By Jason Powell

WWE Raw on the USA Network
Live from Wichita, Ks.

[Q1] The opening montage kicked off the show... Michael Cole introduced the show with Jerry Lawler next to him on color commentary...

The Nexus came to the ring as Cole and Lawler explained that John Cena lost his match at the pay-per-view and is now forced to join Nexus. Wade Barrett started to talk and stopped as the fans broke out in a "You Suck" chant. Barrett noted that he was victorious in his match against Cena and received a large chorus of boos.

Barrett said there were a couple of issues he wanted to address before they brought out the newest member. He said he has identified the two "assailants" who interfered in his match at the pay-per-view. He said they were Husky Harris and Michael McGillicutty. Barrett said he barely knows them and they are not part of Nexus.

Barrett said he needed no help in defeating Cena. The fans chanted "you suck" again. "Yes, you already told me that," Barrett said. He turned his attention to David Otunga coming up with the plan to go to ringside without his consent last night. He blew it off quickly and said it's a night of celebration because they were going to add their newest member.

John Cena was introduced by Barrett. Cena walked onto the stage without music, yet was wearing his usual purple and gold gear. Lawler pointed out that it wasn't the usual Cena in that there was no smile. He said it's probably the hardest thing Cena has had to do in WWE. Cole said the entire WWE Universe is in shock because Cena was defeated.

Barrett said he knows this has to be tearing Cena apart inside. He said he also knows Cena is a man of his word and, thus, would become a full fledged member of Nexus. Barrett said he believes Cena will eventually realize that this was the best thing that ever could have happened to him.

Michael Tarver said Cena has attacked him and made jokes about him. Tarver said the joke is on Cena because he failed. Tarver pulled out a Nexus armband and said it's a gift for Cena, who took the armband and stood nose-to-nose with Tarver while the fans chanted his last name.

Cena removed his armband and held it next to the Nexus armband. He looked to the fans and back down at the two armbands. Cena pulled the Nexus armband over his left forearm. Heath Slater told him the transition will be difficult, but the rest of Nexus are there for him.

Slater said everyone wants to know what Cena has to say about this. Slater presented Cena with a statement that they prepared for him. Barrett told him it was non-negotiable. "You will read it, and you will read it now," Barrett said.

Cena remained expressionless as he looked at the crowd. "I John Cena hereby acknowledge that I am officially a member of The Nexus," Cena read in a somber tone. "Any enemy of The Nexus is now an enemy of mine. As for my fans, I hope you stand by me because the face of the matter is you're either Nexus or you're against us."

Barrett said that wasn't so difficult. He said the first order of business is that Cena would have his first match as a member of Nexus. He said Cena would help them teach Mark Henry and Evan Bourne a lesson in a tag match. Barrett told Cena he could choose his own tag partner.

Cena turned and stood nose-to-nose with Tarver and smiled. He backed up and pointed at Tarver. Barrett said it was official that Cena and Tarver would face Henry and Bourne. He called for Henry and Bourne to come out "and receive the beating of your lives." The duo obliged. Tarver jawed at Cena as the babyfaces came to the ring...

Powell's POV: I'm begging Nexus to make Cena trade in the jean shorts for some new gear. All joking aside, that was a strong opening segment with great heat for Nexus, and a very pro-Cena crowd. My guess is Harris and McGillicutty are inducted at some point. Maybe the catch is that they'll be called by their real names, so technically Barrett was right in saying Harris and McGillicutty are not in Nexus.

[Q2] 1. Evan Bourne and Mark Henry defeated John Cena and Michael Tarver in 9:00. Cena offered his hand to Bourne after the bell rang. Bourne obliged. Tarver scolded Cena for the handshake, so Cena tagged Tarver into the match and told him to show him the Nexus way. They cut to break with a shot of Cena standing with the expressionless face in the corner while Tarver and Bourne wrestled. [C]

After the break, Tarver was still in the ring for his team. When he finally went to make the tag, Cena dropped off the ring apron and started signing autographs at ringside. Henry hit the World's Strongest Slam on Tarver and scored the pin.

