RAW LIVE Coverage and Discussion Thread - 2nd September, 2013

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RAW Results - 2nd September, 2013
Live From: Des Moines, IA,
Announcers - Jerry "The King" Lawler, JBL, Michael Cole

We are in Des Moines, Iowa and your announcers are Michael ‘Do you have any corn’ Cole, Jerry ‘If you buy it for Randy Orton, it will be destroyed’ Lawler, and John ‘Are we in heaven’ Layfield.
Triple H is already in the ring and his music is playing. Triple H says that he wants to introduce the face of a company. He wants to introduce everyone THE WWE Champion . . . Randy Orton.

As Randy makes his way to the ring and past The Shield, Michael Cole says that an unnamed WWE Superstar said that this is a Reign of Terror.

Randy makes it into the ring and Randy says that as the face of the WWE, protecting this company is his number one responsibility. He will not let the image of this company be tarnished. If you disrespect him, you disrespect the entire WWE and you need to be punished.

Randy mentions Daniel Bryan. Last week on Raw, Daniel Bryan defaced his personal property, an Escalade that Triple H personally gave him. In turn, he has no choice but to deface Daniel Bryan. We see what Randy and The Shield did to Daniel on Smackdown, including the nWoization of Daniel Bryan.

Randy says that he will take a page out of Daniel Bryan’s book and play an audience participation question and answer game. Randy’s first question is ‘Should Daniel Bryan face him at Night of Champions for the WWE Title?’ The people say yes, but Randy says no.

Does Daniel Bryan have the slightest chance in hell of beating him at Night of Champions? The crowd says yes, but Orton says no.

Will Daniel Bryan ever amount to anything in the WWE or will he always be a B+ player? The crowd says Yes.

Should Daniel Bryan give up his opportunity to face him at Night of Champions for the WWE Title? Orton says Yes.

Triple H says that at COO, he has a number of responsibilities. He is to make sure that the best product is put on each week. He says that the WWE Universe are the most passionate fans. His other job is to ensure the health and welfare of Superstars and Divas. Hunter says that he has become worried about Daniel Bryan. Daniel’s ego gets him into situations like we just saw. That is a problem.

Hunter says that the people are not helping because they are chanting Yes. The people are causing Daniel Bryan to confuse popularity with what is best for business. Popularity is not what is best for business. Hunter mentions Doink. Doink was insanely popular. People loved Doink. There is a very big reason why Doink was never WWE Champion. It was because it would have been bad for business.

Daniel Bryan will never be WWE Champion. He can reach for that brass ring and he can have some goals. Hunter says that he can bring back the Cruiserweight or European title and Daniel can set that goal for himself.

Daniel Bryan’s music plays and he makes his way onto the stage.

Daniel says that Hunter and Randy made a lot of really good points. He is thrilled to be compared to Doink. Daniel says that he is not sure if there was a loud Doink the Clown chant in 1992. The only clowns he sees are the two standing in the ring right now.

Daniel says that he knows that Hunter and Randy want him to give up his title match. Just like when Hunter gave up being a man when he cut his hair and put on the suit to become a corporate sellout. He says that Randy gave up being in the WWE Title picture until someone decided to hand it to him.

Should he give up his Title Match against Randy Orton at Night of Champions? Daniel says that the answer is the same as the answer to the question ‘Is Randy Orton more masculine than Stephanie McMahon?’ and that is no.

Randy asks how many times does Daniel have to be punched in the face, triple power bombed or given an RKO before he realizes he cannot win.

Daniel tells Randy that no one ever told him he couldn’t do something. Daniel says that he was told he couldn’t do better than wrestle in high school gyms and flea markets. He was told he couldn’t make it to the WWE. He was told he would never make it to the top. He was told he could never be WWE Champion. Daniel says that is what made him the man he is today. He says that he loved the fight to get here. Randy will never understand that because he was given everything.

Daniel says that he does not think he can beat Randy Orton for the WWE Championship, he knows that he can beat Randy for the WWE Championship. He tells Randy that deep down he knows it and so does Hunter. They wouldn’t put him in gauntlet matches or have three people beat him down. They would let him and Randy WRESTLE, one on one.

