AKI Man
Legend
WWE RAW Opener:
We open tonight’s RAW with the normal Nickelback-themed opening video. Michael Cole welcomes us to RAW from the Bridgeport Arena in Nashville, Tennessee as the WWE Tag Team Champions Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov make their way out with Tamina. As the champions enter the ring for a match, Nexus charges the ring and beat them down. Husky Harris, Justin Gabriel, Michael McGillicutty, David Otunga and Heath Slater clean house as CM Punk makes his way into the ring.
Punk says tonight’s tag team title match has been rescheduled. Punk says Nexus has been the most dominant force WWE has ever seen since they debuted. Punk says they are even stronger now. They’re wearing new yellow and black shirts with CM Punk’s logo on it. Punk tells them he can give them the tools to succeed, unlike Wade Barrett. Punk talks about taking Cena out a few weeks ago and says he will be here to speak tonight. The crowd chants for Cena. Punk says Cena’s days of hustle, loyalty and respect are over. While his are just beginning.
Punk announces that he will initiate himself as the new leader of the new Nexus tonight. Punk says his won’t be the only initiation tonight. The other Nexus members must prove to everyone tonight that they have what it takes to belong in the new Nexus. Punk says they will be at their apex of power and will take over not just RAW but the entire WWE. David Otunga says they would be honored to be initiated into the new Nexus tonight. Punk says the honor will all be his. Punk starts with McGillicutty. Punk says Nexus is famous for their group beatdowns. McGillicutty’s initiation is to be on the receiving end of a Nexus beatdown. Punk tells Husky to start the beatdown. Husky faces McGillicutty but just stares at him. Otunga turns McGillicutty around and drops him with his finisher. Slater hits his finisher also. Husky still is just staring at McGillicutty. Husky runs the ropes and hits the big senton on McGillicutty. They drag him over to the corner and Gabriel hits the 450, after hesitating for a minute. Punk drops to one knee as the Nexus members put McGillicutty’s body on his shoulders. Punk hits him with a GTS. Punk looks at McGillicutty, who is knocked out, and leaves the ring as the Nexus music hits. The other members follow him out as we go to replays. Punk walks up the ramp as Nexus walks behind him with McGillicutty’s body on their shoulders. We go to commercial.
R-Truth vs. Alberto Del Rio
Back from commercial and out comes R-Truth to the ring. Ricardo Rodriguez is introduced next and he does the intro for SmackDown’s Alberto Del Rio. Del Rio comes driving out in a Bentley. Truth charges but Del Rio moves. Truth connects with right hands and they go at it. Truth takes it to the corner and hits a bunch of right hands. Del Rio brings him out of the corner with an atomic drop. Del Rio with two knees to the back and a 2 count.
Del Rio misses a clothesline and Truth takes him down with a headscissors then a clothesline. Truth clotheslines himself and Del Rio over the top rope and out to the floor. The referee begins to count. They trade right hands. Rodriguez comes over and starts yelling “what’s up†at Truth. Truth turns around and drops Rodriguez with a right hand. Del Rio makes it back in the ring before the 10 count but Truth can’t.
Winner by Count Out: Alberty Del Rio
After the match, Del Rio takes the mic and declares the victory. Del Rio says his destiny is to win the Royal Rumble and headline WrestleMania. Del Rio starts talking about Nashville and insults the people’s music. Del Rio says they know about music and culture in Mexico. Del Rio wants Ricardo to do mariachi but he protests. The music hits, Ricardo sings and dances. We go to a John Cena graphic and hype for Sheamus vs. John Morrison later tonight as Ricardo continues to sing. We go to commercial.
In the Arena:
Back from the break and we see a clip of The Miz attacking Jerry Lawler a few weeks back. Lawler says he is still sore from that. Cole says Randy Orton won’t be able to take the WWE Title from The Miz. Cole tells Lawler he needs to apologize to Miz. The e-mail alert goes off and Michael Cole steps up to the podium to read the GM’s mail. The GM says Cole has been on the receiving end of a lot of hate recently but he supports him. The GM calls Cole a conceited, pompous, arrogant, self-centered, pretentious jerk. Cole says just kidding and reads a message putting himself over. Sounds like he’s making this up now. Lawler has had enough and interrupts him on a mic.
