Raw Recap from Albany, NY:
Michael Cole welcomed fans to Raw just six days before WWE's Hell in a Cell PPV event. Cole and Lawler reminded fans of the 3-on-1 Gauntlet match scheduled for John Cena tonight where he faces Jericho, Big Show and Randy Orton. MVP and Mark Henry were in the ring to open the show with the VIP Lounge.
MVP prepared to introduce the special guest host for tonight's show but was abruptly interrupted by Chris Jericho and Big Show who arrived out with their unified tag title belts. The tag champs defend against Rey Mysterio & Batista at Hell in a Cell Sunday. Jericho criticized MVP for not giving Al Sharpton a proper introduction, and told him how he'd describe Sharpton as the man just like him who says whatever's on his mind. MVP cut off Jericho and tried to introduce Sharpton, with Jericho quickly introducing him first.
Sharpton arrived down to the ring to shake hands with everyone in the ring. Sharpton started to speak about his latest rally to try to spur on education along with Newt Gingrich and other politicians. He also noted it was a tough crowd there in Albany, but he'll be facing a lot of tough crowds wherever he goes. MVP suggested that Sharpton give he and Mark Henry a shot at the tag titles. Jericho started to say they can't compete because he and Show are part of the Gauntlet match later. Sharpton asked for the people's opinion and the fans cheered in support of having the tag titles match, despite Jericho telling Sharpton he shouldn't listen to the fans. Sharpton said the title match would be next.
MVP & Mark Henry vs. Chris Jericho & Big Show
Unified Tag Team Title Match
Late in the match, MVP managed to escape Chris Jericho to tag in Mark Henry. Henry began to go wild and ran over to knock Show off the apron. Next he pressed Jericho overhead and tossed him out of the ring at Show. After a commercial break, Raw returned with Henry in control as Jericho collapsed from the corner to the mat. Henry got just a 2 count and continue his momentum. He knocked Jericho down again, with Big Show making the blind tag to Jericho's shoulder at the ropes. Show came in to quickly spear down Henry and then elbow dropped him several times.
At one point the ref became distracted talking to MVP, while Jericho got in cheap shots on Henry in the corner. Show leveled Henry yet again for another near fall. Show continued to dominate using a DDT to take down Henry for another fall. Jericho tagged in to go to work on Henry, kicking away at him. Jericho went for a sleeper hold which brought Henry down to one knee. Henry backed him into the corner, but Jericho hit the drop toe hold to trip Henry into the bottom turnbuckle.
Show came back in to try to dominate but he and Henry wound up double clotheslining each other. Henry and Show both crawled over to make tags, with MVP coming in with the momentum. MVP with a near fall after knocking Jericho down. MVP with the Ballin' Elbow drop, but again only a 2 count. Big Show came into the ring and clubbed MVP down with the ref yelling at him. Henry came in next and threw himself into Show, knocking Show out through the ropes. Jericho then dropkicked Henry from behind sending him outside also. MVP tried for the quick rollup pin to steal the win, but again Jericho escaped. MVP had yet another near fall. He got up and ran against the side ropes, but as the ref's view was obstructed, Show punched MVP hard in the back. Jericho caught MVP in the Codebreaker to win it.
Winners: Chris Jericho & Big Show win via pinfall over Mark Henry & MVP to retain the Unified Tag Team Titles.
Primo was shown backstage thanking Reverend Al Sharpton for being a true inspiration to all minorities. Just then, Hornswoggle burst into the office running around frantically and making scared noises. Sharpton yelled at him to stop, just as Chavo Guerrero appeared and started to chase Horney around the desk. Sharpton told them to hold it and asked what was going on. Chavo introduced his tag partner for the night Chris Masters. Santino showed up to say he's Hornswoggle's partner, and called Masters & Chavo the Geico cavemen. Santino thought that Al Sharpton was Don King, then next said he loved his work in the original Shaft. Finally, Sharpton yelled for everyone to get out so he could finish his education lesson. Primo returned and welcomed Sharpton to the craziness that is Monday Night Raw.
