By James Caldwell, Torch columnist

WWE Raw Live Report
February 11, 2008
Taped Feb. 4 in Austin, Tex.

If you're into spoilers, check out my live report on this show from the taping last Monday night in Austin, available a few inches down the page.

In-ring: They opened with Hornswoggle coming to the ring. Jim Ross recapped the deal last week with Hornswoggle biting Vince on the rear end instead of joining the Kiss My Ass club. Vince McMahon came out next and stood on the shed. I forgot to note in my live report last week that McMahon looks particularly jacked up these days.

1 -- VINCE MCMAHON vs. HORNSWOGGLE -- No DQ match

They had a brief lock-up and Vince shoved Hornswoggle down. Vince then posed before getting down on one knee to give Hornswoggle the first shot. Hornswoggle wouldn't sucker punch pops, so Vince gave him a little shove. Vince then smiled and Hornswoggle gave him a quick slap across the face. Vince got mad, so he ripped off his belt. The fans groaned since Vince had pulled his pants down twice earlier in the taping. Suddenly, Finlay stormed the ring and Vince went to the outside. Vince returned with a mic and said Finlay must think he's a real tough guy or something. He screamed this is punishment for Hornswoggle, so how dare Finlay interrupt. He then reminded Finlay that he's about to throw his entire career away just for Hornswoggle. Vince told Finlay to get out of his ring right now, or else you're f... Finlay backed up and Vince said that's more like it. Hornswoggle started to cry as Finlay walked away. Vince called him a coward. Finlay then turned around and smashed Vince in the face with a shillelagh. Finlay started to leave with Hornswoggle, but Finlay remembered there's a match still going on. Horny then went up top and nailed the tadpole splash on Vince for the pin and the win. And the kids went nuts for their little brother winning. Vince was mad in the ring post-match.

WINNER: Hornswoggle in 5:00. All storyline to keep the program going. (n/a)

[Commercial Break]

Backstage: A medic checked on Vince while a trainer placed an ice bag on his hurt neck. William Regal then stepped in and asked if he could do anything for Vince. Vince thought about it, then demanded some papers drawn up so they can fire Finlay tonight.

In-ring: JBL came to the ring while Ross narrated footage from their Royal Rumble match two weeks ago. Chris Jericho then came to the ring to a strong reaction. I thought they would include a pre-match explanation for why this re-match has been booked, but to no avail.

[Q2]

2 -- CHRIS JERICHO vs. JBL

The match quickly moved to the floor a minute into the action where Jericho got the best of JBL. Back in the ring, Jericho punted JBL in the gut before landing a running dropkick to the face. Jericho slapped on the Walls of Jericho, but JBL broke the hold by grabbing the ropes. Ross talked about Jericho having a tough attitude in the ring and in the locker room while Jericho slapped the skin off JBL's chest. Jericho followed with a roundhouse kick at 4:00, then JBL cut him off with a boot to the face from the apron.

[Commercial Break - A local promo aired for Booker T's show on Saturday night. They flashed a graphic for "TNA's Kaz".]

Back from break, JBL landed a series of short-arm clotheslines. JBL then slapped on a sleeper hold in center ring. Jericho broke free, but JBL straight nailed him with consecutive right hand blows to the forehead. He then went for a superplex, but Jericho blocked with a headbutt. Jericho then came off the top with a flying forearm to the back of the head. Both men recovered on the mat, then Jericho placed a hand across the chest for a two count. Jericho then made his full comeback with a leaping dropkick from the corner for another nearfall, followed by a spinning DDT. Jericho had a pin, but JBL casually put his hand on the bottom rope to stop the count. Jericho charged JBL in the corner, but JBL got a boot up and Jericho ate leather. JBL then tried the Clothesline from Hell, but Jericho moved and nailed the codebreaker for the win.

After the match, Umaga hit the ring and dropped Jericho with the Samoan Spike. He then looked at JBL and gave him the Samoan Spike. Ross said JBL supposedly paid off Umaga, but Umaga made a statement that it's every-man-for-himself in the Elimination Chamber.

WINNER: Jericho in 15:00. Fine TV singles match. As for the finish, I don't see the point of having a clean finish to this match unless the feud is over at this point. (**3/4)

[Q3]

[Commercial Break]

Announcers: They plugged Cena vs. Henry tonight. ... Ringside: Mike Adamle did an interview from the floor seats. He broke down the plot lines for Cena vs. Orton at No Way Out. The live audience couldn't hear a word he said all night. Apparently, we didn't miss much.

Video package: They recapped Orton putting Cena on the shelf with the RKO several months ago. They aired Vince's voice-over about Cena being out for at least six months with a debilitating injury. More footage of Cena surprising everyone with a surprise #30 entry at the Royal Rumble, then wanting Orton at No Way Out for the WWE Title.

