RAW Recap 4.16.07
WWE RAW from Milan, Italy on 4.16.07
Coach came out onto the ramp, mic in hand. Coach talked about last week when he announced the Backlash main event and it was overruled by Michael Pena (honorary RAW GM). Coach said he will still get his way and John Cena will face RKO in a handicapped match tonight. Coach then introduced Mr. McMahon to the crowd. Vince came out in his hat covering his bald head and strutted down to the ring. Vince told the crowd he has had great crowd receptions everywhere besides Milan. Vince insulted the crowd's "fashion sense" and then introduced Umaga who came to the ring with manager, Armando Alejandro Estrada. Vince had last week's RAW beatdown given to Bobby Lashley shown on the Titantron. Vince said at Backlash, he, Umaga and Shane will destroy Lashley in their handicapped match. Vince said both Shane and Lashley both were not present for tonight's RAW. Vince said issued an open invitation to any wrestler who wants to come out and wrestle Umaga, for the Intercontinental title. After nobody from the locker room showed up, Vince said they would choose someone from the audience to fight Umaga. Vince taunted the crowd more and then selected a front row crowd member, who entered the ring. The man said his name was Santino Morello. Vince informed the man that if Umaga injured, maimed or destroyed him in anyway, he could not sue Vince or the WWE.
Umaga vs Santino Morello (Open Invitation IC Title Match) -
Vince ordered a ref to come down to officiate the match for Umaga's title. Vince left the ring and said it was time for "Santino" to get destroyed. Santino started early with chops and kicks to Umaga, avoiding Umaga's charges at him in the corner. Santino able to roll up Umaga for a pin attempt. As Umaga got back to his feet he retreated to the corner. Vince got back in the ring interrupting the match and told Santino that this a "no holds barred" match and anything goes. Vince called Armando into the ring explaining the match. Armando slapped the man who slapped back and when distracted, Umaga attacked. Umaga slammed Santino down, allowing Umaga and his manager to attack the man, with Vince watching from ringside. Umaga slammed Santino in the center of the ring then climbed the ropes for a move. Just then Bobby Lashley came running down to the ring in a suit. Lashley slammed Umaga from off the corner ropes and then attacked him in the ring. Vince entered the ring with a chair to go after Lashley. Lashley able to yank the chair away and scare Vince out of the ring. Lashley then bashed the chair over Umaga's head several times. With Umaga knocked out, Lashley picked up the fallen Santino and placed him in a pin on Umaga. Lashley held the man down on top of Umaga as the ref counted 1, 2, 3..a new IC champion was crowded in Santino Morello, a "random" fan from Milan Italy's crowd!
Back from commercial, Jerry Lawler was in ring to interview Lashley and the new IC Champ, Santino Morello. King asked Santino how it felt to be the IC champion. Santino spoke in Italian to the crowd and thanked Lashley and WWE, then shook hands with the King and Lashley, before posing for the crowd on the ring corners.
Backstage, Carlito getting ready in the locker room as Flair came in and asked if he was ready for the match tonight. Flair told Carlito tonight they would show they're the best tag team in the world, then get themselves back in contention. Carlito agreed as Flair left.
It was announced a Cena vs HBK rematch would take place next Monday on RAW at London, England.
Carlito (w/Torrie Wilson) & Ric Flair vs. World's Greatest Tag Team - Carlito started in ring and managed to gain the upperhand despite both Haas and his partner attacking at once. Carlito cleared the ring of the two men as Flair riled the crowd up on the apron. Benjamin got back in ring and tagged in Haas, as Carlito tagged Flair in. Flair with chops to the chest of Haas then clotheslined him off the ropes. Flair attempted a figure four in the center of ring. Benjamin ran into the ring to prevent the move and give the tag team the upper hand over Flair. Benjamin and Haas gave Flair no breathing room and began to isolate him in their corner of the ring with attacks. Flair finally able to back suplex Haas, then roll over to tag in Carlito. Carlito came in to face Shelton and attacked him off the ropes, followed by a pinfall, which Haas broke up. Haas knocked out of the ring following his interruption. Carlito then went off the side ropes, but Haas grabbed his leg, tripping him up. Shelton took advantage to slam Carlito and score the pinfall victory. Carlito visibly angered by losing the match as Flair and Torrie left standing near the ring.
