RAW emanated from the University of Tennessee.

Highlights:

John Cena will defend the WWE Championship against the Miz in an I QUIT match at WWE Over the Limit.

The seeds of a Rey Mysterio — R-Truth feud were sewn.

Jerry Lawler versus Michael Cole at WWE Over the Limit, and Lawler will induct Cole into the Hall of Fame and give Cole his own HoF ring if Cole wins.

Match Results:

Eve Torres and Kelly Kelly def. The Bella Twins by pinfall.

Kane def. Mason Ryan by disqualification.

Dolph Ziggler def. Santino Morella by pinfall.

John Cena def. Alex Riley by submission.

Kofi Kingston def. Jack Swagger by pinfall.

The Miz def. Alberto Del Rio and Rey Mysterio by pinfall.

Opening segment:

Alberto Del Rio arrived to the ring in a 1959 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud worth $100,000. He grabbed the microphone and recounted how his destiny had been stolen by Edge. His arrival at RAW should have been a celebration. Chants of “WHAT!?” punctuated the segments of his rant. Del Rio continued that, since Cena is WWE Champion, then he should face Cena for the title. Rey Mysterio’s music began. Del Rio swore to himself repeatedly as Mysterio entered the ring. Rey countered that Del Rio’s destiny is to become Ricardo Rodriguez’ ring announcer, and Rodriguez seemed thrilled at this idea. Mysterio then challenged Del Rio to a match for the #1 Contendership. Del Rio was about to accept…then out came the Miz.

Five “Really!?”s later, the Miz explained to the two superstars that it didn’t matter what happened in the draft: RAW was still the Miz’ show. Teddy Long’s incompetence may have allowed Mysterio v. Del Rio to be a routine main event, but that just won’t cut it on RAW. The Miz continued that he would already be Champion if it weren’t for A-Ri’s incompetence that led to him losing last week. Del Rio then got serious, called the Miz a Chamaco Baboso, and told him that he had his chance and get back to the end of the line. Miz countered that Rey and Del Rio can fight in the parking lot of Taco Bell for all he cares.

Then out came R-Truth. No music…just his pre-recorded voice yelling “The Truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the Truth” over the sound system. There was no sound as he made his way down the entrance ramp. My girlfriend looked at me and said, “That’s his entrance???” Everything Truth said was punctuated by chants of “WHAT!?” from the crowd. Truth compensated for the lame entrance by running a brilliant promo. Truth started talking about hospital food and made some funny points, like the fact that it never arrives when you want it, and then he gave a shout out to John Morrison who was going into surgery today and was going to be eating hospital food, thanks to Truth. Then he turned his attention to the three men standing before him. Mysterio, Del Rio and Miz could all share the same IV and share the same bedpan, for all he cared. Classic. As the crowd became unruly, Truth warned them that when the crazy black man begins
talking, they all had better listen. The Miz seemed to love this line and was caught laughing on camera before the camera angle was switched. Truth then declared that if someone kicks his dog, then he will kick their cat! He then called the Miz a pretty boy from LA named “Kermit,” called Mysterio a superhero wanna-be from San Diego named “Flatnose,” and called Del Rio a pompous fence-jumper from Mexico named “Liverlips.” Truth wanted his title shot, and he wasn’t going to wait in line for anybody.

The e-mail alert on Michael Cole’s I-pad sounded. The anonymous GM declared that there would be a triple threat match for the #1 Contendership: the Miz v. Alberto Del Rio v. one of the other two. A second e-mail revealed Rey Mysterio. Truth was furious, as he was passed over again. Rey grabbed the mic and said that he agreed with the GM’s decision, that Truth doesn’t deserve to be in the match, that’s what’s up, and that that was the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

After Truth left the ring distraught and angry, a minor melee broke out in the ring when A-Ri lunged at Del Rio with a forearm, Ricardo Rodriguez in his tuxedo drop-kicked A-Ri, the Miz hit Rodriguez, Del Rio clothes-lined the Miz so that the two flipped over the top ropes in front of the entrance, and then Rey finished the action by launching himself over the top rope into Del Rio, finishing the promo. Although, there was definitely some foreshadowing of Truth interference, since Mysterio was clearly included in the match at Truth’s expense.

The WWE promoted the fact that Kelly Kelly made Maxim’s list of 100 hottest women in the world. Matthews and the King said that she should be #1, but they did not say what she was ranked.

