WWE Raw on the USA Network
Live from Oklahoma City, Okla.

[Q1] The opening montage started the show... Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler hyped the show. Cole stated that 14,708 fans were in the arena...

Shawn Michaels came to the ring wearing street clothes and received a big babyface reaction. Cole reminded viewers that we could be seeing the closing weeks of HBK's career if he loses to Undertaker at WrestleMania 26. A video recapped Shawn costing Taker the World Hvt. Championship at the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view, and the announcement of their WrestleMania match from last week's show.

After the video, the fans chanted "HBK" as Michaels stood in the ring. He said there's a buzz in the locker room that everyone thinks he's crazy for putting his career on the line against Undertaker. He said he looks his peers in the eyes "and all they can do is look away." He said he sees them whispering and then they look away when they see him.

"Not one of them believes in me," Michaels said. "Not one of them thinks I can defeat The Undertaker at WrestleMania." Shawn said no one has given Taker a run for his money quite like he has. He said every man, woman, and child knows he's Mr. WrestleMania. "And I believe that I can end The Undertaker's undefeated WrestleMania streak."

Shawn invited all of his peers in the locker room to join him in the ring and tell him that he can't win. Triple H's music played. Nice. Hunter came out to a big pop. "You of all people, my friend for 15 years, you of all people don't believe in me," Michaels ranted. Triple H responded, "No, Shawn, I don't believe you can beat The Undertaker at WrestleMania. I know you can."

Hunter said it's not about the people in the building or the cameras. He said it's between him and Shawn when he says he's wrestled the best in the business and Shawn is the best he's been in the ring with. Hunter said Shawn shouldn't be bothered by what his peers say because he has no peers.

Triple H said the road to WrestleMania always takes them down different paths. "I can tell you with one hundred percent certainty that DX will never die, but it's going to be a long time before they ever see you and I in this ring together again." Hunter said he'd hate to have the final image of them being when they lost the Unified Tag Titles. "That's why I've invoked our rematch clause tonight," Hunter said.

Shawn said he appreciated everything Hunter said and the opportunity for the tag title match, but they are going down separate paths. Hunter said it's not about the tag titles. He said they don't even have to defend the tag titles for 30 days. He said 28 days from now will be the night after WrestleMania.

"I say that Monday night, 28 days from now, you and I come out here and we throw a celebration like only DX can throw," Hunter said. "Because now you will be known as the man who ended Undertaker's streak at WrestleMania." Hunter said it's all about belief and he believes Shawn will be there the night after WrestleMania because he believes Shawn will defeat Undertaker.

"Shawn, that's just what I believe," Hunter said. "What do you believe?" The fans chanted "HBK" again. "I believe we've got some tag team titles to win tonight," Michaels said to a big pop. Hunter and Shawn made the "X" sign and posed for the crowd before heading backstage...

Powell's POV: Excellent opening segment. HBK established himself as the underdog and then Hunter built him up in a big way while setting up their tag title match.

Backstage, Cheech and Chong were hanging out in a room set up for them. The celebrity whore Bella Twins entered the room and hung all over them. Cheech said they're not the characters they play. He said they're just down home guys. Chong sent them on their way and said he was going to hang behind and enjoy the ambiance.

[Q2] Chong sat down on the couch as Marin left with the celebrity whores. He said he'd watched the show enough to know that he wasn't hallucinating when Hornswoggle entered the room. Hornswoggle gave Chong some Lucky charms, which led to the camera going all trippy...

Cole hyped the Randy Orton vs. Ted DiBiase for after the break... [C]

Powell's POV: I ate Lucky Charms when I was a kid and they never made me trip out. I guess I just got a bad batch or something. If the Orton vs. DiBiase match goes on early, my guess is that it never really gets started so that they can save it for WrestleMania.

Highlights aired from last week of Randy Orton attacking Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase during their six-man tag match...

1. Randy Orton beat Ted DiBiase by DQ when Cody Rhodes interfered in 9:05. Ted took it to Randy early. He tried to ram his head into the ring post, but Orton stopped him and slammed Ted's head into the post. Ted rolled back inside the ring and Randy followed, but Ted kept rolling right out the other side of the ring as the show went to break. [C]

Powell's POV: Well, we're getting the match, which really leaves me wondering what Orton will do at WrestleMania. I can live with a Legacy Triple Threat match, but not a handicap match.

After the break, Ted was back in control of the match. Lawler said DiBiase dominated during the commercial break. Ted went for a cover and got cocky by counting along with the referee, but Orton kicked out. Randy went on the offensive.

