That's "Mr. Adamle" to you!

By: Aubrey Sitterson

July 28, 2008

WASHINGTON, D.C. – After weeks spent leaderless and awash in mayhem and disarray, Raw finally has a new General Manager: Mike Adamle.

At the top of Monday night’s show, Shane McMahon announced that he and Executive Vice President Stephanie McMahon had selected a new GM, but that he wouldn’t be announced until later that night. Raw’s final moments were shocking ones, as Shane introduced new GM Adamle, known to most of the WWE Universe as the typically dunder-headed ECW commentator. In spite of that perception, however, Adamle made his presence felt during his first night on Raw, making numerous matches over the course of the night.

SummerSlammed
One of the matches made by Adamle was the night’s main event, a tag team match pitting John Cena & Batista against JBL & Kane. Though they began the show in an argument over who should face World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk at SummerSlam, Cena & Batista were able to work together in their match to defeat JBL & Kane. After their victory, however, the new Raw GM made sure that the two Superstars’ partnership wouldn’t be a lasting one, as Adamle announced Raw’s first epic match for SummerSlam: John Cena vs. Batista for the first time ever.

What’s Old is New Again
Prior to their tag-match against Cena & Batista, JBL & Kane butted heads following World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk’s match for the night. The Straightedge Champion competed in a non-title match against an athlete touted by Shane McMahon as “the hottest free agent in sports-entertainment.” To the surprise of the auditorium, that moniker belonged to the returning William Regal, who in spite of his recent crowning as King of the Ring, was unable to defeat Punk. After the match, both JBL and Kane came to the ring, leading to a free-for-all which ended with the tag team partners standing tensely over the World Heavyweight Champion.

A Farewell to Highlights
In addition to receiving a brand-new GM, Monday’s Raw also saw another historic moment: The final edition of Chris Jericho’s talk-show, the Highlight Reel. Y2J used the platform to gloat over ending the career of Shawn Michaels, urging the fallen Superstar to “stay home” and “move on.” However, despite Jericho’s warning, HBK will be appearing next week on Raw in the first interview since his Bash loss to Y2J.

The segment’s host then went on to air a series of clips of the more fan-friendly Jericho. With protégé Lance Cade by his side, he announced that he is no longer interested in trying to please the audience, and that those clips were the last they would see of Chris Jericho the “entertainer.” Before leaving the ring, Y2J then revealed the one person he feels is entitled to a World Heavyweight Title Match: Himself.

For the Love of a Woman
In his continuing attempts to impress and woo the lovely Layla, Jamie Noble competed against Intercontinental Champion Kofi Kingston. In spite of the presence of his “part-time lady acquaintance,” Noble was unable to get the win and was pinned by the Jamaican Superstar.

Defending a Legacy
Flowing out of their confrontation on last week’s Raw, World Tag Team Champions Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase were set to defend their titles against Jerry “The King” Lawler & Hacksaw Jim Duggan. Before the match could begin, however, ring announcer Lillian Garcia was alerted that the new General Manager had changed the match, substituting Duggan for a very confused Michael Cole. Lawler’s experience ended up being no match for the ambition and vitality of the World Tag Team Champions, who won by pinning a defenseless Cole.

Twisted Sister
It was a busy night for Raw’s champions as WWE Women’s Champion Mickie James competed against Jillian. The Women’s Champion defeated the Diva songstress, but before she could celebrate her win, Katie Lea Burchill ran to the ring and attacked Mickie in a bid to impress Raw’s new GM. Katie Lea then escaped back to the ramp where her brother Paul awaited, and stated their desires for the WWE Women’s and Intercontinental Championships, respectively.
Rules of Attraction

Though they shared an in-ring kiss on last week’s Raw, Santino Marella and Beth Phoenix agreed that there was nothing between them before their intergender tag team match. They were victorious against D-Lo Brown & Kelly Kelly, celebrating with a chaste handshake afterward. However, the passion of the moment must have been too much for The Glamazon, who pulled the Italian Superstar in for a victory smooch

Matches

Santino Marella & Beth Phoenix def. D-Lo Brown & Kelly Kelly.

World Tag Team Champions Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase def. Jerry “The King” Lawler & Michael Cole to retain (World Tag Team Championship Match).

Intercontinental Champion Kofi Kingston def. Jamie Noble.

World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk def. William Regal.

WWE Women's Champion Mickie James def. Jillian.

John Cena & Batista def. JBL & Kane.