Raw Recap 03.29.10

Raw Recap from Phoenix, AZ

Raw opened with Wrestlemania 26 highlights of "The Career vs The Streak" match between Undertaker and Shawn Michaels. It was a grueling bout that Undertaker ultimately won, leaving a teary-eyed Michaels in the ring as fans chanted "H-B-K".

Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler were on hand for commentary, saying Shawn Michaels' Farewell to the WWE Universe will come tonight on Raw.

The Animal Batista's music hit and the former WWE Champ arrived to the ring. Batista stopped several times to respond to fan remarks, with one guy in the front row shooting him a double middle finger. Batista said last night was just a fluke, and next month nobody will even remember Wrestlemania. The crowd started up a "you tapped out" chant in reference to Cena's STF last night. Batista said he will regain his title because he gets a rematch. Batista said Cena can't beat him, and that brought the brand new champion out to respond.

Cena said Batista had a lot of talk of how Cena couldn't beat him, but last night it happened. Cena made a joking face about Batista's look before tapping out. Cena said tonight could be the most historic episode of Raw yet, with Shawn Michaels' farewell and a WWE title rematch between Cena/Batista. Cena said for once let's give the WWE Universe what they want. Batista asked the crowd if they all want to see the rematch, then Batista shook his head and said "not tonight". He tried to swing at Cena, with Cena punching back. Batista slipped out of the ring to back up the ramp with Cena staring him down.

Suddenly, Cena was attacked from behind by Jack Swagger with the MITB briefcase. He based Cena down several times with the briefcase, leaving Cena face down. Swagger went out of the ring, grabbed a mic and yelled for a ref, saying he wanted to cash in right now. It took the ref a while to get there, and by the time he did, Cena was back to his feet. Swagger exited the ring and waved his arms saying no MITB cash in.

Cole and Lawler said tonight they'll show some of The Heartbreak Career defining moments. First up was his debut with Marty Jannety in 1988 as part of The Rockers Tag team.

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Slam of the Week showed still shot images from WM26 of Randy Orton defeating Rhodes and Dibiase in last night's Triple Threat match.

Recent Hall of Fame inductee, The Million Dollar man Ted Dibiase arrived out along with legends Irwin R. Scheister, Arn Anderson, Pat Patterson and Nick Bockwinkle. Next up, Rowdy Roddy Piper came out along with Sgt. Slaughter, Tony Garrea and Ricky the Dragon Steamboat. Jerry Lawler left his position at the commentary table then went to ringside to join the face legends.

Clark Duke and Rob Cordry of Hot Tub Time Machine came out as tonight's guest hosts. They announced the main event, Jack Swagger & Batista vs. John Cena and a partner of his choice. They also said that they, the hosts, would be competing in a Hot Tub match against the WWE Divas. They said they wanted to start the show off with a Legends Lumberjack match.

Christian vs. Ted Dibiase
Legends Lumberjack match

The closing moments of this match saw Christian try the Killswitch, but Dibiase countered and tried to slam him back. Christian landed on both feet and staggered against the ropes, so Dibiase ran and took him over the top rope. Both men hit the floor, so the various lumberjacks rushed over to toss them back in. A brawl broke out outside the ring with the legends beating on each other. Dibiase was distracted and Christian hit him with the Killswitch for the win.

Winner: Christian wins via pinfall over Ted Dibiase.

After the match, Million Dollar Man got in the ring to try to help his son up. Ted Dibiase Jr. pushed him away then left the ring with Million Dollar Man standing there.

Another Shawn Michaels moment from The Heartbreak Career, was from Brutus' Barbershop segment, when Shawn Michaels finally decided to betray his tag partner Marty Jannetty. HE kicked him in the face then threw him face first through the Barbershop window.

Triple H was shown on his way out to the ring from backstage.

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As Raw returned Cole thanked Kevin Rudolf for the Wrestlemania 26 theme song "I Made It". Cole and Lawler discussed Wrestlemania week's sights and sounds including Wrestlemania Fan Axxess, Art Show, Pro Am Golf tournament and Reading challenge.

The guest hosts were backstage in bathrobes preparing for the Hot tub divas match. They talked about how they ditched their co-stars from the movie, but the one guy asked about John Cusack. Santino came walking in wearing a trench coat and said "don't worry about the Cusack", then walked off. The hosts took off their robes and then walked to the Hot tub which had the Bellas, Rosa Mendes and Tiffany inside. They said whoever can stay in the hot tub the longest with both of them wins. One Bella asked "wins what, a future divas title match?" and the host said "sure, whatever". They clapped to dim the lights then handed the divas glasses of champagne.

Triple H arrived to the ramp with a mic. HHH choked back some tears talking about how tonight is the end of an era. Triple H said he never expected it to happen this way, because it seems like just yesterday he walked into the WWE and he saw Shawn Michaels in overalls with gold jewelry and a bad haircut. HHH said they took on the world, fighting everyone, even each other. Triple H said he wanted to come out before everything- an "H-B-K" chant erupted from the fans. HHH said he wanted to come out before everything else happened. HHH said there's something he always wanted to say to Shawn but never said it. Just as HHH was about to speak, Sheamus rushed out and clocked him from behind with a lead pipe. HHH fell down on the ramp face first. Several WWE officials rushed out to help HHH, who seemed to be confused about his surroundings. Raw went to break.

