Episode 1057 - Monday 27 August, 2013
US Airways Center, Phoenix, AZ.
US Airways Center, Phoenix, AZ.
Episode 1056 - Monday 19 August, 2013
Honda Center, Anaheim, CA. - See more at: http://www.thesportmatrix.com/search?updated-max=2013-08-21T18:36:00%2B01:00&max-results=10#sthash.WsYPH1s5.dpuf
Honda Center, Anaheim, CA. - See more at: http://www.thesportmatrix.com/search?updated-max=2013-08-21T18:36:00%2B01:00&max-results=10#sthash.WsYPH1s5.dpuf
By Nisar Khan
PHOENIX - Daniel Bryan was a victim of justice following a gauntlet match against The Shield as Triple H ordered vindication on the #1 contender for the WWE Championship.
TRIPLE H OPENS THE SHOW:
The Shield were once again standing in as security with the arrival of WWE's Chief Operating Officer Triple H.
The Cerebral Assassin discussed further on the matter regarding Daniel Bryan and Triple H and once again was the recipient of much heat from the crowd in Phoenix. Then he introduced the WWE Champion Randy Orton, followed by revealing a brand new car for The Viper, paid out from his own pockets - how nice of him.
Moments before Randy Orton would check out the car, Daniel Bryan made a timely arrival with the crowd erupting in a YES! YES! YES! frenzy. The former WWE Champion would have some fitting words for both men, with him contrasting Triple H's change from a rebel in a leather jacket to... well, a sellout in an executive suit - what a journey...
Triple H would respond with a fantastic booking. It was an attempt to make Daniel Bryan a victim of 'Justice' as he would run the gauntlet against the three members of The Shield - some superb wrestling scheduled for the night, then.
Review: Mixed segment to start the show but it set the stage really well for the night. Triple H may have got spectators restless early on, but with Randy Orton being introduced things got better. The Porsche is pretty cool, I guess - but maybe it is some next level advertising. Anyway, with Daniel Bryan facing The Shield later that night, the WWE Universe were pumped up. Incredible potential for the main event.
Triple H has a gift for the WWE Champion and it's #1 Contender. A stunning car is now in The Viper's possession. But for Daniel Bryan, his gift may come at a much bigger price... not to Triple H - but to himself. Daniel Bryan receives the gift of Justice in a gauntlet match against The Shield. Would Daniel Bryan be The Shield's next victim?
 |
| Daniel Bryan's night ended in a punishing way (via WWE.com) |
TRIPLE H OPENS THE SHOW:
The Shield were once again standing in as security with the arrival of WWE's Chief Operating Officer Triple H.
The Cerebral Assassin discussed further on the matter regarding Daniel Bryan and Triple H and once again was the recipient of much heat from the crowd in Phoenix. Then he introduced the WWE Champion Randy Orton, followed by revealing a brand new car for The Viper, paid out from his own pockets - how nice of him.
Moments before Randy Orton would check out the car, Daniel Bryan made a timely arrival with the crowd erupting in a YES! YES! YES! frenzy. The former WWE Champion would have some fitting words for both men, with him contrasting Triple H's change from a rebel in a leather jacket to... well, a sellout in an executive suit - what a journey...
Triple H would respond with a fantastic booking. It was an attempt to make Daniel Bryan a victim of 'Justice' as he would run the gauntlet against the three members of The Shield - some superb wrestling scheduled for the night, then.
Review: Mixed segment to start the show but it set the stage really well for the night. Triple H may have got spectators restless early on, but with Randy Orton being introduced things got better. The Porsche is pretty cool, I guess - but maybe it is some next level advertising. Anyway, with Daniel Bryan facing The Shield later that night, the WWE Universe were pumped up. Incredible potential for the main event.
