Raw Recap 03.23.09

Raw Recap from Kansas City, MO:

Raw opened with Lillian Garcia introducing Ric Flair who was already in the ring. Flair officially accepted Jericho's challenge for the 3-on-1 Handicap match involving Piper, Steamboat and Snuka at Wrestlemania 25. Flair said he'll accompany the legends to the ring to support them as they beat Jericho and shut him up forever. As Flair continued speaking, Jericho came on the big screen TV at the top of the ramp. Jericho discussed how it was 25 years ago when he watched Snuka, Steamboat and Piper at the heights of their career.

Jericho continued to talk and walk backstage saying how Flair isn't an actor like Mickey Rourke, and last week's scene wasn't the final part of some movie. Jericho eventually made his way out from backstage, down the ramp to the ring, with a mic in hand. Jericho told Flair he's afraid of staying out of the spotlight too long, so he won't be forgotten. Jericho said Rourke will get to witness a bunch of washed up, has beens being beaten and euthanized by Chris Jericho at Wrestlemania 25. Flair told Jericho he's wrong and Flair will be proud to stay by his Hall of fame brothers, peers and friends as they beat him. Flair said he's also looking forward to inviting Mickey Rourke in the ring after the victory to stand alongside them all. Jericho suddenly clocked Flair in the face, knocking him down to outside the ring.

Jericho continued to go on a violent attack, drawing blood on Jericho as he beat him up near the crowd barrier. Jericho tore off Flair's suit coat, then tossed him over onto the commentators table. Jericho beat up Flair on and around the table as Jerry Lawler yelled for Jericho to stop. Jericho tore off Flair's shoes and shirt, punched him in the head then threw him into two sets of steel steps. With Flair thrown down near the crowd barrier, Jericho grabbed a video camera and clocked Flair in the forehead. The extremely bloody Flair collapsed to the floor with Jericho standing above him. To add insult to injury, Jericho took off Flair's gold watch then stomped on it on the steel steps.

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As Raw returned, Lawler mentioned how what just went down was the most disturbing thing he's seen in his career. Jeff Hardy made his way out from backstage for an Extreme Rules match. Cole and Lawler mentioned that tonight Big Show will face Edge in a one-on-one contest, and Triple H will battle both Randy Orton and Ted Dibiase in a 2-on-1 Handicap match.

Jeff Hardy vs. Dolph Ziggler
Extreme Rules Match

Cole said Hardy will face his brother Matt at WM25 in the same style match. Early on Ziggler grabbed the upperhand, then went to the outside for a steel chair. Jeff was able to kick Dolph in the gut to prevent the attack. Jeff set up the chair with Dolph in the corner then tried to jump off at Ziggler. Dolph moved away and Hardy bounced off the corner. Ziggler used a trashcan to bash on Jeff, then sat him on the corner. As Dolph went up to attack, Jeff was able to do a face first suplex of Dolph off the corner onto the trash can. Jeff hit the Twist of Fate on Ziggler, then went to the outside for a steel chair. Jeff bashed the chair repeatedly across Ziggler's back, then hit a second Twist of Fate. To finish things off, Jeff went to the corner and connected on a Swanton Bomb.

After winning, Jeff took the mic and said he knows Matt is watching and that what he feels at Wrestlemania 25 will be extreme.

Winner: Jeff Hardy wins via pinfall over Dolph Ziggler.

Lawler and Cole introduced footage of last week's Smackdown involving Edge questioning Big Show and Vickie's affair. Big Show grabbed Edge for a chokeslam, accidentally brushing Vickie down to the mat. Edge got into the corner and ran to spear Big Show, with Show moving and Vickie getting speared. Big Show pushed Edge away then tried to pick up Vickie. Edge ran and clipped Show's leg, causing him to fall and drop Vickie on the mat.

Backstage, John Cena appeared with a personalized "get well" card for Vickie. Cena narrated the card's poem, while showing computer graphic possible kids between Edge and Vickie and Show and Vickie. Cena also said he will be the new World Heavyweight Champ after Wrestlemania 25, and doesn't need Vickie to become champ. Cole and Lawler chuckled, with Cole saying that Cena's in LA tonight to be on Jay Leno's Tonight Show.

