Raw Results--07/30/2007
Submitted by Donny Anderson on Monday, July 30, 2007 at 11:20 PM EST





Last week saw Randy Orton named the new number 1 contender for John Cena's WWE Championship, as well as John Cena being laid out by the RKO. What's in store for the Champ and his new nemesis, the Legend Killer? Find out tonight as the USA Network presents WWE Monday Night Raw, live from Tucson, Arizona.

Raw begins with John Cena's music hitting. The Champ gets a fairly decent pop. Cena grabs a mic and says that "Tucson is fired up!". He plugs the Summerslam main event. He says that this time Orton is prepared. He says that the first chapter in being a number 1 contender is making a statement, and that Orton did that. He says that what Orton should do is flip to the last chapter of the number 1 contender's handbook. He says it's only four words long..."The Champ is..." Carlito's music hits, interupting Cena. Carlito comes out and says that Cena has the honor of being the first guest on the new and improved "Carlito's Cabana". Carlito is accompanied by some staff members, who quickly set the ring up with chairs and fake palm trees. Cena takes a seat on one of the beach chairs. Carlito says he needs to ask an important question. He asks Cena what it feels like to be a liar. He says that Cena has not won every championship match he's been in. Carlito reminds us of when he beat Cena for the US title. Cena says he's right, and then says that it was like 3 or 4 years ago. He says back then Britney Spears was still hot, Michael Jackson was not as creepy, Abe Lincoln was wrestling a bear, and Lindsay Lohan was doing her first line...of dialog. He says that it's a big night, though, and the Cabana is back. Carlito says that Cena can be as funny as he wants, but Carlito has his number. Carlito says that he should be the number 1 contender. Kennedy's music hits, and Kennedy comes out saying that Carlito is pathetic. He says that last week Carlito ran from Lashley. He says that is not the action of a number 1 contender. Kennedy says this is Carlito's segment, but it's Kennedy's ring. Kennedy says that he has been constantly overlooked since he got to Raw. Carlito and Kennedy start bickering. Cena is out of the ring and says that Randy Orton is the number 1 contender because he's earned it. Cena says that Kennedy wants to rag on Carlito from running from Lashley, so why not step up and challenge Lashley himself. Kennedy agrees. Cena then says that Carlito has done nothing since beating him 3 years ago. Cena then says that tonight, Carlito gets his wish at the main event and will have to face him. Cena's music hits as the Champ exits, soon followed by Kennedy. Carlito stands alone in the ring as we go to a break.

After the break we are treated to the Diva's match of the night. Melina's music hits, and she comes out with Beth Pheonix and Jillian for this Six-Diva tag match. Maria's music hits, and she comes out accompanied by Santino Marella. Soon after, Mickie James' music hits, and she is greeted with a decent pop. Candice Michelle's music then hits, and the Women's Champion comes out for this match.

6-Diva Tag Match: Melina, Beth Pheonix, and Jillian vs. Maria, Mickie James, and Candice Michelle

The match starts with Beth and Maria. Beth takes control with a kick, and a throw into the corner. As she goes to capitalize, Maria goes for a victory roll, which Beth manages to stop. Maria rolls out of the way of a stomp, and gets Beth into the corner. Maria tags in Mickie, who goes on the offensive. After some good shots, Mickie is brought into the opposing corner by Beth's power. Beth tags in Melina. Mickie is ready, and soon takes over. After beating down Melina for a bit, Mickie tags in Candice Michelle. After a double team move, Candice tries to take advantage, but Melina soon takes control. Melina tags in Jillian (though JR keeps saying Beth Pheonix). Jillian beats down Candice for a bit, but Candice starts to come back, and makes the hot tag to Maria as Jillian tags in Melina. Maria surprisingly takes control and even gets a two count on Melina which is broken up by Jillian. Mickie hits a Thez Press on Jillian, but is taken to the outside by Beth Pheonix, who is in turn taken on by Candice. The ref is distracted by this action, while Jillian manages to lift Maria. Melina comes from the side and the two hit a huge face buster on Maria for the win.

Your Winners: Melina, Beth Pheonix, and Jillian Hall

The three victors leave the ring, while Santino Marella is looking quite distraught. He is beside himself, angry at the cheap tactics used in this match. The losers are in the ring comforting Maria as we go to break.

