WWE Raw TV Results
March 16, 2015 - Episode #1,137
Live in Des Moines, Iowa
Report by James Caldwell (@JCTorch), PWTorch assistant editor

- The Card: Randy Orton makes a challenge to Seth Rollins for WrestleMania, John Cena and Rusev U.S. Title contract signing, WM31 is two weeks away, and more.

Live Raw on USA Network

Raw opened with a video package on how last week's Raw ended with Randy Orton taking out Seth Rollins and executing a long beat down.

WWE anti-climatically cut to the arena, where Seth Rollins's music was playing. No outward signs of the major beat down from Orton on Rollins, who stood in the ring without bandages, a neckbrace, or anything else to sell the beat down. "Rollins, Rollins" chant from his home-state fans. Rollins, standing next to Big Show, Kane, Noble, and Mercury taunted the fans by saying he made it out of Iowa and made something of himself.

Rollins then talked about Randy Orton's psychological games. Rollins said he called Randy a friend and a family member, but he betrayed him. Rollins then tried to defend his "business decision" ending The Shield, which he said is nothing like what Orton did. Rollins said Orton conned all of them, making fools out of Triple H and Stephanie McMahon, too. Rollins said it disgusts him. Show shook his head, then asked for the mic.

Show calmly addressed Seth, saying he owes him an apology. "I'm sorry," Show said, adding that he feels like he's partially responsible for what happened and it breaks his heart. Show sounded over-the-top with his empathy for Rollins. Show then yelled about Orton being a slimy, no-good snake in the grass. He said he hates snakes. And he crushes them under his boot.

Kane spoke next. He said he wasn't as gullible as Big Show, but Orton sucked him in as well. Kane vowed to make Orton pay for betraying them. Jamie Noble spoke next. He said he is the secret weapon of The Authority and he smelled a rat. He told Seth that he is not only his boss, but his friend. "And it hurt me, too!" he said. But, it hurt Joey Mercury the most. Joey took the mic pretending to hold back tears. He couldn't speak, so he just hugged Big Show's belly.

Seth continued the Rascal Flatts theme on what hurts the most is being betrayed by Orton. And now he wants a match at WrestleMania? "Well, I accept," Seth said. But, but, only under one condition. If Orton agrees to face him tonight live on Raw. The crowd cheered. Suddenly, Orton's music played.

Orton walked out on-stage with mic in-hand prepared to offer his response. As Seth seethed in the ring, Orton tried to hold back his smile as he paced the entrance stage. Orton said he's not the Face of WWE, just a guy. Just a guy who last week make Seth look like a little b-----. More cussing from Orton. And he is also the guy who is going to beat Seth's ass tonight because he accepts his challenge to face him in the main event of Raw.

Orton said he knows how this goes down with it being five-on-one tonight. And, he gets it that Seth needs all the help he can get, but he has enough venom for all of The Authority. Orton confidently said he'll bring it tonight in the main event.

[Q2] Announcers: Michael Cole, Booker T, and JBL were shown on-camera hyping Orton vs. Rollins tonight. And at WrestleMania. Cole then plugged John Cena vs. Rusev for the U.S. Title at WM31, with a contract signing on-tap for tonight.

Also, WWE World Hvt. champion Brock Lesnar was interviewed during the week discussing Mania and Roman Reigns. Cole tossed out the "controversy" buzzword to hype the interview.

Backstage: A.J. Lee and Paige were shown walking down the hallway. Cole said A.J. faces Divas champion Nikki Bella next.

[Commercial Break at 8:16]

In-ring: A.J. Lee came out with Paige for the opening match as Cole messed up the WM31 start time. JBL yelled at him for the remainder of the entrance, then the Bellas came out for singles action.

1 -- Divas champion NIKKI BELLA (w/Brie Bella) vs. A.J. LEE (w/Paige) -- non-title match

Nikki controlled early on, then took a moment to do some push-ups as A.J. sold in the corner. Nikki then targeted A.J.'s left shoulder and Raw cut to break with A.J. writhing in pain.

[Commercial Break at 8:26. As Raw cut to break, a weird deal for "WhoisMrRobot.com" flashed on the screen.]