Lawler says he just received a message from the entire WWE Universe and they tell him to shut up. Lawler calls Cole a coward. Cole says Lawler will be fired if he touches him. Lawler shuts the laptop and walks away. The e-mail alert goes off again. Cole says the GM doesn’t think he’s a coward, and neither is Lawler. Lawler and Orton vs. The Miz and Alex Riley is announced for tonight.
Backstage:
We see CM Punk backstage with Nexus. Husky Harris is up to be initiated next. Punk brings out whips and says Husky must take 3 lashes from each Nexus member. Husky accepts and turns his back. Punk tells him to take his shirt off and he does. Otunga whips Husky first. Gabriel whips Husky three more times. Punk orders them to lift Husky up. Punk unleashes and whips Husky repeatedly. We go to commercial.
- We are back and Did You Know that they are using the same Did You Know about Wrestlemania and WWE Magazine.
Mark Henry and Daniel Bryan vs. Tyson Kidd and Ted DiBiase
Ted and Daniel start things off and Bryan with a drop kick to Ted and then he kicks Ted in the corner until the referee warns him. Ted throws Bryan to the floor and Kidd goes out after Bryan and he kicks Bryan while the referee deals with Ted. Ted goes to the floor and he kicks Daniel in the head. Ted with a near fall when they return to the ring. Kidd tags in and he kicks Bryan until the referee stops him. Ted chokes Bryan until he gets tagged back in. Ted with a kick to the midsection followed by a reverse chin lock. Bryan avoids the short rebound clothesline and then he hits DiBiase with a kick.
Henry and Kidd tag in and Henry with a shoulder tackle and head butt. Kidd avoids a charge into the corner. Ted and Tyson try for a double drop kick but Henry stays on his feet. Henry with clotheslines followed by the World’s Strongest Slam on Kidd for the three count.
Winners: Mark Henry and Daniel Bryan
- Big Show is in the back talking to a production assistant. He starts walking as we go to commercial.
In the Arena:
After the break and a NXT recap video, out comes SmackDown star Big Show to the ring. Show is all smiles as he enters the ring. Show says its great to be back here on RAW and thanks the General Manager to have some time. Show addresses Wade Barrett first. Show says he’s going to knock Barrett out this week on SmackDown. Show talks about the Royal Rumble next and lets every Superstar know they’re on notice. Show says he’s coming to the Rumble and not playing games. The Nexus music hits and out comes CM Punk, Heath Slater, David Otunga and Justin Gabriel.
Nexus stops at the ramp. Otunga makes his way down to the ring, hesitating just a bit. Otunga stops and turns around to look at Punk before entering the ring. Otunga slaps Big Show. Otunga just stands there waiting on Show to hit him. Show kicks Otunga to the mat and tosses him out of the ring like a rag doll. Show comes after him and tosses him over the announcer’s table. Show hits Otunga with a huge knife edge chop and scoop slams him on the floor. Show then throws Otunga into the steel steps. Show brings Otunga back into the ring and chokeslams him as Punk and Nexus look on from the ramp. Show lifts Otunga’s head up and lays him out with a knockout punch to the head. Show’s music hits as Slater, Gabriel and Punk hold their fists up in the air from the ramp.
- We get hype for John Cena’s address tonight and Morrison vs. Sheamus. Back to commercial.
John Morrison vs. Sheamus
Back from commercial and out comes John Morrison for the next match. Out next comes Sheamus. The bell rings and they go back and forth. Sheamus hits a big knee to the gut and Morrison goes down. Sheamus stomps away an Morrison and drops more knees. Sheamus with another knee to the gut and a 2 count. Sheamus continues the beatdown on Morrison. Morrison tries to fight back but Sheamus won’t have it and gets another 2 count.