Triple H has a gift for the WWE Champion and it's #1 Contender. A stunning car is now in The Viper's possession. But for Daniel Bryan, his gift may come at a much bigger price... not to Triple H - but to himself. Daniel Bryan receives the gift of Justice in a gauntlet match against The Shield. Would Daniel Bryan be The Shield's next victim?
 |
| Daniel Bryan runs the gauntlet for the second time this Summer (via WWE.com) |
A WWE App vote is revealed for Curtis Axel vs. CM Punk. Viewers are asked to vote for three options. Paul Heyman as referee, Paul Heyman banned for ringside, or if CM Punk wins, Paul Heyman will have to step in the ring with him. Here is Heyman's reaction... via TOUT.
CODY RHODES VS. FANDANGO:
Money in the Bank holder Damien Sandow looked on from ringside as Cody Rhodes battled Fandango in Single's Competition. However, a few interferences later lead to an impromptu tag team match.
Cody Rhodes and Fandango's match was cut short, as Fandango was distracted when his music went off around the arena. It became apparent that The Miz in fact would mimic Fandango distracting him thus allowing Cody Rhodes to get the roll-up pin and win.
This would however lead to Damien Sandow teaming up with Fandango to battle Cody Rhodes and The Miz in a tag team match.
CODY RHODES & THE MIZ VS. FANDANGO AND DAMIEN SANDOW:
More comical action was in store during this bout, but yet again it would not have the best of finishes. With the two rivalries momentarily intertwined in the tag team match, it ended with a demonstration of poor tag team work. Fandango fled the ring leaving Damien Sandow to fight for himself. Alone and vulnerable, Damien Sandow would get pinned by The Miz.
Review: AWESOME? I think not. It seems like Damien Sandow's Money in the Bank attribution has become a Golden ticket for him to... job. I know that his redemption is lurking, but it just pains me to see Sandow continue to decline. Two matches were in the duration of the segment, with the occurrence of little significance. Efficient storyline booking can be credited, as this leads to inevitable showdowns to end the rivalry. Miz and Rhodes effectively won the match, taking into account that The Miz pinned Damien Sandow, and Cody Rhodes pinned Fandango earlier on.
 |
| The Miz pins Damien Sandow whilst looking on at Fandango from the stage (via WWE.com) |
Cody Rhodes and The Miz prevail over their foes... but this is just a little of many more things to come in the already storied rivalry. Has Cody Rhodes got Damien Sandow in dire straits? And will The Miz take the spring out of Fandango's step?
CURTIS AXEL VS. CM PUNK:
It was a very pivotal stipulation, voted courtesy of the WWE Universe, that added an extra buzz as Curtis Axel stepped inside the squared circle to battle CM Punk.
Paul Heyman's very livelihood was on the line, because if CM Punk was to win, he would get Paul Heyman in the ring promptly after. Following several minutes of great action between two superb wrestlers, CM Punk was finally able to hit the GTS pinning Curtis Axel - cue Paul Heyman's priceless facial expression, with the knowledge that he would have to face CM Punk.
The Mad Scientist attempted to flee the arena but security would refrain him from doing so, sending him back inside the ring.
It would seem that the night would finally be the night where CM Punk would get his hands on Paul Heyman, but once again he would be saved by Curtis Axel. Curtis Axel managed to put handcuffs on CM Punk, which would be the start of some lethal and savage punishment to the Straight-Edge Savior. Despite one great flurry of offense by CM Punk, Axel utilized the Steel Chair to put CM Punk in a situation where he was unable to fight back. This allowed Paul Heyman to unleash a beating on The Best in the World, with viscous attacks from the Kendo Stick while shouting at CM Punk creating a rather dramatic situation that left Heyman emotional... and Punk battered.
Review: Really awesome segment. I honestly don't see why the crowd at the US Airways Center chanted "BORING", because this told the story so well and made things real serious. The best thing is that the CM Punk vs. Paul Heyman feud is far from over.
CM Punk managed to overthrow Curtis Axel, but the opportunity to finally punish Paul Heyman was suddenly thwarted following a viscous attack leaving The Best in the World in a really bad way. How will CM Punk get his revenge?
BRIE BELLA VS. NATALYA
It was a SummerSlam rematch as Divas Natalya and Brie Bella went one-on-one with the Total Divas' cast accompanying ringside and new Diva JoJo Offerman being the guest ring announcer for the bout.
