Raw Recap 12.28.09

Raw Recap from Hartford, CT:

The show opened with Chris Jericho outside in Hartford, CT walking around with a megaphone yelling at fans to sign a petition to stop the embargo against Chris Jericho on Monday Night Raw. The fans kept yelling no as Jericho kept insisting they sign his petition. Raw's theme song/video launched next.

Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler welcomed fans to the final Raw of 2009 which will feature John Cena battling Sheamus in a rematch for the WWE Title. Also tonight, Vince McMahon will speak on the rumors that Bret Hart will return to Raw after a 12 year absence. John Cena came out to the ring to start things off. Cena pulled a table out from under the ring and set it up inside the ring.

Cena sat on the corner of the ring and said that this is where Sheamus became WWE Champ two weeks ago. He pointed to the table saying that's how Sheamus became the champ. Cena announced that tonight he gets his rematch. Cena said based on the crowd excitement they need to do the rematch right now. Cena added that it should be a Tables match. The crowd began a Cena chant, which prompted Sheamus to come down to the ring as his music played.

Sheamus got into the ring with Cena and stared at him over on the corner. Sheamus told Cena he's the one with something to prove, and Sheamus is WWE champ so he doesn't have to prove a thing. Sheamus said Raw belongs to him. Cena corrected him, saying that Raw belongs to the WWE Universe. Sheamus said the match will be on his terms, so it won't be a tables match. Sheamus said instead he'll beat Cena one on one in the main event, because he's already shown he can put Cena through a table. Sheamus dropped the mic and turned to leave the ring, but Cena leapt over the table. Sheamus turned around fast and went at Cena. Cena ducked his punch attempt, and quickly put Sheamus into the Attitude Adjustment, then smashed him through the table. Cena gave the "You can't see me" hand gesture before heading up the ramp with Sheamus layed out in the ring.

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Raw returned with highlights of what Cena just did to Sheamus in the ring. Lawler and Cole recapped the incident. Cole asked will this affect Sheamus in the title match later? Cole said Timbaland is at the XL Center and a major party is underway.

Timbaland was shown up on the Titantron sitting backstage on a couch with The Bella Twins and Gail Kim. One of the Bellas got up to show off her dance moves. Josh Matthews barged in to ask if Tim planned to postpone the WWE title match due to what just happened. Timbaland asked why he would ever postpone the match, then asked the fans directly into the camera if they still wanted the match. The fans cheered for it so the match is on.

Backstage, Rhodes and Dibiase were walking. Rhodes had the new The Marine 2 DVD in hand and commented on how good the movie was. They came up to Randy Orton who was looking angry sitting on a chair. Orton said he felt it was time to break up Legacy due to the fact they were beaten by three guys last week who aren't a team normally. Orton complained they don't have any titles. Dibiase and Rhodes reminded Orton he became WWE champ 3 times while with them and he should be thankful. Orton said he's got a test for them tonight. Both men will be in singles matches, and if they lose he'll not only kick them out of Legacy, but he'll also beat the living hell out of them.

Cole and Lawler kept talking as an outside shot of Hartford's XL Center was shown. Chris Jericho was shown walking back and forth, petition sign in hand with his megaphone, but nobody else around.

Randy Orton's music hit and out came The Viper. Lawler said Orton met with Timbaland earlier to set up some matches for Legacy. Cole said Orton is coming out to watch the matches involving Legacy.

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Raw returned with Chris Jericho outside sitting at a table with a sign "Sign the Jericho Peition". There was a Stop the Jericho Embargo sign behind him. Jericho kept yelling on the megaphone for fans to sign the petition and stop this awful embargo against him appearing on WWE Raw.

Evan Bourne vs. Ted Dibiase

Orton was seated at ringside to watch the match. Cole reminded fans to get a copy of The Marine 2 on Blu-ray or DVD tomorrow. They showed some behind the scenes and action scenes from the film. Dibiase said the action in the movie is intense and gritty. Dibiase did all his own stunts for the movie. Dibiase was shown in the ring staring out at Orton.

In the late stages of the match, Bourne was in control and had several near falls on Dibiase. Bourne jumped up to knee Dibiase in the face, then got on the corner for Air Bourne. Dibiase got up on the corner with him and tried to attack, but Bourne shoved him away. As Bourne jumped off the corner, Dibiase moved forward to duck him, then picked up Bourne and dropped him face first in the corner. From there it was over as Dibiase hit Dream Street to win it.

