WWE Raw TV Results
December 1, 2014 - Episode #1,122
Live in Tulsa, Okla.
Report by James Caldwell (@JCTorch), PWTorch assistant editor

- The Card: More fall-out from Survivor Series and build-up to TLC, the Anonymous Raw GM bit continuing, and more to be announced. Announced on the pre-show - a Tag Turmoil #1 contender match with Goldust & Rhodes Bros., the New Day faction, The Usos, Cesaro & Tyson Kidd, and Adam Rose & The Bunny. No Los Matadores or Slater Gator.

Live Raw on USA Network

Raw opened with the sound of the anonymous Raw GM. Michael Cole was at the podium to read an email from the GM. The GM is back and not happy. "WWE needs me," the GM said. Therefore, the GM would like to make the following announcements. Before any announcements could be made, John Cena's music interrupted.

Cena bounced down to the ring and said this Board of Directors really has their stuff together because running the show tonight is ... the anonymous Raw GM (Cena said with disdain). Cena said one thing the GM and their champion, Brock Lesnar, have in common is they show up once a year. Cena then celebrated The Authority being gone and "never coming back."

Cena noted at Survivor Series eight days ago, Big Show turned on them and joined Team Authority, Triple H tried every under-handed tactic, his teammates survived, and now he has the question of why his teammates risked everything at Survivor Series.

The GM chime interrupted. Cena hopped off the ring apron to stare down Cole, who said he's merely a spokesman and not the GM. Cena stepped to the podium and said he will not let the most important victory in WWE history lead to Raw being handed over to a nameless, faceless, heartless computer. So, he slowly closed the cover on the laptop. And that was it?

Seth Rollins's music interrupted. Rollins, joined by Joey Mercury and Jamie Noble, marched down to the ring to run down Cena. He said he's really good at bad jokes and waving his hand in front of his face like a little kid. Cena retorted he does that right before he beats Rollins. Rollins continued that he's really good at getting half of this crowd to tell him he sucks on a nightly basis. Pause for boos and cheers and chants. "You Sold Out" chant at Rollins instead of the dueling Cena chant.

"But, you know what you're really great at? Taking credit. Particularly taking credit that you are not due," Rollins said. He said Cena did not win anything at Survivor Series, and he eliminated Cena. And, he would have been the sole survivor and The Authority would still be in power if not for one man - Sting. Cheers. Cena said it was exciting to see Sting, but Rollins seemed to forget that Team Cena had one man left, and he was out-numbered three-to-one. And, this man eliminated Seth Rollins, Dolph Ziggler. Cena said he's here to give that man credit.

Rollins said that's fine and all, but he's really out here to ask this question - is WWE really better off without The Authority in power? "Yes!" chants from the crowd. Rollins tried to calm everyone down. Honestly now. Rollins said Cena said it himself that the Board of Directors put the Anonymous Raw GM in charge. Cena joked back that he's currently on a leave of absence (after he shut the laptop). Rollins said it could be anyone - JBL, even Batista (boos). Rollins said Batista has proven he's terrible at wrestling and acting, so maybe he would make a good GM. How about Eric Bischoff? Some cheers, interestingly.

Rollins suggested there might be a new mystery GM every week. Cena asked what his point is. Rollins replied that Cena is the only one with power to restore The Authority, otherwise the show will devolve into utter chaos. Cena called that awful bossy of him, but he is no place to bark orders at him. Cena said his trump card is gone, The Authority is fired, and they are not coming back.

[Q2] Cena walked to the ring to tell Rollins face-to-face that he is just a normal dude who has to earn everything instead of getting handed everything by Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. Cena said he has the power to bring The Authority back, then told Rollins to ask him nicely. Rollins thought it over for a long time, then comically asked, 'Will you please bring back The Authority?" Cena said he doesn't believe him, then told Seth to get down on one knee.

Suddenly, the Raw GM chime sounded. Didn't Cena magically shut off the laptop? Cena told Rollins to ignore the computer since it's using America On-line anyways. Cole interrupted from the laptop and announced Cena vs. Rollins in a Tables match at the TLC PPV. No Brock Lesnar. The GM email added that if Cena loses at TLC, he will no longer be the #1 contender to the WWE Title. Cena frowned and turned to leave the ring, but Rollins attacked him from behind. Kane then hit the ring to join Rollins taking out Cena. No sign of Dolph Ziggler to make the save.

