Monday 9th April 2007
Bridgeport, Connecticut; Harbor Yard Arena [/color]
Live on the USA Network[/center]
WWE HEAT 15/04/2007 Taping Results[/color]
Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch def. Mike Bennett and Bryce Andrews
Chris Masters def. Mike Edwards
Kenny Dykstra def. Val Venis
We open up RAW tonight with a replay from last week, where it was Shawn Michaels in the ring discussing John Cena's defeat of the 'Heartbreak Kid' at WrestleMania 23, and what an amazing match it was, but HBK wanted another shot. Jonathan Coachman, however, made him go through three hard-hitting matches with Montel Vontavious Porter [from SmackDown], Jeff Hardy [from RAW] and Bobby Lashley [from ECW] to get the contention spot. But in the main event, it would be John Cena facing not only Edge, but Randy Orton in a twist. Dissension in Rated RKO proved throughout the night, and when Edge went to win against Cena, Orton took his own partner out and swiped the victory. Both of Rated RKO then tried to gang up on Cena, but it would be Cena's number one contender to make the save, a World Tag Team Championships match set up for this week!
We then cut to the opening RAW video package, cutting to pyrotechnics as Jim Ross and Jerry "King" Lawler hype us up for tonight, and mention that as well as the World Tag Team Championships being on the line between Shawn Michaels and John Cena, and Rated RKO; we will hear from ECW's Bobby Lashley, six days following his losing of the ECW World Championship to Shane McMahon. But also, Umaga will defend the WWE Intercontinental Championship against Jeff Hardy, what a night it should be!
Starting off RAW, we have the theme of Rated RKO, and the two challengers for tonight's World Tag Team Championships made their way slowly out to the arena, after suffering from problems in their alliance last week, it seemed as though Edge and Randy Orton had both settled their differences, as the two made their way together as normal appearing as usual. Edge was the first to get in the ring and take a microphone from Lillian Garcia, as the 'Rated R Superstar' mentioned how last week was not so great for Rated RKO. But it also wasn't extremely well for John Cena and Shawn Michaels. Edge noted how it seemed last week that Orton and Edge's unity was on a lifeline, but they have settle their differences for tonight, and tonight they will bury the hatchet the right way by succeeding in winning the World Tag Team Championships back. The 'Legend Killer' took over on the microphone, mentioning how they are the elite of the elite in which anybody will find on RAW. Orton and Edge are better than anybody else on the roster, and by far should be number one contenders, or extremely close contenders to the WWE Championship, let alone the World Tag Team Championships. Orton reviews the gimmicky tag team division that the RAW brand has, from the geeky interracial World's Greatest Tag Team, to stereotypical black criminals, Cryme Tyme - from Scottish Highlanders to the random combination of Ric Flair and Carlito. Not only that, but SmackDown's too! With Greasers, Deuce N' Domino; but what surprises Orton about their division is that they have two no personalities, Paul London and Brian Kendrick holding the titles, and they have held them for eleven months, but fact is if they fought Rated RKO they would bow down in minutes!
Rated RKO's ranting was then cut off by the theme of John Cena as the crowd cheered, the WWE Champion coming out and beginning to discuss with the fans that he's gotten used to their boos, and they should believe in what they want to believe, if Edge and Randy Orton truthfully are better than him. The crowd cheered, as Cena smirked, telling both men that he may be World Tag Team Champions with Shawn Michaels, but not necessarily does he want to be partnered with a man that has been known to turn his back on his partners, dating back to the early 90s days of The Rockers. But he does not have that dishonor. All the honor in actuality, though. He refuses to let the belts slip into the wrong hands and the wrong hands are Rated RKO's! Edge then shuts Cena up, telling him that both have been known to beat Cena fairly and squarely before; and they'll prove it tonight once again, but all Cena has to worry about now...is Shawn Michaels, the man that has turned on Cena in the past, the man that will stop at nothing to take his title! The man that wants Cena out of the main event spot and wants to do it all in three weeks at Backlash. Rated RKO leave Cena stunned as Cena nods his head, we cut away.
| COMMERCIAL |
A commercial for Mick Foley's book, 'The Hardcore Diaries' airs, now available in all good bookstores.
1) Melina def. Torrie Wilson (with Carlito) to retain the WWE Womens Championship @ 2:28
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Last week Melina was pinned by Torrie Wilson in the midst of a six-person tag team match also featuring Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch & Carlito and Ric Flair, but now here was Melina with the WWE Womens Championship at stake. Carlito was at ringside, Torrie's boyfriend there to support her whilst she battled Melina with a little bit of offense, Wilson taking Melina down with a facebuster and seemingly trying to swipe victory at any chance with cradles and rollups. But Melina escaped that, and Carlito trying to get involved as Melina cheated only distracted the official. Melina raked the eyes of Torrie before nailing the Sunset Split for the three.
