WWE Raw TV Results
April 27, 2015 - Episode #1,143
Live in Green Bay, Wis.
Report by James Caldwell (@JCTorch), PWTorch assistant editor

- The Card: Extreme Rules PPV fall-out, John Cena's U.S. Title Open Challenge confirmed to continue, the first round of the King of the Ring tournament, and more.

- On the Network pre-show, Arda Ocal (now Kyle Edwards in WWE) hosted with David Otunga and Corey Graves in place of Scott Stanford. Also, Mick Foley crashed the end of the pre-show to plug his "Cheap Pops" Network special this week.

Live Raw on USA Network

Raw opened with a video package hyping the King of the Ring, as opposed to last night's Extreme Rules PPV. The voice-over man posed the question of who will be crowned new King of the Ring (tomorrow night on WWE Network).

After the standard Raw intro video played, full pyro and fireworks kicked off the show before Michael Cole hyped Raw in Titletown. Cole said tonight they witness the return of the King of the Ring tournament as the bracket flashed on the screen.

In the arena, Eden Stiles introduced WWE World Hvt. champion Seth Rollins to boos. Seth proudly walked out on-stage clutching the WWE Title belt as he was joined by Jamie Noble & Joey Mercury along with Kane. Cole narrated still-shots from the WWE Title match last night, making it seem like a very complicated match. They focused on Seth using Randy Orton's banned RKO move to win the steel cage match.

In the ring, Seth said The Viper finally learned what the entire audience has known for a very long time - you cannot outsmart Seth Rollins. Seth said he single-handedly built The Shield, destroyed it, cashed in Money in the Bank in the main event of WrestleMania, and proved that he is a fighting champion. (What? chants at this point.) Seth claimed to have Orton right where he wanted him all along. "You Suck" chant.

Seth said Orton wanted him all alone, but he beat him all by himself. Boos from the crowd recognizing the lie from the heel. WWE showed Kane shooting Seth a look. Seth said he dropped the ultimate insult on Orton, hitting him with an ... SKO. "Seth KO," he gloated. Seth said he knows he's boasting a lot, so he would like to thank Kane. For doing what was best for business. And keeping the gate so good while more talented people did the job in the ring.

Kane decided to interrupt, saying if it were not for his actions as gatekepeer and "illegal use" of an RKO, Randy Orton would be champion right now. So, instead of bragging and boasting, Seth would be out here whining and pointing fingers instead. Kane said he would much rather be WWE's version of the crypt-keeper instead of WWE's version of Justin Bieber. Seth shouted back that Kane is just jealous and he should just go home.

Randy Orton's music interrupted the latest verbal spat between Kane and Rollins. Orton said he's usually not the type of guy to complain about someone cheating to win, but when someone in Seth's own camp admits that Seth cheated to win, that's grounds for a re-match. Seth said that's not what Kane said, and this is his regime. Orton told "catwoman" to be quiet because he's talking to Kane.

Suddenly, The Shield's music played to bring out Roman Reigns through the crowd. Reigns walked down the aisle down to ringside, then hopped on the announce table to pose for the crowd. Seth shouted at Reigns to get over himself, then asked what his business is. Reigns said he'll tell him if Seth would shut up. Reigns noted Seth is missing his giant, Big Show, because he speared him through a table last night. Reigns told Seth that he can call him the Last Man Standing.

Reigns turned his attention toward Orton, saying he got his shot last night. Orton blew him a mock kiss, then Reigns told "Justin Bieber" that if anyone deserves a title shot, it's him. Seth sarcastically congratulated Reigns: "You won a match! Yeaaaah!" Then, he figured out a common denominator between them - they both lost to him. Seth said neither of them deserves a shot at his WWE World Title.

[Q2] Kane cleared his throat to interrupt, saying both Orton and Reigns make compelling arguments. So, he's going to do what's best for business. And that's showing them the real power of The Authority. Seth figured it was a tag match. As for Payback, Kane said he will let the audience decide Seth's title defense. Seth argued as J&J Security tried to calm him down. Kane's music played. "I'm confused," Booker declared.

