WWE SummerSlam Coverage on TheSportMatrix.com. |
Battle Royal chaos; John Cena and Daniel Bryan get personal in compelling promo on Miz TV; Kane prevails in mind games with the Wyatt Family; Triple H announced as Guest Referee for SummerSlam WWE title match; CM Punk takes out Heyman's guys... and much more LIVE from Sacramento, in the final RAW before SummerSlam!
CM Punk gets his revenge on Brock Lesnar, but would he get his hands on Heyman? (Image Courtesy: WWE.com) |
Daniel Bryan vs. Wade Barrett
RAW kicked off thick into the action with the arrival of Daniel Bryan. The #1 Contender battled in Singles Competition in front of a vibrant crowd in Sacramento.
This was a rematch from SmackDown of where Daniel Bryan prevailed, and it looked like the result would be no different this time. However, after Daniel Bryan's flurry of offence, Barrett managed to momentarily gain an advantage followed by getting a roll-up pin on Daniel Bryan, of course aided by the very quick count by Guest Referee, the GM of RAW - Brad Maddox.
Review: It felt like quite an odd start to RAW, with a rematch that seemed quite repetitive although entertaining - as any match with Daniel Bryan in. Predictable finish, but this left Daniel Bryan in a bad mood heading into Miz TV later in the night.
Daniel Bryan was not happy with his win, and it was a good job that Brad Maddox fled the ring, or the #1 contender's rage would go out of control. What would be the consequences for Brad Maddox after this biased refereeing?
Daniel Bryan furious at Brad Maddox following the match. (Image Courtesy: WWE.com) |
Randy Orton vs. Damien Sandow
It was a clash of the Money in the Bank holders as Damien Sandow battled Randy Orton in a rematch from the 4th August Edition of SmackDown.
Aggression was clear in the mentality of Sandow, with his new briefcase included while Cody Rhodes watched the action ringside on commentary. He aggressively attacked Randy Orton before it developed into a back-and-forth match.
Of course Sandow's demise would come when he was strongest, after outwitting Randy Orton by fleeing to the outside and catching him off guard, he took the advantage, only until he got distracted by Cody Rhodes who looked on at ringside.
Out of nowhere, The Viper would strike, sealing another victory.
Review: While another rematch does not sound particularly enticing back-to-back starting RAW, it was an enjoyable contest. Randy Orton shows his strength again with another win meanwhile Rhodes goes to SummerSlam with the one-up.
Cody Rhodes frustrates Damien Sandow, distracting him allowing The Viper to strike and Sandow picks up the loss going into SummerSlam. How will the loss affect Damien Sandow at SummerSlam?
AJ Lee and Big E Langston vs. Natalya and The Great Khali
Just six days before their mixed tag team match, Big E and AJ Lee battled Natalya and Great Khali in what was a comical matchup.
Natalya took some offense to AJ Lee but eventually the Diva's Champion took control in the corner. However, following the distraction by Hornswoggle, Natalya was able to lock in the Sharpshooter and win.
Review: The purpose of this match is well... nothing. It is hard to understand why Big E and AJ Lee are made to look so weak by losing to this joke team. Ahead of SummerSlam this could be damaging.
The referee botched the finish, but it took two Sharpshooters and two tap outs by AJ Lee for Natalya and Khali to be declared winners before Great Khali fought off Langston leaving him baffled along with the WWE Universe. Are Big E and AJ really ready for SummerSlam?
Vince McMahon calls out RAW General Manager, Triple H makes a timely appearance
WWE Chairman Vince McMahon came out and he ordered the presence of Brad Maddox.
The Chairman quickly got into the discussion as to why Brad Maddox delivered a fast count, and following an uneasy justification by Maddox, Vince surprisingly accepted.
Vince McMahon was on the brink of making the announcement that Brad Maddox would be the Special Referee for the WWE Championship match at SummerSlam but Triple H stopped the matter from escalating, further enforcing the statement with a Pedigree to Maddox.
Review: Triple H as the Special Referee for SummerSlam gives the combustible elements needed for a controversial end, while it may not be liked by others, this could allow controversy to really escalate.
Triple H will referee the SummerSlam WWE Championship showdown between Daniel Bryan and John Cena. Will this ultimately stop McMahon's plan to not let Bryan hold the Gold?
Kane vs. Titus O'Neil
Kane made his way to the ring to battle the physical Titus O'Neil with his tag partner Darren Young accompanying him ringside.
