Official Raw/Smackdown Aftermath, Ratings and Review Thread

Grade tonight's RAW.

  • A

  • B

  • C

  • D

  • F

Results are only viewable after voting.
its great idea having cena with cryme tyme helping him get over again! also loved the idea of puttin rhodes & dibiase with JBL one question no rhodes and dibiase last week yet main even this week hmmmmmmmmmmm!

one problem though not happy with the ending at all why cant they end a match with an actual finish or as i was thinkin where is Bob Holly wud have been great if he ran down and cost them 3 the match! have creative forget he got screwed i mean he only got DDT'd that wont put him out of action for 3 weeks bob holly needs to come back and get his revenge.

dont u think!?
 
have to say raw was 10/10 one of the best shows i have seen for years there making unpredictable i mean the start of the show kicked off with a brawl and then kane coming out saying sorry lol i mean thats how u kick off a show grab the viewers attention the show was high quality through there very few boring and dull period apart from the bizzare cena promo is the guy on crack lol?? this is the type of show the wwe should have been given us the last 5 years we have been complaining i just hope the wwe continue to mantain the high standards for raw and smackdown, my worry is that in a few weeks or months time they will stop trying again and go back to their regular boring predictable show! i hope not long may this continue!
 
All i have to say is that Raw was off the chain tonight..............great way to start off with the brawl and Kane and then the out-of-nowhere IC title match with Kofi and Paul...........the whole show was great, and the best part was Santino................i mean when Kane asked for Punk and Santino said "have you checked the Pepsi machine?" i was on the floor down and out!!! This guy is a genius, now if only he could stop jobbing to everyone!!!
 
Was a good show, except for the ending, there really gonna have to pull something outa the hat to give us a logical reason to why Cena isnt dead. Kofi Kingston impresses me every week, his accent makes me laugh, and his flying kicks are awesome. Santino was awesome as always, and it was a good way to bring back Beth Phoenix. Im still warming to Punk being champion, and excited to see where the Kane angle will take us. Dissapointed to see London pretty much job to Jericho, he wasnt even wearing his wrestling boots! If they add London to the fued then ill be happy, but if not then ill be dissapointed. The Dibiase/Rhodes/Duggan promo was soooo harsh on Duggan, he looked genuinely upset lol, but it was a good promo nonetheless. I quite like Jamie Noble, so im glad there using him, I hope they continue to use him in some form. The main event was good, the fans were right into it which is easy for the viewer to get into it too. The fans went nuts for Cena, and he let loose with his 5 moves. Dibiase and Rhodes/Cryme Tyme are awesome and I think can be the ones to re-ignite the Tag Team Division.
 
As soon as I saw Cena chasing JBL outside I thought 'not ANOTHER "let's run a guy over/squash him in a car/put his head through a car window" angle'.

The Austin one back in the day was actually relatively believable, and for me, well executed, but this one was just garbage. I mean as if fans are really going to go for a 'JBL just killed John Cena, I hope he is reincarnated by Sunday' storyline.

It would have been better if JBL had taken out Cryme Tyme with DiBiase and Rhodes' help, then watched as those two beat the crap out of Cena.
 
as good as raw was i was really dissapointed with the ending though i feel it could have been even better they ended on something to do with kane a cliff hanger e.g he opens the bag but the lights go out and the show goes off air and we left wondering next week what was in the bag which would be his mask hopefully, rather then cena and jbls mid card feud which no one really carse about i mean j.b.l back is so screwed up he shouldnt even be wrestling we all know he is gonna lose on sunday
 
lostsoulforever said:
As soon as I saw Cena chasing JBL outside I thought 'not ANOTHER "let's run a guy over/squash him in a car/put his head through a car window" angle'.

The Austin one back in the day was actually relatively believable, and for me, well executed, but this one was just garbage. I mean as if fans are really going to go for a 'JBL just killed John Cena, I hope he is reincarnated by Sunday' storyline.

It would have been better if JBL had taken out Cryme Tyme with DiBiase and Rhodes' help, then watched as those two beat the crap out of Cena.
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Indeed. I saw Cena exit the building, and there is an eerie silence outside. Nobody is around. He looked around suspiciously like Vince did before his limo "exploded". Last night's segment had the same feeling that Vince's had, but because you didn't see Cena actually get hit by the car, the odds are that he fell over again, or was able to just get out of the way. I still don't know why they went with the angle. But, I guess we'll see eventually.

Wheres Punk?
"Have you checked the Pepsi machine?" = Priceless.

Also, did anybody notice the change of DiBiase/Rhodes' theme song? The song from last week was catchy with a good beat to it. The version they played last night had an extra guitar bit added in.
 
Okay the ending was hands down the dumbest thing I've seen in my 19 years of existance. Cena gets crushed by a car and JBL tries to look like he commits murder? Oh god this was epic fail!
 
i must say raw lately has been great and this weeks was no exception,
ya the ending was strange and kinda dumb but at least its unpredictable,
and santino might be the best thing right now in the wwe, hopefully they give him a nice push and let him win some matches because i think with his mic abilities he culd be a good star
 
Aside from the ending, Raw has gotten me very excited over the last few weeks. I have been down on WWE for a while, but I am intrigued by the Kane angle, I think the Jamie Noble promo's are awesome, Santino also...Raw is becoming great again. I am very happy..
 
Amy’s ‘take’ on Raw 07/14/08:

Opening Segment: Following a video recap of Batista winning the Fatal Fourway and Kane losing it on Cole and King post-match last week, Shane and Stephanie McMahon delivered a pretaped promo. She recapped the chaos of the past few weeks: vehicular destruction, the unauthorized removal of a superstar, announce talent attacked, general unprofessionalism, infighting, and the unexpected crowing of a new world champion. He warned that although they were unable to attend Raw due to their corporate responsibilities and dedication to their father, they were watching and action may be taken if things don’t improve. Once again, Steph urged everyone to work together.

We cut to Jericho and HBK brawling ringside. Cade rushed down to help Jericho. Referees separated them and escorted them to the back.

Kane’s music hit and he came down with a burlap bag in hand. He approached the announce table, angrily shouted “I’m sorry” a couple times, and walked away.

We cut to Jericho and HBK continuing the brawl backstage. Again, refs and security personnel separate them.

Wow, there was a lot going on just in the first ten minutes and it left me wondering what was going to happen next (that's a good, rare, special feeling). And the opening segment touched on several different angles. Again no mention of Vince’s condition. With the way they’ve handled the stage collapse angle, does anyone even care about Vince at this point? Great transition from the calm, professional McMahons imploring unity to the chaos of HBK and Jericho brawling. Their feud is red hot and I can’t wait for the PPV match. Angry, mysterious Kane is so much more interesting than boring face Kane. Last week Kane left us wondering who “he” is. This week it’s what’s in the bag. An all-around exciting start.;)

Match #1 Mickie James vs. Katie Lea (w/Paul Burchill): The finish seemed a little rushed to me with Mickie whipping off a headscissors then a top-rope Thesz press for the win. Still a decent 3½-minute match with some nice back and forth throughout.

I had hoped for a Katie Lea victory considering last week she said she knew she could beat Mickie then Paul went to get her a rematch. That makes three clean losses now; I don’t see her getting another title shot anytime soon. But wait! Post-match Paul held Mickie’s arms while Katie got in some cheap shots. Kofi Kingston hit the ring for the save and the Burchills backed up the ramp. Kofi laid down the IC belt and challenged Paul to a match.

Match #2 Kofi Kingston vs. Paul Burchill (IC Title Match): Back from commercial, the match was underway. Kofi hit a flurry of offense that included a flying reverse elbow, corner shoulder blocks, hiptoss, and standing dropkick interspersed with several armbars for a couple nearfalls. Burchill fought back. Nice spot when he dropped Kofi face-first into the turnbuckle and kicked him mid-air in the midsection. Burchill worked over Kofi’s ribs with a waistlock, senton, and belly to back suplex. Off the Irish Whip, Kofi got his feet up and came back with a series of kicks, punches, standing dropkick, and Russian leg sweep. Katie hit the apron as Kofi landed his ‘boom boom’ leg drop. Mickie took care of Katie on the outside while Kofi hit the Trouble in Paradise kick for the win.

Solid 6-minute match. The Burchill-Kingston feud begins, and with the ladies involvement, I have a feeling we’re in store for an intergender tag team match next Monday.

Backstage Segment: Santino told Mateo (aka Matt Striker) he issued an open challenge and after tonight no one will remember his loss to Rey Mysterio last week. Kane walked up behind Santino as Striker left. Santino turned around, put his head down, and said “I didn’t mean you.” Fortunately, Kane wasn’t looking for Santino; he demanded to know where Punk is. Santino asked if he had tried the Pepsi machine.:lmao: Just priceless. Kane persisted and Santino nervously directed him to the locker room then downed some Tums.

I knew the Punk Pepsi reference was coming sooner or later and Santino delivered. Monday nights just wouldn’t be the same without the goofball.

Backstage Segment: Kane found Punk and told him he knows deep down he is dead. (There's that "he" reference again.) Punk asked who he was talking about. Kane said he NEEDED a 1-on-1 match with Punk tonight. (I NEED to know what’s in the bag.) At first Punk hesitated what with his title match against Tista just a few days away but eventually accepted Kane’s challenge because he needs to prove the naysayers wrong. Punk asked Kane what’s with the bag. Kane just laughed and walked away.

I think it's an interesting, smart move they're acknowledging the naysayers and Punk’s “fluke” victory. For months I questioned Punk’s booking post-Mania and now it’s all making perfect sense. I’m betting vbookie money the underdog champ retains come Sunday.

John Cena Promo: Todd Grisham asked Cena to explain the NYC Parking Lot Brawl match JBL challenged him to at the Bash. Cena said it wasn’t a match but a war where anything goes and anything can happen. Pride, health, and careers may fold. Cena said their rivalry dates back to WM21 and he will take great pleasure in hurting the ‘Great American’ JBL. Cena called himself a battle-hardened, war hungry, angry SOB and issued his own challenge. He told JBL to find two partners to take on him and Cryme Tyme in 6-man tag team action later.

You could tell Cena was trying his best to deliver an impassioned, captivating, serious, epic promo. But it felt like the high school jock does Drama 101. I just didn’t buy it. I can’t make that leap in one week’s time from joking that JBL is poopy to preparing for a hell on earth battle.

Match #3 Santino Marella vs. Beth Phoenix: Santino stood in the ring and said whoever accepts his challenge is “death meat.” The Glamazon’s music hit. Each tried to one-up the other with a collar and elbow tie-up then flexed their muscles. Beth countered a side headlock with a backbreaker and followed with a powerslam. Beth rolled up Santino for the win when he missed a corner charge. Post-match she symbolically held up her hands signifying where the Women's Championship will be again.

Not much to say about this 1½-minute match. I’m glad Beth is back on TV, but I hope this wasn’t the beginning of a face turn. Mickie needs a strong, worthy heel challenger. And I’m all for Santino’s comedy character, but I think this loss is taking things a bit far. I guarantee he thinks twice before he drinks and drives again.

