WWE Raw Results

RAW Preview for 1/14/08 - Credit goes to WWE.com:

When Raw travels south to Mobile, Ala., this week, Jeff Hardy will have family on his mind. Last week, Hardy proved that his Royal Rumble challenger, Randy Orton, may have gotten under his skin when he assaulted his brother, Matt, but he didn’t get inside his head. The Rainbow-haired Warrior defeated Umaga in a Steel Cage Match as the WWE Champion looked on. What other dirty tricks does Orton have up his sleeve for his opponent? What will Hardy do to get back at the man who went after his brother?

In other action, Triple H brutalized William Regal last week in a First Blood Match for helping to put him out of the Royal Rumble. Unfortunately for the Raw General Manager, The Game appears to be on a mission and may not be finished getting even with him just yet. Just how much more punishment can a frustrated Triple H dole out?

The rivalry between Chris Jericho and JBL also continued to gather steam last week when the Lonestar Loudmouth interfered in their Handicap Match as Jericho tangled with Snitsky. JBL ruthlessly attacked Y2J by dragging him on the floor with a TV cable. Has JBL’s loathing for Jericho blinded him with rage? Just how will Y2J exact his revenge?

Watch RAW on the USA Network at 9pm et, 8pm ct to find out

 

RAW Results for 1/14/08:

Jeff Hardy came out to a huge reaction. Jeff challenged Orton to come out. Orton said he would wrestle Jeff on Raw, provided Jeff put up his Intercontinental Title. Jeff agreed, and throughout the show they played up that Orton could be the third man to hold both the titles at once. Jeff said he would take the title at the Rumble and take out Orton on Raw.

Beth Phoenix, Melina and Jillian Hall beat Maria, Ashley and Mickie James. The heels worked over Maria, who tagged Mickie. Mickie cleaned house, and hit a Thesz press off the top on Beth. She followed with an enzuigiri. However, Beth caught Mickie with a botched stun gun and finished her with the fisherwoman buster.

William Regal told Vince McMahon that he would end Ric Flair’s career. They bashed the city of Mobile. Snitsky came in and told Vince that he wants to make an impact. Vince made Snitsky vs. HHH.

Shawn Michaels beat Trevor Murdoch to qualify for the Royal Rumble. Prior to the match, Michaels complained about having to qualify because he has won the Rumble twice. He said that it was unfair. Michaels suggested his qualifier be against Kennedy. Instead, Murdoch came out. Murdoch hit an inverted atomic drop and yakuza kick. Michaels came back with chops, a Thesz press, a flying forearm, an inverted atomic drop, a body slam and an elbow off the top. Michaels was setting up for sweet chin music. Murdoch fell down in anticipation, and Michaels fell down into an inverted figure four for the submission. Kennedy appeared on the screen, and said that Michaels can’t handle the fact Kennedy beat him. Kennedy said they will wrestle next week, because he needs a warm-up for the Rumble. Michaels then gave Murdoch sweet chin music.

Vince and Hornswoggle spoke backstage. Vince said Hornswoggle has no experience in a Rumble match, so he would be in a mini-Rumble with some surprises. Vince said it isn’t likely that Hornswoggle will win the Rumble, and Hornswoggle agreed. Vince at that point grabbed Hornswoggle by the throat and yelled at him that he’s a McMahon and anything can happen.

Snitsky beat HHH via DQ. Snitsky was on offense early. HHH came back with a DDT, face buster and spine buster. He went for the pedigree but was elevated to the floor. Snitsky rammed HHH into the steps, and tried to crush his skull between the steps. HHH hit Snitsky with a chair for the DQ. He then hit Snitsky with the sledge hammer and used the pedigree. Vince appeared on the screen below the Titan Tron, and told HHH to calm down. HHH tore the screen with the sledge hammer, and explosions went off in areas he didn’t hit. He threw the sledge hammer into the screen and an explosion went off. Vince confronted HHH backstage, and said that HHH would be back in the Rumble if he wins next week. They didn’t say who HHH would be wrestling.

JBL came out, and once again a bunch of balloons dropped from the ceiling. He said that Chris Jericho wouldn’t be appearing. He then had a message for Jericho’s children. He told them that he’s bigger, badder and better than Jericho, and their daddy is a coward. He implored Jericho to tell his children that JBL is the better man. He said that if Jericho comes to the Rumble, the savior is going to need saving. As JBL left, he kept raising his hands and massive amounts of fireworks went off. As for JBL’s performance, it was simply phenomenal. JBL carries himself like a major star.

