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WWE Raw Live Report
January 28, 2008
Philadelphia, Pa.

Raw's competition tonight is President Bush with the State of the Union address. Over/under 15 for number of random standing ovations and length of the opening Raw segment.

Video intro: They opened with a recap of the Royal Rumble match last night. Focus was on Hunter clearing folks out of the ring before they asked the question of who number 30 was. They paused, then showed John Cena's surprise return. Down to Cena vs. Hunter, they put the music over the crowd's boos for Cena and cheers for Hunter, before showing Cena winning the Rumble. The question: who will Cena choose to face tonight?

Live in the arena: They opened with John Cena's music and the usual mix of very loud cheers and vocal boos. He came out with a big smile on his face before hitting the ring to the loud reaction. Jim Ross opened the show by saying how they're still in shock at the return of John Cena. After his music stopped, Cena surveyed the crowd and the boos showered down on him. Definitely louder boos than screaming cheers. He said he loves this city because they're going to get loud and rowdy no matter what. Cena tried to talk again, but the boos kept coming. He paused, then said he's here tonight to answer a question. The question: how could this be possible? He went back to October 2007 when he suffered a torn pec. He tried to continue, but the boos and "Cena sucks" chant came up. Cena smiled and said that's music to his hears.

Cena said the doctor said he was supposed to be out for a year, and for the first time in his career, he would have to watch WrestleMania from the bench. He said that in his absence, a new champion was crowned and a new contender was put in place. He said life went on with WWE, while his life was crumbling. Cena said his dreams faded further away with each passing day, so in the last second of the final hour, he made a gamble. He said he risked his career and health for one damn chance to maybe...boos and more boos...get an opportunity to once again go to Mania. Cena said maybe it was luck, maybe skill, maybe it was both. He said the impossible has happened. "I am back," he said. "I am the winner of the 21st Royal Rumble and dammit, I'm going to WrestleMania!"

Cena paused and surveyed the crowd, which was now cheering a little louder than the boos. He said that is, of course, unless the folks want Mania tonight. Big cheer. Cena said there's a man in the back who has what he wants. He made it official that he's challenging him for that championship. Cena said he wanted Cena vs. Orton tonight for the WWE Title tonight. He called out Randy Orton to come accept the challenge or not. No sign of Orton. Then, Orton's music hit.

Orton walked out on stage to very loud boos. No one's happy. He said he has an answer, but Cena probably doesn't want to hear his answer. Orton said he's set back Hunter, Michaels, Jericho, and Hardy..."you suck" chant" after Orton said Hardy's name ... Orton said Hardy just wanted to break through, but the same thing has happened to all of them: he has beat them. Cena interrupted and said Orton has beat them all, and Orton said he's the only man who took him out of commission. Cena said Orton did it because he's smart. He said Orton saw opportunity to make a good situation better for himself, which is why Orton is going to take this match tonight. Cena took off his t-shirt and showed off the scar on his pec. He said Orton is going to look at that scar and see opportunity to take him out. Cena said Orton needs every advantage he can get, and right now, he has to cards in his favor. Cena asked why Orton would give Cena eight weeks to heal up and get ready to kick his ass at Mania.

Orton waited for Cena to finish, then said that ever since he put Cena on the shelf, he has become a very, very big deal. Not kind of a big deal. A very big deal. Orton said he's a bigger deal than Cena ever has been. He said that's why he'll never defend the WWE Title unless the people open their wallets and pay to see it. Great heel line. He said he will not be facing Cena tonight, as a result. Orton said he knows Cena is a hothead who isn't fully recovered from injury, so they could go at No Way Out. Or, Cena could wait until Mania. Cena said he doesn't want to wait until Mania, so it's on for No Way Out. He said that still leaves tonight. Cena said he still remembers Orton taking him out, which means it's Orton's fault that he can't stand here and listen to Section 320 tell him he sucks. Nice line. Cena said that as for tonight, it's been four months since he's been in the ring, so he wants some. He told Orton that he will get some. Cena's music hit as Orton lowered the WWE Title belt from his shoulder to glare into the ring.

JC: Right at 15 minutes for the opening segment. Great exchange between Cena and Orton to transition right into No Way Out. Watching that unfold, I half-expected William Regal to walk out and make a call on what's going to happen on the show, like watching the left side of the TV screen during every WCW main event waiting for the run-in.

