Raw Recap 03.09.09

Raw recap from Jacksonville, FL:

Raw opened with footage from last week's Wrestlemania 25 Title match decision by Randy Orton in the ring. Orton originally stated he would be pressing charges against HHH for the previous week's sledgehammer incident. Orton also said he'd be challenging for the World Heavyweight Title since Triple H would be in jail. HHH came to the ring to remind Orton of their history, and how Orton has knocked out the rest of the McMahon's, leaving just HHH. Finally, Orton changed his mind and said he'd fight HHH at Wrestlemania 25, under the condition neither of them hits or attacks the other prior to the event. As HHH left the ring, Orton kept talking about how much he enjoyed RKO'ing Stephanie McMahon. Hunter rushed back to the ring to get in Orton's face, telling him he was going to break his neck at Wrestlemania.

Michael Cole discussed how a heinous attack took place by Legacy on HHH on this past week's Smackdown. A view outside Randy Orton's St. Louis MO home was shown with Cole saying there'd be a live interview later on. Triple H will face Rhodes and Dibiase from Legacy in a Handicap match as well.

Shawn Michaels came out to start off Raw with his complete pyrotechnics display. Michaels was dressed in street clothes as he got into the ring to discuss Undertaker's 16-0 streak. Michaels said he sent Undertaker a video highlight package of his past Wrestlemania performances. Michaels said he doesn't fear Undertaker and has never been outperformed at Wrestlemania. HBK said good things come to an end, and streaks were meant to be broken. As Michaels kept speaking, suddenly the lights went out and Taker's bells tolled.

A video highlight package of Undertaker's 16 victories was displayed for Michaels and the WWE Universe to see. Undertaker's victims included Ric Flair, Triple H, Kane, Randy Orton, Mark Henry, Edge and Batista. Michaels looked out at the giant TV, as the Undertaker was now in the ring behind him. Michaels turned to greet him saying he was expecting him. Undertaker told Michaels he respects him, but has defeated other men he respected. Michaels reminded Undertaker that he is still the Showstopper and can't wait for their meeting. Undertaker reminded Michaels that he may have had impressive victories, but he's also had defeats at Wrestlemania. Taker said he will lay Michaels' dream of beating him to rest. HBK finished things off saying even though Undertaker's beaten his other Wrestlemania opponents, he's never beaten him and never will.

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JBL vs. CM Punk
Intercontinental Title Match

As the match got started, the crowd was heavily behind Punk. JBL soon started to attack Punk, but Punk ducked his clothesline attempt off the ropes. From there Punk took control with quick moves to wear JBL down. As Punk whipped JBL to the ropes, JBL came back to apply a sleeper hold on him. Punk dropped down, stunning JBL. Punk went for the Bulldog, but JBL shoved him away then rolled out of the ring. Punk responded by running across the ring then diving out onto JBL outside the ring.

As the match continued in the ring, Punk had momentum. Punk was able to jump from off the side top rope to clothesline JBL, then took him to the corner. After a Bulldog on JBL, Punk nearly had the pinfall. Punk waited for JBL to stand up, then kneed him and hoisted him up for the GTS. JBL grabbed Punk's face and raked Punk's eyes but the ref didn't see it. JBL dropped off Punk, then came off the ropes to hit the Clothesline from Hell on Punk. After a quick pinfall, JBL became the new Intercontinental Championship.

Winner: JBL wins via pinfall over CM Punk to become the new Intercontinental Champion.

Randy Orton's Missouri home was shown from the outside, and then a shot of Orton sitting on a couch with a female was shown. Michael Cole said they'd talk to Orton later on tonight.

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As Raw returned, Jerry Lawler reminded fans that "War Machine" by AC/DC is an official Wrestlemania 25 theme song. JBL was shown backstage with interim Raw GM Vickie Guerrero. JBl was exclaiming how he's a wrestling god, waving his newly won belt around. Vickie told JBL she put him in the title match tonight and now she expects he will do something for her. JBL said fair deal, just as Edge came up and said he needed to talk to Vickie alone. JBL left, and Vickie told Edge she hadn't seen him all weekend. Edge asked Vickie what Cena whispered in her ear during the contract signing on Smackdown. As Edge pressed her for the info, Vickie screamed back "it doesn't matter!" Edge said she was right but said it matters that he signs the title match contract for Wrestlemania 25 tonight.

