WWE No Way Out Matches : Steel Cage Match > John Cena Vs. BigShow

As the saying goes, desperate times call for desperate measures, and it’s hard to argue that Big Show was anything other than desperate when he jumped ship to People Power and allowed John Laurinaitis to save his own job a mere six days after Big Johnny callously terminated the giant on Raw SuperShow.
Big Show’s appearance at WWE Over the Limit was meant to herald the death bell for Laurinaitis’ much-maligned movement, but the giant planted his signature WMD against the face of John Cena instead, helping Mr. Excitement retain his job and keep People Power chugging along. And with The World’s Largest Athlete reinstated by a grateful Laurinaitis and Cena looking to settle the score, it’s only right that the two should face off one-on-one at No Way Out, and even more so that they should do so inside the confines of a steel cage.
Cena and Big Show have, it should be noted, a more contentious history than the WWE Universe might remember. The giant famously chokeslammed Cena through a spotlight at Backlash 2009, and The World’s Largest Athlete clashed with The Cenation Leader over the United States Championship at WrestleMania XX (Cena won that contest, relieving the giant of the title). Big Show had worked prior to Over the Limit at keeping the WWE Universe in his good graces, but as the giant announced on Raw SuperShow the night after Over the Limit, he seems to feel his efforts have been unreciprocated.
Show claimed that Cena and the WWE Universe were not qualified to judge him, and his decision was made for love of the business and the security of his new, "ironclad" contract. He did what he had to do, despite the steepness of the price.
The price may yet get steeper, though. With Cena’s nemesis still running the show, and with a 7-foot wrecking ball at his disposal to boot, Cena is looking to make Show answer for his actions. After all, as the other saying goes, what goes around comes around, and The World’s Largest Athlete might well find it’s time to pay the piper when he meets Cena one-on-one.

SRC- WWE.com

WWE No Way Out Matches : World Heavywieght Championship > Sheamus Vs. Alberto DelRio

Mexican Aristocrat Alberto Del Rio will vie for SmackDown’s richest prize at No Way Out, when he challenges Sheamus one-on-one for the vaunted World Heavyweight Championship.

After Sheamus impressively retained his title against Del Rio, Randy Orton and Chris Jericho in a hellacious Fatal 4-Way Match at WWE Over the Limit, there was one question that undoubtedly lingered in the minds of every Superstar in the SmackDown locker room: Who would emerge as the next challenger to The Great White’s World Heavyweight Championship? Ultimately, the answer came in the form of a No. 1 Contender’s Triple Threat Match on the May 25 edition of SmackDown. (PHOTOS)

Per John Laurinaitis’ Executive Administrator Eve, the WWE Universe witnessed Orton, Del Rio and the monstrous Kane battle it out to determine who would face Sheamus at No Way Out – the first of such pay-per-view events since 2009. When Daniel Bryan distracted Kane during the bout, the preoccupied Big Red Monster ate an RKO from Orton that seemed to seal a victory for The Viper. However, Del Rio would soon capitalize by breaking up the pinfall and stealing a three-count victory over the prone Kane. The Mexican Aristocrat was quick to gloat about his questionably earned win, but Sheamus cut the celebration short when he ambushed Del Rio from behind on the entrance ramp.

“I can’t wait to kick your head off at No Way Out!” The Great White warned as Del Rio writhed on the steel grating. A clearer statement could not have been made that night.

Over the years, Sheamus has cemented himself as one of the most dominant brawlers in WWE, but he would be wise not to underestimate Del Rio. A two-time WWE Champion, Del Rio has craftily dispatched the likes of Rey Mysterio, Big Show and John Cena, using his keen intellect, technical proficiency and ruthless demeanor to keep even the most decorated WWE Superstars on notice.

Although sidelined due to injury last December, The Mexican Aristocrat fixed his gaze on the World Heavyweight Championship – and its bearer – immediately upon returning to SmackDown this past April. At No Way Out on Sunday, June 17, live on pay-per-view, Del Rio will finally get the one-on-one World Heavyweight Championship opportunity he has long felt entitled to – and Sheamus will face the level of competition he always craves.