[Q2]

[Commercial Break]

In ring: Ashley came out first for a divas tag match. Mickie James came out all-smiles and got a nice reaction. Ross narrated clips of Mickie losing to Beth Phoenix last week, then being devastated after the match. Jillian Hall came out for the heel team, followed by Beth Phoenix. Ross covered for Lillian's flub on Beth's name. Mickie and Beth locked eyes, with Mickie's smile being turned upside down.

1 -- MICKIE JAMES & ASHLEY vs. Women's champion BETH PHOENIX & JILLIAN HALL

Jillian and Mickie started things off, with Mickie landed a kick early in the match. Jillian seemed to injure a knee, or at least she was selling it well. Beth took an early tag and stomped Mickie into the corner. Mickie smashed her shoulder into the corner, then Lawler said she used to love these matches, but now he's concerned because they seem too dangerous. Mickie completely ignored Ashley, who remained on the ring apron. Mickie then cleared Jillian to the outside, but Beth caught Mickie with a kick to the gut. She nailed the fisherman buster suplex for the win. Afterward, Mickie was in a shock while Ashley tried to console her.

WINNERS: Beth & Jillian in 3:00. Basic match with little crowd reaction. The back-story was Mickie trying to win the match on her own, and not wanting Ashley's help since Ashley blew her off last week when Mickie was crying after her loss. At the end of the day, the Beth vs. Mickie program continues with slight movement. (1/2*)

Backstage: Vince McMahon and William Regal talked in McMahon's office about what to do about Cena vs. Orton. Vince said let the fans have the match. Regal then brought up that match to determine who faces the winner at No Way Out. Vince perked up and said, "not that match." He said that's barbaric. Regal smirked, then Vince said he likes that match. He told Regal to go make the announcement.

[Commercial Break]

[Q3]

Video package: They aired a video promoting the Steve Austin DVD release on February 12.

On stage: William Regal came out and said the winner of Orton vs. Cena will face the winner of a match with six comp...he slipped on his tongue and said he's so excited that he slipped up. Regal said the winner of this match will face the champion at Mania. They went to a video package on the Elimination Chamber match. After the video aired, Regal broke down the rules of the Chamber. The fans booed when Regal slipped on the word "participants". He paused forever while they panned the crowd. Regal said the sole survivor will be designated the #1 Contender for Mania. He said the participants are: Umaga, Shawn Michaels, Chris Jericho, JBL, Jeff Hardy (huge pop), and Triple H (slightly less than Hardy's pop). Anticlimactic, but they only have three weeks to promote the PPV. Regal said good luck and may God have mercy on your souls. He smirked, then left.

Ringside: Ross and Lawler had camera time to promote the No Way Out PPV, then they sent it to Mike Adamle, who was ringside to talk about tonight's matches. He said it's Snitsky & Umaga vs. Triple H and a partner of a choice. He also announced Hardy & Jericho vs. Orton & JBL. There seem to be five chapters missing from the story on how these matches came together, especially why Hunter has a partner of his choice.

[Commercial Break]

Video: They recapped the PPV segment last night where Ashley tried to get Maria to agree to Playboy, only to have Santino cut that off.

In ring: Carlito came out with Santino and Maria for a singles match. Cody and Holly then came out for the next chapter in this feud.

2 -- CARLITO (w/Maria and Santino Marella) vs. CODY RHODES (w/Hardcore Holly)

Ross talked about Cody finally getting a brand new pair of wrestling boots for the Rumble last night. Lawler said Cody had a good showing last night in the Rumble. Cody and Carlito started off with some basic wrestling holds. Ross asked Lawler for an explanation on the Maria and Santino relationship. Lawler said Carlito makes it a good three-way. Ooh. At 3:00, Cody knocked Carlito the floor and followed to the outside. He rammed him into the apron, then took him back into the ring. Santino tried to coach up Carlito from the apron, but Holly came running over. Suddenly, Carlito nailed Cody with the backstabber off camera. He covered Cody for the win. They showed a replay afterward of what they missed live.

WINNER: Carlito in 4:00. It just seemed off. There was four minutes of tension in the building, as if people were waiting for them to fall on their faces or something. (3/4*)

[Q4]

Backstage: In a locker room, Triple H and Shawn Michaels appeared to be a bit disgruntled. Hunter said things didn't work out well for them last night. He said they both have a chance to get in the title picture at No Way Out, which means they have to kill each other at the PPV. Hunter said that's not for three weeks, though. He suggested Michaels be his tag partner tonight. Michaels said that would require a wardrobe change. Hunter unzipped his jacket to reveal a sharp, new DX t-shirt. Michaels then whisked off camera for his own change. Hunter checked his imaginary watch, then Michaels zoomed back into the camera shot sporting DX merchandise. Hunter, tongue-in-cheek, said those WWE Shop guys deliver awfully fast. Michaels smiled and zoomed off again.