Match Rating: C (this seems to be the average rating for Divas matches, but whatever. I call them as I see fit, and they just haven't been that stellar. On occasion there will be a good one, but it hasn't happened for a while. Really not since Trish Stratus and Lita left. They really need someone who can compliment Mickie. Perhaps Candice should turn heel, and they can feud?)

Just before we hit commercials, we get a nice Triple H return promo. Honestly, Summerslam cannot get here soon enough. I can't wait for his comeback.

After the break, Santino Marella is still in the ring. He has a mic and tells the ref he will get to him in a moment. He goes on a rant about cheating in the WWE, and the crowd starts a "What!?" chant while he's speaking. Marella blames the ref for Maria's loss moments ago. He says that the ref will not stop him. Umaga's music hits. Marella is obviously in a panic. He keeps saying that Umaga should not be here. The ref asks Marella to give him the mic. Marella gives the ref the mic, and with a grin says to ring the bell. the bell rings, and we have an impromptu match on our hands.

Umaga vs. Santino Marella

Umaga begins with a kick to Marella's head. After a running Butt-Smash, Umaga hits the Samoan Spike for the win.

Your Winner: Umaga

Umaga leaves the ring, with his victim laying motionless in the ring. Looks like the ref has gotten his revenge against Marella's verbal assault.

Match Rating: C+ (Before you start yelling for giving this a decent rating, I have to say that it was a good idea. I like how the ref was utilized in this. Granted, this was a small role for the IC champ, even if that champ is Umaga. Oh well, I got a nice giggle out of this.)

Todd Grisham is in the back, and he introduces King Booker. Booker says that tonight, "Jerome" Lawler's reign as King is over. Booker then says that he hopes Triple H is watching tonight. He says that he wants Triple H to see Jerome bow down to the one true king. Sharmell takes the mic and gives a resounding "King Booker!" before we go to a break.

We come back to see Coach on the phone with someone talking about the match tonight with Carlito and Cena. Cody Rhodes comes in and Coach apologizes for what happened to Dusty last week. Coach starts to describe it, but then says that they should watch it instead. We see a little clipshow of last week's events between Orton, Dusty, and Cody. After the video, Coach asks Cody how his father is. Cody ask what does he think. Coach says he doesn't want to see what happened to Dusty happen to Cody. He says that he can't on Randy Orton. In fact, if he even lays a finger on Orton, he will never have a career. Coach then says that Cody is 0-2 with his record. He says that Cody will have a match tonight, and if he wins he can stay, but he loses he's off of Raw. Cody tells Coach thanks for showing him that footage.

Todd Grisham is in the back, and he introduces Randy Orton. Orton says that he's dressed to compete, but no one wants to fight him. He goes on saying that he's taken out HBK, RVD, Ric Flair, and Dusty Rhodes. Orton says that at Summerslam, though, he won't take on a Legend, but a champion. He says that history will repeat itself, since he became the youngest champion ever at Summerslam a few years back. Suddenly, Orton is interupted by Sgt. Slaughter. Sarge tells Orton that since he's dressed to compete, so why compete against him. Sarge says that he hates maggots, and Randy Orton is a maggot. Slaughter then dismisses the Legend Killer. Orton has a look of arrogant contempt on his face as he leaves, and we go to a commercial.

After the break Daivari is in the ring. He grabs the mic and starts talking arabic. The crowd can't stand this. Suddenly, Cody Rhodes' music hits, and he comes out looking very determined.

Daivari vs. Cody Rhodes

Daivari runs at Cody and starts to pound away on him. Cody blocks some shots, and lands some of his own. As he hits a back-body drop, the crowd starts a "Cody" chant. Daivari manages to take control with cheap tactics, and hits a neckbreaker. As Daivari locks in a neck vice, the crowd starts a "USA" chant. Cody powers out and puts Daivari into the corner. Cody hits a clothesline, then some good shots before hitting a crossbody block for a two count. Cody then manages to hit a nice running bulldog. Daivari tries to come back, but is hit with a great powerslam from Cody. Daivari staggers to his feet, and Cody puts him out with a great DDT for the win.

Your Winner: Cody Rhodes

Cody looks very happy with himself and has finally added a win to his record. Daivari is out in the ring.

