By Wade Keller, Torch editor

KELLER'S WWE RAW REPORT
FEBRUARY 25, 2008
FROM PHOENIX, ARIZ. LIVE ON USA

WHAT HAPPENED: HOUR ONE

-After a video recap of last week's WrestleMania main event developments, John Cena, Triple H, and Randy Orton stood in mid-ring with William Regal. Regal said he arranged for a mid-ring photo of the three standing together. They stood together briefly for the photo shoot. Cena stepped away from Orton quickly. Regal said he's arranged for each to have mic time to discuss "what is sure to be one of the most talked about main events in WrestleMania history."

Cena spoke first. He thanked Orton and Hunter for being present because he has a problem with one of them. He said the way he was raised, he was taught to address them like a ma to his face. He walked up to Triple H. He said half of him wants to thank him because he could have robbed him of his title shot with a quick DQ, but he has an issue with the Pedigree he received "as a congratulations." Hunter replied that there is no need to thank him. "I didn't do you any favors. I did what was right. I want you in that ring at WrestleMania," said Hunter. He added that Cena and a lot of the fans may not have appreciated the Pedigree, but a lot of them did. There were more cheers for the last part of his sentence. He told Cena to get used to it because at WrestleMania, he's receive more of the same thing.

Cena replied that there's only been one "clash of the titans" before - a match between those two - and he tapped out. Hunter had no reply other than taking off his jacket and looking threateningly at Cena. Orton then said they can argue all they want, but one thing will remain the same: "I am still the WWE Champion." He said they each have given him their best shot, but he still has the WWE Title. The crowd chanted "You suck" briefly. Orton asked Cena about his catch phrase, then said, "The champ is here! And there is not a damn thing either of you can do about it." Hunter and Cena trned to Orton and punched him and threw him over the top rope to the floor. Hunter and Cena then leaned in forehead-to-forehead, shortly thereafter breaking into a brawl themselves. Hunter got the better of Cena, but Orton then gave Hunter an RKO. He turned and gave one to Cena, also. Orton then stood over each of them and held his title belt above his head. Jim Ross asked if this is what the scene would be at the conclusion of WrestleMania at the SunBowl. Very good segment. By the numbers, but with the personalities and history between each pair, all they needed was to let them have their say. The idea of Orton getting the better of both of them because they turn on each other is the underlying intrigue going into this match.

[Commercial Break]

-Mr. Kennedy approached Orton backstage. He said he plans to win the Money in the Bank match and he will be cashing it in that night. He said if he loses, he loses. But if he wins, he's also going to lose. "I want you to know that just so there's no surprises." Orton sternly called him Ken. Kennedy corrected him: "It's Mr. Kennedy." Orton said he can make all the threats he wants, but he'll still walk out of WrestleMania the WWE Champion. Kennedy smugly said, "Okay, we'll see about that."

2 -- CODY RHODES & HARDCORE HOLLY vs. CARLITO & SANTINO MARELLA (w/Maria)

Ross and Jerry Lawler talked about Maria's Playboy photo shoot. Ross said as Holly and Rhodes walked out, "Certainly opposites do attract as it relates to the young Cody Rhodes and the veteran 'Hardcore' Bob Holly." He paused right before saying it, as if he was being fed the line by someone being devious on the headset. Lawler immediately said Santino and Maria are an odd couple, too. The heels worked over Rhodes at 2:00 before he "hot tagged" (as much as you can have a "hot tag" two minutes into a match) Holly. Holly kicked Carlito between his legs from behind and went for the Back Stabber. They cut away mid-move to show Lawler trying to lure Maria over the anounce table. Santino tagged in and missed a top rope move when distracted by Lawler and Maria. Holly top rope slammed him, then gave him an airplane spin into an Alabama Slam for the win.

WINNERS: Holly & Rhodes in 3:00.

