By Jason Powell

WWE Raw on the USA Network
Live from Detroit, Mich.

[Q1] The opening montage played and fireworks went off on the stage to open the show. Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler welcomed viewers to the show from ringside, and hyped the champion vs. champion match, and the Divas Championship match.

Edge's music played and he came to the ring wearing the World Hvt. Championship belt. Cole mentioned Wade Barrett's new faction The Corre. Once in the ring, Edge said he hates waiting. He removed his shirt and talked about how he hates waiting for people who pay with checks at the grocery story and for Cole to stop being a tool.

Edge, who had his ribs taped, implied that he wanted to have his match against The Miz right away. However, the anonymous general manager chime sounded. Cole stood up and announced for the GM that the champion vs. champion match is scheduled for later.

Cole announced there would be an exhibition battle royal featuring three opponents for Edge. Cole said that whichever man threw Edge over the top rope would be the No. 40 entrant in the Rumble match.

1. Edge won a Battle Royal exhibition in 1:10. Tyson Kidd, Jack Swagger, and Drew McIntyre ran out. Edge eliminated the trio in the order they are listed above. Edge took the mic and thanked the general manager for getting his juices flowing. He said he wanted to do something first.

Edge slowly left the ring and said he was going to do something he did before on the show. He asked the fans whether they wanted to see a smashed laptop computer. The fans cheered. Cole stood up and stood between Edge and the G.M. podium.

The Nexus music played. C.M. Punk led his troops onto the stage. The new member (Mason Ryan) was with them. Lawler claimed the Nexus members are brainwashed by their leader. Punk said that only the strong survive because they evolve. Punk stressed that it will be a 40-man Rumble match, and thus it will be the biggest Rumble match to date.

Punk said that while he sees his surroundings change, "I adapt because I am strong." He said that because the Rumble expanded, so did Nexus. Punk said his new man's name is Mason Ryan. He said he's from Cardiff, Wales, and Punk added that he handpicked him.

Ryan took the mic and said he only has one thing to say. "Faith," Ryan said with a smile. Punk said he doesn't think he could have said it any more eloquently. Punk said Nexus is bonded by faith. He said that unlike John Cena and "the poor man's Nexus on Smackdown, The Corre," the Nexus's faith will be rewarded on Sunday. Punk said Nexus's goal is to make sure that he wins the Rumble match.

The Corre's music interrupted Punk. Wade Barrett led Heath Slater, Justin Gabriel, and Ezekiel Jackson to the ring. Barrett said the poor man's Nexus is actually standing in front of him now. He said The Corre isn't a dictatorship, it's about four equals.

[Q2] Ezekiel Jackson took the mic and said they will try to win the match by themselves, but they will unite to make sure they eliminate Punk. Jackson got in Punk's face. Ryan stepped in for a staredown with Zeke. The anonymous general manager's chime sounded.

Cole stood at the podium. The GM said that he gave the Smackdown wrestlers an open invite to Raw, but they have to play by his rules. He said Teddy Long is sidelined, so he has the power. The GM booked Punk vs. Barrett in a singles match. The loser of the match and his faction will be out of the Rumble match. Cole added that the special referee for the Barrett vs. Punk match will be John Cena...

Powell's POV: Very good opening segment and a hot crowd. I'm digging the friction between the two factions, but I wonder if it's setting up for a swerve in that the two groups will actually work together at the Rumble. I assume we'll get some type of screwy finish that will lead to both factions still being in the Rumble. After all, they have to fill 40 spots. By the way, where did Edge go? He was out there when Nexus came out, but he was never seen again. I guess he was tired of waiting.

2. Alberto Del Rio and Sheamus defeated John Morrison and Mark Henry in 10:00. A video recapped last week's drama involving the four men in the match. Ricardo Rodriguez handled the intro for Del Rio. Cole mocked Lawler for lasting only four seconds in the 1997 Rumble match.

Cole said WrestleMania season begins on Sunday. The heels worked over Morrison early on. Morrison got some offense in on Sheamus. One Del Rio tagged in again, Morrison set up for the Starship Pain finisher, but Sheamus pulled Del Rio to ringside to help him avoid the move. [C] Highlights aired after the break of the heels taking control of the match.

