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WWE Raw Live Report
June 2, 2008
Bakersfield, Calif.

The show started with Jim Ross predicting a huge show tonight. After a pause, Triple H's music hit and out walked the WWE champion in a warm-up outfit. Ross talked about Hunter winning the Last Man Standing match last night, then they rolled footage of Orton taking the nasty fall over the top rope to the floor that resulted in a broken clavicle. Lawler said you can put it in writing: the Age of Orton is officially dead.

After posing in the ring for a while, Hunter took the mic and repeated what Lawler just said. He it's all over; as if it never existed. Hunter said Orton is watching this from a hospital room bruised, battered, and with a broken collarbone. He said he's banged up too, but it makes it easier when he's still WWE champion. Hunter said he doesn't know, nor does he care who's next in line...

Cue up John Cena's entrance music to interrupt Hunter, and out walked Cena to a strong reaction from most. Once his music stopped, the cheers tried to drown out the boos. Cena said he can't read the future, but he knows the future is now. Eh. He said he doesn't hate Hunter, in fact they see eye-to-eye on many things... except the WWE Title. Cena said Hunter has conquered them all, except for him. He said with the next WWE Draft looming, there might not be another opportunity for Hunter vs. Cena. Cena said it's Yankees vs. Red Sox, Celtics vs. Lakers, Super Bowl, World Series, and Stanley Cup all rolled into one. After the big drama, Cena simply asked Hunter if he's ready to fight. Hunter paused and said a very big star in this industry once said to him: "If you want some, come get some."

Suddenly, Jeff Hardy's music interrupted and Hardy hobbled out to the ring. Ross and Lawler said they thought Hardy got all he wanted from Umaga last night. Hardy eventually made it into the ring and told them to hold on for a second. He said three men from Raw won matches last night and they're all in the ring together. Hardy suggested him vs. Cena tonight in a first-time-ever match with the winner getting Hunter for the belt. Hunter said that's all good with him.

Vince McMahon suddenly appeared on the video screen and announced the $1.0 million challenge for next week. (Boos from the live audience at the sound of "next week.") He then took his sweet 'ole time repeating Jeff Hardy's idea for Hardy vs. Cena with the winner getting Hunter at Night of Champions for the belt. McMahon finished, leaving Hardy, Cena, Hunter, the announcers, and everyone watching at home wondering if McMahon lost his mind. Very odd segment.

[Commercial Break]

[Q2]

In-ring: Mr. Kennedy came to the ring while they replayed Burchill taking out Kennedy last week. Kennedy took the ceiling mic and cut a promo on Burchill for being mad about his little girlfriend, William Regal, being booted off the show. Kennedy said he'll give Burchill plenty to cry about tonight. Katie Lea then led out Paul Burchill on stage. Burchill said he really wants to kick Kennedy's face through the mat tonight, but Katie has a match tonight and he wants to help her prepare for it. Burchill said he has a suitable replacement. Out walked Umaga, who was sporting the taped ribs following the Hardy match last night.

1 -- MR. KENNEDY vs. UMAGA

Umaga knocked Kennedy to the floor early on, then he tried a splash from the apron, but Kennedy moved and Umaga ate the announce table. Referee applied a ten count and Umaga was unable to make the count. Fans booed the decision despite the default babyface picking up the win. Suddenly, Burchill jumped Kennedy from behind to quickly end the good feelings from the victory. Burchill stared down at Kennedy, who writhed in pain on the mat.

WINNER: Kennedy via count-out in 3:00. Who in WWE's writing room did Kennedy upset this week? A babyface hanging on for a count-out win in three minutes isn't exactly the best way to generate a positive reaction from the audience. Kennedy's babyface program needs a serious overhaul. (1/4*)

Backstage: They showed a man carrying a case full of dollar bills while being surrounded by money security. They sure weren't from Brinks. The money-man walked past the likes of Jim Duggan and Ron Simmons, who both looked on with eager eyes.

[Commercial Break. A local promo aired for the TNA Victory Road PPV in Houston next month.]

On stage: Vince McMahon walked out on stage to officially announce the $1.0 million giveaway. He then brought out the money-man holding a million bucks in cash. McMahon opened up the case and picked up a few stacks of cash to hype it up. Paging Floyd Mayweather.

[Q3]

McMahon transferred the money from the money-man's case to another case with the help of some armed security individuals. He said this is all his money...until next week. More boos from the live audience. McMahon said he's going to spill all the details on how to participate in the giveaway. He said he might give away $100,000 one week or $125,000 another week. Depends on his mood. But, by the end of next week, he should give away all $1.0 million.