The Big Red Monster was not in the mood for any nonsense, and he got straight to work on Titus O'Neil in a strong performance finished by a Chokeslam.
But then the Wyatt Family made their way to the ring.
Many were expectant of another beat down to Kane, but when the lights were back on, Luke Harper and Erick Rowan found themselves in the ring without Kane, only to see him standing at the top of the ramp.
Review: Strong performance by Kane against Titus O'Neil, then the Wyatt Family arrival and Kane playing mind games was awesome. SummerSlam's Ring of Fire is going to be a huge encounter.
Kane prevails this time round with the mind games. But will Kane prevail again at SummerSlam's 'Ring of Fire'?
Alberto Del Rio vs. Kofi Kingston
Athletic competitors Kofi Kingston and Alberto Del Rio took to the squared circle for Singles Competition.
Kofi Kingston looked strong throughout the duration of the contest, but after a back-and-forth contest, an amazing counter to a Springboard had Kofi dazed and he fell victim to the Lethal Cross-Arm Breaker. In the centre of the ring, he had no other choice but to tap out.
Review: Good contest that makes both guys look strong. A win for Del Rio is important going into SummerSlam, of course. The crowd booing however makes the quality of the match demise.
The World Heavyweight Champion managed to ground Captain of the Boom Squad, Kofi Kingston. But how will he fare against Captain Charisma, Christian at SummerSlam?
The Usos vs. Jack Swagger and Antonio Cesaro
Two of WWE's best tag teams put on another great showcase on RAW with the Real Americans and The Usos.
Swagger and Cesaro were quick out of the blocks utilising their tag team corner to isolate Jey Uso. During that spell, Cesaro hit a brutal uppercut.
When The Usos got momentum going, they took Cesaro and Swagger out by flying over the top ropes, while also seeing off Zeb Colter to get the roll-up pin.
Review: Yet another awesome match featuring two of the best current tag teams. All are promising athletes and they put on an entertaining match. Interesting future lies ahead in the tag team division.
The Usos knock off the Real Americans in an enthralling match. Will they be next to try and topple The Shield this time round?
Miz TV with Daniel Bryan and John Cena
The Miz hosted his own talk show this time featuring the two combatants for the WWE Championship SummerSlam showdown.
The Miz only had a small bit of the talking before it went down to a deep and compelling promo between John Cena and Daniel Bryan.
Daniel Bryan called John Cena a "parody of wrestling" and after numerous insults that had the crowd on edge, Daniel Bryan said Cena is not a wrestler. John Cena then slapped Daniel Bryan. Just as it looked like a fight would transpire, Special Referee Triple H made an appearance to calm things down.
Then as a stealthy reminder, The Viper Randy Orton looked on from the stage.
Review: Epic promo between Daniel Bryan and John Cena that has SummerSlam set up so well. Randy Orton coming out too makes things more awesome with the combustible elements to go at SummerSlam. Lot of hype.
With SummerSlam all set. Will we have a new Champion? And will The Viper strike?
R-Truth and Fandango dance and brawl
Fandango's dance entrance was cut short with the vibrant arrival of R-Truth as the two fought in singles competition.
An impromptu dance-off transpired out of nowhere, before a brawl ensued when R-Truth's dance was cut short. R-Truth prevailed and Fandango fled the ring but not before he got to pronounce his name correctly.
20 Man Battle Royal to determine #1 Contender for US Championship at SummerSlam
Mark Henry, Ryback, Antonio Cesaro, The Great Khali and 16 others stepped into the ring for a Battle Royal of where the winner would challenge Dean Ambrose for the United States Championship at SummerSlam.
Ryback started out ferociously eliminating Justin Gabriel, Darren Young and Tensai in quick succession. The 3MB chipped in with eliminations when they teamed up to get rid of Jey Uso. R-Truth also got another one-up when he eliminated Fandango however R-Truth would be eliminated shortly after. This action was hard to observe, chaos in Sacramento.
Following a commerical break and Titus O Neil's elimination we were down to the Real Americans, who then eliminated Kofi Kingston and were left with Barrett, Ryback, Rob Van Dam and Mark Henry. Things were really intensifying.
We came down to 4 following an ultimate feat of strength b Mark Henry eliminating both Swagger and Cesaro, before Henry continued the momentum throwing Barrett over the top rope. Mark Henry and Rob Van Dam eliminated Ryback before the final two squared off.
