Raw Results--7/23/2007
Submitted by Donny Anderson on Monday, July 23, 2007 at 11:21 PM EST





The Great American Bash has come and gone. Randy Orton has defeated the American Dream, Umaga has successfully defended his Intercontinental Championship against Jeff Hardy, and John Cena remains at the top of the mountain after defeating Lashley. What will the aftermath of this Great American Pay-Per-View hold in store, and what tempo will be set to lead us to Summerslam? Find out tonight as the USA Network presents WWE Monday Night Raw, live from Sacramento, California.



Raw comes on the air with Coach in the back saying that thanks to his efforts, the Great American Bash was a huge success. He says that we are just 5 weeks away from Summerslam, and that a new #1 Contender must be named. He says he will be looking at all tonight's matches closely. He also says that the Main Event tonight will involve all of Raw's champions as Cade and Murdoch team with Umaga to take on John Cena and Candice Michelle.

Back in the arena, a table is set up in the ring, set rather royally. King Booker's music hits, and the Champion of Champions makes his way to the ring accompanied as always by Queen Sharmell. Once in the ring, Booker grabs a mic, takes a sip from the chalice on the table, and sits on the throne in the ring. He addresses "Jerome" Lawler, saying they got off on the wrong foot last week, but that's no reason to not settle the dispute like gentlemen. He asks him to come into the ring, and they can both state their case for being the true King of the WWE. Lawler agrees and enters the ring. Booker says that he's spared no expense for Lawler, and asks him to sit and make himself comfortable. Booker asks how Lawler is doing. Lawler tries to speak, but the mic keeps cutting out. Booker asks the staff to get "Jerome" another mic. Booker then says that in the meantime he'll state his case for being King. He says that he's earned it, but winning the King of the Ring. He says that one can't just go around calling themselves King. He then addresses the Sacramento Kings, saying that they can't be called Kings since they haven't won anything. He says they should be called the "Peasants". He asks if Lawler should be King, and says no. He asks if Triple H should be called King of Kings, and says "Hell No". He says that the one true King in the WWE is he, King Booker. As Lawler tries to speak, Sharmell interupts, saying "All Hail King Booker!". Lawler finally gets his word in, saying that a King is only as good as his kingdom. If the people don't think of you as a king, then you're not really a king. Lawler says that from what he gathers from the crowd, they don't think of Booker as a king. Lawler says that he is a pompous, delusional, pain in the arse. Booker says that he will no longer stand for this. He says that if Lawler really thinks this, then he'll say it right to his face. Lawler says he has a better idea, and he gives Booker a hard right that knocks Booker to the ground. Lawler stomps away, until Booker rolls out of the ring, and then throws a platter of fruit from the table onto King Booker. Lawler's music hits as Booker backs up the entrance ramp, and Lawler poses with his crown in the ring.

In the back, Melina and Beth Pheonix are seen walking, and we hear that a diva tag match is next as we go to a commercial.

After the break, Melina's music hits, and she comes out with Beth Pheonix for this tag match. As they wait in the ring, Mickie James' music hits, to a loud pop, and she comes out to the ring, followed by Maria, who is being accompanied by Santino Marella.

Melina and Beth Pheonix vs. Mickie James and Maria (w/ Santino Marella)

We start with Melina and Beth. After a shoving match, Beth gets Mickie into the corner, but Mickie hits a back elbow followed by a hurricanrana. Beth soon takes advantage again, forcing Mickie into another corner, this time tagging in Melina. Melina and Mickie go at it, with Mickie getting some good shots, but Melina holding her own. Mickie makes the tag to Maria, who gets on the offense, but finds herself the victim of a double team. Melina then starts to pound on Maria, getting her into the corner and pounding away. Melina tags Beth, who picks Maria up by her arms for a double-arm chicken wing, before letting her fall face first. Beth tags in Melina, who again starts to work over Maria, rubbing her face on the canvas. Maria finally makes the hot tag to Mickie who comes in on fire. After taking Melina down with a headscissors, she knocks Beth off of the canvas. Mickie then starts fighting Melina. As Mickie goes into the ropes, Beth grabs her hair, but Mickie fights out. Mickie gets Melina into the corner, and tags Maria before hitting a Monkeyflip. Maria hits a crossbody from the top, but only gets a two count, thanks to Beth's interference. Mickie tries to help Maria as a double team is occuring. The ref holds her back, but Santino has seen enough. He trips both Melina and Beth as Maria comes running at them. Maria uses this to her advantage and hits a running bulldog on Melina for the win.