Next up was the Mini Rumble. The visibility was awful for this match, as all the JBL fireworks took their toll. Hornswoggle came out, and was joined by Mini Mr. Kennedy, Mini Mankind, Mini Batista and Mini Kane. Mini Mr. Kennedy couldn’t reach the microphone that dropped down, which was amusing. Hornswoggle eliminated them all. Great Khali’s music played and Jerry Lawler telegraphed the twist by proclaiming that Mini Great Khali was on the way. Of course, it was the full size Khali. Finlay made the save for Hornswoggle with the shillelagh. Finlay confronted Vince backstage. Vince said that he had nothing to do with Khali coming out there. Finlay grabbed him and called him a liar. Vince told Finlay to never put his hands on Vince again. Vince suggested Finlay take care of Khali on Smackdown.

Ric Flair beat William Regal in a quick match. Flair went after Regal’s leg. He sent it into the post, hit a chop block, and applied the figure four. Regal made it to the ropes. Regal rolled up Flair and grabbed the tights, but the referee caught him. Flair then rolled him Regal and grabbed the tights for three.

Randy Orton vs. Jeff Hardy wasn’t a match so much as an angle. Orton jumped Jeff, and they brawled on the stage. Orton went for his kick to the head, but Jeff back dropped Orton off the stage. Jeff then climbed up scaffolding and hit the swanton from a ridiculous height. This was a really impressive spot, but too dangerous for my tastes, particularly given they did an incredible spot with Jeff just last week. Either way, the angle got over. Both men were carried off on stretchers. Jeff raised his hand as he was carried off, and the crowd chanted 'Hardy.'

 

RAW Preview for 1/21/08 - Credit goes to WWE.com:

Thanks to his nemesis, Mr. McMahon, Triple H has a second chance at the Royal Rumble. But what is the Chairman up to and why would he give one of the men he hates most another chance at glory?

Mr. McMahon had The Game where he wanted him. Thanks to William Regal causing his disqualification loss to Ric Flair, The Game was out of the game. Triple H was out of the Royal Rumble Match and a potential opportunity at a World Championship match at WrestleMania XXIV, an honor the Chairman knows The King of Kings covets more than anything.

The Cerebral Assassin may want to beware. If Triple H wins his match on Monday night, he will be in the Rumble, but the Chairman wouldn’t divulge the identity of his opponent. He wouldn’t reveal what type of match Triple H must compete in.

Knowing Mr. McMahon’s loathing for The Game, the challenge certainly won’t be easy. Who will the Chairman use as a roadblock to Triple H’s Royal Rumble dreams? And is he really giving him another opportunity or just setting him up?

Sweet Chin Music or a Mic Check in HD - Also on Raw, Shawn Michaels and Mr. Kennedy will tangle once again. Even before he won his Royal Rumble qualifying match last week against Trevor Murdoch, Michaels was chomping at the bit to face off against his rival. This week, not only does The Showstopper get the chance to battle the Green Bay, Wis., native, he also gets to do it in HD when WWE broadcasts the match in high-definition. Will HBK lull Mr. Kennedy to sleep with crisper, clearer Sweet Chin Music? Or will the self-proclaimed 'Future of Sports-Entertainment' throw Michaels a sharper Mic Check?

Rivalry Reaches New Heights - In other Raw action, Jeff Hardy was out for revenge last week when he squared off against Randy Orton in what was supposed to be an Intercontinental Championship match. Instead, after a low blow from Orton, Hardy lashed out at the Legend Killer and took his skills to new heights. The high-flyer climbed a rigging tower and dropped an incredibly dangerous Swanton Bomb onto Orton, sending both men out of the arena on gurneys. Just how far is Hardy willing to go to avenge his brother, Matt, after Orton punted his head? And just how will Orton respond to the challenge?

Find out all this and more when WWE goes HD for the first time as Raw emanates from Hampton, Va., live on USA Network at 9pm et, 8pm ct

 

RAW Results for 1/21/08:

Shawn Michaels opened Raw’s HD era with a victory over Mr. Kennedy. This was a really fun match. The first half in particular was as good as any first half of a match on Raw in ages. Kennedy worked over Michaels, who came back with a swinging neck breaker, flying forearm and elbow off the top. Michaels was setting up for sweet chin music, but Kennedy left the ring. Michaels followed him with a somersault plancha, but during a break Kennedy used a slingshot to send Michaels into the post. Coming back, Kennedy stomped a mud hole in Michaels, and followed that with an ole kick. Michaels did the Ray Stevens bump but came back in with a head over heels clothesline. Kennedy went for the mic check, but Michaels escaped. Michaels came off the top with an elbow, but Kennedy got up his knee. Both men sold this huge. Kennedy then hit the Lambeau leap for a two count. Michaels went for sweet chin music. Kennedy ducked, so Michaels went for the inverted figure four. Kennedy escaped that, but Michaels hit sweet chin music for the pin.

