1/9 Powell's WWE Raw Live Coverage: Chris Jericho followup, Daniel Bryan vs. Kofi Kingston in a non-title champion vs. champion match


prowrestling.net
MEMBERSHIP INFO | LOG-IN | CONTACT US | SUBMIT NEWS | ABOUT US
Insider News • Live TV & PPV Coverage • Hitlists • Results • Blogs

HOME | WWE NEWS | TNA NEWS | MMA NEWS | ALL NEWS | TV & PPV | ARENA REPORTS | VIEWPOINTS | PRODUCT REVIEWS | AWARDS



Dot Net App
GOT AN IPHONE, IPAD, IPOD TOUCH, SAMSUNG GALAXY TAB, OR ANDROID PHONE?

THEN BE SURE TO DOWNLOAD OUR NEW FREE APP
(or SEARCH "pro wrestling" in App Store or Android Marketplace)

Dot Net Podcast
CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO DOT NET FREE PODCAST IN ITUNES OR CLICK HERE FOR LISTING OF LATEST SHOWS

WWE TV Reports


1/9 Powell's WWE Raw Live Coverage: Chris Jericho followup, Daniel Bryan vs. Kofi Kingston in a non-title champion vs. champion match
Jan 9, 2012 - 08:00 PM


By Jason Powell

Dot Net Members will be listening to my exclusive audio review of tonight's WWE Raw later tonight. Join us on the ad-free version of the site by signing up for membership now via Prowrestling.net/amember/signup.php. You are also encouraged to download our FREE iPhone, Android, and Kindle Fire apps.

WWE Raw on the USA Network
Live from Corpus Christi, Texas


[Q1] The show opened with a video that chronicled the Kane drama at the end of last week's show... Pyro went off and there was a pause before Kane's music played. Kane headed to the ring as Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler introduced the show. Cole questioned why Kane has targeted Cena.

Kane said that anyone who can't understand why he embraces hate are in denial. He talked about the fans who live with wives they hate, go to jobs they hate, and have children that are nothing but soft, spoiled, little disappointments. It's like the man has a window into our souls!!! Anyway, he said the fans live with hate but don't embrace it.

Kane said that when the fans chant "Cena Sucks" what they're really saying is that they suck. "And you do, because you refuse to embrace the hate which is bubbling up inside you." He said the fans cheering an underdog makes them think they are good and decent. He said the fans made Zack Ryder a star. Kane said he was seconds away from carrying Ryder to the depths of hell. "All John Cena did was delay the inevitable," Kane said.

John Cena's music played and he was all business as he walked onto the stage. Cena took his shirt off and charged the ring. He went right after Kane and cleared him from the ring. Cena followed to ringside and they brawled into a concourse. Kane took over the brawl and roughed up a few random guys wearing suits.

Kane and Cena brawled into the area where WWE parked their trucks. Cena picked up a steal pipe and struck Kane's leg, but Kane fired back with an uppercut that knocked Cena down. When Cena stood up, Kane was gone... [C]

Powell's POV: It was nice to see serious Cena again. He didn't stop and say anything into the camera, he just headed to the ring and fought with Kane. Here's hoping that carries over to his promo, as viewers need a break from corny joke Cena. I'm still not a fan of Kane cutting promos, but this was better than his return promo in terms of his delivery.

The announcers recapped the opening angle..

[Q2] 1. Sheamus and Santino Marella defeated Jinder Mahal and Wade Barrett in 2:55. Cole said all four men will be in the Royal Rumble match. Santino roughed up Jinder and tagged him with the Brogue Kick. Sheamus tagged in Santino, who used The Cobra to finish off Jinder...

Powell's POV: Boy, I can't wait for that Sheamus vs. Jinder match that they teased for Smackdown at the tapings last week.

Backstage, The Miz vented to John Laurinaitis and David Otunga about R-Truth's attacks. Laurinaitis said Miz brought it on himself. He spoke of all the things he has on his plate, and said tonight will feature the debut of Brodus Clay. Miz said he wants a private security force. Laurinaitis said Miz could find his own. "I'm not your problem. I'm not Little Jimmy. I'm Big Johnny"...

