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RAW RETRO: Final Hype for WM26 on Raw 5 yrs. ago - HBK's last TV match, Cena-Batista confrontation, McMahon, more

Mar 23, 2015 - 2:49:52 AM
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KELLER'S WWE RAW REPORT
MARCH 22, 2010
LIVE FROM SAN JOSE, CALIF.


[Q1]

-After the Raw opening, Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler introduced the show and hyped the scheduled main event with Triple H & Randy Orton teaming together.

-Shawn Michaels came out to his music. Cole said this could be the end of Michaels's career, but he's not going down without a fight. They showed Michaels attacking Taker on Smackdown on Friday. He said the feeling he has now is similar to how he felt in 1992 when he threw Marty Jannetty through the plate glass window or in 1996 when he beat Bret Hart for the WWE Title. He said he feels like he can do anything, including beating Undertaker. He said when he put his career on the line, WWE came out with a DVD covering his career. He said not so fast, clear space on the shelf, because he's getting ready to create volume two. He said he won't be known as the Heartbreak Kid or co-founder of DX or even known as Shawn Michaels. He said he will be known forever be remembered as the one and only man who ended the Undertaker's WrestleMania undefeated streak. He said, "Dead Man, in six days, you are going to..." The lights then went out. Michaels's music played a video aired of him with clips walking through each stage of his career. It ended with a scene of Michaels KO'd on the mat after a Tombstone and Undertaker's voice said, "Shawn Michaels's career will rest in peace." The graphic said: "Shawn Michaels's Career: 1985-2010."

Back live in the ring, Michaels stood, a bit choked up, perhaps a bit shaken. He then grinned and said he appreciates Undertaker's little attempt to intimidate him. He told him to do it to his face in that ring. instead, Pete Rose came out to a sports show theme song. He said he wanted to be the first to wish Michaels luck a WrestleMania. He said he wanted him to compete tonight against Undertaker's brother Kane as a warm-up. He said it'll be the same stipulations at WrestleMania. He said he wants Michaels to get revenge for all the things Kane has done to him over the years. Michaels said he would do that. What, if Michaels's loses, he has to retire before WrestleMania? Was Rose supposed to say that? Oh, Cole clarified that it's a match that can only end by pinfall of submission.

-Cole and Lawler talked about the only other time Cena and Batista wrestled, at SummerSlam 2008. A highlight package aired of the match. [c]

[Q2]

1 -- THE MIZ vs. JOHN MORRISON

The Big Show and R-Truth joined Cole and Lawler at ringside. "He's too pretty to be dangerous," Show said about Morrison. "He looks like a Solid Gold dancer." Morrison flip dove onto Miz on the floor at 1:00. They cut to an early break. [c] Cole said during the break Morrison suffered a neck injury after a nasty looking neck breaker off the side of the ring apron. Miz had Morrison in a chinlock center ring live. Show that shows the viciousness of The Miz. He asked R-Truth if he was willing to go to that level. Morrison scored a comeback leverage near fall. Show told Truth that he and his partner are high-flyers, but he'll knock them out of the air. Show said he's a tank. Miz hit Morrison with a boot to the face. Show said he's proud and impressed by Miz's performance. Morrison battered Miz in the corner. Show complained that it's not legal to do that in the corner. Morrison gave Miz a flapjack and the Shining Wizard for a believable near fall at 8:00. Cole said you can feel WrestleMania in the air. Morrison climbed to the top rope. Miz yanked him off balance and went for a superplex. Morrison blocked it and hit a sunset flip instead. He then hit his Starship Pain finisher for the win. Show threw a fit at ringside and shoved R-Truth. Morrison kicked Show off the ring apron. Morrison and Truth bailed out to avoid Show's wrath, but they gloated as they backed up toward the stage.

WINNER: Morrison in 9:00.

STAR RATING: **

-They showed Triple H getting his ring gear on backstage. He asked Randy Orton what makes him think he wants to talk to him. He said just because they have common enemies, their past doesn't go away. Hunter said if he messes with him tonight, he'll drop him where he stands. Orton said he'd keep that in mind, but told him he still has to make it to WrestleMania. It's so nice to see these backstage exchanges where wrestlers aren't yelling or promising to kill each other, which seems to be 90 percent of wrestler exchanges on Impact.

-A video package aired touting the Spear and the Edge vs. Chris Jericho match.

[Q3] [c]

-A video package aired on John Cena, Batista, and Vince McMahon. Lawler hyped that the final confrontation before WM between Cena and Batista would take place tonight.

