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Cena entered the ring and battled Tarver. Cena shoved Tarver into the corner, then tagged in Sheamus while shooting a look to Orton. Slater tagged in and the red-headed kids battled in the ring. Sheamus slowed down the pace and knocked Slater to the outside before rolling him back into the ring. There just isn’t any energy to this match right now. Otunga tagged in to no reaction, then paced the ring and grabbed a basic side headlock. Sheamus and Otunga collided mid-ring, then Sheamus clotheslined Otunga, who tried posing in Sheamus’s face. Sheamus was then isolated – yes, the heel champion playing babyface in peril – as Nexus stomped away on him. Sheamus never made it out of the corner after a couple of hope spots and Slater eventually pinned Sheamus at 7:10. I don’t get that booking at all.

John Cena then came in hot and dropped the Five Knuckle Shuffle on Slater. He wanted the Attitude Adjustment and connected for a pin on Slater at 7:52. Wade Barrett entered next and dumped Cena to the outside. Nexus seized the opportunity to stomp away on Cena ringside. Barrett rammed Cena head-first into the announce table before rolling him back into the ring for a two count. Gabriel came in and landed some basic offense. Otunga then tagged in and showed how green he is in the ring before Cena countered a suplex attempt.

Otunga cleared Orton off the ring apron, but Cena sprung to life and slapped on the STF for a tap-out at 10:30. Gabriel then came right off the top with the 450 splash on Cena for a pin on Cena at 10:37. Orton then snuck in the back door and dropped Gabriel with the RKO for a pin at 10:52. Tarver came in next and took an RKO for another pin at 11:03. Barrett then hit the ring and dropped Orton with his overhead slam finisher. Barrett made the cover for the win at 11:14. Five decisions in less than one minute. Very fitting for this show. Barrett posed in the ring with a smile on his face as Cole suggested Barrett’s in control heading to Night of Champions. They signed off 12 minutes past the hour.

WINNERS: Team Nexus at 11:14.

Gallery Link:
- Promotional Photos > Official WWE Promo’s (HQ)
- WWE Related > RAW & Smackdown! Live Event Photography (HQ)
- WWE Related > Pay-Per-View Live Event Photography (HQ)

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RANDY ORTON vs. JOHN MORRISON vs. TED DIBIASE (w/Maryse) — triple threat match
Sheamus took off from his throne after the bell sounded. Cole also noted the history between Orton and DiBiase from Legacy. That seems like a distant, distant memory with how far DiBiase has fallen since WrestleMania. Cole also noted every title will be defended at Night of Champions. Lawler said he couldn’t think of a better place for NOC than Chicago. Earlier, he said he couldn’t think of a better place for Raw episode #900 than Boston. Orton absorbed an early beating from DiBiase, then ducked an attempted Flying Chuck from Morrison and dropped DiBiase with a trademark spike DDT from the second rope.

Orton stalked DiBiase for the RKO, but DiBiase shoved him off and Morrison blasted Orton with a kick. Morrison then went flying over the top rope to the outside trying to attack Ted. DiBiase tried to follow up on Orton with Dream Street, but Orton blocked and shoved him away. Morrison then tried a springboard splash on Orton, but Orton caught Morrison in mid-air with an RKO. It was a bit off (with Morrison’s foot hitting the mat before Orton hit the RKO), ala the mid-air RKO on Evan Bourne countering the Air Bourne, but the crowd popped big for the visual. Orton made the cover on Morrison for the win. Post-match: DiBiase tried to attack Orton, but Orton dropped him with the RKO for good measure. Orton still in control and looking strong.

WINNER: Orton at 4:42.

The Raw GM buzzd and Cole, annoyed, said he has received another email from the GM. Cole opened up the laptop and said the GM would like everyone to know he has upheld Barrett’s request. That drew a pop. But, that’s not at all. Cole read that Sheamus spoke of opportunity earlier tonight, so he’s giving four other wrestlers a title shot. So, at NOC, Sheamus will defend in a Six-Pack challenge. Sheamus had a great facial expression with his countenance dropping. He flipped out. Barrett was perplexed.

Also in the match will be…Chris Jericho. Jericho’s music hit and Jericho walked out on stage to the ring with a big grin on his face. Also, Randy Orton. Sheamus just closed his eyes and stared down at the mat as Orton slowly walked out to the ring with a half-smile on his face. Orton and Sheamus had a brief stare down, then Cole announced Edge as another competitor. Edge bounced out to the ring as Sheamus surveyed the scene. After a pause, Cole announced John Cena as the final competitor. Cena hit the ring as Sheamus wiped his brow.

All five challengers circled around Sheamus, who shoved Barrett into the circle. Cena, Edge, Orton, and Jericho circled around Barrett, who told them that Sheamus is the champ, so go after him. The announcers noted Barrett is usually the one circling up folks. Barrett tried to reason with Cena, who led a beat down on Barrett. Sheamus then chucked Barrett out of the ring, with Barrett smacking the ground head-first. Sheamus then turned around and took a codebreaker from Jericho. Edge speared Jericho, then Cena dropped Edge with Attitude Adjustment. And, finally, Orton dropped Cena with an RKO. Orton did his big IED wild flailing as the crowd popped big for Orton. Cole said Orton is “slithering his way to Boston” for episode #900 in control going to Night of Champions. Orton posed in the ring as they faded out.

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RANDY ORTON vs. JUSTIN GABRIEL — If Gabriel loses, he’s out of Nexus
They came face-to-face after the opening bell and Orton glared down at Gabriel, who shoved him in the chest. Gabriel landed a few kick strikes, but Orton began dominating the match. Orton was in control, ready to take it home, but, suddenly, WWE champion Sheamus showed up ringside. Orton rolled to the outside and they started fighting on the outside before taking it over the guardrail to the front row. The ref reached a ten count and Orton was counted out, giving Gabriel the win. Meanwhile, Orton and Sheamus continued to brawl among the fans. Roberts then announced Gabriel as the winner, giving Orton pause.

