At Wednesday’s WWE SmackDown tapings (set to air next Friday, 7/8), the 8 participants for the SmackDown-brand’s upcoming Money in the Bank match were determined. They are:
– Daniel Bryan
– Sin Cara
– Kane
– Wade Barrett
– Sheamus
– Cody Rhodes
– Heath Slater
– Justin Gabriel
— Kelly Kelly wrote the following on Twitter, apparently in response to Randy Orton’s disparaging comments about her yesterday during a radio interview.
“The best way to fight stupidity, is by ignoring it.”
— Jim Rome aired CM Punk’s Raw promo in its entirety today on The Jim Rome Show and offered the WWE Superstar 45 minutes to come on his sports talk radio to finish his speech.
— The following matches were taped last night in Phoenix, Arizona for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars:
* Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso and Trent Barreta vs. Heath Slater, Justin Gabriel and Tyson Kidd
* Kaitlyn vs. Alicia Fox
source: ProWrestling.Net
WWE World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton participated in an interview with Phoenix, Arizona based rock station 98KUPD promoting this week’s SmackDown tapings. Highlights from the interview are as follows.
* Orton discussed his past issues with drug abuse, including an incident in 2006 where he overdosed, stopped breathing and his wife called an ambulance to save his life. Orton said he and his family discuss the bad choices he’s made in WWE’s upcoming DVD release, Randy Orton: The Evolution of a Predator
“I was ashamed of it for a long time, but now talking about it and getting it off my chest—when my in-laws and mom watches it, they’re going to cry. My wife talks about when I stopped breathing and the ambulance came,” Orton said.
* Orton noted his recent concussion at a live event in Spain, saying the Raw taping the day after was “the biggest blur” and that he “couldn’t focus or concentrate.” He said it was the sixth concussion he had suffered, which had WWE worried. He said it was three years since his previous concussion, and that he had suffered some “bad ones” earlier in his career.
* Orton was broached on the subject of not being able to say he’s a wrestler, but rather, a “WWE Superstar.” Orton added, “Honestly, a lot of things we’ve talked about thus far in this interview, they’d be upset with. I’m not like, ‘eff it,’ but I try to be real.”
* Orton shared a story of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson trying to get him in trouble prior to WrestleMania. Orton said he gave his opinion on The Rock during an interview with ESPN—that he wasn’t buying his return speech about returning to WWE and never leaving again. Orton said Johnson called management and claimed the WWE Superstar slammed him and Triple H in the interview. Orton feels Rock mentioned Triple H to grab their attention even though he didn’t criticize “The Game” in the interview.
Orton said he had “got in trouble” and “made Vince mad” for his statements. He feels the interview was “blown out of proportion” and that Johnson should have confronted him over his remarks, rather than complaining to Vince McMahon and management.
* Orton said Cena is “light years” ahead of everyone in WWE on the microphone, including The Rock. Orton then criticized Cena’s wrestling ability by laughing at his in-ring style.
“When I watch him, I feel he’s a little stiff, hard to move, robotic. It certainly hasn’t hurt him. I’m much better than John Cena, but on the mic, he’s light-years ahead of all of us, including The Rock,” Orton said.
— Orton knocked the actresses who have portrayed his wife on television.
“Both those women were actresses. Not even actresses. They were like models who couldn’t act; it was awful. (hosts laughed) It actually ruined both segments because they couldn’t act,” Orton said.
— Orton brought up Chris Jericho, who said he is missed as a locker room leader. When asked about Downfall on ABC, Orton said he doesn’t think Jericho received permission from WWE to host the game show. He said there was some conflict over the matter, but Jericho is the type to approach Vince McMahon.
“Jericho is type of the guy to go in Vince’s office and tell him this is what he’s doing and tough,” Orton said. “A lot of newer, younger guys are intimidated by Vince. They’re scared to knock on his door. Jericho—I miss him being around—would go tell McMahon what’s going on.”
— Spured on by the hosts, Orton levied some unflattering remarks towards WWE Divas Champion Kelly Kelly after saying he worked a brief romance storyline with her a few years ago.
“I would be a method actor, and actually sleep with her,” joked host John Holmberg.