Randy may have the genetics of a champion, but he does not have the heart of a champion. Randy may walk around like a big dog, but he is only Hunter’s . . .

Hunter interrupts Daniel and calls him a grump little troll. Daniel’s anger is something, but it is misdirected. There is one guy who Daniel should be angry at. That person is seven foot tall and weighs 500 pounds and has an iron clad contract who watches him get beaten down.

Hunter tells Daniel that he can take his anger out on Big Show tonight because in the main event, Daniel Bryan will face Big Show.

We see footage from last week when CM Punk was attacked by Paul Heyman and Curtis Axel.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Hunter and Randy are walking in the back and they see Cody Rhodes.

Hunter shakes Cody’s hand and he asks about his dad. Cody says that tonight’s main event will be great . . . as long as nobody gets involved.

Hunter wonders why anyone would get involved.

Cody asks Randy why avoid the match since Randy isn’t afraid of Daniel. Daniel Bryan versus Randy Orton is what is best for business.

Hunter asks Cody if he is deciding what is best for business. Hunter says that he wouldn’t rely on Cody’s judgment. Daniel Bryan versus Big Show is what is best for business. Hunter says that Cody is busy getting ready for his wedding and planning things. Hunter asks Randy if he got an invitation and Randy asks Hunter.

Hunter says that he got Cody an early wedding present. He will face Randy Orton.

Cody thanks Hunter for the opportunity.

Hunter says that it is an opportunity for him to keep his job because if he does not win, he probably won’t be here very long. Hunter guarantees it.

Match Number One: Fandango (with Summer Rae) versus Miz

Summer tries to distract Miz as the bell rings but Miz with punches followed by a hip toss. Miz runs into an elbow and then Fandango comes off the turnbuckles but Miz blocks the drop kick and he goes for the figure four leg lock but Fandango goes to the floor. Miz with a baseball slide and then he drops Fandango on the ringside barrier.

Summer tries to slap Miz and Miz blocks it and then he spins Summer. Miz rolls in and he gets a near fall. Miz with a flapjack for a near fall. Miz with a side head lock but Fandango backs him into the corner. Fandango with punches. Fandango with an Irish whip and Miz floats over followed by a clothesline.

Miz with a running boot to the head for a near fall. Miz with a rear chin lock into a reverse chin lock and we go to commercial.

We are back and Fandango is dancing and he Irish whips Miz and sends him into the turnbuckles. Cole mentions that Fandango suffered a broken nose from Miz’ boot before the commercial. Summer slaps Miz while Fandango deals with the referee.

Miz with punches followed by an Irish whip but he runs into a boot. Miz blocks a kick and then he sends Fandango to the mat. Miz tries for the Figure Four again but Fandango kicks him away. Fandango moves when Miz tries for a boot into the corner. Fandango puts Miz in the turnbuckles and he hits a slingshot leg drop. Fandango limps and that allows Miz to apply the figure four leg lock and Fandango taps out.

Winner: Miz

We go to commercial.

We go to commercial.

We are back and we are in Daniel Bryan’s locker room. Booker T enters and he wants to talk to Daniel. Daniel says that he has a lot on his mind.

Booker says that he knows that Daniel wants to rage against the machine because that is a fight he cannot win. Daniel can go back to fighting in gyms and armories for little money. Booker tells Daniel that maybe he should give up his title match.

Daniel says that this is not about titles or money. This is about his life.

Booker says that these are people who could ruin his life. Daniel could get injured to the point where he could have his career put in trouble. Booker says that he has Daniel’s back and he tells him to tread lightly.

Michael talks about the situation between CM Punk and Paul Heyman and we have a video package.

Match Number Two: Dolph Ziggler versus Ryback

Dean Ambrose attacks Ziggler from behind before the bell rings and it appears that Ambrose is Ziggler’s opponent. Ambrose sends Ziggler shoulder first into the ring post. Dean tells Ziggler that he will learn to respect the business.

The bell rings and Ryback charges into an elbow but Ryback with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex. Ryback with punches to the back of the head. Ryback rips off Ziggler’s shirt and then he chokes Ziggler in the ropes. Ryback with a biel by the hair. Ryback slams Ziggler’s head into the mat three times.

