WWE Monday Night RAW: Live coverage and results - 10th February, 2014

Hello ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to yet another live review of Monday Night RAW! Tonight, we’re live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, and what a show we have in store as we head in to the final week before the Elimination Chamber PPV! Also, the main event for tonight will see Randy Orton taking on John Cena! So buckle up for an interesting ride, as WWE shifts gears as we head towards WrestleMania!

RAW began with Justin Roberts introducing Betty White. Betty was accompanied by The Big Show, and the crowd cheered for her. Betty said she was excited to be on the show, and said she wanted to kick some butt, but was interrupted by Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. Loud CM Punk chants started as Triple H took the mic. He said last week, they said that if Daniel Bryan defeated Orton last week, they would reconsider Bryan as the face of WWE. Triple H said they were “reconsidering” all the participants in the Elimination Chamber as the face of the WWE, but Triple H was interrupted by Randy Orton!

The WWE World Heavyweight champion made his way out and looked dissatisfied. Stephanie asked Orton if he was really doing it again, and advised Orton to go back and prepare for his bout later in the night. Orton said he was doing some thinking, and said he wanted to apologize. He said he wanted to apologize to both of them and said he had been childish and foolish. He said he will bring the “Viper” in his matches to give the couple what they wanted. The crowd started a big “Daniel Bryan” chant as Orton said the words were coming from his heart. Stephanie and Orton talked about SummerSlam as the crowd started a “Yes” chant. The crowd then started yet another “CM Punk” chant, as Orton said he wanted to be the flag bearer of the company, and wanted to do all the talk shows. He said he was the heart and soul of the WWE, but Daniel Bryan’s music hit as Staples Center exploded!

Daniel Bryan came down to the ring as the crowd did a “Yes” chant. Bryan mocked Orton, as Stephanie intruded and said they didn’t appreciate the two interrupting them. Bryan then complained about Kane not being in the back, and showing up in time to try and sabotage Bryan. He said he defeated Orton last week, and said he wanted a match with Kane later in the night. Stephanie said Kane wasn’t present on the show, and Bryan mocked Stephanie and TripleH. Orton interfered and backed the couple and sucked up to them. Bryan then brought up Orton handcuffing Triple H and kissing Stephanie McMahon. Triple H then said Bryan wouldn’t face anyone on the show. Triple H said he’d give Bryan a night off, as the crowd chanted “No” along with Bryan.

Analysis: That was a weak opening segment in my view. That didn’t serve any purpose, and could’ve been done better. It was dragged on for a bit too long, and could’ve been to the point. Daniel Bryan has been given the night off at Staples Center, so you know he’ll have a part to play in the main event. The crowd was electric, so it’ll be an interesting episode.

Rey Mysterio and the Rhodes brothers vs. The Wyatt Family

The faces made their way out first followed by The Wyatts. Cody started things off with Rowan, and Cody quickly turned the tables to gain the upper hand with a dropkick, but Rowan came back with a clubby blow. Goldust came in and so did Harper as Goldust took him down with a boot and a hurricanrana, and Cody came in with a missile dropkick and sent Harper outside. Mysterio slid onto Harper on the outside as The Wyatts regrouped out of the ring while the faces stood inside the ring as WWE went into commercial.

Back from the commercial and Rowan was in control of Goldust. Rowan laid into Goldust as Harper made his way in. Bray Wyatt tagged himself into the match and came down on Goldust and took Goldust down with an elbow to the face. Rowan came back in and covered Goldust for a 1 count. Rowan was in control of the match but Goldust came back with a springboard elbow to buy himself some time. Rowan was sent outside as the crowd cheered for him. Harper came in and delivered a cheap shot to Cody, but Goldust delivered a powerslam and tagged in Rey! Rey took Harper down with leg scissors takedown and sent him into the ring post. Rey then connected with the senton and a big DDT for a nearfall! Bray Wyatt then made his way in and Rey sent him into the ropes with the drop toe hold for the 619, and sent Harper into the ropes as well. Rey then hit the 619 on Harper as Bray got out of the way and decked Rey from behind. Cody then made his way into the ring with a huge lap on Bray, but Rowan powered Cody into the fan barrier! Goldust then took Rowan out with a huge leap! Rey and Harper exchanged blows in the ring as Rey set him up for the 619, but Bray tagged himself in and blocked the 619 attempt, dropping Rey with the Sister Abigail to pick up the victory.

Winner (s): The Wyatt Family

Rating: ***

Analysis: That was yet another great 6 man tag team match involving the Wyatts. Goldust and Cody Rhodes have great chemistry while working together, and this furthers the animosity between the brothers. Rey looked good after coming back from a long lay out, and as it should be, is putting over the younger talents. Bray Wyatt looked impressive yet again, and it’ll be interesting to see how the Wyatts – Shield feuds is built from here on out.

