Raw Recap 04.13.09 - WWE Draft

Raw Recap from Atlanta, GA:

Tonight's special 3 hour Raw presented the 2009 WWE Draft special during which WWE personnel, superstars and divas from all three brand rosters (Raw, ECW, Smackdown) were eligible to be drafted to a new roster.

Raw opened with highlights of Randy Orton's tirade on last week's Raw, his match against Vince McMahon, Shane rushing out to save Vince from a punt kick, Triple H coming down to save Shane, and Batista's return to save HHH and Shane from Legacy's attack. Raw ended after Batista had helped clear the ring, and Vince McMahon announced Batista would be part of the six man tag match at Backlash (Orton, Rhodes & Dibiase vs. Shane McMahon, Triple H & Batista).

Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler welcomed fans to the Phillips Arena. Lawler explained that superstars would compete in interbrand matches, with the winning wrestler's brand getting the draft pick following the match. Todd Grisham and Jim Ross were there from Smackdown as were Josh Matthews and Matt Striker from ECW. Matthews announced that there will be a 15 person battle royal involving 5 stars from each brand. The winning superstar's brand receives 2 draft picks. Also tonight, John Cena from Raw versus Jack Swagger from ECW. Batista came out to wild fanfare to start things off.

Batista spoke about how much he missed the wrestling ring and how he was driven by retribution for what Randy Orton did to him on Raw 4 months ago. During a match, Orton delivered a vicious punt kick to Batista's head, knocking him out of action. Batista discussed how the worst part was waiting to get his hands on Orton. Batista told Orton to stop hiding like a punk and come down to face him like a man, or he'd tear apart the arena to find him. After a few moments, Batista started to leave the ring ready to go hunt down Orton. Just then, Shane McMahon's music came on as Shane danced out to the ramp and came to the ring. Shane said if anyone's getting retribution tonight it's him based on what Orton did to the McMahon's. As the two started to argue over it, suddenly HHH's music came on and the Game made his way to the ring.

Triple H told Shane everything that went down with the McMahons is because Orton wanted revenge on HHH. Triple H explained to Batista that Orton tried to take his wife out. HHH said he started this and will make sure to finish it. As the three men started talking in the ring, suddenly Vickie Guerrero began screaming "Excuse me" as she was wheeled to the ramp by Chavo. Vickie said she's the only person to determine who faces Orton and the three of them will have a shot at him at Backlash. Vickie reminded Triple H that if their team loses in any fashion, Orton becomes the new WWE Champion. Vickie said she gave Randy Orton a well deserved night off but will give the 3 of them a chance for someone to face Orton next week. Vickie ordered that HHH, Shane and Batista would team up tonight to face Dibiase and Rhodes in a 3 vs. 2 handicap match. If Team Legacy wins, nobody faces Orton next week, but if HHH, Shane or Batista gets a pinfall, they get to face Orton next week on Raw.

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Evan Bourne vs. Rey Mysterio

Early on the action spilled to the outside with Rey gaining control of the match. Both men displayed their high-flying and high-octane offense, trading control of the match. With Bourne in control he climbed the corner, but Rey quickly followed and used a headscissors to flip him down to the mat. Rey was able to hit a 619 on Bourne and then the splash off the corner to pickup the win, earning Raw the #1 draft pick.

Winner: Rey Mysterio wins via pinfall over Evan Bourne to earn Raw the #1 draft pick.

Since Raw earned the #1 draft pick, it was displayed on the Titantron that MVP was drafted to Raw. MVP came to the ramp tapping his US title belt and celebrating his #1 draft status.

Kane was shown backstage on his way out for a match.

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WWE Hall of Famer Chief Jay Strongbow was shown seated in the front row at Raw.

The Brian Kendrick vs. Kane

Kendrick representing Smackdown came to the ring accompanied by Ezekiel Jackson. Kendrick slapped Kane after the bell ring, then ran to the outside and got behind Ezekiel Jackson. Kane promptly knocked Jackson down then caught Kendrick and threw him into the ring. Kendrick went for his finisher trying to run with Kane off the corner early. Kane avoided it and Chokeslammed Kendrick for a very quick win, earning Raw draft pick #2.

Winner: Kane wins by pinfall over The Brian Kendrick to earn Raw the #2 draft pick.

