By Jason Powell

WWE Raw on the USA Network
Live from Long Island, N.Y..

[Q1] The show opened with Randy Orton come to the ring for a promo as Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler checked in on commentary. Orton called out John Cena and said that if he's going to screw him over at Survivor Series, the least he could do is tell him to his face.

Cena's music played and he came to the ring. Cena pointed out that he will be fired if Wade Barrett loses the match. Cena stumbled over his words when the time came for him to say what he would do "if there is a situation." Cena said he doesn't know what he'll do.

"Basically, this is your bleeding heart way of you saying you are going to screw me over at the Survivor Series," Orton said. Cena replied no and tried to talk, but Orton cut him off and said that Cena could keep his job, but he'd be the biggest phony in WWE. Orton said it would go against Cena's hustle, loyalty, and respect motto.

Cena said Nexus has him and Orton under control. "They're running the show," Cena said. He tried to endorse Cena by saying that he's been in the ring with Barrett and he's good enough that he might be able to win on his own. However, he said Barrett won't do it on his own because he's classless and needs to learn respect.

Cue Nexus. Barrett led the troops onto the stage. Barrett said he will give Cena the freedom to say whatever he wants about him because actions speak louder than words. Barrett said that Cena will raise his hand in victory at Survivor Series. Cena said it's over three weeks from now.

Cena said that if he has to leave WWE, he will not go quietly. "When this is all over, I'm going to beat the hell out of you," said Cena. Orton said he doesn't have to wait until Survivor Series. He said Barrett is a scared, pathetic child who has to stand behind seven other guys. Orton invited Barrett to join him in the ring and prove him wrong.

Barrett started to walk toward the ring, but he was saved by the anonymous general manager's email chime. Michael Cole stood up and did his usual routine. On behalf of the general manager, Cole said he feels for Orton because he and everyone else wants to know what Cena will do at Survivor Series.

Cole said they wouldn't have to wait until Survivor Series to find out. He announced that the main event will be Wade Barrett and a partner of his choosing vs. Randy Orton and a partner of his choosing with John Cena as the guest referee... [C]

Powell's POV: Orton or Barrett should choose Randy Moss. I hear he's got nothing better to do this week. Jokes aside, the notion that Cena's actions tonight will say anything about what he'll do at Survivor Series is silly since there's nothing at stake for him tonight. It doesn't mean they can't create some intrigue, though.

[Q2] 1. Heath Slater and Justin Gabriel defeated The Hart Dynasty in 3:50. Natalya was not with her team. The announcers stated that David Otunga has talent and has to be frustrated by the way the tag titles were taken away from him. They also acknowledged the tension between The Hart Dynasty and chalked it up to frustration over losing the tag straps.

The tension continued, as Tyson Kidd slapped David Hart Smith across the chest to tag him into the match and then shook his head in disgust as the tag champs put the boots to Smith in the corner. Cole ripped Hart Dynasty for having no personality and said it was like going to sleep when they sat in on commentary recently.

Late in the match, Kidd performed a flip onto his own partner. The whole thing was set up horribly, as Smith gingerly pushed one of his opponents out of the way when his own momentum was supposed to knock the opponent out of Kidd's path. Moments later, Gabriel hit his 450 splash finisher on Kidd for the clean pin...

Powell's POV: Cole is right about Hart Dynasty doing a brutal job on commentary that night, but since when does the play-by-play announcer point out the shortcomings of the wrestlers? Whatever happened to accentuate the positives and hide the negatives? Anyway, can we just cut to the damn breakup already?

Backstage, R-Truth entered John Cena's locker room and praised him for telling Barrett what would happen after Survivor Series. R-Truth questioned what Cena would do at Survivor Series. Cena walked off without answering...

An ad for Friday's WWE Smackdown focussed on Alberto Del Rio and his television main event against Edge... [C]

Sheamus came to the ring as highlights aired of his loss to Santino Marella with John Morrison's assist last week. Sheamus looked more shocked and confused by the footage than Minnesota Vikings fans look today. Sheamus challenged Santino to come out and try it one more time.

