WWE Raw Storyline Tracker
By Robin Scannell, PWTorch Specialist

Episode - January 23, 2012

(1) C.M. Punk vs. Dolph Ziggler / John Laurinaitis

To start Raw leading to the Royal Rumble, C.M. Punk came to the ring and spoke about Ziggler’s victories over him being due to John Laurinaitis, who is the referee for the title match at the Rumble. A clip aired of Laurinaitis saying that he’ll screw Punk at the PPV, then Punk said Laurinaitis should say what he said last week to his face.

John Cena then came to the ring and said that he’s sick of Punk rambling and he was out at the ring for business. Cena asked for Ryder to get his title rematch, to give him a match against Kane, and to resign.

Laurinaitis said that everyone has their bad days, although last week wasn’t one of those days. He admitted he made a mistake with Ryder and announced Ryder vs. Kane in a Falls Count Anywhere match. He stated that if Cena interfered, Ryder would never get his title re-match. He also announced Punk & Cena against two opponents. Dolph Ziggler, Jack Swagger, and Vickie Guerrero then walked out. Ziggler said he’ll beat Punk and Swagger said that after what Cena did to him last week, he’ll be dead meat.

During the match, Dolph Ziggler pinned C.M. Punk for the victory after Laurinaitis distracted Punk from the ring apron. The distraction occurred after Punk had pushed a referee out of the way so that he could climb the turnbuckle. After the match, Punk challenged Laurinaitis to a match, which he accepted.

Later, backstage, Laurinaitis, in some kind of robe, was handed a fax from David Otunga. When Punk vs. Laurinaitis was due to occur, Laurinaitis said the fax was from the Board of Directions and it stated that, due to some of his decisions, his position as GM will be under review, and a review will be conducted by Triple H on the following episode of Raw.

Punk said that if Laurinaitis screws him, he’ll be out of a job. Laurinaitis then apologized to fans and Punk and put Mick Foley in the Rumble. Laurinaitis said he was just angry with Punk last week, and always planned on being a fair referee. Laurinaitis then said Otunga would replace him in the match. Punk made Otunga submit almost instantly and then kicked Otunga as he tried to sneak up on him after. Then, Laurinaitis offered to shake Punk’s hand, which Punk turned into a GTS. Then, Dolph Ziggler appeared and hit the Zig-Zag on Punk as the show went off the air.

***

(2) John Cena vs. Kane

Backstage, Mick Foley offered some words of encouragement to Zack Ryder for his match against Kane. Then, Cena spoke to Ryder, but Ryder didn't want any of his help.

The Kane-Ryder match ended in a no contest after Kane’s attacks on Ryder ended with a chokeslam through a part of the stage. After this happened, Eve and Cena came out to the stage and showed concern. Medics helped Ryder onto a stretcher. Backstage, Eve told Cena that this is all his fault. Then, Josh Mathews asked Cena how he feels. Cena knocked the mic from his hand and then Cena showed anger looking into the camera.

Later, Ryder’s condition was updated, with Lawler stating that Ryder has a broken back. WWE's website then "downgraded" Ryder's condition to a herniated disc.

***

(3) Chris Jericho Speaks

Chris Jericho came out to the ring and shushed the crowd. He then headed backstage before coming back out with a t-shirt gun and playing to the crowd. Then, a video aired with highlights of Jericho’s career. Jericho then said “This Sunday at the Ryoal Rumble, it will be the end of the world as you know it.”

Reax: This suggests a real development at the Rumble. If he wins the Rumble, I’m not sure how that alone makes it the “end of the world,” and if he doesn’t, it certainly wouldn’t fulfill that prophecy. From this, I think it’s reasonable to have some high expectations for Jericho delivering at the PPV, even considering his relative silence since his return.

***

(4) Royal Rumble Match Hype / Sheamus vs. Wade Barrett

A great video package aired that focused on the Royal Rumble numbers and statistics. The idea of that every WWE Superstar is eligible to enter the Rumble was promoted. Later, a video aired of The Undertaker winning the 2007 Rumble.

Reax: I think the numbers video is very good. It’s always good to hear the various statistics for the Royal Rumble.

Sheamus defeated Jinder Mahal in a short match, with Barrett ringside. Barrett refused to enter the ring after the match, after Sheamus called on him to do so. Sheamus then said that he’ll win the Royal Rumble.

***

(5) R-Truth vs. The Miz

Backstage, Truth said according to research Miz is the #1 for being annoying among others things. Then, Laurinaitis took the “#1” idea and said the loser of their match will be #1 in the Royal Rumble. In the match that followed a little later, R-Truth defeated The Miz meaning that Miz will take the Number One spot in the Royal Rumble.

***

(6) Brodus Clay

Brodus Clay defeated Heath Slater in a short match, with William Regal on commentary. This victory made Brodus Clay 4-0 since his return on the Jan. 9 edition of Raw.

Current Feuds Active this Week (# weeks)

Raw

C.M. Punk vs. John Laurinaitis (15) / Dolph Ziggler (5)
John Cena vs. Kane (7)
R-Truth vs. The Miz (5)

Smackdown

Sheamus vs. Wade Barrett (4)

Feel free to email any comments to scannell.torch@gmail.com or follow me on Twitter @robinocracy for my thoughts on the pay-per-view and non-wrestling related things.

[Torch art credit Grant Gould (c) PWTorch.com]

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