CODY RHODES TALKS ABOUT LEGACY, MOVING TO SMACKDOWN

Slam Wrestling conducted an interview with Cody Rhodes this weekend. Here are some of the highlights:

Cody on being a second generation star: “(Being a second-generation wrestler) can be incredibly easy or incredibly difficult. I didn’t want to be my dad. I don’t want to be Dusty Rhodes Jr. I want to be Cody Rhodes.”

Cody on going to SmackDown: “RAW was more of a variety show. Smackdown is more of a wrestling-based show. That’s my area. It gives me a chance to showcase myself. I feel I’ll do really well between the ropes. I think things are going to be changing for me along with the brand change. As a fan, I like to see the talent evolve and I need to evolve. I really wasn’t a character on RAW. It was ‘here we have our second- and third-generation superstars.’ Now, fans will have the opportunity to see who Cody Rhodes is.”

Cody on Legacy: “The point was to introduce us, as The Legacy, the same as when Randy Orton and Batista were brought in with Evolution. I don’t think it’d be totally bizarre if three, five or seven years down the road from now, you saw a Wrestlemania match with me and on the other side, Ted DiBiase.”

SUPERSTARS WHOS MAKING DEBUT IN WRESTLEMANIA 26

The following WWE Superstars will be making their WrestleMania debuts this coming Sunday night in Arizona: R-Truth, Jack Swagger, Cody Rhodes, Ted DiBiase, The Miz, Evan Bourne, Sheamus, Drew McIntyre and Serena. While The Miz did defend the WWE Tag Team Titles with John Morrison at last year’s WrestleMania, the match ended up being a DVD extra and this year’s match will be his WrestleMania TV debut.

RAW AS ON MAR 22

We open tonight’s WrestleMania go-home RAW with the usual opening video. Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler welcome us to RAW as they hype tonight’s Handicap main event. We go right to the ring where Shawn Michaels’ music starts playing.

- Shawn Michaels makes his way out to the ring to a nice pop from the crowd. We go to replays of last week’s SmackDown where Shawn laid out The Undertaker with Sweet Chin Music. HBK says he’s got that feeling before WrestleMania. The feeling that he can do anything, even beat The Undertaker at WrestleMania. HBK says he will no longer be known as the Headliner, the Showstopper or the Main Event or any of those other names. He will be known as the man who ended Undertaker’s WrestleMania streak. HBK keeps talking when the lights go out in the arena. A video starts playing showing clips of a young Shawn Michaels and his rise to the top in WWE.

The video ends with Undertaker talking. It says “SHAWN MICHAELS CAREER 1985-2010.” We go back to the ring where Shawn Michaels is looking serious now. Shawn says that video won’t intimidate him. He tells Taker to come out and intimidate him in his face. Music hits and out comes tonight’s guest host and WWE Hall of Famer Pete Rose.

Pete wishes Shawn good luck at WrestleMania and says he’s the man to break Undertaker’s streak at WrestleMania. Pete says he wants Shawn to compete tonight against Kane. Pete says he needs someone to get revenge on Kane for what he’s done to Rose over the years. Shawn says he will. Pete tells Shawn to go get ‘em and wishes him a good night. Rose heads to the back while Shawn stares on. Kane vs. Shawn Michaels will be no countouts and no DQ’s tonight.

- Cole and Lawler lead us into a video package hyping John Cena vs. Batista.

The Miz vs. John Morrison

Back from the break and out comes the Unified Tag Team Champions as The Miz, WWE’s US Champion, will compete in singles action. Big Show sits down for commentary. Out next is the team of R-Truth and John Morrison. Morrison will be the opponent here. Truth sits down to join Show, Cole and Lawler on commentary. The bell rings and here we go.

Morrison and Miz taunt each other before starting the match and taking it to the corner. Miz slaps Morrison but gets knocked right back to the mat. Morrison dumps Miz to the floor and kicks him in the face. Morrison hits a moonsault from the apron onto Miz on the floor. We go to commercial.

Back from the break and Miz has control of Morrison in the ring. During the break, Miz damaged Morrison’s neck and went to work on it. Miz continues to focus on the neck now. Morrison rolls Miz up out of nowhere but only gets a 2 count. Miz reverses a move and goes back to work on Morrison. Morrison turns things around and beats Miz down in the corner. Miz decks Morrison but gets dropped on his face. Morrison with the big leg drop for a 2 count. Morrison mounts Miz with right hands.

Morrison goes to the top rope but Miz knocks him down to the turnbuckle. Miz goes for a superplex but Morrison counters and sends Miz to the floor. Morrison hits Starship Pain for the pinfall and the win.

Winner: John Morrison

- After the match, Big Show goes to get in the ring. R-Truth tries to stop him and then Morrison dropkicks him back into the announcer’s table. Morrison and Truth leave the ringside area as Big Show is pissed off in the ring.

- We go backstage where Triple H is getting ready for tonight. Randy Orton comes in. Triple H says just because they have the same enemies doesn’t mean their past is gone. Triple H tells Orton he will drop him tonight if he gets in the way. Orton reminds Triple H that he still has to make it to WrestleMania and walks off. We go to commercial.

Final Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Kofi Kingston vs. Vladimir Kozlov

Jack Swagger joins us for commentary on this next match to determine the final Money in the Bank participant. Out first is Kofi Kingston followed by his opponent Vladimir Kozlov. The bell rings and Kofi tries for some kicks. Kozlov catches him and throws him to the mat. Kofi rolls out to the floor.

