10-15-12 Raw results and thoughts

        Coverage and thoughts on the October 15, 2012 episode of Raw

 The show starts with Big Show coming to the ring. He says that 2 weeks ago he was in the ring…then the fans boo. He says he was in the ring for a debate. A debate that was a cleaver joke put together by Booker T & Sheamus in an attempt to make him look foolish. He says he’s not the guy who looked like a fool. All the fans look like fools because everyone told him to watch out for the Brogue Kick. Then Show has everyone take a look at what happens when you try to Brogue Kick a giant. Then they reshow him blocking Sheamus’ Brogue Kick from last week. He says the look on Sheamus’ face was a look of someone being way over his head. Then he talks about the Brogue vs. WMD challenge from Smackdown. He says he wanted nothing to do with that because he didn’t want to embarrass Sheamus. Then they reshow Big Show punching the bag from Smackdown. Show asks if he has everyone’s attention now. Then he says in 2 weeks he will be hitting Sheamus, KO him and become the largest World Champion. Just so he doesn’t have to hear anymore garbage about his 45 second title reign. He tells the fans not to tweet him about that. He says he will correct that mistake tonight. Then the fans chant 45 seconds. Then Show says that he wants Daniel Bryan tonight. With 1 punch and 1 pin he will erase the 45 second title reign. He tells Daniel to come out. They show Daniel Bryan, Kane, R-Truth, Santino Marella, Zack Ryder, Justin Gabriel & Aksana backstage. R-Truth tells “Little Jimmy” to keep his eyes on that. Then they show Kane & Daniel. Daniel says he can’t believe Show’s still hung up on that. Then AJ comes by and says that Show has an interesting idea. Then she reminds Daniel that he called her quirky and unpredictable. Then she tells Daniel to get out there. Then Kane laughs. Daniel screams no and Kane and whoever else was there scream yes. Then Daniel Bryan comes to the ring. I thought this was a little hokey. Show’s promo was alright but I wasn’t really into the backstage part of this segment. The whole yes-no bit has gotten old and the friction with Kane & Daniel is hit and miss.

Daniel Bryan vs. Big Show. Big Show gets the pin. This was alright but short. Then Kane comes to the ring and he’s all smiles. Then Big Show puts up his fist. Then Kane gets in the ring. Then Big Show leaves. Then Kane & Daniel scream yes and no at each other again.

Paul Heyman is in the ring. He says who he is and tonight he is honored to introduce a man who carries himself with dignity both in and out of the ring. Heyman says that the champ will say who he will defend the title against. Then he says that this day 330 of his WWE Title reign. Then he brings out CM Punk. Punk says that last week was a perfect microcosm of what his life has become. Someone questions his integrity and he proves them wring. He doesn’t care who it is, Bret Hart, Jim Ross, Cena, or The Rock. But least of all he doesn’t care if it’s the fans. Then he says that last week it happened to be Mr. McMahon’s turn to find out what Punk’s about. Punk says it was typical Vince trying to make the show revolve around himself. Then he mentions that he slapped Vince in the face. Then punk says that Vince put up a fight but Punk victimized him and Vince will never compete again. And for that we can thank Punk. Then Punk says that it took 2 guys to save Vince from him. He mentions that Vince backed him into a corner by having to decide who he will defend his title against. Then he says he wants to show everyone the hell in a cell poster. They show it on the Tron. Punk says this is how he’s treated. Then he talks about his decisions. He says Ryback is a monster of a man. Then there’s Cena, who he has broken physically and mentally. Punk asks who does he pick to face. Who will help build his legacy? Will it be the 1 armed man or the next big thing? Then he says that he will unveil to us who he will face. Punk asks for some respect while he unveils his opponent. He says that since the fans chose to be disrespectful he needs more time to think about it. He tells the fans to have more patience with him. Cue no chance and Vince comes out. Vince says he was hoping that Punk learned something about respect last week. Then he says that Punk blew it. Punk won’t make the decision. Vince will. Vince says there will be a contract signing and that’s when Vince will say who Punk will face. Then Vince says that Punk’s fate is in his hands and he tells Punk to respect that. This was a good segment. Punk cut a great promo as usual. I liked when he mentioned that Vince always wants the show to be about Vince was a good line. I’m predicting that that they’ll have Punk face both Cena & Ryback.

