WWE Raw TV Results
June 30, 2014 - Episode #1,100
Live in Hartford, Conn.
Report by James Caldwell (@JCTorch), PWTorch assistant editor

The Card: John Cena & Roman Reigns vs. Randy Orton & Kane in the main event, the Usos & Sheamus vs. The Wyatts, and the return of a champion.

The Raw after Money in the Bank started with a video recap of last night's PPV, focusing on John Cena becoming WWE World Hvt. champion.

Live in the arena, Triple H's music played to bring out Hunter and Stephanie McMahon selling being in a fine mood tonight despite Cena winning the title last night. They nosed on-stage before casually strolling down to the ring. On commentary, Jerry Lawler said he's surprised to see The Authority in such a good mood right now. Michael Cole and JBL also accounted for themselves on commentary before The Authority spoke in the ring.

Stephanie thanked the booing crowd for an "amazing homecoming," then noted she was actually born in the city of Hartford. But, they feel so privileged to celebrate last night's PPV, Money in the Bank. Steph spoke over a loud "C-M Punk" chant about Daniel Bryan, then noted Bryan's recovery will take even longer than anticipated. She then got excited about Seth Rollins winning the MITB contract last night, virtually guaranteeing that he will become WWE champion.

Hunter spoke next that Rollins is the Future of WWE. No interruption from Randy Orton. Yet. Hunter said history was also made last night in the eight-man ladder match. And, the winner was John Cena, an A-Plus Player, just like they knew all along. Boos. Hunter then formally introduced Cena, whose entrance music received a very loud mix of boos and cheers.

Cena then emerged on-stage wearing both top title belts around his shoulders. Cena smirked toward the crowd, then slowly walked down to the ring as the crowd booed and cheered him. Cena entered the ring and stood his ground, not trusting The Authority despite their smiles and warm greetings.

Steph tried to speak, but Cena cut her off. Cena brought up Daniel Bryan, noting when Bryan comes back, he says he will be better than ever. Cena said he knows The Authority will not give him another shot at the title, but he will, so he hopes to see him soon. Loud "Yes!" chants from the crowd. So, what's on your mind? Steph said that was "very special," then moved on.

Steph asked the crowd how many of them are gamers. Because to commemorate Cena's 15th title, they are proud to announce that Cena will be featured on the cover of the WWE 2K15 video game. Drumroll, then a giant bannner came down from the ceiling with Cena alone on the cover. Cena's music played and Steph danced to his theme as Cena sold not being convinced of this. "Ta-da!" Steph gestured.

Cena cautiously said thanks, then said that's a great honor, but this isn't right. He said they are being way, way too nice way, way too soon. Because he was at MITB last night when he saw a completely different look. Cena cut to a photo of Hunter beside himself and Steph in disbelief. Steph said that photo is out of context, but Cena cut her off and said the reason why that's real and their smiles are phony is because The Authority does not control him. And, whether they like it or not, the Champ is Here.

Hunter told Cena to chill, homey. He knows they be close to West Newbury doing thugging, mocking Cena. Cena said he'll drop the r's and kick his ass right now. Hunter told him to chill, dog. He said they don't have a problem with Cena being on covers, making movies, and being a big Superstar, or even that he's the champion. As long as Cena does it with some respect. He gave him the Hard Way speech, then said he'll do it the hard way.

Hunter said if that's the way he wants it, then he will defend the WWE Title at Battleground in a fatal four-way match. Cena asked who's in the match. Hunter said that's funny because Cena will face two of those men tonight. One will be Randy Orton. And the other is Kane. Hunter told him he will have a partner tonight; the fourth man at the PPV, Roman Reigns. Big pop for the mention of Reigns. Hunter told Cena to enjoy this because it goes by fast.

Cena sarcastically congratulated Hunter for making the match, then noted he will have earned his title victory if he wins on Sunday. He said that's almost as bad as being shoved in a pile of crap. Closer to Stephanie. Or, swimming in a pool of crap. Steph kept smiling. Or, swimming in a pool of crap. He dropped the mic and left, but Hunter cut off his music. Hunter said he wants to make sure Cena understands that he's in a fatal four-way, and if he survives that, there is always a Plan B.