Winner: Ted Dibiase wins via pinfall over Evan Bourne.

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Randy Orton was still out by the ring, as Cody Rhodes came out for the next match. Lawler and Cole reviewed a highlight of Dibiase winning the previous match against Evan Bourne.

Mark Henry vs. Cody Rhodes

Henry dominated early, until he missed on a sit splash attempt. Rhodes worked to try to keep Henry grounded, but Henry shoved him out of the ring. Rhodes used a dropkick before getting clotheslined down. Rhodes fell onto the middle rope, so Henry backed up then ran over and jumped onto Rhodes' back. Unfortunately for Henry he hurt his leg on the way down to the outside. Rhodes used it to his advantage to take Henry down in the ring. He clipped Henry's leg and had a 2 count. Both men recovered to get back up, with Rhodes getting the upperhand. He walked over quickly, kicked Henry in his knee, then DDT'd him down for a pinfall victory. Randy Orton clapped from ringside, then walked over and shook Rhodes' hand. The duo left up the ramp together.

Winner: Cody Rhodes wins via pinfall over Mark Henry.

Jillian was backstage at Timbaland's office door, where Gail Kim asked if she could help her. Jillian said she heard Tim is starting his Shock Value 2 tour on January 15th so maybe she could audition for it. DX was shown standing across the way, with Hornswoggle duck taped to a skateboard. Michaels asked HHH what he was up to. HHH said he was taping Hornswoggle to a skateboard to see how far he can go. Michaels said the whole Vince McMahon-Bret Hart thing has him feeling strange. HHH suggested Michaels staying out of it when Vince goes out to make his talk. Michaels walked off. Jillian started singing as Timbaland came walking out as he heard her awful singing. HHH pushed Horney forward on the skateboard and it took Jillian out like a bowling pin. Tim slapped hands with Horney as Raw went to commercial.

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As Raw returned, Cole and Lawler announced two matches for tonight. DX will face Big Show and a mystery partner, while Kofi Kingston faces The Miz (non-title). If Kofi wins he gets a US title shot next year.

Kelly Kelly vs. Maryse

Highlights were shown from last week's Santa's helpers tag match where Kelly scored the winning pinfall on Maryse.

In tonight's match, Kelly pounced on Maryse and started banging her head against the mat. Maryse threw several punches and got up to punch some more. Kelly took her down with a dropkick, then went to the corner for a cross body lateral press for a near fall. Kelly went for her corner to corner handspring move, but Maryse dodged it. Kelly tried to regain control by getting on the corner, but Maryse knocked her off to the mat, then hit her finisher DDT for the victory.

Maryse picked up a mic and sent a message to Melina, asking if she was watching. Maryse spoke in French a bit, then said Melina will never be as sexy as her. Maryse said some more in French and started laughing more like the Wicked Witch. She turned to see Kelly struggling to get up, so she went over and kicked her in the gut.

Winner: Maryse wins via pinfall over Kelly Kelly.

Backstage, Vince McMahon was shown adjusting his suit coat on his way out for the big speech, next.

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Raw returned with Cole saying WWE fans can see the Top matches of 2009 at WWE.com. They showed Jericho again outside the XL Center doing his picketing. Big Show walked up to him in a leather jacket. Show told him to let it go. Jericho said what they had was special. Show told him all good things come to an end, and they have to move on since they're on different shows. Show said long distance relationships don't work. Jericho asked if there's someone else. Show said he cares, and handed Jericho an envelope. Show went into the arena. Jericho opened the envelope and started laughing at what was inside.

Justin Roberts introduced the WWE Chairman, Vince McMahon who came strutting down to the ring. Michael Cole said there's been rumors everywhere that Bret the Hitman Hart might make his first return to Raw in about 12 years, ever since the Montreal Screwjob went down at Survivor Series. Lawler said Hitman, a WWE Hall of Famer, is arguably the biggest star in the history of WWE.

Fans started a "We want Bret" chant before Vince's speech. Vince said it seems the fans continue to enjoy the guest host concept, showing there's nothing he wouldn't do for the WWE Universe. Vince said there's been suggestions floating around that next week's Raw host will be Bret the Hitman Hart. Vince said he put together a brief, but unbiased history of Bret Hart. They rolled a Bret Hart highlight video from over his years in WWE, showing the fan's love for him. The video included highlights of the Montreal Screwjob from Survivor Series 1997, where Shawn Michaels won the WWE title match with a Sharpshooter. A replay of Vince's famous interview where he said "Bret Hart screwed Bret Hart" was also shown.

