WWE Raw Supershow Results
September 5, 2011 - Episode #953
Live in Columbus, Ohio
Aired on USA Network
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

This week's live WWE Raw Supershow started with a video package on the Text Drama involving Triple H, Kevin Nash, and C.M. Punk that started at Summerslam and has gone on for three weeks. Plus, Stephanie McMahon lurking in the background throughout this. So much focus on the back-story of this storyline through a four-minute video package to start the show suggests some sort of answer(s) are coming.

Live inside the arena, Michael Cole introduced the show before C.M. Punk's Cult of Personality played to bring out Punk. The vocal males were hot for Punk, who posed on the stage before entering the ring. Cole began heeling on Triple H, saying his personal issues have gotten in the way of business. Once in the ring, Punk sat down center-ring to relay some information. Punk said he wants to prove a point by reminding everyone he's different. He repeated his statements on being the best wrestler in the world, having no filter, and backing up his claims in the ring. Punk said being different has also made him a target. In other words, he tends to upset a lot of people. Maybe R-Truth's mad at him, too, and now he's scheduled to face Truth tonight.

Punk said he'd rather kick someone else in the face: Kevin Nash. Mixed boos and indifference to Nash name-drop. Punk said he believes Nash is the soul-crushing, status-quo that he's against. Same music since 1996 and same hair-dye since the early '90s. He said Nash shoving Hunter is supposed to make him think they're against each other, but he thinks they're best buddies. Punk said he's sure Nash will have Hunter's back at Night of Champions. He said he wants Nash to face him like a man, which would be different for him. Punk checked his imaginary watch and told Nash to hurry up. "C-M-Punk" chant from the vocal males. No Nash.

Punk began to stand up, but the old NWO music hit to bring out Nash with hair flowing to his shoulders. Nash stood on the stage and told Punk he doesn't listen to him. He said he does what he wants when he wants. Punk was unimpressed. He mocked Nash's nicknames and past gimmicks before settling on Big Complainer. Nash asked Punk what he thinks is going to happen if he comes to the ring. He said whenever he comes to the ring, he KO's Punk. He said Hunter did Punk a favor so he couldn't kill Punk in the ring. Punk and Nash cross-talked a bit before Punk said the last time Nash was relevant was 1994. Nash slowly began walking to the ring as Punk kept talking.

Suddenly, Triple H's music hit and Punk kept talking to indicate he wasn't done. Hunter, in a suit, slowly made his way to the ringside area, pausing at Nash. Hunter stood next to Nash, staring into the ring at Punk. Nash called Punk a cancer and told Hunter to get rid of him. Hunter slowly walked into the ring after hearing what Nash had to say before asking Nash if that's what he really wants. He said normally he would do that and normally forgive Nash for putting his hands on him. But, this is the week he found out the truth. Hunter said he received a call from Staples Center about some security footage from Summerslam. He said a lot of people go in and out of his office on his regular day, but there's one guy who went in and out of his office at the exact time Nash received a text. He said Nash knows what he knows; the guy who sent that text from his phone to Nash's was Nash.

Nash slowly stepped over the top rope and got in Hunter's face to tell him he's right. He did what Hunter wouldn't do: make WWE cool and exciting again. Nash said Punk's a cancer and this WWE Universe is not big enough for him and me. Nash told Hunter one of them has to go. Hunter said his problem is with Nash. He said he doesn't like Punk, but Punk has never lied to him. He said if he's getting rid of someone...Nash cut him off. "Are you kidding me?" Nash asked. He said he's known Hunter for 20 years and he's his friend.

[Q2] Nash began to leave the ring before smiling. He asked Hunter if it's about the push last week. He said he got lost in the moment and a little emotional, but the most important thing is "What are you going to do about it?" Nash began lightly pushing Hunter before telling him he's not going to do anything about. Suddenly, Hunter reared back and popped Nash in the mouth. Hunter said maybe that and maybe this: You're Fired. Hunter bailed from the ring, leaving Nash flat on his back-side with Punk still in the ring. Punk smiled as Hunter marched up the stage to the back. Punk smirked and walked by Nash to mock him. "Good luck in your future endeavors," Punk said off-camera before hopping off the top rope. They cut to break.

[Commercial Break]

Moments Ago: Cole fed to a video package on Triple H firing Nash in the previous segment after Nash demanded to know what he was going to do about him.

Backstage: Nash was shown storming through the parking garage to find his getaway vehicle as John Laurinaitis tried to calm him down. Laurinaitis then hopped in the vehicle as it took off.

