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By Chris Newth, PWTorch contributor

WWE Monday Night Raw
July 7, 2008
Upcoming PPV: The Great American Bash (second-to-last episode before PPV)

RAW STORYLINES AND FEUDS

Welcome to the forty-sixth 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)


Attention readers. You'll notice that I've begun to incorporate reader thoughts into the articles. Please keep sending short (1-5 sentences) comments on the strengths and weaknesses of a particular feud that interests or bothers you. My email is listed at the bottom of the page.


World Hvt. Champion CM PUNK vs. BATISTA (1 week)

Summary:

Raw kicked off with Vickie Guerrero of all people. The wheelchair-bound Smackdown General Manager angrily announced that she wasn't going to leave the ring until CM Punk handed over the World Heavyweight Title and apologized. Punk walked to the ring, still elated to be World Champion. He said that he didn't do anything that Edge hasn't done. Vickie said that the situation was different because no one Edge fought was about to get married. When Punk brought up the fact that Vickie could marry the Great Khali instead, she stood up from her chair and slapped him flush across the face. "You just bought yourself a one-way ticket back to Smackdown," Punk told her as he wheeled her to the ropes.

JBL's music then hit, and he came to the ring to challenge Punk for the World Title again. Cena eventually showed up to remind Layfield that they both want a shot. Suddenly, Batista's music boomed through the arena. The Animal started off by congratulating Punk, saying that he deserves to be champion after winning Money in the Bank. But he also wanted a shot at the title. That's when Cena suggested a Triple Threat Match, but Kane screwed up those plans when he came out to demand a spot in the main event. Punk told everyone that it looked like it would be a Fatal 4-Way Number One Contender's Match. And so it was agreed.

Later in the back, Todd Grisham interviewed CM Punk and asked him who he would prefer to win the Fatal 4-Way. Before Punk could answer, Snitsky walked into the frame and said that he was angry because he never got a title shot when he was drafted to Raw. Punk challenged him to a match, and it was set. The match concluded when Punk's knee connected right to Snitsky's face for the win.

At the end of the show, the main event took place. The match saw Batista spear Kane for the win, so the Animal will now face CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Title at the Great American Bash. After the match, Kane went on a rampage at ringside. He threw the timekeeper to the floor, scared Lilian away, and pulled Michael Cole out of his chair and into the ring. Cole pleaded for Kane to stop, but the Big Red Machine lifted him up for the chokeslam. Suddenly, Jerry Lawler took out Kane's knees, allowing Cole to escape, but he soon paid the price. Kane hurled multiple punches at Lawler's head before knocking him out with a swift kick to the head. The show cut to black as Kane grunted on his way up the ramp.

Analysis:

Maybe something that will happen on this week's Smackdown will justify Vickie Guerrero's visit to Monday Night Raw, but in and of itself, the rare appearance was just slightly confusing. After all, the last time we saw Vickie, she was screaming on stage after chucking her engagement ring to the floor. Now she's on Raw to demand that CM Punk surrender the title so that she can bring it back to Smackdown? Was this an attempt to use the title in order to fix her relationship with Edge? I don't think we can ever fully know the answer to that question without some type of explanation or eavesdropping vignette by a sneaky camera; after all, Punk obviously didn't give her the championship.

The Number One Contender's Match was necessary as a slight effort at some kind of order with everything else going astray on the show. With no clear voice to decide Punk's challenger or to book a matchup, it wasn't a bad idea to get four of Raw's top stars and have them agree to vie for a shot at the World Title. The way they got a reluctant and power-hungry JBL to agree to having a match by challenging the integrity of his self-appointed authority was handled well.

As for the matches, Punk-Snitsky probably didn't do too much for the reigning World Heavyweight Champion. Perhaps WWE is giving a little too much credit to their current Snitsky character as an ominous, grotesque monster heel. If they continued his push months ago when he and Umaga were working with Triple H, viewers would see him in a different light. However, Punk beating a guy who rarely even shows up on Raw and who never maintains a spot on the roster for more than a few months doesn't quite do much. It does show that Punk has a lot of strength, though. He has lifted some big guys for the GTS, and people recognize that. By the way, that move just looks devastating.

Batista's win in the main event makes sense since he made the argument that Punk wouldn't be champion without the beating he gave Edge. On the other hand, WWE had a big decision to make since JBL seemed like the most appropriate fit here. A Batista-Punk match at the Great American Bash does have a lot of potential; what an interesting combination of styles.