[ Reax: Way, way too long to get to the point of a tag main event and Seth's next PPV opponent. They lost the crowd with a drawn-out, mid-card level talking segment that sounded like every other mid-card level talking segment over the past four months involving The Authority. ]

Up Next: The King of the Ring tournament kicks off with Dolph Ziggler vs. Bad News Barrett.

[Commercial Break at 8:18]

In-ring: Dolph Ziggler was introduced first for the first KOTR tournament match. In an inset promo, Ziggler vowed to make Sheamus kiss his arse after not fulfilling the match stipulation last night at Extreme Rules. Bad News Barrett was introduced next to face Ziggler. Cue up an inset promo from Barrett relaying bad news to the rest of the competitors in the tournament.

1 -- DOLPH ZIGGLER vs. BAD NEWS BARRETT -- First Round King of the Ring tournament match

As soon as the bell sounded, Ziggler charged Barrett with a big right forearm, upset about what happened with Sheamus last night. Booker said Ziggler forgot Rule #1 in "professional wrestling" not to trust anyone. Ziggler knocked Barrett out of the ring and they cut to an early break at 1:30.

[Commercial Break at 8:25]

Back from break, Ziggler and Barrett traded control as Cole shouted out to Booker as a former King of the Ring. Booker made up a royal story as Ziggler and Barrett started to trade pin attempts. Barrett wanted Wasteland, but Ziggler countered with a DDT for a close two count. Barrett got Wasteland moments later, but Ziggler kicked out of a pin.

[Q3] Barrett wanted the Bullhammer, but Ziggler ducked and hit a superkick for a close two count of his own. Suddenly, Sheamus walked out on-stage with a mic. Sheamus said he doesn't mean to distract Ziggler, but there was a full Irish moon last night. Sheamus introduced photos from last night's PPV of Sheamus forcing Ziggler to kiss his arse, then Ziggler turned around and took the Bullhammer from Barrett. Barrett pinned Ziggler for the win.

WINNER: Barrett at 8:17 to advance to the semi-finals.

Announcers: In a voice-over, JBL transitioned to Authority business, announcing that Triple H is not here tonight, so Kane is in-charge. And, he has officially booked himself in the main event with Rollins against Reigns and Orton.

Backstage: New WWE tag champions New Day were shown walking down the hallway. New Day is up next.

[Commercial Break at 8:33]

In-ring: Big E. introduced New Day, bringing out Big E. and Xavier Woods wearing the tag belts, leaving Kofi Kingston without a belt. Booker wanted to know who's defending the belts. In the ring, Xavier proudly declared themselves the champions. Xavier thanked the "clappers" who clapped away their struggles and pain. Xavier told the crowd to drop the "sucks stuff" and chant "New ... Day Rocks" instead. The crowd continued chanting "sucks," though.

Former tag champions Cesaro and Tyson Kidd were out next flanked by Natalya. Kidd was announced for singles action as Cole said he's sure they will get their Tag Title re-match down the road. Big E. was selected as the opponent for Kidd.

2 -- TYSON KIDD (w/Cesaro and Natalya) vs. WWE tag champion BIG E. (w/Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston)

Kidd rocked Big E. with high-flying early on, taking the big man off his feet. Kidd stomped away on Big E. in the corner, then New Day regrouped on the floor. So, Kidd kicked Big E. in the face and tossed him back inside.

Back in the ring, Kidd tried to run at Big E., but Big cross-body smashed him to the mat. Big E. covered, Xavier held down Kidd's feet from the outside, and a three count was rendered. JBL, the heel announcer, pointed out the heels cheating, while Booker acted like he did not see what happened. Post-match, New Day quickly ran away from ringside and celebrated on the stage a good distance away from Kidd & Cesaro.

WINNER: Big E. at 1:22.

Last Night: John Cena retained the U.S. Title over Rusev after Lana took the spotlight for herself. But, Lana got a match set for Payback in three weeks - Cena vs. Rusev in an I Quit match.

Tonight: John Cena's U.S. Title Open Challenge continues.

In-ring: Rusev was introduced to the ring for the next match.

