Post by Elliot on Apr 20, 2014 17:22:31 GMT -5
Monday Night Raw: April 14th, 2014 - BJCC Arena, Birmingham, Alabama
Before Raw gets started, there is a sad atmosphere in the BJCC Arena as the entire WWE roster stand atop the stage, some wearing t-shirt and some even wearing the facepaint of the late, great, WWE Hall of Famer, the Ultimate Warrior. There's a loud "Warrior" chant in the arena, but it immediately stops as the bell rings, signalling the beginning of the ten-bell salute. After the ten bells, the WWE Universe erupt as the WWE roster, some wiping their tears, applaud the memory of the Ultimate Warrior who sadly passed away last week. Thank you, Warrior.
Michael Cole, Jerry 'The King' Lawler and John 'Bradshaw' Layfield welcome us to Raw with the reminder of last week's events that unfolded following the WWE World Heavyweight Championship match between Daniel Bryan and Randy Orton. After recapping what took place when the Authority and The Shield collided, we are told that this Friday on SmackDown, the Authority awarded Christian an opportunity at Dean Ambrose's United States Championship when Captain Charisma promised that they wouldn't regret it, and a graphic is shown on the titantron.
The theme of the Chief Operating Officer, Triple H hits to an enormous amount of boos. The Game walks out onto the stage, hand-in-hand with his wife, Stephanie McMahon and the couple walk towards the ring, a stern look on both of their faces. Entering the ring, Triple H is handed a microphone from ringside and begins to speak. "Last week on Raw, three individuals collectively known as The Shield crossed the line" he explains, the WWE Universe cheering for the mere mention of their name. Triple H says that they made the biggest mistake of their lives by turning their back on the Authority and siding with Daniel Bryan. "I will make your lives a living hell, just like I have done with Daniel Bryan for the past eight months". The crowd boo as Stephanie nods her head in agreement with her husband. He hands the microphone to her and she screeches to the fans. "You people support these rebels, yet they were the ones destroying your heroes week in, week out over the past year" she says, and JBL says she's absolutely right. Triple H takes the microphone back, calling the fans "mindless hypocrites", and that they don't have a clue what they want - but he knows what they want. He says what they want is a Champion they can be proud of, but that isn't Daniel Bryan. They boo, as expected, but Triple H continues his lecture. "You people need a true Champion that you can look up to, and let's be honest - you can only look down at Daniel Bryan". Hunter and Stephanie laugh between themselves, the WWE Universe not finding humour in their quips. As Triple H goes to speak again, he is interrupted by the theme of Daniel Bryan!
Bryan makes his way down to the ring, his titles over his shoulders, chanting "Yes!" in synchronisation with the WWE Universe. He enters the ring with a big smile on his face, and he snatches the microphone from Triple H's hand, getting a big pop for doing so. "Hunter, don't you think this is getting a bit old now? I mean... I beat you at WrestleMania, I've beaten your goons, Randy Orton and Batista, I've beaten Kane, there's really nothing left for you to do to me" Bryan declares. Triple H snatches the microphone back, "Who do you think you are interrupting me? This will never be over as long as you are WWE World Heavyweight Champion". Bryan laughs and shakes his head before grabbing another microphone, "But Hunter, what do you have left? Can you not just accept that this is how it is? This was always going to happen and if you were truly looking out for what's best for business, you would see that this is exactly that!". The crowd chant "Yes!" as Triple H looks around in disgust. Bryan continues, "This needs to end, Hunter. You need to get on with your life, and I'll get on with mine. You've lost the battle, The Shield have seen the light, you can't honestly continue like this". Triple H gets visibly frustrated and starts breathing heavily. "I may have lost the battle, but I promise you - I will win the war!" he exclaims, to boos from the WWE Universe. The two come nose-to-nose, the intensity radiating off both men, when suddenly...
