Raw results: Cena conquers Punk and Triple H returns to draw first blood

Ryback def. Dolph Ziggler

Ryback vs. Dolph Ziggler: Raw, Feb. 25, 2013John Cena vs. CM Punk - Winner faces The Rock for the WWE Title at WrestleMania: Raw, Feb. 25, 2013 (Full-Length Match)John Cena vs. CM Punk - Winner faces The Rock for the WWE Title at WrestleMania: Raw, Feb. 25, 2013Members of the WWE Universe react on Tout to the Mr. McMahon vs. Paul Heyman fight : Raw, Feb. 25, 2013The Miz vs. Jack Swagger: Raw, Feb. 25, 2013Sheamus and Randy Orton tangle with The Shield: Raw, Feb. 25, 2013Raw goes "Old School" - Monday at 8/7 CT, only on USA

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PHOTOS | VIDEO

Given Ryback’s numerous frustrations at the hands of The Shield in the past few weeks, perhaps this Raw was not the ideal time for Dolph Ziggler to challenge the beast in a one-on-one match. But ever the spotlight-seeker, Ziggler challenged Ryback and he paid the price as a result. The Showoff’s famed athleticism kept the beast at bay for the majority of their match, but each time Ziggler attempted a flashy move, Ryback snatched him out of the air and administered the kind of punishment that — as Jerry “The King” Lawler said — “lowers your IQ.” Even after Big E Langston interfered to even the odds, Ryback withstood an astounding comeback from Ziggler (The Showoff’s leaping DDT nearly rattled the rafters of the American Airlines Center) and powered his way to victory, plastering Ziggler with Shell Shocked and picking up the pin as a result. It’s not The Shield. But it’s a start.