WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW

No Capitol Gain for Kane in D.C.
photo: courtesy wwe.com
Monday, December 01, 2008 - WASHINGTON, DC: Verizon Center

source: pwtorch.com - KANE vs. JOHN CENA -- non-title match: Backstage, Chris Jericho, walked up to the locker room door with a red light pulsating out on screen. He tentatively walked in to find Kane telling him the word in the locker room is that people think Cena is going to take out Kane tonight, that Kane is going to tap out to the STFU. Kane told Jericho not to play mind games. He's going to take out Cena on his own terms and not for him. Kane said he's going to put on a show for these people because he loves them like they love him. Kane told Jericho not to ever approach him like that again.

Elsewhere, Randy Orton is shown walking around, when Chris Jericho approaches him. Jericho suggested they let Kane do his business, then they both get to Cena after the match. Orton said Jericho knows what side he's on regarding Cena, but he's not fighting Jericho's battles for him.

They showed Kane backstage preparing to face John Cena next. They sure aren't leaving a lot of time for the match.

In-ring: Four minutes before the top of the hour, Kane came out for the main event. After a pause that had a few boos, John Cena's music hit and Cena came out to the ring and a strong reception.

They start things off and went right to Kane dominating Cena. Cena teased an FU at the top of the hour, but Kane cut him off and settled into more mat work focusing on the surgically-repaired neck. Kane then inexplicably went up top and Cena ducked before slapping on the STFU in center ring. Suddenly, Chris Jericho stormed ringside so Cena released the hold and attacked Jericho on the outside. Kane then used the distraction to set up Cena for a chokeslam in center ring, but Cena slipped out and lifted Kane up for the FU. He connected, then made the cover for the win.

WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW

Kofi Time for Kane
photo: courtesy wwe.com
Monday, November 24, 2008 - PROVIDENCE, RI

source: wrestling247.net - KANE vs Kofi Kingston - Round 1: RAW saw the first match of the Eight-Man Intercontinental Title Tournament, with the winner going on to face Intercontinental Champion William Regal with his coveted gold at stake. As WWE Hall of Famer and the first Intercontinental Champion Pat Patterson looked on from ringside, World Tag Team Champion Kofi Kingston faced the ruthless Kane.

Though the Jamaican Superstar has proven himself a match for bigger and stronger adversaries in the past, Kingston won this contest when Kane was disqualified. After the match, the irate Big Red Monster battered his opponent with the stairs, but Stephanie McMahon appeared on the Titan Tron, stopping Kane by giving him the choice of finishing Koi off, or the privilege of being the first Superstar to face John Cena back on RAW next week, though the match would not be for The Champ’s World Heavyweight Title. The lopsided smirk that slowly worked it's way on Kane's lips was answer enough for the Billion Dollar Princess who ended with - "That's what I thought."

WWE SURVIVOR SERIES PPV

Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Match
photo: courtesy wwe.com
Sunday, November 23, 2008 - BOSTON, MA: Boston Garden Arena
source: wrestleview.com - TEAM JBL vs TEAM HBK: Jim Ross and Tazz bring up the Jeff Hardy situation where he was found unconscious in the stairwell of his hotel in Boston. They said they are "investigating" the situation.

Out first is Shawn Michaels of Team HBK (Shawn Michaels, Rey Mysterio, The Great Khali & Cryme Tyme)to kick off the show.

We start with Rey Mysterio and MVP of Team JBL (JBL, Kane, MVP, John Morrison & The Miz). Lock up and MVP drives a knee into Mysterio's gut a few times. MVP gets in a few forearms, but Mysterio catches him with a big boot in the corner. MVP brushes it off and takes out Mysterio quickly in the corner. Mysterio with a huracanrana on MVP and a dropkick. Cover and MVP quickly kicks out. Tag to JTG who kicks MVP with Mysterio. They finish it off with a double dropkick to MVP, cover and MVP again kicks out. JTG with some big right hands to MVP. MVP then takes out JTG with a dropkick to the knee and a huge running knee to the head. MVP pins JTG and gets the pinfall. JTG is eliminated.

The Great Khali is in and Khali chops MVP. Cover and MVP is eliminated.

Kane enters the ring and stares Khali down. Kane with a kick and big uppercut. Khali takes down Kane with a big clothesline and a big headbutt. Khali throws Kane to the corner and gets in a few kicks and elbows. The crown responds with a loud "KHALI" chant! Kane with another uppercut, chokeslam attempt, but Khali counters and elbows Kane in the head. Khali chops Kane and tags in Mysterio. Mysterio goes up top on Khali's shoulders and jumps off splashing Kane. Cover and Mysterio gets the win. Kane is eliminated.

In the end, the winners are Team HBK (Shawn Michaels, Rey Mysterio, The Great Khali & Cryme Tyme).

WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW

Takin' the Bite Outta Cryme
photo: courtesy wwe.com
Monday, November 17, 2008 - ATLANTA, GA : The Philips Arena
source: wrestling247.net - Kane & JBL vs Cryme Tyme: Backstage we see JBL putting his boots on. Kane walks up and asks JBL if he has any advice, captain. JBL says they have no problems and should be able to co-exist. Kane tells him to watch out or find himself in some trouble. Kane walks off.

Cryme Tyme hang ringside with Akon during their entrance, then JBL arrives in his limo. Pyro explodes next and Kane is out as we get ready for this match.

JTG and JBL go at it to start the match until Shad comes in. He works over JBL, tags back in JTG for a nice double team move. JTG works on JBL's arm now. Shad comes back in for more double teaming with a big shoulder and a 2 count. JTG comes back in for even more double teaming. JBL finally catches JTG and tags in Kane. Kane with a slam on JTG and a big dropkick. Kane with right hands in the corner on JTG and a big running clothesline before heading to the top rope. He swooped off and nailed JTG with a lariat. Kane looked for the choke slam, but JBL tagged him from behind and nailed the clothesline from hell on JTG for the win.

WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW

Time to Make a Change
photo: courtesy wwe.com
Monday, November 10, 2008 - MANCHESTER, UK: M.A.N.
source: wwe.com - No DQ - Finale?: Stephanie McMahon appears on the TitanTron in Stamford. Stephanie says that we are approaching the dawn of a new era on RAW. They need to take a break from the past. It is time to stop some of the long running issues on Raw. Kane will face Rey Mysterio in a No Disqualification Match for the last time.

Backstage, Kane stands with hooks behind him, welcoming Shane and Stephanie back to RAW. He says that there is something about Shane that brings out his inner child when he used to do bad things to animals. He is free to do anything to Rey that he wants and everyone is going to like it. Kane says that he never liked being liked. Not by his brother, the McMahons or anyone in the building. Tonight they will like him less and that means that he will like himself even more.

So, in a contest designed to put an end to the months-long rivalry between Kane and Rey Mysterio, the Big Red Monster took on the Master of the 619 in a No Disqualification Match. The two ring warriors had faced one another in traditional singles competition and tag team matches, and tonight they've been given complete freedom to do damage to one another. Though there were no fetters holding back the outrageous power of the 7-footer, it was the speed and ingenuity of Mysterio that won the day, with the Ultimate Underdog pinning Kane for the win.

WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW

800th Episode Celebration
photo: courtesy wwe.com
Monday, November 03, 2008 - TAMPA, FL: St Pete Times Forum
source: wwe.com - Kane & Mark Henry vs. Mysterio & Kofi Kingston Tag-Team Match: Highlights aired from 2005 Episode 630 of Edge and Lita's wedding and a case of KANEus-interruptus....

Kane and Rey started things off with Kane delivering a stunning kick to Mysterio followed up with a leveling upper-cut. In the corner, Rey counters with a two footed boot to the face and a splash that Kane turned to his advantage. After flooring Mysterio with a right, Henry tagged in and went for a military press slam, but Mysterio countered out. Henry turned around and socked him with a right hand. Kingston tagged in and began his assault on Henry with forearms and high risk maneuvers.

Henry shoved Kingston to the side and dragged him to the corner on a whip attempt. He went for a follow up and Kingston went for a cross body block but Henry caught him in mid air. Mysterio looked to break things up, trying a drop kick on Henry but Kane intercepted Rey with a huge right hand. Henry delivered the World's Strongest Slam and nailed it for the win.

Afterward, Kane flung Rey through the ropes and roughed him up on the floor. Great Khali's music played and he walked down the ramp with Runjin Singh. Kane stopped long enough to watch Khali who gestured toward the grounded luchador, then bent down to continue his attack on Mysterio, but Khali chopped Kane from behind and moved on to the ring to chop Henry back and began clubbing him to the ring ropes. Khali made some gestures to Mysterio who climbed into the ring to deliver a big 619 on the World's Strongest Man and Khali chopped Henry down on the rebound.

WWE FRIDAY NIGHT SMACKDOWN!

Halloween Fight Night
photo: courtesy wwe.com

Friday, October 31, 2008 - SAN DIEGO, CA

source: WWE.com - Six Man Tag Match: The TitonTron is lit with a fiery explosion and Kane emerges as JR says it wouldn't be Halloween without a little Hell-Fire-and-Brimstone. Kane's camp hosts the Big Red Machine, the World's Strongest Man, and the Ballin' Superstar, while the faces tonight will be Rey Mysterio, ECW Champion Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy.

Matt and Henry start out, Henry using his size and power to slam Matt to the canvas.  An elbow drop by the World's Strongest Man finds nobody home and the ECW Champ tags Jeff in to use some teamwork to take Henry down then Matt gets the tag back in. Matt tries to come off the top but is caught by Henry - Jeff chop blocks Henry from behind causing a reversal for Matt for a 1 count. Henry makes it to his corner and tags in MVP who seems to dominate until the faces triple team him at the tag to Mysterio who gains a near fall. Rey bounds around the ring and smashes into Kane, knocking him off the apron then hits a hurricanearana on MVP settling up for the 619.  Kane is ready for him when he hits his side of the ropes, tripping Rey up and pulling his leg out through the bottom rope opening to yank him face first to the floor. . . and they cut to break as JR interjects with "Aw com'mon!"