Intrigue Level (out of 10): 7.5

Previous Feuds
CM Punk: Elijah Burke, John Morrison, Chavo Guerrero, Morrison & Miz
Batista: Edge, The Great Khali, Undertaker, MVP, Umaga, Shawn Michaels, Edge

JOHN CENA vs. JBL (15 weeks w/ 4 weeks hiatus)

Summary:

At the midpoint of the show, JBL seemed perplexed that he was locked out of his limo. He circled the vehicle, trying all the doors. Eventually, Cena popped out of the back with crowbar in hand. He said that JBL's limo would never pass Louisiana inspections, so he and Cryme Tyme want to help. Shad and JTG then exited the limo from the other side—one wielding a baseball bat, the other a long metal pipe. As Cena listed various items, Cryme Tyme effectively destroyed JBL's limo by crashing through the windows and windshield as well as spray painting the entire thing. JBL was furious, but couldn't do anything about it.

Analysis:

This segment bothered me, but not because it was cheesy or boring, which were the most popular criticisms this week. My problem is that it's really promoting something that Raw's top babyface (John Cena) should not be anywhere near: bullying and vandalism. The booking for this segment is what I would probably describe as surface-level thinking. On paper, it might actually seem like an entertaining way to fill a segment on the show and broaden the Cena-JBL feud without involving wrestling.

However, the implications can't be ignored. If Cena's really willing to destroy someone's property like that, it makes him look like the clear-cut bad guy. When watching that segment, I actually started to feel bad for JBL as he helplessly watched his limousine be destroyed as three babyfaces joked about it. If you are a normal, decent human being, you don't do that to someone—even if that someone is your bully. It will probably be regarded as just a fun TV segment where Cena was getting JBL back for being a hated heel. And of course people in the crowd are going to cheer him on because they hate JBL, but the segment just leaves a bad taste in your mouth. It makes you think, "Cena's a great guy who always stands up for what's right and never quits, but if someone gets on his bad side, he'll be willing to smash their car to pieces." Doesn't that sound illogical and very out-of-character?

Reader Thoughts:

Mark Johnson writes: "Cena v JBL... Cena can play an Austin 3:16 lite up against JBL's Vince lite character; could be interesting & a lot of fun if they milk it properly. A smaller ppv up next could fuel it for SS."

Kristyn Edmonds~Tower writes: "My personal opinion is that JBL is old and stale. His rich, snobby gimmick got old real quick. And, the WWE is not using him the right way. He needs to retire and give the top heel position to Jericho."

Intrigue Level (out of 10): 6 [down 1 since last week]

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 (15 weeks w/ 2 weeks hiatus)

Summary:

Shawn Michaels entered the ring, got on the mic, and quickly accepted Jericho's challenge for the Great American Bash. Y2J, accompanied by Lance Cade, then walked out to confront his current rival. Jericho asked HBK why he would risk his health to fight. He went on to explain that Michaels is wasting his time for people who don't matter (the fans). He said the fans aren't going to visit him in the hospital or pay his bills if he becomes incapacitated. "These people are worthless Shawn. They are oblivious to what's going on; they might as well be asleep," Jericho said.

Shawn Michaels then acted as if something had clicked in his head; he suddenly understood what Jericho's problem is. HBK said that Jericho is the epitome of success, having earned every major championship he's ever sought and having sold out arenas all over the world. But as much as Jericho tries, and as much as he achieves, he can't seem to attain the status of Shawn Michaels. HBK concluded by saying, "No matter what you ever, ever achieve, you will never be me." They then used a hard cut to commercial.

Analysis:

Interesting progression to this already-strong feud. Now they may be leaning away from Michaels's eye injury angle (which may be continued in the in-ring storytelling) into a new psychological angle with HBK figuring out, and explaining to us, what Jericho's problem may be. And maybe Jericho doesn't even realize what the grizzled, wise veteran can see. Michaels laid out his point clearly and perfectly by prefacing the statement with acknowledgement of Y2J's successful career. He's now essentially pinpointing envy as the culprit of all of this. But the envy isn't at all like the silly and almost meaningless "jealousy feuds" that WWE divas have when the writers don't provide them anything. The envy that Michaels is talking about is deep, and it's powerful. The hard cut to commercial didn't let viewers really have time to see Jericho's reaction, so it will be interesting to see what he says next week regarding HBK's interpretation.

Reader Thoughts:

Shane McKinley writes: "While 'The Young Guys vs. JBL and his security force' is a refreshing and entertaining bit, the real substance of Raw nowadays is the Jericho-HBK feud. I think it works out best for both men. HBK can play that 'injured but will wrestle' while Y2J has a legitimate excuse for acting the way he does. I would like to see Lance Cade get more involved, but this looks like it's going to be stretched out towards Summerslam."

