John Cena Injury [UPDATE]

Injured WWE Superstar John Cena is still working his way back from surgery that he underwent on his left triceps in August, and after expectations arose that the Cenation leader may not return until January's Royal Rumble pay-per-view, it appears as though the WWE is advertising Cena for its tour of the United Kingdom in November.

The advertisements have led to speculation that Cena may be back sooner than previously thought. Cena announced on the Aug. 19 edition of Monday Night RAW the night after SummerSlam, that he required the surgery and it would take four-to-six months to recover from, but reports broke that the realistic timetable for a return to in-ring action seemed to be in January. However, WWE.com has Cena as the only listed performer advertised for the U.K. tour that kicks off in November.

                   

Cena is advertised for several events on the company's website for November overseas, including stops in Germany, Scotland and England. According to WrestleZone.com, a person who bought tickets for the Nov. 17 stop of the tour in Nottingham, England sent word that the Capitol FM arena, which will host a WWE Live Event there, is advertising Alberto Del Rio, Bray Wyatt, a CM Punk handicap match against Paul Heyman and Ryback and a special appearance by John Cena for that particular event.

The WWE always notes that the card is subject to change, but it would make sense for Cena to appear on the tour even if it's in a non-wrestling capacity. Cena could very well serve as a mouthpiece throughout the tour without having to wrestle if he's not medically cleared to do so.

Cena recently discredited rumors that he'd be returning to WWE television in October for the company's Breast Cancer Awareness Month initiative that Cena was rumored to be the mouthpiece for. Cena said he will only return to TV when he can actively wrestle in the squared circle, though some of the WWE shows in the U.K. won't be televised so it could possibly be an exception for him.

Cena has been giving updates on his health since the surgery via his official Twitter account, and noted on Monday that it's hard for him to get through the day without being featured on RAW. Cena has set his sights on returning even stronger than before, but whether or not a return happens in November remains to be seen.

Been going nonstop as of late. Elbow very swollen but #evenstronger someone wonderful @nicoleandbri talked me into a much needed adventure.
— John Cena (@JohnCena) September 20, 2013

A wonderful adventurous much needed few days with @nicoleandbri now back 2 work. Mondays r very tough nowadays but trying 2b #evenstronger
— John Cena (@JohnCena) September 23, 2013

 Cena has vowed not to return until he has a clean bill of health, but with WWE advertising him early for the November events as a way to sell more tickets, it's conceivable that the Cenation leader may make a few appearances without mixing it up in the ring for WWE during their trip to the U.K.

Follow Me on Twitter: Follow @NaveenJCena

WWE Night Of Champions 2013 Results

The sixth annual WWE Night of Champions came to you, live on pay-per-view, from the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, MI. August 18, 2013 is a date that will go down in history as the night that WWE COO Triple H betrayed his values and turned his back on the WWE fans and Superstars, dropping Daniel Bryan with the Pedigree, paving the way for Randy Orton to cash in his Money-in-the-Bank contract with ease and capture the WWE Championship that Daniel Bryan had just won moments earlier from John Cena at SummerSlam, ushering in Orton as the so-called “face of the WWE” and ushering in a dark era in the WWE where Triple H has orchestrated assaults on Daniel Bryan, Big Show, Dolph Ziggler, and Christian, using his ‘personal security’, The Shield, not to mention Triple H’s firing of Cody Rhodes just days before Rhodes’ wedding. One man has shown no fear towards the new regime, however, as Daniel Bryan has butted heads with Triple H, The Shield, and WWE Champion Randy Orton and, at Night of Champions, “The Wildman” will get his shot to cripple the Triple H regime as Daniel Bryan challenges Randy Orton for the WWE Championship. Since being betrayed by his supposed “father figure” Paul Heyman at Money-in-the-Bank, CM Punk has been on a mission to not only get his revenge against Heyman, but to destroy the man he used call his friend and “The Best in the World” has survived Paul Heyman’s beast Brock Lesnar and, at Night of Champions, Punk may finally get what he wants as Punk faces Paul Heyman and the newest “Paul Heyman guy”, Intercontinental Champion Curtis Axel, in a 2-on-1 Handicap Elimination Match. The World Heavyweight Championship would be up for grabs at Night of Champions as Alberto Del Rio defends the gold against a ring veteran who has never held the World Heavyweight Title in “The Whole Damn Show” Rob Van Dam. Ever since speaking out against Triple H after SummerSlam, Dolph Ziggler has been the target of Triple H’s security force, The Shield, but Ziggler would get the chance to deal a major blow to the unstoppable trio as “The Show-Off” challenges The Shield’s Dean Ambrose for the United States Title. The other two members of The Shield, Seth Rollins & Roman Reigns, would also defend their titles at Night of Champions as Rollins & Reigns would defend the WWE Tag Team Titles against the team that would emerge victorious from the Tag Team Turmoil Match on the Night of Champions Kickoff with either The Prime Time Players, 3MB, Tons of Funk, The Real Americans, or Jimmy & Jey Uso getting their shot at the tag titles. Also, after calling out the stars of Total Divas, labeling the Divas as “expendable”, AJ Lee would have to deal with the competitors turned reality stars as AJ defends the Divas Title against Naomi, Natalya, & Brie Bella in a Fatal 4-Way Match.

