Raw Recap 04.04.09

Raw Recap from Buffalo, NY:

Raw opened with highlights of the new age of Orton beginning with his title victory over Triple H at Backlash. On Raw last week, Orton let it be known that as new WWE Champ, he will be respected by all superstars backstage. MVP came out to interrupt Orton and the two ended up in a match later in the night. Orton kicked MVP out of the ring, despite MVP showing signs of dominance. Shane McMahon rushed into the ring and attacked Orton with a Kendo stick, before Legacy arrived to chase him off. Shane appeared up in the audience where he taunted Legacy.

Randy Orton arrived to the ring carrying the WWE title for the opening match.

Shane McMahon vs. Randy Orton

Familiar foes Orton and McMahon once again met in the squared circle. As Orton waited and looked out up the ramp for Shane to come down to the ring, Shane entered from behind him and attacked. The two ended up out in the crowd area, with Shane clotheslining Orton off the ramp, then beating him in front of the audience. Shane started to gain the upperhand again after Orton beat on him some. Shane landed a flying clothesline off the crowd barrier then ripped the cover off the announce table. After setting Orton on the table, Shane got in the ring preparing to make the jump. All of a sudden, Rhodes and Dibiase rushed into the ring and began to attack.

Randy Orton got back in the ring as Rhodes & Dibiase held Shane down. As the three men were attacking, MVP rushed down to the ring to try to make the save. He had some brief offensive momentum, but the three men eventually ganged up on MVP and tossed him out of the ring so they could work on Shane more. Finally, Batista rushed down to save Shane, knocking down both Rhodes & Dibiase as Orton escaped the ring and up the ramp.

Raw GM Vickie Guerrero came out yelling that her main event would not be jeopardized by this mayhem. Vickie ordered Shane to go against Orton later on, Batista to face Dibiase, and MVP to face Rhodes. Vickie said whoever won their matches could either join Orton or Shane later on, in a "Win & You're In" stipulation.

Winner: Match stopped when Rhodes, Dibiase, MVP & Batista all got involved.

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Kofi Kingston vs. Matt Hardy

Matt Hardy came to the ring wearing the same cast on his right hand that he had on last week. Michael Cole said it was a broken hand sustained in the I Quit match against Jeff Hardy. Matt took a mic once again to say he filed a complaint about being forced to wrestle with a broken hand, so he's wrestling under protest tonight.

In a good back and forth match, Matt had control as he suplexed Kofi to the mat. Kofi reversed Matt's next suplex attempt into a neckbreaker, then got up to start his momentum. Kofi finally got himself the advantage as he slammed Matt to the mat, then did his double leg drop on him. Matt kicked out at a 2 count and tried to whip Kofi to the ropes. Kofi came back and ducked Matt's clothesline, then hit the Trouble in Paradise spinning kick to Matt's head to win it.

As Kofi came down from the corner after celebrating his win with the fans, Matt Hardy caught him with a hard clothesline using his cast to level Kofi.

Winner: Kofi Kingston wins via pinfall over Matt Hardy.

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Backstage, Santino Marella was talking to Kelly Kelly about how she'll be tag-teaming with Santina on WWE Superstars. Santino said his sister won't be on Raw tonight due to the swine flu scare and since GM Vickie Guerrero is kind of like a pig herself. Chavo Guerrero walked up and wasn't happy with Santino's comments. He asked Santino if he was talking about his aunt. Santino pretended to apologize then insulted Vickie again before walking off.

Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler discussed John Cena's physical condition following what happened to him at Backlash from Big Show. Highlights were shown of Big Show tossing Cena into the huge light near the ramp which put Cena down for 10, and allowed Edge to win the title. Last week on Raw, Cena surprisingly showed up during the Big Show's match against Batista. Big Show was counted out due to Cena's appearance distracting him, and Batista won the #1 Contender's spot for the WWE Title.

Big Show was shown backstage as he headed into Vickie's office. Show told Vickie he wants to end Cena's career tonight. Vickie said Cena has internal injuries and will be out another two weeks. Vickie said Show can have Cena at Judgment Day to get out all his frustrations.

Backstage, the Bella Twins rushed up to MVP saying how they loved him on The View. Both Twins were hitting on him and asked him out. MVP said sure, but first he has a match to go win, and headed off with his US Title.

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MVP vs. Cody Rhodes

Former Raw GM & 2008 King of the Ring, William Regal joined Cole & Lawler on commentary. Highlights were shown again of MVP interrupting Orton & Legacy last week on Raw in his debut.

Rhodes managed to gain control by kicking MVP in the leg hard, then wrenching MVP's left leg to keep him down. Shane McMahon was shown watching backstage. MVP started to fight back with punches to Rhodes, then elbows from the corner. MVP was able to throw Rhodes over him at one point, and hit a Facebuster, before hitting the elbowdrop. Rhodes rolled to the outside, and MVP went out to collect him. As Rhodes was back in, MVP got onto the apron. William Regal walked over and clipped MVP's leg, causing MVP to fall on the apron then to the outside. Regal stood watching MVP as the ref counted him out.