Ryback pulls at Ziggler’s face while the referee warns Ryback. Ryback with a kick to the ribs. Ryback pushes Ziggler to the mat. Ryback sends Ziggler into the turnbuckles and Ziggler falls to the mat. Ryback tells Ziggler that he is done.

Ryback winds up for the lariat but Ziggler with a drop kick followed by a Stinger Splash and punches in the corner. Ryback with a lariat to Ziggler. Ryback picks up Ziggler for the marching muscle buster and he hits it and gets the three count.

Winner: Ryback

Triple H and Stephanie watch the action on the monitor and Brad Maddox enters the office. Brad tells Hunter and Stephanie that Big Show is refusing to wrestle tonight. Stephanie says that she will take care of this. Brad tells Stephanie where Show’s locker room is, but she says that this will not be a private matter because that is not how she rolls.

We have a Los Matadores video package and we go to commercial.

We are back and Stephanie McMahon makes her way to the ring.

Stephanie introduces someone who helped her out a lot when she was younger. She grew up in these arenas. She had someone teach her life lessons on the way. She brings out her friend, her giant, the World’s Largest Athlete, the Big Show.

Big Show makes his way to the ring in his ring gear, even though he has refused to wrestle.

Show and Stephanie hug each other in the ring. Stephanie says that she heard that Show doesn’t want to face Daniel Bryan tonight. Stephanie says that he told her that you can do things you don’t want to do, but you have to pay the price.

Stephanie says that Show needs to look at the friend he has known for years.

Stephanie says that Show is broke. He has made some bad investments. The strip mall went belly up. Wall Street went bad and he has nothing. Stephanie says that iron clad contract will put him in breach if he doesn’t do what he is told. How much longer does Show have a career in WWE.

Stephanie says that there aren’t many 7 foot tall 500 pound leading men in Hollywood. Will he be the World’s Largest gas station attendant. Stephanie asks Show to think about what he will be giving up if he does not compete in one match.

Stephanie tells Show that giants don’t live long.

Stephanie tells Show that he will have to wrestle tonight. The only person who is hurting more than Show right now, is her.

Stephanie hugs Show and then she leaves the ring.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Edge will be on Raw next week (because Haven will be returning on Syfy next Friday)

We see footage from the break on the WWE App when Big Show was walking in the back and people figured that they better get out of the way of a pissed off Giant.

Michael Cole reminds us that things like what we just saw could be watched on the WWE App.

Match Number Three: Heath Slater and Jinder Mahal (with Drew McIntyre) versus Darren Young and Titus Young

Titus and Slater start things off and Slater wants to lock up. Slater with a jab and he mocks the dog bark. Slater with another jab but Titus sends Heath into the corner and he kicks him. Titus kicks Heath while blowing his whistle. Young tags in and they hit a double shoulder tackle and Young gets a near fall.

Slater sends Young into the corner and Jinder tags in and he applies a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Young with a discus forearm followed by a reverse atomic drop and clothesline for a near fall. Young with a boot when Jinder charges into the corner. Young goes to the turnbuckles but Jinder pulls him off and Heath tags in.

Slater with boots to Young and then Mahal and Drew get in shots. Slater slingshots Darren’s throat into the bottom rope. Slater with a reverse chin lock. Young with elbows but he misses a punch and Slater with a neck breaker for a near fall.

Mahal tags in and he drops a knee on Young’s chest. Mahal with a kick to the back of the head. Slater tags back in and he connects with a jab and he chokes Young in the ropes. Slater with a reverse chin lock but Young with head butts. Slater with a kick but Young with an overhead belly-to-belly throw.

Titus and Jinder tag in and Titus with shoulders followed by an Irish whip and splash into the corner. Titus with a fallaway toss and he barks. Titus with a boot to Jinder for a near fall and Slater makes the save. Young with a double sledge to Slater and Drew. Mahal sends Young to the floor but he turns around into Clash of the Titus for the three count.

Winners: Titus O’Neil and Darren Young

We go to commercial.

We are back and Brad Maddox is on the phone and Paul Heyman enters and he tells Brad to call him back.
Paul asks Brad how he is doing and Paul says that he is not doing well because of Brad. Brad put his fate in the WWE Universe. He gave them the opportunity to let CM Punk put his hands on him. He asks Brad what would happen if Punk got his hands on Paul? You wouldn’t see Paul Heyman again.