Brodus Clay vs. Alberto Del Rio. Del Rio wins by submission. This wasn’t much. Del Rio dominated here.

CM Punk & Paul Heyman are in the locker room. Punk asks who does Vince think he is to decide who Punk will face. Heyman says this is what he warned Punk about. Heyman says this is Vince and they might win the battle but they can’t win the war. Punk says that if anyone can beat Vince, he can. Then he says that he wants to fight Vince again. He says that if Vince is going to decide who Punk faces he will have to fight him. Punk tells Heyman to tell Vince. Heyman gets freaked out and reluctantly goes. This was a decent bit. Heyman’s been really good playing the freaked out guy who knows he’s in a losing battle.

Zack Ryder & Santino Marella vs. The Primetime Players. The Primetime Players win when Titus pins Ryder. This was mostly a squash. Afterwards Heath Skater, Drew McIntyre & Jinder Mahal come out in new gear. They chuck Ryder out of the ring. Then they stomp on Santino. McIntyre says that’s how it’s done. Mahal says they’re going to celebrate. Slater then says that they’re gonna bring music to music city. He calls the trio the 3MBs. This was idiotic. I don’t get why they have these guys beat down Santino every time.

Dolph Ziggler & Vickie Guerrero come out. Vickie says that Dolph has something to say. Dolph says that Ryback is the candidate for a WWE Title match. He asks the fans if they have any idea what he had to go through to earn the MITB contract. He says that he gave it his all every time he was in the ring but that still wasn’t good enough. Then he mentions that he had to beat 7 guys in a brutal ladder match and that was the only way he got a guaranteed title match. He says Ryback is a flash in the pan and will be forgotten in months but Dolph himself will still be there. Then Dolph says he wants to face Punk and beat him for the WWE Title and then cash in MITB and win the World Title too. Then out comes David Otunga. He agrees that Ryback isn’t worthy of a title match but Dolph isn’t either. Otunga says that he should get a title match. Then AJ comes out. She says they all have a right to their opinions, but rather than express them verbally she will let them express their opinions physically against “the man himself.” Cue Feed me More and out comes Ryback. This was stupid.

Ryback vs. Dolph Ziggler & David Otunga. Ryback wins when he pins Otunga Dolph & Vickie headed up the apron and then Ryback hit the marching Samoan drop on Otunga for the win. This was a squash.

Vince is in the office on his phone. Then Heyman comes in. Vince says a swarm of locusts just came in. Heyman says he deserved that. Vince asks how Punk’s doing. Heyman says Punk’s not doing well. Heyman says that last week Vince held his own against Punk. Then he tells Vince that Punk has a challenge for Vince tonight. Heyman says that if Punk wins then Vince might consider the idea that Punk will get to pick his opponent for the PPV. Vince says they’ll have the match. However the match isn’t going to be Vince vs. Punk, it will be Vince vs. Heyman. Heyman then says this isn’t what he had in mind. Vince tells Heyman to get out of his side. Heyman goes. Then Vince says that he loves being him (Yeah I’ve noticed). This was a decent backstage bit.

AJ’s walking backstage and Matt Striker mentions that on Smackdown Kane & Daniel Bryan attacked him. He says that was crazy. Then AJ does that psycho laugh. Then she says that Striker deserves an apology and that he should ask for one. Right after his match with Kane. This made no sense. The AJ character is way beyond old now.

Promo from Cesaro saying that he has elevated the U.S. Title and the entire U.S. Then he says that he doesn’t need the U.S. The U.S. needs him.

Justin Gabriel vs. U.S. Champion Antonio Cesaro. Cesaro gets the pin. This was a decent to solid match.  

