By James Caldwell, PWTorch columnist

WWE Raw Live Report
October 20, 2008
Corpus Christi, Tex.

Before the traditional fireworks shot off to kick off Raw, Kelly Kelly's music hit to interrupt. Nice cost-cutting measure without upsetting the live fans who expect it as part of the show. And we have an opening divas tag match. Candice Michelle then came out as her tag partner while Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler discussed Lawler's research into the Halloween costumes the divas are planning to wear at the PPV. Tough research assignment. Jillian Hall and Katie Lea, who busted out a more heelish strut to the ring, then came out as the opposition. Before the match started, Jillian sang us a Willie Nelson country tune dedicated to Texas. You know, there is a certain aura around Nelson when you walk past him in a dance hall. Thankfully, Kelly Kelly dropkicked Jillian in the back to put an end to that and start the match.

1 -- JILLIAN HALL & KATIE LEA vs. CANDICE MICHELLE & KELLY KELLY

Action broke down here at 3:00, then Candice smashed Katie with a spinning heel kick to the jaw. Candice cleared Katie to the outside, then back in the ring, Kelly dropped Jillian with the Rocker dropper in center ring for the pin and the win. By the way, Kelly is a sailor and Candice is Marilyn Monroe at the PPV.

WINNERS: Kelly Kelly & Candice Michelle in 4:00. Entertaining opener and a unique way to kick off the show. Nothing really to complain about here.

Video package: They focused on the Batista vs. Jericho feud as it played out on TV last week. Up next, Chris Jericho addresses the Cyber Sunday title match.

[Commercial Break]

[Q2]

In-ring: Chris Jericho came to the ring in his heel suit while the World Title belt rested comfortably on his shoulder. Cole and Lawler then talked about the three potential special referee candidates for Sunday. Jericho stood in the ring for his promo, but then he slipped out to order Lillian Garcia to announce him as World champion. Lawler said he polled the WWE wrestlers and they think Jericho will drop the belt this Sunday.

Jericho then entered the ring to a "You suck" chant. He pointed out the pure disrespect from the audience and Lillian because people keep thinking he's going to lose the title on Sunday. Jericho told the audience to keep saying Chris Jericho - World Hvt. champion over and over until they get it through their brains. He said the special ref list is a joke. Randy Orton (boos), Shawn Michaels (big cheers), and Steve Austin (huge cheers). They are in South Texas. Jericho said maybe Mike Adamle has forgotten who he is dealing with - the guy who was the first undisputed World champion in wrestling history.

Batista's music had enough of Jericho and out walked Batista in street clothes to provide a physical interruption. Batista laughed and asked if Jericho is seriously demanding respect. He said you don't demand respect; you earn respect. Jericho shifted his eyes around while Batista laughed, then Batista became serious and said if Jericho beats him at Cyber Sunday, then maybe he'll earn some respect. He said that until then, though, please shut up and stop whining.

Suddenly, the Raw entrance music interrupted for a buzzkill. Out walked Mike Adamle, who told them to save it for Cyber Sunday. He slowly said they'll have a chance to put their hands on one another then. The way he said that was just awkward and icky all at the same time. Adamle mentioned some respect issues to be played out tonight. He booked a gauntlet match ... echo... a gauntlet match. Um, I think they have to face the same three opponents in this Adamle Original. He gave this weird look, then walked back through the curtain. Jericho and Batista went face-to-face in the ring, then Jericho slapped him and left the ring to shout "respect" at Batista. Nothing like an Adamle Original to create a rough TV segment.

Later tonight: Punk & Kofi vs. Miz & Morrison.

[Commercial Break]

[Q3]

In-ring: JBL's white limo pulled up near the entrance stage. This time, the limo driver provided ample room for JBL to emerge from the passenger seat without rubbing elbows with the fans. Cole and Lawler said JBL should be in a good mood today being back in his home state and the stock market being up today. Once in the ring, and after a lengthy pause, JBL said it besmirches his integrity to have the great JBL compete against some has-been impersonator. He said he is rich. The fans are poor. He will become richer. They will become poorer. Suddenly, the glass broke and Steve Austin's music interrupted. Fans went nuts, but out walked Stone Cold Haas. Lawler said that if Ross was here, he would be saying, "Stone Cold! Stone Cold! Stone Cold!"

