Quite a week in the wrestling world, one of the most eventful in recent history. But does WWE cement the McMahon death in wrestlecrap lore, or can they actually make the whodunnit interesting? Well find out....starting tonight. WWE.com says WWEs COO Michael Siler is in the building tonight, but nobody knows why. Also, lead investigator on the McMahon case, Daniel Beck, is in the house to conduct interviews. How much do you want to be he does it in front of the cameras backstage? And as expected, the McMahon family has appointed Jonathon Coachman interim leader of RAW. Anarchy, I tell ya.
-WWE Open.
-Cold open to a live RAW, with Mick Foley in mid-ring. Suit jacket, tie and....sweatpants? Foley feels bad about his anti-Vince comments last week, in light of the recent goings-on. He then, surprise, talks about himself and about how Vince helped make him a success. He apologizes to the McMahon family (Boo!!). He gets interrupted mid-sentence by Randy Ortons music. Could Orton have literally killed the biggest legend of them all last week? Orton verbally assaults Foley about his comments re: McMahon. Orton suggests Foley may be at the top of the list of those who may have killed Vince. As Orton begins to some up the case against Mick, King Booker comes out, solo. JR gets his first word in of the show, welcoming us to RAW. Booker doesnt think Foley should be enemy #1 in this case. Booker says the federal investigator was talking to Lashley for over an hour earlier today. He runs down why Lashley should be the top suspect. It isnt long before Lashleys music hits, bringing the ECW Champ out. He immediately decks Booker, who rolls out of the ring. Wisely, before Lashley says anything, John Cena enters the arena. The King and Orton have retreated to ringside at this point. Cena breaks up the legal proceedings and says its not as simple as these guys are making it. The champ tries to curtail the love for Vince and lists off, in rhyming fashion, those that couldve had a problem with McMahon. Cena just wants to get on with the show. Cue Coach and his equally annoying music. The men in the ring just HAPPEN to be those fighting for the title at Vengeance. Strange how that works. Tonights main event is in Vinces honor: Randy Orton and King Booker vs. John Cena and Bobby Lashley. As for Foley, Coach says Vince read his book, and told Coach what he really thought of his latest masterpiece. Foley will be back in action tonight, against Umaga. What, no ten-bell salute?
[Break- BTW, were in Richmond Va, at the Richmond Coliseum tonight.]
-Apparently, next week, RAW is three hours again with superstars from all three brands in attendance.
(1) Brian Kendrick & Paul London vs. Shelton Benjamin & Charlie Haas I could get used to this every week. Did Haas borrow Benoits tights for tonight? Haas uses some of his amateur wrestling to keep London in the heel corner, but that doesnt last long. Shelton though cheap-shots London to put him back down. Double-team on London and Shelton gets a near fall (apparently, London got his shoulder up, though I didnt see it). Lawler brings up the fact that London was the only one smiling as Vince was walking backstage last week. Paul fights out of the corner and Shelton misses a charge. Benjamin is able to keep him from his partner, and as I type that London makes the tag. Kendrick knocks down Benjamin and Haas and goes for a cover on Haas. Powerbomb by Benjamin on London, but London hurricanranas Benjamin over the top and they both go to the mat. Sliced bread #2 on Haas and its over.
Winners: London & Kendrick at 3:23 Since the FBI is backstage, maybe they can bring charges against whoever booked this match to go just three minutes.
-Daniel Beck is backstage, talking to Coach, with a pad and pen in hand. We dont hear much as JR was talking over the conversation.
[Break]
-Carlito makes his way to the ring. He says no one in this industry was cooler than Mr. McMahon. He wants to talk about the draft, specifically, Torrie and Flair getting sent to Smackdown. Carlito takes the time to insult Flair. As he reminds people who he is, The Sandmans music hits and he comes out thru the crowd. Carlito helpfully describes who he is for those who dont know at home. Carlito goads him into the ring and CCC exits before Sandman can cane him. Talk about paint-by-numbers booking.
-Coming up later tonight, Mick Foley vs. Umaga. Plus, Cena & Lashley take on King Booker & Randy Orton.
[Break]
-Cryme Tyme is backstage, giving their soliloquy about Vince and selling off his stuff at auction.wwe.com. Included in the limited-time, everything-must-go-offer: Some Vince coffee, his last supper (apparently unfinished), and the trash can they stole it out of. Before they can finish their sale, Beck interrupts and asks them if he can ask a few questions.
-Cade & Murdoch are at ringside to take in the next match.
