This Week In WWE: April 26, 2009- May 2, 2009

Welcome to the fifty-second edition of This Week In WWE. Feel free to contact me on TWO or Wrestling 101 anytime with comments, questions, and anything in between. Also, check out my blog on Wrestling101.com.

The 11th annual WWE Backlash came to you, live on pay-per-view, from the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, RI. Confirmed for Backlash 2009 was a 6-Man Tag Match for the WWE Championship where WWE Champion Triple H would team with "The Animal" Batista & Shane McMahon to take on Legacy- Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, & Ted DiBiase. John Cena would defend the World Heavyweight Title against Edge in a Last Man Standing Match in Edge’s final chance to challenge John Cena for the title. ECW Champion Jack Swagger would put his title on the line against "Captain Charisma" Christian. Two brothers would look to settle their personal rivalry as Matt Hardy took on Jeff Hardy in an "I Quit" Match. WWE Hall of Famer Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat would look to silence Chris Jericho in a one-on-one match. "Mr. Money-in-the-Bank" CM Punk would take on "The Big Red Machine" Kane and "Miss WrestleMania" Santina Marella would be a special guest on The Great Khali’s Khali Kiss Cam.

The eleventh edition of Backlash kicked off with an ECW Championship Match as ECW Champion Jack Swagger defended the title against "Captain Charisma" Christian. The Peepulation rejoiced as the wily veteran Christian was able to out think "The All-American American" and use an exposed turnbuckle and the Killswitch to become the new ECW Champion! Now that there is a new standard-bearer in ECW, who will step up to challenge "Captain Charisma" for his gold? When will the former champion Jack Swagger get his rematch?

After winning his first ECW Championship, Christian comes face-to-face in the backstage area with an old friend and an old foe- Edge. The new ECW Champion asks Edge what has happened to the fun guy that Edge used to be. Christian then called Edge a "raving lunatic". Edge replied by saying that he was fun before his problems started with John Cena. "The Rated-R Superstar" then vowed to return to his old self when he wins the World Heavyweight Title from John Cena.

Chris Jericho was able to defeat Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat by making the Hall of Famer submit to the Walls of Jericho. Is the saga of the WWE Legends over for Chris Jericho?

"The Big Red Machine" Kane was able to avenge his loss on RAW this past Monday Night by defeating "Mr. Money-in-the-Bank" CM Punk.

Then it was time for the "I Quit" Match between Matt & Jeff Hardy. The two Hardys fought with pure passion and true hatred for the other. In the end, Jeff took things to extreme measures when he duct-taped his brother’s hands and feet together and then he tied Matt to a table with a length of rope. Matt pleaded with Jeff and apologized to Jeff. In an effort to prevent his destruction, Matt uttered the words "I Quit", giving Jeff the win. Jeff was not satisfied, however, as Jeff delivered a huge leg drop from a ladder through his brother and through a table to put an exclamation point on the brotherly rivalry. Is this sinister sibling rivalry over or will Matt continue to terrorize his younger brother?

The Great Khali & his translator- Ranjin Singh came to the ring for the special edition of the Khali Kiss Cam. Ranjin Singh wasted no time in inviting the special guest, Santina Marella, to the ring. Santina reluctantly came to the ring. Desperate to avoid a kiss from Khali, Santina told "The Punjabi Playboy" that she can not kiss him because she is in love with another man. Khali then demanded to know this other man was. "Miss WrestleMania" then pointed out Hall of Fame Announcer Jim Ross as her object of affection. This was some revealing news to the happily married J.R. Khali said that he understands Santina’s predicament and that she is off the hook on one condition; she must show her love to J.R. Luckily for J.R., "The Glamazon" Beth Phoenix interrupted and came to the ring with her intern Rosa Mendes and a referee. Phoenix pleads with Santina to end the charade and then challenges Santina to put her title of "Miss WrestleMania" on the line. "The Glamazon" confronts The Great Khali and breaks the news to Khali that Santina Marella is actually Santino Marella; a man. A confused Khali stared blankly at Beth Phoenix. Beth then calls Khali "the biggest idiot in the world". Khali responds by hitting Beth Phoenix on the top of the head and pushing her down. Santina then jumps at the opportunity and tells the referee to start the match. Santina quickly pins "The Glamazon" to keep her title of "Miss WrestleMania". After celebrating her win, Khali cornered Santina, but Santina managed to escape- at the sacrifice of her top being ripped off by Khali. An embarrassed Santina screamed and covered herself as she rushed out of the arena.

