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RAW REPORT AND THOUGHTS: CHALLENGER FOR CM PUNK DETERMINED; SNITSKY AND CHARLIE HAAS ON THE SHOW; AND KANE FREAKS OUT AT THE END

By Richard Trionfo on 2008-07-07 23:02:00
Last week, many wrestling fans experience the thrill of victory when they saw CM Punk successfully cash in Money in the Bank to win the World Heavyweight Title. Then they had to feel the agony of defeat when Bradshaw challenged for the title. The mass exodus of fans did not occur when CM Punk retained in the main event thanks to John Cena and Cryme Tyme. Who will face Punk for the title at The Great American Bash? Will we hear from the newish World Tag Team Champions Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase? How is Vince McMahon doing two weeks after he was crushed by the Raw set? Will we hear anything about the break up of Edge and Vickie since we saw the Raw Recap during last week's Smackdown? Who is next to face Kofi Kingston for the Intercontinental Title?

We start off tonight’s show with a look back at last week’s big announcement by Edge that he was never going to give anyone on Raw a title match. Then we saw Batista attack Edge and CM Punk took advantage of the situation to win the World Heavyweight Title. We hear Punk talk about how awesome he felt, until the wrestling audience got sick at the thought that Bradshaw would become champion and Punk would get Ortoned. We see Bradshaw force Cena out of the building, only to return with Cryme Tyme.

We are live from New Orleans, Louisiana and your announcers are Jerry 'Who wants some beads' Lawler and Michael 'Who Dat' Cole.

Stephanie McMahon mentions how last week her brother Shane, the show last week was in chaos. Stephanie wants everyone to work as one.

Vickie Guerrero is in the ring and she is in her wheelchair. She wants everyone to be quiet since she has something to say. With all due respect to Stephanie McMahon, she reminds everyone who she is and that she is still the General Manager of Smackdown. She is here to protest CM Punk becoming the World Heavyweight Champion. She will not leave the ring until he surrenders the title to her. She also demands an apology . . .

CM Punk comes to the ring and he has his title belt. Punk holds the belt in Vickie’s face as he celebrates in the ring. Vickie wonders how CM Punk could celebrate. She points out that Punk unfairly took advantage of a semi-conscious beaten up Edge to win the title. Vickie says that Edge’s world is falling apart and she tells Punk that Edge called off the wedding. Punk says that Vickie is going to find it tough to find any sympathy about her and Edge. Punk says that he probably did both of them a favor. Punk reminds Vickie what the stipulation for Money in the Bank means and then he points out that what goes around comes around because he did what Edge did. Vickie says that none of Edge’s opponents were getting married. Punk suggests that Vickie can get married again and find someone to pretend to be in love with her to get to the top. Punk suggests that Vickie and the Great Khali would make a cute couple.

Vickie rises from her wheelchair and slaps Punk before sitting down again. Punk says that Vickie won herself a one way ticket back to Smackdown.

Before Punk can do anything Bradshaw’s music plays and the JBLimo comes out and Bradshaw emerges with a mic. Bradshaw says that Punk bought himself a one-way ticket to the end of his brief title reign. If not for Punk’s illegal interference, he would be standing there as world champion, where he rightfully should be. Bradshaw challenges Punk for the title which belongs to him. Bradshaw says that if Mr. McMahon was here.

Punk points out that Vince is not here and Bradshaw had his chance but he lost. Bradshaw says that he did not lose. Bradshaw says the illegal interference cost him the match. Bradshaw says that there is a man with a vendetta against him . . .

That brings out John Cena. He has a big announcement. Cena says that Bradshaw is sick and has the ifitwasn’tfors. Cena gives a few of his own. Cena tells Bradshaw that if he wants to play the blame game to take it somewhere else. Cena tells Bradshaw to shut up and listen to the World Heavyweight Champion. Cena congratulates Punk and Punk thanks him. Cena says that since there are no McMahons here, nobody is in charge. Cena suggests that they figure this out like men. Cena says that there are two of them to challenge for Punk’s title at the Great American Bash. Cena suggests that they could go the boring route and have a “rock/papers/scissors” game or they can have a number one contender match.

Before anyone can agree to anything, we haven’t had enough people come out so Batista joins the fun. Batista says hello and he wanted to join the fun. Batista tells Punk that he went through hell to win Money in the Bank and he deserves the title. Batista wanted to say hello to his good friend Vickie and he asks how she is doing. Batista reminds Vickie that she made him miserable on Smackdown. Batista says that he feels bad that Vickie’s life is falling apart. On second thought, he is happy that Vickie’s life is going to hell. Batista tells Punk that he was able to cash in the Money in the Bank because of what he did to Edge.

Bradshaw says that the only way to see it is the way that he says it. Batista threatens to beat up Bradshaw if he interrupts him again.

