411's WWE Raw Report 01.04.10

Posted by Rob McNew on 01.04.2010

Bret Hart returns to Raw after a twelve year absence, and buries the hatchet with Shawn Michaels. Unfortunately Vince McMahon wanted no such reconciliation. Elsewhere, DX retained the Tag Team Titles against Jerishow, MVP earned a shot at the US Title, and Randy Orton ended the war with Kofi Kingston



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-The Monday Night Wars are back as we prepare for one of the most exciting nights in recent history. For the first time since November 3, 1997 Bret "Hitman" Hart will appear live on Raw as the special guest host. If you want to follow along with Total Nonstop Hogan down the dial Lansdell has you covered. Otherwise sit back, relax, and join me for quite possibly the most anticipated Raw ever.

-Live from the Nutter Center in Dayton, OH

-Hosted by Michael Cole & Jerry "The King" Lawler

-We open up with the same Bret Hart hype package that Vince played last week, along with a recap of the Michaels/McMahon promo.

-We kick things off with Bret right away along with slightly remixed music. Bret looks older of course, but actually looks much better than he has in recent years. Bret says he guesses hell froze over, and a lot of people are wondering why he's here tonight. He says it's been twelve years since he's been back in the WWE. He says for the last few years he's tried to come back, but Vince always declined. He says he's grateful to have this opportunity to be back now talking to the WWE Universe. He says this is a chance for him to say to his fans thank you for never letting him be forgotten. He says he owes everything he has to the WWE Universe. He says he's flooded with memories, and mentions winning the first King of the Ring in this very building. He even calls out Lawler for jumping him afterward. He says he's going to get to the point because he's got twelve years of things to get off his chest, and asks Shawn Michaels to come out and talk to him face to face. Wow, this is truly an epic moment. Shawn stares down Bret in one of the most surreal visuals I can ever remember. Bret says he wants to take this opportunity to bury the hatchet and call for a truce. Shawn says before Bret comes out and gets his closure he's been waiting twelve years to say something to him. Shawn says the fact is Bret deserved what happened twelve years ago in Montreal. Shawn says Bret disrespected him and the business, and he says he did have a hand in what Vince did that night. Crowd totally turns on Shawn with "You screwed Bret" chants, and Bret says he rests his case. Shawn says there's a big part of him that doesn't regret a bit of it, but Shawn says there's another part of him. A part of him that knows in the last twelve years a lot of things have changed. Shawn says he always respected Bret, but never felt he got that in return. He says there were times that he couldn't stand the sight of him, and he knows the feeling is more than mutual. Shawn then says when he thinks of Bret Hart he doesn't think of Montreal. He thinks of Anaheim, and a 60 minute Ironman Match. A match they said no one would want to see, and no one could do it. He says Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart did do it though, and they did everything the business stood for. He says when he thinks of Bret Hart he thinks of the excellence of execution. He tells him Bret's not the only one who's been carrying this around for twelve years, and he's not the only one who wants to bury the hatchet. He just wants to know if Bret is really ready. Bret says Shawn wasn't always the easiest guy to get along with, but he doesn't think their careers should be defined by what happened in Montreal. Bret says he doesn't he doesn't see any reason why they can't be friends, and offers his hand in friendship. Shawn accepts the handshake, and goes to leave but stops and turns around and in one of the single most shocking things I've ever seen they embrace. I just saw Bret Hart HUG Shawn Michaels. I need to check my meds. Bret says there is one more thing he wants to address, and he calls out Vince. Vince doesn't come out though, and Bret is left in the ring as we run down tonight's card.

-Josh Mathews is outside Vince's office, but Vince comes up to him. He says he just left a meeting, and didn't know what Bret said. He doesn't know what was said, but if Bret wants to have a public discussion we can do so on his terms. He'll call Bret out later on tonight.

-Cole announces that Melina has been stripped of the Diva's Title, and an 8 woman tournament starts right now.

