Raw Recap 03.02.09

Raw Recap from Boston, MA:

Raw opened with replay footage highlighting the ongoing feud between Triple H and Randy Orton. Two weeks ago, Orton was fighting Shane in the main event, and ended up Punt Kicking Shane's head, then RKO'ing Steph when she got involved. Last week, saw Triple H come to the arena to hunt down Orton with a Sledgehammer. Triple H had a backup Sledgehammer hidden behind his back and chased Orton and Dibiase backstage, smashing all sorts of items up. HHH hit Dibiase with the Sledgehammer then went at Orton but missed and smashed a mirror. HHH then chased Legacy to their getaway car and smashed a car window before they drove off. A fuming HHH was the last image seen on Raw.

As the show opened in Boston, Michael Cole welcomed fans to the arena then announced that tonight Orton makes his Championship Decision based on who he wants to fight at WM25 for which title. Cole introduced Lawler who was in the ring with news about the World Heavyweight Championship. Lawler said interim GM Vickie Guerrero told him to make a big announcement that tonight there will be a World Heavyweight Championship match as John Cena gets his rematch against Edge.

Lillian Garcia introduced Piper's Pit and it's host, Chris Jericho. Jericho arrived to the set on the top of the ramp complete with chairs and black and white posters of Roddy Piper.Jericho introduced footage of Piper insulting Superfly Jimmy Snuka way back on his Piper's Pit. Piper ended up smashing a water bottle in Snuka's face then tossing him into the set and shoving a banana in his mouth. Jericho introduced Superfly Snuka as his guest on Piper's Pit tonight. Snuka hesitantly took a seat next to Jericho, eyeing him closely. Jericho had footage shown of the Snuka versus Piper rivalry and matches they fought in.

Jericho told Snuka he's now in his mid-60's and he's humiliating himself by working independent wrestling shows still. Jericho denounced Snuka and other hall of famers for playing up to the hypocrite fans. Jericho told Snuka to just pack it in and forget about it. Jericho said he brought Snuka on the show to others how pathetic he is. Snuka stood up as Jericho did, and Jericho continued insulting him. Jericho began to recreate the Piper's Pit and started to throw bananas at Snuka, to help Snuka return to his glory days. Jericho pulled a coconut out and tossed it up but Snuka caught it in his hand, then pushed the table over. Snuka came at Jericho. Jericho told Snuka not to disgrace himself, and eventually ran off backstage. Snuka posed on top of the ramp with a coconut as his theme music hit. As he was posing Jericho pushed the set onto him from behind, then started screaming at Snuka on the ramp. Jericho smashed a board from the set down on Snuka, then took off his belt and started to whip Snuka on the back. Eventually Jericho took a banana and smashed it into Snuka's face.

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When Raw returned, Michael Cole re-introduced footage of what just went down between Jericho and Snuka. The King commented how disrespectful and appalling a display it was.

Rey Mysterio vs. Mike Knox vs. Kane
Triple Threat Money in the Bank Qualifying Match

Footage was shown of CM Punk qualifying last week for Money in the Bank by defeating The Miz and John Morrison. Michael Cole noted how every time someone has cashed in Money in the Bank, they've won a title with it. Cole also mentioned that Saturday night at 9 EST on Sci-Fi will be the TV premiere of Kane's "See No Evil".

At one point, Knox tossed Rey Mysterio out of the ring face first. Knox and Kane went at it in the corner and both ended up giving each other a boot to the face. With both Kane and Knox down, and Mysterio on the outside, Raw went to commercial. As the show returned, Knox was stretching out Mysterio across his knee, but Rey fought out of it. Rey tried to go against the ropes, but Kane was outside the ring and yanked Rey out. As Kane got back in, Knox started to beat him up into the corner. Kane managed to grab Knox and slam him backwards, then got up to run off the ropes at him. Knox responded by booting Kane down, then spotted Mysterio on the apron. Rey punched Knox then hit a headscissors Hurricanrana, followed by a DDT. Rey couldn't score a pin, and Knox gained the upperhand by slamming Rey across his back.

Rey mounted a comeback and was able to hit 619's on both Kane and Knox at separate times. Rey tried to cover Kane, but Knox booted Rey in the head. Mike Knox was able to hit his corkscrew style finishing move on Rey, but just as he was about to pin, Kane got up and grabbed Knox to Chokeslam him. Kane took the pinfall on Knox to win it, then picked up Rey Mysterio to chokeslam him as well, leaving both men layed out in the ring.

Winner: Kane wins via pinfall over Mike Knox to qualify for the Wrestlemania 25 Money in the Bank match.

Vladimir Kozlov was shown preparing for his match against Shawn Michaels backstage.

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As Raw returned, highlights were shown from Wrestlemania XII, March 31, 1996, which featured the Iron Man Match, between Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels. In the 60 minute match, the WWE Title was on the line as Hart defended it. Hart tried for a Sharpshooter with 30 seconds left, but Michaels wouldn't tap out. In Sudden Death, Shawn Michaels hit Sweet Chin Music to win the title.

