Bryan, who was trained by Shawn Michaels’ Texas Wrestling Academy school a decade ago, says he spoke with his former teacher following WrestleMania. “I was able to speak with him briefly Sunday night, and he told me that it was my time now and if I ever needed anything to just let him know. Words cannot express my gratitude for the great training he gave me, and for his support. I’m sure he will miss wrestling, but wrestling will miss him even more.”

Bryan, who broke into wrestling through Shawn Michaels’s TWA training school ten years ago, also talked about not being liked by “some backstage” and continued to play up the TV storyline where his perceived lack of charisma and size is an issue.

“I know I’m not what WWE usually looks for in a Superstar. It’s quite obvious by Michael Cole’s commentary that he doesn’t think I have what it takes and I know there are even more people in the back who think the same thing. They doubt my mic skills and they doubt whether the WWE Universe can get behind someone who looks as plain as I do…but none of them doubt my in ring ability,” Bryan said.

“I may not be what the WWE looks for when they’re recruiting, but most of the people they recruit don’t have the passion for this business that people like Shawn Michaels have. I do, and I’ve proven it over the last ten years. I will outwork, outsmart and outclass 99.9% of the muscleheads and pretty boys that they think have the right ‘look.’”

- The highlight of the evening was Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels which was obviously the match of the night. I’ve answered a few emails regarding this matter and it is obvious that I would have loved to have broadcast this bout but that wasn’t in the cards. At least I was in Phoenix and saw the event live and was then able to spend significant time with both HBK and with Taker after the event in private settings. Those experiences became my Wrestlemania Moments.

- As for me, life is good and I am healthy and happy. For those that have erroneously written or assumed that the reason that I did not announce at WM26 was because of health concerns, that assumption is incorrect, I’m happy to say. Broadcasting wrestling in WWE is likely history for me but there are many other areas to which I can contribute in WWE and those options, among others, will be weighed over the next month.

- I do think that Shawn will call it a day after losing his retirement match Sunday. Shawn has been blessed to have earned a great deal of money over the years and especially since he returned from an approximate 4 year hiatus due to lingering back issues. Unlike many wrestlers who retire, HBK doesn’t have to worry about financial or legal issues and will be able to be essentially a full time dad to his two, young children which is an amazing blessing.

Shawn’s farewell message Monday night on Raw was from his heart and not something that he read on a TelePrompter. What fans saw Monday night was legitimate, organic TV from arguably the greatest all around, in ring performer, certainly of his generation, and perhaps of all time. I sincerely appreciated Shawn’s shout out to me on Raw which was, symbolically, a fitting end to my own Wrestlemania tenure.

- I am not going to analyze the Monday night wrestling sagas of last night for many reasons. One, I’m not unbiased and two, there is PLENTY of analyzing going on from wrestling websites that do that sort of thing for a living. It can be said, however, that those fans who are yearning for longer matches and more matches in general on TV are likely still yearning. Plus, and finally, some people forget apparently that they are producing ‘episodic’ television.

- We’re still getting emails from peeved fans about my stance on women’s wrestling. For those who love to rant, not read and not pay attention to what I have said, let’s try this again. I am a fan of women in wrestling. I hired some major, female stars in my time. You can ask any female that ever worked on our roster and they will tell you that they were never disrespected by me. But, still, it is what it is. Women are currently positioned in the wrestling biz in a support role and one could easily make an argument that women in the wrestling biz, as a whole, are somewhat underutilized.

- Fans of HBK or wrestling in general should grab the new Shawn Michaels DVD that is available today (Tuesday). I’ve seen it, I love it and it brings back a truck load of memories. I only wish I had been available to be the one interviewing Shawn for this project but that apparently wasn’t an option. Buy the DVD and I promise that you will love the amazing array of bouts that, arguably, the best in the biz today, performed in on a high level even when he was a hot headed kid. I remember Shawn from his first territory and even remember the big Cowboy fining Shawn right after Shawn made his Mid South debut for inadvertently missing a TV taping because he did not know that EVERYONE came to TV whether their name was on the booking sheet or not.

- Shawn Michaels comes out dressed in street clothes and we go to a video package showing the recent events between he and The Undertaker, hyping the Streak vs. Career match at WrestleMania. We go back to the arena where the crowd is chanting “HBK.”

