Result » WWE Money In The Bank 2013 Results

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- The 2013 WWE Money in the Bank Kickoff pre-show kicks off with fans filing into the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. Josh Mathews welcomes us to the pre-show. He’s joined by Vickie Guerrero, Big Show and Kofi Kingston. They briefly talk about tonight’s pay-per-view before we go to the ring.

WWE Tag Team Title Match: The Usos vs. Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns

The entrance way is lined with ladders as The Usos make their way out to the ring. Out next come WWE Tag Team Champions Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns.

Jey Uso and Rollins start things out. Uso with a quick roll up. Back and forth. Another Uso pin attempt. And another. Rollins goes to the corner to re-group. Reigns comes in and goes at it with Uso. More back and forth. We cut to a WWE App promo and other commercials mid-match.

 Back from the break and The Usos are still in control. A slam and another 2 count. Rollins nails a dropkick and finally gets some good offense in. Reigns comes back in and slams Uso to the mat. Reigns misses an elbow drop. Uso comes back with more offense. He knocks Rollins off the apron but Reigns levels him with a clothesline, sending him out to the floor. Rollins rolls Uso back in the ring and covers for a 2 count.

 Reigns and Rollins with some double teaming now. Reigns takes control and works over Uso near the corner. Rollins comes back in for a 2 count. Rollins with a submission attempt. More offense and quick tags by The Shield. Reigns comes in and Uso kicks him away going for a tag. Rollins knocks the other Uso off the apron and prevents the tag. Reigns dumps Uso on the floor and Rollins nails a clothesline. Reigns brings him back in the ring for a 2 count. We cut to another set of commercials.

The Usos make a comeback. JBL says Rikishi is smiling at home as they hit the splash in a corner and a superman punch. Uso with a Samoan Drop for a close 2 count on Rollins. Uso goes to the top for the big splash but Rollins knocks him off. Rollins climbs up for a superplex but the other Uso comes in and climbs up with them. Reigns comes in and sends everyone to the mat from the top. Rollins goes for a tag but Uso pulls Reigns off the apron. Rollins goes for a suicide dive but Uso nails him. Rollins turns around to a big superkick. Uso nails the big splash from the top but Reigns breaks the pin right before the 3 count. Uso goes down after a superman punch. It comes down to Jimmy and Rollins. The fans chant “this is awesome” as Uso goes to the top for a super Samoan Drop. Rollins counters and Reigns helps him nail a powerbomb into the corner. Reigns tags in and hits the spear for the win.

Winners: Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns

- We go back to Mathews, Guerrero, Kofi and Big Show to talk about the match. They also talk about tonight’s WWE Title match and the return of Rob Van Dam. We go to a promo for RVD’s return.

- The panel will be back after the pay-per-view to discuss things. We go to the announcers as Dean Ambrose waits in the ring for tonight’s opener. 

Money in the Bank Ladder Match for a Shot at the the World Heavyweight Title: Fandango vs. Dean Ambrose vs. Jack Swagger vs. Antonio Cesaro vs. Cody Rhodes vs. Damien Sandow vs. Wade Barrett

The pre-show is still on as WWE United States Champion Dean Ambrose waits in the ring. Fandango is out next with Summer Rae.

The 2013 WWE Money in the Bank pay-per-view kicks off with a video package for tonight’s event. We go back to the ring for tonight’s opener as Fandango is finishing his entrance. Lilian Garcia introduces Ambrose. Jack Swagger and Antonio Cesaro are out next with Zeb Colter. Colter cuts a promo and says tonight is a night of redemption. He says either Swagger or Cesaro will win tonight. It’s more than a contract to them, it’s a key to taking our nation back. Cody Rhodes and Damien Sandow are out next together. They cut promos on the way to the ring also. Sandow rips on the Rocky Balboa character. Wade Barrett’s music interrupts and out he comes.

 The bell rings and everyone goes at it. Ambrose and Cesaro go at it. Swagger makes the save and they double team Ambrose. Sandow and Rhodes bring a ladder over and start using it. They bring it in the ring but Swagger and Cesaro have a ladder of their own. Both teams go at it. Swagger and Cesaro get the upperhand and lean another ladder in the corner. Cesaro with a big gutwrench with Cody on top of the ladder. Swagger tosses Sandow on top of the ladder next. Swagger and Cesaro miss Cody and collide with ladders. Swagger knocks down Cody and sets up a ladder to climb. Ambrose comes in and cuts him off. Ambrose misses a ladder shot but sends Swagger face first into it. Ambrose with a big right hand before sending Swagger to the floor. Ambrose goes to climb the ladder but Barrett stops him.

Barrett gets the upperhand. Fandango springboards in with a leg drop on Barrett and the ladder. Fandango climbs the ladder but Sandow grabs his leg. Ambrose takes out Cody on the top turnbuckle. Barrett pulls Ambrose out of the ring and rams him into the apron. Sandow pulls Fandango from the ladder and whips him into the mat. Sandow suplexes Fandango on a ladder leaned in the corner. Barrett brings a piece of a ladder leg into the ring and unloads on Sandow with it. Barrett climbs the ladder but Ambrose meets him at the top. Swagger pulls Barrett off the ladder and Cesaro catches him with an uppercut in mid-air. Swagger slams Ambrose from the ladder but Ambrose turns it into a DDT. Cesaro climbs up but Cody meets him. They go at it. Cody nails a musclebuster from the ladder on to another ladder.

Barrett hits a big kick on Cody. Barrett with a neckbreaker. Swagger catapults Sandow into a ladder out on the floor. Cody brings a ladder out to the floor. Swagger and Barrett meet on top of the ladder. Barrett goes down. Swagger reaches but Barrett climbs back up and sends him to the floor with a big Bullhammer Elbow. Barrett reaches for the briefcase but Fandango stops him. Fandango and Barrett both tumble hard to the mat. Fandango goes to climb back up as Summer cheers him on. Ambrose comes in and stops Fandango from climbing. Ambrose lays out Fandango and starts climbing. Cesaro meets Ambrose on the ladder. Cesaro folds the ladder up. Swagger pulls Ambrose from it. Ambrose grabs a ladder and spins around, taking out Swagger and Cesaro. They get back up and lift him with his head in between the ladder rungs. Ambrose “skins the cat” on the ladder and stands on top of it while Swagger and Cesaro are carrying it. They dump Ambrose out to the floor. Very cool spot there. They toss the ladder out on top of Barrett now. Zeb orders Cesaro to stand on Swagger’s shoulders so he can reach the briefcase. Cody springboards in and dropkicks them both down.

Fans chant “this is awesome” as Cody takes control. Cody with Cross Rhodes on Fandango. Cody blocks Wasteland and hits Cross Rhodes on Barrett. Fans chant for Cody as he goes outside and grabs a ladder, one of the bigger ones at ringside. Cody sets the ladder up and starts to climb. Everyone else is down outside the ring. Ambrose meets Cody up on the ladder and they fight it out. Cody pulls Dean’s face into the ladder and sends him to the mat. Cody reaches for the briefcase but Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns run out and attack him. He fights them off and reaches again. Rollins and Reigns come back, drag Cody off the ladder and beat him down. Barrett catches a kick from Rollins. Reigns spears Fandango. The Shield sets the ladder up for Ambrose but The Usos make the save. Cesaro and Swagger join in on fighting off The Shield. Ambrose climbs the ladder but Cody pushes it over. Ambrose falls from high up, on top of everyone at ringside. Cody sets the ladder back up and the fans cheer for him. Cody climbs up for the briefcase but Sandow shoves him off. Sandow reaches up and grabs the briefcase for the win.