Kofi drops Kozlov over the ropes but Kozlov brings him back in. Kozlov works over Kofi with headbutts and an overhead suplex. 2 count by Kozlov. Kozlov applies a torture rack type move but Kofi slides out. Kozlov catches Kofi with a big side slam. Kofi gets the win after the big kick to the head. Kofi is going to WrestleMania.

Winner: Kofi Kingston

- Cole and Lawler hype Money in the Bank and tonight’s matches as we go to commercial.

Legacy and Sheamus vs. Randy Orton and Triple H

Back from the break and out comes Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase for tonight’s handicap match. Cody takes the mic and talks about the Triple Threat with he, Ted and Randy Orton at WrestleMania. Cody talks about how he and Ted are finally free of Randy Orton. Cody goes on about Orton. Ted takes the mic and we get a little bit of tension between the two here. Their opponent Sheamus is out next. We go to commercial.

Back from commercial and out comes Triple H first to a nice pop from the crowd. His tag team partner Randy Orton is out next. The bell rings and it’s Sheamus starting things out with Triple H. Or maybe not. Sheamus tags in Cody before the match starts. Triple H goes at it with Cody, sending him to the corner. Triple H with a splash in the opposite corner. Cody kicks HHH in the head and tags in Ted. Ted comes in but gets clotheslined by Triple H.

Ted turns things around on Triple H. HHH comes back with an atomic drop on Ted and a cheap shot to Sheamus on the apron. Ted hits a dropkick on HHH. Sheamus pulls HHH to the floor and works him over. Sheamus is tagged in now and stomps on Triple H in the corner. They trade right hands in the corner now until Sheamus drops Triple H and mounts him with right hands. Ted comes in to continue the attack on Triple H. Cody comes right back in and keeps stomping on Triple H. Another tag to Ted and more stomps and chokes on HHH in the corner. Cheap shots by Sheamus.

Cody is once again tagged in. Triple H starts fighting back but Cody hits him with a big right hand. Triple H catches Cody with the spinebuster. Sheamus and Orton are tagged in at the same time. Orton hits a big powerslam on Sheamus and drags Ted in the ring. He lays Ted and Cody out. Another powerslam on Cody. Orton with the backbreaker on Sheamus. Orton hits the mat and starts stalking Sheamus. Cody comes in from the apron and Orton goes for the DDT on the second rope. Sheamus stops it as he kicks Orton in the side of the head. Sheamus pins Orton for the pinfall and the win.

Winners: Sheamus, Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase

- After the match, Triple H is in the ring trying to get up. Sheamus goes for the big kick but Triple H ducks it and clotheslines Sheamus out to the floor. Sheamus teases getting back in the ring to fight but doesn’t. Triple H’s music plays as we go to replays.

- Cole and Lawler lead us into another video package hyping John Cena vs. Batista at WrestleMania.

- Backstage we see Bret Hart headed to the ring as we go to commercial.

- Back from the break and out comes Bret Hart to a nice pop from the crowd. The fans start chanting Bret’s name as he enters the ring. Bret says he never thought he’d get another shot to go to WrestleMania when he returned a few months ago. Bret says he’s been waiting for this for a long time. Bret says he can leave WWE with his head high now because he got what he wanted – a match against Vince McMahon. Bret warns Vince that there will be Hart family members all over town this weekend.

Bret talks more about Vince and WrestleMania. He promises the fans that WrestleMania 26 will be the best there is, was and ever will be. Bret thanks the fans as his music hits. Out comes Vince McMahon to the ramp. Vince tells Bret that after this Sunday, one way or the other – he’s screwed. Vince smiles as his own music plays now and Bret looks on.

- We see Shawn Michaels walking to the ring. Pete Rose walks up and wishes him good luck. We go to commercial.

No DQ or Countout Match: Shawn Michaels vs. Kane

Back from the break and out comes Shawn Michaels to a nice pop. The pyro goes off next and out comes Kane. The bell rings and they go at it. HBK with chops. Kane comes back with a big boot. Kane takes HBK to the corner and works him over. Kane with a big dropkick to the face and a 2 count on Shawn. Kane continues to keep control of the match and hits a big running clothesline and a right hand out of the corner, knocking HBK down.

Kane hits more big rights and a big sideslam for a 2 count on Shawn. Kane goes to the top but HBK catches him coming off and locks a Crossface on. HBK walks into a Kane chokeslam attempt but rolls out of it and applies an ankle lock on Kane. Kane gets to the ropes and breaks the hold. Shawn hits an atomic drop and big chops to the chest. Shawn drops Kane again and goes to the top rope for the big elbow drop and he hits it. Shawn gets ready for Sweet Chin Music when the lights go off and Undertaker’s bells ring. The lights come back on and Taker is in the ring. He grabs Shawn by the throat and chokeslams him. Taker’s bell hits again, the lights go back out and when they come on, Taker is gone. Kane stands over Shawn and covers him but Shawn kicks out at 2.

Shawn gets up and connects with Sweet Chin Music on Kane for the pinfall and the win.

Winner: Shawn Michaels

- After the match, Shawn sits in the ring and says something we can’t hear. He looks serious. We go to another video hyping Cena vs. Batista.

- Back from the break and we get a WWE Hall of Fame video package announcing Bob Uecker as the next member of the 2010 class. Cole and Lawler run down the WrestleMania 26 card.

- Pete Rose is backstage with Christian. Rose talks about finally getting his revenge on Kane after all these years. Christian walks off. Pete opens up his dressing room door and Kane’s music plays. Kane pulls Pete in the room and we hear things breaking. Back to commercial.

