WWE RAW Results: 6-25-12Results courtesy of
PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's complete report). Condensed here to in-ring results only.
1 -- WWE champion C.M. PUNK vs. DANIEL BRYAN vs. KANE -- non-title three-way elimination match
Bryan went after Kane's left knee, then Punk joined in the attack on the big man. Bryan then tried a quick roll-up on Punk for a two count, drawing a big smile from Bryan. With Kane on the outside, Bryan and Punk exchanged holds in the ring before they cut to a shot of A.J. watching the match on a backstage monitor. Punk then took a page from Super Dragon with a Curb Stomp on Bryan for a two count. Punk then tried to fly through the ropes on Kane, but Kane popped him with a fist. Kane took control of the action leading to break.
Back from break, Kane landed body-shots on Punk before stacking up Punk and Bryan in the corner for a big corner splash. They followed with a three-man Tower of Doom spot that turned into Bryan countering the Doomsday Device into a roll-up on Punk for a two count. All three men found themselves on the mat moments later following a double suplex spot. 6:36 into the match, Cole mentioned that ol' WWE Title, saying if Bryan or Kane wins, he could be next in-line for a title shot. Punk then cleared Kane to the floor before launching Bryan over the top rope onto Kane. Punk followed with a suicide dive onto both men ringside.
Back in the ring, Punk tried a top-rope move, but Bryan countered into an arm submission, but Punk countered into a catapult sending Bryan crashing into Kane. Punk then called for the GTS on Bryan, but Kane kicked Punk in the face to break that up. Kane made a cover on Punk, but the champ kicked out. Kane followed with a sidewalk slam on Punk, but another kick-out by the champ. Kane followed with a top-rope clothesline on Punk, then called for a chokeslam, but A.J.'s music played.
A.J., dressed normally, skipped down to ringside, drawing Kane's ire. A.J. skipped right back to the stage area, though, allowing Punk to recover and smash Kane with the GTS. Punk then covered Kane for an elimination at 9:57. Moments later, Bryan smashed Punk in the head with a swift kick. Bryan then covered Punk for the win. Cue up the "Yes!" celebration from Bryan after pinning the champ.
WINNER: Bryan at 10:10. Solid opening match potentially setting up Punk vs. Bryan in a title re-match. (**1/4)
2 -- BRODUS CLAY vs. BIG SHOW
The two big men collided mid-ring, then Clay landed some early offense. But, Show went after Clay's injured knee from David Otunga's recent sneak attacks. Show followed up by wrapping Brodus's knee around the ringpost, drawing concern from the dancers ringside. Ref Charles Robinson checked on Clay, who refused to give up. Show then climbed to the second rope and landed a drop to the chest. The crowd booed Show, who encouraged them to bring it louder.
Show slowly went for the KO Punch, but Brodus slipped out and headbutted Show in the gut. Show bounced off the ropes into Clay's arms for a potential bodyslam, but Show's weight was too much and Show fell on top of Clay. Show with the cover for the win, ending Clay's winning streak. Afterward, a content Big Show slowly left the ring as Clay sold pain and frustration. The ringside medic checked on Clay to conclude the segment.
WINNER: Show at 2:33. It will be interesting to see if this leads to Clay off TV to sell the injury or simply coming back stronger next week looking for revenge on Show and Otunga following the loss.
3 -- U.S. champion SANTINO vs. JACK SWAGGER -- U.S. Title match
Cole said Swagger had do something unbecoming for Vickie to receive this U.S. Title shot. Santino went for a quick win early on, but Swagger cut him off and went on a sustained attack. Santino then pulled the Cobra, but Swagger avoided. Santino hit a DDT moments later, then dropped Swagger with the Cobra strike for the pin and the win. Cole said Swagger's poor streak continues.
WINNER: Santino at 2:35 to retain the U.S. Title.
4 -- PSYCHO SID vs. HEATH SLATER
Sid called for cheers before the bell sounded, then began to dismantle Slater. Slater tried to make a comeback going after Sid's left knee before landing elbows to the back of the head. Slater tried to build momentum coming off the ropes, but Sid clotheslined him to the mat. Sid landed a big leg drop, then called for the powerbomb. He delivered it center-ring, then bent down to put a hand on Slater's chest for the win. Post-match, Sid crawled toward the ringside camera as Lawler noted he's "a little older," but still psycho.
WINNER: Sid at 1:30. Not as much of a nostalgic reaction for Vader, as a good portion of the Cena Era audience didn't know who he is.
