By James Caldwell, PWTorch columnist

WWE Raw Live Report
June 16, 2008
Salt Lake City, Utah

The show started with Jim Ross welcoming us to Raw before John Cena's music hit. The place exploded and Cena walked over to the McMoney podium to pick up the phone before charging the ring to another strong reaction. Once his music stopped, it became a game of the cheers trying to drown out the boos. Cena milked it for a while before giving a company speech about WWE providing the most entertainment money can buy. He said there are certain moments that transcend time - knowing exactly where you were and what you were doing when these moments happened. He referenced Hogan picking up Andre, Shawn Michaels's boyhood dream coming true, and Steve Austin whipping somebody's ass. Cena said with $1.0 million hanging in the balance, there isn't an empty seat in the arena. He said people are excited about the money, but they want the moment. Cena said there will be that moment at Night of Champions when one man's hand is raised and---

Triple H's music interrupted and Hunter walked out. He said Cena is right that it will be a moment no one will forget. Hunter said he's been trying to tell himself for weeks that it's not personal, but he's having trouble believing that right now. He said Cena cost him the match against Hardy last week, so he's providing a warning once. Hunter threatened to make it real personal, real fast if Cena gets involved in his business again. He walked off, but Cena cut him off and reminded him of the trip on the announce table last week.

Hunter smirked and said nobody told Cena to stand on the announce table. He then ripped on Cena for being an uncoordinated wrestler. Cena laughed it off and said that uncoordinated animal made Hunter tap out last time they wrestled for the title. Hunter laughed that off and said it was two years ago. Some things have changed, he said, namely that he is the champion this time around. Cena was irritated by Hunter's approach, so he shouted quite firmly that Hunter might be champion and he can claim to be the measuring stick, but he until he beats Cena, he isn't anything.

Hunter came back with a line about Cena's fanbase being kids who probably won't be able to watch Night of Champions because it will be past their bedtimes. He said Cena can get a replica belt from one of the little kids ringside and wear it around instead of the real thing. Cena had enough and shoved Hunter hard in the chest. Hunter's smirk turned upside down, then Cena ripped off his t-shirt. Hunter did likewise.

Before any blows could be exchanged, Vince McMahon's music hit and he stormed out on stage screaming no, no, no. He said they aren't competing against each other tonight. Fans booed. McMahon said he's giving away $1.0 million tonight, so how about some respect? He then provided tonight's password: WATCH RAW & WIN. McMahon then addressed Cena about winning his match tonight because he has Umaga right now in a street fight. Cena maintained a firm expression, then Hunter picked up the mic and sarcastically wished him good luck and told him not to get hurt.

1 -- JOHN CENA vs. UMAGA -- Street Fight

After Cena was the aggressor early on, Umaga bumped him off the apron into the guardrail. They cut to break.

[Commercial Break]

They returned with Cena on the defensive fighting on the floor. Umaga back dropped him onto the entrance ramp, then choked him against the ringpost. He stalked Cena for the charging rear end splash into the post, but Cena moved and Umaga ate the post seat-first. Cena fired up and grabbed a mic. He caught Umaga in the forehead, then went up top for a splash, but Umaga caught him in mid-air for the Black Hole Slam. Umaga went to the floor and cleared the announce table before picking up a folding chair. Fans screamed as Cena seemed to be in peril, but Cena took the chair and jabbed Umaga in the gut. Cena followed with a top rope guillotine, then he tried the FU, but his legs gave way and Umaga fell on top of him.

On the outside, Umaga sent Cena into the ring steps before rolling his limp body back into the ring. Umaga made a cover, but Cena kicked out to a strong reaction. Umaga then grabbed the ring steps and brought them back into the ring. He tried to smash Cena, but Cena ducked and lifted Umaga into position for the FU and the pin.

WINNER: Cena in 10:00. Hot start to the show with a strong opening match featuring Cena in jeopardy to get the crowd involved throughout. Good use of the stipulation to stack the deck against Cena. (**1/4)

On-stage: Vince McMahon was on stage with the money to his left for the first McMoney giveaway. He had a different phone this week. But, he was still dialing the numbers as slowly as ever. First number was to Denzel Parker from Virginia Beach, Va. for $125,000. He provided the correct password, then McMahon asked the man what his favorite animal is. Denzel said a dog. McMahon asked Trish...er...Denzel to bark like a dog, then Denzel gave a stifled bark. Vince said that will suffice and he gave him the victory. McMahon then announced an impromptu summer time bikini blow-out up next. Maria, then Eve Torres came out to the ring.

