RAW opens live in the building where we see all of the WWE Superstars and WWE Divas standing on the stage. The titantron has a huge “in memory of” graphic. Michael Cole says tonight we will pay tribute to one of the greatest WWE Superstars of all-time. In the ring, Jerry Lawler introduces an Ultimate Warrior video package. After the video package, Lawler asks us to give a moment of silence as we toll the bell ten times. The bell is rung ten times as we see closeup shots of everyone on the stage, including Vince McMahon. Warrior’s music hits and the talent on stage lead the fans in a “Warrior” chant. We get some announcements informing us some of the matches scheduled for tonight and then we head to our first commercial break of the evening.
Intercontinental Title Contender Tournament
- Rob Van Dam vs. Alberto Del Rio
When we return from commercial, Justin Roberts introduces Alberto Del Rio, who is already in the ring. After that, Rob Van Dam’s music and he makes his way to the ring for this first-round WWE Intercontinental Championship number one contender tournament match.
RVD’s music fades down and immediately the fans break out into a loud “RVD” chant. The bell rings and Del Rio goes right to work on Van Dam. RVD eventually gets the better of Del Rio, who takes a break outside the ring to recover. The fans explode in another passionate “RVD” chant.
Back in the ring, Del Rio regains control of the offense and is taking it to Van Dam as the announcers put over some of the other first round matches in this tournament, all of which are scheduled to take place on tonight’s show. We see a shot of Big E. backstage watching the match. Meanwhile, Van Dam begins firing up on offense, but is cut short by a huge clothesline from Del Rio on the floor. We head to a mid-match commercial.
When we return from commercial, Del Rio remains in control of the former six-time I-C champ. We see some highlights of action that took place during the break. After that, Van Dam slightly botches a flying kick off the middle rope. Del Rio hits the Backstabber on Van Dam out of the blue for a near fall. Del Rio goes to the top-rope as another “RVD” chant breaks out. When Del Rio comes off the top, Van Dam catches him with a spin kick. Both guys are down.
We see another shot of Big E. looking on backstage as Del Rio continues his assault on Van Dam in the ring. Del Rio calls for his Cross Armbreaker. He goes for it, but Van Dam reverses into a scissor takedown into a pin attempt. He only gets two. Van Dam goes to the top and hits his Five Star Frogsplash. 1-2-3. Van Dam wins and advances in the tournament.
Winner and advancing in the tournament: Rob Van Dam
Backstage: Batista, Randy Orton & The Authority
After the match, we get a recap video of what went down last week between Triple H, Randy Orton, Batista and The Shield and Daniel Bryan. After that, we see Batista and Randy Orton entering Triple H and Stephanie McMahon’s office. They talk off-mic amongst each other and then we fade away. The announcers again talk about the legacy of Ultimate Warrior, and then they introduce a clip of Warrior from SummerSlam 1988.
Backstage: The Authority, Batista & Randy Orton Again
When we return from commercial, we see another glimpse into The Authority’s locker room, where Batista and Randy Orton are still standing. Triple H mentions that Daniel Bryan isn’t here tonight, but they have a bigger problem, which is The Shield. He says The Shield reminds him a lot of “us,” referring to Evolution. He says he’s not sure if anybody can stop them. Stephanie McMahon says she does, and she’s looking at them, again referring to Evolution. Triple H reiterates that when the three of them are on the same page, no one can stop them. Batista says that’s great, but he just wants to be champ. Orton agrees with Dave on this one, and informs Hunter that he’s on his own. They walk off.
Goldust & Cody Rhodes vs. Ryback & Curtis Axel
After the backstage segment we hear Goldust’s theme, as we see he and Cody Rhodes entering the ring. Already in the ring is the team of Ryback and Curtis Axel. The bell rings and Goldust and Axel start things off for their respective teams. Goldust takes the early offensive advantage and then tags in his little brother. Rhodes comes in and picks up where Goldust left off, taking it to Axel in the middle of the ring.
Cody drops an elbow to the arm of Axel. Cody hits a front suplex and rolls Axel up for a one count. Cody starts concentrating on the left arm of Axel. Goldust now tags back in. Goldust connects with a shot to the gut and drops an elbow for another one count. Axel fights back with a knee to the gut followed by a headbutt. Goldust hits the ropes and connects with his uppercut. Goldust goes after Ryback and Axel attacks him from behind. Axel lands in some stomps and tags in Ryback. Ryback and Axel hit a double clothesline in the corner and Ryback covers for a two count. Ryback chokes Goldust on the middle rope then hits some shoulder tackles in the corner.
