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.