SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...
The following report was originally published on PWTorch.com ten years ago this week…
KELLER’S WWE RAW REPORT
JUNE 23, 2008
LIVE ON USA NETWORK
WHAT HAPPENED: HOUR ONE
-Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler introduced the show. Ross explained that after every match tonight, the winner gets to draft a wrestler to his brand. Good concept and nice added dimension to the draft. It makes it an actual “draft” now, too. Michael Cole and Mick Foley then talked briefly, followed by Mike Adamle and Tazz.
1 — TRIPLE H vs. MARK HENRY
Ross and Foley did commentary on this match. Foley complimented Henry for learning to use his Olympic level strength in a functional way inside the ring. He has? Henry hit a lousy-looking “Vader Bomb” (“Zumhoff Bomb”) where there was a ton of light between he and Hunter. Ross said it was effective, but Foley said he didn’t think he got all of it. It was good for a two count. Henry dominated early with methodical overpowering offense. Hunter came back at 3:00. Foley admitted he was biased in favor of Henry because he represents Smackdown. Henry came back a minute later with a powerbomb for a near fall. He missed with a splash attempt seconds later. Triple H then went for a quick Pedigree and he nailed it for the win.
WINNER: Triple H in 6:00.
STAR RATING: 3/4*
-Raw won a draft pick. What if Raw wrestlers win every match? There won’t be much of anything left to the rosters of Smackdown and ECW. Okay, it’s not actually the wrestler picking the wrestler, but instead that random screen selection like an old game show. It came up Rey Mysterio, the first wrestler drafted. Rey walked down the ramp and slapped some hands of fans. Ross said he doesn’t know how they could have started the draft any more significantly. Rey shook Hunter’s hand.
-Lawler plugged McMahon’s Million Dollar Mania was next.
[Commercial Break]
-Vince McMahon talked about Rey being drafted to Raw, then explained the rules of the contest. He said there will be five people tonight who win $100K each and one person will win “500 thousand smackers” (that’s what Vince said; who calls dollars “smackers”?). He introduced Kelly Kelly to help him with the giveaway. They should have done this in week one to keep people who are bored by this contest with something to look at or be mesmerized by. He had Kelly dial the number as the game show suspense music played. Crystal answered the phone. She could barely speak, then there was screaming in excitement in the background. She said the password was “Night of Champions.” He laughed and said that wasn’t the password and said she’s a loser. Lawler interjected that it was right. Kelly told Vince it was right. He stood corrected and awarded her the money. He didn’t know his own password? Kelly began dancing.
-Backstage, Triple H told Rey he is one wrestler he always wanted to work with, so welcome to Raw. Rey said, “To me, this is like a new avenue, man.” John Cena walked in and shook his hand, too. Rey left. Cena told Triple H he has a real interesting way to say thank you. He talked about how he evened the score last week as Lance Cade and Chris Jericho jumped him, but then Triple H jumped him. Triple H said he doesn’t need or want his help ever. Triple H said they’ve tip-toed around things, but this is now personal. He said he will never be as good as him. He said his win was a fluke. Cena said maybe so, but he did win. He said, “Let me paraphrase someone you do respect: To be the man, you’ve got to beat the man.” Triple H held up his World Title belt and said, “Until you take this from me, you’re nothing.” Good segment. It’s about all they can do to promote the match at this point, but they’re making the best of it, basing it around their one previous match and their egos battling to be top dog.
[Commercial Break]
2 — SANTINO MARELLA & CARLITO vs. FINLAY & HORNSWOGGLE
Cole and Lawler did color commentary. Lawler said he can’t imagine himself cheering for Santino and Carlito, but he’ll have to here because he wants more draft picks for Raw. Finlay gave Santino a mini-stunner a minute in. He tagged in Santino who nailed Finlay with a clothesline. Finlay came back at ringside with an attack on Santino, then he tossed Hornswoggle onto Carlito. Lawler said Hornswoggle is “small enough to be an ornament on his car.” With the ref distracted by Carlito, Finlay brought the shillelagh into the ring. Santino grabbed it. The turned around and took it from Santino. As the ref got rid of it, Finlay slammed Santino to the mat and tagged in Hornswoggle for the Tadpole Splash for the win.