Post – match, Bray Wyatt cut a promo sitting in his rocking chair on The Shield, and said that the trio will fall just in time for the new beginning.

We then saw Roman Reigns’ performance at the Royal Rumble. Backstage, Renee interviewed the members of The Shield. Reigns said actions spoke louder than words, while Seth said they spoke in absolutes. Ambrose said that they will destroy The Wyatts; Renee then asked about Ambrose’s US championship, and asked him what kind of a champion he was. Ambrose got upset and said there was no one in the back who could take him on. He issued an open challenge and walked away, while Reigns laughed. Will this be the cue for a “surprise return” and Ambrose losing the title? One would think so, but we’ll have to wait and find out.

The Bellas, Funkadactyles, Natalya and Eva Marie were shown backstage with Betty along with Vickie Guerrero. NAO walked up and said they heard someone was about to prank Betty, and said they got her back.

Santino (With Emma) vs. Fandango (With Summer)

Santino and Fandango locked up as Fandango went right at it. Fandango dropped Santino from behind and worked over him. Santino and Fandango ended up on the top and Fandango dropped Santino down, and came down with the leg drop to pick up the victory.

Winner: Fandango

Rating: ½ *

Bryan Saxton was backstage with Sheamus, and he asked him about his tag team partner for the night, Christian. Saxton asked how they would co – exist knowing they’d be opponents at Elimination Chamber. Sheamus said it didn’t matter who he faced; he’d Brogue Kick all of them.

Sheamus and Christian vs. The Real Americans (With Colter)

Christian talked about the Elimination Chamber match before the bout, and Sheamus then made his way out. The Real Americans made their way out last as Zeb and Cesaro cut promos on Christian and Sheamus.

Zeb preferred Cesaro over Swagger which angered Jack. Christian started things off with Cesaro as the crowd chanted “We The People”. Cesaro was in control and tagged in Swagger, as the two double teamed Christian, and Swagger covered him for a nearfall. Christain came back with a big missile dropkick for a nearfall of his own. Sheamus then tagged in and went at it with Swagger, and delivered a suplex for a 2 count. Swagger stopped Sheamus with a big knee to the gut and tagged in Cesaro. Sheamus countered Cesaro’s offense with a big clothesline for a 2 count.

Cesaro turned the tables and delivered some uppercuts, but Sheamus fought back with rights. Sheamus then went for the battering ram and covered Cesaro for a 2 count. Swagger grabbed Sheamus, leading to Cesaro connecting with a big boot to the face and sending Cesaro off the apron for yet another commercial.

Back from the break, and Christian connected with the back elbow on Cesaro. Cesaro blocked a Killswitch and went for an offense, but Christian blocked it as well. Cesaro connected with a big uppercut for yet another near fall. Swagger tagged in and stomped on Christian. Good back and forth action between Swagger and Christian led to Swagger nailing Christian with a Swagger Bomb as he tagged in Cesaro. The Real Americans double teamed Christian for yet another near fall. Christian tried to make his way back but Cesaro stopped him. Cesaro and Swagger work over Christian some more, but Cesaro missed with a double team move as Swagger was sent to the floor. Sheamus finally got the tag as he went at it with Swagger. Sheamus connected with a high knee for a near fall. Sheamus connected with some more forearm shots to the chest. Sheamus delivered a running powerslam to Swagger as set him up for the Brogue Kick, but Cesaro decked him. Sheamus unloaded on Cesaro but Swagger made the save. Swagger locked in the Patriot Lock on Sheamus but Christian made the save with a big crossbody from the top rope. Christian then took Cesaro out to the floor as Sheamus nailed a Brogue Kick on Swagger to pick up the victory.

Winner (s): Sheamus and Christian

Rating: *** ½

Analysis: That was yet another solid tag team match, and Christian looked as good as he has ever been. Sheamus and Christian picked up the victory going into the Elimination Chamber PPV, but The Real Americans have been on a losing streak. It looks like WWE is going to dissolve the team soon and turn Swagger face, but I’d bank on Cesaro to receive the rub from the break. Nonetheless, it was yet another great tag team match on RAW, and the crowd was into the bout the whole time.

Renee talked to Cena backstage, who said he’d close his rivalry with Orton later in the night.

Dolph Ziggler vs. Alberto Del Rio

Ziggler and Del Rio went at it, but Del Rio gained the upper hand, beating Ziggler down. Ziggler turned it around for a minute, showing off and dropping a bunch of elbows, but ADR turned the tables with a superkick to pick up the easy victory.