STAR RATING: 1/2*

-Santino yelled over at Lawler afterward. Lawler said he was just trying to get her to do some commentary. Ross said Maria's Playboy will be on sale March 7.

-Lawler plugged that they'd have highlights of the WrestleMania press conference next.

[Commercial Break]

-Ross introduced a video package on the Big Show-Floyd Mayweather-Rey Mysterio angles over the past eight days. Lawler said Mayweather's career will be over after getting into the ring with Big Show. Ross threw to clips of the press conference.

-Cena looked like someone had woken hi up from a nap two minutes before he stepped out in front of the fans. After brief clips of Cena and Hunter talking, Mayweather was introduced. He talked about how good he looks and how much money he has. He threw hundred dollar bills to the fans. That's dangerous to do that in a crowd. Show then cut a promo saying he's going to slap him around. "If I have to slap you around a little bit at WrestleMania, I'll make you understand that wrestling can be very real." Mayweather stood on a box to go nose-to-nose with Show. Good video package.

-Todd Grisham interviewed Regal who announced the main event on Raw. He said nothing sells a big match like conflict, so he's booked Mr. Kennedy & Orton vs. Hunter & Cena. Regal sent Grisham off to spread the word. Chris Jericho walked up to Regal. They made fun of each other's hair. Jericho offered to make Regal tea. That's original. Jericho asked if he had anything in mind for him for his Money in the Bank qualifier match. Regal said he's a special golden boy so he should have a special opponent. He said his opponent would be someone who's already qualified and who pinned him in the Elimination Chamber - Jeff Hardy. He said the match is next. Jericho made fun of Regal's striped tie and striped shirt.

[Commercial Break]

3 -- JEFF HARDY vs. CHRIS JERICHO

Hardy came out to a remix of his new intro song that incorporated the start of his old theme to elicit the pop. Not sure if it had that last week, but it's a good idea. Lots of action early, some of it a bit choreographed in a lucha libre type of way. After Hardy catapulted Jericho over the top rope, Ross said he's about as far from WrestleMania 24 as he could be. Jericho returned to the ring and the two had a staredown as they cut to a break.

[Commercial Break]

They showed a clip of a Hardy missed move during the break (the term "crashed and burned" has really become overused and cliched by announcers), giving Jericho the opening to go on offense. Jericho chopped Hardy, then for the second time in the match leaned in a obviously called a spot (which may be more Hardy's "fault" than Jericho's as Hardy is notorious for not wanting to memorize too much before going into the ring for a match). They collided mid-ring and both sold it for a few seconds. It appears that Jericho's lost considerable mass since returning; he looks better and more athletic at his current weight. Hardy hit a Whisper in the Wind for a near fall at 10:00. The crowd took turns cheering for each wrestler, popping for Hardy's near fall, but a minute earlier chanting "Y2J, Y2J." Jericho applied a Walls of Jericho shortly thereafter. Hardy quickly crawled over to force a break. Hardy went for a Swanton, but Jericho moved. Jericho then hit his Lionsault for a believable near fall. Hardy surprised Jericho with a small package for a near fall. They countered each other several times ending with Jericho scoring a pin after rolling through on a sunset flip.

WINNER: Jericho in 12:00.

STAR RATING: **3/4 -- Good match. Could have been longer and not overstayed its welcome.

-Lawler and Ross plugged that Vince McMahon would be issuing an apology to his "son" next. They showed Vince backstage flexing in a blue shirt and slacks with a tie in front of the make-up lady.

[Commercial Break]

-A commercial aired for ECW focused on whether Kofi Kingston's undefeated streak would continue and, if so, against whom.