SRC- WWE.com

05-28-12 : WWE RaW SuperShow Results : BigShow Going to RAMpage

The special holiday episode opened with a 2012 Memorial Day tribute video in honor of all the troops protecting us then and now. A video came up after the Raw intro theme to recap the latest incidents involving John Cena, Big Show, and John Laurinaitis.

Show came out to address the crowd wearing a business suit as the kept chanting for Cena. He talked about how Cena disappointed him when he didn't stick up for Show losing his job. He had a clip shown from Cena making jokes at Laurinaitis in the ring. Show said he plans to do something that "won't be pretty" at the No Way Out PPV. He said he plans to make this the biggest loss of Cena's career and that puts a smile on his face.

Alberto Del Rio defeated Santino Marella by submission in a non-title match. Del Rio avoided The Cobra, and got Santino down in the Cross Arm Breaker to make him tap out. Post-match, Ricardo Rodriguez got on the mic and in Santino's face on the mat to keep announcing Del Rio as winner.

They showed Alex Riley backstage telling Eve how she's doing a great job right now. Big Show came up and Eve told hm Mr. Laurinaitis said he could pick his opponent tonight. Riley acted worried he would be the choice, but Show told him to relax. He said he's going to send a message to the locker room, then slammed Riley into the wall.

Kofi Kingston and R-Truth defeated Dolph Ziggler and Jack Swagger to retain the WWE Tag Team Championships. Late in the match, Truth hit his finisher the Little Jimmy on Swagger for the pin. Post-match, Swagger was irate and yelled "I'm better than this," then left the scene without Swagger.

They showed Santino getting helped backstage by a trainer/med staff for his arm. Big Show came in and the trainer told him that Santino's hurt. Show said Santino might be his opponent tonight, since Santino went on like everything was fine after Show got fired. Show asked him if it was funny now. Brodus Clay came in and said he heard Show was talking behind his back, and told him to say it to his face. Brodus said to pick him as his opponent tonight and he'd give Show something else to cry about. Show told Brodus to forget about dancing, since he won't be walking after tonight. Show left, and Clay's dancers came into the scene with him.

John Laurinaitis rode out to the ring on his scooter, with Eve and David Otunga with him. He unveiled the cover of the new WWE 13 video game which had his picture on the front. He said the game will be bigger than "Pac-Man" and kids will love it. CM Punk came out to interrupt and had the real cover shown, as a huge banner dropped down which showed him on the real game cover. He told Laurinaitis the Board of Directors is watching his every move so don't give them more ammunition. He told JL to get out of the ring since he has a match next against Daniel Bryan. JL wished him good luck. After he left the ring, Punk kicked the Laurinaitis poster of the game set up in the ring.

Daniel Bryan defeated CM Punk by pinfall in a non-title match. AJ came to ringside for the match wearing a Punk t-shirt. At one point in the match, Bryan pulled a turnbuckle cover off and the ref didn't see it. AJ got on the apron to tell the ref but he yelled at her to get down. Punk told her she couldn't be out there like that. Punk ran at Bryan after, but Bryan picked him up and dropped Punk on the exposed turnbuckle before pinning him.

Post-match, Bryan was doing his "Yes!" chant repeatedly when Kane came out to the ring and smashed him with a chair. Kane then did a chokeslam on Bryan. AJ slid a chair in the ring to Punk who hit Kane with it until he fled the ring.

Christian defeated The Miz in a non-title match. Cody Rhodes sat ringside to help provide commentary. Late in the match, Miz went for Skullcrushing Finale. Christian countered into an attempted Killswitch. Miz broke free of it, but moments later Christian hit the move and then his new Frogsplash move for the pinfall win. Christian showed the belt to Cody Rhodes who left to go backstage.

They had a backstage segment in Laurinaitis' office where he talked to Eve and Otunga. Eve sent Teddy Long away to go get coffee for her. JL told Eve and Otunga he was disappointed in recent events on Smackdown and needed to know he can count on them. They said he can. Teddy returned with a coffee for Eve. She spit it out on him saying it was cold, but Teddy told her it was ice coffee.

The Miz stayed in the ring after losing to Christian. He began ranting about how his latest match wasn't even for the Intercontinental title and he wants it stricken from the record books. He said he won the WrestleMania match for Team Johnny, and questioned where his contract, video game cover and championship matches were.

