Saturday Night's Main Event Recap 08.02.08

Saturday Night's Main Event Recap from Washington, DC:

Saturday Night's Main Event opened with Jim Ross welcoming fans to the NBC show in DC. JBL's white limousine drove out near the ramp to begin the program. Cryme Tyme appeared next, followed by Dibiase & Rhodes, then Cena, Kane & finally Batista with his intense pyrotechnics display.

Cena, Batista & Cryme Tyme vs. JBL, Kane Rhodes & Dibiase

SNME started off with an 8 man tag match amongst feuding wrestlers. CM Punk was at the commentators' table to give his thoughts during the bout. Each of the competitors got into the ring at one time or another, with Cena eventually gaining control against JBL. Cena was ready to FU JBL, but Kane entered the ring to kick Cena. Batista rushed in and speared Kane, then clotheslined Rhodes and did a Spinebuster on a charging Dibiase. Batista took out Kane with a clothesline over the ropes and both men went to the outside.

Cena was back up in the ring with Dibiase layed out. JTG called for the tag and Cena obliged. As JTG climbed the corner ropes, Cena helped launch him off the corner to splash onto Dibiase. JTG took a pin but the ref explained Dibiase wasn't legal. Meanwhile, JBL had pulled Cena outside the ring and slammed him into the ringpost. JBL slid back in, waited for JTG to turn around, then delivered the clothesline from hell to take the pin.

Winners: JBL, Kane, Cody Rhodes & Ted Dibiase win via pinfall over John Cena, Batista, & Cryme Tyme.

The Great Khali was shown walking intently backstage on his way out to the ring, along with manager Singh who was getting him riled up.

Jeff Foxworthy delivered a video message regarding Autism and how prevalent it is. Foxworthy said you can get more info about donating to Generation Rescue at WWE.com.

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Jimmy Wang Yang vs. Great Khali

Khali toyed with another smaller opponent, as he tuned up against Yang on SNME. Khali delivered a massive clothesline after whipping Yang to the ropes. Yang was tossed into the corner by Khali for more punishment. Yang was finally able to get up onto the corner turnbuckle at one point but was chopped down mid air by Khali. Khali followed with a double chokeslam then stepped one foot on Yang for the pinfall.

Winner: The Great Khali wins via pinfall over Jimmy Wang Yang.

Jim Ross discussed Generation Rescue and how many celebs are dedicated to the cause. Ben Stiller's promotional video was shown asking fans to join the cause and donate by checking out WWE.com.

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Jenny McCarthy came out onto the ramp with a microphone in hand. McCarthy discussed the charity Generation Rescue which works on curing Autism. Jenny suggested people can log onto WWE.com to learn more and make donations to the charity, Generation Rescue.

Jim Ross introduced video footage covering the Edge and Vickie Guerrero saga. Edge tried to apologize to Vickie for cheating prior to their wedding. Vickie seemed to listen, but she admitted that in her time of anger she did something serious as her revenge. Vickie informed Edge that she reinstated the Undertaker to WWE and that Edge will be his Summerslam opponent. Edge was shocked by the revelation that he must face the man he though he banished from WWE.

JR and Lawler informed fans that Jeff Hardy will face Edge in tonight's main event match.

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Jim Ross and Lawler discussed Summerslam's matches so far: Triple H vs. Khali, Cena vs. Batista, Undertaker vs. Edge, and Matt Hardy vs. Mark Henry.

Jeff Hardy vs. Edge

Highlights were shown from last night's Smackdown with Edge interviewing Mick Foley in the ring. Foley gave Edge a serious pep talk about bringing the old version of Edge to Hell in a Cell, not the lovestruck one. Edge said he understood, then proceeded to beat up Foley around the ring and smash him through a table.

