By Jason Powell

WWE Raw on the USA Network
Live from Lexington, Ky.

[Q1] The show opened with a new intro package. This is the clip that plays before all WWE shows, not the WWE Raw opening... A highlight video recapped John Cena's problems with The Nexus from last week... The opening montage aired... Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler checked in on commentary...

John Cena came out to a big pop from the live crowd. He headed to the ring and soaked up the cheers. Cena thanked the WWE Raw wrestlers who helped him last week against The Nexus. He noted that Sheamus never showed up to help him. Cena said Sheamus is going to wake up one day and realize that they're all in this together.

Powell's POV: Am I missing something? Weren't there like six other heels who didn't help Cena? Didn't Randy Orton sit out the big brawl at the end? Lots of readers have noted that Jim Ross's voice was removed from the opening intro package. No, I don't have any idea why that happened.

Cena said Sheamus will wake up next Monday without the WWE Championship. Cena went on to plug their cage match for Sunday's pay-per-view. He stressed that there's nowhere to run and that no one can interfere in the match. "Today, I confidently say that this Sunday at Money in the Bank, the champ will be here," Cena said while pointing at himself.

John turned his attention to the handicap match he has against The Nexus and boasted about it being a six-on-one match instead of a seven-on-one match because he took out Darren Young last week.

The Nexus walked onto the stage wearing t-shirts with their "N" logo on it. Young was not with the group and they did not have entrance music. Cena joked that it's the group known as "Nnnnnn." Funny. Wade Barrett said they could come to the ring and take him out now, but noted they would face him in the main event.

Barrett said Cena disrespected the anonymous general manager last week. Cena started to rant, but was interrupted by the anonymous general manager email chime. Cole stood up and read the message that if anyone WWE superstar gets involved in the handicap match, they will be suspended for 90 days.

The general manager also announced that the Nexus wrestlers must tag in and out of the match. If they fail to make tags, they will also be suspended for 90 days. Barrett said they can abide by the rules, but Cena will still be in the ring all alone. Cena said the Nexus might take him out tonight, but he vowed to take a few of them down with him... [C]

Powell's POV: A decent opening segment. Cena failed to sell me on his pay-per-view match with Sheamus, but they have me looking forward to the handicap match.

[Q2] Eve came out and joined the announcers on commentary...

1. Alicia Fox pinned Gail Kim in a non-title match in 1:40. The announcers had Eve comment on highlights of Fox faking an injury and beating her last week before the match started. Kim went for her Eat Defeat finisher, but Fox avoided the move and hit her scissors kick finisher for the win.

After the match, Fox taunted Eve by holding the belt over her head. Eve stood up. The email chime went off. "We have another email," Cole said. Um, I think the chime and the flashing lights were our first clues, Mike. Cole said the general manager had ruled that Eve would challenge Fox at the Money in the Bank pay-per-view on Sunday...

Cole hyped Randy Orton vs. Edge for later in the show. Lawler plugged the Nexus vs. Cena match. He said parents may want to put their kids to bed early because the main event could be brutal with Cena facing six men... [C]

Powell's POV: I'd love to think that Lawler's line about putting the kids to bed is a hint that the main event won't be PG. Don't get your hopes up, though. Email me right now if the Eve vs. Alicia match enticed you to order the pay-per-view on Sunday. Be honest.

2. The Uso Brothers and Tamina defeated The Hart Dynasty and Natalya in a six-person tag match in 2:45. Cole noted that this match was scheduled to take place two weeks earlier, but the Usos and Tamina attacked The Harts before the bell. Lawler made the first mention of guest host Florence Henderson as the match got underway.

[Q3] Tamina got involved whenever the Harts got the advantage, but Natalya cut her off at 2:30. With the women outside the ring, the Uso brothers got the better of David Hart Smith and one of the brothers got the pin following great top rope splash...

Backstage, Wade Barrett thanked Chris Jericho for everything he did for him on NXT. Jericho congratulated him for doing exactly for what he told him to do. They shook hands. As Jericho was walking away, Josh Matthews stuck the mic in his face, but Jericho told him no comment.