Winner: Damien Sandow

- After the match, a trainer checks on Cody as Sandow celebrates. Cody looks at Sandow shocked and Sandow stares back at him. Sandow shows off his briefcase to the fans at ringside before heading to the back. 

- Justin Roberts is in the ring. He says the following person wants a warm Philadelphia reaction. Out comes new RAW General Manager Brad Maddox. Maddox talks about Vickie Guerrero being fired. It was his decision to put Vickie on the pre and post-show panel tonight. He puts the spotlight on Vickie and tells her to take a bow. Vickie doesn’t look happy. Maddox thanks Vickie for accepting this secondary position. Maddox says he and everyone else wants to thank Vickie for her contributions to RAW. Maddox goes on and rubs it in. Maddox turns everyone’s attention to the big screen for a mocking tribute video he’s made for Vickie. Brad wants everyone to stand and applaud Vickie. The music hits and out comes The Miz. 

WWE Intercontinental Title Match: The Miz vs. Curtis Axel

Miz makes his way out first. WWE Intercontinental Champion Curtis Axel is out next with Paul Heyman at his side.

They lock up and Miz applies a headlock first. Miz drops Axel for a weak pin attempt as Axel kicks out at 1. Heyman gives Axel a pep talk real quick. They lock up again and Axel goes to work on Miz. Miz ends up getting into with Heyman on the floor. Miz acts like Heyman hits him and the referee ejects Heyman from ringside.

Axel in control with another pin attempt. Axel stomps and puts the boot to Miz in the corner. Axel with a dropkick and more trash talking to Miz. Miz starts to make a comeback and drops Axel with a big boot to the face. Miz climbs to the top for a double ax handle blow and a 2 count. Miz with the Skull Crushing Finale but it’s blocked by Axel. Axel goes for the Perfectplex but Miz counters and goes for the Figure Four. Axel sends him into the ring post. Axel nails the Perfectplex for a 2 count. More back and forth. Miz applies the Figure Four but Axel eventually counters it. Miz turns it back over but Axel gets the ropes and breaks the hold.More back and forth. Axel kicks Miz in the face and drops him on his head for the win.

Winner: Curtis Axel 

WWE Divas Title Match: Kaitlyn vs. AJ Lee

WWE Divas Champion AJ Lee is out with Big E Langston. Kaitlyn is out next. We see footage from the contract signing brawl on SmackDown.

We see Layla at ringside with Kaitlyn tonight. The bell rings and Kaitlyn strikes first. She works AJ over. They end up on the floor and AJ sends Kaitlyn into the ring post, then works on her arm. AJ brings Kaitlyn back in the ring for a 2 count. AJ keeps working on the shoulder now. AJ with a submission as Layla cheers Kaitlyn on.

AJ with another submission as she taunts Kaitlyn in her ear. Kaitlyn comes back and breaks the hold with a big backbreaker. Kaitlyn drops AJ with a high elbow and a dropkick. Kaitlyn with a flying shoulder and an inverted DDT for a 2 count. AJ smacks Kaitlyn. Kaitlyn runs over her with a clothesline for a 2 count. AJ blocks a suplex and drops Kaitlyn on her arm. More back and forth. AJ ends up getting the win after a Black Widow.

Winner: AJ Lee

- We go back to the panel to talk about what’s happened so far.

Ryback vs. Chris Jericho

We go to the ring and out first comes Chris Jericho. Ryback is out next.They lock up and Ryback shoves Jericho to the mat. Jericho comes right back but Ryback sends him down. Jericho brawls and they trade shots. Ryback drops Jericho and goes to work with right hands. Ryback with shoulder thrusts in the corner now. Jericho fires back with chops. Ryback rolls out of the ring and takes a breather. Ryback comes back on the apron and teases re-entering the ring but goes back to the floor. Ryback comes back to the apron and Jericho runs and dropkicks him. Jericho with a big right hand to the back of the head from the top. Jericho unloads on Ryback now. Jericho with more chops in the corner. Ryback comes out of the corner and runs over Jericho with a big clothesline. Ryback with stomps now.

Jericho makes a comeback and unloads again. Ryback with a shot to the throat after suckering Jericho in. Ryback comes back in for another 2 count. Ryback with a headlock now. Fans chant for Jericho. Jericho fights to his feet but Ryback scoop slams him back down. Ryback goes to the second rope and splashes down for a 2 count. Ryback runs the ropes and knocks Jericho off the apron, into the announcers table. Ryback brings it back in and kicks Jericho in the ribs. Ryback stands on Jericho’s face as the fans boo. Ryback tosses Jericho across the ring and takes his time. Ryback with another headlock.

Jericho fights back and goes for a pin attempt. Ryback with another move but Jericho counters and goes for Walls of Jericho. Ryback blocks it. Jericho comes back with a shoulder but Ryback tosses him to the apron. Jericho goes up top but Ryback catches him with a big overhead throw. Ryback nails the Meathook clothesline. Ryback nails Shellshocked and a big powerbomb for a close 2 count. Jericho takes out Ryback’s leg and hits an enziguri. Jericho with a 2 count. Jericho nails a modified Codebreaker on the ropes and Ryback falls out to the floor. The referee begins to count. Ryback makes it in at the 9 count. Jericho goes to the top and nails a crossbody for 2. Ryback presses Jericho high in the air but Jericho counters with a big DDT for a close 2 count. Jericho with forearm shots now. Jericho misses a Lionsault but lands on his feet. Ryback rolls him up for the 3 count.

Winner: Ryback

- We get a video package for the new WWE Performance Center.

- We get a video package for tonight’s World Heavyweight Title match.

World Heavyweight Title Match: Dolph Ziggler vs. Alberto Del Rio

We go to the ring and out first comes Dolph Ziggler by himself. Out next comes the World Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio, without the suspended Ricardo Rodriguez.

Lilian Garcia does official ring introductions as we get ready to go. Fans chant “lets go Ziggler” as the bell rings. Ziggler with a quick roll up for 2. Ziggler shows off and the crowd pops. Del Rio with a kick and a forearm for a 2 count. Del Rio takes Ziggler back to the mat with a headlock. Del Rio with a big shoulder block. Ziggler comes back with a dropkick and a 2 count. Ziggler with offense in the corner and a 1 count. Ziggler with a series of elbow drops now. He clotheslines Del Rio out to the floor and follows. Ziggler brings it back in the ring but Del Rio nails an enziguri. Ziggler rolls to the floor and Del Rio follows, sending him into the fan barrier.

Del Rio with more offense in the corner and a headlock. Ziggler comes back with a roll up for 2 and then a big dropkick. Ziggler misses a splash in the corner and hits his head on the turnbuckle. Del Rio with more offense as the fans boo him. Del Rio comes back in the ring and hits a bunch of forearms to the kidneys. Del Rio with a shot to the back of the head. Del Rio with a big stomp and more taunting Ziggler. Del Rio goes for a dropkick on the ropes but Ziggler moves and Del Rio lands out on the floor. Del Rio goes to the top but Ziggler runs up, catches him and face plants Del Rio on the mat. 2 count for Ziggler.

