June 2009 Results

1. Results

June 1, 2009 — WWE Monday Night Raw (from Birmingham, AL)

Tonight's show opened with the World Heavyweight champion, Edge, in the ring cutting a promo on tonight's main event between Jeff Hardy and Chris Jericho. He warned both competitors that they're expending a massive amount of energy over a moot point. No matter if it's Edge versus Jeff Hardy or Edge, Hardy, and Chris Jericho this month at Vengeance, the result is going to be the same: Edge will reign victorious and remain champion. This brought Jericho out to tell Edge that he and Vickie may have granted him another opportunity to main event Vengeance, but when it comes to the World Heavyweight title, it's every man for himself. And Jericho wants what's rightfully his. Jeff Hardy raced to the ring and instead of saying a word, attacked Chris Jericho straight away! Edge backed away from the action with a satisfied smirk, allowing Hardy and Jericho tear into one another as officials tried to break up the fight.

Backstage, Cryme Tyme was interviewed. They said they may have missed their opportunity to compete in the tag team title tournament, but they still know they're one of the best tag teams on WWE Raw. Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder overheard this claim and told Shad and JTG to prove it next week on Monday Night Raw in a tag team match. Cryme Tyme accepted, but as Hawkins and Ryder exited, they attacked Shad and JTG! Cryme Tyme chased them to the ring and we had ourselves an impromptu singles match!

Curt Hawkins pinned Shad after a spinebuster slam in 0:05:37.
Rating: * 1/2

Despite the obvious size advantage, Hawkins was able to pull out the win against Cryme Tyme's muscle tonight, thanks to some distraction from his partner Zack Ryder. Ryder attacked JTG at ringside, and in the momentary chaos, Hawkins shocked Shad (and much of the audience ) by lifting him and slamming him to the mat with a spinebuster slam for the three-count! Hawkins and Ryder are looking good heading into next week's grudge match between these two teams!

John Cena came out to the ring to deliver a promo about the tag team title tournament and Triple H. He spoke about his and Triple H's win over The Brian Kendrick and Ezekiel Jackson last week. He said Triple H easily could have left him for dead last week… maybe should have. But for his own reasons, Triple H stayed and for that John Cena said he was appreciative. This brought out Triple H, who seemed much less antagonistic toward his tag team partner this week. He said he thought about leaving Cena to get destroyed by Kendrick and Jackson last week, but he doesn't back away from any challenge. And teaming with a man he despises this much is the biggest challenge he can imagine right now. Out strutted Jack Swagger and Cody Rhodes, the All-American Dream, debating any claim that Cena and Triple H will win the World Tag Team titles at Vengeance. They guaranteed victory over Punk and Noble tonight and Cena and Triple H at Vengeance… if they make it. From out of nowhere, William Regal and Umaga blindsided Cena and Triple H! Swagger and Rhodes joined in the assault, eventually bringing CM Punk and Jamie Noble out to make the save! What a prelude to our eight-man elimination match later tonight!

Backstage, Jeff Hardy was interviewed about his attack on Chris Jericho tonight. He said two weeks ago, Chris Jericho tried to take him out of the picture and cost him his World Heavyweight title match at Vengeance by brutally attacking him with a chair after the match. He's not sure what Jericho's mental malfunction is, but tonight, he secures his main event against the Rated R Superstar at Vengeance. This brought the World Heavyweight champion in to make Jeff an offer. If he wants, Edge will make sure Jericho goes down and secure a one-on-one opportunity at Vengeance. Jeff refused, saying that if he's going to kick Jericho's ass tonight, he's doing it alone.

Kofi Kingston pinned Kung Fu Naki with the Trouble in Paradise in 0:05:01.
Rating: * * *

Kofi Kingston continued to impress after the valiant effort he put up against Edge last week, defeating Kung Fu Naki in impressive fashion this week. The high flying Jamaican Sensation finished things off with the Trouble in Paradise and picked up the victory tonight.

Backstage, United States champion MVP was interviewed about his non-title loss to Rey Mysterio two weeks ago and their match at Vengeance. MVP said he underestimated Mysterio once, but that won't happen again. When his title is on the line, he steps his game up to another level. If Rey thinks he's seen the best of the US champion, he's mistaken. He promised that at Vengeance, it's not about vengeance. It's about respect and about the United States championship. And when it's said and done, he will still be champion and all his fans will still be… ballin'!

Hurricane Helms pinned a local wrestler with the Shining Wizard in 0:02:59.
Rating: * * 1/4

An impressive return to Raw for the former World Tag Team and Cruiserweight champion, Hurricane Helms as he defeated a local wrestler with ease. Displaying an impressive variety of aerial and technical prowess, Helms hit the Shining Wizard on the local athlete to win his return match tonight! Time will tell if Helms will be able to ascend to heights his career has yet to see as a singles wrestler.

Backstage, Chris Jericho was interviewed about his main event match tonight against Jeff Hardy. He stated that Hardy's attack on him this evening was unfounded, unacceptable, and typical of what the blood-thirsty fans out in the arena want. Tonight, he finishes the job he started two weeks ago, and at Vengeance, he'll have his opportunity to regain what's rightfully his. And after Jericho gets through beating Hardy tonight, it might just be Edge and Jericho one-on-one. Edge approached Jericho, suggesting that he could help him in that endeavor should he choose. Jericho surveyed Edge contemplatively, and walked off without saying a word.

