Raw Results--07/09/2007
Submitted by Donny Anderson on Tuesday, July 10, 2007 at 6:40 PM EST





Last week on Raw William Regal, temporary General Manager of Raw, set up a "Beat the Clock Challenge" to determine the Number 1 contender to John Cena's WWE Championship. After a night of brutal matches, Bobby Lashley found himself the winner of the Challenge by winning his match in the quickest time. Not only did Lashley stand tall above the other challengers, he stood tall over Cena after a crushing Spear to the Champ. With the Great American Bash main event solidified, and Mr. Kennedy and King Booker not at all happy with it, what will be in store for the Champ and his number 1 contender this week? Find out tonight as WWE and the USA Network present Monday Night Raw, live from the Cajun Dome in Louisiana.

Raw begins with Lashely's music hitting to a massive pop. The number one contender comes to the ring for Raw's opening match. As Lashley poses in the ring, King Booker's music hits. He comes out accompanied as always by Queen Sharmell, and this match is underway.

King Booker vs. Bobby Lashley

The match begins with the two men sizing each other up before locking in a collar-elbow tie-up that ends with Booker against the ropes. The ref counts, and Booker uses a knee to break the hold. Booker lands some shots before Lashley hits a massive powerslam. Lashley covers for a one count, then gets Booker into the corner and hits some shoulders. Booker is reeling as Lashley lifts him for a sick gut-buster. Lashley covers, but Booker kicks out at two. Lashley then hits a suplex, but gets caught with a reverse kick from Booker before he can capitalize. Booker tries to mount an offense, but is taken down by a clothesline by Lashley for a two count. Lashley then gets Booker up, hits a body slam, and lands some shots before Booker manages to attempt a reversal and land a spinning kick. Lashley grabs Booker and throws him into the air, grabs him, and hits the Dominator. 1-2-NO!! Booker manages to kick out at the two count. Lashley gets Booker to his feet hits a hanging suplex, but Mr. Kennedy comes in and begins to throw shots at Lashley. The ref calls for the bell and this one is over by Disqualification.

Your Winner: Lashley

Booker and Kennedy begin a two on one beat down on Lashley before Coach's music hits to interupt the mugging. Coach says that Lashley needs to have a fighting chance, so that tonight, since Cena is in Los Angeles, Bobby Lashley must find a partner to take on the team of King Booker and Mr. Kennedy. Coach then says that if Lashley cannot find a partner, the match will be a handicap match. As Coach leaves the arena, Booker begins to assault Lashley again, only to be fought off by an angered Lashley. Lashley stands alone in the ring as we go to break.

Match Rating: B (This was a pretty solid match by both guys. Booker is always great to watch in the ring, and Lashley plays the powerhouse role really well. I'm impressed by how Lashley has really come into his own since his push began. I do hope, though, that Booker and Kennedy are not just going to be used as higher profile fodder for Lashley.

After the break, William Regal is seen in the back. Coach comes in and thanks him for taking over for him last week. Regal says that it was no problem, and that he's gotten a lot of compliments for his performance last week. Regal then goes on to say that Coach's recent ruling about Lashley was effective, not creative, but effective. Coach says that since he's back this week, Regal must compete against the Sandman. Regal is stunned as Coach tells him that it's not very creative, but it should be very effective.

Back in the arena, Umaga's music hits, and the newly crowned Intercontinental Champion comes to the ring for the next match, which is a rematch from last week. Santino Marella follows to the ring, and this match is underway.

