Raw Recap 02.23.09

Raw Recap from Nashville, TN:

Highlights were shown from last week's episode of Raw with Shane McMahon vs. Randy Orton in an Unsanctioned Match. Orton's Legacy team came in to help Orton finish off Shane. Orton then delivered a vicious Punt Kick to knock out Shane on the mat. Stephanie rushed to the ring to check on Shane, and ended up getting RKO'd by Orton. This all prompted Triple H to rush down to the ring, with Orton and Legacy retreating. An enraged HHH looked out to the ramp where Legacy stood looking back.

Vickie Guerrero opened the show saying she was named interim GM for Raw since Shane and Stephanie were sidelined last week. Vickie continued to go on how she will carry out the duties as GM just as good as she does on Smackdown. As she continued to speak, John Cena's music came on and he came to the ring to interrupt. Cena joked that the Board of Directors could have chosen Mike Adamle, Michael Cole or 100 others instead of Vickie. Cena confronted Vickie for lying that she cares about the McMahon's, Raw or the WWE fans. Cena informed Vickie that he has a rematch clause and he'd like to cash it in tonight. Just then, Edge's music came on, and Edge came out from backstage followed by Big Show.

With a mic in hand, Edge came down the ramp with Big Show. Edge yelled at Cena for trying to intimidate Vickie. Cena told Edge he has no excuse not to defend the title, but Edge came back with the fact he doesn't answer to Cena. Edge told Cena he'll never be a top star like Hulk Hogan or Stone Cold, because Cena's in the same era as Edge. Cena insulted Vickie and got in Edge's face, but just then Big Show walked over to Cena. Vickie interrupted and said she decided that tonight Cena will either face her "friend" or "family member".

Michael Cole noted that tonight Miz, Morrison and CM Punk will compete in a Triple Threat Money in the Bank Qualifying Match.

Back in the parking garage a black car pulled in with Legacy getting out. Orton, Rhodes and Dibiase rushed into the door with their luggage.

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Cole and Lawler mentioned tonight's main event, Shawn Michaels vs. JBL for the right to challenge Undertaker and his undefeated streak at WM25.

CM Punk vs. The Miz vs. John Morrison
Money in the Bank Qualifying Triple Threat Match

The Miz and Morrison worked as a team throughout early on, trying to wear down Punk. At one point, Punk escaped from the duo in the corner then put Miz on his shoulders for GTS. Miz grabbed the ropes, but Punk tossed him onto the apron, then kicked him off. Morrison charged over and took Punk to the outside. All 3 men were layed out outside as Raw went to commercial.

Raw returned with Punk able to gain some momentum as he whipped Morrison to the corner then kneed him. As he went for a bulldog, Miz was back in the ring to clothesline Punk. Miz began to work on Punk with Morrison out of the action. Punk again took on both Miz and Morrison, and was able to bulldog Miz while also clotheslining Morrison down. Miz got Punk in the electric chair, with Morrison jumping off the ropes to kick Punk down. Both men tried to pin Punk, and eventually this led to them fighting each other. Morrison ended up on the apron with Miz going for a suplex. Punk came around as Miz suplexed Morrison. Punk was able to take Morrison on his shoulders, then knocked him into Miz causing Miz to fall to the outside. Punk hit the GTS and won the match to secure the first spot in the Wrestlemania 25 match.

Winner: CM Punk wins via pinfall over John Morrison to qualify for a spot in Wrestlemania 25's Money in the Bank Ladder Match.

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Footage was shown of Jim Ross' interview with Triple H from Smackdown. HHH said Randy Orton's been walking a fine line for a while now, and last week on Raw he put his hands on Triple H's wife. HHH looked at the camera saying Orton crossed a line he can't come back from. Triple H eventually tore off his mic and walked out, unable to contain his emotions.

Todd Grisham was stationed outside Orton's locker room, when Cody Rhodes and Ted Dibiase walked out. Rhodes said people are pointing fingers when it was Shane who chose to fight him, and Stephanie who chose to get into the ring with Orton. Dibiase added that Orton won't be a prisoner on his own show.

Beth Phoenix, Santino Marella and WWE Diva Rosa Mendes were shown walking in a hall backstage. They came up to Dolph Ziggler who kept trying to shake the divas hands. Santino kept shaking his hand instead and speaking for the two females, then told Ziggler he has better abs. The four walked off on their way for a mixed tag match.

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Highlights were shown from last week's match between Melina and Beth Phoenix for the Womens Title. Melina was knocked outside the ring where Santino and Rosa started to beat her up. Mickie James, Candice and Kelly came down to help fight them off. With Beth distracted, Melina was able to quickly roll up Beth in the ring for a pin.

