As always, it would be greatly appreciated if those who are reading helped me promote the blog. And I'd like to thank those who make this a regular stop on your Internet travels. I wish I updated it more regularly, but hopefully it's enough to make you happy.
Now onto the show.
Raw opening
In the ring is John Cena, looking down, not very happy.
Cena: Last week, I won a match and with it also won the opportunity to join the title match at Wrestlemania. That opportunity is what every wrestler dreams of. Now, unlike other men, I've had that chance many times, so I know how it feels. But let me assure you, no matter how many times you headline the Grandaddy of them all, it never gets old.
Cena: However--and there is a however--I didn't win this match in the most heroic of ways. For some reason, and I think we all know why, Batista decided to interfere in my match. Let me make this 100% clear--I did not know he was going to do so nor did I need him to do so. I'm John Cena, I've had my back against the wall many times before and each time I overcame them without the help of anyone. I did that.
Cena: As a result of that interference, I've been wrestling my most difficult opponent over the last week--my own conscience. Do I accept the opportunity I didn't truly deserve or do I decline the most coveted position in sports entertainment? Some men have walked out of the company for not being able to ever be in that position.
HHH's music hits and he enters with Stephanie.
HHH: John, let me tell you, you are going to accept this match. Like you said, this is an opportunity many others would kill for. And....
Orton's music hits, coming out and facing off with HHH.
Orton: I think Cena has a point, Hunter. What kind of hero would he be to his fans, to the little kids who idolize him if he accepted the title match under such circumstances? But the real question here is what was with you indicating HE would be champion after Wrestlemania? Why?
HHH: Calm down, Randy, I was just promoting the main event. It's about selling it to the people. It had nothing to do with wanting him as champion.
Orton: Well, since Cena has declined the opportunity, I guess you could get charged with false advertisement.
Cena: Hold on there, Randy, I never said I declined. I said I've been wrestling with my conscience over the last week about this. But you see, I kept coming back to one thing--I never had my rematch with Bryan. He's who I want to wrestle, because to me, he's still the real champion. He isn't some puppet of Hunter and the Authority. He's won the title several times only to have you rescued by him. So, I accept this opportunity, I accept the main event at Wrestlemania.
HHH and Cena shake hands as Orton throws a temper tantrum.
Orton: What the hell! You're going let the skinny jeans wearing teenage girl ruin affect everything?
HHH: Umm, I hope you aren't talking about who I think you are.
Orton: You think I'm scared of Batista? He ran away from this company four years ago. He doesn't belong here.
HHH shakes his head as Batista makes his way down to the ring.
Batista powerbombs Orton.
A tag team match is made for the main event--Orton and Bryan vs Batista and Cena.
The Punk Revolution is in the ring, all four staring at the announce booth.
AJ: Last week, Tamina and I stood up for all divas when we attacked the misogynist who regales our audience each and every week with quips regarding the women who entertain our fans. To him, we are nothing more than sexual objects, nothing more than pieces of meat. Last week, he felt what these sexual objects can do.
AJ: Here's the funny thing, several decades ago, that man, Jerry Lawler, made his name by sticking up for women who were being exploited and demeaned by Andy Kaufman. Well, I ask you Jerry Lawler, while you do not wrestle this women, aren't you just as bad as he was? Aren't you just a newer and just as repellant version of that man?
Lawler stands up, microphone in hand.
Lawler: Look, I don't know what I said to offend you, but I'm sorry. I fully respect what you and the other divas do in the ring.
AJ: You have a funny way of showing it. Always commenting on our looks, never referencing the match going on in the ring.
Lawler: What do you want me to say?
AJ: Oh, it isn't what I want you to say, it's what I want you to do. At Wrestlemania, I want you to get into the ring with the Punkasaurus Brodus Clay. If he wins, I want you to retire allowing the WWE to hire their first full time female announcer for the table. It's the 21st century and it's about time.
Lawler: I'm sure you know that WWE won't clear me to wrestle since my heart attack.
JBL stands up.
JBL: I'll take up the challenge for Jerry, if he wants me.
Lawler: Yeah, I'll take a former world champion as my surrogate versus this guy.
AJ: You don't know what you've gotten into. But to give you a demonstration, send out Brodus' opponent.
Ryback's music hits.
Brodus dominates the match, winning with the Pipe Bomb.
They taunt the announce booth after the match.
Backstage segment
Bryan and the Wyatts.
Bray: We left you to your own devices last week, Daniel Bryan, and the ones in the tower made you into a joke again. They've enlisted another in their crusade against you, because you denied us last week.
Bryan: I have to prove I can win the title on my own.
Bray: I sacrificed for you, Daniel Bryan. This opportunity could have been mine. I eliminated myself for you. It cannot be for naught.
Bryan: It won't be. The title is mine.
Bray: Ours, Daniel Bryan. Ours.
Backstage segment
HHH with the New Age Outlaws
Road Dogg: You said you were going to fix our situation.
HHH: I did and I will, at Wrestlemania.
Road Dogg: What's happening at Wrestlemania?
HHH: Tag team mayhem--you vs the Usos vs the Brotherhood.
Billy: What? How does that help us? Are you crazy?
Road Dogg: Calm down, Billy. Hunter always has a plan.
HHH: You're right. Which is why the Shield is also involved. Hopefully between you and the Shield, I can take care of a couple of problems that night.
Billy: He's lost it.
Backstage segment.
The Bella Twins and Natalya.
Brie looking at Nikki and Natalya.
Brie: I don't understand why you didn't check on me last week, Natalya.
Natalya: I could tell you were fine.
Brie: I was out cold!
Nikki holds up the title.
Nikki: This is all the matters so that is what she was checking on.
Brie folds her arms.
Main event
Bryan and Orton vs Batista and Cena
This match devolves into each man for himself, fighting among themselves, even against their own partners. In the end, Batista has dominated the other three participants, standing over all three of them, holding aloft the title.
Sunday, March 16, 2014
#Rawesome and #Rawful Moments of the Week
This week was quite the interesting one for WWE Raw. The fans were treated to The Authority finally getting some sort of come-uppance at the hands of Daniel Bryan. One man can be thanked for this sudden change in story--CM Punk. Like many fans, I'm disappointed we may have seen him for the last time, but on the other hand, I don't think Bryan would be receiving this title match if Punk hadn't walked out. Maybe next year, but that may have been too late for Bryan. People's attention span is much shorter than it used to be and if the story dragged out, it very well could have damaged the momentum that he had developed.
For that, the hero of the week is CM Punk, the man who hasn't been on our televisions for almost two months now.
There are those who seem to believe that this was planned all along, but that doesn't pass the smell test. Bryan's aborted storyline of joining the Wyatts alone proves that. My guess (and I fully admit that it is only a guess) is that Bryan was originally scheduled to fight Bray at Wrestlemania in order to raise both wrestler's profiles. I still think that they shouldn't have totally abandoned it, that they could have rewritten the story to incorporate their original intentions--increasing the profitability of several wrestlers--while still giving the fans what they wanted, a Bryan championship reign. That is basically what the Raw ReWrite has been trying to prove over the last few months. Suddenly dropping a storyline is jarring to the audience. It's better to ease out of it and find a way to still leave all parties in a positive position.
