OO Column: Online Onslaught by Rick Scaia (Pro Wrestling News, Analysis, and Commentary... WWE, WWF, WCW, ECW, The Rock, Brock Lesnar, Triple H, Rob Van Dam, Hulk Hogan, Undertaker, Trish Stratus, Lita, Stacy Keibler, Divas, RAW, SmackDown, WrestleMania

OO RAW RECAP
Sting's Still Got It
September 14, 2015

by Rick Scaia
Exclusive to OOWrestling.com

Hey, everybody. I'm The Rick. PyroFalkon remains on IGN Assignment, so it falls to me to make sure that everybody's up to speed on what happened last Thursday on SmackDown.

Here's a Less Than You Need To Know But All I Have The Time To Tell You version of Thursday's happenings:

The Wyatts opened the show with a promo, declaring that what they did to Randy Orton will happen again to anyone else who throws their support behind Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose.
Cesaro beat Miz in a solid, competitive match, via submission to the SHarpshooter.
Paige and Sasha Banks went to their second No Decision of the week, after a good 10 minute match broke down into a Pier Six Brawl, once the rest of PCB and BAD got involved. How good was it? It got the first "THIS IS AWE SOME" chant since the very earliest days of the Diva Revolution.
Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns, and Jimmy Uso went to a No Decision with the New Day. They had a really good 15 minute match, starting to brush up against youtube-worthy.... but then it had a cheap (and kind of awkwardly executed) finish in which the Wyatts attacked Jimmy Uso for daring to side with Reigns/Ambrose. But instead of doing it in a compelling, straight forward way, there were all kinds of lights-out goofy tricks involved. Bleh. But on the upside, OO's wish to see Jimmy in the mix as the Mystery Partner was addressed!
The Ascension beat the Lucha Dragons. It wasn't quite a squash, but it was short, and the Ascension got the win thanks to interference from Stardust.
Seth Rollins beat Ryback in a Champion vs. Champion rematch from Monday. This was a Lumberjack Match, which actually added a ton of fun, and made for a pretty excellent overbooked spectacle. In the end, Kevin Owens was the only lumberjack who kept his cool and didn't get caught up in wild brawling... instead, he waited and waited, and bided his time until he could get a cheapshot on Ryback. Then Rollins followed up with the Pedigree, and got revenge for losing to Ryback on Monday. Stong main event to close out the show.

And now that you know what happened on Thursday, let's get back to what happened on Monday:

Opening Video Package for the Benefit of Those with ADD: OO does not recap recaps.

HISTORY IN THE MAKING

And then we eschew any theme/pyro/etc., and slam cut to the inside of the arena in Memphis, TN, where Triple H and Stephanie McMahon are on their way to the ring. As they strut on down, Cole & The Gang give us a quick welcome, but then shoot it right back to the Authority.

HHH and Steph declare that this is the "Season Premiere" of RAW (because WWE strives to have all the gravitas of a new season of "Two Broke Girls" *thud*), which is a chance to look back at what an amazing year it's been. As they rattle off all the debuting performers and major landmark moments, it actually does come off like it's been a productive year. But that still doesn't justify the lame-ass use of "season premiere" talk.

Steph handles the look back, and then HHH takes a look ahead, and talks up Seth Rollins as the man who will be leading us into the future, so as great as the past year was, things are only looking to get brighter. But that's the long term view.... how about the short term?

In the short term, Memphis had better buckle up, because we've got one hell of a show in store. The Women's Title will be defended, and when the night is over, we'll either have a new champ in Charlotte, or we'll have the longest reigning champion of the Purple Butterfly Belt Era (which is only 7 years old).

Then, HHH drops a bombshell by announcing that tonight, history will be made when the 6-time WCW Champion, the Franchise of WCW, STING competes on Monday Night RAW. Tonight, it's Sting vs. the Big Show. Whoa.

And to kick things off here in the new "season," why not bring out the New Day for a tag team title defense? Kofi, Big E, and Eggsavier Woods (with his trombone) make a grand entrance, and manage to coax Steph and HHH to boogie down and clap it up before we break for...