(2) Daivari vs. Jeff Hardy Jeff gets a headscissor take-over then a slam as he goes to the top. Daivari crotches him up there though. Forearms to the side of the head by Daivari. Jeff fights out but gets slammed for two. Back on their feet, the two slug it out. Daivari gets caught with a clothesline and Jeff hits a face-first suplex. Cover gets two. Whisper in the Wind by Hardy for another near-fall. Mule kick by Jeff and Daivari is knocked butt-first into the corner. Corner dropkick gets two from the Hardy boy. Suplex on Daivari and another pin attempt. Daivari comes back with a running legdrop, but Jeff gets back the advantage with a Twist of Fate. Swanton finishes it.
Winner: Hardy at 4:29
-Cade & Murdoch get the mic and accuse the Hardys of not playing fair, which is why they responded with dirty tactics of their own. Jeff flies on to them at ringside and takes both out.
-Up next, an exclusive interview with Vinces limo driver. I was wondering what happened to him.
[Break]
-Coach is on the phone, complaining about Beck interrogating him. Hes having a tough night taking over all of Vinces duties. He has a meeting with someone from Sheik productions, and Iron Sheik walks in. God, Sheik wants his own show. Apparently, he wants his own talk show on RAW. Aw, I thought wed get some highlights like Fuji Vice. Just team Sheik with some random wrestler they need to get over, and hijinks are sure to ensue. Ron Simmons gives a good Damn!
-William Regal re-introduces himself to Maria. Santino walks up to Maria to talk to her too. Regal seems put-off and walks away.
-Todd Grisham is backstage with Vinces limo driver, Thomas Pagliaro. Looks like hes wearing a piece. He seems broken up. His alibi is that he was taking a call from his wife on the other side of the arena. He actually plays his part quite well.
-Foley is on his way to the ring to face Umaga, next!
[Break]
-Same video package as the start of the show is shown.
-Lashley and Cena take on Orton and Booker later tonight.
(3) Mick Foley vs. Umaga Man, JR really sounds subdued tonight. Foley goes after Umaga before the bell and the two go at it at ringside. Back in the ring, Foley hammers at Umaga in the corner, but Umaga clotheslines Foley. Umaga has Foley in the ropes and Mick goes to ringside. Bell still has not rung. Foley takes it to Umaga at ringside, bouncing his head off the announce table. Steel chair to the head of Umaga. The Samoan Bulldozer gets the better of Foley though, and butt splashes Foley as Mick is lain against the steel steps. Ref is asking for help. Foley looks out of it.
Winner: No match
-Daniel Beck is talking with Cena backstage. We see the conversation from afar.
-A long, white limo backs into the parking garage.
[Break]
-We get highlights of the Foley/Umaga skirmish. Foley is backstage being tended to by Dr. Rios. Beck wants to come in to talk to Foley, but Rios sends him out, claiming Mick is in no condition to talk to him right now.
-Mr. Kennedy makes his way to the ring. Kennedy says he almost didnt come out tonight because he was sick to his stomach, for many reasons. One was the loss of Mr. McMahon, the other was because he was drafted to RAW. He really, really, really doesnt like the RAW audience. They have no respect for talent, I guess. He does a nice job of turning the crowd against him, as we now have you suck chants. KK claims hes the greatest thing to grace WWE, let alone RAW. KK says Mr. McMahon was a friend of his and like a father to him. He says hes going to dedicate the rest of his career to the legacy of Mr. McMahon.
-Backstage, the limo continues to sit in the parking lot. The driver gets out and goes to the back, but just stands there.
[Break]
-In Memory Of Sensational Sherri: 1958-2007.
(3) Melina and Jillian Hall vs. Mickie James and Candice Michelle Jillian decides to sing Amazing Grace in honor of Vince until the hometown girls music cuts her off. Jillian with a wristlock, and Candice reverses into an Oklahoma Roll for two. Candice knocks Melina off the apron, but that allows Jillian some offense, including a hair pull. Handspring elbow by Jillian into a cover for just one. Tag in to Melina as the crowd wants Mickie. Choke by Melina, and as the ref is distracted, Jillian works in a kick to Candices back. Melina gets Candice into the corner and tags in Jillian. Jillian grabs the hair and rams Candice into Melinas boot. Off the ropes goes Candice for an attempted back-body drop by Melina, but Candice doesnt get up and falls face first at Melinas side. Hair-pull take-down by Candice and she tries to make a tag. She kicks Melina off but cant get there. Suplex by Candice and finally Mickie is in. Clothesline for Melina and a Fisherman suplex for two. Jillian is in and she runs into a corner elbow by Mickie. Hurricanrana on Jillian. Neckbreaker on Melina by Mickie and she almost gets the pin until Jillian interrupts. Double-team move by the heels sends Mickie face-first. Candice spears Jillian and Mickie gets an inside cradle for two. Back up, Melina lays her leg across Mickies throat and drops her, keeping the leg over the throat for the pin.