Meanwhile, Barrett confronted Yoshi Tatsu and said he's not so tough without his friends around. Yoshi said John Cena is his friend. When he turned around, the other members of Nexus were standing behind him. David Otunga beat him down and then Michael Tarver took a shot at him and hovered over while Tatsu writhed in pain... [C]

Powell's POV: Interesting segment with Jericho and Barrett. The Yoshi beatdown didn't really register. Sure, he's a lovable character on WWE Superstars, but what happens on Superstars stays on Superstars. He just hasn't received enough meaningful camera time on Raw.

The announcers put over the MITB theme song, and the band was shown sitting in the front row...

Ted DiBiase and Maryse headed to the ring. He was wearing a suit with the Million Dollar Title belt draped over his shoulder, while she was wearing a nice dress. DiBiase said they are the most powerful couple in WWE. He said he was referring to himself and the briefcase that was hanging over the top of the ring.

Maryse didn't look happy, but Ted said he will shower her with gifts if he wins the match. He said he will get the ultimate gift by winning the WWE Championship. DiBiase was interrupted by John Morrison, who came out wearing street clothes. He stopped to do his usual pose on the stage and handed his shades to a kid at ringside.

Morrison said he wouldn't waste his time showering Maryse with gifts because everyone knows the French don't take showers. Maryse said something to Morrison in French. He claimed the translation for what she said is that everyone in the arena has hippopotamus breath and smells like dueling rhinos. He claimed she said she also said she resembles a dung-chewing African platypus.

Maryse tried to slap Morrison, but he blocked it. Ted took a shot at Morrison and put the boots to him. Ted went for Dream Street, but Morrison punched and hit a nice kick. Morrison looked down at Maryse, who was at ringside, and went for Starship Pain. Maryse pulled Ted out of the ring and Morrison landed on his feet...

Powell's POV: Decent physical confrontation, but the usual cornball mic work from Morrison. Who writes his lousy jokes? I just don't see him clicking at a higher level until his character takes a more serious approach.

[Q4] [C] There was a spoof Brady Bunch theme song called "Santino's Bunch" with shots of various WWE comedy figures. Backstage, Florence Henderson gave Santino Marella a pie. He said it's usually about William Regal. "Regal, Regal, Regal," Santino said. A laugh track played. Santino looked up and questioned where the laughter was coming from. She said she's excited about hosting Raw. Santino told a couple more corny jokes.

Regal entered the picture and said that if she was the host of Raw, does that mean the general manager is Gilligan? He looked up and waited for a laugh track that didn't come. She told him he's not funny. Regal put over The Partridge Family. Henderson slapped him and told him to get out. Santino leaned in for a kiss, but she put her hand up...

Powell's POV: Here's hoping that's the end of the guest host this week. I grew up on the Brady Bunch, but watching Florence Henderson perform lame ass Brian Gewirtz comedy just isn't my thing.

At ringside, Lawler and Cole set up a highlight package that focussed on Edge's past MITB exploits... A shot aired of Edge walking backstage. Lawler said he's the ultimate opportunist and hyped his match with Orton for after the break... [C]

An ad for NXT hyped that The Nexus is coming home and questioned what they want and what are they after... Ring introductions took place for Edge vs. Orton...

[Q5] 3. Edge defeated Randy Orton in 11:35. Edge took advantage about four minutes in and went for a punt kick. Orton moved and hit a snap slam. Edge dumped Orton to ringside as the show went to commercial break. [C]

After the break, Orton took control of the offense, but Edge came back and set up for the spear. He went for the move, but ran into a big kick from Orton. Randy struck the Viper's pose and went for the RKO, but Edge avoided it. Edge went for a spear, but Orton jumped over him and rolled him up for a near fall.

Randy used a backbreaker and went back to back to the Viper's Pose. Chris Jericho came out and threw his jacket inside the ring, which distracted Orton and led to Edge getting the pin. Edge stood up, only to take the Codebreaker from Edge.

Evan Bourne ran out and kicked Orton. Bourne went up top for the Shooting Star Press. Orton caught him with the RKO on the way down, which popped the crowd in a huge way. Trainers checked on Bourne as Orton left the ring...