The theme of Hulk Hogan plays! The WWE Universe explode as Hulk Hogan comes out onto the stage, clad in classic red and yellow. He makes his way down to the ring, Bryan with a huge smile on his face as both Triple H and Stephanie look on in confusion. Hogan grabs a microphone of his own and begins to speak. "I think I speak for all my Hulkamaniacs, and the whole of the WWE Universe when I say that this has gone on long enough, brothers". Triple H squares up to Hogan. "What the hell do you think you're doing? You have no business out here. I brought you back to host WrestleMania and you've done that - why are you even still here?" Triple H asks, the crowd booing him even louder. Hogan tells him that he's still here because he made a promise that he had come home to the WWE, and he was here to stay. A "Hogan" chant breaks out, Bryan nodding his head in appreciation. Hogan continues to speak, "Let me tell you something, brother. I've watched as you and your Authority have made Daniel Bryan's life hell over the past year, and I think it's time that it was put to an end". Triple H tilts his head, listening to what Hogan has to say. "You see, I couldn't help but notice that there's four of your guys - you, Orton, Batista and Kane. And then there's four of these guys - Daniel Bryan and The Shield" Hogan explains, and the crowd is silent, wondering what he's getting at. "Well, brother, back in WCW, there was a little something we used to do to sort out situations exactly like this - WarGames!". The crowd erupt as Triple H's eyes widen, while Bryan's smile extends. "If you really want to settle this once and for all, what better way to do it than inside a big ass steel cage, brother?!". Triple H begin shouting into his microphone, "Who do you think you are?! Coming out and telling me what I should be doing! Hogan, you have no place getting involved in--", Bryan cuts him off. Bryan says that he actually likes Hogan's idea and thinks that if Triple H wants to settle this once and for all, it's the best way to do it. "Unless you and your cronies are scared?". The crowd gasp at the accusation, and the Game becomes visibly infuriated. He walks right up to Bryan, "You want this? Do you really want this?! You want a war?!" he shouts. Triple H looks at Hogan and then back at Bryan, "... you got it!". The WWE Universe erupt as Bryan's smirks and Hogan nods his head. Michael Cole goes crazy, explaining that we have just heard that the Authority will take on Daniel Bryan and The Shield - in WarGames! Triple H leaves with his wife as Daniel Bryan's theme plays.
Bryan shakes hands with Hogan, and Hogan raises Bryan's hand. Triple H reaches the top of the ramp before stopping and turning around. "Bryan, I forgot to mention something. Since you're already in the ring, I'm going to put you in action, right now - against Kane!". He slams the microphone down and storms off, Stephanie in tow and Bryan nods his head, seemingly okay with the match. The scene fades to black.
We return from the commercial break and we are shown a quick recap of what just happened as Hulk Hogan suggested that Daniel Bryan and Triple H settle their differences, along with their allies in a WarGames Match, which Triple H then accepted! We are shown the graphic below to confirm the match, the WWE Universe erupting as it appears.
As the scene returns to the ring, Daniel Bryan stands ready for action before a fiery explosion from the stage signals the entrance of the Director of Operations, Kane.
DANIEL BRYAN vs. KANE; The bell rings and Bryan circles Kane, trying to avoid getting caught early on. He ducks under a right hand and goes right to the legs of his former tag team partner. Kicking away, he looks to be maintaining control, but Kane being the monster he is, fights through the pain and turns around, clocking Bryan with a big right hand, knocking him to the canvas. He picks Bryan up and throws him into the corner before delivering more right hands, followed by a series of back elbows. Kane has clearly been given strict instructions to maim Bryan tonight, courtesy of Triple H. He drags Bryan out of the corner and plants him with a side slam. He hooks the leg, but Bryan kicks out at two. The WWE World Heavyweight Champion has the crowd behind him, willing him on to come back and beat the Corporate Monster. Kane grabs Bryan by the throat, looking for the Chokeslam, but Bryan escapes and drags Kane down to the mat, looking to execute the Yes! Lock. The big frame of Kane makes it incredible difficult, and he battles out, throwing Bryan across the ring. But Bryan pops right back up to his feet and hits Kane with a big roundhouse, stumbling the big man. Kane bounces off the ropes and Bryan hits him with a dropkick, sending him reeling into the corner. Bryan sees an opening and runs to the opposite side before running back and hitting a devastating kick to Kane in the corner. He does it twice more and Kane falls to the canvas. Bryan begins to prepare for the end and pumps his hands into the air with "Yes!" chants from the crowd. Suddenly, Randy Orton and Batista emerge at ringside to the boos from the crowd. Bryan turns his attention to them, trying to avoid getting hit from behind. Orton jumps onto the apron to distract Bryan and Kane runs in for a shot - but Bryan ducks and Kane hits Orton with a clothesline! Orton flies off the apron and into his Authority ally, Batista, both men falling to the floor. Kane turns around - Busaiku Knee! Bryan covers him and pick up the victory. Daniel Bryan defeats Kane!
