Tonight's WWE Raw will feature John Cena vs. Sheamus in a WWE Title match to close 2009 and the decade. In the 2000s, the WWE Title has only changed hands four times on Raw. We're looking back at the four episodes of Raw with a new WWE champion.

WWE RAW FLASHBACK
July 3, 2006
Edge wins the WWE Title on Raw
Report by James Caldwell, Torch columnist

- We start with the DX impersonation of the McMahon family including Triple H penis jokes galore. This three-minute video clip made last week's segment seem like a million bucks, when it was more like a cool thousand. They even added sound effects of a toilet flushing.

- Backstage, Shawn Michaels and Triple H approached the building entrance. Coach and security guards stood in their path. Triple H asked if he would get out of the way so they could work. Coach said he would love to, but if they had read WWE.com, they would know both are banned from the building. Hunter and HBK played dumb about using a computer. HBK, unfazed by Coach's threat, said "man" over and over after being handed the news. Hunter said it was no problem. He laughed as both men walked away off camera. A plot arises.

- After the usual Raw intro, Jerry Lawler introduced the show. J.R.'s mic was down so he joined Lawler to intro the show after Lawler announced a triple threat main event where Edge, Cena, and RVD could choose a mystery partner for a two-on-two-on-two match.

- Edge and Lita walked to the ring. Major boos for Edge. Edge said he would own the summer. He said he was going into ECW country on tomorrow's ECW TV show and he would defeat RVD for the WWE Title when he faces him. Edge said he would defend the WWE Title against Cena and RVD at SNME. Edge said RVD is like the Phillies. Local heat...again. "He's bland, over-rated, and absolutely no heart whatsoever," Edge said. Edge compared Cena to the Eagles. "Don't get me wrong, he's really good, but he's just not good enough to be champion," he said. Edge said he's like Terrell Owens because he just wants to get the hell out of Philly. Plenty of boos, but it's way too much local content. Edge mentioned Lita and said she would beat up Torrie Wilson. Edge mentioned the triple threat tag match. Before he could intro his partner, John Cena's music interrupted. Cena entered the ring and struck Edge with straight right hands. He cleared Cena to mixed boos and cheers. RVD's music hit. RVD slowly walked out and stood atop the ring entrance. Either he was booed heavily or there was a very low "ECW" chant. RVD said he's a fighting champion. There were boos and chants of "Cena sucks." RVD asked Cena if he wanted one more shot at the WWE Title. He said they should do it tonight. Edge didn't like the idea. RVD said that's cool so they should do the SNME triple threat title match tonight. J.R. said he wants to see that. Edge said that's fine because he couldn't think of a better place to win back the strap than in front of "these hardcore Neanderthals." Edge said the next WWE Champion would be rated R. RVD said he's actually rated "R-V-D." This is where an authority figure our matchmaker type is necessary to make main event title match decisions. Otherwise, it doesn't make sense for the wrestlers to change main event title matches around.

- A black limo pulled up outside. Vince McMahon stepped out. Coach met him. Vince wanted to know whether DX was here. "No," Coach said. He clarified that they were here, but they left with their head tucked between their legs when he told them to leave. Vince wasn't convinced, but he took Coach's word and began to walk into the building. A convertible pulled up behind Vince and Coach (apparently out of earshot) with random women screaming with DX.

[Commercial Break]

- They aired a Batista return video for his return to Smackdown this Friday. One of the first non-Rebound promotional spots for Smackdown in months.

1 -- LITA vs. TORRIE WILSON

Lita mocked Torrie's prance to the ring before the bell sounded. Torrie missed with an open hand slap after Lita baited her into the move. Lita executed a suplex then kicked Torrie in the gut. Lita landed striking blows to the head. She mocked Torrie so Torrie fired back with a slap to the chin. Torrie slipped out of a suplex then hit a reverse sit out slam followed by clotheslines and a drop kick for good measure. Torrie hit a corner clothesline then Lita sat down in the corner. Torrie gave herself a wedgie then Lita pulled the referee in the way for a Stinkface. Lita caught Torrie with a DDT for the win.