Ryback hits a scoop slam and goes to the middle rope. He tags in Axel and Ryback hits a splsh. Axel comes off the middle rope with an ax handle and covers for a two count. Axel hits a knee to the gut then tags Ryback back in. Ryback hits a back kick and covers for another two count. Ryback now locks in a rear chin lock. Goldust fights back to his feet, but Ryback takes him back down and locks in the rear chin lock again. Goldust back to his feet against and lands some body shots, but Ryback whips him into the corner. Ryback charges and eats a back elbow by Goldust. Goldust makes the tag to Cody.
Cody fights off a gorilla press and lands a right hand. Cody goes to the top and hits a moonsault on Ryback. Ryback rolls to the outside. Cody spring boards to the top rope and hits a splash on the outside to Ryback. Ryback back in the ring. Cody hits a spring board drop kick for a near fall. Axel low bridges Goldust out of the ring and eats a disaster kick for his troubles. Rhodes goes for the Disaster Kick, but misses and Ryback ends up nailing him with the Meathook Clothesline. 1-2-3. RyBaxel wins. We head to commercial.
Winners: Ryback & Curtis Axel
WWE Divas Championship
- Paige (c) vs. Alicia Fox
When we return from commercial, a new “Bo-Lieve” promo airs. After that, the new WWE Divas Champion Paige makes her way to the ring. Already in the ring is her opponent for tonight, Alicia Fox. Footage airs last week of Paige winning the title over AJ Lee.
The bell rings and our Divas Championship match is now officially underway. Fox gets the upper-hand straight out of the gate as the announcers bicker back-and-forth for the first time tonight. Fox dominates Paige for several minutes and then the Divas Champion turns things around with a big kick.
Paige enjoys a series of offensive attacks and then locks Fox in a weird submission-type move. Fox has no choice but to tap out. Paige gets the submission victory and retains her WWE Divas Championship.
Winner and STILL WWE Divas Champion: Paige
The Usos vs. Batista & Randy Orton
Out first are the WWE Tag-Team Champions, The Usos, who have on Ultimate Warrior t-shirts and Warrior-style facepaint. Out next are the challengers, Batista and Randy Orton. The bell rings and here we go.
The Usos are all over Batista and Orton early on. They toss both men to the outside and then dive over the top onto both men. The Usos are back in the ring and getting the crowd behind them. Orton now gets back in the ring. He will be starting against Jey Uso. Orton on Jey quickly with right hands and a headbutt. Orton whips Jay, but he comes back with a right hand and now Jimmy tags in. Jimmy lands a flying forearm and covers for a two count.
Orton and Jimmy trade blows, but Orton gains the advantage with his backbreaker. Batista now tags in. Batista lands a kick to the gut and lands shots to Jimmy on the bottom rope. Jimmy gets whipped hard into the corner. Batista hits a big suplex on Jimmy and covers for a two count. Batista drags Jimmy to his corner and tags in Orton. Orton starts targeting the limbs of Jimmy with stomps. Jimmy fights back to his feet with right hands. Orton tosses Jimmy down by his hair and tags Batista back in. Batista lands a stomp, but Jimmy comes back with a kick to the chest.
Jimmy charges and Batista hits the spinebuster for a close near fall. Jimmy reverses a whip and hits a samoan drop for a two count which was broken up by Orton. Orton attacks Jey Uso and throws him into the announce table. The Shield show up out of nowhere and attack Orton on the outside. The Shield surround the ring with Batista in it.
The Shield slowly get in the ring and Reigns connects with the superman punch to Batista and he rolls to the outside where Orton regroups with him. “The Animal” and “The VIper” retreat up the stage as The Shield looks on from the ring.
Winners: No Contest
Backstage: Batista, Randy Orton and Triple H
Backstage, we see an angry Batista and Randy Orton. Triple H approaches them and simply says, “I told you so.” Batista and Orton look at each other.
Paul Heyman Continues To Gloat
Paul Heyman comes out to the top of the stage, to no music, and repeatedly brags about his client Brock Lesnar defeating The Undertaker’s streak. He introduces some historic photos from WrestleMania of Undertaker laying flat on his back. After that, he introduces his newest client, “The King of Swing,” Cesaro. Cesaro comes out to no music and shakes Heyman’s hand. The two head to the ring.
Intercontinental Title Contender Tournament
- Cesaro (with Paul Heyman) vs. Mark Henry
Cesaro and Heyman make their way to the ring. Out next is Mark Henry. Is this another first round match in the WWE Intercontinental Championship number one contender tournament. The winner of this match will square off with Rob Van Dam, who advanced in the tournament earlier tonight after defeating Alberto Del Rio in singles action.
