By Jason Powell

Dot Net Members will be listening to my exclusive audio review of WWE Raw later tonight. They are already listening to the 111-minute audio review of TNA Slammiversary that Will Pruett and I recorded last night. 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 Hartford, Conn.

[Q1] The opening video played and pyro went off on the stage. Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler checked in on commentary and noted that No Way Out is only six days away...

Justin Roberts introduced John Laurinaitis as the general manager of Raw and Smackdown. Big Johnny drove his scooter onto the stage and headed to the ring. Cole noted that Laurinaitis's job will be reviewed by Vince McMahon during the show. Cole said rumor has it that McMahon his very happy with Laurinaitis. Lawler said he's heard the opposite.

Cole noted that Laurinatis was still showing the effects of being beat up by John Cena. Meanwhile, Cole looked the same as always when he and Lawler were shown talking at ringside. Laurinaitis was about to introduce himself when "No Chance in Hell" interrupted him.

Powell's POV: It's a three-hour show, so I'm giving away three one-month Dot Net Memberships. I will pick one winner at random at the top of each hour. Cut and paste the following on your Twitter page during the show to enter: Read @Prowrestlingnet's live coverage of the three-hour WWE Raw at prowrestling.net #wwe #raw #3HourRaw

Mr. McMahon headed to the ring and received a big ovation from the live crowd. Vince declined to shake Big Johnny's hand. "I have no idea where that hand has been," Vince said. He said they're not friends, it's all business. He said he was there to give him a job performance evaluation and asked for one reason why he shouldn't fire his pencil neck butt on the spot.

Big Johnny cited People Power and noted that the people love him. Vince asked the fans if they love him. He observed that the fans don't love him. Laurinaitis talked about their similarities and said they are astute businessmen. Vince said Laurinaitis hired Brock Lesnar and got them into a mess. Vince noted that Big Johnny once hired the wrong one-legged wrestler.

Powell's POV: That is a true story. He intended to sign Zach Gowen and mistakenly signed one-legged wrestler Steve Chamberland.

Big Johnny continued to defend himself and Vince didn't seem to be buying it. Sheamus's music interrupted them. Sheamus headed to the ring as Cole teased an update on Sheamus's No Way Out match "a little later on" and did not share any details. Sheamus said Mr. McMahon looked great and it was great to see him back. "Doesn't he look great?" Sheamus asked.

Sheamus said Johnny was right when he said that he's a friend. He said he's such a good friend that he'll fine a person a half-million dollars just because he can. He said he's the type of friend to hold a personal vendetta just because you bump into him. Vince pointed out that Fire Johnny was trending worldwide. Sheamus implored Vince to "kick Johnny out on his ass."

Big Johnny said Sheamus doesn't represent the locker room. He said he was going to head to the back to find an opponent to make Sheamus sorry for what he said. Vince said it better be a really good opponent and it better be an impressive match. He said every match better be very, very impressive.

"If you don't impress me, at the end of the night you're going to hear these two words - You're fired!" Vince drove Johnny's scooter up the ramp and drove it off the stage, which got a pop from the crowd. Vince strutted his way backstage while an adoring Sheamus watched. Cole questioned who Sheamus would face after the break...

Powell's POV: Sheamus kissing up to Vince by talking about how good he looks was awkward. Remind me to have Chris Shore talk about how good I look during Dot Net Weekly on Thursday. Vince saying "You're fired!" now makes me think we won't hear it later tonight. Perhaps something happens to Vince and he's not around to make that call later tonight or maybe they come up with another way to save it for the 1,000th episode next month.

[Q2] [C] A replay of Vince driving the scooter off the stage was shown... At ringside, the announcers showed footage of Alberto Del Rio taking chops to the head during his match with The Great Khali. The said Del Rio is out of action with a serious concussion as a result and there will be a new No. 1 contender determined later in the show...

Big Johnny walked out and said that he found an opponent for Sheamus and he's not in a good mood after last week...

