By James Caldwell, PWTorch.com assistant editor

WWE Raw Live Report
April 20, 2009
London, England

The show started with Michael Cole welcoming us to cable's most-watched TV show. Cole and Jerry Lawler then plugged Triple H vs. Randy Orton in a No DQ re-match from WrestleMania.

In-ring: Smackdown brand wrestler Chris Jericho started the show tonight. Jericho, in a suit, slowly walked to the ring sneering at the audience. Jericho said he's spent the last year on an island surrounded by parasites and hypocrites. (Boos) He said he was drafted to Smackdown last week and now he's making his last and final appearance on Raw forever. (Cheers)

Jericho said the fans haven't appreciated his brilliance or honesty in a dishonesty world, so while the fans wallow on their deceitfulness, he's going to move on to bigger and better things. Jericho said things will change for the worse with him off the show. Within six months, fans will be begging for Jericho to come back to Raw. But, it's not happening, son. He said he's done with Raw.

Suddenly, Ricky Steamboat's music interrupted and he came out in a suit to address Jericho. Cole and Lawler talked up Steamboat's recent performances at WrestleMania and the Raw after Mania. Steamboat said Jericho is wrong. He said that he was shown super love during WrestleMania weekend, but if the fans won't give Jericho some love, he'll give it to him. Jericho was puzzled. Steamboat thanked Jericho for bringing him back to the ring and getting that old time feeling of being passionate for wrestling.

Steamboat thanked him, but Jericho wasn't taking that. He said Steamboat came out here to hear the cheers of the fans one more time. He told Steam that he's finished and no one cares about him anymore. (Boos) Jericho said all of Steam's friends - from Piper to Snuka to Flair to Rourke - haven't been heard from since he destroyed them. Jericho said that just because the fans chanted "You still got it" during a ten-man tag on Raw, you think you can wrestle again? Jericho said it's time for him to put Steamboat out of his misery so he wants him one-on-one at Backlash.

Suddenly, John Cena's music interrupted and the World Hvt. champion came out sporting a blue "Hustle, Loyalty, Respect" t-shirt. Cena was all-smiles as he came to the ring to a chorus of boos and cheers. Steamboat stood in the middle as Cena and Jericho had a stare-off. Jericho told Cena to stop before he even stares. He said he knows Cena is going to pander to all of his fans and talk up Steamboat, so he doesn't have to listen to his little shtick anymore. Cena stared down at the mat with a big smile as Jericho finished his spiel about being finished on Raw.

Jericho started to walk off as the fans did the "na na na, hey hey, good bye" chant. Jericho dropped the mic, shook his head, and Steamboat interrupted him mid-way down the ramp. Steamboat accepted Jericho's challenge and Jericho smiled. He then kept on walking. Cena then spoke. Big boos. Cena said he doesn't need to defend Steamboat, as he can wrestle just fine on his own. Cena said Vickie G. can't be here tonight (cheers), but she sent a message. Edge won't compete tonight, and Jericho's last act here on Raw isn't done. Cena announced himself against Jericho, which drew a sneer from Jericho on the ramp.

Tonight: Rey Mysterio makes his final appearance on Raw against Big Show.

[Q2]

[Commercial Break]

Ringside: Cole and Lawler excitedly talked about last week's three-hour Raw being the top-rated show on all of cable. ... In-ring: Chavo Guerrero announced his official drafting to Raw. He thanked his aunt Vickie (boos) for the draft selection and said he'll prove he can push Vickie's wheelchair around (laughs) and anyone on the Raw roster. Suddenly, Batista's music hit and Chavo stopped dead in his tracks.

1 -- BATISTA vs. CHAVO GUERRERO

Bell sounded, Batista stared at him with his hands on his hips, then Batista met Chavo with a boot to the gut and a Batistabomb. Batista made the cover for the easy win. Lawler said he didn't even get a chance to start his stopwatch. Yeah, I barely did too. Post-match: Chavo took the mic and complained to Vickie that he won't let this ever happen again. Chavo gasped for breath and Batista returned to the ring. Chavo saw Batista out of the corner of his eye and said he really was ready, but Batista grappled him for another Batistabomb to put an exclamation mark on his victory.

