This week Raw was live from the Wachovia Arena in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. This was the first Raw from Wilkes-Barre in more than a year.

This was also the one week per year when Raw gets chased off the USA Network to make way for tennis. Lucky for us, the SciFi Channel put out the welcome mat for Raw fans tonight.

Silly me thinking that the Raw would be convention free--the show started with an MSNBC convention update by Keith Olberman.

Michael Cole and Jerry "The King" Lawler welcomed viewers to the show as CM Punk headed to the ring.

JBL was in a snit (even snittier than usual), but Punk got him with some well-placed kicks. Back and forth it went, with Punk going for a cover, then getting shoved out of the ring as the show went to commercial.

(Commercial break)

Back from the break, and we were told that Bradshaw had been in control while we'd been away. Near falls by each, then a big clothesline by JBL. It looked like he'd finally beaten the champ, but Punk grabbed the ropes just in time. JBL was furious and went after a chair from ringside. While he was arguing with the ref about the legalities of the chair, Punk gave JBL the Go To Sleep and took the win. Outstanding match!

(Commercial break)

Lillian Garcia introduced General Manager Mike Adamle who said that footage from SummerSlam would air on the TitanTron. It was of the John Cena vs. Batista match. As a result of the Batista Bombs, Cena had suffered a herniated disc in his neck that would require surgery. The crowd cheered, which was rude and unfeeling. The GM said that tonight he would announce a replacement for Cena in the Ham & Egg Scrambler coming up at "Unforgiven."

A very creepy Kane had a few words from the bowels of the Wachovia Arena. He was all about violence, especially as it related to Rey Mysterio.

Adamle ran into Primo Colon, whom he'd dissed last week in his haste to kiss Cena's behind. He assured Primo he had the apples and the cabana ready, but Primo said he was nothing like his brother.

Then Adamle turned around to face a very terse Shaw Michaels.

(Commercial break)

Uh oh. Kelly Kelly gave the Bethazon a bloody nose. Then Kelly Kelly got the win by rolling up the Bethazon for the winning pin. Kelly Kelly must be taking lessons, since she executed some remarkable moves. However, the win had been due to Santino's misplaced interference, and he crept into the ring to offer a timid apology to Beth. She was not gracious in accepting his apology and pounced with full fury.

(Commercial break)

"Charlito" (Charlie Haas) came out to Carlito's music, chomping on an apple.

Cole had a great line about "Charlito" looking like a character from "Tropical Thunder." Impressive debut by Primo with a cross body and cover for the win.

(Commercial break)

At SummerSlam, Chris Jericho had inadvertently given Shawn Michaels' wife a broken jaw. Michaels' was unforgiving. Nudge, nudge…get it? Probably leading up to a match at "Unforgiven," don't you think?

The "Sexy Boy" theme started, but HBK came out with no spring in his step. HBK said that his wife, Rebecca, was hurt, but tough. She'd be okay. He'd tried to convince himself that it had all been an accident, but could not.

As for why HBK hadn't just sent in a letter of resignation as Jericho had suggested, Michaels felt that after 20 years he'd earned the right to come out and thank the fans. Rebecca had come out with him for support, which resulted in the punch to the face. The crowd was chanting "HBK." HBK knew now that he was not going anywhere.

The TitanTron had been busy on this show. Chris Jericho's frowning face was on it now. He claimed to be at the WWE studios because he'd been asked not to be at the arena for fear of what he'd do to HBK.

A very emotional HBK stated that if he did what he really wanted to do to Jericho, he'd get put in jail. But in the ring, he could do as he wanted in an unsanctioned match.

Jericho accepted the match, but warned HBK not to let his wife and little children watch. (Which means they'll probably be in the front row.)

HBK said it was going to be "an eye for an eye."

Very effective promo for "Unforgiven."

(Commercial break)

This was a grudge match based on the slap Lawler had given to Cody a few weeks ago when he said he had not even been alive when Lawler had slapped comedian Andy Kaufman.

Good action by the classic, more seasoned duo. Hoooooooo. Unfortunately, Hacksaw was pinned by DiBiase.

Cody had a message for Cryme Tyme, who'd stolen their title belts last week.

Yo yo yo yo. Cryme and Tyme were in the nosebleed seats with the Title Belts and a message of their own. They wanted a Tag Team Championship match.

Ted the Younger suggested that they go through normal channels. However, at "Unforgiven" they could have a shot at the Tag Titles, which had young Ted contradicting himself.

It annoyed the Priceless Pair when Cryme Tyme mocked them from afar.

(Commercial break)

Todd Grisham was chatting with Batista, who said he had nothing but respect for Cena and wished him well with his upcoming surgery. As for Kane, Batista said he was not intimidated by the Big Red Monster.

Santino was subdued as he made his entrance, still smarting from the beating dished out by the Bethazon, no doubt. Kofi was in control of the match and a frustrated Santino decided to bail. Beth (with her nose bandaged) came down the ramp and made him get back into the ring. He did--reluctantly--and managed to pin Kofi for the win. The match had a happy ending, as Beth gave Santino a kiss and the two made up.

(Commercial break)

Josh Matthews and Candace Michelle were live at the Democratic Convention in Denver with a report on the Smackdown Your Vote campaign. It's "impor-unt," Candace emphasized.

General Manager Adamle…what?…was about to announce…what?…Cena's replacement…what?…for the Ham & Cheese Scrambler match. It was Rey Mysterio. But I thought Kane had killed him? Hmmmm…

A lot of low-flying, slow-paced action in this match. Kane finally grew frustrated and was searching for plunder as the show went to a break.

(Commercial break)

Kane began to pick Batista apart and tried to destroy his knee. But for all the damage Kane had inflicted, Batista lifted Kane up and slammed him to the mat. That was followed by a spine buster. Unfortunately, Kane followed up with chair shots to several of Batista's body parts. Batista with a spear and a lot of chair shots to Kane's knees. Will these two have anything left to bring to "Unforgiven"?

Good show tonight and a very good lead-up to "Unforgiven."