[Q3] Cody Rhodes came to ringside and distracted Orton. Ted rolled up Randy, only to have Randy roll through. Cody ran in to break it up, but Orton gave up the pin and tackled Cody as the referee called for the bell. Randy got the better of the exchange and stood tall as his former minions split...

Powell's POV: Both wrestlers received cheers, but it sounded like there was some apprehension amongst the fans regarding which wrestler to root for. They even did the "yeah" and "boo" punch trade routine. Orton got the cheers, but they were faint. It was odd watching Ted control the match early on. Ted's offense was portrayed as par for the course by the announcers even though he and Cody have been made to look so weak. The fans got behind Randy after the DQ finish, but the whole thing was weak. I'm really worried we're going to get a handicap match at WrestleMania, which would do nothing for Cody and Ted.

The announcers hyped the tag title match for later in the show... [C] A shot aired of Bret Hart walking backstage on crutches...

Backstage, Chong was rubbing the shoulders of one of the Divas when Cheech showed up and reminded him that he has problems with sugar. Chong said he'd be fine. Cheech asked why he was rubbing William Regal's hair. The camera cut back to the Diva, who had been replaced by Regal. Chris Masters showed up and spoke in a Diva's voice and then bounced his pecs. Chong thought it was Kelly Kelly. Hornswoggle showed up and convinced Cheech to have some too...

Powell's POV: Sports entertainment silliness. I love Cheech and Chong, but these skits aren't doing anything for me.

A video recapped the John Cena and Batista saga from last week... [C]

[Q4] AC/DC's "Thunderstruck" played as the Money in the Bank briefcase was raised above the ring...

2. Jack Swagger pinned Santino Marella in a Money in the Bank qualifying match in 0:25. Swagger, who is from Oklahoma, got a nice pop. The announcers noted that he went to college in Norman. Santino got a flash of offense, but Swagger came right back and hit his powerbomb finisher for the win...

Powell's POV: I'm so happy WWE didn't screw over the hometown guy this time around. I enjoy some Santino comedy, but I had zero interest in seeing him in the MITB match.

A shot aired of Batista exiting his locker room and then being flanked by security as he walked through the backstage area... [C]

Powell's POV: That brought back some Goldberg in WCW memories. By the way, WWE has had some NXT commercials on the air throughout the show. There's been zero mention of Cole's heel antics so far during the broadcast. Meanwhile, we just got a great HBK vs. Taker commercial for WrestleMania 26.

John Cena came to the ring for a promo and addressed his issues with Batista. He said he's had some time to think about it and he understands that Batista made a business agreement with Vince McMahon that resulted in him winning the WWE Championship. He said he's never had a problem with Batista and considered him a friend at times.

"Now he's got a problem with me," Cena said. He added that the silver lining is that he's going to WrestleMania in a main event match against Batista. He said that after what happened last week on Raw, he needs payback. "I believe we can do that right now," Cena said.

Batista's music played. Six security members walked onto the stage. Batista walked out with the WWE Championship over his shoulder and then held it in the air as he looked at Cena.

[Q5] Cena mocked the idea of "the big, bad Animal rolling with security." Batista said the security crew isn't there to protect him, they are there to protect Cena. He added that he doesn't have a problem attacking Cena again, but the security are there to make sure that doesn't happen. Cena invited Batista to join him in the ring "or just stand there like a 6'6, 300-pound pansy."

Batista said Cena is a funny guy. "You amuse me, ha ha ha," Batista said. Funny. Batista said he attacked Cena last week because he wants to face him at WrestleMania. "So I lost, you get what you want, I get what I want, and everybody is happy," Batista said. Dave said he and Cena started together in WWE, but they couldn't be any more different.

Batista said he thinks it's safe to say that he and Cena are the two biggest stars of the post-Attitude Era. He said they both won titles at WrestleMania 21. "For some insane reason, this company has decided to label you as the man," Batista added. He said Cena is the face of WWE with magazine covers, commercials, and movies.

"Somehow, the torch was passed from 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin to you when it should have been me," said Batista. He added that he's the biggest star in the company. Batista said he attacked Cena last week because he wants to beat the hell out Cena at WrestleMania and prove he's better than Cena, and because he can't stand him.

"That's what this is about?" Cena asked. He said he would take the title from Batista at WrestleMania. Cena patted himself on the back for working his butt off for the company. He said he's the first one to show up and the last one to leave. "Every single person in the WWE Universe knows that I have given my freaking life for this business."