Back from break, Nikki continued to control the action, but she became frustrated with her inability to put A.J. away. Back to a headlock. A.J. broke free, then came off the top with a cross-body splash for a two count.

[Q3] The match spilled to the outside, drawing over Paige and Brie. Paige got the worst of a ringside exchange, getting posted by Brie. Back in the ring, Nikki hit the torture rack slam on A.J. for the pin. Afterward, the Bellas stood tall heading into the tag match in two weeks at WM31.

WINNER: Nikki at 11:02. One of the longest Divas matches on Raw in a long time. Solid all-around setting the tone for the night with the heels standing tall two weeks out from Mania before WWE wraps things up next week.

Still to come: Daniel Bryan & Dolph Ziggler & Dean Ambrose vs. IC champion Bad News Barrett & Luke Harper & Stardust in a six-man tag match. Also known as last Thursday's Smackdown main event.

Up next: Roman Reigns's big spear to Mark Henry on Smackdown.

[Commercial Break at 8:34]

Announcers: Cole, JBL, and Booker hyped WrestleMania 31 on WWE Network. Cole said there will be a two-hour pre-show before Mania starts.

Smackdown replay: Mark Henry confronted blue-eyed Roman Reigns, who dropped Henry with a Superman Punch before spearing Henry through the ringside barricade.

Backstage: Renee Young was standing by with Kane and Big Show. Renee asked what their roles will be in the main event tonight. Kane announced that they will be ringside for Rollins vs. Orton tonight, prompting Show to complain about Kane making decisions for him instead of talking to him like a man. Seth Rollins barged in, telling them this is what got them sent home last week. Kane took exception to Seth acting like a "spoiled brat," adding that they kind of enjoyed watching Seth take a beating last week. Kane said he will not be ringside for Rollins's match tonight. Show non-verbally agreed, causing Seth to wince at the thought of having to face Orton without his giants at ringside.

In-ring: Ryback was introduced for the next match. He faces The Miz next.

[Q4] [Commercial Break at 8:45]

After a replay of Ryback beating The Miz on Smackdown aired, WWE cut to Ryback leading the crowd in "Feed Me More" chants. WWE showed the Andre the Giant Memorial battle royal trophy ringside, then Miz's music played to bring out The Miz to groans, followed by Damien Sandow to cheers. In an inset promo, Miz said he is still The Miz, future winner of the Andre battle royal. And, his personal assistant will ensure that he wins ... or else he will be fired and fade out.

2 -- RYBACK vs. THE MIZ (w/Damien Sandow/Mizdow/Wizdow)

"We Want Mizdow" chants as Miz did his dramatic removal of the sunglasses. Miz found himself on the outside, where Ryback set up Sandow to punch Miz, but Sandow couldn't pull the trigger. Miz reprimanded Sandow for thinking about it, then Ryback smashed Miz, gave him the meathook clothesline back in the ring, and finished off Miz with Shell-Shock for the win.

Post-match, Mizdow entered the ring to help cool off Miz. Sandow picked up Miz to his feet, but Miz suddenly dropped Sandow with the Skullcrushing Finale, drawing boos. Miz stood up and stood over Sandow with a scowl before leaving the ring. Miz's music played as he left the ring.

WINNER: Ryback at 1:54. Heels getting their music on the way out tonight.

Video Package: John Cena vs. Rusev for the U.S. Title at WM31.

Up next: U.S. Title contract signing.

[Commercial Break at 8:56]

[Q5 -- second hour]

Vignette: Sheamus is coming. Sheamus is coming. No word on when.

U.S. Title Contract Signing

In the ring was a contract table with a "house divided" look of the American and Russian flag. Michael Cole introduced the signing, then brought out John Cena first. Cena stormed the ring and saluted an American flag hanging in one turnbuckle. Cole asked Cena to sign the contract. Pause for "Let's Go Cena / Cena Sucks" chants. Cena smirked, then grabbed the mic while holding the contract.

Cena said this contract is by far the most important contract he's signed in WWE. Because in just a minute, everyone will be introduced to a super-athlete, hero of the Russian federation, and a man who has destroyed everyone in his path, including himself. Cena said this man is Rusev and he is the champion of the United States. Cena said he's thought long and hard of what that means - Rusev represents the United States of America, which means he represents each and every American. Which is why this contract and this match so important to him.

