By James Caldwell, PWTorch columnist

WWE Raw Live Report
November 24, 2008
Providence, R.I.

The show started with a shot of Shane McMahon walking backstage in a huff. He handed Dolph Ziggler his jacket, then he walked to the guerrilla position and told the man on a headset to hit his music. Shane then came out on stage and said last night at Survivor Series, John Cena became the new World Hvt. champion. 90 percent cheers there. Shane said that makes things interesting because two men have championship re-match clauses. Those men being Batista and Chris Jericho.

So, tonight, they will determine the next #1 Contender with the Jericho vs. Batista winner facing Cena at Armageddon. Oops. Suddenly, Stephanie McMahon came out on stage. She said someone else, Randy Orton, has a valid argument to contend for the title. It'll now be a triple threat #1 contender match - Batista vs. Jericho vs. Orton. Shane was okay with it, kinda. They tried whispering off mic to have a brief discussion about things, then the fans chanted for Cena.

Stephanie said without further ado, right now, there will be Miz & Morrison vs. --- Shane stepped in to announce "against Shawn Michaels and Rey Mysterio." Stephanie then smiled before turning that upside down to say this is her show. She said she won't let Shane ruin her show and she'll be damned if that happens like he's tried to ruin her life.

Shane wiped his mouth and said she's way off base. He said he's here tonight to have fun and make Raw a better show. Steph told Shane to make Raw a better show by hopping back in his Ferrari back to New York City. She said Shane can run the corporation while she runs this show. Shane took a step back, then asked Steph if she just wants to run the show or wants to sleep with another WWE star to run the company. Oh my.

Steph slapped Shane, then he took a step back before telling Steph he's going to watch her run the show right into the ground. Shane walked off, then Stephanie bit her lip and walked back. To the announcers where Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler were speechless.

In-ring: Miz and Morrison came out first for the opening bout. Rey Mysterio came out while Cole and Lawler discussed the shocking start tonight. Shawn Michaels then came out to a strong reaction.

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

The match started, then they suddenly cut elsewhere where JBL sat down in his limo and told the driver to start driving. JBL Limo Cam revealed JBL telling the driver to take him to ringside now. A few moments later, JBL's music hit, then JBL emerged ringside while Morrison worked over Michaels and his injured eye.

[Q2]

[Commercial Break]

Back from break, Rey was KO'ed on the floor while JBL was still watching from the stage. Michaels then looked for a tag to Rey, but Rey was still out cold on the floor. Rey finally came to at 7:00 and he accepted a tag from Michaels before beginning his "swashbuckling style" offense that Cole loves so dearly. Rey then hit a springboard splash on Miz before setting up the 619 and connecting. Rey went up top to finish the job, but Morrison grabbed his leg. Michaels then ran over to yank Morrison on the floor, setting up a battle. Back in the ring, Rey caught Miz up top and he nailed a sunset flip powerbomb on Miz for the win.

Afterward, Morrison grabbed Rey and tossed him into the ringpost for a post-match attack. Morrison then went after Michaels and completely snapped on Michaels with forearms and haymakers. JBL then entered the ring while Morrison continued to pound on Michaels before JBL stepped into the ring. He measured Michaels for a kick to the head, but then he turned to Morrison and gave him a huge boot to the face. Fans popped for that. Michaels had no idea what to make of it. Apparently JBL didn't like being on the losing team at Survivor Series.

WINNERS: Rey & Michaels in 10:00. Formula tag match. Great intensity from Morrison after the match. This has been quite an interesting start to the show. Fortunately, JBL explained himself afterward... (*1/2)

[Commercial Break]

Backstage: Todd Grisham found JBL for an explanation of things. JBL said this morning, he made Michaels an offer he believes would be beneficial to both of them. He said the deal will hopefully be completed soon and that transaction in the ring was just a sign of good faith.

In-ring: Lillian Garcia announced the star of the upcoming Behind Enemy Lines movie, Mr. Kennedy, making his return on Raw. Kennedy, sporting a light goatee, came out on stage to cut a promo about this here movie. Kennedy said he decided to Cross the Line in Boston last night and interview fans in line with a question about which WWE wrestler Barack Obama reminds them of.

Shelton Benjamin. Triple H. Batista. The Rock. Hacksaw Duggan. Big Show. Randy Orton. Carlito. Kofi Kingston. John Cena. Cryme Tyme. Rey Mysterio. John Morrison. The Undertaker. MVP. Shawn Michaels. No idea. Long pause. Rewind. No idea. Long Pause. Poor kid. Finally, he said Vince McMahon. Oh snap. Back to Kennedy, who then went back to the video. Why Vince? "Because he's stubborn and I believe Barack Obama is a little stubborn." Kennedy: But, what else? Any other similarities? Back to the kid. And they both have big ears. Cue up the graphics department showing Obama and McMahon on a split-screen with huge ears. Kennedy was upset his name wasn't mentioned, so he announced himself. Weeeeeird.

