WWE Raw Report CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 11/10: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of U.K. Raw - Cena vs. Ryback, Survivor Series teams formed, U.S. Title re-match, more
Nov 10, 2014 - 10:10:44 PM
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WWE Raw TV Results
November 10, 2014 - Episode #1,119
Taped in Liverpool, U.K.
Report by James Caldwell (@JCTorch), PWTorch assistant editor
- The pre-advertised Card: John Cena vs. Ryback, Survivor Series PPV hype, and The Authority addressing Randy Orton's dismissal last week.
Live Raw on USA Network
Raw opened with a video package on The Authority facing pressure from the outside - Vince McMahon - and the inside - Randy Orton wanting a piece of Seth Rollins. The result of the pressure was Orton breaking down and Triple H allowing Orton to be taken out by Kane and Rollins. The voice-over man said order has been restored in The Authority, and now they're focused on taking out Team Cena at Survivor Series.
In the arena, Michael Cole introduced the show before John Cena's music played to loud boos. The boos were accompanied by the "John Cena Suuuuuucks" sing-along. Cena smiled, took a bow on the stage, saluted the crowd, and jogged to the ring sporting a yellow t-shirt and red cap to go Hulk Hogan tonight.
Cole, Jerry Lawler, and JBL were shown ringside commenting on Cena needing some teammates for Survivor Series before Cena began his promo in the ring. He said he appreciates the English re-mix of his theme music, then noted they're in a hostile environment tonight. Cena said he can't even field a team at Survivor Series before hyping the PPV as "the most epic in history."
Cena said if Team Authority loses at Survivor Series, they are gone. Hit the bricks. But, they don't want him to form a team. He said they know their job is in jeopardy. Zack Ryder. He said Ryder sent out one tweet and now he's out for six months. Randy Orton. He won't be around for a while. But, he has two guys who are tired of The Authority's crap. He said these guys are willing to stand by his side, and the first one is Jack Swagge (light reaction). And, Swagger has been put in a match tonight against Seth Rollins tonight.
Then, there's a guy who has been held down by everyone in power - the current IC champion Dolph Ziggler (cheers). Cena said The Authority has scared away everyone else and threatened their health. But, one guy returned two weeks ago and doesn't care about obstacles. He said this man is his opponent tonight (pause for "Feed Me More" chants), but he wants to talk about some business for Survivor Series.
Cue up Ryback's theme music to bring out The Big Guy, who Cole called the most-sought-after free agent for Survivor Series. Ryback hit the ring and declared that The Big Guy is back. Only one line for Ryback, who was interrupted by Triple H's theme music. Out came Hunter along with Stephanie McMahon, Kane, and Seth Rollins. In the background were Jamie Noble and Joey Mercury. Triple H and Steph then parted the Red Sea to produce ... Mark Henry, who walked out on-stage to glare toward the ring.
Henry entered the ring with The Authority, setting up a giant staredown. Steph heeled on the U.K. crowd first, then Hunter hyped everything on the line at Survivor Series. Hunter said he is going to put the fear of God into everyone backstage because as far as he's concerned, he is God in WWE. Hunter said careers, livelihoods, and egos are all on the line. So, the question is who has the guts to play in the game? Hunter said it's career suicide to be on Cena's team at the PPV. Whereas, siding with Team Authority means always winning the war.
Cena paused to note Cena has two guys on his team - Jack Swagger (Hunter laughed to himself) and the other one, Dolph Ziggler. Hunter told the crowd that they can cheer for him all they want, but "Good Lord, Dolph Ziggler." He said Dolph won't even make it to Survivor Series. Cena had enough and reminded Hunter that he said the same thing about Daniel Bryan, but he beat him at WrestleMania. (Loud "Yes!" chants followed.) Hunter said "Captain B-Plus" is sitting at home hurt and doing nothing right now.
Steph then approached Cena to talk about him being a great inspirational speaker, but all of his speeches are propaganda. She said his reality is that joining Team Authority is best for business. After all, for someone like Ryback, he could have main event opportunities. She noted they have their eyes on The Big Guy and noted Ryback has potential to be the biggest monster in WWE history. (WWE cut to a shot of Kane looking somewhat perturbed by that comment.)