Cena said he could whip Rusev all over the ring right now, but it does no good as long as Rusev wears the U.S. Title. So, tonight, he will sign this contract because enough is enough. He said he is disgusted and it angers him that Rusev represents their country and the place they call home. "U-S-A" chants from the crowd. Cena encouraged more chanting, then gave a military speech. But, he is ashamed to have to look them in the eye with Rusev as their champion. Cena called this contract a declaration of independence and WrestleMania is their revolution. He said Rusev is going to find out at Mania that you can only push the U.S. so far before fighting back.

Rusev's music played next to bring out the U.S. champion dressed in a suit holding the U.S. Title belt. Instead of Lana, a man in a suit followed Rusev to the ring. JBL said he misses Lana. Rusev approached the contract, but paused to let his friend do the talking. "We Want Lana" chant interrupted. Cena grabbed his mic, which was not on, and said apparently they want the one with balls.

Rusev was unmoved by the jab and his representative with a weird accent that sounded like the Super Fans from SNL spoke. He said that Rusev is not accepting this match. He presented Exhibit A of Lana accepting the match, not Rusev. The guy continued to speak as Booker and JBL complained about the guy being a phony representative with a phony accent, "owning" the silliness of the bit.

Rusev eventually took the mic and recapped Cena's failures. He pushed Cena's buttons saying everyone in America grows up to be a failure. Cole left the ring after Cena ripped off his t-shirt preparing to fight. Rusev continued that America is a cancer to the world. (What? chants.) Rusev slammed the mic down on the contract table as they went face-to-face for the photo-op. Rusev picked up the mic and said this country will die. He slammed it down again, then Rusev scribbled his name on the contract. Rusev immediately flipped over the table into Cena, then rolled out of the ring laughing to himself. His representative joined him on-stage, then Cena recovered and proudly held up the contract in the ring. Rusev responded with his giant Russian flag dropping down from the ceiling. Rusev got his music on the way out to keep the theme going.

[ Reax: What poor timing for Lana to film a movie. The phony representative really distracted from what they were trying to accomplish. ]

[Q6] Still to come: Smackdown main event re-match. Also, Randy Orton vs. Seth Rollins.

Generic Smackdown plug: Daniel Bryan is on Thursdays. Can anyone stop him on the Road to WrestleMania?

WWE Network plug: Cole ran down the WrestleMania Week programming next week on the Network.

In-ring: New Day was in the ring. Like last week, Big E. was being moved by the spirit with his eyes rolling in the back of his head dancing with Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods. Cue up the siren to bring out Cesaro, Tyson Kidd, and "Catwoman" Natalya. In an inset promo, Kidd and Cesaro offered some "facts" about being better than New Day.

3 -- WWE tag champions CESARO & TYSON KIDD (w/Natalya) vs. NEW DAY (BIG E. & KOFI KINGSTON w/Xavier Woods) -- non-title match

Before the bell sounded, Los Matadores's music played to bring out Diego, Fernando, and El Torito for a closer look at the action. Some of the ringside fans picked up a "Let's Go Hawks" chant for Big E., who played college football at Iowa. Meanwhile, Cole said The Usos are "not looking good" for WrestleMania due to Jey Uso's shoulder injury.

Back in the ring, Cesaro put Kidd in the Big Swing and waited for Kidd to complete his dropkick, but Kidd was deterred by the referee. Kingston nailed Kidd with Trouble in Paradise, but Cesaro smashed Kofi from behind and rolled him up for the pin and the win. Heels got their music to keep the theme going.

WINNERS: Cesaro & Kidd at 1:51. Too quick to clear up the Tag Title picture heading to Mania.

Post-match, Los Matadores attacked New Day, then chucked Xavier back into the ring, where Cesaro dropped him with the Neutralizer. But, El Torito came flying toward Cesaro with a dropkick. Cesaro then took a huracanrana out of the ring. Los Matadores joined Diego in the ring to celebrate as Natalya yelled at Torito.

Announcers: Cole and Co. reset the show, focusing on Bray Wyatt challenging The Undertaker to a WrestleMania match, which Taker finally accepted via message on the video screen last week.

Tonight: Bray Wyatt responds to Taker's message.

