Raw Recap 01.25.10

Raw Recap from Columbus, OH:

Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler welcomed fans in, six nights ahead of the Royal Rumble. Tonight's guest hosts are James Roday and Dule Hill, stars of the USA series, Psych, which will have a guest appearance episode from John Cena. D-Generation X's theme music started off the show, and Michaels/HHH came out onto the ramp for a tag match.

D-Generation X vs. Legacy

They showed highlights from the end of last week's Raw when Michaels, Cena and Show declared themselves winners of the upcoming Royal Rumble. The show ended with HHH tossing Michaels out of the ring and saying he's going to win the Rumble.

DX went to do their standard intro bit in the ring. HHH paused after asking "Are you ready?" and asked Michaels where the Leprechaun is. Michaels said he sent him home. Michaels and HHH got into a serious discussion again, with Michaels telling HHH how important the Rumble victory is for him to get a shot at Undertaker for a rematch to end the streak. He asked HHH to understand his side of things as a friend. HHH said it's too much to ask, because it's a serious match to get a shot at the championship in a main event at Wrestlemania. HHH said everyone should have the goal of getting those things if they work for WWE, or they shouldn't be there. HHH said they can eliminate the 28 others pretty easily, but it might come down to them. HHH said if he's got to step on Michaels' dream to get to his, he will do so. Michaels told HHH "I understand" and gave his mic up.

HHH got control of Rhodes early and set up a Pedigree. Rhodes managed to move himself back towards the ropes, and Dibiase pulled him out by his legs. As Raw went to commercial, Michael Cole said there's some breaking news about the guest hosts, which we'll get as Raw returns.

Raw returned with DX in control. Jerry Lawler announced that according to WWE.com, one of the guest hosts, James Roday will not be there tonight, and they're not sure why. Dule Hill will be the sole guest host for now. In the latter stages of the tag match, Michaels and HHH ended up in a staredown near the corner. Cody Rhodes wisely pushed HHH into HBK and the two bumped heads. They looked at each other with some animosity. Just then, Michaels pushed HHH to the side and hit Sweet Chin Music on Dibiase. HHH rushed forward and Michaels avoided him as HHH clotheslined Rhodes down. Michaels took the winning pin on Dibiase.

Winners: D-Generation X wins via pinfall over Legacy.

DX will have to defend the Unified Tag team titles against CM Punk and Luke Gallows on Smackdown this Friday. Cole and Lawler questioned if DX will be ready to fight in the Rumble after the tag title match on Smackdown.

They rolled a behind the scenes look at John Cena's guest appearance on the upcoming Psych season premiere for Wednesday. Robert Patrick, who played the villain in "The Marine" will also be part of the episode, where Cena plays a military man.

Coming up next, MVP takes on The Big Show.

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WWE Slam of the Week showed highlights of Don Johnson, Jon Heder and The Miz in the ring. The Miz was trash talking about MVP who came down the ramp to the ring. Big Show came out next and walked up behind MVP. MVP went at Miz, but Show gave MVP a knockout punch.

MVP vs. The Big Show

Before the match, MVP reminded Miz he is the #1 Contender for US Title, and Miz can't keep running from him. This speech brought The Miz out to offer his own comments. Miz said it's shocking that MVP was incarcerated, but the people accept him. Miz said he's treated like an outcast who the people can't stand though. Miz said while MVP was doing mugshots, he was the star on reality television shows. MVP said The Miz would be very popular if he was behind bars. Miz was upset by MVP's remarks and said he should come down right now and have the US Title match. MVP dared him to do so, but Miz said he's got a friend who has to make a statement to make before the Rumble.

Big Show had his way with MVP throughout the match, beating him up from corner to corner. After a headbutt, Show started choking MVP in one corner then whipped him to the other. MVP avoided Show charging him and then did a facebuster. From there, MVP did his running boot on Show on the corner. He backed up for another and went for it, but Show grabbed him for a Chokeslam to win the match. The Miz got in the mic to brag with his US Title looking down at MVP.

Winner: Big Show wins via pinfall over MVP.

Michael Cole said there's breaking news earlier today, that Vince McMahon has reached a decision regarding Bret Hart's status with WWE.

