Raw Recap 03.08.10

Raw Recap from Portland, OR:

There was no opening Raw theme video or highlight package, or even pyrotechnics. Instead, the camera showed the crowd in the Portland arena, and Michael Cole welcomed fans to Raw. Undertaker's theme music hit and the Deadman made his way out to the ring. Cole noted that Wrestlemania 26 is only 20 days away, and includes Shawn Michaels vs Undertaker, career vs The streak.

Undertaker began to speak about how Shawn Michaels has a dark cloud hovering above his life, after being #17 in the undefeated streak. Taker paused as many fans started up a H-B-K chant, then continued to say Michaels' obsession will be a problem for him. Undertaker said after Wrestlemania there will be no tomorrows or any victory celebrations for him. Taker was about to say Shawn Michaels' career would "Rest in -", but was cut off as Michaels' music hit and HBK arrived to the ring.

Michaels said the reason he cost Taker the title in the Elimination Chamber, because he had no choice, he had to. However, Michaels said Undertaker interfered in his match last week, but didn't have to. Michaels said it occurred to him for the first time ever the Undertaker has fear inside him. Taker told Michaels to choose his next words very carefully. Michaels said that Taker knows how close HBK came to ending his streak last year. Michaels said Taker asked him to put his career on the line thinking he'd scare him out of the match. Taker said he can't tell if Michaels exudes confidence or is full of desperation.

Michaels said he wants to propose, no countout or no disqualification, the only way to win is by pinfall or submission. Michaels promised to kick Taker's teeth down his throat and defeat him. Taker agreed, telling Michaels he has chosen his own demise. Taker said at their match he will open up the gates of hell to unleash a fury no man has ever seen, to make sure Michaels' career is over. Michaels finished by saying a dark cloud holding an image of HBK ending his streak will be hanging over Taker after Wrestlemania, following him everywhere he goes.

Tonight's Raw features Randy Orton taking on both members of Legacy in a handicap match, and Chairman Vince McMahon facing John Cena one-on-one.

---

Gail Kim, Kelly Kelly & Eve Torres vs. Alicia Fox, Katie Lea & Maryse
Six diva tag match

Eve scored her standing moonsault flip onto Maryse and had the pinfall but Alicia and Katie rushed in to kick her. The two heel divas grabbed Eve and rammed her into the corner, bringing Kelly and Gail into the ring. They dropkicked Katie and Alicia out of the ring then went out to battle them. Maryse came after Eve in the corner, slapping Eve as she sat on the corner. Eve managed to put a leg across Maryse's throat from the top of the corner, then flipped down to the mat. The result was an armbar submission hold that made Maryse quickly tap out.

Winners: Eve Torres, Kelly Kelly & Gail Kim win via pinfall over Alicia Fox, Katie Lea & Maryse.

Coming up later tonight, Triple H will speak about the attack from Sheamus.

Backstage, Criss Angel was talking to Hornswoggle about magic tricks. Bella Twins came in asking if they could be his assistants for the night. Angel said he doesn't use twins ever, so they asked for a magic trick instead. Angel pulled a thread off one of the Bellas. He put the thread in his mouth and then pulled it out through his eye area. Jillian Hall came in telling the Bellas if anyone would be Angel's assistant it's her. She started to sing, so Angel snapped his fingers at her saying she would lose her voice. Jillian was unable to speak, so Hornswoggle and the Bellas cheered his trick.

The MizShow was walking backstage. They're up next in a WM26 preview match against R-Truth and John Morrison.

---

WWE Slam of the Week covered the Triple Threat tag team match on Smackdown which R-Truth and Morrison won against Hart Dynasty and Cryme Tyme. Truth and Morrison will head to Wrestlemania 26 to take on MizShow for the Unified Tag titles.

Miz and Show arrived out giving a speech about how Truth and John Morrison lack credibility of a real tag team. Miz said they'd rather take on a real team like the Bushwackers. Miz bragged about the MizShow team calling them endangered species, saying they're the last truly great tag team in WWE. John Morrison arrived out next, then came R-Truth with the interactive "What's Up?" theme song.

