WWE Monday Night Raw 4/6/09
Live from Houston, Texas
The show opened with a series of still shot photos from WrestleMania 25.
The usual opening montage played.
Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler introduced the show and hyped the 10-man tag match main event.
Randy Orton came to the ring dressed in his ring gear. Cole said there were 14,187 fans in attendance at the Toyota Center. Orton complained about Hunter using the sledgehammer. He said the match proved nothing. He said he'll get his rematch against Hunter, and teased further abuse against the McMahon family.
"I haven't seen Linda in a while," Orton said. "I'm sure she'd be happy to see me. Or better yet, how about I finally introduce myself to all of those McMahon family grandchildren. Yes, that would be nice."
Vince McMahon's music played and he headed to the ring with a determined look on his face. Orton backed out of the ring when Vince arrived. Vince took offense to the threats against his family, particularly his grandchildren. Vince said he was waiting in the ring if Randy wanted to get his hands on a McMahon family member so badly.
"I'll tell you what I'm not going to do and that's give you another championship match," Vince said. He announced that there would be a tidal wave coming at Orton at Backlash. Vince announced that Orton would team with Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase to face himself, Triple H, and Shane McMahon.
Orton accused Vince of booking a match that allows him to hide behind Triple H. He said it's obvious that Vince is terrified of him. Vince said Orton is a failure without Rhodes and DiBiase. Randy got upset and challenged Vince to a one-on-one match later in the show and guaranteed that Vince wouldn't make it to Backlash if he accepted the match.
"Maybe I'll have my WrestleMania moment a day late when I permanently put you down," Orton said. "What do you say, sir?" Vince thought about it for a bit and said that while Orton may permanently put him down or even in a coma, but maybe he won't. "You're on!" Vince said.
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1. Primo and Carlito defeated John Morrison and The Miz in a lumberjack match to retain the Unified Tag Titles in 9:30. Primo and Carlito brought the WWE and World Tag Title belts to the ring. Cole claimed that the fans who attended WrestleMania were treated to these two teams competing in a "bonus match." At 2:00, Primo tossed Morrison to ringside. The lumberjacks worked over Morrison and threw him back inside the ring.
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The announcers spent some time talking about the possibility that the teams could be split up via next week's draft on the three-hour Raw. At 7:45, Carlito and Miz battled for position on the top rope. They pushed one another off opposite sides and landed on the lumberjacks. Morrison ran over and performed a shooting star press onto the lumberjacks. Later, Carlito hit the Backstabber on Miz and scored the pin.
Backstage, Shane McMahon objected to Vince McMahon about his decision to face Randy Orton in a singles match. Vince said he never backs down from a challenge and can't wait to get his hands on Orton. Vince said he wants to take on Orton on his own.
The announcers hyped a 10-Diva tag match.
A video recapped John Cena's media tour to promote "12 Rounds".
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2. Melina, Layla, Mickie James, Kelly Kelly, and Jillian Hall defeated Maryse, Natalya, Maria, Gail Kim, and Eve Torres in 3:53. While the other Divas were fighting at ringside, Mickie hit a tornado DDT on Natalya and scored the pin.
Backstage, Shane asked Triple H to talk some sense into Vince. Hunter said Vince is stubborn, but he'll try.
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Highlights aired of JBL quitting at WrestleMania 25.
The announcers ran through WrestleMania still shot photos while ring introductions took place for the 10-man tag match.
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3. John Cena, C.M. Punk, Jeff Hardy, Ricky Steamboat, and Rey Mysterio defeated Kane, Big Show, Chris Jericho, Matt Hardy, and Edge in 15:30. The match was joined in progress and the fans were already chanting for Steamboat. Matt tagged out quickly when his brother tagged in. More boos than cheers for Cena tonight.
Steamboat tagged into the match and a loud, "You still got it" chant broke out as he worked over one of his opponents. Kane cut off Steamboat and tagged in Jericho, who took a shot or two and then tagged in Big Show. A loud "Let's go Steamboat" chant started.
Jericho tagged back in and Cole referred to him as a vulture. Cole also pointed out a big handprint that Show left on Steamboat's chest. At 6:40, Steamboat caught Jericho in an inside cradle for a good nearfall. Ricky made a hot tag to Punk, who used his signature moves on Jericho. He tried to take a shot at Show in the corner, but Show caught his hand. Meanwhile, Kane took a cheap shot at Punk.