WWE Diva’s Champion Brie Bella and Nikki Bella v. Eve Torres and Kelly Kelly

The Bellas began with the advantage on Kelly Kelly, double-teaming her. Kelly Kelly turned the tables and delivered a sidewalk slam. One of the Bellas tried a small package on Kelly Kelly, but she reversed it into a small package of her own and secured the three-count. Winners by pinfall: Eve Torres and Kelly Kelly.

After the match, Kharma came down to the ring. The Bella twins shrewdly hid behind the ring and then fled the scene up the ramp as Kharma climbed into the ring. Kelly Kelly slowly backed out of the ring, but Eve Torres made a move to attack Kharma. She was greeted by a clothesline. Kharma then slowly made her way to the floor, delivered a look to Kelly Kelly that chased her off, and then climbed back into the ring. Kharma then delivered an implant buster to Eve, who seemed to land a bit awkwardly.

The announcers teased that John Cena would get to pick the stipulation of his title match at WWE Over the Limit.

Kane v. Mason Ryan

Kane was accompanied by the Big Show. Ryan was accompanied by CM Punk. Ryan’s strength dominated the early moments, until Kane began fighting him off with kicks and punches. After being whipped into the corner, Ryan emerged with a sloppy clothesline that was followed by an over-the-top celebration that seemed out of place. Ryan then power slammed Kane. Kane then kicked Ryan’s knee out twice after bouncing off the rope, in the manner that a smaller opponent would have done to a larger one. Outside the ring, Big Show delivered his knockout punch to CM Punk, and this led to McGillicutty and Otunga running down to the ring. The two other New Nexus members interfered in the match, disqualifying Mason Ryan. The tag-team champs manhandled the New Nexus, finishing off with a double choke-slam of Mason Ryan. After the match, CM Punk was still unconscious and was tended to by McGillicutty and Otunga. Ryan had rolled out of the ring on a different
side after being double-choke slammed.

Santino Morella v. Dolph Ziggler

Vickie Guerrero announced Ziggler as the future of the WWE. (Upon seeing him, I wondered why he was not in the opening promo demanding a title shot.) Ziggler began the match with a series of punches, followed by a devastating fireman’s carry. Then, he delivered a standing elbow drop. Morella delivered an elbow to Ziggler’s face, executed a niiiice hip toss, and then began his Cobra-prep. Ziggler hit a drop-kick and then delivered the Zig Zag. Winner of this squash match: Dolph Ziggler by pinfall.

After commercial, there was a well-produced recap of Smackdown. Christian, after 17 years of hard work, became Champion and was celebrating with all the peeps who helped supported him. Mark Henry, Great Khali, and Randy Orton one-by-one came down to the ring to declare an interest in the World Title. Teddy Long allowed the fans to decide Christian’s opponent. It would be Orton. Then, the promo showed highlights of their great match, including multiple angles of Orton’s finishing RKO as Christian came off the second rope. The focus of the recap, though, was the contrast between Orton’s celebration of victory versus Christian’s “agony of defeat” and what effect would all of this have on the upcoming Friday edition of Smackdown.

Backstage, R-Truth was in the process of walking out of the arena, dragging a piece of wheeled luggage. He was talking to himself about something and seemed upset and anxious. Someone approached Truth to interview him about being excluded from the #1 Contender’s match. Truth declared that there was a conspiracy. Parents have been sending him letters asking him to go back to dancing and rapping and yelling “What’s Up!?” because Little Ronnie (instead of Jimmy) just loved to dance around with him and yell “What’s Up!?” Truth, in the manner that he imitated Little Ronnie’s parents, was clearly implying that they were some dorky white people. Classic. For the second time in the evening, Truth expanded his heel-ness and successfully treaded in some delicate and sensitive waters.

Alex Riley, backstage, then told the Miz that he was really going to impress him. A-Ri then left the locker-room and walked about a quarter mile through the hallways as the camera followed him, until he reached the entrance ramp and proceeded to the ring. A-Ri knew how the crowd felt about him, but the only person about whose opinion A-Ri cared was the Miz. A-Ri then challenged John Cena to a match. Then, he threw the microphone the entire length of the entrance ramp. Cena appeared to a chorus of “CENA, CENA” chants.

