With the vacant WWE World Heavyweight Championship hanging above the ring, a blend of established and emerging stars battled for the right to wear that prize. The pay-per-view’s other key bouts pitted two backwoods bruisers against the WWE Tag Team champs and placed a pair of comrades-turned-enemies in a crowded field of hungry stars.
Did Boston’s TD Garden play host to history? Did Roman Reigns or Cesaro earn his first world title, or did the company turn to a familiar face as its top titleholder?
The following is a breakdown of Money in the Bank’s results, complete with highlights and letter grades. The recap begins with the man who last held the WWE title, a neck injury forcing him into a non-wrestling role for the pay-per-view.
Daniel Bryan Interview
Credit: WWE.com
In lieu of a pre-show bout, WWE offered up a chance to hear Daniel Bryan speak about his health and being stripped of the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
Michael Cole welcomed the former champ, who led the Boston fans in an echoing “Yes!” chant. He grinned as the crowd roared for him.
Bryan said that his recovery was going poorly and that he didn’t know when he’d be back. He promised to return better than ever and to win back his title.
Bo Dallas walked down to the ring and tried to cheer Bryan up. Bryan told him to “Bo-leave” before leading another round of chants.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
Fans chant “No!” when Bryan asks them to shush.
“The strength hasn’t come back in my arm, and they are talking about doing another surgery.” —Bryan.
“It wouldn’t be a Daniel Bryan story if it didn’t have a few setbacks.” —Bryan.
“You can still climb the ladder of life.” —Dallas to Bryan.
Grade
C+
Analysis
WWE did what it could with this.
The news on Bryan’s recovery is disappointing and makes one worry about if Bryan can even come back at all. The possibility of him undergoing multiple neck surgeries is not what he or his fans wanted to hear.
Adding Dallas to the mix was a fun addition. It’s not a career-making segment, but it gets him a spotlight on the pay-per-view that he wouldn’t have otherwise received.
It’s smart of WWE to highlight Bryan even if he can’t compete, as it works to keep his momentum going for when he does return.
The Usos vs. The Wyatt Family (Tag Team Championship)
Credit: WWE.com
With The Usos waiting for them, Erick Rowan and Luke Harper slunk toward the ring. Jey Uso attacked first, kicking Harper in the gut before tagging his brother in.
The Wyatt Family soon gutted the champs’ momentum, though.
Uppercuts and boots to the throat briefly had The Usos down. Jey fought back, diving at Rowan and earning a number of near-falls. Rowan snatched back control by pushing Jey off the top rope into the security barricade.
The match slowed at this point. It became an alternating showcase of Harper and Rowan’s viciousness.
After taking a glut of punishment, Jey finally tagged out. Jimmy went on a flurry, dropping both foes.
Two superkicks weren’t enough to keep Harper down. Near-falls came at a rapid pace after that as the match crackled with energy. Jimmy saved his brother after a two-man slam. He then saved himself by knocking Rowan off the top rope.
It took both brothers, but after two splashes, they kept Rowan down for the three-count.
Result
The Usos win via pinfall.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
Jey hits a flying forearm off the security barricade.
“They’ve run into the proverbial buzz saw here.”—Michael Cole on The Usos.
Jimmy barely lands a corkscrew moonsault.
Both of The Usos superplex Rowan.
Grade
A
Analysis
This bout featured the contrast in styles and great chemistry that has made their previous matches so entertaining. It was a thrilling contest, one that reinvigorates the tag team division.
The Usos, who haven’t had nearly enough challengers as champs, fought through their toughest battle and came out of it looking like absolute warriors.
Both teams benefited here, each delivering its best bout as a duo.
Shortly after the opening bell, Paige and Naomi locked up on the outside. Naomi flung Paige off the apron onto the floor before hitting a suicide dive on the champ.
The Funkadactyl controlled the action, forcing Paige to kick out several times. She then twisted her in a submission hold that had the champion’s arms bent backward.
After a spill outside the ring, Paige used the Stump Puller, testing Naomi’s pain threshold. Cameron looked on from ringside unamused.
Naomi responded with a short flurry. The Rear View wasn’t enough to beat Paige, and a split-legged moonsault attempt failed thanks to Paige’s knees to her gut.
The Anti-Diva ended things with a cradle DDT.
The Funkadactyls showed more tension after the match. Naomi seemed disinterested in talking to her partner.
Result
Paige wins via pinfall.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
Naomi dives out of the ring onto Paige.
Both Divas fall off the top rope onto the floor outside the ring.
Grade
A-
Analysis
The bout served as Naomi’s coming-out party. She kept up with Paige, delivering great counters and matching Paige’s intensity.
An early hallmark of Paige’s title reign has been that she produces more aggressive in-ring action than fans are used to seeing from the Divas. She and Naomi showed that WWE should consider keeping this rivalry going and putting more spotlight on both women.
It would feature far better matches than what Naomi and Cameron would do against each other.
Dressed as Paul Revere, Damien Sandow insulted the Boston fans. Adam Rose soon followed him, joined by his dance-happy entourage.
Rose rubbed his butt in Sandow’s face, but the former Mr. Money in the Bank fought back with forearms to the back and elbows to the sternum. Sandow was nasty as he stomped on his foe.
Speed had Rose back on top, as he ducked the overdressed Superstar and tagged him with right hands.
Moments later, Sandow’s missed moonsault cost him. Rose hit the Party Foul afterward for the win.
Result
Rose wins via pinfall.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
“Boston will always live in the shadow of New York.”—Sandow.
“The elbow is coming!”—Sandow before hitting his Elbow of Disdain.
Grade
B-
Analysis
For an unannounced short match, this was surprisingly entertaining. Rose gets the win and the momentum, but Sandow was the standout performer here.
Despite his silly persona-shifting gimmick, he came off as a compelling villain. He had flashes of impressive action. Should he have enough ring time to do more of this, he can flourish regardless of what costume he is wearing.
WWE announced that Bad News Barrett’s injury would keep him out of the match. That left Kofi Kingston, Jack Swagger, Rob Van Dam, Dolph Ziggler, Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins in the fray.
Ambrose hurled himself at Rollins right away. The two former comrades brawled near the timekeeper area while the other combatants battled.
Kingston was the early star leaping from, crashing onto and swinging ladders. He went for the briefcase early, but Ambrose pushed him down. Ambrose and Rollins struggled to suplex each other onto a ladder until the former flipped the latter over, flesh hitting steel.
Ziggler and Kingston darted up toward the briefcase but soon found themselves tasting a ladder shot to the head courtesy of Rollins.
Van Dam went on the attack, sending Rollins out in spasms, knocking Swagger to the mat and clearing the ring for his own attempt at the briefcase. Several wrestlers went on flurries, including Swagger, who sent Van Dam crashing from high above the ring.
The powerhouse later emptied the ring and tried for the case. Foes soon pulled at his legs.
Ambrose and Rollins traded fists with the briefcase swinging just above them. In the ensuing chaos, Ambrose emerged with his left arm limp at his side. WWE’s doctors forced him out of the match.
More pain followed. Van Dam soon clutched his hamstring after falling, and Kingston hurled Rollins into a ladder in what looked like something out of a demolition derby.
Ziggler emerged from the wreckage, but an injured ankle slowed his ascent too much.
Ambrose barreled back into the match and wrecked Rollins’ back with steel-chair shots, but Kane ran in and prevented his victory. After a Tombstone Piledriver, Ambrose was out, allowing Rollins to climb to the top and celebrate a win.
Result
Rollins grabs the briefcase for the win.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
Kingston falls from a ladder, bounces off the top rope and onto a pile of enemies.
Van Dam hits Rolling Thunder onto Rollins, who is lying on a ladder.
Swagger powerbombs Van Dam from a ladder, and then Ambrose superplexes Rollins off a high rung.
Swagger hits a Swagger Bomb on both a ladder and Kingston.
Ambrose fights off the medical staff.
Kingston flips Rollins onto a propped-up ladder, resulting in a violent crash.
Ziggler cracks Kingston’s head against the steel with a Zig Zag.
Grade
A+
Analysis
WWE got everything right with this match. Rollins’ win furthers his feud with Ambrose, elevates a new star to a higher tier and continues The Authority angle.
The action along the way was fantastic. This ranks as one of the best Money in the Bank Ladder matches ever, a conveyor belt of great spots and dramatic near-wins. Rollins and Ambrose’s feud provided the heart of it, tying all those highlights together in an engaging narrative.