Haas went to all four corners while JBL stared down Austin. Lillian Garcia announced that Haas is paying homage to the man he personally text-voted for on Sunday by naming himself Stone Cold Steve Haastin. JBL began asking him questions, but Austin shot back "What?" each time. Haastin asked the fans if they want to see him open a can of whoop ass on a can of whoop ass on JBL. Yes, kind of like that. JBL answered back that Haastin nor Austin could even lace his boots.

2 -- STONE COLD STEVE HAASTIN vs. JBL

Haastin immediately nailed a Thesz Press on JBL, then stomped a mudhole in him in the corner for a nearfall. JBL had enough after blocking a Stunner, so he nailed a big boot and the Clothesline from Hell for the easy win. After the match, JBL took the mic and said that's the bottom line 'cause JBL said so.

WINNER: JBL in 2:00. Another filler segment involving JBL and Haas that will hopefully lead somewhere at some point sometime. Anytime. Just take it somewhere. (n/a)

Backstage: They showed Rey Mysterio walking in anticipation of something on the other side of the break.

[Commercial Break]

ECW promo: Check out Sci-Fi for Mike Knox and his beard. And Tazz's commentary. Tazz? I guess Striker hasn't provided ample soundbytes on Knox yet.

In-ring: Rey Mysterio came to the ring and did the Bret Hart sunglasses-on-the-kids-in-the-front-row gimmick with his mask. Snitsky then came out as the opponent for Rey. Mmm... a good olll fashioned inset promo with Snitsky talking about his tears and pain creating a great symphony.

[Q4]

3 -- REY MYSTERIO vs. SNITSKY

Snitsky tried to charge Rey in the corner, but Rey slipped out of harm's way and Snitsky crashed hard into the turnbuckles. Rey then landed a double knee stomp. He tried a huracanrana on Snitsky, but there was a slippage and Snitsky simply flung himself onto the middle rope. Rey followed with the 619, then hit the big springboard splash for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Rey in 2:00. Well, that was unrealistic in many ways, but the casual fans just want to see Rey in a position of control rather than getting his brains beat in by Kane, so that will work to set up Rey vs. Kane at Cyber Sunday. (n/a)

[Commercial Break]

Cena Rough Cut III: Entertainment personalities talked about John Cena in glowing terms. Ben Stiller said it was between him and Cena for the lead role in The Marine. He said he'll get him in the sequel as the disgruntled Marine. Hey, Jonas Brothers appearance for the females 8-15. There's Cena getting slimed. A little tennis. Conan O'Brien appearances. Marc Ecko, owner of Ecko Unlimited, talked directly into the camera that he blurred the line between fan and celebrity to become such a star. NASCAR driver Carl Edwards said maybe that's why he's not liked by some fans. Cena Returns.

In-ring: The Miz and John Morrison came to the ring for some promo time. Miz said there is still time to text votes for them at Cyber Sunday. Morrison said he once voted for pizza to be changed to tofu at his high school. Miz said they are the greatest tag team ever and have more street cred than K-Fed. Morrison said they're more fabulous than the Freedbirds. They are beyond DX. Miz: "You mean Geriatric X?" Morrison answered, "Are...you...fifty?" Miz said they have two words: "Be Jealous." C.M. Punk then came out ahead of Kofi Kingston for tag action.

[Q5 -- second hour]

4 -- THE MIZ & JOHN MORRISON vs. C.M. PUNK & KOFI KINGSTON

After a few moments of action, they went to the traditional commercial-lead-in-spot where Morrison found himself on the outside, then the babyfaces dumped Miz over the top rope onto Morrison to get a cheer from the crowd. They didn't go to commercial, though, and the match picked up in the ring where Miz came back on Punk with clubbing forearm blows. Kofi then tagged in and wanted a springboard move in the corner, but Morrison kicked him in the face from the apron with the ref distracted. The heels then ganged up on Kofi to isolate him from Punk. They went to break with Kofi firmly grounded on the mat.