[Q2] Hunter got in Ryback's ear to plant seeds of more money, more title shots, more fame, more glory. Anything he wants. Ryback smiled. Cena said this is why "you two wankers should be out of a job." Cena said they're too stupid to see what's going on here - they're too busy handing out chances to protect their own interests. He said he'll go at this by himself, but he definitely will not be a sell-out Shield, jabroni, monster, or Sexual Chocolate.
Cena addressed Ryback, telling him to look at The Authority's track record - if you make one mistake, they send you packing, jack. Cena told Ryback to stand on his own and make the people want to see more of him. "Feed Me More" chant followed. Ryback told The Authority that he doesn't fear them, but Cena's name is not on his paycheck. Ryback turned around and dropped Cena with a spinebuster. Stephanie gloated, then Ryback marched out of the ring after unofficially joining Team Authority.
Tonight, it's Cena vs. Ryback. Up next, it's Rollins against Swagger.
THE NEWS: Added to Team Authority are Mark Henry and Ryback. Added to Team Cena is Jack Swagger.
[Commercial Break at 8:20]
Moments Ago: Ryback made The Decision for Survivor Series.
In-ring: Seth Rollins was waiting in the ring as Jack Swagger's music played out. No ring introduction for Swagger, who has been missing from Raw for one month, dating back to Swagger losing to the same opponent, Rollins, on October 13.
1 -- SETH ROLLINS (w/Joey Mercury and Jamie Noble) vs. JACK SWAGGER (w/Zeb Colter)
Back-and-forth early on as Cole and Lawler accused JBL of bullying, like The Authority. Rollins took control with a dropkick, then rolled to the outside when Swagger showed signs of life. Swagger stood in the corner telling Rollins "We The People" as Raw cut to break.
[Commercial Break at 8:28]
[Q3] Raw returned with Rollins controlling the action back in the ring. "JBL" chants from the crowd. Then, "Jerry, Jerry." Rollins grabbed a headlock over "Michael Cole" chants, but Swagger fought to his feet and back-dropped Rollins to the floor. Rollins recovered, then ran back into the ring, only to be knocked down by Swagger. Swagger Bomb for a two count, then the Patriot Lock. Rollins flopped around like a fish out of water, then got the bottom rope for a break.
The match moved to the floor, where Rollins caught Swagger in the ringpost. Rollins rolled Swagger back into the ring, where Rollins dropped him with the Curb Stomp for the pin and the win. Post-match, the referee brought the ringside doctor into the ring to tend to Swagger. But, Noble and Mercury pulled the doctor away for Rollins to give Swagger a second Curb Stomp. Rollins threatened Zeb that he's got one for him, too. Rollins exited with his henchmen before the doc checked on Swagger.
WINNER: Rollins at 11:25. The booking made Cena's character look like a bad team captain allowing Swagger on his team when Swagger's character has been booked to lose time after time this year. It's about stacking the deck against Cena, but it also sends the message that his team stinks.
Still to come: Rusev vs. Sheamus in a re-match for the U.S. Title. Cole did not offer details on Rusev capturing the title after Raw went off the air last Monday.
[Commercial Break at 8:38]
Announcers: Cole, JBL, and Lawler issued a message thanking U.S. military personnel for their service on Veteran's Day tomorrow.
Video Package: Christian hosted Dean Ambrose on the Peep Show last Friday on Smackdown. The video hyped Ambrose's new feud against Bray Wyatt, who got personal with Ambrose.
Somewhere: Ambrose was shown nervously clicking and gripping a pen. Yeah, he's made a lot more enemies than friends in his career, and he's a sinner, but he isn't apologizing for any of it. Ambrose said Bray can drag up demons and skeletons and ghosts from his past, but they're all a lot scarier than Bray Wyatt. He said The Authority couldn't put him out of his misery, and Bray sure won't. Dean said when he goes down, he will self-destruct. He said if Bray wants to go down with him, then he's ready to take him down with him.
Cole announced Ambrose vs. Bray Wyatt at Survivor Series in two weeks.
[Q4] Backstage: Ryback was shown warming up when Kane walked into his space. Kane said Ryback's match against John Cena will be his first chance to prove himself to them. He vowed to be ringside, but Ryback said he's got this. Kane told Ryback that confidence is a virtue, but if he wants to be a successful cog in The Authority machine, he will also need humility. Kane told Ryback to follow his lead and he will win. "Your lead?" Ryback laughed. He said he'll take his advice when he asks for it, then told Kane to stay out of his way. Kane frowned and walked off.
