WWE Raw TV Results
September 30, 2013 - Episode #1,061
Live in Biloxi, Miss.
Aired on USA Network
Report by James Caldwell (@JCTorch), PWTorch assistant editor

Third Hour Raw Results

Raw returned one minute before the top of the hour with a look at the McMahon-Rhodes Summit at the top of the second hour that led to Cody Rhodes & Goldust vs. The Shield booked for Battleground and Shield beating down the Rhodes Trio.

[Q9 -- third hour] Over the PA system, Justin Roberts introduced breast cancer survivors positioned ringside for special acknowledgment.

In-ring: Ryback's music played to bring out Ryback dressed in street clothes. Paul Heyman followed behind Ryback as Cole cautiously said Heyman is planning to "propose" to the man who saved his life at Night of Champions.

In the ring, Heyman introduced himself to boos. Heyman said not only was he man enough to pin C.M. Punk one, two, three to prove that he is the Best in the World, but he is always a world-renown expert in Political Science. Take, for example, it is his theory you cannot put down insurgents on their own soil. Therefore, he knew it was his obligation to squash the rebellion Punk attempted on his own home turf of Chicago last week.

Heyman presented Exhibit A: Last Monday when Heyman pretended to be stuck in his scooter, which drew out C.M. Punk for an ambush from Ryback and Curtis Axel. Back live, Heyman said he'll give Punk credit for being committed to breaking his face. But, the only reason why this face is here tonight smiling on worldwide television is because of the actions of one man acting independently, Ryback.

Ryback took the mic and said if there's one thing he hates in this negative world is a bully. He said C.M. Punk took all the knowledge, friendship, and sacrifices from Heyman and hurled it back in Heyman's face. Ryback lightly stroked Paul's face and said he cannot let that stand. He called him a genius and said he would do anything for him.

Heyman said he's glad to hear that from Ryback. He said he wants to be progressive and express how he truly feels about Ryback. Not in a client/advocate relationship, but more. Heyman said he feels invigorated and alive ever since Ryback saved him. He said that here tonight in front of the world, he wants to --- the crowd interrupted with catcalls. Heyman said this needs to become an official commitment. He said it's about mutual understanding and sacrifice. And the commitment he wants to make is from the opening match to the main event and in sickness and in health. Heyman grabbed Ryback's hand and got on one knee as Ryback waited for Heyman to speak. Heyman tried to find the words. "Ryback, will you ... Ryback, will you become a Paul Heyman Guy?" The crowd shouted, "No!" before Cult of Personality interrupted the moment.

No sign of C.M. Punk as Lawler offered a "Ryback Mountain" joke, referring to "Brokeback Mountain" from a few years ago. Punk suddenly came flying over the barricade to sneak-attack Heyman, but he fell down to the floor, selling a knee injury. In the ring, Heyman wasn't sure whether to buy it or not as the crowd went quiet. Punk asked for help as Heyman continued to sell concern in the ring. Ryback seemed to be contemplating matters, as well, then Punk tried to hop on the ring apron, but fell down to the floor.

The ringside doctor came over to check on Punk as the crowd bought it. Heyman eventually came over to lean against the ropes, allowing Punk to bring a Kendo Stick out from under the ring and legsweep Heyman from the outside. Punk continued the assault in the ring, including Curtis Axel, who charged the ring. Punk unloaded on Heyman's designated fall-guy as Ryback and Heyman retreated to the stage. Punk destroyed Axel, then dropped him with a GTS. On-stage, Heyman sat down on the floor clutching his leg, selling Punk's initial attack. The announcers hyped Punk vs. Ryback at Battleground as Punk celebrated in the ring.

GM Office: Big Show was still in the GM's Office pacing back and forth, waiting for Triple H.

[Q10] [Commercial Break at 10:15]

Back live, The Shield was in the ring for six-man tag action. Dolph Ziggler's music then played to bring out their first opponent. WWE plugged Ziggler vs. Damien Sandow on the Battleground pre-show before The Usos were introduced as Ziggler's partner.

7 -- THE SHIELD (U.S. champion DEAN AMBROSE & WWE tag champions SETH ROLLINS & ROMAN REIGNS) vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER & THE USOS -- six-man tag match

On commentary, Cole noted The Usos are #1 contenders to the Tag Titles, but Shield has a date with the Rhodes Brothers at Battleground on Sunday. Leading into a mid-match commercial, The Usos went flying over the top rope for stereo splashes on Shield. Babyface trio in control heading to break.

[Commercial Break at 10:23]

Back on Raw, Shield amazingly took control of the match on the Usos during the break. Reigns entered the ring and pointed to Ziggler, taunted the "Show-Off," and did Ziggler's trademark standing elbow drop. Nice deal to break up the monotony of the babyface isolation sequence. Reigns was then dumped over the top rope, allowing Uso to reach the face corner to tag in Ziggler.

