WWE Raw Results (2/23/15) Nashville, Tennessee

Welcome to Monday Night Raw and tonight we are live in Nashville Tennessee and we kick things off with The Viper Randy Orton coming out to the ring. Orton says he's been out for the past 4 months due to The Authority. Specifically, Seth Rollins. He says he's been replaying that moment over and over and tonight he's here to say he's just getting started and he's done talking. He calls Rollins out. The Authority comes out minus Rollins. Stephanie takes the mic and welcomes Orton back and says he made one hell of a return last night at FastLane and again tonight and even though it was at the expense of The Authority that's the Orton that everyone knows and loves. That's the Orton she wants as the face of the company. Orton says he's not part of The Authority and can't forgive Rollins and says he wants to bash Rollins' head in. Sterphanie says 4 months ago their hand was forced but they can forgive and asks Orton to come back. Orton says it's tempting but he'd rather kick some ass than kiss some ass. Show takes the mic and says he knows Orton is angry and he understands but he's had to put a lot of that anger aside but joining The Authority was the best personal decision he ever made. The crowd starts chanting "You Sold Out". Show says Orton coming back to The  Authority is the best decision he can ever make. Orton says by coming back Show means selling out. Stephanie says Orton's never been a good guy. He does what he does to reap the rewards. Some of those deplorable actions have been against Stephanie's family but she says for them to have a conference and work things out and asks Orton to listen. The Authority leaves but Orton stops them and says he'll be there

-Commercial 8:15pm-

Dolph Ziggler vs Wade Barrett

On commentary, Cole offered a hashtag for this match, cuing that it's going to be a two-segment match. Also, Truth said he wants to put his name next to the great IC champions in history, echoing Dean Ambrose's recent promos. In the ring, Ziggler delivered a neckbreaker and elbow to the chest for a two count. Barrett responded with a hard whip into the corner for a two count. Barrett tried a punt near the ropes, but Ziggler kicked and Barrett got hung up on the top rope. Ziggler dropkicked Barrett out of the ring to the floor heading to break.

 -Commercial 8:26pm-

Ziggler with an uppercut to Barrett and a splash in the corner as he unloads with punches on Barrett.. Barrett counters the neckbreaker. Ziggler counters Wasteland with a DDT.. Barrett with a kick and powerbomb to Ziggler. Ziggler counters The Bull Hammer. Ziggler counters with the Famouser. Barrett misses with the boot. Barrett with the Winds Of Change to Ziggler. Barrett counters Wasteland again. Barrett hits the ringpost. Ziggler with The ZigZag and the cover for the three count.

The winner of the match: Dolph Ziggler

Post Match: Dean Ambrose comes out with Barrett's Intercontinental Title. Ambrose taunts Barrett and looks at Ziggler before exiting and walking back up the ramp

-Commercial 8:35pm-

Backstage: The Authority is holding their business meeting and tells Orton  together they can be unstoppable and Rollins asks Stephanie how they can trust Orton. Stephanie says it's all up to Orton and if he says no they'll deal with the consequences but if he says yes they'll prove to Orton that they're his family. Orton shakes Rollins' hand and Stephanie says to celebrate there will be a tag team match with Randy Orton and Seth Rollins taking on Daniel Bryan and Roman Reigns

-Commercial 8:44pm-

Prime Time Players vs The Ascension

Viktor backs Young into their corner double teaming him. Right hand by Konnor. Viktor with an uppercut.  Viktor with a suplex to Young. Irish whip and a double clothesline to Young. Young fighting his way out of the corner looking for the tag but Konnor grabs the leg dragging Young as he takes a cheap shot on O'Neil. Clothesling by Young and overhead suplex. Irish whip reversed by Konnor. Viktor and Konnor pick Young up and drop him as O'Neil breaks up the pin. Clothesline by O'Neil to Konnor. O'Neil sent to the outside and Young rolls Viktor up for the three count