More back and forth action. Morrison with two clotheslines and a big heel kick to the jaw. They go at it in the corner. Sheamus kicks Morrison’s leg out from under him. Morrison counters Sheamus with a kick to the face. Morrison goes to the corner for Starship Pain but Sheamus stops him and dumps Morrison out to the floor. Morrison is out on the floor as we go to commercial.
Back from the break and Sheamus has Morrison down on the mat, working on his arm. Morrison fights out of it but Sheamus hits him with a big powerslam for a 2 count. Sheamus works Morrison over on the apron now and takes it back in the ring for another 2 count. Morrison tries to kick from the mat but Sheamus just stomps him and goes back to work on the arm. Morrison finally unloads on Sheamus in the corner. Sheaus charges but misses. Morrison goes for the flash kick but Sheamus ducks. Sheamus charges and Morrison dumps him over the ropes. Morrison flies over the ropes at Sheamus but Sheamus hits him with a big knee to the gut in mid-air. Back in the ring now and Sheamus gets ready for the big kick. Morrison falls to the mat and Sheamus just kicks him in the back. Sheamus takes Morrison to the top. Morrison counters and sends Sheamus flying to the mat.
Morrison comes from out of nowhere with a running knee to Sheamus’ face and gets the pinfall and the win.
Winner: John Morrison
Backstage:
We go backstage with CM Punk, Heath Slater and Justin Gabriel. Punk is holding two kendo sticks. He says their initiation will be them beating other with the sticks until he tells them to stop. They hesitate and won’t hit each other. Punk says they’re out if they don’t. Punk yells at them to hit each other. They stop and turn their attention to Punk. Punk holds his arms out and tells them to hit him then. Slater and Gabriel drop their kendo sticks and walk off.
In the Arena:
We are back and Jerry Lawler is in the ring. He says that the greatest accomplishment in his career was getting inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. So many people dream of competing in the ring and of those who do, less than 100 have been inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. Hall of Famers share qualities like skill, drive, determination, and charisma. They also share the respect of all of the people in the WWE Universe. The first inductee has earned the respect of everyone. He deserves more than anyone to be a first ballot nominee.
Shawn Michaels.
Shawn Michaels’ music plays and he comes out to the ring and he addresses the WWE Universe, but before he can speak, he is interrupted by Alberto Del Rio. He reminds us who he is (because he has already been on the show). Alberto points out that Shawn is the Heartbreak Kid and a legend. He is the icon, the Showstopper. Alberto says that the people used to cheer Shawn, but now the people cheer him. They know that Alberto is the present and the future of the WWE. Shawn is just history. Alberto tells Shawn that after he wins the Royal Rumble, he will win the World Title . . . or the WWE Title. Then he will be known as the New Mr. Wrestlemania. Alberto starts to laugh but the smile is wiped off his face with some Sweet Chin Music.
Shawn cleans off his boot and then he struts around the ring. Shawn waves goodbye and applauds the fans before taking Alberto’s scarf and leaves the ring. We go to commercial.
Backstage:
Back from commercial and The Miz is backstage looking at his WWE Title. Alex Riley walks up and is excited about their match tonight. Miz isn’t happy that everyone is talking about Randy Orton becoming the #1 contender. Miz says people should be talking about him. He’s upset about not getting respect and wants to demoralize Lawler and Orton tonight.
In the Arena:
We go to the ring where Michael Cole is preparing to introduce John Cena. CM Punk appears standing on top of the Titantron. Punk says this is his show now and we’re not talking about Cena. Punk wants to talk about the new Nexus. He says Husky, McGillicutty and Otunga sacrificed themselves tonight and proved worthy. Punk says he is prepared to do the same tonight. Punk says his initiation will be the ultimate sacrifice. Punk says this will prove he was a member of Nexus and was their leader. Punk asks the fans if he should dive off the tron and they cheer. Punk asks them if he should break every bone in his body and they cheer more.
