WWE Raw TV Results
September 2, 2013 - Episode #1,057
Live in Des Moines, Iowa
Aired on USA Network
Report by James Caldwell (@JCTorch), PWTorch assistant editor

Third Hour of Raw Results

Back live on Raw, the announcers reacted to Cody Rhodes losing his job after losing to Randy Orton. Cole asked if it's a gross abuse of power from Triple H. JBL replied that it's business.

After a pause, Cult of Personality played to bring out C.M. Punk. Punk slowly walked to the ring holding a kendo stick like a baseball bat. On commentary, Cole plugged Punk vs. Heyman & Axel in an elimination match at Night of Champions. Cole said if Punk beats Axel first, he is guaranteed to get his hands on Heyman.

[Q9 -- third hour] In the ring, Punk said he's done talking and he doesn't want to wrestle tonight. "I want to fight!" he shouted. "I want to fight Paul Heyman!" he added. Punk said he would even fight Curtis Axel again to get Heyman. But, they won't show right now. And that's okay because he gets them in 13 days. Punk said it's going to be a Biblical ass-beating at Night of Champions.

Punk directed the next portion of his speech to the fans on the front row, in the cheap shots, or watching at home. Or, his friends and family in Chicago, the people who bought his t-shirt tonight, or the kids who made a sign supporting him. Pause for a "C-M-Punk" chant. Punk said in 13 days, he guarantees getting past Curtis Axel and then he guarantees he's going to get his hands on Paul Heyman. Punk said if you order Night of Champions on PPV, you will see a side of Punk you've never seen before. It might not be a side you like, but there's a lot of people out there who are going to be very uncomfortable with what he does to Heyman at Night of Champions.

Punk said that last week, Heyman broke his heart. "At Night of Champions, I'm going to break his face," Punk said. "I promise." Punk then clutched the kendo stick like a baseball bat and prepared to swing for the fences. As Cult of Personality played, Punk thought longingly about the PPV in two weeks.

Video Package: As Punk continued to stand in the ring, Cole transitioned to a look at what happened last week on Raw when Heyman beat down a handcuffed Punk.

Back live, Punk was still in the ring clutching his kendo stick, preparing to give Heyman a beating at Night of Champions.

Still to come: Bryan vs. Big Show.

[Commercial Break at 10:08]

Locker Room: Daniel Bryan was shown warming up some more. Big Show then walked in. Show said he doesn't want any part of this fight tonight, but he's under a lot of pressure. Bryan said he doesn't care, as he does what he has to do no matter what obstacles are thrown in his way. Show hyperventilated as he discussed what happened to Cody Rhodes earlier, noting this is getting real around here. Show said he's in a no-win situation tonight, which Bryan agreed with. Bryan vowed to beat Show tonight, just like he did for his first World Title.

Suddenly, WWE cut to a WWE Rewind video. This was from A.J.'s "Total Divas promo" last week on Raw.

[Q10]

5 -- NATALYA vs. BRIE BELLA vs. NAOMI -- #1 contender match to Divas Title

Back in the ring, the three Divas were assembled in the ring. Before the bell sounded, Divas champion A.J. Lee interrupted and skipped down to ringside to sit next to JBL on commentary. As the match started, Cole noted that the winner will receive a future Divas Title shot. Date TBA, apparently. Suddenly, A.J. jumped into the ring to attack the #1 contenders. They eventually ganged up on A.J. and left her in pain in the ring as the bell sounded, throwing out the match. Cole noted A.J. still doesn't have an opponent, which she made sure of.

WINNER: No Contest at 2:15.

[Commercial Break at 10:18]

Vignette: Los Matadores are returning from the 15th Century.

In-ring: Damien Sandow was standing by. After a shot of Sandow's World Title MITB contract, Cole plugged Survivor Series in Boston in November. Justin Roberts then welcomed out Ricardo Rodriguez to present Rob Van Dam. Cole noted Van Dam is the #1 contender to the World Title as RVD walked right by Ricardo with eyes set on the ring.

6 -- ROB VAN DAM (w/Ricardo Rodriguez) vs. DAMIEN SANDOW

As the bell sounded, Cole noted Sandow is very happy that Rhodes is gone from WWE. Sandow and RVD traded control as Cole checked JBL on his Advocacy and Argument. Suddenly, Alberto Del Rio's music played to bring out the World champion dressed in a suit. RVD took his eyes off Sandow, allowing Sandow to push RVD out of the ring from behind. RVD sold pain on the floor as Raw cut to break.

[Commercial Break at 10:27]

[Q11] Back from break, the crowd was trying to rally behind RVD, who was in trouble in the ring. RVD tried to fight back, but Sandow reset with a reverse chinlock. RVD escaped, then back-kicked Sandow in the face. RVD tried to follow with kicks, but Sandow answered with a side Russian Legsweep for a nearfall. Sandow followed with a charging leg smash as RVD was draped across the middle rope for another nearfall.

Sandow retained control as the announcers continued to discuss Cody Rhodes's "firing." RVD came back with rapid-fire kicks as Del Rio sold concern standing on the entrance stage. RVD wanted a Five-Star Frogsplash, but Sandow yanked him down and rolled him up for a close two count. RVD tried again, and this time he connected with the Five-Star. RVD covered and it was good for the win as Del Rio sold concern on the stage.

WINNER: RVD at 10:08. Fine set-up making it seem like RVD has a chance to win the World Title from Del Rio at Night of Champions.

Still to come: Daniel Bryan vs. Big Show.

[Commercial Break at 10:36]

During the Break: Stephanie McMahon listened to Natalya, Brie Bella, and Naomi complaining about A.J. Lee. So, it will be a four-way match for the Divas Title at Night of Champions. Steph asked them to leave her office now.