In the main event match up, Hardy injured his leg and was hobbling a bit as Edge started taking control. Hardy was able to take down Edge after Edge came off the ropes. Both men struggled to get to their feet off the mat, with Hardy unloading punches and ducking an Edge clothesline. Hardy placed Edge in the corner hanging upside down then ran for a slide dropkick. Edge avoided it but remained tangled in the corner. Hardy got back in the ring and used the corner ropes to dropkick into Edge. Hardy continued to fight on one leg and went for Twist of Fate. Edge countered and hit a huge DDT to take Hardy down for a pin. Hardy kicked out at 2 1/2.

The match continued with Edge up and Hardy down. Edge prepared for the Spear as Hardy pulled himself up. Hardy sidestepped the attempt and sent Edge to the corner, then did a Whisper in the Wind off the corner to land on Edge. Hardy had the near pinfall again, as Edge barely escaped. Hardy did a face first suplex to slam Edge to the mat, then climbed the corner for a Swanton. Edge began to roll away so Hardy hopped down. Edge scored a kick to Hardy's midsection, then attempted another Spear. Hardy jumped over Edge and Edge flew out of the ring. As Hardy laid in the ring near the side apron, MVP appeared out of nowhere and ran by to smack Hardy in the head. Edge rolled back in the ring gingerly then awaited Hardy to stand so he could finally hit the Spear.

Winner: Edge wins via pinfall over Jeff Hardy.

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SNME Recap 08.18.07

Recap of Saturday Night's Main Event from NYC:

Vince and Coach shown backstage in an office to start off the show. Vince said how upset he was at the revelation Stephanie made on Raw saying his illegitimate child was a WWE superstar. Coach said he had a list and was narrowing down who Vince's child was based on the info he had. Coach asked Vince if he had told him of all of his past romps. Vince recalled one time in Kansas City with a woman. Coach discussed how he was born in KC and was adopted. Vince shook his head and said "it's gonna be a long night".

JBL, Jim Ross and Michael Cole introduced themselves as the commentators and began discussing tonight's matches including the boxing match between Matt Hardy and Evander Holyfield, John Cena vs. Carlito and also how tonight we may discover who Vince's illegitimate child is.

Batista & Kane vs. Finlay & The Great Khali

As Khali made his way down to the ring as they showed footage of last night's Smackdown with Kane facing Khali. Khali put Kane down in the claw grip, then put Batista down as well when he came to try to attack Khali.

Kane started off hammering away and kicking at Finlay in the corner, then threw him to the other corner for a clothesline. Kane followed with a side slam and a failed pin. Batista tagged in to continue to beat up Finlay. Finlay tried to escape Batista in the corner, but Batista caught him in the air then rammed him into the corner. Batista then suplexed Finlay off the corner ropes. Finlay rolled out of the ring as SNME hit commercial break.

SNME returned with Khali clotheslining down Kane in the ring. During break, Khali attacked Kane when he was outside battling Finlay. Khali began exploiting the rib injury Kane had by grabbing Kane in the side of his stomach. Khali continued to clutch Kane's rib area as the ref asked if Kane wanted to quit. Kane fought back getting to the ropes and punching at Khali. Khali then used a boot to Kane's face, knocking him down. Khali tagged in Fnlay who ran over and attacked Kane, then did the same to Batista. Kane able to recover and tagged in Batista. Batista started running back and forth hitting Finlay and Khali in the corner.

Hornswaggle snuck into the ring behind Batista. Batista saw him and grabbed him, then threw him right into Finlay's midsection. Khali became wrapped up in the ropes, so Kane and Batista picked up Hornswaggle and used him as a battering ram several times into Khali's stomach. As they threw down the leprechaun, Khali escaped then grabbed Batista and Kane with each hand, but they broke out of it and doubleteamed Khali. Kane went out of the ring as did Khali. Finlay came in to attack Batista who then speared him down. Batista finished off Finlay with a Batista Bomb and then scored the pin.

Winners: Kane and Batista win via pinfall over Finlay & Khali.

