Raw Recap 01.11.10

Raw Recap from Minneapolis, MN:

After commentator Michael Cole welcomed fans to tonight's show, ring announcer Justin Roberts introduced Iron Mike Tyson. Tyson recalled his previous time on WWE Raw, and they showed highlights of his involvement years ago with Shawn Michaels and Stone Cold Steve Austin. At Wrestlemania 14, Tyson punched out Shawn Michaels and Stone Cold eventually won the WWE Title with Tyson as guest referee.

WWE Champion Sheamus came to the ring to interrupt Tyson's ring time. He insulted Tyson calling him a washed up former champion, then held up his WWE belt to claim he's the baddest man on the planet now. Sheamus and Tyson got in each other's faces. Tyson faked like he was going to go at Sheamus, which sent Sheamus back. Sheamus dared him to do it again saying he better make contact if he tried again. Suddenly, Randy Orton's music came on.

The Viper came to the ring. He told Tyson he's not looking for a SportsCenter moment tonight, but is more focused on regaining the WWE Title. Orton said Sheamus needs a #1 contender to face him at the Royal Rumble, and suggested Tyson put him in the spot. With that, John Cena's music hit and Cena came out to join in the talks.

Cena gave a shout out to the Minnesota Vikings being in the NFL Playoffs to appease the hometown fans. He mentioned how he's beaten Orton, Sheamus and Tyson, adding that it took him all his youth to eventuall win Super Punch Out the video game. Sheamus tried to say that Cena's used up all his shots at the WWE title.

Kofi Kingston came out next to give his thoughts on all this. Orton reminded Kofi he just beat him last week so he shouldn't be out. Kofi said he's the only one there who hasn't had a WWE title shot yet, so he's not going to wait for it. Kofi said he deserves the title shot at the Rumble. Sheamus interjected that he should have the Royal Rumble off. He suggested the other 3 wrestlers try to win the Royal Rumble to earn their title shot.

Tyson told Sheamus that personally he's never ducked a fight in his life, and therefore Sheamus will defend the title at RR 2010. Tyson added that tonight Cena, Kofi and Orton will compete in a Triple Threat, with the winner becoming #1 Contender and facing Sheamus at Royal Rumble.

They showed highlights from last week's kick to the groin that Vince McMahon gave to guest host Bret Hart at the end of Raw. Michael Cole wondered if Vince might regret what he did.

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Kelly Kelly vs. Alicia Fox
WWE Divas Championship tournament Rd. 1

Kelly Kelly and Alicia Fox faced off in a very quick divas championship tournament match, the third of four matches. In this match, Kelly Kelly was in control and went for her handspring move towards Alicia in the corner. Alicia countered it by grabbing Kelly's legs and then delivering a powerbomb for the winning pinfall. Alicia Fox moves on to Round 2.

Winner: Alicia Fox wins via pinfall over Kelly Kelly to advance in the WWE Divas Championship tournament.

They showed highlights of John Cena's appearance at last week's Fiesta Bowl. Cena did the coin toss prior to the TCU vs. Boise State game. They showed Cena with Jerry Jones, and then switched the focus to how the Fiesta Bowl's venue will be where Wrestlemania 26 is held this coming March 2010.

Mark Henry & Cody Rhodes vs. Ted Dibiase & Cody Rhodes

Rhodes and Dibiase came to the ring to cut a promo about the Royal Rumble. They mentioned this year Orton won't win, and then both guys tried to say they would be the winner. Dibiase mentioned how he's a bigtime movie star with The Marine 2, but Rhodes quipped that his fifth grade graduation video was better than the original Marine. Dibiase and Rhodes ended up in each other's face, until Mark Henry's music hit and Henry/Bourne came to the ring for the match. Cole announced all four of these wrestlers will be in the 2010 Rumble.

For the first several minutes of the contest, Legacy focused on wearing down Bourne. Cody hit a dropkick to take Bourne down, and continued the punishment. Bourne was eventually able to escape and tag in Henry, who began to clobber Legacy in the ring. Henry tagged Bourne again to go for Air Bourne, but Dibiase pulled him out of the way. From there, Dibiase managed to get Henry out of the ring. Bourne attacked Rhodes in the ring with a knee shot, but ultimately it was Rhodes hitting Cross Rhodes to get the pinfall.

Winner: Legacy wins via pinfall over Mark Henry & Evan Bourne.

D-Generation X was backstage, with Triple H asking Michaels if he really wants to try to make peace with Mike Tyson. Michaels said he made peace with Bret Hart last week and now wants to do the same with Tyson. HHH reminded him that Tyson knocked him out for four years. Michaels said after seeing the new TYSON documentary he knows he's a changed man.

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When Raw returned, Shawn Michaels was talking to Mike Tyson backstage. Michaels mentioned how he buried the hatchet last week with Bret and wants to do the same with Tyson tonight. Michaels said he forgives Tyson for Wrestlemania 14. Tyson said he doesn't need HBK's forgiveness and would do the same thing all over again. Chris Jericho came in and told Tyson he got his phone number to talk to him about a deep, personal friendship to get him on the show. Jericho added that Tyson booked DX in a match tonight. If they lose that match, Jericho stays on Raw forever. The match will be DX versus Jericho & Tyson. Michaels said he still owes Tyson one. Tyson said he's looking forward to the payment. After Michaels left, Tyson called DX "dumb fools", and Jericho laughed.