Santino Marella vs. Umaga for the Intercontinental Championship

The match starts with Umaga attempting to go on the offense, but Marella using his speed to evade Umaga's attacks. Marella lands some shots and hits the ropes, but is caught by Umaga for a sick slam. Umaga now begins to systematically tear Marella apart. As Umaga beats Marella in the corner, Maria runs down to the ring to cheer on Marella. Umaga lands a chop, and then drives his knee into the neck of the fallen Marella. Umaga then throws Marella into the corner hard, causing Marella to fall. After using the ropes to choke Marella for a bit, Umaga gets him in the corner and lands some kicks before throwing him into the opposite corner. Marella is on the gorund, and Umaga drags him into the center of the ring before getting on the middle rope. As Umaga comes down for a splash, Marella moves. Umaga slams into the canvas, and Marella begins to fight back, hitting shots to Umaga. Umaga pushes Marella into the ropes, who rebounds with a front dropkick to the Samoan Bulldozer. Marella covers, but Umaga kicks out after a one count. Marella tries to go on offense some more, but Umaga stops him with a kick to the chest. Marella is down, and Umaga drags him into the corner for the Butt-Smash. Marella is limp as Umaga lifts him and hits the Samoan Spike for the win.

Your Winner: and still Intercontinental Champion, Umaga

Umaga leaves the ring as Maria gets in the ring to tend to Marella, who is crumpled in the middle of the ring.

Match Rating: B- (Though not a lot really happened, and it was a squash match, it was a fun match to watch. Then again, I'm always a fan of the "rag-doll" squash matches, where the small guy gets tossed around like a rag-doll. Umaga needs a new mouth-piece, as he's very one-dimensional without Estrada. Marella really hasn't impressed me that much since his debut, but I'm willing to blame that on his gimmick not allowing him to show what he can really do. Hopefully, though, they can get the IC belt on someone a bit higher profile than one of these two. I wouldn't mind seeing Carlito carry it for a while, or even giving it back to Jeff Hardy.)

Lashley is shown walking in the back, presumably looking for a tag team partner, as we cut to a commercial.

After the break Cade and Murdoch's music hits, and the World Tag Team Champions come out for a tag match. As they're in the ring, the Highlanders come out and this match gets underway.

Cade and Murdoch vs. the Highlanders

We start with Cade and Rory. Cade quickly lock in a side headlock, before being thrown into the ropes and hitting Rory with a shoulderblock. Cade then locks on another side headlock. Rory again throws him into the ropes, but Cade manages to hit a fireman's carry takedown. Rory and Cade lock in a collar-elbow tie-up, which Rory breaks with a knee to the gut. Cade pushes Rory into the corner, allowing Murdoch to get the blind tag. Before Murdoch can get in the ring, Rory hits a boot to the face. Murdoch quickly gets in the ring and hits a nice side headlock takedown. Murdoch holds a headlock, and then locks in a reverse chin lock. Rory fights out, and hits a jawbreaker, allowing him to make the hot tag to Robby. Robby comes in and brings it to Murdoch. With Murdoch reeling from the offense, Robby hits a flap-jack. Robby makes the cover, and Cade comes in to break the pin, but Rory comes in to stop him. Murdoch kicks out, and the ref tells Rory to get out of the ring. While the ref is distracted, Cade comes at Robby, hitting a clothesline as Murdoch uses his arm to undercut Robby's legs. Murdoch then quickly covers in time for the ref to count the 1-2-3. This one is over.

Your Winners: Cade and Murdoch

Rory is looking really angry as Cade and Murdoch leave the ring. Robby is still down nursing his wounds. Cade and Murdoch hold the belts up as they walk behind the curtain.

Match Rating: B- (Okay, I'll give these guys a decent rating since it's evident all of them tried. It was a filler match, but a match that had me seeing the skill of all four men involved. It was nice to see the Highlanders back on TV, though.

Santino Marella is in the back with Maria now. She tells him that she's sorry about his match, and that she was out there cheering him for him. She suggests that they go out and have a good time. He says he doesn't feel like it, and that everyone will point and laugh at him. Maria assures him that won't be the case. Marella says that he doesn't want to be alone tonight, and that Maria could come to his hotel room and help him. She agrees, and we cut to a break.

