KELLER'S WWE RAW REPORT
JANUARY 4, 2010
DAYTON, OHIO
AIRED LIVE ON USA NETWORK

[Q1]

-They opened with the video package on Bret Hart that Vince McMahon aired last week including the famous Vince McMahon quote, "I think Bret Hart screwed Bret Hart." Then the most intriguing quote of 2010 was replayed, which is Shawn Michaels saying if McMahon brings back Bret Hart, "Only good things will happen."

-Moments after Dave Penzer introduced Hulk Hogan live on TNA Impact, Justin Roberts introduced Bret. Bret then walked out onto the stage, still sporting long hair, although a little more frizzy than in past decades, a leather jacket, and jean-shorts rivaling the length of John Cena's. Jerry Lawler said it's been more than a decade since "anyone has seen Bret Hart, including me." Slight overstatement, there. He did something called the Hall of Fame, assuming that counts as "being seen." The pink lights filled the arena. Bret did his signature head-shake to get hair where he wanted it as he stood in the ring and held the mic.

"Well, I guess hell froze over," he began. He said a lot of people are wondering why he's there tonight, and why now. He said he's had a lot of time to think about things. Twelve years. He said it's an amazing feeling. He said he tried to find ways to come back over the years, but Vince McMahon would always decline and say it wasn't possible. He said it's great to be back so he can talk to the WWE Universe (as "wrestling fans" are now called). A "Welcome back!" chant gained some steam. He paused, then said, "It's nice to be back." He said, "Thank you so much for never letting me be forgotten. He said he owes everything to the WWE universe and thanks them for carrying him in their hearts for all of these years, never to be forgotten. He said he's flooded with great memories. He said he remembered winning the very first King of the Ring at the Nutter Center, one of his proudest moments. He said that night Lawler jumped him. He turned to Lawler and said hi. Lawler smiled and nodded. Hart said some things never change.

Bret said he has some things to get off his chest. He called Shawn Michaels to the ring. Michaels's music played (not DX's). Michael Cole spoke up, saying emotions long buried are resurfacing. Michaels stared into Bret's eyes. Bret said, "I'd like to take this opportunity to bury the hatchet with you and call a truce." Michaels paced away from Bret. Michaels said, "First of all, Hitman, before you come out here and get your closure, there's something I've been waiting 12 years to say to you." Dramatic pause. "The fact is, you deserved what happened 12 years ago in Montreal." The crowd booed, most of whom might not even know quite what happened on that night. "You disrespected me and you disrespected this business. And yes, I had a hand in what Vince McMahon did that night." The crowd chanted, "You screwed Bret!" Hart said, "I rest my case."

Michaels said there's a big part of him that doesn't regret a bit of it. But there's another part of me that knows that in the last 12 years, a lot of things have changed, a lot of things in my life have changed. You know, Bret, I always respected you. I just never felt you respected me. There were times when I couldn't stand the sight of you and I know the feeling is more than mutual. But you know somethin', when I think of Bret Hart, I don't think of Montreal. I think of Anaheim, California. I think of a 60 minute Iron Man match that everybody said nobody would want to see." He said they went out there and did do it and "redefined everything that this industry ever stood for." He said when he thinks of Bret, he thinks of the "excellence of execution." He told Bret he's not the only one who's been carrying it around for 12 years and is ready to move on. He said, "I guess, all I have to say is, are you sure and are you ready?"

Bret said, "Let's be real honest, you weren't the easiest guy in the world to love, either, back then. You were a guy who certainly had his issues. But you're right, your career, my career, shouldn't always be tagged by what happened at Survivor Series. I had a great career, you've had a great career, we both accomplished so many things. I think it's as good a time as any right here now... to look each other in the eye and take this moment and say that we can be friends. So I offer you my hand in friendship. If you want to bury the hatchet, let's bury it right now." Michaels stared at him, then moved in for a handshake. The crowd cheered (mostly). Michaels stepped away. Then paused in position for a superkick. Instead, he walked back to Bret and hugged. Bret hugged back. ore cheers. Bret seemed a little less enthusiastic about the hug than Michaels. Michaels also seemed to whisper something to Bret while they hugged. Michaels left as his music played. No apologies there, but given all of that history, a nice segment. Too bad Jim Ross wasn't there to react to it.

Bret then called Vince McMahon to the ring. Bret waited. "Come on, Vinnie, don't keep the people waiting," he said. Nobody calls Vince McMahon "Vinnie." The crowd booed and Bret dropped the mic. Cole called it a stunning start to Raw.