2 -- KOFI KINGSTON vs. VLADIMIR KOZLOV

Jack Swagger joined Cole and Lawler at ringside to watch the final Money in the Bank qualifying match. Lawler said Kingston may not be 100 percent because of the beating he took at the hands of Batista last week. Swagger said he hopes Kofi wins because he wants no part of Kozlov. Swagger said he thinks he's the favorite going into the match because "there's only All-American American." Lawler said that's the right attitude to have. Kozlov tossed Kingston around the ring with suplexes and power moves. Swagger said although some of his MITB foes have experience in ladder matches, none has won a MITB match before. He said he's been preparing months for this match. Out of nowhere Kingston hit Trouble in Paradise for a sudden win. Swagger threw out there that if he wins MITB he might cash in the briefcase at WrestleMania.

WINNER: Kingston in 2:00. It's good to see the once-hot rising star Kofi given a spot in a major WrestleMania match, even if it is watered down now by ten people being in it.

-Cole plugged the two main events on Raw. [c]

-Lawler and Cole hyped Stu Hart's scheduled induction into the Hall of Fame. They said Bret Hart would be on the show later for a final address before WrestleMania.

[Q4]

-Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase walked out to the ring. Rhodes talked about the Triple Threat match they have with Randy Orton on Sunday. Rhdoes talked about 18 months of verbal tirades and temper tantrums and physical abuse, but now he and Ted "are finally free." He said everyone thinks Orton took them under his wing, but he said they would have been superstars no matter what. He said they didn't need Orton, Orton needed them. Cody said he's six years younger than Orton and three years younger than DiBiase. DiBiase stopped in his tracks briefly at that comment. DIBiase said jealousy is just human nature. He said it's not the fans' fault that they weren't born into a life of luxury like he was. He said the truth is the fans don't respect them, but by this time next week they will. Rhodes said, "And that is because I am going to be the winner." DiBiase shot Rhodes a look.

-Sheamus's ring entrance took place as Rhodes and DiBiase watched his approach from the ring. [c]

3 -- SHEAMUS & CODY RHODES & TED DIBIASE vs. TRIPLE H & RANDY ORTON

Triple H's ring intro aired, then Orton. Cole touted Raw as the longest running highest rated show on cable. With three minutes left in the hour, Triple H and Sheamus opened up the match with a staredown. Sheamus then tagged in Cody before locking up. Triple H took Cody down with a forearm and then shot a look at Sheamus. When Triple H had DiBiase in an armbar, he shot a look to his partner Orton. That gave DiBiase an opening to take control of the match. Triple H made a brief comeback and nailed Sheamus on the ring apron. DiBiase knocked Triple H down from behind. Sheamus then took a shot at Hunter from ringside, then asked to tag in and take advantage of the downed Triple H. Great opening two minutes in terms of how Sheamus worked his way into the match only when he felt he could have that advantage, a heelish move that gave fans a reason to look down on him. Sheaus took his shots and then tagged DiBiase in.

[Q5]

Orton and Sheamus tagged in at once at 4:00. Orton got a big pop as he worked over all three attacking heels. Cole declared Orton ready for WrestleMania. Orton set up a DDT of Rhodes off the middle rope, but Sheamus caught Orton with a boot to the side of his head and scored the pin. As Sheamus walked backwards up the ramp, Triple H stared him down.

WINNERS: Sheamus & DiBiase & Rhodes in 5:00.

STAR RATING: **1/4 -- That was short, but the way it played out was a high-IQ execution with the heels being heelish, yet clever. Orton's hot tag gave him that teaser moment of being an all-out babyface, yet they didn't ignore the tension that exists between Hunter and Orton based on their past. And giving the heels the win, via a blindside kick, gave the babyfaces reason for revenge headed into WrestleMania. They hit all of the points that could have been made in five minutes and did so with good athleticism and perfect timing.

-Lawler said his gut tells him Triple H is ready for Sheamus. Cole threw to a video package on the Batista-Cena feud. [c]

-Another video package aired recapping the Bret Hart-Vince McMahon contract signing with Steve Austin overseeing it.

-Bret Hart walked out to his music as Lawler said gleefully that Bret outsmarted Vince with the fake leg injury. Bret said when he came back to WWE a couple months ago, he never in his wildest dreams thought he'd have a chance to go back to WrestleMania. He called it the Greatest Show on Earth. He said 12 years ago when he left WWE, it left a dirty, rotten bad taste in his mouth. He said he can still taste it occasionally. He spit on the canvas. He said he now got just what he wanted, a chance to leave with his head held high - a no holds barred match against Vince McMahon. He said for years Vince has said "Bret screwed Bret." He said he's sick of that, but starting next week all you'll hear is "Bret beat Vince." The crowd chanted that immediately.

