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By James Caldwell, PWTorch columnist

WWE Raw Live Report
September 1, 2008
St. Louis, Mo.

The show started with an In Memory for Killer Kowalski. Suddenly, they cut to a McDonald's commercial. After said commercial, Randy Orton was on the way to the ring. He had his arm in a sling. Strong reaction for Orton, but mainly boos. Orton said he didn't want to come back until he's 100 percent, but there's something to get off his chest. He said a brand is only as strong as champion. Orton said Raw was the strongest brand in WWE when he was champion. Now, Raw is an absolute joke, he said. Orton said Beth Phoenix runs around like a love-sick teenager and she's embarrassing herself. He questioned the love choice of Santino, the weakest IC champion in the history of WWE. Strong crowd reactions there. Orton said that even with a broken clavicle, he could beat Santino. He then called Cody and Teddy worthless because a couple of punks took the tag titles. Orton said he would have hunted them down and taken back what's his.

Orton then turned his attention to the World champ, C.M. Punk. He said that four years ago when he first won his World Title, Punk was wrestling in no-name towns for a no-name organization. He said that Punk was able to briefcase and get a lucky title win to become World champ. Orton said he would love to challenge Punk right here tonight, but he's not medically cleared. He said will be cleared, then he will challenge Punk and re-claim this show to make everyone forget about the sorry history of Raw known as C.M. Punk.

Punk had enough and his music hit to a strong ovation. Huge reaction for Punk, who has the audience totally in his corner. Punk got right in Orton's face as the crowd chanted his name. He said he got a head-ache listening to Orton back there. Punk said he prefers not to live in the past, as Orton had granddaddy and daddy to usher him into the WWE. Punk said the fact is that he is the World Heavyweight champion. He said he doesn't take joyrides on his motorcycle in 3:00 a.m. to re-injure himself. Punk said it went from the Age of Orton to Orton being a complete after-thought.

Punk accused Orton of being jealous, then Punk told Orton he's pathetic. Orton said he can see that this conversation is going to have to continue at a later time, so he started to leave the ring while favoring his arm. Orton slowly backed away and Punk continued his promo until JBL interrupted and walked past Orton on the way to the ring. Punk and JBL locked eyes, then JBL took the mic in the ring. He said fairy tales aren't real and in six days, it's going to strike midnight on Punk. JBL said it all takes is one move - the clothesline from hell - and that title belt is his. But, it could be on Batista, Kane, or Rey Mysterio as it doesn't have to be Punk.

Kane had something to say about this, though, and Kane walked out to the ring to his old school remix. Kane laughed at the idea of the Clothesline from Hell and said he didn't see it in hell, but he did see Rey Mysterio there. He said that Rey will not be here tonight, nor will he be at the PPV because he made sure of it. Kane said there is one less (should be fewer) person in the Scramble...

Batista had something to say about that, as his music interrupted Kane. Batista stormed the ring and Kane was not too pleased with this development. Batista started to raise his mic to talk, but then he charged Kane and speared him. JBL smashed Punk from behind, but Batista took out JBL. Punk and Batista met eyes, then Batista charged him for a spear. Michael Cole then plugged a five-man battle royale with Rey Mysterio advertised.

[Q2]

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Suddenly, John Cena's music hit and Charlie Haas came out dressed as Cena. Fans popped initially, but they suddenly realized it was the wrong adult male. Haas then took the mic and said Cena might be out of action, but The Haas is Here. Kofi Kingston then answered the challenge as the opposition for The Haas. Kofi was quite confused by this match-up.

1 -- KOFI KINGSTON vs. THE HAAS

Kofi finished off the imposter Cena in a little over a minute with the Jamaican buzzsaw kick. Quick squash of The Haas.

WINNER: Kofi in 2:00. Good to see Kofi pick up a win. It will be forgotten on this show, but fine nevertheless. (1/2*)

Plug: Cole announced a contract signing between Shawn Michaels and Chris Jericho tonight to promote the Unforgiven match that may or may not happen.

