The John Report: The WWE Raw Deal 11/03/14

This week's Raw Deal begins with an announcement. It's my birthday today (Tuesday). Having a birthday on a Tuesday sucks, but did some celebrating on the weekend so I'm good to go. In case you're wondering, I'm the same age as Randy Orton, Cesaro, Tyson Kidd, Dolph Ziggler and The Miz. We're 34 this year. Not too old or too young, but definitely a veteran. I'll take it.

Live from Buffalo, New York this is the Raw Deal for episode #1119. Follow me on Twitter @johnreport.

There were replays of the craziness from last week's Raw.

Vince McMahon's music started up as Vince walked out with Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. He said he's proud of The Authority and the fans booed. Vince immediately talked about WWE Network for $9.99 per month and also added that it's also free for the month of November, which includes Survivor Series. Vince said that they had to raise the stakes.

Vince started bragging about beating the US Government and WCW as well. He didn't mention the XFL. Shocking. Vince said that if Team Cena beats Team Authority then The Authority won't be in power. Vince was leaving with his family when Dean Ambrose's music started up.

Ambrose shook Vince's hand on his way to the ring. JBL was shocked by that. Ambrose stood in the ring waiting for a match.

Analysis: That promo by Vince was only about five minutes. I'm actually surprised he wasn't interrupted by somebody or that Hunter & Steph didn't talk. Maybe Vince shaking Dean's hand will make people think Vince is in a face role as the beloved owner of the company. It could be something. Then again, it may be nothing at all. If we see Vince more often he's probably going to be in the face role.

(Commercial)

Ambrose was in the ring waiting for Cesaro as they mentioned they had a match on Smackdown last week that Ambrose won.

Dean Ambrose vs. Cesaro

They started out wrestling a physical style early on. They did the spot where Ambrose was pounding him in the corner and Cesaro came back with a Powerbomb. That's a spot Undertaker used to do all the time. Cesaro's head actually had a cut, so he was bleeding. Bald man problems. When guys bleed the cameras never zoom in on it, so when they went to break as Cesaro went to the floor that was probably convenient for them.

(Commercial)

Back from break, Bray Wyatt was sitting on the ramp in a rocking chair. He was alone with no Wyatt Family at his side. Cesaro was in control and the blood stopped after a doctor cleaned him up. Ambrose hit a bulldog for a two count. Boot by Cesaro, but Ambrose did his clothesline after bouncing off the ropes. Wyatt was laughing at the top of the stage. Cesaro countered a Tornado DDT attempt with an uppercut for a two count. Ambrose sent Cesaro outside the ring and hit a dive between the top/middle rope to take out Cesaro. Back in the ring, Cesaro tripped up Ambrose on the top rope and got a back slide for two. Ambrose hit the Dirty Deeds DDT for the win after 13 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Dean Ambrose

Analysis: **1/2 It was an average match from two guys I really like. They got a decent amount of time. It just wasn't a match where it was booked to be too dramatic for the finish. I'm also not convinced in Ambrose's double arm DDT finisher because we see DDTs all the time. It's hard to see it getting over as a really devastating move. As for Cesaro, it's another loss for him. People might think he's punished for criticizing Cena/Orton matches, but really it's just a heel putting over a face that's higher up the card.

Ambrose tried to go after Wyatt, but the lights went out, then the Wyatt visual was shown and Bray was gone. Dude is quick for a big guy. He must have practiced at The Undertaker's school of pyrotechnics.

Triple H and Stephanie were talking about needing the best team at Survivor Series. Hunter wanted to call Randy Orton, which Stephanie didn't like.

The Usos made their entrance because Jimmy Uso meets The Miz after the break.

(Commercial)

Jimmy Uso (w/Jey) vs. The Miz (w/Damien Mizdow)

There were hijinks outside the ring with Mizdow acting out all of the moves of The Miz. Stop saying "twin magic" please, Michael Cole. Jey was actually imitating Jimmy briefly, but didn't last that long. Miz was in control for much of this match. Miz climbed to the top rope and hit a double axe. Mizdow climbed the steps and did it off there. Hilarious. Jimmy ducked a Miz charge and Miz went to the floor. Mizdow flopped down beside him. Jimmy hit a dive over the top on Miz. When Jimmy sent Miz into the ring, Mizdow also went. Jey hit a superkick on Mizdow. All of that distracted Jimmy, so The Miz hit the Skull Crushing Finale to win after five minutes.

