Raw
New Orleans, Louisiana
January 5, 2009
results thanks to pwtorch.com
Intro: The show started
with a video package on HBK selling himself to JBL, then helping JBL win the #1
contender slot on last week's Raw.
In-ring: Chris Jericho and Randy Orton were standing in the ring together
dressed for some business. Jericho said himself and Orton feel HBK working with
JBL in last week's fatal four-way match went against the rules of every man for
himself. Jericho said they have formally filed a protest about what happened
last week. Orton said his piece, then Jericho picked up the promo that they will
not leave this ring until a proper decision is made.
JBL's music interrupted and out came the JBL Longhorn limo (yes, I'm watching
Texas vs. Ohio St. on the DVR later tonight) and out walked Shawn Michaels
instead of JBL. Michaels had his cowboy hat held low over his eyes with the
camera unable to get an expression. JBL then followed out behind Michaels and
they slowly made their way to the ring.
Michaels entered the ring first and held his head low as JBL did the talking. He
said Orton and Jericho would have done the exact same thing he did if they had
the resources he has. Jericho said they don't deal with indecent and immoral
people. He then went right up to Michaels and asked him what he thinks about
being a sell-out and a phony, especially when it turns out he was right from
their program months ago.
Michaels took the mic and said the one thing that allows him to sleep at night
and not be sickened with himself is that he personally made sure Orton and
Jericho would not fight for the World championship. Orton said HBK can justify
it all he wants, but HBK took a turn for his worst. And it turns out Ric Flair's
career was ended by a weak, pathetic sell-out. The same of it all, Shawn, is
that once their protest is heard, the decision will be over-turned tonight.
Stephanie McMahon then showed up on stage and said the fact of the matter is
that HBK was hit by the Clothesline from Hell last week and their complaint is
invalid. She said JBL will go on to face John Cena for the title at the Rumble.
Stephanie said her decision stands, but Jericho and Orton can take solace in the
fact they have been entered in the Rumble.
Jericho snapped back that it's obvious they should be in the Rumble, but
Michaels doesn't deserve to be in the Rumble, especially if you don't want him
to poison the match just like he did last week. Michaels had his puppy-dog face,
then JBL stepped in - interrupting Stephanie - and said Michaels will be in his
corner when he defeats Cena for the World Title and that will be his only
function.
Stephanie paused to make sure JBL knew he interrupted her, then booked a tag
match for tonight. Jericho & Orton vs. Michaels & John Cena, the opponent for
JBL at the Rumble. Michaels tried to fight back tears of frustration as the
announcers then plugged Regal vs. Punk for the IC Title later tonight.
[Commercial Break]
[Q2]
In-ring: Goldust was in the ring squatting down for a piece of action tonight.
Melina then came out as his tag partner. Out next was Glamarella with Santino
Marella holding Beth's Slammy and Beth holding her Women's Title.
1 -- SANTINO MARELLA & Women's champion BETH PHOENIX vs. GOLDUST & MELINA
Early on, Goldust tried to kiss Beth, who shied away before Goldy nailed a
flying butt bomb on Santino to knock him to the mat. Goldust then clotheslined
Santino over the top rope to the floor. The divas then entered the ring and
Melina caught her in the corner for a sort-of turnaround head jam. She then
bridge pinned Beth for the pin and the win.
After the match, Beth's #1 fan hopped the guardrail and tried to attack Melina,
but security held her back. Melina wanted a piece of #1 Rosa Mendes, but
security yanked her away. Melina then returned to ringside to celebrate the
victory while Goldust disappeared and made himself invisible. After a replay of
the finish, Melina celebrated with Goldust, who kinda walked around in a dazed
state.
WINNERS: Melina & Goldust in 4:00. Decent set-up for Beth vs. Melina for the
belt at the Rumble. Goldust's involvement? Apparently they need to justify
having him on the roster. Just fine, though. (3/4*)
Backstage: Todd Grisham brought in C.M. Punk to discuss matters prior to the IC
Title match against Regal. Punk said he's totally stoked and he's always wanted
to go after the IC Title since he was a kid. Ricky Steamboat. Bret Hart. Mr.