More back and forth now. Del Rio charges in the corner but Ziggler moves and Del Rio hits the ring post. Ziggler with a neckbreaker for another pin attempt. Del Rio blocks the big leg drop and nails a German suplex for a close 2 count. Del Rio with shoulders in the corner now. Del Rio misses a big enziguri and Ziggler nails the big leg drop for 2. Fans chant for Ziggler as he goes for a sleeper. Del Rio blocks it and nails a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker for 2. Del Rio shows frustration now. Del Rio goes to the top but Ziggler dropkicks him on the way down. 2 count for Ziggler. AJ’s music hits and out she comes skipping around the ring. Ziggler is distracted by AJ and asks why she’s out here. Ziggler goes for a neckbreaker but it’s blocked. Ziggler blocks Del Rio but hits a big DDT for a 2 count. Ziggler tells AJ to leave again. Ziggler goes to the top and is distracted by AJ but Del Rio cuts him off. Del Rio climbs up and smacks Ziggler around. Del Rio with the face plant from the top for 2. Fans chant for Ziggler again. Ziggler blocks the cross armbreaker. Ziggler misses a big right hand and Del Rio drops him on his face. Del Rio with a superkick for 2. Ziggler blocks a superkick. AJ runs in and hits Del Rio with the Divas Title belt, just as Ziggler is going for the Zig Zag.

Winner by DQ: Alberto Del Rio

- After the match, Ziggler goes nuts and AJ looks shocked. She apologizes as Ziggler talks with the referee. Del Rio celebrates as AJ tries to talk to Ziggler. We go to replays. Ziggler and AJ argue about what happened. Ziggler leaves without AJ. Fans chant “you screwed Ziggler” as she cries. 

- We get a video for the National Guard. Lilian Garcia points out and thanks some of the Pennsylvania National Guard members in the audience.

- We get a video for Mark Henry vs. John Cena. 

WWE Title Match: Mark Henry vs. John Cena

We go to the ring and out comes Mark Henry. Henry is ready to fight as he hits the ring. The boos begin as WWE Champion John Cena makes his way out.

Justin Roberts does formal ring introductions and Henry gets a very mixed reaction. Cena gets more boos. Cena charges and Henry drops him with a knee. Henry with a big shot to the face now. Henry works Cena over and into the corner. Henry takes his time beating Cena around the ring. Another big headbutt from Henry. Cena rolls out to the floor but Henry follows. Henry suplexes Cena and drops him over top of the steel steps. Henry rolls Cena back in the ring and covers for 2.

Henry keeps control and nails Cena across the back of the neck. Henry with another 2 count and some frustration. Cena finally gets some offense in and hits a dropkick. Cena runs into Henry and goes down. Fans pop for that. Henry spins around and slings Cena into the corner. They go back to the floor and Henry slings Cena head first into the fan barrier. Henry brings it back in the ring but wastes some time. Henry charges in the corner but Cena moves. Cena tries to slam Henry but it’s too much and Henry falls on top of Cena for a 2 count.

Cena finally fires back with right hands. Cena with a pair of shoulder tackles to take Henry off his feet. Cena with a side suplex. Cena nails the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena goes for an Attitude Adjustment but can’t get Henry up. Henry with another 2 count. Henry scoops Cena for a slam but Cena grabs the top rope. Henry pulls him away. Cena counters a slam with a DDT. Cena goes for another AA and gets Henry up this time. Cena nails it but Henry kicks out at 2.

Cena goes to the top but Henry catches him in mid-air. Henry nails a World’s Strongest Slam for a close 2 count. More back and forth. Cena applies the STF but Henry makes it to the ropes. Henry hits a low blow that the referee doesn’t see and covers for a close 2 count. Cena blocks a World’s Strongest Slam and locks in the STF. Henry crawls for the ropes but Cena pulls him back to the middle of the ring. Henry taps out.

Winner: John Cena

- After the match, Cena grabs the WWE title belt ready to fight Henry off. Henry rolls out of the ring and asks the referee to assist him to the back. We go to replays. Cena celebrates with the WWE Title and heads to the back.

- We go back to the panel to talk about what’s happened tonight.

- Fans chant for RVD as the announcers lead us to a video package for The Wyatt Family, showing how they took out Kane on RAW.

Money in the Bank Ladder Match for a Shot at the WWE Title: Rob Van Dam vs. Christian vs. Daniel Bryan vs. Randy Orton vs. Sheamus vs. CM Punk

We go back to the ring and fans are still chanting for Rob Van Dam. His music hits and here he comes to a big pop. Christian is out next followed by Daniel Bryan to a big pop. Randy Orton comes out next to another big pop. Sheamus is out next followed by CM Punk to another big ovation from the Philly crowd.

The bell rings and everyone looks at each other. Fans chant for RVD. RVD poses and everyone attacks him. They beat RVD down and the crowd boos. RVD gets dumped out to the floor. The 5 other Superstars go at it now. Punk and Bryan face off alone in the ring as the fans pop. RVD tries to get back in the ring but gets kicked out. Bryan and Punk go at it now. Punk goes for a GTS but Bryan slides out and goes for the Yes Lock. Sheamus brings a ladder in and runs them both over. Christian comes off the top but Sheamus hits him. Orton drops Sheamus with a dropkick. RVD finally comes off the top and nails Sheamus with a big kick. RVD and Punk go at it. RVD drops Punk and drops Bryan with kicks. RVD sends Christian flying. Another kick to Orton. RVD poses and the fans chant his name.

RVD blocks Killswitch and sends Christian into the ladder. RVD continues to dominate and drops Orton with a kick. RVD goes up top for a Five Star frogsplash but Christian knocks him off with a ladder. 

Christian brings a small ladder and regular ladder into the ring. Christian cleans house and climbs up for the briefcase. Sheamus stops him and hits a big shoulder thrust into the corner. Sheamus climbs the ladder but Christian cuts him off. Christian goes back for the briefcase but Sheamus stops him. Sheamus goes for a Celtic Cross but Christian slides out. Sheamus blocks a ladder shot and decks Christian with a right hand. Christian goes down and out of the ring. Sheamus sets up a ladder but RVD stops him from getting the briefcase. Sheamus grabs RVD and hits the rolling senton on top of the ladder. Sheamus kicks RVD out and stops Bryan from coming in. Sheamus works over Bryan on the announce table and into the barrier.

Bryan ends up running the apron and hitting knees to the face of Sheamus. Punk sets up the ladder and works over Orton. Punk climbs up but Orton stops him. Punk fights him off but Orton pulls him down. Orton climbs up but Christian stops him. Punk climbs up. Bryan brings a ladder beside his. All 6 Superstars are on 2 ladders now. Everyone reaches for the briefcase. It starts swinging and everyone goes down with the ladders. Sheamus gets up and unloads on everyone. Sheamus rams Christian into the ladder and hits White Noise. Sheamus sets up a ladder but stops to hit RVD in the head with it. Sheamus nails a Brogue Kick on RVD. The fans boo Sheamus as he climbs up. Bryan meets him and they trade shots on top of the ladder. Sheamus turns him around and hits the series of forearms to the chest. Sheamus sends Bryan to the mat and grabs the briefcase. Punk stops him. Sheamus hangs from the briefcase and falls to the mat without taking it down. Punk with chops in the corner now. Sheamus turns it around and fires back.

Punk takes out Sheamus with a ladder and bows for the crowd. Orton attacks Punk from behind. They trade shots. Orton hits a t-bone suplex into the ladder with Punk. Orton drops Punk again and he rolls out to the floor. Orton gets speared by Christian. Christian knocks Bryan off the apron. Christian sets up the ladder and climbs but RVD cuts him off. RVD props up a ladder in the corner. RVD with the spinning leg drop on Christian before climbing up. Christian stops him and the fans chant for tables. Christian moves the standing ladder into the opposite. Christian grabs another ladder and sets it up. 

