Raw Recap 11.23.09

Raw recap from Hershey, PA:

After the pyro, Michael Cole wished fans a Happy Thansksgiving edition of Raw. Tonight John Cena will face Smackdown's CM Punk for their first time ever. Justin Roberts introduced guest host Jesse "The Governor" Ventura who now hosts the show "Conspiracy Theory". Instead Randy Orton's theme music hit and The Viper started down the ramp for the ring.

Orton said he doesn't care about the guest host getting interrupted each week. He said he knows that Jesse's got a major announcement regarding the WWE Title. Orton said he's heard that Jesse Ventura is a radical, a revolutionary, according to his father. Orton said he knows guest hosts have the power to make big decisions so Ventura can lift his ban on competing for the WWE Title. Orton said he deserves the WWE title more than anyone else, then called out Ventura to come make the decision.

Jesse Ventura finally made his way out from backstage down to the ring. Ventura told Orton he respected him and likes his style. Ventura said Orton reminds him of himself when younger. Ventura said he's not for Republicans or Democrats but for the independents, as a governor of revolution. Ventura said he will bring something new to the WWE tonight and that Orton won't get a title shot because he's there for something new. Jesse said it's been too many of the same guys getting a shot at the title. Orton started asking if it was HHH, Big Show, Jericho or Michaels getting a title shot. Ventura said none of them will but instead there will be a series of matches featuring only guys who have never been the champion. The winners of the matches go into a "Breakthrough Battle Royal", with the winner of that becoming #1 Contender for the World Heavyweight Title (which may be a mistake as Ventura may have meant WWE Title). Orton told Ventura he was making a huge mistake. Ventura said his rule goes tonight.

Ventura announced tonight's first ever matches, with John Cena facing CM Punk. the Hart Dynasty will face DX, and we'll also see the contestants for the Breakthrough Royal in action, each of whom has never been the WWE Champion. Ventura said the matches start now, and out came Kofi Kingston. He started down the ramp with Orton walking up towards him. They engaged in a stare down, then passed by one another with Kofi watching his back. Raw went to commercial break.

---

Kofi Kingston vs. Dolph Ziggler
Breakthrough Battle Royal Qualifyer

Prior to the match they showed highlights from MSG last week where Orton and Kofi got into a brawl outside the ring, into the crowd and up in the stands. Kofi ended up doing a high risk Boom Boom leg drop off the front guard rail down onto Orton down on a table.

Michael Cole made the whole championship contender tournament and battle royal more clear. He explained there will be a series of matches to qualify for the Breakthrough Battle royal tonight, involving Raw & Smackdown superstars. The winner of that Battle Royal will face the champion of their brand (Raw winner vs. Cena, or Smackdown winner vs. Undertaker).

Late in the match, Kofi stood up while Dolph had him in a headlock. Kofi battled his way out by tossing Dolph down, then hitting a series of knockdown moves. Kingston dropped Dolph with a high chop, then did his Boom Boom leg drop. Kofi signaled for Trouble in Paradise. Ziggler ducked it and went for the Zig Zag, but Kofi grabbed the corner ropes to prevent it. Kofi turned to connect with Trouble in Paradise to win it.

Winner: Kofi Kingston wins via pinfall over Dolph Ziggler to qualify for the Breakthrough Battle Royal.

Cole and Lawler said tonight stars from Smackdown and Raw will tell what they're thankful for this holiday. First up, The Miz. A table full of turkey and other Thanksgiving food was shown backstage, then the camera panned to Miz. Miz said he's thankful for all the love, admiration and respect shown to him by fans each week. He said he's not thankful for any of the great things he's done, because he expects it. Miz said the fans get the privilege of watching him.

---

Raw returned with a clip of Sheamus going off last week at ringside by taking out a nearby staff member, then hitting a big boot on Jerry Lawler when he got up. Lawler admitted that he's disturbed by what he sees in Sheamus' eyes and he's not going to go after him but let his opponent tonight try to stop him instead.

