Raw Recap 01.05.09

Raw Recap from New Orleans, LA:

Raw opens with highlight footage covering the Shawn Michaels and JBL story. A month ago at Armageddon, Michaels let the fans know he was suffering financially and had no choice but to take up JBL's offer and become his employee. During the Fatal Fourway last Monday on Raw, Chris Jericho and Randy Orton were eliminated to leave JBL versus Michaels in the ring. JBL ordered Michaels to just lay down for a pin, but Michaels couldn't do it. Finally JBL instructed HBK to just take a hard clothesline, allowing JBL to make the pin. JBL now becomes #1 Contender for the World Heavyweight title and faces John Cena at the Royal Rumble.

The live show opened with Randy Orton and Chris Jericho both in the ring with mics. Jericho said he and Orton have filed a joint protest against last week's Fatal Fourway, since it wasn't every man for himself, instead Shawn Michaels was clearly working with or for JBL. Orton said he and Jericho have agreed to face each other tonight with the winner earning the championship match at the Royal Rumble against Cena. Jericho continued to talk about how despicable JBL's victory was, but suddenly JBL's music came on to interrupt, and the white limo pulled out near the ramp.

Shawn Michaels and JBL both got out from the back of the limosine and headed to the ring. JBL told Jericho and Orton they can protest all they want, but he's still going to face Cena at the Rumble. Jericho turned his attention to HBK saying it looks like he was right about HBK being a sellout. HBK said he can sleep better at night knowing he prevented Orton and Jericho from fighting in the championship match. Orton then informed Michaels that Ric Flair's career was ended by a weak sellout.

All of a sudden, Stephanie McMahon came out to the ramp, mic in hand. Stephanie said Michaels was clearly clotheslined down in the ring so JBL will go on to face Cena at the Royal Rumble. Steph then told Jericho and Orton they'll both be entered in the Royal Rumble. Jericho demanded that Shawn Michaels not be allowed in the Royal Rumble. JBL interrupted Stephanie and said Michaels will be in his corner for the title match, and that will be his only purpose at the PPV. Steph then ordered a match for tonight to "test Michaels' integrity", with HBK teaming up with Cena to face Jericho & Orton.

Michael Cole reminded fans that CM Punk will face William Regal for the Intercontinental Title later tonight.

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WWE Slam of the Week showed last week's Diva Battle Royal for the #1 Contender Spot for Beth Phoenix' Womens Championship. It came down to Melina vs. Mickie James, with Melina able to kick Mickie off the apron. Melina will now go on to face Beth at Royal Rumble for her Womens Title. After the match, Beth Phoenix got into the ring to attack Melina. The two divas ended up fighting with Melina on top of Beth on the commentators' table. All of a sudden, Beth's superfan "Rosa" came rushing out of the audience to shove Melina off Beth. Security quickly hauled Rosa out through the audience.

Melina & Goldust vs. Beth Phoenix & Santino Marella
Mixed Tag Match

As Melina got in the ring she spotted Rosa the superfan holding up an "I Love Beth" sign in the front row. Beth looked dominant early as she headbutted Melina and clotheslined her down hard. Santino slapped Beth's back and got into the ring to go after Melina. Melina slapped Santino after blocking his hit, then tagged in Goldust. Goldust briefly took Santino down, but Marella soon came back to put Goldust into a headlock. Goldust managed to regain momentum, knocking Santino around the ring, and eventually outside the ring. Melina and Beth got back into the ring, with Melina able to land an impressive move off the top rope to slam Beth face first to the mat. Melina followed with a bridge pin to take the match.

As Melina escaped the ring when Beth went after her, she was confronted by Rosa, Beth's biggest fan. Rosa jumped the barricade and her and Melina prepared to go at it. Security quickly intervened and pulled Rosa out through the audience.

Winners: Goldust & Melina win via pinfall over Santino Marella and Beth Phoenix.

Todd Grisham interviewed CM Punk backstage about his upcoming Intercontinental Title match. Punk mentioned previous IC champs such as Bret Hart, Ricky Steamboat and Mr. Perfect. Punk said he hasn't forgotten about the King of the Ring tournament last year when Regal beat him in the Finals. Punk vowed to start his year off with a bang and become new IC champ, adding his name to the elite list of champs.