WINNER: Lita in 4:00. Competent match. They told a story and Lita played a good heel here.

- Vince and Coach were in Vince's office. Vince wanted to make sure DX wasn't in the building. He asked why the commodes were stopped up, the catering wasn't there, and there were barely any people in the building. Coach said maybe some people were stuck in traffic or took the day off. Vince said he's never taken a day off in his life. He wanted Coach to find out what was going on.

[Commercial Break.]

- J.R. and Lawler recapped the Highlanders's ventures through America.

2 -- SPIRIT SQUAD (KENNY & MIKEY & NICKY & MITCH & JOHNNY) vs. HACKSAW DUGGAN & SNITSKY & EUGENE & VAL VENIS & VISCERA

Like a giant TNA go-home-show-main-event, everyone gets a payday. Lawler said Snitsky is a perfect fit for radio. C'mon, Jerry, don't take Alex Shelley's material. Squad worked on Venis early on. Eugene took a tag and Squad worked on him. Eugene nearly pantsed Kenny trying to crawl to his feet. J.R. mentioned the emotional WM 15 in Philly. Kenny missed with a corner splash then Snitsky took a tag and cleaned house. Squad ganged up on Snitsky leading to the heels cleaning the babyfaces except Duggan. Snitsky was left alone in the ring where he took a double suplex followed by a double team leg drop and Sentaun splash from opposite corners for the win. J.R. reminded us that the members of the Squad are the tag champs. Oh yeah, that's right.

WINNERS: Squad in 6:00. Nice double team finish, but there wasn't anything else going on here.

- Outside of the building, DX was having a BBQ with women dancing in the background to some music. Hunter and HBK wore their chef hats while roasting some hot dogs and hamburgers. HBK held up a tiny hot dog and said it's just Vince's size. Hunter told HBK to go check out Mr. Fuji over the way. Lennie ran off camera. George asked a WWE truck driver whether he gets lonely on the road. He brought out two women, who ripped off their tops for the truck driver while their backs were to the camera. The camera caught a little too much side of the breast and there was a momentary black out. Well, there goes Kelly's gimmick tease gimmick. The women left then Lennie came running back saying Mr. Fuji wasn't there. George shrugged. HBK did a brief Squad promo.

[Commercial Break]

- J.R. confirmed the triple threat title match for the main event.

3 -- MATT STRIKER & ROB CONWAY vs. THE HIGHLANDERS (RORY & ROBBY)

Matt Striker, with his pink trunks, started with Rory. Rory landed ten punches in the corner. Taking a page out of Vito's gimmick, the Highlanders used an assortment of upkilt maneuvers to subdue Conway. Conway went for a tag, but Striker backed out of the ring and left. They hit a double team front slam, the Scot Drop, on Conway for the win. About as unimaginative of a double team finisher as you could imagine.

WINNERS: Highlanders in 3:00. The Highlanders's timing was off throughout. They had some moments, but they have their work cut out for them.

- And now for the most bizarre 45-second segment on WWE TV. Triple H stood behind the party table outside. Candice Michelle walked up and asked Hunter about the WWE truck. Hunter said HBK went over there. Candice seductively asked if she could take the tour. Hunter began gasping for air as he explained how the truck functioned. Candice was perplexed why Hunter was gasping for air. She walked over to Hunter then began to moan as if she were having an extensive orgasm. Hunter did the Dumb and Dumber mustard spray scene as Candice continued to moan. Yes, the entire set up was to imply oral sex as one women popped up from the under table licking her fingers as if she just gave Hunter oral sex. A second woman popped out beneath Candice as if she just gave Candice oral sex. Candice and the DX girl kissed. Hunter and Candice caught their breath

[Commercial Break]

- Hunter, Candice, and the two oral girls walked over to the production truck where HBK was telling them to come inside. They toured the production truck. Hey, it's NWO Part 2. Hunter said there's a camera in every room of the building. Hunter told one of the guys at the truck that they needed to use his control station. They used the DX girls to lure the production guy away. HBK pressed a button and the feed was momentarily cut off. They cut away to Lawler and J.R. ringside. "Are we on?" J.R. asked. Lawler wanted to be part of the BBQ. J.R. said he had some BBQ sauce.