“I could name a few method actors in WWE,” Orton replied. “Like, ten guys.”
The hosts tried to pry names from Orton, who tried to deflect from the topic by joking that it’s all the big guys on the roster. Orton and the hosts continued to joke about who Kelly has or hasn’t slept with throughout the show.
— Several other minor topics were discussed including his baby oil look, whether he’s defecated in the ring, wishing there were more wrestlers like Sheamus, Mark Henry being difficult to work with, and more. The full interview is available here.
Linda Hogan appeared on the KQRS morning show on Wednesday to promote her new book. Linda spoke about a number of topics, including recent allegations by the Ultimate Warrior that she and Hulk Hogan had an “open marriage.’ She denies that claim and says based on what she’s heard, Warrior is gay.
“It’s shock value,” she said. “There’s no truth to it as far as I’m concerned. As far as my life and what I’ve done and where I’ve been, absolutely no truth to it at all. I don’t even know that guy. I’ve seen him behind the scenes at wrestling events back in the day. He’s never been to our house. My kids don’t know him. I’ve never met him other than hi or bye at an event. The truth is I don’t know what my husband said to him. I don’t know what they did behind the scenes. I wasn’t even aware what my husband was doing in our marriage behind the scenes recently. In fact, the rumor is that Warrior is gay.”
Linda was also asked about comparing herself to O.J. Simpson’s late wife Nicole during a recent interview, when she said Hulk Hogan was physically abusive towards her and didn’t want to wind up [dead] like Nicole Brown Simpson.
“No disrespect, I’m not comparing myself to her, I was comparing the situation. I put that message in my book. That’s what I wrote the book for was to put that message out to women that you have a decision. If you’re living in a marriage with abuse, and it can come in the form of infidelity, lying, and physical abuse, and as it escalates throughout the years, you tolerate some and it gets a little bit worse, and you tolerate that and it becomes the norm.”
You can listen to the full interview at KQRS.com.
The wrestling world is sounding off on CM Punk’s scorching promo from Monday’s RAW.
Here is what some of the top names in the industry are saying on Twitter about the memorable segment:
The Rock: “CM Punk: it’s simple business – The Rock is the main event at Wrestlemania cause it draws more money in one night, then u will in lifetime.”
Steve Austin: “@CMPunk just melted my 52 inch TV with a scorching hot promo…delivery, content, and attitude…one of the best promos I’ve ever seen.”
Shawn Michaels: “2 words 4 @CMPunk- thata boy. Felt like old times. Anywho, back 2 my normal life, tweet u on touchdown:-)”
Jim Ross: “Most compelling, controversial end of Raw in a long time. @cmpunk edgy, attitudinal & full of rage. Don’t know what to think. Wow.”
Colt Cabana: “Colt Cabana’s Trending but @CMPunk should legit trend FOREVER. Coolest thing on wrestling since 1998. Can’t believe theyre gonna let’m walk”
Chris Jericho: “Congrats to @cmpunk and Vince McMahon for doing something tonight that hasn’t been done in awhile…make history.”
Mick Foley: “I have no idea where this @cmpunk thing might go, but I know I’ll be watching. Captivating stuff.”
Joey Styles: “Holy crap! I thought I was bad when I was shooting on Vince and the company. OMG! Holy crap!”
Billy Corgan: “@CMPunk that may have been the GREATEST promo i have ever seen…to paraphrase Paul E, ‘you sir, are f’n hardcore’…”
Taz: “Punk did a great job & I always liked him when we were in wwe together and his work! But I must say… There r many of us who were NEVER pushed to the level Punk was & were NEVER allowed to shoot like that, he’s lucky he was allowed to do that. But it was very strong & real!! I liked a lot! Good stuff Punk!”
JBL: “I haven’t watched a wrestling program since well before I left WWE 2+ years ago. Heard about CM Punk’s promo and watched it this morning-WOW! That was awesome, as good as I have ever seen. I worked with CM when he first became champ-really enjoyed it and really happy to see what a stud he has become. When you can put doubt as to whether shoot or work-you have done your job very well!”
Daniel Bryan: “With revolution dripping off his lips with every word, @CMPunk was a god last night.”
