RAW Results for 2/26/07: Shawn Michaels and John Cena came out to start the show. It was announced that they would be defending their tag titles, but Edge and Randy Orton appeared on the screen and said that would happen later in the show. Orton said Michaels was robbed at the Oscars because he's a tremendous actor in saying he has Cena's back. Cena indicated he didn't believe Edge and Orton, so they aired a video package of Michaels turning on Marty Jannetty, Diesel, X-Pac, Booker T and Hulk Hogan over the years. Cena turned to Michaels and gave him a dirty look. Michaels told Cena that Cena can trust him. Jeff Hardy beat Shelton Benjamin to earn a spot in the Money in the Bank match. Benjamin went for a series of pinning attempts early, and then used a bunch of punches. Hardy hit a clothesline off the barricade and the whisper in the wind. Benjamin responded with an overhead belly to belly superplex. Benjamin followed with a back drop, but blew a springboard dropkick spot. Hardy immediately went for the pin and they did a close near fall, which was really smart because it almost made it seem like it was a planned spot. Benjamin missed the stinger splash and Hardy hit the swanton for the pin. Melina was backstage complaining to Johnny Nitro about Ashley in Playboy, Mick Foley's book, Mickie James' falls count anywhere rematch for the women's title next week and her match with Maria this week. Nitro told her to shut up to a crowd pop. He said he has his own problems after losing his Money in the Bank opportunity, and went out for his match. Nitro jumped Super Crazy before the match got under way. He gave him a beatdown on the outside, threw him into the steps, and walked to the back seething. Melina beat Maria in a short match. Maria missed a drop kick, and Melina took over by stepping on Maria's head, choking her, flinging her by the hair and applying the camel clutch. Maria came back with kicks, a bulldog and a clothesline. She went for the bronco buster but Maria blocked it with a boot. Melina then rolled up Maria for the pin. Vince McMahon came out and said everyone is talking about the battle of the billionaires. Vince said he would give Donald Trump a billionaire snitch slap and brought out Umaga. He said Trump has made a career of one-upping people, but it won't happen this time. Trump appeared on the screen and said that he would. Trump said Umaga's an animal, but animals can be tamed. He said you do so by finding something superior, and introduced Lashley as his representative. Lashley came to the ring and a brawl ensured with security trying to break up Lashley and Umaga. Chris Masters was holding another Masterlock challenge, and Great Khali came out. Khali sat down in the chair for the Masterlock but Masters didn't have it applied when Kane arrived. He gave Masters a choke slam and clotheslined Khali to the outside. He hit Masters with a chair. Backstage, Vince McMahon got a call from the board of directors saying they wanted a guest referee for the battle of the billionaires. They announced Jerry Lawler for the Hall of Fame, and plugged his Memphis career heavily. Carlito then defeated Kenny Dykstra. Carlito hit clotheslines, a body slam, and a springboard corkscrew senton. Kenny rammed Carlito into the apron twice and hit some shoulder blocks. Carlito came back with clotheslines, a knee lift and a springboard elbow. Kenny caught him with a sit down power bomb for a near fall. Finally, Carlito gave him the back cracker for the pin. Vince said backstage that he would appear on ECW to make Lashley's life a living hell. John Cena and Shawn Michaels beat Edge and Randy Orton. The heels worked over Cena first. He tagged Michaels who came in with a flying forearm, inverted atomic drop, body slam and elbow off the top on Orton. Michaels went for sweet chin music but almost hit Cena before a commercial break. After the break, the heels worked over Michaels. Eventually he tagged Cena, who gave Orton the Cena slam and five knuckle shuffle. Cena went for the FU but Edge stopped it and the referee was knocked out. Edge went for the spear on Cena but ran into an FU attempt. Orton brought a title belt into the ring but Michaels hit Edge with it. He then gave the belt to Orton, and Edge thought Orton hit him with it. Orton and Edge argued, and Edge left. Michaels then gave Orton sweet chin music and Cena gave him the FU for the pin. This was a really clever twist and finish to the match. Cena and Michaels were celebrating after the match when the referee went to give Cena his title. The title was right between Cena and Michaels and they both stared at it as the show ended.
RAW Preview for 3/5/07 from WWE.com: The road to WrestleMania takes another turn when Raw rolls into Phoenix on Monday night. Last week, Donald Trump chose ECW World Champion Bobby Lashley as his representative for WrestleMania 23. Lashley will face Mr. McMahons representative, Intercontinental Champion Umaga. Moments after the announcement was made, the two champions locked up in the ring, sparking a vicious brawl that was nearly uncontainable. With WrestleMania still a month away, will these two powerful Superstars clash again before they reach Detroit? Mr. McMahon also announced on SmackDown that on Raw, the WWE Board of Directors will name a special guest referee for the Battle of the Billionaires at WrestleMania. Who will the Board choose to put in the middle of Lashley and Umaga on April 1? Last week, World Tag Team Champions John Cena & Shawn Michaels defeated Rated-RKO to retain the titles. Monday night, the two teams will be in one-on-one action against each other, as WWE Champion Cena will face Edge and Michaels will square off with Randy Orton. Will the World Tag Team Champions continue their mastery of Edge & Orton, or will Rated-RKO individually one-up The Champ & HBK? It was also revealed last week that Mickie James contract guarantees her a Womens Championship rematch against Melina and allows her to choose the stipulation. Mickie has chosen a Falls Count Anywhere Match, and will face Melina for the gold Monday night. Will she be able to recapture the title? Find out live Monday night at 9pm et, 8pm ct on the USA Network.