Punk has one more question. Punk asks the fans how gullible are they. He shows that he’s wearing a harness under his shirt and has two guys spotting him. Punk says he is safer up there than anybody in their seats. Punk asks what kind of idiot jumps from the tron. Punk tells them to consider themselves initiated. Punk calls them the biggest, mindless group of sheep and laughs. Punk’s theme music hits as he poses on top of the tron. McGillicutty, Harris and Otunga, all looking beat up, come walking down the ramp as we go to replays of their initiations.
Punk is back down in the arena now as we see him making his way to the ring. Punk takes the mic and starts laughing at the fans for thinking he was actually going to jump off the tron. Punk takes off his one shirt to reveal the safety harness. Punk says he is mentally superior and would never think of doing something like that. Punk says he doesn’t need initiations. He is the leader of the new Nexus, he declares. Fans start chanting for Cena. Punk says Cena isn’t here, he got rid of him. Cena appears up on the big screen.
Cena calls Punk low class, low rent, worthless, spineless and over a dozen other names. Cena says Punk is wasting his time since he’s already gave them physical initiations. Cena says there’s one member of Nexus he hasn’t got his hands on yet – CM Sucks, he says. Punk says he isn’t afraid of Cena. Cena challenges Punk to a match for next week and he accepts. Cena gets serious now and says Punk will get dealt with next week. Cena says it’s not about t-shirts or armbands, it’s about him whooping Punk’s ass. Cena walks away from the camera and his music hits in the arena. We go to commercial.
The Miz and Alex Riley vs. Randy Orton and Jerry Lawler
Back from commercial and out comes WWE Champion The Miz with his tag team partner Alex Riley. Josh Matthews has joined Michael Cole on commentary. Out next comes WWE Hall of Famer Jerry Lawler to a nice reaction from his home state crowd. Randy Orton is out last and gets the biggest pop of the night, besides Shawn Michaels.
It’s going to be Lawler and Riley starting things out. Miz talks trash to Lawler and distracts him, allowing Riley to beat Lawler down. Miz is tagged in now for a bit of double teaming. Miz with a big right hand to Lawler’s eye. Lawler fires back with a right then a series of rights on Miz. Miz goes outside and Lawler chases after him. Lawler slams Miz’s head into the announcer’s table a few times and rams him back into the apron. Lawler tosses Miz into the steel steps now. Lawler sends Miz back in the ring with a right hand. Miz catches him with a punch and tags in Riley. Lawler scoop slams Riley and tags in Orton.
Orton comes in and unloads on Riley in the corner. Riley catches Orton with a kick and tags in Miz. Miz comes in but Orton clotheslines him. Orton starts stomping on Miz now. Lawler comes back in and hits Miz with right jabs. Lawler takes it to the corner and continues to control Miz with right hands. Miz drops Lawler with a boot to the face and mounts him with a series of right hands. Miz stomps away as the referee pulls him off. Miz with a headlock on Lawler. Miz continues the assault on Lawler as we go to commercial.
We are back and Riley has Lawler in an arm bar but Lawler with punches. Riley misses a charge into the corner and he hits the post. Lawler goes to the wrong corner but he punches Riley. Miz distracts the referee and he disallows the tag. The referee did not see Miz make the tag but he is allowed in. Miz tries for the Skull Crushing Finale, but Orton hits an RKO. Riley makes the save and then Riley tags in. Orton tags in and Orton with clotheslines and a power slam. Orton with a back breaker to Riley and then he sees Riley on the apron. Orton with a kick and the IEDDT. Orton twists into the RKO push ups and Miz waits to pounce. Orton sees Miz trying to enter the ring. Riley comes up behind Orton but Orton with an RKO to Riley. Orton hisses at Miz and Miz stays on the apron. Orton tags Lawler back in and Lawler goes to the turnbuckles as the strap comes down and Lawler with the fist drop for the three count.