Match Rating: B (Wow, when Cody is given the opportunity to actually put on a show and seem outclassed by his opponent, he looks really good in the ring. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, you can tell that he is the son of Dusty Rhodes. Actually, Daivari should feel good that his is the first person to put Cody over. It also looks like the DDT may be Cody's finisher, at least for the time being. I'm not opposed to this, since I love that move.)

In the back, we see Lashley walking, and it appears that his match with Mr. Kennedy is right after this break.

After the break Kennedy's music hits. He comes out, gets in the ring, grabs the mic from the ceiling, and says that he is the real number 1 contender, "Mr. KENNEDY!!!" Lashley's music starts before Kennedy can say his name a second time. Lashley comes out, and this match is underway.

Lashley vs. Mr. Kennedy

The match starts with Kennedy getting behind Lashley, but Lashley reverses with a waist lock takedown. He grabs on, but Kennedy gets to the ropes. Kennedy tries to attack, but Lashley is too powerful for him. Kennedy is in the corner, but tries to leap over Lashley, but Lashley grabs on for the running powerslam. Kennedy fights out, but Lashley gets him into the corner again. After a nice clothesline, Lashley goes for the torture-rack backbreaker, but Kennedy fights out again. Lashley goes for a suplex and hits it. Lashley prepares for the spear, but Kennedy rolls out of the ring. As Lashley follows, Kennedy hits a shot to the gut. Lashley is down on the outside, against the ring steps. Kennedy does a running kick to Lashley, who is now hurt in his left shoulder. Kennedy gets back in the ring, and Lashley follows after a while. Kennedy starts to attack right away, getting an arm lock locked in on Lashley. Lashley manages to fight out, but Kennedy uses Lashley hurt shoulder to bring him down. Kennedy climbs the ropes, but Lashley follows. Lashley goes for something, but his shoulder gives out and he falls to the mat, and Kennedy pulls his arm over the top rope. Kennedy goes on the attack again, locking in an armbar. Lashley powers out, and starts attacking Kennedy with clothesline from his good arm. Kennedy is reeling, and Lashley goes for the spear. As Lashley goes for the kill, Kennedy lifts his knee into Lashley's hurt shoulder, causing the powerhouse to crumble. Kennedy covers Lashley for the win.

Your Winner: Mr. Kennedy

Kennedy leaves the ring, grabs a mic at the entrance, and announces himself as the winner. Lashley is in the ring being attended to by officials.

Match Rating: B (Jeez, these guys put on a surprisingly good match. Usually Lashley matches end the same way, but this was a nice way to give Kennedy a little momentum. This actually does a lot for Kennedy, seeing as how they've been building Lashley lately. Not too upset by this. Actually, a little glad. I like Kennedy, and was upset that he jobbed out to Super Crazy a few weeks ago. Glad he finally got a win under his belt on Raw. Who knows what they're going to do with Lashley now. Maybe his purpose has been served, which would suck. I kinda like Lashley.)

Lashley is still in the ring, hurt pretty bad as we go to break.

After the break, Snitsky does a little monologue in the back talking about pleasure. He talks about his matches and how his opponent's pain is his pleasure. Jeez he's a creepy guy.

Back in the arena, King Booker's music hits and the Champion of Champions comes out with his queen, Sharmell, ready for his match against Jerry Lawler. Before the match begins however, we go to a commercial break.

After the break we are treated to another Triple H return promo, the Six Million Dollar Man one. Triple H is going to be better, faster, and stronger than ever before. Soon we will all behold the King, the King of Kings.

King Booker is standing in the ring, livid at the Triple H promo. As he goes off, Jerry Lawler's music hits to a good pop. The King comes out, and this match is underway.

