PWTORCH.COM
VIP SIGN-UP JUMP TO VIP
CONTACT US VISIT MMA TORCH




Select Next Article by Category





TAKE PWTORCH
WITH YOU!

PWTORCH IPHONE APP
Get our iPhone App (FREE!): Click Here
Or enter "PWTorch.com" on your Blackberry or other Smart Phone browser for mobile-version of PWTorch.


TV Reports
CALDWELL'S WWE RAW REPORT 12/10: Ongoing virtual time coverage of 15-Year Anniversary show
Dec 10, 2007 - 10:20:31 PM


By James Caldwell, Torch columnist

WWE Raw Live Report
December 10 in Bridgeport, Ct.


The show opened with a video clip from the first Raw in January 1993. They went through the old-school Raw intros. Silk Stalkings anyone? In the arena, fireworks shot off before Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler introduced the 15-year anniversary show.

Vince McMahon's music hit, then Vince, Shane, and Stephanie strolled out in business suits. No Linda or Hornswoggle so far. Vince took the mic and did his "Welcome everyone to Monday Night Raw" intro. He said he created a show 15 years ago that was uncooked, uncut, and uncensored. Vince said it's the longest running prime time entertainment show running today. He said Linda could not be here tonight due to some gas issues. Vince said his son, Shane, is here, though. Vince said his daughter, daddy's little girl, Stephanie, is here. He looked around for the photographer, but Hornswoggle's music interrupted. Hornswoggle sprinted down to the ring and hopped onto Vince's leg. He said it's his illegitimate bastard son. Shane smiled while Stephanie didn't react. The fans chanted, "Hornswoggle," which didn't make Vince happy. Vince said each and every one of them is waiting for him die to inherit his fortune. He said he loves Shane and Stephanie. He said he kinda loves Hornswoggle. Vince then put on a big smile and looked around the crowd to say he loves each and every one of them. The McMahons gathered around in the ring for the portrait, but Triple H's music hit before they could snap the photo.

Hunter walked out in a Triple H t-shirt and cap to a big pop. He strolled into the ring and Vince screamed at him. Hunter surveyed the crowd, then said he's "waiting for that pop to die down." He said this is supposed to be a family portrait and it's no longer a secret. Hunter said the fans know what the score is - they're smart. He casually said, "What's up, Steph?" Hunter said a family is about being around the people you love or have loved. He then told Vince he would bring out some of the people he has loved. Hunter then brought out Melina, representing the current crop of divas. "I did not have sex with that woman," Vince said. Hunter then brought out the original diva, Sunny. She strolled out in a red and black number and Hornswoggle became rather excited. Ross said he hasn't seen Sunny in about ten years. Sunny stepped into the ring and Hornswoggle got himself some. Hunter brought out Mae Young to represent another set of divas. Stephanie shot an eyebrow toward daddy as Hunter lowered the ropes for Mae to hop into the ring. Mae then grabbed Vince and gave him a good squeeze, which he seemed to enjoy a little too much. Everyone went quiet, then Vince said it was at Moolah's funeral. He said he had a lot to drink. He had to dust the cobwebs off. Shane had enough and slipped out of the ring. Vince then addressed Stephanie and said he was thinking of Linda. Stephanie didn't want to hear anymore. Hunter said they should just cut to the chase because the list goes on and on.

Hunter then asked for any WWE employee who has been mistaken for a woman, who Vince has tried to love, should come out. Howard Finkel then came out, followed by Big Dick Johnson, Bastion Booger, Pat Patterson, Gerald Brisco, and Brooklyn Brawler as MVP. Hunter said he just threw up in his mouth. He said the Brooklyn Brawler must have been busy tonight. Stephanie took a mic and said daddy has serious problems. She said it's time she embarrass Vince. Stephanie went over to Hunter, took off his cap, and slapped on a liplock that had Vince's eyes bugging out of his head. She then slipped out of the ring while Hunter smiled like the cat who swallowed the canary. Hunter said, "See you at home. Oops...your brother is a gnome."

[Q2]

Vince got right in Hunter's face and did his evil voice: "I hate you." That was good for a laugh. He told the audience to go to hell. Vince bailed from the ring, then Hunter looked at Hornswoggle, who was sad. Hunter said he knows Hornswoggle just wanted to have a family portrait. If only there was someone who could make this right. Hunter said if there was only someone who could make this all better with the sound of their music. Suddenly, Godfather's music hit and Godfather led out Bridgeport's finest in adult entertainment. "Even Patterson is smiling," Ross said. The hos danced on the stage, then slowly - and I mean slowly - strolled into the ring where Horrnswoggle awaited. Godfather told Hornswoggle it's time for him to hop on the ho train. And everyone danced. Um... that was some horribly bad dancing normally reserved for weddings and graduation parties.

Jeff Hardy vs. Carlito for the IC Title in a ladder match is on the docket tonight. They showed a video package on the Tribute to the Troops show.

[Commercial Break]

Vince McMahon announces the greatest superstar in Raw history tonight.

1 -- IC champion JEFF HARDY vs. CARLITO -- IC Title match

The bell sounded and Carlito dipped to the outside to grab a ladder. He waited for Hardy to attempt a baseball slide, so he avoided the move and rammed the ladder into Hardy's face. Carlito then slid into the ring and set up the ladder while Hardy recovered on the floor. Back in the ring, Carlito ran over Hardy with a hard clothesline. Hardy then blocked a corner ladder shot and rammed Carlito face-first into the ladder. The action moved to the floor and Carlito missed with a ladder blow. Hardy slipped into the ring and nailed a baseball slide dropkick that sent Carlito careening into the ladder on the floor. Hardy then retrieved a second ladder and set it up in the ring. He reached the top of the ladder to grab the belt, but Carlito jumped onto the ladder from the ropes to block Hardy. After nearly losing his balance, Carlito landed a sick sunset flip powerbomb in center ring. Wow. They cut to a break with both men recovering on the mat.

