By James Caldwell, Torch columnist

WWE Raw Live Report
October 22 from Omaha, Nebraska

The show opened cold with Mr. Kennedy standing in the ring with his arms folded across his chest. The mic then came down to the ring and Kennedy accepted it to serenade the audience with a promo. Fans weren't particularly enamored with Kennedy. He said fans have a chance to make history by booking Randy Orton's opponent at the PPV. He name dropped Jeff Hardy to a big pop. Kennedy said Hardy is like Hilary Clinton. Boos. They did a split-screen of Jeff and Hillary. He said neither one can get the job done because neither one has testicles. Kennedy said there's Shawn Michaels. Big pop. He said Michaels is like Rudy Giuliani. They talk real tough. They have impressive resumes, but they both live in the past. Kennedy asked a rhetorical question of what Michaels has done lately. He said whatever it is, it's nowhere near as impressive as what he's done. Pulled every muscle in his body? Yes, it sure it is. In any event, Kennedy listed the names of wrestlers he's beaten the last two years. He channeled John F. Kennedy and told the fans to ask what they can do for Mr. Kennedy. He said if he's picked, he will defeat Randy Orton. He dropped his own name, then a random voice interrupted. Where is the person?

The lights came on and Jeff Hardy was standing on top of the grandstands staring down at Kennedy. Jeff said he's standing out in the crowd polling the audience and it's obvious his approval rating sucks. Kennedy said they don't want to debate right now because his success speaks for himself. Hardy slowly started walking down the stands toward the ring while Kennedy continued to talk. A "Hardy" chant interrupted Kennedy, then Hardy rattled off some facts: Kennedy tried to pass himself off as a McMahon and he failed. He tried to kick his ass last week and he failed. Kennedy said he doesn't have to listen to this, so he started to walk off. Hardy said not so fast, and he polled the audience on if they want to see him kick the holy hell out of him. The fans popped, so Hardy charged the ring and straight smashed Kennedy into the canvas.

Hardy held the advantage until Randy Orton showed up and made it two-on-one. Orton was measuring Hardy for a punt to the head, but Shawn Michaels made the save to a big pop. Michaels chased Orton to the outside and they ran to the backstage area. Back in the ring, Hardy and Kennedy fumbled around before Hardy built a head of steam and clotheslined Kennedy to the floor. Hardy's music hit and he regained his breath to stare down Kennedy, who backed away to the entrance ramp. That's what's you call a heck of a wrestling segment.

[Commercial Break]

They returned and Jim Ross recapped the opening segment. Footage was out of order, but they got the point across. Ross and Lawler hyped HBK & Hardy vs. Orton & Kennedy tonight.

[Q2]

1 -- KENDRICK & LONDON & MICKIE JAMES vs. World tag champions TREVOR MURDOCH & LANCE CADE & MELINA

Never thought I would ever see Melina with the rednecks. Like seeing Jim Ross in burnt orange. The match started with the champions working over Kendrick, with the women getting involved sporadically. London then took a hot tag and dropped Murdoch with a spinning heel kick, but Murdoch broke up the pin. Mickie and Melina then brawled in the ring. Suddenly, Mickie got caught in the ring facing a clothesline from Cade, but Murdoch moved in the way to get absolutely blasted by Cade with the clothesline. London then hit a running Shooting Star Press on Murdoch for the pin. Afterward, Mickie had a perplexed look on her face, as if she was picturing being blown up by Cade. The camera focused on her mouthing "thank you" to Murdoch, who tried to pull himself up to wink at her.

WINNERS: Kendrick & London & Mickie in 4:00. Good use of all six, well, except for Melina, who's still stuck in the mud with the booking. The Mickie-Murdoch connection, for whatever it's worth, added something interesting to the match that's worth a follow-up next week. (*)

Cue the sexual innuendo segment of the show. There are three divas left in the diva search. Todd Grisham is playing the role of handcuffed suspect in the video package. Back live in the backstage area, the three finalists posed for the camera.

[Commercial Break]

Backstage, Jeff Hardy toweled off in the locker room, then Shawn Michaels walked in to talk turkey. Hardy said tonight is about making an impression. Michaels said it's about him getting his hands on Orton. He said he already delivered sweet chin music twice, so he's looking for the triple tonight and the home run for the title on Sunday. Hardy said that's fine, but what if the fans want someone new chasing the belt. What if they want IC champ vs. WWE champ? Hardy said Michaels should remember what it was like not getting his chance. Michaels was taken aback and thought Hardy wouldn't have his back tonight. Hardy said that's not the case. He would just do what Michaels would do. Hardy walked off, and Michaels stared in his direction with a distressed and determined look on his face. Terrific. Where has this writing been?