Match Results

• #1 Contenders Tag Team Turmoil Match: Kickoff Exclusive: The Prime Time Players def. Heath Slater & Drew McIntyre, Tons of Funk, Jimmy & Jey Uso, and The Real Americans to become the #1 Contender for the WWE Tag Team Titles.
• Intercontinental Championship: Curtis Axel (c) def. Kofi Kingston by pin following the Axel Cutter to retain.
• Divas Championship: Fatal 4-Way: AJ Lee (c) def. Naomi, Natalya, & Brie Bella by Natalya submitting to AJ Lee (c)’s Black Widow to retain.
• World Heavyweight Championship: Rob Van Dam def. Alberto Del Rio (c) by DQ after Alberto Del Rio (c) refuses to break the cross armbreaker after Rob Van Dam gets to the bottom rope. As a result, Alberto Del Rio (c) retains.
• The Miz def. Fandango by submission to the Figure-Four Leg Lock.
• 2-on-1 Handicap Elimination Match: No DQ: First Fall: CM Punk def. Curtis Axel by submission to the Anaconda Vise.
• 2-on-1 Handicap Elimination Match: No DQ: Second Fall: Paul Heyman (with Ryback) def. CM Punk by pin after Ryback puts CM Punk through a table.
• United States Championship: Dean Ambrose (c) def. Dolph Ziggler by pin following the Headlock Driver to retain.
• WWE Tag Team Championship: Seth Rollins & Roman Reigns (c) def. The Prime Time Players by Seth Rollins (c) pinning Titus O’Neil following the Spear by Roman Reigns to retain.
• WWE Championship: No Interference: Daniel Bryan def. Randy Orton (c) by pin following the running knee to win the WWE Title.

Detailed Results

Night of Champions kicks off with a man who is very familiar with championships as the thirteen-time World Champion and WWE COO Triple H makes his way to the ring to open the show. Triple H says that he is happy to put his “stamp of approval” on Night of Champions, saying that, to prove that he is not the “villainous” guy that everyone thinks he is, he is making the ruling that there will be no interference in the WWE Championship match. Triple H continues, saying that absolutely no one will interfere in the title match, not The Shield, not Big Show, not anyone. The COO is then interrupted by Paul Heyman & Curtis Axel as Heyman says that he has tried everything in his power to get ahold of Triple H, but he has a serious problem with what Triple H thinks is “best for business”. Triple H comments that Heyman looks “terrible”, commenting that Heyman looks like he has not slept or showered in weeks. Heyman says that Triple H has made an “error in judgment” by putting him, a middle-aged man against a “fighter” that is considered “The Best in the World” in CM Punk. Heyman continues, saying that Punk wants to hurt him so badly that he will never be seen in the WWE again. With a cracking voice, Heyman pleads with the COO to call of the 2-on-1 Handicap Elimination Match against CM Punk. Triple H says that Heyman does not even have to tag into the match if he doesn’t want to, saying that Curtis Axel can handle CM Punk and asking if Heyman believes in the Intercontinental Champion, declaring that the match stays. Heyman is ready to leave, but Curtis Axel takes it upon himself to stand up to the COO, saying that the reason that Triple H has an issue with himself and Paul Heyman is because Axel beat Triple H when Axel debuted back in May. Triple H responds to the disrespect by saying that it is Night of Champions, where every championship in the WWE is supposed to be defended. With that, the COO makes an impromptu match to open the show as Triple H declares that he is going to walk to the back and the first guy that he sees will challenge Curtis Axel for the Intercontinental Title right now!

In an impromptu match made by WWE COO Triple H, the opening match of the night would see Curtis Axel, with Paul Heyman in his corner, defending the Intercontinental Title against the man who holds a non-title win over Axel in Kofi Kingston! In the end, Curtis Axel would narrowly survive with his title intact, kicking out of the S.O.S. and ultimately hitting the Axel Cutter en route to picking up the win and successfully retaining the Intercontinental Title.

Backstage, Divas Champion AJ Lee confronts her ‘troops’, Layla, Aksana, & Alicia Fox, but all three Divas say they are tired of doing the dirty work for AJ Lee, leaving the champion to go it alone in the Fatal 4-Way Match.

The Divas Title was up for grabs at Night of Champions as AJ Lee would defend the title against Natalya, Naomi, & Brie Bella in a Fatal 4-Way Match. At the end of a wild match, it was AJ Lee locking the Black Widow in on Natalya, forcing Natalya to tap out to pick up the win and successfully retain the Divas Title.

Then it was time for the World Heavyweight Championship to be decided as “The Mexican Aristocrat” Alberto Del Rio would defend the World Heavyweight Title against “Mr. Pay-Per-View” Rob Van Dam, with Ricardo Rodriguez in his corner. After both men absolutely exhausted every move in their arsenal, Alberto Del Rio would lock in the cross armbreaker in on Rob Van Dam, but RVD would get to the bottom rope. However, Del Rio would refuse to break the hold before the referee reaches his five-count and the referee had no choice but to call for the disqualification, meaning RVD won the match, but not the World Heavyweight Title. After the match, Alberto Del Rio would deal more damage to RVD, but when Del Rio goes to use a steel chair on RVD, Ricardo Rodriguez gets involved, taking the chair away from his former employer. Van Dam then manages to catch Del Rio with a kick to the jaw and, at the coaxing of Rodriguez, RVD would climb the top rope and, with Ricardo holding the chair in place, RVD would go coast-to-coast, hitting the Van Daminator on the World Heavyweight Champion! As Rob Van Dam & Ricardo Rodriguez celebrate, WWE doctors rush out, helping Alberto Del Rio to the back.

“The Lord of Dance” was in action at Night of Champions as Fandango, with Summer Rae in his corner, would go one-on-one with The Miz. In the end, it was The Miz locking in the Figure-Four Leg Lock, forcing Fandango to tap out to pick up the win.

With the added caveat of the match having no disqualifications, it was then time for the 2-on-1 Handicap Elimination Match as “The Best in the World” CM Punk would face his former “father figure” Paul Heyman & Intercontinental Champion Curtis Axel. The match would get off to an extreme start as both CM Punk and Curtis Axel go to war with kendo sticks and, after a side-Russian leg sweep from Punk to Axel, Punk would dive outside onto an unsuspecting Paul Heyman! Punk would drag Heyman into the ring, but before Punk could do any damage, Axel catches Punk with a low blow, allowing Heyman to escape for the time being. After managing to weaken Punk with kendo stick shots, Curtis Axel would wedge a steel chair in the corner and prop a table up in a different corner, but when Axel goes for a suplex on Punk through the table, the two men would engage in a counter-for-counter battle, ending with Axel hitting Punk with a suplex away from the table. Punk would manage to get back into the match, sending Axel shoulder first into the steel chair in the corner, but Axel would catch Punk with a steel chair shot to the head and it would give Axel the advantage, but Punk would survive the kendo stick shots that would follow, using the stick to his advantage before hitting Axel with the GTS and locking in the Anaconda Vise, forcing the Intercontinental Champion to tap out, eliminating Axel and leaving Heyman all alone with CM Punk!

