(screen captures | digitals)Raw Opening
Chris Jericho and Randy Orton were standing in the ring together dressed for some business. Jericho said himself and Orton feel HBK working with JBL in last week's fatal four-way match went against the rules of every man for himself. Jericho said they have formally filed a protest about what happened last week. Orton said his piece, then Jericho picked up the promo that they will not leave this ring until a proper decision is made.

Michaels entered the ring first and held his head low as JBL did the talking. He said Orton and Jericho would have done the exact same thing he did if they had the resources he has. Jericho said they don't deal with indecent and immoral people. He then went right up to Michaels and asked him what he thinks about being a sell-out and a phony, especially when it turns out he was right from their program months ago.

Michaels took the mic and said the one thing that allows him to sleep at night and not be sickened with himself is that he personally made sure Orton and Jericho would not fight for the World championship. Orton said HBK can justify it all he wants, but HBK took a turn for his worst. And it turns out Ric Flair's career was ended by a weak, pathetic sell-out. The same of it all, Shawn, is that once their protest is heard, the decision will be over-turned tonight.

Stephanie McMahon then showed up on stage and said the fact of the matter is that HBK was hit by the Clothesline from Hell last week and their complaint is invalid. She said JBL will go on to face John Cena for the title at the Rumble. Stephanie said her decision stands, but Jericho and Orton can take solace in the fact they have been entered in the Rumble.

Jericho snapped back that it's obvious they should be in the Rumble, but Michaels doesn't deserve to be in the Rumble, especially if you don't want him to poison the match just like he did last week. Michaels had his puppy-dog face, then JBL stepped in - interrupting Stephanie - and said Michaels will be in his corner when he defeats Cena for the World Title and that will be his only function.

Stephanie paused to make sure JBL knew he interrupted her, then booked a tag match for tonight. Jericho & Orton vs. Michaels & John Cena, the opponent for JBL at the Rumble. Michaels tried to fight back tears of frustration as the announcers then plugged Regal vs. Punk for the IC Title later tonight.

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