Up Next: WWE World Hvt. champion Brock Lesnar pre-taped interview.

[Commercial Break at 9:27. Shad Gaspard is back on TV in an AutoZone commercial.]

[Q7] Video Game plug: Triple H vs. Sting in WWE 2K15. Cole said Hunter says this match is about conquering WCW, while Sting says it's about ending Hunter's power control.

Backstage: Seth Rollins tried to get Jamie Noble & Joey Mercury on the same page with him for the main event. Rollins told them not to mess up like last week, but Noble replied that Seth sent them away last week. Seth said he doesn't pay them to argue with him. Noble got tired of Seth and said they wouldn't be in this mess if Seth listened to him about Orton. Seth had enough and tried to fire him, but Noble quit. Joey Mercury, playing the silent guy, just shrugged his shoulders and left with Noble. Rollins was left alone to contemplate a one-on-one situation with Orton again tonight.

Ringside: Cole, JBL, and Booker were shown on-camera. Booker was shown playing with his highlighter before listening to Cole and JBL set up a discussion of Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns. Cole robotically introduced "candid" and "controversial" comments from Brock Lesnar.

Brock Lesnar Sit-Down Interview

The video was just Brock Lesnar talking without an interviewer shown. Lesnar said first-person that he was put on earth to seek and destroy people. That's why he's here. What does WrestleMania mean to him? Lesnar said it's a day he gets to show up, kick ass, and get paid.

Lesnar said Undertaker did not stand a chance against him at last year's WrestleMania. What about people who were disappointed that he beat Taker? Lesnar laughed. He said he loved every minute of it. As for his WWE contract, Lesnar said one thing is for sure that if he stays, he will be WWE champion. If he goes, he will be WWE champion. Lesnar said Roman Reigns will not stand in the way of that.

Lesnar said he sent The Rock to Hollywood when he was a rookie, he ended The Streak at WM30, and he suplexed John Cena out of Summerslam in August. Lesnar said Brock Lesnar in hunt mode is crazy, so stay tuned for Brock Lesnar in defend mode.

Lesnar offered a message to Roman Reigns. "At WrestleMania, Brock Lesnar is going to kick your ass," he said. He said there is no happy, feel-good moment for Reigns. Lesnar vowed to mess up Reigns. The End. Lesnar was shown leaving the interview set after his final words.

In-ring: Big Show was introduced to the ring. Show is in action to hype the Andre Battle Royal.

[Commercial Break at 9:40]

Coming back from break, another spot for "WhoIsMrRobot.com" aired. Text on the screen showed hacker, loner, and savior. They showed the back of the head of a 20-something walking through dark streets on a mission.

Back in the arena, Erick Rowan's music was playing. Big Show cut off Rowan before they could even start a match. Show delivered a KO Punch, then came off the second rope with a big splash to Rowan. Cole said Show is in a mood tonight. Show left the ring as the ref called for trainers to help Rowan, who writhed in pain on the mat.

x -- BIG SHOW vs. ERICK ROWAN -- Match never started

[Q8] Announcers: Cole and Co. transitioned to the Hall of Fame ceremony the night before WrestleMania. Cole noted the "so-called Living Legend" Larry Zbsyzko is the latest inductee. A video package followed on Zbyszko's career in AWA, WWF/E, and WCW. They also focused on Zbyszko being mentored by Bruno Sammartino. But, Larry turned on Bruno to begin his heel run. The video transitioned to Zbyszko standing up for WCW against The NWO and Eric Bischoff during the Nitro days, tying in with the Sting/WCW-NWO/Authority theme for the Sting vs. Hunter match at WrestleMania. Back live, Cole hyped Bruno vs. Zbyszko in the steel cage at Shea Stadium making "pro wrestling history."

Still to come: Six-man tag IC Title ladder match Smackdown main event re-match. Also, Randy Orton vs. Seth Rollins.

[Commercial Break at 9:49]

Back in the arena, Kane was standing by with various Andre Battle Royal participants. Kane said this is Axel-Mania, then vowed to demonstrate what will happen at WrestleMania, but Mark Henry's music interrupted. Henry said this will be their own version of March Madness. He tossed his hat in the match, then hit the ring. Bodies started flying as Curtis Axel hung out ringside with the Andre trophy.