Orton, having taken out Sheamus, then charged the rung, spun Gabriel around, and dropped him with the RKO. Orton wasn’t done, as he left the ring to find a chair to his liking. The crowd was hot for Orton, who blasted Sheamus over and over across the back with the chair. Refs tried to intervene as Orton shouted to let out his frustration from not winning the WWE Title at Summerslam. “Randy Orton has snapped here tonight,” Lawler said. The crowd chanted his name as he rubbed his face on the way out. Orton then stopped and decided he wasn’t done. Orton sprinted to the other side of the ring by the announcers and dropped Sheamus with an RKO on the padded floor. Orton pounded the announce table, shot a sinister grin to the crowd, and his music played. Orton looked at his hands and Cole said something at Summerslam sent him off. He posed on the entrance ramp to conclude the segment.

WINNER: Gabriel via count-out at 2:53. The needed emphasis was on Orton back on the WWE Title chase taking his game to the next level. Although these non-finishes are coming too frequently lately, this one served a bigger purpose. The crowd was hot for Orton, which really added to the segment. Meanwhile, Nexus goes to 3-0. Sure, it was no thanks to Gabriel’s effort, but that fit the group being heels distorting the truth and the match story was more about Orton-Sheamus.

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Orton pounded the mat as Sheamus returned to the ring. He hit the DDT off the second rope and then played to the crowd some more. The crowd popped and some feared he was going to pop his shoulder out again. He went for the RKO, but Sheamus blocked it. Cole mis-called it and declared that Orton hit it before realizing he didn’t. From a certain angle it definitely looked like a typical RKO, but Sheamus did push him off. Sheamus went for a quick pin and got a near fall. He set up the High Cross, but Orton escaped. Orton went for an RKO again, but Sheamus escaped and thrust kick him in the face. Orton kicked out. Sheamus threw a fit as Lawler exclaimed, “What?! How did Randy Orton survive that?”

Sheamus grabbed a chair from ringside as Lawler wondered if Sheamus wondered if he beat Orton. The ref tried to yank the chair from Sheamus. Sheamus yanked it back and sent the ref tumbling to the floor. The ref called for the bell and DQ’d Sheamus. Sheamus smiled.

WINNER: Orton via DQ in 18:00.

-Afterward Sheamus held the chair and waited for Orton to stand. Orton ducked a swing and kicked Sheamus between his legs. Orton then picked up the chair. He yanked Sheamus to the floor, cleared the announce table, and then set up Sheamusf for a RKO on the table. The table didn’t collapse. Sheamus tumbled to the floor as Orton huffed and puffed.

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They rolled a video package on Sheamus taking folks out since he joined WWE. They cut back to the arena to show Sheamus watching the video with a smile, then filled the screen with the video again. Sheamus smiled after they showed him taking out Triple H and vowing to do the same to Orton at Summerslam. Back in the ring, Sheamus said he’s ended careers in the ring and right now, he wants to call out Randy Orton. Sheamus wasn’t done, but Orton’s music interrupted to bring him out.

Orton circled around the ring as Sheamus smiled at him. Orton said he has something to say to him. He said he knows Sheamus is capable of hurting people, but he thinks Sheamus is full of it. Orton said Sheamus had an opportunity to prove he should be taken seriously last week, but he blew his opportunity. Sheamus interrupted by saying everyone takes him seriously. Orton paused for an “R-K-O” chant, then mocked Sheamus for his videos and speeches. He said Sheamus has never beaten him…and he never will. “You’re wrong!” he shouted. Sheamus name-dropped Hunter and Cena as guys he’s beaten. “I’m not Triple H and I’m certainly not John Cena,” Orton said, emphasizing the latter part. Sheamus reminded him he’s not the WWE champion either.

Sheamus said once he beats Orton at Summerslam, Orton will go back to the back of the line. He vowed to make sure Orton never gets another title shot after Summerslam while he’s champ. Orton vowed to beat him at Summerslam – notice he didn’t say “win the title.” Orton told Sheamus to do something about it with his threats. They paused and stared off nose-to-nose.

Suddenly, the MacBook interrupted and Cole went to the podium to read an email from the GM. Cole read that Sheamus’s title matches have been marred by interference, so if anyone interferes in the title match, that person will be suspended indefinitely. Cole said the GM agrees with Sheamus that if Orton loses at Summerslam, he goes back to the end of the line. The GM also agrees with Orton. The GM told Sheamus to prove he’s not scared by doing something about it right now.

Sheamus pretended to square off against Orton as the hard camera began to shake. He then backed off with a smile before teasing a right hand punch. Orton didn’t flinch, then he attacked Sheamus from behind. Orton got in a few blows before Sheamus nailed him with a big double axehandle smash to the head. Sheamus backed off to the corner and got fired up. He attempted a bicycle kick, but Orton ducked and nailed a fallaway backbreaker smash. Orton then stared down at Sheamus, who was selling on the mat. Orton slowly began to back up, then the crowd recognized what he was going for. Orton teased the Big Punt, but stopped mid-kick. Sheamus snapped to attention and had the look of death on his face as Orton suggested he could have ended things right there.

Orton rolled to the outside, then grabbed the title and held it up. Cole and Lawler said Orton sent a message that he can win the title whenever he wants. Cole said Orton is focused and ready for Summerslam. Orton smiled, tossed the belt back to Sheamus, then walked off as Sheamus continued to sell in the ring. PYB (3) talk time: 10:45. Strong segment, with a bit too much touching right before a PPV title match, but with the babyface challenger looking very strong to give the audience the impression their Summerslam PPV order will include a top babyface winning the WWE Title. They’re still setting this up for Orton to win via DQ, but Sheamus retaining the title.

