Raw Recap 02.18.08

Raw recap from Anaheim, CA:

Raw opened with the arrival of last night's Elimination Chamber winner, Triple H. HHH posed on the corner of the ring with the Wrestlemania 24 banner hanging in the distance. HHH spoked of his disappointment at last year's Wrestlemania where he was injured and could only watch the matches. HHH said now that he is going to WM24, "the Game is back!" and back in the main event. Randy Orton came out to interrupt and entered the ring with a mic.

Orton spoke about how he and HHH have now come full circle. Orton talked about beating everyone, first HHH, then Jericho, then Hardy, then Cena. Cena came out to interrupt and make his claim to the fact he should be given a title shot after Orton's intentional DQ last night. Orton asked HHH if he was going to allow Cena to get involved and HHH said he doesn't care who is champ at WM24. Raw GM William Regal came out to stop the 3 men from arguing and said they would settle it fairly. Tonight there will be a non-title rematch with Cena facing Orton. If Cena wins, he is put into the main event at Wrestlemania, making it a Triple Threat for the WWE title. Regal then made HHH the special guest referee for tonight's main event.

---

Footage shown of Floyd Mayweather punching a taunting Big Show in the face during the No Way Out Pay Per View. Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler also mentioned the steel cage match for later between Vince McMahon and Hornswoggle.

Snitsky vs. Jeff Hardy
Money in the Bank Qualifying match

Jeff Hardy came out to a brand new theme song. The winner of this match would get to participate in the traditional Money in the Bank ladder match at WM24. In the earlier part of the match, Jeff gained momentum and went to the corner ropes. Snitsky got up quick, shoved Hardy then gave him a boot to the face to knock Jeff outside the ring as Raw took a break.

Snitsky held Jeff in a bear hug as Raw returned, but Jeff escaped it. Snitsky continued to dominate after knocking Jeff down when he came off the ropes. Jeff began to regain momentum after Snitsky missed a leg drop, but soon again Snitsky used a big boot to Jeff's face to knock him down. Jeff was able to escape off Snitsky's shoulder before a slam, then scored the Twist of Fate and a Swanton Bomb. After the win, Jeff went over behind the announce table to slap hands with members of rock group Endeavor.

Winner: Jeff Hardy wins via pinfall over Snitsky and qualifies for Wrestlemania 24's Money in the Bank Ladder match.

Jerry Lawler informed fans they can vote by texting Yes or No to 44993 to vote on whether or not Maria should pose for Playboy magazine. Standard cell phone text message charges will apply.

Rey Mysterio shown backstage hanging out with boxer Floyd Mayweather.

---

Highlights shown from last night's No Way Out, where Big Show returned and boxer Floyd Mayweather "shocked the world". Also shown was footage from the Elimination Chamber matches with Triple H and Undertaker victorious.

Reporter Mike Adamle introduced Shawn Michaels with a special WWE Hall of Fame announcement. Michaels came to the ring to present the first inductee into the 2008 Hall of Fame class, Ric Flair. A highlight package was shown of Flair with soundbytes and match footage. The Hall of Fame 2008 ceremony will be the day before Wrestlemania 24, March 29th. HBK had the crowd join him in a "Wooooo!" to celebrate the announcement.

---

Jim Ross announced that this Saturday night on WWE.com there will be a special presentation of the Slammy Awards best moments.

Super Crazy vs. Paul Burchhill

Burchhill came to the ring with his sister Katie Lee. Prior to the match a backstage interview was shown with Burchhill acknowledging that alot of male fans have been looking at his sister.

Burchhill did an impresive kick to the face move when Super Crazy jumped off the corner ropes. Katie Lee watched from outside the ring and seemed to enjoy it when her brother beat up Super Crazy. To finish off Super Crazy, Burchhill pulled both his arms behind his back then drove his foot into Crazy's back, stomping him face first into the mat. Burchhill is now 2-0 since his WWE Debut on Raw.

Winner: Paul Burchhill wins via pinfall over Super Crazy.

Backstage Big Show was seen conversing with Shane McMahon.

---

Triple H shown sitting in a locker room talking on a cell phone saying "it doesn't really matter". Randy Orton came into the locker room to tell Triple H he doesn't want a repeat of Wrestlemania from 2 years ago, where Cena made him tap out. Triple H told Orton he taught him how to play mind games so it isn't worth trying on him. Triple H said he will call it how he sees it.

Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler discussed the World Heavyweight title match, with Rey Mysterio losing to Edge. Footage shown again of Floyd Mayweather's punches to Big Show's face from last night's Pay Per View.

Big Show came down to the ring and asked for Floyd Mayweather to come down to the ring so he could make a formal apology. Floyd came out with his entourage to the song "I Get Money" by 50 Cent. Mayweather talked about being a fan of WWE for many years. Mayweather told Big Show he's the best fighter in the world and since he got called out, he had to retaliate last night. Big Show made a man to man, face to face apology to Mayweather and extended his hand. Mayweather looked around then shook hands with Show.

Mayweather exited the ring and started up the ramp with his group. Big Show stopped them and began telling Floyd the only way he got him was when he was down on his knees. Show said he could take him out in 2 minutes if he wanted. Show called out Mayweather again saying since he's 39-0 and wants publicity he needs to come take on the Big Show. Mayweather turned and charged down to the ring with his posse. Mayweather took off his hoodie then told Show on the mic "I accept!" Mayweather made a fake punch move at Big Show causing him to flinch.

---

Promo shown for Wrestlemania XXIV which is just 41 days away. Highlights shown from past Money in the Bank ladder matches.