MVP slams Rey and then drops a knee for a 2 count coming out of the commercial break. Kane tags in and military presses Rey over his head, tosses him up and lets him crash to the mat, going for a cover and gets a 2. Mark Henry tags in and stands on Rey's chest at the ropes, JR says thats the equivalent of a small SUV on your chest. Henry the pounds away on Rey on the mat and covers him for near fall. MVP gets the tag and applies a reverse bear hug on Rey down on the mat. Rey tries to fight out by MVP hits a back suplex and then tags Kane back in. Kane charges Rey in the corner but Rey gets two boots up. Rey then hits the tilt-a-whirl inverted DDT and tags out to Jeff and Kane tags MVP. Jeff takes MVP down a couple of times and then hits Whisper in the Wind but Kane breaks up the pin attempt. Mat comes in and blocks a chokeslam attempt and sends Kane to the outside. Mysterio hits a springboard cross body onto Kane to the outside as we are reminded Jeff and MVP are the legal men at this point. In the ring, the Hardys hit "Poetry In Motion" on Henry. MVP then blocks a "Twist of Fate" attempt by Jeff but Matt comes in right away and hits the move himself. Jeff comes off the top with the Swanton and gets the win.

WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW

May Day for High Flyers
photo: courtesy wwe.com

Monday, October 27, 2008 - TUCSON, AZ: Tucson Convention Center

source: WWE.com - CyberSunday Fallout: A vid-clip rolls of Rey Mysterio's interview back stage where Grisham asked about facing Kane. Mysterio said wrestling Kane will change you. Some are destroyed, he said, while others push through. Evan Bourne
interrupts to hype their upcoming match.

The Bourne vs Mysterio match was one of the best I've seen in a long time. These two high-fliers were well matched, went full boor and brought out the best in each other. It was definitely PPV quality! Mysterio picked up the win, though it honestly looked like it could have gone either way, and the two gave each other well deserved props.

Kane's theme split the air of camaraderie and two heads swiveled to watch The Big Red Monster storm down to the ring. Rey sent Evan on his way then charged at Kane, only to be dropped with a big-boot. Kane showed his contempt for the masked master of the 619, beating on him and trying to take off his mask, until Evan returned to the ring and mad the save. The two luchadores worked on Kane until Mark Henry entered the scene, then Evan went for Henry leaving Mysterio to fend off Kane. Henry took care of Bourne, ending with The World's Strongest Slam, while Kane laid Mysterio out with a Chokeslam that had the Tucson crowd gasping. The behemoths stood over their prey to a chorus of boos to end the segment.

My - my!  Interestingly, Mysterio and Bourne have a healthy respect for each other while Kane and Mark Henry were at each other's throats not so long ago!  Will Kane and Mark Henry join forces via their individual disputes with Mysterio and Evan Bourne?

WWE CYBER SUNDAY PPV

No Mysterio for Kane
photo: courtesy wwe.com

Sunday, October 26, 2008 - PHOENIX, AZ: US Airways Center

source: WWE.com - Kane's Pain: Once again Rey Mysterio faced off against Kane, and once again managed to score a PPV win over The Big Red Menace.

The WWE Universe voted to see a No Holds Barred match between the two Ring Titans, where the only was to garner victory would be by pin or submission. Jerry Lawler and Michael Cole believed this would stack the odds in Kane's favor, and when he walked out wearing a smile as wide as the Grand Canyon, so it seemed did Kane.  There would be no DQ to save Mysterio this time around.

With an arsenal of weapons at their disposal, the masked wonder and his arch-nemesis used everything from Kendo sticks to stop signs to steel steps on each other in and out of the ring.  Kane would elude the 619 thrice, cutting Rey down instead with the clothesline or big boot, but the pin for him would be just as elusive as Mysterio would continually manage to get a shoulder up before the three count.  In turn, Rey escaped Kane's caustic clutch and the ensuing chokeslam and each time managed to get the Monster down on the mat, only to be tossed off before three.  But it would be Rey's speed and quick thinking that would win out over Kane's brawn and well timed baiting.

Mysterio turned the tables on Kane as he was being stalked into a corner and the inevitable chokeslam onto the top of the steel steps Kane had rigged earlier, but felling the giant with a drop-toe-hold that sent Kane straight into his own set up.  That would set the scene for a 619 that connected, leading to a West Coast Pop and the winning pin by Rey Mysterio.

WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW

Razing the Gauntlet

photo: courtesy wwe.com

Monday, October 20, 2008 - CORPUS CHRISTI, TX: Corpus Christi Arena

source: WWE.com - Earlier in the RAW evening, GM Mike Adamle announced Batista and Chris Jericho would participate in an Adamle Original - a Gauntlet Match where they would each face the same three opponents of his choosing.

Batista was first up, laying out William Regal with the Batistabomb. He really left little for the World Heavyweight Champ to do, and as Regal staggered to get to his feet, Jericho took him out. Next, Adamle introduced Mark Henry, whom Jericho would face first. After being manhandled a bit, Jericho lammed Henry with the World Heavyweight Title, losing the match by disqualification. Batista took advantage of Henry's disposition and pinned the behemoth.

Mike Adamle then announced Chris Jericho would lead off the next round, and his opponent would be none other than the WWE's Big Red Machine, Kane. As Kane made his way to the ring, Michael Cole described the look on Jericho's face as fear - yup, that's what it looked like! And, as could be counted on whenever Kane is on, they went to commercial break.

They returned from break with Jericho and Kane battling back and forth. Jericho shoved Kane to the corner and went to work on the knee, but Kane smacked him across the mouth and the loud noise popped the crowd. Lawler said Adamle set this match to teach both Batista and Jericho about respect, but Kane has no respect for anyone. Jericho tried to come back with the Walls of Jericho, but Kane fought out, flipping him across the ring. Kane went for the flying elbow but landed hard on the mat as Jericho moved and tried to turn the tables with the Codebreaker. Kane "swatted him away like a mosquito" as The King said. As Batista clapped and cheered, Kane went top rope but Jericho crotched him then climbed up to punch on him. Kane ended the barrage of blows headbutting Jericho to the mat then nailed a flying clothesline for a nearfall. He looked for a chokeslam, but Jericho elbowed out of the choking grip and Kane dropped him onto the top rope then knocked him to the floor outside the ring. Batista stalked around the ring to meet Jericho, who backed up right into Kane's clutches. The Monster yanked Jericho up by the hair and suplexed him back into the ring then nailed a big boot for the pin and the win.

Ref Hebner raised Kane's arm in victory as Adamle announced Batista's turn and when the bell sounded Kane turned into a Spinebuster. Before Kane knew what hit him, Batista had the pin and win.

Vote on the Kane vs Mystrio Cyber Sunday PPV match then tune in this Sunday!

THE POWER IS IN YOUR HANDS . . .
KANE vs REY MYSTERIO
WWE Universe chooses the type of match
Text A to 44993 for Falls Count Anywhere Match
Text B to 44993 for No Holds Barred Match
Text C to 44993 for Best 2-Out-Of-3 Falls Match
Each vote costs $.99 plus standard text message rates apply
Only available to United States cell phone subscribers
Maximum of 10 times per vote

WWE KANE DVD

WWe: The Best of Kane
photo: courtesy amazon.com

Monday, October 13, 2008

source: amazon.com - Kanenites rejoice! After years of wishin', hopin' and cajolin' we're finally gettin' a KANE DVD! The WWE’s upcoming DVD on Kane, titled “The Twisted, Disturbed Life of Kane”, is a three-disc set to be released on December 9th of this year. At present, this treasure can pre-ordered at
amazon.com.

"For more than ten years, Kane has cut a fiery swath of destruction through World Wrestling Entertainment. Whether cheered or booed, Kane has been one of the most popular superstars of WWE, battling his brother Undertaker, fighting the equally deranged Mick Foley, and countless other battles against Edge, Matt Hardy, Triple H, Big Show, Shawn Michaels, and more. He has held both the WWE and ECW championships.

Now, for the first time ever, fans can purchase The Best of Kane, a 3-DVD set that collects the greatest matches in the Big Red Monster’s history."

WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW

Re-match: Kane & Mark Henry vs. Rey & Matt Hardy
photo: courtesy wwe.com

Monday, October 13, 2008 - ANAHEIM, CA:  The Honda Center

source: WWE.com - Stars in the WWE Universe were out in force Monday Night as Raw came to life inside the confines of the Honda Center. With just two weeks until Cyber Sunday, celebrities, including Nancy O'Dell and Johnny Knoxville, showed up to catch all the WWE action on a night that would prove as overwhelming as any Hollywood blockbuster.

In the weeks leading up to their clash at Cyber Sunday, Rey Mysterio and Kane met in the ring again tonight, joined by tag partners ECW Champion Matt Hardy and Mark Henry respectively. Kane caught Mysterio and pinned him for the win. The Big Red Monster then continued to kick the Master of the 619 in the ribs, until Mysterio popped up and threw Kane some offense of his own.

The tag team match, however, will not be on the menu for Cyber Sunday when Kane faces off against Mysterio. In fact, the WWE Universe has three different match types from which to choose, including Falls Count Anywhere, No Holds Barred and a 2-out-of-3 Falls. Don’t forget to vote!

WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW

Kane & Mark Henry vs. Rey & Matt Hardy

photo: courtesy wwe.com

Monday, October 6, 2008 - SEATTLE, WA: Keil Arena

source: WWE.com - One night after Kane showed No Mercy on Rey Mysterio at the Rose Garden in Portland, Oregon, he teamed up with Mark Henry to take on the current ECW Champion, Matt Hardy and the Master of the 619, the current object of his ire.

The action charged tag team match began with Kane and Mysterio in ring and ended with Kane taking a 619 before grasping Hardy by the neck to deliver a resounding chokeslam for the winning pin.

WWE NO MERCY PPV

WWE.com Front Page: SHEER KANE-TEMPT
photo: courtesy wwe.com

Sunday, October 5, 2008 - PORTLAND, OR: Rose Garden

source: WWE.com - When Rey Mysterio faced off against Kane at No Mercy, there was much more than simple pride at stake, as was evident when the Big Red Monster viciously clubbed the luchador with a steel chair, ending the match in a disqualification.

Wearing the colors of Aztec warriors, Rey Mysterio fought valiantly against Kane, who repeatedly attempted to remove his opponent’s mask throughout the match. Contending with the immense power of the Big Red Monster, the Ultimate Underdog managed to turn things around through the use of his signature aerial maneuvers. Just when things were looking up for the Master of the 619, however, Kane smashed him in mid-air with a steel chair, swatting the high-flyer to the ground and disqualifying himself.

In recent weeks, Raw General Manager Mike Adamle had repeatedly given into Kane’s demands, first setting a match against Mysterio for No Mercy, and then adding a stipulation that if the Master of the 619 loses, he must remove his mask in the middle of the ring. In spite of the massive size difference between the two ring warriors, Mysterio consistently held his own during the lead-up to No Mercy, occasionally enlisting the help of fellow high-flyer, ECW’s Evan Bourne.

Mysterio’s battles with the 7-footer began months before, when Kane attacked the Ultimate Underdog outside of a Raw event, injuring and putting him out of commission for weeks. Raw’s Big Red Monster claimed responsibility for the brutal attack, later explaining that he had assaulted the luchador for hiding himself behind a mask, and garnering such accolades while Kane remained miserable and alone. Hoping to expose Mysterio as a coward who hides behind a mask, the Big Red Monster convinced Adamle to add the unmasking stipulation to the night’s match.

But traditional efforts weren’t enough to ground Mysterio and his signature aerial maneuvers, which led Kane to utilize more unorthodox means, and his eventual disqualification. In spite of incredible odds, the Ultimate Underdog retained his mask, and his honor along with it, at No Mercy.

11 YEARS AGO TODAY

KANE's Monumental Debut
 Sunday, October 5th, 1997 - St. LOUIS, MO:  Kiel Center

source: WWE.com and youtube.com - For months, the rotund one, Paul Bearer, foretold the coming of a man who would instill fear in every man woman and child, including THE Phenom, The Undertaker.  On October 5, 1997 at Badd Blood, the macabre mortician's words were realized.

It was during The Undertaker's 1st ever Hell in a Cell match against HBK that the world got their first look at KANE as he walked down the ramp with Paul Bearer at his side, ripped off the caged door with little or no effort, and climbed into the ring to stand mask to face before The Undertaker, his brother.  Stunned, THE Phenom could only stare in disbelief up into the masked visage of a man he hadn't seen since childhood.  The Undertaker's troubled eyes skittered over the muscular arms of the man before him as they slowly lifted and fire exploded from the tops of all four ring posts!

The seven foot masked monster took advantage of The Undertaker's shaken disposition, grabbing his brother up and flipping him upside down to dispatch THE Phenom with his own Tombstone Piledriver!   Kane took a moment to glance around at the throng of fans who booed their displeasure, then turned left with Paul Bearer in tow.   The interruption cost The Undertaker, were he had been poised, moments before, to finish off HBK and take the win, he soon found himself at a loss, in more ways than one, after HBK took advantage and the 1-2-3.

This was the introduction of the man who today still takes great pleasure in eliciting fear in all who cross his path. And tonight, eleven years to the day, Kane, now sans mask, will attempt to cause the unmasking of his opponent, Rey Mysterio, at No Mercy.

WWE FRIDAY NIGHT SMACKDOWN!

Stars Fill the Night
photo: courtesy wwe.com

Friday, October 3, 2008 - GREEN BAY, WS

source: WWE.com and wrestlescoop.com - A brand new opening video package with a new theme song is played. A fireworks display then goes off – it is SmackDown’s debut on MyNetworkTV. Many superstars from all three brands are here tonight and will compete.

We have ourselves a huge tri-branded 8-Man Tag Team Match to kick off the show.

(MATCH 1) 8-MAN TAG TEAM MATCH: JEFF HARDY, REY MYSTERIO, FINLAY & BATISTA VS. MVP, JBL, THE BRIAN KENDRICK & KANE.

Kendrick and Finlay start the match. Finlay with an Atomic Drop and shoulder block, makes the tag to Batista. Batista rams his shoulders into Kendrick and then hits a suplex. Finlay back in and hits a European uppercut and traps Kendrick in the ring apron. MVP tries to stop him but Hornswoggle is thrown into him for his troubles. We return to see Mysterio in the ring hitting quick moves on Kendrick, Kane and Mysterio stare each other down. Hardy tags in and hits a Double Axe Handle on Kendrick. Finlay back in but Kendrick hits a dropkick and a high side kick. Hornswoggle is seen wearing Kendrick’s jacket, Kendrick chases him outside the ring but gets caught by Finlay. Ezekiel then clotheslines Finlay.

JBL tags in and goes on the offensive on Finlay, hitting elbow drops and tags in Kane. Kane hits aggressive moves in the corner and tags in MVP. Typical heel team advantage on Finlay, JBL hits a big clothesline before Finlay executes a big DDT. JBL tags in MVP when Finlay hot tags Batista. Batista lays out everyone and hits a spear on Kane, a spinebuster on MVP. Batista goes for the Batista Bomb but Kendrick gets a back drop. Batista with a running spinebuster and then an assisted splash from Mysterio on MVP. Mysterio goes for the 619 on both MVP and Kendrick but Kane pulls him from the ring and lays him out.

We return to see Kane hit a low dropkick on Mysterio. More heel team advantage until Mysterio hot tags Hardy and Kendrick tags MVP. Hardy goes for the Twist Of Fate but hits The Whisper In The Wind. JBL takes out Hardy, Batista takes out JBL, Kendrick takes out Batista, Finlay takes out Kendrick, Kane takes out Finlay and Mysterio comes through with a missile dropkick on Kane, toppling him off the apron to the floor outside the ring. Mysterio with the 619 on MVP and on to jump off the top rope onto Kane on the outside as Hardy hits the Swanton on MVP giving his team the win.

WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW

RAW, Rough & Ready
photo: courtesy wwe.com

Monday, September 29, 2008 - Minneapolis, MN: Target Center

source: WWE.com & ImpactWrestling.com - Standing alone at the end of a dark hallway, seemingly deep in thought, Kane is approached backstage by Cody Rhodes, Manu and Ted DiBiase, Jr. Cody addresses the back of Kane, trying to come to terms with the big man. He invoked the name of Paul Bearer in an attempt to show Kane he was as much of a second generation superstar as they were, and ended his appeal by saying if they worked as a unit against CM Punk, Rey Mysterio, Kofi Kingston and Evan Bourne, they should be good for the night. DiBiase, Jr. chimed in, saying though they didn't ask for this match, they just wanted to make sure they were all on the same page.

Slowly, Kane turned to stare at DiBiase, Jr. before reminding them that he doesn't take orders from anyone, and adding he would massacre Rey Mysterio that night whether they're all on the same page or not. He then turned his head slightly to take in Cody and Manu, telling them to stay out of his way or else there will be a lifeless pile of second generation carcasses in the ring. That said he told them he was going to see his 'good friend' Mike Adamle and walked away, leaving the three men looking worried.

8 MAN TAG MATCH: KANE & MANU & World tag team champions CODY RHODES & TED DIBIASE, JR. vs. C.M. PUNK & REY MYSTERIO & EVAN BOURNE & KOFI KINGSTON

The members of the eight man tag match entered the ring under footage of Kane's rampage last week before they went to commercial.

Coming back from commerical all kinds of hell breaks loose in and around the ring. Manu and Bourne started the match with Manu beating him down to the mat then hitting him with a big elbow. Bourne fights back with kicks but gets knocked back down. Manu goes for a big suplex but Bourne tags in Rey. Mysterio and Bourne knocked Manu over the ropes onto the floor, then Bourne hit a somersault plancha over the top rope onto Manu using Mysterio as a springboard. Cody and Ted come in but Punk and Kofi dump them to the floor, then knock Kane off the apron. Punk and Kofi hit suicide dives onto Cody and Teddy on the floor as Mysterio went over the top to land on Kane before another commrical break.

In the ring, Cody had Evan's head to the mat in a submission hold before tagging in Manu. Bourne tries to tag out but gets dropped on the back of his head by Manu who takes a 2 count. Bourne finally tags in Punk and flew off the top rope with a springboard clothesline onto Manu, then scores a big kick and a running knee in the corner. Punk kicks DiBiase off the apron but gets knocked down by Manu who tags in Rhodes for more whaling on Punk's left leg.

Cody keeps working over Punk's knee until Kane gets tagged in. Kane drops a big elbow and starts pummeling Punk. DiBiase gets tagged in and they keep Punk in the corner, working over Punk and his injured leg. Kane hits a big cheapshot on Punk. DiBiase pulls him back to the center of the ring and continues working over the leg. Punk starts to fight them off in the corner but can't. Cody comes in now and gets a 2 count and keeps on working on Punk's leg.