Winners: Jerry Lawler and Randy Orton
We open tonight’s RAW with the normal Nickelback-themed opening video. Michael Cole welcomes us to RAW from the Bridgeport Arena in Nashville, Tennessee as the WWE Tag Team Champions Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov make their way out with Tamina. As the champions enter the ring for a match, Nexus charges the ring and beat them down. Husky Harris, Justin Gabriel, Michael McGillicutty, David Otunga and Heath Slater clean house as CM Punk makes his way into the ring.
Punk says tonight’s tag team title match has been rescheduled. Punk says Nexus has been the most dominant force WWE has ever seen since they debuted. Punk says they are even stronger now. They’re wearing new yellow and black shirts with CM Punk’s logo on it. Punk tells them he can give them the tools to succeed, unlike Wade Barrett. Punk talks about taking Cena out a few weeks ago and says he will be here to speak tonight. The crowd chants for Cena. Punk says Cena’s days of hustle, loyalty and respect are over. While his are just beginning.
Punk announces that he will initiate himself as the new leader of the new Nexus tonight. Punk says his won’t be the only initiation tonight. The other Nexus members must prove to everyone tonight that they have what it takes to belong in the new Nexus. Punk says they will be at their apex of power and will take over not just RAW but the entire WWE. David Otunga says they would be honored to be initiated into the new Nexus tonight. Punk says the honor will all be his. Punk starts with McGillicutty. Punk says Nexus is famous for their group beatdowns. McGillicutty’s initiation is to be on the receiving end of a Nexus beatdown. Punk tells Husky to start the beatdown. Husky faces McGillicutty but just stares at him. Otunga turns McGillicutty around and drops him with his finisher. Slater hits his finisher also. Husky still is just staring at McGillicutty. Husky runs the ropes and hits the big senton on McGillicutty. They drag him over to the corner and Gabriel hits the 450, after hesitating for a minute. Punk drops to one knee as the Nexus members put McGillicutty’s body on his shoulders. Punk hits him with a GTS. Punk looks at McGillicutty, who is knocked out, and leaves the ring as the Nexus music hits. The other members follow him out as we go to replays. Punk walks up the ramp as Nexus walks behind him with McGillicutty’s body on their shoulders. We go to commercial.
R-Truth vs. Alberto Del Rio
Back from commercial and out comes R-Truth to the ring. Ricardo Rodriguez is introduced next and he does the intro for SmackDown’s Alberto Del Rio. Del Rio comes driving out in a Bentley. Truth charges but Del Rio moves. Truth connects with right hands and they go at it. Truth takes it to the corner and hits a bunch of right hands. Del Rio brings him out of the corner with an atomic drop. Del Rio with two knees to the back and a 2 count.
Del Rio misses a clothesline and Truth takes him down with a headscissors then a clothesline. Truth clotheslines himself and Del Rio over the top rope and out to the floor. The referee begins to count. They trade right hands. Rodriguez comes over and starts yelling “what’s up†at Truth. Truth turns around and drops Rodriguez with a right hand. Del Rio makes it back in the ring before the 10 count but Truth can’t.
Winner by Count Out: Alberty Del Rio
After the match, Del Rio takes the mic and declares the victory. Del Rio says his destiny is to win the Royal Rumble and headline WrestleMania. Del Rio starts talking about Nashville and insults the people’s music. Del Rio says they know about music and culture in Mexico. Del Rio wants Ricardo to do mariachi but he protests. The music hits, Ricardo sings and dances. We go to a John Cena graphic and hype for Sheamus vs. John Morrison later tonight as Ricardo continues to sing. We go to commercial.
In the Arena:
Back from the break and we see a clip of The Miz attacking Jerry Lawler a few weeks back. Lawler says he is still sore from that. Cole says Randy Orton won’t be able to take the WWE Title from The Miz. Cole tells Lawler he needs to apologize to Miz. The e-mail alert goes off and Michael Cole steps up to the podium to read the GM’s mail. The GM says Cole has been on the receiving end of a lot of hate recently but he supports him. The GM calls Cole a conceited, pompous, arrogant, self-centered, pretentious jerk. Cole says just kidding and reads a message putting himself over. Sounds like he’s making this up now. Lawler has had enough and interrupts him on a mic.