On-stage: Evan Bourne's music hit, then Kofi Kingston's music hit to bring out the new WWE tag champions. The 404-pound duo was officially introduced as Cole reset the stage for the Raw Supershow. Out next was the Smackdown duo of Jinder Mahal and Great Khali for a non-title challenge.

1 -- WWE tag champions AIR BOOM (EVAN BOURNE & KOFI KINGSTON) vs. GREAT KHALI & JINDER MAHAL

Cole and Jim Ross noted it's a pivotal match for Jinder and Khali after Sheamus took them apart on Super Smackdown this past Tuesday. The announcers resumed a discussion on Hunter-Nash as Ross wanted an answer on why Laurinaitis left with Nash. Cole then asked Jerry Lawler for his thoughts on having a match against McGillicutty and Otunga tonight. Lawler re-directed to more Laurinaitis discussion - asking Ross if Hunter or Laurinaitis has more stroke. The heels isolated Bourne throughout the first 2:30 of discussion before Kofi tagged in and landed signature offense on Mahal. Khali then sort of pulled the top rope, causing Kingston to go flying to the floor. A double-team attack on Kofi back-fired, though, and it set up Kofi for a tag to Bourne. The crowd came to life as Bourne set up and delivered Air Bourne on Mahal for the pin and the win. After a replay, they cut back to the tag champs celebrating in the ring. Lawler said these guys have personality and charisma, unlike Otunga & McGillicutty.

WINNERS: Air Boom at 3:15.

Parking garage: Alberto Del Rio was shown arriving in the building with Ricardo Rodriguez after missing last week's shows. Cole said Del Rio is here live tonight. Also tonight: Punk vs. Truth one-on-one.

In-ring: Before they cut to break, Kelly Kelly's music hit to bring out the Divas champion. She was not dressed to wrestle and joined the announce table for Divas action up next.

[Q3] [Commercial Break]

2 -- EVE vs. BETH PHOENIX (w/Natalya) -- #1 contender match to Divas Title

Back from break, Eve was in the ring for a #1 contender's match. Beth Phoenix then came out flanked by Natalya as Eve's opponent. Natalya also joined the announcers for a five-person booth on this match. Basic start with Beth working over Eve as Kelly and Natalya bickered on commentary. Eve made a comeback, but Beth finished her with the Glam Slam for the pin and the win. Afterward, Kelly tried to check on Eve, but Natalya blasted her from phone. Nattie and Beth stood tall in the ring to conclude the bit.

WINNER: Beth at 2:03 to become #1 contender.

Still to come: Punk vs. Truth.

[Commercial Break. WWE's "Insider" Twitter person noted during the break: " Right now we can only speculate about what John Laurinaitis said to (Kevin Nash) in that limo...but we're going to find out."]

Smackdown plug: Mark Henry is unstoppable. His sights are now set on World Hvt. champion Randy Orton. Can Orton escape Henry's wrath this Friday night?

The Rock plug: Rock surpassed one million followers on Twitter. Lawler added that Survivor Series (the PPV four PPVs from now) is going to be electrifying.

Backstage: Drew McIntyre was shown talking to Christian, who said he deserves one more shot at the World Title. Del Rio then walked in and said he needed a word with Christian. He said he expected to see Christian with the title, but John Cena is to blame. Christian said he's not doing Del Rio's dirty work and if he's taking out Cena, it will be on his own terms. Del Rio reminded Christian that Cena took him out with an Attitude Adjustment 24 hours before the title match on Smackdown. If it weren't for Cena, they would both be champions right now. Del Rio let him think about that.

[Q4] Announcers: Ross reset the stage before noting Triple H's new movie, "Inside Out," premieres in select theaters on Friday. Cue up an abbreviated trailer promoting the movie.

Backstage: R-Truth was shown preparing for his match against Punk. And by preparing, he was talking to himself and psyching himself out. The Miz, in a suit, walked up to Truth to accompany him to the ring for the match.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: R-Truth's re-mixed theme music played to bring out Truth sans Miz. Truth cut off his music and said just when he's heard it all, Punk has started calling himself different. "What?" chants from the crowd here. Truth said he's been speaking the truth his entire life. He said maybe he should be a good R-Truth, shut his mouth, buy a ticket to Night of Champions, and stuff his face like the rest of the Little Jimmys. The Miz's music hit to bring out Miz in his 1970s plaid suit. Miz tried saying he had an epiphany, but Truth didn't get it. Miz said there is clearly a conspiracy around here. He said Hunter is way over his head as COO and too busy making sure his buddies get air time while the two best talents are left off TV. Miz then declared they will have a title match at Night of Champions. They're challenging Air Boom for the Tag Titles. "Really? That's the name you people chose for them? Really? That is the stupidest name I've ever heard," he said. Truth said Air Boom is about as bad as a sneaky fart. "It's a little bit of air...and then kaboom!" Truth declared. Cole was chuckling throughout this before Truth said Punk is about to get got. Cue up Cult of Personality to bring out Truth's opponent. Cole sent it to break before the match started.

