September 1, 2008 – St. Louis, Missouri
Announcers: Michael Cole & Jerry “The King” Lawler
IN THE RING (SPECIAL APPEARANCE)
Randy Orton + C.M. Punk + John Bradshaw Layfield + Kane + Batista: St. Louis’ own Randy Orton, with his arm in a sling, opened the show saying he didn’t want to come back until he was 100% but he had something to get off his chest. Randy said he believed that a WWE brand is only as good as its champion, and when he was champion RAW was the BEST. Randy said WWE Women’s champion Beth Phoenix was embarassing herself by being in love with Santino Marella. Randy addressed Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase calling themselves Priceless, but he (Randy) calls them WORTHLESS! Randy went on to say the real problem on RAW is C.M. Punk disgracing the world Heavyweight title. Randy said when he was champion, C.M. Punk was wrestling in no-name towns for a no-name promotion (Ring of Honor) – ohhhh that was a shot! Randy Orton said he would love to challenge C.M. Punk tonight and take back what is his but he is not medically cleared. Randy said when he is cleared he will reclaim his gold and make everybody forget about C.M. Punk. Having heard enough, World Heavyweight champion C.M. Punk made his way to the ring to confront Mr. Orton. Punk said not everybody has daddy and grand-daddy to help them get into the WWE. Punk said some people have to work to get into the WWE, and the fact is he is the World Heavyweight champion. Punk said he doesn’t drink, smoke, or do drugs, and he doesn’t go for late night motorcycle rides doing poppa-wheelies and reinjuring himself. Punk accused Orton of being jealous. Punk said he has a Championship Scramble to get ready for, and they will have to settle things later. Punk said there was only one person in the ring who is pathetic, “and it’s not me!” – Randy Orton calmly backed out of the ring and said “I can see this conversation is going to continue at a later time.” John Bradshaw Layfield then made his appearance, passing Randy Orton on the stage. They showed a huge JBL-mark in the crowd holding up a sign that said “in JBL we trust.” Nice. JBL said there was an 80% mathematical chance that C.M. Punk will lose the championship at Unforgiven. Kane walked down to the ring and claimed that Rey Mysterio was in HELL and would not be at Unforgiven and he made sure of it. Kane said that means there is one less person in the Scramble match and he is one step closer – but he was cut off by Batista’s music. Batista decided not to talk, but speared Kane while JBL attacked Punk. Batista got up and speared JBL, and then speared Punk!!
SINGLES MATCH
Kofi Kingston defeated Charlie Haas (as John Cena): Charlie Haas, who was dressed like Carlito last week, was dressed as recently injured John Cena this week. Charlie said “The Haas is here! And you can’t see me!” Haas actually looks a lot like Cena from a distance. He came out to Cena’s entrance music and fooled a lot of people.
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
Randy Orton & Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase Jr.: Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase confronted Randy Orton about calling them WORTHLESS. Randy Orton slapped Cody Rhodes and said Rhodes & DiBiase had the most talented in the locker room but they lost a handicap match to John Cena. Orton suggested that they take a stand, and until then he will stand by everything he said about them.
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
Mike Adamle & Theodore Long & Tiffany + Kane: Mike Adamle thanked Theodore Long & Tiffany for accepting his invitation to have ECW wrestlers on RAW tonight. Adamle said they should make it a Labor Day tradition. Kane entered the office and confronted Mike Adamle for lieing about Rey Mysterio coming back. Adamle said he was sending a message that RAW needs Rey Mysterio back and hoped Rey showed up tonight. Kane said Rey’s body has been massacred, and his soul has been distinguished, but by all means keep hoping!
ECW BATTLE ROYAL
Mark Henry defeated Matt Hardy and Mike Mizanin and Chavo Guerrero and Fit Finlay: Tony Atlas is now wearing a sleeveless business shirt with a tie to show off his impressive guns (muscles). Mark Henry eliminated the Miz & Chavo. Mark Henry eliminated Fit Finlay a few minutes later. Mark Henry eliminated Matt Hardy to prove why he is known as the World’s Strongest Champion!
BACKSTAGE CLIP: Chris Jericho, with Lance Cade sitting close by, and his lawyer looked over the contract for his match with Shawn Michaels at Unforgiven.
GRUDGE MATCH
Jamie Noble defeated “King” William Regal: Layla El was sitting at ringside but was not at all interested in the match, having recently told Jamie Noble that she “doesn’t associate herself with losers.” King Regal was somewhat brutal at first, but Jamie Noble managed to score a surprise roll-up victory to win the match! Layla was a little bit impressed with Jamie’s victory and left with him.
