Raw Preview 11.17.08

Last week's episode of Raw from the UK saw an upset Batista get into the ring and demand that his rematch clause be invoked. Just a week prior, Batista was on the receiving end of a bloody beatdown by Chris Jericho in a steel cage. The end result was a loss of the World Heavyweight title by the Animal after just a short 8 day reign. Despite trying to get a rematch, the powers that be (Shane & Stephanie McMahon) let Batista know he would have to wait. Batista will get the World Heavyweight champ after Survivor Series, whether it be Chris Jericho or John Cena. In the interim, Randy Orton came forth and let Batista know he was the more deserving #1 contender for the title. The two continued their war of words and Batista set down a challenge for Orton. Before the two could get started in the ring later on, it was Cody Rhodes who came down to tell Orton he was better than him. Rhodes challenged the Animal, giving Orton an escape from the match. Batista defeated Orton handily, but the real battle is on its way. Will fans get to finally see Orton vs. Batista on tonight's Raw, or will they have to wait until Survivor Series?

Last week also saw what was supposed to be the finale for two major feuds. Rey Mysterio fought Kane in a No Disqualification match, with Rey getting the hard-fought victory. In Raw's main event, Shawn Michaels battled Chris Jericho in a Last Man Standing match. The back and forth affair saw both men lay it all on the line, but ultimately it was JBL who arrived to disrupt things for HBK. After attacking Michaels with a steel char, HBK was down for the count, giving Jericho the final victory. Due to JBL's interference it appears a new feud has begun for HBK. Now Michaels will captain a team which includes Rey Mysterio against a JBL-captained team which includes Kane. Has the Kane-Mysterio feud ended or is it still ongoing? What will JBL and Michaels have in store for tonight's show? Will HBK retaliate against his attacker?

In terms of the Intercontinental title picture, Santino Marella can officially lay his Honk-A-Meter to rest. After having the title for almost 3 months, the King of the Ring, William Regal, managed to easily defeat Marella in the UK. Regal graciously accepted the title on behalf of all his fellow Englishmen, and vowed to defend the title with dignity and honor. Has the King turned a new leaf, or will he continue his reign of terror along with his queen, Layla? What will Santino's response be to losing his title, and will he attempt to get a rematch?

Catch all the action of tonight's Raw at 9PM EST on USA!