WWE RAW
Memphis, Tennessee
September 15, 2008
Results thanks to wwe.com
Snakes and ladders
By: Aubrey Sitterson
September 15, 2008
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – On Raw, World Heavyweight
Champion Chris Jericho successfully defended his title, but as announced Monday
night, the biggest challenges to his reign are still ahead. First, a World
Heavyweight Championship Ladder Match at No Mercy against the champion’s
nemesis, Shawn Michaels. And if Jericho is able to defeat the man who
revolutionized the Ladder Match, he’ll be forced to face the winner of Batista
and JBL’s No Mercy match at the next pay-per-view.
Ladder-day saint
The night’s first match was an eagerly anticipated Steel Cage Match between CM
Punk and World Heavyweight Champion Chris Jericho, which saw the Straightedge
Superstar attempt to win back the title he was unable to defend at Unforgiven.
The punt in the head that Punk received from Randy Orton a week ago proved to be
too much to overcome, however, as Jericho escaped the steel cage, once again
slipping away with the title.
By the end of the show, however, Jericho’s smile had turned upside down. Just
after Raw General Manager Mike Adamle agreed with the champion’s suggestion that
Batista and JBL face one another at No Mercy in a No. 1 Contender’s Match, he
announced that Jericho would still be defending his title at the event. To the
shock and horror of the World Heavyweight Champion, Shawn Michaels emerged,
identifying himself as Jericho’s opponent. After having a ladder brought out,
HBK mounted it and declared that they would be facing each other in a contest
made famous by The Showstopper: A Ladder Match.
Fight for your right
Earlier in the night, JBL handily defeated Tommy Dreamer as part of the ongoing
Raw-ECW talent exchange. Afterward, the Longhorn Loudmouth refused to leave the
ring until Adamle named him No. 1 contender to Jericho’s World Heavyweight
Title. Proving the adage that birds of a feather flock together, JBL was soon
joined by both the injured Randy Orton and Intercontinental Champion Santino
Marella, accompanied by Women’s Champion Beth Phoenix. Marella claimed to be the
right choice to challenge Jericho and Orton stated his intention to win the
World Heavyweight Championship once he’s cleared to compete, but both were
interrupted by Batista’s entrance music.
The Animal came to the ring, offering to beat all of the assembled Superstars in
order to get his hands on the coveted gold. Attempting to diffuse the situation,
Adamle made his entrance, explaining that a decision on the No. 1 contender
would be made later in the evening. Adamle’s attempts to calm things down were
ultimately futile, however, as a brawl broke out, ending with Batista laying out
both halves of “Glamarella.” Later in the evening, Adamle made good on his word,
agreeing with Chris Jericho’s suggestion that Batista and JBL face one another
at No Mercy to determine the rightful No. 1 contender.
A friend in need
Just prior to Adamle’s dual No Mercy announcements, in the night’s main event,
Rey Mysterio faced the maniacal Kane, who had addressed the WWE Universe earlier
wearing his old mask. Though the Master of the 619 won the match by a
disqualification, the Big Red Monster paid the bell no heed, attempting to pull
off Mysterio’s mask. Before Kane could dishonor the luchador, however, the
Ultimate Underdog’s tag team partner from the previous week and fellow
high-flyer, Evan Bourne, rushed the ring, and assisted Mysterio in chopping the
7-footer down to size.
Young turks
Continuing to prove that they have not only some of the most impressive
bloodlines in the WWE locker room, but also the skills to back them up, the team
of World Tag Team Champions Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase and Manu faced off against
Kofi Kingston, Jerry “The King” Lawler and Good Ol’ J.H., who was really Charlie
Haas disguised as SmackDown’s Jim Ross. Rhodes, DiBiase & Manu went on to defeat
their opponents, perhaps in a show of force to Randy Orton, who they shared a
cold glance with prior to their match.
All eyes on her
In just her second match since her return to sports-entertainment, Candice
Michelle faced Jillian as her No Mercy opponent, Women’s Champion Beth Phoenix
looked on from ringside. After Candice defeated the tone-deaf songstress, The
Glamazon attempted to enter the ring, but was denied by a drop-kick from
Candice.
Ig-Noble betrayal
Attempting to soothe his broken heart after Layla ditched him for William Regal,
Jamie Noble defeated Paul Burchill in their match on Raw. Afterward, Layla
herself came out, and told Noble that she was sorry for not getting rid of him
sooner. To add insult to injury, Layla was then joined by her fellow UK-native,
and the two left arm-in-arm.
Matches
World Heavyweight Champion Chris Jericho def. CM Punk in a Steel Cage Match to retain
Candice Michelle def. Jillian
JBL def. Tommy Dreamer
Cody Rhodes, Ted DiBiase & Manu def. Kofi Kingston, Jerry “The King” Lawler and Good Ol’ J.H. (Charlie Haas impersonating Jim Ross)
Jamie Noble def. Paul Burchill
Rey Mysterio def. Kane by disqualification