WWE has announced that United States champion Antonio Cesaro will defend against The Miz this Sunday on the 30-minute online Royal Rumble pre-show. WWE.com asks:
“With so much bad blood between them already and championship gold on the line, it is safe to say The Miz will be in attack mode this Sunday. Can The Swiss Superman, who’s looked otherworldly at times during his five-month title reign, muster victory against a peeved Miz, a former U.S. Title holder himself?”
– The following updatd were on “Superstar” Billy Graham’s Facebook page on Tuesday.
Billy Graham wrote today:
I must say I found out just about 15 minutes ago speaking with Valerie who was speaking with a Mayo doctor I almost didn’t make it through this double pneumonia and congestive heart failure, but God was on my side, to use a Dylan line. We can also use this line by Martian Luther King, since yesterday was his official holiday here in the US, “Free at last, Free at last, good God almighty free at last”
Billy Graham’s webmaster wrote on Tuesday:
The Superstar’s friend Devon Nicholson has confirmed he has been released from the hospital!!!
He will likely resume posting on here in a limited capacity later this week.
On behalf of all of his friends that you everyone for your positive thoughts and prayers for the Superstar. This is truly a miracle.
– Hannibal Pro Wrestling posted the following update on Monday:
Update on Superstar Billy Graham’s Hospital Status
Hannibal Pro Wrestling has received word that Superstar Billy Graham is getting stronger, is no longer on continuous oxygen and will likely be taken off of is intravenous antibiotics and diuretics (to help remove the fluid from around his heart cavity) in the next 24-48 hours. If he is released from the hospital and sent home at that point he will remain on oral medications and ordered to rest.
HPW would like to remind the Superstar’s fans that although he appears to have fought through his latest health scare he is currently 69 years old with a weakened immune system due to Hepatitis C, blood sugar issues, an electrical problem with his heart and liver cirrhosis (the normal liver cells are irreversibly replaced by scar tissue). His remaining time on this earth will likely not be great and should be appreciated.
Graham had a liver transplant more than 10 years ago due to his first liver being in the cirrhosis stage. His second liver is now at that stage and he is not getting a second transplant. Hepatitis C can lead to cirrhosis of the liver. The loss of normal liver tissue increasingly slows the processing of nutrients, hormones, drugs, and toxins by the liver, as well as the production of proteins and other substances made by the liver. The scar tissue that forms in cirrhosis damages the structure of the liver, progressively making the flow of blood through the liver more difficult.
Paul Heyman spoke to the US Airways Center website this week to promote Sunday’s WWE Royal Rumble pay-per-view. Here are some highlights.
The First Time He Saw CM Punk Wrestle: “You know, it’s that intangible “it” factor that separates guys that are great talents from guys that are great talents who also become great attractions. It’s an indescribable charisma that takes over a room and jumps through your TV set.
“The first time I saw a video of CM Punk, he was wrestling in some non-descript town on a little Indy show, and he came off like a gigantic superstar that was appearing on this small show. It jumped out at me how much star power he had. In addition to how talented he was in the ring and on the microphone, he just exudes star power.”
Who Punk Reminds Him Of: “CM Punk reminds me of a lot of people. He has Rick Rude’s ability to feel the crowd. He has Steve Austin’s ability to change direction mid-stream, if he doesn’t like the way something is going. He has Brock Lesnar’s drive and ambition to be the absolute very best at what he does. He brings to the table the best of a lot of A-List people that I’ve worked with, and, as you pointed out, he is perhaps the most intelligent man that I have ever been in a conversation with in my life.”
If we will CM Punk & Brock Lesnar Team Up Together: “Only if WWE chooses to write some very heavy paychecks.”
– Jim Ross noted on Twitter that he’s currently battling the flu.
– WWE.com has published an “injury update” on The Rock, which is basically a story-line driven piece talking about The Shield attacking him on RAW and Vince McMahon announcing that CM Punk will be stripped of the WWE Championship if The Shield interferes in their match at the Royal Rumble. After The Rock tweeted that he suffered internal bleeding on Monday night, the article speculates whether The Rock’s injuries are worse than he’s letting on.
– Paul Heyman tweeted a picture on Tuesday afternoon of CM Punk holding the WWE Championship on RAW with the caption, “The belt itself leaves a lot to be desired, but that title means EVERYTHING!” WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin replied to the tweet, “Wow. Agreed.”
– Friday’s SmackDown drew 2,884,000 viewers, down from the previous week.
– Here’s this week’s edition of “What Was Cut From RAW On Hulu Plus,” courtesy of Kaleb Perkins:
* The video package on Mick Foley being the first inductee in the 2013 Hall of Fame.