Randy Orton backstage spoke with Vince McMahon. It kind of undermined last week’s angle that Orton was basically fine. Vince directed Orton to shake Jeff Hardy’s hand, but Orton didn’t want to. Vince said the handshake would make Orton look like a gentleman. Why would Vince care about that? Vince then said he didn’t care if Orton didn’t mean it. So why did he ask for this in the first place? Vince then said the handshake would let Jeff know he can’t beat Orton.

Beth Phoenix beat Mickie James. Beth dominated the match again. Mickie hit a huracanrana and went for an implant DDT, but Beth blocked it. She then hit her finisher for the clean pin, which was most definitely more of a muscle buster than fisherwoman buster this week.

HHH backstage said he didn’t know who his opponent would be. He made a joke about Vince trying to cover up his defects since they are now in HD. HHH said the winner of the Rumble usually wins at WrestleMania. Thus, he said, it wouldn’t matter who he fought on Raw since he would be winning the Rumble. He guaranteed victory. Elsewhere, Cody Rhodes, Brian Kendrick and Hardcore Holly had a little comedic discussion. Basically, they all love the idea of competing in the Rumble and Holly is a grouch.

Hornswoggle and Finlay beat the Highlanders in a squash. Basically, Finlay beat the crap out of them and Hornswoggle got in his spots. Finlay hit the Celtic Cross and Hornswoggle the frog splash for the pin.

Chris Jericho came out for a promo that started out way too melodramatic but ended up building into a good one. Jericho said that he was watching last week’s edition of Raw with his son, and his son wanted to know if he was a coward. Jericho was angry that JBL shook his son’s confidence in him. Jericho said that JBL made a mistake by attacking him and not finishing the job. He put over Madison Square Garden and said that Sunday it will be a fight.

Vince spoke with Jeff Hardy backstage. Vince told Jeff never to risk his life or Orton’s again like he did last week. He said that the Hardy/Orton handshake will be like touching gloves before a fight. Jeff said he would go out there and give people something to talk about.

Umaga beat Brian Kendrick in a match where Kendrick could have qualified for the Rumble. Kendrick hit a missile drop kick, spinning heel kick and enzuigiri, but couldn’t knock Umaga off his feet. Umaga then finished him with a press slam into a Samoan drop and the Samoan spike.

Backstage, Mickie was crying. Maria wanted to know what was wrong. Mickie said that she gives it everything she can, but she just can’t beat Beth. Ashley arrived, and Mickie left like any reasonable person would. Ashley said she was at the Playboy Mansion and Hugh Heffner had an idea for Maria. This was the first tease for Maria in Playboy. Anyway, Santino interrupted before the conversation could progress.

Carlito beat Hardcore Holly. Holly hit a suplex, back drop and low blow. He was going for the Alabama slam, but Santino got up on the apron. Carlito used the distraction to hit the back cracker for the pin. This might be the tease of dissension between Holly and Cody Rhodes given Cody was at ringside and couldn’t prevent this. Throughout the show they aired excellent video packages for Orton vs. Hardy.

HHH won an over the top gauntlet match to qualify for the Royal Rumble. Anyway, Triple threw Snitsky, Mark Henry and William Regal over the top rope and that was that.

The final segment was built around the handshake. Orton said that Hardy won’t win his title, but he has won his respect. Hardy said he doesn’t care about that. He didn’t hit the swanton to impress Orton but rather to hurt him. He added that he did it for his brother and to show he’ll do whatever it takes to become champion. Hardy said that if he is going to shake hands with people he respects, there are a lot of people he respects more than Orton. He shook hands with the announcers, Lillian and a bunch of fans. He then went back in the ring and gave Orton the twist of fate to end the show.

 

RAW Results for 1/28/08:

John Cena came out to start the show. He got roundly booed again. I’ve seen wrestling fans turn on a lot of people over the years, but never has that sentiment seemed dumber, less deserved and more pathetic than with Cena. He said that the doctors told him he would be out for 12 months and that he would have to watch WrestleMania at home. With a new champion and contenders, Cena made a gamble and risked his career for a chance to go back to WrestleMania. He challenged Randy Orton for Raw. Orton came out, and said that everyone challenges him, and everyone loses. Cena said that Orton is smart, and that he’ll take the match on Raw because Cena isn’t 100 percent yet. Orton said that he has become a bigger deal than Cena ever was. He said that he won’t defend his title unless people are paying to see it. That’s a good thing to say. Orton suggested they wrestle at No Way Out, and Cena agreed. Cena then said he would get some on Raw.

Beth Phoenix and Jillian Hall beat Ashley and Mickie James. Beth mocked Mickie for crying. Mickie came at Beth with punches. Beth gained control, hit a side slam and fisherwoman buster, and pinned Mickie again. Ashley never tagged in.

