WWE Monday Night RAW: Live coverage and results, 6th January 2014

Old School RAW

As the new year kicks off, we head down to The Baltimore Arena in Baltimore, Maryland for the first episode of Monday Night RAW in 2014! As we start the new year, a lot of surprises and questions remain ahead of us; why did Daniel Bryan join the Wyatt Family? What’s next for Brock Lesnar? And with the Royal Rumble ever so close, what can we expect going into the mega event? We’ll get some of those answers tonight, as RAW goes old school!

News came in before the start of RAW that Jerry Lawler was hospitalized. Thankfully, he’s doing fine. RAW opened with the old graphic of Monday Night RAW as Michael Cole welcomed us to the first episode of the new year, and out came the Nature Boy, Ric Flair! Jerry Lawler wasn’t at the announcer’s booth, as Ric Flair made his way down to the ring. We saw Flair hyping up the 49ers the past weekend, and Flair hyped up the crowd by strutting around the ring, but this brought out the WWE World Heavyweight champion, Randy Orton to a very mixed reaction!

Orton praised Flair, and said he learnt a lot from the legendary Nature Boy. He said he played a huge part in Orton breaking out in the business. Orton said that tonight wasn’t just about the legends, but also about Orton. Orton told Flair that even he should agree that Orton is the champion of champions. Orton asked Flair to leave the ring so that he could get something off his chest as the crowd chanted “No!”. Flair didn’t leave, and Orton mentioned Stephanie booking him in a match against Cena at the Royal Rumble and said it was unfair. He asked The Authority to reverse the decision and cancel the match. Orton said he already proved to the world that he was the man, and Flair interrupted him, saying if he was the champion, he would perform 7 days a week! He said Orton should face Cena, but Orton called him the most overrated performer in the history! Flair then talked about Triple H and himself recruiting Orton, and said he was still the arrogant punk he always was. He asked Orton if he still wondered if he was good enough after he goes home every day. They dropped their mics and looked ready to slug it out, as Cena made his way out to a mixed reaction!

Cena embraced Flair, but called Orton a scumbag. Cena ripped into Orton, and wondered how he could call Flair ‘overrated’. Cena said Orton was nowhere near Flair’s league, and asked him to fight him right there. Orton left the ring with the WWE World Heavyweight championships as Cena and Flair embraced in the ring, and Flair posed with Cena to end the segment.

Analysis: That’s a good way to hype up their Royal Rumble match. If there was anyone in the WWE who could pump up a crowd, it would be Ric Flair. Flair is one of the greatest WWE champions in the history of the company, so bringing him in to promote the Royal Rumble bout was a smart idea. Orton and Cena played their parts well, and Orton looked like a weasel, trying to get out of their match at the PPV.

WWE then aired the video of Daniel Bryan joining the Wyatt Family last week.

Daniel Bryan, Luke Harper and Erick Rowan (With Bray Wyatt) vs. Rey Mysterio, and The Usos

Mysterio and Usos waited in the ring as the all too familiar music of the Wyatt Family hit, and out came the Wyatt Family, along with Daniel Bryan! The crowd chanted “Yes” and Bryan didn’t look happy. He took orders from Bray Wyatt and here we go with the bout.

Harper started things off with one of The Usos and then tagged in Daniel Bryan. Mysterio was also tagged in, and Mysterio told Bryan this wasn’t him. Bryan attacked Mysterio with some big knees to the face and his gut. Rey Mysterio sent Bryan to the outside as Bray Wyatt started yelling at Bryan.

Back from commercial, and Rowan was in control of one of The Usos. Rowan delivered a huge fall away slam and tagged Bryan in. Bryan unloaded with some big kicks as the crowd chanted “Yes”. Bryan dropped Jey on the ropes and drilled him with a running dropkick to the back of his head. Bray laughed as he looked on, and Rowan tagged himself in and double teamed Jey. Jey came back with a big boot and a superkick, and tagged Rey Mysterio in! Rey came down with a big splash, and a leg scissors take down on Rowan! Rowan went for a powerbomb, but Rey countered it into a 619. Jimmy tagged in, but Rowan dodged a Superfly Splash, as Bryan tagged himself in! Harper tagged himself in as there was tension between the Wyatt Family! Uso rolled Harper up to pick up the victory!

