Raw Results 09-01-08

Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler are calling tonight's Raw. Raw opened with an "In Memory of Walter "Killer" Kowalski 1926-2008 display. Monday Night Raw saw Randy Orton made his return tonight. Orton had something to say to all title holders. He first let everyone know that he is still injured and has not been medically cleared and when he is 100% is when he wanted to really return. He said that a brand is only as strong as it's champions. He said when he was WWE Champion Raw was the strongest brand in the WWE but now it's a joke. He criticized Womans champion Beth Phoenix saying that she runs around like a love sick teenager. He then criticized what he called the weakest Intercontinental Champion in WWE history Santino Marella. It was then Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase's turn as he called them worthless. Then he said that there is a guy running around disgracing the WWE Championship, CM Punk. He said that four years ago when he won his first World Title CM Punk was a nobody wrestling in no name towns wrestling under a no name organization and then finally grabbed a ladder, grabbed a briefcase and had a lucky title win. Randy Orton went on and said that he takes offense to that because it insults everything that he stands for. Orton then said he would love to challenge CM Punk tonight and take back what is his but he can't because he isn't medically cleared. He said when he is cleared though he will do just that and take over Raw again and make everyone forget about the sorry history of Raw known as CM Punk. World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk's music hits and out comes Punk. He goes face to face with Orton and they exchange words. Punk then says on the mic that he got a headache listening to Randy Orton. He told Orton he don't live off of the past and that not everyone has daddy and grand-daddy to usher them into the WWE. He continued on that some people really have to work and it don't matter how one gets there, the fact is that he is the World Heavyweight Champion. Punk said he would love to fight Orton tonight but that this conversation will have to take place another time because tonight he has a Battle Royal to win and a Championship Scramble to win on Sunday. Punk said when those matches are over he wants Orton to walk up the isle again and talk about who the joke of a champion is. Orton said that obviously this conversation will have to continue another time and started exiting the ring. Punk held up his belt and told Orton that he will do everything in his power to hold on to the belt because when Orton does come back he will see what CM Punk is all about.

As Orton was walking up the ramp JBL's music hit and JBL made his way to the ring. JBL said that Punk's fairy tail reign as World Heavyweight Champion will end on Sunday at Unforgiven. As JBL went on Kane came out to interrupt. Kane told JBL that he has been to hell and hasn't seen JBL's clothesline from hell anywhere. He also said that he saw Rey Mysterio in hell and that he won't make it on Sunday. Kane started proclaiming that he would be the new champ on Sunday but then the crowd went wild as Batista's music came on. Batista got to the ring and yanked the mic out of JBL's hand. Batista stared straight over at Kane who kept talking trash. Batista dropped his mic, then proceeded to spear Kane. JBL attacked CM Punk, but Batista speared JBL down next. As Punk, turned to face Batista across the ring, the Animal decided to complete the job and speared Punk to the mat.

Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler discussed tonight's matchups including a Battle Royal involving the Championship Scramble competitors, CM Punk, Kane, JBL, Batista and Rey Mysterio. Also, the competitors from ECW's Scramble will compete in a Battle Royal.

Charlie Haas Vs Kofi Kingston

before Charlie Haas came out John Cena's music came on but it was Charlie Haas dressed as Cena. Haas mimicked Cena and then got on the mic and told the crowd Cena might be injured but "the Haas is here, and you can't see me!" Kofi Kingston then made his way to the ring.
Kofi started the match on a roll,using his quickness to fly around the ring and knock Haas down. Kofi hit a double leg drop on Haas' gut. As Kofi got up and charged at Haas in the corner, Haas stuck a boot in his face. Haas put Kofi on his shoulders for a mock FU, but Kofi slid off. The two rolled each other up in pinfall attempts getting to the ropes. Haas tried to get up and clothesline Kofi, but he ducked, then hit the spinning Jamaican Buzzsaw kick to win it.

Raw returned with Jerry Lawler announcing "Rock Out" by Motorhead as the official theme song of Unforgiven.

Backstage Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase confronted Randy Orton about the comments he had made about them earlier. Rhodes told Orton who does he think he is because they are the tag team champions. Orton stopped Rhodes and asked him if he remembers the first time they met. Rhodes said he did and Orton asked him if he also remembers when he slapped his father. Rhodes did of course and Orton then slapped Rhodes across the face real hard. Rhodes was going to attack but DiBiase stopped him. Orton asked them how they could let Cena beat them in a two on one handicap match and yelled at them about letting a bunch of thugs steal their titles from them. Orton suggested they get some courage, because until they do he's standing by everything he said.

Mike Adamle is shown backstage meeting with ECW GM Teddy long and his assistant Tiffany. Adamle says that they could make the ECW Battle Royal a Labor day tradition and makes fun of the Jerry Lewis telethon. Teddy seemed as if he was about to take offense to that comment but hen Kane all of a sudden burst into Adamle's office. Kane asked him why he lied about Rey Mysterio's presence. Adamle said he wanted to send a message out to Rey that Raw needs him. Kane laughed continuing to state that he got rid of Mysterio.

