Raw

Card Information:
 Held in: KANSAS COLISEUM
Location: KANSAS, UNITED STATES
          on July 2005 at 9:00pm

Randy Orton pinned Paul London with the RKO in 0:11:02.
Rating: **** 1/4

Great non-title opener, which saw Orton pick up the win.  The Champ continued
to remind Benoit that lightning would not strike twice at Vengeance.


Interview:
Shane O Mac's big announcement...
Click here to see highlights.

Shane McMahon sends a message to Hollywood Hogan, and also reveals that The
Rock will return tonight!


Vader defeated Ultimo Dragon by countout in 0:09:58.
Rating: ***

First time we've seen Ultimo in a while, and he was squashed flat by Vader.  It
seems as though the big man is trying to send a message to Masahiro Chono, whom
he'll face at Vengeance.


The Big Show defeated Brock Lesnar via pinfall in 0:15:44.
Rating: ** 1/2

Big Show picked up his first win since failing to take the WWE Title at the
Great American Bash.  For Lesnar, this was his third defeat in his last four
matches.


Interview:
Backstage with the challengers...
Click here to see highlights.

Edge discovers that his being replaced last Thursday was not a one-time deal.


Shawn Michaels and Cactus Jack defeated Val Venis and Rico when Cactus Jack
 pinned Rico after a sunset flip in 0:11:42.
Rating: *** 3/4
(Shawn Michaels and Cactus Jack retained the WWE Tag Team Championship.)
[Miss Jackie interfered against Shawn Michaels.]
Click here to see highlights.

The makeshift challengers threatened the champs, but ultimately could not take
home the gold.  In the backstage area, Edge was seen watching the result with
a big smile on his face.


Billy Kidman pinned Jeff Hardy with the Shooting Star Press in 0:08:52.
Rating: ****
[D-Von Dudley interfered against Jeff Hardy.]

Kidman picked up the win over Jeff Hardy, thanks in part to a spot of help from
D-Von Dudley.


Interview:
The Cruiserweight Challenger Announcement...
Click here to see highlights.

Rey Mysterio announces an intriguing match for the Cruiserweight Title to be
held at Vengeance.


Triple H pinned The Rock with the Pedigree in 0:12:11.
Rating: *** 1/2
Click here to see highlights.

High energy main event, with Triple H coming out on top to spoil the return of
the People's Champ.  After the match, Stone Cold ran down to ringside and hit
both men with the Stone Cold Stunner.



Card rating: *** 1/2


Match observations: 

So, a good night of action comes to a close.  We have seen The Rock return, and
a number of very interesting matches signed up for Vengeance.  The three way
match between Rock, HHH and Austin should be an absolute classic.  I can only
hope that they still have enough left in their tanks to make it a match to
remember for the fans.

Also signed is the rather special tag match for the Cruiserweight Title between
the Hardy Boyz and the team of Rey Mysterio and Billy Kidman.  If either Jeff
or Matt can pin Mysterio or make him submit, then whoever does it will become
the new Cruiserweight Champion.  However, if Mysterio and Kidman win, or either
Hardy Boy gets a fall over Kidman, then Mysterio will retain the gold.  Kidman
and Mysterio have no issues with co-existing, but Jeff and Matt run the risk of
fighting amongst themselves to see who gets the gold, if either of them at all.

One title that was retained tonight was the Tag Team Titles.  Cactus Jack and
Shawn Michaels defeated Rico and Val Venis, in a result that certainly pleased
Edge.  Will Venis now keep his promise to Edge that the two of them will look
to get another shot at the gold themselves?

After the WWE Champion Randy Orton got his chance to shine here tonight, on
Thursday we'll have the opportunity to see the challenger, Chris Benoit in
action.  Orton sent a clear message to Benoit tonight, so it'll be interesting
to see exactly how the Wolverine replies.

Next Show: Smackdown