2. Sheamus vs. Tensai (w/Sakamoto) in a non-title match. The Albert chants started quickly and faded shortly thereafter. Sheamus clotheslined Tensai over the top rope and they both tumbled to ringside heading into the commercial break. [C] After the break, Sheamus was hitting Tensai, who was yelling a lot. Tensai quickly took control and hit a Vader Bomb for a two count at 6:50.

Tensai, who had red welts on his abdomen, took the usual ten forearms to the chest as the crowd chanted along. Tensai scored a good near fall with a Baldo Bomb out of nowhere that silenced the crowd. However, Sheamus came back with a Brogue Kick out of nowhere and scored the clean pin...

Sheamus defeated Tensai in 9:20.

Powell's POV: Tensai has looked better the last two weeks. However, it looks like the slow start cost him because he's been fed to John Cena and Sheamus over the last two weeks.

Backstage, Vince McMahon mocked Big Johnny over the Tensai loss while Teddy Long stood by. Vince asked what he had in mind for a replacement for Alberto Del Rio. Vickie Guerrero walked into the room and suggested that one of her former World Champions - Dolph Ziggler or Jack Swagger - would be perfect.

[Q3] Vince asked Johnny if he had a better idea. He said that in the spirit of People Power, he wanted to know if Teddy had a better idea. Long said there are four former World Champions at Raw - Ziggler, Swagger, Khali, and Christian. He said they could put them in a four-way match to determine the No. 1 contender.

Vince said that's a very good idea. Johnny said that's what he was thinking and sent him off to fetch coffee. Johnny tried to fist bump Vince, who pointed out that Laurinaitis has small hands before walking away... [C]

Powell's POV: Here's hoping Vince McMahon fires Teddy Long for suggesting anything involving The Great Khali. If nothing else, the live crowd is into everything Vince McMahon does. He got a huge ovation when he came out and they are laughing along with all of his jabs at Big Johnny. Meanwhile, Linda McMahon's campaign is hoping the same fans are registered to vote.

A graphic noted that Friday's Smackdown was Syfy's most watched show for the 88th week in a row...

In the ring, Tensai was scolding Sakamoto and yelling at him in Japanese. He kicked him and then punched him before throwing him over the top rope to the floor. tensai followed and roughed him up at ringside. He threw him into the ringside barricade and drove knees into his head...

Powell's POV: Damn you, Sakamoto. Tensai didn't want to do that, but you brought that shit on yourself. Actually, there might be some hope for Tensai since he's at least showing frustration over his loses.

The announcers spoke about Tensai and then turned their attention to the upcoming 1,000th episode. Actor Seth Green spoke about hosting a Raw show in 2009 and teaming with Triple H and John Cena against Legacy. Green spoke glowingly about his experience...

Powell's POV: Either Seth just happened to wear the same t-shirt for a recent interview or his sit-down interview was taped the same night as his match. I'm going with the latter.

Backstage, Matt Striker interviewed R-Truth about Big Show attacking him and Kofi Kingston. Truth said he's fine, but Little Jimmy is traumatized and has been crying all night. Truth talked to Jimmy and told him not to be so sensitive. He said the truth is that Big Show is going to lose to John Cena in the cage match on Sunday. Big Show showed up and punched out R-Truth... [C]

Powell's POV: Am I the only one who wanted Show to throw an air punch and kill Little Jimmy with a knockout punch?

[Q4] An ad hyped Raw's expansion to three hour beginning on July 23 with the 1,000th episode. DX was specifically advertised, and clips were also shown of The Rock and Undertaker, though they weren't actually hyped for the show...

Highlights aired of r-Truth being knocked out by Big Show...

Powell's POV: By the way, Truth missed house show events with an injury, so they were probably writing him out.

3. Santino Marella and Layla vs. Ricardo Rodriguez and Beth Phoenix. Ricardo, who wore his tuxedo, had to be pulled to the ring by Beth. Cole actually recalled that Santino and Beth once had a relationship. The women handled the bulk of the in-ring work. Ricardo ran in onto to be head-scissored out of the ring.

Ricardo stood up and ran into the ring post when Santino threatened him with The Cobra. Back inside the ring, Beth hit the Glam Slam and pinned Lalya. After the match, Ricardo celebrated his win. Santino ripped his tuxedo shirt off and revealed a Justin Bieber t-shirt...

