By James Caldwell, PWTorch.com assistant editor

WWE Raw Live Report
March 16, 2009
San Antonio, Tex.

The show started with a video package recapping the drama of Edge-Cena-Big Show-Vickie to set up the three-way World Title match at WrestleMania 25.

Announcers: Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler introduced the show. They announced Cena vs. Edge in non-title match with Vickie as special ref. Tonight, they'll update Triple H's status after he was arrested on last week's show. And, Chris Jericho vs. Ric Flair?

In-ring: They started with the hometowner, Shawn Michaels. Apparently they're going with the main event to start. The Undertaker then came out and tried to intimidate his WrestleMania opponent and tonight's tag partner. New IC champion JBL walked out first for the Texan/Russian tandem, followed by Kozlov.

1 -- SHAWN MICHAELS & THE UNDERTAKER vs. IC champion JBL & KOZLOV

Michaels started things off against Kozlov before staring down Taker. Michaels then turned around and jumped Kozlov before Taker tagged in and knocked Kozlov to the floor with a clothesline. Grab a break.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break, Michaels was battling his former employer, JBL. He nailed a top rope elbow smash, then wanted Sweet Chin Music on JBL, but Kozlov distracted HBK to allow JBL to smash him in the face with a big boot.

[Q2]

Heels went on the attack against Michaels while Taker slowly walked around the ring apron pacing for his hot tag. Taker finally got his hot tag at 8:00 and ran over JBL with a corner splash. Taker with signature moves that the crowd was uncharacteristically quiet for. Taker then teased a chokeslam on JBL, but Michaels blind-tagged himself in and smashed JBL with Sweet Chin Music. Michaels with the cover for the win.

Afterward, Taker tried to kick Michaels and Michaels went scurrying to the ringside area. Taker was upset, so HBK went running off like a soon-to-be-punished son trying to avoid his father's wrath. Taker's music hit, then he turned to look back to the crowd. Suddenly, Michaels showed up out of nowhere and smashed Taker with Sweet Chin Music on the stage. Michaels went nuts throwing his fists in the air and flailing his arms in celebration.

WINNERS: Michaels & Taker at 9:20. Strange, sudden ending to the match. Heavy focus on Taker vs. Michaels, as it should be. Still waiting for JBL to announce his major announcement.

[Commercial Break]

Video package: They recapped Michaels in "vintage" form, according to Michael Cole. That word needs to be banned from Raw TV.

Backstage: Vickie Guerrero was pacing around, then hubby Edge walked in to confront Vickie about last week's scandal. Vickie pleaded with Edge to think about them, so Edge paused and said he forgives her. She was shocked. Waiting for Edge to snap, but Edge remained calm as Vickie tried to defend herself that Big Show is just too big and powerful. Edge didn't want to hear about that. He then blamed John Cena for causing all this drama. Vickie said that if Cena puts his hands on her even accidentally in the match against Edge, then Cena will be out of the WrestleMania title match. Edge and Vickie then shared a long, drawn-out hug.

[Q3]

Video package: They focused on the Triple H vs. Randy Orton home invasion. Back to the announcers, Lawler said Triple H posted bond and he was released. Cole checked in that Randy Orton didn't even press charges against Hunter. As a result, Hunter faces Cody Rhodes tonight.

Backstage: Randy Orton was pacing around backstage with Cody and Teddy. Todd Grisham wanted to know why Randy Orton didn't press charges. He said Hunter is a homicidal maniac who was charged with assault, breaking and entering, and would have gone to prison had he pressed charges. Orton said Hunter would have paid his debt to society, but that would have meant he couldn't pay his debt at WrestleMania. Orton with the ol' line about wanting to get his revenge in the ring, not by having the opponent in jail. He said it will be Orton Law at WrestleMania.

In-ring: Six-diva tag match up next. Kelly Kelly's in there, which has to be a tough assignment after Andrew Martin's passing on Friday.

[Commercial Break]

2 -- Women's champion MELINA & KELLY KELLY & MICKIE JAMES vs. BETH PHOENIX (w/Santino Marella and Rosa Mendes) & JILLIAN HALL & LAYLA

Santino on commentary. Yes! Santino wasn't very complementary of her girlfriend's job hosting Santino's Casa on .com. Lawler said he had the pleasure of meeting the Santino fan club. All two of them. Melina tagged in, then action broke down ringside. Santino tried to interfere, but she took a low-blow from Mickie on the floor. In the confusion, Melina rolled up Beth from behind for the win. Rosa tried to attack the babyfaces post-match, but they went to the floor to celebrate victory.