Rollins then went under the ring to retrieve a table. Cole tried to read the entire email, which was about who would be #1 contender if Cena loses, but Ryback's music interrupted. Ryback stormed the ring and took out Rollins Goldberg-style in Goldberg's hometown. But, Kane smashed Ryback from behind with chair shots.

Suddenly, Erick Rowan's music played. Rowan marched down to the ring and big-booted Kane in the face. Rowan then hit the ring and cleared Noble from the ring. Rollins tried to get at Rowan, but Rowan manhandled him. Suddenly, Big Show hit the ring to boos and smashed Rowan from behind. Show cleared Rowan from the ring, then punted him in the gut. Show re-arranged the steel steps, then pounded the steps into Rowan's face.

Suddenly, Dolph Ziggler's music played. Ziggler charged down to the ring, avoided Show, and posted him into the ringpost. Ziggler then grabbed a ladder from under the ring, but Luke Harper came down to ringside and blindsided Ziggler. Harper smashed the ladder into Ziggler on the outside. Meanwhile, back in the ring, Cena avoided a table delivery by Rollins. Harper then uppercut Cena and Show followed up with a KO Punch to Cena. Shrieks and screams from the pro-Cena fans.

Rollins, Kane, Show, Harper, and J&J Security stood over Cena, then Rollins and J&J did The Shield's triple powerbomb spot sending Cena through a table. The audible pro-Cena fans expressed anger over the events as Raw cut to break.

THE NEWS: Cena vs. Rollins in a tables match was made for TLC; if Cena loses, he is no longer #1 contender to the WWE Title and a new #1 contender will be determined, but the email was not completed to announce the means.

JC'S ANALYSIS: One thing you can count on with the Anonymous Raw GM bit is plenty of awkward pauses, wasted time, and lack of logic. Overall, it came across like "oh crap, there's only two weeks until TLC," prompting a lot of potential PPV matches to be hyped in one segment.

[Commercial Break at 8:22]

Back from break, John Cena was being helped down the entrance ramp with a dazed look on his face. Ryback, Dolph Ziggler, and Erick Rowan were also helped up the ramp.

Announcers: Cole, Jerry Lawler, and JBL were shown on-camera to announce the Raw GM's booking plans for the show: Big Show vs. Erick Rowan and Cena & Ziggler & Ryback vs. Rollins & Harper & Kane in a six-man tag match.

In-ring: Lilian Garcia was standing by for an on-camera to explain gauntlet-style rules for the Tag Turmoil match. Then, Cole announced that the winning team will face The Miz & Damien Sandow for the Tag Titles at TLC in two weeks.

Out first were the Rhodes Bros. WWE then cut to a vignette of New Day dancing and "having fun." Cole noted they debuted Friday on Smackdown, and they make their Raw debut next.

[Q3] [Commercial Break at 8:30]

Back from break, the Rhodes Bros. were hanging out in the ring. The New Day theme then played to bring out Kofi Kingston dancing and clapping. Xavier Woods as out next, followed by Big E. waving a towel. Big E. was over-the-top trying to fire up the crowd and his teammates. All three danced and clapped in the ring, then Cole noted they're not deciding on which two team members will wrestle until they get in the ring so their opponents cannot scout. JBL called that not fair. Xavier was the odd-man out.

1 -- TAG TEAM TURMOIL GAUNTLET MATCH -- Winning team is #1 contenders to the Tag Titles

1a -- RHODES BROS. ("STARDUST" CODY RHODES & GOLDUST) vs. NEW DAY (KOFI KINGSTON & BIG E. w/Xavier Woods)

Kofi and Big E. combined for a top-rope power combination on Cody, which Cole called the Midnight Hour. It was good for a three count before Goldust could break up the pin.

WINNERS: Kofi & Big E. at 1:36; Rhodes Bros. eliminated. Very short start to the New Day vs. Rhodes Bros. feud from Smackdown.

