WWE Raw on the USA Network
Live from "Who Dat Country" in Lafayette, La.

[Q1] The show opened with a recap of the Bret Hart and Vince McMahon angle from last week. They included the footage of Batista attacking Hart, but did not show the post-match angle with John Cena... The opening montage aired...

Pyro exploded on the stage and then Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler introduced the show and hyped the Triple Threat tag team elimination match for the Unified Tag Titles... Cole hyped that footage of the Cena and Batista angle would air later in the show...

Outside the building, a NASCAR was shown whipping shitties in a secured area. The car eventually arrived in the building and parked on the stage. Hornswoggle climbed out of the car and the crowd cheered. In the ring, Kelly Kelly introduced guest host Carl Edwards, who was escorted to the ring by the celebrity whore Bella Twins.

Edwards climbed up to the top rope and did a backflip, just as he does off the door of his car after he wins races. He took the mic and said he's always wanted to do that move off the top rope. He said there was no better place to do it than in New Orleans, home of the Super Bowl Champions.

Carl hyped the Daytona 500 as the Super Bowl and WrestleMania of NASCAR. He mentioned that two other NASCAR drivers hosted the show. He said the difference is that he has a friend in WWE in John Cena. He was interrupted moments later by Sheamus.

Sheamus said he has to win the Elimination Chamber to go to WrestleMania as the champion. He suggested that Edwards make him the final man in the Elimination Chamber match. Edwards resisted. Sheamus said that if Edwards didn't comply, he wouldn't make it to the Daytona 500.

Christian's music played and he came to the ring wearing the ECW Title belt. Christian told Edwards that NASCAR is blowing up. He told a lame joke about being happy they were denied a WNBA franchise. You could hear crickets after he cracked that one. Sheamus interrupted and asked what Christian is doing here.

Christian recalled Vince McMahon stating that ECW is going off the air. Sheamus said that makes Christian a lame duck champion. "Actually, snaggletooth, you're the one who's lame," Christian said. He mocked Sheamus for spending money on hair gel and man-scaping, but he questioned if he ran out of money before he gets to the tanning salon.

Sheamus said the only thing that's funny is that Christian will be unemployed in two weeks. Christian said that's not accurate. He said every ECW wrestler will become a free agent and will be free to sign with whatever show they want to. He said he gets the feeling that his peeps on Raw miss him. He received some cheers. Christian said he came to challenge Sheamus. He joked that they were both there, champions, and born without last names. Edwards called for a referee to start the match...

[Q2] 1. Sheamus pinned Christian in a champion vs. champion match in 11:00. Edwards was escorted backstage by the celebrity whores. Sheamus caught Christian early and hit a fallaway slam. He stood up and clotheslined Christian over the top rope as the show went to break. [C]

Powell's POV: The crowd isn't red hot for Christian. He got a nice reaction (after that WNBA joke bombed), but this isn't as hot as I would have envisioned it being. Maybe the second half of the match will hook the crowd.

Christian got plenty of offense after the break. He went or a move off the second rope, but Sheamus caught him. Christian elbowed his way free. Later, Sheamus went for a clothesline in the corner, but Christain hit the fulcrum kick. He followed up with a DDT for a good near fall.

Sheamus came back with a flurry by throwing Christian through the ropes and driving his bad shoulder into the ring post. He followed up with a big boot, followed by his running crucifix slam that still doesn't have a name and then scored the pin...

Powell's POV: Nice match. Their timing looked off once or twice, but it nothing major. The crowd got behind Christian, but they didn't react to him like a main eventer. Of course, why would they when he's been stuck on ECW for so long. A nice win for Sheamus, and it's cool to hear that the plan for the ECW wrestlers is for them to become free agents.

Inside the DX locker room, Shawn Michaels told Triple H that he's been thinking about things and maybe it wouldn't be so bad if they went to WrestleMania as DX in a tag team match. Hunter cut him off and said that he qualified for the Elimination Chamber match, so he intends to win the match and go to WrestleMania as the champion. "So it's all about you now?" Michaels asked before walking off... [C]

Powell's POV: A nice tension tease. Are they setting up a tag title change or just swerving us? I'm betting on the former.

[Q3] Another recap of the Bret, Vince, and Batista angle aired. At ringside, the announcers discussed the angle. Lawler said spitting in Bret's face gave Vince closure. Cole introduced footage of Batista attacking John Cena after Raw went off the air last week...

