WWE RAW

Cincinnati, Ohio
September 22, 2008
Results thanks to wwe.com

Three the hard way
By: Aubrey Sitterson
September 22, 2008

CINCINNATI – Since July, General Manager Mike Adamle has been allowed to run Raw as he sees fit, but on Monday night, on Raw’s historic 800th episode, Shane McMahon made a surprise appearance, reversing one of Adamle’s decisions, and setting both the tone for the night and its main event: World Heavyweight Champion Chris Jericho & JBL vs. Shawn Michaels & Batista.

The contest presaged two of the most anticipated matches of No Mercy: World Heavyweight Champion Chris Jericho vs. Shawn Michaels in a Ladder Match for the title, and Batista vs. JBL with No. 1 contender status being bestowed upon the winner. However, as is typical of Jericho’s underhanded dealings, he convinced Adamle to exercise his authority and change the match set by Shane McMahon. The GM added the World Heavyweight Champion’s protégé, Lance Cade, as a third member of Jericho & JBL’s team, tilting things in their favor. Though Michaels is known for fighting back against incredible odds, it was just too much for him, as his former student, Cade, pinned him, winning the match.

Monster mash
Though Kane was already scheduled to face off against ECW’s Evan Bourne, that wasn’t enough for him, as he approached GM Adamle, stating that he also wanted to face Rey Mysterio, who had been aided by Bourne in past weeks to cut the Big Red Monster down to size. With Shane McMahon looking on, Adamle granted the 7-footer’s request, setting Rey Mysterio vs. Kane as another one of the scintillating matches at No Mercy.

Though “Air” Bourne’s high-flying maneuvers had taken out Kane in the past, this week they just weren’t enough. The Big Red Monster defeated the ECW Superstar, and continued to beat on him even after the bell rang. Kane’s No Mercy opponent, Rey Mysterio rushed to the ring to help Bourne, but even the Master of the 619 couldn’t put a stop to the Big Red Monster’s rampage.

Hit the Rhodes, Jack
While many Superstars are focused on No Mercy, some still have their minds set on Unforgiven. CM Punk had some words to share with Randy Orton because of the punt to the head he received courtesy of the Legend Killer, which ultimately caused him to lose the World Heavyweight Championship at Unforgiven. Despite the third-generation Superstar’s warning that anyone who touches him will be suspended by Mike Adamle’s decree, Punk hit the smug Orton anyway. Before the GM could suspend him though, Shane McMahon – the fourth-generation Superstar – “pulled rank” and reversed Adamle’s decision, then set a match between CM Punk and World Tag Team Champion Cody Rhodes.

Punk was victorious in the match-up, but directly afterward, Rhodes’ second-generation allies, fellow World Tag Team Champion Ted DiBiase and Manu, rushed the ring with ill intent. Before much damage could be done however, Kofi Kingston joined the fray, and helped Punk chase their adversaries from the ring.

Glam slam
Though he was still nursing an injured face and bruised pride after his confrontation with Batista last week, Intercontinental Champion Santino Marella went on to defeat Deuce, continuing his not-yet-impressive five-week run holding the title. Before the match, however, Batista caught the Italian champion and his ladyfriend, Women’s Champion Beth Phoenix, talking bad about him. Their loose lips would come back to haunt them later in the night, when The Glamazon took on Kelly Kelly.

In spite of the Women’s Champion’s superior strength, Kelly Kelly scored a pin due to a botched distraction from Santino. Looking to exact revenge, the combined “Glamarella” were about to brutalize Kelly after the match when Batista himself ran in, spearing the Intercontinental Champion and defending the Diva.

Hard Tyme
In one of Raw’s two tag team match-ups, Cryme Tyme squared off against former WWE Tag Team Champions The Miz & John Morrison. The contest was a result of the two teams taking shots at one another in their WWE.com Exclusive web-shows: Cryme Tyme’s “Word Up” and “The Dirt Sheet” with Miz & Morrison. Though Shad & JTG had hoped to shut up the arrogant ECW Superstars, it was the Shaman of Sexy & the self-proclaimed “chick magnet” who stood tall, picking up the win.

Mr. (Im)Perfect
Continuing his habit of impersonating other WWE Superstars, Charlie Haas took the opportunity to pay tribute to one of his heroes, WWE Hall of Famer Mr. Perfect. In an attempt to replicate some of Curt Hennig’s famous athletic feats, Haas disguised himself as Mr. Perfect and played basketball, shot pool, danced, boxed and played air hockey … poorly.

Matches

CM Punk def. World Tag Team Champion Cody Rhodes

Intercontinental Champion Santino Marella def. Deuce in a non-title match

Kane def. Evan Bourne

Kelly Kelly def. Women's Champion Beth Phoenix in a non-title match

The Miz & John Morrizon def. Cryme Tyme

World Heavyweight Champion Chris Jericho, JBL & Lance Cade def. Shawn Michaels & Batista