Scores to Settle!

William Regal greets us in the ring tonight to tell us about Backlash at the end of this month. The championship will be fought between Randy Orton and JBL. Regal announces JBL as the most deserving #1 contender in the WWE. I totally disagree with this statement. JBL and his moo mobile. Great, well for once I'll be rooting for Orton. I knew Triple H would have something to say about this arrangement and out he comes! Triple H asks Regal, "Are you out of your freaking mind? This is your main event at Backlash?" Triple H confronts Orton about his "win" at Wrestlemania, then he changes his line of questioning to JBL, "How is a guy who spent the last two years retired as an announcer on Smackdown the #1 contender when his claim to fame on Raw is smacking around a midget?" Triple H is seriously confused about what is on the mind of Regal. Regal puts Triple H in a handicap match tonight against both Randy Orton and JBL. If Triple H wins, he will be in a triple threat match for the title at Backlash, if he loses he will not be going to Backlash. It's all or nothing tonight for the Game, can he bring it?

Umaga comes out for a match against Val Venis. Guess it's time for a filler match. Umaga doesn't waste any time to dominate Val Venis. Val tries to fight back, but the Samoan Bulldozer is just too much for the veteran. Umaga sets Val up in a corner and gets the full tilt run on Venis. A huge Samoan spike wins this match for Umaga. (Like we didn't all see that one coming....)

Jillian Hall and Melina take the ring for a match against Ashley and Mickie James. These four women should make an interesting match up. Melina and Jillian appear to be gunning for Ashley for the most part. Mickie gets a tag from Ashley and takes out Melina and Jillian. She's doing great until Melina gets her in a corner then Mickie turns the tables on her. Ashley takes care of Jillian on the outside, and Mickie gets a huge DDT on Melina to win this match for herself and Ashley. Pretty in pink that's all I have to say about it.

They showed the recap of Ric Flair's farewell address last week on Raw. It was beautiful and I tear up even now as I think about it. Ric Flair had a 36 year career in the WWE, he made it as the first active wrestler inducted into the Hall of Fame, and he fought his last match ever against one of the best the Showstopper, Shawn Michaels. He had an awesome career and I think he has earned the right to retire in style like no one else could. I'm sure we might see him again in a guest appearance here or there, like some of the other veteran wrestlers. I hope that he enjoys his milestones and his rewards and memories and that he doesn't get too bored with his retirement! He will always be the man in my book!

Paul London and Brian Kendrick are taking on Lance Cade and Trevor Murdock. Cade is taking it to London. A huge clothesline almost beheads London. Murdock gets the tag in and continues the attack on London. He quickly tags Cade back in and these two men take turns assaulting the young star. London really needs to make a tag to Kendrick to have a chance to stay alive in this match tonight. Cade takes an elbow to the eye and makes his way to the corner to tag in Murdock. London gets his tag in to Kendrick and Kendrick takes it to Murdock. Cade interferes while the ref's back is turned and punches Kendrick trying to win it for his team, however, that wasn't how this match ended. Kendrick got the inside cradle on Murdock and wins this match quick and clean for himself and London. Never underestimate the quickness of the up and coming superstars, that will certainly be your downfall!

Triple H comes out for his match against JBL and Randy Orton. (Main event already? There is still one hour and 10 minutes left of the show, I'm confused? Either this is going to be one hell of a long match, or there are other things planned for this show tonight.) I'm totally rooting for Triple H in this match up, he's my man. Orton starts this match off with the Game. The lock up and Triple H wastes no time taking it all to the champ. The two men stalk each other like animals in the wild looking for a kill. JBL tries to interfere with Triple H in the corner but the Game takes care of that menace quickly. William Regal is looking on in front of the announcer's table. JBL gets Triple H in the corner and talks trash to him. JBL has a lot to prove in this match, does he have what it takes to be the #1 contender at Backlash? JBL takes Triple H to the corner and Orton takes fully liberty to tag himself in. While the ref is dealing with JBL, JBL is kicking Triple H in the face. Then Orton starts kicking Triple H as the legal man in this match. Orton begins the stomp fest on the cerebral assassin. Does Triple H have a chance in hell? Orton goes for the cover but Triple H gets a shoulder up. Orton tags in JBL and JBL continues the attack. JBL drops multiple elbows into the chest of Triple H and goes for a cover. Shoulders up by the Game. JBL tags in Orton and Orton gets Triple H in the corner. A huge powerslam by Orton takes me by surprise. Triple H kicks out of the cover. JBL gets back into this match up. JBL applies the sleeper choke hold on the Game. Triple H powers out of the sleeper and gets a drop knee to the face of JBL. Triple H starts to slowly power back, but JBL receives a blind tag from Orton who is looking for the RKO, but fails and is shoved into JBL. JBL and Orton are disoriented and Triple H gets the pedigree on Orton to win it for himself! It's going to be a triple threat match for the WWE championship!

However, there is one man that hasn't had his say tonight. John Cena! He comes out to have his say about it. He has a proposition. Yes Cena is the man who made JBL quit. Cena makes a great argument about who beats who and when. "Four of the biggest dogs in the industry are right here in this ring, at Backlash I propose a fatal 4-way for the WWE championship!" Regal can't say no to that now can he? "If you want to be in this match at Backlash, tonight you must fight in a match against JBL and Triple H. I'll offer you the same deal I offered Triple H." Regal states. Cena accepts and goes backstage to get ready for this match. No one looks happy about this at all. (Guess it's going to be a fatal 4-way at Backlash, because you know as well as I do that Cena won't lose, no matter what.)

Hardcore Holly and Cody Rhodes will defend the tag titles tonight against Carlito and Santino Marella. Carlito starts this match off against Cody Rhodes. A nice double team by Rhodes and Holly on Carlito as Holly gets his tag in. Santino gets a tag by Carlito and Hardcore Holly introduces Carlito to the Alabama slam. Marella and Carlito try to cheat and confuse the ref about who the legal man in is, but the ref wasn't born yesterday. He forces Carlito out and makes Santino continue the match. Then the barrage of tag ins and outs by Carlito and Santino weaken Holly. Rhodes stays in his corner and doesn't lower himself to the level of cheating to win. Carlito is taking it to Holly who looks just slightly weary. Holly is on the mat and needs to make a tag to stay alive in this match. A kick to the face of Marella who gets tagged in allows Holly to get his tag to Rhodes. Rhodes and Marella go at it. Marella goes up top and gets a huge splash on Rhodes pinning him for the win! Marella and Carlito win it and Rhodes and Holly look shocked.

Cryme Tyme is in the house with the Wrestlemania clearance sale. They got a shaker of soap from Rocky Johnson, an autographed signed copy of Maria's Playboy (it's no longer available) and a pair of Kim Kardashian's underwear. Oh wait that was Mae Young's dressing room that those panties came from, eww yuck! These two can always provide the comic relief that's for sure!

Maria comes to the ring for her match against Beth Phoenix current Women's champion. The Glamazon hasn't seen much action lately. Beth smirks at Maria as if she can't believe that Maria would challenge her. Maria is really taking it to Beth at first. Beth starts to deliver the true power that she holds so dear and Maria isn't quite ready for it. Beth gets Maria bent backwards and up on her head, then applies a backbreaker. Maria gets a quick inside cradle and almost wins it. Maria fights back and continues to assault on the Glamazon. Maria counters Beth having Maria up on her shoulders but Beth fights back as well. Beth delivers a huge suplex to Maria and wins it. Maria tried, but it will take more than a pretty face to beat this powerful champion.

Y2J comes out for his Highlight Reel which will feature Shawn Michaels and Batista. I'm sure the topic will be the match at Wrestlemania that caused Ric Flair to retire. Batista comes out first. Shawn Michaels is already tagged as the man who ended the illustrious career of Ric Flair. Poor Shawn. Batista looks so angry, like he wants to eat Shawn Michaels for breakfast. Michaels remind everyone that Ric Flair was the one who challenged him to the match at Wrestlemania. Jericho tries to keep this interview civil, but will it stay civil? Batista interrupts Shawn and tells him that he's (Michaels) not sorry in the slightest about ending Ric's career. Michaels and Batista exchange heated words. Shawn totally stands his ground on beating Flair at Wrestlemania and I'm proud of him. He makes me want to cry just to listen to his speech. "Despite what you think, Wrestlemania was the hardest night of my career." Batista says that he trusted Shawn to do the right thing but he will never make that mistake again. Shawn tells Batista that if he wants to do something about it, just do it. These two face off. "I already have." says Batista as he walks out of the ring eying Michaels with a smug contentment that only he knows the reason for. Could Batista have talked to Vince to get a spot on Monday Night Raw so he could settle the score with Michaels personally? I guess only time will tell. (I'd love to have Batista back on Raw that would be excellent, well maybe not for Shawn.)

Backlash will have a match one on one with Batista and Shawn Michaels says William Regal as he gets off the phone with Vicki Guerrero. Orton interrupts Regal's phone call and Regal tells Orton that he will be in a match next week on Raw. Raw will be in England next week and Orton's opponent will be William Regal himself. Open mouth insert foot Orton, good job!

