Raw Recap 02.01.10

Raw Recap from Nashville, TN:

Prior to the entrance videos, WWE had an "In Memory of Jack Brisco 1941-2010" graphic on the screen due to the former pro wrestler's recent passing. After the show opened, Jerry Lawler reminded fans that Vince McMahon will stand face to face with Bret Hart. Michael Cole said tonight's guest host is the legendary William Shatner.

Justin Roberts introduced the winner of the 2010 Royal Rumble, Edge. Michael Cole said Edge returned months earlier than expected from an Achilles injury to eliminate Chris Jericho and lastly, John Cena, to win the 2010 Rumble match. Edge said he's finally back, but not just in front of all the fans, but in the main event for Wrestlemania. Edge revisited the events of six months ago, after he and Jericho had won the tag team championships. He said when he got injured, the doctors told him he might be back in April, or never. Edge recalled how Jericho thanked him during the Slammys for getting injured so he could team with Big Show.

Edge said right there he made a promise he wasn't going to miss a third Wrestlemania due to injury. Edge talked about how now Jericho has a Slammy and a mugshot on TMZ, but Edge has his ticket to Wrestlemania's main event. Edge talked about how two years ago he faced the Undertaker in the main event, but lost. Edge said unlike Michaels this year, if he wants the Deadman he can have him. Edge discussed the options: go after a guy who's undefeated at Wrestlemania, or a guy who's never competed at WM - Sheamus. Edge said he could make a decision tonight, or in 3 weeks after Elimination Chamber.

Just as Edge had finished his speech and raised up his arms, Sheamus' music hit and the WWE Champ came walking down to the ring. Edge said a lot has changed since he left WWE because it looks like Raw's been taken over by an evil Ronald McDonald. Sheamus bragged about how he was able to beat Cena last year for the title, which Edge couldn't do. Edge interrupted to say he's made a career of defeating Cena for the WWE title, and he's beaten Orton. Sheamus reminded him that he's been sidelined for six months. Sheamus said he'll leave the Elimination Chamber still as the Champ. Sheamus suggested that Edge run back to Smackdown before he rips his head off. Sheamus said he better take the opportunity before he gets put back on the shelf. Edge looked him in the eye, and Sheamus clocked him with a mic. Edge recovered in the corner as Sheamus came at him with the boot kick. Edge ducked it, then took Sheamus down and started punching away. He followed with a Spear from the corner, leaving Sheamus down on the mat.

They introduced a video about the Elimination Chamber with the Pay-Per-View coming in three weeks.

They showed John Cena walking backstage. Jerry Lawler announced that all matches on tonight's Raw are Elimination Chamber Qualifying matches with Cena's up next.

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John Cena vs. Cody Rhodes
Elimination Chamber Qualifying match

Michael Cole said that this past Wednesday's Psych with Cena as guest star did huge ratings. This week's episode will feature former WWE Diva, Stacy Keibler. Cole also brought up how Rhodes tried to help out his mentor Randy Orton during last night's WWE title match, but it backfired and cost Orton the match by DQ.

In tonight's match, Cena gained some momentum and hit the Five Knuckle Shuffle on Rhodes. He set up for Attitude Adjustment, but Rhodes battled out by elbowing him and clotheslined Cena down. He followed with a face first suplex to the mat for a near fall. Rhodes chose to go for the high risk Moonsault to try to finish Cena off. Cena got up as Rhodes hit him with the Moonsault for another near fall. Cena managed to counter Rhodes' whip to the corner, by whipping Rhodes there instead. Cena charged at him but ended up with a boot to the face. However, as Rhodes went towards him, Cena did the Attitude Adjustment to win it.

Lawler and Cole noted that so far there's two participants for the Raw elimination Chamber: John Cena and Sheamus.

Winner: John Cena wins via pinfall over Cody Rhodes to qualify for the WWE title Elimination Chamber match.

Cole introduced a highlight video of the "Montreal Screwjob" which involved Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels and Vince McMahon at the 1997 Survivor Series PPV.