[Commercial Break]

[Q3]

They returned with Hardy missing a top rope leg drop on Carlito, who moved out of the way just in time. Carlito started stomping on Hardy's knees, then Carlito placed Hardy's left leg inside the ladder. He stomped away before bringing a second ladder into the ring and smashing it on Hardy's leg, which was already inside the first ladder. Carlito stacked the ladders up, then slammed Hardy onto the double stack. He then set up a ladder and started climbing. Hardy hopped up on one leg and fought Carlito off the ladder before accepting a chopblock from Carlito.

At 10:00, Carlito placed a ladder in the corner and tried to splash Hardy, but Hardy back dropped him into the ladder. Hardy then hopped to the top turnbuckle on one good leg and nailed the Swanton Bomb. Hardy gingerly retrieved a ladder and set it up in center ring, but Carlito pulled him down. Hardy tried to catch Carlito with the Twist of Fate, but Carlito blocked and nailed the back cracker on a ladder. Ouch. Carlito started climbing the other ladder and he got a hand on the belt, but Hardy climbed up and shoved him down. Carlito fell to the floor, then Hardy grabbed the title belt to win.

WINNER: Hardy in 13:00. Not a classic ladder match, but a strong opening TV match. Carlito started off well, but seemed to run out of gas after the commercial break. Hardy with a good win leading to his PPV match against Triple H. (**3/4)

[Commercial Break]

[Q4]

Backstage, Todd Grisham brought in Shawn Michaels for an interview. Grisham said Michaels was part of the original Raw broadcast 15 years ago. He said he defended the IC Title against...someone. He said he doesn't remember much of that time. Kinda sketchy. Michaels said he does remember last week when Kennedy did a terrible interaction with imposters. He then brought in Mr. 18 chances, Marty Jannetty, who was too excited to cut a promo. It's Kennedy vs. Jannetty tonight. Michaels then talked about his Armageddon match against Kennedy. He called himself, "Misteeer HBK." He left camera. He came back. "HBK." He smiled and left as the fans laughed in the arena.

Ross introduced a video package flashback on classic Raw moments. A little bit of everything from Raw history. They went to a slow video on all of the classic kisses. A little man and woman. Woman and woman. Lips to ass cheeks. Oh no. Venis and choppy choppy his pee pee. Bra and panties. Brock Lesnar. Eric Bischoff debuting on Raw. Sable flashing behind Marc Mero. Rock and Austin. Austin and Rock. Shane buying WCW. Vince being blown up.

[Commercial Break]

They showed a video clip on the World Class DVD.

In the ring was Santino and Maria. Yes! Santino said he's sick to his stomach because they need to honor the future of this program. He started to make an open challenge, but RVD's music hit. Jaw meet the floor. And out came RVD. Oh man. The fans popped huge for RVD and Santino quickly took off his jacket to fight.

2 -- SANTINO MARELLA vs. ROB VAN DAM

Santino interrupted RVD's thumbs-to-shoulder intro with a kick to the gut. That upset RVD, who quickly knocked him off his feet and nailed a five-star frog splash. RVD then completed his pose and pinned Santino for a decisive win.

WINNER: RVD in 1:00. Well, that was quick. Great to see RVD back. (n/a)

They aired a video package on Evolution. They focused on Hunter giving props to Ric Flair. They showed some classic Batista clips, then Randy Orton with his storyline of spitting on Mick Foley. Evolution Reunion up next. "How is that going to happen?" Lawler asked.

[Commercial Break]

[Q5]

Tomorrow night on ECW, Batista makes a guest appearance to face Elijah Burke again.

Lilian Garcia then introduced the original four members of Evolution. Ric Flair's music hit first and Flair came out dressed to wrestle. Triple H's music hit and he came out second. Hunter and Flair hugged before Hunter did his water spitting from the apron. Batista came out next with the World Title belt around his waist. He quickly embraced Flair before hugging Hunter. Batista posed, then Randy Orton's music hit to a round of boos. Lawler asked if this is really going to happen. Orton stopped on the stage with a mic in hand and the WWE Title over his shoulder. Orton said he's not joining them. He said he is the WWE champion and he is a the pinnacle of his career. Orton said the only reason why they want him out there is to ride the coattails of his current success. He said the last time he was champion and associated with them, he can clearly recall the big beat down they put on him. Cue up the video package from August 2004, one day after Orton beat Chris Benoit for the WWE Title. Thumbs up. Thumbs down. Orton got dropped and beaten to start a very unsuccessful babyface turn.

Back live, Orton stared into the ring and Hunter said he does remember that. He said it was pretty cool, but if it makes Orton feel any better, they beat him up because he was a giant pain in the ass. Orton said he'll remember that when he beats Chris Jericho to retain the WWE Title. He said he wants to be remembered for being part of a group on Raw called Rated R-KO. Edge then came out on stage and shook hands with Orton. Batista had a dumbfounded look on his face in the ring. Edge, with his tight hockey jersey, waited out the boos before telling Hunter that if it makes him feel any better, Batista won't have his title after Sunday. Batista told him to come to the ring. Flair then took the mic and told him to shut up. He told them to find a partner to see what they got. Orton said they got an OK from William Regal to get their own tag partner: Umaga. Umaga strolled out on stage and stood tall with Orton and Edge before all three walked to the ring. Oh, the big six-man tag match that carried Raw TV main events in '04 and '05. Nice.