John Cena steps into the ring for his chance to go to Backlash. He faces off against JBL and Triple H who are partnered up. JBL starts this match off with Cena. Orton comes down the ramp distracting Cena and JBL capitalizes on this distraction and gets and early start on beating Cena. JBL gets a cover, but Cena gets a shoulder up. Orton watches on from the outside. JBL refuses to tag in Triple H. JBL continues to attack Cena brutally. Cena hasn't gotten his edge yet tonight. Cena finally starts to battle back, but JBL gets out of the way of a running start by Cena to the corner. JBL still refusing to tag in Triple H which is totally childish of him, eventually Triple H will get sick of it and get a blind tag I'm sure. JBL gets Cena on the outside. JBL delivers a huge clothesline to Cena on the outside, then rolls him back into the ring to break up the count. JBL applies pressure to the surgically repaired muscle group of Cena. Going for a submission Orton and Triple H look on eagerly. Cena powers up to his feet and makes a comeback. As Cena unleashes on JBL Triple H just looks on with no remorse. Orton is about to have a cow on the outside because JBL screwed this one up big time. As JBL goes for the tag, Triple H moves and refuses to allow the tag. JBL gets a huge boot to the face of Cena taking him to the mat. JBL then goes for Triple H who gets in the ring and starts beating the crap out of JBL. JBL then punches Orton who gets in the ring and delivers an RKO to JBL. Cena capitalizes on the hell that has broken loose in the ring and wins it! He's secured his spot in the fatal 4-way at Backlash! Can Orton hold it together against two of the toughest men in the business and JBL? He better start eating his Wheaties that's for sure!

That's where tonight's Raw leaves off. Join me next week same Raw time same Raw channel and let me entertain you!

(Sorry about last week fellow readers, I moved and didn't have my Internet set up yet. We're all in the green now though, so I'm back!)

Update on Candace Michelle

UPLAND, Calif. – Candice Michelle underwent successful surgery Monday afternoon at the San Antonio Ambulatory Surgical Center. The operation was scheduled shortly after the Diva re-injured her clavicle on Raw a week ago – in her first match back after nearly five months of recovery.
“It was my fault,” Candice had informed WWE.com only hours before her surgery. “I was getting ready for a dropkick, and I thought it might be more effective if I landed on my back. I landed on my left shoulder and hurt [the clavicle] right then and there.”
The fall led to Candice not only re-breaking her clavicle, but completely displacing it as well. In the previous instance, the bone had still been aligned and therefore did not require surgery. But now, any activity, wrestling or otherwise, could have caused further significant damage.
“The doctor said I could take a non-surgical route, but it would take a minimum of six months doing nothing,” she said. “I’ve been dying already, after having been out for five months. I’m completely ready to get it fixed and be able to make a real comeback to the ring.”
Although she will not be able to participate in the BunnyMania Match at WrestleMania XXIV, Candice will not let the operation keep her from attending The Granddaddy of Them All. She'll be supporting Maria in Orlando, Fla., no matter what.
“Don’t get me wrong – I’m a little scared,” Candice admitted. “I’ve never had surgery of this nature. At the same time, the healing process is a lot quicker once you have a plate and pins in there, and I can start rehabbing almost immediately.”
The Diva was upset that she would not be able to enter the squared circle this Sunday, but she understands how this surgery will benefit her in the long run. It provides her with a chance to truly recover from an injury that has aggravated her for some time.
“It was hard for me to come back to Monday Night Raw,” she said. “In my heart, I didn’t feel like I was really coming back because I was still being held back by my injury. It was hard to be in the same building as Beth Phoenix, and know that I couldn’t get back into that ring and show people the fire that I had in my heart.”
The Women’s Champion isn’t completely off the hook, however. Candice hasn’t yet had an opportunity for revenge against the in-ring Glamazon whom she holds responsible for her initial injury. But that day may not be so far away.
“For me to miss out on things like WrestleMania, the fire has built up that much more. When I return, it’s going to be a real comeback this time.”

Friends turn foes and partners turn opponents!

John Cena is the first out tonight on Raw. He grabs a microphone and has something to say. He addresses the fans about Wrestlemania being Sunday and it's going to be the biggest show ever! As he's talking he's interrupted by the Big Show. "Regardless of who wins your match, this Wrestlemania is going down in history for one reason, me ending the career of Mayweather!" Big Show states very matter-of-factly. JBL comes out with something to say too. "You too can talk about making history all you want, but JBL makes history!" JBL reminds the two men already in the ring. "My match has absolutely no rules, there is nothing or no one that can stop me!" JBL states. Cena makes a comment about how he beat JBL's ass at Wrestlemania 21 and really wasn't listening to anything the big mouth just said. Randy Orton comes out in all his importance. "Some people think the Big Show is going to knock out Mayweather, some people think that JBL is going to beat up Finlay and some people think that Orton, Cena or Triple H is going to leave champ that night. No one is counting on me retaining my title at Wrestlemania however!" Orton says. Umaga comes out. Umaga says something in Samoan and Cena translates for him saying, "Orton likes sperm whales and boy bands. There's no way I will let this man retain the title, thank you for your input Umaga." (I'm about to die laughing here). Triple H comes out. Triple H plugs his new T-shirt before addressing the guys in the ring. "There is one reason why we are all in this business, there is one reason why we lay our bodies on the line and it's that, the WWE championship sitting on Orton's shoulder. At Wrestlemania the King of Kings goes back on his thrown!" All these guys start arguing amongst themselves and are interrupted by William Regal. He makes a main event match of an 8 man no disqualification match, Cena, Triple H, Shawn Michaels and Ric Flair vs Umaga, Big Show, JBL and Randy Orton.

Chris Jericho heads down to the ring for his tag match with partner CM Punk from ECW vs MVP from Smackdown and his partner Carlito. It's a mini money in the bank preview. CM Punk and MVP get the match underway. CM Punk uses his feet effectively against MVP, MVP tags in Carlito and Jericho gets tagged from Punk. Jericho barrages Carlito with right hands and does a nice spring board drop kick knocking Carlito right off the ring apron where he was caught up on the top rope. Carlito fights back and gives Jericho a run for his money for a bit. Jericho puts a stop to that and gets a second wind. Jericho goes for the walls of Jericho on Carlito but MVP interrupts and Jericho gets tossed out of the ring by Carlito. While the ref is busy with CM Punk MVP goes to work on the outside with Jericho. Once Jericho is back in the ring Carlito makes quick work of trying to weaken Y2J. MVP gets the tag from Carlito and goes to work on Jericho. Jericho makes it to his feet from the hold MVP had him in. Jericho gets a moment of momentum and crawls towards his partner. Punk gets the tag and goes right to work on MVP. A huge powerslam gets Punk a near fall over MVP. Carlito tries to intervene but Punk kicks him off the apron. Jericho gets in the ring and beats on MVP. Jericho goes from a standing drop kick and misses MVP hitting CM Punk by accident. MVP gets the three count on CM Punk. Jericho is not happy with this outcome as the winners MVP and Carlito leave the ring.

Mr. Kennedy is backstage making his statement about what he thinks will happen at Wrestlemania this year. "Ric Flair retires, the Undertaker's winning streak ends, and I will win the money in the bank match and cash it in to become the champion. The story of Wrestlemania will be Mr. Kennedy!"

Hardcore Holly is in the ring for a singles match against the Great Khali from Smackdown. The size difference between these two men is not giving favor to Holly. Khali is dominant and powerful against the tag team champion as if he was an amateur. Khali wins this match and doesn't even break a sweat.

Ric Flair comes out to confront Shawn Michaels. "I'm glad to know that somewhere in the World people respect Ric Flair." Flair states. Flair is not happy about Shawn's choice to interfere with his match against Mr. McMahon last week on Raw. "I'm losing respect for Shawn Michaels." Ric says, he calls out Michaels to talk about this man to man. Shawn comes out. "First of all Ric, I'm sorry to hear that you lost respect for me. I'm sorry to hear that you think I've lost faith in you. I didn't come out last week to interfere with anything, I was just giving you back up because I did what I thought you would do." Michaels says to his long time friend. "Shut up!" Flair yells, he takes his coat off and yells at Michaels. "I don't need anybody to tell me who I am, and I'm feeling good about myself, I'm going to show you something!" He brings out the NWA world Heavyweight Championship that he won in 1981. "If you were 20 years older you would have been in the ring with me back then too!" Flair says. "In 2008 I picked you to wrestle me at Wrestlemania, because I want to prove that I've still got it!" Flair admits. "Let me assure you of one thing, I'm gonna give you everything you need, I'm gonna give you the main event and rest assured I'm gonna give you Mr. Wrestlemania come Sunday!" Shawn promises. "I would expect nothing less from you my friend!" Flair says happy to have what he wants. "Before I go, just so there is no doubt in your mind that you are going to get everything you need and more, come Sunday I'm gonna take you behind the wood shed like Old Yeller and put you our of your misery." Flair slaps the taste out of Shawn's mouth and provokes him. Shawn refuses to do anything now, but walks out of the ring looking very unsettled and unhappy that he has been put in this position. Flair wanted a fight and he didn't get it tonight, but trust me he's going to get it Sunday that's for sure!