McMahon said interested viewers can register on WWE's website, then he'll call the lucky entrant during the live broadcast. McMahon said the entrant must be a U.S. resident, which might cause some problems here in Bakersfield, Calif. They cut to some crowd shots before McMahon said he's just teasing. McMahon asked why is he giving away the money? Maybe he's eccentric, generous, or maybe just wants to attract more people who strayed from the program or have never watch before. McMahon said there are some people who would not be caught dead watching Raw. He called them elitists or snobs, and they look down on their form of entertainment and they look down on you (the fans). McMahon said those people don't understand how WWE fans represent Americana. He said they don't understand wrestling fans having a good time at a live show.

McMahon said they're all in a club (not that one) for snobs. He said he'd like to give those snobs an example of how much fun they have on Raw Monday nights. McMahon told the fans to get up and make some noise. Cheer, boo, and yell, he demanded. He wished everyone good luck, then said it's all about the money next week on Raw. Well, that was underwhelming and light on details and more of a pep talk for viewers to tell-a-friend about Raw.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Santino Marella and Carlito walked out for a tag match. Lawler said he believes Santino is the reason why God gave us a middle finger. Ouch. Ross plugged Santino vs. Cousin Sal on Smackdown this Friday night. Santino, who was sporting a goatee with a more pronounced faux hawk, pointed at Hardcore Holly and Cody Rhodes while they came to the ring checking out the money on the stage. Cody said they can't start the match officially until they have a timekeeper. He said they have a special timekeeper just for this match. Roddy Piper then strolled out to keep time for this one. He rang the bell with poor form, which prompted Ross to say he just assaulted the bell.

[Q4]

2 -- World tag team champions HARDCORE HOLLY & CODY RHODES vs. SANTINO MARELLA & CARLITO -- non-title match

Lawler pointed out Santino's judo toss in the early going. Ross said the $1.0 million sitting on stage is intimidating. Lawler joked that the last time Ross opened his wallet was when Ric Flair was voted Most Promising Newcomer. Piper suddenly tripped up Santino from the floor, which set up Holly for an Alabama Slam, but Carlito kicked Holly in the face. Santino then fell on top of Holly for the pin and the win. Afterward, Santino did his awesome marching band dance to signify the victory while Piper was mad at himself.

WINNERS: Santino & Carlito in 3:00. Forgettable tag match, but fine for promoting the Smackdown special attraction match. (1/2*)

[Commercial Break]

Backstage: Santino told Carlito they are the wieners. Carlito said he did good, then he walked off. Grisham stepped in and said this victory must give Santino much confidence. He said not even Roddy the Piper can save Cousin Sal this Friday on Smackdown. Santino then pulled out a Top Ten list for how he will destroy Sal. Grisham said that's Letterman's deal. Santino had a headline instead. Grisham said that's Leno. Santino said he will poop on Sal. Grisham said that's Conan, then Grisham gave up and left.

Backstage: Holly stormed into the locker room to confront Cody Rhodes about the Piper deal. Cody said he was just trying to surprise him and it was a non-title match anyways. Holly said they won't be tag champs much longer if he keeps this up. The scorned lover stormed off, then Ted DiBiase, Jr. strolled in with a big grin on his face. He said there seems to be a partner issue with Holly. DiBiase cockily said he's three weeks away from becoming one-half of the tag champions, so Cody better take notice because he's priceless.

Announcers: Ross and Lawler brought in Chris Jericho to comment on Shawn Michaels losing to Batista last night. Jericho, on the video screen, said he tried to encourage Michaels last night. He hyped his WWE IC Title belt and admitted to not defending the belt very often recently. Jericho said that changes tonight when he defends against JBL. They tried to cut to commercial, but Jericho wasn't done talking. He said he's dedicating the match to Michaels, who's watching at home.

[Commercial Break]

[Q5 -- second hour]

3 -- IC champion CHRIS JERICHO vs. JBL -- Intercontinental Title match

Hopefully this isn't just a three-week "re-establishing" of the Intercontinental Title in time for Night of Champions, but part of a more dedicated approach to creating some intriguing programming on the undercard. JBL dominated early, then Jericho tried the Walls of Jericho, but JBL kicked Jericho away like a gnat. Jericho came back with a leaping dive across the injured throat, then he smashed JBL in the corner with a clothesline. Jericho tried a cross-body block, but JBL caught him and delivered a Razor Ramon fallaway slam. JBL teased the Clothesline from Hell, but Jericho ducked and dropkicked JBL to the ring apron where Jericho followed up with a springboard kick. Jericho then missed with a baseball slide kick, and JBL smashed him with a boot to the shoulder. JBL picked up a steel chair and the referee automatically DQ'ed him.

