WWE Raw TV Results
July 21, 2014 - Episode #1,103
Live in Miami, Fla.
Report by James Caldwell (@JCTorch), PWTorch assistant editor

The Card: Triple H's "Decision" on who John Cena will defend the WWE World Title against at Summerslam, Chris Jericho hosting Bray Wyatt on the Highlight Reel, Nikki Bella vs. Cameron & Alicia Fox & Rosa Mendes & Eva Marie in a handicap match, and Flo Rida performing.

Live Raw on USA Network

Raw opened with a live shot inside the arena, then Justin Roberts introduced COO Triple H to kick off the show. Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler, and JBL were shown on-camera setting the stage for the show, noting John Cena retained the WWE World Title last night at Battleground.

In the ring, Hunter opened by saying no one wanted to talk to him walking down the hallway during the day. He said everyone was afraid of him because the WWE Title did not come back to The Authority, but stayed with John Cena. (Cheers and Boos) Hunter said he is very, very mad, but he has options on how to handle this. What is he going to do about it? I'm going to ... going to ... tweet my displeasure. Hunter said he might just send an Instagram or a Vine. And in that tweet, he is going to threaten if he doesn't get what he wants. "Yeah, I'm gonna riot!" he said. And if that doesn't work, he and his friend Mark are going to stop watching. (Someone in WWE was sensitive to the Battleground reaction last night.)

Or, he could just fire everyone back there. Or, he could just ... relax. Ah. Relax knowing that sooner or later, he always wins. Hunter said he can guaran-damn-tee that Cena will no longer be WWE World champion at Summerslam. (Cheers and Boos) But, the question is "who?" "Who gets the opportunity?"

Suddenly, Randy Orton's music interrupted. Orton interrupted his own music asking H if they're really doing this right now. Orton said he's been waiting four months for his one-on-one re-match since WrestleMania. "It's damn true," Orton said, channeling Kurt Angle. Orton guaranteed victory over Cena if he gets a one-on-one match at Summerslam. Hunter said he can appreciate that confidence and he makes a compelling argument, but he hasn't made up his mind. Hunter said everyone on the roster will get a chance to convince him.

Hunter said he wants someone to impress him and go the extra mile. "For me," he said. "More than anything in their life. More than anything, they want to be WWE champion." Orton said if Kane would have just done his job last night, he would be standing here right now as WWE champion. On cue, Kane's pyro shot off to bring out The Authority's hired henchmen to offer his thoughts on the conversation.

In the ring, Kane robotically said he knows he can get the job done. As long as he doesn't have to act as Randy Orton's protector. Kane said he's tired of babysitting. Hunter tried to calm down his hired help, but The Shield's music interrupted to bring out Roman Reigns through the crowd. Reigns marched down to ringside, then slid into the ring looking to convince Hunter of getting another title shot.

Reigns said last time he checked, no one wants to see Cena vs. Kane and definitely not Cena vs. Orton again. It sounds like everyone wants to see Cena vs. Roman Reigns, which got a better pop than last night in Tampa. Reigns then charged across the ring with a Superman Punch to Kane. Orton recoiled, Hunter bailed out of the ring, and Hunter addressed Reigns from a safe distance. He booked Reigns in a match right now. And it will be Reigns vs. Kane and Orton in a handicap match. And that will take place right now.

[Commercial Break at 8:12]

[Q2]

1 -- ROMAN REIGNS vs. RANDY ORTON & KANE

Reigns started off on the defensive, prompting a "Roman Reigns" chant from the crowd. Reigns continued to take a beating before being knocked to the outside. Kane tried to whip Reigns into the ring steps, but Reign reversed and Kane ate the steps. Reigns stood tall in the ring heading to break.

[Commercial Break at 8:19]

Raw returned with Reigns back on the defensive against The Authority's top heels. Reigns made his comeback and Cole was produced to talk about social media items. Meanwhile, Lawler and JBL traded barbs on whether Reigns is impressing Triple H.

Kane cut off Reigns and reached over to Orton to tag him in, but Orton shook his head no. So, Kane grabbed Orton around the throat, which allowed Reigns to blast Kane from behind. Reigns then speared Kane for the pin and the win. Afterward, Reigns stared down Orton, who decided to bail from ringside and head to the back.

