By James Caldwell, PWTorch columnist

WWE Raw Live Report
November 17, 2008
Atlanta, Ga.

The show started with all of the WWE Raw wrestlers and divas in the ring. Michael Cole was also in the ring, then he introduced Stephanie McMahon, who was on stage to address some of the questions and concerns from wrestlers and fans. She asked who's first. Randy Orton decided he would take the chance to get a word in first. He wanted to know why this Sunday's title match at Survivor Series goes to John Cena. Good question.

Stephanie answered by saying the decision was made by Shane with her input. Oops. Stephanie said Cena was a top contender prior to being injured, therefore, he will face Chris Jericho for the title on Sunday at Survivor Series. Orton wasn't satisfied, then he turned to address the rest of the roster that he's next for the title shot.

Cody Rhodes then stepped up and said he has a question. Two weeks ago, Orton kicked his tag partner, Ted DiBiase, in the head to give him a concussion. Instead of being punished, he was given captain status for a team at Survivor Series. Basically, why wasn't Orton suspended for what he did? Stephanie said he's aware of Orton's actions, but they are all grown men and women who are responsible for their own actions. She also reminded Orton that he has to face C.M. Punk tonight. And to ensure there is a winner, it'll be a 30-man lumberjack match.

Orton said that is only going to ensure total chaos. Stephanie disagreed, then Santino stepped in to ask a question. He's Santino Marella. Santino said he noticed the rapping singer "Acorn" is here tonight. They showed Akon standing in the front row laughing at the shout-out. Santino then got a beat, put on a sideways hat, and proceeded to rap his question.

He's from Europe, loves pancakes with maple syrup, and he lost his IC Title to William Regal after his illegal knee to the head. That was unbelievably awesome. Not my recap, but his rap. "You weren't even in a restaurant, but ... you got served." Stephanie shot back that Santino got his title re-matches in Europe and he lost. "Sumofagun," Santino said.

JBL then stepped up to ask about Vince. Stephanie said he's "out of the picture" and she's running the show with her brother. She started to address JBL vs. Shawn Michaels in the traditional Survivor Series match. Suddenly, Michaels interrupted from the back and he stepped up to the podium. What say someone doesn't want to wait six days and he wants his revenge right here, right now after getting his head bashed in by JBL last week? Stephanie said not tonight. Patience, my friend.

Michaels said oh, patience, that's a fine trait. He built and built toward saying since they're all responsible for their own actions, he'll be responsible for this. Michaels then threw himself off the podium and tackled JBL on the mat to set off a giant brawl. JBL ended up on the floor, his hat ended up on Michaels's head, then JBL and Michaels had a standoff to close the segment. Good way to start the show. Stephanie even with the classic McMahon non-answers.

[Commercial Break]

1 -- KELLY KELLY vs. VICTORIA

Victoria, from Smackdown, is on the show tonight. Victoria seemed to make short work of Kelly after hitting a reverse torture rack slam, but Kelly kicked out in two. Kelly then spun over Victoria's shoulders into a roll-up for the quick pin and the win. After the match, Victoria played the sore loser role and jumped Kelly from behind. She then finished off Kelly with the Widow's Peak in center ring. Mickie James's music didn't like what happened, then Mickie, Candice Michelle, and Jillian Hall stormed the ring to run off Victoria. It's brand vs. brand diva drama at Survivor Series.

Things seemed to be done until Beth Phoenix ran down to the ring and threw Victoria back into the ring for her to take a beating. Beth put her up in the double wing slam and planted her to the mat before having a stare down with Mickie to play up their intra-brand feud. All feuds put aside for the good of the team, apparently.

WINNER: Kelly in 2:00. Match was pretty much inconsequential, but the crowd heat for this segment was pretty intense until Beth showed up and everyone was confused by her helping previous foes. (n/a)

Backstage: Batista was shown warming up on the way to the ring to face Manu.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Batista came to the ring ready for a fight with Manu, who brought Cody Rhodes with him. Manu then came out sporting a more "WWE Samoan" look with some wet, curly hair. They showed clips of the Wild Samoans in action several decades ago. Apparently this is the new marketing idea for Manu.

2 -- BATISTA vs. MANU (w/Cody Rhodes)

A few seconds into the match, Randy Orton came out on stage for a closer look at the action. Manu dominated early on, working over Batista's left shoulder until Batista flung him head-first into the middle turnbuckle. Batista tried to follow with a corner smash, but Manu moved and Batista ate the turnbuckle. Manu followed with a big diving headbutt for a two count. Batista tried to come back with a Batistabomb, but Manu flipped out. Batista suddenly came back with a spear, then he finished off Manu with a Batistabomb in center ring for the win.