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THE NEW DAY (w/ Eggsavier Woods and a Trombone) vs. THE PRIME TIME PLAYERS (Tag Team Title Match)

Once back from the commercial break, the PTPs get their full entrance, too. And then, since the straps are up for grabs, we also get the full boxing style ring intros from Lilian, who is looking very nice in a very sparkly (and very short) red dress.

Speed to start, as it's Kofi vs. DYoung. Young gets the better of it, and tags in Titus.... Kofi freaks out, and sprints to his corner to get in Big E. So now, it's power vs. power. The advantage stays with the PTPs for a brief flurry, but then BIg E just mans up and hits Titus with an impressive overhead suplex.

For a couple minutes, the New Day keep the pressure on, creating a mini face in peril. Titus gets separation after clotheslining Kofi out of his boots, and gets the decoy hot tag to DYoung. Young is on fire for about 30 seconds, but then The Formula dictates that we need a REAL Face In Peril.

So Woods gets up on the apron, and blows his 'bone. This causes the ref to come over to tell him to cut it out. Big E and Kofi hit an illegal double team, and the net result is Young getting rammed into the steel ring post. Just like that, the New Day are firmly in control.

With Woods playing the "NEW. DAYROCKS." beat on the trombone, and with Big E hilariously dancing, and with the crowd booing, we break for.....

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Back, and Kofi is dominating DYoung, eventually tossing him out of the ring for a few set pieces that include Big E stalking Young while Woods plays the Pink Panther song.... in a desperation flail, Young almost knocks the trombone out of Woods hands, leading to a total New Day freak out. Vicious double teaming, and Young get introduced to just about every piece of furniture/equipment around ringside. YOU DO NOT TOUCH THE TROMBONE!!!!

The heel beatdown continues for another couple minutes, until Kofi goes up top, and whiffs. Young is able to make a hot tag to Titus. Big E comes in on the corresponding move. Titus handles E. Young interjects, and Titus manages to fend them both off for a bit.... but just as he's getting on a role against Big E, Eggsavier hops up on the apron to play some trombone.

Titus is distracted. Kofi blindsides DYoung outside the ring, and Big E does the same to Titus inside the ring. Kofi leaps up to the top rope, and E hoists Titus up on his shoulder, and they hit their doubleteam finisher.

Your Winners: The New Day, via pinfall, in about 12 minutes. Perfectly serviceable connect-the-dots formula tag match. Nothing fancy, but the New Day are really connecting with the audience, so that means even the most pedestrian lay-out pops a little more than it normally would. All hail the trombone!

After the Match: The New Day try to celebrate, but then reality comes crashing down... the Dudleys come out on the stage to remind them that now, the New Day get to face them in a tag title match in 6 days, at Night of CHampions. And then, just to rub it in, Bubba starts clapping it up, to the beat of the New Day's clap: "GET. THETABLES."

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Backstage: Seth Rollins is hanging out with the Authority, and he says he loves it that Sting has to go one on one against the Big Show. It's just punishment for what Sting did to his statue last week. HHH points out that maybe Seth should be a little more focused on the important things, because what's really important is that Sting will be softened up for Rollins, come Night of Champions. You know, because the title is more important than a statue.

Seth concurs, but then he realizes, "Yeah, but then.... I still gotta face John Cena. And Sheamus is making all kinds of threats, too. They're not gonna be softened up on Sunday."

Triple H just sort of nods and says, "Yep, I guess that's so. But I think you just solved that problem, Seth." Seth is confused. Triple H says, "How about this for a match? John Cena vs. Sheamus!"

Oh, yes, Seth likey. Looks like Rollins gets the night off, but all the guys who are lining up to face him at NoC will be tested.