[Commercial Break]

Backstage: Cody and DiBiase, Jr. addressed Randy Orton about the worthless comment. Orton asked Cody if he remembers how they first met. Orton asked Cody if he remembers when they first met - when he slapped his father. Cody said he remembers th--- and Orton slapped the crap out of him. Cody wanted a piece of Orton, but Teddy held him back. Orton explained that they are the two most-talented wrestlers in the locker room, but they don't act like it. He said he will continue to stand by his words until they do something about it. Awesome.

[Q3]

Adamle's office: Mike Adamle thanked Teddy Long and Tiffany for showing up on Raw tonight. He struggled - and I mean really struggled - through an explanation of ECW having a Championship Scramble on Raw or something. Kane then interrupted and talked to Adamle's hair. He asked Adamle why he would lie about Rey Mysterio. Adamle explained that he booked Rey to hopefully bring him back to Raw. So, Adamle false-advertised Rey. Kane told Adamle to keep hoping Rey shows up even though his soul has been extinguished.

In-ring: Matt Hardy, then Chavo Guerrero, the Finlay came out for the ECW battle royale.

[Commercial Break]

ECW plug: They're doing another Dirt Sheet tomorrow night. Please, oh please, no more of the talking video mouths.

In-ring: The Miz, then Mark Henry rounded out the field for the ECW battle royale.

2 -- ECW BATTLE ROYALE

Chavo and Miz seemed to have an agreement to work together, but Chavo turned on Miz. Henry then eliminated both of them at the same time to begin his attack on Finlay and Hardy. F&H then teased dumping Henry over the top rope at 3:00, but Henry was having none of that, so he eliminated Finlay. Hardy and Henry started to battle. Hardy then tried a Twist of Fate, but Henry easily picked up Hardy and dumped him over the top rope to the floor. Afterward, Tony Atlas had a big celebration with Henry.

WINNER: Henry in 4:00. Fine. A short showcase match for ECW to continue building up Henry. (1/2*)

[Q4]

[Commercial Break]

Backstage: They showed several lawyers poring over Raven and Kanyon's lawsuit. Actually, it was Chris Jericho, Lance Cade, and Jericho's attorney reviewing paperwork for the Shawn Michaels contract signing. Cade wasn't contributing much here.

In-ring: Jamie Noble cut a brief promo while Layla was shown sitting in a chair ringside not particularly interested in Noble. William Regal then came out as the opposition.

3 -- WILLIAM REGAL vs. JAMIE NOBLE

Regal just blasted Noble early and often here, with the ref having to intervene several times to get Regal off Noble. Regal landed a release half-nelson suplex, then stared down at Noble's lifeless body. He wanted to inflict more offense, but Noble surprised him with a quick small package for the pin and the win. Layla was a bit shocked ringside, then Noble asked Layla for her congratulations ringside. My goodness, that dress on Layla. Regal didn't even beat up Noble post-match, so it was a good day for Noble.

WINNER: Noble in 3:00. A small bit of progression for this program, fortunately. Not memorable, but fine. (1/2*)

Backstage: They showed Mickie James and Kelly Kelly warming up for a six-diva tag match.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Jillian Hall started to sing Nelly's song about taking off all your clothes while Katie Lea stood by in painful horror. Mickie James interrupted, followed by Kelly Kelly. Beth Phoenix then came out as the third diva on the heel side. Beth took the mic and told Randy Orton to take a close look at her - the most beautiful and talented diva to set foot in the ring. She said there is no one that can match her power. Suddenly, Candice Michelle's music interrupted and Candice made her return to the ring as the third babyface diva. Cole and Lawler quickly recapped the history between Beth and Candice before the match started.

[Q5 -- second hour]

4 -- Women's champion BETH PHOENIX & JILLIAN HALL & KATIE LEA vs. MICKIE JAMES & KELLY KELLY

Beth was in the ring at 3:00 when Candice took a hot tag and dropped Beth with a wicked head scissors into knee smash. Beth came back with a double sledge, but Candice leap frogged in the corner into a seated slam. Candice then went up top with a bit of hesitation. She cleared off the heels, though, and nailed a cross body block. Unfortunately, Beth rolled through into powerslam position. Candice slipped out, though, and scored with a small package on Beth for the pin and the win. Afterward, Candice lowered the strap on her top to show she's healed up from the broken clavicle. Of note, Mickie didn't look enthralled being over-shadowed by the returning Candice vs. Beth program.