Winner (s): The Usos and Rey Mysterio.

Rating: ** ½

Analysis: That was a decent way to kick things off, and there were obvious tensions between the members of the Wyatt Family. It will be interesting to see how Bryan copes up with the other members and where this storyline leads to, but it will be interesting nonetheless. Mysterio and The Usos picked up the victory to start the new year, and Bray looked far from impressed with the loss.

Backstage, Maddox announced that the fans have the option of choosing the special guest referee for the rematch between Khali and Sandow, and the options are Bob Backlund, Sgt. Slaughter and Arn Anderson. Kane then came in and threatened Maddox for what he did last week. He said he could become the old Kane again and no one would hear of Maddox.

We then saw WWE hyping up WWE’s “groundbreaking” announcement this Wednesday, with Austin, Cena and Vince.

Curtis Axel vs. Big E Langston with Ryback at commentary

Big E started aggressively with a rib breaker, but Axel came back with big punches in the corner. Axel stopped Big E with a chin lock in the center of the ring, but Big E drilled him with a chinbreaker and a spear in the corner, but Axel came back with a dropkick. Axel took Big E to the outside and drilled him with some punches, but Big E turned the tables around by drilling his head on to the table. Ryback distracted Big E for a moment, which allowed Axel to pick up a two count, but Big E came back with a huge clothesline and the Big Ending to pick up the victory in just under 3 minutes!

Winner and still the WWE Intercontinental Champion: Big E Langston

Rating: * ½

Analysis: That was a basic squash match, and WWE might go ahead with a Ryback – Big E Langston program. With Axel jobbing to Big E in just under 3 minutes, it looks like that’s the end of Curtis Axel’s push. With no more Paul Heyman by his side, there is little to no hope of Axel’s resurgence in the WWE. Big E continues to impress the WWE fans with his powerhouse performance.

We saw The Hot Rod ‘Rowdy’ Roddy Piper walking backstage, and the Piper’s Pit is next!

Piper came out to a good reaction, and Piper said that he was old school before “Old School was cool!”. Before he could say anything, The Shield’s music hit, as the trio made their way out to the Piper’s Pit. Ambrose asked who gave Piper a mic, and said we were live as he rambled on and on. Ambrose said Piper must thank God that they weren’t around when he was wrestling, as he wouldn’t have made it to a 112 years. Piper said no one gave him the mic, he took it. He said although he had been beat up, he could still go, and said only CM Punk matched him on the mic, as the crowd chanted for Punk! Ambrose looked ticked off, but Rollins interrupted. Rollins said Piper was jealous because Ambrose was a better US champion than Piper ever was. Piper said neither Ambrose nor Rollins could beat Punk one on one. Piper said Reigns would fight Punk later on, and would make him better than Ambrose or Rollins if he defeated Punk! Piper asked if Ambrose and Rollins were holding him back, as the crowd chanted “Yes”. Reigns said he would defeat Punk, and would break him in half if Piper ever touched him again. As The Shield was about to attack Piper, Punk made his way out along with the New Age Outlaws! The trio cleaned house and sent The Shield retreating to the back!

Analysis: That was a great segment. It showed the cracks in The Shield, as Reigns was once again made to see “the light”, and the question of him being better than Ambrose and Rollins still lingers in everyone’s mind. If he defeats Punk tonight, that would bring some legitimacy to the question. The seeds are being sown for a Reigns’ face turn some time soon.

WWE showed Brock Lesnar’s return last week, and him destroying Mark Henry and his interest in fighting for the WWE World Heavyweight championship!