Powell's POV: Cole is bad. There's no genuine emotion. He introduced this footage with the same voice you'd hear someone use to introduce a children's show.

Backstage, Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes squabbled. Cody was pissed because he had to face Cena last week, whereas Ted faced Mark Henry. DiBiase told him to stop whining. He said people always say they're alike. "It's obvious I'm better than you," DiBiase said.

They bickered until Randy Orton walked in the room. He asked DiBiase if he thinks he's better than him. "I guess we'll find out in the Chamber," DiBiase said. Orton announced that DiBiase would face Cena later in the show. Randy was still pissed at Cody for getting him disqualified at the Royal Rumble. Orton announced that he and Cody would meet in the ring...

Powell's POV: Good segment. The breakup of Legacy has actually been more entertaining than anything they did as a group. There was so much potential there, but Cody and Ted were always treated like undercard lackeys. By the way, it's hard to take Batista's attack on Cena seriously when they announce that Cena will be wrestling just a couple minutes later. Maybe he'll sell an injury to make up for it.

A shot aired of C.M. Punk, Luke Gallows, and Serena walking backstage... [C]

Punk, Gallows, and Serena made their entrance. Punk cut a promo about how the fans in the region turned to alcohol when times were tough. He said it's sad that the same people turned to drugs and alcohol when they won their "little football game." Funny. Punk said he and Gallows will win the tag titles to show the fans that Straight Edge means he's better than them.

[Q4] Punk said this was the time when he normally saves someone. "Fortunately, we have a celebrity in the house," Punk said. He pointed out that d-bag Jared from Subway. That jackoff stood up at ringside and waved. Punk said Jared would make a good spokesperson for the Straight Edge Society. Jared indicated he wasn't interested. The Society headed to ringside to grab him, but the DX music interrupted them.

Powell's POV: Don't just shave his head, slit his f'n throat!!! Yes, I'm a Jared hater.

2. The Miz and Big Show defeated Triple H and Shawn Michaels vs. C.M. Punk and Luke Gallows (w/Serena) in a Triple Threat elimination match to win the Unified Tag Titles in 17:35. Teddy Long sat at ringside next to the announcers desk. The three teams fought before the bell. DX cleared all four heels from the ring and the show went to break. [C]

After the break, the teams had settled into a match. Three wrestlers were allowed in the ring at one time. Hunter tagged into the match for the first time and received a big "Triple H" chant. Lawler told a shitty joke about Big Show's driver's license being continued on the other side. Buy a new joke book, Jerry. The heels dumped Hunter to ringside, which was the cue for another commercial break. [C]

After the break, Punk had the advantage on Hunter and Miz. Hunter made his comeback and the camera showed Teddy making the same disappointed face he's had the entire match. Maybe he hates Jared too.

[Q5] Shawn tagged into the match and hit a top rope elbow drop on Punk. He tuned up the band, but Gallows cut him off. Punk set up Shawn for the GTS, but Michaels slipped out and nailed him with Sweet Chin Music to eliminate him and Gallows from the match around 12:20.

Big Show worked over Shawn. Meanwhile, a fan walked by with a sign that read, "Sean Payton Loves Bush." Wow, the guy was so proud of this creation that he actually went out of his way to walk in front of the hard camera. I hope Jared has his way with that fan later tonight.

The heels worked over HBK until he caught Big Show with Sweet Chin Music out of nowhere at 16:50. Shawn made the hot tag to Hunter, who cleaned house on the heels. Hunter had Miz set up for his finisher when Shawn tagged himself into the match. As the DX members bickered, Miz rolled up Michaels and scored the pin.

After Big Show and Miz left the ring with the tag titles, Shawn and Hunter were sitting in the ring. Hunter wasn't happy. Shawn stormed off. "Man, that's shocking," Lawler said with all the enthusiasm of a Colts fan after Peyton Manning threw the big interception last night... [C]

Powell's POV: A decent match. It was hard to get caught up in it early due to the two commercial breaks. I guess this means Big Show and Miz are free to roam to Smackdown. Personally, I'd like to see Miz show up on ECW and mock all the wrestlers there once before the show goes off the air.

An NXT commercial aired. It was a new commercial, but it offered nothing new regarding the concept of the show... The announcers recapped the tag title change...