Michael Cole interviewed Randy Orton via satellite. Orton at his home, introduced his wife Samantha who was seated next to him. Cole immediately asked why HHH violated his own stipulation by attacking HHH on Smackdown. A replay of the attack by Legacy on HHH was shown. As the highlights ended, Orton said he showed restraint by not injuring HHH like he did the others. Orton said each time he sees HHH he's going to take just a little bit more out of him, but leave enough so he can defend the title at Wrestlemania 25. Orton said he'd be staying home tonight to watch Triple H in the main event against Legacy. Cole said they'd be asking him more questions as the night progresses.

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Highlights were shown from last week when Melina and Maryse were at ringside to provide commentary for a WWE Divas tag match. After the bell, Rosa Mendes and Beth Phoenix ganged up on Kelly Kelly and Mickie James. Melina got up to the apron to try to help, but Maryse came over, yanked Melina off the apron and DDT'd her onto the floor.

Melina vs. Maryse

With divas from Smackdown and Raw on opposite sides of the ring, the WWE Womens Champion, Melina, took on the Divas Champion from Smackdown, Maryse. Early on, Melina tripped Maryse down, but Maryse was able to pull Melina's tights and toss her out of the ring. The Smackdown divas grabbed Melina and threw her back inside. Maryse began to apply a submission hold to stretch Melina out on the mat. Melina made a comeback and was able to prop Maryse up on the corner middle ropes, then jumped on her with a double knee shot to the gut. Melina backed away then charged to run at Maryse in the corner. Maryse got out of the way allowing Melina to hit the corner. With Melina stuck there, Maryse yanked Melina by the head down to the mat hard. Maryse pulled Melina by the hair over to the center of the ring and captured the pinfall victory.

As Maryse celebrated near the ropes, Rosa Mendes got into the ring with Beth grabbing her leg to stop her from going after Maryse. All the divas got into the ring, with Rosa getting away and rushing over to attack the Smackdown divas. All the divas began to brawl with one another, with the face divas eventually clearing the ring of all the heel divas.

Winner: Maryse wins via pinfall over Melina.

Smackdown highlights were shown of the contract signing between Edge and Big Show, with Vickie Guerrero in the ring. Edge confronted Vickie about what was going on with her and Big Show. Big Show came to the ring and told Edge he's just not a good champion. Show signed off on the match, but he and Edge continued to taunt each other. Before Edge could sign, John Cena came to the ring to interrupt things, kicking Show in the groin and pushing a table onto Edge. Cena then whispered something into Vickie's ear, causing her to break down in tears.

Jerry Lawler said the official World Heavyweight title contract signing will be up next on Raw.

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Wrestlemania VI from April 1, 1990 highlights were shown. This was the first Wrestlemania held outside of the US, in Canada. Celebs who attended included Mary Tyler Moore and Steve Allen. The event featured Champion versus Champion as Intercontinental Champion The Ultimate Warrior battled WWF Champ Hulk Hogan. Warrior won it to capture both titles.

The official World Heavyweight title contract signing was held on Raw in the ring with GM Vickie Guerrero presiding over it. Vickie announced there will be a 25 Diva Battle Royal at Wrestlemania 25 featuring Raw, Smackdown, ECW and former divas all involved. The winner will be named "Miss Wrestlemania". Vickie then introduced Big Show. Show came down the ramp in a suit all smiles. Edge was introduced next and came out to his pyro wearing sunglasses.

Edge, Vickie and Big Show sat around the table for the contract signing. Edge said he was in attendance at Wrestlemania VI as a kid and watched Ultimate Warrior vs. Hogan. Edge said Show's better than Warrior, and he's better than Hogan. Edge said despite what the fans think of them, they need to concentrate on making history at Wrestlemania 25. Edge signed off on the match, then Show said he agrees 100% with Edge and signed the contract. Both men stood up to shake hands, but as they shook, John Cena's music came on. Cena came out from backstage and rushed to the ring.