Afterward, Orton stared down into the ring to match eyes with Batista. Cody then feigned getting some of Batista again, but he opted to help Manu out of the ring. Batista then took the mic and said he's had to listen to Orton for three years. He's wanted to whoop him for three years, so Orton needs to stop worrying about John Cena and start worrying about him at Survivor Series this Sunday. Good intensity from Batista. Orton matched him with good facial expressions from the stage.

WINNER: Batista in 4:00. Nice match. It was abbreviated, but Manu had enough offense to show some hints of future success. Continuing the issues with Batista, Orton, and Priceless is good until Ted DiBiase returns. (*1/4)

Tonight: Rey & Shawn team for the first-time ever against Miz & Morrison. Okay, that needed more hype than just a brief mention.

[Commercial Break]

On-stage: Stephanie McMahon welcomed us back to the show. She then asked for a warm welcome to WWE Hall of Famer Chief Jay Strongbow. Chief Jay then walked out for a random appearance to get some love from the crowd. Nice gesture for whatever the motive was behind that.

Backstage: Orton approached Cody Rhodes in the locker room. Orton said he's going to look for a replacement at Survivor Series if Cody steps down from a fight against Batista again. Cody pointed out that Orton didn't exactly storm the ring. He cut off Cody and said he has own his reasons, but he'll prove himself later tonight in the lumberjack match. Cody then told Orton to keep talking, because that's all he's good at.

On-stage: Todd Grisham cued up a video package on Evan Bourne. Different format tonight. They then showed awesome clips of Evan in action until he fell hard on his right ankle and suffered serious leg injury. Grisham said Bourne is here tonight, though. He welcomed out Bourne to a strong reaction. Bourne came out in street clothes and on crutches, then Grisham asked him about the ankle. Bourne said he's getting better and he will return to the ring where he'll pick up just where he --- Suddenly, Mike Knox and his beard were on stage. Bourne stopped short to stare back at Knox, who simply looked him down. Awkward moment. Knox then turned and walked away. Bourne had no idea what to make of that.

Backstage: They showed Rey walking down the hallway before shaking hands with Shawn Michaels. Michaels asked for the backstage music to be cut off. He said he has to get this off his chest. He's walked this hall with a lot of greats - Marty Jannetty and Triple H. Even Hulk Hogan, but he's not a celebrity Michaels whispered. Ouch. Michaels said he's a little nervous about teaming up with Rey for the first time. Rey suggested they take this one step at a time. Suddenly, Dolph Ziggler was there. Shawn beat him to the punch and introduced themselves to Dolph. Shawn then looked into the camera and said it's first-time-ever with Rey up against Miz & Morrison next. Broke all kinds of backstage camera rules, but Michaels was great there.

[Commercial Break]

3 -- THE MIZ & JOHN MORRISON vs. SHAWN MICHAELS & REY MYSTERIO

Hot start to this one, then Rey wanted 619 on Morrison, but Miz tripped Rey from behind. Michaels then followed with a slingshot plancha on Miz before Rey splashed Morrison on the floor with a dive of his own. Babyfaces standing tall in the ring. Hot crowd. Let's grab a break.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break, Miz was working over Michaels until Miz missed with a turnaround leg drop. Michaels then made the hot tag to Rey, who landed a seated smash on Miz before following with a head scissors. Rey knocked Morrison off the apron, but Miz recovered and tossed Rey hard into the ringpost to re-gain the advantage for his team. Rey then rolled through on a sunset flip to escape Miz, but Morrison tagged in to cut off Rey. They continued to work over Rey until Rey blocked Morrison's springboard swing kick with a dropkick of his own. Rey then tagged in Michaels and Miz came in to accept the house-cleaning. Michaels unloaded with slams before going up top and nailing the HBK elbow smash. He then tuned up the band and the crowd came to life.

Miz ducked the superkick, but Michaels recovered and left-arm clotheslined Miz for a two count. Rey then knocked Morrison to the outside before nailing Miz with the 619 right into Sweet Chin Music. Suddenly, Morrison smashed Michaels with Sweet Chin Music when Michaels turned around. Oh my what a sequence. Morrison then knocked Rey to the floor, Miz fell on top of Michaels, and Miz scored a pin on Michaels with an arm draped over the chest for the win.