William Regal came out to announce that there will be an Elimination Chamber at No Way Out with the winner getting a title shot at Mania. Regal stumbled over his words and went blblblblbl with his lips, which was great. The wrestlers in the Chamber will be Umanga, Shawn Michaels, Jeff Hardy, Triple Haich, Chris Jericho and JBL.

Carlito beat Cody Rhodes in a bad match. They managed to blow an arm drag, which is quite the feat. Cody went after Carlito’s arm. Santino distracted Cody, and Carlito hit the back stabber for the pin.

HHH and Shawn Michaels beat Umaga and Snitsky. Triple H took a shot at Michael Buffer for stealing his material before the match, which was funny. Shawn hit chops and a flying forearm on Snitsky, but was knocked off the top rope by Umaga. The heels worked over Shawn. It was the first match in a while where both members of a tag team used a lengthy bear hug. Umaga missed his running butt drop, Michaels hit a tornado DDT, and made the tag. HHH came in with a high knee and face buster for Snitsky. Michaels hit sweet chin music and a somersault plancha on Umaga. HHH then gave Snitsky the spine buster and pedigree for the pin.

Randy Orton and JBL had harsh words backstage about WrestleMania, but agreed to team up.

Elsewhere, Jeff Hardy said that he is at a crossroads. He noted that he needs to win the Chamber and go to WrestleMania. He asserted that last night was just the beginning, not the end, for Jeff.

Vince McMahon was angry at Hornswoggle for not winning the Rumble. Vince said he’s ashamed of Hornswoggle and ordered him away.

Mr. Kennedy beat Brian Kendrick. Kennedy jumped Kendrick coming into the ring. Kendrick came back with an enzuigiri, but Kennedy hit him with the mic check for the pin. This was an effective squash. Afterwards, Kennedy said he wants to end Ric Flair’s career.

Backstage, Chris Jericho said a new Jericho emerged when he choked JBL and he likes that Jericho.

Maria beat Melina, in one of the rare editions of Raw with two women’s matches. Maria used a bronco buster, spinning head scissors, and gut buster. Melina tried to roll up Maria. Maria grabbed the ropes, so Melina pulled down her pants. Maria dropped down for the pin. Santino after the match was angry that the audience got a shot of Maria’s bikini bottom.

JBL and Randy Orton beat Chris Jericho and Jeff Hardy. Jeff hit the swanton early on Orton, but JBL pulled Orton out of the ring. The heels worked over Jeff. He tagged Jericho, who went after JBL. He hit a springboard drop kick to take out Orton, and hit the lionsault on JBL. Jericho applied the Walls on JBL, but Orton hit an RKO on Jericho. JBL covered for the pin. John Cena came out after the match. JBL left Orton on his own, and Cena gave Orton the FU.

 

RAW Preview for 2/4/08 - Credit goes to WWE.com:

It’s often said that everything is bigger in Texas. That adage will certainly hold true when Raw sweeps into the state’s capital of Austin Monday night.

The tremors from John Cena’s surprise return at Royal Rumble are still being felt. After shaking things up last week by striking the first blow against Randy Orton, the former WWE Champion shows no signs of relenting. For Orton, the man responsible for putting Cena on the shelf, the idea of his WWE Championship run being jeopardized must be unsettling. Can Cena’s ferocity really be deterred until the two face off in a title match at No Way Out? And just how far is Orton willing to go to hang on to his most prized possession?

There’s also the matter of Jeff Hardy, who made it perfectly clear he has no intention of turning tail and running after having come so close to WWE gold. Just how he will make his presence felt is yet to be seen, especially since he will be one of six competitors in the Elimination Chamber at No Way Out. And how will the rest of the Superstars involved in the Chamber, Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Chris Jericho, JBL and Umaga seek to get an advantage with an opportunity to face the WWE Champion at WrestleMania at stake?

And with another frustratingly close loss to Women’s Champion Beth Phoenix, Mickie James appears to be at her boiling point. What will it take for the Diva to finally score a victory over The Glamazon? And is she prepared to do whatever it takes?

To find out the answers to these questions, tune in to Raw live 9pm et, 8pm ct on the USA Network

 

RAW Results for 2/4/08:

The show begins with WWE Champion Randy Orton in the ring. Orton cuts a promo on his match against John Cena at No Way Out. Orton has already signed the contract. The hard camera is on the opposite side of where it usually is. And the HD set is set up the opposite way round. John Cena makes his way to the ring. Cena sits at the table in the ring and instantly signs the contract. Orton says he will see Cena in 2 weeks. Orton points out that if Mark Henry re-injures Cena’s pec tonight, their match at No Way Out will still take place. Mark Henry runs down the ramp to distract Cena. Orton jumps over the table and catches Cena with an RKO.

Backstage Todd Grisham interviews Randy Orton and Mark Henry. Henry says he will enjoy ripping Cena’s shoulder out of his socket.