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Highlights were shown of Wrestlemania 21, on April 3, 2005. The theme was Wrestlemania goes Hollywood, with various promo vignettes shown that featured wrestlers in popular and well-known movies. Triple H was in Braveheart, Stone Cold in The Gladiator and John Cena/JBL in A Few Good Men. The Money in the Bank Ladder match debuted at Wrestlemania 21, with Edge winning it against the likes of Kane, Shelton Benjamin and Chris Jericho.

Kofi Kingston, Christian, MVP and CM Punk vs. Shelton Benjamin, Finlay, Kane & Mark Henry
8 Man Tag Team Match

All of the competitors from Wrestlemania 25's Money in the Bank Ladder Match faced off in this one. The match kicked off with the brand new US Champ facing the former champ. MVP got the best of Shelton and was able to tag in CM Punk next. Punk continued the attack on Shelton, but soon Finlay got involved and helped his team gain control against Punk. Raw took a commercial and when it returned, Kane had control of Punk in the ring. Punk fought back and slid under Kane's legs, then kicked him so he could tag in Christian. Christian tagged in as Kane tagged in Shelton again. Christian used a bunch of quick, impressive moves to eventually slam Shelton to the mat and pin him. Finlay rushed in to knock Christian off the pin.

MVP rushed into the ring to fight Finlay eventually knocking him outside. Kane came in as all competitors got involved, and prepared to chokeslam MVP. Kofi Kingston ran to climb the corner and did a flying dropkick to knock Kane down. Mark Henry rushed in and leveled Kingston, but CM Punk got up on the other corner and jumped off at Henry. Henry caught Punk in the air, but MVP rushed over to clip Henry's leg, then kicked him outside the ring. Punk leapt over the top rope and crashed out onto Henry.Shelton was able to hit Paydirt on MVP, but Christian was still legal and grabbed Shelton to hit his finisher for the win.

With Christian and Punk staring up at the briefcase, Finlay grabbed a ladder from under the ring. Finlay got in the ring and leveled both Punk and Christian to the mat with the ladder, then used it to knock Kane, Henry and Tony Atlas each off the apron. Hornswoggle got into the ring to celebrate with his dad.

Winners: Christian, CM Punk, Kofi Kingston and MVP win via pinfall over Kane, Mark Henry, Finlay and Shelton Benjamin.

A new preview trailer was shown for "12 Rounds" starring John Cena. The movie opens in theaters this coming Friday, March 27th, 2009.

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As Raw returned a promo was shown to announce Wrestlemania 25 is just 13 days away. One of the official theme songs will be AC/DC's "Shoot to Thrill".

Cole and Lawler once again revisited what's happened on Raw tonight, with Cole saying it feels like Wrestlemania tonight. They discussed last week's Raw with HHH facing Rhodes in the ring. Highlights were shown of HHH breaking into Orton's home and beating him up, then last week brutally assaulting Rhodes inside a steel cage that lowered around the ring. Orton and Dibiase could only watch as HHH continued to beat up their Legacy member inside the cage. As HHH left the arena parking garage, he was shown getting into a SUV with his wife Stephanie McMahon.

Backstage, Todd Grisham interviewed Randy Orton asking if Triple H has some sort of mental advantage over him going into Wrestlemania. Orton said he's the one who punt kicked both Shane and Vince, then RKO'd Stephanie. Orton asked if that sounds like a coward, then looked at the camera and told HHH he needs to know exactly who he's dealing with. Orton said tonight he's going to up the ante and make the previous attacks on the McMahon's look tame. Orton said it was HHH and his entire family who brought this on themselves.

Big Show vs. Edge

Two-thirds of the Wrestlemania title match faced off in the ring, with both of Vickie's love interests fighting. Chavo Guerrero wheeled Vickie Guerrero out from backstage in a wheelchair down the ramp to watch the match. Edge went to the outside and offered Vickie a kiss. Vickie turned her cheek as Edge tried to kiss her. Chavo shook his head and Edge returned to the ring. Show made his way down to the ring next. Show walked over to talk to Vickie. Vickie turned her head showing her anger towards Show as well.

John Cena appeared on the Titantron saying he can't be there tonight because of his appearance on Jay Leno's show. Cena then said he wants to see them beat the holy hell out of each other and revved them up for the match, saying they need to prove why their the best superstars on the planet. Cena said they don't need Vickie's love to do that.

