WWE Monday Night RAW: Live coverage and results - 3rd February, 2014

Hello ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to yet another live review of Monday Night RAW! We’re live from the Century Link Center in Omaha, Nebraska as RAW promises to be an exciting episode! Will WWE acknowledge the departure of Punk? And will the Omaha crowd continue with the YES Revolution? We’ll get our answers tonight!

The show opened with the usual intro as Michael Cole welcomed us to yet another episode of Monday Night RAW. Randy Orton came out to start the show, and cut a promo about beating John Cena and Daniel Bryan. Randy Orton talked about the Elimination Chamber match, and said that he will beat the other five men inside the chamber. Randy Orton then turned his attention towards Dave Batista, and called him a jacked up, muscle bound animal. He then warned the other five opponents at the Elimination Chamber PPV as Stephanie and Triple H came out to a lukewarm reception.

As Stephanie started to talk, a loud “CM Punk” chant started. Stephanie told Orton that he sometimes crosses the line, and asked Orton not to lose it. Orton said he didn’t care about the people, and Triple H chimed in and mocked Randy Orton. Triple H then said Orton gave a lot of excuses and said maybe they should put their faith in someone else. Stephanie then made a match later in the night with Orton taking on Daniel Bryan as the crowd erupted!

Analysis: That was a meek opening to this week’s episode. The crowd wasn’t into what Orton was saying, and they started a CM Punk chant which was ignored by the power couple. Randy Orton’s promo was monotonous as always, but Triple H and Stephanie pitting him against Daniel Bryan can lead to interesting things going down the line. Is WWE finally acknowledging the WWE Universe? I don’t think so, but I’d like to be wrong in this case.

The Shield made their way out next for a 6 – man tag team match. They showed a replay of last week’s main event when The Wyatt Family cost The Shield their spot inside the Elimination Chamber.

WWE announced a big Shield vs. The Wyatt Family match for the Elimination Chamber PPV!

The Shield vs. Rey Mysterio, Kofi Kingston and Big E Langston

Ambrose and Big E started things off, as Big E overpowered Dean and whiplashed him in the corner, driving his shoulder to his gut. Kofi tagged in and took Ambrose down, but Rollins came in as Kofi dropped him with a big kick for a nearfall. Kofi took control of the match and drilled Rollins with a right, and followed it up with a monkey flip and a clothesline in the corner. Rollins countered and tagged in Dean, who tagged in Roman Reigns. Rollins came back in as The Shield isolated Kofi, working over him. Rollins slowed things down with a sleeper hold and tagged Ambrose back in. Ambrose worked over Kofi as the crowd started a small “Daniel Bryan” chant. Rollins came back in and scooped Kofi but missed with a knee. Rey tagged in and dropped Rollins with a seated senton, and dropped Reigns and Ambrose off the apron. Rey came down with a big hurricanrana and a big kick to Rollins. Reigns tagged back in and dropped Rey with a big clothesline for a nearfall as WWE went into commercial.

Back from the break and Reigns was still in control of Rey. Reigns came down with a big drop kick on the outside to keep Rey down and tagged in Ambrose, who kept Rey down with an inverted chin lock. Rey tried to make a comeback but Dean caught him, placing him in the tree of woe, but missed with a shoulder as Rey tagged in Big E, who exploded against Big E who laid into everyone, and delivered a big belly to belly suplex to Reigns. Big E came down on Reigns with a big splash as Rey and Kofi came inside the ring and all the 6 men were inside the ring at the same time. Rey took out Rollins as Ambrose threw Kofi out. Big E drilled Ambrose, but Reigns delivered the big superman punch to Big E, but Ambrose tagged himself in and delivered the spike DDT to Big E to pick up the victory.

Winner (s): The Shield

Rating: ** ¾

Post match, The Wyatts music hit and they appeared on the tron! Bray Wyatt delivered yet another eerie promo about The Shield fighting for something they cannot achieve, and said they clawed their way but fail to realize the Bray Wyatt is their king. Harper then talked about how Bray Wyatt was always their king. Rowan then ended the promo by saying “Run!”

Analysis: That was a solid TV match, which was intended to show the distrust among the members of The Shield, but Rollins once again played the peace keeper. Reigns was impressive once again, and it’s obvious that WWE wants him to be the new face of the WWE. It’ll be interesting to see what happens at the Elimination Chamber, and the promo by The Wyatts drove the point home. All in all, that was a well played out segment.

Bad News Barrett came out for another segment, and said the people clogged so much food that they might not be alive next year. King then spoke up and said Barrett might not make it to next week. What was the point of this segment? Absolutely nothing.

