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By Chris Newth, PWTorch contributor

WWE Monday Night Raw
June 30, 2008
Upcoming PPV: The Great American Bash (third-to-last episode before PPV)

RAW STORYLINES AND FEUDS

Welcome to the forty-fifth edition of Raw Storylines and Feuds.

For those wondering about the Intrigue Level system that I employ, you can refer to the numbers as follows:

10 (excellent), 9 (great), 8-6 (very good, good, pretty good), 5 (decent; has its good and bad qualities), 4-3 (needs work, poor), 2 (bad), 1 (terrible)


Would you like to have your thoughts about a particular feud posted in this column? Do you have a strong opinion about a rivalry in WWE? In the coming weeks, I plan to stir a little more reader interaction in the Storylines and Feuds articles. Here's what I'm looking for: a brief opinion or comment about any ongoing WWE storyline. Mention your likes and dislikes, problems or strengths of the feud, etc. Just be sure to include your name. Also, please don't exceed 3-5 sentences. If you can make a really strong point in just one sentence, that's perfect. I just want concise, yet strong comments about a storyline. I will post multiple emails on each of my articles in the coming weeks and lend my own reaction to them. The goal is to broaden discussion on the storylines in WWE. My email address is newthtorch@hotmail.com, so send in your comments now!

The only other note I have is that you won't find too many storylines featured this week because of all the uncertainty. It is clear that Cena-JBL, Jericho-Michaels, and the McMahon angle will continue, but not too much more is clear. Trying to analyze what certain people may be doing in the coming weeks would be futile. Even World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk's future is foggy right now. So, this episode of Raw left a few key feuds rolling while simultaneously growing a lengthy Potential Feuds section. With that said, let's start with…


JOHN CENA vs. JBL (14 weeks w/ 4 weeks hiatus)

The events that transpired on Raw were both monumental and somewhat convoluted, so I'll try to make this summary as simplistic and lucid as I can. The show began with Jim Ross coming out to give his Farewell Address to the fans of Monday Night Raw. He talked about being drafted to Smackdown and how he hopes to bring that brand to a new level. He also encouraged people to tune in this Friday night. Eventually, Smackdown's Edge came out accompanied by Hawkins and Ryder to rain on Ross's proverbial parade. The Rated-R Superstar told Ross to start getting used to saying, "Edge wins," but Ross tossed his mic to the ground in protest. Edge then ordered his cronies to escort Ross out of the building. Edge then cut a short promo on his own where he talked about how fans of Raw aren't going to be seeing the World Title anymore because he isn't returning.

As Edge left the ring to head out, he was met on the stage by Batista. The Animal attacked Edge with a vengeful assault after losing the World Title Match at Night of Champions the previous night. He finished the beating with a Batista Bomb before heading out. However, just as Batista made his way to the stage, CM Punk's music surprised viewers. Punk ran to the ring toting his Money in the Bank briefcase and a referee; he immediately cashed in his Money in the Bank contract. As soon as Lilian made the official announcement, Punk hoisted the still-reeling Edge onto his shoulders, delivered the Go 2 Sleep, covered Edge, and picked up the exciting victory to win the World Heavyweight Championship (and bring the title back to Raw). Punk celebrated wildly with the title as fans cheered him vociferously.

In the back, Todd Grisham interviewed an elated CM Punk about his winning the World Title. Punk said that he didn't know where to start, but he thanked his family, friends, and the fans. "I just feel awesome," Punk said with the thought of being World Champion not yet having sunk in. Suddenly, JBL walked into the frame to confront Punk. Layfield told Punk that he could go to bed tonight knowing that he's just a paper champion, an asterisk in the record books. Or he could face JBL for the title to prove that he actually deserves it. Punk took JBL up on his challenge. After a commercial break, John Cena came out to challenge Punk himself; he said that since McMahon isn't here and since there's no Raw GM, Punk should make the choice. That brought out JBL, who didn't want his plans ruined. Layfield declared martial law and sent his own security force to eject Cena from the building.

In the main event, Punk faced JBL one-on-one with the World Heavyweight Title hanging in the balance. The match saw Cena and Cryme Tyme run to ringside to battle JBL's security force, and Punk was able to hit his GTS on Layfield for the decisive three count. After the match, Punk didn't celebrate too long. He quickly jumped over the top rope to the floor, knocking down all the security in domino-like fashion to help out Cena and Cryme Tyme. The show closed as the babyfaces brawled with JBL's security.

Let me begin by saying that CM Punk's World Heavyweight Title victory feels extremely refreshing. This is a really nice step in getting new wrestlers into the main event landscape. Moreover, the execution of the events was well-thought, exciting, and logical; everything made sense. Both world titles were kept on Smackdown at the PPV, which provided a nice twist for those who anticipated a victory for John Cena after Edge retained his title. The next night, Edge comes to Raw just to interrupt JR's farewell address, which ultimately backfires on him completely.

So we saw JR addressing the fans, hyping Smackdown, and putting over Michael Cole. Then we saw Edge be the sleazy heel that makes him so great. Then we saw Batista do what he's supposed to do as the wrecking machine on Raw. And then we saw Punk step in and opportunistically cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase to win the World Title. By the way, it wasn't a cheap way for Punk to win it; anyone in their right mind would pick a time when they thought they had an easy chance to win. It's either that or save a spot for a big WrestleMania match. So the actions by each person in this series of events melded nicely with their individual characters. It was also a smart way to get the World Title back on Raw with a huge narrative twist.