Ted comes in, works over Punk and tags in Manu. Manu does the same, still working on the left leg of CM Punk. Cody comes back in and we get more of the same. Punk tries to fight back on his knees but gets stomped back to the mat. In comes Kane now, who stomps on Punk and taunts Mysterio. Punk hits Kane with enziguiri then reached for a hot tag, but Kane kept his wits about him, booting Rey off the apron to prevent the tag, then drags Punk back to their corner where Cody is waiting to work him over some more.

Punk goes back and forth with Cody but finally tags in Kofi. Kofi comes in and cleans house on Cody and Ted. He hits his big leg drop on Cody for a pin but Manu makes the save. Bourne comes in and takes Manu to the floor over the top rope. Kane gets tagged in looking for a chokeslam on Kofi. He didn't see Rey Mysterio, though, and Rey dropkicked Kane from behind then tosses TedDi to the floor. Kofi then wanted a big splash in the corner, but Kane caught Kofi in mid-air with a vise-like grip and slams him with a choke slam in the middle of the ring, took the cover, the pin and the win. Kane locked eyes with Mysterio as they went to commerical.

After the break, Mike Adamle stood in the middle of the ring and said Kane made a request to him earlier. He said he told Kane that he would grant his request only if he won his match, which he did. If Kane defeats Rey Mysterio at NO MERCY, Mysterio will have to remove his mask in the middle of the ring...

WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW

Historical 800th Episode
photo: courtesy wwe.com

Monday, September 22, 2008 - Cincinnatti, OH: US Bank Arena

source: WWE.com - Backstage, Adamle complained to Shane McMahon about embarrasing him in front of everyone when he overruled his decision to suspend CM Punk for slapping Orton. Shane was in the process of reassuring the RAW GM when Kane barged in and walks up to them. His eyes on Adamle, Kane addresses "Shane-O", slowly turning his head before adding, 'long time no see'. Adamle asks Kane what's on his mind, and Kane tells him he appreciates being served Evan Bourne tonight, but it's not good enough - he wants Rey. Adamle let's Kane know he's already booked Kane vs Rey for No Mercy, then asks Kane to leave. Kane turns to go, stops, turns to Shane and asks him to say hi to his mom for him before leaving on a wicked dirty laugh.

"Kane knows your Mom?" Adamle asks Shane. Shane looks down and reaches up to scrath the side of his face.

"Um, just a bit of history there. If you call tombstoning her head into a steel grate and then trying to torture her just a little bit more by electrocuting my testicles with a car battery, then yeah, Kane knows her." Priceless!

And so it was that Evan Bourne found himself bounding down the ramp toward a ring full of The Big Red Monster. Michael Cole noted Kane was looking to feast on Bourne tonight, Jerry Lawler added he actually doesn't like looking Kane in the eyes.

Match starts with Bourne leapfrogging over the advancing Kane then catching The Big Guy with a roundkick high on the shoulder. As the ref cautions Bourne, Kane laughs it off and advances again, this time Bourne's enzuigiri connects with the side of Kane's face. 'Play time's over' as Kane sets in earnest to dismantle Evan Bourne.

Kane traps Bourne against the ropes but Bourne fights back with kicks and punches until Kane connects with a punch to the gut. Kane lifts the scrapper who wriggles free to deliver a sliding kick to Kane's knee. Bourne continues to punish Kane's knee until Kane kicks back, doubling Bourne over. Kane goes for a leg drop, Bourne moves out of the way and Kane lands hard. As Kane starst to regain his legs, Bourne delivers a flying side kick to Kane's head, and another to Kane's chest as he sits up.

Evan works to keep Kane on the mat, but the Monster won't cooperate, flicking Bourne off him to rise and reach down to lift gritty grappler. Bourne punches up at Kane and connects, sending Kane stumbling back. Bourne's next kick catches Kane high in the thigh then Bourne goes for the crucifix, but something goes wrong, and Evan finds himself back on the mat with a glimpse of Kane looming over him before receiving a well aimed punch to the face. Evan rolls to the corner where Kane grabs him up and whips him across the ring into the corner, but finds the where-with-all to stop the charging Monster with a boot to the middle followed up with a flying double boot to the face that has Kane stumbling.

Bourne grabs Kane by the wrist and attempts to whip HIM into the corner, but Kane balks, whipping Bourne in instead and follows only to get another boot. Snarling, Kane lifts Evan out of the corner and attempts to slam him on the top rope, but Bourne ends up landing on the ring apron, jarring his shoulder up into Kane's nose. Kane attempts a big boot but gets hung up on the top rope and Bourne slips back into the ring to seize the advantage, pounding Kane high upon the back and sending the big man crashing to the floor outside the ring. Kane gets to his feet to meet a shooting star press from Bourne and both men are down on the floor. As the ref begins a count out, Kane slips back into the ring while Evan takes to the ropes to execute his double knee drive, taking Kane down for a count of two.

Kane scrambles up as Evan springs off the rope, this time Kane catches him mid air, tosses him up and lams him with an upper cut to the the throat. Stalking over to the writhing Bourne, Kane grabs him by the hair to pull him over to the corner post and begins to whale on the hapless youth. The ref breaks it up, getting between Kane and Bourne, while Kane paces. Reaching down, Kane pulls Evan up again to whip him into opposite corner; Bourne uses the momentum to go for the tilt-a-whirl that Kane catches and turns into a backbreaker over his knee. Kane powers Evan into two more backbreakers, then flips him up over his shoulder and charges across the ring to ram Bourne's back into the ring post. As the ref cautions, Kane turns to slams Bourne down to the mat ring center, squats and snarls into the prone man's face, asking if that isn't what he wanted. Evan gets up as Kane walks away and charges, but Kane grasps him about the throat to lift him up and send him crashing to the mat with a chokeslam.

"Did you see the height on that chokeslam?!" Michael Cole asks as Kane reaches down to roll Evan onto his back and takes the winning pin.

Kane rises, looking down at the motionless Bourne, then slowly walks toward the ropes. He stops, looks back, then moves to straddle the kid grabbing him by the jaw. Kane handles Bourne roughly, pulling him up by the jaw and upper arm - Mysterio hits the ring for the save punching up into Kane's face until Kane pushes him away. Rey bounces off the ropes and ducks a swing from Kane to turn and connect with a boot to Big Red's face - twice. Amped, Rey bounces off the rope in an attempt to launch a back flip into Kane, but meets the underside of Kane's boot in his chest and crumble to the mat.

Kane lands on his knees on Rey's outstreched arms and begins to rain blows about his head and face as he yells at him. He gets up and leans down to ask Rey how he liked that, slaps his hand around Rey's throat and lifts him from the floor high up into a thunderous chokeslam. Leaning down over the motionless Mysterio, Kane calls him a coward, straightens, turns and takes his sweet time leaving the ring as the ref rushes to assist Rey.

WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW

To Unmask or Not to Unmask . . .
photo: courtesy wwe.com and skysports

Monday, September 15, 2008 - MEMPHIS, TN: Arena

source: WWE.com - "Years ago, I was in a position where I was forced to remove my mask."

Kane stands in a room awash with the colors of the deepest fiery cavern. Slowly, he removes the mask he'd once worn as a second skin. Music slips in to fill the silence, a eerie number composed of his old theme with undercurrents of 'Slow Chemical'. He seems to struggle with the loss a moment before lifting eyes filled with fury for all of the WWE universe to see.

"But the truth is, no one forces me to do anything. I took my mask off my face for all of you, so that I would finally be accepted. But that didn't happen, did it. I had the guts to unmask and what did it get me? Everywhere I go, I see people pointing at me. I don't like being pointed at. I don't like being ridiculed. If you people are repulsed by me, then the feeling is more than mutual.

And then I see a man like Rey Mysterio, a man who doesn't have the courage to do what I did. Rey still wears his mask and you people love him. Why? Because all of you wear masks as well. All of you hide behind masks of self righteousness and happiness; all of you pretend to care about your fellow human beings when deep down inside you're all unhappy and the only ones that you care about are yourselves.

When I attacked Rey Mysterio and tore off his mask, I was attacking each - and - every - one - of you -"

Kane's tirade is interrupted by Evan Bourne who tells the seven-foot sinister psychopath he's wrong about Rey, and that he'll enjoy watching Rey beat Kane a new one! Kane responds with a loud raucous laugh until Bourne leaves.

Kane vs. Rey Mysterio
report from pwrestlingforums.com

Kane makes his way to the ring first, without his mask. Out next is Rey Mysterio to a huge pop. Rey celebrates with the fans at ringside as Kane taunts him.

Rey takes a shot at Kane and ducks and dodges around the ring. Kane backs him in the corner with right hands. Rey tries for a hurrancanrana but Kane catches him. Rey knocks Kane to the mat with rights while on his shoulder. Kane comes up with a massive right hand and uses the ropes to choke Rey. Kane now stomps on Rey and throws him face first across the ring to the floor. Rey pops right back up and kicks Kane to the outside. Kane is on the floor as Rey stands in the ring, hyping the crowd as we go back to commercial.

Back from commercial and Kane has Rey on the mat in a headlock. During the commercial, Kane decked Rey with a huge big boot. Rey comes out of the headlock but gets scoop slammed to the mat by Kane. Rey rolls and misses a huge elbow drop from Kane and starts fighting Kane into the corner. Rey climbs Kane and nails him 5 times, gets knocked off and comes back for 5 more. Kane catches him this time and flings his body into the steel post like it's nothing.

Kane launches Rey into the corner again and sends him to the mat. Kane drops a big knee on Rey and taunts him while he's down. Kane hits a big back breaker on Rey and bends him across his knee. Rey starts kicking out of the hold and succeeds. The fans start chanting "619" as Kane pummels Rey in the corner. Kane misses a running boot and gets hung up on the top rope. Rey kicks him back and nails the big bulldog and a low dropkick to the face. 2 count by Rey.