Rhodes & DiBiase Promo: Kelly Kelly made her ring entrance. Instead of her opponent, Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase came out. DiBiase said no one cared about her match and dismissed her. Rhodes said they’ve received a lot of unwarranted criticism lately. He said they aren't bad, they're just realistic and they're better than their fathers so they don’t have to pay dues. DiBiase said they’ve been together less than a month, are already the tag champs, and only in their early 20s...they are the future.

Hacksaw Jim Dugan’s music hit and he came to the ring. Duggan said he’d known them since they were kids. He said their fathers were old school like him and respected those who paved the way. He said Rhodes and DiBiase were great performers but needed to grow up. Cody said Duggan was the one who needed to grow up and called him a past his prime 54-year-old man, wearing the same gym shorts, carrying the same 2x4, trying to relive his glory days that weren’t all that glorious to begin with. Ted recalled Steve Austin saying you shouldn’t be in the WWE if you don’t have a chance of being champion and told Duggan he was pathetic.

The tag champs made their exit up the ramp. JBL came on the Tron and offered them the chance to main-event with him. The duo briefly talked it over and seemed pumped.

Solid mic work by all three. While Rhodes and DiBiase didn’t say anything about Duggan we all haven’t thought or said, I can’t help feeling bad for the guy. I have a feeling we’re in store for Rhodes/DiBiase versus Duggan/Holly soon. Holly should’ve confronted Rhodes by now; it’s been three weeks now. The WWE handled Rhodes’ turning on Holly poorly IMO.

Match #4 Kane vs. Punk: Early on, Punk landed a kick that sent Kane through the ropes to the floor. Kane contemplated bringing in a chair but turned his attention back to the match and hit a flurry of offense, including an uppercut, punches, corner clothesline, running dropkick to the seated Punk, and big boot for a couple nearfalls. Punk fought back and went on his own offense run, including backfists, kicks, two corner high knees, flying reverse elbow, low dropkick to Kane’s leg, and crossbody for three nearfalls. Kane fought off the GTS. The two took the fight to the outside. Punk hit a bulldog and Kane didn’t get back in the ring before the ref’s 10-count.

Post-match Kane lobbed a slew of chairs into the ring and setup Punk’s head/neck in one. Tista’s music hit and Big Dave made the save, spearing then delivering a chair shot to Kane. Tista helped Punk to his feet and Punk offered his hand. Tista refused it, saying he didn’t want his friendship but his title then patted his cheek. Punk shoved him and Tista speared him in return.

The 6½-minute match was what it was. The countout ending makes sense as they need to keep each man strong. The post-match segment was well done and needed to build toward Sunday’s WHC title match. I’m still waiting on one of these guys to heel turn though.

Match #5 Paul London vs. Chris Jericho: What’s with London wearing sneakers? He managed a couple of punches and kicks in this 3-minute squash. Jericho unleashed his frustration on London, called him Michaels during the match, and made him submit to the badass, old-school looking Walls of Jericho.

Post-match Jericho took the mic and told London to use the loss to change his career. He said he had two paths before him: Jericho’s path of integrity and honor that leads to greatness or Michael’s path of deceit and cowardice that leads to disgrace and pain. HBK’s music hit and he came onto the stage. He said their minds are made up about each other and the worst is truly yet to come at the GAB.

Throughout their feud, Jericho and Michaels mic work has been strong and one of the most captivating segments on Raw. Tonight I can’t help feel Jericho outshined Michaels on the mic though. I can’t wait to see if London joins Jericho in the coming weeks. I'd like to see Jericho take the partner-less duds and form a heel faction.

Backstage Segment: Jamie Noble tried to convince Layla they could be Raw’s power couple, but she doesn’t date short men. Noble pointed out he’s above average in other areas like in the ring. Snitsky walked up and told him to keep it down. Noble apologized and Snitsky walked away. Layla prodded him to prove himself and Noble called out “Get back over here boy.” He said he didn’t appreciate the interruption and said Snitsky looked like he was beat with the ugly stick. Noble challenged Snitsky and the two made their way through the backstage area to the ring. Noble kicked Snitsky as he entered the ring, but Snitsky quickly overpowered Noble and left him lying in the ring following the pump handle slam. Layla thought about checking on Jamie but walked away.

I can’t help but root for the clueless dork that keeps talking himself into impromptu beatings. I wonder though if there’s really enough need and time for both Noble and Santino’s comedy characters on the same show when so many guys can’t get any TV time.

Match #6 JBL, Rhodes, & DiBiase vs. Cena & Cryme Tyme (Main Event): Cena started out on Rhodes and looked to JBL after each move. Shad and DiBiase tagged in. Shad scored a couple power moves including a double underhook belly to belly suplex and powerslam. JTG and Rhodes tagged in. Rhodes and DiBiase whipped JTG into the ropes, DiBiase dropped to the mat, and Rhodes dropkicked JTG. JBL briefly tagged in and hit a neckbreaker and couple of punches and stomps. DiBiase and Rhodes isolated JTG and worked over his knee with quick tags.

Back from commercial break, Rhodes controlled Shad and JBL tagged in. Immediately, he knocked Cena off the apron, delivered a clothesline and four elbow drops, and tagged back to Rhodes who continued working over Shad. Moments later, Shad avoided the bulldog attempt. Cody knocked Cena off the apron to prevent the tag and tagged in Ted who landed a few punches then tagged back to Cody. Shad moved and Rhodes missed a top rope moonsault. Cena got the hot tag and cleaned house, hitting DiBiase with the 5 Knuckle Shuffle and FU and Rhodes with the top rope leg drop. JBL kicked Cena in the face to break up the STFU on Rhodes and the ref disqualified JBL’s team.

Another stupid finish. One week it’s Jericho for holding the tights and this week it’s JBL for making the save, something every other tag team does during almost every match.:wtf: As a whole, the 15-minute 6-man tag match was average. We got to see a little more of DiBiase wrestling and he and Cody worked really well together and stood out.

After the match, JBL drew Cena to the backstage area and outside the arena. Cena cautiously looked for JBL and was hit with a tire iron from behind. It felt like I was watching a really cheesy ‘B’ rate horror flick for a minute there. Then JBL lined Cena up on the pavement in front of a parked car, jumped in another car and gunned it at Cena. JBL got out of the car but Cena was gone.

Ugh, they followed a stupid finish to the ME with a stupid closing segment. That might float if it wasn’t the go-home show before the PPV.:disappointed: The ending was contrived and ridiculous and did nothing to make me care anymore or less about their feud. Next week Steph can add attempted murder to the growing list of offenses.

Overall Thoughts: For me, the highlight of Raw was Kane and his mystery bag. Despite the ending segment, a MUCH improved show this week. The show started strong and got better as it went along. They devoted more time to the matches and I didn’t mind the backstage segments and promos so much this week as they continued the build to the Bash.
 
the whole cena thing was kinda cool... i knew something was gunna happen but that was definatly a SHOCK! but at the same time just because it's a shock doesn't mean it was the right thing to do. so we'll see what happens later on.
The kane mystery bag thing was awesome... i am a firm believer that it's his mask in the bag, and once bearer (hopefully) makes his return Kane will be back to his psycho old self again...WITH THE MASK!!!!! thank god Kane needs a good push the guy deserves it... he still got a good pop, people still wanna see kane, but i feel people wanna see him with his mask back!
Santino made the comment of the year "where's punk?"... "did u check the pepsi machine" that guy is gunna be huge once he gets some good ring time in, and quits jobbing.

Rhodes and dibiase are a joke... and i was surprised that they were honest about not paying their dues.... hopefully there's some good development with them and they can feed off each other... because so far, rhodes was never really liked and with the dibiase name, ted was never liked either, so there's some major work needed there. Perhaps a good singles/tag program with cryme tyme will show us what they can do......or sorry CTC? LOL

And is beth phoenix going the way of Chyna...will she be an IC champ as well... get a face push and then become a crack head? only time will tell.

Am i the only one thinking that y2j is trying to hard...or maybe not hard enough to be a good heel... i mean i used to like HBK but i would love to see Y2J knock his "I'M THE TOP FACE ON RAW ASS" right into retirement! and did anyone else notice that on his entrance it now says save_ME instead of save_US. HBK should heel turn with Y2j. Y2J/CADE/HBK seems to be a good fit for a pretty good stable.

It's too bad that in the dark match against Punk, Batista squashed him... i rather punk as the face champ and build a program with Batista, making Batista a heel.

Kofi Kingston is a refreshing change to raw... the guy has some moves and i am very pleased with him soo far... same with burchill, he's been improving over the past few years, and is really starting to hone in on being a decent heel... his curb stomp needs improvement tho.... needs to have more of a vicous finish to it.... right now it just looks like a typical boot to the face, that was used all the time by flair back in the day...lol.... Kingston's finish is pretty solid as well you can tell he's been working on it... it's simple but explosive!!!!.... hopefully we can see more of him in the mid-card.

Overall this show was well done, and as a former nay-sayer of wwe programming i'm happy with the direction it's going... unpredictable and the raw roster definatly has some depth to it now....

I just hope they don't drop the ball on the cena thing... as much as people don't like him, the guy bleeds WWE and is one of the top guys for mic skills, crowd pops/crowd heat... and without a doubt is the best skilled wrestler they have right now. i just don't wanna see CENA/JBL again it's almost as bad as HBK/HHH feuds.
and like i said, i hope kane's mask is in the mystery bag, feud with taker when he returns!!!!!
 
ShatterStar said:
Random Raw Thoughts:

I turned on Raw in the middle of the Burchill vs The Jamacan-Nobody-Cares-About match. I'm saddened the the IC belt which has a great legacy is now used by the WWE as nothing more than a prop to try to get someone over... Not that it's working with Coffee... Kofi... Whatever his name is.

Vince: "I know. Maybe if we pair him up with one of our Divas people will give a crap."

Nope... Not gonna happen.

Santino is freakin' gold as usual.

"Have you seen Punk?"

"Have you checked by the Pepsi machine?"

It looks as if Y2J is forming a Raven-type stable. This should be interesting. His match with HBK at the GAB has been the best hyped in quite some time.

Solid main event to cap off a pretty solid show. Overall I'd give it a B+.
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I'd have to disagree with you on this one. Jamaican no one cares about? You need to have your ears cleaned out, Kofi Kingston is over like a motherfucker and I can't blame anyone for not liking him.. he's very good in the ring and has an interesting moveset, not to mention the overwhelming athleticism. I personally don't give a fuck about Paul Burchill, a lot of people want him to get pushed but I don't see why, I always skip his matches unless it's with someone like Kofi, Kennedy, Y2J, or someone who is entertaining to watch (I have a DVR). What stable is Y2J forming? He just formed an alliance with Lance Cade... did I miss something on Raw... I don't look at it as a stable at all, Lance Cade is moar like a manager or some shit.

