KELLER'S WWE RAW REPORT
FEBRUARY 1, 2010
NASHVILLE, TENN.
LIVE ON USA NETWORK

[Q1]

-They opened with acknowledgment of the death of former NWA World Hvt. Champion Jack Brisco.

-After the Raw opening, Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler introduced the show and hyped that Bret Hart would be confronting Vince McMahon. They also hyped William Shatner was the guest cohost.

Edge's Rumble Speech

-Justin Roberts introduced "The Rated-R Superstar" Edge as the winner of the 2010 Royal Rumble. Edge came out to his full intro. Cole said it was a night of surprises at the Rumble, but none were bigger than Edge. He said Edge eliminated his former partner Chris Jericho and later John Cena to win the Rumble, guaranteeing him a title opportunity at WrestleMania.

Edge stood mid-ring and accepted a mixed reaction from the crowd. "I'm back!" he said. He said he's not just back in WWE ring in front of the fans, he is back in the main event of WrestleMania. (If he chooses a shot at the ECW Title, will that actually be the main event, i.e. the final match of the night?) Edge said he heard Chris Jericho several weeks ago at the Slammy Awards thanking him for getting injured so he could team with The Big Show. He said when Jericho made light of his injury, the arena got silent, "and not because that night's guest host Dennis Miller bombed with another joke." He said at that moment he promised himself after missing two WrestleManias due to injuries, he wouldn't miss another. He said he realized who he is, and that is "the Ultimate Opportunist." He said he promised he was going to prove the doctors wrong and rehab harder than he had before. He said he promised himself he'd enter the Rumble and win it. Seven weeks later, Jericho has his mug shot on TMZ and he has his main event at WrestleMania. The camera panned to the banner for WrestleMania XXVI in the rafters.

He said this year, unlike Shawn Michaels, "if I want the Dead Man, I can have him." He asked if it'd be smart to go against someone who's 17-0 at WrestleMania or would the smart thing to go after a guy who has never wrestled at WrestleMania before. He said he could make a decision tonight, or else wait three weeks until after the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view and make a decision then. He said he's ready to proclaim one thing - that this year the Rated-R Superstar will headline WrestleMania.

As Edge's music played and Cole summarized the segment, Sheamus's music played. He walked to the ring wearing his WWE Title belt. Sheamus said Edge has only been back a few minutes and he's already mouthing off. He said a lot has changed since he was last on Raw. Edge said, "Yeah, a lot has changed. Raw has been overtaken by an evil Ronald McDonald." Sheamus told him to watch his mouth. He said he's right that he has never competed at WrestleMania, but he did accomplish something Edge couldn't do last year at WrestleMania, which was beat Cena for the WWE Title. He bragged also about beating Orton. Edge interrupted and said he's made a career out of beating Cena for the WWE Title and also Orton. Sheamus said that was a long time ago. He told him that he's going to walk out of the Elimination Chamber still WWE Champion. He said if he can beat Cena and Orton, "fella, I won't break a sweat beating you." He told to him to run off to Smackdown quickly so he doesn't ruin his Royal Rumble moment by ripping his head off. He told him he was giving him an opportunity to run off with his head in one piece or else he'll put him back on the shelf for good. They went nose-to-nose. Sheamus hit Edge in the face with the mic, then set up his leaping front thrust kick. Edge ducked it and dropped him with a ground and pound attack. Edge played to the crowd and then hit his spear. Good segment. Especially good because it involved two relatively fresh faces carrying the opening of Raw rather than the usual suspects of Triple H, John Cena, Randy Orton, or Vince McMahon. Sheamus was good on the mic, and Edge is fitting nicely into his babyface slot.

-Cole threw to a video feature on the Elimination Chamber. The voice of Jim Ross in these clips just reminds us how much he is missed. There's just no one even close to him on play-by-play right now.

-They showed John Cena heading toward the entrance tunnel.

[Q2] [c]

-WWE Fact: In 2009, over 2.3 billion photos were viewed on WWE.com worldwide.

-Cole bragged that last week "Psych" set a ratings record with John Cena as a guest star. They hyped that Stacy Keibler would be on the next episode.

1 -- JOHN CENA vs. CODY RHODES -- Elimination Chamber Qualifier

At 2:00 Cena went for an Attitude Adjustment, but Rhodes elbowed out of it and took control. He climbed to the top rope and hit a moonsault press for a near fall. Cena came right back with an Attitude Adjustment for a sudden win.

