WWE Raw TV Results
July 13, 2015 - Episode #1,154
Live in Atlanta, Ga.
Report by James Caldwell (@JCTorch), PWTorch assistant editor

- The Card: Brock Lesnar on the final Raw before Battleground, another round of Dean Ambrose vs. Bray Wyatt, Randy Orton & Ryback vs. Sheamus & Big Show, King Barrett vs. R-Truth one more time, and more.

Live Raw on USA Network

Raw opened with a stage shot of the broken-down, busted-open Cadillac one week removed from Brock Smash. The cameraman shot the Cadillac for seemingly a full minute as Michael Cole wondered if that's a metaphor for WWE World Hvt. champion Seth Rollins on Sunday at Battleground.

Brock Lesnar's music played to a loud reaction and out came Lesnar with Paul Heyman for a show-opening promo. Loud "Suplex City" chant once Lesnar hit the ring. Heyman held the mic toward the crowd to amplify the chant, then Heyman opened his sermon.

After introducing himself, Heyman said he is the advocate for the Cadillac-smashing, avenger who will make Rollins pay for his sins on Sunday, Brock Lesnar. Heyman said he cannot wait for this Sunday when history gets made again when this man, this beast, enters the ring as a challenger. Heyman paused to talk up Lesnar as a challenger, promoting it as a rare occurrence and also the sign of Lesnar walking out as a champion, trying to entice viewers to order the PPV ... er ... subscribe to the Network.

Heyman would still be World champion today if not for that sneaky, slimy, thief in the night Seth Rollins. (Boos) Heyman said this Sunday night, he begs the audience to watch as Lesnar will enter the ring and he will not leave the ring the same way. Subtle non-guarantee. Heyman told Seth that he's going to get his ass kicked and get suplexed and get pinned. Then, the announcement will be "Once again, the reigning, defending, Undisputed (cue the Brock Bounce), WWE World ......"

Suddenly, Seth Rollins's music interrupted. Rollins emerged on-stage with Kane, who was back from his "Hawaiian vacation." With no tan. Rollins stared down at the busted-up vehicle and waited out "Justin Bieber" chants. Seth said this busted-up car makes Lesnar real proud, doesn't it? He shouted that he's going to wipe the smile off Brock's stupid face. Seth pointed toward Brock in the ring, saying he gave him every chance to be a man, but Brock chose to be a coward. And he took out his aggression on an inanimate object (he stumbled over the second try at the phrase), then yelled at the crowd to shut up.

Seth regrouped and told Brock that his symbol is the WWE World Title, while Brock will settle for busting up a car. He said he is a real champion and Brock is a thug, criminal, and vandal. So, this Sunday, he's going to take a trip to Suplex City, bring the matches, and burn Suplex City to the ground.

Brock took the mic. "I could take you to Suplex City tonight, b-----." The crowd popped for Lesnar's one-liner. Kane said he understands that everyone's emotions are running high, but he wants everyone to remain calm ahead of the WWE Title contract signing. The crowd was nonplussed at the thought of a contract signing. But, Kane indirectly predicted chaos during the contract signing. So, Mr. Heyman, if his client does anything to spoil that match ---

[Q2] Heyman interrupted. "Are you about to threaten Brock Lesnar?" Heyman said he thinks they're about to be threatened by The Undertaker's baby brother (with a high-pitched voice mocking Kane). Heyman said he wasn't supposed to say that, was he? Kane turned from soulless, corporate sell-out to sneering villain. A "Taker's Brother" chant broke out. Heyman asked the crowd to have some respect because his client, Brock Lesnar, conquered Kane's brother's undefeated streak at WrestleMania. The crowd booed, mixed on Brock's feat. Heyman said he knows he's not supposed to talk about Kane's family.

But, as for the contract signing, Lesnar will come to the contract signing with peace, love, and understanding in his heart. Unless Seth decides to break the Eleventh Commandment. ("Oh shut up," Rollins sneered off-mic.) And then Brock will bring Suplex City to Atlanta, Ga. tonight, winning the crowd back. Lesnar's music played to end the 18-minute opening segment.

[ Reax: Much tighter than last week's opening Heyman promo, where the material lost the crowd. This was more focused on the PPV - or whatever it's called - on Sunday, while mixing in some excuses if Lesnar does not win the title. ]

Announcers: Michael Cole, JBL, and Byron Saxton were shown on-camera to preview what's on Raw.

