83 Weeks - Sting's Raw Debut [Show Notes] (Patreon)

Sting Debuts on Raw – January 19th, 2015

WWE formally announced in mid-January that WrestleMania 32 will take place at AT&T Stadium (formerly Cowboys Stadium) in Arlington, Texas on April 3, 2016. They also boldly stated their goal is to pack the place with 105,000 fans, setting a record for the building and easily eclipsing WrestleMania 3. The press release did not reference WWE looking to break the company’s marketed attendance record or AT&T Stadium’s attendance record, but Vince McMahon mentioned WWE “looking forward to making history at WrestleMania.”

WWE executive John Saboor says that Dallas & Arlington “broke out of a very competitive national landscape to win the right to host WrestleMania 32,” which followed the famous in-person sales pitch to McMahon and other WWE executives at WWE HQ in Connecticut.

Meltzer reported at the end of January - Kevin Nash was cleared of all charges on the assault case involving his son on Christmas Eve. This resulted in Nash being reinstated from his WWE suspension. There was definitely a lot of tension from the Nash side, not so much regarding the suspension, but how things were overall handled. He had tweeted that he didn’t think he’d ever be back on WWE television right after being cleared, which lasted about a day before he agreed to come back to television for Raw. WWE had wanted to induct Nash in the Hall of Fame this year, or at least that was strongly discussed since his name has floated for some time. Nash knew about it as his lawyer told TMZ about the Hall of Fame, although when they reported it, they treated it as a theoretical.

Raw - 

Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman came onto the stage. Lesnar had the WWE World Title belt wrapped around his waist.

Heyman’s voice cracked as he introduced himself. Lesnar interrupted, though, and grabbed the mic. He called Seth Rollins to the ring. “No. I’m here to fight. Seth Rollins, get your ass out here, boy. That’s right, when I show up, it’s business time, baby.” He said Rollins had ten seconds to get his “weasel ass” out to the ring. The crowd counted it down. Lesnar snickered and said when he shows up, Seth is nowhere to be found. The Authority music played instead.

Triple H walked to the ring alone. A clip aired of what happened last week with John Cena, Seth, and Lesnar including the Curb Stomps by Seth on Cena and Lesnar. Hunter told Lesnar he understands why is upset. He asked, though, if he wouldn’t have done the same thing if given the opportunity. He noted that he gave Seth a suplex, too. Hunter said what Seth did was understandable, so how about they go back and he can eat a steak while he and Heyman talk business.

Lesnar asked if he was there to fix this or fight. Heyman got nervous and Hunter held his ground. Heyman shouted, “He pays the bills! Calm down! 

Stephanie McMahon’s music then played. She came out with Big Show and Kane. She asked for cooler heads to prevail. She told Brock this isn’t what he wants to be doing. The Authority gathered center-ring as Heyman tried to calm down Brock. Seth then appeared on the big screen and said, “Brock, Brock, Brock, Brock, Brock, Brock, Brock, Brock, Brock, Brock, Brock.” Eleven times. Then laughed and said Brock is always two steps behind. 

He said, “Why don’t you be patient, cave man, right before I take your title at the Royal Rumble.” Heyman asked Seth to let the adults to deal with this. Heyman told The Authority to “put a leash on your puppy” before Lesnar takes matters into his own hands. Heyman said if Lesnar fixes this situation, there will be bodies everywhere and a depleted roster. Heyman said he has a spoiler for Sunday. “At the end of the title match at the Royal Rumble, here what you’re going to hear.” As he began to announce Lesnar as the winner and still champion, John Cena’s music played.

Cena strode onto the stage. He told Heyman not to spoil anything for the fans, and he looked up at the big screen and told Seth to just shut up. He said a while ago The Authority asked him to join them and he said no, and since then they’ve been trying to get rid of him. He told them to keep it up because it lights a fire under him like never before.

