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By Chris Newth, PWTorch.com Specialist Contributor

WWE Monday Night Raw
October 22, 2007
Upcoming PPV: Cyber Sunday (last episode before PPV)

RAW STORYLINES AND FEUDS

Welcome to the eleventh edition of Raw Storylines and Feuds.

For those wondering about the Intrigue Level system that I employ, you can refer to the numbers as follows:

10 (excellent), 9 (great), 8-6 (very good, good, pretty good), 5 (decent; has its good and bad qualities), 4-3 (needs work, poor), 2 (bad), 1 (terrible)

Attention readers! Beginning two weeks after Cyber Sunday, which would be the week of Nov. 5-9, I will be poring through my email messages looking for the most creative and interesting storyline idea for an ongoing WWE feud. If you happen to spark a great idea that would enhance a current feud for Raw, ECW, or Smackdown that week, send it in to the email address listed at the bottom of this article. Three ideas will be chosen - one for each Raw, ECW, and Smackdown - and posted on this column at PWTorch.com.

Decisions will be based on creativity, clarity, and relevancy. Here are some guidelines to help your chances of being chosen:

(1) Be sure that you write about WWE feuds. I don't currently have a TNA column.

(2) Write about a feud that's already established on one of the shows. Don't speculate with dream matches or feuds between two people not currently in a program together.

(3) Don't ignore the elements of the story that have been featured so far. Use the current storyline as a starting point from which you can build your own continuation.

(4) Have your idea be something that WWE could start to get into next week, not something that they "should have done."

(5) Be realistic. Don't include features that would be nearly impossible for WWE to pull off.

(6) Originality is paramount. Try to avoid falling into formulaic booking traps.

(7) Time your storyline for the short-term. Aim to talk about developments for the next few weeks and up until the next PPV, not year-long Wrestlemania plans.

You can be as detailed as you'd like, but please don't exceed 20 lines. The emphasis can be on whatever you'd like. If you want to just discuss the value of your specific storyline and how it might enhance character, go ahead. Or maybe you would rather include detailed coverage of what we should see in backstage vignettes or promos. Creating a visual depiction is always great. Talk about what each character is saying, what they are doing, what their emotion is, etc. Talk about the purpose for each segment.

This opportunity is exclusive to the Storylines and Feuds sections of PWTorch.com. Remember, this is a feature that's geared toward posting story ideas. No analysis, please. And don't forget to include your first and last name in the body of the email. I won't post anything without crediting the writer.

WWE Champion RANDY ORTON vs. SHAWN MICHAELS or JEFF HARDY or MR. KENNEDY (3 weeks)

The feud between Orton, Michaels, Hardy, and Kennedy intensified on many levels this week. Each segment had a clear purpose, and each person showed fire and passion.

It began with an in-ring promo by Mr. Kennedy, who was drawing analogies between the babyface choices for Cyber Sunday and presidential hopefuls in the 2008 election. Hardy was compared to Hillary Clinton, while Michaels was evaluated against Rudy Giuliani. This type of segment fit in well. We are in the beginning stages of election hype anyway, and it's a nice fit for the theme of Cyber Sunday. Plus, it's a novel idea, something that isn't done regularly.

Another great aspect to this first segment was the strong focus on Kennedy and Hardy. Even though the end of the segment drew clear lines between The Rainbow Haired Warrior feuding with Kennedy while Michaels claimed Orton as his opponent, it concluded with Hardy standing tall as his distinctive music blared. It was a great opportunity that WWE used to make the Intercontinental Champion look like a legitimate world title contender.

The opening segment as a whole really achieved multiple purposes here. It was different, it showcased Kennedy's great mic ability, it let Hardy have some speaking time, it let us get a glimpse of Hardy holding his own against Orton, and it closed with Hardy showing real strength.