Vince shown backstage with Coach as they continued talking about who his child might be. Vince went over to a mirror to fix his hair and saw an old reflection of himself as a young announcer/commentator. Coach and Vince then left the scene. Ron Simmons walked up to the mirror and seemed as if he was trying to get Vince's attention. Simmons stared into the mirror a bit before saying "DAMN!".

Triple H returns promo shown for Summerslam.

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MVP hanging out with a posse backstage, and Evander Holyfield entered the locker room as the crowd cheered. MVP told Evander since he can't fight due to doctor's orders that's why he chose Holyfield to replace him. MVP hugged Evander as they joked around.

Coach and Mr. McMahon were then in the ring. Coach held a file folder and discussed that the identity of the person who is Vince's child will be announced tonight. Vince told Coach to "get on with it". Coach said Vince provided alot of info and tonight they will locate the child. Coach said based on one "trist" Vince told him of, he believes he may have found Vince's child. Just then Eugene came out to the ring in his superhero costume. Vince had a look of disgust on his face as Coach gave a mic to Eugene. Eugene said how his mom said "Vince nailed her" and that's why his uncle Eric Bischoff got into wrestling, so he could put Vince out of business. Vince told Eugene he wore a condom that night, so he's not his son. Eugene then said "I love you dad" before hugging Vince and leaving the ring.

Coach said maybe Vince has a daughter and introduced Melina. Melina came strutting down to the ring in a tight black and pink dress with an angry look on her face. Vince said Melina is not his daughter and she will agree to it. Coach asked why. Vince whispered to Coach causing Coach to exclaim "thats digusting!" Vince told Melina it was just a typical July 4th celebration. Melina said if it turns out she is his daughter she will take him for every cent he has. Vince became upset as Melina stormed out of the ring. Vince asked Coach if there were any more. Coach said just one more but he didn't think they should bring them out. Vince yelled at Coach to "bring him out".

Just then after a pause, Stone Cold Steve Austin's breaking glass sounded and his theme music came on. Stone Cold came walking down to the ring eyeing Coach and Vince as he posed from the ring corners. Austin took a mic and began pacing the ring around Vince. Austin began discussing how he might be Vince's son. Vince told Austin "theres no chance in hell" he was his illegitimate son. Austin said they missed out on so many memories while he was growing up. Austin said Vince made it easy for him to just come out and "stun his ass". Austin told Vince he must have "overactve grapefruits" and to help him out Austin delivered a kick to the groin and then a low blow to Vince.

Coach walked up to Austin confronting him for what he just did. Austin then kicked Coach and delivered the Stone Cold Stunner to him. Austin celebrated with beers in the ring pouring them out onto Vince and Coach. Jim Ross said he thinks they can now conclude Stone Cold is not Vince's child. Vince finally got back up and Stone Cold said it's his first time back at the Garden, so he offered to drink a beer with Vince. Austin handed Vince a beer and they toasted, before Stone Cold kicked Vince and then delivered a stunner to him.

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MVP shown in the back locker room as Evander Holyfield was preparing for the upcoming boxing match.

Carlito vs. John Cena

Footage shown of Cena's match on Raw 3 weeks ago against Carlito, where Randy Orton interfered allowing Carlito to win. Carlito then spit apple into Cena's face on the mat. Michael Cole discussed how Cena will put his title on the line against Orton in about a week at Summerslam.

Cena took control early on, kicking down Carlito then tossing him to the corner. Cena threw Carlito off the ropes then knocked him down with a hard forearm. Carlito rolled out of the ring and went over to grab Lillian Garcia's chair. Carlito tried to enter the ring with the chair, but the ref took it away. Cena came over to Carlito on the apron. As the ref turned away, Carlito was able to knock Cena out of the ring. SNME headed to commercial break.

Back from break, Carlito was kicking and punching Cena down on the mat. Michael Cole said Carlito had been working on the head of Cena. Cena able to regain control out of the corner, then came off the ropes to do a neckbreaker type move. Cena got up on the corner ropes then did a double legdrop on Carlito's head. Cena quickly slapped the STFU onto Carlito who immediately tapped out. Cena with the win, but as the bell sounded, Randy Orton came running down to the ring.