WWE Diva's Championship Tournament-Quarterfinals: Maryse vs. Brie Bella (w. Nikki Bella)
Maryse backs Brie into the ropes, but then after a slap bails to the ropes. Maryse goes to the apron, and botches her hair flip before Brie brings her back in. Brie throws Maryse by her hair a few times, and hits a jumping snap mare. Brie connects with a dropkick, and Maryse bails to the floor. Nikki takes advantage of the distraction throwing Maryse into the table, and then Brie brings her back inside for a two count. Brie ducks a clothesline, and gets thrown to the mat by Maryse who drives her into the mat. Nikki does the switch, but Maryse is on to them, and she boots Nikki in the ribs. Maryse then hits her with the DDT now called "the French Kiss" to pick up the win at 2:17. Standard fare shitty diva match.
Winner: Maryse (Pinfall-French Kiss DUD)

-Miz is out with new music to meet Maryse on stage. He says he's very impressed, and if she wins this tournament he might call her back. He says something in French, and says he needs to go scout his next opponent. He tells her she's been telling people that 2010 is the year of Maryse, but let him be clear that this year, decade, and the rest of time belongs to him. Miz then joins us on commentary for the next bout.

US Championship Number One Contender Fatal Four Way Match: Montel Vontavious Porter vs. Jack Swagger vs. Carlito vs. Mark Henry
This one is joined in progress with Henry on the floor, and Carlito and Swagger working over MVP. Carlito quickly turns on Swagger with a right hand, but runs into a powerslam from Swagger. Swagger's cover is broken up by MVP, but he then eats a belly to belly for two that is broken up by Carlito. Swagger whips Carlito into the corner, and throws MVP in as well. MVP moves from the avalanche, so he takes out Carlito instead. Henry is back inside and he throws MVP over the top, and meets Swagger with a clothesline. Henry delivers a headbutt to Carlito, and then picks him up in bodyslam position. He uses Carlito's feet to take out Swagger, and puts Carlito into a bearhug. Swagger breaks that up, but he gets caught in a reverse torture rack by Henry. MVP makes the save on that move which sends Swagger to the apron. He kicks Henry to the floor, and then sidesteps a charging Carlito sending him out. MVP then connects with a playmaker for Swagger which picks up the win at 3:40. Pretty quick and nothing special, but nice to see MVP back on the winning end of things.
Winner: Montel Vontavious Porter (Pins Swagger-Playmaker **)

-Jericho talks to Big Show in the back, and Show tells him this is their last chance. Jericho says he has a plan, and Show says it better be a good one. Jericho says he's going to go talk to Bret Hart, and he's got a deal for him that's too good to pass up.

-Chris Jericho stops by Bret's office, and starts going through all the memories. Jericho says he saw the reconciliation, but he knows he knows the real Bret Hart. Jericho says he has a little idea, and asks Bret to be the special guest referee. He tells him when Jericho locks HBK or HHH in the Walls of Jericho he should ring the bell. Bret says he's not going to do that, because he doesn't want to be like Jericho and be a hypocrite. He says he wont help him, and doesn't know anyone who will. Finally he tells Jericho he remembers him being the biggest whiner in the dungeon

-Hornswoggle is checking out some new WWE toys, and HHH comes by to pimp them. HHH says the only way Swoggle can play with the toys is if they beat Jericho and Show tonight. Shawn shows up and wants to know why HHH talks to him like a little child, and screams "HE'S GOT A BEARD!" HHH tells him when he was in the back making up with Bret he was back here preparing for the tag team match. Shawn wants to know what all of this has to do with the tag team title match. HHH brings in Santino dressed as Chris Jericho who calls the fans "hype-o-crytes" and says he is the best in the world at whatever it is he does. HHH then tells Hornswoggle to sic him, and he then attacks Santino. Shawn looks pretty disgusted at the whole thing, but HHH says tonight is all about them taking care of Jeri-Show. The DX tension is really starting to mount.

