RAW 7/12 Recap
A video package plays to start off the show which is nothing new, as the video package shows the events which took place on RAW last week, starting off by showing the announcement of the Fatal Four Way for Armageddon by VKM, before showing the Miz managing to defeat Evan Bourne to retain his United States Championship. What followed was the first WWE Championship Qualifier which was between Shawn Michaels and the Big Show, with the latter winning following Cody Rhodes interference and a Chokeslam. The Colons victory over Guerrero and Sheamus was displayed, before the remaining two qualifying matches were shown, with Randy Orton’s victory over Triple H and the Undertaker’s victory over Batista, with distractions from Priceless and Rey Mysterio respectively.
We then cut live to the arena in, and after the usual greeting form Michael Cole and the King, they mention that we are heading straight into the action here tonight, with the Miz going to be in non title action against Gail Kim’s partner for Armageddon. After the Miz makes his way down to the ring accompanied by Maryse, Gail Kim comes out from the back, cutting right to the chase, introducing her partner from Armageddon, R Truth!
Match 1
Non Title Match
R Truth w/ Diva’s Champion Gail Kim vs. the United States Champion, the Miz w/
Maryse
The Truth had the early advantage in the early going as he, unlike the Miz, knew who his opponent would be tonight, as R Truth flew all around the ring, wearing the United States Champion down. As it looked like the Miz would get back into the match at the three minute mark by reversing a whip by the Truth, the latter exploded with a Spinning Forearm, knocking the US Champion straight back down to the mat. With Truth continuing to dominate the early proceedings, the Miz did the usual- that being resorting to dirty tactics- as he nailed Truth with a thumb to the eye when Truth was lifting him up to his feet, as the Miz then got Truth in a small package, only to get a two count. Once both men sprung to their feet from here, Truth was caught with a knee to the gut by the Miz, which was followed up with a Swinging Neckbreaker by the champ.
From this moment onwards, the Miz slowed down the match as he preferred to keep a hold of the match by grounding the high flying R Truth. Maryse seemed pleased with the US Champion’s work, however following a rather dominant period, the Miz had Truth in a side headlock, as the Truth managed to get to his feet and began elbowing away at the sternum of the Miz, and when the Miz looked to bounce off the ropes with Truth still in the headlock, Truth pushed him off. As the Miz returned, Truth did the splits to duck the Miz’s attempted strike, before the former sprung to his feet and hit the Miz with a beautiful Standing Dropkick. With the match looking as though it would go back in the favour of Truth, Maryse hopped up to the apron, distracting Truth, only for the Diva’s Champion to come up behind her and pull her off, causing her to smash her face on the ring apron. However, it seemed to work for the Miz, who got to his feet and got the distracted Truth in position for a Skull Crushing Finale, only for the Truth to spin out of it and hit Miz with an Atomic Drop, before he bounced off and hit the Corkscrew Scissors Kick to get the win!
Winner: R Truth
Following a brief celebration by Gail and R Truth, we head to the back where we are in the office of none other than the RAW General Manager, Vincent Kennedy McMahon. VKM talks about last week, saying how the main event for Armageddon for the WWE Championship was confirmed, the Fatal Four Way between the Undertaker, the Big Show, Randy Orton and, of course, the WWE Champion, John Cena. Vince says that not only is there a huge main event planned for Armageddon on the RAW side of things: tonight there is also a huge main event, as the Big Show and Randy Orton will team up to face the Undertaker and John Cena! The crowd, Cole and King go rather spastic at this announcement, before Vince smiles as we go to a commercial break.
~COMMERCIAL BREAK~
Once we return from the break, we see a still motion picture of Umaga, who passed away this past Friday. The words ‘Umaga: March 28. 1973- December 4. 2009’ then come across the screen before we go back to the arena, getting ready to go back to business.
We then see the Colons standing by with none other than Todd Grisham once we return to the arena, who says that tonight, we will bear witness to the first match of the Undisputed Tag Team Championship tournament, which will see the Colons going up against none other than Priceless. The Colons say that their differences have been put behind them and their family is as strong as ever, and that following the events of two weeks ago, they have an added incentive to win the match tonight, and go onto fight for the Unified Tag Team Championships. The Colons leave it short and sweet although Carlito adds in the mandatory ‘And that; that’s cool!’, before we go to the arena and Priceless begin to make their way down to the ring.