RAW Results for 3/5/07: Shawn Michaels defeated Randy Orton. Prior to the match, John Cena said he would have Michaels' back in this match, but Michaels said he didn't need the help. Thus, Edge was in Orton's corner but Cena wasn't in Michaels'. Orton hit an implant DDT, punches and a knee drop. Michaels came back with an inverted atomic drop, back drop and elbow off the top. Michaels went for sweet chin music but Orton caught the move and a ref bump followed. Orton hit the RKO but the referee was out. Edge threw a title belt into the ring but the referee caught it and Michaels rolled up Orton for the pin. After the match Orton gave Michaels the RKO on a chair, but Cena made the save. Backstage, Coach told Vince McMahon that he looked stressed, but Vince said the board of directors would do whatever he said and make Shane McMahon the special referee for Umaga vs. Lashley. This led into an Umaga victory over Jeff Hardy. Jeff hit a pescado and clothesline off the steps early, but then Umaga took over. Umaga hit a hard clothesline, running head butt, butt drop and Samoan spike for the pin. They ran a video featuring a bunch of celebrities saying they would like to see Donald Trump have his head shaved. This was odd given that it portrayed Trump as the heel and a much bigger deal than Vince, but the positive is that it made the match feel like something big. Carlito and Ric Flair were interviewed backstage. Flair said he would beat Carlito to earn an opportunity at Money in the Bank and WrestleMania because he has more passion. Carlito said he would win even if he had to go through Flair. Chris Masters then won a Masterlock challenge over Jim Duggan. Vince McMahon came out and said that the contract signing for Lashley vs. Umaga will take place next week. Eric Bischoff then came out looking smug. He said he's not the special referee, but that he lives in Phoenix and decided to stop by and say hello. He was angry at Vince for firing him, and said everyone would enjoy watching Donald Trump shave Vince's head. That's crappy attention to detail, since Bischoff returned after being fired by Vince and the last time we saw him he was made general manager for an evening by Vince and was sucking up to him. At that point, Mick Foley came out in a referee shirt. Vince sucked up to Foley, thinking he would be the special referee. Foley pointed out that the last time he was on Raw he was kissing Vince's butt and now Vince was kissing his. Vince wanted to let bygones be bygones. Foley asked for his old job back, access to promote his book, and expenses for his hotel room. Vince agreed to all of this, at which point Foley said he wouldn't be the special referee for Lashley vs. Umaga, but rather a rib eating contest between Charles Barkley and the Phoenix Gorilla. Next out was Shane McMahon. Vince welcomed him to the ring and was happy, thinking Shane would be the referee. Shane informed him that they lost the vote 5-4. Shane whispered to Vince who the board had picked, and Vince looked upset. That brought out Stone Cold Steve Austin to an electric pop. Vince offered to shake his hand, but Austin wouldn't do it and drank a lot of beer instead. This was a very fun segment. Melina beat Mickie James in a falls count anywhere match. Melina rammed Mickie into the barricade, and threw a garbage can at her. They went backstage and brawled into the diva locker room. Victoria helped Melina, but Torrie made the save. Candice came out of the shower and had her towel pulled off, at which point it went to black. They brawled back to ringside, where Melina rammed Mickie repeatedly into the mat. Mickie threw Melina by the hair and hit a fisherman suplex for two. Mickie went for a top rope huracanrana but the move was screwed up and Mickie landed on her neck. Melina immediately covered for the pin. Melina went to get her belt back from Ashley, who was the special ring announcer. Ashley shoved Melina down. This was an entertaining brawl. Carlito and Ric Flair's match ended in a no contest. They battled back and forth. Carlito hit punches and kicks, then Flair threw chops and punches. Carlito hit a drop kick and suplex, while Flair landed an elbow and knee drop. At that point Great Khali came in, attacked both men, gave Flair the tree slam and said he wants Kane. They announced Nick Bockwinkel for the Hall of Fame. John Cena defeated Johnny Nitro by disqualification. They had said throughout the show Edge would be wrestling Cena, but backstage Orton told Edge he wouldn't have Edge's back. Edge then came out with MNM, and Nitro was announced as Cena's opponent. Nitro briefly had the advantage, but Cena came back with the five knuckle shuffle. He went for the FU, but Mercury gave him a chop block. The heels then worked Cena over three on one. Michaels came down for the save but then stopped. After a long tease and booing, he finally came to the ring and saved Cena.
RAW Preview for 3/12/07 from WWE.com: On Monday night, Raw will roll into the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. and will bear witness to what is sure to be a historic Battle of the Billionaires contract signing. Last week, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin was announced as the special guest referee for the Battle of the Billionaires at WrestleMania 23, and on ECW on Sci Fi, he "guaran-damn-teed" that one billionaire will leave Ford Field bald on April 1. This week, Austin, billionaires Donald Trump and Mr. McMahon and their representatives, Bobby Lashley and Umaga, will share the same ring during the official Battle of the Billionaires contract signing. What will happen when all five explosive personalities are within the same confines for the first time? Will Mr. McMahon give Trump the billionaire snitch slap he is so found of promoting? Also, Executive Assistant Jonathan Coachman has announced a blockbuster Triple Threat Match for Raw. Randy Orton, Carlito and Ric Flair will do battle, with the winner claiming the final spot in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match at WrestleMania 23. Last week, the qualifying match pitting Flair vs. Carlito was interrupted by The Great Khali; will one of them make good on their second chance, or will the Legend Killer, who lobbied his way into this opportunity thanks to a meeting with Coachman, join Rated-RKO partner Edge at WrestleMania? Last week, Shawn Michaels stayed true to his word and had WWE Champion John Cena's back, but it seemed to take HBK a little longer than it should have to save his partner from a triple team. Will Michaels live up to his reputation for turning on his partners as we continue on the road to WrestleMania? And after acting as special guest ring announcer in a Falls Count Anywhere Match between Women's Champion Melina and Mickie James, Playboy cover girl Ashley shoved the mouthy Women's Champion down on her butt. Will the two Divas meet up once again in the nation's capitol? Find out live Monday night at 9pm et, 8pm ct on the USA Network.
RAW Results for 3/12/07: The show started with a graphic for Ernie Ladd. John Cena came out, and said he has been asking himself if he trusts Shawn Michaels. He challenged Michaels to come do whatever he is going to do. Michaels made his entrance. He acknowledged his goal is to take Cenas title, but said that he has kept his word in watching Cenas back. He added that maybe the question should be when Cena turns on him. Michaels said he wants it more than Cena. Jonathan Coachman came out and announced that Michaels and Cena would compete in a gauntlet match with three other teams for the tag titles. He added that the final match would be a cage match. Randy Orton beat Carlito and Ric Flair to earn the last spot in the Money in the Bank match. All three alternated offense early, then Carlito and Flair took turns on Orton. Flair and Carlito got into an argument over who would eliminate Orton. Flair shoved Carlito and went for the figure four on Orton, but Carlito gave him the back cracker. Orton threw Carlito to the outside and gave Flair the RKO for the pin. Orton then gave Carlito an implant DDT, Boston crab and Garvin stomp. Orton went for the RKO, but Carlito hit a huracanrana, knee lift, clothesline and enzuigiri. Orton caught him with a sudden RKO for the pin. Chris Masters held another Masterlock challenge. He threatened Lillian Garcia, which brought out Super Crazy to no reaction whatsoever. Crazy attacked Masters. Masters applied the Masterlock, and Crazy didnt fight it for very long like most people do. They then aired a well done video package for Ernie Ladd, putting him over big as a performer and a person. Randy Orton and Edge had a discussion backstage. Orton noted they will be opponents at WrestleMania. Edge said he has won more ladder matches than everyone else in the match combined and is undefeated at WrestleMania. Orton said Edge is only undefeated there because he hasnt faced Orton. Orton oddly concluded that he is younger and better looking than Edge. The Rock appeared on the video screen to discuss the Trump-McMahon match at WrestleMania. He said that Vince will get his head shaved. He also claimed that Umaga means shriveled up monkey p**is in Samoan. Rock was clearly having a good time here and is noticeably much smaller than he was in wrestling. I miss the Rock as a pro wrestler, but he deserves the success he has had in Hollywood. He needs to be pickier when it comes to scripts, though. John Cena and Shawn Michaels beat Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas. Cena gave Benjamin a fisherman buster but Haas took over on Cena with a body slam and shoulder