By Wade Keller, Torch editor

KELLER'S WWE RAW REPORT (hour one)
NOVEMBER 3, 2008
LIVE FROM TAMPA, FLA.

-The show opened with a celebration of 800 episodes of Raw, touting it as the longest running episodic weekly TV show in history. It compared itself to a ton of other series over the years and said Raw is about to take its place in television history right now.

-The Raw opening aired, then they went live to the arena for the pyro show as Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler introduced the show. If they wanted to really make this feel special, they should have put Jim Ross in the booth with Cole or had Cole host and Ross do play-by-play just for one week - something to pay tribute to Ross's role in most of the 800 episodes of Raw over the years. Cole and Lawler hyped the Batista vs. Chris Jericho cage match.

-Randy Orton walked out to his music. Nothing felt different to this point. Same format and feel for the show, which is expected, but somewhat disappointing for those looking to this show to mark the beginning of some real change. Orton demanded that Shane and Stephanie McMahon fire Mike Adamle as G.M. or he walks. He said in typical McMahon fashion, Shane and Stephanie have decided to wait until they "grace us with their presence" before revealing their decision. He said, "If they doubt me, try me." He pulled up a chair at ringside.

1 -- JEFF & MATT HARDY vs. MVP & BRIAN KENDRICK (w/Ezekiel)

They showed a clip from episode #764 of Raw where Jeff Hardy was knocked off of high scaffolding near the entrance stage during a brawl with Orton. Jeff waved at Orton at ringside. As MVP came out, Cole talked about MVP's incentive bonus clause and said he hasn't won in eleven weeks. Ouch! They really need to merge the rosters officially if they're going to continue having wrestlers appear indiscriminately and without explanation on various brands they're not officially part of. Matt hit a bulldog/clothesline combo on both MVP and Kendrick. He followed with a two count on MVP that Kendrick broke up. Lawler said Kendrick was risking disqualification. Yeah, right. Like that ever happens in a WWE match during a pin break-up. The ref disallowed a tag he didn't see by MVP to Kendrick. Matt then gave MVP a Twist of Fate. Jeff hit an illegal Swanton. Matt then made the cover, and the ref turned and counted three.

WINNERS: The Hardys in 6:00.

STAR RATING: *1/4 -- Decent tag action. Not even a mention by the announcers of the four wrestlers being guests from another brand.

-They went to episode #1 with Bobby Heenan showing up to get into the show. Sean Mooney told him there were no more tickets. Then part of the opening theme aired along with clips of various wrestlers. They also showed Heenan trying to sneak in in various disguises before eventually being told he could get in at the very end of the show. There's a lot of money in WWE releasing a boxed set of the entire first 52 weekly episodes of Raw on DVD.

[Q2]

[Commercial Break]

-Another Raw moment went back to episode $17 in 1993 with 1-2-3 Kid upsetting Razor Ramon. Vince McMahon, Randy Savage, and Bobby Heenan were on commentary.

2 -- EIGHT-MAN BATTLE ROYAL - WINNERS GETS IC TITLE SHOT NEXT WEEK

Snitsky, William Regal, Ted DiBiase, Manu, Cody Rhodes, Jamie Noble, J.T.G., and Shad were the participants. Santino Marella walked out with Beth Phoenix right before the bell. Santino said, "I did not recognize you withour your sandwich, Jerry." Santino said since he's put the IC belt on his tights, everyone wants to be champion. He said he can beat pretty much anybody. Snitsky was the first tossed out by Cody and Manu. DiBiase then eliminated both Cody and Manu. They weren't happy with him. The announcers stressed the "every man for himself" atmosphere. After being eliminated, Noble yanked Regal under the rope and brawled with him at ringside. The ref sent Noble to the back. It came down to DiBiase, Shad, and J.T.G. battling in the ring. DiBiase backdropped J.T.G. to the floor. DiBiase eliminated J.T.G., but Regal then showed up, still legal but hiding out at ringside, and tossed DiBiase out. Santino said Regal is very sneaky and a cheater. He asked Cole where Regal is from. Lawler said England. Cole pointed out that Raw emanates from Manchester, England next week. How convenient.

WINNER: William Regal in 4:00.