Finlay vs. Sheamus
Breakthrough Battle Royal Qualifyer

A battle of Irishmen for another spot in the Battle Royal. Cole said this could be Finlay's last chance at a World title due to his age. Finlay started clubbing Sheamus early, then kicked him out of the ring. Finlay tossed Sheamus over the announce table causing Lawler and Cole to get up. Back in the ring, Sheamus capitalized as Finlay was rolling in by kicking him. Sheamus had a near fall after his attack.

Sheamus continued to dominate as he leveled Finlay to the mat, then picked him up to toss him shoulder first into the ringpost. From there, Sheamus picked up Finlay for a Razor's Edge throw to get the pinfall. Cole said Sheamus may be the favorite to win that battle royal later on. Sheamus was leaving the ring, then turned and went back to pull Finlay from the ring. He tossed Finlay face first into the steps, then hit a big boot to send him over the crowd barricade.

Winner: Sheamus wins via pinfall over Finlay to qualify for the Breakthrough Battle Royal.

---

Smackdown GM Teddy Long was backstage and about to announce what he's thankful for. All of a sudden he was interrupted and the camera showed Vickie Guerrero with Eric Escobar. She said be thankful Mr. McMahon appointed her as his consultant. Escobar made a comment about Vickie being some sweet eye candy making her get all gaga. She asked Teddy to pass the mashed potatoes. He was about to throw them on her, but Escobar grabbed the dish from him and took a finger of mashed potatoes for himself. Vickie commented "Que malo!" and giggled.

Lawler and Cole introduced a promo ad for Jesse Ventura's new show "Conspiracy Theory" which premiers 12/2 on TruTV.

Ventura was backstage with his old gear and posts when Randy Orton entered. Orton told Ventura this is a conspiracy against him being WWE Champion. Ventura said knowing how the boss of WWE works he doesn't doubt he's a victim. Ventura told Orton he can't break the rules or go against what he believes in. Ventura told Orton only guys who've never had a title shot will be in this new revolutionary match. He said he won't break the rules even though he likes how Orton retires the older legends.

CM Punk came out from backstage down to the ring. Punk started jawing at a fan on his way down to the ring. In the ring he got on the mic and started talking about what he's thankful for. Punk said he's thankful he's straight edge, and that it makes him different, because he doesn't want to be like any of the fans. Punk said straight edge means he's better than them. Punk says Thanksgiving is about gluttony and he can tell by the size of some of the people that they will overeat. He said they'll deal with it by taking some sort of medication or liquid antacid, but then they'll head to get dessert. Punk said for Thanksgiving they can be like him or keep being their lazy, drug-consuming selves. Punk said tonight he'll face that turkey named John Cena and through his sober eyes he can "see Cena". Raw went to commercial with Punk waiting in the ring for Cena.

---

John Cena vs. CM Punk

Cen came out sporting his new merchandise, the orange and blue "Never Give Up" t-shirt and "U Cant C Me" ball cap. Lawler and Cole talked about how Cena survived last night's Triple Threat with DX

Punk tossed his shirt at Cena as he got in the ring. Cena picked it up as the crowd booed, then tossed it down and tore off his shirt. Punk ducked out under the ropes early on as Cena went at him. Punk finally came bac kto put a headlock on Cena. Cena shoved him against the ropes and Punk tried to throw a shoulder but acted as if he hurt himself. Punk finally got a kick in on Cena, then several more. He delivered kicks in the corner and then started ramming Cena. Punk tried to whip Cena but got reverse whipped to the corner then hit by the Bulldog. Cena hit a drop toe hold early and was about to set up the STF, but Punk quickly crawled to the outside. Raw headed to commercial break.

Raw returned with Punk using a leg scissors around Cena's neck. Cena finally managed to stand up and drop Punk with the Electric Chair. Punk recovered with a clothesline to take Cena back down. Punk maintained control using a neckbreaker before a near fall. He worked on Cena's chest with a series of elbows to it. Punk tried to stay in control but Cena was able to block his whip attempt to the corner, then hit a flying shoulder tackle to take Punk down. With Punk down, Cena went for the Five Knuckle Shuffle and hit it. He got Punk up for Attitude Adjustment. Punk landed on his feet then kicked Cena and put him up for GTS. Cena dodged that and locked Punk into the STF. Punk struggled to get to the bottom rope and finally grabbed it.