WINNER: Reigns at 12:22. Bells and whistles on the heel side to protect Reigns in a singles situation. Reigns has great flashes and his signature offense looks great, but he needs more time to develop into a main event-level singles wrestler keeping the audience engaged during the meat of his matches. The standard is much higher at this level and he's going to need time to develop in this role.

Backstage: Heel Divas Alicia Fox, Rosa Mendes, Eva Marie, and Cameron were chatting about taking out Nikki Bella tonight when Stephanie McMahon walked in. Steph offered them a pep-talk to take out Nikki tonight and teach Brie Bella a lesson.

[Q3] [Commercial Break at 8:29]

Generic Smackdown Plug: Did Dean Ambrose get his revenge on Seth Rollins at Battleground? Eh...too soon.

In-ring: Alicia Fox's music brought out the heel quartet. Before Nikki Bella was introduced, WWE re-replayed Brie Bella slapping Stephanie McMahon at Payback last month, setting in motion Nikki Bella paying for Brie's slap for several weeks. On the pre-game show, WWE noted Nikki has a surprise for this situation. Apparently it was Brie, who was on the front row in street clothes to give Nikki a sisterly hug before the match.

Before the bell sounded, Stephanie McMahon's music played. Stephanie marched out on-stage with something to say about Brie sitting on the front row. "Oh look, it's the quitter," she said. Stephanie slipped and called Brie "Nikki," before noting it's quite fitting she's just another face in the crowd after quitting in favor of Daniel Bryan. The crowd jumped into "Yes!" shouts at the Bryan mention. Brie smiled along, then Steph noted Bryan was stripped of the WWE World Title (boos) and has been injured ever since. "Smart move, Brie!" she said.

Steph said now Brie gets to watch Nikki get demolished tonight, and it's all because of her. "You're such a b----," Brie said off-mic, popping one fan huge on the second row. Steph wanted Brie kicked out of the building, but Brie pulled out a ticket. She then yanked the mic away from Steph and called her a "vindictive b----." Steph slapped Brie across the face and Brie tried to hop the guardrail to attack Steph, but she had security haul Brie away. Steph called her a pathetic loser on the way out before calling for the bell.

[ JC's Reax: The constant use of the b-word in this program is bordering on cheap heat to get a reaction. It's too much like WWE's writing during past eras when women were scripted to lower themselves by cussing each other out for the amusement of viewers. Kind of like Season 1 of "Total Divas" casting women in a negative light by how catty they were presented. It's easy to get a reaction playing to the lowest level of women calling each other the b-word, and it's a concerning message to viewers when it's the babyface constantly using the word to express her anger with the heel abusing power. Because the audience is so de-sensitized to how this comes across by how often this is seen across TV, it seems like a normal response for Brie's character, but it's actually quite demeaning. ]

2 -- NIKKI BELLA vs. ALICIA FOX & ROSA MENDES & CAMERON & EVA MARIE -- handicap match

The heel Divas immediately jumped on Nikki and beat her down with no sense of order to the proceedings. Steph watched as Nikki was dismantled and the ref stood helpless. Post-match, Nikki was knocked out of the ring. Suddenly, the screen went black, then Steph told Nikki that she's going to end up quitting just like her sister. Steph smugly walked off, satisfied with her work for the evening.

WINNERS: Heel Divas at 1:05.

Still to come: Triple H makes The Decision on who faces John Cena at Summerslam. And, Flo Rida performs.

[Commercial Break at 8:41]

[Q4] In-ring: Bo Dallas was in the ring ready to inspire. JBL said this is like the '72 Dolphins. Basketball music then brought out Damien Sandow dressed as LeBron James, drawing boos fresh off James leaving Miami for Cleveland. Sandow walked down to the ring promo'ing on LeBron, then on Bo Dallas. He said if Bo is smart, he'll leave just like he (LeBron) did.

3 -- DAMIEN SANDOW vs. BO DALLAS

Sandow pounded away on Dallas early on, looking fresh in his basketball shorts, jersey, headband, and basketball shoes. "Let's Go Heat" chant from the crowd, which distracted Sandow momentarily. But, Sandow ran over Dallas with a clothesline. Lawler summed up the overall issue with this match situation: "I don't know who to cheer here." LeBron did MVP's ballin' motion, then scooped up Bo for a bodyslam. Sandow tried to follow with the Elbow of Disdain, but Bo moved just in-time. Bo followed right up with the Bo-Dog for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Dallas at 2:33. So, one week, Bo is a clear heel running over little El Torito in a post-match victory situation and this week Bo is the default babyface opposite "LeBron James" in Miami. The messy re-introduction for Dallas continues.

