Raw Recap 05.24.10

Raw Recap from Toledo, OH:

Raw opened with highlights of last night's "I Quit match" for the WWE Title between John Cena and Batista. Both men refused to quit several times, despite plenty of carnage and damage done to each other. At one point, Batista and Cena fought in the auidence, with Cena knocking Batista off the 200 section. They ended up fighting up on the ramp where a car was parked and Batista tried to back it into Cena. Cena somehow avoided it, then came back to give Batista the Attitude Adjustment onto the hood of the car.

He asked if The Animal wanted to quit and Batista said no, so Cena picked him up for an Attitude Adjustment on top of the car. Batista quit so Cena wouldn't drop him onto the stage. The ref called for the Bell and Cena tossed Batista down, crashing through the top of the ramp. As Cena was celebrating to end the PPV, Sheamus emerged from backstage to give him a boot kick to the face.

Justin Roberts introduced Batista to the crowd. Batista was helped out from backstage with two referees helping him. He was wearing a sling and cast on his left arm, plus tape around the ribs. The Animal also had a visible shiner near his right eye. Michael Cole said it took 15 to 20 minutes for EMT's to get Batista out of the stage after the PPV.

Batista sat in a wheelchair in the ring, then waved the refs to leave the ring. Batista demanded a spotlight. He admitted he quit last night because his life was threatened by Cena. He said he may file a lawsuit against Cena for what he did, as well as the WWE and its fans. Batista said he's out for weeks, months and maybe years now. He vowed to come back better than ever and get a rematch with Cena. Justin Roberts got on the mic and interrupted saying he was told to announce the new GM of Raw, Bret "The Hitman" Hart.

Bret came down to the ring to confront Batista. Bret said there will be a new PPV, Fatal 4-Way on June 20th, where Cena will defend the title against 3 opponents. Bret said Batista can qualify by winning a match tonight. Batista yelled at Bret that he's hurt. Bret said so is his opponent, Randy Orton. Batista told Bret he can't make him fight. Bret told him to take the opportunity or forfeit. Batista said if Bret does that he'll quit WWE. Bret said on the mic that Orton is the winner by forfeit. Batista was livid in his wheelchair as Hitman left the ring. Batista kept threatening to quit, then finally yelled out "I QUIT!" to the fan's applause. Fans sang him the Na Na Na Na Goodbye song on the way out. Two refs came back down to get him and wheel him up the ramp backstage. Justin Roberts said "Ladies and Gentlemen, let's hear it for Batista!"

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Raw returned with a replay of Batista in the ring saying "I Quit!" Cole and Lawler talked over how surprised they were that The Animal is leaving WWE. Michael Cole said this all came about because of the new GM of Raw, Bret "The Hitman" Hart.

Mark Henry vs. Sheamus
Fatal 4-Way Qualifying Match #2

Sheamus exploited Henry's hurt shoulder that Batista had injured weeks ago. Mark Henry missed on a charge on Sheamus at the corner, hitting the turnbuckle hard. Sheamus climbed onto the corner for a move, with Henry walking over to press him overhead. However, Henry's shoulder was bothering him too much and gave out, dropping Sheamus to the mat. As Henry turned around, Sheamus delivered a pump kick to knock him down for the pin.

Winner: Sheamus wins via pinfall over Mark Henry to qualify for the WWE Title Fatal 4-Way match.

So far John Cena, Randy Orton, Sheamus are in the Fatal 4-Way match, with one spot left to be decided.

Michael Cole announced that because Bret Hart is now the General Manager of Raw, he vacated the United States title. Bret has set up a US Title match for tonight between R-Truth and The Miz.

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Guest host Jon Lovitz was shown backstage on a cell phone. He said Mr. McMahon to just pay him in company stock, then said "Mr. McMahon don't make me flip you!" He hung up as Maryse walked in. Maryse shook hands with him, then said she has some hot photos that would win the talent contest he's holding tonight. Lovitz asked for a sneak peek. He offered to teach her his secret submission pinch hold, but Maryse said she wasn't interested. He started talking in French to her and said he has millions of dollars. Maryse said she might be interested now. Lovitz said then he's not, and told her goodbye. Maryse got in his face and Lovitz ran away.

Bret Hart was backstage with Edge, asking why he thinks he deserves a title match at Fatal 4-Way. Edge said Orton qualified by a forfeit from an already beaten up Batista. Edge said he should get to face a beaten up Cena for his shot to qualify. Just then, Chris Jericho walked in and talked up his accomplishments saying he deserves a title shot since he beat Edge at Wrestlemania. Hart stopped the two from arguing and said he made his decision. Jericho vs. Edge vs Cena, if either Edge or Jericho win it, they qualify for Fatal 4-Way. If they don't win, they get nothing. Edge told Jericho and Hart he's a better champ and a better Canadian than either of them ever were. Edge left, but Jericho gave Hitman some advice to not make an enemy out of him, or taking the GM job will be the worst decision he ever made. Hitman said he looks forward to it.

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They showed still shot images from the WWE Divas Championship match between Eve and Maryse. Eve was able to win after blocking the French Kiss, then scored a unique pinfall for the win.