Now the following paragraph concerns the popular wrestlezone reaction to Raw's ending. Why should you give a fuck about the finish of the 6 man tag match? Ohhh JBL got disqualified and ruined the whole fucking show. No, JBL interfered and got himself disqualified... if he didn't interfere then the match would have been over anyway because he would have tapped out. It's not like the match was cut short and had a bullshit finish like the Y2J/Kofi deal... that was a good ass match anyway and I hate how people find a reason to hate on a perfectly good show for some bullshit reason. OMFGGG THE ENDING WASN'T BELIEVABLE!!! CENA MOVED OUT THE WAY!!! THAT SHIT SUCKED!!! Who gives a fuck? You got the idea right? JBL tried to fucking kill John Cena just to show you how intense their match at GAB will be, stop complaining.
 
i don't understand where this "Raven" type stable is comming from? it's not a stable... it's lance cade getting a small experimental character to see if it pans out..... Vince likes cade, he see's him as potential superstar... so he's building him through y2j... the only way y2j gets a stable is if some serious changes happen, which i doubt will.

And as for the comments about how shit raw was... did anyone of you predict that was going to happen?????... i mean Cena potentially losing his head..... i don't think so. WWE is making changes and trying to revolutionize again... some people will like it, some people won't, but we'll all still watch to see what happens next... if you don't like it you shouldn't be a wrestling fan in the first place... this wild crazy storyline shit isn't what's important... what's important is what's going to happen next.. that's been the way WWE has been for a long time. This madness that's been happening is great... if you like being entertained by a wrestling program.. you're not gunna get ANY better then WWE right now,

Some of us get and some of us don't i suppose
 
After raw on monday, I have 2 main thoughts. First, I'm not saying I am a Cena fan, but even if you are a hater you have to recognize that he has really improved. He is much better in the ring now than when he was champion, both selling and working. In addition, he really is solid when delivering promos. True, the overall message behind them is pretty much the same, but on RAW, I don't think anyone is as good as he is right now in getting folks pumped up for matches.

My second thought is that it's a given that wrestlers to some extent are actors, and for storyline purposes they go over the top and do things that no one in their right mind would ever do in order to get the better of someone (e.g., big boss man hooking up big show's dad's coffin and dragging it around a cemetary). But even that should have its limits, and watching JBL attempt to kill Cena is a perfect example of going too far.

I guess another way to say it is that we all suspend reality to some extent when watching storylines unfold, but things only make sense when it still could technically be possible that someone might do something like that. But come on, is anyone really going to attempt to kill someone just because he's your wrestling opponent? And even in some sort of suspended reality in that someone would actually commit such an act, we're supposed to believe JBL wouldn't be immediately arrested and sent to jail for attempted murder, or at the very least, fired?

To summarize, I don't mind outrageous stories from time to time, but I think that whenever the storylines involve actual attempted murder (which thankfully isn't often), that it does cross the line. Because even with suspended belief to some extent, it is ridiculous to assume that such an act would not have dire legal consequences beyond just adding fuel to a fire for an upcoming match.
 
TheOneBigWill's 'take' on Friday Night Smackdown: July 18th, 2008:

Opening Segment: Smackdown begins with a segment that was shot earlier in the day, showing the finish of Edge & Vickie getting married. Chavo plays a joke on Edge, claiming to not have the ring, then laughs as they all found it amusing. Edge & Vickie Guerrero "officially" get married.

The show officially opens with the staging area set up with tables, decked out in white lacing. Bam Neely, Hawkins, Ryder & the Wedding Planner are all out near the tables. Chavo Guerrero is introduced as the Best man. Then, the announcer introduces Vickie Guerrero & Edge for the first time as Husband and Wife.

Chavo gives his speech, saying that he felt Vickie found a keeper in Edge and Edge was the brother he never had. Chavo says because Edge has a wild side, he's perfect to be a Guerrero. He goes on to explain Edge won't turn his cell phone off, because he's always waiting for a call from Vickie. Finally, he says Vickie & Edge's love is the greatest of all, that's only seen in movies. Chavo's gift to them is an early release to the W.W.E. magazine, showing Edge as the W.W.E. Champion with the caption reading "Edge plays the Game and wins."

Edge speaks now, explaining that he feels the show should continue, because Vickie loves her action, in more ways than one.

The Matches:

1. Finlay & Hornswoggle v. Curt Hawkins & Zach Ryder: Before the match begins, Edge gets on the mic. and explains that he sees the Family Finlay coming out, week in and week out and cheat to win. So tonight, he'll solve that, because he's the official special referee.

Hawkins & Ryder wrestle in their wedding suits. Instantly Finlay tries cheating by showing Hawkins into the corner, so Edge calmly brings Finlay back out. Hawkins & Ryder get a couple double team moves in, which they're capable of due to the 5 second rule.

Honrswoggle comes in illegally, as Edge grabs him, only to lose him. Finlay tries attacking the official, as he's swept and then hit with a spear, as Edge accidentally tripped into him. Hawkins & Ryder end up with the victory.

2. Handicap Match: Big Show v. Vladimir Kozlov, the Great Khali, M.V.P. & Shelton Benjamin: The show returns from break, with Kozlov making his way to the ring. Benjamin & M.V.P. are already there, and then Khali enters last.

Benjamin begins the match, because apparently it wouldn't be wise to start off with power against power?? Edge is eating while the match is going on. Benjamin gets shoved back into his corner, as M.V.P. laughs only to get tagged in. M.V.P. then tags out to Kozlov. Khali tags himself in, after Kozlov can't toss Big Show. A shoving contest happens, followed by several fists.

Show gets tired of waiting, and systematically brings everyone in the ring. He takes out most of them, but the numbers game isn't in his favor, and Kozlov takes him down. This is followed by a massive beating, that ends with Khali delivering a double handed chokeslam.

3. Natyalya v. Cherry: Both girls are in wedding attire/dresses. Natalya quickly dismantles Cherry, bashing her with the bouquet, then causing her to tap out by the Sharpshooter. That followed quickly by...

4. Vickie Guerrero v. Cherry: Vickie Guerrero pins Cherry, as she's still laid out from the attack brought on by Natalya.

5. Brian Kendrick w/ Ezekiel v. Jimmy Wang Yang: Foley mocks Yang, by saying he looks real rested. Kendrick is debuting a new look, which honestly made me think of Brian Pillman the instant I saw him. He's also sporting a new shadow, apparently named Ezekiel.

The match begins with some chain wrestling, with several reversals. Yang starts picking up the pace, only to send Kendrick to the outside. Yang dives over, but misses the target, as he begins to chase Kendrick, he's quickly met by the new bodyguard. This allows Kendrick to gain the advantage, and take the action back in the ring.

The match once again switches to Yang with the advantage, as he hits a modified enzuigiri and attempts going up for the moonsault, but is haulted by the shadow, Ezekiel. This allows Kendrick to connect with the Sliced Bread no. 2, picking up the victory.

6. Mr. Kennedy v. Umaga: An interesting note, when they ran the replay from last week's attack of Kennedy getting assaulted by Umaga, the video gets cut off from the sound, and Kennedy's lips don't match what he's saying.

Kennedy tries to kick start the match, but quickly gets shoved down. Kennedy gets back to his feet, using his speed to stay ahead of Umaga with punches and kicks, until he's shoved into the ropes and returns into a shoulder block. Umaga controls most of the match, with a couple high impact moves from Kennedy to attempt regaining control, however he really never did.

After the break, Umaga still wears Kennedy down with rest holds, until Kennedy fights back toward the end of the match. Umaga misses a headbutt, and Kennedy hits a roundhouse kick. The Mic-Check is blocked, but the Samoan Spike isn't. Umaga picks up the victory.

7. Non-Title: John Morrison & The Miz v. Jesse & Festus: Jesse & Morrison begin the match, as Jesse stays one step ahead of Morrison with the offense. Festus comes in for a brief couple of moments, only to bring Jesse back in and slam him onto Morrison.

Morrison picks up the switch in pace, thanks to the Miz running distraction. This also allows Miz to get into the match. Miz controls the pace for a little bit, but the challengers to the Tag Team Champions remained roughly one step ahead as Jesse got back to Festus for the hot tag. As Festus completely destroys our tag team Champions, for whatever reason he decides to tag out.

This leads to Morrison & Festus going to the outside, while Miz hits the Reality Check and picks up the victory. Miz seems happy with the victory, unfortunately Morrison wasn't as approving as he was still suffering from the finish he received by Festus outside the ring.

Segments/Promos:

Edge/Vickie's First Dance: The same song that's played in practically every W.W.E. wedding is played, while Vickie & Edge dance directly in front of the entrance. Suddenly, without warning, Big Show walks out and pushes Edge out of the way only to begin dancing with Vickie. Edge gets upset and explains that he doesn't blame him for wanting to dance with his beautiful wife, but at the same time he doesn't know who his opponents are, and Edge does. Edge demands Show to the ring.

Throwing The Bouquet: Vickie is in the ring, and explains that it's wedding tradition to bring together all the single females, and toss the bouquet. Before Vickie can toss the flowers, McCool attacks Natalya and then gets escorted out of the building. Cherry ends up catching the flowers, only to be put into a match. Vickie says Cherry gets a special match, against her. However before that match happens, she has to face Natalya.

Edge/Slim Jim Guy: Before a commercial break, Edge runs into someone he refers to as 'The Slim Jim Guy'. He goes on about not being able to get into his spicy side right now, as he wants to get back out to Vickie Guerrero. He eludes to getting into his spicy side later though. (For those who don't know, Edge is apart of a new Slim Jim commercial that also aired during Smackdown)

Alicia Fox: I just wanted to make a quick note, even though on Smackdown it was announced. Before the Tag Team contest toward the end of the show, Ms. Fox is seen around the cake, with Edge staring intently at her. Her name is Alicia Fox, NOT "Lisa Fox" which someone from the main Wrestlezone site claimed.

Main Event: Non-Title: Matt Hardy v. Jeff Hardy: Dispite being opponents, they come out together and cause a slight bit of chaos as they toss some wedding cake at Chavo on their way to the ring.

Typical beginning to a match of this nature, as it begins with both brothers each trying to get the upper hand on the other. Chain wrestling all over the place in this contest. Matt blocks Jeff's attempt at a Twist of Fate, however doesn't block the Whisper in the Wind.

Once again both brothers countering each other all over the place, as each knows the other oh so well. In the end, it's Jeff missing with a Swanton and Matt hitting a moonsault. However, before the match can find itself a winner, the entire La Familia' interrupts the match, assaulting both brothers.

Edge/Triple H./Wedding Gift: The show ends on this segment. Edge is in the ring and expresses how much he understands that your wedding day is the greatest day of your life. He presents Vickie with a video montage of their entire love angle. This is interrupted by Triple H.

Triple H. says he understands they aren't happy to see him, but that's only because of his past with wedding similar to these. He says that he isn't out there to explain how he's secretly married to Vickie, but instead to share in their true love and present them with gifts.

Triple H. said Edge just showed a beautiful video, but he also has one of his own. This video contains footage of Edge with Alicia Fox, as Edge is discussing his wedding, while sniffing her hair. Triple H. notices Edge isn't pleased, so he said we'll skip ahead. More footage shows Edge claiming his neck is tightening up, and Fox rubs it. In Edge's defense, he said he had neck surgery and it was acting up. Triple H. counters with "A lot of guys bring women up to their room while their wives aren't there, it means nothing." Edge has seen enough, as La Familia' is sent after him.