The WWE Universe erupt as Bryan is declared the winner, Kane rolling out of the ring to regroup with Batista and Orton. The Authority leave in disappointment as Bryan is victorious. They will all meet in WarGames on May 4th, along with Triple H and The Shield, but which side will walk out victorious?
Renee Young is backstage and she is standing alongside Sheamus to plenty of boos from the Alabama crowd. Renee asks Sheamus why this sudden change of heart. Sheamus laughs, telling Renee that it isn't a change of heart, he's just being himself. He says that he explained himself on SmackDown and that's all he has to say on the matter - "it's time to care about Sheamus". He says that Big E should spend as much time with the Intercontinental Championship as he can, because he won't have the opportunity to do that soon. "But tonight, I'm going to do what I should have done last week - take Dolph Ziggler's head off". Sheamus leaves and Renee looks disappointed in the former fan favourite.
Both men had entered the ring and were ready to compete, when suddenly, the theme of Alberto Del Rio hit to boos from the crowd. Ziggler didn't look happy to see Del Rio as he made his way around the ring and put on a headset, sitting alongside JBL on commentary. JBL shakes hands with Del Rio and tells Cole and King that they should be grateful to be in the presence of such a talented star. They roll their eyes as the match begins.
DOLPH ZIGGLER vs. SHEAMUS; The pair lock up, and unlike last week, Sheamus takes a much more aggressive approach. He throws Ziggler around like a rag doll, throwing him into the corner and driving his shoulder into Ziggler's abdomen repeatedly before throwing him back down to the canvas. Sheamus beats his chest and shouts "Fella!", but no longer does he receive cheers for that, and all he hears is the sound of boos. But he doesn't care, smirking at the WWE Universe. He picks Ziggler up and lifts him onto his shoulder, preparing for a powerslam, but Ziggler slips off and hits Sheamus with a big superkick, taking the Celtic Warrior down. Ziggler goes for his signature elbow drops and hits nine of them in succession. He goes for the final one, but Sheamus moves and instead hits one of his own. He lifts Ziggler onto his shoulder again and this time connects with the powerslam. Hooking the leg, he looks to take the match but Ziggler kicks out. Sheamus spreads his arms out wide and backs into the corner, apparently ready for the Brogue Kick. He goes for it, but Ziggler ducks and turns around, hitting Sheamus with a dropkick right on the jaw. Both men are out on the mat. On commentary, Del Rio says that now is the time to prove why he should have won the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. He slams the headset down and grabs the now smaller trophy from ringside. He jumps onto the ring apron but the referee stops him. Del Rio argues with him, but he throws the trophy into the ring, conveniently into Sheamus' grasp. As the referee continue to argue with Del Rio, Sheamus and Ziggler get to their feet, and Ziggler has no idea - BAM! Sheamus clocks Ziggler with the tropy and quickly rolls it under the ropes. He hooks the leg and Del Rio jumps down from the apron, allowing the referee to count the pinfall. Sheamus defeats Dolph Ziggler!
After the match, Del Rio slides into the ring and starts stomping down on Ziggler. Sheamus gets to his feet and he joins the attack, the crowd booing as Ziggler is beaten down by these two relentless individuals. But suddenly, the Intercontinental Champion, Big E bursts out from the stage and bolts down the ramp. He slides into the ring but unfortunately, Sheamus and Del Rio jump out of the ring before he can get his hands on them. Del Rio runs up the ramp, but Sheamus slowly backs away with a grin on his face, pointing at Big E and then motioning around his waist, suggesting that he wants to be Intercontinental Champion. Big E looks out with a scowl.
We go backstage into the official of the Authority. Triple H and Stephanie McMahon are stood talking to Kane, Batista and Randy Orton. "What happened out there tonight can not happen again, do you understand me?" Triple H declares, "We cannot let Daniel Bryan do this to us". He looks at Batista and Orton, "You two are going to be in action tonight against Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns, and I want them taken out, understand?". Batista responds, telling Triple H that he doesn't need telling to end someone, he just does it. Orton says that they'll get the job done. They leave and Kane remains stood in front of Triple H, holding his jaw from earlier. "And you, I don't know what's wrong with you, but this can't happen again. What happened to you?" asks the Game, Kane looking on in confusion as to what he means. "The old Kane wouldn't have let that little troll get one over on him like that. If we're going to do this WarGames thing, then I need the monster back, not this washed up joke". The crowd gasp as Kane becomes angry. He gets right in Triple H's face before responding with rage, "You want to see the monster? I'll give you the monster. Mark my words, Daniel Bryan will not get away with this again!". Kane storms out of the room and both Triple H and Stephanie McMahon look at each other before looking back out of the door.