Match 2
Unified Tag Team Championship Tournament
The Colons vs. Priceless
Unlike the first match, the heel team had the advantage in the early going with Dibiase and Primo starting off the match, as a stronger Dibiase wore down Primo, as the former and his tag partner Cody Rhodes used quick tags to wear the shorter and more inexperienced Primo down. After moves such as a Double Suplex and an Axe Handle on the twisted arm on Primo, the younger of the two brothers ducked an attempted Double Clothesline, before he hit the two with a Springboard Crossbody. Primo then tagged out to Carlito with Rhodes now as the legal man for Priceless, but with Dibiase getting up, Carlito whipped Ted off the ropes, before back dropping him over the top rope. Rhodes then charged at Lito, only to be nailed with a kick to the gut, as he followed it up with a Snap Suplex straight into the middle of the ring.
The Colons then had a short lived advantage as Rhodes won back the advantage for his team following an eye gouge to Carlito, after Primo and Lito had changed between being the legal man for their team. Rhodes then tagged back out to Dibiase before the two continued to use quick tags and double team manoeuvres to wear down the Colons, taking out the anger from the embarrassment two weeks ago after Carlito turned down Legacy’s offer. However, with Dibiase now in charge, he looked to hit Lito with a Dream Street, before a huge pop was heard around the arena, as Triple H and Shawn Michaels made their way to ringside. Dibiase threw Lito back down to the floor as he went to bad mouth DX, who simply smirked. Dibiase, confused, continued to badmouth Legacy’s rivals, only for Lito to spring to his feet and nail Ted with a Backstabber! Dibiase was then dragged back to the centre of the ring as Rhodes looked to enter the ring, but when he did, he was nailed with a Springboard Dropkick by Primo, enabling Carlito to cover Dibiase and get the win!
Winners and advancing to the Semi Finals of the Undisputed Tag Team Titles Tournament: The Colons
DX then smirk on the outside, happy that they have gotten back at the men who cost them each a shot at the WWE Championship last week. Trips and Shawn then give Priceless a crotch chop each before they head to the back, letting the Colons bask in their glory. Carlito and Primo embrace in the ring before they raise each other’s arms, as both Rhodes and Dibiase begin to come around and contemplate what just happened, when it seemed as though they had the match in the bag. A furious Priceless storm to the back shouting out for DX, and on that note, we head to a commercial break.
~COMMERCIAL BREAK~
We return from the break and we are once again in the backstage area, Priceless no longer having disgusted and angry looks on their faces, but rather looking as though they had a plan. The two then came to a door before they knocked, as the person inside told them to come in. As they opened the door, Batista was seen, and was greeted to big jeers from the crowd. Batista asked what Priceless were there for, as they said that Batista was screwed last week by Mysterio, and now Rey’s buddies had screwed Priceless. Batista seemed confused as to what they were getting at, as Rhodes said that to get at Mysterio, the Animal should help Priceless during Shawn’s match tonight to send a message. Batista contemplates this for a moment before a smirk comes across his face, something which is mirrored by Priceless.
We stay in the backstage area as we see Todd Grisham for the second time in the night, as he is standing by none other than the World’s Largest Athlete and one of the men in the Fatal Four Way match at Armageddon, the Big Show. Understandably, Show is met with big jeers from the crowd, as Grisham asks Show about both the main event tonight and about Armageddon. Show says that two weeks ago, he beat John Cena, and he’s beaten the Undertaker on multiple occasions in the past. Show says he is feared by all the men in the back and the only reason Orton is where he it’s because of the Legacy that he is where he is today, and come Armageddon, Legacy won’t be there to help Orton. Show then says it’s what Orton would say is his ‘destiny’ that Show wins the WWE Championship come Armageddon, and then Show will finally get the recognition he deserves here on RAW after being screwed by Jericho at Survivor Series. Show then leaves the set as Grisham is left standing there, before we head to the arena, although it isn’t for long.
We cut to Michael Cole and the King who talk about the making of the new tandem last week, them being the ever exciting Evan Bourne and Gregory Helms. Cole labels them as ‘Bourne High Flyers’, and we will see them in action after the break!
~COMMERCIAL BREAK~
We see two local talents in the ring who go by the name of Bo and Duke Rotundo {the two of them being from FCW}. Helms and Bourne then make their entrance as Cole calls them Bourne High Flyers once again, before we get ready to go to the third match of the night.
