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By Chris Newth, PWTorch contributor

WWE Monday Night Raw
July 28, 2008
Upcoming PPV: SummerSlam (third-to-last episode before PPV)

RAW STORYLINES AND FEUDS

Welcome to the forty-ninth 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)


World Hvt. Champion CM PUNK vs. JBL vs. KANE (5 weeks w/ 1 week hiatus)

Summary:

In the back, JBL met with Shane McMahon to discuss the possibility of a World Heavyweight Title Match against CM Punk. He told Shane that Batista's already had two shots at the title, so the Animal doesn't deserve it. He also said that he beat John Cena at the Great American Bash, so he is the one who deserves the opportunity. Shane McMahon told him that he'd have to take it up with the new Raw General Manager. JBL tried to get Shane to make the decision, but Shane refused because he thought it was important to respect the GM (who was yet to be introduced).

Later in the show, JBL joined Lawler and Adamle on commentary as CM Punk went one-on-one with a mystery challenger. After a brief moment of suspense, William Regal walked out as Punk's opponent for the night. The match ended when Punk hit his GTS on Regal to pick up the victory. After the match, JBL entered the ring, but Kane's music hit before anything could happen. The Big Red Machine first laid JBL out with a punch to the face, but then Punk kicked Kane right in the head. JBL eventually picked himself up and chose to attack Punk over Kane. The segment closed with an awkward stare-down between Layfield and Kane.

Analysis:

The main event title feud on Raw is a little jumbled. It's probably safe to assume that Kane is officially going to be involved in an upcoming title matchup at SummerSlam. Where else would he fit? The storyline began on the day CM Punk won the World Heavyweight Title last month. JBL has been badgering for another title shot ever since (despite losing to Punk that week). Now that he's beaten John Cena, JBL feels that he deserves another match. Kane, on the other hand, is still undergoing some bizarre psychological transformations, and we've yet to find out what's in that brown bag that he's toting around. When you think of this storyline, words like "jumbled," "unfocused," and "sloppy" come to mind. But we have to remember that Raw's current theme is that chaos reigns supreme when there's no authority. Expect some order (you'd assume) next week when the new GM books his second show.

Intrigue Level (out of 10): 7

Previous Feuds
CM Punk: Elijah Burke, John Morrison, Chavo Guerrero, Morrison & Miz
JBL: Chris Jericho, Finlay, Triple H & Orton, John Cena
Kane: Shelton Benjamin, Chuck Palumbo, Chavo Guerrero, Miz & Morrison, Mark Henry

JOHN CENA vs. BATISTA (2 weeks)

Summary:

John Cena kicked off Raw with an in-ring promo. He had a very stern look on his face and a very serious overall disposition. Cena told the fans that he wasn't perfect and that he made a mistake last week when he punched Batista in the face. Cena said that he was going to be a man by not hiding; instead, he called out the Animal. Batista walked to the ring to speak with Cena face-to-face. Batista told Cena that everything was okay because he saw the footage and knew that Cena didn't mean to punch him last week. When Batista brought up the World Title, Cena told him (respectfully) that he didn't think Batista was next in line for the title. Batista apparently saw his logic, but he said that he knew he could beat Cena. Cena soon challenged Batista to a matchup, but Shane McMahon showed up. Beyond announcing the introduction of a new GM later in the show, Shane booked a tag team match: Batista and Cena vs. JBL and Kane.

In the main event of the night, Cena and Batista fought Kane and JBL with the tension mounting among the participants. The story revolved around whether Cena could trust Batista (and vice-versa) as well as if JBL could trust Kane (and vice-versa). The match concluded when John Cena delivered his FU to Kane for the big win. After the matchup, Batista met John Cena in the ring, but Shane McMahon walked out for his big announcement. Shane said that the new General Manager of Raw is…Mike Adamle. Adamle, already standing in the ring, told Cena and Batista that he was booking a match between the two of them at the SummerSlam PPV. The show closed with Cena and Batista locked in a stare-down as the confusion overwhelmed them.

Analysis:

There was some nice progression this week in the escalating Cena-Batista storyline. Last week was the mistaken punch; this week was the unknown consequences of said punch. Cena and Batista seemed to have resolved their issue over the accident, but when the subject turned to the World Heavyweight Title, they couldn't agree. It's interesting that they gave Cena the logical explanation, while Batista—although acknowledging that he understood the logic—is arguing against it. If there's going to be a heel turn, it seems a little obvious who will do it. Then again, maybe that's just a way for WWE to surprise us later.

It's interesting because when Batista was on Smackdown, it was he and Cena (on Raw) that got the undisputed loudest crowd reactions for their respective shows, but now WWE might have to consider some heel turns with Raw's babyface-heavy roster. Kane was obviously first, but he's not a full-fledged heel just yet. Over the years, Cena and Batista have grown into their face roles well, so this match is all about the hype and excitement of seeing two of the company's biggest stars go head-to-head at SummerSlam. They are definitely on a strong track with this one.