Paul Heyman would try his best to flee, but CM Punk would give chase through the crowd and right back into the ring where Punk finally gets his hands on Heyman. In his final act of desperation, Heyman tries to hug Punk, but Punk just smiles and jabs Heyman in the gut with a kendo stick. Punk then wears Heyman down with kendo stick shots before producing a pair of handcuffs and handcuffing Heyman’s hands behind his back just like Axel & Heyman did to Punk a few weeks ago. As Heyman screams out for help, Punk would systematically destroy Heyman, crushing Heyman’s leg with the stick before delivering straight, unprotected shots to the mid-section of Heyman. Just when Punk was ready to deal the final blow to the skull of Heyman, Ryback comes out of nowhere, hoisting Punk up and driving him through the table in the corner! Ryback then literally drags Heyman onto the prone body of Punk, allowing Heyman to pin Punk for the win! Ryback then pulls Heyman out of the ring, carrying Heyman to safety as referees and doctors try to tend to CM Punk, who refuses medical attention.

The United States Title was then on the line as The Shield’s Dean Ambrose would defend the United States Title against “The Show-Off” Dolph Ziggler. In the end, it was Dean Ambrose hitting the Headlock Driver on Dolph Ziggler en route to picking up the win to successfully retain the United States Title.

After Dean Ambrose successfully retained his United States Title, Seth Rollins & Roman Reigns would be looking to follow suit as they defend the WWE Tag Team Titles against the winners of the Tag Team Turmoil Match on the Night of Champions Kickoff, The Prime Time Players. In the end, it was a Spear behind the back of the referee by Roman Reigns that would allow Seth Rollins to pin Titus O’Neil to pick up the win and successfully retain the WWE Tag Team Titles.

Then it was time for the main event as the hand-picked WWE Champion and self-proclaimed “face of the WWE” Randy Orton would defend the WWE Championship against the man who was screwed out of the title at SummerSlam, Daniel Bryan, and, as decreed by WWE COO Triple H, there would be no interference in the match. During the match, Randy Orton would go for the RKO, but Daniel Bryan would counter, hitting a dropkick on Orton. However, Orton would inadvertently bump the referee out of the ring and a second referee would come in to call the match. Later on in the match after a near-fall by Daniel Bryan on Randy Orton, the original referee would come back into the ring, assuring the replacement official that he was fine and could continue calling the match, so the second referee would leave the ring and the first referee would take back control of the match. Shortly after this, Daniel Bryan would take advantage in the match, hitting his signature running knee to the face of Randy Orton, pinning Orton and, with what appeared to be a fast-count from the referee, Bryan would defeat Orton to become the new WWE Champion, become the new “face of the WWE”!

WWE RAW Results: September 9, 2013

Redemption Bound?

Six nights before Night of Champions, the 1059th edition of WWE Monday Night RAW came to you, live, from the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. For the first time since September of last year, 2012 WWE Hall of Famer and eleven-time World Champion “The Rated-R Superstar” Edge appears on WWE television as the outspoken and controversial Hall of Famer brings back his infamous talk show to his hometown of Toronto, The Cutting Edge, and his guest would be the #1 Contender for the WWE Title at Night of Champions this Sunday night, Daniel Bryan! After Cody Rhodes failed to defeat WWE Champion Randy Orton last week, the second-generation star was unceremoniously fired by WWE COO Triple H just days before Cody’s wedding. Following the unjust firing, Cody Rhodes brother, Dustin, took to Twitter to express his outrage over his little brother’s dismissal, which led to RAW General Manager Brad Maddox inviting Dustin to come to RAW and go one-on-one with Randy Orton and the proud veteran accepted and so, on RAW, “The Bizarre One” Goldust returns to a WWE ring to compete on RAW for the first time in three years to combat the “face of the WWE”, WWE Champion Randy Orton and, if Goldust manages to defeat the WWE Champion, then Cody Rhodes will get his job back!

Match Results

• Non-Title: Kofi Kingston def. Curtis Axel by DQ after Curtis Axel ignores the referee’s five-count.
• Bray Wyatt (with Luke Harper & Erick Rowan) def. Dolph Ziggler by pin following the Sister Abigail.
• 6-Diva Tag: Naomi, Natalya, & Brie Bella def. Layla, Aksana & Alicia Fox by Alicia Fox tapping to Natalya’s Sharpshooter.
• Non-Title: Alberto Del Rio def. R-Truth by submission to the cross armbreaker.
• Santino Marella def. Antonio Cesaro by pin following a hip toss.
• Damien Sandow (with Fandango & Summer Rae) def. The Miz by roll-up.
• Non-Title: Randy Orton def. Goldust by pin following the RKO. As a result, Cody Rhodes does not get his job back.
• Rob Van Dam def. Ryback by DQ following a low blow on the steel ring post.
• Non-Title: Daniel Bryan def. Dean Ambrose (with Seth Rollins & Roman Reigns) by roll-up.