[Q2] Seth Rollins's music played and out came the WWE Title MITB contract holder to stand next to Cena. Rollins smiled as he clutched the briefcase, then Rollins continued walking down to the ring, apparently for the opening match. Rollins stood tall with The Authority before Raw cut to break.

[Commercial Break at 8:17]

1-- SETH ROLLINS vs. ROB VAN DAM

RVD was on his way to the ring back from break. Once the bell sounded, RVD frustrated Rollins by knocking him out of the ring. Rollins sold back pain from the MITB ladder match last night, then re-entered the ring and took another beating from RVD, who was selling leg pain from MITB. RVD continued to dominate, even putting Rollins in a leg submission until Rollins rolled out of the ring again. RVD followed up this time and took a big clothesline from Rollins. Rollins in control heading to break.

[Commercial Break at 8:23]

Back from break, Rollins was working on RVD back in the ring. RVD fought back with a kick strike, then nailed Rolling Thunder for a two count. RVD then positioned Rollins for a split-legged moonsault to Rollins's injured back for another two count. But, Rollins came back with a leg whip to the injured leg. Rollins tried to follow with a piledriver or perhaps a Bucklebomb, but his back gave out. So, Rollins tried again, but RVD countered with a mid-air head scissors.

[Q3] RVD climbed to the top turnbuckle for Five-Star, but he took too much time, allowing Rollins to slowly roll out of the ring. RVD adjusted his flight plan and took out Rollins with a big splash on the outside. But, Rollins caught RVD on the way back into the ring and twisted his knee into the ropes. RVD sold, then Rollins nailed the Curb Stomp. Rollins slowly covered and it was good for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Rollins at 11:43. Nice match. Rollins needed a clean victory, RVD could afford to give him one, and RVD had an "out" of getting worked over the night before at MITB. Also of note, RVD has suddenly come to life after going through the motions for a few months.

Post-match: Renee Young tried to interview Rollins, but he blew her off and took over the interview time. Rollins said everyone is just bitter that he was right about winning MITB and they wrong. Because this is his golden ticket to get a shot at the WWE Title any time, anywhere. Suddenly, Dean Ambrose interrupted from the video screen. Ambrose said this is not over. And Rollins definitely did not win. In fact, his Plan A failed, so Hunter had to send Uncle Kane down to the ring for Plan B. But, he's not even upset because this might be more fun. He vowed to be right next to Rollins every time he plans to cash in the briefcase and make it blow up in his face. "Seth, believe that," he concluded.

Still to come: Sheamus & The Usos vs. The Wyatts in a six-man tag match. Plus, the main event of Cena & Reigns vs. Orton & Kane.

[Commercial Break at 8:36]

Rusev Crush Segment

In-ring: Rusev's theme played back from break to bring out Rusev and Lana for the next match. In the ring, Lana spoke about Rusev's last opponent, Big E., being a failure, but that's okay because America is accustomed to failure. In fact, it's woven in the culture. Pause for a "USA" chant, which she mocked before shouting, "Shut up!" Lana said they teach children it's not about winning or losing, but just participating. Lana transitioned to hyping Russia and Vladimir Putin, then claimed that no one can stop Rusev's onslaught. "Who will be America's next failure - to compete against Rusev?" she asked. Rusev took the mic before someone could answer, then Rusev vowed to crush. He stopped at three sentences before the "What?" chants could build steam. Instead, a "USA" chant picked up.

Jack Swagger's music then played to bring out Swagger, followed by Zeb Colter. The music cut off as Swagger and Zeb marched down to the ring without speaking. Zeb led Swagger into the ring, then said he is sick and tired of listening to this each and every week. He told Lana - if that is her real name - that she is allowed to slam America because they have Freedom of Speech. And he would like to exercise his Freedom by telling Lana and Rusev something. He thinks a Real American can stop the Rusev Crush. And, he wants them to listen to the sound of Real America crashing down on them as they rise together, join in, and shout, "We the People," which the crowd joined in on. Rusev smiled and got excited about the challenge as Swagger squared off with him.

[Q4] Lana calmed down Rusev and instructed him to back down. Rusev wanted to fight, but Lana convinced Rusev to back down. "Let's Go Swagger" chant from the crowd before Rusev reluctantly started to leave the ring. Lana turned her back, thinking Rusev would leave the ring, but he charged Swagger, who dropped him with armdrags. Rusev slipped out of the ring and Lana freaked out over Rusev disobeying her instructions. Swagger proudly stood tall in the ring as Rusev and Lana retreated.