Jericho then gave JBL an enziguiri kick that sent JBL crashing throat-first into the edge of the chair. Jericho picked up the chair and teased a chair shot, but JBL put his hand up to block. The camera focused on blood coming from JBL's mouth as he pleaded with Jericho not to hit him. JBL pulled himself away while Jericho dropped the chair in disgust. He walked off to boos from the crowd, leaving JBL to recover on the floor.

WINNER: Jericho via DQ in 6:00. So very interesting to hear the crowd reactions to Jericho. They cheered him all throughout the match, then booed him when he refused to inflict more pain on JBL despite JBL threatening to inflict pain on him with a chair. WWE playing up the shades of gray to Jericho's character is well-done. (*1/2)

[Commercial Break]

On-stage: They focused on the McMoney in the podium on stage again. Ross encouraged folks to register on WWE's website to get their hands on life-changing money.

In-ring: Beth Phoenix walked out on stage and stared at the money while Lillian Garcia announced a divas tag match. The announcers hyped Beth's sick-looking submission move on Melina to win the I Quit match last night. Katie Lea then came out as her tag partner. Melina walked out first for the babyface team, and she was holding her back in pain. Mickie James then bounced out to the ring and encouraged Melina to get in the ring, but Melina was more interested in an ice bath than wrestling.

[Q6]

4 -- BETH PHOENIX & KATIE LEA vs. Women's champion MICKIE JAMES & MELINA

The announcers, apparently forgetting the brutal Lea & Burchill handicap match against Super Crazy on TV a few weeks ago, said this is their first look at Katie in the ring on Raw. The heels worked on Mickie to start things off while Melina paced the ring apron. Melina then screamed at Mickie for a tag and Mickie obliged. Melina came in hotter than a Texas summer night and tackled Beth to the outside. Mickie eventually had to pull Mickie off Beth, then Melina tried to get herself some more, but Beth landed a sick clothesline on the floor that took the air out of the building. Back in the ring, Melina made a hot tag to Mickie, who landed a snap neckbreaker on Katie. Mickie then went up top and landed a Thesz Press before trying her spike DDT finisher. Katie blocked, though, and Beth smashed Mickie into the mat behind the ref's back. Katie then scored a pin for the win.

After the match, Burchill walked out on stage to congratulate Katie. Mr. Kennedy then ran down the entrance ramp and tackled Burchill to a big reaction. They brawled in the ring with Kennedy getting the upper hand until Burchill bailed to his sister's embrace on the floor. Kennedy and Burchill exchanged harsh words. Ross said trouble is a brewing.

WINNERS: Beth & Katie in 4:00. Honestly, that was the best five minutes of consecutive action on the show thus far. Divas conveyed genuine intensity and the finish was right-on for setting up the heel divas to get their comeuppance. Nice recovery for Kennedy to get a positive fan reaction as the lasting memory with the viewers. (*1/4)

[Commercial Break]

On-stage: Cryme Tyme walked out on stage and surveyed the money while taunting the armed police officers guarding the money. That's all. ... Announcers: Ross and Lawler hyped the money giveaway on WWE's website, but Lawler pointed out that the website crashed due to traffic overload. He said people have until next Monday to register, so there's plenty of time.

In-ring: Lance Cade walked to the ring for a match. Cade's new look includes him sporting a goofy looking hood on a zipper jacket. Trevor Murdoch came out as the opponent. They expect people to remember the break-up of this feud after ignoring the program for two weeks? Murdoch then sang a tune about fighting Cade.

5 -- TREVOR MURDOCH vs. LANCE CADE

The bell sounded and both men traded right hand blows to make it look more realistic as a grudge fight. Cade then pounded Murdoch into the ringpost before rubbing his forearm into Murdoch's face. He then finished off Murdoch with a sit-out powerbomb for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Cade in 3:00. Decisive victory for Cade to send Murdoch back to Heat. Oh wait. (1/2*)

[Q7]

Backstage: They showed Jeff Hardy warming up inside Mick Foley's old commissioner headquarters.

Video package: They hyped The Rock's new DVD coming out next week. Eight hours of footage, 19 matches, and tons of promos.