[Q3] Santino's music played and he walked onto the stage wearing a new t-shirt. Santino cut a promo about eating too much Halloween candy. He said his doctor told him that he might throw up in Sheamus's face if he wrestled him. Santino said he didn't think people would want to see that. There were some cheers, so evidently there are some vomit fans in the house. Santino introduced his replacement...

2. Sheamus pinned Vladimir Kozlov (w/Santino Marella) in 1:45. Kozlov got some offense and had Sheamus down for a pin, but Sheamus got his foot on the ropes to break the count. Sheamus caught Kozlov with the Brough Kick and scored the pin.

After the match, Sheamus caught Santino and stalked him as Santino backed up the entrance ramp. Sheamus offered Santino money and other items out of his wallet. Sheamus took it and dropped it. Sheamus kicked Santino on top of the stage and set him up for the Irish Curse, but John Morrison ran out and roughed up Sheamus...

Powell's POV: I enjoyed this a lot more last week. Santino is funny and all, but I'm not sure that comedy is what John Morrison needs to get over. Here's hoping this feud takes a turn for the serious sooner rather than later.

Backstage, R-Truth spoke to Randy Orton. Truth said he has a funny feeling that Cena will look Orton right in the eyes as he counts Wade Barrett victorious. Orton asked Truth to be his tag team partner. Orton said he and Cena haven't exactly gotten along, so he was curious to know how Cena would treat a friend. Orton said he had a hunch that Truth would find out that Cena doesn't have any friends... [C]

Powell's POV: Interesting development. I wonder if they are turning R-Truth. After all, he delivered that odd speech to Cena a while back in which he told him he could just quit rather than do Barrett's bidding, and now he's talking behind Cena's back and seemingly stirring the pot. I don't think the turn will come tonight, but it could happen soon. The best part is that it would probably mean the end of Eve dancing to that damn song.

Mark Henry was shown talking on a phone about how things have changed since his tag partner Evan Bourne got hurt. The camera pulled back and showed Pee Wee Herman was talking on the other phone. They hung up. Henry said he has to find a tag partner.

Henry said Pee Wee is his idol and said he was just the man to give him a big hug. Pee Wee said he couldn't breathe. He called in the WWE Divas for a game a Twister to cheer up Henry. The celebrity whore Bella Twins, Eve, and Melina played the game. Pee Wee turned to the camera and said there could be some surprises.

"Right, Lita?" Pee Wee asked. Sure enough, Lita entered the picture and said, "Right, Pee Wee." Lita playfully bumped Pee Wee into the other Divas and knocked them over... [C]

Powell's POV: That was a fun and unexpected cameo. Lita looked great. She hasn't aged.

[Q4] [C] A video focussed on WWE's work with the U.S. Military...

3. Ezekiel Jackson squashed Zack Ryder. The announcers noted that they were in Ryder's hometown. He didn't get much reaction after the ring announcer said his name. Zeke dominated the match with power and finished off Ryder with a one-handed slam...

Powell's POV: Zeke was all smiles and posed for the fans, so he's definitely in babyface mode for now.

Cole announced that Barrett had selected David Otunga to be his tag partner in the main event against Randy Orton and R-Truth with John Cena as special referee...

Powell's POV: Looks like Otunga will be taking the beating for Barrett tonight.

A graphic noted that Pee Wee Herman would appear after the break... [C]

Justin "Where's My Script?" Roberts introduced Pee Wee Herman, who came out and shook hands with the fans at ringside before entering the ring. He said tonight's secret word is "ring." He said he was so excited to be there that he felt like a million dollars.

The Miz's music played and he headed to the ring with Alex Riley. Nice! Cole stood up and cheered for Miz. Pee Wee offered his hand to Miz, who didn't accept. Miz said he thought Raw losing at Bragging Rights was the lowest point in the show, but he was wrong.

