7-23-12 3 hour Raw results and thoughts

Coverage and thoughts on the July 23, 2012 first 3 hour 1000th episode of Raw

They start the show playing clips from all the other episodes of Raw. This was a cool video package.

The actual show starts with Vince McMahon coming to the ring. He thanks the fans for 1000 episodes. Then the fans chant thank you Vince. Then Vince welcomes the fans to Monday Night Raw. Then he introduces DX. Cue the DX music and out come Triple H & Shawn Michaels. Shawn says that he’s feeling ‘this.” He feels like he’s missing something. Triple H agrees. Then Hunter says, “Didn’t there used to be more of us?” The crowed cheered for that. Then Hunter asks the fans again and they cheer louder. Out come X-Pac, Road Dogg & Billy Gunn in a jeep. They all hug. Then they do the DX crotch chop. Road Dogg gets the mic and says he’s taking the fans down memory lane. Then he does his bit. Hunter says that he’s gotta know 1 thing. “Are you ready? No I said are you ready?” Then Triple H does the for the thousands in attendance bit and mentions he’s the only one left with a head full or hair, then mentions this is the 100^th episode. Billy Gunn takes the mic and says the next part is his. He says that he wasn’t given much. Then Shawn says this is his part and that Hunter didn’t give him much either. Then Hunter says to let Shawn have his moment or else he will lose his smile. That was funny. They do a lot of funny stuff. Then Gunn & Shawn were about to say whatever but Damien Sandow comes out. He says this is what WWE and society at large has come to. Common degenerates whose behavior have plagued humanity and brainwashed to appreciate this crass conduct. Shawn says that this true about him he’s going back to Church. Then Sandow says that if they treat him like common trash he will not be a victim but a martyr of anyone who appreciates a sophisticated mind. Hunter tells him that they need to discuss this amongst themselves. They huddle up. Then Hunter says, “This is what we’ve decided.” Then Shawn give Sandow a Super Kick followed by Triple H giving Sandow a Pedigree. Then Gunn gets the mic and says the if you’re not down with that we got 2 words for ya line. Then they pull Sandow’s robe off and Hunter chucks him out of the ring. Then they pose on the stage. This was a good DX nostalgia bit. Shawn & Hunter were funny like usual. Too bad Sandow got buried though.

Back from break and Jim Ross comes out for commentary.

Rey Mysterio, Sin Cara & World Champion Sheamus vs. Chris Jericho, Dolph Ziggler & Alberto Del Rio. Rey, Cara & Sheamus win when Sheamus pins Jericho. The match started DURING the commercial Break! WHAT!? Jericho was going for a Lion Sault but Dolph hit him. Then Sheamus knocks Dolph off the apron. Then he gave Jericho the Brogue Kick for the pin. This was a solid match.   

They show fans TOUTING about the Daniel Bryan-AJ wedding. They’re really pushing this TOUT big time.

They show Charlie Sheen via Skype. He says that he would fit in with DX. Then he says that he would get along with Sheamus. Then he says that WWE would be a good home for him. This was weird.

They re show Daniel Bryan proposing to AJ from last week.

AJ is backstage talking about the wedding to Layla. Layla asks if AJ’s sure she wants to go through with this. AJ asks why everyone keeps asking her that. Then she says that everyone in WWE is unstable. Then AJ opens the locker room door and Hacksaw is out there shouting to someone. Then R-Truth & Roddy Piper have a jump rope for “Little Jimmy.” Then Mae Young comes by with a guy dressed like a hand. That’s Mae’s “son” and now he’s all grown up. Then Layla wishes AJ luck. I liked seeing Hacksaw. The R-Truth-Piper with the jump rope was alright. Mae Young and the guy in the hand costume was dumb. This was a mixed bag segment overall.

Back from break and some vending chick comes by with drinks for Cole & King.

Brodus comes to the ring and introduces Dude Love. Mick Foley comes out in the Dude Love gear.

Brodus Clay vs. Jack Swagger. Brodus gets the really quick pin. This was a really meaningless squash. Afterwards Foley gives Swagger Mr. Socko. Then he & Brodus dance. This was idiotic.