Cena told Steph and Hunter that they don’t have any fire. Instead, they use their false sense of authority and cold-hearted politics to get rid of three Superstars, then try to pin it on him. He said he’d do anything to get them back. He said their fire long ago burned out and is now just two piles of ashes. He said Steph and Hunter are the world’s two biggest ash-holes. He tried to march away, but Steph interrupted. 

She told Cena she wants to savor this moment as the turning point in Cena’s career. She said Cena used to be the man who overcame the odds and inspired everyone, the C-Nation, because he would ultimately win at the end of the day. She said that is who Cena used to be, but that’s not who he is today. She said Cena lied to them because he brought The Authority back. She said his use of the term “fire” is ironic because he is responsible for the firing of three wrestlers, extinguishing their dreams. She said nobody wants to see him win at the Royal Rumble because he isn’t the man he used to be.

Seth chimed in on the big screen that Cena is a loser and nobody wants to cheer a loser and a failure. He said Cena will fail on Sunday again. He suggested Cena tuck his “legs between his legs” and walk off. He quickly corrected himself and said tuck his tail between is legs. The crowd noticed and laughed. Seth didn’t skip a beat. He said Cena should withdraw from the match, saving himself for whatever dignity he has left.

Cena played into the misstatement, saying, “I don’t know how I’m going to tuck my legs between my legs.” He said what he should do is find whatever room he’s hiding in and rip that mouth off of his face. He said it ain’t about the money and power but rather it’s about respect on Sunday. Cena said when he wins at the Rumble, The Authority agrees to rehire the three wrestlers they fired. Hunter asked the fans if they’d like that. They cheered. Hunter said he already gave him an opportunity to do that, but he failed. Hunter asked him to put something on the line in order to get another opportunity. Cena said he’d do it.

Hunter proposed that tonight he has a match and if he wins, all three guys get their jobs back. But if he loses, those three guys are still fired and he gives up his opportunity to be in the Triple Threat match. He asked if he wants the opportunity or not. Steph said he said he’d do anything for Ryback, Erick Rowan, and Dolph Ziggler. So will he agree or is he all talk. Hunter revealed he is going to leave it up to the C-Nation to decide on that stip. Cena looked around as if he was in a no-win situation, unsure of how he wanted the fans to vote. 

Bray Wyatt pinned Daniel Bryan with Sister Abigail. Kane attacked Bryan after

Triple H was talking on his cell phone when Scott Hall and Kevin Nash tapped him from behind. Hunter was happy to see them. They hugged. Scott gave him a “Hey yo!” Hall said he had a sweet suit and asked if he was still “working the Authority gimmick.” Hunter said it’s not a bad gig. Nash asked him to drop the suit and run around with them tonight, and delegate. In walked Shawn Michaels who told Hunter that what he ought to do is join them on the Legends Panel later. 

He asked what is with the suit. “Are you Vince Jr.?” he asked. He told him to bring all of Cena’s friends back so he can give them a hard time while they’re here. Hunter said he doesn’t go to his workplace and tell him how to kill defenseless animals. Michaels said that’s true. Nash asked where X-Pac was. X-Pac walked in and did the Crotch Chop really obnoxiously. Wait, that’s not X-Pac. Then the real X-Pac walked in and said he’s got this. Damien Sandow continued to imitate him.

In walked Miz who stopped Miz and Pac from having any more fun. Miz told Mizdow that he should go change because he is his stunt double. Miz made a Wolfpack hand symbol. They all no-sold it. Nash asked what kind of a show he’s running. Hunter hung his head and said, “I’m so ashamed. 

Byron Saxton stood mid-ring and introduced the Legends Panel, beginning with Hulk Hogan. Hogan walked onto the stage and did his thing. JBL celebrated Hogan, saying he’s the reason we’re all here right now. Next came Ric Flair. Booker said he is considered “the greatest champion of all-time.” Is he allowed to say that in WWE? Flair and Hogan man-hugged. Booker said, “What a shot.” Saxton introduced Michaels third. Michaels came out in a camouflage shirt and boots and hat with blue jeans. JBL said he’s a big fan of Michaels.

