WWE Raw TV Results
June 8, 2015 - Episode #1,149
Live in New Orleans, La.
Report by James Caldwell (@JCTorch), PWTorch assistant editor

- The Card: Final MITB PPV hype, (1) Randy Orton vs. Sheamus, (2) Dolph Ziggler vs. Kane , (3) Roman Reigns vs. Kofi Kingston, Miz TV with guests IC champion Ryback & Big Show, and more.

Live Raw on USA Network

The announcers this week are Michael Cole, JBL, and Byron Saxton instead of Booker T.

Raw opened with a look at ladders surrounding the stage area. U.S. champion John Cena, sporting a cut-up nose from last night's house show, opened the show with a promo from the ring telling the audience to count on him Sunday at Money in the Bank. Kevin Owens's music interrupted to bring out the NXT champion.

Owens stood on the stage to offer his response to Cena. He said John is proving his point about being delusional. Because Cena is not going to beat him Sunday at Money in the Bank. And, Cena is delusional thinking people want to see him come out at the beginning of Raw. So, why don't they give the audience something different by offering an NXT Title Open Challenge?

Cena said that is actually a great idea. For the first time on Raw, the NXT Title will be on the line on Raw. "I accept," Cena shouted. Owens said Cena doesn't get it. He walked into the ring and told Cena that they're going to fight on Sunday, so he can't fight him tonight. Cena said that's not an Open Challenge, then cheap-popped New Orleans, saying it's the place to be. Cena said he's still The Man to beat, so he figures they do this right with a John Cena U.S. Open Challenge. Owens was not amused, saying he's going to ignore all of that. He said they should let the next star who walks down the ramp pick the title he wants to fight for.

Fireworks exploded on the stage to bring out Neville, the odd-man out in the MITB one-on-one matches tonight. Neville, who already lost to Cena in the U.S. Title Open Challenge, entered the ring and stared down both men. Neville said he's answered Cena's challenge before, and he will fight Cena again one day. But, ever since Owens became champion, he's treated it like a license to disrespect everyone. So, as a former NXT champion, he's here to take back the title. JBL shouted that Cena is going to join them on commentary next.

[Q2] [Commercial Break at 8:14]

1 -- NXT champion KEVIN OWENS vs. NEVILLE -- NXT Title match

Back from break, Lilian Garcia was standing by to formally introduce the NXT Title match. Cena noted he's not often in this position on commentary, but he's curious to see how this plays out. As soon as the bell sounded, Owens slipped out of the ring and taunted Cena. Neville caught up to him on the outside and blasted Owens back into the ring. But, Owens came back with a cannonball splash in the corner, rocking Neville's face.

Owens continued to work over Neville as Cena talked about needing to answer Owens and his accusations on Sunday. Owens re-directed his anger from Cena to Neville, pounding on him with clubbing blows that drew boos from the crowd. Owens eventually chucked Neville to the outside for a break.

[Commercial Break at 8:24]

Back from break, Neville wanted Red Arrow, but Owens saw it coming and crotched the challenger. Neville fought off Owens again, then tried the Red Arrow, but Owens avoided. Neville kicked him in the face and tried Red Arrow again, but Owens sprang to his feet and knocked down Neville again. Owens followed right up with the pop-up powerbomb for the pin and the win.

[Q3] Post-match, Cena stood up at the announce position and applauded Owens while hyping his match against Owens on Sunday. From the ring, Owens held up the NXT Title belt while Cena held up his U.S. Title from the announce position. Back in the ring, Owens opened up the ropes for Cena, who contemplated his move. Instead, Cena charged underneath the bottom rope to stand face-to-face with Owens. Owens decided to back down and leave the ring, but not before waving You Can't See Me toward Cena.

WINNER: Owens at 13:53 to retain the NXT Title. Solid TV match. Clear heel, clear babyface challenger, and clear top babyface champion setting the stage for Sunday. Well done.

Announcers: Cole, JBL, and Saxton transitioned to hype for the WWE World Title match this Sunday at the Money in the Bank PPV. First, a video package on the Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose feud. WWE then flashed a photo of Ambrose hanging out on Bourbon Street in New Orleans with the WWE Title belt that belongs to Rollins.

