Monday Night Raw (07/14/08): The Animal Unleashed
Submitted by on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 at 12:24 AM EST





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

Welcome 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 2x4 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








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