Backstage, Todd Grisham interviewed Shawn Michaels about his upcoming match with Kozlov. Michaels discussed how he continues to be the Headliner and Showstopper at Wrestlemania. He vowed to stop Kozlov's streak tonight, then end Undertaker's undefeated streak at Mania.

Mickie James & Kelly Kelly vs. Jillian Hall & Beth Phoenix

Divas Champ Maryse and Womens Champ Melina joined Lawler and Cole for commentary. Santino and Rosa Mendes watched from ringside.

During the match, Maryse made jabs about Melina, and said she could beat Beth Phoenix in 5 minutes if she had to. As the action continued in the ring, Mickie James jumped off the corner onto Jillian for a pinfall. Beth Phoenix came in to yank Mickie off the pin. As the ref made Beth go back to the apron, Mickie was able to stun Jillian, stumble back and tag Kelly in. Kelly jumped off the corner to do a Sunset Flip into a pinfall to win it.

As Kelly had her arm raised in victory, Rosa Mendes rushed in to throw Kelly to the mat and beat her up. Mickie came over to get Rosa off Kelly, but Beth rushed over to beat up Mickie. Melina left her commentary position and tried to get in the ring, but Maryse snuck up behind her to yank her off the apron, then DDT'd Melina outside the ring. Maryse posed a few times and taunted Melina who was layed out.

Winners: Kelly Kelly and Mickie James win via pinfall over Jillian Hall and Beth Phoenix.

Cole and Lawler discussed the ongoing feud between Orton and Triple H, then showed highlights of it all once again, including Orton kicking Shane in the head, RKO'ing Stephanie, and HHH's Smackdown interview with Jim Ross. Last week's incident between HHH and Legacy was also replayed.

Randy Orton along with Legacy, his lawyers and armed security staff came to the ring. Orton discussed how he gets to decide his title match for Wrestlemania 25 and has decided he will face the winner of Edge vs. John Cena for the World Heavyweight title at WM25. Orton said people thought he might challenge HHH for the WWE title, but he said HHH is going to jail not Wrestlemania. Orton discussed how HHH almost ended his career and life last week, then told HHH to come out and face the music.

Triple H came out from backstage with another Sledgehammer in hand. HHH discussed Orton having a disorder where he's not in control. HHH said he's in complete control of his anger and emotions, then began to walk down the ramp. Security stood in front of Orton, as HHH held up the Sledgehammer outside the ring. HHH dropped the Sledgehammer outside the ring then spun around to show he had no other weapons before getting up on the apron. HHH looked at Orton then got in the ring telling him he took out the entire McMahon family, so now he needs to end the story by beating HHH for the WWE Title at WM25. HHH reminded Orton how when Orton was in Evolution he became youngest ever champ, but then HHH turned on him the next night. HHH said he doesn't run from his past and never was a good person. HHH told Orton he's afraid so he keeps running from him. The Game said Orton's the same little boy he was in Evolution with all the talent, but no guts.

Orton's lawyer stepped in and told HHH to remove himself from the ring or security would. As security guards tried to restrain HHH and take him out, Orton yelled on the mic for them to let him go. Orton said he changed his mind, and now has decided to face Triple H at Wrestlemania 25, under one condition, that they settle this at Wrestlemania. Orton said if HHH touches him before the event for any reason unless provoked, the match is off and HHH goes behind bars. HHH agreed to it and left the ring walking up the ramp. Orton began to taunt HHH on the mic, saying how great it felt to kick Shane and Vince in the skull, and felt even better to RKO his wife. HHH finally had enough then stormed back into the ring. HHH was fuming and got right up in Orton's face, but held off on attacking him. HHH reminded Orton that the last time they fought in the ring, HHH broke Orton's collar bone, but that was only business. HHH said this time it's personal and he'll break Orton's neck. HHH left the ring and stormed backstage.

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WWE Rewind showed last week's Raw match between Michaels and JBL. Michaels won it, but Vickie Guerrero decided that the winner would need to face Kozlov a week later for the chance to face Undertaker. Kozlov came to the ring after Michaels won and ended up slamming HBK onto the mat.

Shawn Michaels vs. Vladimir Kozlov

The winner of tonight's match will get to face The Undertaker at Wrestlemania 25, and attempt to break his 16-0 undefeated streak. Highlights were shown from Smackdown this past Friday where Kozlov defeated Undertaker by pinfall.

Early on Michaels tried to use a quick offense with various kicks to Kozlov off the ropes. Michaels got Kozlov down and applied a Figure Four submission. Kozlov used his power to reverse and break free. Michaels escaped Kozlov's grasp and slid outside the ring to take a break as Raw did the same.