[Q2]

-Lawler and Cole hyped DX vs. Chris Jericho & Big Show and Randy Orton vs. Kofi Kingston. [c]

-Josh Matthews waited outside Vince McMahon's office door. McMahon walked up to him and asked what he was doing. Josh asked if he had something to say about what Bret said. McMahon said he just left a meeting and had no idea what Bret said. (Nice to hear Vince cared so little about Bret that he supposedly missed his return to Raw!) McMahon said nobody calls him out, so he'll call Bret out instead later tonight. That means "stay tuned."

-They went to Cole and Lawler at ringside. Cole broke the news that Melina suffered an injury at a live event last week, so she's had to vacate the Divas Title. Tonight would feature a tournament to crowd a new champion. Lawler said it was bad news followed by good news.

1 -- BRIE BELLA (w/Nikki Bella) vs. MARYSE-- Divas Title Tournament

In the end, Bri and Nikki traded places, but Maryse saw it and kicked Nikki even though Nikki was playing possum. Maryse finished Nikki with a French Kiss DDT seconds later.

WINNER: McCool in 2:00 to advance.

-The Miz met Maryse on her way back to the entrance set. He told her that he's been hearing her tell people that 2010 is the year of Maryse. He said he wanted to make it clear that this year is the year, this decade, and every moment going forward belongs to him. "Because I'm The Miz and I'm awesome!" He walked to the ring with the U.S. Title belt over his shoulder. He joined Cole and Lawler at ringside. The ring intros took place for MVP and Swagger.

[Q3] [c]

-A local Minnesota commercial announced "Iron" Mike Tyson would guest host Raw next Monday at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn.

2 -- MVP vs. JACK SWAGGER vs. CARLITO vs. MARK HENRY -- U.S. Title No. 1 Contender Four-Way Match

Miz talked about his potential opponents as all being potential up-and-comers. Miz said he TiVo'd Raw and was watching it with Spencer Pratt. He said Spencer saw Henry's presence and said, "You have got to be kidding me. You go up against guys like that!" Miz said he told him brains beat brawn. He said he is the reason people watch Raw. Henry dumped MVP over the top rope to the floor. Swagger went after Henry, but Henry blocked him, then head-butted Carlito. Miz said regarding the U.S. Title, "I covet this thing." He seemed to catch himself breaking a Vince McMahon rule of not referring to titles reverently. So he paused then added, "This title. This coveted title." He listed former U.S. Champions including Harley Race, Dusty Rhodes, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. He said what separates him from those people is he never lost it. Henry locked Carlito in a bear hug. Swagger broke it up. Miz said Henry should be on "The Biggest Loser" because he's big and he's a loser. MVP kicked Henry as he had Swagger lifted into the air. More chaos ensued leading to MVP hitting Swagger with the Playmaker for the win. Miz called Swagger "corn-row."

WINNER: MVP in 4:00 to earn a U.S. Title shot.

-Backstage Big Show told Chris Jericho that this is their last chance. If they don't win the tag titles, they don't get another chance until DX loses them. It's not so much that as they're on separate brands and are only getting to team up once because of the rematch clause. (Was that George Costanza in the background talking on the phone.) Jericho told Show he made Bret an offer that was too tempting for him to pass up. As Jericho walked away, he said he's not leaving Raw. Show shouted back at him, "I don't want you to go." [c]

[Q4]

-Somebody around age 30 was telling Bret with a smile that he still remembers him at WrestleMania XII in Anaheim. Jericho walked into the room and shook Bret's hand. He said, "It's good to see. It's been a long time. There's been a lot of history between us and your family." Jericho said he made his brother Keith tapout to frantically to his Walls of Jericho, cats were running around the house. He said he knows deep down inside he still despises Michaels. Jericho said he can take care of those feelings. He asked Bret to be the guest referee for the tag match later. He told him to call it down the middle, but when he puts Michaels in the Walls, "let instincts take over." He told him to ring the bell and make up for the Montreal Screwjob. Bret said he doesn't want any more problems and have the Montreal thing keep coming up again. He said everything he said out there is true. "I'm not a hypocrite. I want peace." He said he wants to put it to bed. Jericho said he can't be serious, it must be an act. Bret said he doesn't want the WWE Universe to see him like they see Jericho, as a hypocrite. Bret said he's not going to help him, so he has to do it himself. Bret said speaking of the Stu Hart Dungeon and scared cats, it was Jericho who screamed louder than anyone else. He told him it was his sister who stretched him, not his brothers or father. "So live with that," he said. Bret smiled as Jericho stormed off.

