This week Raw was live from the New Orleans Arena in New Orleans, Louisiana, and was the first ever Raw from New Orleans.
Jerry "The King" Lawler and Michael Cole welcomed viewers to the show, which began with a recap of last Monday's amazing show.
Big Steph appeared on the TitanTron and said last week's Raw had been a show in chaos. She urged everybody to work "as one." How about a chorus of "Cumbaya," too?
"Booooooo!" responded the crowd to Stephanie and her message.
The lights came up, and Vickie Guerrero was seated in the ring in her wheelchair. More booing and a lot of "you sucks" from the crowd. She introduced herself as General Manager of Smackdown and said she wanted to protest CM Punk becoming the World Heavyweight Champion. She said she would not leave the ring until Punk surrendered the title belt to her. She also demanded an apology.
CM Punk headed to the ring with a big smile and the title belt in his hands. Miss Vickie chided him for celebrating, since he'd "stolen" the title from Edge. Vickie complained that Edge had even called off their wedding. *sniffle*
Punk told her she'd be hard pressed to get any sympathy from the crowd. What goes around comes around, noted Punk. He'd done nothing to Edge that Edge hadn't done to others.
Punk told Vickie to "chillax" and take it down a notch. With Edge out of the picture, Punk suggested she take up with the Great Khali. Vickie got out of the wheelchair and slapped Punk across the face.
Punk said Miss Vickie had just bought herself a one-way ticket to Smackdown. He started to push her wheelchair towards the apron.
Then the mooing of cows heralded the arrival of a grumpy JBL. He challenged Punk for the title once again. Punk said JBL had had his shot and he'd lost. JBL wasn't taking no for an answer, however.
John Cena's music hit and he headed to the ring to make an announcement. He said JBL was severely sick with a case of the "wasntfors." But JBL would just have to deal with it, continued Cena, who suggested that JBL should shut up and listen to CM Punk. Then Cena congratulated Punk on his win last week.
Cena noted that no one was in charge tonight and a PPV was coming up. He suggested that he and JBL have a match for the Number One Contendership at Great American Bash.
But wait, there's more…
Batista had two cents to add, and probably another participant to add to the match to choose a Number One Contender.
Batista said Punk had earned the title and congratulated him. (I like this new streak of good sportsmanship.)
Batista addressed Vickie G. who was sitting at ringside. He said he was heartbroken at her bad luck. Then he said he was just kidding and told her to roll her ass back to Smackdown.
JBL told Batista no one cared what he had to say.
Cena served as moderator and got everyone back on the same page. A Triple Threat match tonight would determined the Number One Contender.
JBL insisted that with McMahon gone, he was running things. Cena said JBL was outnumbered. If JBL continued to complain, he would be out of the match. JBL swallowed his pride and accepted the three-way.
But wait, there's more…
Kane was another country heard from. He wanted in, too. That was fine with Punk, who said it would now be a Fatal Four-way.
I love it--all of a sudden there are five top guys on Raw, all of whom are interesting.
(Commercial break)
Rey Mysterio headed out for his first Raw match, and the crowd went wild.
(1) Rey Mysterio vs. Santino Marella.
Santino had a bit of a muffin top tonight. Better suck that gut in or else pull up his tights.
Santino started off working the lower back of Rey and generally being a bully. You just knew Rey was going to unload on him. A 619 and a splash finished off Santino and Rey earned himself the win.
(Commercial break)
Todd Grisham asked Punk who he wanted to win the Fatal Four-Way. He started to answer and a piece of equipment fell over. Then Snitsky appeared and said he'd never gotten a title shot. Punk surprised him and granted him a match tonight.
Cena was chatting with Mickie backstage when Kelly Kelly joined them. The conversation turned to contracts, and a "blonde" Kelly Kelly said she didn't know they had contracts. "God Bless America" was Cena's comment as he looked into the camera with a smile on his face.
(Commercial break)
Jillian was in the ring "singing." Ugh!
(2) Jillian Hall & Leyla vs. Kelly Kelly & Mickie James.
This was not the same submissive Kelly Kelly who debuted on ECW way back when. And thank goodness. She's much more skilled and pinned Screech Owl Jillian for the win.
The cows were mooing again as JBL's limo arrived. The chauffeur got out and ran away. Very strange.
(Commercial break)
JBL's limo had arrived, but he hadn't been in it, and now he was locked out of it. Who should open the door but Cena, who said the limo could never pass inspection in Louisiana. Cena just happened to know two guys who could find parts quickly--Yo Yo Yo. Shad and JTG came out and began to "fix" the limo for JBL so that it would pass inspection. They broke out windows, smashed mirrors, and gave it a custom paint job. The graffiti included "JBL is a poopy." Pleased with their handiwork, Cena felt that the limo had been brought up to Code. (Wonder where JBL's rent-a-cops were tonight?) This whole stunt was reminiscent of the Stone Cold days.
For the second time tonight, footage was shown of Punk cashing in his MITB briefcase. It was a moment that doesn't get old.
Punk headed out for his match with Snitsky and stopped to admire the customizing on the limo.
(Commercial break)
(3) CM Punk vs. Snitsky.
Snitsky was menacing, but Punk's well-placed kicks and Go To Sleep took him to a victory.
Shawn Michaels was walking with a purpose backstage.
(Commercial break)
A recap of the Jericho-Shawn Michaels' feud aired, then HBK headed to the ring. He recalled that last week Jericho had challenged him to a match at the Great American Bash. HBK had two words for him. No, not "suck it." "I accept."
Jericho, along with Lance Cade, headed to the ring. He said he knew HBK would accept the match. He called HBK an idiot for putting his pride before his wellbeing. Jericho cautioned HBK about becoming a martyr, since he'd eventually be swept under the rug and forgotten.
HBK disagreed, and said that no matter what Jericho achieves, he will never be HBK.
(Commercial break)
(4) Charlie Haas vs. Kofi Kingston.
Good match, with an aggressive Haas taking it to Kingston early in the match. Spinning heel kick by Kingston, who took the win.
Kofi started to celebrate the win when Paul Birchill appeared out of nowhere and laid him out.
Batista was trying to get focused in his dressing room when a puny "fan" began to mock his entrance, only to be chased away by security guards. The whole episode amused Batista.
(Commercial break)
(5) Fatal Four-Way Match: Batista vs. JBL vs. Kane vs. John Cena.
The winner of this match will get a title shot at GAB.
(Commercial break)
All hell was breaking loose in the ring, Kane vs. Cena and Batista vs. JBL. Many pinning attempts, all of which were broken up.
(Commercial break)
On the outside, JBL hit Cena with the ring steps to get back at him for trashing his limo. In the meantime, Batista and Kane were still in the ring, and Batista made the winning pin, thus making him the Number One Contender.
Kane was furious, to say the least. He stalked around the ring area, attacking members of the crew, finally pulling Michael Cole into the ring by his necktie. Kane slammed Cole, and when Lawler tried to intervene, Kane punched and kicked him in the head.
As the show ended, Kane was growling and seething as he headed up the ramp.
* * *
Wow! Great show two weeks in a row! I'm starting to look forward to Raw again!