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WWE Monday Night Raw
February 18, 2008
Upcoming PPV: WrestleMania (sixth-to-last episode before PPV)

RAW STORYLINES AND FEUDS

Welcome to the twenty-seventh 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)


WWE Champion RANDY ORTON vs. TRIPLE H vs. JOHN CENA (1 week)

Triple H kicked off the show with a promo that included his feelings about WrestleMania and his confidence heading into WWE's biggest PPV of the year. As he continued, Randy Orton's music interrupted. Orton talked about how things have come full circle since he's the one who had beaten Triple H for the title months ago. The theme of the WWE Champion's promo seemed to be jealousy, but before he could get too far, John Cena made an interruption of his own. Cena called Orton "the only champion to lose his way into WrestleMania."

As these three argued, William Regal stepped out to the stage to resolve issues. He had a plan: John Cena would face Randy Orton in a non-title match. If Cena won, the WrestleMania main event match would be a Triple Threat; if Orton won, it would be a singles match between Orton and The Game. Regal made it even more interesting when he appointed Triple H the special guest referee.

In the back, Randy Orton met with Triple H in his locker room. The WWE Champion tried to convince Triple H to side with him so that the match at WrestleMania would be one-on-one. He warned Triple H that he probably wouldn't want to find himself tapping out again to Cena. The Game wasn't impressed with Orton's attempt at persuasion. "If it favors anyone, it'll favor me," Triple H responded. A look of disdain was etched on The Game's face as the segment closed. In the main event, John Cena was able to pin Orton cleanly after hitting his FU finisher for the decisive three count.

The match setup was accomplished with an outstanding stipulation. Regal made a lot of sense, which was particularly welcoming. His decision to be fair to John Cena was more dependent on his concern for his own image than it was for his desire to help a cheated John Cena. When he prefaced his decision by explaining how Orton's actions at the PPV last Sunday didn't reflect well on Raw or himself as the GM of the brand, it gave credence to his words since everybody recognizes him as a selfish heel authority figure.

A rematch between Orton and Cena with a special referee provided a greatly anticipated main event while simultaneously incorporating an intriguing subplot. Triple H was effectively placed in a tough predicament. On the one hand, he probably would rather side with John Cena over Randy Orton since Cena's the babyface and since Orton is trying to push him. On the other hand, The Game personally wants to have a singles title match at WrestleMania. So what was a predictable outcome immediately became questioned as viewers understood that Triple H preferred a one-on-one title match. This angle certainly enhanced the intrigue for Raw's main event this week as well as the storyline itself as it heads into WrestleMania.

What should you look for? Triple H to address the events this week and Orton to get some much needed heat back

Intrigue Level (out of 10): 8

Previous Feuds
John Cena: Edge, Umaga, Bobby Lashley, Randy Orton
Randy Orton: Dusty Rhodes, Cody Rhodes, John Cena, Shawn Michaels, Chris Jericho
Triple H: King Booker, Umaga, Jeff Hardy

THE JEOPARDOUS ULTIMATUM FOR RIC FLAIR (13 weeks w/ 3 weeks hiatus)

Shawn Michaels showed up for a big WWE Hall of Fame announcement. Michaels entered the ring and introduced a highlight package on Ric Flair, who is technically the first person to ever be inducted into the Hall of Fame while still an active wrestler. After the video package aired, a teary-eyed Shawn Michaels gave a proud "wooo" to close the segment.

If the plan is to pit these two against each other for a huge WrestleMania retirement match, this was a fantastic start. The story is there; the history is there. Shawn Michaels can make this all the more worth it with the emotion he's going to bring to the moment. In many ways, Michaels is the best person for this role. This segment was pretty intense, and WWE (and Michaels, of course) deserves credit for nailing it here.

What should you look for? Some type of initial interaction between Michaels and Flair after this latest announcement

Intrigue Level (out of 10): 7.5 [up 0.5 since last week]

Previous Feuds
Ric Flair: n/a
Shawn Michaels: Randy Orton, Mr. Kennedy

THE BIG SHOW vs. FLOYD MAYWEATHER (1 week)

Big Show came out and offered to give a formal apology to Floyd Mayweather. Mayweather, flanked by his rather large entourage, entered the ring to confront Show. "I'm sorry things had to happen that way last night, but I'm the best fighter in the world. And when someone calls Floyd Mayweather out, I have to retaliate," Mayweather said. Big Show apologized and extended his hand. Mayweather silently shook it before leaving the ring; however, Show wasn't done.

As Mayweather approached the stage, Big Show taunted him by saying that he allowed him to walk out last night as well as tonight. He then challenged him to a match. Mayweather ran to the ring and told Big Show that he accepted his challenge. He then feigned a punch, and Show flinched. Mayweather smiled as he exited the ring with his entourage. Ross and Lawler questioned what type of match it would be.

This feud is interesting in that it involves a new personality for wrestling fans to watch, someone who they recognize as a WWE outsider who is famous in his own right. With the possibility of Michaels-Flair, two huge world title matches, and a Money in the Bank Ladder Match, this Mayweather-Show rivalry is a great way to round out the WrestleMania card. Furthermore, it gives the WWE audience something new to watch in the next month and a half.

Big Show has just returned, and Mayweather is a professional boxer with a size disadvantage. That dynamic alone is enough to stir interest and excitement. Mayweather also showed some nice personality on Raw, and these two can play off one another well for some nice PPV build. The storyline here is that Big Show took advantage of a weaker, injured Rey Mysterio, while Floyd Mayweather stepped in as a hero. It's still pretty unclear why Big Show apologized only to cause more trouble, but one thing is certain: neither man is intimidated.