Cole and Lawler hyped up the fact Tyson was going to be in a match tonight. From there, they show highlights from last week's episode of Raw.

The highlights showed Bret Hart over the years including the 1997 Survivor Series incident. The whole thing ended with them showing the final in-ring confrontation last week where Vince kicked Bret in the groin. Cole and Lawler questioned what might happen next.

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Kofi Kingston vs. John Cena vs. Randy Orton
Triple Threat match for WWE Title #1 Contender status

The winner of this Triple Threat contest gets to face Sheamus for the WWE Title at 2010 Royal Rumble.

In the closing moments, Kofi Kingston seized the match and had momentum after John Cena was knocked out through the ropes to the outside. Kofi was in control of Orton in the ring, and got on the corner to punch away on him. Legacy showed up though, with Rhodes kicking the steel steps right into Cena's head, making sure Cena was knocked out outside the ring. Dibiase snuck in the ring and clipped Kofi's leg, so he fell off the corner. Orton took control from there and was able to hit the RKO to collect the pinfall victory.

Orton will now head to Royal Rumble to face Sheamus for the WWE Title.

Winner: Randy Orton wins the Triple Threat match via pinfall over Kofi Kingston to become #1 Contender for the WWE Title.

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When Raw returned Michael Cole noted that we have the WWE #1 Contender match coming up tonight. They showed highlights of MVP winning #1 Contender status for the United States Championship. MVP made the final pin on Jack Swagger after clearing the ring of Mark Henry and Carlito.

Current US Champ, The Miz, was backstage with a mic in hand to give his comments. Miz talked about not getting the respect he deserved from the WWE when he first arrived. He said nobody could stand him and wanted to get rid of him. Miz talked about getting kicked out of the WWE locker room just for eating some chicken and dripping it on a referee's bag. Miz said he had to find a place to dress and shower for months backstage. Miz also mentioned how JBL used to tell him he was a "gift from God" and how he couldn't wait to see Miz's potential. Miz said he used all of that angst against him to fuel his desire to win the US Title. Miz kept walking until he came out from backstage, mic still in hand. He gave a sarcastic clap for MVP for winning the #1 Contender status. He said MVP has joined the list of many who have become publicly humiliated by him. Miz said if it was up to him MVP would still be in jail, and added how he The Miz has been perfect all his life. Miz insulted MVP more and said all people would respect him as the United States Champ, finishing off with his "I'm Awesome" line.

As Miz' music was playing, all of a sudden it stopped and MVP came walking out decked out in a suit. MVP said he doesn't duck his past or hide from it. MVP said he embraces his past because he doesn't want others to make the same mistakes. MVP added he likes his designer items because he's worked for everything he's got. MVP said he had to work hard to earn the respect of the WWE Universe, something Miz has yet to do. MVP took off his suit coat, then his shirt as he was in the ring. MVP said he's in terms of zoo animal's MVP's a Bengal Tiger and Miz is just a monkey flinging poo. MVP mentioned he spent nine and a half years in prison, where he fought with other animals. MVP said he survived in a world Miz only watched on TV. MVP dared Miz to open up the "tiger's cage" right now. They got in each other's faces, then backed up. Miz started to walk towards MVP. MVP tossed a mic at Miz, then the two went at it. Eventually MVP gained the upperhand and kicked Miz out of the ring onto the ramp.

Michael Cole discussed the tradition that goes down the night before Wrestlemania, the WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony. They rolled highlights of the 2009 ceremony which featured Cowboy Bill Watts, Ricky Steamboat and Stone Cold Steve Austin. Tickets will go on sale this coming Saturday at 12 Noon ET for the Hall of Fame induction ceremony the night before Wrestlemania 26.

Lawler and Cole reminded fans of Wrestlemania 14, where Mike Tyson was guest referee after the Shawn Michaels versus Stone Cold WWE Title match. Coming up later, DX takes on Chris Jericho and Mike Tyson in a tag match.

Once again, they brought up last Monday's incident where Vince McMahon kicked Bret Hart in the groin on Raw. Cole asked will there be repercussions tonight?

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Eve Torres vs. Katie Lea Burchill
WWE Divas Championship Tournament Rd. 1

This would make for the final first round match of the divas tournament. Maryse was seated at ringside to scout the potential opponents. Katie had an early take down and pinfall attempt, then stretched Eve's arms back behind her, Eve managed to do a flip to counter and kick Katie Lea, but Katie broke off her momentum when she did a backbreaker across her knee. Eve came out of the corner for another attack, with katie trying to take control again. Eve hit several moves including a series of dropkicks. Katie Lea had yet another nearfall. Katie Lea lazily walked over near Eve in the ring, allowing Eve to roll her up for the winning pinfall.

