Raw Recap 08.31.09

Raw Recap from Detroit, MI:

After the pyro and fanfare, commentator Michael Cole welcomed fans to the home of Wrestlemania 23, two years ago. Cole said Kofi Kingston's US Title could be in trouble tonight, because a Fatal Fourway will take place between Kofi, The Miz, Jack Swagger and Carlito. Also, Big Show and Mark Henry will do battle for WWE supremacy.

Lillian Garcia introduced tonight's guest host, WWE Hall of Famer, the American Dream Dusty Rhodes. Cole and Lawler hyped up his appearance, as he's been part of the WWE for over 5 decades now. Rhodes danced on the ramp for a while as the commentators started talking and fans applauded him. Rhodes came to the ring to speak to the crowd who gave him a rousing "DUS-TY" chant. Rhodes hyped up the city of Detroit as a working color city, and then talked about his pride over his son Cody. The crowd booed that discussion, and the mention of Orton and Legacy.

Dusty mentioned the "I Quit" submission match scheduled for the WWE Title at Breaking Point PPV. Dusty said at the PPV it will be John Cena going against Cody Rhodes, because tonight he booked Cody to face Orton for the WWE Title, with Dusty in his corner. Rhodes then said special referee for the Orton vs. Rhodes match will be John Cena. Just as the crowd went wild, Randy Orton's music hit and out came The Viper to the ramp.

Orton called Dusty jealous of him because his son Cody looks up to Orton more than he does to The American Dream. Orton called the arranging of a title shot a pathetic and shameless act. Dusty told Orton that Rhodes is athletically gifted and hungry. Orton asked Rhodes to give him a reason not to kick him in the skull right now. Just then, Cody Rhodes came down the ramp and to the ring. Rhodes defended his father's legacy, then told Orton a WWE title shot is something he won't pass up. Rhodes said it's not personal, strictly business. Orton asked if Dusty will be in Cody's corner and Cena is guest ref, then said it's obvious "the fix is in" and Dusty Rhodes said he better believe it.

Backstage, six divas were being prepped by a referee about a battle royal's rules. Kelly Kelly, Rosa Mendes, Beth Phoenix, Gail Kim, Alicia Fox and Jillian Hall.

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American Dream Six Divas Battle Royal

Kelly Kelly, Rosa Mendes, Beth Phoenix, Gail Kim, Alicia Fox and Jillian Hall competed for a chance to go against Mickie James for the Divas Championship later in the night. The match was under normal battle royal rules, where divas had to be sent out through the ropes to be eliminated.

Early on, Beth had Kelly on the ropes but couldn't push her out. Rosa accidentally bumped Beth, causing Beth to turn and grab Rosa then toss her over the ropes to eliminate her. Alicia and Jillian doubleteamed Kelly in the corner, while Beth beat on Gail in the other. Alicia did her finisher on Kelly Kelly, but just then Gail Kim grabbed her and ran her over to toss her over the ropes. Beth Phoenix scooped up Kelly and dumped her over the ropes. It was down to Gail, Jillian and Beth. Beth almost eliminated by Gail but held onto the side ropes. Gail based her head first into the ringpost but Beth remained on the apron. Jillian and Gail battled almost eliminating each other.

As Beth continued to recover from the apron, Gail and Jillian traded punches in the ring. Jillian kept picking up Gail to try to send her over the ropes with Gail fighting out. Finally, Jillian tried to throw Gail over the ropes but Gail held on, then used a headscissors to grab Jillian and pull her over the ropes. Just as Gail fell to the apron, Beth Phoenix came walking over smirking. As Gail got up, Beth delivered a hard kick to send Gail off the apron.

Winner: Beth Phoenix wins the six divas battle royal to become #1 Contender for the WWE Divas Championship.

Chris Jericho's pyro and music hit as Jericho came to the ring carrying his unified tag team belts.