-A limo pulled up in the parking garage. Stephanie stepped out. Then Shane. Apparently a Chihuahua was very happy to see Stephanie based on a particular noise coming from the crowd at her appearance. Steph took a deep breath and smiled, as if she was walking back into the high school field where she once was a star. She then told Shane he could handle things. Shane said that was just fine. Cole wondered aloud whether Shane would choose Adamle or Orton.

[Q3]

[Commercial Break]

-A clip aired from Raw #409 in 2001 when Vince McMahon announced that he was buying and burying WCW. Shane McMahon then appeared live from Nitro and announced he had actually signed the paperwork. What a mess that whole thing turned into. A real lost opportunity, although the WCW name brand was so damaged and the roster so depleted at that point, it wasn't nearly the blown opportunity it would have been had the WWF bought it a couple years earlier.

-Back live in the ring, Orton recounted his problems with Adamle, reiterating his ultimatum. Shane McMahon danced his way onto the stage and walked to the ring. Shane said he doesn't react well to ultimatums. Orton said if his father was here, this wouldn't be an issue. He said if his father was here, he'd be sure his top superstar was taken care of. Shane said he isn't his father. He said of all people, he should respect the position he holds in this company. Shane was interrupted by Adamle coming out to the Raw theme. It's still a lousy idea to associate the Raw opening theme with the "bumbling idiot" character that Adamle portrays. Adamle said he had something to say. He said since the beginning of Raw, everyone in control has had an agenda. He said he wanted to be the first G.M. who remained neutral and didn't take a side. He said he thinks not taking a side is what has made him special. He seemed to lose his place and froze. He began to breath heavily and said he won't let it happen to him. He said he was getting emotional. They need to give him cue cards to read. Just be blatant about it to show how absurd it is he has this job in the first place. Although that'd just make Shane and Steph look like idiots for hiring him. Adamle said this job corrupts people, so as of this moment, he is resigning as G.M. of Raw. He shook Shane's hand and thanked him for the opportunity. Orton demanded Adamle give him an apology before he leaves. Shane said if anything, Orton owes Adamle an apology. Orton said, "Excuse me!" Shane said, "I didn't excuse you yet."

Shane revealed that Orton has been cleared to wrestle for weeks. He said he just found that out. Orton said he's been meaning to talk about that, but he felt Survivor Series was the right time to return. Shane said tonight Orton would compete in the ring. Orton said he'd love more than anything to wrestle here tonight, but he's not prepared to do so. He said he didn't bring his wrestling gear. Shane said he's personally taken care of everything. (What, he broke into his closet at home?) Shane said his opponent will be the man he kicked in the head and cost the World Championship - C.M. Punk. Shane danced as Orton hung his head.

[Commercial Break]

[Q4]

-Clips aired of Sen. John McCain and Sen. Barack Obama from episode #778.

3 -- VLADIMIR KOZLOV vs. BRET "THE HITMAN" HAAS (Charlie Haas)

It felt strange hearing Bret Hart's theme song on Raw again. Charlie Haas came out dressed as Haas, putting sunglasses on a fan at ringside. Lawler said the resemblance was uncanny. Cole said he hopes Kozlov has a sense of humor. Lawler flashed back to Gorilla Monsoon, letting out a "highly unlikely." Hass then cut a promo in the ring, saying "Vladimir Kozlov screwed Vladimir Kozlov" at Cyber Sunday. He closed with the "best there is" line. Kozlov won in seconds with the battering ram. Lawler said he wonders how Kozlov would have done against the real Bret Hart.

WINNER: Kozlov in under 1:00. This gimmick may be given Hass something to do each week, but he's not going to come out it with any in-ring credibility to parlay into a serious push.

-A commercial aired for ECW focusing on Matt Hardy in a generic sense.

[Commercial Break]

-A clip aired of Batista beating Jericho at Cyber Sunday with help from "Stone Cold" Steve Austin.
-Todd Grisham interviewed Batista. He said he it took him a long time to win the title so he's not about to give it up easily. He said at the end of the night, Jericho is leaving empty-handed. He smiled and walked away.

-Cole and Lawler were shown at ringside. Cole said tonight would feature the return of the legendary DX.

-They showed a clip from episode #257 of DX confronting WCW at their headquarters back in 1998. Cole said: "DX redefining the Monday Night War."

-They showed Triple H and Shawn Michaels heading toward the entrance tunnel backstage.

[Commercial Break]

-The full DX ring intro took place. Didn't they once have a "final" appearance together earlier this year?

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