Quick Results:

- CM Punk talked Paul Heyman out of resigning from WWE.
- Mark Henry def. The Great Khali, qualifying for Elimination Chamber.
- Chris Jericho def. Daniel Bryan, qualifying for Elimination Chamber.
- John Cena, Ryback & Sheamus def. 3MB.
- Big Show knocked out Matt Striker, Yoshi Tatsu and Alex Riley in his anger.
- Jack Swagger def. Zack Ryder, qualifying for Elimination Chamber.
- The Miz def. Cody Rhodes via DQ, after Antonio Cesaro got involved.
- Brodus Clay & Tensai def. Primo & Epico.
- John Cena, Ryback & Sheamus attacked The Shield.
- Alberto Del Rio def. Damien Sandow.
- Wade Barrett def. Kofi Kingston.
- Kane def. Dolph Ziggler, qualifying for Elimination Chamber.
- CM Punk stole The Rock‘s WWE Championship.

Raw Thoughts:

Paul Heyman is an Evil Genius; New Stipulation for Punk vs Rock:
It’s a sad state of affairs in WWE when the character with the most depth and best verbal ability is not even a wrestler. The evil genius Paul Heyman stole the show again this week, opening the broadcast with an apparent resignation. He not only continues to keep CM Punk a heel, when a large percentage of fans may wish to cheer him, but at the end of it all the WWE Championship was the focal point, which it always should be if you adhere to old-school booking principals.

After seeing something raw and special inside CM Punk, Heyman thought they could ride the wave to the top and stay there. But in Vince McMahon‘s company it simply is not possible. “That sword of Damocles is not just hanging over me, it is hanging over everyone around me, and that means it is hanging over CM Punk,” said Heyman, who insisted he had become a “distraction” for Punk and his presence was no more than a hindrance to The Straight Edge Superstar’s pursuit of the WWE Championship. The mad scientist explained, that since the corporately manipulated WWE Universe do not appreciate him, and with Mr. McMahon gunning for his job, it was better for everyone involved if he stepped aside and let Punk handle his business on his own.

In a heel bait and switch CM Punk managed to talk Heyman around by describing the scene of his future victory of the rock at Elimination Chamber, with Paul E. in his corner. The greedy glint in the former ECW honcho’s eye quickly returned and the segment concluded with the pair hugging it out, to the live audience’s disdain.

Ever the shady businessman, a reinvigorated Heyman was immediately cutting deals backstage…with the devil himself…Mr. McMahon called Vickie’s office and in a desperate attempt to save his job and ensure victory for Punk, Paul said he’d “do anything” if Vince booked a stipulation for the PPV – that if The Rock is counted out or disqualified Punk gets the title – McMahon salivating at the opportunity to do whatever he wants to Heyman agreed, but he wants it in writing!

Back focused on the title, at the end of the show Heyman and Punk decided that if they’re going to be screwed, they may as well TAKE the title. Interrupting The Rock’s promo, Punk laid out the champ and picked the belt off his unconscious body. “Storytime’s over, Rock…I want you to understand one thing: Every time you wanna bring it, because it belongs to me, I’m just gonna take it.”

Elimination Chamber participants finally confirmed:
If the Elimination Chamber match is anything this year it’s confusing. Originally it appeared Booker T‘s potentials were all selected after impressing on SmackDown, but some obviously didn’t impress enough and only a couple were picked. Rey Mysterio was an early confirmation, only for him to be missing from the graphic on this week’s Raw. On Last week’s SmackDown Booker T essentially said if Mark Henry could defeat Randy Orton he’d be in the match. He did. But then on tonight’s Raw he had to qualify again. So how do participants qualify? It’s not really clear. Jack Swagger has beat several people since his return but was only granted his spot tonight. Randy Orton and Daniel Bryan who were already given their spots have both lost but remain in the match.

Regardless of why, the confirmed lineup following tonight’s Raw is as follows…

Jack Swagger vs. Chris Jericho vs. Daniel Bryan vs. Kane vs. Mark Henry vs. Randy Orton.

Mark Henry, Chris Jericho and Kane all won matches tonight to earn their spots.

Jack Swagger’s new manager is Dutch Mantel:
Tonight Jack Swagger debuted a new manager as part of his right-wing patriot gimmick during his match with Zack Ryder. The elderly ranting Militia-Man is known as Zeb Colter, although older fans will know him best as “Dirty” Dutch Mantel, legendary Memphis star and backstage booker. His most recent gig was on the creative team for TNA, where he helped develop the Knockout’s division.

Interestingly during his run with the then WWF in the mid 90s Mantel was know as Uncle Zebekiah, and played more of a cowboy gimmick. Lawler acknowledged this on the broadcast.

Going forward Zeb will be the mouthpiece for Swagger, and it will be interesting to see how far they push the envelope in terms of bordering on radicalism, hate speech and militancy. Cole and Lawler continuously called him “nuts” and a “nutjob” in typical liberal fashion.

One thing to note, today’s modern patriot movement have a strong aversion to a piece of legislation ironically called the “Patriot Act”, it’s therefore odd that Swagger’s finisher would be called this. Then again I guess they’re going for a stereotype not a positive representation.

Raw Off Air News:

- Hornswoggle was stretchered backstage during the commercial break following the attack from Mark Henry.

- After Raw went off the air Damien Sandow came down to mock he Rock, who was prone in the ring. He then disputed the Rock’s title victory, but ended up victim to the Rock Bottom and People’s Elbow.

In a dark match main event, John Cena defeated Dolph Ziggler.