By Jason Powell

Dot Net Members will be listening to my audio review of WWE Raw later tonight. Join us on the ad-free version of the website 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 Kansas City, Mo.

[Q1] The Nickelback montage opened the show... Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler checked in from ringside. Cole had no enthusiasm while trying to say that the Rumble was controversial and exciting.

Justin Roberts introduced John Laurinaitis as the interim Raw general manager. Laurinaitis was emulating Linda McMahon and all politicians by shaking hands with fans at ringside and the announcers. Lawler said he was sucking up and pointed out that he's never done that before. Cole took a moment to announce that Sheamus won the Royal Rumble and a graphic hyped his WrestleMania announcement.

Laurinaitis stood in the ring and said that he's done a good job. He said he's made mistakes, but he said everyone has. He said a wise man told him it's okay to make mistakes as long as you don't make the same mistake twice. He said he expects to be named the permanent general manager of Raw tonight. Laurinaitis said his performance review was being done by a great superstar and his good friend Triple H. He boasted over the job that he did at the Royal Rumble.

The attention turned to the Elimination Chamber match. Laurinaitis introduced the WWE Championship as graphics appeared on the screen of C.M. Punk, Kofi Kingston, Dolph Ziggler, The Miz, R-Truth, and Chris Jericho.

Laurinaitis said that on tonight's show, Beth Phoenix would defend the WWE Divas Championship against Eve, Kofi Kingston would face The Miz, and Dolph Ziggler would face Randy Orton. He also hyped Daniel Bryan vs. C.M. Punk for later in the show.

Powell's POV: Punk vs. Bryan on Raw may kill the hamster that runs on the wheel that makes the internet work.

C.M. Punk's music interrupted Laurinaitis. Punk walked out and sang the "na na na goodbye" song at Laurinaitis and got the crowd to sing along with him. Punk entered the ring, got in Laurinaitis's face, and sang the song. "Goodbye, clown shoes," Punk said. Laurinaitis said Punk owes him an apology because he thought he was going to screw him out of the title at the Rumble.

Punk said he doesn't owe him an apology. He said Laurinaitis is a liar. He said he was there because he wanted to see him one more time before he was shown the door. Laurinaitis laughed off Punk's insults and said it's all about business. He said the board of directors know that he's honest, fair, creative, and has taken Raw and the WWE Championship to new heights.

Laurinaitis said he would like to put his differences with Punk aside and start over. He offered his hand to Punk, who looked down at it and said, "Excuse me, sir, are you sleeping because the only way I would extend that hand to the best wrestler in the world is if you want to go to sleep.

Daniel Bryan's entrance music played. "This is like a nerd fest," Cole said on commentary. Bryan walked out and was in celebration mode after retaining his championship. "Hey, everyone, it's me the World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan," Bryan said. "You two do remember me, don't you?" He said no one cares about Punk and Laurinaitis's personal problems.

Bryan boasted that he was busy wining a cage match over the World's Strongest Man and the World's Largest Athlete while Punk and Laurinaitis had their soap opera. He said that after what he went through at the Rumble, Punk isn't exactly much of a challenge. "You're right, all I am is the best wrestler in the world," Punk replied.

Bryan said that was excellent, but he said he's more than just a wrestler. "I'm a role model," Bryan said. "I'm a vegan. I don't even eat meat." Funny. Punk said he knows all that, but it begs the question of what exactly Bryan does eat. Bryan said that if Punk makes another crack like that he will take his pipe bomb and stick it where the sun doesn't shine.

[Q2] Punk said he and Bryan have known each other for ten years. He said Clown Shoes was just trying to stir up trouble between them. Punk said they should give the fans of Kansas City the best wrestling match in the world. Bryan nodded.

Sheamus's music played and he headed to the ring to a good ovation. Cole quickly asked the obvious question of what title Sheamus will challenge for. He said he is the winner of the 2012 Royal Rumble match. Sheamus played up the mystery of which title he was going after.

Sheamus turned his attention to Laurinaitis. He said he wanted to share an old Irish expression. "May Triple H kick your ass so hard that you'll be throwing up your lace-covered undies," Sheamus said. Politician Johnny smiled. Sheamus left the ring and then Punk and Bryan shook hands...

Cole hyped Orton as returning to Raw for the first time in six weeks. He said he'd face Ziggler after the break... [C]

Powell's POV: The segment ended without Sheamus announcing which title he'll challenge for at WrestleMania. Bryan is comical in his heel role. He's a pest champion and he's playing the part well. His Napoleon Dynamite voice works in that regard, but it was cool to see him turn up the intensity when it was time to get serious with Punk. Laurinaitis smiling through it all was a riot.