Back to the ring, Vince reminded fans that he didn't screw Bret Hart, but Bret screwed Bret. Vince said in spite of all Bret's actions, he's allowed Bret to come back to WWE. Vince said at Bret's Hall of Fame induction, that Bret didn't return a handshake he offered him, and they didn't have a word all weekend. Vince said Bret showed him nothing but contempt and indignation. Vince said despite all of that, he's showing he's the better man and will do anything for the fans. Vince said next week for Raw, the guest host will be...Vince stopped himself from saying "Bret Hart" several times. Vince said he just can't do it, and apologized but said Bret Hart will never be a guest host on Monday Night Raw. Vince left the ring as fans booed him.

As Vince was leaving the ring, Shawn Michaels' theme music hit and HBK came down to the ring to talk. Vince asked the fans to give it up for Shawn Michaels. HBK gave Vince a staredown as the fans chanted H-B-K. Michaels said sometimes there's rivalries bigger than this industry. Vince said he understands that HBK is talking about his rivalry with Bret Hart. Michaels said he's not talking about Bret Hart, he's talking about The Undertaker. Michaels said he knows he can end the undefeated streak too. HBK said Wrestlemania 26, Undertaker vs Shawn Michaels: The Rematch should happen. Vince said as Chairman of Board he won't make the match happen, but instead Shawn Michaels should make it happen on his own. Vince tried to leave, but HBK stopped him. Michaels said he understands Vince being afraid of Undertaker, but not Bret Hart. Michaels said maybe it's time Vince brings some closure to the Bret Hart chapter in his life, by bringing the Hitman back to WWE Raw. Michaels said only good things will happen if he does.

Vince said he's not afraid of anyone, and that he's fearless. Vince asked about the "only good things will happen" if Vince brings Bret back to WWE Raw. Vince laughed about it asking if Michaels really wanted Bret back. Michaels said he'll be more than happy to see Bret Hart one more time. Vince said then next week Raw will start a new year with a bang with special guest host, Bret "The Hitman" Hart.

Backstage, Josh Matthews talked about the upcoming WWE Title match tonight. John Cena came in to talk. Josh asked Cena if he feels he has some momentum after slamming Cena into a table earlier. Before Cena could even respond, Sheamus ambushed him and knocked Cena to the ground, then repeatedly kicked and stomped on him. Lawler said it seems Cena's advantage has disappeared.

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Raw returned with the Bella Twins checking out the new Timbaland album. Eve was shown talking to Gail Kim saying she'd never let a best friend do that to her. They walked off camera, and MVP was shown on the couch playing Timbaland's Beaterator game on the Sony PSP. Timbaland handed him a copy of the game to keep. Kofi Kingston walked in and slapped hands with Tim, then thanked him for tonight's opportunity against The Miz. Kofi said he has unfinished business against Miz. MVP said once Kofi beats The Miz, he gets first shot at him. The Miz walked in asking "really?" Miz told MVP Kofi will never have the US title, and by this time next year he'll still be champion. Miz said the rest of them will be mere afterthoughts. Miz told Gail Kim "sweetheart I don't think you can keep up with Maryse". Timbaland walked over and told Miz that if Kofi beats him tonight, then their title match will go down tonight as well. After that, Timbaland, MVP and some divas did a "really" song and dance as Miz left.

Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler discussed Vince McMahon's big announcement earlier, that Bret Hart will return to host WWE Raw next week. They also hyped up tonight's match between Cena and Sheamus, replaying highlights from their encounters earlier.

The Miz came down for the non-title match against Kofi Kingston. If Miz loses, Kofi gets a US title match on Raw tonight.

Kofi Kingston vs. The Miz

Miz was in control after a snap suplex, then kicked away on Kofi in the corner. The ref backed Miz away from Kofi, so Miz ran over and did his hard clothesline. With Kofi down on the mat, Miz went to the top of the corner. He jumped at Kofi but got hit by Trouble in Paradise. Kofi earned a US title match with the big pinfall.

Winner: Kofi Kingston wins via pinfall over The Miz to earn a US Title match.