WINNERS: Team Melina at 2:55. Santino was fine on commentary to enhance the match, which seemed like just a repeat of the women's matches we've seen on Raw TV for months. Two more weeks until the 25-diva battle royale. (1/2*)

[Q4]

Video package: They focused on "12 Rounds" with John Cena on the chase for the Jonny Fairplay-lookalike bad guy.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Triple H came to the ring first for the near-the-top-of-the-second-hour main event match. Cody Rhodes then came out by himself to face Hunter. Chance for Cody to get some spotlight alone. Well, maybe not. Orton's music hit and Randy Orton walked out with Ted DiBiase to get a closer look on stage. Cody tried to sneak-attack Hunter, but Hunter tackled him center ring and took Cody to the floor. Bell never sounded. He smashed him into the announce table, then pulled out a sledgehammer and begged Orton and Ted to step into the ring. Instead, he gave Cody the Pedigree in center ring.

Suddenly, a cage began to be lowered. Hunter chased Baby Oil Orton and Ted up the entrance ramp, then he ran back into the ring with Cody all alone as the cage finished being lowered. Orton and Ted went nuts unable to get inside the cage, then the bell sounded to signal a cage match with Hunter and Cody.

3 -- WWE champion TRIPLE H vs. CODY RHODES -- non-title steel cage match

Every time Orton or Cody tried to climb the cage to get to Hunter, he kicked them off the wall and teased them with the sledgehammer. Crowd suddenly began roaring as Ted started climbing the cage. He wasn't able to make it in, though, as Hunter hit him with the hammer through the cage wall. Hunter then grabbed his hammer and stalked Cody for a hammer shot to the face. Hunter made the cover and scored the win while Orton looked down in disdain.

WINNER: Triple H at 2:15. Just a way to put over SuperHunter as the super Alpha Male of all Alpha Males to ever be created in Super Alpha Male Land since he's Triple H and we're lucky to even be in his presence because he's so smart and strong and powerful and has amazing super powers. What happened to Randy Orton, the rising star mega-heel who doesn't back down from anyone? (n/a)

[Q5 -- second hour]

Post-match: Hunter stared into Orton's eyes through the cage wall as Orton got within inches of Hunter's face. Hunter then climbed up the cage wall to get a good shot of the San Antonio Spurs championship banner hanging from the rafters. Hunter then sat on top of the cage to encourage everyone to gather around for a story or two about the Spurs's championship runs. Hunter then did his pose while staring down at Orton and Ted. Announcers recapped upcoming matches on the show, then they went back to Hunter still standing tall while Cody was selling paralysis in the cage. They finally ended the segment and went to break.

[Commercial Break]

ECW promo: Evan Bourne returns to ECW TV tomorrow night. He's on pace for a WrestleMania match, according to the voice-over man. I'd pay to see Evan vs. T.J. in the opener of WrestleMania.

Exterior shot: They showed the Riverwalk in San Antonio just a few paces from the Alamo. ... Earlier today: Ric Flair pulled up in a limo stylin' and profilin'.

In-ring: Rey Mysterio came out for a random singles match against Dolph "Ken Doll" Ziggler, who was already in the ring. Rey apparently healed up from the house show injury over the weekend.

4 -- REY MYSTERIO vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER

Cole said Rey has challenge JBL for an IC Title match at WrestleMania. That's how they announce it? Mid-match in a TV squash against Dolph? Welcome to the wonderful world of the Intercontinental Title. Dolph was on the offensive early on while the announcers talked up Hunter placing a steel cage inside the building earlier tonight. What super-powers does Hunter not have? Rey suddenly nailed a seated sentaun before snapping off a huracanrana into 619. Rey then ran to the top rope and hurried into a top rope diving splash for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Rey Mysterio at 2:13. Just a set-up for the random JBL vs. Rey IC Title match. the set-up for the WrestleMania card seems very "off-brand PPV" with random matches being added to the card. This line-up should have been finalized weeks ago. In-house note: really close shave over Triple H in the Place Your Bets challenge for shortest match victory, assuming there isn't a two-second squash coming up. (1/2*)

[Commercial Break]

[Q6]

In-ring: Chris Jericho came out dressed to wrestle presumably against Ric Flair. Jericho complained about Flair costing him his WrestleMania moment on last week's show, so he wants Flair right here, right now. He said tonight will be his WrestleMania. Jericho said Flair wants to bask in the spotlight, so here's his chance. He called Flair a coward and a joke. Jericho said he knows Flair has been waiting for one year to return to the spotlight for one more match and enjoy the adulation of all these hypocrites. So, come on out, Flair. Cash in the gold Rolex and take your, opportunity, Flair. Jericho paused, then egged on Flair until his music hit.