With that said, let's move on to the #Rawesome and #Rawful moments of the week.
This week the two go hand-in-hand, are inseparable.
#Rawesome Moment of the Week
After almost a year of constant "Yes!" chants, after almost a year of fans erupting every time the most unlikely of popular wrestlers, the WWE finally listened. WCW, despite the massive egos, bodies and legends they had, really found that a variety of styles attracts a wider audience. People don't want to just see jacked wrestlers any longer. There are many different types of wrestlers that are intriguing out there and it's time WWE realized that.
Somehow, in spite of the idiotic anger management story that was given to him, Daniel Bryan turned that into an engaging storyline, he attracted a fan base regardless of that stupidity. Each week he added more believers, more fans. Yet, for some reason, the WWE felt the need to constantly belittle the new people's champ. I don't buy into the theory that Punk left for Bryan, but Bryan is definitely a beneficiary of the walkout.
So, we ended up with Bryan hijacking Raw, which funny enough is what Punk fans were supposed to do last week. Daniel Bryan finally did what fans wanted him to do--be a man and take his spot. That does much to untangle the "weakness" they have entwined him with. Hopefully this leads to what the fans truly want--a Daniel Bryan heavyweight title reign.
#Rawful Moment of the Week
First, let me say, I'm not a fan of tying Daniel Bryan to the dead Occupy movement for two reasons. One, it's dated; two, it feels to me like it may turn off certain fans. That being said, that isn't the #Rawful Moment of the Week.
That distinction belongs to the still guaranteed HHH vs Bryan prelude match. This would be much better suited to take place on a Raw preceding Wrestlemania and not the showcase itself. By placing it on the card and adding to it the stipulation of attaining a title shot with a victory, it is a foregone conclusion that Bryan will win that match. With that, there is no drama in the match, which makes it a wasted moment. Now, I will say, what it does add, is drama to the main event. No doubt Bryan will be "injured" during the first match--before, during and after--which will cast further doubt on whether he will win. I don't like having a wasted match on the card though and that's what this feels like it will be. Imagine the "go home" Raw having that match though. That would provide more payoff (buys for the PPV and viewers for Raw) for all parties involved.
My prediction is that Orton will cost HHH the match in some awkward way which will incite The Authority against the current champion. In the main event, The Authority will try to unseat Orton with Batista, which will allow Bryan to win. Hopefully that in turn leads Batista to meaningless mid-card matches where he belongs.
For that, the hero of the week is CM Punk, the man who hasn't been on our televisions for almost two months now.
There are those who seem to believe that this was planned all along, but that doesn't pass the smell test. Bryan's aborted storyline of joining the Wyatts alone proves that. My guess (and I fully admit that it is only a guess) is that Bryan was originally scheduled to fight Bray at Wrestlemania in order to raise both wrestler's profiles. I still think that they shouldn't have totally abandoned it, that they could have rewritten the story to incorporate their original intentions--increasing the profitability of several wrestlers--while still giving the fans what they wanted, a Bryan championship reign. That is basically what the Raw ReWrite has been trying to prove over the last few months. Suddenly dropping a storyline is jarring to the audience. It's better to ease out of it and find a way to still leave all parties in a positive position.
With that said, let's move on to the #Rawesome and #Rawful moments of the week.
This week the two go hand-in-hand, are inseparable.
#Rawesome Moment of the Week
After almost a year of constant "Yes!" chants, after almost a year of fans erupting every time the most unlikely of popular wrestlers, the WWE finally listened. WCW, despite the massive egos, bodies and legends they had, really found that a variety of styles attracts a wider audience. People don't want to just see jacked wrestlers any longer. There are many different types of wrestlers that are intriguing out there and it's time WWE realized that.
Somehow, in spite of the idiotic anger management story that was given to him, Daniel Bryan turned that into an engaging storyline, he attracted a fan base regardless of that stupidity. Each week he added more believers, more fans. Yet, for some reason, the WWE felt the need to constantly belittle the new people's champ. I don't buy into the theory that Punk left for Bryan, but Bryan is definitely a beneficiary of the walkout.
So, we ended up with Bryan hijacking Raw, which funny enough is what Punk fans were supposed to do last week. Daniel Bryan finally did what fans wanted him to do--be a man and take his spot. That does much to untangle the "weakness" they have entwined him with. Hopefully this leads to what the fans truly want--a Daniel Bryan heavyweight title reign.
#Rawful Moment of the Week
First, let me say, I'm not a fan of tying Daniel Bryan to the dead Occupy movement for two reasons. One, it's dated; two, it feels to me like it may turn off certain fans. That being said, that isn't the #Rawful Moment of the Week.
That distinction belongs to the still guaranteed HHH vs Bryan prelude match. This would be much better suited to take place on a Raw preceding Wrestlemania and not the showcase itself. By placing it on the card and adding to it the stipulation of attaining a title shot with a victory, it is a foregone conclusion that Bryan will win that match. With that, there is no drama in the match, which makes it a wasted moment. Now, I will say, what it does add, is drama to the main event. No doubt Bryan will be "injured" during the first match--before, during and after--which will cast further doubt on whether he will win. I don't like having a wasted match on the card though and that's what this feels like it will be. Imagine the "go home" Raw having that match though. That would provide more payoff (buys for the PPV and viewers for Raw) for all parties involved.
My prediction is that Orton will cost HHH the match in some awkward way which will incite The Authority against the current champion. In the main event, The Authority will try to unseat Orton with Batista, which will allow Bryan to win. Hopefully that in turn leads Batista to meaningless mid-card matches where he belongs.
Monday, March 10, 2014
Raw Rewrite March 10th 2014
As always, I'm looking for help in promoting the blog, so please, if you like what you're reading, post it to Twitter, Facebook, or whatever your favorite social media platform is. Also, I'm still looking for some feedback--weaknesses, strengths. Thanks for reading.
Opening Segment
John Cena is in the ring, looking around, playing to the crowd.
Cena: Over the last few weeks, I've been the forgotten man around here. People talk about the future of this business being Daniel Bryan, the Punk Revolution, the Wyatt Family. Other people talk about how Batista and Orton are. And somewhere along the way, I was forgotten. Countless title reigns. Millions of shirts sold. And yet I'm forgotten. Well, you see, the future of the WWE runs through me. I'm not going anywhere without a fight.
AJ's music hits as she comes to down the ramp with Brodus, Tyson Kidd, and Tamina.
AJ: You see, John, that's the problem. You're a glass ceiling here in the WWE. In truth, you're even part of the reason our namesake is no longer here. Once you're gone, make no mistake about it, you will be forgotten. And in doing so, we will honor the man that you played no small part in excommunicating from this company.
Cena: And who's going to do that? These two? You think some Funkasaurus and his sidekick can take me down?
AJ: Funkasaurus? No, no, no, John. That man, that wrestler, he's gone, he's done, he's dead. This is the Punkasaurus. This is the man who fights for the little guy who doesn't get the chances that were handed to you simply for looking like some freak of nature.