Crouching in the center of the ring, Stardust inspired a look of confusion from Curtis Axel.
Stardust sprinted around the ring, knocking Axel off balance before Ryback tried to slow the face-painted star. Stardust was too agile and quick for The Big Guy, though.
It wasn’t until Goldust tagged in that RybAxel took control. Axel pounded him before Ryback wrapped his arm around his neck. The heels used quick tags to stay fresh as they kept The Bizarre One down.
Momentum shifted when Stardust got back in, as he dodged Ryback’s blows, sprang around the ring and sent Axel out of the ring.
Ryback went for Shell Shocked, but Stardust turned it into Cross Rhodes. That didn’t get him the win, but a schoolboy pin soon after did.
The action continued after the bell, the Rhodes brothers fighting off Axel and celebrating in the ring.
Result
Stardust and Goldust win via pinfall.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
Stardust leaps off his brother’s back onto Axel.
“I still got it.”—Ryback to the crowd.
Stardust sprints across the ring apron.
Grade
C+
Analysis
This was a slower, less energetic version of the tag title match.
Stardust was the clear highlight of what was at best a solid contest. How unreservedly he dove into his character was fun to watch. With more strange mannerisms like he showed here, Stardust is sure to win over fans and have this team continue for the next few months.
He and Goldust will likely need a different set of rivals, though. There was little chemistry between these duos.
After planting the Russian flag at ringside, Rusev bowed in the ring. Lana struggled to get her speech started thanks to “USA!” chants. Once she did, she praised Vladimir Putin and looked down on America, as per usual.
Big E and Rusev slugged it out. The sound of fists on ribs filled the TD Garden.
The American went for the spear off the apron that he hit at Payback, but Rusev waited for him with a knee to the jaw. Rusev then smashed his foot into Big E’s back and head.
After Big E dropped Rusev on his head, The Bulgarian Brute grew angry, swinging his fists like clubs. Big E responded with slams and suplexes before nailing the spear off the apron he went for earlier.
Both men were stunned and rolled back into the ring. Rusev wiped blood off his lips and struggled to his feet.
A kick to Big E’s ear got him control of the match once more. He riled himself up, howling along with Lana before bending his foe’s back in The Accolade. Big E fought to escape but eventually tapped out.
Result
Rusev wins via submission.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
Rusev bends over a fallen Big E, shouting at him in Russian.
Big E sends Rusev to the floor with a spear off the apron.
Big E nearly breaks free of The Accolade.
Grade
B+
Analysis
Pushed further than he ever has been before, Rusev flourished. The physical bout was his best with WWE yet, a chance to reveal his showmanship skills and toughness.
It was wise for WWE to tease Big E breaking Rusev’s finisher. When someone finally does, it’s going to be a hugely dramatic moment.
Had this battle gone on a touch longer and produced a few more highlights, it would have slid into an A grade. As it stands, WWE saw more of what its big, foreign beast can do.
Fandango served as the referee as Summer Rae and Layla faced off. Layla threw Summer out of the ring and tried to seduce Fandango while she was out.
Summer went to kiss Fandango, but Layla attacked her. The former Divas champ bent Summer’s legs in a submission hold as Fandango swiveled his hips. Summer came back, tossing her opponent around by the hair.
Layla knocked Summer, over and Fandango had no issue counting to 10.
Result
Layla wins via pinfall.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
Fans chant for CM Punk.
“Fandango can’t lose.”—John “Bradshaw” Layfield.
Grade
D-
Analysis
There’s a reason the crowd grew restless during this match.
It failed to build on the feud or make much use of the fact that Fandango was referee. Fans have seen Summer deliver top-notch matches at NXT, but this wasn’t one of them. A hurried, uninspired affair failed to showcase her skills and do much more than fill airtime.
Summer not being a true babyface before this made it hard to feel for her after her loss.
Entrants: Bray Wyatt, Sheamus, John Cena, Alberto Del Rio, Kane, Randy Orton, Roman Reigns, Cesaro
The Authority watched from ringside as all eight men entered the ring. The bout opened with a brawl where old rivals went after each other. Sheamus and Cesaro collided, as did Wyatt and Cena.
Cesaro and Del Rio fought over a ladder but still managed to crack it against Orton. Wyatt flung himself into it, sending his foes rolling out of the ring.
Reigns had a moment alone on the ladder, but Sheamus charged at him. Kane then ruined Sheamus’ hopes of winning. Several competitors climbed up at the same time, but Kane started pushing everyone aside.
Kane then held the ladder for Orton, but Reigns cleared the way for himself.
The match picked up intensity here. Wyatt forced Sheamus and Cesaro to hang above the ring. Orton and Sheamus brawled outside the ring. Using a propped-up ladder, Orton hit The Celtic Warrior with a DDT.
Orton looked to be en route to the titles when the entire field converged on the ladder. Kane thinned out the battle before slugging it out with Sheamus. The Irishman went on a run, hitting ring-rattling slams on everyone within reach.
One ladder crammed into another until they became a central figure. Men fought atop the contraption as others pushed it and slammed each other into it before Kane dismantled it.
Reigns hit a pair of Superman punches that sent Kane and Orton out of the ring, then ran around the ring nailing folks with dropkicks. That left Cena and Reigns alone in a one-on-one battle that Reigns won courtesy of the spear.
It looked as if Orton was going to win, but he couldn’t climb high enough. Sheamus, Cesaro, Wyatt and Del Rio also had close calls.
Kane looked to help Orton once more, but Cena knocked both men over and yanked the championship off its hook.
Result
Cena wins the WWE title.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
Reigns and Sheamus make a ladder sandwich out of Kane.
Cesaro flings Cena into the air and uppercuts him.
Sheamus and Cesaro hang above the ring with no ladder under them.
“You can’t see me, fella.”—Sheamus to Cena.
Reigns tilts a ladder with both Sheamus and Cesaro on it into the corner.
Reigns hits a dropkick onto Wyatt on the announce table.
A wound on Orton’s head opens up, blood blanketing his forehead.
Grade
A-
Analysis
Money in the Bank’s main event was slower and featured less spots than the pay-per-view’s other Ladder match. Its high stakes and great teases at wins propelled it, though.
These bouts are inherently exciting, and in terms of in-ring action, there was a lot to like here. The result is the most bothersome part of this one.
There isn’t any excitement about a Cena world title win. It’s something fans have seen again and again over the last decade. It’s as predictable an outcome as the ghosts in Scooby-Doo not actually being ghosts.
WWE had a chance to let one of its emerging stars take a huge step, but instead, it took the well-worn path. Cena as champ likely sets up a huge SummerSlam bout between him and Brock Lesnar, so the decision makes sense. Still, the lack of a new face with the championship is a letdown.
Extreme hostility was upon us as the IZOD Center hosted WWE Extreme Rules 2014.
The pay-per-view is normally filled with exceptionally violent bouts, from Ladder matches to Street Fights, but there were less of them on tap this year. WWE is relying more on storylines and well-built animosity than “hardcore” elements.
Recently reformed Evolution went into battle against this generation’s dominant trio, The Shield. Daniel Bryan had to fight off a monster to remain WWE champ, and John Cena tangled with a deranged foe of his own in a psychological struggle inside a steel cage.
Results, grades and reactions for the matches follow.
Read on to find out how extreme the night got, beginning with a comedic offering. The event’s first bout was the rubber match between El Torito and Hornswoggle—the WeeLC match.
El Torito vs. Hornswoggle (WeeLC)
Credit: WWE.com
Little-people versions of Michael Cole, John “Bradshaw” Layfield and Jerry Lawler provided additional commentary as El Torito battled Hornswoggle.
El Torito controlled the action early thanks to his speed and high-flying ability. Hornswoggle soon brought in a stepladder and leaped off it, but his foe rolled out of the way.
3MB and Los Matadores brawled on the outside, complete with the wannabe rockers smashing the bullfighters on a ladder and a table.
Hornswoggle delivered a chair-assisted Rolling Thunder onto El Torito before taking the action outside. He punished his opponent and seemed to be in control, thanks to 3MB’s assistance.
The trio wasn’t much help, though. An errant chair shot and other blunders had 3MB taking the biggest bumps of the night.
El Torito dove onto Hornswoggle, breaking a table in the process, for the win.
Result
El Torito wins by pinfall.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
El Torito takes out 3MB with a dive to the outside of the ring.
Hornswoggle smashes El Torito through a mini-announce table with a diving elbow drop.
El Torito pushes Jinder Mahal and Los Matadores into a mess of ladders and tables.