Triple H. thought that would happen, so he goes back to the original gift. A sledgehammer. La Familia stop short of the ring, as the video continues. This time, its with Edge rubbing Fox's shoulders. Edge begins explaining how they didn't carry lingerie in Vickie's size and that she wear's granny panties. :lmao: Triple H. pauses the video and says that makes this awkward, because the third gift is.. GRANNY PANTIES!!! In the end, Edge ends up making out with Alicia Fox.

Vickie Guerrero is shown, flipping out. Alicia Fox gets out of there, as Edge follows in suit, while the show ends with yet another Vickie Guerrero breakdown!

Overall Thoughts: In the end, while this show was revolved completely around a wedding theme, the fact is Smackdown didn't have near as much as Raw did, to build into the final stop before the Great American Bash. While I think the Edge/Triple H. match deserved a bit more build, I think the fact that H.H.H. showed Vickie what Edge was truly all about, has created enough intensity to carry them into Sunday.

My only fear is that with this being said, Vickie Guerrero is now apparently going to turn face, and side against Edge more than anything. So how odd does that seem? Does that say that this Sunday, Edge will lose because of Vickie Guerrero, which would leave it to stand that Triple H. couldn't win against Edge, without using tactics to do so? Shouldn't it be the other way around?

Once again, whoever wrote the Smackdown review for the regular site claims that the announcing crew mentioned Matt Hardy against Shelton Benjamin for the United States Championship. Yet that match wasn't announced when "I" watched Smackdown, and wwe.com hasn't reported it either. Which leads me to wanting to know where Nick Paglino gets his information, and if indeed that isn't Ryan Clark with another identity. lol

Could someone explain to me what they're doing with M.V.P.? He's heel when he's talking against Mr. Kennedy, he's tweener when he's laughing at Benjamin getting beat up by the Big Show, and he's face when he's talking against Edge. Does the W.W.E. even know where he stands?

Why were the Tag Team Champions shown in such a weakened way this week? John Morrison got next to NO offense in against Jesse, and both of them had no answer to Festus. Short of them retaining Sunday, I'm curious why they weren't at least pushed to make it believable that they've been great Tag Team Champions thus far. Now I'm lead to believe the only way they'll be seen as anything other than losing a step, is by retaining Sunday which previously I had wanted Jesse & Festus to win the titles.

Hawkins and Ryder have next to no momentum going into the Pay Per View, and they're seen as still somewhat of a no-name Tag Team. They only defeated the Family Finlay because of Edge, and now that apparently Edge & Vickie are seperated, either Hawkins and Ryder will side with one or the other.. but in the end still equal up to be nothing more than henchmen. Meanwhile, I'm hoping the attack that Finlay took at their hands this week will prove to be overcomeable, and leave them without being able to win Sunday. I really don't want to see them become Tag Team Champions, but I have a sneaking suspicion.

Is Mr. Kennedy suppose to be something impressive on Smackdown? Because thus far, he was just fed to Umaga. Infact, Umaga dominated that match-up, and Kennedy had next to no offense against him. He tried, but nothing seemed to work. Either Umaga is beginning his Main Event run, in what I could only assume will be the showdown with the Undertaker, or Kennedy is just being randomly jobbed out for no reason.

I LOVE the new Brian Kendrick look. I can't even begin to explain how much I went crazy when he came out and made me think Brian Pillman had somehow returned. I really hope he does this gimmick well, especially if it's a form of the Pillman gimmick. Kendrick has the look down to a Tee, now all he needs is the mic skills to advance, and what he truly needs to do is find a new finishing move. Kendrick could easily become United States Champion with this gimmick, as long as he works it properly. I can't wait to see more of him, and like I said, I truly hope he does this gimmick justice.

I'm not really looking forward to seeing the Diva's match Sunday. I still can't put a grip on who I believe will win. McCool got the final attack in, which would lead me to believe Natalya would get the last laugh. (literally) However Natalya is whom everyone believes has this thing won, hands down, and that makes me believe McCool will be the girl to make history, as Natalya seems more poised to create her own history as her career continues.

I'm not actually sure what to make of Edge & Vickie still being married. Their wedding wasn't interrupted because they had it before the show ever happened. So technically, Edge is married to the General Manager. Does that mean he's one-half of the G.M. now? That would be for some great Smackdown viewing, in my opinion. It'll be similar to Eric Bischoff and Steve Austin. Of course their marriage could easily be over come the Bash, as Vickie could've filed for an annulment, since they've only "been married" for less than a week. I'd rather see them share the G.M. spot though, that'd be better viewing in my book.

In the end, tonight's episode wasn't really anything great because in the end, it revolved around Edge and Vickie and noone else. They had the Hardys against each other, which is in my opinion a very great option for a Pay Per View match, and they just tossed it away into a no-nothing Main Event without a winner. Outside of that, they didn't really have any amount of decent matches except Umaga's squash over Kennedy, more or less.

I'd rate tonight's episode a 5 outta 10 only because the best parts were the ending video that Triple H. played, the Hardys' match, Kendrick's new gimmick and the Kennedy/Umaga match. Everything else was just a waste.
 
Amy’s ‘take’ on Smackdown 07/18/08 edition:

Opening Segment: A video package highlighted Vicki and Edge’s relationship and invited us to celebrate their undying love. Footage of their wedding ceremony earlier in the day aired. For a second, it looked like best man Chavo forgot the ring. Vicki and Edge said “I do” and were pronounced man and wife. In the arena, tables were set up on stage for the couple’s reception. Chavo was announced and joined the Edgeheads, Bam Neely, and the wedding planner. Vicki and Edge were announced and joined the wedding party.

Chavo read from a prepared speech in which he said Vicki found herself a keeper and Edge is like his brother as he has a touch of the Guerrero wild side in him. He told Vicki not to worry though as Edge is a changed man and totally devoted to her. Chavo put over their love as the greatest of all time. He said it was an honor to be Edge’s best man and he’ll be by his side on Sunday. Chavo said they’re going to have an even bigger celebration when Edge defeats HHH at the Bash and presented a WWE Magazine cover that showed Edge as the new WWE Champion.

Edge said it was the happiest day of his life and he only wanted to make Vicki as happy. He joked about Vicki liking her action “in more ways than one” then said it was time to get the show underway. Finlay and Hornswoggle’s music hit and they made their ring entrance. The announcers plugged a new fourway GAB match for the WWE Tag Titles. Edge addressed the father/son pair, saying they blatantly cheat every week via shillelaghs, water guns, etc. but Hawkins and Ryder are too smart to fall for their antics. Edge announced himself as the special guest referee. He and the Edgeheads, all three in tuxes, came to the ring.

I’m really surprised and bummed they didn’t air the actual wedding. A pretty boring kickoff for the wedding reception and disappointing opening segment. I know they could’ve done more. The best part was Edge calling Finlay and Horny out for blatantly cheating every week. Damn, it’s about time someone said it. The announcers would ride a heel for doing that kind of thing but it’s acceptable and not even mentioned when it’s a face.

Match #1 Finlay & Hornswoggle vs. Curt Hawkins & Zach Ryder: Prior to the start, Edge threw the shillelagh up the ramp. Early on, Edge didn’t even count to one and pulled Finlay off Hawkins in the corner. Moments later, he pulled him off Hawkins to break the collar and elbow tie-up and gave him lip service about pulling the hair. Utilizing the distraction, Ryder tagged in and connected with some body shots and a neckbreaker. Finlay fought out of the Edgeheads corner. He speared Hawkins with Horny. Edge grabbed Horny but he wriggled out of his jacket. Finlay picked him up for the Celtic Cross. Hawkins took Finlay down with a chop block and Ryder scored the pin.

That opening 2½-minute so-called match offered little wrestling-wise but it did serve to get more heat on La Familia. It didn’t make Hawkins and Ryder look strong though going into the fourway tag match at the GAB. They only got the W due to Edge’s interference and I doubt he’ll be able to help them come Sunday. So it inadvertently pushes Finlay and Horny even more.

First Dance Segment: The announcer introduced Edge and Vicki’s first dance. A male and female singer serenaded the happy couple as they slow danced. Big Show walked up behind Edge and cut in. Edge cut the music and said he understood Show wanting to dance with his bride but he had a match next and he didn’t know who his opponents were yet. Show started toward the ring as we cut to commercial.

Edge playing GM for the night could be fun.

Match #2 Big Show vs. MVP, Shelton Benjamin, Vladimir Kozlov, & The Great Khali: Shelton started for his team. Show pushed him off then MVP mocked him from the apron. Shelton tagged MVP’s shoulder. MVP looked ready to go then quickly tagged Kozlov’s shoulder. The always so serious Moscow Mauler entered and Show shoved him off. Khali tagged himself in. He and Show stood eye to eye then pushed each other. Show took Khali off his feet with a clothesline. Benjamin hit the ring and met a clothesline. Kozlov entered and met a big boot. Show brought MVP in the hard way and clotheslined him. He headbutted Benjamin. The ref called off the match as he lost control. Benjamin hit a nice kick to Show’s head, MVP nailed him with the running corner kick to the face, and Kozlov delivered the battering ram. The heels stomped away and set Show up for the Khali Bomb.

I guess that’s supposed to be some sort of payback for Edge’s match with Show last week. I have no problem with Show dominating Benjamin or even MVP, but they just killed Kozlov’s momentum. They’ve been building this guy as an unstoppable force for months and the only offense he got in was during the post-match outnumbered attack. And if Khali didn’t make these once monthly appearances, I wouldn’t know he was still in the WWE. Hard to believe he was world champion this time last year.
  • The announcers hyped Jeff Hardy versus Matt Hardy and we cut to commercial.
Bouquet Segment: Vicki stood in the ring and after a few attempts over the boos finally managed to say it was time for the traditional tossing of the bouquet. The divas in dresses were gathered ringside. McCool attacked Natalya and the Edgeheads escorted her to the back. Cherry came up with the bouquet and Vicki joked that she thought Cherry would never get married. Cherry looked hurt then Vicki presented her with a special match against herself but only after she faced Natalya. Cherry looked shocked and hesitantly entered the ring.

Match #3 Cherry vs. Natalya: At the bell, Natalya took Cherry down and smashed the flowers in her face then locked on the Sharpshooter for the quick submission.

A 20-second squash by Natalya that puts over how dangerous the Sharpshooter finisher is. I just wish she was more quick and fluid applying it.

Match #4 Cherry vs. Vicki Guerrero: Immediately Vicki ordered the ref to start her match and pinned Cherry in 4 seconds. That has to be a new record. So much for Cherry getting a serious push. It was only a matter of time before Vicki gave herself a match and the easy victory.:rolleyes:

Match #5 Jimmy Wang Yang vs. Brian Kendrick (w/Ezekiel): Foley said Yang looked well rested :)lmao:that’s code for 30-day suspension). Kendrick came out to his own music, with a bodyguard, wearing a white leather jacket, wrestling trunks, and new boots, and sporting a cocky attitude. The announcers said he’d changed since being drafted to SD! and is showing his true colors now. The look did nothing for me (please put the baggy pants back on). Like Chavo, WHY exactly does Kendrick NEED a bodyguard? And he doesn’t have the build or charisma to be taken seriously as a singles competitor or heel IMHO. At the very least if they were going to turn him and give him a new gimmick, it would’ve made more sense a couple months back when they teased a Londrick breakup.

