[MrMarlinPride]

Jeff Hardy is also scheduled for tomorrow night.

[JetsMania]

I'm pumped for the monday night wars part 2. I still think TNA would have been better off going with the 8-10 time slot rather than 9-11.

[JetsMania]

I thought TNA was awesome tonight.

WWE was same old.


However, Hogan looks terrible in the ring. Flair actually took some good bumps. So much for him not being able to land on his back...


I am loving Batista as a heel with Vince.

[geemoney]

TONIGHT: Impact is advertising a hot start? Raw will counter with Undertaker. Impact has Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair’s return to the ring? Raw has John Cena vs. Vince McMahon. Impact has Daffney? Raw has Criss Angel as guest host. OK, that might’ve been a stretch. But the road to Wrestlemania continues tonight, regardless of what’s being offered on Spike TV. Also tonight, in a 2-on-1 match, Randy Orton faces the other members of Legacy. Expect another H.O.F announcement, as well as perhaps the final MITB qualifier.

-WWE Open.

-Right to the arena they went, for the toll of the Undertaker’s bell. His full entrance took place, as thousands of people probably turned to TNA’s show, as who can sit through another Taker entrance? Crowd popped after the music died down and Taker was alone in the ring. He got on the microphone and said that as of late, Shawn Michaels’ life has a dark cloud hovering above him. In the span of one sentence, the crowd has chanted for both Undertaker and HBK separately. Taker said that after Wrestlemania, there will be no tomorrows, no celebrations, nor sense of triumph. He said only the dark cloud will be left, and for the rest of his life. Fans booed this. He said it brings him no joy to say this, but in three weeks, Shawn’s career will rest in….then HBK’s music came on.

Shawn came to the ring and had a mic of his own. Michaels told Taker, “not tonight.” He said Taker hasn’t earned the right to finish that line yet. HBK said his loss has been hanging over his head for the last year, and last week, he went to bed angry. But in the morning, he looked around, and the cloud was gone. Apparently, he had an epiphany. Shawn said he cost Taker the title in the Chamber because he had no choice; but Taker interfered in his match last week, but he didn’t have to. Then it occurred to Shawn: For the first time ever, in Undertaker’s heart, fear exists. Boos for that too. This crowd is hard to figure out! Taker warned Shawn to choose his next words very carefully. “Fear!” shouted Michaels. Michaels said he wouldn’t have put his career on the line if he didn’t think he could beat Undertaker. “Nothing lasts forever...nothing!” said Michaels. He said he’ prove it at Wrestlemania. Taker said he can’t tell if he’s looking at someone who is confident, or if really, Michaels is full of desperation. Shawn said he wasn’t desperate- maybe last year he was, but not this year. Michaels, in fact, went so far as to propose a no count-out, no-DQ match for ‘Mania. He promised to kick Taker’s teeth down his throat.

“So it shall be, Shawn,” said Taker. He then said he could look in Shawn’s eyes and see the fire and passion. He said he could see that Shawn thinks he can honestly beat him at Wrestlemania. Taker said that must be what makes Shawn the showstopper, Mr. Wrestlemania. Raising his voice, Taker said, “no! Not this year!” He said Michaels may be the greatest to step foot in the ring, but on March 28th, Taker will “open the gates of Hell and unleash a fury that no mortal man has ever seen.” He wanted to make sure Shawn’s career is over at that point. “You keep telling yourself that, Undertaker,” replied Shawn. Shawn said the dark cloud would come back after ‘Mania, but it’d be hanging over Undertaker. He said the dark cloud would contain an image that would haunt Taker for life: That image being Shawn ending Taker’s undefeated streak. They played Shawn’s music as he exited the ring. Real good segment there. Both played their parts near perfectly.

-They showed the skyline of Portland, Oregon, where Raw was being held tonight.

-Also tonight, Randy Orton faces Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes in a 2-on-1 handicap match.

-Then, Vince McMahon will face John Cena in a warm-up match for Bret Hart at ‘Mania.