Chavo Guerrero: “Did u see @CmPunk promo last night? WOW! If all those things are being said by a guy being used…think how I feel! Good Job Punk!”
Maryse: “@CMPunk for President of the United-States….”
Todd Grisham: “Punk came unhinged tonight. Never seen anything like it in my 8 years @WWE”
MVP: “My verdict after watching the @CMPunk promo, he just had his Austin 3:16 moment. Don’t fuck this one up WWE”
Former WWE superstar Trevor Murdoch, partner of the late Lance Cade, recently had a series of tryout matches with WWE and told Pitch.com that he will be returning to the company soon after being released back in July 2008.
Read More: Trevor Murdoch Says He Is Returning To WWE
Unfortunately for Murdoch, his chance to return to WWE has fallen through – and he’ now considering quitting the industry entirely as a result.
He wrote on his Facebook page on Wednesday:
“Well I got a call from Johnny Ace saying they weren’t going to go threw with my contract. He told me “budget cut’s”. I say bullsh**. I think I’m done with pro wrestling. Anybody know of any job opening’s?”
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety over at JRsBarBQ.com. JR talks about a number of topics, including the premiere of Shawn Michaels’ new hunting show, his online BBQ store, the Shawn Michaels – Bret Hart DVD project he is a part of, a top UFC fighter suspended for steroids and much more. He also spoke at length about CM Punk’s memorable shoot promo from Monday’s RAW. Here’s what JR said:
“CM Punk’s show closing promo on MNR is still seemingly the talk of the wrestling biz. It was the best promo that I’ve heard on TV in years. Can’t say it was the definitive ‘best ever’ but it ranks among the best that I can recall. Steve Austin, who cut some memorable promos in his day, was extremely impressed with Punk’s work as were several other great promo men such as JBL and Mick Foley.”
“Normally when a talent is extremely passionate about a topic or an issue and speaks from their heart and not from a memorized document, the promo has a fighting chance at being stellar.”
“The first thing that must be in place for a promo to be great is that it must be natural ala from the heart and not from memory plus the talent must believe in what they are saying and not simply verbally filling time. Every promo must have a reason for taking place much akin to why most matches occur especially on PPV or in TV main events”
“Talking on a wrestling show should be special, and that means all talk, and with the special meaning that all talk should have a purpose. Too much talk for talk’s sake waters down the product, slows the process and disconnects with many viewers especially when it is obvious that the talents that are talking are not skilled and/or are simply reciting what they’ve memorized.”
“Punk says that he is leaving after the MITB Ladder Match PPV in Punk’s hometown of Chicago in July. He also says he’s leaving WWE with the WWE Title. Those two elements certainly should make for some compelling TV on Monday Night Raw. Whether Punk wins or doesn’t win the WWE Title is a hill I choose not to die upon but Punk staying in WWE is something that I personally hope happens in some shape, form or fashion. punk has as much to say about that eventual decision as anyone and as we have seen if one can predict what Punk’s going to do next then take those instincts to Vegas and make some big money.”
“Punk’s promo was reminiscent of the Attitude Era but it was totally PG. PG can be edgy but it doesn’t need to travel an uncreative, low road to be attitudinal or cool. “
As always, head over to JRsBarBQ.com to read the full blog and check out his excellent line of BBQ products.
Online World of Wrestling Radio:
Heard LIVE Tuesday Nights at 9pm ET
http://www.wildtalkradio.com
This past Tuesday Night, Former TNA Superstar Jay Lethal joined Alan Wojcik for Online World of Wrestling Radio, heard Live on the Wild Talk Radio Network (Wildtalkradio.com) at 9pm ET, to discuss all the topics that people wanted to know in an Hour Long Interview. Some of the topics that were on the table included the following:
The possibility of joining WWE:
“I would say yes, Only because I can honestly say that anyone that is a pro wrestler in my generation you became a pro wrestler because of one reason and one reason only and thats because of WWE. ECW was big WCW was big but I think for my generation it was WWE that made you want to become a professional wrestler and why would you not want to get a chance to work for the company that made you love this business, so I would have to say yes.”