After her victory, Eve rolled to the outside right near the commentators' table. Maryse stood up and took off her headset then gave a hand gesture to tell Eve to get lost. Eve gave her a look before making her way up the ramp.

They showed the matchups for round two of the tournament: Maryse will battle Eve Torres and Gail Kim will face Alicia Fox. The winners of those two matches meet in the finals to determine the Divas Champion.

Winner: Eve Torres wins via pinfall over Katie Lea to advance to Round 2 of the divas tournament.

Cole asked Lawler if he's going to do his job or keep flirting, as Maryse continued to make flaunting gestures near the commentators' table. Cole talked up Tyson's return to the ring as they showed highlights of Tyson from his boxing career.

Carlito was talking to Gail Kim backstage. Carlito said maybe after the Royal Rumble, you and I could go...Just then, Vince McMahon came walking right by them. Lawler said it looks like Vince McMahon is headed out to the ring next.

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Cole and Lawler returned to review what happened earlier in the Triple Threat match for the WWE Title #1 Contender status. It was between Orton, Cena and Kofi Kingston. Kofi delivered a dropkick to send Cena out of the ring. It came down to Kofi and Orton in the ring, with Kofi in control. Legacy emerged from out of nowhere to help Orton out. Rhodes kicked the steel steps into Cena's head outside the ring. Meanwhile, Dibiase snuck into the ring and clipped Kofi's leg out from under him in the corner. This allowed Orton to take advantage and hit the RKO on Kofi to win the #1 Contender Status. Orton will go on to the Royal Rumble to face Sheamus for the WWE Title.

"No Chance in Hell" erupted over the speakers, bringing WWE Chairman Vince McMahon out from backstage. Another showing of Vince's act last week, after a handshake and raising arms, he kicked Hart in the groin, then left the ring with Bret down in pain. Vince said he wanted to end the rumors that he hired extra security to prevent Bret Hart from being there tonight. Vince said Hart's not there tonight because he's intimidated. Vince brought up the "Bret screwed Bret" again, then said last week "I screwed Bret". Vince said he doesn't play nice, and he doesn't forgive or forget. Vince brought up the way things left off last week, with Bret humbled and humiliated by him in the ring. Vince said that's closure. Vince said Bret won't be back to WWE again, to give him true closure. The fans booed this as Vince smirked about it, looking around at the crowd.

Backstage, Jericho was holding some sparring gloves as Tyson was punching at them rapidly. Jericho kept hyping Iron Mike up. Cole said Tyson returns to the ring live tonight.

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When Raw returned they announced that next week Raw will be hosted by actors Don Johnson and Jon Heder.

D-Generation X vs. Chris Jericho & Mike Tyson

Michael Cole said "this is gonna be awesome" in a giddy voice, as DX's theme music started up. DX took a while to finally get going with their ring entrance. Shawn Michaels took the mic and said "Undertaker, I'm ready for an answer". Shawn Michaels said he wants an answer next week on Raw about whether or not they'll fight in a rematch at Wrestlemania 26.

Tyson chose to start things off against Shawn Michaels. The two locked up with Tyson shoving Michaels back and smiling about it. They locked up again with Tyson shoving Michaels against the ropes. The ref warned both guys and they locked up a third time, with another shove down by Tyson. Michaels went over for some coaching from HHH. HBk chargead at Tyson and got knocked down by a shoulder. He tagged in HHH to go at Mike Tyson. HHH walked up and they got in each other's face. They locked up into the corner, with the ref breaking. Tyson shoved HHH into the corner, then HHH came right back to shove him. Tyson got HHH to the corner near Jericho, so Jericho slapped Tyson's back for a tag. Jericho almost got himself caught in the Pedigree, and wound up getting kneed down by HHH.

Michaels tagged back in for the Atomic drop and several moves. Jericho did a sit down pin, which Michaels countered. Jericho countered another Michaels kick out, to put the Walls of Jericho on. Jericho shoved HHH off the apron, and Michaels grabbed a handful of tights for a rollup pin. Jericho delivered a kick to knock Michaels to the mat. With Michaels down, Tyson tagged back in and rushed over, daring HBK to get back up. Just then, Hornswoggle's music sounded. Hornswoggle came out from backstage wearing a green boxer's robe and gloves/headgear. Hornswoggle rushed down pointing at Tyson. Michael Cole called him Evander Holyswoggle. Tyson laughed and walked over to tag Jericho in. DX regrouped in the ring with Hornswoggle. Jericho walked up to them talking trash.

Just then, Mike Tyson tore off his black shirt to reveal a DX T-Shirt. Jericho heard the crowd erupting and turned to see Mike Tyson's new shirt. He got a worried look on his face and then Tyson clocked him with a serious right hand punch. With Jericho KO'd DX got the winning pinfall. DX, Hornswoggle and Tyson celebrated in the ring. HHH went out the crowd and brought Mike Tyson's son in to celebrate too. All five of them did the DX crotch chop as the pyro went off, to give that SportsCenter moment as Raw went off the air.

Winners: D-Generation X wins via pinfall over Chris Jericho and Mike Tyson.

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