On the other side of the building, Cody Rhodes was reading the new 500 WWE Magazine. Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas walked in and stole the magazine from Cody. Shelton said 500 is the number of times Cody's been beat up by Bob Holly this month. Shelton and Haas shared a good laugh, then he shared some good news that Cody won't be beaten up by Holly tonight. The bad news is that Shelton's handing out the ass-kickings tonight. Cody said there's two differences between Holly and Shelton. One is that Holly pulls off a better blonde. Two is that he has respect for Holly, unlike Shelton. Shelton, showing promo skills that haven't been there before, got in real close to Cody and said that when he's done with him, he'll make him into a younger, less talented version of his old man. Shelton walked off, then Haas said, "Oh snap!" and did a snappy finger in Cody's face.

[Q3]

On the far other side of the building, Coach and William Regal had a discussion. Regal and Coach discussed Mr. McMahon being out of the country this week, yet Coach still wants a match with Hornswoggle tonight. Regal proposed a rumor that McMahon double-crossed Coach last week when Coach went under the ring. Coach said that's not true, then he begged Regal to make the match to do everyone in the McMahon family a favor. He said Horny is cutting into the family inheritance. Regal made sure Coach wanted the match, so he booked it. Coach then pulled his usual switcheroo and said he was suggesting Hornswoggle against Umaga. Regal pressed his lips together, then walked away in deep thought.

[Commercial Break]

2 -- CODY RHODES vs. SHELTON BENJAMIN (w/Charlie Haas)

Cody landed a running bulldog in the opening minute, but Haas distracted him. Shelton then tried to roll up Cody, but Cody countered into a wrestling pin for the win. After the match, Shelton and Hass doubled up on Cody until Hardcore Holly made the save. Holly checked on Cody, then helped him to his feet. They squared off as the heels stood on the outside feigning getting back in the ring. With the heels gone, Holly and Cody shared a moment in the ring. Holly, with a sort-of babyface look in his eyes, nodded at Cody before leaving the ring.

WINNER: Cody in 2:00. Short match to establish the elements of the new program. First match in the series, so there should be longer matches in the future. (1/2*)

[Commercial Break]

Harry Smith made his official debut in WWE with a promo in the ring. He said he's the son of the British Bulldog. The graphic said D.H. Smith. He said he's dedicating his first match on Raw to his father. Carlito came out with a big smirk on his face.

[Q4]

3 -- D.H. SMITH vs. CARLITO

The match opened with Smith tossing Carlito on his back with an overhead slam. Carlito then raked the eyes and landed a springboard dropkick. He slapped Smith hard across the chest, and Ross talked about an altercation between the two in the UK that's on WWE.com. Lawler played devil's advocate on whether it's wise for Smith to dedicate his first match to his father. Smith came back with a European uppercut and a series of dropkicks before landing a Northern Lights Suplex for a nearfall. Carlito came back with a springboard elbow, but it was good for a one count only. Smith then caught Carlito in the corner and landed a running powerslam for the win. Afterward, he played the happy-go-lucky babyface, pumping his fists in the air after the victory with a big smile.

WINNER: Smith in 5:00. Fine match. Crowd was more into it than I expected considering no hype or build up for Smith. (*1/4)

Backstage, Candice and Beth had a chest-to-chest and eye-to-eye moment to hype their title match. Beth said she would make Candice worship her from her knees. Candice said what's going to happen is she's taking the Women's Title back. She said Beth, nor anyone else, will make her get down on her knees. They continued to look deeply into each other's eyes. They gave off a weird vibe with this one.

Backstage, Coach led Umaga down the hallway in preparation to face Hornswoggle.

[Commercial Break]

Kane vs. Big Daddy V on ECW tomorrow night. Please watch. We're begging you.

Ross and Lawler introduced a video package on Coach's misadventures with Hornswoggle last week. Coach then led out Umaga for the match with Horny. They focused on Lillian Garcia making the uneasy introduction of Hornswoggle. No sign of him from the entrance ramp. Hornswoggle then appeared from under the ring and slowly walked to the ring steps. He looked dejected and fearing for his life. Horny swung one foot in the ring, but he jumped off the ring steps and started running up the entrance ramp. Coach hopped out of the ring and stared up the entrance ramp, then Triple H's music hit.