We come back from a break to see Shelton Benjamin taping up for a match, and Charlie Haas comes in. He says that Shelton's pre-match ritual last week was kissing Booker's hand. Shelton says that he doesn't need any hassle tonight, since it's his birthday. Haas wishes him a happy birthday and then says that Shelton could kiss his hand. Benjamin says that he'll do one better. If he loses his match tonight, Shelton says that he'll kiss Haas on the lips. Haas agrees, and as Shelton walks away it slowly dawns on Haas what he just agreed to.

JR and King then introduce a small video package highlighting John Cena's rise to the championship. After the package concludes, we go to a break.

After the break Snitsky's music is playing as he stalks his way to the ring. As he paces in the ring, Super Crazy's music hits. Crazy hits the ring, and this match is on.

Snitsky vs. Super Crazy

The match starts with a collar-elbow tie-up. Snitsky easily throws Crazy into the corner, but is caught with a boot as he runs to follow up. Super Crazy tries to capitalize, but Snitsky uses his power to force Crazy into the corner, and starts to destroy Super Crazy's back. After a few high impact shots, Snitsky lifts Crazy for a pumphandle slam. Snitsky covers and this match is over.

Your Winner: Snitsky

Snitsky, not content with his work thus far, lifts Super Crazy and hits another pumphandle slam before leaving the ring.

Match Rating: C (Filler, just filler. Granted, I am a fan of small guys getting thrown around like rag-dolls, but this match was too short for even that formula to work. I do wonder, though, what they put in Snitsky's mouth to make his teeth all nasty.)

King and JR recap last week when Randy Orton slapped Dusty Rhodes. Dusty Rhodes is then shown walking in the back, and will address the situation after the commercial break.

After the break a quick video package of Triple H is shown, hyping is return (I can't wait!!!).

Back in the arena, Dusty Rhode's music hits to a fairly loud pop. The American Dream makes his way to the ring, and grabs a mic. A "Dusty" chant breaks out. Rhodes says that he made a statement last week that he wanted Orton to meet him in the ring this week face to face, and he asks for Orton to come out. As Dusty stands in the ring, Orton's music hits, and the Legend Killer comes to the ring. Orton grabs a mic. Dusty says that it was an impressive entrance. Dusty asks if Orton thinks that last week would be the end of it. Dusty then asks if Orton is just going to stand there looking stupid. Orton says enough of this legend speech, because he's heard it a hundred times. Dusty says that Orton has no respect for Harley Race, or anyone else that brought Orton into this business. Orton says that he's a third generation wrestler, and that those who live in the past don't deserve respect. Dusty asks Orton what he's done. Orton replies that he's the youngest World Champion in history, and that he ended HBK and RVD's careers. Dusty says that kicking someone when their down doesn't earn respect. Orton challenges Dusty to a match at the Great American Bash. Dusty says that he's in no shape to meet Orton in the ring at the Great American Bash. Orton says that if he won't do it for himself, then he should do it for Cody, before Orton ends his career before it even starts. Dusty says that he'll meet Orton at the Great American Bash, but it'll be on his terms. Dusty challenges Orton to a Texas Bullrope match. Orton accepts, and advises Dusty to tell Cody to bring a broom to clean up what's left of his father. Cody comes down to the ring, and Orton says he should leave before he gets hurt. The two go face to face, and Cody lands a hard slap on Orton. The American Dream and his son stand side by side as Orton looks furious. The crowd starts to chant "Cody", as Orton surveys both men, before leaving the ring. Dusty and Cody stand in the ring as we go to a commercial break.

After the break London and Kendrick's music hits, and Paul London comes out for this match. The World's Greatest Tag Team's music hits, and Shelton Benjamin comes out. This match is underway.