Gail Kim & Eve Torres vs. Alicia Fox & Maryse

Early on, Gail reversed a pin from Alicia near the ropes, where Maryse made a blind tag. Maryse came in to kick Gail in the bakc of the head and start working her over in front of Eve.

Eve ducked a punch attempt on the apron as Maryse ran at her. That allowed Gail to tag out. It ended up with all four divas in the ring. With the ref trying to get Gail out to the apron, Alicia ran and kicked Eve in the head. Maryse scored a French Kiss DDT to pin Eve for the win.

Winners: Alicia Fox & Maryse win via pinfall over Gail Kim & Eve Torres.

They showed a replay of the US Title No DQ match between The Miz and Bret Hart. Chris Jericho, Natalya, DH Smith and Tyson Kidd all got involved. Hart Dynasty hit Hart Attack on The Miz, allowing Bret to put Miz in a Sharpshooter for the victory.
Sharpshooter for the win. Cole said now that Bret is the new GM of Raw he has given up the US title, but it will be decided in a match between R-Truth and The Miz.

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R-Truth vs. The Miz
United States Championship

The following match was held to determine the new United States Champion now that Bret Hart is the GM of Raw. R-Truth did his "What's Up?" rap entrance theme. After he had finished, The Miz came out with mic in hand. He told Truth that what's up is he going to take back the US Title which should have never been taken from him to begin with.

Late in the match, R-Truth jumped off the ropes for a flying crossbody onto Miz for the pin, but Miz rolled through for his own pinfall. Miz and Truth continued to have near falls. Truth rolled up Miz with a schoolboy and Miz kicked out. Truth went for the scissor kick but Miz ducked it. Miz tried to clothesline Truth but he ducked and ran against the ropes. Truth came back with the Lie Detector spinning forearm to capture the pinfall win. This makes R-Truth's first singles championship in WWE history.

Winner: R-Truth wins via pinfall over The Miz to become new United States Champion.

Cole and Lawler reviewed how an injured Batista quit earlier in the show. They showed the replay once again of Batista whining in the ring, and then the announcement of the new Raw GM, Bret Hart.

Josh Matthews interviewed WWE Champion John Cena backstage about his "I Quit match" last night. Cena said he was exhausted by it, and as we saw earlier it ended a man's career. Cena said he felt good for the first time in months to get closure with Batista. Cena said he was on cloud nine after his win last night, but then got kicked in the face by someone whiter than cloud nine. Cena discussed the honor of carrying the WWE title, and how he will never run, always fight. Cena said whoever ultimately takes the title from him is going to be hurting. Cena said he's putting everyone on notice to bring their A-Game because he'll rain down on anyone who looks close to a threat. Cena said he's done playing nice and the C-Nation is here.

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Justin Roberts introduced tonight's guest host, Jon Lovitz. Lovitz was escorted by The Bella Twins, like every other guest host. Lovitz needed a push from the Bella Twins to roll under the bottom rope into the ring. Lovitz and The Bella Twins sat down at a table in the ring to judge a WWE Superstars Secret talent show.

First up was The Great Khali and Ranjin Singh to do "Puttin' on the Ritz". They were both dressed in tuxedoes and top hats, dancing to the song. Lovitz hit the buzzer on them.

Jillian Hall came out to the ramp next. Lovitz immediately hit the buzzer and told her to get out of there. Lovitz got up and said he thinks this was a bad idea and a waste of time. He said the real talent is probably hidden in the crowd somewhere. Lovitz pointed out to sections of the crowd and finally selected one guy from the side front row. A guy in glasses and Santino T-shirt rolled into the ring. He told Lovitz his name is Joe. He told Lovitz his talent is he can pull his eye out of his face. The guy took off his glasses and they gave a drumroll. He put some eye drops in his eye, then banged the back of his head and finally pulled his eye out.

Suddenly, Ted Dibiase's music came on and Dibiase came out in street clothes with Virgil accompanying him. Dibiase said he wanted the eyeball and asked how much for it. The guy said he can't sell his eyeball. Dibiase said he's not asking, and if he has to, he's gonna beat him up and take it. As Dibiase was in the guy's face, Santino's music came on and he came to the ring. Santino warned Dibiase that he would do the secret pinch submission on his man-servant Virgil if he wasn't careful. Lovitz warned him about using it on others. Santino pinched Virgil on the neck and he collapsed to the mat. Lovitz yelled "it worked!" and told Santino to sick Dibiase. Santino tried it but it had no effect. Dibiase hit Dream Street to lay out Santino. Lovitz told Dibiase he wins the talent contest.

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Cole and Lawler reviewed the Fatal 4-Way WWE Title qualifying so far, with Randy Orton winning the first match due to Batista forfeiting and Sheamus winning the other over Mark Henry by pinfall. The final spot may be determined in the Triple Threat match between Edge, Chris Jericho and John Cena.

The Hart Dynasty vs. Vladimir Kozlov & William Regal

Cole said this match came about due to last week's altercation during the US Title match involving Bret Hart and The Miz.

