Taste My Rainbow [25] – At RAW Up Close And Personal

 

Taste My Rainbow [25] – At RAW Up Close and Personal

Do I know you? Ha! Of course I do! That was obviously a trick question. Welcome back my Fruity Followers to the latest and greatest edition of Taste My Rainbow. The only column around this joint fruity enough to fulfill your daily sugar intake. I’m the guy they call SkittleZ and I will be your tour guide for the day. Got a lot going on lately. Work as always, baseball is beginning to get interesting, the USA basketball team whooped the ever loving shit out of Canada Friday night (120-65) and we are now on the road to SummerSlam. Today’s column will be a little departure from what you’re probably use to. But what can I say… I like to take the easy way out in life. So sit back, get comfortable and fucking pay attention. As they say, It’s on with the show.

I don’t ever get a break, folks. If anyone’s been following me and DaveyBoy’s Prediction Contest, you are probably aware of the standings and know enough basic math to figure out that the Great American Bash didn’t exactly work in my favor. I was two matches back of Davey going in and now currently sit FOUR matches behind that foreigner. And Prediction Contest aside, I really didn’t do well overall. However, the two matches I dropped to DaveyGirl were the Divas Championship Match (I picked Neidhart) and the NYC Street Fight (I went with Cena) and those are the only two that really matter at this point. Don’t get me wrong… I’m still right on his ass (no homo). But losing ground this late in the game never helps. I suppose I’ll have to wait for SummerSlam to get my revenge. Anyhow, here are the updated standings:
DaveyBoy (42-21-1) / SkittleZ (38-25-1)

Are stables on the rise? More like mini-stables but I’ll take what I can get. When they aren’t overused, stables can be a thing of beauty as is the case right now in the WWE. On RAW, Cena and Cryme Tyme have been hanging out more and more regularly and all signs point to some kind of three man stable. The same goes for Rhodes and Dibiase. The World Tag Team Champions are a bright young team who have JBL as the leader and mouthpiece of the group. While the two teams may just be joining forces for a short duration to benefit all involved, stables are still a dying breed in pro wrestling today and its great to see them pop up on the radar every now and then. I would throw La Familia in there as well but they appear to be having some internal issues as of late.

While the majority my feel differently, I am really looking forward to the Matt Hardy/Mark Henry ECW Title Match at SummerSlam. Perhaps not as much from a match quality standpoint but due to the risk for reward ratio that works in this bout’s favor. WWE has an opportunity to do something big here and I believe they’ve realized that. If you ask around, a good portion of the IWC would explain that the ECW Championship was only put around Mark Henry’s waist at Night of Champions because Kane was heading to RAW and Henry was set to put over an up and comer down the road somewhere. Matt dropped the United States Championship to Benjamin at the Great American Bash and now doesn’t that seem like an opportune time to do so. Hardy isn’t what you’d call new to the game but this would be another monumental step in building on his credibility and taking him to that next level. That’s why I’m pulling for Matt to overcome all the obstacles at SummerSlam (Atlas, Delaney, etc.) and upset Henry to capture the ECW Title.

Call me silly but doesn’t it appear like the WWE is putting more emphasis on the SmackDown product since the Draft Lottery? Before you even start, I disagree. I don’t think it’s because Jim Ross and Triple H were moved over to the blue brand. For those who’ve forgotten, SmackDown is changing networks in a few months and therefore WWE is working to turn on more viewers to the program before it jumps ship. Shit… I don’t blame them. I can’t even remember the name of the new network. MyNetwork or something to that effect? Might as well air the shit on paid programming. That is the best the WWE could do? The number one wrestling organization in the world is reduced to putting one of their main shows on a network no one cares about? With all due respect, fuck you CW Network.

Although I’ve been a wrestling fan for over a decade, I have never once been to a live event. House show, RAW, SmackDown, ECW, Pay Per View… absolutely nothing. Plenty of opportunities however with the best coming nearly two and a half years when WrestleMania 22 was held at the Allstate Arena in Chicago (a mere 30 miles from my house). I often wondered if I’d ever end up going to a WWE show. As of now, I plan on heading to Houston for WrestleMania 25 with a number of friends from LOP next April but that’s ages away. Well as I mentioned numerous times in my last few columns, I’ve been on vacation in Connecticut since late April. I was hanging out one night watching TV in the living room when my step-mom was checking her emails and realized that RAW was coming to the Mohegan Sun Arena on July 21st (only a 45 minute drive from my Dad’s house) and asked if we should go. I marked like a little kid and my Pops bought tickets for him, myself, my step-mom and my sister. He told me they were great seats and I believed him when he told me the total cost came to $630!

Usually when you’re anxiously awaiting a certain day, time seems to slow down significantly. Well fortunately, that wasn’t the case here as the days just flew by and it was Monday night in a heartbeat. I wasn’t really all that excited until we actually stepped foot into the arena. Mohegan Sun is a casino in Connecticut with an arena inside. Once we arrived, there were lines wrapped all around the casino. The most popular t-shirts were Cena, Batista and Mysterio without question. Oh and on that note, make sure you check out JetSetPoker’s RAW Report from last Monday’s show. But like I was saying, it wasn’t until we headed in for our seats that I played witness to what I see on television each and every week. The atmosphere was amazing and the crowd was pumped up before the dark matches even got underway. We were located right up against the barricade in the corner of the main isle and the TitanTron. The dark matches were nothing to write home about. Charlie Haas and Jamie Noble beat two local nobodies. Lilian Garcia came out and same the National Anthem before Michael Cole and ‘The King’ (who got a huge pop) walked out. Lilian then informed us all to get rowdy as we were going on the air in 20 seconds. The show’s opening firework display is quite a sight when you’re standing barely 15 feet away.

Batista’s Challenge

I waited for Batista’s pyro to blow my eardrums but I was saved as the Animal was pissed at Kane for costing him the World Heavyweight Title the previous night at Great American Bash and appeared to be in no mood to take part in such nonsense. Batista blabbed about wanting to kick Kane’s ass and demanded a rematch until CM Punk came out to a big pop. The World Heavyweight Champ told the Animal he was on but JBL suddenly popped up on the TitanTron to remind us all that he was running the show and deserved a title shot more than Batista. He and Punk then took turns making fun of JBL and watching Bradshaw’s facial expressions on the big screen was priceless. Punk then invited Batista again to meet him up later on (in the ring you sick bastards) and they cut to commercial.

The segment was far from special but kept the title picture progressing. Punk hasn’t been given a clean win over Batista yet but it’s totally understandable. JBL put him over and I don’t expect Punk to play the role of transitional champion. JBL has done a great job of stepping in as RAW’s main heel during Orton’s absence. And Batista has just been his bad ass self and remained in the title picture like he always tends to do. Batista was pretty fucking sizable in person and JBL was taller than I’d imagined. I actually got to high five Punk as he walked back up the ramp!

Lance Cade vs. Paul London

The split up of Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch still to this day does not sit well with me. I know all tag teams have to go their separate ways at some point or another but these two were better off sticking together for the long haul. Too many of WWE’s tag teams these days are broken up early before they’re able to really accomplish much or reach their full potential. So out of all the possible options available, WWE decided to fire Murdoch and push Cade. Excellent booking you fucking morons! I honestly believe a goofy singing babyface Trevor Murdoch had a better chance of succeeding than a big serious heel Lance Cade. What happens to Cade after Y2J doesn’t need him anymore? I personally would be insulted as a fan if Cade was headlining the latter matches of pay per view down the road. Instead of breaking up Cade and Murdoch prematurely, WWE should’ve just sucked it up and switched them over to SmackDown or ECW in the Draft.