WWE Champion John Cena v. Alex Riley

A-Ri avoided a Cena move and then hit a clothesline. Two count. After executing a few moves here and there and giving us hope of a non-squash match, A-Ri fell victim to Super Cena. Pair of shoulder blocks, suplex. Five-knuckle shuffle. Cena racked A-Ri for the Attitude Adjustment, and the Miz appeared at the entrance. Cena executed the AA. Cena then delivered another AA. Cena then cinched in the STF, and A-Ri tapped out. Winner: John Cena by submission.

Wrestlemania XXVII is available on Tuesday May 10, 2011.

Rise Again’s “Help is on the Way” will be the theme song of WWE Over the Limit.

Michael Cole stood in the center of the ring and declared that he had an important announcement. At 2-0, he was going to retire from in-ring competition. When he eventually enters the WWE Hall of Fame, he will be he only undefeated Superstar in it. Lawler entered the ring and reset the Rock’s delivery of the People’s Elbow the previous week. Lawler challenged Cole to a match at Over the Limit. If Cole won, then Lawler would personally induct him into the Hall of Fame and even give Cole his own Hall of Fame ring. Cole declined and returned to his glass box. He then stood on his announce table and asked the fans at the University of Tennessee “What is it with all of you from Tennessee? What makes Tennesseans such losers?” These boos were the biggest pop of the night. Cole cited Al Gore, Elvis fans, and Jerry Lawler as examples of Tennessee losers. Cole then went too far. Cole said that his mind was made up to retire after spending
Mother’s Day with his mom and watching Wrestlemania XXVII highlights with her. What did Lawler do for Mother’s Day?? Then Cole pulled the “Oh that’s right. I forgot, you’re mother died in February” card. Cole sarcastically admitted that it was his mistake that he forgot. An enraged Lawler approached the Cole’s box, but Jack Swagger hit him from behind and then rammed him into the steel post.

U.S. Champion Kofi Kingston v. Jack Swagger for the U.S. Title

The match started quickly. Swagger went for an early ankle lock, but Kingston rolled away, bounced off the ropes, and then went for the Trouble in Paradise. Swagger executed a stand-up switch and a couple of takedowns. Kingston hit a flying forearm after bouncing off the ropes. Swagger then threw Kingston to the floor. After returning from commercial, Swagger was in control of Kingston. Swagger sat Kingston on top of the turnbuckle and slapped Kingston in the face. Kingston fought his way out of the predicament. Kingston missed a Trouble in Paradise but then hit a top rope cross-body press and earned a near-fall. Swagger then threw Kingston over the top ropes, but Kingston held on and kept his feet from hitting the floor. As Swagger approached, Kingston went for head scissors. Swagger, however, backed out of it and then applied an ankle lock, with Kingston in the ropes, until the moment before the referee completed his five-count. Kingston
then did a jump from the top ropes but could not land correctly because of his compromised ankle. Swagger exuded confidence and got ready to administer a move. However, Jerry Lawler appeared at the entrance ramp, and a suddenly-distracted Swagger looked over to Lawler. Kingston hit the Trouble in Paradise. 1-2-3. Winner: Kofi Kingston by pinfall.

After the match, Lawler grabbed Swagger outside the ring and threw him over the barricade. Lawler then turned his attention to Cole’s cube. He threw an office chair into the cube, but Cole avoided it. Lawler then grabbed Cole’s tie through one of the breathing holes and repeatedly pulled on the tie so that Cole’s face was ramming the plexi-glass of his cube. Their timing was off slightly at first, but Cole’s disoriented and cross-eyed look sold the beat-down. Swagger grabbed the microphone and said that Lawler was finished and fired for laying a hand on Cole. Lawler countered that he never touched Cole…he only touched Cole’s tie. Swagger then declared that Lawler just made Cole a first-ballot hall-of-famer. On behalf of Cole, Swagger said that Cole accepted Lawler’s challenge. Lawler smiled approvingly. Swagger and Cole left the ringside area, with a disoriented Cole demanding to know, “What am I accepting?” and “How could
you do that?” upon hearing Swagger’s answer.

There was a promotion for That’s What I am. All of the cast, including Randy Orton, were invited to the Santa Barbara Film Festival, where this film was the centerpiece from among three films shown at the festival. Stars of the movie spoke fondly of the story and praised its anti-bullying message and the timeliness of that message.

