Raw Recap 01.26.09

Raw Recap from Cleveland, OH:

Raw opened with highlight footage of last week's incidents involving Randy Orton, Raw GM Stephanie McMahon and WWE Chairman Vince McMahon. Earlier in the night, Orton confronted Stephanie in her office, insulting her. Stephanie slapped Orton after he pushed her to the limits with his comments. Later on the show, when Vince McMahon made his return to the ring he was joined by his daughter, Stephanie. Randy Orton came down to the ring demanding Steph apologize, then began to berate her further. After Vince sent his daughter backstage, he demanded Orton make an apology to him. Orton and Vince got in one another's faces. Vince was prepared to tell Orton he was fired, but Orton struck him down, eventually delivering a punt kick to Vince's head. Vince was taken out by stretcher.

Lillian Garcia introduced the winner of the 2009 Royal Rumble, Randy Orton to the crowd. Orton appeared from backstage flanked by Rhodes and Dibiase with 3 men in business suits behind them. Michael Cole said the word was Orton will be facing reprimand for last week's incident. Orton got on the mic and introduced his lawyers, therapist, and Legacy's Rhodes & Dibiase. Orton then informed the crowd he's been dealing with IED (Intermittent Explosive Disorder). His therapist handed him a letter which Orton read from as his statement, saying when provoked he becomes aggressive and violent. Orton said WWE knew of his condition but did nothing about it. Orton said if Stephanie tries to fire him tonight, he'll sue her and WWE. Orton said that is his 2nd of two lawsuits, with his first being a lawsuit if he doesn't get to compete in the main event at Wrestlemania 25. Orton added that Rhodes & Dibiase will walk if he's fired.

Orton took out another letter and read a public apology regarding the trauma he caused the McMahon family last week. Orton asked that they put this behind them and move forward. Orton said he offers his sincerest apology to Mr. McMahon, his family, and all of the WWE Universe. Orton's music came on and he and his entourage made their way up the ramp. Backstage, Stephanie McMahon was shown watching it all with an angry look on her face.

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Cryme Tyme vs. John Morrison & The Miz
World Tag Team Title Match

Michael Cole discussed how last week Cryme Tyme baited Miz and Morrison into fighting them so they could earn a title shot. Cryme Tyme pulled a page out of Miz & Morrison's book when they won it by JTG pulling Miz off the apron as Morrison was finished off in the ring by Shad.

In tonight's match, Cryme Tyme seemed to have the crowd behind them and the momentum. Big Shad worked on Morrison in the ring and was able to slam him to the mat for a pinfall. The Miz quickly got in to break things up. JTG rushed in at Miz and went to tackle him out through the ropes. JTG hit the floor but Miz stayed on the apron. As Miz used the rope to pull himself to standing, Shad rushed over to boot him off the apron. With Shad's back turned, John Morrison rushed over and kicked him in the leg, then hit the Moonlight Drive to take the win.

Winners: The Miz & John Morrison win via pinfall over Cryme Tyme to retain the World Tag Team Titles.

Jerry Lawler said in reference to Vince McMahon he lives by the motto "the show must go on". So in 3 weeks we will have No Way Out, featuring the return of the Elimination Chamber. A video was shown with highlights from within the diabolical steel structure including Triple H, Jeff Hardy, Undertaker and Shawn Michaels. Lawler said both the World Heavyweight and WWE titles will be defended in Elimination Chamber matches this year.

JBL came out to the top of the ramp to announce that Shawn Michaels will wrestle in an Elimination Chamber qualifying match tonight on JBL's behalf. JBL added that Michaels will face John Cena, and if Michaels wins, then JBL will be automatically entered into the Elimination Chamber match for No Way Out.

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Kofi Kingston vs. Kane
Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match 1

Michael Cole noted how Kane competed in his 11th Royal Rumble last night, eliminating 3 wrestlers.

Kane dominated Kofi early on with his power as he whipped him to the corner then clotheslined him. Later still, Kofi avoided Kane in the corner but as Kofi charged back he met Kane's boot with his face. Kane jumped off the corner to clothesline Kofi down, then sized him up for the Chokeslam. Kofi staggered up, then with a burst of energy kicked Kane, causing him to fall to the ropes. Kofi began trying to beat up Kane, but Kane grabbed him around the throat and pulled him into the air. Before Kane could slam Kofi, Kof slid over Kane's back then rolled him into a pinfall. After the 3 count, Kofi, Kane, and Lawler were all shocked at the upset victory.

Winner: Kofi Kingston wins via pinfall over Kane to qualify for the Elimination Chamber match at No Way Out.

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Chris Jericho made his way out to the ramp with a microphone in hand. Jericho introduced preview clips of The Wrestler starring Mickey Rourke. Interviews were shown with the director and Rourke. Jericho said that Ric Flair recently praised the movie showing that Flair can't stay away from the spotlight. During a red carpet event last night, Rourke tossed his name into the Wrestlemania 25 discussion, saying he is coming after Chris Jericho and plans to beat him. Jericho commented on Rourke's comments saying he was out of line, and the last thing he wants to do is offend Jericho.