Speaking with Randy Savage for the First Time & what Randy Savage thought of the impression:
“The first conversation we had lasted for five minutes. It was a three way call because I did not believe that it was it was really the macho man, as the guy was trying to get me to believe it was really him. He told me he liked the stuff, he didnt see it on TV, but saw it on youtube, I didnt think I offended him, I think I annoyed him, as this fan was calling him, as I am a fan of Macho Man, its very weird to have a fan call you, just to talk.”
The famous promo with Ric Flair on Impact:
“After the segment, I got to the locker room first and I was so nervous that my hands were numb and I was waiting for Flair to come back through the curtain, cause I didnt know what he thought of it, I dont know if he thought it was good, before flair came back everyone was applauding because they liked it, I thought they just thought it was funny, but when Ric Flair came back through the curtain he had the biggest smile that I have ever seen in my life, I walked up to him and hugged and then I knew it was okay.”
Who he thinks made the decision to release him from his TNA Contract:
“I dont know who makes the decision, but I can only speculate that it came from dixie carter herself, as the owner of the company, it had to go through to her at some point. All I know is that at some point as the owner of the company, in time it has to come through you.”
Receiving the Phone Call about his release:
“I was called by Head of Relations Terry Taylor while at a Baseball game. I should have seen it coming, as I hadnt been on TV in five months. It wasnt like hey Jay Lethal, you messed up, I honestly believe it was we have nothing for you. We kept you long enough with getting paid, its just now time to clean up and make some cuts.”
Being a part of TNA Destination X:
“I was originally was suppose to be apart of the Destination X PPV, even before I was release. After I was release I was also scheduled to be apart of it, but that fell through.”
Other topics include his return to Ring of Honor Wrestling, more on the conversation with Terry Taylor and the conversation they had when Terry Taylor was released from TNA Wrestling, How he got his Job in TNA Wrestling and more stories from his career. All of this was covered in this Hour Long Interview with Alan Wojcik on Online World of Wrestling Radio, which you can hear now by logging on to Wildtalkradio.com and you can listen to some of the biggest names in Wrestling each week by listening to Online World of Wrestling Radio Tuesday Nights at 9pm ET LIVE on the Wild Talk Radio Network on Wildtalkradio.com.
Former WWE star JBL has posted his first video blog on Facebook, where he talks about the late Eddie Guerrero, CM Punk leaving WWE next month and more. You can watch the video blog over at Facebook.com.
JBL also shared some more of his thoughts regarding CM Punk’s upcoming WWE departure on Facebook after finally getting to watch the promo. JBL tweeted on Tuesday:
“I haven’t watched a wrestling program since well before I left WWE 2+ years ago. Heard about CM Punk’s promo and watched it this morning-WOW! That was awesome, as good as I have ever seen. I worked with CM when he first became champ-really enjoyed it and really happy to see what a stud he has become. When you can put doubt as to whether shoot or work-you have done your job very well!”
Keep Reading: MORE Big Names Comment On CM Punk’s Promo
(Steve Austin, Bret Hart, HBK, Jim Ross, Chris Jericho, Mick Foley & More)
WWE star Alberto Del Rio spoke with the Miami Herald this week to promote next year’s WrestleMania 28 pay-per-view. Here are some highlights of what Del Rio, who now resides in Tampa, Florida, said about:
The Origin of His Character: “Alberto Del Rio is something Vince McMahon and I created,” he said. “We created this character. He came up with the idea of the scarf, the cars and everything. However, I developed the character from guys from the movies like ‘Scarface’ and ‘The Godfather’ or guys who I hated during my life.”
“I was like this before WWE,” he added. “I wore these kinds of clothes. I like to have nice cars when I was in Mexico, and in the United States, it’s the same. It doesn’t matter that I have a character on TV. Of course I don’t have as many cars as Alberto Del Rio, but the way I handle myself is somewhat similar.
Adjusting To The WWE Style: “A lot of people helped me adjust to the style, including Steve Keirn, Dusty Rhodes, Norman Smiley. Those guys helped me in FCW because in Mexico we wrestle on the right side, and here we wrestle on the left side. That was the main issue because, essentially, wrestling is the same everywhere. That particular area and transition were kind of hard, but in the end everything worked out well.”
