WWE Raw Recap 10.15.07

Recap of Raw from the UK:

Raw opened with highlights from last week's show, where a ceremony was held to congratulate Randy Orton as new WWE champ. Shawn Michaels spoiled the celebration by returning to beat up Orton in the ring and then delivered Sweet Chin Music on him.

William Regal shown in a backstage office and Randy Orton enters telling Regal about last week's attack by Shawn Michaels. Orton tells Regal that he should decide his Cyber Sunday opponent, not the fans. Orton then asked for a tune up match before Cyber Sunday and told Regal a triple threat match between Shawn Michaels, Mr. Kennedy and Jeff Hardy would be good too. Regal said the fans would enjoy that, then said he had an announcement to deliver to the fans.

Regal showed up on the top of the ramp, mic in hand and told the crowd that tonight Orton will face each of his 3 possible Cyber Sunday opponents in singles matches. First up was Jeff Hardy vs Randy Orton.

Jeff Hardy vs. Randy Orton

In a battle between WWE champ and Intercontinental champ, Orton backed Hardy to a corner early on then whipped him to the other. Orton missed when running at Jeff, allowing Jeff to take him down. Hardy managed to knock Orton into the ropes then did a running dropkick to kick Orton out of the ring. Hardy followed by a baseball slide into Orton and then jumped over the ropes onto him as Raw went to commercial.

As Raw returned, Orton had Hardy down on the mat in a headlock. Jeff escaped and went off the ropes but Orton caught him and slammed him right down. The two men ended up clothslining each other off the ropes, then Hardy took control with quick paced moves. Hardy landed a Whisper in the Wind off the ropes on Orton, but failed at the pin. Hardy continued to dominate and got up on the ropes. Just then, Mr. Kennedy ran down and distracted Hardy from outside the ring. Orton capitalized, first by dropkicking Hardy, then by using the RKO on him in the ring. After the pinfall win, Mr. Kennedy and Orton stared at each other, with Kennedy signaling the WWE tile will be around his waist.

Winner: Randy Orton wins via pinfall over Jeff Hardy.

After the match ended, JR and King discussed voting at WWE.com for Orton's Cyber Sunday opponent. Lawler showed his laptop computer and cast a vote for Hardy on the air. JR then said Orton is far from done and has 2 more matches tonight, against Mr. Kennedy and then Shawn Michaels.

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Santino Marella vs. Val Venis

Santino came down to the ring escorted by Maria. Santino took the mic and told the crowd it's great to be back in Europe, and that the only thing more beautiful than England is Maria. Marella started talking about how bad the movie "The Condemned" starring Stone Cold Steve Austin is. Just then, Val Venis came down to the ring for the match.

Venis began punching away at Marella to start the match, then avoided Marella when whipped to the corner. Venis got up on the ropes but Marella made him lose his balance and get caught up. Marella started to attack and took Venis down to the mat. Marella put Venis in a half Boston Crab, but Venis managed to crawl over and grab the bottom rope. Marella continued to kick Venis' hurt leg when he got up. Marella tried to grab Venis' leg but Val kicked him. Venis used elbows to start knocking Marella to the mat. At the end the match, Marella ran at Venis in the corner, Venis tried to grab Marella's legs to pull him back for a pin. Marella sat on Venis and grabbed one of the ropes for leverage, scoring the pinfall vicotry. Marella quickly rolled out of the ring and backed up the ramp with Maria holding his hand.

Winner: Santino Marella wins via pinfall over Val Venis.

2007 WWE Diva Search contest shown where the Final 4 diva hopefuls had to rescue a "dummy" from the ocean, similar to Baywatch, then give it CPR. In the next competition, the contestants play policewoman. You can vote at WWE.com for your favorite to be next diva.

Carlito shown backstage with Coach. Carlito had a small apple in hand and said it was small like other things, like Hornswoggle. Carlito started to laugh about Coach getting beat in the leg by his own cane. Coach said he has a plan tonight for Hornswoggle, but he needs to find him in the right place at the right time. Just then Hornswoggle appeared standing behind Coach. Hornswoggle grabbed the small apple and then waved at Coach, before he ran out the door. Coach chased after him.