Shawn says that everyone thinks he’s crazy for putting his career on the line against Undertaker at WrestleMania. Shawn says none of his peers think he can win the match. Shawn talks about the streak and says he is Mr. WrestleMania. Shawn says he believes he can end the streak. Shawn says for his peers who don’t believe him, he wants to give them the chance to come out tonight, look him in the eye, and tell him he can’t win.

The music hits and out comes Triple H to a nice pop. He and Shawn look at each other as Triple H makes his way down the ramp.

Shawn says that Triple H, his friend of all people, doesn’t believe in him. Triple H interrupts and says he doesn’t think Shawn can win, he knows he can. Triple H says Shawn is the best he’s ever been in the ring with. HHH says Shawn has no peers in the locker room because he’s in a class all by himself. Triple H says Shawn truly is Mr. WrestleMania. Triple H says DX will never die but it’s going to be a long time before the fans see them together in the ring again.

Triple H says he doesn’t want the last image of DX to be them losing the tag belts to Big Show & The Miz so he’s invoked their rematch clause and the match will happen tonight. Shawn says he appreciates everything but they’re going down separate paths… Triple H cuts him off again. Triple H puts over Shawn and says he believes in him. Shawn thinks about it and says they have some tag team titles to win tonight. The DX music hits and they celebrate with the fans.

- We backstage with Cheech and Chong, tonight’s hosts. In comes The Bella Twins. They ask Cheech and Chong if they can get passes to the current comedy tour. They say they’re not like the characters they portray, they’re normal guys. Cheech walks off with The Bellas while Chong sits down to rest, he says. Hornswoggle comes over with a box of Lucky Charms and shares them with Chong. Chong starts eating the cereal and the camera starts spinning with some funky music playing. First drug reference of the night. We get ready for a commercial.

- Back from the break and we get a replay from last week’s RAW where Randy Orton RKO’d Ted DiBiase.

Randy Orton vs. Ted DiBiase

We go to the ring where Randy Orton makes his way out first for the next match. Out next comes Ted DiBiase, who stares Orton down as he heads to the ring.

The bell rings and DiBiase strikes first with a kick and punches. Orton turns it around in the corner with punches of his own. Ted kicks Orton in the head but Orton clotheslines Ted to the mat. They lock up again and go to the corner. Ted with a knee and shoulder thrusts in the corner. More kicks and rights in the corner. Ted takes Orton to the top but Orton fights back and knocks him to the mat. Ted responds with a dropkick in the corner. Ted tosses Orton to the floor and goes out after him.

Orton counters a move and throws Ted into the ring post, taking control of the match. Orton rolls back in the ring and Ted looks on as we go to commercial.

Back from the break and Ted is working over Orton in the ring. Ted stomps and drops knees on Orton. Ted takes it to the corner and beats Orton down. Ted drops Orton again and gets a 2 count. Ted applies a modified sleeper now. Ted hits a big clothesline on Orton for another 2 count. Ted and Orton trade right hands now until Ted takes control. Orton catches Ted off the ropes and hits a big powerslam. Orton starts stomping on Ted now.

Orton stalks Ted from the mat now. Cody Rhodes comes down to the apron. Orton swings at him but misses. Ted comes from behind and rolls Orton up for a 2 count. Orton rolls Ted right back for a 2 count as Cody Rhodes enters the ring. Orton starts brawling with Cody as the bell is rang. Ted and Cody beat Orton down. Orton fights back eventually and drops Cody, then dropkicks Ted out of the ring. Orton hits the backbreaker on Cody. He goes for the second rope DDT but Ted pulls Cody to the floor. Ted and Cody head up the ramp together as Orton’s music plays and he looks on. Time for another break.

- Back from the break and we see a limousine pull up. Bret Hart gets out with his leg in a cast and he’s using one crutch.

- We go back inside where it’s hazy in the dressing room where Chong is with Eve Torres. The music is playing and the camera is spinning. Chong is rubbing Eve’s hair. Cheech walks in and says Chong can’t be eating cereal with sugar. Chong asks why is he rubbing William Regal’s hair. The camera stops spinning and it’s William Regal, not Eve. They do something where Chris Masters appears to be Kelly Kelly or something. Hornswoggle appears again and gives Cheech some Lucky Charms. Cheech eats some and they all begin a “sugar trip” again.