Randy Orton's music hit and he interrupted Miz. Orton came to the ring with Miz talking trash at him. Orton dropped him with the RKO without even saying a word.

They showed Dolph Ziggler backstage with Vickie, pointing to Orton on the monitor. He said that needs to be him, and told Vickie to get him out of the tag team scene and out there by himself.

Sheamus defeated David Otunga by pinfall in a non-title match. They reminded fans that Sheamus will defend his World Championship against Del Rio at No Way Out. Late in the match, Otunga was up on the apron and Sheamus repeatedly bashed his fist on his chest. He followed with White Noise, then backed up to the corner and began pounding his chest. As Otunga got up and turned around, Sheamus connected on the Brogue Kick to take him down for the pinfall.

They showed Brodus Clay walking backstage with his Funkettes dancing by his side. Cole said Brodus won't be walking after his match tonight, according to Big Show.


The Big Show and Brodus Clay match never officially started. Brodus Clay made his entrance with the Fukadactyls. They danced in the ring before Clay's pyro went off. Show's music hit and he arrived out on stage with a mic in his hand. He said he actually admired Clay, and brought up how Show felt like a sellout back at the Wrestlemania he wore a diaper for a sumo match. He said Clay's selling out on a nightly basis. He said maybe Clay can put on some makeup and be the next "Doink the Clown." Show said only thing is Doink actually had talent.

Clay was upset by the trash talk and got down out of the ring to the bottom of the ramp. Show kept talking and then finally rushed down to spear tackle Clay down into the ringside area. He kept beating up on him around the ringside area, with Clay trying to come back with some punches. Show slammed him into the ringpost several times.

Kofi Kingston rushed to the ring and tried to jump off the steel steps at Show. Show caught him mid-air and then saw R-Truth running over, so he threw Kofi onto Truth. The tag team champs were layed out near the barrier, as Show walked over to the commentary table and scared Cole/Lawler away. He stepped through the table to break it, then took one of the side pieces of the table to smash on Brodus Clay.

Show kept tossing everyone around, including throwing Truth against the ropes from the outside of the ring, and tossing Kingston through the timekeepers area. He finally wound up his WMD KO punch and clocked Clay in the face, then glared at the audience.

Cole and Lawler recapped what Show just did, showing replays of all of the big spots. Show walked around the ring and stopped at a fan in the front row holding a Sellout sign. Show's theme song played as he started to walk up the ramp.

John Laurinaitis came out on the stage with his crutch to greet Show. Laurinaitis raised up Show's hand smiling. Cole said things will be different next week when John Cena is back on Raw. Clay was shown layed out ringside before another shot of Show and Laurinaitis was seen as Raw went off air.

News » Stephanie McMahon Says 1000th Episode Of RAW Will Feature Surprise Returned Stars & More

WWE executive Stephanie McMahon talked to IGN.com's Eric Goldman about Raw changing to three hours starting July 23. The following are highlights.

As part of the "interactive elements" added to Raw, Stephanie said the audience will vote on "different things every week" to affect the show.

Stephanie said the 1,000th Raw (actual #999) starting the three-hour Raws will feature old stars returning to mix with new stars on the roster. Asked if she will be returning to TV, Stephanie said, "Who knows? Maybe you’ve got to tune into the 1000th Raw on July 23!”

Asked when The Rock will return and/or have a return match, Stephanie said, "Hmm, I think I’m gonna have to let that one unfold!”

Stephanie gave the marketing department sales pitch for why Raw is moving to three hours: “It’s going to be the first-ever regularly scheduled three-hour program on television and I think we’ve got a pretty good handle on it thus far! You know, we do a three-hour show called a Pay-Per-View almost every month and Monday Night Raw, we’ve done three hours before, so we feel great about it."