WrestleMania 28: “It is going to be great,” Del Rio said. “This WrestleMania [27] was incredible, but I’m pretty sure next year’s WrestleMania [28] will be awesome. All the things we have here in Miami, it’s going to be a great event. They are going to be bringing in guys like The Rock and superstars from the past. So it’s going to be great.”
“I’m going to be defending my WWE title at WrestleMania because I see myself as champion in a few months. John Cena, I’ve worked with him in the past. I’ve never had a program with him. I think that is the way I’m going now.”
To read Del Rio’s full interview with the Miami Herald, head over to MiamiHerald.com.
Embedded below is this week’s episode of WWE NXT, courtesy of the WWE Youtube channel:
According to a reliable source in WWE, CM Punk’s memorable shoot promo that ended Monday’s episode of WWE RAW was entirely unscripted improvised by Punk. Punk was instructed to go out and say in his own words why he was leaving the company, and nobody in the back knew what he was going to say.
Company officials (and the entire locker room) were watching Punk’s promo very closely in case he went too far – and despite all the taboo things mentioned by the #1 contender to the WWE championship, the production team was only told to cut the segment when WWE’s anti-bullying campaign was mentioned, as the company does not want the program’s legitimacy questioned by bringing it into a storyline.
Punk ‘s frustration with not being featured as a top superstar in WWE is legitimate and one of the reasons he’s been strongly considering leaving WWE.
As far as his contract status, Punk’s deal apparently expired the second week of July, but he recently signed an extension to work through the Money in the Bank pay-per-view on July 17th.
Based on what we are hearing, Punk really will be leaving WWE after Money in the Bank for at least a few months.
TNA star Kurt Angle is the latest wrestler to comment on Twitter about CM Punk’s shoot promo on RAW.
Angle tweeted the following on Tuesday afternoon:
“CM Punk had classic promo last night. Good for Him. But if U ever say another word about Me again, Ur toast! If U don’t believe Me, try Me!”
Angle and CM Punk had beef back in April, when Angle went on a rant on Twitter – accusing Randy Orton, Jack Swagger and Jerry Lawler for “stealing” his wrestling moves at WrestleMania. Angle later claimed his Twitter account was hacked, but Punk blasted Angle and said he didn’t buy his story.
Hulk Hogan has responded to his ex-wife Linda’s claims on the Today show that he was physically abusive towards her during their marriage – completely denying the claims and calling her “delusional.”
Hogan called into the Bubba The Love Sponge satellite radio show on Tuesday morning and gave his side of the story. Hogan said Linda told NBC host Matt Lauer a “cold, blatant lie” and explained that he has no reason to respond to Linda.
Hulk told Buba that Linda is “still riding on the Hulk Hogan name” and is just trying to exploit his popularity – like the Ultimate Warrior and the Iron Shiek. “They all belong together.”
You can listen to audio from the interview segment here, courtesy of Bubba The Love Sponge:
The WWE website announced on Monday night after RAW that CM Punk was suspended indefinitely and “Effectively Terminated.”
The company website posted the following storyline update on Tuesday afternoon regarding Punk’s status with the company:
“UPDATE: As of Tuesday, June 28, WWE and CM Punk have reached an agreement that Punk will fulfill his non-televised live event obligations for the remainder of his contract, through July 17. Furthermore, both sides have mutually agreed not to disparage one another.”
Related News:
Former WWE star Sean Waltman posts a video talking about Monday’s episode of RAW, including CM Punk’s shoot promo:
Check out these videos from Monday’s memorable episode of WWE RAW, courtesy of the WWE Youtube channel.
As per the storyline that CM Punk was suspended for his promo at the end of RAW, WWE did not post a video of Punk’s promo to the WWE Youtube channel. If you haven’t seen it yet, you can check out video of Punk’s epic RAW promo here.
