The Wrestling Thread: WWE WrestleMania 31 [NSFW]

[IronMaiden]

Has this been posted yet? http://www.wwe.com/videos/cm-punk-has-a ... 3-26123862

[Skippy]

Yes but posting it again just allows me to say this again.

PUNK VS LESNAR AT SUMMERSLAM. BELIEVE!

[Corazon de Leon]

Summerslam triple threat - Punk vs RVD vs Jericho for the WWE title.

[Johnny Ryall]

Reckon rvd can still go like he used to?

[Mockmaster]

Every RVD match I've seen in the last 5 years has seemed like its in slow motion.

[KK]

Reckon rvd can still go like he used to?

On the basis of his recent matches in TNA, that would be no.

[KK]

Another storyline heading into tonight's RAW:

After suffering a brutal assault at the hands of Alberto Del Rio during their World Heavyweight Championship Match at WWE Payback, it has been determined that Dolph Ziggler is not medically cleared to compete at this time.

Ziggler was recently out of action for a month, due to a concussion. Though it was eventually determined that he was able to compete against his aggressive No. 1 contender on Sunday, the unrelenting onslaught that Del Rio unleashed – which ultimately caused him to lose the illustrious championship gold – clearly took its toll.

Stay with WWE.com for more updates on Ziggler’s condition as they become available.

http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2013-06-17 ... e-26124073

[Johnny Ryall]

Watching payback. Trending now "poor Kaitlyn".

[Psychic]

Wyatt family debut tonight please.

[Jam-Master Jay]

What a way to return.

[Corazon de Leon]

Reckon rvd can still go like he used to?

Absolutely not. I wouldn't be surprised if he's Wellness Policy'd out the door in a year's time.

[Johnny Ryall]

Turns, turns everywhere. I love it. Punk is a good face.

[Johnny Ryall]

Sooo sleepy, Payback main event + raw will have to wait for tomorrow.

[KK]

Seemed like a legit concussion or some sort of injury. Randy Orton asked the referee at one point "what the strawberry float is going on?" as Bryan seemingly dead weighted him and appeared somewhat out of it. Not quite sure what was going on.

[Dark Ritual]

Mizzark's suit

[PES Fan]

What in the hell?

[KK]

Hook, line and sinker on that one. Haven't been that duped since watching WCW.

[Irene Demova]

Ziggler/Del Rio

This booking! This has to be set up for a dual-turn. Del Rio was booked as a total heel here and Ziggler a very very brave face. Crowd were so into it too

I loved the moment when Del Rio kicked the diva's title belt into a cameraman

[KK]

Location: Van Andel Arena; Grand Rapids, Michigan
Commentators: Michael Cole, John "Bradshaw" Layfield and Jerry Lawler

Hour 1

Less than 24 hours removed from WWE Payback, RAW opened with Ricardo announcing new World Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio. Crowd started booing Ricardo and then Del Rio as soon as they came out on stage. Alberto Del Rio asked the crowd how their weekend was, and asked why they were talking about the Man of Steel movie when the real Superman was right here. Del Rio said some people thought his win last night was controversial, yet when Ziggler cashed in the night after WrestleMania when he was injured they all cheered. Del Rio continued that he 'always gave everything but was never shown any respect'. Del Rio accused the fans of disrespecting Mexicans, who would rather chant "USA, USA" along with a pig like Jack Swagger and Colter. "I guess that's what America is all about: pigs and cowards". Del Rio said however he would give the fans one more chance to show him some respect. Crowd booed. CM Punk's music then hit and he made his way out along with Paul Heyman. Punk said he wasn't out here because he was berating the crowd, rather that he said he was "the best". Crowd broke out into a "CM Punk" chant. Punks said there is only one best in the world, and the reason he was out was to challenge him. Paul Heyman intervened and said his clients don't fight for free. Punk asked Heyman what he was doing. Heyman said he's banged up from last night and the title wouldn't even be on the line. Punk said he knows he's banged up and knows Ziggler deserves a title rematch, but he was stealing the show at Payback with Chris Jericho. Punk said how about he prove once again he's the best in the world and do it tonight against Alberto Del Rio. Vickie Guerrero, accompanied by Brad Maddox, interrupted. She said she'd like to continue the momentum from last night's PPV so was therefore making CM Punk vs. Alberto Del Rio in a non-title match official for tonight's RAW main event.