[Commercial Break]

Video package: They showed a video on Candice Michelle doing her Go-Daddy spot for the Super Bowl. The director talked about having to raise the bar every year for Candice's spot.

In-ring: Triple H and Shawn Michaels did their DX ring entrance for the first time in HD. After doing their dual crotch chops in center ring, Michaels ran circles around Hunter before handing him the mic. Hunter pointed at the back of Michaels's t-shirt to show DX can came alive anytime, anywhere, anyplace. He asked Philly if they're ready. He warmed up the DX Michael Buffer intro, and threw in an aside about one man committing gimmick infringement last night at the Rumble. He tongue-in-cheek said this guy blatantly ripped them off. He said that's for you, Michael Buffer. That got a few laughs. (Sure, why not, read between the lines on Shark Boy doing Austin's gimmick.) Once DX wrapped it up, Umaga came out, followed by Snitsky.

3 -- DX (TRIPLE H & SHAWN MICHAELS) vs. UMAGA & SNITSKY

Hunter and Snitsky started things off, but Hunter couldn't stand to look at Snitsky. He then took the mic and asked if anyone has a toothbrush. Maybe a mint or gum or a tic-tac. This led to a "Brush your teeth" chant for Snitsky. That's going to be hot at the house shows. Snitsky was indignant. Hunter pantomimed brushing his teeth, then shrugged his shoulders.

[Q5 -- second-hour]

Snitsky was being dominated by Michaels when Umaga kicked Michaels off the top turnbuckle from the apron. A big smashing kick. After Hunter checked on Michaels, Snitsky brought Michaels back into the ring and locked in a bear hug. The heels then ganged up on Michaels away from Hunter's corner. Ross welcomed referee Jack Doan back to the show after Doan was away for a while with health issues. They went to break with Umaga now grinding Michaels into the mat with a bear hug.

[Commercial Break]

They returned with Michaels hanging upside down in the corner. Umaga landed a diving headbutt to Michaels's upper body, then ref Doan yanked Michaels down. Umaga continued his assault before tagging out to Snitsky, who slapped on another bear hug. Boy, Hunter has done a ton of work in this one. Anyways, Michaels fought out with chops and tried to make a hot tag, but Snitsky slammed him into the corner turnbuckle. Umaga took a tag, then saw Michaels seated in the corner. He went for the running rear splash, but Michaels moved just in time. He went for another tag to Hunter, but Umaga caught him in the air. Michaels fought in Umaga's grasp before spinning into a DDT. That was unique.

Michaels then slowly crawled over to Hunter and made the tag. Snitsky took a tag as well and ate Hunter's boot. The action broke down, with Hunter doing the usual offensive attack before walking into a Samoan drop by Umaga. Suddenly, Michaels sent Umaga out of the ring with Sweet Chin Music. He then hit a plancha onto Umaga on the floor. Back in the ring, Snitsky measured Hunter for a running boot, but Hunter ducked and nailed a spinebuster. Hunter charged up the audience, then hit the Pedigree for the three count. They stayed with the post-match celebration for a while before DX posed victoriously in center ring.

WINNERS: DX in 12:00. Basic DX formula tag match to give the fans something to cheer for. Still no apparent reason why Hunter was given this opportunity in the first place. (**)

Backstage: In Orton's locker room, JBL approached Orton to talk about history being made tonight when they team up together. JBL said history will be made again at Mania when Orton defends the WWE Title against him. He said that's if Orton takes care of Cena at No Way Out. Orton shot back that it requires JBL to win the Chamber, which he hopes happens because he knows he can beat him at Mania. JBL didn't take kindly to that and said he could beat Orton up and down the building, like he did to Jericho. JBL paused, then changed the subject to tonight's tag match. Orton told JBL to worry about Jericho and he'll worry about Jeff Hardy. Agreed. They talked about what happens if John Cena shows up. They agreed to both take care of Cena.

[Commercial Break. Locally in Houston, they're advertising Batista & Rey & Taker vs. Edge & Hawkins & Ryder in a six-man tag match after the SD/ECW tapings next Wednesday at the Toyota Center.]