Rey drops Kane's face into the turnbuckle and climbs the top. Rey staggers on the turnbuckle and leaps to Kane. Kane catches him but Rey drops off. Big enziguri kick by Rey knocks Kane to the ropes. Rey goes for the 619 but Kane comes up and levels him with a huge clothesline. Kane goes to stomping on Rey again over and over again in the corner. The referee tries to warn Kane off, but Kane's focus is on stomping Rey a new one. The ref calls for the bell and the match as the crowd boo's.

Kane continues to stomp on Rey, then takes a breather before trying to pry Rey's mask off as Evan Bourne hits the ring and attacks Kane. Rey gets up and they double team Kane with high flying moves. Bourne and Rey duck out of the ring and leave together as Kane looks on from the ring.

WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW

A Hint from Hell?!
photo: courtesy wwe.com

Monday, September 8, 2008 - FORT WAYNE, IN: Arena

source: WWE.com and PWTorch.com- 24 hours after Unforgiven, Kane appeared on the TitanTron during Rey Mysterio's win celebration to further torment Master of the 619 with a message from hell.

"Next week, Rey-Rey, you'll face me one on one. And at that moment you'll begin to understand - everyone will understand why you are a victim. I chose you. And as for the reason why, I'm not going to tell you just yet - but here's a hint, Rey. A very 'special' hint."

Kane turns his head with a maniacal smile and the Tron view slides over to reveal he's holding up his old mask. The low rumble of Kane's sinister laugh builds to echo over the arena as we see Rey shaking his head in reaction to Kane's interruption. But is Mysterio's reaction that of disbelief in finding he has become Kane's target? Or is it merely a head shake of pity for the sinister and psychotic seven-footer?

WWE UNFORGIVEN PPV

RAW Scramble for the World Heavy Weight Title
photo: courtesy wwe.com

Sunday, September 7, 2008 - CLEVELAND, OH: Arena

source: WWE.com and PWTorch.com- KANE vs. JBL vs. BATISTA vs. REY MYSTERIO vs. C.M. PUNK - WOW! Kane held the World Heavy Weight Title for all of 16 minutes, 25 seconds during the Unforgiven PPV RAW Scramble!

Coming in third, five minutes after Batista and JBL started the match off, Kane fought a brutal battle with Batista, but ended up WHW Champion via a pin on JBL. Here's how it went down:

"Batista and JBL were the first two entrants. Batista dominated the first few minutes. JBL took over at ringside at 3:00. Batista came back just before Kane became the third official entrant by reverse whipping JBL into the ringside steps. Kane dominated Batista for several minutes. He went for a top rope clothesline, but Batista moved. Kane, though, popped Batista in the throat, then set up a chokeslam. Batista elbowed out of that and set up a Batista Bomb. JBL finally re-entered the ring and kicked Batista in the face. Kane kicked Batista out of the ring and ducked a JBL attempt at a Clothesline from Hell. Then he chokeslammed JBL for the pin to become the current World Champion.

At 10:00 Rey Mysterio came out and went right after Kane. Lawler talked of bad blood between those two. Mystrio dropkicked Kane over the top rope to the floor, JBL hit Rey from behind and was rewarded with a spinning head scissors from Rey. Kane hopped on the apron and avoided the 619 before blasting Rey with a clothesline to slow him down. Batista retaliated on Kane then had Mysterio Rey leaped off his shoulders onto Kane. Rey rolled off of Kane in pain As The King and Cole wondered at the team-up of The Animal and mysterio in what was an 'every man for himself' type match. Batista went for the cover for a two count. Rey called for another attempt at the move. This time, though, when Rey climbed onto Batista's shoulders, he went for a huracanrana into a roll-up for a two count. Batista got upset, and Cole asked if it was a good idea for Rey to alienate himself from the only person he could count on in the ring. JBL rallied, hitting both of them, then gave a fallaway slam of Rey onto Batista, for a two count on Batista. Bounding up, JBL put a boot to the face followed by an elbow drop on Kane, then clotheslined Rey for a two count.

The ten second countdown took place. To the surprise of all Chris Jericho's music played. He could barely walk, but he made his way toward the ring, Adamle's replacement pick for cm Punk who had been brutalized by Orton and his cronies earlier. A camera close-up showed welts all over Jericho's back. Jericho entered the ring just as Batista speared Rey. Someone was yelling and carrying on that it wasn't fair . . . Don't know if it was Big Show, Regal or even Orton . . . Batista then speared Jericho. Batista slammed Kane, then speared JBL and went for a cover. JBL put his leg over the bottom rope to stop the count. Chaos continued with Rey getting on a flurry of offense after escaping a Batista Bomb. He gave JBL a 619. When Rey leaped into the ring, Batista knocked him hard to the floor. Big bump, big ohhs from crowd. Kane then punched Batista in the face. JBL went for a Clothesline from Hell. Batista ducked and the CFH hit Kane. Batista speared Kane. Kane came back and bodyslammed Batista with 90 seconds left. He climbed to the top rope and hit a clothesline for a near fall. Why Kane? WHY!?! Kane signaled for a chokeslam. Batista surprised him with a spear and a spinebuster for a three count and the Title with 25 seconds left, and nobody standing but The Animal.

Rey went for a huracanrana on Batista, but turned it into a powerbomb. Meanwhile Jericho crowled over and covered Kane's lifeless body to scored a three count just as time expired. Batista turned in disbelief the wen tto his knees to pound his fists on the mat in frustration while Jericho sneered like an angry villain with barely any life in his body. Jericho limped up the ramp and celebrated with the title belt in hand. WINNER: Chris Jericho."
from PWTorch.com

WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW

Back from Hell?!
photo: courtesy wwe.com

Monday, September 1, 2008 - ST LOUIS, MO: Scotttrade Center

source: WWE.com and PWTorch.com- Less than a week before Unforgiven, RAW was the hot bed of a few volatile Kane-frontations.

Starting things off, Randy Orton, claiming he is still not cleared to wrestle, appeared in his hometown to spend 15 minutes running RAW and its current champions down. World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk confronted Orton in the ring, speculating Orton was jealous about not having the title. After their exchange, JBL came to join Punk in the ring to boast his chances at Unforgiven. He was interrupted by Kane, who Michael Cole called "conflicted, defective and psychotic."

Kane told JBL he, Kane, had been to hell, and he hadn't seen JBL's clothesline, but he had seen Rey Mysterio, that he's there right now. Addressing the WWE Universe, Kane went on to say Adamle could make all the announcements he wanted, but Rey was not going to be at Unforgiven, or there tonight, he'd made sure of it. That meant there would be one less opponent at the Scramble, and he'd be one step closer to . . . Batista made his way to the ring, with Kane angrily protesting off mic. The Animal speared Kane and JBL took that opportunity to attack Punk. Batista then turned his attack on the the self-proclaimed “wrestling god”, and after the WH Champion regained his feet, and speared him too.

Backstage, Kane barged into the RAW GM's office, where Mike Adamle was having a discussion with ECW GM Teddy Long and ECW Diva Tiffany. Kane walked over to Adamle and asked why he lied about Rey Mysterio coming back when he'd already said Mysterio was never coming back. Adamle stammered out an explanation of wanting to send a message to Rey in the hopes he would come back as he was needed on RAW. Kane scoffed at the GM's use of the phrase 'in the hopes', then told him: "Rey's body is massacred, his soul extinguished, but by all means . . . hope." Kane exited, leaving all occupants of the room speechless.

Later, CM Punk, Kane, Batista and JBL faced off in the over-the-top-rope Battle Royal, which moments before had still be promoted as a five man match. As Kane's Championship Scramble opponents began to circle him, Kane and Batista lunged at each other while JBL took it to CM Punk in the corner. Batista attempted a Bomb on Kane, but the Big Red Monster escaped. Batista went for Punk, Kane kicked Batista in the face as he set up a Batista Bomb. Punk then clotheslined Batista over the top rope, leaving himself, Kane, and JBL in the ring. JBL kicked Punk and Kane in the face and went for a Clothesline from Hell, but Punk ducked and backdropped him over the top rope to the floor. Kane and Punk battled one-on-one for a few minutes. Punk went for a GTS, but Kane elbowed out of it. Kane then tossed Punk over the top rope, but Punk held on to the ropes, his feet nowhere near the floor, then dove back into the ring. Punk leaped at Kane who caught him and threw him easily over the top rope, right at Orton's feet, to win.

Kane’s victory was interrupted by familiar entrance music and fireworks, as the Master of the 619, looking mighty fit and nowhere near bereft of soul, embraced the huge fan pop then made a bee-line straight for the ring and the Big Red Monster. Kane was stunned as Rey kicked and pounded on him. The brawl spilled out of the ring until Mysterio flung Kane into the corner post following with a 619 around the ringpost. Kane grabbed Rey by the throat and lifted him. Rey kicked out and head scissored Kane over the security railing into the front row crowd. Rey got back in the ring to celebrate his big return, mounted the second rope and yelled down at Kane, who yelled back at Rey from the floor at the feet of RAW fans.

So . . . the entire thing with the burlap bag and attacking Mysterio in a dark parking lot . . . was a fabrication by Kane? Why? What in Hades is going on here?

WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW

Monster Versus Animal
photo: courtesy wwe.com

Monday, August 25, 2008 - WILKES-BARRE, PA: Wachovia Arena

source: WWE.com and PWTorch.com- Starting off the night, GM Mike Adamle announced John Cena sustained a herniated disk in his neck and would be out indefinitely, unable to participate in the first-ever World Heavyweight Championship Scramble at Unforgiven. Cena's replacement . . . Rey Mysterio, who has been missing in recent months, due to a brutal attack by Kane, if the Big Red Monster’s claims are to be believed.