Val Venis vs. Mr. Kennedy
Money in the Bank Qualifiying Match

Mr. Kennedy came down to new theme music to face an unlikely winner, Val Venis. Kennedy took control of Venis from the start after tossing him shoulder first to the corner ringpost and then working on the injured arm. Venis only had a brief burst of momentum before Mr. Kennedy grabbed him around the neck and then fell back with him causing Venis to hit the mat face first. After the win, Kennedy pointed to the Wrestlemania banner hanging from the ceiling of the arena.

Winner: Mr. Kennedy wins via pinfall over Val Venis to qualify for the Money in the Bank Ladder match at WM24.

Jim Ross reminded fans of tonight's main event between Cena and Orton with HHH as special guest ref. Just then, the steel cage hanging above the ring began to lower down for the upcoming Hornswoggle vs. Vince match.

---

WWE Rewind showed last week's No DQ match between Vince and Hornswoggle. Vince took off his belt to beat Hornswoggle, but Finlay came down to intervene. After Finlay clocked Vince with a shilaleigh, Hornswoggle scored the Tadpole Frogsplash off the corner ropes onto Vince to pickup the win.

Hornswoggle vs. Vince McMahon
Steel Cage Match

Finlay accompanied his leprechaun pal to the ring for the match. Finlay got into the ring and began asking Vince what he was trying to prove. Vince and a WWE ref forced Finlay out of the cage so the match could start. As Finlay continued to yell at Vince near the cage door, Vince slapped Finlay in the face. Just then, JBL came from out of nowhere and slammed the cage door on Finlay. JBL got into the ring and beat up Finlay, before cuffing him to the side ropes for more punishment. Finlay could only watch as Vince McMahon removed his belt and whipped Hornswoggle from behind.

Vince hit Horney with the belt several times while Finlay screamed at him to stop. Vince then exited the ring and JBL grabbed Hornswoggle. With Finlay watching, JBL choked Hornswoggle then tossed him into the side of the cage. JBL continued the beatdown of Hornswoggle, then went over and kicked the restrained Finlay in the head. JBL did a backwards slam tossing Hornswoggle into the cage wall. Vince asked for medical help to come down and attend to his son while Finlay continued to scream that both Vince and JBL will pay for this.

Winner: No winner announced, but Vince McMahon exited the cage door first.

---

JR and Jerry Lawler reviewed the previous footage.

94% of the fans voted that Yes Maria should pose for Playboy. Santino and Maria arrived to the ring so Santino could speak on the microphone. Santino said he would give the fans what they want, Maria posing for Playboy. Santino showed everyone a clipboard with the Playboy contract. Marella then said Maria will compete against the Glamazon Beth Phoenix. Marella told Maria not to worry, he'd be in her corner.

Maria vs. Beth Phoenix

Before the match could start, Santino got on the mic and said he just noticed fine print in the Playboy contract. Marella said Maria can only pose for Playboy if she defeats Beth here.

Beth took control early on as she beat Maria around the ring. Beth kicked Maria in the midsection several times then slapped her around near the ropes before doing a sideslam. Santino watched from ringside continuing to talk. Beth did an impressive slam move on Maria then went for a pin, but Maria kicked out. Maria tried to fight back valiantly. Just then, Candice Michelle made a surprise appearance walking down the ramp. Beth Phoenix became distracted enough for Maria to roll her up for a pinfall. Maria wins the match and will get to pose for Playboy.

Winner: Maria wins via pinfall over Beth Phoenix.

Triple H shown backstage donning his special guest referee attire.

John Cena vs. Randy Orton
Non Title Match

Orton took control early using forearm shots and punches to Cena's head. Cena began battling back but was dropkicked down. Cena went onto the apron and Orton charged at him causing Cena to fly off into the announce table. Cena hit head first on the table and was down as Raw hit commercial break.

Raw returned with Orton beating on Cena in the corner of the ring. Orton whipped Cena to the other corner then got Cena's boot to his face. Cena gained momentum and did an elbow drop on Orton off the ropes. Orton escaped to the outside at one point and Cena went out after him. Cena grabbed Orton then slammed him face first to the announcer's table. Back in the ring, Orton managed to regain control and went for a pin on Cena. HHH counted just two as Cena kicked out.

Orton began stomping on Cena's body parts just like he did during last night's PPV match. Orton used a headlock to try to wear Cena down, but Cena stood up then slammed Orton back. Cena finally gained the upperhand and hit the 5 Knuckle Shuffle, but Orton was able to grab the ropes when Cena tried for a F-U. Cena knocked Orton out of the ring, then the two fought outside. Cena was whipped to the steel steps. JR noted that Triple H was letting the two men have at it. Orton tossed Cena back in the ring then slithered under the ropes ready for the RKO.

Orton went for the RKO as Cena stood up. Cena shoved Orton to the ropes then came back at him to trip him to the mat. Cena slapped on the STFU and held it in, but Orton was able to crawl over and grab the bottom rope. Triple H forced Cena to break the hold. Cena got up and into HHH's face and the two started to argue. Orton got up and came at Cena, but Cena turned, picked him up, then hit the F-U. Triple H counted 1-2-3 and declared Cena the winner. As Cena was about to celebrate, HHH grabbed him and hit the Pedigree. Triple H asked for the WWE title and took a look at it, then waited for Orton to stand. HHH hit the Pedigree on Orton to finish off Raw.

Winner: John Cena wins via pinfall over Randy Orton and will go on to Wrestlemania 24 to be in the WWE title main event match.