Raw Recap 02.22.10

Raw Recap from Indianapolis, IN:

Raw opened with a bit of still images and video footage from the Raw Elimination Chamber where John Cena won after defeating Triple H. Vince McMahon came out and told Cena he would be heading to Wrestlemania 26, but only if he could defeat his next opponent, Batista. Batista came to the ring for an immediate title match, defeating Cena in about 30 seconds to become new champion.

Cole and Lalwer said Shawn Michaels will be here tonight to explain his actions from last night's Smackdown Chamber where he cost Undertaker the World title. They showed a mechanical bull near the crowd, then discussed tonight's hosts Jewel and her husband rodeo star Ty Murray. Justin Roberts introduced the new World Heavyweight Champion, Chris Jericho, who arrived out gloating as he carried the belt.

Jericho bragged about the fact he's going to Wrestlemania, and how he defeated five other stars in the Chamber last night, including his second defeat of The Undertaker. Jericho kept remind fans he's going to Wrestlemania and that he's the World Heavyweight Champion. Suddenly, Edge's theme song hit. Jericho looked around and suddenly Edge was in the ring to Spear him down. Jericho rolled to the outside, so Edge grabbed the mic and told Jericho "you're going to Wrestlemania, against me!"

Lawler and Cole began to discuss Edge winning the Rumble to be able to make the decision he just did. Just then, John Cena's music hit and he arrived to the ring limping from last night's Chamber match. Cena said you can now add him to the list of people Vince McMahon has screwed. Cena said he should be currently celebrating as WWE Champ but instead he had to face Batista after the Chamber match. Cena said as former champion last night, he gets a rematch and wants it right now. That brought out the Chairman Vince McMahon to the top of the ramp.

Vince told Cena he's all about business, and made a deal with Dave Batista regarding Bret Hart. Vince reminded Cena how he told Batista last week "if you want some, come get some", and he did so by winning the title last night. Vince told Cena that Sheamus also has a rematch clause in his contract for the title. Vince said he's going to make a business deal tonight, Cena has to win a match tonight in order to go to Wrestlemania and face Batista for the WWE Title. Cena yelled at McMahon "I'll take it, who am I going against??!" Vince smirked and informed him he'll face Batista tonight.

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Gail Kim vs. Maryse
WWE Divas Championship Finals match

This match was scheduled for last night's Chamber PPV but instead Smackdown's Vickie Guerrero postponed it and made Gail/Maryse face Team LayCool from Smackdown. During the match, Maryse refused to tag in, causing Gail to get beaten and pinned. Afterwords, Maryse DDT'd Gail.

Gail Kim came out early in control as she hit a variety of moves on Maryse. Maryse recovered in the corner as she smashed Gail into the post from the apron. Gail went for her finisher near the ropes, but Maryse held the top rope causing Gail to hit the mat. Maryse went for her DDT move, but Gail countered with a bridge pin.

Gail managed to get up on the corner for a high risk move, but Maryse caused her to lose her footing. Both divas were slow to get up, with Maryse again trying for the DDT. Gail countered with another pin which Maryse escaped. Gail got up on the corner again, then onto Maryse's shoulders. Maryse dropped her off against the top rope, then hit the French Kiss DDT to finish it. Maryse ripped the title from the ref's hands.

Winner: Maryse wins via pinfall over Maryse to become new WWE Divas Champion.

Later tonight, John Cena faces Batista to earn his opportunity at the WWE Title at Wrestlemania 26.

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The new WWE magazine with Vince McMahon on the cover goes on sale tomorrow. There may be golden tickets inside your issue to go to Wrestlemania 26.