Melina celebrated her victory as the crowd booed; Torrie Wilson being helped out of the ring by Carlito, who didn't seem happy that he had actually just cost her a shot at the WWE Womens Championship. Melina remained in the ring as she had a microphone, basically inviting any WWE Diva from RAW or SmackDown! to come out and challenge her, any week, any time providing they're both in the arena! Melina mentioned how she's got all the power in the world to be the most popular thing on WWE television, with the coverage she got defeating the Timbaland 'video star', Ashley at WrestleMania 23. Melina was then interrupted by Mickie James, as she had a microphone, Mickie telling Melina that she's been quite a champion, but to be honest she needs to reprove herself. Mickie told Melina that she slyly avoided losing the belt to her in their falls count anywhere rematch and she thinks she should give her another try! The crowd cheered but Melina seemed to want nothing from it.
We cut to the office of Jonathan Coachman as there was a knock on the door, the Executive Assistant of Vince McMahon knuckle-deep in work. Suddenly though, Shane McMahon walsed in with a happy look on his face, followed by Armando Estrada, and Umaga who had both the WWE Intercontinental Championship and ECW World Championships on his shoulders. Coach asked what Shane wanted, as he tells Coach that he wants him to ensure that Bobby Lashley does not show up tonight. The crowd boos, as Armando Alejandro Estrada talks, mentioning that Umaga is now a double champion, and he wants to retain that reputation: tonight he will face and successfully defend his Intercontinental Championship against Jeff Hardy, no problem but guaranteed Bobby Lashley does show up: that's bad for business and they will report it to Shane's father. Shane notes that Vince is still at home, and he will return in time, but right now he is the most powerful man in the company, and he needs watch to ban Lashley from appearing tonight. Coach glanced at the two before agreeing, sucking up as Shane smiled, telling Coach he was doing good at his job.
An advertisement for the film 'The Condemned' starring Stone Cold Steve Austin aired to the sound of 'Driven' by Sevendust.
| COMMERCIAL |We return to RAW as the crowd cheer for Shawn Michaels, the 'Heartbreak Kid' interviewed by Maria as Maria asks Shawn about his reaction to Rated RKO's accusation that John Cena cannot rely on him in their World Tag Team Championship defense tonight on RAW. Michaels tells Maria that John Cena is an extremely ego driven machine that is hell bent on retaining his position as the top dog in the company. But Shawn's been there through the darkest stage of the company and now it's a well-built and oiled machine that he wants to be apart of now. Michaels tells Maria that he will do the right thing tonight, and he will aid Cena through anything prior to their Backlash encounter in two weeks. That's what happened last week, but it's all down to if Cena throws the first punch...
2) Johnny Nitro and The World's Greatest Tag Team def. Super Crazy, Eugene and Jim Duggan @ 6:27Johnny Nitro continued his unchanging habit of being totally obnoxious, as he teamed with Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas against the special trio of Eugene with Jim Duggan and Super Crazy. A different cast of characters took on the impressionist team, and Nitro and Benjamin took total control of Eugene, isolating him from access to either Jim Duggan or Super Crazy. Nitro would be soon caught offguard by the special child though, Eugene clotheslining Nitro repeatedly and even nailing the Three Point Stance, as a tribute to Jim Duggan. Eugene tagged in Duggan at that moment as he cleaned house of the World's Greatest Tag Team; Super Crazy then tagging in and he nailed the Moonsault on Haas just for Nitro to be the legal man! Nitro nailed the Nitro Blast for the victory!
The crowd booed as Johnny Nitro smiled, Nitro leaving happy as the World's Greatest Tag Team seemed accomplished; Jim Duggan attending to Super Crazy and Eugene sobbing at ringside.
Going to the backstage area we saw The Great Khali standing by with Armando Alejandro Estrada, Khali talking Indian to Estrada as he apparently understood it, talking about how they've got to stand here and make sure Bobby Lashley doesn't arrive. Khali again talks Punjabian as Estrada tells Khali that if he does this right, he will talk to Shane McMahon and he will see about getting the rematch with Kane.