Elimination Match:
The All-American Dream (Jack Swagger and Cody Rhodes), William Regal and Umaga
beat Triple H, John Cena, CM Punk and Jamie Noble 4 falls to 2:
x Umaga beat J. Noble via the Samoan Spike in 0:05:16
x C. Rhodes beat Triple H via a roll up in 0:11:48
x C. Rhodes beat J. Cena via countout in 0:12:49
x Punk beat C. Rhodes via the G.T.S. in 0:17:32
x Punk beat W. Regal via a kick to the head in 0:21:13
x Swagger beat Punk via the Gutwrench Power Bomb in 0:25:05
Survivors: Jack Swagger, Umaga
Rating: * * 3/4

Nearly a half-hour of action in this prelude to the tag team title tournament semi-finals next week, as these four teams tore into one another fro bell-to-bell. Jamie Noble was the first victim, falling prey to a Samoan Spike from Umaga and getting pinned. Six and a half minutes later, John Cena started arguing with Triple H on the ring apron, leading to Cena shoving Triple H into Cody Rhodes who rolled him up for the surprise pinfall! With Cena and Punk facing a 4-on-2 predicament, Cena prepared to take action when Triple H suddenly pulled him to the outside and the two started arguing once again! Shoves were exchanged and before you knew it, the two were brawling once again! All the while, the referee counted out John Cena, leaving CM Punk alone against the two opposing teams! Punk took the fight straight to the opposition, pinning Cody Rhodes with the G.T.S. and eventually eliminating William Regal after a vicious kick to the head, leaving only Jack Swagger and Umaga to conquer. Despite his effort, Punk eventually fell victim to a brutal Gutwrench Power Bomb from Swagger and was pinned. With Umaga and Swagger standing tall after the match and Cena and Triple H imploding, what can we expect with the semi-final matches occurring next week?

The Brian Kendrick came to the ring for a promo along with Ezekiel Jackson. Kendrick began by listing his accomplishments in WWE as a long reigning WWE Tag Team champion and Cruiserweight champion. Most recently, he cited his one-on-one victory over Triple H two weeks ago on this very program. Despite his and his associate's tag team loss last week, he excitedly stated that he's already on to bigger and badder things. The biggest… and the baddest. The lights went out suddenly, and after a few seconds the familiar gong of The Undertaker tolled. When the lights returned, Kendrick was still in the ring, holding a black rose and smirking. He said simply, "Undertaker… the bell tolls for thee" and left, still smiling arrogantly.

Jeff Hardy defeated Chris Jericho by disqualification in 0:15:02.
Rating: * * * *
[Edge interfered against Jeff Hardy.]

Another stellar contest between Jeff Hardy and Chris Jericho ended in controversial fashion, as Edge interfered, shoving Hardy off the turnbuckle as he went for a Swanton Bomb. Edge started beating on Hardy relentlessly, and as Jericho finally awoke, he didn't seem too displeased. In fact, Jericho smiled! He started putting the boots to Jeff Hardy, delivering a Codebreaker to the Extreme Enigma! With Hardy down, Jericho put him in the Walls of Jericho and called for Edge to grab a chair outside. Edge grabbed two chairs and delivered a vicious Conchairto to Hardy while in the Walls of Jericho! Jericho let go of the hold, and the World Heavyweight champion and Chris Jericho celebrated together, arms held high, after the attack!

June 6, 2009 — WWE presents Raw Live (from Pensacola, FL)

Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder defeated Rey Mysterio and Kofi Kingston when
Z. Ryder pinned Kofi with the Lifting Reverse DDT in 0:09:06.
Rating: * * 1/2

Vladimir Kozlov pinned Hurricane Helms with the Kneeling Spinebuster in 0:08:02.
Rating: * * 1/4

The All-American Dream (Jack Swagger and Cody Rhodes) defeated
CM Punk and Jamie Noble when Swagger pinned Punk with the Gutwrench Power Bomb
in 0:14:25.
Rating: * * * 1/2
[Umaga interfered against CM Punk.]

Mickie James and Melina defeated Beth Phoenix and Nikki Bella when Melina
pinned Nikki with the Last Call in 0:06:12.
Rating: * 3/4

Handicap-Match:
The Undertaker defeated The Brian Kendrick and Ezekiel Jackson when Undertaker
pinned Ezekiel with the Tombstone in 0:13:46.
Rating: * * * 1/2

Triple H and John Cena defeated William Regal and Umaga when Triple H pinned
W. Regal with the Pedigree in 0:17:08.
Rating: * * 3/4

Jeff Hardy and Montel Vontavious Porter defeated
The Elite (Chris Jericho and Edge) when J. Hardy pinned Jericho with the
Swanton Bomb in 0:21:03.
Rating: * * * * 1/4

June 8, 2009 — WWE Monday Night Raw (from Lafayette, LA)

Tonight's show opened with the World Heavyweight champion Edge and Chris Jericho walking to the ring to cut a promo for the crowd. Jericho said that last week, he and Chris Jericho started a new era in WWE Raw. Jericho stated that he was approached by Edge on his first night back in the Raw locker room, and they realized that they were the best talent the Raw roster had to offer. Jericho said that he respects Edge and Vickie Guerrero and last week, Jeff Hardy got a taste of what their combined forces can do. Edge took the mic and said their two wrestling minds are the greatest in WWE history. He called themselves the elite force in professional wrestling, and said that even though Jeff Hardy hasn't made it to the arena this week, he and Jericho still plan on holding the contract signing for their World Heavyweight title match at Vengeance tonight. If Jeff is unable to attend, he'll assume the Extreme Enigma is too hurt to compete and will compete in a classic exhibition match against his partner Chris Jericho! Jericho smiled and told Hardy that the clock is ticking…

Rey Mysterio pinned a local wrestler with the Springboard Splash in 0:04:52.
Rating: * * 1/2

With United States champion MVP sitting ringside, Rey Mysterio scored another victory this week, this time over a local wrestler after hitting him with the 619 followed by a Springboard Splash. During the match, MVP said he is tired of hearing how Rey Mysterio defeated him in a non-title match. With all due respect, he knows he's better than Rey. That's why he has the strap. After the match, he entered the ring and confronted Mysterio, parading the belt in front of him and reminding him that after Vengeance, he'll still be the man.

Backstage, Beth Phoenix and Mickie James conducted a face-to-face interview about their top contenders match tonight. Phoenix said that it was her destiny to stand as the longest reigning Women's champion of all-time, and tonight, Mickie james is just a speed bump in her road to glory. Mickie James got in the Glamazon's face and said that the rest of the WWE Raw locker room may fear her, but she knows how much better she is than Beth. Tonight, she'll prove it and take on Melina at WWE Vengeance.

In the ring, Triple H delivered a promo, calling out John Cena. Cena entered the ring area and Triple H said that tonight, they have one more opportunity to compete as a cohesive team. But Triple H doesn't care at this point if they win or lose. In fact, Triple H said he wanted to issue a challenge right here and now. If they lose their match tonight, Triple H wants to face John Cena at Vengeance in a top contenders match! Cena readily accepted, and reminded Triple H that win or lose tonight, at some point they're going to cross paths. And when they do, Cena is going to make Triple H tap one more time.

Beth Phoenix pinned Mickie James with the Fisherwoman Suplex in 0:06:17.
Rating: *

WWE Women's champion Melina stood ringside for this match, as Beth Phoenix and Mickie James brought women's wrestling back to the Raw and didn't disappoint. Beth Phoenix earned the opportunity to challenge Melina for the championship at Vengeance after hitting her with the Fisherwoman Suplex to score the pinfall victory. Phoenix motioned to Melina afterward, telling her she'd be reclaiming her title at the pay-per-view. Given the history between these two, we should expect something of a fight at Vengeance.

Backstage, CM Punk and Jamie Noble were interviewed regarding their upcoming match against the All-American Dream. Punk said that even though he has a Money in the Bank opportunity to hold onto, tonight's focus is completely upon the World Tag Team titles. He's found a technically sound partner in Jamie Noble and they have a great opportunity tonight. Jamie Noble reminded William Regal and Umaga that they're gunning for them, and hopefully they'll get to take them out at Vengeance. At this point, they were interrupted by William Regal and Umaga, who came in to fight, but were restrained by security as the interview closed.

Vladimir Kozlov pinned Kung Fu Naki with the Kneeling Spinebuster in 0:05:53.
Rating: * 1/2

Another dominating victory for the Moscow Mauler, as he destroyed Kung Fu Naki this week. However, for the first time in recent weeks, we saw Kozlov take some punishment from an opponent! Fu Naki went on the offensive during the match, and looked to have Kozlov rocked for several moments, but a single headbutt and a Kneeling Spinebuster later, and the match was over. But Kozlov wasn't finished, as he continued to rough up Kung Fu Naki after the match! This assault continued until Hurricane Helms came out and made the save, taking to the air and taking Kozlov off his feet, sending him outside the ring! The look on Kozlov's face could have burned a hole through Helms. We would find out later that Vladimir Kozlov issued a challenge to Hurricane Helms for match at Vengeance and Helms readily accepted!

Backstage, the self-proclaimed elite of WWE Raw, Chris Jericho and World Heavyweight champion Edge, were interviewed along with Raw GM Vickie Guerrero. They said that as of this minute, Jeff Hardy still had not shown up and was not expected to. Tonight, they're prepared to announce that the main event of Vengeance will be "subject to change", as they will announce later tonight an exhibition match between the elite themselves, Edge and Chris Jericho. Jericho tapped his watch again and told Jeff to hurry up because his time is running out.

The Brian Kendrick entered the ring to deliver a promo on The Undertaker. As he entered the ring, a psychedelic version of Undertaker's funeral march played and Kendrick mocked the Undertaker down the ramp and into the ring. He reminded the audience that he called out The Undertaker last week, but has not heard a word from the Dead Man since then. The Powers That Be have given him what he wants however, and at Vengeance, it's going to be The Undertaker against The Brian Kendrick, one-on-one! He didn't blame the Undertaker for not showing up to face him. But The Brian Kendrick is making a stand, and the Undertaker is just a gnat in his way. He dared the Undertaker to come out and face him tonight, but nothing happened. He called the Undertaker a coward and said that at Vengeance, The Brian Kendrick continues his ascension to the top of WWE Raw.

Backstage, Cryme Tyme were discussing their match tonight against Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder. As they prepared their strategy and started toward the ring, Hawkins and Ryder attacked them from behind, brutally beating Shad and JTG! The dastardly team laughed and high-fived as they walked away from the carnage they had caused.

Backstage, the All-American Dream were interviewed about their match tonight against CM Punk and Jamie Noble. They talked themselves up and regarded their accomplishments at such young ages. Swagger, the former ECW champion and Rhodes former multiple time World Tag Team champion. Rhodes said he would again be at the top of the tag team ladder and guaranteed victory tonight. Swagger said it doesn't matter who they face at Vengeance, because it is their destiny to be golden…

The All-American Dream (Jack Swagger and Cody Rhodes) defeated
CM Punk and Jamie Noble when Swagger pinned J. Noble with the
Gutwrench Power Bomb in 0:12:16.
Rating: * * 1/2

Jack Swagger and Cody Rhodes are one win away from making good on their guarantee to win the World Tag Team championships, as they defeated the talented team of Mr. Money in the Bank CM Punk and Jamie Noble tonight. It was a very good back-and-forth battle between these two teams, but the younger superstars showed themselves to be hungrier as well, as Swagger finished off Noble with a Gutwrench Power Bomb.

Triple H and John Cena defeated Umaga and William Regal when J. Cena pinned
W. Regal with the Attitude Adjustment in 0:17:18.
Rating: * * * * 1/4

Despite the promise of a battle at Vengeance should they lose, it seems that epic encounter will have to wait. John Cena and Triple H are going to be in the same ring at Vengeance, but they'll be teaming up to take on the All-American Dream for the World Tag Team titles after defeating William Regal and Umaga tonight! What a fantastic fight this was, as Umaga and Regal held their own against the top two superstars on WWE Raw! But once Triple H incapacitated Umaga outside the ring, John Cena was able to hit the Attitude Adjustment on Regal for the pinfall! The vistors stared one another down after the match-up, but they're headed to Vengeance to challenge for the vacant tag gold!

Edge, Chris Jericho, and Vickie Guerrero strolled to the ring arrogantly for the World Heavyweight title contract signing. Edge ran down Jeff Hardy, listing the number of times he's defeated the Extreme Enigma and noting that now that he and Chris Jericho are together, Jeff wouldn't stand a chance even if he were here tonight. Edge signed the contract and held it up, waiting for the absent Jeff Hardy to come sign the contract. The fans chanted, but there was no sign of him. Edge said that he knew the younger Hardy was a coward, and he motioned for Chris to sign the paper in his stead. As Jericho began to put pen to paper, Jeff Hardy's music began to play and he ran down the ramp wielding a chair! Edge and Jericho tried to take him on, but Jeff nailed Edge in the head with a chair and hit Jericho with a Twist of Fate onto the chair! Edge and Jericho evacuated and Jeff grabbed the contract, signed it, grabbed a mic and yelled, "I'll see you at Vengeance!" as the show closed.

June 15, 2009 — WWE Monday Night Raw (from Charlotte, NC)

The Elite, Chris Jericho and World Heavyweight champion Edge, came out sans former GM Vickie Guerrero to start the show. Jericho said that Jeff Hardy ruined their opportunity to provide the ultimate main event for Vengeance. Instead of Edge and Chris Jericho, the two best wrestlers on the Raw roster, it's going to be Edge defeating Jeff Hardy in the main event. Edge said that this has been a long-time coming for Hardy, and Edge is going to make sure that he stays down this time. Before he could continue, the theme from 2001: A Space Odyssey played, and out came Charlotte's own "Nature Boy" Ric Flair! Flair was looking sharp and grinning ear to ear as he announced that he had been pegged as the new General Manager of WWE Raw! The Elite were incredulous, but Flair announced that tonight's main event would be a tag team match: The Elite, Edge and Chris Jericho, against Jeff Hardy and a partner of his choosing. The winning team gets to pick their opponents' poison next week: poison for Hardy if The Elite win and poison for Edge if Hardy's team wins! The World Heavyweight champion was furious as Flair went to the back…

Hurricane Helms pinned William Regal with the Shining Wizard in 0:09:04.
Rating: * * * 1/4
[CM Punk interfered against William Regal.]

This was an excellent way to start off our first Raw event with new GM Ric Flair, as these two technical powerhouses took center stage and delivered a clinic! In the end, "Mr. Money in the Bank" CM Punk made his way down to ringside, distracting Regal and allowing Helms the opportunity to hit the Shining Wizard for the victory! Punk slid into the ring afterward as Regal slithered outside the ring. Punk said that he'll defeat Umaga at Vengeance and then he'll be ready to finish Regal off once and for all. This brought out Umaga, who tried to attack, but Punk laid him out with several kicks to the head as he tried to get into the ring. Punk and Umaga will share the same ring at Vengeance, however. Can CM Punk overcome the Samoan Bulldozer?

Backstage, Jeff Hardy was interviewed about tonight's main event. Hardy said that tonight, The Elite get their comeuppance and Jeff can't wait to pick Edge's poison next week. Before he can say another word, Hurricane Helms came into the scene and said he'll help Hardy and be his partner for tonight's tag team main event! Hardy said there was no one else he'd rather have by his side.

A review of the recent history between Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder and Cryme Tyme was shown, including last week's sneak attack by Hawkins and Ryder before their match-up was supposed to take place.

Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder defeated Cryme Tyme (JTG and Shad) when C. Hawkins pinned JTG
after a back elbow in 0:12:03.
Rating: * 3/4

Former WWE Tag Team champions Hawkins and Ryder scored a surprising victory over Cryme Tyme tonight, but it wasn't without a bit of controversy. Following a vicious back elbow to the eye of JTG, Hawkins rolled up his blinded opponent and held his tights… well, jeans… for the pinfall! JTG's vision was pretty severely impaired following the bout, but the duo has sworn revenge on Hawkins and Ryder!

Backstage, Triple H ran into new Raw GM Ric Flair in his office. Flair and Triple H reminisced about their travels and times, and Flair wished him the best in the World Tag Team title tournament finals at Vengeance. Triple H said that with a partner like John Cena, he'll need all the help he can get. The All-American Dream strolled into the office unwelcome, and disrespected Flair. So Flair showed his newfound power by making a match between Triple H and Jack Swagger tonight, and a match between Cody Rhodes and John Cena next week on Raw!

In a video segment, the respect-filled feud between United Stated champion MVP and challenger Rey Mysterio, including never before seen footage of Mysterio's non-title victory at a Raw Live event! Afterward, it was announced that Rey Mysterio would be the US champion's guest on the VIP Lounge next week!

Vladimir Kozlov pinned Jamie Noble with the Kneeling Spinebuster in 0:08:28.
Rating: * * 1/4

This match was likely the most we've seen Kozlov tested so far on his WWE Raw run, as Noble pushed him to the 8-minute mark only to fall to the Moscow Mauler with a Kneeling Spinebuster. After the match, Kozlov said that last week, Hurricane Helms obstructed his Trail of Terror. Simply put, he'll destroy him at Vengeance.

Backstage, John Cena was interviewed about his match next week and the tag team titles. He said he may not hold favor with the new Raw GM like his tag team partner Triple H, but he doesn't need anyone's help to defeat the All-American Dream at Vengeance, let alone Cody Rhodes next week. He said it one more time, as long as Triple H holds up his side of the team, they're going to be wearing gold come Vengeance. And then, they can tear each other apart.