Maria the most recent Playboy covergirl comes out for her match tonight against Melina who is being accompanied to the ring by Beth Phoenix. Melina wastes no time to start this match up and seems to be dominating this match. Ashley gets into the ring and interrupts the match. Santino Marella gets in the ring and interrupts the match even further. Then King gets out of his seat and goes after Santino. Maria and Ashley along with King clean the house and William Regal comes out to announce this is now a 6 person inter-gender tag team match up. King and Santino start this match out. King is really taking it to Marella. Marella tags in Melina who taunts King he can't seem to get the nerve to hit her so he tags in Ashley who while Melina has her back turned clocks her in the face as she turns around. Ashley tags in Maria who goes for the bronco buster on Melina's face. Beth Phoenix tags herself into this match and power slams Maria. Beth tags Santino who gets in the ring to beat on Maria. Maria slaps the crap out of Marella and Ashley joins her for the beat down. Santino goes to the outside and is accosted more by King. Santino gets tossed into the ring by King but Maria and Santino are the legal people in the ring. Santino pins her and wins this match for himself, Melina and Beth Phoenix. Maria looks pissed.

Triple H and John Cena are backstage and Triple H is reminding Cena about how much he's been in the Game's way the past few years. Cena retorts that he will be standing in Triple H's way on Sunday because he watched for 6 months while Orton carried around the title which Cena never "lost". (It was stripped from him due to his pectoral injury and surgery). This match on Sunday is going to be one hell of a match, no doubt about it!

The main event gets under way tonight with Randy Orton coming out first. His partners in this no DQ match are Umaga, JBL, and Big Show. Not a bad team if I have to say so myself. The largest athlete in the World, the Samoan bulldozer, the ruthless millionaire and the champion. However their opponent's are no slouches either. Shawn Michaels, Triple H, John Cena and Ric Flair. Shawn comes out first for his team. Can Ric Flair and Shawn Michaels be on the same page tonight after their confrontation earlier in the evening. Let's hope so. King and JR have the same thought. It's funny I've noticed that when John Cena comes out the fans are behind him 100% cheering and all. Same with a lot of other wrestlers. However when Triple H comes out the crowd gets quite as if they are respecting the great man that is making his way to the ring to entertain them. (I'm very very biased I love Triple H!) After all he is the King of Kings. Shawn Michaels and Randy Orton will start this match off. Orton and Michaels take turns at getting each other in the corner. Orton has got Michaels in an arm hold and Finlay comes out and goes after JBL with the shalleighly. These two are going to be tied up for awhile. (great time for a commercial break....ha ha) Orton and Michaels are still in the ring fighting their own match. Umaga gets the tag and begins his attack on the Heartbreak Kid. Michaels delivers a few chops to Umaga but gets beat into a corner for his efforts. Michaels gets the full force of Umaga's backside and it leaves him still. Batista runs out and Umaga is now out of this match up because he's fighting with the Animal from Smackdown. Big Show and Ric Flair are the legal men in the ring now. Ric Flair may not make it to Wrestlemania at this rate! Big Show delivers some heavy handed chops to the Nature Boy. Ric Flair goes down. Flair delivers some chops of his own that don't even seem to effect the Big Show. A high overhead drop on Flair leaves him motionless. Cena gets the tag and Triple H and Cena double team the Big Show. To no avail, both these men go down at the hands of the Big Show. Randy Orton is on the apron telling Big Show how to wrestle and Big Show straight up grabs him and tosses him into the ring like a doll. Big Show walks out and it's Randy Orton, Cena and Triple H going after each other with Shawn Michaels looking on. Ric Flair goes after Randy Orton and Michaels knocks him down. A low blow to the groin of Michaels by Flair allows Flair to get the figure 4 on the champ who flails like a fish and he taps out like a little girl. Ric Flair wins it for his team, with no help from his partners who are off fighting amongst themselves! This goes to show just how explosive this Sunday at Wrestlemania is going to be!

I'm moving this weekend, granted that my cable gets installed correctly I will be watching Wrestlemania from the comfort of my new townhouse! So join me on Sunday for the biggest game of them all WRESTLEMANIA and let me entertain you!

Do you want to play the Game?

Tonight's Monday Night Raw starts off with Chris Jericho and the fantastic Highlight Reel. His guest tonight is none other than the Big Show. Big Show and Jericho exchange insults and out of all that comes a match tonight between the two icons, for the intercontinental championship. It's on and it's going to be huge, no pun intended.

Mr. McMahon challenges Ric Flair to a match tonight because he thinks it's the perfect end to his fantastic past few days. He has his name on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (right next to Kermit the Frog by the way),WWE stocks are up and he's feeling quite super. Will tonight be the night that Ric Flair will have to hang up the boots, or will he live to fight another battle come Wrestlemania?

Carlito and CM Punk face off in a singles match tonight. CM Punk is the crowd favorite as the former champion of ECW. Carlito has a lot to prove about what he'll bring to the Money in the Bank match at Wrestlemania in 13 days! Carlito is really showing some dominance in this match, but CM Punk has a few unique counters and moves of his own to keep Carlito on his toes. Carlito gets a huge neckbreaker on Punk that I'm sure is the deciding factor in this match, but CM Punk refuses to stay down, he's battling back like a true champ. CM Punk gets his sleeper on Carlito and wins this match proving that he's going to be a force to be reckoned with come Wrestlemania. Carlito better gets his priorities in check!

William Regal announces tonight that Umaga will be in action once again proving his supreme nature as the most dominant man in the WWE industry. Umaga is taking on Brian Kendrick and Paul London. Umaga takes it to these two men like nothing I've ever seen. As Umaga delivers a huge Samoan Spike to Paul London Brian Kendrick is seen leaving the ring. He did not try to save his partner in this match at all. Could it be because he knew that after that double Samoan drop that he had no chance, or is there something else going on between these two men? A break down in the ranks possibly? Time will tell.

Triple H and William Regal have a discussion about Triple H being in charge tonight. Triple H is content with the match that he's made for Randy Orton and John Cena tonight. Regal asks why Triple H doesn't just strip Orton of the title and take it tonight? "There's no satisfaction in that." Triple H replies. Triple H knows that he's going to be getting the championship at Wrestlemania so he's just biding his time until then.

Ric Flair finds Shawn Michaels backstage and totally reams him out for being there tonight. He states quite surely that he does not want Michaels help in his match tonight against Mr. McMahon, he can fight his own battles. He doesn't want to even see Shawn until Wrestlemania! Shawn doesn't look happy at that decision by Flair and I'm sure he will do things his own way because the heart break kid doesn't play by the rules he makes and breaks them!

JBL enters the ring via his moo mobile. In the past weeks with his actions towards Hornswaggle and Finlay I'm sure that this is going to be an interesting appearance by the monster JBL. He calls out Colin Delaney who is yet another Irishman who loves to fight. He's going to be taking on JBL in lieu of Finlay not being available. Delaney is from ECW and he's a hot item. JBL absolutely dominates the young Irishman and I'm sure that Finlay is watching and gets the message loud and clear. JBL wins it with a huge clothesline from Hell.

Ric Flair makes his way to the ring for his match against the chairman of the board Mr. McMahon! Mr. McMahon looks ready for this match and he's smiling in all his recent big headed glory. Will the luck of the Irish be smiling on Mr. McMahon tonight? This street fight will be an anything goes match and there are no disqualifications or count outs in this match. Ric Flair takes it to Vince right off the bat, and gets beat on the announcers table as King and JR try to call this match while Vince avoids all the electrical cords. Flair keeps taking the fight to McMahon and it goes out into the crowd. Flair corrals the chairman back towards the ring but Mr. McMahon counters and manages to gets Flair's head slammed into the ring post. Mr. McMahon starts taking the rest of the announcers table apart and grabs a television monitor and hits Flair square in the face with it. Flair pours blood and the chairman pounds fists into him. Vince goes for the cover, but Flair gets his shoulders up just in time. Vince then goes under the ring and grabs a garbage can. He hits Flair right in the head with that as well. Vince goes for the cover, but Flair gets his shoulders up yet again. Mr. McMahon goes back under the ring looking for his next weapon of choice. A Kendo stick is his choice. Mr. McMahon gets two shots on Flair's head with the stick and goes for the cover. Flair kicks out. Again Vince goes weapon shopping. A steel chair? Square to the head of Flair, but Shawn Michaels runs out and stops the count. Michaels is sent backstage and not allowed to interfere. Vince grabs a table from under the ring at this point. Flair is still laid out in the center of the ring. A low blow by Flair buys him some time, an second low blow begins the retaliation of Flair! Flair goes up top and crashed through the table and Mr. McMahon winning this match! The Nature Boy lives to fight another day folks! Never underestimate the power of the dirtiest player in the game. (Are you seeing stars there Mr. McMahon?)

Maria and Candace Michelle are going to see action tonight in the ring. They will be taking on Jillian and Victoria. Santino Marella comes out as well. I'm sure he's trying to distract Maria. He joins JR and King at the announcers table. Maria and Jillian start off this match up. Jillian gets a tag to Victoria who shows Maria some dominance. Victoria goes for a standing moonsault but Maria gets her knees up and gets a tag in on her partner Candace Michelle. Candace takes it to Jillian and Victoria. Victoria goes for a cover but Candace gets her shoulders up. Jillian gets into the ring and goes high risk and fails. Candace gets the cover on Jillian and wins this match up. Santino insults King and throws a drink in his face. After a few good hits in on the King Santino grabs his sandwich and runs away, joining Jillian and Victoria on the ramp. What a jerk!

