After the events of Sunday's Survivor Series pay-per-view, several questions hung in the balance. Viewers tuning into Monday night's Raw SuperShow were looking for answers, but would they find them?
The show opened with newly crowned WWE Champion CM Punk in the ring, soaking up the adoration of the fans. Punk told the fans that ever since he was in the first grade, he wanted to be a professional wrestler - not a sports entertainer. Winning the title in Madison Square Garden was a special moment in his life, especially because he did so on his own terms.
Punk wants to bring change to the WWE as the champion, and he wants to start by removing interim General Manager John Laurinaitis from his post. Of course, Punk's comments brought out the GM, who engaged in a battle of words with Punk (never a wise move, by the way). Johnny Ace told Punk that next week on Raw, he'd be defending his title against Alberto Del Rio in a rematch. Punk wanted the match tonight, but Laurinaitis had other plans: Punk vs. United States Champion Dolph Ziggler in a non-title bout.
Punk said the fans don't want to see Ziggler versus Punk; they want to see Ziggler against Zack Ryder for the U.S. title. Too bad for Ryder, however, as he's already got himself a match against former WWE Champion Del Rio. Punk left the ring, telling Laurinaitis that tonight he'd take care of Ziggler; next week, he's take care of Del Rio; and eventually, someone would take care of Laurinaitis.
The first match of the night was Ryder against Del Rio, and in the early goings, Ryder wasn't finding himself in a good place. Del Rio essentially manhandled Ryder, and that onslaught never relented. Del Rio made quick work of Ryder, who now finds himself in an even more difficult position of claiming he deserves a United States title match.
In the night's second match, Sheamus and Jack Swagger faced off in a spillover battle from Sunday night's Survivor Series. "The Great White" had represented Team Orton, while Swagger was part of the prevailing Team Barrett. Swagger tried to use his wrestling acumen, but Sheamus wanted to fight. A series of power moves were exchanged, and Swagger found himself back in control, working the arms and back of Sheamus. Swagger worked in an ankle lock, but Sheamus escaped and hit his signature Brogue Kick to put Swagger down for the three.
Kevin Nash came out to send a message to his former friend Triple H. He said he was stuck in the back watching Survivor Series, in a building where he beat Bob Backlund in eight seconds. It should have been him and Triple H taking on The Rock and Cena, but it didn't happen because Triple H is gone, out with a broken neck at the end of his own sledgehammer. Now, out of the group of four who once agreed to put their friendship before the business, there's only one survivor: Nash.
On the heels of his victory alongside Wade Barrett at Survivor Series, Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes came to the ring to declare himself unbeatable, unstoppable and unrepentant since losing his signature mask. He has a new side to his personality, and the fans need to get used to it.
Before long, Rhodes' opponent, Santino Marella, emerged from the back for their contest. There wasn't much to the match, as Rhodes made quick work of his opponent. As Marella went for a Cobra, the champ reversed it into a Cross Rhodes for the three count.
After the match, Rhodes got into a verbal exchange with Booker T, who was joining Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler on commentary. Rhodes tossed a bottle of water into Booker's face, which only frustrated to former world champion. Booker showed some signs of anger as Rhodes headed to the back.
Ziggler, along with his manager Vickie Guerrero, talked to Josh Matthews backstage, making it clear he was the only superstar to win two matches at Survivor Series. No one could stop his momentum now; not even Punk. The interview segued into the challenge of the champions.
The two champions seemed to be at an early stalemate, but slowly, Ziggler managed to gain a solid advantage. He used his signature combination of high-impact moves and submissions to attempt to wear down the WWE champion. While Punk managed a few small moves, Ziggler maintained control for several minutes, unrelenting on his attack on Punk.
Momentum shifted, though, and Punk found himself controlling the match, catching Ziggler at every turn. A Go to Sleep attempt, however, was reversed into a sleeper hold, and Ziggler took Punk down to the mat. The two continued to exchange blows, with each man looking to gain control in the final stretch, but both men seemingly unable to do so. After both men exchanged big moves and nearfalls, Punk reversed Ziggler's finisher and hit a GTS to put Ziggler away.
The Big Show came out on the stage, saying he proved he is better and stronger than World Heavyweight Champion Mark Henry. When Henry thought the match was going too far in Show's favor, he took the easy way out. Show retaliated by ensuring Henry didn't walk out of the show; he was carted out. Now, when Henry comes back, Show has something else waiting for him: A hard right fist.
In another Team Barrett versus Team Orton showdown, Barrett - who made it clear he has his sights set on the World Heavyweight Championship - faced Kofi Kingston, who was eliminated from the traditional Survivor Series match by Barrett the night before.
Barrett handled Kingston with ease early on, but a distraction by Randy Orton caused Barrett to stumble while setting up for the Wasteland. That allowed Kingston to capitalize and shift the momentum of the match in his favor. Barrett regained his composure, though, with a big slam, continuing to taunt Orton as bringing the fight to Kingston.
Kofi's quick wit and agility allowed his a second wind late in the match, but a missed Trouble in Paradise gave Barrett the opening he needed to finish the match for good. Looking Orton square in the eyes, Barrett delivered a Wasteland to Kingston, before grabbing a microphone and taunting Orton further.
John Cena made his way to the ring to address the "Rock Bottom heard round the world." He said several questions were answered at Survivor Series, including whether he and The Rock could work together as team. The answer was yes, as they put away The Miz and R-Truth. The reactions he and his partner received were totally different, but it's nothing new for Cena.
Before Cena could finish his speech, however, his Survivor Series opponents made their presence felt. The Miz said Cena's ego won't even let him accept the realities of what happened on Sunday. Cena turned the cards on Awesome Truth, telling them that despite his reception from the crowd, no one wants to see them. He tried to turn the partners against each other before leaving the ring with Miz and R-Truth standing, angry and confused.
Cena's words may have had some consequence, as the partners got into a verbal exchange. Miz shoved R-Truth, who responded with a push of his own. Miz tried to convince Truth they should be attacking Cena instead, and as they headed up the ramp, Miz hit R-Truth with a Skull Crushing Finale, putting an end to the Awesome Truth alliance.
Results:
Alberto del Rio d. Zack Ryder
Sheamus d. Jack Swagger
Cody Rhodes d. Santino Marella
CM Punk d. Dolph Ziggler
Wade Barrett d. Kofi Kingston