[Q5]

Hunter walked out in street clothes and Umaga started convulsing in anticipation. Hunter then spit out his water and methodically walked to the ringside area. He slipped into the ring and Umaga screamed at him. They started fighting with an exchange of right hand blows, then Hunter tackled Umaga. The ref for the Umaga-Horny match called for reinforcements as they continued to trade blows. Umaga pulled himself up and cleared the refs away before tackling Hunter in the corner. Agents then filled the ring to try to create separation, but Hunter knocked Umaga to the outside. Umaga then pulled Hunter to the floor and landed more right hand blows. Hunter grabbed a chair and tried to hit Umaga, but Umaga punched him in the face. They fought to the announce table, then Hunter ran off the table and splashed Umaga. They took a breather and started brawling again, with Hunter tackling Umaga on the opposite side of the ringside area. Hunter's t-shirt was basically ripped to shreds at this point, and they finally got some separation after Ricky Steamboat took a bump on the entrance ramp. Good pullapart. Hunter didn't even have to be Superman and kill his opponent before a PPV match to hype it.

[Commercial Break]

They came back and recapped the Umaga-Hunter segment. Back live, Umaga was flipping over tables in the backstage area. The savage beast could not be tamed as agents and referees circled around him. Lawler looked petrified ringside. Ross recapped the gimmick match options for Hunter-Umaga at the PPV.

On stage, Todd Grisham recapped the diva search voting. Three remain. First, Brooke. She likes to ride motorcycles. Well, Michelle McCool is out of a job now. Eve came out second. Lena came out third. Grisham announced that Lena is going home tonight. Next week, they announce the winner. But, first, 30 seconds of promo time for each one. Brooke took the mic and said she wants to get down and dirty in the ring. It's all about the fans. Eesh. Eve took the mic and thanked the fans. She's here to entertain with physical, sexual, and mental appeal. Yes, the mental appeal. Thank goodness for that. I almost forgot. Well, Eve's promo was better, but it's like picking the Jets or the Dolphins.

[Q6]

Backstage, Orton and Kennedy had a face-to-face in the locker room. Orton said the only reason why he showed up in the opening segment was to prevent Jeff Hardy from beating the hell out of Mr. Kennedy. Orton said there's no way Kennedy is facing him for the title since people don't like him and people don't vote for people they don't like. Orton said the goal tonight should be to weaken Hardy and HBK. Well, there's nothing in it for Kennedy, then. Kennedy said they would work together, but Orton shouldn't be surprised if he tries to make a statement after the match is over. He threatened Orton that he shouldn't be too worried about a superkick. Orton yanked him in tight and told him he definitely does not want to make an enemy out of him. Kennedy shrugged off the threat and said they would see about that. Another great promo exchange to set up the "combustible elements" in the main event.

[Commercial Break]

Santino Marella came out with Maria, who is still enamored with Santino after being done with him a few weeks ago. Maria held up the 500 Magazine and Santino said the following are in the magazine: Rock, Taker, Bret Hart, Stacy Keibler, his Maria, Andre the French Giant, Jillian Garcia, and...wait for it...Steve Austin. Santino said his own name shows up nowhere in the magazine. Even Mantaur is in there. Suddenly, the SaveUs video interrupted. Upon_Us was added. Santino said that must be Steve Austin sending him a message. He said that couldn't be true, though, as it would require guts unless there's a director there to protect him. Santino said that if Austin ever shows up, he would open a can of a whoop ass so abig. Santino is simply great. Ron Simmons had enough, though, and walked out for a match with Santino.

4 -- SANTINO MARELLA (w/Maria) vs. RON SIMMONS

Simmons absorbed early offense from Santino before landing an elbow smash. Santino then kicked Simmons in the crotch and DQ'ed him. Santino claimed he kicked him in the gut. Maria was torn on how to react. Simmons was announced the winner, then Santino yanked Maria from ringside and took her to the back.

WINNER: Simmons via DQ in 2:00. Better short than long on this one, as Simmons has lost a few steps in the ring. (n/a)

Backstage, Grisham asked Triple H about the confrontation with Umaga. Hunter cut off Grisham, who pretended to be in absolute fear of Hunter. Hunter said he looked in Umaga's eyes earlier tonight and, for the first time, he saw doubt. He said he would create fear at the PPV and make him fall to the king of kings. Hunter said in six days, no matter how the voting goes, it's time to play the game. The fans popped.

They cut backstage where Candice Michelle was walking backstage in preparation for her Women's Title match.

[Q7]

[Commercial Break]

5 -- BETH PHOENIX vs. CANDICE MICHELLE -- 2 out of 3 Falls -- Women's Title match

Beth had an aura to her before the match, with a confident smile to match the regal entrance music. Sweet goodness, Candice snapped off a top rope head scissors after walking the ropes. But, that was quickly erased when Beth nailed a two-hand chokebomb. She pinned her for the first fall in less than a minute.