The two spent the first minute exchanging and reversing hammerlocks and wristlocks. Yang snapped off a hurricanrana, tossed Kendrick to the floor, but missed a slingshot crossbody. Ezekiel stared at Yang and Kendrick used the distraction. Back in the ring, Kendrick worked over Yang with several minutes of mat wrestling and looked for the submission. Yang fought back and had a nearfall off the backslide. He hit a missile dropkick and an enziguiri for two more nearfalls. Yang went up top for the moonsault. Ezekiel stared at him from the steps. Again Kendrick used the distraction and hit Sliced Bread #2 for the win.

Almost an hour into the show and we get our first match that went longer than 2 minutes. It was a decent 5-minute match, but the slow pace and mat wrestling didn’t do it for me. Both guys wrestle a fast-paced, aerial style. That’s what I expect. The crowd was pretty dead throughout the match.

Backstage: A Slim Jim representative congratulated Edge and presented him with a box of Slim Jims. Edge said he’d show his spicier side later.

Is that another sexual innuendo? Ugh, I don’t want to think about Vicki and Edge in that way.

Match #6 Mr. Kennedy vs. Umaga: Early on, Kennedy came with kicks and punches, but Umaga overpowered him at every turn. Umaga took control of the match when Kennedy missed the corner running kick. He locked on the nerve hold for a couple minutes. The ref checked Kennedy; he got his arm up the third time and briefly rallied. Umaga hit a sick looking Samoan Drop before the break. Back from commercial, Kennedy lifted Umaga for a slam but Umaga fell on him then applied the nerve hold again. Umaga missed a corner splash and opened the door for Kennedy’s roundhouse kick. Umaga blocked the Mic Check and delivered the Samoan Spike for the clean win.

Normally a 13-minute TV match would be a treat, but this was little more than an extended Umaga squash. Umaga’s push continues and Kennedy has completely lost the momentum he was just beginning to build on Raw pre-draft. You can tell he’s really trying to get the crowd behind him during his self-introduction and clapping his hands before the attempted running head kick, but the crowd were pretty quiet during the match.
  • A Slim Jim commercial featuring Edge and his spicy side aired. The wedding planner adjusted the cake on the stage.
Match #7 The Miz & John Morrison vs. Jesse & Festus: Festus went nuts but Jesse got the start. He got in some offense on Morrison then tagged in Festus who exploded on Morrison for a nearfall. Jesse tagged back in and hit a couple moves for another nearfall. Miz pulled Jesse by the hair into their corner then tagged in. Festus got the hot tag. He overpowered Miz and knocked Morrison off the apron. Jesse tagged back in and Festus slammed him into Miz. Morrison broke up the cover and Festus tossed him to the outside. Festus laid Morrison out on the floor with the flapjack while Miz hit the Reality Check and pinned Jesse.

Jesse and Festus held their own in this 4-minute match with Festus dominating when he was in the ring, so I buy them as competition for the tag champs heading into the PPV tag title match. So tonight we saw all four teams that will vie for the tag titles on Sunday. I’m supposed to be excited about a match they threw on the card and announced at the last minute? Maybe, just maybe, Morrison and Miz will finally drop the titles for singles pushes and we can get the tag titles back on SD!;)
  • A Raw recap video aired, focusing on JBL and Cena.
Match #8 Jeff Hardy vs. Matt Hardy: The ring announcer introduced the Hardys’ Brother versus Brother match as ordered by the bride and groom. Just like on ECW, the Hardys came out together to Jeff’s music. They picked up the cake and tossed it at Chavo. Too bad they hardly got any on him.

Following a handshake, Jeff started with a hammerlock which Matt countered to a side headlock. Jeff flipped out of a wristlock. Matt hit a hiptoss and the brothers clapped for each other. Matt went for a quick rollup. Both went for and avoided the Twist of Fate. Jeff hit the Whisper in the Wind then tried a double leg drop pin. Matt tossed Jeff over the top rope. He held on and flipped back in the ring only to be clotheslined to the floor. Moments later, Jeff backed Matt into the corner to break the submission hold and hit the corner low dropkick for a nearfall. Jeff used his brother’s Side Slam on him but missed the follow-up Swanton. Matt landed the moonsault for a nearfall. Just then, La Familia hit the ring and attacked both brothers with Edge spearing each. The ref called off the match.

For what it’s worth, it was a good, fun 4 minutes of wrestling and the match was easily on its way to being the match of the night. I was a little disappointed with Jeff’s performance. He came across as lazy and uninterested at times. The excuse that he just wrestled an almost 20-minute tag match on ECW that was taped an hour beforehand doesn’t apply as Matt wrestled in that same match and was solid as always tonight.

Ending Segment: Back from break with almost twenty minutes to go and no HHH yet or any kind of build to the WWE title match tonight, so that means we’re in store for HHH crashing the reception and ruining the couple’s night.

The entire wedding party was in the ring. Edge put over how it was the happiest day of his life and that words can’t describe his love for Vicki. Another sexual innuendo about not being able to physically show his love at the moment. He cued a special video package of their greatest romantic moments he had the SD! production compile.

The video finished and HHH’s music hit. He walked onto the stage with the belt and a present. He said he has a reputation when it comes to weddings but assured Edge he’s not secretly married to Vicki. He said he came out in the interest of celebrating “true love” and brought gifts. His first gift was a special video he made although he apologized for not having the resources and energy Edge’s tribute did. He cued the video.

A hidden camera captured Edge popping some breath mints then meeting with the wedding planner. The two went over the wedding day activities and Edge was checking out the wedding planner. HHH fast-forwarded a bit to show Edge holding a white rose and talking about being attracted to scents. He told the planner she smelled like an angel and brushed the hair off her shoulder. She pulled back and Edge pretended his trapezoid muscle locked up. He got the planner to massage it for him. She said he was loosening up but Edge said it was getting hard.

HHH stopped the video and pointed out that guy’s getting married don’t bring women to their private rooms for massages. The planner looked mortified and Vicki looked to Edge for an explanation. He defended himself, saying he’s had a neck fusion, has a plate in his neck, and gets knots sometimes. He ordered La Familia to go take care of HHH who then presented his second gift – the sledgehammer. La Familia backed down and the tape resumed.

Edge was massaging the planner’s back and said he could get to it better if she wasn’t wearing a bra. He told her about going to Fredrick’s to buy lingerie for Vicki and they directed him to the plus-size Lane Bryant. He mocked Vicki’s huge granny panties. Again HHH stopped the video and introduced gift #3 – an enormous pair of underwear. He said since Edge already had Vicki covered, he’d just use them to park his car under.

HHH rolled the final chapter. Edge put his hand on the planner’s knee, told her she an attractive woman, removed her glasses, and kissed her. She was reluctant at first but kissed him back. HHH laughed, the planner hung her head in shame, La Familia didn’t know what to do, and Vicki flipped on Edge, screaming she hated him as he backed out of the ring and up the ramp.

I knew a secret video exposing Edge was coming sooner or later, but I’d have rather the tape come out a few weeks down the road and that they’d use the smoking hot Maryse. These two have gone from head over heels in love to breaking up to getting married in just a few short weeks. They’ve exhausted the shock value of their relationship. So what’s next? I expect they’ll be getting marriage counseling next week.

Overall Thoughts: The wedding reception was a fun theme but most of it bored me. Wrestling wise, the show was a bust with too many short tag matches, divas matches, and a throw-away main event. Storyline wise, once again the night was all about Vicki and Edge. Not to steal their thunder but there’s an entire roster desperately in need of something to do.:disappointed: And just like last week, the show didn’t do jack to make me interested in HHH and Edge’s PPV title match. As a whole, a disappointing show go-home show for the Bash.
 
TheOneBigWill's 'take' on Monday Night Raw: July 21st, 2008:

Opening Segment: The recap video of the World Heavyweight Championship from the Great American Bash opens Raw. After the video is finished, Batista is seen in the production truck, glaring intently at the screen. This prompts him to leave the truck, only to show up in the arena and come to the ring.

Batista said that he'd hoped on coming out tonight as the new World Heavyweight Champion, but unfortunately thanks to Kane, that isn't possible. He continues to express that since neither Shane nor Stephanie McMahon are there tonight, he's placing himself in charge and he's only making one match. Batista versus C.M. Punk, for the title, in a rematch. Batista also goes on to inform Kane that if he has an issue (which apparently he does) with Batista, that Kane should find him, before Batista finds Kane.

This gets interrupted by J.B.L.. J.B.L. explains that Batista isn't in charge, and J.B.L. doesn't answer to anyone, especially an Animal. He said that his body isn't feeling up for a Championship match tonight, but that doesn't mean Batista will be getting on either. J.B.L. apparently will go to Summerslam and face the Champion, as he also wouldn't shut up about it. (yay :rolleyes:)

J.B.L. then gets interrupted by C.M. Punk, and Punk replies quickly to J.B.L. in saying if this is the Jungle, then the Champion would be the king. Punk then turns away from J.B.L., to address Batista in saying that he wanted to prove to everyone that he could defeat Batista last night, but thanks to Kane that didn't happen, either. Punk then says he feels they should do it, until they get it right. J.B.L. attempts interrupting and complaining about this situation, but his microphone gets cut off very quickly.

Batista tells Punk if he's agreeing, then they're on. And on that note he slams the mic. down and exits the ring. Punk remains, while J.B.L. is throwing a mime impression on the titan-tron.

The Matches:

1. Lance Cade v. Paul London: In what started off as H.B.K.'s theme music, ends up turning into Lance Cade's theme music. I don't know if that's now his new thing, or if it was just a one time attempt at trying to swerve the fans. Either way this is Cade's first match since receiving his newest push (to my knowledge) and I think it's suppose to tell us whether or not he'll be worth anything.

Before the match, Cade gets on the mic and says he knows Shawn is in the building, and he wants Shawn to come out so they can have words that should've been had a long time ago. Whether H.B.K. comes out after, during or right then and there. This leads nowhere of course, then Paul London comes out.

The first set of issues I actually have with Cade's look is the fact that they're trying to push him off as a Main Event level contender, when he's really not anywhere close. His tights aren't anything unique, and he isn't the type of guy that can get by with the plain look. This entire match, all I could hear were the announcer's raving over how powerful Cade is. Why wouldn't he be powerful against a Cruiserweight though?

The second issue I have is the fact that Cade needs to find a new finishing move, if he expects to be taken seriously. The snap sit-out powerbomb is fine, but Batista does a better sit-out powerbomb so in comparison, Cade's is crap. In the end, Cade naturally picks up the victory, then introduces Chris Jericho when Shawn Michaels is an obvious no-show.