A replay airs, showing what took place this past Friday on SmackDown when Rob Van Dam was about to defeat The Miz, but Bad News Barrett emerged, distracting the former World Champion and ended up costing him the match. Tonight, Barrett will once again be in action as he teams with The Miz to take on Rob Van Dam and Kofi Kingston.
ROB VAN DAM & KOFI KINGSTON vs. BAD NEWS BARRETT & THE MIZ; Rob Van Dam and The Miz kick things off, revisiting their SmackDown match. Miz takes the advantage, grabbing RVD in a headlock and dragging him down to the canvas. Miz works over his opponent, keeping him grounded, knowing what RVD is capable off when he gets the chance to leave the ground. Miz tags in Barrett and he goes right to work on RVD, beating him down, looking for some physical revenge after last week on Raw when RVD beat him. He clubs down on RVD, showing his brawling side and bounces RVD off the ropes. He goes for a big clothesline, but RVD ducks under and instead hits Barrett with a big heel kick! The crowd pop as they will RVD towards his corner to tag in Kofi Kingston. He manages to reach Kingston who springboards in, taking The Miz down with a big crossbody who had just tagged into the match himself. Kingston hits a big dropkick on Barrett who runs towards him and starts building up some serious momentum. Barrett rolls out of the ring and waves his hands, leaving ringside to the confusion of the WWE Universe. The Miz goes towards his corner, but he sees that Barrett has left. RVD watched Barrett walk around the ring and he's about to walk up the ramp when RVD runs across the apron and hits him with a big somersault plancha! The crowd cheer as Kofi Kingston slaps his hands and prepares for Miz to turn around. He goes for the Trouble In Paradise - but The Miz ducks underneath and instead grabs Kingston for the Skull-Crushing Finale. But Kingston reverses it himself, spinning around - S.O.S! He keeps the legs hooked and scores the pinfall. Rob Van Dam & Kofi Kingston defeat Bad News Barrett & The Miz!
Kingston celebrated the victory as RVD joins him in the ring. Barrett quickly retreats up the ramp, a scowl on his face after being caught by RVD. The Miz rolls out of the ring and the two high-flyers celebrate their victory with the WWE Universe.
John Cena is shown making his way down a backstage corridor and Michael Cole tells us that John Cena is on his way to the ring to address the Wyatt Family. What will he have to say to the men who have tried so hard to get him to embrace his anger?
Returning from the commercial break, the theme of John Cena hits to a mixed reaction here in Alabama. He makes his way to the ring in regular fashion and enters the ring, grabbing a microphone from ringside. As he lets the crowd noise die down, he begins to speak. "At WrestleMania, I wasn't able to overcome the Wyatt Family. And for the first time in my life, I let someone get into my head" Cena explains. He says that Bray Wyatt has found a way inside his head, something nobody else has ever done. Cena talks about the wars he has had with guys like Randy Orton, Triple H, Edge, Kane and The Rock, but says that nobody compares to what Bray Wyatt is. He says that Wyatt is a whole different person, and one that even he doesn't know if he can overcome. The crowd are in shock that John Cena, possibly for the first time, is doubting himself. "But I'll be damned if that means I'm gonna stop trying!" he shouts, the crowd popping as they see the intensity in his eyes. He says that Bray Wyatt may have found a way into his head, and he may have beaten him both physically and mentally, but he has never backed down from a fight. He has never given up. "And so help me, I will not give up this time!". There's a "Cena" chant in the crowd as he stares into the camera. "Bray Wyatt - I'm calling you out. We've got some unfinished business, dog". The crowd erupt and Cena looks ready to go. Suddenly, there's the signature flicker of footage and the lights shut off, the crowd going wild. The titantron switches on and Bray Wyatt is stood alongside both Erick Rowan and Luke Harper with the usual sadistic smile on his face.