R-Truth & John Morrison vs. The MizShow

Early on, Truth took it to Miz, and Morrison did a slide dropkick into Show on the apron, taking him out. Truth and Morrison knocked Miz over the top rope, then jumped out at him. Show came over to try to attack them, but failed and they double DDT'd him on the outside. Morrison and Truth did a double suplex on Miz dropping him onto the crowd barrier. The ref tossed the match out. Morrison got on the mic saying they just showed how real they can get since Miz questioned their credibility. Truth said "that's the truth, the whole truth and nothin' but the truth. and that's what's up!"

Winners: Match thrown out by referee as no order could be restored in the start.

---

Michael Cole talked about the upcoming WWE Championship match at Wrestlemania: Batista defends against Cena. They launched a video package to highlight how this feud has started and developed since the attack on Cena by Batista after Cena came to Bret Hart's aid on Raw. Batista showed up yet again at the Elimination Chamber when he was given a title shot right after Cena won the Chamber. Batista easily won the title due to Cena being worn down. The Animal appeared on Raw to discuss why he did what he did, saying Cena was made the face and star of the WWE, when he should be. He reminded Cena how he broke his neck in the ring during the prior match.

Backstage, Josh Matthews interviewed John Cena. Cena said Batista is correct with what he said, he can't beat him and hasn't. Cena said apparently Batista has his number, and the only thing he can do is go out and beat Batista. Matthews asked Cena if he aniticipates Batista getting involved in the match later on when Cena battles Vince McMahon. Cena said he counts on it.

Evan Bourne was shown backstage thanking Criss Angel for setting up a MITB qualifying match against William Regal for tonight's Raw. Just then, WWE NXT rookie Skip Sheffield came in to introduce himself to Angel. Regal arrived in to tell Bourne he'd see him in the ring later. Bourne left, so Sheffield asked Criss Angel to write a number down on a yellow legal pad with a marker then hold it facing his chest. Regal wrote 56 and Sheffield said that was a good number. Angel did some mind reading tricks and eventually came up with "56". Sheffield was impressed and told Regal he owes him a Travis Tritt CD now.

Cole and Lawler looked at highlights from the Elimination Chamber 2 weeks ago, when Rhodes gave a lead pipe to Ted Dibiase in the Chamber, allowing Dibiase to take out Orton.

Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes & Ted Dibiase
2-on-1 Handicap match

As Dibiase and Rhodes were arriving down the ramp, Orton rushed them to attack from behind. He knocked both guys down on the ramp then went into the ring to await their arrival.

In the late stages of this match, Orton/Rhodes went for a doubleteam clothesline whip on Orton in the corner. Instead, Orton clotheslined down Dibiase then Rhodes. Orton hit a scoop slam on each guy then became riled up. Rhodes rolled out of the ring as Orton started punching away on Dibiase in the corner. Dibiase rushed Orton after a boot to the face, but ended up in a backbreaker. Orton looked at the Wrestlemania banner then got on the mat to start stalking Dibiase. Rhodes got in and tried to do some sort of submission move, but Orton kicked him away and out of the ring. Orton looked out at Rhodes, allowing Dibiase the opportunity to hit Dream Street for the win.

After their win, Rhodes stood Orton up and hit Cross Rhodes on him. Dibiase got down to yell in Orton's face. Dibiase posed over the fallen Orton and mocked his pose.

Winners: Cody Rhodes and Ted Dibiase win via pinfall over Randy Orton.

Backstage, Batista was shown watching Raw on a flatscreen monitor. Josh Matthews walked in to ask Batista's thoughts on what Cena said earlier, that he counts on Batista interfering later tonight. Batista said he thinks Cena can't handle someone like him so it's messing with his head. Matthews asked Batista to verify he won't get involved tonight, and Batista gave his word as WWE Champion saying the match doesn't involve him. The Animal told Matthews to wish Cena good luck because he seems to need a confident boost.