Chris Jericho makes his way to the ring for his match tonight against the largest athlete in the world right now, Big Show. Big Show is really taking it to Jericho but Jericho gets a moment when Big Show's own momentum takes him over the top ropes. Jericho goes for the baseball slide, but gets tossed into the retaining wall instead. Jericho could be in trouble here. Big Show goes to the second rope and is going to try to land on Jericho, luckily Jericho moves just in time. A moonsault gets a Jericho a two count. Jericho retains the title by getting himself disqualified. Big Show delivers a huge right hand to Jericho and Jericho is out cold. Big Show may have lost this match tonight, but he just might win the war against Floyd Money Mayweather at Wrestlemania!

Randy Orton and John Cena talk backstage about their match tonight against the other superstars. They exchange some heated words at Orton demands the Cena just lay down and take one for the team so no one gets hurt tonight. Cena is pissed and refuses to go out and lose on purpose. This is going to be one interesting match. Triple H joins them and tells them the rules of the match then adds, "I'm rooting for you in this match." Just more head games from the cerebral assassin.

Orton comes out first for this explosive main event. It's a 17 on 2 handicapped match, as announced by Lillian Garcia. Cena comes out second and is the obvious crowd favorite. The 17 chosen superstars that will take on these two come down to the ring. Snitsky is going to start for the Raw team and Cena will start for himself and Orton. Snitsky really starts taking it to Cena. Santino Marella tags himself in and Cena rolls him up eliminating him. Trevor Murdock gets in the ring and takes on Cena. Cena gets the STFU on Murdock, then an RKO by Orton eliminates Murdock from this match. Umaga is the next superstar in and it's going to be hard to take the Samoan Bulldozer out of this competition. During the commercial break an RKO on Super Crazy eliminated him. JBL was in the ring, Cody Rhodes takes his turn. Paul Burchill gets a turn, Val Venis as well. Hardcore Holly enters the match. Robbie McAllister enters the match too. It's just one tag in after another for the superstars. Cena finally gets back in and Robby McAllister is eliminated, DH Smith is eliminated as well by Cena. Orton gets tagged back in and Paul Burchill gets a huge RKO eliminating him. Val Venis gets another RKO eliminating him. Cody Rhodes gets double teamed by Cena and Orton eliminating him. The superstars finally just jump in the ring and go after Orton and Cena. Cena knowing the match is already disqualified, starts hitting people with a steel chair. Umaga delivers a huge Samoan spike to Cena. JBL grabs the chair. Another Samoan spike finds Orton and JBL runs as Umaga goes after him for hitting him with the chair by accident. Orton and Cena are laid out in the ring and all the other superstars are gone. Triple H comes out ready for battle and the final man to enter this match up. Never doubt the King of Kings. Triple H delivers a pedigree to Orton and then goes after Cena. A second pedigree on Cena eliminates the competition for Triple H and he's left the last man standing only 13 days from Wrestlemania!

Join me next week for the final Raw before Wrestlemania and let me entertain you!

Jeff Hardy Saga via Jim Ross:

Jim Ross posted a blog on his personal blog site about the Hardy house fire and more. I thought I would share! You can read JR's blog to get more information about the bad run of luck that Hardy has been having as of late. (I didn't know he was suspended!)

Gary Hart Passes.

Legendary manager Gary Hart passed away over the weekend. His career spanned 4 decades and began in 1963. Gary Hart was loved and will be missed greatly in the WWE.

Hardy House Fire!

There has been plenty of news in the WWE recently. I came across this story on WWE.com and had to share.

Jeff Hardy lost his Cameron North Carolina home Friday night to a fire. He was not home at the time and no injuries were reported in the blaze. The fire department claims the house is a total loss and that the reason for the fire is undetermined.

My heart goes out to Hardy at this time and I hope that all will be well for him in the coming days and weeks.

Past and Present: Rematches of Wrestlemania

I missed the first 15 minutes of Raw tonight because I forgot it was on early, shame on me! I came in at the end of Randy Orton talking to Ric Flair and Shawn Michaels but I have no clue what was said, sorry folks! (Orton is in charge of Raw tonight I read on WWE.com. John Cena will have to face Shawn Michaels tonight apparently. Triple H will take on the big red machine Kane.)

The first match is a casket match between Smackdown's Undertaker vs Mark Henry. Undertaker comes out first in all his dead man glory, torches lit and all. I still tear up when I see his entrance, it's so breath taking! I wish I was there live right now! That is so awesome! It is my dream before I die to go see a live event where the Undertaker does an entrance like that, I've been wanting to do that for years! Mark Henry comes out as the World's strongest man. Can strength defeat the Undertaker tonight? The match gets underway and the Undertaker starts with the punches into the face of Henry. The only way to win this match is to the opponent to be put into the casket and the lid to be closed. No submissions, no count outs, no covers. Undertaker goes old school on Mark Henry, Henry catches the Undertaker in mid air and gets a lock hold on the back of Undertaker. Undertaker fights back and breaks the hold. Henry rushes Undertaker and knocks him out of the ring. Undertaker pulls Henry out of the ring and slams his head into the security wall. Henry the whips Undertaker into the other part of the security wall. Henry goes back outside and tries to drill the Undertaker into the ring post, but Undertaker gets out of his clutches. Undertaker then uses the casket for a weapon and slams Mark Henry's head right into it. Henry then slams the Undertaker into the mat and builds some momentum as he drops knees into Undertaker. Undertaker turns the tables and gets a triangular choke hold on Henry who taps but to no avail. Henry is lying at the edge of the ring by the casket. Undertaker kick/rolls Henry into the casket and the lid goes down. Henry is out of this match and Undertaker is victorious. Let's hope that Undertaker will be just as victorious at Wrestlemania where he goes for yet another undefeated year!

Mr. Kennedy is front and center tonight for a match against Finlay who doesn't even give Kennedy a chance to make his nightly commentary. Finlay comes down looking for a fight. Before the match begins JBL interrupts the match via the Titan Tron to tell Finlay that he accepts the match at Wrestlemania which will be a Belfast Brawl. JBL is convinced that he is going to beat JBL at his own game. Finlay goes after Kennedy with the shalleighly and won't stop beating him. The match is called for disqualification before it ever starts. Officials have to restrain Finlay to get him off of Kennedy who is being damned near carried out of the arena. Finlay goes to the outside and continues the attack on Kennedy with shots to the head and body from the shalleighly. Finlay finally walks out of the arena and leaves Kennedy in a heap on the ramp. I'm sure JBL has received that message loud and clear.

An intercontinental championship match between Jeff Hardy and Chris Jericho. There is a bit of hostility from last week on Raw when Hardy delivered a twist of fate to Jericho after being insulted. This match gets underway and the ref has to break up the count. The match continues and both these men explode into each other. Hardy gets tossed to the outside and Jericho remains in the ring. Jericho brings Hardy back into the ring and delivers some physical dominance. Hardy gets Jericho on the outside and delivers a nice baseball slide to keep him there. Hardy runs the wall and goes to leap at Jericho and gets a face full of announcers table for the effort. Jericho gets Hardy back into the ring and begins to weaken the rainbow haired warrior. Hardy can barely stand at this point but he refuses to give up the match to Jericho. Jericho continues to deliver the punishment. The fans are behind Hardy who gets the will to jump up and take down Jericho mid air. Hardy gets a whisper in the win on Jericho and Jericho kicks out. Jericho gets a Northern lights suplex on Hardy who battles back and now it's on. Blow after blow these two men counter each other in maneuverability. Hardy goes for a twist of fate but Jericho hits the lionsault instead. Jericho goes for the walls of Jericho, Hardy counters. Hardy get the twist of fate but misses the swanton as Jericho moves. Jericho delivers a huge codebreaker to Hardy and wins this match up tonight becoming the NEW INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION! This just sets Jeff up to become the champ after Wrestlemania when he wins the Money in the bank match at Wrestlemania. I'm counting on it!

The Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff take on US Express in a rematch from 1985. They are interrupted by Jillian Hall who comes out and tries to sing Born in the USA, Mike Rotundo from the US Express picks her up and spins her around leaving her dizzy and ditzy! Bye Jillian! The match will have to wait for another day!

The next inductees into the Hall of fame are Jack and Jerry Brisco. These brother's were tag team champs over 20 times in WWE history. These two men set the standards for future brother tag teams such as Matt and Jeff Hardy. Congratulations to the Brisco brother's for paving the way with such talent!

Triple H and Kane are facing off from Wrestlemania 15! The match that was dubbed the most brutal match ever seen in the WWE (I beg to differ). Triple H comes out first. Kane comes out in a burst of flames, angry and ready to end the Game. Kane wastes no time in cornering the Game and delivering some heavy hands. Triple H gets a boot to the chest of Kane but gets taken right down to the mat. Kane delivers some huge fists to the Game. Triple H powers back and gets tossed out of the ring for his efforts. Kane outside to retrieve the Game. Kane bounces Triple H's head off the announcer's table. Triple H reverses the attack and slams Kane into the ring post. Triple H gets into the ring to break up the 10 count. Triple H is powering back against the big red machine. Kane delivers a huge boot to the face of Triple H and goes for the cover, Triple H gets his shoulders up. Triple H continues to power back and lands a face buster on Kane who remains on his feet. Triple H goes for the pedigree but Kane powers out of it and slams Triple H to the mat. Kane goes for the choke slam but Triple H powers out of it. Kane goes up top but Triple H counters with a pedigree and wins this match up right in front of the champ Randy Orton who came out to distract Triple H.