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MVP vs. Chris Jericho

Highlights were shown from last week's MVP & Mark Henry vs. Big Show and Chris Jericho match with Floyd Mayweather sliding some brass knuckles to MVP to deliver a knockout punch on Chris Jericho.At one moment in the first half of the match, Jericho knocked MVP onto the apron then did his kick by jumping off the ropes to send MVP to the floor. Raw took a commercial break.

Raw returned with MVP battling out of Jericho's choke hold on the mat. MVP sent Jericho to the corner, but Jericho retaliated. As Jericho jumped at MVP he was punched in the gut. Jericho came back though and hit a bulldog to take MVP down. Jericho missed on the Lionsault and MVP rolled out of the way, then hit a low dropkick. From there, it was the Ballin' elbow drop. MVP went for Playmaker, but Jericho reversed and tried to set up Walls of Jericho. MVP rolled him into a small package pin, and Jericho kicked out at 2. As both men got to their feet, Jericho did a quick Codebreaker out of nowhere to win it.

Winner: Chris Jericho wins via pinfall over MVP.

Backstage, Dusty Rhodes was checking out The Rise And Fall of WCW
DVD when DX came up to him. DX said that Legacy are disgraces to their father's heritages. They questioned the title shot Rhodes was getting tonight. Dusty said not to worry because once Cody wins, he'll give a member of DX the next WWE title shot. DX started to argue over who should get the title shot, then calmed down. Rhodes said they should hang out with him and watch the Rise and Fall of WCW DVD. Rhodes then pulled out his The Dusty Rhodes Story DVD and HHH chastised him for the shameless plug. Then HHH pulled out the DX DVD and plugged it as all three guys held up their DVD's next to each other. Michaels went over to try to figure out how to put a DVD in the DVD player with HHH warning Rhodes that HBK broke the camera at Summerslam.

Hornswoggle was shown backstage dressed up in cowboy hat and chaps, ready for his upcoming match.

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Raw Rebound showed Hornswoggle vs Chavo last week in their boxing match. Chavo was given oversized gloves as a joke, and ended up tossing them off to slam Hornswoggle.

Hornswoggle vs. Chavo Guerrero
Special Texas Bullrope match

First competitor to tie his opponent with the Bull Rope would be the winner. Chavo came out dressed in a cow costume. The ref instructed Chavo he had one more thing for him per orders of Dusty Rhode, then left the ring to retrieve a giant Cow's head mask for Chavo to wear. Hornswoggle continued laughing maniacally. as the ref told Chavo to wear it or he'd forfeit.

Early on, Chavo couldn't see very well so Hornswoggle got in some quick moves including a strike to the gut and then rode Chavo a bit. Chavo bucked him off, then as Hornswoggle came off the ropes he was met by a boot by Chavo. Chavo got up and pulled his cow mask off looking ready for revenge. Chavo climbed the corner and got ready to do his splash, but just then Evan Bourne rushed down to ringside and pointed at him to stop.

Hornswoggle slid out of the ring then tugged the rope to cause Chavo to hit the mat. He got in the ring and put the cow head on Chavo's head backwards, then ran around him with the rope to tie him up. Evan Bourne came in the ring to celebrate with Hornswoggle, until Chavo knocked Bourne down from behind. Chavo backed Hornswoggle to the corner, but as Chavo ran, Horney moved aside. Chavo hit shoulder first, then Horney climbed the corner. Bourne ran over and put the Cow head on Hornswoggle before he jumped off for the Tadpole Frogsplash onto Chavo.

Winner: Hornswoggle wins the Special Texas Bullrope match.

A tale of the tape between Big Show and Mark Henry was shown. Show outweighs Henry 485 to 418 and is 7 feet tall while Henry is just 6'4". Henry's only advantage was the size of his biceps which were bigger by an inch. Show was shown walking backstage.

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Mark Henry vs. Big Show

Early on, Henry shoved Big Show to the ropes several times after the two behemoths locked up. The two locked up in a strength test with Henry winning it until Show kicked him. Show headbutted Henry sevearl times, but it seemed to hurt Show just as much. Henry headbutted him back and Show dropped to a knee. Show prepared to hit a punch on Henry in the corner, with Henry kicking his way out of things. Henry locked a headlock on Show, bringing Show down to one knee again. Henry kept it locked for several moments.

