WWE Monday Night Raw: Live Play-by-Play Coverage (Monday, June 25, 2012)

Monday Night Raw is live tonight from Fort Wayne, Ind.

WWE Raw opens with a video package of AJ's actions toward Kane. 

AJ is backstage and talks to herself about Daniel Bryan, Kane and CM Punk. 

Interim GM Vickie Guerrero comes out to announce that she will serve this position on a short-term basis. She believes that in no time, she will serve this position permanently. Guerrero announces a three-way elimination match to open the show.

Daniel Bryan vs. Kane vs. CM Punk

Bryan and Punk attack Kane early, forcing him out of the ring. Punk and Bryan hook up before Kane gets back into the picture. We then take a commercial break. 

Back from break, Kane is dominating the match. However, Bryan gets attacked by Punk. Punk and Bryan exchange punches before Punk takes clear control. Kane goes on the offense, but Punk uses the ropes to force him out of the ring. Punk then spears both Bryan and Kane outside the ring. 

Kane regains momentum with a boot to Punk. Kane goes to the top rope and nails a clothesline to Punk. AJ comes out and skips around the ring. Kane looks to finish off Punk, but CM responds with a move of his own. Bryan comes out of nowhere, knock outs Punk and scores the pin.

Your winner, Daniel Bryan. Good opening match for Raw. WWE has set a good start for the show just like it did last week before it went bad.

Match Rating: 3.5/5

Dolph Ziggler, Alberto Del Rio and Guerrero backstage.

Up next, the Big Show against Brodus Clay.

Brodus Clay versus the Big Show

Clay wants revenge and gets off to a good start, taking down the Big Show quickly. However, that all changes when the Big Show takes advantage of Clay's knee. Clay's knee collapses on him, as Show lands on him for the victory.

Your winner, Big Show. Pretty slow match with two giants in the ring. A far cry from the opening match. 

Match Rating: 2/5

John Cena's Make A Wish foundation video airs. 

Back from commercial break, announcers Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler recap Big Show's attack on Clay moments after the match. 

Next week, Brock Lesnar will answer Triple H's SummerSlam match proposal.

AJ is backstage talking with Kane. Kane says he is not boyfriend material and does not do relationships. He tells AJ she is mentally unstable and thinks its best they part ways. AJ begins to laugh it off.

Jack Swagger versus Santino for the U.S. Title

Swagger offers Santino a handshake. Santino goes for it, but Swagger attacks him. Santino fights back, but Swagger responds with a kick to the midsection. Santino drops a slam on Swagger, then an arm drag and a headbutt. Santino hits a DDT and hits The Cobra on Swagger for the win.

Your winner and still U.S. champion, Santino. Swagger continues to struggle with grabbing a victory. No title change was needed, and I was perfectly fine with the finish.

Match Rating: 2.5/5

John Cena comes out to the ring. Cena begins to hype his major announcement. Cena talks about John Laurinaitis' influence in a Star Wars-like speech. As Cena continues to speak, the lights go out. Chris Jericho makes his return to Raw. 

The crowd begins to chant Jericho's name. Jericho tells Cena to make his announcement and get out of the ring so he can have his night. Cena says he will insert himself in the Money in the Bank match. Cena recalls that it has been a year since he was been champion and that he plans on winning. 

Jericho talks about his history in the Money in the Bank matches he has had. Jericho says Cena should do another Star Wars promo and begin to take things seriously. Jericho says Cena should worry about him, not the Big Show. Jericho puts himself in the match but suddenly, Vickie Guerrero comes out. 

Guerrero, who is met with loud boos from the crowd, says no one can place themselves into the match. Guerrero announces the participants for the match, which include Jericho, Cena, Kane and the Big Show. Guerrero makes the main event of the night. It will be Cena versus Jericho. 

Back from commercial break, Heath Slater comes out to the ring. He calls himself a one-man band and claims that he rules the world. Sid Vicious returns to WWE to face Slater.

Heath Slater versus Sid Vicious

Slater drags Sid to the corner, but Vicious quickly takes him down. Viscous calls for a power bomb and delivers with a one-two-three victory.

Your winner, Sid Vicious. Slater continues to be used as a squash wrestler. Vicious did not get the biggest reaction from the crowd, but it was good to see him in decent shape and making his one-match return to the WWE.

Match Rating: 2.5/5

Alberto Del Rio versus Dolph Ziggler for World Championship Contract

No winner. Sheamus comes out during the match and after Del Rio and Ziggler had fought for control of the contract, he decides to make it a three-way match. 

A pretty good match with some good in-ring work, but I would have like to have seen just a plain, clean finish with a three-count. 

Match Rating: 3/5

WWE Diva Summer Battle Royal

Your winner, AJ. Well, that seemed to just be a filler.

Match Rating: 1.5/5

Chris Jericho versus John Cena

No contest. The Big Show comes out and puts a leg drop on Cena as Jericho watches and then leaves. The Big Show then delivers a huge choke slam to Cena and stands over him. Cena gets choked out by the Big Show as Raw closes.

Match Rating: 3/5