In the ring, The Brian Kendrick and Ezekiel Jackson were out to deliver yet another promo on The Undertaker. He said that it's been three weeks since he made his initial challenge to The Undertaker, but he's still yet to receive any direct response from the Dean Man. He started lacing into Taker, saying he was weaker than he's ever been, he can't keep up with the younger guns in the WWE, and that's why he's yet to appear on Raw to confront Kendrick. In the midst of his hatred-fueled tirade, the lights went out and the gong of the Undertaker played. When the lights returned, The Undertaker stood in the ring right behind Kendrick and Jackson! Kendrick saw this and bailed immediately, leaving Ezekiel to take the brunt of the Undertaker's wrath! Taker chokeslammed Jackson, pointed to The Brian Kendrick, and ran his finger along his throat as his music played. The challenge has been answered!

Backstage, camera crews rushed to find that Hurricane Helms had been laid out in the back by Vladimir Kozlov! Kozlov spat on Helms and walked away from the carnage he'd left.

Triple H pinned Jack Swagger with the Pedigree in 0:14:22.
Rating: * * * 1/4

In an outstanding match, Jack Swagger gave all he had against The Game, but in the end Triple H was able to subdue the former Extreme champion and earn a confidence booster for he and his partner, John Cena going into Vengeance.

Backstage, Jeff Hardy was interviewed about the attack on Hurricane Helms. He said the damage was bad enough to put Helms out of the main event tonight, but that's okay. Hardy said he doesn't need anyone's help. Tonight, he promised to take out The Elite alone… in handicap match!

Handicap-Match:
The Elite (Chris Jericho and Edge) defeated Jeff Hardy when Edge pinned
J. Hardy with the Spear in 0:16:20.
Rating: * * * * 1/4

Jeff Hardy fought valiently against Jericho and the World Heavyweight champion, but tonight it was just not to be. The combined force of The Elite was too much, as Edge pinned Hardy after a brutal spear while he was about to hit Jericho with a Twist of Fate! Edge took the mic after the match and said that next week, Hardy will suffer the same fate as his buddy Hurricane Helms. Because he'll be eaten alive by the "Moscow Mauler" Vladimir Kozlov!

June 19, 2009 — WWE presents Raw SummerSlam Tour (from Des Moines, IA)

Jamie Noble made William Regal submit to the Cross Armbar in 0:12:24.
Rating: * * * * 1/4

Hurricane Helms pinned Vladimir Kozlov after a roll up in 0:09:03.
Rating: * * 1/4

John Cena and Triple H and
The All-American Dream (Jack Swagger and Cody Rhodes) wrestled to a draw at 0:30:00.
Rating: * * * * 3/4

Umaga pinned CM Punk with the Samoan Spike in 0:11:56.
Rating: * * 1/2

The Undertaker pinned Ezekiel Jackson with the Tombstone in 0:05:46.
Rating: * 3/4

[Non-Title Match]
Montel Vontavious Porter pinned Rey Mysterio with the Playmaker in 0:21:31.
Rating: * * * * 1/4

[Non-Title Match]
Jeff Hardy pinned Edge with the Swanton Bomb in 0:19:24.
Rating: * * * * 1/4

June 22, 2009 — WWE Monday Night Raw (from Green Bay, WI)

World Heavyweight champion Edge and Chris Jericho, The Elite, walked toward the ring to start the show. Jericho started off by reminding everyone of the beating they gave Jeff Hardy last week in their handicap match. As a result, they got to pick Hardy's opponent for tonight. And after seeing what an excellent job Vladimir Kozlov could do of taking someone out on command, they decided to have Hardy face Kozlov tonight! Edge said they made sure Kozlov took out Hurricane Helms last week, and this brought out Raw GM Ric Flair! Flair spoke about Edge losing to Jeff last week at live event in a non-title match. Edge assured him that won't happen at Vengeance. Flair told them that even though they picked Hardy's poison tonight, Flair is the GM… so he gets to pick their posion, and they're wrestling tonight! Jericho is going to face the man they set up last week, Hurricane Helms! And Flair said he had a special poison for the World Heavyweight champion… he'll be facing The Undertaker! The crowd popped huge for this, as Taker would be wrestling his first official match on the Raw brand!

Chris Jericho pinned Hurricane Helms with the Codebreaker in 0:11:03.
Rating: * * * *

Flair wasted little time putting Jericho and Helms in the ring together after his announcement, as Helms made his way to the ring almost immediately, looking for retribution! The World Heavyweight champion was immediately ushered to the back to assure a one-on-one encounter. But Hurricane Helms's revenge will have to wait, as Jericho was able to get the best of his still weary opponent, hitting him with the Codebreaker after a hotly contested match-up.

Backstage, the All-American Dream delivered a promo on their Vengeance opponents, John Cena and Triple H! Swagger and Rhodes laced into the legends, saying that they may be two of the best singles athletes in WWE history, but come Sunday, their aggression is going to tear them apart. And they'll be there to capitalize and become new World Tag Team champions!

CM Punk and Jamie Noble defeated William Regal and Umaga when J. Noble pinned
W. Regal after a powerslam in 0:14:38.
Rating: * * * 1/2

These four superstars will do battle on Sunday, and if tonight's tag team match was any indication, we're in for two all-out brawls at Vengeance! Noble eventually surprised Regal with a powerslam to pick up the pinfall victory for his team, but all four men took quite a beating during this encounter.

Backstage, John Cena was interviewed about his match tonight against Cody Rhodes. He said his tag team partner is nowhere to be found tonight. He knows Jack Swagger is going to be in Rhodes' corner. But he doesn't need anyone in his corner. He said he could take on both members if need be, and on Sunday, he's not going to need Triple H's help. But he will win the tag team gold, come hell or high water!

In the ring, United States champion MVP was prepared to host the VIP Lounge, introducing his guest, his challenger at WWE Vengeance this Sunday… Rey Mysterio! The two stood toe to toe before saying a word, and MVP extended his hand as a sign of good faith. Mysterio shook his hand, and MVP said that several weeks ago, Rey defeated him in a non-title match. That got the champion shaken up, he admits it. But MVP said that he got even last week, defeating Rey in another non-title match at a live event in Des Moines. MVP has one… Rey has one. Rey said he respects the champion, but his goal is to dethrone MVP. And on Sunday, he'll take his place on the totem pole as the new United States champion. MVP guaranteed that they'd have a classic at Vengeance.

Jeff Hardy defeated Vladimir Kozlov by countout in 0:11:02.
Rating: * 1/2

Edge did an excellent job picking Jeff Hardy's poison for tonight's match-up, as Kozlov delivered quite a beating to the Extreme Enigma throughout tonight's contest. Hardy showed several brief signs of offense during the match, but every attempt was squashed by the Russian Roadblock. Hardy's saving grace came in the form of his friend Hurricane Helms, as Helms made his way to the ramp and taunted the Moscow Mauler into chasing him. The referee counted Kozlov out as he stalked up the ramp, declaring Hardy the victor by countout! Hardy may have won the match, but the damage was done and then some. How will Hardy fare this Sunday?

Backstage, a suddenly more subdued The Brian Kendrick was interviewed with his associate Ezekiel Jackson lurking behind him, checking hallways, doorways, and closets. Kendrick said that after weeks and weeks of challenges, all The Undertaker could do last week was respond through a sneak attack. The Undertaker is afraid to face The Brian Kendrick face-to-face, and at Vengeance, he promised that Taker won't be able to handle him when they finally meet face-to-face.

John Cena defeated Cody Rhodes when Cody Rhodes passed out in the STF in
0:13:36.
Rating: * * 3/4

Cody Rhodes's superior technical ability was on display tonight, but in the end, it was the power and relentlessness of John Cena that allowed him to lock one half of the All-American Dream in the STF and knock him out. Cody fought to get free of the hold, but was out cold and the ref stopped the match. After the match, however, Jack Swagger raced into the ring and attacked the battle worn Cena. As Cody came to, he joined in the attack, hitting Cena with the Cross Rhodes and putting the boots to him. After several minutes of this, Cena's partner Triple H finally raced to the ring to make the save. But the damage had been done. When Cena finally came to, he shoved Triple H and asked where he had been. Triple H shoved him back and the two started to brawl as security tried to pull the two apart while Swagger and Rhodes looked on happily.

Backstage, Edge and Chris Jericho were interviewed about the champion's match tonight against The Undertaker. Edge said that he and Taker aren't strangers, so he doesn't fear the Reaper. He promised to show everyone what he's capable of before he takes out Jeff Hardy this Sunday at Vengeance. Edge told Jericho to stay away from the ring, because he was going to prove he can take out The Undertaker one-on-one.

The Undertaker defeated Edge by disqualification in 0:17:03.
Rating: * * * 1/2
[The Brian Kendrick interfered against The Undertaker.]

This certainly isn't the first time these two superstars have done battle, but the fans tonight were treated to a hard-fought brutal contest. The Undertaker looked to have things well in-hand at the end, until The Brian Kendrick came out of nowhere to hit Taker with The Kendrick and lay him out! The ref called for the DQ and Kendrick spat on his fallen opponent. Soon enough, however, The Undertaker sat straight up and stared The Brian Kendrick dead in the eyes. Kendrick immediately retreated to the back and The Undertaker gave chase to him. Immediately, an enraged Jeff Hardy raced from the crowd into the ring, climbed the turnbuckle and hit an incredible Swanton Bomb on the prone World Heavyweight champion! Edge rolled out of the ring as Jeff Hardy grabbed the World Heavyweight title, raised it high and celebrated in ring.

June 28, 2009 — WWE presents Vengeance (from Sacramento, CA)

(Dark Match):
Santino Marella pinned Kofi Kingston with the Diving Headbutt in 0:07:44.
Rating: * * 1/2

William Regal made Jamie Noble submit to an abdominal stretch in 0:12:46.
Rating: * * * 3/4

These two enemies put on a wrestling clinic to open the pay-per-view for those in attendance tonight, and while Jamie Noble re-established why he is to be considered a forcible contender for the United States title, it was the sheer brutality of William Regal that gave the fiery Brit the victory tonight. Working on Noble's ribs the entire match, Regal finally locked in an abdominal stretch and pounded away with elbows to the ribs of the the Pit Bull until the referee had to call the match.

Vladimir Kozlov, Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder defeated
Cryme Tyme (Shad and JTG) and Hurricane Helms when V. Kozlov pinned JTG
with the Kneeling Spinebuster in 0:11:31.
Rating: * *
[Santino Marella interfered against JTG.]

These six men had a brutal fight tonight, ending with a controversial and surprising return to Raw by Santino Marella! Marella stormed the ring at the end of the match and with the referee's back turned, delivered a brutal elbow directly to the injured eye of JTG! Vladimir Kozlov took advantage of this interference, hitting the blinded JTG with the Kneeling Spinebuster and covered him for the pinfall! Hawkins and Ryder looked just as surprised as everyone else as Santino slid into the ring and raised Kozlov's arm in victory after the win! What kind of odd bond has been formed here?

CM Punk pinned Umaga after a small package in 0:11:49.
Rating: * * 1/4

CM Punk took a beating tonight at the hands of the Samoan Bulldozer, but in the end Mr. Money in the Bank was able to wrap up Umaga in a small package from nowhere to get the pinfall and walk out victorious! After the match, William Regal raced to the ring and attacked Punk! Punk fought back and was able to gain the upper hand until Umaga regained his composure and took out Punk. Jamie Noble raced to the ring to make the save, but his effort was squashed as Santino and Vladimir Kozlov hit the ring and took him out as well! The four men beat down Punk and Noble, as Regal put Punk in a Regal Stretch and a suddenly-vicious Santino locked a modified Texas Cloverleaf on Noble! Referees finally broke up the attack, but Regal, Umaga, Santino, and Kozlov stood in the ring and held one another's arms high afterward.

Backstage, United States champion MVP and his challenger tonight, Rey Mysterio were interviewed face-to-face. The two looked more intense than they've looked recently, suddenly hurling threats at one another and claiming they would walk out the ring tonight with the United States title. MVP called Mysterio a chump and told him he'd meet him in the ring, and Mysterio told him to shine the belt up for him and started heading for the ramp himself.

Rey Mysterio pinned Montel Vontavious Porter with the Springboard Splash in
0:21:22.
Rating: * * * * 1/4
(Rey Mysterio won the WWE United States Title.)

In an epic encounter for the US gold, MVP and Rey Mysterio gave their all in this encounter, and in the end it was Rey Mysterio who blocked a Playmaker and hit the 619 and Springboard Splash to win the match and the United States title! MVP was stunned after the bell rang, and Mysterio celebrated the victory. MVP grabbed his US title belt from the referee and grabbed Mysterio, handing him the belt and holding his arm high. The two embraced after this fantastic match, and Mysterio continued the celebration with his newly-won title.

After some time, The Brian Kendrick and Ezekiel Jackson made their way out to the ring. Kendrick said that tonight was supposed to be the biggest night of his career. The night he finally did what no one else could and slayed the Dead Man. But… he's come down with a bad cold and the doctors refuse to allow him to compete tonight. The fans booed this obvious ploy. Kendrick said that there's nothing he wants more than to take out The Undertaker tonight, but unfortunately, he's going to have to leave the fighting to his associate Ezekiel Jackson tonight. The bell gonged and the lights went out… and The Undertaker slowly made his way down to the ring for his match…

The Undertaker pinned Ezekiel Jackson with the Tombstone in 0:08:05.
Rating: * *

Despite Jackson's size and strength, in the end he was no match for the Dead Man, as The Undertaker put him away after a short period of time with the Tombstone. Kendrick entered the ring with a chair afterward and nailed Taker with a shot to the head afterward! He stood triumphantly over his fallen adversary afterward, but Taker shot up and went after Kendrick, who slipped out of the ring quickly with Jackson and raced up the ramp as the Undertaker once again gave chase. Looks like The Brian Kendrick stays one step ahead of The Undertaker tonight… but the Dead Man is closing in.

Match for the vacant WWE World Tag Team Titles:
The All-American Dream (Jack Swagger and Cody Rhodes) defeated
John Cena and Triple H when C. Rhodes pinned Triple H with the Cross Rhodes in
0:17:23.
Rating: * * 3/4
(The All-American Dream won the WWE World Tag Team Titles.)

Finally, we have new World Tag Team champions! Though one would think that the hatred between Triple H and John Cena would be their downfall, they worked as a surprisingly cohesive team throughout the match. In the end it ended up being that Swagger and Rhodes were simply the better tag team, as Rhodes pinned Triple H cleanly with the Cross Rhodes to make the pin and win the titles. After the new champions had celebrated their way up the ramp, however, Triple H and John Cena went nose-to-nose in the center of the ring and started laying the blame on one another. It wasn't long before these two finally came to blows and brawled throughout the ring area! Security eventually broke the fight up, but these two continued to hurl blame, insults, and obscenities toward one another. This is far far from over!

Edge pinned Jeff Hardy with the Spear in 0:20:55.
Rating: * * * * *
(Edge retained the WWE World Heavyweight Title.)
[Chris Jericho interfered against Jeff Hardy.]

In a certain Match of the Year candidate, Edge and Jeff Hardy finally went one-on-one in the ring, and in the end the Rated R Superstar retained the World Heavyweight title, hitting a vicious Spear on the Extreme Engima as he was distracted by Chris Jericho on the outside of the ring. This one went back and forth constantly, as the two bitter foes battled inside and outside the ring. Edge's stablemate Jericho interfered here and there, but this match was a classic encounter and though the fans booed vociferously at the end, they were certainly treated to a classic world title match.

June 29, 2009 — WWE Monday Night Raw (from San Jose, CA)

World Heavyweight champion Edge and his colleague Chris Jericho came out to start the show, and the champion went on to brag about his victory over Jeff Hardy last night at Vengeance! He and Jericho said Hardy was never a threat and he never will be. Their taunting brought out Raw GM Ric Flair, who told them to quit their celebrating because tonight, he's announcing the Gold Rush tournament. He said that the winner of the tournament will face Edge for the World Heavyweight championship at SummerSlam! Tonight, six men will compete in one fall matches, and the winners advance to next week's semi-finals! Joining them, based on his outstanding performance in the main event last night, will be Jeff Hardy! Edge and Jericho were beside themselves with this news, and the fans roared, but Flair wasn't finished. The runner-up will receive a United States title shot at a later date, and the two remaining semi-finalists will team up for a tag team title shot!

Kofi Kingston pinned Hurricane Helms with the Trouble in Paradise in 0:09:03.
Rating: * * *

The Jamaican Sensation and Hurricane Helms had a great match to start us off tonight, both showing that they should be considered as contenders for new champion Rey Mysterio's United States title. After a quick-paced match, Kofi was finally able to hit Trouble in Paradise and knock out Helms for the pinfall. Afterward, the two competitors shook hands in a great display of respect. Helms told Kofi, "next time"… you can bet these two will see one another in the ring again soon.

Backstage, CM Punk was interviewed about his participation in the Gold Rush tournament tonight. He'd been paired against The Brian Kendrick, who made a miraculous recovery from his severe head cold last night. Punk said that he may still have the Money in the Bank contract to cash in, but he's out to prove he can earn his own title shot and hang with the best. And that starts tonight by winning the Gold Rush and defeating Edge for the World Heavyweight title at SummerSlam. And he went on to dare William Regal and international buddies to meet him in the ring and stop him.