Natalya once again proved herself as a great wrestling veteran, as she took to Brie Bella in the ring. She was closing in on another victory over Brie Bella when she locked in the Sharpshooter, but Nikki Bella and Eva Marie thwarted this abruptly, distracting the referee and allowing Brie Bella to get to the ropes.
The opportunity was then capitalized on, as Brie Bella finished Natalya, pinning her for the victory. However the celebration would be cut short by the Divas' Champion AJ Lee, who did drop one hell of a pipebomb on the Total Divas' cast.
AJ Lee said that the Total Divas' cast reverted to reality television because they were not good enough to be actors. It was one statement part of a well-executed promo that sent shock-waves through the Divas' Divison.
Review: The match itself was pretty boring, and I wonder what direction WWE are really heading in with JoJo. Anyway, AJ Lee nailed the promo and completely owned the Total Divas' cast. Even if it was just to promote Total Divas' it was fantastic. This must set up for AJ Lee vs. a Total Divas' cast member at Night of Champions, maybe a Triple Threat match is on the cards with Brie Bella, Natalya and AJ. We will have to wait and see.
Brie Bella may have defeated Natalya. But no-one expected such a shocker when AJ Lee dropped a serious pipebomb on the Total Divas' cast. Is the Crazy Chick set to defend her title against one of the reality show's cast members?
ALBERTO DEL RIO VS. ROB VAN DAM:
World Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio took to the ring in an attempt to defeat Rob Van Dam, meanwhile there were high stakes for RVD as he fought for #1 Contendership for the title.
Ricardo Rodriguez continued to support his new client Rob Van Dam as he maintained control of the Mexican Aristocrat, and following some nailed kicks, high flying moves as part of an engaging slugfest, a distraction from Rodriguez allowed Rob Van Dam to pick up the victory and secured a World Heavyweight Championship at WWE Night of Champions.
Review: When this match was first announced I was questioning it, but now with Rob Van Dam as #1 Contender they are on a crash course for the World Heavyweight Championship. Good match with two great kick artists.
Rob Van Dam's victory over Alberto Del Rio now sets him a World Heavyweight Championship shot at WWE Night of Champions. Is Rob Van Dam set to be the next World Heavyweight Champion?
RANDY ORTON VS. CHRISTIAN
The WWE Champion Randy Orton renewed a storied rivalry with Christian in an epic encounter on RAW.
There was some fantastic action throughout the contest, with Christian throwing some of his best shots at The Viper. Knowledge of each other in the ring was on full display with both being familiar with one another's moveset. Christian was inches away from securing a pivotal victory over the WWE Champion, but with the referee's back turned, Randy Orton raked Christian's eyes leaving Captain Charisma dazed.
Christian walked around and straight into a lethal RKO by Randy Orton, a move that got him the win to culminate an excellent encounter.
But as Orton embraced his victory, Daniel Bryan appeared on the large screen next to Randy Orton's car that he received earlier in the night. The former WWE Champion revealed YES! spray paint all over the car, leaving Orton and Triple H distraught. Following a commercial break Triple H was not happy, and ordered Brad Maddox to get all the superstars who found the car spray painting a joke to head to the stage when Daniel Bryan battled in the main event.
Review: Wow. Great, great match. Christian continues to show his great talent and Randy Orton's win is huge but the rake to the eyes gives Christian some leeway. Daniel Bryan spraying YES! all over the car was a classic.
The Viper knocks off Christian in a compelling encounter, but for his car, it has went from a Caddilac Escalade to a YEScalade... How will Randy Orton and Triple H get vindication for this mad act?
JACK SWAGGER VS. TITUS O'NEIL
The Prime Time Players took to the ring, followed by The Real Americans making an entrance as Jack Swagger battled Titus O'Neil in a battle of brutality and power.
Two big guys battled in a very entertaining match, ultimately it saw Titus O'Neil pick up the win, as The Real Americans continue to decline.
Review: And so... the Real Americans/Prime Time Player saga continues, with the imminent outcome of The Prime Time Players prevailing. This push has made me question the actual point of the Real Americans, they are a tag team going to waste unfortunately, and this bugs me.. a lot.