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CM Punk vs. William Regal
Intercontinental Title Match

Highlights shown last Monday when Punk faced Cody Rhodes. Rhodes won by countout but Punk got in the ring to deliver a GTS. William Regal was ringside and attacked Punk in the ring afterwards.

Regal arrived down to the ring with his girl Layla who stayed at ringside. Punk went for quick pinfalls early into the match, as he took control of Regal. Regal eventually rolled outside the ring. Punk prepared for a slide dropkick but Regal yanked Layla in front of him as a shield. Punk got onto the side apron and Regal yanked his leg out to drop Punk to the outside.

Back in the ring, Regal was back in control as he beat Punk around the ring. Layla scowled outside the ring after what Regal tried earlier. Punk was able to deliver a kick to Regal's head but failed at a pinfall. Punk then tried for the Bulldog from the corner, but Regal tried to shove him off. Instead Punk whipped Regal to the corner. As Regal hit against the corner and came towards Punk, Punk hoisted him up in the GTS. Regal frantically grabbed the ropes to prevent it. Punk was able to pull him away, but Regal grabbed the ref's shirt next. The ref quickly called for the bell for a DQ as Regal put his hands on him. Layla rushed over to get the IC title and accompanied Regal up the ramp. Lillian Garcia announced Punk as winner by DQ, but Regal still the IC Champ.

As Regal and Layla backed up the ramp, Stephanie McMahon appeared on the Titantron. Stephanie told Regal she can't have the first title match of the new year go like this. Stephanie said Punk will get a rematch and if Regal gets disqualified again, he loses the title.

Winner: CM Punk wins due to disqualification when William Regal put his hands on the referee.

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JBL spoke to Shawn Michaels in a locker room about the main event tag match with John Cena. JBL said it will be great for them, and offered Michaels big money. JBL said he'll give Michaels a bonus for a Superkick to Cena followed by an Orton Punt Kick forcing Cena to forfeit the title. JBL told Michaels to get over the Royal Rumble match because it's all about getting JBL to Wrestlemania 25 as the champion. JBL said Michaels will never have to worry about bills or being able to provide for his family if he does this.

Randy Orton spoke to Rhodes and Sim Snuka in a hallway about the fact they both won last week and passed "Phase 1". Orton told them both if they win their match tonight, they're officially in. Orton said all of their fathers are Hall of Famers so he won't accept defeat tonight. Manu came walking up in street clothes and pleaded with Orton to give him another shot to prove himself. Manu reminded Orton that he lost his match last week too. Orton told Manu he's done absolutely nothing, while Orton's been a champ. Orton told Manu he'll never be a part of his group and he never wants to see his face again. Orton, Snuka and Rhodes left the scene with Manu visibly angered.

Mickie James was shown backstage with Dolph Ziggler. Ziggler offered a handshake, introducing himself. Mickie shook hands with him just as Kofi Kingston and Rey Mysterio came walking by. Jerry Lawler announced that they'll be facing the Tag Team champs, Miz & Morrison next.

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Rey Mysterio & Kofi Kingston vs. John Morrison & The Miz

Miz and Morrison insulted the New Orleans fans before the match and declared themselves "Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century". Mysterio and Kofi each made separate entrances next. Both men were announced as Royal Rumble participants as they arrived to the ring. Michael Cole noted that Smackdown superstars Vladimir Kozlov, Undertaker, Shelton Benjamin, Triple H & Big Show will also be in the Rumble match.

Miz took on Kingston to lead off, with Kofi eventually gaining control. After a barrage of fast-paced moves, Miz rolled out under the ropes. Kofi prepared to do a running dive through the ropes. Kingston faked it and ran then dove shoulders-first into the top rope, then bounced back into the ring smiling. Raw went to commercial break with Miz & Morrison talking strategies outside the ring.

Raw returned with Mysterio down on the mat in a chin and arm lock by Miz. During the break Miz had slammed Mysterio down face first after a quick move. Mysterio managed to escape Miz' hold and used a Hurricanrana to flip Miz into the corner. Kofi tagged in and gained serious momentum as he knocked Miz around. Kofi prepared for the double leg drop but Morrison got to the apron. Kofi was able to run and slide out through Morrison's legs then yank him down causing Morrison to hit the mat face first. Kingston then climbed the turnbuckle to jump at Miz, but as the ref's attention was diverted, Morrison jumped up and shoved Kofi off. Kingston appeared to hurt his left leg when he fell to the mat.