WINNER: Batista at 0:16. That was quick. Just a "tune-up" victory for Batista to continue building him back up in the eyes of the audience following his absence from injury. Not much emphasis on the Backlash title match he's involved in, but that will probably come later. (n/a)

Video package: John Cena vs. Edge for the World Title in a Last Man Standing match.

[Commercial Break]

Backstage: Shane McMahon was shown walking down the hallway, then Batista approached him. They shared some nervous laughter and "I really didn't appreciate..." referring back to last week's Raw when Batista shoved Shane and Shane tackled Batista. After some nervous laughter to sell the idea that they're on the verge of blowing up, they agreed to be on the same page for Backlash to protect Triple H's World Title.

In-ring: Kane, who is on Smackdown now, came out for a singles match against C.M. Punk, who is also on Smackdown now and he brought his MITB briefcase with him to remind Kane of how close Kane was to winning the match at WrestleMania 25.

[Q3]

2 -- KANE vs. C.M. PUNK

Kane dominated early and scored a nearfall following a chokeslam. Punk then came back with a high knee, but Kane blocked a bulldog. Punk then came off the second rope with a clothesline for a two count. Kane tried to come back with another chokeslam attempt, but Punk blocked and small packaged Kane into a three count for the win.

WINNER: Punk at 2:04. Short TV match. Two matches have featured three Smackdown wrestlers. Two future matches on the show will also feature two Smackdown wrestlers. (*)

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Santino Marella's music hit. He came out to the ring and pretended to shyly wave off the adoration from the fans. They recapped the 25-diva battle royale deal at Mania where Santina Marella won. Back to Raw where Santino said his twin sister has to go to Smackdown and kiss Great Khali. He said they aren't happy, but they are honorable. Santino then called out Santina. He said some people have the audacity to say they are the same person. So wrong. Cue up the Rico theme music. Santina then appeared on Santina's Casa from the video screen. Santina said she cannot kiss Khali because she has developed a blister on her lip. Santina said she's in the best country in the world, Italy, and there is no way she can go to Smackdown to kiss the Great Khali. Suddenly, the video sped up to blow Santino's cover. "Oh my, um...my sister loves the eh red bull. Haha."

Santino then read a poem about her "beautiful" sister Santina. Both born in 1985, parents were models. Suddenly, Beth Phoenix's music interrupted. She came out with Rosa Mendes and she wasn't too happy about these developments. Beth said it's too bad about Santino's sister. She said Santina will kiss Khali after all at Backlash. Santina started rambling on the video and Santino screamed for her to shut up. "Shutta up your face!" Turn off the eh TV." Santino said Beth is just covered in the jealousy just like her poor sister is covered in the eh blister. He said Beth will never be Miss WrestleMania. Melina's music then interrupted to further complicate issues here tonight. Melina was drafted to Smackdown, but she's back on Raw. WWE is really stretching out this "taking care of business on Raw before moving brands." Match up next.

[Q4]

[Commercial Break]

3 -- Women's champion MELINA vs. BETH PHOENIX (w/Santino and Rosa Mendes) -- non-title match

Beth went for the trademark power offense/submission holds early on, but Melina made a comeback. She was in position to win, but Rosa got on the apron to try to run interference at 3:00, but Melina knocked her to the floor. Beth tried to sneak up behind her to take advantage, but Melina countered with a victory roll-up for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Melina at 3:22. Decent divas match. Enough time to feel somewhat complete considering how many of these end so quickly. (*1/2)

Backstage: Triple H was taping up for his match tonight, then Shane McMahon stepped in to talk business. Shane said they have to very careful at Backlash not to screw things up and cost Hunter the WWE Title. He said he can be a hothead, Big Dave can be that way, and Hunter can lose control too. Shane warned him about the stipulation, but Hunter said he's going to get all of his anger out of his system tonight. They hugged it out.

Backstage: Jericho was shown walking down the hallway to face Cena on the other side of the break.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: World Hvt. champion John Cena came out first for the semi-main event tonight. Jericho
then came out to face Cena.