The bell rings and Henry immediately starts yelling at Heyman. Henry and Cesaro circle each other and finally start going at it. The two tie-up and move each other around, but ultimately Henry is too strong for the “King of Swing.” Henry throws Cesaro out to the floor. Heyman talks to Cesaro and gives him some advice, before he re-enters the ring. We see a shot of Big E. watching on backstage.
Cesaro starts gaining the offensive momentum as he blasts Henry with repeated European uppercuts. Henry eventually out-powers Cesaro again and knocks him down to the mat. Cesaro rolls out to the floor once again to recover and regroup. Heyman again gives some advice to the former Real American. Henry goes for the World’s Strongest Slam, but Cesaro manages to escape. Cesaro hits his Neutralizer finisher on Henry and pins him. 1-2-3. Cesaro wins and advances. Heyman gets on the mic and announces Cesaro as the winner. We head to a commercial.
Winner and advancing in the tournament: Cesaro
Backstage: The Authority & Brad Maddox
When we return from commercial, we see Triple H and Stephanie McMahon backstage with Brad Maddox. They tell Maddox he needs to go fetch The Shield for them.
Alexander Rusev (with Lana) vs. Xavier Woods
Justin Roberts introduces the “Ravishing Russian,” Alexander Rusev. Out comes Lana, who puts over Rusev a bunch and then finally introduces him. Out he comes, and the two make their way to the ring. Already in the ring is Rusev’s opponent tonight, Xavier Woods.
The bell rings and immediately the fans in Birmingham break out in a “U.S.A.” chant as Rusev easily handles Woods in the ring. Rusev quickly beats down Woods and applies his “Accolade” submission finisher (which is just a fancy name for the Camel Clutch). Woods taps out.
Winner: Alexander Rusev
After The Match: Rusev Attacks
After the match, R-Truth, who was in Woods’ corner, gets in Rusev’s face. Rusev doesn’t do anything. Truth goes over to check on Woods, and is blasted by a running big-boot to the face courtesy of the “Ravishing Russian.”
Intercontinental Title Contender Tournament
- Jack Swagger (with Zeb Colter) vs. Sheamus
When we return from commercial, Jack Swagger is finishing up his ring entrance. Out next is Sheamus. It’s time for another first round match in the WWE Intercontinental Championship number one contender tournament. Already advancing earlier tonight is Rob Van Dam and Cesaro. The third person to advance is about to be decided now, as the bell rings and these two big bulls collide.
Swagger lands big knees to Sheamus in the corner. Swagger goes or a clothesline, but Sheamus ducks and lands some right hands of his own. Sheamus connects with a big clothesline. Sheamus hits the ropes and lands another clothesline. Sheamus now clotheslines Swagger to the outside. Zeb climbs on the apron, and Swagger slams Sheamus down on the outside.
Both men are now back in the ring. Swagger covers and gets a close two count. Swagger locks in a double shoulder lock. Sheamus fights back to his feet, but Swagger connects with a belly to belly suplex for a two count. Swagger chokes Sheamus on the middle rope. Swagger connects with a short arm clothesline for another two count. Swagger tosses Sheamus in the corner and drives his knee into his face. Swagger hits a snapmare and locks in the double shoulder lock again. Sheamus gets back to his feet and hits a big clothesline. Swagger charges Sheamus but Sheamus connects with a few running lariats.
Sheamus hits a running knee, followed by a snapmare and a kick to the back. Sheamus covers for a two count. Sheamus gets Swagger in the ropes and hits his ten clubbing blows. Sheamus goes to the top rope and hits the battering ram for a close two count. Swagger hits a back elbow to get separation, but Sheamus lands a forearm to the face. Sheamus tries the battering ram again, but Swagger moves and locks in The Patriot lock. Sheamus fights out with a kick to the jaw. Swagger charges and knocks Sheamus to the outside.
Swagger charges and hits a big knee to the gut of Sheamus. Swagger now tosses Sheamus back into the ring. Out of nowhere, Sheamus hits his Brogue Kick finisher and gets the 1-2-3. Sheamus wins and advances in the tournament. We head to commercial.
Winner and advancing in the tournament: Sheamus
In-Ring Segment: Damien Sandow & Big Show
When we return from commercial, Damien Sandow is in the middle of a rant. Big Show’s music hits and he makes his way to the ring. Sandow talks over Big Show’s music, saying that he’s not going to finish talking until everyone hears what he has to say. Sandow continues to babble, leading to a Knockout Punch from Big Show. That’s about it for this segment.
Backstage: The Wyatt Family
The Wyatt Family cut-in happens. Bray Wyatt is shown on the big screen whistling. He simply says, “we’re next.” We head to another commercial break.