Then it was time to get into some serious business as the WWE Championship was on the line in a 6-Man Tag as WWE Champion Triple H teamed up with Batista & Shane McMahon to take on Legacy- Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, & Ted DiBiase. If any member of Triple H’s team is pinned, disqualified, counted out, or forced to submit by any member of Legacy, then Triple H would lose the title to Randy Orton. Before the match began, Triple H attacked Randy Orton, who quickly fled to the backstage area. When Orton did not return, the referee had no choice but to start the match. With Orton out of the picture, Triple H’s team looked to be in for an easy night, but when Batista was on the outside, he was attacked from behind by Randy Orton. Orton then rammed the head of Batista into the ring post. Later in the match, Batista, Shane McMahon, Cody Rhodes, & Ted DiBiase are all fighting on the outside while Triple H & Randy Orton are left alone in the ring. With the referee’s attention in the ring, Cody Rhodes blasts Shane McMahon with a steel chair, sending Shane over the barricade and eliminating him as a factor in the match. Cody Rhodes then tried to go after Batista with the chair, but "The Animal" snatched the chair away and was prepared to use it on Rhodes, but Triple H took the chair from Batista to keep Batista from losing the match and costing Triple H the WWE Title. However, Triple H had turned his back to Randy Orton and Orton was able to plant "The Game" with an RKO. However, Triple H managed to kick out from the RKO! When the RKO was not enough, Orton went to a more diabolical plan as he viciously punted the skull of Triple H and pinned Triple H to become the new WWE Champion! Randy Orton & Legacy made a quick retreat. Meanwhile in the ring, paramedics entered the ring to check on an unconscious Triple H. As a concerned Batista & Shane McMahon looked on, Triple H was put on a stretcher and wheeled out of the arena, motionless. Randy Orton has fulfilled his promise to beat Triple H and take out every member of the McMahon Family. When will we see Triple H again, if ever? What repercussions will come of this attack?

Then it was time for the main event- a Last Man Standing Match for the World Heavyweight Title as John Cena defended his title against "The Ultimate Opportunist" Edge in Edge’s last chance at John Cena’s World Heavyweight Title. These two bitter rivals tried everything to keep the other down for a ten count; an Attitude Adjustment by John Cena off of the top rope and into the crowd; a spear in mid-air and a con-chair-to on the steel staging area by Edge. In the end, it was an angry Big Show who interfered in the match and completely destroyed John Cena by lifting Cena up and driving Cena through a giant spotlight that exploded on impact and caught on fire and shattered glass all over Cena and the surrounding area. The referee then counted to ten and a new World Heavyweight Champion was crowned. In this instance, the opportunity was handed to Edge. While Edge celebrated his ninth World Title, the world was focused on John Cena. Paramedics and WWE Superstars tended to John Cena, who was wheeled out of the arena on a stretcher. What is the condition of John Cena and will Big Show be punished for this heinous action against Cena?

The 831st edition of Monday Night RAW came to you, live, from the Arena at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport, CT. Confirmed for the RAW after Backlash was a special appearance by the new WWE Champion Randy Orton. Also, RAW would be the first night that the 2009 WWE Draft would be in full effect.