[Commercial Break]

(1) Kelly Kelly & Gail Kim & Eve Torres vs. Alicia Fox & Katie Lea Burchill & Maryse
The heels were already in the ring. Kim and Fox began the match. Fox fought out of a side-headlock, then the fight went to ringside. Back in the ring, the two traded offense until Katie Lea Burchill distracted Kim, allowing Fox to land a big boot. Tag in to the Divas Champion, Maryse. Back-breaker by Maryse for two. Trash talking from Maryse, but Kim slapped her and tagged Eve. Big dropkick that Maryse sold like she was shot out of cannon. Thrust to the throat by Maryse, but Eve came back and somersaulted onto Maryse for two, broken up by the heels. They were taken out by the faces. Maryse ran into a back-elbow and Eve went to the top. Maryse kindly set herself up in position for Eve’s rolling arm-bar, causing Maryse to submit.

Winners: Kelly, Kim and Eve, at 3:02. The action was awful for the most part. None of the offense or selling looked good. Looks like Eve will be the next challenger for Maryse.

-Hornswoggle was backstage grunting at Criss Angel. The Bellas walked in, and surprise, they were big fans of Angel. They requested to be his guest assistants, but he said he doesn’t use twins. Angel pulled a thread from one of the Bellas’ outfits, put it in his mouth and pulled it through his eye. Disgusting. Hornswoggle provided the drums for the big ending of him pulling the entire thing out. Jillian Hall then walked in and said if anyone is going to be Angel’s assistant, it’s going to be here. She began to sing, as if that has anything to do with magic. Angel requested she stop, and then put some sort of spell on her so she couldn’t speak.

-ShoMiz was walking backstage. They’ll face R-Truth and John Morrison in a Wrestlemania preview match next. This makes no sense on a few levels.

[Commercial Break]

-The Miz and Big Show came out for their match. The Miz had a mic. He said that last week on Smackdown, John Morrison and R-Truth earned the right to face them for the Unified Tag Titles at Wrestlemania. But Miz disagreed that the duo earned the right. Not since the British Bulldog and Lex Luger joined force to team up at Wrestlemania 11 has a tag team bored people so much in a ‘Mania title match. Miz said he’d rather face the Bushwhackers- at least they’re a tag team. He said shame on the WWE locker room for having no one better for them to face at Wrestlemania. Miz said they’re the last truly great tag team in WWE.

(2) The Miz & Big Show vs. John Morrison & R-Truth
Truth started with Miz, but Morrison immediately took out the Big Show on the apron. Miz was clotheslined over the top by the duo, and they did a stereo baseball slide on him. The babyfaces went to the outside to continue the punishment when the ref called for the bell.

Winners: No Contest, at :37. Well, it was smart not to give away the match.

Morrison and Truth did a double-DDT on Big Show on the outside, and they landed a front suplex onto Miz, sending him chest-first into the barricade. Morrison got the mic and questioned Miz’s assertion that they’re not a real tag team or that they don’t have any credibility. Morrison said they just showed how real they can get.

-Another plug for the handicap match aired.

-Speaking of plugs, Mr. McMahon faces John Cena. We’ll hear from Cena next.

[Commercial Break]

-They showed a graphic of Batista vs. John Cena at Wrestlemania. Then, a video package followed.

-Josh Mathews was standing by with John Cena backstage. Mathews reminded Cena that for the first time last week, he was left speechless. Cena said that was because Batista was right- he can’t beat him. He left him for dead and apparently has his number. The only thing Cena can do….is go out there and beat him. Mathews asked him about Batista getting involved in the match with McMahon. Cena said he’s counting on it.

-Evan Bourne was backstage with Criss Angel. He thanked Angel for letting him fight William Regal for a shot at the MITB ladder match. Skip Sheffield walked in and said hello to Bourne, but Regal walked in and told Bourne he’s see him in the ring. Sheffield asked Angel to do a trick for him. Regal made fun of Sheffield, but Angel obliged. Regal wrote down a number and Angel correctly guessed it as 56 by reading Regal’s mind. Sheffield said he knew Angel could do it, and that Regal owes him a Travis Tritt CD. Well, that’s Country music, but, like, mid-to-early 90s.

-Lawler and Cole talked over clips of Legacy costing Orton the Elimination Chamber match last month.

-As DiBiase and Rhodes made their way to the ring for the match, Randy Orton attacked them from behind. The attack didn’t last long, and now, the match will begin after break.

[Commercial Break]

(3) Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase vs. Randy Orton – Handicap Match
Match had begun during the break. Orton went to work against Rhodes, who, after a back-elbow, made the tag to DiBiase. Orton took down Teddy too, who cowered in his corner like Rhodes before him, and made the tag. The heels finally started double-teaming to get the advantage. That is, until Rhodes was back-dropped over the top rope. DiBiase went to attack, but Orton saw it coming, and DiBiase backed away. They went to break after over three minutes of action.

[Commercial Break]

Back with Orton fighting out of the heel corner, knocking DiBiase off the apron and holding Rhodes at bay. The numbers game proved to much in the short-term, as DiBiase dropkicked Orton on the floor. Rhodes sent Orton’s face into the steel steps. Crowd chanted “Randy, Randy.” Clothesline by DiBiase for two-and-a-half, causing DiBiase to argue with referee Chad Patton. The heels had an extended run on offense at this point. Orton made his comeback with a couple of scoop slams. Orton’s IED began to kick in, as he pounded away on DiBiase in the corner. DiBiase awkwardly ran into a back-breaker. Orton pounded the mat for an RKO, but Rhodes grabbed him. DiBiase, from behind, landed Dream Street for the win.

Winners: DiBiase & Rhodes, at about 11:00. Good win for the youngsters.

The winners weren’t done, as Rhodes connected on Cross-Rhodes and DiBiase did some trash talking. They both posed like Orton. A replay of some match highlights were shown.

-Batista was backstage watching the monitor and shaking his head. Josh Mathews walked in and he asked Dave his thoughts on Cena counting on Batista getting involved in his match with Mr. McMahon tonight. Batista said Cena is paranoid and tonight’s situation has nothing to do with him, only Cena and Vince. He gave his word, as WWE Champion, that he wouldn’t get involved. Batista told Josh to tell Cena good luck and that he’s pulling for him. He said Cena needs a confidence booster.

-Later tonight, Mr. McMahon squares off with John Cena.

-Triple H was walking backstage. He was angry, and he’s up next.

[Commercial Break- including an advertisement for a Stone Cold Raw, Steve Austin as guest host next week.]

-Cole talked about WWE.com’s Defining Divas. I think that was a past Diva Search theme they used over it too.

-Triple H came out. Once he got to the ring, they showed what happened last week when Sheamus attacked him as Raw went off the air. Triple H began by saying he kinda respected what Sheamus did last week. He said he could understand because Trips basically cost Sheamus his title and basically humiliated him (his words). Then Sheamus’ music interrupted and the Irishman walked out. Sheamus said he wanted to make a statement against Triple H at Wrestlemania. He asked The Game if he had the guts to accept. Trips said Sheamus had a great first year in WWE, but he’s never been to the big dance, Wrestlemania. Hunter said that until you make a name for yourself at Wrestlemania, all the other accomplishments mean absolutely nothing. Triple H said he understands where Sheamus is coming from, because he was an up-and-comer just like him, undefeated and everything. But he was squashed at Wrestlemania and sent into oblivion. No mention of the Warrior. But he worked hard and made his way back to the top. He said those who beat him at ‘Mania have seen their careers take off like nobody’s business. He name-dropped Cena and Batista. He said the ones he beat have gone on to be nothing but foot-notes in WWE history. Triple H said that was quite the risk- become immortal, or become nothing. Trips told Sheamus he better be sure before he takes the gamble.

Sheamus had a look of contemplation on his face. He backed away and tried a right hand, but Trips fought back with rights of his own. He clotheslined Sheamus over the top rope, but Sheamus pulled Hunter out. The two of them went tumbling over the barricade and into the timekeeper’s station. Sheamus came out first, but Triple H jumped him and the brawl continued. Sheamus threw Triple H into the ring, but walked into a spinebuster. Sheamus escaped to live to fight another day. Triple H’s music played to end the segment. Why is this Sheamus’ only shot to be immortal exactly, Cole?

-Santino Marella introduced himself to Criss Angel and said he is Italian and there are many famous Italian magicians, like Ralph Macchio and Harry Houdini. Angel corrected him and said Houdini was from Budapest. Criss then did a trick with Marella and cups. Apparently, it was muscle reading that Angel was doing, as he had Marella put his hand on his shoulder. He smashed each cup until there was one left- the one Santino put a knife under. Wasn’t as good as the other Angel segments tonight.

[Commercial Break]

-Christian and Heath Slater were at ringside for the MITB match, with Christian on commentary.

(4) Evan Bourne vs. William Regal- Money-In-The-Bank Qualifying Match
Skip Sheffield accompanied Regal to the ring. Regal used his knees but Bourne came back with kicks. Left hand by Regal caused Bourne to take a seat. Running back elbow, then a chicken-wing suplex for two. Overhead throw by Regal, who then consulted (or yelled at) Sheffield. He went for a running knee, but Bourne kneed Regal in the face instead. Air Bourne followed for the win.

Winner: Bourne, at 1:28. Another too-short MITB qualifying match. Now we can look forward to two weeks of eight-man tag matches with these guys leading up to ‘Mania.

-Still to come, Mr. McMahon goes on-on-one with John Cena.

[Commercial Break]

-The first Wrestlemania Recall of the year was from 2004- Brock Lesnar vs. Goldberg with Steve Austin as guest referee. Interesting choice.

-They advertised Steve Austin as guest host next week.

-The announcers ran down the Wrestlemania card.

-They showed a video of Bret and Vince’s interaction last week.

-A buffed-up Mr. McMahon was walking backstage. The match is next.


[Commercial Break]
-Next week will be Wrestlemania Rewind night; matches from Wrestlemanias past, including Big Show vs. John Cena, Triple H vs. Randy Orton and Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Jericho. Also next week, the contract signing between Bret and Vince, officiated by Steve Austin.

-The special guest ring announcer was brought out: Criss Angel. He got some nice fireworks. Angel said he was honored to be live on Monday Night Raw. He said he was here to present the main event. He introduced John Cena first. He announced Mr. McMahon as the Chairman of the Board.

McMahon got the mic once they were in the ring, and told Bret to make sure to watch the match. No disrespect to Criss Angel, he said, the result of this match won’t be an illusion. He said Cena would be defeated, one, two, three. Vince then said the match has changed a bit…to a handicap gauntlet match. His first opponent: Vladimir Kozlov.

(5) John Cena vs. Mr. McMahon- Handicap Gauntlet Match
Kozlov with a spinebuster, then a few headbutts. Another spintebuster, as McMahon cheered him on. McMahon tagged his way in and made the cover, but only got two. He called the next person out, and it was Drew McIntyre. Not sure why Kozlov left. McIntyre laid in the punches, and booted Cena in the face. Downward Spiral (somebody else now?) but McMahon tagged in and couldn’t get the pin. Next one was Jack Swagger, who looked like an idiot running down there. Swagger hit the ring and they went to break. Not sure I get the rules on this- the gauntlet guy is out once he tags Vince maybe?

[Commercial Break]

Cena was about to hit Swagger with the five-knuckle shuffle. Swagger came back with a running powerslam. McMahon asked for the tag, and Swagger told him one more. Vader Bomb found the mark, but Swagger again wanted one more. And he landed it. McMahon tagged in this time, but didn’t learn anything from the previous times, as he did some taunting before going for the pin, and only got two. Another attempt, another two. McMahon stomped his foot in anger, then called out Mark Henry. Henry was not happy about having to beat up Cena. McMahon was trash talking him from ringside. World’s Strongest Slam by Henry and McMahon begged for a tag. He made it and McMahon covered Cena for two. Henry stayed on the apron and the Boss went to ringside. I think he’s going to get a gun to try to shoot Cena. But knowing Cena, the bullets would just bounce off of him. McMahon got a mic and said this was now a no-DQ handicap gauntlet match. McMahon had the ring bell in the ring as Henry tried to reason with Vince. McMahon made Henry use the bell. Henry tossed it to ringside and Batista ran in to spear Henry. It was odd, because Cole was shouting, “Oh my God” before we could even see Batista coming. Batista tossed Henry out of the ring, but Kofi Kingston came down and attacked Batista. However, Batista powerbombed him out of the corner hard. Cena got to his feet and fired back on Batista. McMahon had the ring bell, but was trying to hide it from Cena. Finally, he just threw it to ringside. He got Vince up for the Attitude Adjustment, but dropped him as Batista speared him. Batista Bomb for Cena, and a pin by McMahon. Oh wait, there’s no bell to ring!

Winner: McMahon, at 11:18. A weak main event for a good show.

Batista stood over Cena and the lights dimmed. He played to the crowd and held his hands high, letting out a primal scream in the process as the show closed.

[ArtisticHate]

I told myself I didn't care enough about TNA to DVR it, but I channel changed during Raw adverts to see them talk about Sting's heel turn. I was intrigued enough when Dixie announced Sting vs. a mystery opponent. I knew it was going to be RVD so I then DVRed the rest of the episode.

I'm liking the heel Sting so far.

The main event was just... horrible. I wasn't expecting much, but still... they could do better then put Hogan and Flair in a ring again for the 900th time.

Good to see Jeff Hardy back in a wrestling ring.

Damn Spike for cutting the feed a bit too early.

Raw was solid enough and the better show in my personal opinion.

[ultimopain]

Positives for TNA:

- It looks like Hogan knows he can't ever wrestle again.

- Flair. He may not be 30 years old anymore but he's still the best talker TNA has, and he actually didn't look that bad in the ring tonight.

- The Pope. He didn't really have much involvement tonight but I just love everything he does and says.

- The X-Division. They know they should be focusing on this as a big point of the company, and they're doing it well so far.

- Knockouts. Far superior to the WWE Divas in every way.

Negatives for TNA:

- RVD's burial. I know why it was done, to get Sting over as a heel, but not a good idea to do it on his debut. He's over enough that it won't hurt him that much but still I would've done it differently.

- Sting's heel turn. Only because it hasn't worked in the past. If they can get him over as a heel then it does have potential, but for now, I'm not liking it.

- Get rid of Nash, Waltman, Hall, Jarrett. Focus more on guys like Samoa Joe, Matt Morgan, Hernandez, Motor City Machineguns, etc who were nowhere to be seen on this broadcast.

- Not as much wrestling as there should be, considering the talent level of the roster they have.


They really need better writers to come up with storylines that make sense and less campy segments and instead showcase more wrestling from their talented guys. If they do that then they have a chance to be a great wrestling company.

[JetsMania]

I wouldnt say RVD got buried. He came out and beat Sting in 30 seconds and then was taken down with a weapon. I think it worked well for both. RVD comes in like a house of fire and beats Sting and then Sting gets to sell the heel angle.


TNA needs to keep Hogan, Foley, the Nasty Boys and Scott Hall out of the ring. Flair actually didnt look so bad.


I loved having an option during the commercial breaks. I hope TNA gets a decent rating.

[geemoney]

JetsMania, on March 9, 2010 - 09:02 AM, said:

I wouldnt say RVD got buried. He came out and beat Sting in 30 seconds and then was taken down with a weapon. I think it worked well for both. RVD comes in like a house of fire and beats Sting and then Sting gets to sell the heel angle.

Chris Jericho disagrees. From his Twitter page:

"The beat down of RVD 20 seconds into his debut in TNA was mind boggling. I dont understand how so many talented people can be so clueless"

[Benched]

Hogan looks really bad in the ring.

[geemoney]

Ratings are in:

RAW: 3.4
TNA: .98

[ultimopain]

geemoney, on March 9, 2010 - 08:54 PM, said:

Ratings are in:

RAW: 3.4
TNA: .98

Ouch. TNA got pwned.

[JetsMania]

wow not even a 1!

[ArtisticHate]

I'm still loving NXT right now, I find it more entertaining then both Raw and Smackdown and, of course, TNA as well.