Raw Recap 08.25.08

Raw Recap from Wilkes-Barre, PA:

Raw opened with Michael Cole discussing how Unforgiven is less than 2 weeks away with the Championship Scramble Match. Current World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk made his way to the ring for the first match. JBL's white limo pulled alongside the ramp next, for JBL to come down to the ring.

JBL vs. CM Punk

The opening match involved two familiar foes and two of the participants in the Championship Scramble at Unforgiven. Punk was able to kick JBL to the outside at one point, and as JBL stood up, Punk ran from across the ring and dove out through the ropes at him. Punk took JBL down near the commentators' table. Back in the ring Punk continued to dominate, but JBL went to toss him over the top rope. Punk hung on and flipped himself back in, but JBL delivered a huge boot to knock Punk out of the ring.

Raw returned from a commercial break with JBL squeezing Punk in a bear hug in the ring. Punk elbowed his way out, but JBL grabbed him to slam him back to the mat. JBL used a backbreaker as he pressed Punk up on his shoulders. Punk slid off and tried to mount some offense off the ropes, but JBL caught him and slammed him back down. JBL sat Punk up on the turnbuckle and went to attack. Punk was able to counter and do a spinning DDT from off the top rope. After a failed pin, Punk and JBL fought back and forth. Punk landed a cross body using the ropes to springboard, then a high knee in the corner. A bulldog produced another near pinfall. Punk went for the GTS, but JBL countered and shoved him away, then came off the ropes for a Clothesline from Hell.

JBL went for a sure pinfall, but it was too close to the ropes and Punk grabbed the bottom rope. JBL enraged went to the outside and grabbed a steel chair to bring in the ring. As he was getting into the ring, the ref got on the apron and yanked the chair away. The distraction allowed Punk to grab JBL and deliver the GTS for a win!

Winner: CM Punk wins via pinfall over JBL.

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Raw GM Mike Adamle came out to the top of the ramp and introduced highlights from the John Cena vs. Batista match at Summerslam. Batista was able to win the match using a vicious Powerbomb on Cena as he jumped at him off the corner. Adamle informed fans that Cena suffered a herniated disc in his neck due to the repeated Batista Bombs. Adamle said due to an MRI, the damage is considerable and Cena will require surgery, forcing him out of the Championship Scramble match. Adamle promised to find a worthy replacement by the end of Raw.

Kane cut a promo backstage talking about what Batista did to Cena. Kane said what he did to Mysterio was worse since he crushed his soul and spirit. Kane said it leaves people wondering "Is he alive or dead?"

In his office backstage, Adamle apologized to Primo Colon for rushing off last week during his welcoming to Raw. Colon said it was no problem as Adamle started saying he had prepared the Cabana and apples for tonight. Primo said he's nothing like his brother. Adamle began to chuckle, then Primo asked what was so funny. Adamle told him he'd find out later on. Just then, Shawn Michaels showed up behind Adamle. Michaels asked if Jericho had arrived yet. Adamle said he hasn't, and told Michaels to take all the time he needs tonight. As HBK turned to leave, Adamle asked "How's Rebecca doing?" Michaels gave Adamle a long stare, then turned and left.

Kelly Kelly vs. Beth Phoenix

The Womens Champ was accompanied by Santino Marella to the ring. Early in the match Kelly was able to bust open Beth's nose causing her to bleed. Beth became enraged and started dominating the match from there, hammering Kelly with elbows and using submission holds. Kelly was able to perform an impressive flip as Beth grabbed her foot/leg. From here Kelly tripped Beth down near the corner then went to do a cartwheel towards Beth in the corner. Santino, trying to help, grabbed Beth from ringside and pulled her out of the way. Beth turned and confronted Santino near the ropes as if to say she didn't need his help. Kelly took the opportunity to roll up Beth in a surprise pinfall scoring an upset victory.

After the bell, Santino got into the ring with Beth trying to explain what he did. Beth took exception and tackled Santino down, punching away at him. Santino rolled out of the ring and ran up the ramp, surprised at the attack. Michael Cole questioned whether their relationship was over now.