[ JC's Reax: Was this one of Vince McMahon's deals where he likes to prove that he can set up any situation where anyone will be cheered, no matter what someone has done or said for months, even years? We'll see if this sticks beyond the next PPV. ]

Backstage: Sheamus and The Usos were shown walking down the hallway ahead of the six-man tag match.

[Commercial Break at 8:48]

Back from break, Sheamus was in the ring getting himself and the crowd fired up. The Usos then came out to a strong reception to join Sheamus in the ring. The Wyatts's them interrupted and they made their way to the ring in the darkness as the arena was filled with cell phone lights.

2 -- U.S. champion SHEAMUS & WWE tag champs THE USOS (JIMMY & JEY) vs. THE WYATTS (BRAY WYATT & LUKE HARPER & ERICK ROWAN) -- six-man tag match

The Usos and Sheamus quickly asserted themselves, sending Raw to an early break with the face trio in control.

[Commercial Break at 8:55]

The Wyatts were in control back from break. The crowd tried to rally behind the Usos, but Rowan, Harper, and Bray continued to tag in and out working on Jimmy. He eventually broke free and tagged in Sheamus, who ran over the heels with power offense. Rowan went flying to the ring apron, where Sheamus lit him up with Ten Forearms to the Chest. Harper saved Rowan from further blows, but Sheamus took out both men with a splash from the ring apron.

[Q5 -- second hour] Sheamus tossed Rowan back into the ring, ducked a clothesline, and scoopslammed Rowan. Sheamus But, Bray distracted Sheamus before he could finish Rowan. The heels re-assumed control, then Harper smashed Sheamus with a big running boot to the face. The Wyatts started working on Sheamus, building to a hot tag to one of the Usos. And, losing some of the crowd, which started chanting JBL's name.

At 12:00, Sheamus finally broke free and tagged in Jey Uso. Jey cleared Harper from the ring, then flew over the top rope with a big splash on the outside. Back in the ring, Uso ducked Harper and kicked him in the face. Chaos in the ring, then Harper smashed Uso with a big clothesline. Harper covered and it was good for the pin and the win.

WINNERS: Wyatts at 13:06. Interestingly, Bray continues to feel like more of a background player ever since losing to John Cena, even in his own group, giving way to the new Face of the Wyatts, Luke Harper. Good tag match.

Backstage: Tom Phillips interviewed Nikki Bella about inviting Brie Bella to MITB last night. Stephanie interrupted and told Nikki that she and Brie have a match against The Funkadacytls tonight. But, oh wait, Brie is not in WWE anymore. Oh, and change into your gear because the match is next.

Parking Garage: A limo pulled up for the former WWE champion returning to WWE. Cole offered the mouth-full description of this man being a "cross-platform entertainer" before Raw cut to break.

[Commercial Break at 9:11]

[Q6] Back from break, Bo Dallas's music was playing. Bo emerged on-stage prepared to inspire on the mic. Bo clutched the mic like a gift, then thanked the crowd for their support. He said he is here to ask the crowd to join them for 60 seconds of silence in honor of two great stars who are physically unable to compete right now, Bad News Barrett and Daniel Bryan. A spotlight came over Bo as he took a knee and knelt down. "Okay, that's enough, Bo," Lawler said. JBL hushed him. "We're almost there, King," he added. Lawler said this isn't inspirational, but boring. The 60 seconds spilled over into two minutes.

Eventually, Bo raised his head and smiled. Bo said he was the voice of inspiration for Daniel Bryan last night. And, he was also the bigger man. Bo introduced a video package from the MITB pre-show when Bryan noted he will be out longer than expected, but he plans to return better than ever. Bo Dallas interrupted and tried to encourage Bryan, who responded that he needs to Bo, Leave.

Back to Dallas, who told the crowd to never stop Bo-lieving. Suddenly, the Bellas's theme played to bring out Nikki Bella, who walked past Bo on the way to the ring for handicap match action. Brodus Clay's music played to bring out Cameron and Naomi as the opposition. They were on the same page during ring intros.