Maria backstage interviewing John Cena. Maria asked Cena his thoughts on tonight's handicapped match vs RKO. Cena began talking about how there's only 1 champ here. Just then, HBK interrupted. HBK told Cena before Wrestlemania he always had Cena's back. HBK said now he doesn't care what happens, and next week when they fight, HBK will leave him on his back.
Scenes and cast/crew footage shown from "The Condemned" starring Stone Cold Steve Austin.
Melina backstage getting herself ready for the DIVA fashion show as Johnny Nitro came in to compliment her. Nitro told Melina she'd definitely win the Fashion show tonight, and Melina told Nitro he'd definitely win against Eugene tonight. Eugene entered saying "HI!" then ran out of their locker room with Melina and Nitro looking irritated/puzzled.
Eugene vs. Johnny Nitro - Nitro came to the ring minus his valet, Melina, who would be involved in the Diva fashion show later. Nitro attacked Eugene as soon as he entered the ring, with the bell sounding. Nitro got Eugene to the corner and continued to kick and punch Eugene. Eugene back on his feet tried to fight back, but Nitro continued to dominate despite Eugene's attempts to battle back. Nitro landed a knee to Eugene's head off the ropes then followed with a neckbreaker style move. Eugene out cold in the ring as Nitro scored the 3 count pinfall victory.
WWE Raw DIVA Fashion Show - Todd Grisham introduced a special emcee from Italy to announce the Diva fashion show. The emcee addressed the crowd in Italian as the show began with Candice Michelle coming to the ring in a short white/gold skirt with a pair of angel wings strapped to her back. Victoria came to the ramp in a long white dress with heels on, but stumbled and then took her heels off. Mickie James was next in a pair of jeans, gold/beige boots and a white sleeveless top. Maria then came to the ramp in a sparkly Betty Boop halter style top and very short skirt. Torrie Wilson came down to the ring in all black, with shorts and a shirt that exposed her midriff/belly button. Finally, Melina came out to the ramp in a skimpy red dress with black shoulder straps. The in-ring emcee then asked the crowd to indicate tonight's best fashion Diva by applause/cheers. The crowd gave a strong response to both Maria and Torrie Wilson. The emcee announced the winner was Torrie. Torrie was raising her arms to the crowd, but Melina attacked from behind. Mickie James saved Torrie and got Melina out of the ring. Torrie, Maria, Mickie and Candice remained in the cleared ring with Torrie's arms raised.
Lance Cade vs. Jeff Hardy - A tune up match prior to Backlash, featuring Jeff facing a member of the #1 contenders for the Hardys' tag title. Cade got a kick to Jeff's stomach early, then hammered him down to the mat. Cade began to dominate Hardy briefly, until Jeff was able to gain momentum with a flying leg kick to Cade off the corner ropes. Jeff climbed the corner to Swanton on Cade, who rolled out of the ring. Jeff got out of the ring and threw Cade back in. Cade able to recover quick enough to attack Jeff as he got back into the ring. Cade tossed Jeff out of the ring and the ref went out to prevent Murdoch from a cheap attack. Jeff back in ring came off the ropes and was able to dropkick Murdoch through the ropes, knocking him to the crowd barrier. Off the ropes Cade managed to get a strong kick to Jeff's face. Cade then kicked Jeff to the corner, where Murdoch attacked from outside the ring. Matt Hardy chased him off. Cade kept Jeff in the corner for more of the assault and pin attempts. Lance Cade attempted to drop an elbow off the ropes on a fallen Jeff Hardy, but Jeff rolled away then tried to regain momentum. Hardy whipped his opponent to the corner and ran at him. Cade with an elbow to a charging Jeff Hardy, knocking him back. Jeff got back up and did a jawbreaker on Cade followed by clotheslines and takedowns to knock Cade to the mat. Hardy climbed the ropes for the Swonton, as Murdoch got on the apron to taunt. Matt Hardy pulled Murdoch off. As Hardy jumped for the Swanton, Cade put his knees up, causing Jeff to hurt his back. Jeff stood up but Cade clotheslined him down and scored a pinfall victory.
