2/29 WWE Raw Results – CALDWELL’S Complete Live Report

The Undertaker is back on Raw for the first time since Survivor Series, plus more build-up to WrestleMania 32 involving the ubiquitous McMahon Family on the first-ever Leap Year Raw…

WWE Raw TV Report
February 29, 2016 – Episode #1,188
Live in Nashville, Tenn.
Report by James Caldwell (@JCTorch), PWTorch assistant editor

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The Card

• The Undertaker returns to Raw
• Foll0w-up to Triple H beating down Roman Reigns
• A.J. Styles & Chris Jericho vs. WWE tag champions New Day
• Sasha Banks vs. Becky Lynch in a #1 contender match to the Divas Title

***

Raw kicked off with full pyro and fireworks before Michael Cole introduced the show from Nashville. Cole said they are 34 days away from WrestleMania.

Triple H’s music then played to bring out the WWE World Hvt. champion. Hunter casually walked out on-stage dressed in a suit with his right hand in his pocket and the WWE Title belt held over his left shoulder. Cole hyped Hunter’s vicious beat down on Roman Reigns last Monday on Raw. Photos were produced showing Reigns’s nose after “surgery.”

In the ring, Hunter smiled and talked about “authority.” He said a select few have it, while everyone else bows down to it. Hunter said everyone has an authority figure that tells you how to dress, where to go, and how to act. And you want to speak out, but you don’t because you are afraid. Now that fear is not a bad thing. That fear keeps things in place.

Hunter said Roman Reigns should have listened to that fear and known his place. Instead, Roman chose to challenge authority and disrespect authority. Hunter waited out a “Roman” chant that never really got off the ground. Hunter said that disrespect has put Reigns at home breathing through his mouth hoping he can be healthy for WrestleMania.

“You do not challenge authority. Let that be a lesson to everyone who can hear my voice,” Hunter said. Suddenly, Dean Ambrose’s music interrupted to a loud reaction. Ambrose walked down to the ring with a slight limp selling the beat down from Brock Lesnar last Monday on Raw.

Once in the ring, Ambrose tried to adjust himself as the crowd cheered his presence. “Ambrose, Ambrose, Ambrose” chant from the crowd. Hunter was not impressed. Ambrose said he just got off the phone with Reigns, and he says hi. And, he wants Hunter to know that he’s coming for him. Hunter was again unmoved.

Hunter sarcastically congratulated Ambrose for winning Best Supporting Actor last night at the Oscars. Ambrose laughed it off, then noted he actually was in a movie. Did you see it? Probably not. Anyways, last week, one thing led to another and he ended up in a match against Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania. Ambrose brought up Shane McMahon returning, too, which led to a “Shane-O-Mac” chant. Ambrose asked Hunter if he likes Shane or not. Hunter frowned, so Dean moved on.

Ambrose wanted to know who Hunter wanted to win the #1 contender match at Fast Lane. Hunter said it’s irrelevant who he wanted to win, then noted the only people who mattered in the match were Reigns and Brock Lesnar. He said Dean was not a factor and did not matter in the match. Dean got in Hunter’s face, telling him “I’m Dean Ambrose. And I’m pretty sure I’m the last guy you wanted to face at WrestleMania.”

Hunter smirked and cackled. “You are crazy, aren’t you?” Hunter said. He said he thought Dean was just putting on an act for the people to think he’s cool, but he really is mental. Dean said maybe he doesn’t always make the smartest decisions, but Hunter is smart. Real smart. And he’s smart enough to know that you never want to get in the ring with a guy like him. Because he can’t beat him. “Ambrose, Ambrose” chant as Dean circled The Champ.

Dean leaned in to smell Hunter. “You don’t think you can beat me,” Ambrose said. Hunter said that unfamiliar smell is probably laundry detergent and clean clothes. Second, it’s money and power, something Dean does not have. The crowd picked up a “You can beat him” chant as Hunter and Dean felt each other out in the ring.