The announcers hyped C.M. Punk vs. Jack Swagger for later in the show. Jerry Lawler announced that the first entrant in the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2012 would be introduced after the break... [C]

Powell's POV: Big Johnny!!! That cracked me up. WWE already told the Mexican fans that Mil Mascaras would be inducted. I'd be surprised if they named him tonight, as the first name is usually a big name to get ticket sales off to a strong start.

A "Did You Know?" graphic touted that Andre The Giant was the first WWE Hall of Fame inductee...

A video package played and revealed Edge as the first entrant in the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2012...

Powell's POV: A very good video. I thought WWE might wait for a WrestleMania in Toronto, but I guess they wanted to make him a first year eligible inductee. No complaints about that.

[Q3] The announcers spoke about the Edge announcement and hyped that tickets go on sale on Saturday. Lawler announced that a second inductee would be announced later in the show...

Powell's POV: Perhaps that will be the official Mil Mascaras announcement.

Backstage, The Miz was shown talking with Mason Ryan, presumably about his desire for security. It didn't look like it ended well...

In another part of the backstage area, Zack Ryder was on the phone expressing concern over Kane. Eve showed up and he tried to play it cool, yet said he wanted to leave with her. She said she had to stick around for a match with Beth Phoenix, which could earn her a title match if she wins. After Ryder and Eve were out of the picture, Kane emerged from a doorway... [C]

2. Daniel Bryan defeated Kofi Kingston in a non-title match in 1:20. Kofi got a bit of offense in early. He went for a dive off the ropes, but Bryan stepped aside and caught him in the LeBell Lock and got the quick submission win. Lawler said he was impressed. Bryan did an over the top celebration after the match.

Big Show's music played and he headed to the ring and both he and Bryan ended up with mics. Bryan said he hated the way their match went on Smackdown. He said the belt was much too important for that match to be decided in a disqualification. Bryan said he's a fighting champion and he'll give Show a title match whenever he wants.

Big Show announced that they would have a no DQ, no countout match on Friday's Smackdown. Big Show offered his hand and pulled Bryan in close as they shook hands. Show said something to Bryan and then left the ring. Bryan looked concerned by the stipulations of the rematch...

Cole hyped Chris Jericho for later in the show. Lawler hyped Punk vs. Swaggger. A shot aired of Brodus Clay's locker room door. Cole said he would make his debut next...

Powell's POV: I'm not crazy about Bryan's new character. I just know what he's capable of when he's pushed in a serious manner and not as just another WWE chickenshit heel.

[Q4] [C] A Royal Rumble flashback video aired...

Justin Roberts introduced Brodus Clay for a singles match. Funk music played and two female dancers did their thing on the stage. Brodus danced his way onto the stage wearing a red jogging suit and hat. They danced their way to the ring, where Brodus tore off his pants at the end...

3. Brodus Clay beat Curt Hawkins. Brodus is from the Planet Funk. Really, that's what they said. He gyrated when Hawkins grabbed him around the waist and continued to dance. The announcers giggled while calling his match. He finished off Hawkins with a running dive. The women entered the ring and danced with Brodus again...

Powell's POV: Brodus is now the lovechild of P.N. News and Flash Funk. Good lord.

Backstage, Ryder talked to himself in the mirror while acting giddy about going out with Eve. He grew paranoid while brushing his teeth and left the room... Miz's pursuit of security led him to Primo, Epico, and Rosa. It ended in failure again. C.M. Punk walked by The Miz and laughed... [C]

Powell's POV: It may take the rest of the show for me to get the image of Brodus Clay dancing out of my head. WWE desperately needs more monster heels, and instead we get a dancing fool who came out to Ernest Miller's old music. By the way, if WWE is looking for a scapegoat for the Smackdown ratings on Friday, then Daniel Bryan's title reign may end this week.

Ring introductions for the next match took place...

[Q5] John Laurinaitis walked out before the match and reminded everyone that he's the special referee of the pay-per-view match. Laurinaitis said that if Punk wins tonight, then Swagger and Vickie are banned from ringside at the Royal Rumble. He also booked Dolph Ziggler vs. John Cena for later in the show...

