WWE Monday Night Raw: The Aftermath of Money in the Bank

Last night was one of the most talked about PPV's of the past three years. CM Punk was able to take the title from John Cena and escape from Alberto Del Rio's emergency attempt to cash in his case.

Punk was able to run with the WWE Championship Belt while Cena was on the road for a big boot out of the door from Vince.

What will Vince do now that he's down one belt? Is Cena actually fired? If so, who will be the new star of WWE Raw?

And what will Del Rio do with the briefcase now that it's more or less worthless? All these questions and more will be answered. Let's get the show rolling!

Opening Segment

Vince McMahon opened the show, coming out with John Laurinaitis. The rest of the Superstars were in the back watching on a TV as McMahon got into the ring. A CM Punk cheer broke out, which McMahon quickly squashed and started to bash CM Punk by saying he walked out on everyone.

Vince name-dropped some of the past Superstars and said that no one person will ever be bigger than the WWE, and that the WWE cannot and will not be stopped. As such, tonight there would be an eight-man tournament that would decide the new WWE Champion.

Rey Mysterio, Dolph Ziggler, Jack Swagger, R-Truth, Kofi Kingston, Alberto Del Rio, Alex Riley, and the Miz would be competing, with one of the group becoming the new WWE Champion.

Missing from that list is John Cena, and Vince quickly brought up that topic. He explained that there would be "severe consequences" if Cena lost the match, and lose he did. John Cena had already tweeted that he is "future endeavored" with the WWE, so we'll see what comes up later tonight.

The first match is introduced before the commercial: the Miz vs. Alex Riley.

My Take: Interesting that they hit the ground running with a new Champion the week after Money in the Bank. It's also interesting that CM Punk or Cena were kept at bay for a lot of the opening. It was a no-nonsense start to a Raw that shows that WWE may be heading a new direction in the coming months.

Hopefully someone surprising can take the title, though Del Rio does have the case. Maybe we'll see a cashing in really soon?

Alex Riley vs. The Miz

Alex Riley started by targeting the injured knee of the Miz, but Miz countered and was able to keep up with Riley and keep him away from the knee. Riley was finally able to land a blow on his leg and took over, dropping on it and smashing it against the turnbuckle.

Riley got Miz in a half-Boston Crab, but the Miz countered and got Riley off of him. As Miz tried to get out of the ring, Riley caught him with a kick to the head. Riley charged, but missed and crashed into the turnbuckle.

While he was down, the Miz started grounding and pounding, eventually being pulled off of Riley by the ref. Riley hit Miz with a hard neckbreaker over his knee, and Riley started laying out some offense. He hit the Miz with a spinebuster before getting a two-count.

The Miz got Riley ready for a Skull-Crushing Finale, but he squirmed out of it. Riley caught Miz from the top rope and put a cloverleaf on Miz, but he got to the ropes to break the hold.

Riley again started the ground and pound and started to wear Riley down. Somehow, the Miz caught Riley with the Skull-Crushing Finale and got the pin, moving forward to face the winner of Del Rio / Kofi Kingston.

R-Truth is seen in backstage preparing for his match by talking to himself.

My Take: It was a pretty good match to open up the show, but I can't help but feel Riley could have used the win more. The Miz was booked as a weak champion throughout his reign, and now he's able to beat a kid that's had the better of him multiple times with a weak leg?

Still, it wasn't a bad match. Riley did look good in the loss, and hopefully he'll start to break free from the Miz and go off on his own. Meanwhile, the Miz moves on in the tournament.

R-Truth vs. Jack Swagger

John Morrison had a video package before R-Truth and Swagger headed for the ring.

They locked up in the middle of the ring before Swagger showed his power by taking Truth down with a shoulder charge. They locked up again before Truth got Swagger in a small package.

The match continued at a slower pace as Swagger trapped Truth in the corner and slammed him down for a two-count. Swagger pulled Truth up and knocked him around and choked him over the ropes.

Another slam, and another two-count. Truth swiped at Swagger, but Swagger continued the offense. Truth had yet to really get anything going as Swagger tossed Truth around from corner to corner, landing a Swagger Bomb for another two-count.

Truth reversed another slam and caught Swagger with a huge kick, but Swagger kicked out of the pin. He was met with a slap, but he missed the scissor kick.