Cena: Punkasaurus, huh? Cute. Real cute. As you can see, I'm not going anywhere, so if he has something to say, climb on into the ring.
The Punk Revolution start moving toward the ring when The Authority's music hits. Out comes HHH along with a still shocked Stephanie, continually looking over her shoulder, scared. The announcer's play up her actions, about how the Wyatts had kidnapped her.
HHH: None of that is going to happen. You see how they speak to you, Cena? The lack of respect? For ten years, the WWE has taken care of you, promoted you, made sure you had the opportunities you deserve. For that leadership, this is what you get--blatant disrespect. Unlike these four and the President, I can spell that word.
Cena: Except when it comes to a man like Daniel Bryan.
HHH laughs.
HHH: John, I'm out here for you. I respect the men who deserve it and Daniel Bryan isn't one of those men. Here's what I'm out here to offer you. Tonight, you have an opportunity to have a world title shot at Wrestlemania.
Cena: That's Daniel Bryan's opportunity, not mine. He earned it and I'm not going to injure him just because you don't want him in your main event at Wrestlemania.
HHH: Right you are, he did earn that match. But see, here's the thing, winning Royal Rumble only guarantees you a match at Wrestlemania, but it doesn't guarantee you a one on one match. I can see from looking at you, though, that you don't want to be given an opportunity, that you want to earn it yourself and I wouldn't have it any other way. So tonight, if you win your match, the main event at Wrestlemania will become a triple threat match.
Cena: And who do I have to defeat?
HHH smiles.
HHH: Daniel Bryan!
Cena thinks for a few seconds.
Cena: I accept.
AJ: And once again the great and powerful John Cena gets what he wants handed to him on a silver plate while the rest of us scramble for the crumbs that fall from his table. Once again, John Cena doesn't have to earn what the rest of us have to scrap for.
HHH: No, AJ, you got it all wrong. You think I've forgotten about the so-called Punk Revolution. Tonight, we will be seeing Tamina vs Natalya. In addition, we'll be seeing the Punk Revolution vs The New Age Outlaws. And AJ, tonight, you'll be seeing the Bellas in a handicap match.
Back from commercial.
Natalya vs Tamina
Tamina is in the ring with Natalya as AJ has joined commentary.
Lawler makes comments about beauty and the beast in the ring.
AJ: What's the matter, Lawler, she isn't young enough for you? You have a problem that she can wrestle, that both of these women in the ring live up to the standards of their families' names?
Cole: You're showing a lot of respect to a woman who cost you your title.
AJ: I do respect Natalya, as a wrestler, not what she did at Elimination Chamber. But I'm sorry I'm not living down to that stereotype that you and the WWE like to perpetuate, that women are a bunch of backbiters.
Lawler: Is Natalya a backbiter? Marv Albert might like to meet her.
AJ: Is that all you think about when women are in the ring, Lawler, your own depravity? This is a new era of divas, not just some bimbo models.
Lawler: What's wrong with models?
AJ stands up, pointing a finger at Lawler.
AJ: You think I don't hear the jokes you make about the women's division when we're wrestling? The fact you ignore what we're doing in the ring, that we're played up for laughs? Well, that era is over, you understand me?
Lawler laughs.
Lawler: Yeah, I hear you.
JBL has gotten between Lawler and AJ, holding her back, trying to calm her down.
AJ: I'm not taking this any longer.
She throws down the headset and starts to walk away. JBL sits down.
JBL: What was her problem?
Lawler: Probably her time of the month.
AJ comes running back, diving over the table and throwing punches at Lawler. Tamina comes out, trying to pull AJ from Lawler. Natalya wins by countout. AJ is being carried out by Tamina as she continues to struggle to get back at Lawler.
AJ: We are not a joke, Lawler!
Backstage segment.
Batista, Orton, HHH and Stephanie. Stephanie is still acting strangely, looking around, scared.
Orton: What's wrong with her?
HHH: Some lingering trauma from her kidnapping. She's handling it with her therapist though.
Batista: There's a bigger issue than that right now. Why did you add Cena to the main event match at Wrestlemania and not me?
HHH: I haven't added anyone to the main event yet. John Cena gets to determine that.
Batista: You might as well have. Cena only lost to that pipsqueak because he was hurt last time.
Orton: More importantly, why does anyone need to be added to the match? You know, the more people you add to the match, the harder it is for the champion to hold the title, right?
Batista turns, cutting Orton out of the conversation.
Batista: You know, I should be the one getting this opportunity.
Orton: Hey, what about what I said?
Orton repositions himself to re-enter the conversation but HHH and Batista move as well.
Orton: Guys! Guys! Guys?
Punk Revolution vs New Age Outlaws
This is a quick match, dominated by the Punk Revolution but ends in a disqualification when the Shield interfere and attack the Punk Revolution.
AJ vs The Bellas
During the course of the match, Tamina delivers a superkick to Lawler who badmouths AJ.
AJ wins after some miscommunication by the Bellas. Natalya storms the ring, throwing AJ out of the ring, then tends to Nikki while ignoring Brie who is more injured.
Backstage segment
Daniel Bryan is with the Wyatts.
Daniel: I need to do this on my own. I need to prove to Cena, to the crowd, to the Authority that I'm better than John Cena, that I deserve the main event at Wrestlemania.
Bray: You were lost in the forest until we found you, Daniel Bryan, with no chance of finding escape. We led you to the redemption you sought. Do not forsake us in your darkest hour.
Daniel: No, just tonight. Let me do it on my own. Show me the faith I've shown in you.
Bray: My arms will not be there to catch you tonight, Daniel Bryan.
The Wyatts leave him standing there alone.
Daniel Bryan vs John Cena
John Cena and the referee are knocked out. HHH comes out to the ramp distracting Bryan. From behind Batista enters the ring and spears Bryan, followed by a powerbomb. He pulls Cena over and throws him on top of Bryan and awakens the ref.
The ref counts three. HHH enters the ring, hugging a befuddled Cena, raising his hand in victory, indicating the world title around his waist.
Opening Segment
John Cena is in the ring, looking around, playing to the crowd.
Cena: Over the last few weeks, I've been the forgotten man around here. People talk about the future of this business being Daniel Bryan, the Punk Revolution, the Wyatt Family. Other people talk about how Batista and Orton are. And somewhere along the way, I was forgotten. Countless title reigns. Millions of shirts sold. And yet I'm forgotten. Well, you see, the future of the WWE runs through me. I'm not going anywhere without a fight.
AJ's music hits as she comes to down the ramp with Brodus, Tyson Kidd, and Tamina.
AJ: You see, John, that's the problem. You're a glass ceiling here in the WWE. In truth, you're even part of the reason our namesake is no longer here. Once you're gone, make no mistake about it, you will be forgotten. And in doing so, we will honor the man that you played no small part in excommunicating from this company.
Cena: And who's going to do that? These two? You think some Funkasaurus and his sidekick can take me down?
AJ: Funkasaurus? No, no, no, John. That man, that wrestler, he's gone, he's done, he's dead. This is the Punkasaurus. This is the man who fights for the little guy who doesn't get the chances that were handed to you simply for looking like some freak of nature.