WINNERS: Miz & Morrison in 10:00. That was a heck of tag match with a nice finish to give Miz & Morrison a key victory. The finishing sequence was awesome and took advantage of the athleticism in the ring. (**1/2)

Announcers: Cole and Lawler plugged various ways to save energy with Green Week on USA. Lawler said he walks behind his girlfriend and turns the lights off after she goes into a room. Only Lawler would come up with that. Cole then led into another Cena video package,

Cena video package: John Cena was shown standing outside of TD Banknorth Garden while Triple H did a voice-over leading to a music video on his story. They showed various shots of Cena walking around the Garden in Boston while mixing in clips of Cena in action from the previous few Rough Cut editions.

Backstage: They showed Chris Jericho and Stephanie McMahon watching the video package on the monitor. Jericho said he wants his equal time and he hopes Stephanie is enjoying herself. "Huh?" Steph asked. Jericho said John Cena is a disruptive influence and when he returns, it's going to cause more havoc and controversy than she can imagine. Jericho said everyone in the locker room better hope that Jericho will be champion on Raw this time next week. He told Steph to think about that. She was puzzled.

[Commercial Break]

Backstage: After they showed clips of Randy Orton kicking C.M. Punk in the head a few months ago, Todd Grisham brought in Punk for a chat. Punk said Orton was feeling pretty irrelevant, which is why Orton kicked him in the head to take away his dream year. Punk, who was looking aged in a more serious money-drawing way, said he's looking forward to taking out Orton in front of 30 other guys. Punk went deep and said he wasn't handed everything like Orton was. He said he's getting payback after working hard for two months to get it. Great promo.

Backstage: JBL was lacing his boots when Kane showed up. "Any advice tonight...captain?" Kane said with sarcasm. JBL chuckled and said they have no problems, so they should be able to co-exist tonight. (They're facing Cryme Time.) Kane cut him off and said JBL's expertise is giving financial advise. Kane said his specialty is strapping cables to people's groins and electrocuting them. Oh my. Kane told "captain" to stick to his game plan if he wants to avoid full-scale mutiny. Kane walked off, then JBL simply stared after him.

In-ring: Cryme Tyme came to the ring for the tag match against JBL & Kane.

[Commercial Break]

4 -- JBL & KANE vs. CRYME TYME (SHAD GASPAR & JTG)

Lawler quipped that JBL told him the stock market hit rock bottom two weeks ago, but it's still dropping now. Quick three-minute match with Kane doing a lot of damage on JTG after knocking Shad off the apron. JBL then smashed JTG with the Clothesline from Hell and made the pin on Kane's behalf. Kane didn't appreciate JBL taking advantage of his work, but JBL chuckled and left the ring to convey he's captain of their Survivor Series team.

WINNERS: Kane & JBL in 3:00. Quick match to focus on Kane and JBL's "relationship." Not much happening here with Cryme Tyme, as they barely had any offense. (1/2*)

Backstage: Kofi Kingston was shown talking to Evan Bourne and wishing him a speedy recovery. He said he hopes Bourne will be back in time for the Royal Rumble. Mike Knox suddenly jumped into the scene and smashed Kofi into Bourne. He threw him into a garage door, then stalked Bourne, who pleaded for his life. Knox picked up the crutch, then smashed Bourne across the right ankle where the boot was protecting his injury. Bourne gasped for breath and clutched his foot before they cut to break.

[Commercial Break]

Recap: They showed Knox taking out Evan Bourne before the break. Cole and Lawler then debated why Knox targeted Bourne. Stay tuned.

In-ring: New IC champion William Regal came to the ring and accepted the mic. Regal said the fact that a rap star received a warmer reception than him displays the very essence of what's wrong with this country. Regal looked around the arena with disdain, then he said this is why Great Britain is more respected around the world. He said he serves his queen with dignity and loyalty, concepts of which are foreign to the likes of these people. Matt Hardy's music then hit and Hardy hobbled out on stage. He is definitely favoring that injured knee. And the ECW champion Matt Hardy appearing on Raw should be made a huge deal with pre-match advertising.

5 -- ECW champion MATT HARDY vs. Intercontinental champion WILLIAM REGAL -- non-title match

The match spilled to the floor a few moments into the ring, then the ref applied a ten count while the men continued to brawl. Neither one paid attention, then the ref reached a ten count for a double count-out. Regal and Hardy paused to hear the decision rendered, then they continued to brawl on the outside until refs spilled out to the floor to break them up.