Lawler says he just received a message from the entire WWE Universe and they tell him to shut up. Lawler calls Cole a coward. Cole says Lawler will be fired if he touches him. Lawler shuts the laptop and walks away. The e-mail alert goes off again. Cole says the GM doesn’t think he’s a coward, and neither is Lawler. Lawler and Orton vs. The Miz and Alex Riley is announced for tonight.
Backstage:
We see CM Punk backstage with Nexus. Husky Harris is up to be initiated next. Punk brings out whips and says Husky must take 3 lashes from each Nexus member. Husky accepts and turns his back. Punk tells him to take his shirt off and he does. Otunga whips Husky first. Gabriel whips Husky three more times. Punk orders them to lift Husky up. Punk unleashes and whips Husky repeatedly. We go to commercial.
- We are back and Did You Know that they are using the same Did You Know about Wrestlemania and WWE Magazine.
Mark Henry and Daniel Bryan vs. Tyson Kidd and Ted DiBiase
Ted and Daniel start things off and Bryan with a drop kick to Ted and then he kicks Ted in the corner until the referee warns him. Ted throws Bryan to the floor and Kidd goes out after Bryan and he kicks Bryan while the referee deals with Ted. Ted goes to the floor and he kicks Daniel in the head. Ted with a near fall when they return to the ring. Kidd tags in and he kicks Bryan until the referee stops him. Ted chokes Bryan until he gets tagged back in. Ted with a kick to the midsection followed by a reverse chin lock. Bryan avoids the short rebound clothesline and then he hits DiBiase with a kick.
Henry and Kidd tag in and Henry with a shoulder tackle and head butt. Kidd avoids a charge into the corner. Ted and Tyson try for a double drop kick but Henry stays on his feet. Henry with clotheslines followed by the World’s Strongest Slam on Kidd for the three count.
Winners: Mark Henry and Daniel Bryan
- Big Show is in the back talking to a production assistant. He starts walking as we go to commercial.
In the Arena:
After the break and a NXT recap video, out comes SmackDown star Big Show to the ring. Show is all smiles as he enters the ring. Show says its great to be back here on RAW and thanks the General Manager to have some time. Show addresses Wade Barrett first. Show says he’s going to knock Barrett out this week on SmackDown. Show talks about the Royal Rumble next and lets every Superstar know they’re on notice. Show says he’s coming to the Rumble and not playing games. The Nexus music hits and out comes CM Punk, Heath Slater, David Otunga and Justin Gabriel.
Nexus stops at the ramp. Otunga makes his way down to the ring, hesitating just a bit. Otunga stops and turns around to look at Punk before entering the ring. Otunga slaps Big Show. Otunga just stands there waiting on Show to hit him. Show kicks Otunga to the mat and tosses him out of the ring like a rag doll. Show comes after him and tosses him over the announcer’s table. Show hits Otunga with a huge knife edge chop and scoop slams him on the floor. Show then throws Otunga into the steel steps. Show brings Otunga back into the ring and chokeslams him as Punk and Nexus look on from the ramp. Show lifts Otunga’s head up and lays him out with a knockout punch to the head. Show’s music hits as Slater, Gabriel and Punk hold their fists up in the air from the ramp.
- We get hype for John Cena’s address tonight and Morrison vs. Sheamus. Back to commercial.
John Morrison vs. Sheamus
Back from commercial and out comes John Morrison for the next match. Out next comes Sheamus. The bell rings and they go back and forth. Sheamus hits a big knee to the gut and Morrison goes down. Sheamus stomps away an Morrison and drops more knees. Sheamus with another knee to the gut and a 2 count. Sheamus continues the beatdown on Morrison. Morrison tries to fight back but Sheamus won’t have it and gets another 2 count.