RVD meets him on the top and they trade shots. RVD reaches for the briefcase but Christian goes for it also. The ladder falls over but RVD jumps onto another. RVD nails a barely Five Star Frogsplash from the top of the ladder onto Christian. RVD hurts himself but climbs up as the fans chant his name. Sheamus comes in and climbs up, trading shots with RVD. RVD sends Sheamus to the mat and grabs the briefcase but Sheamus pushes the ladder over. RVD catches his chin on the top rope and lands hard.

Bryan comes over with kicks for both men. Orton comes in but Bryan dropkicks a ladder into him. Bryan leaps out and hits Punk on the floor. Bryan back in with a missile dropkick for Sheamus and RVD at the same time. Bryan decks Orton, RVD and Sheamus with a ladder. Sheamus falls from the top out to the floor and lands hard on a ladder, breaking it. Bryan sets up the ladder and climbs. Curtis Axel runs down and whacks Bryan with a steel chair. Axel hits Bryan again and sends him to the floor. Axel nails his finisher on the floor and leaves Bryan laying. Punk grabs Axel and nails GTS on the floor. Paul Heyman comes down and asks Axel what the hell he was doing. Heyman chews Axel out for messing with Punk. Punk rolls in and starts climbing but he’s slow. Heyman cheers him on. Heyman crawls in the ring and hits Punk with a ladder. Heyman with another ladder shot to Punk, sending him to the mat. Heyman slams ladder into Punk’s head and walks off to the back. RVD climbs up now but Orton pulls him off and nails a RKO in mid-air. Orton climbs up and looks around, everyone is down. Orton grabs the briefcase for the win.

Winner: Randy Orton

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News » Monday Night RAW - June 3, 2013 Preview [Highway to Hell,Fandango's Next Move,Axel on a streak ??]

Things can change in the blink of an eye in WWE. Since Extreme Rules, The Shield has
captured the U.S. and Tag Team Titles, and young upstart Curtis Axel racked up wins
over veterans Triple H and WWE Champion John Cena. As Raw emanates from WWE’s
home state of Connecticut on Monday, here are five things to look for at 8/7 CT on USA
Network.
1. Highway to Hell
With Ryback and WWE Champion John Cena on a collision course for Three Stages of Hell at WWE Payback, Ryback is wasting no time
trying to get the upper hand. At the close of last week’s Raw, the raging Superstar launched a sneak attack that cost the Cenation leader
his match against Curtis Axel. Will The Champbe out for retribution this week?
2. Is Curtis Axel on a streak?
Since his debut, Curtis Axel has enjoyed huge upsets over Triple H and WWE Champion John Cena. Can the young Superstar score win
number three this week? With the cunning Paul Heyman at his side, the potential is certainly there for Axel to start one of the hottest winning
streaks of the year.
3. What is Fandango’s next move?
Fandango burst onto the scene with a giant pay-per-view upset over Chris Jericho at WrestleMania. However, The Ayatollah of Rock n’
Rolla struck back with a win at Extreme Rules. Last week, Fandango managed to get a victory over Intercontinental Champion Wade
Barrett thanks to some skull-crushing help from guest referee The Miz. Is Fandango poised to dance his way back onto the pay-per-view
stage this summer?
4. The Shield becomes a target
When The Shield debuted, no one was safe as the rogue trio went on an aggressive campaign targeting multiple Superstars. But with the
U.S. and Tag Titles now in their camp, The Shield find themselves the target of attacks.. On Friday’s SmackDown, the group fled from a
determined Daniel Bryan. Is this only the beginning of justice from the locker room that has been brewing for a long time?
5. WWE Universe still on Punk watch
On CM Punk’s behalf, Paul Heyman agreed to a match between his client and Chris Jericho at WWE Payback. But where is Punk? “The
Best in the World” has gone radio silent and has not been seen in WWE in weeks. Will he surface before Payback? Will Heyman offer any

clues as to what is going on inside Punk’s head? Tune in Monday at 8/7 on USA Network to find out.

Final WWE Raw Rating Is In

Monday’s Raw episode scored a 2.82 rating, which is Raw’s lowest rating of the year. This week’s episode was down from a 2.96 rating last week.

As noted earlier, Raw averaged 3.95 million viewers. The show drew 3.993 million viewers in the first hour, 3.950 million viewers the second, and 3.891 million viewers the third final hour.

In overall audience, Raw was topped by cable TV competition from the NBA Playoffs and season premieres on A&E and History Channel. Although, Raw ranked #2 in the key male demos behind the NBA.

Result Raw - 7 January 2013 [Return Of Rock & More]

This week's final three-hour Raw of 2012 opened with a video packaging previewing The Rock returning tonight to scout his WWE Title opponent at the Royal Rumble, which will be decided when C.M. Punk defends the WWE Title against Ryback in a TLC match tonight on Raw.

Live inside the arena, Michael Cole introduced the show before John Cena's music played to kick things off. Cena entered the ring as WWE replayed the end of 2012 when Cena dumped "poop" on Dolph Ziggler and A.J. Lee to close last week's Raw. After the quick re-visit of last week, Cena previewed tonight's big title match of Punk vs. Ryback. He said things are certainly electric. Like you can feel the boots wanting to be put to asses. Cena said the captain of Team Bring-It is here. "Tonight, we welcome back The Rock!" Cena shouted to cheers.

Cena said this means they are on the Road to WrestleMania, and the first stop is the Royal Rumble. Cena noted he is entering the Rumble. Suddenly, Dolph Ziggler's music interrupted. Ziggler, A.J. Lee, and Big E. Langston paused on-stage before Dolph's music played. Dolph said the audience might have come for Cena or Rock, but they will remember Dolph Ziggler. A.J. then asked if this makes Cena feel better and sleep at night. She asked if lying to her was enough. A.J. said she can't believe she chose to lose her...job...to someone like Cena. A.J. called him a pathetic, small man. "A very small man, John," she added.

Cena comically asked, "I'm a small man?" He said A.J.'s sweet, little, innocent self just made her "first sixth-grade weiner joke." Cena said this deserves a wave. Like a drunk fan in the sixth inning, Cena led the crowd in a wave to celebrate the weiner joke. Cena said the rules of weiner jokes is one good joke begats another. "There once was a man from Nantucket," Cena began before Ziggler interrupted. Ziggler, with new blonde hair, said every time Cena loses to someone, he just laughs it off. Ziggler told Cena that he is also entering the Rumble and he will make sure Cena does not win.

Cena said 2013 is looking up for him, and speaking of that, look up! Cena said they would have to be crazy to think he would dump poop on them twice. Well, actually, A.J. is crazy, so maybe she's rubbing off on A.J. and Big E. Cena opted not to continue with another "weiner joke" after saying "rub off." Cena told them to come fight in the ring. Big E. then took the mic and spoke for the first time. He said Dolph is not Cena's only problem, as it's onnnnn. (After sounding confident with Sentence #1, his tone and inflection was very jarring in Sentence #2.) Dolph and A.J. quizzed Big E. on what he was thinking, then argued about Dolph not thinking he was wrestling tonight. Suddenly, Dolph's music played again as Cena bounced around in the ring. Cole said it appears this is on - Cena vs. Ziggler, next.

[Commercial Break]

1 -- JOHN CENA vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Big E. Langston & A.J. Lee)

Back from break, the bell sounded to make this match official, which Cole said was confirmed by authority figure Vickie Guerrero during the break. Cole also relayed that Dolph was not happy with Big E., since their instructions to Big E. were not to talk.

[Q2] In the ring, Cena controlled the action as the announcers stressed Cena needing to win the Rumble this year. Cena executed a delayed vertical suplex, but Ziggler came back with a knee to the gut. As Ziggler wore down Cena, the announcers plugged Ziggler vs. Sheamus on Wednesday's "Main Event" show. Cena tried to mount a comeback, but Big E. popped him in the face from the ring apron behind the ref's back. Ziggler covered Cena, but Cena escaped a pin leading to break.