[Q2] Dean got in Hunter’s face again. He said he wants some action. How about the two of them in a match. “Yes!” the crowd chanted. He wanted to face Hunter for the WWE Title belt. “Yes!” the crowd chanted again. Hunter was upset at this challenge. Dean said Roman Reigns won the right to challenge for the WWE Title on April 3, but that doesn’t mean Hunter is going to be the champion. Dean said they should find out right now.

Hunter said that’s not how this works. No. “I’m the authority around here,” Hunter said. But, he is intrigued somewhat. So, he will take it under advisement and think about it. Hunter said he’ll give Dean an answer by the end of the night, implying no title match tonight. Dean wasn’t sure if that meant by the end of the show, or by text after the show. You know, because he has some other things to do.

Hunter said he’ll find out by the end of Raw. But, he thinks Dean should handle some other business tonight. See, he ran into some fun fellows, the League of Nations, before he came out here. Hunter booked Dean against Alberto Del Rio later tonight. Hunter said they’ll find out if Dean can learn to respect authority. Hunter’s music played and left the ring as Dean stood by soaking up the news.

[ Reax: Interesting placing Dean in the surrogate position to have a strong babyface opposite Hunter, who was back in a heel role tonight after acting like a face beating down Reigns last Monday. Overall, it felt like Step 1 of setting up Hunter-Ambrose for the WWE Title on an upcoming Raw or the “March to WrestleMania” Network special. ]

Last Week: Cole, JBL, and Byron Saxton recapped Shane McMahon’s return to WWE TV last week. Now, he faces The Undertaker inside Hell in a Cell at WrestleMania.

Still to come: The Undertaker returns to Raw to address the WM32 match. Also, Mr. McMahon is live on Raw. And, Stephanie McMahon seeks the Vince McMahon, Jr. award glory after Shane took it from her last week.

Up Next: Becky Lynch vs. Sasha Banks in the #1 contender match to the Divas Title.

[Commercial Break at 8:21]

1 — BECKY LYNCH vs. SASHA BANKS — #1 contender match to the Divas Title

Back from break, Divas champion Charlotte was down at ringside with Ric Flair to watch the #1 contender match. Becky was introduced first, followed by Sasha. Back and forth action led to an early commercial.

[Commercial Break at 8:28] […Q3]

[Q3…] Back from break, Sasha was in control. The camera then shifted to Charlotte, who sold a combination of boredom and disinterest, not impressed with her potential title challengers. The fight moved to the top rope, where Becky and Sasha battled for a superplex. Becky fell on top of Sasha, but Becky’s shoulders were also down when ref Chioda counted three. No one knew who won, the announcers wanted to know who was going to WrestleMania, Charlotte remained defiant and walked off with the title belt, and Becky sold not sure if she won, while Sasha acted frustrated that she perhaps lost, but conflicted that maybe she won.

WINNER: Double Pin Draw at 9:50.

Suddenly, the Wyatt theme interrupted before an official result was rendered. Bray Wyatt appeared on the screen talking about insanity of doing the same thing over and over, expecting a different result. So, either he is crazy or he has the plan to save the world. Bray extended his hand through the screen, saying he has the key to eternal paradise. Defy him and you will end up like the rest of them. Conquered. “Run,” he closed.

[Commercial Break at 8:39]

In-ring: Dolph Ziggler was on the way to the ring for the next match. Cole plugged Ziggler on ESPNews SportsCenter tomorrow night. WWE cut to a pre-show verbal exchange between Ziggler and The Miz last Monday on Raw. And, Miz was in the ring after the video review for another round of this Best of 216 series.

2 — DOLPH ZIGGLER vs. THE MIZ

Ziggler and Miz tried to start hot with rapid-fire offense not given much time to work with. Suddenly, Ziggler ate the corner turnbuckle and Miz rolled him up from behind for a quick three count and the win.

WINNER: Miz at 1:03. So, Ziggler’s on SportsCenter tomorrow after this?

Tonight: A.J. Styles & Chris Jericho vs. New Day.