Sneak preview of "The Condemned" starring Stone Cold.
Super Crazy vs Chris Masters - The 2 men locked up early with Masters trying to use brute force to dominate. Super Crazy caught Masters with a series of dropkicks causing Masters to roll out of the ring. Super Crazy ran off the ropes then jumped over the ropes onto Chris Masters with a sommersault. Super Crazy tossed Masters back in then tried to do a backflip onto him off the ropes. Masters moved away from the moonsault attempt, then attacked his fallen opponent. Masters used his strength advantage to continue to attack Super, until Super fought back from the corner and began to punch and kick Masters. Crazy tried a crucifix off the ropes, but Masters held him up then slammed him backwards to the mat. After a failed pin attempt, Masters locked a headlock in with Super Crazy down on the mat. Masters locked the headlock in a 2nd time after Super Crazy tried to mount an attack off the ropes. As Super tried to get to his feet he started to attack the legs of Masters, getting him down to the mat. Crazy then backflipped twice onto Masters and tried a pin with no luck. Super Crazy ran off the ropes at Masters who was able to switch a "wheelbarrow" move attempt by Crazy. Masters able to slam Super Crazy backwards to the mat and score a pinfall victory.
Backstage, Orton walked into the locker room where Edge was preparing. Orton told Edge he wanted to let bygones be bygones and that they needed to work together tonight to take down Cena. Edge agreed they needed to rekindle RKO. Edge and Orton shook hands agreeing to "be on the same page".
Main Event: John Cena vs. Rated RKO - (2 on 1 Handicap Tag Match) - Edge took it to Cena early, until Cena whipped Edge to the corner then suplexed him for a quick pin attempt. Edge able to back Cena into a corner and elbow him in the face. Edge tagged Orton in who began to kick Cena, who was already down on the mat. Cena able to regain some control and began punching Orton. After throwing Orton to the ropes, Cena ducked down to flip Orton, but Randy kicked Cena instead. Orton began to hammer Cena's chest, then uppercut the champ. Edge able to tag Orton's back after Cena whipped him to the ropes. Orton knocked Cena to the mat as Edge dropped an elbow on him. RAW went to commercial for a few mins, but once back JR and King reported Cena had not had any offensive attack on his opponents during the break.
Cena knocked out of the ring to the announcer's table, then brought back in the ring by Orton who continued to punch Cena. Edge tagged back in started to punch away at Cena both in the corner of the ring then center mat. Orton tagged back in to keep up with the punishment on Cena. Orton and Edge continued to switch in and out. Edge almost got F-U'd by Cena, but Edge turned it around and slammed Cena down from behind. Edge seated Cena on the ropes and started to climb the ropes to suplex Cena. Cena fought back with punches knocking Edge down to the mat. Cena jumped off the corner ropes with a legdrop to the back of Edge's head. Randy Orton came in to start attacking Cena. HBK then came down the ramp, as Edge had rolled out of the ring to get a chair. Orton was attacking Cena, but then got whipped off the ropes. HBK pulled down the side rope as Orton got to it, causing Orton to fall out of the ring. Cena managed to take control over Edge and got him up for the F-U. Just then, Orton rolled back in the ring and dropkicked Cena, who crashed backwards with Edge into the ref.
Orton and Cena got up but then both knocked each other out, leaving all 3 men and the ref lying in the ring. Edge was first to his feet and got to the corner for the Spear. As Cena started to get to his feet, Orton did behind him. Edge ran for the Spear, but Cena moved causing Edge to spear Randy Orton instead. HBK then rolled into the ring and set up behind Cena for a superkick. With Edge back on his feet, Cena turned to see HBK coming at him. Cena ducked the Sweet Chin Music, which instead hit Edge in the face. Cena able to grab HBK and do the F-U on him, then covered Edge for the pinfall victory. Raw left the air with Cena holding his title up in the ring, with Edge, HBK and Orton all layed out on the mat.
(Notes: First off, Milan and Italy in general are beautiful. If you ever get a chance to visit, make sure to.
Second, the crowd/audience interactions were great, especially the soccer style rising cheers/chants.
Seeing the "random" crowd member win the IC title was a cool, unexpected moment you don't always see on RAW.
Final note: Italy, it seems, does not like John Cena.)