Powell's POV: The Edge and Orton match was pretty slow paced until the last couple of minutes when things really picked up. The post-match exchange was effective in establishing the various issues involving four MITB wrestlers. The production team switched cameras in the middle of the RKO and had a bad shot live, but they replayed it a couple of times afterward and it looked phenomenal. Just amazing timing by the two wrestlers for a sensational spot.

[Q6] Backstage, Josh Matthews interviewed Skip Sheffield. Matthews said the rumor is that when Nexus shows up at NXT, there will be "bedlam." He questioned whether they will go after rookies, pros, or both. Sheffield shrugged him off and then bumped into John Morrison.

Sheffield questioned whether Morrison was some type of hero for what he did last week. The rest of the Nexus surrounded Morrison, who went down swinging. He creamed Heath Slater with an elbow to the head, but was immediately outnumbered. Sheffield threw him through a locker room door. Slater kicked Morrison in the gut and ran him into a casing that was rolled into him at the same time. Nexus stood over Morrison... [C]

The Miz came to the ring and said everyone is talking about the MITB match. He aired footage of his attack on R-Truth. Back live, Miz boasted that he took out Truth with his bare hands. Miz was about to wrap up his promo by saying one down and six to go when the email chime shined.

Cole stood up and read the message from the general manager. He said Miz would face Truth's replacement in the match. "Just when you think you have all the answers, I change the questions," Cole read for the G.M. Mark Henry came out...

Powell's POV: Did they really just tease Roddy Piper as the anonymous general manager? From Stone Cold to Hot Rod? I don't think the majority of the fans in the building made the connection based on their non-reaction. Henry in MITB? Yawn.

4. Mark Henry fought The Miz to an apparent no-contest. Henry jumped out to an early advantage as the match spilled to ringside. He charged at Miz, who moved, causing Henry to crash into the general manager podium that Cole uses. Miz grabbed a bucket of trash that just happened to be there and poured the contents on the fallen Henry...

Powell's POV: I like the way they had Miz glare at the fallen Henry, as it made him look sadistic. I was concerned they'd have Henry beat Miz. It looks like they're actually committed to establishing Miz's ruthless side. The non-finish was just plain odd.

[Q7] [C] Ring announcer Justin Roberts introduced Florence Henderson as the special guest ring announcer and plugged her charity. She came out to the Brady Bunch theme song and kissed a baby on her way to the ring. She said she's feeling groovy and asked the fans if they feel the same way. She introduced the match as an eight-man Brady Bunch match...

5. Santino Marella, Vladimir Kozlov, Goldust, and Great Khali over William Regal, Primo, Doink The Clown, and Zack Ryder in 1:45. It was billed as Santino's Bunch vs. Regal's Bunch. Henderson went to ringside and put Regal's robe on to mock him. Santino performed the Cobra move on Regal, but the pin was broken up.

Santino tagged in Khali to face Doink, who stomped on his foot and then tried to bodyslam him. He pulled out a squirt gun and sprayed it in Khali's face. Khali solid it briefly, chopped him, and pinned him for the win. Afterward, Santino went for the kiss again, but Henderson dodged him and kissed Khali instead. He picked her up for a cheer from the crowd...

Powell's POV: Hot damn did this match make me want to order the pay-per-view! Okay, not really. The live crowd seemed to enjoy the silliness more than I did. Regal teasing the idea of punching Henderson from behind during the ring introductions did get a laugh out of me.

The Summer Slam recall featured Shawn Michaels vs. Razor Ramon in a ladder match at the 1995 event, which concluded with both men hugging. For a second, I thought Kevin Nash and Triple H were going to run out and celebrate with them... [C]

[Q8] Another ad aired for The Nexus appearing on Tuesday's NXT television show... The announcers plugged the Smackdown version of the MITB match, and then a video package recapped the WrestleMania 25 version of the match, and C.M. Punk cashing in successfully by defeating Jeff Hardy...

Powell's POV: No Jim Ross in the intro video, but his commentary was all over the MITB video package. The video packages are effective in reminding viewers that the MITB winners have gone on to successfully cash in and capture World Titles.