Ty Murray and Jewel (with crutches) were backstage talking with The Bella Twins, Eve Torres and Kelly Kelly. Jillian and Alicia Fox came in. Jillian started talking about how she could sing Jewel's own songs better than her. She started singing one in her usual awful voice. Jewel sang her version, much better. Jillian got upset saying Jewel was trying to show her up, and said if she doesn't watch it she'll be singing in her car again. Jewel handed a crutch she was on to Eve, then slapped Jillian in the face. Jillian and Alicia left and the face divas all told Jewel how awesome what she just did was.

Randy Orton was in the locker room backstage with Cody Rhodes. Rhodes said he knew Dibiase was going to betray Orton last night. He said all weekend Dibiase was talking about beating Orton in the Chamber to go on to headline WM26. Orton said if anyone is at fault for what happened last night, it's himself. Orton said he taught them too well, but abused them too. He said he asked for them to have a six man tag match tonight so they could get on the same page. Orton told Rhodes to tell Ted "I'm sorry". Orton left and Dibiase walked in. Rhodes told Dibiase things went well, almost too well. Dibiase asked Rhodes "we sticking to the plan" and Rhodes said "absolutely".

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Slam of the Week showed still images from the Raw Chamber where Rhodes slipped a steel pipe into the Chamber for Orton to use. Dibiase grabbed it instead and bashed both Cena and Orton with it. He had a choice over who to pin and chose Orton.

Evan Bourne, Yoshi Tatsu & Kofi Kingston vs. Cody Rhodes, Ted Dibiase & Randy Orton

Jerry Lawler noted that both Triple H and Sheamus were unable to appear on Raw tonight due to not getting medical clearance after the Elimination Chamber PPV. Former ECW star Yoshi Tatsu recently signed on with Raw and made his debut in the match.

Late in the match, Orton had control against Kingston, with Kofi down on the mat. Dibiase and Rhodes were whispering strategy over on the apron as Orton paced Kofi in the ring. Orton backed over and looked at Rhodes who slapped Orton's hand. Orton shot him a look, and then as Rhodes tried to enter through the ropes, Orton grabbed him to DDT from off the middle rope. Orton started to leave the ringside area, so Dibiase rushed over to confront him. He screamed at Orton asking what his problem was. Orton looked at him, then after pausing a few moments RKO'd him on the outside. Back in the ring, Rhodes was out of it. Yoshi Tatsu hit a somersault neckbreaker move to put Rhodes down near the corner, so he tagged in Bourne for Air Bourne off the corner to finish the match. Orton stared down at the ring from up the ramp while Dibiase and Rhodes recovered looking angrily back at him.

Winners: Yoshi Tatsu, Evan Bourne & Kofi Kingston win via pinfall over Rhodes, Dibiase & Orton.

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As Raw returned they rolled a highlight video to cover the Shawn Michaels and Undertaker saga. It started when Michaels accepted the 2009 Slammy award for Match of the Year at Wrestlemania 25 against Undertaker. At the time, he got on the mic to challenge Taker to a rematch at WM26. Undertaker refused the challenge when he appeared on Raw, and told Michaels he has nothing to prove to him. Michaels vowed to win the Royal Rumble, but was unable to do so. He failed to qualify for the Raw Elimination Chamber as well. Michaels may have ended up costing DX the tag titles as they lost in a Triple Threat match to Miz and Big Show. That same night, Michaels demanded a trade from Teddy Long who refused to bring him over to the Smackdown Chamber match. He gave Sweet Chin Music to Long to the dismay of Triple H, then walked off. Michaels showed up thought at last night's Pay Per View, when he got into the ring to hit Sweet Chin Music on Undertaker in the final moments, costing Undertake the match and the World title.

Shawn Michaels arrived out to the arena on Raw to address what happened at last night's event. Michaels said he did what he needed to do last night even if it's not popular with everyone. Michaels said he knows for every action there's a reaction, and he's counting on that from Undertaker. Michaels started speaking more, but the bell sounded and the lights went down. Fire started up near the ramp and out came The Undertaker staring down at the ring.

