Raw Recap 09.24.07

Raw recap from Milwaukee, WI:

Johnathan Coachman was in ring with WWE security surrounding him outside. Coach said he had an announcement that would affect Randy Orton's career, and then had highlights shown of Unforgiven and last week's Raw where John Cena's father was destroyed in a match with Randy Orton. John Cena was handcuffed to the lower rope and had to witness the destruction, but was able to break free. By the time Cena chased Orton out of the ring, it was too late.

Coach then said he suspended Orton indefinitely due to last week's actions. Coach also said he had security standing by so he would not fall victim to the same consequences that former Raw GM William Regal did at Cena's hands. Coach then introduced WWE chairman, Vince McMahon.

Vince discussed how Triple H continues to "spit in the face of respect", and how the Game took pleasure when it was announced that Hornswoggle was his son. Vince said tonight Triple H would be the one humilated. Vince said HHH will face Carlito in the steel cage tonight, but that Carlito will have a tag team partner to help, Mr. McMahon. Vince said he also owed one individual an apology over last week, his son Hornswoggle.

Hornswoggle came running down to the ring and danced around, then hugged Vince's leg. Vince got down on one knee to speak to his son, telling him he was hoping that Hornswoggle loved him. Hornswoggle said he loved him, and Vince said he loved him back. The two hugged, then Vince remarked how the ladies have been after him since finding out he's a McMahon. Vince said one lady wants to meet him in particular, Melina. Melina told a bashful Hornswoggle she thought he was really cute and asked to get to know him better. Hornswoggle thought about it for a moment, then jumped on Melina rolling around the ring. When Coach pulled the leprechaun off, Vince told Melina and his son to go have a beer. The two left up the ramp hand in hand.

Coach then began to tell Mr. McMahon how he should be permanent GM of Raw. Just then, John Cena's music came on and the champ walked angrily down the ramp to the ring. Security got into the ring to surround Coach and Vince. Cena went over and grabbed several steel chairs and tossed them into the ring, then rolled into the ring. Coach yelled that if Cena touched he or Vince, he would be stripped off the title. Despite, this Cena went right after Coach, attacking. Security pulled Cena away as Coach and Vince retreated out of the ring, up the ramp.

Vince then angrily yelled at Cena on the mic that he would surrender his title in a ceremony later tonight at the discretion of Coach. The crowd gave a mixed chorus of cheers and boos as Raw went to commercial.

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Raw came back with highlights of what Vince McMahon just announced, regarding Cena's championship surrender ceremony later tonight.

Cody Rhodes vs. Hardcore Holly

Jim Ross said it was great to see Holly making his return to the ring on Raw. Holly spoke to Rhodes on a mic prior to the match saying if he wants respect, he has to earn it. Holly pushed Rhodes to the corner, then tried to clothesline him down. Rhodes ducked and tried to go off the ropes. Holly escaped a pin attempt and forced Rhodes to the corner for several punches and chest chops.

Holly tried to keep Rhodes down on the mat in a headlock, but Rhodes got to this feet. Holly tried to slam Rhodes back, but Code escaped to used a side suplex. Rhodes started to gain some brief momentum and was able to land on his feet when Holly flipped him over the ropes onto the side apron. Rhodes punched Holly twice then waited a bit before trying to jump off the top rope at him. Holly moved away causing Rhodes to fall flat in the ring. Holly then picked up Rhodes and spun him around several times, then slammed him down for a pin.

Winner: Hardcore Holly wins via pinfall over Cody Rhodes.

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A promo shown for Stone Cold Steve Austin's "The Condemned", with Austin promoting the movie at FYE, signing copies of the DVD for the fans. Jim Ross announced how "The Condemned" is the hottest selling DVD right now.