Regal got an early knee in on Kidd, then after some beatdown tagged in Kozlov. Kozlov had a powerslam on Kidd. Kozlov went to press him overhead, but Kidd grabbed the ropes and flipped onto the apron. Kozlov charged at him, so Kidd kicked Kozlov in the head.

Things finished up when Regal missed on a knee trembler. Smith picked up Regal in a Bear Hug and tagged Kidd. Kidd ran back and forth against the ropes then finally took Regal down for the Hart Attack and pinfall.

The victory celebration was shortlived as three individuals stormed the ring. The two tag partners and their female manager layed out Natalya and the Hart Dynasty in the middle of the ring. Next, all three got up on opposite ring corners and did a splash on the three Hart Dynasty members at the same time. Lawler and Cole questioned who those people were but had no idea.

Winners: The Hart Dynasty wins via pinfall over William Regal & Vladimir Kozlov.

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Josh Matthews was backstage with the final 4 WWE NXT competitors, Heath Slater, Wade Barrett, Justin Gabriel and David Otunga. Matthews asked them each to choose who will be eliminated next. Gabriel said Heath Slater is a one-man bobblehead Heath Slater, who he can't picture in a big title match. Barrett said he agreed. Slater called Gabriel a "one-trick pony" and Barrett "a guy with a flower and a jacket". Slater said he thinks the one who should go is David "C-List" Otunga. Otunga spoke next saying Gabriel is a glorified gymnast, while Barrett is all about the money and he can buy his favor. Otunga said the guy who should go is "the one man hick band" Heath Slater. Slater and Otunga got into a verbal altercation saying they need to book a match right now. Matthews tried to get a word in, then finally sent it back to ringside.

Michael Cole said the pressure continues to build on NXT. Lawler brought up Cole's confrontation with Daniel Bryan. Cole said he's trying not to mention it, so Lawler said he'll mention it. They rolled the footage once again of Bryan's in-ring promo about WWE and how Cole has been dissing him. Bryan erupted and ended up attacking Cole at ringside. Back to Raw, and Cole said he's had a rough week after all that physical trauma, mental and emotional anguish. Cole said tomorrow night on NXT he will call Daniel Bryan out for a public apology. Cole said if Bryan doesn't he'll sue Bryan for everything he's worth.

Edge was preparing in the locker room backstage when Jericho came in. Jericho suggested that Cena's the weak link in the match tonight since he's hurt. Edge said so it's going to be a pin to see who pins Cena first. Edge told Jericho he better be quick, because he'll get to Cena first. Edge then said maybe he won't beat Cena, maybe he'll beat Jericho instead.

They cut to a shot of Cena carrying the belt on his shoulder walking backstage.

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Edge vs. Chris Jericho vs. John Cena
Triple Threat match

If Edge or Jericho get the win, they will qualify for the WWE Title Fatal 4-Way match at the PPV June 20th. Early on, Cena was able to clear the ring, first Edge and then using his leg strength to toss Jericho off the Walls of Jericho attempt. Cena clotheslined Jericho out and Raw went to commercial break.

Raw returned with the heels trying to work together to wear down Cena in the ring. Cena ducked a move from Jericho then clotheslined Edge down. Edge tried for a pinfall on Jericho but Jericho kicked out. Jericho was able to toss Edge up over the top rope then began to work on Cena one-on-one in the ring. Edge was out of the action for some time, and Cena gained momentum after tossing Jericho into the ringpost. Cena appeared to have some blood on his face. He still hit the Five Knuckle Shuffle on Jericho. He set up Attitude Adjustment on Jericho, but saw Edge get back in the ring. Cena dropped Jericho who looked like he landed bad on his leg. He fell to the mat clutching his knee. Edge was able to Spear Jericho in the corner, but Jericho rolled out of the ring.

From there, Cena slapped the STF on Edge. Edge was going crazy trying not to tap out, but Cena held it on. Jericho got back into the mix, came over and grabbed Cena. He started turning it into Walls of Jericho, with Edge still there. Edge crawled out, then went after Jericho. Jericho released Cena and put the Walls on Edge. Edge struggled again, and finally Cena hit a Bulldog on Jericho from behind. Edge fell out of the ring.

In the closing moments, Cena gained control against Jericho. Jericho and Cena had a roll through pin which ended up with Cena standing up with Jericho in his arms, then putting him into Attitude Adjustment. Edge rushed back in and speared Cena to bring everyone down. Edge climbed on Cena for the pin, but Jericho threw him off. Edge tried a small package on Jericho, but Jericho escaped. Cena got back into the fight and picked up Edge for Attitude Adjustment. Edge slid off and shoved him away into Jericho who hit the Codebreaker. From there, Edge had crouched down in the corner then charged forward to Spear down Jericho for the pin.

Winner: Edge wins via pinfall over Chris Jericho to qualify for the Fatal 4-Way WWE Title match.

Sheamus came out from backstage as Edge got out of the ring celebrating at the bottom of the ramp. Cena stood up and stared out at both Edge and Sheamus. Just then, Randy Orton's music came on and The Viper emerged from backstage. He came onto the ramp staring down at the others. Raw ended with everyone eyeing each other.

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