Your Winners: Mickie James and Maria

Melina and Beth look none too happy as they back away from the ring, while Maria and Mickie celebrate in the ring, along with Santino Marella.

Match Rating: C+ (Okay match, but a divas match, so not much is expected. Mickie performed up to usual standard, which is good. Melina did alright, and Maria did so-so. Beth doesn't seem to perform as she looks like she should. In other words, I haven't been impressed with her. What I find funny is where they've taken Santino Marella. He's gone from IC champ to interfering in divas matches in a very short amount of time...pity.)

We go to a break after a quick recap of Cena's win last night.

After the break, Cody Rhodes is seen talking to Gerald Brisco. Brisco is giving him some pointers about facing Orton tonight. Orton comes from behind, and he and Cody have a nice little exchange. Cody says that the reason Orton didn't kick in Dusty's head was fear. Orton says that Cody is the one who should be afraid, and he should back out so Orton can let him leave with what little dignity he has left. Cody says that he'll see Orton out there and leaves. Orton says that Cody has brought this on himself.

Snitsky is seen in the back for a little promo. He goes on about not feeling remorse for hurting people. Their pain is his pleasure, or so he says. (Jeez, Snitsky is an ugly dude. I mean, I've seen ugly, but he's like Circus Ugly.)

Todd Grisham is in the back and introduces John Cena. He asks Cena about having to team with Candice Michelle. Cena asks Todd to close his eyes. He goes on this thing about imagining a beautiful woman coming towards him, and it's Candice. He then says that she whispers in his ears "Let's wrestle". Then the cast of Brokeback Mountain and a huge sweaty Samoan who smells like coconuts and urinal cakes. Grisham gets a disgusted look on his face, opens his eyes, and asks Cena why he'd do that to him. Cena says that in Todd's mind it's just a fantasy, but to him it's reality. Grisham then asks about Coach's promise to name a new #1 contender. Cena lists off a few of his opponents that he's beaten, including the Great Khali, and Shawn Michaels. He then gives his usual "If you want some, come get some!" and we go to a break.

After the break Sandman's music hits, and he comes to the arena floor from the crowd, like always. He is soon joined by "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan for this tag match. As they wait in the ring, William Regal's music hits, and he stalks out to the ring, soon followed by Carlito.

Sandman and Jim Duggan vs. William Regal and Carlito

Sandman and Regal starts off, and Regal hits a kick to Sandman, before hitting continuous shots. Sandman reverses an irish whip attempt with a back elbow. Sandman then attacks Carlito on the apron. Regal takes this to his advantage, and attacks. With Sandman down, Regal tags in Carlito, who goes on the attack. Sandman can't seem to get the upperhand as Carlito reigns blows upon him. Carlito tags in Regal, who then starts again to beat on Sandman. Sandman manages to get a suplex on Regal, and then makes the tag to Duggan, as Regal tags in Carlito. Duggan starts cleaning house, shouting "HOoOo!" all the while. Regal attempts to interfere, but Duggan knocks him off of the apron. Duggan then sizes up Carlito for the 5-point Stance. As Duggan runs at him, Carlito dodges and lands the Backstabber, covers, and picks up the win.

Your Winners: Carlito and Regal

Sandman quickly gets into the ring with the Singapore Cane in hand to defend Duggan as Carlito and Regal back away.

Match Rating: C (Nice effort in this one, but the limitations of all those involved were evident. Duggan is just too old to be doing some of this stuff. I like all four guys involved, though, again, Duggan needs to get out of the game. Regal really should get a push of some kind, and hopefully they'll have more for Carlito to do soon. Sandman, well, is just cool.)


After a break, Carlito and Regal are in the back talking. Carlito says that if Coach needs a new #1 contender, Carlito is the one. He says that things are finally going his way, and that's cool. He takes a bite from his apple, gets a look on his face like it's bad, tries to find a place to spit it out, and finally just spits it to the side. The camera pans out, and we see the Carlito has spit the apple chunks in Lashley's face. Carlito takes off, runs into the arena, and grabs a mic. Carlito says that it was an accident. He says that he knows the kind of guy that Lashley is, and that if he is forgiven, then Lashley shouldn't do anything. After a few seconds of waiting, Carlito smiles and goes to leave, but Lashley's music hits. Carlito is frantically telling Lashley not to do anything and that he's sorry. Lashley jumps up to the apron, but Carlito meets him, knock him to the ground. Carlito beats down Lashley, and then tries to Irish whip him into the ring steps. Lashley leaps over the steps, lands on his feet and turns to face Carlito. He catches the South Paw from San Juan, and lifts him as if he were nothing. Lashley drops him face first onto the apron. He then gets him in the ring and hits a massive running powerslam. Carlito is down and Lashley is leaving as we go to a break.