Josh Matthews caught up with Vince McMahon backstage walking down the hall. Matthews asked if he's seen Bret Hart at all tonight. McMahon said he hasn't and doesn't expect Bret to show. He left and walked into his office. After staring at a poster on the wall, he turned to face an unknown person asking "don't you Canadians have any manners at all?" vince demanded the person say what they had to say. The camera revealed it was actor William Shatner. Shatner said as a fellow Canadian, fan of WWE and human being he can't wait for Bret Hart to embarass Vince tonight.

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Triple H vs. Jack Swagger
Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match

Swagger made the mistake of taunting The Game early, only to get himself punched down. Triple H clotheslined Swagger out over the ropes to take Raw to commercials.

After the break, Swagger managed to take control and had a near fall after a DDT. Swagger had another near fall before trying to wear down The Game with a submission. HHH managed to hip toss him to get out of it, then knocked Swagger to the outside. Swagger gained the advantage out there, and hit a slam from his shoulder in the ring.

In the final moments, Swagger had several near falls including one after his running splash move off the corner. HHH recovered in the corner. Swagger ran at HHH and rammed him into the corner several times, before picking him up on a shoulder and pointing at the Wrestlemania 26 sign in a cocky moment. HHH was able to escape Swagger's clutches to set up the Pedigree for the victory.

Winner: Triple H wins via pinfall over Jack Swagger to qualify for the WWE title Elimination Chamber match.

Up next Randy Orton battles Shawn Michaels for the next Elimination Chamber spot.

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Raw returned with a video showing William Shatner seated. The voice over guy discussed how you've all heard William Shatner's classic spoken word versions of such song as Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, but now Shatner speaks the words of your favorite WWE superstar entrance themes. He did "Sexy Boy" for Shawn Michaels and "The Time is Now" by John Cena as well as "Booyaka 619" for Rey Mysterio and "The Game" for Triple H. The skit announcer said William Shatner's Superstar Entrance themes album is coming soon.

Triple H found Shawn Michaels in , the locker room backstage and asked if he had a second to talk. Hornswoggle came in and started saying something to HHH. HHH told Hornswoggle to get lost. HHH confronted HBK for Superkicking him out of the Rumble. He said he'd never do that to Michaels, acting angry, then said he was just kidding. He asked Michaels what was wrong. Michaels said it didn't go as planned, he wants to break the Undertaker's streak. HHH said Michaels needs to let this obsession go. HHH suggested Michaels get it together and qualify for the Elimination Chamber, so maybe they can headline Wrestlemania 26 in the title match. He said all Michaels need to do is beat Orton. HBK thanked him and left for the match.

Randy Orton got his ring intro and made his way out for the match before Raw went to commercial.

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WWE Rewind showed still shots from last night's WWE title match between Randy Orton and Sheamus. Cody Rhodes jumped the security rail to interfere and attack Sheamus from behind. Orton hit the RKO when Sheamus got back in the ring, but the ref called for a DQ, causing Orton to lose. Orton punched down both members of Legacy after the match and stomped on Rhodes in the corner.

Shawn Michaels vs. Randy Orton
Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match

During the match, Orton had Michaels down on his back and started to stomp on his midsection repeatedly. He continued to pace around Michaels then punched HBK down right as he stood up. Michaels got a surge of energy for a comeback to punch back as he got up, but was dropkicked down by Orton for the near fall. Orton locked a headlock in to try to wear Michaels down some.

Orton and HBK ended up fighting on the corner, with Michaels able to punch Orton down, then hit his trademark elbow drop from the corner. He set up for Sweet Chin Music, and as he went for it, Orton ducked. Orton went for an RKO but Michaels shoved him to the ropes then hit a series of Atomic drops. He hit a flying forearm from against the ropes then sprang back up to his feet. Orton grabbed Michaels for a rollup pin from there to win it.

Michaels couldn't believe he lost as he slammed his hands down and sat on the mat upset with himself. Orton headed backstage. Michaels finally got up and walked backstage upset.

Winner: Randy Orton wins via pinfall to qualify for the WWE Title Elimination Chamber match.

They showed more footage from 1997 Survivor Series where Shawn Michaels defeated Bret Hart for the WWE title in his final match. They showed Vince saying that Bret screwed Bret. Tonight, Bret Hart comes to Raw to confront Vince McMahon.

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A Wrestlemania 26 promo aired with the announcement that Wrestlemania 26 is now 55 days away.