[Commercial Break]

3 -- EVOLUTION (TRIPLE H & RIC FLAIR & World Hvt. champion BATISTA) vs. WWE champion RANDY ORTON & EDGE & UMAGA

They joined the action in progress with Flair sending Orton to his corner for a tag to Edge. Flair and Edge danced around the ring before locking up. Edge blasted Flair with right hands before Flair came right back with hard chops to the chest. Lawler picked up the storyline from two weeks ago that Flair will have to retire if he loses, but the stip is only applicable to singles matches. Umaga took a tag and worked on Flair's neck. The heels then started working over Flair in their corner. Orton then missed with a dropkick and Flair made the hot tag to Batista.

[Q5 - second hour]

Batista teed off on Orton before clearing the heels. He went right after Edge and dropped him with the Black Hole Slam. Suddenly, the action broke down in the ring. Batista and Hunter landed dual spinebusters, but Umaga ran right over both men with clotheslines. The ref got bumped, so he called for the bell. The match was thrown out, so Orton and Edge bailed to the stage. Umaga was left in the ring by himself with Evolution. Umaga walked into a Flair low blow, then took a spear from Batista. Hunter then measured Umaga for a Pedigree in center ring.

WINNERS: Match thrown out in 4:00. Lame finish for a big tag match. The whole point became just an opportunity for Evolution to shine for the audience, which was fine. (*)

Backstage, they showed Jeff Hardy healing up in his locker room while watching the monitor as Evolution celebrated in the ring. Ross talked about Hardy vs. Hunter at the PPV with a WWE Title shot at the line.

They showed the best Raw moment of all-time with Steve Austin spraying The Rock and the Corporation in the ring with beer. More Austin vs. McMahon clips. Rock's Lincoln Continental being smashed. All kinds of crazy vehicle mishaps over the years. They showed Kurt Angle spraying everyone with his milk truck. More Austin with an array of vehicles.

Backstage, Hornswoggle harassed Molly Holly and Mickie James before William Regal intervened. Yeah for Molly! Regal then sent them away before addressing Hornswoggle. He said Mr. McMahon has booked a re-match from Survivor Series - Hornswoggle vs. Great Khali. Regal said he doesn't know who cancelled Finlay's plane ticket from Ireland, so he won't be here to help Hornswoggle, whose match is next.

[Commercial Break]

Hornswoggle walked out to the ring with his hat in his hands. Surely, the deck is stacked too high this time? Yeah, right. Khali's music hit, then he walked out with translator guy.

4 -- HORNSWOGGLE vs. GREAT KHALI (w/Runjan Singh)

The bell sounded and Hornswoggle ran through Khali's legs. Khali became frustrated, but Hulk Hogan's music hit.

[Q7]

The crowd exploded as Hogan strolled out in his black and white. Hogan flipped off the sunglasses, the boa, and posed on stage. Khali told him to bring it. Hogan then slowly entered the ring and went right up to Khali with that slow walk. Hogan talked some trash to Khali, who stood tall. Hogan started to shake and he blocked the big chop before taking a boot to the gut. Khali landed a forearm blow before landing more blows to the back. Hogan stumbled around the ring looking for inspiration, then he started to reach down and Hulk up. He pointed at Khali, who backed down. Hogan with classic right hand blows before knocking him down with a right hand. Khali slipped to the outside as Hornswoggle smiled from the apron. Khali then feigned getting back into the ring as the fans chanted for Hogan. Khali opted to fight another day as Hogan's music hit. Hogan said he would break Khali in half while Singh led Khali to the back. In the ring, Hornswoggle clapped it up for Hogan, who asked for a mic.

Hogan took a mic and did his Hall of Fame crowd milking. He said it sounds like Hulkamania is still alive and well, brothers. Hogan asked the fans to give it up for the greatest company of all-time, the WWE. He said there's nothing like being in this very ring in front of the WWE maniacs. Hogan said he's proud to be invited to hang out with the new superstars in the back. He did a Randy Savage impersonation, then rolled his eyes. Hogan plugged American Gladiators before wrapping it up. He did the big poses around the ring with Hornswoggle to cap off the segment.

WINNER: Um...

Ross introduced a video package on DX's antics over the years. Classic Shawn Michaels speech in front of the podium where he won't say the following words between the hours of 9 and 10. Classics with Sgt. Slaughter and the face masks, DX invading WCW, Michael Cole getting wedgies, recent shenanigans against the McMahons, and more.

[Commercial Break]

They did a flashback to Mick Foley's visit to Mr. McMahon while he was in the hospital. And then Dr. Austin's pre-surgery check up.

The Fink was in the ring to announce a 15-man battle royale featuring wrestlers from the past 15 years. Al Snow with Head was first out. Snow's put on a few pounds. Bart Gunn out next. No Butterbean. Doink the Clown out third. Repo Man fourth with the classic '80s techno music. Steve Blackman out fifth. No Marc Mero, I assume. Pete Gas from the Mean Street Posse out next. Bob Backlund has been found from TNA! I guess he found his book.

[Q8]

[Commercial Break]

They returned with Gangrel making his entrance. Goon, Skinner, I.R.S., and Flash Funk made entrances during the commercial break. Scotty 2 Hotty came out next. Jim Niedhart came out next. He's put on several pounds. Sgt. Slaughter rolled out next. They went backstage to knock on a door. No, it's not Goldberg. It's Duane Gillberg.