Michael Cole then plugged in the WWE App and the new WWE Network.

Christian then came out for his match as WWE went into commercial.

Christian vs. Jack Swagger (With Antonio Cesaro and Colter)

Swagger started the match aggressively, taking it to Christian. Swagger missed with a clothesline in the corner and Christian got back into the match with a kick and threw Swagger outside and came back with a baseball slide, but Swagger countered by sweeping Christian’s feet off the apron. Swagger then threw Christian into the steps for a nearfall.

Swagger brought Christian back into the ring and worked on Christian. Christian tried to make a comeback but Swagger stopped him with a big pump handle slam. The crowd started a big “Let’s Go Christian” chant as Swagger beat Christian down. Swagger tried to come down with a double axe but Christian got his boot up. Swagger tried to counter but Christian reversed a pump handle into a neckbreaker for a nearfall. Christian went to the top, but Swagger countered into the Patriot Lock! Christian rolled through but Swagger caught him. Swagger missed with the Swagger bomb as Christian rolled him up to pick up the victory!

Winner: Christian

Rating: **

Analysis: WWE might be going ahead with Cesaro and Colter turning on Jack Swagger soon. That was a nice little bout between Captain Charisma and Swagger, who’re two excellent workers. It’ll be interesting to see how this storyline unfolds.

WWE then hyped the Steel Cage match between the Rhodes brothers and the New Age Outlaws for the WWE Tag Team championships.

The New Age Outlaws vs. Goldust and Cody Rhodes for the WWE Tag Team championships in a Steel Cage match

Road Dogg cut a promo like only he can as we get ready for the bout, and Betty White is announced as the special guest for next week’s episode.

All the four members were inside the steel cage as the match went under way. Goldust and Dogg started things off as Goldust brought Dogg down with a shoulder block and played mind games with RD. Gunn tagged in as Goldust worked on Gunn and tagged Cody in. Cody worked on Gunn’s arm but Gunn came back with kicks and rights as the crowd chanted for Cody. Cody countered Billy’s offense into a sunset flip for a nearfall. Cody rolled Gunn up again for a 2 count. Gunn and Dogg worked on Cody’s elbow and laid some kicks as the crowd started a “CM Punk” chant. Billy tagged himself in and continued working on Cody’s heavily taped elbow.

Dogg came back in as the champions worked in tandem, isolating Cody from his corner. Cody came back by clotheslining RD and laid some kicks into Dogg. Cody started working on RD’s arm and tagged in Goldust. Goldust mocked RD and continued working on his arm. RD turned the tables with some rights but Goldust came back with the 10 punches, but missed with a running crossbody as the crowd started a “We want Punk” chant.

Back from commercial and NAO isolated Goldust, working on his back. RD drilled Goldust’s head into the steel cage for a nearfall. RD missed with an elbow but tagged in Gunn as the crowd chanted for JBL. Goldust came back with a nice back spring elbow on Gunn, but Gunn took him down with a big boot for a 2 count! RD went for his combination of punches but Goldust dropped him with a spinebuster and tagged in Cody! Cody came out all guns blazing and took Gunn down, but RD came in and this brought Goldust, who dropped him with a powerslam. Cody delivered a Disaster Kick to Gunn but Gunn kicked out! Cody climbed to the top of the cage and delivered a huge moonsault to RD but Gunn delivered the Fame – asser to Cody to pick up the victory!

Winner (s) and still the WWE Tag Team champions: The New Age Outlaws

Rating: ***

Analysis: That was yet another solid tag team match between NAO and the Rhodes brothers. The New Age Outlaws retain the titles, and this will further the rumored feud between Goldust and Cody Rhodes. The high spot when Cody came down with a moonsault was amazing, but it looked like RD failed to catch Cody properly. Nonetheless, that was yet another good match, and it’s commendable that three of the four members involved were semi retired till last year!

WWE aired O’Neil’s attack on Young last week on Smackdown! Ryder was finally on RAW! Anyway, Titus completely dominated the match, throwing Ryder out of the ring and slamming him against the barricade. Miz was on commentary as Titus delivered a scoop slam and a bear hug on Ryder. Titus delivered a big clothesline, as Ryder came back with some offense of his own. Ryder delivered the face wash, but Titus caught Ryder with a couple of back breaker and drilled Ryder spine first to the mat to pick up the victory.

Winner: Titus O’Neil

Rating: *

Analysis: I’m not too sure what The Miz was doing out there, but there was too much going on for the people to understand. The crowd wasn’t into the match, but it was surprising to see Zack Ryder making his way back on the show. Good for Ryder; Titus picked up his first victory as a singles competitor.