Gail Kim, Eve Torres and Beth Phoenix vs. Layla, Michelle McCool and Maryse

Back from the break and out comes the face Divas for a tag match. Mickie and Kelly stand at ringside. Vickie Guerrero comes to ringside with Alicia Fox as the next team comes down. Gail and McCool start things out and go back and forth with Gail mostly in control. Gail with a clothesline and a 2 count on McCool.

Out of nowhere McCool hits her Styles Clash finisher for the pinfall and the win in a quick Divas squash. All the heel Divas celebrate with Vickie Guerrero before leaving.

Winners: Michelle McCool, Maryse and Layla

- We see Batista walking to the ring with security as we go to commercial.

- Back from commercial and the WWE Champion Batista is introduced. Out he comes to the ring with security behind him. The lights go out and a spotlight follows Batista to the ring. Batista takes the mic and encourages the crowd to keep booing him. Batista tells the people to get used to him being WWE Champion. Batista says Cena will lose at WrestleMania because he can’t beat him. Batista says Cena will never beat him and tells the fans to get used to it. Batista says bad things happen to Cena when they are in the ring together and it will be the same ‘ol story this Sunday. The crowd starts chanting for Cena.

Batista rips Cena’s fans and impersonates Cena. Batista says the fans mean nothing to him. He’s here to make money and win titles. He says when he looks at the fans all he sees is money. Batista continues to rip on the fans and thanks them for paying to see him. Batista says the fans pay to see him because he’s special and great. The Cena chants start up again. Batista says Cena will disappoint the fans again this Sunday at WrestleMania. Batista says he’s done talking. He knows the fans want Cena to come out and run his mouth. Batista calls Cena out.

Cena’s music hits and out he comes. Batista has security stand between he and Cena. Cena says he’s already disappointed the fans and already let them down the second Batista became the WWE Champion. A “you can’t wrestle” chant starts up from the crowd. Cena says he’s lost confidence in himself and the people have lost it in him. Cena goes on and on. Batista says Cena is just like the fans – a loser. Cena says he is right, he’s just like the fans. And they’re all sick of Batista’s garbage. They go back and forth on the mic. Cena says Batista can be beat and at WrestleMania, he’s taking back the WWE Title. Cena says he’s done talking and goes to turn his back. This pisses Batista off. Batista calls Cena a corporate creation and a paper Champion. Cena decks Batista and they fight until security steps in. Security holds Cena back while Batista gets in a few shots. They brawl some more until Batista gets out to the floor. Cena starts fighting security off and clears the ring of them. WWE officials come in the ring to calm Cena down as Batista heads up the ramp. Cena stands in the ring fuming as his music hits and RAW goes off the air.

MYSTERIO'S PROMO EDITED,CHAVO FACE ON HOMETOWN

WWE edited a great deal of Rey Mysterio’s promo that aired on SmackDown Friday. The promo was far longer live, and they also edited out “What” chants the fans were screaming during his promo.

With WWE being in El Paso Friday night, Chavo was a baby face. Chavo teamed with Kofi Kingston as they defeated Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase, with Chavo pinning Rhodes for the victory. For those who don’t know, Chavo was born in El Paso, where his grandfather was the local wrestling promoter, despite having lived most of his life in Southern California.

SUPERSTAR TAPINGS BEFORE RAW, NEXT WEEK RAW MAIN EVENT, STU HART FINALLY ON HALL OF FAME

The Bella Twins vs. Jillian Hall & Katie Lea as well as Christian, Mark Henry & Yoshi Tatsu vs. Jack Swagger, Zack Ryder and William Regal was taped before RAW tonight for Superstars this Thursday.

Randy Orton and Triple H vs. Cody Rhodes, Ted DiBiase and Sheamus has been announced as the main event of next week’s RAW.

WWE Hall of Famer Pete Rose will be hosting next week’s show.

Stu Hart will officially be going into the WWE Hall of Fame this year after Steve Austin announced it on RAW tonight.

UPDATED CARD FOR WRESTLEMANIA

WWE Title Match
John Cena vs. Batista

World Heavyweight Title Match
Edge vs. Chris Jericho

Career vs. Streak Match
Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker

Bret Hart vs. Vince McMahon

WWE Unified Tag Team Title Match
John Morrison & R-Truth vs. The Miz & Big Show

Money in the Bank Ladder Match
Dolph Ziggler vs. Kane vs. Christian vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. MVP vs. Jack Swagger vs. Matt Hardy vs. Evan Bourne vs. Drew McIntyre

Triple H vs. Sheamus

Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes vs. Ted DiBiase

INJURY UPDATE ON MELINA, MATCHES FOR TONIGHTS RAW

The latest word on Melina is that she may be out of action until mid-July. Earlier reports had her returning sometime this Spring. Melina is still going through rehab for her torn ACL that she suffered in December.

WWE has announced John Cena vs. Vince McMahon and Randy Orton vs. Ted DiBiase & Cody Rhodes in a handicap match for tonight’s show from the Rose Garden in Portland, Oregon. It’s also expected that some sort of battle royal match will take place to determine the final Money in the Bank participant. Tonight’s RAW will be hosted by Criss ‘Mindfreak’ Angel.

UPDATE ON TONIGHTS RAW, UPDATE ON JOHN MORRISON, AUSTIN ON WWE CHANGES, NXT UPDATES

Tonight’s RAW will take place from the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and is presented by Jim Ross’ jrsbarbq.com. Tonight’s hosts will be the legendary Cheech & Chong and matches include Ted DiBiase vs. Randy Orton and another round of Money in the Bank qualifying matches.

Bret Hart is also confirmed for tonight’s show in what’s being called a “farewell” and it’s expected his father Stu Hart will be announced for the WWE Hall of Fame.