[Commercial Break at 8:38]

Authority's Office: Triple H and Stephanie McMahon were shown looking at Hunter's phone. Seth Rollins then walked into the shot to complain about Dean Ambrose parading around social media with his title belt. Seth asked them what they're going to do about Ambrose. Hunter and Steph reminded Seth that he thinks he doesn't need their help. Seth calmly said he doesn't need J&J Security or Kane, but he totally respects Hunter and Steph. Hunter told Seth that he'll be on his own Sunday. Steph said they're confident Seth can beat Dean Ambrose on Sunday, all by himself. And, as a tune-up, Hunter said they'll let Seth pick his opponent tonight. Seth thanked them for their confidence and vowed to not let them down, winning on his own.

Announcers: Cole transitioned to a "major rift" in the Divas division. The issue was the Bella Twins pulling Twin Magic on Paige last Monday on Raw in the Divas Title match.

[Q4] Backstage: Renee Young welcomed in Divas champion Nikki Bella to address Paige's frustrations last Thursday on Smackdown. Nikki, back to heel mode after a brief stay in fake babyface land, said she feels like Paige is projecting her frustrations onto the Bellas. Nikki said she will face Summer Rae (a heel?) tonight, then defend the Divas Title against Paige ... again ... Sunday at Money in the Bank.

In-ring: Summer Rae was introduced to the ring for singles action. No clear indication if she's supposed to be likable opposite Nikki Bella or hatable fresh off turning heel on Damien Sandow and re-joining The Miz.

[Commercial Break at 8:48]

Vignette: Tough Enough returns June 23 to determine the next WWE Superstar. Back live, Cole noted they have brought the field down to 40 contestants. WWE flashed through ten of the 40 contestants.

In-ring: Divas champion Nikki Bella was introduced to the ring back from break. There was almost zero reaction from the live crowd since the audience doesn't know what to do with these inconsistent characters.

2 -- Divas champion NIKKI BELLA vs. SUMMER RAE -- non-title match

Nikki was the aggressor early on. Summer fought back, but Nikki cut her off. WWE cut backstage to show Paige watching the match on a monitor, then Nikki finished off Summer with the Rack Attack for the pin and the win. Afterward, there were some cheers from some of the ringside fans. And they're back to post-Summerslam when Nikki was a heel, but she drew cheers because she was positioned as a winner.

WINNER: Nikki at 2:20.

Last Week on Raw: Roman Reigns went through three matches to keep his spot in the MITB ladder match. Cole said Reigns is up next.

[Commercial Break]

Exterior Shot: New Orleans, host city of WrestleMania 30 last year at the Superdome.

Earlier Tonight: Dean Ambrose snapped some photos with the WWE World Title belt.

MITB Verbal Showcase

[Q5 -- second hour] The Shield's music played to bring out Roman Reigns through the crowd down to ringside. Reigns entered the ring, paced a bit, looked up at the MITB briefcase hanging above the ring, and said there was a time when he hated that briefcase. Everything about it. But, looking at it now, it doesn't look so bad when it's not connected to the biggest jackass in WWE history, Seth Rollins.

Reigns vowed to make history on Sunday by going through six other Superstars to climb the ladder and take the contract. Then, the day is going to come when he cashes in his briefcase on the man who is going to walk out of MITB as WWE World champion ... Dean Ambrose.

Suddenly, Kane's music played. Kane, dressed in a suit, walked down to ringside with some thoughts for Reigns. Kane said he believes that anyone stands a better chance of winning than Reigns. He described Reigns's failures as weaknesses. Furthermore, Kane is in the match for one purpose - to protect their interests. Kane said his job is to win.

Reigns said it's Monday, not Sunday, so he thinks Kane should get in this ring so he can break his jaw. Suddenly, Dolph Ziggler's music interrupted. Ziggler told Reigns he's going to be waiting a long time for Kane to make a move because he has to wait for The Authority to pull his string. Ziggler said Kane is without a doubt the greatest tool of The Authority. With all seriousness, Kane is the biggest tool in WWE.

Ziggler put himself over, then vowed to do what he's done before - climb to the top of the ladder, grab the MITB contract, and become WWE World champion. Kane replied that even the most common household tool can be used in the most sadistic and useful ways. He started to set up the singles matches for tonight, but R-Truth's music interrupted.

Truth stood on the stage to talk about conquering his fear of ladders at WrestleMania. Kane suddenly interrupted from ringside, asking Truth what he's doing out here since he's not even in the match. "I'm not?" Truth asked. "You sure?" Kane said he's positive. Truth said it's his bad. "New Orleans, y'all be good," he said before leaving to laughs.