[Commercial Break at 8:48]
In-ring: Alicia Fox's music was playing back from break. Paige was then introduced as her opponent. Big pop for Paige returning to her home country.
2 -- PAIGE vs. ALICIA FOX
The former "besties" quickly got to it with Alicia tackling Paige in the corner. Alicia knocked Paige to the outside, then threw her back into the ring to continue controlling the action. A. Fox with a backbreaker for a two count as Paige looked to get in some offense. Paige finally landed a kick thrust, then she put away Fox for the pin and the win.
WINNER: Paige at 2:20. Basic one-off where they put a heel, Paige, in the babyface role in her home country while she's out of the Divas Title picture.
Backstage: Stephanie McMahon approached Rusev and Lana in the hallway. Steph reminded Lana that Triple H set up Rusev's victory celebration and Rusev's U.S. Title shot last Monday. So, she wants to make sure Rusev is on their team. Lana began a speech about politics, but Steph said there are no politics in WWE. Lana again declined to join the team, prompting an angry response from Steph, calling Lana a "stuck-up, Russian twit." Rusev shot her a look, then Steph calmed down and said if Lana scratches her back, she'll scratch hers.
[Commercial Break at 8:57]
[Q5 -- second hour] Vignette: Xavier Woods is still dancing and singing with his gospel choir in Week 2 of his re-introduction, which was positioned at the top of the hour returning from break. "A New Day is Coming," the vignette closed.
Backstage: The Authority was watching grandfatherly Vince McMahon putting their power on the line at Survivor Series last Monday on Raw. Hunter threw down the remote, then said when he asked Steph's dad about that, he said he likes surprises, so Hunter should also learn to like surprises. Steph said when she talked to dad, he said he wants Stephanie to fight for what she believes in. Hunter said all of this doesn't matter since Cena doesn't even have a team for Survivor Series. He said they will fight and win, just like they always do. "Still, what if?" Stephanie asked solemnly. Hunter said you can't think like that. "Don't even go there," he said. He said as long as they have each other, everything will be just fine. Smooch.
In-ring: Rusev's victory celebration was set up in the ring. As Rusev came out, WWE replayed the post-Raw title match last week when Rusev captured the U.S. Title from Sheamus. Back in the ring, Rusev and Lana were standing in-between two official-looking individuals. Lana said Rusev holds the title to capture Mother Russia's superiority over the United States. Lana then heeled on cheering Englishmen, saying they would all be speaking German if not for Russia.
One of the official-looking individuals then spoke about Vladimir Putin's approval of Rusev's conquests. The man read a proclamation congratulating Rusev and Lana on promoting the Russian culture and standing as a beacon of excellence. Lana smiled, then handed the mic to Rusev, who asked for a respectful reception to the Russian National Anthem. The giant flag dropped and everyone stood at attention in the ring.
Suddenly, Sheamus's music played to bring out the former champion. Sheamus ran down to the ring, chasing off the Russian representatives in the ring. Cole said the title re-match is next.
[Commercial Break at 8:08]
Video Package: John Cena narrated a video on honoring American soldiers through history the day before Veteran's Day.
Back in the arena, Lilian Garcia was standing by to formally introduce the U.S. Title match. Meanwhile, Lawler offered a reluctant apology "to anyone who was offended" by Sheamus interrupting the Russian National Anthem. Was that supposed to be a serious apology or tongue-in-cheek?
[Q6]
3 -- U.S. champion RUSEV (w/Lana) vs. SHEAMUS -- United States Title match
Back-and-forth, then Rusev knocked Sheamus to the floor. On the outside, Rusev delivered a hard fallaway slam onto the edge of the announce table, rocking Sheamus. Rusev rolled Sheamus back into the ring, then went to work on the former champ. Long mathold on Sheamus, who tried to fight out while the crowd became restless. Sheamus fought to his feet, but Rusev kicked him to the mat heading to break.
[Commercial Break at 9:19]
Back from break, Rusev cut off Sheamus attempting a comeback. Also, Joey Mercury and Jamie Noble of The Authority were ringside taking a closer look at the match. Sheamus made a comeback, but ran into a dropkick from Rusev. Sheamus came back with Ten Forearms to the Chest, then nailed a shoulder tackle. Sheamus wanted a Texas Cloverleaf, but Rusev escaped before Sheamus could apply it. Rusev came back with a butterfly suplex for a two count.