Now it is a practical guarantee that CM Punk will get his hands on Paul Heyman. Paul asks Brad if that is what is best for business.

Triple H enters the office and he heard someone say ‘What’s best for business’. Hunter says that he approved that match.

Paul has a change of heart and he respectfully inquires why Hunter okayed the match.

Hunter says that it has nothing to do with their past. He has enjoyed watching Paul weasel his ways out of precarious situations. This match guarantees that Paul cannot weasel his way out of this match. Maybe Paul surprises him and weasels his way out. He tells Paul mazel tov and he will watch it with a smile on his face. Maybe CM Punk gives Paul the beating he deserves. Either way, Hunter says that he wins, and isn’t that what is best for business.

Michael Cole remembers that Kane has not been seen since SummerSlam. Bray Wyatt has a video to explain what has happened to Kane.

Bray says that Icarus was warned never to get too close to the sun. Pride can make even the most noble men do foolish things. As Icarus neared the sun, his wings began to melt and Icarus fell into the ocean and was never heard from again. Where is Kane?

Bray says that he warned Kane and said that the fire that he thought was his friend would be his ending. When Kane allowed his pride to cloud his common sense, he knew that Kane was his. Like a lamb that was led to slaughter. Bray wonders where his monster has gone. Kane has made his bed and now he is burning in it.

Match Number Four: Cody Rhodes versus Randy Orton in a What is going to happen with Cody’s Career after this match Match

They lock up and Orton backs Cody into the corner and Orton with elbows in the corner. Rhodes punches Orton and he kicks him. Rhodes with an Irish whip into the corner but Orton with a clothesline. Orton drops Cody on the top rope and then he sends Cody into the turnbuckles.

Orton throws Rhodes to the floor and Randy follows. Randy tries to send Cody into the steps but Cody blocks it and he sends Orton into the steps and gets a near fall. Rhodes with another near fall. Rhodes with a modified cross face chicken wing using the leg. Orton with a punch but Cody with a drop kick for a near fall. Rhodes punches Orton in the corner. Orton with an Irish whip and Cody with a taste of Orton’s medicine with a clothesline to Orton and then he gets a near fall and he chokes Orton in the ropes.

Orton with a thumb to the eyes and he gets a near fall. Orton with forearms across the chest. Orton with a boot across the eyes. Orton sends Cody into the turnbuckles and Orton climbs the turnbuckles and punches Cody. Cody with a gourdbuster to Orton and he punches Orton in the corner. Cody climbs the turnbuckles and he punches Orton.

Orton gets away from Cody and he connects with a forearm to the back followed by a back breaker and Cody rolls to the floor.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Cody punches and kicks Orton. Orton is rolled back into the ring but Randy goes to the floor on the other side. Orton kicks Cody and punches him. Orton with a backdrop driver onto the ringside barrier. Orton with a forearm across the chest before sending Cody back into the ring. Orton gets a near fall.

Orton punches Cody and then he hits a leaping knee drop for a near fall. Orton with a reverse chin lock.

We see the locker room watching this match in the back. Orton with a knee followed by an Irish whip but Cody gets his boots up and then he hits a clothesline followed by a back elbow. Cody with the drop down uppercut and then he goes to the apron. Cody hits a springboard drop kick and he gets a near fall.

Cody misses Beautiful Disaster but he sends Orton into the turnbuckles and Rhodes is able to hit Beautiful Disaster but he can only get a two count. Cody goes up top for the moonsault but Orton pushes him out of the way. Orton gets a near fall. Orton sends Cody to the apron and into the ropes for the IEDDT and he connects.

Orton looks around and then he twist to the mat for the RKO push ups. Rhodes counters an RKO attempt with Cross Rhodes but he only gets a two count. Orton kicks Cody away and then Orton drops Cody on the top rope. Rhodes with an elbow and leg sweep for a near fall. Rhodes misses Beautiful Disaster and Cody appears to have injured his knee. Orton with a kick to the knee followed by an RKO for the three count.

Winner: Randy Orton

Randy Orton walks past Triple H on the stage and goes to the back.

