Source: Pro Wrestling Torch
WWE Raw Live Report
June 18 in Richmond, Virginia
We open without any In Memory of Sherri Martel. Well, I guess there’s no sense in confusing viewers.
They cut to footage of the past week on Vince McMahon’s death, the press conferences, the eye witnesses, the blow up, etc.
Live in the building, Mick Foley stood center ring. “Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the show will go on,” he opened. Foley said last week was Vince McMahon Appreciation Night and the fans booed. He said he said some things last week that might be looked at as inappropriate in hindsight. Foley said that although McMahon did take great joy in antagonizing, but he also took a guy without the greatest body, technical skills, or TV-friendly face in the world, and turned him into one of the great successes in WWE history. No sense in letting an opportunity go by without putting yourself over. Foley was then interrupted by Randy Orton, who strolled out in jeans and a t-shirt. Orton said Foley can come out and issue a half-hearted public apology, and suddenly that’s going to make things better? He said this comes after Foley ripped McMahon on Raw and in his third book. Orton said Foley’s name is going to be at the top of the list of people who could have blown up McMahon, based on potential motivation.
King Booker’s music then hit and Booker strolled out in a suit. Jim Ross took the opportunity to introduce the show, then Booker took the mic and said he doesn’t see Foley as a suspect. He said he has first-hand knowledge of a federal investigator here tonight, and he spoke for more than an hour with Bobby Lashley. Booker said the evidence is against Lashley – he was stripped of the ECW Title, he was the object of McMahon’s rage after Mania, and he’s a former Army ranger with knowledge of weapons and explosives. Lashley had enough and hit the button for his music backstage. He came to the ring dressed to wrestle and got right in Booker’s face before shoving him down to the ground. Booker rolled out of the ring, then John Cena’s music hit and the entire arena exploded. Insane heat. His music stopped and the boos came down after the initial explosion. Cena said this isn’t Law & Order, this is Monday Night Raw. He said he’s asking himself the same questions of what really happened to Vince when he closed the door to the limo. Cena said now everyone wants to play whodunit, but the question is how many enemies McMahon really had. Cena busted out a rap about teachers, preachers, and the drunk in the bleachers. And especially anyone associated with the XFL. On top of that, prostitutes, pimps, and male escorts. Cena said a fed is going to handle the investigation, so the right thing to do is to get on with the show.
Coach’s music then hit and he walked out on stage. He said the men in the ring are the five men who will compete in the Championship challenge at Vengeance on Sunday. Coach said the McMahon family put him in charge of Raw on an interim basis, and since the Night of Champions was Vince’s idea, he’s going to make a match tonight in his honor. Coach booked Orton and Booker against Lashley and Cena. He then addressed Foley and said Vince read Foley’s book and was disturbed by the distortion of truth. Coach then booked Foley in a match against Umaga and Foley’s expression went from a smirk to expressionless.
[Commercial Break]
[Q2]
Next week, we have another three-hour Raw to address the Vince McMahon situation. Certainly seems as if they’re speeding this along ala the C.M. Punk/New Breed program.
London and Kendrick came to the ring, giving Ross an opportunity to talk about yesterday’s supplemental draft.
1 — KENDRICK & LONDON vs. CHARLIE HAAS & SHELTON BENJAMIN
London started with Haas, then Shelton caught London in the chest from the apron with a stiff kick. Lawler said he couldn’t hold it in any longer and he said if you watch the footage of Vince going through the crowd of wrestlers at the end of last week’s show, Paul London was the only person smiling, as if he had knowledge of what was inevitable for Vince. Meanwhile, Kendrick took a hot tag at 2:00 and ran over Haas with a series of flying dropkicks. Kendrick then hit the Sliced Bread #2 on Haas for the quick victory.
WINNERS: Kendrick & London in 4:00. Not enough time for anything to stand out. Now, just wait five weeks when WWE decides to re-start Shelton and Haas’s push, but the fans don’t care because Shelton and Haas have been jobbed for two months, and then management wonders why Shelton and Haas can’t get over. (*)
They cut backstage where the federal investigator was talking to Coach in his office. We didn’t hear much of the audio, as Ross did a voice-over before they cut to a break.
