Official Raw Thread (7-16-07): THE CHAMP IS BAAACK!

[KingofOldSchool]

With The Great American Bash less than a week away, Raw will heat up the American Bank Arena Monday night with a series of confrontations.

Tonight on Raw, Randy Orton will face a Rhodes - but it will be Cody Rhodes, the son of "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes. Last week, Dusty's youngest son angered the Legend Killer when he defended his father and slapped Orton across the face. Now, in his first match on Raw, Cody Rhodes will defend his father's honor. Will Orton have something up his sleeve and try to send a message one week before his Texas Bull Rope Match against the Dream at The Great American Bash?

For the first time since nearly being broken in half on Raw two weeks ago by Bobby Lashley’s spear, WWE Champion John Cena and the No. 1 contender will be back under the same roof. While away from Raw last week, Cena appeared via satellite and promised to address Lashley in Corpus Christi. What will The Champ have to say to his challenger as they head into their epic encounter at The Bash?

Another champion who will defend at The Bash is Women’s Champion Candice Michelle. The Candy-Coated Diva has been on an amazing roll of late, which includes winning the title from Melina at Vengeance: Night of Champions. Will either Diva gain any advantage just days before they face off over the championship? Can Candice continue to prove herself to be the golden Diva of WWE, or will Melina’s desire propel her to the top once more?

Find out the answers to all of these questions and more on Raw, Monday night at 9/8 CT on USA Network.