[Commercial Break]

3 -- C.M. PUNK vs. R-TRUTH (w/The Miz)

Back live, Truth was arguing with the crowd as the bell sounded. Punk finally locked up with Truth and tried to wear him down as they hit the top of the hour.

[Q5 -- second hour] Ross and Cole bickered back and forth with Cole doing more of that "evaluating the show within the show" non-sense before Cole reset the show at the top of the hour. As part of the reset, the announcers discussed the Nash-Hunter issue. In the ring, Punk dropped Truth with a dropkick that sent Truth to the floor. Miz consoled Truth, then got out of the way when Punk came flying at Truth with a suicide dive. Miz distracted Punk, though, giving Truth an opening to wear down Punk back in the ring.

Punk found himself on the outside again and Miz took him out with a chopblock while Truth had the ref distracted. Back in the ring, Truth wore down Punk, targeting the injured knee per Miz's handiwork. Cole was all over the place continuing to heel on Hunter and anyone else before Lawler tried to calm him down so the entire audience wouldn't turn the channel to tune out Cole. Meanwhile, the in-ring battle went up top and Punk delivered a superplex to stop Truth's momentum. Punk followed with a leg lariat, then a corner knee smash into a bulldog. Punk followed with a springboard clothesline and called for the end.

Punk wanted the G2S, but Truth slipped out and Punk sold the knee. Truth then hit a face-buster suplex for a two count. Truth tried to follow with an axe kick, but Punk avoided. Miz then grabbed Punk from the outside, drawing a dropkick through the ropes from Punk. The ref had enough of Miz and sent him packing to the back. Meanwhile, back in the ring, Truth tried to sneak up on Punk, but walked into the G2S anyways. Punk made the cover for the win.

Post-match: Triple H's music hit to bring out COO Hunter to confront Punk in the ring. As Punk caught his breath, Hunter stepped up to him with mic in-hand. Punk cut him off with his own mic and said he doesn't buy him punching Nash. Hunter said he doesn't care if Punk buys it or not. He told "Obama" if he wants change, he's got it coming. Hunter told Punk he changed the match at Night of Champions. He said Punk ran his mouth about his wife and family, so he wants to hurt Punk and won't be satisfied with just pinning him. Hunter said it's going to be No DQ, Anything Goes. And he will hurt Punk. Hunter told Punk he better hope he gets this all of out his system, otherwise he might fire him, too.

Hunter tried to leave, but Punk told him to hold up. He said he likes the No DQ stipulation. Punk said Hunter's been hitting people with sledgehammers for ten years and not killed anyone yet. Punk added his own stip that if he beats him at Night of Champions, Hunter resigns as COO. Hunter smirked. "Done!" he said and dropped the mic to leave the ring.

WINNER: Punk at 9:45. With the short-sighted, quick set-up for Hunter-Punk, apparently they felt the need to add a double stipulation to give this match some juice when it should have been able to sell itself with proper build-up.

Backstage: Curt Hawkins was with Tyler Reks and Wade Barrett. Hawkins and Reks back on TV here. They tried to talk business, but Del Rio walked in to request a word with Barrett. Del Rio noted Cena embarrassed Barrett on Smackdown last week. "Cinco minutos," Ricardo noted. Barrett brushed off their attempt to give him an incentive to take out Cena, then told Del Rio just to watch what he does tonight.

[Q6] Plug: In 2012, it all begins again. The Channel. Superstars, Events, and all-things WWE in one home. WWE Network Coming 2012.

[Commercial Break. Smackdown returning to Houston with Randy Orton vs. Mark Henry, Christian vs. Sheamus on Tuesday, October 25 for a TV taping.]

Announcers: Back from break, Cole and Ross were alone on commentary. They went to a video replay of Otunga & McGillicutty getting into it with Lawler on last week's Raw. The former tag champions were already in the ring before Lawler's music hit to bring out The King. Apparently it's a tag match. Lawler stood on-stage and said he wants to get one thing straight. He ran down their personality before noting his tag partner is absolutely bursting with personality. Lawler said he is the Long Island Iced Z, Zack Ryder. They cut to a three-minute video package using clips from Ryder's YouTube show. Ryder then came out to join Lawler as Cole said this guy is an "absolute fool." Cole heeled on the Broskis of the Week as Ryder made his entrance.

