Raw Preview 05.18.09

Amongst the 2009 Judgment Day Pay-Per-View results, Randy Orton was able to successfully retain his WWE Title. The catch is Orton got himself disqualified so that Batista had no chance to pin him and win the gold. Their match saw Orton try every trick in the book to prevent Batista from winning the title. Orton continually went outside the ring trying to get counted out. He tried to bring a steel chair into the match as a weapon, but the Animal knocked it away. Finally, Orton just slapped the referee, prompting for the disqualification. A smug Orton had retained his title, and the Animal had no chance of winning. But to the surprise of the WWE Universe, the Nature Boy Ric Flair emerged from the crowd and attacked Orton! Will Batista get another chance at winning the WWE Title from his nemesis Randy Orton? And what exactly does Ric Flair's appearance and involvement mean in the grand scheme of things?

Since coming to Raw, The Miz has seemed to be the replacement for the loudmouth trash talker, Chris Jericho. In several weeks time, The Miz has come to the ring and insulted WWE Superstar John Cena. After calling out Cena each time, Miz somehow found a way to pronounce himself as victorious over Cena, whether it be via forfeit, or Big Show showing up to intervene. At last night's Judgment Day PPV, The Miz came to the ring again to disrespect Cena. After insulting the former champion, Miz turned his attention to baseball player Alfonso Soriano of the Chicago Cubs, who was in the crowd. Miz challenged Soriano to a fight in the ring, then claimed that Soriano's manager was calling to say he'd rather Soriano get hurt on the field, like he does every year. From there, Santino Marella came down to the ring to interrupt Miz. Marella made jokes about Vickie Guerrero and then called Miz a "jackass". As the two Raw stars fought it out, Miz gained the advantage and eventually Frogsplashed Santino. With the arrogant new Raw star seeming to have momentum, what will go down between these two stars on Monday night's show?

And finally, Judgment Day saw a heated feud finally hit the ring as John Cena got into the ring with Big Show. Cena was reported as less than 100% for the match, but still cleared to go. During this tough match for the former champ, Big Show punished Cena in and around the ring, using slams, splashes, clotheslines, kicks and submission holds to try to wear the injured wrestler down. Cena appeared to be favoring his ribs and Show used that fact to his advantage, as he stood on Cena's ribs at one point. Cena managed to gain momentum and in the end, he ducked Show's knockout punch attempt, then lifted Show up for the Attitude Adjustment. A less than 100% Cena managed to pull off the valiant effort for the victory in Chicago. But will this match be just the first round of a Big Show-John Cena feud? What will both men have to say on the latest episode of Raw?

Tune in to tonight's Monday Night Raw on USA at 9PM EST for all the follow-up and fallout from the 2009 Judgment Day PPV!

View full 2009 Judgment Day PPV results!