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KELLER'S WWE RAW REPORT
NOVEMBER 19, 2007
LIVE FROM FT. LAUDERDALE, FLA.

WHAT HAPPENED: 1ST HOUR

-They showed a jogger carrying a torch down a street lined with sidewalk restaurants. No context was provided, but there was grand Olympic-like music accompanying it. Then the Raw opening aired.

-Jim Ross introduced the show. He said Jerry Lawler would compete in the ring and join him later.

-Shawn Michaels walked out to his full intro. He entered the ring and said the better man won last night. He asked Randy Orton to come out so he could congratulate him. Ross heaped praise on the match, calling it a phenomenal one-on-one wrestling context (he meant "sports entertainment exhibition," for those of you who prescribe to Vince & Steph & Dunn's silly lexicon. Orton appeared on the big screen with his face battered and bruised (that's a nice touch they're doing more often now with make-up to sell the effects of big PPV matches; I'm surprised it took this many years to do that more often). He said there's no way he was going to walk out and let Michaels kick him. "All right, all right, you got me. If you came out here, I was going to kick you again," Michaels said. Michaels's delivery of that line was actually as funny as he's been in years. Michaels said he was also going to challenge him to a rematch. Orton said no way, because he's already proven he's the better man, plus he believes Michaels wants more than his belt. He said he's already proven he's better than him, Triple H, and John Cena. He said that marathon runner with a torch is running from Miami to Ft. Lauderdale, "and once he gets here, it's going to symbolize the changing of the guard and the passing of the torch to me, Randy Orton." He said Michaels had his chance and now it's over. Ross said, "Now we know what that marathon runner means to this broadcast."

Kennedy then walked out to his full ring intro. They instantly got into an impromptu brawl, with Michaels throwing the first punch as Kennedy reached up to grab his lowering mic. Kennedy knocked Michaels to ringside, then said, "You've had your shot, Shawn Michaels; now it's my turn." Michaels took Kennedy to the mat and then grabbed the mic. "Oh my goodness, cry me a river. You want an opportunity, you just got one by jumping on the Show-stopper." Kennedy stepped back up the ring apron as Michaels stood ready for him. Kennedy stepped back down, grabbed a mic, and told Michaels not to flatter himself with the Show-stopper name. "Nick-names are given, not chosen. Don't flatter yourself," he said. He then said what he's best known for is losing an epic ladder match, losing to John Cena at WrestleMania, losing your smile. "Let's face it, Shawn, you're a loser," he said. Ross begged to differ. William Regal stepped out and said if they're intent on doing it, do it properly. He called for a referee and the bell to the ring. Really good transition from Michaels-Orton to Michaels-Kennedy with all three doing really strong mic work.

[Commercial Break]

-The bell hadn't rung yet after the break. Ross explained they had been brawling at ringside while they were away as the ref tried to get them to enter the ring. When Kennedy grabbed a chair, Michaels kicked it into Kennedy's face. He was knocked out at ringside. Michaels's music played as if that signalled the official start or end of something. Ross said Kennedy may have bitten off more than he could chew. The match never got rolling, which is fine, because they shouldn't just give that away without any hype.

-Ross hyped Jeff Hardy vs. Umaga later.

-A commercial aired promoting the the three hour 15th Anniversary Raw special.

[Commercial Break]

1 -- SANTINO MARELLA vs. JERRY LAWLER

Santino's music just brings a smile to my face. His walk to the ring was hilarious in and of itself with his facial expressions (or should I say mannerism facials?). Lawler came out second. Ross said he's puzzled that Maria is still romantically linked with Santino. It's good to see Lawler get utilized in the ring; he's been underutilized in that regard for years. Despite his advancing age, he's such a pro and knows so much efficient, effective ring psychology techniques, he could be utilized to help advance the in-ring style of a lot of younger wrestlers. When Santino dropped Lawler, he went to ringside and put on a crown and said, "Look at me, I'm Jerry Stupid Lawler. I'm going to beat your friend like a government dog," he told Ross. He returned to the ring and said, "Look at me, I like puppies, big puppies, little puppies, dirty puppies. I am from Memphis. I make fun of women because I have no self-esteem." Lawler slapped him to the mat. Lawler took over offense and won quickly with a backslide.

WINNER: Lawler in 4:00.

STAR RATING: 1/2* -- Served its purpose fine, but not much to it athletically.

