WWE Raw Live Report
February 15, 2009
Live from Des Moines, Iowa
Aired on USA Network
Report by James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

This week's WWE Raw features John Cena vs. Triple H, Ted DiBiase vs. Kofi Kingston, and WWE champion Sheamus vs. Randy Orton in a non-title match with all three matches previewing the Elimination Chamber PPV on Sunday.

Raw started live with Justin Roberts introducing the Color Guard and a singing of the National Anthem for President's Day. They included shots of various U.S. landmarks and familiar images in the opening. Really strong, unique opening to the show. Cue up the Raw intro.

Announcers: After the Raw intro, Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler plugged Jerry Springer hosting the show tonight. He'll get the wrestlers to reveal their "most intimate secrets." They also plugged Bret Hart on the show tonight addressing WWE fans. Also, Batista is here on Raw from the Smackdown brand to address John Cena.

In-ring: WWE champion Sheamus came to the ring to start the in-ring portion of the show. He has Randy Orton tonight. Interesting start to the show. After Sheamus took his time coming to the ring and posing with the title belt, Randy Orton's music hit to bring out Orton. Orton looking much more tanned with shorter hair. The announcers plugged the "WrestleMania worthy" Cena vs. Hunter match to come tonight.

1 -- WWE champion SHEAMUS vs. RANDY ORTON -- non-title match

Orton was the default babyface here with the audience firmly behind him. Sheamus cut off Orton's early advantage as they set a slow pace. Sheamus teased the bicycle kick, but Orton ducked and teased the RKO, but Sheamus ducked and rolled to the floor. Orton stood tall in the ring as they cut to a break.

[Commercial Break]

[Q2]

They returned from break with Orton stomping on Sheamus's body. Mild pop for the Orton Stomp. Ted DiBiase then walked out down the entranceramp. Cody Rhodes followed from a distance. Meanwhile, Sheamus attacked Orton from behind and executed a backbreaker to take control of the match. Orton quickly regained control with a textbook standing dropkick followed by multiple stomps to the mid-section. Orton then pounded the mat looking to set up the RKO, but Sheamus awkwardly blocked before awkwardly rolling to the outside. Orton then shoved Sheamus shoulder-first into the ringpost and rolled back into the ring. DiBiase tried to grab Sheamus, but Sheamus smashed him to the floor. Cody then grabbed Sheamus, which the ref saw and called for a DQ on Orton.

Post-match: DiBiase entered the ring and played the blame game pointing his finger at Cody. The fans chanted, "RKO," as the pupils continued to argue with each other. Orton then dropped Cody with the RKO out of nowhere. Before DiBiase could react, Sheamus suddenly re-entered and dropped DiBiase with the bicycle kick. Seconds later, Orton dropped Sheamus with the RKO. The crowd popped big for Orton being the last man standing in the ring. Orton sold the crazed lunatic character as he contemplated what happened in the ring. Cue up his music as the announcers replayed the finish with the crowd still cheering Orton.

WINNER: Sheamus via DQ at 8:34. Sheamus is officially a lameduck champion at this point, which puts his title in jeopardy on Sunday at the Elimination Chamber PPV. Orton's teased babyface turn built some momentum this week. We'll see where all this is going leading to the PPV with DiBiase also involved in the Chamber match. (*1/2)

Backstage: They showed Bret Hart walking backstage live in the building. He was sporting Aviator shades, a black leather jacket, and a green t-shirt. Apparently he's up next addressing the fans.

[Commercial Break]

Announcers: Cole and Lawler talked on-camera about Bret Hart wanting to get Survivor Series 1997 out of his system by returning to WWE, but Vince McMahon has made it a frustrating experience for Hart. They cued up a video package on Raw last week when McMahon and John Cena had a verbal confrontation leading to McMahon "screwing" Hart out of a WrestleMania moment and match.