Winner: Kelly Kelly wins via pinfall over Beth Phoenix.

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WWE 24/7 on Demand showed highlights of April 23, 1989 match between Bret Hart and Mr. Perfect. During the match, Mr. Perfect claimed he had a hurt leg, and left the ring. The ref tried to stop the match, but Mr. Perfect ended up throwing a white towel into the ring as a sign of surrender.

Charito vs. Primo Colon

Charlito (aka Charlie Haas dressed up as Carlito in a big wig) made his debut against Carlito's relative, Primo Colon. At one point in the match Charlito seemed to be in control and went to eat some of his apple, mocking Carlito. Primo got to his feet and punched him causing Charlito to spit apple all over. From here Charlito took control of things, eventually flying off the corner turnbuckle for a bodypress to win the debut match.

Winner: Primo Colon wins via pinfall over Charlito.

A somber looking Shawn Michaels was shown backstage on his way out to the ring.

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Highlights of the Jericho-Michaels incident from Summerslam were revisited, where Michaels tried to announce his retirement from WWE, but Jericho interrupted and accidentally punched HBK's wife Rebecca down to the mat.

Shawn Michaels came down to the squared circle and informed the fans that his wife's still hurting, but she's tough and will make it through this. Michaels became angry, saying that Chris Jericho needs to realize that HBK has earned the right to come out to the ring and thank the fans before he leaves the WWE. Michaels said when he looked into his fallen wife's eyes, he knew he wasn't going anywhere. The fans became ecstatic, but just then Chris Jericho appeared on the Titantron.

Jericho told Michaels he's lucky that Jericho isn't at Raw tonight, because people are worried what he'd do to HBK. HBK interrupted Jericho's speech to say if he did what he wanted to do to Jericho outside the ring, he'd be thrown in jail. Michaels got down on his knees and begged for the match, saying he'll sign anything and agree to any stipulations. Jericho finally accepted the match, but warned Michaels not to let his wife or kids watch, because they'll be horrified at what happens. HBK said he's not interested in stealing the show at Unforgiven, he's more interested in "an eye for an eye". The segment ended with a stare down from Michaels in the ring towards Jericho on the Titantron.

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Jerry Lawler & Hacksaw Jim Duggan vs. Rhodes & Dibiase

Rhodes & Dibiase arrived to the ring minus their World Tag team title belts which were stolen by Cryme Tyme last week. Tonight's match was prompted by a confrontation in ring several weeks ago, where Rhodes & Dibiase tried to insult Lawler and Duggan as has-been old timers. Lawler slapped Rhodes to let him know what his altercation with Andy Kaufman went like years ago.

During the match, Hacksaw gained serious momentum and did his football stance run to clothesline down Dibiase. Rhodes came in to kick Duggan, breaking up the pin. Jerry Lawler got in the ring to fend off Rhodes, clotheslining him to the outside. The distraction allowed Dibiase to put Hacksaw in a sleeper/chokehold, and hit a leg sweep to win it.

After the victory, Rhodes went over and snatched a mic from Lillian Garcia. In the ring, Rhodes called out Cryme Tyme, saying they stole their tag titles and that's a crime. All of a sudden, Cryme Tyme appeared up in the audience high up in the arena. Cryme Tyme had the belts and told Rhodes & Dibiase they want a tag team title match at Unforgiven. Angrily Ted Dibiase told them at Unforgiven they've got their shot, but they'll be taking back their titles. Dibiase used the "priceless" line, and Cryme Tyme told them everything comes with a price, and its about that "Money, Money".

Winners: Cody Rhodes & Ted Dibiase win via pinfall over Jerry Lawler and Hacksaw Jim Duggan.

Backstage, Todd Grisham interviewed Batista about his upcoming match against Kane. Batista started by discussing how his match against Cena at Summerslam was one of the toughest of his career. Batista wished Cena good luck with his surgery and hoped he'd be back to the ring soon. Batista said he plans to reclaim his World Heavyweight title at Unforgiven. Batista said tonight's match against Kane isn't about any titles, it's personal.

