By James Caldwell, Torch columnist

WWE Raw Live Report
November 26 in Charlotte, N.C.

The show opened with a recap of last week's show when Randy Orton claimed there were none left to be beaten, only to find out that Chris Jericho is ready for a challenge.

Jim Ross welcomed us to the show and said they're in the heart of Flair country. Triple H's music then hit to open the action. They're going straight to the main event. Jeff Hardy came out next as Hunter's opponent. Umaga, then Snitsky showed up. Nine minutes into the show and all we have are entrances and no action.

1 -- TRIPLE H & JEFF HARDY vs. UMAGA & SNITSKY

Early on, Hardy cleared Umaga to the floor, then he low-bridged Snitsky to the floor. Hardy went for a big splash on both men, but they caught him in mid-air. Hunter then provided the assist to knock everyone down with a big splash like a bowling ball. Hardy and Hunter stood tall in the ring leading to break.

[Commercial Break]

[Q2]

They returned with Umaga catching Hardy off the ropes for the big swinging slam in center ring. This led to the inevitable beat down on Hardy while Hunter waited for a tag. Hardy finally escaped Snitsky's grasp to make the hot tag to Hunter, who tossed Umaga into the corner turnbuckle twice. He then nailed a flying forearm for a nearfall. Hunter followed with a Double A spinebuster, then he went for the Pedigree on Hunter, but Snitsky whiffed on a kick to the head to distract Hunter. Hardy took a tag, Hunter cleared the errant Snitsky to the floor, and Hardy avoided the rear splash in the corner. Hunter then jumped back into the ring and dropped Umaga with the Pedigree. Hardy followed with the Swanton bomb for the win and a big crowd pop.

WINNERS: Hardy & Hunter in 10:00. What a shocking finish! No surprises here to start the show, but Hunter and Hardy look like a well-oiled machine as a tag team. (*3/4)

William Regal's music interrupted the post-match celebration and he was greeted by a "You suck" chant. Regal lowered his head and said he would like to see Hunter and Hardy in action at the PPV. He said he sees Hardy being in the fight of his life because it will be Hardy vs. Hunter at the PPV. Hardy shook his head in slight confusion and Hunter put his hands through his hair in deep thought. Very intriguing, but the set-up felt a little off being thrown out there like that.

They went backstage where a black limo pulled up. Out stepped Ric Flair and the fans popped. Lawler said he hopes he's not coming back to make the announcement he thinks it is.

[Commercial Break]

Out of the break, Ric Flair's music hit and Flair stepped out on stage to a big Whoo from the crowd. Ross and Lawler stood up for Flair and they put him over big for his contributions to wrestling over the years. Flair teared up a little bit, lowered his head, and told the fans thank you. He said there has been a lot of discussion as to why he chose Charlotte to make an announcement tonight. Flair said the answer is simple: the Charlotte fans have always been good to him. He tried to choke back tears as the fans popped. Flair thanked every other city where he has competed. He said he hasn't been on Raw for six months because his wrestling career can't go on forever. Flair said he took the opportunity to get involved in ventures outside of wrestling while pondering his future. Flair said he knows that sooner or later, there will be a time for him to retire. Boos. Flair said he compares himself to Cal Ripken and Brett Favre, but tonight in Charlotte, he's announcing that......I will never retire. The switch flipped and Flair went into Nature Boy promo mode saying he will only retire when he's dead in this ring. That was greatness. Off goes the jacket. He said he's still the Nature Boy. Flair said he loves this business and he's going nowhere.

[Q3]

Suddenly, Vince McMahon's music interrupted and McMahon walked out clapping it up for Flair. McMahon said Flair had him there for a second. He shifted the "You suck" chant to Flair, then said he's very happy that Flair will never retire. McMahon said Flair is a pretty good piece of property as far as he's concerned. He said he likes the fact that Flair will never retire, as long as Flair keeps on winning. McMahon said Flair's career will continue as long as he continues to win matches. He said the first match that Flair loses, his career is over. Undefeated streak going into Mania against Taker, anyone? McMahon said he doesn't care how Flair loses - pinfall, submission, count out, DQ - the next time Flair loses, he's done. McMahon wished him luck and sarcastically said he hopes Flair doesn't die anytime soon.