2. Kelly Kelly v. Beth Phoenix: I suppose Beth is returning to full on heel form this week, since she isn't taking on any other males. (yet) :lmao: And Kelly Kelly is getting more television exposure since moving to Raw than I really feel she's had ever. She's been in a wrestling match, what seems to be each week she's been on Raw. (minus last week I believe, and yet she was still featured)

I believe it was two weeks ago, and I think against either Jillian or Layla (or both in a Tag match) that I was giving Kelly a positive review in saying she was really trying hard to impress the Raw viewers, by showing that she's learning new things. Well, this is going to be the opposite review of that.

This match was horrible, and it was all because Kelly was trying TOO HARD to do everything right. It seemed she was over-excited to get into each of her next sets of moves, so she'd telegraph and end up waiting on Phoenix to catch up. The funny thing about a bad wrestler is, when you mix them with a moderately okay one, they end up dragging the okay version down as well. This has to be Beth's worst match to date.

In the end, it was Phoenix (duh) taking out K2. The only thing remotely pleasing about watching this match was the 20 plus crotch shots I seemed to always be receiving of Kelly. That had to of made Jerry Lawler happy, I mean the last time he seen that much barely above teenager pussy was likely this weekend.

3. John Cena & Cryme Tyme v. WallStreet: Just like a week ago, this 6-Man Tag Team contest is really more about showcasing the two Tag Teams, than it is about either Cena or J.B.L.

In my opinion, Cryme Tyme aren't anything worthy of being considered a great Tag Team, but at least they work well against Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes, which in all honesty is all they need to do, considering they're arguably the only two teams on Raw right now.

The only time J.B.L. or Cena do enter into this match, both of them have constant control and it shows why they're in a league above their tag team counterparts. In the ending of this contest, J.B.L. bails through the crowd, leaving Rhodes & DiBiase to take a Double F-U for the finish.

I don't have a lot to say regarding this contest, except that I only assume it'll be a matter of time, possibly Summerslam, before Cryme Tyme and the team of Rhodes/DiBiase fight in a tag match for the Championships. The only thing that hurts Cryme Tyme is the fact that right now, DiBiase and Rhodes need the titles more, so it's likely that Cryme Tyme wouldn't win them.

Meanwhile, regarding Cena and J.B.L., since I doubt people will wanna see too many more 6-Man Tag Team matches, I would hope their feud is coming to a close and will finish up either next week on Raw in some type of Last Man Standing match, or merely fade away and end right now.

4. Kofi Kingston & Mickie James v. Paul & Katie Lea Burchill: By far, this would be what I'd consider the Match of the Night! It was just a week or two ago in which I was saying that Paul Burchill losing to Kingston was the end of his push, short of the Family Burchill getting a mixed tag team match that they could win. Well, that'd be tonight, and they did exactly that.

Kingston really needs to register his legs with air-traffic control, because anytime the guy leaps, he's flying like a plane. He almost over-shot Paul Burchill, when he was making the save from Paul attacking Mickie. And even if Paul wouldn't of moved, I'm believing that Kingston's leg/foot still would've went above Paul's head and connected with the ring post, outside the ring.

The ladies didn't get to see much action tonight, which I'm only assuming means they won't be fighting in the coming weeks like Kingston & Paul will be. The only wishful thing I have to ask for, is that William Regal return soon and help Burchill win the Intercontinental Championship. I don't care if Burchill doesn't win fairly, he's a heel, heel's don't need to win fairly. But Kingston doesn't truly have that many other challengers, short of Cade.. who after tonight has lost a lot in my eyes.

5. Santino Marella v. D-Lo Brown: Before anything happens with the match, Santino expresses how he doesn't fight people with fallopian tubes, but instead with the Adam's apple. With that in mind, Santino says he's going to try it again. In a shocking turn of events, whether it'll last long or not, D-Lo Brown is the returning Superstar in line against Santino!!

D-Lo gets a nice returning ovation from the crowd, one that I might also add doubled in size compared to the World Heavyweight Champion's.

Beth Phoenix comes out before the bell officially sounds, as Santino is confused by this issue. Once the match was under way, it wasn't long before it was over. D-Lo hit most of his old-school regular moves, including the head shaking leg drop, the sudden impact clothesline and the Lo-Down frog splash to pick up the victory.

After the match, D-Lo exited the ring while Beth Phoenix entered it. Santino backs into a corner, trying to calm Beth down, while Beth merely punches Santino once in the face. Santino then attempts holding Beth, by going for a waist-lock, which made Beth scream out in girlish fashion to let go of her. This was reversed by both individuals a couple times. However, in the end it was Santino grabbing Beth by the hair, Beth grabbing Santino back, and a greco roman lip lock is applied!

Once they stopped kissing each other, Beth looks almost upset and disgusted with herself, while Santino leaves the ring slightly happy and slightly unsure what just happened.

Segments/Promos:

Chris Jericho/Lance Cade: After the Lance Cade match, Chris Jericho is in the ring and cutting what I assume to be his final promo until Shawn Michaels returns, against H.B.K. Jericho shows everyone the footage of what is arguably Shawn's last moments in the W.W.E., he explains the issue with the detached retina, then says it's everyone of the fan's fault. He said H.B.K. knew he was injured. Jericho knew he was injured. But he continued to wrestle at the p.p.v. to please all of them, the fans.

Jericho said whether anyone likes it or not, he's actually happy and pleased with what he's done, because Shawn Michaels was the most corrupt man in the W.W.E. and Jericho rid him of it. Jericho feels as if he's saved himself, and then we go to yet another break just as quickly as we came back from one.

Hacksaw Jim Duggan/Jerry Lawler/DiBiase & Rhodes: Before the 6-man Tag Team match, Jim Duggan is dressed in usual attire and explains to the world that he believes he's going to hang up his wrestling boots. He said he had a lot of fun, and won the first Rumble along with surviving kidney cancer, but he took in a lot of what Rhodes & DiBiase said to him the week prior and he believes they're mainly right, that this is a business for the young.

Jerry Lawler quickly gets in the ring, stopping Duggan before he can leave, as Lawler says this isn't the W.W.E. with an age-limit, this is the W.W.E. where you can wrestling as long as you want to, if you're having fun and loving doing it. (Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't the W.W.E. in 1996 actually promoting being a company FOR the young? So since they bought out W.C.W., apparently they had to agree to take some of their policies in effect too?)

Lawler goes on to explain how Duggan can do what neither Presidencial hopeful can, and thats start a U.S.A. chant just by his mere presence. Duggan says he still wants to stay, but just needed someone to tell him it was okay to do so. This quickly gets interrupted by Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase Jr.

DiBiase fires off instantly by expressing how just because Lawler likes to date girls his and Cody's age, doesn't mean he can relate to them. He said the fact is, both of them need to hang up their boots, badly. Rhodes takes the mic and explains how when Duggan won the Rumble, he was 2 years old. And when Lawler slapped Andy Kaufman on national television, neither of them were alive yet. Lawler replies by saying that if they didn't see it, he'll show them what it went like.. then hauls off and slaps the taste out of Cody's mouth.

Jamie Noble/Batista: Jamie Noble is shown in the back with Layla, trying to convince her to go to the Casino with him. Batista walks into the picture, and demands to know if Noble has seen Kane. Noble starts nudging in the direction of Layla, whilst explaining to Batista that he hasn't seen him recently, then advises Batista to go do some dumbbell flies or something. That doesn't sit to well with the Animal, as Noble is lifted against the crates and told if he sees Kane, to tell him, Batista's looking for him.

C.M. Punk/J.B.L.: Punk is still raving about trying to be a decent World Champion, as he instantly starts off by expressing how he'd rather be an ex-Champion with integrity, than a person who's held the title only through technicalities. (They give the title up already, you Punk ass Bastard!) J.B.L. walks into the interview as Punk asks what he wants, and J.B.L. merely says "that" and points to the Championship. J.B.L. continues to express how he wants a World title match and is fully intent on recieving one at Summerslam. J.B.L. then expresses how much he doesn't care if Punk wins or not, because he'll always, only, ever be.. a transitional Champion.

Punk says to check the history books and notice who his first title defense was against, then he mocks J.B.L. by saying why it was you. (Yeah, but like J.B.L. said.. you should always check the asterisk that will follow your career around, because you damn sure didn't beat J.B.L. fairly the first time.)

Main Event: World Heavyweight Championship: C.M. Punk (c.) v. Batista: In a Great American Bash rematch, we were meant to see Batista against C.M. Punk. Instead what we got was Kane coming out first, and getting into a brawl with Batista, which ended with Batista taking a chokeslam. Punk made the save, dispatching Kane from the ring, whilst several officials rushed out and finally removed him. Punk goated Batista into accepting to go through with the match, by teasing him in saying "Come on Dave, you want the match or not?" Batista shoves Punk and we're under way.

The entire match was nothing short of a Punk squash fest, in which the Cruiserweight, World Champion, was in control throughout the whole thing against a very weakened Animal. The match is only what I could say looked to be like what he had against Snitsky, and just like always even before the bell for Punk v. Batista 2 even happened.. an asterisk was already being written into the situation.

Punk hit all his signature moves and did all he could to defeat Batista, yet the weakened Animal continued to over power and kick out of everything Punk threw at him. I can't help but notice how some idiots and morons might consider this Punk's best match, because he took it to Batista, when the truth is and very well should be.. this match sums up Punk's Championship reign perfectly.. Even when someone else already does the dirty work for you, you still can't win the damn match.

In the end, Batista shook off the Chokeslam Kane left him with. And Batista his a spinebuster, as well as a spear and once again, in a 24 hour span, Dave Batista had the Championship solidly in his sights, and Punk was yet again, laid out flat and barely moving after only two or three solid moves. But just like the Bash, this time with J.B.L. instead of Kane, Batista is stopped short of winning the World title.. and Indy Punk stumbles into another fluke retention.

John Cena comes down to the ring, and J.B.L. and Cena begin going at it, until J.B.L. ducks a fist from Cena, that finds it's mark on Batista. Batista gets outrageously pissed off and lays Cena out, only for Cena to get back up and the two men are now going at it to end the show.

Now, just incase anyone second guessed it.. Batista still actually won this match, via DQ, so Punk can't even do that properly now, and thus far his only solid victory without question, is against Snitsky. What a World Champion.

Overall Thoughts: I think it's about time Raw got a General Manager back. Tonight's Raw didn't have the high impact, in your face constant non-stop action that the previous three weeks or so had. What's worse, Shane & Stephanie McMahon both threatened to be here tonight (I believe) if the chaos didn't stop. Well, it hadn't slowed since last Monday, and yet not a single McMahon was to be found.

William Regal could easily fall right back into position of General Manager of Raw, and I'm completely convinced that the Mr. McMahon "accident" is via Regal and the McMahon children. (more explanation of that in the McMahon thread - coming soon) Regardless of if that'll be the case or not though, Raw can't apparently go too much longer without a G.M., otherwise it's going to continue fizzling out of fuel, much like it appeared to be doing tonight.