blocks. Cena tagged Michaels, who came in with an inverted atomic drop and DDT on Haas. Cena then tagged himself back in and applied the STFU for the tap. This was too short. Immediately thereafter, Michaels and Cena beat Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch. Cade and Murdoch executed their double team inverted atomic drop/yakuza kick. Cade followed with a clothesline and bear hug on Michaels, but Michaels hit an enzuigiri and tagged Cena. Cena hit the Cena slam and five knuckle shuffle on Murdoch. He lifted him up for the FU, but Michaels gave Murdoch sweet chin music, grazing right by Cenas head. Cena covered for the pin, but was not pleased. That was a cool spot. Cena and Michaels then defeated MNM in a short cage match. MNM worked over Michaels, with Nitro using a neck breaker and double team stomach breaker. Nitro missed a second rope sky twister press, and Michaels tagged Cena. Michaels and Cena took turns throwing MNM into the cage. Cena went for the FU, but dropped his man when Michaels was setting up for sweet chin music. Michaels gave Mercury sweet chin music, and Cena followed with the FU for the pin. Afterwards the other tag teams came back in, but Michaels and Cena fought them all off six on two. It looked like Cena might hit Michaels with a chair but instead he hit Haas and left. The positives of this gauntlet segment were that it told a good story, had some cool spots, and was entertaining. The negatives were that it was overbooked in a way that took away from the impact of the individual spots, buried more people than was necessary, and featured a completely pointless cage match. Edge was going to wrestle Jeff Hardy, but Edge wasnt dressed to wrestle. Edge said he didnt want to compete in a city that perpetuates slurs against Native Americans, referring to the Washington Redskins nickname. He said he had a friend of Indian descent, and that brought out Great Khali. Khali destroyed Jeff with a chop, boot and tree slam. At that point Kane came out with a hook ala See No Evil. Khali left. This was a really dumb angle. Maybe John Nord can come back and have a duel with his sword against Kanes hook. Mr. Fuji was announced for the Hall of Fame. Mick Foley then plugged his book backstage. He suggested Vince will have his head shaved. He said he would have some things to say about ECW tomorrow night. Im looking forward to that. Ashley came in, and plugged her edition of Playboy. She suggested they trade a Playboy for a book. Foley sold Ashleys centerfold huge. Ill be curious if this edition of Playboy sells. I dont get the sense that people are at all interested in Ashley. Melina beat Torrie Wilson. Melina worked Torrie over with punches and threw her by the hair. Melina ended up rolling up Torrie and grabbing the tights for the pin. After the match, Melina attacked Torrie again but Mickie made the save. Victoria came out to make it two on two, and finally Ashley came in and attacked Melina. She motioned that she wants the womens title. Edge came up to Vince backstage, and suggested Orton with Edge in his corner vs. Lashley on ECW tomorrow night. He added that Orton should be thrown out of Money in the Bank if he doesnt show up. Vince agreed to all of this, so apparently Edge has some sort of a plan. They announced that next week they will have a pair of WrestleMania reversal matches where Cena and Michaels will have to wrestle past foes of their opponent. The matches will be Cena vs. Chris Benoit and Michaels vs. JBL. I absolutely hate the idea of JBLs return coming on a random Raw with no build as a total afterthought. JBL has gotten over so strongly as a commentator that his return really ought to mean something. Vince McMahon came out and said that he wont be embarrassed at WrestleMania because this is his world. Umaga, Donald Trump and Lashley made their entrances and they signed the contract. Vince was talking a lot of trash while Trump smiled smugly. They argued about who people want to see shaved. At this point, Stone Cold Steve Austin came out. He polled the audience as to who they thought would lose. Austin warned Trump not to piss him off, and wanted to know if Vince has a problem with bald headed people. Vince said he will shave Trumps head and started to leave. Trump showed an image of Vince shaved bald and challenged Vince to come back. Vince came back to the ring and Trump shoved him down.
RAW Preview for 3/19/07 from WWE.com: Reversal of fortunes March 19, 2007 With only two stops left for Raw before WrestleMania, allegiances are bound to crumble as many Superstars align themselves for gold at the biggest night in sports-entertainment. SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long has confirmed that this week on Raw, it will be WrestleMania reversal night. Both of the World Tag Team Champions, John Cena and Shawn Michaels, will face opponents from their partners WrestleMania past. John Cena will face Chris Benoit and Shawn Michaels will take on JBL. Which Superstar will step up on the quest for dominance? In a shocking turn of events, Mr. McMahon did not give Donald Trump the billionaire snitch slap he had promised. Instead, 'The Donald' pushed the Chairman over a table. How will Mr. McMahon retaliate after facing such embarrassment? Two weeks ago, The Great Khali made himself heard when he demanded: 'I want Kane!' Last week, Kane responded by destroying the announce table with his twisted gaze fixed on Khali. What kind of destruction will occur if these two meet again? Find out live tonight at 9pm et, 8pm ct on the USA Network.
RAW Results for 3/19/07: Raw started with a graphic for Arnold Skaaland. Shawn Michaels and JBL came out. JBL said that nobody tells him when to come out of retirement, and that if he does so he will do it on his terms and in his city, New York. JBL said that Michaels wont win the WWE title, and hasnt take advantage of his opportunities to nail John Cena. JBL said that Michaels knows he cant beat Cena, and doesnt attack Cena because of the fans. He called Michaels pathetic. This was a very good promo by JBL. Michaels responded that he doesnt need to earn the fans respect, because he has it already. He added that he will beat Cena at WrestleMania. He said he delivers sweet chin music when he wants to and when you least expect it. He then hit JBL with the move in the middle of his next sentence. They put over that Michaels did it really quickly and unexpectedly, but unfortunately the kick was completely expected because of what he just said and was slow enough to where it felt contrived that JBL just stood there waiting for it. An angry Randy Orton confronted Edge backstage. He said that Edges spot in Money in the Bank would be up for grabs in a match. Vince McMahon was apparently annoyed Edge didnt deliver on his offer to take out Lashley. Edge, however, would be able to earn back his spot by winning a battle royal. Lashley won the Masterlock challenge. Vince McMahon confronted Lashley backstage. Vince said that Lashley may have broken the Masterlock, but Umaga will break Lashley. He added that he will break Donald Trumps ego. He had Lashley escorted from the building. Eugene then accidentally spilled a drink on Vince. Vince decided to feed him to Umaga as retaliation. They then aired a video package for Arnold Skaaland. Edge won a 10 man battle royal to earn back his title shot at WrestleMania. The other participants were Val Venis, Kenny Dykstra, Ric Flair, Shelton Benjamin, Charlie Haas, Viscera, Super Crazy, Johnny Nitro and Carlito. Edge feigned an injury from basically the beginning and left the ring. Everyone went after Viscera and dumped him out first. Haas and Benjamin threw out Super Crazy. Flair pushed Benjamin off the top rope to the floor. Flair chopped Dykstra out. Carlito drop kicked Nitro out. That left Flair and Carlito. Carlito sent Flair over the top but not to the floor. Flair came back in and eliminated Carlito. He was announced as the winner when of course Edge came back in and threw him out. Umaga defeated Eugene in a squash with the Samoan spike. Afterwards Vince shaved Eugenes hair and slapped him. Candice Michelle next challenged Melina. Melina ran down the Playboy cover girls and said Playboy is beneath her. Candice suggested they have a bra and panties match. Melina accepted and won. Afterwards, Ashley came out and pulled off Melinas top. Then Great Khali came in and grabbed Ashley by the throat. Jerry Lawler came in for the save but received a tree slam for his efforts. Jeff Hardy beat Randy Orton via disqualification. Orton hit a back breaker and applied the Boston crab. Hardy came back with the whisper in the wind. At that point Edge brought a ladder into the ring. Orton hit Hardy with it for the DQ and then argued with Edge. Hardy gave Orton the twist of fate and a leg drop off the top rope over the ladder onto Orton. They announced next week Lashley vs. Vince McMahon. John Cena beat Chris Benoit via submission. Shawn Michaels did commentary, and Cena almost collided with him early but pulled up. Benoit hit chops and applied the sharpshooter. He followed with three rolling Germans, but missed a head butt. Cena came back with the Cena slam and five knuckle shuffle. He went for the FU but Benoit escaped and went for the crossface. Cena escaped that and applied the FU for the tap. Michaels came in and teased using sweet chin music. Cena then lifted up Michaels for the FU but let him down. The story is they are both playing head games with each other. JBL came out to close the show, and said that next week Michaels and Cena would team up again against Undertaker and Batista.