[Commercial Break. Coming back from break, a local WWE TV spot advertised The Rock returning to Houston for the first time in 10 years next Monday on Raw. The local ad shifted from "20th Anniversary of Raw" hype to The Rock returning after his late addition to the TV taping.]

Back from break, Ziggler was still in control. Ziggler dropped seven consecutive elbow drops to the chest before choking Cena in the ropes. A.J. then slapped Cena behind the ref's back. Ref Scott Armstrong didn't see it, but he could tell something happened, so he booted Big E. and A.J. from ringside. Ziggler, flustered, turned around and ate the shoulder tackle. Sit-out slam, but Ziggler smashed Cena in the face before he could drop the Shuffle. Ziggler hit the Fameasser, but Cena kicked out.

At 12:00, Ziggler stalked Cena, but Cena ducked a follow-up blow and did the finishing routine. But, Ziggler ducked the Attitude Adjustment and nailed the Zig-Zag for a close two count that popped the crowd when Cena kicked out. The two men regrouped in opposite corners, then Ziggler missed with a superkick. Cena then tried an STF, but Ziggler blocked and followed with an elevated DDT for another two count.

Cena and Ziggler reset again before Ziggler climbed to the top rope. The crowd screamed, trying to warn Cena, who caught Ziggler in mid-air, rolled through, and hoisted ZIggler onto his shoulders for an AA, but Ziggler landed on his feet and nailed a superkick. But, Cena kicked out again. Cole said Cena wants it in 2013, and so does Ziggler here. Ziggler and Cena then traded blows from a standing position. Ziggler ducked a decisive blow and hopped on Cena for a sleeperhold. Cena started to fade, but the crowd rallied behind him. Cena then lifted Ziggler into the air, knocking down the ref.

[Q3] Cena, now without one shoe, slapped on the STF, but there was no ref. Big E. Langston then stormed the ring and attacked Cena before delivering his lift-up slam finisher for the third time. Big E. promptly left the ring after draping Ziggler's arm over Cena's chest, then a second referee stormed the ring. However, Cena kicked out of that pin attempt, too. After the pro-Cena crowd exploded for the fourth close-call of the match, Cena recovered, then grappled Ziggler and nailed the AA. Cena covered Ziggler and it was good for the win.

WINNER: Cena at 17:03. Hot match to start the 2013 in-ring action. Cena's victory will draw some eye-rolling reactions, but it's clear WWE is going strong with John Cena in 2013, especially leading to Mania.

Still to come: Punk vs. Ryback for the WWE Title, plus The Rock is back live.

In-ring: No break in the action, as Eve Torres's music suddenly played to bring out the Divas champion for an unadvertised Divas Title match. WWE is working hard to keep viewers locked into Raw and not flipping over to the BCS Title game.

[Commercial Break]

2 -- Divas champion EVE TORRES vs. KAITLYN -- Divas Title match

Back from break, Kaitlyn's music was playing to signal Eve's title match opponent. As the bell sounded, the announcers discussed Rock returning tonight and C.M. Punk cleared to return to in-ring action defending the WWE Title against Ryback. Kaitlyn was the aggressor early on, drawing the ref's ire when she wouldn't break a corner attack. Eve then tried to run away twice, before finally just grabbing her title belt and hopping the guardrail. Eve took off into the crowd, then headed through the production area. Kaitlyn opted to re-enter and get a count-out victory to salvage the match as the ref reached a ten-count.

WINNER: Kaitlyn via count-out at 4:40; Eve retained the Divas Title. It's gotta be time for a cage match to keep Eve inside the ring.

Up Next: Daniel Bryan & Kane vs. Rhodes Scholars in tag action, but the Tag Titles are not on the line.

[Q4] [Commercial Break]

Next Week: Raw celebrates 20 years.

Back live, Cole reset the show and noted the two big items of The Rock back live and Punk vs. Ryback for the WWE Title.

Locker Room: Santino was shown talking to no one in particular. Santino hyped this person's match at WrestleMania III against Randy Savage, which gave away Ricky Steamboat. Santino and Steamboat exchanged kind words, then new IC champion Wade Barrett interrupted and said Ricky is no longer a fire-breathing dragon, but an old man blowing smoke. Barrett left, then Ricky proposed an idea to Santino: he will be in Santino's corner tonight against Barrett. Ricky said Wade will find out how just how much smoke this old man can blow.

Backstage: Randy Orton was shown on-camera, popping the live crowd. Orton talked about his Royal Rumble chances, but 3MB interrupted. Heath Slater noted all three of them have entered the Royal Rumble, and one of them is going to main-event WrestleMania. Orton ignored them and asked which one is going to face him tonight. Slater offered Orton any of the three, but Orton selected Slater. He said Slater won't be playing the air-guitar anymore, but the harp. Slater slowly removed his glasses, wondering what he meant.

In-ring: Kane's pyro shot off to bring out one-half of the tag champions. As Kane came out, Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler talked on-camera about the 2013 WWE Hall of Fame induction taking place at Madison Square Garden. After Kane entered the ring, Daniel Bryan joined Kane in the ring as Raw cut to break.

[Commercial Break]

3 -- WWE tag champions DANIEL BRYAN & KANE vs. DAMIEN SANDOW & CODY RHODES

Rhodes Scholars made their ring entrance during the break, prompting the bell to sound to begin the match. Plenty of mustache (Rhodes) and goat-face (D-Bryan) jokes from the announcers during the first portion of the match.

[Q5 -- second hour] At the top of the hour, Sandow took control of the action on Bryan. Rhodes then tagged in and shouted down at Bryan about having a goat-face. Bryan tried to fight back against Sandow and finally tagged in Kane, who slingshot Sandow before nearly tripping on the top rope. Kane regrouped after nearly tripping a second time, then splashed Sandow. The action broke down before Kane covered Sandow for a nearfall. Kane then wanted a chokeslam, but Sandow bailed to the floor. Bryan then tagged in and ran off the ring apron with a big knee to Sandow's face. Back in the ring, Bryan No! Kicked Sandow in the face.

Suddenly, Bryan clutched his right knee after landing on his feet attempting a back-flip from the top rope. The heels went to work on Bryan's right knee, targeting the injury. Kane had enough and ran around the ring to attack Sandow. In the confusion, Bryan tried a small-package on Rhodes, but Rhodes kicked out. Rhodes then dropped Bryan with Cross Rhodes for the pin and the win. Afterward, Kane checked on Bryan as Rhodes Scholars celebrated ringside.

WINNERS: Rhodes Scholars at 7:12. Interesting development with Bryan introducing a knee injury into the equation. Will this be the "out" to give Rhodes Scholars an eventual Tag Title win?

Earlier Tonight: John Cena beat Dolph Ziggler despite interference from Big E. and A.J. Lee.

Backstage: Randy Orton was shown walking down the hallway. He faces Heath Slater next.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break, 3MB was "mid-concert" in the ring. Randy Orton's music interrupted and Orton marched out to the ring as Cole noted Orton is looking to re-assert himself as the top dog in WWE at the Royal Rumble. As Orton completed his ring entrance, Cole plugged the Rumble Fanfest happening in Phoenix this year. Included will be a tournament to determine a Rumble match entrant.

4 -- RANDY ORTON vs. HEATH SLATER (w/3MB)

Orton went to work on Slater early on. Orton then found himself on the outside, where 3MB used distraction techniques to knock down Orton. Back in the ring, Slater worked on Orton as Jinder Mahal and Drew McIntyre taunted him from the outside. Slater nailed a neckbreaker in the corner, which drew a close two count. Slater got cocky and tried a top-rope move, but Orton blocked and nailed a superplex.