Both men recovered and as Cena got up Punk got him with a roundhouse kick. Punk crawled over for a near fall with Cena just kicking out. Punk connected with his running knee and taunted with a "You Can't C Me" wave, but Cena shoved him off the Bulldog attempt. With Punk down, Cena got up on the top rope and hit a legdrop on Punk's head. He had a near fall with Punk out at 2. Punk escaped another Cena Attitude Adjustment to score a kick but couldn't get the pin. Punk missed as he tried to dive on Cena near the corner. With Punk laying on the corner, Cena went over and hit the Attitude Adjustment from off the corner to finally win it.

Winner: John Cena wins via pinfall over CM Punk.

Lawler and Cole talked about how great the match was and how Jesse Ventura is making this a revolutionary Raw. They rolled a clip from earlier with Jesse confronting Randy Orton about the WWE Title situation. So far, Kofi Kingston and Sheamus have qualified for the Breakthrough Battle Royal.

Backstage, Vince McMahon went in and shook hands with Jesse Ventura. He told Jesse he had to respectfully decline his challenge to wrestle. Jesse said he wouldn't stoop so low as to wrestle Vince because back when Jesse wrestled Vince was a commentator. Vince asked if Jesse wanted him to be on Conspiracy Theory or do an autograph appearance to help promote his political career. Jesse said no then told him that he was in charge of much more money than Vince is. Jesse then started reminding Vince of what his father made him do when he first started out. Jesse said Vince's father didn't believe Vince had talent so he made him an announcer. Jesse said they'd go back on the mic together tonight. Jesse handed Vince a tux to go put on just like the days of old, then brought a bow tie in for him.

---

R-Truth, Mark Henry & MVP vs. Chavo Guerrero, Chris Masters & Jack Swagger
Breakthrough Qualifying match

The winning team here would all be entered in the Breakthrough Battle Royal.

The heels continued to work on MVP throughout this one, keeping him away from the tag to his partners. Lawler said it looked like they were setting him up for the Masterlock. MVP finally was able to clothesline Masters down when he came off the ropes then tagged Truth in. Truth had momentum as he did several quick moves, including a high kick to take Masters down. Suddenly, the match broke down with all 6 men in the ring. MVP and Swagger went to the outside. Mark Henry pressed Chavo overhead then tossed him out onto Swagger. Henry went out to help MVP, and this allowed R-Truth to hit his flying elbow corkscrew move for the win on Masters.

Winners: Mark Henry, MVP & R-Truth win via pinfall over Jack Swagger, Chavo Guerrero & Chris Masters to qualify for the Breakthrough Battle Royal.

The camera backstage focused on a large DX book poster, then panned to HHH giving a nervous looking HBK a mean stare. HHH asked HBK what was up with the kick last night. Michaels said it was for the title and apologized, saying he thought HHH would Pedigree him first. HHH said Michaels kicked him 3 times last night. Suddenly, they were interrupted by a bald little guy in a suit standing next to them. He pulled out a piece of paper and slapped it on Michaels' chest. Michaels opened it and announced they're being sued by Hornswoggle next week in Little People's court. HHH and Michaels traded some little people jokes before HHH said "little ingrate".

---

Evan Bourne came to the ring for the next Qualifying match. His opponent, Primo, came out and was on his way down the ramp when Randy Orton rushed him from behind and tossed him off the ramp. Orton continued attacking, leaving Primo layed out next to the ramp. Orton went to the ring where Bourne was ready for a fight. The Viper screamed at the ref to call for the bell, but Jesse Ventura appeared on the Titantron. He told Orton he's been on his case all night, and since he believes in breaking rules from time to time, he'll break one. He admired Orton's persistence and told him that if he defeats Bourne, he's in the Battle Royal with a shot at the WWE Title again.