In-ring: Justin Roberts welcomed out Bret Hart, who emerged with brown hair instead of the oiled-up black hair look, leather jacket, aviator shades, and designer blue jeans. It's fascinating keeping track of Hart's look on a weekly basis. Hart played to the appreciative crowd as Lawler talked him up as one of the most popular stars in WWE history. Hart took the mic and cleared his throat before saying it's no real shock Vince McMahon isn't here tonight. Hart said he would have waited for McMahon at the airport, the hotel, the parking lot, or the building to finish things with McMahon. Hart paused for a "Bret, Bret" chant before going back to why he came here: to make peace with McMahon, but it wasn't to be. Hart said when he tries to put things into perspective, McMahon lied to him, kicked him in the gut, spit in his face, lied some more, and had his goon Batista rough him up. Yet, all he can hear is McMahon saying he deserved to be screwed. Hart said he thinks McMahon deserves to have the holy hell beaten out of him.

[Q3]

Hart said McMahon is the world's greatest liar and at the very bottom of the barrel. He said McMahon is actually underneath the barrel. He wanted to give McMahon what he deserves at WrestleMania - to have one last victory at WrestleMania, but apparently it's not to be. Hart said victory lasts a lifetime, but excellence lasts forever. He said he wants to take this moment to thank all the WWE wrestlers in the back for welcoming him here. He thanked the fans for being kind and having his back, especially John Cena. "John Cena, thank you my friend, because in essence, for the last few weeks, I got to live a last few special moments that I'll never forget," he said. Hart said he's going to take this opportunity to say good-bye. He thanked the fans and dropped the mic. Hart waved to the crowd as the announcers said this isn't what they expected. Hart slowly walked out of the ring and headed to the top of the ramp to wave good-bye. Hart disappeared without a run-in or attack or more interaction. PYB (3) talk time: 5:20.

Announcers: Cole and Lawler talked on-camera about Hart not being able to accomplish . Backstage, Kofi Kingston walked up to Hart and shook his hand to make sure he's sure about this. Kofi said it's been an honor. Jack Swagger and Alicia Fox wished him luck. Swagger out-of-character here. Kind of interesting. Primo in a suit: "This sucks." Blunt. Gail Kim and Evan Bourne gave him some love. Hart continued to walk off. Cole again back on camera with Lawler to talk about Hart touching the young wrestlers so much. They went back to the backstage area where John Cena approached Hart. "That's it?" Cena said. Cena said they're close and can probably get something out of WrestleMania. Hart continued to walk toward his car before slapping Cena on the back to thank him. Cena shrugged his shoulders, then walked off.

Suddenly, there was a sound of a car crashing off-camera. A woman apparently backed into the car as Hart was getting in. Wrestlers and security stormed the scene as Cena screamed at the woman for screwing up. A medic tried to mobilize Hart's foot as Gail Kim was the main party involved in this part of the angle checking on Hart. An ambulance pulled up as Hart was put on a stretcher. Hart sold pain to his ankle as he was wheeled into the ambulance. Lawler said in a voice-over that "someone" backed her car into Hart's limo. Hart was put into the ambulance and it sped off from the parking lot. Lawler said he hopes it's not as serious as it looks. Fade to commercial. Well, that was certainly intriguing and a unique angle. Who's the woman who "ran over Hart?"

[Commercial Break]

Back live: "Ladies and gentlemen, we are following a horrible story," Cole said coming back from break. They replayed the happenings backstage with the mystery woman ramming her car into Hart's left leg as part of the angle. Lawler said you can't imagine anything else worse happening to Hart. Cole said the ambulance is on the way to a local medical facility.

In-ring: A remix of Big Show and Miz's theme music hit to bring out the new Unified tag champions. Remix is a bit "busy" to say the least. It needs some work. Miz led the tandem into the ring as Show followed behind sporting a new Big Show t-shirt. Comes in XXL as well. They replayed the Unified tag title match last week when DX lost the belts to ShowMiz thanks to Shawn Michaels. MVP's music then hit to bring out MVP and Mark Henry. Apparently this is non-title.