The winners of the match: The Prime Time Players

Post Match: The Ascension hit Young with the Fall Of Man

-Commercial 8:54pm-

Roman Reigns comes out and says it's been one hell of a month and it all started with the Royal Rumble. He went through 29 superstars and won the match but that wasn't good enough so last night he had a #1 Contenders Match against Daniel Bryan and did exactly what he said he was going to do and walk out the winner so now he can stand here and say he's going to Wrestlemania. Daniel Bryan coms out. Bryan says he didn't mean to interrupt but actually he did because

Reigns mentioned the doubters. He saw Reigns win the Royal Rumble match and he knew that Reigns deserved the opportunity to main event Wrestlemania. But somehow he felt like all of the people and inside he just booed because though he knows a lot of people see promise and potential in Roman Reigns. If Reigns wants to talk about doubters the biggest doubter is Daniel Bryan. Because when they talk about promise and potential they talk about size, strength and ability and he's seen a lot of guys walk who don't have hal the heart he has and that's why The Authority doesn't see what Bryan sees and that's why they don't like Reigns and that's why Bryan didn't like Reigns.

Last night, he had an opportunity. If he beat Reigns he goes on to Wrestlemania to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship he never lost. And he gave all that he had and still didn't do it. And he can say he doesn't regret a thing. Because he gave it every single thing he had. Reigns proved last night he had more heart than Bryan ever thought he did. Bryan say she doesn't care how many people boo.

Last night, they fought and Bryan fought with everything he had and Reigns beat him. He put it all on the table and congratulates Reigns. They shake hands and Bryan says if there's one superstar he wants to team with against Seth Rollins and Randy Orton it's Roman Reigns. Bryan tells Reigns to do him a favour and go beat the crap out of Brock Lesnar at Wrestlemania.

Paul Heyman comes out and says he knows everyone thinks he's here to cause trouble but tonight he's here to say congratulations and shakes Reigns' hand and calls last night a hell of a main event and an even more impressive victory by Reigns. Heyman says he can't say he's surprised because his money will always be on Roman Reigns because no matter what man he faces, his money would be on Reigns.

Heyman says Reigns is the right guy in the right place at the wrong time because at Wrestlemania Reigns is fighting a beast. Heyman says he has so much respect for Reigns but Reigns can't slay the beast, conquer the conqueror or beat the 1 in 21 and 1. In any time, his money would be on Roman Reigns but at Wrestlemania his money is on Brock Lesnar and at the end there will be an announcement. "The winner and still reigning defending undisputed WWE Heavyweight Champion of the world. Brrrrrrrrrrrrock Lessssssnar"

Reigns dares Heyman to tell him he can't beat Lesnar. Heyman was there the night he went face to face with Lesnar. He doesn't care if Lesnar respects him he did all that to get soemone's blood boiling and at Wrestlemania respect goes out the window and Lesnar isn't going to like him anyways because it won't be that he beats Lesnar it'll be the way he beats Lesnar and tells Heyman to Believe That

-Commercial 9:16pm-

The Usos vs Cesaro & Tyson Kidd

Roll  up on Cesaro and Cesaro fires back with a right hand. Kidd comes in and Jimmy fights his way out of the corner. Jimmy pullled out of the ring and double team by The Usos on the champion. Kidd hiding behind Natalya and a cheap shot to Jimmy as he stomps away. Cesaro with an uppercut. Chinlock on Jey. Right hand to Kidd. Kidd in the Tree Of Woe and a headbutt by Jimmy. Kidd snaps Jimmy's neck off the top rope and Kidd and Jimmy to the outside. They drop Kidd on the barricade. Cesaro backdropped.