This bout was obviously a squash to continue Cade’s push and sell him to the audience as a legitimate threat. Look at poor Paul London…. another career butchering thanks to the Draft Lottery forcing him and Brian Kendrick to go their separate ways. Now the entertaining aerial act of Londrick is no more and both of them now stand little chance of achieving much on their own. London’s glass ceiling is the Intercontinental Championship and even that doesn’t look very hopeful from where I’m sitting. So like I said, the match was over before I even knew what had happened. The only aspect I like about Lance Cade is his high impact finisher. There were tons of “Cade Sucks!” chants which I gladly took part in.

Y2J Speaks on HBK

After Cade’s victory, he got on the microphone and hyped Chris Jericho and the ass beating he gave to Shawn Michaels at the Great American Bash. Y2J then walked out in street clothes and at first, the crowd seemed confused whether to cheer or boo him. Well that all changed when Jericho took over the mic and informed us that he’d ended HBK’s career for good and that he didn’t regret it whatsoever. After that, it didn’t take very long until the fans were bombarding him with “HBK! HBK!” chants. He was even kind enough to show us a nice video package of him beating the shit out of HBK’s eye until the referee stopped the match. Got to love the WWE’s never ending attempts to amplify the drama with loud sounds, slow motion and black and white photography.

I was actually lost at the beginning when Jericho initially came out. Cade told the crowd to show them the proper respect and when the fans didn’t show said appreciation, he and Jericho left the ring and walked behind the curtain. Then it was silent in the arena for a minute or two and Y2J and Cade came right back out! I was unsure and even contemplated whether the segment had been botched somehow. That wasn’t the case as Jericho laid into Michaels with another awesome promo. The feud has been tremendous even though HBK has been injured through the last several weeks of it. The audience would have erupted if Shawn made an appearance but he was nowhere to be found. Not that I expected him to be there live or anything. When it comes to HBK, it’s all about the hard sell!

Kelly Kelly vs. Beth Phoenix

They showed a quick video of Phoenix getting the upset win over Santino the previous week and it got a few laughs from the crowd. You don’t have to watch wrestling very long to realize this match wouldn’t last long. I honestly never thought Kelly Kelly was anything special but in person, she was absolutely gorgeous. I would’ve jumped over the barricade and made love to her right there if I knew Security wouldn’t rip my head off. And Phoenix was a beast from ten feet away. Kelly got a few impressive moves in but it was Phoenix who dominated as expected. Nice finish however when Kelly countered Beth into a roll up and nearly stole a victory. Beth showed off her strength by not only kicking out but rolling through the pin, lifting Kelly into the air and dropping her face first on the mat for the three count.

I guess they have to keep Beth strong for whenever she’s placed back in the Women’s Title picture down the road. Since Phoenix and Mickie have basically exhausted their rivalry for the time being, the writing team will probably wait until Candice Michelle comes back before Beth shows significant interest in another championship reign. No matter what she does, Phoenix will be just fine. Kelly Kelly is low on the radar but you never know… she could be a vital part of the Women’s Division two or three years down the road. She reminds me a lot of Maria as far as where her in-ring skills are and Kelly will most likely take over the role that Maria once held on RAW. Hey, I’ve got no complaints with that.

Hacksaw Jim Duggan Speaks

Hacksaw’s music hit and we all marked out with some “Hooooooooo!” chants. I figured Duggan was just coming out during commercial to tell us about some type of charity or to take part in an activity that involved the audience. His street attire assured me that he definitely wouldn’t be wrestling or getting squashed on tonight’s show. Hacksaw got on the mic and let us all know that he was contemplating retirement after a lengthy career. The fans protested until Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler jumped in the ring to talk some sense into Duggan. ‘King’ surprisingly got some of the biggest pops of the night. Lawler basically told him that as long as Hacksaw was still passionate about wrestling, that he can wrestler for as long as he wants (see Ric Flair).

Duggan appeared to be convinced on sticking around and all was fine and dandy until the World Tag Team Champs made their presence felt and walked out to greet the two veterans. Cody Rhodes and Ted Dibiase took turns making fun of both Lawler and Hacksaw until ‘The King’ had heard enough and slapped the taste out of Cody’s mouth much to the adulation of the crowd. Rhode’s wanted to lay into Lawler but Dibiase held him back and JBL came out to back up the young heel duo as well as hype them. Cryme Tyme’s music suddenly hit the loudspeakers. Huge pop for JTG and Shad by the way as they’ve got to be one of WWE’s most over tag teams at the moment. Solid segment with Hacksaw and it led up greatly to Rhodes and Dibiase coming out to disrespect the old timers. Building on the Champs’ heat and moving in the right direction. Rhodes and Dibiase look a lot like Orton to me. Almost as if you combined them together, you’d get a Randy Orton. Just wanted to throw that out there. Make your own assumptions, dickwads.

Six Man Tag Team Match

I was none too happy when JBL came out through the curtain instead of in his trademark limousine. The problem I think was that the arena was a little small for a limo to be driven out into the arena and JBL’s fat ass would’ve been quite cramped trying to squeeze his way to the ring between the limo and the barricade. As Cryme Tyme waited at ringside for their partner in the upcoming contest, you can just feel the intensity in the arena turn up a few notches Everybody knew who was about to come out and it was no secret that the place was going to erupt. Cena’s music hit and the ovation was deafening. I don’t know how it came off on television but that place was going bonkers as Cena walked out and played up the crowd. I didn’t hear a single boo during Cena’s entrance. He and Cryme Tyme jumped in the ring and took out JBL, Rhodes and Holly. The referee tried to restore order and I’m assuming that’s when they cut to commercial.

Good early action and it unsurprisingly ended up being JTG playing the face in peril who just simply could not get a tag to save his life. But alas, JTG broke free and made the hot tag to Cena. The crowd came unglued yet again though there were noticeable boo’s as Cena handed Dibiase his usual flurry of offense. He went for the Five Knuckle Shuffle but JBL ran in to break it up. Cena held his ground and fought JBL off who escaped through the crowd (a mere twenty feet from where I was sitting). Back in the ring, Cena hit a double FU on Rhodes and Dibiase and made the pin. Great co-main event and the audience was in pandemonium for the last thirty seconds of the bout. Cena and Cryme Tyme celebrated before exiting to the backstage area.

Mixed Tag Team Match

Honestly, I haven’t seen much of Kofi Kingston thus far. I never really watch ECW and he was on the C brand from his debut in January up until the Draft Lottery. So he’s been on RAW for three or four weeks and I’m still not completely up to date on Kingston. Well I totally forgot about his pyro and the couple of green fireworks that I WEREN’T expecting nearly sent me backwards toppling over a folding chair. Very good pop for Kofi but an even bigger one for the Women’s Champion Mickie James. What a hot bitch. Burchill and Katie followed to a chorus of boo’s and I was almost stunned by how beautiful and sexy Lea was in real life. If you recorded RAW, you can actually see me at this point stick my head over the barricade and turn it sideways to get a good look at Katie’s ass. I’m a dude… I can’t help it.