Raw with the #2 draft pick got The Big Show from Smackdown. Show came out onto the ramp briefly with Kane glaring at him from the ring.

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Backstage, Vickie told Chavo how exciting it is to be new GM of Raw. Randy Orton burst into her office, angry about her decision to allow someone to face him one on one next week. Orton began ranting about how Raw is not the same as Smackdown and how she needs to make better decisions. Chavo tried to intervene and Orton yelled at him to shutup. Vickie said in the interest of fairness if Rhodes or Dibiase make a winning pinfall in tonight's match, whoever they pin has to face Orton, Rhodes & Dibiase in a 3 on 1 Handicap match next week. Orton looked at her and seemed somewhat pleased with the decision, then left.

Backstage, Jack Swagger came up to John Cena and told him "The champ is here". Swagger continued bragging about how he was going to win tonight and become the new face of WWE. Cena laughed at Jack Swagger calling himself "The All American American", and said he should think about calling himself "The All American Jackass". Swagger got upset and got in Cena's face, and Cena told him "welcome to Raw, tonight you'll get a lesson in respect... respect".

Mickie James, Melina and Kelly Kelly were shown walking backstage on their way out for the next matchup.

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Mickie James, Melina & Kelly Kelly vs. Michelle McCoo, Maryse & Natalya

A six WWE divas tag team match would determine whether Smackdown or Raw would get the next draft pick. Early on the Smackdown divas started a catfight with each other so the Raw divas pounced on them. Everyone spilled out of the ring, but then Michelle and Mickie returned to the ring and the bell sounded. Michelle took the early advantage. Mickie regained control, eventually trying to jump off the corner at Michelle. McCool stuck a boot out as Mickie jumped, knocking Mickie out on the mat. Michelle took the pinfall to win Smackdown its first draft pick, pick #3.

Winners: Michelle McCool, Natalya and Maryse win via pinfall over Mickie James, Kelly Kelly and Melina to earn Smackdown the #3 draft pick.

At draft pick #3, WWE Womens Champion Melina was drafted over to Smackdown. Melina proudly held up her title in the ring after the announcement.

John Cena was shown walking backstage, ready for his next match against Jack Swagger.

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Jerry Lawler and Michael Cole reviewed Raw's draft picks, while JR and Grisham discussed Smackdown's #3 pick, Melina.

John Cena vs. Jack Swagger

In a champion versus champion match, ECW's Swagger battled Raw's Cena. The winner of the match would earn their brand 2 draft picks. Early on Swagger got Cena down to the mat a few times and began cockily taunting Cena. Cena responded by knocking Swagger to the outside and knocking him down outside the ring. Swagger managed to get control back in the ring, hitting Cena in the corner and whipping him across the ring. Swagger used a hard clothesline to level Cena as he stood up. Cena started to fight back, but Swagger managed to lock a full nelson on him.

Cena used his power and strength to eventually battle out of Swagger's full nelson. As Cena gained momentum he threw shoulder blocks from off the rope then slammed Swagger to the mat. Cena followed with the Five Knuckle Shuffle, then hoisted Swagger up on his shoulders for the finisher. Swagger managed to grab the top ropes and got out of the hold, then kicked Cena down. Swagger tossed Cena shoulder first into the corner as Raw went to commercial.

As Raw returned, Swagger and Cena collided, with both men being counted down by the ref. Swagger continued to counter Cena's moves using great technical wrestling skills. Swagger ran and delivered a knee to Cena's head near the ropes but couldn't capture the pinfall. Cena slid off Swagger as he had the finisher up. Cena ran at him off the ropes but Swagger grabbed Cena for the powerslam. Swagger went to Splash down on Cena off the corner ropes, but Cena jumped up and grabbed him on his shoulders, then hit the Attitude Adjustment. Cena got on Cena with the STF to make Swagger finally tap out.

Winner: John Cena wins by submission over Jack Swagger to earn the #4 and #5 draft picks for Raw.

At the #4 draft pick, Raw received Matt Hardy from Smackdown. Hardy came to the ramp briefly to gloat. With the #5 pick, Raw struck gold as they received WWE Champion Triple H from Smackdown. Cena and HHH engaged in a staredown from ring to ramp. As Cena was distracted, Edge snuck into the ring and attacked him. Cena managed to regain control and Edge scurried out of the ring.