[Q6]

Backstage: Todd Grisham welcomed in IC champ Jeff Hardy, who Grisham said was one Twist of Fate away from winning the WWE Title last night. Hardy, who had a stern look, cut off Grisham and said he knows he was so close to winning the title. He said he's at a crossroads. Hardy said he could give up and be satisfied where he's at, or go into the Elimination Chamber and win the #1 Contender opportunity again. He said last night wasn't the end of the road, but only the beginning. We've gotten some emails about Hardy supposedly putting his IC Title on the line last night against Orton, but still being IC champ tonight. Remember, Orton challenged him for the IC Title two weeks ago, and Orton lost the title match when he was DQ'ed for kicking Hardy in the groin five seconds into the match. So, it was only Orton's WWE Title on the line last night.

Backstage: In Vince's office, Vince shot a stern look to Hornswoggle, who hung his head in dejection. Vince told him he let him down at the Rumble last night. He suddenly started smiling and said everyone was excited about Hornswoggle being in the Rumble and him being cute and all that crap. He laughed and laughed then said Hornswoggle came back not like a McMahon, but a (mad again) loser! Vince screamed that he's ashamed of him. He told him to get the hell out of his sight. Hornswoggle walked away as the fans booed Vince. As of now, it doesn't sound like we're getting an explanation of whether Hornswoggle was eliminated or not.

[Commercial Break]

Video: They recapped Ric Flair beating MVP in the opening match last night. They did a spot shadow on Flair having his foot on the bottom rope early in the match when MVP appeared to have a three count.

In-ring: Mr. Kennedy came out to the ring for a singles match. He circled the ring before facing the hard camera. No mic-drop promo. Brian Kendrick then stormed the ring as the opponent and slapped Kennedy in the mouth before the bell sounded.

4 -- MR. KENNEDY vs. BRIAN KENDRICK

Ross said Kendrick wants to put his name on the map with a victory over Kennedy tonight. They brawled to the floor early on, and Kennedy rammed Kendrick sternum-first into the side of the ring apron. Back in the ring, Kennedy nailed the mic check for the easy win.

WINNER: Kennedy in 2:00. Kendrick is screwed because he can't get over like Colin Delaney losing squash matches to earn sympathy because he's already been close to the top of the mountain as a tag champ. (1/2*)

[Q7]

Post-match: Kennedy took the drop-down mic and said he went to Regal to keep him out of the Elimination Chamber match. He said he wanted something more significant. He wants to end Ric Flair's career so people don't have to see the same old dog doing the same old tricks. Kennedy said he's going to put Flair down. He said he's going to waste him. Kennedy's music hit to end the segment, but Flair's music hit and he came out on stage in a sharp suit. Flair, all-smiles, told Kennedy good luck and whoooooo. Ross called it the succinct version of the Nature Boy. Flair then danced and strutted on stage while Kennedy remained stern in the ring.

[Commercial Break. The UFC promo on Brock Lesnar with the WWE footage aired.]

In-ring: Melina's music hit and she came out to the ring for a match against Maria. Lawler made a comment about being glad he has his camera phone with him. Shouldn't he be ejected from the building? Maria then came out with Santino. Santino's reaction to Melina's entrance is worth the price of admission.

5 -- MARIA (w/Santino Marella) vs. MELINA

They locked up and Melina took Maria to the mat and applied a mat hold of sorts. Maria walked into an elbow smash, then caught Melina with a kick to the gut. She landed a running splash in the corner before doing the Bronco Buster. Melina then took Maria face-first into the middle turnbuckle. Santino pleaded with Melina not to touch the face. Ross said Santino is looking at Maria as an investment, not a lover. Crowd was on its collective hands for the action here. Suddenly, the crowd came to life when Melina went for a sunset flip and she pulled Maria's pants down to reveal a leopard-print bikini bottom. Santino was beside himself. Maria scored the pin after blocking the sunset flip.

WINNER: Maria in 3:00. They worked hard. (1/2*)

Post-match: Immediately after Maria won, Santino stormed into the ring and wrapped his jacket around Maria's waist. Santino took the mic and screamed at the fans for taking pleasure in the exposure of her Maria. He said they're all fantasizing about Maria right now. Santino said Ross has even erected a small monument in his trousers. That got a laugh. They cut to Ross looking frantically at his pants. He was a good sport, playing along with Santino. Santino told the fans to mark his words that they will never, never, ever see his Maria in the Playboy. Maria looked down at the mat in dejection. Santino then whisked her away.

Backstage: Todd Grisham brought in Chris Jericho to ask him about his new persona last night. Jericho said everyone knows the entertaining Jericho, but last night after he was cut open so badly, he went to a new side of his personality. Jericho said he wants to spend a little quality time with that side of Chris Jericho. He said he wants to spend some more time with JBL as well. Jericho said that he'll win the Chamber, then go on to WrestleMania while JBL is going to Disney World.