After the elimination, Cesaro's music brought out Cesaro along with Tyson Kidd and his wife, Natalya. Raw cut to break before they hit the ring.

[Commercial Break at 8:36]

1b -- NEW DAY (KOFI KINGSTON & BIG E. w/Xavier Woods) vs. CESARO & TYSON KIDD (w/Natalya)

The second match in the series was joined in progress. Cole said Kidd picked out the strongest wrestler in WWE to join him, believing he's the quickest. Kidd got a little cocky and lost control on Kofi. Big E. came in hot with power offense, then dropped Kidd with a running splash. Big E. fired himself up, then scooped up Kidd for the Big Ending, but Cesaro interfered. Big E. dumped both men to the ring apron, then bounced them to the floor.

Tag to Kofi, who flew over Big E. with a flying splash to the opponents on the floor. Back in the ring, Kofi smashed Kidd, but Cody and Goldust ran down to ringside and attacked Xavier, distracting Kofi. Kidd rolled up Kidd from behind for the pinfall.

WINNERS: Kidd & Cesaro at 2:40; New Day eliminated. And, New Day vs. Rhodes Bros. is officially a feud.

1c -- CESARO & TYSON KIDD (w/Natalya) vs. THE USOS

In the chaos of the how the previous match ended, the Usos stormed the ring to start the next match with Cesaro and Kidd. Usos dominated early on, but Kidd used Natalya as a shield to distract un Uso. This allowed Cesaro to suplex Uso for a close two count heading to break.

[Q4] [Commercial Break at 8:45]

Back from break, Cesaro was working on Uso with a headlock. Tag to Kidd, who lost control and Jimmy Uso tagged in. Samoan Drop, then Jey clotheslined Cesaro out of the ring to the floor. Kidd then tried to involve Natalya, allowing Kidd to smash Uso, but Uso came back with a superkick to the mush. Tag to Jey, who came off the top with a Superfly Splash. JBL declared the Usos the #1 contenders ... with one more team to go.

WINNERS: Usos at 7:36.

Adam Rose's music played to bring out Rose, The Bunny, and the entourage for the final match in the gauntlet. JBL said he spoke too soon.

1d -- THE USOS vs. ADAM ROSE & THE BUNNY

Once the match started, WWE cut backstage to show Naomi watching on a monitor. Cole filled in the blanks that if you watch Total Divas, you know Naomi is married to Jimmy Uso (trying to tie in with Kidd & Natalya). In the ring, Rose started for his team, but The Bunny wanted to tag in. Rose and Bunny argued, so Uso superkicked them into each other before nailing a Superfly Splash for the win.

WINNERS: Usos at 1:55 to become #1 contenders to the Tag Titles.

Backstage: Naomi celebrated The Usos winning, then Tag Champs Miz & Damien Sandow walked up to Naomi. Miz tried to hit on Naomi, then gave her the name of a Hollywood producer. Sandow mimicked Miz by handing over an invisible card.

Backstage: A black limo pulled up in the parking garage. Out came Mr. McMahon on his cell phone. McMahon put the phone away and kept walking.

[Commercial Break at 8:56]

[Q5 -- second hour] Announcement: Seth Green is returning to Raw to guest-host the Slammys next week. Cole hyped the WWE App as the only way to participate in voting.

Earlier Tonight: Big Show and Erick Rowan brawled.

Backstage: Tom Phillips brought in Rowan to ask if he regrets targeting Big Show. Rowan, hiding behind his sheep mask, remained quiet. Phillips, undeterred, introduced research that Rowan has a big IQ and is an expert in many fields. So, why is he targeting Big Show? "He's a bully," Rowan declared, then handed Phillips a completed Rubik's Cube.

In-ring: Big Show's music played. Show cut off his music and said he is a bully. That's right. Because he can be. Show asked the crowd if they remember all the people who have betrayed him. "You sold out on me!" Show said. He said he doesn't care about earning respect, just hurting people now. Yep, the same promo after the previous 20 heel turns. Erick Rowan's music answered Show for the first singles match of the show.