[Q6] Orton made his full comeback with a powerslam and clotheslines. Mac then tried to run interference, but Orton flung him away. Orton then dropped Slater with a DDT from the second rope. He followed by setting up for and connecting with an RKO. Orton covered Slater for the win. Post-match: Jinder and McIntyre tried to enter the ring for a sneak attack, but they took RKOs, too. Orton posed again for a fired-up crowd as the announcers stressed that Orton is on his way to the Rumble with momentum.

WINNER: Orton at 4:27.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Back from break, Santino was on his way to the ring with Ricky Steamboat. Already in the ring was IC champion Wade Barrett, who received the jobber entrance for this match. Cole said Wade believes that now that he has the IC Title, it means something again. But, apparently not enough to get a ring entrance.

5 -- IC champion WADE BARRETT vs. SANTINO (w/Ricky Steamboat) -- non-title match

Santino caught Barrett with a surprise standing kick early on, drawing a close nearfall that popped Cole on commentary. Santino then went into his trunks to retrieve the Cobra sock puppet, and Barrett bailed from the ring, scared of the sock puppet. Barrett then thumbed Santino in the eye from the outside before re-entering the ring to deliver the Bullhammer for the pin and the win. Cole called it a "big win" for Barrett.

WINNER: Barrett at 2:23. Not exactly a strong endorsement of Barrett as new IC champion.

Post-match: Ricky Steamboat entered the ring to check on Santino, then Barrett teased doing something, but Ricky removed his suit jacket. Barrett smiled and bailed from the ring, allowing Ricky to continue checking on Santino.

Backstage: Matt Striker brought in Sheamus. Striker asked Sheamus if he can win the Rumble and World Title again at WrestleMania. Sheamus said probably not, at least not in 18 seconds. 3MB then walked in and Sheamus ran them down. Slater took offense to Sheamus's claim that Orton beat his ass, then Sheamus said he has the Luck of the Irish with him tonight. That doesn't count for much so far tonight. Sheamus suggested they the ring and song a little before he delivers a Brogue Kick to someone. 3MB wasn't exactly excited about this prospect.

Still to come: Punk vs. Ryback for the WWE Title.

This is point in the show where WWE has lost all momentum from the first 30 minutes due to this three-hour format. They don't have enough interesting stories to tell to keep this show going for 180+ minutes.

[Q7] [Commercial Break]

And now for something different...a Swiss man was on his way to the ring waving a U.S. flag. Inside the ring were a 26-year-old leprechaun who was birthed by an 89-year-old woman last week, a giant from India, and Natalya. And, a former reality TV star was on commentary. Alphabet Soup specialist Charles Cress tweet: "Khali inner monologue - An elf and a fair-hair maiden have taken to following me. The lady sparkles. Perhaps I can barter her for a way home."

6 -- U.S. champion ANTONIO CESARO vs. GREAT KHALI (w/Hornswoggle and Natalya) -- non-title match

Khali chopped Cesaro early on before Cesaro took control. On commentary, The Miz did an annoying voice re-enactment of his father telling him he didn't have Internet back in the day, then followed Cena's lead doing a "weeny" joke. Miz continued to say he's unimpressed by Cesaro, then Cesaro slowly dead-lifted Khali into the air to deliver the Neutralizer. Cesaro pinned Khali for the win. Afterward, Miz said he was very impressed by how Cesaro won as Cesaro stared him down from inside the ring.

WINNER: Cesaro at 3:23. A repeat from "Main Event" last week. Or, as Greg Parks tweeted: "Figured the only reason this re-match happened was to give a wider audience a glimpse of Cesaro giving Khali his finisher."

Backstage: Paul Heyman was on the phone with someone, but Brad Maddox interrupted. Heyman repeated from last week that he does not want Maddox in his life. Maddox told Heyman that he can actually be of service to Paul and to C.M. Punk because he has his referee shirt tonight and he could tell Vickie to put him in the title match tonight. Heyman told Maddox that he doesn't want him to talk to Vickie Guerrero, he doesn't want him to referee the match, and he doesn't want him in his life. Heyman stomped off, leaving Maddox to figure out his next step.

In-ring: Sheamus made his way out to the ring for the next match.

[Commercial Break]

7 -- SHEAMUS vs. JINDER MAHAL (w/3MB)

Weren't they just going to have a sing-off and Brogue Kick? In any event, the bell sounded back from break and Jinder landed early offense. Sheamus then smacked Jinder on the back-side, drawing 3MB's ire. Jinder replied by punishing Sheamus's arse to return the favor.

[Q8] Sheamus, upset, slapped Jinder across the face a few times before delivering ten forearm strikes to the chest. Drew McIntyre then got himself ten forearms to the chest. Sheamus's fun and games were over when he found himself attacked by 3MB on the outside while the ref was distracted. Back in the ring, Jinder covered Sheamus for a two count.

Sheamus had enough of this and got serious by taking out Mac, then Slater with Brogue Kicks on the outside. Back in the ring, Sheamus grappled Mahal and dropped him with an emphatic White Noise slam. Sheamus then warmed up Brogue Kick #3 and connected center-ring. Pin and the win for Sheamus, giving the Irish something to cheer about tonight. After the match, Cole said Sheamus has to be one of the Rumble match favorites.

WINNER: Sheamus at 5:50.

Announcers: Cole and Lawler reset the show, then noted it's TLC for the WWE Title up next. As a result, Cole said The Rock will find out his Royal Rumble PPV title match opponent in the next match. Cole then fed to a video package documenting C.M. Punk's year-long journey for respect.

In-ring: After the video aired, WWE cut to a shot of the WWE Title belt hanging above the ring. WWE then showed all of the weapons lining the ringside area. Lawler stressed that the winner faces Rock at the Rumble. It's next.

[Commercial Break]

Ringside: ESPN MNF announcer Jon Gruden, who talked up tag wrestling during his New Year's Day college football game broadcast, was shown sitting ringside. Jerry Lawler said he hopes to convince him to coach the Cleveland Browns. Of note, NBC Sports picked up on Gruden attending Raw over watching ESPN's BCS Title game tonight. [ Story here ]

In-ring: WWE champion C.M. Punk was introduced first for the WWE Title match, which is right on-time with the BCS Title game hitting half-time. On the way to the ring, Punk kicked around tables, ladders, and chairs, showing that he's not a happy camper about this match.

[Q9 -- third hour] After a long pause, Ryback's music played to bring out the title match challenger. Ryback stomped out to the ring, surveyed the weapons available to him, checked out the title belt hanging above the ring, and continued pacing the ring. Before the bell sounded, the crowd picked up a brief "Feed Me More" chant.

8 -- WWE champion C.M. PUNK (w/Paul Heyman) vs. RYBACK -- WWE Title match -- TLC match

The match quickly moved to the outside, where Punk avoided a chair shot to his surgically-repaired knee. Punk then smashed Ryback into the guardrail, but Ryback chased Punk back into the ring. In the ring, Ryback held Punk in the air for a long, delayed vertical suplex as Heyman screamed and cried from ringside. Ryback then emphatically dropped Punk back-first onto a ladder, nearly popping the buttons on Heyman's three-piece suit ringside.

The match continued on the outside with Ryback re-arranging furniture. Ryback nearly dropped the ring steps onto Punk, but Punk dodged the steps and then ran off the steps into a thrust kick to Ryback's face. Punk maintained control with multiple chair shots to Ryback's body, then Punk stood tall as Raw cut to break at 5:10.

