WWE Raw on the USA Network
Live from Hershey, Pa.

[Q1] The opening montage aired... Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler introduced the show and announced John Cena vs. C.M. Punk for later in the show... Inside the ring, Justin Roberts introduced guest host Jesse Ventura. Randy Orton's music played and head came to the ring instead.

Orton said he knows the routine is that the guest host comes out and is interrupted by someone, but he doesn't care. He said he knows Ventura has a major announcement to make about the WWE Championship. He said Jesse fancies himself as a radical and therefore pleaded for Ventura to give him a chance to win the title again.

Jesse Ventura's music interrupted Orton. Jesse walked onto the stage wearing a wild jacket and mugged for the crowd. He has enough hair (not on top) to have a ponytail. Jesse got in the ring and said he's not dressed "like no governor tonight, I'm dressed like pro wrestling."

Ventura said he likes Orton and respects his style. "You remind me of me back when I was a little bit younger," Ventura said. Jesse said he doesn't belong to the Republicans or Democrats. He said he's an independent who stands for a demands a revolution in the United States. A small "USA" chant broke out.

Jesse said he's going to bring something new to WWE. He said Orton would not get a title shot. "There's been too many of the same people day in and day out, week after week, the same ones get the shots at the title," Ventura said. "No, it's not going to be Randy Orton," Ventura said. "No, it won't be Big Show."

Jesse said Triple H, Shawn Michaels, and Chris Jericho were also on the list of people who would not get a shot at the title. Jesse said there would be a series of matches that would determine who gets the shot. Jesse said that the only people allowed in the qualifying matches were people who have never been World Champions.

Ventura said that the winner of the qualifying matches would compete in a Breakthrough Battle Royal to become the No. 1 contender for the WWE Championship. Jesse said he respects Randy, but he wouldn't give him the title match. Jesse said that he's the guest host, so what he says goes.

Jesse announced John Cena vs. C.M. Punk. "They've never wrestled before," Ventura said. He added that The Hart Dynasty would face Degeneration X. "They have never fought before," Ventura said. He ran through the rules of the Breakthrough Battle Royal and said the first qualifying match would start immediately.

Kofi Kingston's music played. Orton left the ring and walked to ringside and glared at Kingston. They stopped and had a staredown at ringside. Eventually, Orton headed backstage and Kofi headed to the ring... [C]

Powell's POV: They're finally acknowledging that the same guys always compete for the title? This is great! I'm looking forward to seeing where they go from here. Great start to Raw. Jesse misspoke a few times, but that's Jesse. He was really good in his role.

[Q2] After the break, the announcers set up footage of Kofi Kingston brawling with Randy Orton on last week's Raw...

Powell's POV: Just a quick thought. Ted DiBiase Jr. has never been a World Champion and he has a movie coming out at the end of the month. Could this be the beginning of his big push?

1. Kofi Kingston pinned Dolph Ziggler in a battle royal qualifying match in 3:50. At 2:30, Dolph dropped a series of elbows on Kofi and then stopped. "Give me a break," he said. "I'm so much better than you." The crowd booed. A brief "Kofi" chant broke out a short time later. Kofi went for Trouble in Paradise and missed. Ziggler hit a move, but Kofi came right back with the finishing kick and connected the second time. Kofi got the clean pin...

Powell's POV: Good match. The live crowd is definitely digging Kofi.

Backstage, The Miz was hanging out in a party room that was decorated in Thanksgiving decor. He said he was thankful for his team winning at Survivor Series and for being the most successful United States Champion of all time. "Actually, I'm not thankful for any of those things," he said. "I expect them." He said the fans should be thankful for getting the privilege of watching him... [C]

Powell's POV: Another nice promo from Miz. That said, they did show a pie as part of the Thanksgiving set. Get ready for the food fight. I never thought I'd write this, but I'd love to see a Vince Russo swerve just for the sake of swerving with the pie being a tease for a food fight that never takes place.

Highlights aired from last week of Sheamus flipping out and beating up a ringside attendant and Jerry Lawler...