"John, John, John... I am different. You're right. But so are you, my friend. You see, we know tht in the dark depths of your soul... there's a monster waiting to be freed, hahahaha. And that monster will be freed, John. That monster will be freed in due time, because you cannot fight the truth, John. You cannot fight the truth that lies within you. You are not a man, John... you are a monster... like me. We are the same... you and I... haha... but the difference is... I accept my true self. I embrace the role as the creator of the new world... and you, John... you can embrace that role too. You can join the legion of followers that too see the light, and you can be better, John. At WrestleMania, hahahahaha, the process was only just beginning. You are growing weaker, John... and soon you will no longer be able to fight it. It's only a matter of time..."
"Cut the crap, you freak!" exclaims Cena, the crowd erupting as he cuts Wyatt off. "I didn't come out here to get a lecture from your creepy ass, so listen up. You got the better of me at WrestleMania, and maybe you're right. Maybe there is a monster within me. And if there is, you got a date with it at Extreme Rules because I am gonna kick your ass!". The WWE Universe are deafening as Cena appears to have made a challenge to Bray Wyatt, who laughs on the titantron. "How about you bring your circus show to Extreme Rules on May 4th and we'll see just how much fight you got in you - in a Last Man Standing Match!". The roof comes unglued in the BJCC Arena as Cena lays it out for Wyatt. Wyatt looks down from the titantron with a sadistic smile on his face.
"You've got yourself a deal, John... hahahaha... I'll see you then, my friend. He's got the whooooooole world... in his hands, he's got the whole world... in his... hands". The titantron shuts off and Cena looks on with a stern look on his face. "I promise each and every one of you, that if I'm going to go down at the hands of Bray Wyatt... I'm taking him with me" declares Cena as he slams the microphone into the mat and leaves to his theme. The commentary team discuss the carnage that may ensue when John Cena collides with Bray Wyatt in a Last Man Standing Match. That's in just three weeks at Extreme Rules!
Before the match, we are shown a replay of last week when NXT Diva, Paige made her Raw debut, challenging AJ Lee to a match for her Divas Championship. But of course, AJ Lee claimed that Paige "wasn't worthy" and so put Tamina Snuka in the match with her instead. Paige shocked the world (and AJ Lee) when she beat Tamina in the middle of the ring, showing that she had what it takes to go far here in the WWE. Tonight, Paige is in action against Alicia Fox, but suspiciously, the Divas Champion and her muscle are at ringside on commentary.
PAIGE vs. ALICIA FOX; Alicia Fox doesn't seem too impressed with Paige, flicking her hair at the NXT Diva, but Paige put that to an end, delivering a spear to Fox, taking her to the canvas. Paige continued to beat down on Alicia, showing her dominance, clearly trying to send a message to AJ Lee and the WWE Universe loved it. Although, while Paige couldn't hear it, AJ was saying how Paige shows such inexperience in the ring and couldn't even hold a candle to her. AJ says that Paige's victory over Tamina was a fluke and that she still hasn't proved anything. Alicia Fox starts to battle back and even prepares to put an end to the match with her signature Axe Kick, but Paige avoids the shot and instead drops Alicia right on her head with the Paige Turner and hooked her leg for the three. Paige defeats Alicia Fox!
Following her victory, Paige immediately walked over the ropes and pointed to AJ Lee, making sure she knew that she still had every intention of taking her on for the Divas Championship, but AJ completely blanked Paige, leaving ringside with Tamina without even looking up at the NXT Diva. AJ and Tamina left up the ramp, the referee raising Paige's hand, but Paige wasn't happy at being ignored. Perhaps AJ should pay a little more attention to this rising Diva.
As most in the WWE Universe will already be aware, this past week, the world lost a legend in the Ultimate Warrior. Tonight's broadcast is dedicated to Warrior and his legacy. We see a video package highlighting his illustrious career in the WWE, including his big victory over Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania to capture the WWE Championship for the first time. The package ends on a shot of him being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame this past WrestleMania weekend. As the package fades, there's a "Warrior" chant in the BJCC Arena, and Michael Cole simply says "Thank you, Warrior" as the scene fades to black.
We are shown The Shield backstage to a huge pop from the WWE Universe. They are preparing for their matches tonight. Ambrose says that WarGames will be the perfect way to get their hands on the Authority and pay them back for all the orders they've had to follow the past eight months. Rollins agrees, saying that they will finally get the chance to redeem themselves. Reigns says that he's going to break them all in half when they're locked inside that cage together. Rollins asks Ambrose if he's ready to defend his United States Championship later, and Ambrose says that he knows the Authority have given Christian the shot to throw him off, but he promises he will leave tonight with the title still in his possession. They all put their hands in the middle of their little circle and both Rollins and Reigns leave as their match with Batista and Randy Orton is next.
