Raw is War
San Antonio, Texas
July 17, 2006
Last laugh
Once again Mr. McMahon thought he had a foolproof plan to destroy DX. During
Shane McMahon’s match with Shawn Michaels, his plan was to lure Triple H from
ringside and have the Spirit Squad, who was hiding underneath the ring, converge
on HBK. However, he underestimated how resourceful the two former World
Champions are, and after they cleared the ring – with some help from Triple H’s
sledgehammer and a steel chair — the Chairman was again left incensed as DX
stood defiant and as strong as ever.
During the match, Shane was only biding time until the Spirit Squad could crash
the ring to gang up on Michaels, and when The Game was preoccupied, it became a
six-on-one beating. Triple H tried to help his partner, but got tossed into the
steel stairs. The Squad then left Triple H unattended, which proved to be an
unwise decision. When he recovered, The Game reached under the ring and grabbed
his sledgehammer. Michaels got a second wind and grabbed a steel chair, laying
out the Squad and pushing the McMahon’s up the ramp, again thwarting their plot
for DX’s destruction.
But Mr. McMahon wasn’t the only person looking for revenge on RAW. Many would
argue that after Saturday Night’s Main Event John Cena should be the WWE
Champion, but due to Lita’s interference the ref called for a DQ allowing Edge
to retain the Championship. After the match, Cena lost control and drove Edge
into the announcers’ table; demonstrating that he’s hell bent on reclaiming the
WWE Championship at all costs.
Although Cena is intent on beating Edge for the WWE Championship, he had the
unenviable task of facing the undefeated Umaga on RAW. During Cena’s contest
with the Samoan Bulldozer, the Rated R Superstar strolled down to ringside
distracting Cena and causing him to leave Umaga in the ring while he attacked
Edge. Umaga took advantage by pounding Cena when his back was turned. Cena was
able to take control and was about to deliver the Five Knuckle Shuffle when Edge
entered the ring and tried to blindside the Dr. of Thugonomics. Turning towards
Edge he was able to counter a spear attempt, but that’s when Umaga slammed Cena
with the Samoan Spike, and covered him for the win. Umaga left the match
undefeated, but Cena certainly put him to the test, nearly giving him his first
taste of defeat.
Edge backpedaled up the ramp, laughing at Cena, knowing he got another one over
on his nemesis. The Rated R Superstar once again proved to have Cena’s number.
No matter what Cena does, Edge always seems to have an answer.
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Also, Carlito became the No. 1 contender to Johnny Nitro’s Intercontinental
Championship after defeating Shelton Benjamin. The former All-American amateur
wrestler was technical in his defense, but in the end Carlito reversed
Benjamin’s roll-up and used the ropes as leverage to get the pinfall. Carlito
was able to pin Nitro at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Is that a sign of things
to come?
As Carlito headed to the locker room, he ran into Trish Stratus who gave him a
quick embrace and congratulations on his victory. She left him with a glance
that would have melted anyone who wasn’t as cool as Carlito.
While nothing substantial— aside from a flirtatious look— passed between Trish
and Carlito, Randy Orton opened up about his feelings for Brooke Hogan. After
making quick work of Eugene and sending him a message not to take advantage of
the McMahon’s, Orton told Brooke he’d never take advantage of her, and was
anxiously awaiting the release of her new CD. He also mentioned that he sees
potential between the two of them— hoping she could look past his RKO on her
father, Hulk Hogan, at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Knowing how protective Hogan
is of his daughter, how will the Hulkster react to Orton’s advances on his
little girl?
Mick Foley had a few comments regarding the beating Ric Flair suffered at the
hands of ECW’s Big Show. Chiming in from WWE studio’s in Stamford, Conn., Foley
reiterated he has no plans for a rematch with the “old man.” Flair responded by
making his way to ringside — bandaged and bruised — to tell Foley “it isn’t my
first and won’t be the last” beating he’s taken and walked away from. He then
issued a challenge telling Foley he wants a Hardcore Rules match anywhere,
anytime. That’s when Intercontinental Champion Johnny Nitro rudely interrupted
the “Nature Boy.” After a kiss with his girl Melina, Nitro told the Flair he was
a close associate of Foley’s, and then followed with a cheap shot that knocked
the “Nature Boy” to the mat. After a scuffle between Nitro and Flair, Melina
tried to poke her nose into the melee, but was pushed off the ring landing
awkwardly on her ankle. Seeing his Diva in trouble, Nitro rushed to her aid.
With the utmost sincerity, Flair apologized to Melina, but told the two of them
to tell Foley he wants a piece of him.
Also, after pummeling Steele and Simpson in a tag team match, the Highlanders
issued a challenge to World Tag Team Champions the Spirit Squad. Robbie and Rory
McAllister have quickly risen to notable contenders in the tag team division,
mentioning to the Squad that although they wear kilts they’ve got something
underneath them. With the Spirit Squad busy plotting against DX, their challenge
was left without a response. Will the Squad answer next week on RAW?
Amy Zidian was the first Diva Search contestant to get voted out of the 2006
$250,000 Diva Search competition. Who will receive the least amount of votes and
be eliminated next week on RAW?
Plus, Trish Stratus and Torrie Wilson took on Women’s Champion Mickie James and
Victoria, with Candice Michelle as the guest referee. Victoria accused Candice
of favoring Trish and Torrie, which set Trish up to slam Victoria with the
Stratusfaction for the win.
With Lilian Garcia shunning all advances from Viscera and Charlie Haas, their
mutiny regarding her injury was suspicious. The way she was injured was clearly
accidental, but on RAW when they were asked about their lack of concern for her
well-being, the two replied, “They could, but they won’t” comment. Will they
break their silence next week on RAW?
Matches
Carlito def. Shelton Benjamin (No. 1 contender match for IC Championship)
Trish Stratus & Torrie Wilson def. Women's Champion Mickie James & Victoria
Highlanders def. Steele & Simpson
Umaga def. John Cena
Randy Orton def. Eugene
Shawn Michaels def. Shane McMahon (DQ)