Instead of wrestling gear, Flair walked out on stage in a suit. Not here to wrestle. Flair adjusted the ice around his wrist, then addressed Jericho. Flair said he knows he could beat Jericho, but he's not coming out of retirement. He will always be The Man, Flair reminded Jericho. Flair said he will not tarnish that great retirement send-off one year ago. He won't let his peers or the fans down who made that night the greatest of his career. Flair said he can't wrestle Jericho, but he has found some men that can.

Cue up Jimmy Snuka's music. Snuka walked out and hugged Flair, then Ricky Steamboat came out. Jericho was not amused in center ring. Roddy Piper was out third to stand next to Snuka. All four of them then walked to the ring to confront Jericho. Flair took off his jacket as Jericho circled around the ring waiting for the first line of attack. Suddenly, Piper's music stopped and all four legends stepped onto the ring apron. Jericho had nowhere to go. Steamboat then tackled Jericho around the ankles, but Jericho slipped out of the ring. He then walked into a big right hand from Ric Flair and Jericho scampered up the entrance ramp. Flair's music hit and the announcers talked about Jericho having his WrestleMania moment. And this is going to lead to...? Place your Bets time: 8:45.

Video package: They went to March 1999 for WrestleMania 15 in Philadelphia to "capture the attitude" of the era. They went to Free for All where Bart Gunn won the right to get his butt handed to him by Butterbean. Also, Mr. McMahon was out-of-control after he bought The Rock for his heel turn leading to Rock vs. Austin. "There would be no corporate bail-out this time," the voice-over man said. Austin wins, Austin wins. Austin then laid out McMahon to close the moment. Subtle plug for McMahon inducting Austin into the Hall of Fame ten years later.

[Commercial Break]

[Q7]

Backstage: Grisham caught up with Chris Jericho, who complained about being attacked unfairly by four men at once. He said maybe it's time for him to teach these legends a little something about embarrassment. Jericho said he'll challenge everyone except for Flair to a match at WrestleMania. As far as Flair goes, he might want to be a coward and stay in retirement, but he demands Flair shows up at Mania to be in the corner of all these legends. Jericho said he wants him to watch the pain he inflicts on the Legends so he knows their blood is on Flair's hand. Jericho said that unlike the ending of "The Wrestler," the ending won't be ambiguous, but tragic. He told Mickey Rourke to show up and watch his "friends" take a beating.

In-ring: Suddenly, there were a ton of men in the ring. And ringside. What's going on? Six-man tag. Bunch of folks on commentary. Where's the hype?

4 -- MARK HENRY (w/Tony Atlas) & KANE & U.S. champion SHELTON BENJAMIN vs. KOFI KINGSTON & C.M. PUNK & MVP

Hornswoggle, Finlay, and Christian were on commentary for the match. All this potential star power in the ring and they don't hype it pre-match or even allow for a pre-match intro? I suppose they needed to save time to stay with Triple H's superhero moment for all of eternity. All six men had a stand-off before they cut to a break.

[Commercial Break]

Christian said he was away from WWE for a little bit, but he's returning re-focused and ready for a run as a WWE champion after winning Money in the Bank. Christian said he came back for a title run and it's not a matter of when. Horny was trying to blow him off, so Christian shot back that he'll get his cookie later. Kofi made a hot tag to C.M. Punk, who lost the IC Title belt last week and he's so distraught about it. Insert Sarcasm there. Punk cleaned house, then Kofi took Kane to the floor. Chaos ensued, then Punk nailed Shelton with the Go 2 Sleep for the pin and the win as Christian vowed to win MITB, then cash it in, and win a WWE Title. MVP, Kofi, and Punk stood tall center ring and stared up at the briefcase hanging above the ring.