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Raw returned with Cole and Lawler replaying what just occurred as Sheamus attacked HHH from behind with a lead pipe.

Beth Phoenix, Kelly Kelly, Eve Torres, Gail Kim & Mickie James vs. Michelle McCool, Maryse, Alicia Fox, Layla & Vickie Guerrero

This match was a Wrestlemania rematch from last night's diva match. Last night, the heel divas won with Vickie Guerrero's "Hogsplash" finishing move.

Maryse and Eve started things off. Maryse gave a hand to the face motion, then went over to do her hair flip near the ropes. Eve rushed at her, and did the schoolboy pinfall for the quick win. Vickie Guerrero got in the ring and started yelling at the five face divas, then pointed behind her, thinking the heel divas were there. They had all left the ring. Vickie started to run, and the face divas yanked her jacket off, with Vickie escaping the ring. The heels snuck back in to try to attack from behind, but ended up getting cleared out of the ring.

Winners: Eve Torres, Kelly Kelly, Beth Phoenix, Mickie James & Gail Kim win via pinfall over Maryse, Vickie Guerrero, Michelle McCool, Layla & Alicia Fox.

Another Shawn Michaels Career moment was shown. This highlight was from 1994 at Wrestlemania when Michaels competed against Razor Ramon in the first ever Ladder Match for the Intercontinental Title.

Bret Hart was shown walking backstage on his way out to address the WWE Universe.

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Raw returned with Wrestlemania XII highlights of The Iron Man Match between Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart. Michaels won the WWE title after a Superkick on Hart.

Bret Hart arrived out to address the WWE Universe. Bret congratulated Shawn Michaels on an epic, storybook career. Hart said Shawn Michaels is one of the greatest wrestlers of all time, and he wishes him all the best in the future. Hart said it was a great feeling to beat the holy hell out of Vince McMahon at Wrestlemania 26. Hart said the whole Hart family beat Vince last night. Bret said he can feel his mother, father, Owen and British Bulldog sending their appreciation down. The fans started an "Owen" chant, so Hart showed off the T-shirt he had on which showed him and Owen. Hart said the only taste he has left in his mouth now is joy and satisfaction. Bret said he wants to thank his fans all around the world for the past three months back in WWE. As the fans applauded, out came The MizShow.

Miz and Show got in the ring with Hart. Miz asked Bret if he's really proud of beating Vince in a 25 on 1 handicap match. Miz said Bret coming back has robbed Miz of his time. Miz said for months he heard about Bret screwed Bret, Vince screwed Bret and more. Miz said if anyone deserves to talk about himself, it's The Miz. Miz said last night he became 1-0 in Wrestlemania, and is now 17 wins away from tying The Undertaker. Miz called Hart overrated, and said the whole Hart family is. Miz told Hart to get out of the ring, before his fist gives Bret's face closure. Bret told Miz to make him leave. Miz started forward, but Big Show pulled him back. Show started jawing with Bret, but just then The Hart Dynasty's theme music hit. Out came Natalya with DH Smith and Kidd to back up Bret. Show and Miz backed off and left the ring.

Bret Hart got on the mic and asked where Miz and Show were heading, then challenged them to get back in the ring to face Hart Dynasty so they can get embarassed. Show tried to say no to Miz, but they eventually went to the ring as Raw hit break.

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The Hart Dynasty vs. The MizShow

Non-title match was in progress as Raw returned, with Natalya and Bret ringside.

In the late stages of this one, DH Smith held Miz up in a Bear Hug, as Kidd did a springboard clothesline off the ropes. From there, Kidd locked a Sharpshooter on Miz in honor of Bret. Show came over around the ring and yelled to Miz "you done now, gonna listen to me?" then yanked Miz out of the ring. Show helped Miz up the ramp as the ref counted Miz out.


Hart Dynasty all posed in the ring with Bret Hart to celebrate.

Winners: The Hart Dynasty wins due to countout of The MizShow.

They showed how Shawn Michaels was a major part of D-Generation X over WWE history, via various highlights.

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Raw returned with the Hot Tub segment. The Hot Tub hosts were still in the tub with several divas. Their co-star Craig Robinson appeared up on a flat screen behind the tub. He said when he got to the airport it seemed someone had given him the wrong tickets. He said even though he's not there physically, he can still make decisions on the show. He told The Bellas they won the match so they could leave. Robinson said now it's time for their next opponent, Mark Henry. Henry arrived out in a speedo, then sat between the two guys and put his arms around them. He said to tell them about Hollywood. Just then one of the guys screamed that something bit him. Hornswoggle appeared in snorkel gear from under the hot tub water, then sat with the guys as his theme music played.