King Booker vs. Jerry "The King" Lawler

The match begins with the two men staring each other down. Booker talks some trash, but Lawler says nothing. They back away from each other, then Lawler hits a left shot after Booker tries to toy with him. Finally there is a collar-elbow tie up. Booker gets Lawler into the corner and hits some shots. Lawler gets Booker into the middle of the ring, and hits some shots of his own. Booker backs into a corner, and the crowd chants "Jerry". Booker comes back with a thumb to the eye. He then knocks Lawler to the ground, gets him up, and goes for a spinning kick. Lawler ducks, and gets Booker into the corner and lands some shots. Lawler hits a hard irish whip into the corner, but Booker gets him with an elbow as Lawler comes running. Booker then hits his reverse heel kick. Booker gets a two count, and then starts to beat down Lawler some more. As he goes for the Scissor's kick, Lawler dodges, hits an elbow, and starts to punch Booker in the chin. He knocks Booker to the ground, and covers. The ref counts to three, but Booker manages to get his foot on the bottom rope. Lawler can't believe it. Booker hits Lawler with a nice super kick. Lawler is down, and Booker gets him into the corner. Booker starts to pound away like a man possessed. The ref counts, and warns Booker to stop, but Booker doesn't listen. The ref rings the bell, and this one is over by disqualification.

Your Winner: Jerry "the King" Lawler

Booker walks away, thanking everyone and looking pleased with himself. As he and Sharmell make their way up the ramp, Lawler comes from behind and knocks Booker down. Lawler beats him down a bit before some officials pull him off of Booker and push him into the back. Sharmell is tending to Booker as we go to a commercial.

Match Rating: B (I gave this a good rating since Lawler proved that he can still run well. Granted, this match was more of a boxing match than a wrestling match with all of the striking, but isn't boxing the "sport of Kings"? It makes sense to me. I keep thinking that Triple H is going to show up one of these days, but I know that probably won't happen. Still, this looks like it's going to be a good feud, and may even see the final end of Booker's "king" gimmick.)

After the break Cryme Tyme's music hits, and they come out for this tag match. It's odd to see them on TV, since they haven't been here in so long. Their opponents are a few jobbers.

Cryme Tyme vs. Two Random Jobbers (they said their names, but I didn't catch them...does it really matter?)

JTG starts with Jobber 1 and hits some good shots and a drop kick. Jobber 1 tags in jobber 2, and JTG tags in Shad. Shad uses his power to his advantage and hits some good clotheslines, and a powerslam. Jobber 1 tries to come in fot the save, but is taken down by Shad. Shad tags in JTG, and they hit a massive finisher for the win.

Your Winners: Cryme Tyme

Shad and JTG grab some mics and start their "Money, Money, yeah, yeah." chants. Shad talks about how they just got some new "I just got beat by Cryme Tyme" boots. They beat down jobber2 and take his boots off. Shad opens bidding for them at $10,000. After no one accepts, he lowers it to $5,000. They lower it even still to $2,000. They take it even lower to $1,000. They say that they need some cash money. No checks, cards, or money orders. They then sign the boots, and lower the price to $40. Then they start pandering to the crowd, and sell the boots for $40 to some random fat guy in the crowd.

Match Rating: C+ (It was a squash, but not really a fun one, so I didn't give it too high of a rating. Not much happened, but it is nice to see Cryme Tyme back on TV. I loved their little auction skit after the match. Hopefully they'll utilize this in later matches, since judging by the crowd I'm not the only one who enjoyed it.)

In the back, Randy Orton is walking in the back, ready for his match with Sgt. Slaughter. That match seems to be occuring after the break.

After a commercial Randy Orton's music hits, and the Legend Killer makes his way for this match. Looks as if we may see another Legend killed tonight, this time in the form of Sgt. Slaughter. As Orton stands in the ring, Sgt. Slaughter's music hits, and he makes his way out for the match.

Randy Orton vs. Sgt. Slaughter

Orton starts by kicking Sarge in the gut, and starts to beat away on the aged legend. Orton beats him a little more, and stars to work on Sarge's legs, then his arms, and then locks in a reverse chin lock. Slaughter tries to fight out, and gets to his feet. Sarge tries to break the hold, but Orton locks it in tighter, and brings Sarge to his knees. Slaughter still tries to fight out, but starts to go limp. Sarge suddenly gets a second wind, and breaks the hold with a few elbows to the gut. Orton hits a kick, and hits the ropes, but Sarge hits a clothesline. Orton goes to attack in the rebound, but Slaughter locks in the Cobra Clutch. Orton starts fighting, but Sarge keeps him at bay. Orton finally makes it to the ropes, and hits Slaughter with a headbutt to break the hold. Sarge is reeling, and Orton hits the RKO. Orton covers, and it's over.