Intrigue Level (out of 10): 8

Previous Feuds
John Cena: Edge, Umaga, Bobby Lashley, Orton & Triple H, JBL
Batista: Edge, The Great Khali, Undertaker, MVP, Umaga, Shawn Michaels, Edge, CM Punk

CHRIS JERICHO vs. SHAWN MICHAELS (18 weeks w/ 2 weeks hiatus)

Summary:

This week Chris Jericho, accompanied by Lance Cade, decided to host the final edition of the Highlight Reel. He made a rare appearance in a suit and tie, and the in-ring set included the broken Jeritron monitor that was destroyed when he smashed Michaels's head through it a few weeks ago. He said that for years he had been "a performer, an entertainer, a party host for the new millennium, a showman, and I gladly played that part because that's what you wanted me to play."

He said that it was a pathetic mistake to try to please and pander to the fans. He said that because he's ending the Highlight Reel, he put together a special video on someone who will never enter the ring again (his old self; the entertainer and performer side of Chris Jericho). He asked if the crowd missed "that guy." He then talked about how the fans would have never respected him the way they respected Shawn Michaels even if he continued to be manipulated by them for life. "You would never idolize me and adore me like that, and that is not fair," Jericho said. He said that he cherished the clips of him injuring Shawn Michaels because, in his head, destroying HBK was also destroying all the fans.

As Jericho went into a daydream-like state, just staring aimlessly at nothing in particular, Lance Cade grabbed the mic and told him that it's obvious that the fans didn't care. He said that he, however, does. Cade talked about how his career was floundering before Jericho took him under his wing. And since Jericho realized his potential and brought him to a level beyond just the partner of a singing cowboy, he would be forever grateful. Jericho thanked Cade for his words before directing a message to Michaels, who was at home recuperating from his damaged retina: "Stay home, move on with your life, hold on to your wife, raise your precious children, enjoy your new life away from the wrestling business…move on because I have." Jericho then shifted gears to the World Title, claiming that he's the guy who most deserves a shot because he took out the legendary Shawn Michaels.

Analysis:

Another great week, another great promo by the one-and-only Chris Jericho. Although JBL has his moments, Jericho has clearly become the top heel on the Raw roster. Michaels's absence is also fueling Jericho's credibility as a top star that can do a lot of damage; he's dangerous. But, most importantly, Jericho is a raving egotist who craves attention that goes unfulfilled. So, he's now the bitter heel that shifts blame to the babyfaces and the fans because, after all, how could he be wrong?

The fact that he basically conducted some kind of old-Jericho (Y2J) memorial with the final edition of the Highlight Reel was a pretty strong metaphor. He's a changed person now. The difference is that he thinks the change is for the good, while fans think it's for the bad. And the power of Jericho as a heel is that he obviously has extremely strong convictions about his current status. He's convinced that he's now doing the right thing and that the fans are morons for supporting a guy who's lied and cheated in the past. Good stuff.

Intrigue Level (out of 10): 10 [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 (6 weeks)

Summary:

This week Shane McMahon teased the introduction of a new General Manager for Raw. During the show, the unknown GM made some strange, heel-like decisions, such as booking Michael Cole in a tag team matchup against Ted DiBiase, Jr. and Cody Rhodes. At the end of the night, Shane revealed that the new GM would be Mike Adamle.

Analysis:

There are a lot of complaints coming out of the internet community about Mike Adamle becoming the new General Manager of Raw, but why don't more people weigh the good side of that decision? Now ECW will get a new play-by-play commentator, someone who probably deserves the position more than Adamle did. Plus, the General Manager spot on a WWE show can be very prominent, but it can also be pretty inconsequential. For example, Vickie Guerrero exemplifies the prominent heel GM. She's on the show in multiple segments and is often involved directly with storylines. But over on ECW, poor Teddy Long is lucky if he gets one segment on the show, and he's rarely involved with storylines.

So, why is it so bad for Adamle to be GM? If he's terrible, they can make the position meaningless (people tend to get tired of the heel GM anyway); and if he turns out to be really entertaining in this new acting-based role, he can have a greater presence on the show.

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

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

Women's Champion MICKIE JAMES vs. KATIE LEA (3 weeks)

Summary:

This week, Mickie James competed in one-on-one non-title action. Her dad was at ringside observing the match. Mickie's challenger was Jillian, who strutted to the ring for the bout. Both women fought until Mickie was able to spike Jillian with a vicious-looking DDT. Mickie then covered Jillian and scored the pinfall victory. After the match, Mickie jumped out to ringside to hug her dad. But without notice, Katie Lea attacked Mickie. Katie assaulted her current rival by throwing her straight into the ring post. She followed it up with a modified neckbreaker. Paul Burchill then met Katie on the entrance ramp to hand her a mic. Katie dedicated the beating to the new General Manager. She also predicted that she'd be the next Women's Champion—and that Paul would be the next Intercontinental Champion.

