WWE Raw Results: Winners, Twitter Reaction and Highlights from January 7

While this week’s edition of Monday Night Raw was slotted at the same time as the BCS National Championship Game, the WWE knew the numbers would suffer, but the company had an ace up its sleeve.

The return of The Rock.

With a WWE Championship match, the return of the most electrifying man in sports entertainment and a blowout in college football, the numbers for this week’s Raw will be just fine.

As for the actual WWE product, the return of The Rock means an exciting Raw and an even more exciting road to WrestleMania 29.

Raw Results from Dec. 3 (via WWE.com)

"

John Cena challenged Dolph Ziggler to a match.

John Cena defeated Dolph Ziggler.

Kaitlyn defeated Divas champion Eve via count-out.

Team Rhodes Scholars defeated WWE Tag Team champions Team Hell No.

Randy Orton defeated Heath Slater.

Intercontinental champion Wade Barrett defeated Santino Marella.

U.S. champion Antonio Cesaro defeated The Great Khali.

Sheamus defeated Jinder Mahal.

WWE champion CM Punk defeated Ryback in a Tables, Ladders & Chairs Match.

World Heavyweight champion Big Show defeated Kofi Kingston.

The Rock confronted WWE champion CM Punk.

"

The Rock Returns

There are many fans that have openly questioned the return of The Rock, but to have a wrestling legend back in the building and cutting promos like he never missed a step was enough to get the live crowd and the fans at home excited. WWE TV is always better with The Rock.

Question on Everyone’s Mind: Will The Rock Win the WWE Championship?

After coming out and explaining that the road to WrestleMania 29 would feature The Rock heavily, it is clear that the plan all along has been for Punk to hold the title until the returning veteran could come back and reclaim his prize. Some fans will hate The Rock as champion, but the man puts people in the seats and money in the WWE’s pocket.

Twitter Reaction

With Punk set to unleash another of his patented pipe bombs on the WWE Universe, legend Mick Foley came out to support the brash young star and give credit where it’s due:

"

No one can take viewers on a verbal roller-coaster ride quite like @CMPunk . I love not knowing which way the track leads.

— Mick Foley (@realMickFoley) January 8, 2013"

Legendary commentator Jim Ross also praised Punk’s promo Monday and claimed that the Rumble match between The Rock and Punk will be brutal:

"

@CMPunk is the best villain to practice his trade in @WWE in years. Could have been a star in any era. #RoyalRumble vs @TheRock =physicality

— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) January 8, 2013"

The Shield Makes Its Presence Felt

After one of the most exciting Raw matches WWE fans will ever see—it’s rare for the company to give away TLC title matches on free TV—another intrusion by The Shield proved that it is still a force to be reckoned with heading into the Royal Rumble.

Question on Everyone’s Mind: Who Does The Shield Work For?

While there has been much speculation and blame thrown on CM Punk for the actions of The Shield, the fact that the announcers have openly accused Punk and manager Paul Heyman almost certainly means a swerve is coming soon. The WWE Universe should know more about The Shield’s intentions as the Royal Rumble draws closer.

Twitter Reaction

While the WWE Creative account is meant for parody, the truth that comes through in comments like this has to make the WWE brass cringe:

"

The Shield didn't just save @CMPunk. The Shield saved any hope we have of longterm booking. #RAWTonight

— WWE Creative Humor (@WWECreative_ish) January 8, 2013"

Fellow WWE superstar Curt Hawkins took to Twitter to talk about the main event and how both men got to show why they are some of the best in the business right now:

"

Incredible TLC match. @Ryback22 has nothing to be ashamed of even in defeat. And @CMPunk is just what he says he is; the best in the world.

— Curt Hawkins (@TheCurtHawkins) January 8, 2013"

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