WINNERS: Hornswoggle & Finlay in 3:00.
-Smackdown then drafted Jeff Hardy, who randomly was selected on the big screen. Rey for Hardy is a good trade for both brands. Hardy gives a lot of people a reason to watch Smackdown, and Rey can draw Hispanics, kids, and all of his fans to Raw who are looking for someone who will seem fresh on Raw in terms of match-ups, but also with some history and clout and a personality worth watching. Hardy walked out and acknowledged the move on the stage. The wrestlers in past years did not know they were being drafted until the announcement on live TV. Instead, a few wrestlers are gathered at the entrance tunnel for the announcement and only one gets called.
[Commercial Break]
-Randy Orton walked out and joined McMahon on the stage for the next giveaway. He had his left arm in a sling. Orton said that just like everyone else back there, he was forced to be there because he’s eligible for the draft. He said he had a message for Cena and Triple H. He said he doesn’t care who is champion after this Sunday, but they better hope to hell that he gets drafted tonight because when he’s back “sooner than anyone can expect, I will be WWE Champion again.” He then told Vince that he’s not in the mood to giveaway a hundred thousand dollars. He prefaced with an apology, then walked away. Vince said he’s in the mood to give away more than 100K. He also wants to give away a great main event featuring Edge vs. John Cena. A match, run into the ground a couple years ago, was becoming fresh again due to the distance between them, and now that clock gets set to zero again on a whim for zero reason with zero build-up other than a mention in hour one. He called someone who didn’t even know her name at first. She knew the password. He asked for a pick for the PPV winner. She said Triple H.
-Ross hyped Edge vs. Cena. Lawler hyped a 15-man tri-branded battle royal. The winning brand (five from each brand enter) will get two draft picks.
[Commercial Break]
3 — CODY RHODES & HARDCORE HOLLY vs. CHAVO GUERRERO & BAM NEELY
Ted DiBiase (Jr.) joined Adamle and Lawler on commentary. DiBiase said everybody wants to know who his partner is going to be, but everyone will have to wait until Night of Champions on Sunday. Holly gave Chavo a spin and an Alabama Slam for a surprisingly sudden pin of the former ECW Champion. Wow. That made Chavo look like a chump. DiBiase said they looked good, but they’ll need to bring more on Sunday.
WINNERS: Cody & Holly in 2:00.
-C.M. Punk was drafted to Raw. Punk walked onto the stage with the Money in the Bank briefcase. It’s not a sure bet whether this is good or bad for Punk, who could be lost in the shuffle or buried by political forces, or he could be given a chance to break out and be a featured performer on the A-brand.
-They showed Chris Jericho heading toward the entrance tunnel.
[Commercial Break]
-As Jericho walked to the ring, Ross said Shawn Michaels’s medical condition has been kept “somewhat under wraps.” Jericho complained about fans believing Michaels is a decent human being and he said they should be ashamed of that. He said fans demean, ostracize, and throw trash at him. “How dare you treat me like that?” he said. He then assured them it won’t be long before Michaels turns on them. He said he’s been lying to his best friends for years. He threw to a video package of Michaels hugging Marty Jannetty, then turning on him. Then a clip aired from 1994 of Michaels superkicking Diesel when Scott Hall ducked. Hardly an outright turn the way it appeared, not more of a miscue. Then Michaels turning on Hulk Hogan in 2005. Then Michaels turning on Cena. Then the recent clip of Michaels feigning a knee injury to beat Batista. Jericho appears to be making a great point. Jericho said he’s all about lies, deception, and ego. “Is that what you’re all about as well? Hmm?” he asked. Jericho is totally in a good place as a character right now. He then thanked Lance Cade, who appeared on the big screen. Jericho said Cade went through the Shawn Michaels Academy. Cade said he was the star student, but he always knew Michaels would turn his back on him once he made it big. “Unlike Shawn, Chris, you’re a man; you tell it like it is; you’re someone I can trust,” he said. He added that he won’t give Michaels a chance to turn on him. He said fans may not appreciate Jericho, but he does. Not a particularly charismatic promo, but he got through his lines without stumbling. Jericho bragged about showing Michaels that what comes around goes around. They went to a clip of Jericho attacking Michaels and throwing him into the JeriTron 2000. Back live, Michaels’s music played and he jumped Jericho.
