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By James Caldwell, Torch columnist

WWE Raw Live Report
February 18, 2008
Anaheim, Calif.

After the standard WWE intro, the show opened with Triple H's music. Hunter walked out all-smiles tonight. Jim Ross talked about Hunter winning the Chamber last night, and now he's on to Mania to challenge for the WWE Title. The announcers then went silent for a good minute while Hunter did his in-ring posing. His music eventually stopped and Hunter paced around the ring. He said he's pretty happy tonight. 12 months ago, he wasn't so happy because last year at this time, he was sitting in a wheelchair behind the curtain for WrestleMania in Detroit. He said he had to watch the game from the sidelines, but after last night, The Game is Back. Hunter said he's back where he belongs in the main event of Mania. Hunter said you can bet your ass that when he gets there, he's going to become a 12-time WWE champion. Before he could finish, Randy Orton's music interrupted and Orton walked out on stage with the WWE Title belt over his shoulder.

Orton eventually made his way into the ring as Hunter smirked in his direction. Ross talked about Orton getting himself intentionally DQ'ed against Cena last night. Orton's music stopped and the boos came down on him. Orton spoke first, but not after some "You suck" chants. He said they've come full circle. Last night, it was Cena. Before him, Jeff Hardy. Chris Jericho. Shawn Michaels. Before all of them, it started with you, Triple H, the man he beat for the WWE Title. Orton said Hunter's jealousy has always been the same, though. He went back to four years ago when Hunter was jealous of him, and he's jealous of him now because he's that much better. Orton said he's glad to hear Hunter already proclaiming his victory at Mania, because it makes him just like the rest, who he has already beaten. Before Orton could finish, John Cena's music hit and the roof came off the building.

Cena walked out on stage wagging his finger as if to say not so fast. Cena quickly entered the ring and told everyone to hold up. Cena got booed pretty heavy here. Cena presented WWE champion Randy Orton to the audience, who booed him. He called Orton to first WWE champion to be a liar and a loser. Cena said other sports like football, baseball, and basketball have scandal, but now disgrace has come to WWE where Orton has an asterisk by his name. The vocal fans booed Cena, then Cena asked for a re-match, which the fans cheered. Cena booked Orton a/k/a Cpt. No-Nuts vs. him tonight with the winner facing Hunter at Mania. Orton said it should be him and Hunter at Mania, with nothing to do with Cena. Hunter said quite honestly he doesn't care which one of them is champ because all he knows is that he's got the title shot and he's going to face whomever it is.

William Regal's music then hit and he came out to settle things. He said Hunter is a lock for Mania. As for Orton, he got himself intentionally DQ'ed last night. He said that might be well and good for Orton, but it doesn't reflect well on the Raw brand. He then booked a re-match tonight for Orton vs. Cena, but non-title. Regal explained that if Cena wins, he goes on to Mania in a triple threat match. Hunter tried to interrupt, but Regal cut him off and said if Cena wins, then it's a triple threat. Hunter said that doesn't work for him, as he won a one-on-one shot. Regal said that's a good deal, but this is where things get interesting because the special referee for Orton vs. Cena tonight will be Hunter. Hunter didn't react, and everyone had a staredown to close the segment. The crowd found it difficult to follow, but it set up the main event for tonight.

[Commercial Break]

[Q2]

Announcers: They recapped the Mayweather and Big Show confrontation last night with several camera angles. Ross said Show suffered a broken nose, and Mayweather will be here tonight.

In-ring: Some new music hit and Jeff Hardy came out. Eh. It doesn't have the same kick as his previous music, but it could grow on me. Hardy limped into the ring showing the effects from last night. It's time for a Money in the Bank qualifier. They showed the group that recorded Hardy's new theme music sitting ringside. Snitsky came out as the opponent. Um, Snitsky looks like someone stretched his chest sideways like an accordion.

1 -- IC champion JEFF HARDY vs. SNITSKY -- Money in the Bank qualifying match

Ross and Lawler said every Money in the Bank winner has gone on to become WWE champion. Could someone point me in the direction of Mr. Kennedy's WWE Title victory? The match started with Hardy landing rapid-fire kicks. He tried to go up top for a dive, but he struggled to move around the ring. That gave Snitsky enough time to crotch him up and give him a big boot to the floor.

