Raw Results from Orlando, FL:
Michael Cole opened the show to welcome fans to the brand new Amyway Center in Orlando, FL. They showed still images from last night's Survivor Series main event, with Lawler saying Cena counted the pinfall for Orton, to give him the win. Lawler said due to his actions he was fired.
Nexus leader Wade Barrett arrived out to the stage alone, but then the rest of his Nexus members came out as well to head to the ring. Barrett spoke on the mic regarding last night's main event, but the fans kept drowning him out with "You suck" chants, jeers and boos. Barrett said last night he didn't have a chance at winning the WWE Title, because John Cena was biased from the beginning. Barrett noted that no official has ever been allowed to put his hands on a competitor, but Cena did so last night when he distracted him and pushed him into an RKO. Barrett called last night's match unjust and demanded another WWE Title match against Orton, this time with a neutral referee.
The Raw GM sent another email with the lights blinking. Cole got up to go read from the podium at the laptop. The GM said there is some validity to what Barrett is saying, so Barrett will face Orton for the title tonight. Barrett said he was highly appreciative of the decision by the GM, then said in anticipation of that announcement he already decided to allow Cena to be on Raw tonight. Barrett said he wants Cena to say his final words to the WWE Universe. Wade said he'll enjoy hearing Cena's final words as much as he enjoys becoming WWE Champion.
Lawler was surprised at the announcements and asked Cole to confirm the GM's email. Cole did so, and said he just received word that Cena would in fact be on Raw.
A commercial aired to promote next Monday's episode of Raw which will be a special 3-hour "King of the Ring" tournament show from Philadelphia, PA.
Michael Cole told Jerry Lawler he had a special announcement for him. Cole stood up and got on the mic to announce there is a new member of the Raw broadcast team, CM Punk. Punk arrived to ringside to greet Cole and Lawler, then said he's part of the Raw broadcast team for the foreseeable future.
R-Truth vs. Sheamus
King of the Ring Qualifying Match
Truth arrived out with Eve Torres, and Truth was doing his old theme song "What's Up?" instead of "Crunk." Michael Cole said this will be one of four qualifying KOTR matches.
Right before a commercial break, Truth landed a high kick on Sheamus. The Celtic Warrior rolled to the outside and slammed his fists on the announce table, then kicked it a few times before commercial.
When Raw returned, Sheamus had the advantage and kept Truth down with an arm submission hold. Truth finally got to his feet and hit a jawbreaker on Sheamus. Truth had momentum with multiple clotheslines to take down Sheamus. However, Sheamus caught him with an elbow as he rushed him in the corner. Moments later, Truth had a hip toss for a near fall. Later still, Truth landed an impressive missile dropkick from the corner for yet another near fall.
In the closing moments though, Truth went for a move but Sheamus countered to pin him down. Truth barely escaped it, but as he got up, Sheamus came back with the Brogh kick. Sheamus waited for several moments then went for the Irish Cross. He tossed Truth across the ring and then made the winning pin.
Winner: Sheamus wins via pinfall over R-Truth to qualify for the 2010 King of the Ring Tournament.
Cole and Lawler talked about how a major career ended last night with Survivor Series. They said ironically the new dvd "The John Cena Experience" just came out last Tuesday. Punk said it's the only way you'll get to see Cena now because he's fired. They showed an exclusive behind-the-scenes clip with Cena at Wrestlemania 26. The highlights showed Cena as he got ready to go out and face The Animal Batista.
Michelle McCool and Layla were shown walking to get into the arena. A security staff stopped them as they entered saying this was the entrance for Raw superstars. Michelle McCool told him to check his list for her name, and the security guard asked how it was spelled, then kept saying it wasn't on the list. McCool and Layla started yelling at the guy until Natalya showed up next to him. He asked Natalya if she knew them and she said never saw them before. Natalya walked off as the security guard made LayCool go back outside.
Santino was backstage with Kozlov having drinks. Santino said they were so close to winning the tag titles last night and it was so close he could taste it. Kozlov said they'll capture them tomorrow. Santino said tomorrow's never guaranteed then started saying he was so depressed and wondered if anything could ever make him feel better. Just then some guitar music started up and Santino went over to see Tamina strumming a guitar in a chair. She started singing a song to him which made Santino pucker up his lips. Tamina gave him a strong kiss, then got up and gave him the "call me" sign. Santino fell back into his chair holding his chest.
They showed Orton lacing up his boots in the locker room when Josh Matthews came in to interview him. Matthews asked if Orton can beat Barrett again tonight like he did last night. Orton said he respects Cena for calling the match down the middle last night, even if they were never best of friends. Orton then guaranteed Barrett won't leave the arena with the WWE Championship.
