Once more, I have managed to avoid the results of Hell In A Cell, so tonight’s Raw will be a surprise for me. Even though the WWE World Heavyweight Championship – which is usually the biggest guess/main draw – was not on the line last night, I’m still intrigued at the outcome of three matches: the IC 2-out-of-3 Falls (Go Ziggler), Ambrose/Rollins (was undecided last week) and Randy/John (hopefully, Orton!) The Pay-Per-View did look to have a great card, and some interesting future storylines depending on the outcomes…

To see where it has taken us, let’s read on!

Monday Night Raw TV Report for October 27th, 2014 – “Side ‘A’ or Side ‘C’?”

Introduction Segment: Video Promo

Recap of last night’s Hell In A Cell Pay-Per-View starts off, showing the results of the two Hell In The Cell matches.

Segment #2: Arena Promo

Lillian Garcia welcomes us live to Raw now, with The Authority – Triple H, Stephanie, and Kane – in the ring already. Both Stephanie and “The Game” put over the HIAC PPV, as well as Seth Rollins, who defeated Dean Ambrose. “Mr. Money In The Bank” walks out with Jamie Noble and Joey Mercury.

Stephanie wants another reaction for Seth, so she receives a chorus of boos. Rollins touts his accomplishment of beating Ambrose (albeit with help from Bray Wyatt) and is looking ahead, to John Cena. He mock’s Cena’s signature hand gesture, and says that he will “leave him in a puddle of his own failure.” Seth is scheduled to face John later tonight.

Randy Orton now marches out and is displeased with his loss to Cena at Hell In A Cell being mentioned twice already. He goes on a tirade against Rollins, then they engage in a brawl. The rest of The Authority are able to separate Orton and Rollins, then Triple H tries to talk him down. He appears to work, until Orton suddenly R.K.O.’s Seth and walks to the back! Mercury and Noble collect a dazed Rollins, while Kane, Stephanie, and Triple H follow them up the ramp.

Later tonight, Hall Of Famer Hulk Hogan will be here, and up next, The Dust Brothers defend their Tag-Team Titles against The Big Show (who lost to Rusev) and Mark Henry!

Commercials.

Match #1: Tag-Team for the Tag-Team Championship – The Dust Brothers (Goldust and Stardust) (Champions) VS. The Big Show and “The World’s Strongest Man” Mark Henry (Challengers)

(Note: During Show/Henry’s entrance, a video is shown of them in the locker room talking about Henry somehow costing Show his bout against Rusev at HIAC; in other words, read “team dissension.”) Mark and Goldust begin, with “The World’s Strongest Man” dominating until Goldust makes the tag to his brother. The two big-men completely control this contest for the early part, until a brief argument over Show tagging Henry ensues.

Ads.

Goldust now has Show in a grounding front-facelock, which Big punches out of. Goldust punches back but is tossed in the air with a flapjack! Show makes the hot-tag to Henry, who is all over Stardust. He tries an over-the-shoulder-powerslam, but Stardust hops out of it and chops Henry’s knee. Goldust and Stardust continue to switch and take over the tempo of the match.

Show makes another tag to Henry, which “The World’s Strongest Man” is not pleased with. Show takes care of both Stardust and Goldust, but Henry predictably comes in and drops Big with The World’s Strongest Slam. He chucks Stardust on top of Show to give the brothers the victory!

Winners via Pinfall and STILL Tag-Team Champions: The Dust Brothers (Goldust and Stardust)

Post-match, an angry Mark gives Show two more World’s Strongest Slams.

Up next, Roman Reigns will provide an update on his health and recovery!

Commercials.

Segment #3: Backstage Promo

Rene Young tries to find out why Mark Henry did what he did to Big Show. Henry insinuates that “he’s jealous of me. Always has been, always will be.”

Segment #4: Video/Arena Promo

Michael Cole, John “Bradshaw” Layfield, and Jerry “The King” Lawler all take turns interviewing Roman Reigns, who is “live via satellite.” Reigns rips into Rollins, then threatens that he will “make you the past. Believe that!”