Miz and Morrison began working the doubleteam on Kingston targeting Kingston's hurt left leg. Kingston finally escaped Miz but was unable to tag Mysterio who Miz had knocked off the apron. Morrison and Miz continued to exploit the leg injury. Kofi was finally able to knock Miz off him up on the corner, and then hit an impressive high dropkick. Kofi used the ropes to pull himself over to Rey for the tag. Rey came in the ring at a frantic pace attacking Morrison with a slew of moves. At one point all four men became involved in the match, with Kofi and Miz fighting to the outside. Rey was able to hit a 619 on Morrison, with Miz coming over to the apron. Rey kicked Miz off, then went for the Springboard off the ropes. Morrison had recovered and wisely delivered a solid kick to Rey's midsection then took the pin.

Following the match, Mike Knox rushed into the ring and attacked Mysterio, hitting a catapult move with Mysterio in the ropes. Kingston tried to get on the apron to save Rey, but Knox rushed over and knocked Kofi off. Knox then dropped Mysterio groin first on the top rope and booted him out of the ring, before walking over Rey outside. Knox headed backstage as the ref checked on Mysterio.

Winners: The Miz & John Morrison win via pinfall over Rey Mysterio & Kofi Kingston.

Shawn Michaels was shown preparing for the tag match backstage. John Cena entered and told Michaels the situation is what it is. Cena asked if he's getting HBK or JBL's puppet? HBK blurted out he's nobody's puppet then asked Cena what history tells him to expect from Michaels. Lawler proposed the question "what is gonna happen?"

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Kelly Kelly vs. Jillian Hall

Michael Cole and Lawler discussed their surprise that Kelly had been protecting Randy Orton from Kane. Jillian Hall came out singing "Saints Go Marching In" with fans booing and covering their ears.

Lawler and Cole discussed how Kelly's getting better in the ring each week. Jillian took control after pretending to invite Kelly back into the ring from the apron. Instead, Jillian kicked Kelly as she re-entered the ring. Jillian began to stand on Kelly's head and hair down on the mat, then put her in a submission hold. Jillian continued to stay in control, trying for pinfalls and using a Full Nelson on Kelly down on the mat. Kelly was able to get up and drop her weight to do a chin breaker on Jillian. Kelly gained momentum hitting all sorts of moves including a Flying Bodypress off the corner. Despite a failed pinfall, Kelly managed to kick Jillian in the back as she did a cartwheel at her in the corner. Kelly then finished with a leg drop to the back of Jillian's head to plant her face into the mat.

After the victory, Jillian attacked Kelly from behind. As Jillian pummeled Kelly all of a sudden, Kane's pyro exploded. Kane walked down to the ring and told Kelly the truth has finally come out that Orton rejected her and it doesn't feel good. Kane said next week he has a match with Randy Orton and Kelly should feel free to watch what happens.

Winner: Kelly Kelly wins via pinfall over Jillian Hall.

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When Raw returned, Lawler discussed how Triple Jeopardy will be the theme for Friday's Smackdown. Triple H will be fighting in 3 matches, a Tables match, Handicap match and Last Man Standing match as ordered by GM Vickie Guerrero.

Cryme Tyme vs. Cody Rhodes & Sim Snuka

In this do or die match for Snuka and Rhodes, it came down to Shad against Rhodes. Shad hit a huge elbow drop on Rhdoes and went for a pin, but Snuka got in to break it up. After Shad knocked Snuka out of the ring he went running across the ring towards Rhodes. Rhodes moved away and Shad hit shoulder first into the ringpost. JTG tagged in and did the Sunset Flip for a pin, but Rhodes kicked out. Rhodes managed to reverse a JTG maneuver into a face first slam, then took the pin. Rhodes & Snuka earn their way into Orton's stable with the victory.

Winners: Sim Snuka & Cody Rhodes win via pinfall over Cryme Tyme.

Backstage, JBL was shown exiting GM Stephanie McMahon's office with a sly grin. JBL started walking down the hall as Lawler asked "what is JBL up to?"

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Promotional advertisement was shown for Behind Enemy Lines Colombia starring Mr. Kennedy. The DVD arrives tomorrow, January 6th, 2009.