Edge grabbed a mic and began to berate Cena saying he's not part of the match. Cena then looked to Vickie asking if she told them yet. Edge told Show they need to get Cena out of the ring now. Vickie stopped them saying she invited Cena out and after consideration for the fans, she decided to put Cena in the title match as well. Show was outraged saying he was #1 Contender. Cena told him to calm down and then revealed that he came to Smackdown and whispered into Vickie's ear that he loved her. Cena continued saying he loved Vickie as he left the ring. Edge was enraged and accused Cena of playing on Vickie's emotions. Edge demanded Vickie to tear up the contract, but Cena said she wouldn't.

Cena then revealed the fact that he knows people in Boston, his hometown, including the guy who saw the security video footage. Cena had the black and white footage shown from Raw, with Vickie in a backstage office while Edge was in the shower. Big Show came in and the two began to make out, before Show left the scene. As the footage ended, Vickie was in tears in the ring. As Cena stood at the top of the ramp smiling he said "Vickie, you gots some splainin' to do". Edge yelled at Vickie to look him in the face and confess. Edge finally just sat down in shock at the table in the ring, then got an angry look on his face.

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Raw Rewind showed Jericho's recreation of Piper's Pit, with special guest Superfly Jimmy Snuka. After insulting the WWE legend, Jericho ended up smashing the set onto Snuka and beating him repeatedly with his belt as he screamed at him.

Kofi Kingston vs. Chris Jericho
Money in the Bank Ladder Qualifying Match

Kofi gained the advantage early on with several leapfrogs over Jericho, followed by a high double kick, and then jumping up at Jericho in the corner. Jericho turned things around by slamming Kofi from off the corner. Raw took a break with both men in the ring.

As Raw returned, Jericho was in control, keeping Kofi down in a headlock on he mat. During the break Jericho had managed to hit an impressive kick to send Kofi off the apron. Kofi managed to gain momentum yet again, chopping Jericho down, and flying off the corner ropes to splash onto Jericho. After a Russian Leg Sweep, Kingston went for his double leg drop, but Jericho grabbed him to stop it, then went for the Walls of Jericho. Kofi managed to counter and escape the submission. Jericho went back on offense, hitting a bulldog from off the ropes, then tried for a Lionsault. Kingston rolled out of the way, then came off the ropes to do his double leg drop move on a KO'd Jericho. After a failed pinfall, Kofi went for a kick to the back of Jericho's head. Jericho countered and got Kofi into the Walls of Jericho. Kofi writhed in pain and tried to pull himself to the ropes, but Jericho pulled him back.

As Jericho kept the hold locked in suddenly, Ric Flair's theme music came on. Jericho looked out of the ring shocked as Flair walked out onto the ramp in a suit. Jericho released the Walls of Jericho from Kofi, as he stared up at Flair. Kingston was still down on the mat, but recovered enough. Jericho turned to face him, and Kingston got up to hit a spin kick to Jericho's head. Kingston grabbed the pinfall victory and the spot in the MITB Ladder match at WM25. Afterwards, Kingston went up the ramp to hug Flair who pointed down at Jericho in the ring waving his finger.

Winner: Kofi Kingston wins via pinfall over Chris Jericho to qualify for the Wrestlemania 25 Money in the Bank Ladder Match.

CM Punk, Kane, Mark Henry, Shelton Benjamin, MVP and Kofi Kingston have now all qualified for the MITB match. The final 2 spots will be decided on ECW and Smackdown this week.

Randy Orton was interviewed again by Michael Cole via satellite. Cole asked Orton why he chose not to attend Raw tonight. Orton started to snap saying he's showing restraint by not attending. Orton said he plans to enjoy tonight's main event with Legacy facing HHH.

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Todd Grisham interviewed Chris Jericho backstage about what had happened with Ric Flair, and Jericho losing the MITB match. Jericho said he was pretty upset, but then called out Flair. Jericho dared Flair to appear on Raw next week and come out of retirement to wrestle him. Jericho said next week he'll end Flair's career for good.