The match had good energy and there was a good mix of everything during the short amount of time the contest was given. There is no way Burchill isn’t on the juice because he easily has twice the amount of muscle mass he did during his Pirate days. Anyways, Paul worked over Kofi’s legs and nailed his neckbreaker finisher to pick up the win for him and Katie. Although most people don’t realize it (general wrestling fans at least), this feud is benefiting RAW in many ways. It keeps two feuds going at once for two respective championships. It allows different parties to work together for several weeks and the Kofi/Burchill program helps out the midcard and more importantly the Intercontinental Title. I’m a firm believer that allowing main eventers to carry the IC Title does little to aid the division. The division was built to elevate guys lower on the card to a status where they can really make a name for themselves. At this point, I wouldn’t even mind a Burchill/Kofi rematch at SummerSlam. On her way by, Mickie kissed a little girl on the cheek who was standing like five feet to my right. Too bad that wasn’t me…

D’Lo Brown vs. Santino Marella

This drunk fat guy from across the aisle way had been screaming for Santino to come out for minutes on end. To the point where it was starting to get downright annoying. The guy even took it as far as to yell out “Come on Vince! Give us what we want! Santino!” While I admit I rather enjoy Santino’s company as well (no homo), I doubt I’d ever take it to that extreme. So when Marella’s music finally hit, me and I’m sure hundreds of others were relieved to hear the chunky white dude shut his trap. Santino assured all of us in attendance that his inaugural challenge was intended for strictly males and offered any other superstar to meet him in the ring again tonight. And out of every possible superstar, it was D-Lo Brown who answered the call and let us know he’s still alive after all these years!

I was surprised how few people seemed to know who D-Lo was as I wasted no time in marking out like a schoolgirl. Then I took a glance around and remembered how many little kids were present and how the majority of them weren’t even alive when the Nation was at its peak. Brown’s upbeat personality always garners attention and the crowd quickly rallied behind him. D-Lo made quick work of Santino and finished him off with his old Sky-Hi frog splash. Perhaps this is mainly a feel good story as I don’t see much the WWE can do with him. Throw him in the Intercontinental Title picture? Meh… works for me. Beth Phoenix came back out and appeared as if she wanted to beat the shit out of Santino. However, Marella gave her a few looks before pulling her in and planting a kiss on the Glamazon! And she didn’t exactly stop him. The two then traded awkward moments until an intrigued Santino headed up the ramp. I have no idea where this is heading but when you have a clash of styles such as Beth and Santino working together, it can only turn into brilliant segments.

CM Punk vs. Batista for the World Heavyweight Championship

I knew for a fact we were getting a taste of Batista’s pyro this time around. Isn’t it funny how when you don’t know something is coming, it can make you uneasy? But when you know it’s coming, you’re ripe with anticipation? Nonetheless, the Animal did his usual entrance and I loved it. Punk was surely out next so I relaxed when two huge burst of flames erupted behind me and I almost jumped into my sister’s lap! Kane marched to the ring and traded blows with Batista before giving The Animal a chokeslam (which they nearly botched). Punk sprinted to the ring to fend off Kane and clotheslined the Big Red Machine out of the ring. Batista was given time to recover before the match officially began. I was really taken aback by how much of the contest Punk dominated though I’m assuming it was mostly Batista selling Kane’s earlier attack. Punk went for his springboard clothesline but Batista caught him in midair and nailed the spine buster. The Animal appeared to be closing in on his fourth World Title after hitting Punk with a spear but JBL ran down to the ring.

Bradshaw and Batista slugged it out at ringside and the referee called for the bell. JBL got the upper hand on both The Animal and Punk before Cena ran out to make the save. Cena was whooping the holy hell out of JBL until Bradshaw ducked a punch and Cena accidentally hit Batista in the face. The Animal tried to give Cena the Batista Bomb but he slid out and went for the FU on Batista. The Animal wiggled free however and he and Cena brawled until a slew of referees hit the ring to break up the melee. RAW went off the air and Batista walked back up the aisle with his eyes on Cena the entire time. Cena then got on the mic and talked about the possibility of a one on one encounter between himself and Batista which the crowd responded in approval. He then told us that his Dad and friends were there and pointed them out in the front row. Cena thanked us all for coming and then slid out of the ring to hug his Dad and exchange words with his buddies. Cena high fived a bunch of fans and then walked back through the curtain. Nowhere near a great show but being there in person was amazing. Even a decent show seems amplified. I can’t wait to feel the electricity at WrestleMania 25 in Houston come next April. Yep… that’s going to cost a pretty penny.

The answer to my riddle from TMR [24] was indeed “John Morrison”. There was a slight jump in the correct guess percentage (57%) but nothing drastic enough to concern me. After a ton of soul searching, I think I’ve stumbled upon a riddle that will rack your brains and force each and every one of you to the brink of insanity. Try to crack this one, losers.
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Somehow, I can relate to John Cena.

My matches towards the end of my WWE run were short and swift.

I’ve won tag team gold with both individuals from my former stable.

One of my past allies is mostly remembered as a comedic character but showed a dark side at the start of the new millennium.

As long as I’ve been around the business, you’d swear I was considerably older.
_________________________________________________________________________________________

Think you know the answer? Give it some thought and guess away. If you answer incorrectly, I’ll laugh and poke fun at your severe lack of intelligence. Get it right however and earn the right to… oh who am I kidding? You’ll win nothing and like it! NO ONE will solve my masterful riddle. I will reveal the answer in my next column.

I’m not sure where the urge originated from but I’ve been on an Nintendo 64 binge as of late. Like most kids, I got the N64 back when it came out in 1996 for Christmas. Around 2001, I inexplicably bought the Nintendo GameCube (dumb move on my part) and went on to buy other various video game systems. Thus, leaving the N64 behind and never looking back. I never sold or threw out my Nintendo 64 but I lost track of it quite a while back. Over the last few weeks, I’ve suddenly got the itch to play it again. I had no idea where my old system was so I did what anyone would do… I bought one off eBay. The game console and three controllers for just fifteen bucks! Everything worked just fine too. Obviously, I had to purchase some games. I’m an adventure guy all day so I got my hands on Super Mario 64 and Banjo-Kazooie. Two classic platforms. Every day since I received them in the mail, I get home from work, shower and then play until three or four in the morning. While it isn’t a healthy addiction, it beats drugs and alcohol. Now I just need to snag a copy of Donkey Kong 64 and my life will be complete.

Who doesn’t love Fact or Fiction? I have risen it from the dead and have some good news regarding one of LOP’s most traditional columns. Along with three other individuals, Tito and DaveyBoy will both guess starring in the August installment of Fact or Fiction! * thunderous ovation ensues * Alright now. Settle down, people. I understand it’s hard not to get excited but you still have around three weeks so please try to contain yourselves. And don’t flood Davey and Tito’s email boxes with nude and/or inappropriate photos. We want them to come back in the future and I don’t want to be labeled a pioneer of filth. Oh and special thanks to Noc who made a spiffy column banner for Fact or Fiction. He’ll also be participating in next month’s column.