Divas Champion A.J. Lee makes her entrance, and will be wrestling next!

Ads.

Match #2: Single – Divas Champion A.J. Lee VS. Alicia Fox (with Paige) (Non-Title)

(Note: Paige is on commentary) Fox all over A.J. early, dropkicking her out of the ring, then ramming her into the corner a bit later. A nice position on a Northern-Light suplex gives Alicia a two-count, then she clamps on a grounding rear chinlock. A.J. turns a scoop-slam around into a tornado DDT, but gets a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker quickly after. Paige goes to the apron and yanks Alicia’s ankle, which allows A.J. to roll her up for the 1 – 2 – 3!

Winner via Pinfall: Divas Champion A.J. Lee

Post-match, Paige goes ballistic on Fox, throwing and sling-shotting her into the corner barricade. She repeatedly slams her head into the corner. Lawler walks over to help Alicia as Paige backs off and screams “I don’t need a best friend!”

Also in the lineup tonight, Dean Ambrose will take on Cesaro. Up next, the #1 Contender (yet-again) to the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, John Cena, will be out.

Commercials.

Segment #5: Arena Promo

John Cena is all happy after becoming the new #1 Contender to the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. He cuts his usual promo, both pleasing the fans by putting them over and their local National Basketball Association team, the San Antonio Spurs, and ripping into both Lesnar and Rollins. He says that Seth is “the future,” but tonight “I am going through the future!”

Stephanie McMahon now joins John in the ring. She is in suspense for the main event tonight, featuring Cena and the “standard bearer of the WWE, Seth Rollins.” McMahon also announces that there will be a traditional tag-team match at Survivor Series (for $9.99!), then offers a “business proposition.” Steph wonders why Cena “panders” to the crowd, when they clearly call out “Cena sucks” many times. McMahon wants to make him “do what is best for business.” Stephanie tells John that the fans “don’t matter,” but still wonders why he sacrifices so much for the adoration of the fans, despite their own reservations about him. Stephanie says The Authority are the true ones who will support him; they will give him some “insurance” to “guarantee a victory.” Stephanie almost begs Cena, saying he is worthy of the “accolades” and the “respect.”

Cena gets the fans riled up and informs Steph “hell-no,” declaring that he is not a “sell-out.” Triple H also tries to convince him joining, but relents and makes him face Team Authority at Survivor Series, with whomever he can find to help out. “The Authority is the future, and whether you like it or not, you had better smarten up to the fact that The Authority always wins.”

Ads.

Match #3: Tag-Team – The Miz and Damien Mizdow VS. The Usos (Jimmy and Jey)

Miz and Jimmy begin with standing headlocks. Miz kicks Jimmy in the corner, then clamps on another standing headlock. He gives Jimmy a shoulder block, and a knee-to-the-gut to Jey who was tagged in. The fans want Mizdow to be in, but Miz refuses the tag. Miz is knocked to the floor, so Damien follows up and lays down beside him. This sets up The Usos to soar over the ropes with a double-plancha!

Commercials.

Miz back in control, wearing down Jey with a grounding rear chinlock. Both Miz and Mizdow rule this contest for a while, until Jimmy gets some momentum. Eventually, Jimmy and Jey make a switch, as Jey small-packages Miz to take this one!

Winners via Pinfall: The Usos (Jimmy and Jey)

Post-match, Miz and Mizdow complain that The Usos cheated.

A camera focuses on Dolph Ziggler and John Cena, who are conversing backstage and ending with a handshake.

Ads.

Segment #6: Backstage Promo

Kane walks up to Dolph Ziggler and is not pleased that Ziggler made a deal with John Cena. He challenges him to a match later tonight.

Segment #7: Arena Promo

Hall Of Famer and former WWE Champion Hulk Hogan is brought out to put over John Cena and the Susan G. Komen Foundation. He invites the women ringside who have survived Breast Cancer and are involved with the Foundation to pose with him.