-Orton immediately gave Lawler an RKO. He then apologized, but said he couldn't help himself. He said he had an update on the status of his torch runner. The jogger arrived at the arena where he beat Michaels. "It seemed like only yesterday," said Orton. "Wait a minute, it was yesterday. And now it's only a matter of time before the official passing of the torch."

-Another plug for Umaga vs. Hardy and the Passing of the Torch ceremony.

[Commercial Break]

-Todd Grisham interviewed Kennedy backstage. Kennedy was still holding the side of his face. He said all he did was go out to the ring to "show Shawn Michaels some respect." He seemed to be about to crack as he looked at the camera and asked why Michaels kicked a chair into his face. He said Michaels looks at him and sees talent he wishes he had and hasn't seen the likes of in years, and he wants to hold him down, but that's not going to happen "because father time catches up to everybody" He said the next time their paths cross, he won't have to worry about father time. "All you'll have to worry about is Mr. Kennedy." Excellent promo. One of Kennedy's best. That could have so easily cross over into maudlin melodrama, but he kept the tone just on that edge and just right.

-Ross threw a clip of the Hornswoggle-Great Khali match with the Shane McMahon appearance. Then they went backstage to Vince McMahon, Regal, and Coach. Vince said he thinks last night's was one of the best Survivor Series events ever. Regal and Coach laughed about Hornswoggle last night. They were laughing at his expense. Vince looked upset. There was a knock on the door. Carlito walked in with an apple. Vince asked him what he was doing there. He said he was there to show his appreciation for showing Hornswoggle tough love last night. He said when he was growing up, his dad taught him tough love, too. He said even if he did something small wrong, he slapped him. "The back of his hand was tattooed on my face," he said. Vince asked Carlito if he'd like to take on a McMahon - a four-foot version. Carlito laughed and said it would be his pleasure. Coach and Regal also laughed. Vince stayed looking serious. "Did I say something funny," he asked. Regal and Coach got somber and looked down.

-Jeff Hardy's ring intro took place.

[Commercial Break]

-They aired a clip of the finish of the Survivor Series elimination match.

2 -- JEFF HARDY vs. UMAGA

Lawler joined Ross at ringside, still shaking off the effects of the RKO. After an early flurry of action, Umaga settled into a nerve hold on Hardy's shoulder. Umaga fended off a Hardy comeback and knocked him to the floor. They cut to a break at 6:00

[Commercial Break]

They showed that Hardy continued to take a beating during the back. Umaga had Hardy down on the mat with another nerve hold. Hardy went for a bodyslam, but Umaga easily blocked it at first, then tipped on top of Hardy for a two count. Back to a nerve hold again. Things slowed to real crawl, as if the show was running short and they had to fill time but didn't know how to in exciting fashion. At 12:00 hardy went to the top rope, but when he flew off, Umaga caught him and slammed him hard to the mat. He took his time before making the cover, so once he did, Hardy kicked out just before three. He went for a second cover and Hardy kicked out again. Back to a nerve hold.

WHAT HAPPENED: 2ND HOUR

Hardy avoided a top rope splash by Umaga at 15:00. Umaga, though, got up and pounded Hardy in the corner. Then he charged with a butt splash, but Hardy moved again. Hardy then ran up to the top rope and came down with a Whisper in the Wind. Hardy was slow to make the cover. He crawled over and scored a near fall. Hardy made a full-fledged comeback. Umaga flew at Hardy again in the corner, but Hardy moved and Umaga flew into the ringpost. Hardy went for a Swanton Bomb, but Umaga moved. Umaga then gave Hardy a sudden Samoan Drop. He signalled for the Samoan Spike, then swung with it. Hardy ducked, gave Umaga a Twist of Fate. He slidekicked Umaga and then dove onto him at ringside. As Hardy showed fire and stood strong in the ring, Snitsky jumped Hardy from behind.

WINNER: Hardy via DQ in 17:00.

STAR RATING: **1/2 -- The last few minutes were really good, but it was really dragged down with those long time-filling nerve holds.

-Umaga and Snitsky doubled on Hardy in the ring and tossed him to the floor. Triple H's music played and he walked out to prevent further damage. He clotheslined Snitsky and then punched away at Umaga followed by a Spinebuster (you just cringe watching that, waiting for his quad to pop again). Triple H clotheslined Snitsky over the top rope to the floor. Triple H and Hardy held court in the ring as Hardy was announced as the winner via DQ.