Grade
B+
Analysis
The match was the goofball comedy that it promised to be.
The parody announcers were hampered by awkward timing. That took away from the action some, but it was still a fun and silly bout.
They could have focused on serious action more but instead played it as straight comedy. El Torito only got to show off a fraction of his skill.
The WeeLC is an odd tone-setter for an event built on the extreme, but it was entertaining nonetheless.
Cesaro vs. Rob Van Dam vs. Jack Swagger (Elimination)
Credit: WWE.com
Paul Heyman introduced his client, welcoming him to his “synagogue of hardcore,” and not surprisingly mentioned Brock Lesnar breaking Undertaker’s WrestleMania streak.
Once the action began, Jack Swagger, Rob Van Dam and Cesaro all hesitated to jump into the fray. Van Dam fought off both men, monkey flipping Cesaro and evading Swagger.
Mr. Monday Night later hit a nasty powerbomb on Cesaro on the outside.
Swagger gained control from him, though, using his power to keep Van Dam on the defensive. That only lasted until Cesaro took him for a swing.
The Real Americans fought among themselves as Cesaro showed off his own impressive power. Van Dam sneaked in a Five-Star Frog Splash to take Swagger out of the mix.
Now a one-on-one fight, Cesaro smashed Van Dam to the mat, smashed him into the security barricade and played to the crowd.
The gutsy Van Dam fended him off. His exciting arsenal earned him two-counts aplenty but wasn’t enough to put The King of Swing away. He missed a Five-Star Frog Splash, crashing into a trash can.
Cesaro ended the bout with The Neutralizer onto that same trash can.
Result
Cesaro wins by pinfall.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
“Nobody likes anybody, that’s what I like.”—Jerry Lawler.
“The 11th commandment of extreme is thou shall not boo Paul Heyman.”—Heyman.
Cesaro springs off the rope to hit Swagger with a European uppercut.
Van Dam hits his trademark kick onto an opponent hanging over the barricade.
Cesaro kicks a trash can into Van Dam’s chest.
Grade
B+
Analysis
A touch of the extreme aided this match. It was well-worked, especially when all three men were involved, but not as electric as each man’s best work.
Cesaro and Van Dam’s chemistry together just isn’t great.
The win continues the Swiss strongman’s recent rise. WWE is clearly behind him, pushing him as a top-level competitor. Challenging for a world title will be one of his accomplishments in the near future.
Cesaro vs. Rob Van Dam vs. Jack Swagger (Elimination)
Credit: WWE.com
Paul Heyman introduced his client, welcoming him to his “synagogue of hardcore,” and not surprisingly mentioned Brock Lesnar breaking Undertaker’s WrestleMania streak.
Once the action began, Jack Swagger, Rob Van Dam and Cesaro all hesitated to jump into the fray. Van Dam fought off both men, monkey flipping Cesaro and evading Swagger.
Mr. Monday Night later hit a nasty powerbomb on Cesaro on the outside.
Swagger gained control from him, though, using his power to keep Van Dam on the defensive. That only lasted until Cesaro took him for a swing.
The Real Americans fought among themselves as Cesaro showed off his own impressive power. Van Dam sneaked in a Five-Star Frog Splash to take Swagger out of the mix.
Now a one-on-one fight, Cesaro smashed Van Dam to the mat, smashed him into the security barricade and played to the crowd.
The gutsy Van Dam fended him off. His exciting arsenal earned him two-counts aplenty but wasn’t enough to put The King of Swing away. He missed a Five-Star Frog Splash, crashing into a trash can.
Cesaro ended the bout with The Neutralizer onto that same trash can.
Result
Cesaro wins by pinfall.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
“Nobody likes anybody, that’s what I like.”—Jerry Lawler.
“The 11th commandment of extreme is thou shall not boo Paul Heyman.”—Heyman.
Cesaro springs off the rope to hit Swagger with a European uppercut.
Van Dam hits his trademark kick onto an opponent hanging over the barricade.
Cesaro kicks a trash can into Van Dam’s chest.
Grade
B+
Analysis
A touch of the extreme aided this match. It was well-worked, especially when all three men were involved, but not as electric as each man’s best work.
Cesaro and Van Dam’s chemistry together just isn’t great.
The win continues the Swiss strongman’s recent rise. WWE is clearly behind him, pushing him as a top-level competitor. Challenging for a world title will be one of his accomplishments in the near future.
Bad News Barrett vs. Big E (Intercontinental Championship)
Credit: WWE.com
Bad News Barrett’s trademark bad news centered around a virus heading to the U.S. and how badly he was going to beat Big E.
Their fight quickly traveled to the outside, where Big E rammed Barrett into the ring post. A thrust kick to the champ turned things around soon after.
He hit Big E with an elbow drop, a DDT and a crossbody. The blows staggered Big E. He struggled to recover or to avoid getting knocked around.
A pair of suplexes to Barrett soon earned him some momentum, though.
Barrett countered with Winds of Change and Wasteland, each move only getting him near-falls. He readied his elbow to hit a decisive strike, but Big E slammed him to the mat instead.
The Englishman’s second attempt at the move came with him flying through the air. It earned him his fourth win of the WWE Intercontinental Championship.
Result
Barrett wins by pinfall.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
Barrett makes a tribute to Mick Foley by doing his “bang, bang!” taunt.
“Big E ran into a buzzsaw tonight.”—Michael Cole.
Big E spears Barrett off the apron and to the outside.
Grade
A-
Analysis
This was Big E’s best match during his IC title reign. Unfortunately for him, it also spelled the end of his time as champ.
Barrett’s charging momentum refuses to slow down. His 2014 has been filled with wins and now another shot with the belt. The newer version of his character is certainly paying dividends.
Big E impressed here and isn’t likely to just fade away. A long feud between these two would be a wise move leading to more hard-hitting bouts.
The Shield vs. Evolution
Credit: WWE.com
The Shield and Evolution stared each other down before charging at each other, fists flying. Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose tossed out each of their enemies before the bell rang.
Rollins and Triple H began the official action.
Speed had Rollins on top momentarily, but a Triple H clothesline, Batista ramming his shoulder into him and Randy Orton stomping on his chest had the high-flyer dazed. Evolution tagged in and out after quick bursts of offense on Rollins.
A desperate Rollins finally tagged Ambrose in.
Ambrose clocked everyone in sight. The wild man slipped on a figure-four before the match briefly unraveled thanks to Reigns going on the attack.
It was then Ambrose’s turn to get pummeled by Evolution.
Punch drunk, he swung wildly at Triple H. Against Batista, he couldn’t stay on his feet, taking a boot to the chin. A DDT allowed him to tag in Reigns, who charged up the crowd with every high-impact move.
The pace quickened as The Shield pounced on Batista and hit a triple powerbomb. Orton pulled Reigns off The Animal to save the match.
Orton and Triple H both hit their finishers on Reigns, but Batista couldn’t turn those into a win.
The fight moved into the crowd for everyone but Reigns and Batista. The foes brawled among the fans, Ambrose tumbling down a flight of stairs.
Back in the ring, a Superman punch and a spear finished off Batista.
Result
The Shield wins by pinfall.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
Rollins’ suicide dive on Triple H sends both crashing into the barricade.
“Randy Orton takes pleasure in punishing his opponents.”—Michael Cole.
Rollins lands on his feet and knocks Orton down with an enzuigiri.
Triple H rams Reigns into the ring steps.
“Reigns is a one-man wrecking crew.”—Michael Cole.
Ambrose leaps from the announce table to take out Orton and Triple H.
Rollins dives from the stands onto Evolution.
Grade
A+
Analysis
The instant classic began with the familiar dynamic of the heels breaking the rules behind the referee’s back as the babyfaces endured the majority of the punishment. It later burst into chaos.
The result is that all three members of The Shield looked mighty impressive, especially Rollins, who created the biggest highlight of the bout with his flight from the stands.
A slow-burn pace and rising animosity led to one of 2014’s best offerings so far.
Many fans were expecting some sort of swerve here, but instead, The Shield’s ascension continues.
John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt (Steel Cage)
Credit: WWE.com
A cluster of blue lights glowed in the crowd as Bray Wyatt entered. John Cena awaited him in the cage—focused, pacing, concerned.
Cena tried to begin the action with mat wrestling. Wyatt overruled him, turning the bout into a street fight.
Early on, Cena looked to climb the cage, but Erick Rowan and Luke Harper waited for him on the ground like two gators.