The panelists sat on stools in the ring. Saxton asked Michaels for his thoughts on whether Cena should put his career on the line. He caught his breath in an over-the-top fashion, then said, “Yes.” Flair said no. Hogan said, “Definitely yes.” Saxton asked Flair if he still looks at his 1992 Rumble win as the greatest moment of his career. 

Freeze-frames aired of the match as Flair talked about entering third and winning, going 60 minutes. He said a lot of people in Dallas know about his reputation for going 60 minutes. He mentioned Randy Savage going into the Hall of Fame. He closed with, “There is nothing like winning the Royal Rumble in the world of professional sports.”

Saxton asked Michaels what the match means to him. He said there would be no Mr. WrestleMania without the Rumble. He said Flair and Hogan “wouldn’t be anywhere” without the Rumble. 

Saxton threw next to Hogan. Freeze-frames aired of Hogan winning the 1990 Rumble as Hogan talked about the big names who wrestled those matches. They showed Hogan giving a big boot to Rick Rude and tossing out Honky Tonk Man.

Saxton said there have only been 22 winners of the Rumble in history. He asked for Michaels’s pick. He said he’s going for someone who’s not all there, who’s a little out there. He picked Bray Wyatt. He got booed for that one. He said he’s whacked out, but he’s “a very talented young man with the focus to take him the distance.” Hogan said he’s not going to win. 

Michaels stood up and said this is the second time they’ve done this, he’s always pushing and needling him. He brought up Summerslam 2005 and said, “Let’s do it, brother!” Hogan asked if he wants to do that again. Michaels sat down and said not really. Hogan said his pick is Daniel Bryan. The crowd cheered. Flair said he likes guys who walk the wild side, so his pick is Dean Ambrose. He strutted and let out a few “Whoos!” 

Big Show didn’t like his name not being mentioned. He walked out as his music played and mock applauded the panel. He said he doesn’t see three legends. The crowd chanted, “You sold out!” He angrily yelled that he did what he had to for his family and they would have done the same thing. Hogan said the fans don’t want to listen to him. Show told him to quiet down because it’s not his time anymore.

Show said Flair, Michaels, and Hogan are jealous of him. He said he came on the scene and made an impact. He said on his first night in WCW he beat Hogan for the WCW Title. He said it haunts him. Show turned to Flair and said he put him in the figure-four, but he reached up and grabbed him by the throat and chokeslammed him and “took you out of the top spot like that.” He said that eats him up inside. He said Michaels disappeared as soon as he showed up because he knew he’d destroy him.

Show said nobody will throw him over the top rope, not Rusev, not even Roman Reigns. He kindly asked the three panelists to get out of his ring and go back to the old folks home because if they don’t, he’ll give them a Rumble preview match right now. Flair asked if he was done. Flair took off his jacket and watch. He chopped Show in the chest and punched him a few times, then bounced into the ropes. Show met him with a KO punch. Flair bumped flat onto the mat. Show told the fans it was their fault for encouraging him to do something stupid like that. Hogan and Michaels bent over to check on Flair. The camera zoomed in as Flair began to talk to them.

Reigns’s music played and he walked out. He looked all business. He asked first how Flair was, which was a nice touch, then he entered the ring. Show told him to get out of the ring or he’ll get hurt. Reigns punched Show several times. Show countered with a chokeslam attempt. Reigns slipped out, punched Show, and then clotheslined him over the top rope to the floor. Show retreated, seeming to be on the verge of crying. 

Ambrose pinned Barrett

New Day beat Tyson Kidd & Cesaro

The NWO music played and out walked Hall, Nash, and Waltman. Cole called then legends. JBL said they changed the business for the better.

