Raw Recap 05.18.09

Raw recap from Louisville, KY:

Michael Cole welcomed fans in on the heels of an astonishing and controversial Judgment Day. Randy Orton came down the ramp with his WWE title to start off the show. Slideshow images from Judgment Day were shown of Orton using all sorts of tricks to escape the match against Batista with his WWE Title. Orton finally slapped the referee to get disqualified. Legacy rushed the ring to attack Batista, but out of nowhere Ric Flair came charging to the ring to make the save.

In the ring, Orton spoke about still being WWE Champion as he held up the belt proudly. Orton said last night's goal wasn't just to keep the title but to take out Batista for good. Orton said he was stopped by Ric Flair. Orton talked about how he has punt kicked every member of Evolution, then dared Ric Flair to get involved in his business again. Just then, Ric Flair came down the ramp as his theme music hit. In the ring, Flair continued strutting around as Orton stared at him. Flair told Orton he might still be champion, but he didn't actually defeat Batista. Flair said until Orton beats the man, he's accomplished nothing. Orton told Flair the fact he has the title means he is the man. Orton said he can beat Batista anytime, any place. Flair said he spoke to Vickie Guerrero an hour ago, and she took an idea Flair gave her and made it official. Flair said in 3 weeks there's a Pay-Per-View and Orton will defend the WWE Title again against Batista. Flair said the match will be a Steel Cage match for Extreme Rules PPV. After Flair was done, Orton said he had a message for Flair to deliver to Batista. Orton knocked Flair to the mat and began stomping on him. Legacy started down the ramp to go help but just then Batista came running down behind them and punched both men down.

Batista slid into the ring but Rhodes and Dibiase grabbed his feet from the outside as Orton started beating on him. John Cena ran down the ramp next and helped chase off Orton and Legacy, before he and Batista checked on Ric Flair.

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After a commercial break, Raw returned to show what just went down involving Orton, Flair, Legacy and Cena.

Backstage, Josh Matthews caught up with Cena to ask about him intervening in the situation. Cena said people were questioning his resolve after he had been broken and beaten down, but he overcame the odds to defeat Big Show last night. Cena said may the best man win between Orton and Batista, but it won't be long before "the champ is here!" Just then Cena walked off and as he turned the corner, GM Vickie Guerrero was there. Vickie told Cena that tonight's main event will be him and Batista taking on all 3 members of Legacy. Cena joked about how horrible that is, then said just kidding I love it.

Jerry Lawler and Michael Cole discussed the upcoming main event as well as the main event for Extreme Rules between Orton and Batista.

Divas Battle Royal

The winner of this divas battle royal would receive a future WWE Divas Championship match. Wrestling in the match were Kelly Kelly, Brie & Nikki Bella, Beth Phoenix, Rosa Mendes, Jillian Hall and Mickie James. The Divas Champion Maryse joined Jerry Lawler and Michael Cole for commentary during the match.

Rosa Mendes was tossed first by Mickie James, followed by the Bella Twins. It came down to Mickie James, Beth Phoenix, Jillian and Kelly Kelly. Jillian got eliminated first, and Mickie went after Beth. Beth was able to pick up Mickie and hang her upside down in the corner. Kelly Kelly came up from behind Beth and began punching her, then managed to dropkick Beth out through the ropes eliminating her. As Mickie was still over near the other ropes, Maryse got up and went over to spray her in the face with aerosol. Mickie began rolling around holding her eyes. Kelly walked over and kicked her out of the ring to win it, with Maryse laughing at Mickie James.

Winner: Kelly Kelly wins the Divas Battle Royal and will have a future title opportunity against Maryse.

Cole and Lawler announced a match has been scheduled between MVP and Matt Hardy tonight for the US Title.

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WWE Rewind showed footage from Judgment Day where Santino Marella interrupted The Miz' insulting rant in the ring. Miz ended up knocking Santino to the mat, and Chavo Guerrero came to the ring to Frogsplash Santino for insulting Vickie earlier.

Santino Marella vs. Chavo Guerrero

Early on Chavo dominated the match, until Santino began to favor his back. Santino decided to walk it off, and started pacing back and forth against the ropes. Chavo watched briefly, then clotheslined him down. Chavo continued to dominate as he put Santino in a submission move on the mat, stretching both arms back. Santino stood up to power out, but was leveled. After Chavo kept slapping away at Santino, Santino started getting counter moves. After a forearm, punch and clothesline, Santino tried to rush Chavo in the corner. Chavo stuck his legs up and Santino fell to the mat. Chavo went for the Frogsplash, but Santino rolled over to the corner. As Chavo jumped down he tried to run at Santino in the corner, but Santino ducked it and Chavo hit the turnbuckle. Santino walked over quickly and grabbed Chavo's legs for the surprise pin.

Santino celebrated on the ramp. Chavo grabbed the mic to yell at him. Chavo told Santino to tell his sister to get dressed because she'll be defending her Miss Wrestlemania crown against Vickie Guerrero tonight.

Winner: Santino Marella wins via pinfall over Chavo Guerrero.

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When Raw returned, a Mr. Kennedy promo video was shown announcing that Mr. Kennedy is "Coming Soon" to Raw.