Cena suggests a Triple Threat Match to determine who faces CM Punk at the Great American Bash. Bradshaw wants to know why Cena is asking Batista because he is in charge since Vince is not here. Bradshaw is about to accept the match, but . . .

Kane’s pyro goes off and he comes to the ring. Kane says that he wants in too. Punk says that we have a Fatal Four Way.

We wait to see if anyone else comes out to the ring to throw their name in the hat, but since nobody else has come out in the last minute, we finally go to commercial.

We are back with footage from last week when Santino Marella welcomed Rey Mastrio back to Raw.

Match Number One: Rey ‘Mastrio’ Mysterio versus Santino Marella
Santino poses in front of Rey and pushes him into the ropes. Rey with a tilt-a-whirl head scissors and then he tries for another head scissors but he drops Rey on the mat. Santino with knees to Rey for a near fall. Santino with a head butt to Rey’s midsection. Santino with a camel clutch to Mastrio. Santino with another forearm to the midsection and another camel clutch. Rey sends Santino into the ropes in 619 position but Santino recovers and hits a clothesline for a near fall. Rey with a kick to Santino’s leg followed by a kick to the head and running back elbow. Rey with a double stomp onto the chest of Santino for a near fall. Rey goes to the apron and he hits a springboard seated senton. Rey with a drop kick to the back and Santino goes into the ropes as only Rey’s opponents do. Rey with the 619 followed by a frog splash for the three count.
Winner: Rey ‘Mastrio’ Mysterio

We go to commercial.

We are back and in case you missed the first 25 minutes of the show, there is a Fatal Four Way to determine CM Punk’s opponent.

Todd Grisham is with CM Punk and Todd asks Punk who he would like to face. Punk starts his answer and a light falls. Punk says that he would love . . . Gene Snitsky stands next to Punk and he says that he did not get a title shot after being drafted to Raw last year. Snitsky says that last week was a fluke. Punk suggests that they meet in the ring tonight.

Mickie is with John Cena in the back and they talk about Bourbon Street. Kelly stops by to talk about their tag match. Cena wonders how Kelly got to Raw and Kelly doesn’t know if she has a contract. We go to commercial.

We are back and Jillian Hall is singing while Layla wonders what she got into.

Match Number Two: Jillian Hall and Layla versus Kelly and Mickie James
Mickie and Jillian start things off and Jillian works on the arm. Mickie reverses and has Jillian in a side head lock followed by a take down. Jillian with a head scissors but Mickie escapes the hold. Jillian with a shot to the midsection. Mickie with a drop kick to the knees and then another drop kick. Mickie knocks Layla off the apron. Jillian tries for a belly-to-back suplex but Mickie gets out of the hold. Mickie with a kick and then Kelly is tagged in with a sunset flip. Kelly with a tilt-a-whirl head scissors and a rana for a two count. Kelly with a forearm to Jillian. Jillian sends Kelly to the apron and Kelly with a shoulder, but Layla knocks Kelly off the apron. Jillian rolls Kelly back in and she kicks Kelly and slams her head into the mat. Jillian tosses Kelly by the hair and then gets a two count. Jillian works on Kelly’s back but Kelly gets to her feet and escapes the hold. Jillian punches Kelly in the head. Jillian with a knee to Kelly and then she runs Kelly into the corner. Jillian with an Irish whip and then she tries for the handspring back elbow but Kelly anticipates the move and gets the three count with a victory roll.
Winner: Kelly and Mickie James

After the match, the music for the JBLimo plays and it comes out again. The driver runs to the back instead of getting Bradshaw’s door open as we go to commercial.

We are back and Bradshaw comes out and wonders what the deal is with the limo being out without him. Bradshaw checks the doors and he cannot get in. The door opens and it is John Cena with a tire iron. Cena points out that Bradshaw had him thrown out for his protection. Cena says that for Bradshaw’s protection, he brought out the limo. Cena points out that there are strict laws in Louisiana and he is going to find some people who can help it make inspection.

Cryme Tyme emerge from the other side of the limo and they have some equipment with them to repair the car. Cena says that you cannot drive a limo in Louisiana without a passenger side mirror. JTG removes the mirror from the limo. Time for the windshield to be broken and it is ventilated. Cena mentions that the tinting is illegal. Time to break some windows. Now it is time for a custom paint job from the resident Earl Scheib, Cryme Tyme and John Cena. Cena wishes Bradshaw luck in the Fatal Four Way.

In case you missed it last week, or earlier tonight, it is time for the video package that opened tonight’s show when CM Punk won the title and then almost lost it to Bradshaw.

We go to commercial as Punk comes out and poses on the Limo Formerly Known as the JBLimo.

