WWE RAW
Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania
December 8, 2008
Results thanks to pwtorch.com
The show started with a video package hyping the
top moments of the past year setting up tonight's Slammys award show. Live in
the arena, Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler introduced the show and hyped Chris
Jericho vs. Jeff Hardy as part of the Slammys Superstar of the Year battle. Jim
Ross and Tazz then hyped Triple H vs. Batista and back to Cole and Lawler to
hype John Cena vs. Edge.
On-stage: The dramatic Hall of Fame music hit, then they showed the Slammys
award statues on stage. Lilian Garcia then announced Maria and Festus as the
first presenters for the first award of Tag Team of the year. Maria tried to
introduce things, but Festus, who was sporting a tie over his overalls, wouldn't
co-operate with the teleprompter. Cue up the candidates of Carlito & Primo,
Priceless of DiBiase & Rhodes, Miz & John Morrison, and Cryme Tyme.
And the winner is...Miz & Morrison. Fans booed that one while Maria smirked.
Their music hit, then Miz and Morrison stormed out on stage and celebrated as if
they won the (insert cliched major sporting event). On stage, Miz and Morrison
had a brief tug-of-war for the trophy, then Morrison graciously accepted the
Slammy. Miz mocked Festus and moved his lip up and down while talking really
slow. He told Festus to get out of here, then he slowly walked off with Maria.
Morrison did his big acceptance speech thanking his mom, Chuck Norris, and other
folks. "Yes we can!" he shouted, comically channeling Barack Obama. Miz told him
to calm down and wipe away the tears, the Miz proclaimed them as the greatest
tag team of the 21st century. They paused to star off into the horizon. In life,
there are winners and losers. Be Jealous.
In-ring: They transitioned right into Morrison's in-ring entrance for a
semi-final #1 Contender to the IC Title tournament match. Backstage, William
Regal and Layla were shown watching on a monitor. Much bigger TV than in the
Main Event Mafia locker room. C.M. Punk then came out as the opposition. Also
tonight is Rey vs. Kofi in the tournament.
1 -- World tag team champion C.M. PUNK vs. JOHN MORRISON -- Final Four match in
#1 Contender to IC Title tournament
Basic exchange in the opening minute, then Punk knocked JMo to the outside and
hit a plancha. Cole less-than-emphatically sent us to break.
[Commercial Break]
[Q2]
Back from break, we found out that Morrison caused an injury to Punk's ankle.
Morrison then found himself up top when Punk crotched him and nailed an
absolutely crazy-looking huracanrana. He couldn't make the cover, but eventually
did for a nearfall. Punk tried to follow with a high knee and bulldog combo, but
his leg gave out. Morrison then nailed a spinning Russian legsweep for a two
count. Punk and Morrison battled for control, then they showed Regal watching
closely. Punk then wanted the G2S, but Morrison countered into a great victory
roll for a very close two count. Punk then wanted the G2S a second time and this
time he nailed Morrison square in the jaw for the pin and the win.
WINNER: Punk in 8:00 to advance to the finals. Heck of a match. Great finish,
starting with the sick top-rope huracanrana, then a couple of really great
nearfalls at the end. If Morrison stays on schedule, 2009 will be his year.
(**1/4)
Announcers: Cole and Lawler, who was dressed to the nines, talked about the John
Cena vs. Chris Jericho feud, with Jericho possibly crossing the line in taking
it to Cena. Cue up a video package recapping last week's Cena vs. Kane main
event, then climaxing with Randy Orton giving Cena the big horizontal implant
DDT off the stage to the floor before Jericho slapped on the Walls of Jericho
for the big finish.
Backstage: Todd Grisham brought in John Cena for an interview. Cena responded to
what happened last night by saying Jericho forget what the words Hustle,
Loyalty, and Respect mean. Cena then mocked Jericho's previous promo about his
son being a Cena fan. He said that while he was at home recovering from his neck
injury, his dog Lou would start cleaning himself and trying to throw up
everytime Jericho was on the show. So he banned his dog from watching Raw until
Armageddon, which is absolutely ridiculous.