Up Next: A review of Shane McMahon returning to Raw last Monday.

[Q4] [Commercial Break at 8:46]

Exterior: Raw is in Nashville.

Announcers: Cole and Co. fed to a video package on Shane McMahon’s big return last Monday. Then, Shane dressing down Stephanie and Vince, who ended up booking Shane against Taker at WM32.

Backstage: Stephanie McMahon was shown walking down the hallway. She gets another shot at receiving the Vince McMahon, Sr. award.

[Commercial Break at 8:56]

Video Reminder: WM32 is 34 days away.

[Q5 — second hour]

Stephanie McMahon Segment

In the ring, the Vince McMahon, Sr. award was hanging out in the ring. Stephanie McMahon’s music played to groans. Stephanie walked down to the ring as Cole plugged a “Collection” on Shane McMahon premiering Tuesday on WWE Network. WWE again plugged Shane vs. Taker at WM32.

With the arena lights dimmed, Stephanie spoke in the ring while standing next to the trophy. She said receiving the award from Vince was one of her proudest moments until her brother interrupted. Stephanie opened her folder to continue her speech from last week. After waiting out a “Shane-O-Mac” chant, Steph said Shane is not here tonight. And, he will not be here after WrestleMania when Undertaker beats him.

Steph began her speech about legacy and family. The crowd booed. She tried repeating herself, drawing louder boos. Steph then cradled the trophy like a baby and waited out a “We Want Shane” chant. Steph spoke again to loud boos. She was now angry, feeling disrespected by the crowd not recognizing all of her hard work and sacrifice.

Suddenly, Steph shoved down the podium and heeled on the audience for supporting Shane after he blackmailed his father. Steph said she can’t believe the audacity of Shane McMahon showing up after missing the last six years of WrestleManias and Raws. She said it’s abandonment and a lack of support for her family.

Stephanie said the sad part is she really loves her brother. But, she does not respect him because every time she lets her guard down, he stabs her in the back. Steph said it eats Shane alive that she is married to Hunter and has so much power. She said Shane thinks his sons are going to take over the family business, but her daughters will fight them for it. Steph said it won’t matter after WrestleMania since Taker will beat Shane and dismember him to where he’ll take a more permanent vacation.

Steph continued Hunter’s promo heeling on the audience for being wastes of life. She said people might not like their decisions, but there is no denying their work ethic or legacy of excellence. She said sooner or later, everyone will be forced to bow down to The Authority, The King, and The Queen. “Me!” she shouted. Steph took her trophy and left the ring.

Still to come: Undertaker is on Raw. What does Taker think about being placed in HIAC with Shane at WM32?

[Commercial Break at 9:08]

In-ring: Lucha Dragons were in the ring for tag action. The League of Nations’s music played to bring out the four-man group acting brotherly. Cole plugged the Smackdown TV taping tomorrow night in Atlanta before the bell sounded.

[Q6]

3 — LUCHA DRAGONS (U.S. champion KALISTO y SIN CARA) vs. LEAGUE OF NATIONS (SHEAMUS & RUSEV w/Alberto Del Rio and King Barrett)

Sheamus knocked Sin Cara out of the ring early on. Rusev took advantage by smashing Sin Cara into the barricade. Back in the ring, Rusev stomped away on Sin Cara. Sheamus eventually lost control of Sin Cara, which allowed Kalisto to tag in. Kalisto smashed Rusev with high-flying offense, then a four-man brawl broke out.

Sin Cara took out Barrett on the floor, but Sheamus smashed Sin Cara with about 25 percent of a Brogue Kick. Kalisto answered with a dropkick to Sheamus. But, Del Rio distracted Kalisto, allowing Rusev to kick Kalisto in the head. Rusev covered the U.S. champion for the win.

Post-match, Del Rio inflicted bonus punishment to Kalisto, giving him the double corner stomp in the corner. The League celebrated in the ring.

WINNERS: League at 5:04. And, the babyfaces look dumb being out-smarted by the heels over and over and over without doing anything about it.