Orton and Kennedy's backstage conversation was also strong. Having Orton say that nobody will vote for Kennedy may have been an attempt at reverse psychology, but no matter what happens, Kennedy is clearly the least likely candidate for that WWE Title match on Sunday. In a way, it kind of gave an excuse to explain why his percentage will be so small at the PPV. In any event, it fit well into a show that was trying to emphasize the discontent between all four top stars on the brand.

Hardy's interaction with Michaels backstage was great. Explanation was actually given for why Jeff deserves a shot - his signature move is effective, it would be the IC champion versus the WWE champion, and he's never been given the opportunity (relating his current situation with that of Michaels from years ago). These segments delivered on so many dynamic levels. It not only inherently hyped Cyber Sunday, but it also fed into the idea of Michaels doubting the support he'd get from Hardy in Raw's main event. Great multi-level storytelling here.

The entire show culminated with a heavy tag team contest that featured Hardy and Michaels against Orton and Mr. Kennedy. Hardy getting the win at the end was pure genius. It completely shattered the feeling that WWE was shoving Michaels down everyone's proverbial throat. And they didn't harm Michaels in the process; he still got his third Superkick in there. They did a fantastic job equalizing every possible Cyber Sunday opponent to make them all seem worthy at some level. Very nicely done.

Intrigue Level (out of 10): 9 [up 1.5 from last week]

Previous Feuds
Shawn Michaels: Randy Orton
Randy Orton: Dusty Rhodes & Cody Rhodes
Jeff Hardy: Umaga, Shelton Benjamin
Mr. Kennedy: no notable feuds since returning from injury and suspension

HORNSWOGGLE vs. WILLIAM REGAL & JONATHAN COACHMAN (7 weeks)

Coachman, after mentioning the benefits to the McMahon family, convinced Raw General Manager William Regal to put Hornswoggle in a match. Of course, it was only after Regal granted the match that The Coach revealed that he wasn't suggesting that he fight The Little Bastard himself, but that it would be Umaga instead. A hint was also made when The Most Royal GM in WWE told Coachman about a rumor he heard that Mr. McMahon was actually behind the plot last week that had a "bomb" explode beneath the ring while Coach was under there.

So, Coach accompanied Umaga to the ring, and Hornswoggle ended up running away in frenetic fright. There was an obvious lack of logic here. In film, we call this kind of thing a plot hole. It's something that can't make sense based on the information we were already given. Hornswoggle has been established as a McMahon. He's referred to that way by announcers, even on Smackdown at times.

So why can't Hornswoggle just change the match, scratch the match, or add to the match? His booking power as a McMahon can undoubtedly overrule GM William Regal's decisions. Instead of running away, why not just get on the microphone and claim that Umaga is now facing Coach since they are both standing in the ring together? I mean, he's been shown to have this kind of power before when he helped John Cena last month by altering a match. Now his hasty retreat gives the impression that he is bound to the rules set by the GM, something that contradicts what we already know.

Overall, the comedy act continues. Does this hurt the show? No, but it's not something that most people want to go out of their way to see. If they didn't make it so artificial and unimaginative, it might have a more fulfilling place on Raw.

Intrigue Level (out of 10): 3.5 [down 1 from last week]

Previous Feuds
Hornswoggle: Jamie Noble
William Regal: n/a
Jonathan Coachman: n/a

TRIPLE H vs. MR. McMAHON & UMAGA (9 weeks w/ 1 week hiatus)

This week, Mr. McMahon wasn't on WWE's flagship show because he was still busy overseas. His absence left a less diluted and more focused emphasis on Umaga and Triple H. So far, Mr. McMahon has helped Umaga since The Samoan Bulldozer is no longer flanked by a mouthpiece manager. And of course, Mr. McMahon's presence always brings with it a deep-seated heel energy from the crowd. However, this week, McMahon's no-show left a determined Triple H to confront his enemy in a pressure-filled segment that worked very well.