Elsewhere Backstage: Renee Young is standing by with Charlotte and Ric Flair. Charlotte says that she's dreamed of being women's champ forever... but what's really important is that she keeps the Flair legacy alive and well for another generation. She doesn't want to let her dad down. For his part, Ric says he could never be disappointed in Charlotte, and he's just loving the chance to live vicariously through her. WIth all that motivation, Charlotte says she can't lose. WHOOOOOO~

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PAIGE (w/ Becky Lynch) vs. SASHA BANKS (w/ Naomi & Tamina)

No Charlotte at ringside, as she's preparing for the title match... but this is the third time these two are fighting after two indecisive matches last week (the lame 80 second match on RAW, and the much better, super-intense brawl on SD).

Quick start for Paige, but it doesn't last. Sasha dodges a charge, and Paige lands hard on her shoulder. Sasha then focuses in on that left shoulder. Fujiwara takedown, yanking the left arm over the top rope, armbars and hammerlocks. Of note, the crowd is VERY split, with high-pitched "Let's Go Paige" chants being met by equally loud low-pitched "Let's Go Sasha" chants. Huh.

Sasha starts ramping up the offense, going for near falls after bigger moves (including her across the turnbuckle double stomp). Paige got a hope spot that included a wicked German suplex that sent Sasha flying out of the ring... and she stayed there. Paige didn't want a cheap count-out, though, so when the ref got up to 7, Paige got out of the ring to corral Sasha.

Problem is, Sasha was playing possum. Sasha regains control, tosses Paige back into the ring, and hits the Backstabber into the Banks Statement combo. Paige fights it for a bit, but ultimately has to tap.

Your Winner: Sasha Banks, via pinfall, in 6 minutes. If you're looking for evidence of the "Diva Revolution" WWE keeps talking about, you're not gonna find it here. But if you're looking for an effective showcase match for Sasha, you got it. And that's a good thing... all the disjointed/even-Steven random team stuff needs to powder out in favor of individual characters and agendas. Getting behind Sasha as the next top female heel is just fine by me.

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Connor's Cure: it's Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, and WWE has taken the point in setting up a foundation in memory of Connor Michalek (the awesome kid whose favorite wrestler was Daniel Bryan, and who got the "Warrior Award" at this year's Hall of Fame). We get to see a video package reminding us of who Connor was, and how you can donate to "Connor's Cure" to help improve the outlooks for other kids battling cancer.

MIZ TV

Miz puts himself over as a powerful A-lister who need not take any chances when it comes to casting... but tonight, he proves he is also a creative visionary, will to take risks to tell a great story. To that end, please welcome his guests.... the Wyatt Family.

Out come Bray Wyatt, Luke Harper, and Braun Stromann. Bray takes a seat, but Luke and Braun stand behind him. When Miz moves to take a seat, Bray tells him not to. "You are not safe here, Miz. I suggest you stay on your feet and be prepared to run if this little interview of yours does not go as well as you planned."

Miz backpedals and says, "I swear I am not gonna be Ambrose and Reigns' tag team partner at Hell in the Cell." Yes, he said Hell in the Cell. Miz thinks we can all get a long and give the Wyatts a platform to explain themselves to the WWE Universe on the greatest talk show of all time.

Bray says he knows Miz means well, but he (Bray) needs no stage to tell his story. He merely needs a microphone, and he's got one, so once again, he's going to explain to all the poor stupid people out there that this does not end well for Roman Reigns or Dean Ambrose and yadda yadda yadaa...

And that's when Roman Reigns' music hits, and he and Ambrose make their way to the ring, through the crowd.

Miz gets all giddy, and acts like he's got a great scoop, and he's gonna moderate a debate.... but Reigns just cuts him in half with a spear, and then feeds him to Ambrose for the Dirty Deeds. No more Miz.

Reigns grabs a mic, and delivers a monologue that amounts to: "You spent last week taking out guys who you thought might be our partner. And one of those guys was my cousin, Jimmy Uso, and trust me, you will pay for that one. But all you did was prove that you are a little man, Bray. You couldn't beat me one-on-one, and you know you can't beat us three-on-three, so you dedicated yourself to scaring off our partners, so you could face us 3-on-2. But it didn't work. We found ourselves a partner, and it's gonna be 3-on-3 on Sunday. Believe That."

