. But, Fandango jumped back into the ring and chucked Truth over the top rope. The elimination was deemed valid. Cole tried to reason that Battle Royals are No DQ. So, why not just pull out a weapon or wait until the very end of the battle royal to eliminate the last guy? In that case, a Battle Royal could go on forever without an ending since there would never be an actual winner because the winner could be eliminated by someone already eliminated.

[Commercial Break at 10:42]

[Q12] Back from break, the match was down to 8-10 guys. Henry, Real Americans, an Uso, Ryback, Kofi, Titus, RVD, and Barrett. Uso was then eliminated. RVD then eliminated Titus. So, based on WWE's Battle Royal Logic, Titus should wait until the very end of the Battle Royal to try to eliminate one of the finalists. After Kofi did some Feats of Athleticism, Swagger palmed Kofi over the top rope to the floor for an elimination.

With the action down to about six guys, RVD and Ryback picked up a battle of Airbrushed Tights. The Real Americans then tried to eliminate Henry, but Henry blocked and eliminated both men simultaneously. It was Final Four time with the Highlighted Trio of Henry, RVD, and Ryback, plus Barrett. Henry promptly eliminated Barrett.

Henry and Ryback picked up a mid-ring battle, then RVD rocked Ryback with a kick and Henry smashed Ryback off the ring apron. So, it's Henry vs. RVD as the crowd popped for RVD in the Final Two. Hurry, Titus, get in there! RVD quickly jumped on Henry's back, then tried a top-rope move, but Henry crotched him. Henry then charged RVD against the ropes, but RVD ducked and Henry went flying over the top rope for the final elimination.

WINNER: RVD at 13:57 to become #1 contender to the U.S. Title. It's Ambrose vs. RVD for the U.S. Title on the Summerslam pre-show.

Post-match: Henry, realizing it's No DQ, climbed back into the ring. Will he eliminate RVD since there are no rules? Instead, Henry settled for knocking fists with RVD to acknowledge his victory. An honorable move from Henry.

Suddenly, The Shield's music played. As RVD stood in the ring, The Shield circled the ring. Mark Henry then joined RVD in the ring to hold Shield at bay. The crowd picked up an "R-V-D" chant as Shield contemplated their move.

Suddenly, Big Show's music played, giving Dean Ambrose pause. Show walked out on-stage dressed in Big & Tall jeans and a polo t-shirt. Show stood tall on-stage as Shield backed away from ringside. Seth Rollins cursed, Roman Reigns slowly backed up, Ambrose contemplated the situation, and Shield decided to bail into the crowd as Henry, Show, and RVD stood tall in the ring. WWE did not announce it, but it looks like Show & Henry challenging for the Tag Titles at Summerslam.

Up Next: Punk vs. Heyman in the main event.

[Commercial Break at 10:55]

Punk-Heyman Teased Match

Raw returned from break one minute before the top of the hour with Justin Roberts setting the stage for the advertised main event. After a pause, Paul Heyman was introduced to no music. Heyman slowly walked out to the ring dressed in a vest, dress shirt, taped wrists, and slacks. Lawler said it would have been a good night to debut ring entrance music. Heyman slowly entered the ring, then called for the mic.

[Q13 -- over-run] Heyman took the mic and said Punk's name over and over. He said Punk's worshippers are calling for their hero. Heyman said he doesn't blame Punk for everything that's happened, but each and every fan in the audience. Heyman said Punk used to live for his respect, love, acceptance, adulation, and affirmation. Now, Punk lives for their acceptance. What he takes very personally is the fans took Punk away from him. So, tonight, he will take Punk away from the fans.

Heyman continued that everyone has been talking about him setting a trap for Punk. Heyman sarcastically said he's guilty as charged. "It's a trap," he said. Heyman said he didn't think of the trap all by himself because this is a conspiracy. And his co-conspirator is his best friend in the world, The Beast, Brrrrrock Lessssnar.

Brock's music played as Cole said this is what they expected. Lesnar bounced out on-stage as Lawler said he didn't expect Heyman to show his hand this early. After Lesnar bounced down to the ring, Heyman had a good laugh. Heyman said he doesn't even need to sell the fans on The Best vs. The Beast, so before they spell out what their plan is for Punk, he has prepared something for Brock.

Heyman introduced a video package on Brrrrock Lessssnar, which focused on Lesnar's path of destruction on Punk set to high-intensity music. Back live in the ring, Lesnar smiled at his handiwork. Heyman said Summerslam will be the Death of C.M. Punk, as proposed by Lesnar. Heyman said the trap is he's willing to fight Punk right here tonight as long as Punk is willing to fight him and Brock in a handicap match. Heyman said Punk gets to play the hero, saying that all heroes are stupid. He said they have no other options in life, but Punk has the option and choice not to play the hero, but disappoint each and every person. All Punk has to do is turn around, tuck his tail between his legs, walk out the back-door, and live to fight another day at Summerslam on Sunday.

Heyman said they hereby demand Punk's answer. Will he play the smart coward or the stupid hero? After a pause, Cult of Personality played, but no sign of Punk. Suddenly, Punk snuck into the ring and stole a camera to bash Lesnar in the face with. Punk followed with a camera shot to Lesnar's back as Heyman sold concern with hands on his head. Lesnar then rolled out of the ring before Punk tossed aside the camera and delivered a suicide dive on the floor.

On the outside, Punk retrieved a chair and bashed Lesnar. Punk then got eyes on Heyman, who surveyed his plan blowing up. Heyman over-sold concern as Punk entered the ring with chair in-hand. Heyman then bailed to the outside as Punk chased him. Heyman shouted for Brock, then Curtis Axel suddenly showed up and Punk unloaded on him. Punk and Axel scrapped, then Punk chucked Axel into the Raw set. Since Punk couldn't get to Heyman or Lesnar, Punk sent a message via GTS to Axel on the stage. Punk then stood tall on-stage as Lesnar recovered on the floor. "I am the Best in the World!" Punk shouted as Cult of Personality played. Cole wondered aloud if Punk will be celebrating on Sunday at Summerslam. Cole then signed off 13 minutes past the top of the hour with a final shot of Lesnar recovering on the floor.

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