[Commercial Break]
Carlito came to the ring in Caribbean street clothes. Lawler said Carlito is having a real tough time with what happened to McMahon. Carlito said everyone knows he’s cool, and in this industry, no one was cooler than Mr. McMahon. He extended his deepest sympathies, but since the show must go on, he’s here to talk about the Draft. Carlito said the two big winners were Torrie Wilson and Ric Flair since they were drafted off his show, Raw, and sent to Smackdown. He said it’s a good thing since Torrie left with a broken heart and he beat Flair from pillar to post. The Sandman’s music then interrupted and Sandman emerged through the crowd with beer and Kendo stick in hands. Carlito screamed that this isn’t happy hour. Sandman pointed his cane at Carlito, then entered the ring and circled around Carlito before Carlito bailed from the ring. Sandman, bleeding from the forehead, shouted at Carlito get in the ring.
[Q3]
Ross talked about Foley vs. Umaga tonight. Lawler plugged Cena and Lashley vs. Booker and Orton.
[Commercial Break]
Backstage, Cryme Tyme appeared to be asleep. They then discussed Mr. McMahon as a leader, visionary, and philanthropist. He said beyond all that, he was a capitalist. The screen went into QVC mode for “Cryme Tyme’s Shopping Network.” They talked about a Mr. McMahon memorabilia sale on all items that McMahon left behind. The federal rep. then interrupted the segment to ask a few questions.
Ringside, Cade and Murdoch were standing by the announce table with the tag title belts around their waist. Daivari‘s music was already playing, and he stood by in the ring.
2 — DAIVARI vs. JEFF HARDY
Daivari took control early on, and he sat down on a chinlock in center ring. Jeff came back with a flying clothesline before executing a front face suplex for a nearfall. Jeff then hit the Whisper in the Wind for another close nearfall. Another nearfall came after a slingshot double foot kick to Daivari’s chest. Hardy then hit a top rope Swanton bomb for the win.
After the match, Cade ripped the mic away from Justin Roberts. He said they were disgusted by the lack of sportsmanship two weeks ago when the Hardys lost the tag titles. Murdoch took the mic and said they had to fight back when they were backed into a corner. Jeff then answered them with a surprise plancha on the floor. The referee had to hold Cade and Murdoch back.
WINNER: Hardy in 5:00. Not surprising to see the finish of the match since they haven’t figured out whether Daivari is a manager or wrestler, no matter how much he tries to fit the pro wrestler body type. Nice storyline advancement with the tag titles leading to Vengeance. (*1/4)
And, finally, they’re going to interview McMahon’s limo driver on the other side of the grave…er…break.
[Q4]
[Commercial Break]
Backstage, Coach was on the phone with someone about the fed. investigator questioning him and everyone else possibly linked to the company. Coach said he couldn’t believe how much McMahon was responsible for, putting over everything McMahon does to make everything work. He said he’s meeting with people from Sheik Productions. There was a knock on the door, then Iron Sheik entered the office. He said Coach is absolutely right and all intelligent people know that Vince McMahon is a busy man. Sheik said he deserves his own show: Sheik Show. Coach said he’s busy, but he would think about it. The crazy man has conned his way into a national TV slot. Sheik began screaming after Coach in Arabic, then Ron Simmons pulled him aside and shouted, Damn!”
On the other side of the backstage area, William Regal held Maria’s hand. Santino Marella entered the shot and Regal wasn’t pleased with Santino interrupting his work. Regal confirmed that Santino is Italian, then he walked off, disgusted. Santino and Maria shared a few awkward moments.
They went to Todd Grisham, who interviewed McMahon’s limo driver about his whereabouts. He said he was getting ready to drive Mr. McMahon to his private jet, but he got a phone call from his wife about their problems. He walked to the other side of the building where his cell phone reception was better, and then he walked back to the limo and heard the most horrible explosion in his life. If he was anywhere near the limo, he would have been blown up too. He said he tries to make an honest living, and it could have been him. Limo Dude said his heart goes out to the McMahon family.
Backstage, Mick Foley was walking with a Cactus Jack t-shirt on.
[Commercial Break]
They recapped the limo explosion last week.