Cena took the mic and said that while he appreciated Nexus writing the note on his behalf, he had his own statement. He said that while he's a member of Nexus, he plans on doing one thing and one thing only: destroy Nexus from within. "Tonight, I prove that you can be Nexus and against us." Cena slammed the mic over Tarver's head and then left the ring.

Cena stood at ringside with a sinister look on his face. Tarver got to his feet and was greeted with a clothesline. Cena took the ring steps apart and looked down at his various armbands and smiled. Cena picked up Tarver and slammed him onto the ring steps.

Back inside the ring, Cena clipped Tarver's leg and then locked him in the STF. Tarver screamed in agony in an unconvincing manner and took forever to start tapping.

[Q3] The anonymous general manager chime sounded. Michael Cole took his spot at the podium and said the terms of the stipulation of the match with Barrett was that Cena must join Nexus if he lost. Cole said that Nexus takes its orders from Barrett, and thus Cena must do so as well.

The general manager said he would hate to do it, it would be bad for business, and the fans would despise it, he would have no choice but to terminate Cena's contract if he didn't take orders from Barrett. Cena looked conflicted. The fans chanted his name as Lawler talked about how Cena was caught between a rock and a hard place. Cena eventually left the ring... [C]

Powell's POV: Did Cena just channel his inner Randy Orton with those facial expressions? Where the hell was the rest of Nexus when this was going on? I was worried that they fast forwarded a few weeks ahead again, but the general manager's statement got things back to where they need to be in terms of Cena being forced to take orders from Barrett. WWE couldn't have asked for a better crowd for this angle. They adore Cena and despise Nexus.

2. Natalya defeated Alicia Fox in 0:40. The women were already in the ring after the break. Alicia made a heart hand symbol and then pulled it apart to mock Natalya over the Hart Dynasty friction. Moments later, Natalya caught Alicia in the Sharpshooter and got the quick submission win...

The announcers recapped the Edge and general manager angle briefly and hyped that Edge was being forced to apologize to the general manager. Lawler hyped that Johnny Knoxville was the guest host... [C]

Powell's POV: They were obviously going for the fast paced feel, which also limited the time the Divas were in the ring. The only problem was that they didn't sell the quick match in any way, so it felt rushed and meaningless. I'm happy they're pushing Natalya, but that was blink and you missed it material.

Backstage, Knoxville told Melina and Gail Kim about Jackass 3D. They high-fived. Zack Ryder entered the scene and called out to Knoxville, who asked for a high-five. In a scene straight out of the movie, a giant hand crashed into the unsuspecting Ryder...

In another part of the backstage area, Josh Matthews caught up with Cena, and asked what he would do about the general manager's statement. Cena said he doesn't know what he's going to do. He said this is all he has. Cena noticed Michael McGillicutty and Husky Harris walking behind him in street clothes.

Cena ran after the duo, but ran into the rest of Nexus inside a locker room. Husky and McGillicutty came out and stood at the side of Nexus. Barrett said they had a lot to talk about. Cena tried to walk away, but Barrett stopped him. Harris and McGillicutty left, and then Barrett said he has big plans for Cena's future...

Powell's POV: Nicely done. I like the way they are handling Cena and Nexus so far. They key will be how long they can keep this angle intriguing to viewers, but so far so good.

[Q4] [C] The announcers thanked the band Atom Smash for providing the Hell in a Cell theme song. Two members of the band were shown sitting at ringside...

Powell's POV: Gee, I'm shocked the band wasn't busy on their massive world stadium tour. Yes, that's sarcasm. They might be great for all I know. I'm just not familiar with them, but I'm annoyed by the fact that 95 percent of WWE's music is from the same genre (and that's coming from a hard rock listener).

3. Daniel Bryan defeated Sheamus by DQ in 0:30. Sheamus walked intently to the ring and attacked Bryan. Sheamus rammed repeated knees into Bryan's head until he was lying motionless in the ring. The bell rang. Lawler was confused as to whether Sheamus was disqualified or the match was just starting, but he later stated that Sheamus was disqualified...

