Raw Results 4/30/2007
    Submitted by Donny Anderson on Monday, April 30, 2007 at 11:29 PM EST



    Raw Results 4/30/2007

    After a night of retribution, who survived Backlash? We'll find out tonight as the USA Network presents Monday Night Raw, live from Nashville, Tennesee!

    Show starts off with Cena walking in the back, running into Vince McMahon, who's looking quite dapper in a doo-rag. Vince announces himself as the new ECW Champion, and Cena says ECW stands for extremely crazy white guy. HBK enters and tells Cena that he's more lucky than he is good. He wants one more shot, and he wants it now. Cena accepts! But, Vince interjects, and says that HBK must earn his spot to face Cena, as Vince rolls out with a "Peace, my brothers!" Cena and HBK go face to face as the intro rolls... (Vince's new gimmick is a jive soul bro? Somewhere, Slick is smiling... while Paul Heyman is crying)

    JR announces HBK/Cena III tonight, as Edge's music hits.

    Edge vs. Randy Orton

    The match starts with a staredown, as Edge slaps Orton, and the two begin exchanging blows. Edge rolls out of the ring, and Orton chases him around the outside as the action goes back into the ring. Orton takes control, smashing Edge into the turnbuckles and stomping a mudhole into him. Orton gets a 2 count, and continues to punish Edge. An audible "Randy" chant starts as Orton knocks Edge to the outside, and we cut to a commercial break. We're back live and Edge is back in the ring, getting dominated by Orton. Edge pulls Orton's tights sending Orton into the turnbuckle, and then sends Orton out of the ring, from the apron to all the way to the announce table. The audio is out as Edge pulls Orton back in the ring, and gets a near-fall 2 count. Audio comes back, as the crowd is chanting for Randy, but Edge is clearly in control as he gets a 2 count. Orton fights out of a sleeper-hold only to get smacked by a reverse heel-kick by Edge. Edge goes to the top rope and gets stopped by Orton. Orton climbs up to edge as they exchange blows. Edge knocks Randy off the turnbuckle, and jumped off towards him, as Orton meets Edge mid-air with a huge drop-kick. Both men are dazed after that, as Orton connects with his inverted backbreaker, and gets another near fall. Powerslam by Orton and another near fall! Edge connects with a flashback and gets a 2 count. Double cross body-block that results in a collision of both men. Edge gets back to his feet and removes the turnbuckle. Orton with a rollup, Edge counters, and both men are back to their feet. Randy is busted open by a sick snake-eyes from Edge. Both Orton and Edge try to steal the match by putting their legs on the ropes for leverage during a pin, but the Ref catches them both. Edge reverses the RKO with the impaler DDT, and Orton kicks out yet again. Edge misses the Spear, and Randy starts stalking for the RKO. Edge pushes Orton away, and hits him with the spear as soon as Orton turns around! Orton is a bloody mess as Edge covers for the win.

    Your Winner: Edge
    (A great match as always by Edge, and Orton certainly held his own. In fact, this was one of the best matches Orton has pulled off as of late. Regardless of his backstage heat, he certainly put forth one awesome effort tonight. Match rating: A-)

    Recap of last week's HBK/Cena II, as JR and King hype tonight's match.

    Another recap of Marella's win of the IC title. They announce Santino Marella's first interview next!

    Todd Grisham introduced Santino, as they both sit on a couch. Grisham says Santino is 29 years old, and explains that he has trained to be a wrestler for three years. He was in Italy visiting his family when "Roberto Lashley" helped him win the title. Santino says he can't believe it happened. His parents were crying. He announces that next week is his first title defense. He says he hopes his title reign is long and that this dream doesn't end. (This entire segment screamed "Borat" to me. I can't wait to see Marella in action next week though.)

    A Recap of RVD's video on WWE.com when he rips Vince. RVD says that Vince's win was a loss for the spirit of ECW. King announces RVD vs. Umaga tonight.

    In the back, Vince and Shane talk about RVD. Vince says he hates the ECW Originals. Vince tells Shane to make sure Umaga beats down RVD tonight. Shane assures Vince that Umaga is on board. Vince thanks Shane for last night, as Shane tells Vince that he loves him. Vince lets Shane hold the ECW Championship belt.

    Maria now interviews Edge in the back. Maria says Edge doesn't look happy. Edge insults Maria and says he's angry. Edge complains that HBK has had too many chances at the belt. Edge promises to assert himself back in the Championship picture, "get it? got it? good."

    After a commercial break, JR and King are joined by Cade and Murdoch at ringside, as Jeff Hardy's music hits. Cade says that the Hardy's earned their respect at Backlash.

    Jeff Hardy v. Johnny Nitro

    Match starts out with Hardy hitting a russian leg-sweep, as Jeff gets control early, but Nitro quickly takes over. Nitro pounds Jeff into the turnbuckle, but misses a back elbow. Jeff nails a Whisper in the Wind, and then a few clotheslines. Jeff Hardy with a face-first suplex, and a 2 count. Nitro gets control again, hits a neck-breaker, and goes to the top rope. Jeff gets up, meets him at the top turnbuckle, and Hardy backdrops Nitro. Hardy hits the Swanton bomb for the win.