Detailed Results

In his hometown of Toronto, the crowd erupts as RAW kicks off with 2012 WWE Hall of Famer and eleven-time World Champion “The Rated-R Superstar” Edge as the legend makes his first WWE television appearance in nearly a year to host his controversial talk show, The Cutting Edge! Edge welcomes everyone to The Cutting Edge, saying that the reason he is on RAW is because he was invited by the COO of the WWE, Triple H, who said it would be “good for business”. Edge continues, saying that Triple H thought it would be a good idea for Edge to have a “reunion” with his former tag team partner, the reigning WWE Champion Randy Orton. However, the Hall of Famer says that Orton never has anything interesting to say and he has a problem with Orton becoming Triple H’s “lackey”, so the WWE Champion is not going to be the guest on The Cutting Edge, instead, it is going to be the #1 Contender for the WWE Title at Night of Champions, Daniel Bryan. Daniel Bryan then makes his way to the ring, joining Edge on The Cutting Edge. Daniel Bryan says that there is “satisfaction in the struggle”, saying that, no matter how many times Triple H tries to hold him down, he will beat Randy Orton and he will be the WWE Champion again! Edge says that he sees a little bit of himself in Daniel Bryan, saying that Bryan deserves a “fair shot” to try and beat Randy Orton for the title. The Cutting Edge is then crashed by the originally intended guest as WWE Champion Randy Orton comes out, saying that the only place that cares about Edge is Canada. Orton then says that it is a shame that Edge’s body “failed” him at such a young age, but Edge comments that Orton is supposed to be the “face of the WWE”, but he acts like an entirely different body part. Edge then says that he may have problems with his spine, but at least he has one! Edge continues, saying that, when it comes to picking talent, Triple H “sucks”.

The Hall of Famer is then interrupted by the COO of the WWE, Triple H, who comes out to the stage and stands next to his hand-picked champion, saying that Edge can say whatever he has to say to his face. Edge comments that he can freely speak his mind because he does not work for the WWE, saying that Triple H does not know anything about picking talent, saying that the COO did not think that guys like himself, Chris Jericho, and John Cena could not make it in the WWE, saying that he knows Triple H has a huge nose, but sometimes the COO has to look past it. Triple H says that he procured a large sum of money to allow Edge to appear on RAW to promote the show, Haven. The COO then admits that he was wrong a couple of times over the years in picking talent, saying that both Chris Jericho and John Cena proved him wrong, but he was one guy he was right about when he pegged him as a “failure” and that is Edge! Triple H continues, saying that Edge “never drew a dime” before saying that he is going to give Daniel Bryan the opportunity to prove him wrong when Bryan goes one-on-one with United States Champion Dean Ambrose, saying that, since Ambrose is going to have the other two members of The Shield in his corner, Bryan needs someone in his corner. When the crowd starts an “Edge” chant, Triple H comments that Edge’s days of “fighting like a man” have long since passed, saying that Big Show will be the one to be in the corner of Daniel Bryan. Triple H then says that he is not a “dictator” and Edge responds, saying that he did not have to “marry into success” and he earned his Hall of Fame ring. Triple H says that, since he can’t hurt Edge, maybe he can hurt the ones that Edge loves. With that, The Shield drags out a beaten and barely conscious Christian, who is tossed on the ramp as a concerned Edge rushes to his best friend’s side, calling for help before referees come out to help!

Six nights before he and Paul Heyman face CM Punk in a 2-on-1 Handicap Elimination Match at Night of Champions, Intercontinental Champion Curtis Axel, with Paul Heyman in his corner, would go one-on-one with Kofi Kingston in a non-title rematch from Friday’s SmackDown. During the match, Curtis Axel would get carried away in the corner, repeatedly kneeing Kofi Kingston and ignoring the referee’s five-count, which results in Curtis Axel getting disqualified! Much like on SmackDown, Paul Heyman realizes that, if Axel gets disqualified at Night of Champions, then Heyman will be left all alone with CM Punk. Axel tries to calm his manager, saying that won’t happen this Sunday, but when the Intercontinental Champion tries to use Kofi Kingston to prove his point, Kofi fights back, taking Axel out with Trouble in Paradise!

Backstage, the emotionally torn Big Show is confronted by an old friend, Hall of Famer Booker T. Booker says that, even though they have never seen eye-to-eye, he knows that Big Show is a “professional” and he would have done the exact same thing to Daniel Bryan last week. Booker then says that, when Big Show is in Daniel Bryan’s corner later tonight, the people are going to want Big Show to be a “hero”, but Big Show needs to remember one thing, and that is his family. Booker tells Big Show to not let his “pride” make a mistake that he cannot take back and Big Show tells Booker that pride is about all he has left.

The most haunting and destructive force in the WWE today made an appearance on RAW as the spiritual leader of The Wyatt Family, Bray Wyatt, with his “brothers”, Luke Harper & Erick Rowan, in his corner, would go one-on-one with “The Show-Off” Dolph Ziggler. With some help from Luke Harper & Erick Rowan, Bray Wyatt would take the advantage in the match, putting Dolph Ziggler down with the Sister Abigail en route to picking up the win.

After tweaking his knee getting off of the ring apron earlier in the night, Paul Heyman would make his way to the ring on crutches with Curtis Axel and his personal doctor in tow. Heyman says that he does not believe in the Canadian health care system, so that is why, when he travels to other countries, he brings his personal physician, Dr. Michael Kursenbaum. Heyman continues, saying his personal doctor has confirmed that he either tore his meniscus or his ACL and a proper MRI in the United States will determine his actual injury. Heyman then says that, “regretfully”, he is withdrawing himself from competition this Sunday at Night of Champions! Heyman claims that he was looking forward to teaming with Curtis Axel to put CM Punk out of commission, but now he is going to return to New York to get the medical care he needs, but he will be back. RAW General Manager Brad Maddox then comes to the ring with WWE Physician Dr. Michael Sampson, who says that WWE’s medical staff is more than qualified to perform a medical evaluation on Paul Heyman. The GM then tells Heyman that the only way for Heyman to be officially removed from the match at Night of Champions is to be evaluated by a WWE physician! At Dr. Sampson’s request, Paul Heyman reluctantly sits down and allows Dr. Sampson to test his injured knee as the trained physician twists and pulls Heyman’s leg, checking closely for any abnormalities. After a thorough check, the doctor informs the GM that, despite the injury happening no more than 30 minutes ago, there are no signs of any injury to Heyman’s knee! As an angry Heyman threatens legal action against Brad Maddox and Dr. Michael Sampson, CM Punk interrupts, rushing to the ring with a kendo stick in his hand. This is when Paul Heyman’s knee gets miraculously better as Heyman shoves his personal doctor into a kendo stick shot from Punk as Heyman flees from the ring and escapes through the crowd! After Punk takes Curtis Axel out as well, Punk focuses on Heyman’s personal physician as “The Best in the World” destroys the doctor with countless kendo stick shots, with the final shot being straight to the skull!