5 -- 15-MAN BATTLE ROYALE

The bell sounded and everyone ganged up on Gillberg to toss him out. Backlund out next. Doink out, then Gangrel. Snow out from Flash Funk. Pete Gas out from Blackman, then Bart Gunn. Flash and Blackman out next. Repo eliminated Goon after a struggle. Neidhart eliminated Repo. Skinner then dumped out Niedhart. Final four: Scotty, IRS, Skinner, and Slaughter. IRS tried to use his briefcase, but Scotty blocked and set up the W-O-R-M on IRS. Skinner then dumped out Scotty. Slaughter slapped the Cobra Clutch on Skinner, who escaped and then was tossed out. IRS then dumped Slaughter to the floor to win.

After the match, Ted DiBiase's music hit and DiBiase walked out in a full suit with a stack of bills in his hands. DiBiase flashed the dollars to IRS, who put the bills in his briefcase. See, at least someone is revealing the contents of a briefcase. IRS then hopped over the top rope, giving DiBiase the victory. Afteward, DiBiase took the mic and said everyone has a price for the Million Dollar Man. He laughed, then left.

WINNER: IRS, then DiBiase in 4:00. Just a silly gimmick match. WrestleMania 17 had the better gimmick battle royale. (n/a)

Time for another Raw flashback. All of the slaps involving divas, the McMahons, and everyone else in between. Even a Bret Hart on Vince McMahon slap.

They showed Eric Bischoff walking backstage. "He deserves to be slapped!" Ross said emphatically.

[Q9 - third hour]

[Commercial Break]

Another video clip promoting ECW tomorrow night.

Eric Bischoff was in the ring out of the break. Bischoff smiled and said it's been a long time since he had the opportunity to stand in the ring, so he wanted to let everyone know that for him to be invited to be part of the 15-year anniversary of Raw, it means so much to him. Mock tears were choked back. Bischoff said it reminds him that things change, but they really stay the same. He said he sees the same people that he sees year after year. Bischoff said he's not here to put smiles on faces, but to take money from pockets. He said people like the WWE fans will always need him to provide entertainment. Bischoff said the McMahon family is always going to need him to reinvent the business over and over again. He said the people are tired of sitting in their seats, so they need to stand up and give him a round of well-deserved applause. Boos showered down. Then, Save_Us flashed leading to Chris Jericho's entrance.

Jericho walked out to the ring while Bischoff smiled his smile. Ross they aren't exactly good buddies. Jericho circled Bischoff before posing in the corner. Bischoff feigned not knowing Jericho's name, then brought up the storyline where Jericho was fired a few years ago on Raw. Jericho paused, then told him to shut the hell up. He said Bischoff was an assclown then, and he's an assclown now. Jericho said Bischoff did fire him two years ago, which he's never forgotten. He said that taking his two year leave, it allowed him to get recharged and have the fire lit under him again. Jericho said there will be a new champion at Armageddon. Bischoff smiled and told him good luck with the match against Orton. Jericho came back with a cutting remark about Bischoff's hair and potbelly. Bischoff laughed and said it's almost as funny as Jericho's Save_Us program. He told Jericho to save the fans some PPV money and just admit defeat tonight. Jericho said he could forfeit the match or just beat Bischoff's ass tonight. Jericho started to rhyme about Bischoff, which didn't sit well with Eazy E. Jericho said, on second thought, why don't I just knock your block off.

Jericho smashed Bischoff in the face before Orton hit the ring and tried to jump Jericho, but he slapped on the Walls of Jericho in center ring. Orton tapped out furiously before Jericho released the hold. Jericho picked up the WWE Title belt and held it over Orton before talking some trash.

[Commercial Break]

[Q10]

Dusty Rhodes came to ringside to join Ross and Lawler on commentary. Lilian Garcia then introduced a tag title match. There's a tag division on Raw? Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly showed up as the challengers. Murdoch and Cade then came out to defend the belts.

6 -- Tag champs TREVOR MURDOCH & LANCE CADE vs. CODY RHODES & HARDCORE HOLLY -- World tag title match

Cody wanted to be in the ring first, so Holly let him. The champs quickly went to work on Cody, who worked from behind for the first few minutes. Holly eventually took a tag and waited for the champs to make a mistake. Cody then cleared Cade to the outside while Holly dropped Murdoch with the Alabama Slam in center ring. He covered Murdoch to win the tag titles. Holly took the belts, then he tossed one to Cody as if he were tossing him a beer. Dusty hopped into the ring and hugged it up with Cody while Holly tried to get his own shine for doing all the work. Dusty, Holly, and Cody stood tall in the ring afterward.

WINNERS: Cody & Holly in 3:00 to capture the World Tag Titles. A real empty feeling to this title change. We still don't know what's going on with Holly and Cody, while the tag division has been virtually wasted the last several months. (1/2*)

They did a flashback video on all the celebrities who have been part of Raw in various cities around the world. Mick Foley said WWE used to reach out to celebrities, and then at a certain point, celebrities started to reach out to WWE.

[Commercial Break]

They did a flashback video on The Divas. Classics on Alundra Blayze and Bull Nakano. Matt Hardy said Sunny was the first standout diva. Mick Foley said she was the pioneer and the rest of the divas walked down her path. Classics of Sable, Chyna, Lita, Trish, Stacy, Candice, Ashley, Leyla, Maria, Torrie, Mickie, and Victoria. Trish did a voice-over that the divas used to be eye candy, and now they bring athleticism.