Cody Rhodes will now join Randy Orton against Shane McMahon.

Winner: Cody Rhodes wins due to countout of MVP.

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Highlights were shown of a dance off that Cryme Tyme hosted on Smackdown between WWE Divas Layla and Eve. The crowd chose Eve as the winner, and afterwards Layla slapped her. Cryme Tyme had to hold the two divas apart.

Lillian Garcia introduced Jerry Lawler who was in the ring. Lawler talked about the dance-off on Smackdown and said now Raw will have a sing-off between Jillian and Festus. Jillian began singing in her usual awful style with members of the crowd booing and holding their ears. Lawler introduced Festus, but he just stood their in a stupor not moving or singing. Jillian kept acting like she won the contest, but Lawler said Festus needs to sing. He handed Festus a mic and told someone to ring the bell. As the bell rang, Festus began singing the Annie song "Tomorrow" to the crowd's amusement. The crowd then cheered to pronounce Festus winner of the contest. Lillian begged Lawler to give her another chance as he went back to his commentator's seat. Just then, The Miz arrived from backstage down to the ring where Festus was still standing with a mic in his hand.

The Miz positioned Festus' hand in a Loser "L" on Festus' forehead. Miz then kicked Festus in the gut and tossed him out of the ring. Miz again called out Cena, saying Cena is scared of him. Miz asked Cena where his hustle, loyalty and respect went. Miz challenged Cena to another match, saying his fans were asking for him. Cena appeared on the Titantron all of a sudden, appearing backstage. Cena started on his way backstage out to the ring with Miz acting ready for him. Raw took a commercial break and when the show returned, Miz was still talking on the mic.

Miz asked the crowd if they are really booing him when Cena's still not out there. Miz continued taunting Cena saying he mailed Cena's latest script to the Rock to use as toilet paper. Miz called himself the biggest superstar on Raw. After several moments, Miz called himself winner again, saying the score is now Miz 2, Cena 0. Miz told Lillian to announce him winner, but she didn't, so Miz went out and grabbed the mic from her. Just then, John Cena's theme music came on and Cena came walking out gingerly onto the ramp. Cena got all the way down to the ring to confront Miz, but just then Big Show's music came on. Show arrived down the ramp to the ring staring at Cena. Miz exited the ring as Show got in with Cena.

Cena prepared for a fight as he and Show stared at one another. Show smirked before kicking Cena in the gut, then beating him up more despite Cena's injured status. Show punched Cena in the head, then put Cena in a vicious submission hold to further punish him before standing over the knocked out superstar.

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When Raw returned highlights were shown of what Big Show just did to Cena in the ring. Cole and Lawler discussed how this will be a major setback for Cena heading into Judgment Day. Lillian introduced "Jared the Subway Guy" as special ring announcer to announce the divas match.

Mickie James vs. Maryse

Divsa Champion Maryse fought in her first solo diva match since being drafted to Raw. Maryse tried to cockily pose near the ropes as the bell rang, and Mickie started the beatdown. Maryse was able to recover on the outside and eventually gain momentum. In the ring, Maryse put Mickie into her submission hold, which Mickie soon escaped. Mickie came back to go shot for shot against Maryse, eventually dropkicking her in the face. Mickie eventually caught Maryse with a hard DDT to take the pinfall victory. Mickie flicked her hair up as she looked down at Maryse then posed as if she would be taking the divas title soon.

Winner: Mickie James wins via pinfall over Maryse.

Batista was shown psyching himself up backstage for his upcoming match against Ted Dibiase.

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"Rescue Me" by Buckcherry will the official theme song for WWE's 2009 Judgment Day PPV.

Batista vs. Ted Dibiase

Dibiase was attacking a lot early as he continually kicked Batista on the mat. The Animal quickly recovered to slam Dibiase down, then clotheslined him down. Batista missed on a kick to Dibiase's head, allowing Dibiase to regain control. With The Animal down, Dibiase tried for a pinfall with no luck. Dibiase landed a neckbreaker on Batista, but again failed at the pinfall. Dibiase used a sleeper hold on Batista down on the mat, with Batista standing up and ramming Dibiase back to a corner to break it up.

Batista took control of Dibiase in the corner ramming into his midsection and kicking him. The ref broke things up telling Batista to move away, and Dibiase slapped Batista. This further angered The Animal and Batista went wild attacking Dibiase in the corner. The ref continued warning Batista to stop, then made a 5 count and finally called for the bell. Dibiase won due to the referee disqualifying Batista.

Ted Dibiase will now join Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes to take on Shane McMahon in a 3-on-1 Handicap match.

Winner: Ted Dibiase wins due to disqualification of Batista by the referee.