* Big Show vs. Zack Ryder and Big Show’s post-match promo
* Heath Slater vs. Ryback and Ryback’s post-match promo
* Dolph Ziggler’s entrance for his Beat the Clock Challenge match with The Miz.
* Kaitlyn vs. Alicia Fox
* The entrances of Sheamus and Wade Barrett for their Beat the Clock Challenge match against each other.
* Alberto Del Rio vs. Tensai and Del Rio’s in-ring promo
Nash defeated Bob Backlund to capture the WWE Championship in a record 8 seconds at Madison Square Garden back in 1994. Here’s video of the title change:
– Craig Hlavaty of the Houston Press has written an article about his experience as a “seat filler” at last week’s 20th Anniversary RAW. When WWE holds a RAW or SmackDown taping and there are empty seats on the “hard camera” side, arena officials will move fans around so the empty seats to not appear on television. Here’s an excerpt of what Hlavaty said about the experience:
“After waiting about an hour, we were briefed by a staffer named Steve, whose role it is with the show to make sure seats don’t look empty for the folks at home.”
“I did get some sweet seat fillin’ action during the Divas match, where Kaitlyn and Eve duked it out. Apparently some fans didn’t wanna watch two chicks fight it out and I got to become a red, bald pixel behind two chicks in spandex. Story of my life.”
“Other than a few movements earlier in the evening, I didn’t move much, if at all. Seat fillers get great seats, however transient, and get to see all the action.”
– Here is the latest episode of WWE’s Backstage Fallout, featuring behind-the-scenes interviews from Monday’s RAW:
What does Dr. Shelby think of his anger management graduates, WWE Tag Team Champions, Team Hell No? Watch the Raw edition of “Backstage Fallout” to hear from the good doctor. Plus, get your dose of Divas Champion Kaitlyn.
WWE United States champion Antonio Cesaro was interviewed by the Phoenix New Times this week to promote Sunday’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view. Here are some highlights of what Cesaro said about:
Working with CM Punk & Daniel Bryan in WWE after being on the indy scene with them just a few years ago:
“I think it’s great and it just proves that if you work hard and if you get better and better and get the best at your craft as you can be [then] you will have success. You know, all those guys — Daniel Bryan, CM Punk, myself, and many others — have put a lot of hard work into what they do and made a lot of sacrifices. [They] still do. It does not come overnight.”
Is it better to be a villain than a hero?
See, I think the lines are very, very blurred because I don’t see myself as the villain. I think it’s America that vilifies me because I say what I say and think and America doesn’t like foreigners. When I go to Europe, or [when] I went to my home country of Switzerland, I was a big hero. And I’m still the same person. So I think its all in the view of the beholder…how do you say?
– Ratings for Monday’s WWE RAW have been delayed this week due to the Martin Luther King holiday. We’ll have the info on Wednesday afternoon.
– ESPN.com has updated their WWE Power Rankings for the week. Here are the Top 5, with their rankings from last week in the parentheses:
1. CM Punk (1)
2. Dolph Ziggler (3)
3. The Shield (9)
4. Alberto Del Rio (4)
5. The Rock (2)
It’s worth noting that John Cena ranked at #10 this week after taking the #5 spot last week. ESPN is the latest news outlet to skewer Cena for his odd promo on RAW:
This man used to be money on the mic, but his promo on Raw was seriously one of the most ridiculous, time-wasting experiences I’ve sat through in years. Curious to know whether his writers are really this out of touch, or if Cena actually thinks he’s being funny.
The National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum issued the following today:
Ric Flair, Matt Hughes, and Edge headline 2013 Hall of Fame Class
WATERLOO, Iowa—The National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum has finalized the Class of 2013 for the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame. This will be the 15th class inducted into the Hall of Fame.
The George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame weekend will take place July 12-13 in Waterloo, Iowa.
Ric Flair, “Cowboy” Bill Watts, and Chris Taylor (posthumously) were chosen by the selection committee to enter the Hall of Fame. Criteria for induction into the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame include substantial impact on professional wrestling, general respect within the profession, and a strong amateur wrestling background. The selection committee includes all living hall of fame members as well as a select group of wrestling historians.
A special committee also selects four award winners to enter the Hall of Fame. This year’s award winners include Edge (Adam Copeland), Jim Brunzell, Matt Hughes, and George Napolitano.
“This is a special class of inductees,” said Gerry Brisco, a member of the Tragos/Thesz Hall of Fame and a member of the special selection committee. “Each person being inducted has taken the profession to new heights. I look forward to being back in Waterloo, Iowa, for this year’s Hall of Fame weekend.”