- They went backstage to Vince and Coach discussing things. Vince was frustrated because his private bathroom wasn't working and he had to use a public bathroom. Coach tried to explain what DX was up to. Vince cut him off and said he knows they're having a nice little BBQ outside. He went into a public bathroom. HBK cut to camera 10, which was an overhead shot of the urinal. Vince began to whistle as he urinated. He did an announcers introduction for Andre the Giant. Out of nowhere, Coach ran in. Vince jerked to his right and peed on Coach's crotch. Vince spun back then finished his business and zipped up. Coach explained what was really going on. Vince tried to play it cool then he stormed off. "He didn't wash his hands," J.R. said before a break.

[Commercial Break]

- Vince McMahon was in the ring. He said last week was the most humiliating moment of his career. He mentioned Spirit Squad and said, "We were showered with...excrement," he declared. Vince said he was fine with DX having a BBQ outside, but he was not going to tolerate them in his production truck. Vince's mic cut off so he asked for a mic that worked. Some sound feedback greeted him on the second mic. Vince glared into the camera. He began to talk again, but his voice was modulated to a chipmunk's voice. Some fans screamed with glee. Vince tried to scream, but his voice sounded funny. He asked for his voice to be lowered. His voice was lowered to Darth Vader level. His voice was raised to normal level of speaking. A fart noise came over the speaker. "That wasn't me!" he screamed. Vince said DX has no respect for him, his family, the business, or any of the fans. Vince said DX are children. A giant rooster was drawn on the screen. A bubble was drawn from Vince's mouth with the words "I like cocks." The fans chanted, "You love cock." Hunter's voice came over the PA. He said DX would embarrass him even more. They aired a "crappy" music video with slow-mo footage of Vince and Shane gagging on feces last week. Outside of the truck, Coach sent security members to break into the truck. Coach knocked on the production door, but no one answered. Finally, HBK slammed open the door, sending Coach flying off the steps onto the concrete floor. "Hello? Anyone there?" HBK asked. No one answered, so HBK closed the door. The camera showed Coach flat on his back on the concrete.

Back in the ring, Vince said the fun and games were over. He booked DX in a five-on-two elimination match against the Spirit Squad at SNME. Vince asked for DX's reaction. A loud laugh track played over the sound system. Vince wasn't pleased. "Kid laughter - how pitiful" Vince said. Vince said he would have something to cheer about after Squad eliminates DX. Crickets played over the PA system. Vince asked for his music to be played so he could leave. His music played then it switched to his old Stand Back music video. Vince's reaction was gold. He simply stared at the Titantron with a shocked look on his face. This segment broke more fourth walls than a wrecking ball knocking over an old building, but it was the funniest, most entertaining thing in a while on TV.

[Commercial Break]