4. C.M. Punk defeated Jack Swagger (w/Vickie Guerrero, Dolph Ziggler) in 12:05. Punk clotheslined Swagger to ringside and then performed a suicide dive onto him at ringside going into the commercial break. [C]

Swagger got some offense after the break, but Punk came back with a series of kicks and the high knee in the corner. Swagger avoided the bulldog attempt and hit a second rope splash for a near fall. Later, Punk came back and hit a top rope elbow drop.

Punk covered Swagger, who clearly kicked out at two. The referee counted to three anways. Punk even tried to grab Swagger's arm before he figured out what happened. Laurinaitis stood on the ring apron and pointed to Punk. The announcers recapped the segment and noted that Swagger got his shoulder up. Well, Cole did, while Lawler said it was "bang, bang"...

Powell's POV: That was awkward. If the idea wasn't to set up a rematch, I'll bet they'll have one next week anyways.

[Q6] The announcers recapped the John Cena and Kane brawl on the loading dock from earlier in the show...

Backstage, Zack Ryder thanked John Cena for saving him last week and admitted he was weirded out. Cena cut him off and said Ryder passed The Miz on Twitter and is now one of the top five most followed WWE stars on Twitter... The WWE Network video aired...

Powell's POV: Yes, he really calmed Ryder down by talking about Twitter. No, the WWE Network video did not list anything other than 2012 for a start date despite online rumors all weekend that the start date has been pushed back. WWE has always been vague about the start date, so they won't have egg on their faces with the entertainment trades if it doesn't debut on WrestleMania Sunday.

Backstage, the Bella Twins were bickering about who the A-Lister is when Ricardo Rodriguez showed up. The Miz interrupted their conversation and told Ricardo to draw out R-Truth and he would take care of the rest. Ricardo said that wasn't going to happen, but Miz threatened to make him join Alberto Del Rio on the injured list...

The announcers recapped Edge being named to the WWE Hall of Fame. They set up the next video, which revealed that The Four Horsemen are entering the WWE Hall of Fame. Classic footage aired of various incarnations of the group. Arn Anderson, Ric Flair, Tully Blanchard, and Barry Windham were all specifically mentioned. The graphic also showed J.J. Dillon...

Powell's POV: No love for Ole or Lex Luger, apparently. That said, they are inducting my favorite version of the group, so I won't protest too much. Arn Anderson, Tully Blanchard, Barry Windham, and J.J. Dillon are long overdue. They showed Flair on the graphic. Hopefully WWE and TNA will or have agreed to allow Flair to attend the show. Knowing Flair, he'll be there either way, but here's hoping he has the blessing of TNA so that WWE will actually have him appear onstage.

[Q7] Ricardo Rodriguez stood in the ring and took halfhearted jabs at R-Truth, who came out and said he's not a bad man. He said Little Jimmy told him to let bygones be bygones and let Ricardo go. He polled the crowd and they said "no." Truth said Little Jimmy doesn't think much of Ricardo.

Bad comedy continued as R-Truth encouraged Ricardo to sing. Ricardo obliged, but shoved the mic out of Truth's hand when he told him to sing again. Truth got pissed and dropped him with his finisher. The Miz hit the ring and attacked Truth from behind. Truth came back and Miz ran away through the crowd...

The announcers hyped Cena vs. Ziggler... [C]

Powell's POV: Could The Miz and R-Truth feud have less heat? Truth was funny at times and too over the top at other times during that segment, but I don't get the sense that anyone is going to pay to see Truth vs. Miz right now.

Justin Roberts introduced Chris Jericho. A small "Y2J" chant started. He did the light up jacket bit again to a mix of boos and cheers. He mimicked the routine from last week. Jericho entered the ring and got a mic. A loud "Y2J" chant broke out.

Jericho acted like he was on the verge of tears and then acted as if he was crying. Jericho acted as if he was too choked up to talk. The "Y2J" chants stopped and there were some boos. Jericho put the mic down and left the ring sobbing. He got the top of the stage, beat his chest a few times, and saluted the fans while keeping up with the crying routine...