Cena said Batista is all about himself and always has been. "You're selfish," Cena said. "You always have been and you always will be and that's real talk." Batista said he's in WWE to win money and titles. "I do not care about these people," he said. "I don't care if they cheer me. I don't care if they boo me. I am not here for them."

Batista told Cena to go ahead and kiss babies and fat girls while he's in a gym training for WrestleMania. Batista said bad things happen to Cena when they are in the ring together. He reminded Cena that he broke his neck (according to the storyline). Cena tried to cut him off, but Batista said what Cena thinks is irrelevant.

Batista invited Cena to deliver "one of your fancy catchphrases." He told him to "say something inspiring." Batista said Cena can't beat him. "And deep down, you know it," he concluded before dropping the mic. Batista posed on the stage while Cena remained in the ring... [C]

Powell's POV: Money verbal exchange. It still disappoints me that Cena advanced to WrestleMania in such an anticlimactic manner, but the mic work here was great. Batista's promo was believable, and Cena didn't get the last word with the preacher routine for once. This is the first time I've actually felt excited about their match. I still don't feel like they need the WWE Championship belt as much as Sheamus and perhaps Triple H do, but it will enhance the match.

Backstage, Chavo Guerrero was dressed wearing a sombrero and fake mustache while Cheech and Chong ate Lucky Charms. Primo, Carlito, Katie Lea, and Yoshi Tatsu also wore the fake mustaches. A chicken in a cage was shown. A voice said the Divas pillow fight match was coming up soon...

Powell's POV: Wow, that was the shits.

[Q6] 3. MVP pinned Zack Ryder (w/Rosa Mendes) in a Money in the Bank qualifier in 0:45. MVP squashed Ryder and hit the Playmaker for the win...

Powell's POV: Wow, that was ridiculous. It certainly doesn't bode well for Ryder that his character was given zero buildup and he was squashed by MVP on his first night on Raw. WWE would be crazy to wish him the best in his future endeavors.

A shot aired of Gail Kim, Eve, and Kelly Kelly walking backstage in pajamas while carrying pillows... [C]

A WrestleMania video aired and noted that the show is 27 days away...

Ring announcer Justin Roberts introduced Cheech and Chong, who came out to War's classic "Low Rider." They received a nice reaction from the live crowd. Chong turned the mic around and pretended like he was firing up a bowl. They introduced the Divas for the pillow fight. Well, actually they just kind of hooted and hollered...

Powell's POV: Apparently, no one bothered to tell Tommy Chong that it's a PG show. Better yet, maybe they did and he just doesn't give a shit.

4. Eve Torres beat Kelly Kelly, Gail Kim, Maryse, Alicia Fox, and Jillian Hall in a pajama pillow fight in 2:00. Cheech and Chong watched from ringside. They all bat on Maryse to start the match. Jillian was the only one left standing, but Kelly used the pillow as a muzzle. In the end, Eve pinned Alicia. After the match, Hornswoggle ran out and had a Lucky Charms food fight with Cheech and Chong...

Powell's POV: Apparently, this was a singles match since Eve was announced as the winner. Whatever. Yes, the pillow fight actually lasted longer than the two MITB qualifiers combined.

The next inductee in the WWE Hall of Fame is "Mad Dog" Maurice Vachon. A video recapped his career. Cole announced that Pat Patterson will induct Vachon...

Powell's POV: Nice! I grew up on Mad Dog Vachon, so this is a pleasant surprise.

The announcers hyped Bret Hart's farewell for after the break...

[Q7] At ringside, Cole said he had so much fun last week on NXT because of the unpredictability and he can't wait for tomorrow night... The announcers ran through the WrestleMania 26 lineup. No new matches were added...

Powell's POV: By the way, I would point out that there's been roughly 12 minutes and 15 seconds of wrestling on this ridiculously talk-heavy show (even less with commercial breaks), but I wouldn't want to offend Vince Russo.

Justin Roberts was about to introduce Bret Hart when Vince McMahon's music cut him off. Vince came to the ring and delivered his own introduction for Bret. He said he has the utmost respect for him and then delivered an introduction. Bret came out wearing a cast on his left leg and was using a single crutch. A video recapped the Bret and Vince storyline as Hart made his way down to the ring.

Back in the ring, Vince said, "Ladies and gentlemen, Bret Hart!" He asked Bret to clear his name and let the world know that he had nothing to do with the car accident. Bret said he didn't know whether that was true or not. He said Vince has treated him like a piece of garbage since he returned. He said that if Vince was serious about giving him his final farewell, he'd get the hell out of the ring.