Beth Phoenix and Ricardo Rodriguez defeated Santino Marella and Layla in 2:55.

Powell's POV: Wait, doesn't WWE cater to kids? If so, then doesn't that make Ricardo a babyface to many of the same fans who root for John Cena? Did they put the Divas back on television this week because the roster is depleted and they have to add a Divas match to the pay-per-view...

Backstage, David Otunga lobbied with Vince McMahon to take over John Laurinaitis's job if he should be fired. Vince said he doesn't like backstabbers or lawyers. R-Truth entered the office looking for Big Johnny. Kingston said he wanted Big Show tonight. Johnny said R-Truth is at the doctor because he's not feeling well. Big Johnny booked Big Show vs. Kofi Kingston in a cage for later in the show...

A shot aired of Daniel Bryan walking backstage. Cole said viewers would hear from Bryan after the break... [C]

Powell's POV: As much as I would like to be excited about Kingston showing fire in demanding a match to avenge his partner, all signs point to this being the latest example of Kingston becoming a job boy once his tag partner is out of the picture (see Kingston's record during Evan Bourne's two suspensions). After all, Big Show is the one facing Cena in the cage on Sunday.

An ad for Smackdown hyped Alberto Del Rio and Sheamus. Great quality control there, WWE... Footage aired from the Kane vs. C.M. Punk match from last week's Raw...

Powell's POV: Our first hour one-month membership winner is @SeituArt (a/k/a Seitu Hayden). Didn't win? No worries. We'll give away two more memberships tonight. Enter now by cutting and pasting the following on your Twitter page during the show to enter: Read @Prowrestlingnet's live coverage of the three-hour WWE Raw at prowrestling.net #wwe #raw #3HourRaw

Daniel Bryan stood in the ring and cut a promo. He mentioned his name, C.M. Punk, and Kane. He said clearly one of these superstars is not like the other. He said he is nothing like his No Way Out opponents because they have a 95-pound weakness named A.J.

[Q5] C.M. Punk came to the ring. He pointed out that Bryan spends a lot of time talking about A.J. for someone who is over her. He said he's going to beat the deranged out of his mind freak "or I'm going to beat Kane." Funny. "No, no, no," Bryan responded. He said he used to respect Punk, but he's changed.

Bryan said the biggest sellout in WWE is Punk. "Says the Superstar in the Yes! Yes! Yes!" t-shirt," Punk said. He recalled sitting down on the stage and airing his grievances. He said people have told him they think that moment was one of the best in Raw's 1,000th episode.

Punk said he rolls his eyes because most of those people didn't like him back then. He said he still doesn't like them. He said he hasn't changed one bit since he spoke his mind. He said he achieved success at the highest level on his own terms. He said he can't say the same about Daniel Bryan.

Punk said Bryan has become a self-absorbed, insecure, obnoxious, goat-faced moron. Punk said that's a little wordy for a t-shirt, but he wishes him well. A small "Goat Face" chant broke out. Punk said he's giving Bryan a wakeup call at No Way Out, "ironically enough when I put you to sleep."

Kane's music played and he headed to the ring and he came to the ring with a mic. No!!! Worse yet, he spoke into the mic. Sigh. Kane recalled setting fire to Jim Ross, electrocuting Shane McMahon's testicles, and he Tombstoned a priest. He said his pipe bombs are actual pipe bombs and said he will leave the pay-per-view as WWE Champion.

A.J. headed to the ring and said regardless of what Kane says, she looked into his eyes last week and saw that deep down in his tortured soul he actually has a heart. "You gotta looooove crazy chicks," Punk quipped. A "crazy chicks" chant started in the crowd. A.J. addressed Bryan by saying you never get over your first love and she hasn't.

Finally, A.J. turned and smiled at Punk, who smiled and waved at her. Cole noted that Goat Face was the No. 1 trend on Twitter. A.J. told Punk that he's the coolest guy she's known in her life. Bryan asked her what the point is. She said the point is that she knows the best man will win.

