by James Caldwell, Assistant editor

WWE Raw Live Report
January 5, 2009
New Orleans, La.

Intro: The show started with a video package on HBK selling himself to JBL, then helping JBL win the #1 contender slot on last week's Raw.

In-ring: Chris Jericho and Randy Orton were standing in the ring together dressed for some business. Jericho said himself and Orton feel HBK working with JBL in last week's fatal four-way match went against the rules of every man for himself. Jericho said they have formally filed a protest about what happened last week. Orton said his piece, then Jericho picked up the promo that they will not leave this ring until a proper decision is made.

JBL's music interrupted and out came the JBL Longhorn limo (yes, I'm watching Texas vs. Ohio St. on the DVR later tonight) and out walked Shawn Michaels instead of JBL. Michaels had his cowboy hat held low over his eyes with the camera unable to get an expression. JBL then followed out behind Michaels and they slowly made their way to the ring.

Michaels entered the ring first and held his head low as JBL did the talking. He said Orton and Jericho would have done the exact same thing he did if they had the resources he has. Jericho said they don't deal with indecent and immoral people. He then went right up to Michaels and asked him what he thinks about being a sell-out and a phony, especially when it turns out he was right from their program months ago.

Michaels took the mic and said the one thing that allows him to sleep at night and not be sickened with himself is that he personally made sure Orton and Jericho would not fight for the World championship. Orton said HBK can justify it all he wants, but HBK took a turn for his worst. And it turns out Ric Flair's career was ended by a weak, pathetic sell-out. The same of it all, Shawn, is that once their protest is heard, the decision will be over-turned tonight.

Stephanie McMahon then showed up on stage and said the fact of the matter is that HBK was hit by the Clothesline from Hell last week and their complaint is invalid. She said JBL will go on to face John Cena for the title at the Rumble. Stephanie said her decision stands, but Jericho and Orton can take solace in the fact they have been entered in the Rumble.

Jericho snapped back that it's obvious they should be in the Rumble, but Michaels doesn't deserve to be in the Rumble, especially if you don't want him to poison the match just like he did last week. Michaels had his puppy-dog face, then JBL stepped in - interrupting Stephanie - and said Michaels will be in his corner when he defeats Cena for the World Title and that will be his only function.

Stephanie paused to make sure JBL knew he interrupted her, then booked a tag match for tonight. Jericho & Orton vs. Michaels & John Cena, the opponent for JBL at the Rumble. Michaels tried to fight back tears of frustration as the announcers then plugged Regal vs. Punk for the IC Title later tonight.

[Commercial Break]

[Q2]

In-ring: Goldust was in the ring squatting down for a piece of action tonight. Melina then came out as his tag partner. Out next was Glamarella with Santino Marella holding Beth's Slammy and Beth holding her Women's Title.

1 -- SANTINO MARELLA & Women's champion BETH PHOENIX vs. GOLDUST & MELINA

Early on, Goldust tried to kiss Beth, who shied away before Goldy nailed a flying butt bomb on Santino to knock him to the mat. Goldust then clotheslined Santino over the top rope to the floor. The divas then entered the ring and Melina caught her in the corner for a sort-of turnaround head jam. She then bridge pinned Beth for the pin and the win.

After the match, Beth's #1 fan hopped the guardrail and tried to attack Melina, but security held her back. Melina wanted a piece of #1 Rosa Mendes, but security yanked her away. Melina then returned to ringside to celebrate the victory while Goldust disappeared and made himself invisible. After a replay of the finish, Melina celebrated with Goldust, who kinda walked around in a dazed state.

WINNERS: Melina & Goldust in 4:00. Decent set-up for Beth vs. Melina for the belt at the Rumble. Goldust's involvement? Apparently they need to justify having him on the roster. Just fine, though. (3/4*)

Backstage: Todd Grisham brought in C.M. Punk to discuss matters prior to the IC Title match against Regal. Punk said he's totally stoked and he's always wanted to go after the IC Title since he was a kid. Ricky Steamboat. Bret Hart. Mr. Perfect. He wants to add his name to the list. Punk said time flies in WWE, but he hasn't forgotten that Regal beat him in the finals of the King of the Ring in '08 and he's looking to start the new year with an IC Title victory. Cole and Lawler said the match is next. You would think if they really wanted to establish the importance of the title, it would be on last during tonight's show. But, it's the IC Title.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Lilian Garcia provided the on-camera intros for the IC Title match picking up the third quarter hour of the show. C.M. Punk came out first as the challenger. William Regal then came out with Layla to defend the title. Here we go.