Unified Tag Team Championship: D-Generation X (w. Hornswoggle) © vs. Chris Jericho & The Big Show
Show starts out with Shawn, and HBK starts out delivering a few chops before being dropped with a headbutt. Shawn hits the ropes and HHH tags in. They go for a double suplex, but Show blocks it and suplexes both them as we head to break. We return with Jeri-Show still in control. Jericho has HHH down near the heel corner, and he tags in Show. HHH stops Show with a boot, and delivers a facebuster. HHH hits the ropes running into a sidewalk slam from Show as the heels regain control. Show hits a legdrop for two, and buries a right hand to the ribs. Show delivers a headbutt before tagging in Jericho who comes in to stand on the back of HHH's head choking him out on the second rope. Jericho does a little Hogan ear cup thing in a not so subtle nod to the competition before locking in the half nelson chinlock. Jericho hits the ropes running into a spinebuster from HHH and now both men are down. HHH crawls for the tag, but Jericho is able to tag in Show who stops HHH from making the hot tag. Show goes to the second rope for a Vader Bomb that misses as HHH rolls out of the way. HBK makes the hot tag and comes in with a series of chops to Show. Shawn hits the flying forearm which staggers Show, and he nips up delivering as second one. Show is still only staggered so Shawn nips up a second time hitting a low dropkick to put the big man down. Shawn knocks Jericho off the apron, and heads to the top rope. Jericho comes around to knock him off crotching him on the top rope. Hornswoggle runs in during the confusion and hits a seated splash, and Shawn makes the cover getting two. Shawn goes for sweet chin music, but Show catches the foot and delivers a chokeslam. Shawn kicks out at two, and Show makes the tag to Jericho. Lionsault catches the knees, but Jericho catches that and goes for the Walls. Shawn kicks out of that and tags in HHH who delivers the pedigree. Show breaks up the count at two, and goes for chokeslam on Show. HHH makes the save, and he delivers a pedigree for Show sending him to the floor. Jericho shoves HHH into HBK sending him to the floor, and rolls him up for two. As they struggle to their feet Jericho then delivers a codebreaker, but he's slow to cover and that allows Shawn to make the save. Swoggle comes back in and tunes up the band, but his attempt at Sweet Shin Music meets a boot to the face from Jericho. HHH goes for the pedigree, but Jericho counters into a Walls of Jericho attempt. Shawn hits Sweet Chin Music on Jericho as he goes for that move, and HHH covers for the victory to retain the belts at 12:03. Great match with a ridiculously hot finish. After the match HHH tells Jericho he's finished on Raw, and Shawn tells him if he's not down with that they've got two words for them. Jericho is treated to the obligatory na, na, na, hey, hey , goodbye song as he leaves Raw "forever." Or until the next draft, whichever comes first.
Winners: STILL Unified Tag Team Champions-D-Generation X (HHH pins Jericho-Sweet Chin Music ***1/2)

-Randy Orton knocks on Vince's door, and he says this isn't a social visit, but business. He says tonight is about putting the past behind them. Vince says that what Bret did to him is nothing compared to what Randy did to Vince and his family. Orton says Bret is the only legend he hasn't put down, and says he'll kick Bret in the skull if Vince gives him the word. Vince asks what's in it for Randy, and he says he'll have his back and when he takes out Bret Vince can put in the Rumble at entrant number 30. Vince says he has his own security, and tells Randy to never confront him again. Randy leaves in disgust but runs into Cody and Ted who say they want to thank him for what he did last week, and as a token of their appreciation they're going to do the same for him. They will watch his match at Kofi from ringside tonight, and if he loses they will kick him out of Legacy.

-Mike Tyson is your guest host next week.

-Sheamus is out for a few words of wisdom. It just struck me that a midget is about ten times more over than the reigning WWE Champion. He says Cena can make all the excuses he wants, but he did what he said he was going to do. He ended 2009 standing over a fallen John Cena as WWE Champion. He says his next defense is at Royal Rumble, and he won't face Cena. He wants a new challenge, and says that while Bret might be the best there ever was, but Sheamus is the best there is and ever will be. He calls anyone out, and that brings out Evan Bourne of all people. Bourne says the only reason Bourne is Sheamus is Champion is because someone gave him an opportunity. He tells if he got the same opportunity he would beat him. Sheamus thinks its cute that little Evan Bourne wants a shot, so he'll give him one. If Bourne can beat him right now, he'll get a shot at the rumble. Sheamus calls a ref into the ring, and the match is on right now.

Sheamus vs. Evan Bourne
Bourne attacks with a series of kicks, and then delivers Air Bourne out of nowhere. Sheamus is out at two, and Bourne heads back to the top rope. Sheamus catches the cross body, and hits a fallaway slam. Sheamus drops a series of knees on the forehead, and connects with the jumping big boot. Razor's Edge finishes for Sheamus at 1:44. Bourne got his token offense in, but after that pretty much a squash.
Winner: Sheamus (Pinfall-Razors Edge *1/2)

-Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler acknowledge the passing of "Dr. Death" Steve Williams. Nice that they do this, but it's only going to make people point out the fact that they didn't mention Umaga and Test.