Winners: Melina and Jillian at 4:59
-Coming up, Booker and Orton vs. Cena and Lashley.
-Up next, we get footage of the charred remains of Vinces limo. Theyll be taking us back to clips from last week.
[Break]
-JR and the King welcome us back. We hear the show must/will go on for the millionth time. JR warns us that the footage were about to see is quite graphic and that viewer discretion is advised. We pick up RAW last week where Vince walked out of the arena and into the limo. Then, we get the firemen putting out the fire. The limo is loaded onto a trailer and we see its remains.
-Back outside live, the driver continues to stand next to the limo.
(4) Randy Orton and King Booker vs. Bobby Lashley and John Cena Booker is bobbing and weaving against Lashley to start. Lock-up goes into the corner, and Booker doesnt break cleanly. They trade punches for a while until Booker gets a thumb to the eye. Lashley hits a powerslam for a near fall. Orton and Cena tag in and Orton hits a suplex before quickly tagging out to Lashley. Double-hip-toss by the faces and the heels are both deposited to the outside. Break time.
[Break]
Cena is getting worked on by Orton out of the break. Cena reverses an Irish whip and slams Orton face-first into the mat. Booker is in and hits a spinning side-kick, but Lashley breaks up the pin. Now theres a 2-on-1 in the ring with the heels working over Cena. Cena fights out of a head-lock, but gets stopped by a back elbow. Orton tags in and Ron Garvin Stomps Cenas ass. Orton has Cena in a rear chinlock as Cena desperately tries to make a tag, but he fades back to the mat. Both men end up making a tag, and Lashley is a house of fire. Booker gets caught out of the corner and T-boned by Lashley. Up in the torture rack goes Booker, but Orton stops that. Cena then comes in and Booker kicks him out of the ring. Blind tag to Orton as Lashley spinebusts Booker. From behind, Orton surprises Lashley with an RKO. Its over, Rocky.
Winners: Orton and Booker at 12:51
-Backstage, the limo is finally opened. Out steps...Im guessing Triple H. Its Stephanie, and it looks like shes been crying. Oh my God, is JRs only response. She enters the building and will presumably come to the ring....next.
[Break]
-Stephanie thanks Coach backstage for taking over for a while.
-JR and King run down the Vengeance card as it stands right now.
-Steph comes down the ramp to the ring. She thanks the fans on behalf of the McMahon family. She invites the fans to join them for a three-hour celebration next week, in celebration of Vince McMahon. Steph is breaking up during this segment. She says Vengeance might be the PPV name, but Vengeance will be true once they find out who did the damage to Vince. She stars crying and leaves the ring. She walks up the ramp as we fade out.
My intense Stanley Cup final thoughts and more!: Experience It
So according to Stephanie, the reasoning behind increasing next week's Raw from two to three hours is for ANOTHER Vince McMahon love fest? Even in death, the show still revolves around him. And did anyone else get a disturbing Owen Hart vibe from them constantly saying "The show must go on"? I'd say this angle has worn out its welcome, but that would imply that it was ever welcome to begin with.
I can't even judge the rest of the show. The stuff involving Vince is turning into such a show-killer, especially when JR and King have to sell the "serious nature" of a fake death.
I guess we'll just have to wait God-knows-how-long to see who killed Vince McMahon. But the WWE doesn't do murder. No sir.
(edited by It's False on 18.6.07 2013)
The Wisdom of Homsar: DaAaAa, these Easter pants are gettin' way too tight!
Randy Orton, the first man to levy an accusation, blew up Vince as part of his Legend Killing modus operandi, which will lead to Triple H coming back to avenge his grieving wife's father's killer.
Originally posted by JustinShapiroRandy Orton, the first man to levy an accusation, blew up Vince as part of his Legend Killing modus operandi, which will lead to Triple H coming back to avenge his grieving wife's father's killer.
When I was hoping that WWE would go all the way and say McMahon was dead, what I meant is to say he was dead and never speak of him or it again, not turn it into an angle. How can you resolve an angle like this? It either turns out to be fake, in which case everyone's time was wasted. Or you discover who did it, and then....what? You have a wrestling match?