WHAT HAPPENED: HOUR TWO

-Vince McMahon walked out to the ring and said he was about to say something he's never done before. He began his apology by recapping what happened last week to Hornwoggle at his hands and those of JBL. He said he wouldn't be the only person apologizing. He said JBL is going to walk out and apologize as well. He waited. After ten seconds, he said he didn't have all night. JBL's music then played and he walked out less than enthusiastically. Vince said he called JBL to the ring simply to control Finlay so he could give Hornswoggle a dose of tough love. He said he wanted an explanation, but seemed to skip a few lines of his own prepared text in the process of asking for an apology with a strange jump mid-sentence. JBL took a deep breath, hung his head, and then said he was sorry. "I'm sorry," he said, then adding, "That I didn't do it sooner." He said he has it on good advice that Hornswoggle is not his son after all. He said it's a ruse that goes all the way to other members of his family. He said Hornswoggle is actually Finlay's son.

Vince said he isn't sure whether he should believe him. He said some members of his family are rotten to the core. He said he's had trouble believing he could produce "a mutant" like Hornswoggle from his loins. Vince asked if Hornswoggle was after his money. JBL said no, Hornswoggle doesn't know. He said Finlay has known the whole time. Vince asked for proof. JBL said he could produce it. Vince said if he's wrong, he'll get a beating worse than Hornswoggle's. JBL told Hornswoggle to look at those Irish eyes, because they are guilty as hell. JBL said next time he gets Finlay in a ring, he'll make him admit it.

-Backstage, Triple H told Cena he doesn't like him. He said he'd prefer to wrestle alone tonight. But he also likes to win. He asked Cena to do both of them a favor and try not to get beat. Cena said he feels the same way. He just wants to tell him that he doesn't have to watch his (Cena's) back tonight, but he needs to watch his own.

[Commercial Break]

4 -- UMAGA vs. D.H. SMITH

Ross touted Umaga as the most athletic super-heavyweight in WWE history. Umaga kicked Smith out of the ring over the top rope in the opening seconds. He followed to ringside and chopped him, then threw him back into the ring. Umaga climbed to the top rope and hit a big splash on target followed by a barrage of punches in the corner and the butt-charge into his face. A Samoan Spike ended it.

WINNER: Umaga in 2:00. Total squash.

-They cut backstage to Regal, Paul Burchill, and his sister Katie Lea. Regal said Vickie Guerrero sent him a message issuing a challenge to have a rep from Raw face a rep from Smackdown to determine brand superiority at WrestleMania. Regal said Umaga is perfect, so he's choosing him. Katie said Burchill would be a better choice. Regal said he's always liked Burchill, but he wants to see Burchill show him more. Burchill said anytime he wants to have another chat, he and his sister will be happy to stop by. He added, "Especially my sister. I think she likes you, mate."

[Commercial Break]

-An ECW commercial aired plugging Santino & Leyla vs. Kofi & Kelly Kelly.

5 - SHAWN MICHAELS vs. LANCE CADE

Why is Michaels wrestling matches like this? This was just a backdrop for Lawler and Ross to talk about the Mayweather-Show press conference happenings. Michaels is a legendary wrestler and icon and his wrestling shouldn't ever be a backdrop for storyline discussion. This isn't a criticism of Ross or Lawler, but instead this meaningless match being booked in the first place. The only good that comes from this is it gives Michaels an opportunity to show off his signature offense, including the new leglock he usd to nearly tapout Cade. Before he could tape, Trevor Murdoch jumped Michaels prompting a DQ. Murdoch, who's looking almost svelt lately, shoved the ref aside. Michaels made a comeback and sperkicked both heels. Michaels bled from his nose.

WINNER: Michaels in 4:00.

