By James Caldwell, PWTorch columnist

WWE Raw Live Report
September 8, 2008
Fort Wayne, Ind.

The show started with Lillian Garcia in center ring. She introduced the...new World Heavyweight champion Chris Jericho to a chorus of boos. Jericho then slowly made his way to the ring all-smiles with the World Title slung over his suit-clad shoulder. Announcers went silent during the intro, then Jericho's music stopped and Jericho began to gloat about his good fortune. Jericho recapped Unforgiven for people confused by what happened.

He said he faced the wrath of a self-righteous hypocrite last night, then he took off his jacket and dress shirt to show what this "good person" did to him last night. Jericho raised up his arm to show the welts and bruises on his side and back from Michaels last night. He asked what kind of a man would do this to another human being - a hypocrite. Jericho said Michaels whipped him like a dog and all the people savored it last night. He said when all the bravado goes away, Michaels didn't win anything. Jericho said that match was an Unsanctioned match, which means it never really occurred. He said Michaels won nothing; meanwhile, he won the World Title.

Jericho paused for dramatic gloating effect with the title belt held close to his face, then he said good things happen to good people and he is a good person. Jericho said he is a righteous, honest man who does exactly what he says he's going to do. Jericho said he was trying to recover backstage after the Unsanctioned match, then Mike Adamle asked him to replace Punk, and he won the World Title.

Jericho said everyone is now forced to recognize how great he really is. He said he's better than Shawn Michaels and he's also the new World champ. Jericho smiled it up, then Adamle appeared on stage to congratulate Jericho. He said C.M. Punk suffered a concussion last night and he wasn't medically cleared to compete. Adamle told Jericho that he answered the call, but the fact remains that Punk lost his title without having a chance to defend it. He said Punk isn't here tonight, but next week, Punk will be given a chance to regain the title with Punk vs. Jericho for the World Title. He added that the match will take place inside a 15-foot-high steel cage.

Jericho said that doesn't bother him any because he beat Punk in his hometown before and he'll beat him next week. He said he's ready to leave this place and he'll see Punk next week. Adamle told Jericho not to fast because he needs a main event tonight. Adamle booked Jericho in a match tonight against... Batista. Jericho's wounds and bruises suddenly hurt a little bit more, as Jericho paced the ring with a pained scowl on his face.

[Commercial Break]

[Q2]

In-ring: Candice Michelle came to the ring ahead of the Women's Title match between Mickie James and Beth Phoenix. Michael Cole said Candice gets the title match against the winner at the next PPV.

1 -- Women's champion BETH PHOENIX vs. MICKIE JAMES -- Women's Title match

Beth quickly showed off her power in the opening minutes, dragging Mickie in and out of the ring to inflict punishment. Mickie then blocked a corner move and snapped off a head scissors. Candice was shown chuckling to herself sitting in the director's chair ringside. Beth then blocked a top rope move and flung Mickie hard to the mat with a power move for the pin and the win. Rather decisive victory. Beth then stared down Candice, who stood up and giggled at Beth.

WINNER: Beth in 4:00. Rather surprising squash of Mickie, who will obviously be playing to second fiddle to Candice from now on. (1/2*)

Backstage: Jamie Noble asked Layla to be in his corner for the rubber match against William Regal tonight. Layla said she was really surprised by Noble picking up the win last week. Noble said that was the real Noble out there, then he brought in Jillian to sing a tune. Unfortunately, it bombed, so Noble sent her packing and requested his five bucks back. Layla wasn't impressed, but said she would be in his corner. Noble guaranteed a nice night at the Olive Garden after his win.

[Commercial Break]

WrestleMania 25 promo: They focused on the silver anniversary in Houston with everything being bigger in Texas. Tickets on sale Sept. 20 at 10:00 a.m.

In-ring: Jamie Noble came to the ring with Layla, who nearly tripped on stage in her high boots. Layla then found a spot ringside to watch her "man" in action against William Regal.