Suddenly, Randy Orton's music hit and Orton walked out on stage with that dead-eye look on his face. Flair stood his ground in the ring as Orton slowly entered while McMahon walked to the corner of the ring. McMahon introduced the WWE champion Randy Orton, then Orton stared at Flair and thanked him. He thanked him for the advice he gave him early in his career. He thanked him for being a friend, for being there for him whenever he had personal problems. Orton thanked him for being the legend and the role model that he is. Flair wasn't buying it. Orton thanked him in advance for the honor and pleasure of ending his career tonight. Flair turned and looked at McMahon, who booked Orton vs. Flair tonight. Orton got in real close to Flair and whispered thank you. Flair didn't flinch, then Orton backed away a few feet. They had the classic one-on-one face-off pose to close the segment. That is one heck of a wrestling segment right there.

[Commercial Break]

They returned for a big random eight-man tag deal.

2 -- HACKSAW DUGGAN & SUPER CRAZY & HARDCORE HOLLY & CODY RHODES vs. CADE & MURDOCH & ROBBIE & RORY HIGHLANDERS

The action quickly broke down into a good ole brawl. Men left in the ring were Holly and Robbie, and Holly dropped Robbie with a spinning Alabama Slam for the win.

WINNERS: Team Holly in 3:00. Just a completely random segment that did nothing to advance anything. (1/2*)

Tomorrow night on ECW, it's that damn Kane vs. Big Daddy V match again. And Kelly Kelly vs. Leyla.

[Q4]

[Commercial Break]

Todd Grisham interviewed Jeff Hardy backstage out of the break. Hardy said he's honored to face Hunter at the PPV. He said they've been on a hell of a role as a tag team and he hopes the PPV doesn't get in the way of their... Hunter stepped in and said they're not friends. He said he turns on everyone he's ever teamed with. Hunter said he didn't get to the top by being friends with people. He told Hardy that he's stepping into the ring with The Game at the PPV.

Ross and Lawler talked about the Michaels vs. Kennedy feud that started off last week. They went to Mr. Kennedy standing backstage. He initially plugged HBK's DVD coming out tomorrow, then talked about Michaels's entire career. Kennedy said it's chock-full of Michaels betraying every tag team partner he's ever had. Hm, sounds like a recent promo. Kennedy said Michaels is good at losing big main event matches, and he's also good at losing his smile. Kennedy repeated the smile line, then said there's also some triumph on the DVD with Michaels whining, crying, manipulating, and politicking his way to main event status despite there being more talented and hungrier individuals out there. Kennedy said people are going to walk away from watching the DVD feeling enriched. He then cleared the merchandise table and quietly said nothing is going to compare to the low Michaels is going to feel when he steps into the ring with Mr. Kennedy. I'll take last week's promo over this one. Just missing something, although the delivery was fine.

Jericho is up next.

[Commercial Break]

They went backstage where Flair talked to Arn Anderson and Barry Windham about whatever.

[Q5]

At the top of the hour, Chris Jericho's music hit and he walked out on stage dressed to wrestle. Jericho entered the ring and took a mic. He looked around the arena before announcing the second coming of Y2J. Jericho said there is only one reason why he came back to Raw: to save us from Randy Orton and become the new WWE champion. Some boos for that one. Jericho said he wants a title match, but Orton hasn't answered his challenge. Must have been the big words. Jericho said he's going to Ortonize it: "Me want title match." Jericho said it's quite simple. He even produced some visual aids: Me - Jericho photo. Want - Cookie monster. Title - belt. Match - a fire-starting match. He demanded an answer, but no sign of Orton. Instead, it's Santino! Yes! The dream promo exchange!

Santino walked out and addressed him as KYJ. Santino said things have changed just a little bit since Jericho was last here. He said Jericho had a Lindsay Lohan haircut. Jericho said he's embarrassed to ask who Santino is. Jericho said he knows all the guys ringside, but he's not familiar with him. He then had a moment of awakening and said he's Santino. They had a rapid-fire exchange on the pronunciation of Santino's name. Greatness! Santino said he's so mad now. He called for a reset. Santino said Orton didn't give an answer because Jericho doesn't deserve a title match. Jericho then took off his shirt and Santino said he doesn't really want to fight him. Santino said he must warm up first. He did some squat thrusts on the floor, and demanded Maria provide his pre-match massage. Santino said he wanted to give Jericho a little something first. He hopped over the announce table and jumped Lawler, landing successive right hand blows as Ross demanded order. Santino stared at Ross, then he hopped off Lawler and walked to the entrance ramp and thanked the crowd for their support (they booed him) while Jericho stood by in the ring.