- We go to a video package showing John Cena losing the WWE Title to Batista and the recent events between the two, setting up their WrestleMania match.

- Lawler teases a confrontation between Cena and Batista tonight as we go to commercial.

Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Jack Swagger vs. Santino Marella

Back from the break and we see a replay of Christian vs. Carlito for a spot in Money in the Bank from last week’s show. We see the briefcase hanging above the ring as the WrestleMania theme plays. Out first comes Jack Swagger, who gets a decent pop from the Oklahoma home crowd. Out next is his opponent, Santino Marella. The bell rings and they lock up. Santino strikes first and works Swagger over. Swagger hits a big knee to the gut and the gutwrench powerbomb to win the squash match and earn a spot at WrestleMania.

Winner: Jack Swagger

- We go backstage where security is waiting outside Batista’s dressing room. Out comes the WWE Champion and he’s headed to the ring with security in tow. We go to commercial.

- Back from commercial and John Cena’s music hits. He comes out to a big pop from the crowd. Once he gets in the ring, it’s a bit of a mixed reaction. Cena takes the mic and says people told him Batista stole the WWE Title from him. Cena says he has had some time to think about it and realizes it was business between Vince McMahon and Batista. Cena talks about going to WrestleMania. He says after what happened last week, he needs to pay Batista back. Cena calls Batista out. Batista’s music hits and out comes security first before the WWE Champion makes his way out and holds the belt high. Cena mocks Batista for having security.

Batista says security is there to make sure he doesn’t beat Cena up again. Cena calls Batista down to the ring and calls him a big pansy. Batista mocks Cena and calls him a funny guy. Batista says he did what he did last week because he wants to face Cena at WrestleMania. Batista says he and Cena are the two biggest stars since the Attitude era but for some reason WWE has decided to label John Cena as the man. Batista mocks Cena for being the face of WWE.

Batista says the torch was passed from Steve Austin to John Cena and it should have been him. Batista says he’s going to beat the hell out of Cena at WrestleMania to prove he’s better than Cena. Batista says he just can’t stand Cena. Cena says he wants to be WWE Champion and will take the belt from Batista. Cena says he shows up first and leaves last and works harder than anyone else. He says Batista expects this business to be handed to him. Batista says he doesn’t care about fans, he’s just here to make money. Batista tells Cena to keep hugging fat girls, he’s going to be in a gym somewhere getting ready for WrestleMania. Batista says all Cena does is talk. Batista tells Cena to go ahead, say something inspiring, one of those catchphrases.

Batista says Cena can’t beat him and deep down inside, Cena knows that. Batista drops the mic and turns his back as Cena just looks on from the ring and the crowd boo’s. Batista’s music hits as he holds the WWE Title up and stares down at Cena, who looks disappointed in himself after the promo. Cole and Lawler hype tonight’s main event as we go to commercial.

- Back from commercial and Cheech and Chong are still eating Lucky Charms, having a good time. They’ve got Chavo Guerrero, Primo and Carlito dressed up in sombreros and mustaches. Yoshi Tatsu and Katie Lea are also dressed up. In walks what appears to be a chicken in a cage and it’s talking, but with Santino’s voice. Far out man, they say. They say a Divas Pillowfight match is coming up.

Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Zack Ryder vs. MVP

We go to the ring for our next match as the briefcase hangs above the ring. In the ring is Zack Ryder from ECW and out comes his opponent, MVP.

The match starts and Ryder goes at it with MVP. They go back and forth until MVP hits a knee to the face while Rosa Mendes looks on from outside the ring. MVP hits the Ballin’ elbow drop and hits the Playmaker for the quick win and spot at WrestleMania.

Winner: MVP

- We see Eve, Kelly Kelly and Gail Kim in their pajamas headed to the ring for a pajama pillowfight. Back to commercial.

- Back from commercial and Justin Roberts introduces tonight’s guest hosts, Cheech and Chong. They come down to the ring as Lowrider plays. They kick off the Divas pillow pajama fight.