Show finally got out of the hold near the ropes, then cheapshot kicked Henry in the gut. Off the ropes Show was able to spear Henry down to the mat. Henry eventually fought out of Show's attack in the ring corner, then came off the ropes with several splash bump moves to take Show down. Henry with a Splash and pin but Show pushed him off at 2. At one point, the ref warned Henry about something and Show removed the metal turnbuckle. The ref rushed over to tell Show not to do that, and Henry came charging. Show moved aside and tossed Henry face first to the exposed steel. The ref called for the bell and Show delivered a knockout punch to put Henry down.

Winner: Mark Henry wins due to disqualification of The Big Show.

In the locker room Cody Rhodes was lacing his boots up. Ted Dibiase came in and asked if he was ready. Rhodes told Dibiase when his dad was there he got the spotlight so tonight he plans to make an impact. Orton came walking up behind him and asked if he really wants to go through with this. Rhodes said absolutely and Orton reminded him that no matter what happens tonight it's not personal, just business.

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Backstage, DX and Rhodes were watching the Hulk Hogan vs Kevin Nash title match from WCW. DX discussed the fall of WCW and how it was losing the Monday Night wars. Rhodes reminded them that WCW was winning it in 1996 and 1998. Eventually, Rhodes brought up HBK's back injury in 98 that put him out of action for like four years. Michaels got fake pissed and started going off then tod HHH and Rhodes to have a good time by themselves, before leaving. HHH turned and asked Rhodes who came up with the dumb idea for Marc Mero to be Johnny B. Badd, and Rhodes said it was his idea.

Carlito vs. Jack Swagger vs. The Miz vs. Kofi Kingston
US Championship Fatal Fourway match

The winner would be the first competitor to score a pinfall or submission. Swagger was out to the ring first, followed by Carlito, Miz and then the Champ.

At one point, Kofi and Miz were one on one in the ring. Miz tried to take control by whipping Kofi to the ropes, but Kofi dropped to the mat. Carlito was back in and Kofi leapfrogged him. Miz was able to toss Carlito over the ropes right outside onto Swagger, then Kingston sent Miz over on top of them in a heap. Kofi ran and jumped over the ropes on top of all three men as they got up. Kofi was riled up in the ring when Raw went to break.

When Raw returned it was Swagger in the ring with Kingston trying to put him in a half Sharpshooter submission. As Swagger worked on Kofi, Miz scouted the action from outside. Eventually, Miz rushed in and kneed Swagger, then hit a neckbreaker for a pin attempt. Kofi with the save. Carlito got back on the apron and Miz knocked him off. Kofi and Miz began to fight it out, until Carlito jumped into the action to kick Miz down.

With all four men in the action, Swagger took control and cleaned house. He went for a Splash on Carlito and hit it, but when he tried it on Miz in the opposite corner, Miz put both knees up. Miz got on one knee to stand, but Kofi rushed over to kick him to the outside. From there, Kofi picked up Carlito, slammed him on Swagger, and then hit the double leg drop on both men. Miz ran in to break up the pin.

In the frantic final action, The Miz tossed Kofi from the ring and ran to do his clothesline on Carlito in the ring. As Miz got out of the corner, Swagger went for a Gutwrench Powerbomb on Carlito, but Carlito flipped over him and fell to the mat. Miz ran over and did the Reality Check to smash Swagger to the mat. Carlito was back up to break up Miz' pin. Carlito with a Backstabber on Miz, but Kofi got back into it and delivered Trouble in Paradise to take out Carlito for a pinfall win.

Winner: the United States Championship.

Cole reminded fans of the Rhodes vs Orton WWE Title match with Cena as guest referee. A Please Do Not Try This at Home ad was shown featuring Cena, Jericho, Orton, Mysterio and other stars talking about their injuries.