Reset at 12:30 as the crowd broke into random chants. Rusev wanted a suplex, but Sheamus slipped out and hit White Noise for a two count. "Ole, Ole, Ole" chants filled the air as both men sold on the mat. Both men eventually came to their feet and Sheamus wanted the Brogue Kick, but Rusev ducked and rolled out of the ring. So, Sheamus came off the top with a flying smash to Rusev on the floor.
Sheamus bashed Rusev into the barricade as the ref applied a count in the background, then Rusev rolled into the ring. Sheamus tried to get back into the ring, but Noble and Mercury attacked his legs like small dogs. Sheamus fought them off, but turned around to take a count-out loss when the ref hit 10. Post-match, Sheamus sold frustration as Noble helped Rusev away from ringside.
WINNER: Rusev via count-out at 15:25 to retain the U.S. Title. One back scratched, another to go. The crowd disengaged early and invested at some points during the match, but this match reflected the overall product not connecting with the audience in healthy ways.
[Q7] Still to come: Dolph Ziggler vs. Mark Henry. Plus, John Cena vs. Ryback.
[Commercial Break at 9:31]
Backstage: Rusev and Lana were shown walking down the hallway. Stephanie McMahon approached to congratulate Rusev on retaining his title, then Lana agreed to scratch Steph's back by joining Team Authority. Lana said Vladimir Putin is very happy -- Steph cut her off to say she doesn't care what Putin says. "It's about what The Authority wants," Steph said. She said they will crush Team Cena at Survivor Series.
Announcers: Cole said Team Authority is set for the PPV - captain Seth Rollins, Kane, Ryback, Mark Henry, and now Rusev.
Earlier Tonight: John Cena courted Ryback, but Ryback signed with the people who sign his check.
Backstage: Ryback was pumping up for his match against Cena tonight. Seth Rollins walked in and welcomed him aboard the team. Ryback ignored Rollins's rambling speech to focus on pumping up his biceps. Rollins paused and noted they've had their differences in the past, but they have to be on the same team now. He said he agrees with Ryback, too, that he doesn't need to take orders from Kane. "That's ridiculous," he said. "You need to take them from me." Ryback stopped pumping and said his gameplan is simple to seek out a target and destroy. And, it's The Big Guy, Seth.
In-ring: Los Matadores and El Torito were introduced for a filler tag match.
DVD plug: WWE Studios's "Queens of the Ring" due out Tuesday. The DVD art cover included C.M. Punk's name in the last of WWE cameos.
[Commercial Break at 9:41]
Back from break, The Miz's music played to bring out Miz, Damien Sandow, and Hornswoggle dressed as Miz in a black jacket, black shades, slicked-back hair, and black boots.
[Q8]
4 -- LOS MATADORES (DIEGO & FERNANDO w/El Torito) vs. THE MIZ & DAMIEN SANDOW (w/Hornswoggle)
"We Want Mizdow" chant in the opening seconds as Miz opened the match. Swoggle assumed Sandow's position mimicking Miz's offense on the outside. Miz asked the crowd if they want to see Sandow, they cheered, and he instead resumed his attack. Miz did the bit again, and this time he tagged in Sandow, who warmed up for a kick to un Matador, but Miz slap-tagged himself back into the match. Sandow took his medicine and left the ring to resume his stunt-double role.
Chaos broke out. Then, un Matador suplexed Miz off the ring apron into the ring, but Sandow grabbed the Matador's foot from the outside and held him down as Miz fell on top for the pin. On the way out, Miz, Sandow, and Swoggle each said he won.
WINNER: Miz & Sandow at 4:44.
Backstage: Dolph Ziggler was shown preparing for his match tonight, then John Cena walked in. Ziggler noted they're in a two-on-five situation right now, then Cena said he knows it's long odds, so he totally understands Ziggler wanting to jump ship. Ziggler said he's tired of The Authority making so many stars an after-thought since taking over, so they're on the same page getting rid of them. Cena vowed to be ringside for Ziggler's match tonight to make sure they don't pull a fast one on him.