[Q3] The heels continued to work over Morrison as Henry waited for a tag. A shot aired of Michael Tarver watching the match on a backstage monitor. He was wearing street clothes and had a smirk on his face. Lawler said he saw Tarver hanging around all day backstage.

At 8:30, Sheamus missed the Brough Kick. Morrison fired back with a kick of his own and finally made the hot tag to Henry at the same time Sheamus tagged in Del Rio. Henry dominated Del Rio. Sheamus intervened, but was taken out by Morrison. Moments later, Del Rio applied his armbreaker submission hold and got the win...

Shots aired of Natalya and Melina walking backstage... [C]

Powell's POV: Good tag match. Morrison did a lot of selling, but he got his offense in. Del Rio looked good in front of the Raw audience. In non-Raw news, I am happy to announce that there is a rare membership sale that is available for a limited time only. If you buy two months of membership, we'll throw in the third month free (a savings of $7.50). This special deal will carry you through WrestleMania in April, so it's a great time to sign up. For more details, check out the ad on the main page of the ad-based version of the website and sign up today.

3. Natalya beat Melina for the WWE Divas Championship in 2:45. Melina was in control of the match and was kicking Melina in the gut. However, Natalya blocked one of the kicks and countered it into the Sharpshooter for the submission win.

After the match, LayCool's walked onto the stage in non-wrestling gear. Layla said Nattie will finally lose some weight in six days. Michelle McCool said Natalya will never lose body weight and look like them. Rather, they plan to take the Divas Title away from her in a match at the Rumble...

The announcers hyped the champion vs. champion match...

Powell's POV: I don't think they really specified what the Divas Championship match will be. I don't have a problem with the heel LayCool duo mocking Natalya about her size. After all, that's what mean girls do. However, I would like to see Natalya get some mic time to defend herself and express comfort with her size. As for the match, I was hoping they would get more time. It was fine while it lasted.

[Q4] [C] A shot aired of Comerica Park... A video recapped the C.M. Punk vs. John Cena match from last week and the debut of Mason Ryan...

Backstage, David Otunga, Michael McGillicutty, and Husky Harris were worried about Punk losing the match and none of them getting to enter the Rumble. Punk and Ryan showed up. Punk said he took a sacrifice last week. Punk said Ryan will make his sacrifice at the Rumble, and he said they will also sacrifice their spot in the Rumble because all of their lives will change if he wins the Rumble.

Harris wasn't happy and Punk picked up on it. Husky pointed out that Punk could draw the first entry and be eliminated before the rest of Nexus is even in the match. Ryan said Punk won't be eliminated. Punk told them not to worry about hypotheticals. Punk also said the better match will prevail in his match against Barrett.

Punk told the troops to have faith. He had them all take a knee. He raised his fist in the air and they all touched fists as the live crowd booed...

Backstage, Josh Mathews introduced John Cena for an interview. Cena suggested that he'll call the Barrett vs. Punk match down the middle. He said he'll deal with the winner's faction at the Rumble. The Miz and Alex Riley showed up and mocked Cena's latest lame attempt at humor.

Miz said winning the Rumble would be the worst thing that ever happened to Cena if he chooses to face him at WrestleMania. Miz pointed out the beatdown he gave Randy Orton, and teased that he'd do the same against Edge. Cena challenged him to give him a beatdown now. "Not yet," Miz said with a smile.

Cena brought up the possibility that Miz could lose to Randy Orton at the pay-per-view and then told them they smell like sewage. Cena walked, and Miz told Mathews to hit the bricks. Miz and Riley set up video highlights of their attack on Randy Orton from last week...

Powell's POV: It continues to appear like they are setting up the showdown match between Cena and The Miz for WrestleMania. I like the way Miz mocks Cena's corny jokes. Punk continues to shine in his role as the new Nexus leader. I caught Mason Ryan's second line, but I have no idea what his first line was in that backstage segment.

