MEMPHIS, Tenn. On Raw, World Heavyweight Champion Chris Jericho successfully defended his title, but as announced Monday night, the biggest challenges to his reign are still ahead. First, a World Heavyweight Championship Ladder Match at No Mercy against the champions nemesis, Shawn Michaels. And if Jericho is able to defeat the man who revolutionized the Ladder Match, hell be forced to face the winner of Batista and JBLs No Mercy match at the next pay-per-view. Ladder-day saint The nights first match was an eagerly anticipated Steel Cage Match between CM Punk and World Heavyweight Champion Chris Jericho, which saw the Straightedge Superstar attempt to win back the title he was unable to defend at Unforgiven. The punt in the head that Punk received from Randy Orton a week ago proved to be too much to overcome, however, as Jericho escaped the steel cage, once again slipping away with the title. By the end of the show, however, Jerichos smile had turned upside down. Just after Raw General Manager Mike Adamle agreed with the champions suggestion that Batista and JBL face one another at No Mercy in a No. 1 Contenders Match, he announced that Jericho would still be defending his title at the event. To the shock and horror of the World Heavyweight Champion, Shawn Michaels emerged, identifying himself as Jerichos opponent. After having a ladder brought out, HBK mounted it and declared that they would be facing each other in a contest made famous by The Showstopper: A Ladder Match. Fight for your right Earlier in the night, JBL handily defeated Tommy Dreamer as part of the ongoing Raw-ECW talent exchange. Afterward, the Longhorn Loudmouth refused to leave the ring until Adamle named him No. 1 contender to Jerichos World Heavyweight Title. Proving the adage that birds of a feather flock together, JBL was soon joined by both the injured Randy Orton and Intercontinental Champion Santino Marella, accompanied by Womens Champion Beth Phoenix. Marella claimed to be the right choice to challenge Jericho and Orton stated his intention to win the World Heavyweight Championship once hes cleared to compete, but both were interrupted by Batistas entrance music. The Animal came to the ring, offering to beat all of the assembled Superstars in order to get his hands on the coveted gold. Attempting to diffuse the situation, Adamle made his entrance, explaining that a decision on the No. 1 contender would be made later in the evening. Adamles attempts to calm things down were ultimately futile, however, as a brawl broke out, ending with Batista laying out both halves of Glamarella. Later in the evening, Adamle made good on his word, agreeing with Chris Jerichos suggestion that Batista and JBL face one another at No Mercy to determine the rightful No. 1 contender. A friend in need Just prior to Adamles dual No Mercy announcements, in the nights main event, Rey Mysterio faced the maniacal Kane, who had addressed the WWE Universe earlier wearing his old mask. Though the Master of the 619 won the match by a disqualification, the Big Red Monster paid the bell no heed, attempting to pull off Mysterios mask. Before Kane could dishonor the luchador, however, the Ultimate Underdogs tag team partner from the previous week and fellow high-flyer, Evan Bourne, rushed the ring, and assisted Mysterio in chopping the 7-footer down to size. Young turks Continuing to prove that they have not only some of the most impressive bloodlines in the WWE locker room, but also the skills to back them up, the team of World Tag Team Champions Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase and Manu faced off against Kofi Kingston, Jerry The King Lawler and Good Ol J.H., who was really Charlie Haas disguised as SmackDowns Jim Ross. Rhodes, DiBiase & Manu went on to defeat their opponents, perhaps in a show of force to Randy Orton, who they shared a cold glance with prior to their match. All eyes on her In just her second match since her return to sports-entertainment, Candice Michelle faced Jillian as her No Mercy opponent, Womens Champion Beth Phoenix looked on from ringside. After Candice defeated the tone-deaf songstress, The Glamazon attempted to enter the ring, but was denied by a drop-kick from Candice. Ig-Noble betrayal Attempting to soothe his broken heart after Layla ditched him for William Regal, Jamie Noble defeated Paul Burchill in their match on Raw. Afterward, Layla herself came out, and told Noble that she was sorry for not getting rid of him sooner. To add insult to injury, Layla was then joined by her fellow UK-native, and the two left arm-in-arm. Also appearing on Raw for the first time was Dolph Ziggler, who introduced himself to Mike Adamle, Chris Jericho and Lance Cade. Ziggler also approached JBL as he waited in the ring to be announced No. 1 contender, as seen in the WWE.com Exclusive video.
Lackluster show, IMO. Only enjoyed HBK's announcement and the surprise appearance by EVAN BOURNE!!!!!!!! Awesome to see him getting a little spotlight on the A-show. He's the most talented guy in the WWE and it's not even close.