[Q3]

2 -- Intercontinental champion WILLIAM REGAL (w/Layla) vs. C.M. PUNK -- IC Title match

Punk quickly knocked Regal to the floor in the opening minute, then Punk set up for a splash, but Regal pulled Layla in harm's way to make sure Punk didn't try anything. Regal took advantage of the hesitation and yanked Punk down hard to the mat. Nice heel tactics. Layla then scowled at Regal for being so dastardly. Punk then teased the G2S at 3:00, but Regal grabbed the ref by the shirt collar to prevent the hold. The ref then called for a DQ and Punk was not pleased with the call.

After the DQ, Layla quickly grabbed the IC Title belt and handed it to Regal as they tried to high-tail it. Of course, Layla was still quite upset with Regal. Quite funny. Punk complained to the ref about the DQ, then Stephanie McMahon appeared on screen and said she won't let the first title match of 2009 end this way. She said in the re-match, a DQ will hand the belt over to Punk. Fans cheered. Not clear on when the re-match is. After the commercial, at the Rumble, on the debut of Superstars on WGN?

WINNER: Punk via DQ in 4:00; Regal retained the IC Title. Well that sucked. At least there's a follow-up re-match, but will anyone care about another IC Title match with a false-start on the first title match of the year? (n/a)

DVD promo: They hyped Mr. Kennedy's DVD.

[Commercial Break. Strangest movie trailer commercial ever for "Taken."]

Locker room: JBL was standing over HBK in the locker room as HBK sat down on a chair. HBK was sporting an official Royal Rumble t-shirt, meaning he has official j-status. JBL talked about Stephanie setting up the perfect scenario of Shawn Michaels being able to take out John Cena tonight to make sure Cena forfeits the title and JBL walks into WrestleMania as World champion. JBL said him returning to Texas at WrestleMania 25 as the conquering hero is major business. It's financial security for the rest of Michaels's life. Never have to worry about a future bill, his wife or kids, or anything. He said the hard part is over, so don't let him down.

Backstage: Randy Orton talked to Cody Rhodes and Sim Snuka about passing phase one last week. Now, they have to win this week and they're in. Manu then walked in and begged for another chance to prove himself. Orton told Manu that he lost and that's it. Manu shot back that Orton lost his match last week. "What did you say?!" Orton shot back. He said Manu has done absolutely nothing with the chance he's given him. Orton said half the people in the building don't even know Manu's name and he has the audacity to act like a big deal. Orton then led Cody and Sim away, leaving Manu to sneer at him. Perhaps a babyface rival legends faction?

Elsewhere backstage: Dolph Ziggler introduced himself to Mickie James, then Rey Mysterio and Kofi Kingston walked past on the way to the ring for a tag match.

[Commercial Break]

[Q4]

Smackdown promo: Triple H vs. Vickie and Hunter faces Triple Jeopardy with all kinds of ways for Hunter to run through the gauntlet of lesser talent.

In-ring: World tag team champions Miz & Morrison came to the ring for a featured tag match. Morrison then took the mic in the ring and quieted the crowd down. Miz spoke first about the fans having the audacity to boo them. He told them "boo you!" and Morrison said the city that took over the title of murder capital of the U.S. has no room to boo them. Miz sarcastically apologized for being so great, then they introduced themselves. Be Jealous.

Rey Mysterio came out first for the babyface team and it was announced he's been added to the Royal Rumble match. Cole then recapped last week's ten-man tag match when Rey finished off Mike Knox to apparently end the program. Kofi Kingston came out as his partner and they announced Kofi is in the Rumble as well.

3 -- World tag team champions THE MIZ & JOHN MORRISON vs. REY MYSTERIO & KOFI KINGSTON -- non-title match

After lengthy ring intros and other essential pre-match business, they went to the babyfaces standing tall before cutting to a break about a minute into the match. I'm putting money on Kofi on the defensive out of the break.