WHAT HAPPENED: HOUR TWO
-WWSD? Shawn Michaels, with his right eye taped on the edges, charged into the ring and attacked Jericho. He tackled Jericho through the ropes to the floor. Jericho then threw Michaels into the corner of the announce table. Michaels winced in pain and grabbed at his eye as if it had popped out. Jericho looked on with a bit of fear. Medics checked on him as he flailed in panic and pain. They replayed the impact on the table. The camera zoomed in, then they cut to a break.
[Commercial Break]
-Tazz joined Michael Cole on commentary. Tazz said ECW can’t be happy losing Punk. Cole lamented the loss of Rey, but loved the gain of Hardy.
-Before the match, Vickie Guerrero was wheeled out by Zach Ryder and Curt Hawkins. She said originally Ryder and Hawkins were going to be the opponents of Miz & Morrson, but “recent events” changed that. She returned to the back and then Matt Hardy’s music played. He was joined on stage by Jeff Hardy.
4 — JOHN MORRISON & THE MIZ vs. THE HARDY BOYZ
Cole said, “It’s reunion time on Raw!” He said Smackdown’s chances just picked up big time. A fan in front row center is wearing an ROH t-shirt. That WWE hasn’t forced him to put on a WWE t-shirt over it indicates something. Tazz called Matt Hardy “the proverbial veteran.” Odd choice of words. The Hardys got in the early offense including some double-team sequences. Miz & Morrison got control at 2:00 and isolated Jeff for a few minutes. At 5:00 he hot-tagged Matt. Matt bulldogged Morrison while also clotheslining Miz in a cool spot. Miz saved Morrison from a pin. Jeff fought Miz at ringside as Matt hit Morrison with a top rope legdrop. Miz distracted the ref, then Morrison rolled up Matt with a yank on his pants for the win.
WINNERS: Miz & Morrison in 8:00.
STAR RATING: *1/2 — Good basic formula tag match with higher than average athleticism for WWE. The finish was surprising, but the right move, since Miz & Morrison are tag champs, even though they’re not perceived by management as being at the same level as the Hardys.
-Draft Result: ECW gained Matt Hardy. At first Matt seemed stunned, but then he smiled and hugged Jeff, as if to say their reunion didn’t last long. That’s a good move, too, as it will actually give Matt a chance to take Punk’s spot as the top ECW babyface and be a centerpiece of a brand without anyone blocking his chance to test himself as a main eventer for a single brand. It wasn’t going to happen on Raw or Smackdown.
[Commercial Break]
-Ross plugged Edge vs. Cena and the 15-man battle royal.
-Back to Vince McMahon on the stage. He reminisced about giving away $2 and $16. He laughed about the fan whose answering machine picked up. McMahon then introduced a man whom he said he was a bit hasty in kicking out last week. Out came Ric Flair to his music. Flair dialed a number. Donna answered and knew the password. She cried out in celebration. Flair then went “Whoo!”
-They showed Melina and Mickie James talking and heading toward the entrance tunnel. I wonder if anyone would even notice if they wore clown make-up.
[Commercial Break]
-The ring announcer said the following match was an Announcers’ Only Draft with the commentators, ring announcers, and interviewers eligible. Ross seemed nonplussed. Cole looked nervous, then smiled.