What should you look for? More Big Show bullying with a possible squash in his first match since returning

Intrigue Level (out of 10): 7

Previous Feuds
Big Show: n/a
Floyd Mayweather: n/a

HORNSWOGGLE vs. MR. McMAHON (24 weeks w/ 1 week hiatus)

McMahon awaited in the ring with devious eyes on his son. When Hornswoggle made his way into the cage, Finlay tried to talk McMahon out of it, but JBL suddenly attacked Finlay using the cage door. JBL handcuffed Finlay to the ropes so that McMahon could use his belt on Hornswoggle. The Fighting Irishman helplessly watched as Hornswoggle took a brutal beating. McMahon left the ring, and JBL took over. "Take it out on me!" Finlay screamed as JBL took advantage of the situation. Layfield kicked Finlay's little friend in the head, delivered an elbow drop, and hurled him into the cage wall.

It was actually nice to see McMahon put most of the heat onto JBL, whose character can really use it after the failed feud with Jericho. A Finlay-JBL rivalry is promising, and they now have a terrific start. As for McMahon, it was interesting to see him experience some type of sympathy. After Hornswoggle was launched into the cage wall, McMahon looked on almost regretfully. When he said that things went too far aloud, it didn't appear to be in a mocking sense. In fact, it slightly humanized McMahon while emphasizing JBL's brutality.

The events this week did help to set the stage for what could be some decent feuds down the line. Hornswoggle played his role well as the vulnerable, abused son of McMahon. Finlay also did a great job; he may have been tethered to the ring ropes, but his cries for help and his fear for Hornswoggle felt genuine. JBL looked heartless, which was the intended purpose. And McMahon had an interesting reaction, which should be further explored in the coming weeks.

What should you look for? Finlay to be seeking major revenge against both McMahon and John Bradshaw Layfield

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

Previous Feuds
Mr. McMahon: Bobby Lashley, Triple H, Hornswoggle

WWE Women's Champion BETH PHOENIX vs. CANDICE MICHELLE (1 week)

Santino Marella and Maria walked to the ring to talk about Maria's possible stint with Playboy. Santino feigned happiness when announcing that Maria would indeed be posing for the magazine, but then announced that she would also be facing Beth Phoenix. As the match was getting underway, Santino spotted something in small print on the contract: In order to pose for Playboy, Maria would have to be victorious in her match against The Glamazon. A shocked Maria tried her best, but Phoenix overpowered her throughout the match. In the end, Candice made a surprise return, which provided enough distraction to allow Maria to roll up Beth for the three count.

Well, it looks like this marks the end of the Mickie-Beth rivalry. It's not necessarily wrong for WWE to capitalize on Candice's return by having her seek out the person who caused her injury. The only downside is that WWE seemed to be in the middle of a promising run for Mickie James. A few weeks ago, Mickie broke down, suggesting some type of resurgence to come. Now there's a new story in the works. In a way, that helps Beth's image and strengthens Candice's obstacles. But it also leaves the audience hanging. On the bright side, Mickie can come back after Candice tries to dethrone The Glamazon with some new fire. Perhaps a new and improved Mickie James is on the way in the next few months.

What should you look for? Promo time for both Candice (on returning) and Beth (in reaction to her loss)

Intrigue Level (out of 10): 5.5

Previous Feuds
Beth Phoenix: Candice Michelle, Mickie James
Candice Michelle: Melina, Beth Phoenix

SANTINO MARELLA (w/ Maria) & CARLITO vs. World Tag Team Champions HARDCORE HOLLY & CODY RHODES (7 weeks w/ 3 weeks hiatus)

What happened here? Just a few weeks ago, Raw dedicated two separate segments of the show to this feud. Additionally, Carlito and Santino stepped out to make a formal announcement that they in fact were the new Number One Contenders for the World Tag Team Championship. Now, presumably because of all the WrestleMania hype, this rivalry lost all of the momentum that it once enjoyed.

What should you look for? Anything that could act as a semblance of a hint that this feud even exists anymore

Intrigue Level (out of 10): 4 [down 1 since last week]

Previous Feuds
Santino Marella: Umaga, Ron Simmons, Val Venis, Steve Austin
Carlito: Triple H
London & Kendrick: Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch

PAUL BURCHILL

This week, Burchill was set to take on Super Crazy one-on-one. His sister Katie Lea observed the match from ringside. In the end, Burchill decisively won by slamming Super Crazy's head and chest to the mat. It looks like WWE shifted its original plan by making that particular move his signature finisher.

This was just another squash to help build some steam for Burchill's new gimmick. As for the story, WWE clearly toned the incest qualities of their relationship down a notch. Last week I noted that they may have been too blunt about it, but this week seemed to be the opposite. There was plenty of discussion about siblings, but nothing sexually obvious between the two. Oh, and Lawler didn't make suggestive comments like "Katie seems enamored with her brother." So now we have two weeks and two different strategies. Let's see how next week goes.

What should you look for? A continuation of squash matches and more commentary that cements these characters as siblings

Intrigue Level (out of 10): 5 [same as last week]

Previous Feuds
Paul Burchill: n/a


POTENTIAL FEUDS

(1) Santino vs. Maria
(2) Paul Burchill vs. Super Crazy
(3) JBL vs. Finlay
(4) Candice vs. Beth Phoenix
(5) Maria vs. Beth Phoenix


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



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