Backstage, JBL was in the locker room with Shawn Michaels. JBL confronted Michaels about delivering a Superkick to him. Michaels said he did it to get Cena to lower his guard, and tried to do everything he could to make sure JBL won. JBL said he could fire him on the spot, then told Michaels he still has a chance to deliver by making history repeat itself tonight. JBL said this is Michaels' last chance to defeat Cena for him.

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A highlight video was shown regarding Wrestlemania for the past 25 years, starting way back in 1985 with Vince McMahon's sports entertainment vision. Hulk Hogan, Roddy Piper, Ricky Steamboat, The Rock, Stone Cold and The Undertaker were amongst the many wrestlers shown. Wrestlemania 25 will mark the silver anniversary of the big event.

Shawn Michaels vs. John Cena
Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match 2

Michaels came to the ring accompanied by JBL, with JBL's entrance music playing rather than Michaels'. Cena arrived to the ring next to the roar of the crowd.

Early in the match, Michaels slapped away at Cena. Cena tried to come back off the ropes with a Bulldog, but Michaels shoved him away. Again Michaels chopped Cena, but Cena responded with a huge right hand, then tried for the FU. Michaels quickly slipped off and slid out of the ring to regroup as Raw hit commercial break.

Michaels managed to elude the STF by kicking Cena away when he grabbed his legs. From there, Cena rushed off the ropes to hit Michaels with shoulder blocks. As Michaels got up, Cena picked up Michaels and slammed his back to the mat. Michaels looked over at JBL, then prepared for the Five Knuckle Shuffle on Michaels. As Cena went for it, Michaels countered the "You Can't See Me" and brought Cena down into a submission hold. Michaels kept the hold locked in tight on Cena. Cena managed to stand up and get Michaels on his shoulders. Michaels was able to use his weight to get over to the ropes and escape.

As Michaels came back to go at Cena, Cena tripped him down for the STF right in front of JBL. JBL watched helplessly as Michaels clutched for the bottom rope, but finally grabbed it to break the hold. Cena waited for Michaels to stagger back around, then hoisted him up in the FU. Michaels again used his weight to slide down and roll up Cena in a pin. Cena escaped it. The two men continued their battle with Cena whipping HBK hard to the corner. HBK flipped up onto the corner then back down and came right back to level Cena with a clothesline. Both men layed on the mat with JBL looking on.

The two men both staggered back to their feet. Michaels picked up Cena and slammed him down, then went out to the apron to climb the corner. JBL angrily asked his employee what he was doing, saying he already had the win opportunity. Michaels continued up the corner saying he'd do it his way. JBL angrily tore off his suit jacket and got onto the apron. As the two argued, Cena had gotten back to his feet. Cena rushed over and hit JBL, causing JBL to fall into Michaels, pushing him. Michaels fell off the corner. With the ref ordering JBL to stay out of it, Cena grabbed Michaels in the FU and hit it to take the win. After Cena left with the belt, JBL got in the ring to stare down at Michaels on the mat.

Winner: John Cena wins via pinfall over Shawn Michaels to prevent JBL from entering the Elimination CHamber match.

Cole and Lawler replayed footage from earlier in the night where Randy Orton read his apology letter to the McMahon's regarding last week's incident.

Todd Grisham spoke to Stephanie in her office, asking whether any action will be taken against Randy Orton. Stephanie said there will be action and it will be taken publicly to Orton's face tonight.

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WWE Rewind showed slide pictures of last night's Womens Championship match between Melina and Beth Phoenix. Beth Phoenix displayed power and strength throughout, but in the end Melina was able to roll her up for the surprise pinfall.

Melina and Kelly Kelly vs. Jillian Hall & Beth Phoenix

Santino Marella joined Cole and Lawler for commentary on the match. Cole informed Marella that he set a new record for the Rumble, surviving just 1.9 seconds, the shortest time ever.

At one point Kelly Kelly flipped onto the apron to elude a move from Jillian. Kelly rammed Jillian through the ropes, but then Beth began to distract her. Jillian rushed over to knock Kelly off the apron. Beth Phoenix tagged in and began to further punish Kelly once she was back in the ring. As Kelly tried to crawl over for a tag, Beth grabbed her foot to prevent it. The ref became distracted looking outside at Jillian or Santino. Beth's fan and intern, Rosa Mendes, rushed down to the ring and yanked Melina's foot out, causing Melina to fall to the outside. Rosa rushed back up the ramp and backstage. With no partner to tag, Kelly was stuck and Beth hit her finisher on her for the pinfall.

Winner: Jillian Hall & Beth Phoenix win via pinfall over Kelly Kelly & Melina.

2005's Wrestlemania ads were highlighted, with various wrestlers in their own movie clips, such as JBL in A Few Good Men and Stone Cold Steve Austin in Gladiator. During Wrestlemania 21, Batista defeated Triple H for the title, and the Money in the Bank Ladder Match debuted with Edge winning it. Wrestlemania 21 was considered the rise of the Rated R Superstar.