Backstage: William Regal pounded on Vince's office door and had the papers drawn up to fire Regal. Regal was so excited to have Finlay fired, but Vince cut him off and said that's too good for Finlay. He instead decided to punish Finlay by booking himself vs. Hornswoggle in a steel cage match for next week. Still not sure how that's punishment for Finlay, but whatev.

[Commercial Break]

[Q4]

Commercial buffer: They showed John Cena in a Say No to Drugs promo. The graphic included: "No drugs. No 'roids." Don't take a shortcut to your goals. Oh boy.

In-ring: Paul Burchill came to the ring with his "sister", Katie Lea. There was zero crowd response when they came out live. Katie, who looks like Lita, does a reverse Melina ring entrance. Katie took the mic and said tonight is a very special night because it's the debut of the most beautiful man in the world, her big brother Paul. She enjoys watching him inflict pain upon others. Maybe they should hook up with Snitsky. Burchill said every brother loves to make his little sister happy. So, whatever she wants, she always gets. Brian Kendrick then came to the ring for a match.

3 -- PAUL BURCHILL (w/Katie Lea) vs. BRIAN KENDRICK

Burchill worked on Kendrick early on while Ross read the plug for the Dog Show on CNBC going on right now. Burchill then dropped Kendrick throat-first across the ropes and landed a short-arm lariat. He covered Kendrick for a nearfall. Kendrick came back with a flying leg whip, then a forearm smash in the corner. He then airballed a cross body splash, so Burchill gave him a Curb Stomp. Paging Super Dragon. Burchill then gave Kendrick a turnout slam for the win.

WINNER: Burchill in 3:00. Decent debut for Burchill. He still lacks in the charisma department, which is why he needs his "sister" to complement the act. As for Kendrick, well, should we be surprised? (3/4*)

Backstage: John Cena was shown walking down the hallway. He faces Henry next.

[Commercial Break]

ECW preview: The Gulf of Mexico match left Chavo Guerrero up-the-creek. Can he get himself out of hot water this week?

In-ring: Randy Orton came to the ring in street clothes, with the WWE Title belt over his shoulder. Orton posed in the ring with the belt, then came to ringside to join Ross and Lawler on commentary. Mark Henry came out, as Orton talked about Henry making his job a lot easier in the PPV title match. After a pause, Cena's music hit and the kids started screaming. It was the third Cena entrance of the night, so law of diminishing returns gave it a mild superstar pop vs. the super-superstar pops earlier in the taping. With Cena in the ring, Orton got up from the announce position and stared into the ring. Cena waved him off, though.

[Q5 -- second hour]

4 -- JOHN CENA vs. MARK HENRY

Henry quickly grasped Cena and gave him a front slam on the mat. Cena writhed in pain, then Henry measured him for a closed punch to the forehead. Henry ripped off the corner turnbuckle pad, but that gave Cena time to recover and fire off a round of punches to the face. Henry cut him off, though, and slapped on a full nelson. Can he break the Henrylock?! Cena stretched his pec muscles to break the hold, but Henry let up just before Cena could break it. Henry then charged Cena in the corner, but Cena moved and Henry ate the exposed steel turnbuckle. Cena hit a shoulder block from the corner, then he slapped on the STFU and Henry quickly tapped out.

WINNER: Cena in 3:00 via submission. Quick win for Cena to show how strong he is going into the PPV. (*)

Post-match: Cena went to the floor where Orton remained stunned and silent at the announce position. Cena then slowly walked over to where Orton was seated. He picked up the mic and told Orton he doesn't have to look at him, but he just needs to shut the hell up and listen to what he has to say. Orton kept his head turned away from Cena, then Cena said he is one hundred percent. 95 percent cheers for Cena here. Cena said the plan didn't work this time. He's stronger than ever, as evidenced by what he did to a 450 lb. man. He's more focused than ever because Orton is the hunted for once. This Sunday, there are no injuries. And for him, there will be no excuses. Cena touched the WWE Title belt and said for Orton there is no...way...out. Cena then went back into the ring and posed for the fans before leaving. Orton screamed that Cena says his piece and walks away. "I'm right here!" Orton shouted. He then stared across the arena where Cena posed on the entrance ramp. Very effective promo from Cena.

Video promo: They plugged Steve Austin's DVD coming out tomorrow in retailers. There's just something about the way Gary Michael Cappetta says "Stunnin' Steve Austin" that's simply great.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Time for the best segment of the taping. Mr. Kennedy came out to the ring in street clothes to do some talking. Kennedy said it's time for Ric Flair to answer him on whether he's forfeiting their match at PPV. Flair's music hit and everyone stood at attention in the building. It was a great pop live, mainly because it was Flair's only ring entrance at the taping. Flair slowly walked to the ring dressed for a night at the club doing some wheeling, dealing, and kiss-stealing. Kennedy assumed the position as he waited for Flair to make his way into the ring.