Cena said he never intended to cause Chris Jericho grief at home with his son.
But, maybe his son saw Jericho become a smug little punk who needs his teeth
stuffed down his throat. Cena said that if the same thing that happened to him
last week happened to Jericho, he would be in the ring complaining and whining
and holding up the show. Cena said he's going to handle business by fighting
Jericho tonight. He gets a re-education of the word "respect" tonight!
[Commercial Break]
Slammys Award: Cryme Tyme and Candice Michelle came out on stage to present Best
Finishing move. Awkward exchange, then JTG said Stone Cold Stunner. Shad with
Rock Bottom. JTG with figure four leglock. Whoo! from the crowd. Shad with
Sharpshooter. Candice then asked who would like to see her best finishing
maneuver. Oh dear. Candidates for 2008: Taker's Hell's Gate, Randy Orton's RKO,
Evan Bourne's Shooting Star Press, or Big Show's Knockout Punch.
[Q3]
And the Slammy goes to...Candice realized the Slammy trophy had suddenly
disappeared. Shad then handed it off to JTG behind Candice's back before Candice
took it back. Cryme Tyme's music hit for some reason, then they left. Candice
then announced Evan Bourne for the Shooting Star Press as the winner. Nice. He
can't be here, though. Mike Knox is here instead! Knox came out and stared down
Candice, who tried to maintain a pleasant demeanor. Knox then accepted the award
and Candice walked off. Knox waited out the "You suck" chants while simply
standing there.
On stage: After Cole and Lawler talked about Knox being one of the reasons why
Bourne couldn't be here, Randy Orton's music hit and Orton walked out on stage
to complain and put on his boo-boo face. Kudos to Ross for that one. Orton
actually was out to complain about not being nominated for Superstar of the
Year. See, he beat everyone on the list. Orton took us back through Evolution
history to talk about Triple H and Batista turning on him out of sheer
jealously.
Now, those two face each other tonight. He'll beat Batista at Armageddon, and he
has an idea for tonight that Cody Rhodes, Manu, and himself are challenging them
to a two-on-three handicap match. Tonight? Tomorrow on ECW? At WrestleMania? Not
clear. He said the legacy is born tonight.
Raw tonight: Jericho vs. Hardy. And Cena vs. Edge. Lawler said it's a match you
used to only dream about. Um...they had like a really, really lengthy feud in
2006. Won a few awards. Kind of a big deal.
[Commercial Break]
In-ring: MVP was in the ring out of the break. A whole lot of talking going down
tonight 40 minutes into the show. MVP addressed Jimmy Rollins of the
Philadelphia Phillies, who was in the front row. He said it took Philly 25 years
to finally win a championship, which is ridiculous compared to his small losing
streak. He called the Phillies a fluke for winning the World Series and claimed
to be better than Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, and the whole city of Philly. Loud
boos against MVP. Suddenly, MVP's music hit again. Oh snap, it's MVHaas. Haas
was sporting the full MVP Power Rangers suit and doo-rag. Lilian announced him
as MVC for Most Valuable Charlie. Haas did a ballin' pose before dropping the
sunglasses and focusing on the bandage strip on his nose.
2 -- MVP vs. MVCHARLIE
MVP went to work on Haas in center ring while they showed Jimmy Rollins watching
closely from the front row. Ross and Tazz calling this one, by the way. Fans
chanted for "MVC" as Haas fought back with elbow strikes. MVP then caught him
with a thrust chop and smash across his knee. MVP then dropped a ballin' elbow
drop for a two count. MVP then unceremoniously dumped Haas to the floor before
dropping him across the guardrail.
MVP dumped Haas back into the ring, but took some time to trash talk to Rollins.