    Cade and Murdoch begin clapping for Hardy. Cade grabs the mic, and tells Hardy they respect him. They ask to shake Jeff's hand. They extend their hands, but Jeff backs away up the ramp, refusing the handshake.

    Your Winner: Jeff Hardy
    (Way too short for what these two are capable of in the ring, and I wish creative had more for Nitro to do. Nonetheless, it was a good win for Jeff, and moved along the Hardy/Redneck Wrecking Crew storyline. Match Rating: C+)

    A quick recap of the Fatal Four Way from Backlash, and more hyping of Cena-HBK III for later tonight.

    Shane McMahon's music hits, and Shane-O Mac comes out to the ring. He grabs the mic. Shane announces the man partially responsible for Vince's win of the ECW title, Umaga. JR calls Shane-O Mac "Vince's Demon Seed". King says JR should keep his words short and sweet, because he may have to eat them later. Umaga's music hits, and the Samoan Bulldozer comes out without Estrada. RVD's music hits, but we go to commercial before the match starts.

    Rob Van Dam vs. Umaga

    We come back from a commercial break with RVD trying to mount an offense. Umaga launches RVD to the outside. Umaga gets him back in the ring, and is in control. RVD again tries to mount an offense, but Umaga catches him with a samoan drop. RVD fires back with punches, and tries for a bodyslam, but falls backwards. An "RVD" chant breaks out. RVD jumps on Umaga's back and wraps around with a sleeper hold. Umaga is down to one knee. Shane has a look of disbelief on his face. Umaga starts powering out, and backs RVD into the turnbuckle, but RVD keeps the hold. Umaga flips RVD to the outside. Umaga follows him out, but gets caught in the sleeper again. Umaga falls backwards against the ring steps, crushing RVD. Umaga rolls back into the ring, and RVD crawls into the ring at the 9 count to narrowly avoid the count-out. Flying head butt by Umaga, and now RVD sits in the corner. RVD dodges the butt-smash. RVD goes for a sunset flip, taking control. RVD to the top and hits the flying kick. ROLLING THUNDER!!! Umaga powers out at the 1 count. Umaga now is in control again. RVD dodges a body splash in the turnbuckle. RVD starts feeling a little froggy. He hits the 5-Star Frog Splash, but Umaga catches him by the throat, stands up, and hits the Samoan Spike for the win.

    Your Winner: Umaga
    (A great match, with RVD looking strong until Umaga no-sold the frog-splash. Overall, a decent match that was at least competitive. Umaga isn't as interesting without Estrada, so I look forward to his return. Match Rating: B)

    Ric Flair is in the back drinking coffee when Torrie and Carlito walks up. Carlito apologizes for yelling at Flair, and builds up their upcoming match with the World's Greatest Tag-Team. Flair gives a short inspiration speech before he leaves, and Carlito makes a snide comment, acting shady. Carlito says if they lose, they'll go their separate ways. When Torrie asks him about it, he tells her that he knows what he's doing. (Cloudy with a chance of heel-turn).

    Back to the ring, where HBK's music starts up, but Michaels doesn't show up. The Titantron then shows HBK in the back, bloodied and unconscious. I guess we won't get HBK/Cena III tonight. Cena and Coach show up. Coach accuses Cena of attacking Michaels, but Cena puts Coach against the wall. McMahon shows up tells Coach to find out who did this. McMahon tells the Doctors that he wants HBK in the ring tonight, regardless of his condition.

    Flair and Carlito w/ Torrie vs. the World's Greatest Tag-Team

    Flair starts off against Haas. They tie up and Flair takes control quickly, delivering slaps and arm-drags like only the Nature Boy can do. Flair tags in Carlito, and Carlito hits a few slaps of his own. Haas powers Carlito to his corner, and tags in Benjamin. Carlito then takes control and hammers away at Benjamin. Horrible botch by Benjamin, attempting a dropkick, but missing by about 3 feet. Benjamin tags in Haas, and after a quick double team against Carlito, Haas takes control. Haas with a backbreaker for a 2 count. Haas tags in Benjamin, and continues to work on Carlito. An awesome double team move in which Shelton bodyslams Carlito onto Haas' knee, and Haas is back in. Carlito is playing the face in peril, as Haas tags Shelton back in. Carlito fights back, cheap shots Haas, and counters Benjamin. Both men are down, as Carlito gets the hot tag. Flair gets in and starts on Benjamin. Haas runs in, but Carlito quickly tosses him out of the ring. CARLITO HITS FLAIR! Carlito starts nailing Flair with lefts, but Flair fights back and rakes Carlito's eyes. Carlito walks up the ramp, but Flair follows him, tackles him, and starts fighting him. It's broken into an old-fashioned slobberknocker as the two fight up the ramp.