Winner by pinfall: The Miz

Analysis: *1/2 It wasn't a clean win for Miz, but I liked the finish with the interference by Mizdow. Jimmy never really got going in the match. After he hit the dive they went right to the finish. I'm fine with that. The experienced singles wrestler should beat the tag wrestler. Mizdow was very entertaining as usual.

The announce team of Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler and John Bradshaw Layfield hyped up the Big Show vs. Mark Henry match for later on Raw.

Sheamus is up for a match after the break. They also plugged that after Raw on WWE Network it will be Sheamus vs. Rusev for the US Title.

Analysis: It took them 8 months to figure out they should put exclusive matches on WWE Network. They are slow. Of course, putting on a match after a three hour show is a little much, but this is WWE. They love going overboard.

(Commercial)

There was a video showing the issue between Sheamus and Rusev that started on Smackdown.

Sheamus vs. Tyson Kidd (w/Natalya)

Sheamus was in control early while Natalya looked on concerned at ringside. Boots to the face by Kidd and then he hit a seated dropkick. They showed Rusev and the lovely Lana looking on in the back as Kidd slowed things down by stomping away. Following a chinlock from Kidd, Sheamus fought back and overpowered him with an Alabama Slam. I think I heard Kidd say "ask him" so I'm sure Chris Jericho was proud of his fellow Canadian. Sheamus applied the Cloverleaf submission, but Kidd got to the ropes. JBL kept calling Kidd "Nattie's husband" to get over his heel persona. Kidd hit a missile dropkick off the top rope that sent Sheamus to the floor. Sheamus caught Kidd outside the ring and hit a rolling senton. While they were outside the ring, Kidd pulled Natalya in front of him. Sheamus stopped. Kidd rolled back in and won the match via countout because Sheamus couldn't get back in the ring on time. The match went five minutes.

Winner by countout: Tyson Kidd

Analysis: ** That was an entertaining match for the time given. I'd love to see more from them. A champion losing a non-title match isn't new. In this case I don't mind one bit because I'm such a huge fan of Kidd and the great work he's done this year on NXT. He should be on Raw all the time, so hopefully this leads to more of that.

Post match, Sheamus went back into the ring and hit a Brogue Kick to get revenge. Natalya seemed concerned for her husband.

Dolph Ziggler was shown walking to the ring at the top of hour two.

(Commercial)

It appeared as though he was ready for a match. The Authority's music started up.

The Authority group consisting of Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, Seth Rollins, Kane, Jamie Noble & Joey Mercury were there. Stephanie said Rollins & Kane were on Team Authority. Hunter whispered in her ear, so she said Randy Orton was on the team as well.

Hunter was in the ring face to face with Ziggler. He did a promo wondering about why Ziggler hasn't been able to break through the glass ceiling created by John Cena. Hunter did put over Ziggler's great work. Stephanie wondered where Cena was and Hunter noted that Cena wasn't even there for this show. Hunter kept on trying to convince Ziggler to not team with Cena. Hunter mentioned that if Ziggler told Cena he doesn't want to be on his team then Hunter said he could give Ziggler anything he wanted. Stephanie told Ziggler to think about himself.

After contemplating things, Ziggler wondered if he could get anything he wants. Hunter said anything he wants. Ziggler said he wants Hunter out of power. He did a fired up promo about how he wants them out of power for good. Fans chanted "yes" as I got my weekly reminder of how much I miss Daniel Bryan. Hunter said he wanted to give the fans want they want, but Ziggler won't let it happen. Hunter said to the fans that when you tweet Hunter your displeasure, nobody is to blame except for Ziggler. Hunter told Ziggler he hopes he doesn't end up empty handed like right now when he defends that IC Title against the future of the WWE, Seth Rollins. The Authority left the ring as the show went to break.

Analysis: Hunter's promo was long winded like they usually are, so I didn't hit on all the points. I just tried to cover the main objective. He was trying to paint the picture that Ziggler wouldn't be able to be a big star because he would be in Cena's shadow. Ziggler did a good job of speaking loudly and clearly as he told them what he wants is to get rid of The Authority. The fans really loved hearing that. Good work by everybody in that segment.

(Commercial)

Intercontinental Title: Dolph Ziggler vs. Seth Rollins (w/Jamie Noble & Joey Mercury)

Ziggler hit an armdrag leading to Rollins rolling out the floor. Rollins was able to take control and he countered a neckbreaker into a suplex. Rollins hit a forearm shot. Ziggler came back with a dropkick and a splash in the corner, but Rollins slammed him face first into the middle turnbuckle. The action spilled to the floor, so Rollins drove Ziggler rib first into the apron. He dropped Ziggler face first against the apron and Ziggler went down again, so time for the commercial break.