[Commercial Break]

Dang, it was Rey on the defensive out of the break. Kofi picked up a tag at 5:00, and he cleared Morrison off the apron, but Morrison recovered and crotched Kofi on the top rope when he went up top. Miz and Morrison then took control working over Kofi.

[Q5 -- second hour]

Kofi tried to break free at 9:00, but Miz and Morrison cut him off once again. Kofi finally broke free at 10:00 as Rey encouraged the fans to show up and get into the hot tag sequence. Kofi finally crawled across the desert and tagged in Rey, who swashbuckled his way into a huracanrana on Morrison. Rey then scored a nearfall on a double-foot dropkick, but Morrison blocked a wheelbarrow attempt into a front gutbuster for a nearfall. Nice counter of an overly-choreographed move.

Rey then landed a DDT with a springboard counter for a two count. Things broke down and Kofi took Miz to the floor. He clutched his knee on the way down. In the ring, Rey hit the 619 on Morrison, then kicked the Miz away. Rey wanted the springboard sentaun on Morrison to finish it, but Miz provided enough of a distraction for Morrison to counter the Sentaun with a spin kick to the gut in mid-air. Morrison then covered Rey for the pin and the win.

After the match, Mike Knox stormed the ring and attacked Rey. Well, program isn't over yet. Knox then swung Rey into the ropes and slingshot him throat-first across the middle rope. Kofi tried to limp into the ring while still clutching his knee, then Knox kicked him back to the outside. Knox hung Rey up on the top rope, then kicked him in the head and Rey fell hard to the mat. Knox, with his giant beard, went over to the scraps and walked right over Rey on the way out.

WINNERS: Miz & Morrison in 13:00. Nice finish to the match, although we might need a health check on Kofi. Miz & Morrison continue to be a great tandem and Morrison continues to show why the latter part of 2009 should be his break-out time as a singles wrestler. (**1/2)

Backstage: Shawn Michaels was lacing up his boots, then John Cena walked over to him. After waiting out the big cheers live in the arena, Cena said it is what it is. HBK's situation is pretty clear, so he just needs to know if he's facing three guys tonight. Michaels snapped and said the first line tonight, "I'm nobody's puppet tonight!" Cena was taken aback, so he paused. Michaels rhetorically asked Cena what he should expect from history. He then walked off, leaving Cena to think whether he's dealing with Clique HBK or re-born HBK.

[Commercial Break]

Edge DVD promo: This preview has been rated D for Decadence. I'll take plugs for Edge's DVD over Mr. Kennedy's "Behind Enemy Lines" DVD any day of the week.

In-ring: Kelly Kelly came to the ring for a divas contest. They showed Kelly revealing Randy Orton as her friend with benefits from last week. Jillian Hall then came out singing...er...botching "When the Saints Go Marching In" since they're in New Orleans. Plenty of shots of fans covering their ears in pain.

4 -- JILLIAN HALL vs. KELLY KELLY

Lawler offered his usual jokes about Kelly's attractiveness, but offered a serious comment about her improving each week in the ring. Jillian quickly went to work on Kelly, talking her way through a heel beating on Kelly. She then screamed toward the hard cam, causing my cat's ears to go wild. Jillian sat down on a seated full nelson, then Kelly broke free and kicked Jillian beneath the chin. She flipped away from Jillian, then snapped off a multiple-revolutions head scissors. She went up top and nailed a cross body block, but for a two count only.

[Q6]

Kelly tried a victory roll, but Jillian countered with a bridge pin of her own. Kelly escaped, then wanted a handspring elbow smash, but Kelly kicked her away. Kelly then stepped up on Jillian's back and landed a sick guillotine leg drop. She made the cover for the win. Afterward, Jillian attacked Kelly from behind until Kane's entrance hit. Kane then entered the ring to confront Kelly, who slowly tried to back away from Kane. He took the mic and said the truth finally comes out that she never liked him, but only protected Orton, who rejected her. Kane said it doesn't feel real good, does it? Kane said that next week, he's going back to what he enjoys in taking people apart. He has a match with Orton next week. He told her to feel free to watch. Kane laughed and dropped the mic.

WINNER: Kelly in 4:00. Fine. Jillian was able to work in some heel tactics - like screaming - to keep the action intriguing leading to Kelly's comeback. Good set-up for Kane vs. Orton next week. (3/4*)

[Commercial Break]

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