2 -- BIG SHOW vs. ERICK ROWAN

Show knocked down Rowan, then kicked him in the chest. Show had an opening for a KO Punch, but he opted for a short-arm clothesline. Show wrapped his arms around Rowan's neck with a Cobra Clutch-like move. Meanwhile, the announcers debated a "Big Red" nickname for Rowan based on the color of his beard. Rowan fought out of the hold, then fought back with clubbing blows before clotheslining Show over the top rope to the floor.

On the outside, Rowan clubbed Show across the back before headbutting him. But, Show reversed a whip that sent Rowan into the ring steps. Show then scooped up the ring steps and dropped them across Rowan's back. Referee Rudy Charles called for a DQ, ending Show's night in a loss. Show waked away proud of himself as Rowan sold the effects on the floor.

WINNER: Rowan via DQ at 4:19.

Still to come: Cena & Ryback & Rowan (not Ziggler?) vs. Kane, Rollins, and Luke Harper. The graphic showed Rowan instead of Dolph Ziggler.

Backstage: McMahon approached two men dressed in strange costumes. He didn't have the words, then kept walking. Renee Young approached McMahon for thoughts on the night, but McMahon cut her off and plugged his appearance with Stone Cold on WWE Network tonight after Raw. McMahon growled that it's going to be fun.

Announcers: Cole, Lawler, and JBL hyped the Network podcast after Raw, then transitioned to the Nikki Bella vs. A.J. Lee feud. Therefore, tonight it's the Bellas vs. A.J. and a partner to be voted on. The options are Natalya, Naomi, or Alicia Fox.

[Commercial Break at 9:12]

[Q6] In-ring: Rosa Mendes was standing by to dance for Fandango, who emerged on-stage before charging down to the ring to complete the dance with Rosa. Jack Swagger's music interrupted to bring out Swagger in his home state. No sign of Swagger, though. They re-started the music, but still no sign. Fandango was taken aback by this.

Suddenly, WWE cut backstage to show Zeb Colter down on the ground clutching his knee. Swagger called for a doctor before asking who did this. Back in the ring, Fandango sold amusement over what happened to his opposition. Awkward pause back in the ring, then Lilian Garcia announced the winner by forfeit... But, Rosa took the mic and weirdly announced Fandango as the winner.

3 -- FANDANGO vs. JACK SWAGGER (w/Zeb Colter)

WINNER: Fandango via forfeit. It wasn't clear whether Fandango was supposed to be likable or unlikable upon his return, but facing babyface Swagger would have cleared things up. And, so, indifference remains the emotion.

Post-match: Rusev's music played. The U.S. champ and Lana marched down to the ring heading to break.

[Commercial Break at 9:20]

Last Monday: Jack Swagger and Rusev scrapped after Sgt. Slaughter tried to lead Rusev and Lana in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Back live, Cole speculated on whether Rusev had something to do with Zeb Colter being taken out backstage. JBL jumped on that accusation, then Lana spoke in the ring. Lana said that Americans pride themselves on freedom, but last week Rusev was ordered to recite "your pathetic Pledge of Allegiance." Not only did Rusev bravely refuse, he was punished for his valor. And then forced to enter in the battle royal on Smackdown. But, Rusev overcame the odds and retained the U.S. Title.

Lana told everyone to learn that Rusev is the greatest U.S. champion that this "pathetic excuse for a superpower has ever seen." Rusev spoke next that anyone who foolishly challenges him will be crushed. And, the same to those who do not listen, like Zeb Colter. Lawler told JBL that sounds like the answer.

Lana spoke next with demands. She demanded everyone stand for a true pledge of allegiance, then the giant Russian flag fell from the ceiling. Lana pledged allegiance to the flag of the Russian Federation and Mother Russia, one nation under Putin, and Rusev for all.

Jack Swagger's music interrupted and Swagger stormed the ring to attack Rusev. But, Rusev overpowered Swagger with clubbing blows. The scrap moved to the floor, where Swagger got the better of Rusev by slamming him into the guardrail. Referees eventually spilled out to separate the two wrestlers. Swagger broke free and tackled Rusev on the entrance ramp. Swagger was eventually subdued, so Rusev and Lana took off to the top of the stage.