More back and forth action. Morrison with two clotheslines and a big heel kick to the jaw. They go at it in the corner. Sheamus kicks Morrison’s leg out from under him. Morrison counters Sheamus with a kick to the face. Morrison goes to the corner for Starship Pain but Sheamus stops him and dumps Morrison out to the floor. Morrison is out on the floor as we go to commercial.
Back from the break and Sheamus has Morrison down on the mat, working on his arm. Morrison fights out of it but Sheamus hits him with a big powerslam for a 2 count. Sheamus works Morrison over on the apron now and takes it back in the ring for another 2 count. Morrison tries to kick from the mat but Sheamus just stomps him and goes back to work on the arm. Morrison finally unloads on Sheamus in the corner. Sheaus charges but misses. Morrison goes for the flash kick but Sheamus ducks. Sheamus charges and Morrison dumps him over the ropes. Morrison flies over the ropes at Sheamus but Sheamus hits him with a big knee to the gut in mid-air. Back in the ring now and Sheamus gets ready for the big kick. Morrison falls to the mat and Sheamus just kicks him in the back. Sheamus takes Morrison to the top. Morrison counters and sends Sheamus flying to the mat.
Morrison comes from out of nowhere with a running knee to Sheamus’ face and gets the pinfall and the win.
Winner: John Morrison
Backstage:
We go backstage with CM Punk, Heath Slater and Justin Gabriel. Punk is holding two kendo sticks. He says their initiation will be them beating other with the sticks until he tells them to stop. They hesitate and won’t hit each other. Punk says they’re out if they don’t. Punk yells at them to hit each other. They stop and turn their attention to Punk. Punk holds his arms out and tells them to hit him then. Slater and Gabriel drop their kendo sticks and walk off.
In the Arena:
We are back and Jerry Lawler is in the ring. He says that the greatest accomplishment in his career was getting inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. So many people dream of competing in the ring and of those who do, less than 100 have been inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. Hall of Famers share qualities like skill, drive, determination, and charisma. They also share the respect of all of the people in the WWE Universe. The first inductee has earned the respect of everyone. He deserves more than anyone to be a first ballot nominee.
Shawn Michaels.
Shawn Michaels’ music plays and he comes out to the ring and he addresses the WWE Universe, but before he can speak, he is interrupted by Alberto Del Rio. He reminds us who he is (because he has already been on the show). Alberto points out that Shawn is the Heartbreak Kid and a legend. He is the icon, the Showstopper. Alberto says that the people used to cheer Shawn, but now the people cheer him. They know that Alberto is the present and the future of the WWE. Shawn is just history. Alberto tells Shawn that after he wins the Royal Rumble, he will win the World Title . . . or the WWE Title. Then he will be known as the New Mr. Wrestlemania. Alberto starts to laugh but the smile is wiped off his face with some Sweet Chin Music.
Shawn cleans off his boot and then he struts around the ring. Shawn waves goodbye and applauds the fans before taking Alberto’s scarf and leaves the ring. We go to commercial.
Backstage:
Back from commercial and The Miz is backstage looking at his WWE Title. Alex Riley walks up and is excited about their match tonight. Miz isn’t happy that everyone is talking about Randy Orton becoming the #1 contender. Miz says people should be talking about him. He’s upset about not getting respect and wants to demoralize Lawler and Orton tonight.
In the Arena:
We go to the ring where Michael Cole is preparing to introduce John Cena. CM Punk appears standing on top of the Titantron. Punk says this is his show now and we’re not talking about Cena. Punk wants to talk about the new Nexus. He says Husky, McGillicutty and Otunga sacrificed themselves tonight and proved worthy. Punk says he is prepared to do the same tonight. Punk says his initiation will be the ultimate sacrifice. Punk says this will prove he was a member of Nexus and was their leader. Punk asks the fans if he should dive off the tron and they cheer. Punk asks them if he should break every bone in his body and they cheer more.