Before she defends the Divas Title in a Fatal 4-Way Match against Naomi, Natalya, & Brie Bella at Night of Champions, Divas Champion AJ Lee was a guest on commentary as the team of Layla, Aksana, & Alicia Fox faced Naomi, Natalya, & Brie Bella in a 6-Diva Tag Match. In the end, it was Natalya forcing Alicia Fox to tap out to the Sharpshooter to pick up the win.

Before he defends the World Heavyweight Title against Rob Van Dam at Night of Champions, World Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio would face R-Truth in a non-title match. In the end, it was Alberto Del Rio locking in the cross armbreaker on R-Truth, making Truth tap out to pick up the win.

Before he and Jack Swagger join 3MB, Tons of Funk, Jimmy & Jey Uso, and The Prime Time Players in a Tag Team Turmoil Match on the Night of Champions Kickoff to determine the new #1 Contenders for the WWE Tag Team Titles, Antonio Cesaro, with Zeb Colter in his corner, would go one-on-one with the returning Santino Marella. In the end, Santino Marella would pop off a hip toss on Antonio Cesaro, catching Cesaro off-guard to pick up the win.

“Mr. Money-in-the-Bank” was in action on RAW as Damien Sandow went one-on-one with The Miz. During the match, Fandango & Summer Rae would dance out to the stage, distracting Miz long enough for Damien Sandow to catch The Miz with a roll-up to pick up the win.

Backstage, Canada’s own Renee Young interviews the legendary Goldust, who says that it is no secret that he has been the “screw-up” of the Rhodes family, while Cody has chosen to live the “right” way. Goldust says that he has had second and third chances in the WWE and he has screwed them all up, but tonight, Cody Rhodes gets a second chance. Goldust is then interrupted by WWE COO Triple H, who says that Goldust is under a lot of pressure and he really hopes that Goldust does not let his little brother down.

Then it was time for the return of “The Bizarre One” as, for the first time in three years, Goldust would be in action on RAW as the former Intercontinental Champion would go one-on-one with WWE Champion Randy Orton in a non-title match and, if Goldust wins, then Goldust’s younger brother, Cody Rhodes, gets his job back! Throughout the match, Goldust would pull out all the stops, going above and beyond to try and bring his little brother back to the WWE, but Randy Orton would survive, hitting the RKO on Goldust en route to picking up the win and ensuring that Cody Rhodes does not get his job back. After the match, Randy Orton tells Goldust that it looks like Goldust’s “dream” of getting Cody’s job back has been “shattered”, just like Daniel Bryan’s dream of regaining the WWE Title will be shattered at Night of Champions.

Moments after his crushing loss to Randy Orton, Goldust is confronted by the Executive Vice President of Creative Stephanie McMahon, who crushes Goldust even further, saying that Goldust failed to get Cody Rhodes his job back and Goldust let down the entire Rhodes family, asking Goldust what it feels like to be a “loser” like Cody. Stephanie then tells Goldust to go join his brother in the unemployment line before telling Goldust to say hi to his dad, Dusty, for her.

Six nights before he challenges Alberto Del Rio for the World Heavyweight Title at Night of Champions, “Mr. Monday Night” Rob Van Dam, with Ricardo Rodriguez in his corner, would go one-on-one with Ryback. During the match on the outside, Ryback would twice ram RVD crotch-first into the steel ring post, which results in a disqualification. After the match, Ryback would drop RVD in the center of the ring with Shell Shocked.

Backstage, Stephanie McMahon informs Big Show that, if he puts his hands on The Shield in the main event, he will be fired! After receiving this news, Big Show would grab a television, smashing it on the concrete in a fit of rage.

Then it was time for the main event as the #1 Contender for the WWE Title at Night of Champions, Daniel Bryan, with Big Show in his corner, would go one-on-one with United States Champion Dean Ambrose, with Seth Rollins & Roman Reigns in his corner, in a non-title match. During the match, Seth Rollins would distract the referee, but when Roman Reigns goes for the Spear, Daniel Bryan moves out of the way and Reigns collides with the steel steps with a similar fate awaiting Seth Rollins, who misses Daniel Bryan and bounces face-first off of the announce table. However, the distraction would still allow Ambrose to take advantage, but shortly after this, the #1 Contender would surprise the United States Champion, rolling Ambrose up for the win. After the match, Daniel Bryan tosses Dean Ambrose out on top of Reigns & Rollins before Randy Orton makes his way to the ring, but Daniel Bryan dives to the outside, taking down the WWE Champion. However, The Shield quickly jumps on Daniel Bryan and Randy Orton joins in, but the attack is halted when Big Show rounds the ring with a steel chair in hand. Fighting with his emotions, Big Show reluctantly drops the chair and watches as Orton taunts Big Show before planting Daniel Bryan with the RKO in the middle of the ring. Big Show starts to head to the back, but WWE COO Triple H and Executive Vice President Stephanie McMahon come out as the COO orders Big Show to go to the ring and knock Daniel Bryan out! With his job on the line, Big Show makes his way to the ring and with Randy Orton watching, Big Show struggles to do Triple H’s bidding, which results in Randy Orton getting in Big Show’s face, reminding the giant what is at stake. Orton then holds Daniel Bryan for Big Show, screaming at Big Show to “do it”, but Big Show refuses and Orton screams at Big Show that he is the WWE Champion and he has been given the power to tell Big Show what to do. When Orton goes to pick Daniel Bryan back up, however, Bryan rushes at the WWE Champion, putting Orton down with the running knee! Daniel Bryan then celebrates with the WWE Title belt while Big Show walks away with a smile on his face.