[Q4] [Commercial Break at 8:45]

In-ring: Bo Dallas was introduced as Ryback's opponent back from break. On the way to the ring, Bo said that Ryback's actions at Extreme Rules last night were reprehensible. Bo vowed to be the bigger man tonight by allowing Ryback to clear his name "in front of all these disgusting cheeseheads." Bo said he's giving Ryback one chance to walk away. Instead, a loud "Go Pack, Go" chant broke out. Bo smirked, paused, and said all Ryback had to do was bo-lieve.

3 -- RYBACK vs. BO DALLAS

Ryback quickly landed a back-elbow, then stalked him in the corner. Bo clutched the bottom rope, though, and landed a blow to an unsuspecting Ryback. Bo then pounded Ryback inside the ring apron runner. Bo tried to hop on Ryback's back for a sleeperhold, but Ryback shook him off, then landed a big spinebuster. Ryback fired himself and the crowd up, then landed the Meathook Clothesline. Ryback hulked up, then finished off Bo with the Shell-Shock for the pin and the win.

Suddenly, Bray Wyatt's theme interrupted. Back in the arena, Ryback was standing in the dark. Behind him was Bray Wyatt. Ryback slowly turned around, then walked into Sister Abigail. Bray crab-walked toward Ryback, then crawled around Ryback. Bray extended his arms and posed over Ryback, officially beginning his new feud going from The Undertaker to Ryback.

WINNER: Ryback at 2:06. Now the question that a lot of people in the know are asking is whether WWE will link brothers Bray and Bo Dallas or keep their on-air identities separate.

Network plug: Stephanie McMahon talks to Chris Jericho Thursday after Smackdown.

[Commercial Break at 8:54]

Cena's Open Challenge

In-ring: Back from break, John Cena's music played to bring out the U.S. champion to a favorable reaction. Cena ran to the ring and posed in the ring as the announcers hyped Cena as a fighting champion. Cena proclaimed that The Champ is Here after Extreme Rules last night.

[Q5 -- second hour] Cena said he didn't even get a chance to catch his breath when he found out he has to face Rusev again in three weeks ago. Aside from concerns about shady Authority business, he said Rusev gets his respect because he's a fighter, is not the type of guy to quit, and has kept his pimp hand strong. Yes, he went there. Unfortunately, their re-match at Payback is an I Quit match. Cena said there is no way he's walking into a match on American soil and saying I Quit. He vowed to give Rusev the beating of a lifetime and never surrender.

Pause for a "U-S-A" chant. Cena said they're all proud to Americans, which is why he's saying Payback is the final chapter in Cena vs. Rusev because if Rusev does make him quit, then quite frankly he has disgraced America and definitely the U.S. Title. So, he won't even deserve a re-match. Rusev said it's pretty simple: if Rusev wins, he wins the title, and he never has to see him again.

Cena referenced the Vince Lombardi statue outside the building, quoted Lombardi, and said all he has done since becoming champion is make it the symbol of excellence and opportunity through hard work. So, while Rusev rests, he puts the title on the line with the U.S. Title Open Challenge.

After a pause, Heath Slater's music interrupted. Slater walked out on-stage with mic in-hand telling Cena to wait just a minute. Slater said not only is he going to take advantage of a crushed John Cena, but become new U.S. champion of the World. Slater vowed to start his own Discount Slater Check, referencing Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers's endorsement for State Farm.

Suddenly, Rusev attacked Slater from behind and chucked him off the stage. Rusev glared toward Cena, who put the title belt down in the middle of the ring. Suddenly, Lana walked out on-stage waving toward the crowd, drawing a reprimand from Rusev. Rusev sent her packing to the back, drawing boos from the crowd. "We Want Lana" chant from the crowd. Rusev shouted over the crowd to stop with their infatuation with Lana. Rusev said these people are all quitters. He said they gave up on themselves and their dreams a long time ago. And, just like all of these stupid Americans, Cena will be saying, "I quit!" Suddenly, the Russian flag dropped from the rafters as Cena stood in the ring trying to remain calm.