Suddenly, Triple H walked in to joke about them watching each other's backs. Hunter said Henry deserves a fair, honest shot against Ziggler tonight, so he's going to have to ban Cena from ringside. Is that right? It's also a shame what happened to Swagger tonight. Hunter danced around a little trying to turn their frowns upside down. "Another one bites the dust," Hunter sang to himself as Cena and Dolph stood by unamused.
[Commercial Break at 9:53]
Smackdown Replay: Dolph Ziggler beat Kane in a cage match on Friday.
In-ring: Ziggler was introduced to the ring for the next match. Suddenly, The Eyes took over the video feed. This time, WWE showed Ziggler watching The Eyes in the arena. Cole said The Eyes have been haunting Ziggler for a few weeks now. Mark Henry's music played to bring out Henry by himself to face a now-distracted Ziggler.
[Q9 -- third hour]
5 -- IC champion DOLPH ZIGGLER vs. MARK HENRY -- non-title match
Awkward moment early on as Ziggler and Henry kind of crashed into the corner when Ziggler tried to jump over, around, or through Henry to create movement. Ziggler regrouped and knocked Henry to the floor, where Henry smashed Ziggler into the barricade. Henry tried to follow with a big smash, but Ziggler ducked and dumped Henry into the timekeeper's area. While over there, Henry picked up a chair and smashed Ziggler with it, causing a DQ.
WINNER: Ziggler via DQ at 2:46.
Post-match: Henry tried to dismantle Ziggler, then he dragged ring steps and Ziggler into the ring. Henry tried to end Ziggler, but Big Show's music played. Henry picked up the steps as Show charged the ring, but Show blocked a step shot and chucked the steps out of the ring at Henry's feet. Henry sold a knee injury as Show challenged him to get back in the ring and fight. Show then announced that he's joined Team Cena and he'll meet him at Survivor Series. Henry frowned and walked off as Show helped teammate Ziggler away from ringside.
[Commercial Break at 10:05]
Vignette: Kofi Kingston is now a soul dancer with Xavier Woods's gospel choir. Kofi shouted about it being a new day. He led the choir in a responsive hymn, smiling throughout the bit.
Backstage: Cena walked up to Ziggler and Big Show as they caught their breath in the hallway. Cena thanked Show for joining up with them after all they've been through. Cena said they just need two more. Sheamus walked in wanting to join, so now they just need one more.
In-ring: Divas champion A.J. Lee was introduced to the ring for the next match. Nikki Bella's music then brought out Nikki and Brie Bella, who was scheduled to face A.J. But, Nikki took the spotlight while her "personal assistant" stood in her shadow.
Earlier Tonight: Nikki told her butler, Brie, to dismantle A.J. for her tonight before Nikki challenges for the Divas Title at Survivor Series.
6 -- Divas champion A.J. LEE vs. BRIE BELLA (w/Nikki Bella) -- non-title match
A.J. controlled early on as Nikki stomped around ringside unpleased with her sister's performance. Brie made a comeback with a top-rope dropkick, but A.J. responded with the Black Widow for the win. Post-match, Nikki immediately hit the ring after her sister didn't the job done. Nikki took out A.J., then stood tall with the Divas Title.
WINNER: A.J. at 2:25.
[Q10] Video Package: The announcers turned serious introducing a video from Smackdown when Sgt. Dan Rose was introduced on-stage being fit for a new body suit in order to walk again.
Backstage: Mark Henry approached Ryback, saying he's not really that big compared to him. Henry looked down at him a bit more, then said he's just messing with him. Ryback was beginning to question his decision being on this odd team heading to break.
[Commercial Break at 10:20]
Video: Grumpy Cat guest-stars next Monday on Raw.
In-ring: The Exotic Express and The Bunny were introduced for the next match. Out came Adam Rose, who received adulation from his groupies as Tyson Kidd waited in the ring. Before the match started, WWE went back to last Friday when The Bunny took the spotlight from Adam Rose in his match against R-Truth, costing Rose the match. So, Rose shoved down The Bunny afterward. But, The Bunny was back in the entourage this week.
7 -- ADAM ROSE (w/Exotic Express) vs. TYSON KIDD
Rose hip-tossed Kidd across the ring early on, but Kidd responded with a kick strike from the ring apron. Suddenly, Erick Rowan marched down to ringside sporting his sheep mask. The Exotic Express cleared out, then Rowan walked past The Bunny. Rowan kind of wandered around ringside while Kidd worked a headlock forever. Rowan lifted his sheep mask at ringside. "She's not here," Rowan said toward the announcers. Rowan then walked through the crowd to the back.
