Raw Recap 02.25.08

Raw recap from Phoenix, AZ:

Raw opened showing the main event of last week's Raw, with John Cena facing Randy Orton in a non-title match. Triple H was made the special guest referee of this match. A Cena win would put him into the main event with HHH and Orton for the WWE title at Wrestlemania 24. During the match, Triple H counted a pinfall for Cena as winner. As Cena was celebrating with his arms raised, he turned to receive a Pedigree from HHH. Triple H did the same to Orton, leaving both men laying in the ring as Raw ended.

A special photo-op was held for the participants in Wrestlemania 24's Main event, the Triple Threat match for the WWE title. Cena, Orton and HHH were in the ring with William Regal. The 3 wrestlers stood next to each other in the center of the ring as photographers snapped pics from ringside. Regal gave each of the wrestlers a mic so they could provide their comments. Cena spoke first, facing HHH. Cena told HHH half of him wanted to thank Triple H for counting the pinfall, but the other part isn't grateful for the Pedigree he got at the end. HHH said maybe Cena and some fans didn't like the Pedigree, but a lot of fans did. HHH said Cena will get the Pedigree at WM24 as well. Cena reminded HHH that when they clashed two years ago at Wrestlemania, HHH tapped out. Triple H threw his jacket off and got ready to fight Cena. Just then, Orton began to speak, interrupting.

Orton told his two opponents that one thing is still the same, he is WWE champion. Orton told HHH and Cena they can't do a thing about it. Cena and Triple H turned and began to beat on Orton, then the two men tossed him over the ropes. Cena and HHH started to fight with Triple H gaining the upperhand. Orton snuck back into the ring and RKO'd both men down to the mat, holding his title up afterwards.

---

Wrestlemania 24 promotional ad was shown announcing that there's just 34 days until the big Pay Per View.

Backstage, Mr. Kennedy walked up to Randy Orton. Kennedy said he's winning Money in the Bank again this year and will cash in the same night against the champ, whoever it may be. Orton said Kennedy can make all the threats he wants but he will still walk out of WM24 as the champion.

Santino Marella & Carlito vs. Cody Rhodes & Hardcore Holly

Santino and Carlito were accompanied by Maria wearing a Playboy logo on her skirt. Rhodes and Santino faced off early, with Cody taking control. Cody managed to beat up Maarella then whip him to the corner. Marella gained control once Carlito tried to hit Cody near the ropes causing a distraction. Carlito tagged in and started kicking away at Rhodes. Carlito used a swinging neckbreaker but couldn't capture a pin. Marella came back in to continue the isolated attack on Rhodes.

Cody finally managed to counter a move by Santino. Both Rhodes and Carlito tagged their partners. Holly came in and began to dominate Carlito. Santino Marella tagged in and knocked Rhodes off the apron, then tried to gain the advantage on Holly. Marella climbed the ropes with Hardcord stunned. Meanwhile outside the ring, Jerry Lawler had thrown his crown over trying to get Maria's attention. Maria brought the crown to Lawler who started to chat with her. Marella saw it and while distracted, Holly was able to slam him off the ropes. Hardcore followed with the Alabama slam to pin Marella.

Winner: Hardcore Holly and Cody Rhodes win via pinfall over Carlito and Santino Marella.

Jerry Lawler mentioned the WM24 press conference from earlier today, involving Big Show and Floyd Mayweather.

---

Jim Ross discussed the past 8 days involving Floyd Mayweather and Big Show. Highlight footage was shown of Big Show apologizing for their altercation at No Way Out. Mayweather told Show that he had to retaliate at the PPV because Show called him out. Show apologized for the incident. Mayweather and Show shook hands, but as Mayweather was leaving up the ramp, Show called him out. Mayweather ran back into the ring and yelled "I Accept!" in response to Big Show's challenge.

HR and Jery Lawler discussed the WM24 press conference from earlier today, saying Floyd Mayweather and Big Show will have a match at the big event. Lawler asked what is "Mayweather thinking?" Footage of the press conference was shown featuring Cena, Orton, HHH, Michaels, Mayweather throwing cash to the crowd, and Big Show getting in Mayweather's face.

Todd Grisham interviewed William Regal about tonight's main event. Regal said it will be a tag team match with Kennedy/Orton vs. Cena/Triple H. Chirs Jericho came up to William Regal and asked about his request to be in Money in the Bank. Regal told Jericho he needs to qualify against an opponent he's familiar with, the man who pinned him in the Elimination Chamber, Jeff Hardy.

---

Highlights shown from Jeff Hardy defeating Snitsky on last week's show to qualify for Money in the Bank at WM24.

Chris Jericho vs. Jeff Hardy
Money in the Bank Qualifying match

This match was only a qualifier for Jericho, not Hardy who already qualified. Early on the two men traded various moves, including an attempted Lionsault by Jericho. Hardy avoided it then climbed the corner ropes to jump off and splash Y2J. As Hardy tried to pin, Jericho rolled him up for a near fall. Jericho started to dominate but Hardy was able to toss him over the ropes. As Y2J stood up outside the ring, Jeff went for the slide dropkick. Y2J moved away and Hardy landed on his feet. The two men slid back under the rope then faced each other in the ring as Raw headed to break.