[ Reax: As discussed on the Livecast post-game show, Cena said "I Quit" enough times in his promo for Rusev and/or Lana to have a good amount of audio to work with to play a recording at Payback. If WWE goes that direction with the booking, it gives Rusev a win back, gives Cena an "out," and would not require another re-match in the series, allowing the feud to end with both sides moving on, including Cena not having to defend the U.S. Title each week on TV. ]

Authority Office: Kane was pacing the room, then Seth Rollins walked in for another conversation about their issues. Seth asked Kane what he meant by letting the audience decide his WWE Title opponent at Payback. Kane said it will be an App vote, then Seth yelled at him that neither Reigns nor Orton deserves another title shot. Seth asked Kane if he's out of his mind, then said Kane might be too stupid to care what Triple H and Stephanie think.

Kane said that since Seth likes to walk around like he owns the place, he's going to add a third option to the vote: Orton, Rollins, or Orton & Rollins in a triple threat match. Seth's eyes bugged out, then called Kane crazy. Kane calmed him down, saying they have to worry about a big tag match tonight. Seth, the heel, took the audience by the hand shouting over and over: "A triple threat match! A triple threat match! That's the last thing I want!" hitting the audience over the head with which match WWE wants the audience to vote on.

[Commercial Break at 9:11]

[Q6] In-ring: Eden Stiles announced the next King of the Ring tournament match. Out first was R-Truth with mic in-hand. Truth rapped down to the ring, then WWE cut to an inset promo of Truth saying his first order of business as KOTR would be getting rid of all spiders. Stardust was out next sporting the Carl's Jr. logo on his athletic gloves. From an inset promo, Cody Rhodes talked in code about his path to superiority.

4 -- R-TRUTH vs. STARDUST -- First Round King of the Ring tournament match

"Cody, Cody" chants taunted Stardust early on. Stardust ignored the chants as he attacked Truth and maintained control. The crowd "Cody, Cody" chants again, but Stardust continued to ignore. Cody bodyslammed Truth, then did a cartwheel before shouting down at Booker that he's the king. Cody lost control after taking so long to follow up, allowing Truth to set up for his axe kick finisher, but Cody avoided and hit a side Russian legsweep for a two count. Cody and Truth traded standing right hand blows, then Cody tried a leaping kick, but Truth caught him in mid-air with the Lie Detector for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Truth at 3:47, advancing to face Barrett on the Network tomorrow night.

Still to come: Orton & Reigns vs. Rollins & Kane. Also, a text vote on who Rollins should face at Payback.

[Commercial Break at 9:21]

In-ring: Fandango was introduced to the ring for the next match. Fandango walked past the Rosebuds who were positioned ringside as Adam Rose hung out in the ring.

5 -- ADAM ROSE vs. FANDANGO

Fandango clotheslined Rose over the top rope to the floor early on. Two Rosebuds tried to check on Rose, then Fandango came flying over the top rope with a big splash to all three men. Suddenly, a Rosebud dressed in popcorn emerged. It was Rosa Mendes, who taunted Fandango with a terrible dance as JBL said it appears she's hit skid row. Fandango stumbled back into the ring, where Rose dropped him and pinned him.

WINNER: Rose at 1:49.

Post-match: Rose's music stopped and there was dead silence. Rosa Mendes, with mic in-hand, took her time speaking. She said Fandango does not deserve to dance to their music, but now she has found someone who treats her like a sweet flower. JBL said she looks like Bozo the Clown, then Rosa tackled Rose and they made out in the ring.

Announcers: Michael Cole transitioned "from that to this," which was Daniel Bryan's injury status. Cole brought in Brie Bella, acknowledged as the wife of Daniel Bryan, for an update.

Backstage: Renee asked Brie about Bryan's health and Nikki Bella retaining the Divas Title last night. Brie said this is a heart-wrenching time for Bryan. She said it weighs on him not being here, and only time will tell if he can wrestle again. Brie said they feel so much love and support from the fans, and Bryan cares about them. Naomi suddenly attacked Brie from behind, then said no one cares about Brie or her husband. Brie made a sad face as Raw cut to break.