Once again The Prime Time Players are victorious. With the "We The People" campaign now declining, are the Prime Time Players open for a revitalized challenge?
Brad Maddox gets CM Punk backstage and announces that he will be in a Handicap match at the next WWE PPV, Night of Champions against Paul Heyman and Curtis Axel. Plus, if Paul Heyman tries to escape, he will never be seen in WWE again.
DANIEL BRYAN VS. THE SHIELD
(GAUNTLET MATCH):
It was time for the main event. The WWE superstars on the stage were reluctant to answer questions in fear of being punished in the same manner. Seth Rollins and Daniel Bryan kicked things off.
VS. SETH ROLLINS
Wrestling fans got what they wanted. A high-pace, technical wrestling showcase that was just fantastic to watch. Following several minutes of superb action, Daniel Bryan executed an awesome German Suplex from the top rope, sending Seth Rollins crashing face first to the canvas. This was followed up by a knee to the head allowing Daniel Bryan to score the fall in emphatic fashion.
VS. DEAN AMBROSE
Dean Ambrose quickly got into the ring immediately attacking Daniel Bryan, but he quickly found himself locked in the YES! Lock. Roman Reigns had his back and broke it up, but this got Dean Ambrose disqualified, meaning Daniel Byran was one step away... but in his way stood Roman Reigns.
VS. ROMAN REIGNS
Then Roman Reigns found himself battling the YES! Lock but his fellow Shield members attacked Daniel Bryan too. The superstars looked on, unable to make a move, with frustration building.
Daniel Bryan may have won the gauntlet effectively, but he was subject to a vicious attack from The Shield, followed by an RKO as a bold statement was made once again by the Corporation.
Review: Just amazing in-ring work between Daniel Bryan and Seth Rollins - absolutely superb action that was fantastic to watch. Shame that we did not get more Ambrose/Bryan action but I guess they are saving it for another day. The ending was so well done, with the superstars unable to do anything, great, great stuff.
RESULTS:
Solid edition of RAW. Superb wrestling in the ring especially with Daniel Bryan and Seth Rollins, plus the great encounter between Christian and Randy Orton. A lot of seriousness in the show that has shown how things have really stepped up, the Heyman segment is one to remember, along with the superstars being helpless to Daniel Bryan. Great episode.
SHOW GRADE: B-
Daniel Bryan once again falls victim to the "Gift that keeps on giving" as Triple H's vindication is sought by The Hounds of Justice. Things take shape heading into WWE Night of Champions with the WWE Universe expectant of more to come after a solid show.
By Nisar Khan
CURTIS AXEL VS. CM PUNK:
It was a very pivotal stipulation, voted courtesy of the WWE Universe, that added an extra buzz as Curtis Axel stepped inside the squared circle to battle CM Punk.
Paul Heyman's very livelihood was on the line, because if CM Punk was to win, he would get Paul Heyman in the ring promptly after. Following several minutes of great action between two superb wrestlers, CM Punk was finally able to hit the GTS pinning Curtis Axel - cue Paul Heyman's priceless facial expression, with the knowledge that he would have to face CM Punk.
The Mad Scientist attempted to flee the arena but security would refrain him from doing so, sending him back inside the ring.
It would seem that the night would finally be the night where CM Punk would get his hands on Paul Heyman, but once again he would be saved by Curtis Axel. Curtis Axel managed to put handcuffs on CM Punk, which would be the start of some lethal and savage punishment to the Straight-Edge Savior. Despite one great flurry of offense by CM Punk, Axel utilized the Steel Chair to put CM Punk in a situation where he was unable to fight back. This allowed Paul Heyman to unleash a beating on The Best in the World, with viscous attacks from the Kendo Stick while shouting at CM Punk creating a rather dramatic situation that left Heyman emotional... and Punk battered.
Review: Really awesome segment. I honestly don't see why the crowd at the US Airways Center chanted "BORING", because this told the story so well and made things real serious. The best thing is that the CM Punk vs. Paul Heyman feud is far from over.