Coach came out onto the ramp, mic in hand. Coach talked about last week when he announced the Backlash main event and it was overruled by Michael Pena (honorary RAW GM). Coach said he will still get his way and John Cena will face RKO in a handicapped match tonight. Coach then introduced Mr. McMahon to the crowd. Vince came out in his hat covering his bald head and strutted down to the ring. Vince told the crowd he has had great crowd receptions everywhere besides Milan. Vince insulted the crowd's "fashion sense" and then introduced Umaga who came to the ring with manager, Armando Alejandro Estrada. Vince had last week's RAW beatdown given to Bobby Lashley shown on the Titantron. Vince said at Backlash, he, Umaga and Shane will destroy Lashley in their handicapped match. Vince said both Shane and Lashley both were not present for tonight's RAW. Vince said issued an open invitation to any wrestler who wants to come out and wrestle Umaga, for the Intercontinental title. After nobody from the locker room showed up, Vince said they would choose someone from the audience to fight Umaga. Vince taunted the crowd more and then selected a front row crowd member, who entered the ring. The man said his name was Santino Morello. Vince informed the man that if Umaga injured, maimed or destroyed him in anyway, he could not sue Vince or the WWE.
Umaga vs Santino Morello (Open Invitation IC Title Match) -
Vince ordered a ref to come down to officiate the match for Umaga's title. Vince left the ring and said it was time for "Santino" to get destroyed. Santino started early with chops and kicks to Umaga, avoiding Umaga's charges at him in the corner. Santino able to roll up Umaga for a pin attempt. As Umaga got back to his feet he retreated to the corner. Vince got back in the ring interrupting the match and told Santino that this a "no holds barred" match and anything goes. Vince called Armando into the ring explaining the match. Armando slapped the man who slapped back and when distracted, Umaga attacked. Umaga slammed Santino down, allowing Umaga and his manager to attack the man, with Vince watching from ringside. Umaga slammed Santino in the center of the ring then climbed the ropes for a move. Just then Bobby Lashley came running down to the ring in a suit. Lashley slammed Umaga from off the corner ropes and then attacked him in the ring. Vince entered the ring with a chair to go after Lashley. Lashley able to yank the chair away and scare Vince out of the ring. Lashley then bashed the chair over Umaga's head several times. With Umaga knocked out, Lashley picked up the fallen Santino and placed him in a pin on Umaga. Lashley held the man down on top of Umaga as the ref counted 1, 2, 3..a new IC champion was crowded in Santino Morello, a "random" fan from Milan Italy's crowd!
Back from commercial, Jerry Lawler was in ring to interview Lashley and the new IC Champ, Santino Morello. King asked Santino how it felt to be the IC champion. Santino spoke in Italian to the crowd and thanked Lashley and WWE, then shook hands with the King and Lashley, before posing for the crowd on the ring corners.
Backstage, Carlito getting ready in the locker room as Flair came in and asked if he was ready for the match tonight. Flair told Carlito tonight they would show they're the best tag team in the world, then get themselves back in contention. Carlito agreed as Flair left.
It was announced a Cena vs HBK rematch would take place next Monday on RAW at London, England.
Carlito (w/Torrie Wilson) & Ric Flair vs. World's Greatest Tag Team - Carlito started in ring and managed to gain the upperhand despite both Haas and his partner attacking at once. Carlito cleared the ring of the two men as Flair riled the crowd up on the apron. Benjamin got back in ring and tagged in Haas, as Carlito tagged Flair in. Flair with chops to the chest of Haas then clotheslined him off the ropes. Flair attempted a figure four in the center of ring. Benjamin ran into the ring to prevent the move and give the tag team the upper hand over Flair. Benjamin and Haas gave Flair no breathing room and began to isolate him in their corner of the ring with attacks. Flair finally able to back suplex Haas, then roll over to tag in Carlito. Carlito came in to face Shelton and attacked him off the ropes, followed by a pinfall, which Haas broke up. Haas knocked out of the ring following his interruption. Carlito then went off the side ropes, but Haas grabbed his leg, tripping him up. Shelton took advantage to slam Carlito and score the pinfall victory. Carlito visibly angered by losing the match as Flair and Torrie left standing near the ring.