The WWE Universe are ready for more Raw action and they erupt as Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns of The Shield make their entrance. We are reminded that last week, The Shield stuck it to the Authority and sided with Daniel Bryan to even the odds. We are also reminded that earlier tonight, Triple H accepted Hulk Hogan's suggestion that he and the Authority should take on Daniel Bryan and The Shield in a WarGames Match at Extreme Rules. This next match will be the perfect way to build some momentum for either team.
BATISTA & RANDY ORTON vs. SETH ROLLINS & ROMAN REIGNS; Seth Rollins and Randy Orton start the match, and having faced each other on SmackDown this past Friday, they didn't waste any time in kicking it off, trading right hands straight away. Orton takes control, dropping Rollins with a clothesline and stomping down on the architect of The Shield. Orton tags in Batista who comes in and powers his way through Rollins. Batista gives a look over to Roman Reigns and smirks at him, causing Reigns to try entering the ring, but the referee stops him. Orton uses this opportunity to jump in himself and beat down on Rollins with Batista. Orton quickly hops back out of the ring as the referee turns back around, oblivious to what had happened. Batista throws Rollins into the corner nad hits him with some big shoulder blocks to the gut. The Animal throws Rollins into the center of the ring with a big hip toss and covers him, but Rollins kicks out. Batista tags Orton back in and the Viper goes to work on the limbs of Rollins, targeting every one to try and completely incapacitate him. Orton picks Rollins up, but he begins too fight back with forearms. Rollins runs towards his corner, but Orton drags him down viciously by his hair. He quickly drags Rollins back to his own corner and tags in Batista. Evolution are reliving the glory days as they isolate Rollins and maintain control. But suddenly, Rollins explodes with a big superkick to Batista, dropping him to the canvas. Rollins crawls with every last breath to his corner, but Batista grabs his leg. Rollins hits him with big enziguiri and leaps forward - tagging in Roman Reigns! Reigns explodes into the match as the crowd go nuts, he clotheslines Batista and follows through, knocking Orton off the apron. Reigns roars and slams his fist into the canvas, preparing to hit the Superman Punch on Batista, but Orton grabs his leg from the outside. Rollins gets on the apron and runs, leaping off and taking Orton out with a big knee off the apron! Reigns returns his focus to Batista and goes for the Superman Punch, but Batista avoids it and bounces of the ropes - Spear by Batista! Batista spears Reigns! Batista does the thumbs down and picks Reigns up for the Batista Bomb, but Reigns runs him into the corner to escape. However, Reigns doesn't see Orton jump onto the apron and blind tag Batista. He pulls Batista out of the corner, bounces him off the ropes - Spear by Reigns! He drills Batista with the Spear and hooks the leg, but the referee tells Reigns that Batista isn't the legal man. He gets to his feet asking what the referee means and turns around - RKO! Orton hooks the leg - 1 - 2 - 3! Batista & Randy Orton defeat Seth Rollins & Roman Reigns!
Orton quickly rolls out of the ring, dragging Batista with him and the Evolution team mates retreat up the ramp. Rollins slides into the ring and tends to his fallen partner, looking up the ramp in anger. The Authority have just levelled the playing field tonight against their Extreme Rules opponents. We are reminded that later tonight, Dean Ambrose will defend his United States Championship in a match authorised by Triple H against Christian.
Before the next match, we are told that this Friday on SmackDown, the respective partners of Jey Uso and Cesaro will take each other on as Jimmy Uso goes head-to-head with Jack Swagger.