[Commercial Break]

Announcers: Ross talked about the shocker of what happened in the main event last. They rolled footage of Edge winning the TLC match to capture the World Hvt. Title and end The Undertaker's career. Ross and Lawler solemnly said they feel like they've lost a family member with Taker retiring. Ross said Taker will not be eligible for the Draft in a few weeks and they'll continue to follow the story on WWE's website.

Backstage: A trainer was tending to Mickie James, who had ice on her neck. Cena then walked in to check on Mickie. He apologized for the gossip from everyone about them apparently being an item when they should be able to just be friends. They acknowledged each other's attractiveness, then Cena pulled out a thong and told Mickie she left it behind last night. Mickie, embarrassed, walked off to talk with the trainer. Cena then chugged some of JBL's love potion. Apparently he's suffering from low testosterone. Or, he's going to hump Jeff Hardy's leg into submission.

Locker room: They showed Triple H pulling up a chair in front of the TV monitor to get a look at Hardy vs. Cena up next.

[Commercial Break]

ECW plug: Is ECW ready for the wrath of the #1 contender, the Big Show?

Announcers: Ross and Lawler provided good news that the WWE website is back up for people to register for the giveaway. Ross reminded Lawler that he's not eligible because he's a WWE employee. Lawler paused then said he'll quit. Ross told him he can't do that.

[Q8]

In-ring: Jeff Hardy came out first for the main event #1 contender match. They showed Hardy diving onto Umaga from the top of the 18-wheeler on last night's PPV. After a pause, Cena's music hit and he came out again to a strong reception.

6 -- JEFF HARDY vs. JOHN CENA -- #1 Contender match

Bell sounded and both babyfaces stood back to soak up the crowd reactions. They went in for a pre-match handshake, then locked up. Suddenly a fan jumped into the ring and security took him down. Is it 25 cents beer night in Bakersfield? The announcers joked about the fan trying to get his hands on the money. Apparently this man was streaking, as Cena backed up and laughed while Lawler encouraged Ross not to streak on TV. Fan reactions were all over the place while security took him away. Cena just laughed and played to the crowd before grabbing a headlock to settle the action down. Hardy then grabbed a headlock to let the audience calm down. The action picked up at 4:00 with Hardy knocking Cena to the floor. He did Cena's you-can't-see-me, then hit a plancha on Cena to take them to commercial break.

[Commercial Break]

They returned with Hardy scoring a nearfall at 8:00. Hardy clutched his ribs in pain, then Cena executed his fisherman suplex for a nearfall of his own that got the women screaming. Cena hit the blockbuster off the ropes to a mixed reaction, then he crawled on top of Hardy for a two count. Hardy came back with a face-plant suplex, then he slowly went up top for the Swanton Bomb, but Cena moved in time. Cena fired up with his comeback sequence to more boos than cheers, but an overall very hot crowd reaction. He called for the Five Knuckle Shuffle and delivered at the top of the hour.

[Q9 -- over-run]

Cena wanted the FU, but Hardy escaped and nailed a series of flying forearms into his double-foot dropkick in the corner for a two count. Hardy suddenly nailed Whisper in the Wind and made a cover for a close two count that put the crowd into a frenzy. Cena teased the FU again, but Hardy kicked him away and came off the top with a cross-body block. Cena rolled through, however, and did an impressive squat into hoisting Hardy up on his shoulders for the FU. He then dropped Hardy in center ring with the FU and made the cover for the win.

WINNER: Cena in 14:00. Great energy in the building for this match. Crowd clearly wanted Hardy to win, but a good 80 percent of the audience screamed very loudly after being satisfied with the end result. Both men worked a strong main event that told a good story and elevated both men in the eyes of the viewer. Well done. (***)

Post-match: Triple H's music hit and Hunter walked out on stage. Cena took a deep breath while Hunter took a swig of water from his water bottle. Cena then walked up the entrance ramp and pointed at the WWE Title belt resting on Hunter's shoulder. Hunter smirked, then held up the title belt over his head for Cena to get a good look. Cena checked out the belt, then stared down Hunter to close 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. To contribute your thoughts on Raw, click here.

-If you missed last night's stellar MMA fight on cable's Versus channel between 145 pound superstar Urijah Faber and former UFC champion Jens Pulver, you can get a full report at our sister site, MMATorch.com. You can also listen to the post-show audio discussion on the event hosted by new MMATorch editor Jamie Penick at this link: MMATorch Audio Show: WEC Faber vs. Pulver Post-Event Analysis.

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