Still to come: The Bellas vs. A.J. Lee and a partner voted on via App vote.

[Q7] [Commercial Break at 9:30]

Video Game plug: WWE hyped a Sting vs. Taker fantasy match-up in the "WWE 2K15" video game.

In-ring: The Miz's music played to bring out WWE tag champs The Miz and Damien Sandow. It's singles action for Sandow, who held replica Tag Title belts on the way to the ring. Already in the ring was Fernando of Los Matadores.

Earlier Tonight: El Torito ran circles around Miz and Sandow on the Raw pre-show.

4 --WWE tag champion DAMIEN SANDOW (w/WWE tag champ The Miz) vs. FERNANDO (w/Diego and El Torito)

Miz joined commentary to discuss their Tag Title defense against The Usos at TLC in two weeks. In the ring, Sandow ran over Fernando with a lariat into Miz's Reality Check. Sandow kipped up looking for cheers, then rolled into the figure-four leglock. Ric Flair "Whoos!" from the crowd, then Fernando tapped out.

WINNER: Sandow via submission at 2:25. This seemed like a dry run to rest Sandow in a straight-up babyface role not being set up by Miz in tag matches. At this point, the act still needs to be set up until Sandow actually breaks free from Miz to springboard into a real face role.

Post-match: Jimmy Uso walked right down to ringside and straight slapped Miz in the face. "Stay away from my wife!" Uso shouted down at Miz, who sold an injury to the money-maker. The slap was enhanced by Uso slapping Miz right next to the microphone on Miz's headset, creating a very loud noise. The very angry Uso then marched back to the back before Sandow joined Miz to sell the effects of the slap.

Still to come: Ziggler was back in the graphic with Cena and Ryback against Harper, Rollins, and Kane in the six-man tag main event.

Suddenly, the Wyatt interruption played. Bray Wyatt appeared on the video screen to tell Tulsa that he's here. Bray blew out his lantern and Raw cut to break.

[Commercial Break at 9:40]

Tomorrow night: Jimmy Uso vs. The Miz on Main Event.

[Q8] In-ring: R-Truth was standing by for singles action. Out came Bray Wyatt as the opposition.

5 -- BRAY WYATT vs. R-TRUTH

Bray dominated early on, then called out to Dean Ambrose. Bray slowed the pace before Cole completed the email from almost two hours ago that if Cena loses to Rollins at TLC, a new #1 contender to the WWE Title will be named at a later date. In other words, the anonymous Raw GM isn't planning ahead. Truth teased a comeback at 2:45, but Bray avoided a scissors kick and planted Truth into the mat.

Bray rolled Truth to the mat, then kind of threw Truth down onto the ring apron while landing a forearm to the back. Back in the ring, Bray shook his foot like Nakamura, then hung upside down and crab-walked toward Truth for Sister Abigail. It was good for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Wyatt at 4:21. Basic squash match to set up Bray vs. Ambrose at the PPV.

Post-match, Bray went under the ring to retrieve a bunch of chairs, which he chucked into the ring while shouting for Dean Ambrose to join him. Bray retrieved more weaponry as Raw cut to break.

[Commercial Break at 9:52]

Bray-Dean Brawl

Back from break, Bray Wyatt was sitting beneath a ladder in a darkened arena. Bray talked about the Biblical story of Jacob and his ladder. He talked about the ladder being the stairway to heaven and his Maker. Bray said Jacob was to lead his people to safety, and He would never leave Jacobs's side. Bray cackled to himself. He said he, too, dreams of this great ladder, but his dreams are a little different. In his dreams, he ascends the ladder and looks down at the people He has created with disdain. And, the insects just like Dean Ambrose. Bray repeated "tables, ladders, and chairs" over and over...

Suddenly, Dean Ambrose's music interrupted, the lights came up, and Dean stomped down to ringside. Bray grabbed Bray to fight on the outside, then Dean re-arranged furniture on the floor. Dean climbed a ladder to splash Bray on the announce table, but referees spilled out to cut out Dean. Bray started to leave, but Dean grabbed him to continue the fight. Refs finally separated Dean as Bray stumbled away.