[Hour Two] Hall opened with “Hey yo!” He took a survey and asked how many were there for the Raw Reunion with the NWO. He got a nice round of applause. Hall said, “Thanks for playing.” Nash said the NWO single-handedly created the Monday Night Wars, which fans can relive on the WWE Network for $9.99. “You’re welcome, Hunter,” he said. Nash said they went to WCW which caused Vince McMahon to pick up his game which created “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, DX, and the entire Attitude Era. He said people accuse them of having egos, but they are probably responsible for anything great that has ever been created. That sounds like Mark Madden wrote that line for him.

Waltman then shouted, “Dallas, Texas, raise some hell and make a little noise.” He was then interrupted by The Ascension. JBL said the audacity of them interrupting legends like the NWO is beyond him. 

Viktor said he sees three old dogs ready to be put out of their misery. The NWO laughed at them. Konnor said they were born to rip and shred. Viktor said they are the greatest team and it’s their time to rise. The crowd chanted “NWO.” Hall threw his toothpick at them as Waltman did a crotch chop. JBL stood up and took off his jacket. He grabbed the mic and said he had a feeling this might happen, so he made a phone call to a legend he knows very well. He took off his shirt and underneath it said “APA.” Out walked Ron Simmons. They hugged and entered the ring.

The New Age Outlaws music played next. They came out with pandering “Dallas Cowboys” t-shirts. B.G. James played it up and said “Dallas Cowboys” a few times. They entered the ring. James asked, “Who invited the jackasses.” The Outlaws jumped the Ascension as the others watched. JBL wound up his arm for the Clothesline from Hell. Cole said, “Careful you don’t tear a rotator.” They all celebrated in the ring together. Pac hugged Simmons. JBL hugged Nash 

Backstage Hunter and Steph were about to announce Cena’s opponent. Steph brought in a drummer to do a drum role. Hunter revealed Cena’s opponent would be Seth Rollins. Steph added, “And the Big Show.” They gave the drummer a hard time every time he stopped drumming. Hunter said, “And Kane.” Then they gave him a hard time for not stopping. They fired him. Hunter said, “You’ll never work in this town again.” Steph said she and Hunter would be at ringside to watch Cena’s destruction. Then a trumpet player came in and played “Taps.” 

Paige & Natalya beat Alicia Fox & Summer Rae

Rusev beat R-Truth

Backstage Brock bumped into Seth and J&J Security. Brock said he’s not going to hurt him tonight because he’s a prize fighter. He said he hopes Seth takes out Cena tonight so that Sunday he can get paid to take Seth out. “And I will take you out!” he said. Brock walked away, but stared down Seth the whole way. Seth breathed heavily and clearly showed some fear. 

Jey Uso pinned Miz

A backstage promo aired with Hogan who talked about Cena’s chances tonight. He said it can only get better because Cena’s a fighter. He said Cena is going to win tonight, then win the Rumble. Cole said if he does it, it will be one of the biggest upsets in Raw history. 

Cena pinned Rollins. Towards the end, Cena was on the mat and Seth was taking his time, gloating a bit. Cena made a bit of a comeback, but Seth cut it off with a sleeper. The Authority taunted Cena at ringside. Kane chokeslammed Cena for a near fall. Booker said he was impressed by Cena’s performance. Suddenly Sting’s face appeared on the big screen. JBL said, “That’s not Sting, that’s a picture of Sting.” Then his music played and he began to move. The lights darkened. Sting walked onto the stage and pointed at the ring. Cena schoolboy a distracted Seth for the wi 

Sting debuted at the Survivor Series 2014 and his appearance here on Raw would plant the seeds for his first WrestleMania match which ended up being a loss to HHH.

How surprised were you to see that Sting finally went to WWE?

He's talked about how he talked to the WWE over the years. Did he ever use them as leverage in WCW when negotiating a new contract with you?

Unfortunately his run was cut short with a career-ending neck injury in a match against Seth Rollins. What did you think of how they used him? How would you of used him differently?