Swagger got the ankle lock, but R-Truth rolled out of it and got Swagger with a roll-up and pinned him for three. He went on to face the winner of Rey Mysterio and Dolph Ziggler.

Next, though, is Kofi Kingston vs. Alberto Del Rio.

My Take: I'm glad Truth got the win. Either one winning would be nice, but I really want to see Truth with the belt. I think he'd be a fun champion to watch. Swagger's fall continues, which is kinda sad as well. I think he's got a chance to be a competitor. If only MVP were still here...

The match was all right as well, but it was a bit slow for my take. Swagger's matches usually have a slow pace thanks to his wrestling technique though. It was a good match up, and the fact that it's straight wrestling without any heel tactics is nice.

Kofi Kingston vs. Alberto Del Rio

Del Rio had some words to say before the match, talking about how he was Mr. Money in the Bank and how he tried to cash it in last night, but CM Punk ran off like a chicken. He then said that he hoped that John Cena got fired because WWE needs a new leader that everyone could respect... and it was his destiny to become WWE Champion.

Ricardo Rodriguez then came out and announced Del Rio as Mr. Money in the Bank. After the commercial, Kofi came to the ring and the match started.

Del Rio shoved him in the corner and pulled him out to give him a sitting dropkick. Kingston came back and put Del Rio down, but Del Rio was able to get up and level him. Del Rio charged at Kingston n the middle of the ring, but he jumped over him and caught him with a big kick.

Then Kingston jumped on Del Rio in the corner and dropped a few punches before Kingston knocked him out of the ring and suicide dove out of the ring into Del Rio. Kingston threw Del Rio back in the ring and was hit with an enzugiri, but only got Kingston with a two-count. A few knees later and Del Rio tried another pin for two.

Del Rio put Kingston in a hold that Kingston fought out of before being tossed down. Del Rio jumped on Kingston for two before delivering an elbow drop and another two-count.

Del Rio locked up Kingston, wearing him down. Kingston fought out again and was shoved into the corner, but he knocked Del Rio with his shoulder and dodged another drop kick. Kingston hit the chops, dropkick, superman punch, then finally went for the the Boom-Boom-Boom Drop, but Del Rio rolled away and caught him with a neckbreaker.

Del Rio stalked a downed Kingston before lifting him up and trying to hit him with the armbar, but Kofi reversed him and pinned him for three. Del Rio's destiny has been derailed for the moment as Kofi Kingston goes on to face the Miz.

Next, we see Rey Mysterio vs. Dolph Ziggler with the winner facing R-Truth.

My Take: Another good match between these two guys. These two people have put on some great shows, and I really like it when these two are in the ring. And Del Rio definitely did not need that win. Maybe Kofi can have a shot at the belt.

I think they could afford to give the belt to Kofi because he definitely deserves a title, or at least a title shot since Del Rio has the case. He could cash in the case whenever he pleases after the new champion is crowned, so in a way, Del Rio is almost guaranteed the title.

Now that I think about that... it's kinda sad. And thank goodness Ricardo Rodriguez is back. I've missed the guy since his departure. So Kofi goes on to face the Miz, which proves to be an interesting match. But more on that later.

Rey Mysterio vs. Dolph Ziggler

They interviewed Kofi Kingston before Mysterio / Ziggler with him talking about being in one of the most grueling matches and taking out Del Rio shows that he is one step closer to the WWE Championship Belt.

Rey and Ziggler came to the ring, and the match got underway. Ziggler came out fast and hit Rey quickly, but Rey countered and got Ziggler on his back. He was soon tossed out of the ring by Ziggler though, who slammed him down outside the ring before picking him up, putting him in the ring, and getting a two-count.

Ziggler tried another pin on Rey, but it was another two-count. He then put Rey into a submission, but Rey fought out and flipped Ziggler for a pin that Ziggler then reversed. Rey threw a kick or two before Ziggler revered an huracanrana and tossed down Rey.

Ziggler tried for an elbow in the corner, but Rey missed and caught Ziggler with kick to the head and pinned him for two. Rey then scaled the ropes and went for a seated senton. It hit and Rey started up his token running offense.

The two traded shots and counters before Rey went down and was pinned for two. Zigler picked up Rey and tossed him into the corner, going for the Zig-Zag, but Rey put him headfirst into the corner turnbuckle.