Rob Van Dam found himself dangerously on the apron, but he anticipated Mark Henry to come charging at him, and he pulled down the ring rope so Mark Henry went tumbling out and RVD was crowned the New #1 contender.
Aggression was clear in the mentality of Sandow, with his new briefcase included while Cody Rhodes watched the action ringside on commentary. He aggressively attacked Randy Orton before it developed into a back-and-forth match.
Of course Sandow's demise would come when he was strongest, after outwitting Randy Orton by fleeing to the outside and catching him off guard, he took the advantage, only until he got distracted by Cody Rhodes who looked on at ringside.
Out of nowhere, The Viper would strike, sealing another victory.
Review: While another rematch does not sound particularly enticing back-to-back starting RAW, it was an enjoyable contest. Randy Orton shows his strength again with another win meanwhile Rhodes goes to SummerSlam with the one-up.
Cody Rhodes frustrates Damien Sandow, distracting him allowing The Viper to strike and Sandow picks up the loss going into SummerSlam. How will the loss affect Damien Sandow at SummerSlam?
Randy Orton hits the RKO out of nowhere. (Image Courtesy: WWE.com) |
AJ Lee and Big E Langston vs. Natalya and The Great Khali
Just six days before their mixed tag team match, Big E and AJ Lee battled Natalya and Great Khali in what was a comical matchup.
Natalya took some offense to AJ Lee but eventually the Diva's Champion took control in the corner. However, following the distraction by Hornswoggle, Natalya was able to lock in the Sharpshooter and win.
Review: The purpose of this match is well... nothing. It is hard to understand why Big E and AJ Lee are made to look so weak by losing to this joke team. Ahead of SummerSlam this could be damaging.
The referee botched the finish, but it took two Sharpshooters and two tap outs by AJ Lee for Natalya and Khali to be declared winners before Great Khali fought off Langston leaving him baffled along with the WWE Universe. Are Big E and AJ really ready for SummerSlam?
Vince McMahon calls out RAW General Manager, Triple H makes a timely appearance
WWE Chairman Vince McMahon came out and he ordered the presence of Brad Maddox.
The Chairman quickly got into the discussion as to why Brad Maddox delivered a fast count, and following an uneasy justification by Maddox, Vince surprisingly accepted.
Vince McMahon was on the brink of making the announcement that Brad Maddox would be the Special Referee for the WWE Championship match at SummerSlam but Triple H stopped the matter from escalating, further enforcing the statement with a Pedigree to Maddox.
Review: Triple H as the Special Referee for SummerSlam gives the combustible elements needed for a controversial end, while it may not be liked by others, this could allow controversy to really escalate.
Triple H will referee the SummerSlam WWE Championship showdown between Daniel Bryan and John Cena. Will this ultimately stop McMahon's plan to not let Bryan hold the Gold?
Triple H sets up Brad Maddox for the Pedigree. (Image Courtesy: WWE.com) |
Kane vs. Titus O'Neil
Kane made his way to the ring to battle the physical Titus O'Neil with his tag partner Darren Young accompanying him ringside.
The Big Red Monster was not in the mood for any nonsense, and he got straight to work on Titus O'Neil in a strong performance finished by a Chokeslam.
But then the Wyatt Family made their way to the ring.
Many were expectant of another beat down to Kane, but when the lights were back on, Luke Harper and Erick Rowan found themselves in the ring without Kane, only to see him standing at the top of the ramp.
Review: Strong performance by Kane against Titus O'Neil, then the Wyatt Family arrival and Kane playing mind games was awesome. SummerSlam's Ring of Fire is going to be a huge encounter.
Kane prevails this time round with the mind games. But will Kane prevail again at SummerSlam's 'Ring of Fire'?
Alberto Del Rio vs. Kofi Kingston
Athletic competitors Kofi Kingston and Alberto Del Rio took to the squared circle for Singles Competition.
Kofi Kingston looked strong throughout the duration of the contest, but after a back-and-forth contest, an amazing counter to a Springboard had Kofi dazed and he fell victim to the Lethal Cross-Arm Breaker. In the centre of the ring, he had no other choice but to tap out.
Review: Good contest that makes both guys look strong. A win for Del Rio is important going into SummerSlam, of course. The crowd booing however makes the quality of the match demise.
The World Heavyweight Champion managed to ground Captain of the Boom Squad, Kofi Kingston. But how will he fare against Captain Charisma, Christian at SummerSlam?