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Highlights of last week's Raw were shown with Rey Mysterio taking on opponent Mike Knox. Knox went for the 619 but Knox caught him by the legs then turned it into a catapult into the ropes. Knox brutally assaulted Mysterio from here, with the ref finally calling for a DQ.

Rey Mysterio vs. William Regal
Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match 2

With Layla looking on, both men competed for their chance to be in their first ever Elimination Chamber matchup. Regal began using brutal moves to punch Rey down on the mat and into the corner. Regal whipped Rey to the corner then punched him down as he bounced back. Regal went to slam Rey down but Rey countered it into an arm drag. Regal recovered to knock Rey back down. Mysterio managed to gain momentum and punched Regal in the back to knock him to the ropes. Rey hit a quick 619, kicking Regal in the face, then hopped off the top rope to splash Regal for the victory.

Winner: Rey Mysterio wins via pinfall over William Regal to qualify for the Elimination Chamber.

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Backstage, Rosa Mendes was ranting to Santino about how something had to be done to Melina, a disgrace to women everywhere. As Rosa continued spouting off, Beth Phoenix walked up behind her. Santino signaled to Rosa to turn around. Rosa turned around in shock. Beth gave them both a look then told Santino "we can keep her".

The world television premiere trailer for "12 Rounds" starring John Cena was shown on Raw. The movie plot revolves around Cena playing the role of a cop forced to go 12 rounds against a villain from his past to protect his wife/girlfriend. "12 Rounds" comes out to theaters everywhere on March 27th, 2009.

CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho
Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match 4

Highlights were shown of Punk beating Regal for the Intercontinental title last week in Chicago.

Early on in this qualifying match, Jericho pulled Punk's leg out from under him on the ropes causing Punk to hit the mat. Jericho managed to get Punk into a headlock on the mat to wear him down some. Punk delivered the Bulldog and gained momentum as he sat Jericho up on the corner to kick him. Punk climbed up for a headscissor to toss Jericho to the mat. Punk prepared for GTS as Jericho got up. With Jericho on Punk's shoulders he was able to elbow out of the move and tried for a pinfall. Jericho went for Walls of Jericho but Punk escaped it. Punk went for a bridge pin on Jericho, but Jericho reversed it and try to do a backslide with Punk's arms locked in his. Punk broke out of that, but Jericho quickly hit 1/2 of his Code Breaker in Punk's face, then pinned him.

Winner: Chris Jericho wins via pinfall over CM Punk to qualify for the Elimination Chamber Match.

Again, highlights were displayed of Orton knocking down Mr. McMahon just before Vince could say "You're -". Orton delivered a Punt kick to Vince's head, requiring that the chairman be taken out by stretcher.

Stephanie McMahon was shown walking backstage on her way to the ring to make her announcement about Orton. Orton was shown pacing in a hallway backstage, preparing for his fate.

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Lillian Garcia introduced the GM of Raw, Stephanie McMahon. Steph walked to the ring looking ready to reprimand Randy Orton. Stephanie said Orton thinks threatening her with lawsuits will make her back down, he's wrong. She then told Orton to come out to find out what she thinks. Orton made his way down the ramp with Rhodes, Dibiase, his attorneys and therapist. Orton got in the ring with his entourage and asked Stephanie to consider her decision about firing him. Orton said he, Rhodes and Dibiase will all be gone and it will cripple the Raw roster's star power. An attorney took the mic and informed Stephanie that if she chooses to fire Orton she'll face extreme consequences. Orton said if he's fired, he will sue her, WWE and file an injunction to prevent Wrestlemania 25 from going on.

Just then, all of the superstars from backstage came out to the top of the ramp and stood there looking towards the ring. Orton yelled on the mic asking what they're looking at. Orton said just maybe he'll take the whole company down with him. Orton demanded that Stephanie McMahon fire him and began screaming at her to do it. The two engaged in a staredown, and Stephanie said firing Orton would be way too easy. Stephanie said she had bigger plans. Just then, Shane McMahon's music came on. The superstars moved aside as Shane emerged from backstage and walked down to the ring staring at Orton.

Shane got into the ring with Orton, Dibiase & Rhodes. Shane stared at Orton who began to slowly back away to the ropes. All of a sudden, Shane exploded forward and tackled Orton down, punching away at him. Rhodes and Orton pulled Shane off Orton, but he broke away again and tackled Orton yet again. This continued for several minutes with Rhodes and Dibiase trying to prevent the attack. Shane continued throwing punches at Orton to knock him down. Finally, Rhodes pulled Shane to to the corner, with Dibiase helping Orton up the ramp. Shane was able to break away from Rhodes and rushed up the ramp to hit Dibiase, then went at Orton again. Finally the Raw superstars up on the ramp got involved to pull the two apart, but only after Shane had landed several punches to beat up Orton. Raw ended with Shane yelling "Where is he?" and looking to abuse Orton more.

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