Locker Room: Cole randomly fed to a backstage interview with Natalya sponsored by Subway. Renee Young asked Natalya about how she keeps fit. Natalya said choosing where to eat is a constant struggle. She plugged a new sandwich from Subway, then Natalya walked off.

Earlier Tonight: Dean Ambrose challenged Triple H to a title match.

Still to come: Ambrose vs. Del Rio in the main event.

[Commercial Break at 9:22]

In-ring: Ryback was introduced to the ring for the next match. WWE cut to an inset promo from Ryback dryly talking about “Spotlight” winning the Best Picture award last night. He said that belongs him, and he will take “the spotlight” in WWE.

4 — RYBACK vs. ADAM ROSE (w/Social Outcasts)

Rose was already in the ring after the inset promo aired. Bo Dallas, Curtis Axel, and Heath Slater tried to distract Ryback from the outside, which worked for a bit. Rose was able to land a big pump kick before smashing Ryback with forearms. But, Ryback powered to his feet into a backpack jawbreaker. Ryback then pounded Rose with right hand blows like an MMA fighter. The ref had to pull Ryback off Rose to check for life, but Ryback hoisted Rose in the air for Shell-Shock to get the pin and the win.

Post-match, Ryback promptly walked right out of the ring to the back. Meanwhile, the Outcasts checked on a KO’ed Rose. Cole wanted to know where that Ryback has been all these years.

WINNER: Ryback at 2:25. The crowd wasn’t sure how to receive Ryback in this setting, other than doing a few “Goldberg” chants. Where does Ryback fit in WrestleMania plans?

[Q7] Video Package: Brock Lesnar beat up Dean Ambrose last Monday on Raw. It’s Ambrose vs. Lesnar in five weeks at WM32.

In-ring: WWE tag champions New Day were introduced to the ring for the next match. Big E., Xavier Woods, and Kofi Kingston did their dancing antics before Xavier worked the trombone as they entered the ring.

[Commercial Break at 9:35]

Back in the ring, New Day was standing by for a promo. Kofi Kingston, who heeled “out of character” on country music last time in Nashville, talked about them being a brotherhood. Bro-hugs all around. Xavier said they are the best three-man unit in history. Big E. said they are not a loose collective like the League of Booty. New Day did their shtick to quietness before getting around to “Y2AJ.” This led to Chris Jericho’s music interrupting.

Jericho walked out to the ring as WWE replayed events from Smackdown when Jericho, A.J. Styles, and Mark Henry beat New Day last week. And, Jericho got a shiner for his trouble. Styles’s music then played to bring out Jericho’s tag partner. Like the “Cesaro Section,” there were lots of “They Don’t Want None” signs in the crowd referencing Styles’s theme music.

5 — WWE tag champions NEW DAY (BIG E. & KOFI KINGSTON w/Xavier Woods) vs. A.J. STYLES & CHRIS JERICHO — non-title match

Jericho started the match against Kofi as the crowd chanted Styles’s name. Jericho tagged in Styles, and they combined to knock down Kofi before clearing Big E. to the floor. Styles and Jericho then landed a double plancha to the tag champs on the floor. Jericho smiled through his shiner as Raw headed to break.

[Q8] [Commercial Break at 9:44]

Back from break, New Day was in control of the match. Big E. and Kofi had Styles in their corner doing the routine of tagging in and out stomping a mudhole on Styles while Xavier worked the trombone. New Day then dumped Styles to the floor, where Xavier pulled out a deck of cards. Kofi pulled a card and shouted “I got his number!”

Big E. then tagged in and worked on Styles, who escaped a suplex and nailed a Pele Kick to the head. Styles then tagged in Jericho as Kofi tagged in. Jericho got a little loose with a bulldog on Kofi before dropkicking Xavier off the ring apron. Kofi then rolled up Jericho from behind for a close two count.