Cena: Punkasaurus, huh? Cute. Real cute. As you can see, I'm not going anywhere, so if he has something to say, climb on into the ring.
The Punk Revolution start moving toward the ring when The Authority's music hits. Out comes HHH along with a still shocked Stephanie, continually looking over her shoulder, scared. The announcer's play up her actions, about how the Wyatts had kidnapped her.
HHH: None of that is going to happen. You see how they speak to you, Cena? The lack of respect? For ten years, the WWE has taken care of you, promoted you, made sure you had the opportunities you deserve. For that leadership, this is what you get--blatant disrespect. Unlike these four and the President, I can spell that word.
Cena: Except when it comes to a man like Daniel Bryan.
HHH laughs.
HHH: John, I'm out here for you. I respect the men who deserve it and Daniel Bryan isn't one of those men. Here's what I'm out here to offer you. Tonight, you have an opportunity to have a world title shot at Wrestlemania.
Cena: That's Daniel Bryan's opportunity, not mine. He earned it and I'm not going to injure him just because you don't want him in your main event at Wrestlemania.
HHH: Right you are, he did earn that match. But see, here's the thing, winning Royal Rumble only guarantees you a match at Wrestlemania, but it doesn't guarantee you a one on one match. I can see from looking at you, though, that you don't want to be given an opportunity, that you want to earn it yourself and I wouldn't have it any other way. So tonight, if you win your match, the main event at Wrestlemania will become a triple threat match.
Cena: And who do I have to defeat?
HHH smiles.
HHH: Daniel Bryan!
Cena thinks for a few seconds.
Cena: I accept.
AJ: And once again the great and powerful John Cena gets what he wants handed to him on a silver plate while the rest of us scramble for the crumbs that fall from his table. Once again, John Cena doesn't have to earn what the rest of us have to scrap for.
HHH: No, AJ, you got it all wrong. You think I've forgotten about the so-called Punk Revolution. Tonight, we will be seeing Tamina vs Natalya. In addition, we'll be seeing the Punk Revolution vs The New Age Outlaws. And AJ, tonight, you'll be seeing the Bellas in a handicap match.
Back from commercial.
Natalya vs Tamina
Tamina is in the ring with Natalya as AJ has joined commentary.
Lawler makes comments about beauty and the beast in the ring.
AJ: What's the matter, Lawler, she isn't young enough for you? You have a problem that she can wrestle, that both of these women in the ring live up to the standards of their families' names?
Cole: You're showing a lot of respect to a woman who cost you your title.
AJ: I do respect Natalya, as a wrestler, not what she did at Elimination Chamber. But I'm sorry I'm not living down to that stereotype that you and the WWE like to perpetuate, that women are a bunch of backbiters.
Lawler: Is Natalya a backbiter? Marv Albert might like to meet her.
AJ: Is that all you think about when women are in the ring, Lawler, your own depravity? This is a new era of divas, not just some bimbo models.
Lawler: What's wrong with models?
AJ stands up, pointing a finger at Lawler.
AJ: You think I don't hear the jokes you make about the women's division when we're wrestling? The fact you ignore what we're doing in the ring, that we're played up for laughs? Well, that era is over, you understand me?
Lawler laughs.
Lawler: Yeah, I hear you.
JBL has gotten between Lawler and AJ, holding her back, trying to calm her down.
AJ: I'm not taking this any longer.
She throws down the headset and starts to walk away. JBL sits down.
JBL: What was her problem?
Lawler: Probably her time of the month.
AJ comes running back, diving over the table and throwing punches at Lawler. Tamina comes out, trying to pull AJ from Lawler. Natalya wins by countout. AJ is being carried out by Tamina as she continues to struggle to get back at Lawler.
AJ: We are not a joke, Lawler!
Backstage segment.
Batista, Orton, HHH and Stephanie. Stephanie is still acting strangely, looking around, scared.
Orton: What's wrong with her?
HHH: Some lingering trauma from her kidnapping. She's handling it with her therapist though.
Batista: There's a bigger issue than that right now. Why did you add Cena to the main event match at Wrestlemania and not me?
HHH: I haven't added anyone to the main event yet. John Cena gets to determine that.
Batista: You might as well have. Cena only lost to that pipsqueak because he was hurt last time.
Orton: More importantly, why does anyone need to be added to the match? You know, the more people you add to the match, the harder it is for the champion to hold the title, right?
Batista turns, cutting Orton out of the conversation.
Batista: You know, I should be the one getting this opportunity.
Orton: Hey, what about what I said?
Orton repositions himself to re-enter the conversation but HHH and Batista move as well.
Orton: Guys! Guys! Guys?
Punk Revolution vs New Age Outlaws
This is a quick match, dominated by the Punk Revolution but ends in a disqualification when the Shield interfere and attack the Punk Revolution.
AJ vs The Bellas
During the course of the match, Tamina delivers a superkick to Lawler who badmouths AJ.
AJ wins after some miscommunication by the Bellas. Natalya storms the ring, throwing AJ out of the ring, then tends to Nikki while ignoring Brie who is more injured.
Backstage segment
Daniel Bryan is with the Wyatts.
Daniel: I need to do this on my own. I need to prove to Cena, to the crowd, to the Authority that I'm better than John Cena, that I deserve the main event at Wrestlemania.
Bray: You were lost in the forest until we found you, Daniel Bryan, with no chance of finding escape. We led you to the redemption you sought. Do not forsake us in your darkest hour.
Daniel: No, just tonight. Let me do it on my own. Show me the faith I've shown in you.
Bray: My arms will not be there to catch you tonight, Daniel Bryan.
The Wyatts leave him standing there alone.
Daniel Bryan vs John Cena
John Cena and the referee are knocked out. HHH comes out to the ramp distracting Bryan. From behind Batista enters the ring and spears Bryan, followed by a powerbomb. He pulls Cena over and throws him on top of Bryan and awakens the ref.
The ref counts three. HHH enters the ring, hugging a befuddled Cena, raising his hand in victory, indicating the world title around his waist.
Sunday, March 9, 2014
#Rawful and #Rawesome Moments of the Week
This past week's Raw was full of memorable moments--some good, some bad.
#Rawful Moment of the Week
I was torn about what to award this to. The finalist not selected was the continuing of the Passion of the Daniel Bryan storyline. While I didn't particularly care for the continuing of showing Bryan in a position of weakness, it couldn't match with the one eventually chosen. To me, I'm hoping the HHH issue will be resolved prior to Wrestlemania instead of taking a slot there. Preferably Bryan gets under his skin, a match is made on Raw where if Bryan wins he is added to the main event in Wrestlemania. If Bryan loses, he can no longer chase the WWE title and must accept his mid card status in perpetuity. It would even goose ratings for a Raw leading to the biggest PPV of the year as long as they promoted it for a week or two.
Regardless, that didn't hold a candle to the biggest disappointment of Raw--the lack of CM Punk. I do believe WWE could get more mileage from Punk not being there, as seen in the last two Raw ReWrites. Also, they did handle his lack of presence pretty well, all things considering. But you never want your crowd to go home deflated, which is what the lack of Punk coupled with Bryan's continuing losing streak did.