Adam Copeland will receive the Lou Thesz Award, which is given to an individual in wrestling who has taken the skills of the profession into the realm of public service. Copeland (known as Edge) held 31 championships in the WWE, including 11 world championships. He is also one of three wrestlers who have held every currently active male championship in the WWE.
Jim Brunzell will receive the Frank Gotch Award for bringing positive recognition to professional wrestling through work outside the ring. The former AWA star was part of the “High Flyers,” a tag team that included Greg Gagne. Brunzell also had a very successful run in the WWE as one half of the Killer Bees tag team with Brian Blair.
Diamond Dallas Page will receive the Frank Gotch Award in 2014.
Matt Hughes will receive the George Tragos Award, given to an exceptionally competitive wrestler who adapted his wrestling skills and competitive nature to excel in Mixed Martial Arts. Hughes is a nine-time World Welterweight Champion of the UFC, with a 45-9 career record. He was also a two-time Division I wrestling All-American for Eastern Illinois in the 158 pound weight class.
The Jim Melby Award recognizes excellence in professional wrestling journalism. George Napolitano, this year’s recipient, specialized in professional wrestling photography. He has authored several pictorial books, including “Hot Shots and High Spots”, “Wrestling Heroes and Villains”, “This is Wrestling!”, and “The Pictorial History of Wrestling: The Good the Bad and the Ugly” (with Bert Randolph Sugar).
The National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum is selling 50 all-access passes to the George Tragos Lou Thesz/Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame weekend in advance of the event for $100 each. The all-access pass includes:
–Front row ticket to the Impact Pro Wrestling Show on Friday night with Colt Cabana and professional wrestling legends.
–Ticket to the talent evaluation seminar led by Hall of Famer Gerry Brisco.
–General admission ticket to Saturday’s autograph signing at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum.
–Special closed door reception with several members of the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame.
–Ticket to the Hall of Fame induction banquet featuring acceptance speeches from the 2013 induction class.
–Copy of the 2013 George Tragos/Lou Thesz Hall of Fame DVD.
During the commercial breaks of Monday’s WWE RAW from San Jose, California, the WWE app aired several videos that didn’t air on television:
– Cody Rhodes and Damien Sandow crashed Team Hell No’s anger management graduation ceremony. Dr. Shelby ended up losing his cool and pushed Sandow over a table, leading Kane and Bryan to clear the ring of the Rhodes Scholars. Rhodes Scholars out of the ring to end the segment.
– Sheamus was interviewed by Matt Striker backstage and said he plans to Brogue Kick everyone in Sunday’s Royal Rumble match.
– 3MB spoke to Matt Striker and they guaranteed that one of them will win the Rumble.
– World Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio spoke with Matt Striker and promised that “a giant will fall” at the Rumble, just like the Baltimore Ravens will fall to the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl. Del Rio is a big San Francisco 49ers fan.
– The Miz spoke with Matt Striker, who noted that Miz had trouble applying the figure four lock lock during his match with Dolph Ziggler. Miz blamed his troubles on being rushed due to the Beat the Clock Challenge and said he needs to keep working on the move. The Miz said he will master the move and help carry on the legacy of Ric Flair.
– It was announced on Monday’s RAW that the Big Show’s World Heavyweight title match against Alberto Del Rio will be a Last Man Standing match. Booker T allowed Big Show to pick the match stipulation as a result of Big Show threatening to get him fired for violating his iron-clad contract by booking the Falls Count Anywhere match on SmackDown where he lost the belt to Del Rio.
In a video that aired on the WWE app during a RAW commercial, The Rock (with a bloody mouth) admitted that he got his ass whooped by The Shield, but promised to capture the WWE Championship this Sunday.
– Vince McMahon botched one of his lines on RAW during the backstage segment with WWE Champion CM Punk and Paul Heyman. When Vince was announcing the stipulation that CM Punk will be stripped of the WWE title at the Royal Rumble if The Shield interferes during his match against The rock, Vince actually said “CM Punk will be be stripped if CM Punk interferes in his match.”
– Former WWE Divas the Bella Twins will be appearing in a new movie, “Confessions of a Womanizer.” Here is a ‘sizzle reel’ featuring footage of their scenes:
– David Otunga noted on Twitter that he will be appearing on TruTV’s Headline News TV from 12-2pm EST and will be serving as a guest legal expert weighing in on the Jodi Arias trial. Arias is accused of stabbing her boyfriend.
– Santino Marella’s daughter Bianca Carelli won the Miss Teen Canada World pageant in Toronto, Canada over the weekend. Here’s a picture of Bianca after her win:
– Here’s WWE’s latest promo video hyping CM Punk’s match against The Rock this Sunday at the Royal Rumble:
– With Zack Ryder and Dolph Ziggler’s YouTube shows recently ending and WWE making some changes to their YouTube content offerings, there has been talk of The Miz getting his own YouTube show.