Powell's POV: Why Daniel Bryan? I'm fine with Sheamus making a statement tonight, but I hope they have plans for a followup angle because that made Bryan look weak. Am I the only one who thought Sheamus was going to get the win by TKO rather than be disqualified? I thought we were getting an MMA style finish there for a second. By the way, I guess that punishing Hell in a Cell structure must not be so bad if Sheamus didn't sell any injuries and just destroyed his opponent roughly 24 hours after competing inside the "demonic structure." They haven't done their former feud ending gimmick any favors in the last 24 hours.

The announcers recapped the Cena angle with Harris, McGillicutty, and Nexus from moments ago...

Michael Cole entered the ring and stood at the general manager's podium. He said the general manager wanted him to make it clear that he would not longer be communicating electronically with his voice altered. Cole said the G.M. would instead communicate "through me, the voice of WWE, Michael Cole."

Cole set up a recap video of Edge losing to John Cena after the general manager overturned the decision, and then Edge flipping out and destroying the computer. Back live, Cole said the general manager felt that Edge's "act of defiance was unacceptable." Cole said he wants Edge to come out and apologize, and then the general manager would make a huge announcement about the WWE Championship.

[Q5] Edge's music played and he came out wearing street clothes to a babyface pop. Edge entered the ring with a mic and said he wasn't going to apologize for anything. He said he's on a crusade against all things stupid. He said the general manager ruling by email is stupid. He said Cole has been "the personification of stupid" since 1997.

Edge said he'd rather listen to a recording of JIm Ross than a live Michael Cole. The email chime sounded and Cole snickered. "And I quote," Cole gleefully said before announcing that there would be a 20-man battle royal to determine which wrestler will face Randy Orton at Bragging Rights.

Cole said that Edge has disrespected the general manager one too many times. The general manager ruled that Edge won't be in the battle royal tonight. Cole laughed as he announced that Edge has been traded to Smackdown. A loud "spear" chant broke out. Damn, great live crowd.

Edge rejoiced and called this one of the best matches of his career. He said he no longer has to put up with the anonymous general manager or listen to Cole's catchphrase. Cole asked what he meant. "And I quote," Edge said while mocking Cole. Michael went into over the top mode by firing back with an, "How dare you?"

Cole said his Cole miners love him. He boasted about becoming the voice of WWE. Edge said he could leave on a high note by knocking Cole off his perch and spear him into next week. Cole begged off. Edge was interrupted by The Miz's music.

The Miz and Alex Riley headed to the ring. "You will do no such thing," Miz said. "Michael Cole is a visionary." He said Cole recognized his awesomeness before anybody else. Miz told Cole it was okay. Cole sheepishly exited the ring. Edge told him to run along and let the "Edge wannabe" handle this.

Edge ran through a few similarities and pointed out that he was using the word "awesomeness" while Miz was in high school popping zits. Miz said they are nothing alike. Edge said he was right because he's been WWE Champion. Edge said that he's been married, divorced, and had "a live celebration." Edge said Miz has never even talked to a woman unless Alex Riley counts.

"Cause I'm the one with the long hair and pouty lips, right?" Riley asked. He said Miz is the future of WWE, so Edge shouldn't talk to him like that. Edge said Miz is awesome when it comes to tapping out to Daniel Bryan. Miz said everyone is trying to agitate him, but it won't work.

Miz said he'd either be competing in a WWE Championship match or leading his team to a win over Smackdown. Miz told Edge to go to Syfy and "tell all your new little Smackdown buddies" that he's awesome. Edge said Miz is the WWE's biggest jackass. Edge punched Riley and Miz, and the general manager's computer took a tumble.

Edge took another shot at Riley, but Miz recovered and hit the Skull Crushing Finale on Edge. Miz smirked as he got to his feet and then his music played. Cole said that's what Edge gets for "disrespecting those of us in charge" on Raw. Lawler questioned the line. Cole said he could have gotten hurt. Lawler said Cole is just in charge of reading emails...

A shot aired of Cena standing backstage with Barrett, Justin Gabriel, Heath Slater, and David Otunga standing by him. Barrett shrugged off Cena's attack on Tarver and said he was thinking about getting rid of him for a while now. Barrett said he was ordering Cena to help him win the battle royal.