[Commercial Break - 2008 Draft next week.]

[Q3]

In-ring: Some more divas were in the ring out of the break. Charlie Haas was also in the ring, then they showed clips of Charlie smooching with Maria and Mae Young last week. Haas said that's not entertaining, but this is. In a Val Venis-like voice, he introduced whatever this segment is called, then did the routine about the live audience judging the best bikini. This just in: Maryse is tall. The deal started off with Melina, who had trouble removing her robe. On they went until Jillian said she would rather sing. Charlie cut her off mid-tune, then finished off with Eve and Maria. After a review of the contestants, shy Maria was deemed the obvious winner.

Back on stage, McMahon set in motion the next number for $100,000. Some random game show music hit as McMahon dialed. Well, that's better than dead air. Mike answered. Turns out he's Michael Leyva from Monroe, N.C. Mike provided the correct password, then McMahon recognized the area code. McMahon asked who is the most famous man born in North Carolina. He was looking for Vince McMahon, but Mike provided Ric Flair as the answer. "D'oh," Ross and Lawler said. McMahon said that's the wrong answer, but he still wins the money.

[Commercial Break]

[Q4]

Backstage: They showed Chris Jericho applying some sort of oil, most likely of the tanning variety. He was all-smiles. They cut to a video package on the Michaels-Batista-Jericho triangle, leading to Jericho finally blowing up on Michaels and smashing him through the Jeritron. Excellent, first-class video with voice-overs from the various things Michaels had said over the past two months that finally put Jericho over the edge.

Ringside: Ross and Lawler talked about the serious situation for Michaels. Ross said Michaels has ongoing issues with his eyesight and they hope to address that at a later time.

On stage: Vince McMahon brought out a very special individual, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, to help him with the next money giveaway. Duggan came out on stage in a sharp suit looking clean for the first time in a while. McMahon said Duggan cleans up pretty nice. Game show music hit, then Duggan dialed the number. McMahon smiled as his the half-wit punched numbers on a phone. McMahon got the dude's voice mail and he left a message that he lost a chance to win $50,000. Gabe provided another card with a number that Duggan dialed. Suddenly, a DX theme song played as the dude's ring tone. Jesse Jordan from Bethel, Ohio answered the phone and provided the correct password. Jesse wanted to provide two words, but McMahon asked for a Duggan impersonation instead.

In-ring: From the DX ringback tone to Jeff Hardy's legit theme music, Hardy came out to the ring for what...the second match of the show at 8:50? For shame. No opponent yet, as they cut to break.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break, Carlito was in the ring to face Hardy. The fans were itching for some wrestling action here after 56 minutes of this show and only one match.

2 -- JEFF HARDY vs. CARLITO

Carlito was the aggressor early, then Hardy tried to come back with his two-foot kick in the corner, but Carlito avoided the move and Hardy ate the mat. Carlito took Hardy to the corner and hung him upside down at 4:00, but Hardy avoided a basement dropkick. He then came off the top with a Whisper in the Wind right in the mouth. Hardy with a cover, but Carlito kicked out.

[Q5 -- second hour]

Hardy with a faceplant suplex, then he went up top for the Swanton Bomb, but Carlito avoided it. He wanted the backcracker, but Hardy slipped out and nailed the Twist of Fate in the corner. Hardy then came off the top with a Swanton Bomb for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Hardy in 6:00. No surprise on the finish. Carlito won't be winning any TV matches on Raw anytime soon. Solid match with the crowd red-hot for some wrestling after the long wait. (*1/4)

On-stage: McMahon congratulated Hardy on the victory, then he dialed another number. Kyle Mathisen from Hoyt Lakes, Minn. answered the phone. Kyle provided the password, then McMahon tooted his own horn and asked Kyle to sing a few verses of the National Anthem. Kyle started to sing. Well, if you call it singing. McMahon said he thought Jillian was bad. Kyle won his $175,000 then said Night of Champions is on his birthday. McMahon cut him off from asking a question, then Chris Jericho's music hit.