5 — MICKIE JAMES & MELINA vs. NATALYA & VICTORIA
Foley said maybe he and J.R. could become a legendary combo. “It could be me and Adamle! Yes, Michael!” Tazz said he can’t fathom Raw without J.R. or the King. At 2:00 Melina sold an ankle injury after being shoved off the ring apron onto the floor. Mickie went to check on her. Melina apologized to Mickie. The heels jumped the faces at ringside. The ref called for the bell. Adamle interjected, “It’s a DQ.” Ross quizzed Adamle on what that meant. Adamle actually knew. The ref ruled it a DDQ. As a result, both Raw and Smackdown will get a draft pick.
WINNERS: DDQ in 3:00.
-Ross was drafted to Smackdown and Cole was drafted to Raw. Cole and Ross switched positions. Imagine the coincidence once Ross was picked of Cole moving to Raw. Ross looked completely thrown off by this. Cole said he’s ecstatic to be part of Raw, but he’s called all but two Smackdowns. Ross almost seemed to be getting emotional, then he went on to plug Edge vs. Cena again.
[Commercial Break]
-They replayed Melina landing on her ankle awkwardly at ringside. Cole and Lawler talked about it. Then they went to Ross who asked Mick what he thinks. Foley said he was an institution on Raw. Ross said, “I guess it’s time to escape the institution.” I don’t know how Ross and Cole (or Lawler and Foley) feel about the switch, or if it will even remain in place, but if it is kept as is, I think it may be a blessing in disguise for Ross, who will actually get to call longer matches and could develop a real strong chemistry with Foley. Cole and Lawler are fine together, and it could bring something new out of Lawler.
-McMahon was joined by Great Khali. He asked him to review “Get Smart” with Duane Johnson as a co-star. Khali talked in his native language. Then McMahon held up the new Rock DVD. McMahon then called someone else. Someone answered. McMahon asked, “Who is this?” The guy said, “Wrong number” and hung up. McMahon dialed a new number. Justin answered and knew the password. He won 100K. Khali reacted to the phone like it was some sort of magical box.
-Edge’s ring introduction took place.
6 — EDGE vs. JOHN CENA
This is coming earlier than expected, at the end of the second hour. Foley said he finds himself rooting for Edge so SD can get the next draft pick. Ross said he’s a team player. Ross recapped the moves so far in the draft. Foley said if truth be told, he’d have rather jumped to Raw to join Ross there. Wow, that’s quite an admission. He never got to finish the thought as there were near falls in the ring as he finished his sentence. At 4:00 Cena went on an offensive flurry and signalled for the FU sequence.
WHAT HAPPENED: HOUR THREE
Cena locked Edge into an STFU mid-ring. Edge crawled to the ropes and forced a break. Edge then dropped to the floor and snapped Cena’s neck over the top rope. Edge dove at Cena on the floor, but Cena caught him and carried him up the steps. Edge escaped, but Cena punched him to the floor again, then entered the ring to beat the ref’s count. Edge walked up the ramp and was counted out.
WINNER: Cena via countout in 7:00.
STAR RATING: 3/4* – Not a lot to it.
-Afterward, Batista met Edge on the ring apron and beat him back into the ring. He took him down with a clothesline. Edge rolled out and fled to the back.
-The next Raw draft pick was revealed to be Batista. Batista just happened to be standing mid-ring for a reaction shot. Cena looked at Batista with bug-eyes. Edge smiled and waved bye-bye to Batista. Cole said Batista will still have his opportunity at Edge’s title and he could win it Sunday and bring it to Raw next Monday. This is also a good move. Batista badly needed a new situation, although with Cole calling his matches and Rey on Raw, it’s not going to feel completely fresh. The question now is which top babyface is headed to Smackdown to make up for the gap with the loss of Rey, Batista, and Undertaker. At this point, the deck is clear for Jeff Hardy to be a top tier babyface.
[Commercial Break]
-Vickie and Edge shared a laugh over the look on Batista’s face when he was drafted. Vince walked in and reminded Edge that all title matches will take place as scheduled on Sunday. Vickie asked what would happen if Edge lost the title to Batista. Vince interrupted and said it’s even possible Edge might be drafted somewhere else. Vickie got panicky, saying she needed Edge with her since they’re a team.