Big Johnny popped up on the big screen and said there would be a match tonight that's never been seen before. He said Daniel Bryan and Kane will face C.M. Punk and A.J. Bryan laughed, Punk and A.J. looked concerned, and Kane looked old and haggard because of his bad mask...

The announcers aired a replay of Vince McMahon threatening Big Johnny, and teased the four-way match to determine which wrestler will face Sheamus at No Way Out... [C]

Powell's POV: I like the oddball tag team match. It guarantees that Punk will work the majority of the match, and I'm curious to see what they do with A.J. The live crowd had some fun with Punk's one-liners, but they didn't seem all that into what A.J. was saying.

[Q6] The announcers hyped Domino's Pizza as a sponsor. Jerry Lawler showed the order tracker...

4. Christian vs. The Great Khali vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Jack Swagger in a four-way elimination match to earn a shot at the World Hvt. Championship at No Way Out. Vickie Guerrero was at ringside. All three wrestlers pinned Khali to eliminate him from the match around 1:55. [C]

Powell's POV: Khali's elimination means Chris Shore won't be flying solo with WWE No Way Out pay-per-view coverage on Sunday night.

Later, Christian hit the Killswitch on Swagger. Ziggler jumped on top of Swagger and pinned him around 8:50.

[Q7] Christian rolled up a celebrating Ziggler for a near fall. A "Let's Go Ziggler" chant started briefly. Ziggler targeted Christian's left leg, which Christian sold even once he went back on the offensive. Ziggler hit the Fameasser at 11:25 for a good near fall.
Christian came back with a reverse DDT that he must have picked up while watching Sting on Sunday night for a near fall. Christian hobbled up to the top rope. Dolph ran toward him. Christian jumped over Ziggler, but sold the ankle after landing on his feet. Dolph hit his finisher and scored the clean pin. Vickie, who had been upset over Dolph pinning Swagger, celebrated with Ziggler afterward.

"About damn time," Ziggler said as he backed up the ramp. He backed into Sheamus, who had walked onto the stage with the World Hvt. Championship. Sheamus held the belt int he air. Ziggler smiled and pointed at himself and talked smack...

Powell's POV: A very good match after the commercial break. My new conspiracy theory is that Dolph Ziggler told Chris Jericho to kick the Brazilian flag, slipped something in Randy Orton's drink, knocked out Alberto Del Rio, and stepped on R-Truth's foot just for good measure. Go with it, newz sites!

Backstage, Natalya told Vince that his match with Bret Hart was special. She said she wants to get the whole family to reunite again because it was so special. An overwhelmed Vince politely blew her off. Brodus Clay's dancers showed up and talked to Vince. They asked if Vince would override Big Johnny's decision to send Brodus to Smackdown. Vince said he didn't think so.

The dancers said they thought Vince was the coolest cat around. They said they heard he knows how to get funky. "Somebody call my momma," Vince said. The lights dimmed and Vince danced with Clay's dancers. Once the dancers left, Zack Ryder showed up with his jaw dropped. Vince did the "Woo Woo Woo" routine... [C]

Powell's POV: Vince McMahon did the Brodus Clay dance. Cross that one off my bucket list of things I needed to see before I die.

A graphic touted John Cena's work with Make-A-Wish...

5. Ryback vs. Willard Filmore and Rutherford "P.S." Hayes. The jobbers came out second and cut a promo on their way tot he ring that included a jab about the Hartford Whalers leaving town. Ryback destroyed one of them with powerbombs. The other one tried to run away, but Ryback clotheslined him at ringside. Ryback finished them both off with a power move...

Ryback defeated Willard Filmore and Rutherford "P.S." Hayes in 1:30.

[Q8] The cage music played and it lowered around the ring heading into the break... [C]

Powell's POV: The Goldberg chants were worse than ever. The jobbers were also fun again this week and they obviously played a rib on Michael Hayes. The Hartford Whalers left town in 1997 and became the Carolina Hurricanes. The locals are still pissed all these years later about their NHL team leaving. Good for them.

Backstage, Hornswoggle and Vince watched Horny's J.R. bit from Smackdown. Vince put a cowboy hat on impersonated Ross's "Stone Cold" call while making a face that mimicked the after effects of Ross's bout with Bell's Palsy. He handed the hat back to a laughing Hornswoggle and said, "Sauce it."