John Morrison wrestled his first-ever WWE house show main events this past weekend. Morrison teamed with Edge to defeat CM Punk & Chris Jericho on Saturday and Sunday.

John Morrison and The Miz will be competing on the Cartoon Network’s Destroy Build Destroy program this coming Wednesday night at 8:30pm EST.  

Steve Austin wrote the following on Twitter about WWE changing: “wwe has changed just like sports has. there is good and bad to that. i like some of it and i dont like some of it.”

There was a NXT battle royal at the end of this past week’s FCW TV tapings. Skip Sheffield, who is being mentored by William Regal, ended up winning the battle royal after eliminating Darren Young. Young ended up eliminating Daniel Bryan during the match.  

Raw as on Jan 25

The pyro explodes and music plays as Michael Cole welcomes us to Columbus, Ohio for tonight’s RAW from the Nationwide Arena. They say that both of the stars from Psych will be here tonight on the graphic but even their website said it would only be Dule Hill tonight. We’ll see.

DX vs. Legacy

The DX music plays as WWE’s Unified Tag Team Champions make their way out to the ring for tonight’s first match. We go to replays of last week’s show where Triple H threw Shawn out of the ring. All appears to be fine between them tonight. DX gets a big pop here from the crowd as they take the mic. Triple H asks where Hornswoggle is and Shawn says he sent him home. Shawn asks Triple H why he can’t understand that if he wins the Royal Rumble, he has a guaranteed shot at Undertaker. Shawn asks Triple H to look at it from his position. Shawn says he needs and wants the shot at ending the streak. Triple H says yes, that is too much to ask from him. Triple H says for the past six months they’ve been running around telling jokes and now it’s Rumble time, time to get serious. Triple H says he wants the title shot and wants to main event WrestleMania. Triple H says they can work together at the Royal Rumble and eliminate everyone else but it’s going to come down to them two. HBK says he understands and puts the mic down. Out come their opponents, Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase.

Triple H and Cody start the match out. They go to the corner and brawl. Triple H goes for a Pedigree early but Ted pulls Cody out of the ring and breaks the hold. Michael Cole says we have some breaking news on tonight’s RAW hosts as we go to commercial break.

Back from the break and Shawn Michaels comes in to go at it with Cody. HBK takes control as Lawler announces that James Rodey from Psych won’t be here to host tonight. Legacy ends up on the outside. Shawn leaps off the top onto them both and brings Cody back in. Ted distracts HBK on the apron which allows Cody to nail a big neckbreaker. Ted comes in and works over HBK in the corner.

Cody comes back in and they double team Shawn for a 2 count. Cody stomps and drops knees on Shawn for another 2 count. Ted comes in off the tag again and dropkicks Shawn off the ropes. Ted covers Shawn for a 2 count. Ted kicks Shawn in the face while he’s down and gets another 2 count. Cody is back in now and he keeps control of Shawn. Another 2 count. HBK finally counters a move and goes to tag but Triple H isn’t on the apron. DiBiase comes in and tries for Dream Street but gets superkicked to the mat. Triple H finally gets tagged in and goes at it with DiBiase. Triple H takes control. Cody comes in and catches a spinebuster. Ted gets laid out again also. Triple H goes for the Pedigree on Cody when Shawn tags himself in. This pisses Triple H off. Cody knocks them into each other and they have a staredown. Shawn superkicks DiBiase again. Triple H decks Cody and stops him from hitting Shawn. Shawn covers DiBiase for the pinfall and the win.

Winners: DX

- After the match, Shawn and Triple H tease some tension but end up shaking hands.

- We get a video previewing the Psych premiere this Wednesday night on USA with John Cena’s appearance. Lawler hypes Big Show vs. MVP for tonight’s show as we go to commercial.

MVP vs. Big Show

Back from the break and out comes MVP. MVP takes the mic and says he needs to say something to The Miz. MVP says he’s the #1 contender to Miz’s belt and Miz can’t keep running away from him. MVP says he is going to take the belt from Miz and become a 3-time US Champion. Out comes The Miz to the stage. Miz picks on MVP for being in prison. They go back and forth until Miz brings out his friend Big Show for the match.

The match starts and Show takes down MVP first. Show with a headbutt knocking MVP back into the corner. Show hits a big chop but misses a splash in the corner as Miz looks on from the ramp. MVP hits a knee to the face and then the running kick in the corner. He goes for another kick but Show grabs him by the throat and choke slams him for the pinfall and the win.

Winner: Big Show

- After the match, The Miz runs down to the ring and yells in MVP’s face. Miz raises his US Title over MVP. Lawler says tonight we will get Vince McMahon’s decision on Bret Hart as we go back to commercial.

- Back from the break and Cody Rhodes is backstage pacing. He tells Ted DiBiase he didn’t know where his head was last week and thank you for helping tonight. Orton walks in and says there’s been tension between them for the past few months. Orton says they lost to DX tonight and failed to help him with Sheamus last week. Orton says at the Rumble only one man wins that match and when it comes to him and Sheamus, he will win that one. He says he’s becoming WWE Champion again either with or without Legacy. Orton walks off.

- We go to John Cena and tonight’s host Dule Hill who are backstage. They talk about the season premiere of Psych this Wednesday night on USA. Cena asks where Rodey is and Dule tells about him having surgery this weekend. Cena tells Dule he needs to make tonight on RAW his night. Dule says this is his playground as Cena walks off. The Miz enters and says Psych should have had him on instead of Cena. Dule says he has a match for Miz tonight but doesn’t say what it is. They cut promos on each other before Dule walks off. Back to commercial.