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The official theme song for Breaking Point will be "Still Unbroken" by Lynyrd Skynyrd from their album Gods and Guns, in stores September 29th, 2009.

Beth Phoenix vs. Mickie James
WWE Divas Championship

Cole and Lawler recapped Beth's dominating performance to eliminate half of the competitors in the divas battle royal earlier.

Early on, The Glamazon put Mickie on her shoulder and rammed her into the corner before kicking Mickie out of the ring. Mickie seemed to have hurt her arm, so Beth ran over to further attack the injury, then slammed Mickie down for a pin attempt. Mickie made a comebck to start punching back at Beth although she was favoring her left arm. Mickie used two low dropkicks to take out Beth, then a clothesline to take her down. Mickie was still in pain as Beth tossed her to the corner. Mickie with a headscissors to toss Beth down, then Mickie went to the ropes. Beth was back up and shoved her to the outside, then attacked Mickie throwing her to the barricade. Back in the ring, Beth had a near fall on the injured Mickie. Beth did a running kick into Mickie's gut, then tried to scoop her up to finisher her off. Mickie was able to counter it and turn it into a DDT from the air to knock Beth out.

Winner: Mickie James wins via pinfall over Beth Phoenix to retain the WWE Divas Championship.

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Backstage, DX continued hanging out with Dusty Rhodes and discussed the WCW DVD. Triple H said WCW's Greatest Moment ever wasn't represented, "The Shockmaster". All of a sudden a weird voice started saying "HHH" "D-Generation X". Suddenly, an explosion happened and a small flame burst out, then the "Shockmaster" came crashing through a wall wearing a stormtropper helmet. The voice continued and DX saw that it was coming from Arn Anderson who was off camera with a mic. Anderson dropped the mic and said "Sorry Dream", then took off running. DX left the scene, and Rhodes yelled at the guy playing "Shockmaster", it shoulda worked. Shockmaster pulled his Stomrtrooper helmet off to reveal it was Santino Marella.

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Josh Matthews interviewed John Cena backstage about being part of the title match and controlling the fate of the title. Cena said he doesn't exactly like Orton, but said tomorrow the story could be "John Cena gives Cody Rhodes the WWE Title". Cena said he can't do that, it will be up to Rhodes to win it on his own. Cena said at Breaking Point, the WWE Champion runs into a friggin brick wall. Cena started yelling that he won't quit in his quest to win the title. Cena guaranteed victory at Breaking Point using a new catchphrase "I will not quit!"

Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton
WWE Title Match

Special guest referee John Cena was there to officiate and Dusty Rhodes was in his son's corner. Orton was out to the ring first, and backstage Dusty Rhodes gave his son a pep talk for the match. Cole and Lawler announced next week's guest host will be Bob Barker former host of The Price is Right. Rhodes came to the ring, then special guest ref Cena came out, without wearing a referee shirt.

After Cena finished checking both guys for weapons, Dusty came onto the steps with a mic telling them to hold up. Rhodes said like he mentioned before there's nothing a father wouldn't do for his son, then apologized to Cena. Suddenly, Rhodes and Orton started to 2-on-1 attack Cena. Ted Dibiase rushed down to the ring and hit Dream Street on Cena, allowing all 3 men to start attacking. Orton began to stomp on Cena methodically.

All of a sudden, DX's theme music hit and Michaels came rushing to the ring with HHH. The duo began to attack Legacy. HHH got Rhodes and almost had the Pedigree, but Dusty Rhodes clocked HHH in the head with his boot. Legacy and Orton continued their beatdown on DX. Raw went off the air with Dusty Rhodes, Cody, Dibiase and Orton raising each others hands.

As they continued to stand in the ring, Orton turned to Dusty, looked him in the eye and then viciously hit the RKO right in front of Cody. Orton turned and started at Cody who was clearly furious. Cody backed away to the corner to cool off, as the fans were booing Legacy.

Winner: No contest, match never happened.

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