WWE RAW Results: September 2, 2013

Unwilling Assailant.

Thirteen nights before Night of Champions, the 1058th edition of WWE Monday Night RAW came to you, live, from the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, IA. Just under two weeks before he defends the WWE Championship against Daniel Bryan at Night of Champions, what will the self-proclaimed “face of the WWE” Randy Orton, as well as WWE COO Triple H, have in store for the #1 Contender for the WWE Title, not to mention Big Show, The Miz, & Dolph Ziggler, who have all spoke out against the regime in recent weeks?

Match Results

• The Miz def. Fandango (with Summer Rae) by submission to the Figure-Four Leg Lock.
• Ryback def. Dolph Ziggler by pin following Shell Shocked.
• The Prime Time Players def. Heath Slater & Jinder Mahal (with Drew McIntyre) by Titus O’Neil pinning Jinder Mahal following the Clash of the Titus.
• Career Threatening Match: Non-Title: Randy Orton def. Cody Rhodes by pin following the RKO. As a result, Cody Rhodes’ career is over.
• #1 Contender’s Triple Threat Match: Naomi, Natalya, & Brie Bella fight to a No Contest after AJ Lee interferes.
• Rob Van Dam def. Damien Sandow by pin following the Five-Star Frog Splash.
• Daniel Bryan def. Big Show by DQ after The Shield attacks Daniel Bryan.

Detailed Results

RAW opens with WWE COO Triple H in the ring and The Shield at their designated spots at ringside as Triple H says that he would like to introduce the “face of the WWE”, the WWE Champion Randy Orton, who makes his way to the ring. Orton says that he will not let the image of the WWE be “tarnished” and anyone who goes against him is going against the entire WWE and they need to be “dealt with”. The WWE Champion then says that, last week, Daniel Bryan defaced the Cadillac Escalade that was gifted to him from Triple H and that is why he “defaced” Daniel Bryan on SmackDown, showing his assault of the #1 Contender as he and The Shield decimated Daniel Bryan before spray-painting the word “no” on the helpless Bryan. Orton says that Daniel Bryan has no chance of beating him for the WWE Title at Night of Champions and Bryan will never amount to anything, saying Bryan should give up his title match at Night of Champions. Triple H says that, as the COO, he has to ensure the best show possible, saying that the fans deserve the “best”. Triple H continues, saying that he also has to have the best interests of the WWE Superstars and Divas in mind and the fans have been encouraging Daniel Bryan’s ego, saying that “popularity” has nothing to do with “business”. The COO cites Doink The Clown as an example, saying that Doink was insanely popular, but Doink never held the WWE Title or any other championship in the WWE. Triple H continues, saying that, much like Doink, Daniel Bryan will never be the WWE Champion, saying that he could bring back the Cruiserweight Title or the European Title and either one of those titles would be better suited for Daniel Bryan.

This brings out the #1 Contender for the WWE Title, Daniel Bryan, saying that he is “thrilled” to be compared to Doink The Clown, but there was never a Doink The Clown chant in 1992. Bryan then says that the only “clowns” that he sees are in the ring right now before addressing Triple H, saying that the COO gave up “being a man” when he cut his hair, put on a suit, and became a “corporate sell-out”. Bryan then tells Randy Orton that Orton gave up being in the WWE Title picture until someone decided to just “hand it” to him, saying that the answer to the question of should he give up his WWE Title shot is the same answer to the question of “is Randy Orton more masculine than Stephanie McMahon?”, to which Bryan and the fans give a resounding “no”. Bryan continues, saying that he loved “every horrible thing” that he had to endure to get to the WWE and Orton will never understand that because the third-generation Superstar has been handed everything, saying that he “knows” that he can defeat Orton for the WWE Title and, not only does Orton know it, but Triple H knows it as well. Bryan then says that Orton may have the genetics of a champion, but Orton does not have the “heart of a champion”. Triple H then cuts Daniel Bryan off, calling Bryan a “grumpy old troll”, saying that the man that Daniel Bryan should be directing his anger toward is Big Show who, despite an “iron-clad contract”, has refused to help Bryan in recent weeks. Triple H then announces that the main event will see Daniel Bryan going one-on-one with “The World’s Largest Athlete” Big Show!

Backstage, WWE COO Triple H and WWE Champion Randy Orton pass Cody Rhodes and Rhodes stops to greet the COO, visibly afraid to say the wrong thing to his boss. Rhodes says that tonight’s main event will be great, as long as nobody gets involved, which leads Triple H to ask why anyone would get involved. Not making any progress with the boss, Rhodes decides to question his former mentor, asking Orton why does not want to defend the title against Daniel Bryan, saying that Orton cannot be “scared” of Bryan. Rhodes then tells Triple H that having Orton face Bryan is what is “best for business” and Triple H takes issue with Rhodes, saying that Rhodes must have a lot on his mind, saying that Rhodes is getting married soon. Triple H then says that, even though Rhodes did not invite neither Triple H or Orton, he is going to give Rhodes an “early wedding present”, revealing that Rhodes will go one-on-one with Orton later tonight. Rhodes thanks Triple H for the huge opportunity and Triple H says that it is a huge opportunity, an opportunity for Rhodes to stay employed! Triple H elaborates, saying that, if Rhodes fails to beat Orton, then he knows that Rhodes will not be around for long.

The opening match of the night would see the culmination of a feud stemming from SummerSlam as The Miz went one-on-one with Fandango, with Summer Rae in his corner. Despite some interference from Summer Rae, The Miz would prevail, forcing Fandango to tap out to the Figure-Four Leg Lock to pick up the win.

Backstage, WWE Hall of Famer Booker T confronts Daniel Bryan, saying that a fight against The McMahon Family is a fight that Daniel Bryan cannot win, advising Bryan to give up his title match against Randy Orton at Night of Champions. Bryan says that it is not about money or even the WWE Title, it is about his life and Booker warns that the power of The McMahon Family travels far from the confines of the arena, advising Bryan to “tread lightly”.