Hunter tells everyone to give it up for Cody Rhodes. Hunter says that Cody went all in and fought like his life was on the line. He fought with heart. Hunter tells Cody from the bottom of his heart how much he respects Cody. This is a business and in business, he needs winners so he cannot let personal feelings cloud his judgment.

Hunter tells Cody that with deep regret that he has to tell Cody that he is fired.

CM Punk makes his way to the ring and he has a kendo stick with him.

Punk promises and those are words that don’t mean a lot to people. Punk says that he never promised anyone before. He promises no more empty threats or posturing. He says that there will be no more talking because he is having a hard time thinking of what to say next.

Punk asks people if they saw what happened to him last week. What is left to say? Everything that has to be heard has been said. Punk says that he is dressed to compete but wrestling is the farthest thing from his mind.

Punk says that he wants to fight. Punk says that he wants to fight Paul Heyman. If he has to fight Curtis Axel to get a shot at fighting Paul Heyman, he will do it. Punk says that they would not come out here to fight tonight.

Punk says that it is okay because in 13 days he has them both. Punk says that he is in such a dark place that he wouldn’t even want to fight himself. Punk says that he doesn’t want to say anything about the biblical ass beating that will take place at Night of Champions.

Punk wants to talk to everyone in the building and his friends and family in Chicago. Everyone who bought his t-shirt or made a sign to support him. Thirteen days . . . at Night of Champions, he guarantees that he will get past Curtis Axel. He guarantees that he will get his hands on Paul Heyman. If you order Night of Champions, you will see a side of CM Punk that you have never seen before. It is a side of CM Punk you might not like. He can live with it, but people might not like what is going to happen to Paul Heyman.

Last week, Paul said that Punk broke his heart. At Night of Champions, he is going to break his face. Punk says ‘I Promise’.

We take a look back at what happened last week on Raw between CM Punk, Paul Heyman, and Curtis Axel.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Daniel Bryan is in his locker room and Big Show enters. Show says that he didn’t want any part of this fight but he is under a lot of pressure.

Daniel says that what Show wants does not matter to him. He does what he has to regardless of the obstacles put in front of him. Whether it was the Shield, Randy Orton, or a Giant.

Show says that he cannot let their friendship dictate what happens to his family. Show says that he is in a no win situation.

Daniel says that he will beat Show just like he did for his first World Championship.

We go to the WWE Rewind: AJ’s promo from last week.

Match Number Five: Naomi versus Brie Bella versus Natalya in a Number One Contender Match

Before the match starts, AJ skips her way to ringside and joins commentary.

Naomi with a leg lariat to Brie but Natalya with a rollup on Naomi for a near fall. Brie sends Natalya into the turnbuckles and Brie with an X Factor for a near fall on Naomi. Natalya with a jackknife cover for a near fall on Brie. Brie with a running knee to Natalya. Naomi tries for a sunset flip from the apron and then Natalya sends Brie to the floor. Natalya with a sharpshooter but Naomi with an inside cradle for a near fall.

Brie goes up top and Natalya catches Brie. Naomi with a leaping butt splash and Naomi covers Natalya but AJ breaks up the cover and the referee calls for the bell.

No Contest

Brie attacks AJ and then Natalya and Naomi join in. They triple team AJ and then the Total Divas girls leave.

We go to commercial.

Brie attacks AJ and then Natalya and Naomi join in. They triple team AJ and then the Total Divas girls leave.

We go to commercial.

Match Number Six: Damien Sandow (with Choco-Case) versus Rob Van Dam (with Ricardo Rodriguez)

They lock up and Van Dam with a waist lock. Sandow backs Van Dam into the turnbuckles and he punches Van Dam. Sandow with an Irish whip but Van Dam with a heel kick. Van Dam with kicks. Sandow with an Irish whip. Van Dam tries for a rana but Sandow blocks it and hits a power bomb for a near fall. Sandow kicks Van Dam.

Van Dam with a kick and body scissors roll up for a near fall. Sandow with a boot to the head and he gets a near fall. Sandow with forearms to the chest and then Sandow with a quarter nelson and chin lock. Van Dam with punches but Sandow pulls Van Dam back to the mat. Sandow runs his laces across the face and then he kicks Van Dam and chokes him.