When in doubt, plug it out…

>>> Young Andy is stinking up the joint once again in a depressive manner Savana’s Chamber of Pain #32: Quitting

>>> The Anonymous Comedy Hour is back in full swing Inside the Mind 6.5: Teh Legacy of ECW is being destroyed

>>> MadChuck isn’t exactly what I’d call shy and polite. Click here to see what I mean The MadRanter: Brooke Hogan should be brutally raped

That’s all you get for now. Hopefully, this didn’t come off as overly generic for the majority of you. I figured an event of this magnitude to myself personally was worth sharing with you ungrateful homosexuals. Hell… tell me whether you enjoyed or outright despised it. If you have anything to add or point out, just shoot me a quick email at (Skittlez601028@aim.com) and either praise me or bash my literary skills to no end. You know how the story goes. I’ll be back at it in two weeks time with some new bullshit. Take care until we meet again and watch your ass in dark alleyways (or in prison for that matter). Later homies.

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WWE News: Next Saturday Night’s Main Event Location Confirmed, FCW TV Taping Notes, Free Cena Meet & Greet

source: PWInsider.com.

– As expected, WWE.com has confirmed that the next edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event will be taped before Monday Night Raw on July 28th at the Verizon Center in Washington D.C (which I’ll be attending from the second row). The show is scheduled to air the following Saturday on NBC at 9 p.m. Thanks to Devin Cutting for passing on the note.

– Tonight’s inaugural Florida Championship Wrestling television taping sold out within 30 minutes after tickets went on sale at 4:00 p.m. Fans were lining up as early as 7:00 A.M. to get in, and it was raining all day too. A number of fans were turned away from the event as the building only holds 235 fans. Additionally, in a change from earlier plans, they actually plan on taping television each and every Thursday, instead of every other Thursday. Batista, Matt & Jeff Hardy, and Maria are scheduled to appear at next week’s show. Even though they have the shows in place, they don’t appear to have an actual television deal yet as nothing has been announced. The FCW show is expected to air on Tampa’s CW affiliate, but we haven’t heard anything new on that.

– John Cena has a free meet and greet scheduled for Thursday, August 7 at the Herald Square GNC store in New York City. For more details on his upcoming appearance, call (212) 279-2820.

Monday Night Raw (07/14/08): The Animal Unleashed

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Monday Night Raw (07/14/08): The Animal UnleashedWelcome to another Monday Night Raw with yours truly Jetsetpoker. I seemed to get all good feedback last week so nothing really is going to change. I’m going to add ratings to longer promo’s/segments due to request but other then that everything will stay the same. Enjoy.

 

Monday Night Raw (07/14/08)

Live from Raleigh, North Carolina

A recap is show of Batista pinning Kane in a Fatal Four Way for the chance to face CM Punk at the Great American Bash. The recap also shows Kane snapping at the end of last week saying “Is he alive or dead?!?!”

Stephanie and Shane McMahon both show up on screen. Stephanie and Shane repeat what they have said the past 2 weeks that we need to pull together during this time of need. Shane says that if actions don’t change then action will be taken.

It cuts to HBK attacking Y2J live in the arena. HBK is on top of Y2J pounding him with lefts and rights. Eventually Lance Cade makes the save and pulls Jericho to the back while HBK is being held back by referee’s who came running out to break up the fight.

As HBK is being escorted to the back Kane’s music hits. Kane comes walking to the ring with a bag in his hand. Kane chases off some production crew and stares down Lawler and Michael Cole. Kane starts to scream “I’m Sorry!” Kane repeats he’s sorry a few times and then walks to the back.

The camera cuts to the backstage and HBK is beating the hell out of Lance Cade. Y2J kicks HBK off of Cade and security breaks all 3 men up. All hell is breaking lose tonight…and with that we have are first match!

Match 1: Mickie James vs Katie Lea

Both women lock up. Katie Lea puts Mickie James in an arm lock and Mickie reverses it into a roll up for a 1 count. Katie Lea connects with a kick to Mickie’s stomach and goes for a snap mare but Mickie rolls threw it and takes Katie Lea off her feet for another quick pin. Katie Lea kicks out at 2. Mickie catches Katie Lea with a few punches to the side of the head. Mickie tries to whip Katie Lea into the corner but Katie Lea reverses it and whips Mickie in. Katie Lea comes charging in but is caught with an elbow from Mickie. Mickie uses the corner to wrap her legs around Katie Lea to try for a hurricarana but Katie Lea throws Mickie over the ropes. Mickie lands on the apron and tries to catch Katie Lea with a shoulder to the stomach but Katie Lea side steps it and kicks Mickie in the face. Katie Lea drags Mickie back into the ring by her hair. Katie Lea goes for a pin but only gets a 2 count. Katie Lea puts her knee into Mickie’s back and wrenches on her head with a headlock. Katie lets Mickie get up and Mickie runs to the ropes but is caught with an arm drag by Katie Lea. Katie goes for another quick cover for only a 2. Katie connects with a hard kick to Mickie’s rib cage and then locks Mickie in a choke hold. Mickie counters by throwing Katie over her but Katie runs right back at Mickie and connects with a hard knee. Katie then runs Mickie into the corner with a shoulder and sets Mickie on the top rope. Mickie fights back by kicking Katie away. Mickie goes for a spinning DDT but Katie Lea counters by pulling Mickie off the ropes. Mickie lands on her feet and connects with a hard right. Mickie uses the turnbuckle again and connects with a head scissors on Katie Lea. Mickie goes back to the top rope and hits the Lou Thez press from the top rope for the 3 count! Mickie gets the win after a Lou Thez Press from the top rope over Katie Lea.

(Honestly, this was a horrible match. Both these ladies are capable of putting on a solid bout. This match was very sloppy and all the punches/kicks looked very weak. Not a good start at all. .5 out of 5)

Katie Lea gets in Mickie’s face after the match and Paul Burchill comes from behind and holds onto Mickie for Katie Lea. Katie grabs the title and slaps Mickie. Kofi Kingston comes from the back and Paul and Katie Lea roll out of the ring. Kofi challenges Paul Burchill to an Intercontinental Title match. Paul accepts and its right…now!