Kelly Kelly, Gail Kim and Eve vs. Maryse, Jillian Hall and Alicia Fox

Out come Eve, Gail and Kelly Kelly in their pajamas with pillows. Out next comes the WWE Divas Champion Maryse with Alicia Fox and Jillian in their pajamas also. Maryse poses and the other Divas hit her with pillows. The Divas start brawling with pillows until Jillian starts clotheslining them. Kelly lays Jillian out and gets a 2 count. Maryse pins Kelly but only gets 2. Gail and Eve double team Maryse until Alicia clotheslines both of them. Alicia starts hitting on Gail until Gail lays her out with a finisher. Gail gets dumped to the floor as Cheech and Chong look on. Eve hits a new finisher on Alicia for the pinfall and the win.

Winners: Eve, Gail Kim and Kelly Kelly

- After the match, out comes Hornswoggle from under the ring. He passes out boxes of Lucky Charms. Hornswoggle, Cheech and Chong start throwing out Lucky Charms to everyone.

- We go to a Hall of Fame video package, announcing Mad Dog Vachon as the next inductee into the 2010 class. We see a video package of Vachon’s career. It’s announced that Pat Patterson will induct Vachon.

- Back from a break and Justin Roberts goes to introduce Bret Hart when Vince McMahon’s music interrupts him. Out comes Vince to the ring. Vince says he wants the honor of introducing Bret and puts him over. Out comes Bret using the one crutch. We get a video package showing what’s happened with Bret over the last few weeks.

Vince asks Bret to make it known that Vince had nothing to do with the crash two weeks ago. Bret says he isn’t sure about that, but he does know Vince has treated him like a piece of trash since he returned. Bret says if Vince is sincere, he will get the hell out of the ring and let him have his farewell. Vince goes to leave but has one more thing to say. He says Bret was right about him being a liar, but he’s a World Champion Liar. Vince says he lied, he didn’t invite Bret here tonight for a farewell. Bret asks why did Vince invite him here. Vince says he screwed Bret again and it feels good.

Vince reminds Bret that Bret challenged him to a WrestleMania match. Bret says Vince can see that he’s a little incapacitated right now. Vince says Bret can heal in 6 weeks, 2 weeks since the accident and 4 more weeks until WrestleMania. Vince says Bret came back to WWE because it’s been eating at him every day for years. Vince says Bret has wanted to fight him for years. Bret says that’s right. Vince taunts Bret about fighting. Vince starts ripping on Bret, even bringing up WCW and lying about Stu Hart being in the Hall of Fame this year. Vince tells Bret to at least do it for his fans who want to see Bret in the ring one more time.

Vince asks the fans if they want to see Bret face him at WrestleMania and they pop. Bret says he can’t wrestle, he has a broken leg and calls Vince an idiot. Vince says Bret’s last name used to stand for something, but now he’s got no “Hart.” Vince says Bret is letting everyone down and calls him a coward. Vince kicks Bret’s crutch out from under him and he goes down. Vince loses his shoe somehow. Vince keeps calling Bret a coward and taunts him from outside the ring. Bret says if Vince wants the WrestleMania match, he’s got it. Bret accepts as his music plays. Vince stops on the ramp and says to show what kind of shape he’s in these days, he’s going to wrestle on RAW next week. It will be Vince McMahon vs. John Cena next week.

- We see The Miz and Big Show headed to the ring for the main event. Back to commercial.

WWE Unified Tag Team Title Match: DX vs. The Miz and Big Show

Both teams make their entrance before we go to commercial. Back from the break and Show is going at it with Michaels. Miz comes in and works over Shawn. Big Show tags back in for some double teaming. Show applies a big bearhug on Shawn.

HBK fights off with chops and goes for a superkick but Show catches it. Triple H is tagged in and he goes at it with Show. Big knee to the jaw by Triple H and a spinebuster on Show. Miz comes in and gets hit with a spinebuster also. HHH turns around to a chokeslam from Show. Show turns around to Sweet Chin Music from HBK. Both Triple H and Big Show are down now.

Miz and HBK tag in at the same time and go at it. HBK with a forearm, atomic drop and chops. HBK slams Miz down and goes to the top rope for the big elbow drop. HBK hits it and gets ready for Sweet Chin Music. The Undertaker appears on the big screen and interrupts Shawn. They stare at each other, distracting Shawn. HBK turns around and tries for Sweet Chin Music on Miz but Miz rolls him up for the win.