Orton attacked Cena, then tossed him out of the ring. Orton grabbed Cena and whipped him into the steel steps. Orton then began franticly pacing around until Cena got up. Orton set up a chair, then grabbed Cena and did an RKO on Cena right through the metal chair. Orton stared coldly at Cena laying on his back outside the ring.

Winner: John Cena wins via submission over Carlito.

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Backstage, Todd Grisham caught up with Randy Orton. Grisham said what Orton did was brutal. Orton said he sent a message to Cena "loud and clear" about what he will get from Randy Orton at Summerslam.

Several divas seen sitting in front of the commentator's table near the ring dressed as boxing ring girls. JBL discussed the matchup showing the stats of Hardy vs. Holyfield. Hardy was then introduced and came out in a boxing robe with two corner men. MVP came out next with about 5 or 6 corner men. MVP got into the ring and started taunting Hardy. Holyfield came out with 2 men to a roar from the crowd. Cole said Holyfield has a reach advantage over Hardy. Boxing announcer Michael Buffer announced the match asking MSG if they were ready. MVP interrupted him and handed Buffer a card of what to say for MVP's intro.

Matt Hardy vs. Evander Holyfield

Holyfield started jabbing away at Matt in the first round, backing him into a corner. Holyfield knocked Matt Hardy down to the corner with under a minute in Round 1. Hardy got back up and shook things off. Holyfield continued to punch away at Hardy until he fell to the mat again. Jim Ross said tonight it might be best for Hardy to stay on the mat, but Matt got himself up right before the round ended.

As Round 2 started, Holyfield indivated to the ref he didn't want to go after Matt Hardy anymore because he can tell Hardy's had enough. MVP went over and yelled at Holyfield to go knock out and finish off Matt Hardy. As MVP continued barking orders, Holyfield gave him a look. Holyfield turned to leave, then MVP grabbed him. Holyfield delivered a solid knockout punch to MVP leaving him face 1st on the mat. Holyfield then went over and showed some love for Hardy's effort, giving him a hug in the corner.

Winner: Holyfield dominated the match over Matt Hardy and knocked out MVP.

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Tazz joined Michael Cole and Jim Ross at ringside to replace JBL for the next match, from the ECW brand.

Boogeyman & CM Punk vs. Big Daddy V & John Morrison

Big Daddy V came to the match with Matt Striker as his manager. Morrison and Punk faced off first with Punk knocking Morrison down for a quick pin attempt. Punk continued to fight Morrison giving a strange look to Boogeyman in the corner instead of tagging him. Punk eventually clotheslined Morrison over the ropes as SNME went to break.

Back from break, Boogeyman whipped Morrison to the ropes then flipped him up over his back. Boogeyman grabbed a fistful of worms and put them in his mouth then went at Morrison. Matt Striker got up onto the apron and distracted Boogeyman, allowed Big Daddy V to tag in. V clotheslined Boogeyman down then began to manhandle him around the ring. Eventually Boogeyman escaped when V ran at him in the same corner as Morrison was standing near. Boogeyman tagged in CM Punk just as Morrison tagged in.

CM Punk started to dominate the ECW champ, slamming him down then tossing him to the corner. Punk able to jump off the side ropes and clothesline Morrison down. Punk tossed Morrison to the corner then ran at him to knee him in the face. Morrison eventually landed a spinning kick to Punk's head, knocking him off the corner ropes. The two superstars continued to battle with CM Punk eventually rolling up Morrison for a surprise pinfall victory.

Winners: CM Punk and Boogeyman win via pinfall over Big Daddy V and John Morrison.

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Michael Cole thanked everyone for tuning in as highlights of tonight's matches were shown with POD's "Boom" playing.