WWE Divas Title Tournament Semi-Final: Maryse vs. Eve Torres

Back from the break and out comes Maryse in a semi-final match for the Divas Title tournament. Maryse takes the mic before the match and says the other Divas are wasting their time. She’s talking in French when a pyro explosion goes off. We cut to host Dule Hill who is in the pyro box. She starts going off on him, calling him a loser. He says he accidentally pressed a button. Out comes Maryse’s opponent Eve. The winner of this match will face the winner of Gail Kim vs. Alicia Fox for the Divas Title. They lock up and go to the corner with Eve in control.

Eve gets an early 2 count and slams Maryse by her hair. Eve flips onto Maryse for another 2 count. Eve with a splash in the corner and a body slam. Eve goes to the top for a moonsault but Maryse moves out of the way. Maryse goes for her DDT but Eve counters with a suplex and a 2 count. Maryse finally hits the French Kiss for the win and the spot in the finals.

Winner: Maryse

- We see Vince McMahon backstage heading to the ring as we go to commercial.

- Back from commercial and Vince McMahon makes his way out to the ring. We cut back to last week where The Undertaker told Vince McMahon that he screwed Bret and called him a coward. Vince takes the mic and says if Taker were here tonight, he would dare him in his face to call him a coward again. Vince talks about selling Bret to WCW and said he was never heard from or seen again. Vince says the people have forgotten about Bret Hart. Vince asks if there’s a reason to bring Bret back and the crowd pops. They start chanting “we want Bret.” Vince tells them to be careful what they ask for. Vince says that Bret Hart will never appear in WWE, and that’s his announcement. Vince says he’s a business man and he does what’s right for business. Vince goes to the ringside area and asks a fan to give him a good reason why Bret should be brought back. The fan says because he will take Vince down. Vince hops the barrier and goes into the stands asking fans about Bret. One kid says he’s awesome. Vince eventually comes back to the ring and says he didn’t hear one good reason why he should bring Bret back. Vince says Bret is a part of the past and they start chanting again.

Vince says he’s concerned with the present and the future and calls Bret a footnote in WWE’s past. He says Bret’s not returning and thanks the fans, getting ready to leave. Out comes John Cena to the ring. Cena says he’s never had a problem with Vince until recently when Vince compared Bret to a old piece of gum. Cena talks about how Vince treated Roddy Piper at MSG a few months back. Cena cuts on Vince’s purple jacket and Vince cuts on his orange crap he wears, as Vince calls it. Cena congratulates Vince on building an empire but says Vince had help from people like Hart and Piper. They go back and forth. Cena calls Vince pathetic and this pisses Vince off. Cena tells Vince to invite Bret Hart to next week’s RAW. Cena says Bret deserves a chance to confront Vince face to face. Cena tells Vince to picture his 90th birthday in 2035. Cena says he’s going to find Vince on that day, lift him out of his wheelchair and knock his false teeth down his throat. Cena says he’s not here to change Vince’s mind but this is one of those situations where he needs to do the right thing. Cena walks off up the ramp. Vince yells at him to stop. Vince tells everyone to listen to him. Vince says he will invite Bret back for next week and have him step right in the ring if he has the guts. Vince says he won’t even flinch. Vince announces Sheamus vs. John Cena for tonight’s RAW. We go to commercial.

The Miz vs. Kofi Kingston

WWE’s United States Champion The Miz comes out next for this non-title match. This match was made by Dule Hill. Out next is his opponent Kofi Kingston. The bell rings and they lock up. Kofi takes Miz down first but they go back and forth. Kofi with a crossbody from the floor for a 2 count. Kofi comes off the ropes but Miz kicks him out of the air and to the mat for a 2 count. Miz puts knees to the back and hits Kofi with forearm shots. Miz with a headlock now.

Miz with a kick to the face and another 2 count on Kofi. Miz with more kicks and a leg drop followed by another headlock. Kofi with a kick to the head in the corner. Kofi goes to the top and comes down on Miz for a 2 count. Miz counters a move and hits a backbreaker and a neckbreaker. 2 count by Miz. MVP’s music hits and distracts The Miz. Kofi takes advantage and hits Trouble in Paradise for the win.

Winner: Kofi Kingston

- After the match, MVP comes out to the stage to taunt Miz.

- We go backstage with Dule Hill and Carlito. They walk into the WWE production truck. They have the production guy add Carlito’s face on the screen. Dule says he’s going to type in a random code and which ever Superstar appears on the graphic, that’s Carlito’s opponent. It comes up as Kelly Kelly. Carlito vs. Kelly? Carlito says he’s ready for the match now and walks off joking with Dule. Dule tells the production guy to carry on… and we go back to commercial.

Carlito vs. Kelly Kelly

Carlito is in the ring waiting on Kelly Kelly to come out. She comes out but is interrupted by Santino Marella. He plugs the Best of RAW 2009 DVD which comes out tomorrow. Santino says it’s a new year for him and he’s going to replace Kelly tonight, defeat Carlito and go on to win the Royal Rumble and main event WrestleMania. Jack Swagger attacks Santino from behind and lays him out. Swagger brings Santino in the ring just to toss him back over the top rope. Swagger goes to the floor and slams Santino face first into the ringpost. Swagger taunts Santino before walking off and stepping on him. We go to commercial.

- Back from the break and we go to a video running down various stats for the Royal Rumble match.