Winners: Big Show and The Miz

- After the match, HBK sits on the mat and looks down, disappointed. Triple H walks over to talk and Shawn pushes him off, saying don’t touch me. Shawn heads up the ramp. In the ring, Sheamus comes from the crowd and clotheslines Triple H. Sheamus lays Triple H out and throws him over to the floor. Sheamus hits the kick to the h ead, into the announcers table and stands over Triple H. The crowd tells Sheamus he sucks. Triple H tries to get up but Sheamus kicks him in the head again. Triple H goes over the announcers table and back to the floor. Sheamus stands on top of the table and raises his hands. Sheamus stares down at Triple H as his music plays and we go to replays. RAW goes off the air with Sheamus still standing over Triple H as the referees check on him.

- WWE has released the new “Return to Fear” t-shirt that Triple H wore at last night’s Elimination Chamber pay-per-view.

- Shawn Michaels was escorted to the ring last night surrounded by a group of referees during the replay of the WWE Title Elimination Chamber match before the World Title Chamber. The lights went out before the replay and the WWE officials walked down to the ring with Michaels hidden in the middle of them.

- Diamond Dallas Page noted in a recent interview with Bryan Alvarez that Shawn Michaels
has been using his YRG Fitness program for some time now.

- WWE Diva Maria said on her Twitter that her first album will come out on April 13th and is titled Sevin Sins. Apparently it will be released through Sony.

- The Bellas vs. Katie Lea & Jillian Hall, Chris Masters vs. Chavo Guerrero vs. Primo in a Royal Rumble qualifying match and a segment with Chris Jericho and R-Truth were taped last night before RAW for this Thursday’s Superstars on WGN.

DX vs. Legacy

The DX music plays as WWE’s Unified Tag Team Champions make their way out to the ring for tonight’s first match. We go to replays of last week’s show where Triple H threw Shawn out of the ring. All appears to be fine between them tonight. DX gets a big pop here from the crowd as they take the mic. Triple H asks where Hornswoggle is and Shawn says he sent him home. Shawn asks Triple H why he can’t understand that if he wins the Royal Rumble, he has a guaranteed shot at Undertaker. Shawn asks Triple H to look at it from his position. Shawn says he needs and wants the shot at ending the streak. Triple H says yes, that is too much to ask from him. Triple H says for the past six months they’ve been running around telling jokes and now it’s Rumble time, time to get serious. Triple H says he wants the title shot and wants to main event WrestleMania. Triple H says they can work together at the Royal Rumble and eliminate everyone else but it’s going to come down to them two. HBK says he understands and puts the mic down. Out come their opponents, Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase.

Triple H and Cody start the match out. They go to the corner and brawl. Triple H goes for a Pedigree early but Ted pulls Cody out of the ring and breaks the hold. Michael Cole says we have some breaking news on tonight’s RAW hosts as we go to commercial break.

Back from the break and Shawn Michaels comes in to go at it with Cody. HBK takes control as Lawler announces that James Rodey from Psych won’t be here to host tonight. Legacy ends up on the outside. Shawn leaps off the top onto them both and brings Cody back in. Ted distracts HBK on the apron which allows Cody to nail a big neckbreaker. Ted comes in and works over HBK in the corner.

Cody comes back in and they double team Shawn for a 2 count. Cody stomps and drops knees on Shawn for another 2 count. Ted comes in off the tag again and dropkicks Shawn off the ropes. Ted covers Shawn for a 2 count. Ted kicks Shawn in the face while he’s down and gets another 2 count. Cody is back in now and he keeps control of Shawn. Another 2 count. HBK finally counters a move and goes to tag but Triple H isn’t on the apron. DiBiase comes in and tries for Dream Street but gets superkicked to the mat. Triple H finally gets tagged in and goes at it with DiBiase. Triple H takes control. Cody comes in and catches a spinebuster. Ted gets laid out again also. Triple H goes for the Pedigree on Cody when Shawn tags himself in. This pisses Triple H off. Cody knocks them into each other and they have a staredown. Shawn superkicks DiBiase again. Triple H decks Cody and stops him from hitting Shawn. Shawn covers DiBiase for the pinfall and the win.