Powell's POV: Oh, and DiBiase is starring in the sequel to a movie that originally starred Cena. As lame as it would be to build a feud around a straight to DVD sequel, I'd still be cool with it just because it does mean new blood in the main event picture.

[Q3] 2. Sheamus pinned Finlay in a battle royal qualifying match in 1:55. Cole said this could be Finlay's last chance to earn a WWE Championship match. They fought to ringside early. Finlay was in control, but it didn't last more than a few seconds. Sheamus dominated the rest of the match and finished off Finlay with the Razor's Edge.

Cole gave Sheamus the kiss of death by labeling him as the favorite to win the battle royal. Sheamus left the ring, but headed back to attack Finlay. Sheamus roughed up Finlay at ringside and then knocked him over the guardrail with a boot to the head... The announcers hyped Cena vs. Punk, and DX vs. The Hart Dynasty... [C]

Backstage, Teddy Long was on the Thanksgiving set. He started to say what he was thankful for when Vickie Guerrero interrupted him. Vickie was sitting with Eric Escobar eating a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Escobar and Vickie were getting cozy and instructed Teddy to pass the mashed potatoes. Teddy picked up the potatoes and teased throwing them on Vickie, but Escobar grabbed them and suggestively licked potatoes off his own finger...

Powell's POV: Well, the live crowd wants to see a food fight. They were popping when they thought Teddy was going to throw the potatoes at Vickie.

Cole and Lawler introduced a commercial for Jesse Ventura's new Conspiracy Theory show on TruTV...

Backstage, Jesse was going through some of his old wardrobe. Randy Orton entered the room and said he wants in the battle royal. He suggested that there was a conspiracy against him. Jesse plugged his show and said Randy is probably right. However, Jesse stood his ground and said he couldn't give Orton the shot. He added that he likes watching Orton take out the old timers and put them back into retirement. Jesse said he's proud that he stayed retired...

C.M. Punk came to the ring. He ran down the list of things he has to be thankful for. He's thankful to be straight edge. He said it makes him different and he wouldn't want to be any of the fans. Punk said he doesn't abuse his body and said, "Straight Edge means I'm better than you."

[Q4] Punk turned his attention to Thanksgiving dinner. He said fans would eat too much, wash it down with a pill or a liquid antacid. He said when the fans were feeling better they would have dessert. He said they could be lazy or decide to be like him. He turned his attention to John Cena and said, "Through these sober eyes, I can see you." Cole said Punk vs. Cena was coming up next... [C]

Powell's POV: Great line regarding his sober eyes. The rest was just plain creepy to the point that I might have to get a restraining order. Clearly, Punk has been standing outside my dining room window and watching me eat Thanksgiving dinner.

3. John Cena pinned C.M. Punk in 12:00. Cena came to the ring. Punk threw his shirt at him. Cena looked at Punk's shirt and looked to the crowd for boos. He took off his own shirt and received a nice pop. I'm a big fan of the John Elway era Broncos, but Punk's shirt is way cooler looking. Anyway, they cut to a commercial at the 2:45 mark when Punk was on the floor avoiding Cena.

Powell's POV: By the way, Cole clarified at the beginning of the match that if a Raw wrestler wins the battle royal, he will challenge Cena at the TLC pay-per-view. If a Smackdown wrestler wins, he will challenge Undertaker at TLC. If an ECW wrestler wins... Well, um, I guess they're not in the match because Cole never mentioned that possibility.

After the break, Punk got in some offense. AS the end of the first hour concluded, the offense shifted to Cena.

[Q5] Cena went for the Attitude Adjustment, but Punk landed on his feet (he stumbled, but got up). Punk went for the GTS, but Cena caught his foot and countered with the STF. Cool counter. Punk eventually reached the ropes. Later, Cena hit the Attitude Adjustment off the second rope and got the pin...

Powell's POV: Good match. I'm looking forward to seeing more from those two down the road. I realize the match fit with the theme of the show, but I can't say I'm crazy about the idea of giving away a potential future dream match on free television. Sure, Cena vs. Punk can still be a money maker down the road, but there's something special about the first time. Again, though, very good match. Oh, and huge pop for Cena hitting his finisher off the second rope. Jerry Lawler helped out by letting out a classic high pitched squeal as Cena performed the move.