CM Punk managed to overthrow Curtis Axel, but the opportunity to finally punish Paul Heyman was suddenly thwarted following a viscous attack leaving The Best in the World in a really bad way. How will CM Punk get his revenge?
 |
| CM Punk thought he had Paul Heyman one-on-one, but this would not be the case (via WWE.com) |
BRIE BELLA VS. NATALYA
It was a SummerSlam rematch as Divas Natalya and Brie Bella went one-on-one with the Total Divas' cast accompanying ringside and new Diva JoJo Offerman being the guest ring announcer for the bout.
Natalya once again proved herself as a great wrestling veteran, as she took to Brie Bella in the ring. She was closing in on another victory over Brie Bella when she locked in the Sharpshooter, but Nikki Bella and Eva Marie thwarted this abruptly, distracting the referee and allowing Brie Bella to get to the ropes.
The opportunity was then capitalized on, as Brie Bella finished Natalya, pinning her for the victory. However the celebration would be cut short by the Divas' Champion AJ Lee, who did drop one hell of a pipebomb on the Total Divas' cast.
AJ Lee said that the Total Divas' cast reverted to reality television because they were not good enough to be actors. It was one statement part of a well-executed promo that sent shock-waves through the Divas' Divison.
Review: The match itself was pretty boring, and I wonder what direction WWE are really heading in with JoJo. Anyway, AJ Lee nailed the promo and completely owned the Total Divas' cast. Even if it was just to promote Total Divas' it was fantastic. This must set up for AJ Lee vs. a Total Divas' cast member at Night of Champions, maybe a Triple Threat match is on the cards with Brie Bella, Natalya and AJ. We will have to wait and see.
Brie Bella may have defeated Natalya. But no-one expected such a shocker when AJ Lee dropped a serious pipebomb on the Total Divas' cast. Is the Crazy Chick set to defend her title against one of the reality show's cast members?
 |
| Will AJ Lee defend her title against a Total Divas' cast member? (via WWE.com) |
ALBERTO DEL RIO VS. ROB VAN DAM:
World Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio took to the ring in an attempt to defeat Rob Van Dam, meanwhile there were high stakes for RVD as he fought for #1 Contendership for the title.
Ricardo Rodriguez continued to support his new client Rob Van Dam as he maintained control of the Mexican Aristocrat, and following some nailed kicks, high flying moves as part of an engaging slugfest, a distraction from Rodriguez allowed Rob Van Dam to pick up the victory and secured a World Heavyweight Championship at WWE Night of Champions.
Review: When this match was first announced I was questioning it, but now with Rob Van Dam as #1 Contender they are on a crash course for the World Heavyweight Championship. Good match with two great kick artists.
Rob Van Dam's victory over Alberto Del Rio now sets him a World Heavyweight Championship shot at WWE Night of Champions. Is Rob Van Dam set to be the next World Heavyweight Champion?
 |
| Rob Van Dam's win makes him the #1 contender for the World Championship (via WWE.com) |
RANDY ORTON VS. CHRISTIAN
The WWE Champion Randy Orton renewed a storied rivalry with Christian in an epic encounter on RAW.
There was some fantastic action throughout the contest, with Christian throwing some of his best shots at The Viper. Knowledge of each other in the ring was on full display with both being familiar with one another's moveset. Christian was inches away from securing a pivotal victory over the WWE Champion, but with the referee's back turned, Randy Orton raked Christian's eyes leaving Captain Charisma dazed.
Christian walked around and straight into a lethal RKO by Randy Orton, a move that got him the win to culminate an excellent encounter.
But as Orton embraced his victory, Daniel Bryan appeared on the large screen next to Randy Orton's car that he received earlier in the night. The former WWE Champion revealed YES! spray paint all over the car, leaving Orton and Triple H distraught. Following a commercial break Triple H was not happy, and ordered Brad Maddox to get all the superstars who found the car spray painting a joke to head to the stage when Daniel Bryan battled in the main event.