[Q9 -- third hour] Dean Ambrose jumped into the ring and surveyed the weapons in the ring. Also in the ring was Bray's "sacred rocking chair," as described by Cole. Dean destroyed the rocking chair. Bray freaked out, acting as if the rocking chair had magical powers like Undertaker's urn. Cole said Bray has shown vulnerability for the first time and Dean has gotten under Bray's skin. On the stage, Bray sat down on the ground and stared straight ahead in shock and disbelief.

Announcers: Cole and Co. recapped earlier events, then flashed back to the opening segment when Michael Cole read an email from the Raw GM that if Cena loses to Rollins at TLC, he will no longer be #1 contender to the WWE Title.

Still to come: Cena & Ziggler & Ryback vs. Rollins & Harper & Kane in a six-man tag.

In-ring: The Bellas's music played to bring out Divas champion Nikki and Brie Bella. Indifference from the crowd still trying to process why Brie is willingly teaming with Nikki. Up next, WWE reveals A.J.'s tag partner against the Bellas.

[Commercial Break at 10:04]

Back from break, A.J. Lee's music [;ayed. A.J. skipped right down to the announce table and leaned against the table to wait for Jerry Lawler to stand up and announce A.J.'s tag partner. The winner was Naomi with 48 percent, followed by 32 percent for Natalya. Cole noted A.J. looked indifferent at the selection.

6 -- THE BELLAS (Divas champion NIKKI BELLA & BRIE BELLA) vs. A.J. LEE & NAOMI

Once the bell sounded, the obligatory "C-M Punk" chants started up. Meanwhile, Brie and Nikki randomly both started the match against Naomi. Brie eventually bailed to the ring apron as Nikki worked over Naomi.

A.J. eventually tagged in and cleared Brie from the ring apron before dropping Nikki with a Tornado DDT for a two count. Chaos in the ring, then A.J. trapped Nikki with the Black Widow for a tap-out win. Post-match, Nikki angrily took back her Divas Title as Brie helped her sister recover.

WINNERS: A.J. & Naomi via submission at 3:25.

[Q10] Backstage: A Christmas tree was shown after Cole said "Saint Mick" was standing by. It was Santa Mick Foley Claus plugging WWE Shop merchandise for holiday shopping season. Apparently Foley's daughter, Noelle Foley, was Mick's helper for the bit.

[Commercial Break at 10:17]

This Friday on Smackdown: U.S. champion Rusev vs. Dean Ambrose. Apparently it's non-title.

Announcers: Cole and Co. recapped the Cena-Rollins stipulation for TLC.

Paul Heyman Resurfaces

Cole then brought in Paul Heyman on the video screen from WWE Network HQ. Heyman responded to John Cena saying Lesnar only shows up "once per year." Heyman took exception, saying Christmas would not be special if it happened every day. He said Lesnar is must-see, special, and can't-miss. He said if Cena gets by Rollins at TLC, he will have to face a rested, ready, trained Lesnar.

But, what if Cena loses? The possibility of other contenders intrigues Lesnar. Heyman said maybe it will be Seth Rollins, who, by the way, is on their hit list for the Curb Stomp at Night of Champions. Heyman rescinded his acceptance of Rollins's apology now that he can't hide behind The Authority. What about The Undertaker? Heyman said Taker hasn't been heard from since Lesnar destroyed him at WrestleMania. Or, Sting? The crowd cheered. Heyman said they wouldn't even have to advertise it as a retirement match because Brock would retire him.

Heyman re-directed to Cole, saying the person who holds the gold has the power, and vice versa. He said Lesnar is all-powerful with no more authority, and he awaits Cena's fate at TLC. Once Heyman wrapped up, Cena's music played to bring out Cena in a different blue t-shirt for the main event.

[Commercial Break at 10:27]

[Q11] Dolph Ziggler, then Ryback made their entrances to join Cena in the ring. Seth Rollins's music then brought out Rollins flanked by Jamie Noble and Joey Mercury. Kane was out next, followed by IC champion Luke Harper.