JEY USO vs. CESARO; After their victory last week on Raw, the Real Americans earned the right to be number one contenders to the WWE Tag Team Championships. Tonight, Jey Uso takes on Cesaro in one of two matches between the two teams this week. Before the bell, Cesaro extends a hand to Jey Uso and after a bit of hesitation, Jey Uso takes it. On the outside, Jack Swagger and Zeb Colter ask Cesaro what he thinks he's doing, but he shrugs his shoulders at them before locking up. Cesaro gets the opening advantage, using his strength to keep hold of the Uso. Cesaro ends up throwing Jey to the outside, and Swagger approaches him. The referee warns Swagger to stay away and he raises his hands in the air, apparently saying he wasn't going to do anything. But Zeb Colter starts arguing with the referee distracting him, and Swagger drills Jey Uso with a huge boot to the skull. The crowd boo, but they cheer as Jimmy Uso runs around the ring and takes Swagger out with a flying forearm! Cesaro leaves the ring amidst the carnage and throws Jey back into the ring. He picks him up and bounces him off the ropes. Catapulting Jey into the air, he looks to go for the Very European Uppercut, but Jey somehow manages to manoeuvre himself mid-air and drops down on Cesaro with a big dropkick. Jey gets back to his feet and waits for Cesaro to get up as well. He goes for a Superkick, but Cesaro catches his leg, trips him up and the crowd erupt as he begins to Cesaro Swing Jey round and round at least fifteen times. Outside the ring, Jack Swagger beats down on Jimmy Uso, bouncing his head off the announce desk. Cesaro sees this and leans over the ropes, shouting at Swagger to stop. Swagger shouts "Get on with the match!" at Cesaro who shakes his head and turns back around - Superkick from Jey Uso! He hooks Cesaro's leg and picks up the victory! Jey Uso defeats Cesaro!
Jack Swagger suddenly stops assaulting Jimmy Uso and stares into the ring, realising Cesaro had just lost. He and Zeb Colter get in the ring as Jey Uso grabs his brother and helps him up the ramp, their titles in their grasp. Cesaro gets to his feet looking disappointed and Colter shouts at him. "What was that?!" he screams, and Cesaro doesn't respond. Colter and Swagger storm off, Cesaro following shortly after.
Returning from a commercial break, the Real Americans are backstage, arguing about what just happened. Cesaro says that there was no need for Swagger to attack Jimmy Uso like that, but Swagger says that Cesaro has lost his ruthlessness ever since the fans started cheering for him. "Have you forgotten why we do this, Cesaro? Have you forgotten that I took you under my wing because I saw potential in you?" asks Colter, and Cesaro tells him he hasn't. "Good" replies Colter, and tells Cesaro and Swagger to pull their heads together because they have WWE Tag Team Championships to win. He pats them both on the back and leaves, Cesaro and Swagger staring into each other's eyes. "I'll show you how to get it done on SmackDown" says Swagger, before leaving. Cesaro looks on, sighing to himself.
A replay from SmackDown is shown, Alexander Rusev dismantling the World's Largest Athlete, the Big Show, completely unprovoked. The Bulgarian Brute beat down the giant and left him laying, something very few men have ever been able to do in the history of the WWE. Tonight, Rusev is in action against Zack Ryder.
ALEXANDER RUSEV vs. ZACK RYDER; After witnessing such a vicious beat down on the Big Show, it's safe to say that Zack Ryder was a little nervous going into tonight's match. But he has never been one to back out of a fight. The Long Island Iced Z went right on the attack, delivering some hard rights to Rusev after the bell and looked to be in good stead, but it wasn't long before the brute force of Rusev came into play as he delivered a thunderous headbutt, Ryder dropping to the canvas. From then on, Rusev dominated the match, throwing Ryder around the ring like he was a child. He threw Ryder into the corner and followed it up with a huge avalanche splash, crushing the former United States Champion. He then bounced Ryder off the ropes before throwing him high into the air and planting him with a vicious Samoan drop. Rusev rolled Ryder onto his front and raised his hands in the air to a ton of heat from the WWE Universe. He then squatted over the back of Ryder and locked in the camel clutch that he calls the Accolade, and Ryder had absolutely no choice but to submit. Alexander Rusev defeats Zack Ryder!
Lana entered the ring and applauded her client, shouting Russian at the WWE Universe, only creating more boos. But suddenly, the arena erupted as the theme of the Big Show hit and the World's Largest Athlete rushed to the ring. Rusev prepared himself as the giant slid into the ring and he went right on the attack, just like on SmackDown. But this time, Big Show was prepared and as Rusev ran towards him, Show stood his ground and the two behemoths collided in the center of the ring, neither man moving an inch, almost shaking the very foundations of the building with the impact of their clash. Show and Rusev stand face-to-face with intensity in their eyes. But suddenly, Rusev backs away and leaves the ring to countless boos. He and Lana leave up the ramp as Big Show stands in the ring looking ready for a fight. Will these two clash in the ring in the near future?