The night kicked off with RAW General Manager Vickie Guerrero. After expressing her excitement for her husband, Edge, winning the World Heavyweight Title at Backlash, the GM introduced the new WWE Champion Randy Orton. The new champion came out with Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase, who had a big hand in getting the WWE Title for Orton. After taking ample time to pose with his new championship, Randy Orton states that the McMahon Family is "mourning" because "their champion has fallen". The new champion then proclaimed that, after five years, he finally beat Triple H. Orton said that he did what he said he was going to do at Backlash. The four-time World Champion then announced himself as a "success". Orton stated that he made history and that he created a legacy and defeated the McMahon Family. General Manager Vickie Guerrero expresses how proud she is to have Randy Orton represent RAW as the WWE Champion. Vickie then announces that Randy Orton will make his first defense of his newly won WWE Title at Judgment Day. The #1 Contender for that match would be decided in the main event as "The World’s Largest Athlete" Big Show would take on "The Animal" Batista! Randy Orton then states that anyone in the RAW locker room who disrespects him will end up just like Triple H. Orton than proclaimed that everyone on the RAW Roster will answer to him. United States Champion, and one of RAW’s newest Superstars, MVP interrupted the new champion. MVP tells Orton that what Orton did at Backlash was epic, but that he answers to nobody. Legacy member Ted DiBiase "advises" MVP to leave or suffer the consequences. MVP replied by telling DiBiase that Orton did not give DiBiase permission to speak. The United States Champion then called Orton’s two proteges "Abercrombie & Fitch models". MVP said that he did not come to RAW to be looked down upon and vowed to "step up". Cody Rhodes then threatens MVP by telling him that Legacy would take no issue in taking MVP out. At the recommendation of the new WWE Champion, Vickie Guerrero announces that the WWE Champion and the United States Champion would go one-on-one as Randy Orton would take on MVP on RAW!

The opening match of the night saw Kofi Kingston defeat one of RAW’s newest Superstars- The Brian Kendrick.

Backstage, Vickie Guerrero meets up with Big Show. Vickie thanks Big Show for what he did to John Cena at Backlash and Big Show thanks Vickie for putting him in the #1 Contender’s Match. Big Show then goes in for a kiss on his lover, but Vickie pulls away. Vickie then tells Big Show that, for the sake of RAW, she wants to keep their relationship professional.

"Miss WrestleMania" Santina Marella was in action as she teamed up with Mickie James, Brie Bella, & Kelly Kelly to take on the team of Divas Champion Maryse, Beth Phoenix, Rosa Mendes, & Jillian. In the middle of the match, Brie Bella escapes from Rosa Mendes by going under the ring, but Brie pops back out with her twin- Nikki Bella! Then Hornswoggle pops out from under the ring and runs around the ring, then dives back into his "home". This distracts Maryse & Beth Phoenix, who try to pull Hornswoggle out from under the ring. Hornswoggle then sprays the Divas Champion and "The Glamazon" with a fire extinguisher. Distracted by all the commotion on the outside, Jillian gets rolled up by Santina Marella! After the match, Santina celebrates on the ring apron. Unfortunately for Hornswoggle, he was able to see under the "ring attire" of Santina and made a hasty exit when he saw what "Miss WrestleMania" had to offer.

Fresh off his loss to his brother Jeff in an "I Quit" Match at Backlash, Matt Hardy comes out with a cast on his broken right hand. Matt calls his younger brother a "heartless barbarian". Matt then proclaims that he did not quit and he is not a quitter, but that Jeff left him no choice but to say "I Quit" after Jeff broke his hand. Matt then reveals that he is being forced to compete, but that he is competing "under protest". Matt’s unusual opponent Goldust may be "under protest" after Matt Hardy used his cast to knock out "The Bizzare One" and pick up the win.

Then it was time for a special Champion Vs. Champion match as new WWE Champion Randy Orton faced United States Champion MVP in a non-title match. "The Ballin’ Superstar" gave Orton a run for his money for most of the match, but after Orton sent MVP to the outside of the ring, a vengeful Shane McMahon entered the ring and wore Randy Orton out with a kendo stick! Shane then landed an elbow drop on the new WWE Champion before being chased off by Legacy. Shane then escaped through the crowd. Orton has proclaimed that he has "defeated" the McMahon Family, but it seems that one McMahon is still fighting back. With the rest of his family taken out by Orton, can Shane avenge the McMahon name?