Suddenly, New Day's music interrupted. Out came WWE tag champs Big E., Kofi Kingston, and Xavier Woods. Big E. told Kofi to tell the crowd what will help him make it to the top of the ladder. Positivity, he said. Xavier tried to lead the crowd in "New ... Day Rocks" chants, but Kane cleared his throat to interrupt. And, once again, Kane was interrupted, this time by Sheamus's music.

Sheamus said the fact that any of them think they will win MITB puts a smile on his face. Sheamus shushed the crowd, then said the WWE Universe deserves a true icon as champion. He said he will win on Sunday, then find himself one Brogue Kick away from being WWE champion again. Kane, frustrated, asked if there is anyone else who wants to speak. No? Great. Kane hyped Neville as being part of the MITB match and the other man ... that's right ... pause ... Randy Orton's music eventually played. Orton walked out on-stage and marched down to the ring with eyes on Sheamus, who he faces next.

[ Reax: Yes, the segment was a complete drag and should have been cut down to five minutes, but the real story was how Roman Reigns, the supposed future top star in the company, was reduced to a bit player lost in the shuffle of mid-carders taking his ring time. It's an unfair comparison, but for argument's sake, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and The Rock don't just stand there in the ring as people interrupt their TV time and drift into the background. This really captured Reigns's character being too laid back and not enough of an Alpha Male with a dominant presence in the ring whether he's talking or others are talking. ]

[Commercial Break at 9:12]

[Q6]

3 -- RANDY ORTON vs. SHEAMUS

Sheamus tried to pull a Kevin Owens bailing from the ring, so Orton gave chase and eventually got him back in the ring to stomp away. Sheamus slid back to the outside and sold a foot injury, so Orton slipped out and whipped Sheamus into the guardrail. Orton landed a clothesline, then dragged Sheamus back into the ring.

Orton continued to wear down Sheamus, who answered with a clothesline to begin working over Orton. "Randy, Randy" chant led to Orton responding with a dropkick. Sheamus cut off Randy, though, and knocked him out of the ring heading to a break at 5:30.

[Commercial Break at 9:22]

Back from break, Sheamus kneed Orton in the gut to maintain control of the match. They came to their feet and traded blows before Orton snapped off a powerslam to get the crowd involved. Orton wanted the second-rope DDT, and he connected. Orton then fired up the crowd for the RKO, but Sheamus avoided. Orton avoided a Brogue Kick, then clotheslined Sheamus over the top rope to the floor.

On the outside, Sheamus dumped Orton over the announce table into the barricade, then picked up a chair. Sheamus teased a chair shot to Orton, but Orton jabbed him in the gut. Orton then tossed the chair into Sheamus's gut, causing the bell to ring for a DQ.

[Q7] Post-match, Orton posted Sheamus. He followed with a back drop onto the announce table in front of Cole and Co. Orton then pushed Sheamus hard into the ring steps, giving Sheamus payback for how things played out last week on Raw. Orton then rolled Sheamus back into the ring, did a spin, and dropped Sheamus with the RKO. Orton's music played and he celebrated in the ring. No official announcement of the result.

WINNER: Sheamus via DQ at 13:10. Orton and Sheamus are solid wrestlers on their own, but they seem to accentuate each other's weaknesses when paired up in singles action. Just too similar in the ring.

Announcers: Cole and Co. hyped WWE Network programming, including MITB on Sunday. Cole then introduced more photos of Dean Ambrose hanging out in New Orleans with the WWE World Title.

Locker Room: Seth Rollins rubbed his head while looking down at his phone. Jamie Noble and Joey Mercury then walked in to confront Seth about hurting people hurting others. Jamie told Seth that Joey is sensitive and he's taking Seth's hurtful words to heart. Noble said that Joey forgives Seth and they would like to be in Seth's corner tonight and at MITB. Seth looked up from his phone to run down Noble and Mercury, saying he picked them for his security team because he felt sorry for them. He said they're incompetent and he doesn't need any of them.

Noble said he has one thing to say about that: "Screw you." He said Seth would not be champion without them and Seth wouldn't last one minute as champion without The Authority backing him. Seth said that's ridiculous, and since The Authority is letting him pick his opponent, he's going to pick Noble. And you, Mercury. Seth slapped Noble, who slapped Seth back. Joey separated them, then spoke for the first time in forever. He said they're going to kick Seth's ass tonight.

[Commercial Break at 9:37]

Back from break, a bell suddenly sounded. There was a match in the ring...