Neither AMbrose nor the Wyatts add anything else. Just a quick staredown before Bray calls for his boys to retreat.

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JOHN CENA vs. SHEAMUS

Crowd is about 50/50 on Cena, and as a result, there's a serious reduction in the "YOU LOOK STOO PID" chants directed at Sheamus. Clearly, some fans view him as the lesser of two evils. D'oh.

We get all of 45 seconds of back and forth feeling out, and then Sheamus just manfully chucks Cena out of the ring. Cena lands hard on the floor, and just like that, we've got a break in the action, so we break for....

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Back, and we rejoin the action with Cena kicking out of a pinfall attempt. Sheamus seems fully in control, though he's also shaking out an apparent left arm injury during breaks in the action.

Another near fall for Sheamus after he lands a big flying knee drop from the top rope. Another little flurry leads up to a sleeper attempt.... he can't quite keep it cinched, and it morphs into a chinlock. Cena is able to power out, and catches Sheamus with a trio of shoulder tackles, the wackly slam, and the Five Knuckle Shuffle.

Cena hoists Sheamus up for the F-U, but Sheamus fights out. Cena rejiggers things, and manages to turn it into a Tornado DDT for a near fall of his own. He goes for the F-U a second time, but Sheamus slides out the backdoor, and picks an ankle.... Sheamus tries to get the Cloverleaf submission, but he can't quite cinch it, and Cena gets a rope break.

Sheamus assesses the positioning, and wraps Cena in the top rope to apply the Ten of Clubs. Sheamus picks Cena up, with designs on White Noise, but this time, it's Cena who slides out the back and picks an ankle. Cena gets the SSTF locked, and Sheamus gets the rope break.

The mirror imagery continues, as Cena notes the positioning, and hits the Ten of Clubs on Sheamus. Heh.

Cena goes for the F-U again, but the third time is NOT the charm, as Sheamus is able to grab the top rope and pull himself free. Then, when Cena charges back at him, Sheamus hits a high knee and an Irish Hammer. Sheamus steps back, and calls for the Brogue.

Sheamus charges, but Cena intercepts him with a clothesline. Both men down. Ref applies a count. Both men up at 7.

The two start trading punches, and the crowd plays a bit of YAY!/BOO!. Cena gets the better of it, and for the fourth time, tries the F-U. For the fourth time, he fails, and Sheamus counters it into a Jackhammer for a near fall.

Sheamus is getting frustrated, so he decides to go big... he goes to the top rope, and tries a flying battering ram. Cena sidesteps it, and after a triple-reversey spot, Cena gets the SSTF cinched... rather than a rope break, Sheamus just goes for pure power, and stands up, with Cena on his shoulders. Rolling Seton lands, Sheamus tries to follow up with the Brogue, but Cena dodges, and (on the fifth try) hits a flash F-U. Fin.

Your Winner: John Cena, via pinfall, in about 15 minutes. Not too shabby... objectively, the effort and the work was on point. But subjectively, this is another one of those pairings that's been done a billion times, so it was completely lacking in freshness or sizzle. A tolerable way to spend 15 minutes that you'll already forget about before you hit the sack later tonight.

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FEAST RYBACK FEAST

Back from the break, and IC Champ Ryback is standing in the middle of the ring. And he says it's fitting that we're in Memphis, because Kevin Owens apparently thinks he's got the Big Guy "All Shook Up." Ryback sings an entire chorus, whilst swiveling his hips. It's pretty terrible, and somehow that's what makes it great.

But then, the Big Guy gets serious, and says he doesn't sweat Kevin Owens. He looks at Kevin Owens, and he sees a disrespectful punk and....

Here comes Owens to interrupt.

Owens says he remembers Ryback giving credit to "The Secret" (a self-help book) for helping him overcome various obstacles. So Owens decided to go out and grab a copy, and he gave it a read.... and he came to one conclusion: he pities Ryback and any other pathetic person who actually bought into any of that book's BS.