Triple H is backstage with Trish Stratus. She’s teaching him Yoga. He bends over and then the rest of DX come in. They do some comedic stuff and then all but X-Pac walk out. X-Pac asks Trish how she’s been. She’s feels uncomfortable around him. This was alright but not great.

They show Daniel Bryan in his weeding suit with some other guys.

The ring is all decorated for the Daniel Bryan-AJ wedding. Jerry Lawler introduces the Reverend. Out comes Slick to Jive Soul Bro. I popped HUGE for that!! Slick says he’s been promised a whole lot of yard bird (whatever that means) for his services tonight. Then Daniel Bryan comes out and does his yes bit. Then AJ comes out in her wedding dress. Slick does the gathered here bit. Then he says that Daniel & AJ have chosen the fans to witness this ceremony. Then Slick says that marriage is a sacred institution, shouldn’t be entered to lightly and said other stuff. Really funny!! Then he asks if there’s anyone who objects. The fans chant no. Daniels says that he will always love AJ. He promises that once their married a new chapter will start for them both and he will finally have everything he ever wanted. Then Slick asks Daniel if he takes AJ. He says yes. Then he was going to ask AJ and she chants yes. Then the fans chant no. Then AJ says that she wasn’t saying yes to Daniel but to some other guy. Another guy who made a proposal to her earlier in the night. Cue No Chance and Vince comes out. Vince says it’s not that kind of a proposal. Vince says in the interest of making Raw 1000 as great as can be. He introduced the new Raw GM. AJ. I gotta admit I wasn’t expecting that. Then AJ gives Daniel the bouquet and she walks out to her theme music. Daniel stood in the ring and tore up the flowers. AJ chants yes on the stage. Daniel chants no. Then he tears the decorating apart. This was a good segment. I loved seeing Slick! That was a great surprise! He was tremendous here too. When he was saying what “marriage is” and the fans chanted what and then he said, “I SAY MARRIAGE IS” was hysterical! AJ as the new GM was also unexpected. We’ll see how that goes.

Back from the break and Daniel Bryan is still screaming no as referees hold him back. Then CM Punk comes to the ring. Punk says that he didn’t come out to rub this is Daniel’s face but he just got stood up at the alter. Then Punk says it couldn’t happen to a nicer guy. Punk then says AJ being GM probably doesn’t bode well for Daniel’s future. Then he says that Daniel can continue throwing his tantrum. Punk says he himself will continue being the WWE Champion and the best in the world at what he does. Daniel says that Punk isn’t even the best the ring right now. Then Daniel says that not only is he greater than Punk but he is the greatest WWE superstar of all time. Cue If ya smell and The Rock comes out. He gets the mic and looks at Daniel. Then he says that Daniel doesn’t get to say who the greatest of all time is. The fans do. Then he says his finally The Rock has come back line. Rock was about to speak but Daniel cut him off. He says he doesn’t know, and then Rock cuts him off. He tells Daniel not to cut The Rock off like that. Rocks says he won his first WWE Title in St. Louis. Then he says The Rock isn’t hear to talk to Frodo. He’s here to talk about the WWE Title. Rock then says that whoever the WWE Champion is come the Royal Rumble, that champion will defend the Title against him. Punk says that he will be Champion still. Punk then says that he will beat Cena tonight. Then Punk says that he will also beat Rock at the Royal Rumble. Rock again mentions winning his first Title in St. Louis. Rock then says that he will be the next WWE Champion. Then Daniel chants no. He says this is supposed to be about him. This was supposed to be the greatest night of his life. Daniels then says that some way, some how Rock will face him. Daniel says that not only will he be WWE Champion but he will be the face of WWE. Rock then says that when he looks at Daniel he sees what would happen if a homeless lumber jack banged oompa loompa. Then he sings that Daniel looks a troll from Lord of the Rings. Then Rock wishes Punk luck. Then Rock tells Daniel that it’s not all bad for him because The Rock got him a wedding gift anyway. Then he gives him a Rock Bottom! This was great! Daniel was awesome as usual. Punk was good too. The Rock of course was his usual charismatic funny self!     