In a non-title match, the Unified WWE Tag Team Champions, and new RAW Superstars, Primo & Carlito defeated the team of Chavo Guerrero & Jamie Noble. Will Carlito have the same result when he faces Legacy member Ted DiBiase this Thursday night on WWE Superstars?

The Miz also made his debut as a RAW Superstar and laid claim to being "the most valuable pick in the WWE Draft". Miz also stated that he is a "television icon". The Miz announced that he came to RAW to make an impact and to challenge the biggest and baddest that RAW has to offer. The Miz then challenges John Cena to a match! After the injured Cena did not show up, Miz stated that he is there to "step up and grab the brass ring". Miz then announces himself as the winner of the match by forfeit. Now that Miz’s words have made an impact on RAW, when will we see Miz’s actions make an impact?

Before his match with Big Show, Batista made a backstage appearance and vowed to defeat Big Show tonight. "The Animal" then made a promise to "hurt" Randy Orton and take what is most important to him- the WWE Title.

RAW General Manager Vickie Guerrero makes another appearance to announce a huge main event for next week’s RAW as new WWE Champion Randy Orton will take on Shane McMahon! Shane is the sole McMahon left fighting, will Orton get rid of his final McMahon next Monday or will Shane’s quest for revenge lead him to a victory over the WWE Champion in more ways than one?

The main event was then upon us as "The Animal" Batista took on "The World’s Largest Athlete" Big Show to determine the #1 Contender for the WWE Title at Judgment Day. After chokeslamming Batista and following Batista to the outside of the ring, Big Show and the rest of the world was shocked to see none other than John Cena! Barely standing, the former World Heavyweight Champion stared stoicly and with a purpose at Big Show. Big Show was so distracted by John Cena that he briefly forgot what was on the line. Big Show rushed back into the ring, but it was too late. The referee had reached ten and Big Show had been counted out, meaning that Batista will challenge Randy Orton for the WWE Title at Judgment Day! Following his big win, Batista hit Big Show with a spear. While John Cena looked both proud of the result and determined for revenge, Big Show was absolutely livid with John Cena. Will Big Show finish what he started by completely destroying John Cena or will Cena get his revenge on Big Show for costing him the title?

The 151st edition of ECW on Sci-Fi came to you, live, from Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY. Confirmed for ECW’s night in "The World’s Most Famous Arena" was a special appearance by NEW ECW Champion Christian.

The show kicked off with the new ECW Champion Christian. The new champion started by saying that he vowed to win the ECW Title when he returned to WWE and did just that at Backlash. "Captain Charisma" proclaimed that winning the ECW Title was the greatest moment of his career. Christian then states that he knows the former champion Jack Swagger will interrupt at any moment, anyway, so the new ECW Champion invited the former ECW Champion to the ring. However, Christian instead got the "ECW Original" and New York’s own- Tommy Dreamer. Dreamer started by congratulating Christian on his title win. The former champion says that Christian will represent ECW proudly. Getting down to business, Dreamer tells Christian about Dreamer’s vow to win the ECW Title before his contract expires on June 6. If he does not win the title, he will retire. Dreamer then informs Christian that he only has six weeks left until that fateful day. Dreamer then challenges Christian to an ECW Title match! Christian not only accepted the challenge, but wanted to do it in Madison Square Garden on ECW! The ex-champion Jack Swagger interrupts. "The All-American American" tells Christian that the only reason he won the title was because he cheated to do so. Swagger then referred to Tommy Dreamer as a "joke". Swagger reveals that he will be getting his rematch against Christian for the ECW Title in three weeks at Judgment Day! Swagger then proclaims that no one will get an ECW Title match before he does. This brings out ECW’s Interim General Manager Tiffany. Tiffany tells Swagger that he is wrong, someone can challenge for the ECW Title before him. Tiffany then makes the main event official- Christian will make his first defense of the ECW Title against Tommy Dreamer!

Starting with next week’s show, ECW on Sci-Fi will be moving to 10/9c.

Tyson Kidd was in action, getting a big win over Finlay. Tyson Kidd had some help as Natalya distracted the referee long enough for Tyson Kidd to hit "The Fighting Irishman" in the back of the knee with Finlay’s trusty shillelagh.

