Raw Recap 01.04.10

Raw Recap from Dayton, OH:

Raw opened with a replay of last week's highlight video of Bret "The Hitman" Hart, showing video clips from during his career. The clip also included the infamous 1997 Survivor Series with the Montreal Screwjob, and Vince McMahon saying in an interview that "Bret Hart screwed Bret Hart". They showed footage from last week when Shawn Michaels encouraged Vince McMahon to bring Bret Hart back to WWE, setting up tonight's episode.

Justin Roberts was in the ring to introduce Bret Hart, making his first appearance on Raw in over 12 years. The camera showed all sorts of fan's homemade signs out in the crowd. The crowd gave him a good ovation as Bret got into the ring with a mic. Bret said hell must have finally froze over. He said he wanted to come back to WWE so many times, but Vince McMahon wouldn't allow it. The crowd broke out in a "welcome back" chant, with Hitman saying it's nice to be back. Bret thanked all his fans around the world for never letting him be forgotten. He said he owes everything he is today to the WWE Universe. Bret recalled one of his proudest moments, winning King of the Ring in the arena they're in now. He said he recalled Jerry Lawler jumping him too, then waved to Lawler. Bret said he has a lot to do tonight, and first up he wants Shawn Michaels to come out. HBK's music hit and Shawn Michaels arrived out from backstage dressed in wrestling attire.

Michael Cole said this is the first time since 1997 that Michaels and Hart have had any contact. Hitman and HBK had a staredown in the ring. Bret said he wanted to take the opportunity to bury the hatchet now and call for a truce. Michaels got a mic of his own and told Hart he deserved what happened to him 12 years ago in Montreal. Michaels said Hart disrespcted him and the business. HBK said yes he had a hand in what Vince McMahon did that night. HBK said one part of him doesn't regret what happened, but another part feels a lot has changed in his life in 12 years. Michaels told Hart he always respected him, but never felt Hart respected him. HBK said when he thinks of Bret Hart he thinks of a 60 minute Iron man match in Anaheim, CA involving Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels which redefinded the wrestling business.

Michaels told Hart he's not the only one who has had to carry this around for 12 years and wants to move on or bury the hatchet. Bret Hart offered a handshake for a truce to bury the hatchet for good in Dayton, Ohio. Michaels hesitated as the crowd yelled, but finally shook Hitman's hand. Michaels turned to leave, then came back and hugged Bret in the center of the ring. Michaels left the ring and walked backstage. Bret Hart got on the mic and said he wants one more person to come to the ring, Vince Mcmahon. Hart waited and there was no entrance music. The fans began to boo after a few moments, realizing Vince was not coming out.

Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler discussed tonight's Raw which will feature Kofi Kingston vs Randy Orton as well as DX putting the titles on the line against JeriShow.

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Before Raw came back, a commercial aired for the 2010 WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Tickets go on sale January 16th for the event which will take place on the Saturday night before Wrestlemania 26.

Backstage, Josh Matthews was at Vince McMahon's office door. Vince came walking up to ask Matthews what he wanted. Matthews asked for Vince's reaction to what Bret Hart just said. Vince asked what Bret just said, saying he was coming from a meeting. Matthews said Bret Hart called him out. Vince said nobody calls him out, and if Bret wants a public talk they'll do it on Vince's terms. Vince went inside his office with Matthews sending it back to ringside.

Cole and Lawler wondered about what might happen when Bret Hart and Vince McMahon talk face to face tonight. They reported that WWE Divas Champion Melina was injured at a live house show and will be out of action for several months due to injury. Cole said there will be an 8 diva tournament to decide the new champion, with the first round starting now.

Brie Bella vs. Maryse
WWE Divas Championship Tournament Rd. 1

Brie came to the ring accompanied by her twin sister Nikki. Early on, Brie had control of things as she tossed Maryse around the ring by her hair then dropkicked her. Maryse went to the outside, but Nikki was there to slam her face first into the commentary table. Brie went for the quick pin back in the ring, but Maryse escaped it.