Up Next: Chris Jericho hosts Bray Wyatt on the Highlight Reel one night after Jericho beat Wyatt at Battleground.

[Commercial Break at 8:52]

Tomorrow night: Sheamus guest-stars on "Royal Pains."

Highlight Reel

Back from break, Michael Cole said a situation has developed between Jericho and Bray Wyatt. Jericho was not in the ring for the Highlight Reel, then Bray Wyatt interrupted on the video screen and told Miami that they're here. Out came Bray, Erick Rowan, and Luke Harper. Cole said moments ago Jericho was being interviewed backstage when he was attacked and assaulted by the Wyatts.

Once the Wyatts hit the ring, Bray said hello to everyone in the crowd. He played Chris Jericho welcoming everyone to the Highlight Reel. Unfortunately, the scheduled host Chris Jericho is unable to make it at the moment. "He is a bit indisposed," Bray laughed to himself. Where could he be? Bray pointed to the video screen, which was footage of Bray and Co. confronting Jericho in the locker room. The fight was on, then Bray stopped the fight to perform a wrestling move - Sister Abigail - into one of the locker room stalls. Bray then sat down in the stall and told Jericho: "Sooner or later, they all fall down."

Back live at Bray Wyatt's Highlight Reel, Bray laughed to himself and wondered aloud where Jericho is. "Surprise, surprise, he ain't here for you," Bray said. "But I am." Bray said he knows everyone is thinking that because Jericho had his arm raised last night that Jericho is a better man than he is. Bray said he does not burden himself with such petty things because a loss in the battle does not affect the result of the war. "I created war!" he shouted.

[Q5 -- second hour] Bray Wyatt continued that in their one-year reign of terror, they have destroyed folks and brought so-called heroes to their knees. "I am Bray Wyatt, the eater of worlds, and I am every bit the monster they think I am," he said. Bray said he cannot be measured like a normal man. Not by money or time. But, ever since last night, he can't shake something; something that Abigail used to say to him. Because if you go around chasing vengeance, you better dig two graves: one for your enemy and one for yourself. "Unfortunately for you, Chris Jericho, I am forever," he said before leaning back and looking toward the ceiling.

Locker Room: Chris Jericho was bleeding from the ear. R-Truth and Zack Ryder checked on Jericho while the medical trainer administered aid. "What happened Truth?" asked. Apparently he was very engrossed in checking on Jericho that he missed Bray's promo.

Announcers: Cole, Lawler, and JBL recapped what just happened as the crowd booed something in the background.

Still to come: Triple H decides who will face John Cena at Summerslam.

Backstage: Flo Rida and his entourage were shown walking down the hallway greeting various WWE stars.

In-ring: The Miz was introduced to the ring as the new Intercontinental champion. Miz was dressed in all-white flashing the IC Title belt to everyone in the crowd. Cole said Miz is in action next.

[Commercial Break at 9:04]

Back from break, Miz was still posing in the ring with the IC Title. The announcers recapped the IC Title battle royal coming down to Sheamus and Dolph Ziggler, who eliminated Sheamus to appear to win, but Miz snuck back into the ring to eliminate Ziggler to win. Ziggler was then introduced as Miz's opponent for the Battle of Cleveland in Miami.

4 -- IC champion THE MIZ vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER -- non-title match

Ziggler quickly got his hands on Miz to take out his frustration from Battleground last night. But, Miz caught Ziggler on the way back into the ring and cut him off. Ziggler quickly absorbed Miz's attack and delivered nine "heart-stopping" elbow drops to Miz's chest. Miz avoided the tenth, then cut off Ziggler and applied a chinlock. Ziggler broke free, then tried to punch Miz in the face, but Miz covered his face. Ziggler, frustrated, ran into Miz, who kind of dumped him near the ringpost. Ziggler did the rest selling a facial blow before spilling to the floor heading to break.

[Q6] [Commercial Break at 9:14]

Back from break, the crowd was into the match and Miz was in control. Ziggler then caught Miz in the mid-section to get a breather. Both men sold on the mat, then Ziggler hit his feet and ran over Miz with clotheslines. Neckbreaker, Miz audibly called a spot while trying to cover his mouth, and Ziggler slowly came to his feet. Ziggler and Miz engaged in a back-and-forth exchange of nearfalls, then Miz audibly called another spot before they reset.