– Speaking of The Miz, his new mentor, Ric Flair, was not at Monday’s RAW from San Jose, California as expected. As of last week, Flair was booked for the show, however the only sign of Flair on RAW was during a video package recapping Flair’s appearance on Miz TV last week. It’s possible that WWE kept Flair off the show because The Miz was booked to lose to Dolph Ziggler in a Beat the Clock match, but that’s just speculation on our part.
Flair was also scheduled to work tonight’s WWE SmackDown tapings from Sacramento before heading to Japan to wrestle for All Japan Pro Wrestling later this week, but it remains to be seen if he’ll appear tonight.
– Rey Mysterio was also not at Monday’s RAW from San Jose. He tweeted the last night that he was headed home to watch RAW with his kids after taking a yoga class. Mysterio worked Friday night’s WWE live event, but is still not considered to be back with WWE full time. His status for the Royal Rumble remains up in the air, despite previous reports that he and Sin Cara would be at the PPV.
– Tonight’s WWE SmackDown and Main Event tapings will take place from Sacramento, California at the Sleep Train Arena. No matches have been announced for either show, but CM Punk and The Rock are advertised for Friday’s SmackDown.
– WWE announced on their Facebook page that they’ll be partnering with the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network to promote next week’s “No Name Calling Week” anti-bullying campaign.
– San Francisco Giant Sergio Romo was at ringside and backstage for Monday’s WWE RAW from San Jose, California. World Heavyweight champion Alberto Del Rio tweeted the following picture of himself with Sergio Romo and Ricardo Rodriguez at the show with the caption, “Mexican Super Stars in San Jose” –
– JBL and Michael Cole will be taping a new episode of their “JBL and Cole” show on Sunday, outside of the US Airways Center in Phoenix, Arizona. The show starts at 1pm and they will be giving away two free tickets to the Royal Rumble.
– The three men who played police offers on RAW during the backstage segments with The Rock were local indy workers Dave Dutra (All Pro Wrestling), JR Kratos (Supreme Pro Wrestling) and Julio Pedrosa.
Following Monday’s WWE RAW, here’s the updated card for the 2013 Royal Rumble pay-per-view:
WWE Championship Match
CM Punk (c) vs. The Rock
* If The Shield interferes, Vince McMahon will strip CM Punk of the championship.
World Heavyweight Championship Match: Last Man Standing
Alberto Del Rio (c) vs. Big Show
WWE Tag Team Championship Match
Team Hell No (c) vs. Team Rhodes Scholars
Royal Rumble Pre-Show Match: US Champion Antonio Cesaro vs. The Miz
30-Man Royal Rumble Match (7 Spots Remain)
– Dolph Ziggler (Entering at #1 or #2)
– John Cena
– Randy Orton
– Ryback
– Sheamus
– Antonio Cesaro
– Wade Barrett
– Kane
– Daniel Bryan
– The Miz
– Cody Rhodes
– Damien Sandow
– Darren Young
– Titus O’Neil
– Heath Slater
– Jinder Mahal
– Drew McIntyre
– Kofi Kingston
– Brodus Clay
– The Great Khali
– Jimmy Uso
– Jey Uso
– Michael McGillicutty
Daniel Bryan posted the following video on Tout, giving the world another glimpse at his new alter ego, The Dazzler. To recap, Bryan revealed on January 1st that one of his New Years Resolutions was to become … The Dazzler:
Any good resolutions out there? Mine: 1) grow my beard all year 2) become The Dazzler 3) continue dominating The Ryback
– WWE.com published an article looking at the company’s top developmental prospects at NXT. The list includes Kassius Ohno, Leo Kruger, Bo Dallas, Paige, Richie Steamboat, Adrian Neville (PAC), Anya, and Bray Wyatt & The Family.
– John Cena posted the following video on Tout featuring himself and Zack Ryder. Cena asks Ryder how it feels to become a #SevenFigureBroski and how achieving 1 million Twitter followers has changed his life:
– Following The Shield’s attack on The Rock on RAW, Vince McMahon stated that he will personally strip CM Punk of the WWE Championship if The Shield interferes in Punk’s match with The Rock at the Royal Rumble.
– Also on RAW, it was announced that Big Show’s World Heavyweight title match against Alberto Del Rio at the Royal Rumble will have a Last Man Standing stipulation.
– Prior to Monday’s WWE RAW from San Jose, California, WWE taped the following matches for this week’s episode of Superstars:
* The Uso’s vs. The Prime Time Players.
