January 5, 2009 – New Orleans, Louisiana
Announcers: Michael Cole & Jerry “The King” Lawler
IN THE RING
Chris Jericho & Randy Orton + John Bradshaw Layfield & Shawn Michaels + Stephanie McMahon: Chris Jericho (in a suit) & Randy Orton (jeans & t-shirt) started the show in the ring to address what happened last week. Jericho said the rules of a fourway elimination match is that it was every man for himself, but it was clear that Shawn Michaels was in cahoots with JBL. Jericho said he and Orton have filed a protest. Orton said they feel that JBL should be removed from his championship match at Royal Rumble and Shawn Michaels should never be able to compete for the title again. Orton said he and Jericho have agreed to wrestle tonight for the right to face John Cena at the Rumble. JBL’s white limo drove out and Shawn Michaels stepped out, followed by his boss (JBL). They went to the ring, where JBL said they can protest all they want but suggested they try losing with a little dignity. Shawn just stood there with his head down. JBL said both Jericho and Orton would have done the same thing. Jericho taunted Michaels for being a phoney sell-out. Jericho said Shawn’s actions lately have made him (Jericho) look like a prophet. Michaels said if there is one thing that let’s him sleep at night is knowing that he prevented Jericho and Orton from fighting for the World championship. Orton said Michaels took a turn for the worse and stated that Ric Flair‘s career was ended by a weak pathetic sell-out. Orton said the decision from last week will be over-turned tonight. Stephanie McMahon came out to the stage and said she read the complaint and said Shawn did not “lay down” last week so the decision stands. Stephanie said “this is MY show!” and added that both Jericho and Orton are entered in the Royal Rumble match. Jericho said that Shawn Michaels shouldn’t be entered in the Royal Rumble, and JBL agreed, saying that Michaels will be in his corner at the Royal Rumble and that will be his only function. Stephanie reluctantly agreed (which makes no sense) and started booking matches for tonight. Stephanie booked Chris Jericho & Randy Orton vs. Shawn Michaels & John Cena.
MIXED TAG TEAM MATCH
Goldust & Melina Perez defeated Santino Marella & Beth Phoenix: Rosa Mendez was spotted in the front row again, and managed to get Melina to wave at her before the match. The match ended when Melina pinned Beth Phoenix for the victory! After the match, Rosa Mendez threw her sign at Melina and jumped the rail to attack her! Security dragged Rosa away, but Melina jumped the rail and tried to get a piece of her first. Melina and Rosa might make a good tag team some day.
BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW
Todd Grisham & C.M. Punk: C.M. Punk said he was totally stoked tonight and talked about winning the tournament to get a shot at the WWE Intercontinental championship. C.M. Punk listed Ricky Steamboat, Bret Hart, and Mr. Perfect, adding that he wanted to become part of that list. C.M. Punk said he was looking to start the year off with a bang!
WWE INTERCONTINENTAL TITLE MATCH
C.M. Punk defeated WWE Intercontinental champion William Regal w/Layla El by DQ: The match was short, and ended with William Regal getting himself disqualified intentionally. C.M. Punk wins the match, but Regals retains the WWE Intercontinental title! After the match, Stephanie McMahon came up on the big screen and said she can’t let the first title match of 2009 end this way. Stephanie said Punk will get a rematch, and if Regal gets DQ’d he will lose the Intercontinental championship.
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
John Bradshaw Layfield & Shawn Michaels: JBL said things couldn’t have worked out any better for them tonight. JBL said if Shawn super-kicks John Cena and takes him out then he is talking about six figures. JBL talked about Michaels never have to worry about bills or his family, and said he knows Shawn won’t let him down.
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
Randy Orton & Cody Rhodes & Sim Snuka + Manu: Randy Orton told Cody Rhodes & Sim Snuka that they passed phase one last week, but if they want to be apart of his group they will have to win again tonight. Orton talked about their Hall of Fame fathers and said he would not accept failure – just then Manu showed up. Manu asked for a second chance, and pointed out that Orton lost his match last week. Orton got upset and yelled at Manu, insulting him and also insulted Afa the Wild Samoan. Orton said he would never be apart of his group and never wanted to see Manu’s face again!