Still to come: Dean Ambrose vs. Bray Wyatt. Plus, a big tag match of Randy Orton & Ryback vs. Sheamus & Big Show. Cole said the tag match "kicks off Raw" next. He added that it's WWE's version of the All-Star Game.

[Commercial Break at 8:19]

In-ring: Ryback's music played out of the break to bring out the IC champion. The Miz was shown ringside playing the annoying color commentator during the All-Star Game, then Randy Orton was introduced to the ring. Sheamus was out first for the heels, then

1 -- IC champion RYBACK & RANDY ORTON vs. BIG SHOW & SHEAMUS

Sheamus started things off against Ryback. Meanwhile, Show looked down at Miz to intimidate him, causing Miz to run his mouth about Show needing to pay attention to the match. Ryback quickly cleared Sheamus to the outside, then Raw cut to break 50 seconds into the match.

[Commercial Break at 8:27]

[Q3] Back from break, Sheamus was working over Ryback as the hot crowd chanted for Randy Orton via an "RKO" chant. Meanwhile, Miz talked up "main-eventing" WrestleMania 27 in Atlanta four years ago. Cole then questioned Miz claiming to be a tough guy, saying he could play tough guy in the movies if given the right role. "No you couldn't," Miz dryly replied. Meanwhile, Ryback finally made it to his corner to tag in Orton, who nailed a dropkick on Sheamus to take control of the match.

Orton punched Sheamus out of the ring and chased down his PPV opponent on the outside. Back drop across the guardrail, then Sheamus ran back into the ring, where he caught Orton with a knee to the gut. Sheamus with a high knee, then a double axehandle smash. Orton rolled to the outside and embellished the attack by falling down on the floor to laughs. Raw cut to another break, sending the "All-Star Game" to extra innings.

[Commercial Break at 8:35]

Back from break, Show and Sheamus were exchanging tags working over Orton. Show did the controlled Yokozuna butt crash to the chest spot before calling for the chokeslam. Guzzle, lift, and Orton landed on Show's shoulders to counter with a DDT. "Feed Me More" chant and Ryback got the hot tag. Big splash, running splash, corner splash, and Sheamus blocked a second corner boot. But, Ryback answered with a spinebuster.

Suddenly, The Miz grabbed the house mic and yelled at Ryback, taunting him for not capitalizing. Sheamus nearly scored a roll-up pin, but Ryback escaped and hit the Meathook Clothesline. Chaos ensued with Miz and Show, who ended up KO Punching Ryback. Show then chased Miz up the stage to the back.

Meanwhile, Sheamus was stalking Ryback in the ring, but Orton spun Sheamus around to smash him with an RKO. And, Ryback suddenly recovered from the KO Punch, climbed to the top rope, and delivered a top-rope splash on Sheamus for the pin and the win. Post-match, Ryback stumbled around the ring selling the effects of getting punched in the jaw.

WINNERS: Ryback & Orton at 15:12 by pinning Sheamus. Surprising to see Sheamus take the loss. Heck, surprising to see a finish to this match with so many guys who need to be protected. Or at least not dumped on.

Authority's Office: Seth Rollins wanted to know what Kane's plan is for the title contract signing tonight. He said it better not be provoking Lesnar, as they saw how well that turned out last week. Kane told Seth that if he keeps this up, it will not end well, for one of them.

In-ring: Dean Ambrose's music played to a big reaction. And, since WWE doesn't know what to do with Dean right now, he's back to facing Bray Wyatt, with the angle of Dean defending his close friend, Roman Reigns.

[Q4] [Commercial Break at 8:45]

In-ring: Back from break, Bray Wyatt was introduced to the ring. Bray made his slow walk to the ring with help from the cell phone lights and his lantern. The lights came on and suddenly Roman Reigns was right behind him. Reigns had a fired-up look on his face and proceeded to destroy Bray at ringside to the crowd's delight. Reigns rolled Bray into the ring, where the fight was on. No sign of Dean Ambrose. Actually, there he was in the background watching by the announce table.

Reigns nailed the Superman Punch on Bray, sending him to the outside, but Bray reached up and smashed Reigns in the face with his lantern. Reigns sold the effects, then stumbled out of the ring as Bray walked up the ramp. Suddenly, Raw went blank and cut to break. Strong start with Reigns showing much-needed fire, then a flat ending.