[Q11]

In the ring, Jillian Hall plugged a new Christmas album exclusively available on iTunes tomorrow. She started to sing about the twelve days of Christmas before Trish Stratus interrupted. Big pop for Trish. She came out all smiles and Jillian stared her down. Jillian said she wasn't done. Trish said she's sooo sorry, but she's pumped to be back on Raw. She gave shout-outs to Lillian and Lawler before asking Jillian about her album. Trish said it's just so bad, though. Jillian said some things just never change. She said Trish gets the award for biggest ego in WWE history. Suddenly, Lita's music hit and Lita walked out to another big pop. Jillian was thrilled to see her. Lita then went face-to-face with Trish as Jillian told Lita to hit her. Lita took the mic and said Jillian's singing and her voice are really bad. Jillian said no one wants to see the has-beens anymore. She started to sing again, then Lita and Trish yanked her down and started landing right hand blows. This was followed by stiff chops to the chest that sent Jillian to the outside. Lita and Trish hugged in center ring to close the segment.

They showed a clip of the various humor from McMahon's warped mind over the course of Raw history. Edge and Christian classic clips. Foley and Rock clips. They transitioned into a batch of sexual-driven clips. More random humor and characters. A five-second clip on Owen Hart with his Slammy awards. Ah, man, that's an emotional five seconds there.

[Commercial Break]

They showed clips of all the weddings gone wrong. Lita and Edge. Undertaker and Stephanie. Test and Stephanie. Hunter and Stephanie. Lita and Kane. Trish Stratus in the hottest wedding outfit of all time. Backstage, Lita watched the video package before turning around to find Kane standing over her shoulder. Kane played the awkward male approaching an old flame. They made small talk, showing a new side to Kane. Ron Simmons then walked in and stared at them. He shouted, "Damn!" as Lita and Kane surveyed their surroundings.

Ringside, Ross and Lawler broke down the PPV card on Sunday.

[Q12]

Mr. Kennedy came out for a wrestling match. It's Kennedy vs. Jannetty up next.

[Commercial Break]

7 -- MR. KENNEDY vs. MARTY JANNETTY

Jannetty bounced around the ring before locking up with Kennedy, who went right after the left knee. Kennedy sat down on a half crab, but Jannetty reached the bottom rope to break the hold. He then executed a dragon screw leg whip for a nearfall. Kennedy talked trash and continued to work on Jannetty, who came back with a leaping enziguiri kick. Jannetty then nailed a rocker dropper in center ring and went up top. He took too long, though, allowing Kennedy to crotch him. Kennedy went for his corner finisher, but Jannetty rolled through for a nearfall. Kennedy then hit a modified STO for the pin and the win.

After the match, Kennedy tried to beat up Jannetty, but Shawn Michaels ran out to make the save. Michaels then turned his back on Kennedy, who attacked him from behind. Suddenly, Triple H strolled out in a DX cap and t-shirt. Kennedy looked at Hunter, then Michaels dumped Kennedy to the floor. Hunter slid into the ring with official DX merchandise, then he handed it to Michaels to sport. Hunter and Michaels built up for a big DX crotch chop, then their music hit.

WINNER: Kennedy in 5:00. Not particularly great action here. Crowd was tired by this point. Post-match lacked a big feel since they pulled out the one-time reunion card for DX a few weeks ago. (3/4*)

They went backstage where Vince McMahon was given his coat in anticipating of going to the ring to find out who the greatest superstar in Raw history is. Well, Steve Austin should be in the next segment.

[Q13 -- over-run]

[Commercial Break]

Vince McMahon was in the ring out of the break to ask the question of who the greatest superstar is in Raw history. He said that person has to be synonymous with the greatness of this program. McMahon said that person has to have had the single biggest impact on Raw. He asked for an envelope. McMahon carefully opened it before revealing the answer: Vincent Kennedy McMahon. So, that answers the question that he is subject to the Wellness policy.

Mick Foley (as Mankind) interrupted before McMahon could give his acceptance speech. Foley stood off with McMahon before McMahon told him to turn around and take himself right out of the ring. Foley turned back around and stuffed Socko down McMahon's throat. Foley released the sock, then Undertaker's music hit. The lights went down and out, then Taker did his slow entrance while McMahon remained KO'ed on the mat. Lawler urged McMahon to get out before Taker could get his hands on him. Taker eventually entered the ring before removing his jacket and hat. McMahon slowly stood up and looked at Taker with fearful eyes. Taker then grabbed him around the throat and delivered a chokeslam in center ring. Taker stared down at McMahon, then did his pose. The lights went down again and Taker disappeared. McMahon was out cold in the ring.

Suddenly, the glass broke and Steve Austin stormed out to the ring. McMahon remained out cold in the ring while Austin posed in all four corners. Once Austin was done, he stared down at McMahon's lifeless body before grabbing a mic. Austin waited out the "Austin, Austin" chants before addressing McMahon. He said it's a pitiful sight - McMahon lying there in his ring like a big piece of trash. The fans did the "What?" chants along with him. A little beer. A little celebration. But McMahon is sleeping. Austin said 15 years deserves a toast. He accepted two beers from the timekeeper, then proposed a toast. Austin got down on the mat next to McMahon and suggested they have some beer on the same level. Austin moved back away from McMahon after getting too close. McMahon then accidentally knocked over a beer. Austin felt the beer on his head, then he helped McMahon to his feet to have that beer. McMahon slowly reached his knees, then Austin pulled him up. Austin handed him a beer, then he had that toast by smacking beers together. Austin waited for McMahon to slowly take a sip, then he dropped him in center ring with a Stunner for good measure. Austin's music hit, then Austin took the mic again.