WINNER: Cena in 3:00 to advance. Too short. Diminished Rhodes as a serious wrestler to lose that quickly, even to Cena. Even two more minutes would have made it seem like Rhodes was at least close to his league.

-A video package aired on the Survivor Series 1997. Imagine what was going through Michaels's mind during the match, trying to put on a good performance, knowing what he knew about what was coming up at the end and that it was probably his last match ever against Bret.

-Vince strutted backstage when Josh Matthews walked up to him. He asked Vince if he's seen Bret tonight. Vince said he hasn't, and no one is likely to see him because he doubts that he'll even show up. Vince walked into his office and talked to someone off camera for barging into his office. "Don't you Canadians have any manners at all?" The camera panned over as Vince asked him if he had anything to say, revealing that he was speaking to William Shatner. Shatner told McMahon that as a fellow Canadian and a fan of WWE and most importantly as a human being, he can't wait for Bret to embarrass him tonight. He then walked away. [c]

[Q3]

2 -- TRIPLE H vs. JACK SWAGGER -- Elimination Chamber Qualifier

Swagger outwrestled Triple H on the mat early, and then celebrated with some push-ups. Cole questioned his wisdom. Hunter punched him twice and gave him a high knee, then clotheslined him to the floor. Swagger landed and fell back into the security railing. They cut away at 1:00 to a commercial. [c] Swagger was on offense after the break. Lawler wondered what kind of psychological effects might be lingering from not winning the Rumble and having his best friend Michaels be responsible for eliminating him. Hunter made a comeback at 6:00. Swagger settled into a chinlock. Lawler said Swagger is deceptively big. Cole said he's 6-6. Lawler said he's "raw-boned." Hunter came back with a knee driver for a two count. Swagger took over again. The crowd chanted "Triple H, Triple H." Swagger lifted Hunter and pointed toward the WrestleMania banner. Hunter escaped and hit a quick Pedigree for the win. Lawler said Swagger's overconfidence cost him in the end.

WINNER: Triple H in 10:00.

STAR RATING: ** -- Decent TV match.

-Cole said Sheamus will be defending against Cena, Triple H, and three others yet to be determined at the Elimination Chamber. Lawler hyped Randy Orton vs. Shawn Michaels was up next. That's a big enough deal to maybe mention earlier.

[Q4]

-A video package aired on the Royal Rumble hyping the replays. [c]

-A video segment aired on William Shatner where he made a "dramatic reading" of the lyrics of Superstars entrance themes. He said the lyrics to Shawn Michaels's "Sexy Boy," John Cena's "The Time is Now," Rey Mysterio's "Booyaka 619," and Triple H's "The Game."

-Michaels sat, with head down in the locker room. Triple H walked into the picture. He asked if he had a second to talk. Hornswoggle walked in making noises. Triple H told him to go away. Triple H told Michaels he would have never done to him what he did to him. Then he laughed and said he would have done it a second. Michaels didn't smile. Triple H told him to lighten up. Michaels said he was supposed to win the Rumble and face Undertaker. He said he was going to beat him and end his streak once and for all. Triple H said he's obsessed with it and he needs to let it go. He said he went crazy superkicking referees. He said he's lucky was fined but not suspended. He told him to get himself into the Elimination Chamber. He said if they're both in the match, there's no stopping them. He said they can work together and one of them will walk out as champion and he has no problem going to WrestleMania and tearing the house down with him in front of the whole world.

-Orton's ring entrance took place. [c]

-A highlight packaged aired on Orton vs. Sheamus at the Rumble including Cody's interference backfiring.

[Q5]

3 -- RANDY ORTON vs. SHAWN MICHAELS -- Elimination Chamber Qualifier

Lawler said he thinks Hunter said something that clicked with Michaels. He said he should redirect his dejection and disappointment as fuel to defeat Orton and get into the Chamber match. Lawler said it's Michaels's last chance to headline WrestleMania. At 2:00 Orton bailed out to ringside. Micahels pursued him. Orton caught Michaels as he began to re-enter the ring and sent for his DDT, but Michaels slipped free and then hit a top rope bodyblock for a two count. Orton took over and settled into his obligatory chinlock on the mat. Nice to hear the announcers acknowledge that Michaels attacked a referee and inform viewers he was fined for it, and lucky not to be suspended. Michaels came back and hit a top rope elbow. He played to the crowd as Cole said, "Suddenly, Shawn Michaels is feeling it!" He stomped the mat to signal Sweet Chin Music. Orton countered. Michaels hit an inverted atomic drop. Orton reverse-whipped Michaels, but Michaels flew at him with a forearm. Both were down. Michaels nipped up, but Orton snuck up behind and schoolboyed him for the sudden pin. The camera stayed on Michaels as he stomped to the back with no music playing. Lawler said he had one devastating frustration after another.