-Commercial 9:26pm-

Kidd looking for an elbow drop but Jey gets the knees up. Cesaro misses with the big boot. Jey with a roll up. Cesaro hits JEy int he back of the head. Cesaro Swing on Jey. Cesaro whipped in the corner connecting with an uppercut. Cesaro  up to the top looking for a superple. Jey with the Electric Chair Drop. Jimmy with the big splash and Kidd with the elbow on Jimmy. Kidd rolled  up for 2 count. Enziguri to Kidd. Jimmy misses with the splash . Kidd using the ropes for leverage and Naomi kicks the ropes away. Natalya shoves Naomi to the floor. Superkick and Jimmy goes to the top. Natalya trips him and the referee calls for the bell

The winners of the match by DQ: The Usos

-Commercial 9:37pm-

Backstage: Miz is complaining about lint on his jacket because Mizdow packed it wrong. He says he has news. He has won every title but is planning to win the Andre The Giant memorial battle royal. That means more movie and TV roles for him and plugs The Marine 4 coming out in April. Mizdow says his news is since he's stepped out of Miz' shadow agents are calling him and seeing him as a lead actor

Wyatt is standing at a casket cutting a promo about The Undertaker  and Wrestlemania 31.

-Commercial 9:47pm-

Jack Swagger vs Stardust

Stardust unloads on Swagger.  Headbutt to Swagger. Swagger fights back but Stardust back in control as the crowd chants "Cody" Swagger goes for a Swagger Bomb but Stardust counters. Patriot Lock countered by Stardust as he snaps Swagger's neck off the top rope. Goldust's music plays as Goldust comes out distracting Stardust long enough for Swagger to put him in The Patriot Lock for the submission

The winner of the match: Jack Swagger

-Commercial 9:54pm-

John Cena comes out. He says last night was one of the last stops on the Road to Wrestlemania. Last night, on a night with so much on the line for so many people and in a match for the United States Title between him and Rusev. Rusev took him to the limit. He had Rusev staring in the eyes of defeat for the first time. Last night was a true championship contest. They were going back and forth in the quest for gold. He was in the Acolyte (sic) and he vowed not to give up.

He did not give up. He fought and fought and he stood to his feet and he would be the first to break the Accolade and defeat the mighty Rusev. He was hit beneath the belt to secure his victory. Last night at Fastlane, he lost . . . and Rusev won.

Cena says he has no problem with that. His problem is with Rusev. He portrays himself as a hero and when he had the chance to prove that he was a hero, he showed that he was nothing more than a coward.

Rusev’s music plays and he comes to the stage with Lana.

Lana says we told you so. Lana tells everyone to Shut Up. She says that John is in the ring looking for words to describe what happened to you. You failed. Millions of people believe in you and you let them down. Just like all Americans, you gave up.

The great John Cena humiliated and humbled by the superior athlete and human being Rusev. For the last 24 hours you have looked for the words to explain your failure, while Rusev has been getting messages of praise from everyone, including Vladimir Putin.

Rusev takes the mic and he says John calls him a coward, but he broke John. Now that you have embarrassed your friends, family, and stupid country, it is his time. It is Rusev Time. He am United States Champion and no one can beat him. He wants John to admit that you beneath him and that Rusev is better than him. He wants Cena to admit that Rusev and Russia is better than Cena and America.

Cena tells Rusev to be careful saying things about the United States when he is around.

Lana asks if John Cena is going to save the day. You gave up. Your entire life is just a lie. She has no other way to put it, but this is what happened to you last night.

We see photos of John Cena after the match.

John says that his life is a lie when he fails to get up. When it comes to this ring and when it comes to this country, he will fight and fight until the job is done. That is what he does. Cena says that is what Americans do. Cena says you can get lucky with a shot but Americans get up stronger than ever. John says that Rusev and Lana make him sick. If the Russian Federation is singing his praises, they should be ashamed.

John says the people who raised the flag on Iwo Jima are heroes. It is time to take the trash out. Cena says that he will beat Rusev and he will bring the United States Title back where it belongs . . . the United States of America. He will guarantee that Rusev is humbled on the grandest stage of them all . . . at Wrestlemania.