Shawn Michaels’ return to Raw is interrupted
Sin Cara vs. Evan Bourne – Raw Roulette No Count-out
Kane vs. CM Punk – Raw Roulette Mystery Opponent Match
Rey Mysterio & Alex Riley vs. The Miz & Jack Swagger
Alberto Del Rio spins the Raw Roulette wheel
Sweet Chin Music befalls Drew McIntyre
Kofi Kingston vs. Dolph Ziggler
Kelly Kelly vs. Nikki Bella – Raw Roulette Submission
Big Show vs. Alberto Del Rio – Raw Roulette Steel Cage
John Cena vs. R-Truth – Raw Roulette Tables Match
– REMINDER: WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels’ new outdoor lifestyle TV show, “Shawn Michaels Macmillan River Adventures” premieres tonight at 11:30pm EST on the Outdoor Channel.
– WWE Hall of Famer Roddy Piper wrote on Twitter that he’s considering taking Drew McIntyre under his wing. Piper got good feedback about the idea and said he’s going to consider it.
– Michael Cole said on RAW that Mason Ryan was injured over the weekend. We haven’t heard anything about Ryan being injured, but he didn’t wrestle on this weekend’s live events, so we’ll ask around about this.
– Former WWE Superstar JBL wrote on Twitter that he’s currently involved in helping troubled youth in Bermuda:
“Helping some great folks put a program together for gangs here in Bermuda-giving kids an alternative. Most exciting thing I have ever done!”
– WWE will tape tonight’s NXT and Friday’s episode of SmackDown from the US Airways Center in Phoenix, Arizona.
– Diamond Dallas Page wrote the following on Twitter last night his appearance on Monday’s RAW:
“I had Great time promoting the “Very Best of Nitro” on Raw! I hear the WCW DVD is kicking Ass sakes vice … That all because of U Guys Bang”
– CM Punk’s superstar profile has been removed from the WWE website.
– MVP will be filming a music video tomorrow for his single “Holla 2 The World.”
Last week on RAW, CM Punk announced that he is leaving WWE when his contract expires next month, the day after WWE’s Money In The Bank pay-per-view. Punk vowed to capture John Cena’s WWE title at MITB and leave the company as champion.
Punk made headlines last week by a statement he posted on Twitter, which was identical to a blog post he made back in 2005 when he was on his way out of Ring of Honor. He wrote last week:
“I knew I was gone at the beginning of the year. I just woke up one day and I knew. That’s the way I work a lot of the time. I think it’s creepy too, but it’s really helpful. I knew I’d be history by July. Come say goodbye on July 17th. I promise to go out with a bang. Trust me. XxX”
Over the weekend, Punk continued to shed light on how his decision to leave WWE is affecting him. He tweeted:
“It’s scary, doing something your whole life, and looking at a calendar to see you have just 23 more days of doing it.”
“Punk also Re-Tweeted one of Chavo Guerrero’s about his WWE release being legitimate.
Following Monday’s RAW and the RAW tapings that took place after the show (airing next Monday night), we’ve got an updated card for WWE’s upcoming Money in the Bank pay-per-view on Sunday, July 17th.
After this week’s RAW went off the air, it was announced that CM Punk has been suspended from WWE and will not be participating in the WWE championship match at MITB. At the start of RAW, a #1 contender’s match was held to determine who would challenge Cena instead of Punk. Del Rio won the match, however, it was announced later in the tapings by Vince McMahon that Punk was re-instated – and will in fact challenge John Cena for the title on his last night in WWE. If Cena is unable to retrain the title, Vince McMahon said he will be fired.
All that said – here’s the updated card coming out of Monday’s RAW taping for next week:
WWE Title Match
John Cena (c) vs. CM Punk
* If Punk wins, John Cena is fired.
RAW Money in the Bank Ladder Match
The Miz vs. Rey Mysterio vs. Alberto Del Rio vs. Kofi Kingston vs. R-Truth vs. Evan Bourne vs. Jack Swagger vs. Alex Rile
SmackDown Money in the Bank Ladder Match
Participants TBA
WWE Divas Title Match
Kelly Kelly (c) vs. Brie Bella
Batista took to Twitter last to comment on Finlay’s departure from WWE earlier this year.
“So I’m going to say this because I said I would elaborate later….and I’m sure I’ll get some grief over it but I don’t realy care. and this is completely the opinion of an outsider looking in,” Batista wrote.