ECW 5-Man Battle Royal

Matt Hardy makes his way to the ring first and then Chavo Guerrero who was of course escorted to the ring by Bam Neely. Next was Finaly with his son Hornswoggle by his side. Miz followed and lastly ECW Champion Mark Henry escorted by Tony Atlas. Everybody starts the match by attacking Mark Henry. He throws them all off at once and then addresses each one individually. Miz and Hardy double DDT him then everyone takes turns elbow dropping him before turning on each other. Finlay slams Chavo on top of Henry. Finlay nearly goes over courtesy of Miz, but he hangs on. Hardy gives Miz a Side Effect, then throws him over. He too then hangs on and rolls back in. Chavo then tries to throw Miz over, but Henry dumps them both over the top. Henry then attacks Finlay and Hardy. He knocks them both down, then turns his sole attention to Finlay while the crowd chants, "Hardy! Hardy!" Hardy comes back on Henry, beating on him in the corner. Finlay spears Henry in the corner, then he and Hardy try to dump him over but nothing was happening there. Henry dumps Finlay over, but Hardy goes to work on him. Hardy tries a Twist of Fate on him, but Henry picks him up and throws him over the ropes to the floor and wins the ECW 5 Man battle Royal.

Raw returned to show Chris Jericho seated at a table with Lance Cade and an attorney, reviewing paperwork for the signing of his Unforgiven match contract later on.

Jamie Noble is out with a microphone. He's calling out Layla in one last attempt to prove his worth to her. Layla ends up at ring side for Noble's upcoming match.

Jamie Noble Vs William Regal

Regal came out and immediately and attacked Noble as Layla looked on from ring side. Regal delivered a vicious right hand to knock Noble to the mat then tossed him to the corner for more punishment. William Regal was dominating this match as Noble took many boots to the head. Regal really looked like he had the match when he hit a full-nelson/facebuster suplex combo. But then Noble out of nowhere just rolled Regal up into a small package for a surprise pinfall victory. Afterwards, Noble left the ring, still beaten up, and Layla looked impressed by his win as the two left up the ramp.

Mickie James and Kelly Kelly were shown backstage as they seemed to be in good moods as they awaited their upcoming Diva tag team match tonight.

Mickie James, Kelly Kelly & Candice Michelle Vs Jillian Hall, Katie Lea & Beth Phoenix

Jillian kicks off some singing entertainment for the crowd by singing "It's getting hot in here" by Nellie. Everyone was happy though when Mickie James interrupted here. Also before the match got underway Beth Phoenix has a few choice words for Randy Orton. She said that she's the most beautiful and talented diva ever to set foot in a WWE ring. She continues about herself until interrupted by Candice Michelle. Katie Lea and Kelly Kelly start the match off and Kelly Kelly takes control early. Mickie tags in and works Katie over and gets a near-fall. Katie comes back and gets control of Mickie. She tags in Jillian and they work her over in their corner. She mounts a brief comeback, but Beth Phoenix tags in and regains control for the heels. Beth works Mickie over and scores a near-fall. She works Mickie back to her corner and the others take turns pulling her hair while she distracts the referee. Katie tags in next and continues to work on Mickie. Jillian tags in and Katie tries to whip her into Mickie in the corner. However, Mickie mounts a comeback and hits Jillian with a neckbreaker. Beth Phoenix tags in at the same time as Candice. Candice Michelle comes in on fire and takes control over Beth Phoenix. Candice ends up hitting a crossbody on Beth, but Beth catches her in midair and tries to set her up for her finisher, but Candice rolls off, rolls Beth Phoenix up in a tight package, and scores the win.

The history of the Shawn Michaels and Chris Jericho feud was reviewed. Emphasis was placed on the encounter they had at Summerslam where Jericho knocked out HBK's wife by mistake. Michaels came onto Raw last week and confronted Jericho saying he wanted a match at Unforgiven to settle things. Jericho accepted and tonight will see the two sign the official contract.

D-Lo Brown Vs Santino Marella

Santino sees a place for himself in history as he had the "Honk-A-Meter" put up on display which showed the Honky Tonk Man's former Intercontinental Championship title reign of 64 straight weeks. Santino said he's had the belt for 2 weeks now, with just 62 left to go. D-Lo Brown came down to the ring to start the match off. D-Lo started things off attacking Santino, and whipping him to the corner for a vicious clothesline. After a failed pin, D-Lo went against the ropes and held himself so Santino couldn't dropkick him. D-Lo hit a head kick then went to the top rope for a Frogsplash. Santino rolled out of the way then came over to take the pinfall.

Backstage, Shawn Michaels was shown seated in a locker room staring straight out as an attorney read over details from his Unforgiven match contract with him.

Miz & John Morrison Vs Cryme Tyme

Miz and Morrison were posing in the ring when Cryme Tyme came in and attacked them. The brawl ended up outside of the ring until Dibiase and Rhodes showed up to join the beatdown of Cryme Tyme. Dibiase and Rhodes take out Cryme Tyme, DDT them on the tag belts, then take them back. The match was called as a no contest as it never got under way.