On commentary, Michael Cole informs us that tomorrow night, live on the WWE Network, John Cena will be in action against Wyatt Family member, Luke Harper on WWE Main Event! The crowd go wild as the graphic below is shown on the titantron and on our screens. John Cena will get his opportunity to get his hands on at least one Family member before he takes on Bray Wyatt in a Last Man Standing Match at Extreme Rules, as we learned earlier tonight on Raw.
"The Energy" by Shinedown begins to play as we see the United States Champion, Dean Ambrose leaving his Shield partners behind on the left hand side of the screen, while on the right hand side, a very desperate Christian slaps his face, pumping himself up for tonight's big main event. That's next!
As Raw returns, we are reminded that Christian practically begged the Authority for this match, unashamed that he is indeed desperate for a win and will do whatever it takes. The bell rings and the match gets under way.
UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH - DEAN AMBROSE © vs. CHRISTIAN; The United States Champion goes right to work on Christian, hitting him with right hands and backing him into the corner. As the referee pries Ambrose away, Christian hits an underhanded slap across the face, drawing boos from the crowd. Ambrose gets mad and lunges at Christian, but the former World Champion hides behind the ropes, telling the referee to get Ambrose away. Christian takes advantage and jumps on Ambrose's back, dragging him to the canvas. Christian mounts his opponent and begins to deliver hard rights hands, showing his desperation. This match means everything to Christian, but the WWE Universe are firmly behind Dean Ambrose. Christian picks Ambrose up and throws him into the corner. He then grabs him by the head and jumps up on the top rope, coming back down and driving Ambrose head-first into the mat with an impressive tornado DDT. He hooks the leg, but Ambrose kicks out at two. Christian climbs to the top rope again, but this time, Ambrose is right there to stop him and he turns the tables grabbing Christian - superplex! Both men crash to the canvas with impact. Ambrose gets up first and picks Christian up to his feet. He bounces him off the ropes and goes for a clothesline, but Christian ducks underneath, grabbing Ambrose's arm and turns him around, apparently going for the Killswitch! But Ambrose shoves Christian away into the turnbuckle and then grabs him from behind before planting him with a huge German suplex! He bridges and maintains the pinfall, but Christian kicks out. Christian rolls out of the ring to catch his breath, but Ambrose follows him, not allowing him to regain any stamina. But Christian grabs Ambrose and bounces his head off the steel steps, and then viciously throws him into the barricade. "This is my match! I need this!" he screams, the crowd in the front row heavily heckling the former World Champion. He picks Ambrose up and then grabs him from behind, dropping him with a hard inverted DDT on the arena floor. He rolls Ambrose back into the ring and covers him, but Ambrose kicks out. Christian starts getting frustrated, slamming the mat. He gets up and starts to clap his hands, setting up for the Killswitch once more. He grabs Ambrose, but again, Ambrose shoves him off, into the ropes this time, and when he bounces back, he kicks Christian in the gut - Dirty Deeds! The headlock driver connects and both man are out. Ambrose is about to cover Christian when suddenly, there's an explosion of fire! The crowd boo as they see Kane emerge from the stage, walking slowly down the ramp. Ambrose looks up and sees Kane, but he doesn't see Randy Orton and Batista coming in from the back. He turns around and see them on the apron and runs at them, but they both jump off. Suddenly, Daniel Bryan emerges from the stage behind Kane and attacks him from behind! The crowd erupt as Bryan begins to stomp down on Kane. Meanwhile, Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns emerge from the crowd and begin to brawl with Randy Orton and Batista! All hell breaks loose and the referee leaves the ring to try and stop the brawl on the outside. But suddenly - it's Triple H! Triple H enters the ring and kicks Ambrose in the gut - Pedigree! Triple H quickly rolls out of the ring and gets the referee, ordering him to get back in the ring. He does and Christian slowly crawls over to Ambrose - 1 - 2 - 3! Christian is the new United States Champion!
The crowd boo as loud as they can as Christian rolls out of the ring and his handed the United States Championship. Triple H quickly retreats up the ramp alongside Batista, Randy Orton and Kane who escape the clutches of their rivals. Daniel Bryan, Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns all enter the ring to check on Ambrose. Triple H raises the hand of Christian to an enormous amount of heat, but Christian is ecstatic. He clutches the title to his chest and is close to tears, having finally won something for the first time in a long time. The Authority have just got one over on Bryan and The Shield, adding more fuel to the fire for WarGames on May 4th. Daniel Bryan and The Shield stand in the ring together and look out at their Authority counterparts with angry expressions. This is most definitely war.