4 -- DOLPH ZIGGLER vs. KANE

The toolbelt match opened with Ziggler delivering a dropkick to Kane, who was dressed in his slacks and dress shoes. WWE suddenly cut to a shot of Lana standing on the stage watching the match. As Ziggler and Kane traded control, the announcers discussed the Lana/Rusev/Ziggler situation. The crowd lost interest in the match, chanting "We Want Lana," despite Lana standing right there on the stage. Kane delivered a sidewalk slam for a two count as Lana sold concern on the stage, but Ziggler responded with a DDT for a nearfall. Kane regained control heading to a mid-match break.

[Q8] [Commercial Break at 9:45]

Back from break, Kane was controlling Ziggler with a mid-ring bear hug. Lana continued to sell concern from the stage as Ziggler tried to fight back. Kane wanted a chokeslam, but Ziggler answered with a superkick. Both men sold on the mat and Rusev suddenly hobbled out on-stage to confront Lana. Rusev, on crutches, blocked Lana from walking away from him. She eventually fell off the stage and sold injuring her right ankle/foot. Rusev sold concern, then kind of hobbled away. Ziggler saw something going down on the entrance ramp, which allowed Kane to grab him for a chokeslam. Kane pinned Ziggler for the win.

Post-match, Rusev started cackling seeing Ziggler lose and seeing Lana hurt on the floor. Refs checked on Lana, who continued to sell the ankle. Ziggler eventually came down to the stage area and checked on Lana. He asked for some ice as Lana noted she's not okay to end the segment.

WINNER: Kane at 9:42.

Photos: More from Dean Ambrose walking around New Orleans with possession of the WWE Title belt.

Locker Room: Noble and Mercury talked about facing Seth Rollins. Mercury's silence spell has been lifted in front of confident thoughts.

Up Next: Miz TV in the top-of-the-hour segment. The Miz has IC champion Ryback and Big Show as his guests.

[Commercial Break at 9:54]

Tough Enough finalists: Another 10 of the 40 finalists were profiled. And, WWE is obsessed with fitness and bodybuilders.

Backstage: Dolph Ziggler checked on Lana as her ankle was iced down.

Miz TV Segment

The Miz was standing by in the ring dressed like a goof for minimal reaction. Miz said he should be standing here as IC champion, but this happened last week. Cue up footage of Big Show interrupting Ryback vs. The Miz before the bell sounded. Show KO Punched Miz, then told Ryback that he wants to take the IC Title.

[Q9 -- third hour] Back live, Miz complained about what happened last week, threatening legal action. Ryback's music interrupted to bring out the IC champion. Cole hyped Ryback vs. Show for the IC Title on Sunday as Ryback marched down to the ring. Ryback entered the ring and said he's here to wake up the crowd in case Miz is boring them. Ryback sat down in a director's chair to talk about being robbed of the pleasure of meat-hooking Miz's face off. "How dare you," Miz replied.

Miz said he is a former WWE champion. Ryback cut him off and said they know Miz's deal. Including Damien Sandow out-classing, out-performing, and out-wrestling Miz every night they were together. Ryback said Miz should be thankful for what Big Show did to him last week. Miz said he wants to be blunt with Ryback, calling him ugly. He said Ryback doesn't know the value of having a good-looking face. Ryback asked the crowd if they think Miz has a good-looking face. (Boos)

Miz yelled at the crowd, which responded with "Feed Me More" chants. Miz then talked about having to see specialists to have his face checked on after what Big Show did to him last week so he could still emote. He changed the subject to asking Ryback if he wants to do something about Big Show robbing him of a snack last week on Raw. Ryback thought it over, then Big Show's music interrupted.

Big Show made his way down to the ring and intimidated Miz to get out of his chair. Show squeezed into the chair next to Ryback and told the crowd that the chair isn't going to break, so stop chanting for it. Show addressed Miz first, saying of all the tag partners he's had, Miz is the one he hated the most upon meeting him. Show said he knows Miz's deal. (What?) chants. Show said if he needs something broken, he breaks it. If he wants to take something, he takes it (turned to Ryback).

Ryback said he's not afraid of Show and if Show wants his IC Title, then he's going to have to take it from around his waist. Ryback removed the belt and held it up toward Show, who stared at the belt with contemplative eyes. Show stood up and told Ryback that no one is going to beat him for that title other than him. He vowed to beat Ryback on Sunday.