RAW Preview for 3/26/07 from WWE.com: Last stop on the Road to WrestleMania Mr. McMahon has promised that the last Raw before WrestleMania will be the biggest one of all time. It is only fitting that the show will air live from Chicago, the home of last year's WrestleMania. With two huge main events, it looks like the show will live up to Mr. McMahon's claims. World Tag Team Champions (and WrestleMania competitors) John Cena & Shawn Michaels will face World Heavyweight Champion Batista & Undertaker in a No Way Out rematch. Will the tenuous relationship between The WWE Champ & HBK stay intact? At WrestleMania, Mr. McMahon's representative Umaga will face Donald Trump's representative Bobby Lashley in the Battle of the Billionaires. On Raw, Mr. McMahon himself will go one-on-one with the ECW World Champion. Does The Chairman have what it takes to topple the powerful Lashley? Former World Tag Team Champions Edge & Randy Orton have also been at each other's throats of late. Will their partnership continue to disintegrate as the Road to WrestleMania comes to an end? Find out the answers to these questions tonight at 9pm et, 8pm ct on the USA Network
RAW Results for 3/26/07: Jonathan Coachman came out to start the show. He said that the Lashley vs. McMahon match would be no DQ, and that any undesired interference would result in fine or suspension. Stone Cold Steve Austin made his way to the ring, and said that he received gifts purportedly from Donald Trump but that were actually sent by Vince McMahon. He said that McMahon was trying to make it seem that Trump wanted to bribe him. Coach claimed that he was the one that did that, and McMahon had nothing to do with it. He apologized. Austin said that he will call the match straight down the middle and beat up anyone who doesnt abide by what he says. Coach said that both he and Austin prove bald is beautiful. Austin stunned him. Austin was leaving in his truck right as McMahon was arriving in his limousine. The two vehicles honked at each other, and McMahon started to yell at the truck when he realized it was Austin. Austin gave him the finger. McMahon apologized, and then attacked and fired his limo driver. Torrie Wilson, Candice Michelle and Ashley defeated Victoria, Jillian Hall and Melina. Melina slapped Ashley at the beginning, and the heels worked over Candice. Ashley tagged in, hit a spinning head scissors on Jillian, and hit a huracanrana on Victoria. Jillian went for a handspring elbow but was caught and Ashley used a victory roll for the pin. CM Punk defeated Kenny Dykstra. Punk got a surprisingly strong reaction, even for his home city. He hit a double underhook back breaker, springboard clothesline, high knee and bulldog. He finished Dykstra with go 2 sleep. Edge appeared on the screen afterwards and said Punk wouldnt win at Mania. He said that Punk would have a chance to respond on the Cutting Edge. The Cutting Edge featured all the Money in the Bank participants. Edge started by putting over himself. He said that hes surprised Matt Hardys even on the WrestleMania card. Matt threatened to leave Edge lying on his back like his ex-girlfriend. King Booker said hes the only King in the match. He called everyone else in the match peasants, which angered Finlay. Finlay challenged Edge to a fight. Orton told Finlay to chill because Edge might duck out of the match. Mr. Kennedy said he would win but Edge took away the mic before he could go into his usual spiel. Edge said, Riveting stuff. Say your name. That was hilarious. Edge then basically said Jeff never speaks and just does his goofy dance. Jeff said he would steal the show at Mania. Finally Punk got to speak, with loud chants of CM Punk. Punk said Edge is addicted to running his mouth. Edge shoved Punk, which set off a brawl. Edge left. Matt, Jeff and Punk cleared the ring, and then went after Edge. They announced that the Hall of Fame will be on USA, with the televised inductions of Curt Hennig, Jerry Lawler, Dusty Rhodes & Jim Ross. John Cena cut a promo backstage, talking about everything that will happen at WrestleMania. His delivery was phenomenal. Mr. McMahon beat Bobby Lashley. McMahon left the ring immediately. Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch came out but their offense was no sold and they were quickly disposed of. Chris Masters and Johnny Nitro were next, but Masters received a half nelson slam and Nitro a running power slam. Finally, Umaga came out. As he started to brawl with Lashley, McMahon gave Lashley a low blow from behind. Umaga gave Lashley the Samoan drop. McMahon covered and the referee counted three even though Lashley kicked out. Umaga then hit a splash off the top, two running butt drops and the Samoan spike. McMahon pinned Lashley again. Mr. Kennedy and Randy Orton beat Matt and Jeff Hardy. Kennedy and Orton worked over Jeff. He hit whisper in the wind and tagged Matt. Matt gave both heels the side effect. He went for the twist of fate on Kennedy, but Kennedy pushed him into an Orton RKO for the pin. They announced Jim Ross for the Hall of Fame. He got a really nice sustained reaction from the crowd. It was a touching and well deserved tribute. Great Khali beat Ric Flair via disqualification. Khali no sold Flairs chops. He was setting up Flair for the tree slam on the steps but Carlito made the save. Carlito got a tree slam for his efforts. Kane then came in with a hook and ran off Khali. Michaels cut a promo backstage. He said that he has stood the test of time and will win the title. This was a great promo by Michaels. Undertaker and Batista beat John Cena and Shawn Michaels. Undertaker and Cena started, with both going for their finishers. Batista and Undertaker cleared the ring. They then squared off, but Cena jumped Undertaker. The crowd really didnt like Cena. Cena sent Undertaker to the outside, and both he and Michaels sent Taker into the steps. Batista tagged himself in and clotheslined Cena. Batista hit a spine buster on Cena. He was setting up Cena for the Batista bomb as Taker had Michaels up for the press slam. However, Taker threw Michaels into Batista to break that and then left. Cena gave Batista the Cena slam and Michaels gave him the elbow off the top. They did a double five knuckle shuffle. At that point Michaels finally gave Cena sweet chin music. Batista covered Cena for the pin.