Cena questioned what would happen if he won the battle royal. Barrett said that wouldn't happen. Otunga said that if Barrett happened to be eliminated, then Cena could help one of them win. Barrett took offense. Otunga said it came out wrong. Barrett told Cena that he will do as he tells him or he will be fired... [C]

Powell's POV: Anyone who was looking for in-ring action must be hating this show. I'm digging it, though. It's definitely a talk-heavy episode, but it's been very entertaining thus far. It's hard to tell if Edge is getting over as a babyface this time around or if this is just a really hot crowd. I tend to believe he's getting over while on his crusade against stupidity. Does this mean Tarver is out of Nexus? Who will be coming to Raw in the Edge trade?

[Q6] 4. The Bella Twins defeated LayCool in 1:05. LayCool was mic'd during their ring entrance so viewers could listen to them be totally f'n annoying in a "go away" heat manner. They actually kept the mics on during the match. One of the Bellas ended up catching McCool in a pin while Layla was playing to the crowd...

Powell's POV: For the love of all things right in the world, shut them the hell up. Seriously, that's not good heat.

Backstage, Maryse was accusing Johnny Knoxville of sending the letters when Ted DiBiase entered the picture and assumed the same thing. Knoxville told him not to come closer. The giant hand struck DiBiase. Maryse said Knoxville was dead, but the hand hit her as well. Knoxville expressed remorse and ran away. "What a train wreck," said one of the announcers...

Powell's POV: Yes, Knoxville has nothing better to do than secretly hang out backstage at WWE shows and stalk the two of them. Weak. LayCool mic'd and the hand joke repeated. I want to erase the last five minutes from my memory forever.

Highlights aired of DiBiase and Maryse losing to R-Truth and Eve last week, and of the big screen message that their stalker left... Cole and Lawler set up a clip of Jackass 3D...

Justin Roberts stood in the ring and introduced Knoxville, who received a favorable reaction. Cole questioned whether it was a coincidence that Jackass 3D comes out on his birthday. DiBiase entered the ring and quickly plugged that his movie is released on Oct. 15. He tried to leave quickly, but DiBiase and Maryse's music interrupted him.

DiBiase and Maryse entered the ring. DiBiase ended up slapping Knoxville and locked him in the Million Dollar Dream. DiBiase and Maryse smiled and hugged. They were interrupted by a message on the big screen that read, "You are mine."

When they turned around, Goldust kicked Ted in the gut and suplexed him. Goldust grabbed the mic and hovered over DiBiase. "I don't want you," Goldust said. He approached Maryse and stroked her hair. "I don't want you either," he told her. He knelt down next to the Million Dollar Title and said, "I want you"...

Powell's POV: Very predictable payoff for that angle. I dig Goldust, so I'm okay with it. The live crowd was pretty flat for the segment, but it's nice to see Goldust get some television time, and it's good to see he and DiBiase are in an actual feud.

The announcers hyped the battle royal... A commercial hyped WWE NXT for the WWE website. Kaitlyn vs. Vickie Guerrero is the main event...

[Q7] [C] The announcers hyped a contest to win a trip to Las Vegas to see Nickelback...

Powell's POV: Is there a cash option? Trademark Rick Magnuson. Inside joke.

The Make-A-Wish video aired... The announcers recapped the Cena and Nexus saga again...

Backstage, a somber Cena looked down at his Nexus armband. Otunga sat down next to him and said that he knows Cena is upset, but they can make it work. Otunga said that if Cena ever needs to talk, he's there for him. Cena leaned in close and they shared a long, passionate kiss. Okay, that last sentence is made up, but the rest is legit...

Back at ringside, Cole said Cena couldn't destroy Nexus from within due to what the general manager said. They also noted that Edge and Chris Jericho will not be in the battle royal. Highlights aired from last week of Randy Orton punt kicking Jericho...

Powell's POV: Cena can't overtly destroy Nexus from within, but I assume he'll still attempt to do so.