In the ring, Triple H came out to deliver a promo on last night's Tag Title match and the Gold Rush. Triple H said that last night, John Cena dropped the ball for them in their tag team title match. He doesn't want an apology, he doesn't want a rematch, he wants nothing to do with John Cena. This brought out the Chain Gang Soldier to interrupt and say that the only reason Triple H wanted nothing to do with him is because he knows he can't beat him. Triple H reminded him that the last time they fought, it was for the WWE title, and he walked out the champion. Tonight, he begins his ascension once again as he takes on William Regal in the Gold Rush. Cena said he'll be taking on Chris Jericho in the Gold Rush, and if Triple H makes it that far, he'll see him in the finals.

Backstage, William Regal, Umaga, and Vladimir Kozlov were interviewed and Regal introduced the man who debuted and made such an impact last night, "The Sicilian Stretcher" Santino Marella! Santino sported a much meaner, serious expression than we've become acustomed to. Regal said he's spent the past several months training Santino in the art of submissions and now he's a destructive Italian machine. He called this grouping the "International Incident" and said their first order of business is to eliminate "Mr. Money in the Bank" CM Punk. Punk, Regal said, is just that… a punk. Regal has fought for decades to attain the World Heavyweight title, and yet Punk sits on a golden opportunity and doesn't deserve it. He promised to defeat Punk and take his contract… and his career.

International Incident (Santino Marella and Vladimir Kozlov) defeated
two local athletes when Santino made one submit to the
Sicilian Cloverleaf in 0:08:52.
Rating: * 3/4

It didn't take long for International Incident to make their presence known on Raw, as Santino and Kozlov teamed to take out two local athletes in short order. Kozlov was his usual unstoppable self, but Santino was just as vicious! He finally put away one of the athletes with a modified elevated Texas Cloverleaf that he's calling the Sicilian Cloverleaf. Whatever he calls it, it looked absolutely painful.

Backstage, new World Tag Team champions Jack Swagger and Cody Rhodes, The All-American Dream, were interviewed about their victory at Vengeance last night. They told everyone they were the best that WWE had to offer, and now they have the gold to prove it. Rhodes said they would welcome all challenges, but unfortunately, no one on Raw will be a challenge to them. Swagger promised a long, glorious title reign for the tag team elite of WWE Raw.

(Gold Rush Tournament — First Round):
Chris Jericho pinned John Cena with the Codebreaker in 0:13:08.
Rating: * * * * 1/4
[Triple H interfered against John Cena.]

Undoubtedly, Chris Jericho lobbied for entry into the Gold Rush tournament to protect Edge and the World Heavyweight championship, and now he's one step closer to achieving that. Though John Cena had the match well in hand, Triple H sauntered down to the ring to goad his former partner, allowing Jericho the upper hand to nail the Codebreaker on Cena for the victory! Triple H shrugged his shoulders and walked to the back as Jericho celebrated and Cena seethed. Chris Jericho joins Jeff Hardy in the semi-finals next week and both men will be guaranteed some kind of title shot in the near future!

In the ring, new WWE United States champion Rey Mysterio delivered a promo on winning the title from MVP in an epic encounter last night at Vengeance. He thanked the fans and told MVP that if he wants a rematch, he can have it anytime, anyplace. This brought out the former champion, who told Rey that he does plan to invoke his rematch clause. He's already spoken to Ric Flair, and in two weeks on Monday Night Raw in Orlando, Florida… MVP promised to regain his US title when he faces Rey Mysterio in a two-out-of-three falls match! Rey said he won't duck any challenges for his title as long as he's champion, and in two weeks, he told MVP to bring his best.

Backstage, The Brian Kendrick was interviewed about his non-match last night at Vengeance and the Gold Rush. Kendrick assured that he is absolutely not afraid of The Undertaker. Last night was an unfortunate injury… or sickness… but now he is fully healed and ready to take on the Dead Man. But not tonight. Tonight is all about the Gold Rush and The Brian Kendrick is assuring he will come out on top and win the World Heavyweight title at SummerSlam. And then… maybe The Undertaker can have a shot at some real competition for a change.

(Gold Rush Tournament — First Round):
CM Punk pinned The Brian Kendrick with the G.T.S. in 0:15:11.
Rating: * * * * 1/4

In a fantastic match, it was Mr. Money in the Bank who came out on top and will advance to the Gold Rush semi-finals next week against Chris Jericho. During this incredibly bout, an old creepy looking man brought a black funeral wreath to the ring with Kendrick's name on it. This distracted Kendrick enough to slip him up and allow Punk tocatch him in the G.T.S. for the pinfall! After the match, Kendrick threw a tantrum and destroyed the wreath.

Backstage, Triple H was interviewed about the distraction he provided earlier tonight during John Cena's match against Chris Jericho. Triple H said that Cena's loss was his own fault. Triple H didn't touch Cena, and John should have kept his eye on the prize. Triple H waved his hand in front of his face mockingly and said that unfortunately, Cena couldn't see the prize…

(Gold Rush Tournament — First Round):
William Regal pinned Triple H after a somersault slam in 0:17:53.
Rating: * * * * 1/4
[John Cena interfered against Triple H.]

Apparently, Triple H couldn't see the gold either, as John Cena made certain that would be the case. Cena ran his own interference during Triple H's match against the leader of International Incident, knocking Triple H's foot off the rope after a somersault slam downed The Game, allowing Regal to pick up the pinfall and move on to next week's semi-finals. Cena mockingly shrugged and walked to the back and shortly thereafter, Triple H gave chase. Regal continued to celebrate his potentially golden future, as he will go on to face the "Extreme Enigma" Jeff Hardy next week!

Unless otherwise stated, the content of this page is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 License