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Raw returned with Legacy upset in the locker room about the loss. Rhodes was pacing and said to Dibiase he didn't know where his head was last week in the Cena/Kofi match. Tonight Rhodes thanked Dibiase for sparing him the Superkick tonight. Dibiase stood up and grabbed Rhodes by the arm, but just then Orton walked in. He discussed how they've had differences over the past month or so, and in the past few weeks Orton isn't sure where Legacy's been. He said Sheamus jumped his last week and Legacy was nowhere to be found. He told them to get their heads into the game, and said at the Rumble he will become WWE champion once again, with or without them.

John Cena and Dule Hill were in an office, with Cena's arm around Dule. Cena hyped up the season premiere for Wednesday starring himself, Dule Hill and James Roday. He asked where Roday is, and Hill said he had an emergency appendectomy. Cena said it's a shame he's not here. Hill said he's ready to go tonight. Cena left the office and a knock came at the door. The Miz walked in and said he can't believe Psych asked Cena to be on the show instead of him. He told Dule he had to Google him to find out who he was, and that The Miz is more famous than he is. He told Dule when Miz talks, he'll listen. Dule said it's the other way around, and told Miz he's set him up for a match tonight with an opponent of his choosing.

A commercial was shown for the "Best of Raw 2009" DVD due out tomorrow.

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Eve Torres vs. Maryse
Divas Championship Semifinals Match #1

Maryse took the mic before the match and started talking about the other divas, then began speaking in French. All of a sudden some pyro exploded near the ramp. The camera cut over to Dule Hill who was playing around with the pyro controls. He said he was sorry to Maryse on the mic but she said she doesn't accept the apology. Eve Torres came out next for the match.

Eve had control and went for a high risk Moonsault during the match. Maryse rolled away and Eve hit the mat hard. Maryse quickly got Eve up and tried for the DDT, but Eve countered and suplexed Maryse back for a near fall. Eve tried to grab Maryse near the ropes, but Eve held onto them so she couldn't whip her. Maryse kicked Eve in the gut, then hit her French Kiss DDT to win it. Maryse moves on to the finals to advance the winner of Gail Kim versus Alicia Fox which is later tonight.

Winner: Maryse wins via pinfall over Eve Torres to advance to the Finals of the Divas Championship tournament.

They showed Vince McMahon backstage getting ready to head out for his big announcement about Bret Hart.

A commercial aired for WWE's Wrestlemania Axxess which occurs the week leading up to Wrestlemania 26th. Tickets will be available on Saturday at 10AM here at Ticketmaster.com.

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Vince McMahon arrived out to discuss how the WWE Universe had forgot about Bret Hart for a long time, until Shawn Michaels convinced Vince to bring him back. Vince asked the fans if there's a reason to bring back Bret, and the fans started a "We want Bret" chant. Vince responded with "Bret Hart will never appear again the WWE". Vince said he has to do what's best for the business. Vince went out into the crowd with the mic asking random fans for a good reason to bring back Bret. Vince said he's yet to hear a good business reason to bring Bret back, and he's a part of the past. Vince said he's concerned over the present and future, not the past, which is Bret Hart. Vince thanked the fans for their consideration and went to leave the ring. Just then, John Cena's music started up and Cena walked down to the ring.

Cena said he never had a problem with Vince until recently when Vince said Bret was a used up piece of garbage. Cena said a few months ago at MSG, Vince treated Roddy Piper like he was nothing. Cena told Vince he's got a successful empire because of the help of people like Roddy Piper and Bret Hart. Cena said treats his wrestlers like commodities who he has no use for when they hit their expiration date. Cena told Vince he gets no respect as a man because all he does is line his pockets and serve his ego. Cena told Vince he's not a coward, he's pathetic.

Cena told Vince next week Vince will invite Bret back to Raw to give him a face-to-face confrontation. Cena said if Vince doesn't do that, he's proven to every loyal WWE fan, that they are nothing more than commodities. Cena told Vince to mark his calendar for 2035, when he's 90, because if he doesn't invite Bret back, Cena will pick up Vince out of his wheelchair and knock his teeth down his throat. Cena left the ring and headed up the ramp. Vince got on the mic and yelled at him. Vince said he'll invite Bret back next week and won't even flinch when he gets in the ring. Vince said since Cena came down and made his presence felt, it should be felt in the ring. Vince told Cena he can face Sheamus one on one, a man who's humbled him before. Cena smirked about it, as Vince smiled back.