Bret Hart comes to the ring to be the guest ring announcer for the next match. Bret says that 1 of the best moments of his career was when he won his first Intercontinental Title in a match against one of the greatest of all time Mr. Perfect. Then he says it’s an honor to introduce the 2 guys who are going to be in the Intercontinental Title match next. Bret then introduces Christian. Christian comes to the ring. Then Bret introduces The Miz. Miz comes out.

Intercontinental Champion Christian vs. The Miz for the Title. Miz gets the pin to become the new Champion. This was a solid match. I wasn’t expecting Miz to win the title. Afterwards Miz gets the mic and says, I’m the Intercontinental Champion and I’m awesome.”

Back to Charlie Sheen. He says that it was great to see Rock back. Then he says that Daniel Bryan has anger management issues. Whatever.

They show Reagus somewhere mentioning that was at WrestleMania 7 and mentions the number of wrestlers he’s had on his show. Freddie Blassie, Iron Sheik & John Cena. He congratulates WWE for 1000 episodes of Raw.

Triple H comes to the ring. He says it’s time to pick up the intensity. He says that he wants to fight Brock at SummerSlam and he wants an answer from Brock right now. Lesnar’s music plays and out comes Paul Heyman. Hunter says he came out here to talk to the horses head not its ass. Heyman says that Lesnar is in the building and has authorized Heyman to answer Triple H. Heyman says that Brock’s answer to Triple H is no. Hunter says if Brock won’t come out, he will go find him. Heyman reminds him that he has 2 lawsuits against him already and now he’s looking for a third. Heyman asks him if that’s good for business. Hunter says he doesn’t care. Then he says that Brock is such a coward that he won’t come out to say no himself. Hunter says that Brock is a scared bully. Heyman asks what happened to him. Hunter knocks the mic out of his hands. Heyman says that he feels sorry for Hunter’s children. As he was talking Stephanie McMahon’s music hits and she comes to the ring. She gets the mic and tells Heyman not to speak about her children. Then she says that the lawsuits aren’t about Brock, but about Heyman being a failure. She says that her dad had the guts to get in the ring with Austin. She says that Heyman’s kids are ashamed of him because he is a professional parasite. Then she slaps him. Heyman asks if Stephanie wants to see Hunter face Lesnar then that’s what they’ll get. The fight’s on. Then Heyman stays to Stephanie that he fell for her act. Then she goes after Heyman. Cue Brock’s music and he comes to the ring. He goes after Triple H. Triple H fights back. They go back and forth and Hunter clotheslines Lesnar over the top rope. This was a good segment too but I don’t why they felt the need to take ANOTHER shot at Heyman and saying he was a flop as a businessman! That was idiotic! Heyman cut a great promo as usual however.   

More TOUTS from the fans.

They show a video package of the Steve Austin-Vince McMahon feud. This was a good video.

Santino Marella & Hornswoggle come to the ring with the new brawlin buddies. King & Cole each have 1 too. Santino & Hornswoggle hand them to the fans.

Howard Finkel is in the ring and is the ring announcer for the next match.

Heath Slater comes to the ring. He says everything’s that’s happened to him is in the past and doesn’t matter. He says that his win tonight will be epic. He challenges any of the so called Raw legends No DQ no count out match with the One Man Band. Cue Lita’s music and she comes out. Slater asks Lita if she thinks she can beat him. He accepts her challenge. Lita says that for tonight’s match she hired some protection. Out come the APA. They hit the ring and Slater heads up the stage. Then The L.O.D. music hits and all the legends that Slater has faced come out (Vader, Sid, DDP, Piper, Road Warrior Animal, Doink, Rikishi, Backlund, and Sgt. Slaughter). They throw Slater into the ring. Lita gives him a Twist of Fate. Then Bradshaw Clotheslines him. The she moon saults him for the pin. Then all the legends come in the ring. Ron Simmons gets the mic and says “Damn.” This was a decent bit.