Miz, from behind, asked Ryback if he's going to let Show talk to him like that. Show turned back to Ryback, but Miz tried to attack Show from behind. Show easily cleared Miz from the ring, then turned around to find a boot to the gut from Ryback. Ryback lifted up Show for Shell-Shock, and he connected in the middle of the ring. Ryback cleared the Miz TV set before WWE replayed Ryback delivering his finisher to Show. Since the IC Title doesn't mean much right now, seeing Ryback give Show his finisher was a big selling point for the PPV match, which WWE gave away here on TV.

[ Reax: This felt like it was going to be another long, drawn-out talking segment, but Ryback really delivered. Very strong performance to engage a crowd that sat through a drab hour-and-a-half of programming. ]

Earlier Tonight: Seth Rollins booked himself against Noble and Mercury for tonight.

Photos: Dean Ambrose in New Orleans with the top title.

[Commercial Break at 10:11]

[Q10] Ringside: A family won a Little Caesars Seat Upgrade to sit front row at Raw. For a second, it felt like the bottom of the sixth inning. The dad looked like he could pass for Rob Conway.

In-ring: Los Matadores were hanging out in the ring with El Torito. Erick Rowan and Luke Harper were then introduced as the opposition.

5 -- LUKE HARPER & ERICK ROWAN vs. LOS MATADORES (DIEGO y FERNANDO w/El Torito)

They basically did the same match from Superstars last week, with Rowan bumping Torito off the ring apron to set up the finish. Harper tagged in and combined with Rowan to hit the 3D. JBL called it "The Way." It was good for the win.

Post-match, Harper took the mic and told the object of their promos that it's time to pay for sins because judgment is coming. Rowan said it's okay to be afraid. "You should be," he declared.

WINNERS: Harper & Rowan at 2:20.

Locker Room: Kane confronted Seth Rollins to discuss how things have unfolded tonight. Kane said he sees Sunday happening one of two ways: Ambrose exposes Seth as a fraud and he cashes in MITB on Ambrose. Or, Seth somehow beats Dean Ambrose, but freezes in terror when he (Kane) comes down to the ring with the MITB briefcase. Kane said he would be taking a page from Seth at WrestleMania, but that would be a different book since Seth made up his own rule cashing in MITB during the match, not after the match. Seth chuckled to himself and dared Kane to come down to the ring and cash in MITB on him. He ran down Kane, who told Seth that he will be in Jamie and Joey's corner tonight in the handicap match.

Exterior: Dean Ambrose bought a ticket from a scalper to come to Raw. Why does he need to buy a ticket? He's not banned from the arena. Apparently he wanted to make an economic contribution to New Orleans.

[Commercial Break at 10:23]

Tough Enough: 10 more contestants were profiled.

Announcers: Cole, JBL, and Byron Saxton fed to this week's in-show commercial spot, which was a "Ted 2" extended trailer.

[Q11] In-ring: WWE tag champion Big E. was standing by for singles action. Prime Time Players's music played to bring out Titus O'Neil, with Darren Young, to face Big E. It's a preview of the Tag Title match at MITB on Sunday.

6 -- TITUS O'NEIL (w/Darren Young) vs. WWE tag champion BIG E. (w/Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston)

Big E. and Titus prepared to lock up and ... WWE cut away. Instead, they went for a camera shot of Xavier Woods mid-rant instead of the initial match lock-up, which is about what you need to know about this show. Big E. eventually grounded Titus and tried to wear him down. Titus fired back with open-hand slaps, then kind of tossed Big E. across the ring. Titus shoved Big E. into the corner, fired up the crowd, and did Monty Brown's Pounce. Xavier saw that Big E. was in trouble, so he went after D-Young on the outside, drawing over Titus. Titus then turned around and took the Big Ending for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Big E. at 3:10.

Post-match, The Shield's music played to bring out Roman Reigns, who faces Kofi Kingston in a MITB preview match next. Reigns made his way through the crowd, then posed in the ring as New Day stood their ground in the ring.

[Commercial Break at 10:36]

MITB pre-show announcement: R-Truth vs. King Barrett.

7 -- ROMAN REIGNS vs. WWE tag champion KOFI KINGSTON (w/Big E. and Xavier Woods)

More talking by Xavier at ringside. Reigns dominated early on, so Kofi left the ring and tried to come up with a strategy. The strategy was to distract Reigns, allowing Kofi to slip back into the ring and blind-side Reigns. It worked for about a minute, but Reigns clotheslined Kofi over the top rope to the floor. Reigns then slipped out of the ring to smash Kofi face-first into the announce table.

