WWE Champion Triple H attacks with a sledgehammer, but Randy Orton manages to slip away.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – After Randy Orton’s brutal attack on Shane and Stephanie McMahon last week, and Stephanie’s husband WWE Champion Triple H’s intense interview on SmackDown, the WWE Universe was on the edge of their seats when Raw came to Nashville. Though he was willing to speak on the subject on Friday night, The Game arrived on Raw in no mood for, well … games, as he proceeded to attack Orton as well as his two associates, chasing them from the arena with a flurry of attacks from his trusty sledgehammer.
WWE Champion Triple H arrived on Raw, attacked Randy Orton and his “Legacy” and chased them away from the arena
Randy Orton, holding Triple H’s signature weapon, a sledgehammer, took to the ring, flanked by Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase. The 2009 Royal Rumble winner denied culpability for his actions against the Chairman, Shane and Stephanie McMahon, but his excuses were interrupted by The Game's entrance. The WWE Champion carried a sledgehammer with him as he made his way down to the ring, but was stopped on the apron by Orton, who suggested they both drop their weapons to settle the issue like men.
Both Superstars discarded their sledgehammers, but to Orton’s surprise, living up to his moniker, The Cerebral Assassin, Triple H revealed a second sledgehammer which had been taped to his back. The Legacy members attempted to get away from the enraged WWE Champion, who managed to deal out a crushing blow to Rhodes as Orton and DiBiase ran to the locker room area. The two third-generation Superstars locked themselves in Orton’s room, which provided a few moments of protection as The Game broke the door open. Triple H managed to hit DiBiase, and barely missed Orton as the two escaped to their waiting car and made their getaway with Cody Rhodes.
John Cena def. Chavo Guerrero
John Cena came to the ring hoping to receive his rematch against Edge for the World Heavyweight Title, or at the very least given the opportunity to cut the massive Big Show down to size. However, Vickie Guerrero revealed that in accordance with what she announced earlier in the night, Cena would indeed be facing a member of her family: Chavo Guerrero. In spite of the self-proclaimed “Mexican Warrior’s” legendary lineage, he wasn’t able to stand up to the intense, relentless assault of the former World Heavyweight Champion, who forced Chavo to tap with the STF.
Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame; Chris Jericho insulted and attacked the WWE Legend
Another member of the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2009 was announced on Raw: Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat. But as “The Dragon” was attempting to express his excitement at being honored, he was interrupted by Chris Jericho, who in recent weeks has made a point of denigrating WWE Legends. The arrogant Superstar spat venom at Steamboat, belittling his legendary career, and his current position within WWE. Not content to allow Jericho to act with such disrespect, the future Hall of Famer turned the tables on the first-ever Undisputed Champion, calling Jericho a hypocrite. For his honesty, Ricky Steamboat was attacked by the nefarious Superstar, who quickly made his exit afterward.
Mike Knox def. Jamie Noble
On the previous Raw, Jamie Noble announced to the WWE Universe his desire to compete in the 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania, but was quickly shut down by Kane, who defeated the tenacious Superstar in a brutal 15 seconds. Believing that if he lasts longer than 15 seconds, he’ll certainly be competing on The Grandest Stage of Them All, Noble took on Mike Knox. The pitbull-like Superstar fared better this week, but unfortunately only marginally so, as the Desert Destroyer still managed to defeat him.
Shawn Michaels def. JBL; HBK faces Vladimir Kozlov next week on Raw for the right to face Undertaker at the 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania
JBL and his former employee, Shawn Michaels, went into their match on Monday night believing that the winner would have an opportunity to end Undertaker’s historic 16-0 WrestleMania winning streak. Accordingly, the two ring warriors took part in a hard-fought match that Michaels eventually won by way of some Sweet Chin Music. However, during the match, it was announced that the winner of the bout would have to next face SmackDown’s undefeated Vladimir Kozlov for the right to face The Phenom on The Grandest Stage of Them All. As HBK celebrated following the match, the Moscow Mauler himself made his way down to the ring, where he dropped his future opponent, giving Michaels a taste of what could be in store for him when he faces Kozlov on the next Raw.
Women’s Champion Melina & Cryme Tyme def. Glamarella & Dolph Ziggler
In a rare Six-Person Mixed Tag Team Match, Women’s Champion Melina joined forces with Cryme Tyme to take on the team of Beth Phoenix & Santino Marella along with their partner for the night, Dolph Ziggler. In spite of the awesome strength of The Glamazon and Ziggler’s aggressive in-ring style, Cryme Tyme's Shad prevailed, picking up the pin over Marella.
Randy Orton and his “Legacy” arrived and barricaded themselves in Orton’s locker room
Earlier in the night, a car carrying Randy Orton arrived in Nashville. His two associates Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase exited first and took a cautious look around before gesturing to the venomous Superstar that the coast was clear. Later, Todd Grisham interviewed Orton’s “Legacy,” who proceeded to defend their leader’s actions of the past few weeks, in which he has incapacitated three members of the McMahon family. The two also warned Stephanie McMahon’s husband, Triple H that Orton would be ready for him if and when he appears on Raw.
Intercontinental Champion CM Punk def. World Tag Team Champions The Miz & John Morrison in a Triple Threat Money in the Bank Qualifying Match
Though World Tag Team Champions The Miz & John Morrison are used to teaming up on opponents in the ring, the two also had one another to worry about as they competed in a Triple Threat Match against Intercontinental Champion CM Punk. There was a lot on the line for each of the Superstars as the winner would earn himself a slot in the Money in the Bank Match at the 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania. The Straightedge Champion made good use of his opponents’ on-again off-again rivalry to pin Morrison, moving one step closer to winning Money in the Bank for the second year in a row.
John Cena to face either Interim Raw General Manager Vickie Guerrero’s friend or her family on Raw
Monday Night Raw was opened by a face familiar to SmackDown fans: Vickie Guerrero. The Friday night brand's shrill General Manager broke the distressing news, that in the McMahon’s absence, she will be serving as Raw’s interim General Manager. Guerrero was then interrupted by John Cena, who clearly stated his desire to cash in his World Heavyweight Title rematch clause on Raw. Before the GM could respond, her husband World Heavyweight Champion Edge came down to the ring, accompanied by Big Show. After some harsh words between the former and current champions, Vickie acquiesced, making a match for John Cena, either against her friend, implying Big Show, or her family, implying the Master Manipulator himself.