Attempting to exact revenge on Kane for leaving him battered in the ring after attacking The Big Red Monster during his explanation of the contents of his burlap bag, Batista would take on Kane tonight on RAW.

Earlier in the evening, Kane appeared backstage saying what Batista did to Cena is nothing compared to what he's done to Rey Mysterio. He said a body broken does nothing for the soul. He said it leaves you feeling empty, but a spirit broken makes him salivate. He said his chokeslam leaves the victim wondering if he's alive or dead.

Batista responded in an interview with Todd Grisham letting the world know he is not intimidated by Kane.

When the two powerful Championship Scramble competitors squared off, the seven-footer made good on a claim from earlier in the program, when he promised to hurt Batista if The Animal tests him. The two goliaths pounded each other mercilessly until Kane introduced a steel chair into the match, causing a disqualification, but neither competitor stopped there, brutalizing one another with the unforgiving weapon until both men were left hobbling. Will either man be healed enough for the grueling Scramble next week?

WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW

Kane Explains
photo: courtesy wwe.com

Monday, August 18, 2008 - CHICAGO, IL: Allstate Arena

source: WWE.com and PWTorch.com- On Monday night, Mike Adamle announced Shane and Stephanie McMahon had compelled him to make an extraordinary announcement. At the Unforgiven PPV, five wrestlers, including C.M. Punk, will compete in a 20-minute Championship Scramble match. Anyone can score a pin or submission during the match and the title could change hands several times before the 20 minutes expires. The winner of the Hardcore Title-style match will be determined from the pool of Punk, Kane, JBL, Batista, and John Cena as the participants.

Kane continued his reign of terror on Raw, and admitted to brutalizing Rey Mysterio, whose mask the Big Red Monster had been carrying around in a burlap sack. He claimed to have attacked the Latino Luchedor for hiding behind a mask and being a “slithering fungus that grows in the marshes of your psyche.”

Kane went on to say he didn't like Mysterio or anyone who did like the Master of the 619. That brought out Mysterio’s former tag team partner and good friend, Batista, who rushed the ring and attacked the Big Red Monster. In spite of Batista’s fury, Kane managed to tame The Animal for the time being by taking him off his feet then delivering a resounding chokeslam before leaving the ring.

Looks like The Big Red Monster has set fire to a feud with an enraged Animal!

WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW

He who laughs last - laughs . . . maniacally
photo: courtesy wwe.com

Monday, August 11, 2008 - RICHMOND, VA

source: WWE.com and PWTorch.com- Last week, RAW GM Mike Adamle intimated he would make Kane reveal the contents of his burlap bag to the WWE universe on the next RAW installment. This week, Adamle pressured and Kane delivered, but the revelation left more questions for the wrestling fiefdom.

Early in the evening, Kane barged into Adamle's office with a terse "You wanted to see me?" and Adamle revealed to the world that Kane would, again, not have a match on the upcoming WWE PPV. Instead, he made match between Kane and Jericho that would take place that night on RAW, calling it a SummerSlam Spectacular. True to form, Kane didn't seem to have a problem with not being booked on a major PPV venue. The GM then told Kane he would have to hand over his bag after the match - The Big Red Monster told him he was making a huge mistake.

At the height of Kane's match against Chris Jericho, Adamle stormed the arena with an arsenal of burly brutes and surrounded the ring causing enough of a distraction for Jericho to capitalize and for Kane to lose the match. Adamle then entered the ring and proceeded to coerce Kane into giving him the bag

As Kane went through an emotional range of protection to confusion to pique, the Raw GM said he knew Kane was referring to himself when asking if 'he' is alive or dead; that 'he' was the monster inside Kane. He went on to say Kane has tried to exorcise his demons to live a normal life and failed, but if he handed over the bag he could have a normal life.

Kane moved close to Adamle, saying the GM had it half right. There was a mask in the bag, and the man who wore it had been scarred, tortured and damaged beyond all human recognition. Problem was, it wasn't his mask. Kane then opened the bag, pulled out and held up the mask . . . of Rey Mysterio! Adamle gasped, Kane laughed maniacally, dropped the mask to the mat and walked out of the ring.

Why was Kane, a man who shows little or no concern for anyone, including himself, worked up over Rey Mysterio and his fate? Worked up so much that he went berserk all over Jerry Lawler and a handful of the WWE crew over the course of three or four weeks? Worked up enough to carry around Mysterio's mask in a burlap bag like a secret talisman? Is this it . . . or does Kane have more to reveal?

WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW: Preview

photo: courtesy wwe.com

Sunday, August 10, 2008

source: WWE.com - Since coming to Raw in the 2008 WWE Draft, Kane has been on a mission of devastation, affecting those in and outside the ring all while making cryptic references to “he” and whether he is alive or dead. The Big Red Monster has kept a burlap sack clutched to his side throughout, the contents of which remain shrouded in mystery.

On Raw, new General Manager Mike Adamle decided that the sack has remained enigmatic for long enough, and in an attempt to give the WWE Universe what they want, has promised to make Kane disclose the contents of the bag on next week’s Raw. Will Kane simply allow the GM to look in his fiercely guarded bag? And what could the Big Red Monster be hiding?

WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW

Let the cat (?) out of the bag
photo: courtesy wwe.com

Monday, August 4, 2008 - KNOXVILLE, TN

source: WWE.com and PWTorch.com - On Monday night, GM Adamle put Matt Striker in his first match since joining the RAW brand. Unfortunately for Striker, that match was against the maniacal Kane.

Matt Striker held his first Classroom Session on RAW. Striker thanked Michael Adamle for finally - finally! - allowing him to compete as a member of the RAW roster. He said it's fitting that he competes at an esteemed university, adding he used the term lightly. Striker said he knows Adamle will pick the right opponent for him to display his wrestling acumen. You knew what was coming. Boom. Pyro. Fire. Kane's music hit.

KANE vs. Matt Striker

Kane quickly clotheslined Striker hard to the mat before landing a hard uppercut and a big boot to the mush. Kane picked up Striker and landed a clothesline/sidewalk slam combo before going up top. Kane landed a leaping clothesline before calling for the end. Striker then slipped into a chokeslam and Kane made the quick pin for the win.

Following the match, Kane picked up the bag and walked over to the announcers. He started chasing away stagehands before grabbing the house mic. Kane said he's been in a bad place lately, referencing his string of brutal assaults on in-ring competitors and announcers alike, but he's better now. He looked at his mysterious burlap sack and assured the WWE Universe he now knew that “he” is not alive; “he” is dead. Kane held his bag in the air with a smile and a chuckle. Cole said, "I have no earthly idea what he's talking about.", and added if Kane says he's in a better place, that's good enough.

While Kane seems more at peace with whatever, or whoever, is in his enigmatic burlap bag, it’s still a mystery to the rest of the WWE Universe. Safely in his office backstage, GM Adamle told Kelly Kelly that next week on RAW, he will solve the mystery of Kane’s burlap sack, by ordering the Big Red Monster to disclose its contents.

SATURDAY NIGHT'S MAIN EVENT

A Midsummer Night's Fight
photo: courtesy wwe.com

Saturday, August 2, 2008 - WASHINGTON, DC

source: WWE.com - When Saturday Night’s Main Event rolled into the nation’s capital, WWE’s very best was on display. Though the Biggest Blockbuster of the Summer is only weeks away, SummerSlam competitors put it all on the line while Jenny McCarthy stepped into the ring to fight autism with Generation Rescue.

Though they’ll be facing one another at SummerSlam, John Cena and Batista were forced to compete on the same tag team at Saturday Night’s Main Event. The Chain Gang Commander and The Animal were joined by Cryme Tyme as they met the team of JBL, Kane & World Tag Team Champions Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase in a chaotic Eight-Man Tag Team Match.

After an early commercial break, the heel team took their time working over Shad Gaspar. Cena and JBL took tags and Cena cleaned house to a chorus of boos. Cena hit the Five Knuckle Shuffle on JBL, then went for the FU, but Kane kicked Cena square in the head. Batista then entered and cleaned house on everyone as World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk observed from ringside. The match devolved into an outright brawl until Cena tagged out to JTG and launched him onto DiBiase. Unfortunately, DiBiase wasn't legal to be pinned, so JBL re-entered the picture and smashed JTG with a Clothesline from Hell for the pin and the win.

DUKIN' IT OUT IN DC

photo: courtesy wwe.com

Monday, July 28, 2008 - WASHINGTON, DC

source: WWE.com - Clips aired from last week's newsworthy show full of angles revolving around C.M. Punk's title and top challengers to his title, Batista, Kane, John Cena, and JBL. Then the RAW opening aired followed by pryo and the camera panning the crowd as Michael Cole, with Jerry Lawler, introduced the show. He touted the 14,000-plus sellout in Washington D.C.

After weeks spent leaderless and awash in mayhem and disarray, RAW finally has a new General Manager: Mike Adamle. One of the matches made by Adamle was the night’s main event, a tag team match pitting John Cena & Batista against JBL & Kane.

Prior to their tag-match against Cena & Batista, JBL & Kane butted heads following World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk’s win over William Regal. JBL entered the ring to confront Punk, but Kane's music interrupted. Kane walked out with bag in hand and suddenly smashed JBL. Punk then hit Kane, but JBL kicked Punk. Kane and JBL then had a face-to-face confrontation while Punk recovered on the mat. Kane seemed to enjoy the confrontation while JBL backed away.

KANE & JBL vs. BATISTA & JOHN CENA

JBL came out first for the main event DTA tag match. Kane then came out still carrying his burlap bag and stared JBL down. Out first for the babyface team was John Cena, followed by Batista.