7 — MVP vs. TOMMY DREAMER (w/Colin Delaney)
Adamle called this match, joined by Foley. How many people just saw Delaney for the first time and wondered what was going on. Adamle said a lot of people think Dreamer doesn’t have a lot left in his tank, but he thinks he does. He said Dreamer also thinks he does. Adamle noted that MVP wanted to be drafted off of Smackdown to a show where he could be better utilized. Tazz interrupted Foley and Adamle and called them on not paying attention to the match in the ring on commentary. Foley said he’s pulling for Dreamer because ECW could use some talent. MVP won with a big boot at 2:00. Foley said it hasn’t been a good night for Smackdown, which must make Matt Hardy feel honored.
WINNER: MVP in 2:00.
-The Smackdown draft pick was Umaga. That was the most inevitable move of the night. Umaga walked to the ring. Adamle said something about Umaga bulldozing through opponents on Smackdown. Ross said, “That’s a snappy segue.” Umaga entered the ring and gave Dreamer a Samoan Drop. Then he gave Delaney a corner splash. He followed by giving Dreamer a Buttdozer in the corner. He finished Delaney with a nasty slam.
[Commercial Break]
-Cole and Lawler recapped the draft so far. Ross and Foley talked about acquiring Hardy. Foley said to Ross, “I know this is a big change for you, but I hope it’s one you’ll grow to appreciate.” That implied Ross was expressing displeasure with the move off camera as he has been a pro to this point on the air, although his initial facial expression did indicate a dream of a lifetime wasn’t being fulfilled.
8 — JBL vs. KOFI KINGSTON
Tazz joined Cole on commentary. As JBL walked to the ring, Tazz said this felt like old times on Smackdown. Cole plugged the next money giveaway by McMahon. JBL would be a good pick to send to ECW. A JBL vs. Hardy feud on top could actually do both wrestlers some good. Kofi showed off some innovative athleticism. JBL, though, took control early and stomped away at Kofi on the mat. JBL applied a sleeper hold that Tazz called “a Million Dollar Dream of sorts.” JBL cut off a Kofi comeback by sidestepping a top rope dive and then nailing a Clothesline from Hell for the win.
WINNER: JBL in 3:00.
-Raw received a draft pick of Kane. That’s another good move for Kane, who had done everything he could on ECW. He’s enough of a legacy name that he’s worth doing something with on Raw again, where he’ll feel as fresh as he can. A heel turn would also be a good move at this point as his babyface character is as flat as it gets.
[Commercial Break]
-McMahon went solo on this money giveaway. Venessa answered the phone. She was actually at the show. That was bound to happen with that many people gathered, but strangely, the camera found her almost immediately. Cole said he got chills.
-Cole and Lawler hyped the Night of Champions line-up.
-The five Raw wrestlers for the main event 15 man battle royal walked out – Punk, Cena, Kane, Batista, and Triple H. They all wore red t-shirts. Tell Punk two years ago he’s be standing live in the ring on Raw with those four and he’d be quite happy with his future.
-Then out came ECW’s group of Shelton Benjamin, Chavo Guerrero, Miz, John Morrison, and Matt Hardy (still the U.S. Champion, by the way, so that belt is based in ECW for now, for whatever the soft brand separation means these days). They all wore black t-shirts.
-Then Big Show, Great Khali, Jeff Hardy, MVP, and Edge walked to the ring representing Smackdown. They wore blue t-shirts with the Smackdown logo.
9 — 15-MAN TRI-BRANDED BATTLE ROYAL
The battle royal was joined in progress. Ross noted how big it is that the winning team gets two draft picks. This could be the last Ross/Lawler match that’s ever called. The opening minutes of this were lousy, as if the show was running short and they had some time to fill. Miz and Morrison were eliminated at once by Batista at 3:00. Tazz threw a mini-fit in disappointment. Punk jumped onto Show’s back. Show dumped him over the top rope with MVP’s help, but Punk held onto the top rope and dangled, then powered his way back into the ring. Shelton and Khali were also eliminated before the break. At 6:00 they cut to a break.