In the backstage area we see Jeff Hardy preparing himself to take on Umaga next, but before then he was interrupted as Johnny Nitro appeared, asking Jeff if he was really about to go out there and steal everybody's thunder again. Hardy told Nitro that he's been through all of this with Nitro before, but tonight he's taking back that Intercontinental Championship, and if he has to feud with Nitro once again, that's fine because it'll be a great pleasure: only he is winning tonight for a fact!
| COMMERCIAL |3) Umaga (with Armando Alejandro Estrada) def. Jeff Hardy to retain the WWE Intercontinental Championship @ 8:36Jeff Hardy was not one to fall over, and he proved that tonight in this great opportunity to shine; with no Bobby Lashley ensured, Umaga seemed to be able to have Jeff right where he wanted him, on a night where three of the four RAW championships were on the line; Jeff Hardy was destined to make it one new champion at least tonight, putting up a great fight to the 'Samoan Bulldozer', if only Umaga was not accompanied by nonsense, Shane McMahon and Armando Alejandro Estrada. The Great Khali on watch in the backstage area confirmed that Lashley would not be present tonight, and Umaga was more confident with that. Trying to wreck the ribs of the daredevil, the 'Rainbow-haired Warrior' tried to fight back with the Whisper in the Wind, soon trying the Twist of Fate but Umaga turned it into a backdrop. Umaga went for a dive from the top rope to finish Hardy off but he got the knees up, Hardy trying in a last sense of energy, just to be taken off guard with Johnny Nitro at ringside, Hardy with a baseball slide to Nitro! Hardy's biggest mistake was that, as he turned around to receive the Samoan Spike, and that was it!
Umaga celebrated his victory to loud boos, Jeff remaining on the canvas, recovering from the pain. The ECW World Champion and WWE Intercontinental Champion continued his reign of terror with now two titles, leaving with Armando Alejandro Estrada as Johnny Nitro smirked back at Jeff Hardy in the ring.
We cut to the backstage area as Ric Flair was shown, Torrie Wilson wandering up to him and asking the 'Nature Boy' if he'd seen Carlito since earlier. Flair tells Torrie that he hasn't, but he saw what happened and what Carlito did seemed fully unintentional. Torrie asked if he thought that, Flair telling Torrie about how well a job she did out there and how one day - maybe not tonight but one day she'll be a WWE Womens Champion. At this time, Torrie removed her elbow pad, accidentally dropping it on the floor, and she turned around to bend down and pick it up; at which point Carlito walked in and saw Torrie in a really incorrect sex position with Flair! Carlito looked unhappy as he stormed out, Flair trying to go after him.
| COMMERCIAL
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We return to RAW as Umaga was shown being talked to by Armando Alejandro Estrada near The Great Khali as Khali was still on watch for Bobby Lashley should he appear. Umaga was sent to the locker room when suddenly Viscera showed up with Mae Young on his arm! The crowd laughed as Khali looked in disgust, Viscera telling Armando that they've been getting it on since WrestleMania! The crowd laughed again before Khali let him through, slightly shuddering at the thought of something, when Bobby Lashley suddenly darted through, a spear to the lower abdomen of Khali! Khali fell over a trash can, both men falling to the ground as Armando Estrada jetted to get Umaga! Lashley slammed the trash can into Khali's skull before heading through to the Gorilla Position and out into the arena!
The crowd cheered as Bobby Lashley darted out in street gear to no theme music or titantron, just the crowd cheering him as RAW was in uproar with the sudden appearance of the former ECW World Champion! Lashley got into the ring and began to talk about how he won the ECW World Championship in an Extreme Elimination Chamber against five competitors that were definitely not built like he was. With them being more extreme and violent than him, he was at the disadvantage, but he still won and with that, became the top dog in Extreme Championship Wrestling! But now? He held the belt for five months, aided a celebrity billionaire in a Battle of the Billionaires, Donald Trump beating Vince McMahon and Umaga at WrestleMania 23. But the McMahons placed the blame on him, and it was humiliating to lose the belt to a McMahon in a match he wasn't ready for, nor sanctioned for properly. Lashley demands a rematch against Umaga, Shane McMahon; whoever and however much it takes to get the sanctioned rematch! Suddenly, Umaga came rushing out, Armando Alejandro Estrada trying to run out and slow him down when Shane McMahon came out, yelling for Umaga to stay put! Shane had Umaga's ECW World Championship and Intercontinental Championship on his shoulders as he told Umaga to stay up there, but he wants to answer Lashley when he says all of this crap! Lashley has done nothing but bad for business! He was the one that moved Lashley to ECW late last year, but now he's realised he did nothing 'extreme'! He was there acting like a champion, kissing ass for the man! At least Umaga was one who deserved the belt for his hardcore and unsafe behavior! Lashley tells Shane that he has a rematch in his contract, and he wants Umaga tonight! The crowd cheered but Shane told Lashley to cool his jets, because he has the power to decide WHEN and what sort of match he's in. Lashley will face Umaga and HIMSELF at Backlash in an Extreme Rules match, the ECW World Championship on the line. Lashley seemed intense, accepting instantly.