NON (WORLD TAG TEAM) TITLE MATCH
John Morrison & Mike “The Miz” Mizanin (c) defeated Rey Mysterio & Kofi Kingston: The crowd booed Miz & Morrison and they said the murder capitol of the United States has no right to boo them! After the match, Mike Knox once again assaulted Rey Mysterio (who had been knocked silly and pinned).
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
John Cena & Shawn Michaels: John Cena asked Shawn Michaels if he was going to be fighting two guys out there tonight or three. Cena asked if he was teaming with HBK or JBL’s puppet? Michaels yelled “I’m nobody’s puppet, John!” Michaels said “as far as what you can expect, what does history tell you to expect from me?”
DIVAS MATCH
Kelly Kelly defeated Jillian Hall: After the match, Jillian knocked Kelly down from behind and Kane made his way to the ring. Jillian quickly disappeared through the crowd to get away from Kane.
IN THE RING
Kane & Kelly Kelly: Kane said the truth finally came out, that Kelly never liked him, but she was protecting Randy Orton. Kane said that Orton rejected her, and said “it doesn’t feel good, does it Kelly?” Kane said next week he will go back to doing what makes him feel good, evicerating people. Kane said he has a match with Randy Orton next week! Kane told Kelly, “free free to watch!”
TAG TEAM MATCH
Cody Rhodes & Sim Snuka defeated Cryme Tyme (Shad Gaspard & JTG): Cody Rhodes & Sim Snuka have to win this match in order to keep their spots in Randy Orton’s “Legacy” group.
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
Randy Orton & Cody Rhodes & Sim Snuka: Randy Orton congratulated Cody Rhodes and told Sim Snuka was out. Snuka protested, and Orton said he didn’t have time to argue. Orton explained that Rhodes got the pinfall and Snuka didn’t. Snuka said it was a tag team match! Orton asked Rhodes if he agreed with Snuka’s opinion. Rhodes said, “all I know is I won the match” and walked off with Orton.
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
Stephanie McMahon & Santino Marella & Beth Phoenix: Stephanie said she banned Rosa Mendez from the arena because she was out of control. Santino said it wasn’t her fault, and couldn’t blame her for being attracted to him. Beth thanked Stephanie and dragged Santino out by the hair.
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
Stephanie McMahon & Chris Jericho: Chris Jericho came in and accused Stephanie of taking a bribe from JBL tonight. Stephanie said she didn’t need JBL’s money. Jericho said when he filed his protest, he sent a copy to Vince McMahon. Stephanie explained that since the accident, her dad has been out of the picture. Jericho said he got a call from Mr. McMahon and informed Stephanie that he was going to return to RAW in two weeks. Jericho said they were going to find out whose show this really is!
MAIN EVENT
John Cena & Shawn Michaels defeated Randy Orton & Chris Jericho: When Stephanie McMahon booked this match, she said “let’s find out how much integrity Shawn Michaels has left.” A few seconds into the match, JBL came out onto the stage to visually influence his employee, Shawn Michaels. This long grueling tag team match ended when Shawn Michaels super-kicked both Randy Orton and Chris Jericho. It looked like Michaels was going to kick John Cena, but instead covered Jericho for the 1-2-3 to win the match! John Cena was impressed, but backed out of the ring, not knowing what Michaels was capable of next. Michael Cole & Jerry Lawler agreed that Michaels still has his integrity!
BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW
Todd Grisham & John Bradshaw Layfield: Todd Grisham said it appears Shawn Michaels integrity is still in tact. JBL said his employee was great out there tonight, but it will be interesting to see how great he is next week. JBL said he talked to Stephanie McMahon and next week Shawn Michaels will wrestle John Cena! JBL said he would be in Shawn Michaels’ corner to make sure he maintains his integrity. Shawn Michaels and John Cena were shown celebrating in the ring with Cena praising Michaels for his “integrity.”