2 -- DEAN AMBROSE vs. BRAY WYATT

Will there be a match?

[Commercial Break at 8:53]

Nope.

Divas Reset

In-ring: The Bella Twins were randomly in the ring just before the top of the hour. Alicia Fox was also with them. Nikki had a mic. She went back to November 23 of last year when she defeated A.J. Lee to become Divas champion.

Nikki said she has given every Diva a chance since November, but no one has taken the title from her. Nikki said she is the Total Diva. And now with Brie and Fox, Team Bella has become unstoppable. She said they have the power because she owns this (the Divas Title belt). She said they make the decisions, run the division, and own it.

Suddenly, Stephanie McMahon's music played to bring out Stephanie for an unadvertised appearance. Cole called it a rare appearance. Steph was in heels to tower over the Bellas and Fox. She said she heard Nikki claim to own the division, as if she owns WWE. Steph said she owns WWE, which got a babyface reaction. Despite Stephanie being a heel via The Authority. In any event, Steph said the level of competition is not here right now in WWE. She said there is a revolution happening right now in women's sports. Whether it's soccer, UFC, or tennis.

[Q5 -- second hour] So, it's time to make a change in the Divas division right now. But, she's not going to do that alone. First, the woman who is trying to make a difference. Stephanie called down Paige. Nikki talked over Paige's music that she doesn't belong out here.

Steph said she brought Paige out here, so Nikki can stop running her mouth. She said she wants this revolution here in WWE, but Paige can't do it by herself. And Paige wants back-up, but no one is willing to stand by her side. So, she knows someone who is willing to join her, Becky Lynch.

Out came Becky from the NXT brand. "Oh boy," Cole kind of exclaimed. Becky jogged down to the ring to join Paige. So, Stephanie called down the woman who was bred for this business. The crowd popped. She said this woman was high-styling and profiling. Ladies and gentlemen, Charlotte. Big reaction for Ric Flair's daughter. Out came Charlotte stepping out like she already owns this place.

Charlotte posed center-ring and made sure Nikki knows she's coming for the Divas Title. Suddenly, Naomi's music played. Naomi and Tamina Snuka strutted down to the ring saying they have some unfinished business with the Bellas and Paige. She said they are all the competition Stephanie needs.

Steph replied that she knows someone else who calls herself the boss, the current NXT Women's champion Sasha Banks. "I can't believe this," Cole said. Cue up Sasha Banks strutting to the ring with the Divas Title belt. Steph said this is what she had in mind when she talked about competition. Now, who's going to take the opportunity?

Everyone kind of met in the middle and circled around the ring. The Bellas and Fox had nowhere to go. Nikki decided to walk, but NXT champ Sasha Banks threw her down and the fight was on. Cole said, "The revolution has begun." The deal turned into a mini-battle royal with no clear alliances or allegiances, just chaos. Charlotte eventually slapped on the Figure-Eight on Fox to a big pop, then Sasha and Becky Lynch put the Bellas in submission holds. All three maintained their submissions to a loud reaction, then more chaos broke out. Random alliances broke out with Paige, Charlotte, and Becky opposite Sasha, Naomi, and Tamina while the Bellas and Fox got the heck out of the ring. Meanwhile, Stephanie stood on the stage proudly approving.

[ Reax: Lots to digest from this. First, it's too bad there isn't an actual babyface female character with the authority (no pun intended) to introduce a new Divas/Women's division, as they went for the lead female heel to set a weird tone for the reset. Then, instead of a few call-ups making a clear distinction of who's siding with Paige opposite the Bellas going for the Divas Title, WWE added a cast of thousands to simply have chaos instead of clarity. At the end of the day, it's still WWE presenting the Divas, not a new "Divas production team" taking over the Divas segments going forward. ]

[Commercial Break at 9:10]

[Q6] In-ring: Back from break, New Day was in the ring. They heeled on Atlanta weather and the Hawks in the NBA Playoffs. But, everyone still stays positive in Atlanta. Kofi Kingston chimed in that they will win back the WWE Tag Titles this Sunday at Battleground. Big E. preached that prime time is out of time on Sunday. And that is because ....... "New ... Day Rocks (sucks)." Suddenly, the whistle blew to bring out the Prime Time Players. And they were joined by Mark Henry instead of recent partner Neville. Apparently Henry is in a babyface role tonight.