Back in the ring, Haas fired up with a big comeback before attempting his own
ballin' drop, but MVP got his knees up to block. MVP then wanted the Chono Boot
in the corner, but Haas ducked and rolled up MVP for the pin and the win.
Afterward, Rollins smirked at MVP, who came up shocked.
WINNER: MVC in 3:00. Nice, simple match continuing MVP's losing streak.
Rollins's involvement was well-done as he wasn't completely over-the-top playing
his role. (*)
[Q4]
Slammys: ECW champion Matt Hardy and ECW assistant to the GM Tiffany came out on
stage for the next award. Hardy was looking very dapper in a pinstripe suit.
Meanwhile, Tiffany was sporting a very sparkly blue dress. Hardy said they're in
the birthplace of Extreme, which set off a mini E-C-dub chant. Hardy and Tiffany
introduced Most Extreme Moment of the Year. Candidates: Cena and JBL's parking
lot brawl. Oh, how horribly cheesy that was. Undertaker's crash landing vs. Edge
that put Edge into temporary retirement. Jericho puts Shawn Michaels through the
Jeritron. Jeff Hardy comes off the Titantron with a Swanton Bomb on Randy Orton.
And the Slammy goes to...Matt's smile gave it away...Jeff Hardy. Hardy's music
hit to a huge reaction, then Hardy came out on stage and celebrated for the
fans. Jeff walked over to his brother and accepted the trophy with a hug. Jeff
then approached the podium mic and waited out the cheers and "Hardy, Hardy"
chant before addressing the audience. Jeff said it started on a trampoline in
N.C. He said he doesn't care how he leaves Armageddon, but he's leaving as WWE
champion. Matt clapped it up, then Jeff walked onto stage and breathed a deep
sigh before walking to the ring for his match. They showed a little girl
sporting the Jeff forearm sleeves doing his pose. Cutest Moment of the Year
right there. Chris Jericho then came out as the opposition. Up next...
[Commercial Break]
3 -- JEFF HARDY vs. CHRIS JERICHO
All four announcers were on this broadcast as they returned from commercial with
the action already in progress. Jericho playfully slapped around Jeff before
dumping him to the floor and wiping his hands of Jeff. Jeff, who was without the
crazy face paint tonight, eventually made his way back into the ring where
Jericho slapped on a modified rear naked choke.
[Q5 -- second hour]
Cole announced Striker & Grisham as the Announcers of the Year team and Lawler
was beside himself. "What? Who?!" he said. Ross took the high road and
congratulated them. Lawler sarcastically added that they must be that good since
they're not here. Back to the action where Jericho and Jeff battled up top
before Jeff missed with a top rope Swanton Bomb. Jericho then nailed a Lionsault
into a cover for a two count. Jericho went for the Walls of Jericho, but Jeff
countered into a roll-up for a two count.
Jeff made his full comeback with a back heel kick before calling an audible into
nailing the top rope Whisper in the Wind for a two count. Jeff asked for the
crowd support, then he stalked Jericho and wanted the Twist of Fate. Jericho
countered the move, though, and spun Hardy right into the codebreaker in center
ring. Jericho made the cover and scored a clean pin for the win. Wow.
WINNER: Jericho in 6:00 of TV time. That's quite the surprise to see Hardy lose
clean to Jericho. I suppose you just wouldn't expect to see two #1 contenders
booked in a TV match with a clean finish six days before a PPV. But, it
certainly made Jericho look strong heading into the match against Cena. WWE
apparently decided a strong heel Jericho was more important than a strong
babyface Hardy for selling a PPV. (**)
Post-match: Jericho quickly slipped out of the ring and looked around the arena
wondering if John Cena was going to get him. Jericho slowly backed up the
entranceramp then smirked when he felt secure.
Backstage: Orton, Cody, and Manu were shown walking out of a locker room. Orton
smirked, then the camera zoomed in on the nameplate: Stephanie McMahon.