They go back and forth with some improv'd insults, but then Ryback decides to head back to prepared materials, and says that he gets it that Owens fought hard and took the "long cut" to get to WWE, and so he will never allow himself to give credit to any self-help book or anyone other than himself for the success he has finally achieved. But Ryback is a big enough guy to admit that he got the quick and easy elevator ride to the top.... and then, when he crashed back down to the ground floor, he needed a little help inspiring him to fight back to the top. But he did, he scratched and clawed, and now he's the InterContinental Champion.

Owens says that's all well and good, but that Ryback wouldn't stand a chance in the ring against Fight Owens Fight. Ryback calls himself the Big Guy, but all Owen's sees is a scared little boy. Oooohhhhh!

Ryback just smirks and says that's an interesting theory.... but earlier tonight, Ryback went to the Authority and demanded that his NoC challenger be none-other-than Kevin Owens. So that match is happening in 6 days, and Ryback intends to dine well. Owens is not intimidated one bit, and smirks his way out of the ring.

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NEVILLE (w/ the Lucha Dragons) vs. STARDUST (w/ the Ascension)

The match never happens. When Neville introduces the Dragons to even the odds, it just breaks down into Pier Sixer, instantly.

Neville and the Dragons decisively win the brawl, and after about 90 seconds, the Ascension drag Stardust to safety, and then they retreat.

I still think the next major step for Stardust should probably involve Dustin/Goldust (who is very nearly ready to return from injury), but as a stopgap, the Dragons are a perfect fit for a 6-man feud.

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NIKKI BELLA (w/ Brie & Alicia) vs. CHARLOTTE (w/ Paige & Becky) (Women's Title Match)

Another set of full boxing-style ring introductions from Lilian. And we're off...

Nikki is the bigger and stronger Bella, and has crafted her offense to take advantage of that.... but against Charlotte, she is physically overmatched, which means Charlotte dominates the opening couple minutes.

But then, in an almost identical fashion as the earlier women's match, Nikki gains control by attacking Charlotte's left shoulder. After a armbar takedown on the apron (ouch!), Charlotte just crumples to the floor as Nikki celebrates.

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Back, and Nikki is working an armbar. Charlotte powers out, but Nikki simply grabs a cross armbreaker, instead. Ref is checking on Charlotte, selling it as a legit submission possibility. But Charlotte plays the power card again, getting to her feet, while Nikki keeps clutching the arm. Charlotte slams Nikki to the mat to finally break the hold.

Charlotte's hope spot is snuffed out when Nikki just dropkicks her shoulder. Another couple minutes of heel beatdown, until Nikki goes for the Alabama Slam, and Charlotte slides out the backdoor, and runs the ropes, cutting Nikki in half with a Spear.

But before she can follow up, Alicia jumps up on the apron to distract the ref... at the same time, Brie reaches in and pulls Nikki out of the ring. Brie stays in the ring, planning to pull a little Twin Magic... but Charlotte catches her with a flash roll-up, and the ref counts to three.

Initially, Charlotte is introduced as the new champion, and Ric Flair even comes out to join in the celebration. The Bellas plead their case to the ref, but he's sticking to his guns, so maybe his decision will hold?

Nope, because here comes Stephanie to (in her words) "uphold the honor of the divas division." Long story short, Charlotte did not pin Nikki Bella, so she is not the champion. With all the interference by Team Bella, Charlotte is still the deserving winner of the match. But only via disqualification. And titles don't change hands on DQs, so Nikki is still the champ, and will set the Purple Butterfly record for longest title reign.

Nikki celebrates like she just won 10 Super Bowls, but then Steph drops the other shoe: since Charlotte won the match, she's entitled to a rematch. And it'll happen Sunday at Night of Champions. Oh, and if Charlotte wins by ANY means -- even DQ or count-out -- the title will change hands. Now Nikki is angry.