[Q6]

Bret said Vince referred to his family as dysfunctional derelicts. He said Phoenix will be crawling with them when his family travels to be present for the induction of his father. He said Vince better lay low this coming weekend because "I'd hate to see what my sisters would do if they got their hands on ya'." He added: "You know, Vince McMahon, somehow you've managed to drive half your family out of WWE, but those dysfunctional Harts are going to be there to watch me give you the beating of your life." He brought up that Shawn Michaels predicted good things would happen if he came back to WWE. He said good things will happen at WrestleMania and it'll be a pleasure to give his fans what they've been waiting for, dreaming for. He said next week at WrestleMania he's going to do that. He said WrestleMania has always been a special thing for him. He brought up WrestleMania XIII against Steve Austin, the Iron Man match against Michaels at WM12, the IC Title win over Roddy Piper, the match against his brother Owen, and winning the WWE Title for the third time against Yokozuna. He said at WrestleMania 26, "it'll be the best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be, and that's a promise. Thank you very much."

Vince McMahon stepped out onto the stage as Bret's music played. He said one way or another on Sunday "you're screwed." He said that with a devious, mysterious smile. Hmmm. What's he got up his sleeve? Good cliffhanger, although with all of the build up of Vince being tricked by Bret into signing that contract, there wasn't really much on-air gloating by Bret regarding the trick nor Vince selling it. But this might be a better last second sales pitch - "what's Vince got in mind?" - rather than just Vince showing panic and weakness, although that would have worked as well, as Bret fans could have anticipated Vince finally being cornered into getting a beating of his life by a motivated enemy. [c]

4 -- SHAWN MICHAELS vs. KANE

Cole said this may be Michaels's final match on Raw, yet Michaels told him in a recent interview for his DVD that he's not ready for his career to end. Lawler said not to take anything away from Undertaker, but Michaels's career is second-to-none. Cole said Michaels needs this match to build his confidence. Lawler said all Michaels needs to do is avoid getting hurt. Michaels caught Kane flying off the ropes at him and turned it into an armbar submission. Kane moved to the bottom rope to force a break. Kane grabbed Michaels by the throat, but Michaels rolled through into an awkward looking anklelock. Kane rolled to the bottom rope to force a break. Michaels hit a flying forearm, and then kipped up. He climbed to the top rope and hit a flying elbow. He then stomped the mat a few times, but then the lights went out and seconds later Undertaker stood before Michaels and chokeslammed him. The crowd cheered. The lights went out. When they came back on, Taker was gone and Kane stood above him. Kane went for the cover, but Michaels miraculously kicked out. Kane set up a tombstone, but Michaels slipped out and gave Kane his Sweet Chin Music for the win. Lawler predicted a win for Michaels at WrestleMania. Well, that seals it. Michaels is losing. Which made this Michaels's last-ever TV match.

WINNER: Michaels in 5:00.

STAR RATING: *1/2 -- Nice pace, a real sense both men were trying to win a fight, not just put on a show, for the first few minutes. The Taker special effects were well-executed, but Michaels persevering despite Taker's interference gave him a sense of toughness and momentum headed into Sunday.

[Q7]

-A video package aired on the Cena gauntlet match two weeks ago on Raw. [c]

-A Smackdown commercial aired hyping that they'd have footage from WrestleMania festivities.

-They went to Cole and Lawler at ringside. Cole said one of the fun things about WrestleMania are the celebrities who have been there over the years. Lawler listed many of them, and said his favorite was Pam Anderson and said Cole's was Liberacie. Then they inducted Bob Uecker into the WWE Hall of Fame's Celebrity Wing. A nice video package aired on Uecker. Uecker will be inducted by Dick Ebersol. Cole and Lawler showed a screen filled with the HOF entrants, then reminded fans that WrestleMania is four hours, beginning an hour early. They hyped the entire line-up.

-They went backstage to Christian chatting with Rose. Rose said he's got three World Series rings from the "real Big Red Machine" winning, which is three more than the San Francisco Giants. The Bay Area crowd booed. When he opened his locker room door, he said he feels his luck changing. Then Kane's music played and he grabbed Rose by the throat and said, "You're luck is changing? Don't bet on it." Then cartoonish sounds were heard coming from the locker room. [c]

[Q8]

5 -- BETH PHOENIX & GAIL KIM & EVE (w/Kelly Kelly, Mickie James) vs. MARYSE & LAYLA & MICHELLE MCCOOL (w/Alicia Fox, Vickie Guerrero)

Lawler: "If I had all the money I've spent on my divas in my life, I'd go out and spend it on my divas again." McCool planted Kim in a minute and scored the pin.

