We are just under 24 hours removed from Hell In A Cell and wondering (for those like me who haven’t read/watched yet) who has survived harsh pay-per-view? Did Daniel Bryan finally put The Authority and Randy Orton to rest by winning the WWE Championship, or was it “The Viper” who claimed the prize and is the “face of the WWE?”

Was Alberto Del Rio able to fend off a returning John Cena and hold on to his World Heavyweight Championship?

If he could, how did C.M. Punk get his hands on Paul Heyman? Or was the sly manager able to escape yet again?

Were The Rhodes Brothers capable of keeping their freshly-won Tag Team Titles?

Could Brie Bella wrestle-away (yes, pun intended!) the Divas Championship from A.J. Lee?

Read on to find out all that went down last night!

Monday Night Raw T.V. Report for October 28th, 2013 – “To Hell (In A Cell) And Back”

Introduction Segment: Photo Recap

Stills review two main Hell In A Cell matches, with C.M. Punk picking up the win over Ryback and finally beating down Paul Heyman; then Randy Orton has become the new WWE Champion after Shawn Michaels super-kicked Daniel Bryan!

It is announced that Shawn Michaels will give in a explanation for his actions later tonight, as well a WWE Championship celebration for Randy Orton, and Ryback will take on C.M. Punk in a fans-choose-the-stipulation bout. (How about not at all, feud should’ve ended last night since Punk got his revenge!)

Segment #1: Arena Promo

Justin Roberts welcomes the NEW World Heavyweight Champion, John Cena! (Okay, there goes that upset call I had from last week.) Cena gets in the ring and teases with the crowd about their usual mixed reactions to him. He then thanks John Bradshaw Layfield, for giving him the umph to come back, as week-after-week, he speculated that Cena would only last for the one bout then get re-injured again.

The World Heavyweight Champion goes on to talk about the WWE Champion and his party later, then tells Alberto Del Rio, “you want some? Come get some,” since Del Rio has his rematch clause.

Before Cena walks away, another contender for his championship walks out. Damien Sandow walks out with his Money In The Bank briefcase. He accuses Cena of not being fully healed, and also being “afraid that I will cash in on you.” Sandow teases John on cashing in now, then goes to leave. Suddenly, Sandow nails Cena with the briefcase and hammers away on his arm. “The Intellectual Saviour of the Unwashed Masses” decimates Cena, ramming his arm against the ring post, then throwing him from barricade to steel steps. He grabs a steel chair and smashes it over Cena’s elbow, while it was placed on the steel steps.

Roberts announces that Sandow has intentions to cash in and Marty the referee runs down!

Commercials.

Match #1: Single for the World Heavyweight Championship – “The Intellectual Saviour Of The Unwashed Masses/Mr. Money In The Bank” Damien Sandow (Challenger) VS. John Cena (Champion)

Cena tries to fight back with his right hand, but Sandow soon capitalizes and clamps him in an armbar. Sandow really focuses in on the appendage, giving Cena an armbar and dropping his knee on it. Cena battles back with a boot and backdrop, then collapses.

Ads.

Cena is still slugging it out with Damien, then flies off the ropes with a shoulder block. He catches him in a spin-out backdrop, and musters the strength to try for the 5-Knuckle Shuffle fistdrop, but Sandow counters. 1 – 2 – Cena kicks out! Damien whips John hard into the corner, but Cena tosses him high up in the air with a modified-A.A. Sandow falls out of the ring, and Dr. Gerry Sampson checks on an injured Cena. John waves him off and then goes to collect Sandow.

Sandow tries a full-nelson (there’s a move I haven’t seen in a while), but Cena slips out and brings him down with another backdrop. He covers but only gets two! Sandow locks in a Crossface, but Cena wrestles out of it. Damien plants Cena with the “You’re Welcome” (yes, I just typed that horrible name!) full nelson slam! 1 – 2 – Cena still kicks out!

Cena ascends the turnbuckle and soars off the top with a crossbody. Damien ducks and Cena lands on his elbow and knee. Sandow picks him up and positions for a piledriver, but Cena reverses into the Attitude Adjustment for the hard-fought and tough victory!

Winner via Pin Fall and STILL World Heavyweight Champion: John Cena

Segment #2: Backstage Promo

United States Champion Dean Ambrose talks about his upcoming match with Big E. Langston. Ambrose tells Langston that it was a privilege for him to be in the ring with Dean, and Seth Rollins says they will “rectify that mistake.” Roman Reigns tells us to “believe in The Shield.”

Commercials.

Match #2: Single for the United States Championship – Dean Ambrose (Champion) (with The Shield members, Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns) VS. Big E. Langston (Challenger)

It’s a brawl and quick punches and kicks from Dean to begin. Fast-paced action (overused cliche, yes, but it really was!) with Ambrose in control. Langston comes back with a clothesline and belly-to-belly suplex, but is yanked out of the ring by Roman Reigns, which causes a dq.