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In-ring: The Miz walked out to the ring for the main event. Miz said Randy Orton made a big mistake last week when he ruined his MITB cash-in opportunity. Miz said Orton will pay for what he did. He said Orton’s best-case scenario is that he beats Sheamus for the WWE Title, but what happens next? Miz said his moment comes next. “Can the voices in your head hear me, Orton?” Miz shouted. He said it’s inevitable he will be WWE champion, so get used to it. Miz held up the MITB briefcase. “Because I’m The Miz…and I’m awesome!” he shouted, getting in his full catch phrase this time. Cole, as expected, talked up Miz. Randy Orton then came out with an icy glare for Miz.

RANDY ORTON vs. U.S. champion THE MIZ — non-title match
Miz and Orton locked up early on, then Orton exploded out of the corner with a clothesline. Lawler talked about Miz being the “best thing in Cleveland” now that LeBron James has left. “That’s sad!” Cole said. That was odd, as WWE promotes their stars as huge deals, so why would it be sad?, and Cole typically talks up Miz like he’s the best thing to ever happen in WWE history. Weird comment from Cole, even if he was trying to knock Cleveland in the process. Orton continued to beat down Miz, including a slow set-up for a slingshot into the bottom rope. Orton eventually knocked Miz to the floor and Sheamus walked out on-stage. Cut to break with business about to pick up.

Before returning to the match, they plugged the NBC special on Saturday. Back in the arena, Orton was still in control of the match pounding away on Miz. Miz finally got in some offense with a boot to the face that bought him some time. Miz then landed elbows to the shoulders before settling into a chinlock while trying to gouge Orton’s eyes. Segue to a zoomed-in shot of Sheamus’s eyes as he stood on-stage continuing to watch intently.

Cole reset the show (making sure not to identify what city they were located in for a taped show) as Miz continued to work on Orton. Cole noted developments tonight with Edge and Jericho off Team Cena going into Summerslam. Miz then charged Orton with a hard clothesline in the corner. He maintained his pose for a moment to let the audience feel the move. Miz then slowly picked up Orton, who came back with right hand blows that rocked Miz before landing fired-up clotheslines. Miz attempted a left arm lariat, but Orton ducked and nailed a powerslam off the ropes. Miz reached the apron to slow down Orton, though, only to find himself in position for the spike DDT. Miz countered, though, by dumping Orton over the top rope to the floor. Cole excitedly called it a “great counter.”

On the floor, Miz landed some offense, then rolled Orton back into the ring. Miz nailed his combination Reality Check and scored a close nearfall. At this point, the crowd was a mixture of fans exhausted in the fourth hour of a TV taping and fans standing to see the finish. Miz tried to follow up on his nearfall, but Orton suddenly hit the RKO to a strong reaction. Orton then made the cover for the win.

Post-match: Immediately after the finish, Sheamus started to charge the ring, but Orton scared him off posing as a threat. Cole quickly wrapped things up as they abruptly signed off with Orton posed in the ring like a snake glaring at Sheamus.

WINNER: Orton in 13:00.

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RANDY ORTON vs. JEY USO (w/Jimmy Uso and Tamina)
Cole noted the anonymous Raw GM booked the match to give Orton some warm-up work before Summerslam. Orton quickly dominated and continued to stare down Sheamus in-between moves on Jey. Orton glared down Sheamus too long after a forearm to the chest, allowing Jey to take control. The crowd rallied behind Orton, who made a trademark comeback and executed a spike DDT on Jey while staring down Sheamus. Orton then went down to the ground to tease the RKO and deliver it center ring. Orton with the cover for the win.

WINNER: Orton at 2:36. Effective squash to get over Orton as a threat for the WWE Title and on a “hot streak” going into Summerslam. (*)

Post-match: Jimmy ambushed Orton from behind while Orton was staring down Sheamus. Jimmy then picked up Orton, who fired off right hand blows. Sheamus tried a pump kick on Orton, but Orton kicked and Jimmy took the boot. Sheamus then turned around and ate an RKO center ring. Suddenly, The Miz’s music hit. Miz stormed the ring with the MITB briefcase in hand. He stared down at Sheamus, then ref Chioda presented the briefcase to Roberts. Orton was slowly walking around ringside as Sheamus was trying to get himself together in the ring. Orton then surprised Miz out of nowhere with an RKO. And cue up Orton’s theme music. Cole said the bell never rang, so the match never started and Miz still has the case. This is going to get old fast with the loose application of the “cash in” rules. Cole said the story here is Orton looking dominant heading into Summerslam, with Sheamus vulnerable. Cole gave a final plug for Orton looking strong as he posed in the ring with carnage everywhere.

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RANDY ORTON vs. CHRIS JERICHO vs. EDGE – #1 contender match to WWE Title
Edge and Jericho started things off with a unified attack on Orton. They went for a double backdrop, but Orton pulled out a signature counter with a double DDT. He made a cover on Edge for a two count. Orton then went to work on Edge with a methodical attack as Jericho recovered on the outside. Orton whipped Edge hard into the corner, then went down on both hands to tease the RKO. Edge shoved him away, though, and Orton ran into Jericho for a codebreaker out of nowhere. Jericho attempted a cover, but Edge broke it up. Jericho and Edge then brawled to the outside. Edge rammed Jericho off the announce table and they cut to break with action on the floor.

They returned from break with Jericho and Edge still on the outside as Lawler reset that the winner will face Sheamus for the WWE Title at Summerslam. Jericho then crawled back onto the ring apron and Orton bumped him back to the floor. Edge and Jericho tried to crawl back in again, but Edge scampered away and Jericho took the signature spike DDT off the middle rope. Orton tried a cover, but Edge yanked Orton out of the ring. Some good sequences so far in the match. They reset at 9:00 with Edge and Orton in the ring, but Jericho yanked Edge out of the ring and went to work on Orton. Jericho tried a pin with his feet on the ropes, but Orton kicked out in time.

