WWE RAW Report for April 16 from Milan, Italy

John Cena Vs. Edge & Randy Orton and Much More

WWE's flagship television show took place from Milan, Italy for the first time in its fourteen-year history on Monday night. With less than two weeks until the next WWE pay-per-view, Backlash, the Italians were witness to a night of action.

The show opened up with Vince McMahon telling the audience Bobby Lashley was not going to appear, before introducing WWE IC Champion Umaga. During this segment, the Milan crowd chanted various phrases in Italian, which McMahon just replied, "I don't know what you're saying!", which was hilarious. McMahon wanted any wrestler to challenge Umaga for the title, but no one came out from the locker room. Instead, he chose a "fan" from ringside. The man he chose said his name was Santino Marella (he is a wrestler from OVW, WWE's developmental territory in Louisville). Marella started the contest taking it straight to Umaga and avoiding his big offense like a corner splash. McMahon stopped the bout and said it was a NO DQ match. Umaga's manager Armando Alejandro Estrada slapped Marella and the same was returned. Umaga gained the advantage until Lashley bolted down the aisle into the ring and attacked Umaga. After a spear, he through Marella on top of Umaga for the pin fall and the ref counted 1-2-3. That's right, Santino Marella is the new WWE Intercontinental Champion.

Jerry "The King" Lawler interviewed both Lashley and Marella in the ring afterwards while both celebrated.

It was announced next week from London, England, the main event of RAW will be a Wrestlemania re-match between John Cena and Shawn Michaels.

In tag team action, Shelton Benjamin & Charlie Haas defeated Ric Flair (who's newest DVD release, Ric Flair & The Four Horsemen is a MUST OWN DVD) and Carlito. Benjamin pinned Carlito to end the bout. Carlito showed an increasing frustration with losing, and did not want to talk to Flair afterwards. He stormed to the back while Flair looked bewildered.

In a quick squash match, Johnny Nitro defeated Eugene with his painful-looking neck breaker. The Great Khali will be back on RAW next week from London.