3 -- NIKKI BELLA vs. CAMERON & NAOMI -- handicap match

Cameron wanted to start the match, so Naomi took the high road and obliged. Cameron mocked Nikki's sister drama in-between slaps, then Naomi tagged herself into the match. Naomi quickly got the win, embarrassing Cameron. Post-match, Cameron recovered and entered the ring to push and shove Naomi, who shoved back. They nearly came to blows, but Cameron walked out on Naomi.

WINNER: Naomi at 2:10. The slow burn continues, while Nikki did not put up much of a fight facing the stacked deck. Has she not paid attention to any of John Cena's storylines over the last ten years?

Up Next: Medical update on Bad News Barrett.

[Commercial Break at 9:25]

Announcers: Cole went back to Friday's Smackdown when Jack Swagger aggressively assaulted Wade Barrett, including putting Barrett into the barricade twice. Swagger, the guy who just turned face an hour ago. Cole said Barrett is out a few months, so the IC Title is vacant. Cole tried to muster excitement saying they will determine the new champion at Battleground ... in a battle royal. JBL and Lawler sat quietly, then Lawler blurted out that he likes battle royals.

Suddenly, Paul Heyman interrupted from the stage. Heyman hyped his client, Cesaro, as the man to become the next IC champion at Battleground. After Cesaro made his ring entrance, Kofi Kingston was introduced as Cesaro's opponent. WWE cut to an inset promo of Kofi saying how great it would be to become IC champion again at Battleground.

[Q7]

4 -- CESARO (w/Paul Heyman) vs. KOFI KINGSTON

As Cesaro and Kofi battled, Lawler asked JBL if karma came back to bite Barrett in the butt after delivering all that bad news for months. Meanwhile, Cole said Kofi is really fun to watch, especially when ladders are involved. If only he could win a pesky match or two. In the ring, Cesaro worked on Kofi as some of the vocal males chanted for Ziggler. Kofi tried to fight back, but Cesaro scoopslammed him.

Cesaro teased the Big Swing, but pulled off, drawing boos. Lawler said he could sense the crowd wanted to see the Swing, so he did not give it to him. Suddenly, Kofi scored a close two count, but Cesaro cut him off in the corner. A "C-M Punk" chant picked up some steam heading to break.

[Commercial Break at 9:37]

Back from break, the match was over. Yes, a match ended during the break. Of course, it was Kofi, who finally got a win, and they didn't even show it on TV. The ending was to set up Cesaro with a big post-match attack. Cesaro blasted Kofi out of the ring, then into the crowd, chucking Kofi into barricades in the stands. Back to ringside, Cesaro continued to assault Kofi. WWE then cut to a replay of the match finish on the App before replaying Cesaro destroying Kofi after the match.

WINNER: Kofi (unverified by real-time visual TV evidence) at 8:40ish. Creative way to protect Cesaro by having him lose and not show it real-time on TV, then give him the big spotlight of a post-match attack. At least they gave Kofi a replay of the victory, but it's comical they chose a Kofi victory to be the first match where a match ended during the break.

[Q8] Undisclosed Location: Santino talked to his Cobra about no one showing up to his party. Not even Emma. Suddenly, a man poured a drink on Santino's red Solo cup. It was Adam Rose pitching Twisted Tea. Out came a stripped-down collection of Rosebuds to party with Santino and pitch the alcoholic drink.

Back to ringside, Cole was injured after being knocked out during Cesaro's attack on Kofi. Lawler and JBL checked on Cole, but JBL said it's too bad Cole was feeling okay. Cole then dejectedly read a tweet from Hulk Hogan celebrating Cena's title victory at MITB on Sunday.

Still to come: Cena & Reigns vs. Orton & Kane in the main event.

[Commercial Break at 9:46]

Back from break, Mr. McMahon's theme music randomly played. The announcers jumped on this being McMahon returning to TV, but out came Damien Sandow dressed with the Shane McMahon gray hair look, wild strut to the ring, big suit, and a scraggly beard. Sandow stomped the ring steps on the way into the ring, demanded the mic like McMahon, and Cole said McMahon has shrunk.

On the mic, Sandow welcomed everyone to Monday Night Rawwwww. He introduced himself as Mr. McMahon-dow. And then noted his eye for talent, like Hulk Hogan, Triple H, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and a man who is the most talented man to ever step foot in this ring, a man who everyone is too ignorant to appreciate, Damien Sandow. (All of these names with McMahon's typical flair for the dramatic.)