Is it wrong of me to be more interested in where they're going with the Santino Marella & Beth Phoenix storyline, then I am with what John Cena or J.B.L. will be doing next? I've heard plenty of rumors that Santino was going to be getting another on-air girlfriend, this looks to be the case. What's more, I highly believe Beth will end up in a bigger role, that of his bodyguard as well. I think that has comedy written all over it, and is well worth more time to watch then Punk, or another Cena/J.B.L. match.

Where would Chris Jericho go from here? It's way to early to have another Elimination Chamber match, but ironically the situation regarding the World Heavyweight Championship seems to be perfectly fitted right now to include C.M. Punk, John Cena, J.B.L., Batista, Kane, and Chris Jericho. And hell, even with Punk in the mix, that's a damn fine looking 6 man Elimination Chamber match line-up. I wouldn't be against seeing it, but I know it won't happen.

Instead, we'll likely get C.M. Punk v. J.B.L. (v. possibly Kane) and John Cena v. Batista (v. possibly Kane) and Chris Jericho will likely miss Summerslam entirely, because I highly doubt Shawn Michaels will be returning in 4 weeks from such a "serious" injury. I wouldn't expect to see H.B.K. back any sooner than at least Unforgiven. Of course when it does happen, I'm also fully expecting a Blindfold match to take place between the two men.

D-Lo Brown doesn't look like he's aged at all. I'm unsure yet if I'd rather him return to being a regular though. He's something nice to watch for a while, but that's only because I've had several years to get over how much he stayed in the midcard ranks, especially toward the end as a jobber. Gimme another two weeks or so and I'll be fine with not caring to see him again, most likely.

So tonight it was announced that Saturday Night's Main Event is returning, 2 weeks from now. But is it going to be anything worth watching, or will it be remotely similar to the last two in which the Main Event will be a pointless 8 man tag team contest with jobbers v. has-beens? This generation's Saturday Night's Main Event is nothing like the original, and that's not a good thing.

In closing, if I have to hear or rather see, yet another Punk Bastard talk themselves into an orgasm over how much Punk is a worthy Champion, I think I'm going to just fricken book a ticket to D.C., and snipe Punk's ass.

He hasn't done one thing that proves he's worth shit, and you can blame it on booking all you want, but the fact is.. they gotta be booking it for a reason.. perhaps that reason is because Punk winning cleanly is just too unrealistic, even for Professional Wrestling.

All in all, tonight's Raw was high and low in several areas. The Main Event could've been a hell of a lot better, had it included a clean finish, and Batista being full strength instead of playing the walking-wounded. I give tonight's Raw a 4 outta 10.
 
Amy’s ‘take’ on Raw 07/21/08:

Opening Segment: Following a video recap of Kane interfering in the Punk-Batista WHC match last night, Tista left the production trailer pissed, his music hit, and he came to the ring. He said he’d planned on coming out as the new WHC but Kane ruined that. Since Shane and Stephanie McMahon weren’t present, he put himself in charge but only wanted to make one match – he challenged Punk to a rematch for the WHC. He also issued a warning that if Kane doesn’t find him first, he would find him.

From the Tron, JBL interrupted and said he was in charge. He told Tista he already got his world title match and has no reason to demand another shot, the next world title match is his, and he’s taking his torch back at Summerslam. Tista pointed out they obviously have a difference of opinion and invited JBL to the ring to settle it. JBL said he’s the boss and people listen to him not the other way around. He said he had to take care of Cena in 6-man tag action later (ugh, the feud that just won’t end) and suggested Tista go find Kane since he wasn’t getting a rematch.

Punk’s music hit and he came to the ring shaking his head. Punk agreed with JBL’s law of the jungle theory and as the WHC that makes him the king, which means he doesn’t have to listen to JBL. He told Dave that Kane screwed him too as he didn’t get to prove himself last night. He agreed to the rematch. JBL started to object and Tista had him muted then accepted.

Wow, no McMahons opening the show with an impassioned plea for unity again? Especially following JBL’s actions to close last week’s show?:wtf: All three were solid on the mic, but a pretty ho-hum opening segment. I miss the chaos of last week, but it’s early though. Still with all three men laying claim to being “in charge”, it reminds us that Raw needs order. Regal’s suspension is up, so tonight could be the night he returns.

Match #1 Lance Cade vs. Paul London: HBK’s music hit but changed to Cade’s and he came to the ring. He said Shawn was once his mentor and knew he was in the arena. Cade called him out. London’s music hit and he came to the ring for the night’s first squash and his second straight loss. London missed a blind crossbody early and Cade went to work on London’s back while verbally calling out to Shawn. London made a brief comeback, hitting a high crossbody for a nearfall. Cade threw London into the ring post then hit his sitout powerbomb for the win.

It’s been awhile (pre-draft definitely) since I recall Cade in action and this may be his first singles match since dumping Murdoch. He was decent in the ring and solid on the mic. I’m curious to see how much a role London will play in all this and whether he eventually joins Jericho and Cade.

Jericho Promo: Post-match Cade took the mic and addressed Shawn again, saying if that demonstration wasn’t enough to bring him out maybe this will and he introduced the man who possibly ended his career. Jericho introduced the GAB video to explain Shawn’s absence; he called the footage unsettling, graphic, disturbing.

Jericho said his hands are clean and blamed the fans for what transpired at the GAB. He said Shawn was hurt yet performed to please the fans, he took one chance too many and now is paying for their sins. Jericho said Shawn will regret that decision for the rest of his life and so will we for siding with him.

He ran down Shawn’s injuries including a detached retina and said that by closing Shawn’s eyes his own were opened. He said the fans didn’t accept him upon his return because he couldn’t be that long-haired, joke-telling guy anymore. He’s grown up and matured. Again he said we don’t deserve to be saved and is proud of possibly ending Michaels' career.

Another outstanding Jericho promo. He and HBK’s feud is one that leaves me wanting more.

Match #2 Kelly Kelly vs. Beth Phoenix: At the start, Beth pushed Kelly around, but Kelly took her down with a chopblock and dropkick then tried a quick roll-up. Beth picked Kelly up and drove her back-first into the second turnbuckle, powerslammed her the mat, and applied a sitting abdominal stretch. Kelly fought back, flipped out of a wristlock, and hit a sloppy enziguiri then a spinning headscissors. She went for the cartwheel back elbow but Beth caught her and applied a chicken wing. Kelly went for another roll-up but Beth delivered the faceplant for the win.

I am still stunned at the amount of offense Kelly got in and how strong Kelly was made to look in the 3-minute match. It’s no secret I’m not a Kelly Kelly fan but I don’t mind if they want to push her. Just let her do so against Jillian or Layla. Beth Phoenix just beat a man last week, granted it was Santino who jobs to everyone, but still she beat a man last week! Yet I’m supposed to believe Kelly was real competition for the most dominating woman in the WWE?:rolleyes: Tonight’s match should have been a squash.

Hacksaw Jim Duggan Promo: Duggan said he was thinking about retiring. He said it’s been a great 30 years from winning the first Royal Rumble to making a lot of friends to beating kidney cancer. Duggan said Rhodes and DiBiase might be right that this is a game for young men and thanked us for listening. King joined Jim in the ring and told him there’s no age limit in the WWE and he should wrestle as long as he has the heart for it. King said he could do something that even Barack and McCain can’t and that’s make the people chant USA, which the live crowd did accordingly. Duggan told King he didn’t want to give up but just needed someone to tell him he didn’t have to.

Rhodes and DiBiase came to the ring. DiBiase joked about King giving career advice and dating young women then said they both seriously needed to hang it up. Rhodes put things in perspective, saying he was only 2 when Duggan won the first Rumble and wasn’t even born when King slapped Andy Kaufman on Letterman. King said it went something like this and slapped Cody. DiBiase held him back and said they’d deal with them later as they have a match next. JBL made his entrance.

Nice segment with the right mix of emotion and humor. I saw that slap coming a mile away, but it was still a fun moment. What is it with WWE and these oldtimers lately? Piper now Duggan. I’m beginning to think we’ve seen the last of Hardcore Holly…I expect a “we wish him well in his future endeavors” announcement if he doesn’t insert himself in the next couple of weeks.

Match #3 Rhodes, DiBiase, & JBL vs. Cryme Tyme & Cena: Cena started for his team and it looked like JBL would but he quickly tagged to Cody. Cena hit a hiptoss, Irish Whip, bulldog, and backdrop for a couple covers and after each move stared at JBL before tagging in Shad (hmm, just like last week). Shad Irish Whipped Rhodes and followed up with a corner splash. He missed the second and DiBiase got the tag. Shad hit a nice T-Bone suplex and tagged in JTG who scored a nearfall.

Turning point came when DiBiase hung JTG up on the ropes. The heels took turns working over JTG’s midsection for several minutes (hmm, JTG saw the most ring time and got worked over last week too). Late in the match, Rhodes missed a corner splash. Cena and DiBiase got the hot tag. Cena exploded, tackling JBL who scurried from the ring and exited through the crowd. Cena picked up both DiBiase and Rhodes for the FU. He flipped Rhodes off first then DiBiase for the win.

I wasn’t excited at the top of the show when this rematch was announced. Why would I want to see the same exact thing as last week? At least the match didn’t end via countout or DQ and was commercial free this time. But again the 10-minute match was average and followed the same pattern as last week’s match minus the finish. And bring on the hate if you must, but Cena basically beat the tag champs single-handedly in less than a minute. Way to make the tag champs look strong there. And where’s the selling of his injuries from last night’s NYC parking lot brawl?:disappointed:

Backstage: Jericho and Cade were talking and walking backstage. They went to exit a door and met Kane. He stared them down then walked off.

Match #4 Mickie James & Kofi Kingston vs. Katie Lea & Paul Burchill: The ladies started and Mickie went on the offensive. From the apron, Paul reached out and swatted the back of Mickie’s head. She slapped him in return. He pursued her in the ring but Kofi took him down with a high cross body. The men officially tagged in and exchanged offense. Katie Lea entered to break up the pin. Paul went to work on Kofi’s left leg. Kofi briefly rallied but missed a corner charge. Katie came over on the apron and Mickie dropkicked her to the floor. The two fought at ringside and Paul went out to pull Mickie off. Kofi missed a kick, hitting the ring post. Burchill put him in the ring for the neckbreaker and the win. Kofi laid in the ring and sold the injury post-match.

So we got the intergender tag team match I predicted last week. This could have been a good match if they’d given them more than 3 minutes to work. Both feuds continue.

Backstage Segment: Jamie Noble told Layla that every gambling man needs a beautiful lady. Batista interrupted to ask if Noble had seen Kane. Jamie acted cocky, saying he and Layla were going upstairs to shoot some crabs it sounded like and catch a magic show. This looked like news to Layla. Noble told Tista to go do some dumbbell flies LMAO and he’d keep an eye out for Kane. Tista picked Noble up by the throat and told him to deliver the message he was looking for Kane if he sees him.

Poor Jamie Noble, he can’t catch a break. Will he ever get lucky?