The beautiful Melina makes her way to the ring being accompanied by Beth Phoenix. She will be taking on Maria being accompanied by Candace Michelle. Melina starts this match off powerfully but Maria doesn't let her get by with it. Maria powers back and shows her competitive nature. Santino Marella comes down the ramp to distract Maria. Santino distracts Maria by jumping up on the ring apron and she loses this match at the hands of Melina who capitalizes on the moment. Beth Phoenix cold cocks Candace Michelle with the women's championship as Santino leaves with Beth and Melina. 

Floyd "Money" Mayweather and the Big Show come to the ring for the official weigh in before Wrestlemania. Shane McMahon comes out first to oversee this weigh in. The Big Show is the first man to hold titles from all three brands at one time WWE Championship, World Championship and ECW Championship. He is the world's largest athlete! Floyd "Money" Mayweather is the undisputed undefeated welter weight champion right now. 39-0! 25 of those 39 by knock out! He's impressive no doubt, but he's tiny compared to the Big Show. These two men eye each other intensely. Mayweather gets on the scale after some razzing from the crowd. 159 pounds exactly! Big Show gets on the scale (and it breaks, just kidding). 441.4 pounds! Now that's a size difference. Big Show takes the microphone from Shane and invites his posse to the ring since Mayweather brought his posse to the ring. Out come wrestlers from all three brands, Raw, Smackdown and ECW. Big Show wins the bigger posse contest that's for sure. "You're in the shark tank now 20 million dollar man!" Big Show teases. The question of the night is: "Is the risk really worth it?" Mayweather is putting his life and his career on the line in this match and he's not the favorite going into this match. Big Shows abruptly hands the microphone to Mayweather who addresses the crowd and Big Show. "I respect what you have done in the WWE but I don't respect you as a human being." Mayweather confesses. "You may could hurt me, but you have to catch me first!" Mayweather teases. "At No Way out I broke your nose, I will break you jaw!" Mayweather promises. His posse leaves the ring and Big Show picks up Mayweather and throws him right out onto the ramp. Other wrestlers get involved and the posse knocks the shit of of half the wrestlers and knock Shane down too. Some guys help Shane up and the Mayweather posse keeps backing out of the arena. That was all totally uncalled for. This match may not go well at Wrestlemania if Mayweather keeps his bros with him. Brothers looking for a reason to fight do not need to be given a reason to get rowdy that's for sure.

Smackdown's Champion Edge comes to the ring accompanied by his two goons Hawkins and Ryder to take on ECW's CM Punk in a rematch of the money in the bank match from last year at Wrestlemania. CM Punk gets an early advantage in this match up but Edge has a few tricks up his sleeve. He gets a near fall on Punk but Punk gets his shoulders up. Punk battles back but gets a takedown from Edge. Edge gets taken down by Punk who goes for a cover which is kicked out of by Edge. Punk is really using his feet and legs on the champ. A lateral press almost wins this match for Punk, but Edge kicks out. Edge lands a huge DDT on Punk, but Punk kicks out of the cover. Edge goes for the spear but misses as Punk jumps over him, Punk is then distracted by Ryder. Edge uses that distraction to get another spear on Punk and win this match! Will Edge have what is takes to defeat the Dead Man at Wrestlemania or will the Undertaker be 16-0?

William Regal is in the ring to make an announcement about something. Wrestlemania will be Smackdown vs Raw for supremacy on which is the better brand. Umaga will be representing Raw and representing Smackdown will be Batista. No one can stop Umaga but he hasn't met anything the likes of the animal Batista yet! Batista is here tonight and he comes to the ring to face off against Umaga and have his say about how Wrestlemania is going to go down. He immediately begins beating Umaga with fists but Umaga stops him. Batista delivers a huge suplex to Umaga and shows just who the dominant man in the ring is! (I've met Batista in real life, he's awesome and very muscular!) Umaga leaves the arena at the demand of Regal and Batista is the last man standing in the ring, at least for tonight!

Mr. McMahon gets a star on the Hollywood walk of fame on Friday morning! Congratulations Mr. McMahon.

Shawn Michaels comes of for his match against none other than John Cena in a Wrestlemania 23 rematch. This match gets underway and if it's anything like the match at Wrestlemania 23, it's going to be a great one. These two men are countering each other like crazy and it's had to keep up. Michaels takes Cena to the mat but tries to keep Cena off his feet. Cena is powering back trying to get his vertical base back so he can use his strength against HBK. Michaels gets a hold on Cena's head but Cena gets a moment of momentum. Michaels almost gets the STFU but manages to use the ring ropes to stop that from happening. He steps out of the ring to gather his senses. As Michaels gets back into the ring Cena gets a sidearm bar on Michaels taking him down to the mat. Twisting Michaels arm gets Cena a few moments, but Michaels counters with a swinging neckbreaker. Blows are exchanged and Michaels is taken down twice, but Cena is taken out of the ring over the top rope by Michaels. Michaels gets Cena back in the ring and Michaels begins capitalizing on the injured leg of Cena. Cena doesn't let it get him down and he powers through the pain to deliver a 5 knuckle shuffle to Michaels. Michaels counters the FU. Cena counters Michaels counter and it's battle of the counters folks! Both men end up down and the count begins. Another collision takes both men down in the center of the ring. A flying forearm takes Cena down. Michaels goes up top for the elbow and lands it! Michaels begins tuning up the band. Cena counters the sweet chin music but Michaels counters Cena's counter in an inverted figure 4 on Cena. (ouch). Cena struggles for the ropes to break the hold and he makes it. A baseball slide pushes Cena out of the ring from the apron. A nice back flip off the ropes lands Michaels right on top of Cena on the outside. Cena gets knocked into the ring post by Michaels who then gets knocked out by Orton. Orton sets up a chair in the center of the ring and tries to take out Cena. The match is called as a DQ and Orton goes for the RKO on Cena, who counters and Orton lands on his back on that steel chair. Cena delivers a huge FU to Orton showing how much he doesn't appreciate being interrupted!

Triple H makes an announcement about his turn at running Raw next week. Randy Orton and John Cena will be tag team partners against.....the entire Raw roster! Good lord! That's why they call him the cerebral assassin folks, he's always on top of his Game!

Join me next week for the next explosive episode of Raw and let me entertain you!

Who's in charge here?

William Regal has got Randy Orton, Triple H and John Cena backstage and has an announcement for them. For the next three weeks one of those men will be in charge of Monday night Raw and will be in charge to make the main event. Tonight is John Cena's turn at being "GM". He's got something planned and I'm sure it'll be a good one!

There is a mixed martial arts match between Big Show and Brandon "the thrill" Hill. Big Show must be wanting to test the waters of how well he fares against boxers before Wrestlemania when he has to face Floyd "money" Mayweather. Hill is like 5ft 7 and 120 pounds, Big Show is 7ft and 400lbs. It's a huge difference. Hill comes up to Big Show's chest. Wow! The match gets under way and Hill makes quick use of the ropes to make sure that Show doesn't tackle him. Show just keeps pushing to get to Hill. A huge boot to the head of Hill takes him down like a sack of potatoes. Big Show is manhandling this boxer like he's a rag doll. Big Show wins this match up without a problem and Hill isn't getting up from the huge choke slam that lost him that match. Floyd Mayweather is on the Titan Tron talking smack to Big Show and Big Show is talking it right back. Big Show picks up Hill and tosses him out of the ring. The trash talk keeps flowing between these two. "I'm gonna break your jaw this time!" Mayweather threatens. This is going to be an interesting match at Wrestlemania that's for sure.

Ric Flair is teaming up with Shawn Michaels and will be taking on Lance Cade and Trevor Murdock in a tag team match tonight. Flair and Murdock start this match up. Flair takes the chops to Murdock who retaliates with a nice back drop. Flair tags in Michaels who gets an elbow to the mouth by Murdock on his way out to tag his partner Lance Cade. Cade gets Shawn on the mat then tags in Murdock. Murdock gets a shot to the face in on Shawn then tags Cade back in. Michaels fights back and gets some good hits in on Cade and gets a nice neckbreaker in on Cade as well. Murdock gets the tag in and goes up top to try to land on Michaels who gets his knees up and Murdock lands right on them. Flair gets the tag in and goes after Cade. Flair gets the figure 4 locked in on Cade and Michaels gets the figure 4 locked in on Murdock and they win this match up tonight. They will be facing each other in a singles match at Wrestlemania that could very well end the career of the Nature Boy after 36 years in the business. Shawn grabs a microphone and has something to say to Flair. "I can't do this, I can't end the career of Ric Flair, I don't want the match at Wrestlemania. I am the showstopper and you'll leave me no choice but to stop your show at Wrestlemania if you keep pushing for this match." Michaels leaves the ring refusing to accept this match. Flair looks shocked and disappointed.