Back to the ring, where Rose broke free of the headlock and hit a spinebuster. Suddenly, The Bunny hopped on the top turnbuckle, drawing a reprimand from Rose. The Bunny hopped down, then Rose walked into The Sharpshooter from Kidd. Rose tapped out, giving Rose another loss because of the mascot.
Post-match, The Bunny hopped into the ring and hopped around Rose, trying to cheer him up. Rose smiled and stood up, then back-kicked the mascot in the gut. Rose shot an angry look toward the mascot, then kind of looked around the arena looking for a response. Nothing, so his music played, then Rose re-joined his entourage partying without The Bunny.
WINNER: Rose at 2:45.
[Q11] Announcers: Cole and Co. shifted to discussing Survivor Series in two weeks. Included was a flashback to last Monday when Mr. McMahon returned to TV to put Authority's power on the line at the PPV.
Authority's Office: Triple H and Stephanie lined up Kane, Rusev, Henry, and Rollins for a discussion. No sign of Ryback. Kane said they all think Ryback is not a team player and has an attitude problem. Ryback walked in and said he doesn't appreciate people talking about him behind his back. Hunter calmed everyone down, then told Ryback to focus on himself and not the team against John Cena tonight. "I want you to destroy, maim, I don't care," he said. Hunter said Cena's team is banned from ringside anyways.
Stephanie spoke up next, shouting at them that she feels like she's talking to a bunch of kindergartners about needing to fight as one at Survivor Series. The big guys grumbled about being on the same page, then Kane led Ryback and Co. away.
Smackdown plug: Chris Jericho is back with The Highlight Reel and his guests are Hunter and Stephanie. Cole's voice was different from the rest of the broadcast, making it obvious that the announcement was dubbed into the broadcast after WWE changed Jericho's TV return from a match to the Reel.
[Commercial Break at 10:33]
Announcers: Cole and Co. flashed back to Smackdown for Christian's TV return with The Peep Show. And, his guest, Dean Ambrose. This was a replay of the Ambrose vs. Bray Wyatt video package from earlier.
Somewhere: Dean Ambrose spoke about Dean Ambrose admitting to being a sinner. And, his daddy was a dirty, little rotten sinner, too. Bray said Dean walks around thinking about all these things that have happened to him, but he is sin. Dean said Bray can walk with him, or he walks away and burns for it.
In-ring: John Cena's music played to bring out Cena for the main event. Cena listened for the "John Cena Suuuuucks" sing-along, then he stormed the ring.
[Commercial Break at 10:43]
[Q12] Announcers: Cole and Co. introduced ECW Week on WWE Network. Cole sent it to Network studios, where Paul Heyman and Joey Styles were standing by. Heyman interrupted Joey's pitch to note that he is the advocate for Brock Lesnar, the reigning and defending WWE World Hvt. champion. Heyman added that Joey thinks he can get out all of his dirty secrets now that the statute of limitations has run out. Joey pitched a Q&A with Heyman after Raw.
In-ring: Ryback was introduced for the main event. He was joined by Team Authority, plus Noble and Mercury. Before the match started, WWE re-re-played Ryback picking Team Authority and dropping Cena with a spinebuster in the opening segment.
8 -- JOHN CENA vs. RYBACK (w/Team Authority)
Cena teased the Attitude Adjustment early on, but Ryback slipped out and elbowed Cena repeatedly in the side of the head. WWE cut backstage to show Hunter and Stephanie watching the match on a monitor. Back in the arena, Ryback kicked Cena to the floor. Before Ryback returned to the ring, Kane approached him for a conversation. "Do your job," Kane told him. The slight distraction allowed Cena to bump Ryback off the ring apron right into Kane, sending both men falling to the ground. Ryback sold on the floor, Kane got up trying to control his anger, and Cena recovered in the ring heading to break.
[Commercial Break at 10:53]
Raw returned with Cena trying to come off the top rope, but Ryback caught him in mid-air for a swinging bodyslam. It was good for a two count. Cena sold injuries, then rolled out of the ring to catch his breath. Ryback posed in the ring, then waited for Cena to scoot back into the ring to deliver more punishment. Ryback took too long to follow up, allowing Cena to grab him for a belly-to-belly slam.