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Backstage, Chavo told Vickie he would handle Santino for her. Chavo then said they need to focus on the main event with Shane vs. Legacy and make sure that Batista & MVP don't interfere. Chavo said if he were GM he'd strip MVP of the US title if he interfered, and if Batista got involved he'd take away his title match at Judgment Day. Vickie didn't really say anything, but Chavo said he was glad she agreed and headed off to tell Batista & MVP Vickie's decision.

Carlito vs. The Brian Kendrick

Primo came out with Carlito from backstage, but Carlito told him he could handle Kendrick alone. Primo headed backstage. Carlito dominated early on, but as he went for the springboard off the top rope, Kendrick caught him with a kick to the head. Kendrick went for Sliced Bread but as he got to the corner, Carltio shoved Kendrick into it. With Kendrick seated in the corner, Carlito hit the Backstabber, then dragged Kendrick over to the center of the ring for the pinfall.

Winner: Carlito wins via pinfall over The Brian Kendrick.

Highlights from Smackdown's Fatal Fourway #1 Contender Match were shown between Chris Jericho, Jeff Hardy, Rey Mysterio & Kane. Chris Jericho eliminated Kane by pinfall after Jeff's Swanton Bomb. Jericho was DQ'd next after he threw a chair at Rey Mysterio. It came down to Rey vs. Jeff with both men going back and forth. There were several reversed pin attempts. Jeff hit 619, and a Hurricanrana, but Jeff managed to reverse the pinfall to win it.

Backstage, Cody Rhodes and Ted Dibiase talked strategy with Orton in the locker room.

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Footage was shown of MVP vs. Dolph Ziggler with the US title on the line, and Sherri Shepherd from The View in MVP's corner. Sherri got on the apron at one point and slapped Ziggler in the face. MVP was able to retain the US title. MVP will appear on The View Tuesday morning.

Highlights were revisited of MVP and Batista's losses earlier in the night. Shane McMahon was shown backstage heading to the ring when Batista rushed up to apologize to him for losing earlier. Batista promised Shane in 2 weeks he's going to take the WWE title from Orton and avenge all he's done to the McMahon's. Shane walked off with Batista telling him to be safe.

Shane McMahon vs. Cody Rhodes, Ted Dibiase & Randy Orton
3 on 1 Handicap Match

As the bell rang, Shane tried for the quick attack against Cody Rhodes. Shane leveled Rhodes with a clothesline, and started to go after him, but Rhodes was able to back him to his tag partners' corner. Rhodes was able to gain control against Shane by tossing him to the mat, and eventually tagged Orton. Shane was able to start taking control against Orton with a series of jabs. Orton finally was forced to tag in Dibiase. Orton ran outside the ring with Shane chasing. As Orton slid back inside, Shane followed, but Dibiase was there to clothesline him.

Dibiase seemed to be in control, but Shane responded. Dibiase whipped Shane to the corner, but Shane quickly ran back and clotheslined Dibiase down. Dibiase tried to crawl away for a tag, but Shane stopped him. At one point, Shane rushed over and knocked Rhodes and Orton off the apron. Shane gained control over Dibiase and hit an elbow drop off the corner with Orton watching. Shane had the pin, but Rhodes rushed in to break things up. Eventually Shane went to the outside and began to attack both Rhodes & Dibiase, tossing them into the apron and steps. Shane grabbed a nearby chair, but as he went to hit Rhodes, Orton attacked Shane from behind. Orton tossed Shane into the ring, then tossed Dibiase in so he could tag in. Orton came in and methodically stomped away at Shane's body parts.

Rhodes soon tagged back in and missed on a backflip off the corner as Shane moved away. Rhodes managed to tag Dibiase back in who immediately attacked Shane in the corner. Shane made a comeback to again clothesline Dibiase down. Dibiase kicked Shane away as he grabbed his leg. At one point, Shane cleared the ring of Orton, Rhodes and Dibiase as they all got into the ring. Shane ripped the commentators' table cover off and all the TV monitors. From there he placed Orton on the table and went for a jump off the corner. Orton rolled away and Shane crashed through the table breaking it. Legacy pulled Shane over to the steel steps and placed his foot on them, as Orton grabbed a steel chair. Orton told Shane he couldn't stay out of his business so now he's going to pay. Orton smashed the chair across Shane's ankle causing him to yell out in pain. From there, they further punished Shane's ankle and foot by smashing the steel steps down on him. Orton had an evil look in his eye as he watched Shane suffering in pain, grabbing his ankle.'

Batista rushed down to chase off Legacy, as medical staff helped get Shane into a leg cast and onto a stretcher to roll him out. Randy Orton took a mic to address Batista in the ring, saying his Judgment Day is coming. The Animal screamed for Orton to come to the ring now so they could settle things, but Orton dropped the mic and stood ground. The medical staff wheeled Shane up the ramp with Orton still staring down at Batista.

Winner: No winner announced as Legacy began to give Shane a beatdown outside the ring with various objects.

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