JBL battered Cena at the bell, but Cena came back and eventually clotheslined Kane over the top rope to the floor. They cut to an early break as Cena and Batista stared each other down mid-ring.

During the break, a commercial aired hyping Saturday Night's Main Event at 9 p.m. ET (just one hour) with Cryme Tyme & Cena & Batista vs. DiBiase & Cody & JBL & Kane, plus Edge vs. Jeff Hardy.

They returned with Kane working over Cena in the default heel corner while Batista looked on. Cena fired back catching Kane with an elbow in the corner. He tried to charge Kane, but Kane caught him with a sidewalk slam for a nearfall. Cena finally hot-tagged Batista who cleaned house with a spinebuster on JBL and a clothesline on Kane. Kane yanked the top rope down as Batista bounced into it, so Batista fell to the floor.

Back in the ring Kane and JBL took turns working over Batista with Kane applying a body scissors to take Batista's wind. Batista teased a comeback with ground-and-pound, but Kane smashed him back to the mat. JBL tagged in and took a cheap shot at Cena, then battered Batista in the corner while the ref yelled at Cena.

JBL wanted the Clothesline from Hell, but Batista smashed him with a spear. Kane interfered, distracting Batista. JBL then surprised Batista with a bit kick. JBL swung at Batista, but Batista ducked and the punch hit Kane. That set Kane off - he entered the ring and chokeslammed JBL only to get the spear from Batista. Cena tagged himself in and finished Kane with an FU to win what JR called one hell of a main event.

VANQUISHING THE MONSTER

photo: courtesy wwe.com

Monday, July 21, 2008 - UNCASVILLE, CN

source: WWE.com - The Big Red Monster has never been easily deterred. Monday Night was no different as Kane, once again, interfered in a title rematch between World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk and Batista.

The night before, Kane injected himself into The Great American Bash title match, causing a double disqualification and possibly costing Batista an opportunity at the championship.

Earlier Monday night, Batista stood in the ring and suggested Kane had an issue with him and he should come see him before he found Kane. So, before the Punk-Batista rematch, Kane complied, entering the ring and wailing on Batista before the bell. Referees pulled off the Big Red Monster but true to form he would not go quietly, muttering "Is he alive or is he dead . . .".

During a commercial break, Kane charged the ring again. This time, though, Batista was joined by an impatient Punk, who helped his opponent push back the Big Red Monster so that the two men could finally get on with their match.

The match would end in no contest after JBL followed by Cena rushed the ring and Cena, intending to punch JBL, land a blow to Batista's face. Batista and Cena have a go until the refs spill into the ring to break things up as the show goes off the air, showing Batista and Cena in a staredown. JBL returns to the ring, this time with Kane. Batista spears Kane, then gives him the Spinebuster while Cena FUs JBL.

WWE THE GREAT AMERICAN BASH PPV

photo: courtesy wwe.com
KANE's PAIN EXCHANGE
Sunday, July 20, 2008 - UNIONDALE, NY

source: WWE.com - "World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk may have debunked fluke-claiming critics by enduring in a highly competitive confrontation with Batista at The Great American Bash. But though the Straightedge Champion retained the gold, he was left with a bittersweet (and somewhat charred) taste in his mouth as Kane’s hell-wreaking intervention caused a double-disqualification.

Suddenly, CM Punk and Batista’s battle for supremacy was overshadowed by a burlap sack bearing monster in the Nassau Coliseum. Deliberate and devastating, the seven-foot menace known as Kane brought an unruly ending to a hotly contested bout between two recent Raw draftees". - wwe.com

The battle between Batista and Punk had gone outside the ring, but when Batista rolled Punk back in the ring and started to follow, Kane comes from out of no where to attack the Animal. The bell sounds and Lillian Garcia announces the double DQ as Kane shoves Batista head first into the ring posts. Batista turns around to meet with a big boot to the face and down he goes. Kane now turns his attention to CM Punk who is staggering around dazed in the ring. Kane gets in the ring and sets up, keeping Punk in his grasp-line. Punk turns right into The Big Red Monster's mighty grip and he goes up to come down in a thunderous chokeslam! Kane then retrieves his gunny sack and exits the ring, to stand and ask, "Is he alive or is he dead?" A camera man foolishly sneaks up behind and Kane whips around to land a HUGE big boot that sends the camra man crashing to the floor. Kane glares, then stalks off up the ramp.

A Bag Full of . . . Apologies?

photo: courtesy wwe.com

Monday, July 14, 2008 - RALEIGH, NC

source: WWE.com - RAW kicked off with a recap of Kane's berserker last week. Amidst talk and speculation and the cheering of the crowd, the McMahons, Shane and Stephanie, appeared on the TitanTron to set the mood for the night. They urged the WWE "Superstars" and employees work together while Vince is out of commission. Shane said they've been physically unable to attend Raw lately due to their corporate responsibilities and dedication to their father, but if things don't change, some actions will definitely be taken. Stephanie urged everyone to try one more time to work as one and to have a great show. Shane ended the transmission with the ominous "We'll be watching". No real update on their father's condition . . .

Kane then entered the arena carrying a burlap sack and headed straight for the announce table. Cole looked on in fear then he and Lawler both cautiously stood as Kane approached. Cole stepped behind Lawler for safety as Lillian Garcia and other ringside officials baled. Kane leaned over the announce table and muttered "I'm . . . sorry. I'm sorry." He then . . . walked away! Lawler said Kane can apologize all he wants, but something is wrong with him. I'll say! KANE - APOLOGIZING?!?

We next see Kane backstage as he comes upon Santino Marella and Matt Striker talking. Kane asks if they'd seen Punk, and Marella asked if Kane'd tried the Pepsi machine. With no ha-has from the Big Guy, Marella then pointed toward the locker room and Kane left. In the locker room, Kane approached Punk. He said, "Deep down inside I know he's dead." Punk asked who he was talking about but Kane didn't answer. Instead, he said they'd been tag team partners before, but he needs Punk in the ring tonight. Punk said he has the biggest match of his life in six days, and he can't have this match against Kane. Kane told him it's not about the title, then said, "I need this." Punk said he needs to prove to all the naysayers that he's not a fluke champion, so, yeah Kane had his match. He then asked, "What's in the bag?" Kane didn't answer, laughing instead, he walking away. Um - did we REALLY hear Kane ASKING for something?!?

In the ring, Kane seemed to have his mind on something other than the match. Punk gained control early on, and The Big Red Machine seemed frustrated. Out of nowhere, Kane caught Punk in the face with a boot then settled into a chinlock. The King and Cole said Kane seemed to be muttering to himself and wondered aloud if he was talking to the voices in his head. Punk regained control and went for a bulldog, but Kane threw him off. Punk took Kane down with a dropkick to his knees, then he nailed him with a roundhouse to the back of the head for a pin attempt - Kane kicked out at one. Punk flew at Kane with a crossbody block and another pin attempt - Kane kicked out at two. Punk went to lift Kane for the G2S to no avail. Kane grabbed Punk's throat for a chokeslam and Punk kicked out of it then tried to slingshot himself at Kane. The Man-Monster punched him from the ring apron to the floor and climbed out to follow.

As the ref began the ten count, Punk slammed Kane into the ringpost, bulldogged him with a leap off the ring apron, then rolled back into the ring to beat the count! Kane lost the match via count-out and lost it again. He began tossing chairs into the ring, Punk stood his ground while dodging the flying chairs. Kane got back into the ring and laid into Punk hard before setting the prone champion's neck between the legs of a steel chair and going up top. Batista's muisc hit, and the Animal came tearing down the ramp to the ring. Kane jumped down off the ropes to meet Batista and got the spear. Batista lammed The Tortured Soul over the head with a steel chair, and Kane went down then tumbled to the floor outside the ring. Batista helped the grateful Punk to his feet, and explained he only spared him from Kane's wrath so he'd be able to take the Title from Punk at The Great American Bash.

Be He Live or Be He Dead?

photo: courtesy wwe.com

Friday, July 11, 2008 - OKLAHOMA CITY, OK

source: WWE.com & Percy's Posts - Kane grabbed the attention of all in wrestledom when he when crazy ape all over the place after losing the 4-way fete to a shot at CM Punk at The Great American Bash. Through out the brutal attack on a couple of ring-side assistants, Michael Cole and finally Jerry 'The King' Lawler, The Big Red Machine kept asking, "Is he alive or dead?" But the question on the lips and minds of fans around the world-wide-web and beyond is - of whom is Kane referring? . . . Who is "he"?

Could it be that Kane is asking after the fate of his long estranged father figure, Paul Bearer? When last seen the Rotund One was buried alive at the July 27, 2004 Great American Bash. During the following SmackDown! broadcast, fans were assured that Bearer, though seriously injured, had not died . . . but could Kane be wondering - four years later - if the paunchy puppeteer of darkness is still among the living?

Or - is the Man-Monster still haunted by the loss of his son? The son he so desperately wanted Lita, his wife at the time, to bear but lost during a tragic in-ring accident when brawling with Gene Snitsky? Does he somehow wonder if the child truly reposes in everlasting slumber or was kept from him for some dastardly purpose?

Then, there's the burning question of the fate of Kane's brother, The Undertaker. Was 'Taker merely banished from the WWE, or was he relegated to walk among the darkness of the dead? Better yet, is this mystical, mysterious, legend a member of the living or the unholy specter of a deadman who refuses to rest-in-peace? But why would such a thing antagonize Kane now?

Of course, it could be that Kane is just voicing what the entire roster is mentally asking - is Vince McMahon alive after suffering that horrific stage collapse some weeks ago? But why would he, a self professed Monster, a loner among the WWE roster, a pain-inflicting-menace to all who would cross his path intentionally or not, why would such a man care about Vince's fate? OK, for all that he IS a monster, he is STILL a man, but would his concern over his boss's welfare cause him to go all ragey on WWE staff in front of millions of fans?