-Hornswoggle made his first appearance, wearing DX gear. Triple H showed off a variety of action figures. Hornswoggle is starting to sound more and more like C3PO every week. Michaels walked up to Hunter and asked him why he talks to him like that. Hunter said, "Because he's an innocent little boy." Michaels exclaimed, "He's got a beard!" Hunter said it's a scientific fact that Leprechauns are born with beards. He told him to look it up on Wikipedia. He said he's been concentrating on their tag team title match later. Michaels asked what these action figures have to do with it. Hunter called "Chris Jericho" into the room. Santino walked in wearing a Jericho style wig. He imitated Jericho's manner of speaking and typical complaints and insults. Hunter told Hornswoggle to attack. He leaped onto Santino and tackled him over the back of the couch. Hunter said tonight's not about Bret or even Undertaker at WrestleMania, but rather DX keeping the tag titles. Hornswoggle continued to beat up Santino behind the couch. Hunter whistled for him like he was a dog. He gave him a chocolate chip cookie and said he'd do anything for those. Santino stood up and then fell backwards.

-Cole plugged that the tag match was next. [c]

-WWE Fact: Last Monday over 2,000,000 females watched Raw, beating every show on CW, Lifetime, Hallmark, TLC, Oxygen, and NBC. (WWE can't help but keep taking digs at The CW, which booted Smackdown off the network. If that hadn't happened, I can't imagine WWE would keep giving them so much pub in these fact segments.)

3 -- TRIPLE H & SHAWN MICHAELS vs. CHRIS JERICHO & THE BIG SHOW -- Unified Tag Team Title match

Justin Roberts is starting to sound more and more like The Target Lady on "Saturday Night Live." Or Meredith Vieira. Lawler said Bret didn't recognize a lot of the WWE wrestlers. He said Hornswoggle was among those who were upset. Bret said, "Who are you?" Lawler said Hornswoggle could recognize that he didn't know who he was, so he said, "Well, I'm not happy." Lawler said that Bret then asked, "Well, which one are you?" I can't believe I just typed all of that. That was a long way for Lawler to go for a stupid yet kinda funny joke. A lot for me to type to recap it, too. Big Show battered Michaels early, and then they cut to a very early break at 1:00. [c]

[Q5]

Jericho beat on Hunter after the break, then tagged in Show. Cole re-set the show, hyping it as the longest running so and so. Lawler said Bret was back, burying the hatchet with Michaels earlier. At 6:00 Hunter hit a spinebuster, but Jericho tagged in Show, who cut off Hunter from tagging in Michaels. Show climbed to the second rope and swing-splashed down toward Hunter. Hunter moved, though, and then crawled toward Michaels and made the hot-tag. The crowd popped as Michaels chopped away at Show and then tried to take him off his feet. A dropkick to the knee dropped Show. Michaels climbed to the top rope, but Jericho knocked him off balance. Hornswoggle snuck into the ring and leaped onto Show's chest. Lawler said he wasn't sure how much damage that did. Michaels made the cover, but Show powered Michaels off of him. Michaels stomped the mat to signal for Sweet Chin Music. Show countered with a chokeslam. Jericho went for a Lionsault, but Michaels avoided it. Michaels then hot-tagged Hunter, who immediately gave Jericho the Pedigree. Show broke up that cover. Show then lifted Michaels for a chokeslam. unter kicked him and set up a Pedigree. Michaels helped by diving onto Show's back as he went down. Show rolled to the floor at 10:00. Jericho shoved Hunter into Michaels, then went for a roll-up, but Hunter kicked out. Jericho then caught Hunter with his Code Breaker. Jericho was slow to make the cover. When he did, Michaels broke it up. Hornswoggle entered the ring and stomped the mat. Jericho turned and kicked Hornswoggle in the head. Hunter went for a Pedigree on Jericho. Jericho escaped, but as he set up the Walls, Michaels superkicked him for the pin.

WINNERS: DX in 11:00 to retain the Unified Tag Team Titles.

STAR RATING: **1/2 -- Good tag match. I'm surprised by the finish. I expected Show & Jericho to win, giving Jericho a pass to be on Raw every week again and prevent DX from expectations to be on Smackdown. Interesting turn of events.

-Afterward, Hunter said Jericho is done on Raw. "So long, buh-bye!" Hunter said. Michaels told Jericho, "If you're down with that, we've got two words for you." The crowd finished the lewd phrase that Michaels has made peace with apparently. Show left Jericho lying in the ring and walked away clearly disappointed. Jericho began to come to. Lawler said he was realizing he had to make the trek back to Smackdown. The crowd sang the "Na na na, hey hey hey, good bye" song at Jericho as he hung his head and walked to the back. He sold the loss well. DX then celebrated with Hornswoggle mid-ring as their music played.

