WWE Live! RAW & ECW House Show Event
From the St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa, Florida
On Thursday 03/05/2009

The crowd is buzzing coming off the back of an amazing Royal Rumble event, bar far the best in years imo! I’m a huge Michael Shane fan, but I’d be surprised if he’s here after the horrific injuries he suffered at the hands of, erm, Suffer-ing – I’m sure they’ll have pulled him from house shows until after his TV return. We are treated to a truly great highlights package from the Rumble, complete with that killer Kevin Rudolf theme tune. We are reminded (as if we could forget!) of all the things that went down, including, as well as the Shane/Gathering segment, Michaels’ reinstatement and Austin being pulled from the rumble, Ryan Simmons’ sick Moosault (watching it back again in slow motion made me want to vomit, like, for real), the “rebirth” of Primal (as everybody over at WrestleZone appears to be calling it), Assassin’s heel turn and alliance with Randy Orton, Superman Cena STILL being the Champ inside the hellacious Chamber match and of course Randy Orton standing tall as the final man & victor in the rumble main event. We also see footage of the end of all the other matches & their victors. Lilian Garcia comes out on stage and welcomes us all to a decent pop. She also announces tonight’s event is an extra special event as it’s some kind of anniversary. (She wasn’t very clear on the mic, although I’m almost certain this was a technical fault as opposed to a fault on Lilian’s behalf) So how are we to open this super-duper WWE Live! Event? …

‘My Time is Now’ blares through the speakers and the crowd go nuts, lapping it up, as the reigning WWE Champion, John Cena makes his way out, complete with custom spinner belt to a standing ovation. Cena is straight on the mic and says that tonight is not only special because we’re officially on the Road to WrestleMania now, not only special because tonight is the 7 year anniversary of the successful WWE re-launch (ah, that must’ve been what Lilian was on about), but special because “the Champ is STILL here”! Cena goes on to say that 7 years ago, when McMahon made the controversial decision to repackage his product – a feat which in retrospect, more than paid off, ushering in the Attitude era with stars the like of the nWo, Silent Assassin, Hollywood Nitro (remember that jackass?!) Stone Cold Steve Austin (giant pop) & Hulk Hogan – back then he was a 24 year old rookie, earning his dues down in OVW (WWE’s, or even WWF’s then feeder territory). He was green, inexperienced, but hungry & ambitious. A lot of the guys he knew back then from when he first started didn’t last the distance. Most of them didn’t last a month with the harsh regime and constant workload! But one guy, like Cena, progressed all the way – all the way to the top, all the way to the WWE – and that boy was called Randy Orton. You see, ever since day dot John Cena & Randy Orton’s paths have been intertwined. Hell, when they were both first called-up there was speculation of them starting a tag team together. But the rest is history – Cena had a few failed attempts at the big time, including the controversial Nation of Domination stable, but then he broke it big – Intercontinental Champion, Money in the Bank Winner – and finally, the Big One, the one all his doubters said he would never accomplish, never reach – defeating Randy Orton at WM 24 to become WWE Champion. In the same time, Randy Orton went on to… well, become the Legend Killer. And now we are fast approaching WM 25 – the 25th. Friggin’ Anniversary of the Granddaddy of ‘em All! And it has come full circle. It’s Randy Orton who stands as the current Royal Rumble winner, the No. 1 contender & challenger for HIS WWE title. But he promises Randy one thing, and he knows after all the years travelling up and down the road together, even though they can’t stand each other, they respect each other, and Randy know him to be no liar – that at WM 25 the result will still be the same. After all is said & done & all the dust has settled, the-Champ-will-still-be-here.

Excellent promo, the crowd are jakked for this.