Intrigue Level (out of 10): 10 [up 1.5 since 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 (3 weeks)

Summary:

After a recap of last Monday's historic World Title change and the subsequent melee that ensued at the end of the show between Cena, Cryme Tyme, Punk, and JBL's personal security team, Stephanie McMahon made an announcement from WWE Headquarters. She reiterated what Shane had announced last week—that all of the WWE staff needs to pull together in this time of uncertainty. "Please all work as one," she implored.

Analysis:

It's odd that Shane or Stephanie hasn't stepped in to provide order to a show when everyone acknowledges that nobody's in charge and that things have run amok lately. The premise is a little tricky here, though. On the one hand, it seems like they are trying to suggest that people should tune in to see the chaos that ensues with no clear authority on Raw. Maybe they want viewers to think that it's fun with the absence of rules and the "what will happen next?" feel. On the other hand, won't that very selling point be completely diminished when someone eventually takes over again? It's a fine line to walk for WWE.

Plus, what's with those awkward and random scenes throughout the show? Does anyone think that the reason for lights falling and fans running into the frame are direct results of Mr. McMahon not being there? Unless they are meant to mean something completely different than trying to prove that the show is more "chaotic" without the Chairman there, they are a little weak.

Reader Thoughts:

Mark Johnson writes: "Vince v bump on the head... I'm not intrigued but I would love to see him fill the ring a few weeks from now- then have a returning Regal up on the tron 'Oh hello Vince... I didn't see you there, when I smashed your body to bits.'"

(Regal's return to restore order on Raw would be a nice fit, but how can they insert him back on the show after he was "fired" just a few months ago? I'm sure they can come up with a creative explanation, but it will be interesting to see what it is.)

Intrigue Level (out of 10): 5.5 [same as last week]

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

Women's Champion MICKIE JAMES vs. JILLIAN HALL (2 weeks)

Summary:

John Cena and Mickie James were shown talking in the hallway about how they loved New Orleans. Suddenly, Kelly Kelly showed up to tell Mickie that they have to get ready for a tag team match. Mickie told Cena that Kelly has moved to Raw. When Cena asked her if Teddy Long let her out of her contract, she jokingly laughed at the idea of having a binding contract to a show. Later, Mickie James teamed up with Kelly Kelly to face Jillian and Layla in diva tag competition. The match ended when Kelly caught Jillian in a victory roll to pick up the win.

Analysis:

I know that many people thought that Kelly's line about contracts was meant to be acting dumb, but when I saw it, I took it as WWE making fun of itself for all of the cross-brand talent that's occurring even after the draft has taken place. It sounded like they gave Kelly that line to basically poke some fun at themselves with their seemingly cavalier and uncommitted attitude toward the exclusivity of the brand separation.

As for Mickie-Jillian, it's really too early to call. It almost seems odd that WWE would book a continued rivalry between these two considering how little they push Jillian beyond giving her semi-frequent airtime to grace the show with her wonderful, harmonious melodies. At the same time, she could become a more prominent force in Raw's women's division. The feud seems a little lopsided at the moment, but it could work with some time.

Intrigue Level (out of 10): 5

Previous Feuds
Mickie James: Melina, Beth Phoenix
Jillian: n/a

REY MYSTERIO vs. SANTINO MARELLA (2 weeks)

Summary:

After being mocked last week by Santino, Rey Mysterio got the opportunity to face Marella in singles competition. The match saw Mysterio land the 619, followed by a big splash from the top rope for the decisive three count. After the match, Rey celebrated by high-fiving fans and talking with kids in the front row.

Analysis:

This feud could already be over. Santino mocked Mysterio last week and received a 619 for his troubles. Now Mysterio has cleanly beat Marella in a wrestling match with no problem at all. This rivalry may have simply been a means by which WWE intended to get Rey back on track with a nice win in the ring as he moves on to bigger and better things. His tiff with Santino isn't a bad thing; they could pull out a few more weeks of creative, entertaining segments using these two guys. But as a whole, it looks like Santino was nothing more than a jumpstart for Mysterio's Raw career.

Intrigue Level (out of 10): 5.5

Previous Feuds
Rey Mysterio: Chavo Guerrero, Finlay, MVP, Edge
Santino Marella: Umaga, Ron Simmons, Val Venis, Steve Austin, Maria, Cody Rhodes & Hardcore Holly, Roddy Piper


CONCLUDED FEUDS

(1) Rey Mysterio vs. Santino Marella?


POTENTIAL FEUDS

(1) Mr. McMahon vs. ?
(2) Ted DiBiase & Cody Rhodes vs. ?
(3) Kofi Kingston vs. Charlie Haas
(4) Kofi Kingston vs. Paul Burchill
(5) CM Punk vs. Snitsky
(6) Kane vs. Jerry Lawler?


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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