    Your Winner: No Contest
    (FINALLY the much awaited heel-turn by Carlito. Everyone saw this coming, so I'm glad the WWE finally pulled the trigger. WGTT looked okay with the exception of Benjamin's botch. Perhaps he's been taking lessons from Sabu. Anyways, we now have a new feud on our hands, so the segment did it's job. Match Rating: C+)

    Now we go to the back, and Edge is knocked out just like HBK was a few minutes ago, as Coach demands that someone find Randy Orton.

    We get back from a commercial for yet another behind the scenes look at The Condemned. (I planned on seeing it until I realized Spider-man 3 comes out this weekend. I'll wait for the DVD, I guess.)

    Egypt Central, from the Condemned Soundtrack, is in the crowd tonight. (I have no clue who they are either, so don't ask me.)

    Mr. Kennedy's music hits, and he comes to the ring, briefcase in hand. He cuts a great promo about how he wasn't the one who took out Shawn Michaels and Edge. He referenced the OJ Simpson trial, saying that if you look in his White Ford Bronco, you'll find no blood stains. He asks the crowd if they would like to see him cash in his MITB tonight? He says no, that's not going to happen. He says Edge was a coward in the way that he took his MITB title shot at the Elimination Chamber. He says he will be up front with the people, and announces the countdown to Wrestlemania 24. He says he will cash in the briefcase at that time, so we're only 335 days away. (Awesome segment, and a great way to build up Kennedy over the next year.)

    Now we're back in the locker room, as the Coach and Kenny Dykstra find Orton unconscious in the showers. That's... odd. Hopefully we'll find out who is behind this.

    Coach finds McMahon, telling him that HBK, Edge, and Orton are down. McMahon says he knows who did it. McMahon tells Coach to find Cena and bring him to the ring, and they will come face to face with the man who is knocking out all the superstars.

    Victoria and Melina vs. Candice Michelle and Mickie James

    Victoria starts out against Candice, with Candice getting the advantage with a sleeper. Victoria backs Candice into the corner and tags in Melina. Candice charges Melina into the corner, and tags in Mickie. Mickie grabs Melina by the hair and starts beating her down, but it eventually goes into catfight territory as both ladies keep rolling over delivering punches to each other. Victoria pulls Mickie out of the ring, and slams Mickie's lower back into the side of the ring. Victoria is tagged in, and gets a quick 2 count. Melina is tagged back in, and puts Mickie in a straight-jacket sleeper. After a double neckbreaker, both ladies get the hot tag, and Victoria and Candice go at it. All four get in the ring and a brawl starts. Candice rolls up Victoria for the win.

    Your Winner: Candice Michelle and Mickie James
    (Not bad for a Divas match, as these four are probably the best woman wrestlers in the company right now. Melina and Candice have come a long way since their debuts, so that's a good sign for the future. Standard Diva filler match, but it was entertaining enough. Match Rating: B-)


    Cena's music hits, as he comes to the ring and grabs the mic. Mixed reaction for Cena once again. Cena says that apparently someone is trying to get his attention. He says whoever it is, he doesn't back down from any challenge. He says "whoever you are, if you want some, come get some." Cena stands in the ring waiting.

    The dulcimer starts, and it's THE GREAT KHALI! Cena meets Khali at ringside and they start fighting, but Khali feels nothing. Khali hammers Cena down, picks him up, and hits him with a boot to the face. Major heel heat for Khali, which is great. Khali continues his assault, dominating Cena, as the crowd starts to chant Cena's name. Cena blocks Khali's chop, and tries to FU Khali, but Khali elbowed Cena and got out of it. Khali then picks up Cena and hits his double chokeslam. Cena is out cold. Khali grabs the belt and holds it up, as JR asks if this is a sign of things to come. Khali drops the belt next to Cena, and Cena is unconscious as the camera fades out.





    Quick Results:
    Edge def. Randy Orton via pin.
    Jeff Hardy def. Johnny Nitro via pin.
    Umaga def. Rob Van Dam via pin.
    Flair/Carlito v. WGTT fought to a no contest.
    Candice/Mickie def. Victoria/Melina via pin.

    Overall, it was a good Raw, with a few surprises and the much anticipated heel-turn of Carlito. It was only a matter of time before Khali and Cena faced off. I'm not opposed to it at all, as it serves as an interesting addition to the main event scene until Triple H gets back, or at least until the next Pay-Per-View. The McMahon segments weren't too terribly long tonight, and overall the segments moved their respective storylines along nicely.

    Match of the Night: Edge v. Orton

    Final Grade: B




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    This is my first week reviewing Raw. I'd like to thank LordsofPain.net for giving me this opportunity, and I look forward to reviewing Raw for many, many weeks to come. If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to email me at donnyanderson@gmail.com. Thanks, and I'll see you next week!







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