Powell's POV: Wow, what a dick. There were a handful of fans who chanted J.R.

John Cena approached Vince McMahon and said John Laurinaitis is awful. Vince said he appreciates Cena giving him management advice, but he pointed out that the didn't do well at WrestleMania and noted that he actually lost to The Rock. "So WrestleMania wins and losses are how we measure success," Cena said. He pointed out that Vince lost to Hulk Hogan, Bret Hart, and Shane McMahon. He questioned whether Vince lost to Snooki.

Vince said they shouldn't focus on the past. He questioned whether he could stop the giant Big Show and said he better not run out and save Kofi Kingston. Cena said he can handle his business. Cena said Vince is still upset about Donald Trump shaving his head, but said he should also be upset about him stealing the "You're Fired" catchphrase. "How about you use them tonight," Cena said.

Otunga entered the picture as Cena was leaving to point out that he only practices law on a per diem basis. Vince said nobody likes a sycophant or a man who would pucker up and kiss another man's behind. "No offense," Vince said. The camera pulled back and showed a William Regal sitting on a couch behind Vince...

Kofi Kingston made his entrance for the cage match. A shot aired of Big Show walking backstage... [C] Big Show made his entrance... Cole read through the list of men that Show has taken out recently.

Powell's POV: Our second hour winner is @adamcrampton17 (a/k/a Adam Crampton). There's one more winner to go. Enter the contest now by cutting and pasting the following on your Twitter page during the show to enter: Read @Prowrestlingnet's live coverage of the three-hour WWE Raw at prowrestling.net #wwe #raw #3HourRaw

[Q9] 6. Big Show vs. Kofi Kingston in a cage match. Kingston attacked Show as he was climbing over the top rope to enter the ring. He threw a few punches only to be shoved to the ground by Show. It was all Big Show for the next few minutes. Kingston made a brief comeback when he caught Show with Trouble in Paradise.

Kingston tried to crawl out of the cage, but Show caught him and dragged him back inside the ring. Kofi kicked Show off and tried to escape again. Show dragged him back to the ring, held him by one leg, and tagged him with the knockout punch. Show stopped and soaked up the boos from the live crowd. Referee Scott Armstrong motioned that Kingston was out cold. Show slowly walked down the steps and paused before touching his foot down on the floor...

Big Show defeated Kofi Kingston in a cage match in 7:25.

A shot aired of Big Johnny smiling as he watched on a backstage monitor. Cole said Vince will decide Johnny's fate later in the show. Lawler hyped the Punk and A.J. vs. Bryan and Kane tag match for later in the show... [C]

Powell's POV: They're doing a really good job of building up Big Show via his destruction of so many wrestlers and he's holding up his end on the mic. It would help if John Cena did something to make it seem like Show is more than just another opponent. Clowning around with Vince and saying he'll handle his business isn't exactly the endorsement Show needs.

A graphic boasted that WWE has more Facebook followers...

7. Sin Cara vs. Curt Hawkins. No entrance for Hawkins, no trampoline for Sin Cara again this week.

[Q10] Sin Cara won the match with his huracanrana into a face plant...

Sin Cara defeated Curt Hawkins in 2:35.

Cole set up an ad for WWE's Backstage Fallout show on Youtube... A countdown clock (37 minutes) until Vince McMahon rules on Big Johnny's fate...

Powell's POV: The crowd seems like they're dragging in the third hour. They were quiet during the match and Sin Cara didn't get much of a reaction when he motioned for them to cheer afterwards. I like the clock gimmick. I'm surprised they didn't start it earlier in the show.

Backstage, Vince McMahon approached Daniel Bryan and wished him good luck in his match. Bryan assumed Vince wouldn't like someone like him. Vince said he wanted to get Bryan's opinion. He said you can't judge a book by looking at its cover and Bryan is proof. He said no one would assume Bryan is a WWE Superstar let alone a former champion.