With Maryse in control she was banging Brie to the mat by her hair. The ref warned her, and with his back to Brie, Nikki switched in for her sister. Maryse saw it and went over to kick Nikki in the gut, then did her French Kiss DDT to finish the match.

Winner: Maryse wins round 1 of the WWE Divas Championship Tournament.

After Maryse won her match she was headed backstage, but The Miz's new theme music came on and Miz came onto the stage. Miz told Maryse she had quite a win and she might get lucky enough for him to return her calls. He told Maryse it's the year of Miz not the year of Maryse. Miz sat with the commentary team for the Fatal Fourway match to determine #1 Contender for his US title.

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MVP vs. Jack Swagger vs. Carlito vs. Mark Henry
Fatal Fourway US Title #1 Contender Match

The match was joined in progress with Mark Henry out of the ring on his back appearing to have been injured. In the late stages of the match, Henry had Swagger up on his shoulders for a move, but Swagger was able to get out of it when MVP delivered a kick to Henry's face. MVP dropkicked Henry out of the ring, then went at Swagger on the apron. Carlito came rushing at MVP, so he moved and Carlito ended up going out of the ring. From there, MVP grabbed Swagger to hit the PMiz to let him know he's coming for the title. Miz stood up to show off the hardware.

Winner: MVP wins a Fatal Fourway to become #1 Contender for the US Title.

Backstage, Jericho and Big Show were having a talk about their match tonight against DX. Show said it's their last chance tonight. Jericho said he doesn't want to leave Raw, and walked off to go have a chat with Bret Hart, saying he has a deal for him.

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Jerry Lawler announced that the 2009 Royal Rumble theme song will be "Martyr No More" performed by Chris Jericho's band Fozzy. The song is now available on iTunes.

A fan was backstage reminiscing about a moment he remembered seeing Bret Hart in action. Someone knocked at the door and Jericho came in as the fan left. Hart and Jericho shook hands. Jericho said he saw the lovefest that went down between Hart and Michaels earlier, but he knows the real Bret Hart. Jericho suggested that Bret should be the guest referee for the tag team title match tonight, and when Jericho puts the Walls of Jericho on HBK, Bret can get revenge to call for the bell immediately. Bret said he wanted no part in that, and wants the whole Screwjob behind him. He told Jericho to win the match on his own if he wants to remain on Raw. He finished by saying he remembers Jericho screaming the loudest of anyone in Stu Hart's dungeon, and that he scared the cats to the top of the house. Jericho walked off irked with Hitman smirking.

Backstage, Hornswoggle was checking out a selection of WWE toys on a table. Triple H came in and held up different action figures, so Hornswoggle did their trademark taunts. Shawn Michaels came in and asked Triple H why he was talking to Hornswoggle like a child. Michaels asked what all this has to do with their title match tonight. Triple H said to watch and said "Chris Jericho". In walked Santino Marella dressed in a wig and suit to portray Jericho. Marella started talking in speech like he was Jericho. HHH told him that was enough then told Hornswoggle "attack" so Horney pounced on Marella and began to tear him apart behind a couch. The tag title match is up next.

Chris Jericho & Big Show vs. D-Generation X
Unified Tag team title match

If Jericho and Big Show lose the match, Jericho is banned from Raw "for good". DX were accompanied to the ring by Hornswoggle.

Triple H became the target late in this match as JeriShow continued to doubleteam and wear him down, while preventing a tag to Michaels. HHH managed to catch Jericho for a Spinebuster but both men were down. HHH was unable to tag out as Big Show got in to come over and kick him in the head. He followed with a Powerslam then went for a Splash off the corner. HHH moved away just in time then started to crawl towards Michaels. Show was face down nearby. Michaels came in on fire to chop away at Show. Michaels kept going against the ropes and then used a variety of moves including a dropkick to take out Show's leg.

