Raw Recap from Pittsburgh, PA:
As Raw opened, Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler discussed the surprises of last night's Armageddon. A picture was shown of Jeff Hardy wearing the WWE Title after winning the Triple Threat match. Also, last night it was discovered that Shawn Michaels is broke, and now will be an employee for JBL. Over the weekend, The Miz & John Morrison won the World Tag Team titles by defeating CM Punk & Kofi Kingston in Ontario, Canada.
Kelly Kelly & Melina vs. Jillian Hall & Beth Phoenix
The WWE Divas were out to open WWE Raw. Michael Cole mentioned a Santa's Little Helpers divas match from Armageddon that Lawler enjoyed. Santino accompanied Beth to the ring. As they got towards the ring, they spotted a female fan with a "Beth Phoenix is Hot" poster. The woman asked for a photo, and Santino rushed over to stand by her. The woman then motioned that she wanted a pic with Beth not Santino. Beth went over and then threw the camera to Santino to snap the picture.
During the match, Cole noted that Kelly Kelly was named "Hardest Hitting Diva" in WWE magazine. Kelly started the match and was able to do an impressive backflip when Jillian grabbed her foot. As Kelly got to the ropes though, Beth grabbed her hair and yanked her down to the mat. Jillian continued to punish Kelly, kneeing her. Kelly tried to flip out of a slam move, but fell to the mat. She tried to stretch over for a tag to Melina, but Jillian saw it and rushed over to hit Melina off the apron. Just then, Kelly grabbed Jillian and rolled her up for a winning pinfall.
As Kelly celebrated the win, Jillian hit her down from behind. Beth rushed over to attack Melina, and then the two divas started to kick Kelly on the mat. Just then, pyro erupted from backstage, and Kane made his way out from backstage to the ring. Kane chased Jillian and Beth out of the ring. Kane stood over Kelly who started to back away in fear of the Big Red Monster. Kane backed her into a corner staring in her face, then offered his hand. Kelly rolled out of the ring, then started to back up the ramp, but Kane followed her all the way backstage.
Winners: Kelly Kelly & Melina win via pinfall over Jillian Hall & Beth Phoenix.
Raw returned with a replay of Kane stalking Kelly up the ramp. Footage was then shown backstage, with a fearful Kelly in a hallway, looking over her shoulder. She kept moving forward and bumped into Jamie Noble. He asked if she was alright and Kelly continued going. As Noble turned he tried to stand in front of Kane, but Kane shoved him to the wall. Kane found Kelly hiding around a corner then walked up to her. Kane got in Kelly's face and said they need to talk.
Rey Mysterio vs. Deuce (Sim Snuka)
Cody Rhodes and Manu were at ringside to watch the matchup. After Lilian introduced Deuce, he took the mic from her. Deuce said from now on he wants to be introduced by his real name, Sim Snuka, since he's the son of WWE Hall of Famer, Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka.
During the match, Sim Snuka displayed impressive power against Mysterio, impressing Manu and Rhodes. Snuka used knees to Mysterio's back on the mat, then wore him down with a chin lock. Snuka tried for a knee drop splash move off the ropes, but Mysterio avoided it, then dropkicked Snuka. Rey ducked a clothesline and started to fight back, using a headscissors to flip Snuka to the mat. Rey tried to whip Snuka to the ropes, but Snuka came back with a high knee to Rey's face. Snuka couldn't capture the pinfall, and Rey started to gain momentum.
Off the corner, Rey jumped at Snuka. Snuka caught him in mid air, but Rey turned it into a headscissors and tossed Snuka to the ropes. Rey ran across the ring to come at him for a 619, but Snuka rolled out. Snuka turned to acknowledge Manu and Rhodes, but Rey jumped off the apron onto Snuka. The momentum caused Rey to go into Rhodes slightly. Rhodes took exception and shoved Mysterio, then Rey came back to push him down. Manu came over to knock down Mysterio. Mysterio got back in the ring and rushed out toward the bottom of the ramp as Manu and Rhodes tried to go after him. Just then, Mike Knox came running up behind Mysterio and attacked him. Knox grabbed Rey and used his finisher to twist slam Rey into the ground.