Winners: DX

- After the match, Shawn and Triple H tease some tension but end up shaking hands.

- We get a video previewing the Psych premiere this Wednesday night on USA with John Cena’s appearance. Lawler hypes Big Show vs. MVP for tonight’s show as we go to commercial.

MVP vs. Big Show

Back from the break and out comes MVP. MVP takes the mic and says he needs to say something to The Miz. MVP says he’s the #1 contender to Miz’s belt and Miz can’t keep running away from him. MVP says he is going to take the belt from Miz and become a 3-time US Champion. Out comes The Miz to the stage. Miz picks on MVP for being in prison. They go back and forth until Miz brings out his friend Big Show for the match.

The match starts and Show takes down MVP first. Show with a headbutt knocking MVP back into the corner. Show hits a big chop but misses a splash in the corner as Miz looks on from the ramp. MVP hits a knee to the face and then the running kick in the corner. He goes for another kick but Show grabs him by the throat and choke slams him for the pinfall and the win.

Winner: Big Show

- After the match, The Miz runs down to the ring and yells in MVP’s face. Miz raises his US Title over MVP. Lawler says tonight we will get Vince McMahon’s decision on Bret Hart as we go back to commercial.

- Back from the break and Cody Rhodes is backstage pacing. He tells Ted DiBiase he didn’t know where his head was last week and thank you for helping tonight. Orton walks in and says there’s been tension between them for the past few months. Orton says they lost to DX tonight and failed to help him with Sheamus last week. Orton says at the Rumble only one man wins that match and when it comes to him and Sheamus, he will win that one. He says he’s becoming WWE Champion again either with or without Legacy. Orton walks off.

- We go to John Cena and tonight’s host Dule Hill who are backstage. They talk about the season premiere of Psych this Wednesday night on USA. Cena asks where Rodey is and Dule tells about him having surgery this weekend. Cena tells Dule he needs to make tonight on RAW his night. Dule says this is his playground as Cena walks off. The Miz enters and says Psych should have had him on instead of Cena. Dule says he has a match for Miz tonight but doesn’t say what it is. They cut promos on each other before Dule walks off. Back to commercial.

WWE Divas Title Tournament Semi-Final: Maryse vs. Eve Torres

Back from the break and out comes Maryse in a semi-final match for the Divas Title tournament. Maryse takes the mic before the match and says the other Divas are wasting their time. She’s talking in French when a pyro explosion goes off. We cut to host Dule Hill who is in the pyro box. She starts going off on him, calling him a loser. He says he accidentally pressed a button. Out comes Maryse’s opponent Eve. The winner of this match will face the winner of Gail Kim vs. Alicia Fox for the Divas Title. They lock up and go to the corner with Eve in control.

Eve gets an early 2 count and slams Maryse by her hair. Eve flips onto Maryse for another 2 count. Eve with a splash in the corner and a body slam. Eve goes to the top for a moonsault but Maryse moves out of the way. Maryse goes for her DDT but Eve counters with a suplex and a 2 count. Maryse finally hits the French Kiss for the win and the spot in the finals.

Winner: Maryse

- We see Vince McMahon backstage heading to the ring as we go to commercial.

- Back from commercial and Vince McMahon makes his way out to the ring. We cut back to last week where The Undertaker told Vince McMahon that he screwed Bret and called him a coward. Vince takes the mic and says if Taker were here tonight, he would dare him in his face to call him a coward again. Vince talks about selling Bret to WCW and said he was never heard from or seen again. Vince says the people have forgotten about Bret Hart. Vince asks if there’s a reason to bring Bret back and the crowd pops. They start chanting “we want Bret.” Vince tells them to be careful what they ask for. Vince says that Bret Hart will never appear in WWE, and that’s his announcement. Vince says he’s a business man and he does what’s right for business. Vince goes to the ringside area and asks a fan to give him a good reason why Bret should be brought back. The fan says because he will take Vince down. Vince hops the barrier and goes into the stands asking fans about Bret. One kid says he’s awesome. Vince eventually comes back to the ring and says he didn’t hear one good reason why he should bring Bret back. Vince says Bret is a part of the past and they start chanting again.