[Commercial Break - Obama is advertising ahead of the March 4 primary in Texas]

They returned with Hardy locked in a bearhug in center ring. Snitsky then stomped on Hardy, who took a pounding on the mat, but he kicked out of several pin attempts. Snitsky applied a modified Crossface in center ring, then he turned it into a front headlock. Snitsky then went for a leg drop, but Hardy moved. Hardy started throwing forearms in his comeback, then he nailed a flying forearm for a nearfall. Hardy then landed a glancing blow with the Whisper in the Wind for a nearfall. He measured Snitsky for the Twist of Fate, but Snitsky pushed him off and nailed a big boot for a nearfall. Snitsky went for a pumphandle slam, but Hardy blocked and hit the Twist of Fate. He then went up top and nailed the Swanton Bomb for the win.

WINNER: Hardy in 10:00. Didn't make for good TV at times, but the story was pretty clear from Hardy's selling. The crowd finally came to life for the finish after waiting for something to cheer for. (*1/4)

[Q3]

Announcers: They gave Ross and Lawler some camera time for Lawler to show off the texting deal of whether Maria should pose for Playboy. ... They then showed video on the Mayweather blows on Show last night. That still looks nasty for the tenth time. They went backstage and showed Mayweather talking to Rey Mysterio. They had a little talk while Ross narrated.

[Commercial Break]

Video package: They did a video promo on Mayweather vs. Big Show to promote the No Way Out replay. They included some clips on Hardy vs. Hardy and Taker vs. Batista in the Chamber.

In-ring: Mike Adamle brought out Shawn Michaels to deliver the first Hall of Fame 2008 announcement. Michaels was in street clothes and had bandages on his forehead. Michaels took the mic and said he's quite sore and beat up. He said you can't have Mania without the Hall of Fame ceremony, so it is his honor and privilege to introduce one man as the first Hall of Fame inductee. The fans started whooing as Michaels said this man is the greatest wrestler of all time. Michaels said he's my friend. They went to the Ric Flair video that they've aired at live events the past two months. Great piece of video.

Back in the ring, Michaels smiled when the video ended and he got a little choked up. He then asked the fans to join him in congratulating the Nature Boy. Michaels said he could never do it justice, but he asked for everyone to Whoo with him. Michaels's music hit, then he clapped it up for Flair. Ross said Flair is the only active wrestler to be inducted into the Hall. Michales left the ring. Um, where's Flair? Reminds of the South Carolina Nitro where Arn Anderson did the promo where he sarcastically said he's been bumped on the head one too many times and almost forgot the Fourth Horsemen before bringing out Flair for the huge return and promo on Bischoff. This time, they actually forgot the Fourth Horsemen.

[Commercial Break]

[Q4]

They're doing a Slammy Awards Top 10 moments on wwe.com this Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. EST. Too much footage that I could have done without seeing ever again.

In-ring: Burchill and his sister came to the ring. Super Crazy was already in the ring as the opponent. They did an inset promo of Burchill talking about all the guys giving Katie some looks in the locker room. Katie said it's simply a testament to good family genes.

2 -- PAUL BURCHILL (w/Katie Lea) vs. SUPER CRAZY

Basic action in the early going as the audio picked up some of the "You're a Pirate" chants. Ross and Lawler talked about other brother/sister combos. Burchill with the Curb Stomp on Crazy for the win.

WINNER: Burchill in 2:00. Snoozer. It's not there. Burchill just has this look to him that reminds me of Triple H when he first came in as Hunter Hearst Helmsley. There just wasn't any money in the presentation at the time, but Hunter evolved over time. Burchill, if given a chance, needs to tweak his character. The problem, as it usually is in this situations, is that WWE didn't spend any time on pre-introductory vignettes to explain Burchill's gimmick. (DUD)

Backstage: They showed Shane McMahon talking to Big Show, who didn't look happy. Show had tape over his broken nose.