Sin Cara vs. Alberto Del Rio

Cara made his way out first, followed by the former World Heavyweight champion, Alberto Del Rio. Del Rio started very aggressively, as Cara already defeated Del Rio twice before. Cara went for a pin early, but Del Rio kicked out. Cara went for an armdrag takedown turned into a pin for a near fall. Del Rio turned the tables and went for a chin lock. Del Rio pulled Cara down to the mat, but Cara took him down with a tilt – a – whirl leg scissors and a spring board elbow! Cara went to the top, but Del Rio avoided a Swanton and delivered a superkick to pick up the victory in just over 2 minutes!

Winner: Alberto Del Rio

Rating: *

Post match, ADR took the mic, and talked about Batista stealing his spot light from him. He said he would throw Batista over the top rope at the Royal Rumble, and said everyone would then talk about the Royal Rumble winner, Alberto Del Rio.

Analysis: That was a basic 2 minute match with both the performers getting their offenses in. Del Rio got the grudge victory over Sin Cara, and then drove the point home about the possibility of him winning the Royal Rumble. Is it possible? I don’t think so, but he has done it before.

Apparently Jerry Lawler had a stomach infection, and news came in that he was alright.

Backstage, Daniel Bryan talked about joining the Wyatt Family, and said he wanted to learn, to transform, and said he can also teach! He said he was a tag team champion before, and asked to team with one of them next week as Bray Wyatt watched him from the side.

The Real Americans (With Zeb) vs. Goldust and Cody Rhodes

Goldust started things off with Swagger, but Swagger tagged Antonio in. Goldust delivered an inverted atomic drop and a big right. Cody Rhodes came in and went for the cover early. Antonio came back with a huge clubbing blow, and Cody did his version of the cat on the ropes, and covered Antonio for yet another near fall. Goldust tagged in back, but Antonio took him to the opposite corner and tagged Swagger in. Swagger and Antonio took control over the match with some rights and knees to Goldust, and tagged Cesaro back in. Cesaro went for a cover but Goldust kicked out, as the fans started a “We The People” chant! Antonio with a chin lock, and tagged Swagger back in. They doubled teamed Goldust and went for the cover, but Goldust kicked out. Antonio with yet another chin lock, but Goldust fought out of it. Goldust went to the top and dropped Cesaro with a Hurricanrana! That was new. Cody came back, and went for a huge enziguri to Swagger on the outside, but Cesaro took advantage with a huge clothesline as WWE went into commercial.

Back from commercial, and Swagger was in control over Cody. Swagger went for a big splash as Cesaro delivered the double foot stomp over Cody for a near fall! Swagger tagged himself back in and held Cody down with a front facelock. Cody tried to fight out of it, but Swagger pulled back the control. Cody dumped Swagger out of the ring, but Cesaro came back and kicked Goldust off the apron. Cody dropped him with a big back drop, but Cesaro came back with an upper cut to the back of the head for a near fall. Swagger came back in, and Cody went for the Disaster kick, but Swagger countered it into the ankle lock! Cody tried to fight off, but Goldust made the save! Goldust tagged himself in and dropped Swagger with a spinebuster. Goldust dropped both the men with a crossbody, and delivered a power slam on Swagger for a close fall! Cody dumped Cesaro over the top rope, as Goldust delivered his finisher on Swagger to pick up the victory after 15 minutes.

Winner (s): Goldust and Cody Rhodes.

Rating: *** ½

Analysis: That was an outstanding match between two great teams! Goldust and Cody looked impressive, but I’m blown away by Goldust’s improvement over the years. He has gotten better with time, and The Real Americans held their own against the tag team champions. I would like to see Cesaro pursuing a singles career, but I wouldn’t mind seeing the duo holding the WWE Tag team titles and having a decent run. The tag team division needs more good teams, so that can happen sometime soon.

Backstage, Booker T met DDP, and they did a bit of comedy. DDP plugged – in his DVD, and Ron Simmons came in and delivered a “Damn”.