Winner: Rey Mysterio wins via disqualification when Manu & Rhodes attacked him.
A D-Generation X advertisement for WWE Shop was shown. Products highlighted included the DX Sweatshirt, DX T-Shirt, and then bear stuffed animals representing Triple H and Shawn Michaels. HHH joked how the Michaels bear had hair just like Shawn's, and if you push the button on it, all the hair falls out.
Jerry Lawler and Michael Cole discussed how it was revealed at Armageddon that Shawn Michaels is near bankrupt, so he has decided to become JBL's employee.
Kane ordered Kelly to sit down in a dark back room. He talked to Kelly about how she looked him in he eye as they presented a Slammy and told him "Love is a wonderful thing". Kane asked if she was trying to tell him something. Kelly said they were presenting an away. Kane asked Kelly if she was leading him on, then told her that many people have hurt him and take advantage of. Kane opened the door and told Kelly she could leave right now. Kelly got up to go, but Kane slammed the door. As Kelly sat back down, Kane said he knew she felt something.
Todd Grisham talked to Randy Orton backstage. Grisham asked Orton what he has to say, after demanding to speak. Orton said earlier he challenged Batista to a rematch and hasn't heard any reply. Orton said it's because Batista is a coward. Just then, Batista was there in Orton's face. He said if Orton wants his answer, he's got it. Orton slapped Batista in the face. An enraged Batista chased Orton backstage and out to the ramp. Orton lured Batista towards him, and just then Manu and Rhodes came rushing out from backstage, knocking Batista down. All three men began to beat up Batista down the ramp. All of a sudden, John Cena came rushing out from backstage. Cena knocked down Manu and punched Rhodes away. Orton quickly headed to the top of the ramp. He and Cena stared at one another, as Manu and Rhodes recovered up near Orton.
Batista thanked Cena for saving him earlier. Cena said no problem because he told himself once he finished with Jericho he was going after Orton, Rhodes & Manu next. Batista started to ask Cena about his rematch with Jericho. Todd Grisham came up to Cena and Batista to let them know that Stephanie McMahon scheduled a match for later. It will be a 3 on 2 handicap match with Rhodes, Manu & Orton facing Cena and Batista. Batista told Cena they'd finish their conversation later.
Hacksaw Jim Duggan vs. Chris Jericho
Jericho came out from backstage walking down the ramp in a suit, not dressed for the match. Duggan, Lilian and the ref looked puzzled as he got into the ring. Jericho took the mic from Lilian then said he's refusing to wrestle tonight. Jericho reminded everyone he's the 2008 Superstar of the Year and has been carrying Raw for the whole year. Jericho said it's insulting he should have to compete against someone like Duggan after all that. Jericho said he's the best in the world at what he does. Jericho announced he won't enter the ring again until he's given a championship match or match worthy of the Superstar of the Year. Duggan looked dejected by the comments as Jericho left the ring and walked backstage arrogantly.
Winner: Match never officially started, and Chris Jericho left the ring.Kelly Kelly was shown backstage in a dark room sitting and shivering as Kane intimidated her. Kane asked Kelly if she wanted to get to know him better, and Kelly said no. Kane asked if there was someone else and Kelly shook her head yes. Kane screamed at her asking who it is. Kane told Kelly she will tell him whether she wants to or not.
CM Punk & Kofi Kingston vs. John Morrison & The Miz
World Tag Team Title Match
Slideshow pics from a live event two days ago in Ontario, Canada were shown, where Miz and Morrison captured the World Tag titles against Punk and Kingston. Tonight, they gave the former champs a rematch on Raw.
As the match went on, Miz & Morrison began to isolate CM Punk, doubleteaming him. Morrison picked up Punk on his shoulders and tagged Miz, so Miz could get on the turnbuckle. With Punk still on his shoulders, Morrison moved towards the corner. Punk was able to get to the corner, kick Morrison away, then suplexed Miz down. This move allowed Punk the opportunity to crawl over and tag in Kingston. Miz barely managed to tag in Morrison. Kofi went on a rampage as he knocked Morrison down then did a double leg drop on him.