[Q8]

[Commercial Break]

In the audience: Mike Adamle broke down the current No Way Out card. He said Cena is cashing in his WrestleMania title match at No Way Out to get his hands on Orton. Adamle then briefly plugged the Elimination Chamber match. Awkward.

In-ring: Jeff Hardy made his entrance first for the main event tag match. Huge rock star reception for Hardy. He came out holding his back to sell a back injury. Ross said Hardy was a Twist of Fate away from winning the WWE Title last night. Ross referenced Hardy's earlier promo and said he's been more impressed with what Hardy said tonight than what anyone else has said. That's why Ross is so valuable to effectively turn a negative for Hardy into a positive. Chris Jericho then came as Hardy's partner. Ross said this should be an outstanding tag combination. JBL made his entrance first for the heel team. He has the limo tonight. Ross referenced an interview with JBL in the current WWE Magazine where he talks about Michael Cole. Ross framed the plug like there's some juicy gossip, which goes a long way toward selling magazines. Randy Orton came out last and held his WWE Title in the air. Ross said Orton knows how close he was to losing the title last night to Hardy. Lawler said it doesn't matter because Orton is still the champ.

6 -- IC champion JEFF HARDY & CHRIS JERICHO vs. WWE champion RANDY ORTON & JBL

Jericho and Orton started things off. Jericho caught Orton in the throat with an elbow, and Orton sold it like he did last night with that "broken neck" spot into the base of the guardrail. Jericho followed with a jaw breaker across his knees, then JBL tried to get involved, but Jericho knocked him to the outside. Suddenly, Hardy took a tag and hit a Swanton Bomb off the top rope. He sold a back injury, then covered Orton. The ref took his time getting into position to make a count, which gave JBL time to get in position to yank Orton out of the ring to save him from being pinned. JBL and Orton recovered on the floor as they cut to a break.

[Commercial Break]

They returned with Orton working on Hardy in the ring with the Orton Stomp. Hardy then ducked a clothesline and nailed a flying forearm for a nearfall. Lawler said JBL isn't looking forward to going to Austin, Tex. for next week's Raw because there's just a bunch of poor people there. (Classic announcer line to get Austin fans riled up enough to pack the building to see the heel, JBL, get his comeuppance, when Austin has a tendency to be soft on ticket sales.) Back to the action where the heels ganged up on Hardy to work over his left arm.

[Q9 -- over-run]

The heels continued their assault at 8:00 while Jericho shouted encouragements. Hardy finally came back with a flying clothesline on Orton in center ring. Hardy then crawled over to his corner and made the hot tag. JBL took a hot tag moments earlier, leading to a brawl between Jericho and JBL. JBL then missed with a clothesline and Jericho kicked Orton off the apron with a dropkick. JBL went for a corner move, but Jericho blocked with a boot to the fce and a flying forearm. He then nailed a springboard Lionsault for a nearfall when Orton broke up the pin. Hardy came to life and stomped on Orton in the corner. Hardy went for the Whisper in the Wind, but Orton saw it coming and shoved Hardy off the top rope into a stagehand ringside. Orton and the ref went to the floor and looked down at Hardy. Hardy remained KO'ed on the floor the rest of the match. Back in the ring, Jericho had JBL in the Walls of Jericho, but Orton snuck back into the ring and dropped him with the RKO. (Didn't they botch that spot a few years ago?) Orton quickly left the ring, then JBL rolled on top of Jericho and covered him for the win.

Post-match: John Cena's music hit as Orton and JBL stood tall in the ring. Cena then came out on stage and walked to the ring with a purpose. He flipped his cap and t-shirt into the audience before storming the ring. Suddenly, JBL ducked out of the ring, and told Orton to get a piece of Cena. Orton's confidence was thrown off with JBL ducking out, and Cena took advantage by giving Orton a shoulder block and FU in center ring. He pointed at the scar on his pec and said he's OK. Orton remained out cold on the mat while Cena smiled in the ring. Cena went down to his knees and stared down at Orton. He then left the ring and posed on stage.

WINNERS: JBL & Jericho in 12:00. Serviceable main event tag match on what had been a hit-or-miss show before the main event. Next week's double TV taping will show how much focus is put on Hardy leading to the Elimination Chamber, and him ending up KO'ed on the floor after selling injuries could lead a couple of different directions. By the end of the show, there's just this sense of the mega-push for Hardy slipping away. But, the story of the post-match was Cena having the upper hand, as usual, and JBL bailing on Orton to create tension between the heels. (**1/4)

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