RAW Results for 4/2/07: John Cena came out to start the show. He received a passionate mixed reaction, and hes back to the point where he gets a substantial quantity of boos each week. He said the champ is here, which immediately brought out Shawn Michaels. Michaels said that this is usually the point where he comes out and says that he made history with his opponent. Michaels said that Cena won last night, and he doesnt like it. He added that he wont lie to himself and say his opponent was the better man. He said Cena did win but that Cena is not the better man. Cena said that sounded like a challenge and that he would take on Michaels any time. Michaels suggested right then, but Coach came out. Coach said there would be no WWE title match, and instead Michaels and Cena would defend their tag titles in a 20 man 10 team battle royal. Shawn Michaels and John Cena won a tag team battle royal over Fit Finlay and King Booker, Rob Van Dam and Sabu, Cryme Tyme, Highlanders, Kenny Dykstra and Chris Masters, Hacksaw Jim Duggan and Eugene, Chavo Guerrero and Gregory Helms, Elijah Burke and Matt Striker, and Deuce and Domino. The rules were that if one member of the team was thrown over the top rope, both members were eliminated. Dykstra went out, followed by JTG and Eugene. Cena dumped both Deuce and Domino. Finlay eliminated Striker and Booker pushed RVD off the top to the floor. That left Booker and Finlay with Cena and Michaels. Michaels gave Finlay sweet chin music to eliminate him. Coach came out and said that there would be a second 10 team battle royal for the tag titles. Matt and Jeff Hardy won the second match over Michaels and Cena, Guerrero and Helms, Paul London and Brian Kendrick, Dave Taylor and William Regal, Sandman and Tommy Dreamer, Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch, Marcus Cor Von and Kevin Thorn, Johnny Nitro and the Miz, and Viscera and Val Venis. Venis was out first, followed by Regal. Jerry Lawler referred to Regal as Steve. Ross corrected him, but then referred to his partner as William Taylor. Dreamer and Miz were eliminated next, at which point Michaels grabbed Cena from behind and threw him over the top rope. That cost them the tag titles, and Michaels indicated he just wants the WWE title. Following the elimination of the champs, it came down to the Hardyz and Cade/Murdoch. Hardyz did stereo leg drops off the ropes and eliminated Cade and Murdoch to win. Shawn Michaels backstage said that the tag titles were muddying waters. Randy Orton confronted Michaels. He said Michaels got his title shot, and Cena is giving him another one because he knows that he can beat Michaels but not Orton. Michaels said that he is better than Orton. They then did a backstage vignette where your view was supposedly Vince McMahons as he wandered around backstage. This allowed them to show people laughing at Vince without giving a view of him yet. It was a little goofy. Vince McMahon came out wearing a hat. He said last night will be a date that lives in infamy. He blamed Steve Austin for the injustice. He said that he would rewrite history, and had Lillian Garcia announce him as the winner last night. He then announced that Lashley would defend his title against Umaga. Vince said people wouldnt get to see Vince bald, because he had his hat surgically cemented to his head. Lashley came out and pulled off Vinces hat. Vince scurried to cover his head. He tried using a towel, Lawlers crown, and J.R.s hat, but Lashley kept pulling them off. Vince hid under the ring apron but Lashley pulled him out. Eventually he hid under Lillians skirt, so Lashley pulled off the skirt. This was absolutely hilarious. Five star comedy. Vince was fantastic. Ric Flair and Carlito beat Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas. The heels worked over Carlito, who eventually tagged in Flair. Flair came in with chops but Benjamin turned the tide with a back body drop. Carlito made the save with a chop block to Haas. Flair used another chop block and applied the figure four to Haas for the submission. Melina came out and said that she proved Ashley is just another pretty face. She had a special photo op arranged, but wouldnt you know it was interrupted. Mickie came out and attacked Melina. Im glad they are back to a womens title program that could hypothetically produce decent matches. They announced that next week Mick Foley will present a special wish for Make a Wish on Raw. Great Khali beat Super Crazy with the chop and tree slam. Backstage, Armando told Vince to take it easy. Vince went nuts again, and made Umaga and Armando vs. Lashley in a handicap. He warned Armando not to fail him. This made little sense, given Vince supposedly wanted to get revenge on Lashley very badly and putting Armando in the match would make that much less likely. Matt and Jeff Hardy were interviewed, and talked about how happy they were to win the titles. This was a nice, short bit to put over the significance of the belts. Edge came out and said that a lesser man wouldnt be there after the hell he went through the previous night. He said he was confused upon hearing that Michaels and Orton want title shots and Cena is still champ. Edge said he has beaten up and outsmarted all of them. Edge said he is the best and he will be the next WWE champion. This was an effective serious promo. Lashley defeated Umaga and Armando. Jim Rosss voice was in really bad shape the entire night, and he threw in the towel this final segment and Jerry Lawler did the commentary on his own. This match was mostly Umaga working over Lashley with Armando watching. Umaga gave him the Samoan drop and running butt drop. He went for the Samoan spike but had it blocked. Lashley gave him the spear. Umaga went for an avalanche but accidentally landed on Armando. Lashley gave Armando the running power slam for the pin.
RAW Preview for 4/9/07 from WWE.com: Showstopped April 9, 2007 The first Raw after WrestleMania saw Shawn Michaels eliminate his partner John Cena in a Tag Team Battle Royal, The Hardys crowned new World Tag Team Champions and ECW World Champion Bobby Lashley continue his dominance against all who dare to face him in the ring. Also last week, third-generation Superstar Randy Orton confronted Shawn Michaels backstage. Later in the night, it was announced that on the next Raw, Orton will face Michaels for a chance to compete for the WWE Championship. A match featuring The Legend Killer and The Showstopper in the same ring will no doubt be thrilling for WWE fans; who will prevail? Fan favorite Mick Foley announced that on Raw next week, he will continue his charity work by making a special Make-A-Wish announcement. WWE Superstars pride themselves in reaching out to help their communities and inspire WWE fans with what they do in the ring, as well as what they do for their fellow man. What will the Hardcore Legends announcement reveal? Find out this and more on Raw, Monday night at 9/8 CT on USA Network
RAW Results for 4/9/07: Shane McMahon came out to start the show. He said that the McMahon name typically garners respect but lately it has been met with laughter. He said that he will bring respect back to the name, and challenged Lashley. Lashley came out to a much better reaction than last week, and Shane challenged him to a title match. Umaga then came out, but Shane told Umaga to return to the back and slapped Armando. Lashley suggested he put up his title against Shanes hair, and Shane accepted. Mickie James and Candice Michelle defeated Melina and Victoria. The heels worked over Candice, with Melina delivering a suplex and body slam. Victoria missed a somersault leg drop and Mickie tagged in. Mickie gave Victoria a huracanrana and gave Melina the Charlie Thesz press. Candice hit a spinning heel kick on Melina and Mickie hit the leaping implant DDT on Victoria for the pin. Im glad they are going back to a feud with women that can go in Mickie and Melina. Backstage, Mick Foley arrived with a kid from Make-A-Wish, who was made honorary GM for the night. Trevor Murdoch and Lance Cade defeated Ric Flair and Carlito to earn a tag title shot at Backlash. Carlito alluded to Flair telling him off, and said that while it pissed him off at first now he realizes it was a good thing. He said they would win their match and earn a title match at Backlash. Cade and Murdoch worked over Flair, mostly brawling and using punches. Flair hit some chops and tagged Carlito. Carlito used a back drop, drop kick, knee lift and clothesline. However, he missed the springboard elbow and Cade and Murdoch used the high low for the clean pin. Carlito was angry afterwards and left annoyed with Flair. Backstage, Coach wanted to say something to Shane, but Shane wasnt having any of it. He wouldnt let Coach get a word in and