-Ross plugged Carlito vs. Hornswoggle and the Orton ceremony. Then the Save_Us video aired with the words, "Stand By."

[Commercial Break]

-After a replay of the previous segment. Hardy and Triple H were shown chatting backstage. Unlike with Hardcore Holly and Cody Rhodes, there were no latent or repressed gay desire undertones to their chemistry. Grisham asked Triple H what brought him to Hardy's aid. He said everyone knows what a good guy he is and how he'll help anyone in need. He then said nobody is probably buying that. He said if guys like Umaga and Snitsky are walking around claiming to be bad-asses, he will be happy to show them he is the real badass of WWE. He said he and Hardy have nothing in common except for respect. He told Todd that they also have nothing in common. "For example, if I go to a bar in South Beach like you did last night and I see a transvestite, I walk in the other direction." Grisham said it looked like a woman to him. Speaking of...

3 -- HARDCORE HOLLY vs. CODY RHODES

With absolutely no hype, these two partner are back to wrestling each other. Holly opened with some hard chops followed by a quick two count with an inside cradle. Cody popped up and got in Hardcore's face. Holly bodyslammed Cody and then choked him over the middle rope. There was very little crowd heat in this one. Cody flipped out of an Alabama Slam attempt and DDT'd Holly and scored an upset pin.

WINNER: Rhodes in 3:00.

STAR RATING: 1/2*

-Right after the match, Orton gave Cody an RKO. Then he gave Holly an RKO. He said he knows he isn't supposed to be out there quite yet, but he has another update on the status of his torch runner. They showed the guy with the torch arriving at Ft. Lauderdale's arena with the torch still lit. He said it's only a matter of time before he gets the respect that he deserves. Orton's music played and he walked out of the ring as Holly and Cody lay on the ring nearly motionless the whole time.

[Commercial Break]

-They replayed the previous segment, then Ross and Lawler introduced a "Randy Orton Tribute Video." Ross said it was endorsed by Orton himself. It included a string of clips of him beating up and kicking legends.

-Backstage Vince and Finlay chatted. Vince said he doesn't like surprises like his run-in last night. Finlay said they're both Irish and the Irish love surprises. Finlay asked Vince where he was born. Vince beat around the bush and wouldn't say. Vince said what matters is they go have a drink later tonight. Finlay suggested Vince get a big glass of hot milk, appropriate for someone his age. Vince scowled. Finlay just said he was messing with him and laughed. Vince broke into a laugh. Ross said he was perplexed. "I'm not sure about that relationship," he said.

[Commercial Break]

-A video aired promoting the return of Ric Flair next week on Raw in Charlotte, N.C. Great montage of different looks for Flair over the years. They're apparently getting serious about ratings again! Ross and Lawler were happy. Ross called Flair "arguably the greatest in-ring performer in the history of sports entertainment." But wasn't Flair drafted to Smackdown as of last word? Ross also congratulated Linda McMahon on being chosen by Cable World as one of the 2007 most powerful women in all of cable. Are there 2007 women involved in cable?

-Jillian and Melina walked out. Jillian said Grammy Award Winning sing Jon Secada was with them, sitting in the front row. He was reluctant to stand at her request. Jillian said she understands he did a duet with Lillian Garcia on her album. She said she feels bad for him and he must not have known what he was getting himself into. She said she didn't know what he was doing there, given that people in Florida don't understand "Mexican talk." She said she's about to blow away him and his producer friends. She began a bad Brooke Hogan imitation. Actually, it was a good Brooke Hogan imitation. Sadly, it's not far off from the American Idol tryout shows with people being totally serious. The crowd chanted "You suck." She said she can do opera. She began signing. Everyone plugged their ears. Then she shoved the mic into Lillian chest and asked her to show everyone what it's like to be second best.

4 -- MARIA & MICKIE JAMES vs. JILLIAN HALL & MELINA

Maria hit a lousy looking clothesline in the corner against Melina in the opening minute. It was just a clustermess from there as Melina seemed to be worried about losing her top during an arm whip. Melina threw Maria to the mat by her hair, then tagged in Jillian. Jillian flipped and landed on Melina when Maria pulled her into Jillian's path. It looked dangerous and awkward. Jillian's knee landed on the back of Melina's head. Melina rolled to the edge of the ring apron and held the back of her head. Mickie went to work on Jillian. She showed fire, hit a hangman's neckbreaker, and scored a two count. Melina re-entered the ring and seemed fine, but Maria yanked her right back out of the ring. Jillian yanked Mickie by her hair, celebrated by shaking her chest, but then Mickie locked lips and gave her a spin hook kick for the win.