Lawler and Cole thanked Audioslave for "Be Yourself" one of Wrestlemania 26's theme songs last night. They replayed Sheamus attacking HHH from behind with a lead pipe.

The brand new Money in the Bank winner, Jack Swagger arrived out in a glittery red robe and blue wrestling gear for the main event. He put his briefcase down then did pushups as his pyro went off.

Swagger got on the mic and asked if the fans could smell that smell..the smell of Money in the Bank. Swagger said when he wants something, he is odds on favorite to get it. Swagger said earlier tonight he was just messing with John Cena. Swagger said when he cashes in for real, he'll be odds on favorite to walk away with the WWE Title. Michael Cole noted that Swagger could cash it in during the next match if he chooses. Raw hit commercial break.

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John Cena & Mystery Partner vs. Jack Swagger & Batista

They announced that the next WWE Pay-Per-View will be Extreme Rules. The crowd started a "you tapped out" chant on Batista, then John Cena arrived out to the ring. Cena made the "tap out" mocking sign against the palm of his hand to show Batista. Cena got in the ring with a mic and said he has a major announcement. Cena said Batista will recognize him because he's an old friend of Batista's. Just then, Randy Orton's music hit and out came Orton as Cena's tag partner.

Michael Cole noted how Batista and Randy Orton were bitter enemies since the demise of Evolution, when Batista helped get rid of Orton.

Batista finally got in to face Cena in the latter stages of the main event, after Swagger had roughed Cena up and worn him down. Batista brought Cena to his feet, with Cena punching back, but Batista took him down with a Spinebuster. The Animal went for a Batista Bomb, with Cena backdropping him. Cena struggled to crawl over and tag in Orton, just as Swagger tagged in. Orton clotheslined Swagger down multiple times, then hit a powerslam. Swagger tried to attack from behind but Orton hit a backbreaker. Batista rushed in to break up a pinfall. He caught Cena with a Spear as Cena got into the ring. Orton exploded and hit an RKO on Batista to the crowd's approval. Next up, Orton hit the RKO on Swagger and took the pinfall as the crowd went wild.

Michael Cole noted that Orton has been on an incredible roll lately. Orton posed for the crowd on the ring corner after Cena left the scene with his WWE title belt.

Winners: John Cena & Randy Orton win via pinfall over Jack Swagger & Batista.

Another Shawn Michaels highlight moment was shown- Michaels vs Undertaker at Wrestlemania 25. The match won the Slammy Award for Match of the Year in 2009.

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Shawn Michaels Farewell

The Heartbreak Kid arrived out in cowboy hat with red western shirt and jeans. Cole and Lawler stood to applaud as did the majority of fans. The crowd gave up an "H-B-K" chant again once Michaels was in the ring. Suddenly, the lights dimmed and The Undertaker made his way out from backstage. Taker stopped up on the ramp looking down towards the ring at HBK. He tipped the brim of his hat forward to show respect for Michaels, then went backstage.

Shawn Michaels started to talk but the crowd began a "Please don't go" chant for him. Michaels said he's been doing this for some time, and now that he's 44 it's gonna be tough to get used to not being inside the fans' homes every week. The fans chanted out "Thank you Shawn". Michaels said he appreciates that, but he really needs to thank them as a tear streamed down from his eye. Michaels said for the longest time, the ring and the fans were all he had.

Michaels went on to thank Hunter for being his friend when nobody else wanted to like him. Michaels said he wasn't easy to be around, but Hunter never left his side once during that time. Shawn said there's a lot of people to thank, those out there in the trucks, the guys holding the camera, Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler and the greatest announcer of all time, Jim Ross. Michaels thanked Adam, a crazy redhead kid back in Stamford, CT, who is the one who puts together the highlight videos they show. He thanked him for making Shawn look like a Superstar. Michaels was full of tears as the fans chanted "One more match".

Michaels said he doesn't want to go back on his word to the fans or The Undertaker. He said he's tried to be an open book for the 20 years he's been in the business, so he wants to honor his word to everyone. He said he's going to do everything in his power to make sure he doesn't fight one more match. The fans chanted "Thank You Shawn". Shawn said he has to thank one other guy, Bret Hart. Shawn said he drove him crazy back in the 90's, and everything Bret said, he had a right to say. He thanked Bret for giving him the opportunity of friendship once again. Michaels said and there's also Vince McMahon, but the fans booed him. He said there's no way he could have worked for anyone else, and there's no way he'll be able to do a regular gig again.

Michaels thanked the WWE Universe for giving him the honor and privilege to let him entertain them every night of his life. He also thanked his lord and savior Jesus Christ, as well as Rebecca, Cheyenne and Canyon. Shawn Michaels then said "Ladies & gentlemen, the Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels has left the building". He waved to the fans in the crowd as they applauded him. Michaels walked up the ramp slapping hands and then his theme music started. Triple H came out to hug him then showed off some DX glosticks, which he placed down on the ramp vent in an X formation. Raw ended with Michaels waving his hat to the fans then exiting backstage.

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