“The Show-Off” was in action on RAW, but Dolph Ziggler would not be told who he would be competing against, but when Ziggler was attacked from behind by The Shield’s Dean Ambrose, Dolph’s opponent seemed apparent. Ambrose would not let the match begin as the United States Champion stomps away at Dolph Ziggler, tossing Ziggler into the steel ring post and telling Dolph to “respect the business”. However, it is then revealed that Ambrose was not even Ziggler’s opponent, it was Ryback! Despite his weakened state, Dolph Ziggler would insist on competing, so the referee reluctantly rings the bell for the match to begin. Ziggler would manage to get a few good shots on Ryback, but, in his injured state, Dolph didn’t stand a chance against the bully as Ryback puts Dolph down with the Shell Shocked en route to picking up the win.

Backstage, RAW General Manager Brad Maddox confronts WWE COO Triple H and his wife, WWE Executive Vice President of Creative Stephanie McMahon, informing them that Big Show has refused to compete against Daniel Bryan in the main event. Triple H starts to say something, but Stephanie halts her husband, saying that she can handle it and, when Maddox tries to direct Stephanie to Big Show’s locker room, Stephanie says that it is not going to be a “private conversation”.

Opting to handle Big Show’s refusal to compete against Daniel Bryan herself, the Executive Vice President of WWE Creative Stephanie McMahon makes her way to the ring. Stephanie says that she grew up backstage and there was one man who helped her and guided her, bringing out “The World’s Largest Athlete” Big Show. After a brief hug, Stephanie tells Big Show that he taught her a long time ago that it is okay to not do something you don’t want to do as long as you’re willing to “pay the price”. Stephanie then says that she is going to just cut to the chase, revealing to the world that Big Show is “broke”, saying that Big Show made some “bad investments”, loaned family members some money, and took a beating in the stock market! Stephanie continues, saying that they both know that Big Show’s iron-clad contract states that, if Big Show does not compete, he does not get paid, saying that Big Show does not have much of a career left in him. Stephanie then says that Big Show does not have any other options, saying that there is not much demand for leading men in movies who are seven feet tall and weigh 500 pounds, asking if Big Show is going to be “the world’s largest gas station attendant”. Stephanie says that Big Show is giving his career up all to avoid one match against Daniel Bryan. Stephanie then gets unnecessarily personal and dark with her former father figure, saying that Big Show’s biggest fear is that, medically speaking, giants do not live as long as “regular people”. Stephanie continues, saying that it is about Big Show’s family and that is why he is going to make the right decision and face Daniel Bryan tonight. Stephanie says that the only person that is “hurting” more than Big Show right now is her, hugging Big Show before she exits the ring.

The Prime Time Players were in action on RAW as Darren Young & Titus O’Neil faced two-thirds of 3MB, Heath Slater & Jinder Mahal, with Drew McIntyre in their corner. In the end, it was Titus O’Neil hitting the Clash of the Titus on Jinder Mahal, picking up the win for The Prime Time Players.

Backstage, Paul Heyman confronts RAW General Manager Brad Maddox, saying that, with the 2-on-1 Handicap Elimination Match that the GM made pitting Heyman and Curtis Axel against CM Punk at Night of Champions, put him in a situation where he is pretty much guaranteed to be on the wrong end of a beating from CM Punk. Heyman asks Maddox if that is what the GM thinks is “best for business”. Triple H then interrupts, asking Maddox to give him a second alone with Heyman and Maddox complies. Triple H then informs Heyman that he is the one who actually approved the 2-on-1 Handicap Elimination Match and Heyman nearly shouts at the COO, but decides to take a calmer approach, asking Triple H why the COO decided to approve the match. Triple H claims that it has nothing to do with their “sorted past”, saying that he has been a “big fan” of Heyman’s for years, saying he liked how Heyman would “weasel” his way out of countless situations. Triple H continues, saying that he cannot see a way that Heyman can weasel out of the match at Night of Champions, saying that CM Punk is likely going to give Heyman the beating that he so richly deserves, saying that, either way, he wins, concluding that is what is “best for business”.

With his career put on the line by WWE COO Triple H, the soon-to-be-married second-generation Superstar Cody Rhodes would go one-on-one with WWE Champion Randy Orton in a non-title match. With his young and promising career on the line, Cody Rhodes would go above and beyond to keep the job that he was born to do, coming within an eyelash of pinning the WWE Champion on several occasions, but one misstep would cost Cody Rhodes everything as, when Rhodes went for the Disaster Kick, Randy Orton would move out of the way. As a result, Rhodes would tweak his knee and “The Viper” would take advantage, kicking the knee to hobble Rhodes before dropping his former protégé with the RKO, pinning Rhodes for the win, abruptly ending the promising young career of Cody Rhodes just days before Cody’s wedding. After the match, Triple H meets Randy Orton on the stage before the WWE Champion heads to the back. The COO tells Cody Rhodes that Rhodes fought like his life was on the line, saying that Rhodes fought with heart and Rhodes has no idea how much he respects Cody. Triple H then says that he needs “winners” in the WWE and that is why he cannot let his “personal feelings” cloud his judgment, saying that he needs to do what is best for everyone in the company. Triple H then deals Cody Rhodes’ sentence out, saying that, with deep regrets, he has no choice but to fire Cody Rhodes. With that, Cody Rhodes exits the ring, fighting tears as he makes the walk to the back for the very last time.