In-ring: Jericho strolled to the ring dressed to wrestle. He surveyed the crowd, which showered him with boos. Jericho said he's noticed a difference the last week in how people have been looking at him because of what he did to Michaels last week. The cut to another video package on the Michaels and Jericho segment last week. Jericho said what happened last week wasn't his fault, but the audience's fault. Jericho said he came back to WWE to Save Us, but he realized the people don't want to be saved. He said the people connect with a back-stabbing hypocrite like Michaels, so now he's here to save himself from the fans.

Jericho said the fans have become morally-corrupt, and he was forced by the fans to do what he did. He mockingly said he's punishing Shawn Michaels for the sins of the audience. Jericho teased the fans with a dangling carrot of Michaels coming out here right now to get his revenge. He said Michaels is a coward, worm, liar, and miserable excuse of a human being. Suddenly, Ric Flair's music hit. Oh my. Flair walked out on stage dressed in a sharp suit. "Oh my God, this could be an epic confrontation," Ross said. Flair stood on stage with a firm expression as they cut to break.

[Commercial Break]

[Q6]

They returned from break at the start of the 6th quarter hour, so we'll see whether there's a huge jump in viewership as people call their friends about Flair on the show. Back live, Flair was in the ring after what Ross called a 3:30 standing ovation. Flair walked right up to Jericho and stared him straight in the eyes while Jericho tried to make sense of what was happening. Flair maintained the tight stare then whispered, "What do you have to say now?" Flair knocked the mic out of Jericho's hand, then told Jericho he wants him in the parking lot right now since he can't wrestle him due to the retirement. Flair took off his jacket and dropped an elbow on said jacket before challenging Jericho to meet him out back right now.

Flair led Jericho backstage through the curtain as they moved a camera into the hallway. Flair walked through an exit door, then Jericho started to walk through the exit door. Suddenly, Triple H appeared on the other side of the door. Jericho slowly backed up, then Hunter asked Jericho if he's had enough the last two weeks. He said ever since Jericho came back to Save Us, he's been looking for a reason to make Jericho his business. Jericho sarcastically asked Hunter if he's fighting Michaels and Flair's battles for them now. Hunter said he just wants to fight Jericho. Hunter stared him down, then Jericho turned his shoulder and walked off.

[Commercial Break]

Backstage: Flair was screaming at Triple H for trying to fight his battles for him. He said he loves Michaels and he wanted a piece of Jericho so bad. Hunter smiled and consoled him, then Vince McMahon interrupted and hyped up Flair as an ambassador for WWE, but said he can't have Flair interrupting his show. McMahon asked for security to escort him out of the building. Hunter shook Flair's hand, then security helped Flair leave. So, it was Hunter and McMahon. Hunter asked McMahon what his problem is. McMahon said he doesn't have a problem, but Hunter does because he has Jericho one-on-one tonight.

3 -- World tag champions HARDCORE HOLLY & CODY RHODES vs. CRYME TYME (SHAD GASPAR & JTG) -- non-title match

Ted DiBiase, Jr. walked out to ringside, which distracted CT. Holly then rolled up JTG for the surprise win. That was sudden.

WINNERS: Holly & Rhodes in 0:06. (n/a)

On-stage: McMahon tried to kiss up to the fans for booting Flair from the building, but the fans booed him. He said they can't boo a billionare giving away money, can they? They booed anyways. McMahon dialed a number for Becky Carmon from Advance, N.C. She provided the correct password, then McMahon asked where she's from. McMahon said in honor of Becky and Flair being from Carolina, he's giving Becky $16 in honor of Flair's 16 title reigns. Well, Becky has a claim for more money since there are more than 16 actual title reigns, and WWE only recognizes that number so Hunter has a number to break down the line.

[Q7]

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Katie Lea and Paul Burchill were already in the ring for a mixed tag match. Mickie James came out as one-half of the opposition, followed by Mr. Kennedy as her partner.

4 -- Women's champion MICKIE JAMES & MR. KENNEDY vs. KATIE LEA & PAUL BURCHILL

Burchill wanted a piece of Kennedy to start things off, but Kennedy provided a boot to the head early on for a nearfall. Katie then tagged herself in and stared down Kennedy. Mickie entered and provided the slap on Katie that set off a divas brawl. Katie cut off Mickie with a knee to the gut, but Mickie came back with a series of flying clotheslines. Mickie wanted the top rope Thesz Press, but Katie moved and caught Mickie with a backbreaker across her knees for the pin and the win.