WINNERS: Team Punk at 8:36. Fine six-man tag match. Christian was a little shaky on commentary, but he had his moments. Definitely wasn't as bad as babyface TNA champion where he was Captain NoCharisma. There were just too many people at the table. Match was fine, but forgettable with no hype or pre-match set-up. (*1/4)

12 Rounds video: They focused on John Cena's female co-star.

Backstage: Vickie Guerrero walked into her office sporting her referee t-shirt. Big Show was chilling on the couch, then Vickie approached him and said he's just using her to get a title match at WrestleMania. Show said the story is all about Vickie pursuing him, not the other way around. Vickie was flustered, so Show calmed her down and said Edge did the exact same thing, but took it one step further by marrying her to get the title. Show reminded Vickie that his is bigger than Edge's, then he kissed Vickie on the lips and told her she looks good in the ref shirt. He walked off, leaving Vickie confused and flustered.

[Q8]

[Commercial Break]

Video package: Cole and Lawler recapped the opening match involving Taker and Michaels, then Michaels striking Taker. Cole then plugged the WrestleMania 25 card headlined by Taker vs. Michaels. Also, Hardy vs. Hardy. Edge vs. Cena vs. Big Show for the World Title. Triple H vs. Randy Orton for the WWE Title. Announcers then recapped SuperHunter setting a trap for Randy Orton and Legacy.

Backstage: Grisham ran up to Triple H for a couple of questions about how he got Vickie Guerrero to co-operate with him on lowering that cage. Hunter hopped into his gas-guzzling SUV that is apparently charged by his own SuperSweat and doesn't need gas, then he leaned over and kissed Stephanie McMahon, who randomly appeared on camera. Hunter chatted with her a little bit, then he sped off from the parking garage. That was random.

In-ring: Vickie Guerrero walked out to no music for the main event of Cena vs. Edge. No Hall of Fame announcement tonight.

[Commercial Break]

ECW plug: Evan Bourne returns to ECW tomorrow night. Wow, two hype videos for Bourne on Raw tonight.

In-ring: World Hvt. champion Edge came out first for the non-title match against Cena. Lawler asked Cole for his opinion on love - does Edge or Show really love her? Cole with a non-answer that it could be both. Cole does not have the gift of discernment. After a pause, John Cena's music hit to a huge female and kids crowd pop. Huge.

[Q9 -- over-run]

5 -- World Hvt. champion EDGE vs. JOHN CENA -- non-title match -- Vickie Guerrero special ref

Cole reminded viewers of the match stipulation that if Cena touches Vickie, he loses his World Title match at WrestleMania. Cena hit a fisherman suplex in the first minute, then made a cover, but Vickie just stood there twiddling her thumbs without making a cover. Cena argued with Vickie, then Edge snuck in behind and knocked down Cena. Crowd is red-hot for this. Cena fought back against Edge, who then chucked him over the top rope clean to the floor. Edge followed up and chucked Cena into the announce table and ring steps before re-entering the ring to get a round of boos. Vickie didn't apply a ten count here.

Edge tossed Cena back into the ring and missed with a spear that set up Cena's big comeback. Cena wanted to drop the Shuffle on Edge, but Vickie jumped on Edge to cover him up. Cena couldn't strike, so he waited for Vickie to get up, then he dropped the five knuckle on Edge. Vickie pulled Edge out of harm's way on an FU, then he slapped on the STFU, but Vickie put a headlock on Cena. Comical.

Big Show suddenly showed up and helped Edge double-team Cena. They hung Cena up in the ropes ala Andre the Giant and Edge landed a spear on a defenseless Cena. Vickie slapped Cena, then Show landed big right hand blows to Cena. Match still going on. Show then landed his big right hand smashes on Cena that KO'ed Cena while he was still hung up in the ropes. Show walked away, then Edge suddenly speared Show in center ring after he used Show to inflict damage. Vickie was non-reactional. Edge then stood tall as the show faded to black.

WINNER: No Decision at 6:48 when the show ended. To be continued with the three-way drama. Crowd heat was amazing for this, which helped sell the angle, but the angle is so far out there to begin with that WWE needs to reel this one in with two weeks left until Mania. The issue was cleared up this week with more focus on who Vickie believes, which could play a factor in which side she chooses at WrestleMania. (*1/2)

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