In the match, Show gained an early advantage as he headbutted Edge to the outside, then slammed him back in the ring as Edge got to the apron. Show continued to dominate as he beat up Edge to the outside, chest chopping Edge right in front of Vickie. Show told Vickie that Edge doesn't deserve her. As Show rolled Edge into the ring and tried to get back in, Edge took the opportunity to take out his legs. Edge started to attack Show as he was down and began to work on his left leg to keep him to the mat. Show was able to use his power to gain control yet again, and Edge became tangled up in the ropes. With Edge caught, Show prepared for a huge knockout punch. Vickie stood up and began screaming for Show not to do it, then sent Chavo in to intervene. As Chavo got in the ring, the ref called for the bell.

Show pushed Chavo down, then prepared to punch Edge again. Chavo rushed up behind to attack Show, and Edge soon freed himself. As Show went at Chavo, Edge ran to spear Show. Show avoided the move and Edge speared down Chavo. Big Show delivered the knockout punch to lay out Edge on the mat, then left the ring to tell Vickie he did it for her.

Winner: Big Show wins due to disqualification when Chavo Guerrero entered the ring.

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Highlights were shown from Raw 2 weeks ago, when JBL raked Punk in the eyes, then delivered a Clothesline from Hell to become the new Intercontinental Champion.

Rey Mysterio vs. William Regal

Mysterio will head to Wrestlemania 25 to challenge JBL for the Intercontinental Title. JBL has promised to do something historic at Wrestlemania. JBL's white limo pulled up alongside the ramp, with JBL exiting first, then Regal and Layla getting out next. JBL joined Cole and Lawler at ringside for commentary. JBL spoke about how Mysterio got into Wrestlemania by virtue of having the right parents or genes. Cole reminded JBL that Mysterio retired JBL a few years ago.

In the match, Mysterio went for the baseball slide dropkick on Regal who was outside the ring. Regal ducked and Mysterio was distracted as JBL stood up. Regal then leveled Mysterio to take control of the match. Regal locked in a headlock on Mysterio and then pushed Mysterio to the corner for a beating. Mysterio started to make a comeback, and was able to trip Regal into the ropes for a 619. Mysterio did a springboard off the side ropes to Splash onto Regal for the win. JBL began to taunt Mysterio by standing up and walking to ringside clapping. Mysterio took exception and quickly ran to baseball slide dropkick JBL down.

Winner: Rey Mysterio wins via pinfall over William Regal.

Michael Cole introduced highlights of Shawn Michaels and Undertaker teaming up against JBL and Vladimir Kozlov. Undertaker had control against JBL, but Shawn made a blind tag when Taker had his hand up for the Chokeslam. Michaels delivered Sweet Chin Music on JBL to win it, then rushed up the ramp. Undertaker followed him to the top, then stopped and looked back over his shoulder. Suddenly, Michaels returned from backstage and leveled Undertaker with Sweet Chin Music on the ramp. Michael Cole said The Undertaker will be live on Raw.

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A commercial announced that rock star Kid Rock will perform live at Wrestlemania 25.

The arena lights went dark and Undertaker's bell tolls were heard. Suddenly, Taker was standing in the ominously lit ring. Undertaker spoke about Shawn Michaels being obsessed with being Mr. Wrestlemania and blurring fantasy with reality. Undertaker said it's true he's never beat him, but the last time they did battle, Michaels spent the next five years recovering at home. Taker said on April 5th, they'll find out if Michaels is afraid of The Undertaker. Taker continued cutting his promo, but Michaels' theme music came on.

Up on the screen was Shawn Michaels standing in a graveyard at night time. Michaels said he always stays one step ahead. Michaels said he went to Taker's own grounds to breathe in the air in an act of defiance. HBK said he respects Taker but is not afraid of their confrontation. Shawn talked of each opponent Taker defeated in his Wrestlemania career, then showed a new open grave ready to bury Undertaker and his streak. A tombstone was shown with "16-1" on it. Michaels closed with "Rest in Peace" as he began shoveling fresh dirt into the open grave to bury Taker. After the video ended, Taker was visibly upset in the ring.

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An advertisement was shown for the WWE 2009 Hall of Fame induction ceremony. The ceremony will feature Stone Cold Steve Austin's induction into the Hall, and will be televised on USA April 4, 2009 at 10PM EST.