Perfect. He wants to add his name to the list. Punk said time flies in WWE, but
he hasn't forgotten that Regal beat him in the finals of the King of the Ring in
'08 and he's looking to start the new year with an IC Title victory. Cole and
Lawler said the match is next. You would think if they really wanted to
establish the importance of the title, it would be on last during tonight's
show. But, it's the IC Title.
[Commercial Break]
In-ring: Lilian Garcia provided the on-camera intros for the IC Title match
picking up the third quarter hour of the show. C.M. Punk came out first as the
challenger. William Regal then came out with Layla to defend the title. Here we
go.
[Q3]
2 -- Intercontinental champion WILLIAM REGAL (w/Layla) vs. C.M. PUNK -- IC Title
match
Punk quickly knocked Regal to the floor in the opening minute, then Punk set up
for a splash, but Regal pulled Layla in harm's way to make sure Punk didn't try
anything. Regal took advantage of the hesitation and yanked Punk down hard to
the mat. Nice heel tactics. Layla then scowled at Regal for being so dastardly.
Punk then teased the G2S at 3:00, but Regal grabbed the ref by the shirt collar
to prevent the hold. The ref then called for a DQ and Punk was not pleased with
the call.
After the DQ, Layla quickly grabbed the IC Title belt and handed it to Regal as
they tried to high-tail it. Of course, Layla was still quite upset with Regal.
Quite funny. Punk complained to the ref about the DQ, then Stephanie McMahon
appeared on screen and said she won't let the first title match of 2009 end this
way. She said in the re-match, a DQ will hand the belt over to Punk. Fans
cheered. Not clear on when the re-match is. After the commercial, at the Rumble,
on the debut of Superstars on WGN?
WINNER: Punk via DQ in 4:00; Regal retained the IC Title. Well that sucked. At
least there's a follow-up re-match, but will anyone care about another IC Title
match with a false-start on the first title match of the year? (n/a)
DVD promo: They hyped Mr. Kennedy's DVD.
[Commercial Break. Strangest movie trailer commercial ever for "Taken."]
Locker room: JBL was standing over HBK in the locker room as HBK sat down on a
chair. HBK was sporting an official Royal Rumble t-shirt, meaning he has
official j-status. JBL talked about Stephanie setting up the perfect scenario of
Shawn Michaels being able to take out John Cena tonight to make sure Cena
forfeits the title and JBL walks into WrestleMania as World champion. JBL said
him returning to Texas at WrestleMania 25 as the conquering hero is major
business. It's financial security for the rest of Michaels's life. Never have to
worry about a future bill, his wife or kids, or anything. He said the hard part
is over, so don't let him down.
Backstage: Randy Orton talked to Cody Rhodes and Sim Snuka about passing phase
one last week. Now, they have to win this week and they're in. Manu then walked
in and begged for another chance to prove himself. Orton told Manu that he lost
and that's it. Manu shot back that Orton lost his match last week. "What did you
say?!" Orton shot back. He said Manu has done absolutely nothing with the chance
he's given him. Orton said half the people in the building don't even know
Manu's name and he has the audacity to act like a big deal. Orton then led Cody
and Sim away, leaving Manu to sneer at him. Perhaps a babyface rival legends
faction?
Elsewhere backstage: Dolph Ziggler introduced himself to Mickie James, then Rey
Mysterio and Kofi Kingston walked past on the way to the ring for a tag match.
[Commercial Break]
[Q4]
Smackdown promo: Triple H vs. Vickie and Hunter faces Triple Jeopardy with all
kinds of ways for Hunter to run through the gauntlet of lesser talent.
In-ring: World tag team champions Miz & Morrison came to the ring for a featured
tag match. Morrison then took the mic in the ring and quieted the crowd down.
Miz spoke first about the fans having the audacity to boo them. He told them
"boo you!" and Morrison said the city that took over the title of murder capital
of the U.S. has no room to boo them. Miz sarcastically apologized for being so
great, then they introduced themselves. Be Jealous.
Rey Mysterio came out first for the babyface team and it was announced he's been
added to the Royal Rumble match. Cole then recapped last week's ten-man tag
match when Rey finished off Mike Knox to apparently end the program. Kofi
Kingston came out as his partner and they announced Kofi is in the Rumble as
well.