Match 3
Gregory Helms and Evan Bourne vs. Bo Rotundo and Mike Rotundo
This match was essentially a match to showcase Bourne and Helms as a tag team, each man getting their fair share to shine along with hitting double team manoeuvres such as a Standing Moonsault and Leg Drop combination, a Reverse STO and Jumping Enziguiri combo, a modification of the Doomsday Device with Bourne hitting the elevated Bo Rotundo with a Diving Double Knee Drop, and a Superkick from Helms sending Bo stumbling back into a Bourne, who jumped on his shoulders and hitting a Reverse Hurricanrana. After the latter, Mike broke up the count at two as he punched Helms back into the ropes, only for the ropes to be bridged by Helms when Mike charged, causing him to tumble over. Bourne then entered the ring and once Mike got to his feet, Helms elevated a running Bourne over the top rope as he nailed Mike with a huge Over the Top Rope Hurricanrana! A huge pop was given for Bourne who got up relatively quickly as he got back up to the apron, as Helms then lifted Bo up, and nailed him with the Nightmare on Helms Street. However, Helms didn’t go for the pin as he tagged out to Bourne, who hit Rotundo with an Air Bourne for the win!
Winners of this Tag Team Match: Evan Bourne and Gregory Helms
Much like the aftermath of the Colons match, Bourne and Helms embrace following the match after a somewhat easy victory over the two unknowns. Bourne and Helms pose on opposite ropes as they show their gratitude towards the fans, who applaud the exciting duo right back. Bourne and Helms discontinue their posing as they raise each other’s arms in the middle of the ring, as we once again go to the back.
This time, we see Josh Matthews getting ready for an interview instead of Todd Grisham, as the former ECW announcer greets his guest for the night, Rey Mysterio! Rey is greeted to a big cheer as Matthews asks how it is to be back on RAW, and also asks about last week when Rey screwed Batista. Mysterio says that he regarded Batista as not only his best friend, but his family, and after Bragging Rights, he was willing to let bygones be bygones; yet, Dave decided to spear Mysterio off the stage. Rey then said that if Dave decides to put glory over family, so be it, as now, Mysterio doesn’t care about Batista, as Rey’s only going to deal with his true family. Mysterio then walks off following this statement, as we head to another commercial break.
~COMMERCIAL BREAK~
Once we return from the break, we go straight back to the action, as none other than Chavo Guerrero is in the ring, looking to end his mass losing streak. Shawn Michaels then makes his entrance accompanied by Triple H, making his second appearance of the night.
Match 4
Shawn Michaels w/ Triple H vs. Chavo Guerrero
Shawn dominates Chavo from the get go as he uses a wide array of suplexes to wear the nephew of Eddie Guerrero down, nailing a Vertical Suplex, a Back Suplex and a Saito Suplex on Chavo. A resilient Guerrero looked to fight back against Shawn but was merely hit with some chops to the chest, quickly followed by the typical forearm and kip up. Chavo then got back up to his feet and was nailed with an Atomic Drop followed by a Body Suplex, and at only the three minute mark, Shawn headed to the top rope, going to hit the Flying Elbow. However, none other than Cody Rhodes ran down the ramp only for his attempt to be thwarted by Triple H, the two engaging in a brawl. With Rhodes occupied, Shawn nailed the Flying Elbow before he soon began to tune up the band, but what he didn’t see was that Ted Dibiase and Batista had made their way through the crowd. As Dibiase helped out in a 2 on 1 beat down of HHH with Rhodes, Batista entered the ring, and when Shawn went forward for the Sweet Chin Music, he was nearly snapped in two with a huge Spear from Tista!
Winner of this match by DQ: Shawn Michaels
Batista stands tall over Michaels with a smirk on his face as Dibiase throws Triple H into the ring, as a three on two beat down of DX commences. However, before it could properly continue, a cheer arose from the arena, as none other than Rey Mysterio ran out from the back with a steel chair in hand, swinging like a mad man as Priceless and Batista retreated. Rey then helped both members of DX up to their feet to a good pop from the crowd, and with Batista and Priceless smirking at their work, Mysterio got a microphone. Rey then laid a challenge for Armageddon; a Six Man Tag Team Match with Priceless and Batista going up against Mysterio and D Generation X. After contemplation, Batista nodded on behalf of the three men, setting up the third RAW match for Armageddon.
~COMMERCIAL BREAK~
Once we return from the break, we see a replay of the challenge made by Mysterio for Armageddon which is followed by Batista accepting, as Cole and King run through the Armageddon card, expectedly hyping the RAW matches more than the other brand’s matches. Cole and King then begin to hype the Fatal Four Way Match for the WWE Championship, as King says Josh Matthews is standing by once again in the backstage area.