Bo Dallas is walking backstage, and up next, he will make an open challenge to anyone.

Commercials.

Match #4: Single – “The Inspirational” Bo Dallas VS. ???

Bo invites anyone to come and challenge him, so a returning superstar answers the call; Ryback! He’s back, and back to form, polishing off Bo quickly with the Meathook Clothesline and Shellshock Marching Samoan Drop!

Winner via Pinfall: Ryback

Up next, Dean Ambrose is in action!

Ads.

Match #5: Single – Cesaro VS. Dean Ambrose

(Note: they show an interview with Randy Orton, where he yelled at the interview that he “dealt” with the problem of The Authority. Orton stormed to towards more of the backstage area.)

This bout doesn’t even get underway, as after an Ambrose promo in which he wants to figure out Bray Wyatt, he blasts Cesaro with the microphone and continues to whale on him. The referee is able to pull Dean off Cesaro; then Wyatt appears on screen.

Bray talks about seeing himself in Ambrose. “We both are victims of a system that makes men tortured. Things that will make others ‘cringe’ and ‘grimace’ excite people like you and me. This world is not made for us. Think about it, think about it.” Wyatt says he knows him because he is him. “Run Dean, run.”

Commercials.

Match #6: Nikki Bella (with Brie Bella) VS. Naomi

Nikki wins this one.

Winner via Pinfall: Nikki Bella (with Brie Bella)

Ads.

Match #7: Single – “Corporate” Kane V.S Intercontinental Champion “The Show-Off” Dolph Ziggler (Non-Title)

Dolph plays a quick mind game, wanting to lockup but escaping to the outside. He slides back in and slugs away, then continues to punch at Kane. The 7-footer counters a run with a shoulder block, then begins to work over Dolph. He wears down Ziggler with a grounding rear chinlock, but Dolph counters with a jawbreaker. Kane runs at him, but Dolph pulls the ropes down, sending Kane tumbling to the outside. He follows up with a dropkick for a break.

Commercials.

Kane is back in control, but is planted with a sit-down facebuster! Dolph punches in the corner, but is caught with an uppercut as he ran at him with a splash! 1 – 2 – Dolph gets the shoulder up! Kane starts to dominate again, low front-dropkicking him in the face for two! He splashes Ziggler in one corner, but gets an elbow in the other as Dolph countered. This time, Dolph leaps on Kane in the corner and rapidly punches him. Ziggler brings Kane down with a neckbreaker and a leaping elbow drop as he gains more momentum.

Dolph goes for the Fameasser but Kane reverses into a big sidewalk slam. Kane climbs the turnbuckle, but misses his patented diving clothesline, giving Dolph an opportunity for the Fameasser! Ziggler covers, but still only gets a near-fall!

Kane goes for the chokeslam, but Dolph hops out and superkicks him! He tries the Zig-Zag, but Kane pushes him off and boots him in the head for two! Kane attempts another chokeslam, but Dolph reverses again, sunset-flipping “The Big Red Machine” to take the victory!

Winner via Pinfall: Intercontinental Champion “The Show-Off” Dolph Ziggler

Post-match, Seth Rollins charges out and nails Ziggler from behind. He and Kane double-team Dolph until John Cena makes the save. This sets up the main event, coming up next!

Ads.

Match #8: Single – John Cena VS. “Mr. Money In The Bank” Seth Rollins (with Joey Mercury and Jamie Noble)

A lockup starts the match, but the battle soon goes the outside. Rollins runs Cena into the apron, then takes control. He punches John in the corner. He throws Cena back to the floor, where Noble and Mercury kick away. Rollins follows, suplexing Cena on the outside mats. He runs at Cena in the corner, back in the ring, but his punches are blocked. Rollins moves from a running clothesline and dives off the second turnbuckle with an overhead neckbreaker!

Commercials.