Bryan said he's been fired by the company once and he ended up proving Vince wrong. He said they have a lot in common because they are both "self-made success stories who defy expectations." Vince said they have a point, but he noted Bryan's quick loss at WrestleMania and said that he doesn't think he's ever finished anything in 18 seconds. "I'll let you think about that," Vince said...

A shot aired of a locker room door with the Raw 1,000 logo on it. Lawler said Big Johnny invited a former main eventer to Raw to compete in honor of the 1,000th episode. He said we'd find out the identity of the mystery man after the break... [C]

Powell's POV: I always assumed @CrankyVince was just a spoof site. After that Vince comment, I'm not so sure anymore.

A Raw 1,000 video aired with Dolph Ziggler talking about his favorite Raw memories. He said Bobby Heenan was one of his favorites and they showed some classic Heenan and early Raw footage...

[Q11] Justin Roberts stood in the ring with Heath Slater standing next to him. Slater took the mic and questioned why they are celebrating past Raw stars when there's a current star in front of them. Slater said it's time, it's time, it's Slater time. Cue Vader's entrance music...

8. Vader vs. Heath Slater. Cole ran through some of Vader's history and said he debuted with WWE in the 1996 Royal Rumble match. The crowd was hot for Vader. Lawler said Vader looks just like John Gaburik, but butchered his name. Cole corrected him. There was a loud "Let's Go Vader" chant.

A graphic hyped Brodus Clay vs. David Otunga as the No Way Out pre-show match that will air on Youtube. The fans chanted "You still got it" at Vader. Vader slammed Slater down and the fans called for a Vader Bomb. Vader complied and finished off Slater with a Vader Bomb. Cole noted that Vader was the trending at No. 1 on Twitter...

Vader defeated Heath Slater in 3:20.

Powell's POV: Vader has put on some weight and struggled a bit to walk up the ring stairs and to get off the mat when he was down, but he still looked like Vader and the fans loved it. That was a fun moment that woke up a drained crowd. For those who don't recall John "Big" Gaburik, he was a likable personality on the original Tough Enough and he continues to work for the company as the director of on-air promotions.

A Be A Star video aired...

Powell's POV: They forgot to include the footage of Vince McMahon mocking Jim Ross's facial paralysis for the young Raw viewers.

Backstage, Punk told A.J. that unlike Kane and Bryan, they can trust each other. He said that while it goes against every fiber of her being, she shouldn't do anything crazy during their tag match. She happily agreed and kissed him on the cheek... [C] Ring entrances for the main event took place...

[Q12] 9. C.M. Punk and A.J. vs. Kane and Daniel Bryan. Punk started the match and tried to avoid tagging A.J. into the match. He accidentally did so at 2:30. She entered the ring and smiled at Kane and then skipped around him in the ring. She stopped behind Kane and he turned around. She jumped onto Kane, held on, and laid a huge kiss on him.

Kane remained frozen in that his arms stayed at his side and he didn't fight the kiss. There was a "Yes!" chant. Funny. She let go of Kane and smiled at him. Kane backed up and tagged Bryan into the match. Kane headed to the back. Bryan chased A.J. into her corner. She tagged Punk into the match, and Punk blasted Bryan with a punch and a kick.

Punk hit a top rope elbow drop on Bryan and pinned him clean. Kane was shown standing on the stage watching the scene with a confused look on his face. A.J. sat down in the ring and smiled at Punk, who looked just as confused by her actions as Kane did...

C.M. Punk and A.J. defeated Daniel Bryan and Kane in 4:50.

The countdown clock showed that the Vince McMahon and Big Johnny segment were coming up after the break...

Powell's POV: Kane is so good at conveying emotions even with a mask on his face. He was really good here, and A.J. was psycho fun as always. I don't like seeing Bryan lose so easily, but it was hardly the focus of the match and I think there's a good chance he could come out of the pay-per-view with the title belt around his waist and A.J. on his arm.

Vince McMahon headed to the ring with a security team that stood behind him in the ring. He said he's always had a warm spot in his heart for the state of Connecticut. He said he lives "here in this wonderful state." He noted that his daughter was born in Hartford. He said it's poetic that one life began in Hartford and another one is ending, at least professionally. Vince called out John Laurinaitis.