[Q3]

Backstage: Todd Grisham brought in Batista to discuss the #1 contender situation. Batista first off congratulated John Cena for re-claiming the World Title last night. He said Cena must be feeling pretty good right now. Tonight, he starts his climb back to the top of the mountain by winning the triple threat match and getting the belt back from Cena. Again.

[Commercial Break]

Raw promo: Another three-hour show in two weeks. They're bringing back to the Slammy Awards. Anything to pop a rating.

In-ring: Lillian Garcia gave an elaborate introduction for the IC Tournament #1 Contender deal happening now. Without any explanation. Cue up Pat Patterson, who was brought to ringside while they showed clips of Patterson in action as the first WWWF recognized IC champion. Cole then gave the canned WWE explanation of him winning an imaginary tournament in Brazil to become first IC champion. ... Kofi Kingston came out first for the tournament, then he shook hands with Patterson. Kane came out as the opposition.

2 -- KOFI KINGSTON vs. KANE -- #1 Contender tournament first round match

Patterson plugged the IC Title DVD coming out tomorrow as one of the best DVDs WWE has ever produced. Meanwhile, Kane worked over Kofi to start things off. Kane teased the chokeslam at 2:00, but Kofi knocked him to the floor and hit a big splash on the floor. Both men came up hurting, though, then Kane yanked Kofi head-first into the ringpost. Kane then wrapped Kofi around the ringpost and the ref counted to five, but Kane wouldn't break the hold. Ref Armstrong then DQ'ed Kane, giving Kofi a win. Great, a DQ finish in the first tournament match.

[Q4]

Afterward, Kane brought the ring steps into the ring. He waited for Kofi to get up, then Kane smashed him in the face with the ring steps. Where's C.M. Punk? Ya know, the tag champion with Kofi? Stephanie McMahon then walked out on stage and gave Kane an option for next week: a match against John Cena. So, you're rewarded for doing bad on this show? Kane smiled and Stephanie smiled. Everyone's happy.

WINNER: Kofi Kingston via DQ in 3:00. A rather poor start to the tournament with the finish and a quick three-minute match. Stephanie's random appearance was quite random. (1/2*)

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Chris Jericho came out first for the #1 contender triple threat match. Randy Orton came out next, then they showed Cody Rhodes and Manu watching intently on a backstage monitor. They were dressed rather sharply tonight. Batista then came out and off we go.

3 -- BATISTA vs. CHRIS JERICHO vs. RANDY ORTON -- #1 Contender match to World Hvt. Title

Each man had brief control early on, then Jericho missed with a Lionsault on Orton. Orton then got up and stalked Jericho for the RKO, but they cut to break for a cliffhanger...

[Commercial Break]

Back from break, they showed a clip from during the commercial break of Batista yanking Orton out of the ring before Orton could strike on Jericho. Orton and Jericho then started to double-team Batista, but the snake eventually turned on the lion. Meanwhile, the animal made his comeback with a clothesline on the snake and a Black Hole Slam on the lion. Okay, I'll stop.

[Q5 -- second hour]

Batista fired off a clothesline on Orton before landing a powerslam for a two count. Batista then teased the Batistabomb on Jericho, but Jericho blocked, kicked Batista, and slapped on the Walls of Jericho in center ring. Batista fought it, then Orton broke up the hold. Orton stalked Batista, then he nailed the fallaway backbreaker before going to the ground to slither and slide and stalk Batista for the RKO. Batista slowly made his way to his knees, then Orton backed up and went for the punt, except Batista saw it coming and he nailed a spear. Batista had the cover, but Jericho kicked Batista in the head and Jericho covered Orton for the win.

WINNER: Jericho in 12:00 to become #1 contender. Nice win for Jericho to take advantage of his right place, right time persona. It continues Batista's frustrating journey back to the World Title, which makes for a good storyline. Orton had enough camera time on offense to remain credible despite taking the loss. Good match. (**1/4)

Raw tonight: The champ is back on the show.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Santino Marella was in the ring with Beth Phoenix to complain about not being featured in the IC Title DVD coming out tomorrow. It's also a huge mistake not to be included in the IC contender tournament. As for the hater who challenged him to a match tonight, he's looking forward to introducing him to his two Roman soldiers - his biceps. Beth was somewhat impressed. Goldust's music then answered the challenge. Oh boy.

