Raw Recap 01.12.09

Raw Recap from Sioux City, IA:

Raw opened with JBL's white limo pulling in. JBL and Shawn Michaels were shown seated in the back. JBL reminded Michaels of his match with Cena tonight. JBL said he knows Michaels probably wishes he were in JBL's position as #1 Contender for Cena's World Heavyweight Title. JBL told Michaels that he needs to fight tonight's match for a paycheck, not for a title. JBL said to consider tonight Wrestlemania. Michaels gave a glare to JBL right before JBL exited the limo.

After Raw's intro music, Stephanie McMahon promptly came down to the ring. Stephanie said in 2 weeks the Road to Wrestlemania begins with the Royal Rumble, with the winner of that match going on to headline Wrestlemania 25. Stephanie reminded fans that her father Vince McMahon returns to Raw next week. As Stephanie continued to speak, Chris Jericho came out from backstage to interrupt.

Jericho told Stephanie that once Vince returns he'll right all Stephanie's wrongs, including taking JBL out of the title match and putting Jericho into it. Jericho said Vince understands his value and how to run Monday Night Raw. Stephanie cut in to tell Jericho that Raw is her show and that her father supports her. Steph told Jericho the contract for the Royal Rumble is done and will be signed next week. Steph told Jericho to focus on winning the Rumble match and to get read for his match tonight. Jericho said he refuses to compete until its for the World Heavyweight Title. Jericho told Stephanie as of next week nothing she says will matter. Jericho continued to test Stephanie and she told him he'd lose his opportunity to talk to Vince next week, his spot in the Rumble and any opportunity to ever compete for the World Heavyweight title. Jericho said he didn't give a damn what she said because it won't matter next week. Stephanie then told Jericho, "You're Fired!" leaving Jericho in the ring.

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Raw returned with footage of Stephanie firing Jericho in the ring. The camera cut backstage to show security escorting Jericho out of the arena.

Rey Mysterio vs. The Miz

Michael Cole informed fans that Miz will be a part of the 30 Man Royal Rumble in 2 weeks. Footage was shown from last week where Mysterio was attacked by Mike Knox following a tag team match.

At one point in tonight's back and forth match, Mysterio had Miz against the ropes for the 619. Miz avoided it and Mysterio came back in the ring. Miz tried to toss Rey out of the ring, but Rey landed on the apron then rammed Miz in the midsection. Rey landed a Sunset Flip pinfall move off the top rope, but Miz countered to grab Rey's legs for a pin. Rey escaped at 2 then regained control, eventually hitting the 619, followed by a Splash off the top rope.

As the ref was holding Rey's arm up as the winner, Mike Knox rushed into the ring to attack Mysterio again. Knox picked up Rey in a Bear Hug and rammed him into the corner. As Knox went to charge at Rey in the corner, Rey managed to kick him away twice, then jumped off the corner to headscissor Knox. Knox was tossed across the ring, then slid out under the bottom rope. Rey and Knox stared at one another as Knox backed up the ramp.

Winner: Rey Mysterio wins via pinfall over The Miz.

Backstage, WWE Diva Candice Michelle was shown talking to someone off camera. Candice said she can't believe Mr. McMahon's returning after that accident and all. The camera cut to show CM Punk, who pulled earphones out of his ears and apologized, saying he was preparing for his Intercontinental Title match. Candice wished Punk good luck as he left the scene.

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A brief promo video was shown to announce Mr. McMahon's return to Raw next week.

CM Punk vs. William Regal
Intercontinental Title Match

Lillian Garcia reminded fans that if Regal is disqualified tonight, CM Punk automatically wins the Intercontinental Title. Footage was shown of Punk about to win last week with the GTS, but Regal grabbed the ref's shirt and held on, causing the ref to call for the bell. Stephanie McMahon came on the Titantron and announced Regal would defend the title yet again, with the new stipulation. Regal came to the ring with his girlfriend Layla. On the way down the ramp, Regal yanked Layla by her hair and continued to scowl.

In the matchup, Punk started out aggressively as he took Regal to the mat in a headlock. Regal was able to back Punk into a corner, and was about to throw a punch, then stopped himself realizing it could mean a DQ. Punk was able to deliver a high knee in the corner followed by the Bulldog. Regal escaped the pinfall, then was able to knock Punk face first down into the ring corner. Regal hammered away at the back of Punk, and the ref pulled him away. Regal delivered a knee to Punk's back then went at him again, but Punk turned and punched him in the midsection. Regal acted as if he was hit by a low blow, and the ref immediately called for the bell to disqualify Punk.

Winner: William Regal wins due to disqualification of CM Punk to retain the Intercontinental Championship.