The only way to satiate the crowd was the appearance of Punk. And that was why this was the Rawful moment of the week.
#Rawesome Moment of the Week
On the flip side, the lack of Punk contributed to one of the hottest crowds of the year. The hometown audience made the WWE aware (if they weren't already) on where they stood on the behind the scenes situation. Of course, there are those who argue that WWE isn't at fault, that Punk left of his own volition. From listening to the man's interviews previous interviews, he understands the business, far more than most of those in creative. Like others have stated, none of us know the true story of what transpired, but if it were over creative direction, I'd take his side ten times out of ten.
Either way, Punk, without even being there, inspired a boisterous crowd. When the crowd is into the action, that improves the product because the energy carries through the project. That was the best part of ECW and the Attitude Era. WWE should do as they used to do--incorporate the conflict into the storyline; don't ignore the situation, capitalize on it.
So he's hoping that WWE uses this as a jumping point for further storylines. It could catapult several superstars if they handle it properly.
#Rawful Moment of the Week
I was torn about what to award this to. The finalist not selected was the continuing of the Passion of the Daniel Bryan storyline. While I didn't particularly care for the continuing of showing Bryan in a position of weakness, it couldn't match with the one eventually chosen. To me, I'm hoping the HHH issue will be resolved prior to Wrestlemania instead of taking a slot there. Preferably Bryan gets under his skin, a match is made on Raw where if Bryan wins he is added to the main event in Wrestlemania. If Bryan loses, he can no longer chase the WWE title and must accept his mid card status in perpetuity. It would even goose ratings for a Raw leading to the biggest PPV of the year as long as they promoted it for a week or two.
Regardless, that didn't hold a candle to the biggest disappointment of Raw--the lack of CM Punk. I do believe WWE could get more mileage from Punk not being there, as seen in the last two Raw ReWrites. Also, they did handle his lack of presence pretty well, all things considering. But you never want your crowd to go home deflated, which is what the lack of Punk coupled with Bryan's continuing losing streak did.
The only way to satiate the crowd was the appearance of Punk. And that was why this was the Rawful moment of the week.
#Rawesome Moment of the Week
On the flip side, the lack of Punk contributed to one of the hottest crowds of the year. The hometown audience made the WWE aware (if they weren't already) on where they stood on the behind the scenes situation. Of course, there are those who argue that WWE isn't at fault, that Punk left of his own volition. From listening to the man's interviews previous interviews, he understands the business, far more than most of those in creative. Like others have stated, none of us know the true story of what transpired, but if it were over creative direction, I'd take his side ten times out of ten.
Either way, Punk, without even being there, inspired a boisterous crowd. When the crowd is into the action, that improves the product because the energy carries through the project. That was the best part of ECW and the Attitude Era. WWE should do as they used to do--incorporate the conflict into the storyline; don't ignore the situation, capitalize on it.
So he's hoping that WWE uses this as a jumping point for further storylines. It could catapult several superstars if they handle it properly.
Monday, March 3, 2014
WWE Raw March 3, 2014 Raw Rewrite
If you enjoy what you've been reading, please share the link.
Raw Opening
Chicago. All of the lights are out. CM Punk's music starts to blare through the arena as a spotlight aims at the center of the ring, showing a man sitting Indian style in a sweatshirt, back to the camera, hood pulled over his head. The music cuts and turns to HHH's music. The figure slowly turns his head toward the ramp, waiting, watching. After a few seconds, the figure jumps up and pulls back the hood revealing HHH.
HHH: Who did you think it was? Did you think one night of a hissy fit last week would make me cave to a wrestler with a bloated sense of self-worth? Did you think the Chicago crowd here scares me so much that I was going to do whatever was necessary to quiet you bunch of ingrates?
HHH: Let me answer that--No! No! No!
HHH strips the Punk sweatshirt from his back and tosses it to Kane on the outside who is next to a giant barrel which is full of CM Punk merchandise.
HHH: I hope everyone who wanted one of those pieces of crap have bought it because we aren't in the business of pushing run down indy has-beens.
Kane does his arm motions, causes a fire to erupts in the barrel.
HHH: His career just went up in smoke.
AJ Lee, Tamina and Brodus walk out onto the ramp, extending their right fists into the air, still taped liked CM Punk.
AJ: You think it's that easy to erase someone, to make the people forget about them? Martyrs are never forgotten, Hunter.
HHH laughs.
HHH: I'm glad you three made it out here tonight, because this is the only opportunity the crowd here will be able to see the Punk Revolution. You see, as a result of what's best for business, I've decided to ban all three of you from the arena.
Security slowly makes their way up the ramp.
AJ laughs.
AJ: There's more than us, Hunter. There's more than us.
The Punk Revolution are escorted to the back.
HHH: Now that the trash has been taken care of, it's time to get down to business. We are rapidly approaching Wrestlemania and no one has been able to slaughter a certain goat faced wrestler who currently has claim to being the number one contender. Tonight, that ends. Daniel Bryan, you will be facing off against Batista. Your dream becomes a nightmare. Oh, and if the Wyatts interfere, you will be stripped of your match.
Backstage segment.
Orton, Batista and HHH.
Orton: I can handle Bryan. I don't need Batista taking him out.
HHH: This isn't about whether you can beat him or not, it's about what will draw the most money at Wrestlemania. And that isn't Daniel Bryan.
Batista: Trust us, this is best for everyone.
Orton eyes Batista and then HHH.
Orton: Best for everyone?
HHH puts a hand on Orton's shoulder, with a cheesy smile.
HHH: Yeah, for everyone.
New Age Outlaws vs The Usos
During the match, The Brotherhood comes out to do commentary. Toward the end, the Rhodes distract Billy, leading to the Usos getting the victory.
Backstage segment
New Age Outlaws are complaining to HHH.
Road Dogg: Did you see what happened out there?
HHH: I saw, but I have bigger issues to handle right now.
Road Dogg: We're your friends, you're going to hang us out to dry like that?
HHH: It will be addressed, just not right now.
Billy Gunn: When, Hunter?
HHH looks at him, shakes his head and walks past him.
HHH: When I say so.
After HHH leaves.
Road Dogg: Ever since he became obsessed with Daniel Bryan, he's become a douche.
Billy Gunn smiles.
Billy Gunn: Some things never change.
Daniel Bryan vs Batista
HHH enters first in referee gear.
HHH: As a special added surprise, I've decided only the fairest and most impartial of all people should referee this match--me.
Bryan and Batista enter. HHH checks Batista for weapons. Then he starts checking Bryan. As he holds Bryan's foot, Batista attacks Bryan.
Orton makes his way to ringside. Throughout the match it is three on one.
The Wyatts come to the ramp, pacing back and forth, wanting to interfere on Bryan's behalf. HHH glares at them, yelling.
HHH: You three better stay up there.
Brodus Clay, Tamina and AJ come through the crowd. Brodus starts taking out Orton, treating him like a rag doll. HHH rolls out of the ring and attacks Brodus. AJ jumps on HHH's back. Running from the back comes Tyson Kidd, hands taped like CM Punk, the newest member of The Punk Revolution. Brodus enters the ring, taking Batista down.
Brodus yells: In Punk's name!
