WWE NOC PPV Results: 9-21-14
5 -- MARK HENRY vs. RUSEV (w/Lana)
Henry frustrated Rusev early on, so Rusev recovered to the outside and re-assessed his gameplan. The match returned to the floor, where Rusev ran Henry back-first into the ring steps. Henry rolled back into the ring, though, only to take a running splash from Rusev. Rusev followed with a side Russian legsweep targeting Henry's lower back and mid-section, looking to set up for The Accolade.
Rusev teased The Accolade at 5:50, but Henry blocked the application. Henry used his strength to lift Rusev to his feet and then he powered Rusev in the air for World's Strongest Slam. But, Henry was too injured to follow up with a pin attempt. So, Rusev managed to roll under the ring apron to the floor. From the outside, Rusev sidekicked Henry in the face. But, Henry sold determination, so Rusev kicked him again. And a third time, this time bouncing off the ropes for added momentum. Rusev then sat down on Henry for The Accolade in the middle of the ring. Henry was forced to tap out.
Post-match, Cole called it a disappointing night for Mark Henry. WWE cut to crowd shots of sad fans let down by the match result. Lana then entered the ring to present Rusev with a medal for his victory as JBL heeled on Henry for letting down his country. "You have to ask the question - who stops Rusev?" Cole concluded.
WINNER: Rusev via submission at 8:57. Big heat transfer from American pride to international anger, continuing the build-up to an American eventually taking out Rusev.
6 -- CHRIS JERICHO vs. RANDY ORTON
The Network feed went down during Orton's ring entrance. Error messages flashed on the screen, then after a re-start the feed resumed with Jericho ramming Orton into the ring steps on the outside. Back in the ring, Orton flung Jericho clear over the top rope to the floor. Orton bashed Jericho into stationary objects on the outside, then rolled Jericho back into the ring for a two count. Back to the outside. Orton nicely handed JBL his cowboy hat, concerning JBL, then Orton slammed Jericho back-first onto the lid of the announce table.
Back in the ring, Orton continued to work on Jericho, who fought back with a flying forearm, shoulder tackle, and flying neck-tie slam for a two count. But, Orton came right back with a snap powerslam for a two count. Orton then stalked Jericho for the RKO, but Jericho pushed him off and fluidly nailed the lionsault for a two count. Orton tried to respond with a second-rope DDT, but Jericho blocked and teased the Walls of Jericho, only to have Orton block and post Jericho.
After Jericho went head-first into the ringpost, Orton paused to contemplate his next move. Orton looked down at Jericho, then backed up to tease The Punt. Jericho moved at the last second and rolled up Orton, but it was only good for a two count. Jericho then slapped on the Walls of Jericho in the middle of the ring. Orton made it near the ropes, got a fingertip on the bottom rope, and Jericho pulled Orton back to the middle of the ring, popping the crowd. Orton gave up getting the ropes, so he slid underneath Jericho to escape the hold and push Jericho through the ropes to the outside.
Jericho tried to get back in the ring, but Orton caught him for a second-rope DDT. "Y2J" chant as Jericho recovered and Orton contemplated either an RKO or Punt. This time, Orton dramatically threw himself down to the mat to set up for the RKO. But, Jericho surprised Orton out of nowhere with the Codebreaker. Orton kicked out just in-time, though.
Reset with Jericho climbing to the top turnbuckle and eying Orton for a big move. Orton stood with his back to Jericho forever, then Jericho waited for the moment and flew toward Orton, but Orton caught Jericho with a surprise mid-air RKO. Orton did his classic pose, then slowly rolled Jericho over to pin him for the win.
WINNER: Orton at 14:50 of what aired. A second very good undercard match tonight. Strong chemistry between them and really good, fluid sequences throughout. There wasn't a sense of finality for Jericho, though, possibly setting up a write-off Monday night on Raw. Unless Jericho just disappears, like RVD. (***1/2)