WWE Monday Night RAW
Location: Des Moines, IA
Date: September 1, 2014
Commentators: Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler, and JBL
The Labor Day Edition of the WWE RAW Kickoff Pre-show kicks off with fans piling into the arena as Byron Saxton, Alex Riley and Booker T welcome us. They hype The Highlight Reel and WWE Shop. We get a video for Brock Lesnar and John Cena. The panel discusses their rematch at Night of Champions. Saxton says we will hear from Paul Heyman on tonight’s RAW. We get Network commercials and a video for The Bella Twins.
– The panel talks more about The Bella Twins and then Randy Orton vs. Roman Reigns. We get more hype for The Highlight Reel and Network commercials. Saxton announces The Miz and Cesaro vs. Sheamus and Dolph Ziggler for tonight. We go backstage to Renee Young, Sheamus and Ziggler at the arena. Ziggler says their plan is to just win. They both cut promos on Cesaro and Miz. We get more WWE Shop hype from the panel and bold predictions. Booker predicts Heyman will make a big statement and Riley predicts Cesaro and Miz will win their tag match tonight. That’s it for the pre-show.
– Tonight’s WWE RAW opens up with Chris Jericho in the ring for The Highlight Reel. JBL, Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler are on commentary. Jericho gets a cheap pop and talks about Labor Day. He says his guest tonight has never worked a day in his life. Jericho goes to introduce Randy Orton but Triple H’s music hits instead. Out he comes with Kane, Seth Rollins and Orton. They’re all in suits.
Jericho knocks The Authority and Triple H takes a shot at Jericho’s height. Triple H says he’s got important business to take care of tonight. Jericho and Triple H take shots at what each other are wearing. Triple H says Jericho should thank him for making this the most historic Highlight Reel. Triple H says he has been watching John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar from over and over again, and listening to the Hall of Famers. He throws in a $9.99 plug for the WWE Network. Triple H says he’s concluded that it might not be best for business to have a rematch at Night of Champions. He’s considering naming a new #1 contender for Night of Champions. Orton says there’s only one man in this arena that can beat Lesnar – himself. Kane takes the mic and says maybe it should be a Demon that gets the shot against Lesnar. Rollins says maybe the future has already arrived. Rollins gets a pop from his home state.
Jericho thinks he should get the title shot and he gets a pop also. John Cena’s music hits and out he comes to a big mixed reaction. Cena isn’t smiling and he walks to the ring without greeting fans. Cena asks Triple H what the hell he’s talking about. Cena threatens to sue Triple H and get him fired. Cena says again that he’s going to Night of Champions to beat Lesnar’s ass. Triple H laughs at Cena for threatening to sue him. Triple H fires back and rips into Cena. He says Cena’s career ending at Night of Champions isn’t good at all. Rollins speaks up and says to let Cena have the rematch. Rollins teases cashing in after the match. Orton wants the winner of Cena vs. Lesnar. Orton reminds us he’s due a rematch from WrestleMania XXX. Jericho implies Orton doesn’t deserve it and brings up Roman Reigns. Orton says he would drop Reigns if he was here right now and calls him a piece of crap. Orton threatens Jericho. They come face to face but out comes Reigns through the crowd.
Reigns hits the ring and tells Orton to drop him. Reigns says Orton is all talk. He taunts Kane and Rollins next. Reigns says he and Rollins still have unfinished business but the business is all about the WWE World Heavyweight Title right now. Reigns says his name belongs in that mix. Triple H says everyone in the ring thinks they’re the man. Triple H doesn’t know if Cena has proved himself yet. Triple H says everyone will have the chance to prove themselves tonight. It will be Jericho, Cena and Reigns vs. Kane, Rollins and Orton in the main event. Triple H will be watching from ringside to see who earns their spot. The music hits and The Authority leaves the ring. Rollins comes back from behind with a briefcase but Reigns drops him. Reigns throws the briefcase to Rollins and knocks him back. Rollins heads up the ramp with The Authority as Reigns looks on.