Before the bell sounded, Cole doubled-back to the NXT Invasion segment to hype the NXT: Invasion show in Brooklyn during Summerslam Weekend.

2 -- WWE tag champions PRIME TIME PLAYERS (TITUS O'NEIL & DARREN YOUNG) & MARK HENRY) vs. NEW DAY (BIG E. & XAVIER WOODS & KOFI KINGSTON) -- six-man tag match

The Players and Henry cleared New Day from the ring to send Raw to an early break.

[Commercial Break at 9:18]

Back from break, the announcers re-doubled-back to the NXT Women Invasion segment, stressing the marketing of a revolution in the Divas division. Meanwhile, New Day took turns working on Titus O'Neil. O'Neil made the tag to Henry, who cleaned house on Xavier. Chaos in the ring, then Henry grappled Xavier for World's Strongest Slam. Henry pinned Xavier for the win. Afterward, Henry joined the Players for the Millions of Dollars dance.

WINNERS: Players & Henry at 7:57.

Video Review from last week's Raw: Seth Rollins broke the Eleventh Commandment by provoking Brock Lesnar, who proceeded to destroy Seth's Cadillac gifted to J&J Security.

[Commercial Break at 9:27]

[Q7] Back from break, King Barrett was on his way to the ring. Barrett has another date with R-Truth, who Barrett thought he vanquished last week on Raw.

3 -- KING BARRETT vs. R-TRUTH

Barrett worked over Truth early on. Meanwhile, Byron Saxton revealed that he has a brother. And Cole plugged Barrett appearing on Tough Enough tomorrow night. Back in the ring, Barrett missed with a corner attack, so Truth surprised him with the Lie Detector. Truth covered for a clean three count to win.

WINNER: Truth at 3:16. And this feud must continue. On the PPV pre-show?

Post-match, Truth went under the ring to retrieve his fake king items including the paper crown, toilet plunger, and bath robe. Barrett was livid in the ring as Truth paraded around the ring dressed like a king.

Video Review from last week's Raw: Rusev injured Dolph Ziggler while Summer Rae and Lana watched. Cole noted that Ziggler is out of action indefinitely.

In-ring: John Cena's music played. Out came WWE's top star with the U.S. Title belt around his waist for an unadvertised segment. Cena shouted into the camera that the U.S. Title Open Challenge is up next. Cole said they're calling it the "Match of the Year" last week between Cena and Cesaro. Who steps up next?

[Commercial Break at 9:40]

Back from break, WWE hyped Cena vs. Kevin Owens for the U.S. Title at Battleground. Then, Rusev's music played to bring out the former U.S. champion with Lana to accept the Open Challenge. Presumably. Rusev said he never would have lost the U.S. Title if not for Lana. Rusev vowed to break Cena in-half tonight.

[Q8] Suddenly, Kevin Owens's music played. Owens talked as he walked down to the ring, noting that if anyone is going to beat Cena for the title, it's going to be him. So, how about he wins the U.S. Title from Cena tonight, then at Battleground, Cena can have his re-match? Rusev said no way. "Listen you stupid French-American" person, with your two first names. Owens told Rusev to take his Lana knock-off and his flag and shove it.

Owens and Rusev bickered as Cena hung out in the background. Suddenly, Cesaro's music played. Cole noted Cesaro took Cena to the limit the last two weeks. He stepped right up to Cena, who backed out of the ring when Cesaro, Owens, and Rusev brawled. Cole sold the chaos by noting he's not sure what's going on. Cesaro eventually stood tall in the ring as Cena kind of smiled like Stephanie watching the women brawl in the ring - in this case for a U.S. Title shot. Cole said there will be a match next.

[Commercial Break at 9:49]

Back from break, Owens, Cesaro, and Rusev were in the ring for a #1 contender match, per The Authority during the commercial. John Cena was on commentary, scouting who he defends the title against tonight.

4 -- KEVIN OWENS vs. CESARO vs. RUSEV (w/Summer Rae) -- three-way #1 contender match to the U.S. Title

On commentary, Cena noted not a lot of people get a WWE Title shot, so he's opening the door for anyone to step up to get a shot at the prestigious U.S. Title. The match turned into a spectacle, as described by Cena, complete with a "This is Awesome" chant, dumping water on Owens's heel persona and Rusev's dastardly attack on Ziggler. Hard to get heat on heels in WWE.