[Q4]

2 -- Unified tag champions SHOWMIZ (U.S. champion THE MIZ & BIG SHOW) vs. MVP & MARK HENRY -- non-title match

Cole took Miz's side calling the new tag champs MizShow. Lawler then plugged Jerry Springer on the show bringing his show to Raw. No sign of Springer thus far as WWE continues to shift the guest hosts to the background. MVP and Miz started things off with MVP in complete control blasting MVP with kicks and stomps and punches. He cleared Miz to the floor and they cut to break.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break, Miz had MVP in a waistlock trying to keep MVP away from Henry. MVP then back dropped Miz across the ring and Henry tagged in to work on Miz. The announcers plugged the Unified tag champs defending on ECW tomorrow night with it being the final ECW show. Henry hit the World's Strongest Slam on Miz, but Big Show broke up a pin. Big Show then blocked a bodyslam attempt by Henry and hit a DDT. Show tried to follow with a Vader Bomb, but Henry moved and Show ate the mat. MVP then tagged in and tried to chop down Show before hitting a running Chono boot in the corner. MVP tried a second, but Show blocked with a standing superkick. Show then tagged in Miz, who tried to pin MVP, but MVP kicked out and crucifix pinned Miz for the surprise three count to win. Miz slammed the mat in frustration as MVP smiled and celebrated the victory on the floor.

WINNERS: MVP & Henry at 6:31. Served the purpose of getting MVP back on Miz's tail going after the U.S. Title and now the tag titles. Rough way for the new tag champs to start their title reign, as the belts seemed to lose some value here with WWE skipping a few important weeks of building up the tag champs as a credible tandem and simultaneously building up Henry & MVP as credible threats leading to a non-title match to test the waters between the two teams. (*)

Springer plug: Jerry Springer promises to reveal WWE stars's most-intimate relationships coming up next.

[Commercial Break]

ECW plug: One last time, ECW goes to the extreme with ECW champ Christian vs. Ezekiel Jackson tomorrow night.

In-ring: Justin Roberts introduced tonight's guest host Jerry Springer. Lawler excitedly chanted his first name as Springer walked out with his familiar bodyguards. The ring had the Jeritron 2000 set to the Jerry Springer background with a gray floor covering the ring mat. Springer said tonight's show is titled is "WWE Superstars Most Intimate Relationships Revealed." He said tonight's show will give fans a different view on the wrestlers fans love to cheer and boo. Out came Kelly Kelly as the first guest on the show just before the top of the hour.

[Q5 - second hour] Kelly has a confession: "I'm pregnant!" Springer asked who the dad is. Kelly said she's not really sure because there's a lot of possibilities from a lot of different relationships. Wow, presenting the divas as sluts. Wonderful message for the PG audience. She has a feeling she knows who the dad is. Cue up Santino's music and Santino stormed the ring to embrace Kelly. "I am da papa!" Santino said. Springer said it's not true. Kelly said she actually needed someone to finish the job - someone with more experience and stamina. Suddenly, Michael Cole interrupted from the announce table. No one cared what he had to say. Really, they didn't. Cole had to yell like five times to get anyone to pay attention to him. Cole said it was their little secret. Lawler interrupted and said it was him. Springer then brought Lawler into the ring and asked him if she's too old for him. He said Lawler usually picks them up at recess.

Cue up the Bella Twins's music for an interruption. Of course, they teased a catfight. Kelly just started giggling and laughing at the absurdity of this whole bit, then Chris Masters came out pretending to be the baby's daddy. Naturally, Eve stormed the ring upset with her man going around behind her back. Eve and Kelly feigned a catfight, then Eve took the mic and said she found another man. Out came Great Khali with Ranjin Singh as Eve had a big smile on her face. Khali then grabbed Eve and kissed her as Masters ranted and raved in the corner. Springer then calmed everyone down and pulled out the paternity envelope to reveal the real dad. Of course...Hornswoggle. The audience popped at the only absurd conclusion to this absurd segment as Hornswoggle stormed the ring to celebrate with his baby's momma.

Springer then wrapped it up and left the ring smiling for the audience. As Springer was leaving, Lawler hopped on the top turnbuckle to address Springer. Lawler said this has all been one big charade to scare Springer a little bit. He said Kelly Kelly really isn't pregnant, the Bellas really aren't men, and Khali really has no idea what's happening. Singh said Khali thinks this has been a huge waste of time. Lawler said it actually hasn't been that huge of a waste of time. Lawler said they want to reveal one more intimate relationship: Jerry Springer's. Lawler said some guys prefer different things with their women, but most prefer them young. As in Mae Young. Out came Mae Young on stage sneaking up on Springer, who absorbed the liplock of doom and had lipstick smeared all over his face. Springer eventually disappeared with Young chasing him down to the back. PYB (3) talk time: 13:30. Wow. Well, you could look at the positive here: they got some personalities on TV and the crowd was into the wackiness. The negative is that it distracted from the serious angles they're trying to run on the show and it was a complete waste of time. I'm leaning hard toward the negative on this one.