Vince started to leave and then stopped. Vince said Bret has referred to him as a World Champion liar. Vince said if you're going to be a liar, you might as well be a World Champion liar. He said he didn't invite Bret to give him a sendoff because he lied. "Mr. McMahon screwed Bret and it feels good," Vince said.

Vince got in Bret's face and mocked him for challenging him to a match at WrestleMania. "I don't know if you've noticed, but I'm currently a little incapacitated," Bret said. Vince said "even a dried up old fossil like you can heal in six weeks." He said Bret didn't come back to WWE to make peace. He said he came back because it's been eating at Bret for years that he wanted to fight Vince.

Bret admitted he wanted to fight Vince for 13 years. "Then why not fight me, Bret?" Vince asked. He said it's Bret dream. "Don't you want your dreams to come true?" Vince asked. "Don't you remember who I am, Bret? I'm the guy who screwed you in Montreal. I'm the guy who sent you packing to WCW."

Vince continued to goad Bret by reminding him that he lied to him about inducting his father. "Come on, you're a Canadian hero," Vince said. He polled the crowd on whether they'd like to see Bret in a match with Vince at WrestleMania. Bret said he knows Vince is trying to goad him into a match. "I can't wrestle," Bret said. "I've got a broken leg, idiot."

[Q8] Vince said he hates to hear those words. "You're last name used to stand for something, but now you've got no heart..." said McMahon. "Bret Hart, you're a coward." Vince kicked Bret's crutch, and Hart fell to the mat. Vince left the ring and said Bret is "yellow to the core." Bret stood up and said, "You want a match at WrestleMania? You got it."

Bret's music played. Vince stopped on the ramp and said that to show what type of shape he's in, he'll be getting in the ring with Bret's biggest fan John Cena in a one-on-one match... [C]

Powell's POV: Ugh. That was the worst of the Vince and Bret exchanges. Vince went way over the top with his lines, and Hart just kind of yelled his lines. Vince vs. Cena? I'm sure WWE officials would claim otherwise, but I don't think you'd be seeing that match next week if TNA Impact wasn't going head-to-head on Spike TV.

The announcers hyped that Criss Angel will be the guest host of next week's show. Plus, Randy Orton will face Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase in a handicap match, and Vince McMahon vs. John Cena in a one-on-one match...

Powell's POV: I've never been happier to see a handicap match advertised for Raw in my life, because that means it is far less likely to appear on the WrestleMania card.

Ring introductions for the Unified Tag Title match took place. DX came out first. The announcers questioned whether this will be the last time we see DX together as a team. The Miz and Big Show came out and the show cut to break... [C]

5. Big Show and The Miz defeated Triple H and Shawn Michaels to retain the Unified Tag Titles in 4:30. Show got the better of Shawn during the first two minutes of the match.

[Overrun] Hunter tagged into the match for the first time and roughed up Show and Miz. Show came back with a chokeslam, but Shawn nailed Show with Sweet Chin Music while the ref was tending to Miz. Hunter and Show were nearly counted out by the referee, but they made it to their feet at nine and tagged in their partners.

Shawn went to work on Miz and nailed him with a top rope elbow drop. He tuned up the band for Sweet Chin Music, but Undertaker appeared on the big screen. Shawn stopped and stared at the screen. Miz rolled up Michaels and got the win for his team.

Shawn sat in frustration after the match as the heels headed to the back. Hunter stood in the corner with his hands on his hips. Hunter put his hand on Shawn's shoulder. Shawn spun around and pointed at Hunter and told him not to touch him. Shawn left the ring and stormed backstage.

After Shawn left the ring, there was a blinding white flash across the screen. It was just Sheamus attacking Triple H. Sheamus roughed up Hunter and knocked him to the floor in front of the announcers' table. Once Hunter stood up, Sheamus nailed him with the big boot, which knocked him over the announcers table. Unfortunately, Cole had already moved out of the way. Sheamus stood on the table, raised his arms in victory, and then stared down at Triple H.

HIghlights aired of Sheamus's attack on Hunter.

Powell's POV: This show had some strong moments with Shawn and Hunter early, and then Cena and Batista at the mid-way point. However, there was way too much talking, not enough wrestling, and the Vince and Bret verbal exchange left a lot to be desired. Sheamus's attack on Hunter didn't really make an impact, but obviously that's the match they're going with at WrestleMania. I'll have much more to say in tonight's Dot Net Members' audio recap, and in the WWE Raw Hitlist on Tuesday. Check below for $5 per month membership information. Thanks for watching along with me.

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