[Q9 -- third hour] At the top of the hour, Rusev went for a waistlock on Owens, who switched to behind Rusev, then Cesaro grabbed Owens from behind for a triple German Suplex spot. Cesaro pinned Owens, but Owens kicked out. Owens rolled to the floor, where he found Rusev, then Cesaro suddenly spun over the top rope with a corkscrew splash onto both heels.

Back in the ring, Cena nailed a cross-body splash on Rusev for a two count. Meanwhile, Cena vowed to pick apart whoever wins this match. Owens suddenly nailed a top-rope moonsault into Rusev's face, but Cesaro cleared Owens to the floor. Rusev then smashed Cesaro from behind and wanted The Accolade, but Owens kicked Rusev in the face. Rusev responded with the Alabama Slam to Owens and wanted to put him in The Accolade. But, Cesaro broke it up. Cesaro then deadlifted Rusev into the air for a big delayed vertical suplex on the powerhouse.

Reset at 12:00 with all three men slowly reaching their feet. Owens forearmed both men, then shouted at both men that Cena is his. "Mine!" he shouted. So, Rusev and Cesaro roughed up Owens until Rusev clotheslined Kevin to the floor.

Rusev trash-talked Owens, who decided to wave off this stupid match. Owens bailed to the back, shouting toward Cena that he'll see him on Sunday. The crowd booed Owens walking away from the fight, getting some of his heat back heading to break.

[Commercial Break at 10:05]

Back from break, Cesaro and Rusev continued to battle in the ring. Cesaro nailed a springboard uppercut on Rusev. Meanwhile, Cena talked about Owens running away from tonight's fight. Back in the ring, Cesaro and Rusev battled in the corner. Cesaro wanted his deadlift suplex over the ropes back into the ring, but Rusev blocked and suplexed Cesaro hard off the ring apron. Both men sold on the floor after the crowd collectively gasped.

Back in the ring, Rusev and Cesaro continued to battle in the ring. Cesaro put Rusev in the Big Swing, then flowed into a Sharpshooter, but Rusev grabbed the rope. No break in a three-way, so Rusev flung Cesaro through the ropes to the outside. Back in the ring, Rusev surprised a prone Cesaro with a desperation sidekick to the jaw. Rusev pinned a worn-down Cesaro to get the title shot.

WINNER: Rusev at 23:49 to become #1 contender to the U.S. Title.

[Q10] Post-match, Cena slowly removed his headset and slowly entered the ring in the awkward position of being a babyface with the advantage over the worn-down heel. Cena bounced up and down to prepare for the match heading to break.

[Commercial Break at 10:17]

Back from break, Lilian Garcia handled formal ring introductions as Rusev collected himself and sold being out on his feet in the challenger's corner. Cena bounced up and down as the defending champion, then the bell sounded.

5 -- U.S. champion JOHN CENA vs. RUSEV (w/Summer Rae) -- United States Title match

Cena bounced around the ring, then grabbed Rusev for a headlock. Cena worked over Rusev as the crowd picked up a traditional dueling chant for and against Cena. Cena continued the pattern of wearing down Rusev, then bouncing around the ring. Meanwhile, Summer offered no resistance from ringside, not finding something about Cena to complain about or yell about to draw in the crowd. Cena kind of toyed with Rusev, then casually went for the AA, but Rusev fell on top of Cena's back into The Accolade, surprising the champion.

In The Accolade, Cena powered to his feet and rammed Rusev into the corner turnbuckle. But, Rusev maintained the submission. Suddenly, Kevin Owens walked down to the ring and attacked Rusev. Owens then shot Rusev off to the ropes and nailed a pop-up powerbomb. "I told you no one's taking it from you - except me!" Owens shouted down at Cena. "It's my title!" Owens's music played and he hand-waved down at Cena.

Post-match, WWE cut to the announcers for reaction. Instead of building heat on Owens for his latest dastardly actions, Byron Saxton was produced to talk about another potential great match between Cena and Owens at Battleground on Sunday. "I can't wait," he said. Again, it's so hard to get consistent heat on heels in WWE. They're dog-whistling to knowledgable fans trying to sell the PPV instead of enhancing the heel to create a strong desire to see him get his comeuppance at the PPV.