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Kofi Kingston vs. Santino Marella
Intercontinental Title match

In the title matchup, high-flying Kofi Kingston gained control against Santino, landing the double leg drop on him. Santino rolled out of the ring to the bottom of the ramp. Just then, Beth Phoenix came storming down to the ring and pointed for Santino to get back into the ring. Kofi went out to retrieve him. Kofi turned to make sure Beth wouldn't try anything but as he climbed into the ring, Beth grabbed his leg, tripping him. When Kofi tripped, he his his face into Santino's knee, allowing Santino to take the pinfall to win it.

After his victory, Beth got in the ring and backed Santino to the corner. Just when it looked like Beth would attack she planted a kiss on a surprised Santino. Santino responded by grabbing Beth and tossing her into the corner, then delivering a french kiss of his own.

Winner: Santino wins via pinfall over Kofi Kingston to retain the Intercontinental title.

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Highlights of the Democratic National Convention from Denver, Colorado were shown featuring Josh Matthews and Candice Michelle as hosts. Smackdownyourvote.com offers more information on the convention, voting and political scene. Also shown in the highlights was United States Champion, Shelton Benjamin.

Raw GM Mike Adamle came out to the top of the ramp to announce the replacement for John Cena in the Championship Scramble. Adamle said the final competitor is also a former World Heavyweight champion. Adamle announced that the final competitor will be Rey Mysterio for the Championship Scramble.

Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler discussed the lineup of matches for Unforgiven including the two Championship Scrambles, and Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Jericho in an "Unsactioned Match".

Batista was shown backstage on his way out to the ring.

Batista vs. Kane

Prior to the match, Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler discussed how Batista is featured on Muscle and Fitness magazine's cover. As the match got underway, Batista came out aggressively. Kane tried to overcome the Animal early, but Batista continued to apply arm holds down on the mat. Kane knocked Batista to the mat, but Batista was quick to squeeze his legs around Kane's torso. On their feet, Batista took Kane to the corner where he punched away and rammed him in the gut. Batista continued to beat up Kane around the ring, until Kane countered and backed Batista into a corner. The two traded punches, with Batista whipping Kane to the corner. Batista went for a quick Batista Bomb off the ropes, but Kane escaped.

Kane went to the outside and ripped apart the steel steps, then went searching for something amongst the steel chairs. Raw took a commercial break with Kane upset outside the ring. Raw returned with Kane ready for a Chokeslam, but Batista broke it. Kane quickly dropkicked into Batista's leg to drop him to the mat again. Kane continued to exploit Batista's wounded knee and leg. Kane kicked away at Batista in the corner, then dragged him out to the middle for a pin attempt.

The match continued, with Kane still twisting Batista's leg to wear him down. Batista started to fight back despite a lack of energy, and Kane eventually dropped him to the mat on his hurt leg again. Kane continued wrenching the leg, but Batista countered with a hold of his own. Kane kept immobilizing Batista, then waited for him to stand. As Kane went for a clothesline, Batista delivered an energetic one of his own, taking Kane down. Batista was able to gain the momentum to deliver a Powerslam, then got up to his feet using the ropes. With momentum on his side, Batista escaped a Chokeslam and was able to use a Spinebuster on Kane. Batista prepared for the Batista Bomb, but Kane clipped Batista's hurt leg again, taking him down.

Kane exited the ring and continued to target the hurt knee/leg of Batista against the ringpost. Kane grabbed a steel chair and smashed it against the leg. The ref called for the bell awarding a win by DQ to Batista. Back in the ring, Batista was able to finally fight back and Spear Kane down. Batista smashed the steel chair over Kane several times. Batista decided to extract revenge and pulled Kane against the ringpost to hurt his knee. Batista used the chair to smash across Kane's knee, causing him to writhe in pain. Raw ended with both men down, Batista out of the ring and Kane inside, as they held their hurt knees.

Winner: Batista wins over Kane due to disqualification.

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