“I only know what I’ve been told about Fit Finlay’s release and I dont know exactly what happened…but no one in this world could convince me that Fit, the honorable man that he is, did anything that would warrant him losing his livelihood. I wouldn’t have made it to the top without fit, and I wouldn’t have made it through alot of the longass unbearable tours either.
“I seriously think that there’s a huge void in the WWE without him. He isn’t replaceable.”
Finlay was fired from his producer’s after authorizing the interruption of the American national anthem by The Miz during a live event.
Batista was also asked to comment on Melina, his former associate. He wrote, “beautiful, talented, hope she gets out of wrestling asap.”
WWE is taped next week’s July 4th episode RAW this Monday from the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. Credit to to readers Neil and Erica for the following results:
* The Money in the Bank briefcase is suspended above the ring
* Rey Mysterio vs. Alberto Del Rio vs. R-Truth is announced for tonight in a #1 contender’s match for the WWE Title at Money in the Bank. Alex Riley vs. The Miz is also announced.
* John Cena comes out and says Punk has been stripped of the match at MITB. Cena says they are going to act as if Punk never existed in WWE. Cena isn’t happy with what happened but says Punk has a right to say what he wants. Cena wants answers from Vince McMahon and wants them tonight and he wants Punk at the pay-per-view.
* Kelly Kelly and Eve Torres beat The Bella Twins.
* R-Truth is backstage upset about having to compete in a #1 contender’s match tonight. Alberto Del Rio appears and tells Truth that it’s his destiny.
* David Otunga and Michael McGillicutty beat Santino Marella and Vladimir Kozlov. Zack Ryder appeared on the stage after the match, did the “woo woo you know it” and left.
* Backstage interview with The Miz upset about not being in the #1 contender’s match tonight.
* Jack Swagger beat Sgt. Slaughter. Swagger put the ankle lock on after the match until Evan Bourne made the save. Slaughter led us in the Pledge of Allegiance for the 4th of July.
* Alberto Del Rio beat R-Truth and Rey Mysterio by making Rey submit to become the new #1 contender to the WWE Title.
* Vickie Guerrero and Dolph Ziggler are having a Fourth of July party in the ring since he is the United States Champion. Vickie wants everyone to sing Happy Birthday to Dolph but they don’t so Vickie sings to Dolph.
* Dolph says that he is the best superstar and he is in his prime. Dolph says that as long as he is the United States Champion, it is the only title that matters.
* Kofi Kingston comes out to the ring and he says that without Vickie in his corner, Dolph cannot beat him. Dolph tells Kofi that he is at a higher level than Kofi and that Kofi should leave his party. Vickie gets pushed into the birthday cake and then Kofi and Dolph brawl.
* Alex Riley beat The Miz with a roll up. After the match, Miz got mad and attacked Riley, beat him down and hit him with the ring steps. Miz then threw Riley into the announcer’s table, kicked him in the face and left.
* Vince McMahon comes out and talks about CM Punk, saying he deserved to be suspended. John Cena comes out and asks Vince if Punk got under his skin. Cena wants answers. Vince couldn’t risk Punk taking the WWE Title to another company. Vince told Cena to not be like Hulk Hogan and be a man. Vince says it doesn’t matter what anyone wants, CM Punk is gone.
Cena says if he can’t wrestle Punk, then he’s gone and hands Vince the belt. Vince stops him and says here Cena is walking out on him like everyone else has. Vince reinstates Punk but if Cena loses at Money in the Bank, he’s fired.
* Check out this video of the closing segment of RAW, courtesy of SEScoops.com reader Dilhan .. The video is not the best quality, but it’s better than nothing, right? Right?
The following comes from WWE.com:
“Monday Night Raw’s abrupt conclusion last night was not due to technical difficulties. The decision to suddenly end the broadcast in that manner was made by WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon, who gave this quote to WWE.com:
“CM Punk was suspended indefinitely for his unprofessional conduct as soon as Raw went off the air.”
With his WWE contract expiring on July 17, one can only assume that this suspension effectively terminates CM Punk’s tenure with WWE.”
COMMENT BELOW & tell us what you think about CM Punk’s shoot promo that ended Monday’s RAW and resulted in him being suspended by WWE.
Updates: