By Rich Twilling

WWE Raw on the USA Network
Live from Toronto, Ont.

[Q1] The opening video aired immediately and fireworks lit up the stage. Michael Cole and Jerry "The King" Lawler welcomed us to the commericial-free version of the show. King plugged John Cena vs. Sheamus. Cole hyped Buzz Aldrin as the guest host...

Bret Hart's music hit and he made his way to the ring in jeans and a Toronto Blue Jays' jersey. Cole said Bret would try to win the United States Championship for the fifth time tonight...

Twill's Two Cents: Wow, WCW misused Bret so badly. He was the WWE Champion and they used him as a secondary champion four times.

The crowd said "thank you Bret" and Bret said hello to Toronto. He said he was watching TV last week and was shocked to see The Miz challenge him to a United States Championship match. He said he called WWE Headquarters the next day and told them to book the match.

However, after thinking about it and cooling off, he said it was very important to him to be remembered the right way. He did not want to be like so many other old wrestlers and hang on too long. He said he wasn't wrestling tonight. Chris Jericho's music hit and he came out to a huge pop...

Twill's Two Cents: Was Jericho's pop louder than Hart's? I like how Bret slipped in there that he was watching Raw last week when he already said his son told him about the challenge from Miz.

Jericho asked Bret why he came back to WWE in the first place. He said Bret is the ultimate hypocrite. He came back to WWE for the same reason he left, because he was ego-driven. Jericho said he was now the best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be.

Bret reminded everyone Jericho was once trained in the Hart Family Dungeon. He asked Jericho what he saw every time he looked in the mirror. "I see a man that is better than you," replied Jericho. Nice. He said nobody wanted Bret anymore.

The crowd chanted "We want Bret." Jericho said Bret would be remembered as the guy who went back on his word and did not want to face The Miz. He said Stu Hart would be ashamed of him. Jericho started to leave but Bret told him to tell Miz to get his boots on because he has a match tonight.

Jericho, on behalf of Miz, challenged Bret to a no disqualification match. Bret said he would not want it any other way. Bret finished by saying he was not a hypocrite, and he would walk around tonight with the U.S. Title around his waist. He also said The Hart Dynasty would wipe out Jericho and Miz this Sunday...

Twill's Two Cents: Jericho was great here. I was a bit confused as to why he did the talking for Miz, but I'm guessing they figured he would get a better reaction in Toronto than Miz would get. I'm glad they added the no DQ stipulation because now anything can happen and they hide the fact that Bret cannot work an actual match.

[Q2] King and Cole ran down tonight's card. Randy Orton and Edge will both be involved in singles matches with opponents picked by each other. Cole and King sent it to a "word for our sponsor." A faux WWE Shop commercial in the guise of a Geico Commercial aired.

The Geico guy asked if the Great Khali hated rental cars. They showed him in one and of course, it was way too small for him. Runjin Singh told him they only had compact cars. Then a Hummer pulled up and when the window rolled down, Hornswoggle was the driver. He laughed...

Edge came out to the ring to the loudest pop of the night thus far. He started to cut a promo on Randy Orton when Christian's music hit...

Twill's Two Cents: Nice, the live fans are eating this up right now.

1. Edge defeated Christian in 12:06. A lot of stalling early. With Christian on the floor, Edge missed the baseball slide. Christian followed by hitting a delayed dropkick through the ropes. Edge got the best of Christian on the floor and nearly won the match by count out.

Edge focused on the left arm of Christian but Christian countered with a headlock. In a very cool spot, Edge ran at Christian in the corner. Christian moved and used the ropes for leverage to kick Edge like he normally does, but Edge blocked it and stomped Christian to the mat.

Christian went to the top but Edge caught him. Christian kicked him off and hit a tornado DDT for a two count. Christian pancaked Edge and hit a missile dropkick from the middle rope for a very nearfall.

Christian attempted the Killswitch but Edge countered with a back suplex attempt, which Christian countered by landing on his feet. Christian missed a top rope head butt or splash, allowing Edge to hit the Impaler DDT for a two count.

Edge nailed Christian with a forearm to the back, knocking him to the mat. He set up for the spear but took a boot to the face for his troubles. Christian nearly pinned Edge with a sunset flip from the ropes.

[Q3] Edge went for another spear but Christian hit his corner kick. He hit an elbow from the second rope for another two count. Edge whipped Christian's bad arm/shoulder into the post. He then hit a staggered Christian with the spear for the win...

Twill's Two Cents: Very entertaining match. The nearfalls were extremely well done and these two looked like they were having the time of their lives working a match together again. I'm surprised they gave that away, but we are in Canada and it is a commercial free show, so it is like a pay-per-view.

Randy Orton appeared on the Titantron and congratulated Edge on his big win. He asked why Christian was out there because "That is not who you are facing tonight." The Undertaker's music hit and he made his way to the ring...

Twill's Two Cents: So, Orton called Taker and asked him to fly to Toronto to work on his day off? I wonder what he had on Taker to get him to say yes!

2. The Undertaker defeated Edge by count out in :39. Edge got himself intentionally counted out...

After the match, Christian whipped Edge back into the ring and Taker hit a chokeslam. He left and did his one fist in the air pose at the top of the stage...

Twill's Two Cents: WWE says you're welcome Toronto. They are loading this thing up for the live crowd. I guess Taker didn't have to do much work on his day off.

A John Cena vs. Batista pay-per-view ad aired...

Backstage, a woman was reading a magazine with Trish Stratus on the cover. It was Maryse getting makeup done. Eve Torres replaced the woman doing the makeup and poured baby powder on Maryse. They started to brawl...

Buzz and Lois Aldrin were talking backstage in front of a bunch of space memorabilia. Vickie Guerrero approached them and she argued with Buzz over the office they were in. Buzz took about five minutes to say "WWE Headquarters," but he said he checked with them and since Vickie resigned last week, she is gone from Raw.

He brought the Bella Twins in and asked them to escort Vickie out. He said her replacement would be announced next week. Vickie was upset as she was taken away...

Twill's Two Cents: I'm glad they made reference to Vickie quitting last week because that would have been a huge gap in logic.

Footage aired of the Batista attack on Mark Henry last week. Henry made his way to the ring and Batista attacked him from behind with a giant board. He then continued to attack Henry with the ring steps...

[Q4] Another "word from our sponsor" aired. This time it was a "Pricelss" commercial with Ted DiBiase featured. They mentioned his custom suit, acting lessons, and Million Dollar Belt, but self respect was priceless...

Ted DiBiase made his entrance and was joined by Virgil. Yes, the original Virgil is in the house. DiBiase will face R-Truth at Over the Limit...

Twill's Two Cents: I wonder if Ted Jr. bossed Virgil around when he was a kid?

3. Ted DiBiase (with Virgil) defeated Yoshi Tatsu in 3:02.. King said Virgil was paid handsomely by DiBiase and that he never complained about his job. I guess he missed Virgil's babyface turn and few years as a babyface wrestler.

Ted dominated early but Yoshi came back with some impressive kicks. He missed his finisher kick and DiBiase hit Dream Street for the win...

After the match, he ordered Virgil to grab his belt. He brought a microphone into the ring too. "You know who is not ashamed to be the new Virgil? The original Virgil." The crowd popped. He said he could buy anything he wants. If he can't, he'll beat it...

Twill's Two Cents: Did Virgil not save any of his WCW money? Ted said Virgil would be in his corner this Sunday. I never thought I would be glad to see Virgil back on television, but he has instantly added something to DiBiase's character.

Another pay-per-view commercial aired, this time focusing on C.M. Punk vs. Rey Mysterio...

Twill's Two Cents: You know, if they are going to do a commercial-free show, the PPV go home show is a great time to do it because they can run these promotional bumpers throughout the show.

Backstage, The Miz and Chris Jericho were talking quietly. Josh Mathews approached Miz and Miz just took the mic from him. He start delivering a promo in the back as he walked towards the Gorilla position.

He said he was more excited than the Canadian fans to see Bret back in the ring tonight. It was his chance to beat a Hall of Famer, a legend, and a national hero all at once. Once he got to the ring, he said he would make Bret tap out to the Sharpshooter...

[Q5] 4. Bret "The Hitman" Hart defeated The Miz in a no disqualification match to win the United States Championship in 3:54. King "put over" the belt by asking "Why would Bret want to win the United States Championship?" Miz went to the floor and grabbed a mic.