Cole and Lawler reviewed how the whole John Cena 3-on-1 Gauntlet match came about after last week's six man tag match loss by Cena, Henry & MVP.
Josh Matthews talked to Randy Orton backstage. Orton said Cena doesn't stand a chance to survive tonight's slaughter. Orton said on Sunday Cena will lose more than just the title. Orton said Cena's struggle to compete and survive will come to an end Sunday.
WWE Diva Rosa Mendes was walking backstage with Alicia Fox. Jerry Lawler said it looks like Alicia has some advice for Rosa for her match against Mickie James next.
A promo piece was shown regarding the educational reform efforts by Al Sharpton and Newt Gingrich. More information about the Education Reform Tour at nationalactionnetwork.net
Mickie James vs. Rosa Mendes
Alicia Fox accompanied Rosa Mendes to the ring. Last week Alicia attacked Mickie post-match after Mickie had just been defeated by Beth Phoenix. Mickie and Alicia will fight at this Sunday's Hell in a Cell over the Divas title.
Early on Rosa was taken down by Mickie, but Rosa turned it into a headscissors on Mickie's head. Mickie escaped to take her down with the armbar, There were some botched moves in the corner area, but Mickie recovered and was ready to do her DDT style finisher. Alicia Fox yelled to her from ringside to distract her. Rosa went for a clothesline, with Mickie ducking it and hitting a neckbreaker. Rosa gained control as she kicked Mickie when she ducked down for a backdrop. From there Rosa used kicks to the back of Mickie and stretched her arms back to wear her down. Mickie escaped by throwing Rosa with her arms, but Rosa threw her to the corner and began ramming her. Mickie elbowed and kicked back at her.
Mickie with a headscissors to throw Rosa from the corner area, then a series of takedowns. Mickie tackled Rosa down to try to punch away, but it was shortlived. Alicia Fox jumped on the side apron, so Mickie went over and grabbed her by the hair. Rosa tried to run at her, but Mickie let go of Alicia and moved causing Rosa to hit the middle ropes with her crotch. As Rosa staggered to her feet, Mickie delivered a roundhouse kick to her head to knock her out.
Mickie posed with her championship belt from the corner as Alicia glared at her from ringside.
Winner: Mickie James wins via pinfall over Rosa Mendes.Legacy was shown walking backstage on their way to the ring for the next match.
Jerry Lawler thanked Skillet for their theme song "Monster" for 2009 Hell in a Cell. Cole noted the Steel cage hanging above the ring tonight, similar to what we'll see at Sunday's PPV. It's got 5 tons of steel, and 2,700 feet of chain link is involved in the structure.
Legacy arrived to the ring. Rhodes and Dibiase cut a promo regarding their match for Sunday against DX. Dibiase said they're primed for the single greatest victory in their careers this Sunday, based on their previous work. They rolled footage of them attacking DX on Raw weeks ago, and then their big win in the Submission match at Breaking Point. Rhodes discussed Michaels and HHH being the biggest stars in Raw history, with HHH as a sure fire first ballot Hall of Famer. Rhodes said after Sunday, HHH can go sit at his desk in WWE HQ with the rest of his family for his new career in the WWE office. Rhodes mentioned Shawn Michaels being legendary for coming back from a broken back to wrestle again. Rhodes said they'll make history by standing over a broken Shawn Michaels at Sunday's PPV.
