DUKIN' IT OUT IN DC

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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

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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

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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?

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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?

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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

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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?