Backstage, Josh Matthews interviewed Edge, who said Chris Jericho personified what MITB is all about. He said you have to have eyes in the back of your head. Edge stressed that he's been in more MITB matches and won more MITB matches than anyone else.

Edge said he has a little voice in the back of his mind telling him to be ruthless and void of compassion. "That little voice tells me that I have no morales, no scruples." He said he's the ultimate opportunist and the voice reminds him that he loves destroying the lives of everyone else. "That little voice talks to me and I listen to it," he said. "And it listens to me and I told it that in six days in the MITB ladder match, the fun truly begins"...

Powell's POV: An unexpected gem from Edge that really stood out on what has been a disappointing show.

Backstage, Sheamus approached an injured Evan Bourne. He said he's lucky it wasn't him because it would have been worse. The Nexus showed up. "Alright, lads, here's one of Cena's heros right here," Sheamus said. He said the group may want to have a word with Bourne. Sheamus walked away.

Barrett grabbed Bourne and slammed the back of his head down on a casing while the other members watched on. One of them yelled, "Where is Cena now?" After Nexus left the area, Sheamus returned and said, "Little Evan Bourne, that will teach you a lesson, won't it, fella?"

Sheamus looked up to see that The Nexus were looking down at him. He stood up and stood face-to-face with them. Sheffied teased darting at him. Sheamus ran away. He found a crew member and asked, "Where's Cena's locker room?" Sheamus ran off as the show cut to break... [C]

Powell's POV: Fun segment with Nexus getting their revenge on Bourne, and the confrontation with Sheamus was entertaining. It could be a swerve since they never put their hands on him.

After the break, The Nexus were standing in the ring together as Justin Roberts introduced them for the main event. Cole and Lawler introduced video footage of Cena taking out Darren Young last week. Cena made his entrance to another big ovation...

[Overrun] 6. Wade Barrett, Skip Sheffield, David Otunga, Michael Tarver, Heath Slater, and Justin Gabriel defeated John Cena in a six-on-one handicap match in 7:20. Cole reminded viewers that the WWE Superstars can't help Cena or they would face a 90-day suspension. Likewise, Nexus must tag in and out of the match or they will face 90-day suspensions.

Cena got the better of Tarver, who then tagged in Gabriel. He didn't last long either, nor did Skip Sheffield. Nexus dropped off the ring apron and huddled at ringside where they took instructions from Barrett. Slater entered the ring and punched Cena behind the ref's back. Um, shouldn't he be suspended for 90 days?

The group took turns working over Cena in the corner. Cena came back with a suplex on Otunga at 5:00. Barrett tagged in and was roughed up by Cena, but he knocked him down with a big boot. Barrett went for his finisher, but Cena slipped out and hit a pair of shoulder blocks, which Cole told us was Vintage Cena (drink).

Cena hit the Attitude Adjustment on Barrett, who had tagged Sheffield before Cena hit the move. Sheffield nailed Cena with a clothesline and tagged in Otunga, who hit his finisher. Otunga tagged in Gabriel, who went to the top rope and hit the 450 splash and scored the pin on Cena.

After the match, the group surrounded Cena, but Barrett backed them off. Cena stood up and punched Barrett. Cena ran to ringside and grabbed a chair. Cena hit Slater with a chair and entered the ring, which was enough to send the other five Nexus members scurrying to ringside.

Barrett huddled up the troops on the floor and then they all surrounded the ring. Sheamus entered the ring with a chair. He swung it a couple times and ran off Nexus, but dropped the chair in the process. Sheamus headed to ringside to grab the chair. As if that wasn't comical enough, it looked like Cena busted himself open when he hit the chair on the ropes and it bounced up and hit him on the face. Sheamus and Cena stood in the ring together to close the show...

Powell's POV: That was a very odd way to hype the Cena vs. Sheamus title match. Overall, this was a clunky show. It had some good moments (Orton hitting the RKO on Bourne during the Shooting Star Press was an absolute gem) and they did a nice job of building up the MITB match concept, but they failed to provide quality hype for Cena vs. Sheamus and the other pay-per-view matches. I'll have more to say about the show in Dot Net Member Exclusive Audio tonight. Use the link at the top of the page if you'd like to join us by becoming a member for as little as $5.50 per month.

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