Winner: ADR

Rating: ½ *

Analysis: That was a surprisingly easy victory, and one has to wonder if Ziggler is once again in the dog house!

Post match, ADR locked Ziggler in the cross armbreaker and didn’t let go. Batista’s music hit and he came out to a big pop! Batista speared ADR and sent him out of the ring. Batista threw ADR into the steel steps and into the fan barrier. Batista took apart the announcer’s table and power bombed him through the table!

Analysis: That was a good beat down leading to their match at the Elimination Chamber PPV, but ADR isn’t really a threat to Batista, but will be fed to Batista. Anyways, it’ll be interesting to see what happens next between the two.

Backstage, Batista ran into Triple H and Triple H asked Batista to take it easy on people. Triple H asked Batista to keep it inside the ring, but Batista told Triple H that things had changed.

The newest inductee into the Hall of Fame 2014 was then revealed, and it is going to be the greatest women’s wrestler in history, Lita! WWE then aired a video highlighting her career.

Backstage, the NAO had tea with Betty. Betty changed her cup with Gunn’s when no one was looking. Shady? Yes.

The Usos vs. Ryback and Axel

NAO were on commentary for this bout. Jey started things off with Axel and was in control of the match. Jey did the Road Dogg shuffle and tagged his brother in. Axel regained control of the match and worked over Jimmy in the corner, and tagged in Ryback. Ryback stomped over Jimmy and delivered the shoulder thrusts. Ryback tagged in Axel who continued working over Jimmy, and dropped him with a big elbow. Ryback and Axel worked in tandem, isolating Jimmy as the crowd chanted “Goldberg” at Ryback. Jimmy turned the tables by delivering a corkscrew on Ryback! Jey came in with a leaping clothesline on Axel and dropped him with a big kick and the Samoan drop for a nearfall. Jimmy threw Ryback out as Jey hit the superkick on Axel! Jey took out Ryback on the outside with a big leap as Jimmy made the tag and came down on Axel with a big splash to pick up the victory.

Winner (s): The Usos

Rating: **

Analysis: I guess this would make The Usos the new number one contenders for the WWE Tag Team championships, which isn’t a bad thing. The Usos are probably the best tag team in the division, and they deserve a run with the titles. Ryback and Axel have nowhere to go at this point, and it makes sense to pair them together as the other teams have been dissolved. Anyway, this will probably lead to a match between NAO and The Usos at Elimination Chamber for the WWE Tag Team titles.

Post match, Gunn ran to the back holding his stomach, which would imply he tried to mix something in Betty’s tea which backfired. This is entertainment!

Back from commercial and it is time for the open challenge for the United States championship!

Dean Ambrose (With Rollins and Reigns) vs. Mark Henry for the WWE US championship

Ambrose was hesitant to begin the match as Rollins and Reigns made fun of Dean. Henry and Dean locked up as Henry overpowered Dean, who went to the outside to regroup. Ambrose started working on the injured arm of Henry, but Henry came back with a big boot. Henry threw Dean into the turnbuckles and then into the ring post! Henry toyed around with Dean and threw him around, but Ambrose removed the padding on Henry’s arm and started working over it. Henry then threw Ambrose outside as WWE went into commercial.

Back from the break and Ambrose was in control of the match, as he worked on Henry’s arm. Ambrose went to the top but Henry caught him! Henry came back with a couple of clotheslines and a big running slam. Henry then delivered the WSS but Rollins broke the count for the disqualification!

Winner by DQ: Mark Henry

Rating: * ¾

Post match, Henry tried to fight the trio off, but Reigns delivered the spear on the outside! The Shield was retreating when The Wyatts’ music hit. The Wyatts made their way out and stared down the members of The Shield, as they made their way back near the ringside area. The crowd started a “Yes” chant as Reigns stepped inside the ring. Bray teased getting into the ring, but then retreated to the back laughing.

Analysis: That was a nice little match between Dean and Henry, but it makes Dean Ambrose look weak. WWE is going ahead with Reigns as the leader of the group due to his physique and his family, and once again, Reigns took Henry out with the spear. The little tease with the stare down between The Shield and The Wyatts was entertaining, and the crowd ate it up. Their match at Elimination Chamber will likely blow the roof off!

WWE then aired a vignette for the Black History month.