Winner via Disqualification: Big E. Langston (Ambrose keeps his United States Championship)

Post-match, as The Shield beat on Langston, The Usos run out and save the big man. Raw General Manager Brad Maddox comes out and makes this the predictable 6-Man Tag, next.

Ads.

Match #3: 6-Man Tag-Team – The Shield (United States Champion Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, and Roman Reigns) VS. Big E. Langston and The Usos (Jimmy and Jey) (Non-Title)

Pick this up with Jimmy and Dena going at it, as Ambrose charges at Jimmy against the ropes. He locks on a rear chinlock, but Jimmy reverses with a jawbreaker then high-kick! He drives Roman with a DDT, as both sides beg for the hot-tag. They are made, and Jey flies off the top! He catches Rollins off the ropes with a spinebuster for two, and this bout breaks down. Langston takes out Ambrose, as Jey is perched on the top turnbuckle by Rollins.

He counters and pushes Seth face-first onto the mat. Rollins gets his knees up as Jey flew off with a splash. Reigns is in and gets Rollins to help him double-suplex Jey. Jimmy comes in and grabs his brother to prevent the suplex, then they both super-kick Reigns. They put Rollins to the outside, but turn around and get double-speared for the 1 – 2 – 3 by Reigns!

Winners via Pin Fall: The Shield (United States Champion Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, and Roman Reigns)

Commercials.

Segment #3: Arena Promo

“The Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels is out now to talk about why he super-kicked Daniel Bryan at Hell In A Cell. He asks Bryan to come out and face off with him to talk about the end result. Daniel walks out with a fierce look on his face and stares down Michaels intently. Shawn claims he still called the match down-the-middle, but because Triple H is his absolute best-friend, everything else will take a back-seat to their friendship. Huge “you sold out” chants ring out, as Shawn tells him that “in this snake pit, you don’t trust anybody.”

Michaels wants him to shake his hand, but both the fans and Bryan refuse. Shawn gets in his face, calling him a “self-righteous little puke,” then orders Bryan to shake his hand because he is “Shawn Michaels!” Bryan grabs his arm and bring shim down in the Yes Lock Crossface! Michaels screams and taps out repeatedly until referees run out and pull Daniel off. He walks back to stage, shaking his head “no.”

Later tonight, it will be the celebration of Randy Orton’s WWE Title win; plus Kane returns after coming back at Hell In A Cell!

Ads.

Segment #4: Backstage Promo

Rene Young is with Daniel Bryan and speculates on his attitude with everything that has happened. She suddenly backs away as The Wyatt Family attacks him. After an assault by Luke Harper and Erik Rowan, Bray Wyatt proclaims “the devil made me do it,” then runs an equipment box into a fallen Daniel’s head.

Match #4: Los Matadores (Fernando and Diego) (with El Torito) VS. 3.M.B. (Drew McIntyre, Jinder Mahal, and Heath Slater)

3.M.B. dominate a Matadores for a bit between single and double-team moves. Matadore counters and tags in his partner, who comes in and takes out McIntyre. On the outside, Slater gives chase with a huge fishing next to El Torito. It backfires on Slater, who is blinded with a fire extinguisher then runs into Heath with a gore. In the ring, Los Matadores double-team McIntyre, who eats the pin and loses for his team.

Winners via Pin Fall: Los Matadores (Fernando and Diego) (with El Torito)

Post-match, Los Matadores and El Torito use the fish next to capture Slater, then beat up on him and celebrate.

Commercials.

Match #5: Tag-Team – Tamina Snuka and Divas Champion A.J. Lee VS. The Bella Twins (Nikki and Brie) (Non-Title)

A recap of The Wyatt Family’s attack on Daniel Bryan is shown again, to add sympathy for Brie, who is engaged to Bryan (for real.) A.J. takes control immediately over Brie, kicking her down. She tags in Tamina, who continues the domination, as A.J. rests on the ropes, smiling. (Nice touch!) Snuka headbutts Brie three times and gets a near fall.

Brie counters and tags in her sister, who comes in with dropkicks. She runs with a Lou Thesz press, but is caught off the ropes in a fall-away slam position. Tamina batters Brie with Nikki, then plants Nikki with a Samoan drop. She tags in A.J., who forces Nikki to tap out to the Black Widow Octopus Stretch!

Winner via Submission: Tamina Snuka and Divas Champion A.J. Lee

up next, Kane comes back!

Ads.

Match #6: Single – Kane VS. The Miz

Kane dominates the bout overall, finishing this one quickly with a Chokeslam!