A backstage parking garage was shown where Todd Grisham was awaiting the arrival of Triple H to Raw.

Cryme Tyme & Melina vs. Dolph Ziggler, Santino Marella & Beth Phoenix
Mixed Tag Match

After Melina and Beth went at it for the start of the contest, JTG and Dolph Ziggler tagged in. Ziggler held the advantage for some time, working to wear down JTG. JTG finally managed to duck a clothesline and make the tag to Shad. Shad rushed in to clothesline Ziggler down repeatedly, then tossed him up high above to let him hit the mat. Shad went for the Elbow drop, but Ziggler rolled out of the way and tagged in Santino. Santino got himself revved up, then charged right at Shad. Shad grabbed Santino and slammed him face first to the mat for the pinfall.

Winners: Cryme Tyme & Melina win via pinfall over Santino Marella, Dolph Ziggler and Beth Phoenix.

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A promo was shown to announce Wrestlemania 25 is just 41 days away. Backstage in the locker room, John Cena was shown getting himself prepared for his match later.

A new trailer preview was shown for Cena's upcoming movie, "12 Rounds".

Shawn Michaels vs. JBL

Before the match, Michael Cole made the announcement that Vickie Guerrero decided to have the winner of this match face Vladimir Kozlov next week, for the right to face Taker at WM25. At one point in this match, JBL was beating up Michaels on the outside. JBL tried to put HBK on his shoulder and ram him into the post, but HBK slid off to shove JBL into the post. JBL flew back and knocked into HBK's head. Both men fell and the ref started counting them out. Both men managed to climb into the ring, but stayed down as Raw took a break.

JBL began to dominate the match, knocking Michaels off the corner turnbuckle to the outside, then extracting more punishment as he hammered on HBK inside the ring. Michaels made a comeback as he came off the ropes and flew at JBL with a forearm. HBK was able to hit several atomic knee drops, then slam JBL to the mat. HBK landed the elbow off the corner, then prepared for Sweet Chin Music. JBL got up and Michaels went for it, but JBL avoided it. After shoving Michaels to the corner, and clotheslining Michaels over the top rope, HBK held on then pulled himself back into the ring. JBL promptly booted him down, then waited for Michaels to get up. JBL went for the Clothesline from Hell but HBK countered with Sweet Chin Music to win it.

After Michaels' win, Vladimir Kozlov came down to the ring to stare down Michaels. The two got face to face for a staredown, with Shawn suddenly striking away at Kozlov. Kozlov responded by picking up Michaels and slamming him to the mat hard as the fans booed him.

Winner: Shawn Michaels wins via pinfall over JBL.

In a locker room backstage, Randy Orton prepared with Cody Rhodes and Ted Dibiase.

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A Wrestlemania 24 recap video was shown highlighting the various matches that took place at last year's event, including Edge vs. Undertaker, Big Show vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr, and the Money in the Bank Ladder Match. Most memorable from the event was Ric Flair's final match, against Shawn Michaels.

Jamie Noble vs. Mike Knox

Noble cut a promo before the match started to say he knows he'll be going to Wrestlemania 25, and will last longer against tonight's opponent than he did against Kane last week. Knox made good on his promise as he lasted 29 seconds against the vicious Knox. Noble hit a dropkick into Knox' legs off the ropes, but as Noble came off the ropes for more, Knox booted him down, then hit his corkscrew slam finisher.

Winner: Mike Knox wins via pinfall over Jamie Noble.

The latest 2009 WWE Hall of Fame Inductee was announced, Ricky the Dragon Steamboat. A video package was shown highlighting Steamboat's WWF/WWE career which spanned 3 decades. One of Steamboat's highlights included Steamboat defeating Macho Man at Wrestlemania III for the Intercontinental title. Another moment saw Steamboat defeat Ric Flair for the NWA Championship. Steamboat will join The Funk Brothers and Stone Cold Steve Austin in the 2009 WWE Hall of Fame class. Ric Flair will induct Steamboat at the ceremony.

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Michael Cole introduced the latest Hall of Fame inductee, Ricky the Dragon Steamboat, who came to the top of the ramp in a suit. Fans gave Steamboat an ovation, and Michael Cole congratulated him. Steamboat spoke about the highlight of his career, Wrestlemania III, and now being named to the Hall of Fame as the highlight of his life. As Steamboat continued to speak, Jericho's theme music came on and Jericho arrived on stage. Steamboat motioned for Cole to stand back and took the mic.