4 -- JOHNNY NITRO (w/Melina) vs. CARLITO -- IC Title match

Melina did her usual ring introduction. While Nitro and Melina posed in the ring, DX replayed the front of Melina's entrance over and over and over again with back-and-forth replay action. Lawler asked for a reverse angle. DX aired Melina's backside over and over while Nitro's head didn't cover Melina's rear. "That will be Tivo'ed all week," J.R. said. The match started slow as the crowd was quiet. Nitro sent Carlito into the corner then did a dance move in the center of the ring. The crowd booed then Carlito charged Nitro and clotheslined him to the mat to a strong reaction. Nitro and Melina nearly ran into each other, which allowed Carlito to hit the backcracker. He had a pin, but Melina entered the ring and attacked Carlito. The ref called for the bell. Trish Stratus ran to the ring and attacked Melina. They battled back and forth then Melina tried to escape, but Trish choked her against the ropes. Trish knocked her off the apron to the floor. Nitro checked on Melina and stroked her face consolingly. Carlito was impressed with Trish's work. DX replayed Trish running to the ring while her chest bounced up and down in a low-cut top. Their next shot was footage of Trish and Melina having a catfight while on top of each other. Trish and Carlito watched the video replay on the Titantron. Trish was complementary of her own work.

WINNER: Carlito via DQ in 3:00; Nitro retained the IC Title. All post-match here.

- RVD was shown wearing his two title belts while taping up. Paul Heyman walked in to play the devil sitting on RVD's shoulder. Heyman said he respects RVD's work ethic and tough schedule. He warned RVD about his triple threat match. "The odds are against us and this scares the hell out of me," he said. RVD said he understands the concerns, but he believes in himself and ECW. "Yeah, I gotcha," Heyman said after RVD walked off.

[Commercial Break]

- They profiled the diva search contestants. Maybe they can team Myrisa with Sylvan.

- Coach was icing his head and back in Vince's office. Vince ran in and told Coach to forget about himself and get his limo ready so he could leave. Vince said there's not going to be any more embarrassment for him tonight. "Be lucky you have a job," Vince told Coach.

5 -- UMAGA (w/Armando Alejandro Estrada) vs. SCOTT RIGHT

"Right may be wrong tonight," J.R. said. Armando began to do his intro, but he was interrupted by a DX promotional video. HBK narrated a clip for the DX t-shirt on WWEshop. He rolled his r's like Armando then returned the broadcast to "your regularly scheduled sports entertainment broadcast." Armando was beside himself in the ring. He sent Umaga onto Right to take out his frustrations. Umaga squashed Right in the corner then hit the Samoan Spike for the decisive win. Afterwards, Armando tried to do his speech, but DX modulated his voice with belches. They eventually just cut off his mic.

WINNER: Umaga in 2:00. Umaga has potential, but it's time to up the ante on the gimmick.

- Vince told his limo driver to get him out of the building. The limo driver walked to the driver's side after closing the door on Vince. Suddenly, a giant fireworks display shot off inside the limo. When it stopped, green smoke spilled out of the passenger door. The limo driver jumped out and opened the door. Vince spilled out of the door. His face was charred with black and green coloring. Hunter and HBK walked over then bent down next to Vince while holding flags and mini-fireworks. Hunter said maybe he should let them in the building next week. "Happy fourth of July," they said. Vince tried to cough up a lung as he rolled around on the ground.

[Commercial Break]

- This Week in Wrestling History took us back ten years ago at WCW Bash at the Beach when Hogan turned on Sting and Savage to join Hall and Nash. They edited out Bobby Heenan's "Which side is he on?" line as Hogan walked to the ring.

- From Hogan's big turning moment in WCW, Randy Orton's music hit. Orton came out in street clothes rather than ring gear. He stood on top of the entrance ramp and sarcastically called the previous video package an inspiring video piece. He said it didn't do as much for him as Brooke Hogan's music video last week. Orton reminded everyone that Brooke is 18 years old. Orton said there's no getting around the fact that Brooke is hot. No crowd reaction. Orton said Hogan is going to pick a date for Brooke on an upcoming episode of Hogan Knows Best. Orton said if things work out, Brooke might find out why he's a legend. Orton said that if Hogan has a problem with that, he would find out why they call him the Legend Killer. "That is going to reverberate all the way to South Florida," J.R. declared.

- Todd Grisham interviewed Edge, with Lita, backstage. Edge said he's not prepared for the match, but he's going to walk out of Philly as a champion.