Analysis:

Good continuation here. After the first clash between Mickie James and Katie Lea Burchill, WWE made it seem like Mickie was moving on, but now the feud has been successfully restarted. Katie makes a good heel, but she's still new to TV viewers. It would be nice to see her get more speaking time in the coming weeks. Her alliance with her brother, Paul, makes them more dangerous as a combo. Along with Ted DiBiase, Jr. and Cody Rhodes, Paul and Katie Lea nicely fill the WWE midcard for Monday Night Raw.

Intrigue Level (out of 10): 6 [up 0.5 since last week]

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

Intercontinental Champion KOFI KINGSTON vs. PAUL BURCHILL (w/ Katie Lea) (4 weeks w/ 1 week hiatus)

Summary:

This week, Kofi Kingston fought Jamie Noble in singles competition. He was able to beat Noble with his Trouble in Paradise kick for the win. After the bout, Layla cautiously checked on Jamie after Kofi left the ring. No sign of Paul here; he appeared only in the segment where Katie Lea exacted a surprise attack on Mickie James.

Analysis:

The Burchill-Kingston feud could use a little more TV time and focus. It was odd to see Burchill involved after Katie's attack but nowhere in sight when Kofi was having a matchup. On a side note, the relationship between Jamie Noble and Layla is somewhat intriguing. It seems as if Layla just enjoys being around him because she wants to see him get hurt. She gets a kick out of being there when bad things happen to him.

Intrigue Level (out of 10): 5 [down 0.5 since last week]

Previous Feuds
Kofi Kinston: Shelton Benjamin
Paul Burchill: Mr. Kennedy

World Tag Team Champions TED DIBIASE, JR. & CODY RHODES vs. HACKSAW JIM DUGGAN (3 weeks)

Summary:

This week, it was slated to be Ted DiBiase, Jr. and Cody Rhodes against Hacksaw Jim Duggan and Jerry Lawler in a tag team contest for the World Tag Team Championship. However, a last-minute decision by the new (and still unknown) GM changed the matchup: Michael Cole would now replace Duggan. Cole couldn't believe it. After a commercial break, Cole reluctantly got into the ring with Lawler to face the World Tag Team Champions. Lawler fought most of the match, but when Cole tried to help Lawler up in the corner, the heel team had the referee count it as a legitimate tag, so Cole was forced into the match. After a brief flurry of punches by Cole, Cody Rhodes drove him to the mat with a hard clothesline; the win was academic from there. After a break, Raw returned with Mike Adamle on commentary.

Analysis:

It would have been nice if WWE could have found a way to make Rhodes and DiBiase somehow responsible for that partner switch. They have the presence to be great stars, but they aren't getting too much with which to work. It seems like they just come out each week simply to appear without much purpose. They may have strong personalities; both seem pretty natural as heel characters. WWE should consider giving them an edge, something that could give them an advantage over other people and make the audience further despise them.

Intrigue Level (out of 10): 5 [same as last week]

Previous Feuds
Ted DiBiase, Jr.: Hardcore Holly & Cody Rhodes
Cody Rhodes: Santino Marella & Carlito, Ted DiBiase, Jr.
Jim Duggan: n/a

SANTINO MARELLA vs. BETH PHOENIX (3 weeks)

Summary:

It seemed like something was beginning to grow between Santino and Beth Phoenix last week after their lip-lock led to a strange, personal moment. But things didn't start out too smoothly this week. Santino told Beth backstage that their relationship was strictly professional and that he didn't want her to fall for him because it's dangerous. Beth had no problem with that, well, until later in the show.

In a mixed tag team match, they teamed together to face D-Lo Brown and Kelly Kelly. The match saw Santino roll up Kelly for the win. He celebrated very enthusiastically after the match. Soon, they found themselves in another awkward moment where Santino seemed eager to kiss Beth, but whenever she looked at him, he'd turn away. After three attempts, Santino gave up and began to exit the ring, but Beth grabbed him by the hair, pulled him toward her, and forcefully kissed him. Cole and Lawler joked about how their relationship was still "strictly professional."

Analysis:

This Santino-Beth storyline is good for both of their characters because it shows another side of them, especially Beth, who is known for her tough in-ring work. The progression is going slowly, but it's going. It started with a singles match between the two of them, and suddenly they started to fall for each other. Of course, we didn't see that until the next week when they subtly flirted in the ring. Now the question is where they go from here. When do they both openly acknowledge their feelings for each other? And will they decide to pursue something more? Plus, what does a relationship mean for their careers—their roles on Raw?

Intrigue Level (out of 10): 6.5 [up 0.5 since last week]

Previous Feuds
Santino Marella: Umaga, Ron Simmons, Val Venis, Steve Austin, Maria, Cody Rhodes & Hardcore Holly, Roddy Piper
Beth Phoenix: Candice Michelle, Mickie James, Maria, Mickie James, Melina


CONCLUDED FEUDS

(1) CM Punk vs. Batista
(2) John Cena vs. JBL


POTENTIAL FEUDS

(1) Mr. McMahon vs. ?
(2) Kelly Kelly vs. Beth Phoenix
(3) Santino Marella vs. D-Lo Brown
(4) Kofi Kingston vs. Jamie Noble
(5) William Regal vs. ?


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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