Highlights aired of Jesse Ventura setting up the breakthrough battle royal for later in the show...

Backstage, Vince McMahon approached Jesse Ventura and said he hasn't changed a bit. Jesse said he wasn't there to challenge Vince to a match. He said Vince was an announcer when he was a wrestler. He said he was there to challenge his mind. Vince boasted about being a billionaire. Jesse bragged that the budget of the state of Minnesota was $32 billion per year. "I can come here and run your little pipsqueak operation here," Ventura said.

Vince questioned why Jesse wanted to be on the show. Jesse said it was a throwback night. He recalled Vince Sr. being in charge. He said Vince's father had such little faith in him that he didn't make matches or run the business. "He made you an announcer," Ventura said. Jesse said Vince Sr. stuck him in that role to keep him out of trouble.

Jesse said he was taking a page out of Vince Sr.'s book by putting Vince Jr. back on commentary. Jesse handed Vince a tuxedo and and a bow tie. He said the two of them would be back on commentary for one night only... [C]

Powell's POV: This should be a treat for longtime fans who remember the Vince and Jesse broadcast team. Here's hoping Vince has enough fond memories that he shakes this silly notion that announcers shouldn't have personalities and that heel color commentators are old school wrasslin'. Great show so far.

Justin Roberts announced that all three winners of the upcoming six-man tag would advance to the battle royal later in the show...

[Q6] 4. MVP, Mark Henry, and R-Truth defeated Jack Swagger, Chris Masters, and Chavo Guerrero in 3:10. In the end, R-Truth his his spinning elbow/forearm shot on Masters and pinned him. Cole said the three winners would become enemies in the battle royal where it's every man for himself... [C]

Powell's POV: A heel turn and a battle royal win would make him a great challenger for Cena. Yeah, probably wishful thinking.

Backstage, Triple H asked Shawn Michaels what was up with the kick at Survivor Series. Shawn said it was a championship match and he was sorry. He said he figured Hunter was going to Pedigree him anyway. They bickered. Hunter questioned why Shawn kicked him again at the end of the match. Shawn said he has the eye problem and tried to kick Cena.

A little person entered the room and handed Shawn a letter. Shawn said they were being sued by Hornswoggle. Hunter said they would be in "little people's court." Shawn said it would take place next Monday. "That's awfully short notice," Hunter cracked... [C]

Powell's POV: Disappointing followup to last night's hot match. They were in clown around mode and showed no real tension over what took place the night before at Survivor Series. They can always go back to that match when/if they break them up in the future, but it doesn't look like it will be happening right away. No, they did not mention that Verne "Mini-Me" Troyer was the guest host of next week's show. Obviously, that will play into the little people court.

An aired for Tuesday's ECW show, but no matches were announced...

Evan Bourne came out for a qualifying match. Primo was out next, but Randy Orton jumped him from behind on the stage. Orton dumped Primo to the floor and left him lying. Orton headed to the ring and told the referee that he was taking Primo's spot. He demanded the referee ring the bell.

Jesse Ventura popped up on the big screen and said that Orton has been persistent. He said rules are made to be broken, so he's going to break one for Randy. Jesse said that if Orton beats Bourne, he'll get a spot in the battle royal and a chance to win the title shot...

5. Randy Orton pinned Evan Bourne in a Breakthrough Battle Royal qualifying match in 1:30. Bourne got a hope spot and a near fall, but Orton came right back and hit the RKO for the win...

Powell's POV: Ugh. I dig Orton, but I have no desire to see another Cena vs. Orton match. Here's hoping this is a setup for Kofi getting the better of Randy again by eliminating him from the battle royal. They will really turn off some viewers if one of the usual suspects wins the battle royal.

[Q7] Cole hyped that a special announce team will be calling a match together for the first time in 20 years. A video featured some entertaining classic moments from Jesse and Vince...

A shot aired of Mickie James, Kelly Kelly, and Melina dressed in Native American costumes while walking backstage together... [C] Cole and Lawler introduced the preview of "The Marine 2" starring Ted DiBiase...