Backstage, Maryse was talking out loud when The Miz walked up to her. Miz told Maryse he had no clue what she was saying in French but it was hot. Maryse put a hand in Miz' face, and Miz started talking up what he had in store for Cena later tonight. Miz fake kissed each side of Maryse' face before saying "Ciao" and backing away. Maryse mouthed the words "Oh my God".

Josh Matthews interviewed Matt Hardy. Hardy still had the cast on his right arm/hand. Matthews asked about Matt costing Jeff the World Heavyweight title at last night's Pay-Per-View, and now Matt has a US Title match. Josh suggested maybe Vickie is rewarding him, but Matt said it wasn't like that. Matt said Jeff broke his hand, so he was getting payback last night. Matt said Vickie erased his loss to Kofi Kingston last week, forever. Hardy said the only reason he's getting a title shot tonight is because he's earned it.

Backstage, Chavo and Vickie Guerrero talked, with Vickie enraged that Chavo set up a match on her behalf. Chavo said tonight the games stop from Santino. Just then, Orton burst into the office asking Vickie what she was thinking setting up a steel cage match for Extreme Rules. Vickie said last night's match ended in DQ, so she needs a match that will end with a winner at Extreme Rules. Orton warned Vickie she better stay on his good side.

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Carlito & Primo Colon vs. The Brian Kendrick & Goldust

Highlights were shown from WWE Superstars where Big Show had an exhibition against Hornswoggle. Goldust came in to save Hornswoggle, but Big Show made sure to punish Goldust for it.

Kendrick took exception to Goldust's handling of Carlito at one point so he called him over and slapped him for a tag. Kendrick got Carlito down in a headlock to wear him down some. Carlito stood up to try to escape but Kendrick backed him to the corner and stuck his boot in Carlito's throat. Kendrick again yelled at Goldust for not helping out when Carlito was in the corner. Carlito tagged Primo in who started to knock Kendrick around the ring. Kendrick went for Sliced Bread, but Primo shoved out of it, then hit a cross body off the ropes to pin Kendrick.

Kendrick got in Goldust's face after the loss and eventually slapped him. Goldust got in the ring to confront Kendrick. As the two stared at one another, Hornswoggle snuck in the ring and ran up to grab Kendrick's leg. Kendrick shoved him away, and Goldust got in front of Horney to protect him. Hornswoggle ran under Goldust's legs and kicked Kendrick in the shin, then Goldust lifted Horney up to dropkick Kendrick out through the ropes.

Winners: Primo and Carlito Colon win via pinfall over The Brian Kendrick & Goldust.

Backstage, a close up was shown of Cena's Hustle, Loyalty, Respect shirt. As the camera moved back, it was revealed to be The Miz. Miz started walking in a mocking way to make fun of Cena as he went down the hallway.

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Miz came down to the ring dressed as John Cena, with Cena's old music "Basic Thuganomics" playing. Miz said he made a remix called "Nerd Life - the Story of John Cena". Miz spit out some rap lines to insult Cena's movie roles and merchandise. Miz called himself the new face of Raw and tried to call out Cena. The fans started chanting for Cena. Miz announced himself as Miz 5, and John Cena as 0. Jerry Lawler left his commentary position and got into the ring with a mic. Lawler said just because someone doesn't come out when Miz calls them, it doesn't mean he gets a victory. Lawler gave an example by pretending to call out Batista. Lawler laughed that Batista didn't show and said it doesn't make him 1-0 against Batista. Then Lawler called out Bruno Sammartino, Hulk Hogan and Stone Cold. None of them showed. Lawler told Miz if he really wants a match with Cena to go talk to Vickie Guerrero. Miz said maybe he would. Just then, Big Show's music came on. Show came walking down the ramp looking angry.

Show got in the ring with a mic and told Miz "make believe time is over". Big Show said he's not done with John Cena yet because at Extreme Rules they'll fight again. Show said they'll have a Submission match at Extreme Rules, and until then The Miz will have to wait. Miz said that's fine he can wait to beat Cena, after he's done beating Big Show. Miz hid behind Lawler and shoved him at Big Show before rushing out of the ring. Miz backed up the ramp and Show took out his frustration on Lawler by hammering him in the back, then squeezing him in a submission hold.

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Highlights were shown from last week's tag match won by MVP and Kofi Kingston over William Regal and Matt Hardy.

Jim Ross was filling in for Jerry Lawler who was taken backstage hurt after Big Show's beatdown. They showed a replay again of what happened with Miz, Big Show and Jerry Lawler.

Matt Hardy vs. MVP
US Title Match

Slide pictures were shown from Judgment Day where Matt Hardy interfered in the Jeff Hardy vs. Edge World Heavyweight Title match.

Hardy tried to get out of the ring early, with MVP suplexing him back in from the apron. Matt hit an early Side Effect but couldn't score the pinfall. Matt went over to remove a turnbuckle cover, with the ref noticing it. The ref went to re-adjust it and Matt clipped MVP's leg with his cast. Matt began to target MVP's leg, squeezing it against the ropes and smashing it against the ringpost. MVP eventually got to his feet although he was hobbled by the leg injury. MVP hit a Facebuster then hit his Ballin elbow drop. Matt pleaded with MVP to stop, then grabbed him and pulled him out through the ropes. On the outside, Matt continued his attack, kicking MVP in the leg.