Miz said he doesn't like Pee Wee. He said Riley did, but he was always a He-Man fan. Miz told him to get out of his ring, which led to the secret word cheers. He feel for it again. Miz called him a pathetic excuse of a man. "I know you are, but what am I?" Pee Wee responded.

Riley tried to reason with Pee Wee, which led to Pee Wee repeating everything he said. Miz told him to stop and threatened to beat Pee Wee into a pulp. Pee Wee mocked him and said he's starting to make him angry. Pee Wee said he's a loner and a rebel. They went back and forth with some "really" talk.

[Q5] Pee Wee told him not to enter him. He said he has his cousin with him backstage. Miz told him to bring his cousin and he'll destroy him. Pee Wee said his cousin will be out to wipe the smirk off Miz's face. Big Show came out dressed like Pee Wee Herman. Cole asked how embarrassing this was for Miz.

Pee Wee got cocky while standing by Big Show, who eventually pushed Miz and Riley over the top rope and down to the floor. Pee Wee jumped into Show's arms and got the crowd to cheer for the secret word again.

The anonymous general manager chime sounded. Cole went to the podium and announced that Miz wasn't getting out of it so early. The general manager said the secret word is actually pain. He ruled that Miz would face "The Big Pee Wee" next. Show and Pee Wee did the Pee Wee dance...

Powell's POV: If you don't dig Pee Wee Herman, then this was probably one of the low points of the year for you as a wrestling fan. The majority of the live crowd seemed to agree with that sentiment. I get a kick out of his act in small doses, so it didn't annoy me as much as it probably should have.

4. Big Show defeated The Miz (w/Alex Riley) by DQ in 6:50. Fortunately, Show didn't work the match in his Pee Wee outfit. Cole played Miz's cheerleader throughout the match. The fans got into the match and rooted for Show's comeback. Show was in control of the match when Miz struck him with the Money in the Bank briefcase for the DQ...

[Q6] A Stand Up For WWE video featured several celebrities (former guest hosts) praising WWE... Michael Cole recalled the night that Shaq brought his family. They plugged the Stand Up For WWE campaign...

Powell's POV: Please let this go away after the election tomorrow. Just for the sake of clarity, the celebrities did their videos when they hosted the show. It's not like they all agreed to come back and shoot these videos for the Stand Up For WWE campaign.

Backstage, Wade Barrett told John Cena he wants him to sweep and mop the dressing room. "When you've done all that, you can scrub my back," a laughing Barrett said. After Barrett left, David Otunga showed up and boasted about being the most talented man in Nexus. He said Cena would have to raise his hand tonight...

Powell's POV: I wonder if John Cena's Stand Up For WWE video will show him talking about how he scrubbed another man's back to keep his job. I thought this sort of thing only happened with Japanese wrestlers?

An ad for WWE NXT invited viewers to attend the wedding of Goldust and Aksana tomorrow night...

5. Daniel Bryan defeated Ted DiBiase (w/Maryse) in a non-title match in 3:45. Cole mocked Bryan by saying he hasn't had a date in 15 years. Maryse walked over to the table and spoke in French. Cole claimed she called Bryan a nerd and said he's been taking French lessons. Meanwhile, the live crowd chanted, "Let's go Bryan."

DiBiase dominated the offense for the first few inutes of the match. However, when he went for Dream Street, Bryan countered with the LeBell Lock and won the match via submission. Cole praised the LeBell Lock afterward. Meanwhile, DiBiase yelled at Maryse about how he needs his title back. He said they would go to the ring and break up the wedding...

Powell's POV: DiBiase got more offense than I expected, but most viewers will probably remember the LeBell Lock more than anything. It was nice to hear another live crowd rally behind Daniel Bryan. It was also wise of WWE to promote the wedding more than anything else on NXT.

The announcers hyped the main event...