Cut to commercial…

Match 2: Kofi Kingston vs Paul Burchill for the Intercontinental Championship

We join the match already in progress. Burchill whips Kofi into the ropes and connects with a shoulder block. Burchill runs into the ropes again and Kofi quickly gets back on his feet and leapfrogs Burchill. Kofi jumps over Burchill again and then connects with a jumping elbow to Burchill’s face. Burchill stumbles up into the corner and Kofi runs at him and jumps onto the 2nd rope. Kofi connects with a few punches before doing a back flip off of him and then connecting with a running shoulder block into Burchill’s stomach. Burchill kicks Kofi in the stomach and tries to go for a suplex but Kofi reverses it into a roll up. Burchill kicks out at 2. Kofi twists Burchill’s arm and continues to apply pressure to the shoulder area. Burchill backs Kofi into the corner and whips Kofi into the other turnbuckle. Kofi does a little up and over move on the running Burchill. Burchill turns around and Kofi connects with an arm drag. Kofi goes for a pin but Burchill kicks out at 1. The crowd is starting to get behind Kofi chanting “Kofi, Kofi, Kofi” Kofi twists the arm of Burchill again and goes back to work on the shoulder. Burchill whips Kofi down by his hair and runs to the ropes but Kofi connects with a standing dropkick to the face. Kofi goes for another cover and gets another 2 count. Kofi immediately goes back to work on Burchill’s arm. Burchill backs Kofi up into the corner and counters with a big shoulder block. Burchill whips Kofi into the corner again and Kofi tries to counter again with his up and over move but Burchill catches him and throws him strait up. As Kofi is falling face first to the ground Burchill connects with a vicious kick to the ribcage in mid-air. Burchill connects with some more kicks and a few body crosses. Burchill goes for a cover but Kingston kicks out at 2. Kofi tries to get up but Burchill unleashes another vicious kick to the ribs. Burchill with a knee to the rib’s and a quick cover but only a 2 count. Burchill puts Kofi in a bear hug on the canvas. Kofi starts to work his way back to his feet and breaks the hold with a few elbows. Kofi charges into the ropes but Burchill counters by just tossing Kofi up into the air. Burchill gives Kofi a few more shots to the ribs and goes for a cover. Kofi kicks out at 2. Burchill picks Kofi up and nails Kofi with a reverse flapjack. Burchill goes for another cover and Kofi kicks out again at 2. Burchill whips Kingston into the corner and Kingston counters with a boot to the face of Burchill. Kofi connects with a few rights and a kick to the side. Burchill tries to clothesline Kingston but Kingston ducks and bounces off the ropes with a clothesline of his own. Kingston hits a standing dropkick. Kingston hits Burchill with a Russian leg sweep. Kingston then connects with his double leg drop move (needs a name). Katie Lea gets up on the apron but Mickie pulls her down. As Burchill gets back to his feet Kingston connects with the Trouble In Paradise! 1..2..3! Kofi Kingston defeats Paul Burchill with the Trouble In Paradise. (Eh, hard to rate this one. I thought it was a bit disappointing given the time that it was allotted. It didn’t seem like there styles meshed well but at the same time it looked like Kingston was trying to show he can do more then just be a high flyer. The match served its purpose of getting Kingston over so I’ll give it a 2 out of 5.)

Santino Marella is shown backstage talking to Matt Striker. Santino tells Striker that he made a open invitation to the entire WWE locker room. Santino says someone is “death meat”. Kane walks in and asks Marella where Punk is. Santino asks Kane if he tried the Pepsi machine. Kane asks where punk is again. Santino says he saw him earlier in the locker room down the hall.

Cut to commercial…

We come back from commercial and Kane is in Punk’s locker room with that bag still in his hand. Kane tells Punk deep down inside he knows he’s dead. Punk asks what Kane is talking about. Kane says they have been tag team partners before but tonight Kane needs Punk in the ring 1 on 1. Punk says he has the biggest match of his life in 6 days and Kane decides to come in and challenge him now? Kane says this isn’t about the title. Kane says he needs this. Punk says he needs this to. He needs to prove to everybody that he’s not a fluke. Punk accepts Kane’s challenge. Punk asks what is with the bag Kane is holding. Kane just laughs and walks away.

Todd Grishim is backstage with John Cena. Grishim says that JBL challenged him to a New York City parking lot brawl at the Great American Bash. Matthews asks Cena if he can tell him what a New York City parking lot brawl is. Cena says that since Vince has been out that at the wishes of his family he has tried to go down that isle with a smile on his face but he says he can’t do it anymore because of JBL’s challenge. Cena says if you know of this match and then you know why there isn’t a smile on his face. Cena says this isn’t even a match, it’s a war! Cena says on that day we won’t find out who the best athlete is but who can break the most bones on concrete. Cena says we will find out if a man’s pride will fold and if careers will be cut short. Cena says Grishim’s question shouldn’t be what the match is about but why would he accept such a challenge. Cena says it’s no breaking news that he doesn’t like JBL. Cena says he figured if there going to fight one more time its only right that it takes place at the Great American Bash. Cena says JBL considers himself a great American and it makes Cena sick. Cena says he will be happy to grab the hair of a great American and smash his face threw window after window of every car in the parking lot. Cena says he will take great pleasure in hoisting a 200 pound car door over his head and seeing real fear in JBL’s eyes. Cena says you’re looking at a battle hungry war warden angry son of a bitch. Cena says he’s not going to predict victory he says he is going to tell you fact that hell is going to come to earth. Cena says he won’t stop till JBL remembers the name John Cena. Cena says he accepts Bradshaw’s challenge. Cena says he has a challenge of his own though. He challenges Bradshaw to find 2 partners for a 6 man tag match with Cryme Time and John Cena. Cena says if you want some, come get some. (Solid interview. Cena added a lot of intensity to this feud, even if it did come off as a Braveheart speech. Cena is really making this feud work with his promos. 4 out of 5.)

Cut to commercial break…

Back from commercial Santino is back in the ring waiting to see who accepts his challenge. Beth Phoenix’s music hits and she makes her way to the ring.

Match 3: Santino Marella vs Beth Phoenix

They lock up in the middle of the ring and Beth is pushing Santino back. Santino shows Beth his muscles and Beth responds by showing Santino her muscles. Santino pushes Beth. Beth tries to smack Santino but Santino counters by sweeping her legs and taking her to the ground. Beth quickly rolls on top of Santino and starts connecting with punches on Santino. Santino gets Beth Phoenix in a headlock and says “The power of a man!!!” Beth counters with a backbreak to Santino. Beth hits Santino with a clothesline and then body slams Santino. Beth goes for a cover but only gets 2. Beth tries to whip Santino into the corner but Santino stops and says “I’m a man!” and whips Beth into the other turnbuckle. Santino comes charging in and Beth moves out of the way and connects with a roll up on Santino. Beth gets the 3! Beth Phoenix defeats Santino Marella with a rollup. (While the match wasn’t anything great but it was meant as a comedy match and it fit its roll perfectly. Santino is great on the mic and they use him brilliantly. 2.5 out of 5)

Kelly Kelly is shown backstage stretching for her match that is…next!

Cut to commercial

Back from commercial and Kelly Kelly is making her way to the ring. Before the match can start Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase Jr. make there way to the ring. DiBiase says that they don’t care that Kelly has a match tonight. He says they have something to say so they suggest she leaves. Kelly slowly leaves the ring. Cody grabs the mic and says that the criticism they have been receiving isn’t fair. Both men aren’t bad people, they’re realistic people. Cody says they are not they’re fathers, they’re better! Cody says when you’re this talented you don’t pay dues. DiBiase says the best part is that they are still in their early twenties. In 10 years they will be in the prime of their life. Before DiBiase can finish what he has to say Hacksaw Jim Duggan’s music hits. Duggan says he’s known these guys since they were kids. He knows they’re dads to. He says that they’re dads are like him…old school! He says Cody is right, as performers they are on another level but as people they have a whole lot of growing up to do. Cody says that he makes some valid points. He says he guesses they could grow up but when he thinks of the phrase grow up he thinks of a 54 old man in gym shorts trying to relive his glory days when his glory days weren’t all that glorious to begin with. DiBiase says he thinks of something that Stone Cold Steve Austin use to say which is innless you think you have what it takes to become a champion then you shouldn’t even be in the WWE. DiBiase asks Duggan if he actually thinks he has what it takes to win a title. DiBiase says nothing has changed in the last 25 years. He still carries around the same 2×4 and says the same lame chants trying to get a reaction. DiBiase tells Duggan that he’s pathetic. If anyone needs to grow up, it’s Duggan. The champions leave the ring. JBL shows up on the titantron and says he was very impressed by them. He says that he is right they don’t have to pay there dues, he is going to offer them the chance of a lifetime to main event Monday Night RAW with JBL. DiBiase and Rhodes look like they are going to accept the offer. (Surprisingly awesome promo by both Rhodes and DiBiase. Especially Rhodes. 4 out of 5)

