The show opened with new Raw General Manager Mike Adamle addressing the audience. Adamle admitted to being a sub par broadcaster, but expressed optimism about his ability to run a decent brand. John Bradshaw Layfield and Chris Jericho interrupted their boss’ speech, as each proceeded to deliver their pitch for a World Title shot at SummerSlam. Adamle resolved the issue by signing a Handicap Match pitting JBL and Jericho against World Champion CM Punk, with the stipulations being that whomever pinned Punk would receive the title opportunity at SS. Adamle appeared on the TitanTron before the bout began and added a ten-minute time limit, stating that the PPV match would become a Triple Threat title defense should the clock expire. Punk smelled victory several times with a number of near-falls on both of his opponents, but was eventually pinned by JBL when Layfield fell on top of the Raw kingpin after Jericho snapped Bradshaw's across the top rope.

SummerSlam rivals John Cena and Batista teamed up to challenge Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase for the World Tag Team Championship. This was a very good match, which ended with The Animal dominating and Batista Bombing DiBiase for the victory. I was hoping that Rhodes and DiBiase would retain on a fluke here due to dissension in the opposing camp, as the youngsters need the titles and a big win far more than Cena and Batista. I suppose the Champions could drop the straps in a rematch next week to help set up SummerSlam, but why take them off of Rhodes and DiBiase to begin with?

Shawn Michaels was interviewed via satellite from San Antonio, Texas. HBK said that he plans to follow doctors’ advice regarding his eye injury and announced a live appearance for SummerSlam to address the future of his career.

In other news, Jamie Noble came to Layla’s rescue after the Diva’s dance session was interrupted by William Regal and Mike Adamle promised to reveal the contents of Kane’s burlap bag next Monday night.

This was an entertaining show, although I’m still not sold on Mike Adamle as GM. He lacks the charisma necessary for such a role and sounds almost robotic during promos. Perhaps he will develop more personality over time, but for now I stand by my original opinion that placing Adamle in such a prominent on-camera position was a terrible decision.

Match Results: Intercontinental Champion Kofi Kingston over Paul Burchill via pinfall … Women’s Champion Mickie James over Katie Lea Burchill via pinfall … John Bradshaw Layfield and Chris Jericho over World Champion CM Punk in a Handicap Match via JBL’s pinfall on Punk. The victory earned JBL a World Championship opportunity against Punk at SummerSlam … Kane over Matt Striker via pinfall … John Cena and Batista over World Tag Team Champions Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase to win the titles via Batista’s pinfall on DiBiase.
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