Powell's POV: Guns, cheesy explosions, and fighting. Pretty much what you'd expect.

A shot aired of Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase backstage. Cole said they would be facing Cryme Tyme in a battle royal qualifier later in the show...

Michelle McCool, Layla, and Jillian Hall came to the ring for a "Mayflower Melee match." McCool took the mic and complained about the costumes. "How original," she mocked. She said it's the stupidest thing yet. Justin Roberts introduced her and introduced special guest timekeeper The Gobbledy Gooker... [C]

Powell's POV: Wow, the heel Divas get to bitch about the silly costumes and gimmick matches? It's fine with me if it leads to a serious women's division.

Highlights aired of The Gobbledy Gooker making his debut at the 1990 Survivor Series pay-per-view...

Powell's POV: For those who don't remember, that egg was on television for weeks and everyone assumed the angle would lead to a new wrestler debuting. The Gobbledy Gooker was one of the worst payoffs in WWE history.

[Q8] 6. Kelly Kelly, Melina, and Mickie James defeated Michelle McCool, Jillian Hall, and Layla in 2:00. The babyfaces came out to Tatanka's old entrance music. McCool and Layla left the ring during the match and started taking off their silly costumes. Yes, they stopped before things got interesting. Jillan was left in the ring and was rolled up by Kelly for the win.

After the match, Lawler entered the ring to interview Melina about "their big victory." The Gooker joined them in the ring and attacked Melina from behind. The mystery person removed the head and slammed Melina with it from behind. The Gooker was actually Maryse, who beat up Melina and left her lying. Cole said Maryse hasn't been around "since she lost the Divas Title over the summer." Maryse removed the Gooker outfit. Yes, she stopped removing clothes before things got interesting too...

Powell's POV: You knew something was up when Lawler interviewed Melina about winning such a silly match. Maryse got plenty of cheers from the horny males in the crowd when she removed the suit. Cole never acknowledged the injury that caused her layoff. He said she must have been depressed about losing the women's title.

Cole hyped DX vs. The Hart Dynasty for after the break... [C]

Powell's POV: Wow, zero hype for DX vs. The Hart Dynasty. Did Hunter and Shawn stop clowning around with little people long enough to even mention the match earlier? Here's hoping they make up for it with a hot angle rather than another DX squash.

Ring introductions (and maybe the first minute of the match) took place in this quarter-hour...

[Q9] 7. Triple H and Shawn Michaels defeated David Hart Smith and Tyson Kidd (w/Natalya) in 4:55. The Hart Dynasty worked over Shawn early. Hunter tagged in and hit both men with spinebusters. Moments later, David Hart-Smith held Hunter up for the Hart Dynasty finisher, but Shawn hit him with Sweet Chin Music. Tyson Kidd jumped off the ropes and into a kick to the gut from Hunter, who followed up with a Pedigree for the clean pin.

After the match, Chris jericho's music played and he walked onto the stage. Jericho announced that Jesse Ventura booked him and Big Show vs. Triple H and Shawn Michaels for the Unified Tag Titles. Jericho said Show had the night off. Hunter interrupted and said that Show was over at the Hershey factory loading up on chocolate.

Jericho bitched about DX thinking everything was a joke. He said this is serious. Shawn agreed. He said the TLC pay-per-view will have table matches, ladder matches, and chair matches. Shawn said the JeriShow vs. DX match would be a TLC match. Shawn started to deliver the DX catchphrase, but Jericho cut him off. Jericho ranted and got the last word...

Powell's POV: It's nice to see DX go for the tag titles for a change. However, my guess is that it has more to do with the need to hang the belts above the ring in a TLC match than making the tag titles seem more prestigious. Meanwhile, DX vs. The Hart Dynasty was a big waste. All that history between DX and the Harts, and it turned out to be a throwaway match. Did Bret Hart officially turn down WWE or something?