WINNER: Orton in 8:00.

STAR RATING: **1/4 -- Served its purpose well. It continued the story of Michaels seething with frustration.

-Another video package aired on the Survivor Series 1997 finish. [c]

[Q6]

-They showed Cole and Lawler at ringside as they discussed the Michaels situation. Cole said it might be the most frustrating 24 hour period of his career.

-Ted DiBiase was shown congratulating Orton on his win, then he apologized for what happened at the Rumble. He said he can't speak for Cody. Orton leaned into his face and clenched his jaw, then walked away without saying a word. DiBiase gulped as the camera stayed on him uncomfortably long.

4 -- MARK HENRY vs. TED DIBIASE

Henry outpowered DiBiase in the opening seconds, shoving him to the mat. DiBiase came back and worked over Henry's arm. Cole questioned the strategy of not going after Henry's legs. DiBiase leaped at Henry. Henry caught him. DiBiase dropped down and yanked Henry's arm over the top rope. Henry blocked a Dream Street attempt. He drove Henry's arm into the mat and scored a pin as Henry clutched his Most Powerful Arm in pain.

WINNER: DiBiase in 3:00.

-A video package aired on the career and life of Jack Brisco. [c]

-Backstage, Kelly Kelly told Gail Kim she deserves this shot at the Divas Championship. Maryse walked up to them and said she's really looking forward to their tournament finals match. She said she's been watching Smackdown lately and what's going on between Mickie James and Michelle McCool. Kim said she agreed. Maryse suggested they show the world what two top women wrestlers can do. She then spoke in French and walked away. Kim told Kelly that was "completely strange."

[Q7]

-Backstage, The Miz chatted with Big Show. They were waiting for T.J. Hooker to show up and give them a tag team title match against DX. C.M. Punk and Luke Gallos walked in and said they're there to ask what passes this week for an authority figure for what they deserved. Shatner walked in and asked what the problem was. Punk asked for a tag title shot. Miz said they're not even on Raw, so they deserve the tag title shot against DX. Shatner said it's a dilemma. He said he has an idea on how to make a deal. He said next week on Raw, a triple threat match would take place with DX defending against both teams standing before him. Everyone seemed happy. Shatner then pitched a couple sponsors who sponsor a charity. Shatner's face and body froze after the pitch. The wrestlers seemed weirded out and walked away.

-Backstage Triple H told Michaels to "get over this." He said he's spiraling down, and it's not the end of the world. He said he doesn't need Undertaker to validate him as Mr. WrestleMania. He said there are plenty of others out there. Michaels said, "Not for me." He solemnly walked away.

-Kofi Kingston's ring intro took place.

-WWE Fact: Last Monday, Raw was once again the no. 1 show on cable TV, beating every show on TNT, A&E, Spike, VH1, Fox News, TBS, MTV, and ESPN.

5 -- KOFI KINGSTON vs. THE BIG SHOW

It took not even one full second for Cole to bring up the term "controlled frenzy" once Kofi was on the screen. Big Show's ring entrance then took place. At the match was about to begin, Miz walked out to his music. Miz joined Cole and Lawler at ringside. When asked why he was there, he told Cole that those who have friends show support for them. Miz said by the end of the month they'll have all the gold and run Raw. A minute into the match Kingston kicked Show off the ring apron to the floor. They cut to an early break. [c]

[Q8]

When Show knocked Kofi to the floor, Miz got up and taunted him. MVP leaped out of the crowd and dove at Miz. He chased him to the back. Show reached down and yanked Kofi by his hair back onto the ring. Kingston yanked Show's throat over the top rope, then climbed to the top rope. He slipped as he attempted a dropkick. He came back with a flurry of offense and then went into his finishing routine for a near fall. Kofi caught Show in the eye. Show mistakenly hit the ref, then threw Kingston to the floor. Show bent over to check on the ref and continued to shake off the eye poke slower than Josh Koscheck. He bent over and apologized to the KO referee, saying it was an accident. A second ref ran out and DQ'd Show. Show threw a fit, threw the ring steps, and yelled over and over that it was an accident. The referee was being tended to by medics and put on a backbrace. Nice job super-selling the idea of Show using his KO punch against a mere mortal.