As for John Cena and JBL, WWE is deciding to reignite their feud after taking about a month off. It's not a bad idea to put JBL back at the top as the brand's top heel while Randy Orton is recovering from injury, but it does somewhat damper Jericho's character, who seemed to be taking the top spot just a few weeks ago. On the bright side, Y2J's rivalry with Shawn Michaels is one small step from the top spot, and it may even be considered stronger than a Cena-JBL battle. Personally, I don't mind the whole martial law angle with JBL buying himself security to do his bidding. He's playing up the fact that he can use money to his advantage. And with McMahon gone and no other authority figure on the show, what's wrong with Layfield using that tactic? Also, it will be interesting to see how WWE develops Ted DiBiase, Jr.'s character since he does have similar qualities.

Overall, things are still disheveled with all the changes WWE has implemented, so it will take some time to flesh everything out and really get a nice focus on the issues between all of these characters. However, the entertainment value has been great so far.

Intrigue Level (out of 10): 7

Previous Feuds
John Cena: Edge, Umaga, Bobby Lashley, Orton & Triple H, JBL
JBL: Chris Jericho, Finlay, Triple H & Orton, John Cena

CHRIS JERICHO vs. SHAWN MICHAELS (14 weeks w/ 2 weeks hiatus)

Chris Jericho made his way to the ring for an Intercontinental Title rematch against Raw newcomer Kofi Kingston after losing the title to the Jamaican Buzzsaw at Night of Champions. As Jericho entered the ring, they replayed footage of Y2J hurling a cheap punch to Michaels's eye at the PPV, causing HBK to crumble to the floor in agony. Jericho got on the mic and said that he saw WWE.com refer to him as Y2-Jaded, "but why shouldn't I be jaded?" Jericho said almost proudly. He was angry at the fans because they cheered when he was assaulted and swindled during the Intercontinental Title Match the night before. He even referred to himself as an honest man who always does the right thing. He talked about how something was going on with Michaels's injured eye.

The crowd erupted in an "H-B-K" chant. Jericho then challenged Michaels to a one-on-one match at the Great American Bash. When Jericho's promo was complete, Kofi Kingston made his way to the ring for their match. The IC Title Match ended when Jericho rolled Kingston up and grabbed the tights for extra leverage. The referee then disqualified Jericho for attempting to cheat, which resulted in title retention for Kofi. After the match, Kingston's celebration was quickly cut short when Jericho tried to dig his fingers into Kofi's eyes.

Here's another case of uncertainty on Raw. Will Kofi Kingston continue to involve himself in Jericho's rivalry with Shawn Michaels since a clean win isn't yet in the cards? Or will Kofi now move on to something new, while Jericho deals solely with HBK in their really heated feud? This week's Raw didn't really do much for Jericho-Michaels, but it definitely held the storyline steady. Plus, another match (and win) for Kofi against Chris Jericho can't be bad for his growing status on the card. They're doing a nice job with this eye injury angle, and having Michaels off the show every now and then is hitting home the point, showing us how serious the damage may be. Jericho's promo was strong, and the fact that he's sticking to his belief that he's the mistreated good guy in all of this is the best possible strategy.

Intrigue Level (out of 10): 8.5 [same as last week]

Previous Feuds
Chris Jericho: Randy Orton, JBL, Jeff Hardy, Money in the Bank, Shawn Michaels
Shawn Michaels: Randy Orton, Mr. Kennedy, Ric Flair, Batista & Jericho

MR. McMAHON TARGETED (2 weeks)

Raw kicked off with a video recap of last week showing Mr. McMahon losing his footing when the floor beneath him gave way before the tall Million Dollar Mania structure came crashing down on top of him. Speaking on behalf of the McMahon family, Shane McMahon made an announcement from WWE Headquarters. He said that his father is actually a very private person. "Tonight we will not be forthcoming with respect to his physical condition," Shane said. His brief address concluded with a call to all WWE employees to pull together in this time of uncertainty.

It was a smart move to hold off this week on the McMahon angle, and the reasoning is twofold: First, it gives the story another week to sink in as something serious. Injuries require time, people. And secondly, it selflessly took a backseat to the real story that would blast WWE moments later: CM Punk becoming the World Heavyweight Champion. Good move.

Shane's announcement gave the impression that the injuries were very serious, and that could mean that McMahon will be off of TV for some time. If that's the case, we'll have to store this one away until he reemerges. However, if they continue to cover the story and give us updates as they become available, it could be an entertaining storyline. The events looked much more like a death plot than a freak accident, so many people are eager to learn who could have tried to kill Mr. McMahon.

Intrigue Level (out of 10): 5.5 [down 0.5 since last week]

Previous Feuds
Mr. McMahon: Bobby Lashley, Triple H, Hornswoggle


CONCLUDED FEUDS

(1) Triple H vs. John Cena
(2) Mr. Kennedy vs. Paul Burchill
(3) Beth Phoenix vs. Melina
(4) Hardcore Holly & Cody Rhodes vs. Ted DiBiase, Jr.


POTENTIAL FEUDS

(1) Mr. McMahon vs. ?
(2) CM Punk vs. Edge
(3) Mickie James vs. Jillian Hall
(4) Rey Mysterio vs. Santino Marella
(5) Ted DiBiase & Cody Rhodes vs. ?
(6) Jamie Noble vs. Kane
(7) Chris Jericho vs. Kofi Kingston


Thanks for reading, everyone. If you have any questions, suggestions, or comments, feel free to email me at newthtorch@hotmail.com. I greatly appreciate all the feedback that I receive, and I will respond to every email. Please insert a word in the subject line that deals with a wrestling topic or write something such as "WWE," "feud," or "Charlie Haas" so that I know it's not junk mail.

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