The latest of the 2009 Hall of Fame Class inductees was announced as Koko B. Ware. Koko B Ware, the birdman will be inducted by the Honky Tonk Man.

Rey Mysterio, Finlay & Christian vs. Kane, John Morrison & The Miz

Early on Christian tried to take it to Kane, but the Big Red Monster was able to overcome the attack, tossing Christian into the corner and clotheslining him hard. Morrison tagged in to continue the attack, then brought in Miz. Christian fought back and avoided Miz charging at him in the corner, then delivered a kick from the apron. Christian crawled over to tag in Finlay who came in to start the attack on Morrison. Miz tried to interfere from the side apron, but Finlay punched him then tossed him in the ring. Finlay hit the double clothesline on Miz/Morrison before tagging In Rey. Rey displayed his usual high flying tactics, landing a headscissors move on Morrison off the corner. Miz came in for the save on the pin.

Mysterio was able to knock Morrison into the middle rope at one point for the 619, but Kane came in to intervene. Finlay and Christian got involved as they took Kane to the outside and fought he and Miz outside the ring. Meanwhile, Mysterio was able to take control against Morrison, jumping off the side rope onto Morrison for the pinfall victory.

Winner: Rey Mysterio, Christian and Finlay win via pinfall over The Miz, John Morrison & Kane.

Cody Rhodes and Ted Dibiase Jr. were shown walking backstage on their way out for the main event match.

An advertisement was shown announcing there will be a Tri-brand battle royal on Tuesday's ECW on Sci-Fi, to determine the next spot for the MITB Ladder Match.

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When Raw returned, Michael Cole announced a huge match for next week's Raw, with Undertaker and Shawn Michaels teaming up to face JBL and Vladimir Kozlov.

Another new preview highlight video was shown for John Cena's upcoming film, "12 Rounds". The movie hits theaters on March 27th, 2009.

Triple H vs. Ted Dibiase and Cody Rhodes
2 on 1 Handicap Match

Orton and Rhodes awaited Triple H's arrival to the ring as his theme music hit, After several moments, the Game had yet to show and his music abruptly stopped. Lillian Garcia tried to introduce HHH again. HHH's music kicked in again with no sign of him. Rhodes and Dibiase started to get agitated and asked the ref what was going on. The ref had no choice but to raise Rhodes and Dibiase's hands in victory due to a forfeit.

Randy Orton appeared on the Titantron from his home in Missouri fuming mad. Orton said they should be disappointed that HHH let them and everyone in the arena down by not showing up. Orton began to insult HHH saying he wasn't the competitor he thought he was. Orton continued to berate HHH staring right into the camera. The doorbell rang and Orton's wife went to get it. Suddenly Orton yelled for his wife not to answer the door. Orton leapt over the couch and the camera cut to a shot of Orton's wife screaming at the door as somebody was smashing against it. Suddenly, HHH broke into the front door, sledgehammer in hand. HHH stared down Orton as Orton's wife fell to the floor. Orton took off down the hall, and Triple H came in to chase.

Hunter then began to methodically go around Orton's home room to room in search of Orton. Hunter confronted several people inside the home in search of Orton, including his wife. Finally as Hunter came around one hall, Orton jumped out of a closet with his own sledgehammer weapon and knocked HHH down. Orton went to take a swing with his weapon, but HHH kicked him then punched him. HHH gained the upperhand, beating Orton silly around the room, tossing him into walls and furniture. Things escalated as HHH tossed Orton through the front window into the front yard.

HHH continued to beat on Orton on his front lawn. As the fight continued, suddenly police sirens were heard and the cops descended on the scene. Police rushed out to restrain HHH and cuff him, then put him into the back of the car. Orton was able to get a sucker punch in before HHH was put in the back. Raw went off the air as HHH was being taken away and policemen were trying to calm down Orton.

Winners: Cody Rhodes & Ted Dibiase win due to forfeit when Triple H failed to show up for their match.

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