* Kofi Kingston vs. JTG.
– After Monday’s WWE RAW went off the air, the huge in-ring brawl featuring the Royal Rumble participants cleared out, leaving only John Cena and Sheamus in the ring. Big Show came out with a microphone and announced that he and Intercontinental champion Wade Barrett would be facing John Cena and Sheamus in the dark match main event.
John Cena and Sheamus won the match after Cena hit the AA on the Big Show. After the match, Big Show cut a promo saying that it took both Cena and Sheamus to beat him and no single competitor could beat him in a fair fight. Out came World Heavyweight champion Alberto Del Rio, who unloaded on the Big Show to end the show. Del Rio left through the crowd and put on a San Francisco 49ers hat.
Following Monday’s episode of WWE RAW, the following participants are confirmed for Sunday’s 2013 Royal Rumble battle royal match:
– John Cena
– Randy Orton
– Ryback
– Sheamus
– Dolph Ziggler (Entering at #1 or #2)
– Antonio Cesaro
– Wade Barrett
– Kane
– Daniel Bryan
– The Miz
– Cody Rhodes
– Damien Sandow
– Darren Young
– Titus O’Neil
– Heath Slater
– Jinder Mahal
– Drew McIntyre
– Kofi Kingston
– Brodus Clay
– The Great Khali
– Jimmy Uso
– Jey Uso
– Michael McGillicutty
With 23 competitors announced, that leaves 7 spots open. WWE will likely name a few more entrants on SmackDown and will almost certainly leave a few spots open for surprise appearances this Sunday.
WWE RAW opens up with a video for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
– RAW opens with Vickie Guerrero and Paul Heyman coming to the ring. Vickie talks about how she wants us to be entertained on her show. Vickie brings up The Rock and Heyman chimes in as the crowd boos.
Heyman says he’s out here as a show of unity with Vickie. Heyman says one man defamed his character and Vickie’s character last week – The Rock. Heyman calls Vickie the sexiest General Manager in WWE history. Vickie shows us footage from Rock Concert last week where Rock ripped Heyman. Heyman shows us footage of Rock ripping on Vickie last week.
Vickie says if Rock enters the arena tonight, he will be arrested by San Jose Police. A crew member informs Vickie that Rock is here now and she laughs. Vickie says she has a camera outside and Rock was just informed he can’t enter. We go outside and Rock is pacing back and forth in front of some gimmicked police officers. Rock says of course this is what Vickie does, screws the people. Rock rips Vickie and says he knows the police have a job to do but there’s not an entity on this planet that will stop The Rock from getting in the middle of the People’s ring and electrifying. One guy speaks up and says they will have no choice but to arrest him. Rock says Heyman is a lot like Manti Te’o because he has a fake nut sac. Rock keeps ripping on Heyman. Rock says Vickie must have her head up her ass if she thinks she can keep him out. Rock tells the police that he’s relentless. Rock says there’s no way, he means no way, that he won’t get in the middle of the ring and electrify tonight. Rock says it’s not a matter of if, it’s when. We go back to the ring and Vickie is throwing a fit. Vickie mocks Rock with an, “if you smell what The Vick is cooking…”
– Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler plug tonight’s Beat the Clock Challenge with Wade Barrett, Antonio Cesaro, The Miz, Randy Orton, Dolph Ziggler and Sheamus. The winner gets to pick his spot in the Royal Rumble. Orton vs. Cesaro is up next after commercial.
Beat the Clock Challenge Match: Randy Orton vs. Antonio Cesaro
Back from the break and WWE United States Champion Antonio Cesaro is in the ring. Randy Orton is out next.
The bell rings and they go at it. Orton with an early 2 count. Orton goes for another cover and applies a headlock. Cesaro takes Orton down for a pin attempt of his own. And another. Orton fights out but Cesaro drops him again for another 2 count. Cesaro with uppercuts and a headlock. Orton connects with a Thesz Press for a 2 count. Orton with right hands now. Orton with a kick and a knee. Cesaro blocks a suplex and rolls Orton up for 2. Orton comes right back with a dropkick and a 2 count.
Cesaro goes to the floor but Orton follows and works him over. Orton brings it back in for a 2 count. We go back to commercial.
Back from the break and Cesaro is taking Orton up to the top. Orton fights him off but Cesaro shoves Orton off and out to the floor. Cesaro brings Orton back in the ring for another 2 count. Cesaro with a gutwrench and another pin attempt. Cesaro with another pin attempt and a chinlock. Cesaro with another slam and pin attempt. Cesaro stomps Orton’s gut and covers again. More back and forth. Orton comes back with clotheslines and a powerslam. Orton takes Cesaro to the apron for the draping DDT but Cesaro counters and rolls Orton up for 2. Cesaro with a big uppercut in mid-air for another close 2 count. Cesaro with another hold before throwing Orton into the ring post. Cesaro goes to the floor and brings Orton back in. Orton catches Cesaro with a RKO as he comes in, for the win at 11 minutes and 36 seconds.