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Coach shown chasing Hornswoggle backstage and into a cafeteria. Hornswoggle climbed up on the buffet/meal serving area and started throwing food at Coach. Hornswoggle jumped off onto Coach, landing on a table then got back down and ran away. Coach ripped off his jacket, apologizing to everyone in the dining area, then chased off after the leprechaun.

Highlights shown from last week, where Umaga beat up Triple H after the handicap match, leaving Triple H battered and bruised in the ring.

Vince McMahon talked to William Regal in his office and congratulated him on his matchmaking skills tonight. Vince asked where Triple H is, and Regal said after last week, Triple H can't compete. Vince said Umaga will give a demonstration tonight, and corrected Regal on the pronunciation of it several times. The camera cut away to show Mr. Kennedy on his way out to the ring for a match with Randy Orton.

Mr. Kennedy vs. Randy Orton

Prior to the match, Kennedy grabbed the mic from above and lobbied for the crowd to vote for him for Cyber Sunday. Orton showed Kennedy the belt when he arrived to the ring asking "you want it?"

Kennedy slapped a headlock onto Orton but Orton reversed, using one of his own. Kennedy was able to knock Orton down off the ropes several times, then put another headlock on him. Orton finally gained control but Kennedy fought back using punches to Orton's head. Orton landed a punch to Kennedy's midsection, then an uppercut to knock him to the mat. The two continued to battle and back forth into the corner of the ring.

Both men went down at one point. As they got up before the 10 count, Kennedy hoisted Orton up on his shoulders then slammed him back to the mat. Just then, Jeff Hardy came running down and attacked Kennedy in the ring. The ref called for the bell, and Hardy did a Swanton Bomb onto a fallen Kennedy. Orton tried to rush at Hardy, but he pulled the top rope down causing Orton to fly out of the ring.

Winner: Mr. Kennedy wins due to disqualification when Jeff Hardy interfered.

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Vince McMahon made his way down to the ring to speak to the crowd. Vince started to brag about his genius in developing Cyber Sunday, which is a WWE fan's dream come true. Vince told the fans that Tirple H will face Umaga at Cyber Sunday and fans can choose the match format. Vince then introduced Umaga for his match. Vince said one possible match type fans can vote for is a Street Fight. Vince then turned and asked Umaga's amateur opponent for the night if he was scared and he said yes. Vince then ordered Umaga to demonstrate a street fight match for the fans.

Andy Simmons vs. Umaga
Street Fight

With Mr. McMahon looking on, Umaga began to attack Simmons outside the ring, choking him with cables and smashing him into the announcer's table. Umaga brought his opponent with a steel chair into the ring and backslammed Simmons onto it, then scored the pinfall victory. The refs cleared Simmons out of the ring after the match, and Vince continued to talk on the microphone. Vince stopped the refs as they were escorting Simmons out of the ring. Vince said another stipulation fans can choose for Tirple H vs Umaga is a "First Blood" match. Vince told the refs to throw Simmons back into the ring for a 1st Blood Match.

First Blood Match

Umaga hung Simmons upside down in the ring corner then did a running headbutt onto him. With Simmons sitting up in the corner, Umaga ran at him from the other corner, delivering a hip smash. Umaga then grabbed his opponent and used repeated Samoan spikes on him jabbing away. Eventually, Simmons mouth was full of blood, causing the ref to ring the bell and award the match to Umaga. The refs tried to take Simmons away again, and Vince said "get him out of here". Just then, Vince stopped them and said there's a 3rd match type fans can choose for Triple H vs. Umaga, a steel cage match. The camera cut to a cage hanging above the ring. Vince ordered the cage to be lowered and explained the rules.