Shelton Benjamin vs. Paul London

The match starts with a collar-elbow tie-up, which London turns into a headlock. Benjamin powers out, and they tie up again. This time, London locks in a hammerlock. Benjamin reverses and takes down London. Benjamin locks in a modified side-headlock. London throws him into the ropes, and Benjamin hits a shoulderblock. London hits some nice kicks, but Benjamin manages to get control again. Benjamin now uses his superior size to lift London before bringing him down hard on his knee. Benjamin Irish whips London into the ropes, and then gets him to the ground before locking in an armbar. London manages to fight to his feet, but Benjamin hits a knee to the head. Benjamin puts London into the ropes, but London kicks Benjamin as he goes for a back bodydrop. London then hits a Hurricanrana, followed by a front dropkick, before rolling up Benjamin in a small package for a two count. As London goes to capitalize, Benjamin hits him in the face with his boot. London is now down, but Benjamin gets him up and for an armbar bodyslam. Benjamin starts to pound on London, but it's broken up by the ref, since London is against the ropes. London tries to use this to his advantage by kick Benjamin, but his foot is caught by Shelton. London misses a kick to the head with his other foot, but manages to turn it into a victory roll for the win.

Your Winner: Paul London

Paul London celebrates as Benjamin looks in a state of shock. Thanks to his deal earlier in the night, he now has to kiss Charlie Haas on the lips.

Match Rating: B+ (Good action, and a nice quick pace. Both these men are very skilled, and I can't wait to see more of Paul London (as well as Brian Kendrick). I'm hoping this may set up a WGTT/London and Kendrick feud.)

In the back, Super Crazy is seen walking with the help of an official. Kennedy then runs up to him and asks if he's okay, before slamming him into a wall and beating him mercilessly. Kennedy says that he knows last week was simply a misunderstanding because of the language barrier before landing one last stomp to the head of the fallen Crazy. Kennedy leaves his prey on the ground as officials run to see if Super Crazy is okay.

Candice Michelle and Mickie James are seen in the back, and it looks like a Divas Tag match is right after this break.

After the break Shelton Benjamin is seen in the lockerroom with Charlie Haas. He tells Haas that the whole kissing thing was a joke. Haas says that he wasn't serious about the whole kissing thing, since that would be strange. He does say that he wants Benjamin to kiss his hand, though. Benjamin looks infuriated as Haas hold his hand up. Then Haas starts laughing saying that he was just joking and wishes Benjamin a Happy Birthday. The two start laughing as Benjamin tells Haas not to joke with him like that. They start hugging and laughing and Ron Simmons comes in and sees the two, they break their hug very suddenly, and Simmons gives a customary "Damn!" before we go to the arena.

Candice Michelle and Mickie James come out to the ring for a tag match. As they stand ready in the ring, Melina's music hits. Melina and Jillian Hall come out, but Melina has a mic. She says that she'll invoke her rematch clause against Candice Michelle at the Great American Bash, but that she can't perform tonight because of a sprained ankle. She introduces her replacement for tonight, Beth Pheonix. This match is on.

Candice Michelle and Mickie James vs. Jillian Hall and Beth Pheonix

The match starts with Beth and Mickie. Mickie goes on the attack, hitting some shots to Beth's face. They wind up in the corner, and Mickie goes for a hurricanrana, but Beth lifts her up for a powerbomb, but Mickie fights out of the attempt. Mickie goes into the ropes, but Jillian kicks her in the face. Mickie turns her attention to Jillian for just a second, and Beth capitalizes but grabbing Mickie's arms from behind and lifting her into the air. Pheonix then throws Mickie face first into the canvas, and drags her over to the corner before tagging in Jillian. The two attempt a double team on Mickie, but she fights out, and manages to get the tag to Candice. Candice goes on the attack, knocking Beth to the outside and hitting a Russian Leg Sweep on Jillian. Candice covers, but Beth interferes just in time to save Jillian. Mickie attacks Beth, and the two leave the ring. Jillian hits a side slam on Candice and covers, but Candice kicks out at 2. Jillian is furious, and Candice reverses a clothesline attempt by turning it into a backslide. The ref makes the count, and this one is over.

Your Winners: Candice Michelle and Mickie James

After the match, Jillian and Beth double team Candice while Melina gets in the ring. Melina does a botched leap frog move on Candice. Mickie James slides in and clears the ring. Candice tells the retreating Melina to "bring it" as she holds up the belt.