3 -- World tag team champions THE MIZ & JOHN MORRISON vs. REY MYSTERIO & KOFI
KINGSTON -- non-title match
After lengthy ring intros and other essential pre-match business, they went to
the babyfaces standing tall before cutting to a break about a minute into the
match. I'm putting money on Kofi on the defensive out of the break.
[Commercial Break]
Dang, it was Rey on the defensive out of the break. Kofi picked up a tag at
5:00, and he cleared Morrison off the apron, but Morrison recovered and crotched
Kofi on the top rope when he went up top. Miz and Morrison then took control
working over Kofi.
[Q5 -- second hour]
Kofi tried to break free at 9:00, but Miz and Morrison cut him off once again.
Kofi finally broke free at 10:00 as Rey encouraged the fans to show up and get
into the hot tag sequence. Kofi finally crawled across the desert and tagged in
Rey, who swashbuckled his way into a huracanrana on Morrison. Rey then scored a
nearfall on a double-foot dropkick, but Morrison blocked a wheelbarrow attempt
into a front gutbuster for a nearfall. Nice counter of an overly-choreographed
move.
Rey then landed a DDT with a springboard counter for a two count. Things broke
down and Kofi took Miz to the floor. He clutched his knee on the way down. In
the ring, Rey hit the 619 on Morrison, then kicked the Miz away. Rey wanted the
springboard sentaun on Morrison to finish it, but Miz provided enough of a
distraction for Morrison to counter the Sentaun with a spin kick to the gut in
mid-air. Morrison then covered Rey for the pin and the win.
After the match, Mike Knox stormed the ring and attacked Rey. Well, program
isn't over yet. Knox then swung Rey into the ropes and slingshot him
throat-first across the middle rope. Kofi tried to limp into the ring while
still clutching his knee, then Knox kicked him back to the outside. Knox hung
Rey up on the top rope, then kicked him in the head and Rey fell hard to the
mat. Knox, with his giant beard, went over to the scraps and walked right over
Rey on the way out.
WINNERS: Miz & Morrison in 13:00. Nice finish to the match, although we might
need a health check on Kofi. Miz & Morrison continue to be a great tandem and
Morrison continues to show why the latter part of 2009 should be his break-out
time as a singles wrestler. (**1/2)
Backstage: Shawn Michaels was lacing up his boots, then John Cena walked over to
him. After waiting out the big cheers live in the arena, Cena said it is what it
is. HBK's situation is pretty clear, so he just needs to know if he's facing
three guys tonight. Michaels snapped and said the first line tonight, "I'm
nobody's puppet tonight!" Cena was taken aback, so he paused. Michaels
rhetorically asked Cena what he should expect from history. He then walked off,
leaving Cena to think whether he's dealing with Clique HBK or re-born HBK.
[Commercial Break]
Edge DVD promo: This preview has been rated D for Decadence. I'll take plugs for
Edge's DVD over Mr. Kennedy's "Behind Enemy Lines" DVD any day of the week.
In-ring: Kelly Kelly came to the ring for a divas contest. They showed Kelly
revealing Randy Orton as her friend with benefits from last week. Jillian Hall
then came out singing...er...botching "When the Saints Go Marching In" since
they're in New Orleans. Plenty of shots of fans covering their ears in pain.
4 -- JILLIAN HALL vs. KELLY KELLY
Lawler offered his usual jokes about Kelly's attractiveness, but offered a
serious comment about her improving each week in the ring. Jillian quickly went
to work on Kelly, talking her way through a heel beating on Kelly. She then
screamed toward the hard cam, causing my cat's ears to go wild. Jillian sat down
on a seated full nelson, then Kelly broke free and kicked Jillian beneath the
chin. She flipped away from Jillian, then snapped off a multiple-revolutions
head scissors. She went up top and nailed a cross body block, but for a two
count only.
[Q6]
Kelly tried a victory roll, but Jillian countered with a bridge pin of her own.
Kelly escaped, then wanted a handspring elbow smash, but Kelly kicked her away.
Kelly then stepped up on Jillian's back and landed a sick guillotine leg drop.
She made the cover for the win. Afterward, Jillian attacked Kelly from behind
until Kane's entrance hit. Kane then entered the ring to confront Kelly, who
slowly tried to back away from Kane. He took the mic and said the truth finally
comes out that she never liked him, but only protected Orton, who rejected her.