"The Moscow Mauler" Vladimir Kozlov made an appearance in a Russian Military uniform. Kozlov proclaimed that no one can compete with him and he will achieve "global domination".

Backstage, Gregory Helms makes his ECW debut as the resident interviewer for ECW. Helms’ first interview was with Evan Bourne. Bourne proclaimed that Tommy Dreamer is not the only one with championship aspirations. "The Ripper" Paul Burchill & Katie Lea Burchill interrupt. Paul Burchill informs Evan Bourne of a rematch between them this Thursday night on WWE Superstars! Burchill then stated that Bourne’s win last week was a "fluke".

Then it was time for the main event as new ECW Champion Christian made his first title defense against "ECW Original" Tommy Dreamer. After putting the champion in the tree of woe, Dreamer seemed poised to win the ECW Title. However, Jack Swagger blind-sided Tommy Dreamer for the disqualification. With Christian still in the tree of woe, Jack Swagger had open shots as he assaulted Christian. Jack Swagger then sent a strong message to the new champion by laying Christian out with the gutwrench powerbomb. Will "The All-American American" regain the ECW Title at Judgment Day or will "Captain Charisma" keep the gold?

The third edition of WWE Superstars came to you from the Arena at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport, CT & Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY. Confirmed for Superstars was a one-on-one match between Legacy member Ted DiBiase and one-half of the Unified WWE Tag Team Champions Carlito. Also, Evan Bourne would take on "The Ripper" Paul Burchill.

The opening match of the night saw four of SmackDown’s top Divas square off as the team of Michelle McCool and recent draftee Alicia Fox defeated the team of Gail Kim & Maria.

ECW was also represented as Evan "Air" Bourne was able to overcome "The Ripper" Paul Burchill to pick up the win.

The main event of Superstars saw Legacy member Ted DiBiase defeat one-half of the Unified WWE Tag Team Champions Carlito. Are Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase on their way to bringing the Unified WWE Tag Team Titles into Legacy? Will Legacy’s roll continue this Monday night when new WWE Champion Randy Orton squares off with Shane McMahon?

The 506th edition of WWE SmackDown came to you from Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY. Confirmed for SmackDown’s night in MSG was a Fatal 4-Way Elimination Match to determine the #1 Contender for the World Heavyweight Title at Judgment Day as Chris Jericho, Jeff Hardy, Kane, & Intercontinental Champion Rey Mysterio would battle to decide who would challenge Edge for the title. The new World Heavyweight Champion Edge would also make his first appearance since winning the title at Backlash. Also, MVP would defend the United States Title against Dolph Ziggler in his last night on SmackDown before heading to RAW full-time. MVP would not be alone as Sherri Shepherd from "The View" would be in the champion’s corner.

The show kicked off with Chris Jericho. Jericho states that, regardless of the brand, the fans are still clueless to his talent. Chris Jericho then calls himself "the biggest SmackDown draftee in history". Jericho then says to forget everything you have seen and heard, because he is "taking over" SmackDown. Jericho then claims that it is a travesty that he has to compete in the Fatal 4-Way Elimination Match to become #1 Contender since he is already the #1 Contender. Jericho then vows to win the 4-Way Elimination Match and go on to Judgment Day, defeat Edge, and win the World Heavyweight Title. This brought out the new World Heavyweight Champion Edge, who reminds Jericho that Jericho has never defeated John Cena, but that Edge did at Backlash in a Last Man Standing Match. The new champion then states that none of the SmackDown draft picks will "rock the boat". Edge then proclaims that everyone wants to be him because he is better than everyone and SmackDown belongs to him. "Mr. Money-in-the-Bank" CM Punk then interrupts and reminds Edge that he cashed in his Money-in-the-Bank opportunity last year and pinned Edge to win the World Heavyweight Title. Jericho interrupts and tells CM Punk that no one cares what he has to say and that Punk has no right to interrupt him. Jericho then advises the "Straight-Edge Superstar" to exit the ring. CM Punk ignores and looks past Jericho to Edge. Jericho then proclaims that "he’s done" and exits the ring. As CM Punk again starts to speak, Edge cuts off Punk and says he agrees with Chris Jericho. Then Edge tries to leave, but is stopped by Punk, who reminds Edge that his wife, Vickie Guerrero, is no longer the General Manager of SmackDown, so Edge has no one to "pull the strings" for Edge. CM Punk then reveals that SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long has made a match between the two of them. The champion then calls the match a "warm-up match" and he will easily beat Punk in their non-title match. CM Punk then makes a major announcement by saying that he will be cashing in the Money-in-the-Bank opportunity on SmackDown! Would there be a new World Heavyweight Champion in "The World’s Most Famous Arena"?