WWE Slam of the Week showed Ezekiel Jackson highlights of Zeke tearing through his competition including Primo and Zack Ryder.
Ezekiel Jackson vs. The Miz
King of the Ring Qualifying Match
The Miz's theme music hit, but Alex Riley arrived out instead of Miz. Riley got on the mic as he walked down the ramp saying 10 minutes ago the greatest wrestler in the world suffered an anxiety attack, so he's been authorized to take his place and qualify for him.
Riley had some offense, but was soon overpowered by Jackson. Jackson shoved him to the ropes then leveled him. He followed up with a huge clothesline in the corner and then his one-armed slam for the win.
Winner: Ezekiel Jackson wins via pinfall over Alex Riley to qualify for 2010 King of the Ring tournament.They showed John Cena backstage talking with R-Truth and Eve standing by. Gail Kim came up to give Cena a hug. Santino was there to shake his hand and then Yoshi Tatsu shook his hand as well. Cole and Lawler said it will be interesting to hear what Cena has to say.
Cole and Lawler talked about how they just saw that Cena has arrived to the arena. Lawler said it must be some sort of trap by Barrett bringing Cena here. Justin Roberts introduced John Cena to the ovation of the Orlando crowd, with Cena's full theme music and him rushing to the ring in his usual energetic way.
Cena said if he's going to go out it's gonna be this way, not with a ref shirt on or carrying someone's bags. He talked about how before he ever got this WWE job he was living in his car, cleaning toilets. Cena said he respects every person who's allowed him to be in the WWE today like Stone Cold, HHH, The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels. He said his goal was for each of those guys to be able to look him in the eye and say "kid you're alright." Cena talked about how being with WWE was living out a fantasy, so what Nexus did to him for the past two months won't ruin the greatest nine years of his life.
Cena started talking about his family and how they've always been patient. He talked about how he'll go to West Newberry after tonight to see his mom for her birthday and congratulate his brother Matt on his recent birth. Cena became a bit emotional and teary during this part of the speech. Cena said if he's going to go out he's going to do it right. He told all the ladies and kids in the crowd to chant "Let's Go Cena" and all the guys over 18 to chant "Cena Sucks." He stood back and admired the chants, with the men sounding considerably louder.
Cena said the chants were beautiful. He then had advice for former boss, Wade Barrett. He told him to stop trying to take shortcuts and the easy way out. He said the fans will give him everything if he gives them everything in return. Cena said to the camera "Wade, karma's a bitch." He said he'll cut the thank you list down to one very important mention - the WWE Universe. He thanked them for showing up, standing up for WWE and letting him share his life with them for 9 years. Cena finished the speech then said "let's go home." He got out of the ring and walked up the ramp to the top of the stage, kissed his dog tag and gave the crowd a salute.
The commentators were silent as they showed peoples' reactions in the crowd. They showed Cena walking backstage with a whole bunch of WWE superstars, divas and workers applauding him. Cena got to the end of the line and Randy Orton arrived out. Cena put out his hand and Orton shook his hand then gave Cena a hug and smile. Cena started to walk off towards the exit of the arena. Barrett emerged on camera to watch Cena leave and did the "U Cant C Me" taunt then smirked and walked off.
Daniel Bryan vs. Ted Dibiase
KOTR Qualifying Match
Maryse was at ringside for Dibiase. As Daniel Bryan was making his way to the ring Brie Bella came rushing down the ramp behind him. Brie grabbed Bryan by the arm and walked him to the ring. Cole was shocked by this. CM Punk called Brie a "4" at best.
Late in the match, Dibiase used a huge powerbomb style slam to put Bryan on the mat. Dibiase went for the cover, but Bryan reversed at 2. He got into position for the Labelle Lock, locking it in on Ted Dibiase. Dibiase soon tapped out. Cole said that Bryan will now join Ezekiel Jackson and Sheamus in the KOTR tournament.
Post-match, Brie got in the ring to make sure Bryan was ok. Nikki Bella came rushing to the ring and came in to check on Bryan. The Bellas started pushing each other a bit, but Bryan pushed them together into a hug.
Winner: Daniel Bryan wins via submission over Ted Dibiase to qualify for the 2010 KOTR Tournament.
Natalya vs. Alicia Fox
The new divas champ Natalya wrestled in her first match since winning the title. They showed a still image with The Glamazon Beth Phoenix hoisting Natalya with the divas title belts up on her shoulders.
During the match, Alicia pulled out a bunch of Natalya's hair. This enraged Natalya enough to gain momentum. She picked up Alicia in standing suplex position and then did a few squats with her. After a near fall, Natalya tried to put on the Sharpshooter but Alicia grabbed the ropes. Natalya managed to pick up Alicia in a Bear Hug. Moments later, she had Alicia back down on the mat and locked on a Sharpshooter to make her tap out.