Your Winner: Randy Orton

Sgt. Slaughter is down and struggling to get up, and Orton goes to leave the ring. Suddenly, Orton stops and looks back. Sarge is to his knees, and Orton sprints to him and gives Sarge a nice punt to the head. Another legend effectively killed. Officials run to the ring with a stretcher and all, and Orton stands in the ring talking trash as we go to a break.

Match Rating: C+ (Honestly, I probably could have given this a B-, but I chose not to. I don't know why, but this is my choice and I'm sticking to it. I like Orton, and I hope that Cena drops the title to him at Summerslam. Regardless of how you feel about his backstage antics, or his actual skill level, his character is too freaking cool to hate, at least from my perspective. Also, in an unrelated comment, time has not been kind to our friend Sgt. Slaughter. He's gotten really old, even since we last saw him.

After the break we get a quick recap of what just happened, and learn that Orton has taken a seat at ringside for the main event. Carlito's music hits, and the South Paw from San Juan looks to be ready to take on Cena. John Cena's music hits to an even bigger pop than before, and the Champ comes out for the main event.

Carlito vs. John Cena

The match starts with Cena and Carlito locking in a collar-elbow tie up, with Cena forcing Carlito into a corner. Cena gets right into Carlito's face. Cena locks in a side headlock, and even gives Carlito some noogies. After another tie up, Cena hits a drop toe-hold, and tries for the STFU, but Carlito manages to scurry away. Carlito then hits Cena in the gut, and starts to hit some shots, but Cena makes a quick comeback, getting hit with a bulldog, and an elbow that sends him to the outside. Cena follows, but he and Orton come face to face. Cena ignores him, and the goes to climb back in the ring, as Carlito has done. Carlito starts stomping on Cena, but Cena fights up, hits a back body drop, and the a fisherman suplex. Cena then is distracted by Orton for a second, but then goes back on the attack. Carlito gets some good shots in, but Cena hits a sidewalk slam to take control. Cena starts beating down Carlito again, but is stopped when Carlito ducks out of the corner, causing Cena to slam into the turnbuckle. Carlito takes full advantage, but can only manage 2 counts. Carlito locks in a chin lock, but Cena soon powers out, hits a blockbuster, hits a back suplex, and then goes for the 5-Knuckle Shuffle. Orton gets to the apron as Cena hits the ropes and distracts the Champ. As Cena is distracted, Carlito hits the Backstabber , covers, and picks up the win, thanks to Randy Orton.

Your Winner: Carlito

Carlito adds insult to injury and spits some apple chunks in Cena's face. Orton looks pleased, and Carlito exits the ring and backs away looking at Cena. Cena has gotten up and has a very angry look on his face as Raw leaves the air.

Match Rating: B+ (Jeez, this was a pretty good main event, and I was actually pleased that Carlito won. I like Cena, but for the purposes of the current story, I liked seeing him lose. It makes him look more vulnerable than usual going against Orton in a few weeks.)

Quick Results
Melina, Jillian, and Beth Pheonix def. Maria, Candice Michelle, and Mickie James via pinfall
Umaga def. Santino Marella via pinfall
Cody Rhodes def. Daivari via pinfall
Kennedy def. Lashley via pinfall
Jerry Lawler def. King Booker via disqualification
Cryme Tyme def. 2 random jobbers via pinfall
Randy Orton def. Sgt. Slaughter via pinfall
Carlito def. John Cena via pinfall

Overall rating: B (Overall, I'd say it was a solid Raw. It had a few swerves there, like Carlito coming out on top, and even down to Kennedy beating Lashley like he did. Summerslam creeps ever so closer, and I can't wait. Obviously, if you've been reading over the last few weeks, you can tell that I'm most excited about Triple H's return. Other than that, though, I also think that Orton-Cena will be a very good match, better than most people will think. Who knows, though, what all may happen between now and four weeks from now. It will be a wild ride to witness.)

Well, that finishes it up for another week. Once again, if you have questions, comments, or concerns of any kind, please don't hesitate to email me at mande042@odu.edu. Other than that, for another week, so long and goodnight.








*NEW GALLERY* Stacy Keibler Looking Hot as Ever with Her New Boyfriend!

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