Backstage, Josh Matthews interviewed Big Show and The Miz. Show said he and Jericho were never able to defeat DX, whereas he and Miz did it in one night. "We're the Miz-Show and we're awesome," Miz said. Show told him he likes "Show Miz" better...

[Q6] The announcers ran through the pay-per-view lineup...

Powell's POV: It didn't take them long since there are only two matches advertised.

Backstage, Shawn asked Carlito, "Where is he?" Shawn spotted Teddy Long and asked to be traded to Smackdown. "I don't care about DX," Shawn said. He added that he wants Long to take out one of the Elimination Chamber entrants so that he can win the match and face Undertaker at WrestleMania. Teddy said the match is already set and the entrants all earned their spots.

Shawn grabbed Teddy by the collar. Triple H entered the picture and pulled Shawn off Teddy. "Are you willing to throw DX away?" Hunter asked. "Are you ready to throw your career away?" Shawn responded by saying, "My career is over," and then he superkicked Teddy before storming off...

Powell's POV: Let the speculation begin that Shawn will put his career on the line to get a rematch with Undertaker. I've been saying for months that I would take that approach if Shawn plans to retire, but I really don't want Taker to lose his streak to HBK. I'd much rather see it go to the right younger wrestler. By the way, how many millions are they pissing away to alert everyone about the census?

The announcers recapped the DX drama...

3. Gail Kim defeated Jillian Hall in 1:00. Maryse sat in on commentary. Cole said Maryse will face Gail Kim for the WWE Divas Championship at the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view. Gail won with the foot move that doesn't have a name. Afterward, Maryse cut a promo. She said she's a fan of Gail and just wants to have a good match with her. Maryse spoke in French and then laughed. They shook hands...

The first official inductee in the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2010 is "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase. A video recapped his career and included some of his classic vignettes and promos...

Powell's POV: It's about damn time! Very happy to see The Million Dollar Man take his rightful spot in the HOF.

The announcers hyped John Cena vs. Ted DiBiase Jr. for later in the show, and said Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton was coming up after the break... [C]

[Q7] Backstage, jag-off Jared set up Edwards with Subway sandwiches. Jared pimped a sale they are having at Subway. Santino entered the room and sang the five dollar footlong song. They actually announced that Santino will face Jack Swagger on WWE Superstars.

Kofi Kingston entered the room and suggested to Edwards that they hold random singles matches featuring all six of the Elimination Chamber entrants. Edwards questioned whether he should book the matches or wait for the next host. Santino said the host would book the matches if he has class. A video hyped Jerry Springer as the guest host of next week's show...

4. Cody Rhodes defeated Randy Orton in 2:45. Randy shoved Cody to start the match and yelled at him about being DQ'd at the Rumble. Randy put his finger in Cody's face and started to lecture him, but Cody fought back. Randy took control of the match until Sheamus slid in the ring and distracted him. Cody hit CrossRhodes and scored the pin. Afterward, Sheamus hit a big boot on Orton. Cody brought a chair in the ring, so Sheamus bowed out...

Powell's POV: I hope this is just hype for the Elimination Chamber and not a sign that we're going to get a Triple Threat match for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania.

The footage of Batista attacking John Cena after last week's Raw was replayed... A shot aired of Cena walking backstage... [C]

[Q8] Backstage, Josh Matthews introduced Carl Edwards, who said he wanted to make his mark on Raw just like he will at Daytona. He booked Sheamus vs. Randy Orton, Ted DiBiase vs. Kofi Kingston, and John Cena vs. Triple H for next week's show...

Powell's POV: It's cool to see them load up next week's show. They must realize that they have a lot of work to do to sell people on the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view. I'm also happy to see the Orton and Sheamus angle was designed to set up a singles match next week. It shouldn't surprise anyone that the announcers put over Hunter vs. Cena as "the big one" even though Sheamus vs. Orton is a Royal Rumble rematch.

5. John Cena fought Ted DiBiase to an apparent no-contest in 1:00 Cena hit the ring and immediately attacked DiBiase. Cole said the frustration over Batista's attack last week has been building all week. Cena applied the STF at ringside. DiBiase tapped out immediately, but the referee didn't count it since they were outside the ring. Two referees tended to DiBiase on the floor while Cena cooled off.