Lionsault to Kofi, but Big E. broke it up. Styles then smashed Big E. out of the ring with a springboard flying forearm smash. Jericho then put Kofi in the Walls of Jericho center-ring. Kofi fought the hold, but had to tap out to loud cheers from the crowd.

Post-match, Jericho and Styles stood tall in the ring before WWE replayed the high points from the match. Styles then grabbed the mic and said he might be new around here, but that victory puts them at the top of the list of Tag Title contenders. Jericho said they are the new big things, so they want a Tag Title shot next Monday on Raw. New Day wanted nothing to do with it. Cole said “WWE officials” will decide before next Monday in Chicago.

WINNERS: Styles & Jericho at 8:58. Solid tag match. Best action of the night thus far. The post-match makes you wonder if they’re setting up for Jericho turning on Styles next week.

Still to come: Ambrose vs. Del Rio.

Up Next: The Undertaker at the top of the third hour.

[Commercial Break at 9:56]

Vince McMahon-The Undertaker Segment

Just before the top of the hour, Mr. McMahon was introduced to the ring, making it three straight hours starting with a McMahon.

[Q9 — third hour] In the ring, McMahon asked a quiet crowd what’s with the ovation. Don’t you know who I am? McMahon painted a picture of the night after WrestleMania when he introduces his son, Shane McMahon, after a miracle of Shane beating Undertaker. As a result, Shane would be running Raw. The picture continued that Stephanie and Hunter would immediately quit the business. It means Shane would put him on the corporate sidelines never seeing the light of day again. It means Shane would lead you into a new era of WWE. Pause for a “Shane-O-Mac” chant.

Vince said none of that is going to happen. He said only fools believe in miracles. He said his son might be foolish, but he still loves him. And, he will teach him a lesson out of that love. Shane said he is teaching him that lesson by putting him in the ring against a cold-hearted phenom and instrument for destruction, The Undertaker.

The bell tolled for Undertaker’s WWE TV return. Taker walked out on-stage dressed in his trademark hat, jacket, pants, and MMA gloves. Taker slowly walked down to the ring with a slight limp from years and years of beating up his body. Taker limped up the ring steps and slowly entered the ring as Vince sold being in awe of Undertaker.

Taker stared at Vince, who gulped as Taker’s presence. “Under-Taker” chant as Vince talked into Taker’s chest. “That’s right, he’s my force —” Taker grabbed him around the throat. Taker said Vince knows what’s going to happen when he closes the door behind him at WrestleMania. He said Vince knows what he does. “The blood of your son is gonna be on your hands,” Taker said. “Not mine.”

Vince remained frozen, then Taker’s music played again. That was it. Taker left the ring as Vince checked his throat to see if he was breathing. Vince sold gasping for air as Taker looked back at him before walking to the back. Vince took a few swigs of water as Taker continued walking to the back. Vince coughed into the mic and waited for Taker to hit the top of the entrance ramp.

Vince continued his speech that he will be standing here the night after WrestleMania recognizing that his son, Shane, has failed to beat Undertaker and failed him as a son. He said not only will Shane lose the match, but he will lose his inheritance, giving it all to Stephanie.

Vince said with all of the things that happened throughout the years, he will renounce Shane McMahon as his son. He said Shane will no longer be his son. “From my heart, he will just be a son … of a b—-,” Vince closed. His music played as Vince sold sadness thinking about that. Vince looked around the arena as his music continued to play. Raw faded out trying to dramatically sell Vince’s proclamation.

[ Reax: Not much from Taker’s appearance other than pretty much confirming Shane-Taker is going to happen. If there was a chance for Taker to object to the match, it was this appearance. But, Taker merely warned Vince that he will maim his son, then Vince said he doesn’t even consider Shane his son anymore, so Taker is removed of any internal conflict apparently. It’s weird. ]

[Commercial Break at 10:12]

[Q10] In-ring: The Usos were introduced to the ring for the next match. As The Dudleys were introduced to the ring, Cole plugged a house show in Minneapolis on Friday and Raw TV next Monday trying to help ticket sales.