[Commercial Break]

They returned with Beth trying to stretch Candice into a submission for the second fall, but Candice escaped, only to walk into a hard kick to the chest. Candice then came back with a spin kick for a nearfall. The ref kept getting in the way, so Candice went up top, but Beth shook the ropes and Candice smashed her head on the mat. It looked like she was trying to crotch herself when Beth shook the ropes, but Candice fell flat on her face. Oh geez. The ref checked Candice's hand for some signs of life and appeared to make an audible to go home. Beth then dragged her to the center of the ring for the pin as the ref whispered, "This is it." She made a cover for the win.

Afterward, the ref made a quick "X" sign and handed the belt to Beth. Medics and officials jumped into the ring to check on Candice, who had a dazed look on her face. She refused water, then fell back on her back. Dr. Rios asked for an ambulance to the ring. EMS hit the ring and put her on a back brace while she tried to move her arms. Ross and Lawler talked quietly about the injury and explained the risk of a high-risk move, especially in the spirit of competition. They replayed the bump, which looked just gruesome. They stayed with the moment for a good three minutes.

WINNER: Beth 2-0 in 7:00. Just a sick bump to end the match. Candice has worked so hard to improve, and that was obvious throughout this match. This was in the making of a really good women's match until the abrupt ending. (*1/2)

[Q8]

They cut backstage where Randy Orton was on the way to the ring.

[Commercial Break]

Ross and Lawler broke down the Cyber Sunday line-up. They quickly transitioned from the injury tone to having to give the hard sell for the PPV on Sunday. Shawn Michaels then came out for the main even tag match. Jeff Hardy followed out second and they exchanged looks before the heels came out, led by Mr. Kennedy, then Randy Orton.

6 -- SHAWN MICHAELS & IC champion JEFF HARDY vs. MR. KENNEDY & WWE champion RANDY ORTON

HBK and Kennedy started things off with a lock up. HBK tried to land a neckbreaker, but Kennedy wasn't there to accept the hold and the spot didn't look good. HBK gave a bit of a wry look to Kennedy, then tagged into Hardy, who slung Kennedy to the mat. Hardy then missed with a flying splash in the corner and Orton tagged in to work on Hardy. Ross said they do not have an update on Candice yet. Hardy came back on Orton with right hand blows, then he tried to flip over Orton, but Orton caught him with a hard clothesline for a nearfall.

[Q9 -- over-run]

Orton and Kennedy exchanged tags working on Hardy as the crowd tried to rally behind Hardy. HBK then took a leaping hot tag from Hardy and the crowd exploded. HBK exploded on Kennedy with an atomic drop, then he decked Orton with a right hand blow. Kennedy took advantage of HBK being focused on Orton and he caught HBK in the gut. Orton then tagged in and started pounding on HBK's forehead with successive right hands. Kennedy came in and stretched HBK on the mat before landing two back breakers across his knee. HBK then slipped out of another, but Kennedy met him with an elbow smash to the face. Orton tagged in and did too much posing, which got HBK fired up. Kennedy cut off HBK, though, with a knee to the back. HBK and Orton had a standing exchange, then HBK dropped him with an enziguiri kick to the head. HBK crawled on his belly in the desert to Hardy for a hot tag. Hardy cleaned house on Kennedy and made a cover, but Orton broke it up. The action broke down and HBK flew over the top rope with a plancha on Orton. Back in the ring, Hardy hit the Whisper in the Wind on Kennedy. He ripped off his shirt and went up top, but Kennedy cut him off. Kennedy then went up top, but Hardy shoved him down and hit the Swanton Bomb. He covered Kennedy for the pin and the win. And the fans exploded.

Afterward, Hardy turned his back to celebrate to the crowd. Orton then snuck in behind him and went for the RKO, but when Orton turned to deliver the move, Michaels popped him in the jaw with Sweet Chin Music. Orton slumped to the mat and his eyes closed. Michaels then celebrated in the ring while Hardy caught his breath. Ross gave the hard sell for Cyber Sunday as the camera went back and forth between Hardy and HBK. They closed with HBK leaning in close to Orton on the mat and whispering in his ear.

WINNERS: Hardy & Michaels in 10:00. Very strong main event match to give the final sell for the PPV. Crowd was hot all night, and that greatly increased the energy in the ring for the match. A nice cap to one of the better go-home shows from WWE in quite some time. (***)

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