WWE Raw
Lafayette, Louisiana
July 9, 2007
thanks to: wwe.com
Bulldozed in the Bayou
By Lennie DiFino
July 9, 2007
LAFAYETTE, La. – Bobby Lashley’s quest to become WWE Champion continued on
Monday Night Raw when he was supposed to take on King Booker in one-on-one
action to kick off the show. After Lashley seized the advantage, Mr. Kennedy
attacked and he and Booker led a 2-on-1 assault on Lashley. Executive Assistant
Jonathan Coachman then declared that Lashley and a partner of his choosing would
take on King Booker & Mr. Kennedy in a tag team encounter.
“The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes has become Randy Orton’s worst nightmare,
challenging Orton to a Texas Bull Rope Match at The Great American Bash. The
cocky, third-generation Superstar accepted, and then he and Rhodes stood
face-to-face in the ring. Rhodes’ son Cody entered the ring, and delivered his
own message to Randy Orton when he slapped the former World Heavyweight
Champion.
In other action, Intercontinental Champion Umaga was able to successfully defend
his title against the former champion Santino Marella. Just one week after
winning the gold, the Samoan Bulldozer unleashed his fury on the challenger once
again, picking up the victory and retaining his championship.
Two other champions in action were the World Tag Team Champions – Lance Cade &
Trevor Murdoch, who faced the Highlanders in non-title action. Cade & Murdoch
continued to fight “by the rules”, and they picked up the win over Robbie &
Rory. Since winning the titles, Cade & Murdoch have seemed to be abiding by the
rules, but will this moral streak follow their reign as champs?
Women’s Champion Candice Michelle & Mickie James came to Raw ready to face off
against Melina & Jillian. After announcing to Candice that she was invoking her
rematch clause at The Great American Bash, Melina claimed injury and introduced
her replacement, close friend, Beth Phoenix. Despite the last minute change, and
with Melina looking on from ringside, Candice was able to score the pinfall on
Jillian and secure the win for her team. However, after the match, Melina, Beth
Phoenix & Jillian leveled the Women’s Champion with a 3-on-1 assault until
Mickie James chased them away.
Snitsky made his in-ring debut on Raw and made an immediate impact when he
defeated Super Crazy. The intimidating and powerful Snitsky came to Raw via the
Draft, and he is continuing on his personal path of destruction on Monday
nights. Super Crazy’s night wasn’t over, however, as he was later attacked by
Mr. Kennedy while being helped in the locker room area.
Paul London made sure that Shelton Benjamin’s birthday was one he will never
forget. London defeated the former Minnesota Golden Gopher, forcing the
overconfident Benjamin to give a birthday hug to tag team partner Charlie Haas.
As the World’s Greatest Tag Team embraced, Ron Simmons echoed the thoughts of
our fans -- Damn!
Finally, William Regal was put into action against Sandman by Jonathan Coachman.
With Carlito at ringside doing commentary, Sandman took the fight to Regal. But
after interference from Carlito, Sandman nailed both Regal and the Caribbean
Superstar with his Singapore cane, drawing the disqualification.
Matches
Bobby Lashley def. King Booker (Disqualification)
Intercontinental Champion Umaga def. Santino Marella
World Tag Team Champions Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch def. The Highlanders
Snitsky def. Super Crazy
Paul London def. Shelton Benjamin
Women's Champion Candice Michelle & Mickie James def. Beth Phoenix & Jillian
William Regal def. Sandman (Disqualification)
Bobby Lashley & Jeff Hardy def. King Booker & Mr. Kennedy