Highlights aired of Wade Barrett throwing Randy Orton down the stairs...

Josh Mathews and his hair product were standing in a luxury box with Wade Barrett. Mathews said Barrett has a vested interest in the next matchup. Orton's music interrupted them. Mathews asked Barrett what was going through his mind heading into his singles match with Orton on Friday's Smackdown...

1. Randy Orton defeated Dolph Ziggler (w/Vickie Guerrero) in 11:10. Barrett was essentially on commentary during the match, as Mathews held the mic and asked questions while Cole and Lawler laid out. Ziggler dropkicked the back of Orton's head. The show went to break with both men down on the mat. [C]

[Q3] After the break, Ziggler had a chinlock applied. Cole praised the match and used it as an excuse to sing the praises of Laurinaitis. Mathews continued to ask Barrett questions. Meanwhile, in the ring, Orton came back with a superplex for a good near fall. He followed up with some of his signature offense, including the power slam.

Ziggler came back with a kick to the back of Orton's knee and followed up with the Famesser for a really good near fall at 10:00. Orton fought off Ziggler's sleeper attempt and came back with the RKO a short time later and got the clean pin...

The announcers hyped the previously announced Raw matches and events, and then teased a big Hall of Fame announcement... [C]

Powell's POV: A very entertaining television match. As much as I want to see Ziggler elevated immediately, it's not like he's going to be high on the WrestleMania card and there is no shame in losing to Orton's character. I hope he Ziggler has a good showing in the Elimination Chamber, but I think the next big step in his elevation will occur at or after WrestleMania 28. Obviously, I assume the HOF news will be related to Mike Tyson.

A WrestleMania video aired. We're 62 days away from the event... Cole and Lawler addressed the John Cena and Kane match from the Royal Rumble as still shot photos were shown.

Backstage, Laurinaitis continued the politician act by shaking hands and asking crew members about their families. He asked William Regal how his son was doing. Regal said he has daughters and they are conjoined twins in fifth grade. Laurinaitis kept smiling and said that's a tough year. Regal said he keeps them locked in the attic. Laurinaitis kept right on glad-handing and shook the hand of Curt Hawkins, who appeared to have a golf club...

Powell's POV: Classic William Regal with lines about having conjoined twins and keeping them in the attic. I hope WWE finds a way to get his brand of humor on the show every week. He's an absolute riot and that was the funniest bit I've seen on Raw in a long time. I'm also getting a big kick out of Big Johnny's antics tonight.

[Q4] [C] A graphic said the Royal Rumble was the most socially active event on Sunday night...

Powell's POV: That's because people who actually watched the Pro Bowl are so ashamed that they don't tell their friends online.

2. Brodus Clay defeated Tyler Reks in 1:00. No introduction for Reks, who just sneered at ringside after the entrance routine. Reks punched Brodus a few times, but Brodus came back with his power moves and finished him off with the What The Funk for the three count...

The announcers hyped the Laurinaitis and Triple H segment...

Backstage, Punk and Bryan spoke in the locker room. Punk said the people don't see Bryan as a role model. He said he doesn't think they understand what a vegan is. Bryan explained in an uppity manner and said people don't know what Straight Edge is. Punk said he knows what a vegan is, but he doesn't claim to be a role model. He said he's simply the best wrestler in the world... [C]

The ad for Smackdown actually asked who escaped as the World Hvt. Champion...

Powell's POV: Now that's quality control!

C.M. Punk made his entrance and received a strong reaction. Daniel Bryan came out next to boos...

3. Daniel Bryan defeated C.M. Punk by DQ in a champion vs. champion match in 15:00. Cole said Bryan claims to be a role model now just like Bret Hart claimed to be a Canadian hero. Cole noted that both men would be defending their titles in the Elimination Chamber. He said Bryan's opponents will be announced on Smackdown. Punk and Bryan shook hands.

[Q5] Code of Honor trended on Twitter. Yes, really. Bryan jumped out to the early advantage and caught Punk with a kick and a forearm. Punk fired back, but Bryan regained control of the offense quickly. Lawler noted that Cole was starting to agree with some of the things Bryan said. Cole said Bryan has some good qualities and finds it admirable that he doesn't kill animals.

Punk took advantage when he sent Bryan to ringside. He followed him and they exchanged blows. Bryan got the better of the exchange and whipped Punk into the timekeeper's area. They headed to break shortly thereafter. [C]

After the break, Bryan set up on the top rope, but Punk cut him off and fired away with stiff chops that elicited "wooooo's" from the crowd. Punk looked at Bryan and yelled, "Best in the World" before performing a huracanrana off the top rope. Later, Punk was in control when he signaled for the GTS. Bryan avoided it and fled the ring.