John Cena announces to Regal that the main event will be Triple H vs Randy Orton and John Cena will settle his "business" with Mr. Kennedy. Cena then promptly kicks Regal out of "his" office. That's just too funny!

Umaga comes to the ring to face his opponent Super Crazy. Umaga absolutely devastates Super Crazy in a flash and has proven again that he is the dominant man in the ring. William Regal is pleased that Umaga is going to represent Raw at Wrestlemania and be taking on the Animal Batista from Smackdown in a battle of the brands. Regal is convinced that Umaga will be victorious and that Raw will prove to be the better brand.

Chris Jericho comes to the ring for his Monday night episode of the Highlight Reel and his guest tonight is the one and only Intercontinental Champion Jeff Hardy. The fans are on their feet as the rainbow haired warrior makes his way to the ring to talk with Jericho. The two shake hands and the interview begins. Jericho says that despite how great Hardy is, there is nothing he can do to stop Jericho from winning at Wrestlemania. "I'm not the same guy you knew a few years ago, I'm different and I'll do whatever it takes to be champion." Hardy says. Jericho replies by saying that "from now on you are not my friend, you are not my peer you are just a target." Jeff Hardy agrees and shakes hands with Jericho then gives Jericho a huge twist of fate and drops him on his face in the center of the ring. It's time to rise to the occasion for Hardy and not settle for second best anymore.

Mr. Kennedy makes his way to the ring for his match tonight against John Cena. After Kennedy's interference last week in the match between John Cena and Randy Orton (with Triple H as a special guest referee) John Cena might have a bit of a score to settle. Cena is ready to fight which is something you usually don't see on Raw, the GM usually isn't involved in matches. These two lock up and the match begins. Kennedy gets a huge back body drop from Cena and then gets a side arm takedown as well. Cena isn't messing around tonight so Kennedy better get on top of his game quickly. Kennedy runs his mouth and he's made the statement time and time again about how great he is and how he's going to be the next champion, well now he needs to start backing up his words or else he stands to lose more than matches with the locker room. A hard Irish whip takes down Kennedy but Kennedy fights back and ends up on the outside of the ring momentarily. Kennedy then delivers a huge face buster to Cena on the ring apron. Kennedy gets back into the ring and the Ref starts the count. Kennedy then goes back outside and throws Cena against the edge of the ring. Kennedy tosses Cena into the ring and goes for the cover. Cena gets his shoulders up just in time. Kennedy then delivers a neck breaker to Cena and goes for the cover, Cena gets his shoulder up. Kennedy gets Cena in the corner and gets a running start to deliver a knee to the head of Cena. Kennedy goes for another cover and Cena still gets a shoulder up on 2 1/2. Cena is getting his neck contorted by Kennedy but Cena manages to get upright and power out of the hold. Kennedy then gets Cena on the mat for another cover unsuccessfully. Cena is in the corner again and as Kennedy lines up for another rush Cena rushes Kennedy and powers back. Cena goes up top and lands a leg drop on Kennedy and gets the STFU to win this match tonight. Kennedy taps like a girl and had a bloody mouth as well. Cena is triumphant and walks out of the ring proud.

Jerry the King Lawler is in the ring to announce Maria who will be unveiling her Playboy cover tonight on Raw! Santino Marella has put his face over Maria's on the cover as well as his face over the breasts and crotch of the picture. "You left me no choice", he criticizes her. She finally grows a set and tells him off. Santino asks if it's her "timing of the month". King knocks Santino out of the ring after he puts his hands on Maria trying to get her to leave with him. Candace Michelle unveils the real Playboy cover to the fans and it's gorgeous! I think this is the end of the Maria and Marella relationship, finally!

A money in the bank qualifying match finds Carlito competing against Cody Rhodes. The winner will go on the Wrestlemania to join Jeff Hardy, Mr. Kennedy, Chris Jericho and Shelton Benjamin in the match. Carlito gets a backstabber on Rhodes and wins his shot at Wrestlemania. ( I wasn't really paying attention to this match I was reading some stuff on wwe.com.)

Mike Adamle announces another inductee into the class of 2008 Hall of Fame. Mae Young will be inducted into the Hall of Fame along with Ric Flair, Rocky Johnson and High Chief Peter Maivia. Congratulations to all the nominees thus far and I look forward to hearing who will be inducted next!

Finlay comes out to the ring to face off against an accusatory JBL. Instead Mr. McMahon comes out to say his peace. Vince has a couple of questions for the Irishman. "Is it true that you conspired with other members of my family against me and is it true that Hornswaggle is not my son?" McMahon asks. It's all true. Finlay is Hornswaggle's father and he conspired with a member of Mr. McMahon's family to set him up. JBL is not there tonight, instead he's in the hospital with Hornswaggle and he's torturing him. Hornswaggle is terrified. JBL challenges Finlay to a match at Wrestlemania. JBL slaps Hornswaggle then turns the lights off and beats Hornswaggle up leaving him crying then there is silence. Finlay will have a score to settle with JBL that's for sure. He played a dangerous game and now his son is the target of McMahon's ire and JBL's sick thrill with picking on the weak. Let's hope this turns out in the Irishman's favor for all involved.

Randy Orton comes out to the ring for his match against Triple H tonight as made by the GM of the week John Cena. He doesn't look very happy to be in this position. Cena joins JR and King at ringside for commentary and has some really nice things to say in Orton's favor. (Cena is always a good sport that's why I love him!) As Triple H comes out Cena has some nice things to say about him too. I love how Cena calls it even and doesn't talk trash when it's not necessary. Orton and Triple H eye each other viciously. The match gets underway and the ref has to break up the lock up cause these two men lock it up all over the ring and don't break that hold. Triple H gets a side head lock takeover on Orton and this match is exploding with a quickness. Triple H is dominant at this point. Triple H goes for an early cover but Orton gets his shoulders up in 2. A second cover for Triple H but Orton gets out of it. Triple H is knocked out of the ring by Orton who joins him on the outside and throws some nice punches to the Game. Triple H puts Orton's face into the steel steps before tossing him back into the ring. An inverted back breaker by Orton buys him some time. Orton goes for the cover, Triple H kicks out. Orton begins the stomp fest on Triple H trying to weaken the Cerebral Assassin. Orton goes for the cover but Triple H kicks out. A huge knee to the neck of Triple H scores another point for Orton. Triple H begins to power back and uses those right hands as the weapons that they are. A high knee catches Orton who rolls to the outside trying to avoid more abuse. Triple H meets him on the outside and tosses him back into the ring. A huge spine buster by Triple H weakens Orton even more, but Orton goes to the outside and grabs his belt and starts to walk off. Cena intervenes tell Orton this match isn't over. Triple H hits Orton from behind and knocks Orton into Cena. As Triple H tries to go to the win over Orton Cena gets the FU on Triple H then Orton gets a RKO on Cena. The champ is the last man standing tonight, but will he be the last man standing on March 30th at Wrestlemania?

Join me next week for the three hour Raw special. It's a Wrestlemania showcase and I can't wait to entertain you!

The road to Wrestlemania is an explosive one!

William Regal is in the ring tonight with Triple H, Randy Orton and John Cena on the red carpet. Supposedly for a photo opportunity. Each man will have a few minutes to say their peace about what is to come at Wrestlemania. John Cena speaks first, he says he's got a problem with Triple H. He did not appreciate the pedigree he received after winning his match against Randy Orton last week. Triple H responds saying that he wants John Cena in the ring at Wrestlemania. "At Wrestlemania you are going to get the same thing" says Triple H. Cena retorts with "I believe there has only been one clash of the Titans, and in that instance it was you who tapped out!" Triple H strips off the coat and eyes Cena with animosity. Orton then makes his statement. "I'm still champ." He brags. Orton is talking himself into a hole here. Both Triple H and Cena are going after the big mouth champ and toss him out of the ring. Then they go at each other. Regal just stands in the corner and out of the way. Orton RKO's both Cena and Triple H, to prove his point. The crowd may be chanting "you suck", but love him or hate him he's still the WWE champion. What a great way to kick off Monday night Raw!

Mr. Kennedy catches Randy Orton backstage bragging about how he's going to win the money in the bank match. That means he's going to be going for his title shot match at Wrestlemania that night. He just wanted to make Orton aware that he's going to lose at Wrestlemania one way or another!

Santino Marella and Carlito head to the ring accompanied by Maria (soon to be playmate!) They are taking on Hardcore Holly and Cody Rhodes for the World Tag Team Championship. Rhodes and Marella start this one off. Rhodes is really taking it to Santino tonight, but Santino does fight back. Carlito gets a tag in and he begins beating down Rhodes. Santino gets back into the ring and continues the work on Cody. Cody gets the tag to Holly and Carlito gets the tag from Santino. Holly is really taking to to Santino who gets back into this match. Marella is a victim of the Alabama slam and Holly and Rhodes win this one. Santino is angry that Maria went to go talk to King and JR during the match and he makes eyes at King like he's going to do something about it. (yeah right).

Todd Grisham is talking to William Regal about the main event tonight on Raw. There is going to be a tag team match between Mr. Kennedy and Randy Orton vs Triple H and John Cena. Chris Jericho interrupts Regal's statement, so Regal puts Jericho in a match against Jeff Hardy. If Jericho wins he will be qualified for the money in the bank match at Wrestlemania.