Evan Bourne vs. Randy Orton
Breakthrough Qualifying Match

Orton immediately attacked, shoving Bourne hard shoulder first to the ring post and trying to catapult him into the bottom rope. Bourne made a comeback though and delivered several kicks followed by a double knee takedown from the corner. He had a nearfall, but then fell victim to an Orton powerslam from mid air. Orton stalked Bourne and immediately hit the RKO when Bourne got up. Orton's now part of the Battle Royal.

Winner: Randy Orton wins via pinfall over Evan Bourne to qualify for the Breakthrough Battle Royal.

Cole and Lawler revisited highlights of Jesse Ventura and Vince McMahon as a classic WWF/WWE announce team from Saturday Night's Main event and other programs.

WWE Divas Mickie James, Kelly Kelly and Melina were backstage dressed in sexy Thanksgiving Pilgrim outfits. Lawler said a first ever Mayflower Melee is coming up next.

---

Cole introduce a trailer for "The Marine II" which stars Raw superstar Ted Dibiase. It hits DVD and Blu-ray disc on December 29, 2009.

Backstage, Dibiase and Rhodes were talking strategy for their qualifying match later on against Cryme Tyme.

WWE Divas Thanksgiving Mayflower Melee

It was Pilgrims versus Indians in this one, as Michelle McCool, Layla and Jillian came to the ring looking grumpy in Pilgrim outfits with soft folk music playing as their theme. Michelle got on the mic to complain about the match concept. She chastised the guest host for the idea, but just then Justin Roberts interrupted - the special guest timekeeper will be "The Gobbledy Gooker" who was last seen 19 years ago in WWF. Michelle, Jillian and Layla were beside themselves while Michael Cole was having a chuckle over it.

They showed footage from Survivor Series 1990 where Gobbledy Gooker hatched from an egg. He went into the ring and danced with Mean Gene Okerlund. Next out for tonight's match were Mickie, Melina & Kelly Kelly as the sexy Indians. They came to the ring to Tatanka's theme music. Gobbledy Gooker rang the bell several times to start this one off with Melina against Jillian. Jillian took control and began tossing Melina around by her hair. As Melina went against the ropes near Layla, Layla grabbed Melina's hair. Melina turned and knocked her off the apron, then lunged for McCool who dropped off. Jillian scored a clothesline due to all the distractions.

Michelle and Layla decided they'd had enough of the match and started to leave, heading up the ramp. Jillian was distracted as she yelled to them, and Melina rolled her into a winning pinfall.

Winners: Kelly Kelly, Mickie James & Melina win via pinfall over Michelle McCool, Layla & Jillian.

Jerry Lawler got into the ring along with the Gobbledy Gooker to interview Melina about the win. Melina started praising her tag partners and saying how great it was to be back on Raw with them. Just then, the Gobbledy Gooker unmasked and it was Maryse making her surprise return. She bashed the big turkey head from the costume on Melina repeatedly and told Lawler to back off as she kept attacking. Then she took her time removing the rest of her costume to reveal a low cut top and short shorts. After tossing the costume on Melina, Maryse did her trademark hair flip near the ropes. Michael Cole said Maryse left WWE for some time back in July because she was "depressed" over losing her divas title.

---

D-Generation X vs. The Hart Dynasty

DX made their entrance but didn't do the standard in-ring mic hype. Hart Dynasty was lead out next by Natalya.

Late in the match, Triple H was on the warpath, destroying Smith with a Spinebuster, then Kidd. He prepared for the Pedigree on Smith, but Kidd was up to break that up. HHH knocked Kidd down but then turned to receive a big boot from Smith. Michaels was down in the corner as Smith set up HHH in a bear hug, so Kidd could jump at him from the ropes. HBK got up and hit Sweet Chin Music to take Smith down. As Kidd jumped at HHH he was kicked in the gut, then got the Pedigree. HHH helped Michaels up near the ropes, so they could celebrate their win. Just then, Chris Jericho came out to interrupt on the ramp, wearing a suit.

