Raw Week 4: Chamber Qualifiers, Payback

A post-match brawl broke out at the end of Raw/

Raw kicked off with the Commissioner coming to the ring, addressing Sunday’s Elimination Chamber pay-per-view. He said that qualifying matches will be held tonight. He also said that the APA will face stiff punishment for their brutal beating of Jack Swagger last week. He said that they would face the Big Show and Mark Henry in a match tonight. He also wanted to know who they were hired by.

The APA came out and said they weren’t allowed to share who paid them, like confidentiality with a lawyer. As for the match, they said that it’s no problem, they’ll just no-show the match and forfeit. Real Deal said he may be able to convince them to show up, by making it a qualifying match for the Chamber. If they can beat Show and Henry, they’ll both be entered into the chamber match. The APA said that works for them, and left.

Real Deal went on to say that before he was rudely interrupted that two other qualifying matches tonight would be Steve Austin against Dolph Ziggler and Kurt Angle against Chris Jericho.

Raw Week 3: Commissioner Upset, Del Rio Continues Streak

With Alberto Del Rio on a hot streak and the number one contender, will he be the next champion?

We kicked off Raw with Michael Cole telling fans that Jack Swagger would be in action in a requested match to test his injured ankle. Edge stood in the ring with a neck brace, explaining to fans that Brock Lesnar’s beating two weeks ago has put him out of action for a while, but he hopes to be cleared to wrestle next week. He said he caught Lesnar on a bad day, in a bad mood. He mentioned that he wants a match with Lesnar at some point down the road.

The first match of the night pitted Alberto Del Rio against Bradshaw. Bradshaw tried to use his strength to his advantage early. Del Rio reversed a clothesline into a German Suplex and followed it up with a slam. Bradshaw hit a DDT and an elbow drop as he took control. Ricardo Rodriguez jumped onto the apron to distract the referee, and Bradshaw went to confront him. As he turned back around, he caught a Del Rio spinning heel kick. Del Rio went for the pin, but only got a two count. Del Rio took advantage to apply the Cross Arm Breaker and Bradshaw gave up.

Raw Week 2: Alliance Formed, Austin Victorious

Have rookies Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins formed an alliance with a WWE vet?

We kicked off Raw with Brock Lesnar heading to the ring and grabbed the mic. He told the fans that his dominant win over Edge showed that he’s the Alpha in the WWE locker room. He goes on to explain that putting Edge out of action was only one step towards gaining the WWE Title. Lesnar continued his rant from last week, saying that since he won’t let his guard down ever again after the Rumble, he’ll be unstoppable and it’s only a matter of time before he gets the gold.

After the promo, Michael Cole noted that both Edge and Rumble winner Jack Swagger won’t be at Raw tonight because of the injuries sustained in their matches last week.

The first match of the night had Antonio Cesaro taking on Dean Ambrose. Ambrose was accompanied to the ring by Seth Rollins. Ambrose controlled the match early but Cesaro started to take advantage after a DDT. Cesaro hit an uppercut which lead to a neckbreaker. Rollins tried to get Ambrose back into it, but Cesaro finished Ambrose off with the Neutralizer. Cesaro got the pin but continued to beat on Ambrose until Rollins climbed into the ring and went after Cesaro. Rollins whipped Cesaro and superkicked him, laying him out. Rollins helped Ambrose to the back as Cesaro was left what was wondering what happened.

Swagger Wins Rumble; HHH, Punk Champions

The Royal Rumble turned out to be one for the ages, bringing intense action from start to finish.

Legends made their mark, new champions were crowned, and paths were paved for a couple of young stars. And in a weird turn of events, the Tag Team match ended in a disqualification, leaving its fate up in the air.

But the biggest surprise of the night came during the Rumble as the unlikely winner was Jack Swagger.

The Royal Rumble proved to be another thrilling main event. Edge and Kofi Kingston started the match for their respective brands with neither lasting very long in the Rumble.

The final six came down to late entrants Sheamus, Swagger,
Randy Orton, Wade Barrett, Big Show and Alberto Del Rio. Sheamus and
Barrett were taken out by Orton after lengthy battles with each. Swagger
hit a dropkick that knocked the Big Show out and he was left with Orton and Del Rio.

While Orton was distracted with Del Rio, Swagger dumped him out of the ring. It was then down to Swagger and Del Rio. After a few minutes of back and forth, Swagger hit a clothesline on Del Rio to eliminate him and win the Royal Rumble.

Royal Rumble 2013 Preview

Could the Rock win the Rumble?

Hardcore Championship: Mankind vs Rob Van Dam
Extreme Rules

Mankind couldn’t let go of the fact that the Hardcore Championship disappeared from circulation. That is why on the Smackdown prior to the Royal Rumble, Mankind walked to the squared-circle with a briefcase in hand. In that briefcase was the old tattered belt that he had hanging on his wall at home. Mankind offered a challenge to anyone in the back, legend or current star, to come out and pry it from his hands. Rob Van Dam answered the call. But before they were going to fight, Smackdown commissioner Roose told the two they would settle it at the Royal Rumble.

Diva Championship: Beth Phoenix vs Trish Stratus

Beth Phoenix, mad that she was forced to drop her belt, went on a tirade talking about how she was disrespected and was the greatest Diva Champion of all time. But she was interrupted by Trish Stratus, who was looking to backup her legacy by charging the ring and attacking Phoenix. Commissioner Real Deal broke up the cat fight, telling the two ladies they will fight for the belt at the Rumble.