Cole and Lawler discussed how disappointed Michaels must be after losing the Rumble and now his shot at the Elimination Chamber. They said it seems Michaels' Wrestlemania status is in question.

Orton was walking backstage when Ted Dibiase came up to him. He said he can't speak for Cody, but he's really sorry about what happened last night. Orton shot a look at Dibiase then walked off.

Mark Henry vs. Ted Dibiase
Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match

Early on the action moved to the outside with Henry in control. Dibiase gained control after yanking Henry by the arm against the ringpost several times, then tripping him into the steel steps. Dibiase rolled back in the ring to beat a count, and Henry rolled in as well, but only to get more of a beatdown.

At one point, Dibiase tried to jump off the corner but Henry caught him from the air. Dibiase was close to the ropes and dropped onto the apron to yank Henry's arm across the ropes. With Henry stunned and favoring the hurt arm, Dibiase got back in and went for Dream Street. Henry blocked it, but Dibiase managed to come back and grab Henry by his arm and plant him face first into the mat for a pin.

Winner: Ted Dibiase wins via pinfall over Mark Henry to qualify for the WWE title Elimination Chamber match.

The final qualifying match pits Kofi Kingston against Big Show. They showed a split screen of both guys preparing backstage.

Lawler and Cole brought up the recent passing of Jack Brisco, before a highlight video of his wrestling career was shown. Jack and Gerald Brisco were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2008.

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WWE Slam of the Week showed Gail Kim's victory over Alicia Fox on Raw last week. This sets up Gail's finals match against Maryse for the WWE Divas Championship.

Gail Kim and Kelly Kelly were shown talking backstage with Kelly congratulating her on her win. Maryse came walking up and was strangely civil and seemed nice towards them. She told Gail she's seen how Michelle McCool and Layla are acting on Smackdown and it's a disgrace to divas. She suggested that they should show everyone how real ladies act when they fight in their finals match. Gail said ok and she was looking forward to it. Maryse them said something in French before walking off, leaving Gail and Kelly puzzled.

A poster was shown for Shatner's Raw Nerve on Bio HD. The Mi and Show were seated in chairs with Miz saying Show will be WWE Champion in a few weeks at Elimination Chamber, and Miz will be US title. Miz said maybe Shatner will grant them a Unified Tag team title match against DX. Just then, CM Punk came walking in with Luke Gallows and Serena of the Straightedge Society. He said that last week Teddy Long put their tag title match on hold against DX, so they're there to talk to whoever's in charge about getting a rematch. William Shatner came in between them, as a "Raw Match Negotiator" graphic came up on screen, mocking the Pricline ads that Shatner does. He said it seems there's a dilemma then stood up on a chair. Shatner set up a Triple Threat tag title match for next week's Raw, DX defends against Miz/Show and Gallows/Punk.

Triple H was trying to console Michaels in the locker room backstage. HHH told HBK to get over his unhealthy obsession because its causing him to spiral down. HHH told Michaels that he is "Mr. Wrestlemania" and he doesn't need Undertaker for that distinction because there's plenty of other guys to compete against. Michaels said "not for me", then walked out.

Justin Roberts introduced Kofi Kingston for the final Elimination Chamber qualifying match of the night. Kingston came to the ring before Raw went to commercial.

Kofi Kingston vs. Big Show
Elimination Chamber Qualifying match

The Miz made his way down to the ring to provide guest commentary on the match. Miz said after next week and Elimination Chamber, Miz and Show will have all the titles on Raw. Kofi dropkicked Show out of the ring as Raw went to commercial.
At one point after the break, The Miz went over to go after Kofi outside the ring. MVP came down to chase Miz backstage. Kofi messed up on a high risk move from the corner but still gained momentum and knocked Show to the mat. He hit the double leg drop on Show then ran to jump on him in the corner for more fight. Kofi had his arms on Show, who went to throw a knockout punch which hit the ref by accident. Show tossed Kofi out of the ring, then checked on the ref. He signaled for a new ref to come down to the ring. The other ref came in and said to ring the bell. Show told him he didn't mean to do that. The new ref told Justin Roberts to announce that Big Show was disqualified and Kofi Kingston won the match.

Show argued with the ref saying he didn't mean to do it, as another WWE official came in to check on the KO'd ref. Show was upset and kept arguing, but finally walked up the ramp yelling "it was an accident".