After the mid-carders were cleared out, the exhibition battle royal came down to Kane and Henry. Henry dumped Kane, then Axel snuck back the ring and tried to push Henry over the top rope, but Henry blocked. Henry then tossed Axel over the top rope. Henry got his music on the way out as he left the ring to stare at the Andre trophy.

[Commercial Break at 9:56]

Returning from break, another WhoIsMrRobot.com spot aired.

Announcers: Cole said JBL might want to come over to Smackdown this Thursday to call this match ... Cesaro & Kidd & Natalya vs. Los Matadores & El Torito.

[Q9 -- third hour]

Paul Heyman Promo

Lilian Garcia introduced Paul Heyman, who was standing by in the ring. Heyman hyped Brock Lesnar as the single-most legitimate and authentic champion in WWE or MMA history then, now, and forever. So, in the spirit of that authenticity, he came out here to say that his client, Brock Lesnar, views rules and regulations on his title match as not fitting his style. Heyman said Lesnar is a beast and he is not coming to WrestleMania to make love, but to make war. "War on Roman Reigns!" he shouted.

Heyman said no one has thought about what happens when Lesnar violates rules and regulations. Are they going to turn off the lights? Cut the feed of the PPV? Or on the Network? Cut WrestleMania off? Just give everyone their money back?! Heyman said the audience is stuck with Brock Lesnar as WWE World champion. (Vocal males cheered that result over Roman Reigns being champion.) And there's not a damn thing that --- his mic cut out.

Heyman leaned on the top rope amused by this. He said cutting off his mic is one thing, but what are they going to do when you can't stop Brock Lesnar? Heyman then over-hyped Roman Reigns as the "stand-out of NXT" who beat 29 other guys in the Royal Rumble and bypassed Daniel Bryan. But, what happens when Reigns run into a beating from Brock? He said Reigns will be the next great Samoan-American't. He said Reigns can't, can't, can't, can't, can't beat Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania. Heyman said his father should have warned him a long time ago!

The Shield's music interrupted to bring out Reigns, who apparently hung out for a long time at the top of the arena listening to Heyman speak. Reigns, sporting a new t-shirt reading, "I Can. I Will." entered the ring to a smattering of boos. Reigns, sporting his blue eyes, said he has a lot of respect for Heyman. He said his issue is not with Heyman, but with his client, Brock Lesnar. Reigns said he's going to talk to Lesnar now.

Reigns dramatically turned to face the hard camera to address Lesnar. Reigns, with his eyes looking like Glacier's in WCW, said he wants to look Lesnar in the eyes and tell him that he will win at Mania, even if people like these guys behind him (fans booing) don't think he can. "Daniel Bryan" chants from the same fans. Reigns closed by telling Lesnar to believe that. Heyman bailed from the ring as Reigns looked around the arena trying to sell confidence.

Earlier Tonight: Big Show and Kane walked out on Seth Rollins. Now, Seth is by himself against Randy Orton tonight. Or, is he?

Up Next: IC Title ladder match six-man tag.

[Commercial Break at 10:11]

Backstage: WWE showed Paul Heyman marching down the hallway. Renee Young stopped Heyman to get his thoughts on Roman Reigns. Heyman said he likes it that Reigns wants to play chess with the chessmaster. Heyman said he will give Reigns a chance to get in Brock Lesnar's face next week on Raw. So, he can say anything to Brock's face next week. Which also means Brock will have the chance to say or do anything to Reigns's face.

[Q10] In-ring: Bad News Barrett's music was playing as Barrett, Luke Harper, and Stardust stood by in the ring. Barrett was still without his IC Title belt. Daniel Bryan's music played to bring out Bryan to a loud reaction, followed by Dolph Ziggler, then Dean Ambrose. Cole brought up Ziggler and Ambrose calling Bryan "a turd" on Smackdown. Now, they all have to team up tonight. Before the bell sounded, the music played for the seventh man in the ladder match, R-Truth. Truth slowly walked down the entrance ramp as everyone looked at him.