Jericho thanked the Academy for proving him right by not giving Mickey Rourke the Oscar for "The Wrestler". Jericho mentioned all the has beens of WWE such as Ric Flair, Roddy Piper and Steamboat. Jericho talked about Steamboat becoming a character when he sold out to the fans. Jericho called the fans hypocrites and told Steamboat to enjoy his moment with them. Jericho turned to walk backstage, but Steamboat got on the mic and reminded him how he signed an autograph for him. Steamboat said Jericho might be the hypocrite for writing that Steamboat was his idol, and for turning on then embracing the fans, over and over again. Steamboat defended the WWE Legends and himself, then told Jericho that he may never be a hall of famer like Steamboat. Jericho took exception to it and clocked Steamboat over the head, then shoved him into the Raw set on top of the ramp. Jericho yelled at Steamboat several times before exiting backstage.

Cole and Lawler replayed the earlier confrontation involving Cena, Vickie Guerrero, Edge and Big Show.

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Cena came to the ring ready for his match against Vickie's "friend" or "family member". Vickie Guerrero came out onto the ramp to tell Cena there'd be no title rematch tonight. Cena said he's going to follow Vickie wherever she goes now. Cena said he'll keep showing up until she decides to give him a rematch. Vickie then introduced a member from her family to come to the ring and wrestle Cena.

John Cena vs. Chavo Guerrero

Cena made quick work of Chavo, slamming him down, then hitting the Five Knuckle Shuffle. As Chavo got up, Cena hit the FU, then the STF to make Chavo tap out. Vickie looked on in disbelief.

Winner: John Cena wins via submission over Chavo Guerrero.

Backstage, Rhodes and Dibiase came out of Orton's locker room. The two looked down the hallway, then Orton stepped out when things looked safe. Orton revealed that he had a Sledgehammer with him as the three headed off.

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As Raw returned Cole and Lawler mentioned that "War Machine" by AC/DC is one of the official Wrestlemania 25 theme songs. Also they reminded fans that next week, Shawn Michaels faces Vladimir Kozlov with the winner getting to take on Undertaker at Wrestlemania 25.

Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes and Ted Dibiase arrived from backstage with Orton wielding a Sledgehammer. Orton said he's been waiting for Triple H all night so he decided to come wait in the ring, that's if HHH even shows up. Orton said Stephanie was not a victim, but instead Orton was. Orton discussed how Vince McMahon insulted the Orton family so Orton's IED kicked in. Orton said he did what he had to do against Shane also, because Shane kept pushing him. Orton said the last time Stephanie got in his face, she slapped him, so when she did it last week, his instincts took over, prompting the RKO. Orton yelled at the fans saying they have no idea what he's gone through or about what it's like to be under the pressure he is as a top celebrity.

Orton said he hopes Triple H's children were watching last week so they could learn from Stephanie's mistakes. Suddenly, Triple H was shown on the Titantron with a Sledgehammer on his shoulder. Todd Grisham chased behind trying to get him to comment but HHH just kept charging forward. Orton readied himself with Rhodes and Dibiase as HHH appeared on the ramp, then locked eyes with orton. HHH started down the ramp still staring right at Orton. HHH got up on the steel steps, ready to get into the ring. Orton got back on the mic telling HHH they should lose the sledgehammers and deal with this like men. Orton dropped his sledgehammer out over the top rope, then HHH dropped his down as well. Hunter got in the ring, removed his leather jacket slow and prepared to go at Orton and Legacy. Suddenly, HHH revealed that he had another Sledgehammer behind his back. HHH went at Orton swinging, but Orton managed to escape the ring with Dibaise. Hunter got a sledge shot in on Rhodes, before chasing Orton and Dibiase backstage.

Backstage, HHH chased Orton and Dibiase down the hall past several WWE stars. Orton and Dibiase got into a locker room and barricaded the door with furniture and tables, but HHH managed to chop at the door with the Sledgehammer, eventually getting into the room. With no real exit, Hunter charged at them with the Sledge in hand. Orton ducked out of he way, and HHH caught Dibiase with a shot to the back of his skull. Orton begged HHH not to swing at him as he was in front of a mirror. HHH swung at Orton who moved away, then smashed the mirror. Dibiase and Orton escaped through the broken door and charged down the hall. They made their way to the car they arrived in in the garage, with Rhodes able to rush in as well. Just as they were about to take off, HHH swung the Sledgehammer and smashed one of the car windows. Hunter threw the Sledgehammer at the car as they drove off and Raw went off the air.

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