Raw Recap 07.07.08

Raw recap from New Orleans, Louisiana

Raw opened with highlights of last week's show where Edge appeared to address the fans. After telling everyone on Raw they will never get a shot at his title, Edge was attacked by Batista. Batista left Edge layed out in the ring and went to leave, just as CM Punk came out from backstage. Punk cashed in his Money in the Bank contract and was able to hit Go To Sleep to win the World Heavyweight title. Later that same night, Punk successfully defended the title against JBL, thanks to some aid from Cryme Tyme and Cena who took out JBL's ringside security team. Raw ended with a brawl outside the ring as Punk, Cena and Cryme Tyme all attacked JBL's security crew.

Stephanie McMahon appeared to discuss last week's events on Raw. Stephanie said her brother Shane urged WWE staff to work together in their father's absence, but the show was complete chaos. Steph asked all WWE staff to pull together and work as one unit.

Vickie Guerrero was in the ring to start Raw. Vickie demanded that CM Punk come down to surrender the title he unfairly won, and to apologize. Punk came out wearing the belt and in the ring told Vickie that what goes around comes around for Edge. Punk said he won just like Edge had with Money in the Bank before. Punk said he's sure Vickie can find a new love interest on the Smackdown roster. Vickie took offense and stood up then slapped Punk in the face. Punk started to wheel Vickie out of the ring just as JBL's limo came out near the ramp.

JBL came down to the ring and told Punk he wouldn't have won if it weren't for the interference from Cena and Cryme Tyme. Punk told JBL he had his chance and lost it. As JBL continued to argue, John Cena came out to interrupt. Cena got in the ring and told JBL that there's nobody in charge of Raw, so since Punk needs a contender, he and JBL can battle for it later on. JBL agreed, but just then Batista came to the ring. Batista said he helped Punk win the title last week and congratulated him. Batista said they could have a Triple Threat match tonight with he, Cena and JBL. The match seemed official, but Kane came to the ring next and said he wanted in as well, making it a Fatal Fourway for the main event. The winner gets to face CM Punk at Great American Bash for the title.

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Rey Mysterio vs. Santino Marella

Rey made his Raw wrestling debut against Santino. Santino attempted to wear down Rey for a while but it was to no avail. Rey made the comeback and was able to springboard onto Marella from off the top rope. Rey followed with a dropkick to send Santino into the ropes for a 619. Finally, Rey jumped from off the corner to deliver a splash onto Marella for the win.

Winner: Rey Mysterio wins via pinfall over Santino Marella.

Backstage Todd Grisham interviewed CM Punk, asking who he prefers to defend his title against at the Bash. Punk was about to answer but Snitsky came up to interrupt. Snitsky said he was drafted to Raw last year but never received any title shots. Snitsky told Punk he was a fluke champion, so Punk challenged Snitsky to a match.

Mickie James was backstage talking to John Cena about his recent victory in a match. Just then Kelly Kelly came up and asked Mickie if she was ready for their tag team match. Mickie told Cena that Kelly is the newest Raw diva. Cena asked if Kelly had her ECW contract released by Teddy Long and Kelly asked "we have contracts?" As the divas left Cena exclaimed "God Bless America!"

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Mickie James & Kelly Kelly vs. Jillian & Layla

Jillian was singing in the ring to irritate fans, but Kelly Kelly came to the ring to interrupt. In the matchup, Jillian seemed to gain control of things against Kelly. Layla said no ring time. Jillian whipped Kelly to the corner then tried to cartwheel at her. Kelly jumped up onto Jillian's shoulders then flipped her down to the mat for a surprise pinfall.

Winners: Kelly Kelly & Mickie James win via pinfall over Jillian and Layla.

After the match, JBL's limo pulled up next to the top of the ramp. The driver got out and ran backstage as Raw went to commercial break.

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Raw returned and JBL was out inspecting his limo. JBL found the doors all locked. All of a sudden, John Cena emerged from the backseat with a mic in hand. Cena talked about JBL needing to protect himself. Cena said he'd help JBL protect himself from the laws in Louisiana about limos. Cena introduced his custom body shop, Cryme Tyme and the duo came out from the back of the limo with metal baseball bats. Cena said they would need to make some modifications to the limo so it passes the strict laws in LA. First Cryme Tyme smashed the side mirror, then the windshield and then the passenger side windows. Cena pulled out a can of spray paint and he and Cryme Tyme continued to vandalize JBL's limo to his dismay.

Highlights were shown again of last week's Raw events with CM Punk winning Edge's title and JBL challenging Punk for the title.

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CM Punk vs. Snitsky

Punk came to the ring but first stopped by to admire the work done on JBL's limo. Punk laughed then sat on the hood of the car with his belt.

In the matchup, Snitsky had control for a brief bit of the match, but Punk came back. Punk was able to hit a running knee on Snitsky in the corner, then followed with the bulldog. Punk managed to hoist up Snitsky for the Go To Sleep to win it by pinfall.

Winner: CM Punk wins via pinfall over Snitsky.

Shawn Michaels was shown walking backstage on his way out to address the Raw fans.

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Highlights were shown of the buildup to the Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Jericho feud. Michaels came down to the ring to address the crowd and Y2J. Michaels said he had two words in response to Y2J's challenge for a match at Great American Bash, "I Accept". Just then, Jericho came to the ring along with Lance Cade.

In the ring, Jericho started to insult and taunt Michaels, saying HBK just wants to be a martyr, but he will one day be forgotten for it. Michaels replied that Jericho has achieved success with everything he went for in his WWE career, but he will never be Shawn Michaels. The two gave a stare down as Raw headed to commercial break.

Charlie Haas vs. Kofi Kingston

The new Intercontinental champ fought in a non-title matchup on Raw. At one point, Kofi turned momentum in his favor and hit the double leg drop on a fallen Haas. With Haas sent to the corner, Kofi ran at him and jumped onto his shoulders. Haas shoved Kofi off, but Kofi landed on his feet, then delivered a spinning kick to Haas' face to knock him down for a pin.

After the win, Kofi had little time to celebrate as Paul Burchill got into the ring and attacked him. Burchill used his finisher to drive Kofi face first into the mat.

Winner: Kofi Kingston wins by pinfall over Charlie Haas.

Batista was shown backstage getting prepared for the Fatal Fourway. A fan ran into the picture out of nowhere and began to pose and mimic Batista's machine gun style entrance. The fan saw security then took off with security chasing him. Batista chuckled and looked baffled by what just went down.

Kane vs. Batista vs. John Cena vs. JBL
Fatal Fourway

The winner of the main event would become #1 contender for Punk's title at Great American Bash. At one point, John Cena had the upperhand with Kane hoisted up for a FU. JBL delivered a solid kick to Cena's face to knock him down.

The action eventually spilled to the outside with JBL whipping Cena to the steel steps, then using the steps to bash over Cena, knocking him out. Kane came to the outside and attacked JBL, eventually clotheslining him into the crowd. Kane got back into the ring to go at Batista. Batista was able to turn things around and hit a huge spear to pick up a pinfall victory.

Following the loss, Kane completely snapped, becoming irate. Kane went over to the commentators table several times and asked Michael Cole "Is he alive or dead?". Cole was bewildered at the question and Kane went on a rampage, knocking down several nearby WWE staff members. Kane then grabbed Cole and brought him in the ring, still asking "is he alive or dead". Cole almost was given a chokeslam by Kane in the ring, but Jerry Lawler came in the ring to clip Kane's leg. Cole rolled out of the ring, but Kane continued to beat up Jerry Lawler as Raw ended.

Winner: Batista wins by pinfall over Kane to become #1 contender for CM Punk's title.