A shot aired of Batista walking backstage. The crowd popped. The announcers said Batista would be coming out to discuss what he did to Rey Mysterio at Survivor Series... [C]

[Q10] Rey Mysterio's music played. "Honestly, this is a surprise," Cole said. Batista said Mysterio would be spending his Thanksgiving in a hospital bed. He said a Raw wrestler better win the battle royal later in the show because he'll hit the ring and take out the winner if he's a Smackdown wrestler. He said Undertaker is his and so is the World Hvt. Championship.

Kane's music played and he came to the ring. Kane asked if interrupting Batista embarrasses him. "I hope it does because I want to see what you're going to do about it," Kane said. "Please, Dave, please make an example out of me." Batista stared at Kane, who flashed his trademark Kane smile. Batista slowly backed away as the crowd booed. Batista smiled as he neared the ropes and eventually left as a small, but vocal group of fans sang the goodbye song. Kane's music played as Batista headed backstage... [C]

Powell's POV: A good segment. Batista backing down from Kane is a good way to put heat on him. By the way, Cole must be the biggest dope alive for believing Mysterio was coming out. After all, the announcers just told us before the break that Batista was going to address his win over Mysterio.

8. Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes defeated Cryme Tyme in a Breakthrough Battle Royal qualifying match in 3:00. Justin Roberts stated during the introductions that this was the final qualifying match. The live crowd was dead for this match. Shad tried to wake them up when he took a hot tag and had only minimal success. Late in the match, Ted hit Shad from behind and hit Dream Street on him for the win...

A graphic noted that the battle royal will feature Mark Henry, Cody Rhodes, R-Truth, Sheamus, Kofi Kingston, Randy Orton, MVP, and Ted DiBiase. Lawler said the winner will sign the contract for the championship match after the battle royal...

[Q11] [C] A commercial aired for Jeff Hardy's "My Life, My Rules" DVD, which comes out November 30...

After the break, Cole announced that Teddy Long booked Batista vs. Kane for Friday's Smackdown show...

Powell's POV: It's always nice to see some crossover hype for the Friday night show.

Backstage, Alicia Fox and Gail Kim started bickering on the Thanksgiving set and teased throwing pies at one another. Santino Marella entered the room and said they shouldn't be fighting, they should be cooking for their husbands or boyfriends. Santino looked into the camera and said he would like to see all the Divas come together and cook him "a meal of epic proportions."

Alicia and Gail threw their pies at Santino and stormed off. The Bellas entered the room and consoled Santino until he delivered more sexist remarks. They both threw pies at him. Repeat with Eve Torres showing up and slamming a pie in his face. Vickie entered the room with a pie, but Santino threw up his arms and accidentally knocked the pie into her face...

Powell's POV: Zero laughs from the live crowd until Vickie took the pie in the face. People just love to hate that woman.

Justin Roberts introduced Jesse Ventura, who came out wearing a wild leather jacket with some crazy studs all over it. Jesse headed to the announcers desk and said he wanted to turn the clock back 20 years to when he was the color commentator for the then-World Wrestling Federation. Yes, he said World Wrestling Federation.

Jesse said it was only appropriate that he bring back his old broadcast partner Vince McMahon. Animotion's "Obsession" played as Vince walked to the ring wearing a tux and bow tie that made him look like Bob Backlund. Vince strutted once he was at ringside. Vince took a shot at Jesse not having hair. Jesse made a joke about Vince being a moron. "That's a rich moron to you," Vince said. Kofi Kingston came out and the show went to commercial... [C]

Powell's POV: How great would it be if Michael Cole sat down in Vince's usual spot and screamed in his ear for the entire match?

[Q12] Randy Orton was the only wrestler who didn't join Kingston in the ring during the break. Orton received his own entrance...

9. Sheamus won a Breakthrough Battle Royal in 6:40 to earn a WWE Title shot. The participants were Mark Henry, Cody Rhodes, R-Truth, Sheamus, Kofi Kingston, Randy Orton, MVP, and Ted DiBiase. Orton headed to ringside and watched as the wrestlers inside the ring fought. Speaking of fighting, Vince and Jesse did some verbal sparring on commentary.