(Commercial)

Back from break, Rollins was still in control although Ziggler quickly came back with a clotheslines and a neckbreaker. Rollins got a rollup for two. Ziggler gave Rollins slingshot into the corner. Ziggler went for the corner punches, so Rollins came out of the corner with a Powerbomb into the turnbuckle. That's the second time during this show where there was a "powerbomb out of the corner" spot. Rollins to the top, Ziggler moved away from an attack and Ziggler hit a Fameasser for two. After a quick exchange, Rollins hit an enziguiri for two. Ziggler was trying to make a comeback, but Mercury distracted the ref. Noble jumped on the apron and stunned Ziggler across the top rope. Rollins hit the Curb Stomp. Just as he was about to win the match, Randy Orton snuck into the ring and hit Rollins with the RKO out of nowhere. The match went 17 minutes.

Winner by DQ: Seth Rollins

There was no official announcement on the finish, but Orton attacking Rollins means a DQ finish.

The crowd cheered for Orton's actions, chanting "Randy" as he left. He dared Noble & Mercury to go after him, but they didn't do anything.

Analysis: *** It's no surprise that these two were able to have a very good match. They're two of the best guys in WWE and I'd love to see more from them. I didn't expect Rollins to leave with the IC Title, so it made sense that there would be a screwy finish. I really didn't mind the Orton interference because it fit very well with the storyline he's involved in right now and the response from the crowd was great. It showed that even though Orton is on the same team with Rollins they're really not together as part of Team Authority.

Orton walked up the ramp as Kane came down to ask what he was doing. Orton just walked past him. Kane helped Rollins in the ring as the show went to break.

(Commercial)

There was a replay of Orton costing Rollins earlier.

Orton showed up in The Authority's office. He asked Stephanie and Hunter if he could have a match with Rollins. She told him they were on the same Survivor Series team. Orton was upset about that and said he'd rather be on Cena's team. Hunter told Orton to stop his ranting. Hunter said he needs Orton on his team and he also needs Rollins because everything is at stake in this match at Survivor Series. Hunter told Orton he needs The Viper on his team because he's the guy he's done it all with for the last 12 years. Hunter said he'll give Orton his match with Rollins tonight. Hunter said that when this (the match) is over, then this is over. Hunter said they're going to pat each other on the back after it's over. He made sure Orton understood that they had to win. He asked Orton if they had a deal. Orton shook his hand.

Analysis: That was pretty intense. Hunter got right in his face too. Really close. I think it makes sense from his character's point of view because if his team loses at Survivor Series then The Authority is no more. It sets up Orton to get over huge as a face at Survivor Series because if he's the reason for their loss then that will make him a huge favorite in the eyes of the fans. I also liked Orton's intensity at the start of the promo. I don't mind backstage segments if they make sense like that one did.

There was a promo video for a guy who only showed his eyes saying that he was going to piece himself together with pieces of you. It looks like Luke Harper.

Show vs. Henry later.

(Commercial)

Titus O'Neil was in the ring. He did a promo saying that winning will be spelled T-I-T-U-S because he's assured The Authority that he will not back down from anybody. Ryback's music started up. The crowd cheered for him.

Ryback vs. Titus O'Neil

O'Neil was aggressive early on as he hit a shoulderbreaker followed by a boot to the face. O'Neil stomped away at Ryback, but Ryback got to his feet and hit a Spinebuster. The Authority was watching the match backstage. Cole assumed they were scouting. Like we're supposed to be shocked that they watch their show? Ryback nailed O'Neil with the Meat Hook Clothesline with the fans chanting "feed me more" for it. Ryback hit Shellshock for the win.

Winner by pinfall: Ryback

Analysis: * Ryback looked dominant in his second week back as a face although the crowd wasn't that loud for him. Ryback's set up move (Meat Hook Clothesline) is much more impressive than Shellshock. Should switch moves for a finish. Ryback will probably be on Team Cena.

Big Show was interviewed backstage by Renee Young. He said he'd love to be on Team Cena's team at Survivor Series. Show said they were so close that they ate together, traveled together and spent a lot of time together. He said there's a part of him that misses Henry and a part of him that just wants to knock him out.