| COMMERCIAL
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An advertisement aired, promoting ECW on Sci-Fi's main event, scheduled to feature CM Punk in the main event against Sabu of the ECW Originals, but also Umaga will be making his first defense of the ECW World Championship; only on the Sci-Fi Network, tomorrow night from 9/10 CT!
4) Cryme Tyme def. The Highlanders @ 2:21[/i]
Tonight it was Cryme Tyme taking on their stereotypical rivals of the past few weeks, The Highlanders. Rory and Robbie McAllister took apart the energetic and eager JTG in the opening moments of this match, keeping the smaller member of Cryme Tyme down whilst Shad reached for the tag in desperation. The Highlanders went after the shoulder of JTG but Shad soon got the tag and cleared house of both Scots, the G9 from Cryme Tyme on Rory being the final call for The Highlanders.
Cryme Tyme celebrated their win to boos before Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch came out from behind, attacking Shad Gaspard and JTG! Cade and Murdoch delivered Sweet & Sour on JTG, obviously making their mark here and repeatedly demanding an opportunity at the World Tag Team Championships. RAW's undercard in rage!
We return to the catering room as Carlito was shown talking to Ron Simmons about how he isn't sure what to do with the situation involving Torrie Wilson his girlfriend, and his partner, Ric Flair. Flair then appeared behind Carlito, asking him if he was alright. Carlito turned his back to Flair as Flair continued to talk to Carlito about how Carlito has all the potential to be the greatest; Torrie wasn't planning to make advances on him because he isn't interested in her. Flair tells Carlito one of the main rules on the road in the old days was 'not to play with another man's prey'. Flair tells Carlito they're close from the World Tag Team Championships, but if he doesn't want to team up with him anymore that's fine. Flair leaves, Carlito looking around for a few minutes before getting up to go after Flair. Simmons remained sat down with an empty plate of food, looking over at Viscera and Mae Young eating and talking with their eyes locked romantically on each other. Simmons yelled 'DAMN' before throwing down his napkin and leaving.
We go to the backstage area as Shawn Michaels and John Cena were shown wandering their seperate ways on a splitscreen, the World Tag Team Championships on them both, the two rivals at Backlash in two weeks face Rated RKO next!
| COMMERCIAL
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5) Rated RKO def.
John Cena and
Shawn Michaels to win the World Tag Team Championships @ 9:42[/b][/i]
Such a heated confrontation in our main event to RAW tonight, the World Tag Team Championships on the line between two rivals that both dislike each other and have unsurity about trusting the other man. Shawn Michaels and John Cena worked as a well-oiled machine earlier on in the battle, the former World Tag Team Champions, Edge and Randy Orton also getting along fine contrary to last week. Edge and Orton were all over the WWE Champion and keeping him away from the 'Heartbreak Kid', and Cena definitely tried to get to his corner, the suspense setting in in case Shawn pulled a fast one and left his rival at Backlash dangling in suffering against Edge and Orton. Edge soon went for the Spear and missed; Orton then attempting an RKO and being thrown away as Cena clotheslined Edge and seeme hesitant to tag in Shawn! He motioned 'You Can't See Me' to Shawn to add insult, Cena then continuing before being taken down by the numbers game of Rated RKO. The match continued with Cena eventually trying for the tag to HBK, but he stepped away! Cena was left alone in the ring, Shawn on the rampway and an RKO from Orton gave us new champions!
Shawn Michaels looked back as John Cena laid unconscious, Rated RKO celebrating as World Tag Team Champions once again! Edge and Randy Orton were proud in the ring whilst Shawn watched Cena lay on the canvas laid out; the bond broken, and in two weeks we were in for a war at Backlash for the WWE Championship!
[/center]
WWE RAW 09/04/2007 Results
[/color]
Randy Orton and Edge def. John Cena and Shawn Michaels to win the World Tag Team Championships
Cryme Tyme def. The Highlanders
Umaga def. Jeff Hardy to retain the WWE Intercontinental Championship
Johnny Nitro, Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas def. Eugene, Jim Duggan and Super Crazy
Melina def. Torrie Wilson to retain the WWE Womens Championship[/right][/font]