Vince also said it would be interesting to see whether Orton, Rhodes, and DiBiase would work as a team. He questioned what would happen if the match came down to the three of them. Sheamus tossed R-Truth over the top rope at 3:00. Jesse said Sheamus needs a tan. "Has he never seen the sun?" Ventura asked. Sheamus eliminated MVP at 3:45.

Henry eliminated Cody and Ted with a double clothesline at 4:15. So much for my theory on DiBiase. The match came down to Orton, Kofi, and Sheamus. The fans chanted for Kofi while he fought Orton, as Sheamus watched from the corner. Eventually, Randy hit a couple moves on Sheamus.

At 6:00, Kofi was nearly eliminated, but he skinned the cat and used his legs to pull Orton over the top rope and onto the floor in the process. Once Kofi got back on his feet inside the ring, Sheamus clotheslined him over the top rope to win the battle royal.

Vince noted that they would have a contract signing in the ring with Ventura. Jesse said he would bring use his integrity to insure the contracts were signed. "You're going to be naked?" McMahon asked. "You said with your integrity." Jesse responded, "You know sometimes you make no sense at all"... [C]

Powell's POV: My DiBiase theory didn't pan out, but I'm just happy Orton didn't win the match. It will be great to see someone new in the title picture for a change. I'm guessing we get a big beatdown angle after the break since they need to give Cena fans a reason to take Sheamus seriously.

Cole announced that Verne "Mini-Me" Troyer will host next week's Raw. He said Troyer is from Baltimore, where the show will be held...

Jesse stood in the ring and said it was his pleasure to come back to Raw in Hershey. He thanked the fans and they cheered. He turned his attention to the contract signing with Sheamus standing in one of the corners. There was already a table set up in the ring. Jesse introduced Sheamus, and then John Cena had a full ring entrance. The live crowd was flat after seeing him earlier in the night.

Ventura introduced Cena once he was inside the ring. He received more cheers than boos, but the ovation wasn't very loud. Cena was seated with a cocky smile on his face. Sheamus said he's the number one contender and demanded that Cena stand up and face him.

[Overrun] "Another number one contender," Cena said. He pointed out that it was usually Triple H, Randy Orton, or Shawn Michaels. He asked why he should take Sheamus seriously. He brought up Sheamus attacking Jerry Lawler and asked if Michael Cole is next. Don't tease us like that, Cena.

Cena stood up and said he's proud to be champion. "I stand before you a champion because I have never given up," Cena said. He went into preacher mode. He said that whether fans like him or don't like him, they know this is his passion and his life. He continued to sing his own praises while Sheamus glared back at him.

Cena told Sheamus to take a good look at the contract and know what it means. He said he's not an announcer and Sheamus won't put him in a retirement home. He said by signing the contract, Sheamus will be going to war with him. "You better be ready to make a statement," Cena said.

Sheamus said he retires people because he can, but that's nothing compared to what he intends to do to Cena. Sheamus signed the contract. Cena took off his shirt and then signed the contract. Jesse said he had the official contract. He said Cena and Sheamus would face off "three weeks from today" at TLC. Well, close enough.

Jesse looked at Cena and said he believes there's a conspiracy theory. He said Cena is the type of person they keep the title on because he has a pretty face and makes movies. Jesse complained that he never got a shot at the title. Cena approached Jesse only to take a boot in the face from his TLC opponent. Sheamus ran Cena through the ropes and drove his shoulder into the ring post. Sheamus followed up by slamming Cena through the table that was used for the contract signing.

"And guess what," Ventura said. "This match will be a table match. It will be a table match for the title." Cole reiterated the basics regarding the title match for the TLC pay-per-view to close the show...

Powell's POV: The beatdown angle left plenty to be desired. For that matter, the table match announcement was flat. The crowd was pretty dead by this point, but I can't blame them for not getting excited about a table match stipulation being used for a pay-per-view World Title match. Overall, though, this was a fun show. There were some frustrating moments (see anything involving DX), but it's cool to know that we're finally getting a fresh title match at the next pay-per-view. Thanks for watching along with me tonight. Dot Net Members can look forward to an exclusive audio recap of this show tomorrow morning. See below for signup information.

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