Coach just gave up and left. Elsewhere, Shawn Michaels said nice guys dont finish first in WWE, and thats where he wants to be. He said he needs to win his number one contenders match against Randy Orton, and he wants it more than Orton. Orton came in and said Michaels already had his shot. Michaels threatened to kick Ortons teeth down his throat. Shawn Michaels and Randy Orton fought to a no contest. They started out slow with chain wrestling. Michaels eye was busted open. He went after Ortons leg until he was sent into the post. Edge came to ringside, and Michaels almost won with a rollup while Orton was distracted. Orton worked over Michaels, but Michaels came back with a swinging neck breaker. At that time there was a ref bump. Michaels hit an inverted atomic drop and elbow off the top, but Edge distracted him as he went for sweet chin music. Michaels and Orton went to the floor, where Orton hit the RKO and threw Michaels back into the ring. Orton yelled at Edge and they got into a confrontation that concluded with Edge spearing Orton and throwing him back in. The referee started to count both men out, but they got up at 9. Michaels hit sweet chin music, fell on top of Orton, and they did a double pin finish. Randy Orton complained to Shane McMahon about the finish to the match backstage, but Shane said he had his own concerns. Mick Foley was backstage again with the kid from Make-a-Wish. Coach confronted the kid and said he makes the big decisions on Raw. The kid had an announcement, but was cut off by Edge and Coach. Matt and Jeff Hardy defeated the Worlds Greatest Tag Team. Haas and Benjamin worked over Jeff briefly, but he made the tag to Matt. Matt came in with a double bulldog and side effect. Matt hit the twist of fate and Jeff hit the swanton for the pin. I like Haas and Benjamin a lot, but its smart to put over the tag champs strong right after they won the belts. They aired a hilarious advertisement for The Condemned. They tried to frame it as some sort of thought provoking and socially significant commentary on society. The comedic highlight was the director talking about how long it has taken for the theme of reality television going too far to arise, as if that theme hasnt been explored a million times already. The Cutting Edge featured Edge saying that Coach agreed he should be the number one contender. Orton and Michaels came out. Michaels said he is better than Edge and Orton, and wants a rematch with Cena at Backlash. Cena came out, knocked all three challengers, and said he would face any of them. Coach came out and made Cena vs. Orton and Edge in a handicap match with the person scoring the pin winning the title. He said that would be the final decision, but then Foley came out with the honorary GM. The kid made Cena vs. Orton vs. Edge vs. Michaels. This was booked to be a big face pop, but the crowd barely reacted to that announcement. Lashley beat Shane McMahon via disqualification. Despite the fact they announced Shanes hair would be on the line and he lost, and despite the fact they even had a barbers chair out there, Shane didnt lose his hair. They didnt even bother to explain why the stipulation was being ignored. Shane jumped Lashley with a spear, and sent Lashley into the post. He hit a baseball slide, and sent Lashley into the steps. He worked over Lashley with punches. Lashley retaliated with an overhead belly to belly, clothesline, back body drop, and fall away slam. All of that was really sloppy, by the way. Shane then punched the referee for the DQ. Umaga, Vince and Armando then came down and beat Lashley into the ground. Shane hit Lashley in the head with a chair, and Lashley bled. Vince announced Lashley vs. Umaga, Shane and Vince for the title at Backlash.
RAW Results for 4/16/07: Coach came out to start the show and said that despite what happened last week he would get his way. He announced John Cena vs. Edge and Randy Orton for the main event and then introduced Vince McMahon. Vince put down Milan and brought out Umaga. He said Lashley wouldnt be there, but Umaga was ready for action. Nobody came out, so Vince brought a 'fan' into the ring. This 'fan' was introduced as Santino Morella. He is of course Paul Heymans shootfighter Boris Alexiev. The crowd was into Santino, who got a little offense early with punches and kicks. Vince then announced the match would be no holds barred. Umaga just destroyed Santino with a body slam, leg drop, head butt and corner splash. Umaga went to the top, but Lashley interfered. He hit Umaga three times in the head with a chair and then used the spear. He put Santino on top, and Santino was announced as the new Intercontinental champ. Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin beat Carlito and Ric Flair. Prior to the match, Carlito said he let Flair down. Flair said that wasnt the case and that they could win and get themselves back into title contention. Carlito cleared the ring early. The heels worked over Flair briefly and then Carlito came back in. Haas kind of tripped Carlito in what amounted to a blown spot and Benjamin hit the T-bone on Carlito for the pin. Carlito was angry with both Flair and Torrie Wilson after the match. John Cena backstage was booed. Shawn Michaels approached him. Michaels said he doesnt care about Cena any more and he will leave Cena lying next week. Johnny Nitro beat Eugene very quickly with a neck breaker. They then introduced an Italian announcer, who said he had a big surprise: a diva fashion show! The crowd reacted with thunderous apathy. The participants were Candice, Victoria, Mickie, Maria, Torrie, and Melina. Torrie won, which was absolutely ridiculous. Maria totally destroyed the field, and it wasnt even close. Melina jumped Torrie after this. Lance Cade beat Jeff Hardy. Matt Hardy and Trevor Murdoch were at ringside. Jeff totally dominated the match, which telegraphed the finish. Jeff hit the whisper in the wind, a somersault leg drop, jaw breaker and clotheslines. He was going for the swanton but was distracted by Murdoch. Matt took out Murdoch but that bought Cade time, and Cade got his knees up when Jeff went for the move. Cade then hit a lariat for the pin. Chris Masters beat Super Crazy. Crazy kind of hit a drop kick and followed with a somersault plancha. He missed a moonsault, but went for a crucifix cradle. Masters dropped down with a Samoan drop and hit a back drop. Crazy hit a standing moonsault, but Masters hit a wheelbarrow slam for the pin. There were dueling chants in this match, although I have no idea why. John Cena beat Randy Orton and Edge in a handicap match. Edge and Orton came out together and worked over Cena. Cena received a high volume of boos from the crowd, which chanted Cena sucks and RKO at various points. As Orton and Edge were working over Cena, Shawn Michaels came out and pulled down the ropes as Orton was bouncing off. Cena then gave Edge the Cena slam and five knuckle shuffle. He went for the FU, but Orton hit a drop kick and there was a ref bump. Edge went for the spear on Cena but hit Orton instead. Michaels then went for sweet chin music on Cena but hit Edge. Cena gave Michaels the FU and pinned Edge.
RAW Preview for 4/23/07from WWE.com: Raw rolls into England this week as the WWE Superstars continue on their two week tour of Europe. With a new Intercontinental Champion and less than a week until Backlash, Raws London bash is sure to be a knockout. WWE Champion John Cena will face his WrestleMania 23 opponent and former tag team partner, Shawn Michaels, in a WrestleMania Rematch. These two talented Superstars have not squared off in the ring since Detroit, and their unresolved issues will certainly make this a memorable match. Will Cena be able to escape without HBKs shoe print on his face? Santino Marella made history in Milan when he became the first WWE fan to claim the Intercontinental Championship. Mr. McMahon was furious with ECW World Champion Bobby Lashley for aiding Marella in his No Holds Barred Match against Umaga. How will The Chairman respond? What will become of this new Intercontinental Champion? The Great Khali will be in action when Raw rolls into London as well. Last week, a video aired showing just how dominant the Punjabi giant has been in WWE; who will be the unlucky one to match up with Khali in London? Also last week, Torrie Wilson won a Diva fashion show and was immediately attacked by Womens Champion Melina, but Mickie James came to her friends aid and dropped the champion to spark a brawl. A match between Mickie and Melina was announced for Backlash later in the night; will the two Divas be at each others throats again on Raw just six days before they meet up at the pay-per-view in Atlanta? Find out all this and more on Raw tonight at 9pm et, 8pm ct on USA Network.