News » Monday Night RAW Will Expand To A 3 Hour Permanently From July 23 2012

WWE issued the following press release regarding WWE RAW going to three hours permanently in July:

@JohnCena Tweets Historic Announcement From USA Upfront Presentation

NEW YORK – May 17, 2012 – WWE Superstar John Cena announced via Twitter today that WWE Monday Night Raw will expand to a three-hour event 52 weeks a year. The extended telecast will kick-off July 23 at 8/7C on USA Network and marks the 1,000th episode of the WWE Raw franchise and a television record – no other series has ever reached this milestone. The announcement was tweeted today by Cena (the No. 1 most influential male athlete on Twitter last month) during USA's upfront presentation in New York City. The move firmly put WWE's stake in the ground as one of the most powerful social brands in the world and an integral part of USA Network's social media initiative.

"The WWE Universe is one of the most socially active and passionate fan bases in all of television," said Chris McCumber and Jeff Wachtel, co-presidents USA Network. "The powerful three-hour block of live TV truly makes USA the year-round destination for young male viewers on Monday nights."

"WWE is proud to celebrate this historic milestone with our partners at USA Network," said WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon. "Our new three-hour Raw represents the next generation in interactive television where our fans won't just watch the show, they will help create it."

The expanded WWE Monday Night Raw will transform television to an unprecedented level of viewer interaction. Fans will have new ways to get involved in the show through WWE.com and social media by deciding matches, stipulations and new character development. WWE will brand this unprecedented fan interaction as "#RAWactive."

05-25 : WWE Friday Night RAW Results : Delrio Get a chance for World title shot

Eve Torres came out to start the show saying that John Laurinaitis is still in power after the Over the Limit PPV. She says he's not there tonight so she's in charge and will name Sheamus' opponent for No Way Out. Alberto Del Rio arrives out to say he deserves the title shot. Then Randy Orton comes out saying the same thing. Finally, Kane arrives out mentioning he should get the shot since this is episode #666. Eve books all 3 guys in a Triple Threat match to determine #1 contender for Sheamus' title.

Christian defeated Hunico by pinfall. Christian hit Killswitch on him for the win. Post-match, Cody Rhodes came out and said Christian has ruined the Intercontinental title and he'll win it back.

Darren Young and Titus O'Neil defeated The Uso Brothers.

Ryback defeated two amateur wrestlers in a 2-on-1 handicap match. He hit his finisher on both guys at once to get the victory.

Santino Marella defeated Ricardo Rodriguez by pinfall. Santino hit the Cobra to get the win.

The World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus came out and said it was an accident when he bumped into John Laurinaitis on Raw. He apologized for Laurinaitis being such an ass, and then made fun of Big Show for kissing JL's ass.

Sheamus defeated Jack Swagger by pinfall. Sheamus hit the Brogue Kick for the victory.

Damien Sandow defeated Yoshi Tatsu in a squash match.

Big Show came out and sat in a chair in the ring. He talked about how this is what he loves doing and he does it to support his family. He said he felt betrayed by everyone. Show said since he has no friends, he made a deal to get his job back, and devised a plan for Over the Limt. Show said the fans never really cared much about him and he feels the same towards them.

Kane arrived out for the main event. Daniel Bryan came out and repeatedly bashed him with a steel chair, leaving Kane on the ground. Referees had to attend to Kane.

They showed a video saying Sin Cara will be back next week on Smackdown.

Alberto Del Rio defeated Kane and Randy Orton in a Triple Threat match to become new number one contender for the World Heavyweight Champonship. During the match, Daniel Bryan came out and distracted Kane. Orton hit the RKO on Kane and had the pin, but Del Rio broke it up, tossing Orton out of the ring. Del Rio made the cover on kane for the win. Post-match, Sheamus came to the ring and nailed Del Rio with the Brogue Kick.

05-21 : WWE Monday Night RAW Results (The Night After Over The Limit)

The show opened with highlight shots from last night's Over the Limit main event, with Big Show interfering to help John Laurinaitis defeat Cena. Cena came to the ring to discuss how shocked he was at what happened last night with Big Show, and saying he had Laurinaitis beat. Eve came out, introduced Laurinaitis, who talked about all his injuries from the PPV. Then he introduced Cena's opponent for No Way Out - The Big Show. Show came out talking about how he loves the business more than anyone else and did what he had to do. He vowed to knock Cena out at No Way Out on June 17th.

John Cena defeated David Otunga via submission. Cena was able to win in about two minutes after chasing Otunga down and using Attitude Adjustment followed by STF to make Otunga tap. John Laurinaitis and Eve were shown watching from up on the ramp.