Winner: Randy Orton
– Cole talks about the Hall of Fame and we get the Mick Foley induction video.
– We get the latest promo from The Shield’s Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose where they had a message for Sheamus, Randy Orton, The Miz, Kane, Daniel Bryan and Ryback. They say they’re just getting started.
Big Show vs. Zack Ryder
Back from the break and out comes Big Show to the ring. Zack Ryder is out next. As the match starts, Brad Maddox sneaks in and joins commentary. Show punishes Ryder and lays him out with a knockout punch for the squash win.
Winner: Big Show
– Brad Maddox leaves commentary and says he has other job offers. It was announced that Show vs. Alberto Del Rio at Royal Rumble will be another Last Man Standing match. Show puts his foot on Ryder and counts to 10, saying this is a preview of what will happen on Sunday. Show ends up yelling at the fans and storming off to the back.
– Ryback vs. 3MB is up next. Back to commercial.
– Heyman is backstage on the phone with someone, telling them there is no way The Rock will get into the business. Brad Maddox comes in with his camera man. Maddox says like Heyman, there’s nothing he wouldn’t do to keep his dreams alive. Heyman admires his ambition and respects his dedication. Heyman shakes his hand and says he will make Maddox famous. Heyman poses with Maddox and gets back to his phone call.
Heath Slater vs. Ryback
We go to the ring and Heath Slater, Jinder Mahal and Drew McIntyre are in the ring. Out comes Ryback to a pop.
Slater gets some offense early but Ryback runs over him. Ryback with a spinebuster and the Meathook Clothesline. McIntyre gets involved but gets knocked down. Same with Mahal. Ryback tosses Mahal into McIntyre and they fall off the apron. Ryback hits Shellshocked on Slater for the quick win.
Winner: Ryback
– Ryback takes the mic and says damn, his job is fun. Ryback says Sunday is his first Rumble match – a match he was made for and will thrive in. Ryback says it is the match that will lead him to the main event of WrestleMania. Ryback starts a “feed me more” chant and that’s it.
– The Rock is backstage with the same police officers from earlier. Rock is trying to talk them into letting him in the building. Rock says they are here to protect and serve the people. He says it’s always been about the people. Rock gets the fans to chant his name inside the building. One of the officers says his wife and kid are in the crowd. He says he still has his ticket. Vickie Guerrero appears and tells the police to arrest Rock. They say he’s not breaking any laws so they can’t arrest him. Vickie says she will have them suspended if they don’t do what she says. Vickie says while Rock is outside, Punk is inside and he’s about to address the people. Vickie says she will lift the ban if Rock wants to apologize to her. Rock says there’s two problems with that – one, he’s going to get in the ring on his terms and two, biotch – she still looks horrible tonight. Vickie storms off. Rock tells the officers he has an idea and we go to commercial.
– RAW Roulette is announced for next Monday’s RAW from Las Vegas.
– Back from the break and out comes WWE Champion CM Punk to the ring with Paul Heyman.
Punk talks about what the WWE Title meant to him and the match with The Rock at the Royal Rumble. Punk says he will not allow The Rock to walk out as the champion. Punk says you can call Rock what you want but you will not be able to call him champion. Punk says he has earned the right to be the man. Punk tells Rock to enjoy everything for the next six days. Punk says he realized a long time ago that the people do not matter. Punk says only the WWE Title matters.
– Still to come tonight, John Cena will address the WWE Universe. We go back to commercial.
Beat the Clock Challenge Match: Dolph Ziggler vs. The Miz
Back from the break and out comes Dolph Ziggler, AJ Lee and Big E Langston. The time to beat is 11 minutes and 36 seconds. Out next comes The Miz. We see footage of The Miz and Ric Flair from last week.
Miz strikes quick with a dropkick and several early pin attempts. Ziggler comes back with a roll up of his own for 2. Back and forth and more pin attempt trades. Ziggler dropkicks Miz and covers for 2. Ziggler ends up on the back of The Miz with a sleeper. Miz counters and takes Ziggler down. Miz ends up on the floor and Langston works him over. Ziggler brings it back in the ring for a 2 count. We go to commercial.