Winner: Natalya wins via submission over Alicia Fox.Melina was backstage talking to boyfriend John Morrison. She wished him luck on his KOTR qualifying match tonight. Morrison said he had to go and started to leave when Melina slapped his butt then smiled at him. Morrison put on his coat and started walking off, then turned back to smile at Melina.
WWE Rewind showed last week's match where Tyson Kidd betrayed his Hart Dynasty partner DH Smith by not letting him make the tag, then kicking Smith in the head. Gabriel was able to hit the 450 Splash for the win.
John Morrison vs. Tyson Kidd
KOTR Qualifying Match
Kidd settled into a side headlock on the mat early on, but Morrison stood up to battle back. He managed to leg sweep Kidd to take him down, and soon gained the advantage. Kidd rolled to the outside at one point, with Morrison trying to get him. Kidd used a distraction then kicked Morrison in the head to regain control.
Back in the ring, Morrison was eventually able to hit and impressive kick from off the side ropes to take down Kidd. He followed up with Starship Pain to take the pinfall victory.
Winner: John Morrison wins via pinfall over Tyson Kidd to qualify for the 2010 King of the Ring Tournament.
Wade Barrett vs Randy Orton
WWE Championship Match
As Randy Orton made his way down the ramp for the main event, he was suddenly attacked from behind by Nexus. Wade Barrett yelled orders at his team to beat up Orton. A group of referees arrived out to get them away from Orton. They managed to get Nexus up to the top of the stage away from Orton. Orton appeared to have hurt his knee and needed help standing up. Suddenly, Husky Harris rushed down and kicked Orton hard in the knee causing him to fall to the ramp holding his knee. Orton was livid down on the ramp as the ref asked if he was OK. Raw went to commercial break.
When Raw returned, Barrett made his way to the ring smiling. He was without Nexus this time and Cole said the Raw GM had banned them from ringside. CM Punk said the damage was already done to Randy Orton. Barrett was discussing something in the ring with the referee who seemed to be talking about Orton's knee issue. Barrett was trying to say Orton would forfeit if he didn't show up. Orton's theme music started up though and he eventually started limping out from backstage.
Barrett took full advantage of Orton's predicament, focusing on the hurt knee and continually attacking it. He applied a submission to try to wear it down, but Orton managed to kick Barrett away. Wade rushed at him, but Orton grabbed him and hit a backbreaker. Moments later though, Barrett was back in control and picked up Orton to hit the finisher, The Wasteland. Barrett seemed to have the winning pinfall as he got down for the victory cover. However before the ref could complete the 1-2-3, John Cena had rushed back into the building and was ringside to yank the ref out of the ring!
Cena got in the ring and hit the AA on Barrett to drop him, before Nexus all arrived to chase Cena out through the crowd. Orton pulled himself up by the ropes and Barrett got up as well. He went at The Viper who quickly got him with the RKO to get the pinfall victory.
Winner: Randy Orton wins via pinfall over Wade Barrett to retain the WWE Championship.Post-match, Orton was still limping and felt he had escaped a close call. However, all of a sudden The Miz's music hit and he arrived to the ring to cash in his MITB briefcase.
The Miz vs. Randy Orton
WWE Title Match
Miz took advantage of the knee injury as well, eventually taking down Orton and smashing his knee against the ringpost multiple times. However, once Miz was back in the ring he missed on a charge at Orton in the corner. Orton started to fight back and was able to level Miz, then tried for the DDT from the ropes. Miz escaped it though and took down Orton. He rushed at The Viper, with Orton hitting the Powerslam. Orton started to pound on the mat ready for his big finish.
As Miz stood up seeming to be stunned, Orton went at him for the RKO. Miz countered it though and hit the Skullcrushing Finale. Miz captured the huge 1-2-3 pinfall victory to finally cash in and become new WWE Champion. Miz fell to his knees on the mat with the title belt, then posed with it up on the ring corner. Fans were shocked at what had just gone down.
Winner: The Miz wins via pinfall over Randy Orton to become the new WWE Champion.Orton was shown holding his knee down on the floor as Miz hoisted up the belt on the stage and Alex Riley congratulated him. Michael Cole was ecstatic at the era of "Awesomeness" beginning. Raw ended with Cole yelling "Miz is your Champion!"
Labels: Daniel Bryan, Ezekiel Jackson, John Cena, John Morrison, King of the Ring, Randy Orton, RAW Recap, Sheamus O'Shaunessy, The Miz, The Nexus, Wade Barrett, WWE Recap, WWE Recaps, WWE Title