- We go backstage to John Cena and Dule Hill. Cena has the other host Rodey on speaker phone. He says he’s bummed he can’t be there tonight. Alicia Fox walks in. She’s looking for the one that’s a psychic. Dule hangs up the phone on Rodey, the psychic on the show. Cena walks off. Dule says he’s going to be ringside with Alicia Fox in her match as her good luck charm. We get ready to take another break.

Semi-Final for the Divas Title Tournament: Gail Kim vs. Alicia Fox

Back from the break and Dule Hill is with Cole and Lawler on commentary. Gail Kim is in the ring as Alicia Fox makes her way out. The winner will face Maryse for the title. They lock up and go back and forth. Alicia eventually hits a backbreaker for a 2 count. Gail gets thrown into the corner but counters a move. Gail with a powerslam and a 2 count. Small package by Gail and another 2 count. Gail gets the win after a boot to the face and the spot in the finals.

Winner: Gail Kim

- After the match, Alicia Fox goes on a rampage outside the ring. She goes over to Dule and asks what happened to her winning. He tells her he’s an actor and he was doing what he’s does. She drops him with a right h and. Lawler helps Dule up as we go to replays.

- Backstage we see WWE Champion Sheamus headed to the ring. Back to commercial we go.

Sheamus vs. John Cena

Back from commercial and out comes the WWE Champion Sheamus for this non-title match. Out next comes John Cena to a big pop. The match starts and they lock up and go to the corner after testing each other for a minute. Sheamus breaks the hold and shows off some. Cena takes Sheamus back to the corner and the ref breaks it up. Cena shows off now. Sheamus charges but Cena fights back with right hands and hits the bulldog for a 2 count.

Sheamus takes control and backs Cena in the corner. Sheamus beats Cena down with a bunch of kicks. Cena catches Sheamus with a suplex for 2. They come off the ropes and Sheamus drops Cena with a clothesline. Sheamus with another pin attempt. Sheamus controls the match now, dropping Cena with rights. Sheamus launches Cena into the opposite corner and covers for another 2 count.

Sheamus gets Cena on the apron and hits a running knee to the face, knocking Cena out to the floor. Sheamus goes for another but Cena counters and goes for the Attitude Adjustment. Sheamus counters that with a DDT for a 2 count. Sheamus hits a big powerslam for another 2 count. Cena goes for the STF but Sheamus counters and kicks Cena out of the ring. Sheamus comes to the floor and throws Cena into the steel steps. The referee begins his count and Cena comes back in at the 9 count. Cena counters a move and hits the shoulder blocks off the ropes and back drop. Cena hits the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Sheamus counters the Attitude Adjustment with a knee to the back and a 2 count. Sheamus goes for the big axe kick but Cena counters it with the STF. Sheamus reaches the rope and breaks the hold. Cena comes out to the floor after Sheamus but gets kicked in the face with Sheamus’ big kick. Cena is laid out again as the referee counts.

Out of nowhere, Randy Orton rushes the ring and lays Sheamus out with the RKO. Orton gets down and taunts Sheamus as the referee calls for the bell. Cena comes up to the ropes and Orton grabs him. Orton goes for the DDT off the ropes but Cena counters with the Attitude Adjustment, laying Orton out.

Winner: Sheamus by DQ

- Cena celebrates in the ring with Orton and Sheamus still laid out. RAW goes off the air.

WWE RAW Results – January 11, 2010

- Tonight’s WWE RAW kicks off with the usual opening videos as Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler welcome us to Minneapolis, MN. Justin Roberts is in the ring. He brings out tonight’s guest host, former World Champion boxer “Iron” Mike Tyson. Tyson comes out and actually gets a nice pop from the crowd. Tyson says it’s great to be back on RAW. The crowd pops some more for him. Tyson shows a video of when he was on RAW back in 1998. Tyson talks but out comes the WWE Champion Sheamus to interrupt.
Sheamus enters the ring and the crowd boo’s him. Sheamus says Tyson is nothing but a washed up, ex-Champion. Sheamus declares himself WWE Champion and rips off Tyson’s nickname, the baddest man on the planet. Tyson motions towards Sheamus and makes him jump. Sheamus dares Tyson to do it again and said this time, he better make contact. Voices hits and out comes Randy Orton.
Orton comes to the ring and says he’s only interested in the WWE Title. Orton wants Tyson to make him the #1 contender for the WWE Title and Sheamus’ opponent for the Royal Rumble. The music hits and this time out comes John Cena to a big pop. Cena says he’s here to see Mike Tyson and here for the WWE Title. Cena goes on and on before Kofi Kingston makes his way out next.
Kofi talks about Cena and Orton have both been WWE Champion and have had countless title shots. Kofi says he has never had a title shot. A “Cena sucks” chant breaks out. Kofi wants a WWE Title shot and he won’t take no for an answer. Sheamus says since he defended his WWE Title two weeks ago, he wants the Royal Rumble off. Sheamus tells them if they want a WWE Title shot, they need to earn it at the Rumble. Tyson announces Kofi Kingston vs. John Cena vs. Randy Orton tonight with the winner meeting Sheamus for the WWE Title at Royal Rumble.
WWE Divas Title Tournament Match: Kelly Kelly vs. Alicia Fox
Back from commercial and out comes Kelly Kelly, trying to advance in the Divas Title tournament. Her opponent Alicia Fox is out next. The winner of this match will face Gail Kim on next week’s show. The match starts and they lock up, going to the ropes. Alicia works Kelly over in the corner.
Alicia tosses Kelly to the mat and applies a headlock. Kelly counters a move and dumps Alicia to the floor. Kelly leaps off the apron onto Alicia and the floor. Back in the ring and Kelly clotheslines Alicia twice. Kelly hits a big head scissor takedown but gets caught in mid-air by Alicia with a powerbomb for the pinfall and the win.