[Commercial Break]
ECW promo: Henry & Atlas vs. Finlay & Hornswoggle.
Slammys: Couple of the Year award time, then Kelly Kelly and Kane were brought
out as the presenters. Well, Kelly came out by herself. Kane's music then hit,
and Kane slowly walked out on stage not particularly thrilled with this
opportunity. There's a lot of K's here. Kelly tried to talk to Kane, who stared
her down, then recapped his past relationship experience that ended with him
Tombstoning a priest. That got a laugh. Candidates: Glamarella of Santino & Beth
Phoenix, Edge & Vickie G., William Regal & Layla, and Finlay & Hornswoggle. ???
And the Slammy goes to...Edge & Vickie Guerrero. Loud boos for that. Vickie then
walked out on stage sporting a neckbrace and beside herself with joy over the
decision. Kelly and Kane departed, then Vickie shouted, "Excuse me!" that drew
more boos. And more boos every time she repeated herself. So great. Vickie said
Edge and her have been through so much the past year. Even more boos. Wow, the
heat on this is crazy. Vickie said this award shows that true love prevails. On
behalf of her hubby, Edge, they accept this. "We did it, baby!" she shouted.
Vickie walked off, then Santino's music hit. Santino and Beth walked out and
Santino was not happy, as evidenced by the hands on his hips. Santino made a
boo-boo face, then he went to the podium and said you gotta be kidding me.
Santino said Vickie is like how-you-say Cougar of the Year. He said Beth never
loved me, hated me, and tried to have Undertaker send me to a-hell. Santino then
challenged any of the other couples to a match tonight. This is even after
injuring his ah scrotumicism region. Oh my. Santino then led Beth to the ring.
[Q6]
[Commercial Break]
In-ring: Santino and Beth were still warming up out of the break, then after a
pause for Santino to stretch to his scrotumicism region, Finlay's music hit. Out
came Finlay and Hornswoggle for a warm-up match before ECW. Before the bell
sounded, Santino showed off his unibrow to mock Santino. Finlay then put a green
derby on Beth, who slowly dropped it and stepped on it.
She then slapped Finlay across the face, so Finlay smacked Santino hard across
the face. Santino bailed to the floor to complain, then Beth told him to get his
head back in this. Santino said he has this one. Beth shouted that he
embarrassed her. Santino lowered the ropes, though, and insisted he start this
one.
4 -- SANTINO & Women's champion BETH PHOENIX vs. FINLAY & HORNSWOGGLE
Finlay worked on Santino to start things off, then Hornswoggle tagged in and
battled Santino while Santino was on his knees. Hornswoggle executed a lift-up
DDT, then he went up top and hit a tadpole splash clear across the ring. Horny
with the cover on Santino for the win as Beth could only watch from the apron in
disdain. Afterward, Beth tried to rub Santino's belly and tell him it would be
all right. Santino sold a neck injury.
WINNERS: Finlay & Hornswoggle in 2:00. A bit, well, a lot unbelievable with
Hornswoggle scoring the pin. But, Santino's greatness in this segment >
suspension of disbelief. (n/a)
Slammys: With Beth still consoling Santino in the ring, Melina and Teddy Long
were introduced to announce Diva of the Year. Melina talked about beauty,
talent, and athleticism defining a diva. Teddy added that they hot. And the
nominees are Beth Phoenix, Mickie James, Kelly Kelly, or Michelle McCool.
And the Slammy goes to...Melina's smile disappeared...she announced Beth Phoenix
as the winner. They cut to the ring where Beth was trying to hold up Santino in
the ring. She then comically dropped Santino like a bad habit and ran to the
ring to accept the Slammy from Melina. Beth smiled, then looked deep into
Melina's eyes with a crazy look in her eyes. Beth accepted on behalf of all the
dominant divas across the world.