Ross and Lawler plugged the main event tag match, and Lawler said, “the show must go on” for the umpteenth time on WWE TV the past six days.
[Q5]
Foley came out first for his match against Mick Foley, then Umaga hopped on the apron and Foley jumped him. They fought on the floor before Umaga raked his eyes and rolled him into the ring. They continued to brawl in the ring, then Umaga ran over Foley with a hard clothesline. Still no bell to signal the beginning of the match. Umaga knocked Foley to the floor again, then Foley met him with a punch to the gut when Umaga left his feet from the apron. Foley then slammed Umaga head-first into the announce table. Foley picked up a steel chair and creamed Umaga in the head. He turned around to face the crowd, then turned back around and took a superkick, sending the chair into his head. Umaga then placed Foley against the steel steps and landed a charging rear splash, sending Foley’s head crashing into the ring steps. The ringside fans went quiet as Foley was motionless on the floor. The referee called off the action, then referees came to ringside and checked on Foley, who had a very distant look in his eyes.
Backstage, they showed the investigator talking to John Cena.
Elsewhere, a white limo pulled up in the parking lot.
[Commercial Break]
They came back and recapped Mick Foley getting the upper hand on Umaga before Umaga squashed him into the ring steps. Backstage, Dr. Rios was checking on Foley, who sold a concussion. The investigator entered the room and said he needed to ask Foley some questions. Rios told him Foley is in no condition to answer any questions right now. The investigator quietly left, then Rios went back to checking on Foley with a tongue depressor.
Mr. Kennedy’s music hit and Kennedy walked out to the ring sporting a sharp suit. He did his name intro, then said he almost couldn’t come out here because he’s sick to his stomach. Reason #1: just lost Mr. McMahon. (Boos.) Reason #2: Just got drafted to Raw. (Cheers.) He said he didn’t get along with the Smackdown audience, but he really, really, really, doesn’t like the Raw people. Kennedy said they have no respect for talent and Mr. McMahon was a genius, but no one respected him. He said he can’t figure it out since he knew McMahon on a personal level and McMahon was like a mentor and father-figure to him. Kennedy said McMahon told him a lot of great things, and good things happen to good people, and great things happen to people who work really hard. The “What?” chants started since this was dragging on. Kennedy said from this day forward, he will dedicate his legacy and career to Vincent Kennedy McMahon. Loud boos as Kennedy did Mr. McMahon…pause… McMahon. Good heat, but this took too long.
[Q6]
They cut backstage where the limo driver got out of the white limo and stood in front of the passenger door.
[Commercial Break]
They aired an “In memory” of Sherri Martel 79 minutes into the show. Melina came to the ring, and Jim Ross said their condolences go out to the family of Sherri Martel. Jillian Hall then came to the ring and dedicated a song to Mr. McMahon tonight. She started to sing “Amazing Grace”, but Mickie James interrupted to a huge pop in her hometown. Candice Michelle followed out as Mickie’s partner. On the way to the ring, Candice KO’ed the cameraman.
3 — MELINA & JILLIAN HALL vs. MICKIE JAMES & CANDICE MICHELLE
Candice and Jillian started things off, and Candice went to work on Jillian’s left arm before rolling her up for a nearfall. Melina then distracted Candice, allowing Jillian to kick Melina from behind in the back. She threw Candice across the ring, then landed a hard handspring elbow for a one count. Melina then tagged in and kicked Candice hard in the stomach. The fans chanted for Mickie as the heels continued to work on Candice. Ross talked about keeping up with the McMahon storyline on WWE.com, saying it was unbelievable. One of those loaded statements that it wasn’t necessarily unbelievable that McMahon’s dead, but that they’re doing this angle. Candice finally escaped the heels and made the super-red-hot tag to Mickie, who fired up on the heels. She hit a Fisherman suplex on Melina, but Jillian broke up the pin. Mickie then caught Jillian in the corner with a head scissors out of the corner before fighting with Melina. The action broke down, then Melina and Jillian hit a double-team pancake on Mickie before Candice took out Jillian. In center ring, Mickie had an inside cradle on Melina, but the ref was distracted. Melina then caught Mickie with a standing leg drop, ala Big Show, and made the cover for the win.