They showed a graphic on the screen saying Vickie Guerrero would have a big surprise for the McMahon family and the rest of the WWE Universe later tonight.

Randy Orton vs. Daniel Bryan was announced for later.

Wade Barrett was shown heading towards the ring for a Intercontinental Championship rematch against Curtis Axel.

Paul Heyman was backstage with CM Punk apologising for jumping the gun earlier. CM Punk said he doesn't need Heyman's help to win matches, and that he almost cost him the match against Chris Jericho at Payback. He said he isn't his client and didn't want him at ringside any longer for his matches. Punk said however he'd always be a "Paul Heyman guy" before walking off.

Vickie Guerrero, once again flanked by Brad Maddox, came out and said Barrett's title rematch would have to wait, as he would have to face someone else instead: Christian.

Match 1: Christian defeated Wade Barrett (who didn't receive an entrance) with the Kill Switch.

Michael Cole said that Vickie Guerrero had decided to allow fans on the WWE App to vote on whether tonight's match between Daniel Bryan and Randy Orton would be No Disqualification, No Count Out, or 2 out of 3 falls.

A Wyatt Family vignette aired.

Match 2: Team Rhodes Scholars (who didn't receive an entrance) defeated Sheamus in a 2-on-1 Handicap match, not fought under tag rules, when Sandow rolled up Sheamus. After the match, Sheamus Brogue Kicked Cody Rhodes while Sandow was celebrating in the aisle.

They showed a graphic on-screen posing the question on whether Mark Henry would announce his retirement later.

A video package aired promoting the return of oVeRrateD at Money in the Bank next month.

Vickie and Brad Maddox were in their office with Triple H. Vickie said she wanted to do something to make Triple H proud. Hunter said her choice of main event tonight was "genius", and it was great to see Vickie thinking on her toes. He then asked had Punk not come out what the main event would have been. Vickie quickly moved on to the return of Christian. Triple H asked why it took them so long to bring him back when he's been cleared for a month and half. Vickie again quickly moved on to RVD. As Vickie and Brad went back and forth as to who had come up with the idea to resign him, Triple H said he didn't remember either of them on the phone. Triple H then said that Vickie needed to get The shield under control as they've been running roughshod through WWE. Hunter said if they get involved in any matches tonight that they need to be made an example of. Triple then said putting 3MB on the show was also a stroke of genius. Brad thanked him as Hunter left, before Vickie told Brad he was being sarcastic...

Bryan was warming up backstage when Kane walked in. Kane asked whether they could talk. Bryan said he was busy, and if he was only going to say 'told you so' then he wasn't interested. Kane said he wasn't glad of anything, and said that perhaps the fact they both lost at Payback was a sign that they should both give it another shot as a team. Bryan said he would never be able to prove himself, and that the only Team was Team DB. Kane said Bryan was "acting like a DB". Bryan said he needs to win the WWE Champ. Kane said he was thinking same thing in regards to himself too. Kane pondered whether they were now done and whether this was it for them as a team. Kane wished Bryan luck, which only led to Bryan asking whether he was only wishing him luck because he thinks he's the weak link. Kane stormed off...

Voting for Bryan vs. Orton opened.

They showed an interview with Randy Orton from the WWE App. He said it was down to Bryan that they lost at Payback, and Bryan was the weak link, and he was going to prove it tonight.

Jerry Lawler entered the ring and revealed the WWE App voting had decided the stipulation for Bryan and Orton would be No DQ, with 54% of the vote.