The tag team champions Rhodes and DiBiase meet up again with Randy Orton backstage. They show Orton that they have just taking their belts back from Cryme Tyme and then walk away as Orton gives a look of approval and continues walking on his merry way.

Footage was shown of WWE at the Democratic National Convention. Mr. Kennedy and Mickie James were there along with roving reporter Josh Matthews.

Backstage, Todd Grisham talked to Batista about the main event match tonight. Todd asked Batista his game plan for the Battle Royal tonight. Batista told Grisham his game plan is "Destroy everyone".

Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler ran down the list of matchups for Unforgiven, including the 3 Championship Scrambles and the unsanctioned match of Jericho vs. Michaels.

Raw Championship Scramble Battle Royal

Batista comes out first followed by JBL. We then see that Randy Orton is taking a close seat near ringside to watch this match. World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk is out next and Randy Orton stands up to let Punk know his presence. Kane is out next but there is still no sign of Rey Mysterio. As the match gets underway JBL and Kane team up on Batista but Batista comes back on them by hitting some spinebusters and clotheslines on them. The Animal started to gain momentum, splashing JBL in one corner, then Punk in another showing how powerful he is. To the surprise of most though Batista ended up being knocked out over the top ropes by CM Punk.
Punk stares at Batista while being stalked by JBL. Punk lowbridges JBL and up over the top ropes goes JBL. Punk is on a row here! Kane slowly stalks him and Punk backpeddles. He then goes to his kicks and fists, but Kane evens the score with an uppercut. Kane works Punk over in the corner, then whips him to the opposite one and follows with a clothesline. Kane then tries to dump Punk over but can not. Punk comes back with some spunk and does his high knees on Kane. Kane responds by whipping him off the ropes and hitting a Big Boot. Punk comes back and lifts Kane off his feet. Kane rolls off and tries to throw Punk over. Punk holds on and rolls back in. He comes off the top rope and Kane catches him into a chokeslam. Kane lifts him up and hurls him over the rope for the win.

Outside the ring Orton smirked down at Punk, then the two stood face to face. Punk smirked back, then grabbed a bottled water off the commentators' table and splashed it on Orton. Referees got in the middle before the two could face off. Just as the confrontation was being broken up, Rey Mysterio's theme music and video came on. Mysterio charged down to the ring with fans cheering, then proceeded to attack Kane in the ring. Mysterio continued to pummel Kane, then dropkicked him in the leg. Mysterio went for the 619, with Kane rolling out of the ring. Mysterio dropkicked Kane through the ropes then went to jump on him. Kane caught Rey in the headscissors and was going to Powerbomb him, but Mysterio slid off causing Kane to hit the ringpost. The two continued to battle outside the ring with Rey climbing onto the crowd barricade. Kane slapped his hand around Rey's neck to go for a Chokeslam, but Rey kicked out of it. Mysterio proceeded to jump at Kane with a headscissors and threw Kane over the barricade into the crowd. Mysterio got back in the ring to pose from the ring corner for the fans.

Shawn Michaels - Chris Jericho Contract Signing

Jerry Lawler was in the decorated ring with a table for Shawn Michaels and Chris Jericho to sign off on their "Unsanctioned Match" for Unforgiven. Jericho arrived first in a suit and took a seat at the table. Lawler said Raw GM Mike Adamle asked him to moderate tonight's signing to make their match completely unsanctioned. This means Jericho and Michaels waive all liabilities of what they may do to each other, absolving WWE of all legal ramifications. Michaels came to the ring next to the cheers of fans. Michaels was all business as he walked to the ring and took a seat across from Jericho. Michaels continued to stare forward at Jericho, who looked away guiltily. Lawler informed them if there's any physicality between them tonight, their Unforgiven match will be called off. Jericho took the contract first, signing off on it, but still refusing to look into Michaels' eyes. Michaels took the contract next and signed off on it. Lawler thanked both men for signing off on the match, but Jericho grabbed the mic. Jericho asked Michaels why he asked for security to be present. Michaels said they weren't by his orders. Jericho and Michaels agreed that they'd talk one on one in the ring, so Jericho told everyone to leave the ring. The guards around the ring left as did Lawler and the two attorneys. Jericho started trying to incite Michaels, talking about hitting his wife at Summerslam. Jericho promised that he'll end Michaels career for good at Unforgiven. Jericho said he's going to put him out of his misery, like Michaels did to Flair at Wrestlemania. Michaels continued to stare down Jericho as he tried to incite him. Michaels finally spoke saying that all the pain and suffering Jericho has put him through will rain back down on Jericho with no remorse. Michaels said he'll never apologize for the life he's lived and will have no regrets for what happens to Jericho at Unforgiven. Michaels said he hopes someday God can forgive him for what he's going to do to Jericho at Unforgiven. As the two men stood up and removed their jackets, they stared one another down. All of a sudden, Lance Cade ran down to the ring to attack Michaels. Jericho quickly left the ring, as Michaels began to beat up Cade. Jericho came over to the side to try to pull Cade out, but Michaels dove at him. Michaels pulled Cade back into the ring, continuing his attack, and continuing to stare out at Jericho as he backed up the ramp.