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By Wade Keller, Torch editor

KELLER'S WWE RAW REPORT
FEBRUARY 18, 2008
LIVE FROM ANAHIEM, CALIF.

WHAT HAPPENED: HOUR ONE

-Triple H walked out to his full ring intro to kick off the show. He spit water, wore his latest t-shirt and leather jacket, was wearing gunglasses indoors, and threw his arms out upon entering the ring. You know, the usual for all of us on our way to the office. Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler introduced the show as he made his way to ringside.

Triple H said he's happy tonight, but a year ago he wasn't because he was in a wheelchair, getting ready to watch 80,000 WWE fans go crazy at WrestleMania watching others. He said he had to watch the game (lowercase) from the sidelines. He said after last night and beating five other "guys." (Is he allowed, even as son-in-law, to call WWE Superstars "guys"; it sounds so.... human... ordinary...?) He said he's ready to headline the granddaddy of them all, WrestleMania, and become a 12-time WWE Champion. Randy Orton's music interrupted as he was about to go into his "King of Kings" conclusion.

Orton paced to the ring with the title belt over his shoulder. Ross said that was a show of disrespect by Orton. Lawler said he's surprised Orton would even show his face after his conduct against John Cena last night. Ross explained what happened. Orton entered the ring and said they've come full circle. He said Cena, Jeff Hardy, Chris Jericho, and Shawn Michaels have been in his path, but it all began before them when he defeated him to win the WWE Title. He said his jealousy for him has always remained the same. Hunter laughed. Orton said four years ago he was jealous of him when he first won the WWE Title, and he's even more jealous of him now because he is that much better. He said it makes him happy to see him out there proclaiming his victory at WrestleMania already. As he approached Hunter and asked if he wanted to have his moment, Cena's music interrupted.

Cena stepped onto the stage, wagging his finger. He quickly made his way to the ring and said, "Wait, wait just one cotton pickin' moment. Yeah, I just went there." He then introduced Orton to the fans. "He is the first WWE Champion to be both a liar and a loser." (I doubt that.) He said with all of the corruption in sports, finally disgrace comes to the WWE Title. He said Orton is a champion with an asterisks. He said Orton is the only champion to "lose his way into WrestleMania." He challenged "Captain No-Nuts" Orton to a match tonight with the winner being the champion heading into a match against Triple H at WrestleMania. Orton looked at Hunter and said it should be about them, not Cena. Hunter said he "doesn't give a crap" who he faces at WrestleMania, since he'll walk out as champ either way.

William Regal's music played and he stepped onto the stage. He said as General Manager, he wanted to resolve the dispute. He told Hunter he will definitely be going to WrestleMania as champion. "That's a lock," he said. Regal noted that Orton did intentionally get himself DQ'd to keep the title, which doesn't reflect well on the Raw brand. He said since Cena won, there will be a rematch, but it'll be non-title. Cena protested the "non-title" aspect. Regal said if Cena won, he'll be added to the match, making it a Triple Threat. Hunter didn't like that.

Hunter said that doesn't work for him. He won his shot to get a one-on-one shot against the champ. Regal said, "It may not work for you, but this is where it gets interesting." He then explained that Triple H would be the special guest referee. That's quite a scenario laid out for Hunter. It's in his best interest to keep Cena from winning. Ross said this will be a truly memorable Raw.

[Commercial Break]

-Ross narrated some brief highlights of Floyd Mayweather punching The Big Show. It was almost underplayed, but by the end of the show and by the time WrestleMania rolls around, it will be anything but. As Jason Powell first reported this morning at prowrestling.NET, Mayweather is scheduled to be in a tag match teaming with Rey Mysterio (if he's physically able) against Big Show & a partner, rumored to be Shane McMahon. It's a great match to give WM that special extra attraction.

2 -- JEFF HARDY vs. SNITSKY - Money in the Bank Qualifier

Hardy limped to the ring, showing the effects of the Elimination Chamber. He has new intro music from "EndeverafteR" who also happened to be sitting in the front row. Ross hyped the Money in the Bank ladder match. He noted that every MITB winner has gone on to become a champion. Being in another MITB match seems like spinning his wheels unless he wins it this year. Two minutes in, Snitsky shoved Hardy to the floor as Hardy set up a top rope move.

[Commercial Break]

After the break, Snitsky stomped on Hardy in mid-ring. Lawler talked about how amazed Hardy was in the Chamber match last night. Snitsky locked on a series of mat holds to ground Hardy. Hardy made his comeback at 9:00, including a Whisper in the Wind that missed entirely, but Snitsky sold like he was shot. Lawler had to admit he didn't get all of it. Snitsky gave Hardy a big boot off the ropes to turn the momentum quickly, but Hardy kicked out. Hardy blocked a pump handle slam and then hit the Twist of Fate. Hardy went to the top rope and came off with the Swanton for the win.

WINNER: Hardy in 10:00.

STAR RATING: * -- Okay match. The mat hold was a little long for a TV match like this, but it was applied pretty intensely by Snitsky. The new Hardy theme song is fine. It's tough because his other song was so identified with him, but it was dated and it didn't have any cross-promotion built in like this new one.