Kofi had a near pinfall but Miz was in to break things up. Punk rushed in and knocked Miz out of the ring then dove over the rope onto him. Kingston tried to roll up Morrison for the win, but Morrison kicked out. Morrison whipped Kofi to the corner, but Kofi attempted to jump back at him off the corner. Morrison moved away then jumped off the rope to spin kick Kofi down. Morrison had a winning pin, but Punk rushed into the ring to stop it. Miz was back in and beat up Punk across the ring and back to the outside. As Kofi turned his attention to them, Morrison took advantage by kicking Kingston in the gut, then hitting the Moonlight Drive to win it.
Winners: John Morrison & The Miz win via pinfall over Kofi Kingston & CM Punk to retain the World Tag Team titles.After the tag team title match, Miz and Morrison started to celebrate in the ring, but suddenly pyro exploded up near the ramp. Kane emerged from backstage, then stared at Regal who had been sitting in a throne at the top of the ramp. Kane got into the ring with Punk, Kingston, Miz and Morrison. Kane looked at Punk briefly, then turned and grabbed Miz with a hand on his throat. Morrison tried to attack but Kane booted him down, then Chokeslammed The Miz to the mat. Lawler speculated that Kelly must have said The Miz is her current interest, prompting Kane's attack. Kane hit Miz with a Tombstone Pliedriver then looked down menacingly at him.
Members of the Pittsburgh Steelers were shown clowning around in the Raw live audience.
JBL made his way out from backstage to the top of the ramp with a mic in hand. JBL invited everyone to watch the comments made by his newest employee last night, Shawn Michaels. Footage was shown from Armageddon, with HBK and JBL in the ring. Michaels informed everyone he was hurting financially. HBK let everyone know he lived the lavish life when he was in his 20's buying all sorts of luxury items. He said after marrying his wife and having kids, Michaels had an investment service invest in stocks for him, and then he began to give charitably to everyone he wanted to. Shawn said but now that the recession has hit, it's hit him too. Michaels said he needed to make the best move for he and his family, by becoming JBL's employee. HBK said JBL isn't the most likable person there is, but he's good financially and can help him. The fans began chanting things like "You sold out". JBL and Michaels shook hands to seal the deal, with fans still booing. JBL left the ring with Michaels looking dejected in the ring. As the replay footage ended, JBL smiled at the top of the ramp.
Backstage, WWE Divas Candice Michelle & Mickie James rushed into a locker room to ask Kelly if she was ok. Kelly said she was fine and that Kane didn't hurt her. The girls asked Kelly about the Miz saying she never told them about anything with him. Kelly became upset that they would think she's with Miz. then rushed out. Candice and Mickie followed her out asking if she needed their help.
Santa Claas vs. Dolph Ziggler
Charlie Haas emerged from backstage in a Santa costume, carrying a red bag of gifts. Santa handed apfew presents to various people in the audience, before getting into the ring. Santa Haas handed a gift box to Ziggler who put his hand out to shake, but Ziggler threw the box down to the mat. Ziggler began attacking Santa Haas as the match started, yelling that he is Dolph Ziggler. Santa escaped Ziggler in the corner, but Ziggler was quick to regain control, using a series of elbow drops on Claas. Ziggler went for a quick pin, but Santa kicked out. Ziggler started using a side headlock, but Claas got to his feet and used elbows to break the hold. Ziggler yanked him back down to the mat, then started kicking and taunting Haas. Santa Claas eventually regained control and started with a series of punches on Ziggler. Santa whipped Ziggler to the corner, but as he rushed him, Ziggler avoided the charge. Ziggler jumped up behind Claas, grabbed him around the neck and slammed him down to the mat to win it.
After the victory, Ziggler tore the suit and beard off Haas. Finally the ref restrained Ziggler and told him to leave the ring.
Winner: Dolph Ziggler wins via pinfall over Santa Claas.Behind the scenes footage was shown for Behind Enemy Lines: Colombia, starring Mr. Kennedy. Various cast and crew discussed Kennedy's acting skills in the movie, saying he's a good actor and tremendously courageous. Kennedy said his character in the movie is a lot like Mr. Kennedy. Behind Enemy Lines Colombia arrives on DVD, January 6, 2009.