– Still to come, Big Show and Mark Henry vs. Erick Rowan and Luke Harper. Also, Cesaro and Miz vs. Sheamus and Ziggler. We see Ziggler and Sheamus walking backstage as we go to commercial.
Cesaro and The Miz vs. WWE United States champion Sheamus and WWE Intercontinental champion Dolph Ziggler
Back from the break and WWE United States Champion Sheamus is out with Intercontinental Champion Dolph Ziggler. The Miz and Cesaro are out next with Miz’s stunt double Damien Sandow. Cesaro starts off with Ziggler. Cesaro drops him and hits Ziggler’s elbow drops, mocking him. Ziggler comes back with a super kick. Ziggler goes for Miz and Cesaro turns it around. Miz tags in to keep control of Ziggler now.
Back and forth between The Miz and Sheamus now. The Miz also has an assistant at ringside. Sheamus hits a bunch of forearms on the apron but Miz kicks out at 2. Cesaro eventually tags back in and takes control as we go to commercial.
We come back and Ziggler finally gets the tag. He unloads on Miz. Miz blocks the Fame-asser but Ziggler blocks that for a 2 count. Ziggler hits a big DDT for a 2 count. Sheamus and Cesaro tumble out to the floor. Ziggler misses the Fame-asser again and lands on his leg. Miz tags in his stunt double Sandow. Ziggler lays him out with a Zig Zag. Miz runs in from behind and hits Ziggler with a Skull Crushing Finale for the win.
Winners: The Miz and Cesaro
– We get hype for The Bella Twins and the first “Growing Up Bella” video. Nikki talks about how Brie stole her high school crush and how he disappeared from their prom. Nikki found him in the parking lot later that night. Nikki says she cried her eyes out and never told anyone that before. Back to commercial.
Cameron, Eva Marie and Rosa Mendes vs. Layla, Naomi and Summer Rae
Back from the break and we get hype for Total Divas. Rosa and Layla go at it to start the match. They trade holds and pin attempts. Layla botches a move in the corner and hits a crossbody for 2 as Cameron breaks the pin. Eva, Cameron and Rosa jump Layla, causing a big brawl to break out. Naomi takes out Cameron with the Rear View. Eva runs into Rosa and they fall. They get up and get dropkicked by Summer and Layla.
Winners: Layla, Naomi and Summer Rae
– We get a look back at Dean Ambrose getting taken out two weeks ago. Still to come, multi-man matches. We go to commercial.
Mark Henry and Big Show vs. Luke Harper and Erick Rowan
Back from the break and out comes Big Show with Mark Henry. The lights go out and out next comes Erick Rowan and Luke Harper.
Henry and Rowan start things off and they go at it. Henry takes Rowan to the corner and hits him with shoulder thrusts. Henry keeps control and hits a big splash. Henry works Rowan over and goes to the second rope. Harper comes over and distracts Henry, allowing Rowan to drop him and tag. Harper comes in and nails a big boot on Henry for a 2 count. We go to commercial.
Back from the break and Harper is in control of Henry. Rusev and Lana appear on the stage to watch the match. Harper runs into a big boot. Big Show tags in and unloads on Harper. Show kicks Rowan in the face. Show goes outside of the ring but Harper takes out his knee and Show slams into the barrier. Harper brings it back in the ring and keeps Show down. Rowan comes in and keeps control of Show. Another tag to Harper now. Show finally DDT’s Rowan and creates an opening. Harper and Henry tag in. They go at it. Show sends Rowan to the floor. Show follows and Rowan slams him into the announce table. Harper turns around to Henry grabbing him for a World’s Strongest Slam. Henry turns around with Harper in his arms but Rusev superkicks Henry in the face, sending Harper and Henry to the floor.
Winners by DQ: Mark Henry and Big Show
– After the bell, Rusev heads to the ramp. Harper comes in with a chair but Show punches it into his face. Rowan goes to bring a chair in but backs off. Big Show guards Henry with a steel chair and looks on at Rusev.