Ziggler charged Miz, who initially blocked Ziggler's offense, but Ziggler nailed a Fameasser for a two count. Both men sold on the mat again, with Miz very slow to recover while Ziggler stalled for time. Ziggler then walked into a spike DDT for a two count. Miz became frustrated, then worked on Ziggler's leg to set up for the figure-four leglock, but Ziggler trapped Miz's legs for a small package nearfall.

Reset, then Miz tried the figure-four leglock again. This time, Miz applied it center of the ring. Ziggler screamed in pain, then tried to reverse the pressure or grab the bottom rope. Ziggler made it to the bottom rope with a final gasp and Miz was forced to break the hold. Miz tried to follow up, but Ziggler caught him with the Fameasser for a close two count.

Another reset, then Miz tried the Skullcrushing FInale, but Ziggler avoided. Miz then flinched when Ziggler tried to strike his face and Ziggler followed up with the Zig-Zag for the pin and the win. Post-match, Miz quickly scampered out of the ring to grab his IC Title belt. Justin Roberts announced him as still IC champion, then WWE played his music as he posed with his shades.

WINNER: Ziggler at 13:58. Really awkward middle sequence before they recovered at the end. Ziggler was a pro trying to slow the pace for Miz to keep up without ruining the flow of the match. And, it only took one night for Miz to begin losing singles matches as the latest heel IC champion.

Backstage: Triple H addressed Seth Rollins, telling him he doesn't need to face John Cena at Summerslam. He said he's holding all the cards with the MITB briefcase. Rollins said he can't play his hand if Dean Ambrose keeps interrupting. Rollins stopped mid-sentence when Cesaro walked in. Cesaro pitched himself as the challenger to John Cena at Summerslam, then made a business decision that he is no longer a Heyman Guy. He said he wants to be Hunter's guy. Rollins chuckled and said Hunter already has a guy. Hunter calmed them down and said there's a little bit of unfinished business right now. Hunter told Cesaro that if he finishes Ambrose tonight, that would impress him greatly.

Backstage: Divas champion A.J. Lee was shown walking down the hallway. She stopped at Paige, who joined A.J. walking down the hallway. They're in tag action next one night after A.J. beat Paige to retain the Divas Title.

[Commercial Break at 9:28]

[Q7]

5 -- Divas champion A.J. LEE & PAIGE vs. EMMA & NATALYA

It's a super-respect match with all babyfaces in the match. The crowd started a "C-M Punk" chant upon the bell sounding, which A.J. half-acknowledged by just shrugging her shoulders and batting her eyes in-character. A.J., then Paige took turns dominating Emma early on. Natalya then tagged in to get some offense, including the Sharpshooter on Paige. But, Paige reached up and tagged in A.J., who took out Natalya for the win.

Post-match: Paige and A.J. played Cena and Reigns raising each other's hand in the air in victory, then Paige suddenly blasted A.J. with a clothesline. Paige dragged A.J. to the outside and beat her up for a few minutes. Paige, now in vicious heel mode, surveyed her damage before hitting the top of the ramp. Paige breathed a sigh of relief finally dropping the nice act as A.J. continued to sell the beating on the outside.

WINNERS: A.J. & Paige at 2:30.

Still to come: Triple H makes his decision. And, Flo Rida performs.

[Commercial Break at 9:41]

[Q8] In-ring: Fandango was in the ring for the next match. Zack Ryder's music played, then it turned to Fandango's music to bring out Layla and Summer Rae. The Divas duo joined Ryder on the way to the ring before the bell sounded.

6 -- FANDANGO vs. ZACK RYDER (w/Summer Rae and Layla)

The Divas tried to get a "Let's Go Ryder" chant going as Fandango angrily attacked Ryder. Meanwhile, the announcers argued about social media and online dating. The comedown match suddenly ended when Ryder hit the Rough Ryder, Layla pushed Fandango's foot off the bottom rope, and Ryder scored a pin for the win. Ryder sold shock over getting a victory on Raw, then he celebrated with Layla and Summer in the ring.

WINNER: Ryder at 1:45.

Replay: From earlier tonight, Brie Bella and Stephanie McMahon had a heated exchange on the front row.

Backstage: Renee Young brought in Flo Rida for a pre-performance interview. Flo Rida threw out his name as a potential challenger for John Cena at Summerslam, but Heath Slater interrupted to bring up their WM28 issues. Slater shoved Flo, but Flo shoved back and Slater went flying into backstage props. Flo performs next.