[Commercial Break]

Backstage: Triple H was on the phone in his locker room talking to someone. He said whatever it is won't make a difference. Randy Orton then came in and stared down at him. Hunter hung up, then stood up to face to him. Orton said it can't be a triple threat match at Mania, as Cena doesn't deserve it. Orton said Hunter doesn't want to tap out to Cena like two years ago. He kept planting the seeds in Hunter's ear as Hunter just smiled. Hunter asked if he's trying to play mind games with him. He said he's the guy who taught Orton how to play those mind games, so he's not falling for that. Hunter said he's calling it how he sees it. He said if it's going to favor anyone, it's going to favor him. Orton's smirk turned into a frown and he walked away. Nice interplay.

Announcers: Ross and Lawler talked about tonight's main event, then Ross talked about Rey Mysterio gutting it out against Edge. They showed full footage of the Show vs. Mayweather confrontation, with more replays of the four-punch combo on Show's noggin.

In-ring: Big Show came to the ring and said he was supposed to apologize for his actions last night. Show said he might have been a little bit overzealous last night, and maybe he went a little too far. He said he thinks Mayweather went a little too far, but he's here to make a public apology. Show, acting very sincere, asked for Mayweather to come to the ring.

[Q5 -- second hour]

In-ring continued: Mayweather came to the ring with posse behind him to a strong reception. Mayweather entered the ring by himself and told his posse to stand ringside. Mayweather was all-smiles as he walked around the ring. Show simply stood motionless in the ring. Lots of boos here. Mayweather then asked Anaheim what's up, and he got a smattering of boos. Mayweather said he loves publicity and he's been a fan of WWE for many years. He said he's sorry things happened that way last night, and he's the best fighter in the world. More boos. Mayweather said when someone calls him out, he has to retaliate. Show said he wasn't calling him out, just trying to get a little pub of his own. He was trying to have a moment, but now it's OK. It's in the past. Show paused and said man-to-man, face-to-face that he is sorry. Show extended his hand for a shake and Mayweather thought it over. He then went in and shook hands. Both men backed away from each other and Mayweather carefully slipped out of the ring.

Before things were all over, Show cut off Mayweather's music and said now that he's done what he's supposed to do, he wants to get a little something off his chest. Mayweather turned around and looked at him from the stage. He said the only way Mayweather could hurt him was when he was on his knees. He said he's still bigger than Mayweather on his knees. Show said that they both know he could take him out in two minutes. He said he let Mayweather leave the ring just like right now. Mayweather was told to leave by his posse, but Mayweather kept looking back at Show. Show kept goading him into a one-on-one battle.

Mayweather was on top of the stage looking back at Show, then he bolted down the entrance ramp and charged into the ring. His posse was right there with him as Mayweather took off his jacket and picked up a mic. After a good, long pause, Mayweather looked into Show's eyes and shouted, "I accept!" Show smiled, then Mayweather faked a right hand blow and Show flinched. Mayweather smiled and backed away. Show smiled back and gritted his teeth in frustration. "I can't believe this," Ross said. Very interesting Episode 2 progression to the storyline. Crowd reaction was against both men here, but Rey could swing that for Team Mayweather down the line. Good job from both Show and Mayweather of taking their time with the story and not rushing the key points.

[Commercial Break. Clinton with an ad ahead of the March 4 primary voting in Texas. 1 up.]

Announcers: Ross and Lawler talked about Mayweather accepting Big Show's challenge for a match. Lots of camera time for them tonight. They debated what kind of match they'll have at Mania. Lawler said Mayweather is risking tons of future earnings in a match against Show. Speaking of money, Ross introduced a video package on the Money in the Bank ladder match.

In-ring: Mr. Kennedy came to the ring for a Money in the Bank qualifying match. He has new theme music as well. Already in the ring was Val Venis.

3 -- MR. KENNEDY vs. VAL VENIS -- MITB qualifying match

Kennedy quickly took the former Chief Morley to the mat with an armbar. Kennedy kept working on the left arm with some nice mat holds. Kennedy kicked Venis in the gut, then nailed the mic check for a quick, decisive win.