Hour 2

Match 3: Randy Orton defeated Daniel Bryan via stoppage when the WWE Doctor called the match off due to Bryan suffering some sort of injury. This appeared to be legit, as at one point Orton was heard asking the referee "what the strawberry float is going on?", as WWE desperately attempted to mute the audio. Randy Orton checked if he was okay and along with the trainer helped Bryan to the back.

They recapped the opening segment.

They aired Kaitlyn crying from last night after losing the WWE Divas' title.

AJ Lee, accompanied by Big E Langston made their way out. AJ grabbed the microphone and said "So this is what it feels like to have it all". She announced Ziggler wasn't there, much to the crowd's disappointment. AJ said that she's always been the champion, but now just has the proof. She said that she had employed mind games to crush the spirit of Kaitlyn. AJ said she was the hero of this story, and that she's a women that knows exactly how to get what she wants, and that there isn't a woman anywhere as strong, brilliant or courageous as her, and if there was for them to come out right now. Stephanie McMahon's new music hit and she made her way out. Stephanie said there was a whole line of Divas willing to challenge AJ Lee. Stephanie The Feminist then asked why AJ Lee feels the need to perpetuate this stereotype that women need to tear each other down instead of building each other up. Stephanie said the way AJ treated Kaitlyn was degrading to women everywhere. Crowd chanted "We want puppies". Stephanie said AJ needs to act more like a champion. AJ responded by saying that maybe she does need to be thinking and acting more like Stephanie. Perhaps rather than dating superstars, maybe she should marry one instead. Crowd went "Oooooh". AJ then went on about Stephanie having Daddy issues. Mrs McMahon then said she would have expected something more original. She said if AJ wants to give her the crazy eyes, then she needs to remember there's nobody more crazy than the McMahons. Steph said AJ needs to remember that she can take everything away from AJ and could easily fire her. Kaitlyn interrupted on the ramp with the rest of the Divas locker-room. Stephanie walked up the ramp and told Kaitlyn and the rest of the Divas' never to interrupt her again. Kaitlyn said AJ broke her emotionally, before heading into the ring and brawling with AJ. AJ made it to the outside with Big E Langston then carrying AJ to the back.

Match 4: In a rematch for the United States Championship, Kane defeated Dean Ambrose via Disqualification when The Shield ran-in almost immediately and assaulted Kane.

Mark Henry was backstage shaking hands and hugging with Tamina Snuka and some tag team I can't remember the name of. The one with the comb and looks like John Cena. Ah, who strawberry floating cares anyway...

The Shield were walking backstage, before being confronted by Vickie and Brad. The Shield mocked what Vickie was going to do about their actions. Just as Vickie said "You're..." Vince McMahon turned up to congratulate The Shield, saying it reminded him of himself, and that they were showing "Ruthless aggression". Vince said he never liked that Halloween mask wearing freak anyway, said Vickie looked nice, and walked off.

Another vignette for the Wyatt family aired.

Zeb Colter came out and cut a promo about the US government spying on its citizens and foreigners sneaking across the border. To show neither Jack Swagger or himself are prejudicial, they were joining forces with Antonio Cesaro. Cesaro came out and did Swagger's "We the people" line. Michael Cole called them hypocrites.

Match 5: Antonio Cesaro (w/Zeb Colter) pinned William Regal off of the Neutraliser. After the match they draped a yellow "Don't tread on me" yellow flag over Regal.

John Cena was shown heading towards the ring.

Back from break, WWE Champion John Cena came out in what is fast becoming a night of promos...

The commentators said Ryback refused to go to the hospital last night, but had not been medically cleared to compete on RAW. Usual mixed response for Cena. Cena was grinning from ear to ear like a complete loon.