Vince says he’s concerned with the present and the future and calls Bret a footnote in WWE’s past. He says Bret’s not returning and thanks the fans, getting ready to leave. Out comes John Cena to the ring. Cena says he’s never had a problem with Vince until recently when Vince compared Bret to a old piece of gum. Cena talks about how Vince treated Roddy Piper at MSG a few months back. Cena cuts on Vince’s purple jacket and Vince cuts on his orange crap he wears, as Vince calls it. Cena congratulates Vince on building an empire but says Vince had help from people like Hart and Piper. They go back and forth. Cena calls Vince pathetic and this pisses Vince off. Cena tells Vince to invite Bret Hart to next week’s RAW. Cena says Bret deserves a chance to confront Vince face to face. Cena tells Vince to picture his 90th birthday in 2035. Cena says he’s going to find Vince on that day, lift him out of his wheelchair and knock his false teeth down his throat. Cena says he’s not here to change Vince’s mind but this is one of those situations where he needs to do the right thing. Cena walks off up the ramp. Vince yells at him to stop. Vince tells everyone to listen to him. Vince says he will invite Bret back for next week and have him step right in the ring if he has the guts. Vince says he won’t even flinch. Vince announces Sheamus vs. John Cena for tonight’s RAW. We go to commercial.

The Miz vs. Kofi Kingston

WWE’s United States Champion The Miz comes out next for this non-title match. This match was made by Dule Hill. Out next is his opponent Kofi Kingston. The bell rings and they lock up. Kofi takes Miz down first but they go back and forth. Kofi with a crossbody from the floor for a 2 count. Kofi comes off the ropes but Miz kicks him out of the air and to the mat for a 2 count. Miz puts knees to the back and hits Kofi with forearm shots. Miz with a headlock now.

Miz with a kick to the face and another 2 count on Kofi. Miz with more kicks and a leg drop followed by another headlock. Kofi with a kick to the head in the corner. Kofi goes to the top and comes down on Miz for a 2 count. Miz counters a move and hits a backbreaker and a neckbreaker. 2 count by Miz. MVP’s music hits and distracts The Miz. Kofi takes advantage and hits Trouble in Paradise for the win.

Winner: Kofi Kingston

- After the match, MVP comes out to the stage to taunt Miz.

- We go backstage with Dule Hill and Carlito. They walk into the WWE production truck. They have the production guy add Carlito’s face on the screen. Dule says he’s going to type in a random code and which ever Superstar appears on the graphic, that’s Carlito’s opponent. It comes up as Kelly Kelly. Carlito vs. Kelly? Carlito says he’s ready for the match now and walks off joking with Dule. Dule tells the production guy to carry on… and we go back to commercial.

Carlito vs. Kelly Kelly

Carlito is in the ring waiting on Kelly Kelly to come out. She comes out but is interrupted by Santino Marella. He plugs the Best of RAW 2009 DVD which comes out tomorrow. Santino says it’s a new year for him and he’s going to replace Kelly tonight, defeat Carlito and go on to win the Royal Rumble and main event WrestleMania. Jack Swagger attacks Santino from behind and lays him out. Swagger brings Santino in the ring just to toss him back over the top rope. Swagger goes to the floor and slams Santino face first into the ringpost. Swagger taunts Santino before walking off and stepping on him. We go to commercial.

- Back from the break and we go to a video running down various stats for the Royal Rumble match.

- We go backstage to John Cena and Dule Hill. Cena has the other host Rodey on speaker phone. He says he’s bummed he can’t be there tonight. Alicia Fox walks in. She’s looking for the one that’s a psychic. Dule hangs up the phone on Rodey, the psychic on the show. Cena walks off. Dule says he’s going to be ringside with Alicia Fox in her match as her good luck charm. We get ready to take another break.

Semi-Final for the Divas Title Tournament: Gail Kim vs. Alicia Fox

Back from the break and Dule Hill is with Cole and Lawler on commentary. Gail Kim is in the ring as Alicia Fox makes her way out. The winner will face Maryse for the title. They lock up and go back and forth. Alicia eventually hits a backbreaker for a 2 count. Gail gets thrown into the corner but counters a move. Gail with a powerslam and a 2 count. Small package by Gail and another 2 count. Gail gets the win after a boot to the face and the spot in the finals.