Austin said the greatest superstar on Raw wasn't on the card McMahon read from. He said the greatest superstars of Raw are all around the ring. He said they're all over the world because the greatest superstars on Raw are the fans in the arena and sitting at home. He then brought out all the superstars to the ring to have a beer with him. Austin demanded that Ross and Lawler get in the ring with everyone. The parade of stars entered the ring to break kayfabe and pose in the ring. They showed a graphic plugging Armageddon to remind everyone of a PPV on Sunday. William Regal with a Coke instead of a beer. Wait, did C.M. Punk have a beer in hand? (Maybe it was Pepsi?!) Nothing like seeing Great Khali stand there with a beer. McMahon regrouped and tried to get back into the ring, but Austin decked him with a right hand blow before dumping beer on McMahon's head while Hunter smiled. Hornswoggle "accidentally" spilled some beer on McMahon to close the show. And the show concluded at 19 minutes past the top of the hour.

We welcome your 1-10 score and comments on this show for a "Raw Reax" feature in the Torch Feedback section of PWTorch.com. To contribute your thoughts on Raw, click here.

Comment on this Article Below

(CLICK FOR COMMENTS RULES OR TO REPORT ABUSE)
[an error occurred while processing this directive]

(CLICK FOR COMMENTS RULES OR TO REPORT ABUSE)

ALSO DISCUSS MORE SUBJECTS IN OUR PWTORCH FREE FORUM

For more BREAKING NEWS on WWE, TNA!
VISIT OUR AFFILIATE - PROWRESTLING.NET


For UFC NEWS & BLOGS:
VISIT OUR SISTER SITE - MMATORCH.COM

Upgrade to PWTORCH VIP: DETAILS & SIGN-UP INFO


MORE "TV Reports" ARTICLES
PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 7/3: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Punk & Jeff Hardy vs. Jericho & Edge
WWE News: Preview for tonight's Smackdown - Mysterio vs. Kane and Edge & Jericho vs. Punk & Jeff Hardy
PARKS' TNA IMPACT REPORT 7/2: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Team 3D vs. Booker & Steiner
KELLER'S TNA IMPACT TAKE 7/2: Thoughts, observations, nitpicks, and quotebook
CALDWELL'S WWE SUPERSTARS TV REPORT 7/2: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Punk vs. Edge
WWE RAW ROUNDTABLE REVIEWS 6/29: Caldwell, Mayer, Parks, Stevens rate and review
KELLER'S ECW ON SCI-FI REPORT 6/30: Results, star ratings, thoughts, observations, nitpicks, and quotebook
ECW ON SCI-FI ROUNDTABLE REVIEWS 6/30: Caldwell, Mayer, Parks rate and review
FCW TV REPORT 6/28: Tyler Reks wins the FCW Title, Abraham Washington name new FCW GM
FCW TV REPORT 6/21: Tyler Reks becomes #1 contender, Dusty Rhodes criticizes Josh Mathews, Abraham Washington involved in decent segment
6/30 ECW on Sci-Fi Report: MAYER'S alt. perspective review of multiple FCW debuts, Shelton's offensive ECW debut
CALDWELL'S ECW TV REPORT 6/30: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Dreamer & Christian vs. Kozlov & Regal
KELLER'S WWE RAW REPORT 6/29: Results, star ratings, thoughts, observations, nitpicks, quotes
CALDWELL'S WWE RAW TV REPORT 6/29: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Edge & Jericho vs. Colons
WWE SMACKDOWN ROUNDTABLE REVIEWS 6/26: Hoops, Mezzera, Parks rate and review
KELLER'S WWE BASH PPV REPORT 6/28: Ongoing coverage including results, star ratings, analysis, quotebook
KELLER'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 6/26: Results, thoughts, star ratings, analysis, nitpicks, and quotebook
WWE VINTAGE COLLECTION TV REPORT 6/28: Old-school Ric Flair vs. Shawn Michaels, Bossman vs. Hercules, Taker & Roberts vs. Savage & Duggan
FCW TV REPORT 6/14: Lance Hoyt in WWE developmental, Ezekiel Jackson squash, Ricky Ortiz challenges for FCW Title...and has a good match
PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 6/26: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including a special appearance by Mr. McMahon

(c) 1999-2009 TDH Communications Inc. - All rights reserved.

QUICK CLICK REFERENCE LISTING
-CLICK TO FOLLOW PWTORCH ON TWITTER!
-CLICK FOR OUR FREE PWTORCH IPHONE APP

-CLICK FOR OUR FREE PODCAST (#1 in iTunes!)
-CLICK TO GET INFO ON BECOMING A VIP MEMBER
-CLICK TO VISIT MMATORCH.COM
-CLICK TO VISIT PROWRESTLING.NET

-CLICK TO EMAIL PWTORCH EDITORS


PWTORCH READER POLL

7/3 SMACKDOWN MICROSCOPE POLL: What related topic from tonight's Smackdown do you want to see analyzed Under the Microscope?
Patriotic wrestlers
Fireworks
Maria's love life
The Microscope Under The Microscope
  

VOTE IN OR SEE RESULTS OF PREVIOUS POLLS


ARE YOU VIP? SIGN UP NOW FOR $7.50 A MONTH FOR INSTANT ACCESS TO AD-FREE, BENEFIT-PACKED VIP VERSION OF PWTORCH.COM (see screen capture)
PWTORCH VIP HOME PAGE

INFO ON SUBSCRIPTION TO AD-FREE VIP SITE

INCREDIBLE BENEFITS!
Over 50 full-length audio updates per month (iPod compatible)... New weekly award-winning Pro Wrestling Torch Newsletter (text and printable pdf versions) with latest exclusive insider news, new Torch Talks, great columns, Keller's cover story, much more... Hundreds of full-length back issues of PWTorch Newsletter from late-'80s to today... Ad-free access to PWTorch.com's Main Listing... VIP Forum with interaction with other subscribers and Torch staff... Torch Talk Library with text and audio of hundreds of interview installments from last 20 years... Great layout... Deepest archives on pro wrestling history anywhere... Keller's PWTorch Today PDF Bulletins with email alerts... VIP Email reports on major PPVs and TV shows... Staff Roundtable Reviews (text and audio) followiing major events... The best staff of writers and world class reporting since 1987... We'd love for you to join us and experience the most entertaining, authoritative, experienced staff of professional reporters and commentators in the business...