Maria backstage interviewing John Cena. Maria asked Cena his thoughts on tonight's handicapped match vs RKO. Cena began talking about how there's only 1 champ here. Just then, HBK interrupted. HBK told Cena before Wrestlemania he always had Cena's back. HBK said now he doesn't care what happens, and next week when they fight, HBK will leave him on his back.
Scenes and cast/crew footage shown from "The Condemned" starring Stone Cold Steve Austin.
Melina backstage getting herself ready for the DIVA fashion show as Johnny Nitro came in to compliment her. Nitro told Melina she'd definitely win the Fashion show tonight, and Melina told Nitro he'd definitely win against Eugene tonight. Eugene entered saying "HI!" then ran out of their locker room with Melina and Nitro looking irritated/puzzled.
Eugene vs. Johnny Nitro - Nitro came to the ring minus his valet, Melina, who would be involved in the Diva fashion show later. Nitro attacked Eugene as soon as he entered the ring, with the bell sounding. Nitro got Eugene to the corner and continued to kick and punch Eugene. Eugene back on his feet tried to fight back, but Nitro continued to dominate despite Eugene's attempts to battle back. Nitro landed a knee to Eugene's head off the ropes then followed with a neckbreaker style move. Eugene out cold in the ring as Nitro scored the 3 count pinfall victory.
WWE Raw DIVA Fashion Show - Todd Grisham introduced a special emcee from Italy to announce the Diva fashion show. The emcee addressed the crowd in Italian as the show began with Candice Michelle coming to the ring in a short white/gold skirt with a pair of angel wings strapped to her back. Victoria came to the ramp in a long white dress with heels on, but stumbled and then took her heels off. Mickie James was next in a pair of jeans, gold/beige boots and a white sleeveless top. Maria then came to the ramp in a sparkly Betty Boop halter style top and very short skirt. Torrie Wilson came down to the ring in all black, with shorts and a shirt that exposed her midriff/belly button. Finally, Melina came out to the ramp in a skimpy red dress with black shoulder straps. The in-ring emcee then asked the crowd to indicate tonight's best fashion Diva by applause/cheers. The crowd gave a strong response to both Maria and Torrie Wilson. The emcee announced the winner was Torrie. Torrie was raising her arms to the crowd, but Melina attacked from behind. Mickie James saved Torrie and got Melina out of the ring. Torrie, Maria, Mickie and Candice remained in the cleared ring with Torrie's arms raised.
Lance Cade vs. Jeff Hardy - A tune up match prior to Backlash, featuring Jeff facing a member of the #1 contenders for the Hardys' tag title. Cade got a kick to Jeff's stomach early, then hammered him down to the mat. Cade began to dominate Hardy briefly, until Jeff was able to gain momentum with a flying leg kick to Cade off the corner ropes. Jeff climbed the corner to Swanton on Cade, who rolled out of the ring. Jeff got out of the ring and threw Cade back in. Cade able to recover quick enough to attack Jeff as he got back into the ring. Cade tossed Jeff out of the ring and the ref went out to prevent Murdoch from a cheap attack. Jeff back in ring came off the ropes and was able to dropkick Murdoch through the ropes, knocking him to the crowd barrier. Off the ropes Cade managed to get a strong kick to Jeff's face. Cade then kicked Jeff to the corner, where Murdoch attacked from outside the ring. Matt Hardy chased him off. Cade kept Jeff in the corner for more of the assault and pin attempts. Lance Cade attempted to drop an elbow off the ropes on a fallen Jeff Hardy, but Jeff rolled away then tried to regain momentum. Hardy whipped his opponent to the corner and ran at him. Cade with an elbow to a charging Jeff Hardy, knocking him back. Jeff got back up and did a jawbreaker on Cade followed by clotheslines and takedowns to knock Cade to the mat. Hardy climbed the ropes for the Swonton, as Murdoch got on the apron to taunt. Matt Hardy pulled Murdoch off. As Hardy jumped for the Swanton, Cade put his knees up, causing Jeff to hurt his back. Jeff stood up but Cade clotheslined him down and scored a pinfall victory.
Sneak preview of "The Condemned" starring Stone Cold.