WINNER: Kennedy in 2:00. Decisive victory for Kennedy, with Venis relegated to enhancement status. So, it's Kennedy and Hardy qualifying for MITB tonight. (1/2*)

[Q6]

Announcers: Ross and Lawler plugged Cena vs. Orton tonight with Hunter as special referee ... The cage was lowered to the ring for the McMahon vs. Hornswoggle cage match. It's next.

[Commercial Break]

Replay: They showed Hornswoggle with the tadpole splash on McMahon last week.

In-ring: With the cage lowered to the ring, Mr. McMahon was already inside the cage awaiting his bastard son for their cage match. McMahon peered through the bars toward the entrance ramp, then Hornswoggle's music hit and the kids cheered. He then walked to ringside with Finlay escorting him. Finlay entered the ring with Hornswoggle and screamed at McMahon for allowing this to happen. McMahon ordered Finlay out of the cage and Finlay reluctantly slid out to the apron.

Suddenly, JBL showed up and slammed the cage door onto Finlay. JBL then handcuffed Finlay to the ring ropes and started kicking Finlay in the head. McMahon fumbled with his belt and eventually took it off. He then told Hornswoggle to bend over so he could give it to him. McMahon whipped Hornswoggle on the back of the leg and Horny started crying. Finlay screamed at him to stop, but he couldn't do anything. McMahon then laid into Finlay with belt shots to the rear end. Ross whispered that he's going too far. McMahon then left the cage, leaving JBL alone with Hornswoggle. JBL choked Hornswoggle as the fans booed him. JBL then chucked Hornswoggle head-first into the cage wall. Finlay screamed out in agony for JBL to take it out on him. JBL then picked up Hornswoggle and kicked him in the head. Finlay screamed at him why he's doing this. The fans chanted for Y2J, but no sign of him. JBL kept taunting Finlay by beating up Hornswoggle some more, then JBL kicked Finlay in the head. JBL picked up Hornswoggle again and gave him an overhead slam into the side of the cage wall. McMahon was stunned outside of the cage as Hornswoggle went motionless.

McMahon then went emotionless and whispered at JBL that that's enough. Finlay screamed at JBL that he will pay for this. McMahon asked for some help as JBL left the caeg to huge heat. McMahon whispered at Hornswoggle that he's sorry. Finlay screamed at McMahon that he's not sorry. Finlay screamed at JBL and McMahon that both of them will pay. Huge heat for McMahon and JBL as they left ringside. Medics gingerly checked on Hornswoggle as they asked for the cage to be lifted. Wow. That's about as raw as you can get for TV wrestling. Unbelievably real segment that probably got tears from some folks.

[Q7]

[Commercial Break]

Video promo: Ric Flair is on ECW tomorrow night. Can't say WWE isn't trying to get that rating back up well-above TNA's level.

Announcers: Ross was despondent as he introduced a recap of the previous cage segment. They showed Finlay tearfully taking Hornswoggle out of the ring during the commercial break. Ross and Lawler were stunned ringside. He said it's one of the most disturbing things he's ever seen on Raw. Santino's music interrupted Lawler talking about the segment.

In-ring: Santino came to the ring with Maria. Lawler couldn't even get excited for Maria's appearance. Really nice touch for Lawler to keep his emotions in check after the previous segment. The text poll voting was 94 percent for Maria posing for Playboy. Santino came to the ring sporting some sweet shades and said he has some great news. He said the people are going to get what they want. Santino excitedly announced that Maria will pose for Playboy. Huh? He pulled out the Playboy contract, then said Maria will be in action tonight against Beth Phoenix. Oh.

Maria was stunned at the bittersweet news, as she didn't expect to be in action tonight. Beth Phoenix then came to the ring ready to beat someone up. Before the bell sounded, Santino cut everything off and said there is some very small print in the Playboy contract. He said that she can only pose for Playboy if she beats Beth tonight. He sarcastically said this is the first time he's been aware of this ever in life.