Analysis: Good intensity by Show. Maybe Cena should forget all the times Show turned heel against him and he'll be on his team. It's also funny seeing him all upset about a heel turn as if he hasn't turned about a dozen times in the last 15 years.

(Commercial)

They showed some members of the NFL's Buffalo Bills sitting front row.

After Raw it's Sheamus defending the US Title against Rusev on WWE Network.

Big Show vs. Mark Henry

Henry hit a corner splash, but Show came back with a boot to the face and a big elbow. When they went outside the ring, Henry drove Show spine first into the post, but Show came back with a Spear leading to both guys being out on the floor. Back in the ring, Show applied his submission move where he bends back on the legs of his opponent. There's barely any reaction from the crowd for this match. Henry was down in the ring and Show went to the top for some reason, but Henry slammed him down. The Authority was shown watching the match in their office. Henry hit the World's Strongest Slam and Big Show kicked out of that at two. They went out to the floor, so Henry picked up the steel steps and nailed Big Show with them. The match went 7 minutes as the ref called for the bell.

Winner by disqualification: Big Show

Post match, Henry gave Show the World's Strongest Slam on the steel steps. Henry yelled: "That's what I do." I love when he does that.

Analysis: *1/4 It was smart to not put them in a long match. They're not really good at that. They hit some big moves early and the finish was done to put over Henry's heel turn. He looked like a badass. Henry really didn't care about winning. He just wanted to hurt him, so he did.

After the match as Henry was walking away, Triple H and Stephanie told Kane to talk to Henry about being on their team. She said Kane, Henry, Rollins, Orton and one more is very strong. She wasn't sure about Orton. Hunter said "trust me" to her.

Analysis: I remember Jake Roberts used to say "trust me" and it was just a heel move on his part. Heel Jake Roberts was so good. As for Henry, I figured he would be on the team.

(Commercial)

The announcers plugged WWE Network some more. AJ Lee was at ringside for the next match.

Brie Bella was being interviewed by Renee Young. Nikki showed up to say that she didn't allow Brie to do an interview. She told Brie to go to the ring with her. When that was over, Erick Rowan showed up in a broken sheep mask, grabbed some of Renee's hair and said: "Pretty." He moved the mask. She said "thank you" and left.

Analysis: Welcome back Rowan. Good work by Renee.

They showed a clip from Smackdown when Nikki became the number one contender to the Divas Title.

Nikki Bella (w/Brie) vs. Emma

There were fans chanting "CM Punk" at the start of the match although it didn't last that long. Nikki hit a spinebuster for two. Following a slam, Nikki put her knee into Emma's back for a submission. Emma hit some clotheslines, plus a cross body block and then her tie up in the ropes move. Emma went for a corner charge, but Nikki stopped her with a dropkick. Rack Attack by Nikki is enough for the pinfall win after three minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Nikki Bella

Analysis: 1/2* Just a short match to put over Nikki as the top contender to the Divas Title. As for AJ, she really didn't say anything insightful on commentary. Her character is very stale.

Post match, Nikki told Brie something in her and Brie walked over to AJ. Brie slapped AJ, so AJ decked her and the camera missed it because they were showing Nikki. Fans chanted "CM Punk" as Nikki left the ring. A replay showed AJ nailed Brie in the face with a forearm shot.

Analysis: I think Nikki will win the title from AJ and then Brie will get it from Nikki. Of course there are rumors that no Total Divas will win the Divas Title, so we'll see if that's true.

(Commercial)

Xavier Woods was in a video package with a gospel choir behind him. He was in a blue outfit as a soul dancer. He said "this is a new day" and two of the girls put a blue cape on him. Then he said "it's a new day" again. At the end, a graphic said "A New Day Is Coming."

Analysis: It's a shame WWE didn't go ahead with that Woods, Kofi Kingston & Big E stable that was teased in the summer. They had so much potential.

Zack Ryder was in the ring for a match. They showed a tweet he did telling John Cena that he wanted to be on his Survivor Series team. Apparently Ryder was put in this match because of that tweet as punishment.

Rusev (w/Lana) vs. Zack Ryder

Fans chanted "USA" at the start. Come on America, you don't want Zack Ryder as your representative. Even The Patriot won more. Rusev overpowered him. They showed The Authority watching in the locker room. Ryder took him down with a dropkick and Rusev came back with a superkick. That led to the Accolade submission for the Rusev win at around two minutes.