[Commercial Break]

By the way, is there still a brand split in this company? Just a thought during the commercial break. In any event, heels continued to work over Kofi at the 10:00 mark. Punk finally entered the ring to break up a pin and get the fans back into the action. Morrison then sat down on Kofi with a modified Dragon Sleeper while Kofi fought back with clubbing forearms. Kofi finally rolled through to his corner and Punk took the hot tag to begin cleaning house. Punk slapped Morrison, then kicked him in the kisser. He nailed the high knee in the corner, then a running bulldog. Punk made a believable mid-air adjustment on a springboard move, then hit a powerslam. In the confusion of the match breaking down, Miz made a blind tag on Morrison while Punk gave Morrison the G2S. Miz then rolled up Punk from behind for a surprise three count on Punk for the win. Afterward, Punk was in disbelief as he held his hands on his head.

WINNERS: Miz & Morrison in 12:00.

Backstage: Jericho came close to Adamle and talked to him about getting no respect. He said he should be in the same category as Buddy Rogers, Hulk Hogan, and Bret Hart who all get their proper respect as former champs. Adamle said the reason why he's putting Jericho in this situation is to earn that respect and also to earn self-respect. He walked off, then Jericho smirked.

[Commercial Break]

[Q6]

In-ring: Santino Marella came out with Beth Phoenix. Um... Santino was sporting the Goldust facepaint, Roddy Piper t-shirt and kilt, and Honky Tonk Man hair and guitar in hand. Lawler said if we want to see Goldust get freaky with Santino, then text a vote for him. Moving along. Santino took the mic and said the task of choosing his opponent seems tough at first glance. You see, all three opponents are one in the same. "They're all washed up!" he declared. Santino said Rodney the Piper no longer has a Hot Bod. Piper's Pit should be Piper's Pouch.

Santino then addressed Golden Dust. He said he shattered Joe the Plumber's dreams and the career of Golden Dust has... flamed out. And last, but not least, the Honkey Donk Man. Santino asked what's with the obsession with swine. He said he's down with the other white meat, but he doesn't get Honky actually making a career out of impersonating The King. And he's not talking about you, Jerry stupid Lawler. Not even Jason Priestly, but Elvis Pressley. He died...on the toilet. Santino said if Honky can actually be wheeled to the ring, he'll flush him down the toilet at the Heartbroken Motel.

Jim Duggan had enough and he stormed out to the ring for a word. Santino said here's another washed up wrestler. Hacken sack is his name. Duggan said it appears Santino is on his last minute of his 15 minutes of fame. And it's Hacksaw Jim Duggan. He said Santino is the flashiest flash in the pan he's ever seen. Duggan said he doesn't appreciate Santino disrespecting his generation. Oh no. Duggan channeling Sting. Santino asked why such angry to him. Santino said it must be because he doesn't have the Honk-a-meter. Let's check the list. 64 weeks vs. ...10 weeks. Santino asked Duggan to remember back to his IC Title reign. Oh yeah, he never was champion. Santino said the only award Duggan won was the gold medal at the Goodwill Games.

Duggan waited out the "U-S-A" chant, then said if it wasn't for Santino's boyfriend (Beth), he wouldn't even be IC champion. Beth tried to step up, but Duggan asked her if she wanted a piece, tough guy? Santino said that's fighting words, you sumofagun. Santino then stripped off his outfit and told Beth to hold everything. Duggan waited and waited, then Santino suggested they give Duggan the clothes before he robs them. Beth tossed the clothes to Duggan, then Santino took the guitar and smashed it over Duggan's head. Dead silence, then a few smattering of boos.

Duggan was KO'ed, but Santino got a nasty cut on his lip. Blood poured down his mouth as he finished the promo that his opponent at Cyber Sunday will never forget the name of Santino Marella. Beth tried to check on Santino on the way out of the ring, but blood kept pouring down Santino's lip onto his chest to wrap up the segment.

Raw promo: They celebrate 800 episodes of TV in two weeks with a three-hour episode.

[Commercial Break]

[Q7]

Video package: They showed a recap video on the Raw tour in Puerto Rico over the weekend. Santino was classic recapping the emotions from the stomach - the guts - of the fans.