The Usos vs. Jack Swagger and Antonio Cesaro
Two of WWE's best tag teams put on another great showcase on RAW with the Real Americans and The Usos.
Swagger and Cesaro were quick out of the blocks utilising their tag team corner to isolate Jey Uso. During that spell, Cesaro hit a brutal uppercut.
When The Usos got momentum going, they took Cesaro and Swagger out by flying over the top ropes, while also seeing off Zeb Colter to get the roll-up pin.
Review: Yet another awesome match featuring two of the best current tag teams. All are promising athletes and they put on an entertaining match. Interesting future lies ahead in the tag team division.
The Usos knock off the Real Americans in an enthralling match. Will they be next to try and topple The Shield this time round?
Miz TV with Daniel Bryan and John Cena
The Miz hosted his own talk show this time featuring the two combatants for the WWE Championship SummerSlam showdown.
The Miz only had a small bit of the talking before it went down to a deep and compelling promo between John Cena and Daniel Bryan.
Daniel Bryan called John Cena a "parody of wrestling" and after numerous insults that had the crowd on edge, Daniel Bryan said Cena is not a wrestler. John Cena then slapped Daniel Bryan. Just as it looked like a fight would transpire, Special Referee Triple H made an appearance to calm things down.
Then as a stealthy reminder, The Viper Randy Orton looked on from the stage.
Randy Orton (left) and John Cena, Triple H and Daniel Bryan (right). (Image Courtesy: WWE.com) |
Review: Epic promo between Daniel Bryan and John Cena that has SummerSlam set up so well. Randy Orton coming out too makes things more awesome with the combustible elements to go at SummerSlam. Lot of hype.
With SummerSlam all set. Will we have a new Champion? And will The Viper strike?
R-Truth and Fandango dance and brawl
Fandango's dance entrance was cut short with the vibrant arrival of R-Truth as the two fought in singles competition.
An impromptu dance-off transpired out of nowhere, before a brawl ensued when R-Truth's dance was cut short. R-Truth prevailed and Fandango fled the ring but not before he got to pronounce his name correctly.
20 Man Battle Royal to determine #1 Contender for US Championship at SummerSlam
Mark Henry, Ryback, Antonio Cesaro, The Great Khali and 16 others stepped into the ring for a Battle Royal of where the winner would challenge Dean Ambrose for the United States Championship at SummerSlam.
Ryback started out ferociously eliminating Justin Gabriel, Darren Young and Tensai in quick succession. The 3MB chipped in with eliminations when they teamed up to get rid of Jey Uso. R-Truth also got another one-up when he eliminated Fandango however R-Truth would be eliminated shortly after. This action was hard to observe, chaos in Sacramento.
Following a commerical break and Titus O Neil's elimination we were down to the Real Americans, who then eliminated Kofi Kingston and were left with Barrett, Ryback, Rob Van Dam and Mark Henry. Things were really intensifying.
We came down to 4 following an ultimate feat of strength b Mark Henry eliminating both Swagger and Cesaro, before Henry continued the momentum throwing Barrett over the top rope. Mark Henry and Rob Van Dam eliminated Ryback before the final two squared off.
Rob Van Dam found himself dangerously on the apron, but he anticipated Mark Henry to come charging at him, and he pulled down the ring rope so Mark Henry went tumbling out and RVD was crowned the New #1 contender.
Mutual respect between the final two. (Image Courtesy: WWE.com) |
Review: AWESOME Battle Royal! Action packed just like Battle Royals should be. Some good excitement for the show and Rob Van Dam vs. Ambrose will be a great match.
Mark Henry entered back into the ring and had mutual respect for Rob Van Dam, but then The Shield appeared, and Henry got back in the ring to help out Rob Van Dam. To further even the odds, The Big Show returned, and The Shield were shocked and retreated. Mark Henry, Rob Van Dam and Big Show stand tall tonight, but will we have a new US Champion at SummerSlam?
CM Punk vs. Paul Heyman
Paul Heyman entered the ring and he talked about the match not even happening, saying that everyone has fallen into a trap, before he introduced Brock Lesnar.
After provoking Punk to be the hero and come out and face Lesnar and Heyman in a handicap, the trap backfired. CM Punk made an entrance, but attacked Brock Lesnar with a camera before a chair, then he set his sights on Paul Heyman.
As he pursued Paul Heyman, he ran into Curtis Axel. Axel was hit by a chair then received a GTS. CM Punk sends a bold message.