4 -- JERRY LAWLER & ZACK RYDER vs. DAVID OTUNGA & MICHAEL MCGILLICUTTY

The heels isolated Ryder early on as Cole tried to get under Ross's skin with repeated jabs. Lawler eventually hot-tagged into the match before the action broke down. Lawler found himself alone in the ring with Otunga and hit the fist drop, but Ryder demanded a tag. Lawler obliged and Ryder dropped Otunga with the Rough Ryder. It was good for the pin and the win. Cole heeled on Ryder, Lawler, and the audience as the winning duo celebrated on the way out of the ring.

WINNERS: Ryder & Lawler at 2:08. Heel Cole is as bad as he's ever been this week.

Backstage: Del Rio tried to tell U.S. champion Dolph Ziggler that after he lost to Randy Orton last Monday on Raw, Vickie Guerrero was ready to dump him. Ziggler retorted there's a rumor that Del Rio is afraid of Cena. Suddenly, the Bellas walked in and Del Rio told them to give him five minutes. Ricardo was excited in the background. Del Rio went back to business with Ziggler, telling him he thinks Vickie is looking for someone who will fight for her and Ziggler isn't cutting it. Del Rio walked off, letting Ziggler think about his words.

Backstage: Elsewhere, World Hvt. champion Randy Orton was shown walking down the hallway. Ross said Orton is live next.

[Commercial Break]

[Q7]

Smackdown plug: Henry wants to destroy Orton. Find out what happens this Friday on Smackdown.

In-ring: Randy Orton's music hit to bring out the World champion with an Orton Smile on his face. Justin Roberts formally introduced Orton as the announcers plugged Orton vs. Henry at Night of Champions. Lawler said he doesn't think anyone is more dangerous in WWE than Henry. After a full intro for Orton, Heath Slater's music hit to bring out an easy foe for Orton.

5 -- World Hvt. champion RANDY ORTON vs. HEATH SLATER -- non-title match

Orton quickly went to work on Slater, who came back with brief offense to allow the audience to rally behind Orton. Slater delivered a spinebuster for a two count before applying a reverse chinlock that showed a lot of light. Orton easily escaped, then nailed a clothesline. And another. Then, a snap powerslam. Orton followed with a trademark hanging DDT from the second rope before entering RKO mode. Orton measured Slater and delivered the RKO for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Orton at 2:56. Fine, formula match to showcase Orton's signature offense and give the fans a look at his finishing sequence without interruption.

Backstage: Ryder was trying to celebrate with John Cena about his big night. Cena calmed him down and asked what kind of an idiot wears sunglasses indoors. Pause. He said he's just kidding. Cena handed back the sunglasses, then started walking to the ring. Cole said Cena addresses the audience next.

[Commercial Break]

DVD plug: Randy Orton's new DVD out Tuesday.

In-ring: After a pause returning from break, John Cena's music hit to the usual strong mixed reaction. Cole said they're on their feet for the #1 contender to the WWE Title. Cena sent out a Happy Labor Day message through the on-stage camera before storming the ring. Cole noted Cena is still seething after becoming #1 contender two weeks ago when Del Rio took him out after his match against Punk, which led to a video package recapping the events. Cena did the bit saying he knows how this thing goes and told Ricardo to hurry up and introduce Del Rio.

[Q8] Ricardo promptly walked out on-stage and Cena noted he's good. Out came Del Rio in his Car of the Week as Cena called the play-by-play. Del Rio smirked into the ring and stood his ground next to his car rather than coming close to the ring. Del Rio told Cena he just doesn't get it. He said he's trying to give Cena a fighting chance at Night of Champions. Del Rio noted Rey Mysterio isn't here and won't be here for a long time because of him. He said he didn't do the same thing to Cena two weeks ago because he wants to give him a fighting chance. "That's just the champion I am," he said. Del Rio said he didn't show up last week because he's trying to protect Cena. He said he's down here and not in the ring right now because he's trying to protect him.