Cameron and The Bellas (With Eva) vs. AJ, Aksana and Fox (With Tamina)

Nikki started things off with AJ, and gained the upper hand. AJ tagged in Aksana as Nikki went for the worm and delivered a running dropkick. Brie tagged in and they worked on Aksana. Brie came down with a missile dropkick, but Aksana turned the tables on Brie. Aksana tagged in Alicia, who worked over Brie with a chin lock. Brie connected with a dropkick and tagged in Cameron. Cameron took out AJ and Fox! Cameron took Fox down with a hurricanrana and a dropkick for a near fall! Aksana came in but Cameron nailed a spike DDT to pick up the victory!

Winner (s): Cameron and The Bellas

Rating: *

Analysis: That was a basic 2 minute divas match, but the spike DDT looked painful. The divas celebrated inside the ring to end the segment.

WWE then showed Stephanie at a Be A Star press conference.

Lana and Rusev cut a promo. The same thing that has been happening for the past few weeks.

Kane made his way out and tried to explain his actions, and said The Authority gave him the night off. Bryan then came out to a massive pop and went right at it with Kane. He delivered some big kicks, but Kane dropped him with a big right. Bryan turned the tables and dumped Kane outside, and came down with a plancha! Bryan then delivered a running dropkick to send Kane beyond the fan barrier. Kane retreated through the crowd as Daniel Bryan led the fans in a “Yes” chant!

Analysis: That was a nicely done segment, with Bryan exacting his revenge. It will likely lead to Kane costing him the title at the Elimination Chamber match, but I hope Bryan will somehow be inserting into the main event match at WrestleMania.

Betty then hyped up the crowd for the main event, as John Cena made his way out first followed by Randy Orton.

John Cena vs. Randy Orton

Orton and Cena locked up as the crowd started the dueling “Let’s Go Cena/Cena Sucks” chant. Cena took Orton down with a hip toss for a 1 count as Orton retreated to the outside. Cena took Orton down with a chin lock and took Orton down with another take down, but Orton once again went out of the ring to get some distance. Orton then made his way back and took Cena down, landing some punches and kicks. Cena came back with some rights of his own and delivered a bulldog for a 2 count. Orton dropped Cena with an elbow as the crowd booed. Orton then worked on Cena for yet another 2 count. Cena blocked a suplex by Orton to deliver a suplex of his own, but Orton countered by moving out of Cena’s way, sending him into the ring post.

Orton took Cena outside and rammed his head into the announcer’s table and on the barricade. Orton took Cena back inside the ring and continued to work over Cena as WWE went into the last commercial of the night.

Back from the break and Orton stomped away on Cena as the fans chanted “Boring”. Cena came back with a scoop slam as both the competitors went down. Cena and Orton traded blows as the crowd booed both of them. Cena came back with a shoulder block but missed with the next! Orton then mocked the fans and brought Cena back into the ring with a suplex. Orton locked in the chin lock as the crowd chanted for Daniel Bryan. Cena went for the AA but Orton reversed it into a DDT for a 2 count. Orton stomped Cena and mocked the fans, but Cena slid him for a 2 count. Cena came back with his usual offense and went for the AA, but Orton countered with a backbreaker for yet another near fall.

Orton went for the underhook DDT, but Cena threw him outside! Back in the ring, Cena went for the AA but Orton reversed it into a powerslam for a 2 count. Orton went for the superplex, but Cena tried to fight back. Orton crotched him and delivered the DDT from the top rope! Orton signaled for the RKO but Cena caught him with the STF! Orton managed to reach the ropes and dropped Cena with a dropkick! Orton readied himself for the punt kick, but Cena went for the AA, but Orton countered it into an RKO for a near fall! Cena caught Orton with an AA for another near fall! Cena took Orton to the top rope for an AA from the top, but Orton fought out of it. Cena dropped Orton with a leg drop and delivered the AA to pick up the victory.

Winner: John Cena

Rating: ** ½

Analysis: That was an incredibly stretched out match. The announcers put the match over as “amazing”, but it was nothing special. They already faced each other a lot of times, and this match was the same. Orton and Cena stalled for a long time during the bout, but Cena came out victorious in the end. This will make Orton vulnerable going into the Elimination Chamber PPV, and while I understand the concept of making the champion look beatable, I don’t understand how we’re supposed to take him seriously when he loses almost all of his matches. That’s WWE’s booking for you I suppose.

Over – all rating of the show: ** ½ (Out of 5 stars)

That was an average show at best. I don’t understand why they didn’t put Bryan in a match at Staples Center, but that’s just yet another dubious decision taken by the WWE. The show lacked quality, although a couple of good tag team matches made it bearable. The main event was something we’ve seen on so many occasions, and the void left by CM Punk was quite obvious on the show. Anyway, that does it for this week’s review, as we now get one step closer to the Elimination Chamber PPV!