Raw Results 01/05/15

Raw results from Corpus Christi, TX:

The first Raw of the new year had Michael Cole, JBL and Booker T on commentary, with Booker filling in for Jerry Lawler who was recently hospitalized for an illness. The show opened with Cena in the ring surrounded by other wrestlers to apologize for bringing back The Authority, saying he wanted to save the life of a husband, father and friend (Edge). Cena was interrupted by HHH’s music as he and Steph arrived out to address everyone. 

They thanked Cena for bringing them back and said it’s Cena Appreciation Night with his attendance mandatory. They promised they would deliver great things and also announced Ziggler would defend his title against Wade Barrett tonight. They had Seth Rollins out and praised him as well, then added him to the Cena vs. Lesnar title match at the Royal Rumble.

Wade Barrett defeated Dolph Ziggler via pinfall to become new Intercontinental Champion. Kane was ringside during the match and got on the apron after Ziggler ducked a Bull Hammer. Ziggler superkicked Kane off, but then turned around into Barrett’s Bull Hammer, giving Wade the win for the title. Post-match, Kane raised Barret’s arm in victory.

Roman Reigns was interviewed backstage by Renee Young ahead of his match with Big Show, saying he’s “faster than a single bullet, can leap a tall building in a single bound and is more powerful than a locomotive.”

Bray Wyatt cut a promo backstage to say that Dean Ambrose is going away tonight and will be a lost soul trapped in his own nightmare. He said the devil is real and tonight he walks beside him.

The Ascension came to the ring and talked of other “dominant tag teams” such as Demolition or Road Warriors. They said they would destroy Demolition and throw the Road Warriors right off the road. Booker and JBL questioned if these guys were crazy or really confident.

The Ascension defeated two local wrestlers in a squash match. JBL mocked them for facing a lesser competition and suggested he wants to see them do this against The Usos.

Roman Reigns defeated Big Show due to disqualification. Reigns went for a Superman punch late, but Show caught him by the throat and then tossed him out of the ring. On the outside, Show hit Reigns with the ring steps to cause the DQ. Post-match, Show tried to hit Reigns in the ring with the steps again, but Reigns avoided it and then speared Show down.

Natalya defeated Brie Bella via pinfall in a non-title match. Paige was with Natalya for the match while Brie was there for Nikki. Towards the end, Paige and Brie brawled at ringside. Nikki was distracted enough that Natalya rolled her up for the pinfall. Post-match, Nikki attacked Natalya, but Paige came in to make a save.

Backstage promo from Dean Ambrose who said his match with Wyatt will be “ugly, brutal and dangerous,” just how he lives his life. He said that’s how is going to end Wyatt’s.

Luke Harper defeated Erick Rowan via pinfall. Jamie Noble and Joey Mercury were special guest referees. Rowan had a cover but the two refs acted confused over who should count the pinfall. Harper recovered and hit his clothesline to pin Rowan with both of J&J counting the winning pinfall. Post-match they stomped on Rowan but he got up to fight them off. Harper knocked him back down.

Backstage, Alicia Fox and Naomi talked ahead of their mixed tag match involving The Miz & Mizdow vs The Usos. Alicia Fox said even though they’re on opposite teams nothing can come between them. Alicia said she debuts on Total Divas soon then mentioned she forgot that Naomi was kicked off the show. Naomi said it’s ok she will focus on her career. Alicia attacked Naomi and threw baby powder on her.

Bray Wyatt defeated Dean Ambrose in an Ambulance Match. Late in this one, Ambrose had control after taking the stretcher and running it into Wyatt’s neck. From there, Ambrose set up Wyatt on a table, climbed to the top of the ambulance and jumped off with an elbow drop to crash through Wyatt and the table. After recovering from it, Ambrose picked up Wyatt, but Wyatt quickly responded with Sister Abigail near the back door of the ambulance. Wyatt picked up Ambrose and shoved him into the back of the ambulance. Dean kicked him so Wyatt grabbed him for yet another Sister Abigail on the floor, then picked up a limp Dean Ambrose to close inside the Ambulance. 

The Miz, Damien Mizdow and Alicia Fox defeated The Usos and Naomi via pinfall. The finish involved Jimmy hesitating near the apron thinking he might hit Mizdow but his wife Naomi was there instead. Miz took advantage for a rollup pinfall.

Seth Rollins & Kane defeated Ryback via pinfall in a handicap match. Ryback hit Shell Shocked on Kane late, but Rollins hit the Curb Stomp on him during the pinfall. After another Curb Stomp, Rollins got the pinfall win.

Big E fought Adam Rose to a no-contest. During the match, Big E was in control until two men dressed in white masks showed up to attack. They unmasked revealing themselves to be Tyson Kidd and Cesaro. Post-match, they danced and slapped hands with Rose. Cole said they were dressed up as Rosebuds.

The Authority had John Cena come out for John Cena Appreciation Night. Steph and HHH praised Cena for helping them return to WWE again. Triple H said he originally told Shawn Michaels that Cena sucked to work with, but now he is seeing a new side of him. he said maybe Cena is looking past all that “hustle, loyalty and respect” crap. He said “I just want you to know from the bottom of my heart, I appreciate you.” 

They called out some others who appreciate Cena - the members of his Survivor Series team, Ryback, Erick Rowan and Dolph Ziggler. The Authority brought up consequences and suspending the four guys who opposed them with Ziggler to get the biggest suspension for putting the final nail in the coffin with Sting’s help. HHH and Steph walked up to the stage and said instead of suspending them “You’re all fired!” She said they could thank John Cena for helping them lose their jobs. Hunter said “Ladies and gentlemen let’s hear it for John Cena” as confetti and balloons fell from the rafters as some celebratory music played. HHH and Steph kissed on stage with Cena looking glum just like the three guys in the ring as Raw ended.