We open with a recap of the WWE title match at Vengeance 8 days ago. Raw has a new opening montage to go along with "To Be Loved", reflecting the new faces who've arrived in the last month.

First out of the gate is Mr. Ken Kennedy, who's dressed for action, meaning he's been activated from the disabled list, and he's not alone. Lillian Garcia is back as well, and looking as fly as ever. Kennedy uses the fans as scapegoats for his losing the Money in the Bank contract a few weeks back. It's a cheap way of keeping himself heel, but it's effective. Unfortunately for Kennedy, his reverie is interrupted by Da Champ himself, John Cena, who takes the time to formally introduce himself and welcome Kennedy to Monday Night Raw. He's also making fun of Kennedy, calling him all sorts of funny names. Good stuff. In due course, King Booker & Queen Sharmell, Randy Orton, & Bobby Lashley all are out. With the exception of Kennedy (replacing Mick Foley), we may have a repeat of that Vengeance main event. Ah, but that's not gonna happen. William Regal is serving as interim GM tonight, with Jon Coachman "on holiday" (the British slang for vacation), and sets up a series of Beat the Clock matches for tonight. The winner with the fastest time will also take part in a contract signing later tonight to face Cena later this month at the Great American Bash.

Randy Orton vs. Jeff Hardy. Kennedy, Booker, & Lashley now have a tough act to follow. A hot opener sets the pace for the rest of the night. Orton went for pinfalls immediately, hoping to ensure his spot by getting it done, and fast. It isn't going to happen, unfortunately. Hardy hit the Whisper in the Wind for 2. Set up for the Twist of Fate, but Orton countered that with a one-handed RKO and garned the win. Winner: Randy Orton in 7:06 via pinfall.

Melina vs. Maria . Maria got minimal offense in, but the former champ was in a full-on bad mood. Post-match, Melina confronted Candice and started a fight, only to get left lying after Candi tossed her into the barrier. Winner: Melina.

Vidpack is shown of Triple H. The Cerebral Assassin is on his way back, and has his eyes on the prize.

Backstage, Dusty Rhodes introduces son Cody to Hacksaw Jim Duggan, who points out the shiner on Cody's eye (from a weekend match in OVW vs. Shawn Spears, no doubt). Duggan leaves, and Randy Orton shows up. Typical Orton, running his mouth and showing no respect to Dusty. He slaps the Dream, who has to get between Cody & Randy.

We're reminded of how Santino Marella defeated Umaga in Milan, Italy back in April. Back to the locker room, and Santino is looking in on his honey, Maria, who has an icepack after her match. She's understandably worried, but Marella points out that there are people who don't take him seriously, so he issued the challenge to Umaga, to prove he can beat the Samoan Bulldozer one-on-one. He leaves, then comes back to give Maria a kiss on the cheek.

Santino Marella vs. Umaga (Intercontinental title). Marella had his moments, but the end came when he went upstairs, only to have a attempted crossbody block converted into a Samoan drop in mid-move. Butt splash, Samoan Spike, ballgame. Umaga gets the IC belt back, but now who gets pushed to try to stop him? Winner & new IC champion: Umaga.

King Booker vs. Val Venis. JR & the King alternate calling Booker as "King Booker" and "Booker T", largely because of the "T" on the front of his tights. Standard Venis JTTS match, if you follow Heat on the website. He gets some of his offense in, but not the Blue Thunder suplex-bomb. Booker hits a reverse thrust kick to the gut to set up the axe kick, and moves into position to become the #1 contender. Told you Orton's time wouldn't last. Winner: King Booker in 4:30 via pinfall.

Mr. Kennedy vs. Super Crazy. I have to quote Hemingway again. The best laid plans of mice & men often go astray, and they do for Kennedy in his first match back. Apparently, he's not ready to go full bore just yet, so this match is over in a hurry. Kennedy pauses to talk trash, claiming he was disrespected by Crazy, but he makes the mistake of turning his back on Crazy, who schoolboys him for the surprise pinfall. Winner: Super Crazy.

King Booker has also gotten some inside info, and is meeting with Shelton Benjamin, who will face Bobby Lashley in tonight's main event. Booker promises a title shot, which guarantees that Benjamin is SO doing the J-O-B. Meanwhile, Todd Grisham conducts a brief interview with Dusty, who challenges Orton for next week. Speaking of doing jobs.....! Carlito is backstage with Jillian complaining about facing Sandman, who just happens to show up. Carlito spits chewed apple in Sandman's face, so the Extreme Icon reciprocates by spitting beer (what else?). Carlito clears his eyes, and finds Sandman is gone, replaced by Ron Simmons (who else?). DAMN!!!

Carlito vs. Sandman. 1st meeting between these two. Not much to write home about, though, given the time constraints. Carlito decided to grab Sandman's Singapore cane, but was intercepted by ref Marty Elias. Sandman in turn claimed his weapon, feeling dissed by Carlito, snatched the cane right back and whacked Carlito right in the center of his chia pet 'do. Elias called for the bell immediately, but Carlito didn't feel like a winner.Winner: Carlito via DQ.

Bobby Lashley vs. Shelton Benjamin. Benjamin spent too much time stalling, hoping to keep his end of the bargain and give Booker the #1 contender's position. Unfortunately, they learned nothing from Kennedy's folly. Benjamin seemed to have things going his way, though. He avoided the Shock Treatment and the Dominator 2.0, but his attempt at a twisting crossbody move turned into a mid-air spear from Lashley. End of story. Winner: Bobby Lashley in 4:06 via pinfall.

William Regal is back to officiate the contract signing. Lashley's out first, followed by Cena. Cena says he's looking forward to the match, and so is Lashley. Kennedy & Booker are back, but are quickly beaten back. No sooner than Cena signs the contract, however, than Lashley blindsides him with a spear. This doesn't mean that Lashley's turning heel. They've got too many of those on the Raw roster now as it is.