Rey missed a 619 and slammed down Rey for two in a really close near-fall. Ziggler stomped down on Rey, but Rey knocked him to the ropes, hit a 619, then dropped on him, pinning him for three. Mysterio is the fourth winner and goes on to face R-Truth.

We cut to a shot of Vince McMahon backstage with Johnny discussing the tournament before the commercial.

My Take: I like Ziggler, and I'm disappointed that he didn't get the win. I think it would have been fun to see him with both the US Champion belt and the WWE belt. I am content with Rey winning because of the fact that Del Rio does have the case. But do we really need Del Rio and Rey going at it again?

The match was good though, and I've been impressed with most all the matches tonight. It's been a lot of wrestling and action, which is a change of pace. I'll probably end up saying that again before this slideshow is over.

Seven on Seven Divas Tag Team Match

It was the Diva faces versus the Diva heels next, with Kelly Kelly leading her team against the Bellas and their team.

The match began with Beth and Rosa Mendez in the ring, and it wasn't thirty seconds into the match that all broke loose outside with plenty of chaos. While everyone was battling outside the ring, Beth hit Rosa Mendez with the Glam Slam and got the pin for three.

My Take: It was a quick match that provided nothing but eye-candy from the Divas and gave Beth Phoenix a push. I'm ready for some decent angles with the Divas, but like the tag-team division, I'm not sure when (or if) we'll ever get around to that.

Kofi Kingston vs. The Miz

These two came back to the ring with the Miz still limping on his injured leg. The bell rang, and Kofi went straight for his leg. A quick roll-up, and the Miz kicked out at one. A crossbody, and another kick out. A jumping dropkick, and other kickout

Kingston continued laying out some offense and stomped on Miz. Kofi came for Miz in the corner, but missed, hitting the ropes hard. Miz then started his offense and got Kofi in the middle of the ring with a headlock. Kofi fought out and started launching attacks before getting the Miz with a huge crossbody that Miz rolled through.

Kofi continued going for the leg and knocked the Miz down. Kofi wanted Trouble in Paradise, but the Miz rolled out of the ring. The Miz knocked back Kofi as he came for him and set up for Skull-Crushing Finale, Kingston rolled forward and got him in a two-count.

Kingston got up and ran for Miz in the corner, but the Miz dropped him on the turnbuckle. He was then able to hit the Skull-Crushing Finale and score the three-count. The Miz is now off to face the winner between R-Truth and Rey Mysterio.

Scott Stanford interviewed R-Truth in the back and R-Truth continued talking about the conspiracy against him. He said that he's gonna beat little Rey-Rey, and all the little Jimmies better close their eyes, because the WWE Title's gonna get got.

My Take: I'm sad the Miz took this one, but he's looking strong. I like this Miz better than the weak-billed champion from last year. Hopefully Kofi can bounce back and get into a title picture soon, even if it's for the US Championship again.

The match was another good one, and now the Miz will face either Rey Mysterio or R-Truth. I would love for a heel-heel match. It would be a good chance to turn someone face, or even to get a good match. With the lack of heel tactics and disqualifications, I've been enjoying the night.

Rey Mysterio vs. R-Truth

The two lock-up, and Truth knocked down Rey. Truth backed him into the corner and then tossed him down for a two-count. Truth continued to pound Rey and go for pins, but Rey won't stay down. Now Rey got in some offense, but Truth knocked him down and got him in a headlock in the middle of the ring.

Rey stood up and came off the ropes, but Truth dropped Rey with a knee. Then Truth got Rey in a scissor leg-lock, and Rey broke out of it. The two seemed tired as Rey got Truth outside of the ring with an armdrag. Rey jumped out of the ring with a suicide dive and dropped him outside the ring before cutting to commercials.

We come back and Truth has Rey in a hold in the middle of the ring. Rey fights off Truth and catches him with a roll-up. Truth comes back with a huge kick that levels Rey. Truth looked angry before jumping on Rey and pinning him for two.

A lie detector put Rey down again, but Rey had yet another kickout. Rey dropped Truth on the ropes for a 619, but Truth got up and knocked down Rey for another two-count.

Truth started holding Rey down in the middle of the ring and picked Rey up and dropped him, but Truth still can't get more than a two count. A drop toe-hold got Truth to slam his face into the turnbuckle, and Truth was back on the attack. Rey hit a crossbody and knocked down Truth, but got nothing out of it.