Jericho mockingly applauded DX for their win. Jericho congratulated them then said Governor Ventura set up a match for 3 weeks from now at the next PPV. It'll be Jericho & Big Show defending their titles versus DX. HHH & HBK cracked some jokes about Big Show not being there due to the fact he got stuck at the Chocolate Factory in Hershey PA. Michaels then informed Jericho their match is going to be a TLC match for the undisputed tag titles. Michaels was about to deliver the "if you're not down with that" line but Jericho interrupted, saying this isn't about catch phrases, merchandise or silly jokes. Jericho said DX has accomplished a lot but never the tag titles. Jericho said as long as he has the titles, DX never will. Michaels and HHH just stared out of the ring as Jericho went backstage.

Winners: DX wins via pinfall over The Hart Dynasty.

Batista was walking backstage wearing shades and street clothes. Lawler said he's coming out next to talk about what he did to Mysterio at Survivor Series.

---

Rey Mysterio's entrance music and theme video started up, but Mysterio didn't come out. Instead it was Batista with a smirk on his face. He slowly walked to the ring and got in to deliver his explanation for last night. Batista said Mysterio won't be there tonight but will spend Thanksgiving in a hospital bed, and it's his own fault. Batista revisited how Mysterio stabbed him in the back to cost him the World Title. Batista said Mysterio got Powerbombed repeatedly until EMT's had to scrape him off the steel chair. Batista said nobody disrespects or embarasses him. He said if someone from Smackdown wins the Battle Royal tonight he'll hit the ring and take them out. He put the Smackdown roster on notice that Undertaker is his. Just then, a burst of flames and pyro at the ramp signaled that Kane was on his way to the ring.

Kane asked if interrupting him constitutes embarassing The Animal. He told Batista to please make an example out of him. Batista dropped his mic, kept eyeing Kane, then started to back away. Batista left the ring and started up the ramp, smirking about Kane. Kane raised his arms, then brought them down to set off fire from the ringposts.

Cryme Tyme vs. Ted Dibiase & Cody Rhodes
Breakthrough Qualifying Match

Both members of the winning tag team advance to the Breakthrough Battle Royal.

During the match, all four guys were in the ring at one point. Shad took control as legal man and Powerbombed Dibiase down for a near fall, with Rhodes making a save. JTG was back up and dropkicked Rhodes down, then Rhodes pulled him out of the ring. Rhodes was on the apron ready to jump but Shad rushed into him, knocking him off. Dibiase took advantage by shoving Shad into the top rope from behind then hitting his finisher to win it. They join Mark Henry, MVP, Kofi Kingston, Sheamus, R-Truth and Randy Orton in the battle royal tonight. R-Truth is the only Smackdown star represented in the match. The winner will sign their title contract immediately following the battle royal, next, with Vince & Jesse on commentary.

Winner: Legacy wins via pinfall over Cryme Tyme to qualify for the Breakthrough Battle Royal.

---

When Raw returned, Cole announced that GM Teddy Long was in the building and set up a match between Batista and Kane for this Friday's special Thanksgiving edition of Smackdown.

Backstage, Gail Kim was about to say what she's thankful for this Thanksgiving. Alicia Fox came in to interrupt her, saying she's thankful she wasn't the first one pinned for her team at Survivor Series. Gail Kim picked up a pie, ready to smash it in Alicia's face, so Fox picked up a pie of her own. Santino Marella came in to get between them. He said they shouldn't be fighting around Thanksgiving, they should be cooking. Marella kept up with his chauvenistic promo, which lead to Alicia and Gail smashing pies on his face and head. The Bella Twins rushed in to comfort him. Santino said they're Italian, and asked if they cook for their man. They took exception and each pied him, then left. Finally, Eve showed up, and Santino told her she gets the honor of cleaning his face. Eve grabbed a pie and smashed it in his face before leaving. Vickie Guerrero came walking up with a big pie of her own, but as she got next to Santino he threw up his arms, accidentally smashing the pie in her face. He left and Vickie was left crying with her face pied.

