The son also rises
CLEVELAND - At the 2009 Royal Rumble, Randy Orton defeated 29 other Superstars to earn the right to compete in the main event of WrestleMania XXV. Unfortunately for the Legend Killer however, just one day later, Monday Night Raw was not the site of a celebration. Rather, as other top ring warriors fought for a spot in the World Heavyweight Championship Elimination Chamber at No Way Out, Orton waited in suspense to see what, if any, actions were taken in retaliation for his vicious assault on Mr. McMahon the week prior.
But what actually ensued was something no one expected: The Chairman's son, Shane McMahon emerging and brutally attacking the Legend Killer.
Stephanie McMahon did not fire Randy Orton, but her brother Shane emerged and attacked the Legend Killer (PHOTOS | WATCH)
At the close of the show, Stephanie McMahon entered the ring, expressing her desire to speak to Randy Orton face-to-face. Accompanied by his therapist, two lawyers, Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase, the 2009 Royal Rumble winner made his entrance, reiterating the consequences waiting for Stephanie if she was to fire him: Two costly lawsuits being filed against WWE as well as DiBiase and Rhodes walking. The Legend Killer went even further, threatening to file an injunction to stop WrestleMania, the event at which he is guaranteed a World Title Match.
After daring Stephanie McMahon to fire him, the Raw General Manager announced that they had other plans for the arrogant third-generation competitor -- even beyond the Superstars that engulfed the ring. With that, Stephanie's brother Shane McMahon made his entrance, and attacked Orton with such ferocity that it took the entire Raw roster to restrain him, with a few Superstars taking some licks for their troubles.
Chris Jericho def. Intercontinental Champion CM Punk in an Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match (PHOTOS)
Though he just recently won the Intercontinental Title in his hometown of Chicago, that didn't stop CM Punk from wanting more, which is why he competed against Chris Jericho in an Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match. The Straightedge Champion fell to Jericho, who earned himself a spot in the contest and chance to regain the World Heavyweight Title.
Rey Mysterio def. William Regal in an Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match (PHOTOS)
In another one of Raw's Elimination Qualifying Matches, Rey Mysterio took on William Regal. The two were competing for an opportunity to enter the World Heavyweight Championship Elimination Chamber Match at No Way Out, to which Kofi Kingston had already earned entry earlier in the night. In spite of the British Brawler's size advantage and bruising fighting style, the Ultimate Underdog persevered, defeating the 2008 King of the Ring to earn the second spot in Raw's massive steel Elimination Chamber.
Beth Phoenix & Jillian def. Women's Champion Melina & Kelly Kelly (PHOTOS)
As her beau, Santino Marella, watched from the announcer's table, Beth Phoenix had an opportunity to win back some of her pride, if not the Women's Title, when she and Jillian took on the team of Kelly Kelly & new Women's Champion Melina, who won the gold from The Glamazon the night before at the Royal Rumble. As the Divas squared off in the ring, Phoenix's No. 1 crazed fan, Rosa Mendes again made her presence known by pulling Melina off the ring apron. Mendes' involvement gave Phoenix just the opening she needed to pin Kelly Kelly and win the match.
Later, in the locker room area, Rosa Mendes was all aflutter talking to Santino Marella about her involvement in the tag bout. The two were interrupted by Beth Phoenix herself, who told the Italian Superstar that they could "keep" the enthusiastic Mendes, who had been angling for a position assisting her favorite dominant Diva.
World Heavyweight Champion John Cena def. Shawn Michaels, preventing JBL from qualifying for the Elimination Chamber Match (PHOTOS | WATCH)
As detailed by JBL earlier in the night, his employee, Shawn Michaels, was set to compete against World Heavyweight Champion John Cena, whom HBK defeated just two weeks before. If Michaels pulled out a win over The Champ, he would earn his boss an opportunity to compete for the World Heavyweight Title inside the Elimination Chamber at No Way Out. Though The Showstopper had the advantage of the self-proclaimed "wrestling god" being in his corner, he ultimately fell victim to Cena's intensity, failing to earn his employer one of the coveted No Way Out spots.
Chris Jericho called out The Wrestler's Mickey Rourke (PHOTOS | WATCH)
Chris Jericho then took to the ring, and introduced a video showcasing Superstars' reactions to The Wrestler as well as the film's Oscar-nominated star, Mickey Rourke, making an allusion to fighting the first-ever Undisputed Champion himself at WrestleMania. The simmering Superstar then assured Rourke and WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair (who Jericho accused of putting the WrestleMania bug in the thespian's ear) that the last thing they want to do is to offend Chris Jericho.
Kofi Kingston def. Kane in an Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match; Chris Jericho called out Mickey Rourke (PHOTOS | WATCH)
Over the next two weeks, Raw will be hosting Elimination Chamber Qualifying Matches to determine which five Superstars will have an opportunity to step into the massive steel structure and compete against the World Heavyweight Champion for the title at No Way Out. The first of these contests saw Kofi Kingston take on the massive Kane. In spite of the huge size and power imbalance, the athletic Jamaican Superstar was on the fortunate side of a huge upset, defeating the Big Red Monster and earning the first spot in Raw's Elimination Chamber.
World Tag Team Champions The Miz & John Morrison def. Cryme Tyme (PHOTOS)
Just one week prior, Cryme Tyme had earned themselves a title opportunity by defeating reigning World Tag Team Champions The Miz & John Morrison. The "Word Up" duo had their chance to grasp championship gold on Raw, but were denied by the self-proclaimed "chick magnet" and the Shaman of Sexy, who successfully defended their coveted titles.
Randy Orton revealed that he has a serious mental condition and threatened to sue WWE (PHOTOS | WATCH)
Randy Orton opened Raw, flanked by the members of his "Legacy," Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase, as well as two lawyers and a therapist. The winner of the 2009 Royal Rumble revealed that he suffers from IED, Intermittent Explosive Disorder, a mental condition that causes him to experience violent outbursts when provoked, losing all control of his emotions and actions. According to Orton and his therapist, WWE knew of the condition, and if fired, the Legend Killer plans on not only taking Rhodes and DiBiase with him, but also on bringing a lawsuit against the company.
The leader of Legacy then detailed his plans for a second lawsuit, suing for breach of contract if he is not granted the opportunity to compete in the main event of WrestleMania XXV, an honor he earned by defeating 29 other Superstars in the Royal Rumble Match the night before. Before leaving with Rhodes, DiBiase, his therapist and his lawyers, Orton issued a prepared, half-hearted apology to Mr. McMahon, his family and the WWE Universe.
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