Brodus performs the Vader bomb, now called The Pipe Bomb.
Orton is now in the ring with HHH, clearing the ring of everyone except Bryan who perform the Knee Plus to Orton. Batista is back up, going to spear Bryan, but accidentally hitting Orton instead. Bryan locks in the Yes Lock on Batista. HHH refuses to call for the bell despite Batista tapping out. Instead HHH kicks Bryan in the face.
Everyone is back in the ring. The New Age Outlaws run down, The Shield, The Brotherhood, etc.
The Wyatts remain on the stage with Bray smiling wickedly, enjoying the carnage and mayhem. He looks into the camera.
Bray: I wish I had a lyre.
Screen fades to black.
Raw Opening
Chicago. All of the lights are out. CM Punk's music starts to blare through the arena as a spotlight aims at the center of the ring, showing a man sitting Indian style in a sweatshirt, back to the camera, hood pulled over his head. The music cuts and turns to HHH's music. The figure slowly turns his head toward the ramp, waiting, watching. After a few seconds, the figure jumps up and pulls back the hood revealing HHH.
HHH: Who did you think it was? Did you think one night of a hissy fit last week would make me cave to a wrestler with a bloated sense of self-worth? Did you think the Chicago crowd here scares me so much that I was going to do whatever was necessary to quiet you bunch of ingrates?
HHH: Let me answer that--No! No! No!
HHH strips the Punk sweatshirt from his back and tosses it to Kane on the outside who is next to a giant barrel which is full of CM Punk merchandise.
HHH: I hope everyone who wanted one of those pieces of crap have bought it because we aren't in the business of pushing run down indy has-beens.
Kane does his arm motions, causes a fire to erupts in the barrel.
HHH: His career just went up in smoke.
AJ Lee, Tamina and Brodus walk out onto the ramp, extending their right fists into the air, still taped liked CM Punk.
AJ: You think it's that easy to erase someone, to make the people forget about them? Martyrs are never forgotten, Hunter.
HHH laughs.
HHH: I'm glad you three made it out here tonight, because this is the only opportunity the crowd here will be able to see the Punk Revolution. You see, as a result of what's best for business, I've decided to ban all three of you from the arena.
Security slowly makes their way up the ramp.
AJ laughs.
AJ: There's more than us, Hunter. There's more than us.
The Punk Revolution are escorted to the back.
HHH: Now that the trash has been taken care of, it's time to get down to business. We are rapidly approaching Wrestlemania and no one has been able to slaughter a certain goat faced wrestler who currently has claim to being the number one contender. Tonight, that ends. Daniel Bryan, you will be facing off against Batista. Your dream becomes a nightmare. Oh, and if the Wyatts interfere, you will be stripped of your match.
Backstage segment.
Orton, Batista and HHH.
Orton: I can handle Bryan. I don't need Batista taking him out.
HHH: This isn't about whether you can beat him or not, it's about what will draw the most money at Wrestlemania. And that isn't Daniel Bryan.
Batista: Trust us, this is best for everyone.
Orton eyes Batista and then HHH.
Orton: Best for everyone?
HHH puts a hand on Orton's shoulder, with a cheesy smile.
HHH: Yeah, for everyone.
New Age Outlaws vs The Usos
During the match, The Brotherhood comes out to do commentary. Toward the end, the Rhodes distract Billy, leading to the Usos getting the victory.
Backstage segment
New Age Outlaws are complaining to HHH.
Road Dogg: Did you see what happened out there?
HHH: I saw, but I have bigger issues to handle right now.
Road Dogg: We're your friends, you're going to hang us out to dry like that?
HHH: It will be addressed, just not right now.
Billy Gunn: When, Hunter?
HHH looks at him, shakes his head and walks past him.
HHH: When I say so.
After HHH leaves.
Road Dogg: Ever since he became obsessed with Daniel Bryan, he's become a douche.
Billy Gunn smiles.
Billy Gunn: Some things never change.
Daniel Bryan vs Batista
HHH enters first in referee gear.
HHH: As a special added surprise, I've decided only the fairest and most impartial of all people should referee this match--me.
Bryan and Batista enter. HHH checks Batista for weapons. Then he starts checking Bryan. As he holds Bryan's foot, Batista attacks Bryan.
Orton makes his way to ringside. Throughout the match it is three on one.
The Wyatts come to the ramp, pacing back and forth, wanting to interfere on Bryan's behalf. HHH glares at them, yelling.
HHH: You three better stay up there.
Brodus Clay, Tamina and AJ come through the crowd. Brodus starts taking out Orton, treating him like a rag doll. HHH rolls out of the ring and attacks Brodus. AJ jumps on HHH's back. Running from the back comes Tyson Kidd, hands taped like CM Punk, the newest member of The Punk Revolution. Brodus enters the ring, taking Batista down.
Brodus yells: In Punk's name!
Brodus performs the Vader bomb, now called The Pipe Bomb.
Orton is now in the ring with HHH, clearing the ring of everyone except Bryan who perform the Knee Plus to Orton. Batista is back up, going to spear Bryan, but accidentally hitting Orton instead. Bryan locks in the Yes Lock on Batista. HHH refuses to call for the bell despite Batista tapping out. Instead HHH kicks Bryan in the face.
Everyone is back in the ring. The New Age Outlaws run down, The Shield, The Brotherhood, etc.
The Wyatts remain on the stage with Bray smiling wickedly, enjoying the carnage and mayhem. He looks into the camera.
Bray: I wish I had a lyre.
Screen fades to black.
Saturday, March 1, 2014
#Rawful Moment of the Week
A new offering on the blog each week will be the #Rawful Moment of the Week, where we select the worst moment of Raw. Of course, that's subjective as each person brings their own bias to such things. In other words, it's just my opinion.
For the premiere choice, it made sense to select something that somewhat tied into the Raw ReWrite storyline I've been crafting--and hopefully that you've been enjoying. The selection was made for two other reasons as well, which will be explained in a moment.
So, without further ado, the initial #Rawful Moment is none other than.....
Daniel Bryan challenging HHH at Wrestlemania.
Unlike others, I have no problem with the match in and of itself. If anything, it should have happened at Royal Rumble, however, with the stipulation that if Bryan won, he'd be entered into the battle royal as number one. It would have helped alleviate the ill will the company garnered by not featuring the superstar in that match.
What are the two reasons that make this worthy of being the #Rawful Moment of the Week?
First, the WWE universe is being cheated out of what they want yet again. Daniel Bryan needs his triumph at a Wrestlemania, which means we'd have to wait yet another year for that to happen. I realize he could win at another, lesser PPV, but let's be honest--that hurts the wrestler and the fans.
Reason #2: HHH did it again. What did he do? Once more, he lowered Bryan in the eye of the viewer. Calling one of your superstars--your most over superstar--unworthy and a B class player doesn't help anyone. On multiple occasions WWE has lamented the lack of elevated superstars but that's difficult to do when those in charge need their ego stroked at the expense of the product.