Cena is about to leave, but the New Gangstas walk out onto stage to heat. Man, I had completely forgotten this was a joint RAW & ECW show! They take turns on the mic to bad mouth Cena, and threaten to mug him and steal his title belt. They say they remember when Cena tried being a rapper – a bad one, and how he pretended to be a gangster, and down with the street. Cena cuts them off, and says they need a new act, because somewhere between Cryme Tyme & the Nation there was a one-way ticket to FWC! Lots of laughter. Cena says they are nothing but a bunch of punk kids. Scavengers. Dogs. Street Urchins. But he can sympathize, cos he knows what that’s like. But now he’s gonna do the New Gangstas a favour, ‘cos he wishes all those years ago somebody like him came up to him and slapped the taste right out of his mouth, so if you want some, come get some! Huge roar. The New Gangstas look hesitant but eventually agree to the challenge. Lilian announces Cena versus R-Truth for later in the show as ‘My Time is Now’ plays out once more.

Footage on the Tron from the Rumble with Nightmare rolling around like a playground fight with award winning actor Mickey Rourke.

Match 1 is for the ECW title, featuring 2 guys who were around 7 years ago to this date (apparently – they didn’t say for which promotion).

ECW title Triple Threat match, Hunter (c) vs Mr. Showtime vs Tommy Dreamer

- Hunter is built-up as an absolute hoss and dominates both challengers in the opening minutes.
- This wasn’t advertised as a hardcore match, but as it is for the ECW title I’m assuming it was under ECW rules as they started bringing weapons into the ring and the ref didn’t seem to mind.
- Tommy tosses in a load of weapons including trash cans and road signs as Hunter works away on Showtime.
- Misjudgment on Dreamer’s part as Hunter uses the weapons (to devastating effect) against him.
- Showtime recuperates in this time and attacks Hunter from behind, using his speed and agility to mount a short-lived comeback before being derailed by a vicious clothesline.
- Hunter is stilled dazed, and the crowd erupt at hometown hero Dreamer finds a sheet of metal and brings it crashing down onto Hunter’s cranium repeatedly… too little effect as Hunter, although groggy, remains on his feet.
- Dreamer fetches a steel chair and finally puts the Champ down to a big cheer. Dreamer covers, but Showtime breaks the fall. Dreamer & Showtime go at it. Dreamer hits a sick Side Russian Legsweep-Singapore Cane combo for a near fall.
- End comes as Hunter has a wriggling Dreamer set for a Spinning Pancake as Sphere hobbles (literally) out, tackling the Champ from behind causing him to drop Dreamer. Sphere starts to pummel on Hunter, but gets a knee to the gut for his troubles, followed by a Spinning Pancake. Hunter then hits an already prone Showtime with the chair and covers for the 3.
- After the match a pissed-off Dreamer takes exception to the interference, and he goes nose to nose with Sphere in a staredown. They argue as Hunter retreats with belt, grinning sadistically. Francine runs out and gets between the pair before it comes to blows.

Next Glamarella come out to heat, although I must say Beth looks HOT! Santino gets on the mic once in the ring and says he has had enough and calls out Titan & Maria. ‘Blurry’ hits to a good reaction and the Ulitmate Underdog and his gf make their way out onto stage. Santino calls them stupid, then calls Maria ugly, claiming that she is a frigid virgin. Titan has a big smile on his face & says “believe me, she’s not!” to a nice pop. Santino is angry and lays down a challenge. Titan toys with him for a while, making the Italian native all the more frustrated. He orders, do you accept, or not? Titan replies, “oh we accept” They make their way down to the ring, his theme playing once again. Maria kisses him on the cheek for good luck and he gets into the ring, but Santino urges him to stop there. Santino says he wasn’t challenging Titan to a match, but Maria! Gasp, shock horror. Maria looks mortified and Titan concerned, but they reluctantly agree and Maria timidly takes her place in the ring.