Jericho settled into a reverse chinlock on Orton as the crowd rallied behind Orton. They came to their feet and Orton mounted a comeback with two knock-down clotheslines followed by a snap powerslam for a nearfall. Edge then tried to sneak in, but Orton dropped him with a fallaway backbreaker for another two count. Orton kicked Edge to the outside again, then he teased the spike DDT on Jericho again, but Jericho countered with the Walls of Jericho. They went to the Steve Austin at WrestleMania 13 camera shot of Orton trying to fight the hold, then Jericho pulled him back to center ring. Suddenly, Edge entered the ring and grabbed Jericho for a DDT that resulted in a two count.

Edge measured Jericho for a spear moments later, but Jericho countered with a roll-through into the Walls of Jericho. Edge fought the hold and grabbed the bottom rope for a break. Edge tried to come back with a roll-up pin, but Jericho kicked out. Edge then clotheslined Jericho over the top rope and Orton snuck in the back door. He tried the RKO, but Edge blocked with a reverse DDT for another close nearfall. Suddenly, all three men traded nearfalls before all three men hit a triple knock-down clothesline to put everyone on the mat.

They reset with Jericho shoving Edge to the outside, then Orton teased the RKO on Jericho, who blocked. Jericho teased the Lionsault, but Orton moved. Orton then stalked Jericho and finally connected with the RKO. Edge tried to run in with the spear, but Orton dropped him with the RKO. Orton then covered Edge for a three count to win as the crowd popped for Orton’s victory. Post-match: Orton maintained his cool demeanor as a graphic showed Orton going to Summerslam. After a replay of the high points in the match, they showed Orton staring into the crowd with an icy glare. It’s Sheamus vs. Orton at Summerslam.

WINNER: Orton at 15:10 to become #1 contender. WWE obviously saw how hot the crowd was for Orton almost winning the MITB match last night and pulled the trigger on the hot babyface in the main event of the second-biggest PPV of the year.

Backstage: Sheamus had an ice pack on his head walking down the hallway with a medic checking on him. He walked past the Bella Twins and Gail Kim, who were giggling. He shouted at them this isn’t funny. Randy Orton then walked up to him and said it’s too bad what happened to him out there. Orton said being champ makes him a target. He said he doesn’t care who the champ is at Summerslam because that person will be wearing a giant bulls-eye. He said he won’t be hitting that bulls-eye with a spear or an arrow, but with an R-K-O. Sheamus sold that he didn’t want to hear any of this after a rough night at the office.

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I the ring, Bourne set up a ladder. Jericho charged at him with the ladder. Bourne ducked and then set up a ladder mid-ring and climbed to the top. Edge grasped as Bourne. Bourne dove off and head scissored him to the mat. Orton entered the ring and gave Bourne a DDT off the ladder’s third rung the same way he usually does off the middle rope. Morrison rammed Orton into the turnbuckle and then leaping roundkicked him in the head. Orton rolled to the floor. Morrison fell backward into the ladder and hit the back of his head and seemed momentarily stunned. DiBiase went after Morrison, but Morrison reversed him with a suplex attempt. Miz intervened. Miz and DiBiase stomped on Morrison. Morrison used a drop toe hold to send DiBiase into a ladder propped in the corner.

At 6:00 Morrison then climbed the ladder. Edge re-entered and met him on the other side. Jericho set up his own ladder and climbed it. Orton met him at the top. All four battled to reach the swinging briefcase. Henry entered and shoved both ladders over for stereo mirror images bumps on opposite sides of the ring by both pairs of wrestlers. Bourne springboarded into the ring and at Henry, but he flew all the way to ringside. Maryse checked on DiBiase, who was KO’d at ringside. Maryse climbed into the ring as if she was going to climb the ladder. Lawler wondered if she could officially win the match. Maryse climbed to the top. Morrison gently helped her down and onto his back in a fireman’s carry position. He ordered her out of the ring. DiBiase climbed the ladder. Morrison quickly turned and went after DiBiase. DiBiase leaped off the ladder onto Morrison.

Miz catapulted Morrison into a ladder at ringside. he climbed that ladder and then teetered of of another ladder in the ring to land on top of a ladder mid-ring. That was a first. It was like the old Mouse Trap game. He knocked Edge down and reached for the briefcase. Edge yanked Morrison through the ladder so he was bridge of sorts between both sides. Miz and Edge rammed Morrison in his abs (no, not the abs!) with the ladder. Edge then jabbed Miz in the face with the ladder. Lawler said, “Never trust Edge.” Edge tipped the ladder over with Morrison’s body still bridged across it. He knocked Morrison to the floor and then set up a ladder again.

DiBiase jabbed Edge in the gut with the ladder. He set up it up upside down in a “V” position. He knocked Orton off the ring apron with another ladder. DiBiase propped another ladder against the “V” ladder, then climbed the ladder in the middle. Henry finally returned to the ring and went after DiBiase. DiBiase dove at him, but Henry caught him and powerslammed him. Jericho charged at Henry. Henry kicked the ladder into him. Then he caught Miz and dropped him into Jericho. Bourne leaped onto Henry’s back and climbed to the top of the ladder. Edge and Orton intervened, but they turned to Henry. Bourne, meanwhile, reached for the case. They turned back and yanked Bourne off and co-pressed him and threw him onto Henry on the floor. Henry powerslammed Bourne on the floor. Morrison leaped off the ring apron and kicked Henry. Jericho gave Henry a Code Breaker. Edge speared Henry at 14:00.