Beth then stared down Melina before giving her a playful shove. Melina took a
step, then in her evening gown, landed a straight forearm smash. They brawled on
stage for a few moments. Santino found himself on stage trying to assist, but
Melina pushed Beth down and Beth went straight into Santino's scrotumicism
region. Beth pause, then realized the error and tried to help Santino, who
screamed like a girl and sold that he was going to throw up while bent over at
the waist.
Announcers: Cole and Lawler confirmed that Batista vs. Hunter has been changed
to Batista & Hunter vs. Orton & Cody & Manu tonight.
[Q7]
[Commercial Break]
Slammys: Presenting the OMG Moment of the Year, Alicia Fox and Joey Styles came
out to D.J. Gabriel's theme music. Joe E. Styles waited for Alicia to stop
dancing, then awkwardness ensued as Alicia introduced the category. Styles then
issued his trademark "Oh My God!" saying. After a very lengthy pause, Alicia
said it's no wonder he was taken off TV. Styles seemed to just want to soak up
the moment forever, with some "E-C-W" chants in the background.
Candidates: C.M. Punk cashes in MITB to win the World Title. Taker sends Edge to
hell. Big Show punches out Mayweather. John Cena returns at the Royal Rumble.
And the Slammy goes to...C.M. Punk. Punk came out on stage sporting a little
hoodie and t-shirt combo before accepting the award. Punk said he is wearing
pants, by the way. He said this has been his miracle year, then recapped his
history of title successes. Punk thanked Batista for the assist on the title
victory and Edge for being in the right place at the right time.
Punk pulled out a piece of paper to thank a ton of random folks. Scotty Goldman
(Colt Cabana) got a plug. Mike Schmidt and Rocky Balboa turned him back babyface
after the Philly audience was growing restless. Punk then went backstage and
tried to grab Styles for one more rendition of the OMG shout-out. After another
awkward long pause, Styles re-emerged but said he wouldn't do it. Punk was
turning red up there. He then reminded Styles they're in Philadelphia. Joey
finally did his "Oh My God!" saying one more time.
In-ring: Punk's World tag team champion partner Kofi Kingston then came out on
stage and gave some love to Punk before going to the ring for his IC Title
tournament contender match. Rey Mysterio came out as the opposition while they
recapped Rey suffering ligament damage to his wrist on last week's Raw at the
hands of Knoxy, but he still beat Miz in the tournament.
5 -- World tag team champion KOFI KINGSTON vs. REY MYSTERIO -- Final Four match
in #1 Contender to IC Title tournament
Winner gets Punk at Armageddon in the finals of the tournament. They showed IC
champion William Regal watching with Layla backstage. Kofi quickly targeted the
injured wrist and tried to wear down Rey doing a sort of seated row hold you
would normally see in the weight room. Kofi continued to wear down Rey, then he
ducked underneath a leaping splash and quickly rolled up Kofi with a pinning
combination for a sudden pin and the win.
Afterward, Rey waited for Kofi to get up, then he shook his hand and offered him
congrats on a solid match. Kofi was frustrated, but he gave it up for Rey and
walked out of the ring. So, it's Rey vs. Punk at the PPV. First-time ever.
WINNER: Rey in 3:00. Surprisingly short match with a surprise finish that caught
me off guard. Kofi is still trying to find his groove on Raw where the writers
don't seem to know what to do with him. (*)
[Commercial Break]
[Q8]
Slammys: Eve Torres and Mr. Kennedy came out as the presenters for Match of the
Year. Kennedy, sporting his white goatee to match his frosty-top hair, said Eve
is looking good tonight. They hyped the MOTY category before Kennedy quipped
that every match involving a certain someone is a MOTY contender. The house mic
then dropped from the ceiling and Kennedy announced himself before Eve finished
it off.