Santio Marella was joined in the ring by WWE Divas Beth Phoenix and Rosa Mendes. Santino said there will be a 25 divas Battle Royal at Wrestlemania 25, and he knows who will win it, him. Santino said he requested from Vickie Guerrero to be included in the match. Santino said he just needs to beat Mickie James tonight with one arm tied behind his back. Rosa and Beth were shocked at Santino's announcement, as Mickie came down for the match. A graphic was shown on screen of 17 diva participants for the battle royal.

Mickie James vs. Santino Marella

Mickie James was able to trip Santino down early on, then tied back both hands behind his back, hog tying Santino Santino stood up saying he could win the match with no hands. Santino managed to trip Mickie down at one point and headbutted her in the stomach. Santino got bold and tried to climb up on the corner from the apron without the use of his hands. He finally got seated up there with Rosa and Beth looking on worried. Mickie got right back up as Rosa got on the apron. Mickie rushed over to knock Rosa off the apron. Beth got up next, causing Santino to fall off the corner. As he stumbled around in the ring, Mickie kicked him roundhouse style then took the pin.

Kelly Kelly and Melina rushed down to the ring to congratulate Mickie on her victory as Rosa and Beth helped Santino up the ramp.

Winner: Mickie James wins via pinfall over Santino Marella.

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Another preview was shown for John Cena's new movie "12 Rounds", opening Friday in theaters nationwide.

Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler ran down the card for Wrestlemania 25 including.

Highlights were shown from earlier in the night when Chris Jericho viciously attacked Ric Flair, leaving him busted open. Jericho finished things by stomping on the gold watch Shawn Michaels gave to Ric Flair after Wrestlemania 24. Jerry Lawler called out Chris Jericho to battle him next week on Raw if he wants legends.

Triple H vs. Ted Dibiase & Randy Orton
2 on 1 Handicap Match

Early on The Game took both men to the outside and tackled Orton down. Dibiase attacked HHH and the two men were able to doubleteam Triple H in the ring. The ref was still unable to get the match started as the attack continued, with Orton punching HHH to the outside. Triple H managed to attack Orton outside the ring, then went to go under the ring for the sledgehammer. Unfortunately for The Game, Cody Rhodes was hiding under the ring and rushed out to attack him. Rhodes had a pair of handcuffs in hand. The three men from Legacy triple-teamed HHH and got him into the ring. Triple H kept fighting off Rhodes and Dibiase, but couldn't handle all 3 men at once. Eventually, they overcame HHH and cuffed HHH to the top rope. Orton sent Rhodes and Dibiase to go attack HHH as he tried to get free. HHH elbowed both men away, but then Orton rushed over to attack again.

The three men pummeled HHH and brought him to the mat, still cuffed to the top rope. Orton went to the outside to grab a mic and came back in the ring to tell HHH only one person can save him and she better hurry. With Rhodes and Dibiase punching away on HHH, Orton went ot the outside to retrieve the sledgehammer. Orton got in the ring with the sledge, and HHH kicked him in the gut. The three men again beat HHH down. Orton prepared to swing the sledgehammer at HHH as Dibiase held him. Suddenly, Stephanie McMahon rushed down the ramp and pleaded for Orton to stop. HHH yelled for Stephanie to get out of there, but Orton kicked him in the head. Stephanie got up on the ramp still pleading with Orton. Orton began to stare her down, then walked towards her, sledgehammer in hand. Stephanie tried to back away off the apron, but Rhodes and Dibiase had slipped outside the ring behind her.

Stephanie was trapped as she got back on the apron. Orton dropped the Sledgehammer and grabbed Stephanie in a DDT position. HHH screamed at Orton and tried to get over on the ropes but Orton was out of his grasp. Orton stared back at HHH and despite his pleas, DDT'd Stephanie face first into the mat. HHH was visibly upset over what went down. Orton picked up the Sledgehammer and taunted HHH pretending he was going to hit her with it. HHH yelled at Orton, who placed the Sledgehammer right down next to Stephanie, then with HHH watching kissed her on the lips. Orton crawled right over to HHH just outside of his grasp with a maniacal look on his face. After a few moments, Orton clocked HHH with the Sledgehammer in the face. A deranged Orton left the ring with Stephanie knocked out and HHH laying cuffed to the top rope.

Winner: No winner as match never officially was started.

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