[Commercial Break]

3 -- CHRIS JERICHO vs. SANTINO MARELLA

Lawler wasn't pleased out of the break as the match started. Jericho played with Santino's head, Santino pushed him, and Jericho responded with a hard chop to the chest. Jericho then executed an elevated suplex and landed forearm blows on Santino. Santino slipped to the apron and Jericho landed a springboard dropkick sending Santino clear to the floor. The action moved to the floor and Santino tried to exit, but Jericho kicked him back to ringside. Back in the ring, Jericho punted Santino in the gut, then Santino came back with kicks to the back. Santino followed with a back drop suplex, followed by a rear mat hold. Jericho came back with a facebuster, then he extended his arms for his Y2J pose. He landed a running face buster across his knees (the code breaker) for the pin and the win.

[Q6]

Afterward, Jericho did the belt-around-the-waist pose for the hard cam before looking toward Lawler at ringside. Jericho held the ropes open and invited Lawler to enter the ring. Lawler hopped right in and landed right hand blows to Santino while Jericho sat in on commentary. Lawler then went to the second rope and nailed the fist drop to the face. His music hit and Santino remained out cold in the ring. Lawler landed one more fist to the face for good measure. Jericho wanted a title match from Orton. He got serious and said he wants an answer tonight.

WINNER: Jericho in 5:00. Basic refresher match for Jericho to shake a little ring rust off. Nothing wrong with it; nothing spectacular. (*1/2)

They cut backstage where Flair was lacing up his boots. Shawn Michaels walked in and gave him a big hug. He said he had to come here tonight for the announcement, but didn't think it would be Flair's possible last match. Michaels said he doesn't think he's ready to embrace an industry without Flair. He said Orton's on a roll lately, which he knows better than anybody. Michaels reminded Flair that he is the Nature Boy and this is Charlotte. He's the 16-time real world champ and he is the one and only legend this industry will ever have. Michaels said Flair is still the kiss-stealing, wheeling and dealing son of a gun. Michaels reminded Flair that to be the man, you have to beat the man. He said he doesn't think Orton can do it. Flair thanked him, then said for all that respect and the bond they've had for the last three years, he'll give him everything he's got tonight. Flair said he would go out in a blaze of glory if he has to. Flair walked off with a Whoo, then Michaels looked down at the floor with his Cowboy hat covering his eyes. Michaels looked back up in careful thought. Great stuff right there.

[Commercial Break]

They came back and recapped the Flair-McMahon-Orton segment earlier in the show.

4 -- MR. KENNEDY vs. BRIAN KENDRICK

Kennedy ran over Kendrick with a hard clothesline early on. He then slingshot Kendrick throat-first across the bottom rope. Kennedy with a modified STO/throat toss for the easy win.

After the match, Kennedy took the ceiling mic and said that was just a little sample of what people can look forward to seeing on Shawn Michaels's next DVD or live and in person at the PPV when he takes out Michaels. Kennedy pronounced himself as the winner of the match.

WINNER: Kennedy in 2:00. Quite a waste of Kendrick right there. Kennedy with a needed win, though. Promo was more of the brash Kennedy we're used to. (1/4*)

They showed the Smackdown Rebound focusing on Edge's new relationship with Vickie Guerrero, Batista shoving Edge down, and Taker giving Vickie the Tombstone while Edge feigned concern on the entrance stage without actually doing anything to save his woman.

[Q7]

[Commercial Break]

In the McMahon office, Vince talked to Hornswoggle. Vince congratulated Horny on his luck, surviving Survivor Series, beating Carlito, and winning on Smackdown. Vince talked about the look on Hornswoggle's face when Khali crushed Finlay. He suggested they surprise Finlay with a match against Khali at the PPV. Vince mocked Finlay's saying, while Hornswoggle looked dejected. Vince said he was going to get an ice cream sandwich, but told Hornswoggle to go fetch him one. Vince then picked up a walkie-talkie and said Mr. Rogers has left the neighborhood. They cut to Hornswoggle walking down the hallway to a door with a sign that read "Free Ice Cream Sandwiches." He walked in and found Carlito ready to beat him. Hornswoggle told him to wait, then he pulled out a spraycan and drew an imaginary door on the wall. He then built up a head of steam and disappeared into the wall. Seriously. Carlito didn't know what to think, so he ran into the wall, but fell to the ground. Ron Simmons came over and shouted Damn. Sillier and dumber than anything from the Turkey Bowl.