He said he didn't trust Bret and knew the Hart Dynasty might get involved, so he "hired a couple of guys" to take care of them. Vladimir Kozlov's music hit and he came out with William Regal. David Hart Smith and Tyson Kidd came through the crowd and fought with them to the back.

Chris Jericho used the distraction to screw up the numbers for Bret. Natalya hit the ring and high fived Bret. She slapped Jericho and was grabbed by Miz. He punched Miz but the numbers game took over.

Smith reentered the ring but Miz disposed of him quickly. Tyson Kidd came back though and hit a springboard missile dropkick on Miz. The Harts then hit the Hart Attack. Bret applied the Sharpshooter and Miz tapped out...

After the match, Bret tripped trying to celebrate in the corner, but it didn't matter because the celebration was great for the live crowd. Smith, Kidd, Natalya, and Hart, all celebrated together and then left together...

Twill's Two Cents: Some people aren't going to like this, but I love it. It is the United States Championship, a title perfect for an up and comer like Miz, but WWE is not allowing Miz to get the title over, so why not have the great moment of Bret and the Harts celebrating in Canada? By the way, the crowd popped for the Sharpshooter louder than they did when he finally was able to put it on Vince McMahon.

A WrestleMania DVD commercial aired. A long video package hyping John Cena vs. Sheamus was shown...

The next "commercial" was a spoof on the Dos Equis "Most Interesting Man in the World" ads, with Santino Marella starring. At the end, he was sitting with the Bellas and Jillian. He said, "I don't always watch sports entertainment, but when I do, I prefer Monday Night Raw. Stay thirsty my friends." He then took a sip of something and spit it in Jillian's face. "That tastes like goat urine!" ...

Twill's Two Cents: Awesome. Just awesome. I love the actually commercial that says, "His mother has a tattoo that says 'Son.'"

[Q6] 5. Maryse, Michelle McCool and Layla defeated Eve Torres, Brie Bella, and Nikki Bella 3:39. I guess Michelle and Taker flew up together. Michelle and Layla both were wearing WWE Woman's Championship belts, even though Layla is the recognized champion...

Eve and Maryse fought before the bell rang and had to be separated. Michelle dominated both in the ring and on the apron, until Nikki hit two dropkicks and a monkey flip. She even hit the Mr. Perfect flipping neckbreaker. Impressive, and nobody in the arena cared. Maryse tagged herself in and hit the French Kiss for the win...

After the match, Eve and Maryse brawled again and had to be restrained...

Twill's Two Cents: Nikki was impressive. That was more actual offense in a woman's match in WWE than we've seen in awhile. I'll let everyone make their own "Michelle has the title even when she is not the champion" jokes.

Josh Mathews interviewed John Cena backstage. Cena gave a very Cena-esque promo. Cena Nation. Thrill of victory; agony of defeat. I don't break promises. Tonight I will take Sheamus out. He moved onto Batista.

Cena said he waived his rematch clause because if he says "I quit," he doesn't deserve to be WWE Champion. He said Batista was responsible for his broken neck. He said Batista has never been able to get Cena to quit. Ladies and gentlemen, Cena will not quit. If you don't believe it, just ask him...

Twill's Two Cents: Cena said "I quit" during that interview, so there is now audio of him saying it. Anyone else smelling a finish similar to Mankind vs. The Rock?

Randy Orton made his entrance to a huge pop. Canada prefers his babyface character much more than John Cena's. Edge chose Jack Swagger to face Orton...

6. Randy Orton defeated Jack Swagger by disqualification in a non-title match in 8:01. They went back and forth early before Swagger slowed the pace down a little with a chinlock. That's irony. Orton fought back and Swagger pulled himself to the floor. Orton followed him but Swagger rammed his head into the announce table.

He threw Randy back into the ring but Orton set him up for the DDT from the ropes. Swagger powered out and hit a belly to belly suplex. He then hit two corner splashes and Orton found himself on the floor. Swagger went after him and continued on the offensive.

[Q7] Swagger scored a two count back in the ring. Orton hit a right hand but Swagger came back with sort of a spinning Rock Bottom. He tried that splash again, but Orton stood up and kicked him in the chest. He hit a powerslam and then his apron DDT.

He pounded the mat in preparation for the RKO but Edge hit the ring. The referee called for the bell. Orton hit a RKO on Swagger, but Edge followed up with a spear. Edge stood triumphantly over both men and gave Orton a crazed look as he headed to the back...