Kane vs. Matt Stryker. Before the match starts. Striker gets the mic and says they don’t need to do this. Striker’s not a competitor anymore. He is an announcer. He would be fine with an apology. He asks what Dr. Shelby would tell him. Then he says that the fans want legit competition, not mindless carnage. Then the fans chant mindless carnage. Then Kane & Striker hug it out, Kane turns it into a bear hug and choke slams him for the pin. This was idiotic too. The bell never even rang. Then Kane gets the mic and wants a word with Matt. Kane says it was a great fight and a really competitive match, but in the end, tough loss for Matt. He asks Striker how he feels. Striker of course doesn’t say anything. Kane says he couldn’t have said it better himself. Then he screams that he is the tag team champions. This was hokey.

Time for Miz TV.

Miz welcomes everyone to the most must see talk show in WWE history. He says that last Wednesday his guest had the audacity to challenge him. Then he tells the fans not to welcome, but to feel sorry for Kofi Kingston. Out comes Kofi. They show the clip from Main Event where Kofi gave Miz the Trouble in Paradise. Miz says that Kofi hasn’t put together 3 sentences but he will carry Kofi just like he has with everyone. Kofi then says that it looked like Miz was the guy that had to be carried. Miz says that Kofi’s been there for 5 years and has been in meaningless tag teams and is known for saying boom. Miz tells Kofi he will always be a B player. Kofi is the guy that will put smiles on the fans’ face but he is the guy the fans will remember. Kofi says maybe he does need to add some memorable moments to his career, like when he beats Miz this Wednesday on Main Event for the Intercontinental title. Kofi says that will be must see. Then Kofi thanks Miz for the pep talk. Then he says he might step up his game in a match tonight with Miz. Miz asks the fans if they want to see that. They cheer. Miz does his really bit. He doesn’t back down from a challenge and Kofi’s on. He says that he’s the superstar and Kofi’s the novelty act. He says that the fans don’t care about Kofi. All Kofi will ever be is guy that says boom. Then Kofi goes after Miz. This was ok but I don’t get why they’re having a non title match on Raw, the “flag ship” show and a title match on a show that not everyone gets. Why not have tonight’s match be for the title?

World Champion Sheamus vs. Wade Barrett. Sheamus wins by DQ when Big Show gets involved. Big Show’s music hit and he came out with a steel chair and watched the match from the stage. Sheamus had Barrett in the Texas Clover leaf. Big Show ran to ring side and Sheamus got distracted. Sheamus released the hold and then he got Barrett up on his shoulders but Barrett elbowed out. Then Barrett pushed Sheamus into the ropes and Show yanked down the top rope and that led to the DQ. Afterwards Sheamus gives Barrett a Brogue Kick. Then Show gets in the ring and Sheamus clotheslines him over the top to the floor. This was a good match. I was ok with the Big Show run in and the post match part was decent.

Vince is in the office on his phone. Then John Cena comes in. Vince asks Cena if he got the Dr’s results. Cena says it doesn’t matter. Then he says that everyone told Vince not to get in the ring but he did anyway because that’s where he belongs. Cena says that he’s felt better and has felt worse. Cena then says that he belongs in the ring too and that the choice is Vince’s. Vince says he will take it under consideration.

Layla vs. Divas Champion Eve Torres for the Title. Eve gets the pin. Layla’s foot was on the rope but the referee missed it. This was a solid match but I wasn’t into the finish.

Kane & Daniel Bryan are backstage. Kane says he knows Daniel’s upset. Then he mentions choke slamming Striker. Daniel then mentions that Kane taunted him after he lost to Big Show. Then Daniel says that if Kane thought it was funny that Daniel got choke slammed then Kane should face Big Show next week and see how funny it is. Then Daniel screams that he is the tag team champions. This was a decent Kane-Daniel Bryan bit.

Vince is in the office with Ryback. Vince thanks him for coming to his rescue last week. Then Vince says that everyone’s saying that Ryback is heartless and merciless. They’re also saying that he is unstoppable. Vince wants to know what he has to say. Of course Ryback says feed me more. Vince says he will take that under consideration. Thankfully this was short.

Cody Rhodes & Damien Sandow come to the ring for a match.