Miz and Orton and Morrison climbed a ladder in mid-ring. Jericho joined them. DiBiase slid a ladder into the ring, bridging it over the top rope and into the support beam of the ladder and walked over to join them. The meeting of five broke up when Edge and Orton slid the ladder, with DiBiase on it, out of the ring. DiBiase took a hard fall. Orton then gave Edge an RKO. Jericho and Morrison remained on the top. Jericho reached for the case. Morrison stopped him. Jericho ended up hung upside down in the corner. Orton yanked Morrison down and gave him an RKO. Bourne gave Orton an Air Bourne as soon as Orton landed. Bourne them climbed the ladder with Jericho still hanging upside down on the other side. He dramatically reached it and almost had it unhooked. Jericho punched at him. Bourne fought him off and again tried to unhook it. Jericho met him at the top again. At 18:00 Jericho knocked Bourne down by hitting him with the briefcase. Jericho was spent and slipped a couple rungs. Good drama there, especially for Bourne fans.

Edge met Jericho at the top. Edge headbutted Jericho. Orton then gave Jericho an RKO off the ladder. Edge reached for the case, but it was out of reach. Orton knocked Edge onto the “V” ladder. Orton then eyed the briefcase. The crowd popped as he climbed the ladder. He reached for it, got a sense of the height, and almost unhooked it when Miz tipped over the ladder. Good believable near finish. Miz then climbed the ladder and unhooked it for the win. I’m doing pretty well on my picks made earlier today on the VIP Wade Keller Hotline (79 straight days and counting!)

WINNER: Miz in 20:00

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John Cena’s music played and he walked out onto the stage. Lawler said that didn’t take long. Cena said The Nexus have done a lot since arriving, but one thing they haven’t done yet is get themselves into a fair fight. “By my math that would make my numbers seven on seven,” he said. Out walked Randy Orton, R-Truth, Evan Bourne, The Hart Dynasty, and John Morrison. As they walked to the ring, Sheamus, Miz, Edge, Ted DiBiase, The Ugos, and Chris Jericho attacked the WWE wrestlers. Cole said “they were ambushed by their own kind.” The Nexus wrestlers fled the scene as the WWE babyfaces had to battle the WWE heels. Sheamus gloated from the stage. Cena said they ruined their chance to get at The Nexus. He wanted to know why. Sheamus said he doesn’t know their agenda, but they seem to be focused on him, Cena. He said if their agenda is taking out Cena, Bret Hart, and everyone else on that stage, he supports it, as does everyone standing next to him. Sheamus said they respectfully decline Cena’s invitation to fight alongside him. He said if his friends have any brains, they’re turn down his invite, too.

Orton grabbed the mic and said he and Cena aren’t friends and probably never will be. “Unless we have to,” he added. He said The Nexus is a serious threat to each of them. He asked Edge if he forgot about The Nexus jumping them at the Fatal 4-Way. Orton suggested they all wrestle each other seven-on-seven later.

The G.M. chime sounded, and they’ve added the lights flickering too. Cole read a statement from the G.M. that said they shouldn’t even thing about fighting right now. Cole said if they want action, all eight members of the Money in the Bank ladder match will be against each other in a series of matches. He said later tonight Cena will step inside the ring against Wade Barrett, but it won’t be a match. He said the G.M. wants them to shake hands and call a truce. Cena didn’t like what he was hearing. “We all know the anonymous general manager is watching, so Mr. Anonymous G.M., instead of shake the hand of Wade Barrett for a truce, how about I take my hand, make a fist, and knock his teeth out? Does that work?” The G.M. replied that he needs him to be the bigger man. He said he trusts that he’ll do the right thing, or else his actions will be met with appropriate consequences. “And that’s the bottom line, because the G.M. said so,” Cole concluded. Fans popped, then thought about it, and were conflicted. Lawler said tonight is getting interesting. The Raw theme song played as Cena and the other babyfaces walked out of the ring.

Cole announced that Jericho & Edge will team up to face Bourne & Randy Orton. Bourne smiled excitedly as Jericho and Edge looked apprehensive and tense. Orton’s music played and he walked down the aisle. [c]

CHRIS JERICHO & EDGE vs. RANDY ORTON & EVAN BOURNE
They joined the match in progress. A “Let’s Go Evan!” chant rang out. Lawler said this is a “temporary alignment” between Edge and Jericho.

At 5:00 Orton tagged in Bourne. Jericho tagged in shortly thereafter. Bourne kicked him repeatedly. Jericho bailed out to the floor, then Bourne slidekicked him. Bourne slingshotted himself onto Jericho at ringside. Jericho came back with a clothesline at 7:00. They cut to a break. [c]

Edge had Bourne grounded after the break. They showed a clip of Jericho slidekicking Bourne. Bourne attempted a comeback, but Edge countered it and tagged in Jericho. At 12:00 Bourne escaped Jericho on the mat and crawled toward Orton, but Edge got tagged in first and got to Bourne. Bourne hit a leaping reverse sidekick after escaping a suplex attempt. Cole said it could be the turning point of the match. Orton got the hot-tag just as Jericho also tagged in. Orton gave him the DDT off the middle rope. Orton dropped to the mat and slapped it. Edge distracted Orton, giving Jericho a chance to recover and kick Orton. After more back and forth action, Jericho got upset with Edge not listening to him, especially for hesitating when he reached to tag in Edge. So when Edge reached for a tag a minute later, Jericho chewed him out. Bourne kicked him. Edge then speared Jericho and walked out on the match at 17:00. Bourne then hit his Air Bourne shooting star press for the win. As Bourne celebrated as his music played, Orton gave him an RKO. That silenced the crowd. Orton’s music then hit. Maybe Orton just wanted to hear his song. Lawler said you can’t ever trust a snake.

WINNER: Bourne & Orton in 18:00.