Backstage Mickie James made small talk with Cody Rhodes, but just then Sim Snuka and Manu came up to confront him about leaving them for Orton's group. Snuka and Manu said they were coming after Orton tonight and brought back up, another second generation superstar who shares their point of view. They told Rhodes either he's with them or against them tonight. Michael Cole reminded fans that Randy Orton gets to face Kane later tonight, in addition to Shawn Michaels versus John Cena.

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Backstage, Todd Grisham caught up with William Regal & Layla and asked if Regal was satisfied with tonight's title defense. Regal said he's glad the challenge is finally over and he's still the champ. Stephanie walked up to tell Regal she isn't satisfied that these two IC title matches ended by DQ, so she said next week will be their third and final title match, a No Disqualification match.

A special announcement was made that Stone Cold Steve Austin will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame this April 4th, 2009, the night before Wrestlemania 25.

Shawn Michaels was getting ready in the locker room when JBL entered. JBL told Michaels not to worry about job security or Jericho's firing earlier, because Michaels is JBL's employee, so Stephanie can't fire him. JBL also said Jericho's OK financially since he didn't lose money in the stock market like HBK. HBK told JBL he doesn't need a corner man to beat Cena tonight, so he'll go prove once again why he's the Showstopper. JBL retorted that's what he's paying him for.

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When Raw returned, Cole and Lawler announced that Rey Mysterio and Mike Knox will finally square off in the ring next week on Raw.

Randy Orton vs. Kane

Orton arrived to the ring accompanied by Cody Rhodes. Kane was in control early as he eventually sent Orton out over the top rope. Orton appeared to hurt his shoulder as Cody went over to check on him and Raw took a commercial break. When Raw returned, Orton had control in the ring and kicked Kane who was on the mat. Kane responded with an uppercut to knock Orton down, but Orton got right back up then ran off the ropes to kick Kane. Orton began to do knee drops on Kane and stomp on various body parts while he was down.

Rhodes to continued to watch from ringside with Orton in control. Orton locked in a headlock on Kane, but Kane was able to pick up Orton and slam him down, then delivered several uppercuts and a big boot. Orton kicked out of the pin attempt after Kane's side slam. Kane eventually grabbed Orton for a Chokeslam, but Orton escaped then hit a neckbreaker. Orton tried for the RKO but Kane shoved him off then climbed to the top rope. As Kane jumped, Orton jumped up to dropkick Kane in the gut. Orton grabbed the pinfall but Lawler and Cole pointed out that Kane appeared to get his shoulder up without the ref seeing it. A replay revealed the same, that Kane's right shoulder was up.

As Orton remained in the ring slapping Rhodes' hand, Sim Snuka and Manu appeared on the ramp. They asked Rhodes if he's with them or against them, then revealed their third man, Ted Dibiase, who returned to Raw. The three men walked down the ramp then surrounded the ring. As they entered the ring to go after Orton, Orton turned to look out to Rhodes. Rhodes slid in and got on the other side of Orton.

Orton began to attack Manu. Rhodes and Dibiase began to attack Sim Snuka, revealing that Dibiase was on board with Rhodes and Orton. The three men continued to attack Snuka and Manu in the ring. Rhodes performed his finisher on Snuka then Dibiase performed his on Manu leaving them layed out. Orton gave an evil grin before motioning his team members to exit the ring with him.

Winner: Randy Orton wins via pinfall over Kane.

Cole and Lawler revisited Chris Jericho being fired again with footage of the earlier in-ring incident.

Backstage, Todd Grisham interviewed John Cena. Grisham began to ask about the Royal Rumble, but Cena cut him off and said everyone knows about the event so they'll tell him about it. Cena said it's the biggest event of the year leading to Wrestlemania 25. Cena said last year he snuck in and won the whole Rumble, but this year he faces JBL, a former champion. Cena also added that JBL's bought himself the best cornerman with Shawn Michaels. Cena added that tonight he competes against Michaels in "his Wrestlemania".

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Raw Rewind showed last week's Mixed Tag match, where Melina pinned Beth Phoenix to win it. Afterwards, Beth's superfan "Rosa" came out of the crowd yet again to go after Melina.

Kelly Kelly & Melina vs. Jillian Hall & Beth Phoenix

As Melina made her entrance down the ramp, a random person appearing to be a man rushed Melina, knocking her onto the ramp and pouncing on her. It was revealed to be Rosa Mendez and security quickly pounced on her to pull her away through the crowd. Kelly Kelly came up the ramp to make sure Melina was ok. Suddenly, Beth and Jillian rushed the two divas from behind to attack. Jillian took out Kelly, and Beth took out Melina. They ended things with Beth grabbing Melina by her hair, taking a paparazzi camera in one hand and yelling for Melina to smile.

Winners: No winners as match was never able to start due to fan interference.

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Another "Vince McMahon moment" was shown to highlight the chairman's return to Raw next week. Vince's Hollywood Star ceremony highlights were shown.

Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler announced the official theme song for Royal Rumble 2009, "Let It Rock" by Kevin Rudolf. The matches for the PPV were presented including Edge facing Jeff Hardy for the WWE title and JBL facing John Cena for the World Heavyweight Title, with Shawn Michaels in JBL's corner. The main match will be the Royal Rumble in which 30 men from ECW, Smackdown and Raw compete for a chance to headline Wrestlemania 25.

Backstage, Orton congratulated Rhodes and Dibiase for making it into his Legacy stable. Orton said he only kicked Dibiase in the head to knock some sense into him. Dibiase said the past is the past, but soon they'll all be competing in the Royal Rumble match. Orton reminded them there can be just 1 winner, and Dibiase & Rhodes nodded in agreement.

A line of superstars was shown at Stephanie McMahon's door including Cryme Tyme, Dolph Ziggler, Goldust and Jamie Noble. As the wrestlers poked fun at each other regarding their shot at getting into the match, Santino Marella emerged from Stephanie's office. Santino exclaimed "Yes!" indicating he'll be in the Rumble, as the other wrestlers groaned. Santino walked off, and Dolph Ziggler did his usual introduction to Jamie Noble. Noble refused to shake with Cryme Tyme saying someone needs to slap Ziggler.

Shawn Michaels shown walking backstage with JBL, on the way out for his main event against Cena.

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Promotional ad was shown for Behind Enemy Lines Colombia starring Ken "Mr. Kennedy" Anderson.

Next week's Raw in Chicago will feature Punk vs. Regal in a No Disqualification match for the Intercontinental Title as well as a contract signing between JBL and John Cena for their Royal Rumble Title match.

Shawn Michaels vs. John Cena

In a non-title bout, Shawn Michaels got to have his "Wrestlemania" on Raw, as JBL had scheduled this match last week. JBL and Michaels came out of JBL's white limo next to the ramp. Michaels entrance music came on after he stepped out of the limo, but there were no pyrotechnics involved.

Cena extended a handshake to start the match off with Michaels staring at him in contemplation. Michaels looked at Cena's hand then shook it as JBL looked on. Raw went to commercial as the match was set to begin.

In what Michael Cole described as a "Chess match" things went back and forth. At one point Cena jumped off the corner ropes at Michaels. Michaels countered and brought Cena down into a Crossface submission hold to stretch Cena's neck. Cena used his strength to stand with Michaels, but Michaels toppled onto him and continued with the Crossface. Cena managed to drag his body with Michaels over to the bottom rope to break the hold. Cena fell to the outside as Raw went to another commercial break.

When Raw returned, Cena had gained control and did a backdrop slam with Michaels to the mat. Cena whipped Michaels hard to the corner and was able to suplex Michaels. Cena went for the FU, but Michaels grabbed the ropes, so Cena locked in a Bear Hug around Michael's midsection to wear him down. Michaels went down to one knee but was able to regain his strength in attempt to fight out. Cena re-applied the hold and tried whipping Michaels from corner to corner. As Cena rushed him in the ring corner, Michaels got a boot up to kick Cena down.

The two men continued going at it, with Cena trying for a slam, but Michaels reversed it into a pin. Michaels was able to slam Cena down, then climbed to the top corner. Cena got up to attack Michaels then climbed the corner and tried to hoist him on his shoulders. Michaels flipped out of it and got under Cena's legs to Powerbomb him off the corner. Cena barely escaped the pinfall, and was able to regain control, eventually hitting a leg drop off the corner. Cena delivered a Five Knuckle Shuffle and then tried for the FU. Michaels barely escaped it, then hit a DDT on Cena. Cena barely kicked out of the pinfall, so HBK climbed to the top rope and hit an elbow drop. Michaels prepared for Sweet Chin Music. Cena ducked the kick, then was able to grab Michaels and hit the FU. When Cena completed the move he fell to the mat also, tired out. Cena crawled over for the pinfall but HBK barely escaped at 2 1/2.

As Cena tried to stand Cena up, Michaels hit Sweet Chin Music out of nowhere and fell on Cena for the pin. Cena barely escaped yet again and both men struggled to get to their feet. Michaels countered the FU again and tried for a pin, but Cena kicked out. Cena tripped Michaels down to the mat and applied the STFU right in front of JBL. Michaels managed to stretch and grab the ropes with JBL leaning on the bottom rope to inch it closer to him. Again Cena tried for the FU, but Michaels slid off and shoved Cena to the ropes near JBL. JBL looked ready to trip Cena, so Cena kicked at him. The distraction allowed Michaels to connect on Sweet Chin Music again, and take the winning pinfall.

After Michaels left the ring and headed up the ramp, JBL got into the ring looking down at the layed out Cena.

Winner: Shawn Michaels wins via pinfall over John Cena.

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