Powell's POV: Y2Hogan? The hype for Jericho's segment felt lost in the shuffle tonight. It was the thing I was looking forward to most coming into the show, but with all of the Hall of Fame announcements and everything else that's happened, I almost forgot he was going to appear. Those who hated the segment last week are sure to hate this one just as much if not more. I expected something similar this week and I am still looking forward to seeing where he's going with all of this.

[Q8] [C] Eve came to the ring for her match with Beth Phoenix. No one cared. Kane's music played. Zack Ryder ran out and escorted Eve backstage. They ran outside the building and Ryder helped her get in a vehicle before noticing that the tire was flat. Ryder tried to change the tire while Eve freaked in the front seat...

The announcers hyped Cena vs. Ziggler... [C] A WWE Hall of Fame commercial aired for the on sale event on Saturday...

Powell's POV: Let's just say that Zack Ryder doesn't have a NASCAR pit crew career awaiting him if this pro wrestling thing doesn't work out.

After the break, Ryder was still trying to put change the tire. Yes, really...

Introductions for the main event took place. Ziggler was already in the ring. Happy go lucky Cena was back for his entrance, as he looked into the camera and said, "Showoff? Showoff? Showoff? Are you kidding me? Showoff?"

[Overrun] 5. John Cena vs. Dolph Ziggler (w/Vickie Guerrero) ended in an apparent no-contest. As the match progressed, a shot of Ryder still working on the damn tire appeared on the big screen. Conveniently, Kane showed up right then and started beating up Ryder. Kane grabbed Ryder by the throat and chokeslammed him off the loading dock. It was obvious that he didn't fall very far because you could see his head pop up again as he bounced off whatever he landed on.

Dolph applied the sleeper on Cena, who backed him into the ring steps. Vickie encouraged Dolph to get back in the ring as he clutched his knee on the floor. Cena headed to the loading dock area. Kane attacked him from behind and applied the smothering claw to Cena's face. Meanwhile, the fallen Ryder was shown lying on some crates. Kane stood up and admired his handiwork to close the show...

Powell's POV: Damn, I need something to come down from what felt like a cocaine fueled edition of Raw. Seriously, it was just all over the place. They packed a lot into one show and perhaps even too much. Sure, it beats the alternative of a throwaway Raw, but they didn't give viewers mucho of a chance to really digest anything.

The John Cena and Kane stuff felt really hokey. It wasn't even their fault this week, though, as the stuff with Zack Ryder's four-hour tire change and the cheap horror movie reactions that he and Eve had to Kane were really campy. I'll have a lot more to say about the show in tonight's Dot Net Member exclusive audio review, and in Tuesday's WWE Raw Hitlist.

RECOMMEND THIS ARTICLE:


READ OUR INSIDER NEWS BEFORE ANYONE ELSE! BECOME A MEMBER FOR JUST $7.50 A MONTH (or less with a year-long sub) - GET THE FIRST LOOK AT EXCLUSIVE INSIDER DOT NET NEWS, TONS OF EXCLUSIVE AUDIO CONTENT, MEMBER MESSAGE BOARD ACCESS, START YOUR OWN BLOG, AND VIEW THE SITE WITHOUT ANY ADVERTISING: SIGN ME UP (or MORE INFO)



RELATED ARTICLES FROM MGID AFFILIATE SITES...



MEMBERSHIP INFO
Become a Dot Net Member right now for $7.50 a month or $66 a year ($5.50 a month avg.). Get exclusive audio, first-look insider news, Forum access, member blogs, more...

CLICK FOR SIGN-UP INFO


The Current Must-Read List
ACCESS PREVIOUS MUST-READ ARTICLES

Vote In Our Latest Poll


Dot Net Free Podcasts
CLICK FOR FULL LISTING OF ALL PODCASTS

Latest from Our Affiliate Site

_pwtorch.com_
CLICK HERE FOR MORE PWTORCH HEADLINES

© 2008-2012 LAST ROW MEDIA LLC • ALL RIGHTS RESERVED -- PRIVACY POLICY