[Q7] [Commercial Break at 9:31]

6 -- BRIE BELLA (w/Divas champion Nikki Bella) vs. NAOMI

Back from break, Brie was in the ring and Nikki was ringside for the next match. Naomi's new music then played to bring out Naomi for a psychedelic ring entrance. They played up Brie perhaps not being focused on the match because of Bryan's health concerns. Naomi dominated early on, but they had a mid-ring collision that put both Divas on the mat. Lots of selling, prompting a slow-motion replay. Brie took advantage on a reset, rocking Naomi with a dropkick. But, Naomi suddenly rolled up Brie for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Naomi at 3:40. Apparently WWE is continuing with the Bellas in a face role via sympathy heat transfer from Bryan to Brie, landing on Nikki.

Announcers: Cole and Co. plugged the main event tag match and App vote for the next PPV main event.

In-ring: Dean Ambrose's music played to set up the next King of the Ring tournament match.

[Commercial Break at 9:41]

[Q8] Last Night: Dean Ambrose and Luke Harper had a Chicago Street Fight that went all over the building, out of the building, and back inside the building.

In-ring: From an inset promo, Ambrose said when he becomes king he will ban pop country and tariffs on ale, while also making all legal disputes settled via Street Fights. Sheamus was then introduced as Ambrose's opponent. From an inset promo, Sheamus vowed to win the King of the Ring again. He also vowed to make every "little fella" in his kingdom kiss his arse.

7 -- DEAN AMBROSE vs. SHEAMUS -- First Round King of the Ring tournament match

Back-and-forth scrapping and brawling early on, then Sheamus popped Ambrose in his face, sending Ambrose down to both knees. Sheamus roughed up Ambrose, who fought back with chops to the chest. Ambrose tried a bulldog, Sheamus blocked, and Ambrose knocked Sheamus to the outside. Dean wanted a suicide dive, but Sheamus ran away to the other side of the ring. Dean stood tall in the ring heading to break.

[Commercial Break at 10:51]

Back on Raw, Sheamus had Ambrose in a reverse chinlock resting on the mat. Ambrose came to his feet and fought back, but Sheamus suplexed Dean to retain control of the match. Double knockdown and both men sold on the mat. They came to their feet trading blows, but Sheamus caught Dean with a backbreaker. Sheamus then got a crazy look and backed up to the corner to set up for the Brogue Kick. But, Dean avoided and rolled up Sheamus for a close two count.

Dean knocked Sheamus clear down to the floor in front of the new electronic scoreboard on the ring apron facing the hard camera. But, back in the ring, Sheamus caught Dean with a powerslam backbreaker for another nearfall. Sheamus followed up with the Texas Cloverleaf in the middle of the ring. Booker said Dean is done, which meant he was not. Dean grabbed the bottom rope to break the hold.

[Q9 -- third hour] Sheamus set up Dean for Ten Forearms to the Chest, but Dean elbowed out, then climbed to the top rope to deliver a flying elbow smash to the face for a two count. Sheamus rolled out of the ring, so Dean ran to the outside and charged him, but Sheamus slammed Dean onto the announce table. Dean recovered and smashed Sheamus with flying fists. But, Sheamus suddenly exploded on Dean with a Brogue Kick as the ref hit a seven count. Booker was mid-sentence wondering where Dean is getting this energy, so JBL shouted "Brogue Kick!" twice, tying to shake Booker.

Suddenly, Dolph Ziggler ran down to ringside and attacked Sheamus. The ref called for the bell, rendering a DQ. Ambrose was going to be counted out anyways. After Sheamus ran away through the crowd, Ziggler stomped backstage. Dean then woke up and returned to the ring thinking he won the match, but Sheamus was announced as the winner. Dean freaked out to close the match segment.

WINNER: Sheamus via DQ at 12:33, advancing to the semi-finals after Ziggler inadvertently caused Sheamus to win a match via DQ for the second consecutive week.

Still to come: Kane & Rollins vs. Orton & Reigns, plus the App Vote trying to retain viewers until the end of the show to see the result.

[Commercial Break at 10:03]

Damien Sandow Returns

In-ring: Damien Sandow was standing by dressed in a basic black t-shirt and no music. Sandow said his name is Damien Sandow. And one thing he is never going to do is come out here and lie to the audience. Sandow said he came to WWE three years ago with the goal to enlighten everyone. But, that didn't work out, then he was told to his face that he was not entertaining enough. Wouldn't it be not winning enough matches in storyline context? Oh well, it's a fake shoot. Sandow said he went through a "quest to entertain," donning various costumes imitating people. And then came Damien Mizdow. He said he developed a connection with the audience through this, then thanked the audience. Sandow said without the fans, he would not be in WWE right now. "You're welcome," he said to "Damien Sandow" chants.