As Rhodes continued to speak he was suddenly interrupted by Shawn Michaels yelling out "BOOOORING!" Legacy looked around but couldn't see DX anywhere. Michaels yelled Boring again. Triple H started to speak saying this wasn't half bad, and Michaels said "it's all bad". DX was shown up in a box seat area behind the crowd. Legacy said DX is just making jokes to take the sting out of the beating they got recently. Shawn Michaels reminded HHH to keep his comments PG, so HHH told Legacy they're like butts, the center part, not the cheeks. HHH compared DX to the Incredible Hulk, because when they're joking around their monster side is at bay, but when they get angry, the monster comes out. HHH said why wait until Sunday, so he and Michaels made their way down the stairs through the crowd, then down the ramp to the ring. Rhodes and Dibiase quickly escaped out of the ring and into the crowd. Michaels said it was a shock after all the talk, Legacy is running away. HHH said this Sunday there will be no running or hiding, and DX won't be joking around.
Evan Bourne vs. Jack Swagger
Swagger came out with the stolen United States title belt around his waist. Cole and Lawler showed footage of how Swagger stole the belt during his match with Kofi last week. Miz was trying to steal the belt but Swagger chased him up the ramp to take the belt, and then left with it, losing his match by countout. Swagger, Miz and Kofi will battle in a Triple Threat at Hell in Cell.
Swagger manhandled Bourne early on as he grabbed him for a backbreaker over his knee. Swagger pulled Bourne's leg back on the mat to wear him down, before kicking Bourne to the outside. Bourne was able to land a Pele kick outside as Swagger tried to grab him through the ropes. Bourne came in to try to muster up momentum with quick kicks. At one point, Swagger grabbed him to attempt the Gutwrench Powerbomb, but Bourne was able to use his weight to get onto the corner. Bourne jumped onto Swagger with both knees to take him down for a near fall. Bourne continued to be in control as he went for a headscissors move, but Swagger blocked it and turned it into a Powerbomb to win the match.
Swagger got on the mic after his win to brag about his looks and talent. Jack Swagger said on Sunday he'll officially become the All American American US Champion. Just then, The Miz came out from backstage to interrupt him. Miz began to brag about how he's made a huge impact since his arrival to Raw. Miz said they all know Miz is the next US Champion. Miz kept taunting Swagger until he finally turned and kicked Miz. The two started brawling on the mat. As they kept fighting in the ring, Kofi Kingston came down to the ring unnoticed and took back his US title. Kofi's music hit and Miz/Swagger stopped fighting to see him at the top of the ramp holding up the belt.
Winner: Jack Swagger wins via pinfall over Evan Bourne.
Hornswoggle & Santino Marella vs. Chris Masters & Chavo Guerrero
Cole and Lawler replayed the footage from last week's Chavo vs. Cedric the Entertainer match. Santino Marella was guest ref and Hornswoggle made a surprise appearance to help Cedric win it.
Chavo was in control of things as he took it to Santino. He tried to smash him face first to the corner turnbuckle with Santino blocking it and smashing Chavo instead. From there, Santino wound up his fist to punch Chavo, then did a breakdancing split to avoid a clothesline. Chavo went against the ropes and Masters slapped his back for the tag. Santino had his back to Masters and was put into the Masterlock. Santino tried to muster up strength to break out, but soon passed out so the ref called for the bell. Hornswoggle looked like he wanted to tag in but couldn't,
After the win, Masters grabbed Hornswoggle and pulled him into the ring. Chavo watched with a wicked smile as Masters threw a half Nelson Masterlock on Hornswoggle. Chavo watched for a while, then changed his tune as he got into the ring walked over and clocked Masters to break the hold. Chavo shook his head at himself wondering why he just saved Hornswoggle. Chavo walked up the ramp with Masters staring up at him angrily from the ring.
Winners: Chris Masters & Chavo Guerrero win due to submission over Santino Marella & Hornswoggle.Backstage, Jericho, Big Show and Randy Orton discussed strategy for tonight's Gauntlet match.
Video highlights of Raw's European tour was shown with Santino Marella and John Cena giving their comments on it.
Michael Cole announced that next week's guest host is 2-time Superbowl winner, Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger. Jerry Lawler said he'll be bringing backup, his entire offensive line. Cole and Lawler were in ring where they discussed Sunday's Hell in a Cell matches. The matches include Undertaker vs CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Title, John Cena vs Randy Orton and DX vs Legacy in Hell in a Cell.