Winner via Pin Fall: Kane

Post-match, Kane orders Stephanie McMahon to come out as he wants to have a talk. She obliges, but keeps her distance, staying on the stage. “You have been on a power-trip, you have been manipulative, you have abused your power, you have ruined lives. But, these days, it is what’s best for business. ‘The Monster’ is yours to unleash.” Kane walks up to her and removes his mask (you didn’t see his face), handing it over to McMahon. He walks off and she holds it high, first contemplating then smiling.

Commercials.

Segment #5: Arena Promo

C.M. Punk is out now, as always to a loud ovation. He relishes in his beating on Paul Heyman, and declares that Heyman is gone! He moves on to Ryback, declaring “I beat you based on how these people want me to beat you. I promise!”

Match #7: Single – C.M. Punk VS. Ryback
Stipulation: Street Fight

Even though Punk is hyped-up, it is Ryback who controls Punk early in the corner. C.M. fires back with a springboard crossbody, but is rammed into the ring post and the barricade by Ryback. He takes a table from under the ring, but Punk retaliates some kendo stick shots. Ryback returns with a spinebuster, and shoves him with a powerbomb against the turnbuckle, and is set atop.

Punk counters and kicks Ryback onto the table (which my Dad said was “pretty lame” the way he got on). “The Straight-Edge Superstar” soars off the top with an elbow to Ryback through the table, then clamps on the Anaconda Vice to get the tap-out.

Winner via Submission: C.M. Punk

Post-match, surprisingly, The Wyatt Family saunters out. Bray sits in his rocking hair, as Luke Harper and Erik Rowan surround the ring. Both pound away and crocodile wrestles C.M. Punk. Bray comes in and hits the Sister Abigail, then once again proclaims “the devil made me do it.”

Ads.

Match #8: Tag-Team – The Real Americans (Antonio Cesaro and Jack Swagger (with Zeb Colter) VS. Tag-Team Champions The Rhodes Brothers (Goldust and Cody Rhodes) (Non-Title)

Goldust and Cesaro begin, with Goldust in control. He arm-drags Swagger and drops knees on him. Antonio is tagged back in and gets a springboard-elbow to the chest. Cody switches with his brother out wrestles him. He counters a wristlock and plants Cesaro with a front-suplex. Cody bounces off the top rope with a front dropkick and clotheslines Antonio out of the ring.

Commercials.

Returning, The Real Americans have taken control, with Cesaro all over Cody. Swagger is back in and locks on a front-face hold, then uses the corner for the Swaggerbomb splash. 1 – 2 – kickout by Cody! He gets tossed up and brought down with an uppercut by Cesaro, until Goldust comes in and helps his brother.

The referee breaks it up and Cesaro goes back to work on Cody. Goldust soon gets the hot-tag, giving Swagger 10-punches in the corner and a powerslam! Cody nails Cesaro with the Disaster Kick, as Goldust springs off the top with a crossbody! Antonio breaks up a roll-up, and as Cody takes him out, Swagger catches Goldust in the Patriot Lock Ankle Lock and forces him to submit!

Winners via Submission: The Real Americans (Antonio Cesaro and Jack Swagger) (with Zeb Colter)

Ads.

Segment #6: Arena Promo

Alberto Del Rio walks out to the stage. He says he has no bother with Damien Sandow, because his only want is John Cena and the World Heavyweight Championship. He wants his rematch, and to get there, he will target Cena’s arm and “break it over and over again.”

Summer Rae and Fandango make their way to the ring for her match, next!

Match #9: Single – Summer Rae (with Fandango) VS. Natalya (with Hornswoggle and The Great Khali)

Rae catches a kick from Natalya, but Neidhart flips her over and puts her in a leglock. Some great back-and-forth wrestling and counter moves, including a jackknife pin by Rae and backslide from Natalya. Summer chokes Natalya in the corner with a boot, then snapmares her over. Rae puts her in a stump-puller stretch (there’s old school terms, for ya!). Summer splashes on Natalya’s knee, then slams her head against the mat repeatedly. Natalya tries to fight back but her knee gives and Summer takes back control.

Summer goes over to talk to Fandango, but Hornswoggle yanks him off the apron. Fandango throws him to the ramp, but is subsequently chopped down by The Great Khali. Summer turns around and gets locked in the Sharpshooter and taps out!

Winner via Submission: Natalya (with Hornswoggle and The Great Khali)

Up next, WWE Champion Randy Orton’s celebration.

Commercials.

Segment #7: Arena Promo

The roster is standing on stage, with The Shield by the ring. The squared circle is decked out in a red carpet, and The Authority are out first; The Shield enter the ring with them. Triple H has the microphone, saying that he was the one who predicted Randy Orton becoming “the face of the WWE.” He gives us the “A+ Player,” “The Viper” Randy Orton. The WWE Champion walks out slowly, soaking in the moment. He embraces both HHH and Stephanie with a hug. McMahon then calls Randy “everyone’s champion,” saying he symbolizes all of the roster, what they “inspire to be.” She wants them to “show the respect he so richly deserves.”