7 -- JOHN CENA & DOLPH ZIGGLER & RYBACK vs. IC champion LUKE HARPER & MITB holder SETH ROLLINS & KANE (w/Joey Mercury and Jamie Noble) -- six-man tag match

The bell sounded 25 minutes before the top of the hour, setting up a lengthy match and likely a post-match angle. Cena went for an early STF on Rollins, but Harper broke it up. Cena and Harper battled for a bit, then Ziggler tagged in for a Double Dragons Dropkick on Harper. JBL offered a Rock 'N Roll Express shout-out.

Ryback and Kane tagged in next for a mid-ring battle. But, Kane quickly gave way to Harper. Ryback over-powered Harper, tried a vertical suplex, and then tried again. This time, Ryback got Harper in the air. He held him there for a good five seconds, then the lights suddenly went out. Actually, it was Raw suddenly cutting to break with Ryback mid-delayed suplex and just about to drop Harper to the mat. That was weird.

[Commercial Break at 10:41]

[Q12] Back from break, Ryback re-executed the vertical suplex. No delay on the vertical suplex this time, as he was probably worn out from the pre-commercial attempt. Ryback then tagged out to Ziggler. Harper took control on Ziggler, though, and executed a vertical suplex in Ryback's face. Tags around the horn wore down Ziggler as JBL told Ziggler he should quit and save his career.

Rollins missed a corner attack and Ziggler finally made the hot tag to Cena. Cena came in hot on Rollins with the Five Knuckle Shuffle, then teased an AA, but Harper hit the ring. AA to Harper, then Kane entered the ring and Ryback joined Cena for a double suplex to Kane. But, J&J attacked Cena behind the ref's back, allowing Rollins to get a nearfall when the ref turned around. Cena sold being in trouble heading to break.

[Commercial Break at 10:51]

Back from break, Kane was working on Cena. Cena snapped off a dropkick, but Harper tagged in to cut off Cena from making a tag. Tags around the horn wore down Cena as Ryback and Ziggler patiently waited for a tag. Rollins did a little too much trash-talking, prompting Cena to punch him in the face. But, Rollins cut off a tag with a knock-down clothesline.

[Q13 -- over-run] Cena finally made his corner to tag in Ziggler at the top of the hour. Chaos broke out moments later with finishers flying. Harper dropped Ziggler with a Black Hole Slam, but Ziggler kicked out of a pin. Harper did not follow up, allowing Ziggler to quick-pin Harper for a sudden three count.

WINNERS: Team Ziggler at 25:17. Anti-climatic finish to a long, drawn-out main event that seemed inconsequential based on the post-match...

Ziggler's music played for about two seconds before Harper attacked him, cutting off Dolph's music and rendering the match an after-thought. A brawl broke out in the ring, then Big Show jogged down to ringside. Show helped the heels dominate the faces, then Erick Rowan showed up with steel steps. Rowan ran over Kane, then Ziggler whipped Rollins face-first into Rowan's steps.

In the ring, Show tried a chokeslam on both Rowan and Ryback, but Ziggler superkicked Show in the mouth. Meathook Clothesline to Show. Cena then hoisted Show in the air, turned to the hard camera, took a deep breath, and dropped Show with an AA in the middle of the ring. The babyfaces then picked up Show and Rowan finished him off with steel steps to the shoulder/face region. "Down goes the giant," Cole declared.

Cena's music played and the quartet of Cena, Rowan, Ziggler, and Ryback stood tall in the ring as the Team Cena traitor, Big Show, remained out cold in the ring. Cena reluctantly shook hands with Rowan, who Cole said has "arrived." Rowan stood over Show and stroked his beard before rubbing the side of his head.

WWE cut to a backstage shot of "Stone Cold" Steve Austin sitting at a table waiting for Vince McMahon to join him for the live Network podcast after Raw ended five minutes past the top of the hour.

FINAL THOUGHTS: Okay maintenance show trying to fast-break the TLC PPV hype, while also following up on Survivor Series events. Fine, but pretty dry and forgettable stretched out over three hours. Cena's #1 contender status to the WWE Title being in jeopardy at TLC also seemed like an after-thought by the end of the show, especially when compared to how much time & effort went into The Authority's power on the line at Survivor Series.

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