SIX-DIVA TAG TEAM MATCH
Mickie James & Candice Michelle & Kelly Kelly defeated Beth Phoenix & Katie Lea & Jillian Hall: Before the match, Jillian Hall performed “It’s getting hot in here, so take off all your clothes” for the cringing live audience. Candice Michelle surprised WWE Women’s champion Beth Phoenix by returning to RAW without any warning. Candice scored the pin over Beth to win the match for her team!
NON (WWE INTERCONTINENTAL) TITLE MATCH
Santino Marella (Champion) defeated D-Lo Brown: Before the match, Santino Marella addressed Randy Orton insulting him and his girlfriend, Beth Phoenix earlier. Santino then said that he would beat Honky Tonk Man’s record 64-week reign as Intercontinental champion. D-Lo Brown missed the Sky-high Frog-splash and Santino rolled over and scored the 1-2-3 to win the match!
RAW VS ECW TAG TEAM MATCH
Cryme Tyme (Shad Gaspard & JTG) vs. John Morrison & Mike Mizanin ended in a No Contest: Before the match could get started, Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase attacked Cryme Tyme and took back their stolen championship belts.
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
Randy Orton & Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase Jr.: Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase approached Randy Orton to show off their tag team belts and Orton flashed them a look of great approval.
VIDEO FOOTAGE
Josh Mathews & Mickie James & Mr. Kennedy: Josh Mathews was joined by Mickie James & Mr. Kennedy at the Republican National Convention plugging the SmackDown! Your Vote campaign.
BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW
Todd Grisham & “The Animal” Batista:
RAW BATTLE ROYAL
Kane defeated C.M. Punk and Batista and John Bradshaw Layfield: C.M. Punk eliminated Batista in a surprise development. Punk then eliminated JBL with a fluke move. After a few minutes of battle, Kane choked C.M. Punk over the top rope to win the match! Randy Orton stood up and sarcastically applauded C.M. Punk’s loss. Punk threw water in Orton’s eyes! Orton resisted the urge to fight back. Rey Mysterio’s music hit and little Rey hit the ring, with a couple new tatoos, and took the fight to Kane! Rey clipped Kane’s knee and started pounding on him! Rey went for the 619, but Kane slipped out of the ring. Rey did a sliding drop-kick and then jumped on Kane’s shoulders and pushed him into the ring post! Rey did the 619 wrapped around the ring post! Kane grabbed Rey by the throat, but Rey fought out and hurricanranaed Kane over the guard rail into the front row! Rey jumped into the ring to pose for the fans while Kane seethed at ringside.
IN THE RING (CONTRACT SIGNING)
Jerry Lawler (moderator) + Chris Jericho (with lawyer) + Shawn Michaels (with lawyer): Jerry Lawler explained that both men were there to sign contacts that will make their match at Unforgiven completely unsactioned. Lawler said both Michaels and Jericho will waive all liabilities on what they may potentially do to each other during the match and absolve WWE from any legal ramifications. Shawn Michaels sat down and looked accross the table at Chris Jericho, who avoided eye contact with the Heartbreak Kid. Lawler said Mike Adamle ruled if it got physical their match would be called off. Jericho signed first. Michaels signed next. Jericho asked why Michaels brought security, and Michaels said that it wasn’t his security. Jericho said he doesn’t need to be monitored like an animal and excused the team of security guards surrounding the ring as well as Jerry Lawler and the two lawyers. Jericho said he took Michaels advice and told his kids he would never be a liar like Shawn Michaels, and forbad them from watching Unforgivan. Jericho said he isn’t going to take it easy on Shawn Michaels, and is going to end his career. Jericho said Michaels put Ric Flair out of his misery at WrestleMania, and at Unforgiven he (Jericho) is going to put Michaels out of his misery – adding that he wasn’t going to say I’m sorry when he does it. Jericho promised to finish Shawn Michaels off forever. Jericho said the only person Michaels has to blame is himself. Michaels finally spoke up and said he takes comfort in knowing that Jericho’s family won’t be watching. Michaels said it’s consider a strength to turn the other cheek, sometimes you’ve got to look evil right in the face and spit in its eye! Michaels said all the pain and suffering that Jericho has put him through is going to rain down on him with absolutely no remorse. Michaels said he will never apologize for the man that he is or the life that he has lived. Michaels said he will have no regretes about what happens to Jericho at Unforgiven. Michaels said it’s an appropriate name because he will never forgive Jericho for what he did, but hopes some day that God forgives him for what he does to Jericho. Both men stood up, but Michaels caught Lance Cade trying to sneak attack him. Jericho bailed out of the ring, and Michaels tried to get at him and took a bad spill on the floor landing on his head by in reality he tore his tricep quite badly and put his match at Unforgiven in jeopardy.