-After the match, the purpose of the match became clear as it was just a conduit to have Michaels in the ring for Ric Flair to walk out. Flair made a full ring intro. Michaels bowed at his feet. Flair thanked the fans for their ovation as Michaels dabbed a white towel against his bleeding nose. Flair said Michaels is absolutely incredible, sounding like James Lipson ("Inside the Actor's Studio" host) gushing over a movie star he's interviewing. He said being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame is undoubtedly the highlight of his career. He said there's only one thing that could make Flair's career even better, "and that would be to wrestle the man whose name is synonymous with professional wrestling." He said that's the "Showstopper" Shawn Michaels. Michaels said he meant every word he said last week, but he also must know that several months ago Vince McMahon made an edict that the first match he loses, he must retire. He said he has done some things in his career he is ashamed of that he has to live with. He said he'll take on almost anything, but he won't be known as the guy who ended Flair's career. "I can't take that and I don't want it," he said. There was a mix of cheers and a few scattered boos in the crowd. Flair said that's not where he was going with it. "End my career? If I wrestle you, is that a given?" Michaels said that's not necessarily the case. Flair said last week, all of the respect he paid him means nothing if he doesn't give him an opportunity to have the greatest match of his career on the grandest stage of all. Michaels said it would be a great honor then to wrestle him at WrestleMania. They hugged and shook hands. Ross said they just witnessed history. Michaels held the ropes open for Flair. Flair then did the same for Michaels. A bit of a love fest, but their resumes jusify it.

-Lawler tossed to a clip of Shaq talking about Floyd Mayweather vs. Big Show. He said Mayweather will break Show's nose again, a bit surprising since Shaq you'd think would be apt to favor size over speed and agility. But he'd take heat from the real sports community if he predicted otherwise. He said it promises to be the greatest match in WWE history.

[Commercial Break]

-Mike Adamle announced that "High Chief" Peter Maivia would be indicated into the 2008 Hall of Fame class. The video feature on him included Rock, Vince McMahon, Pat Patterson, and Afa talking about him. Next came Rocky Johnson, the other announced inductee. The Rock will induct them at the Hall of Fame ceremony. Ross and Lawler talked about this announcement. Lawler then announced Bunny Mania at WrestleMania featuring Candice Michelle & Maria vs. Beth Phoenix & Melina.

-A video feature aired of Maria's Playboy photo shoot which will have a theme of "high fashion." The story documented her interest in fashion and designing her own outfits for some of the photo shoot. Maria said someone telling her she'd look good being nude for a photo shoot, "That makes you feel good."

[Commercial Break]

-A commercial aired that implied that Big Show would face Floyd Mayweather next week . It said he'd face a professional boxer next week, and the commercial included footage of Mayweather without saying he would or wouldn't be his opponent. It may create some confusion, although those paying closest attention know the Show vs. Mayweather fight is only at WrestleMania.

6 -- MR. KENNEDY & RANDY ORTON vs. JOHN CENA & TRIPLE H

Orton gave Kennedy a cold stare as he entered the ring. Cena came out last. He and Huner argued over who'd start the match. Orton spun around and then charged at Cena and Triple H. A four-way brawl broke out with the faces quickly clearing the ring of the heels. Cena and Hunter faced off as they cut to a break.

[Commercial Break]

Kennedy was getting the better of Hunter after the break. Cena slapped Hunter's chest to tag in. Ross said, "That tag would have sent me to the trainer's room." Cena punched Kennedy, then tagged in Hunter to show him up. Hunter crotch chopped Cena. Kennedy recovered enough to dropkick Hunter's legs, then tag in Orton, who did the Orton Stom. Orton settled into his obligatory mid-match chinlock on Hunter. At 13:00 Hunter finally hot-tagged Cena, who entered the ring to an enthusiastic mix of cheers and boos. Cena went into the You Can't See Me, Five-Knuckle Shuffle, FU sequence. Orton interrupted the FU. Hunter hit Orton from behind. Kenned tried to surprise Cena from behind, but Cena countered right into an STFU which Kennedy immediately tapped out to.

WINNERS: Cena & Hunter in 15:00.

STAR RATING: **1/2 -- Basic stuff, but well executed.

-After the match Hunter snuck up behind Cena, then the two had a staredown. Hunter watched Kennedy walk up to Cena from behind and give him a mic check. Hunter stood and watched. Kennedy rolled out of the ring quickly. Kennedy's music played as the show ended.

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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