[Q3]

2 -- WILLIAM REGAL vs. JAMIE NOBLE

Regal quickly went after Noble with aggressive forearms in the corner, with Lawler deciding to call Layla's facial reactions to Noble taking a beating. Noble suddenly came back with an enziguiri and cannonball splash in the corner, which Regal blocked with a knee to the back of the head. Regal then smashed Noble with a running knee to the head for the pin and the win.

Afterward, Regal took the mic and said happy endings only happen in fairy tales. Well, elsewhere, too, but we won't get into that. Regal then slipped to the outside and stared down Layla, who didn't react to Regal's presence. Regal then extended his arm and Layla slowly accepted his offer. Regal led Layla around the ring while Layla looked confused by the situation. She looked back into the ring once or twice, but ultimately left with Regal. She went for one last peek back into the ring before disappearing with Regal.

WINNER: Regal in 3:00. Short squash and intriguing post-match to continue the program. Wait and see on this one. There's just been a noticeable void of strong babyfaces without Punk or Cena on this week's show. (1/2*)

Up later: Rey & Bourne vs. Miz & Morrison and Jericho vs. Batista.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: JBL came to the ring for a match against an unspecified opponent. Suddenly, there was someone screaming that he was trapped in the trunk of the limo. Out walked Charlie Haas with a mic in hand doing JBL's gimmick. He called himself Charles Haas Layfield, which didn't please JBL too much. Haas kept plugging JBL's Mamajuana energy drink in between throwing out JBL's catchphrases. Haas then stepped into the ring to a CHL chant while flashing the virility drink. JBL took the mic and asked Haas if he's really mocking him. He looked to the mat in shock, then asked if he really thinks this is funny. JBL called him a disrespectful punk, then said he deserves a better impression than that. JBL slowly backed away to a neutral corner, then the ref called for the opening bell.

[Q4]

3 -- JBL vs. CHL

The bell sounded and JBL simply walked out of the ring with his head hung low. Ref started his ten count while JBL just left. Haas was then declared the winner via countout. He celebrated with a giant celebration.

WINNER: CHL via countout. Well, hopefully this leads to something new for JBL. I'm suspecting the "give me respect" storyline, but a change of pace for JBL would be refreshing. (n/a)

[Commercial Break]

Backstage: They showed JBL approaching a dude, who tried to avoid eye contact. He then walked up to Batista and Kelly Kelly, who were sharing a good laugh together. Kelly said she would talk to Batista later. Batista said the deal with JBL was funny. JBL told him to cut the crap and said it was inappropriate for Haas to mock him when he's a main eventer, just like Batista. Batista shot back that it's true JBL and Haas have nothing in common because Haas won his match tonight. JBL, disgusted, turned and walked away.

Backstage: Todd Grisham brought in Rey Mysterio to talk about the Kane storyline. Oh boy. Rey said he has no idea why Kane attacked him, but he left him out cold in a parking lot weeks ago. He said he had to take some time off to rehab, but he has vowed to never let what Kane did happen again. Rey said if he's going to be on Raw, he needs to stand strong. In Spanish, he said he's a Latin Warrior, then Rey turned to the camera and refuted Kane's claim of killing his spirit. Rey said his spirit is still alive and he may always be an underdog, but believe it that he is no one's victim.

In-ring: The Miz, then Morrison came to the ring first for the top-of-the-second-hour main event after the break.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Evan Bourne came out first for the babyface tandem. Michael Cole talked about the talent exchange between Raw and Smackdown, then they cut to Adamle and Teddy Long (w/Tiffany) talking about their business deal. Rey Mysterio came out last to set up the match.

