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GM Theodore Long made a Christian vs. CM Punk main event (WATCH)
While Christian was trying to convince Teddy Long to give him “one more match” for the World Heavyweight Championship, Raw’s CM Punk and his Pipebomb Microphone decided to join the conversation – igniting a war of words between the two Superstars. After openly bashing Raw’s Interm Raw GM John Laurinaitis, The Second City Saint – backed by an approving WWE Universe – suggested he and Christian battle it out. Teddy Long concurred, making the match official for the main event.

CM Punk def. Christian (WATCH)
As CM Punk looked ready to put Christian away with the GTS, WWE Champion Alberto Del Rio suddenly emerged – distracting The Second City Saint long enough for his crafty opponent to regain the advantage.

The disruption from The Mexican Aristocrat did not stop there. Later in the match– as his personal ring announcer Ricardo Rodriguez jumped up on the ring apron to take the referee’s attention – Del Rio pushed Punk off the top rope. Christian seized the moment, poised to hit the spear on his war-torn foe. However, before he could, Sheamus charged to the ring to even the odds.

Although The Celtic Warrior did not enter the ring or physically interfere with the bout, his presence caused Christian to take his eye off the ball, giving Punk the opening he needed to finish him with the GTS.

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Randy Orton won a 41-Man No. 1 Contender’s Battle Royal (WATCH)
The night started with major news. With new Interim Raw GM John Laurinaitis at his side, Teddy Long announced the first match of the night would feature 41 Superstars in the largest Battle Royal in WWE history. Laurinaitis then revealed the winner would earn a title match against the champion of his choosing.

During the mayhem, powerhouses like Mason Ryan and Sheamus eliminated multiple Superstars. With bodies flying, a Brogue Kick from The Celtic Warrior sent The Miz careening from the ring. But since Miz didn’t go over the top rope, he was still in contention. In contrast, even though Christian was eliminated, in a devious move, he reentered the ring and took Sheamus out of the hunt.

As the field thinned down to the final two combatants, Miz found himself battling Randy Orton tooth-and-nail for the championship opportunity. With both Superstars tangling with each other on the ring apron, The Viper downed Miz with an RKO. In a wild finish, the momentum from the RKO carried both Superstars to the arena floor. But since Miz’s feet hit just before Orton’s, the victory went to The Viper.

Battle Royal Elimination Order: 1. Cody Rhodes, 2. Johnny Curtis, 3. JTG, 4. Michael McGillicutty, 5. Derrick Bateman, 6. Yoshi Tatsu, 7. Titus O’Neil, 8. Matt Striker, 9. William Regal, 10. Percy Watson, 11. John Morrison, 12. Dolph Ziggler, 13. Trent Baretta, 14. Jey Uso, 15. Ted DiBiase, 16. Tyson Kidd, 17. Daniel Bryan, 18. Tyler Reks, 19. Curt Hawkins, 20. Drew McIntrye, 21. Justin Gabriel, 22. Mason Ryan, 23. Primo, 24. Santino Marella, 25. Alex Riley, 26. Kofi Kingston, 27. Zack Ryder, 28. David Otunga, 29. Jimmy Uso, 30. Ezekiel Jackson, 31. Heath Slater, 32. Sin Cara (Negro), 33. Christian, 34. R-Truth , 35. CM Punk, 36. Sheamus, 37. Wade Barrett, 38. Jack Swagger, 39. Jinder Mahal, 40. The Miz

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Kevin Nash dropped COO Triple H to the canvas
After exchanging emotional and heated words, it looked like CM Punk and Triple H might come to blows before their Night of Champions match. But before things came to a head, Kevin Nash charged to the ring. With Punk seething, the COO kept him at bay. But when Triple H lost control, Punk and Nash collided, with Punk getting a massive boot to the face. Then in a stunning move, Nash dropped Triple H to the canvas with a demonstrative show of force. The contract chaos begs the question: Has Triple H lost complete control? After the mayhem, Nash refused comment to Matt Striker.

Head over to wwe.com for a preview of tonight’s enormous tag team match, including CM Punk for Smackdown 600.

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Afterward, Del Rio put his chair on top of Christian, reiterating that he would not face him at Night of Champions. When Big Show stormed to the ring, Del Rio looked ready to hit The World’s Largest Athlete with the chair. Although this gave Punk time to attack his Night of Champions opponent, Big Show quickly turned the tables, blasting Punk with a knockout punch.