Big Johnny used a single crutch as he walked to the ring. He looked down at his scooter. Once in the ring, Laurinaitis said he doesn't appreciate what he did to his scooter. He said Vince didn't need security because he would never lay a hand on him regardless of the decision.

[Overrun] Vince smiled and said Laurinaitis is a comedian. He said the security will walk a certain someone to the back and right out of his business. Johnny spoke about the things he's done for WWE since he took over. He said Raw and Smackdown have become destination TV. "You need me and they need me," Laurinaitis said.

Vince appeared to be on the verge of firing Laurinaitis when Big Show's entrance music interrupted him. Show walked to the ring and took a mic from Big Johnny. Show said Laurinaitis has made a few mistakes. He said the one thing he did right was give him an ironclad contract, meaning he can say or do anything he wants to.

Show said Vince could fire him. Show said that if he did, Vince would have to pay him millions of dollars for many years to do absolutely nothing. Show said they both knew that wasn't going to happen. He said Vince doesn't pay anything without getting something in return. Show said Vince shouldn't be mad about Laurinaitis.

Show said it was because of every stupid costume he's had to wear, every TV show, movie, every time he's made ESPN, the one thing they all have in common is Vince. He said he did everything Vince asked him to do. He said Vince told him giants are scary and he needs to smile more and let people in.

"With my new ironclad contract, I don't have to be part of your dog and pony show, do I," Show said. "I finally get to be what I really am - a giant." Show said Vince shouldn't worry about firing Laurinaitis, he should be more concerned for John Cena, whom he called the golden goose, the white knight, and the cash cow. Show said Vince's golden goose is going to get his feathers plucked at No Way Out.

John Cena's music played and he headed to the ring. Cena said Show blamed him, the fans, and now Vince McMahon. He questioned whether he would blame McDonald's next for putting chicken nuggets on sale. Show did more to sell the joke than Cena has done to sell anything Show has said or done since he turned.

Cena said there's not an oddsmaker alive who is picking him because Show has stacked the deck so high in his favor by aligning with Laurinaitis. "What happens if you don't?" Cena asked. "Do you realize what you set yourself up for?" Cena said that there's no more excuses for Show if he doesn't beat him because there won't be anyone left to blame.

Cena said no one will ever look at Show as the World's Largest Athlete if he doesn't pummel him at No Way Out. He said they will instead look at Show as the World's Largest Disappointment. He said Show will still have to show up every week and listen to the fans call him what he is - a sellout. "So if you don't win, then what happens?" Cena asked.

Vince took the mic and said he would tell everyone what would happen. Vince said he will be at ringside on Sunday and if Show doesn't win the match he will say the "famous two words to your pal John Laurinaitis." Show grabbed Cena by the throat. Security quickly stepped in. Show and Cena threw them aside.

Cena went after Show in the corner. Laurinaitis tried to pull Cena off and Vince was trying to pull Big Johnny away. Show tried to punch Cena, who ducked, causing the punch to hit Vince McMahon instead. There was a "holy shit" chant. Laurinaitis instructed Show to leave the ring and he complied. Cena made big eyes as he looked down in concern for Vince and the trainer threw up the X symbol. Vince remained knocked out on the mat to close the show...

Powell's POV: The fans actually chanted holy shit because Show threw a bad punch at Vince McMahon? Wow, those fans are easily impressed after a few hours of WWE. It must have looked better live than it did on television. WWE was wise to add Vince to the pay-per-view because it really needed something extra to sell. Cena vs. Show isn't strong enough, and the roster is depleted by the injuries and suspensions.

Overall, this show had it's moments. It felt like a marathon because of the three-hour format, but I suppose we better get used to that. The Vader segment was a lot of fun, and they did a nice job of playing up A.J. heading into her obvious role in the Triple Threat match at the pay-per-view. All signs point to Show going over on Sunday given the picture Cena painted, but I am curious to see how they get there and how Vince McMahon fits in. I'll have more to say in tonight's Dot Net Members' audio review.

Congrats to our third one-month membership winner of the night, @jamwar1 (a/k/a Jamie Cartwright).

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