Ring introductions for the battle royal took place. John Morrison, R-Truth, Santino Marella, Vladimir Kozlov, and Sheamus were introduced. Cena's music played, but he never came out. Instead, he had to come out to the Nexus theme song. Cena came out with a somber look in his usual gear. [C]

Powell's POV: Is there a reason they don't make him wear the Nexus t-shirt? Does WWE really think people would stop buying Cena t-shirts if he didn't wear them every week?

[Q8] 5. Wade Barrett won 20-man battle royal in 19:35 to become the No. 1 contender for the WWE Championship. Sheamus eliminated Evan Bourne and David Hart Smith in the first few seconds. Cena dumped William Regal over the top to eliminate him. Mark Henry eliminated Zack Ryder at 2:00.

Primo was eliminated second later by Henry. At 2:55, Henry had Barrett pressed above his head and was poised to eliminate him when Cena stepped in and stopped him. The various members of Nexus eliminated Henry. Otunga got in Cena's face because he didn't help eliminate Henry. Cena eliminated Otunga. Barrett got upset. "That's not you," Cena said. [C]

Powell's POV: Let the record show that the Hell in a Cell match is so devastating that Sheamus was able to destroy the United States Champion and then compete in a battle royal the night after the pay-per-view.

Highlights aired from during the break of Barrett eliminating Kozlov, and Justin Gabriel eliminating Darren Young. Back live, Morrison eliminated Slater. Moments later, R-Truth and Morrison were close to eliminating Barrett when Cena came to the rescue. Morrison eliminated Tyson Kidd moments later. Morrison also eliminated Miz at 12:00.

The final eight entrants were Cena, Sheamus, DiBiase, Morrison, R-Truth, Barrett, and Gabriel. Lawler questioned if Cena would be fired if Barrett didn't win the match. "That's what I don't understand," Lawler said. R-Truth eliminated Gabriel at 13:25, and then DiBiase dumped R-Truth over the top rope at 13:40. Barrett dumped another opponent over the top at 14:05.

[Overrun] The final four were Barrett, Cena, Morrison, and Sheamus. Lawler wondered aloud what would happen if the match came down to Barrett and Cena. He pointed out that Cena told Sheamus and Morrison that they'd have to go through him to get to Barrett. Morrison was getting better of Barrett while standing on the ring apron. He kicked Morrison and fell to ringside, so he essentially eliminated himself.

Cena worked over Sheamus with some of his signature spots while Barrett recovered in the corner. Sheamus ended up going for a Brough Kick and missing. His momentum had him caught up on the ropes, so Cena eliminated him.

The match came down to Barrett and Cena at 17:15. Cena squared off for a fight, but Barrett pointed to the ropes and indicated that he expected Cena to eliminate himself. The live crowd booed. "I'm ordering you to take a walk," Barrett said. Lawler tried to soften the blow for Cena fans by saying, "We don't want to see Cena fired.

Cena backed off, but then got angry and went nose-to-nose with Barrett. The crowd fired up, but then Cena backed off. Cena walked over to a corner of the ring and climbed over the top rope. Cena stopped on the ring apron. He eventually dropped down the floor to eliminate himself from the match and give Barrett the win.

Barrett smiled as he raised his hand in victory. The announcers questioned whether anything could stop Nexus. Cue Randy Orton's music. Orton walked to ringside and entered the ring for a staredown with Barrett. Orton raised the WWE Championship above his head while glaring at Barrett as the show went off the air...

Powell's POV: The big logic hole is that there was nothing stopping Cena from being eliminated long before he was put in position to eliminate himself. I guess we're supposed to turn off our brains for that one. Nevertheless, this made for interesting television, and they created good suspense as to just how long Cena would help Barrett.

The commentary gave it away since Lawler was making excuses for Cena eliminating himself even before he did so, but I'm sure that was by design because they wanted to go out of their way to explain it so that Cena fans would understand. I'll bet that Youtube Cena fan is really pissed! Thanks for watching along with me tonight. I'll have a lot more to say about the show in Dot Net Members' exclusive audio later tonight. You can join us now by signing up for as little as $5.50 per month via the Dot Net Members' Signup Page.

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