Fandango made his way out next along with Summer Rae.

Fandango (With Summer) vs. Santino Marella in a Dance off

Santino said he was a world class dancer and he would pull a member from the audience to challenge Summer Rae, and he brought in Emma from NXT! Summer did a very small dance and Emma did what can only be described as flapping of the arms. The fans chose Emma as the winner, as Fandango and Summer Rae left to the back.

Analysis: I want my three minutes back. That is all.

WWE aired a vignette for their new reality series “Legends House” on the new WWE Network.

Sheamus came out next for his match.

Sheamus vs. Curtis Axel (With Ryback)

Sheamus and Axel locked horns as the crowd chanted for CM Punk. Sheamus took Axel down and taunted him as Ryback looked on. Axel drilled Sheamus with shoulders in the corner but Sheamus caught him with a high running knee and a clothesline. Axel tried to go for the neckbreaker on the ropes, but Sheamus reversed it into the ten clubbing blows. Sheamus smashed Axel’s face on the announcer’s table and brought the action back into the ring. Axel worked on Sheamus’ arm and drilled him shoulder first into the ring post.

Axel continued working on Sheamus’ shoulder as the fans started a “Ryback sucks” chant. Sheamus tried to fight back but Axel stopped him in his tracks. Axel continued working on Sheamus as the crowd started yet another “CM Punk” chant. Sheamus came back with some clotheslines and rights in the corner. Sheamus delivered the standing senton and followed it up with the Brogue kick to pick up the victory.

Winner: Sheamus

Rating: * ¾

Analysis: Sheamus gains momentum as we head towards the Elimination Chamber match. Axel was in control for most of the match, was surprised me to be honest. The fans weren’t into it as much as Sheamus would’ve wanted, but it was a good effort by Curtis Axel nonetheless.

Batista was shown making his way to the ring.

Batista made out to a good reception. Before he could say anything, Alberto Del Rio made his way out and talked about their unfinished business. Batista told ADR that he didn’t come back for him, but ADR said he had more cojones than Batista. ADR mocked Batista and before Batista said anything else, ADR attacked Batista. Batista tried to go for the Batista Bomb but ADR escaped as Batista threw a fit inside the ring.

Analysis: That was smart; the fans wouldn’t have cared about a Batista promo. So instead, ADR came out and got into a scuffle. This might lead to a match between the two at Elimination Chamber where Batista would come out on top, and build momentum going into WrestleMania.

Dolph Ziggler, R – Truth and Xavier Woods vs. The Wyatt Family in a 6 – man tag team match

Rowan started things off with Woods, and went right after him. Woods tried to make a comeback and R – Truth tagged himself in and double teamed Rowan for a nearfall. Rowan over powered Truth and tagged in Harper, who took Truth down with a big clothesline. Harper delivered an upper cut and tagged in Bray Wyatt. The Wyatts isolated Truth as Harper tagged back in and held Truth down with a chinlock. Truth exploded with a spinning boot and tagged in Ziggler. Ziggler took Harper down with a cross body and followed it up with a big DDT. Rowan came in and took Truth out, but Woods threw him out as Ziggler dropped Wyatt, but was knocked out of his boots by Harper. Harper tagged Bray Wyatt in who delivered Sister Abigail to Ziggler to pick up the victory.

Winner (s): The Shield

Rating: * ½

Post match, The Shield cut a promo, and Ambrose called Bray Wyatt a bone head. Ambrose said they don’t live in a supernatural world like The Wyatts, and Rollins said that Bray Wyatt lives in a world of his own illusions. Reigns told The Wyatts to believe in The Shield.

Analysis: Ziggler once again was at the receiving end of the brunt of the creative for speaking his mind. Unfortunately, he never stood a chance as The Wyatts are being pushed as the next big thing in the WWE. The Shield vs. The Wyatt Family is shaping up to be one heck of a feud, and I didn’t expect anything less. Ziggler was impressive in whatever role he played, but in the end, it was too little by “The Showoff”.

WWE aired a vignette about Rusev.

Naomi (With Cameron) vs. Aksana (With Fox)

AJ and Tamina came out before the match started. Aksana started off aggressively, but Naomi came back with the sit down Full Nelson bomb and played around a bit. Aksana came back with a slam and a scoop for a nearfall. Aksana held Naomi down with a chin lock and with head scissors. Naomi came back with a couple of dropkicks but Aksana drilled a knee into Aksana’s head. It looked like Aksana hurt Naomi, as Aksana stalled for a bit. Naomi came back with an enziguri and a split leg moonsault to pick up the victory.