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Kofi Kingston vs. The Miz
US Title Match

Raw returned with the match in progress. Kofi was in control, and hit an interesting looking forward rolling DDT for a near fall. Kingston used a slide pin for another near fall. He went over and grabbed Miz for a Russian legsweep, then got riled up for a double leg drop. He signaled for his finisher and hit it again, knocking Miz down near the side apron. Kofi had the pin, and the ref slid out to count it from outside. Just then, Randy Orton rushed down and yanked Kofi outside the ring, causing the DQ.

From there, Orton attacked Kofi, shoving him into the ringpost, then hitting the RKO to leave him lying down outside the ring. Orton stared coldly at Kofi as refs tried to assist him.

Winner: Kofi Kingston wins due to disqualification when Randy Orton interfered.

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Josh Matthews caught up with Randy Orton backstage to ask why he just attacked Kofi Kingston. Orton said the issue between he and Kofi isn't over until Orton finishes it. Orton said he'll finish it next week, and he can't think of a better way to kick off a year than by kicking someone in the skull.

Lawler and Cole kept discussing how next week Bret Hart will return to host WWE Raw for the first show of the New Year.

D-Generation X vs. Big Show & Mystery Opponent

DX did their standard intro piece in the ring for the Hartford fans. After they did their "let's get ready to Suck it" piece, Chris Jericho was shown walking down the stairs of the arena to take a seat in the crowd. The camera gave a close up as Jericho revealed he had a ticket to the show, front row.

Big Show came down to the ring with Chavo Guerrero, which surprised Jericho a bit. Cole said word around the Raw locker room was that Show's new partner was just as talented as Chris Jericho and knew how to neutralize Hornswoggle.

Show and Chavo used a strategy of wearing down Michaels and keeping him from the tag. HBK finally managed to tag in HHH, with SHow also tagging in. Triple H escaped a Chokeslam, then sidestepped Show charging at him to go give a Spinebuster to Chavo. HHH used a series of moves including a Facebuster, but couldn't put Show down. Show used a spear to tackle HHH down, then tagged in Chavo. Chavo got up on Show's shoulders for a Frogsplash, but HHH moved away. Meanwhile, HBK tried to clothesline Show over the ropes. Instead Show grabbed him but Michaels held on to pull Show over the ropes with him. As the ref was distracted by the mayhem, Hornswoggle snuck into the ring and tried to go for a Pedigree on Chavo. Chavo backdropped Horney to the mat. This distraction allowed HHH to hit a real Pedigree and take the pinfall victory.

Chris Jericho was upset over this and got out of the ring to go yell at Big Show. Jericho began going on a tirade and tore the steel steps apart. Jericho tore off his suit coat and jumped on the side apron but received a Superkick from Shawn Michaels. HHH got on the mic and told Jericho he can have a rematch next week against DX, but if JeriShow loses the match, Jericho is off Raw, for good this time.

Winners: DX wins via pinfall over Big Show & Chavo Guerrero.

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When Raw returned, Cole and Lawler set up the matches for next week: Kofi vs Orton, DX vs Jerishow with the titles on the line, and the return of Bret Hart.

Justin Roberts introduced guest host Timbaland to the crowd. Tim made his way out to a track off his new Shock Value II album, accompanied by the Bella Twins. Timbaland wore an orange Cena T-shirt and sweat pants. Timbaland got the crowd hyped for the main event then introduced John Cena, the challenger first.

John Cena vs. Sheamus
WWE Title Match

Cena was on fire early but Sheamus shoved him off a bulldog attempt then leveled him with a clothesline. Sheamus repeatedly hammered away on Cena then rammed him in the corner. Cena made a comeback though and managed to put Sheamus down for the Five Knuckle Shuffle. He hoisted Sheamus up for Attitude Adjustment but was close to the ropes. Sheamus held onto the top rope. Cena finally pulled him away but Sheamus grabbed the ref with his free arm and threw him down, as Cena hit the Attitude Adjustment. Despite having a winning pin, the ref called for the DQ to give Cena the win, but not the title. Cena argued with the ref about the decision.

Sheamus was holding his back as he walked up the ramp with the title in hand. Cena rushed up the ramp and attacked him from behind, then ran him down to the ring. In the ring, Sheamus quickly recovered and did his running kick to knock Cena to the mat. He gave another big boot kick as Cena tried to get up. Sheamus put his foot on Cena's throat as he stood over him. Lawler and Cole reviewed the replays. Sheamus hoisted the WWE Title up at the top of the ramp to close out Raw.

Winner: Cena wins due to disqualification over Sheamus. Sheamus retains the WWE Title.

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