Diva’s Tag Team Match: Kelly Kelly & Mickie James vs. Victoria & Beth Phoenix - the pop for Mickie gets louder and louder every week! Kelly’s in ring skills are really improving. Mickie hits a running DDT on Victoria for the win. Mickie immediately motions that she wants Beth. Beth looks concerned.

Backstage GM William Regal tells Hornswoggle he should be proud to be entering the Kiss my Ass club.

J.R. says Triple H won’t be here tonight due to a family emergency.

Shawn Michaels comes to the ring, he cuts a promo saying he came close to winning the Royal Rumble last year. He came close to winning the WWE Championship at WrestleMania last year but it’s still not god enough. He says he is putting everyone in the Elimination Chamber on notice. Chris Jericho comes to the ring. he says everyone knows how much respect he has for HBK, he says he had one of his best matches against HBK at WrestleMania XIX. Y2J says he has a burning desire to be in the main event of WrestleMania again and nothing is going to stop him. Jeff Hardy comes to the ring. Hardy says while Y2J and HBK have headlined WM, he never has. Hardy says if it means he has to take out 5 of Raw’s top stars, he’s going to do it. JBL comes to the ring. He says he always gets what he wants, he then informs us that he has paid off Umaga to ensure JBL wins the Chamber match. Umaga comes to the ring, JBL applauds him, Umaga doesn’t look to be totally on JBL’s side. Snitsky comes to the ring, fans chant 'brush your teeth', he says that he hasn’t had his chance at the gold, he says he will have to take one of their spots. HBK cuts him off and says that Snitsky doesn’t deserve anything, apart from a dentist! All 6 men start fighting. Regal comes out and announces Jeff Hardy, Chris Jericho & Shawn Michaels vs. JBL, Umaga and Snitsky for later tonight.

Mr. Kennedy vs. Super Crazy - Kennedy wins after using a reverse Figure Four. After the match, Kennedy shows the footage of Flair’s match against MVP on SmackDown. Kennedy says that he is giving Flair the opportunity to forfeit their match at No Way Out next week on Raw.

Mike Adamle is with us from the crowd. He speaks about the Elimination Chamber, we are shown a video package.

Carlito & Santino Marella w/ Maria vs. Brian Kendrick & Paul London - Short match. London chases Santino around the ring whilst Carlito delivers a Back Stabber to Kendrick for the win.

Backstage Mr. McMahon is getting his butt 'buffed', he gets intrigued of the idea of his butt in HD.

Mr. McMahon makes his way to the ring. he says he is setting a good example with the Kiss my Ass club. He says tonight he is a concerned parent. He says the fans parent skills are pathetic. He gets the camera’s to look at the kids in the crowd, he says they are all spoiled brats. He says all the parents should literally make their kids kiss their asses. He calls Hornswoggle to the ring. he asks Hornswoggle if he knows his dad loves him, Horny nods. Vince says this is gonna hurt him more than it’s gonna hurt Horny. Vince drops his trousers and gets his butt out. Horny is hesitant (can’t think why). Finlay interrupts, McMahon tells him that after Hornswoggle kisses his ass, Finlay will too! Finlay holds Horny back. Finlay whispers something to him, he then runs up and bites McMahon on the ass! Vince gets irate; he then books himself in a no DQ match against Hornswoggle next week. He also says if Finlay gets involved, he will be firrrrrred.

Jeff Hardy, Chris Jericho & Shawn Michaels vs. Snitsky, Umaga & JBL - Best spot of the match, Jericho, Michaels and Hardy delivering three plancha’s from three separate sides of the ring onto the 3 heels! Faces did a good job throughout. End sees all superstars hit their signature moves on each other. Finish is Jeff Hardy hitting the Twist of Fate and the Swanton on Snitsky for the pin victory.

A Candice video plays. At the end it says Candice returns

Arm Wrestling Contest: John Cena vs. Mark Henry - contest ends in a no contest due to Randy Orton interfering, Cena tries to give Orton an FU but Orton squirmed away. Cena instead lifts up Mark Henry and FU’s him

 

Just a reminder that this week's RAW was taped last week due to the RAW brand being in Japan this week. i'll post the results after the show.

Credit goes to: WrestleZone.com

Taping Date: 2/4/08 - Air Date: 2/11/08 - Frank Erwin Center - Austin, Texas

RAW opens with Hornswoggle coming to the ring. They are doing Mr. McMahon vs. Hornswoggle first. Finlay comes out to ringside.

Hornswoggle defeats Mr. McMahon via pinfall. McMahon calls Finlay a coward which prompts Finlay to hit him with the Shillelagh. Hornswoggle nails a tadpole splash off of the top rope onto McMahon, he gets the pinfall. After the match, they show a backstage segment between Mr. McMahon and William Regal. McMahon tells Regal to get some dismissal papers ready as he is going to fire Finlay for interfering.