In-ring: Cryme Tyme came to the ring for a filler seventh quarter-hour match. And the opponents in the filler segment, Priceless. Amazing to see how little focus there has been on the tag champs the last two weeks. Before the bell even rang, a brawl broke out among the five men involved. Manu was the extra man in the ring, so he gave a big splash to Shad in the corner. Teddy and Cody kept pounding away on Cryme Tyme, who were ultimately KO'd in the ring. Teddy then picked up the tag title belts and celebrated in the ring while the assigned ref tried to restore order. Teddy screamed down at Shad to wrap up the very short segment. Well, maybe the Santino segment ran long. Effective segment, but just not something you usually see from WWE.

[Commercial Break]

Announcers: Cole and Lawler hyped the 25th anniversary of WrestleMania just up the road from Corpus in Houston. Well, just up the road is a good four hour drive. They transitioned into hyping Cyber Sunday voting on Sunday. They threw Lawler a curveball with online voting for Big Show vs. Undertaker and text voting for everything else.

In-ring: Chris Jericho came to the ring for the first gauntlet match.

[Commercial Break]

[Q8]

In-ring: Back from break, Batista came to the ring instead of the first series of opponents for Jericho. I have no idea what's going on now. Adamle then took the mic and presented an Adamle Original. He said for the first time ever, Batista and Jericho ... competing against the same three opponents ... of his choosing ... in a gauntlet match. Jericho played it up as if he was very confused by this. William Regal then came out with Leyla. This is TNA-esque with a very convoluted set-up.

5 -- BATISTA vs. WILLIAM REGAL

The bell sounded and Batista gave Regal the Batistabomb for an easy pin. Jericho then slipped into the ring. He kept screaming at Regal to get up so he could get an easy pin, but Regal played dead for several moments.

5b -- CHRIS JERICHO vs. WILLIAM REGAL

The ref finally approved of Regal's status and the bell sounded. Jericho nailed the codebreaker on Regal for the easy pin. Adamle then told Jericho he is starting the next match. Out came the World's Strongest man, Mark Henry.

5c -- CHRIS JERICHO vs. MARK HENRY

Henry dominated the early-going, but he missed with the big splash at 2:00. Jericho tried to follow with the Lionsault, but Henry kicked out. Jericho then removed the turnbuckle and grabbed the World Title belt. He smashed Henry in the head, but the ref had turned around and he saw the clean blow. Jericho was DQ'ed, which apparently means absolutely nothing without any consequences.

5d -- BATISTA vs. MARK HENRY

Henry shoved Batista aside, but Batista came back with a demonstrative spinebuster for the pin and the win. Adamle then announced Kane as the third opponent, with Jericho having to start the match. Lawler said Jericho still hasn't earned Adamle's respect.

[Commercial Break]

5e -- CHRIS JERICHO vs. KANE

They returned from break with Jericho and Kane battling back and forth. Jericho shoved Kane to the corner and wanted to work on the knee, but Kane smacked him across the mouth and the loud noise popped the crowd. Jericho tried to come back with the Walls of Jericho, but Kane flipped him across the ring. Kane missed badly with a flying elbow, then Jericho tried the codebreaker, but Kane fought him off. Kane tried a top rope move as Batista cheered, but Jericho crotched him. Kane then came back with a flying clothesline for a nearfall. He wanted a chokeslam, but Jericho elbowed out of the grip and Kane dumped him to the floor. Batista stalked Jericho on the floor, then Kane yanked Jericho back into the ring and nailed a big boot for the pin and the win.

5g -- BATISTA vs. KANE

Before the bell sounded, Jericho distracted Kane, who turned around and took a spinebuster from Batista. Batista then made the cover for the win.

WINNER: Batista 3-0 and Jericho 1-2 in 13:00. They eventually got the point across about Jericho being a weak champion with no self-respect and Batista being lined up for an easy win at Cyber Sunday, but the match set-up was just not explained well before it unfolded. Once things unfolded, it made sense, but the live audience was just left in the dark and didn't know how to react to what was happening. Not a good way to sell a PPV. (n/a)

Post-match: Jericho held his ribs in pain. Batista was all-smiles and celebrated the inevitable in six days. Jericho tried to look tough while in pain, then Batista stared down at him. Jericho held up the World Title belt while the announcers gave a final sales pitch for Sunday to close the show.

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