Cut to commercial…

Match 4: Kane vs CM Punk

Punk tries to connect with a few kicks to Kane but Kane dodges them. Kane throws a punch but Punk ducks and connects with a kick. Kane grabs punk by the neck and throws him into the corner. Kane comes running into a kick from Punk. Punk fires with a few more kicks to Punk. Kane whips Punk to the ropes and Punk tries to slide in between Kane’s legs but Kane grabs punk by his hair and brings him back to his feet. Kane connects with a right hand to the back of the neck. Kane puts Punk in the corner and starts laying in some heavy rights to Punk. Kane whips Punk into the ropes and puts his head down for a back body drop but Punk counters with a kick to the face. Punk connects with a dropkick that sends Kane to the outside. Kane starts to get frustrated on the outside. Punk goes for a slidekick but Kane moves out of the way and connects with a uppercut to Punk. Kane throws Punk back in the ring and whips Punk into the turnbuckle. Kane nails Punk with a big clothesline in the corner. Kane goes for a pin but Punk kickouts at 2. Kane picks up Punk and body slams him. Kane sits Punk up and runs into the ropes to hit a dropkick to Punk’s face. Punk goes for a pin but Punk gets his shoulder up at 2 again. Punk starts to mount some kicks to Kane but Kane puts that to a stop as he connects with a big boot to Punks face. Kane puts Punk in a choke hold on the ground. Punk fights his way back to his feet but Kane starts pounding him down again. Kane whips Punk into the ropes and tries for a clothesline but Punk counters trying to bring Kane down for a pin. Kane doesn’t budge and grabs Punk by his neck. Kane starts trash talking Punk and Punk breaks up the choke with a backfist to Kane’s head. After a few more punches and a kick to the side of the head Kane is wobbling. Punk hits an enzeguri on Kane but Kane still doesn’t go down. Kane stumbles into the corner and Punk nails Kane with his running knee. Punk connects with another running knee to Kane’s jaw and this time tries to follow up with a bulldog but Kane throws Punk into the corner. Punk connects with a elbow on a running Kane. Punk dropkicks Kane’s knee out and Kane goes down to one knee. Punk connects with a kick to the side of the head and Kane goes down. Punk goes for a pin but Kane kicks out at 1. Punk goes to the top rope and hits a cross body block. Kane kicks out at 2. Punk tries to pick Kane up for the GTS but couldn’t get Kane up. Kane grabs Punk by the neck for the chokeslam but Punk counters with a standing kick to the temple. Punk comes running at Kane but Kane moves out of the way and throws Punk out of the ring. Punk lands on the apron and tries to jump back in but Kane pushes him to the floor. Punk blocks getting thrown into the ringpost and counters by throwing Kane into the ring post. Punk hits a bulldog off the apron onto Kane. The ref keeps counting as both men are outside. Punk rolls into the ring at a 9 count and Kane gets counted out. CM Punk wins by countout over Kane. Kane snaps after the match and starts throwing chairs into the ring. Kane spears Punk to the ground and starts clubbing him with punches. Kane picks up one of the chairs and puts CM Punks head in-between the seat and the chair part. Kane goes to the top rope but Batista starts coming to the ring to break it up. Batista spears Kane when he gets into the ring. Batista grabs a chair and nails Kane as he gets back to his feet. Kane falls to the outside and Batista helps Punk back up to his feet. Punk tries to shake Batista’s hand but Batista says I’m not your friend, I want your title. Punk pushes Batista. Batista nails a spinebuster on Punk and leaves. (Not a bad match at all, 2.5 out of 5. Could have been a lot better if given time but it was suppose to help get Punk over some more before the GAB and it did its job successfully while still allowing Kane’s crazy storyline to continue)

A recap is shown of last week Cryme Tyme and Cena destroying JBL’s limo last week.

Cut to commercial…

Back from commercial and Y2J’s music hits and he makes his way to the ring with Lance Cade.

Match 5: Chris Jericho vs Paul London

Jericho starts off the match by bombarding London with clubbing blows to the back. London connects with a few kicks but Jericho counters with a headbutt. Jericho hits a running boot off the ropes. Jericho tosses London to the outside. Jericho rolls out and slams London into the padding on the rail. Jericho rolls London back into the ring and connects with a boot to the ribs. Jericho puts London on the 2nd rope and starts to choke him. Jericho stands on the back of his head using the rope for leverage to choke London. Jericho tells Cade to watch for HBK. London connects with some punches and nails Jericho with a spinning kick. London tries to whip Jericho into the turnbuckle but Jericho reverses it and London catches Jericho with a boot to the face. London flips to the outside of the ring. London goes for a springboard splash and Jericho moves out of the way. Jericho nails London with a clothesline to the back of London’s head. Jericho whips London into the turnbuckle and nails London with a double underhook backbreaker. Jericho puts London into the Walls of Jericho and London has to tap out. Chris Jericho makes Paul London tap to the Walls of Jericho. Jericho grabs a mic and tells Paul London to listen very closely. Jericho says London should use this match to change the career path he is on. He could take Chris Jericho’s rode which leads to honor and integrity or he could follow HBK’s rode which leads to defeat and lies. He says if London follows Jericho’s path and achieve greatness or follow HBK’s path which leads to nothing but pain. Finally, HBK music hits and he comes out with a microphone in hand. HBK tells Jericho that everybody knows that nobody is going to change either of they’re minds. HBK tells Jericho that he doesn’t know the meaning of truth and righteousness. HBK says they do agree on one thing, this Sunday at the Great American Bash the worst is still yet to come. The fans chant HBK as we go to commercial. (Not a great match but I think it was pretty clear it wasn’t suppose to be. These 2 could have a great match if told to but not tonight. 1.5 out of 5 for the match. Jericho and HBK should be great at the GAB. )

Back from commercial and Jamie Noble is backstage talking to Layla telling her that with Vince out this is the perfect chance for them to hook up. Layla says she doesn’t date short men and Noble tells Layla to google it that 5’6 is the average height of men in America. Noble says the next guy that comes in here he’s going to challenge to a match to prove how much of a man he is. Snitsky walks in and tells Noble to shut his mouth. Noble challenges Snitsky to a match. Snitsky follows Noble to the ring. Noble jumps Snitsky as he gets in the ring. Snitsky throws Noble off but he comes back and starts throwing more blows. Snitsky nails Noble with a knee and whips him into the corner. Snitsky charges at Noble and Noble nails Snitsky with a boot to the face. Noble says “This is for you Layla” and jumps off the 2nd rope. Snitsky takes his head off with a boot to the face. Snitsky picks Noble up and finishes him off with the pump handle slam.

Cut to commercial…

Replay is shown off Shane and Stephanie from earlier tonight.

JBL, Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase Jr make there way to the ring…

Cut to another commercial…

Cryme Tyme comes down to the ring, followed by John Cena and its time for our main event.