Triple H was shown walking backstage in street clothes. The Game is up next to address last week's attack from Sheamus.

A commercial aired for next week's guest host. After 37 guest hosts, now Stone Cold Steve Austin will host Raw.

---

Triple H made his way out to the ring to discuss last week's sneak attack by Sheamus at the end of Raw. HHH talked about how he defeated Sheamus in the Elimination Chamber, costing him the WWE title. HHH added that he gave him a concussion so Sheamus couldn't get a rematch the next night on Raw, so HHH said he'd want to make a statement if that happened ot him too. That brought out the former WWE Champ, Sheamus.

Sheamus said he'll make a statement off Triple H at Wrestlemania, but asked HHH if he has the guts. Triple H suggested that Sheamus may have had the greatest first year in the history of the wrestling biz, but he's never been to Wrestlemania. HHH said until Sheamus makes a name for himself at Wrestlemania, all the other accomplishments mean nothing. HHH said his early start in WWE was moving upwards fast, so he went after the biggest guy he could find for Wrestlemania, but ended up getting crushed. HHH said he fell into a hole of obscurity and had to dig out to become "the guy" that everyone wants to make their name against. HHH said over the years many have tried at Mania, but some have succeeded, such as John Cena or Batista. HHH said it's a short list, but there's a long list who failed.

HHH said Sheamus better be sure he wants to take this next step. Sheamus stood back a few steps, then went at HHH. HHH blocked the shot then fired back, eventually sending Sheamus out over the ropes. The two continued the fight on the outside of the ring, with HHH knocking Sheamus into the time keeper's area. Sheamus got up and started walking away, but HHH wasn't done as he jumped on Sheamus' back and took him down for more of a beating. In the ring, HHH hit the Spinebuster on Sheamus, prompting the Celtic Warrior to flee from the ring up the ramp.

Santino Marella was with Criss Angel backstage, saying he was a big fan. Santino said there's been a lot of Italian magicians, like Ralph Maccio from Karate Kid, who disappeared then reappeared in My Cousin Vinny. Santino showed off his finger trick that everyone can do then asked if Angel has something better. Angel had four large styrofoam cups and asked Santino to hide a sushi knife under one while Angel turned his back. Santino put it under the fourth cup then made some noise with the other cups to pretend he was moving them around. Angel came over and put his hand over each one to sense its energy. He smashed down each of the empty cups, leaving the one with the sushi knife.

---

Evan Bourne vs. William Regal
Money in the Bank Qualifying match

Christian and his WWE NXT rookie Heath Slater were with the commentators for the match. Christian gave guest commentary while Slater stood nearby. WWE NXT rookie Skip Sheffield arrived to the ring with Regal to cheer him on in the match.

Regal gained the advantage early on and had Bourne down near the corner. Regal prepared for a knee trembler, but as he ran, Bourne got up and delivered a solid kick to knock Regal down. Bourne climbed to the corner and hit Air Bourne for the victory. Christian vowed to win the match at Wrestlemania saying he'll cash in to become the WWE or World Heavyweight champ.

Winner: Evan Bourne wins via pinfall over William Regal to qualify for the Money in the Bank ladder match at Wrestlemania.

There's now a total eight competitors for MITB. Evan Bourne joins Christian, Kane, Shelton Benjamin, MVP, Matt Hardy, Dolph Ziggler and Jack Swagger in the MITB Ladder match at Wrestlemania 26.

---

They showed a Wrestlemania XXVI recall where Goldberg defeated Brock Lesnar in a match officiated by Stone Cold Steve Austin. Lesnar flipped off Austin due to the result, so he ended up getting the Stone Cold Stunner. Austin offered a beer toast to Goldberg for the win, then kicked him in the gut and hit the Stone Cold Stunner on him. Austin will host Raw next week.

Cole and Lawler ran down the various Wrestlemania 26 matches including Cena v. Batista (WWE Title), Edge v. Jericho (World Title), Triple H vs. Sheamus, Bret Hart vs. Mr. McMahon, and Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker (Career v. The Streak).