Nominees are Money in the Bank from WrestleMania 24, this year's Royal Rumble
match with Cena vs. Hunter in the final two, Undertaker vs. Edge from Summerslam
in HIAC, and Shawn Michaels vs. Ric Flair from WM 24. They included Flair's
quote "I will never wrestle in this ring again" in the video package. And the
Slammy goes to... Michaels vs. Flair.
Shawn Michaels came out dressed in street clothes and he accepted the award from
Eve. Michaels waited out the crowd reaction, then said he doesn't know where to
begin on this one. He said he's been part of some of the most unforgettable
matches and moments in WWE, but his match against Flair at WM will always hold a
very special place in his heart. Crowd did a ton of "Whoos" as Michaels talked
up Flair. He said he knows Flair is watching, so what he said at the end of
their match is true. "I do love you," Michaels said. He said this award will
always be a wonderful reminder.
JBL then interrupted to a ton of boos and grabbed the award from Michaels. He
said that on behalf of Michaels, he accepts this award. Michaels looked
dejectedly at the floor before JBL simply walked off with the award in hand.
Michaels was left standing there, then he grabbed the award envelope and looked
around as they faded to commercial.
[Commercial Break]
In-ring: Batista came to the ring a few minutes short of the top of the hour for
the three-on-two handicap match. Triple H then came out for his full ring intro.
Looks quite odd not seeing the WWE Title belt around his waist. Hunter and
Batista slapped hands, then Randy Orton slowly led out Cody Rhodes and Manu at
the top of the hour.
[Q9 -- third hour]
6 -- TRIPLE H & BATISTA vs. RANDY ORTON & MANU & CODY RHODES
Michael Cole gave us a history lesson on Evolution before the bell sounded and
Darque Tan Hunter went after Cody. Batista then came in off a tag and worked on
Cody. Hunter and Batista then cleared Cody and Manu to the floor. Orton tried to
slither in the back door, but Hunter and Batista turned around and Orton
slithered right back out of the ring to pick his spot. Everyone wins. Hunter and
Batista retain their Alpha Male status and Orton plays up his opportunistic
chickens--- heel. Cut to break.
[Commercial Break]
Back from break, Orton was stomping a Ronny Garvin mudhole in Triple H, who then
fought back from his knees until Orton slapped on a sleeper into the fallaway
backbreaker. Umaga...er...Manu then came in with a diving headbutt on Hunter.
Hunter finally broke away from the heels at 9:00 and made his hot tag to
Batista, who cleaned house on everyone. Manu took a spinebuster in center ring,
then he charged up for a Batistabomb, but Cody came off the top, so Batista
threw Manu into Cody. Batista was left in center ring, then Orton blind-tagged
himself into the match.
Orton tried to sneak-attack Batista with the RKO, but Batista shoved Orton into
Hunter, who nailed a clothesline. Hunter cleared the heels, or so he thought.
Batista then wanted the Batistabomb on Orton, but Cody hit Batista in the back
from out of nowhere. Orton then went right into the RKO on Batista, who was bent
over after having taking the back smash. Oh sick. Orton with the pin and the win
on Orton. Afterward, Hunter was stunned as he helped Batista. Orton then posed
on the floor with Cody and Manu before giving an evil stare back at Hunter and
Batista.
WINNERS: Team Orton in 10:00. Heck of a finish from Orton. They were playing
right into the traditional (insert Batista or Hunter) formula match of beating a
stacked deck following a furious finish, but WWE pulling the rug out from under
the audience with Cody surprisingly competent and Orton picking up the win
worked really well. All those stacked-deck wins actually led to something in
this match. (**1/4)
[Q10]
[Commercial Break]
DVD promo: They aired a lengthy trailer for Mr. Kennedy in Behind Enemy Lines.
DVD "premieres" Jan. 6. I think I'll walk into Walmart that day and ask the
greeter for a bag of popcorn and a box of M&Ms before asking to see him/her to
show me to the premiere of the movie. Maybe they'll air it on the display TV in
the electronics section.