Punk caught Bryan with a baseball slide. He went for another move, but Bryan caught him with a forearm and then followed up with a great missile dropkick. Punk came back, but Bryan cut him off with a kick to the head and got a near fall. Bryan's chest was red from the chops earlier.

Bryan brought Punk to the corner and kicked him. He set him up for a superplex at 13:45, but Punk punched and head-butted, causing Bryan to fall off the ropes. Punk followed up with a top rope elbow drop for a near fall. Bryan went for the LeBell Lock, but Punk avoided it. Punk blasted Bryan with a big kick.

Chris Jericho ran out and threw Bryan into the guardrail and the bell rang. Jericho entered the ring and dropped Punk with the Codebreaker. Jericho glared at the fallen Punk. Justin Roberts announced that Bryan won the match via DQ. Bryan celebrated in an over the top manner...

Powell's POV: A great television match that people who are familiar with their history will love and fans who only know them from WWE were sure to enjoy. Good intensity. The finish was perfect in that it gets the ball rolling on Punk vs. Jericho, and gave Bryan another fluke win to gloat over. Yes, a clean finish is always nice, but there was no reason to give one here. They left viewers wanting more and hopefully it's a match they'll go back to at some point.

[Q6] After talking about the match and angle, the announcers turned their attention to the WWE Hall of Fame. A Mike Tyson video aired...

R-Truth's music played and he headed to the ring in street clothes... [C]

R-Truth was on commentary with Cole and Lawler. Kofi Kingston made his entrance. The Miz came out and mocked Kofi for becoming a social media sensation for doing a handstand. He gloated that he lasted longer in the Royal Rumble than five former world champions and two Hall of Famers. He said he's going to beat Kingston and win the Elimination Chamber so that he can headline WrestleMania again...

4. Kofi Kingston pinned The Miz in 4:15. Truth explained that he talks to Little Jimmy and he doesn't talk to him. Cole asked if he was out there. Truth said he was looking right at hime. Meanwhile, Kofi and Miz were working hard in the ring. Kofi ended up hitting Trouble in Paradise and scored the clean pin...

[Q7] Backstage, David Otunga told John Laurinaitis that he did everything he can to influence the decision. Laurinaitis questioned whether he was trying to take his job. Otunga assured him that he enjoys his role as legal counsel. Laurinaitis glad-handed him, but then looked skeptical again once Otunga left the room...

Powell's POV: A solid match. My guess remains that Miz heads to Smackdown via the draft, and they are obviously trying to build up Kingston now that Evan Bourne is out of the picture for at least 60 days. Congrats to Kofi for earning that spot in the Elimination Chamber by winning on Superstars, losing on Raw, and walking on his hands. Let the record show that Ziggler, who does handstands, is also in the Elimination Chamber. Clearly, this is the path to earning title matches.

A graphic noted that John Cena has more Facebook followers than other celebrities... The Rock video from the Royal Rumble was shown... The announcers hyped Rock vs. Cena for WrestleMania. Lawler said it will be the biggest main event in the history of WrestleMania... Cole hyped the Divas Championship match for after the break... [C]

Powell's POV: I enjoyed The Rock video package more the second time around for some reason. It's a good reminder that he's a mega-star, and it can be easy for fans to forget that when he makes too many Raw appearances. That said, it still left me feeling like I might have to vote for or against him on election day.

An teaser clip aired for the WWE Youtube network that's launching this week...

[Q8] 5. Beth Phoenix pinned Eve to retain the WWE Divas Championship in 0:30. The announcers mentioned the Zack Ryder story from the Rumble and questioned whether Eve could focus. Beth hit the Glam Slam and scored the clean pin.

Powell's POV: The Natalya fart on Smackdown lasted longer than that match. That said, it made sense given that they are reestablishing Beth as a dominant Diva, and because Eve had the out of being distracted.

Kane's music played and he appeared on the big screen. He asked Eve how it feels to know that everything that's happened to Ryder could have been avoided if Cena had embraced the hate. He said Cena was looking past him to The Rock. Kane said Cena can't beat him or The Rock until he truly embraces the hate.

Kane said he's going to continue to inflict as much pain as possible on Ryder until Cena gets the message. He said he was using Eve as a conduit to pass that message along. Kane's pyro went off and he headed to the ring. Kane appeared on the other side of the ring and Eve screamed in fear.

John Cena ran out and attacked Kane. They fought at ringside, where Cena slammed Kane's head off the ring steps. Cena picked up the stairs and rammed them into Kane. Cena smiled and flashed an intense look. He called for Kane to get up and then rammed the stairs into him again. Cena tore the announcers table apart.

Powell's POV: If he really hated Kane, he'd leave those monitors in the table because they would hurt a lot more.