Match Rating: C+ (Not bad, but a Divas match. Beth Pheonix and Mickie James may be able to put on some good singles match later on, given that they both seem skilled in the ring. Then again, the last time we saw Beth Pheonix she broke her jaw against Victoria, but that was just a fluke. Time will tell)

Lashley is seen in the back talking to Arn Anderson as we go to commercial.

After the break King Booker is in the back with Sharmell. She says that he looks distressed, but before he can respond, Mr. Kennedy comes in and says that Super Crazy has been taken care of. He says that it leaves only one problem to take care of, Bobby Lashley. Kennedy says that they were made fools of last week. Booker says that Kennedy was made a fool of, and that he was robbed of the number 1 contendership, and that there is room for only one King in the WWE.

Back in the arena, William Regal is in the ring ready for his match with Sandman. Carlito is at ring side. Sandman's music hits, and he comes in through the crowd like always. After some beer bashes, this match gets underway.

William Regal vs. The Sandman

As Sandman gets in the ring, Regal starts the attack, landing a kick and some shots before hitting a left hand that takes Sandman to the ground. Regal covers, but Sandman kicks out at 2. Sandman starts to fight back, but Regal out brawls Sandman. Sandman comes back with a knee lift, but Regal lauches him out of the ring as he goes to capitalize. Sandman grabs the cane, and cracks Carlito with it as Carlito tries to sneak attack Sandman, then gives Regal a smack, and this one is over by Disqualification.

Your Winner: William Regal

Sandman stands in the ring with the Singapore Cane in hand as we go to commercial.

Match Rating: B- (From a technical stand point, nothing much, but this match was a brawl, and it was a good brawl. Personally, I like both Sandman and Regal, and this match was fun for me to watch. I can't wait to see Sandman and Carlito finally go one on one, and a possible push for Regal.)

After a break, John Cena joins us from Los Angeles. King asks if Cena came off smarter than Paris Hilton on Larry King. Cena says that he's just happy Larry King is smart enough to have people from sports entertainment on his show. Cena responds to Lashley's spear last week by saying that he has a message for Lashley next week. When asked about Lashley as an uncrowned champion, Cena says that Lashley is an uncrowned champion, and that being on Raw he'll be gunning for the Champ. Cena says that it's a great challenge, but Bobby Lashley has his hands full for the Great American Bash.

Back in the arena, King Booker's music hits, and Booker comes out once again, and he's once again accompanied by Queen Sharmell. As they go to the ring, we go a commercial.

We come back from a break to hear Mr. Kennedy's music playing. Kennedy comes out, grabs the mic that comes from the ceiling, and introduces himself as "245 pounds" being from "Green Bay, Wisconsin. MISSTERRRRRRRRRRRRR Kennedyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!" He climbs the ropes, but throws the mic behind him before finishing with his second "Kennedy". Bobby Lashley's music hits, and he comes out alone. Booker and Kennedy are ready to get this match underway, and look anxious to tear Lashley apart. Before the bell rings, though, Lashley motions to the entrance, and Jeff Hardy's music hits and the crowd goes wild. Jeff comes out and this match is about to explode.