Josh then once again welcomes us to the show, as he says he is standing by with another of the Number One Contender’s, Randy Orton! Matthews talks about what Show had to say earlier on tonight and what he thinks of not only the Tag Team Main Event tonight, but also the huge Fatal Four Way at Armageddon. Orton gives Matthews the usual attitude before he says that although Show thinks that he is scared of him, Show couldn’t be more wrong, as Orton fears no one, not Show, not Cena, and not even the Undertaker. Orton says that not unlike Show, he’s beaten all three of his opponents at Armageddon, and that at Armageddon, Orton will regain what is rightfully his from Cena, and as for tonight, Orton and Show will be on the same page, but they won’t be at Armageddon.
The Big Show then makes his entrance which is followed by Orton, before the Undertaker and Cena respectively make their ways down toward the ring, with the main event tag team match ready to begin.
Match 5
Main Event
Tag Team Match
Armageddon Main Event Collides
WWE Champion John Cena and the Undertaker vs. the Big Show and Randy Orton
The two men who have arguably had the most history with each other represent their respective teams, them being John Cena and Randy Orton. Following an early advantage for the face team after a triumph in a test of strength from Cena over Orton which was followed by a Sit Out Hip Toss which was then followed by some quick tags by Cena and Taker, everything turned sour for the Champ and the Deadman, as when Cena went for a shoulder in the corner, Orton moved, causing Cena to smash his shoulder into the ring post. Being one not to pass on an opportunity, Orton found this as his time to strike, as with Cena’s torso dangling over the second rope, Orton turned Cena around as the Champ’s feet rested on the ropes, before Orton hit the sick Elevated Rope Hung DDT. A tag out to the Big Show was then made as he lifted a limp Cena up before he dragged him to the corner and hit a few open hand slaps straight to the chest, before he hurled him out of the corner and back into the centre of the ring. Orton was perfectly happy to watch the match pan out as it was going with the Big Show dominating Cena, yet Orton also did get his fair share of offence in on Cena, whether it be when he was the legal man or not the legal man.
After domination from the heels, Show tagged out to Orton followed a Release Military Press Slam, as Orton waited for Cena to get to his feet, looking for the RKO. However, being the fighter that he is, managed to throw Orton off, causing Randy’s back to smack into the canvas from height. As Orton made the tag to Show, Cena desperately crawled to his corner, and made the tag to Taker, who came in exploding. He nailed the 7 foot giant with some right hands which caused Show to stumble as Taker then bounced off the ropes and hit the Leaping High Angled Lariat, before he bounced over the ropes and hit a Standing Leg Drop, yet Orton broke up the count at two. Orton then tried his best to wear Taker down but he was caught with a boot to the gut, as Orton continued to lay into Taker, backing him into the ropes. However, before more damage could be done, Cena came charging in with a Lou Thesz Press to Orton, knocking him down, but with Cena occupied with Orton, Show quickly charged at Taker and clotheslined him over the ropes. Show then went back over to Cena as Orton rolled out of the ring as Show then grabbed Cena by the throat, yet much like Orton with Taker, Cena booted Show in the gut, before in the second time in three weeks, he got Show up for the Attitude Adjustment. Unfortunately for Cena, Orton had gotten back to his feet and made the blind tag to Show, with the latter being nailed with the Attitude Adjustment! As Cena made the cover, Orton came in with the punt straight to the head, before he rolled Cena over and hooked both the legs, getting the three count over Cena, who wasn’t the legal man!
Winners of this Tag Team Match: Randy Orton and the Big Show
After the match, Orton smirks down at Cena, knowing he just got a huge win over the WWE Champion who wasn’t even the legal man! However, Orton’s world soon turns upside down, as what he doesn’t see is that the Big Show has since made his up following taking himself and Taker out of the ring, and is waiting for Orton to turn around. Orton coincidentally soon turns around into Show, who wraps his giant right hand around his throat, before Orton is laid out with a Chokeslam! Show then exits the ring as he goes over to the timekeeper’s table and rips away the WWE Championship, before he gets back into the ring and poses with Cena’s title {for now?}, as we then fade away from the arena on the second last RAW before Armageddon.
The show then closes with another graphic of Umaga, having the same words as the previous image with the date of birth and unfortunate death along with R.I.P. We then fade to black.
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