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Cody Rhodes and Ted Dibiase met with Orton in the locker room. Orton asked what their strategy will be going into the match tonight, and they said they'll make sure they don't get along. Dibiase said he expects their opponents to get disqualified tonight just like they will at Backlash when Orton wins the title.

The Great Khali vs. Santino Marella

Before the match could start, Beth Phoenix and Rosa Mendes came to the top of the ramp. Beth told Santino she talked to Vickie Guerrero earlier and if Khali wins this match, Santina Marella will be a guest on the Khali Kiss Cam next week. Santino was frustrated and tried his best to punch away at Khali's midsection, but had no luck.

Khali began choking Santino against the ropes, and after the ref broke things up Santino continued hanging on the ropes. After he finally got loose, Santino ran off the ropes and right into the shoulder of Khali. As Marella stood up, Khali then chopped him right down to the mat and stood on him with one foot for the winning pin. Beth and Rosa smiled from the ramp, knowing that "Santina" is now forced to kiss the Great Khali.

Winner: The Great Khali wins via pinfall over Santino Marella to earn Smackdown the #6 draft pick.

At the #6 draft pick, Smackdown received Mr. 2009 Money in the Bank, CM Punk. Punk came onto the ramp briefcase in hand to celebrate.

Backstage, John Morrison and The Miz were shown walking on their way for the next interbrand draft match.

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Kofi Kingston & vs. The Miz

Kofi represented Raw while The Miz represented ECW's potential draft pick, should he win. Kofi took an early advantage over Miz, but Miz soon made a comeback as he ran into Kofi from off the ropes. Kofi responded with a high-flying takedown of Miz and a shoulder hold. Kofi managed to gain control as he flipped Miz into the ropes and out of the ring. Miz and Morrison started to confer, and Kofi prepared to run and jump onto them. The pair moved away and Kofi stopped himself against the ropes. As Kofi finally ran over to dropkick Miz on the outside, Morrison came over. John backed off, but this allowed Miz to get in the ring and run to dropkick Kofi down. Miz gained control back in the ring.

Miz continued with control of things in the ring until Kofi got up from a headlock and rammed Miz into the corner. Kofi flipped Miz to the mat, then began to fight back as Miz charged at him. A high clothesline dropped Miz to the mat, but Miz rolled away from Kofi's double leg drop. Kofi did a bodypress splash off the corner, which Miz reversed. Kofi kicked out of the pinfall. As Kofi got up, Miz did a face first leg sweep, but again no 3 count. As the two fought it out, Kofi did a Jamaican leg sweep and then landed the double leg drop. Miz kicked out of Kofi's pin attempt.

Kofi gained momentum and eventually got on the corner to jump at Miz. Morrison got on the apron and swiped at him, but the ref saw it all, calling for the bell quickly.

Winner: Kofi Kingston wins due to disqualification over The Miz to win the #7 draft pick for Raw.

Following the match, the #7 draft pick was flashed up on screen as The Miz. Miz looked surprised and shaken up in the ring, realizing this would separate he and Morrison from their "bromance". Morrison gave him a hug, but Miz turned on Morrison, eventually planting him face first into the mat, then raising both his arms in a surprise moment.

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15 Man Tri-Branded Battle Royal

Fice superstars from each brand competed in the match with two draft picks on the line. For Raw, MVP, Cryme Tyme, Mike Knox and Big Show participated. On behalf of ECW it was Finlay, Ricky Ortiz, Paul Burchill, Tyson Kidd and Mark Henry. For Smackdown it was Carlito and Primo Colon, Chavo Guerrero, R-Truth and Edge.

Ricky Ortiz was eliminated first, followed by Paul Burchill, leaving just 3 men for ECW. Big Show and Mark Henry eliminated several men including R-Truth and Tyson Kidd. Both of Cryme Tyme were eliminated. Big Show grabbed Carlito around the throat and forced him over the top rope. Mark Henry tossed out MVP. It came down to a final 3 of Edge, Big Show and Mark Henry. Edge celebrated as he threw out a man, but turned to see the massive Show and Henry eyeing him. Edge tried to form an alliance with Henry, but Henry wasn't having it. Show chokeslammed Edge down, and Mark Henry jumped on Show to attack from behind. As the two fought it out, Edge had rolled over to the side apron.