Punk has one more question. Punk asks the fans how gullible are they. He shows that he’s wearing a harness under his shirt and has two guys spotting him. Punk says he is safer up there than anybody in their seats. Punk asks what kind of idiot jumps from the tron. Punk tells them to consider themselves initiated. Punk calls them the biggest, mindless group of sheep and laughs. Punk’s theme music hits as he poses on top of the tron. McGillicutty, Harris and Otunga, all looking beat up, come walking down the ramp as we go to replays of their initiations.
Punk is back down in the arena now as we see him making his way to the ring. Punk takes the mic and starts laughing at the fans for thinking he was actually going to jump off the tron. Punk takes off his one shirt to reveal the safety harness. Punk says he is mentally superior and would never think of doing something like that. Punk says he doesn’t need initiations. He is the leader of the new Nexus, he declares. Fans start chanting for Cena. Punk says Cena isn’t here, he got rid of him. Cena appears up on the big screen.
Cena calls Punk low class, low rent, worthless, spineless and over a dozen other names. Cena says Punk is wasting his time since he’s already gave them physical initiations. Cena says there’s one member of Nexus he hasn’t got his hands on yet – CM Sucks, he says. Punk says he isn’t afraid of Cena. Cena challenges Punk to a match for next week and he accepts. Cena gets serious now and says Punk will get dealt with next week. Cena says it’s not about t-shirts or armbands, it’s about him whooping Punk’s ass. Cena walks away from the camera and his music hits in the arena. We go to commercial.
The Miz and Alex Riley vs. Randy Orton and Jerry Lawler
Back from commercial and out comes WWE Champion The Miz with his tag team partner Alex Riley. Josh Matthews has joined Michael Cole on commentary. Out next comes WWE Hall of Famer Jerry Lawler to a nice reaction from his home state crowd. Randy Orton is out last and gets the biggest pop of the night, besides Shawn Michaels.
It’s going to be Lawler and Riley starting things out. Miz talks trash to Lawler and distracts him, allowing Riley to beat Lawler down. Miz is tagged in now for a bit of double teaming. Miz with a big right hand to Lawler’s eye. Lawler fires back with a right then a series of rights on Miz. Miz goes outside and Lawler chases after him. Lawler slams Miz’s head into the announcer’s table a few times and rams him back into the apron. Lawler tosses Miz into the steel steps now. Lawler sends Miz back in the ring with a right hand. Miz catches him with a punch and tags in Riley. Lawler scoop slams Riley and tags in Orton.
Orton comes in and unloads on Riley in the corner. Riley catches Orton with a kick and tags in Miz. Miz comes in but Orton clotheslines him. Orton starts stomping on Miz now. Lawler comes back in and hits Miz with right jabs. Lawler takes it to the corner and continues to control Miz with right hands. Miz drops Lawler with a boot to the face and mounts him with a series of right hands. Miz stomps away as the referee pulls him off. Miz with a headlock on Lawler. Miz continues the assault on Lawler as we go to commercial.
We are back and Riley has Lawler in an arm bar but Lawler with punches. Riley misses a charge into the corner and he hits the post. Lawler goes to the wrong corner but he punches Riley. Miz distracts the referee and he disallows the tag. The referee did not see Miz make the tag but he is allowed in. Miz tries for the Skull Crushing Finale, but Orton hits an RKO. Riley makes the save and then Riley tags in. Orton tags in and Orton with clotheslines and a power slam. Orton with a back breaker to Riley and then he sees Riley on the apron. Orton with a kick and the IEDDT. Orton twists into the RKO push ups and Miz waits to pounce. Orton sees Miz trying to enter the ring. Riley comes up behind Orton but Orton with an RKO to Riley. Orton hisses at Miz and Miz stays on the apron. Orton tags Lawler back in and Lawler goes to the turnbuckles as the strap comes down and Lawler with the fist drop for the three count.
Winners: Jerry Lawler and Randy Orton