4 -- Women's champion BETH PHOENIX vs. MARIA (w/Santino Marella)

Beth dominated Maria in the early going, then Maria fought back with forearm blows before walking into a spinning powerslam for a two count. Maria fought back from her knees with slaps, then Candice Michelle walked out to ringside and distracted Beth. Maria then rolled up Beth from behind and scored a pin for the win. Santino bit his hand in frustration as Beth tried to grab Maria as she slipped out of the ring. Beth screamed at Candice as Santino walked over and pretended like he was happy, with a big fake smile. So great. Maria thanked Candice and now Maria poses. Yeah for all.

WINNER: Maria in 3:00. Well, they had to find a way for Maria to win without sacrificing too much of Beth's credibility. Good way to involve Candice in the storylines again, as she'll presumably pick up where Mickie James left off.

Backstage: They showed Triple H slapping on his referee t-shirt. Looked like he was auditioning for a commercial on hair care products.

[Commercial Break]

[Q8]

In-ring: Lillian Garcia laid out the stipulations for Cena vs. Orton tonight. She introduced Triple H first as special referee. Orton then came out confidently, followed by Cena.

5 -- WWE champion RANDY ORTON vs. JOHN CENA -- non-title match -- Triple H special referee -- Cena goes to Mania main event if he wins

The bell sounded and Cena drove Orton to the corner with a collar and elbow lock-up. Orton then came back with a succession of right hand blows. Cena fought back with right hands of his own before walking into a dropkick from Orton. Big mix for Orton, while Cena is getting mainly boos. Orton then rammed Cena off the ring apron into the announce table. Cena's head bounced off the table, then Hunter started his ten count.

[Commercial Break]

Back to live action, Orton tried to bail to the outside, but Cena banged him off the announce table. Back in the ring, Orton caught Cena on the apron and gave him the horizontal DDT for a nearfall. Orton stalked Cena and landed a clubbing forearm blow to the back, before connecting on a powerslam for a nearfall. Orton kicked Cena in the legs while Cena kept squeezing his hand trying to get feeling back in his joints. Orton then measured Cena for a leaping knee to the face. He made a cover, but only got a two count. Orton applied a headlock that bordered on a choke as Hunter casually checked the hold. Cena eventually broke the hold, but Orton rolled him up for a two count.

[Q9 -- over-run]

The match continued at a slow pace until Cena finally fired back with a right hand blow to the gut. He landed a closed fist to the jaw, then Cena hit the sit-out slam and called for the Five Knuckle Shuffle. He dropped the move, then stalked Orton. Cena had Orton in position for the FU, but Orton blocked and slammed Cena's neck across the top rope. Orton went for a move to take Cena to the floor, but Cena moved and Orton spilled to the floor. They battled on the floor, then Orton rammed Cena shoulder-first into the ring steps. Back in the ring, Orton stalked Cena for the FU, but Cena blocked and slapped on the STFU in center ring. Hunter, who had remained neutral throughout this, went down to check on Orton. Orton screamed out in pain for the ropes, but he couldn't quite reach the bottom rope. He eventually got his fingertips on the bottom rope and Cena broke at four. Hunter gave Cena a word for taking too long on the break, then they had a staredown. Suddenly, Orton tried to blindside Cena with an RKO, but Cena ducked and nailed the FU in center ring. He covered Orton and Hunter counted to three for the win.

Immediately after the match, Hunter quickly dropped Cena with the Pedigree and asked for the WWE Title. He took the belt and stared down at Cena, who was KO'ed on the mat. Hunter then walked over to Orton, who was also KO'ed on the mat. Hunter then waited for Orton to get up and he dropped the belt at Orton's feet. Hunter then grabbed him and nailed the Pedigree in center ring. Hunter ripped off his referee t-shirt and grabbed the WWE Title belt. He then held the belt over his shoulder and stared up at the WrestleMania 24 sign hanging above the ring. Hunter raised his arms victoriously before posing one more time to close the show.

WINNER: Cena in 14:00 to earn a WrestleMania title shot. A notch or two below last night's Cena vs. Orton match. Everyone just seemed worn out. They just finished a long international tour. They had a physical title match last night. And then to turn around and go 15 minutes again is a tough deal. Hats off to Cena and Orton for putting in a solid effort tonight. Hunter gets the first blow in the war, and it will be interesting to see why he decided to count Cena's pin to create a three-way. (***)

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