Steel Cage Match

Vince ordered Umaga to "sick him". Umaga tossed Simmons into the ring, as the cage continued to lower. Vince then had footage shown of the previous 2 matches Umaga won, to remind fans what they can vote for. Umaga entered the cage through the door, where his opponent was already laying down on the mat. Umaga picked him up on one shoulder then tossed Simmons head first into the cage wall. Umaga repeated, tossing Simmons into the opposite wall. Vince taunted Umaga like a wild animal saying things on the mic like "get him", "sick him". Umaga tossed Simmons into the cage wall again, leaving him laying on the mat. Vince yelled for them to open the door and Umaga exited.

Winner: Umaga wins a Street Fight, 1st Blood Match and Steel Cage match vs. Andy Simmons.

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Hornswoggle shown running backstage down stairs with Coach chasing after. Hornswoggle found a small tricycle and hopped on, pedaling past a locker room as Ron Simmons opened the door looking at him. Coach yelled "out of the way!" and hopped on a full-size bike to chase after the leprechaun. Simmons watched the chase then paused for a bit before yelling out "DAMN!"

Jillian Hall vs. Candice Michelle

Jillian took the mic prior to the match and told Lillian her performance last week was absolutely pathetic. Jillian said everyone can tell it was lipsynched too. Footage was shown of Lillian's performance of "Quiero Vivir" from last week's RAW. Jillian then called Lillian and her band "fake musicians". Jillian said a true singer doesn't need a band, so she will sing acapella for the crowd in British. Jillian then began to sing a "Spice Girls" song, but Candice Michelle came out to interrupt and start the match.

Jillian attacked Candice right as she tried to get into the ring. Despite the attack, Candice managed to turn the momentum in her favor using several quick moves and kicks to Jillian, then slammed her down face first. Candice grabbed a very quick pin to capture the victory.

Winner: Candice Michelle wins via pinfall over Jillian Hall.

Beth Phoenix show backstage and announced that next week Candice will use her rematch clause to face her for the title. Beth said she is "The Glamazon" which means everyone will get down on their knees to worship her, including Candice next week on Raw.

Cody Rhodes shown in a locker room preparing for his match with Hardcore Holly. Holly entered and asked Cody why he's bothering to wrestle him again tonight. Cody said he can beat Holly, and Holly said tonight might be his last chance to. Holly then slapped Cody in the face causing him to become enraged. Holly said "thats the look I was looking for", then exited the locker room.

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Recap shown from Friday's Smackdown, where Finlay and Mysterio fought in a #1 Contender's match for the opportunity to face Batista at Cyber Sunday. Both men were disqualified, and Undertaker showed up in the ring. Taker looked out at Batista and signaled that he wants the World Heavyweight title back. JR said Undertaker will face Batista at the Pay Per View with fans able to vote for the guest referee, either JBL, Mick Foley or Stone Cold. Jerry Lawler cast a vote for JBL on his laptop.

Brian Kendrick vs. Rory of Highlanders

The two tag teams continued their feud with a singles matchup. Cade and Murdoch came down and joined JR and King at the commentator's table to discuss the match.

Kendrick punched away at Rory early on, but Rory got up and chopped Kendrick right down. Rory began to stomp on the fallen Kendrick near the ropes. Rory continued to kick Kendrick til he fell out of the ring. Kendrick grabbed the ropes to climb back into the ring before the 10 count. Rory kept Kendrick down in a headlock as the crowd clapped to help Kendrick gain momentum. Rory tossed Kendrick to the corner then ran at him, but Kendrick kicked him in the face. Kendrick took control but got distracted when London and Robby got into it outside the ring. Rorie picked up Kendrick and suplexed him against the top rope, then backwards. London came into the ring to check on his partner as the Highlanders stared down and pointed at Cade & Murdoch.

Winner: Rorie of Highlanders wins via pinfall over Brian Kendrick.

Highlights shown again from last week's WWE title ceremony which Shawn Michaels crashed, attacking Randy Orton to close out Raw.