-Backstage, there was a knock on Mr. McMahon's door. McMahon answered and told Randy Orton he had a lot of nerve knocking o his door. Orton said he had advice for him on how to confront Bret. McMahon said Bret spitting in his face and walking out on his company is nothing compared to what Orton did to him and his family. Orton said he has done business with people he's despised before, and Bret is the one legend he hasn't had the opportunity to lay to rest. He vowed to kick Bret in the skull if he gives him the word. McMahon asked what was in it for him. Orton said he knows that Bret doesn't just want to talk to him, he wants to fight him. Orton said he wants in return the no. 30 entry position in the Royal Rumble. McMahon said he has his own security, so he told him not to confront him ever again. Orton punched the wall in frustration that his proposal was rejected. Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes approached him. He asked what they wanted. Cody said they wanted to thank him for inspiring them last week by sitting at ringside for his match, so they'll sit at ringside for his match against Kofi Kingston. Cody said if he loses, they'll kick him out of The Legacy. "And then we'll beat the hell out of you." Orton fumed after they walked away

[Q6] [c]

-Cole announced that Mike Tyson would guest host Raw next week. Has Bret done any actual guest hosting yet? Cole and Lawler then narrated a clip of the ending of last week's John Cena vs. Sheamus main event. They haven't made a big ordeal out of Cena being absent on Raw this week.

-Sheamus walked out wearing his WWE Title belt. Sheamus said last week Cena couldn't beat him. He said he can make all the excuses he wants, but he did exactly what he said he would last week on Raw. He then claimed the rights to "best there is, best there ever will be." He said, "That belongs to me, and I dare anybody to step into the ring..." At that point, Evan Bourne ran to the ring and yanked the mic out of his hand. Bourne said the only reason he has that title is because someone gave you the opportunity. He said if given the same opportunity, he could beat him. He said he wants that opportunity "right now." He tossed Sheamus the mic. Sheamus smiled and said, "Little Evan Bourne actually thinks he can beat me." He called for a referee. He said if Bourne can beat him tonight, he can get a title shot at the Royal Rumble. He said instead of a title shot, he's going to get the worst beating of his entire life. He repeated several times: "Little Evan Bourne." Lawler said this might be the biggest opportunity of his life.

4 -- SHEAMUS vs. EVAN BOURNE

The ref called for the bell. Bourne snuck up behind Sheamus and kicked him a few times. Sheamus backdropped him over the top rope, but Bourne came right back with another kick from the ring apron and then hit a Shooting Star Press off the top rope for a near fall. Sheamus kicked out with authority. Sheamus came back by catching Bourne on a bodypress. He followed with a big boot to the face and then the running Razor's Edge for the win.

WINNER: Sheamus in 2:00. Total conspiracy theory, but considering similarities between Bourne and TNA Champ A.J. Styles, Bourne losing in two minutes and being called "Little Evan Bourne" may have been meant to be overtly or subliminally an attempt to undercut the cred of A.J. Styles.

-They showed Cole and Lawler at ringside. Cole said they were sad to hear of the death of "Dr. Death" Steve Williams. He noted that he died after a battle with throat cancer. Lawler talked his resume and his being best friends with Jim Ross.

[Q7] [c]

-They went to Cole and Lawler who talked about the return of Bret Hart to WWE. Lawler talked about being just feet away from Vince when Bret spit in his face. Then they threw to a video package that recapped what happened, sort of, at the Survivor Series 1997 in Montreal.

-Kofi Kingston's high-energy ring entrance took place. [c]

-For some reason, 1 hour 38 minutes into Raw, a local cable spot aired for TNA Impact starring Hulk Hogan. Obviously TNA wasn't able to secure a time placement for the ad during Raw. Earlier would have been better.

-WWE Fact: Last Monday, Raw was watched by more people than any show on ABC, CW, FOX, and NBC.