Post-match, Curt Hawkins, Tyler Reks, Darren Young and Titus O'Neil all rushed the ring to attack Cena. Sheamus rushed to the ring to intervene and make a save. Laurinaitis got on the mic saying he didn't give these guys permission to interfere, then sent them back to the showers. From there, JL booked Cena and Sheamus to fight in a 2-on-3 handicap lumberjack match later tonight.

Ricardo Rodriguez came out to introduce Alberto Del Rio. However, Santino Marella came out to say Ricardo knows nothing about the "art of introductioners." Santino and Ricardo did a battle of rolling R's, before Santino eventually brought out The Cobra and poked him in the neck. Santino introduced Del Rio, who made his way to the ring as they showed a WWE video package about Raw coming up on its 1,000th episode. Once Del Rio got to the ring, he chased Santino off.

Randy Orton defeated Alberto Del Rio due to disqualification. Late in the match, Orton had Del Rio down and started pounding the mat for the RKO. However, Chris Jericho rushed into the ring and attacked Orton, hitting the Codebreaker. He said on the mic multiple times how he's best in the world at what he does. Jericho hit two more Codebreakers before leaving the ring with Orton down.

Daniel Bryan came to the ring and demanded a rematch with WWE Champion CM Punk after making him tap out last night. Punk came out and reminded Bryan what he did to him on Smackdown, when Bryan smashed a steel chair on Kane, and then took off, leaving Kane to think Punk did it. Punk then introduced to Bryan his opponent for tonight - Kane.

Daniel Bryan defeated Kane due to disqualification. At one point, Kane was on the outside of the ring and Bryan dove out onto him crashing to the floor. Punk was on commentary and told Lawler/Cole to hang on, as he left, grabbed a chair and went towards Bryan. Punk teased that he was going to hit Kane, but then Bryan yanked the chair away. Punk backed off, and as Bryan turned, Kane saw him with the chair and attacked. From there, Kane repeatedly hit Bryan with the chair, then chokeslammed him twice in the ring. Post-match, Punk got in the ring pretending to check on Bryan, then locked him into the Anaconda Vise to make Bryan tap on his arm.

Backstage, CM Punk was walking when AJ came up to him. She told him she enjoyed seeing him beat up Daniel Bryan. Punk brought up how maybe she's not crazy, but sadistic. AJ started to break down in tears, and finally Punk hugged her to comfort her. After several moments of that, Punk told her "I kinda dig crazy chicks" and walked off. AJ started to act crazy, crying a bit again.

Cole and Lawler talked over the incident between Triple H and Paul Heyman last week where Heyman told HHH he'll see him in court for an assault and battery lawsuit. They said WWE.com has an exclusive report on the legal situation with Heyman, Lesnar and HHH.

Justin Roberts introduced the man who won the "People Power" Battle Royal and Intercontinental title last night. Cole and Lawler reviewed last night's win via still image pics. Jinder Mahal was shown putting his hat into a plastic or glass case at ringside area.

Christian defeated Jinder Mahal by pinfall. He hit the Killswitch late in the match, but added a huge frog splash off the corner to get the pinfall win.

Cole talked about some of the Twitter tweets from the WWE Universe about Big Show's actions last night. They reviewed a clip of Big Show promising to knock out Cena at No Way Out.

Beth Phoenix defeated Kelly Kelly by pinfall. Layla was shown watching backstage on a flatscreen monitor, shaking her head. Kelly had control late after hitting her tilt-a-whirl leg scissors spin to throw Beth into the corner. She went for her flip splash move towards Beth in the corner, but The Glamazon smashed her down from behind on her way there. Beth followed up with The Glam Slam to win it. Layla was shown backstage just shaking her head.

They showed John Laurinaitis riding on his scooter backstage with a big "People Power" logo cutout on front.

Sheamus was introduced, followed by John Cena for the 3-on-2 Handicap Tag Team Lumberjack match. Vickie Guerrero arrived out to the ramp and did her "Excuse Me" bit and then introduced Jack Swagger and Dolph Ziggler as two of their opponents. Justin Roberts then announced their tag team partner, and Lord Tensai arrived out after Sakimoto came to the stage and did his pre-match salt tossing on stage.