4 -- SANTINO MARELLA (w/Beth Phoenix) vs. GOLDUST

Santino slapped Goldust across the chest, then he comically wiped his hands from the gross feeling on his hands. Goldust did his mannerisms toward Santino, then toward Beth, setting off Santino for trying to kiss his girlfriend. Goldust fired off a round of clotheslines while Beth tried to shout encouragement, then Goldust busted out a spinning facebuster suplex for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Goldust in 3:00. Goldust lowered the bar for his return last month when he looked way out of shape, so he looked halfway impressive here by sheer comparison. Still, this is going nowhere if it's merely Goldust re-living an old gimmick that's as stale and rehashed as the current WWE TV formula. (1/2*)

[Q6]

[Commercial Break]

Charlie Haas promo: Charlie Haas, dressed as Bret Hart, cut a weird video promo for WWE Mobile.

Backstage: Randy Orton was walking around with a towel over his face when he walked over to Cody Rhodes and Manu. They glared at Orton, who then walked away after a few tense moments.

In-ring: Time for another IC Title #1 contender tournament first round match...of doom. C.M. Punk came out first, then William Regal and Layla came out on stage. Regal brought down the IC Title belt for Punk to get a look at. He nodded in Punk's direction, then placed himself ringside for a closer look. Out came Snitsky as the opponent for Punk. He looks even uglier than I recall.

4 -- C.M. PUNK vs. SNITSKY -- #1 Contender tournament first round match

Regal, on commentary, said he hopes Punk wins this tournament because he believes they're capable of a feud for the ages. In the ring, Snitsky instantly targeted Punk's lower back. Lawler prompted a conversation with Regal about "dreadful dental hygiene" from some of his fellow Englishman. Snitsky had Punk's back twisted forever, then Punk suddenly caught Snitsky on his shoulders and nailed the Go 2 Sleep on Snitsky. He made the cover for the win. Afterward, Regal gave Punk a light golf clap while Punk nodded in his direction. Regal stood up a little to continue his applause, then Punk slipped through the ring to pick up the conversation with Regal.

WINNER: Punk in 5:00. Rough match with Snitsky slowing things down in classic Koslov fashion. Just not interesting to watch, unfortunately, but Regal provided good commentary to balance the in-ring work from Snitsky. (3/4*)

Backstage: Grisham brought in Rey Mysterio to talk about facing The Miz in a first round IC Title tournament match next week. Rey said Michaels, Rock, and Austin have all been IC champions and he hopes to be added to that list. Suddenly, Mike Knox walked in and stared down at Rey. Apparently Knox doesn't like small wrestlers. Rey stopped short, then Knox stared at him for some uncomfortable moments before walking off.

[Commercial Break]

[Q7]

Backstage: Shawn Michaels and Triple H were in their DX gear to promote some DX merchandise to boost WWE Shop sales. They should have told viewers to buy merchandise to save jobs for their favorite wrestlers. Michaels pulled up a DX jersey that Michaels was supposed to model. Kelly Kelly then came in as the model. Michaels pulled out the latest WWE video game, but he was holding it upside down. Kelly corrected him, then Michaels talked about the WiiBox and Nintendo 3149 systems. Kelly corrected him it's the Wii, X Box, and Playstation 3. Michaels grew tired of the correction, then sent her packing. Hunter asked for the jersey back, so a jersey was tossed back at him. Michaels played shocked seeing Kelly jersey-less off camera, then he gave a final plug while hiding behind the video game box.

In-ring: Beth Phoenix, Jillian Hall, and Katie Lea came to the ring for a six-diva match of sorts. Beth bragged about winning the divas Survivor Series match last night, then Jillian interrupted to plug the Slammys in two weeks. She said she put together a musical number for this. She started to sing while Katie did some back-up dancing. Beth reprimanded her for encouraging Jillian here. More of Jillian breaking it down, then they cut to break. Help us all.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Mickie James, then Candice Michelle came out to the ring as two of the opponents. Lawler spoiled the surprise by saying Melina is back in the ring tonight. Lillian then announced Melina returning to Raw tonight. Cole covered that Lawler has the inside scoop on all the women in WWE. Lawler reasoned that he watches the Oxygen Channel a lot.

5 -- CANDICE MICHELLE & MELINA & MICKIE JAMES vs. Women's champion BETH PHOENIX & KATIE LEA & JILLIAN HALL

Slow pace here, then Melina took a hot tag and brought some energy to the match. Melina busted out a sick modified Canadian Destroyer on Katie, then Beth broke up the pin. The action broke down, then Melina finished off Katie with a leg sweep splits drop for the pin and the win.