Super Crazy vs Chris Masters - The 2 men locked up early with Masters trying to use brute force to dominate. Super Crazy caught Masters with a series of dropkicks causing Masters to roll out of the ring. Super Crazy ran off the ropes then jumped over the ropes onto Chris Masters with a sommersault. Super Crazy tossed Masters back in then tried to do a backflip onto him off the ropes. Masters moved away from the moonsault attempt, then attacked his fallen opponent. Masters used his strength advantage to continue to attack Super, until Super fought back from the corner and began to punch and kick Masters. Crazy tried a crucifix off the ropes, but Masters held him up then slammed him backwards to the mat. After a failed pin attempt, Masters locked a headlock in with Super Crazy down on the mat. Masters locked the headlock in a 2nd time after Super Crazy tried to mount an attack off the ropes. As Super tried to get to his feet he started to attack the legs of Masters, getting him down to the mat. Crazy then backflipped twice onto Masters and tried a pin with no luck. Super Crazy ran off the ropes at Masters who was able to switch a "wheelbarrow" move attempt by Crazy. Masters able to slam Super Crazy backwards to the mat and score a pinfall victory.
Backstage, Orton walked into the locker room where Edge was preparing. Orton told Edge he wanted to let bygones be bygones and that they needed to work together tonight to take down Cena. Edge agreed they needed to rekindle RKO. Edge and Orton shook hands agreeing to "be on the same page".
Main Event: John Cena vs. Rated RKO - (2 on 1 Handicap Tag Match) - Edge took it to Cena early, until Cena whipped Edge to the corner then suplexed him for a quick pin attempt. Edge able to back Cena into a corner and elbow him in the face. Edge tagged Orton in who began to kick Cena, who was already down on the mat. Cena able to regain some control and began punching Orton. After throwing Orton to the ropes, Cena ducked down to flip Orton, but Randy kicked Cena instead. Orton began to hammer Cena's chest, then uppercut the champ. Edge able to tag Orton's back after Cena whipped him to the ropes. Orton knocked Cena to the mat as Edge dropped an elbow on him. RAW went to commercial for a few mins, but once back JR and King reported Cena had not had any offensive attack on his opponents during the break.
Cena knocked out of the ring to the announcer's table, then brought back in the ring by Orton who continued to punch Cena. Edge tagged back in started to punch away at Cena both in the corner of the ring then center mat. Orton tagged back in to keep up with the punishment on Cena. Orton and Edge continued to switch in and out. Edge almost got F-U'd by Cena, but Edge turned it around and slammed Cena down from behind. Edge seated Cena on the ropes and started to climb the ropes to suplex Cena. Cena fought back with punches knocking Edge down to the mat. Cena jumped off the corner ropes with a legdrop to the back of Edge's head. Randy Orton came in to start attacking Cena. HBK then came down the ramp, as Edge had rolled out of the ring to get a chair. Orton was attacking Cena, but then got whipped off the ropes. HBK pulled down the side rope as Orton got to it, causing Orton to fall out of the ring. Cena managed to take control over Edge and got him up for the F-U. Just then, Orton rolled back in the ring and dropkicked Cena, who crashed backwards with Edge into the ref.
Orton and Cena got up but then both knocked each other out, leaving all 3 men and the ref lying in the ring. Edge was first to his feet and got to the corner for the Spear. As Cena started to get to his feet, Orton did behind him. Edge ran for the Spear, but Cena moved causing Edge to spear Randy Orton instead. HBK then rolled into the ring and set up behind Cena for a superkick. With Edge back on his feet, Cena turned to see HBK coming at him. Cena ducked the Sweet Chin Music, which instead hit Edge in the face. Cena able to grab HBK and do the F-U on him, then covered Edge for the pinfall victory. Raw left the air with Cena holding his title up in the ring, with Edge, HBK and Orton all layed out on the mat.
(Notes: First off, Milan and Italy in general are beautiful. If you ever get a chance to visit, make sure to.
Second, the crowd/audience interactions were great, especially the soccer style rising cheers/chants.
Seeing the "random" crowd member win the IC title was a cool, unexpected moment you don't always see on RAW.
Final note: Italy, it seems, does not like John Cena.)
Labels: RAW Recap, WWE Recaps
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