[Commercial Break. Commercial for Goldberg's "Bull Run" show on Speed TV here.]

[Q6]

John Morrison DVD plug: They plugged tomorrow's debut of the John Morrison DVD. The one clip from the Dirt Sheet with The Miz they included was calling Tommy Dreamer a fat whale.

In-ring: Kofi Kingston came to the ring as the announcers continued to chuckle about the last segment. Ted DiBiase then came out to face Kingston as the announcers suggested DiBiase isn't 100 percent after being assaulted by John Cena last week and taking a bicycle kick from Sheamus after the opening match.

3 -- KOFI KINGSTON vs. TED DIBIASE, JR.

Kingston held the early advantage and maintained control by wobbling DiBiase with blows to the head. DiBiase sold concussion effects by acting loopy as Kingston did his offensive attack with the top rope tomahawk chop followed by Boom Drop. Kingston wanted the Jamaican Buzzsaw, but DiBiase wobbled to the corner. Kofi tried to capitalize with a cat-like leap in the corner, but DiBiase ducked and hit the Dream Street finisher for the win while still acting wobbly and out of it.

WINNER: DiBiase at 2:56. Not a strong endorsement of Kingston here, as he couldn't beat a guy selling a concussion. Forgettable match. (n/a)

Hall of Fame plug: The announcers plugged "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase as the first official Hall of Fame inductee. And this week's Hall of Fame inductee is...Antonio Inoki. They rolled classic Japan and U.S. footage of Inoki in the ring. Classic clip of Vince McMahon, Sr. with Vince McMahon, Jr. handling WWF commentary. They stopped the highlights to focus on the boxing vs. wrestling fiasco with Muhammad Ali. They went to the North Korea peace summit where Inoki faced "WWE Hall of Famer" Ric Flair. Surreal scene. Back live, Lawler called him one of Japan's most-revered wrestling stars. He said he can't wait to see Inoki again.

[Commercial Break]

[Q7]

Announcers: Cole plugged the Westminster Dog Show on CNBC right now. Cole and Lawler were shown on-camera to recap the "Worst night ever" for Bret Hart tonight. They rolled new "security footage" from inside the parking garage to show the mystery woman's vehicle slamming into the limo door and Hart's leg.

Elimination Chamber video: Cole and Lawler introduced a video package showcasing past highlights from Elimination Chamber matches. They focused on past stars in the match, big spots, big title victories, big pain, and Jim Ross painting a picture of what's at stake via voice-over. Back live, the announcers plugged the Smackdown brand's Chamber match and the Raw brand's Chamber match.

Backstage: Jerry Springer gave his Final Thought on things turning serious at the PPV after they had some fun earlier on the show. He plugged the key storylines going into the PPV and said the Road to WrestleMania becomes much clearer after the PPV. Mae Young then walked in for a hug.

Backstage: John Cena was shown walking down the hallway. He's either confronting Batista or facing Triple H next. So odd at the lack of follow-up to Shawn Michaels "quitting" on last week's Raw. We'll see if that comes into play by the end of the show.

[Commercial Break]

Video package: They recapped Batista faking that he was going to address John Cena on Smackdown this past Friday. Good heel work from Batista to set up tonight for a possible real explanation.

In-ring: Back from break, John Cena's music hit to a typically strong ovation. Cena stormed the ring and they rolled footage from two weeks ago when Batista took out Cena after Cena made the save for Bret Hart. Back live, they showed Cena watching the footage as the arena was darkened. Cena said first things first. He wished Bret Hart well with a serious look on his face. On to Mr. Batista. Cena said to the best of his knowledge, he did nothing to provoke Batista and now it's time to fight. He said Batista's coming to Raw to respond to his threats and he figures he'll stand right here and welcome Batista to the show. Cena, in preacher promo mode, said he doesn't make threats and he welcomes Mr. Batista to the arena.