5 -- RANDY ORTON vs. KOFI KINGSTON

Rhodes and DiBiase watched at ringside. Back and forth action early. Kofi backdropped Orton over the top rope to block a DDT attempt at 2:00. Orton regrouped in front of DiBiase and Rhodes. Cole wondered if Orton would be kicked out of Legacy as they cut to an early break. [c]

[Q8]

During the break, Orton shoved Kofi off the top rope, flying to the security wall. Orton applied his obligatory chinlock. At 10:00 Kingston made his comeback. He went into his finishing routine including the Boom Drop. Orton rolled to the floor, but Kofi immediately dove through the ropes and hit Orton. He threw Orton back into the ring. The camera showed DiBiase and Rhodes anxiously watching. Lawler said if Orton loses, it's the end of Legacy. Kingston hit a top rope crossbody for a near fall. Orton came back and threw Kofi against the ropes and went for an RKO. Kofi countered with the S.O.S. for a two count at 11:00. Kingston went for Trouble in Paradise, but Orton blocked it and suddenly hit the RKO for the win. Rhodes and DiBiase looked stoically at each other at ringside and didn't move from their chairs.

WINNER: Orton in 12:00.

STAR RATING: **1/4 -- Good action to anchor the final half hour of the show leading to the anticipated Bret-Vince final segment.

-They showed McMahon backstage headed toward the entrance tunnel. [c]

-Cole and Lawler plugged the return of Mike Tyson to Raw next week.

-Justin Roberts introduced Mr. McMahon. Lawler said there has been a lot of water under the bridge since Montreal in 1997. McMahon wished the fans a Happy New Year. He said there's really no reason for him to call Bret Hart out tonight. He said Bret and Shawn put closure on the issue. He said the Montreal incident is basically over. He thanked Bret for being the guest host, even though he did absolutely nothing as guest host in terms of, well, hosting. McMahon then began to plug Tyson. Bret walked out onto the stage and interrupted McMahon as the second hour came to a close.

[Q9]

Bret entered the ring and took off his jacket. McMahon said, "I know what you're thinking and I think I know what these people would like to see. They'd like to see you apply the sharpshooter." Bret stood there with his arms crossed. Vince told Bret to be the better man. He said he really wanted to hear what he had to say. He said he didn't want to provoke him, but he would like to get a few things off his chest. He said he really believes that "you screwed you." He said he'll never forget him "spitting in his face literally." He said he'll never forget him sucker-punching him in the locker room, or disrespecting him the night he was inducted into the Hall of Fame. He said he trashed and slandered him in just about every publication there is. (You can't actually slander someone in a publication since slander is verbal.) He said he hopes that Bret begins with two words: "I'm hoping that you simply say to me, 'I'm sorry.'" McMahon said he wasn't trying to provoke him.

Bret said he can think of a lot of words to say to him, "but the two words that you're thinking of are a lot different than the two words I'm thinking of." Bret said he came there for closure and he feels half way there. He said it's the greatest feeling in the world to feel that weight off his back. He said they both want the same thing and want to make things right. He said Vince knows he wants this as bad as he does. He said he thought he wanted to "kick him in the guts." He said Bret is right, he does want closure as badly as he does. He said he remembered his first WrestleMania at WrestleMania II in a battle royal which included Andre the Giant, "maybe the all-time greatest attraction." He said he knew Andre's career would one day come to an end, and he saw Bret as the future. He said he gave Bret opportunity, he scratched and bit and clawed his way to the top. He said it's not a crash phrase, he really became "the excellence of execution." He said one of the reasons the whole Montreal thing was so personal between them was because he was like a father-figure to him. McMahon said that's one of the reasons the situation hurt them so badly.

Vince said he wanted to let him know that Stu Hart is the reason so many people, "quote, broke into the business." He said he wanted to announce the induction of Stu into the WWE Hall of Fame this year. Bret said that will mean a lot to his family and fans across Canada that he is "finally putting my dad in the WWE Hall of Fame." ("Finally," huh?)

Vince thanked Bret for all of the thrilling moments he gave the WWE Universe. He said lastly he wanted to thank him for being "the best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be." He smiled, but it seems a bit smarmy. He extended his hand. Bret shook it. Vince threw the mics out of the ring and then raised Bret's arm. Cole called it a historic night that the hatchets were buried. "I never thought I'd see the day," said Cole. Vince then kicked Bret in the gut. Bret collapsed. The crowd booed. Vince glared at Bret and then walked out of the ring. Bret stood with his hands on his hips and glared at McMahon, who stood on the stage looking back at him as the show ended.

A good first chapter in the McMahon-Hart feud for 2010 that was presented as the end of the feud that began in 1997.

NOTES: Overall, not a Raw that had that sense of urgency. It felt business as usual for the most part, other than of course the return of Bret. They were smart not to make an issue of Cena not being there, but that does make them either more vulnerable to Impact, or it could give them extra reason to gloat that even without their top ratings draw, they still demolished Impact.

[Hart photo credit Wade Keller (c) PWTorch.com]

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