– We get another “Growing Up Bella” segment with Nikki talking about how Brie stole their car and wrecked it. Brie didn’t have a license because she failed the test so Brie had taken Nikki’s and given it to the police. Nikki says she’s never told anyone that either.
– Still to come, more from John Cena. Back to commercial.
– WWE has invited NFL player Michael Sam to next week’s RAW and will give him an open mic.
– Paul Heyman comes out and addresses John Cena. We see stills of Brock Lesnar destroying Cena at SummerSlam. Heyman talks about Cena losing again at Night of Champions.
Jack Swagger vs. Curtis Axel
We go to the ring and out comes Jack Swagger with Zeb Colter. Back to commercial.
Back from the break and Axel locks up with Swagger. Bo Dallas makes an appearance at the top of the ramp. He’s got some stools set up and a microphone. Bo brings fans up and sits them in the chairs as Axel keeps control of the match. Axel dropkicks Swagger out of the ring. Zeb tells him to get back in. Swagger goes for the Swagger Bomb but Axel puts his leg up. Swagger catches the leg and turns it into the Patriot Lock for the win.
Winner: Jack Swagger
– After the match, Bo interrupts from the stage and congratulates Swagger on the win. The fans Bo have on the stage have been let down by Swagger. One lost his life savings, one failed hit citizenship test and will be deported, and one says her son now wants to be like Vladimir Putin instead of Swagger. Bo tells everyone to just Bo-lieve.
– Still to come, tonight’s six-man main event. Back to commercial.
Adam Rose vs. Titus O’Neil
Back from the break and Adam Rose is out with the Rosebuds. Titus O’Neil has Heath Slater at ringside. Titus catches Rose and hits his backbreaker.
The Bunny ends up taking out Slater on the floor and distracting Titus, allowing Rose to get the win.
Winner: Adam Rose
– Another video from Nikki Bella.
Rusev vs. Zack Ryder
We go to the ring and out comes Rusev with Lana. Back to commercial.
Back from the break and Lana rips the Labor Day holiday. She says we suck. The bell rings and Ryder is ready. Ryder attacks but Rusev throws him to the corner. Ryder leaps but Rusev catches him with a big overhead slam. Rusev nails a kick to the face. Lana tells him to crush. Rusev stomps on Ryder’s back and applies The Accolade for the easy win.
Winner: Rusev
– After the match, Rusev poses under the Russian flag. Mark Henry’s music hits and out he comes. Henry runs to the ring and Rusev leaves in a hurry. Fans chant USA. Henry cuts a promo on Rusev and says he just opened an international wing of the Hall of Pain. Rusev is going to be the first inductee.
– Triple H and Stephanie McMahon are backstage. Stephanie related to Nikki Bella’s videos from tonight and can’t wait to see Nikki’s face when she makes an announcement tonight. We go to commercial.
– Back from the break and out comes Stephanie McMahon. Stephanie says as a principle owner of WWE and one of the most powerful female leaders in the world, it’s her duty to recognize and commend Nikki Bella for having the courage to tell her story. Stephanie brings Nikki out.
The “boring” chants start early. Stephanie starts insulting the fans and praising Nikki. Stephanie says Nikki is the face of the Divas division she wants. Stephanie announces Nikki will be getting a title shot. They hug and out comes Brie Bella to interrupt. Stephanie tells them to cut the music because that music is only for Nikki going forward. Brie tells Stephanie this doesn’t concern her. Brie asks if Nikki has been lying just to get a title shot. She says Nikki has turned her life upside down. Nikki says she’s doing it for herself. She’s going to be the next champion and the Bella everyone is talking about. AJ Lee’s music hits and out she comes. CM Punk chants start as AJ hits the ring. AJ reminds Stephanie that she never got her rematch so she’s the #1 contender. AJ tells Stephanie to do what’s best for business and leave the Divas Title to her. Before Stephanie can share her thoughts, Paige’s music hits and out comes the Divas Champion. Paige says the only thing missing is the bloody Divas Champion. Nikki says she will forgive Brie but under one condition – Brie quits WWE. Nikki says Brie quit for her husband Daniel Bryan but won’t quit for her sister. She tells Brie to go have a bunch of troll babies with Bryan and never come back. Nikki continues to yell at Brie until she turns around to leave the ring. Brie stops and shoves Nikki into Paige. They both go down. Brie leaves the ring as a “yes!” chant starts. AJ picks up the Divas Title and skips around the ring with it as her music hits. Stephanie gets in her face and they have a staredown. Stephanie demands the title from AJ. AJ smiles and hands it over but stares at Stephanie as she leaves. AJ skips away. Paige’s music hits and she gets the title back from Stephanie. Paige also skips out of the ring.