Back from the break and Ziggler has Miz down on the mat. More back and forth and pin attempts. Miz with a big kick to the face for another 2 count. Miz beats Ziggler down in the corner until the referee has to pull him off. Miz with a running clothesline before going to the top. Miz comes down with an ax handle and another pin attempt. Ziggler blocks the Skull Crushing Finale and they trade roll ups. Ziggler with a big jumping DDT for 2. Miz with the backbreaker but Ziggler blocks the neckbreaker. Miz counters and applies the Figure Four. AJ gets on the apron and distracts the referee. Langston pulls Ziggler to the ropes and the hold is broken. Miz goes outside and brings Ziggler back in. Miz rolls Ziggler up for 2. Langston goes to hit Miz but just distracts him. Ziggler takes advantage and hits Zig Zag for the win. The new time to beat is 10 minutes and 56 seconds.
Winner: Dolph Ziggler
– Still to come, Kane and Daniel Bryan will have anger management graduation with Dr. Shelby. Back to commercial.
– Back from the break and Dr. Shelby is in the ring with a graduation set up. He says he’s so proud of Kane and Daniel Bryan before calling them out to the ring for their graduation ceremony. The WWE Tag Team Champions come out with gowns on.
Shelby talks about how they have came since beginning anger management. Shelby gives them their caps. Shelby has one last exercise and asks them who they think should be valedictorian, who gets to talk about their feelings. Kane says it should be Bryan. Bryan says it should be Kane. They start arguing and yelling. Shelby yells louder and proposes a group hug. They make Cole and Lawler hug. Then Justin Roberts and a crew member. Three guys in the audience then hug. Another couple of guys hug. Shelby has everyone in the arena hug and that’s it. Shelby, Kane and Bryan hug and jump around in the ring to end it.
– Still to come, John Cena will address the WWE Universe. Back to commercial.
– Back from the break and we see footage from last week of Kaitlyn winning the WWE Divas Title and Eve Torres quitting.
Alicia Fox vs. Kaitlyn
We go to the ring and Alicia Fox is dancing around. Out next comes WWE Divas Champion Kaitlyn for a non-title match.
Alicia strikes first and takes Kaitlyn to the corner. Kaitlyn turns it around and tosses her to the floor. We see Tamina Snuka watching backstage. Kaitlyn with a baseball slide and then a tackle from the apron. Alicia counters and brings it back in the ring. Alicia tosses Kaitlyn around the ring and works her over. Alicia with a leg scissor and a clothesline for 2. Alicia with a headlock now.
Kaitlyn fights out of a hold and ducks a kick in the corner. Alicia gets hung up and turns around to a spear from Kaitlyn for the win.
Winner: Kaitlyn
– Heyman and Punk are backstage walking. Heyman has arranged a luxury skybox for Punk to watch what’s happening next. Heyman says he has a personal message for The Rock… he calls it a Paul-bomb and dedicates it to Punk. They head off to the skybox and we go to commercial.
– Back from the break and Heyman says he is also CM Punk’s adviser, friend, advocate. Heyman says tonight he will also act as Punk’s interpreter after most of what Punk said earlier went over everyone’s head. We see Punk watching from a skybox. Heyman assures us that Rock won’t leave Royal Rumble as WWE Champion. Heyman says Vince McMahon is a tyrant and desperate for someone to defeat Punk. Heyman goes on and says just like the people, The Rock is stupid. Rock’s music hits and out he comes to a big pop.
Rock thanks the San Jose Police Department for his ticket to RAW. Heyman goes to interrupt and Rock tells him to shut up. Rock calls him Twinkie tits and threatens him, forcing Heyman to get out of the ring. Rock looks up at the skybox where CM Punk is. Rock acknowledges Punk is a badass and says he has earned the right to all himself the best in the world. Rock says that doesn’t change the fact that this is Punk’s last RAW as WWE Champion. The crowd chants Rock’s name. Rock says Punk is obsessed with how Rock entertains the fans. Rock says he will stand before Punk and rip his face off any time. A “boots 2 asses” chant starts up. Rock says just like MLK had a dream, he has one where he will become WWE Champion one more time.
Rock promises to beat Punk on Sunday and says when that’s done, everyone will yell about how they are free at last. He ends his promo in typical Rock fashion and goes to the corner to celebrate. the lights go out and when they come back on, The Shield is beating Rock down in the corner. Rock fights back but they beat him down again. They hit the triple powerbomb on The Rock and stand over him together. The Shield exits the ring, leaving Rock laid out. Punk takes the mic and says at the top of the mountain, there’s only room for one man. Rock tries to get to his feet as Punk speaks. Punk says when Rock wakes up from that dream, he will realize The Great One wasn’t great enough to beat the best in the world. Punk holds up the WWE Title as Rock bleeds from his mouth. We go to commercial.