Flair took the mic and walked right up to Kennedy. Kennedy asked him what it's going to be. Flair said they're not on the same page. He said this is food for thought: before you were born, brother, guys like Kennedy that think you're "up here" are really "way down here". Flair said it's been 35 years - twice on Saturday, twice on Sunday, seven days a week so someone like you could come along and work 100 days and make a living. Flair said that if Kennedy thinks he's going to walk out here on the grandest stage in wrestling and say he's too hurt to wrestle on Sunday, that ain't happening. Kennedy said if Flair knew what was good for him, he would forfeit. "You don't know, do you, Ric?" Kennedy asked.

Flair said, once again, the answer is no, and the reason why is because he's been World champion 16 times. Big pop. And he knows Kennedy respects that, because Kennedy wants that just one time. Great line. Flair said he knows Kennedy has a great future, but it's not going to be at the expense of the Nature Boy. He told Kennedy that he has to beat him to get where he is. Flair said he has to win himself to survive. Flair told Kennedy that, whoo, at No Way Out, he will walk that aisle as only he has for 35 years. Flair said he will get in this ring and live to fight another day. Whoo!

[Q6]

Kennedy was silent with a stunned expression. Both men dropped their mics, then Kennedy slowly started to back away. He then landed a quick dropkick to the previously injured knee and Flair went down. One blow. That's it to tell the story as effectively as 15 kicks. Flair recovered to the bottom rope, then Kennedy mocked the Flair strut and slid out of the ring like a snake. Kennedy's music hit as Flair stared back at him with a determined look. Flair then reached his feet to close the segment. Such greatness from Flair to sell a PPV match. Seeing that promo for a second time was just as good as the first time.

[Commercial Break]

Announcers: Ross plugged McMahon vs. Hornswoggle in a steel cage from Anaheim next week. It won't be a trip to Disneyland for the McMahons.

In-ring: Melina and Jillian Hall came to the ring. Maria came out with Santino to have a match against Melina. Ross talked about Santino being adamantly anti-Playboy for his a Maria. Santino joined Ross and Lawler on commentary for the match.

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

Maria landed an upside down kick to the face early. Santino said he's taught Maria some moves in the ring. Lawler said he doesn't know how he got Maria on his arm, and Santino said it's as simple as him being Italian. Ross asked why the issue with Playboy. Santino said Maria is for him and him alone, not for other people. Ross put over Playboy as an American institution while Melina stretched Maria in center ring. Maria broke free while Santino said he doesn't need Mr. stupid Hefner to tell him his Maria is beautiful. Maria fired up with clotheslines on Melina, then landed a running butt bomb in the corner. Maria suddenly landed a running bulldog out of the corner. Jillian then picked up the mic and started screaming before locking on a kiss on Santino. Maria screamed at Jillian, then Melina rolled up Maria from behind for the win. Santino acted surprised, then smiled as Melina and Jillian walked by, then turned angry when Maria looked at him. Such greatness.

WINNER: Melina in 3:00. Just a filler match to talk about the Playboy build-up. (1/2*)

Post-match: Santino shuffled out an apology, then talked about the Playboy curse. Candice Mi-chelle is injured. Tor-rie Wilson is injured. Ashley is...well...she's just ugly with those lip rings. Santino then gave Maria the ultimatum of Playboy or Santino. He gave her just one week to make up her mind. He said that unlike these losers, Maria, he's the one who really loves her. The fans groaned and booed. He then went in for a little tonsil hockey. Maria casually brushed him away, then Santino left. The fans chanted for Playboy as Maria showed that she was thinking in the ring.

[Q7]

[Commercial Break. The local ABC affiliate is doing a story on HGH tonight, putting it over as the "fountain of youth". Great.]

Video package: They aired some clips from the Cena and NASCAR ad campaign for Gillette. The deal is that they taught him how to drive, so now he's going to teach them how to wrestle. The jokes write themselves here.

Announcers: Ross and Lawler plugged all of the No Way Out action on Sunday night.

Video package: They inserted a video on Triple H ahead of the Elimination Chamber match. They used a generic pre-taped voice-over on why he doesn't care what he has to go through to become WWE champion again. He said he will go back on his throne at WrestleMania.

[Commercial Break]

Video package: They showed some highlights of Candice Michelle in action over the years, set to her techno dance beat entrance music. "Candice returns to Raw". No date given.