WINNER: Match tossed at 4:59; Cena retained the U.S. Title.

Hallway: Kane was talking to a producer on a headset. Seth Rollins walked in and told Kane that his plan better work out. Or else it's all on him.

[Q11] [Commercial Break at 10:30]

Back on Raw, WWE put the remaining Tough Enough contestants on the stage to try to build interest in the show for tomorrow night. With weak TV ratings thus far, they needed to do something. Lita's music then played to bring out one of the judges from the show. She waited out a "Lita, Lita" chant, then talked about fresh blood in the ring tonight. Lita proceeded to introduce the cast of Tough Enough on the stage, including Chelsea, the new addition this week. Biggest pops to Patrick, the wrestler, and of course Z.Z. Sara Lee probably got the best pop of the females, but not much overall recognition from the crowd. Cole said one of these ten will be eliminated tomorrow night on USA Network.

Announcers: Cole, JBL, and Saxton were shown on-camera to reset the show. Cole went back to the Roman Reigns-Bray Wyatt business from earlier in the show. They highlighted Reigns's fired-up attack on Wyatt, Reigns's Superman Punch, and Wyatt's lantern shot to the face. They cut away before showing Reigns stumbling out of the ring. They face off this Sunday at Battleground.

Suddenly, Stardust was back. In a backstage segment, Cody Rhodes (Stardust) talked about the world needing more heroes, his first appearance since Dusty Rhodes died. But, what makes a hero? He addressed Neville, saying the forces of gravity have forgotten him. But, he has not. It's those forces that Neville selfishly ignores that will bring him crashing down. Stardust vowed to bring these heroes down one by one. WWE then presented Neville in comic book form and Cole said a match is next. Stardust suddenly returns, suddenly starts a new feud, and they're suddenly having a match with no build-up. This could have been a nice little teaser for next week's Raw independent of anything happening on the PPV.

[Commercial Break at 10:39]

Yep, the Battleground pre-show match will be Barrett vs. Truth, they announced back from break.

In-ring: Neville's music played to bring out Stardust's new cosmic enemy. Stardust then returned to in-ring action dancing and strutting to the ring. Cole pretty much broke the fourth wall on the character by saying it's Stardust's first appearance since the death of his father, Dusty Rhodes. Before leaving TV, Stardust disassociated from the Rhodes Family, going on his own as the character.

6 -- STARDUST vs. NEVILLE

After the bell sounded, Neville tried to shake Stardust's hand, but Stardust kicked him in the gut. JBL continued to talk about Stardust's Cody Rhodes background, making this feel weird. Neville teased the Red Arrow, but Stardust rolled out of the way and nailed a uranage. The crowd was quiet, not sure how to process this Stardust character post-Dusty's death. Do you taunt Stardust with "Cody" chants or not? The crowd picked up a light "Cody" chant, but without conviction since it seemed weird to taunt a mixed-up character whose famous dad died in real-life. The crowd remained quiet, then Stardust rolled up Neville with a handful of tights for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Stardust at 4:06. This felt like a wasted re-introduction oddly mixing Stardust and Cody Rhodes. It would be one thing if WWE had a great track record for multi-layered storytelling and characters where they tell a story of Cody returning to TV as Stardust, then he eventually realizes he's just good ol' Cody Rhodes with help from Goldust, re-embraces the Rhodes Family name, and kicks off a strong babyface run, but it's WWE. Stardust might be off TV for two weeks and come back doing nothing mid-card matches.

Backstage: Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman were shown walking down the hallway ahead of the main event contract signing.

[Commercial Break at 10:50]

WWE Title Contract Signing

Five minutes before the top of the hour, Seth Rollins's music played to bring out the WWE World Hvt. champion. Kane joined Seth with a contract in-hand. Once they were in the ring, Seth said he is sick and tired of watching the footage of Brock destroying J&J's Cadillac. So, Seth rolled footage from three weeks ago when The Authority took out Lesnar.

Back in the ring, Seth boasted that he is not afraid of Brock Lesnar. And this Sunday at Battleground, he will conquer The Conqueror again. "I will defeat the One in 21-and-1," he shouted. "I will be the wrecking ball that demolishes Suplex City and I will be the fire that burns it to ashes." Rollins added that he will still be WWE World Hvt. champion at Battleground.