Your Winner: Charlotte, via DQ, in about 10 minutes. Not bad, but it's still a case of WWE saying "Hey look, Diva Revolution," but then serving up largely the same caliber of product as they have over the past 8 years or so. The finish was, however, a pretty good piece of business in terms of setting up the stipulation for the PPV, which should give Charlotte and Nikki some extra tricks to use to tell a story on Sunday.

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CESARO vs. RUSEV (w/ Summer Rae)

It was just a few months ago when Cesaro became only the second man to pin Rusev, but WWE has proven time and again that they are incapable of a sustained, cogent push for Cesaro, and now, the poor guy is once again onthe back burner, and just out here to be a prop in somebody else's feud.

To wit, after about 3 minutes of random action, Dolph Ziggler comes out and tries to give Summer a present (it's a small jewelry box looking thing), causing Rusev to get distracted. So Cesaro catches him from behind with a pinning combo.

Your Winner: Cesaro, via pinfall, in 3 minutes. So Cesaro is now one of only two men to pin Rusev twice.... but like I said, it almost doesn't even matter, since everything is framed in terms of Ziggler causing it all to happen as part of a PPV Feud (all while Cesaro has nothing to do on Sunday). Oh, and after refusing the gift while Rusev was watching, Summer did snag it off the announce table, behind Rusev's back. Wheeee.

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Backstage: Rusev is storming down a hallway, with Summer trailing. They get to his dressing room, and he goes in and slams the door behind him. So, with a moment to herself, Summer decides to open the present. It is, in fact, a piece of jewelry. Can't tell exactly what, but Summer thinks it's totally dreamy as the soap opera-y nonsense continues..

Elsewhere Backstage: Big Show reports to the Authority's office, and Steph just wants to be clear about something.... right now, the Universe is abuzz with talk of Sting's first ever match on RAW, but after the match, she wants the Universe to be talking about Big Show. HHH chimes in, "Big man, you've always been a problem solver. And right now, I've got a real problem with Sting. We clear?"

Big Show makes a, ummmmmm, big show of clenching his fist. The unspoken threat is that Show will leave Sting KO'd. And that suits HHH and Steph just fine.

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STING vs. BIG SHOW (w/ Triple H & Stephanie)

Big Show makes his entrances, and loiters menacingly for a minute or two, until a "WE WANT STING" chant breaks out. Now that he knows they want him, Sting decides to make his entrance. No gold on the line, but we still get full boxing-style ring intros, which is fine by me. Any excuse for Lilian to get more screen time....

Bell rings at 10:50pm (eastern), which means either a reasonably full match OR an abbreviated teaser match but with a major post-match angle. We'll see soon enough.

Sting comes out strong, peppering Sting with shots, and avoiding Show's big bombs. Sting gets a turnbuckle mount-and-punch. Show grabs him by the throat and tries to chokeslam him off the ropes, but Sting grabs a front facelock and turns it into a DDT. Sting steps back, and calls for the Stinger Splash....

So Seth Rollins runs out and causes a blatant DQ by attacking Sting. Welp, that answers my question.

John Cena runs out for the save, and together, he and Sting fight off Rollins and Show.

Conveniently enough, the Authority are at ringside. HHH grabs a mic and he says it's real simple. This is now a tag match. Cena and Sting vs. Rollins and Show. And it starts RIGHT NOW!!!

But of course, "right now" always means After These....

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JOHN CENA & STING vs. SETH ROLLINS & BIG SHOW (w/ the Authority)

We join the match, already in progress. Specifically, we join John Cena already playing Ricky Morton, as Big Show dominates him. With Cena fully debilitated, Rollins deigns to tag in, briefly, to pick him over.

But when Cena shows the slightest signs of life, Rollins tags Show back in, and Show re-asserts heel control. So Rollins asks to tag in again. The pattern repeats another couple of times, with Show getting a convincing near fall after a Vader Bomb, only to have Rollins tag himself in AGAIN. This time, instead of picking Cena apart, Rollins decides to have fun trashtalking... so Cena turns him inside out with a clothesline.

It's his first real chance to make a tag, but Rollins is able to tag Show back in, and Show cuts Cena off. But then, Show gets greedy, and goes for a second Vader Bomb. Cena rolls out of the way. Show lands hard.