Reigns followed with his double-foot dropkick, then he returned to the ring and teased diving to the outside, but Big E. and Xavier pulled Kofi out of the way. Reigns adjusted and attacked Xavier from behind. Suddenly, though, Kofi dropkicked Reigns from behind. Raw cut to break with Kofi now in control.

[Q12] [Commercial Break at 10:45]

Back from break, Kofi was controlling Reigns in the ring. Reigns broke free of a headlock, but Kofi put Reigns back on the mat with a stomp. Kofi wanted a top-rope move, and he connected with a double axehandle smash to the top of the head for a two count. Kofi lost control, though, and Reigns landed multiple clotheslines into a charging corner smash. Reigns hit a sidewalk slam for a two count, then he caught Kofi with a Superman Punch. Reigns covered for the win.

WINNER: Reigns at 12:30.

Post-match: Reigns slowly walked over to the announce table and casually picked up a chair. Reigns leaned against the guardrail, checked his imaginary watch, and waited for Dean Ambrose's music to play. Ambrose, who bought a ticket, somehow got music for his "fan entrance" down to ringside. Ambrose had a bucket of popcorn, beads, soda, and WWE Title belt with him. Ambrose walked down to Reigns and slapped hands before sitting down right next to the guardrail.

Backstage, WWE showed Hunter and Stephanie watching events on their office monitor. Seth Rollins walked in and Hunter & Steph pointed out what was going on. Seth non-verbally wanted them to do something about Dean, but they casually told him to go get the belt. Seth sold frustration, then stomped off like a child. The main event is next.

[Commercial Break at 10:56]

Next Week: Machine Gun Kelly (now going by MGK) guest-stars on Raw from Cleveland.

Tough Enough video: Big O is part of the final 40 contestants. More fitness, model, and bodybuilder-types were shown in the fourth group of 10.

[Q13 -- over-run] WWE World Hvt. champion Seth Rollins was introduced to the ring for the main event. No title belt for Rollins, who looked toward Dean Ambrose with eyes on getting his belt back. Kane's music then produced Noble, Mercury, and Kane in dress slacks and shoes.

8 -- WWE World Hvt. champion SETH ROLLINS vs. JAMIE NOBLE & JOEY MERCURY (w/Kane) -- non-title handicap match

The bell sounded and Rollins started the match against Mercury. Seth kind of pushed Joey around, then Joey woke up Seth with wrestling holds. Mercury tagged out to Noble, who squared off with Seth. Seth dominated Noble to the outside, prompting Kane to have a conversation with J&J Security. Joey, Jamie, and Kane surrounded the ring, giving Seth a taste of what helped him out for months. J&J eventually clotheslined Seth over the top rope to the floor. Seth ended up right below Dean, who dumped popcorn over his head.

Back in the ring, J&J continued to work over Rollins. Seth had enough and chucked Joey to the outside, where he roughed him up. Seth tossed Joey into the barricade right in front of Dean, who was unmoved. Back in the ring, Seth ran over Joey with a corner clothesline. Meanwhile, Dean tried to fire up the crowd to engage in the match, which finally produced results when Joey went for a hot tag to Noble.

Noble came in hot on Rollins, then hit a swinging neckbreaker for a one count. Noble wanted a top-rope move, but Seth crotched him. Noble and Mercury then tried a sneaky pin on Rollins, but the champ kicked out just before three. Rollins then discarded Joey and stalked Noble. Rollins wanted The Pedigree on Noble, which drew Ambrose over the guardrail. Ambrose slid the title belt into the ring, so Seth dropped the hold and went to pick up the belt, which allowed Mercury to roll up Rollins from behind for the pin and the win.

WINNERS: Mercury & Noble at 9:01. It's one thing for Seth to be the undeserving, vulnerable, beatable heel champion, but being over-matched and pinned by the lower-card security act was too much. It was King Barrett as IC champion-level mid-card booking. Really weak all around, making the title look like a joke. Now they've got to damage control at MITB on Sunday with Brock Lesnar's return on the horizon.

Post-match, J&J Security celebrated with Kane as JBL tried to wrap his head around Joey Mercury pinning the WWE World champion. Kane's music played as Ambrose sold getting one up on Seth. Seth then held up the title belt, but Ambrose snuck into the ring to drop Seth with Dirty Deeds. Ambrose then held up the title belt as his music played. Dean wasn't done, though. He left the ring, grabbed a ladder, and held up the title belt while standing on a ladder as Raw signed off 14 minutes past the top of the hour.

***

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