WINNERS: Team Melina in 3:00. Well, Melina was quite impressive busting out that modified Destroyer. Otherwise, this was completely forgettable. (1/2*)

[Q8]

Backstage: Chris Jericho was dressed in a suit, then he approaches Stephanie McMahon in the hallway. Jericho said that he's going to serve as John Cena's one-man welcoming committee for his big return to Raw. Stephanie smiled, then Jericho walked off.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: After they replayed how Chris Jericho became new #1 contender, Jericho was shown standing in the ring. He said everyone thinks there's a new era tonight with John Cena, but he reminded everyone that he took care of the Batista Era very quickly and nothing changed. Jericho said he's here to tell Cena personally that the exact same thing is going to happen to him at Armageddon. At the end of the year, nothing will have changed because he will still be World champion.

Suddenly, John Cena appeared on the video screen. Cena was standing among a group of kids somewhere in the arena. Cena told Jericho to stop talking because somewhere along the line, he lost his grip on reality and thinks he's above everyone else. Cena said he wants to call all these people hypocrites, but the reality is these people know what to like and not like, which includes Jericho. Cena said he didn't show up alone tonight for the one-man welcoming party, but if Jericho wants to welcome him, he has to welcome all of them right now. Cena then walked into the arena with a ton of kids following him. One lady got a hug in while security tried to clear the way for Cena.

Cena hopped over the guardrail and entered the ring with a big smile on his face, then he asked to stop the music. Cena asked Jericho if hears that. That being the energy in the crowd. Cena said there's kids, men, and women in the arena tonight. He waited out a "Cena, Cena" chant then said they all have one thing in common: they care about the WWE. And he knows that every time they come to the arena, these people spend their hard-earned money to stand up and cheer; make some noise and get rowdy. Why? Because they have passion. Preacher promo here.

Cena said all the fans ask of them in return is that every time the wrestlers step in the ring, they share the same passion. He said that without the fans, none of this exists. Preacher promo pep talk. Cena said he's not here to start an era. He doesn't even know how many titles he's won or lost. He's just about giving his all every time he steps into the ring. Jericho, who waited patiently, said he doesn't give a damn if the fans agree with Cena.

Jericho said he's beaten everyone in WWE, but Cena cut him off and said he doesn't care about The List. The biggest difference between them is that Jericho talks business. Cena then took off his cap, belt, and t-shirt for a pop. He said he means business. Cena approached Jericho for a little dance, but Jericho smirked and walked through the ropes. He said it's on in three weeks. Jericho left the ring, then Cena said he kind of figured Jericho would do that.

[Q9 -- over-run]

Cena said he wants to clear the air one time, though. He said last night at Survivor Series was a heck of a match and no one can doubt Jericho's ability to wrestle in the ring. But, they don't see eye-to-eye because Jericho comes out here and claims to be here to save this place. Cena said he likes this place and the one thing that makes him want to tear Jericho in half is Jericho insulting these people that they're not good enough. Cena said Jericho has been lying the entire time. He then held up the World Title belt and said Cena is just as much of a WWE fan as these people and him holding this title proves we are good enough. Cena said they do not need saving or changing. "This proves that the champ is here," he said.

Jericho had enough and stomped his way back into the ring. Jericho said the champ is not here, but the champ is right here (pointing to himself). He said Cena doesn't intimidate or impress him. As a matter of fact, he thinks Cena is a little scared of him. Jericho dropped a "look at me when I'm talking to you, boy" line that got Cena fired up. He called Cena a liar and a hypocrite pandering to these fans. Jericho said he'll win at Armageddon and Cena will do nothing about it. He said Cena is nothing more than a worm; a coward of a man.

Cena reared back and smacked Jericho in the face before snapping on him with clotheslines in the corner. He busted out a fisherman buster suplex before tossing him through the ropes to the floor. Jericho recovered, but Cena wasn't done. Cena went to the floor and threw Jericho clear across the announce table before clearing the table. Cena sent Jericho into the ring steps before whipping him into another set of ring steps. Jericho sold a shoulder injury before Cena turned to the camera and said to hold on.

Cena went back to the floor and grabbed the top ring steps. He then rammed Jericho in the face with the steps before lifting up the ring steps in the air. Cena dragged Jericho back into the ring and the fans chanted for the FU. Cena had an Orton-like look on his face before charging Jericho with a hard clothesline. He surveyed the arena with a cold stare before grappling Jericho with a full nelson. Cena stood over Jericho's fallen body then he slapped on the STFU in center ring. Jericho tapped out over and over, but Cena wouldn't release the hold. Jericho's face turned red as the announcers called for help.

Cena eventually released the hold while the fans roared, then he picked up the World Title belt and held it high over his head while his music played. They showed Cena glaring down at Jericho's lifeless body with a vicious look on his face. Finally, they cut back to Kane, who was watching on a monitor backstage. Kane vs. Cena next week. This week, Cena stands tall over Jericho with the title belt held high in the air eight minutes past the top of the hour.

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