The Bored are already here. Idle hands are the devil's workshop. And no... we won't kill dolphins. But koalas are fair game.
Originally posted by JustinShapiroRandy Orton, the first man to levy an accusation, blew up Vince as part of his Legend Killing modus operandi, which will lead to Triple H coming back to avenge his grieving wife's father's killer.
Originally posted by JustinShapiroRandy Orton, the first man to levy an accusation, blew up Vince as part of his Legend Killing modus operandi, which will lead to Triple H coming back to avenge his grieving wife's father's killer.
Originally posted by ges7184When I was hoping that WWE would go all the way and say McMahon was dead, what I meant is to say he was dead and never speak of him or it again, not turn it into an angle. How can you resolve an angle like this? It either turns out to be fake, in which case everyone's time was wasted. Or you discover who did it, and then....what? You have a wrestling match?
"You tried to kill me, so now I'm gonna put you in a match...against UUUUMAGA!"
Well, Ring Of Honor has shows this coming weekend...IWA-MS has the King Of The Deathmatches Tournament for those of you who like that sort of thing...GCW has shows this coming weekend in Overland and Mt. Vernon, for the Midwest folks...
Honestly, I don't feel like mainstream wrestling is worth getting worked up over these days. Long-term fans should know exactly what they're getting into when they watch WWE (or even TNA).
Originally posted by ges7184When I was hoping that WWE would go all the way and say McMahon was dead, what I meant is to say he was dead and never speak of him or it again, not turn it into an angle. How can you resolve an angle like this? It either turns out to be fake, in which case everyone's time was wasted. Or you discover who did it, and then....what? You have a wrestling match?
"You tried to kill me, so now I'm gonna put you in a match...against UUUUMAGA!"
ROFL! Now that would be freakin awesome, it would make it all worth it.
Hmm..maybe not. Still think Vince will be found with amnesia somewhere, but they manage to keep Mr.McMahon 'dead' as he will no longer want to be on tv. Hmm..maybe not?
Damnit, right away they give us WGTT vs London & Kendrick and it's that short? And I guess that Matt Hardy will still appear on Raw at some point, and who knows if they give us a Hardyz-L&K-WGTT..oh and Cade & Murdoch spot fest.
I liked the unpredictable nature of last night's Raw, at least when it came to the matches themselves. I didn't figure Melina would pin Mickie, and not with such a cool looking move (well, it looks cool when Melina does it anyways). And Orton's RKO win over Lashley stunned me, but in a good way.
Face it, some of the new draftees got wins (Booker, Spanking London), some lost (Daivari), and some are just starting to get into angles (Regal, Sandman). That's the way it should be in my mind.
Jim Ross should be commended for his ability to go from "wrestling shill" mode to "serious talk" mode more times than a Lex Luger turn. I didn't like the somber Skittles read though.
"Put on your helmets, we'll be reaching speeds of 3!" "It was nice of you to give that dead woman another chance." "All right, look alive everybody...oh sorry Susan."- MST3K: Space Mutiny Click Here (myspace.com)
Originally posted by TorchslasherI didn't figure Melina would pin Mickie, and not with such a cool looking move (well, it looks cool when Melina does it anyways).
That was genius! They beat the most over babyface on the show in her hometown, cleanly, in a match when three other people could've done the job. Melina's finisher is pretty awesome, albeit.
And Orton's RKO win over Lashley stunned me, but in a good way.
Me too. Hunter's project trumps Vince's. I suppose I prefer Lashley in the mix with top guys on Raw than the way-annoying Lashley the supercool gentleman of ECW. I was surprised there was no KICK OF DEATH tease but I guess you can't do that every week, and not with power wrestler babyfaces.
I really hope the Umaga thing was to write Foley out of the five-way, because that is such a waste of the annual Foley match. Then again, as the annual diminishing waste of Mick Foley it would be perfect.
Talk about ignoring continuity - Melina brought Jillian INTO the company as MNM's fixer! Together again at last! But, yeah, not as annoying as completely ignoring the long, storied history of how Booker T. screwed Bobby Lashley out of becoming King of the Ring, especially given the staredown which told the entire story using only two pairs of eyes. They have to tell stories that way because they can't count on Lawler and JR knowing ANYTHING that even happened on the OTHER show.
I dunno about you, but if my father just exploded in a white limo a week ago, I would not be riding around in a white limo the next week. (They totally could've made this angle work with another explosion.)
I also believe Deuce and Domino were pulled too soon; with a tag division that has been the weakest part of the WWE body, this tag team added some strength to the division.