A jubilant Rhodes and Snuka walked up to Randy Orton in backstage hallway. Orton congratulated Rhodes and told him he was in. Orton then told Snuka he was out. Orton explained that he wanted to see which man would win the match and since Rhodes did, he passed the test and earned his way in. Snuka told Orton in a tag match only one man can pin. Orton asked Rhodes what he thought about it. Rhodes agreed with Orton that he won the match, and the two walked off leaving Snuka fuming.

Santino Marella & Beth Phoenix talked to Stephanie McMahon about Rosa Mendez. Stephanie said she can't have Rosa going crazy like this at WWE events. Santino remarked that she's a woman and not many can resist him. Beth grabbed Santino by the scruff of the neck and lead him out of the office, just as Chris Jericho entered. Jericho informed Steph that when he sent the protest about last weeks' Fatal Fourway he had it sent to Vince McMahon. Steph said her father's been away ever since the accident. Jericho said surprisingly he received a call from Vince's office earlier and in 2 weeks Vince will return to Raw. Jericho said then they'll find out whose show this really is. Steph looked shocked as Jericho left.

John Cena was shown walking backstage with his World Heavyweight Title over his shoulder.

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When Raw returned, Michael Cole and Lawler said the rematch between CM Punk and William Regal for the IC title will go down next week. Should Regal receive a DQ, he loses his title.

Shawn Michaels & John Cena vs. Chris Jericho & Randy Orton

Orton and Jericho made separate entrances, as both men will also be a part of the 30 Man Royal Rumble match in a few weeks. Cena started things off against Jericho in the match, but gave a look to Michaels on the apron beforehand. Jericho had the early headlock on Cena, until Cena was able to regain control and put a headlock of his own on Jericho. As Jericho broke out, Cena went off the ropes, but Shawn Michaels slapped his back for a tag. Jericho came at Cena but Cena hoisted him into the FU. Jericho slid off and Michaels was in for the Superkick. Jericho dropped down and Michaels kick nearly hit Cena. After a brief pause the two men rushed over and clotheslined Jericho over the rope. JBL arrived to the top of the ramp to observe his employee in action.

Raw returned with Cena taking it to Orton. Cena signaled for the Five Knuckle Shuffle and hit it on Orton. Cena had Orton up in the FU. Michaels rushed into the ring and knocked Jericho down as he tried to intervene. Orton raked Cena's eyes, blinding Cena temporarily. As Michaels bumped into Cena, Cena grabbed HBK thinking it was Orton and put him in the FU. Michaels slid off then yelled at Cena. As the ref ushered Michaels to the apron, Jericho and Orton doubleteamed Cena.

The doubleteam continued in and outside the ring. Jericho slammed Cena face first in the commentators' table then brought him back into the ring. Jericho jumped over the top rope to splash onto Cena, then tried for a pin. Afterwards, Jericho applied a headlock on Cena down on the mat. Orton eventually tagged in to continue punishing Cena, stomping on him down on the mat. Michaels seemed to be giving less effort towards making a tag as Cena stretched for it. Cena was able to get away from Jericho as they fought on the corner. After a legdrop on Jericho off the corner, Cena began to crawl towards a tag. Cena was unable to make the tag as Orton rushed in to attack.

Orton began further beating up Cena, but missed on a dropkick when he whipped Cena to the ropes. Cena mustered up energy and flew across the ring to get the tag. As Cena was in the corner, Michaels turned and eyed him. Jericho rushed at Michaels from behind and the two began to fight it out. Michaels gained the momentum on Jericho as he got to the top rope and went for the elbow drop. Jericho stuck his knees up and caught Michaels' ribs. Jerichos tried for Walls of Jericho, but Michaels reversed to a pin. Orton rushed in to break it up. Cena came in and Orton grabbed him then brought Cena down to the mat. As Orton prepared for the RKO, Cena shoved him away. Michaels delivered a Superkick to knock Orton to the mat. As Jericho was back up, Michaels delivered another Superkick then took the winning pin. Cena smirked from the apron at Michaels after the match, as Michaels seemed to display integrity.

As the cameras cut backstage, Todd Grisham asked JBL about Shawn Michaels' integrity. JBL said Michaels was great tonight and it'll be interesting to see how great he does next week as well. JBL said he talked to Stephanie McMahon earlier and next week Michaels will face Cena one-on-one. JBL added he'll be in Michaels' corner for the contest.

Winners: John Cena & Shawn Michaels win via pinfall over Randy Orton & Chris Jericho.

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