4 -- DANIEL BRYAN & DEAN AMBROSE & DOLPH ZIGGLER vs. IC champion BAD NEWS BARRETT & STARDUST & LUKE HARPER -- six-man tag match

The reason for Truth slowly walking down to ringside was revealed as Truth having the IC Title belt clipped to the back of his jacket. Truth slid down to ringside so the wrestlers could not see his "backpack." In the ring, Bryan felled Stardust, then put him in the Surfboard Stretch to Yes! chants. Bryan released the hold, then landed Yes! kicks in the corner. Ziggler then tagged in for Bryan, who took exception. But, they clotheslined Stardust to the floor. The babyface trio stood tall in the ring as they showed Truth watching the proceedings at the announce table.

[Commercial Break at 10:22]

Back from break, the heels were controlling Ziggler. Meanwhile, Booker tried to get Truth to admit that he's afraid of heights going into the IC Title ladder match. Truth continued to debate whether he stole the IC Title belt as Harper worked on Ziggler. The discussion shifted to wearing floaties in the pool. Moving on.

Ziggler finally went for the corner tag, but Barrett and Stardust yanked his tag partners off the ring apron. So, Ziggler re-adjusted and dropped Harper with Zig-Zag. Barrett broke up the pin, then the match broke down with everyone in the ring. Back in the ring, Harper smashed Ziggler with a big boot before hitting a powerbomb for a close two count. Cole sent Raw to another break, interestingly.

[Q11] [Commercial Break at 10:30]

Back from break, JBL accidentally said "belt" in reference to the IC Title hanging on R-Truth's back. Cole asked him to correct himself. Since it's a punishable offense to say "belt" on WWE TV. Back in the ring, Bryan finally took a hot tag. "Yes!" chants all around before Bryan flew at Harper on the outside. Dean Ambrose blind-tagged and worked on Stardust before hitting the rebound lariat. But, Harper blasted him with a big boot. Oops, Ziggler superkicked Bryan off the ring apron when he was going for Harper. Bodies everywhere.

Barrett wanted the Bullhammer on Ambrose, but Ambrose ducked and nailed Dirty Deeds. Ambrose pinned Barrett for the win, giving Barrett another loss.

WINNER: Ziggler & Bryan & Ambrose at 17:02.

Post-match, Ambrose's music played, but Harper blasted Ambrose from behind. Harper chucked Ambrose into the announce table, then Stardust took the IC Title belt from R-Truth. But, Ambrose caught up to Stardust in the crowd. Ambrose tried to leave with the belt, but he accidentally dropped the belt at Truth's feet as Stardust continued to fight him.

Truth tried to leave, but Harper stopped him. So, Truth tossed the belt into the ring. Ambrose took out Harper, then the focus went to Bryan and Ziggler holding onto the belt. They played nice, then smacked each other with right hands. Stardust tried to get involved, but they took him out. Suddenly, Barrett hit the ring and took out Bryan and Ziggler with the Bullhamer. Barrett got his music on the way out to continue the theme of heels standing tall this week. Barrett taunted Truth with the belt as he walked away from ringside. Truth backed down, but Barrett smashed him with the Bullhammer anyways. Barrett left finally in possession of his title belt.

Announcers: Cole and Co. hyped WWE Network.

Backstage: Triple H and Stephanie McMahon made their first appearance of the show looking at Steph's phone. Hunter, back on TV for the first time since two weeks ago, listened to Seth Rollins complain about what's happening to him. Steph told Seth to stop alienating everyone. Hunter, looking real casual, got agitated when Rollins blamed Steph for sending Kane and Big Show home last week. Rollins laughed in Hunter's face trying to act tough when he's playing hide-and-seek with Sting. Hunter told Seth he better get in line and stop blaming others for his shortcomings. Steph told him to man-up. Seth smirked and walked off, leaving WWE cameras to linger on Hunter glaring toward Seth and Steph looking up toward Hunter.

Up Next: Bray Wyatt speaks on The Undertaker.

[Q12] [Commercial Break at 10:44]

Announcers: Cole and Co. reset the show, focusing on the U.S. Title contract signing between Cena and Rusev earlier tonight.

Video Package: Bray Wyatt vs. Undertaker one-sided feud.