Backstage The Nexus crossed paths with Orton. David Otunga said their group may have jumped them at the Fatal 4-Way, but it wasn’t personal. Orton said that was his chance to win the WWE Championship. Health Slater assured him they will not interfere in the MITB ladder match. Otunga said depending on how the truce goes, they might not make the same promise about Sheamus vs. Cena. He said when that cage rises, who knows what will happen, but the champion will be in a very vulnerable position. He said if the MITB winner is involved in a war with their group, he may not be in any condition to win the title. Otunga said Orton should think about that next time Cena tries to recruit him to his cause. Orton said he’s heard what they had to say and concluded, “Now get out of my face.”

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Cue up Randy Orton’s theme music to a very strong pop as the final participant.They cut to a break as Orton slowly made his way to ringside to stand next to the babyfaces.

CHRIS JERICHO & EDGE & U.S. champion THE MIZ & TED DIBIASE vs. RANDY ORTON & JOHN MORRISON & R-TRUTH & EVAN BOURNE — eight-man tag match
The bell sounded back from break and the match was off with DiBiase and Morrison paired off against each other. Truth tagged in, landed a slap, and dumped DiBiase clean over the top rope to the floor. Bourne followed with a running kick strike off the ring apron that took DiBiase to the floor again. Back in the ring, Bourne went to work on DiBiase with more kick strikes. Miz made his way into the ring and battled with Bourne, who landed a double-foot smash to the jaw followed by a corner strike for a two count. Cole put over Bourne’s potential creativity in the MTIB match at the PPV. Meanwhile, the crowd chanted for Orton, who remained on the ring apron.

The heels cut off Bourne and Jericho tagged in. Jericho cockily walked around the ring to draw heat before going to work on Bourne. Jericho then mocked Orton’s ballerina pose with a smug look on his face before throwing Bourne back into the ring. Jericho paintbrushed Bourne, who teased a hot tag to Orton until Jericho pulled him back to the heel corner to tag in Miz. Cole noted Miz and Jericho were a tag team for “a cup of coffee.” Mathews covered for Cole’s commentary on the short-term booking by saying their egos were too large to co-exist.

Morrison eventually tagged in and battled his former tag partner, Miz. Morrison connected with a springboard Flying Chuck, then teased the Starship Pain, but DiBiase dragged Miz to the outside. Morrison changed course and took out DiBiase and Miz on the floor. Morrison tried to follow, but Edge attacked Morrison on the outside to cut off his momentum. The heels regained control and they cut to break.

Back from break, the camera was tight on Jericho taking apart Morrison in the heel corner. They shot a clipped from during the break of Jericho driving a ladder into Morrison’s mid-section while the ref was occupied. Back live, Jericho continued to work on Morrison and taunt the babyfaces before tagging out to Edge. DiBiase then entered and slowly worked on Morrison as the crowd chanted for Orton. Edge re-entered and teased the Spear, but Morrison moved and Edge missed in the corner. Morrison then teased a hot tag and dropped Edge with an enziguiri as Edge tried to cut him off. Both men were out cold on the mat as the crowd anticipated a hot tag for the babyfaces.

Right at the top of the hour, Jericho made a tag for the heels and Bourne made a tag for the babyfaces. Bourne landed signature high-flying offense on Jericho before going up top. Jericho cut him off and teased a superplex, but Bourne knocked him to the mat. Bourne then airballed Air Bourne and Jericho immediately followed with the Codebreaker. Brilliant exchange. Jericho couldn’t make a cover, so he went to his corner to tag in DiBiase. Meanwhile, Bourne made the St. Louis connection to Orton and the crowd exploded for Orton’s first entry in the match. Orton immediately dropped DiBiase with the RKO and made a cover for the win. That was quick.

Post-match: Edge jumped Orton from behind to clear him out of the ring. Edge then tried to use a ladder, but Truth and Morrison dropkicked the ladder into Edge’s face. Suddenly, heels and faces exchanged finishing moves on each other. Miz was left alone in the ring staring up at the briefcase hanging above the ring. Miz then set up a ladder and climbed the ladder. Orton had other ideas and re-entered the ring to knock Miz off the ladder.

The crowd chanted, “Randy, Randy” as he set up the ladder and climbed toward the briefcase. Cole posed the question of whether this will be the picture at the MITB PPV. They showed Orton retrieve the briefcase and hold up the MITB briefcase. Cue up Orton’s theme music. After a few moments on Orton’s “victory,” Cole and Mathews made final notes on the show, then Raw closed with a shot of Orton standing on the ladder holding the briefcase.

WINNERS: Team Orton at 15:10.

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Suddenly, The Miz’s music interrupted. Miz walked out on stage with the U.S. Title belt over his shoulder. Miz said the voices in his head say he is sick and tired of seeing Orton in main events. Miz said he is sick of Orton, period. He said the one thing Orton has never done during his WWE career is hold the United States and WWE Titles at the same time. Miz said he wants his chance at the WWE Title, with Orton going to the back of the line. At least they’re re-establishing the value of the title on tonight’s show.

Miz said it’s an industry secret – he quietly walked into the ring to stand in front of Orton – that “I’m the Miz, and I’m…” Miz kicked Orton in the gut to cut off an attack by Orton. Miz then missed with a left-arm lariat and Orton hit a powerslam off the ropes. Orton teased the RKO as the crowd popped, but Miz bailed out of the ring. Suddenly, Edge snuck in the back door and dropped Orton with a spear. Edge did his crazy eyes, then took the mic and told Orton, “Now the real fun begins, Randy.” Cue up Edge’s theme music as Orton sold the spear. Cole and Lawler pondered what the “real fun” is as they closed the segment with back and forth shots of Edge and Orton staring at each other.