People compare The Authority storyline to the Austin one, but I don't recall McMahon ever stating Stone Cold didn't belong in the company or diminish the character as a mid card enhancement talent. Austin got over on the powers that be as often as they did him. Why? Because the audience likes seeing the underdog overcome. One thing the audience doesn't like is a loser. Unfortunately it seems like WWE increasingly paint Bryan in that fashion.
The WWE is sitting on a gold mine in Daniel Bryan but have so far chosen to ignore the easy money. That's why this was our inaugural #Rawful Moment of the Week.
Hope you enjoyed the read. Please share the link if you did and please share what you felt was #Rawful this week.
Thank you.
For the premiere choice, it made sense to select something that somewhat tied into the Raw ReWrite storyline I've been crafting--and hopefully that you've been enjoying. The selection was made for two other reasons as well, which will be explained in a moment.
So, without further ado, the initial #Rawful Moment is none other than.....
Daniel Bryan challenging HHH at Wrestlemania.
Unlike others, I have no problem with the match in and of itself. If anything, it should have happened at Royal Rumble, however, with the stipulation that if Bryan won, he'd be entered into the battle royal as number one. It would have helped alleviate the ill will the company garnered by not featuring the superstar in that match.
What are the two reasons that make this worthy of being the #Rawful Moment of the Week?
First, the WWE universe is being cheated out of what they want yet again. Daniel Bryan needs his triumph at a Wrestlemania, which means we'd have to wait yet another year for that to happen. I realize he could win at another, lesser PPV, but let's be honest--that hurts the wrestler and the fans.
Reason #2: HHH did it again. What did he do? Once more, he lowered Bryan in the eye of the viewer. Calling one of your superstars--your most over superstar--unworthy and a B class player doesn't help anyone. On multiple occasions WWE has lamented the lack of elevated superstars but that's difficult to do when those in charge need their ego stroked at the expense of the product.
People compare The Authority storyline to the Austin one, but I don't recall McMahon ever stating Stone Cold didn't belong in the company or diminish the character as a mid card enhancement talent. Austin got over on the powers that be as often as they did him. Why? Because the audience likes seeing the underdog overcome. One thing the audience doesn't like is a loser. Unfortunately it seems like WWE increasingly paint Bryan in that fashion.
The WWE is sitting on a gold mine in Daniel Bryan but have so far chosen to ignore the easy money. That's why this was our inaugural #Rawful Moment of the Week.
Hope you enjoyed the read. Please share the link if you did and please share what you felt was #Rawful this week.
Thank you.
Monday, February 24, 2014
WWE Raw February 24, 2014
Opening segment
AJ is in the ring with Tamina. Both are wearing sweatshirts, hands in pocket. AJ is holding the mic in her left hand.
AJ: There is a name that we can't say right now around here. There is a name that The Authority wish you all would forget.
She pauses, waiting for the crowd to start a CM Punk chant.
AJ: That's the one. You see, I'm not allowed to say that name, despite that man being a very good friend of mine. But you see, that man, that man whose name I cannot say, he isn't just a good friend of mine--he's a good friend to all of the wrestlers in the back who have hit the glass ceiling, those who have been held down because they didn't suck up to the right people.
AJ makes the "Yes!" gesture with her left hand.
AJ: Yes! Yes! Yes! Even Daniel Bryan has that unspeakable name to thank for helping down those barriers. You see, before Daniel Bryan, Punk....
AJ covers her mouth.
AJ: Oops, guess I slipped. Before Daniel Bryan, that unspeakable man had the same powers that be look at him and dismiss him as nothing more than an independent wrestler who would do no more than enhance the bulbous monstrosities who normally run roughshod over this industry. When he left, he warned me that I would probably face some fallout from our friendship, from our relationship. But last night, I was robbed of something I hold very dear to my heart, something I fought for, that I earned. If anyone thinks The Authority wasn't behind Nikki Bella stealing my championship, THEY'RE the delusional ones.
AJ shakes her head looking down at the ground.
AJ: I've read the stories, calling that unspeakable man a coward for leaving, saying he wasn't a man for not honoring his commitments. But see, he was fighting for something larger. He wasn't fighting just for himself, he was fighting for the guys in the back. He was fighting for you.
AJ points at the crowd.
AJ: No, he wasn't a coward. If anything, it was the bravest act I've ever seen. Walking away from guaranteed money, walking away from a Wrestlemania paycheck. After last night, I wish I had the courage demonstrated by that man, but I don't.
AJ shakes her head again, looking down.
AJ: But I don't.
AJ raises her head with a smile.
AJ: But I'm going to be strong in a different way. I'm going to fight The Authority from the inside. There are several guys on our side, who want to join the revolution, who recognize that the unspeakable man may not have been our messiah, but he is our savior. (Shirts could be made of this with the wrapped hand on the front and half the phrase on that side, with the rest on the back.)
AJ removes her right hand from her sweatshirt pocket as does Tamina. Both raise them to the sky, revealing they are wrapped in CM Punk fashion.
AJ: This is the symbol of The Punk Revolution. This is the symbol of resistance. He may have left, but he is not forgotten. We will continue to fight in C.....M.......
HHH's music plays as he approaches the ring.
HHH: That's enough of your little temper tantrum about losing your title. The Authority wasn't out here interfering in your match. If you have a problem with Natalya, maybe you should go resolve that with her instead of dragging us into your little catfight.
AJ: And that's the problem right there, dismissing me, dismissing the other divas as nothing more tawdry entertainment between the "real" wrestling. But I'm not afraid of you. You already took the only thing I care about.
HHH: Oh, you should be very scared of me.
HHH backs her up into the corner, she's looking down, hair covering her face. After he's done, she pushes the hair from her eyes and reveals she is smirking.
AJ: You're the one who should be scared.
AJ ducks out of the way as Brodus Clay has entered the ring and splashes HHH in the corner. AJ, Tamina and Brodus extend their right hands to the air, showing unity through their taped fists. The monster Brodus is back.
Backstage segment.
The Wyatt Family with Daniel Bryan.
Bryan: Last night, I overcame all odds, eliminating all five of the men sent to destroy me. They had one goal--ensuring I didn't reach Wrestlemania. But nothing is going to prevent me from making it to Wrestlemania and living my dream.
Bray: Our dream, Daniel Bryan. Our dream. As we wander through the darkened forest, happening upon the lost among us, we will lead them to their salvation. Overhead, the buzzards circle, waiting for us to fall--and the weak will fall. Some will choose to aid those who falter and they will be lost as well. But the family will continue moving forward. The princess may have found her way back to the castle, but the forest still lurks outside its walls. Roots dig deep and weaken those barriers. When those walls fall, we will storm the castle.
The Wyatt Family exits leaving Daniel Bryan to watch them in a lost manner.
Backstage segment.
HHH is being interviewed. He is being bandaged.
Renee: Last night, Stephanie McMahon escaped the clutches of the Wyatt Family, but she is conspicuous by her absence tonight. Can you shed some light on her whereabouts?
HHH: It's very rare that a McMahon misses a Monday Night Raw. After the ordeal she has suffered over these last few weeks, we felt it was appropriate that she talk with a psychologist to help her make sense of everything. Once she her mind is cleared, she'll return to the show. But there are other things to handle tonight, important things. Punishment is deserved for Daniel Bryan and The Wyatt Family. Daniel Bryan will be facing off against Batista. The Wyatt Family will be facing The Shield. And then we come to this new thorn in my side which presented itself earlier tonight. AJ and associate Brodus Clay. He will be facing Kane.