After enduring a savage beating from Paul Heyman & Curtis Axel on last week’s RAW, CM Punk would appear on RAW with kendo stick in hand. Punk says that he has never promised anyone anything before, but he is making a promise right now that there will be no more “empty threats” and no more “talking”, saying that he is having a hard time coming up with what is he is supposed to say next. Punk says that everything that he has wanted them to hear, they have heard and everything that Heyman wants them to believe, they’ve heard. Punk continues, saying that he is dressed to compete, but he is not looking for a match, he is looking for a “fight” and he wants to fight Paul Heyman, saying that, if he has to go through Curtis Axel, he will. Punk then says that he is in a “dark place” right now and he doesn’t blame Axel or Heyman for not wanting to fight him right now. Punk says that he is there to say something to his friends and family and the fans that bought a t-shirt or made a sign to support him, guaranteeing that he is going to go through Curtis Axel and he guarantees that he will get his hands on Paul Heyman. Punk continues, saying that, at Night of Champions, they are going to see a side of CM Punk that they may not like and some people may be very uncomfortable with what he is going to do to Heyman at Night of Champions, vowing that he is going to break Paul Heyman’s face!

Backstage, Big Show confronts Daniel Bryan, saying that he did not want to fight him tonight, but he is under a lot of pressure. Bryan says that what Big Show wants does not matter to him, saying that he has got to do what he has got to do. Big Show says that he is in a “no-win situation”, but Daniel Bryan has no sympathy for the giant, saying that he is going to beat Big Show tonight.

After berating the stars of Total Divas with a brutally honest promo on last week’s RAW, Divas Champion AJ Lee would be a guest on commentary as Natalya, Naomi, with Cameron and Jo-Jo in her corner, and Brie Bella, with Nikki Bella and Eva Marie in her corner, would face-off in a Triple Threat Match with the winner becoming the #1 Contender for the Divas Title. Naomi would hit the Rear View on Natalya, but AJ Lee would rush the ring, breaking up the pin and this sparks a multi-Diva brawl between AJ, Naomi, Natalya, & Brie Bella. The brawl quickly breaks down into a three-on-one attack on the Divas Champion as Natalya, Naomi, & Brie Bella leave AJ Lee beaten down in the ring.

In a rematch from Friday’s SmackDown, the #1 Contender for the World Heavyweight Title at Night of Champions, “Mr. Monday Night” Rob Van Dam, with Ricardo Rodriguez in his corner, would go one-on-one with “Mr. Money-in-the-Bank” Damien Sandow. During the match, World Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio would make his way to the stage. In the end, it was Rob Van Dam landing the Five-Star Frog Splash on Damien Sandow, pinning “Mr. Money-in-the-Bank” for the win.

Backstage, Stephanie McMahon informs Naomi, Natalya, & Brie Bella that, at Night of Champions, AJ Lee will defend the Divas Title against all three of them in a Fatal Four-Way Match.

Backstage, the now unemployed Cody Rhodes is being escorted out of the building by security when Josh Mathews asks Rhodes for some parting words. A visibly upset Rhodes says that he should not be surprised, saying that, for over twenty years, the McMahon Family has hated the Rhodes Family. Rhodes says that his father, Dusty Rhodes, had a Hall of Fame career in Florida, lighting up the wrestling scene, but when he arrived in the WWE, he was dressed in polka dots and forced to dance. Rhodes continues, saying that his brother, Dustin Rhodes, was a second-generation stud as “The Natural” and he loved Dustin, but the WWE put him in gold paint as Goldust and he has never been the same. Rhodes then says that he has a wife to provide for and when asked about his wife, Rhodes does not comment as Rhodes leaves the building, crushed and distraught.

In what has become a weekly tradition under the Triple H regime, every available WWE Superstar and Diva is sent out to the stage as the likes of Alberto Del Rio, The Miz, Dolph Ziggler, Rob Van Dam, Ricardo Rodriguez, Ryback, Fandango, Summer Rae, Big E. Langston, R-Truth, Zack Ryder, Tons of Funk, The Prime Time Players, Kofi Kingston, Jimmy & Jey Uso, 3MB, Brad Maddox, Vickie Guerrero, Layla, The Funkadactyls, Jo-Jo, Eva Marie, The Real Americans, Zeb Colter, Damien Sandow, & The Great Khali would be forced to stand on the stage to watch the main event as “The World’s Largest Athlete” Big Show would be forced to go one-on-one with the #1 Contender for the WWE Title, Daniel Bryan. Early on in the match, Big Show would try to reason with Daniel Bryan, but Bryan would insist on fighting the giant, ultimately angering Big Show into fighting back. Later on in the match, Big Show would wind up for the Knockout Punch, but the giant would have second thoughts, deciding to leave the ring.

However, no sooner does Big Show step over the ropes to the ring apron does Triple H make his way to the ring with The Shield in tow, ordering Big Show to get back in the ring and finish the match. Big Show refuses and starts to leave the ring and that is when The Shield enters the ring to attack Daniel Bryan, but Big Show slides back into the ring, ready to help Daniel Bryan. However, Triple H cuts Big Show off at the pass, getting in Big Show’s face and telling Big Show to “do what’s right” for Big Show’s family and what is right for Big Show. Triple H tells Big Show to step back and, with Big Show forced to watch, Triple H instructs The Shield to use the three-man powerbomb on Daniel Bryan, which breaks Big Show down completely as the giant erupts in tears in the corner. However, the humiliation was not over as Triple H orders Big Show to ball up his fist and knock Daniel Bryan and, while Big Show gets close to doing so, Big Show ultimately screams “no”, exiting the ring. Stephanie McMahon then comes out to confront Big Show, telling Big Show to think about his family, saying that she is giving Big Show one last chance. At the behest of Stephanie and, with Triple H & Stephanie watching, Big Show nearly knocks out Triple H, but Stephanie steps in front of Big Show, again telling Big Show to think of his family. Having no alternative, the broken giant does the deed, blasting Daniel Bryan with the Knockout Punch and leaving Bryan knocked out. Big Show then collapses on the second rope in tears as Triple H & Stephanie commend Big Show on doing the “right thing”. As Triple H, Stephanie, Big Show, & The Shield exit the ring and stand on the ramp, WWE Champion Randy Orton heads towards the ring, putting his foot on the chest of an unconscious Daniel Bryan and raising the WWE Title above his head.