Wyatt then dominated, conducting the crowd to sing in between attacks on Cena. The Eater of Worlds held him up against the steel cage and commanded Rowan to crash into him. Cena stopped Wyatt’s attempt escape and followed with one of his own.
The leader of The Wyatt Family controlled the match for the most part.
He snuffed out several of Cena’s rallies with brute force. He grinned as he smashed him with heavy blows.
When Cena did manage to knock Wyatt to the mat, Rowan stood at the cage door, holding it closed. Rowan and Harper smashed the door on the former world champ.
Cena later got over the top of the cage, only to have Rowan push him back over. On another attempted exit, Harper met him, trying to punch him down.
That fight brought Harper into the cage, allowing him to stop a pin attempt after a top-rope Attitude Adjustment.
Cena took on the entire clan, knocking them all down. He then looked ready to win the match, only a few steps from escaping the cage. A child appeared and began to sing in a demonic voice, frightening Cena enough for Wyatt to take advantage.
Result
Wyatt wins via escaping the cage.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
“This is what you wanted!”—Wyatt to Cena.
Fans sing “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.”
Wyatt spider walks to the open cage door.
Cena powerbombs Wyatt from off the cage wall.
Cena kicks cage door closed to keep Wyatt inside.
The Wyatt Family exits with the choir boy at its side.
Grade
B-
Analysis
Expectations were high going into this, as WWE had been telling this story so well. The story in the cage wasn’t nearly as effective.
Too much of the bout departed from the story of Cena’s darker side emerging. A lot of escape attempts and a heavy focus on Rowan and Harper led to a match lacking electricity.
At times, it felt like a mess, the booking getting in the Superstars’ way.
Where was the destroyer we saw against Daniel Bryan at the Royal Rumble? Wyatt was made to look too weak, looking more like the typical heel rather than the monster WWE had been portraying him as.
The final moment with the creepy kid saved this from being a flop. It still gets a lower grade for failing to meet expectations and dragging at times.
Tamina Snuka vs. Paige (Divas Championship)
Credit: WWE.com
In Paige’s first major test as Divas champion, she looked to outrun and outmove Tamina Snuka early on.
Tamina caught her when she went to the top rope, though. The challenger rammed her into the ring apron and flung her into the turnbuckles.
The punishment continued, Tamina roaring before every power move. Paige tried to hit a hurricanrana on the outside, but Tamina instead smashed her into the security barricade.
The champ managed a brief comeback, but soon found herself taking a flight to the mat courtesy of Tamina.
Paige caught a superkick attempt and turned it into the modified Scorpion Crosslock for the win.
Result
Paige wins via submission.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
“Where you at!”—Tamina screaming at the crowd.
Paige hits a powerbomb on Tamina.
Grade
B-
Daniel Bryan vs. Kane (Extreme Rules for WWE World Heavyweight Championship)
A
Analysis
For a short match designed to be a palate cleanser between John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt and Daniel Bryan vs. Kane, the Divas title bout was impressive. Both Tamina and Paige showed off aggression and risk-taking fans aren’t used to seeing from the Divas division.
Tamina came off as a powerful brute. With her performance, she entices WWE to have her battle Paige several times in the near future.
With more of a story between them and a longer match, these two women could produce a masterpiece.
Daniel Bryan couldn’t wait for Kane to enter the ring. He charged at The Devil’s Favorite Demon, and the two brawled on the entrance ramp.
Kane went to the weapons early, striking Bryan’s spine with a kendo stick.
The champ fought back with a running dropkick, but the masked man went back to his destructive ways. He dropped Bryan on the barricade and wedged a steel chair into the corner. Bryan managed to use that weapon himself, tripping Kane right into it.
Bryan tore apart both announce tables, smacking Kane with pieces of them. The big man then tried to chokeslam him through the table but suffered a tornado DDT instead.
The monster kept rising, though.
The two moved their fight to the backstage area and the parking lot, Kane cracking Bryan’s body against everything solid. Bryan fought back with a snow shovel.
He ran toward Kane, who sent him crashing onto the hood of a car. The Big Red Machine broke car windows as he threw objects and fists Bryan’s way.
Bryan avoided him, striking back with a tire iron.
The bearded warrior lifted his enemy onto a forklift and drove back toward the ring. He raised it and dropped Kane into the center of the ring. From the top of the forklift, Bryan leaped at Kane with a diving headbutt, but only got a two-count.
Kane turned a flying knee into a chokeslam, but Bryan kicked out.
A DDT onto a chair, a barrage of chair shots and the Yes! lock with a kendo stick didn’t do Kane in. He had enough strength left to chokeslam Bryan through a table. The monster then set another table on fire.
He tried to finish Bryan in those flames, but the champ sent Kane through them instead. A flying knee capped it all off.
Result
Bryan wins via pinfall.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
Kane hits a sidewalk slam on Bryan into a chair.
Bryan hits Kane with a kendo stick as the crowd chants “Yes!”
Kane sends Bryan into the Extreme Rules set, causing the lights to go out.
Bryan narrowly dodges a flying piece of metal aimed at his head.
Bryan flies from the forklift.
“He’s wants to annihilate the movement of the masses.”—Michael Cole on Kane.
Kane’s table-breaking chokeslam.
Fire!
“The demon’s burning in hell.”—Michael Cole on Kane.
Grade
A
Analysis
WWE saved much of is extremeness for the event’s final act. In a throwback to WWE’s more violent days, Kane and Bryan used fire, cars and a forklift to emphasis these two men’s hatred.
It was uncomfortable to watch at times.
The car crash of a match kept pushing the boundaries of acceptable violence, and both opponents’ animosity for each other rose throughout the night.
Despite the loss, this is the most powerful Kane has looked in years. Bryan charges ahead, having made this a memorable challenge and looking a lot like the angry version of himself who was trying to prove he wasn’t Team Hell No’s weak link last year.
Bryan can move onto bigger opponents, buoyed by momentum.
WWE Extreme Rules 2014 is in the books. In three title matches, we saw two retentions and one new champion. We also saw some excellent wrestling in non-title matches, like The Shield vs. Evolution.
With WrestleMania now firmly in the rear-view mirror and WWE marching headlong into summer, what’s next for many a Superstar?
We’ll get into all that and more in the following slides. Before we do, please read how these rankings work.
Holding a championship, being No. 1 contender or holding a Money in the Bank briefcase counts for much of a wrestler’s ranking and is the most heavily weighted component in these rankings. If a wrestler is tied with another wrestler, holding a title will break a tie.
Wins and losses account for the bulk of the week-to-week movement and wins and losses are, after championships, the most important component of the rankings. The quality of a wrestler’s opponents and whether they are ranked or not is considered in the week-to-week movement. “Getting the better” of someone—like beating someone down—as well as “getting got” counts as well, though not as much as wins and losses. Being “over” with the fans is considered but not heavily weighted in the ranking decisions. Pay-per-view performances take on added importance.
Only the top 10 wrestlers are ranked. Wrestlers on the “Watch List” were considered for top-10 status but were ultimately nixed. They too are unranked, and their listing is in no particular order.
Generally speaking,these rankings do not break kayfabe, though any major non-storyline information (serious injury, WWE Wellness Policy violations, legitimate hirings, firings, contract information, “sabbaticals,” etc.) may be taken into consideration, especially if WWE confirms them publicly. Nothing that could be explicitly considered a spoiler is included unless WWE acknowledges it as well.
All WWE shows, televised or digitally distributed, as well as anything from WWE.com, the WWE App, the WWE Network and any WWE or Superstar social media accounts that don’t break kayfabe may be taken into consideration for these rankings.
Just six days away from Extreme Rules, WWE Raw emanated from the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri.
The war between The Shield and Evolution had fuel added to the fire, as “Nature Boy” Ric Flair returned to Raw and publicly endorsed The Hounds of Justice. Enraged, Triple H, Batista and Randy Orton looked to deal out punishment to The Shield. Would Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns be able to withstand the assault, or would they fall at the feet of their Extreme Rules opponents.
Bray Wyatt continued to play mind games with John Cena leading into the Steel Cage match this weekend. How severely would his recruitment of children mess with the former WWE champion? More importantly, would it be the straw that broke the proverbial camel’s back and caused Cena to snap?
Daniel Bryan returned to Raw after being brutally attacked by Kane on last week’s show. What would The Devil’s Favorite Demon have in store for Bryan and, more importantly, the WWE champion’s wife, Brie Bella? How would Stephanie McMahon figure in?