Slammys: Time for the Damn! Moment of the Year hosted by Mickie James and Ron
Simmons. Simmons was sporting a nice jacket over his "Damn!" t-shirt. Mickie did
the set up, then Ron surveyed the audience before deciding whether to unbutton
his jacket. Nominees are Khali's Kiss Cam, C.M. Punk surprising Chavo Guerrero
in a Mariachi outfit, Jim Ross in a sailor suit, or Santino injuring the scrotum
region last week.
And the Slammy goes to...Khali Kiss Cam. Oh joy. Cue up the Khali theme music,
then Khali gingerly limped out on stage sporting a very nice suit. Meanwhile,
Runjin Singh's sideburns matched his tie. Khali cut a promo in his language,
then Singh said awards are a frivolous thing and they shouldn't be so consumed
by material possessions. Singh then translated that Khali believes they should
focus on the depletion of natural resources so our kids will have a bright
future. Khali then lifted his arms in the air and said "Blah!!!!" Lawler
suggested Khali has gone green.
Khali started to leave, but then he spotted Mickie. They went for an embrace and
a potential kiss because of Khali's unexplainable magnetism, but Jillian Hall
cut it off from off stage and started singing. I know that song. Is it Celine
Dion with the Titanic theme? Yep, sure is. Howard Finkel and Kung Fu Naki then
showed up on stage and did a hand-waving with Jillian. Hacksaw Duggan and Sgt.
Slaughter then showed up waving American flags. Meanwhile, Mickie hopped into
Khali's arms and they played tonsil hockey. Mickie was a little too into it.
Simmons then shouted "Damn!" and everyone stopped. Khali shrugged his shoulders,
then he walked off with Mickie.
[Commercial Break]
[Q11]
Announcers: After a video package aired on Jericho taking out Cena at the end of
last week's show, Cole and Lawler talked about Cena vowing to return the favor
tonight. But, Cena vs. Edge up later.
Arena: Suddenly, R-Truth's music hit and R-Truth showed up in the arena rapping
after winning the Slammy for best musical performance, announced on WWE's
website. Killings rapped through the stands to the ringside area for the buffer
segment before the main event. He asked Philadelphia what's up, then Dolph
Ziggler showed up as the opposition. Ziggs is billed as being from Hollywood.
7 -- DOLPH ZIGGLER vs. R-TRUTH
Ziggler wanted to introduce himself to Truth, but Truth did a slight gyration
that set off Zigg, who punched him in the face. Truth came right back with an
open-hand slap of his own before landing a European uppercut. Ziggler then
dumped Killings onto the second rope and some object went flying along with
Killings to the floor. Jim Ross then chimed in that he met Dolph Ziggler eight
times today. All four announcers chatted about Dolph being impressive against
Batista last week, then Dolph went to work on Truth. Fans became restless as
Dolph settled into a chinlock. Killings suddenly smashed Dolph sternum-first
into the top turnbuckle after reversing a whip to the corner.
Killings dumped Ziggler to the floor, then he went for a slingshot dive that
caught Ziggler flush. They picked up a battle on the floor while the ref applied
his ten count. Truth then smashed Ziggler with an uppercut at eight, but Ziggler
hit his now-trademark step-up enziguiri kick on Killings at nine that KO'ed the
Truth. Ziggler slipped into the ring just before ten to pick up the win. Ziggler
then introduced himself as the winner afterward.
WINNER: Dolph Ziggler via countout in 4:00. Tough spot to be in on the card, but
Ziggler looked equally-impressive as last week. Crowd was into the character
enough to boo him post-match, so that's much better than standard silence. Good
development. (*)
[Commercial Break]
Slammys: Stephanie McMahon was at the podium to announce the Superstar of the
Year. Nominees are Jeff Hardy, Chris Jericho, Batista, Edge, hubby Triple H, and
John Cena. And the Slammy goes to...Chris Jericho. A little twist there. Jericho
then slowly strolled out stage in his heel villain suit while checking over his
shoulder for Cena. Jericho cautiously accepted the award, Steph disappeared,
then Jericho surveyed the booing audience. He then stopped mid-first-sentence
and walked to the ring with trophy in hand.