5 -- ALBERTO DEL RIO vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER -- #1 contender match -- contract on a pole
Ziggler quickly tried to climb the pole to retrieve the contract, but Del Rio cut him off. Del Rio then decked Ziggler and slowly made his way toward the contract, but Ziggler pulled him down. The crowd was quiet with no rooting interest, then the vocal males picked up a light "Let's Go Ziggler" chant. Ziggler tried the Zig-Zag, but Del Rio blocked. They took the battle toward the pole as Lawler noted he likes this match watching them beat each other up. Ziggler hopped on Del Rio's shoulders trying to climb toward the contract, but Del Rio blocked, then sort of hit a fallaway slam that seemed to affect both men. They reset with another corner battle, then the contract fell to the mat.
The two men mad-scrambled toward the contract with a fumble situation ensuing. Neither man controlled the contract for a full second, then they knocked each other down. Ricardo tried to grab the contract, but Ziggler kicked it to the outside. Del Rio and Ziggler locked eyes for a moment, then tried to scramble to the outside, but pulled each other away from ringside. This continued on before the two men spilled to the opposite side of the floor.
Suddenly, Sheamus's music played to bring out Sheamus telling the "ladies" they don't need to keep fighting. Sheamus said he just spoke to Vickie, who told him that it will be a triple threat match for the World Title. But, before they get their hopes up, this match won't be about showing off or destiny, but about him kicking both their arses this Friday night. Sheamus's music played to apparently this. Lawler wondered why Sheamus is happy about this, and Cole said it's because he likes to fight.
WINNER: Nothing at 5:40 when the segment ended. What a trainwreck disaster from the booking department. But, beyond the actual match, good synergy promoting a World Title match four days later on Smackdown.
6 -- DIVAS SUMMERTIME BATTLE ROYAL
Back live, 11 Divas were assembled in the ring before "Kris Jenner" Vickie Guerrero interrupted and inserted herself into the match. The other Divas then ganged up on her to begin the battle royal. Where's Gail Kim to skip out early? After Divas started clearing out, it came down to Vickie and A.J., who avoided elimination, then eliminated Vickie. A.J. did Bryan's "Yes!" celebration to continue her mind games story.
WINNER: A.J. at 2:10.
7 -- JOHN CENA vs. CHRIS JERICHO
As Cena and Jericho felt each other out, the announcers recapped Cena's accomplishments during his 10-year run in WWE and Jericho's career highlights. Jericho slapped Cena, who retaliated with a punch that sent Jericho to the outside to stall for time. They cut to break one minute into the main event.
Back from break, Jericho was in control of the action with a side headlock mid-ring. Cena powered to his feet as Cole recapped the news on tonight's show. Cena broke free of the headlock, but Jericho dropkicked him to maintain control. The announcers recapped Cena and Jericho in the Raw MITB ladder match before Lawler claimed every MITB winner has gone on to become WWE champ. Cole corrected him that the person who has cashed in MITB has become champ every time. Cole also noted Cena wants to get back in the WWE Title picture after not being champ for a year.
At the top of the hour, Jericho kicked Cena to the mat to maintain control. Cole reset the show, focusing on A.J. wreaking havoc on the show, Big Show on a rampage again, and the four participants in the Raw MITB ladder match. Cena then made his comeback with a shoulder tackle, then sit-out slam to set up the Five Knuckle Shuffle, which Jericho blocked with a Walls of Jericho tease. Cena then teased the AA, but Jericho slipped out. Cena came back with the finish to the Shuffle.
Suddenly, Big Show's music played to bring out a distraction for Cena. Cole reminded viewers that Show claimed to be moving on from Cena. Back in the ring, Jericho trapped Cena in the Walls of Jericho center-ring. Show then slipped into the ring and dropped a leg across Cena to cause a DQ. Jericho sold frustration losing the match, but Show asked him if he wants some of this. After the brief Jeri-Show reunion, Jericho backed down, then gave Show the ring to have at it.
WINNER: Cena via DQ at 8:18. Not much given away with most of the match occurring during the commercial.
Post-match: Show grappled Cena and super-chokeslammed him center-ring. Cena flopped over onto his stomach to sell the effects as Show stared into the crowd. Show followed with a modified Camel Clutch - the Colossal Clutch, as described by Cole. Cena's face turned purple as he sold the effects. Lawler called for someone to do something about Show, but decided no one can stop Show. Show released the hold as Raw went off the air four minutes past the top of the hour.