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After the break, the wrestlers really kicked it into high gear. Rey hit a double 619 on Edge and Jericho. Steamboat hit a cross body block off the top rope, while Rey hit a top rope splash and pinned Jericho. Afterward, Cole pointed out that Punk was staring at Cena. He noted that Punk could cash in any time he wants, even tonight. The babyfaces left the ring and allowed Steamboat to take his final bows. The rest of his team clapped from ringside. He ran up the ramp and jumped into their arms.
Backstage, Hunter entered Vince's office. Vince cut him and said he doesn't want to hear it. Hunter said Vince is the most stubborn, obnoxious, SOB he's ever met. "But I'm proud of you," he said. "Just do me a favor. Finish it".
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The announcers discussed the WrestleMania attendance and thanked AC/DC for contributing the WrestleMania music.
In the ring, Lillian Garcia introduced Vickie Guerrero, who was wheeled onto the stage by Chavo Guerrero. Mega-boos for Vickie. She said the board of directors ruled that she could be the general manager of one show or the other. She said that with the draft next week, a decision had to be made. She announced that she is now the permanent general manager of Raw.
Vickie announced that Edge will have a mandatory rematch with John Cena at the Backlash pay-per-view. She said it's Edge's last chance to regain his championship. She said the six-man tag match with Legacy vs. Hunter and the McMahons is now a title match. She said Orton would win the title if anyone from his team wins.
The announcers discussed Vickie's announcements. Suddenly, she came back out and said that Edge vs. Cena will be a last man standing match.
The announcers raved about the Shawn Michaels vs. Undertaker match as a shot aired from the Houston Chronicle's coverage.
A video featured still shots of WM25.
The announcers hyped the Mr. McMahon vs. Randy Orton match.
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An ad aired for the new WWE Superstars show that kicks off Apr. 16 on WGN America.
A WWE Hall of Fame recap video aired. The clip included Vince McMahon referring to Steve Austin as the greatest WWE superstar of all time.
Lillian Garcia welcomed Miss WrestleMania Santina Marella. Santino came out in drag with his crown and sash. Santina spoke about her "brother Santino." He/she questioned whether he/she will pose for the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue or settle down and have babies.
Beth Phoenix's music interrupted Santina. Beth walked out with an angry look on her face and Rosa Mendes at her side. "We've never been properly introduced," Santina said. "I'm Santina." Beth told him to cut the crap. She said Santino was embarrassing himself in front of the people. The crowd booed her.
"And don't let me catch you in the Divas locker room ever again," Beth said. She challenged Santina to a match. Santina said Beth is just jealous because he's more of a woman than she'll ever be. Santina accepted the challenge and called for a referee. A ref ran to the ring as the show cut to break.
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After the break, the announcers laughed as they played "WWE.com Exclusive" footage of Santino dancing to the Kid Rock song. Cole said viewers could go to the website after the show to see the full performance.
4. Santina Marella defeated Beth Phoenix (w/Rosa Mendes) in 1:15. Beth punched Santina a few times and he squealed each time. He ran outside the ring and Beth followed. Rosa stood between them. Back inside the ring, Beth went for a slam, but Santina held onto the ropes and eventually fell onto Beth and scored the pin.
A shot aired of Vince walking backstage with his game face on.
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5. Randy Orton defeated Vince McMahon by an apparent DQ in 5:00. Vince slapped Orton to start the match. He slapped him again and then followed him to ringside where he continued to control the offense. Orton finally hit his finish offensive move at 2:30. Orton punched Vince and then dropped his knee on the back of his head three times.
At 3:55, Orton hit the RKO on Vince. The announcers were brutal at this point. Lawler casually stated that Vince might be unconscious. After several seconds of silence, Cole rambled on about how demonic Orton appeared. Randy set up for the punt kick, but Shane ran out and saved his father at the last second.
Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase ran out and attacked Shane. Triple H ran out, but he was quickly outnumbered by the heels. Batista's music played and he came out to a big ovation. Batista cleared Orton and DiBiase from the ring. Rhodes escaped, but Hunter shoved him back inside the ring. Batista hit the Batista Bomb on Rhodes and then stood in the ring with Hunter and Shane.
An out of breath Vince took the mic at ringside and said Orton was right. He said he wouldn't be able to make it to Backlash, so taking his place will be "The Animal Dave Batista. The live crowd popped as Orton threw a fit on the stage. "No, no, no, no," he said.
Batista celebrated in the ring with Hunter and Shane. The announcers narrated a replay of the segment. Cole thanked the viewers for "an absolutely incredible WrestleMania week" and for tuning in for Raw. "Batista is back," exclaimed Lawler to close the show...