They are fighting back on the outside, where Cena chucks Jamie into the corner; but then Seth hurls Cena into the steel steps. Cena makes it into the ring prior to the 10-count. Rollins wears Cena down with a grounding rear chinlock, then suicide dives onto Cena through the ropes to the outside! Seth tries a top-rope suplex, but Cena pushes him off and dives with a crossbody! Rollins quickly takes control again, and hurts Cena some more with another submission. Later, Cena hops to the second turnbuckle and spins Rollins around with a Tornado DDT! 1 – 2 – Seth kicks out! Cena goes for the Attitude Adjustment, but Rollins lands on his feet. He leaps up and kicks, but Cena moves. John tries to lock on the S.T.F., but Rollins rockets to his feet and kicks Cena in the gut. He flips him over with a reverse DDT, but only gets two!

Seth climbs the ropes, but Cena meets him up there. Rollins still counters and turns it into a running powerbomb, slamming Cena in the opposite corner! 1 – 2 – Cena still kicks out! Rollins goes for the Curb Stomp, but Cena catches him by the leg and grapples on the S.T.F. As Rollins looks to give in, Kane interferes, causing the DQ.

Winner via Disqualification: John Cena

Post-match, Kane and Rollins continue to attack Cena, until I.C. Champ Dolph Ziggler runs out. He tries to even the odds, but Mercury and Noble run back in. all of a sudden, most of the locker room scurries out and all brawl, until Cena puts both Heath Slater and Bo Dallas on the canvas with a pair of Attitude Adjustments. He points at The Authority, who are glaring at him and observing from the top of the ramp to close the show.

End Of Raw.

Reporter’s Rumblings – By Moe Tapp

This was a pretty good Raw, following Hell In A Cell. I love how they setup Survivor Series already, and again, made it intriguing. Onto the analysis:

Excellence: Randy Orton’s promo – did not like the fact that he lost at H.I.A.C. (more on that in Bogus) but absolutely loved his irrate-ness at The Authority. He is definitely back as the “unpredictable viper” and that is what makes him great/not boring! Also, he’s gotten a good amount of cheers lately, so I’m sensing a big face-turn now. Added bonus to how Seth sold the R.K.O.!

Glad Paige has seemed to split from her “best friend” phase, and now can go back to being a butt-kicking loner, which she was best at on NXT.

Triple H/Stephanie’s promo to counter-act John Cena’s usual talk. They made some great points, and really displayed more passion that Cena in that interview.

A pretty decent Tag-Team bout between Usos & Miz/Mizdow; loved the surprise of the TRUE Ryback being back and taking names. Happy to hear the good pop he got too, and I could see him being a good fit for Cena’s team now.

Fantastic matches between Kane/Ziggler, and Cena/Rollins, respectively. Plus a very good, sort-of out-of-nowhere ending with the big clash. Obviously, you can probably predict a bit on who’s going to be on which team, but at least the fight between most of the wrestlers put some into question.

Really quick, I will predict Cena’s team: Cena, Ziggler, Ryback, Orton, and either a returning Reigns or Daniel Bryan!

Bogus: I did not like both Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose competing tonight; they should’ve had at least this week off from wrestling to sell the brutality of their Hell In The Cell match. Why did Cena have to win again? Even though his team VS. The Authority at Survivor Series could be good, I think Orton deserved the spot for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship more, and it could’ve been a good storyline for him VS. Lesnar/Heyman, especially following last week. They still could also do Team Cena VS. Team Authority.

Nikki/Brie waste of time right now. I’m hoping A.J. moves into a new Diva feud for the Championship; perhaps bring up another NXT Diva? Not excited by another “big-man” feud, with Henry and Show. I really liked them as a powerhouse team better.

Was disappointed by Roman Reign’s interview. It was too short, and nothing new from the last time he appeared on camera. I think they just need to keep him out of sight until he’s ready to come back, and then have a big surprise return, like they did with Ryback tonight.

Overall, I greatly enjoyed Raw again this week, and the added “search” for Cena’s team provides interest in the weeks to come. Here’s hoping they keep it up! Until next week, as always, Be Excellent Wrestling-Online Readers and Wrestling Fans!