Match 6: JBL, Cody Rhodes, and Ted DiBiase Jr vs John Cena, and Cryme Tyme

Cody Rhodes and John Cena start things off. Cena connects with a boot to Rhodes and a punch to the face. Cena whips Rhodes into the corner and nails Rhodes with a suplex out of the corner. Cena starts unloading on Rhodes in the corner. Cena tags in Chad and Chad connects with a punch to the arm of Rhodes. Rhodes starts to fight back but Chad nails Rhodes with a big clothesline. Chad bench presses Rhodes over his head but Rhodes gets out and starts clubbing Chad with punches to the back of the head. Rhodes tags in DiBiase and he quickly goes to work on Chad. DiBiase whips Chad into the ropes but Chad knocks DiBiase down with a shoulder block. Chad throws DiBiase face first into the turnbuckle and hits DiBiase with a double underhook suplex. Shad goes for a cover but DiBiase kicks out at 2. Shad with a body slam. Shad tags in JTG. They hit a double team move where Shad grabs JTG by his feet and slams him onto DiBiase. JTG goes for the pin but DiBiase kicks out at 2. DiBiase connects with a boot to the midsection of JTG and quickly tags Rhodes back in. DiBiase whips JTG to the ropes, JTG runs overtop of DiBiase but Rhodes connects with a standing dropkick to JTG. Rhodes connects with a few punches to JTG. JTG fires back with some punches of his own. Rhodes goes for a clothesline and JTG counters with a sick looking reverse neckbreaker. JTG with a quick pin for a 2 count. Rhodes hits JTG with a knee to the midsection. JTG runs into the ropes and Rhodes goes for a clothesline but JTG ducks. As JTG hits the other side of the ring JBL connects with a punch to the back of JTG’s head. JBL comes into the ring and starts beating down JTG in the corner. JBL is distracting the ref and Rhodes/DiBiase start choking JTG behind the refs back. JBL stomps on JTG’s hand and starts throwing some more big rights. JBL tags in DiBiase who connects with a few boots to the head. JTG fights back with a few punches but DiBiase kicks out JTG’s knee before he can get anything going. DiBiase tags in Rhodes who gives JTG a wishbone. Rhode’s runs into JTG in the corner but JTG nails Rhodes with a boot. Rhodes counters by kicking JTG in the injured knee. Rhode’s locks JTG’s knee in place and tags in DiBiase who connects with a elbow drop onto it. DiBiase grabs JTG and starts kicking him underneath his knee. DiBiase goes to work on JTG’s knee grinding his own knee into it. The match cuts to commercial…when we come back from commercial Rhodes and Shad are in. Rhodes kicks Shad’s knee out from under him now. Rhodes hits a knee to the face of Shad. Shad rolls into the corner and Rhodes tags in JBL. JBL pounds down Shad in the corner and kicks him in the head. JBL nails Cena with a cheap shot. JBL gives Cena the you can’t see me look. Shad gets to his feet but JBL hits another big clothesline. JBL connects with elbow after elbow after elbow to Shad. JBL tags in Rhodes who comes off the top rope with a punch to the mid section. Rhodes goes to work on the knee of Shad . Shad kicks Rhodes off but Rhodes comes right back and slams Shad’s face into the corner. Rhodes goes for a bulldog but Shad counters by throwing Rhodes off of him in the air. Shad is trying to must up enough strength to make the tag to Cena but Rhodes cuts Shad off and nails Cena off the apron. Rhodes pulls Shad back to his side of the ring and tags in DiBiase who hits a elbow drop. DiBiase goes for a pin but Shad kicks out at 2. DiBiase hits a few of the old school Million Dollar Man punches to the ground. DiBiase tags Rhodes back in and they both go to work on Shad in the corner. Rhodes slams Shads face into the turnbuckle. Rhodes goes up to the top and goes for a moonsault but Shad moves out of the way. Shad makes the hot tag to Cena who explodes into the ring. Cena hits 2 big clotheslines on Rhodes followed by 2 shoulder blocks. Cena whips Rhodes into the corner. DiBiase comes in but gets suplexed by Cena. Cena hits the 5 knuckle shuffle on DiBiase. Cena hits the FU on DiBiase. Rhodes gets a kick to the guy followed by a blockbuster. Cena goes to the top rope and connects with a leg drop to the back of Rhodes head. Cena locks Rhodes into the STFU. JBL comes in from behind and kicks JBL in the back of the head. The ref calls for the bell and this one is over. Cena and Cryme Tyme over Bradshaw, DiBiase and Rhodes by disqualification. (The match was OK but nothing special. Served its purpose as the main event. 2 out of 5)

JBL starts to head to the back and Cena chases after him. JBL runs all the way out to the parking lot. Cena goes outside but doesn’t see Bradshaw. JBL comes out of nowhere and hits Cena with a steel rod. JBL set Cena up against a white car. JBL then got into another car and drove right at Cena’s head. JBL crashed and when the camera panned back Cena was nowhere to be found. The show then faded to black…

Tonight’s RAW pretty much served its purpose of setting up the Great American Bash this Sunday. I didn’t expect to see any amazing matches which I didn’t but everything other then the Mickie/Katie Lea everything was about average. I would like to see a real London/Jericho match down the line but I doubt that will ever happen. Overall I would give RAW a 7 out of 10 tonight.

As always if you have any feedback or comments just shoot me a mail at MSN1983@yahoo.com or PM me on the LOPForums.com Also if you get a chance make sure to check out the Column Forums on LOP. It has some of the best up and coming new writers. Make sure to check out Joey Shibobi – The Shinobi Slam

WWE News: Raw Star Out Following Shoulder Surgery, Another WWE Star Returns, Hennig Not Signed, D-Lo vs. Kane

– Devin Cutting sent in the following… Here’s the updated card for the WWE house show at the Jaffa Shrine Center in Altoona, Pennsylvania on July 27th, courtesy of the venue’s website:

CM Punk vs. Batista for the World Heavyweight Championship
John Cena & Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Jericho & JBL
Kofi Kingston vs. Lance Cade for the Intercontinental Championship
Cryme Tyme vs. Ted DiBiase & Cody Rhodes for the World Tag Team Championship
D’Lo Brown vs. Kane

Go to http://prowrestlingevents.webs.com for information about upcoming pro wrestling shows.

– Jimmy Wang Yang made his first appearance in a WWE ring since his 30-day 6/9 drug suspension at Tuesday night’s SmackDown taping. His last television appearance took place at the 6/3 SmackDown taping in Los Angeles in a quick loss to Vladimir Kozlov.

– Contrary to a number of Internet reports, Amy Hennig, the daughter of WWE Hall of Famer “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig, is actually not under a developmental contract to WWE. However, she is indeed training at Harley Race’s wrestling school in Missouri and they have plans for her to debut soon for his World League Wrestling promotion.

– Val Venis is out of action following shoulder surgery. He should be good to go in three to four months. His last appearance in a WWE ring took place on 4/18 during a tour of Spain in a loss to Paul Burchill. Venis hasn’t been on television since the 4/14 Heat taping in London when he lost to Snitsky. In other Venis-related news, he has opened an online travel business with his wife. You can find the website at BrisaTips.com.