[Q5 -- second hour]

4 -- THE MIZ & JOHN MORRISON vs. REY MYSTERIO & EVAN BOURNE

It will be very interesting to see how this quarter-hour rates with some amazing high-flying action on display as opposed to the usual established-stars-type match for this quarter hour. Rey and Bourne busted out some sick moves, then Rey flipped Bourne over the top rope into a huracanrana on Miz on the floor. Back in the ring, Bourne wanted a top rope move on Miz, but Morrison knocked Bourne off the top behind the ref's back to set up the heels on the offensive. Rey then took a hot tag at 5:00 and went to work on Morrison with rapid-fire kicks. He set him up for the 619, but Miz tripped Rey from the floor. Back in the ring, Morrison kicked Rey in the face, but Bourne broke up a pin.

The action broke down at 6:00, then Morrison accidentally smashed Miz with a roundhouse kick. Rey took advantage by dialing up the 619 on Morrison to a huge reaction. Bourne wanted the tag, then Rey granted him his wish and Bourne went up top. Crowd rose to their feet as Bourne set up and nailed the Shooting Star Press for the pin and the win.

WINNERS: Rey & Bourne in 7:00. Nice, nice match with plenty of high-energy to pick up the pace on the show and deliver a good dose of young superstar babyface hope after an hour of babyfaces doing absolutely nothing. Well done. (**1/4)

Post-match: The arena went dark, then Kane's music hit and he appeared on the video screen. Kane said he will explain the storyline next week when he tells Rey why he chose him as a victim. Kane provided a very special hint by flashing his old red and black mask toward the camera. Kane laughed maniacally, while Rey tried to play it cool in the ring.

Backstage: They showed Randy Orton walking. He's up next.

[Commercial Break]

[Q6]

Video package: They showed Randy Orton leading the 2Gs in taking out C.M. Punk last night.

In-ring: Randy Orton walked to the ring with his eyes locked on the ring to discuss recent happenings. Orton waited out the boos once his music stopped, then he said there is no worse feeling than having the World Title in your grasp before tragedy strikes, leaving you unable to compete. He said he's not talking about Punk, but himself. Orton said he injured his collarbone in a match against Triple H, leaving himself defenseless. He said the difference between himself and Punk is that he actually earned his title. Orton said he did what he did because he felt threatened by Punk. He said Punk should thank him, as it saved him from being exposed in the Championship Scramble.

Orton told Jericho to thank him any time he wants because Jericho wouldn't have been in there last night and sure wouldn't be champion without him. Orton told Jericho he'll take back the World Title when he's healthy. Ted DiBiase's music interrupted Orton's promo, then Cody, Teddy, and Manu came to the ring looking very happy with themselves. Cody quickly asked Orton where he gets off saying Punk was taken out by Orton by himself. He said that without them, Orton wouldn't have been able to punt Punk in the head. Cody told Orton not to take all the credit for himself. Manu then circled around Orton and talked about his own heritage. He said Orton is no better than any one of them. Teddy started to talk trash, but Orton reached back and slapped him across the face. Orton then quickly bailed out of the ring and stared back at the 2Gs, who tried to subdue each other. More mind games from Orton, which made the slow-developing segment worth it.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: 2Gs were still in the ring when Cryme Tyme came out for a scheduled six-man tag match. Kofi Kingston then came out as the sixth man in the match.

5 -- World tag team champions CODY RHODES & TED DIBIASE, JR. & MANU vs. CRYME TYME (SHAD & J.T.G.) & KOFI KINGSTON

Manu impressive early on working over Kofi in the heel corner. Shad took a hot tag, then the action broke down in the ring. Bodies went flying, then Manu finished off Shad with a lift-up neckbreaker for the pin and the win. Well, I thought Manu would be brought in to be the designated jobber for the team, but that certainly wasn't the case here.

WINNERS: Team 2G in 4:00. Manu looked quite impressive in his national TV debut. Quite the stable forming to bolster the undercard.

[Q7]

[Commercial Break]

WWE 24:7 Classic: They went to Nov. 24, 1983 for Harley Race vs. Ric Flair for the NWA Title at Starrcade. Old school yellow NWA lettering inside the steel cage with blood spilled everywhere. They showed Flair picking up the NWA Title from Harley Race with the question of whether Flair's 16-times can ever be topped. This month is Forever Flair, according to Lawler and Cole.