As Raw returned, Y2J had Hardy down in the ring with his arms pulled back. Jeff managed to get to his feet and kick Jericho then ran off the ropes just to get kneed down by Y2J. At one point Jericho kicked Hardy's head while he was down, showing frustration. The two stars both came off the ropes and hit into one another, falling to the mat. Back on their feet, Jeff gained momentum, but Jericho was able to boot jeff in the face from the corner, then went for a bulldog. Jeff tossed Jericho into the corner, then used the ropes to dropkick into him. Jeff also went for Whisper in the Wind, but Jericho was able to run over and knock him onto the ropes. Jeff pushed Jericho off the ropes, then landed a Whisper in the Wind for a pin attempt, but Y2J kicked out.

Jericho was able to counter Jeff after the near pinfall and got the Walls of Jericho locked in. Jeff crawled to the bottom rope and the ref broke the hold. Y2J started to kick at Hardy down on the mat. Again Jeff gained control and stunned Y2J with a face first suplex to the mat. Jeff went for a Swanton, but Jericho moved away. After Jeff fell on the mat, Y2J quickly ran to the ropes and flipped off onto Jeff. Jeff kicked out of a near pinfall. Jeff went for Twist of Fate, but Jericho countered it. The two exchanged pinfall rollups with Jericho finally pinning Jeff's shoulders to the mat for the win. After the match, the two men shooke their heads at each other to acknowledge a great contest.

Winner: Chris Jericho wins via pinfall over Jeff Hardy to qualify for the WM24 Money in the Bank Ladder Match.

Footage shown of JBL beating up Hornswoggle in the steel cage last week. Jim Ross said Hornswoggle is still under a dr's care. Mr. McMahon was shown backstage and Jerry Lawler said Vince is set to extend an apology for what happened to his son.

---

A WM24 ad was shown for WM24 coming to Orlando March 30th, 2008. "Snow (Hey Oh)" by Red Hot Chili Peppers is one of the official theme songs for the big event.

Vince McMahon strutted down the ramp and got into the ring to address the crowd. Vince said he was about to say something the fans haven't heard before. Vince said he made a mistake, for the first time in his life, last Monday night. Vince said Hornswoggle had the belt whipping he gave him coming, but didn't deserve what JBL did to him after. Vince said he knows his son is watching so he apologizes. Vince said the individual responsible for his son's injuries needs to come out and apologize as well. JBL came out from backstage down to the ring.

Vince told JBL he should beat the hell out of him, but he wants an explanation first. Vince demanded an apology from JBL for the mishap. After a few moments, JBL apologized, saying "I'm sorry that I didn't do it sooner". JBL told Vince he's heard behind the scenes that Hornswoggle is not his son. Vince looked bewildered as JBL told him that Hornswoggle is really Finlay's son. JBL told Vince that Finlay has known this the entire time, and that Hornswoggle didn't. JBL told Vince that Finlay's Irish eyes are guilty, and that JBL will make him admit he's the father next time they are in a ring together. JBL left the ring with Vince still shocked.

Backstage, Triple H was sitting in the locker room as Cena entered. Triple H told Cena they don't like each other, but he will do what he does best tonight, win. Cena said he feels the same way, but tonight HHH shouldn't watch Cena's back, he should definitely watch his own.

---

A commercial was shown for Wrestlemania 24's main event, the Triple Threat match between Orton, Cena and HHH on March 30th, 2008.

DH Smith vs. Umaga

Making his return after a WWE suspension was Smith, who JR remarked "has a high mountain to climb". Umaga knocked DH down early and connected on a huge splash off the corner ropes. Smith clutched his ribs on the mat afterwards. Umaga kicked and punched him into the corner, then ran at him for the hip splash. Umaga continued to dominate Smith, picking him up and delivering the Samoan Spike. Umaga scored the quick pinfall for the win.

Winner: Umaga wins via pinfall over DH Smith.

Backstage, Regal sat with Paul Burchhill and Katie Lee. Regal read a letter from Smackdown GM Vickie Guerrero, asking Regal to pick a representative from Raw to face a representative from Smackdown at Wrestlemania. This would determine "brand superiority". Regal remarked he would choose Umaga, but Burchhill smiled and his sister moved closer to Regal. Katie told Regal that Burchhill would prove a better representative. Regal said that he would have to show him something more. Burchhill said he would, then as they were leaving, Burchhill said his sister seems to like Regal and will visit anytime he wants.

---

Replay shown from last week where Shawn Michaels announced his longtime wrestling friend, Ric Flair as the 1st official inductee into 2008 WWE Hall of Fame.

