WWE Monday Night Raw Season 2013 Episode 13 WWE Monday Night Raw - April 1, 2013
- TV-PG
- April 1, 2013
- 123 min
WWE Monday Night Raw - April 1, 2013 was the 1036th weekly episode of the professional wrestling television show. The show was broadcasted from the IZOD Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The episode was aired on April Fool's Day and hence the show was full of surprises and entertaining segments.
The show opened with WWE's CEO Vince McMahon coming out to the ring with his children Stephanie McMahon and Triple H. The trio announced that they had hired a new General Manager for Monday Night Raw, Brad Maddox. This announcement was met with boos from the audience as Maddox was a former referee who was known for his controversial decisions.
The first match of the night was between Randy Orton and Sheamus against Team Rhodes Scholars (Cody Rhodes and Damien Sandow). The match was a back and forth affair, with both teams exchanging momentum. Orton and Sheamus eventually picked up the victory with an RKO and a Brogue Kick.
Next up was The Miz hosting his talk show segment, Miz TV. His guest for the night was Ryback, who was set to face Mark Henry at WrestleMania 29. The segment ended with Ryback delivering his signature catchphrase "Feed me more" to the delight of the crowd.
The third match of the night was between Antonio Cesaro and Kofi Kingston for the United States Championship. The match was a high-flying affair with both wrestlers showcasing their athletic abilities. Cesaro eventually picked up the win with his finishing move, the Neutralizer, becoming the new United States Champion.
Backstage, WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley made a surprise appearance and announced that he would be the special guest referee for the match between John Cena and The Rock at WrestleMania 29.
The fourth match of the night was between Alberto Del Rio and Dolph Ziggler. The match was a heated affair with both wrestlers exchanging blows. The match ended in controversy as Jack Swagger, who was at ringside, attacked Del Rio, causing a disqualification. Swagger then attacked Del Rio further, injuring his ankle.
The next segment was a comedic one featuring Santino Marella dressed as an Italian chef. Marella was interrupted by The Shield, who attacked him and destroyed his kitchen set.
The main event of the night was a tag team match between WWE Champion, CM Punk and Intercontinental Champion, Wade Barrett, against World Heavyweight Champion, Alberto Del Rio and Randy Orton. The match was a fast-paced affair with all four wrestlers showcasing their skills. CM Punk eventually picked up the win for his team after hitting the GTS on Del Rio.
The show ended with John Cena coming out to the ring and addressing the crowd about his upcoming match against The Rock at WrestleMania 29. The segment ended with Cena holding up the WWE Championship, promising to win the title at WrestleMania.
Overall, WWE Monday Night Raw - April 1, 2013 was an entertaining show filled with surprises and exciting matches. The addition of Mick Foley as the special guest referee for the John Cena vs. The Rock match added to the hype for WrestleMania 29.