Sean Mooney is back. He interviews Daniel Bryan. Daniel says AJ humiliated him; Rock taunted him and was insulted by Charlie Sheen. He says Sheen needs more than anger management, he needs life management. Then he says if Sheen was there he would get the Yes Lock on him faster than Sheen can say winning. Whatever that meant. Good promo. I wasn’t expecting Sean Mooney to be on the show. They’re bringing back just about everybody.

Michael Cole is at ringside with Alex Guerrero. He is WWE 100 millionth social media follower. He says he’s excited to be at the show and can’t wait for the next thousand. Cole says that the fan has now been interviewed by him.

They show Fozzy Bear and he talks about wrestlers having catch phrases. Then They show a video package of some of the catch phrases. This was cool too.

Zack Ryder & John Cena are backstage with Gene Okerlund. Ryder says that Okerlund is the guy who made GTV. Gene says he wasn’t working for the company then. Then Rock comes by. Okerlund & Ryder walk off. Rock wishes Cena luck against Punk. Cena then says that he will be WWE Champion so he can have another shot at the great one. Rock says he’s looking forward to that. This was ok.  I really hope to God they don’t put the Title back on Cena! It was cool to see Mean Gene.

Kane comes to the ring. Then Jinder Mahal comes out with Curt Hawkins, Tyler Reks, Camacho, Hunico & Drew McIntyre. Jinder says they’ve never been given an opportunity so they’ll make their own right now. Then the lights go out and the gong hits. Out comes The Undertaker. He gets in the ring and looks at Kane. The 6 jobbers are outside the ring. Then they get in the ring and Kane & Taker flatten them. That is followed by a double Tombstone. The fans chant this is awesome. Then Taker does his kneeling pose. It was cool seeing Taker. Without him this segment wouldn’t have been anything.

Back to Charlie Sheen. Cole mentions Daniel Bryan’s promo. Sheen says that he isn’t hard to find. Lawler asks if he’s challenging Daniel to a match. Sheen says Daniel can think whatever he wants. Then Cole hinted that Sheen might be looking to face Daniel at SummerSlam. It looks like they’ll have Sheen-Daniel for that.

John Cena vs. WWE Champion CM Punk for the Title. Cena wins by DQ when Big Show comes in. Punk bumped into the referee and the ref was knocked out. Then Big Show came in and speared Cena. Then when Cena got to his feet Show gave him the knockout punch. Then Punk thought about it for awhile. He went to wake up the ref. Eventually Punk covered Cena and the ref counted 2. Then Punk was going to give Cena an AA but Cena turned it into an STF. Then Big Show came in and went after Cena. That led to the DQ. Afterwards Big Show continues his attack on Cena. Then The Rock comes out and gives Show a spine buster. He was going for the People’s Elbow but then CM Punk clotheslined him. Then Punk gave Rock the GTS. Then Punk gets his belt and walks up the ramp as the fans boo him. That ends the show. This was good too. I had a feeling they would have Cena win by DQ. It looks like they’re turning Punk heel again. Rock vs. Punk would be great to see.

I thought the first 3 hour show was entertaining overall. I loved seeing Slick. He was great on the mic during the wedding segment. I wasn’t expecting AJ to be the new GM for Raw. That was a nice surprise. I also liked the Rock-Punk-Daniel back and forth. That was 1 of the highlights of this show. Cena-Punk was good too and I expected the DQ ending to the match. They had A LOT of talent from the old days on the show. I wasn’t expecting Seam Mooney. I was also kind of surprised that Miz won the Intercontinental Title. The Heath Slater segment was the usual we’ve been getting from him. Having Lita challenge him was surprising too. The DX stuff at the start was typical DX nostalgia. It’s a shame that they threw around Sandow. The Triple H-Paul Heyman-Stephanie-Brock segment was decent but a bit long. There wasn’t a lot of actual in ring wrestling on this week’s show. This was all about making it to episode 1000. I thought they did a good job tonight. We’ll see how Raw will be going forward starting next week. On the whole I thought this week’s show was enjoyable.