[Commercial Break. If this Jackson Hewitt commercial plays on every Raw until Tax Day in April, it's going to ruin Montell Jordan forever. In other commercial news, a local ad for Monster Jam at Reliant Stadium on Saturday aired, advertising the Iron Man and Madusa trucks.]

Back from break at 8:10, Cole declared that Ryback declared an electric chair to Punk inside the ring. Not a literal chair hooked up to electricity, but the wrestling move causing mass punishment to the upper shoulders and neck. Context was needed coming back from break. The match then moved to the outside, where Ryback tossed Punk across the announce table. Ryback then chucked the announce table lid onto Punk.

Back in the ring, Ryback sold a right knee injury, similar to Daniel Bryan a few matches earlier. Punk then targeted Ryback's knee to keep Ryback grounded on the mat. Punk missed with a second-rope attack, though, and he started selling a knee injury. Ryback then fired up, ignoring the effects from his knee injury. Ryback measured Punk for the Meathook Clothesline and connected. Ryback called for the end and wanted Shell Shock, but Punk escaped and scampered to the floor. On the outside, Ryback went for a desperation splash, but Punk moved and Ryback crashed into a wooden table.

[Q10] Back in the ring, Punk tried to climb a ladder to retrieve the WWE Title belt, but Ryback met him on the ladder. The two men traded blows before Ryback knocked down Punk. But, before Ryback could reach the title belt, Punk grabbed the ladder from the mat and tipped it over. Ryback landed on his feet, though, and press-slammed Punk into the ladder, bending one leg in-half.

At 14:30, Punk came back with a corner knee to the face that put Ryback on his seat. And, a second knee to the face. But, Ryback blocked the follow-up bulldog by chucking Punk clear over the top rope through a table on the floor. Cole nearly cursed on-air to sell the move. Ryback then went under the ring to grab a new ladder.

Ryback climbed, put his hand on the title belt, and the lights suddenly went out. When the lights came back on, The Shield was on the ladder. Ryback fought off Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins, but Roman Reigns pulled him down. Ryback then cleared all three members and tried climbing the ladder again, but Shield grabbed him again. Cole said there's no way he's going to be convinced Punk and Shield have nothing to do with each other.

Ambrose and Rollins then dragged Ryback to the outside, where they placed Ryback on Reigns's shoulders to deliver a triple powerbomb through a wood table that was resting on ring steps. Ryback was KO'ed, but Punk was also KO'ed on the other side of the ring. Heyman implored Punk to get up and re-enter the ring as the crowd tried to help Ryback wake up. In the ring, Punk could barely stand up as he sold the effects of numerous injuries. With one arm, Punk slowly pulled himself up the ladder steps as Ryback writhed in pain on the outside. Punk then cockily reached the top rung of the ladder, smiled, clutched the title belt, looked down at Ryback, and unhooked the title belt. Punk retains.

WINNER: Punk at 18:52 to retain the WWE Title. Thrilling ladder match with a hot crowd that continued the Ryback vs. Shield feud and officially sets up Punk vs. Rock at the Rumble. It will be interesting to see whether the Ryback vs. Shield feud carries to WrestleMania in some sort of big blow-off match. (***)

Post-match: Paul Heyman sold with tears as he watched Punk celebrate on the ladder. After a replay of the events, Cole said he hopes Mr. McMahon ramps up the investigation of Punk and Shield's relationship. More tears from Heyman as Punk continued to celebrate. Cole then plugged The Rock commenting on matters later tonight when he returns to TV.

[Commercial Break]

Locker Room: Paul Heyman was shown excitedly talking to C.M. Punk as Punk recovered from his title victory. Matt Striker then walked in to interview Punk, but Punk cut him off and dismissed any notions of collusion with The Shield and Brad Maddox. Punk also had something for The Rock, saying he might just drop another pipebomb before Rock returns tonight.

Locker Room: Daniel Bryan was shown icing his knee. Kane asked Bryan how his knee feels, then Bryan complained about Kane not being there for him when he was hurt. They blamed each other for the loss, screaming at each other. Vickie Guerrero screamed and interrupted, then said she will have Dr. Shelby's four-month follow-up evaluation of their issues next week. After Vickie left, Kane said Dr. Shelby is a monster; Bryan said he's a nerd. "Monster!" "Nerd!" they shouted back and forth. So, Kane said Shelby is a nerd. Bryan, angered, said he's a monster. "Nerd!" "Monster!" they shouted back and forth before agreeing that he's a monster nerd.

[Q11] Announcers: Cole and Lawler plugged the 20th Anniversary of Raw next week, then went back to last week's show. Cole noted Big Show picked Ricardo Rodriguez as his World Title opponent last week, then Alberto Del Rio saved Ricardo from a WMD to end the match. This Friday on Smackdown, it's a smiling Del Rio vs. Show in a non-title match.

In-ring: Kofi Kingston's music played to bring out the former Intercontinental champion. Cole said Kofi faces Big Show next.

[Commercial Break]

9 -- World Hvt. champion BIG SHOW vs. KOFI KINGSTON -- non-title match

The bell sounded immediately back from break. Kofi then tried to corner Big Show, but the ref pulled Kofi away. As Kofi was being pulled away, Big Show KO Punched Kofi right in the face. As Kofi sold unconsciousness on the mat, Show rolled him over and pinned him for the win. Not quite 18 seconds, going 24 seconds. Show then promptly left the ring as the announcers noted Del Rio might not be looking forward to Friday's Smackdown.

WINNER: Show at 0:24. Clean, decisive, dominating. Not exactly a good start to 2013 for Kofi, though, especially after dropping the IC Title to close 2012. Time for a change to Kofi's character?

Raw 1,000 Flashback: The announcers went back to July when Big Show attacked John Cena, costing Cena his WWE Title match against C.M. Punk. The Rock then returned, cleaned house, and Punk turned heel by blind-siding Rock.

Backstage: WWE focused on a dressing room with "The Rock" on the door. Lawler said Rock is out next.

[Commercial Break]

Raw Hype Video: 20th Anniversary Show next week on Raw.

Rock Return Segment

In-ring: Cult of Personality played to bring out WWE champion C.M. Punk and Paul Heyman instead of The Rock. WWE then replayed Ryback having his hands on the WWE Title just moments ago until The Shield cost Ryback the title match.

In the ring, Punk thought over his words as Heyman held up the WWE Title belt. Punk removed the WWE logo on the mic and tossed it aside. He said the time has come for him to talk about something very personal. Punk said he hears everything that everyone says. He said the word "pipebomb" has been misunderstood for months. Punk said it's the truth and honesty. He said the perception in Las Vegas last year was a disgruntled wrestler whose ego then became a runaway train. Punk said the next part of it is people think he turned his back on them. "That's a lie," he said.

[Q12] Punk said he meant everything he said in Vegas, except for the part about ice cream because the people don't need to eat anymore ice cream. Punk said he made a conscious decision at the time to sell out to the fans. "I cashed in," he said. "I created this persona of this rebel and anti-hero because I know you all love to cheer for your superheroes." Punk said the truth about Vegas and WWE is it doesn't matter if you're the best in the ring, on the mic, or at the commentary table because there is a glass ceiling and you're not allowed to break it. Punk said the more popular you are, the more opportunities you get.

Punk said John Cena had the worst year of his career, yet he still gets title after title shot. He said Daniel Bryan puts on a smile and fakes his way through dumb catchphrases, Brodus Clay is forced to touch dirty children, and Tyson Kidd is over-looked. Some vocal males applauded, who Punk called out. Punk said you're playing right into my hands. He said the audience can't handle anything serious or complicated because it's a circus and they're here to entertain. Punk said WWE wants you to think that no one can succeed in WWE unless you're popular, but he proved them all wrong by doing it his own way.