– Still to come, tonight’s six-man main event. Back to commercial.
Goldust vs. Jimmy Uso
Back from the break and out come WWE Tag Team Champions The Usos. Goldust and Stardust are out next. Goldust tries to apologize for what happened last week but The Usos attack them. They separate and we get the bell. Uso unloads but Goldust nails a spinebuster for a 2 count. Goldust keeps control now.
Uso turns it around with the splash in the corner and the big slam for a 2 count as Stardust breaks the pin. Jey Uso runs over but Stardust kicks his leg out. Jimmy dives out onto Stardust. Goldust brings Jimmy back in for the Final Cut and the win.
Winner: Goldust
– After the match, Goldust attacks Jey and works over his injured leg. Cody nails the knee with a steel chair and Uso screams in pain. Doctors and Jimmy check on Uso and he’s helped away.
– Back from the break and we get a Total Divas sneak peek.
– Big Show is backstage with Mark Henry. Show agrees that Rusev needs to be stopped but they had a deal to focus on their tag team. Henry says he’s got to get Rusev first. Show wants to be in Henry’s corner. Henry says he’s got to do it by himself. Show gives Henry a pep talk before walking off.
– We go to the ring and out come Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. They take a seat at ringside.
John Cena, Roman Reigns and Chris Jericho vs. Seth Rollins, Kane and Randy Orton
Out first comes John Cena. We go to commercial.
Back from the break and out comes Roman Reigns and Chris Jericho. Seth Rollins is out next followed by Kane and then Randy Orton. Reigns and Orton start the match off going at it. Fans chant for Rollins to come in.
Reigns ends up taking out his other opponents. Rollins retreats to the floor for a breather. Kane stands by him as Reigns looks on and we go to commercial.
Back from the break Kane is working over Reigns. Orton tags in and takes control of Reigns as Kane holds him. Reigns turns it around on Orton and hits a Samoan Drop for 2. Reigns with right hands in the corner. Orton with the backbreaker out of the corner. Orton kicks Reigns out of the ring as The Authority looks on. Rollins tags in and works Reigns over on the floor. Rollins brings it back in the ring for a 2 count. Everything falls apart and a brawl breaks out. Triple H directs traffic. Jericho hits Rollins with a Codebreaker as we go to commercial.
Back from the break and Rollins is in control of Jericho. Rollins with a big running right hand in the corner. Rollins goes to the top for a move on Jericho but Jericho dropkicks him in mid-air. Kane tags in and stops Jericho from tagging. Kane slams Jericho and covers for 2. Kane with a sideslam and another 2 count. The Authority continues to keep Jericho down until he finally tags in Cena. Cena unloads on Kane and drops Rollins with a kick. Kane goes for a chokeslam but Jericho saves him. Orton takes out Jericho. Cena with a clothesline on Kane. Cena with a German suplex on Rollins. Cena hits the Attitude Adjustment on Kane and taunts The Authority. Cena tags Reigns in. Reigns spears Kane for the win.
Winners: Roman Reigns, Chris Jericho and John Cena
– After the match, Cena goes to ringside to yell at Triple. Rollins tries to attack but Cena catches him and drops him on top of the announcers table with an AA. Cena tells Triple H he will see Lesnar at Night of Champions. Cena’s music hits as he hits the ring to celebrate. The announcers plug next week’s RAW. RAW goes off the air with Reigns, Cena and Jericho posing for the fans.
Source: http://www.ringsidenews.com