With Hugh Jackman in the house and the finals of the No. 1 Contender tournament taking place, one thing was for certain: The April 28 episode of Raw would be an action-packed one.
A steel cage surrounded the ring as the night’s festivities started. John Cena’s entrance music played over the PA system, and the crowd erupted in a chorus of boos.
Much like Bray Wyatt did on this past Friday’s SmackDown, Cena addressed the WWE Universe from inside the confines of the cage.
He appeared to be disgusted by the crowd’s choice to give him no chance in a three-on-one fight against The Wyatt Family. He discussed change in the WWE Universe and how he always put WWE first.
Cena talked about the young up-and-coming stars coming through NXT and warned that Wyatt is dangerous, that he is not like the other young and passionate stars in WWE.
The Wyatt Family interrupted, and a child’s voice was heard singing, “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.” The crowd joined in as Cena looked both shaken and terrified. When the lights raised, a choir of young children were singing the song.
The arena went dark again, and The Wyatt Family appeared. Bray continued the singing and was accompanied to the ring by an army of singers in a cool, yet creepy visual.
When Wyatt blew out the lantern and the lights raised for a second time, all of the children were wearing sheep masks.
Highlights and Quotes
“Why?”—Cena asks the WWE Universe why it chose him to compete in a three-on-one handicap match.
“Someone once said, ‘you either die a hero or you live long enough to become a villain.’ I believe that.”—Cena
“I see greatness in the WWE Superstars of today.”—Cena
“If he escapes this cage this Sunday, so will his message.”—Cena on a potential Bray Wyatt win at Extreme Rules
“This is awesome.”—the crowd, in response to the segment
“Can’t you hear them, John?”—Wyatt
Grade
A+
Analysis
This was easily the most creepy, disturbing and awesome segment WWE has produced all year.
Everything from the children singing to the visual of them wearing masks to the creepy Wyatt laugh to end the segment hit its mark. Most effective was how Cena appeared shaken and confused. He was disappointed in the WWE Universe and horrified by the sight of the children aligned with The Wyatt Family.
For the first time in his WWE career, the unshakable Cena has been clearly affected by what Wyatt has been doing, and it is making for some incredibly intriguing television.
Great way to kick off the show.
WWE Tag Team Championship: The Usos vs. RybAxel
There was a big-match feel as the contest got the pre-match introductions.
The faster tag team champions frustrated the No. 1 contenders, then took them out at ringside with a dive. Prior to the commercial break, one of the champions appeared to have injured his ankle, something Michael Cole brought up on commentary.
Ryback and Curtis Axel controlled the match as the show returned from break. Cole and Jerry Lawler revealed that Jey Uso was being checked on by the ringside medical personnel.
Jimmy withstood head- and neck-focused punishment from the heels while Jey remained at ringside.
Moments later, Jimmy made the hot tag to Jey, who exploded into the match, planting Axel with a Samoan Drop.
Ryback charged at Jey with a Meat Hook attempt but was caught with a side kick. The Big Guy recovered and looked to have the match won with Shell Shock, but Jey countered with a roll-up. Moments later, Jimmy received the blind tag and came up with a big splash to Axel, who had delivered a Perfect Plex to Jey, and picked up the title-saving win.
Result
The Usos, via pin-fall, when Jimmy pinned Axel
Highlights and Quotes
The injury story, real or manufactured, did a great job of adding drama and doubt to the outcome.
Grade
B+
Analysis
This was a really hard-fought wrestling match that showed just how far Ryback and Axel have come as a team and solidified Jimmy and Jey as the best regular tag team in WWE.
Jey’s ankle injury made the outcome less obvious, and the work between the ropes added to the drama. The counter out of Shell Shock was really well done, and the finish was clever.
Ryback and Axel’s work as a heel tag team is improving by leaps and bounds, and had they left with the titles, setting up a sustained feud between the teams, it would not have been as bad a thing as it would have been months ago.
Sheamus vs. Titus O’Neil
As Sheamus made his entrance for the match, Titus O’Neil brutally attacked The Celtic Warrior from behind as the referee tried to pull him away. The official asked Sheamus if he were OK to go and ordered the match started.
O’Neil attacked Sheamus, but the official pulled him away. Moments later, Sheamus blasted him with the Brogue Kick for the win.
Result
Sheamus, via pinfall, with the Brogue Kick
Highlights and Quotes
“Desperate move by Sheamus.”—JBL in reference to the Brogue Kick from out of nowhere
Grade
C-
Analysis
What was the point of introducing a new, more aggressive O’Neil only to have him job after a Brogue Kick from out of nowhere?
It was an admirable attempt to make over O’Neil, who has been wallowing in the midcard for months, but having him lose to a beaten and battered Sheamus will not change fans’ perception of the former Prime Time Player.
Dolph Ziggler addressed the WWE Universe and put over X-Men: Days of Future Past, throwing to a trailer for the film.
Ziggler welcomed Hugh Jackman back to Monday Night Raw, and the crowd greeted him with a nice pop. Jackman, as he did before, appeared happy to be on the show. Jackman put over the fans and the show, and Ziggler brought up the last time the Wolverine actor was there.
Damien Sandow appeared dressed as Magneto and spoke down to the WWE Universe.
Ziggler and Jackman sarcastically poked fun at Sandow as the crowd chanted “knock him out.”
The segment ended when Sandow feigned magnetism abilities and Jackman answered with a hip toss. Ziggler finished with the Zig Zag.
Highlights and Quotes
“This is one of the biggest, most exciting shows out there.”—Jackman on Raw
“I’ll be honest, Hugh, Jack Swagger’s kicked me harder than that.”—Ziggler on Jackman’s right hand last time while, at the same time, eluding to the concussion that ended his push
“This is not a joke.”—Sandow, as he wears adult-sized Magneto costume and looks ridiculous
Grade
B
Analysis
The entire segment should have been a disaster, but thanks to the commitment from Sandow, Jackman and Ziggler, it turned into one of the funnier celebrity skits the company has produced in a long time.
Sandow was spectacular, showing tremendous conviction in his character, and Jackman and Ziggler were great as the sarcastic babyfaces making fun of the delusional heel. This was a great use of Jackman, who followed up his first great appearance with a suitable sequel.
Cesaro vs. Jack Swagger
Jack Swagger tried to use his amateur skills, but Cesaro countered early and took him down with a gut-wrench suplex.
The action spilled to the outside, and Swagger took control of the bout. Swagger worked over the back, but Cesaro fought back with an uppercut. At ringside, Zeb Colter tripped up Cesaro, leading to a scuffle between him and Paul Heyman at ringside.
A German suplex finished Swagger moments later.
Result
Cesaro, via pinfall, with a German suplex
Highlights and Quotes
“My client Cesaro won the Andre the Giant Battle Royal at WrestleMania.”—Heyman, adopting a new way to brag about his own success
“He’s got him by the mustache!”—Cole on Heyman’s attack on Colter
Grade
C-
Analysis
This was an incredibly sloppy match from two guys much better than what they showed Monday night. The scuffle at ringside between Heyman and Colter was fine, but not as good as what fans saw Friday night on SmackDown.
This was a disappointing use of all four talents. Still, potential is there for a very entertaining tag match of sorts to end the rivalry appropriately.
Cody Rhodes vs. Alberto Del Rio
Alberto Del Rio attacked Cody Rhodes from the bell, and Rhodes turned the tide early.
Del Rio took control with a side headlock. Rhodes fought out, but Del Rio caught him in midair with a shot in the midsection. A kick to the arm and the cross armbreaker ended Rhodes’s night in disappointing fashion.
After the match, a frustrated Rhodes shoved Goldust, as the schism between them continues to grow.
Result
Del Rio, via submission, with the cross armbreaker
Highlights and Quotes
None to speak of
Grade
C-
Analysis
This was the second consecutive sloppy match between two guys with reputations for being strong ring workers. Time was limited, and that may have adversely affected the finished product, but it was still a poor match overall.
The continued teasing of a split between Rhodes and Goldust was solidly done, and the resulting matches should be fun. It would have been nice to see them get the spotlight at WrestleMania, but now is better than never.
Xavier Woods vs. Alexander Rusev
Alexander Rusev dominated the competition and was prepared to lock in the Accolade, but R-Truth hit the ring and cleared Rusev out.
Truth and Xavier Woods worked together to take Rusev out, to the dismay of Lana.