Chris Jericho defeated JBL via pinfall. Jericho hit his Code Breaker finisher and got the win clean. After the match, Umaga comes out and gives them both a Samoan Spike.

They show another backstage segment with Mr. McMahon and William Regal. McMahon says that he has decided against firing Finlay. Instead, he is going to wrestle Hornswoggle in cage on next week's edition of RAW. Note: This will be the RAW after No Way Out.

Before the next match, the incest angle debuts on television between Katie Lea and Paul Burchill. Burchill basically says that whatever Katie wants, Katie gets.

Paul Burchill defeated Brian Kendrick via pinfall. Burchill wins with what was thought to be his finisher. According to our correspondent Danny, it looked like an inverted swinging neckbreaker.

WWE Champion Randy Orton comes out next in street clothes to watch John Cena vs. Mark Henry which is up next.

John Cena defeats Mark Henry. After the match, John Cena lashes out at WWE Champion Randy Orton who is sitting with Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler at the announcer's table. Cena tells Orton that he is 100% healthy.

Mr. Kennedy comes out to ringside wearing jeans and a t-shirt. Flair comes out later in the segment wearing a tuxedo. Flair tells Kennedy that he will not forfeit their upcoming match at No Way Out. The segment ends with Kennedy kicking Flair in the knee in which Flair sells.

The next match is a singles match between Melina and Maria. Melina is accompanied to the ring by Jillian Hall while Santino Marella is with Maria.

Melina defeated Maria via pinfall. Jillian Hall kissed Santino, distracting Maria. While Maria was not paying attention, Melina rolled her up for the three count. After the match Santino gets on the mic and tells Maria that she must choose - it's either Playboy or Santino. He says she has one week decide and gives her a kiss.

Jeff Hardy defeated Shawn Michaels via pinfall. This match was given a lot of time. I don't have the exact length but it was long. Lots of near falls as Michaels hit his elbow drop kick twice. Both attempted finishers (Sweet Chin Music & Twist of Fate respectively) but missed. Michaels locked an inverted Figure Four on Hardy but he got to the ropes. Eventually Hardy is able to hit Twist of Fate and a Swanton Bomb on Michaels. Hardy was able to get the three count

 

RAW Preview for 2/18/08 - Credit goes to WWE.com:

One night after No Way Out, Raw will be heading to sunny Anaheim, Calif. Unfortunately for Hornswoggle, he won’t have much of a chance to work on his tan. Mr. McMahon arranged a Steel Cage Match with the little leprechaun after his bastard son, with help from a defiant Finlay, defeated him last week in a No Disqualification Match.

This week, though, not even Finlay will be able to interrupt Mr. McMahon’s lesson in tough love, leaving Hornswoggle to his own devices. Just how will the little guy fare one-on-one against his spiteful dad in the unforgiving confines of a steel cage? Will Mr. McMahon really unleash fury on Hornswoggle, or is he simply trying to scare his bastard son?

The night after No Way Out also sees Randy Orton return as WWE Champion. The 'Legend Killer' actually lost his title match to John Cena by disqualification after purposefully slapping the referee across the face. The tactic, however cowardly, allows Orton to retain the gold since a title change can only occur as a result of pinfall or submission. Will 'The Champ' retaliate against Orton for robbing him of an opportunity at the main event at WrestleMania XXIV? And what’s next for Cena, now that he is out of the WrestleMania main event?

However, one Superstar who is WrestleMania-bound and has Orton in his crosshairs is Triple H. The King of Kings outlasted five fierce competitors to prevail inside the Elimination Chamber at No Way Out and earn a spot in the main event at WrestleMania XXIV. He left in his wake five battered and bloodied Superstars: JBL, Umaga, Chris Jericho, Shawn Michaels and Jeff Hardy. Will The Game have anything to say about his return to WrestleMania and his Chamber victory?

The only way to find out the answers to these questions and more is to tune in to Raw, live on USA Network at 9pm et, 8pm ct.

 

RAW Results for 2/18/08:

HHH came out to start the show. He said he’s happy because last year he had to watch WrestleMania from the sideline and this year he’ll be back main eventing. HHH vowed to win the title. That brought out Randy Orton, who said that HHH has always been jealous of him. Orton alluded to beating everyone else, which brought out John Cena. John Cena said Orton is a liar and a loser. He added that Orton has an asterisk by his name, the only man to lose his way into a WrestleMania main event. The tone of this was way, way, way too cute. Cena was screwed out of the title and a Mania main event last night, and now he’s joking around about it. I think Cena acting cute is a part of why a portion of the fan base passionately hates him, and they could at least cut back on that when he actually ought to be angry. Cena suggested they have a Raw rematch. Orton of course declined. William Regal came out and made a non-title match between the two. He said that if Cena won, there would be a triple threat at Mania. HHH didn’t like this, so Regal announced HHH would be the special referee.