Mark Henry was put on the apron outside the rings by Show. Show punched away at him, finally eliminating Henry off the apron with a huge punch. Edge remained against Big Show, leaving Smackdown vs. Raw. Show laughed before he charged at Edge near the ropes. Edge pulled down the top rope and Show went right over, giving Smackdown the next 2 draft picks. This is the 2nd straight year Edge has won this battle royal.

Winner: Edge wins the Tri-branded Battle Royal to earn the #8 and #9 draft picks for Smackdown.

At the #8 pick, Smackdown received Kane, who came out to the ramp and exchanged looks with Edge in the ring. Next at #9, Smackdown picked up Chris Jericho, who came out to the ramp smirking. Grisham and JR noted how Edge and Jericho are longtime friends and discussed the fact they may form an alliance on Smackdown.

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"Seasons" by Theveerunion will be the official theme song for the 2009 Backlash Pay-Per-View.

Chilli from the R&B group TLC was shown seated in the front row at Raw.

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Christian vs. Shelton Benjamin

ECW's Christian tried to win his brand their first draft pick against Smackdown's Shelton Benjamin. Early on Shelton took Christian down then delivered a huge boot to him on the mat. Christian turned the tide as he kicked Shelton to the ropes, jumped over the top rope to the outside and punched Shelton hard. Christian went to the top of the corner for a move, but Shelton rushed up, grabbed him and flung Christian across the ring. Christian rolled outside for recovery time.

Shelton stayed in control back in the ring driving a knee into Christian's back. Shelton tried to jump back at Christian from off the corner, but Christian ducked it. Christian revved up the fans then punched Shelton down. Christian went for the Killswitch, but Benjamin countered it and slammed Christian for a pin. Christian managed to finally win one for ECW as he grabbed Shelton from the corner to hit the Killswitch.

Winner: Christian wins via pinfall over Shelton Benjamin to earn ECW the #10 draft pick.

The #10 draft pick for ECW was displayed on the screen as Vladimir Kozlov. Kozlov walked out to the ramp and stared down Christian who was in the ring.

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The commentators ran down the matches we know for Backlash 2009 Pay-Per-View so far. A six man tag match involving Triple H, Batista and Shane McMahon versus Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes & Ted Dibiase as well as Edge versus John Cena for the World Heavyweight Title in a Last Man Standing match.

Shane McMahon came into the locker room where HHH was preparing and said "we're ok, so Orton's mine". HHH said Shane heard him earlier about Orton and if Batista were there he'd tell him the same. Batista was standing behind HHH. Triple H turned and told Batista if he heard him there's no reason to repeat it. Batista said "I heard, every man for himself". The Animal smirked and bumped Triple H as he left the locker room. Shane left next, and Triple H began to psych himself up for the contest.

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It was announced that "Lord of the Ring" will air on ESPN E60 at 7PM EST Tuesday. It will be a documentary profiling WWE Chairman Vince McMahon on the eve of Wrestlemania 25.

CM Punk vs.

Newly acquired Smackdown star and Money in the Bank winner CM Punk faced off against Raw;s brand new Matt Hardy for the #11 draft pick. Punk went for GTS early, with Hardy escaping. Punk responded with a snap suplex, then began kneeing Matt in the corner. With Matt in the other corner, Punk ran and jumped up grabbing the corner ropes, but Matt grabbed him on his shoulders and slammed Punk face first to the mat hard.

Matt gained the advantage and began stretching Punk out in a submission hold. Punk fought to get out, elbowing Matt's leg, then came off the ropes to knee and clothesline Matt to the mat. Punk tried for a pinfall but Matt managed to kick out. Punk was able to whip matt to the corner and knee him in the face, then hit the running Bulldog. After a failed pinfall, Punk again tried for GTS with Matt escaping and hitting the Side Effect. With Matt in control, all of a sudden the crowd went wild as Jeff Hardy ran into the ring to attack his brother. The ref promptly called for the bell for the DQ. Jeff got up on the corner for a Swanton, but Matt noticed and quickly escaped the ring. Jeff chased his brother out into the back through the crowd.

Back in the ring, Punk was upset when the ref awarded the match to Matt Hardy due to Smackdown's Jeff Hardy interfering.

Winner: Matt Hardy wins due to disqualification of CM Punk to earn the #11 draft pick for .