[Commercial Break]
Show eliminated Punk during the break. Hardy kicked Chavo who leaped over the top rope to the floor. That left Hardy as the final ECW wrestler in the battle royal. Show splashed Triple H as MVP held his legs. MVP charged at Jeff. Jeff moved, and Matt dumped him over the top rope. Matt and Jeff then beat each other up. Jeff backdrpped Hardy over the top rope, then reverse sidekicked him off the apron to the floor. Lawler said he’s sure that has happened in their backyard a few times. Tazz said he was logging out of commentary for the night. Batista bled from his forehead after butting heads with Edge. Ouch. That looked nasty. Batista seemed completely delirious, leaning in the corner and unable to get to his feet. Cena moved over to Edge and shared some information in a conference of sorts. Hardy went for a flip toward Triple H, but he avoided it. Hunter tossed Jeff over the top, but Jeff held on. Triple H checked him to the floor. Batista began to stumble around the ring, still looking punch-drunk. He managed to spear Edge. He shouldn’t be still wrestling here, assuming he’s not totally hamming it up. Show lifted Batista for a chokeslam. Batista held on with a choke over sorts. Show broke free and punched Batista to the floor. Kane surprised Show with a chokeslam attempt. Show fought it off and grabbed Kane by the throat. Kane elbowed out. Show tossed Kane to the floor. He actually landed on poor Batista. It just wasn’t his night.
It came down to Show and Edge vs. Cena and Hunter. Show set up a chokeslam on both Hunter and Cena. Show powered them over with a double suplex. Show pressed Hunter. Cena punched Show. Cena and Hunter worked together and gave Show a double shoulder tackle. Then they tried to lift Show over the top rope. Show resisted, but eventually tumbled to the floor. Edge then knocked Cena into Hunter, who flipped to the floor. Hunter assumed Cena did it. Edge then threw Cena onto Hunter.
WINNER: Edge in 16:00.
STAR RATING: **3/4 — That got good by the end. It’s always tough to rate battle royals on a traditional star rating scale, but it was dramatic in the final minutes.
-First Smackdown draft acquisition was Mr. Kennedy. That’s good for him and Smackdown. Smackdown badly needed a top babyface and Kennedy badly needed to not be lost in the shuffle with Batista and Rey moving to Raw.
-Second Smackdown draft acquisition was Triple H. That makes Ross feel “less discarded.” Poor Jeff Hardy and Mr. Kennedy. Just when it looked like they might get a chance at the spotlight, over comes Hunter. Hunter, perhaps the only wrestler who knew his fate this night, overacted his surprise.
-Vince McMahon then made the final call of the evening. The winner declared, “I love you Vince!” A piece of the set fell and then sparks began to fly. McMahon collapsed at the shock of it all. Another part of the set tipped over. Wrestlers ran over to try to protect McMahon from the structure that fell on him. They lifted it as medics pulled Vince out from under it. It looked a little silly as it wasn’t actually lying on Vince, but more of less was protecting him from more stuff that might fall. They zoomed in as medics carefully turned him over while isolating his neck. Hunter asked, “Is he okay? Is he conscious?” Medics said he was breathing, but he wasn’t conscious. Triple H said he’s afraid if they move the set any more, he’s afraid more could collapse. They stretchered Vince away. He asked, “What happened?” He called out, “Paul. Paul.” (See, that’s Triple H’s real name, so that made it seem “more real.”) The show ended.
NOW CHECK OUT THE PREVIOUS 2008 FLASHBACK: 10 YRS AGO – Keller’s WWE Raw Report (6-16-08): Jericho vs. Triple H main events, plus Vince McMahon, Hardy, Flair, Cody, Duggan
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.