Promo Segment: The Wyatt Family & John Cena
When we return from commercial, The Wyatt Family make their way to the ring. Wyatt talks about John Cena for a bit and then Cena makes his way out to the top of the stage. Cena is in corny-comedy mode this week, as he introduces photos of Sister Abigail, Bray Wyatt’s mom and daughter. To make a long story short, Cena eventually challenges Wyatt to a steel cage match at the May 4th WWE Extreme Rules pay-per-view. Wyatt accepts. He sings “he’s got the whole world in his hands” to close out the segment. We head to commercial.
Santino Marella & Emma vs. Fandango & Layla
After the break, we see Santino Marella and Emma already in the ring. Out next is Fandango and Layla, as Michael Cole reminds us on commentary that Fandango broke up with Summer Rae on Twitter. As they make their way to the ring, we see a pre-taped interview where Fandango talks about breaking up with Summer Rae.
Fandango and Santino start things off for their respective teams. Fandango goes behind and locks in a headlock. Fandango hits the ropes and Santino hits an arm drag. Santino hits his hip toss and pulls out the cobra. Fandango tags in Layla and Emma enters the match. Emma gets whipped into the corner, but Layla misses a splash.
Emma locks in the Dilemma and goes to the middle rope. Santino runs in and knocks Fandango off the apron. Layla pulls Emma off the top rope and pins her. 1-2-3, Fandango and Layla win.
Winner: Fandango & Layla
Backstage: Stephanie McMahon & Kane
Backstage, we see Stephanie talking to someone. He tells them that their personal actions are getting out of the way. It turns out she is talking to Kane. Stephanie says she doesn’t want to hear it from him. She says that they thought they hired someone that could fill the position correctly. She says that he failed three times against Daniel Bryan. She calls Kane pathetic, and calls him a shell of what he used to be. She says he used to make women cry with his presence. She asks him what happened to the old Kane. Kane stands up and gets in Stephanie’s face. Kane looks over at his mask inside the case. He opens the case and puts his hand on the mask. He picks the mask up and holds it up. He promises to send D-Bry to the “depths of hell.”
Intercontinental Title Contender Tournament
- Dolph Ziggler vs. Bad News Barrett
Dolph Ziggler makes his way to the ring for the next match in the WWE Intercontinental Championship number one contender tournament. During his entrance, we head to a commercial break.
When we return from commercial, Bad News Barrett makes his way to the ring. The fans, who popped huge for Ziggler during his entrance, are now solidly behind Barrett, chanting for him repeatedly and popping anytime he gets in some offense. The back-and-forth action ensues, leading to Barrett getting the upper-hand. We head to a mid-match commercial.
After the break, we see Barrett going to work on Ziggler. Out of the blue, we get a random “CM Punk” chant. Ziggler starts firing up on offense, meanwhile, leading to his ten-punch spot in the corner. Ziggler hits and the ropes and goes for the FameAsser, but Barrett reverses and slams Ziggler down to the mat for a near fall.
Barrett goes for a pump-handle slam, but Ziggler reverses and blasts him with the FameAsser out of nowhere. 1-2…No! Barrett kicks out. Ziggler hits a top-rope faceplant on Barrett, which the fans respond by chanting “this is awesome.” Barrett hits The Winds of Change out of nowhere, but Ziggler somehow manages to kick out at two. Barrett goes for the Bull Hammer elbow, but Ziggler avoids it and rolls up Barrett. 1-2…No! Seconds later, Barrett does hit the Bull Hammer elbow. 1-2-3. Barrett wins and advances in the tournament.
Winner and advancing in the tournament: Bad News Barrett
After The Match: He’s Afraid He’s Got Some Bad News
After the victory, Barrett gets on the mic and informs us that “he’s afraid he’s got some bad news.” He says standing before all of us is our next WWE Intercontinental Champion. His music hits and he leaves.
The Shield vs. Almost Everyone
The Shield come to the ring. They wait to find out who their opponents are. After a few seconds, the entrances begin. There’s too many to name. In the end, 11 different Superstars make their way to the ring, all of which will be a part of a team that will battle The Shield tonight.
The bell rings and here we go. After some back-and-forth action, most-of-which is dominated by the heel team, the match is thrown out. It ends in what I’m assuming is a “no contest” ruling.
Winners: No Contest
After The Match: Evolution Returns
After the match, the melee continues in the ring until a familiar theme song plays. That’s right children, Evolution is back. Batista, Randy Orton and Triple H make their way to the ring. The guys clear out, leaving The Shield alone to be manhandled by Evolution. The Evolution members hit their finishers on The Shield members, and basically destroy them for a few minutes to close out this week’s RAW.
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