6 — JEY USO (w/Jimmy Uso) vs. BUBBA RAY DUDLEY (w/Devon)

Jey took control of the match, then Devon pulled out a table from under the ring. The announcers pointed out the Dudleys claiming to never use tables again. Devon smashed the table into a flying Jimmy Uso, then Bubba grabbed Jey and dropped him with a Bubba Bomb for the win.

WINNER: Bubba at 2:13. Another babyface tag team made to look foolish by routinely being outsmarted by the heels.

Locker Room: R-Truth was checking on his gear when Goldust walked in. Truth waved him off before he spoke, saying this non-sense about being a tag team needs to be over. Truth said he does not need a tag partner and he does not need a driving partner for “Ride Along” on WWE Network. “I am done. We are done,” he told a dejected Goldust. Goldust walked off. Truth felt bad after being so harsh to Goldust.

Still to come: Will Hunter agree to a WWE Title match against Ambrose? Plus, Ambrose faces Del Rio.

Up Next: IC champion Kevin Owens returns to Raw. He faces Big Show in a re-match from Smackdown.

[Commercial Break at 10:24]

In-ring: Kevin Owens was introduced to the ring back from break. In a weird deal, Cole plugged Just For Men, then used the product to kind of insult Owens by saying he bets Owens uses Just For Men. Big Show was introduced to the ring for a re-match, but not for the IC Title.

7 — IC champion KEVIN OWENS vs. BIG SHOW — non-title match

Owens tried to avoid Big Show’s impactful offense early on, but Show knocked him out of the ring to the floor. Owens caught his breath, drawing Show to the floor. Owens used the outside to his advantage to knock down Show and nearly get another count-out win. But, Show made it back into the ring.

Back in the ring, Owens smashed Show with a running splash to the gut, but Show caught Owens on the top turnbuckle. Show crotched Owens across the top rope and Owens tumbled to the floor. Show smiled as Owens writhed in pain on the floor and was counted out. Cole said it’s the same way Owens beat Show on Smackdown.

[Q11] Post-match, Owens continued to writhe in pain as Show mocked him from the ring. Show bounced out of the ring as the announcers mocked Owens for a speed-bump on the Road to KOMania.

WINNER: Show via count-out at 2:40. Where is this going – Show vs. Owens at WM32? Some sort of multi-man match? A lot of the undercard material feels random heading into April 3.

Backstage: Renee Young brought in Brie Bella to talk about facing Naomi tonight, one week after losing the Divas Title match against Charlotte at Fast Lane. Brie said she put up a strong fight against Charlotte, but did not get the win. Suddenly, Lana walked in. Lana said Brie is loved by so many, but she always manages to “bite the big one.” Lana said she has a figure and she has a man who can fight for her. She said Brie gets pity from the fans. Brie challenged Lana to meet her in the ring and go shave Rusev’s back.

NXT plug: Heading to break, WWE plugged Finn Balor vs. Neville this Wednesday on NXT.

[Commercial Break at 10:34]

8 — BRIE BELLA vs. NAOMI (w/Tamina)

Brie and Naomi were in the ring back from break. As the bell sounded, Cole recapped a “strange encounter” between Brie and Lana backstage before this match. Naomi kicked Brie hard out of the ring early on, then worked on her back after softening it up.

Naomi did some exercise in the ring, but Brie ducked a kick and followed with Yes! kicks. Naomi then used a distraction from Tamina to kind of put Brie in a submission. Naomi eventually applied it and Brie tapped out. Post-match, Lana walked out on-stage to mockingly applaud Brie following her loss.

WINNER: Naomi via submission at 4:08.

Up Next: Ambrose vs. Del Rio in the main event.

[Commercial Break at 10:43]

[Q12] Announcers: Cole, JBL, and Saxton were shown on-camera. Cole introduced the latest 2016 WWE Hall of Fame inductees – The Fabulous Freebirds. JBL talked up the Freebirds vs. Von Erichs defining Texas in the 1980s. Now they go into the HOF with Sting and The Godfather.