Somewhere: They cut to Bray Wyatt in a smoky room staring at a red urn. Bray said he remembers the first time he ever saw Abigail sitting in the rocking chair. She was so beautiful. Not just in appearance, but how she spoke. Bray said she told him about all the lies the world offered him, even people like Undertaker. Bray said Taker tried to use this urn to burn fear into his heart, but the only thing he did was turning a chair into dust. Bray opened the turn and spilled out ashes onto his hand.

Bray chuckled, then said the big question is what's left of Taker. Is it agony? Fear? The video cut to Taker on the mat after losing to Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 30. Now, Taker is afraid to show his face. And the whole world saw him ashamed and naked. Bray said it almost brought him to tears. But, this is all Taker's fault. Now he's out of time and his fate is sealed. Bray said that at WrestleMania, it will be Taker's final resting place. And, his coronation taking his rightful place among the gods. Bray said no one will be safe after WrestleMania. "Behold the new face of fear," Bray chuckled.

Up Next: Randy Orton vs. Seth Rollins. Cole said whatever Seth planned for tonight seems to have back-fired.

[Commercial Break at 10:53]

Next Week: Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns face-to-face in the ring on the final Raw before WrestleMania. Plus, Snoop Dogg guest-stars on Raw. JBL heeled on the other guest-star, Bill Simmons, being on the show next week. Well, there's the set-up for an angle.

In-ring: Randy Orton was introduced to the ring for the main event. Cole said they will have an interview with the winner of the match after Raw on WWE Network. Wins and losses matter now? Orton waited in the ring for Seth Rollins, whose music played after a pause. Rollins came out alone holding the MITB briefcase. Rollins was announced from Davenport, Iowa, drawing some cheers.

x -- RANDY ORTON vs. SETH ROLLINS -- Match never started

[Q13 -- over-run] Rollins stood on the stage not looking to enter the ring as his music stopped. Seth spoke from the stage that it took three weeks for Orton to make everyone in The Authority look like fools. Seth sold being broken up about his situation, then he started laughing. A maniacal laugh. But, it's taken him three hours to make a fool out of Orton.

Triple H's music played to bring out Hunter, Stephanie, Kane, Big Show, Noble, and Mercury to ham it up with Rollins. They telegraphed this over-playing the idea of Rollins being all alone. Orton saw the writing on the wall, so he left the ring to grab a chair. Orton returned to the ring to defend himself against The Authority as they circled the ring.

The crowd chanted for Sting as Orton stood alone in the ring. Seth prepared to enter the ring, then he called for the henchmen to hit the ring apron to surround Orton. Orton stood his ground with the chair in-hand, then Sting's crow sound played and the lights went out as The Authority approached. The crowd popped and Sting was in the ring when the lights came back on.

Orton shot Sting a look, then Orton and Sting had a weapons party blasting the heels with the chair and Sting's baseball bat. Sting ripped off his trademark jacket and chucked it at Hunter before delivering a Stinger Splash. Sting, appearing to be in good shape, then stalked Noble for a Scorpion Death Drop, saying that one was for Hunter. Orton then dropped Mercury with an RKO. "Sting, Sting, Sting" chant as Sting and Orton stood tall in the ring after Sting pounded his chest Stinger style. Hunter backed down with his troops as Sting's music played. Sting pointed his bat down at Hunter, who seethed ringside.

WWE replayed Sting's surprise appearance and cleaning house on The Authority with Orton. Cole said they have breaking news that both Sting and Orton will be interviewed on the Network after Raw. Who made that call if The Authority is at ringside? Stephanie after leaving ringside? Raw signed off six minutes past the top of the hour with Hunter angrily shouting toward Sting. And there's the exception to tonight's rule with the protected part-time babyface legend standing tall over the heels to close Raw.

FINAL THOUGHTS: Better Raw, but it still doesn't quite feel like WrestleMania Season. Mainly due to the dud feeling for the main event title match with this crowd mainly indifferent toward #1 contender Roman Reigns. This is the opposite of "Stone Cold" Steve Austin going into WM14 to win his first major WWF title. The ending of the show gave viewers a good feeling to close on, but they're still short on Sting's intentions to rid WWE of the power-abusing authority figure. Will there be a stip? A set-up for a power change after Mania? Or, just a straight-up singles exhibition match and life goes on with Authority still in control after Mania? Many of the stories still feel incomplete and WWE just has next week's show to tidy things up before Mania.

***

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