Home / Results / Monday Night Raw / August 1, 2011

1. Beth Phoenix won a battle royal to become the #1 contender for the Divas title.

2. The Miz & R-Truth def. Rey Mysterio & John Morrison when Truth pinned Morrison.

3. Non-title: David Otunga & Michael McGillicutty def. Santino Marella & Zack Ryder when Otunga pinned Ryder.

4. Alberto Del Rio def. Evan Bourne via submission.

We open tonight by revisiting the 8 days that changed the WWE title, skipping past the departure of Vince McMahon. In the arena, "Cult of Personality" erupts, bringing CM Punk out to open the show proper. Punk re-upped because he sees himself as an agent of change, change that went into effect after he won the title at Money in the Bank. Exit McMahon, enter Triple H as COO. Punk felt that he needed to return to continue as the "voice of the voice-less". I kept expecting John Cena to appear, but instead, Triple H is out.

Punk re-signing was good for business, in the Game's POV. He took the COO's job for the "WWE Universe", and thus has responsibilities to uphold, despite Punk's taunting him about asking Stephanie for permission. Oh, this will be the latest attempt at reinventing the Austin-McMahon wars if this gets out of hand.

1. Divas battle royal: Winner faces Kelly Kelly at Summerslam.

The action is fast, and the eliminations are even faster. The last five going into the break are Beth Phoenix, Eve Torres, Alicia Fox, & the Bella Twins, with Alicia the lone Smackdown diva left. Not for long, though, as she tried a baseball slide to force Eve out, but ended up eliminating herself. Eve was next to go, dumped by one of the Bellas, but then Beth hoisted both twins over the top. Winner: Beth Phoenix.

Kelly was on color commentary, then left to congratulate Beth, who hasn't had a TV match on Raw since returning to the red brand. Turns out to be a big mistake as Beth turns on Kelly and leaves her lying in a heap on the floor, saying that the days of a cute & perky chanpion are over.

Miz & R-Truth were feuding at this time last year. Now, they're tag partners tonight vs. Rey Mysterio & John Morrison. Miz isn't digging Truth talking to imaginary friends, but Truth tries to sell Miz on his conspiracy theories. Ohhhhhh, boy.

Josh Mathews interviews John Cena, whose sole focus is the decision Triple H will make later regarding the title. Two men, two titles, but only one can truly be the champ.

2. Rey Mysterio & John Morrison vs. The Miz & R-Truth.

Michael Cole queues up a clip from Miz's appearance on Lopez Tonight, which included a parody of "Dancing With the Stars". Well, at least Miz is dressing better these days. Cole also brings up Miz & Cena appearing at the Teen Choice Awards this weekend.

Best match on the card, but then, that ain't saying much. Rey played the face in peril for a large chunk of the match. Miz hit a victim kick for 2. Truth with the lie detector for 2. Hot tag to Morrison, who hits the C4 on Truth for 2. To think that Morrison has tagged with both heels at various times in the past and been successful speaks volumes of the potential for show-stealing matches in singles with Truth down the line. Miz pulled Truth out from under Starship Pain, then prevented Rey from hitting the 619. Truth recovered and hit Paydirt on Morrison. Winners: The Miz & R-Truth.

Post-match, for no reason, Miz hit the Skull Crushing Finale on Morrison, then held him up for Truth to use a water bottle on him. Lame.

Dolph Ziggler & Vickie Guerrero came out and spewed some lame gaga before Alex Riley came out. He challenged Ziggler to be a man, ditch Vickie, and prove he's as good as he claims. Ziggler feigned as if he was going to throw down, then left.
3. Non-title: David Otunga & Michael McGillicutty vs. Santino Marella & Zack Ryder.

Vladimir Kozlov must be injured, which would be the only explanation for Ryder & Marella teaming. Unfortunately, Marella's new elbow length cobra glove was no help. Protracted squash which saw Ryder get the hot tag. Hit the face wash in the corner on McGillicutty, but missed the Ruff Ryder. Champs used the old Demolition finish with Otunga connecting with an elbow while Ryder was prone across McGillicutty's knee. Winners: David Otunga & Michael McGillicutty.

4. Alberto Del Rio vs. Evan Bourne.

Mostly a showcase for Del Rio, who, for once, didn't talk. Bourne tried to keep up the offense, but it was too much Alberto, who applied the cross-armbreaker to end it. Winner: Alberto Del Rio.

Post-match, Del Rio reapplied the submission, which meant risking a DQ, until Kofi Kingston made the save.

Josh has since interviewed both Triple H & CM Punk. An online poll shows the fans favor John Cena as champ (DUH!), but who really is the champ?

Triple H returns, but is soon joined by John Lauranitis, who I guess is going to be a recurring player now. Ultimately, that brings Cena out, and he cuts a promo on Lauranitis, reminding all that he clocked the former Johnny Ace at Money in the Bank, so basically, McMahon's chief henchman for the last decade cost Cena the title. Lauranitis said he was there to have Cena stripped, but that wasn't happening. Cena was ready to clock Ace again, so Lauranitis left. Figure he'll be back again real soon. Punk came back out, but to make a long story short, HHH made it official: Punk vs. Cena, the sequel, at Summerslam. The show ended with the dual champs alternating raising their belts, and having their music coincide. "Cult of Personality", from 1989, vs. "The Time is Now", from 2005. Oh, wow.