Winner: Alicia Fox

- Back from the break and we get a video package showing John Cena at the Fiesta Bowl last Monday night.
Legacy vs. Evan Bourne & Mark Henry
Out first for the next match is the team of Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes. Cody takes the mic before the match and talks about he and Ted last week. He says it was Orton’s year last year but this year is different. Ted takes the mic and agrees. He says this year is his year. Cody doesn’t know about this. Ted talks about The Marine 2 and puts it over, saying it’s better than the original Marine. Ted says he’s going to win the Royal Rumble. Cody and Ted have words with each other. Out next comes the team of Mark Henry and Evan Bourne.
Ted and Bourne lock up. Ted beats him down first but gets caught by scissors and a dropkick. Bourne tries a move from the apron but gets rocked in the face by Ted and knocked out of the ring to the floor. The ref is distracted as Cody comes over and hits Bourne. We get a bit of double teaming before Ted applies a headlock to Bourne. Cody comes in with a body slam and a knee drop for a 2 count. Bourne drops Cody with a kick to the head and tags in Henry. Henry comes in and lays out Cody and Ted.
Henry drops Cody again and presses him high and slams him to the mat. Bourne goes up to the top for a move but Ted comes in. Ted kicks Bourne in the gut. Henry charges Ted but gets dumped to the floor. Cody hits Cross Rhodes on Bourne for the pinfall and the win.
Winners: Legacy
- We go backstage where DX are. Triple H is telling Shawn that whatever is going on isn’t a good idea. Apparently Shawn wants to go out and confront Mike Tyson. Shawn says he made peace with Bret Hart last week and wants to do the same with Tyson tonight. Triple H says Tyson is insane. HBK says he saw Tyson’s documentary and thinks he’s a changed man. Shawn walks off and we go to commercial.
- We go backstage where DX are. Triple H is telling Shawn that whatever is going on isn’t a good idea. Apparently Shawn wants to go out and confront Mike Tyson. Shawn says he made peace with Bret Hart last week and wants to do the same with Tyson tonight. Triple H says Tyson is insane. HBK says he saw Tyson’s documentary and thinks he’s a changed man. Shawn walks off and we go to commercial.
- Back from the break and HBK is backstage with Mike Tyson. Shawn says he hopes they can get some closure tonight on their past. Shawn forgives Tyson for knocking him out at WrestleMania 14. Tyson says he doesn’t need Shawn’s forgiveness and enjoyed knocking Shawn out. Tyson says he wouldn’t mind doing it again and they’re at each other’s faces. Chris Jericho walks up. Jericho and Tyson talk about being held down by “the man.” Tyson is now friends with Jericho and has been invited here. Jericho says Tyson has made a match where DX faces tonight and if they lose, Jericho gets a free pass to be on any WWE brand. Tyson says the match will be DX vs. Chris Jericho and Mike Tyson. HBK says this is fine because he owes Tyson one anyway.
- We go to a video package from last week showing Bret Hart’s return and confrontation with Vince McMahon.
Jack Swagger All-American Challenge
We come back from a commercial break. In the ring is Jack Swagger. He declares that he will win the Royal Rumble and then will main event WrestleMania. Swagger guarantees nobody on any WWE brand has the ability to eliminate him. Swagger issues an All-American challenge and says if anyone thinks they can come out and throw him off the top rope, please come try. The music hits and out comes Santino Marella.
Santino says he was about to come out and issue the All-Italian challenge to see if they could throw him off the top rope. The bell rings and here we go.
Swagger charges first but Santino ducks and starts kicking. Swagger rams Santino into the corner then rams him in the opposite corner. Swagger hits the Vader splash in the corner. Swagger picks Santino up and tosses him over the rope but Santino holds on and Swagger hits the floor to win.

Winner: Santino Marella

- Swagger charges the ring as Santino runs off to the back. We get a graphic hyping Mike Tyson’s return to the ring and see Kofi Kingston, Randy Orton and John Cena all headed to the ring as we go to commercial.
#1 Contender’s Triple Threat Match: Randy Orton vs. Kofi Kingston vs. John Cena
The winner of this match will face Sheamus for the WWE Title at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view. Out first is Randy Orton followed by Kofi Kingston. Out last is John Cena to the biggest pop of the three. The bell rings and Orton strikes Cena and then Kofi. They get him in the corner and Cena whips him across the ring. Kofi and Cena double suplex Cena. Kofi splashes Orton in the corner and Cena comes right behind him, keeping up with the double team on Orton. Cena hits a suplex and Kofi hits a big uppercut and knocks Orton to the mat.
Kofi and Cena both hit an elbow off the ropes on Orton. Kofi tosses Orton out to the floor. Cena and Kofi acknowledge each other and get ready to go at it. Sheamus appears up on the ramp and distracts Kofi and Cena. Orton comes in from behind and lays both of them out. Orton stomps away on Cena and Kofi as we go to commercial.
Back from the break and Cena is laid out on the floor after getting thrown into the steps and announce table during commercial. Orton wears down Kofi with a headlock in the ring. Cena tries to get in the ring but Orton hits his big DDT off the ropes on Cena. Orton turns around to Kofi flying off the top with a crossbody for a 2 count. Kofi works over Orton with kicks in the corner. Orton hits his backbreaker on Kofi. Cena comes in and hits Orton with a forearm. Orton tosses Cena into the ringpost. Kofi comes up and drops Orton with the SOS for a 2 count. Kofi with a kick to the head. Cena comes over and drops Kofi into the STF. Orton finally gets up and breaks the hold. Cena hits the shoulder on Orton again and the big back drop. Cena hits the Five Knuckle Shuffle and goes for the Attitude Adjustment. Kofi stops the move and lays out Cena. Kofi hits the Boom Drop on Cena. Kofi hits Trouble in Paradise on Cena, knocking him out of the ring. Cena hits a series of punches on Orton in the corner and beats him down. Cody Rhodes comes out of the crowd and kicks the steps into John Cena. Cody hops on the apron and distracts the referee. Ted DiBiase comes from the other side of the crowd and slams Kofi from the top. Orton hits the RKO on Kofi for the pinfall, the win and the title shot.