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WWE champion JOHN CENA vs. RANDY ORTON vs. EDGE vs. SHEAMUS — WWE Title match

The opening bell sounded and Cena cleared Sheamus while Orton cleared Edge. Cena and Orton then turned to face each other doing their trademark mannerisms. Cena looked around the arena while Orton met him with The Eyes. Cena then teased the Attitude Adjustment, but Orton countered with an RKO tease. Edge then pulled Orton to the outside while Sheamus attacked Cena from behind. Edge and Sheamus then double-teamed Cena in the ring. The deep-throated fans picked up a loud “Cena Sucks” chant in response to a “Let’s Go Cena” chant. They cut backstage to show babyfaces Truth, Bourne, and HD watching the match on a monitor. Back to the action, Edge cleared Cena over the top rope before going up top. Orton crotched him, then teased a Bob Orton special, but Sheamus cut him off. Sheamus teased a powerbomb, but Orton punched him away. Edge then came off the top with a tackle on Sheamus after leaping over Orton. It looked like a spot where they were going for something bigger and didn’t quite execute it.

Orton cleared the ring and Cena pulled himself up to the apron, leading to Orton suplexing Cena back into the ring. Orton began a methodical attack on Cena as the crowd picked up another dueling chant. Orton then missed with a knee drop after pausing to hear the crowd and Sheamus knocked him to the outside. Sheamus and Cena resumed a mid-ring exchange, with Cena hitting a Fisherman’s suplex. He teased the AA, but Sheamus countered with a backbreaker across his knee for a two count. Orton then re-entered and cleaned house before teasing the big spike DDT on Sheamus. Cena then entered the picture and Orton landed a double spike DDT. He made a cover on Sheamus, but Sheamus put a foot on the ropes for a break. Edge then re-entered to clear Orton and tease the spear on Cena, but Cena moved and started his trademark comeback routine. Cena hit the Shuffle, but Orton snuck in the back door and hit his fallaway neck breaker. Orton followed with a powerslam on Edge before rubbing his face with his hands to sell the set-up for the RKO. Sheamus cut Orton off, though, and dumped him to the outside.

They reset at 10:30 with Sheamus and Cena battling. Cena then dumped Sheamus over the top rope, leaving Cena and Edge in the ring. Orton tried to enter again, but Edge speared him off the ropes to the floor. Edge turned around and Cena slapped on the STF center ring. Edge teased a tap out and tried to crawl to the ropes, but Cena reapplied center ring until Sheamus snuck into the ring to attacked Cena. Sheamus then tried to cover Edge, but Edge kicked out. After Sheamus and Edge danced a bit, Orton and Cena re-entered, with Orton nailing the RKO on Cena. Orton made a cover, but Sheamus shoved the ref away to stop the count. It’s No DQ, so apparently that works to stop a count. It opens up a can of worms, though. After order was restored, Sheamus and Orton were left in the ring. Their issue spilled to the outside where Sheamus ate the announce table. Edge then speared Orton into a guardrail.

They cut backstage where the babyfaces were watching the match. Suddenly, the NXT Season One Rookies jumped them and tore down a backstage set. Meanwhile, a WWE TITLE MATCH IS GOING ON IN THE RING. They cut back live where John Cena was kneeling in the ring. The crowd sat quietly trying to figure out what was going on. Apparently Michael Cole took a blow during the ringside events, of note. The NXT Rookies then stormed the ring and attacked Cena, who tried to fight them off. Edge then tried to fight off Wade Barrett, but they tackled Edge ringside. Back in the ring, Sheamus suddenly covered Cena in the ring and scored a three count. And the Celtics win after the Lakers won the World Title. Sheamus high-tailed it from ringside and left through the crowd to avoid the NXT Rookies.

Post-match: the Rookies took apart Cena before Justin Gabriel hit his 450 splash on Cena. Sheamus was then shown standing on the entrance stage holding up his WWE Title belt. The Rookies chased after Sheamus and disappeared. Meanwhile, Orton and Edge were shown out cold ringside as Cena clutched his mid-section in the ring. The crowd sat quietly with no sound from the announcers. After soaking in the scene, they started an inaudible chant. Suddenly, the PPV went off the air with Cena clutching his mid-section in the ring and 25 minutes of PPV time left.

WINNER: Sheamus at 17:27 to capture the WWE Title.

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After an awkward pause, cue up Orton walking to the ring with his shoulder in a sling. They showed a clip from last week when Edge smashed Orton’s shoulder into a doorway. Orton entered the ring to a strong reaction and Orton said he wants Edge tonight. He asked Hart if he has a match tonight. Edge then walked out sans music to interrupt the conversation. Edge, on stage, said if Orton wants a match so bad, they should have a match tonight. Long interrupted and told “playa” Hart that he wants to run something by him. Long whispered sweet nothings in Hart’s ear and Hart liked what he heard.

Hart said they’re letting everyone in the arena decide what’s up tonight. Long told Miami that it’s their choice tonight in (a) debate, (b) sit-up contest, or (c) one-arm match with Edge’s arm tied behind his back. Hart then polled the audience, which comically drew boos on (a) and (b) and cheers on (c). Edge was indignant about this polling result. “That’s not fair! That’s not fair to me!” Edge shouted. Hart wished him good luck. They went to a wide-shot of the arena to end that segment.

Randy Orton then came out with his arm in a sling as the referee forced Edge to stand still and have his left arm tied behind his back. If this is a shoot, why would they leave Edge with his good right hand?

EDGE vs. RANDY ORTON — One-arm match
After they briefly danced around the ring, Orton ran over Edge with his free left shoulder before stomping on Edge. Orton then started pounding on the mat with his one good arm. He teased a one-arm RKO, but Edge shoved him off. Edge then reached behind his back and untied the knot. Apparently the ref didn’t pay attention in Boy Scout’s. Now free, Edge attacked Orton and the ref called for a DQ.