A Raw Rant

I believe last night's Raw had the potential to be one of the bigger Raws in recent times and ended up letting many of us down. While it offered a few humorous moments, WWE could have released some major surprises and really sparked the interest in the Raw brand. Points in case:

#1 - Not revealing Mr. McMahon's child to us - While it's entirely possible this happened during the Saturday Night Main Event taping, many sites rumored that we would find out who Vince's child would be. Patience is a virtue, yes, but the show should have ended with a bang (not the limo explosion type). Linda McMahon disowning Vince at the end of the show isn't much of a cliff hanger to get fans excited for the next episode. Granted, it will extend the storyline, but it's not that "explosive" ending we need to keep us ready for another round of Raw. Having Vince's son/daughter (whoever it may be) show up would achieve that.

#2 - Not having Triple H at Madison Square Garden. MSG is considered the grand stage, a mecca for sports entertainment. It's quite a letdown not to see The Game make a triumphant surprise return to Raw to save Jerry Lawler. In fact, the crowd would have erupted if HHH came back. Again, a let down by WWE here. This also may have happened at Saturday Night's Main Event, but the way things are looking, WWE is making sure Mysterio and HHH only show up for Summerslam (to sell Pay Per Views).

The main event was pretty good, it was the only match you couldn't easily predict an outcome for. Seeing Umaga stand still as Carlito tried for his finisher was humorous as well. However, you wonder a lot about why WWE builds up Cena's champion credibility so much and then has him being beat around the ring for most of the match by Orton/Carlito? The other matches as stated were pretty predictable. The filler of the WWE Idol show was humorous with the use of Regal and Mick Foley as judges as well as Iron Sheik and Volkoff showing up. Santino Marella is also showing he can make a pretty good, unlikeable heel for the WWE. The WWE does seem to have some good skits up its sleeve with the whole game show idea. I also believe they could do a bit more to liven up the Cryme Tyme gimmick. It seems to have potential but gets stale the way it has been delivered. It definitely makes you wonder if the guys who have bought their merchandise in the audience are plants.

Not sure if people are noticing that Sandman and Cody Rhodes seem to have some trouble in the ring. Rhodes has overdone or messed up a few moves in consecutive weeks. It's understandable no wrestler is perfect and Rhodes is a newcomer to the ring. He seems more suited for ECW or the Smackdown Cruiserweight division for now. You would almost think they should have Rhodes feuding with The Miz so that these two could learn the wrestling craft and maybe go back and forth with wins. Sandman seems to have mobility issues going on but then again he is new to Raw. In his match with Kennedy he seemed to have problems just standing and Kennedy had to help him set up moves. Then again, he drinks a few beers before entering the ring.

All in all, alot of the above mentioned flaws can easily be fixed up. I strongly believe in the WWE's ability to present solid programming to us. After reading another wrestling site's reader comments about TNA's Pay Per View and how they disliked it, I realize WWE can still win that war. It also makes you appreciate the guys who have gone out with injury even more. Once Triple H is a Raw regular again we should be getting solid jokes and good delivery by Triple H. As stated once before, he should be the savior of WWE right now, but WWE seems to be holding this card for its Pay Per View. Feel free to leave your comments on how you felt about last night's Raw show.

MVP Challenge & JBL Article

WWE.com has reported that MVP is challenging Matt Hardy to a boxing match for their next contest. The challenge was issued for Saturday Night's Main Event which tapes on this coming Monday at New York's Madison Square Garden. The announcement comes one day after it was reported on WWE Smackdown that MVP was resting from recent surgery he had done for a heart illness which was discovered around the time of Great American Bash.

Read about MVP & WWE Wellness program here.

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WWE.com also has an article discussing how JBL is featured in the August issue of US Airways Magazine's "Alter Ego" section. The article takes a look at JBL's financial savvy and investment knowledge. JBL warns against getting credit cards as his best piece of financial advice saying "you cant make money if you owe money". Well said. The article is titled "Bear Hugs and Bull Markets" and features a photo of JBL about to slam Rey Mysterio down.

Read the full US Airways article on JBL here.