Winner: Gail Kim

- After the match, Alicia Fox goes on a rampage outside the ring. She goes over to Dule and asks what happened to her winning. He tells her he’s an actor and he was doing what he’s does. She drops him with a right h and. Lawler helps Dule up as we go to replays.

- Backstage we see WWE Champion Sheamus headed to the ring. Back to commercial we go.

Sheamus vs. John Cena

Back from commercial and out comes the WWE Champion Sheamus for this non-title match. Out next comes John Cena to a big pop. The match starts and they lock up and go to the corner after testing each other for a minute. Sheamus breaks the hold and shows off some. Cena takes Sheamus back to the corner and the ref breaks it up. Cena shows off now. Sheamus charges but Cena fights back with right hands and hits the bulldog for a 2 count.

Sheamus takes control and backs Cena in the corner. Sheamus beats Cena down with a bunch of kicks. Cena catches Sheamus with a suplex for 2. They come off the ropes and Sheamus drops Cena with a clothesline. Sheamus with another pin attempt. Sheamus controls the match now, dropping Cena with rights. Sheamus launches Cena into the opposite corner and covers for another 2 count.

Sheamus gets Cena on the apron and hits a running knee to the face, knocking Cena out to the floor. Sheamus goes for another but Cena counters and goes for the Attitude Adjustment. Sheamus counters that with a DDT for a 2 count. Sheamus hits a big powerslam for another 2 count. Cena goes for the STF but Sheamus counters and kicks Cena out of the ring. Sheamus comes to the floor and throws Cena into the steel steps. The referee begins his count and Cena comes back in at the 9 count. Cena counters a move and hits the shoulder blocks off the ropes and back drop. Cena hits the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Sheamus counters the Attitude Adjustment with a knee to the back and a 2 count. Sheamus goes for the big axe kick but Cena counters it with the STF. Sheamus reaches the rope and breaks the hold. Cena comes out to the floor after Sheamus but gets kicked in the face with Sheamus’ big kick. Cena is laid out again as the referee counts.

Out of nowhere, Randy Orton rushes the ring and lays Sheamus out with the RKO. Orton gets down and taunts Sheamus as the referee calls for the bell. Cena comes up to the ropes and Orton grabs him. Orton goes for the DDT off the ropes but Cena counters with the Attitude Adjustment, laying Orton out.

Winner: Sheamus by DQ

- Cena celebrates in the ring with Orton and Sheamus still laid out. RAW goes off the air.

When asked if he had any plans on retiring, Michaels said:

“Well, that’s always the million dollar question. I’d like to go on record as saying I have been trying to retire for the last three years… [WWE] makes it very difficult, you know, Vince McMahon is nuts. I try to walk away then WrestleMania comes up, they put me in a match, I do well, and [Vince] doesn’t make it very easy.”

- While not confirmed, it is rumored that Steve Williams may be inducted into the Hall of Fame this March. Williams’ was very close to Jim Ross and Johnny Ace, and it would fit into the timing of the company wanting Ross back in time for WrestleMania.

- The company are expecting Edge to return in time for WrestleMania, which is one of the reasons why Chris Jericho & Big Show lost on Monday’s RAW. WWE are planning to go with an Edge vs. Chris Jericho match at the pay-per-view so want to begin planting the seeds for that going forward.

- It’s been talked about within WWE that Shawn Michaels and Triple H will be the last two participants in the Royal Rumble match later this year. It would certainly be an interesting twist but hasn’t been confirmed yet.

“I’m not totally surprised. I had doubts he would run. The poll numbers [for Dodd] we were seeing were low. So while I’m not totally surprised, it clearly does not change my strategy.”

- Below is the official synopsis for WWE’s upcoming Shawn Michaels DVD titled My Journey:

“”The Heartbreak Kid is one of the most celebrated and talented superstars in the history of Sports Entertainment. Shawn Michaels’ career has spanned more than 25 years and has produced one great match after another, earning him his “Showstopper” moniker. Now fans can relive this superlative career with “Shawn Michaels: His 25 Greatest Matches”, a 3-disc set with more than nine hours of matches. This DVD presents Michaels’ great bouts from every phase of his life, from early tag-team matches as a member of the Rockers through his highly decorated championship reigns. The matches include new commentary and reflections from the Showstopper himself, as well as partners and adversaries throughout the years.”