[Q5 -- second hour]

4 -- World Hvt. champion JOHN CENA vs. CHRIS JERICHO -- non-title match

Jericho took control early, then he berated Cena. "This is your show, right?!" Jericho shouted down at Cena. Jericho cut off a brief comeback with a clothesline, then they had a mid-ring exchange of rights and lefts. Crowd had a mixed "yeah" for Cena's punches and "yeah" for Jericho's punches. Cena then set up Jericho for the Five Knuckle Shuffle (loud boos) and he delivered. Cena wanted the FU, but Jericho countered with a DDT. The action moved to the ring apron and Cena wanted an FU off the apron, but Jericho blocked and chucked Cena off the apron into the ring steps. Cut to break.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break, Cena kicked out of a pin attempt from Jericho. Jericho played to the crowd, then he tried the Walls of Jericho, but Cena escaped. Jericho then blocked a comeback with a lift-up slam for a nearfall. They battled up top and Cena tried a top-rope FU, but Jericho countered with an electric chair to put both men on the mat. They battled mid-ring, then Cena power-lifted Jericho into position for the FU, but Jericho flipped out and grappled Cena for the codebreaker. Great sequence. Jericho couldn't make an immediate cover, though, then he finally did and Cena kicked out at two.

Both men regrouped, then Jericho ran into the FU from Cena. Cena couldn't make a cover, though. He finally did and Jericho kicked out. Cena then went to the corner and went up top. Cena tried the top rope guillotine smash, but Jericho countered and slapped on the Walls of Jericho. Jericho screamed at Cena to tap out, but Cena refused. Cena then power-lifted into a roll-up that he transitioned into the STFU mid-ring. Jericho tried to fight the hold like a swimmer stuck in the water, then Cena pulled him back to his feet where Jericho smashed him with an enziguiri kick. Nice counter.

[Q6]

At 15:00, Jericho pulled Cena to the corner. He tried a top rope move, but Cena blocked. They had a standing exchange of right hand blows before Cena attempted a superplex. Suddenly, Edge showed up and shoved Cena and Jericho down. Edge then snapped on Cena mid-ring and blasted him with right hands. Cole interjected that Edge saw that Cena was vulnerable, so he attacked. Nice line. Edge then readied Cena and speared him in mid-air. Cena took the blow, then Edge stared down at Cena in disgust.

Edge grabbed two chairs from ringside, then he re-entered the ring to set up Cena for the conchairto. No one stopped Edge, who delivered a smashing blow. Really, Edge nailed the other chair instead of Cena's head, but the effect was really good. Edge then took the mic and breathed heavily. He then declared himself the winner in the Last Man Standing match at Backlash after counting to ten with Cena still out cold on the mat. Cole solemnly stated Edge could be new World champ at the PPV.

WINNER: Cena via DQ at 16:30. Really good TV match. No surprise, as Cena and Jericho have always had good chemistry in the ring on a big stage for a singles match. Edge's interference and post-match promo was very well done to promote the Backlash title match. It seemed to be lost in the shuffle of the brand split and Team McMahon vs. Legacy, but Cena, Jericho, and Edge brought the focal point back to Cena vs. Edge with this segment. Well done. (***1/2)

[Commercial Break]

Video recap: Cole and Lawler recapped the end of Cena vs. Jericho with Edge interfering, then smashing Cena with the Conchairto. During the break, Cena was carried away by referees. Cole said Cena could be seriously affected at Backlash depending on the condition of his head. There's his "out" if he drops the title on Sunday.

In-ring: IC champion Rey Mysterio (now on Smackdown) came out first to face Big Show, who then came out as they recapped Smackdown when Show punched out Jeff Hardy and Matt dropped seven leg drops on Jeff.

5 -- IC champion REY MYSTERIO vs. BIG SHOW -- non-title match

Show quickly took advantage of the size advantage by knocking Rey down to the mat. Rey then took back control with a dropkick to the knees. He tried to dial up 619 on Show, but Show grabbed his legs and KO'ed him with a giant right. Show then put two hands on Rey's chest for the pin and the win. Rey sold that he was totally knocked out as Show looked down at Rey with a non-reactionary look. Medics checked on Rey as Show left the ring kinda muttering to himself. Rey showed some life to close the segment.