Match 2, Santino Marella w/Beth Phoenix vs Maria w/Titan

- Santino warns Titan not to get involved, the Runt warns him not to hurt her.
- Santino places his hands behind his back and sticks his chin out saying Maria can have a free shot. Maria looks nervous. Then delivers a massive slap which echoes all around the arena and clearly stings Marella, who is left red-faced for more than one reason.
- Santino overpowers the Diva and knocks her down a number of times, before starting to lock in submission holds. He is laughing the whole time. Titan looks on helplessly from the outside.
- Santino plays with Maria, going as far as to lock her in, but not to hurt her. He cops a feel of her breast and Titan goes furious. Beth’s reaction is also classic. But Maria nails a low blow to a loud roar and then follows it up with the Broncobuster, riding Santino like a cowboy!
- Maria celebrates prematurely, and Beth interferes, running-in and clotheslining her down hard.
- Marella staggers out of the corner, still sore down below, and collapses into the cover, hooking both legs AND the tights (as if it were necessary, the damage had already been done) picking up the 1, 2, 3.
- Santino celebrates in an overexaggerated fashion, hugging Beth and blowing kisses to the ‘adoring’ AKA booing fans, as a concerned Titan checks on Maria.

T-shirts are fired into the crowd. Some near us, but not near enough. Assassin’s new range of merchandise by the looks of things.

Boos fill the arena as ECW’s Manbeast stomps out to ring looking his usual demented-self. He gets into the ring and awaits his opponent, snorting. He waits… and waits…

Batista’s theme hits! The Animal is unleashed! Rhyno looks horrified.

Match 3, Batista vs Rhyno

- Both men eyeball each other, intensity in their eyes. The fans shout for Batista, and he smiles, turning his head ever so slightly giving an acknowledging glance. They draw closer to one another. Atmosphere is fever pitch as they stare each other down. This match is truly seven years in the making with the storied history between these 2 men!
- … Rhyno rakes the eyes – dirty tactics! He goes straight to the ropes, and springs off looking for an early Gore… but Batista scores with a big time Spear!
- Batista roars like a Beast, and rattles the top ropes a la Ultimate Warrior. Rhyno aches up, but his head is place. Thumbs up, THUMBS DOWN! BATISTA BOMB – Rhyno is planted – 1, 2, 3! Rhyno is squashed and Batista is victorious.
- Batista mounts a turnbuckle and plays to the delighted crowd. He gets down and takes one last disgusted look at the still out-cold Rhyno before making his way to the back amid carnival-like celebrations. It’s good to have Batista back!

The New Gagstas come out and they look all business, but despite a few isolated jeers, the crowd is relatively quiet, silent even, waiting for… “YOUR TIME IS UP, MY TIME IS NOW!” The arena erupts and the roof comes down, the Dr. of Thuganomics and reigning WWE Champion, John Cena is in the house!

Match 4, Non-title, WWE Champion John Cena vs R-Truth w/AKM & New Jack

- This match poses a psychological disadvantage for Cena as it is almost in lumberjack rules territory. Everytime Cena found himself on the outside he was mauled by the hounds of the New Gangstas.
- R-Truth knocks Cena over the top rope to the outside again with a jumping calf kick. As Cena sits up a little dazed the beat-down from New Jack and AKM commences. They double whip him into the steel steps – big time impact – as Truth distracts the referee. They walk away pleased with their handy work, laughing. An enraged Cena launches himself at the pair from behind, taking them both out – that’s attitude adjustment for ya!
- Back in the ring and Cena takes it to R-Truth, scoring with a Fisherman’s Suplex, Throwback & Diving Leg Bulldog all for close falls. R-Truth comes right back though, countering a whip attempt with a spinning flying forearm.
- More near falls for either man. Cena & Truth collide, both on the move, both looking for a clothesline. They ref starts to count them both down, and slowly they inch to their feet. AKM clutches at Cena’s ankles from the outside. This time the ref spots the infringement and orders AKM & New Jack to the back, huge pop from the fans!
- Cena has Truth set-up for the 5-knuckle suffle – drops, but nobody home! R-Truth looks to seize the advantage. Kick to the gut. Cena doubles over as Truth springs to the ropes. He goes for the Scissor Kick, but Cena ducks it, mounts Truth on his shoulders – FU! FU! FU! Cover 1, 2, 3.
- Cena poses with finger and thumb gestures as the official hands him his spinner belt and the fans are delighted. New Gangstas come back out and charge down the ramp, but Cena stares them down. They think better of it and pull their team mate out from under the bottom rope as Cena continues to interact with the crowd.