Result
Rusev via disqualification
Highlights and Quotes
“She makes me want to move to Russia.”—JBL on Lana
“Power cannot be earned, it can only be taken by those destined to wield it.”—Lana
Grade
C
Analysis
The segment gave Woods and Truth some momentum heading into Extreme Rules and proved that, if they work together, they can make a run at beating Rusev. Unfortunately, no one really buys them as a threat, and the crowd responded accordingly.
A by-the-books segment that failed to hit its mark with the audience.
Los Matadores vs. Heath Slater and Drew McIntyre
The feud no one asked for continues, as Los Matadores met 3MB in tag team action.
Fast-paced action started as Los Matadores frustrated Heath Slater early.
Hornswoggle and El Torito attempted to fight at ringside, providing a distraction that allowed Slater to pick up his first win in what felt like ever.
Result
3MB, via pinfall, when Slater pinned Diego
Highlights and Quotes
“I saw Hornswoggle backstage before the match eating mushrooms. He’s trying to grow.”—JBL
“That was just splat.”—Cole in reference to Hornswoggle’s missed splash outside the ring
Grade
D
Analysis
This was a short, offensive segment that focused heavily on Hornswoggle and El Torito at the expense of the competitors in the ring. The announcement that the small competitors will meet in the first-ever WeeLC match Sunday night during the Extreme Rules pay-per-view hopefully signifies the end of the painful feud.
Stephanie’s Apology
Credit: WWE.com
Principal owner of WWE Stephanie McMahon made her way to the ring to apologize for Kane’s attack on Daniel Bryan last week.
Bryan made his way to the ring, his wife Brie by his side as the crowd erupted into a chorus of “Yes” chants. Bryan sported a neck brace to sell his injuries from last week. Stephanie insincerely applauded his appearance.
Bryan said Stephanie was full of crap, leading to an exchange of truths between the two. Stephanie said she had ridden in ambulances with Triple H and knew how hard it is to watch a loved one beaten up. She apologized, but Bryan refused the apology.
Bryan refused to join Stephanie in the ring and promised to take Kane down with him this Sunday.
Stephanie booked Brie against Paige for the Divas Championship as a way of making it up to the couple.
Highlights and Quotes
“I almost believed you. Except everyone knows you’re full of crap.”—Bryan to Stephanie
“We went to great lengths to stop you.”—Stephanie
“I wanted to give you a credible opponent at Extreme Rules.”—Stephanie
“If he takes me down, I’m taking him down with me.”—Bryan on his match with Kane at Extreme Rules
Grade
B
Analysis
Stephanie was at her insincere best here as she apologized to both Bryan and Brie. Bryan stumbled a bit on the mic, but given everything that has happened in his life as of late, it is understandable.
The booking of Brie vs. Paige with Bryan at ringside is most definitely a trap, and the image of a glass case minus Kane’s mask only supports that idea.
Brie Bella vs. Paige
Brie tried to end the match quick, but Paige came back and used her superior ring skill to control the bout.
Paige delivered a stiff series of knees to the chest of Brie, but the challenger came back with a dropkick. Paige caught Brie with a shot to the midsection and delivered a big superplex.
Pyro exploded at the top of the ramp, interrupting the match. Bryan became distracted, and Kane popped through the mat. He tried to drag Brie under the ring, but Bryan interjected. Kane fought him off until Bryan blasted him with a wrench.
Kane sat up and caught the WWE World Heavyweight champion with a chokeslam.
Brie escaped the ring as Kane set off his promo—an eerie grin painted his face to end the segment.
Result
No contest
Highlights and Quotes
The repeated attempts to drag Brie under the ring made for some nice dramatic moments.
Grade
B+
Analysis
This was a much more effective segment than the apology. Brie is a great sympathetic figure as opposed to her sister, and she did a great job reacting to the threat of The Big Red Monster.
Bryan using the wrench shows that he is resourceful, a trait that will work well in this weekend’s Extreme Rules match. Brie could play a role in that match, as could Stephanie, making up for a lackluster buildup to the match thus far.
Overall, this was a surprisingly good segment.
Rob Van Dam vs. Bad News Barrett
Credit: WWE.com
Wade Barrett dished out some bad news for the WWE Universe prior to the match.
Rob Van Dam cleared Barrett from the ring and delivered a moonsault from the ring apron as he took control early. Barrett turned the tide prior to the break, however, catching Van Dam with a kick that may have been south of the border, so to speak.
Barrett wore Van Dam down, keeping the Superstar grounded. He cut a Van Dam comeback attempt off and continued to utilize a deliberate pace that went against Van Dam’s trademark offense.
Van Dam fought back, catching Barrett with a step-over heel kick just in time for Cesaro and Swagger to appear at ringside. Van Dam countered a Bull Hammer attempt and landed a kick. He climbed the ropes, missed the frog splash and fell victim to the Bull Hammer.
Post-match, RVD delivered a Five-Star Frog Splash to Cesaro.
Result
Barrett, via pinfall, following the Bull Hammer
Highlights and Quotes
“‘Then’ was the last time Rob Van Dam was anywhere near relevant.”—Barrett
“…because of me, B-N-B.”—Barrett
Grade
B+
Analysis
This was a solid match that could have been that much better without interference from Cesaro and Swagger. With that said, the interference sets up a potential Triple Threat match between Van Dam, Cesaro and Swagger. That match could be a potential show-stealer.
Barrett continues rolling since returning to the ring on April 7 as he heads into Extreme Rules and his intercontinental championship match against Big E Langston. It is a match Barrett should win and should set up a rivalry with the very talented Big E in the coming weeks and months.
Roman Reigns vs. Randy Orton
Credit: WWE.com
Evolution addressed the audience prior to the main event. Triple H more or less promised to take out The Shield at Extreme Rules.
The Shield headed to the ring for the match, but “Woooo!” sounded over the PA system, and Ric Flair made his Raw return.
Flair made his way to the ring and embraced his Evolution teammates before grabbing a microphone from ringside. Flair spoke briefly about St. Louis, then recalled his days with Evolution and The Four Horsemen.
Flair endorsed The Shield and the match was underway.
Action spilled to the outside, as Orton gained control of the bout. Reigns mounted a comeback after several minutes and caught Orton with a leaping boot to the face. Interference from Triple H incited a brawl outside the ring between Ambrose, Rollins, Triple H and Batista.
Rather than finish Orton off, Reigns turned his attention to Batista and Triple H outside the ring.
Evolution beat The Shield down for several minutes, but it was a flying Seth Rollins and a Spear from Reigns to Triple H that led to The Hounds of Justice standing tall to close out the program.
Result
No Contest
Highlights and Quotes
“They’re starting to remind me of us.”—Triple H in regard to The Shield
“I brought you into this world, and you’re looking at the three guys who will take you out of it.”—Triple H
Watching The Nature Boy walk that aisle is a highlight almost every time
“Ric Flair just offered his endorsement to The Shield.”—Michael Cole
Grade
B+
Analysis
The closing moments of Raw would have graded higher had it taken place in front of a hotter crowd. Still, it was an effective way to close out the final Raw before Extreme Rules.
Evolution looked to be dominant in its last chance to make an impact prior to Sunday, but The Shield showed great resilience and fought back, proving it will not be an easy win.
The beatdown went on a bit long, and the crowd seemed bored at one point, but the show was injected with a bit of energy as The Shield mounted a comeback and cleared the ring.
According to WWE’s booking methods, that would seem to indicate that Evolution will go over at the pay-per-view. With SmackDown playing more of a role as of late, however, the handicap match for Dean Ambrose’s U.S. title may play a role in the outcome of Sunday’s show.
Beatdowns bookended the April 21 edition of WWE Raw.
The show opened with Kane returning to his savage past, leaving Daniel Bryan in need of medical attention. The night ended with Bray Wyatt holding John Cena’s limp body in his arms.
In between those striking images, WWE provided thrills, such as the tournament to decide who challenges Big E for the Intercontinental Championship, and letdowns, such as Emma becoming the female Santino Marella.
Several Extreme Rules feuds generated momentum. WWE hinted at a handful of additional matches on the card.
The following is a breakdown of Monday’s Raw, picking apart what didn’t work and giving kudos to what did. See who won, what highlights the Superstars provided and what letter grades all the action earned.
“Yes!” chants welcomed Daniel Bryan to the ring. Brie Bella awaited him there, hugging the world champ.
Stephanie McMahon cut their celebration short, sauntering to the ring in a red dress.
She mocked the “crunchiness” of Brie and Bryan’s wedding. After announcing that Bryan would have to face Kane at Extreme Rules, McMahon warned that Brie better stay out of Kane’s way.