WINNERS: Mickie & Maria in 3:00.

STAR RATING: neg. * -- These women need more training before doing this stuff. They really look like they're going to seriously injure themselves or each other all too often.

-They showed a smiling Carlito heading toward the entrance tunnel with apple in hand.

-A commercial aired for John Cena's "My LIfe" three-DVD set featuring interviews with his friends and his hand-picked favorite matches.

[Commercial Break]

-A commercial aired hyping Big Daddy V & Matt Striker vs. Kane tomorrow night on ECW.

5 -- HORNSWOGGLE vs. CARLITO

Carlito held his arm in the air for a test of strength, way beyond Hornswoggle's reach. Carlito then got on his knees. He still reached higher than Hornswoggle could go. Hornswoggle bit him on the butt and then slapped his face and hid behind the ref. Carlito chased after him. Hornswoggle ran to ringside, took Ross's had, gave it to Lillian who laughed, and then hid under the ring. Carlito smiled and walked into the ring again. He quietly stepped across the ring. Ross reminded viewers it was a no DQ match. Carlito looked under the opposite side of the ring. Hornswoggle popped out the other side with a bucket of water (we hope). He poured it on Carlito as Carlito came out from under the ring. Carlito slipped and fell to the mat. Ross said, "It might be water, but you never know, when you're under the ring that long, what's in the bucket." Carlito lifted Hornswoggle and tossed him into the ring. Finlay entered the ring. Carlito spit his apple at him. Finlay wiped his face, then wiped out Carlito with a clothesline. He tossed Hornswoggle on top and the ref counted to three. Hornswoggle bit an apple and spit it in Carlito's face, then left the ring with Finlay.

WINNER: Hornswoggle in 4:00.

STAR RATING: n/a - Well done for what it was.

-They showed the torch running again.

[Commercial Break]

-Ross and Lawler hyped the Triple H & Hardy vs. Snitsky & Umaga tag match for next week's Raw.

-Orton walked out to his music. WWE managed to extinguish any buzz or anticipation that Chris Jericho was showing up, as there were no "Y2J" chants in the crowd like there were in October. That probably makes the surprise more of a surprise, though. Orton bragged that he has beaten all there is to beat. Orton said it is time for the torch to now be passed to him. A tired, sweaty jogger ran into the back of the arena. Orton said he has earned it. As he entered the arena, he was clotheslined by Chris Jericho. Jericho extended his arms and shook his body. Lawler said, "That can only be one man." The crowd then broke out with a loud "Y2J" chant. The "Save_Us" video played.

It asked, "Did you break the code?" It said the Code is the Answer and The Answer is the Answer. Then it said "Save_Us.Y2J." A countdown appeared on the big screen, beginning at 10. At zero, pyro shot off and out came to Jericho to a new mix of his intro music. He stood with his back to the ring, then turned around sporting a glittery vest and a short stylist haircut. Ross said it's amazing moment in the 15 year history of Raw. Orton just stared as Jericho milked the cheers, what there was of them - it was tough to tell with his music blaring, but it did appear a lot of the crowd were just standing there waiting to listen to what he had to say. Others were bowing and cheering.

After two minutes, the music stopped and a "Y2J" chant broke out. He said, "Welcome to Raw is Jericho!" He said it is not a mirage, it is real, here, and now - the second coming of Y2J. "You remembered," he said. He asked everyone to take out their cell phones, text their friends, and tell them the Sexy Beast is back. "I promise to ignite you, to excite you, to delight you," he said. He said that from this point forward, it's 100 percent entertainment and electricity. "100 percent Jericho," he said. Orton finally interrupted and said, "Who the hell do you think you are?" He said the last time he saw him he was getting fired on Raw. He said it was a good thing, too, because it was just a matter of time before he kicked him in the head and ended his career. Orton asked what he is saving them from. Jericho said, "Your boring personality for one... Your monotonous, robotic Randy Orton voice. Or how about I save you from your child-bearing hips, your Super Cuts hairstyle, your subscription to Blue Ball magazine. Most importantly, Randy Orton, I'm here to save us from you, because the first chance I get I'm going to take the World Championship from you." He said the universe will never, ever, never, ever be the same." He played to alternate sides of the ring like a rock star on a stage as the show ended.

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