Review: Really strong way to finish RAW. Serious promo again and all is hyped for The Best vs. The Beast!
"I am the BEST IN THE WORLD!" shouts CM Punk to Brock Lesnar. Its The Best vs. The Beast at SummerSlam and it will be epic, no doubt.
Overall Show Review: While the first half of RAW was not particularly exciting nor significant, the second half was awesome. Completely hyped for SummerSlam with this, everything was executed well and an awesome go-home show before SummerSlam!
Summary of Results
Wade Barrett def. Daniel Bryan
Randy Orton def. Damien Sandow
The Great Khali & Natalya def. Big E Langston & AJ Lee (via Submission, AJ taps)
Triple H becomes Special Referee for SummerSlam's WWE Championship match at SummerSlam
Kane def. Titus O'Neil
Alberto Del Rio def. Kofi Kingston
The Usos def. Jack Swagger & Antonio Cesaro
Miz TV: John Cena and Daniel Bryan almost fought but the Guest Referee stopped it
R-Truth prevailed in a brawl against Fandango
Rob Van Dam wins 20 Man Battle Royal, New US Championship #1 Contender
CM Punk attacked Brock Lesnar and Curtis Axel
On the home straight to SummerSlam, following a jam-packed RAW, Van Dam triumphs amid Battle Royal Chaos, CM Punk slays the beast.. for now, John Cena and Daniel Bryan's feud gets personal, but they are on alert from Orton and much more.
One more question, are YOU ready for SummerSlam?
More wrestling coverage and reviews coming throughout the week including SummerSlam preview, TNA action and much more to TheSportMatrix.com
By Nisar Khan
Mark Henry entered back into the ring and had mutual respect for Rob Van Dam, but then The Shield appeared, and Henry got back in the ring to help out Rob Van Dam. To further even the odds, The Big Show returned, and The Shield were shocked and retreated. Mark Henry, Rob Van Dam and Big Show stand tall tonight, but will we have a new US Champion at SummerSlam?
CM Punk vs. Paul Heyman
Paul Heyman entered the ring and he talked about the match not even happening, saying that everyone has fallen into a trap, before he introduced Brock Lesnar.
After provoking Punk to be the hero and come out and face Lesnar and Heyman in a handicap, the trap backfired. CM Punk made an entrance, but attacked Brock Lesnar with a camera before a chair, then he set his sights on Paul Heyman.
As he pursued Paul Heyman, he ran into Curtis Axel. Axel was hit by a chair then received a GTS. CM Punk sends a bold message.
CM Punk takes high risk to take down Lesnar. (Image Courtesy: WWE.com) |
Review: Really strong way to finish RAW. Serious promo again and all is hyped for The Best vs. The Beast!
"I am the BEST IN THE WORLD!" shouts CM Punk to Brock Lesnar. Its The Best vs. The Beast at SummerSlam and it will be epic, no doubt.
Overall Show Review: While the first half of RAW was not particularly exciting nor significant, the second half was awesome. Completely hyped for SummerSlam with this, everything was executed well and an awesome go-home show before SummerSlam!
Summary of Results
Wade Barrett def. Daniel Bryan
Randy Orton def. Damien Sandow
The Great Khali & Natalya def. Big E Langston & AJ Lee (via Submission, AJ taps)
Triple H becomes Special Referee for SummerSlam's WWE Championship match at SummerSlam
Kane def. Titus O'Neil
Alberto Del Rio def. Kofi Kingston
The Usos def. Jack Swagger & Antonio Cesaro
Miz TV: John Cena and Daniel Bryan almost fought but the Guest Referee stopped it
R-Truth prevailed in a brawl against Fandango
Rob Van Dam wins 20 Man Battle Royal, New US Championship #1 Contender
CM Punk attacked Brock Lesnar and Curtis Axel
On the home straight to SummerSlam, following a jam-packed RAW, Van Dam triumphs amid Battle Royal Chaos, CM Punk slays the beast.. for now, John Cena and Daniel Bryan's feud gets personal, but they are on alert from Orton and much more.
One more question, are YOU ready for SummerSlam?
More wrestling coverage and reviews coming throughout the week including SummerSlam preview, TNA action and much more to TheSportMatrix.com
By Nisar Khan
TheSportMatrix.com
- Sports for the Fans, by the Fans.
WWE SummerSlam coverage on TheSportMatrix.com |
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