Review: Wow. Great, great match. Christian continues to show his great talent and Randy Orton's win is huge but the rake to the eyes gives Christian some leeway. Daniel Bryan spraying YES! all over the car was a classic.
The Viper knocks off Christian in a compelling encounter, but for his car, it has went from a Caddilac Escalade to a YEScalade... How will Randy Orton and Triple H get vindication for this mad act?
JACK SWAGGER VS. TITUS O'NEIL
The Prime Time Players took to the ring, followed by The Real Americans making an entrance as Jack Swagger battled Titus O'Neil in a battle of brutality and power.
Two big guys battled in a very entertaining match, ultimately it saw Titus O'Neil pick up the win, as The Real Americans continue to decline.
Review: And so... the Real Americans/Prime Time Player saga continues, with the imminent outcome of The Prime Time Players prevailing. This push has made me question the actual point of the Real Americans, they are a tag team going to waste unfortunately, and this bugs me.. a lot.
Once again The Prime Time Players are victorious. With the "We The People" campaign now declining, are the Prime Time Players open for a revitalized challenge?
 |
| The Real Americans suffer yet another loss (via WWE.com) |
Brad Maddox gets CM Punk backstage and announces that he will be in a Handicap match at the next WWE PPV, Night of Champions against Paul Heyman and Curtis Axel. Plus, if Paul Heyman tries to escape, he will never be seen in WWE again.
DANIEL BRYAN VS. THE SHIELD
(GAUNTLET MATCH):
It was time for the main event. The WWE superstars on the stage were reluctant to answer questions in fear of being punished in the same manner. Seth Rollins and Daniel Bryan kicked things off.
VS. SETH ROLLINS
Wrestling fans got what they wanted. A high-pace, technical wrestling showcase that was just fantastic to watch. Following several minutes of superb action, Daniel Bryan executed an awesome German Suplex from the top rope, sending Seth Rollins crashing face first to the canvas. This was followed up by a knee to the head allowing Daniel Bryan to score the fall in emphatic fashion.
VS. DEAN AMBROSE
Dean Ambrose quickly got into the ring immediately attacking Daniel Bryan, but he quickly found himself locked in the YES! Lock. Roman Reigns had his back and broke it up, but this got Dean Ambrose disqualified, meaning Daniel Byran was one step away... but in his way stood Roman Reigns.
VS. ROMAN REIGNS
Then Roman Reigns found himself battling the YES! Lock but his fellow Shield members attacked Daniel Bryan too. The superstars looked on, unable to make a move, with frustration building.
Daniel Bryan may have won the gauntlet effectively, but he was subject to a vicious attack from The Shield, followed by an RKO as a bold statement was made once again by the Corporation.
Review: Just amazing in-ring work between Daniel Bryan and Seth Rollins - absolutely superb action that was fantastic to watch. Shame that we did not get more Ambrose/Bryan action but I guess they are saving it for another day. The ending was so well done, with the superstars unable to do anything, great, great stuff.
RESULTS:
- Cody Rhodes def. Fandango
- Cody Rhodes & The Miz def. Damien Sandow & Fandango
- CM Punk def. Curtis Axel
- CM Punk vs. Curtis Axel - No Contest
- Brie Bella def. Natalya
- Rob Van Dam def. Alberto Del Rio (New #1 Contender)
- Randy Orton def. Christian
- Titus O'Neil def. Jack Swagger
- Daniel Bryan def. Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose (via DQ) and Roman Reigns (via DQ) (Gauntlet Match)
Solid edition of RAW. Superb wrestling in the ring especially with Daniel Bryan and Seth Rollins, plus the great encounter between Christian and Randy Orton. A lot of seriousness in the show that has shown how things have really stepped up, the Heyman segment is one to remember, along with the superstars being helpless to Daniel Bryan. Great episode.
SHOW GRADE: B-
Daniel Bryan once again falls victim to the "Gift that keeps on giving" as Triple H's vindication is sought by The Hounds of Justice. Things take shape heading into WWE Night of Champions with the WWE Universe expectant of more to come after a solid show.
By Nisar Khan
TheSportMatrix.com
- Sports for the Fans, by the Fans.
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