Sandow said he's officially entering himself into the IC Title battle royal, and if anyone ha a problem with that, you're firrrrrred. Stephanie McMahon suddenly appeared on the video screen growling angrily at Sandow. She shouted at Sandow for making fun of her father, then calmed down and said McMahon has built this business by toppling giants. So, Sandow gets to face one of the other Battleground competitors. And the match is now. Out came Great Khali as Lawler noted Steph was a little heavy-handed.

5 -- GREAT KHALI vs. DAMIEN SANDOW

Khali Chop, slow cover, and a three count. That was it for Sandow as Khali's grown-out hair filled the screen in his TV return. After a replay of the match, Khali returned to stand over Sandow and pose after getting his cue.

WINNER: Khali Chop at 0:06.

Backstage: WWE showed the black limo still waiting in the parking garage. Lawler read the 10 descriptors used for this man before the limo driver opened the door. The reveal is next.

[Commercial Break at 9:56]

Battleground plug: Cena vs. Orton vs. Reigns vs. Kane for the WWE Title on July 20.

Limo Reveal

Justin Roberts welcomed back a former WWE champion and cross-platform, multi-media Superstar. After a pause, a movie trailer aired. Flashing lights. "Awesome." And out came The Miz dressed like a Hollywood Superstar, doing the house show routine from the past few weeks. JBL was unimpressed, saying it's Miz, just Miz.

Miz, dressed with sunglasses, a scarf, and white suit, took the mic and slowly said, "I'm back." Miz removed the shades to reinforce the point, then noted he has been gone for four months filming "Marine 4," and he was tempted to shoot more films to perfect the art of acting. Because he was told he's better than WWE and on track to be Hollywood's biggest star. So, why is he back? The answer is all of them. "All of you," he said. "The WWE Universe doesn't realize or see the A-List Talent that I am." Miz said he feels taken for granted, but he is here to remind everyone that they are all wrong about him.

Miz said he can do anything and everything. And, he will not leave WWE until he main-events WrestleMania once again. Miz continued to speak and intentionally bore the crowd until pyro suddenly shot off. It was Chris Jericho, whose light-up jacket filled the screen. Jericho then showed up on the stage with his jacket opened to reveal his chest for the crowd. Jericho paused on the stage to survey the crowd as Miz stood angrily in the ring. Meanwhile, Cole rattled off Jericho's platforms.

[ JC's Reax: WWE needs star power, they are having trouble developing stars, and so they brought back Jericho. ]

Jericho eventually hit the ring and waited out a "Y2J" chant as Miz tried to contain his anger with deep breaths. Jericho did the "I'm not going to speak" routine, getting the crowd to provide noise as Miz stood annoyed opposite him in the ring. Miz finally asked the aged Jericho if he has something to say. Oh wait, this is 2012 Jericho who shows up, doesn't talk, and stands there in his jacket.

Jericho removed the jacket, revealing a vest. Miz asked Jericho if he knows how important he is. Miz rattled off his claimed accomplishments, then Jericho quieted him with a Codebreaker in the middle of the ring. Jericho fired up the crowd, which responded with "Y2J" chants. Jericho then grabbed the mic and said that felt good as Miz rolled out of the ring in the background.

Jericho said he has been waiting a long time to say these words, and he will say them right here, tonight. "Welcome to Raw is Jericho!" but he was cut off by Bray Wyatt. Suddenly, the Wyatts were in the ring. Jericho sold concern as he stood opposite the trio. Jericho adjusted his jeans, then Bray charged him. Jericho tried to fight out of the situation, but the Wyatts mauled him, using their numbers advantage. Bray then grappled Jericho for Sister Abigail to spoil Jericho's return.

[ JC's Reax: And there's Bray's big follow-up program to keep him in the spotlight post-Cena.]

[Commercial Break at 10:11]

Moments Ago: The Wyatts targeted and assaulted a returning Chris Jericho. Lawler said he does not understand why they targeted Jericho.

[Q10] Meanwhile, Fandango and Layla were dancing in the ring. Dolph Ziggler's music then played to face Fandango in the comedown match. Before the match started, WWE plugged Ziggler vs. Cesaro on Main Event tomorrow night.