Kane said it doesn't feel real good, does it? Kane said that next week, he's
going back to what he enjoys in taking people apart. He has a match with Orton
next week. He told her to feel free to watch. Kane laughed and dropped the mic.
WINNER: Kelly in 4:00. Fine. Jillian was able to work in some heel tactics -
like screaming - to keep the action intriguing leading to Kelly's comeback. Good
set-up for Kane vs. Orton next week. (3/4*)
[Commercial Break]
Announcers: Cole and Lawler plugged Triple H being in three different matches
per Vickie Guerrero on Smackdown this Friday. They plugged the "explicit" photos
of Vickie.
In-ring: Cody and Sim Snuka came to the ring for the Legacy qualifying match. No
sign of Orton. Cryme Tyme then came out as the opposition for the match.
5 -- CRYME TYME (JTG & SHAD GASPAR) vs. SIM SNUKA & CODY RHODES
Lawler set up his own joke that Cryme Tyme received a key to the city from New
Orleans earlier in the weekend, then they had to change the locks today. Cole
chuckled on the canned line. The chemistry between the two is just so forced.
Cody and Sim worked over JTG for a few moments, then Shad took a lukewarm tag
and back dropped Cody hard to the mat. He then scoop-slammed Cody and fired up
the crowd for a "Money Money Yeah Yeah" elbow drop ala the Five Knuckle Shuffle.
It came down to Cody and JTG, and Cody landed a spin-out facebuster on JTG for
the pin and the win.
WINNERS: Legacy in 6:00. Legacy picks up a predictable win here to apparently
remain in the group, but the follow-up after the commercial was pretty
interesting... (*)
[Q7]
Backstage: After Cody and Sim slapped hands in the ring, they cut backstage to
show JBL walking out of Stephanie McMahon's office. He put his hat back on his
head and walked down the hallway. At least he wasn't re-buttoning his shirt.
ECW tomorrow night: Matt Hardy vs. Mark Henry. Again? Really?
[Commercial Break]
Backstage: Cody Rhodes and Sim Snuka were slapping hands together, then they
walked up to Orton to get their props. Orton told Cody he's in, but Sim is out.
Sim was confused. Orton said Cody scored the win in the tag match. Sim reasoned
that it was a tag match. Orton asked Cody for his opinion. Cody paused and said
he did win the match. He left it at that, then walked away. Orton followed him
and patted him on the back while Sim stewed. Well, well, well. Perhaps Ted
DiBiase, Jr. returns in the babyface role to team with Sim & Manu since Orton
took out DiBiase via the Punt to the head months ago. Boom, there's your
storyline.
Backstage - Steph's office: Santino and Beth Phoenix were talking to Stephanie
McMahon about Rosa Mendes being out of control. Santino, comically unaware of
the world he lives in, said you can't blame her for being attracted to him.
Stephanie said she's been booted because she can't respect security. Beth
thanked Steph for her decision, then Beth yanked Santino away.
Suddenly, Chris Jericho walked in and wanted to know if JBL was buying her out
or something. Jericho said he took his formal complaint a level higher than her
- to Vinnie Mac. Stephanie said that ever since "the accident," her dad has been
out of the picture. Jericho said that while warming up for his match, he
received a call from Vince McMahon's office. He has a bit of news that Vince
McMahon will be on the show in two weeks. So, who's show is it going to be?
Jericho sneered at Steph, then walked off. Steph was speechless.
Backstage: John Cena was shown walking in anticipation of the main event.
[Commercial Break]
Announcers: Cole and Lawler said Punk vs. Regal for the IC Title has been
re-booked for next week's show. So, it's Punk vs. Regal and Orton vs. Kane next
week.
[Q8]
In-ring: Speaking of Orton, he came out first for the main event tag match.
Chris Jericho then came out as his tag partner. Shawn Michaels came out alone,
then John Cena came out and the kids went nuts. Lawler said that's how you blow
the roof off the place. Michaels gave him a non-look as Cena did his pre-match
poses for the crowd.
6 -- WWE World Hvt. champion JOHN CENA & SHAWN MICHAELS vs. RANDY ORTON & CHRIS
JERICHO
No debate between Michaels and Cena on who would start this one off, as Michaels
went right to the apron and grabbed a tag rope for a dead stare out into space.