[Commercial Break at 9:52]

Main Event plug: U.S. champion Sheamus vs. Rusev in singles action.

Back live, heel authority figure Stephanie McMahon was in the ring to introduce Flo Rida, who performed on the stage.

[Q9 -- third hour] Back to Stephanie, who told the crowd to applaud Flo Rida one more time.

Announcers: Cole, Lawler, and JBL transitioned to a discussion of Triple H's decision still to come. Suddenly, JBL stopped mid-sentence as Stephanie was greeted by two people playing cops. A WWE security guard tried to intervene, but the police officers threatened to arrest Stephanie, who sold concern over what was going on. One of the cops pulled out a card and read Stephanie her rights. Steph shouted back that she understands her rights since she owns this building. "Yes!" shouts in the background as Steph continued to argue with the cops over her altercation with Brie Bella. One of the cops arrested Stephanie for battery, then she was cuffed as the crowd went wild.

Suddenly, Brie Bella showed up ringside. Apparently the same security that allowed Dean Ambrose to run roughshod last night was hired for tonight's assignment. Steph freaked out at Brie's presence while being hauled away, then tried to attack Brie with both hands cuffed behind her back, but she was eventually hauled away while vowing not to go to jail. "I'll have your badge," she growled.

Once they entered the backstage area, Triple H freaked out trying to defend his wife. He demanded to see the officers's badges as Steph was hauled away from the building. "Hunter, help me!" she shouted before shouting about her right to self-defense. Hunter said he's going to get "Jerry" (McDevitt) on the phone. Steph cried as she thought about going downtown to jail. Hunter told the officers to think about the career decision they're making right now. Steph was placed inside the car, then Hunter vowed to get her out of jail in five minutes. The police car drove off as Hunter sold freaking out. "Jimmy!" Hunter shouted down the hallway before pacing back and forth. Hunter was left trying to figure out what to do since no one can run the show after they fired all the GMs.

[Commercial Break at 10:08]

Moments Ago: Stephanie McMahon was arrested, cuffed, hauled away in a frantic state, and Triple H got Jerry McDevitt on the horn before shouting for Jimmy.

Authority Office: Hunter was shown packing his bag to leave for jail when Joey Mercury approached Hunter. Joey said Hunter has to make his decision for Summerslam. Hunter shouted that it's his wife and mother of his children. It's about family. He paused, then said she has to be processed, right? A few laughs in the crowd. Hunter said she has to get printed and processed, so just get the car ready for as soon as he makes his decision.

In-ring: Ryback and Curtis Axel were standing by in the ring, then Big E. and Kofi Kingston were introduced for tag team competition.

[Q10]

7 -- KOFI KINGSTON & BIG E. vs. RYBACK & CURTIS AXEL

The announcers focused on the Stephanie-Bella issue as the two teams battled in the ring. Kofi took a hot tag from Big E. and ran over Ryback with fast-paced offense, but Axel broke up a pin. Big E. then clotheslined Axel and himself over the top rope to the floor. Back to Kofi, who splashed Ryback off the top rope, but Ryback rolled through and trapped Kofi to the mat for a three count.

Post-match: Big E. got in Kofi's face to discuss their latest loss. Suddenly, a man in a white suit was in the ring. It was Xavier Woods telling them that they cannot move up by shaking hands and playing nice. Woods said together they will find purpose and they will not ask any longer. Now, they take. Kofi and Big E. sold contemplating Xavier's words.

WINNERS: Ryback & Axel at 3:21. And there's WWE's response to recent hard questions over WWE's history of racially-driven stories - creating a new faction centered on race. It's cut from the same cloth as WWE facing hard questions over the adult nature of their programming in the Attitude Era and creating the Right to Censor group.

Authority's Office: Triple H was still on the phone trying to take care of Stephanie's situation.

[Commercial Break at 10:21]

Announcers: Cole and Co. hyped Smackdown, then teased an update on Stephanie McMahon arrested tonight.

Earlier Tonight: The Wyatts attacked Chris Jericho in the locker room area.

In-ring: Rusev was introduced to the ring flanked by Lana. Rusev waved his Russian flag down to the ring while selling the effects of his match against Jack Swagger last night at Battleground. Rusev did his pre-match routine in the ring, then Lana took the mic and smiled in the face of "U-S-A" chants.