[Q5] Ring introductions for the Miz vs. Edge match took place. Just before the bell could ring, Dolph Ziggler and Vickie Guerrero came out and joined the announcers on commentary...

4. Edge beat The Miz (w/Alex Riley) by an apparent DQ in a champion vs. champion, non-title match in 16:40. The bell rang as Dolph and Vickie were getting situated. After some forgettable action, Edge dumped Miz to the floor. [C]

Powell's POV: They didn't even try to make this feel special. There was no staredown moment before or after the bell. The live crowd reacted accordingly by being as quiet as they've been at the beginning of any match tonight (Divas included). I'm sure they'll get into it as the match goes on, but I can't blame the fans for not getting excited what could be a dream match scenario if creative was patient and kept the champions apart long enough.

An ad for Smackdown questioned who attacked Teddy Long...

After the break, Miz was in control of the match. It didn't last long, though, as Miz had to avoid a spear tease by bowing out of the ring. Miz regained control of the match as they went to their second break during the match at 9:50.

[Q6] [C] The pace picked up after the break with both wrestlers trading near falls. Edge avoided a Miz punch and took out Riley at ringside with a slide kick. Edge had Miz down and was setting up for a spear when Ziggler left the announcers' table and attacked Edge to end the match.

Randy Orton hit the ring and popped the crowd big by hitting some of his signature offense on Ziggler. Orton went after Miz at ringside and threw him back inside the ring. Riley tried to attack Orton, but took an RKO. Ziggler recovered, but he also took an RKO. Miz hit the back of Orton's leg with the briefcase and then ran up the ramp. Orton glared at Miz from the ring as the crowd cheered...

Powell's POV: A disappointing match. I didn't have my hopes up for anything special and the cheap finish was totally expected, but the multiple commercial breaks didn't help. The crowd pepped up for Orton, though. By the way, WWE is not doing a good job of creating the feeling that anything can happen in the Royal Rumble match. I wonder if they'll go with the old reliable scene with everyone brawling in the ring to close the show.

Backstage, Mathews interviewed Wade Barrett, who said he became obsessed with winning the WWE Championship and humiliating John Cena. He said that cost him The Nexus. He said the silver lining is that he's now a member of The Corre. He said there are no leadership issues because they are all equals.

Mathews brought up the attack on Teddy Long. "I'm not even going to justify that with a response," Barrett said. He added that he hopes Long makes a speedy recovery. Barrett said he knows John Cena will never like him, but he hopes that in time Cena will respect him, just as he respects Cena...

5. Ted DiBiase, Maryse, and Alicia Fox defeated Daniel Bryan and The Bella Twins in 1:00. Cole said The Bellas have a bet going to see "who can be with Daniel Bryan first." Maryse and Ted had issues right away, as Maryse tagged herself into the match. One of the Bellas became distracted when her sister was getting flirting with Bryan. Maryse rolled up the jealous sister for the win...

Powell's POV: Yeah, that's it. Now I'm ready for the Royal Rumble! What have they done to Daniel Bryan?!? Did WWE forget how to properly hype the Rumble match? It's as if they think that making it a Super Sized Rumble is all the hype the match needs. They have a lot of work to do to sell viewers who are on the fence in the next 30-45 minutes.

[Q7] [C] Cole hyped the Barrett vs. Punk match for later in the show. The announcers then ran through the Royal Rumble pay-per-view card. The women's match is Natalya defending the Divas Championship against, um, well, they didn't even mention that match...

Backstage, the Bella Twins bickered as Michael Tarver watched briefly. He left the picture as they continued to bicker. They entered Bryan's locker room to find him making out with Gail Kim. Bryan introduced Gail as his girlfriend. He said they've been dating for the last six months and were trying to keep it quiet.

Gail said Bryan hung out with them because he felt bad for them now that there are no guest stars around. Things got cattier as The Bellas referred to Gail as an afterthought. She took offense. Cat fight!!!!! A couple of referees showed up to pull the women apart...

Powell's POV: Thank God the Bryan and Bellas crap is over. I'm so happy that this sets up Bryan in a feud against, um, well, they didn't really set up anything, but I'm sure he'll watch Gail wrestle The Bellas.