Jeff Hardy beat Snitsky to qualify for the Money in the Bank. Jeff had a new entrance to celebrate his reentry into the midcard. He even has music that fits the theme. Snitsky hit a yakuza kick, bear hug and elbows. Jeff came back with a whisper in the wind that basically missed. He went for the twist of fate, but Snitsky hit a big boot. Snitsky went for the pump handle slam, but Jeff escaped and hit the twist of fate and swanton for the pin.

Shawn Michaels announced that Ric Flair would be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.

Paul Burchill then beat Super Crazy. Burchill won this week with the curb stomp.

Backstage, Randy Orton lobbied HHH against a triple threat. HHH said he would call the match the way he sees it.

Big Show went to the ring to apologize for last night. He acted basically like a face, and asked Floyd Mayweather to come to the ring. Floyd came out with his crew to that obnoxious 50 Cent song about getting money, and received a strong heel reaction. Pretty Boy Floyd said that he loves WWE, and that he was sorry about the previous night but he’s the best fighter in the world and if someone calls him out he has to retaliate. Show said he wasn’t calling him out, just trying to get some publicity as to their size difference. Show said all that’s in the past, and offered a handshake. Mayweather thought it over and shook his hand. As Floyd was leaving, Show said that he did what he was supposed to do but now he had something to get off his chest .Show said that the only way PBF could hurt him was on his knees, and even there he’s bigger than PBF. Show said he could take out Floyd in two minutes, and challenged him one-on-one. Floyd ran to the ring and accepted. Floyd teased a punch and Show flinched.

Mr. Kennedy beat Val Venis to qualify for the Money in the Bank with the mic check.

The Vince McMahon vs. Hornswoggle cage match wasn’t a match but rather an angle. JBL slammed the cage door on Finlay’s face, and handcuffed Finlay to the cage. Vince and JBL then took liberties with Hornswoggle while Finlay screamed at them. Vince whipped Hornswoggle with his belt. JBL choked him, slammed him into the cage, punted him in the head, dropped an elbow, and gave him a fall away slam into the cage. Afterwards Vince asked for medical help and apologized. I’m officially a total heel, as I cackled in laughter throughout this whole angle. The annoying leprechaun had it coming. This was a good angle.

Santino enthusiastically announced that Maria would be in Playboy and that he had the contract. He also announced Maria vs. Beth Phoenix. Santino then supposedly noticed fine print in the contract that Maria would have to beat Beth to pose in Playboy. Beth worked over Maria with a back breaker and power slam. Candice Michelle made her return and distracted Beth. Maria rolled up Beth for the pin. Santino was shocked but then feigned joy.

John Cena beat Randy Orton. This wasn’t very good. You can really see the wrestlers laying it in more with punches now that they are in HD. I point that out here, but it was evident this week in a number of matches. The match didn’t really build. Orton hit an implant DDT and power slam. He went for the RKO, but it was blocked and Cena applied the STFU. Orton got to the ropes, but Cena then hit the FU for the pin. HHH gave both men a pedigree after the match.

 

RAW Preview for 2/25/08 - Credit goes to WWE.com:

Preview: And then there were three
February 25, 2008

Triple H and WWE Champion Randy Orton. And Triple H made a statement when he delivered a thunderous Pedigree to both men after he officiated their match last week. What lengths will these Superstars go to mark their territory and gain momentum going into WrestleMania XXIV?

With a bandaged nose and a black eye, Big Show made his first appearance on Raw in more than a year. The 7-footer was there to apologize for his behavior the night before at No Way Out, when he and Floyd Mayweather traded blows. After apologizing to the WBC welterweight champion, Big Show then taunted Mayweather into accepting his challenge for a match. The type of match was unspecified, but what type of bout might we expect from these two warriors?

In other Raw action, Mr. McMahon looked on callously as his son, Hornswoggle, suffered a ruthless beating by JBL and lie unconscious in the middle of the ring. As the night began, the little guy had expected to battle his father in a Steel Cage Match. There shown, however, a sliver of light when Hornswoggle’s protector, Finlay, tried to rescue him. But JBL turned out the lights when he attacked the Irishman and handcuffed him to the ring ropes. He then began to pummel Hornswoggle so severely that even Mr. McMahon was taken aback.

What is Hornswoggle’s condition? And what are JBL and the Chairman’s reactions and explanations for the brutal attack? And what are Finlay’s thoughts?

Finally, last Monday, Maria defeated Women's Champion Beth Phoenix in a non-title match to earn a photo shoot in Playboy Magazine. Following the victory, the elated Diva immediately flew to Los Angeles for the sexy spread, which our fans can get an exclusive look at, this coming week on Raw. What will this steamy glimpse bring to Monday night? Don't miss out.