Sandow punches Van Dam but Van Dam stops Sandow from sending him into the turnbuckles. Van Dam with a kick followed by a jumping side kick.

Alberto’s music plays and he makes his way onto the stage. Sandow attacks Van Dam from behind and Rob falls to the floor.

We go to commercial.

We are back and we see what happened exclusively on the WWE App when Stephanie McMahon announced a Fatal Four Way Match for Night Of Champions for the Divas Title. (not that things can be exclusive when they are shown somewhere else).

We see footage from earlier tonight (exclusively on Raw) of what happened to Cody Rhodes.

We see Cody being led out of the building and Josh Mathews asks Cody if he has any parting words.

Cody says that Randy Orton beat him fair and square. It was that damn stipulation. If he loses, he is fired. Cody says that he shouldn’t be surprised because for over two decades, the McMahons have hated the Rhodes. His father was a legend in Florida and they put him in polka dots. His brother was a second generation stud. He was The Natural and they put him in gold paint. Cody says that he has to worry about his new wife.

Josh asks Cody if he has anything to say to his new wife and Cody walks out of the building.

The WWE Roster makes their way onto the stage to watch the match between Big Show and Daniel Bryan.

We go to commercial.

Match Number Seven: Daniel Bryan versus Big Show in a McMahon is Making Show Do This Match

Show tells Bryan that he doesn’t want to do this. Show tells Bryan to leave so he doesn’t have to do this. Bryan with a forearm and Show pushes him to the mat while telling Daniel he doesn’t want to do this. Show tells Bryan not to make him do this. He tells Bryan he is trying to help him.

Bryan with a drop kick to the knee followed by kicks to Show. Bryan with a drop kick and he gets a near fall. Bryan with a running drop kick into the corner and then he hits a second one. Bryan goes for a third one but he runs into a boot from Show.

Show puts Bryan against the turnbuckles and he chops Bryan and then throws him to the mat. Show with a slam and he yells at Bryan for making him do this. He says that he does not want to hurt Bryan. Bryan with kicks to the leg.

Show with a shoulder tackle to Bryan. Show tells Bryan to stop fighting. He says that he is being forced to do this. He doesn’t want to have to hurt Bryan. Bryan with a forearm to Show but Show with a head butt. Show with a punch to the midsection.

Show with an Irish whip and running butt splash into the corner. Bryan with a drop kick to the knee to stop the running shoulder tackle. Bryan with Kicks of Yes to Show and then he has the round kick blocked. Show grabs Bryan by the throat and then Bryan with a kick and DDT but Show kicks out.

Bryan comes off the turnbuckles but Show with a spear and Bryan is down. Show sets for the knockout punch but Show has second thoughts. Show leaves the ring, but Hunter’s music plays as he goes over the top rope.

The Shield make their way to the ring like good lapdogs. Hunter tells Show to get back into the ring and finish it.

Show refuses despite Hunter’s orders. Show walks up the ramp and the Shield attack.

Winner: Daniel Bryan (by disqualification)

Hunter tells Show not to do it and he tells him to think about his family and what is best for him. He tells Paul that he doesn’t want to do this. They get Bryan up for the Cerberus Bomb and they hit it on Bryan. Show starts to cry. Hunter tells Show to look at him. Hunter tells Show to ball up his fist and do what he tells him . . . for his family.

Hunter tells Show to knock Daniel Bryan out.

Show tells Hunter no and he leaves the ring.

Stephanie McMahon’s music plays and she makes her way on the stage and down the ramp. Stephanie says that this is Show’s last chance. He needs to think about them.

Show makes his way back to the ring with Stephanie.

Hunter reminds Show of his earlier instructions.

Show wants to hit Hunter but Stephanie stands between Show and her Husband . . . Triple H.

Show punches Bryan and Bryan falls down to the mat.

Show leaves the ring with Hunter and Stephanie and he tells Show he did the right thing.

Randy Orton’s music plays and he makes his way to the ring and he walks past Big Show and slides into the ring. Orton stands over Bryan and then he turns over Daniel. Orton stands on Bryan’s chest and he holds the title belt over his head.

We go to credits.