Cena grabbed a mic and climbed inside the ring. He said he didn't come to Raw to have a match. He said he's not wasting more time. He said he doesn't even want to know why Batista attacked him, he just wants to fight him. He invited Batista to come to the ring and finish the job. [C]

Powell's POV: I was hoping Cena would sell a back or neck injury and put DiBiase over since he'd have a built-in excuse. instead, Cena plowed through DiBiase and made him look weaker than ever. I'm not crazy about that aspect, but Cena did show great intensity. I'd love to think Ted will get his revenge after the break, but we probably won't see him again until he meets Kofi Kingston in the battle of the Elimination Chamber pretenders on next week's Raw.

After the break, Cena said said Batista is either afraid for his life or his attack last week was the product of a business decision. Cena recalled telling Vince McMahon that he's pathetic two weeks ago. "I got a feeling that Vince McMahon is behind all this," Cena said. He added that if he couldn't fight Batista, he'd like to speak to Vince McMahon.

Vince's entrance music played and he walked onto the stage and laughed. He was quickly joined by ten security guards. Vince got cocky and asked Cena what he had to say. "The sad thing is that you honestly think that's enough to stop me," Cena said. "Next time, come out with a tank."

Vince headed to the ring. "You think I'm not man enough to step in the ring with the almighty John Cena?" Vince asked. "I am the ultimate supreme alpha male." Vince said that when God created the heavens and the earth, he had him in mind and not Adam. Vince smiled as he spoke about screwing Bret Hart again last week. He said he enjoyed spitting in his face, but he had nothing to do with Batista attacking Cena.

Cena questioned why Batista would attack him if Vince didn't pay him to do it. Vince said it might be because Cena eliminated Batista from the Royal Rumble. Vince said it could also be simply a case of Batista not liking him. "I don't like you," Vince said. McMahon took a couple jabs at Cena and the fans.

Cena said Vince is all about the money. "I do this because I love it," Cena said. He said he does it for moments like this when he can stand in the middle of the ring in Louisiana right after the Saints won the Super Bowl. Cena told Vince that he can't put a price tag on the way the fans reacted.

[Overrun] Cena continued to get fired up as he spoke about why he wrestles. He mentioned Ted DiBiase going into the Hall of Fame and said he did it for the moment. Cena said he had a chance to speak with Bret Hart last week. "You didn't know that, did you?" Cena asked. "Apparently, he wants another moment."

Cena said he heard Hart say something last week that he never thought he'd hear him say again. He said he heard Bret say that he wants to wrestle another match at WrestleMania and he wants his opponent to be Vince McMahon. Vince said Bret doesn't want that. "Yes, he does," Cena said. Cena said the spotlight is on Vince and it's up to him to decide whether he wants to have a WrestleMania moment. "Are you about the money or are you about the moment?" Cena asked.

Vince said he's about the money, but he's also about the moment. "I really don't think Bret wants any of this," Vince said. "I think you're wrong." Cena pressed for a yes or no answer. "Shut up!" Vince yelled. "I'll tell you to your face, yes, yes, yes!" Cena thanked Vince for the answer and said he had one more person left to tell.

Cena headed backstage. Vince said he knows Bret Hart is in an igloo somewhere in Canada watching now. He said Bret doesn't want to be embarrassed like he was last week. He pointed to the video screen and highlights aired of the angle that closed last week's show.

Back live, Bret emerged from the crowd and entered the ring. Hart hit Vince with a couple shots. A couple security guards entered the ring and Bret punched them out. Bret grabbed a chair and went after Vince, who was at the top of the stage. Vince said he changed his mind and he won't face Bret at WrestleMania. "You deserve to be screwed," Vince said before running off.

Bret started trashing electrical equipment on the side of the stage and even fell down at one point. He headed to ringside and started trashing the announcers' table and the monitors just as he did after the Montreal screwjob. Bret entered the ring as the crowd cheered. The camera picked up a shot of Hart with the WrestleMania banner over his shoulder. Hart's music played as he played to the crowd to end the show...

Powell's POV: Fun angle. I was surprised that they announced the Bret vs. Vince match before the Elimination Chamber, so I like the way Vince's character changed his mind. Overall, this was a strong show that didn't have many filler moments. I'll have a lot more to say about it in Dot Net Members' audio on Tuesday, and in the WWE Raw Hitlist. See below for $5 per month membership information.

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