Cena dives and makes the hot tag to Sting. Rollins in on the corresponding move. Sting gets the better of it, until Big Show interferes. Fourway brawl, as Cena joins in. Good guys dominate. Cena dispatches Big Show with the F-U, leaving Sting isolated with Rollins.

Scorpion Deathdrop hits. But Sting wants more: he cinches i the Scorpion Deathlock, and gets the WWE Champion to tap out.

Your Winners: Sting and John Cena, via submission, in roughly 8 televised minutes (but the match started during the commercial break). Not exactly clever or anything, but a very effective way to book things.... you gave fans a teaser taste of Sting, but if you want to really see him, you'll have to pony up for Night of Champions. And if you're on the fence about what Sting might do on Sunday, you just saw him make Seth Rollins tap out. Do I honestly think Sting is a legit candidate to be WWE Champion (for anything more than the 3 minutes it takes for Sheamus to cash in on him)? Nope.... but the part of me that WANTS to believe now has a historical precedent to mark out a bit on Sunday when Sting does get the Deathlock on Rollins. All in all, this segment may not be a whole lot in and of itself, but it's a value add for Sunday.

After the Match: Cena and Sting celebrate the win, while Rollins slowly regroups with HHH and Steph. Our final visual is Sting, victorious, posing on the second turnbuckle, while Rollins grabs both his belts and stand with the Authority as they gesture (Broadly) that he's still the Champ(s). And then we fade to black....

And so ends the show... for something that WWE really hard sold us on being something special, that was an almost aggressively forgettable 3 hours, capped off by a single major "Whoa" Moment when Sting made the WWE Champ tap out.

The in-ring action peaked at "serviceable," but was mostly just "tolerable." And the story side of things didn't have a lot going for it, either.... sure, technically, we "set up" Dudleys vs. New Day and Owens vs. Ryback, but realistically, we already knew both of those things. That's not the most thrilling TV.

Adding a useful stip to the Nikki/Charlotte PPV match was a value add, but that was about it. Besides that, there are just no worthwhile talking points until you get to Sting winning the main event.

No talking points and no high quality in-ring action is a recipe for meh. It was a show that actually felt every second of three hours long... when RAW is strong, the time flies. But tonight was just one of those shows that made me wish I'd saved up a DVR time shift before starting. Alas, I didn't, and the pacing was just..... I dunno, but it wasn't good.

I don't feel like dwelling. Plus, the Reds are out west (in San Francisco, specifically), and I can wrap this up and go cheer for the Reds to improve their draft position by losing. Or, more likely, I can wallow in the magnificent surplus of Late Night Goodness, now that EVERYbody (except the Daily Show) is back with new episodes. [You didn't ask, but I think Colbert's gonna be just fine. There are kinks to work out, but the fact that each of his shows last week was better than the one before is a good sign.]

So let's just slap a final grade of C on tonight's show (and yes, that's WITH my weighting the final segment more heavily than the rest of the show; without Sting's effective booking, it'd have been lower).... and I'll see you all again on Sunday night, shortly after the conclusion of Night of Champions, with my usual full recap and analysis!

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RAW RECAP: An Ace Up His Sleeve

PPV RECAP: WWE Extreme Rules 2012

SMACKDOWN RECAP: Sh-Sh-Sheamus and the nOObs

RAW RECAP: Edge, the Motivational Speaker?

SMACKDOWN RECAP: AJ is Angry, Jilted

RAW RECAP: Maybe Cena DOES Suck?

SMACKDOWN RECAP: No! No! No!

RAW RECAP: Brock's a Jerk

SMACKDOWN RECAP: Back with a Bang

RAW RECAP: Yes! Yes! Yes!

PPV RECAP: WWE WrestleMania 28

E-MAIL RICK SCAIA
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Rick Scaia is a wrestling fan from Dayton, OH. He's been doing this since 1995, but enjoyed it best when the suckers from SportsLine were actually PAYING him to be a fan.