Cena checked for life behind his dead eyes, then went to work against Jericho,
who quickly grounded him. Crowd was quickly on fire as Cena made a comeback with
a side headlock. Michaels then blind-tagged himself into the match and wanted a
superkick on Jericho, but Jericho ducked. Cena then looked at Michaels and they
clotheslined Jericho to the floor. JBL then came out on stage and looked into
the ring. Michaels met him with a puppy-dog stare while Cena looked at Michaels
to see if he was on the right page. Cut to break with tension high.
[Commercial Break]
During the break, Michaels lost control of the match. Lawler said JBL left
ringside after distracting HBK, which allowed Orton and Jericho to take control.
Cena took a hot tag at 6:00 and cleaned house on Orton. He then brushed that
dirt off and dropped him with the Five Knuckle Shuffle in center ring. Cena
wanted the FU on Orton and Michaels tried to clear off Jericho, but Orton raked
Cena in the eyes to escape. Cena then grappled Michaels, thinking he was Orton,
but HBK slipped out of the FU. HBK screamed at Cena, who then was attacked from
behind by Orton and Jericho to begin an attack on Cena. Great sequence.
By the way, crowd is ridiculously hot for this one. Jericho settled into some
mat work on Cena, who tried to get the crowd to rally. Michaels snapped out of
his daze with a loud "Cena, Cena" chant and showed a touch of emotion for his
default tag partner. Cena suddenly powered into FU position, but Jericho
countered with a DDT in center ring for a two count. Cena tried to fight back at
11:00, but Jericho locked in a sleeperhold. Cena tried to reach out for a tag,
but Jericho hopped on his back for additional leverage to pull Cena back to
center ring. Another nice sequence. They showed JBL watching on a monitor
backstage.
[Q9 -- over-run]
Jericho took Cena to the corner and wanted a superplex, but Cena fought him and
shoved Jericho down to the mat. Cena then came off the top with his guillotine
leg drop. Cena then crawled to the wrong corner before regrouping and going over
to his corner for HBK's tag. Before Cena could reach up, Orton took his tag and
tackled Cena to cut him off. Great sequence again. Orton then missed with a
dropkick when Cena hooked the ropes off a whip, then Michaels demanded that tag
in an encouraging way.
Cena pulled himself up at 15:00 and then jumped all the way across the ring to
hot tag Cena. HBK stopped and thought about going after Cena, but then HBK
sprang on Jericho with a flying right hand smash. Michaels unloaded on Jericho,
but Jericho caught him with a smash across the face. He wanted a Lionsault, bur
HBK got the knees up. HBK then went up top in vintage fashion and wanted a top
rope elbow, but Jericho got his knees up to block. That took the crowd out of it
momentarily. Jericho then wanted the Walls of Jericho, but HBK rolled him and
Orton broke it up.
All heck broke loose when Cena became involved, then Orton wanted the RKO, but
Cena shoved Orton off and HBK smashed him right in the face with Sweet Chin
Music. Jericho then popped up and Michaels smashed him for good measure with the
superkick. Cena backed up, thinking he was next, but Michaels went over to
Jericho and covered him for the pin and the win.
Post-match: Cena went to the apron to back away from Michaels, who seemed a
little froggy. The crowd went nuts as Cena continued to be leery of Michaels.
They cut backstage where Grisham brought in JBL for a chat. JBL stared at the
monitor and said his employee was great out there tonight. But, we'll see how he
handles next week when Michaels faces Cena one-on-one with him in HBK's corner.
JBL let that soak in, then they cut back to the ring where Cena re-entered the
ring when HBK left. HBK then re-entered the ring and walked over to Cena, who
threw up a forearm to half-way defend himself. They ended the show with HBK
teasing a back-and-forth on how to handle Cena.
WINNERS: Cena & Michaels in 16:00. Excellent WWE main event style match that was
heavy on storyline to carry the tag team portion of the match. Crowd was red-hot
and Cena and Michaels effectively milked those hot tags. Orton was nearly lost
in the shuffle while Jericho was great on the heel end of things. Well done to
set up next week's blockbuster Raw. (***1/4)