RAW Results for 4/23/07: Shane McMahon came out to start the show. He said that Lashley wouldnt be there, because he got taken out. Shane continued that a fan would have a chance to take him on. He said he found Britains greatest fighter to face him. Oh my God. They signed Michael Bisping and theyre going to use him to put over Shane. No, actually it was long time independent wrestler Robbie Brookside. Shane just destroyed him and executed the Van Terminator. In any event, Shane told Brookside that this would be a 2 on 1 handicap match. Umaga came out and gave Brookside his running butt drop and a splash off the top. Shane then said this would be a 3 on 1 handicap match, and that brought out Vince. Vince covered Brookside for the pin. This was a dull segment in a dull feud. They then aired a phenomenal video package on Shawn Michaels vs. John Cena at WrestleMania. This was one of the best videos they have done in years and made the match feel epic. Trevor Murdoch beat Matt Hardy. Murdoch hit some punches and used a sleeper. Matt came back with clotheslines, a bulldog, and a leg drop off the second rope. Lance Cade distracted Matt and Murdoch sent Matt into the post. Murdoch then made what appeared to be an attempt at the Canadian Destroyer. Melina beat Maria. Maria executed a spinning head scissors and clothesline, before she was abruptly driven into the mat for the pin. Great Khali then defeated Carlito. Carlito dodged around and used leg kicks. Khali gave him a head butt. Carlito went to the eyes and attempted a drop kick off the top. He was brushed aside and given a chop and tree slam for the pin. This was just dreadful. Thats three straight clean jobs for Carlito. Ric Flair came to ringside but Carlito angrily told Flair that he doesnt need him. The Flair/Carlito interplay was very good. Mick Foley backstage was running down events of recent weeks. Edge came up to him and they were cool with each other. Edge said he would watch John Cena vs. Shawn Michaels. Cena backstage ran into Michaels. Cena said everyone in the promotion has monikers like the Showstopper, but hes just the champ. This was good little promo and had the right tone of seriousness. Shawn Michaels beat John Cena in a non-title rematch. Cena was booed again, but not overwhelmingly like last week. The crowd wasnt really rooting for either man, but just watched attentively and reacted to the big spots. Michaels and Cena did a lot of slow chain wrestling early. Cena went for the FU but was unsuccessful. Michaels shoved Cena and Cena punched Michaels. Cena then worked over Michaels with a headlock. Michaels got out and hit some chops. Cena hit a clothesline and went for the FU, but Michaels tumbled out to the floor. Michaels came back with chops and stomps. Cena was able to score a suplex and body slam, and they traded blows. Michaels gained control with the swinging neck breaker, flying forearm, inverted atomic drop, body slam and elbow off the top. He went for sweet chin music. Cena avoided it, but Michaels caught him in a backslide for two. Cena went for a flying shoulder block but missed and fell to the floor. Michaels attempted a pescado but Cena caught him, which was an impressive spot. Michaels sent Cena into the post and began to concentrate on Cenas left arm. Michaels responded with clotheslines, shoulder blocks, the Cena slam and the five knuckle shuffle. He went for the FU, but Michaels escaped. Michaels went for sweet chin music but Cena avoided that and hit the FU. He went for the pin but Michaels kicked out. Cena threw Michaels to the floor and rammed Michaels back into the post. He continued to work on Michaels back with a delayed vertical suplex, bear hug and Irish whip into the corner turnbuckle. Cena then whipped out a top rope rocker dropper. Cena was going for the FU off the top but Michaels got out and hit a power bomb off the top. Cena went for the STFU but Michaels kicked him away. Michaels then knocked Cena off the apron onto the announce table. Michaels went for the piledriver on the ring steps but Cena used a back drop to reverse. Cena and Michaels brawled on the floor, and back in the ring Cena locked in the STFU. Michaels fought towards the ropes. He teased going unconscious but then made one last push to get to the ropes. Michaels went for sweet chin music but Cena escaped and went for the FU. Michaels got out of that and hit sweet chin music. He covered, but Cena grabbed the bottom rope at 2. Michaels followed with chops. Cena went for the FU but Michaels escaped again and hit sweet chin music. That was finally enough and he scored the pin. Michaels held up the belt afterwards, put it on Cena, and gave him the crotch chop to close the show.
RAW Results for 4/23/07: Shane McMahon came out to start the show. He said that Lashley wouldnt be there, because he got taken out. Shane continued that a fan would have a chance to take him on. He said he found Britains greatest fighter to face him. Oh my God. They signed Michael Bisping and theyre going to use him to put over Shane. No, actually it was long time independent wrestler Robbie Brookside. Shane just destroyed him and executed the Van Terminator. In any event, Shane told Brookside that this would be a 2 on 1 handicap match. Umaga came out and gave Brookside his running butt drop and a splash off the top. Shane then said this would be a 3 on 1 handicap match, and that brought out Vince. Vince covered Brookside for the pin. This was a dull segment in a dull feud. They then aired a phenomenal video package on Shawn Michaels vs. John Cena at WrestleMania. This was one of the best videos they have done in years and made the match feel epic. Trevor Murdoch beat Matt Hardy. Murdoch hit some punches and used a sleeper. Matt came back with clotheslines, a bulldog, and a leg drop off the second rope. Lance Cade distracted Matt and Murdoch sent Matt into the post. Murdoch then made what appeared to be an attempt at the Canadian Destroyer. Melina beat Maria. Maria executed a spinning head scissors and clothesline, before she was abruptly driven into the mat for the pin. Great Khali then defeated Carlito. Carlito dodged around and used leg kicks. Khali gave him a head butt. Carlito went to the eyes and attempted a drop kick off the top. He was brushed aside and given a chop and tree slam for the pin. This was just dreadful. Thats three straight clean jobs for Carlito. Ric Flair came to ringside but Carlito angrily told Flair that he doesnt need him. The Flair/Carlito interplay was very good. Mick Foley backstage was running down events of recent weeks. Edge came up to him and they were cool with each other. Edge said he would watch John Cena vs. Shawn Michaels. Cena backstage ran into Michaels. Cena said everyone in the promotion has monikers like the Showstopper, but hes just the champ. This was good little promo and had the right tone of seriousness. Shawn Michaels beat John Cena in a non-title rematch. Cena was booed again, but not overwhelmingly like last week. The crowd wasnt really rooting for either man, but just watched attentively and reacted to the big spots. Michaels and Cena did a lot of slow chain wrestling early. Cena went for the FU but was unsuccessful. Michaels shoved Cena and Cena punched Michaels. Cena then worked over Michaels with a headlock. Michaels got out and hit some chops. Cena hit a clothesline and went for the FU, but Michaels tumbled out to the floor. Michaels came back with chops and stomps. Cena was able to score a suplex and body slam, and they traded blows. Michaels gained control with the swinging neck breaker, flying forearm, inverted atomic drop, body slam and elbow off the top. He went for sweet chin music. Cena avoided it, but Michaels caught him in a backslide for two. Cena went for a flying shoulder block but missed and fell to the floor. Michaels attempted a pescado but Cena caught him, which was an impressive spot. Michaels sent Cena into the post and began to concentrate on Cenas left arm. Michaels responded with clotheslines, shoulder blocks, the Cena slam and the five knuckle shuffle. He went for the FU, but Michaels escaped. Michaels went for sweet chin music but Cena avoided that and hit the FU. He went for the pin but Michaels kicked out. Cena threw Michaels to the floor and rammed Michaels back into the post. He continued to work on Michaels back with a delayed vertical suplex, bear hug and Irish whip into the corner turnbuckle. Cena then whipped out a top rope rocker dropper. Cena was going for the FU off the top but Michaels got out and hit a power bomb off the top. Cena went for the STFU but Michaels kicked him away. Michaels then knocked Cena off the apron onto the announce table. Michaels went for the piledriver on the ring steps but Cena used a back drop to reverse. Cena and Michaels brawled on the floor, and back in the ring Cena locked in the STFU. Michaels fought towards the ropes. He teased going unconscious but then made one last push to get to the ropes. Michaels went for sweet chin music but Cena escaped and went for the FU. Michaels got out of that and hit sweet chin music. He covered, but Cena grabbed the bottom rope at 2. Michaels followed with chops. Cena went for the FU but Michaels escaped again and hit sweet chin music. That was finally enough and he scored the pin. Michaels held up the belt afterwards, put it on Cena, and gave him the crotch chop to close the show.