Jerry Lawler and JR discussed how Coach will decide later tonight whether or not to strip John Cena of the WWE title. JR said earlier today, Randy Orton gave comments regarding John Cena. Orton's remarks were shown on the Titantron, with Orton discussing how Cena took the "easy way out" at Unforgiven by getting disqualified, then had his father kick Orton in the head. Orton then said wrestling is in his blood and it's his life. Randy said he enjoyed beating up Mr. Cena in their match last week, and that at No Mercy, John Cena has nowhere to run during the Last Man Standing Match. Orton vowed to take the WWE title, and told Cena to bring his dad to Raw next week, then said he will be the last man standing at No Mercy.

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Raw Rewind showed footage of Maria asking Ron Simmons if she should tell Santino they need to see other people. Santino Marella then came up to them, attacking Simmons and left him layed out. Marella yelled "DAMN" as he walked off with Maria.

Santino Marella vs. Ron Simmons

Santino Marella came down to the ring accompanied by Maria. The former APA member gained the upperhand on Marella early whipping him to the ropes. Simmons then went at Santino, but he rolled out under the bottom ropes. Simmons also exited the ring chasing Marella back in. As Simmons got back in the ring, Marella was able to gain control of the match, forcing Ron down to the mat.

Marella taunted Simmons as he was down on the mat, then hammered away at Ron's back. Back on his feet, Simmons managed to elude a Marella clothesline and gain momentum. Simmons picked up Marella on his shoulder for a slam, but Santino slid off Simmons then shoved him to the ropes. Santino then rolled out under the bottom rope and started up the ramp. Maria told him to get back into the ring as the ref counted. Marella grabbed Maria by the hand and walked up the ramp, getting counted out. Afterwards, Ron Simmons took a mic into the ring and paused for a moment before yelling his famous "DAMN!"

Winner: Ron Simmons wins due to countout of Santino Marella.

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Footage shown on the 2007 Diva search competition with the Diva limbo contest. Taryn was the winner of this second competition in the 2007 Diva search. Head over to WWE.com for more coverage of the contest, as well as competition #3, the Obstacle course. Jim Ross said there would be another contestant voted off tonight.

Backstage, Melina was shown texting on a cell phone. Jillian Hall came walking up to Melina asking where her boyfriend was. Melina said Hornswoggle wouldn't be with her at every moment. Jillian then told Melina she was ruining her reputation. Melina told Jillian she had made a deal earlier with Coach to go on a date with Hornswoggle. In exchange, Melina would get a shot at the Women's title. Melina then said she needed to take 15 showers to wipe the stench of the leprechaun off.

Cade and Murdoch shown backstage with their tag titles. The Highlanders came up to ask for a title shot, saying they would agree to any stipulation even a "kilts on a pole" match. Murdoch asked them if they had their kilts on a pole, what would they wear. The Highlanders flipped up their kilts at the tag champs, then turned around and mooned them.

Triple H vs. Carlito & Vince McMahon (Steel Cage match)

Triple H climbed up onto the top of the cage and posed before Carlito and Vince came down to the ring. Carlito ran at Triple H to attack as Vince tried to start up the cage wall. HHH escaped Carlito then pulled Vince down. The two opponents then cornered HHH and tried to beat him up, but again, Triple H gained the upperhand. Vince tried to crawl towards the cage door to exit, but HHH was able to catch him.

Triple H was able to knock down Carlito, and then went at Vince McMahon was trying to climb the wall again. HHH yanked Vince's foot, causing him to land on his groin on the top rope. Carlito delivered a low blow to HHH, then threw him face first into the side wall of the cage. Raw went to break with the Game layed out.

Back from break, Carlito stood HHH up center ring, and the Game started to punch back. Carlito went to whip HHH to the ropes, but HHH reversed then was able to knock Carlito down to the mat. HHH went over to Vince who was between the ropes and the cage wall. HHH knocked Vince back into the wall several times, then grabbed Carlito and threw him into Vince. With Carlito down, HHH went at Vince, and prepared for a Pedigree. Carlito was able to get up and grabbed HHH from behind to deliver "the Backstabber"

Vince began to crawl towards the door, as Carlito went after HHH. HHH managed to escape after tossing Carlito into the ropes. HHH barely grabbed Vince's foot as Vince tried to leave through the cage door. Carlito and HHH battled further. Again, Vince made his way up the side cage wall. Triple H finally got over to him and went up as well. HHH began to battle with Vince on top of the cage wall. Carlito came up on the corner turnbuckle to go after HHH. HHH finally shoved Carlito off, but Vince was still able to climb over the side wall and then land outside the ring on both feet. Mr. McMahon celebrated at the top of the ramp with HHH still looking on at him from the top of the cage. HHH went back down into the ring seeing Carlito standing there still. HHH took out his frustration, beating up Carlito around the ring and drawing blood.