[Commercial Break]

6 -- ROB VAN DAM vs. JOHN CENA vs. EDGE (w/Lita) -- Triple threat WWE Title match

The announcers said the first person to score a pin or submission would win the WWE Title. Cena's music hit and didn't generate much reaction. The crowd is definitely out of the show after very little wrestling and skits outside of the ring. Cena's music stopped and there were scattered boos. RVD's music hit and the crowd didn't reach too much. Edge's solo introduction by Lillian Garcia drew the first reaction of the match - strong boos. Cena's name was booed and cheered. RVD was booed and cheered. So, no one is a straight babyface tonight. After a brief three-way staredown, Cena and RVD went after Edge. Cena and RVD had a mini-battle over who should beat up Edge. RVD hit a nice running heel kick on Edge in the corner. Cena hit a fisherman's suplex on Edge. They threw Edge over the top rope to the floor. RVD and Cena had a staredown.

[Commercial Break]

RVD kicked Cena under the chin and Cena tipped over like a tree in the forest. RVD took Cena up top and went for a superplex, but Edge ran into the ring. He shoved RVD into Cena and Cena flew to the floor. Edge had a pin on RVD, but RVD didn't kick out and his feet landed on the ropes at the time of what could have been considered a three count. RVD came back with Rolling Thunder on Edge then he sent Edge to the floor. Cena took out Edge on the outside then RVD flew onto both men on the outside. Back in the ring, RVD covered Cena for a nearfall. Cena caught RVD up top and nearly hit the FU, but RVD slipped out. Edge attacked RVD. Cena hit a slam on Edge. He went for a vertical suplex, but RVD flew into the picture and hit a cross-body block on Edge's exposed stomach. RVD went for Rolling Thunder, but Edge and Cena moved. Edge and Cena hit a double clothesline. All three men stayed on the mat. The referee applied a ten count for no reason, as J.R. pointed out. No one's on the same page here. Edge caught RVD in the corner. He flung RVD over the top rope to the floor. Edge fired up with big clotheslines as the fans stood on their feet. The boos drowned out the cheers for Cena's offense. Cena hit the Five Knuck on Edge. He went for FU, but Edge was too close to the ropes. Cena dumped Edge to the floor. Lita tried to use a chair on Cena, but he caught her with the FU. Cena turned around and took the Van Daminator from RVD. RVD went for Five Star, but Cena rolled out of the way. J.R. put over the big fight atmosphere. Cena hit the FU on RVD, but he didn't go for the immediate pin. Edge ran into the ring with the title belt and smashed it over Cena's head. Edge covered RVD for the pin to win the title.

Afterwards, Edge celebrated with the belt. J.R. was indignant about Cena doing all the work and Edge winning the belt. Really strong job putting over Cena despite Edge winning the belt. Edge celebrated with the title belt as fans in the front section filed out for the exits. Lita called out for Edge's help, but Edge shook her off and continued to celebrate with the belt. RVD rolled to the outside with a frustrated look on his face. Cena slowly recovered near the ropes. Edge finally checked on Lita then they shared an open-mouth kiss. Edge helped Lita out of the ring while still focusing on the title belt. They shared another kiss while Cena stared at Edge in disgust.

WINNER: Edge in 12:00 to capture the WWE Title. Another great match involving the combination of RVD, Edge, and Cena. You're not going to get five-star wrestling action, but you're going to get great drama, fans buying into the characters, and strong effort from all three men. Based purely on the timing of the title switch, it appears RVD's run-in with the law affected tonight's booking. I believe Edge is the right person to hold the title. He's not in a state of transition like Hunter and he's not receiving mixed reactions like Cena or RVD. He's a strong character who can continue to draw strong house shows as the champion wrestling Cena, as they've done for months and months. The Lita post-match angle is intriguing, especially after they teased a break up during Edge's first title run.

[Torch art credit Grant Gould (c) PWTorch.com]

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