Match Number Three: CM Punk versus Gene Snitsky
They lock up and Snitsky sends Punk into the corner. Punk with a series of kicks. Snitsky charges into a boot and then Punk comes off the turnbuckles but Snitsky catches him and runs Punk into the turnbuckles. Snitsky with boots to Punk and the referee separates them. Punk with punches to Snitsky but Snitsky with a knee to Punk. Snitsky with a slam and elbow drops. Snitsky with a bear hug to Punk. Snitsky with a back elbow to Punk but he misses a leg drop. Punk with forearms followed by an enzuigiri. Punk goes to the apron for the springboard clothesline. Punk with the running knee into the corner followed by the bulldog and it is time for the final move of doom, the Go To Sleep and it connects for the three count.
Winner: CM Punk

Shawn Michaels walks in the back and he stares intently as we go to commercial.

We are back and it is time to take a look back at Chris Jericho’s problems with Shawn Michaels.

Shawn Michaels comes to the ring. Shawn says that last week Chris Jericho challenged him to a match and Shawn accepts the challenge.

Chris Jericho comes out and he is joined by Lance ‘Richie Sambora’ Cade and they join Michaels in the ring. Jericho says that he knew that Shawn would accept the challenge. Even though Shawn’s eye is worse than he is letting everyone know, his desire to satisfy the fans is greater. Jericho reminds Shawn of the pep talks he was giving Shawn during the Stretcher Match at the pay per view. Jericho says that Shawn is going into the match at a huge disadvantage. If he loses, he is the injured legend who pulls out all of the stops to give the fans a classic performance. Jericho wonders at what sacrifice he is making this. He wonders if Shawn wants to be a martyr. If Shawn gets hurt, will the fans visit him in the hospital, pay his mortgage, or pay Shawn’s children’s education. Chris says that him and Cade see what Shawn is all about. He tells Shawn to be a martyr, but eventually he will be swept under the carpet and will be forgotten.

Shawn says that he thought Jericho despised him because he thought he was a liar or a phony. Shawn says that Jericho knows that there is no one who is more real than him. Shawn says that he could leave this business today and he will be remembered forever. He has been through everything and through all of that, in the eyes of the people, they . . .

Chris says that they give him a free pass and it isn’t right. Shawn reminds Chris that he is HBK. Chris says that it is not fair and Shawn agrees. Shawn says that Jericho is the epitome of success. He held every title he went after and he made a lot of money. He did everything he could accomplish in this business but in spite of all of that, he is not content. He has no peace. In spite of all of his accomplishments, and no matter what he achieves, Chris Jericho will never be Shawn Michaels. We go to commercial.

Match Number Four: Charlie Haas versus Kofi Kingston
Has with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Kingston with a hip toss but Haas with a knee and forearm to the back. Haas with a chop and then he chokes Kingston in the ropes. Kingston with punches to Haas followed by chops. Haas with a forearm to the back followed by a kick. Haas with a cravate followed by knees and kicks to Kingston for a near fall. Haas with a reverse chin lock and he applies extra pressure to Kingston’s back. Kofi gets to his feet but Haas with a kick to the head. Haas with jabs in the corner. Kofi with punches but Haas with a boot to the head. Kofi with a cross body and back elbow followed by a drop kick. Kofi with a leaping leg drop to the chest and then he tries for the leap into the corner but Haas tries for a power bomb. Kingston with Trouble in Paradise for the three count.
Winner: Kofi Kingston

After the match, Paul Burchill comes out and hits a neck breaker followed by the curb stomp. The referee tries to get Burchill to leave the ring.

Batista is bouncing in the back and someone gets in the camera shot and does the Batista gun entrance before running away when security sees him. Batista is in shock for a second before bouncing again into commercial.

Match Number Five: Batista versus Bradshaw versus John Cena versus Kane in a Fatal Four Way to determine the Number One Contender for the World Heavyweight Title at The Great American Bash
Bradshaw attacks Cena as he enters the ring and then it separates into Kane and Cena in the ring while Batista and Bradshaw fight on the floor. We go to commercial.

We are back and Kane has Cena in a reverse chin lock but Cena escapes. Kane with a back elbow a Batista stands over Bradshaw in the corner. Kane with an uppercut to Cena while Bradshaw connects with a knee to Batista. Kane works on Cena’s face. Batista with a spinebuster to Bradshaw and Kane breaks up the cover and choke slams Batista but Cena breaks up the cover. Cena with punches to Kane but Kane grabs Cena by the throat. Cena gets out of the choke slam and tries for an FU but Bradshaw with a boot to Cena. Bradshaw and Kane with big boots to each other at the same time. Bradshaw misses a clothesline but Cena hits a flying shoulder tackle on Bradshaw. Cena with a leap frog neckbreaker to Kane followed by an FU to Batista but Bradshaw breaks up the cover. We go to commercial.