Before Lana could offer more than two sentences in Russian, Great Khali's music interrupted. Khali made his way down to the ring obviously struggling to walk. Khali eventually entered the ring to face Rusev.

8 -- GREAT KHALI vs. RUSEV (w/Lana)

Khali put up a strong attack against undefeated Rusev early on, drawing concerns from Lana ringside. Khali then chopped Rusev hard across the chest. More concern from Lana. Rusev suddenly charged at Khali, but he ran right into Khali's big chop to the head. Rusev did not stay down long, though, as he kicked Khali in the face, then slapped on The Accolade center-ring. Khali kind of wiggled his feet while locked in the hold, then he tapped on Rusev's leg to end the match.

[Q11] Post-match: Rusev stood tall in the ring with Lana, then the giant Russian flag came down from the rafters to provide the background for Rusev's celebration. Cole hyped Rusev against Sheamus tomorrow night on Main Event.

WINNER: Rusev via submission at 2:25.

Sneak Peek: Sheamus on USA Network's "Royal Pains" tomorrow night.

Backstage: Cody Rhodes, as Stardust, was holding a crystal ball. Cody sang to himself about not knowing which direction they're going, then he spun around until being stopped by Goldust, who slowed him down. Goldust said they can be the brightest, most bizarre stars in the galaxy. He said "it" needs us and "it" will soon call their names.

In-ring: Dean Ambrose's music played to a loud reaction. Ambrose walked out on-stage and marched down to the ring for the singles match against Cesaro that seems like it was set up two shows ago.

[Commercial Break at 10:34]

Announcers: Cole and Co. were shown on-camera for another recap of the Stephanie-Brie situation from earlier in the show, then a recap of Stephanie getting "arrested" later in the show. The feud has been given so much TV time tonight that it feels like the Summerslam main event.

Backstage: Renee Young provided an arrest update on Stephanie McMahon.

9 -- DEAN AMBROSE vs. CESARO

Back to the ring, where Cesaro was standing by to face Ambrose in the default main event. A minute into the match, WWE cut backstage to show Hunter still on the phone while Orton and Rollins were standing next to him watching the match in the ring. Back in the ring, Cesaro targeted Ambrose's taped-up shoulder, but Ambrose snapped to attention and chucked Cesaro out of the ring. Ambrose tried to follow up, but Cesaro intercepted with an emphatic European Uppercut. Raw cut to break with Cesaro in control.

[Q12] [Commercial Break at 10:44]

Back from break, Cesaro was still in control of the action. Ambrose tried to come back with a rebound lariat, but Cesaro ducked and suplexed Ambrose for a two count. Ambrose charged Cesaro in the corner, then back-elbowed him into a Tornado DDT for another nearfall. But, Cesaro yanked Ambrose shoulder-first across the top rope moments later, then landed an explosive clothesline for a two count.

Cesaro then hung up Ambrose in the corner and nearly got himself DQ'ed with repeated corner strikes. Ambrose absorbed the attack, then drove Cesaro shoulder-first into the ringpost, turning the tables on Cesaro's attack. Ambrose then grabbed a steel chair and smashed Cesaro's shoulder with it, drawing a DQ.

Post-match: Ambrose chucked a chair into the ring, but Cesaro bailed from the ring to avoid Ambrose entering crazy mode. Ambrose sat down in his chair as his music played despite taking the loss and called out to Cesaro to get back in the ring.

WINNER: Cesaro via DQ at 12:30. This felt like an after-thought of a main event based on how much distance there was between the match being set up and the match actually occurring, especially with the issue being Rollins vs. Ambrose, not Cesaro vs. Ambrose. It came across like WWE saw Cesaro vs. Ambrose as a big-enough deal to be a "TV main event before a show-closing angle," but also completely expendable, especially when WWE did not offer a graphic advertisement for the match taking place in the several commercial breaks leading up to the match. All of the "still to come" advertising was for Flo Rida performing and Triple H's decision.

Backstage: Renee Young approached Triple H walking out of his office. Hunter said he's on his way to make the Summerslam announcement, then Renee asked the tough question of whether he should be with his wife right now. Hunter re-entered the camera shot, glared at Renee, and walked off.

[Commercial Break at 10:54]

This Friday: Roman Reigns vs. Alberto Del Rio on Smackdown.

Triple H's Decision

Back from break, Triple H was in the ring to introduce John Cena's opponent for the WWE World Title at Summerslam ... pause to look to the back ... suddenly, Randy Orton's music interrupted.

