WWE RAW Results (05/12/08) Jim Ross welcomes us to the Joe Louis Arena as we go into the show with the lights out in the arena. The lights come back on and William Regal is in the ring...
By Philip DiLiegro and f4wonline.com ECW HD Report for January 29, 2008.
Live from Reading, PA
Shelton Benjamin v. Kane
The decision to eliminate Benjamin in seventeen seconds at the Rumble has to be one of the more baffling, contradictory booking decisions in recent memory. Benjamin skinned the cat early on but was immediately clotheslined out. That was a nice reference to end of last week’s battle royal. Back in the ring, Benjamin caught Kane going up top with a quick superplex in a strong spot. Shelton continued the advantage by working the legs with a back kick and a half Boston crab. Kane broke out of that and made his sudden comeback picking up a near fall on a powerslam. Shelton counters a choke slam attempt with a spinning round kick and hot shotted Kane off the top. After running into a big boot from Kane, Shelton just walked away for the lame countout finish.
Kane d. Benjamin, CO, 6:31, **¼.
Kelly Kelly v. Victoria
How sad is it that Ashley receives a bigger push than Victoria? Thus, it rings hollow when the announcers try to get Victoria over as some kind of a monster heel. Layla and Lena Yada watched at ringside as Victoria pushed Kelly around. Kelly hit a sunset flip for two in the middle of Victoria dominating with punches, chokes and hair pulls. Kelly then got a comeback with two clothesline and huracanrana into a pinning attempt. That was the last of the offense for Kelly as Victoria quickly finished with the widow’s peak. That actually was a solid little women’s match there.
Victoria d. Kelly Kelly, Pin, 2:49, *.
Colin Delaney, sporting even a little more athletic tape, was in the ring with Tazz. Tazz asked the crowd for a round of applause and surprisingly the request generated two-thirds boos; still, that’s much better than apathy. As usual, Tazz teased good news before giving Colin the bad news.
Colin Delaney v. The Miz & John Morrison
Colin actually got out of the way of two charges before he caught a baseball slide from Morrison. The champions hit a double forward flapjack, pulled up Delaney after a pinfall attempt and won after connecting with both of their finishers. After the match, they hit a double choke slam before Tommy Dreamer made the save.
Miz & Morrison d. Delaney, Pin, 2:13, squash.
CM Punk v. Elijah Burke
There was absolutely no mention that CM Punk would be wrestling this week prior to when he just now walked out. That sends a clear message to the fans that Punk is just another guy and he’s still the de facto top babyface on this brand. Burke took the early advantage with a forearm shot from the top rope. He maneuvered into some offense on the ground before going to a rest hold. Out of nowhere, came the go the sleep and it was over just like that. Punk was actually quite over despite all of his recent tribulations with the eastern Pennsylvania crowd.
Punk d. Burke, Pin, 3:28, *.
The regular commercial for the Lesnar-Mir match aired during this commercial break.
Kofi Kingston v. Rob Eckos
Here’s hoping that Kingston has a competent worker for an opponent this week. Styles wondered how challenging it was to come up with a move never before seen in the “fifty plus year history of sports entertainment.” I guess anything in wrestling before Vince, Sr. no longer even occurred; they don’t lie when they say the winners write the history. Kingston hit a leg sweep and drop toe hold before going to a rest hold (inexcusable during a squash). Kingston finished better however with clotheslines, a drop kick, his double legdrop and a spinning roundhouse kick to win.
Kingston d. jobber, Pin, 1:48, squash.
A mariachi band performed in the ring which led to Chavo Guerrero coming to the ring for his fiesta to celebrate his championship triumph. Once arriving, Armando Estrada notified Chavo that Edge and Vickie could not be there in person (because of the angle at the Rumble), but that Edge had prerecorded some comments. In the package, Edge put over Chavo and introduced a typically effective video package on Chavo’s career. Chavo concluded the segment by cutting a flat promo on Rey Mysterio and CM Punk and throwing it back to the band. But before the dullest conclusion to a wrestling show ever could wind down, CM Punk, disguised (cleverly) as one of the band members nailed Chavo with a guitar. The finish made the whole segment worthwhile.