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Kofi Kingston vs. The Miz

Late in the match, Miz had Kofi in the corner and charged at him, but Kofi managed to slip out to the apron and hit a high kick to Miz' head, sending him back. Miz collapsed to the mat, and Kofi jumped with a double axe handle to his back for a near fall. Kofi went for a move from against the ropes but Miz ducked it, then hit a neckbreaker for a near fall. Miz had control of things but MVP's theme music started. Miz looked up the ramp for MVP but didn't see him around. Kofi used the distraction to catch Miz with Trouble in Paradise for the win.

MVP came out to the top of the ramp in a vest and suit clothes to do his ballin' taunt as Miz looked at him from the mat.

Carlito brought Dule Hill into a WWE production truck outside to show him how Raw's run. Dule told him he won't press any buttons anymore like he did earlier, it was a mistake. Carlito said he should have asked him to show him around before the show. He said no guest hosts ever pay attention to Carlito. Dule asked a staff member what all the buttons do at the control panel and the man said it brings up graphics for the matches. Dule had him bring up Carlito's picture for an "Up Next" match graphic. Dule said he'll punch in a random code to bring up an opponent for Carlito. He hit a button and Kelly Kelly popped up as Carlito's opponent. Dule said maybe he should do that over, but Carlito told him that was a fine choice and he'll go get ready.

Winner: Kofi Kingston wins via pinfall over The Miz.

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Kelly Kelly vs. Carlito

Carlito was in the ring still in street clothes when Raw returned. Justin Roberts introduced Carlito, then Kelly Kelly who came out reluctantly. As Kelly was walking down the ramp, she stopped as Santino Marella's music came on. Out came Santino with the Best of Raw DVD in hand. He got on the mic to say the DVD comes out tomorrow, with him in it. He said he loses in the DVD, but will get onto the best of Raw 2010 DVD by having a great 2010, by first taking Kelly's place in tonight's match, then winning it, then winning the Royal Rumble. Santino headed towards the ring, but was jumped from behind by Jack Swagger. Swagger tossed him in the ring for a beatdown then threw Santino out over the top ropes. Swagger went back to the outside and slammed Santino face first to the ringpost, then did some pushups on the ground.

Swagger pounded his fists on his chest before backing up the ramp.

Winner: No match happened due to Santino Marella and Jack Swagger's interference.

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Vince McMahon arrived out to discuss how the WWE Universe had forgot about Bret Hart for a long time, until Shawn Michaels convinced Vince to bring him back. Vince asked the fans if there's a reason to bring back Bret, and the fans started a "We want Bret" chant. Vince responded with "Bret Hart will never appear again the WWE". Vince said he has to do what's best for the business. Vince went out into the crowd with the mic asking random fans for a good reason to bring back Bret. Vince said he's yet to hear a good business reason to bring Bret back, and he's a part of the past. Vince said he's concerned over the present and future, not the past, which is Bret Hart. Vince thanked the fans for their consideration and went to leave the ring. Just then, John Cena's music started up and Cena walked down to the ring.

Cena said he never had a problem with Vince until recently when Vince said Bret was a used up piece of garbage. Cena said a few months ago at MSG, Vince treated Roddy Piper like he was nothing. Cena told Vince he's got a successful empire because of the help of people like Roddy Piper and Bret Hart. Cena said treats his wrestlers like commodities who he has no use for when they hit their expiration date. Cena told Vince he gets no respect as a man because all he does is line his pockets and serve his ego. Cena told Vince he's not a coward, he's pathetic.