We come back from the break to hear Randy Orton's music hit. The Legend Killer comes out for this match against Cody Rhodes. Orton is looking his usual arrogant self. Cody's music hits, and this match is underway.

Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes

The two men size each other up, and then lock up in a collar-elbow. Orton locks in a side headlock, followed by a few takedowns. Cody manages to counter another attempt, only to be slapped by Orton. The two men size each other up again, but this time Orton hits Cody in gut with a knee. Orton starts pounding on Cody, before hitting his face into the turnbuckle. Orton then puts Cody into the corner, but Cody leaps to the top and hits a flying crossbody block. Cody covers, but Orton kicks out at the 1 count. Orton then gets Cody into a corner again, only to be caught in a victory roll. Again, Orton kicks out, and hits Cody with a hard right. After an inverted backbreak from Orton, Cody is down. Orton starts stomping Cody all over. After a little while, Cody starts to fight back, hitting rights and slaps to Orton. As Cody runs into the ropes for an offensive move, Orton hits a dropkick. Cody is once again at the mercy of Orton. After more stomps, and a european uppercut, Cody again gets to his feet. Cody hits the ropes, and tries a schoolboy, but Orton kicks out at the two count. Orton hits a clothesline on Cody, and covers for a two count. Orton then starts to work on Cody again, but Cody starts to fight back again. Orton manages to get Cody into the ropes, but Cody hits the floor and slaps Orton, causing Orton to fall back. Cody is now in control. He climbs the ropes and lauches himself at Orton as Orton gets to his feet. Orton ducks, and Cody hits the ground hard. Orton starts to stalk for the RKO, and hits it as Cody gets to his feet. Orton covers, and gets the win.

Your Winner: Randy Orton

Orton sizes up Cody for the punt, but Dusty runs in for the save. Orton tries to attack him, but Dusty fights him off with his signature punches. Orton rolls out of the ring as Dusty tends to the fallen Cody, who is now leaning against the ropes. Dusty is crouching next to his son as Orton gets back in the ring, and silently sprints to Dusty, punting him in the head. Cody has a look of disbelief as Orton is now looking to go for him. Numerous officials come to the ring, as well as EMTs, Orton is held back. The EMTs, as well as a revived Cody, tend to the fallen Dusty as Orton backs up the entrance ramp, his deed done.

Match Rating: B (A decent match. Cody is still green, but I can see him going far and doing great things. This feud with Orton is a great way for him to get his foot in the door, and this latest turn of events adds more to it. Orton is really good in his current role, and I can't wait for him to enter the title picture.)

The EMTs still tend to Dusty as we go to a break.

We return from the commercial to see a recap of what just happened. We also see Cody's reaction during the commercial break, standing in the ring looking distressed.

Mr. Kennedy's music hits, and he comes out for this match against Jeff Hardy. He does his normal usual self-entrance, giving a shout out to Coach, saying that he is the next #1 contender. Jeff Hardy's music hits, to the usual huge pop. This should be a good one.

Mr. Kennedy vs. Jeff Hardy

The match starts with a typical collar-elbow tie up, with Jeff getting Kennedy into the corner. After the ref breaks them up, Kennedy slaps Jeff in the face. Another collar-elbow follows, but Kennedy manages an arm twist. Hardy gets to the ground, and flips out of the hold. Kennedy manages to get up, and tries to hit a dropkick after a quick offense. Hardy grabs the ropes, and Kennedy crashes and burns. Hardy goes for a two legged legdrop to the groin, but Kennedy somehow manages to hurt Hardy. Kennedy makes the cover, but Hardy kicks out at two. Hardy gets up, and Kennedy misses a nice roundhouse followed by a missed Enziguri. Hardy succeeds this time in his legdrop. Kennedy is hurt. However, as Hardy tries to take advantage, Kennedy manages to overcome him and take over. After a few exchanges, Hardy gets Kennedy to the outside, and hits a nace dropkick through the ropes. Kennedy is down as we go a commercial.