Hour 3

Cena said he "loves this". Crowd booed the INSUFFERABLE BASTARD. Cena said his favourite superstars were the WWE Universe, because they were always honest. He said every time he steps in the ring he goes to war for the group of fans that support him. Cena said he had a horrible 2012, and that he would come out and ask his fans to hang on in there. Cena said sceptics and critics would always be there, but for those that stood by him "thank you". Cena said he could take care of any challenge that is put in front of him. I blame the writers. Cena said at MITB he would know where his next challenge would come from. There would be no opportune time to cash in as he will always be ready. Cena said "our time is now because the champ is here". Mark Henry's music interrupted and he made his way out smiling clutching a pair of boots. He left them on the stage and made his way into the ring. Henry's wearing a pink blazer. He asked Cena to stay and listen to this. Henry, who was crying, said he was retiring. Crowd chanted various "Thank you Henry" and "One more match" at him. He thanked his family, and said they'd be seeing a lot more of him now, whether they wanted to or not. Someone in the crowd shouted out "Mae Young" which Henry acknowledged. As Cena passed the WWE Title to Henry and went to hug him, Mark Henry then picked him up and gave Cena the World Strongest Slam in the SWERVE OF THE DECADE. Mark Henry shouted "You think it's that easy?" at a downed Cena. Henry walked up to the stage, as he turned around and shouted "that's what I do".

Backstage Mark Henry was approached by Renee Young. Henry said he had everyone fooled and we're all a bunch of puppets. He said the WWE Championship is the only title he hasn't held and he's challenging Cena for it right now.

Match 6: Chris Jericho pinned Heath Slater (w/3MB) off the Codebreaker. After the match the other 2 members of 3MB ran in but were immediately dispatched with Codebreakers.

Heyman was telling Axel backstage to pick his moment when Matt Striker interrupted. Heyman said couldn't they see they were both talking. Striker asked if there was any more to Punk and Heyman splitting. Heyman responded by saying that true friends know when to give each other space, and why Striker wasn't asking about the Intercontinental Champion instead.

The Miz was on commentary.

Match 7: Intercontinental Champion Curtis Axel (w/Paul Heyman) defeated Sin Cara in a non-title bout with a DDT. Seriously, this is their third match in the last month. And those stupid lights are back again. The lights that were so epically gooseberry fool in 1997 when Kane débuted they immediately got rid of it.

They announced Daniel Bryan was scheduled to face Dean Ambrose on SmackDown.

Vince McMahon was backstage with Vickie and Brad saying they were both doing a good job. Vince said that Henry sucked him in and had him crying, and what they were going to do about it. Vickie said she was giving Henry his Championship match at Money in the Bank. Stephanie walked in and said the show was out of control and Vickie needed to reassert her authority. Stephanie called the show a "disaster". Triple H then walked in and said he had ordered Vickie to do something about The Shield, before demanding Vickie start listening to him. Triple H left and Vince said not to worry about it, and instead listen to him. When he walked out, Stephanie put her arm around her and said not to listen to either of them two and rather listen to her. Vince McMahon or a stage-hand was then heard off screen wrapping the segment.

Paul Heyman ran over to Punk backstage as he was heading to the ring and said he understood his decision. Heyman said he loved Punk and told him to "go get 'em". They hugged and as Punk walked off Heyman shouted that he was the "best in the world".

Over-run

Main Event: CM Punk ended in Count Out when Alberto Del Rio (w/Ricardo) simply walked out on the match.

Michael Cole announced on commentary during the match that Daniel Bryan had only suffered a "stinger", and had also been in some form of verbal altercation with Triple H backstage, with footage now on WWE.com.

Dolph Ziggler then appeared and jumped off the stage attacking Ricardo and Del Rio on the floor. Ricardo and Del Rio fled to the back, with Ziggler in hot pursuit.

Meanwhile, with CM Punk still in the ring, Brock Lesnar's music hit and he made his way down to the ring. Lesnar grabbed the microphone, stood in front of Punk, smirked, and then suddenly gave him the F5. Lesnar then laughed and left, leaving Punk out in the ring to take RAW off the air.

Lots of good stuff on this show, but this was ludicrously overbooked. You'd think there was another PPV this Sunday with the 950 storylines and turns they attempted to cram into this show. Follow the TV, follow the App, get on .com...

[Johnny Ryall]

Sounds good.