WINNERS: Candice & Kelly & Mickie in 4:00. Good, high-energy action to bring back the Beth vs. Candice program. (*)

Video package: They focused on the Michaels vs. Jericho program from Summerslam until the present to set up the Unsanctioned match at Unforgiven. Ah, greatness. Lawler then plugged the contract signing coming up tonight.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Santino Marella came out with the IC Title belt firmly planted around his waist. Santino took the mic and said he hopes Randy Orton is satisfied. He said he insulted him and his gf, so he's going to prove Orton wrong about the Glamarella. Santino then asked for the Honk-a-meter to show that the Honky Donk Man was IC champ for 64 weeks, compared to his own two weeks. Santino said he will surpass that easily and become greatest of all-time. D-Lo Brown came out as the opposition. Non-title tonight.

[Q6]

5 -- IC champion SANTINO MARELLA vs. D-LO BROWN -- non-title match

Brown busted out the Shining Wizard a minute into the match, then he went for a top rope Lo-Down, but Santino rolled out of the way and Brown ate the mat. Apparently that knocked the wind and catering out of Brown, as Santino casually rolled on top of Brown and scored a three count for the win.

WINNER: Santino in 2:00. Quick match. I suppose more of Santino on the mic and less of him in the ring is for the best. (1/2*)

Backstage: They showed Shawn Michaels staring straight ahead in deep thought while his attorney reviewed the Jericho contract.

[Commercial Break]

WWE 24/7 Classic: Sept. 22, 1997 for Raw at MSG for the first-time ever. Steve Austin wasn't medically cleared after suffering a neck injury from the Owen Hart piledriver, so he went off on everyone. There was only one man left to stop the carnage that night: Vince McMahon. And Austin gave McMahon the famous fish-flop Stunner.

In-ring: The Miz and John Morrison were in the ring for an inter-brand battle against Cryme Tyme, who had possession of the tag titles. Miz and Morrison didn't want anything to do with Cryme Tyme's dancing, so they mocked them on the floor before the action could start. A fight broke out, then Cody and Teddy stormed ringside to beat up Cryme Tyme and re-claim possession of their belts. In the ring, Cody gave J.T.G. a hard kick to the boot before giving him a DDT into one of the tag title belts. Shad was laid out on the outside while Cody and Teddy held up the title belts in victory. Crowd heat was intense against the heel champs to set up the match at Unforgiven. Nicely done.

[Commercial Break]

Backstage: Cody and Teddy proudly walked up to Orton and patted the tag title belts over their shoulders. Orton gave a smirk of approval, then he continued walking down the hallway. ... Ringside: St. Louis Rams players were shown fighting ringside.

Republican National Convention update: Josh Matthews was with Mickie James and Mr. Kennedy for an update from St. Paul. The graphic showed Minneapolis, which is officially going to set off people. Matthews asked Kennedy and Mickie about he important issues.

[Q7]

Backstage: Todd Grisham brought in Batista for an interview on his game plan tonight and for the PPV depending on whether Rey Mysterio shows up. "My game plan?" Batista sternly asked. "Destroy everyone." He walked off. ... Cole and Lawler broke down the PPV line-up for Sunday night.

In-ring: Batista came out for a second time tonight. JBL then came out for the main event and they cut to commercial with the question of whether Rey Rey will be here tonight.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Randy Orton decided to sit ringside for a closer look at the action. C.M. Punk then came out as the third man in the battle royale with all eyes on him and the World Title. Kane came out fourth, leaving one remaining person. The bell sounded after a pause for Rey, so no Rey to start things off.

6 -- RAW BATTLE ROYALE

Batista quickly cleaned house to start things off, then Batista wanted a Batistabomb on Kane, but Kane slipped out. Punk then suddenly clotheslined Batista over the top rope to the floor. After JBL landed boots on Punk and Kane, JBL went for a clothesline on Punk, but Punk ducked and dumped JBL to the floor. So it's Punk vs. Kane. Punk landed three consecutive high knees in the corner, but Kane blocked the bulldog and landed a boot to the face. Punk tried to come back with the G2S, but Kane slipped out. He then choke-tossed Punk over the top rope to the floor, right at the feet of Orton to win the match.