Sandow said he doesn't really know where he goes from here, then Curtis Axel's music suddenly interrupted. Axel said from the stage not to change the channel because Axelmania is running wild. Axel said if there's one thing he cannot stand is a guy who doesn't know who he is and tries to be someone else. (Laughs from the crowd who got the joke.) So, Axel asked Sandow whatcha gonna do. Sandow mimicked him, then started to rip his t-shirt like Axel was going to do. Axel and Sandow did the kids game of repeating the other person.

Axel had enough and lowered the middle rope, telling Sandow to get out of the "Axeman's ring now." Sandow mocked Axel, who charged Sandow, but Sandow met him with right hands. Sandow then big-booted Axel before doing Hulk Hogan's routine. Sandow charged Axel, then dropped the Elbow of Disdain. Sandow kicked Sandow out of the ring, then generic music played. Apparently that's Sandow's new tune, as memorable as the basic black t-shirt he wore to the ring.

[Q10] This Thursday: New Day vs. Cesaro & Kidd for the Tag Titles.

Suddenly, Bray Wyatt's theme interrupted. Bray said he can see right through "you," who is apparently now Ryback, unless he's referring to Brother Bo. Bray said what "you" went through tonight was only the beginning. He told the object of his promo to run.

[Commercial Break at 10:16]

Announcers: Cole and Co. were shown on-camera yelling random things. Cole then transitioned to Tough Enough discussion, introducing another video package with Tough Enough audition videos. The live crowd was nonplussed after that viewing.

In-ring: Eden Stiles announced the last First Round tournament match. Out first was Neville tasked with waking up a sleepy crowd. From an inset promo, Neville listed past King of the Ring winners, including Owen Hart. Neville vowed to defy gravity and win the tournament. Luke Harper was introduced as his opponent. In an inset promo, Harper vowed to make a throne of barbed wire and twisted, rusty steel to rule with pain and suffering. Harper vowed to bring his reign of terror to WWE.

8 -- NEVILLE vs. LUKE HARPER -- First Round King of the Ring tournament match

Neville landed an early head scissors that sent Harper to the outside. Neville followed up with a running huracanrana to the floor. But, back in the ring, Harper ran over Neville and took control heading to break.

[Commercial Break at 10:27]

[Q11] Back on Raw, Harper had Neville in a reverse chinlock resting on the mat. Neville fought to his feet, then side-stepped Harper, who fell to the floor. Booker seemed to be talking back into his headset, then he called Neville flying down onto Harper with a leaping moonsault. Back in the ring, Neville landed a standing Shooting Star Press.

But, Harper came back with a big boot for a close two count. Harper followed with a big sit-out powerbomb for another close nearfall. Harper freaked out as the crowd rallied behind Neville with an "NXT" chant. Harper then smashed Neville into the corner turnbuckle, trying to put him away. Harper climbed to the top turnbuckle for a possible superplex, but Neville blocked and nailed a sunset flip powerbomb. Neville then positioned Harper in the corner, climbed to the top turnbuckle, and nailed the Red Arrow. Big landing and Neville covered for the win. Cole endorsed Neville as a "special young wrestler" well on his way.

WINNER: Neville at 10:11, advancing to face Sheamus in the semi-finals. Solid match with Harper basing well for the high-flying Neville.

KOTR bracket: Barrett vs. R-Truth in one semi-final and Sheamus vs. Neville in the other semi-final tomorrow night on WWE Network.

Still to come: Main Event tag match and App vote on Rollins's PPV opponent.

In-ring: The Shield's music played to bring out Roman Reigns through the crowd for the second time tonight. Reigns arrived at the ringside area, then Raw cut to break with Reigns posing in the ring.

NXT hype video: On the way to break, WWE ran a 20-second spot highlighting NXT stars and the show airing Wednesday nights on WWE Network.