WINNER: Kofi via DQ.

-A video package aired on the Jan. 4 Vince McMahon-Bret Hart summit. [c]

-Cole announced that Carl Edwards, who drives fast cars, is next week's guest host. He also hyped the Triple Threat tag team title match next week.

Bret Hart-Vince McMahon

-Lawler stood in the ring and introduced tonight's guest host, William Shatner. He called him his BFF and said he inducted him into the WWE Hall of Fame. Shatner was led to the ring by the Bella Twins. Shatner tripped on the middle rope on his way into the ring and tackled Lawler in the process. Shatner apologized and asked Lawler if he was okay. Lawler said he was. Shatner said he's had the best time being the host of Raw. What'd he do? He introduced Bret Hart, his "fellow Canadian" and "hero." Bret shook hands with Shatner upon entering the ring and played to the crowd as his music played.

[Q9] He said he's had about a month to think about what happened on Jan. 4 and put it all in perspective. He said he came back to WWE for all the right reasons. He said 12 years is a long time. He said it took that long to find it deep down in his heart, open his arms, and try to make peace. He said everybody warned him, but he was naive and believed he could put it all behind him once and for all. He said that doesn't sit well with him. He said he didn't come to Raw tonight to make peace or reach closure. He said he came there to talk to Vince face-to-face, so he told him: "Get your ass out here." He said if he doesn't come on his own, he'll bring a camera crew and come find him.

Vince entered the ring and said he doesn't regret a thing he did to him. Bret congratulated him for speaking truth to him for the first time. He said he is the world's best liar. He said he lied to him in Montreal, he lied to him on Jan. 4, and he lied when he said he was proud of him and was like a father to him. Bret told him he couldn't lace up his father's jock strap. (Who laces up jock straps?)

Bret brought up how tough it was for him to recover from his stroke. He said he cried himself to sleep and felt pathetic, but he said some day he'd get out of that wheelchair and walk again. He vowed he'd never feel pathetic in his life again. He said on Jan. 4, McMahon made him feel pathetic again. He said he has a problem with that. He said he wrestled him for him every night, even when sick, for 14 years. He said he felt that some day Vince McMahon would appreciate it. He said it took 20 years to build up his reputation, and just three minutes for McMahon to tear it down. He brought up McMahon saying he's chewing gum that lost it's flavor, but he said he has enough flavor left to kick his ass right now. The crowd cheered.

McMahon looked a bit nervous, but began to reply. He then called him Bret Hart, but then added "Hitman," and "Excellent of Execution," and then "my favorite one." He said the "Best there is..." line. Then he said: "What a crock!" The crowd booed. McMahon said there's another. He said, "When you're up in Canada, you're recognized as a Canadian hero." He said he's not a hero. He said he's not a hero to Canadians, Americans, or anyone. Bret asked if he was finished. McMahon said he wasn't. He said he doesn't get what people see in him. "I don't get it," McMahon said. "You're revered by these people, Bret, yet I think you're pathetic." He said he has no personalty, no charisma. He said if it wasn't for the personality of his opponents, he'd be a footnote somewhere. He said he has no command of the English language "and that hound-dog looking face and stringy, prappy hair, assuming that's yours." He said he "deserved to be screwed."

He said the last time they were together, he suggested he might nominate Stu for the WWE Hall of Fame. He said he's rethought that and that's not going to happen "because he doesn't deserve it." Bret kicked McMahon in the gut, put his jacket over his head, and punched away at him. Bret then set up a Sharpshooter as McMahon begged for him to stop. Batista entered the ring and kicked Bret in the gut, then put his jacket over his head and punched away at him. Batista then held Bret as McMahon made a Tommy Dreamer comeback and taunted Bret verbally and built up to a big spit wad. He spit at Bret's head. Nothing too gross ended up on Bret's face, though. The show ended with McMahon smugly walking around the ring as the fans chanted "Cena, Cena." Good segment.

At the time, it seemed like the strongest clue yet for what Cena will be doing at WrestleMania: Cena & Bret vs. McMahon & Batista. Instead, it turned into Vince vs. Bret in a singles match and Cena vs. Batista in another singles match.

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