RAW Preview for 4/30/07 from WWE.com: Tonight, Raw rolls into Nashville, Tenn. John Cena successfully retained his WWE Championship at Backlash in a Fatal Four Way Match against Shawn Michaels, Randy Orton and Edge. Will the WWE Champion be forced to defend his title again in the Music City? WWE Chairman Mr. McMahon shocked the world by pinning ECWs Bobby Lashley to become the new ECW World Champion at Backlash. Will Mr. McMahon make an appearance in Nashville? Will Umaga and Shane McMahon be attendance? Now that he has ECW gold, will Mr. McMahon continue to punish Bobby Lashley? Also at Backlash, Melina successfully defended her Womens Championship against Mickie James, and The Hardys turned back Cade & Murdoch to retain the World Tag Team Championship. Who will be the next to step up and challenge Melina? Can any of the Raw tag teams give the high-flying Hardys a run for their money? Find out all this and more on Raw, tonight at 9pm et, 8pm ct on USA Network.
RAW Results for 4/30/07: RAW begins with John Cena and Mr. McMahon backstage, McMahon trys to act cool to John Cena, Cena punks him out - HBK interrupts he says he wants one more shot tonight, Cena accepts, McMahon says he makes the decisions and tells HBK must earn his shot tonight and if he wins he will get a shot at Cena next week. Edge vs. Randy Orton. Edge slaps Orton to begin the match, Randy and Edge both take it to each other, Edge is knocked off the apron onto the guard rail. Back in the ring Orton is speared from the apron onto the announce table, J.R. and King both taken out and eventually get their headsets back on. Edge gets a near fall, KIng's headset is broken and finally gets back on air, Edge continues to work over Orton, Edge goes to the top but Orton manages to stop him, fans are mainly behind Orton, Edge knocks Orton away and goes for a cross body from the top but Orton catches him with a mid-air dropkick. Orton gains control and hits a back breaker for a close near fall, Edge manages to hit a power move for another near fall, fans chant "Randy" both guys go for a cross body and both crash and burn. Referee Mike Chioda starts to count them down, they make it to their feet, more near falls, Edge tries to pin Orton with his feet on the ropes but the ref sees, Orton tries the same but is seen, Orton gets busted open the hard way. Edge goes for a spear but Orton leapfrogs and Edge hist the turnbuckle, Edge then reverses a RKO attempt into a spear for the clean win. Great match. Todd Grisham interviews Santino in a pre-taped segment, they look back at the title change, Santino says if this is a dream he doesnt want to wake up, he says next week is his first title defence, he is excited but nervous. Backstage, Maria interviews Edge, Maria says even though Edge won he doesn't look happy, Edge calls Maria a bimbo and says he isn't happy because HBK has got yet another shot at Cena, he says he is going to have to insert himself into the picture. World Tag Team Champion Jeff Hardy vs. Johnny Nitro. Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch are doing commentary - they are strangely giving many positive comments to the Hardys. Jeff hits the whisper in the wind and a face-first suplex for a near fall, Nitro gets back dropped from the top turnbuckle, Hardy hits the swanton bomb for the victory. Cade & Murdoch get on the mic and congratulate Hardy, they get in the ring to shake Hardy's hand but he doesn't trust that they won't attack him so he leaves. Umaga vs. Rob Van Dam. Back from a break, Umaga launced RVD from the top turnbuckle to the outside, Shane is at ringside, RVD tries to get back into it but Umaga hits a samoan drop, RVD tries to slam Umaga but he is too heavy so RVD collapses with Umaga on top of him. RVD manages to apply a sleeper, Shane looks concerned, Umaga finally gets RVD off him by sending him to the outside. RVD then applys the sleeper to Umaga outside, Umaga rams RVD into the steel steps to get him off again, back in the ring Umaga goes for his running power move but RVD moves, RVD works over Umaga with kicks finally knocking him off his feet, RVD hits the rolling thunder for a near fall. RVD hits the frog splash but Umaga grabs RVD's throat and pulls him up for a samoan spike for the win. Vince celebrates with his title on the stage. Up next; HBK vs. Cena 3 Backstage, Carlito runs into Ric Flair he says he is sorry for yelling at him last week and that he has got them a match against the World's Greatest Tag Team, Carlito says if they dont win then he will be out of Flair's hair for good. Shawn Michaels vs. John Cena - HBK's music plays but he doesn't come out, we are shown backstage HBK layed out unconscious. back from the break, Coachman joins the scene of HBK's attack, Cena is also there, Coach blames Cena, Cena grabs Coach and shoves him up to a wall and then walks off, Vince then finds HBK, he says he wants HBK in the ring no matter what shape he's in. Ric Flair & Carlito w/ Torrie Wilson vs. World's Greatest Tag Team. Carlito & Shelton have some nice chain wrestling, WGTT keep on top of Carlito, Carlito finally gains control, tags Flair, Flair takes it to Benjamin, Flair woooo's to the crowd and turns around into a left hand from Carlito. Carlito attacks Flair but Flair manages to rake Carlito's eyes, Carlito leaves up the ramp but Flair chases after him and attacks him delivering some punches of his own. Carlito keeps turning his back to Flair and Flair keeps going after Carlito and taking him down, Carlito finally escapes, Flair looks furious. Backstage, Coachman and a trainer find Edge also layed out unconscious, ref Mike Chioda comes in, Coach tells Chioda to find Orton. Mr. Kennedy makes his way to the ring, he says that he is not to blame for the attacks, he doesnt need to attack anybody because he has the money in the bank breifcase, he says he could of easily walked out of Backlash with a championship but decided not to. He asked if anyone would like to see him cash in tonight for the WWE Title? the fans cheer but he says its not going to happen, he says he will be upfront and tell everyone where and when he will cash in. He then goes on to announce he will cash in his money in the bank breifcase at WrestleMania 24!! Backstage Coachman and Kenny find Randy Orton ALSO layed out unconscious, Coach says he is going to tell McMahon. Also backstage, Coach finds Vince and tells him what has happened, Vince says he has figured out who has done it, he tells Coach to make Cena go to the ring and we will find out who it is. Victoria & Women's Champion Melina vs. Candice Michelle & Mickie James. Mickie & Candice have early control but Melina & Victoria soon gain control, Candice catches Victoria with a roll up for the win. WWE Champion John Cena makes his way to the ring, Cena says obviously someone wants his attention, he says the energy of 3 beatdowns could of been saved because he is right here. After a while, The Great Khali's music hits, he makes his way to the ring and destroys Cena, Cena tries to hit an FU but Khali got out of it, Khali hit Cena with his choke bomb and stands over him holding up the WWE Title. J.R. asks if this is a sign of things to come as RAW goes off the air