King Booker and Mr. Kennedy vs. Bobby Lashley and Jeff Hardy

The match starts with Jeff and Booker going at it. Booker gets in Jeff's face before putting a knee to Jeff's gut. After landing some shots on Jeff, he goes for the Scissor's kick, but Jeff dodges, takes down Booker, and hitting the two legged dropkick to the groin. Hardy goes for the pin, but Booker kicks out at the one count. Hardy goes to capitalize, but Booker takes advantage by pulling Jeff's hair. After some hard shots, Booker tags in Kennedy, who starts to pound on Jeff, who is now on one knee. A "Hardy" chant breaks out, and Jeff starts to fight back. He hits a mule kick, sending Kennedy to the ground and to the corner. Jeff capitalizes by putting both feet into Kennedy's chest. Jeff covers, but Kennedy kicks out at 2. Jeff drags Kennedy over to the corner and tags in Lashley, and Kennedy darts to the other side, but Booker has stepped to the floor. Lashley starts beating away on Kennedy, who tries to fight back with a double team as Booker, now back on the apron, has his foot on the rope. Lashley reverses the attempt and plants Kennedy's face on Booker's boot. Booker falls to the floor, and Kennedy leans against the corner as Lashley tags in Jeff Hardy who hits the Poetry in Motion splash on Kennedy. Jeff covers, but Kennedy kicks at 2. Hardy hits Kennedy's face into the turnbuckle, but Kennedy reverses an Irish whip. Hardy hits the ropes, and Booker's foot to his head. Kennedy tags in Booker who hits Hardy with a high kick. Booker then throws Jeff into the corner, and Hardy turns it into a Whisper in the Wind. Booker crawls to his corner and makes the tag to Kennedy, as Hardy makes the tag to Lashley. Lashley goes on the offensive, hitting clotheslines on Kennedy, and hitting a massive spear in the corner, followed by a back bodydrop. Lashley then hits the Torturerack backbreaker and covers. Booker breaks the count at the two count, and Jeff comes in to take care of Booker. The two go to the outside, and Lashley lifts Kennedy for the Dominator, but Kennedy fights out. Kennedy hits the ropes, but Lashley leapfrogs and hits the Spear on Kennedy's rebound. Lashley covers and this one is over.

Your Winners: Lashley and Jeff Hardy

Match Rating: B+ (Great match. Hardy never fails to impress, and Kennedy is a great addition to Raw's roster, as is King Booker. As I said earlier, Lashley plays his powerhouse role incredibly well. I would have liked to see either Kennedy or Hardy hit the Kenton/Swanton on the other, but whatever. All in all a strong main event.)

Lashley and Hardy are in the ring celebrating and the crowd is going nuts as Raw goes off the air.

Quick Results

Lashley def. King Booker via DQ
Umaga def. Santino Marella via Pinfall
Cade and Murdoch def. The Highlanders via Pinfall
Snitsky def. Super Crazy via Pinfall
Paul London def. Shelton Benjamin via Pinfall
Candice Michelle and Mickie James def. Jillian Hall and Beth Pheonix via Pinfall
William Regal def. The Sandman via DQ
Lashley and Jeff Hardy def. King Booker and Mr. Kennedy via Pinfall


Overall Rating: B (A pretty strong Raw, though it was not without its weak points. I like Lashley, but opening and closing the show with him is a bit much. Still, it's their top feud now, so it makes sense. I only wonder where this match at the Great American Bash is heading. Will Lashley take Cena's spot? Has Lashley been built this whole time just to be fed to Cena? Is this feud just filler until Triple H returns? I really don't care. It seems to be interesting, and it will be interesting to see where they go with it. I also wonder if we'll see Cody Rhodes' WWE debut against Randy Orton. That could cause a career long feud between the two (which I would not be opposed to, as Cody is the anti-Orton of sorts). Regardless, as far as tonight goes, it was an entertaining Raw, and that's all I care about.)

Match of the Night: Lashley and Jeff Hardy vs. King Booker and Mr. Kennedy





Well, that's it for the week. Just as a heads up, this is not Donny. This is Matt, Donny's brother, again. Donny will be out of the country for the next few weeks, and will not be able to see Raw. I'll be doing the report until he gets back. I'd like to apologize for not getting the report posted last week. I did write the report, but it didn't post right for some reason. I'd also like to apologize for the tardiness of this report. Things happen, but rest assured that next week I will have it posted within the hour that Raw ends. If you have any questions, comments, or general concerns, feel free to email me directly at mande042@odu.edu or email Donny at donnyanderson@gmail.com and either of us will get back to you. Until next time, so long and goodnight.








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