WINNER: Show at 1:43. Squash to re-establish Show now that he's officially moved from Smackdown to Raw. Seems likely that Show will factor into the WWE Title picture at some point soon. (*)

[Q7]

Superstars plug: Edge vs. Kofi this week.

[Commercial Break]

Announcers: Cole and Lawler plugged the Backlash PPV line-up. They went back to Smackdown to show Batista vs. Ted DiBiase, Jr. from Friday. Lawler complemented DiBiase for giving Batista a tough match-up, but Batista ultimately won with the Bomb.

Backstage: Cody Rhodes asked Ted DiBiase how his back is doing. DiBiase said fine, but how's your face?, referring to Shane giving him the coast-to-coast on Superstars. DiBiase and Cody agreed they'll be on the same page at Backlash unlike the McMahons. DiBiase started to doubt Randy Orton, who then walked in from behind. Orton said he's not just hoping for a DQ to win the WWE Title because he's the best in the industry. He said it's why all the fans and everyone in the locker room are jealous of him. Orton said they are winning this Sunday. Tonight, he is going to beat Triple H. "I guarantee it," Orton told each of them in the face. He walked off, leaving Cody and Ted to ponder things.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Triple H came out first prior to the commercial break, then Randy Orton slowly made his way to the ring as Hunter stared straight ahead toward Orton ready for the WrestleMania main event re-match.

[Q8]

6 -- WWE champion TRIPLE H vs. RANDY ORTON -- No DQ non-title match

Hunter and Orton's "mulligan" started hot with Hunter and Orton exchanging right hands in the corner. Action spilled to the floor where Hunter ripped away the announce table cover. Orton then smashed Hunter head-first into the table. The action returned to the ring, then Hunter dumped Orton over the top rope to the floor. Hunter tried to follow out, but Orton reached up and smashed him with a trashcan. Cut to break with Orton in control.

[Commercial Break. ECW plug tomorrow night: Swagger and Christian contract signing for ECW Title match at Backlash.]

Back from break, Orton and Hunter exchanged control with Hunter taking a steel step shot to the head, then Hunter coming back with a spinebuster into the steps. Hunter missed with a chairshot to the head, then Hunter reeled off a round of right hand blows that knocked Orton down. Hunter measured Orton for a trashcan shot, but Orton blocked with a boot to the face. Orton waited too long to capitalize, then Hunter dropped a charging Orton with a spinebuster into the can. Hunter continued to attack the back, this time with a steel chair shot to the back. Hunter measured Orton for a chair shot to the head, but Orton kicked Hunter in the gut and DDT'ed him into the chair.

[Q9 -- over-run]

At the top of the hour, Hunter came back with a chair shot to the knee after he wrapped Orton's leg around the ringpost. Back in center ring, Hunter focused his attack on Orton's left knee. He then slapped on Ric Flair's figure four in center ring as the crowd whoo'ed. Hunter wanted to take Orton's knee out for good, but Cody and Ted stormed the ring to attack Hunter. Shane then ran down to the ring to make the save, but Ted yanked the top rope down and Shane ate the floor. Hunter then tried to fight by himself as Orton recovered. Suddenly, Batista stormed the ring and cleaned house. He speared Orton, then Cody raked his eye. Shane snuck back into the ring, then Batista accidentally speared Shane. Hunter asked him what's up and Batista said it was an accident. Action totally broke down and they were back to Orton and Hunter. Hunter stumbled over to Orton, who suddenly snapped to attention like a snake and dropped Hunter with an RKO. Orton made the cover for the win.

Post-match: Orton sold the knee work and stumbled out of the ring with help from DiBiase and Rhodes. Batista then slipped back into the ring to check on Hunter. Batista then helped Shane to his feet and stared down at Legacy with hands on hips in disgust. Hunter leaned down on the middle rope and stared back at Orton for one last three-on-three stand-off to set up Backlash.

WINNER: Orton at 17:32. Excellent match in the sense that they used the props and gimmickry to their advantage to set-up the six-man tag match with Triple H in jeopardy of losing the title at Backlash. Good piece of TV to conclude Raw's hype for Backlash. (***1/4)

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