Winner: Kofi Kingston wins due to disqualification over Big Show to qualify for the WWE title Elimination Chamber.

They showed highlights of Vince in the ring with Bret on Raw several weeks ago. Vince thanked Bret for all his contributions to WWE and Raw, then they shook hands to "bury the hatchet". However, as the two raised arms and posed to end Raw, Vince kicked Bret in the gut to leave him down in the ring.

Mr. McMahon was shown walking backstage on his way out to the ring to confront Bret Hart again.

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As Raw returned they showed the complete field for the WWE Championship Elimination Chamber: the champion Sheamus defends against John Cena, Kofi Kingston, Randy Orton, Triple H, and Ted Dibiase in the chamber.

Next week's special guest host for Raw in Lafayette, Louisiana is NASCAR driver Carl Edwards, just days ahead of the Daytona 500.

Next week's big match will be the Triple Threat for the Unified Tag team championships. Cole asked will Shawn Michaels' head be in the match next week after his recent setbacks?

Jerry Lawler was in the ring to introduce tonight's guest host for WWE Raw, the man who inducted him into the WWE Hall of Fame, William Shatner. The Bella Twins escorted Shatner down to the ring. Shanter tripped when he got in the ring and fell on top of Lawler. Shatner asked if Lawler was ok, then they both said they were ok. Shatner thanked them for allowing him to be guest host tonight. He said now he wanted to introduce "the best there is, the best there ever was and best there ever will be", his fellow Canadian, Bret "the Hitman" Hart.

Bret Hart came out from backstage to cheers to head down to the ring. He took the mic from Shatner, then posed to the crowd with his trademark taunt move. Bret talked about how he's had a month to think about what went down when he hosted Raw and was in the ring with Vince McMahon. Bret said he was wrong to think he could put what happened behind him, and it doesn't sit very well with him now. Bret said he's not there to make peace or gain closure, he came to face Vince McMahon now. Bret called out Vince to the ring, demanding he get there or saying he'll go find him himself.

After several moments, The Chairman's music came on and Vince came out to the top of the ramp dancing around. Vince faked surprise at seeing Bret in the ring again, then strutted down to the ring. Vince stared at Bret from bottom of the ramp before finally getting in the ring with him again. Vince said he has things to get off his chest, but first he wants to state he never regrets a thing he's said or done to Hart. Hart called him the world's greatest liar, saying Vince lied to him in Montreal and on Raw. Bret talked about John Cena coming out last week to describe Vince as pathetic. Bret talked about being in a wheelchair 8 years ago after a stroke. He said day by day he found the courage to get up and get past it. Hart said he used to feel pathetic, crying himself to sleep at night about it. Hart said he promised himself never to feel pathetic for the rest of his life. Hart said when Vince kicked him in the gut on Raw, he felt pathetic again.

Hart talked about giving his all to the WWE and Vince McMahon, saying someday Vince would appreciate it all, but he was wrong. Hart brought up how Vince compared him to chewing gum that had lost its flavor, but Bret said he's got just enough flavor left to kick Vince's ass right now. Vince introduced Bret as Bret "The Hitman" Hart, the Excellence of Execution or "the best there is, best there was and best there ever will be". Vince said it was all a crock. Vince said the idea Bret is known as a Canadian Hero makes him wretch. Vince said Bret's no hero to anyone, causing the crowd to boo. Vince said he doesn't have any idea what the fans see in Bret Hart. Vince said the people love him, but Vince thinks Bret is pathetic, because he has 0 personality. Vince said Bret has no charisma, looks bad and is dressed like a hobo. Vince said he re-thought the idea of inducting Bret's dad Stu Hart into the WWE Hall of Fame, and decided to not do it, because Stu Hart doesn't deserve it.

At that point, Hart took Vince down to the mat and began to beat on him. Hart pounded away on Vince then pulled him to center ring to go for a Sharpshooter. He pulled off Vince's shoes and tossed them. Just then, Batista came rushing into the ring and beat on Bret. He knocked the Hitman down and continued the assault, then held him back for Vince McMahon to berate. Vince spit in Bret's face to the disgust of the crowd. McMahon gave a dirty look to Bret as the show closed with the fans chanting for "CENA".

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