Del Rio said he can't say the same about his amigos, the Rudos of Raw. Out came Wade Barrett and Jack Swagger to attack Cena. Ziggler joined the attack. Christian was next. Suddenly, Alex Riley stormed the ring, followed by Sheamus to clear the heels. John Morrison also came to ringside and KO'ed Christian. The four faces stood tall in the ring before Smackdown GM Teddy Long came out on-stage. Long said that as GM of Smackdown, Triple H has given him the authority to intervene when necessary. So, the four of them outside the ring will the four in the ring. It's an eight-man, elimination tag match. And it's next. Ross hyped the main event before they cut to break. (Joey Styles on Twitter: " Why is SD GM Teddy Long making this match instead of the anonymous Raw GM?")

[Commercial Break]

6 -- JOHN CENA & SHEAMUS & JOHN MORRISON & ALEX RILEY vs. WADE BARRETT & JACK SWAGGER & DOLPH ZIGGLER & CHRISTIAN -- elimination eight-man tag match

Back from break, the match was already in progress with Barrett going after Riley. The action broke down momentarily with men coming in and out of the match before Ziggler and Swagger tried to apply a double submission on Morrison. Morrison eventually tapped out to Swagger, sending Morrison to the back at 2:30. Vickie Guerrero then came walking to ringside, drawing a smile from Swagger. Ziggler was annoyed by her presence as they abruptly cut to break.

[Commercial Break. Just what WWE needed: a Verizon commercial reminding the audience the NFL is back next week.]

[Q9 -- over-run] Back from break right at the top of the hour, the heels were working over Riley in the heel corner. All seven men were still in the match with no eliminations during the break. The crowd got into the match at Cena's urging, and Riley made a comeback on Ziggler. Riley delivered an emphatic spinebuster, but Ziggler cut him off moments later. Ziggler then argued with Swagger, who shook it off and delivered a Vader Bomb on Riley before applying the Anklelock. Riley tapped out at 8:23, giving Swagger another elimination in the match.

Sheamus was in next to battle Swagger. Lawler noted Swagger was going the extra mile to impress Vickie tonight. After Swagger absorbed some blows from Sheamus, Barrett tagged in and battled Sheamus. Barrett tried to wear down Sheamus as Cena tried to fire up the crowd again. Sheamus made his comeback, then delivered signature forearm strikes to Barrett's exposed chest. Sheamus then went up top and connected with a shoulder tackle before clearing heels from the ring apron. Sheamus missed with a Brogue Kick, though, but didn't miss on his second try for a pin and elimination of Barrett at 11:55.

Christian tried to slide in for a quick pin on Sheamus, but Sheamus kicked out in time. Christian then slapped the taste out of Sheamus's mouth, which only angered Sheamus. Christian tried to run away and eventually hopped over the guardail, then ran to the other side of the arena. Both men were counted out in the process at 13:10. It looks like Sheamus and Christian will begin a feud on Smackdown.

So, it was Cena vs. Ziggler and Swagger. Cena did the slow entry into the ring to get the crowd behind his underdog position. Cena then entered the ring and went nuts on Swagger. But, Ziggler dropped him with a textbook dropkick. Swagger tried to take advantage with a cover, but Cena kicked out. Swagger and Ziggler began trading tags to wear down Cena as the crowd entered Dueling Chants mode. Meanwhile, Vickie had a big smile looking at Swagger as Swagger wore down Cena. Cena suddenly fired off a comeback and dropped both heels center-ring. Cena wanted a double Five Knuckle Shuffle and connected.

Cena couldn't put away either man, though, as they reset with Swagger delivered a belly-to-belly suplex. Swagger then tried a running Vader Bomb and connected. Swagger wanted to finish Cena, but Ziggler blind-tagged himself into the match. Ziggler argued with Swagger, then walked into the AA. Cena made the cover to eliminate Ziggler at 17:10. Swagger then immediately slapped on the Anklelock as the crowd rallied behind Cena, who countered into the STF moments later. Swagger tried to fight the hold, but he tapped out, giving Cena the win.

Post-match: Del Rio tried to hit the ring to attack Cena, but Cena dropped him with the AA. Del Rio then bailed from the ring into Ricardo's helpful arms. Cena's music played again as Del Rio looked menacingly into the ring from the entrance ramp. Cena sold a back injury before smiling toward Del Rio that he'll get him in two weeks. Cole signed off the show eleven minutes past the top of the hour.

WINNERS: Team Cena at 17:45. Classic Cena finish typical for gauntlet or elimination matches to build up Cena's title quest. Swagger had a fine showing - probably the best he's looked in months - but it was to set up Cena's big escape into the STF after seemingly being in jeopardy. Del Rio had a good night until taking the AA at the end, but that's standard WWE booking. (**1/4)

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