On that note, Brock Lesnar's music played to bring out Lesnar and Paul Heyman. The crowd was tired at this point, mustering little noise as Lesnar and Rollins sat down opposite each other at the contract table. Paul Heyman woke them up with his second sermon of the night aimed at Rollins. He said that ever since Rollins turned on The Shield, ever since he provoked Brock Lesnar, and ever since he stole the WWE Title at WrestleMania, everyone has wanted to get their hands on him.

[Q13 -- over-run] Six days away. Six nights. Everyone watching Battleground is paying to see Seth get his ass kicked. Heyman said every single person is going to get their money's worth because Seth, you're going to get your ass kicked. Heyman described the nature of the punishment coming toward Seth. "You're going to get pinned. You're going to get dethroned," he said. "You, sir, are going to Suplex City."

Heyman vowed to drag Seth down to Suplex City by one man, Brock Lesnar. Heyman dropped the mic and presented the contract for Seth to look over. "Suplex City" chant from the crowd, then Seth hurriedly grabbed the pen and signed the contract. Lesnar smirked, received some last-minute counsel from Heyman, and signed the contract.

Heyman saw Seth reaching under the table, prompting Heyman to tell him he wants to see hands. Seth said he has no plan, there's nothing going on here. What's wrong with you, Paul? So, Brock turned over the table to see what was inside. Ah yes, the axe handle. "Oh, did you screw up," Heyman told Seth. Lesnar grabbed the axehandle and sat down in his chair, then presented the axehandle to Seth. Seth slowly wheeled toward it in his office chair, grabbed it, stood up, and laughed. Brock laughed, too, then he stood up and chucked the table onto Seth.

The physicality was on. Brock went after Kane, then suplexed Seth. Clothesline to Kane sending him out of the ring. Brock then caught Seth and tried a suplex, but Kane kicked Brock in the gut. Kane put the boots to Brock, then Seth joined him in a two-on-one attack. Kane picked up some steel steps and Seth sent Brock hard into the steps. Seth wanted a Pedigree into the ring steps, but Lesnar back-dropped away. Lesnar charged Kane, who grabbed him for a chokeslam, but Lesnar slipped out and nailed an F5 on the floor. Seth's eyes bugged out, then he ran the heck out of the arena into the crowd.

Back at ringside, Lesnar placed Kane's right ankle on the ring steps. He then picked up another set of ring steps and smashed Kane's right ankle. Well, embellished smashing the ankle. Kane writhed in pain selling the attack as Lesnar stood tall over Kane. Lesnar then returned to the ring, picked up the WWE Title belt, and held it up in the air for everyone to get a good look. Meanwhile, at the back of the arena, Seth contemplated his future without the services of Kane and J&J Security on Sunday.

After a replay of Lesnar taking out Kane, they cut back to Lesnar leaving the ring with Heyman behind him. Back at ringside, Kane continued to sell pain, Seth kind of slowly walked through the crowd, and they stayed on the air replaying the ring steps ... emphatically grazing Kane's ankle. Back live, Seth tossed the contract signing set in the ring. JBL said Seth is all alone in Suplex City on Sunday.

Seth then took the mic, still on the air. Seth shouted from the ring that since Day One, Lesnar has thought he's untouchable. But, he hasn't gone through him. And he is better than Lesnar. Seth said that in six days at Battleground, he will do what no other man can do. He vowed to prove that Lesnar is not a machine or a monster, but a man with a pulse and he can be beaten. Seth vowed to rip off his sword tattoo and be forever known as the man who slayed the beast. Rollins left the ring as medics checked on Kane ringside to sell the injury ang(k)le.

Seth stopped at Kane to wonder if this was his big plan to get rid of Lesnar. He asked how well this worked out for him. He said Kane is one big disappointment, just like his career. Seth called Kane nothing without him. And, guess what, you're without me, so now you're nothing. Seth warned him that everything is on him now. Seth dropped the mic, walked away, then attacked Kane's ankle to add insult to injury. Seth finally hit the ramp, held up the title belt, and Raw went off the air 16 minutes past the top of the hour.

FINAL REAX: They had Brock-Seth sold, then decided to keep going and going, eventually returning to the Seth-Kane deal to close the show. Seth is a good heel, but they took the edge off the climax of the build-up with Brock as the focal point. The erratic, unsettled nature of the writing impaired the final hype for Sunday.

***

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