The Nexus music played. Otunga, Husky, McGillicutty, and Ryan headed to the ring. Cole hyped that the WWE Tag Titles would be on the line after the break... [C]

Powell's POV: The tag titles? Okay, now I'm feeling the Rumble! Wait, not really.

A graphic hyped that last week's Smackdown drew its highest viewership total to date on Syfy. Cole hyped Randy Orton and Edge vs. Dolph Ziggler and The Miz as the main event of Friday's WWE Smackdown television show...

6. Husky Harris and Michael McGillicutty (w/David Otunga, Mason Ryan) defeated Santino Marella and Vladimir Kozlov (w/Tamina) in a non-title match in 3:45.

[Q8] Santino set up for The Cobra at 3:15. He went after McGillicutty on the ring apron and missed. Husky clotheslined him and ended up getting the win for his team.

After the match, Otunga took the mic and asked for a hand for the new Nexus. He asked viewers to give a warm welcome for the man who has sacrificed so much for them and that they will sacrifice for on Sunday. C.M. Punk made his entrance...

A shot aired of John Cena backstage. He took off his tags and left them with a guy backstage... [C]

Powell's POV: An uneventful title change. The tag belts just don't feel important at this point, and the post-match celebration that consisted of introducing Punk didn't help matters. Man, this final segment better be great if they're going to convince viewers who are on the fence to order the Rumble.

Update: Cole actually corrected his earlier call before the match took place. He said the tag titles were not on the line, so Nexus winning was not a title change.

Wade Barrett and The Corre made their entrance. John Cena came out last and both factions headed to ringside. I would say it looks dumb for all those guys to flee the ring, but it's not like Cena hasn't destroyed the majority of them at one time or another...

7. C.M. Punk fought Wade Barrett to a double DQ in 2:05 with John Cena as special referee. Lawler said he doesn't think Cena cares who wins the match. Before the bell, Cena banned the Nexus members. Punk threw a fit and the live crowd ate it up. Cena teased calling for the bell to start the match, but he stopped and ordered The Corre wrestlers to the back.

Cena finally called for the bell roughly two minutes before the top of the our. Cena started the match by shoving Punk to the mat. He then pointed at his referee shirt. Cena turned and slapped Barrett across the face and pointed to the ref shirt again. Funny.

[Overrun] Cena ended up calling for the bell. He went over to Justin Roberts and told him that both men were disqualified for using profanity on a PG show. "Neither team is going to the Rumble," Cena said. Roberts announced the ruling and said neither Nexus nor The Corre are going to the Rumble.


Cena started to head toward the ramp when the email chime sounded. Cole stood up and stated on behalf of the general manager that Cena abused his power. Cole said the GM can't overrule the referee's decision, but he can change the stipulations. Thus, The Corre and Nexus are both in the Rumble match.

Cole also stated on behalf of the general manager that Cena had to enter the ring and apologize to Punk and Barrett or he would be the one out of the Royal Rumble match. Cena entered the ring and apologized to both men without a mic in hand. He then threw punches at both faction leaders.

Cena slipped out of the ring as The Corre and then the rest of Nexus hit the ring. The fans chanted for Cena as two Nexus members went after him on the floor. Big Show's music played. A group of babyface wrestlers hit the ring to brawl with the two factions as the show concluded. Cole hyped that it would be the biggest Royal Rumble match in history on Sunday...

Powell's POV: A highly predictable finish to the show with the big brawl at the end. The question is whether it was effective to the masses. I don't think WWE did enough to sell the show tonight. I'm sure it will do a solid buyrate because people love the Rumble match, but it will be interesting to see whether the 40-man aspect is enough to make up for the poor build to the show. I'll have a lot more to say in audio later tonight, and in the WWE Raw Hitlist on Tuesday.

Don't forget to check out our membership special. If you purchase a two-month membership, we'll throw in the third month free, meaning you'll be covered through WrestleMania 27. For all the details, check out the Dot Net Membership sale page.

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