Michael Cole announced that Rey Mysterio has the flu this week so the number 1 contender tag title tournament finals will happen next week. That sucks Rey got sick. Hope he’s better soon.

They show Heath Slater, Drew McIntyre & Jinder Mahal walking into some music hall. They get on the stage. Slater gets the mic and says they are music. Drew says they’ll blow the people’s mind. Then Jinder screams in Indian. Then a “security” guy comes in and kicks them out. This was pointless.

Primo & Epico are in the ring and they will face Cody Rhodes & Damien Sandow. Primo & Epico attack before the bell. Cody & Sandow bail and say that there was no bell. Then they get back in the ring and the referee calls for the bell.

Primo & Epico vs. Cody Rhodes & Damien Sandow. Cody & Sandow win when Sandow pins Epico. This was a good match too.

Kofi Kingston vs. Intercontinental Champion The Miz. Kofi gets the pin. This was also a good match. They could’ve had this be for the Intercontinental Title here rather than on Main Event. Nothing against that show but like I mentioned before not everyone gets the network that show is on.

Time for Vince to decide who face CM Punk.

They have the contract table set up in the ring. Vince comes out with the contract. Vince says he has the contract for the WWE title match. Then he brings out CM Punk. Then Vince brings out Ryback. Finally Vince brings out John Cena. Vince tells Punk he’s been thinking about his decision all week because he knew Punk wouldn’t have the grape fruits to decide himself. Punk cuts off Vince and calls him an egomaniac (Boy is he right with that). Punk says that he crippled Vince and knocked a few screws lose. Then Punk signs the contract. Punk says both Cena & Vince are egomaniacs with inferiority complexes. Cena tells Punk enough. Cena says he respects Punk’s achievement as WWE Champion but Punk needs to shut the hell up. Vince says we should get this over with. Cena says he would like nothing than to face Punk for the title. Cena says he looks at Ryback and he might not care about the WWE Title. Just kicking somebody’s ass. He says that Punk should get his ass whipped. Cena says that Punk’s brain will be filled by 3 simple words. Cena then leads the crowd into a feed me more chant. Ryback then signs the contract. Vince says it’s official. Punk will defend the WWE Title against Ryback. Punk gets in Ryback’s face. Then he knocks Punk down and kicks over the table. Then he screams feed me more and then gives Punk the marching Samoan drop. Ryback poses as Punk lays on the canvas to end the show. This was a decent segment. Thankfully it wasn’t as long as I expected it would be. They’re really pushing Ryback. I’m hoping Punk can get a good match out of him.

I thought this week’s show was mediocre overall. The Big Show promo that followed with the Kane-Daniel Bryan-AJ stuff backstage at the start was hokey. The Daniel Bryan-Big Show match wasn’t much either. The closing segment with the contract signing was decent and thankfully a lot shorter than I expected. Let’s hope Punk can get a good match out of Ryback. I still have this feeling that Cena will be in the match too however. Sheamus-Barrett, Primo & Epico-Cody & Sandow and Kofi-Miz were all good matches. Santino& Ryder-Primetime Players was a squash and I wasn’t into the new band gimmick with Heath Slater, Drew McIntyre & Jinder Mahal. The bit where they walked into the concert hall was idiotic too. The Vince segments with Heyman & Cena were solid and the Ryback one was decent too. Layla-Eve was solid but I wasn’t into the finish. The Kane-Daniel Bryan segments (both after Daniel’s match with Big Show & the backstage segment) were decent too. The Otunga-Dolph segment about how they deserve a title match and then having AJ come out and have them both face Ryback was meaningless. The match wasn’t much either. Gabriel-Cesaro was also solid. The Miz TV segment with Kofi was ok too and they set up 2 matches. Tonight’s and the title match on Main Event. AJ having Matt Striker face Kane made no sense. The AJ character is way old! The Kane-Matt Striker segment/match was also pointless. Brodus-Del Rio was a squash too. Del Rio dominated. So much for Brodus’ push. So on the whole I thought this was a hit and miss show this week.