Alberto Del Rio versus Rey Mysterio versus The Miz

The match began interestingly, as both heels had exchanges with Mysterio. Every time the Miz tried to hit or lift Mysterio, though, Mysterio used his momentum to execute a move on Del Rio. Early on, both heels were placed side-by-side in 619-receipt position, but Mysterio could not connect because Del Rio reached the center of the ring and clothes-lined him. Two Count. Then the Miz and Del Rio had an exchange. Del Rio tried to begin his cross-arm breaker flip, but Miz countered. Mysterio, back in the ring now, flipped over the Miz and attacked Del Rio. Del Rio ended up shoulder-first in the corner. Mysterio was then whipped into that same corner. Miz executed his running clothesline-sit through to the corner, connecting the clothesline with Mysterio and his foot to Del Rio. It was an interesting addition to the Miz’ move. Two count against Mysterio while Del Rio was out of the ring. Miz then maintained control over Mysterio with a sort of
chin lock. Rey eventually powered out of it and delivered some kicks to Miz, eventually leaving Miz in 619-receipt position. When Mysterio bounced off the ropes to start the 619, Del Rio tripped him up and got him down on the floor. Del Rio then earned a near fall against the Miz. Miz then earned a near fall on Del Rio with a small package. The two men then double-clothes-lined each other. All three men were down. Commercial.

Back from commercial, Del Rio controlled Mysterio, with the Miz outside. Del Rio whips Mysterio into the corner, who steps out of the corner and into a Del Rio back-breaker. Outside the ring, Del Rio then rams the Miz’ head into the steel post. Del Rio then applied a chin lock to Mysterio, who fought out of it, bounced off the ropes, and then slid through Del Rio’s legs. Mysterio then whipped Del Rio into the ropes, but the Miz pulled down the top rope, sending Del Rio over the top rope and down to the floor.

The Miz whipped Mysterio into the corner and tried his trademark running clothesline again. He missed. Del Rio then pulled the Miz down to the floor and clothes-lined him. Del Rio turned around and was met with a flying cross-body after Mysterio catapulted himself over the top rope. All three men were down outside the ring. Mysterio was the first man up. Del Rio climbed back into the ring, and Mysterio baseball slide-kicked the Miz on the floor, and ascended to the top rope. From the top rope, Mysterio landed squarely seated on Del Rio’s chest, rolled through, and then bounced off the ropes and landed a cross-body press on Del Rio. Mysterio earned a near-fall but could not believe that he did not earn the three-count. Del Rio get’s up, whips Mysterio into the ropes, but Mysterio landed spinning head scissors on Del Rio. From outside, Miz climbed to the top ropes. Mysterio whipped Del Rio into the Miz’ corner, knocking Miz so that Miz was
then sitting on the top rope trying to regain his balance. Mysterio then neutralized Del Rio and hit a hurracanrana on Miz, who had still been seated on the top rope. Momentum brought the Miz out of the ring. Del Rio then hit a Codebreaker on Mysterio’s arm and then cinched his arm bar submission hold. Mysterio bears the pain and holds on just long enough for the Miz to force the issue with Del Rio. The Miz ran at Del Rio and attempted to kick him the face. Del Rio avoided the kick and then rolled up the Miz for a two-count. Miz then DDT’d Del Rio, who rolled out of the ring. The Miz then stalked Mysterio and attempted the Skull Crushing Finale, but Mysterio sat through it and kicked the Miz to the floor. A-Ri then came down the entrance ramp to show support for the Miz. Del Rio attempted a Powerbomb but Mysterio countered it with a hurracanrana, the momentum of which led Del Rio into shoulder-blocking A-Ri and then landing himself in
perfect 619-receipt position. Mysterio hit the 619! Rey to the outside. Miz jumped up to the ring apron, but Mysterio kicked him back down. Mysterio ascended the top rope and executed his flat falling splash. A-Ri pulled Mysterio off of Del Rio at the two-count and pulled Del Rio out of the ring. The Miz rolled up Mysterio for the three-count. Winner by pinfall: The Miz.

After the match, The Miz and A-Ri were celebrating at the top of the entrance ramp, when John Cena came out. Cena congratulated The Miz, just like he did after Wrestlemania. When the Miz loses, however, Cena noted that the Miz always has an excuse. At WWE Over the Limit, however, there would be no excuses because their match would be an I-Quit match. Cena left the entrance ramp, leaving The Miz with a pensive, concerned look on his face.

In the ring, R-Truth came out and administered his nameless finishing hold to Rey Mysterio. He then proclaimed, “Now THAT’s What’s Up!” as he stood above a prone Mysterio. And the credits began to roll.

Source: wrestlingtruth.com