Michaels knocked Jericho off the apron, then went to the top corner. Jericho got on the apron to knock Michaels off the corner. With the ref distracted, Hornswoggle came into the ring and did his own sit splash on Show. Michaels finally went over for a pin but Show threw him off. HBK wound up Sweet Chin Music and went at Show, but Show grabbed his leg then chokeslammed him. Show fell down as well. Jericho eventually tagged back in and tried for a Walls of Jericho with Michaels countering it. All four men wound up in the ring. Show went to chokeslam Michaels, but HHH ran over for the save. HHH hit the Pedigree on Show with Michaels' help. Jericho got back into the ring and shoved HHH into HBK, knocking Michaels out of the ring. Next up, Jericho hit a Codebreaker but couldn't capture the pinfall.

In the final moments, HBK, Jericho and HHH were in the ring. Jericho was up and the ref was attending to Michaels. Hornswoggle snuck in and went for a Mini sweet chin music with Jericho booting him down. The ref went over to attend to Horney, with Jericho grabbing HHH for Walls of Jericho. Michaels set up for Sweet Chin Music and kicked Jericho in the face, allowing HHH to get the winning pin.

Winners: DX wins via pinfall over JeriShow to retain the Unified Tag Team titles.

Jericho was left layed out in the ring as DX left. HHH grabbed a mic as Big Show got back into the ring. HHH announced via mic that, that does it for Jericho on Raw, time to hit the road. Michaels said if he's not down with that, they have two words for him. Big Show left the ring as Jericho started to get up. Jericho eventually staggered up the ramp and backstage. Hornswoggle and DX celebrated in the ring.

Backstage, someone was shown knocking on Mr. McMahon's door. Vince opened the door and asked angrily what the person wanted. It was Randy Orton. Orton said he has an offer for Vince, about confronting Bret Hart later tonight. Vince told Orton what Bret Hart did to him is nothing compared to what Orton did to his family. Orton said he would go to the ring and kick Bret in the skull if Vince gives him the word. Orton told Vince that Bret wants to fight him, so Orton will have his back. Vince asked what Orton wants in return, and Orton said to be put into the Royal Rumble as the #30 entrant. Vince told Orton he's got his own security and suggested Orton never confront him again.

Orton left after Vince shut his door, but Legacy came walking up. Rhodes said they wanted to thank him for inspiring them last week and sitting ringside at their matches. They said they'll be ringside for his match later with Kofi Kingston, and if Orton loses, they'll personally kick him out of Legacy.

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As Raw returned, it was announced that next week's guest host for the show is boxing legend Iron Mike Tyson.

Lawler and Cole reviewed a replay of the finish of last week's WWE Title match. Cena had Sheamus up for Attitude Adjustment but had to yank him away from the ropes. Sheamus used a free hand to shove the ref down causing the DQ finish. Things ended even worse as Cena went to bring Sheamus back to the ring. Sheamus dodged Cena then booted him down to close out Raw.

WWE Champion Sheamus made his way down to the ring to speak about last week. He announced that Cena couldn't beat him again. Sheamus said last image of 2009 was of him, standing tall over Cena as WWE Champion. Sheamus said his next title match is at the Royal Rumble, but it won't be against John Cena. Sheamus said he wants a new challenger now. Sheamus said he's the best there is and best there ever will be. Sheamus' speech was interrupted as Evan Bourne's music hit and he arrived to the ring. Bourne snatched the mic out of Sheamus' hand and slid out of the ring. He told Sheamus the only way he became WWE Champ is because someone gave him an opportunity. Bourne said he wants an opportunity right now. Sheamus chuckled about it and asked for a ref so they could start a match right now. Sheamus said if Bourne beats him tonight, he'll put the title on the line against him at the Royal Rumble.

Evan Bourne vs. Sheamus

If Bourne wins he gets a WWE Title match at the Royal Rumble. As the bell sounded, Bourne used quick kicks to the legs. He eventually knocked Sheamus to the mat and hit Air Bourne. Sheamus shoved Bourne off the pin, causing him to fly out of the ring. Bourne went for another high risk move, but Sheamus caught him and tossed him with an overhead move. Sheamus began to punish Bourne with a barrage of moves including a running boot. He picked up Bourne and delivered the Razor's Edge to finish things off.

Winner: Sheamus wins via pinfall over Evan Bourne.

Still to come tonight: Randy Orton and Kofi Kingston go one-on-one with Legacy ringside, and Vince McMahon confronts Bret Hart.