Winner: Naomi

Rating: * ½

Post match, Cameron took down Alicia Fox who tried to attack Naomi, and Naomi delivered the rear view to Fox.

Analysis: Nothing much to say there, but it looked like Aksana hurt Naomi legitimately, and had to stall for a bit. Naomi managed to finish the match and picked up the victory, and she’ll likely face AJ for the Divas title at the Elimination Chamber PPV.

Randy Orton vs. Daniel Bryan

Daniel Bryan made his way out first to a huge ovation from the live crowd! Bryan led the crowd in a “Yes” chant, and Orton made his way out next to a lukewarm reception. Orton vs. Christian was announced for Smackdown! Orton and Bryan locked up as the WWE Universe started a big “Daniel Bryan” chant. Orton went on the offense early, but Bryan came back with an elbow. Bryan worked on Orton’s arm as the crowd started a “CM Punk” chant next. Orton started stomping on Bryan’s limbs and delivered a big suplex for a nearfall. Orton dropped Bryan with a shoulder block but Bryan caught him with a knee to the gut!

Bryan drilled Orton with kicks in the corner and took Orton down by clipping his knee. Bryan wrapped Orton’s legs around the ring post and worked on his legs. Bryan dropkicked Orton’s knee wrapped around the ring post. Bryan worked on Orton’s knee as the crowd cheered for him. Bryan rolled Orton over for a nearfall. Bryan dropped Orton with an uppercut for yet another near fall. Orton bit Bryan as Bryan went for a submission hold. Orton gained back control with some uppercuts as the crowd booed him. Bryan slid Orton for a near fall and took Orton down once again, working on his knee. Bryan concentrated on Orton’s knee and threw him over the announcer’s table.

Back in the ring, Bryan continued working on Orton’s leg. Bryan brought Orton down with a Frankensteiner from the top rope for a near fall! Bryan went for the surf board hold, and continued working on Orton’s leg. Bryan locked Orton in half Boston Crab as the crowd chanted “Yes”! Orton made his way towards the bottom rope, and delivered a back drop on the barricade as Daniel Bryan went kidney first! Orton covered Bryan for a near fall, as Orton started working on Daniel Bryan. Bryan turned the tables with kicks and went for the running clothesline, but Orton caught him with a powerslam as WWE went into the final commercial of the night.

Back from commercial and Bryan was in control with stiff body kicks, but Orton caught him with a big belly to belly throw. Orton worked on Bryan’s shoulder, throwing him into the ring post and the steel steps. Orton brought Bryan back into the ring and covered him for a near fall. Orton continued to work on Bryan’s shoulder, kicking and driving his knee into Bryan’s arm! The crowd started a “Let’s Go Bryan” chant as Orton taunted the crowd. Orton tried to go for a superplex but Bryan fought him off with headbutts and body shots! Bryan came down with a missile dropkick, but was too hurt to take advantage. Bryan and Orton exchanged blows in the middle of the ring, but Orton went back to the injured shoulder! Bryan tripped Orton and put him in the LaBelle Lock, but Orton managed to get his foot on the rope to break the hold!

Bryan went for kicks and dropkicks in the corner, but Orton stopped Bryan with a drop kick of his own. Orton connected with the double under hook DDT and signaled for the RKO, but Bryan kicked him in the head and connected with the headbutt for a near fall! Bryan drilled Orton with kicks but Kane came out to distract Bryan, but Bryan threw both men out and caught them with the suicide dive! Bryan tripped Kane onto the steel steps and delivered the running double knee to Orton to pick up the victory!

Winner: Daniel Bryan

Rating: ****

Post match, Orton and Kane attacked Bryan, and Kane delivered a choke slam to Bryan. Kane and Orton stood over a fallen Daniel Bryan to close the show.

Analysis: That was an outstanding main event match involving Daniel Bryan. The crowd was into the main event due to Bryan, and the outcome was a fair one. Bryan picked up the victory, but The Authority went back on the word as Kane attacked Bryan. Although this might lead to a “retribution for Bryan” angle later on, I believe the WWE management still doesn’t want to give Bryan his due credit. I guess we’ll have to wait and see who wins the title at the Elimination Chamber PPV.

Over – all rating of the show: ** ¾ (Out of 5 stars)

The show was under whelming to say the least, with very short matches and drawn out angles. The only saving grace of the show was the main event match, along with the steel cage match for the tag team titles. Daniel Bryan managed to beat the WWE World Heavyweight champion, but I don’t think it’ll mean much going forward. That does it for this week’s live review, as we now wait and see where this story goes from here.