We are back and Cena punches Bradshaw followed by a Blue Thunder Bomb. Cena sets for the Five Knuckle Shuffle but Kane with a desperation clothesline from out of nowhere. Batista punches Kane followed by an Irish whip and running clothesline. Batista with a clothesline to Bradshaw followed by another one to Kane. Batista with a drop toe hold and boot to Kane followed by a spinebuster to Cena. Bradshaw with a Clothesline from Wall Street on Batista. Cena puts Bradshaw in the STFU but Kane grabs Cena by the throat and then Bradshaw. Cena and Bradshaw with a double shoulder tackle to Kane and then Cena and Bradshaw punch each other and go to the floor. Cena gets Irish whipped into the ring steps. Batista tries for the Batista Bomb but Kane sends Batista into the turnbuckles. Batista is sent into the ring post. Bradshaw grabs the ring steps and he hits Cena in the head with them. Kane with an uppercut to Bradshaw followed by a few more that send Bradshaw into the crowd. Kane goes up top for the jumping clothesline but Batista moves out of the way. Batista with a spear for the three count.
Winner: Batista

Kane cannot believe what happened and he attacks the other ring steps. Kane goes to the announce table and he says something. Kane asks if he is alive or dead. Kane with a big boot to a production assistant and then he goes after Lillian Garcia. Kane throws another ringside worker around. Kane asks Michael Cole if he is alive or dead and he grabs Cole by the throat. Cole says that he does not know what Kane is talking about. Kane says that this is his last chance to give him an answer. Kane tries to choke slam Cole but Lawler clips Kane. Kane attacks Lawler and punches him and asks him if this is funny. Kane with a running boot to Lawler’s head and then we go to credits with Kane walking up the ramp.

Raw Thoughts

The Matches

When you consider what Santino has become as a wrestler, I thought Rey gave up too much offense to Santino in the match. It was a good return match for Rey, but he will need to show more in his next few matches or his return will be like Chris Jericho’s in ring return (or Bradshaw’s).

I think I would have liked to have seen Layla wrestle tonight since she has improved and she reminds me of one of the Toledo Tigers from All the Marbles the way that she kicks people. Mickie could not really do that much against Jillian.

Punk versus Snitsky? Really? Is that considered a step up or down for Punk? Who is Punk going to wrestle next week? Deuce, Jim Duggan, and Val Venis are available.

I thought the Haas/Kingston match was the match of the night but almost by default for me. If they hadn’t wasted Haas for so long, it might have meant more for Kingston. I thought it was good that someone countered the leap into the corner. Haas looked good in the match and I think Kofi showed some more potential because he is being forced to change up his move set a little.

The main event was okay but they had too many commercials to get into the match. I did not mind Batista winning the match because Batista was the reason why Punk won the title so it is a chance for Batista to cut a promo on next week’s show about this. I also like that it was a clean pinfall instead of some confusion to lead to a three or four way match at the pay per view.

The Rest

I guess they figured that last week’s twenty plus minute opening segment was so over with the fans that they would do it again this week. However, this week’s segment did not have Edge or a title change. Once Punk and Vickie were no longer the focus of the segment I was counting down the minutes until they went to commercial.

Do they realize that Bradshaw sucks the excitement out of most segments that he is in, especially when he takes forever to get his point across? Then they have Cena perform his usual toilet humor promo. Batista was okay and was the best of the four contenders. Kane then comes out and asks to be a part of the fun.

Since Gene Snitsky and Charlie Haas made it on the show in the same week, couldn’t they have Jamie Noble or Bob Holly demand a chance for the title?

Why don’t wrestlers fall face first into the ropes against anyone else besides Rey Mastrio?

Are they grooming Kelly Kelly for Maria’s role on Raw with her ‘I didn’t know we had contracts’ bit? I guess that means we have an idea of who might be in next year’s Playboy.

Why wasn’t Layla wrestling tonight even though she was in the match?

With Kelly and Layla both in the same match and Cole says that Kelly is one of the most improved females in the company? I would put Layla ahead of Kelly in terms of improvement.

Are we ever going to hear from Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes about screwing over Bob Holly?

I was wondering what the deal was when they brought out the limo after the women’s match and the driver ran to the back instead of opening the door.

I did not like the Limo Destruction segment. I guess I thought it was better when I saw it in Porky’s.

I liked the Shawn Michaels/Chris Jericho segment. I thought it was the best part of the show. They have made this about the past and present between these two men. Maybe Michaels will bring in someone (Paul London) to join him and be the one to face Lance Cade.

I liked the post-match attack by Paul Burchill. While he might not be ready to be involved in a major feud, I think he is perfect for an Intercontinental Title level feud. I liked Burchill’s short lived feud with Ken Kennedy and I think a few solid matches between Kofi and Paul.

Maybe because I am not a big fan of Kane’s storylines, I did not like the post-main event angle. Is it related to the Undertaker, but he is not ‘dead’. Is it a reference to Paul Bearer?

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