Cena told Vince next week Vince will invite Bret back to Raw to give him a face-to-face confrontation. Cena said if Vince doesn't do that, he's proven to every loyal WWE fan, that they are nothing more than commodities. Cena told Vince to mark his calendar for 2035, when he's 90, because if he doesn't invite Bret back, Cena will pick up Vince out of his wheelchair and knock his teeth down his throat. Cena left the ring and headed up the ramp. Vince got on the mic and yelled at him. Vince said he'll invite Bret back next week and won't even flinch when he gets in the ring. Vince said since Cena came down and made his presence felt, it should be felt in the ring. Vince told Cena he can face Sheamus one on one, a man who's humbled him before. Cena smirked about it, as Vince smiled back.

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Kofi Kingston vs. The Miz

Late in the match, Miz had Kofi in the corner and charged at him, but Kofi managed to slip out to the apron and hit a high kick to Miz' head, sending him back. Miz collapsed to the mat, and Kofi jumped with a double axe handle to his back for a near fall. Kofi went for a move from against the ropes but Miz ducked it, then hit a neckbreaker for a near fall. Miz had control of things but MVP's theme music started. Miz looked up the ramp for MVP but didn't see him around. Kofi used the distraction to catch Miz with Trouble in Paradise for the win.

MVP came out to the top of the ramp in a vest and suit clothes to do his ballin' taunt as Miz looked at him from the mat.

Carlito brought Dule Hill into a WWE production truck outside to show him how Raw's run. Dule told him he won't press any buttons anymore like he did earlier, it was a mistake. Carlito said he should have asked him to show him around before the show. He said no guest hosts ever pay attention to Carlito. Dule asked a staff member what all the buttons do at the control panel and the man said it brings up graphics for the matches. Dule had him bring up Carlito's picture for an "Up Next" match graphic. Dule said he'll punch in a random code to bring up an opponent for Carlito. He hit a button and Kelly Kelly popped up as Carlito's opponent. Dule said maybe he should do that over, but Carlito told him that was a fine choice and he'll go get ready.

Winner: Kofi Kingston wins via pinfall over The Miz.

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Kelly Kelly vs. Carlito

Carlito was in the ring still in street clothes when Raw returned. Justin Roberts introduced Carlito, then Kelly Kelly who came out reluctantly. As Kelly was walking down the ramp, she stopped as Santino Marella's music came on. Out came Santino with the Best of Raw DVD in hand. He got on the mic to say the DVD comes out tomorrow, with him in it. He said he loses in the DVD, but will get onto the best of Raw 2010 DVD by having a great 2010, by first taking Kelly's place in tonight's match, then winning it, then winning the Royal Rumble. Santino headed towards the ring, but was jumped from behind by Jack Swagger. Swagger tossed him in the ring for a beatdown then threw Santino out over the top ropes. Swagger went back to the outside and slammed Santino face first to the ringpost, then did some pushups on the ground.

Swagger pounded his fists on his chest before backing up the ramp.

Winner: No match happened due to Santino Marella and Jack Swagger's interference.

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When Raw returned, they said Santino had to be helped to the back after the attack from Swagger. Cole and Lawler talked up the Royal Rumble match which will be 30 men and at least 60 minutes in length. They rolled out a highlight video of previous winners including HBK, The Rock, and others.

They went down the various RR stat numbers, such as 627 superstars have tried to win the match but have been eliminated through the years. Stone Cold owns the record for 36 total eliminations during his appearances in Royal Rumbles. Kane has the record for eliminations in one Rumble match, 11. Kane will be in his 12th consecutive Rumble match. 2002 was the last time the Rumble happened in Georgia's Philips Arena, when HHH won. 62:12 is the record-setting time by Rey Mysterio for his length of appearance in a Rumble match. The Warlord held the record of 2 seconds in the Rumble until last year, when Kane eliminted Santino in 1 second. 3 is the record number of wins Stone Cold has. Entry numbers #1 and #30 have produced the same amount of winners in the Royal Rumble. 70% of the Rumble winners have gone on to win a title at Wrestlemania.

Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler discussed the Rumble PPV including Rey Mysterio taking on Undertaker for the World Heavyweight Championship. Randy Orton will face Sheamus for the WWE Championship. Ezekiel Jackson battles Christian for the ECW title, in addition to the Royal Rumble match.