-We get an in depth recap of the Montreal Screwjob

Kofi Kingston vs. Randy Orton
Dibiase and Rhodes are out at ringside to watch this one, as they have promised to kick Orton out of Legacy if he loses. Kofi attacks early with a forearm to the face, and delivers a jumping clothesline off the second rope. Orton comes back with a side headlock, and hits a shoulderblock. Kingston comes back with a high elbow, and delivers a stinger splash in the corner. Kofi clotheslines over the top to the floor, and delivers a baseball slide to Orton as the battle heads to the floor. Kofi throws Orton back inside, but on the way back in Orton goes for the elevated DDT. Kofi counters into a backdrop sending Orton to the floor as we head to break. We return with Orton in control of the match having Kofi locked in a chinlock. Orton fires Kofi back to the mat, and stomps him in the midsection. Kofi tries to fight back, but gets quickly fired into the second buckle by Orton. Randy delivers a shot to the kidneys and hammers Kofi down in the corner. Orton slingshots Kofi into the second rope for a two count, and grabs a reverse chinlock. Kofi ducks a clothesline and they hit the ropes both delivering crossbodies putting both down. Kofi hits a pair of chops, and a dropkick before delivering a series of right hands. Kofi hits a Side Russian Legsweep, and hits a boom drop. Kofi calls for Trouble in Paradise, but Orton bails to the floor so he delivers a suicide dive and throws Orton back inside. Kofi hits a crossbody off the top for two, but Orton goes for the RKO which is blocked into an SOS for two. Kofi picks up Orton, and goes for Trouble in Paradise which Orton blocks and then delivers the RKO for the win at 11:00. Pretty good match, but Kofi's momentum is pretty much dead now. After the match Dibiase and Orton shoot a look at each other of disappointment.
Winner: Randy Orton (Pinfall-RKO ***)

-Vince is out, and the first thing he wants to do is wish us a happy new year. He says there's no reason for him to call Bret out here, because Bret and Shawn buried the hatchet and Montreal is now dead. He thanks Bret for being the guest host, and says next week we'll have Mike Tyson. Bret walks out, and Vince says he thinks he knows Bret is thinking. He says he knows what the fans wants to see, and that's that they want to see him apply the sharpshooter. He does say he wants to hear what Bret has to say, but he doesn't want to provoke him. He says he wants to get a few things off his chest. He says he does believe Bret screwed Bret, and he'll never forget Bret spitting in his face. He'll never forget Bret sucker punching him after the event. He'll never forget Bret disrespecting him the night he was inducted into the Hall of Fame. He says Bret has slandered him in every publication for twelve years, but he does want to hear what Bret has to say. He tell Bret he wants him to say he's sorry. Bret says he can think of a lot of things to say to him, but the two words that he's thinking of are a lot different than the two words he's thinking of. He says he came here to bury the hatchet, and he's half way there. He says wants to get things right, and find closure. Bret says Vince wants this as bad as he does. Vince says what he thought he wanted was to come out here and kick him in the guts, but in the interest of being honest he thinks Bret is right. He wants this just as bad as Bret does. Vince remembers back to Wrestlemania 2 when Bret was in the battle royal with Andre, and how he knew Andre's career was winding down and he knew Bret was the future. He saw Bret went from tag team specialist to WWE Champion, and no one handed it to him. Vince says Bret became the excellence of execution, and one of the reasons Montreal was so personal was because as Bret said Vince was like a father figure. Vince says speaking of fathers he wants to nominate Stu Hart to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. Bret says he appreciates that, and he knows that means a lot to all of his dad's fans and the fans in Canada. Vince says he wants to personally thank Bret for all of his contributions to WWE, and all of the thrilling moments he gave to the WWE Universe. He wants to thank Bret for just being himself tonight, and lastly he wants to thank him for being the best there is, was, and ever will be. They shake hands and Vince raises Bret's hand as Bret's music plays, but SWERVE Vince kicks Bret below the belt. Vince stands disgusted over a fallen Bret, before leaving the ring to chorus of boos. Bret gets up and stares down Vince as we head out for the evening.

-Interesting show tonight. We got an idea of the direction this will go as its apparent that Shawn and Bret will have no real feud as this is all going to center around Vince and Bret. There's no way this show could have lived up to the hype, and quite frankly it didn't. In reality though this was all just an introduction to the storyline. We shall see where it goes.