[Q8]

Post-match: Orton gave him a sarcastic round of applause, then Punk stood up and stared back at Orton. They shared a moment, then Punk dumped water on Orton and walked away. Suddenly, Rey Mysterio's music hit and Rey came out on stage to a huge pop. Kane was beside himself that Rey was here. Rey fired into the ring and kicked Kane over and over before taking out the knee. He fired off right hand blows on Kane before setting him up for the 619. Kane slipped out, though, only to find a baseball slide dropkick through the ropes. Rey then flung Kane into the ringpost on the floor before following with a 619 around the ringpost. Rey escaped danger once again by sending Kane over the guardrail to the front row. Rey then ran back into the ring to celebrate his big return ahead of the PPV.

Winner: Kane in 5:00. Rey looked well-tanned and healthy making his return and escaping danger several times. As for the match, Punk was fine picking up two eliminations, but the post-match water-on-Orton was a bit much. Not a big deal, but it will be if he does it too often. (*1/2)

DVD promo: They plugged the Mr. Perfect DVD coming out next week.

[Commercial Break]

Contract signing: Jerry Lawler was in the ring at the contract table with one lawyer apiece present on each side for Michaels and Jericho. Chris Jericho came out first in his villain suit and tie. Lawler said he's been asked to moderate this signing to officially wash WWE's hands of any liability as a result of this match at Unforgiven. Lawler then introduced Shawn Michaels, who stoically made his way to the ring with the Cowboy hat covering the top of his focused eyes. Jericho simply looked off in the distance to avoid eye contact with Michaels. Another great moment in subtle storytelling history between these two.

Lawler said the lawyers have looked over the documents. He said that if there is any physicality tonight, then the match will be called off at Unforgiven. Jericho then signed the contract before handing it over to Michaels, who affixed his signature to the document. Lawler then received the clipboard with the contract and thanked them for coming out. Jericho cut off Lawler, though, and asked Michaels why he insisted on the security tonight. Michaels said it wasn't his security, and if he had it his way, there wouldn't be anyone out here except the two of them. Jericho said he has something to say to Michaels, so everyone should just leave the ring. Michaels agreed, then security, Lawler, and the lawyers were dismissed.

[Q9 -- over-run]

Jericho paused and said he followed Michaels's advice to sit his wife and kids down to talk to them about never being Shawn Michaels. Jericho said he told them he will never be a selfish, egomaniac like Michaels. He told them not to watch Unforgiven because of the brutality he's going to inflict on Michaels. Jericho then finally made eye contact and told Michaels he's not going easy on him. He told Michaels he's going to put him out of his misery, just like Michaels told Ric Flair. Jericho said he won't tell Michaels he's sorry, like Michaels did, because he won't be sorry when he finishes off Michaels forever.

Jericho told Michaels to remember that he asked for this match, so when Michaels is a broken man with a disappointed wife and kids, he wants Michaels to remember the only person to blame is himself. Michaels then leaned across the table and said he takes comfort in the fact that neither one of their wives and kids will be watching at Unforgiven. Michaels promised to tell a story of when he decided not to turn the cheek, but look evil right in the face and spit in its eye. He said that all the suffering Jericho has put him through will rain down on Jericho at Unforgiven. Michaels said he will never apologize for the man he is or the life he has lived. Michaels said he will have no regrets for what happens to Jericho. Unforgiven. He said he will never forgive Jericho for what he did to him. Michaels said he only hopes God will someday forgive him for what he does to Jericho.

Michaels's moustache quivered as Jericho locked eyes with him. They had an intense staredown within inches of each other as the microphone shook in the middle. Jericho then pushed himself away from the table and stood up. Michaels then took off his jacket and they walked across the table to face each other. Suddenly, Lance Cade jumped into the ring and a brawl started. Michaels tried to jump through the ropes at Jericho, but he landed awkwardly on his arm, with the arm breaking the fall. Oh, there it was. Michaels returned to the ring and beat up Cade some more before staring back at Jericho, who smiled from the entrance ramp.

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