Winner by submission: Rusev

Analysis: Just a squash win to put over Rusev. I'm surprised Ryder even hit a move.

Post match, Lana said that Rusev was going to become the US Champion and mentioned Vladimir Putin. Rusev said Sheamus isn't different from the others and he will be annihilated.

Sheamus walked down to the ring with the US Title. He talked about the opportunity he had in the fine country of America. He said they're not going to take the US Title from him. Sheamus told Rusev that he's in for the fight of his life.

Analysis: Rusev beat Sheamus for the US Title on WWE Network. I'm not going to review it, but it happened.

(Commercial)

There was a "This Week On WWE Network" graphic that showed what's coming up. I've had WWE Network since the second month and I enjoy it.

Stephanie McMahon went up to Rusev and Lana backstage. She knew they understood what The Authority is all about. She mentioned that since Rusev has never been pinned by anybody on the WWE roster, she is hoping Rusev will be on Team Authority at Survivor Series. She added that they granted a US Title match to Rusev after Raw and since she scratched their back, she was hoping they would scratch hers (just an expression, of course). Lana said "we'll get back to you" and she shook Stephanie's hand. They left.

Analysis: If they put Rusev on the team then they would be loaded with most of the top heels on the roster. Rusev has lost in WWE before although it's true that he hasn't been pinned or submitted. He could lose by countout or disqualification in the elimination match.

Fernando (w/Diego & El Torito) vs. Stardust (w/Goldust)

The Miz and Damien Mizdow were on commentary for this although Mizdow just mimicked the speech of The Miz. Stardust hit a clothesline over the top that sent Fernando to the floor. Stardust did a hiss at Miz. Back to the match, Fernando dropped Stardust face first onto the turnbuckle. Goldust distracted, so Stardust hit a neckbreaker on Fernando. Torito hit a dropkick on Goldust to take out Miz & Mizdow. Fernando hit a Back Stabber for the pinfall win on Stardust. It went three minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Fernando

Analysis: * It was a short match where things were pretty hectic with all the action outside the ring. It looks like they're just doing a situation where they have multiple teams going for the tag title at Survivor Series. They could also do an elimination match at Survivor Series. Goldust & Stardust could just defend the titles against three teams: Miz/Mizdow, Los Matadores and probably The Usos too.

There were replays of key events involving Randy Orton from earlier.

(Commercial)

This Friday on Smackdown it's a Steel Cage match for the Tag Titles with Stardust & Goldust against The Usos. They've had so many matches in the last few months, but they are usually pretty good.

Triple H and Stephanie McMahon were seated at ringside while Kane was standing by. Jamie Noble & Joey Mercury were also there. The announcers plugged that WrestleMania 31 tickets are on sale on November 15.

Randy Orton vs. Seth Rollins

They worked for about two minutes before going to a break. Orton sent Rollins into the barricade, so there's the vintage floor to commercial spot.

(Commercial)

Back from break, Rollins missed slingshot plancha over the top and went crashing to the mat because Orton moved. Rollins sent Orton face first into the turnbuckle. Orton came back with a clothesline over the top to the floor. Orton slammed Rollins face first onto the announce table and then gave him a back suplex onto it. Orton took off all the monitors off the announce table. They went back into the ring and Rollins regained control with an enziguiri kick to the head. Orton came back with a superplex, which he does in nearly every match. Rollins gave Orton a back body drop over the top rope. Rollins hit a dive between the top/middle ropes to take out Orton. In the ring, Rollins went to the top rope and hit a flying knee to the side of the head for two. The athleticism of Rollins is pretty awesome. He hit an enziguiri, then Orton came back with a snap powerslam and then a DDT off the ropes by Orton. The crowd cheered as Orton fired up. Orton went for the RKO, Rollins hit a backslide and that was enough for the win after 14 minutes. A backslide? Yes it was a backslide that won Rollins the match.

Winner by pinfall: Seth Rollins

Analysis: ***1/4 When guys turn they usually lose matches before it becomes official, so that's what happened here with Orton losing clean to Rollins. It is WWE's way of making fans forget that the guy lost because if they're in a new role then it's as if it didn't matter. Neither guy hit a finisher and they really didn't do that many nearfalls, but it was still a competitive match. Rollins is one of the most athletic main event performers that WWE has ever had. He's quick and makes everything look so easy. The crowd got behind Orton by the end of it. I look forward to more matches between them too.