John Cena was backstage with Dule Hill again. Cena said everyone should watch Psych this Wednesday because Dule is doing so well as host tonight. Cena said he called up his partner James Roday on the phone. They put him on speakerphone. Roday said he can't wait to see Cena defeat Sheamus later on, then discussed how he was feeling after his surgery, being on drugs. Just then, Alicia Fox walked in. Dule Hill told Roday to hold. Alicia asked if Dule is a psychic. Roday chimed in via the phone that he's the psychic. Dule hunk up the phone and told Alicia he can help her, so she asked him to predict the outcome of her match tonight. He said he sees her standing victorious in the ring, and to witness it he'll be her good luck charm at ringside. Alicia warned him that if he's wrong, then gave a disgusted look and left. Dule asked Cena what that means, and he said it could mean many things including she'll find Mark Henry and have him remove Dule's appendix, the old fashioned way. Cena laughed and left Dule standing there asking if he was joking.

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Gail Kim vs. Alicia Fox
Divas Championship Semifinals Matchup #2

Dule Hill was there with Cole and Lawler for guest commentary to see if his prediction came true. Alicia hit a tiltawhirl backbreaker to take control then whipped Alicia to the corner hard. She charged at Gail in the corner who moved away and had a near fall, after Dule blew Alicia a kiss. Alicia got up and rolled Gail in a small package for a near fall. Gail Kim countered an Alicia Fox move then put her foot up against Alicia Fox's neck and dropped down to stun her for the pin.

An angry Alicia Fox left the ring and slammed her hands on the announcers table. She walked over to confront Dule about his "prediction". Dule tried to explain that he just makes up stories as part of his character on Psych. Alicia hauled off and slapped Dule in the face and he fell back. Lawler helped him up with Dule holding his face.

Winner: Gail Kim wins via pinfall over Alicia Fox to advance to the Divas Championship tournament finals.

Backstage, Sheamus was shown walking on his way out for the main event against Cena.

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Tomorrow night on ECW, Christian teams with Kane to take on William Regal and Ezekiel Jackson.

John Cena vs. Sheamus

During the match, Sheamus started to dominate from corner to corner, whipping Cena hard to one. Cena hit back first and fell flat to the mat, so Sheamus walked over to raise his arms up. Cena escaped the pinfall and rolled to the apron. He started to go in through the ropes and Sheamus ran over to knee him in the face. Cena fell to the outside and the ref began a countout. Cena climbed back up on the apron and avoided another running knee from Sheamus. He got back in the ring and hoisted up Sheamus for Attitude Adjustment, but Sheamus escaped and DDT'd Cena down. From there he had a nearfall, then started a chin lock hold on Cena on the mat. The crowd rallied behind Cena as he got to his feet and powered out of the hold. Cena tripped Sheamus down for a near STF, but Sheamus countered and kicked Cena hard enough to send him to the outside.

Jerry Lawler asked if maybe Cena has finally reached his unbeatable opponent. Sheamus whipped Cena to the steps on the outside, the nwent over to yell at Cena. Sheamus got back in the ring and told the ref to count him out as Cena was laying on his back near the crowd barrier. Cena finally got up at 8 and rushed back into the ring. Sheamus went for an elbow drop but Cena moved away. Cena gained his momentum ducking Sheamus then hitting several shoulder tackles to take down Sheamus for a Five Knuckle Shuffle. Sheamus stood up wobbly, but Sheamus got off another Attitude Adjustment, and hit a backbreaker for another near fall.

Sheamus charged at Cena for a running kick, with Cena barely avoiding it. Cena tripped Sheamus down for a STF and locked it, but Sheamus was able to grab the ropes. He rolled outside and Cena went after him, but ended up eating a running boot to his face. The ref started another countout with Sheamus in the ring smiling at his work. All of a sudden, Randy Orton rushed into the ring to sneak attack Sheamus, hitting the RKO to plant him on the mat face first.

Cena got back on the apron and started to climb in through the ropes. Orton saw him and went over to try to DDT Cena off the second rope. Cena avoided it though and escaped to hit Attitude Adjustment on Orton. Raw ended with Cena posing from the ring corner as Sheamus and Orton were both down in the ring.

Winner: Sheamus wins due to disqualification against John Cena when Randy Orton interfered.

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