Michael Cole discussed the emotional story developing out of Armageddon last night, with Jeff Hardy winning the WWE title finally. Cole said on Friday night, Jeff Hardy will make his first appearance ever as the WWE Champion.
Backstage, a dejected Hacksaw Jim Duggan was sitting on a box. Cryme Tyme came up to him and told him "it's time". The three walked off together.
Stephanie McMahon spoke to Chris Jericho in her office. Steph asked about the stunt Jericho pulled out in the ring refusing to wrestle. Jericho questioned why someone of his caliber should wrestle Hacksaw. Steph said she's Jericho's boss and he dances when she says to. Jericho then told her Batista's rematch clause for the World Heavyweight title has expired. Steph says she knows and so next week there will be a series of 4 matches with former champions to determine competitors for a Fatal Fourway on the next Raw after that. She told Jericho that Hacksaw was a warmup match, but Jericho said he didn't need one. Steph told Jericho if he chooses to defy her orders more, she'll make sure he never gets another match worthy of Superstar of the Year. Jericho glared at her then left the office.
Backstage, Orton came up to yell at Manu & Rhodes. Orton said they've failed twice now to take out Batista. Orton said they need to be 100% successful in all they do, or this group and legacy is over. Batista made his entrance to the ring for the main event as Raw went to commercial break.
Batista & John Cena vs. Cody Rhodes, Manu and Randy Orton
3 on 2 Handicap Match
Cole and Lawler reviisted the earlier attack by Orton, Rhodes and Manu on Batista. John Cena rushed in for the save, setting up the main event tag match.
Early on Batista and Cena were both involved in the match. After a commercial break, Orton, Manu and Rhodes all began to tripleteam Batista in their corner of the ring, trying to keep him from the tag. Batista fought back and punched down each man, but Manu, the legal man, quickly knocked him down. Orton tagged in and started to stomp on Batista on the mat, followed by a knee drop on Batista. Manu was back in and continued the punishment on The Animal. Orton started putting a headlock on Batista, but Batista stood up and dropped Orton back to the mat. Both men managed to make tags, with Cena coming in on a tear against Manu. Cena knocked Manu down several times, then hit the Five Knuckle Shuffle with Orton and Rhodes watching. As Cena prepared for the FU with Manu up, Orton distracted the ref on the apron. Rhodes rushed in to knock Cena down, preventing the FU.
Rhodes tagged in and went to work on Cena briefly, before Orton returned to the ring. During the match, Lawler announced the 4 matches for next week's Raw involving former champions to set up the Fatal Fourway. The matches with be Shawn Michaels vs. Kane, Rey Mysterio vs. JBL, Chris Jericho vs. CM Punk, and Batista vs. Randy Orton. The four winners go on to a Fatal Fourway, and the winner of that is the #1 Contender.
Team Priceless managed to gain the upperhand on Cena, again triple teaming him. Manu hit a huge splash on him in the corner, then one from off the ropes. Rhodes and Manu continued to target the neck of John Cena. Rhodes hit a knee drop to Cena's forehead, but was unable to score the pinfall. Rhodes backed up to a corner of the ring to measure Cena for another knee drop, but this time Cena rolled out of the way. Batista tagged in and went wild, slamming Rhodes around the ring, then clotheslining Manu down and knocking Orton off the apron. After a huge Spinebuster on Rhodes, Batista was ready for a Batista Bomb. Orton was back in the ring with Manu and shoved him into Batista's back. Orton hit a huge RKO on Batista. Orton then ordered Manu and Rhodes to go beat up Cena on the outside.
As Rhodes and Manu beat up Cena near the crowd barrier, Orton shoved the ref aside in the ring then did a running Punt Kick into Batista's head. Cena was able to break free and rush into the ring to defend Batista from any further attack. Orton, Rhodes & Manu backed up the ramp then raised their hands in unison after the attack.
Winners: Referee called for the bell when match got out of control. No clear winners announced.
Labels: Armageddon, Batista, Chris Jericho, Cody Rhodes, John Cena, Kane, Kelly Kelly, Manu, Randy Orton, RAW Recap, WWE Divas, WWE Recap, WWE Recaps