Truth goes for the scissor kick and missed it, and the two traded counters before Truth gets him down. Truth hits Rey with his little stunner and gets Rey for three, but Rey got his foot on the ropes before.

Truth starts to kick Rey as he clings to the ropes. Truth grabs Rey, who drops him on the ropes. A shoulder charge and a huracanrana later, Truth is hit with the 619 and then dropped on for the pin.

The final is set: Rey Mysterio vs. The Miz for the new WWE Championship.

My Take: So there we have it: Miz vs. Rey. Something tells me Rey will get the belt so that Del Rio can cash it in. I would laugh though if Miz won it and Del Rio took the belt from him. Then Del Rio can rub it in the Miz's face while the Miz stews over the fact that Mr. Money in the Bank was beaten by the new Mr. Money in the Bank.

I know people don't usually get behind a heel-heel feud, but I'd take it. And I enjoyed this match. Two competitors that are usually fast-paced but on a good show, and they actually looked pretty tired during the match. I'm not sure how gassed they really were, but it adds to the effect.

Vince McMahon vs. John Cena

No, it was not an actual match. (Sadly...)

Vince McMahon came out to the ring before the match and picked up a microphone. He then said that because they were running out of time, they decided to postpone the match for next week.

Instead, he was going to talk about John Cena. A CM Punk cheer broke out as he started to talk. He said he could make a new John Cena if he wanted to and repeated that no man is bigger than the WWE.

Vince had made his decision and needed to set an example for the WWE. He said that in time, we'll understand, and in time, he would thank him. Another CM Punk cheer broke out before he called Cena out to the ring. He received a surprising amount of cheers, but the crowd was still hot against him.

Cena took the mic and talked about how he wasn't going to bash Vince or the WWE. He knew exactly what he was going to do, and then talked about Shawn Michaels.

He talked about how everyone said that Shawn screwed Brett, and that he didn't want to go the rest of his career shouldering that burden if he screwed CM Punk.

Cena wanted the match, but Vince wanted the belt and wanted Cena to be the patsy. The crowd gets behind Cena as he stands up to Vince and tells Punk that it was a hell of a match last night. Cena says that if the match ended the way Vince wanted, the title would have been meaningless.

Cena tells Vince to go ahead and make another Cena before Wrestlemania and things will continue like he was never here, and Cena wil leave with his dignity. Cena closes by saying he believes that he belongs in the WWE, and if Vince makes him walk, he will walk to another place and keep doing this... "brother."

Vince takes the mic and points at Cena, and as much as it hurts him to say it...

Suddenly, HHH's music hits and he comes strolling to the ring in a suit. HHH said that he got there as quick as possible after the Board of Directors meeting. Vince looks worried. The Board asked him to talk to Vince. they are...concerned with the situation.

He asks Vince to come to the back to talk about it. Vince doesn't want to. HHH said the Board is worried more about... him. He said that Vince has created a good product, but they're concerned with his "extremely questionable" decisions as of late.

The Board has asked HHH to tell Vince that they have issued an injunction against him. The family agrees... and the board has hired someone new to take over the day-to-day operations of the WWE. It's HHH.

John Cena is not fired. Vince won't be doing anything else. Because Vince...you're fired.

He leaves with an "I love you, pop" before leaving the ring and leaving a teary-eyed Vince McMahon in the ring as the screen goes black.

My Take: Of all of the ways this angle could have gone, this was definitely lower on my list. I still wanted CM Punk to return as GM Punk, but I guess he really is gone for now. I'm also very glad Cena was saved rather than fired, only to be reinstated later on.

I'm sure many people are mad that he wasn't actually fired though. On the bright side, he isn't the No.1 contender, nor will he be the champion. So there.

Now the question is what will become of Vince McMahon? Will he rehire Punk to take down Cena and HHH? Is HHH even on Cena's side? And in the midst of all of this, who will become the new WWE Champion? Most importantly... when does Ring Of Honor air so I can gets me some Punk?

My theory? I'm rolling with my wish that the Miz wins the belt, but Del Rio cashes in and takes the belt, leading to a Miz / Del Rio feud. Meanwhile, Cena wins the No. 1 Contender spot for SummerSlam that the Miz keeps interfering with.

And all the while, McMahon tries to find a way to get his company back from the Board and HHH. And I do see CM Punk coming back into the picture.

Let me know what you think in the comments below! Until Friday, peace!