The Authority Addresses The Entire WWE Roster
The first WWE RAW of 2015 kicks off with highlights of Seth Rollins holding Edge hostage and threatening him, forcing John Cena to agree to bring back The Authority.
After the video package, we shoot live inside the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas, the site of tonight’s show. We see that the entire roster is standing in the ring, with John Cena leading the pack and holding a microphone.
Cena opens by pointing out that The Authority is back in power. He says their first order of business is to have everyone on the roster stand in the ring so that they can address everyone. Cena then apologizes to his fellow Superstars for being forced to bring The Authority back.
Cena goes on to make a promise to everyone, but before he can say what it is, he is interrupted by “King of Kings.” With that said, out comes The Authority — Triple H and Stephanie McMahon.
The two stay at the top of the stage, with Stephanie speaking first. They talk about being back and how it’s a new year. She says it’s good that they’re back because they know what is best for business.
Triple H continues, saying he told everyone they would be back. He brings up Sting as the reason they were gone, but says he knew they’d be back and told everyone that. HHH puts over Seth Rollins for them being back. He introduces Rollins, who comes out and joins them on top of the stage.
The fans boo and break out into “You Sold Out” chants as Rollins begins to speak. He says he wants to say hello to his good friend in yellow in the ring, John Cena. He wishes Cena a Happy New Year. HHH says everyone here owes Rollins a debt of gratitude.
HHH says as a thank you, he’s going to give Rollins an opportunity to make history. He mentions Cena vs. Brock Lesnar for the title at the Royal Rumble. He says that match is now a triple-threat match. Rollins looks nervous at first but then gets really excited and celebrates.
Stephanie says there’s one person left to thank, and that’s John Cena. Stephanie says Cena promised everyone something and then went back on his word. But she says that’s a good thing because she knows deep down, he knows The Authority knows what’s best for business. To show their thanks, they’re making tonight “John Cena Appreciation Night.” Steph tells Cena his attendance is not optional, it’s mandatory. She says they’ll be able to turn that frown upside down because she promises — nay — guarantees, that The Authority will deliver.
Triple H says that tonight is the beginning of a new era for The Authority. He says they have no agendas or alterior motives. He tells everyone in the ring that all of them will get what they deserve, which he says in his a serious tone. He makes another match, this time for tonight. Dolph Ziggler will defend his Intercontinental Championship against Bad News Barrett. And that match is next. We head to commercial.
WWE Intercontinental Championship
– Dolph Ziggler (c) vs. Bad News Barrett
When we return from the break, Ziggler and Barrett are already in the ring. NXT Diva Eden handles the long introductions for this title match. The bell rings and here we go.
Barrett dominates the smaller Ziggler early on, until Ziggler hits a picture-perfect dropkick to slow down his momentum. Ziggler got in some offense, but less than a minute later, Barrett took over control once again.
Barrett continues to dominate Ziggler until literally out of nowhere, Ziggler rolls him up and manages to get the 1-2-3. After the match, Barrett attacked Ziggler. Beating him up on the floor. The beating lasted seemingly forever, with the announcers questioning why no security or officials are coming out to stop him. Finally, Kane’s music hits. He stands on the top of the ramp with a mic. He apologizes and says he forgot to mention that this match is two out of three falls.
Winner of fall number one: Dolph Ziggler
The second fall begins with Ziggler struggling to get to his feet while Barrett waits on him. As soon as he gets up, Barrett hits him with a running big boot to the face. He then hits him with the Wasteland and covers him. 1-2-3.
Winner of fall number two: Bad News Barrett
Kane heads to the ringside area as Barrett’s music plays. Doctors check on Ziggler as we head to a commercial break. Our third and final fall in this I-C title match is up after the break.
When we return from the break, the ref is asking Ziggler, who is barely able to stand, if he’s able to continue. Ziggler says he can. The ref calls for the bell. Barrett hits Wasteland again and covers him. This time, Ziggler manages to kick out at two.
The fans start chanting “let’s go Ziggler” as he tries to finally fight back. Barrett cuts him short, stomps him out and slaps a headlock on him while we see a shot of Kane watching on from ringside.
Ziggler finally starts fighting back, hitting a big splash in the corner and following it up with a neckbreaker. Ziggler goes for another move, but Barrett reverses into the Winds of Change for a near fall.
Barrett pulls his armbad up and turns it inside-out, setting Ziggler up for the Bull Hammer Elbow. Barrett charges at Ziggler when he gets up, but Ziggler avoids it and superkicks Barrett. He covers him, but Barrett kicks out at two.
Kane jumps up on the apron to provide a distraction, but Ziggler superkicks him off. However, Ziggler turns around right into a Bull Hammer Elbow from Barrett. 1-2-3. We have a new I-C champ. We head to another commercial break.
Winner and NEW WWE Intercontinental Champion: Bad News Barrett