Randy Orton promo airs on the Tron and gets the fans hyped. Despite his super heel status, there was definitely more than one super fan present here tonight.

Match 5, Randy Orton vs Rey Mysterio

- Rey Rey comes out to a big pop. The little guy from San Diego is WELL over with this crowd. Randy trudges out next in that calm, deliberate, psychotic manner alone – no Assassin? The jeers as deafening as he takes his time getting to ringside.
- Before the match Mysterio offers his hand in congratulations for the Rumble win, but Orton slaps him across the face, almost removing his mask in the process, to garner incredible heat amongst the fans.
- Orton takes control of the match from the start, wisely keeping Mysterio on the mat and working away on his legs, realizing that if the Human Highlight has any chance in winning this match, it’s by utilizing his speed.
- Rey mounts a brief comeback, and comes off the top rope, but is met by an almighty European upper cut for a near fall.
- More boos for Randy and the crowd sound as though they’re about to riot as Mysterio struggles to stand, favouring his leg, and the Legendkiller lines up the dreaded Punt!!! … But Mysterio telegraphs it, sliding through the advancing Orton’s legs at the last moment, and scoring a front dropkick from behind, sending Orton onto the ropes!
- The fans pop for the 6-1-9, but Randy is wise to it, and makes a hasty retreat before Mysterio can capitalize.
- Randy spits on the floor and starts to make his way to the back, saying he doesn’t “need this, I’m going to WrestleMania” – more heat. Rey just watches from the ring as the ref begins to count the Rumble winner out. As the boos intensify, Randy has a change of heart and heads back to ringside, sliding back into the ring to break the count, but again exiting quickly.
- Orton looks for a way back in, but Rey has it scouted. Orton becomes frustrated on the outside and those anger issues appear to be boiling over again as he thumps the apron in frustration. Out of nowhere, Rey lands a sommersault plancha and the fans go wild.
- The move takes its toll out of Mysterio as much as Orton, and the Legendkiller takes full advantage, hurting Mysterio on the outside with use of the steel steps – huge impact, then he scores a paralyze-inducing chop block before rolling the latino superstar back in.
- Randy stalks Rey and nails the inverted backbreaker – only a 2 count.
- Rey yanks Rey up and whips him to the ropes – attempts a standing dropkick, but Rey wisely holds onto the ropes, Orton striking nothing but air!
- Rey Rey uses a hit and run technique to score a combo of his spots. After a bulldog variation, flying headscissors, finally he scores with a hurricanrana sending Randy strung up on the middle ropes – he dials up – 619 connects!
- Assassin runs down from the back to heat as Mysterio readdresses his balance on the apron. Assassin grabs at his heels, holding him back, but eventually Mysterio kicks him off.
- The Human Highlight Reel hops onto the top rope, looking to finish this, but the distraction proves fatal, as Rey sails through the air straight into an impressive RKO counter – 1, 2, 3.
- Orton repeats his in-ring celebration of the Royal Rumble, Assassin by his side.

Main event time. To keep us occupied whilst we wait they advertise RAW, where Primal will challenge the despicable Suffering for his Intercontinental Championship.

The NEW World Tag Team Champions are in the ring next and they have no sympathy or remorse for what they did to the legend which is Ricky Steamboat. Nebraska says Steamboat achieved nothing in his career, apart from have a couple of matches with Ric Flair – “who does he think he is, Michael Shane?” Huge heat. “Oh yeah, by the way Mike, get well soon.” Guess Morrison hasn’t visited his former partner in the hospital yet then. They talk how they’ve held the titles only 4 days, yet they have already surpassed any and every tag team in the history of the business. They run down a list of some of the great tag teams. At the bottom of the list is the Rock ‘n’ Sock Connection. Morrison cuts Nebraska off. No, check that last one. They weren’t even in Red Shirt Security’s league, let alone ours! ‘Wreck’ hits and Mick Foley comes out onto stage for one of the pops of the night. “It’s great to be right here in…” you get the rest. Foley calls the tag champs “bad boys” and then ridiculous them, making them angry, but says that they are pretty funny. Foley next introduces the Rock – If Ya Smellllllll!!! Rocky joins him on stage and the fans chant the Great One’s name. Foley says that if Nebraska & Morrison have the intestinal fortitude, they can go 2-on-2 with the Great One… and Mrs. Foley’s Baby Boy! Place erupts. Nebraska & Morrison don’t answer, but drop their mics and beckon their rivals down the ring for our Main Event!