6 -- DOLPH ZIGGLER vs. FANDANGO (w/Layla)

On the App, Layla and Summer Rae agreed to a truce. How long will that last? Fandango tried to one-up Ziggler with gyrations, which angered Ziggler. But, Fandango cut off Ziggler and got a smooch from Layla on the ring apron. Ziggler made a comeback on Fandango, then Summer Rae suddenly walked into the ring and made sure Fandango was looking before she kissed Ziggler. Fandango sold being heart-broken, then Summer and Ziggler went at it even more in the ring. "Summer, what are you doing?" Fandango asked.

Suddenly, Ziggler sprung on Fandango with the Zig-Zag, popping the crowd. Ziggler made the pin for the win as Layla sold annoyance in the background, both with Summer for the interruption and Fandango for being too into Summer.

WINNER: Ziggler at 2:37. And Raw is back to short-length matches after a nice start with two long-form matches in the first hour.

[Commercial Break at 10:20]

Last Week: Vickie Guerrero was "fired," but she mud-bathed Stephanie McMahon on the way out.

In-ring: Ryback and Curtis Axel were introduced for the next match. Goldust & Cody Rhodes a/k/a Stardust were then introduced as their opponents in a re-match from MITB last night.

7 -- GOLDUST & STARDUST vs. RYBACK & CURTIS AXEL

"Look at you, you're nothing!" Axel shouted in Goldust's face to begin things. Ryback then tagged in to put the boots to Goldust. Ryback wanted the Meathook Clothesline on Goldust, but Goldie ducked and tagged in Stardust. Cody used his quickness to avoid Axel, who also tagged in. Cody cleared Ryback, too, then nailed a swinging faceplant on Axel for the pin and the win. Cue up the post-match interpretive dance.

WINNERS: Rhodes Bros. at 3:25. Repeat for those who don't have the Network. Or didn't order the PPV.

[Q11] Backstage: Divas champion Paige was shown walking. She has a message following her latest Divas Title defense last night at MITB.

[Commercial Break at 10:31]

In-ring: Divas champion Paige was introduced to the ring for a promo. Paige took the mic and listened to the crowd before noting she's a woman of few words who lets her actions speak for her, but now she knows there were a few people who thought she did not deserve to be a champion. But, she feels like in the past three months, she deserves to be here and she has proven that she is here to stay.

Suddenly, A.J. Lee's music played. And out came A.J. making her return to TV for the first time since the night after WrestleMania when Paige won the title from her. A.J. skipped around the ring, then entered the ring to "C-M Punk" chants.

A.J. said she came out here just to tell Paige that she is right. She said this isn't entirely easy for her to say, but Paige did what no woman in almost a year could do - she proved her wrong. A.J. said she let success go to her head. And, yes, she was the longest-reigning Divas champion of all-time. But, she should not have rubbed it in everyones's faces like she did. Then, Paige gave her the slap of reality that she needed. So, she wants to return the favor by saying thank you and congratulations.

Paige asked A.J. how stupid she thinks she is doing the exact same thing she did to her. Besides, she doesn't think anyone here wants to see her defend the Divas Title against her tonight. The crowd said they want to see the match, upon A.J.'s leading, then Paige agreed to defend the title. A referee was on stand-by and the match was on.

8 -- Divas champion PAIGE vs. A.J. LEE -- Divas Title match

Paige was aggressive early on, using headbutts to knock down A.J. after withstanding an early attack from A.J. Paige then got in A.J.'s face and continued to attack her, but A.J. fought back and rolled up Paige out of nowhere for a three count, causing Paige to make the same mistake that A.J. made the night after WrestleMania. Paige sold shock in the ring as A.J. paraded around the ring with the title, then shock turned to tears.

WINNER: A.J. at 1:04 to re-capture the Divas Title. And, the Divas Division is back on-track setting up the inevitable long-form match between Paige and A.J. Oh, and Paige did not look pregnant.

[Q12] [Commercial Break at 10:44]

This Friday: Sheamus's Fourth of July U.S. Title Challenge on Smackdown.

Announcers: Triple H was at commentary, but without a headset, so he shouted near Jerry Lawler's headset about why he was ringside for the main event. Kane's pyro then shot off to bring out Kane as the first man in the main event. Randy Orton, fresh off getting 12 staples in his head last night, was out next. Orton nodded toward Hunter ringside before posing in the ring.