Daniel Bryan vs Batista
Bryan dominates early on but Batista takes control. Orton comes out, circling the ring. Bryan is distracted which allows Batista to pick up the win.
Shield vs Wyatts
This match breaks down into a melee which causes a double disqualification. The battle rolls into the crowd, all different directions.
Brodus w/ AJ vs Kane
AJ is on commentary.
AJ: A little over a year ago, the nameless one stated a fact--that WWE made this monster Brodus dance with little kids when they should have feared him, when they should have been looking under their bed for him. While management didn't realize it, that was the slap in the face that this man needed. We've been discussing this for months now. You think it was an accident that he attacked Tensai, R Truth, Xavier Woods? No. That was the final straw. WWE was stealing something he had built, that he made. Now the monster is unleashed and there will be no caging him again.
Brodus wins cleanly, dominating the whole of the match..
After the match AJ enters with Tamina. All three raise their CM Punk inspired taped hands.
AJ: The Punk Revolution has only just begun!
AJ is in the ring with Tamina. Both are wearing sweatshirts, hands in pocket. AJ is holding the mic in her left hand.
AJ: There is a name that we can't say right now around here. There is a name that The Authority wish you all would forget.
She pauses, waiting for the crowd to start a CM Punk chant.
AJ: That's the one. You see, I'm not allowed to say that name, despite that man being a very good friend of mine. But you see, that man, that man whose name I cannot say, he isn't just a good friend of mine--he's a good friend to all of the wrestlers in the back who have hit the glass ceiling, those who have been held down because they didn't suck up to the right people.
AJ makes the "Yes!" gesture with her left hand.
AJ: Yes! Yes! Yes! Even Daniel Bryan has that unspeakable name to thank for helping down those barriers. You see, before Daniel Bryan, Punk....
AJ covers her mouth.
AJ: Oops, guess I slipped. Before Daniel Bryan, that unspeakable man had the same powers that be look at him and dismiss him as nothing more than an independent wrestler who would do no more than enhance the bulbous monstrosities who normally run roughshod over this industry. When he left, he warned me that I would probably face some fallout from our friendship, from our relationship. But last night, I was robbed of something I hold very dear to my heart, something I fought for, that I earned. If anyone thinks The Authority wasn't behind Nikki Bella stealing my championship, THEY'RE the delusional ones.
AJ shakes her head looking down at the ground.
AJ: I've read the stories, calling that unspeakable man a coward for leaving, saying he wasn't a man for not honoring his commitments. But see, he was fighting for something larger. He wasn't fighting just for himself, he was fighting for the guys in the back. He was fighting for you.
AJ points at the crowd.
AJ: No, he wasn't a coward. If anything, it was the bravest act I've ever seen. Walking away from guaranteed money, walking away from a Wrestlemania paycheck. After last night, I wish I had the courage demonstrated by that man, but I don't.
AJ shakes her head again, looking down.
AJ: But I don't.
AJ raises her head with a smile.
AJ: But I'm going to be strong in a different way. I'm going to fight The Authority from the inside. There are several guys on our side, who want to join the revolution, who recognize that the unspeakable man may not have been our messiah, but he is our savior. (Shirts could be made of this with the wrapped hand on the front and half the phrase on that side, with the rest on the back.)
AJ removes her right hand from her sweatshirt pocket as does Tamina. Both raise them to the sky, revealing they are wrapped in CM Punk fashion.
AJ: This is the symbol of The Punk Revolution. This is the symbol of resistance. He may have left, but he is not forgotten. We will continue to fight in C.....M.......
HHH's music plays as he approaches the ring.
HHH: That's enough of your little temper tantrum about losing your title. The Authority wasn't out here interfering in your match. If you have a problem with Natalya, maybe you should go resolve that with her instead of dragging us into your little catfight.
AJ: And that's the problem right there, dismissing me, dismissing the other divas as nothing more tawdry entertainment between the "real" wrestling. But I'm not afraid of you. You already took the only thing I care about.
HHH: Oh, you should be very scared of me.
HHH backs her up into the corner, she's looking down, hair covering her face. After he's done, she pushes the hair from her eyes and reveals she is smirking.
AJ: You're the one who should be scared.
AJ ducks out of the way as Brodus Clay has entered the ring and splashes HHH in the corner. AJ, Tamina and Brodus extend their right hands to the air, showing unity through their taped fists. The monster Brodus is back.
Backstage segment.
The Wyatt Family with Daniel Bryan.
Bryan: Last night, I overcame all odds, eliminating all five of the men sent to destroy me. They had one goal--ensuring I didn't reach Wrestlemania. But nothing is going to prevent me from making it to Wrestlemania and living my dream.
Bray: Our dream, Daniel Bryan. Our dream. As we wander through the darkened forest, happening upon the lost among us, we will lead them to their salvation. Overhead, the buzzards circle, waiting for us to fall--and the weak will fall. Some will choose to aid those who falter and they will be lost as well. But the family will continue moving forward. The princess may have found her way back to the castle, but the forest still lurks outside its walls. Roots dig deep and weaken those barriers. When those walls fall, we will storm the castle.
The Wyatt Family exits leaving Daniel Bryan to watch them in a lost manner.
Backstage segment.
HHH is being interviewed. He is being bandaged.
Renee: Last night, Stephanie McMahon escaped the clutches of the Wyatt Family, but she is conspicuous by her absence tonight. Can you shed some light on her whereabouts?
HHH: It's very rare that a McMahon misses a Monday Night Raw. After the ordeal she has suffered over these last few weeks, we felt it was appropriate that she talk with a psychologist to help her make sense of everything. Once she her mind is cleared, she'll return to the show. But there are other things to handle tonight, important things. Punishment is deserved for Daniel Bryan and The Wyatt Family. Daniel Bryan will be facing off against Batista. The Wyatt Family will be facing The Shield. And then we come to this new thorn in my side which presented itself earlier tonight. AJ and associate Brodus Clay. He will be facing Kane.
Daniel Bryan vs Batista
Bryan dominates early on but Batista takes control. Orton comes out, circling the ring. Bryan is distracted which allows Batista to pick up the win.
Shield vs Wyatts
This match breaks down into a melee which causes a double disqualification. The battle rolls into the crowd, all different directions.
Brodus w/ AJ vs Kane
AJ is on commentary.
AJ: A little over a year ago, the nameless one stated a fact--that WWE made this monster Brodus dance with little kids when they should have feared him, when they should have been looking under their bed for him. While management didn't realize it, that was the slap in the face that this man needed. We've been discussing this for months now. You think it was an accident that he attacked Tensai, R Truth, Xavier Woods? No. That was the final straw. WWE was stealing something he had built, that he made. Now the monster is unleashed and there will be no caging him again.
Brodus wins cleanly, dominating the whole of the match..
After the match AJ enters with Tamina. All three raise their CM Punk inspired taped hands.
AJ: The Punk Revolution has only just begun!
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