SIGN ME UP NOW!

Compare the value of four or five months of PWTorch VIP content to the price of just one PPV. Can you cut 25 cents a day from your budget to make room for PWTorch VIP?

AND NEW FOR 2009!
Monthly "Vintage Audio Torch Talks." We are releasing for the first time ever audio versions of our text Torch Talk updates, the historical first series of insider interviews ever. Wade Keller's newsmaking in-depth interviews with wrestling's biggest names are now being made available exclusively to VIP members. But you must be a member each month, as these are not archived, so they are replaced with a new one each month! This debuted in January 2009 with a 68 minute interview with the late "British Bulldog" Davey Boy Smith. Who's next? Hulk Hogan? Eric Bischoff? The Rock? Goldberg? Jeff Hardy?

SIGN ME UP NOW!


UPCOMING EVENTS LISTING

Articles Grouped by Category
Torch Today
TORCH MONTHLY AWARD VOTING: Polls OPEN for best/worst in pro wrestling from the month of June (Part 2 of 2)
TORCH MONTHLY AWARD VOTING: Polls OPEN for best/worst in pro wrestling from the month of June (Part 1 of 2)
TORCH MONTHLY AWARD VOTING: Nominate best and worst in pro wrestling from the month of June
WWE News
WWE News: Updated line-up for "Night of Champions" PPV after Smackdown last night
WWE News: WWE TV programming pulled from key international market this weekend
WWE News: Report Wanted from Friday night house show in San Diego on reported injury to Edge
TNA News
TNA News: Sting talks Shockmaster with Jeff Jarrett, Jim Cornette (w/VIDEOS)
TNA News: Preview for tonight's Impact - TNA World Title match, Mafia vs. Team 3D, Young vs. Rhino (w/VIDEO)
TNA News: Homicide says he has more freedom to wrestle on independent shows compared to TNA, describes character differences
ROH News
ROH News: Lance Storm's first match out of retirement announced, details on second match against Chris Hero
ROH News: Notes on Toronto Gauntlet match, Nigel McGuinness below-average performances into storyline, ROH selling PWG DVDs
TOP FIVE STORIES - Weekend edition: Three WWE PPV title changes, WWE announcer leaving, Lashley blasts Sapp, Jerry Lawler's son arrested, "State of TNA" address
Other News
Other News: Torch Talk All-Star Lanny Poffo Video interview, great poem on taking out Hulk Hogan
Other News: Brian Blair denies hitting his children in Father's Day Fight; local news runs 911 call leading to arrest (w/VIDEO)
Other News: New clip of Rob Van Dam doing a stunt for his upcoming movie (w/VIDEO)
PPV Reports
THE BASH PPV COVERAGE: Listing of the Torch's WWE PPV coverage - Title changes, Jericho writes on Rey match, Miz on Cena match
RADICAN'S WWE THE BASH PPV BLOG 6/28: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Orton vs. Hunter PPV
CALDWELL'S WWE THE BASH PPV REPORT 6/28: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Orton vs. Triple H, Punk vs. Hardy
TV Reports
PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 7/3: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Punk & Jeff Hardy vs. Jericho & Edge
WWE News: Preview for tonight's Smackdown - Mysterio vs. Kane and Edge & Jericho vs. Punk & Jeff Hardy
PARKS' TNA IMPACT REPORT 7/2: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Team 3D vs. Booker & Steiner
Arena Reports
7/3 WWE in San Diego, Calif.: First-hand report on Edge's apparent injury, Punk vs. Rey Mysterio, Ricky Steamboat in action
6/27 ROH in Chicago: Austin Aries vs. Nigel McGuinness, KENTA vs. Black, Petey Williams looks odd, Crowd eats up Flair's generic promo
6/28 PWG in California: Joey Ryan vs. Necro Butcher, Davey Richards vs. Young Buck, Michael Jackson entrance themes
MMA / UFC Coverage
UFC News: Kimbo Slice, Rampage Jackson, Rashad Evans plus rest of cast of TUF 10 to be revealed...
UFC - ENNIS COLUMN: The Lay of the Lane - A look at MMA's top heavyweights from Brock to Mir to Carwin to Fedor to...
MMA: Plan a week of UFC and other MMA viewing with the Torch's viewer's guide including Liddell vs. Wanderlei Silva
KELLER'S TAKE
KELLER: How bookers, like Jeff Jarrett last night, show that they're the toughest SOBs in the world
KELLER'S TNA IMPACT TAKE 7/2: Thoughts, observations, nitpicks, and quotebook
KELLER'S ECW ON SCI-FI REPORT 6/30: Results, star ratings, thoughts, observations, nitpicks, and quotebook
MITCHELL'S TAKE
MITCHELL SHORT: WWE Proving Once Again That Life is Easy...
MOJO MITCHELL'S 6/29 Raw Stream Of Randy Orton Faces ECW and Loses and That's The Main Event
Mitchell Short: Your Thank-You Note to WWE
MCNEILL'S TAKE
The Names Have Been Changed To Protect The Buyrates: McNEILL Previews WWE Bash 2009!
Redemption: McNEILL previews TNA Slammiversary 7!
MCNEILL BLOG: A Modest Proposal For Monday Night Trump