[Q12]
Entering the final quarter hour of the show, Jericho stepped into the ring and
surveyed the crowd surrounding the ring with a sneer. He said he's extremely
ecstatic that none of the people were allowed to cast a vote for these awards
because they are all mindless sheep steered into whatever direction they are
told to go. Jericho said he knew he was winning this because he is the best in
the world today. He started to list his accolades accrued over the past 12
months and vowed to regain the World Title from John Cena at Armageddon on
Sunday.
Jericho paused and said he's also lost something in the midst of victories. See,
there's Shawn Michaels. He lost an identity. He lost the persona he created just
to please the people. It was an albatross hung around his neck for a decade and
losing it was one of the best feelings of his life. Jericho said he was becoming
what Cena is today: a crowd-pleasing sycophant. He said the fans are lying
hypocrites, so he can't think of a better way to close out 2008 by defeating and
destroying Cena this Sunday.
Suddenly, John Cena's music hit and the crowd erupted as Cena walked out on
stage with the World Title in hand. He then charged the ring and Jericho bailed
to the floor. Jericho disappeared into the crowd, then Cena stood sternly
ringside looking toward where Jericho went. Cena then had to turn his attention
to Edge, as his music hit and he walked out on stage with the WWE Title around
his waist. Edge then slid into the ring and stared down Cena while the
announcers plugged Raw in Pittsburgh next week. Ticket sales must be slow. Cena
and Edge then stared each other down before the bell sounded.
8 -- World Hvt. champion JOHN CENA (Raw) vs. WWE champion EDGE (SD) -- non-title
champion vs. champion match
The bell sounded and both men charged at each other before Cena dumped Edge over
the top rope to the floor with a clothesline. Edge checked himself as they cut
to break.
[Commercial Break]
Back from break, Edge was working on Cena on the mat. Great to hear Jim Ross
doing the majority of play-by-play here like an old school Raw. Cena battled
back at 6:00, then he did a flip-over neckbreaker before Edge cut him off. Edge
then backed into the corner and wanted the spear, but Cena charged Edge with a
big shoulder tackle setting up his comeback. Cena set up for the Five Knuckle
Shuffle, which drew a loud mixed reaction, then he dropped the smash. Cena
wanted to follow with the FU, but Edge slipped out. And a second time.
Cena then flipped Edge over and wanted the FU a third time, only to have Edge
counter into a roll-up for a two count. Cena then caught Edge in center ring
with a drop toe hold intot he STFU. Suddenly, Cena dropped the hold and ran to
the floor where Chris Jericho was. Ref threw the match out as Cena and Jericho
began fighting on the floor. They spilled over the guardrail to the ringside
area.
WINNER: No Contest in 8:00. Hot finish led to an expected non-finish leading to
the PPV. Post-match took precedence here... (**)
[Q13 -- over-run]
Post-match: The camera cut back to Edge, who was then attacked by Triple H.
Hunter jumped Edge, but then Jeff Hardy stormed the ring and dropkicked Hunter
from behind. Chaos broke loose, then Hunter recovered and dumped Hardy to the
outside. Hunter with a spinebuster on Edge before clotheslining him over the top
rope to the floor. Hunter stood tall in the ring, then Hardy flew off the ring
steps with a dropkick onto Edge on the floor. Hunter stared down to ringside as
Edge collapsed on the stage. Hardy then walked up the ramp and stared back
toward Hunter, who remained in the ring by himself. The announcers then recapped
all of the proceedings in the main event while speculating on where in the world
Cena and Jericho ended up. Hardy and Hunter were shown staring at each other
from a distance to close the show. Final shot of Hunter, of course.