Cole and Lawler acknowledged the news of last week's death of Steve Williams aka "Dr. Death". Lawler said Williams was one of the closest friends Jim Ross had. Cole said they were proud to call him a friend and legend in wrestling. A graphic "In memory of Steve Williams" was shown, 1960-2009.

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When Raw returned, Cole and Lawler introduced highlights of the Montreal Screwjob from Survivor Series 1997 involving Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels and Vince McMahon. Vince McMahon said the plan was for Bret Hart not to leave the arena that night as WWE Champion. Bret ended up spitting in Vince's face after the outcome of the match which saw HBK put a Sharpshooter on to win the WWE title.

Kofi Kingston vs. Randy Orton

Kofi Kingston arrived out before a commercial break. When Raw returned, Rhodes & Dibiase were seated next to the commentators' table. Orton was introduced next.

Late in the match, Orton seemed to be in control of things as Legacy looked on. However, Kofi managed to duck Orton's strike and then went against the ropes for a lateral press. Both men fell to the mat, and were down. Eventually, Kofi got up and gained momentum with several strikes. He hit the double leg drop and signaled for Trouble in Paradise. Orton rolled to the outside to avoid it, and Kofi dove out onto him. Legacy stood up to see what was going on as Kofi tossed Orton back in the ring. Kofi went for the high risk move and hit a cross body lateral press for a near fall. Legacy watched in disbelief.

Kingston avoided the RKO and shoved Orton to the ropes, then came back to hit the SOS for another near fall. Orton went for the RKO, but Kingston countered. Kofi went for Trouble in Paradise, but Orton put both arms up in front of his head to block it. He quickly recovered, ran over and hit the RKO on Kofi for the win.

Winner: Randy Orton wins via pinfall over Kofi Kingston.

After the match, Orton stood up and shook off an apparent injury from the match. Legacy continued to stay in their seats ringside showing little emotion. Michael Cole said "tough love will make Legacy stronger". Legacy finally stood up as Orton prepared to go backstage on his own.

Vince McMahon was shown walking backstage, all smiles. Vince will confront Bret Hart next.

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Justin Roberts introduced the WWE Chairman Vince McMahon to the crowd. Vince made his way down to the ring. He wished the fans a Happy New Year, then said he feels the Montreal Screwjob incident is basically over. Vince said there's no real need to confront Bret because HBK and Hitman put the past behind them earlier. Vince then announced that Iron Mike Tyson will host the show next week, and he's the baddest man on the planet. Just then, Bret Hart came out from backstage and arrived down to the ring to confront Vince.

Bret stood face to face with Vince in the ring. Vince reiterated that he feels Bret screwed Bret. Vince said he'll never forget Bret spitting in his face or sucker punching him backstage later on, or disrespecting him at the Hall of Fame ceremony later. Vince said he's just getting things off his chest, not trying to provoke things. Vince said he hopes Bret starts off with the words "I'm sorry".

Bret said he had two different words in mind. He said however he knows they both want to find peace and closure and get this all over with. Vince said originally he thought he wanted to come out and kick Bret in the guts. Vince said he wants to put it behind him just as badly as Bret does. Vince brought up Wrestlemania II where Bret was in a Battle Royal involving Andre the Giant. Vince said he knew back then Bret was the future of the business. He said Bret fought and kicked his way all the way to the top, becoming "the excellence of execution". Vince said he also wants to induct Bret's father Stu Hart into the WWE Hall of Fame. Bret Hart thanked Vince for that. Vince said he and all the fans should thank Bret for all the contributions he gave to the WWE.

Vince thanked Bret for being the best there was, the best there is and best there ever will be. Vince McMahon grabbed both of their mics and tossed them from the ring, so he and Bret could raise their arms together in unison. They did several arms raised poses around the ring for the fans with Bret's theme music playing. Bret did his trademark pose, and Vince McMahon kicked him hard in the groin. Bret fell to the mat holding his groin as Vince exited the ring and headed up the ramp. He turned at the top of the ramp as Bret was back on his feet looking up at him. Raw went off the air.

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