Find out the answers to these questions and more by tuning in to Raw when it emanates live from Phoenix at 9pm et, 8pm ct on USA Network

 

RAW Results for 2/25/08:

GM William Regal is in the ring with Cena, Triple H and Orton. All 3 have mics, Cena gets in Triple H’s face. Cena thanks HHH for not DQing him last week but says he didn’t appreciate the Pedigree afterwards. HHH says he did what he had to do, while some may not have appreciated the pedigree to Cena, more did! Cena and HHH square each other up. Orton interrupts and says one thing will stay constant, himself as WWE Champion. Orton claims 'the champ is here' and there isn’t anything HHH or Cena can do about it. Cena and Trips attack Orton and throw him from the ring, Cena and Trips brawl with each other until Orton sneaks back in the ring and delivers an RKO to both Triple H and Cena.

Backstage Mr. Kennedy catches up with Randy Orton. He says he will once again win the Money in the Bank Ladder match, and when he does, he will cash it in that very night, so even if Orton wins, he will still lose, Orton says he will leave’Mania WWE Champion.

Santino Marella & Carlito w/ Maria vs. World Tag Team Champions Cody Rhodes & Hardcore Holly - Holly and Rhodes get the win after Marella is distracted by Maria talking to The King

Backstage GM William Regal announces the main event as Mr. Kennedy and Randy Orton vs. John Cena and Triple H. Chris Jericho enters the GM’s room, he requests to be in the Money in the Bank Ladder match at ‘Mania. Regal says he must qualify, but his opponent will be somebody who has already qualified, Jeff Hardy

Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Intercontinental Champion Jeff Hardy vs. Chris Jericho - Good competitive match. Hardy hits the Whisper in the Wind for a very close near fall, Jericho locks in the Walls of Jericho but Hardy gets to the ropes. Hardy misses a Swanton and Jericho hits a Lionsault for a VERY close near fall. Some back-and-forth wrestling ending in a roll up to give Jericho the win. Y2J is going to WrestleMania!

Vince McMahon is in the ring, he says for the 1st time in his life he made a mistake. He says what happened while McMahon was in the ring was tough love, but what happened afterwards with JBL was wrong. McMahon apologizes to Hornswoggle. He then calls JBL to the ring to apologize. McMahon says he ought to beat the hell out of JBL. McMahon says JBL was only supposed to be there to control Finlay. McMahon demands an apology. JBL apologizes that he didn’t do it sooner! JBL reveals that he has found out that Hornswoggle IS NOT Vince’s son! Hornswoggle is Finlay’s son! JBL says Vince’s own family set the whole thing up, Hornswoggle had no idea Finlay was his dad but Finlay himself knew. JBL says next time Finlay is in a WWE ring, JBL will make him admit it.

Backstage John Cena comes into Triple H’s locker room. H asks if this is the part where they say 'let’s put our differences aside and work together for one night'. He says that he will do what he does best, win. All Cena has to do in try and not get beat! Cena says Trips doesn’t need to watch his back tonight, but he definitely needs to watch his own!

Umaga vs. DH Smith - Umaga wins with the Samoan Spike

Backstage GM William Regal is in his office with Paul & Katie Lea Burchill. He reads a letter from SmackDown GM Vickie Guerrero challenging Regal to nominate one Raw superstar to face one SmackDown superstar at WrestleMania. Regal chooses Umaga. Regal says he wants to see some more from Paul, Paul says next time Regal wants to have a little chat, Paul will be more than glad to, and so will his sister

Lance Cade w/ Trevor Murdoch vs. Shawn Michaels - HBK dominates the match. Murdoch interferes ending the march in a DQ. After the match Cade and Murdoch attack HBK, Shawn manages to fight back and hits both guys with Sweet Chin Music. After the match, 2008 Hall of Fame Inductee Ric Flair makes his way to the ring. HBK literally bows at Flair’s feet. Flair congratulates HBK. Flair asks Shawn for a match at WrestleMania to top off his incredible weekend, HBK is hesitant because of the retirement stipulation. Flair says all the respect HBK showed him last week means nothing if Shawn doesn’t accept. Michaels says it will be his honor to face Flair at WrestleMania! Both men shake hands and hug before leaving the ring together.

WWE 2008 Hall of Fame: High Chief Peter Maivia & Rocky Johnson are announced as the next inductees, and yes, they will be inducted by The Rock

WWE Champion Randy Orton & Mr. Kennedy vs. Triple H & John Cena. - Cena gets the win after forcing Kennedy to tap out to the STFU. After the match Kennedy delivers a Mic Check to Cena, Triple H is once again standing tall. Show ends