[Q7] [C] LayCool came to the ring and annoyed the f--- out of everyone. They said something about giving Natalya another opportunity. I honestly have no clue what they said and don't care enough to rewind...

6. Natalya defeated Michelle McCool (w/Layla) in a non-title match. Natalya came out to very little reaction. Layla mocked her from the corner about her father's goatee. I'm sure she's devastated. Natalya got the win and the announcers explained that she earned another shot at the Divas Title...

Powell's POV: For those who have asked why I don't have kids, now you know that it's because of the shame my children would have to endure from people like Layla over my goatee. Sure, I could shave it off, but obviously the damage is done.

Backstage, Freddie Prinze Jr. checked on his "favorite patient." Prinze said, "Still in a coma, huh? Man, it's been months. The poor guy is going to miss the election"...

Powell's POV: Does it say more about Prinze's career or pro wrestling fans that not a single person reacted to Prinze's cameo, yet people instantly reacted to the shot of Vince McMahon? Didn't fans who visit the WWE website just watch his promo from Saturday's Fan Appreciation Day event? Does this mean we'll finally find out the identity of the anonymous general manager?

After the break, Prinze told the comatose Vince that he's sorry he doesn't get many visitors. He said at least his wife shows up to visit. "You have to admire that woman," Prinze said. "She's very composed considering she spent $50 million on this campaign."

Vince shot up in shock over the $50 million and asked what she spent the money on. Prinze pulled back the sheet and revealed that Vince was plastered with Linda bumperstickers. Prinze informed Vince that Undertaker had been buried alive, Nexus was stronger than ever, and John Cena was in Nexus.

[Q8] Prinze also told Vince that Paul Bearer is back, Goldust is getting married tomorrow, and Pee Wee Herman is running Raw. "The next thing you're going to tell me is that Daniel Bryan is the United States Champion," Vince said. Vince struggled to get to his feet.

Vince said that if his wife can run for Senate, then he could be the President of the United States of America. Vince walked toward the door of his hospital room and revealed that he had a Richard Blumenthal sign covering his ass.

A shot aired of Stephanie McMahon lying in bed. She said she just had the weirdest dream. "Honey, my dad is still in a coma, right?" Steph asked. Triple H, who was not shown on camera, said he is still in a coma and they are pretty sure he is brain dead. "Thank God," Steph responded before turning off the light and going back to sleep...

Powell's POV: A cute video for what it was. Yes, political messages during pro wrestling shows annoy the hell out of me and Vince threatening to run for president is downright disturbing, but there were some fun comedy lines in there. That said, I don't understand how they expect viewers to suspend disbelief when they go so over the top with skits like this one.

John Cena came to the ring for the main event... [C] Ring entrances for the main event took place...

7. Randy Orton and R-Truth defeated Wade Barrett and David Otunga with John Cena as special referee in 8:55. Truth performed his Crunk song for his entrance and received about as much reaction as Natalya did earlier. Orton and Otunga started the match.

[Overrun] Barrett got the better of Orton and then worked over R-Truth once he tagged into the match. Later, as Cena and Barrett argued, Orton entered the ring illegally and RKO'd Otunga. R-Truth made the cover and Cena turned around and made the three count.

Barrett was ticked off after the match and jawed at Cena. Truth's music played briefly and they quickly cut to Orton's music for the celebration. Wise move. Orton stared down at Barrett while Cena watched from the stage to close the show...

Powell's POV: The show was filed with notable cameos from Vince McMahon, Stephanie McMahon, Lita, and Freddie Prinze Jr. (and Hunter's voice), but everything else felt flat. Survivor Series is all about what John Cena will do, at least on the Raw side thus far.

Tonight's development with Cena making the three count wasn't exactly an exciting development. None of the other programs seem to be catching on at this point, nor are they being given much attention. I'll have a lot more to say about the show in the WWE Raw Hitlist on Tuesday. Thanks for watching along with me tonight.

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