Breakthrough Battle Royal for Title Shot

Jesse came out for commentary, then ntroduced Vince who was dressed in hs tux and red bow tie. They took their seats at the table to comment on the match.

Competitors in this match are Randy Orton, Ted Dibiase, Cody Rhodes, Mark Henry, MVP, R-Truth, Sheamus and Kofi Kingston. The winner of this small battle royal will earn a #1 Title contender spot. If the winner is from Raw they will face Cena for the WWE title. If it's a Smackdown superstar that wins (R-Truth), then they go for Undertaker's World Title. Kofi Kingston was introduced right before Raw went to a commercial. Everyone else was in the ring as they returned, leaving Orton to come out last.

Orton and Legacy triple teamed Kofi, but R-Truth, Henry & MVP saved him. Orton rolled to the outside and watched the action. Sheamus backed himself to the corners to watch the others battle it out. Truth went after MVP, with Henry coming over to hit him. Sheamus finally came to life to clobber R-Truth then tossed him over the top rope. Truth was first elimination. Orton slipped in to try to take out Kofi but ended up on the receiving end of his attack. MVP was next man out. Henry started to attack Sheamus and got him up over the top rope, but Legacy attacked the big man from behind. Sheamus dropped on the apron, then rolled into the ring. Henry double clotheslined Legacy out of it. Sheamus saw Henry against the ropes so he rushed over to send Henry over next. It was down to Kofi, Orton, Sheamus.

Orton stared over at Sheamus who backed to the corner to watch Kofi vs Orton. Kofi gained momentum, but Orton recovered and gave him a beating in the corner. Sheamus went over to grab Orton and attack, but Orton escaped his grasp and dropped him to the mat, then stomped on his face. He went back to work on Kofi with Sheamus layed out. Kofi built momentum again but Orton dumped him over the top rope. Kofi skinned the cat nicely and as Orton saw him he got his head caught between Kofi's legs. Kofi tossed Orton over, dropped to the apron and was still in it. Orton was shocked as he headed up the ramp looking at Kofi. It's Kofi vs Sheamus now.

Kofi was still staring out at Orton and as he turned he saw Sheamus heading at him full speed. Sheamus clotheslined Kofi hard over the ropes and became the winner. Orton was still fuming on the ramp. Contract signing between Cena & Sheamus is next.

Winner: Sheamus wins the Breakthrough Battle Royal to become #1 Contender for the WWE Title.

---

Next week's guest host is Verne Troyer aka "Mini Me" from the Austin Powers movies.

Guest host Ventura presided over the official contract signing for the WWE Title match. Sheamus was already in the ring with the table and chairs set up. Jesse Ventura kept saying Sheamus was now getting a World Championship match, rather than WWE. He called Cena down for the signing, so the champ made his way to the ring. Ventura called Cena the World Champion. Cena took a seat with Sheamus still on his feet. Sheamus picked up the mic and demanded that Cena stand up to face him as #1 Contender.

Cena said he's heard that "Im the #1 Contender" statement before from veterans, not new guys like Sheamus. He asked if Sheamus thinks he deserves respect for retiring Noble or beating up cameramen. Cena said he's been part of this industry for 8 years where he's achieved the nearly impossible, going toe-to-toe with the toughest of the roster. Cena told Sheamus when he signs the contract he better be ready to go to war. Sheamus said he retires people because he can, but that's nothing compared to what he'll do to Cena. Sheamus screamed and faced Cena. Cena tossed off his cap, then tore off his shirt to throw to the crowd. Sheamus signed first, then slammed the pen down. Cena signed off.

Ventura picked up the title contract and said it's official. Then he said he thinks there's a conspiracy to keep Cena as the champ, because of his look. Ventura said he never got a title shot because he was unconventional. Ventura kept talking, and Cena walked up to him. Sheamus quickly delivered his big boot and then Ventura left the ring. Sheamus tossed Cena shoulder first into the ringpost, then slammed him through the table. Ventura got back on the apron and said the WWE Title match will be a tables match at TLC. Cole and Lawler covered the highlights of what just went down. Sheamus held up the WWE title belt to close out the show.

---