Main Event, Non-title, Rock ‘n’ Sock Connection vs World Tag Team Champions Joey Nebraska & John Morrison

- Foley & Nebraska start us off, and Nebraska looks for the cheap advantage with underhand tactics, but soon it is the wily veteran who is running the show, hitting a string of punches. Irish whip and a knee to the gut from Foley! He goes into his pants for Socko to the delight of the crowd, but Nebraska knocks him down with a dropkick. Nebraska stomps away and taunts the crowd to heat.
- Nebraska and Morrison tag in-and-out several times, always keeping Foley in their corner and using the illegal double-team everytime the ref got distracted by the Rock protesting.
- Out of nowhere Foley pulls out a swinging neckbreaker and both he and Nebraska are down. They itch towards their respective corners. Nebraska tags in Morrison. And Foley stretches out and tags in the Rock to an enormous pop!
- Rock knocks down Morrison a number of times, then scores with the whip and follows it up with an overhead toss. Rock stomps in the corner. Nebraska tries to run in, but Rock disposes of him over the top rope. He stalks Morrison – Rock Bottom attempt – brushed aside with an elbow. The Shamen of Sexy back on the offensive.
- Rock and Morrison have great chemistry together and the pair really go at it, making a great spectacle. The numbers game eventually gets the better of the Rock as Nebraska attacks him from behind.
- The Controlled Substance slaps Rock about at bit and trash talks. He gets a kick to the midsection and big time DDT as he doubles-over, but Rock is exhausted and remains down.
- The match breaks down as all 4 men brawl in the ring. The Tag Champs show off their teamwork whipping Rock into a double flipping backbreaker, but Foley breaks up the fall at 2.
- Foley clothesline Nebraska out, but the man dubbed ‘Class A’ lands on his feet. Morrison aims a savate kick at the Rock, but the Brahma Bull ducks, and the Monday Night Delight inadvertently strikes Nebraska, sending him cascading off the ring apron.
- Morrison, head in hands over his mistake, doesn’t see Foley approaching from behind. Morrison looks for the Moonlight Drive on the Rock, but Foley spins him around into a double-armed DDT to pick up the 3 count!

Show officially ended at this point, and a lot of the crowd started to leave.

John Cena made his way back out, initially I though just to sign some t-shirts, but he was soon followed by his WrestleMania opponent, Randy Orton.

Dark Main Event, Six Man Tag Match, John Cena, the Rock & Mick Foley vs Randy Orton, John Morrison & Joey Nebraska

- This was clearly just an extra treat for the crowd as it was over very quickly.
- Assassin runs out to aid his new found mentor at the 2 minute mark. Just before hand Morrison had taken a bump, and did not mix it up again after that.
- Finish comes as Orton & Assassin backtrack up the ramp as the babyfaces hit all 3 of their finishers on Nebraska. Foley with the mandable claw, Rock with the Rock Bottom, and then the Champ with the exclamation point – the FU – clear message sent to Orton! (Interesting note: nobody actually pinned anybody during the course of this match)

Overall, this event was phenomenal, and I was one of many who went home happy. It may have cost me an arm and leg, but it was worth every nickle! It could have been an episode of RAW itself, and I wouldn’t have noticed. Next time the WWE are in town, I hope it’s for a PPV – one of the Big 4 hopefully!

Biggest Pops:    1. John Cena opening the show
            2. Batista
            3. Randy Orton

Biggest Heat:    1. Nebraska & Morrison
            2. Rhyno
            3. Randy Orton