[Q11] Ziggler and Ambrose were the legal men here. Ziggler delivered corner punches to Ambrose followed by a neckbreaker. Ziggler, fired up, delivered three elbow drops, then turned around and dropkicked Seth Rollins. Next was a Fameasser for Ambrose, but Reigns broke up a pin. Chaos. Bodies everywhere. Ambrose found himself on the outside as the announcers noted Reigns made a tag during the chaos. Ziggler dropped Rollins with a Zig-Zag, but he popped up to his feet and was destroyed by a Reigns spear. Reigns pinned Ziggler for the win.

Post-match: The announcers noted it doesn't look good for the Rhodes Family on Sunday with The Shield working well together in this match. Cole asked if the same spear from Reigns on Sunday could end the careers of Cody, Dusty, and Goldust on Sunday.

WINNERS: Shield at 12:04. Fine match to set up the Shield vs. Rhodes match on Sunday.

GM Office: Big Show was still in the office waiting for Triple H. Show removed his suit jacket and rolled up his sleeves before going back to pacing.

[Commercial Break at 10:33]

GM Office: Back live, Big Show continued preparing for Triple H, even smelling a fake plant. No sign of Triple H. Suddenly, police officers arrived. A non-police officer told "Mr. Wight" that he needs to come with them after threatening a WWE employee. Stephanie McMahon barged in and tried to defend Show, saying Show doesn't know the consequences of his actions. Steph said Show is just trying to put food on the table and he has a big mortgage payment coming up. Steph thanked the officers and detective for their assistance, but she will vouch for Big Show.

Steph then said she spoke to Show's wife earlier today and she noted Show hasn't been "measuring up" to her expectations as of late. The officers slowly walked off, leaving Big Show to seethe in the office. Or cry. Show sat down on the faux leather couch and contemplated matters before starting to cry again. Show suddenly got an Angry Face as he looked across the office. Show walked toward the Triple H DVD cover art on the wall, then punched it out, putting a hole in the fake wall. Show walked off as the crowd kind of reacted.

Announcers: Cole lowered his head to sell disdain over Stephanie's actions, then Lawler said this got too personal. Cole transitioned to another "very special guest" interview backstage.

Backstage: Renee Young was with Rob Van Dam to talk about his World Title match against Alberto Del Rio at Battleground. RVD said he could talk about Hardcore Rules, but he would rather show it. WWE cut a YouTube clip of RVD's Top 10 "Extreme" moments. Included was WWE and ECW stock footage with soundbytes from Cole, Jim Ross, Joey Styles, and Paul Heyman. So, are people supposed to order the PPV to see a bunch of tape library footage?

Back to the interview, RVD called the video pretty impressive. Van Dam said Del Rio is vicious and loves to...pause..."leave no mercy," but he doesn't know what Hardcore Rules means. Van Dam said you throw the rulebook out and use your imagination. He said they're going hardcore for the World Title at Battleground.

Backstage: Santino, Great Khali, and Hornswoggle were shown walking down the hallway. Santino faces Antonio Cesaro next.

Video Game plug: WWE 2K14 video game featuring Ultimate Warrior.

[Q12] [Commercial Break at 10:44]

Smackdown plug: The Shield vs. Big Show in a handicap match. Lawler said it's convenient that Hunter didn't show up to confront Show, but instead put him in a handicap match on Smackdown.

In-ring: Zeb Colter was standing by with the Real Americans. Colter cut a promo on Mississippi, then said they have a new rule about only saying their catchphrase if you live it and believe it. Some fans joined in with "We The People," before Santino's music played to bring out Santino, Great Khali, and Hornswoggle. Swoggle tried to get Khali to power-walk to the ring, but that wasn't happening. Santino checked his imaginary watch to encourage Khali before WWE cut to a replay from Smackdown when Cesaro did the Big Swing on Titus O'Neil. After Cole endorsed a Feat of Strength by the heel, the bell sounded to begin Cesaro vs. Santino.

8 -- SANTINO (w/Great Khali and Hornswoggle) vs. ANTONIO CESARO (w/Jack Swagger and Zeb Colter)

Is this deal going to lead to a six-man tag match on Smackdown? Santino sold an early shoulder injury, suckering in Cesaro, but Cesaro responded with a European Uppercut. The commentary broke down as Cesaro continued to work on Santino. Cesaro then got things back on-track with a multiple-revolutions Big Swing. Ten, 15, 20, 25 revolutions as the vocal males stood up and applauded. Santino then stood up and collapsed on his back, losing his snake in the process.

Cesaro tried to follow up, but Santino suddenly busted out a takedown and rolled up Cesaro for the win. JBL said Santino has no idea what he just did because he was so dizzy. Post-match: Khali did the trumpet celebration, looking like he was taking a giant sip from a glass.