After the DQ, Edge went to the corner and teased the Spear, but Orton blocked with a kick to the head. (Note, not a Punt.) Edge rolled to the outside and Orton tried to follow out, but Edge smashed Orton. Edge then retrieved a chair and measured Orton for a chair shot to the shoulder. Orton convulsed and sold pain as Edge ripped his hair out to sell the angle. Edge smiled and walked away from ringside as Orton winced in pain. They replayed Edge’s attack on Orton before showing Edge smiling from the stage. Orton came to his feet and sold the shoulder injury as the announcers talked in quiet tones.

WINNER: Orton via DQ at 1:35.

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Cue up Randy Orton’s music to interrupt. Edge called him the silent assassin, the viper. He asked Orton if he’s going to coil up and try to drop him. Edge said that’s not going to happen because they both know Orton isn’t 100 percent. He took credit for Orton’s injury at Over the Limit, then told Orton he’s not winning at Fatal Four-Way and he will hurt him. Edge said he’s not kidding. Edge got too close to the snake and Orton dropped him center-ring with an emphatic RKO. Cue up Orton’s theme music and Orton went to the corner for his old-school Orton pose to a crowd pop.

Backstage, Zack Ryder was having a conversation with Randy Orton. Orton said he’s not the one who put out the hit on him. Ryder and Alicia Fox then went on their way trying to find the person who put the hit out on him. Suddenly, Edge slammed a door into Orton’s shoulder. Orton dropped to the ground and sold a shoulder injury. We talked about this happening on the Livecast before Raw. A stagehand ran up and asked for some help as Orton writhed in pain as they cut to commercial.

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Post-match: Sheamus came out on stage and stood on top of the ramp with Edge at the base of the ramp and Cena in the ring. Randy Orton’s music suddenly hit and Orton came out on stage. There were no signs of an injury to Orton, who had a stoic look on his face. No cast or bandage or anything drawing attention to an injury. They went to a straight-on camera shot showing Cena in the ring, Edge on the floor, Sheamus half-way up the ramp, and Orton on the stage staring each other down to close the show

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RANDY ORTON vs. EDGE
The bell sounded and Orton remained still staring straight ahead at Edge. They waited out an “R-K-O” chant before Edge paced around the ring, then locked up with Orton. Striker painted a picture that Edge wanted to create distance to hit the spear and Orton wanted to keep things close to hit the RKO. Cole noted the winner of the match could jockey into position for a slot in the WWE Title match at the Fatal Four-Way PPV. Orton started on the offensive, then the action moved to the floor where Edge took control and dropped Orton stomach-first across the guardrail. Orton was selling his left arm as Edge rolled him back into the ring to begin a focused attack. Orton started elbowing out of a body scissors submission as the fans chanted “R-K-O,” but Edge cut off Orton with a knee to the stomach to continue focusing on the mid-section to set up the spear.

Edge went up top at 7:00, but Orton cut him off. He wanted a superplex, but Edge blocked and headbutted Orton to the mat. Edge tried to come back with a high-risk move, but Orton crotched him and this time hit the Orton family tradition superplex. Edge and Orton recovered to their feet, then started trading haymakers. Orton won the exchange with a powerslam for a two count, but Edge came back with a boot to the face. Orton then came back with a classic spike DDT with Edge hanging across the middle rope. Edge kicked out of a pin attempt, then rolled to the outside to recover. Edge lured Orton into a trap to yank Orton throat-first across the top rope to regain control. Edge then rolled into the ring and got his space in the corner. Edge teased the Spear as Orton recovered to his feet, but Orton kicked him in the head.

Orton then started pounding the mat to tease the RKO, but he sold an injury to his arm and seemed to tell Edge to call an audible. Orton suddenly stopped the match and sold an injury to his right arm. His arm seemed to be hanging by a thread as he rolled to the outside no-selling punches. The ref started a ten count and they did a spot where Edge missed a spear and Orton continued to hold his arm. Double count-out finish. Refs checked on Orton and they tried a recovery angle with Edge snapping and trying to go after Orton, who just walked away clutching his forearm in pain. The announcers ringside talked about the potential injury and Orton’s history of shoulder injuries. Striker unwittingly said the “night must go on.” Where did we hear that before eleven years ago?

WINNER: Double count-out at 12:50. They were booked into a corner where neither wrestler could really afford a loss, so the finish made sense. Orton sure seemed to be legit injured, although the finish made sense for a double count-out so neither wrestler had to take a loss. It will be interesting to see what the follow-up is on Orton, who could be out an extended length of time if the injury was legit.

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World Hvt. champion JACK SWAGGER vs. RANDY ORTON — non-title match
Swagger bailed to the outside after a back-and-forth exchange and drew Orton to the floor to accept a blow into the announce table. Swagger then became distracted by loud “R-K-O” chants that allowed Orton to pull Swagger back into the ring. Orton teased the horizontal spike DDT, but Swagger reached his feet and blasted Orton with an aggressive amateur wrestling takedown. Swagger then followed with two running Vader bombs out of the corner and Orton rolled to the outside selling his mid-section. Orton reached the apron at eight and Swagger bumped him to the floor into the announce table. Back in the ring, Orton tried to come back with right hands, but Swagger ducked and hit a belly-to-belly suplex.

Swagger tried another running Vader Bomb, but Orton popped to his feet and kicked Swagger in the gut on the way down. Orton made a full comeback and put Swagger on the middle rope to hit the big horizontal spike DDT. Orton then got that look in his eyes and started stalking Swagger for the RKO. Suddenly, Edge hit the ring and went after Orton, causing the match to be thrown out. Orton fought off Edge momentarily, then hit the RKO on Swagger. Orton got up, then Edge dropped Orton with the spear. Man, I’m upset if I’m Undertaker. Edge stood tall and walked out of the ring in control going into the PPV vs. Orton one-on-one.

WINNER: No Contest at 7:17.