Jeff Hardy makes his way to the ring for his match against Chris Jericho. Jeff Hardy is already qualified for the money in the bank match at Wrestlemania, however if Jericho wins, he'll be headed to Wrestlemania too. Jericho knocks Hardy down a couple of times and Jeff takes Jericho down too. Both these men are giving it all they got. Hardy goes up top and flies high, but Jericho rolls him over and gets a 2 count. Hardy has nothing to lose in this match. Hardy slings Jericho out of the ring then tries to baseball slide into him on the outside. Jericho moves just in time. Both men slide back into the ring and eye each other. Hardy gets Jericho in the corner and goes for planting his feet into the sternum of Jericho, but Jericho moves and Jeff lands hard on the mat. Jericho capitalizes and tries to weaken the rainbow haired warrior as much as he can. A huge mid-air collision takes both men to the mat moving slowly to get to their feet. Jericho makes it up first, but Hardy battles back. A nice clothesline takes Jericho down. Jericho battles back from the corner with a boot to the head of Hardy. However Hardy gets Jericho into the corner and Jericho moves wrong and gets a crotch full of ring rope. Hardy then delivers feet to the mid-section of Y2J. Hardy goes for the whisper in the wind but Jericho shakes the ropes and Hardy lands crotch first onto the top rope. A swanton bomb lands on Jericho, but he kicks out in 2. Jericho counters Hardy and gets him into the walls of Jericho. Hardy makes it to the ropes to break the walls down. Jericho then stomps on Hardy. Hardy delivers a face first suplex to Jericho then goes up for another swanton, he misses. Jericho goes for the lionsault, and misses, it's getting crazy in there. Hardy gets an inside cradle but Jericho gets out of it. Jericho and Hardy gets into a roll up battle and Jericho is victorious finally. Jericho will be going to Wrestlemania!

Mr. McMahon makes his way to the ring to make a statement about his son Hornswaggle who was devastated last week on Raw by a very vicious JBL. Vince says that he made a mistake in allowing JBL to attack Hornswaggle in that manner. Vince is totally blaming JBL for this? I sure didn't see him jumping back into the ring to save the little guy. Oh my lord mark this date on the calendar ladies and gentlemen, Vince just apologized! Vince demands that JBL come out and apologize to Hornswaggle too. JBL makes his way to the ring and Vince gets right up in his face. "I want an explanation", demands the chairman. "You were not there to annihilate my son! I want an apology and I want it NOW!" demands Vince. JBL seems to be at a loss for words. He finally manages to get out "I'm sorry...that I didn't do it sooner! I have it on very good advice that Hornswaggle is not your son, it's a complete ruse. Your family is involved in making you look like a complete fool. Hornswaggle is Finlay's son, not yours!" JBL confides. Vince replies with "well that seems to make some sense, my family is pretty rotten." Hornswaggle had no idea that Vince was not his father, he never knew that Finlay was his father, but Finlay knew the whole time. JBL promises proof to Vince. JBL promises the next time that Finlay is in a WWE ring he is going to make him admit it. Vince is pissed and walks out looking stunned.

Triple H and John Cena have a pow wow in the back and Triple H tells Cena "try not to get beat tonight". Cena replies with "You don't need to watch my back, but you certainly need to watch your own!" (ouch!)

Umaga comes out to the ring in all his Samoan anger to take on DH Smith. For those of you who don't know, DH Smith is the son of the British Bulldog Davey Smith. Umaga kicks this one off and goes up top quickly and lands right on Smith. He the drags Smith into the corner and makes a mad rush at Smith slamming his head back into the ring post. Smith is being devastated in the ring tonight. He delivers a vicious Samoan spike to Smith and wins this match quick tonight. Smith never even had a chance. He's got a lot to learn and plenty of youth to learn it.

William Regal is backstage talking with Paul Burchill  and his sister Katie Lea. It seems that Vicki Guerrero from Smackdown has sent a letter to Regal inviting him to send one of his best over to Smackdown for a little match. Regal is thinking about sending Umaga. Katie says that he should send his fellow Britain but Regal says that he needs to see more from Burchill first. (Denied!)

Lance Cade accompanied by Trevor Murdock will be taking on Shawn Michaels tonight in a singles match (well as single as it gets with those two rednecks together). Cade starts off strong and knocks Michaels down quick and hard numerous times. Cade goes for an early three count but Shawn kicks out in one. Shawn gets Cade in a backslide, but Cade kicks out of it. Another near fall on Michaels but Shawn kicks out. Cade is standing over Michaels and turning his neck. Shawn battles out of that and delivers some hefty chops to Cade. Cade gets a nice knee to the face of Michaels slowing HBK down a bit. A boot to the face of Cade from Michaels in the corner gets Shawn a little reprieve. Cade goes up top and goes for the elbow, misses. Shawn goes up top for his elbow and he hits it. "That's how it's done"! He tunes up the band as Murdock gets in the ring trying to save his partner. Shawn gets Cade in a figure 4 submission and before Cade can tap Murdock intervenes and begins beating on Shawn. Shawn then delivers sweet chin music to both Murdock and Cade proving who the better man is in this instance! Cade was disqualified for interference in the match and Shawn wins it!

Shawn's celebration is cut short by Ric Flair a 2008 Hall of Fame inductee! Flair says that Shawn is so incredible and that he is so proud that he is being inducted into the hall of fame. Flair is the first active wrestler to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. There is only one thing that could make Ric Flair's career even better. Flair wants to wrestle Michaels at Wrestlemania. Shawn reminds Flair that the next match he loses it's over. "I will not be known as the guy who ended Ric Flair's career." Shawn says. Flair responds with "All that respect that you showed me last week means nothing if I can't have the best match of my life at Wrestlemania with you the showstopper." Shawn finally agrees to the match and they shake on it. So it's going to be Ric Flair vs Shawn Michaels in a career threatening match at Wrestlemania.

Mike Adamle announces two more inductees into the Hall of Fame. The Samoan wrestler High Chief Peter Maivia and Rocky Johnson. Both of these men are related to The Rock. It's The Rock's grandfather and father! (yay!) Rocky Johnson was part of the first black tag team champs in wrestling history and Peter Maivia was the first Samoan to win in wrestling history. These two fantastic athletes will be inducted into the Hall of Fame by none other than The Rock himself!

Mr. Kennedy comes out for the explosive tag team main event of the night. His partner in this match up is going to be Randy Orton. Triple H and John Cena are going to be their challengers. What a great match up that's going to turn into a free for all brawl rather quickly I can tell you that right now. None of these men like each other and they are all funning for Orton that's for sure. Can these two teams adhere well enough to work as units tonight? We shall see. (I like John Cena's new shirt, it's really cute). The commercial break messed up this match for me. When commercial break ends Triple H and Mr. Kennedy are in the ring going at it like crazy. Triple H tags Cena in and Cena goes up against the big mouth Mr. Kennedy. Cena "tags" in Triple H who gets knocked down by Kennedy who then tags in his partner Randy Orton. Orton begins the stomping on Triple H. Orton delivers a knee to the head of Triple H. Orton tags back in Kennedy who gets Triple H in the corner and works him over good. Triple H tries to battle back but he's not succeeding. Kennedy drives the head of Triple H into the ring post and goes for the cover. Triple H kicks out in 2 1/2. Orton gets another tag in and gets Triple H in a choke hold. Triple H struggles to get to his feet but makes it and battles back against Orton. Orton doesn't let that last long and knocks Triple H down again. Behind the ref's back Kennedy assaults Triple H. Orton drills Triple H face first into the mat and goes for the cover. Triple H barely kicks out. Kennedy gets a tag back in and continues beating the Game. A big boot to the face of Kennedy might buy some time for Triple H. Kennedy gets his tag first and Triple H doesn't gets the tag to Cena. An inverted backbreaker knocks Triple H flat. Triple H counters a sneaky RKO and gets his much needed tag to Cena. Kennedy is tagged back into the ring and Cena is lighting him up like Christmas! Cena delivers a huge 5 knuckle shuffle then sets up to deliver the FU, Orton interrupts and Triple H knocks Orton out of the ring. Cena then gets the STFU on Kennedy and wins this match for himself and Triple H. Triple H and Cena face off and Kennedy gets a mike-check in on Cena from behind. He exits the ring quick to avoid another pedigree. Triple H stands next to Orton and just glares. A bitter end to an explosive Raw!

Join me next week and let me entertain you!

Tough Love reigns supreme!