Rusev wants to know why Cena deserves a rematch. Rusev speaks in Bulgarian. Is it because you are John Cena? You were the Great John Cena . . . now you are just the Quitter John Cena.

Rusev says you don’t deserve a rematch so the answer is no.

Backstage: Seth Rollins stops by to talk to Randy Orton. Randy wants Seth to leave his pets at the door if he wants to talk strategy. Seth tells Jamie and Joey to hang outside, he has it.

Seth tells Randy that he knows Randy hates him.

Randy says hate is such a big word. He says for the sake of what is best for business, consider them on the same page.

Seth says they can put the past behind them.

Orton says he won’t put the past behind him. They are going to make sure Daniel Bryan and Roman Reigns were lucky that he wasn’t in the Royal Rumble.

Seth says they should send Daniel and Roman what the face and future are all about.

-Commercial-

Video: Sting tribute

Paige & Emma vs The Bella Twins

Brie with a kick to Emma and facebuster for the three count

The winners of the match: The Bella Twins

-Commercial-

Bushwhackers named the next inductee into the WWE Hall Of Fame Class Of 2015

Curtis Axel is in the ring still saying he was never eliminated from the Royal Rumble and is still in it. The Axelmania movement is in full swing and he is entering himself in the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal and he will be the last man standing just like he was at Royal Rumble and no one can stop him. Ryback takes the mic and tells Axel to shut his mouth. They go back a long way and Axel was a great tag team partner. Axel did say one thing right, there will be one man standing in the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal but it's going to be Ryback and says since they're in the Music City maybe Ryback will take The Axeman to Smashville

Ryback vs Curtis Axel

Axel unloads on Ryback and yells Axelmania. Irish whip, Ryback ducks and hits a clothesline. Ryback picks Axel up and delivers Shell Shocked for the three count

The winner of the match: Ryback

-Commercial-

Randy Orton & Seth Rollins vs Daniel Bryan & Roman Reigns

Bryan and Rollins start things off and Bryan with a side head lock into a hammer lock. Rollins with an elbow but Bryan with a knee to the midsection. Bryan tries for the surfboard and apparently people from Iowa know how to surf. Bryan tags in Reigns and Roman sends Rollins face first into the mat. Rollins tags in Orton.

They lock up and Reigns with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Orton with a drop kick and then he runs his laces across the face. Orton with a hard Irish whip. Orton with an Irish whip but Reigns with an Orton-esque clothesline out of the corner. Bryan tags in and he hits a double sledge to the arm. Bryan works on the arm but Orton with a back breaker.

Orton drops Bryan on the top rope and Orton with a boot to the midsection. Rollins tags in and he kicks Bryan. Rollins with a kick but Bryan sends Rollins over the top rope to the floor. Orton pulls Rollins out of the way on a suicide dive attempt. Orton wants to talk strategy while Rollins gets a chance to rest

-Commercial-

Rollins unloads on Reigns. Reigns to his feet fighting back. Slam by Reigns to Rollins. Bryan in landing Yes Kicks. Bryan with the Yes Lock and Orton breaks it up. Reigns takes out  Orton they both get sent to the outside. Bryan flies through the ropes to the outside. Back in the ring, Rollins in control covers Bryan for a 2 count. Orton in with a headbutt in the corner follows it with an uppercut. Orton seats Bryan on the top rope and measures him with a right hand. Orton hooks Bryann up but Bryan blocks a superplex attempt. Headbutt to Orton. Orton falls to the mat and Bryan from the top rope misses with the diving headbutt. Reigns in with a seris of clotheslines to Rollins in the corner. Reigns drops Rollins on his face. Superman punch to one of the J & J Security members. Enziguri to Rollins. Orton in with a powerslam to Reigns. Rollins misses with the Curb Stomp. Reigns with the Superman Punch and Bryan tags himself in. Running knee to Rollins for the three count

The winner of the match: Roman Reigns & Daniel Bryan

Post Match: Orton RKO's Jamie Noble before leaving the ring

-End Show-