When Raw returned, Kozlov was ramming into Michaels in the corner. Kozlov stepped back and charged with Michaels booting him in the face. Kozlov was still able to again gain control, continuing to dominate as he slammed Michaels onto the corner turnbuckle. From there Kozlov picked up Michaels and began to slam him onto his knee around the ring. Kozlov continued to dominate Michaels and eventually sat him up on the corner. Kozlov went up to try to throw Michaels from the top rope, but Michaels fought back and punched Kozlov , then shoved him down to the mat. HBK landed an elbow drop off the corner and then set up for Sweet Chin Music. Michaels connected on Sweet Chin Music as Kozlov stood up, then grabbed the pinfall on Kozlov.

Michaels celebrated in the ring pointing at the Wrestlemania 25 sign, but just then the arena went dark and Undertaker's music came on. The Undertaker appeared from backstage with his ominous music playing. Taker stared at Michaels down in the ring then gave the RIP cutthroat sign to Michaels from the ramp.

Winner: Shawn Michaels wins via pinfall over Vladimir Kozlov to earn the right to face Undertaker at Wrestlemania 25.

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Cole and Lawler discussed Cena's new movie 12 Rounds opening in a few weeks. They showed footage to examine Cena's character, Detective Danny Fisher. Preview scenes from the movie were shown to promote the new film opening March 27th.

The newest inductee for 2009 WWE Hall of Fame was announced, Cowboy Bill Watts. Watts was not only a wrestler for several decades, battling greats like Bruno Sammartino, but he also was a promoter and personality for several other wrestling circuits. Watts will be inducted into the Hall of Fame by Jim Ross, his good friend.

Backstage, Todd Grisham interviewed World Heavyweight Champ, Edge and suggested it was obvious why Edge was granting a rematch since 3 days ago Cena was knocked out by Big Show. Edge said he did it for a different reason, to defeat Cena in front of his friends and family in Boston. Edge said when he beats Cena again tonight he's going to tell him once again the "World Heavyweight Championship is mine".

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Footage was shown of Big Show defeating John Cena on Smackdown, thanks to Edge's distraction at ringside. Show delivered a KO punch and Chokeslam on Cena. Afterwards, Edge got in the ring to yell in Cena's face how the title is all his.

John Cena vs. Edge
World Heavyweight Title Match

Early on, Edge and Cena traded headlocks, with Edge gaining an advantage to take Cena down. Cena fought out and tried to whip Edge off the ropes, with Edge coming back to kick Cena down. Edge sent Cena to the ropes at one point, with Cena holding on to the top rope. Edge charged at him, but Cena pulled the rope down for Edge to go flying to the outside. Raw took a commercial break.

As Raw returned, Edge had a reverse chinlock on Cena in the ring. Cena stood up and ran off the ropes, but Edge booted him right back down. Edge continued to beat on Cena around the ring, clotheslining him down after whipping Cena to the corner. Cena mounted a comeback, eventually slamming Edge to the mat, then attempting the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Edge avoided it, then tried to pin Cena. Cena kicked out and went for the Attitude Adjustment, with Edge sliding off and hitting a slam move to try another pin. Cena got to the apron and attempted a Sunset Flip pin, but Edge countered with an elbow drop. The two continued to trade pinfalls.

Edge climbed onto the corner for a move, with Cena coming up to fight him. Cena put Edge on his shoulders, but Edge slid off down to the mat, then hit Cena causing him to fall outside the ring. The ref's count hit 8, as Cena finally got up and dove into the ring to beat the count. Cena had momentum and hit a shoulder block off the ropes to take Edge down, then did a legrop off the corner. This time Cena connected on a Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena went for Attitude Adjustment again, but Edge escaped and was able to get Cena into a Boston Crab style submission. Cena mustered up the strength to crawl to the bottom rope and break the hold. Edge prepared for the Spear as Cena tried to get up in the corner.

As Edge charged at Cena, Cena tripped him down and locked in the STF. Edge managed to pull himself over to finally grab the bottom rope. From here, Edge was able to Spear Cena down but failed at the pinfall. An upset Edge rushed to the outside and grabbed his World Championship belt to bring it in the ring. The ref intervened to stop Edge and grabbed the belt away. Cena quickly hoisted Edge up on his shoulders for the Attitude Adjustment. Edge was able to snatch the belt out of the ref's hands and hit Cena in the head with it. The ref called for the bell, awarding Cena the victory, but Lillian announced Edge was still the champ. Edge stumbled up the ramp with his belt and fell back at the top of the ramp.

Winner: John Cena wins due to disqualification of Edge when he struck Cena with the World Heavyweight belt.

With Cena trying to recover in the ring, Big Show arrived at the top of the ramp and stood next to Edge. Edge put his hand out thinking Show would help him up, but Show just looked at him instead. Vickie arrived out next and announced that Show would be the new #1 Contender for Edge's title. Both Edge and Cena looked shocked at the news as Raw went off the air.

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