-Lawler plugged a text messaging poll where fans can vote to say Yes or No to Maria posing nude in Playboy. Gee, I can't handle the suspense of how that'll turn out.

-They showed Mysterio talking with Mayweather backstage. Ross said he'd be on Raw later.

[Commercial Break]

-A video package aired on No Way Out including Show-Mayweather and Chamber highlights.

-Mike Adamle introduced Shawn Michaels from mid-ring. Tonight he got through the letters "WWE" without tripping. He said Michaels has a special Hall of Fame announcement. Michaels said he's proud to announce that the greatest of all time and the inspiration for him getting into this business, Ric Flair, would be inducted this year. He said he's proud to call him a friend. Vintage clips aired of Flair's career. A choked up Michaels said nobody deserves it more than he does. He asked fans to join him in a "Whoo!" He let out a whoo, but admitted beforehand it wasn't his thing. He's right about that. Ouch!

[Commercial Break]

-A video aired hyping the weekly Saturday night Top Ten Slammy Moments Countdown starting this Saturday night.

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

An inset soundbite aired before the match with Burchill saying he notices guys looking at his sister. Katie said it's a testament to their good family genes. Lawler admitted he's look at her jeans a few times. Crazy opened up with a flurry of kicks and chops and punches. Burchill quickly took over and finished him with his lift-and-stomp finisher. Ross called it "nasty."

WINNER: Burchill in 2:00.

-They showed the cage hanging above the ring for the Hornswoggle vs. Vince McMahon.

-Shane McMahon chatted with Big Show backstage.

[Commercial Break]

-Hunter was shown chatting on his cell phone, telling someone he doesn't care whom he faces because he'll win either way. Orton walked in and said their match can't be a Triple Threat match. He said Cena doesn't deserve to win and he doesn't want what happened two years ago at WM to happen again - when Cena made Hunter tapout. He told him to call the match the right way to exclude Cena. Hunter asked if he was trying to play mindgames with him and swerve him to make him see things his way. Hunter said he taught him that trick and he's not putting anything over on him. He said he'd call it the way he sees it, and if it favors anyone, it'll favor him. Orton walked away and Hunter sneered and snorted a little.

-Lawler and Ross talked about the Edge-Rey match and the post-match happening including another clip of Mayweather punching Show, breaking his nose. Lawler said had Show gotten ahold of Mayweather, he would have broken him in half like a twig.

WHAT HAPPENED: HOUR TWO

-The Big Show walked out to his entrance music with the bridge of his nose taped. Lilian Garcia asked fans to welcome him back. He didn't much of any reaction, as fans are reserving judgment on the storyline at this point and his role in it, although obviously he's a heel for how he reacted to Rey at ringside trying to recover from his match. Show said he was asked to step out and apologize for his actions last night. He said it with a touch of sincerity and two doses of it being his duty and obligation. He said while he may have gone too far, so did Mayweather. He said he knows Mayweather is in the building and he wants him to join him in the ring. Mayweather came out to not much reaction (the boxing-pro wrestling crossover percentage will be exposed/revealed in coming weeks). Mayweather was accompanied by a five others, a mix of bodyguards, pals, managers, and whatever else.

Mayweather said, "Anaheim, what's up?" He showed more charisma than Pacman Jones already, but it's always awkward when fans are pretty quiet for a crossover star stepping into the ring who fans aren't reacting to. He said he's a WWE fan. He's also the best fighter in the world, and when someone calls him out (he referred to himself in the third person, which is a good way to turn yourself heel with fans, and society in general), he has no choice but to react. Show said he wanted to get some publicity, not call him out, by showing the size difference between them. He was looking for "a moment," he said. He calmly, deliberately said, "I want to tell you man to man, face to face, I am sorry." Mayweather looked like he had to pee really bad, as he began stepping in place. Show held out his hand. Mayweather accepted the handshake and slipped out of the ring. He put his hood back over his head and walked to the back.

Show paused, looked down, took a deep breath, and then told "Floyd" to listen up. He said he's done everything he promised he'd do exactly as he promised, but now he wants to get something off his chest. He said the only way he can hurt him was on his knees. He said even on his knees, he's still bigger than he is. (True.) He said, "We both know, if I wanted to, I could take you out in two minutes. I let you leave the ring, just like now when you let you walk out of my ring." Mayweather stared back as his handlers sorta held him back. Show asked him to find out the truth and take him on one-on-one. He said if he wants publicity, come take on the Big Show. Mayweather stared back at Show, then charged to the ring, breaking free from his handlers. His handlers caught up to him as he re-entered the ring and grabbed the mic. He took off his jacket and stared at Show. "I accept!" Mayweather said. Show recoiled when Mayweather threatened to punch him. Show nodded and smiled as Mayweather left the ring. Ross, who was silent throughout, said, "I can't even believe this."