The basic pull-apart brawl definitely increased the tension for their match at Cyber Sunday. It was a strong segment, better than many other possibilities. The solid post-action promo by Triple H later in the show also had some impact; it was simple and succinct. The basic point Triple H was getting across was that it doesn't matter what the fans choose at the PPV, Umaga is doomed.

Remember, their upcoming PPV matchup will either be a Street Fight, First Blood, or Steel Cage Match, and any of these would be suitable given the circumstances. If anything, this week's Raw left viewers with some desire to see The Game get his hands on Umaga in a more destructive fashion.

Intrigue Level (out of 10): 8.5 [up 0.5 from last week]

Previous Feuds
Mr. McMahon: Bobby Lashley
Triple H: King Booker
Umaga: Jeff Hardy

CODY RHODES vs. HARDCORE HOLLY (5 weeks w/ 1 week hiatus)

What a great continuation on this already interesting feud. It began with a backstage scene where the self-proclaimed World's Greatest Tag Team ran into Cody Rhodes. It was a nice little surprise to see. I'm always up for hearing wrestlers that don't usually get speaking opportunities to get the chance (like Jeff Hardy earlier in the episode).

That segment set up what would have been just a random match between Benjamin and Rhodes. Cody was able to pull out a quick pinfall victory, and then when Benjamin and Haas decided to exert a post-match double team, Hardcore Holly made the save.

There was then a nice interaction with Holly and Cody. Holly did exactly what was needed. I can't stress the importance of Holly's actions enough here. He made the save, then picked Cody up forcefully to get help in protecting the ring. It was brilliant, and had multiple meanings. First, it let us know that the respect is mutual. Hardcore Holly didn't show any signs of turning on the young, amateur Cody Rhodes. And second, it gave the impression that Hardcore Holly sees the strength in Cody. He picked him up in an attempt to say, "Get up. I need your help defending this ring." It was reminiscent of a superhero tandem and gave a great feel.

This is a team that people can get behind. You have two very dissimilar guys fighting together and bonded by respect. That's a very strong element that any tag team should have, and we got to see it from its inception. The major difference is worth noting. This isn't a team that was just thrown in front of us, like the introduction of so many tag teams (The Highlanders, Cryme Tyme, The Major Brothers, Deuce 'N' Domino, and the new Jesse and Festus). Also, it's not a team bonded by two great performers that you know won't ever be a team in the long-term, such as Undertaker and Kane, Triple H and Shawn Michaels, and MVP and Matt Hardy.

This feud was given a strong new direction on Monday. It can still go anywhere from here. The story has now fostered enough flexibility to take it any way they choose next week.

Intrigue Level (out of 10): 7 [up 1 from last week]

Previous Feuds
Cody Rhodes: Randy Orton
Hardcore Holly: n/a

PAUL LONDON & BRIAN KENDRICK vs. World Tag Team Champions LANCE CADE & TREVOR MURDOCH (8 weeks w/ 1 week hiatus)

It's like WWE is constantly trying to do something with this feud, but they keep changing their minds. Now The Highlanders are nowhere in sight, and two women that are currently not featured in contention for the Women's Title have been brought in to buffer this deteriorating tag team rivalry.

Mickie James's involvement was curious. Was she upset that Murdoch pushed her (because his intent didn't seem to be to save her from a clothesline)? Or was she confusingly appreciative for Murdoch's help? If it's the latter, and Murdoch did save her from his partner's clothesline, will there be tension existent between the World Tag Team Champions? Her facial expression really hit home the idea that there was something worthy of noticing there.

Overall, this feud is slowly moving along on no particular path. I almost keep forgetting that there are tag team titles involved here. The focus has really been taken away from them lately. When will London and Kendrick get another title shot? And what about The Highlanders? On the bright side, this type of thing - showing an interesting element in the Mickie James character - really highlights how a small, but interesting feature can really give a new, fresh perspective on an otherwise ill-fated feud.