Triple H comes out to greet the fans after his huge win at No Way Out last night. He will go on to Wrestlemania to take on Randy Orton for the WWE Championship. He's pretty happy about his win last night. Last year at this time he was in a wheelchair recovering from his last quad injury. He has earned his moment of pleasure at this point. "The Game is back!" He says he's back where he belongs in the main event! Randy Orton comes out to say his peace on Triple H winning at Wrestlemania. (of course). The crowd chants "You suck" at Orton showing just how much they have lost faith in the champ. Triple H was the man Orton beat last year to get that WWE title. It's ironic that Triple H will be taking that title from Randy at Wrestlemania. Orton thinks it's jealousy that fuels Triple H's fire. "I've beaten all of the rest Triple H, so if you want to have your moment..." Orton gets interrupted by John Cena who got cheated out of the title shot last night by a cheating Randy Orton. "You wait one second...." Cena begins. Cena then calls Orton a liar and a loser. "Disgrace comes to the WWE title and it's name is Randy Orton. He lost he way into Wrestlemania." Cena is calling it as he sees it tonight folks. Cena wants a rematch tonight on Raw for that title. The winner will face Triple H at Wrestlemania. Orton doesn't like that idea. "I'll beat whoever is the champ at Wrestlemania, I don't give a crap which one of you it is." Triple H says. Out comes William Regal to resolve this issue. Tonight John Cena will fight against Randy Orton and if he wins Wrestlemania will become a Triple Threat match Triple H vs. Cena vs Orton. There will be a special guest referee in Cena and Orton's match tonight, and that special guest ref will be Triple H. (Damn Regal sure knows how to kill a good mood!)

Jeff Hardy comes out for a match tonight (he's changed his intro music!). It's a money in the bank qualifying match. Snitsky will be his opponent. (If Jeff doesn't win this I'm writing hate mail to Mr. McMahon. Just kidding!). Snitsky uses his long legs and big feet to kick Jeff in the corner. Jeff counters using his agility and speed to knock Snitsky off his feet. Jeff tries to go up top, but Snitsky kicks him right off the top turnbuckle. Snitsky dominates Hardy tonight and gets him in that bear hug submission hold. Jeff finally starts to power out of the hold but gets knocked right back down. Snitsky gets a cover but Jeff kicks out in 2. Snitsky kicks and stomps on the recovering Hardy. After last night at No Way Out there is no way that Jeff is at 100%. Snitsky then slams Jeff's back into the ring post. Three elbow drives by Snitsky and a cover, but Jeff manages to kick out. Snitsky gets Jeff into some interesting choke type submissions. Jeff makes it to his feet but gets knocked right back down. Jeff gets right back up and gets some momentum on Snitsky which allows Jeff to land a nice cross body. Jeff flies high and gets a whisper in the wind on Snitsky too. A big boot from Snitsky gets Jeff on the mat again as Snitsky countered the twist of fate. Jeff goes for a second twist of fate and lands it, he then goes up top for the swanton bomb and wins this match securing his spot in the Money in the Bank match at Wrestlemania!

Shawn Michaels comes out to make a very special hall of fame announcement. The WWE hall of fame induction ceremony will be the night before Wrestlemania and the first inductee of the 2008 class will be Ric Flair. (Tears of joy come to my eyes, as this announcement is made....it's about time!!!) 36 years of hard work, blood, sweat, and tears have brought him this far and he deserves every bit of it. WOO!

Paul Burchill being escorted by his sister Katie Lea to the ring will face Super Crazy. Burchill dominates Super crazy and wins the match in about three minutes or less. I have to love those filler matches.

Randy Orton is backstage trying to win Triple H into calling the match "the right way" tonight. "You can't play mind games with the man who taught you how to play those games." Triple H tells Orton. Randy Orton must have been crazy thinking he could get an edge with the Game.

Big Show comes out to confront the man who broke his nose last night on No Way Out. He was humiliated by the welterweight champion of boxing Floyd Mayweather. He was asked to come out tonight and apologize for his actions last night on the pay per view. He was asked to make a public apology to Mayweather. He asks Mayweather to come out to the ring and he does. The size difference between these two men is unbelievable. Mayweather says that he loves publicity and he's been a fan of the WWE for many years. He's sorry things had to happen the way they did last night, but being the best fighter in the world and when he's called out he has to retaliate. Big Show responds that he wasn't trying to call Mayweather out at all. Big Show apologizes to Mayweather and holds out his hand. Mayweather not knowing any better takes his hand and shakes it. Surprisingly enough nothing happens and Mayweather tries to leave the ring. Big Show stops him about halfway up the ramp, well since Show did what he was supposed to, now he's got something to say. "Even on my knees I'm still bigger than you, I could take you out if I wanted to." Show is getting overconfident now. Show challenges him to a one on one match. Mayweather pauses there and thinks about it. He runs to the ring and jumps right up in it. He's ready to go. It's going to be really hard to wrestle with that entourage in the ring too. "I accept!" Mayweather says right in the face of the Big Show. Mayweather acts like he's going to throw a punch and Big Show actually ducks. Dang! It's on now! I can't wait to see this match, it's going to be stellar that's for sure!

Another money in the bank qualifying match between Mr. Kennedy and Val Venis. Kennedy dominates Val Venis mightily. Kennedy gets Val's arm in a weird hold but Venis breaks out of it. Venis avoids a cover from Kennedy. Venis has been out with elbow surgery and apparently Kennedy is going to exploit that injury. A great forward face drop by Kennedy wins him a spot in the Money in the Bank match at Wrestlemania. Could it be two years in a row for Mr. Kennedy? Time will tell!

Mr. McMahon makes his way to the ring for his steel cage match with his little son Hornswaggle. Hornswaggle comes out accompanied by Finlay. Finlay gets in the steel cage and screams at Mr. McMahon that "this is wrong!" Finlay is beat up by JBL. JBL then handcuffs Finlay to the top rope forcing him to watch Hornswaggle get beat up. JBL makes sure Finlay doesn't get any more involved. Mr. McMahon takes his belt off and starts to whip Hornswaggle. Finlay is irate. Mr. McMahon grabs Hornswaggle by the collar and hits him a bunch of times with the belt then leaves the cage and leaves Hornswaggle in the hands of JBL. JBL chokes Hornswaggle then runs him into the steel at full speed. "Take it out on me!" Finlay yells. A huge boot to the head from JBL knocks Hornswaggle out. A huge elbow drop adds insult to injury on the unconscious little man. JBL isn't done yet. JBL picks up Hornswaggle and power slams him backwards into the steel cage. Finlay is trying to break his own wrist to get out of the cuffs. Mr. McMahon tells JBL it's enough and calls out EMT's for Hornswaggle. Mr. McMahon says he's sorry to Hornswaggle who is out cold. Finlay is still handcuffed to the rope. EMT's say he's barely breathing and he's got a pulse. A commercial break comes quick. (I don't think JBL meant to power slam the little guy that hard into the steel but he must have forgotten that Hornswaggle is not as big as most of the other guys that JBL torments.) Finlay was still screaming for someone to "help him" (meaning Hornswaggle) as the show went to commercial. Finlay is carrying Hornswaggle to the back as the show comes back on. I hope the little guy is ok!

Santino Marella and Maria come out for Maria's big decision as to whether it's going to be Santino or Playboy! 94% of the voters voted to have her pose in Playboy! Santino is very happy all of a sudden that Maria is posing for Playboy and announces that Maria will be facing Beth Phoenix tonight in a match as well. You can only pose for Playboy if you beat Beth Phoenix tonight. Beth powers Maria into a corner and manhandles her completely. Beth gets a cover but Maria kicks out. Beth delivers a back breaker to Maria who starts to power back with some right hands. Another cover and Maria kicks out. Candace Michelle comes out and distracts Beth just long enough for Maria to win the match. We're going to see Maria in PLAYBOY! (I'll be looking out for that issue, that's for sure!)

The main event tonight is the John Cena, Randy Orton match with Triple H as the special referee. Triple H calls for the bell and this match gets underway. Orton is powering right through Cena from the get go. A huge vertical drop kick by Orton lands Cena on his back. Cena is on the apron and Orton gets a running start at him. He knocks Cena off the apron and Cena's face bounces off the announcers table. Just when it looks like Cena isn't going to power back, he makes a little comeback. Orton then leaves the ring and tries to grab a weapon. Cena goes out and tosses Orton onto the announcers table then tosses him back into the ring. Orton gets a cover, and Cena gets his shoulders up. Cena looks to be in a bad way. He starts to power back again against the cheating champ and gets a powerslam for his efforts. Cena kicks out of the three count. Orton begins the stomping on all of Cena's joints. Orton then dives and delivers a knee to the temple of Cena. Orton misses the three count as Cena kicks out again, so Orton resorts to the choke hold to get Cena worn down even more. Cena delivers a huge sidewalk slam to Orton and buys a few moments. Orton then sends John's face into the turnbuckle. Cena is barely able to stay on his feet at this point as Orton barrages him with fists. Cena finds the strength to battle back and starts taking Orton off his feet. You can't see me finds it's mark as does the 5 knuckle shuffle. Orton blocks the FU and springs Cena's face off the top rope. Orton makes a run at Cena who's on the apron, but Cena pulls that top rope down and out goes Orton. Orton then rushes Cena shoulder first into the steel steps. Orton is stalking Cena getting ready for the RKO. Cena blocks the RKO and Cena gets the STFU locked in. Orton tries to crawl to the ropes. Orton makes it. Triple H breaks the hold. Cena and Triple H eye each other and Orton tries the cheap shot but Cena gets the STFU and wins it. Then Triple H delivers the pedigree to Cena and makes his point that he will be the last man standing at the end of Wrestlemania. Triple H has the title belt as Randy Orton is trying to get to his feet. Triple H then delivers the pedigree to Orton! Has the reign of Randy Orton finally come to and end? I have to say that I don't think his chances are looking very good at this point.

That's where Raw ends. See you here same Raw time same Raw channel next week! Until then don't be afraid to be entertained!