Hmm. Really good segment in some ways. A little disappointing in others. Fans weren't really rallying behind Mayweather or against Show. They could have done more to set that up by involving Rey more and having Show be a jerk about things. Instead, Show pretty much spoke the truth. The idea was to make it seem real and unscripted, so they may have sacrificed some of that usual storyline manipulation in order to accomplish that. It's tough to give it an unqualified thumbs up or down. It did feel like a big deal. Mayweather looks so small next to show, it works against his star power for people who haven't seen him rack up his undefeated boxing record. Having a bunch of people surround him may seem normal in the boxing culture, but Show looked like the babyface by standing alone.

[Commercial Break]

3 -- VAL VENIS vs. MR. KENNEDY - Money in the Bank Qualifier

Kennedy came out to new entrance music.

WINNER: Kennedy to advantace to MITB in 2:00.

STAR RATING: 1/4* -- Not a lot to it, and far from electric.

-The cage lowered to signify the pending start of Vince McMahon vs. Hornswoggle.

[Commercial Break]

4 -- HORNSWOGGLE vs. VINCE MCMAHON - cage match

After ring introductions for Vince McMahon and Hornswoggle, Finlay entered the ring and told McMahon "this is wrong!" A referee entered the ring and demanded that Finlay leave. He began to make his way out of the ring when JBL appeared out of nowhere slammed the cage door on him. He then entered the ring and beat on Finlay, ramming him into the cage and then handcuffing him to it. A worried Hornswoggle watched as McMahon took off his belt. Finlay yelled, "Stop it!" Vince whipped at him to keep him away. Then he began whipping Hornswoggle. Vince left the ring. JBL then took over the beating of Hornswoggle. He threw him into the cage. Finlay continued to cry out for mercy for Hornswoggle. JBL methodically beat on Hornswoggle, then he turned to Finlay and stomped him to shut him up. JBL lifted Hornswoggle. Finlay pleaded, "Don't do this! Don't do that!" JBL gave Hornswoggle and overhead toss into the cage. Vince looked on almost in disbelief at what JBL was actually doing. Vince called for help for Hornswoggle who lay motionless in the ring. Vince apologized to Hornswoggle through the cage door, like a dad after hitting his son. Finlay asked how could allow that to happen. His intensity was great throughout.

[Commercial Break]

-After clips aired of the cage beating, a somber Ross said it was one of the worst thing he's ever seen. Lawler said it was way beyond anything that was acceptable.

-Santino Marella and Maria walked out to lighten the mood. Santino had a clipboard with him. Lawler revealed that 94 percent of voters wanted Maria to pose for Playboy. Santino said he had great news as the fans will get what they want. He said his Maria will pose in Playboy. He had a contract in hand. He said first he has arranged for her to wrestle "Glamazon" Beth Phoenix. Maria was wearing high heels.

5 -- MARIA vs. BETH PHOENIX

As the match was about to begin, Santino said he just saw in small print she can only pose in Playboy if she beats Beth Phoenix tonight. He said this is the first time he was aware of this. The bell rang to the start the match. A determined Maria went after Phoenix, but Phoenix immediately powered her into the corner and stomped and kicked her. Santino said that he was the victim of some kind of conspiracy. Ross said, "That statement lacks a little genuality." Two minutes in, Candice Michelle walked to ringside. She distracted Phoenix, so Maria rolled her up from behind for the leverage pin. Santino made a great face, biting his index finger and trying to force a happy look.

WINNER: Maria in 2:00.

STAR RATING: 1/2*

[Commercial Break]

6 -- RANDY ORTON vs. JOHN CENA - Non-title match with Triple H as referee

After a test of strength, Orton got the better of Cena and knocked him off the ring apron into the announce table head-first. As Hunter began to count Cena out, they cut to a break.

[Commercial Break]

Orton dominated after the break, working over Cena's ankle and then settling into his obligatory mid-matchin chinlock. Cena powered out and back suplexed Orton to the mat. Cena made a comeback at 10:00. He hit his fistdrop and then set up an FU. Orton slipped out and dropped Cena throat-first over the top rope. Orton threw Cena into the ringside steps. He rolled Cena into the ring. Ross said Orton isn't trying to get counted out, he's trying to redeem himself. The more logical reason is if he loses this time in any manner, including countout or DQ, Cena joins the match. Cena avoided an RKO attempt and then used a drop toe hold to take Orton down and lock on an STFU. Orton struggled to break free. Orton struggled to the bottom rope to force a break. Hunter scolded Cena for not breaking the hold immediately. Cena leaned in and they went nose-to-nose. Orton recovered and charged at Cena with an RKO attempt, and Cena quickly countered with an FU for the clean three count.

WINNER: Cena in 15:00.

STAR RATING: *** -- Strong TV match.

-After the match, Triple H gave Cena a Pedigree. Then he took the WWE Title belt and walked toward Cena, then he walked over to Orton, looked at the belt, and dropped it near Orton as Orton attempted to stand. Hunter then moved in and gave Orton a Pedigree. Triple H ripped off his shirt and held the title belt in the air as his music played to end the show.

We welcome your 1-10 score and comments on this show for a "Raw Reax" feature in the Torch Feedback section of PWTorch.com. Just to add a twist to this feature, include not just your hometown, but also your occupation (mechanic, lawyer, stay-at-home-dad, college student, etc.) so readers get a flavor for what everyone does as "day jobs." To contribute your thoughts on Raw, click here.

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