CALDWELL'S TAKE
CALDWELL: Analysis of WWE's roster shuffle from the 15-person trade - who benefited, which brand needs help
CALDWELL: Instant Reaction to key storylines on Raw and post-PPV developments
CALDWELL: WWE Smackdown/The Bash PPV analysis - Don't Mess with C.M. Punk's dynamic character
RADICAN'S TAKE
RADICAN: Torch readers sounds off on Mark Henry's shining moment on Raw (w/Radican Reax)
RADICAN: Mark Henry's shining moment on Raw leaves a bad smell in the room
RADICAN: A follow up on the Death Before Dishonor audio with Feinstein with notes on Special K angle, Punk-Raven feud, where's Misawa now?
The Specialists
CHARACTER MATTERS: Why The Game Doesn't Play with Me - The Flaws of Triple H's On-Air Persona
ABSURDITY OF IT ALL - 7/2 TNA Impact: Kurt Angle saw "The Hangover," Stacker2, A.J. Styles Eats a Lot of Cookies, Stacker2, Jeff Jarrett Has the Power of Flight
HITS & MISSES - TNA IMPACT 7/2: Kevin Nash's sit-down, Kurt Angle Plays the Game, Matt Morgan a Hit?, Samoa Joe muted, Bad acting, Raven MIA
Guest Editorials
EDITORIAL: Historical perspective on Austin Aries's ROH Title victory - his journey from main event to mid-card back to main event
EDITORIAL: TNA needs to K.I.S.S. the King of the Mountain match to make it more appealing to TNA viewers
EDITORIAL: How WWE could have better handled the Vickie-Edge segment on Raw and caught up with the year 2009
Torch Feedback
ECW TV Reax #2: "Yoshi is already on the road to being the next Funaki at this point"
ECW TV Reax #1: "I think Abraham Washington has some charisma, but dear Lord, that was the most pointless segment in pro wrestling history"
WWE Raw Reax #4: "I'm not sure how WWE could have made it any clearer that MVP isn't in Triple H's league"
Ask the Editor
Ask the Editor: Wouldn't incorporating MMA-style holds into pro wrestling matches just be trying to be something it's not?
ASK THE EDITOR: Have the Michaels-Batista promos crossed a line with use of insider terms, references to "jobs"?
ASK THE EDITOR: Why do wrestlers in WWE refer to wrestling as "the business" and not "the sport"?
DVDs - VGames - Books
RADICAN'S ROH DVD REVIEW SERIES: 2/7 "Proving Ground: Night 2" (Danielson-Generico, Steen-Richards)
RADICAN'S TORCH DVD REVIEW SERIES: YouShoot with Sabu: Sabu opens up about working in WWE, incident with Kurt Angle, negotions with TNA, more...
RADICAN'S PWTorch DVD review: The Best of RVD TV Vol. 1: RVD trains MMA with a UFC fighter, talks the power of the mind with The Ultimate Warrior, discusses love on a beach with Samoa Joe
Torch Flashbacks
KELLER'S TNA IMPACT REPORT (5 Yrs. Ago): Eric Young headlines, Jerry Lynn, R-Truth, Dusty Rhodes, Sabu, A.J. Styles, Jarrett, D-Ray 3000!
OWEN HART 10 YRS. AGO: Bruce Mitchell Feature Column - The Fluke Death of Owen Hart - May 23, 1999
OWEN HART 10 YRS. AGO: Torch Newsletter #550 cover story on Owen Hart's death (PART TWO) - May 23, 1999
VIP Exclusive Features
7/3 TORCH DAILY BLITZ: Burgan and Lipinski look back at ECW: One Night Stand 2005 (43 min.)
7/3 Radican Audio Showcase w/Burgan (pt. 2): Radican and Burgan discuss the excellent Cabana shoot interview, DGUSA PPV and DVD differences, ROH must-see matches just released, more (54 min.)
7/3 Bruce Mitchell Audio Show, part one: Breaking down the 15 talent trades, new-look ECW (62 min.)
Torch Trivia
TORCH TRIVIA 2/28: Which wrestler backed out of a WWA PPV in February 2002?
TORCH TRIVIA 2/27: Who said this quote about Hulk Hogan's athleticism 11 years ago?
TORCH TRIVIA 2/25: What said this quote about WWE's mid-1990s drug testing policy?
Torch Instant Polls
7/3 SMACKDOWN MICROSCOPE POLL: What related topic from tonight's Smackdown do you want to see analyzed Under the Microscope?
TNA IMPACT POLL: Who was the MVP of the 7/2 episode if you saw the show?
TORCH MORNING POLL: If TNA decides to compete head-to-head with WWE, what should they do?
PWTorch Free Podcast
6/23 Nostalgia Audio with Brian Hoops: Former WCW rapmaster PN News joins Brian Hoops to preview upcoming Midwest shows (10 min.)
FREE AUDIO: Keller & Mitchell Discuss Randy Savage's Place in WWE History, Elizabeth's Strengths and Weaknesses
FREE FOR ALL TODAY - 5/31 Keller Hotline: Tons of info on Kennedy situation, immediate future, plus what top star's days in TNA are numbered, what's working against Kennedy getting big push in TNA, much more
Annual Obituaries
SPECIALIST: List of Deceased Wrestlers for 1999 - Muchnick, Rick Rude, Owen Hart, Renegade...
SPECIALIST: List of Deceased Wrestlers for 2000 - Solie, Albright, Duncum, Tsuruta, Blue Demon, Al Costello
SPECIALIST: List of Deceased Wrestlers for 2001: Johnny Valentine, Terry Gordy, Chris Adams, Bertha Faye, Helen Hart