They launched into highlights of what happened last Monday when Bret Hart was allowed to have a proper farewell on Raw. Vince McMahon informed Bret that he lied about why he invited him back. Vince said Bret should be able to heal up in six weeks so they can fight at WM26. Bret tried to say his leg was broken. The segment ended with Vince McMahon calling Hart a coward, then kicking the crutch out on Bret he was using for his broken leg. Bret got back up as Vince left the ring, and accepted the match for Wrestlemania. Vince then announced he will take on John Cena next week to show the physical condition he's in.

Vince McMahon was shown walking backstage on his way out to the ring for the main event.

---

NExt week when Austin hosts there will be a Wrestlemania Rewind, featuring matches from previous Wrestlemanias. John Cena takes on Big Show, Shawn Michaels takes on Chris Jericho, and HHH takes on Randy Orton. Also, there will be the official contract signing by Vince McMahon and Bret Hart, with The Rattlesnake presiding over it.

Justin Roberts introduced Criss Angel as tonight's guest host, and he came out to be the guest ring announcer. Angel got the fans hyped up for the main event, then presented the competitors, Cena first, then Chairman of the Board Vince McMahon.

John Cena vs. Vince McMahon

Vince took the mic from Criss Angel to deliver a message, telling Bret Hart to enjoy the match in Canada. Vince said there will be no magic tricks here, because the reality of this match will be Cena getting defeated 1-2-3. Vince then added that this will be a Gauntlet match.

John Cena vs. Vince McMahon & partners
Handicap Gauntlet Match #1

Kozlov charged to the ring and despite Cena's early fight, Kozlov took control. Vince reached over for a tag, and came in with Cena layed out flat on the mat. Vince covered but Cena kicked out at 2. Vince looked towards the ramp and motioned for another wrestler to come out. Next up was IC champ, Drew McIntyre who arrived to the ring to pound away on Cena. Drew layed out Cena for Vince to try to pin. Again, Cena kicked out before 3. Vince motioned for wrestler #3 to rush down to the ring, and it was Jack Swagger. Raw headed to commercial as Swagger started punching away on Cena.

Raw returned as Cena prepared for the Five Knuckle Shuffle. He turned to look at McMahon then delivered the Five Knuckle on Swagger. Cena went fo Attitude Adjustment, but Swagger countered then hit a powerslam on him. Vince begged for a tag, but Swagger did his running splash move from two different corners, then allowed Vince to tag in. Vince went for the pin once again, with Cena getting his arm up at 2. Vince tried for another cover but had no luck.

Mark Henry was the next guy out to the ring, shaking his head about having to participate. Henry looked at Vince a bit perturbed he had to do this, then paused before hitting the World's Strongest Slam. Vince came in to try another pin, with Cena again kicking out. Vince went outside the ring to grab the bell from the timekeeper area. Vince said it's now a No DQ match and started into the ring with the ring bell. Mark Henry pleaded with Vince not to use the bell on Cena. Vince pushed Henry aside, but Henry continued to stop him. Vince told Henry he could hit Cena with the bell then and handed it to him. Henry looked for a moment then threw the bell to the side.

Just then, Batista arrived and speared Henry. He kicked Henry out through the ropes and prepared for the attack on Cena. Kofi Kingston's music hit and Kingston came to fight off Batista, for a bit. Batista slammed Kofi off him with a Powerbomb out of the corner. With Kofi out of the way, Batista went at Cena. Cena recovered enough to fight back though and knocked The Animal down to the corner. He then turned his focus to Vince McMahon, who dropped the ring bell out of the ring in fear. Cena grabbed Vince and was ready for the Attitude Adjustment, but as he turned The Animal ran and speared him down. Vince was ready for a pin, but Batista told him to wait, then hit the Batista Bomb. Vince took the winning pinfall, and Batista stood over the layed out Cena as the spotlight shined down on him to close Raw.

Winner: Vince McMahon wins a No DQ Handicap Gauntlet match against John Cena by pinfall.

---