Cena grabbed the mic and said, "We have a party up in here." Yes, really. He picked up Kane and went for the Attitude Adjustment, but he ended up dropping him over the guardrail. Kane ran away. The announcers spoke about how Cena seemed exhilarated while he was being so aggressive. Cole said he was in a zone and he's as emotionally involved as he'd ever seen him...

A shot aired of John Laurinaitis walking backstage. He pointed at Kelly Kelly and Alicia Fox, who laughed behind his back...

Powell's POV: That scene with Laurinaitis just told the story of my high school years.

Another ad for Smackdown hyped Randy Orton vs. Wade Barrett...

Justin Roberts introduced John Laurinaitis, who took his time coming out but eventually did so and headed to the ring. He said he's not nervous. He claimed ratings are up from a year ago (yeah, on Smackdown), and said he gave himself the maximum score of five on his self evaluation assessment.

[Overrun] Triple H came out wearing a suit and a smirk and got a nice pop. Once in the ring, Laurinaitis shook his hand. "You gave yourself a lot of fives, huh?" Hunter asked. "You realize that's a bigger number than four or three, right." Hunter said to forget all the assessment stuff. He said that when Laurinaitis backstabbed him and took the job from him, he thought he might actually do a good job. Hunter said Laurinaitis tried to make himself a star.

Powell's POV: The irony of a McMahon family member... Oh, never mind.

Laurinaitis said he's done a lot of good things for Raw. Hunter pointed out that Laurinaitis put him in a lot of high profile spots. He said that when Vince let personal issues cloud his judgment he had to be replaced. He said the same was true of him. Laurinaitis begged Hunter and said he'd do anything.

Hunter enjoyed the "do anything" portion and had Laurinaitis apologize to the fans. Laurinaitis complied while the fans booed him. Hunter asked what the fans think and the boos continued. He said he'd leave it up to the fans and asked whether that was enough. He said no. Hunter said he couldn't hear Laurinaitis because the fans were so loud but he assumed he was lying because his lips were moving.

Hunter said he could put Laurinaitis in a gauntlet match just like he put Punk in. "If only I had a thing, anything is so vague," Hunter said. He acted like the lightbulb went off. He said this is one of the things that he thinks makes Vince a certifiable genius. He said that when Vince was in charge and he needed to see where an employee's loyalty lied, he had that person become a member of a certain club.

Laurinaitis squirmed at the mention of the club. Hunter leaned in and looked at Laurinaitis, who said he doesn't have to prove his loyalty. Hunter continued to look in while waiting. An "on your knees" chant started. Laurinaitis used chapstick, got down on his knees, and puckered up while closing his eyes.

Hunter laughed and said, "You're really going to do it, aren't you, you freak?" Hunter said he wouldn't let Laurinaitis put his lips anywhere near him because he doesn't know where they've been. He said he's not going to do any of that stuff. "It's to do what needs to be done," Hunter said.

Hunter said the board sees now that he's put his personal problems behind him. He said the board told him that when he wants to come back and run Raw, he can do it whenever he feels like it. Hunter put his arm around Laurinaitis and said it truly warms his heart that he "wishes him well in all..." The bell tolled. Hunter stopped what he was saying and looked at the stage as Undertaker's entrance started.

Undertaker walked onto the stage to a huge pop. Taker made his slow walk toward the ring as Hunter watched. Taker entered the ring and glared at Hunter. Undertaker circled Triple H and they stared into each other's eyes the entire time. The music stopped and the fans cheered.

They held the stare until Undertaker looked up at the WrestleMania logo that was hanging in the rafters. Taker made the throat slash gesture. Triple H sized up Taker and then patted him on the back. Taker looked at Hunter's hand. Triple H left the ring and left Taker standing there.

Undertaker looked up at the WrestleMania sign. Triple H stopped at the top of the ramp briefly. Taker looked back toward the stage and his music played again to close the show...

Powell's POV: Great ending. Okay, so I'm not sure what was up with Taker's hair, but aside from that I thought it was great. Does Laurinaitis keep the job now that Triple H apparently will be tied up with Taker? Does Hunter appoint someone else to run the show? Did Hunter patting Taker on the back and walking out mean he's not going to accept the match right away?

I can understand why some won't enjoy it as much the second time around. While it was similar to what we saw last year from the two of them, I like that it wasn't just a virtual repeat and they left us with some questions (in addition to whether Taker is wearing a wig or hair extensions). A strong ending to a very strong show that was a really good mix of talk and strong in-ring action. They bounced back nicely from the Royal Rumble. I'll have more to say in Dot Net Members' audio tonight and in the WWE Raw Hitlist on Tuesday.

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