They showed Melina walking backstage in preparation for a #1 contender match for the Women's Title.

[Commercial Break]

Beth Phoenix was in the ring posing with her Women's Title. Mickie James then came to the ring to face Melina for the right to face Beth at the PPV. Melina made her entrance after slapping her rear end and didn't fall down this time.

[Q8]

5 -- MICKIE JAMES vs. MELINA -- #1 Contender match

Melina speared Mickie into the corner a minute in, then Mickie came back with a huracanrana from the corner. She screamed and landed a lift-up DDT for the pin and the win. Decisive victory for Mickie. Beth then rose from her chair ringside and smiled at Mickie, who blew her a kiss. If it weren't for the ring ropes, they might have had a make-out session right there.

WINNER: Mickie in 2:00 to become #1 Contender. Basic match. Disappointing they only got two minutes. (*1/2)

They showed Ric Flair walked backstage toward the ring. He stopped when the locker room was all present clapping for him. Hunter then walked over to him and gave him a hug. Hunter told him to show Orton who he is. Flair then walked through the line of wrestlers and producers as Ross called it the biggest match of his career.

They showed a video package on the Michaels DVD before the break.

[Commercial Break]

Randy Orton walked out with the WWE Title belt and stood smugly in the ring before Ric Flair's music hit and out walked Flair.

6 -- WWE champion RANDY ORTON vs. RIC FLAIR -- non-title match

Flair landed a chop early on. He then gave Orton a back body drop and Orton regrouped to the corner. Flair with another chop, then punches to the gut. Orton then came back with a round of right hand blows to the forehead. Orton followed with a high back body drop and he made a cover for a one count. Orton went stompin' on Flair, but Flair moved out of the way of a high knee drop. Orton came right back with a dropkick, but only for a nearfall.

[Q9 -- over-run]

Orton clotheslined Flair to the floor as Ross talked about this possibly being his last call of a Flair match. On the floor, Flair landed a hard chop, then Orton nailed a suplex on the floor. Orton slid back into the ring as the ref applied a ten count on Flair. The fans rallied for Flair, who stirred and pulled himself into the ring at eight. Orton went back to work on Flair, but Flair countered a headlock with a back suplex. Orton came up and went for the RKO, but Flair shoved him aside and went to the knees with a chopblock. Flair went to work on the knees, then he slapped on the figure four in the center of the ring. The fans demanded a tap out as Orton reached out for the ropes. He finally reached the ropes to force a break, taking the fans down from their high. Orton then came right back with the RKO, but he couldn't make the cover as his knee was in pain. Orton slowly crawled over to the corner for a cover, but Flair grabbed the bottom rope to prevent a three count. Orton then laid into Flair with right hand blows and Orton was nearly DQ'ed for too many fists in the corner. The fans chanted, "Nature Boy" as Orton continued to work on Flair. Orton went for the RKO one more time, but Chris Jericho suddenly showed up and distracted Orton. Flair then nailed a low blow from behind with the ref's back turned. Flair then rolled up Orton with a hook of the tights for a three count to win. And all the arms in the arena went in the air to celebrate.

Afterward, Jericho was all-smiles as he helped Flair out of the ring. Ross said he had never been more happy to see Jericho in all his life. Flair then left the ring and headed up the entrance ramp trying to shake off the cobwebs. They focused on Orton staring at Jericho, who remained ringside. They had a staredown to close the show.

WINNER: Flair in 11:00. Just great drama. Very basic match, but all the drama and Flair in Charlotte and Flair in jeopardy made for a very good TV match. Classic Flair finish for the win. And the Flair journey continues. (**1/2)

We welcome your 1-10 score and comments on this show for a "Raw Reax" feature in the Torch Feedback section of PWTorch.com. To contribute your thoughts on Raw, click here.

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