[Q8] Batista then appeared on the video screen live via satellite. He was sporting a giant USA polo shirt sporting aviator shades. Cena said he knows how to get Batista on Raw. He turned his back and told Batista to come jump him from behind. Batista said he's doing Cena a huge favor by now being on the show tonight. He said Cena doesn't want him in the same building, much less the same ring again. Batista said he has a funny feeling they'll be in the same ring in the future, but it will be like a bad dream for Cena. Cena shot back that he saw Batista's hand shaking and he's a guy trying to act tough. Batista smiled and said this is funny to him because Cena keeps running his mouth when he's not there. Batista told him to keep on yapping because next week, he will be at Raw. Not via satellite, but in-person. He said he'll give Cena the answers then. Until then, good luck on Sunday. Cena mockingly accepted his encouragement and told Batista to come get some next week. Cena then took off his t-shirt and chucked it away as Batista walked off the set via satellite.

Cue up Triple H's theme music for the TV main event. Hunter slowly made his way to the ring as Cena stood his ground in the ring. Hunter did his full water-spit entrance as they cut to commercial before the start of the match. ... One last plug for ECW on Syfy tomorrow night with Christian vs. Jackson for the ECW Title.

[Commercial Break. I'm about to boycott Taco Bell if I see one more Charles Barkley rapping commercial. Enough already.]

Next week: Jewel & Ty Murray guest-host Raw from Indianapolis next week.

4 -- TRIPLE H vs. JOHN CENA

The bell sounded eight minutes before the top of the hour, giving them a solid 15 minutes in the ring barring some post-match shenanigans. Cena started with a side headlock taking Hunter to the mat to take control. The announcers talked up Sheamus being in trouble going into the PPV as WWE champion where the champ rarely retains. Hunter knocked down Cena and tried to drop a knee, but Cena grabbed Hunter's leg and blocked. Cena then whipped Hunter over the top rope and Hunter ate the floor. Cena tried to follow with an attack, but he ate the guardrail. Hunter then wanted the Pedigree, but Cena countered with a back body drop that splattered Hunter on the floor. Cut to break.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break, Hunter had Cena locked in a sleeperhold mid-ring. Cena slipped down to a seated position on the mat as the crowd rallied behind Cena, who elbowed out of the hold.

[Q9 -- over-run] Cena did his full comeback right at the top of the hour. Cena teased the Attitude Adjustment, but Hunter ducked and nailed a clothesline as Cole tried his best gravely sports announcer voice calling the rapid pace of the action. Cole added "tragedy" occurred with Bret Hart earlier in the show. Ironically, WWE debuted this "low tones selling of tragedy" when Owen Hart died in the ring. Anyways, Cena tried a top rope move, but Hunter crotched him and both men caught their breath. They had a test of strength standing on the turnbuckles, then Cena landed a headbutt and connected with the top rope guillotine leg drop for a two count. Cena teased the STF, but Hunter countered with a half Boston crab center ring. Cena teased a tap out, but Cena countered with the STF. They were near the ropes and Hunter reached the bottom rope for a break.

Cena then stalked Hunter for the Attitude Adjustment, but Hunter grabbed the top rope to block. Cena then ran into a high knee off the ropes and Hunter delivered a facebuster across his knee. Hunter followed with a Spinebuster and he fired up. Hunter teased the Pedigree, but Sheamus suddenly stormed the ring and kicked Hunter in the head, causing the match to be thrown out. Sheamus then tried to hit Cena, but Cena ducked and teased the AA. Sheamus slipped out, though, and hit the bicycle kick on Cena to knock down Cena. Sheamus then picked up Hunter to make a statement with the running Outsider's Edge bomb. Sheamus then stood over Hunter's fallen body with the fans chanting, "You suck, you suck" at Sheamus, who raised his arms to close the show.

WINNER: Triple H via DQ at 11:50. Well, there's your first tease for Sheamus vs. Triple H at WrestleMania, if that's the direction they take it. Sheamus scripted to give Hunter two big finishing moves was a strong endorsement for Sheamus after he was given lameduck status at the top of the show. I was surprised by the lack of Shawn Michaels follow-up, but I speculated in the weekly chat with Greg Parks that WWE would keep Michaels off this week's Raw before a possible surprise at the Elimination Chamber PPV. The match itself was a strong TV main event following the usual formula between these two of countering finishers before the non-finish. (**1/4)

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