WINNERS: Katie & Burchill in 4:00. With Beth Phoenix apparently MIA, it looks like we're getting Mickie vs. Katie at Night of Champions. Could be a strong Women's Title match. A move to Smackdown for Beth to dominate the Smackdown Women's division could be in order. Fine mixed tag match with the crowd hot again. (*)

On-stage: McMahon said, "All right, congratulations to the...um...winners." That would be Katie and Burchill. McMahon dialed a number and the lady started going nuts. Alana Ayres from Westmont, Ill. caught her breath and finally spit out the password. She rambled about changing her life, then McMahon asked who is the most-human man ever on WWE TV in history. Alana said Vince McMahon. He smiled, then said she wins $174,984. Ross congratulated Alana, then told her to take her medicine. Line of the night with Ross's subtle delivery there. Hunter vs. Jericho up next.

[Commercial Break]

[Q8]

Back on-stage: McMahon was set for another McMoney giveaway. He dialed another number and Peter Mauer of Bloomville, N.Y. answered the phone. Peter provided the correct password and McMahon gave him $75,000. McMahon sent it over to Ross and Lawler ringside. They broke down the Night of Champions card, which includes Miz & Morrison defending the tag titles against Finlay & Hornswoggle. Lawler then said McMahon is going to give away $300,000 later tonight.

Backstage: Triple H left his locker room and found John Cena waiting for him. Cena stopped him short and gave him the same line about good luck and don't get hurt. Hunter didn't say a word, then walked past Cena, who turned to watch him leave.

[Commercial Break]

Back on-stage: Vince McMahon said he doesn't know how long he's going to continue doing this, but he's going to do it again next week. McMahon hyped the Draft next week with all the wrestlers from all three brands on the show. He then dialed a number and my phone didn't ring. Dang it. Dude named Frank answered the phone. Frank Turbeville from Haddon Township, N.J. answered. Frank said he loves McMahon, which led to some mock laughter. He provided the correct password to win $300,000. McMahon said he's glad no one in Salt Lake City won money anyways.

In-ring: Triple H's music hit five minutes from the top of the hour. Hunter walked out on stage as McMahon watched him from the side of the stage. Ross posed the question of how the landscape will change if Hunter is drafted to another brand next week, while still WWE champion. Chris Jericho then came out three minutes until the top of the hour.

5 -- WWE champion TRIPLE H vs. IC champion CHRIS JERICHO -- non-title match

Ross said both men will be defending their titles at the PPV in two weeks. And Jericho's opponent is...? They traded control two minutes into the match until Hunter rammed Jericho hard into the corner ringpost. Jericho recovered on the floor. Suddenly, a break at the top of the hour.

[Q9 -- over-run]

[Commercial Break]

They returned with Jericho now controlling the action. Hunter came back at 8:00 with right hand blows before Jericho kicked him in the mouth. Hunter came right back with a high knee, though. Jericho blocked the follow-up facebuster, but walked into a spinebuster. Great counters here. Hunter wanted the Pedigree, but Jericho kneed Hunter in the gut and landed a running bulldog. Jericho went for a Lionsault, but Hunter moved and measured him for the Pedigree. Jericho blocked, however, and back dropped Hunter across the ring. Hunter rolled to the apron and ducked a springboard enziguiri attempt from Jericho.

Suddenly, a weird-looking man ran to the ring. It was the wobbly-legged and awkward Lance Cade, who jumped Hunter from behind to cause a DQ. Cade continued awkward strikes before John Cena ran to the ring and made the save. Hunter didn't want his help, however, so he attacked Cena. That allowed Jericho and Cade to sneak back in and lay out Hunter and Cena. Jericho then looked at Cade and smiled at him before surveying his work.

WINNER: Hunter via DQ in 10:00. Well, I'm intrigued by this somewhat. I take that back. I would be intrigued if Cade didn't look so dang gangly and awkward. He shrunk like a pair of pants in the wash. I'm not sure about Cade in the role of Jericho's helper, but it provides an opportunity for a mid-carder to be elevated on this show. (*1/2)

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