The lumberjacks included Reks, Hawkins, Otunga, Alberto Del Rio, Chris Jericho, Primo, Epico, Hunico, Camacho, Drew McIntyre, Jinder Mahal, Darren Young and Titus O'Neil. Lawler noted none of them appeared to be friends of Cena or Sheamus, with Cole joking maybe they don't have any. John Laurinaitis was shown up on stage with a crutch watching the match.

John Cena and Sheamus fought Jack Swagger, Dolph Ziggler and Lord Tensai to a no contest/DQ. At one point during the match, Sheamus was knocked to the outside by Tensai. Some of the lumberjacks attacked but Sheamus fought them off, then jumped off the steel steps to take out more lumberjacks on the other side of the ring. The heels worked to keep Sheamus worn down and away from tagging out. At another point in the match, Sheamus began fighting back, punching on Tensai. Tensai had blood on his forehead, but still kept Sheamus in the heels corner.

Finally, Sheamus broke away and made the hot tag. Cena came in on fire and took down Ziggler. He set up for the Five Knuckle but then saw Sheamus getting beat up on the outside by lumberjacks. Cena dove to the outside to try to help out. Cena and Sheamus appeared to be getting beat up, but then faces rushed to the ring including CM Punk, Great Khali, Christian, Brodus Clay and Santino.

Cena stormed off up the ramp from the ring and went backstage. The camera went backstage with Cena approaching Laurinaitis who was limping away on crutches. JL said he had no idea where Big Show was and reminded Cena if he touches him he gets fired. Laurinaitis hobbled away on his crutch with Cena looking angry. He stood there looking to the side for several moments with the camera close up. Then, just as Cena turned, a big fist came into the picture and knocked Cena out. Big Show was shown and walked over Cena's body, with Laurinaitis looking back from a distance as Show kept following to close out Raw.

WWE Over The Limit 2012 Results > John Cena Vs. John Lourinites (Photos)

Executive Vice President of Talent Relations and General Manager of Raw and SmackDown prepares to face John Cena.

If the man behind "People Power" loses, he will be terminated, per WWE's Board of Directors.

Nothing would make Cena happier than to see Laurinaitis out of WWE.

Cena immediately goes on the offensive and takes it to the executive.

The Cenation Leader brutalizes Big Johnny all around ringside.

Cena douses Laurinaitis with water ...

... and sprays him with a fire extinguisher.

Cena delivers a crushing elbow.

Cena locks Laurinaitis in the STF submission maneuver.

Laurinaitis attempts to escape through the crowd, but the recently fired Big Show is present to drag Johnny back to the ring.

Out of nowhere, Show nails Cena with the WMD, helping Laurinaitis get the pin.

The WWE Universe cannot believe Big Show's actions and Laurinaitis' shocking win over Cena.

WWE Over The Limit 2012 Results > John Laurinatis Vs. John Cena

RALEIGH, N.C. — John Laurinatis was done for.

Beaten and battered by an intensely focused John Cena in a match where the megalomaniacal General Manager’s career was on the line, Mr. Laurinaitis was only a three count away from finding himself on the unemployment line. And then something big happened.

Shocking the WWE fans crammed into Raleigh’s PNC Arena, the mighty Big Show stormed into the ring and aided the man who fired him on Monday night in a way the WWE Universe never expected to see.

Had The World’s Largest Athlete not changed the clear outcome of this bout, the landscape of WWE would look a lot different right now. A polarizing figure since he grasped complete power over both Raw and SmackDown, John Laurinaitis stirred up serious controversy when he reintroduced the unpredictable Brock Lesnar to WWE rings. Promoted as the new face of the company by the General Manager, the former MMA fighter went on to nearly end John Cena’s career at WWE Extreme Rules before quitting WWE and then threatening to sue for millions.

As if Mr. Laurinaitis hadn’t created enough of a quagmire, the executive then recruited the dangerous Lord Tensai and his follower, Sakamoto, to aid him in a vicious attack on Cena the night after the Superstar’s showdown with Lesnar. After ruthlessly targeting the Cenation’s leader’s injured arm, a crazed Laurinaitis announced that he would meet Cena one-on-one at WWE Over the Limit.