Damien Sandow vs. The Great Khali (With Ranjin Singh)

Ranjin Singh was back for the old school episode! The fans voted for Sgt. Slaughter to be the special enforcer for the bout, as the Sarge made his way down to the ring. Sandow drilled Khali with a punch, but Khali stomped him in the corner. Khali delivered a huge chop, and then another one in the other corner! Khali went for a chop, but Sandow rolled out of the ring. Sandow came back with boots in the corner, but argued with Sgt. Slaughter which gave Khali the window to make a comeback! Khali dropped him with some rights and clotheslines, and ended things with a chop, but Sandow’s leg was on the bottom rope!

Winner: The Great Khali

Rating: *

Post match, Sandow argued with Slaughter, and went for a punch, but Slaughter locked him in the Cobra Clutch! Khali and Slaughter danced to end the segment.

Analysis: I’d rather not say anything about the gross injustice being done to Damien Sandow, or how he has become a joke in the WWE. It was nostalgic watch Slaughter back in the WWE, and he still looks to be in great shape.

Top of the third hour, and out came Brock Lesnar along with Paul Heyman to a mixed reaction! He talked about Lesnar being the new number one contender for the WWE World Heavyweight championship! Heyman said “old school” wasn’t about giving the legends their last hurrah, but old school is when one man reigns supreme, and the locker room challenges that one man to be at the top of the food chain. Heyman then dropped names such as Bruno Sammartino, Hulk Hogan and Steve Austin, all reigning supreme and being at the top. Heyman said that it didn’t matter who the WWE World Heavyweight champion was after the Royal Rumble, as Lesnar would be going after them, and take back the championship. Heyman said there was no one either in MMA or in the WWE to challenge Brock Lesnar.

Heyman then said Lesnar took out Mark Henry last week, and said it didn’t matter who challenged Brock Lesnar, as Brock would lay waste to them. Heyman then said Lesnar’s motto was “Eat, sleep, conquer, repeat”, and this brought out Mark Henry! Henry went at it against Lesnar, but Lesnar locked in the Kimura lock and broke Henry’s arm, similar to Triple H and Shawn Michaels. Lesnar stood over Henry as he screamed in pain, as the trainers checked on Henry. But Big Show came out as Lesnar backed up into the ring! Show made his way to the ring, but Lesnar escaped! Show stared down Lesnar as he made his way back up the apron. Heyman distracted Show for a second, as Lesnar tried to attack Show! Show threw Lesnar out of the ring, as Heyman stopped Lesnar from going back again! The segment ended with Show standing tall in the center of the ring!

Analysis: That was a great segment, showcasing Lesnar’s ruthlessness. This may lead to a program between Lesnar and The Big Show for the Royal Rumble, but I don’t think that would do much good to either one of the superstars. Lesnar is a marquee name, and he should be in a program with a marquee player. Nothing against The Big Show, but there are others who can benefit from fighting Brock Lesnar.

Back from the break, and out came The Bellas. Alicia Fox and Aksana were already in the ring.

The Bellas vs. Alicia Fox and Aksana

Nikki and Fox started things off, as Nikki took Fox down with an armdrag. Nikki took control over the match and face planted Fox, but Fox made a comeback by throwing her out of the ring! Nikki was holding her leg, and Fox worked over the injury. Fox tagged in Aksana, as they worked over Nikki’s leg. Aksana kicked Nikki’s leg as the crowd started a “Let’s go Nikki” chant. Aksana twisted Nikki’s leg, but Nikki kicked her off and tagged in Brie. Brie drilled Aksana with her knees, but missed a crossbody and Aksana took advantage of it, covering Brie to pick up the victory just after the 3 minute mark.

Winner (s): Aksana and Alicia Fox

Rating: ½ *

Analysis: It was a basic divas match, and the mistake cost The Bellas the bout. Nothing great about the match or the outcome.

Too Cool were shown backstage making their way to the ring!