[Q13 -- over-run] Ryback resumed control of the match before calling for the end. Ryback wanted Shell-Shock, but Cena escaped and nailed a flying shoulder tackle to boos and some cheers. But, Ryback cut off Cena's sequence of moves with a bodyslam for a two count. Ryback tried to follow with a powerbomb, but Cena back-dropped to escape. No matter, as Ryback scooped up Cena for another bodyslam.
Somewhere else in the arena, the crowd was more engaged in something off-camera that sounded like a fan-driven wrestling match doing signature spots. (PWTorch reader Ross relayed that it was merely a beach ball being thrown around.) Ryback tried to get them back doing his "Feed Me More" shoulder shrugs, but the crowd did not play along. After all, Ryback joined The Authority in the opening segment.
Ryback put Cena on the top turnbuckle for the Razor's Edge, but Cena slipped out and dropped Ryback center-ring for the STF. Ryback slid across the ring to the bottom rope, though, forcing a break. Cena tried again, but Ryback broke free. Kane then hopped on the ring apron, so Cena bumped him. But, the distraction allowed Ryback to slam Cena. Ryback then warmed up for the Meathook Clothesline, but Kane stormed the ring and attacked Cena for yet another DQ finish to a Raw main event.
WINNER: Cena via DQ at 15:12. Another Monday, another non-finish to a dry main event in front of a worn-out crowd.
Post-match, Ryback confronted Kane, who ripped off his suit jacket. Seth Rollins tried to play peacemaker calming everyone down. But, Ryback punched Rollins, so Kane punched Ryback out of the ring. Mark Henry and Rusev then hit the ring. They targeted Cena until Sheamus's music played to bring out Sheamus tackling Rusev to the mat. Team Authority took out Sheamus, though, so Big Show's music played.
Show marched down to the ring, but Team Authority took him out, too. Suddenly, Ryback hit the ring and took out the heels until Kane gripped him around the throat. Ryback fought off Kane, though, and hoisted Kane in the air for Shell-Shock. Ryback stood tall as the last man standing before leaving the ring. JBL said that appears to be Ryback's resignation from Team Authority. So, it appears to be four-on-four at the moment, with each team needing one more member.
In the ring, Cena stood up and applauded Ryback, who disappeared to the back. WWE cut to a shot of Triple H and Stephanie watching these events unfold backstage, then Dolph Ziggler was suddenly thrown down at their feet. In walked Luke Harper, who said he's a team player. Hunter and Stephanie looked up and down at Harper and Ziggler, respectively, before Raw signed off nine minutes past the top of the hour.
THE NEWS: Team Authority appears to be Rollins, Kane, Henry, Rusev, and now Luke Harper against Cena, Show, Sheamus, Ziggler, and one more member.
FINAL THOUGHTS: Interesting developments heading into Survivor Series, but, overall, WWE has not developed the roster or been Creatively disciplined to support these three-hour marathons. The crowds are disengaging or going into business for themselves across the U.S. and now in the U.K., and WWE simply does not have a sense of urgency to do anything about it. It's just week-to-week, get through the show, get paid from USA Network, and keep the ship moving. The product and the audience's connection to the product is eroding week after week.
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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PWTorch editor Wade Keller has covered pro wrestling full time since 1987 starting with the Pro Wrestling Torch print newsletter. PWTorch.com launched in 1999 and the PWTorch Apps launched in 2008.
He has conducted "Torch Talk" insider interviews with Hulk Hogan, The Rock, Steve Austin, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Eric Bischoff, Jesse Ventura, Lou Thesz, Jerry Lawler, Mick Foley, Jim Ross, Paul Heyman, Bruno Sammartino, Goldberg, more.
He has interviewed big-name players in person incluiding Vince McMahon (at WWE Headquarters), Dana White (in Las Vegas), Eric Bischoff (at the first Nitro at Mall of America), Brock Lesnar (after his first UFC win).
He hosted the weekly Pro Wrestling Focus radio show on KFAN in the early 1990s and hosted the Ultimate Insiders DVD series distributed in retail stories internationally in the mid-2000s including interviews filmed in Los Angeles with Vince Russo & Ed Ferrara and Matt & Jeff Hardy. He currently hosts the most listened to pro wrestling audio show in the world, (the PWTorch Livecast, top ranked in iTunes)
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