HHH's music played as he left the cage, but HHH picked up a steel chair and re-entered the ring. HHH layed the chair down center ring, then stood up Carlito. and delivered the Pedigree, driving Carlito face first into the chair.

Winner: Vince McMahon and Carlito win over HHH due to Vince McMahon escaping the steel cage first.

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Kendrick and London vs. Cade & Murdoch

Raw came back to this match from a commercial break, with Highlanders looking on outside the ring. Cade gained the upperhand on London, and was able to tag in Murdoch who continued to work on London. London finally escaped a headlock, then tagged in kendrick. Brian flew around the ring, knocking Cade out of the ring, then started to use quick, high flying moves on Murdoch. Kendrick went for a pin, but Cade came in to break it up. London also got back into the ring and ended up taking Murdoch back out of the ring. Brian Kendrick was able to deliver a strong kick to Murdoch then went for the pin. Highlanders quickly got into the ring and began to attack Kendrick, causing the DQ.

London tried to get in the ring to aid his fallen partner, but was quickly knocked down and then beat up as well. Jim Ross asked the question what did Kendrick and London do to deserve this?

Winner: Kendrick and London win due to a disqualification of Cade and Murdoch.

Melina shown backstage in the locker room shower, with her back to the camera. As the diva showered, Hornswoggle was shown standing outside the shower. Hornswoggle took the pink towel hanging near the shower and draped it over himself. As Melina turned off the shower she reached out and grabbed the towel off the leprechaun. Melina began to exit the shower then saw Hornswoggle and shrieked. Hornswoggle then chased Melina out of the shower backstage, eventually pulling the towel off her. Melina ran out through a door as Hornswoggle laughed at his prank.

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Vince McMahon shown in an office backstage. Coach rushed in and said it was good Mr. McMahon is leaving. Vince said he's not going anywhere yet because he's basking in the glory of his win. Coach told Vince that HHH is looking for him, but Vince said he didn't care and could beat HHH in another match if he had to. Vince began to quickly pack clothes into a gym bag after Coach exited.

Previews and behind the scenes footage shown of Stone Cold Steve Austin's "The Condemned". Santino Marella gave his commentary about the movie, saying the movie was below average and the violence was too much. Marella also added he would make a better Jack Conrad then Stone Cold.

Vince McMahon shown again backstage, trying to leave with 2 gym bags. As Vince opened the door to leave, HHH was standing there. HHH came in and got in his face saying that if Vince thinks he can beat him anytime, how about next week on Raw. Vince told HHH he was on, and HHH told Vince "you're screwed".

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Highlights shown from last weeks IC title defense against Shelton Benjamin, with Hardy picking up the victory in a tough contest.

Jeff Hardy & Candice Michelle vs. Shelton Benjamin & Beth Phoenix

A mixed tag match which featured Milwaukee's own, Candice Michelle. Shelton squared off with Hardy to start, driving Jeff to the corner and punching him. Shelton tried to whip Hardy to the ropes for a clothesline, but Jeff ducked then flew at Benjamin to knock him down.

Shelton grabbed Hardy's one leg, but Jeff was able to kick Benjamin in the face and knock him out of the ring. Jeff then climbed the turnbuckle, and Beth Phoenix came over on the apron at him. Candice entered the ring and ran at Beth Phoenix knocking her off the apron. Candice then climbed the turnbuckle wit Jeff and jumped off onto Beth Phoenix. Jeff jumped off onto Shelton. Candice and Jeff returned to the ring as the ref counted and Raw went to commercial.

