Raw Preview 01.12.09

Last week on Raw, CM Punk was ready to capture the Intercontinental Title from William Regal in their anticipated match. Due to the fact Regal put his hands on the referee to prevent CM Punk from completing the Go To Sleep, Regal was disqualified. Although Punk was technically the winner, he did not claim the title. Regal and girlfriend Layla celebrated the victory, but it was brief, as General Manager Stephanie McMahon appeared on the Titantron. Stephanie informed Regal he would be defending the title yet again versus CM Punk, however this time if he was disqualified, he would lose the Intercontinental Championship. How will Regal fare in tonight's title defense under Stephanie's stipulation? Will Raw see the crowning of its first new champion of the New Year?

Raw's main event last week saw Shawn Michaels ordered to team up with John Cena to face Randy Orton and Chris Jericho. The match was created by Stephanie McMahon in order to test Shawn Michaels' level of integrity. Michaels displayed integrity in the win, by delivering a Superkick to both Orton and Jericho to win the match. John Cena wisely stayed on the outside of the ring to avoid Michaels attacking him after the victory. Meanwhile backstage, JBL informed Todd Grisham that he had made a deal with Stephanie McMahon. For tonight's Raw, Shawn Michaels will face John Cena in a one-on-one bout. In Shawn's corner will be his current boss, JBL, sho happens to be the #1 Contender for Cena's World Heavyweight title. What part will JBL play in the match as Shawn Michaels faces John Cena in the main event? Will Michaels do everything his employer orders him to, or will he display integrity yet again?

Last week also saw the division of Randy Orton's "Legacy" stable. Orton had informed Sim Snuka, Cody Rhodes and Manu that they would each have to win a match in week 1 to remain qualified for Legacy. Everyone won their match except for Manu, who Orton was quick to dismiss from the group. On last week's Raw, Orton had Rhodes & Snuka in a tag team match. The tag team won their match, with Rhodes taking the pinfall. Backstage, Orton informed Rhodes he was in, and Snuka was out, due to the fact Rhodes technically won the tag team match. Orton and Rhodes left the scene, now leaving Snuka and Manu out of the stable. Will Snuka and Manu seek revenge on Orton and Rhodes? What will be next for Orton's Legacy group?

Catch all the action of WWE's Monday Night Raw on USA, Monday night at 9PM EST!