Post match, Kane went into the ring along with J&J Security. Orton went to Hunter, who was standing outside the ring. Orton looked frustrated.

Orton shook the hand of Noble and then Mercury. Orton shook Kane's hand. The fans chanted "RKO" as he stood face to face with Rollins. We could hear Rollins saying "I'm sorry" and he extended his hand. Orton shook his hand. Then Orton hit a RKO on Rollins to a huge ovation. Orton threw Noble, Mercury & Kane out of the ring. Triple H slid in to the ring before Orton could hit the punt on Rollins. Hunter got right in Orton's face and tried to reason with him in the center of the ring.

Orton went to leave, but then he turned around and decked Triple H with a forearm shot. The crowd cheered. Kane nailed Orton with an uppercut while J&J stomped away on Orton. Orton fought back and hit a clothesline on Kane that sent him over the top to the floor. Orton went to the announce table, so Orton fought with him on top of the table. Orton gave Mercury a RKO on the floor. With Kane and Noble holding Orton, Rollins hit a Curb Stomp on Orton. There was a small cut on Orton's head, so he must have went into something. The table didn't break. Stephanie told Triple to "finish this."

Hunter gave the order to Kane and Rollins to finish it. Hunter left with Stephanie. Kane set up Orton so that he was face down onto one half of the steel steps. Rollins went onto the announce table. He hit the Curb Stomp on Orton's head against the steel steps. It looked really good. Orton sold well by crumbling to the floor while Rollins stood on the steps proud of his work. Raw ended 15 minutes after the top of the hour with Rollins standing over the fallen Orton.

Analysis: That was a very good beating. It was similar to when they took out Ambrose. Seth Rollins is really benefiting from guys going to film movies isn't he? As most fans know by now, Orton's going to start filming WWE Films movie The Condemned 2 starting on November 11 so this is WWE's way of writing him out for a few weeks. It takes him off Team Authority while opening up the door for him to be on Team Cena.

There's a chance that Orton could miss Survivor Series because movie filming will take 4-5 weeks although since it's a WWE movie it's very possible that they'll bring him back for that PPV on November 23. Plus, he should really be a part of the PPV since it's in his hometown of St. Louis. They could set it up by saying Cena's team only as four guys (maybe one guy gets injured), so then Orton's music starts to bring him out as the fifth man. Then Cena's team can win and that will be the end of The Authority stable. It's obvious booking, but it works. Either way, Team Cena is getting that win.

A clean ending in the main event, plus a big beating at the end of the show? I like it. That gets people talking.

 

Three Stars of the Show

1. Seth Rollins - Two long matches for him that were good. He carried this show as the top heel.

2. Randy Orton - He's back in the babyface role. The crowd was receptive to it.

3. Dolph Ziggler - I'm glad he's being used more.

 

The Scoreboard

7 out of 10

Last week: 5

2014 Average: 5.98

2014 High: 9 (April 7 & June 30)

2014 Low: 3 (September 1)

Last 5 Weeks: 5, 6.5, 6, 5.5, 5

 

Final Thoughts

It gets a 7 out of 10.

That was a pretty good show. The Rollins/Ziggler and Rollins/Orton matches were damn good. Then there was Ambrose/Cesaro, which wasn't as good as their Smackdown match, but still solid. Any time I can get three matches that are that good then I'm going to like the show. In addition to that, it was good to see Tyson Kidd out there getting a win over Sheamus even though it was by countout.

In terms of promos, I liked everything they did. It was a nice surprise to see grandpa Vince McMahon out there making a big announcement about The Authority. Maybe Stephanie McMahon is pregnant again or they just want to do a different angle.

The babyface turn for Orton was well done. It was either going to happen this week or at Survivor Series itself. Now they can build up to his return at the PPV to create a memorable moment.

A minor complaint is that I thought they could do more for the Ambrose/Wyatt story. Hearing from Wyatt would have been nice.

Did you miss John Cena? I didn't. He wasn't at the show this week. It's definitely okay to get a little break from Cena.

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That's all for this week.

Check out my feature column archive that's exclusive to WhatCulture. Some of my most recent articles are about some awesome WWE gimmicks that were dropped too soon (shoutout to the "Black Hart" Owen Hart), ten things WWE wants you to forget about Kurt Angle, a look back at Survivor Series 1998 and more. Go check it out now.

Now I need to go have some birthday drinks. Thank you for the birthday wishes and thanks for reading.

John Canton - mrjohncanton@gmail.com

Twitter @johnreport

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