Winner and New #1 Contender: Randy Orton

- After the match, Legacy pose with Orton in the ring. Sheamus stares down and locks eyes with Orton from the stage.
- We go backstage with Mike Tyson and Josh Matthews. Hornswoggle come sup and starts throwing DX chops at Tyson. Tyson tells Hornswoggle if he sees him during the match tonight, he is going to rip Hornswoggle’s intestines out and jump rope with them, among other things. Hornswoggle runs off scared as we go to break.
- We go backstage where The Miz is with his United States Title. He says when he first came to WWE, nobody respected him and nobody could stand him. Miz talks about once getting chicken crumbs in a referee’s bag and being banned from the WWE locker room for 6 months. He does a JBL impersonation. Miz says he’s such a star now that he doesn’t even use the locker room, he has his own private room. Miz walks out to the arena where the fans boo him. He congratulates MVP on being the #1 contender and being another person who gets humiliated by Miz. Miz makes his way to the ring, talking about how he is a better person than MVP. Miz says everyone in the locker room will respect the United States Champion because he’s The Miz and he’s awesome. MVP comes out and says he doesn’t hide his past. He says he’s worked hard for everything he has and worked hard to be accepted back into society and earn the respect of the WWE Universe. MVP makes his way into the ring now. MVP takes off his jacket. The crowd starts to really get behind this. MVP actually says Miz reminds him of a “monkey flicking poop.” MVP starts talking again about being in prison for 9 1/2 years in Florida. MVP says he survived in a world Miz only saw on TV. MVP says his real world is different from Miz’s real world. MVP dares Miz to see how tame he is. They really lost the crowd for a minute or two. Miz goes at MVP but he throws THE MIC at Miz’s gut and it causes Miz to step back. They go at it until MVP kicks Miz out of the ring with a boot to the head.
WWE Divas Title Tournament Match: Eve Torres vs. Katie Lea Burchill
Back from some plugs and a commercial break and Eve Torres makes her way out to the ring. Katie Lea is already waiting in the ring while Maryse is on commentary. The bell rings and Katie Lea tries for a quick pin. Katie Lea puts a knee in Eve’s back. Eve fights out and fights Katie Lea off. Katie catches her with a backbreaker and a 2 count.
More back and forth action until Eve hits a pair of dropkicks. Eve goes down and Katie gets another 2 count. Eve rolls Katie up out of nowhere for the pinfall and the win.

Winner: Eve Torres

- After the match, Eve rolls out of the ring and taunts Maryse at the announce table. They will face each other on next week’s RAW.
- We go backstage with Carlito and Gail Kim. Carlito wants a date after he wins the Royal Rumble. Vince McMahon walks by and is headed to the ring as we go to commercial.
- Back from the break and out comes Vince McMahon to the ring. He says the rumors of him hiring extra security to keep Bret Hart away are false. The crowd starts chanting “we want Bret.” Vince says Bret isn’t here tonight because he’s intimidated. Vince said last week, he screwed Bret. Vince says Bret wanted to play nice and he doesn’t play nice, forgive or forget. The crowd starts chanting boring. Vince says Bret won’t be here this week, next week or any other week. Vince says if Bret wants closure, he will never be seen in the WWE again. Vince’s music hits, he smirks at the crowd and heads to the back.
- We go backstage where Mike Tyson and Chris Jericho are sparring. Back to commercial break.
DX vs. Chris Jericho and Mike Tyson
Back from the break and out comes the WWE Unified Tag Team Champions DX. They cut a promo and HBK tells The Undertaker that he wants his answer on their WrestleMania match next week. Out next comes Chris Jericho. If Jericho wins this match, he gets to be on any WWE brand he wants. Out next comes Jericho’s partner, Mike Tyson, in a black T and pants.
Tyson and Michaels start the match. Tyson locks up and HBK goes down. They lock up again and go to the ropes. They lock up a third time and Tyson shoves HBK back to the mat. HBK charges Tyson but runs into a big right hand. Triple H is tagged in and he comes face to face with Tyson. They lock up and go to the corner. They exchange shoves and Tyson gets pissed. They lock up again and go to the corner. Jericho tags himself in and works over Triple H.

Jericho runs into a right hand from Shawn and Triple H takes control. HBK is tagged in. He goes for a roll-up but Jericho counters it for a 2 count. They trade 2 counts. Jericho goes for the Walls of Jericho but HBK fights it off. HBK rolls Jericho up for another 2 count. Jericho hits an enziguri and tags Tyson back in. Tyson taunts HBK. Hornswoggle’s music hits and out he comes to the ring, dressed like a boxer. Cole calls him Evander Holyswoggle. Tyson laughs at Hornswoggle and tags Jericho in. DX come in the ring and back up Hornswoggle. Tyson comes in and stands behind Jericho. Tyson takes his shirt off and has a DX shirt on. Jericho turns around and gets dropped by a right hand from Tyson. Jericho is pinned for the DX win.

Winners: DX