Undertaker told Michaels if he wanted his attention, now he's got it. Michaels discussed their match last year being the greatest in Wrestlemania history. Michaels told Undertaker he wrestled a nearly perfect match, making one mistake that cost him the win. Michaels told Undertaker he should understand that's something he could not live with. Michaels said he begged Taker for the rematch but he refused it and ignored the request. Michaels said he had no choice but to cost him the World Title. HBK told Taker he knows he wants revenge, so he challenged him to face him at Wrestlemania and get his revenge. Undertaker got on the mic saying "you're on, I accept". Michaels started to leave, but Taker said "on one condition". HBK came back to face him, and Taker said this year Michaels has to put up something as well, his soul. Taker said this year if Michaels defeats him he ends the streak, but if Undertaker wins then Shawn Michaels' career is over. Michaels said if he can't beat him at Wrestlemania he has no career so it's on. Takers music started up as Raw went to break.

Christian was shown walking backstage. Lawler said he officialy signed with Raw and will compete in the first Money in the Bank Qualifying match, next.

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Raw returned to show the WWE Rewind with footage from last year's MITB ladder match. It involved Christian, Mark Henry, Kane and CM Punk among others. It came down to Kane battling Punk with several ladders set up. Punk used several kicks to finally knock Kane down off the ladder, then grabbed the briefcase to win his second straight MITB match.

They returned to the arena with a camera shot of a WM26 briefcase hanging high over the ring spotlighted. Cole and Lawler discussed the two known Wrestlemania 26 matches so far, Edge vs Chris Jericho for the World Title and Shawn Michaels vs Undertaker: the career vs the streak.

Christian vs. Carlito
Money in the Bank Qualifying match 1

They showed a video promo of Heath Slater, the young wrestler who Christian will be mentoring on tomorrow night's premiere episode of WWE NXT. They also heard from Michael Tarver who Carlito will be guiding on NXT.

In the latter stages of the match, Christian kicked Carlito near the corner, then jumped on the corner for a move. Carlito yanked his foot away and Christian hit the mat. Carlito followed with a neckbreaker for a near fall. Christian went for Killswitch, but Carlito countered it. Carlito went for a springboard reverse elbow from the ropes but Christian caught him in a near Killswitch. Carlito countered again, so Christian shoved Carlito to the corner. As Carlito staggered back, Christian finally hit him with the Killswitch to win it.

Winner: Christian wins via pinfall over Carlito to qualify for the Wrestlemania 26 Money in the Bank Ladder match.

Coming up next is a WWE Divas Bull riding contest with guest hosts Ty Murray and Jewel taking part in the contest.

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Justin Roberts introduced Jewel and world-champion Ty Murray, the guest hosts for tonight's show. Jewel came out on crutches with her hubby. Lawler said Jewel suffered an injury while riding a mechanical bull. Jewel said Bull riding tends to be a male sport so tonight it's time for some women to get involved. Murray said he's been working with the divas and now it's time for a Divas bull riding championship. Eve Torres was the first diva to come out and she lasted the full 8 seconds. Next out was Kelly Kelly to the roar of the crowd. Kelly also lasted the entire time without falling off. The Bella Twins came out next and decided to ride double, also lasting the full time. Suddenly, the MizShow's theme music started and out came the Unified tag champs.

Miz asked if Raw's dissolved into a Bull Riding contest, then said Raw is all about them, not some divas contest. Big Show said anyone can do this better than the divas. Ty Murray challenged Show to try to do it better, so Show went for an attempt. He had a bit of trouble getting on the bull, but then mounted. Show fell off in about 4-5 seconds. Show was angered by it all and started walking up to the bull, then landed a knockout punch on the mechanical bull causing it to spin around. Miz told them yet another guest host segment ended in disappointment, just like the Colts did in the Superbowl. Miz and Show prepared to go backstage, but Murray said to head to the ring. Jewel said they're going to defend the tag titles against Mark Henry and MVP, next.