WWE News: No Mention Of John Cena’s Condition On ECW, More On ‘World’s Greatest Dad’, USA Network No. 1

– Sans a video package of John Bradshaw Layfield’s attempt to crash an automobile into John Cena on Monday’s edition of Raw, there was no mention made of his condition and/or possible storyline murder by the announcers on Tuesday’s night edition of ECW. When the announcers were running down the card for next Sunday’s Great American Bash pay-per-view, they simply plugged Cena’s upcoming “New York City Parking Lot Brawl” match with JBL and added nothing else, acting as if nothing happened on Monday night. According to WWE.com, Cena was simply “grazed” by the oncoming automobile and that he’s okay enough to fight Layfield at next Sunday’s pay-per-view. On another note, the video package that aired on ECW featured a camera shot not seen on Raw from inside the car that JBL struck, and as luck would have it, the owner of the vehicle just so happened to have a camera recording inside and precisely pointed in the direction of the forthcoming crash. On the other hand, perhaps JBL planted the camera inside the car because he wanted to videotape his own attempt at murder.

– As reported earlier, a Michigan man was arrested on Tuesday for attempting to meet what he thought was a 14-year-old girl for sex. When he was arrested, he just so happened to be wearing the WWE “World’s Greatest Dad” T-Shirt, which ShopWWE.net put on sale last month for their Father’s Day promotion. Due to the “World’s Greatest Dad” slogan on the WWE shirt, it looks like this story is going to be garnering some mainstream headlines. The Associated Press is now reporting the story, and FoxNews.com has posted the article alongside a picture of the Internet predator sporting the WWE “World’s Greatest Dad” T-Shirt. You can check it out at this link.

– Thanks in large part to Monday Night Raw, the USA Network once again claimed the top spot in the prime-time cable network ratings race for the week of July 7-13. USA finished slightly ahead of the Disney Channel for the week. Spike TV, featuring TNA Impact, finished in seventeenth place. {Article link}

WWE News: Sneak Preview For SmackDown vs. Raw 2009, Raw Dark Match Results, Lilian Garcia, Elijah Burke

– Brent Strickland sent in the following… Before Raw, D Lo Brown defeated Matt Striker and Charlie Haas beat some jobber billed from raleigh, nc. After Raw went off the air, Batista defeated CM Punk in a quick match. Also a quick note, sitting in the front 2 rows were 2 of Ric Flair’s kids, one of his daughters and youngest son Reid.

– WWE.com has posted a gameplay trailer of the upcoming WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 video game. The trailer features this year’s cover wrestlers, Triple H and Shawn Michaels, facing off against Matt and Jeff Hardy in a tag match. You can see the trailer at this link. THQ.com has another trailer for the game, which you can see at this link.

– Lilian Garcia and Elijah Burke have been added to WWE’s free SummerFest event live at the Beach in Venice Beach, CA on Saturday, August 9. Other stars slated to appear include Mr. Kennedy, Carlito, Tommy Dreamer, The Miz, John Morrison, Shannon Moore, Funaki, Layla, Lena Yada & Candice Michelle. The event will be hosted by Jimmy Hart.

WWE News: Batista Squashes C.M. Punk After RAW, Potential GAB *Spoiler*

— In the dark match after RAW this week, Batista squashed CM Punk with a spinebuster for the 3-count in approximately one minute. A correspondent who Emailed me from the event noted that Kane got a better pop than Punk did before their match during RAW and fans were behind Batista during the dark match main event.

* WARNING: The following contains a potential spoiler for Sunday’s Great American Bash PPV:

– Thanks to reader Steve Russell for sending this in: The Philadelphia-area advertising on USA is promoting the Tuesday, July 22nd show in Philadelphia with a headlining match of World Champion Triple H versus Edge for the World Championship, alluding to the likely result that Triple H will retain the title at the Great American Bash and Edge will get a rematch on Smackdown. The commercial aired during the Monday, July 14th RAW broadcast.

WWE News: An Update On John Cena Following Car Crash Angle On Raw

In WWE.com’s Raw results, they’re saying that John Cena was simply “grazed” after John Bradshaw Layfield appeared to have crashed an automobile into him at the end of the show. Cena is fine enough in the storyline to fight JBL in their NYC Parking Lot Brawl match at The Great American Bash next Sunday.

Here is what WWE.com wrote regarding Cena:

“After knocking Cena unconscious, Layfield propped him up and attempted to smash a car into the prone Superstar. Luckily, John Cena managed to escape at the last minute and was only grazed, meaning that Cena vs. JBL will still take place on Sunday night.”

WWE News: Date For Edge & Vickie Guerrero’s Wedding, Flair On SmackDown?, Rare Michael Hayes Appearance

source: www.f4wonline.com

– Even though Ric Flair is advertised to appear at tomorrow night’s SmackDown taping in Charlotte, it is far from a lock of him appearing on television on Friday night. He’ll likely appear before the crowd and not in a taped segment for tomorrow’s show.

– A promo ran on Raw earlier tonight saying that Edge and Vickie Guerrero’s wedding is scheduled to take place this Friday night on SmackDown.

– SmackDown head writer Michael Hayes is scheduled to appear at the NWA Wrestling Legends Fanfest in Charlotte, North Carolina on Friday, August 15. He will be signing autographs and taking photos with fans from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Later in the night, Hayes will be inducting longtime friend and Freebird partner Buddy Roberts into the NWA Wrestling Legends Hall of Heroes. For more details on Hayes’ appearance and the convention, visit NWALegends.com.

WWE News: Jericho Answers Fans’ Questions, Announcers Switch Questioned, Matt Striker’s Move To Raw

source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

– There was a lot second-guessing going on behind the scenes regarding the announcers switch. Most everyone immediately second-guessed the moves, but also felt Jim Ross ensured things by what he wrote on his website.

– Matt Striker was moved to Raw because there is a lot more interview time on the brand compared to ECW and he’ll be much more useful there. He could be used as a manager for some guy in developmental that gets called up, or used like Santino Marella as a guy that gets a lot of interview time but whose main role is to put over the mid-level babyfaces of Raw.

– SLAM! Wrestling has a feature on Chris Jericho answering questions from fans. It was conducted two weeks ago, hours before the draft. A fan asked Jericho if he turned heel due to Randy Orton’s sudden injury. Jericho said, “This turn was in place long before Orton got hurt, there was nothing quick about it. If you look back we started this in April, it has been two months. All these things were happening with or without Orton’s injury. Obviously it opens a huge hole with Randy being hurt, so in that case it is beneficial for me, but it wasn’t like anything was rushed, it was an unfortunate thing that happened and things went on business as usual for Jericho.” He’s also asked if the writers script his promos. Jericho said, “I always had creative freedom with my promos, so it has been the same all across the board. I have never been a guy who is given a piece of paper and told to read this. I have co-written all of my promos if not written them outright from when I first came in to the WWE to the promo I did last week.” He also answers questions on how the WWE locker room is now compared to his first run, his association with Lance Cade, if he’s ever going to bring his wild costumes back, the Iron Sheik (“It is a sad thing that guys from that generation spent spent spent and didn’t have anything left on the back end. Sheik has to make $500 here and there acting crazy to try and keep himself alive. I just think it is sad that people take advantage of the fact that he obviously has substance issues and they would rather exploit that than try to actually help the guy.”), why he left WWE in 2005, and more. {“Chris Jericho answers your questions” article}

– Jim Ross has posted a blog on the WWE Fan Nation site saying everything is good on SmackDown. He also talks about WWE producing new stars. Ross wrote: “Producing new stars and adding to the established stars fans normally see in PPV main events is an all important function as fans want to see “new”…new wrestlers and new matches. New is good even if new turns out to not be so great bouts, if you know what I mean. At least it is “new” and no one really knows what is going to click with today’s fans until it is tried.” {Jim Ross blog link}

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