Al Sharpton was backstage trying to thank everybody for tonight's show, when Jillian Hall came into the room. She mentioned he used to be tour manager for soul singer James Brown. Jillian said she's just as good a singer if not better and asked Sharpton to be her tour manager. Jillian started to sing "Livin' in America" with Sharpton giving her a weird look. Sharpton stopped her from any more torture and told her good luck. Jillian left, but then the Bella Twins came in and suggested that Al's the godson of James Brown so he can sing and dance. They begged him to show his stuff. Sharpton promised if they can get the dropout rate down while on his tour, he'll go back to Washington DC with no backup dancers or singers and do his "I'll Feel Good" routine. Sharpton launched into a small preview of his song and dance, then said good night to all the fans.
John Cena was shown backstage contemplating his upcoming Gauntlet match, then heading to the ring.
John Cena vs. Chris Jericho
Gauntlet Match #1
During the match, Cena hoisted up Jericho for Attitude Adjustment with Jericho sliding off then taking control. Jericho catapulted Cena into the bottom rope, then tried to charge at him in the corner. Cena moved away, causing Jericho to hit shoulder first. Cena was able to throw several shoulder blocks into Jerich to take him down, hit the Five Knuckle Shuffle, then tried for Attitude Adjustment. Jericho slipped out and was able to turn into Walls of Jericho. Cena crawled over to grab the bottom rope. The ref demanded that Jericho break the hold but he refused, so the ref finally disqualified him. Jericho still refused to break the hold with Cena in excruciating pain. Big Show's music hit with Jericho still keeping the hold locked in. Jericho finally released the hold to leave Cena down on the mat for Show.
Winner: John Cena wins due to disqualification of Chris Jericho.John Cena vs. Big Show
Gauntlet Match #2
Cena was still down on the mat, but the ref called for the bell to start things. Show placed Cena in the corner for a rough punch to the back. Show continued to punch away on the champ as Raw went to a break.
Raw returned with Show still manhandling Cena in the corner. He rammed Cena into the corner and squeezed against him, until Cena fell to the mat. Show followed with a vicious Bear hug. Cena escaped it and then was able to put Show up on his shoulders for an attempt at Attitude Adjustment. Jericho rused into the ring and attacked Cena causing Show to topple down on him. Another DQ gave Cena his second victory. Jericho kept attacking Cena and Show got down to put his submission hold on Cena.
Winner: John Cena wins due to disqualification over Big Show.John Cena vs. Randy Orton
Gauntlet Match #3
Randy Orton came out soon after Cena was layed out on the mat by Show and Jericho. Orton took his time walking to the ramp staring at his prey. As Orton got into the ring, Cena pulled himself to his feet. Orton walked over to Cena, and Cena stared him in the eyes then pointed at the cage hanging above them. The cage began to lower around the ring. Orton looked to escape the ring but Cena grabbed him for a takedown to the mat. Cena kept holding Orton down to prevent his escape from the ring.
Orton finally kicked Cena away and rolled to the outside but was too late as the cage was down. The door was still open behind Cena, so Orton tried to go around the side of the ring to get to it. Cena slid outside and blocked his path. Orton tried to punch Cena to escape, but Cena got the better of him. The two men ended up fighting outside the cage, with Orton escaping and scaling the cage. Cena started to give chase climbing up after him. Orton made it to the top, and Cena arrived soon after. Cena and Orton had a short battle on the top of the cell with Cena gaining the advantage, to grab Orton and hit the Attitude Adjustment up on the cage. No winner in the final round of the Gauntlet.
Winner: No winner/no contest in the final round of Cena's Gauntlet run.
Labels: Al Sharpton, Alicia Fox, Big Show, Chris Jericho, Hell in a Cell, Hornswoggle, Jack Swagger, John Cena, Mickie James, MVP, Randy Orton, RAW Recap, WWE Recap, WWE Recaps