Matt rushed at MVP near the ringpost, with MVP avoiding it so Matt hit his hurt had on the post. MVP grabbed him by the arm and smashed it against the steps. Back in the ring, MVP took control, stomping on the cast several times. MVP was able to hit a high boot on Hardy in the corner, then followed with the Playmaker to win it.

Winner: MVP wins via pinfall over Matt Hardy to retain the United States Title.

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Again, highlights of the incident involving Randy Orton, Ric Flair, Legacy, Batista and John Cena were shown.

Backstage, Batista walked into the locker room where Flair was all smiles. Batista asked what he was smiling about. Flair said next week he's returning to Raw and he's going to get in the ring to call out Orton. Batista told him he doesn't have to prove anything anymore, but Flair insisted saying Orton punched him down tonight. Flair said Batista seems to doubt his ability to fight still. Flair said if he's lost confidence in him then Batista can go out there by himself.

Chavo Guerrero was shown laying down backstage, telling Vickie to pretend he was Santina. Vickie was shown standing up on 2 couches preparing for a Frogsplash. Vickie told Chavo it was insane and that the match was off. Just then, Santina came into the office and said she was looking forward to beating Vickie. Santina said the only way Vickie would beat her is "if pigs could fly". Vickie decided she'd had enough and yelled the match was on.

Vickie Guerrero vs. Santino Marella
Miss Wrestlemania Crown

Chavo walked a hesitant yet angry Vickie Guerrero down the ramp to the ring. Chavo waited at ringside. Santina took the mic as the bell rang and insulted Vickie again calling her a pig and grabbing her to give her a kiss. Chavo got into the ring and yanked the mic away and said the match is now a No DQ.

The bell rang again to start things off. Santina walked towards Vickie ready to fight, but Chavo got back in the ring and knocked Santina down from behind. Chavo started beating on Santina on the mat, then Santina would roll him over and start punching on him. At one point, Santina got up near the ropes and Chavo ran at her, only to be thrown over the ropes. Santina prepared to finish off Vickie, but William Regal got into the ring out of nowhere and leveled Santina. Regal followed with a hard knee to Santina's head, knocking her out. Vickie stole an easy pinfall and became Miss Wrestlemania.

Chavo helped put the crown and sash on a joy-filled Vickie after her win.

Winner: Vickie Guerrero wins via pinfall over Santina to become Miss Wrestlemania.

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Jim Ross confirmed that next week Flair will appear on Raw to call out Randy Orton.

John Cena & Batista vs. Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes & Ted Dibiase
3 on 2 Handicap Match

Cena started with Rhodes, who took a quick advantage and tagged in Orton. Orton began trying to pick apart Cena. Cena escaped Orton's attempt quick and tagged in Batista, but Orton slid over to his corner and slapped Dibiase to come in the ring. Batista began to unleash his fury, clotheslining Dibiase down and staring down Orton. At one point, Orton was able to double clothesline Rhodes and Dibiase down. Cena came in and the two men clotheslined Rhodes and Dibiase outside the ring. Orton got down in the ring, stalking Batista. Cena and Batista turned around and Orton slid outside the ring as Raw went to commercial.

Raw returned with Orton smashing Batista head first into the apron outside the ring. Orton started stomping away on the Animal. Dibiase came in next and applied a headlock to further wear down Batista. Rhodes took a turn briefly, and started to punch away at Batista before tagging Dibiase back in. Batista finally made the tag to bring in Cena, who exploded against Cody Rhodes. Cena hit the Five Knuckle Shuffle on Rhodes, then put him into the Attitude Adjustment. Orton made a blind tag to Rhodes as he was hoisted up on Cena's shoulders. Orton ran in to beat on Cena as Cena tried to pin Rhodes. Orton drove a knee to the back of Cena's head and continued punishing him by stomping on him. Dibiase came in and went for a move off the ropes, with Cena moving away. Dibiase still clotheslined Cena down hard and kept him from tagging.

The triple team on Cena continued with Rhodes coming in. Cena fought back, but missed Rhodes in the corner. Rhodes landed a moonsault off the top rope to pin Cena, but Cena escaped it. Orton finally came in to work on Cena further, putting a headlock on him. With both men on their feet, Cena mustered up the strength to pull over and tag an outstretched Batista. Batista came in and went at Orton, leveling him with a clothesline and powerslamming him to the mat. Orton kicked out right before 3. Out of nowhere, Big Show came down to attack Cena. Cena grabbed a steel chair and chased Show backstage.

Back in the ring, Batista was able to knock Dibiase, then Rhodes out of the ring. Rhodes managed to climb back on the corner, but suddenly was shown falling into the ring. Ric Flair showed up, distracting Orton, and allowing Batista to Spear him down for a pinfall. Afterwards, Flair celebrated with Batista in the ring.

Winners: John Cena & The Big Show win via pinfall over Legacy.

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