Orton walked out on-stage slapping his chest thinking he was the opponent as the announcers played Mike Tenay taking the bait on Orton as the opponent. Suddenly, Roman Reigns attacked Orton ringside. The fight was on and Reigns took Orton over the guardrail into the crowd. Back in the ring, Hunter rubbed his head in frustration. Some of the crowd chanted for Brock Lesnar, then Paul Heyman suddenly walked out on-stage sans music.

[Q13 -- over-run] Heyman humbly and sheepishly addressed Triple H, saying it appears Plan A (Orton) just isn't working. And, Plan B (Rollins) is great, but every time he tries to cash in MITB, Dean Ambrose is going to stop him. So, he thinks The Authority has the uncomfortable decision to agree with him that he needs to make the dangerous choice of implementing Plan C.

Pause, then Brock Lesnar's music played. Heyman laughed to himself as Lesnar emerged on-stage looking ready for a big Cena snack. Lesnar marched down to the ring as Hunter grimaced and contemplated Plan C. Meanwhile, Cole hyped Lesnar breaking The Streak and Lawler noted Lesnar broke Hunter's arm two years ago.

Lesnar entered the ring and stood opposite Hunter as Heyman advocated Lesnar as the best option for Hunter. Hunter looked down at the ground, then smiled at Heyman as he extended his hand. Hunter shook Heyman's hand, patted him on the shoulder, and then shook Lesnar's hand. "Are you kidding me?" Lawler asked. Hunter left the ring.

Heyman, leaning against the ropes, slowly introduced himself. And noted that his client, Brrrrrock Lessssnar, conquered The Undertaker's Undefeated Streak at WrestleMania. Now, Lesnar moves on to conquering John Cena (cheers) and take the WWE World Hvt. Title from Cena at Summerslam.

Heyman said his client officially acknowledges this divide in the fanbase - there are those who wear John Cena merchandise and scream their passion for their hero by shouting, "Let's Go Cena." And there are those who offer the contrarian opinion and will shout "Cena Sucks." Heyman said it does not matter to his client which side of the fence you are on because this "malpracticing Dr. of Thuganomics" will be conquered at Summerslam.

Heyman flashed back to the last time Lesnar zero'ed in on someone and decided to give him a beating. Heyman introduced a video package from WrestleMania 30 when Lesnar dropped Taker with three F5s and pinned Taker to break The Streak.

Back live, Heyman patted Lesnar on the back and celebrated the win. Heyman said beating The Streak wasn't good enough for Lesnar, because he gave such a violent beating to Taker that even their "heartless chairman" Vince McMahon rode in the ambulance with Taker. Heyman continued that Lesnar offers Cena no offer to escape the beating coming to him at Summerslam. Heyman shouted that Lesnar will punch Cena's face in, Cena will be hurt, he will be injured, mangled, and then Lesnar will strip Cena of the dignity of being WWE World champion.

Heyman said it will be like Lesnar exposing The Streak as "just being a myth," just like the myth of John Cena being the greatest WWE World champion of all-time. Heyman vowed to take out Cena, then pledged allegiance to the conquering Lesnar. "Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Paul Heyman," he said, "And I'm the one behind the one in 21-and-1. And at Summerslam, my client, Brock Lesnar, will beat John Cena and become the WWE Hvt. champion of the world."

Lesnar's music played and Cole transitioned into stacking the deck against Cena at Summerslam. Lawler took a breath following the "tirade" from Paul Heyman and said Heyman might have even convinced him of Lesnar beating Cena at Summerslam. Lesnar bounced up and down ready to snack on Cena as Raw signed off 11 minutes past the top of the hour.

FINAL THOUGHTS: Heyman delivered the goods on the big money promo hyping Cena vs. Lesnar at Summerslam (and effectively moving the conversation away from Cena's victory over Lesnar at Extreme Rules 2012). The rest of the show was filled with wild swings of big angles and filler matches. They just have not developed a roster to support three hours of Raw.

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 .

We suggest these recent related articles...

CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 10/5: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - Lesnar returns, Cena's Open Challenge, more

CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 9/28: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - John Cena's Open Challenge, Paul Heyman, Reigns vs. Wyatt main event, MizTV, more

CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 9/21: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - Night of Champions fall-out, Cena vs. Rollins U.S. Title re-match, Bizzaro Kane, more