“The Big Red Monster” ambushed the newlyweds, smashing Bryan into the barricade and hitting the Tombstone piledriver on the outside. He delivered the move once more, this time on the ring steps.
Medical staff helped Bryan onto a stretcher, but Kane was still in attack mode.
On the announce table, “The Devil’s Favorite Demon” gave Bryan a third Tombstone piledriver. WWE medical officials managed to get Bryan back on the stretcher, Brie standing at her man’s side.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
Kane drags a lifeless Bryan to the ring steps.
McMahon screams “That’s enough!” as Kane attacks Bryan.
“I’ve never seen anything like that. Daniel Bryan never moved.”—John “Bradshaw” Layfield.
Grade
A-
Analysis
The vicious attack created a somber mood throughout the crowd.
The dramatic, violent moment reestablishes Kane as a monster. Memories of his corporate run are replaced with the haunting image of him leaving Bryan unconscious.
Kane vs. Bryan is bettered by this collision, giving Bryan a fresh hunger for revenge going into that battle.
Sheamus vs. Bad News Barrett
Bad News Barrett and Sheamus met in the second round of the Intercontinental Championship No. 1 contender’s tournament.
Before the match, Barrett claimed that Sheamus’ Irish luck would run out. The two foes then traded stiff punches.
Sheamus then dove from the top rope onto Barrett on the outside. Barrett slipped out of the Beats of the Bodhran and knocked Sheamus off the apron via a boot to the face.
The Irishman flew at his opponent, hitting a high knee in the corner and a flying shoulder block.
Each man went for signature moves, but each man evaded the other. Sheamus slipped out of Wasteland, and Barrett ducked under a Brogue Kick before White Noise earned “The Celtic Warrior” a very close near-fall.
It took a Bull Hammer to Sheamus’ chin to end the hard-hitting match.
Result
Barrett wins via pinfall.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
“This isn’t St. Patrick’s Day.”—Barrett.
Sheamus falls over the top rope after hitting high knee in the corner.
Sheamus flies into Barrett, knocking both men over the top rope.
Grade
A-
Analysis
Two bruisers delivered a tremendous match. Sheamus took more risks than usual, giving the match a more significant feel. The IC title itself got a boost as well with as hard as these men fought.
For Barrett, this marks his second straight week with a standout performance in the tournament. He gets a chance to make it three in a row in the finals next week.
Los Matadores vs. 3MB (with Hornswoggle)
Drew McIntyre slapped Hornswoggle to fire him up. The little man then traded slaps with El Torito.
El Torito landed some impressive high-flying moves before having to face McIntyre. He hit the Scot in the onions before teaming up with Los Matadores, hopping onto his chest as the bullfighters slammed him to the ground.
That was enough for the three-count.
Result
Los Matadores win via pinfall.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
“Shouldn’t you call PETA? Are you allowed to hit miniature bulls?”—John “Bradshaw” Layfield.
Jinder Mahal yanks El Torito off Hornswoggle.
Grade
B-
Analysis
This was a shorter, fun version of the matches these groups have had over the last week.
El Torito’s leaping ability is phenomenal. That was on display in this well-paced comedy match.
There is no explanation as to why he wasn’t disqualified for hitting McIntyre with a low blow. It’s probably the same reason he’s allowed to hit his opponents with horns.
The Shield Faces off with Evolution
Triple H mocked The Shield, and Randy Orton said the trio sparked the inspiration for Evolution’s reformation. They showed clips of Evolution’s history of beatdowns.
Batista added that The Shield don’t know what it got itself into.
That’s when “The Hounds of Justice” stormed down to the ring. Evolution slipped away to avoid their seething foes.
Dean Ambrose reminded Triple H why he hired the group to protect Orton. Seth Rollins promised war at Extreme Rules, predicting that Evolution would disband at that show.
Roman Reigns threatened to fight Evolution right now. When he and his teammates charged, a wall of heels came out to protect Triple H and company.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
“And then one day, your daddy comes out and spanks you in front of the world.”—Triple H.
“Do we look humbled to you?”—Ambrose to Triple H.
“Here in a few seconds, I’m gonna drop this mic and we’re coming up that ramp and we’re going to beat your asses.”—Reigns to Evolution.
Grade
A-
Analysis
Both teams barked. Both teams looked confident and strong.
Rollins flourished during his airtime. He was the most compelling man on his squad, something that hasn’t always been the case.
It’s surprising that WWE hasn’t announced a stipulation for this bout yet. It appears that this will get more contentious first.
Kudos to the WWE production team. They did a great job with the Evolution highlights, especially in how they had images of Evolution’s past mirror its present and vice versa.
The Usos vs. Goldust and Cody Rhodes
Ryback and Curtis Axel sat in on commentary as The Usos took on Cody Rhodes and Goldust.
The Usos controlled the match early using their speed and high-flying moves to keep the Rhodes brothers off balance. Rhodes later tagged himself in. As he attempted a Cross Rhodes, Jey Usos kicked him in the mouth.
A three-count later and the match was over.
Rhodes pushed his brother in frustration before heading to the backstage area. Ryback and Axel ambushed the tag champs, leaving them writhing on the mat.
Result
The Usos win via pinfall.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
“You did announcing for years and you still suck.”—Ryback to the announcers.
“Cody Rhodes just went poof.”—Ryback.
Grade
B+
Analysis
WWE dropped a big hint that Ryback and Axel are facing The Usos at Extreme Rules. There was also some foreshadowing of splintering between Rhodes and Goldust.
The match itself was nothing special, as it was too short to develop any suspense.
Ryback’s commentary was more entertaining and ups the grade some. He thrived as he mocked the announcers, threw in stories of his childhood and chuckled derisively at everything. We need to see more of this Ryback.
Layla vs. Emma
Fandango attacked Santino Marella on the apron, which was enough of a distraction to have Emma leave herself open to Layla attacking her.
Layla mocked her opponent’s dance moves and barked at her.
On the outside, Marella hit Fandango with the cobra. Emma pulled out a pink version of the sock puppet snake and knocked Layla out with it. Marella and Emma played with their fake snakes together in flirty fashion.
Result
Layla wins via pinfall.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
“I think the cobras just kissed.”—John “Bradshaw” Layfield.
Grade
D+
Analysis
WWE has not only wasted Emma’s talents with short, silly matches like these, but it hasn’t moved this feud along at all. Adding a pink cobra to the mix is not narrative advancement.
It’s a feud where everyone’s wheels are spinning. The El Torito vs. Hornswoggle battles have been more entertaining, both humor-wise and in terms of in-ring action.
Emma needs to be placed elsewhere, stat. Otherwise, fans are going to sour on her before she even has a shot to show off what she’s capable of when involved in something less ridiculous.
Cesaro vs. Rob Van Dam
Paul Heyman bragged about his new client and reminded us yet again that Brock Lesnar conquered Undertaker’s undefeated streak at WrestleMania. Rob Van Dam’s entrance music interrupted Heyman’s rant.
The second semifinal of the Intercontinental Championship No. 1 contender tournament could then begin.
Van Dam soon found himself on the mat, Cesaro driving his elbow and knees into him. “Mr. Monday Night” responded with a monkey flip that sent Cesaro soaring. He then dove at “The King of Swing,” hitting the ring post instead.
Cesaro took control once more. He used his power advantage to wobble Van Dam, clubbing him in the chin and tossing him around the ring.
Kicks and Rolling Thunder gave Van Dam back the momentum. He readied himself for the Five-Star Frog Splash, but Cesaro charged at him and hit a European uppercut.
Cesaro pulled out a Tiger Bomb before Jack Swagger came down to ringside, distracting him. Van Dam tried to dive out on Cesaro, but he had an uppercut waiting for him.
Swagger cracked Cesaro’s head against the ring post, allowing Van Dam to win by count-out. Swagger attacked his former partner, but Cesaro later swung him around.
Result
Van Dam wins via count-out.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
“This guy’s a legend in his own mouth”—Jerry Lawler on Paul Heyman.
Cesaro blocks a sunset flip attempt and stomps on Van Dam’s chest.
Heyman’s fearful look when Van Dam got a near-fall after a moonsault.
Cesaro’s uppercut on a diving Van Dam.
Grade
B+
Analysis
A number of memorable spots don’t make up for a lack of chemistry. Van Dam and Cesaro didn’t click for much of the match.
There was little flow to the action, but fans will instead be talking about Cesaro’s new air raid siren-heavy entrance music, the fact that Cesaro lost and that the defeat sets up a Swagger vs. Cesaro bout.