Punk then said he could have been WWE champ in Bruno Sammartino's era because Bruno wrestled once a month at MSG. He said Hulk Hogan couldn't have survived weekly TLC matches. Punk said one year for him is like 30 years in their time. Punk said he did this in spite of the fans.

Punk continued that the rest of the roster puts on their happy faces and goes for cheap reactions playing to the crowd, shouting out to Tampa, Florida. Punk said they'll say they did it for all of the fans, but he's a bad, bad man. Punk said Ric Flair will cry his 180-years-old eyes out, Shawn Michaels will talk about wanting the acceptance of the fans, and Edge will say he put his body through hell for the fans, which means these people are either weak or dishonest. He said he is neither, but the Best in the World.

Punk said there are two types of people in this world. One is people in the spotlight and the other is people who pay to see people in the spotlight. Punk said people pay to see him, but he has never done this for them. He said he is a Superstar and the crowd are nobodies. Punk said the real Superstars should give the fans their Millions...and Millions of Dollars they earn if they're genuine about "doing it for the fans," continuing to take digs at Rock.

Punk then paused as a stagehand told him they need to take a commercial break. Punk said they don't go to break when they want to go to break, but when The Champ wants to. Punk said The Rock is going to come out here and talk a whole lot, but here's the most important thing they will hear. Lawler talked over Punk, who told the crowd that the most important thing is they don't matter and what they want doesn't matter. Raw cut to break mid-sentence.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break, Punk was still talking. Punk said he will stand before you still as WWE champion on the first Raw of 2014. Punk said what disappoints him is these so-called Superheroes trying to take the title from him, which is not going to happen. Punk said when he regained the WWE Title from Alberto Del Rio at Survivor Series 2011, he not only beat Del Rio, but the system. Punk continued that when he beat every Superstar during his title reign, he didn't just beat those opponents, but the fans. "I have beaten you; I have stomped you out under my oppressive boot," he said. Punk said he will do the same to Rock and the fans will not get to win because they are losers.

One minute before the top of the hour, The Rock's music played to put an end to Punk's promo. Rock came out on-stage and cocked one eye toward the ring as the crowd exploded. Rock then went side-to-side across the stage looking into the crowd as Cole declared that he has goosebumps. WWE cut into the ring to show Punk selling annoyance as Rock bounced up and down on-stage.

[Q13 -- over-run] A clean-shaven Rock stomped down to the ring flexing his muscles in a cut-off-sleeves t-shirt before hitting the ring and posing on the top turnbuckle. Rock then entered the ring, walked right past Punk, and posed in the opposite turnbuckle. Rock hopped down from the turnbuckle and grabbed a mic before pacing around Punk, who sold not being intimidated.

Rock said he wanted to hear it all from Punk and waited to hear everything that Punk has to say. He said it's become crystal-clear to him that Punk is completely delusional. Rock said Punk has been WWE champ for 414 days, but the real number that haunts Punk's dreams is 20. He said there are 20 excuses running around Punk's head and 20 hairs standing up on his Straight-Edge scrotum. He said in 20 days, Punk will have to defend the WWE Title against him. "Time's up," he said.

Rock paused for a "Rocky, Rocky" chant as the two remained face-to-face. Rock said Punk wanted change and a revolution, but the people rejected Punk. Rock said Punk couldn't do change or do a revolution, promising ice cream bars for everyone. He said Punk couldn't deliver ice cream bars if the DQ truck drove straight up Punk's ass. Rock paused to glare at Punk, then noted the voices in the crowd. Rock said Punk claims to be the voice of the voiceless, but that's hot garbage. He said there's no such thing as the voiceless in WWE. He said they have voices and they love to use their voices. As a matter of fact, they know something special is about to happen right now.

Rock said they're going to use their voices to chant the loudest chant that will follow Punk for the rest of his life. Not respect, not BITW, but what Punk is. "Cookie puss," he repeated. The crowd followed with a "Cookie puss" chant. Punk egged them on, telling the crowd to keep it coming. Punk told them to be the puppets they are. "Congratulations," he declared. Punk looked toward Rock and said they don't get to win and Rock doesn't get to win.

Rock smiled and said they've already won. He said they won when Rock woke up at 4:00 a.m., ate his pancakes, hit the gym, got in his pick-up truck, drove through alligator alley, and is standing right here in the middle of the ring and can say, "Finally, The Rock has come back to Tampa." Big applause from the crowd. Rock then circled Punk before pausing for a "Rocky, Rocky" chant.

Rock told Punk that he's back for three reasons. (1) Entertain the fans. (2) Stop Punk. (3) And, after ten long years, he's here to win that (WWE Title). Rock said he has watched every Raw, watching Punk backpedal, deceive, and lie. He said he wanted someone just to tell Punk they respect him so he would shut up, and he looks like Popeye, the crackhead. Rock said Punk needs a little thing in his mouth so he can say, "Toot-toot." Punk was not amused.

Rock got serious and said Punk has one of the greatest minds in WWE, but he turned into one of the biggest jerks he's ever seen. Rock said when he is here, don't ever say the people matter. He said they always matter, but Punk is the one who doesn't matter. Punk smirked and said he matters because he's the most successful -- Rock interrupted, "It doesn't matter if you matter." He continued that Punk has no way of stopping him from becoming WWE champion. They circled each other in the ring, then Punk said unlike a lot of people, he's glad Rock is here. Punk said Rock can be Santa Claus and work one day per year because he'll still kick his ass. Punk said whenever Rock decides to grace them with his presence, he'll still kick his ass. Punk said Rock has never faced someone like him. He said Rock can do his tired, lameass shtick, but come the Royal Rumble, he's going to kick his ass. Punk said he's the best guy Rock has ever faced in the ring, and he's playing little-league with his rhymes, but he's in the big-leagues swinging for the fences. Punk said it's all kiddy-games because Rock can't leave a mark on the champ's face. Punk said Rock's arms are just too short to box with God in the ring. Punk stared straight into Rock, who returned with a quizzical look on his face, sizing up Punk.

Rock said Punk may think The Rock is boxing with God, but he knows for a fact that Punk is going one-on-one with The Great One. Rock said he knows Punk is a bad, bad man and he knocked him out with a GTS the last time they were in the ring. Rock said he was embarrassed and he didn't forget, but in 20 days, time is up. Rock told Punk that from now until then, he wants Punk to go home and think about the next 20 days. In fact, look in the mirror and strip naked. Rock told Punk not to look at his cookie puss, but find a small space on his body that isn't covered by ugly tattoos.

Rock told Punk to get a tattoo of a big, fat M&M, Snickers, or another candy bar on his left butt cheek. But, not Almonds Joy because Punk doesn't have nuts. And, on the right cheek, get a tattoo of his big, size 15 boot kicking his candyass. Rock then grappled Punk and dropped him with Rock Bottom center-ring. Punk rolled out of the ring and Punk trash-talked down to the ring as Punk retrieved his title belt and slowly clutched it.

In the ring, Rock did the belt-around-his-waist motion and flashed 2-0 to Punk as his music played. On the floor, Punk finally reached his feet as Rock flashed 2-0 some more. The announcers quickly plugged the 20th Anniversary of Raw next week on Raw as the show signed off 15 minutes past the top of the hour.

Before Raw went off the air, a plug for Smackdown and The Rock's history on the show played. This Friday, The Rock returns home to Miami. And for the first time in ten years, Rock returns to Smackdown.