After the break, Hardy has Kennedy in the corner, and is stomping away. He thens gets Kennedy up, and puts Kennedy's face into the turnbuckle. Hardy then tries for a headscissors, but Kennedy stops it and hits a painful looking Alabama slam type move. Kennedy now starts to work over Hardy, but he can't get more than a two count, after numerous tries. Kennedy locks in a front face lock, but Hardy starts to fight out as the crowd is behind him. Hardy fights out, but before he can get a good offense going, Kennedy manages to stay in control with a nice neckbreaker. Kennedy covers, and only gets a two count. Kennedy now locks in a neck vice, but Hardy again fights out. Hardy runs into the ropes for the Whisper in the Wind, but slips, and lands headfirst on the canvas. Kennedy covers, but Hardy again kicks out at two. Hardy starts to come back, and hits a Whisper in the Wind, this time correctly. Hardy then hits a nice mule kick, sending Kennedy into the corner, and then drives both his heels into Kennedy's chest. Kennedy manages to get up and tries to hoist Hardy onto his shoulders, but Hardy fights out. Hardy hits a nice facebuster, and mounts the ropes for the Swanton, but Kennedy rolls out of the ring. Kennedy starts to walk away, but Hardy gets out of the ring and lauches himself off of the security barrier for a clothesline. The two men start to battle on the outside, and Hardy finishes it by slamming Kennedy into part of the set. Hardy then sees the ref is counting, and sprints to the ring, sliding in just in time to avoid the count out. No such luck for Mr. Kennedy.

Your Winner: Jeff Hardy

Kennedy looks furious and embarassed as Hardy is in the ring celebrating. Kennedy can't believe that he has lost this match.

Match Rating: B+ (Wow, nearly an A-. Both these guys did a great job. The thing keeping it from reaching A-? Hardy's botched Whisper in the Wind. However, their rebound from that made up for it, showing their ability to ad lib after mistakes. Both these guys are unlike any other guys on the roster, and it shows. I can't wait for these two to go at it again, and maybe even drop the IC title into the picture at some point.)

We see a quick video of what happened in the back during the match, focusing on Dusty getting put in an ambulance and Cody being incredibly upset. We go to break shortly thereafter.

After the break we see a Triple H return promo, again, the Six Million Dollar Man version. They have rebuilt him, better than before. Better, faster, stronger. I cannot wait for the Game to make his triumphant return at Summerslam.

Back in the arena, London and Kenrick's music hits, and these two come out for a tag match. The two fly around the ring like a couple of spider monkeys on crack. World's Greatest Tag Team's music hits, and Haas and Benjamin come out for this match.

London and Kendrick vs. WGTT

Haas and Kendrick start off, and Benjamin gets a cheap shot when the ref is distracted. Haas tries to take advantage, but Kendrick uses his agility to keep Haas at bay, hitting head scissors left and right. Kendrick goes for the ropes, but Benjamin is there. Kendrick slides under his legs to the outside, and brings Benjamin down. Kendrick gets back in the ring, and Haas blindsides him. Haas then tags in Benjamin who starts destorying Kendrick. Benjamin hits a sick kick to Kendrick's head. Benjamin covers, but London interferes. Benjamin tags in Haas, who locks in a body scissors. Kendrick fights out, and manages to tag London. London comes in like a hurricane, knocking both Benjamin and Haas for a loop. Benjamin is knocked to the outside, and London is focusing on Haas. Benjamin tries to attack, but he is met with a double dropkick. Kendrick is then knocked to the outside, leaving London and Haas going toe to toe. Haas comes out on top, and gets London on the ropes. Benjamin hits a leapfrog backbreaker on London, and Haas follows with a German Suplex with a bridge for the win.

Your Winners: WGTT

London and Kendrick are down and broken as Haas and Benjamin celebrate their win.

Match Rating: B (A solid match all around. London and Kendrick do some amazing things together, and Haas and Benjamin compliment them.)

We get another recap of Cena's win last night before we go to another break.

After the commercial we get yet another recap of the Orton-Rhodes situation from earlier tonight.