In-ring: Santino came to the ring with Beth Phoenix for a match. Santino then busted out the Honk-A-Meter to focus on the Honky Donk Man's 64 week IC Title reign compared to his 3-week title reign. Santino said The Mountie only held the belt for two days, which makes him so great. Santino told Perez Hilton to shove that in his blog. He then asked for his opponent. Out came Snitsky for his once-every-two-months random appearance. Santino was not ready for this.

6 -- IC champion SANTINO MARELLA (w/Beth Phoenix) vs. SNITSKY -- non-title match

Snitsky missed with a big boot in the corner, then Santino kinda pushed Snitsky down on the mat and rolled him up for the quick pin. Afterward, Beth and Santino shared a moment of kissing ringside. Snitsky seemed to be turned on by this, rather than angered by the loss.

WINNER: Santino in 1:00. Well, we're apparently in line for some Snitsky loving for Beth and Santino. Joy. (n/a)

Backstage: Adamle was shown talking to Kelly Kelly, who was apparently upset by Punk being screwed out of the title last night. Wow, going back like 18 ECW storylines. Adamle said he knows how she feels, but Punk gets his title shot next week. Chris Jericho then jumped in and said he needs the night off to prepare for next week's title defense. Adamle said Jericho owes him one from last night, so he expects a main event-level performance from Jericho tonight. He said the match is happening and it's next.

[Q8]

[Commercial Break]

Next week: Rey vs. Kane and Jericho vs. Punk for the World Title in a steel cage.

In-ring: Chris Jericho, who was nicely taped out, came out first with Lance Cade for tonight's main event. Jericho entered the ring, then his music stopped and Jericho stared into the crowd with disdain. They returned the sentiment with boos. Batista then came out with a big smile on his face ready to eat a wounded Jericho for dinner tonight. Announcers talked about Batista being so close to championship gold yet again last night.

7a -- World Hvt. champion CHRIS JERICHO (w/Lance Cade) vs. BATISTA -- non-title match

Batista just beat the crap out of Jericho to start things off, then Jericho slumped to the floor to recover. Mike Adamle walked out on stage and admitted to under-estimating the health of Jericho tonight. He said he needs a main event-quality match with star power, so he's making this a handicap match. And Jericho's partner is Lance Cade...hahahaha...no, it's JBL. Adamle stepped aside, then JBL walked out on stage and locked eyes with Batista on the way to the ring.

[Commercial Break]

7b -- World Hvt. champion CHRIS JERICHO (w/Lance Cade) & JBL vs. BATISTA

Jericho played the big pesk here, allowing JBL to use Jericho's distraction to nail Batista in the head with a boot. JBL and Jericho then started double-teaming Batista in their corner with Jericho suddenly showing improved health after playing dead in part A of the match.

[Q9 -- over-run]

Batista made a comeback and wanted to finish off Jericho, but Cade hopped on the apron to distract Batista. JBL then surprised Batista with a Clothesline from Hell and Jericho snuck over to make the cover on Batista for the pin and the win. Jericho collapsed to the announce table in front of an irate Cole.

WINNERS: Jericho & JBL in 10:00. Good win for the heels to set up Batista getting the final say in the post-match. (*)

After the bell, JBL and Cade took turns working over Batista in the ring. Cade got to see home action while JBL shouted at Batista that he's not so tough right now. Suddenly, Batista came flying off the ropes with a double shoulder tackle before delivering double spinebusters. Batista called for the end, then he gripped Cade and gave him a Batistabomb in center ring. Batista came up worn out while Jericho was shown standing on top of the ramp posing with the World Title. Jericho had this utterly classic evil grin on his face while cuddling up with the title belt. Cole gave the final pitch for the steel cage title match next week.

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