Many folks picked Cesaro to win the tournament, but it’s clear that he will have his rivalry on his mind at Extreme Rules, not Big E’s title.
Aksana vs. Paige
Aksana attacked first, but Paige landed the first blows. The Divas champ evaded Aksana before kneeing her in the chest and grabbing her hair.
Aksana fought back, stomping and choking her foe. She held the champ down with a grinding hold before Paige elbowed her way out.
Paige couldn’t maintain the advantage, though. She fell victim to Aksana’s power moves before making a comeback that culminated in the modified scorpion crosslock.
Result
Paige wins via submission.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
Paige slams Aksana’s face into the mat several times.
Grade
B-
Analysis
Although it was too slow in spots, the intensity of the bout made it more entertaining than most Divas fare.
WWE continues to have Paige take the majority of the punishment during her matches, only to survive and make a comeback. The company seems to be painting her as an underdog, which works for now.
Eventually, though, it will have to start portraying her as the badass that she is.
Alexander Rusev vs. Sin Cara
WWE announced that Alexander Rusev would face both Xavier Woods and R-Truth at Extreme Rules. Before that, though, he battled Sin Cara.
The luchador used his speed to evade Rusev early.
“The Bulgarian Brute” caught and squashed him. He wrenched Cara’s arm and bashed him with his forearm.
Cara hit a number of offensive moves. At times, it only seemed to annoy the big man. At other times, he had the powerhouse off balance.
Rusev responded by barreling over him. He locked in The Accolade for the win.
Result
Rusev wins via submission.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
Rusev rolls over Cara as he grabs him for a suplex.
Grade
B
Analysis
Cara’s surprising flurry had Rusev veer from his usual squash-match script. It was exciting to see him stumble for a few moments.
The less one-sided bout allowed him to show off more of his moves, looking mighty impressive in the process.
Woods and R-Truth are sure to give him a bit of trouble as well, but the smart money is for him to continue his winning ways.
The Wyatt Family vs. John Cena
Credit: WWE.com
WWE fans had the choice to have John Cena face one, two or three members of The Wyatt Family. They went the sadistic route, pitting him against Bray Wyatt, Luke Harper and Erick Rowan.
Backstage, Wyatt cackled about the bitter taste of truth and his desire for change. He proclaimed that The Wyatt Family stands against Cena.
He also said that he would take Cena’s followers from him.
Renee Young later interviewed Cena backstage. He said he respected the WWE Universe while wearing a sad-dog expression. Cena told Wyatt that he should never count him out.
Once the bout began, all three members of the Wyatt clan stomped on Cena. Harper bashed him with forearms and Rowan slammed him before Wyatt danced with him in the ring.
Harper’s next turn saw him miss a wild uppercut, after which Cena hit a suplex. His offense didn’t last, though.
The Wyatt Family traded chances to use Cena as a punching bag.
Cena fought back with a DDT to Harper. Wyatt came in seething, planting Cena into the mat. “The Eater of Worlds” then took the time to sing to the crowd.
The former champ made an impressive comeback, looking as if he was going to pull out the upset. Harper and Rowan started attacking him rather than let him pin Wyatt. Wyatt cradled Cena’s head in his arms as he sang and sneered.
Result
Cena wins via disqualification.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
“What have we become? Just a nation full of mindless sheep, led by wolves and owned by pigs.”—Wyatt.
“It will not matter which monster has the longest teeth or the sharpest claws.”—Wyatt.
Wyatt slow dances with a woozy Cena.
“The Wyatt Family destroying Cena live on Raw.”—Michael Cole.
Wyatt holds an unconscious Cena in his arms and sings, “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.”
Grade
A
Analysis
The match impressed even for how one-sided it was, but the real entertainment was the character work. Cena is beginning to seem more resigned in this feud, unhappy that his fanbase is leaning more and more toward Wyatt.
Wyatt showed off a wide range of skills, reciting a dark poem on the mic and unsettling the audience with his odd behavior in the ring.
The image of him holding Cena’s head in his arms and singing is one of the best of the year. He and Cena head into Extreme Rules, just as they did at WrestleMania, with a show-stealing story.
Batista awaited his chance to crush the pest that is Alberto Del Rio, but “Mexico’s Greatest Export” walked out with a crutch and a neck brace around his neck.
Del Rio bent the brace over Batista’s back and cracked it against his ankle. The villain ripped off the brace while grinning before calling for the bell.
He applied the cross armbreaker in the ropes, stomped on “The Animal” and kicked him in the back of the head. Del Rio delighted in his dominance, but a spear shifted momentum in Batista’s favor. He tried to end things with a Batista Bomb, but Del Rio slipped away.
Result
Batista wins by pinfall.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
The crowd treats Del Rio like the face and chants “Bootista.”
Del Rio hits a vicious baseball slide that sends Batista tumbling out of the ring.
Grade
B-
Analysis
Del Rio benefits from this bout despite the loss thanks to looking like a wily strategist. Batista doesn’t look to be back in ring shape yet, not having the motor he had before his departure.
That contributed to a lumbering match that told a good story of the victim of an ambush surviving, but offered few highlights and little energy.
The fans voiced their disapproval regarding Batista, chanting for just about everything but him. He heads into WrestleMania in need of a heel turn. WWE can’t continue to have him get heel reactions while playing the face.
Elimination Chamber (WWE World Heavyweight Championship)
Credit: WWE.com
John Cena, Christian, Randy Orton and Daniel Bryan stood in the pods as Cesaro and Sheamus began the battle.
Cesaro bashed Sheamus with uppercuts and forearms, showing no signs of trepidation about being in the Elimination Chamber for the first time. “The Celtic Warrior” fought back, clotheslining Cesaro onto the steel grate around the ring.
Bryan entered, turning the slugfest into a showcase of his speed. With his enemies on their knees, Bryan took turns kicking at their chests.
An aggressive Christian then entered, attacking Bryan’s injured arm, tearing at his bandages.
“Captain Charisma” escaped a powerslam attempt from Sheamus and later hopped onto the cage wall to fly at Cesaro. Sheamus and Cesaro went back to their individual battle, slamming each other into steel and Plexiglass.
Cena entered, soon feeling the drumbeat of boots on his chest courtesy of Bryan. He tossed Christian against the Chamber wall, only to find himself catching a Cesaro uppercut in mid-flight.
Each man threw punches at everything within range. By the time Orton walked out of the pod, each of his opponents lying writhing on the mat.
He attacked everyone before every foe surrounded him, inspiring him to flee back into the pod.
An enraged Sheamus kicked in Orton’s pod with a Brogue Kick. The Irishman hit Cena with a Brogue Kick as well, but Christian failed to steal a pin. Christian did get a three-count after he hit a splash from the top of the pod.
Bryan eliminated Christian with his flying knee.
Cesaro went on a brief tear, but Cena cracked him against the grate and then forced him to tap out to the STF.
Cena then went for that submission hold on Orton, but the lights went out. When the darkness lifted, The Wyatt Family grinned inside the Chamber. The brutes attacked Cena, leaving him out cold. Orton slid on top of him for the three-count.
That left Orton and Bryan to attack each other, the title awaiting the victor.
It seemed Bryan had the match won when Kane interfered. Stunned, he couldn’t avoid the RKO, losing to the champ.
Result
Orton wins the Chamber match.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
“Thank God he only has two feet.”—John “Bradshaw” Layfield on Bryan.
Bryan suplexes Cesaro while still holding Sheamus in submission hold.
Sheamus hit a rolling fireman’s carry slam onto the grate.
Cesaro hit Cena with a midair uppercut.
Sheamus destroys a pod with a Brogue Kick.
Cesaro spins Orton 30 times.
Bryan and Cena square off alone in the ring.
Cesaro hits a suplex on both Cena and Bryan.
Grade
A-
Analysis
The cheap ending hurt this match, draining it of some of the drama it had built toward.
Still, the intensity level was extremely high, and every Superstar thrived. Cesaro stole the show with his aggressiveness, and Christian provided a number of highlights.
Cesaro and Sheamus need to enter a rivalry and give fans more uppercut-heavy brawls like they delivered in the Chamber.
Should Bryan get added to the WWE title match as a third entrant, this ending is a wise move, delaying his triumph just a few months longer. If WWE goes with Batista vs. Orton, though, it is going to have flashbacks of Brock Lesnar vs. Goldberg at WrestleMania XX in terms of negative crowd reaction.
SD Yankee Report 