DETAILED REPORT: WWE RAW Tapings

Tom send this report in:

I just returned from the WWE SupersShow down at the Scottrade Center. I've been in attendance for several RAWs and a few SmackDowns that stopped off through St. Louis and this has by far been the best show-even last year's Judgment Day PPV couldn't hold a candle to tonight. So here's the rundown of the matches:

1) Dark Match Jimmy Wang Yang vs. Go Shiozaki, who was accompanied by Tony Atlas. Much like the previous week when former ROH Champ Morishima had a dark match, Shiozaki was slightly smaller, but still had the broad build. Yang would win with his moonsault finisher and there was no interference from Atlas.

Raw Spoilers

Next, we would have Lillian Garcia, Michael Cole and Jerry "The King" Lawler come out for the start of RAW. The first segment started off with Native St. Louisian Randy Orton (with his arm in a sling) running down all the current champs since his absence ( Phoenix, Marella, Rhodes/DiBiase, and Punk) on the RAW brand. It appeared Orton was shooting on Punk bringing up his indy wrestling background without naming ROH and saying that he was lucky to win the briefcase and the title, but it would not be long lasting. This brought out CM Punk who shot back and mentioned how stupid it was for him to ride his motorcycle at 3am and have a crash and that he didn't have a granddaddy and daddy who ushered him into the WWE and Punk had to work hard to get his shot in the big leagues. And Punk promised to keep the title long enough so when Orton does get cleared to wrestle they can truly see who's the better man.

Afterwards, JBL and Kane come into the ring and downgrade Punk. Kane promised that Rey Mysterio would not be appearing later tonight for the 5-Man Battle Royal Match. And finally, Batista comes out and without saying anything spears JBL, Kane, and looks at Punk and delivers another spear and takes Punk down.

There's a backstage segment involving Mike Adamle, Teddy Long, and his blonde assistant talking about showcasing both a RAW and ECW 5-Man Battle Royals to build-up the Scramble Matches at Unforgiven. In true Adamle fashion, Adamle makes an uncalled for wisecrack that this experience is synonymous with a Jerry Lewis Telethon without the sick kids (talk about the crickets chirping on this one). Then, Kane interrupts to question why Adamle booked Mysterio in the 5-Man Scramble and he says just to see if he would answer the challenge whether or not he was indeed alive or dead.

First match is John Cena...no Charlito...naw it's only Charlie Haas pretending to be Cena with all his mannerisms as well as wearing his attire and throwing his cap out to the crowd. This time he challenges Kofi Kingston and Kingston makes quick work of him with the Trouble in Paradise Spin Kick.

Rhodes and DiBiase run into Orton out in the hallway and how he's sickened that two thugs stole their belts and they haven't done anything about it. Orton then smacks Rhodes with his good hand while DiBiase holds him back. This action somehow motivates the tag team to get their belts back.

There's a 6-Diva Match featuring Katie Lea, Jillian Hall and Glamazon Beth Phoenix vs. Mickie James, Kelly Kelly and a returning Candice Michelle. Candice Michelle pins Phoenix with an inside cradle after botching a few spots after getting the hot tag.

Next match is the ECW 5-Man Battle Royal featuring Hardy, the Miz, Chavo, Finlay, and Mark Henry. Henry throws out Miz and Chavo at the same time. Finlay is thrown out next. Leaving the last two Henry and Hardy. Hardy goes for the Twist of Fate, but is reversed and Henry throws him over the top rope for the victory.

Santino Marella comes out to respond back to Orton's criticisms and stated that he will become the greatest Intercontinental Champion ever and introduces the Honk-A-Meter to display that Honkytonk Man was IC Champ for 64 weeks and although Marella has been IC Champ for 2 weeks that he could surpass the 64 weeks with no problem. He then challenges D'Lo Brown for a quick two-minute squash after Brown misses with his patented Low Down Frog Splash and Marella quickly pins him afterwards.

Jamie Noble with Layla El come out next. Noble gets on the mic while Layla sits in a chair near ringside to explain that this is his last chance to prove to her that he can beat someone in the ring for her affections. William Regal comes out to wrestle and throws Noble around and really stiffs him hard. Layla tries to look uninterested since Noble has been on a losing streak. Finally, Noble pins Regal with a small package. Layla looks shocked and walks out with Noble to imply she's still interested in him.

There's a planned tag match between Miz and Morrison vs. Cryme Tyme that never takes place because Rhodes and DiBiase attacks Shad and JTG from behind and taking back the belts and getting back their heat as well. The segment following shows the tag team walking in the back and seeing Orton showing him the belts they recovered and walking away. Orton grins with approval afterwards.

Randy Orton walks back out to the ring and watches the main event 5-Man Battle Royal. Batista is clotheslined over the top rope by Punk. Then, JBL is eliminated by Punk leaving Kane. Kane eliminates Punk. Mysterio's music hits before Kane is declared the winner and kicks at the legs of Kane and dropping him on the bottom rope to set-up the 619, but Kane moves out of the way. Rey finally hits the 619 around the ring post and Kane falls into the crowd and retreats.

Shawn Michaels and Chris Jericho have a contract signing for the "Unsanctioned Match". Adamle has Lawler moderating the signing and instructs both wrestlers any physical contact will result with the match being called off. After they sign on the contracts they ask for Lawler and the security force to leave the ring so they can talk. They exchange threats about this Sunday and they told their families that they will not view their match because of the brutality. Jericho and Michaels go nose to nose, but Lance Cade tries to hit HBK from behind. And HBK hits Cade with 3 kicks to the head while Jericho backs off and watches from the ramp.

Overall, the entire auditorium looked filled there weren't that many sections of empty seats that I could see. This was the first time that I can recall in six years that St. Louis was treated to Go-Home Editions for either RAW or SmackDown. Usually that means they save all the good stuff for last to sell us the fans on the PPV to go out on a good note. And I know they did this time around. So there you have it.