Intrigue Level (out of 10): 4.5 [up 1 from last week]

Previous Feuds
London and Kendrick: no notable feuds since being drafted from Smackdown
Cade & Murdoch: The Hardys

CANDICE MICHELLE vs. Women's Champion BETH PHOENIX (9 weeks)

Of course, the biggest story coming out of this match was Candice's top rope misstep and subsequent freefall to the canvas. It was pretty hard to watch her take a legitimate bump like that, and it was one of those moments where you couldn't help but keep your eyes glued to the screen, hoping to find out if she was okay.

The match itself, prior to that horrifying incident, was chock full of potential. It was a bout that, if finished properly, would have surely set Candice to another perceptual level. Hell, despite the slip, I think Candice will be seen in a more respected light now. She deservedly garnered cheers from the crowd post-match.

Again, the match showed glimpses of greatness. Some of Candice's moves looked really great. Her improvement has never been portrayed as clearly as it had been in this match. Everything was just so much smoother. It's unfortunate that it had to end the way it did.

This is the type of event that serves as a grizzly reminder about how dangerous wrestling can be. One little miscalculation or trip-up can send you freefalling toward a concussion or bone break. It shouldn't be taken lightly, and Candice deserves another chance to shine in a Women's Title match with Phoenix when she recovers.

Intrigue Level (out of 10): n/a

Previous Feuds
Candice Michelle: Melina
Beth Phoenix: n/a



The description of the Hardy-Kennedy rivalry is adequately stated in the top section discussing Orton-Michaels-Hardy-Kennedy, but I do want to reserve this spot so that I can give a distinctive and individual intrigue level.

Intrigue Level (out of 10): 7.5 [up 1 from last week]

Previous Feuds
Jeff Hardy: Umaga, Shelton Benjamin
Mr. Kennedy: no notable feuds since returning from injury and suspension

SANTINO MARELLA (w/ Maria) vs. VAL VENIS (4 weeks w/ 1 week hiatus)?

Well, it was a week without Val Venis, and Santino is again left wandering without much direction. Surprisingly, Ron Simmons was brought back to face Mr. Marella in a match. There was mild controversy over whether Santino intentionally kicked Simmons blow the belt, but that question was immediately debunked once the replay showed a pretty obvious low kick to Mr. Simmons's crotch. Why can't Santino ever get a clean victory? I know he's a heel who cheats, but he doesn't even get meaningful wins using those tactics; he just beats people like Val Venis, who through no fault of his own is at the bottom of Raw's roster.

Of course, the pre-match promo was the highlight of the segment, with Santino doing the best Steve Austin imitation you could possibly get. When he interpreted the binary code video package as Stone Cold's attempt to send a message to him, Santino said, "If you ever come here and try to mess with me, I'm going to open a can of the ass whip so big, I'm going to spread it all over your big fat head. And that is the bottom lines." Don't mess with Santino. Hey, at least this Austin rub (or possibly Jericho) will be good for Marella's character.

My only other complaint involves Maria, who still hasn't been clear about her feelings towards her boyfriend. More information should be divulged about that. Otherwise, just keep Santino on TV in some way and these segments will work.

Intrigue Level (out of 10): n/a [I don't think this is a feud anymore]

Previous Feuds
Santino Marella: Umaga
Val Venis: n/a

FEUD CONCLUSIONS

(1) Santino Marella vs. Val Venis?

POTENTIAL FEUDS

(1) Santino Marella vs. Steve Austin?
(2) Snitsky vs. ??
(3) Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch vs. The Highlanders?
(4) D.H. Smith vs. Carlito?
(5) Beth Phoenix vs. ??

Thanks for reading, everyone. If you have any suggestions or comments, feel free to email me at newthtorch@hotmail.com. I appreciate all the feedback I receive. Please insert a word in the subject line that deals with a wrestling topic or write something such as "WWE," "feud," or "Charlie Hass" so that I know it's not junk mail.

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