Out first for the face duo was WWE champ John Cena, who displayed his title belts to the crowd and flashed a "Never Give Up" towel toward the on-stage camera. Cena slid into the ring, then The Shield's music played to bring out Roman Reigns through the crowd, even walking past a "Linda for Senate" sign held up in the crowd.

9 -- WWE World Hvt. champion JOHN CENA & ROMAN REIGNS vs. RANDY ORTON & KANE

The bell sounded six minutes before the top of the hour and the ritualistic "Let's Go Cena / Cena Sucks" chants started up as Cena and Orton started the match. Reigns tagged in and wanted Orton, but Orton opted to tag in Kane. Reigns promptly clotheslined Kane over the top rope and Raw cut to break with Hunter trying to talk sense into an angry Kane.

[Commercial Break at 10:56]

Raw returned one minute before the top of the hour with Orton working on Reigns, apparently now feeling confident enough to square off with Reigns. Orton and Kane started exchanging tags leading to the top of the hour.

[Q13 -- over-run] Reigns fought back against Orton, nailing a running forearm to the chest. A big corner clothesline followed. No tag to Cena, as Reigns opted to leave the ring and square off with Kane, who ate the guardrail. But, Orton snuck up behind Reigns and clotheslined him to the ground, drawing a sly smile from Hunter.

Back in the ring, Reigns fought back against Kane, but Orton tagged in and cut off Reigns. Meanwhile, Lawler decided to flash back to earlier in the show when Swagger encountered Rusev. Cole added that Kofi won a match against Cesaro on the App. Reigns finally made the tag to Cena, and the Pro-Cena fans exploded. Cena cleaned house, then teased the Five Knuckle Shuffle on Orton as Hunter stood up at ringside.

Shuffle connected, then Cena teased the AA, but Orton fought out. Kane tagged in for Orton, then Kane took a Shuffle from the Champ. Cena wanted to end Kane, but Orton snuck back into the ring to drop Cena with an RKO. "Yeah!" from Hunter. But, Reigns cleared Orton before nailing a Superman Punch on Kane. Orton and Reigns fought up the ramp toward the back.

Meanwhile, Kane chucked Cena into the ring steps back at ringside. Kane then decided to re-arrange the ring steps to inflict punishment to Cena, smashing him in the forehead. The ref called for the bell, DQ'ing Team Kane as Hunter walked over to the scene. "Finish him," Hunter told Kane. Back in the ring, Kane hoisted Cena in the air for a Tombstone Piledriver, and he connected. Big smile from Hunter, who will explain afterward that he "got caught up in the moment" and wasn't showing his true feelings.

WINNERS: Team Cena via DQ at 12:05.

Kane and Hunter conferenced, then a medic hit the ring to check on Cena. Hunter decided to slip into the ring to check on Cena, or pretend to check on Cena. Hunter checked Cena for life, then Hunter waved toward the back. Out came Seth Rollins with his MITB briefcase. Rollins surveyed Cena's condition, then handed over the briefcase. Ref John Cone was reluctant to make the match official, giving Dean Ambrose enough time to storm the ring out of nowhere and attack Rollins, driving him out of the ring.

Rollins high-tailed it into the crowd, but Ambrose chased him down and they fought into the crowd. Back at ringside, Hunter told ref Cone he's an idiot, then Kane started re-arranging furniture. Kane wanted to end Cena with a chair, but Reigns stormed the ring and speared Kane right in Hunter's face. Reigns and Hunter had a staredown from a distance as the crowd shouted, "Yes!" at the scene. Hunter, seething and holding Rollins's briefcase, pointed toward something over Reigns's shoulder, but Reigns did not move. "This is awesome" chant from the crowd as the two men continued to stare each other down. Long staredown.

Hunter then hopped off the ring apron to boos. The Shield's music played as Hunter walked away from ringside and Reigns matched his glare with a stare. Raw signed off 11 minutes past the top of the hour.

FINAL THOUGHTS: A night-after-WrestleMania quality big reset show setting the stage for Summerslam when WWE's first big Network renewal period comes up. WWE needs a hot product in July and August heading into the fall season and this was Step 1 in creating momentum. Now, can they follow through?

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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