WINNER: Santino at 2:50.

Up Next: Orton-Bryan Face-to-Face.

[Commercial Break at 10:53]

Bryan-Orton Face-to-Face

Back live, Jerry Lawler's music was playing. Lawler was standing by in the ring to offer congratulations to Daniel Bryan and Brie Bella. WWE showed photos of Bryan and Brie getting engaged, further setting up for something to happen with this. Lawler said the full story will be on "Total Divas" this November, then Lawler brought out Daniel Bryan.

After Bryan entered the ring, Lawler introduced Randy Orton to shrieks from the females in the crowd. Orton very slowly made his way down to the ring as Raw hit the top of the hour.

[Q13 -- over-run] Lawler stood in between Orton and Bryan, noting this is supposed to be a verbal confrontation only, saving the physicality for Sunday. Lawler recapped Triple H stripping Bryan of the WWE Title a few weeks ago, prompting Orton to speak first. Orton said he was initially upset that Hunter did not give him the title back, but it motivated him to reach his potential, no longer a "watered-down Viper" who cared what the "idiots" think.

Orton said he's a new Viper. He said he will beat Bryan for the WWE Title on Sunday because he is genetically superior to a "small, pathetic, weak, B-Plus, goat-faced troll" like Bryan. Lawler spoke that those are some strong comments, then asked Bryan for his response.

Bryan said Orton talks a great game. A little monotonous and the product of practicing in front of a mirror a few times, Bryan said, "evaluating" Orton's promo. Bryan accused Orton of not being able to reach his full potential without the marketing push behind him. Bryan said he might be all the things Orton said, but he has never needed motivation to reach his full potential. Some of the crowd shouted, "Yes!" before Bryan vowed to achieve even more when he regains the WWE Title on Sunday.

Orton shouted, "No!" over "Yes!" chants before adding "Shut Up!" Orton said just because the crowd chants "Yes!," he thinks he can be champion? Orton said Bryan must think he's on a roll because he's marrying a Bella. Orton asked what's wrong with her to settle for Bryan. He said Brie will wake up one day and realize she's not sleeping with a man like him, but with a barnyard animal. That was enough for Bryan, who blasted Orton in the mouth before taking him to the outside and landing Yes! kicks. But, Orton reversed a whip into the ring steps and took out Bryan.

The fight continued ringside, including Orton posting Bryan. Orton sent Bryan shoulder-first into the ringpost, then again. Orton waved off the cameraman, then draped Bryan across the guardrail. Sign Guy tried to encourage Bryan before Orton took Bryan back into the ring. He wanted a DDT, but Brie Bella jogged down to ringside. Brie begged with Orton not to do it, but Orton dropped Bryan face-first on the floor. Brie covered her mouth in horror before Orton walked away. Or not.

Orton returned to the scene, sending Brie scurrying away. Orton then examined the announce table before tearing it apart. Orton taunted Brie from a distance before placing Bryan on the announce table. Some smaller voices pleaded with Daniel to fight back before Orton lifted Bryan on the table. Orton delivered an RKO through the table as little voices freaked out near the audio. Orton then stood over Bryan as Brie shouted, "Stop!" from a safe distance. Refs came over to check on Bryan as Orton slowly walked away. Brie checked on Bryan and Raw signed off 10 minutes past the top of the hour with Orton stretching his ankle to ensure it was okay.

[ JC's Reax: As Greg Parks and I discussed on last Thursday's Livecast, WWE booked themselves into a corner where their only remaining selling point for Orton-Bryan was to "make it personal." The WWE Title on the line isn't enough because they've already pulled the rug out from under the audience twice in the last two months, and Bryan-Orton isn't a strong-enough feud since Orton is Hunter's puppet and WWE has reinforced the idea of Bryan being "B-Plus" over and over for weeks without much of a sustained comeback from Bryan. So, WWE had to build up the Bryan/Brie engagement on the show, then use it to try to get people so angry that they'll order Battleground to see Bryan get revenge on Orton. ]

FINAL THOUGHTS: Overall, a weak show. A Creative mess with a parade of emasculated heels and faces in meaningless matches over the course of three hours. The only real selling points for Battleground are whether the Rhodes Family beats The Shield and if Bryan gets revenge on Orton. Punk vs. Ryback doesn't seem like much of a selling point since the main focus this week was on TV-related business.

Alerts: Follow PWTorch staffer's live, real-time tweets during Raw at Twitter.com/PWTorch/torch-staff .

We welcome your 0-10 score and comments on this show for a "Raw Reax" feature in the Torch Feedback section of PWTorch.com. To contribute your thoughts on Raw, email to pwtorch@gmail.com .

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