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MVP and Mark Henry vs. The MizShow
Unified Tag team title match

The wrestler Miz is mentoring on WWE NXT, Daniel Bryan was shown backstage watching on a flatscreen monitor. They showed a highlight from last night's Chamber PPV when Big Show tossed a charging Mark Henry through the crowd barrier during the MVP vs Miz US title match.

In tonight's match, MVP and Henry tried to win the tag team titles again. Henry whipped Show to the corner in the late stages of the match, then ran at him for the Splash. Henry appeared to hurt himself on the move, as Show recovered. MVP started to get in the ring as he saw Miz getting up on the corner. Show went over to knock MVP off the apron. Miz jumped at Henry but ended up caught and getting hit with World's Strongest Slam. However, Big Show was still legal. As Henry turned around he got clocked by Show's KO punch, giving MizShow the win.

Winners: The MiZShow wins via pinfall over Mark Henry and MVP to retain the Unified Tag Team titles.

An update on the health status of Bret Hart after last week's leg injury in his limo accident will be up next.

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Raw returned with Cole and Lawler discussing how great Ty Murray and Jewel did as guest hosts tonight. Cole said Jewel's newest song "Stay Here Forever" is on the new Valentine's Day OST. They launched into video of the third inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame, WWE Womens legend, Wendi Richter. Richter was the chosen representative for musician Cindy Lauper at MTV's "The Brawl to End it All", where Richter defeated Fabulous Moolah for the Womens Title at MSG. Moolah had a nearly three decade title reign come to an end. Richter will be inducted by Rowdy Roddy Piper on March 27th, the night before Wrestlemania 26.

Cole and Lawler brought an update on Bret Hart's injury suffered last week. They said he has a broken leg and some ligament damage, then replayed what happened on last week's show leading up to the incident. Vince McMahon appeared on camera after the highlights. Vince said for the record he was considering facing Bret at Wrestlemania. Vince said he had nothing to do with Bret's accident last week. Vince said he's offering Bret the opportunity to have a proper farewell next week. Vince said he'll arrange an ambulance to transport Bret to the arena and wheelchair or whatever he needs next week.

John Cena was shown walking backstage, en route to the ring for the main event with Batista.

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When Raw returned they showed a graphic while Lawler confirmed that Bret Hart will be on Raw next week. Also next week's guest hosts are Cheech & Chong. Also, Randy Orton will go one-on-one against Ted Dibiase next week.

John Cena vs. Batista
Wrestlemania 26 WWE Title opportunity match

Batista took his sweet time getting to the ring, then stalled as he adjusted his boots and knee pads near the steel steps. Cena kept staring him down as The Animal climbed into the ring. Cena rushed at Batista several times to start it off, but Batista kept ducking under the ropes. Finally, Batista kicked Cena in the groin, causing Cena to fall to the mat. The ref immediately called for the bell and Justin Roberts announced Cena as winner due to DQ. Batista smiled then ran and kicked Cean in the head. Next up was a lot of stomping on Cena in the corner as the Animal let his rage out.

Batista left the ring and started up the ramp, then turned to see Cena was starting to get back up. He rushed back into the ring and grabbed Cena then threw him shoulder first into the ringpost. Cena fell to the outside. On the outside, Batista tossed Cena into the crowd barricade, then grabbed him in a Bear Hug to ram into the ring post, leaving Cena down on the floor. Various medical personnel and officials started to attend to Cena. Batista was on his way up the ramp, and again turned then walked back down. This time he went over and grabbed a steel chair, then bashed Cena across the back leaving Cena face down. Cena started to try to get back up, but Batista smashed the chair on him again. He watched Cena working to get up and hit him with a third chair shot, then moments later a fourth to flatten him. Batista walked up the ramp smiling at the crowd with the chair still in hand.

Winner: John Cena wins due to disqualification of Batista to earn a Wrestlemania 26 WWE title match against Batista.

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