– Back from the break and we get another video for MLK.
– Cole and Lawler show us what just happened with The Shield and The Rock.
Beat the Clock Challenge Match: Sheamus vs. Wade Barrett
The time to beat for this one is 10 minutes and 56 seconds. Out first comes Sheamus followed by WWE Intercontinental Champion Wade Barrett.
The bell rings and they go at it. Back and forth with a few pin attempts to start the match. Sheamus with a big clothesline out of the corner. Sheamus drops Barrett for another pin attempt. Barrett ends up sending Sheamus to the floor with a clothesline as we go to commercial.
Back from the break and Barrett with a big shot to the gut then a suplex for a 2 count. Sheamus comes back with ax handles and a spear in the corner. Sheamus with a high knee and a clothesline in the corner. Barrett ducks one and gets dumped to the apron. Sheamus with forearm shots to the chest now. Sheamus suplexes Barrett in for a 2 count. Barrett turns it around and goes for a gutwrench but Sheamus counters. Barrett ducks the Brogue Kick and kicks Sheamus in the gut. Barrett with a huge back kick to the jaw for a close 2 count. Barrett goes to the second rope and nails an elbow drop for 2. Barrett puts Sheamus on his shoulders but Sheamus fights out and nails White Noise. Sheamus calls for the Brogue Kick but Ziggler, AJ and Langston run down. AJ hops in the ring and distracts Sheamus. Sheamus turns around to Winds of Change from Barrett but he kicks out at 2. Sheamus hits a Brogue Kick but can’t get the pin in before the clock expires. Ziggler celebrates at ringside with Langston and AJ. They head up the ramp as Sheamus looks on angrily from the ring. Ziggler has won the challenge.
– Still to come, Cena will address the fans. Back to commercial.
– Vickie Guerrero is backstage when Ziggler, Langston and AJ walk in bragging. AJ and Ziggler make out in front of Vickie. Ziggler talks about picking his number. Vickie interrupts and says she didn’t say which number he gets to pick. Ziggler has to pick between #1 or #2. Vickie laughs and walks off.
– We see what happened earlier with The Shield beating down The Rock.
– Punk and Heyman are backstage walking when Vince McMahon appears. Vince asks them if they think they are clever. Punk says they had nothing to do with what happened to The Rock. Vince says if The Shield gets involved with Punk’s match at Royal Rumble, then he will have severe consequences. Vince and Punk argue when Heyman tries to calm them down. Heyman says there is no evidence against Punk. Vince says his consequences are that he will strip Punk of the title. Vince walks off and we go to commercial.
Alberto Del Rio vs. Tensai
We go to the ring and out comes Ricardo Rodriguez to begin Alberto Del Rio’s introduction. Out comes the World Heavyweight Champion to a nice reaction. We see Tensai waiting in the ring.
The bell rings and Tensai goes to work on Del Rio. Tensai takes Del Rio to the corner and whips him across the ring. Tensai with a big splash from the second rope. And another for a 2 count. Tensai runs into boots in the corner. Del Rio with a flying head scissors from the corner. Del Rio with a big belly to belly suplex. Del Rio with a kick to the side of the head in the corner. Del Rio hits a moonsault for the easy non-title win.
Winner: Alberto Del Rio
– After the match, Del Rio takes the mic and taunts Big Show for their Last Man Standing Match at Royal Rumble. Del Rio has the crowd count to 10 in Spanish. Ricardo leads them in a “si!” chant as Del Rio hits the corners.
– It’s announced that Bob Backlund will be going into the WWE Hall of Fame this year. The following video package aired looking back at Backlund’s career:
– Back from the break and out comes John Cena to address the WWE Universe about Sunday’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view.
Cena talks for several minutes about Sundays. Cena says it will be all out warfare in the Rumble. Cena promises that he will win the Rumble and goes to celebrate when Sheamus comes out to interrupt. Sheamus says that was a passionate speech but he thinks Cena has it all wrong. Sheamus says he will win it this year like he won last year. Darren Young and Titus O’Neil come out next. They talk when Randy Orton’s music hits and he comes out. Orton didn’t come to dance, he declares that he will win the Rumble. The Miz is out next and he says the same thing, because he’s awesome. Kane’s pyro goes off and he’s out with Daniel Bryan. They argue about who will win before joining everyone else in the ring. Antonio Cesaro is out next. He says everyone is wrong and he will win the Royal Rumble match. Cesaro will dedicate his win to the United States, he says. 3MB is out next and they think they’re going to win. A bunch of other Superstars come out at once and a brawl erupts in the ring. Sheamus and Ryback start tossing people out. RAW goes off the air.