---

Lance Cade vs. Shawn Michaels

Trevor Murdoch rooted his tag team partner on from outside the ring. Cade took control early, but HBK grabbed him for a backslide pin off the ropes. Cade followed with a swinging neckbreaker. With HBK down, Cade used a hold to strain HBK's neck. HBK got to his feet and fought back with chops to Cade's chest. Cade got a kick in on HBK off the ropes, causing HBK to hit the mat. HBK was tossed to the corner but stuck his boot up to hit a running Cade. Despite Michaels' offense, Cade was able to slam him down in the ring. Cade climbed the corner ropes, then missed as he jumped at Michaels on the mat. Michaels returned the favor, going to the corner ropes, then connecting on an elbow drop. HBK set up Sweet Chin Music, but Trevor Murdoch got on the apron to interfere. HBK punched him down, then was able to elude a Cade clothesline and put Cade in a figure four leg lock. Trevor Murdoch got into the ring and dropped an elbow on Michaels, causing the ref to call for the bell.

After the bell, Cade and Murdoch tried to doubleteam Michaels. HBK was able to get up and connect on a Superkick to Murdoch and then Cade. As Michaels was catching his breath, Ric Flair made his way out from backstage and down to the ring. The two friends hugged after Michaels bowed in respect to Flair. Flair spoke on the mic and told HBK he's incredible. Flair said he was very honored to be the first active wrestler ever announced for WWE Hall of Fame. Flair said it's going to be a great weekend come Wrestlemania, but one thing will make it better. Flair said a match against Shawn Michaels at WM24 would make it even better. Michaels with a visibly bloody nose, reminded Flair of the stipulation that he has to retire if he loses. Flair told Michaels that all the respect he gave him is meaningless unless HBK will give him the match. Michaels accepted and said it would be an honor, then shook Flair's hand.

Winner: Shawn Michaels wins due to disqualification of Lance Cade.

Footage shown of new Phoenix Suns player, Shaquille O'Neal giving thoughts on the Mayweather vs Show match. Shaq said Mayweather will break Show's nose again because even though Big Show is big, he talks too much. Shaq said this will probably be one of the greatest matches in WWE history.

---

Jerry Lawler announced that Light it Up by Rev Theory is another of the Wrestlemania 24 theme songs.

Mike Adamle announced the next inductees into WWE Hall of Fame, High Chief Peter Maivia and Rocky Johnson. Highlight footage shown of each wrestler along with comments from their wrestling offspring, The Rock. Jim Ross announced that The Rock will be on hand to induct his family members into the WWE Hall of Fame. Tickets for the ceremony go on sale this Saturday.

Jerry Lawler announced "Bunny Mania" which will involve Maria and Candice Michelle taking on Melina and Beth Phoenix at Wrestlemania 24.

Footage shown of Maria's Playboy photo shoot behind the scenes. Maria was shown in various outfits posing with Playboy photographers talking about working with her. Maria said she even designed part of one of her "outfits" seen in the pictorial. Jerry Lawler said March 7th, Maria's Playboy hits newstands everywhere.

---

Commercial shown for next week's Raw which will feature Mayweather and Big Show.

John Cena & Triple H vs. Randy Orton & Mr. Kennedy

Early on all four men started to go at it in the ring. Cena and HHH cleared the ring of their opponents then Cena ripped off his shirt to stand face to face with Triple H. Raw headed to commercial break.

When Raw returned, Cena had Kennedy down on the mat for a near pinfall. Cena tagged in HHH who continuedto beat up Kennedy in the corner. Kennedy elbowed his way out of the corner as HHH whipped him across the ring. HHH managed to regain control, and tag in Cena, who briefly beat up Kennedy then tagged HHH back in. Kennedy was able to knock HHH down, then tagged in Orton who started to kick The Game on the mat. Orton stomped on HHH's joints then dropped a knee on him.

Kennedy came in and put HHH into his corner with Orton, then kicked away at him. With HHH down, Orton came in again and slapped a headlock on. HHH got back to his feet and tried to fight out of it, but Orton leveled him down. Orton continued to dominate, as he put HHH on the middle rope for a face first suplex. Kennedy and Orton continued to work on The Game, but when Kennedy whipped HHH to the corner, Triple H caught him with the boot as he ran at him. HHH and Kennedy crawled to their partners for tags, but Triple H failed to reach Cena's hand. Orton ran over to attack Triple H, preventing a tag. Orton attempted an RKO on a beaten up Game, but HHH pushed him away.

HHH finally fell back and tagged Cena. Orton tagged in Kennedy. Cena gained the advantage with a barrage of moves including a slam to the mat and the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena had Kennedy up for the F-U, but Orton came in to pull Kennedy off. Triple H came in to attack Orton and the two went outside the ring. Cena tripped Kennedy to the mat and locked in the STFU causing Kennedy to tap soon after.

After the bell, Triple H got back into the ring to face Cena. Cena waited for Triple H to go at him, but just then Kennedy was back up and grabbed Cena as he turned around. Kennedy hit the Mic Check on Cena slamming him face first to the mat. Kennedy eyed Triple H cautiously, then exited the ring with the Game still standing over Cena.

Winners: John Cena and Triple H win via submission over Mr. Kennedy and Randy Orton.

---