WINNERS: Melina & Jillian in 5:00. Tough 24 hours for Mickie, with Kenny being moved to Smackdown and now being pinned in her hometown. Sure, it’s all a work in terms of who wins and loses, but no one wants to lose in their hometown. Nice, competitive match with good heat. (*1/2)
They showed footage of the remnants of the limo being carted away to an impound last week.
[Q7]
[Commercial Break]
Ross and Lawler spoke quietly from ringside. Ross said he thanks McMahon for giving him an opportunity to do his job in a business he loves. Lawler acknowledged the continued “show must go on” refrain, and he said the show will go on, but it will never be the same. They advised on parental discretion before going to the clip from the end of last week’s Raw when the limo exploded after McMahon stepped into the passenger door. More of the firefighter training video that we saw on ECW TV last week.
They cut backstage where the limo driver (not the one with the family problems) was still standing in front of the new white limo.
Randy Orton then came to the ring amidst screams from the girls. Booker followed with Sharmell, then Bobby Lashley came out alone for the babyface side. John Cena rounded out the field with a law of diminishing returns pop.
4 — JOHN CENA & BOBBY LASHLEY vs. KING BOOKER (w/Sharmell) & RANDY ORTON
Lashley and Booker started things off, with Lashley taking control in the opening minute before Booker landed a thumb to the eye. Lashley quickly came back with a powerslam off the ropes, then Cena tagged in and Booker ran to his corner. Orton took a tag and tried to go after Cena, but Cena answered with a fisherman suplex before tagging out to Lashley, who helped Cena on a double-team hip toss. The faces then cleared the heels from the ring and they cut to a break.
[Commercial Break]
[Q8]
Predictably, Orton had Cena in a headlock right out of the break. Orton escaped, then came back with a flying face plant out of the corner. Cena tried to make a tag, but Orton cut him off. Ross effectively put Cena in jeopardy to lose the belt at the PPV since Cena is at a mathematical disadvantage against four other challengers. Booker entered the ring and slapped on a reverse chinlock before Cena fought out, but Orton tagged in and continued to work on Cena. After a standing struggle, Cena reversed the power grip before both men collided in center ring. Hot tags were made, then the action broke down at 12:00. Cena jawed with the ref, then Booker dropped Cena with a standing kick. Lashley gave Booker a spinebuster, but Orton had snuck in a tag behind Lashley’s back, so Lashley didn’t see the RKO coming. Orton then made the cover on Lashley for the win.
WINNERS: Orton & Booker in 14:00. Surprising to see Lashley pinned, but not surprising to see Orton pick up another victory to continue building him up for Hunter. Solid tag match, but nothing we haven’t seen before. (**1/4)
Backstage, the limo driver finally opened the passenger door to the new white limo. Ah, the symbolism here with the passing of the torch (fire last week), with Stephanie McMahon emerging from the new white limo in a black business dress. “Oh my god,” Ross said. Stephanie solemnly walked through the parking garage into a side building entrance.
[Commercial Break]
They aired a video package on Snitsky. He’s on Raw next week. Yippee.
[Q9 – over-run]
Backstage, Stephanie spoke quietly to The Coach, who asked if he should escort Stephanie to the ring. Stephanie looked away, then looked back and told Coach this is something she needs to do on her own.
Ross and Lawler talked quietly ringside, then they broke down the Vengeance card with the “show must go on” theme. Boy, talk about killing the hype for a PPV with the mood of this show.
Stephanie’s music hit and she walked out on stage toward the ring. She fought back tears, ala the Eddie Guerrero tribute show, and entered the ring before striding to the corner for a mic. Her voice cracking, Stephanie thanked the fans for their phone calls, letters, and emails. She said the sympathy means a lot to her and the McMahon family. Stephanie invited everyone to join them next week for a special three-hour tri-brand celebration of Mr. McMahon. Oh Lord. Stephanie said some people might think Vince doesn’t deserve a special celebration, but Vince is the only person she knows as her father. She said Vengeance is on Sunday, but vengeance will be felt when they find out who killed her dad. She looked up at the ceiling and said, “I love you, dad” and dropped the mic before hurrying up the entrance ramp to avoid the boos and catcalls. And the sick con continues.