CM Punk Interview: Todd Grisham questioned why he agreed to a rematch when he could be happy to have escaped with the title and move on. Punk said he’d rather be an ex-champ with self-respect than a champion who holds onto the title due to technicalities and taking the easy way. JBL walked up. Punk asked what he wanted and JBL said he intended to wrestle for and become the WHC again at SS. He noted that Punk will forever be an asterisk, a footnote, a transitional champion. Punk said time will tell but one thing is a historical fact – his first successful title defense was against JBL.

Ugh, JBL is getting more TV time than anyone else on the Raw roster at the moment, including the champion himself.

Match #5 Santino vs. D-Lo Brown: Before the match, Santino got on the mic to clarify his challenge last week. He said he doesn’t fight people with fallopian tubes...another classic Santino line. He re-issued his challenge this time to someone with an Adam’s apple. D-Lo made his entrance. Beth Phoenix followed closely behind and watched from ringside. All D-Lo in this 1½-minute squash. He hit his Lo Down (frog splash) finisher for the win. D-Lo looked good. Now that’s how you debut…Ricky Ortiz and Braden Walker should be taking notes.

Post-match Beth entered the ring and looked down at Santino. He rose to his feet and she hit him with a forearm. He grabbed her from behind, she reversed it, he reversed it again. All the while Beth intermittently demanded Santino let her go then fight her. The two finally stood face-to-face. Santino reached out for Beth’s neck. She grabbed his neck. The two kissed quickly then broke apart and Santino made his way up the ramp. Both looked confused, not believing they gave into the passion of the moment.

The new odd couple. Opposites attract and all that. Santino was rumored to be getting a bodyguard awhile back. Is Beth going to be his muscle now? This storyline should be interesting.;)

Match #6 Batista vs. CM Punk (WHC Title Match): Immediately following Tista’s entrance, Kane’s music hit and he came to the ring to deliver a chokeslam. Punk rushed to the ring and clotheslined Kane over the top rope. Kane grabbed his bag (I still NEED to know what’s in the bag) and the refs escorted Kane from ringside. In the ring, Tista was holding his head and the official asked if he could compete. Punk hovered over Tista and asked if wanted this match or not to which Tista shoved him as we cut to commercial.

Back from break, Lillian made the ring introductions and the match started. The two traded offense the first minute or so then Punk went to work on Tista’s head and neck. He hit a neckbreaker followed by a series of stomps, kicks, forearms, and legdrops to Tista’s neck area. Tista got to his feet to break the modified crossface, but Punk came back with another neckbreaker, leg scissors around Tista’s neck, and the corner high knee/bulldog combo for a couple nearfalls. Punk sized Tista up for the springboard clothesline. Tista caught him mid-air and delivered the spinebuster. Moments later, Tista hit the spear and did the ropes shake thing.

JBL came down to the ring. The ref called off the match. JBL delivered the Clothesline from Hell to Tista. Cena rushed to the ring. He accidentally punched Tista instead of JBL. The refs restrained the two.

The finish makes sense, but I don’t like the fact that’s like three straight cheap ME finishes. It was a pretty good 9-minute match with Punk dominating. He needed that but needs a clean impressive win even more. In the end, Punk faded into the background as it was the Cena-Tista-JBL show.

Overall Thoughts: For the last few weeks, they’ve drawn me into Kane and his mystery bag, yet tonight he was just kinda there. They did little to build the chaos factor and lack of GM storyline. I kept waiting for the lights to go out but no Regal. Disappointing post-GAB show. Typical start, two squashes, a divas match, a short intergender match, a repeat 6-man tag match, and another crap ME finish. Jericho’s promo and the Santino-Beth kiss were the high points for me.
 
I thought with Hacksaw Jim Duggan making another appearance, that possibly him & Harcore Holly would team up & go against Rhodes & DiBiase.

I guess i forgot to realize that Holly has been non-existant lately. He is "rumored" to have a run in with Vince, but does anyone know why?
 
ok, so RAW is confusing me of late. Shawn Michaels is injured, AGAIN? How many times are we meant to believe in HBK's career being "ended" and really get excited when he returns. How many people have put him on the shelf since he's been back? Triple H, Kane, Orton and now Jericho (the real irony is I think I've forgotten a few). And HBK vs Jericho went on for so long when it clearly should have been stopped (Kayfabe) didn't anyone else think about Edge vs Matt Hardy from SSlam 05 when it was stopped within seconds of Matt being kicked in the head. bit of a double standard.

I'm all for Cade's push and I love Jericho being a heel but I just feel like we've been there before so many times with Michaels its hard to be genuinely concerned for him (and he's my favourite wrestler, EVER!). ANYONE ELSE?
 
TheOneBigWill said:
TheOneBigWill's 'take' on Monday Night Raw: July 21st, 2008:


Punk says to check the history books and notice who his first title defense was against, then he mocks J.B.L. by saying why it was you. (Yeah, but like J.B.L. said.. you should always check the asterisk that will follow your career around, because you damn sure didn't beat J.B.L. fairly the first time.)[/I]
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TheOneBigWill said:
TheOneBigWill's 'take' on Monday Night Raw: July 21st, 2008: Main Event: World Heavyweight Championship: C.M. Punk (c.) v. Batista: In a Great American Bash rematch, we were meant to see Batista against C.M. Punk. Instead what we got was Kane coming out first, and getting into a brawl with Batista, which ended with Batista taking a chokeslam. Punk made the save, dispatching Kane from the ring, whilst several officials rushed out and finally removed him. Punk goated Batista into accepting to go through with the match, by teasing him in saying "Come on Dave, you want the match or not?" Batista shoves Punk and we're under way.

The entire match was nothing short of a Punk squash fest, in which the Cruiserweight, World Champion, was in control throughout the whole thing against a very weakened Animal. The match is only what I could say looked to be like what he had against Snitsky, and just like always even before the bell for Punk v. Batista 2 even happened.. an asterisk was already being written into the situation.

Punk hit all his signature moves and did all he could to defeat Batista, yet the weakened Animal continued to over power and kick out of everything Punk threw at him. I can't help but notice how some idiots and morons might consider this Punk's best match, because he took it to Batista, when the truth is and very well should be.. this match sums up Punk's Championship reign perfectly.. Even when someone else already does the dirty work for you, you still can't win the damn match.

In the end, Batista shook off the Chokeslam Kane left him with. And Batista his a spinebuster, as well as a spear and once again, in a 24 hour span, Dave Batista had the Championship solidly in his sights, and Punk was yet again, laid out flat and barely moving after only two or three solid moves. But just like the Bash, this time with J.B.L. instead of Kane, Batista is stopped short of winning the World title.. and Indy Punk stumbles into another fluke retention.

Now, just incase anyone second guessed it.. Batista still actually won this match, via DQ, so Punk can't even do that properly now, and thus far his only solid victory without question, is against Snitsky. What a World Champion.
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Well obviously Punk would ask Batista if he wants the match or not. You make it seem like Punk is this despicable, disgusting heel that did an unforgivable act by forcing Batista into a match. What, was Batista supposed to say "no man I need to take a breather, maybe next week" And of course Punk wasn't gonna put Batista away after hitting all his "signature moves" regardless if Batista was selling the chokeslam. When's the last time you've seen Cena win with the 5 knuckle shuffle?? They're not gonna have Punk win a clean victory on Raw. It would be smarter to have him win by a fluke or DQ on RAW so that finally getting a clean victory at a big ppv like SummerSlam would make it that much more meaningful. And the way your criticizing Punk you make it seem like your one of the heels part of the show. I can tell you really have this severe illogical hatred for Punk, did he not sign your CM Punk t-shirt or something when you waited in line for hours?

TheOneBigWill said:
TheOneBigWill's 'take' on Monday Night Raw: July 21st, 2008:

In closing, if I have to hear or rather see, yet another Punk Bastard talk themselves into an orgasm over how much Punk is a worthy Champion, I think I'm going to just fricken book a ticket to D.C., and snipe Punk's ass.

He hasn't done one thing that proves he's worth shit, and you can blame it on booking all you want, but the fact is.. they gotta be booking it for a reason.. perhaps that reason is because Punk winning cleanly is just too unrealistic, even for Professional Wrestling.
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The problem with Punk looking like a worthy World Champion is the fact that he never got the oppurtunity to. The same night he won the title he started to look like a fluke champion. I can understand your argument if they had Punk win clean victories over JBL and Batista and the crowd still wouldnt react to him or he wouldnt draw. But the guy just entered the main event scene without event being considered a legit contender. He just won the title without even having a big feud to get there. So in a sense its harder for him to be a convincing main eventer to the fans especially with the likes of Batista and Cena on the same show. So the logical thing to do to get Punk over is not to BS the fans into thinking he could go toe to toe with those guys. Instead they would let the fans second guess Punk until he finally gets that legit win. And what better time to do that then at the one of WWE's main shows, SummerSlam. The only problem I have with booking though is they're really making Punk look like a chump. He's always getting his ass beat after matches or in segments like when he got pummeled by Kane, Batistabombed by Batista, and literally got kicked outta the ring by JBL in the closing segment never to be seen again. Also, ever since Punk won the title Cena JBL or Batista would be in the main event instead of Punk or if Punk was in the main event, all of them were involved in some way shape or form. I'm okay with the way WWE is booking Punk's title reign so far but at the same time, Cena, JBL, Batista, and Kane are completely overshadowing him as champ right now. They at least could of had Punk in the ring with Cena and Batista when Raw went off the air or something. I just hope Punk brings that up at some point like "I'm tired of all these big stars hogging the spotlight, I'm champ now and its my time to shine!" or something like that. Just so that when Punk does get that big win, it will be surprising but believable.


My only other comment on what to me, was another very good RAW is regarding Y2J/HBK feud. I seriously love Jericho's take on a heel this time around. Its like dark and methodical. And I loved his promo and how he gets a little biblical talking about how he's saved by the path he's taking and all that. But after talking to London after his match last week, telling him to choose to follow his or HBK's path, I was kinda hoping they would follow up on it. Like Jericho having this cult following filled with some jobbers that were once in the limelight or never got the chance so decide to rely on Jericho to guide them. Guys like Cade, London or Haas. Like Raven's flock I guess. It would've been cool but I guess it woulda made the odds really stacked against HBK too. Maybe when he ends that feud he can form that type of faction feuding with whoever's champ
 
That was definitely an A+ ending to Raw. All sorts going on throughout the night. Batista has problems now with Kane, Cena, JBL AND Punk. Punk has problems with Kane, JBL and Batista. Cena has problems with JBL and now Batista. And Kane, well, he just has problems!

What is the timetable on Randy Orton's return? A match between Batista and Cena at Summerslam could be ended with Orton returing to aid Batista, and their mooted 'Evolution revisited' heel faction coming to life.
 
I think at this point, the Jericho/HBK feud is the best thing going. The title picture is way too crowded and its needs to be sorted out into the champ and a challenger, with feuds between the others. I also wanna see where the Santino/Beth Phoenix story goes because he is great on the mic and she can make up for his shortcomings in the ring
 
"Even when someone else already does the dirty work for you, you still can't win the damn match"

I don't do much writing on this forum but, I'd like to point out that WWE matches are scripted. You make it seem like its all real by stating that he couldn't win the match. I highly doubt it was up to the kid.
 
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