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Todd Grisham interviewed Shawn Michaels backstage. Michaels said last week's return by HBK was only the beginning, and he will give Orton a repeat performance tonight. HBK told Orton he can't kill what's not his creation. HBK said he expects to be facing Orton again at Cyber Sunday for the WWE title.

Hornswoggle shown running backstage laughing as Coach chased after him. Hornswoggle got to the Diva's locker room and ran in, as divas began screaming. Coach went in after him. Hornswoggle then came back out of the Diva locker room with lingerie on his head. Coach came running out as objects were being thrown at him.

The cryptic "binary code" commercial was shown with JR and King saying they keep seeing this ad but have no clue what it means. Just then, Hornswoggle came running down the ramp and dove under the ring. Coach came running down as well and went around the ring to the other side. Coach pulled some sort of detonation trigger device out from under the ring and set it up in the ring. Coach pushed down on the detonation lever twice but nothing happened. Coach checked the wiring and went under the ring to look. As Coach got under the ring, Hornswoggle came out from under the other side, then noticed the device in the ring. The leprechaun entered the ring and the fans cheered for him to use the device. Hornswoggle pulled the handle up then pushed it back down causing an explosion under the ring. Smoke began to pour out as Hornswoggle ran off up the ramp. Just then Coach crawled out appearing to have smoke and dark black marks on his forehead.

Cody Rhodes vs. Hardcore Holly

Highlights shown from Cody Rhodes' previous two matches he lost to Hardcore Holly. Early on Holly shoved Rhodes to the ropes, but Rhodes cam back to knock him down. Holly tried to toss Rhodes over the top rope, but Rhodes held on and pulled himself back into the ring. Holly promptly knocked him back down to the mat. The two men exchanged chops to each other in different corners of the ring. Rhodes used a flying crossbody off the ropes to knock Holly down. Despite that, Holly managed to take control and dominate Rhodes, putting him in a headlock down on the mat. Rhodes got to his feet, but Holly continued to punish him. Holly set Rhodes on top of the ropes then kicked him in the guy. Holly followed up trying to use an Alabama Slam but Rhodes escaped and continued trying to roll up Holly in various pinfalls. Holly dropkicked Rhodes down off the ropes then climbed the corner turnbuckle. Rhodes tried to reverse the pin but Holly escaped then delivered the "Alabama Slam" to capture the pinfall victory.

Winner: Hardcore Holly wins via pinfall over Cody Rhodes.

Split screen shown of Randy Orton and Shawn Michaels walking en route to the ring for their match.

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Shawn Michaels vs. Randy Orton

HBK's return match had him squaring off against the WWE champ. Jim Ross noted that Orton was responsible for putting Michaels out of actions months ago.

HBK immediately started punching away at Orton as the bell rang, forcing Orton into the corner. Orton rolled out of the ring and HBK went out to continue the attack. Michaels tossed Orton back into the ring where he continued to dominate, chopping away at the Legend Killer. HBK went for an early pin, but Orton kicked out, then elbowed Michaels down off the ropes. Orton started punching away at HBK down on the mat. Orton sat HBK up on the corner ropes to punch him more. Orton climbed up for the suplex, but HBK fought his way out and shoved Orton back. Michaels did an elbow drop off the top rope landing it on Orton's chest. As HBK set up to finish off Orton, Mr. Kennedy came running down to the ring and attacked Michaels. Orton and Kennedy began to doubleteam attack HBK. All of a sudden, Jeff Hardy rushed down to the ring and made the save. Hardy went after Kennedy in the corner of the ring. Orton saw it and went over, grabbing Jeff Hardy on his shoulder. Orton then tossed Hardy over the top ropes.

With Michaels down, Orton got up and started to stalk HBK. HBK got up and Orton went for a RKO, but Michaels shoved him away. Mr. Kennedy was just getting to his feet and Orton crashed into him, sending Kennedy out of the ring. Michaels then delivered a Sweet Chin Music kick to Orton's face, knocking him down for the second week in a row.

Winner: Shawn Michaels wins due to disqualification when Mr. Kennedy attacked him.