Cole then transitioned to the Divas Title situation.

Backstage: Sasha Banks and Becky Lynch politely argued about their “draw” in the #1 contender match. Charlotte and Ric Flair walked into the shot. Charlotte said they’ll have another #1 contender match this Thursday on Smackdown. Charlotte ran down Becky and Sasha since neither one will beat her at WrestleMania.

Earlier Tonight: Vince vowed to disown his son, Shane McMahon.

In-ring: Dean Ambrose was introduced for the main event. Ambrose limped down to the ring still selling the effects of last week’s attack from Lesnar. Cole said Ambrose faces Del Rio, with League of Nations hanging around, up next.

[Commercial Break at 10:53]

Next Monday: It’s official that Styles & Jericho will challenge New Day for the Tag Titles. Also, Shane McMahon is back on Raw.

As Ambrose prepared for the main event, League of Nations’s music played to bring out Alberto Del Rio joined by his brothers.

9 — DEAN AMBROSE vs. ALBERTO DEL RIO (w/Rusev, Sheamus, and King Barrett)

Del Rio tried to punch Ambrose as the bell sounded, but Ambrose blocked. Del Rio then delivered a big suplex targeting Ambrose’s injured mid-section. Ambrose rolled to the floor, where Del Rio drove him repeatedly into the barricade. Del Rio celebrated as he re-entered the ring.

[Q13 — over-run] Del Rio waited for Ambrose to return to the ring, where he continued the assault. Del Rio wanted his top-rope double stomp, but Ambrose did a sit-up to yank Del Rio down to the mat. Ambrose tried to build momentum, but Del Rio dropped him with a backstabber.

Del Rio continued to assault Ambrose as JBL said this is what Brock Lesnar will do to Ambrose at Wm32. Suddenly, Ambrose blocked the cross arm-breaker with a rebound lariat. Ambrose then punched and slapped Del Rio as the crowd fired up behind Ambrose.

Dean tried to follow up with a top-rope move, but Del Rio blocked. Dean shook him off, though, and landed a missile dropkick. But, Del Rio kicked out of a pin attempt. Del Rio answered with a step-up enziguiri kick, but airballed a corner splash, sending Del Rio crashing to the floor. Dean then hopped to the top rope and wiped out all four League members with a splash.

Suddenly, Triple H’s music played. Hunter walked out on-stage looking for a fight. Hunter marched down to the ring as Del Rio recovered with The League on the floor. Suddenly, The League attacked Ambrose, causing the bell to sound for a DQ.

WINNER: Ambrose via DQ at 9:10.

Post-match, The League attacked Ambrose per Hunter’s instructions. Del Rio smashed Dean in the face with a superkick as Hunter enjoyed the scene from the ring apron. After League left the ring, Hunter got down next to Hunter and asked when he’s going to learn that he can never beat The Authority. Suddenly, Dean punched Hunter in the mouth. Ambrose tackled Hunter into the corner to a big reaction, but Hunter suddenly grabbed him and dropped him with a Pedigree in the middle of the ring.

Hunter checked his jaw as he picked up the mic. “You want a championship match with me? You’re on!” Hunter shouted as he threw down the mic and left the ring. Dean cut off Hunter’s music by talking into the mic as he leaned next to it. “Hunter, thanks,” he said.

Still on the floor, Hunter removed his jacket and rolled up his sleeves before marching back down to the ring. Hunter tossed Dean out of the ring, then chucked him over the announce table. Hunter cleared the announce table area, then pounded on him with right hand blows. Another vicious attack by Hunter as refs spilled out trying to get Hunter off Dean. Hunter caught his breath, then went for more right hand blows as a fan on the front row seemed prime to hop the guardrail and attack Hunter.

Hunter eventually walked away from ringside as Dean sold being KO’ed on the announce table, this time drawing boos for his attack on the sympathetic Dean, unlike last week against Roman Reigns. Hunter looked back to the ringside area before heading to the back as Raw closed 12 minutes past the top of the hour.

***

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***

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