Only Kane can fully answer our questions, but there are those who are prepared to 'dance with the devil in the pale moonlight': Percy Pringle III, who has some knowledge of all parties involved (WINK - WINK), has blogged on the numbers of mails with questions and prodding he's been receiving lately about what might be torturing Kane's brain. WWE.com also has an article, titled simply Who is 'He'?, that discusses who might be behind Kane's berserker. While you're reading, ask yet another question . . . will Kane's over-stressed state cause him to disrupt The Great American Bash pay-per-view with another angst ridden rampage?

WHO IS "HE"?

source: WWE.com

From the Raw locker room to the WWE Universe, everybody wants to know what led to Kane’s unpredictable and vicious actions on Monday night. More importantly, however, the question that has most intrigued is exactly who was the Big Red Machine referring to when he repeatedly bellowed, “Is he dead or is he alive?” to Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler?

In an attempt to make sense of Kane’s chilling query and sudden madness on Monday, WWE.com did some digging – in and outside of the mortuary – and came up with some possible candidates for this mystery “He.” Who do you think was Kane referring to?

Mr. McMahon - Odds 1:5
The world saw the heavy steel stage structure plop atop Mr. McMahon weeks ago on Raw. This includes Kane, who had just competed in a 15-Man Battle Royal minutes before the disaster. The McMahon Family has addressed the matter, claiming that the WWE Chairman is alive and well enough while recovering. Maybe the Big Red Machine is just a little doubtful after witnessing one of the biggest, dangerous malfunctions in television history.

Pete Rose - Odds 1:50
WWE Hall of Famer and part of the infamous Cincinnati Reds “Big Red Machine,” Pete Rose had a few memorable fallouts with WWE’s Big Red Monster. After appearing at three consecutive WrestleManias, Rose seemed to finally learn his lesson in 2000 when it came to confronting Kane. More than eight years later, is it possible that the former ECW Champion has finally noticed Major League Baseball’s all-time hit king’s WWE desertion?

Undertaker - Odds 1:4
At One Night Stand, the Brothers of Destruction were permanently deconstructed when the Rated-R Superstar earned a tainted victory that ended Undertaker’s career. Even in defeat, The Phenom usually rises, but by stipulation, not this time. With his brother gone from WWE, Kane just might be so distraught that he could be confusing The Deadman’s forced retirement with … well … being deceased.

Ranjin Singh - Odds 1:80
The last time anyone heard from The Great Khali’s associate, Ranjin Singh, was his mid-air yelp after being launched off the side of the Elimination Chamber at No Way Out. Suffering a fractured patella, the oft audible Punjabi irritant hasn’t been seen since word got out about his impending knee surgery – certainly not a fatal injury, but it’s still plausible that Kane could be overly concerned for his former rival’s spokesman.

Jacob Goodnight - Odds 1:75
The Big Red Monster is just that – a ghoulish fiend, a specter that inspired WWE Films to introduce Kane’s arguable alter ego, Jacob Goodnight, in See No Evil. It’s been some time since the film’s release and unlike Kane’s other infamous macabre muses (Jason, Freddy, etc.) no sequel has spawned for this movie franchise. Is Kane searching for his silver screen counterpart?

Paul Bearer - Odds 1:3
Father to one of the most tormented Superstars in WWE history, Paul Bearer was snuffed out of sports-entertainment four years ago when he was buried in a cement tomb by Undertaker at The Great American Bash. With the pay-per-view anniversary rapidly approaching, might Kane’s cryptic message pertain to his father’s supposed demise?

Boogeyman - Odds 1:8
Is Boogeyman alive? Everyone’s pretty much thinking this about the Land of the Extreme’s resident nightmare creature. Did he suffer some kind of bizarre fate at the Bottomless Pit? Or is he just trapped under the bed of an unsuspecting adolescent, somewhere in central New Jersey?

2Pac - Odds 1:100
No one in the WWE locker room is certain about exactly which music genre lights Kane’s hellish fire – it could be death metal, but you can’t just totally discount gangsta rap. Since 2Pac’s untimely passing has been in debate for more than a decade in some circles, WWE.com gives slim credence to the fat chance that Kane’s “he” is the Machiavellian West Coast lyricist.

Jim Ross - Odds 1:10
Notice that Kane elected to focus his hostility toward the Raw announce team. The Big Red Machine is no stranger to competing on the Monday night brand and its long-time broadcaster, WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross. It’s possible that Kane missed J.R. and Michael Cole’s WWE Draft swap weeks ago and his dark soul led him to think the worst for the Oklahoman.

Captain America - Odds 1:1000
Admittedly, it’s a long shot. The country stood still in March 2007 when Steve Rogers a.k.a. Captain America was shot and killed in the pages of Marvel Comics. Everybody knows that superheroes almost always come back, but it’s been more than a year now. Perhaps Kane is a closet comic fanboy looking for some answers.

Has WWE.com identified the Big Red Monster’s means for mayhem last week? Be sure to tune in live to Raw on USA Network this Monday night at 9/8 CT to find out.

Mat Mania: Rampage in Red

photo: courtesy wwe.com

Monday, July 07, 2008 - NEW ORLEANS, LA

source: WWE.com - My, my, my. What's going on in the twisted mind space of the Big Red Machine? After inserting himself into a Monday Night RAW 4-way Brawl against John Cena, Batista and JBL that would determine who would go up against CM Punk at The Great American Bash . . . After a grueling and brutal match that saw the contendership within Kane's grasp . . . After having that grasp snapped with a spear from the Animal - Batista . . . Kane fumed, Kane smoldered, then Kane snapped.

Rolling out of the ring, Kane upended the ring steps before he approached the announce table and shouted at Cole - "Is he alive or dead?" The question was repeated as Kane walked over to a stagehand and gave him a big boot to the face, smiling gruesomely as he set his sights on Lillian Garcia. Lillian escaped the wrath of Kane, but the timekeeper took a bodyslam to the floor. It looked like Kane tried to collect himself before returning to the announce table and leaning to put his anguished question to Michael Cole once again.

Cole could only stare wide-eyed up into the enraged face of the Man-Monster Kane which earned him a choking, much to the approval of the crowd. Kane dragged Cole over to the ring, rolled him in and followed the frightened announcer to ring center, bellowing his question as he stepped on Cole's ankle. Cole plead ignorance, stammering out he didn't know what Kane was talking about. Yet Kane demanded an answer, and receiving none to his satisfaction, set Cole up for a chokeslam! Lawler made the save with a chopblock on Kane from behind then ushered Cole out of the ring before Kane got up and put Lawler in a cobra clutch, slammed him to the mat and rained a barrage of punches on the King which ended with a kick to Lawler's head. Fans catcalled after Kane as he slowly made his way up the ramp, and we wonder . . . Who is "he"? What is his relationship to KANE that would cause the Big Guy to go berserk like that?

Once Again: The Big Red RAW Machine

photo: courtesy wwe.com

Monday, June 30, 2008 - OKLAHOMA CITY, OK

source: WWE.com - Monday’s RAW saw the largest crowd ever for a WWE live event in Oklahoma City, with 11,560 fans in attendance to witness Jim Ross’ farewell to Raw.

The night before, Kane had lost his ECW Championship to Mark Henry, so he probably wasn’t the best person to show aggression toward on Monday Night RAW. Jamie Noble, however, was hoping to impress Katie Lea Burchill backstage by issuing a warning to the biggest, baddest guy around, who happened to be the Big Red Machine. Kane, taking exception to Noble’s teasing, grabbed him by the throat and lifted him up for a chokeslam. Noble's foot found a mark in Kane's stomach and before you knew it, Noble took off like a shot. Kane took a moment, then made his way out to the ring.

At the ringside announce table, Cole said over at Smackdown, Noble had a bad habit of putting his foot in his mouth. Noble scampered down the ramp and tried to hide under the announce table but King and Cole were having none of it. Jamie hid at ringside and began to pray. Kane's pryo blasted and he strolled down to the ring. Noble actually dove at Kane and tackled him to the floor then stomped on him until KANE sat up and batted Noble away. Back in the ring, Jamie tried to put up a fight, only to have Kane knock him knock him to the outside where Kane grabbed him up into a chokeslam on the announce table. As Noble rolled off the table, Kane laughed maniacally.

WWE NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS PPV

photo: courtesy wwe.com

Sunday, June 29, 2008 - DALLAS, TX
ECW CHAMPION KANE vs BIG SHOW vs MARK HENRY

source: WWE.com - Triple Threat Match: Similar to what the Land of the Extreme endured at the 2007 Draft, this year’s Draft took the ECW Championship away from its home brand, as Kane was drafted to Raw. At Sunday's Night of Champions, however, the gold returned in the form of new ECW Champion Mark Henry when he pinned the Big Red Machine in their Triple Threat Match.

Kane suffered a knee injury early on in the contest, leaving him outside of the ring for much of the match. After regaining his strength, the Big Red Machine put everything he had left into throwing Big Show off the top turnbuckle, leaving both giants involved in the maneuver gasping on the canvas. Henry quickly capitalized with a splash and a three-count to become ECW Champion.

The night saw other championships change hands as well as brand homes . . . RAW's Kofi Kingston defeated Chris Jericho for the Intercontinental Title, Cody Rhodes changed partners mid-match and now holds the World Tag Team Title with Ted Dibiase, and Mickie James still holds the Women's Championship Title on RAW. ECW's tag duo held on to the WWE Tag Team Title, and Matt Hardy brought his United States Championship with him to ECW. SmackDown hung on to the World Heavyweight Title and now hosts the WWE Title as well.