Raw returned with Beth Phoenix keeping Candice in a hold down on the mat. Candice mustered up the strength to get to her feet and then kicked and elbowed Phoenix. Beth managed to get over to tag in Benjamin, so Candice tagged in Jeff. Jeff gained momentum hitting the Whisper in the Wind off the turnbuckle. Jeff tried another high flying move but Benjamin managed to powerbomb him down. Shelton tried to keep Jeff down to the mat in a hold to wear him down. Hardy got back to his feet to fight back, but Shelton slammed him down on his back.

Shelton whipped Jeff to the ropes and Hardy ducked a clothesline. Hardy then flew at Benjamin and the two men both fell to the mat. Jeff and Shelton were able to tag in their diva partners, and Candice began to take the upperhand on Beth, delivering an array of impressive moves. Jeff came into the ring again and provided Candice a ramp so she could run and jump off him to splash Beth in the corner. Benjamin got back into the mix and got Hardy out of the ring. As Candice looked out towards the two wrestlers, Beth Phoenix was able to attack her. Beth held Candice up in the air for a moment then delivered a cradle suplex to pick up the pinfall victory over Candice.

Winners: Shelton Benjamin & Beth Phoenix win via pinfall over Candice Michelle and Jeff Hardy.

Coach shown backstage talking to a group of reporters and cameramen. Coach said very soon you will see Cena's WWE title reign finally end as he is stripped of the title. Coach went on to say he only suspended Randy Orton for 24 hours, and that he hopes John Cena's dad will be watching the upcoming ceremony.

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Jim Ross said next week's main event for Raw in Cleveland is official and it will be Mr. McMahon vs. Triple H in a one on one contest. Footage shown of earlier when Vince told John Cena he would surrender his WWE title tonight, due to attacking Coach in the ring.

WWE Title Surrender Ceremony

A covered table and several security staff were in the ring with Johnathan Coachman as he discussed how one of the longest WWE title runs in 20 years may be coming to an end. Coach said Mr. McMahon left it up to him to strip Cena of the title, but Coach said it is really all up to John Cena.

Coach called Cena out twice and the champ came walking down the ramp with the championship belt around his waist. Cena stood eye to eye with Coach, as Coach told him it would be a shame for it to all end this way. Coach said due to Cena's arrogance his father's match might have been for nothing last week. Coach said he wants Cena to show the respect he finally deserves and to beg to keep the WWE title. Coach said if Cena is apologetic and genuine, he might let him keep the title.

Cena paused for a moment, then removed his shirt, preparing to fight. Coach told Cena he's about to become an ex-champion. The Raw GM then ordered Cena to hand the belt over and show some dignity, or instead he can have security take the title from him and haul him out of the building. Coach asked for Cena's decision. and after waiting a moment said it seems Cena wants to do things the hard way. Coach ordered security to take Cena's title from him. Just then, the ring bell rang several times. Lillian Garcia stood up with a mic and said she just received an important announcement from Mr. McMahon. Lillian said John Cena would not be stripped of his WWE title tonight. Lillian said there would also be a match, ordered by Mr. McMahon, a tables match right now between Coach and Cena.

John Cena vs. Johnathan Coachman (Tables Match)

Coach began to yell on the mic that Vince never called him, but the bell rang to start the match. Security left the ring as a ref began to officiate. Cena yelled to Coach that he knows nothing about respect. Cena beat up and knocked Coach to the mat before applying the STFU. Coach tapped the mat frantically but the ref couldn't call for the bell. Cena finally released the hold and picked up Coach on his shoulders. Cena then delivered the "F U" on Coach driving him straight through the table already in the ring.

Hornswoggle then appeared at the top of the ramp smiling as he looked to the ring where Cena was. Cena picked up the mic and then told Hornswoggle "Thank you, Mr. McMahon". Cena posed with his title from the corners of the ring as Raw went off the air.

Winner: John Cena wins the match by smashing Coach through a table.