Twill's Two Cents: Pretty good match but not as good as their PPV match. I'm surprised Edge didn't make Orton face two opponents or put Orton through more than what he did. He did get the last laugh going into the pay-per-view though.

A commercial for NXT aired and the announcers hyped the current Over the Limit card...

Buzz Aldrin made his way to the ring. He cut a promo about various space type items and loving Monday Night Raw. The crowd gave him the "What?" treatment...

Twill's Two Cents: The Canadian fans aren't going to cheer for an "American hero." By the way, is Vince McMahon in Buzz's earpiece saying "Say you love Monday Night Raw dammit!!!"

Zack Ryder and Alicia Fox hit the ring. Ryder said the moon landing was fake and he would rather be homeless in America than live in a mansion in Canada. Buzz said he punched the last guy to say the moon landing was fake. They showed footage of it...

Twill's Two Cents: I was always skeptical of the moon landing too.

Evan Bourne and Gail Kim hit the ring and Buzz was trying to make a match. Maybe they were running long during the segment and just sent them out there...

[Q8] 7. Evan Bourne and Gail Kim defeated Zack Ryder and Alicia Fox in 3:21. With Gail on the offensive, Zack pulled her through the ropes allowed Alicia to take the advantage. She scored several nearfalls.

Ryder tagged in and went after Gail, but Evan surprised him with a nice spinning kick. He set Ryder up for the Air Bourne but Alicia pushed Zack to the floor. Bourne took him out anyway. Gail then hit her finisher (Eat the Feet? Is that what Cole called it?) for the win...

Afterward, Buzz celebrated with Evan and Gail. He even did the moonwalk...

Twill's Two Cents: Even the lower card guys have a distinct feud going on and tonight, they got some time with the guest host. It made perfect sense to have Evan do the Air Bourne given the theme of the night, but they decided not to for some reason.

A commercial hyping Jack Swagger vs. Big Show for the pay-per-view was shown. Jon Lovitz was hyped as next week's guest host...

Another Geico WWE.com commercial aired. "Does Goldust make an awkward blind date?" They showed Goldust on a date with a girl that looked like Carmella Decesare. He asked if he could call her and then asked if he could breath on her. She said no and looked disgusted...

Twill's Two Cents: Whomever is writing these commercials should be given a raise.

Sheamus made his entrance, followed by the WWE Champion, John Cena. Cena heard a lot of boos earlier but received mostly cheers during his entrance...

8. John Cena defeated Sheamus by disqualification in a non-title match in 9:19. Bonus points for Cole mentioning that Cena has never beaten Sheamus. I thought that could be a big selling point for another championship feud between the two.

Cena enjoyed an early advantage but Sheamus gained the advantage on the floor. Back in the ring, he whipped Cena into the corner and followed with an axe handle shot to the back for a two count. Cena fought back and whipped Sheamus into the ring post. Sheamus went to the floor.

Both men exchanged offense and the crowd was probably dead at this point, or they just didn't show any kind of emotion during the match. Cena's moves received little to no pops. Sheamus knocked Cena to the floor and would not let him back into the ring.

[Overrun] The crowd started to pick it up a little bit with "Let's go Cena, let's go Sheamus" chants. Sheamus hit a baseball slide dropkick and again both men were out of and then back into the ring. Cena kicked out of a cover from Sheamus.

The pace remained slow with Sheamus. Sheamus pounded on Cena's chest with forearm shots. Cena wiggled out of a body slam type move and hit his spots to a chorus of boos. He picked Sheamus for an Attitude Adjustment. Sheamus held onto the ropes. Batista entered the ring just as Cena hit the move, sending Sheamus to the floor.

The referee called for the bell as Batista hit the first of three spinebusters. Instead of hitting the Batista Bomb, he locked in a submission hold, the same one as before. He pulls on one arm with both of his arms and locks in Cena's other arm with his legs. He screamed for Cena to quit and Cena just screamed in pain...

Twill's Two Cents: That main event did very little for me. I think it is a ripple effect. Sheamus' offense would have been more over if the crowd would have been hotter for Cena, but they just were not behind him. Perhaps they were burned out from being so hot earlier in the show. I'll have more to say in my Member's Exclusive audio, coming up later tonight.

What did you think of the show? Feel free to let me know by shooting an email to dotnetrich@gmail.com.

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