3 MB vs. Too Cool and Rikishi

Grand Master started things off with Jinder Mahal, as Mahal took him to the corner. GMS came back with a big drop kick from the middle rope, and drilled Mahal with a bulldog. Scotty got the tag as the two double teamed Mahal! Mahal made the tag to Drew, but Scotty face planted Drew and delivered the worm! Slater distracted Scotty, which led to Drew delivering a big boot! Mahal and Drew traded tags, working on Scotty as the crowd chanted for Rikishi. Drew extended Scotty’s arm, working on his shoulder, but Scotty came back with a neckbreaker and tagged Rikishi in! Rikishi cleaned the house and delivered a superkick to Mahal for a near fall! Drew and Mahal double teamed Rikishi in the corner, but Rikishi dropped them with a clothesline, as GMS came down with a leg drop from the top rope on Drew and Rikishi came down on Mahal to pick up the victory just after the 4 minute mark!

Winner (s): Too Cool and Rikishi

Rating: * ½

Post match, Too Cool and Rikishi danced to end the segment.

Analysis: Nothing fantastic, but it was nostalgic to see Rikishi and Too Cool in the ring together once again. Scotty looked great, and so did GMS. The worm and the leg drop from the top rope were fantastic as they were 13 years ago. Scotty deserves another run, as he is still in good shape and can still go in the ring.

Next week, The Usos will take on the team of Bray Wyatt and their newest acquisition, Daniel Bryan!

All the legends, including the Godfather made their way out. Bad News Barrett interrupted the proceedings, and said he had some bad news. He said everyone, including himself would forget the names of all the legends the minute they walk out of the arena. That was painful to watch.

Up next, CM Punk takes on Roman Reigns in the main event!

WWE aired a vignette for the return of Batista, and his inclusion in the Royal Rumble.

Mean Gene came out to a decent reception, and introduced the New Age Outlaws! Road Dogg hyped up the crowd, and did his usual introduction. Billy Gunn chipped in and did his usual bit as well.

CM Punk (With NAO) vs. Roman Reigns (With Rollins and Ambrose)

Punk made his way out to a huge ovation, and here we go. Reigns took control in the early going, but Punk came back with big rights. During the commercial, Reigns regained control with a huge clothesline, and threw Punk out as his mid section hit the railings! Reigns went for the cover as Punk kicked out. Reigns worked on Punk’s mid section as the crowd cheered for CM Punk. Reigns wore Punk down with a series of headbutts and rights to his face. Reigns drilled Punk with a big elbow for yet another near fall. Reigns missed with a big elbow, and Punk found a window of opportunity to make a comeback. Punk connected with a cross body, but Reigns caught him with a bearhug. Roman connected with a Samoan drop and went for a near fall. Punk came back with a neckbreaker for a 2 count, and connected with a big knee in the corner. Ambrose distracted Punk as he went to the top, but Punk fought Reigns off and connected with the Savage elbow. Ambrose and Rollins took NAO out, and this led to Punk connecting with the Suicide dive on Rollins! Reigns connected with the big punch for a 2 count. Reigns missed the spear, and Punk rolled him up for a 2 count! Punk connected with a big boot for yet another near fall! Punk went for the GTS, but Reigns fought him off. Ambrose distracted Punk, which led to Reigns connecting with the spear to pick up the victory!

Winner: Roman Reigns

Rating: *** ½

Analysis: That was an outstanding match between Reigns and Punk, and now that Reigns picked up the victory, there will be questions about him being better than Ambrose and Rollins.

Post match, Jake Roberts made his way out as the crowd went nuts! NAO threw Rollins and Reigns out as Punk connected with an aeroplane spin and a GTS on Ambrose! Jake let out his pet snake on Ambrose as RAW faded!

Analysis: That match was awesome, but the ending made it all the more amazing! Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts made his way out as the crowd went wild, and unleashed his pet snake on Ambrose. With Jake trying to make a comeback to the WWE, this will raise some rumours about a potential return for Jake Roberts!

Over – all rating of the show: *** ½

That was a great episode of RAW! Not only did we have some good matches, but the return of Jake Roberts made it all the more memorable. The main event delivered, and with Bryan – Wyatt Family storyline, along with the eventual face turn of Reigns, things are bound to get interesting in the world of WWE. That does it for the live review, and join us next week as we continue our journey to this year’s Royal Rumble.