Announcers: Cole and Co. re-visited events supporting the conclusion that Triple H is "drunk with power." This led to a video package highlighting Cody Rhodes nearly defeating Randy Orton before injuring his knee and Orton took advantage with an RKO to end Rhodes's career.

Backstage: Cody, now dressed, was shown being escorted out of the building by security. Josh Mathews suddenly entered the shot and asked Cody for his parting words. Cody said he gets it that Orton beat him, but it was that "damn stipulation." He said he shouldn't be surprised because for over two decades, the McMahons have hated the Rhodes Family. Cody said his father lit Florida on fire, then the McMahons put him in polka-dots and made him dance. Then, WWE put his brother, "The Natural," in gold paint and he's never been the same since. Cody snapped that he has a wife to provide for now. Josh asked Cody if he's talked to his fiancee since being "fired." Cody clenched his jaw, collected himself, and stomped out of the building. A security guard closed the door behind Cody.

[ JC's Reax: This is a chance for a big character-defining move for Rhodes if he shows up in a few weeks in street clothes and jumps Triple H from behind before being escorted away by security, setting up an anti-authority program for Rhodes making Hunter feel uncomfortable because Hunter will never know when Rhodes will come after him again, until Cody forces Hunter to re-sign him. ]

On-stage: The Roster was assembled on-stage for the main event.

[Q12] [Commercial Break at 10:45]

Next Week: Edge is back on Raw.

Back live, the roster was assembled on-stage. Daniel Bryan's music then played to bring out Bryan, who walked through the roster and led the crowd in "Yes!" chants. Big Show's music then played to bring out Show, who walked out and stand in-between the roster, including Zack Ryder, who got some TV time. As Show entered the ring, WWE replayed events from Friday's Smackdown when Show was forced to watch babyfaces take beatings.

7 -- DANIEL BRYAN vs. BIG SHOW

After the bell sounded, Show said he doesn't want to do this. Bryan ran at Show and tried to get him to fight, but Show pushed him aside. Show said he doesn't want to have to do this. Bryan again charged Show and attacked him, but Show pushed him out of the ring. Show talked to Bryan not to be prideful. Instead, Bryan charged the ring and dropkicked Show's knee to cut him down to size. Bryan delivered rapid-fire kicks before covering Show for a one count.

Bryan tried to follow with corner splashes, but Show had enough and began taking apart Bryan. "See what you made me do now!" Show shouted. "I don't wanna hurt you. It's not my idea." As the roster watched on-stage, Big Show paced the ring, unhappy with this situation. Bryan then got up and kicked Show, but Show kicked him back down. Show again noted he doesn't want to do this, but Bryan suddenly kicked him down again. Bryan delivered kicks to the chest, then a leaning DDT for a two count.

Bryan couldn't follow up, though, and Show destroyed him with a spear. Show then cocked his hand for a KO Punch, but thought better of it. Suddenly, Triple H's music played. The Shield came out in front of Hunter, who told Show to get back in the ring. Show refused to get in the ring, though, so Shield attacked Bryan, causing the match to be thrown out.

WINNER: Bryan via DQ at 5:52.

Post-match: Hunter told Big Show to watch. Shield then gave Bryan a triple powerbomb as Show cried in the corner. Hunter called Show "Paul" to make it "real," then Hunter whispered at Show to move to the other corner. Hunter screamed in Big Show's face to think of his family, then told Show to make a fist and Knock Out Daniel Bryan. Show clenched his fist and prepared to KO Bryan, but instead he left the ring shouting at Hunter.

[Q13 -- over-run] Big Show made it half-way up the ramp when Stephanie McMahon's music played. Stephanie played nice, pleading with Show to do it. "It's your last chance. You have to think about others," Stephanie said. Steph guided Show back toward the ring as Show cried. Show slowly entered the ring with Stephanie trailing behind Show. Hunter then reminded Show of his instructions to make a fist and knock out Bryan.

Show made his fist, walked toward Bryan, looked at Hunter and teased knocking him out, but Stephanie stepped in front and reprimanded Show for acting out of line. Show then clutched the top rope and cried before turning around and striking Bryan with a KO Punch. Show collapsed to the middle rope, upset with himself and the developments. Hunter whispered that he did the right thing. Steph patted Show on the back, then Show slowly walked out of the ring.

In the ring, a ref checked on Bryan before Randy Orton's music suddenly played. Orton walked out on-stage and stood tall clutching the WWE Title. Kofi Kingston had a great facial expression with his eyebrow reacting to this. As Show muttered to himself, Orton slowly walked to the ring, where Bryan remained out cold in the ring.

Orton slowly entered the ring, stalked Bryan as the crowd booed, slowly rolled over Bryan, knelt down over Bryan, put his boot on Bryan's chest, and slowly raised the WWE Title belt in the air. Orton stood tall posing on Bryan's chest as Raw signed off five minutes past the top of the hour with the crowd booing and the announcers silent.

FINAL THOUGHTS: The overall angle is a mess. It can be compelling at times, but, again, I'll repeat myself here that when the top feud is Heel Authority Figure/Outside Faction vs. Entire Roster, the whole thing falls apart. Every time. Too many questions that cannot be answered or are clumsily addressed. WWE tried to explain Big Show's "iron-clad contract" in an oxymoronic way, Hunter set up Heyman for comeuppance trying to somehow fit Punk-Heyman into the McMahons vs. Everyone feud, the roster remained emasculated on-stage, albeit without as much attention drawn to their emasculation, and Big Show was presented as a big baby whose only job skills are apparently being a wrestler one week after the Raw audience was practically begging Show to jump in the ring and save the day, putting Show in a position of strength. The only saving grace for this show was the presentation of Cody Rhodes.

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