In-ring: Shawn Michaels came out first for the HBK-Hardy main event. Ross said they are privileged to air this match tonight. Jeff Hardy then came out to the usual strong reaction. Both HBK and Hardy's third ring entrance on the taping, so law of diminishing return again from super-superstar pop to a regular superstar pop.

6 -- SHAWN MICHAELS vs. JEFF HARDY

With both men in the ring, they had a brief staredown before the bell rang. They had a fist-bump of acknowledgement, then Michaels smacked Hardy in the face to show who would be the aggressor tonight. Ross said there are some territories to be marked in this match. Hardy came back with a hard clothesline over the top rope to the floor. Hardy teased a plancha, but landed on his feet when Michaels moved. Michaels and Hardy exchanged slaps to the face, then Hardy skipped back into the ring.

[Q8]

Michaels returned to the ring and Hardy slapped on a headlock. Hardy then countered a headlock from Michaels into a side suplex, followed by another headlock. Hardy whipped Michaels into the corner and Michaels went upside down. Hardy then went for a fallaway suplex from the top, but Michaels twisted to the dominant position in mid-air and splashed Hardy into the mat. Michaels then tried to send Hardy over the top rope, but Hardy skinned the cat and Michaels landed a smashing clothesline. Hardy checked for blood on his lips, then Michaels went to work for a few moments until Hardy gave him a back kick to the mush. Michaels recovered to the outside and Hardy gave him a baseball slide kick to the gut. Hardy then went to the outside and ran across the guardrail for a splash, but Michaels countered in mid-air with a half-powerslam on the padding. Both men collapsed on the floor to catch their breath.

[Commercial Break]

They returned with Michaels in the ring working over Hardy's back with clubbing forearms. Michaels bent Hardy with a modified bow-and-arrow as the camera focused on the blood surrounding Hardy's lip ring. Hardy fought the hold with elbow strikes, then Michaels landed a back breaker across his knee for a nearfall at 10:00. Michaels caught Hardy off the ropes with a neckbreaker for a nearfall, then he dragged Hardy to his feet and worked on Hardy with chops. Michaels slapped on a half Boston crab at 12:00, and Hardy crawled on his belly in the desert to the bottom rope to eventually break the hold. Michaels picked up Hardy to inflict more punishment, but Hardy gave him a kick to the face. They battled up top and Hardy went for a superplex, but Michaels punched him down to the mat. Michaels then came off the top with an elbow drop, but Hardy moved just in time. Lawler said Triple H has to be loving these two tearing each other apart while he sits back and watches.

[Q9 -- over-run]

At 16:00, Hardy fired up a comeback with successive clotheslines. He then landed the trademark double-foot dropkick in the corner for a nearfall. Hardy followed with Whisper in the Wind for an even-closer nearfall. Ross exclaimed that he wants to stand up with the audience right here. Off the ropes, Michaels smashed Hardy in the face with a forearm blow before kipping up. He landed an atomic drop, then set up Hardy for another top rope elbow smash. This time, Michaels connected. He then started to tune up the band for the superkick, but Hardy ducked and went for the Twist of Fate. HBK blocked, though, and locked in an inside figure four. They edited this a touch to make it look cleaner that it actually was. Hardy scratched and clawed to the ropes and just did make it to the ropes to force a break at 19:00.

Hardy sold it like his legs were shot, then Michaels went for another hold, but Hardy kicked him away and got to his feet. He nailed the Twist of Fate, then went up top and nailed the Swanton Bomb. Hardy then made the cover for the pin and the win. Ross screamed: "Are you kidding me? Hardy beats Michaels!" Ross and Lawler excitedly sold the finish and Ross put over Hardy as the hottest superstar right now in the WWE.

WINNER: Hardy in 20:00. In my live report, I gave this ***1/2 stars, as it was tough getting into the action four hours into the taping. But watching it back a second time fresh on TV, it was definitely four-stars-plus. Ross and Lawler's call added a ton to the match on TV that wasn't available live. Great athleticism. Great finish. Two superior athletes have an outstanding TV main event match. Did it sell No Way Out? Well, it wasn't on the level of Hardy-Orton selling the Rumble, but this was still a good final match before the PPV where Ross and Lawler could hit the highpoints on what's coming up on Sunday. (****1/4)

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.

We suggest these recent related articles...

PARKS'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 10/8: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Thursday show, including Roman Reigns & Randy Orton vs. Bray Wyatt & Braun Strowman

METZGER'S ROH TV REPORT 10/4 & 10/7: IWGP World champ Okada vs. Roderick Strong main event, plus Briscoes vs. Time Splitters, more from "Field of Honor," Overall Reax

MCMAHON'S TNA IMPACT REPORT 10/7: TNA Title Series kicks off, Bound for Glory fall-out, more; Overall Reax