WWE Raw Results

RAW Preview for 3/31 - Credit goes to WWE.com:

At WrestleMania XXIV, Randy Orton shocked the world by pinning John Cena and retaining his coveted WWE Championship at the Citrus Bowl. Now that Orton has proven his dominance against not one, but two of Raw’s most powerful and skilled Superstars, who could possibly step forth to oppose him? And how will Triple H and Cena react after having been foiled in their attempts to recapture the WWE Championship? We'll find out as Raw rolls across town to Orlando's Amway Arena.

Unfortunately, Orton’s win wasn’t the only disappointment for WWE fans last night. After a legendary 36-year career, the "Nature Boy" Ric Flair was defeated by Shawn Michaels, and given a standing ovation by the 74,365 at the Citrus Bowl. How will The Showstopper deal with the emotions involved in ending the career of his friend and 16-time World Champion? And while Flair is forbidden to compete in the ring again, will this be the last we see of the Dirtiest Player in the Game?

Fans got to witness two experienced brawlers do what they do best on Sunday when JBL narrowly defeated Finlay in a Belfast Brawl. Though Finlay almost defeated the self-proclaimed "Wrestling God," even an assist from his recently recovered son wasn’t enough to put a stop to the rampaging self-made millionaire. With this win behind him, will JBL continue to run roughshod over the Raw roster? Or will the newly reunited team of Finlay and Hornswoggle rebound to take him down?

And with Beth Phoenix & Melina topping Maria & Ashley in their BunnyMania Lumberjack Match at WrestleMania, who will rise up from the Divas division to challenge the powerful Glamazon and make a move on her cherished title?

To find out the answers to these questions and more, tune into Monday Night Raw at 9/8 CT on USA Network

 

RAW Results for 3/31:

John Cena and HHH’s music played, but neither came out. That was the setup for Randy Orton, who came out and asked if the people were expecting someone else. Orton said that going into Mania everyone was asking who would beat him, but he retained. He ran down all the guys he has beaten, and said that it is the Age of Orton. These sorts of promos are an excellent way to get over the prestige of both champion and championship. JBL interrupted and said he deserves a title shot. JBL said his title reign was based on dominance, and Orton’s is based on luck. He asserted that at Mania he beat the toughest guy on the show at his own game. JBL said he should be the number one contender, and wants the torch back. At this point, Matt Hardy jumped Randy Orton from behind, setting up a later match.

The returning Cryme Tyme defeated Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch.

Shawn Michaels came to the ring. He said he felt bad about the previous night, and got choked up. He said he had too much respect for Ric Flair to not bring his 'A' game. He said retiring Flair is a burden he will have to carry the rest of his life. Michaels left, and backstage Batista looked mad at him.

Paul London and Brian Kendrick beat Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly. Holly briefly worked over London with chops and a clothesline. London made the tag to Kendrick, but Rhodes quickly hit a bulldog on him. The match degenerated into a brawl, and Kendrick rolled up Rhodes for the pin.

Chris Jericho beat CM Punk. Jericho and Punk traded kicks and rollup attempts, and there were dueling chants for each man. Jericho missed a springboard drop kick and landed wrong on his face. He seemed concerned about losing a tooth, but appeared to be fine. Punk went after Jericho’s leg and hit a high knee. Punk followed with a GTS attempt, but Jericho escaped. Jericho went for the Walls but Punk escaped. Jericho then hit the code breaker for the pin. This was a good match.

Big Show made his entrance. He congratulated Floyd Mayweather, plus his manager, handlers, bodyguards, chair and brass knuckles. He mentioned how Ric Flair put him over as a better big man than Andre the Giant. Show said nobody can take him one-on-one, which brought out Great Khali. Show was ready to fight, but Khali left.

Maria and Santino met backstage. Santino wanted to know if Maria got a rabies shot after being kissed by Snoopy the Dog. He then asked if they went out for dinner at Kibbles and Bits. Maria wanted Santino to call off their match. Santino ran down the WWE divas in general, and said they should be at home making pasta and babies. Maria slapped him. He yelled back at her in anger.

Randy Orton beat Matt Hardy. Hardy was aggressive early, brawling with Orton, sending him into the barricade, and hitting an elbow drop and neck breaker. Orton took over with a back breaker and Garvin stomp, but Hardy came back with a moonsault and side effect. Hardy went for the twist of fate, but Orton countered with a European uppercut. Hardy hit a neck breaker and went for the leg drop off the second rope, but Orton rolled to the outside. Hardy pursued, and hit the twist of fate on the floor. Hardy rolled Orton back into the ring, but Orton hit a sudden RKO for the pin. That was a nice finish.

Maria beat Santino. All the angry divas came down and attacked Santino together. Maria gave him a low blow and scored the pin.

Ric Flair came to the ring for the final segment. He said that the fans should rejoice, because he’s had the greatest wrestling career ever and he lost to a great wrestler and man. He said he loves the fans and the business and he is in a good place. There were 'thank you Ric' chants. HHH came out, and said some people wanted to say thanks. Arn Anderson, Tully Blanchard, JJ Dillon, Barry Windham, Batista, Ricky Steamboat, Harley Race, Greg Valentine, Dean Malenko, Chris Jericho, John Cena and Flair’s family came to the ring. Finally, the rest of the roster joined them and they all led 'thank you Ric' chants. Flair was sobbing uncontrollably.

 

RAW Preview for 4/7 - Credit goes to WWE.com:

Randy Orton has reigned as WWE Champion since October 2007. Nonetheless, his victory in the Triple Threat Match at WrestleMania XXIV over John Cena and Triple H was nothing if not surprising.

Pundits had dismissed his chances of emerging victorious as less than 1-in-5. Yet there he was on Raw last Monday night holding the title aloft for all to see. While there’s little doubt that both Cena and The Game have designs to recapture the gold from the Legend Killer, Orton also seems to have picked up another two more possible contenders for the throne: JBL and a resurgent Matt Hardy.

JBL confronted the reigning WWE Champion and, in typical Layfield fashion, made no bones about his intentions to gun for the title. For his part, Hardy returned to Raw last Monday seeking revenge for a punt to the head that Orton delivered to him shortly after his appendix surgery. In a match between Orton and Hardy, the Legend Killer came out on top that night, but it’s unlikely that anyone has heard the last of Hardy. Can Orton really fend off every Superstar he has gunning for him? Is the 'Age of Orton' on borrowed time?

And how exactly will Shawn Michaels respond after the roller coaster ride of emotion he’s been on recently? First, he ends the career of his dear friend, Ric Flair, at WrestleMania, then, the following night, Flair forgives him for sending him into retirement. Exactly how spent is The Showstopper, and how much will it affect him in the ring?

In other Raw action, Santino Marella just can’t seem to let go of his ex-girlfriend, Maria. The Italian Stallion felt the need last Monday night to challenge Maria to an Anything Goes Match, thinking he could exact some measure of revenge for their split. Unfortunately for Marella, the Playboy cover girl was fueled by anger, and with the rest of WWE’s gorgeous Divas fueled by Santino’s big mouth, it was the Italian export who found himself on the losing end of a bunny beat down. After suffering the ultimate humiliation at the manicured hands of Maria and the Divas, have we heard the last of the jealous ex, or will the Italian Stallion be back for more?

Don’t miss Raw Monday night at 9pm et, 8pm ct on USA Network to see what happens