At the #11 pick, Raw gained the WWE Divas Champion, Maryse. Maryse came out and gloated on the top of the ramp, displaying her championship belt to the crowd.

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Tommy Dreamer vs. Chris Jericho

Smackdown's new acquisition Chris Jericho fought for the #12 draft pick against the ECW's Tommy Dreamer. Jim Ross reminded fans how Dreamer plans to retire if he doesn't win the ECW title by early June when his contract expires.

Jericho knocked Dreamer down early, but Tommy came back with several tosses and a clothesline to send Jericho over the ropes. Outside the ring, Dreamer continued to beat up Jericho and tossed him back in. Jericho took control as Dreamer tried to return to the ring. Dreamer regained control with a suplex of Jericho. Once again momentum shifted and Jericho had Dreamer down in a headlock. Dreamer powered to his feet, then punched Jericho to escape. With several clotheslines Dreamer had control, then managed to get Jericho hanging in the Tree of Woe in the corner. Dreamer ran and connected on a dropkick to Jericho's shoulder, then was about to hit his finisher. Jericho reversed it and started trying for the Walls of Jericho. Dreamer shoved Jericho with his feet, and as Jericho came back off the ropes, Dreamer rolled him into a pinfall. Jericho escaped barely from that and another pinfall attempt.

Dreamer got to the top ropes but Jericho ran over to knock him off balance. Jericho climbed up to fight Dreamer, but Tommy shoved him off. As Dreamer jumped off at Jericho, Chris quickly grabbed him and hit the Code Breaker in the air.

Winner: Chris Jericho wins via pinfall over Tommy Dreamer to earn the #12 draft pick for Smackdown.

All day Wednesday, starting at 12PM EST/(9PACIFIC) will be the WWE 2009 Supplemental Draft on WWE.com.

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It was announced that Matt Hardy will battle the Undertaker this Thursday on WGN America's premiere episode of WWE Superstars.

Shane McMahon, Batista & Triple H vs. Cody Rhodes & Ted Dibiase

As the bell rang, Triple H and Batista were still arguing, so Shane McMahon took initiative and charged over to level Cody Rhodes with a clothesline. Shane gained major momentum, stomping into Cody in the corner, then flying at him with an elbow. Shane started to punch at Cody repeatedly and dance around him, but was close to Batista, so The Animal tagged his back. Shane stared at Batista who immediately went at Dibiase who had also tagged in.

Batista stayed in control and eventually had Dibiase up on one shoulder. Batista was near his tag partners, and HHH grabbed Dibiase's leg to pull him onto the apron. HHH then punched Dibiase down. As Batista turned to look at HHH, The Game slapped Batista's shoulder to tag himself in. HHH continued momentum against Dibiase, until Dibiase got a boot into Triple H in the corner. HHH responded with a big Spinebuster. HHH covered for the pin but Batista got in and pulled HHH off by his leg. HHH got up and looked at Batista, and the moment's dirstraction allowed Dibiase to clip HHH's leg. Rhodes and Dibiase began to tag each other to work on HHH and keep him away from a tag.

Batista and Shane tried to cheer on HHH to get over for a tag as Legacy continued to dominate The Game with the doubleteam. Rhodes and Dibiase worked to try to dismantle him via stomps to the leg and body repeatedly. HHH finally was able to stand and flip Rhodes over his back, but the Game's leg was hurting. HHH managed to crawl over and tagged in Batista who gained serious momentum. Batista knocked Rhodes off the apron then did a running slam with Dibiase for the pin. Rhodes came in and Shane ran in to clothesline him over the ropes to the outside. Batista hit a Spinebuster then prepared for a Batista Bomb. Batista hit it and pinned Dibiase, but Shane McMahon got in the ring and hit Batista to stop the pin.

Batista shoved Shane to the corner, and as the two were arguing, HHH got onto the apron and slapped Batista to become legal man. Shane tackled Batista and the two rolled to the outside fighting. HHH managed to hit the Pedigree and scored the winning pinfall. The Game gets to face Randy Orton on next week's episode of Raw. Orton came out to the ramp to engage in a staredown with Hunter as Raw ended.

Winner: Triple H scores the winning pinfall for his team against Dibiase & Rhodes and will get to face Randy Orton on next week's Raw.

See the 2009 WWE Draft results here