Orton takes the mike, and says he is “better than you,” all because he has the WWE Championship. “You’re either born a success or you’re not. Make no mistake, I’m a success.” He calls himself “superior,” but is suddenly interrupted by The Big Show! The 7-Footer barrels down to the ring, and along with The Usos and The Rhodes Brothers, eliminate The Shield. Show eyes down The Authority and Randy, then charges the ring. They all hide by the announce table while Show goes into an angry tirade. “You can’t expect me to sit by and let all this turn my stomach!”

Big informs them his lawsuit will cost them tons of money. “I don’t care, I have nothing to lose Hunter!” Orton suddenly nails him from behind with the WWE Title, but gets knocked out when he goes for a second shot! Both Stephanie and Triple H look on in disbelief and horror, as Show is fired up.

Triple H removes his jacket and gets ready, but backs off the apron to a loud chorus of boos. Stephanie pushes HHH back as Show yells at them. Trips approaches again but circles the ring and glares at the giant. Show exists the ring and back up the ramp, while Triple H and Stephanie furiously look on to close the show.

End Of Raw.

Reporter’s Rumblings – By Moe Tapp

I thought this was a strong show coming out of the pay-per-view. (Didn’t see or read about it [as usual, wanted to be surprised], so not sure if Hell In A Cell was strong or not.) Again, both the beginning and ending were exciting and left you wanting more. There were a ton of matches too, so that is always great! Onto the analysis:

Excellence: Opening promo and subsequent actual match between Cena & Sandow. I loved the psychological story behind the bout, and I think that this is the most vicious I’ve seen Damien, going straight for the previously injured arm of the World Heavyweight Champion.

While the 6-Man with The Shield and Langston/Usos ended up being predictable, always do like these guys matching-up together. They have great chemistry, and with Big E. in the mix of being a brawler/power-type, he fits right in there with Roman Reigns and the toughness of U.S. Champ Ambrose.

Fantastic promo by Shawn Michaels. I had a good feeling, and obviously predicted right, that Randy Orton would be the WWE Champ after H.I.A.C. with help from The Authority, Michaels, or Big Show. Michaels’ reasoning’s were great, because he looks at it (and I think rightfully so), that while he did train Daniel Bryan, that’s all he did. Bryan was then on his own after leaving Shawn’s academy, where as “H.B.K.” and Triple H have stuck by together for almost 20 years. The explanation makes good sense. Loved Daniel’s silent reaction and then just tearing apart Shawn in the Crossface out of nowhere. Honestly, if creative wants this to lead to a match between the two, I just might be ok with that, depending on the build and the circumstances. I know it would be beautiful match!

Great matches with the two Divas bouts and Rhodes Brothers/Real Americans. Was really surprised by Summer Rae’s performance and how well she stepped up. Also like how Cesaro/Swagger got the win, beacuse it poses them to be legit challengers for Goldust & Cody’s championships. (Granted, I do hope The Rhodes Brothers have a long-deserved reign.) Happy that C.M. Punk defeated Ryback soundly in the tables match, and while I was genuinely surprised that he actually got to beat down Paul Heyman at H.I.A.C., I’m cool with it and think this feud should be done with. Time for “The Second City Saint” to move on.

With The Wyatt Family taking out both C.M. Punk and Daniel Bryan, interesting to see if they are helping The Authority by taking out the most popular wrestlers, and ones that would go against “powers-that-be.”

Kane’s turn was also another shock and super surprised he took off his mask and handed to Stephanie. Very, very intrigued to see where this is going.

Again, loved Big Show’s reactions to WWE Champ Orton and The Authority. Love the sincere emotion that he propels in his tirades, and it is going to lead to either him VS. Triple H or him VS. Randy. Either one, or both, I’m cool with.

Bogus: While I did like the physicality in the bout between Cena and Sandow, I don’t like the fact that they just wasted it on T.V. I really think they should’ve had Damien tease his cash-in for a while, and then do it out of no where or announce one night that he will cash in later in that show. Play some head games at first, like Sandow can be awesome at with his oratory skills.

Los Matadores/3.M.B. – enough of these guys, move on!

Minor details count, and with Big Show, if he’s “fired,” why did his theme music play and he walked through the set like every other wrestler? Going through the crowd and driving the truck made some sense, but this was unbelievable for someone who is “no longer employed.”

Raw definitely set up some new and appealing feuds/storylines, while the current ones keep getting more curious as to where they’re headed. Way to go and hopefully they keep it up! Until next week, as always, Be Excellent Wrestling-Online Readers and Wrestling Fans!