Just 24 hours after Survivor Series, where John Cena made the most of his homecoming by winning the World Heavyweight Title from Chris Jericho, Raw had three eagerly anticipated returns of its own.
Not only did The Champ make an appearance, having a brief altercation with the former title-holder, but Monday night also saw former Women’s Champion Melina lead a team of Divas to victory, with the Greenbay Loudmouth himself, Mr. Kennedy, making an appearance as well.
Chris Jericho attempted to hijack World Heavyweight Champion John Cena’s return to Raw, but was attacked by The Champ:
Before World Heavyweight Champion John Cena could even make his much anticipated return to Raw, the bitter Chris Jericho attempted to steal the new champion’s thunder, claiming that he plans on winning back the title at Armageddon. Cena then gave Jericho an opportunity to confront him face-to-face, coming out to a thunderous reception from all those in attendance. The World Heavyweight Champion explained the difference between himself and Jericho, stating that he actually cares about the many members of the WWE Universe. After the first-ever Undisputed Champion once again stated his intention to beat Cena at Armageddon and continued to belittle the WWE Universe, The Champ snapped. The World Heavyweight Champion proceeded to brutalize Jericho, throwing him against the announce table, bludgeoning him with the steel stairs and finally locking him into an STFU.
Mickie James, Candice Michelle & Melina def. Women’s Champion Beth Phoenix, Katie Lea Burchill & Jillian:
Prior to their Six-Diva Tag Match, Women’s Champion Beth Phoenix, Katie Lea Burchill & Jillian made their way to the ring where Jillian performed a particularly ear-splitting rendition of Beyonce’s “Single Ladies.” As their opponents entered, one was conspicuously absent, as only Mickie & Candice stood in the ring. Then, making her surprise return to Raw after months out following a run-in with Beth Phoenix and a severe ankle injury, Melina came out to a warm welcome from the WWE Universe. The former two-time Women’s Champion’s return was a triumphant one as she carried her team to victory.
World Tag Team Champion CM Punk def. Snitsky to advance to the next round of the Eight-Man Intercontinental Title Tournament:
As Intercontinental Champion William Regal looked on, World Tag Team Champion CM Punk and Snitsky fought it out, trying to earn an opportunity to compete for the 2008 King of the Ring’s title. In spite of the yellow-toothed monster’s decided size and strength advantage, CM Punk utilized his extensive martial arts background to put down Snitsky and move one step closer to another championship.
Goldust def. Santino Marella:
One Superstar who wasn’t invited to participate in the Intercontinental Title Tournament was Santino Marella. Though the Italian Superstar recently lost the championship to William Regal, he was unable to compete in the tournament because someone else requested to face him in the ring. To Santino’s surprise, that someone was former Intercontinental Champion Goldust, who in spite of his questionable appearance, utilized his significant in-ring ability to defeat the star of “Santino’s Casa.”
Chris Jericho pinned Randy Orton to win a Triple Threat Match against The Legend Killer and Batista:
In what was one of the most anticipated matches of the night, Chris Jericho won a Triple Threat Match against Batista and Randy Orton to become the No. 1 contender to John Cena’s World