Back in the arena, King Booker's music hits once again. Booker comes out with his queen at his side. Sharmell has a mic, and says that Booker tried to make peace, but Lawler had to attack Booker. For this, Lawler will have to pay a hefty price. Booker takes the mic and says that next week on Raw, Lawler will meet him in the ring, where he will beat him like the dog he is. Lawler agrees, and the match is on for next week.

In the back, Todd Grisham talks to Coach and ask if he's reached a decision. Coach says that he has, but before he tells anyone, he needs to tell the challenger. As Coach walks away, Candice comes up to him and pleads with him to reconsider her role in the match tonight. She says that she doesn't want to face Umaga, or Cade and Murdoch. Coach says that he's sure she'll do fine. He sees her as a champion, not a Diva. He walks off with her looking rather worried.

Umaga, Cade, and Murdoch are seen walking in the back, and it seems that this match is next.

After the break Umaga's music hits, and the Samoan Bulldozer comes out. As he is in the ring, doing his usual thing, Cade and Murdoch's music hits, and the Redneck Wrecking Crew comes out. The three men stand in the ring, ready to fight their opponents. Candice Michelle's music hits, and the Women's Champion slowly comes out to the ring, looking terrified. She barely makes it out of the curtain before John Cena's music hits. He comes out to a huge pop. Cena gives Candice his belt, says something to her, and runs to the ring.

All Champions No DQ Match: Umaga and the Redneck Wrecking Crew vs. Candice Michelle and John Cena


Cena is attacked by all three men, getting beaten down. Umaga pounds him, before tagging in Cade. After Cade lands some shots, he tags in Murdoch. Cade lifts Murdoch, and throws him onto Cena in a legdrop formation. Murdoch now starts to pound on Cena some more before tagging in Cade. Cade repeats his performance from earlier, only this time he tags Umaga. Umaga starts to tear into Cena, and eventually throws him into the corner hard. Umaga then tags in Murdoch. Murdoch starts to beat on Cena, and hits a russian legsweep as Cena tries to come back. Finally, Cena hits a back suplex, and starts to fight back. He knocks both and Murdoch down, but is caught by Umaga as he attempts a crossbody block. Cena is thrown as if he were nothing. Candice is now being harrassed by Cade and Murdoch, who have moved to the outside. Candice gets in the ring, only to be cornered by Umaga. Cade and Murdoch manage to hold Candice down in the corner, and Umaga looks to do his running butt-smash. Before he can start running, though, Jeff Hardy hits the ring with a chair. He starts pounding Umaga with it, and Candice manages to get away and runs into the back. Hardy gets Umaga to the outside, and beats him all the way to the back. This leaves Cena alone with Cade and Murdoch. Cena starts to fight both off, and sends Cade into the corner, and lifts Murdoch. Cena lands the FU, and makes the cover for the win.

Your Winners: John Cena and Candice Michelle

Cena is in the ring celebrating. As the ref hands him the belt, Randy Orton slides into the ring, and waits. Cena turns, and is hit with the RKO. Coach comes out and says that the new #1 Contender, and the man Cena must face at Summerslam, is the Legend Killer, Randy Orton. Orton stands over Cena, and then leaves the ring, looking back with a grin as Cena is out, as Raw goes off the air.

Match Rating: B- (Not bad, but terribly predictable. Still, there was something great about Cena coming out as a superhero, taking all of the assault so Candice wouldn't have to. Even further, I liked Hardy's involvement. Everyone pretty much saw that Orton would face Cena at Summerslam, so there's no real surprise there. I think that this feud should be a good one, especially the way they've been building Orton over the last few weeks.)

Quick Results:
Maria and Mickie James def. Melina and Beth Pheonix via Pinfall
Carlito and William Regal def. Sandman and Jim Duggan via Pinfall
Randy Orton def. Cody Rhodes via Pinfall
Jeff Hardy def. Mr. Kennedy via Countout
World's Greatest Tag Team def. London and Kendrick via pinfall
John Cena and Candice Michelle def. Umaga and Redneck Wrecking Crew



Overall Rating: B+ (An overall good Raw. I could have done without some of the more mundane, but the good was really good. This sets a nice tempo for the lead up to Summerslam, and the stories should be really good. I like where a lot of stuff is going, and can't wait to see more, especially the newly formed Orton-Cena feud. It also looks as if they may give the IC title back to Jeff at some point, which I would love.)


Well, that's all for another week. If you have any questions, comments, or general concerns, feel free to email me, as always, at mande042@odu.edu. Until next week, so long and goodnight.








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