WINNERS: Double count-out in 2:00. Not exactly the best way to utilize Hardy in a brief match with no hype, but it was a good brawl for what it was worth to fill a segment. (n/a)

Backstage: Chris Jericho was shown walking with a big grin on his face. He's promo'ing on Cena next.

[Commercial Break]

Euro video package: They showed highlights from the WWE wrestlers on the European tour the past two weeks.

In-ring: Chris Jericho came to the ring and sarcastically addressed the "heartwarming" story of John Cena. So, tonight, he treats us to his story starting in 2001. Jericho said he achieved legendary status by accomplishing the unthinkable. First of all, he beat The Rock to become WCW champion. And then, just a short 20 minutes later, he beat Steve Austin for the WWE Title to become the first-ever Undisputed champion. They showed clips of the finish of both matches. It was a moment in time to supersede anything John Cena has ever done, Jericho said. Cue up the Scramble match from a few months ago when Jericho won the World Title in a match he wasn't even supposed to be part of.

Jericho said he beat C.M. Punk in a cage match to retain his title, then beat Shawn Michaels in a ladder match - the match that was once Michaels's, but is now his. And then in another grueling cage, he beat Batista to become five-time World champion. Jericho smugly said he's won every conceivable match put in front of him. He's beaten everyone, achieved more success than any champion in this business, but every piece of hype has been centered on one man, John Cena.

Jericho said Cena is being treated like a hero, but he has never conquered him. Jericho said every fairytale on Raw has ended the same way - "Me holding the World championship high above my head," he said. Jericho said he is the best in the game and he refuses to let Cena waltz into this ring and take what is his. He said contrary to what fans have been told, the centerpiece of Raw is not Cena, but the World Hvt. champion and that is Chris Jericho. Nice delivery right there. Awesome intensity.

Jericho said that at Survivor Series, he will end the phenomenon known as John Cena. And only then will Monday Night Raw finally be saved. Jericho then dropped the mic and surveyed the crowd. There's your money promo from Jericho.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: They showed various men surrounding the ring as lumberjacks for the main event tonight. Hey, Paul Burchill getting some camera time tonight. Randy Orton's music then hit. That would have been an awesome rib if his old theme that he hated for four years came on. Orton then walked out and stared down Batista, who was ringside meeting his glare.

6 -- RANDY ORTON vs. C.M. PUNK -- Lumberjack match

Punk was the first man thrown into the ring right in front of Cody and Manu, but Punk quickly hopped back into the ring. Orton then shouted down at them for not doing anything to help him out. Orton was suddenly dropkicked to the floor in front of Matt Hardy, who quickly rolled him back into the ring. Orton found himself in the same spot, then he wanted a piece of Hardy, but the ECW babyfaces threw him back into the ring. Punk then found himself in Mark Henry's grasp where Henry slammed him onto the floor and put him back in the ring for Orton. They panned back while Orton was working on Punk to reveal an odd trio of Shawn Michaels, D-Lo Brown, and Hacksaw Duggan with an odd look on his face.

At 9:00, Punk wanted the Go 2 Sleep, but Orton slipped out and slammed Punk hard to the mat. Orton then went into full stalker position for the RKO, but Punk dropkicked him out of the ring into the lap of the heel lumberjacks. Miz and Morrison helped Orton up, then Punk went up top and splashed Orton on the floor in the lap of the heel lumberjacks. Regal then distracted Punk, and Orton suddenly slipped into the ring to nail Punk with the RKO. He then made the cover on Punk for the win.

WINNER: Orton in 10:00. Nice match. Orton looked crisp back in the ring, albeit with a few headlocks mixed in for an old school feel. Lumberjacks didn't take away from the match, but didn't really enhance anything other than Regal's distraction giving Punk an "out" for the loss. Just fine, but a wash on selling the PPV on Sunday since the traditional Survivor Series teams weren't made crystal clear by show's end. It was more about the captains warring, not necessarily the participants on the teams having anything to battle over. (**)

After the match, Orton wanted to punt Punk in the head, but Batista jammed into the ring, nearly popped the ref, and speared Orton. JBL and Shawn Michaels then charged into the ring to brawl. Kane got involved, then Rey dropkicked Kane. Oh, I thought that was over. And now cue up the giant brawl in and out of the ring to close out the show with Cole excitedly trying to plug Survivor Series on Sunday.

We welcome your 0-10 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, email to pwtorch@gmail.com.

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