It may have been the most baffling managerial decision since Mr. McMahon orchestrated the kidnapping of his own daughter during WWE’s “Attitude Era.” A suit-and-tie guy willingly stepping into the ring with a former 10-time WWE Champion? It was madness. Laurinaitis may have once been a respected grappler in the hardnosed world of Japanese professional wrestling, but that was more than a decade ago. Did the executive really think he could hold his own against a man who just stood toe to toe with Brock Lesnar and won?

As it turns out, he did. Well, he did until WWE’s Board of Directors stepped in. Decreeing that not only would John Laurinaitis be fired if he lost the match, but any contracted Superstar who interfered in the bout would also be terminated, the committee stacked the deck against the already in-over-his-head GM.

Clearly lacking confidence after the Board rejected his last minute plea to reverse at least one of the stipulations, (FULL STORY) Laurinaitis sulked to the ring like a man headed down the green mile. If the self-proclaimed Mr. Excitement wasn’t such a conniving egomaniac, the WWE fans may have felt sorry for him. Instead, they cheered John Cena on as he picked apart Mr. Laurinaitis in a bout that resembled more of a televised mugging than a sports-entertainment showdown.

Cena took slow pleasure in manhandling the executive who orchestrated a vicious attack on him as he dumped a garbage can over Big Johnny’s head, doused him with a fire extinguisher, and locked him in the STF for 10-second bursts of brutality. When Laurinaitis briefly mounted a comeback by grabbing a steel chair, he paid the price when Cena drove the hunk of metal right into his red face.

The General Manager’s night only got worse when the man he fired on Monday night — Big Show — suddenly appeared among the WWE fans in the PNC Arena and dragged a retreating Laurinaitis back to the squared circle by his neck. Surrounded on both sides by the Cenation leader and The World’s Largest Athlete, the executive was clearly done for. And then it happened.

With Laurinaitis propped on Cena’s shoulders, only moments away from feeling the AA, Big Show drove his Thor’s hammer of a fist directly into Cena’s jaw. It was the last thing the WWE Universe expected to see from the giant who was humiliated by the GM, but there was no mistaking what had happened. The World’s Largest Athlete deliberately K.O.’d the Cenation leader and saved John Laurinaitis' career. And since Show wasn't a contracted Superstar, there was nothing WWE's Board of Directors could do about it.

Was the attack a gutsy move by Big Show, done deliberately to save his own career? Or was it part of a beautifully constructed plot, pieced together by Mr. Laurinaitis and his sharp advisers in David Otunga and Eve? Whatever it was, there will be hell to pay when John Cena arrives on Raw.

WWE Over The Limit 2012 Results > Intercontinental Championship > Christian Vs. Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes

RALEIGH, N.C. – After his shocking return and impressive victory in the "People Power" Battle Royal earlier in the night, Christian seemingly had his sights set on Santino Marella’s United States Championship. However, after catching Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes doing some good, old-fashioned trash talking backstage to Eve where the second generation Superstar said he would "embarrass" Christian if the two went head-to-head, Captain Charisma decided to throw a bit of a curveball and challenge Rhodes for his beloved title instead. (PHOTOS)

Rhodes, who has held the title since his Extreme Rules victory over former WWE Superstar Big Show, was cocky right up to the moment the bell rang on his unexpected title defense. When his entrance music played, Rhodes made a final statement before taking on Christian, saying he is a better man than his opponent.

Christian was unfazed, however, and his sights were set squarely on Rhodes and his Intercontinental Title.

The younger Rhodes got off to a fast start against Christian, whose stamina was called into question after his long layoff and a hard-fought Battle Royal victory earlier in the night. Rhodes was relentless, slamming his opponent into the steel stairs at ringside and then hammering away at the former champion.

But the wily veteran was able to mount a comeback and buy himself some recovery time by taking advantage of any opening Cody gave him. When Rhodes focused more on taunting his downed opponent than finishing him off, Christian was able to hit the Killswitch from out of nowhere and cover Rhodes for a shocking victory.

The match capped off an incredible night for Captain Charisma, whose ring return culminated in Intercontinental Championship gold for the fourth time in his career.