[Commercial Break at 10:38]

Back from break, Randy Orton was introduced for the main event, teaming with Randy Reigns. Before Kane was introduced, Cole and JBL had a debate about The Authority doing what they think is best for business vs. giving the fans what they want, framing it as a battle between heel authority figures and the audience, as opposed to babyfaces standing up to the heels. The presentation indirectly made the face roster seem like emasculated chumps incapable of standing up to the heels. Which captures a lot of the booking issue.

[Q12] After Kane was introduced, Seth Rollins's music played to bring out the WWE World champion with Jamie Noble and Joey Mercury. Kane and Seth forced a handshake on-stage, then walked down to the ring.

9 -- WWE World Hvt. champion SETH ROLLINS (w/J&J Security) & KANE vs. ROMAN REIGNS & RANDY ORTON

"Justin Bieber" chant toward Rollins in the early-going, angering the champ. The two sides exchanged control as the announcers argued about the text vote. JBL would have gone with Option D - Heath Slater. Cole tried to go to commercial to force JBL to stop talking, but no one was thrown to the outside, so they couldn't take a break. That would be crazy. Orton was finally dumped to the floor, so WWE robotically went to break with a face recovering on the outside and the heels in control. JBL seemed to be instructed to talk non-stop to cover for silence in the building during the main event.

[Commercial Break at 10:52]

Back from break, JBL sounded like a reasonable announcer saying people want to see a one-on-one title match. But, he was still a heel by omitting information that he was only saying that trying to protect Rollins from having to face two opponents in one match.

The second segment built to Reigns getting a tag and running over Kane with a clothesline. Rollins took a Samoan Drop, then Reigns clotheslined Rollins over the top rope. Reigns also dumped Kane to the outside, but J&J Security got involved to prevent Reigns from following up with a big splash. This allowed Kane to blindside Reigns and post him on the outside. Back in the ring, Rollins and Kane worked over Reigns as Orton waited for a tag.

[Q13 -- over-run] Rollins continued to work over Reigns at the top of the hour, screaming that no one is going to get a title shot against him at Payback. Kane tagged in and lost control when Reigns suplexed him mid-ring. Reigns crawled across the desert toward Orton, but Seth cut off the hot tag. Reigns slammed Seth to the mat, then finally got the tag to Orton, who teed off on Seth. Mid-air powerslam, but Kane broke up a pin attempt.

All four men battled in the ring, then Reigns blocked a chokeslam and Seth accidentally kicked Kane out of the ring. Seth freaked out, then took a blow from Reigns, who followed with a Superman Punch to Mercury onto Kane. Seth knocked Reigns to the floor from behind, then Orton planted Seth with a second-rope DDT. The crowd came to life for the first time in a while wanting the RKO, but Seth blocked and superkicked Orton out of the ring. Chaos everywhere. Seth was alone in the ring, so he ran the ropes and tried a suicide dive, but Reigns and Orton moved, so he kind of ran into Kane. Kane got up and lost his mind, attacking Seth before throwing him back into the ring. Seth took a Superman Punch and Orton followed with an RKO, resulting in a pin on the champion, popping the crowd.

WINNERS: Orton & Reigns at 18:40. Hot finish to make up for a sluggish start. Although, it was more about The Authority crumbling than the babyfaces taking down the heel faction, with the faces more taking advantage of the heels falling apart without Triple H and Stephanie present. But, they gave the audience a happy ending to close a show that lacked energy throughout.

Post-match, once the dust settled, Orton was on the stage, Seth was recovering in the ring while Reigns hung out in the corner, and Kane was ringside with mic in-hand. Kane went to the App vote, which revealed 78 percent for a triple threat match at Payback. 15 percent went to Seth vs. Reigns solo and 7 percent for Seth vs. Orton solo.

Rollins freaked out at the App result, although The Authority has another method to get out of a jam since it's "No DQ" in WWE's version of a three-way match, allowing J&J to interfere when the match rolls around. But, Reigns celebrated the App result by spearing Seth in the middle of the ring. Orton smiled from the top of the stage, then WWE showed all of the players reacting to what happened at the end of the show. Raw signed off nine minutes past the top of the hour with Orton pacing the stage, Reigns posing in the ring, Kane seething ringside, and Seth KO'ed in the ring.

***

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