WINNERS: McCool & Layla & Maryse in 1:00. Okay, that was perhaps the most ridiculously short match in Raw history. A six-woman tag that lasted less than a minute in which four of the six didn't even participate in the match. I can only assume the show was running long. [c]

-Batista walked out with a bunch of security guards with him. Cole said Batista was "sauntering to the ring." Perfect description. He said Batista is "teeming with confidence." Batista entered the ring. "That's right, say hello to the bad guy," he said. Will Scott Hall have something to say about that? Batista said it's time fans get used to something. He said he is WWE Champion and that won't change at WrestleMania. He said John Cena cannot beat him and has never beat him. "Get used to that," he said. "When John Cena and I are in the same ring, bad things happen to him," he said. "That will not change on Sunday. Same old story."

[Q9]

He said he gets that they all love Cena because he comes out there and runs his mouth and gives them lip service. He mocked his "You can't see me" and "You want some, come get some" phrases. "And you hate me, I'm the bad guy, because I'm honest. I tell you the truth, as it is." He said the fans mean nothing to him. He said he is in WWE to win titles and make money. "When I look at you, I don't see fans. I don't even see people. I see money, money, money, dollar signs, dollar signs, dollar signs." He said he sees a lot of fat people in the audience and they pay for two seats, "so thank you very much." He said he gets that they hate him for his honest, but they all pay to see him. "Thank you, I appreciate your money. You pay to see me because I'm special. You pay see greatness, something you will never be, so thank you very much." The crowd loudly chanted "Cena! Cena!" Batista said Cena will disappoint him on Sunday at WrestleMania again. He said that's all he has to say because he knows the fans want to see Cena come out there, run his mouth, and get them all excited with false hope. Out walked Cena. Great Batista promo, by the way. Awesome start to finish, exactly the type of heel promo that you want six days before the biggest show of the year. No death threats, just "I'm better than your hero and I'll prove it again on Sunday, and you people mean nothing to me, but thanks for your money." I mean, that's a money promo.

Cena entered the ring and told Batista he's already let the fans down the second he let him win the WWE Title. Cena was taunted with a chant of "You can't wrestle!" It's been a while since the anti-Cena fans have been so loud, and not countered by the Cena fans immediately. Cena paused for 15 seconds as the chant died down. He told Batista that every week he walks out there and says how great he is and how pathetic the fans are, and every week he's tried to stop him, but he's failed. He said he didn't see this coming, not from him. He said now that it's happened, he doesn't know if he can stop it. He said he's been in a lot of bad spots in his career, but he's always given people a chance to believe. He paused again, like Brett Favre giving a retirement speech. He said he's always given fans a feeling he was in the fight. He said after all that has happened, he's not sure if all the fight in the world is going to give him a chance.

Batista gloated that Cena is already beated. "Just like all you people, he's a common loser," he said. Cena said with all the crap that comes out of his mouth, that's the only thing in four weeks that's made any sense. Batista said, "That you're a loser?" Cena said, "No, that I'm just like the people." He said he sounds foolish putting himself above the people. He said he knows who he thinks he is. He actually thinks he's the Animal. Cena said he's proof positive he's not good at his job and he should be fired. Batista said the last four weeks he's been on his back. Cena said if he was any good, he wouldn't be standing there surrounded by security. He said if he was good at his job, he wouldn't be standing there at all. He said he had him pretty shaken, but once he took his glasses off, he doesn't see an Animal, he sees Dave Batista. "And Dave Batista can be beat," Cena said. "Dave Batista will be beat." Cena smiled. He said Dave Batista needs to know that on Sunday he's taking back the WWE Championship. Cena said he's done talking.

Batista told him not to turn his back on him. Cena took off his shirt. The crowd cheered. Batista said Cena was a paper champion, a carbon creation, a nothing. Cena threw the first punch when Batista made a move toward him. Batista's security moved in and separated them. Batista bailed out to ringside ad kicked the ringside steps. Cena had to fend of a half dozen security members. He did so, then showed fire and played to the crowd. Batista walked to the back as three referees talked Cena's down. Cena's music played. Cole said he proved he is in the fight and gave fans reason to believe. Great final segment.


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