The opening match of the night saw former ECW Champion John Morrison defeat former United States Champion Shelton Benjamin.

Then it was time to decide the new #1 Contender for the World Heavyweight Title as Chris Jericho, Jeff Hardy, Kane, & Intercontinental Champion Rey Mysterio faced off in a Fatal 4-Way Elimination Match. The first elimination was "The Big Red Machine" Kane. After hitting the Swanton Bomb on Kane, Jeff Hardy was pulled out of the ring by Chris Jericho, who stole the pin for himself to eliminate Kane. Following his elimination, Kane laid Jericho out with a right hand and then attacked Jeff Hardy on the outside. The angry Kane then threw a steel chair in the ring before exiting. In the ring, Rey Mysterio was set to finish off Jericho, but as Rey leapt off of the top rope, Jericho picked up the steel chair and connected with Rey. This got Chris Jericho eliminated from the match by disqualification! Then it was down to two men- Intercontinental Champion Rey Mysterio & "The Charismatic Enigma" Jeff Hardy. After connecting with the Droppin’ Da Dime on Jeff Hardy, it looked as though Rey would be the new #1 Contender. However, Jeff countered the pin and got the win to become the new #1 Contender for the World Heavyweight Title! One-half of the World Heavyweight Title match at Judgment Day was decided, but who would be defending the title against Jeff?

Cryme Tyme then made their SmackDown debut. "The Bling Brothers" were the hosts of a "Brooklyn Breakdown" dance-off between Eve and the newly drafted Layla. After losing the contest to Eve, Layla slapped Eve, which led to the two divas brawling until Cryme Tyme separated the two. Have we witnessed the start to a new feud between these two dancing Divas?

Before his title defense against Dolph Ziggler, it was announced that United States Champion MVP will be a special guest on "The View" this Monday!

Before his appearance on "The View", MVP had some business to deal with as he defended the United States Title against Dolph Ziggler. In the corner of MVP was none other than The View’s Sherri Shepherd! In the middle of the match, Sherri got on the apron, which caught the attention of Dolph Ziggler. Dolph tried to get a kiss from Ms. Shepherd, but Sherri gave a slap to Dolph instead! This led to MVP hitting the Playmaker on Dolph Ziggler to retain his United States Title!

Backstage, Chris Jericho caught up with SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long. In irate Jericho was berating Long’s job as General Manager. Jericho even threatened to quit! John Morrison then got involved by telling Jericho that he thought that Jericho was a "loser", but now he realizes that he is a "quitter". This prompted Jericho to slap Morrison, which led to a brawl between the two SmackDown Superstars, who had to be pulled apart.

Then it was time for the main event as the new World Heavyweight Champion Edge squared off with "Mr. Money-in-the-Bank" CM Punk. CM Punk was able to deliver the GTS on the champion to pick up the non-title win! CM Punk then prepared to cash in his title opportunity, but before the bell could ring for the championship match, "The Samoan Bulldozer" interrupted and laid out CM Punk! Ever the opportunist, Edge recovered and was getting ready to blast a downed CM Punk with the Money-in-the-Bank briefcase, but the new #1 Contender Jeff Hardy intervened and laid out the champion with a Twist of Fate and landed the Swanton Bomb on Edge. If Jeff does the same at Judgment Day, he could be the new World Heavyweight Champion. What will happen when this two old rivals face off again in two weeks at Judgment Day?

Superstar of the Week: MVP