Raw Report 12/3/2007
Submitted by Donny Anderson on Monday, December 3, 2007 at 11:10 PM EST
Raw Report 12/3/2007
We begin with a recap of Ric Flair's and Chris Jericho's storylines, respectively. A pretty great montage to kick off the show, as the WWE presents Raw LIVE from Charleston, South Carolina on the USA Network!
"Break the Walls Down" hits and we are live as Chris Jericho comes out and comes down to the ring to a massive pop from the crowd. Jericho grabs the mic and welcomes us to Raw is Jericho. He says he has one goal, and that's to become the new WWE champ. Jericho said he couldn't get a title match by beating Santino, or just asking for it, but he had to get under Orton's skin. He manipulated Orton and he got his title shot at Armageddon, that he found out through WWE Mobile. We get a recap of what happened off the air last week, with Orton accepting Jericho's challenge. Randy asks Jericho who's going to save him from the worst beatdown of his life. Jericho, back live, says to tell everyone - text all your friends- and let them know that Y2J will be the new world champion.
Orton's music hits, and he comes down to the ring to face off with Jericho. Orton grabs a mic and says that everything is always about Jericho. He thinks he got under Randy's skin, but Orton's not giving him a title shot for that - he's giving him a title shot because he can beat Jericho, like he beat HBK and Cena. Y2J says he used to brag about beating Stone Cold and the Rock, but that means nothing now. Jericho says he's been watching Randy, and he's grown into being the best in the world, but he's also devious, violent, and vicious. Jericho says he is all of that too, and he'll beat him at Armageddon. Orton says since we're being honest, he doesn't like Jericho one bit, and if he wanted to, he'd wipe the smirk off Y2J's face without breaking a sweat. Jericho gets ready to fight, but Regal's music interrupts. He says he doesn't want the main event for Armageddon yet. No, tonight, Orton and Jericho get to choose each other's opponents tonight. After being asked, Orton tells Jericho he's facing someone he's never faced before: Umaga. Jericho goes the opposite route, and goes with someone Orton has faced many times before. Jericho picks Shawn Michaels!
-commercial break-
Maria and Mickie James v. Melina and Beth Phoenix
Melina and Maria start off, with Maria counter a clothesline with a drop toe hold, and going for a pin. Melina kicks out, and takes down Maria. After a few hard shots, Melina tags in Beth, who powers Maria into her own corner. Maria tags in Mickie. Mickie and Beth go toe to toe, with Mickie coming out the winner. Mickie gets on the top rope, kicks away Melina, who tried to interfere, and gets pulled to the mat by Beth. Beth goes on the offense, and beats Mickie down, before hitting the delayed fisherman's suplex. Beth covers, and this one is over.
Your Winners: Beth Phoenix and Melina
Match Rating: B (It was fun, at least. Short and to the point as well, which is always good for a divas match. It certainly sets up the Women's title match at Armageddon, with Mickie being the capable underdog.)
Todd Grisham is in the back with HBK. HBK cuts him off mid-sentence, and says that the more things change, the more they stay the same. He says that the title is not on the line, but Sweet Chin Music is legal. Kennedy interupts from a screen behind HBK. Kennedy says that what Shawn should do is focus on his match at Armegeddon. Kennedy says that the more things change, the more they stay the same. Kennedy says that coming up next, in the center of the ring, is a blast from the past, and it just may break Shawn's heart.
-commercial break-
Kennedy's music hits, and the best thing to come out of Green Bay not named Favre comes down to the ring and grabs the mic. He says Shawn will want to watch this, as he's gone ahead and invited three of his closest friends and rivals to have a discussion. Kennedy wants to know more about Shawn. First, he calls out Shawn's old partner... Marty Jannetty! (It is obviously NOT Marty Jannetty. It's an imposter in a bad wig.) Next, Kennedy calls out Shawn's opponent in the greatest ladder match of all time, Razor Ramon! (Again, an imposter.) The Razor impersonator says "Hey Yo." Kennedy thanks him for showing up tonight. (ouch!) Next is Big Daddy Cool Diesel! (aaaannnd another imposter... this one looks more like Charles Manson than Big Kev).
Kennedy says the panel is just great, but it feels like it's missing something. It would be incomplete without the man himself. Kennedy calls out Shawn Michaels, and another imposter comes out. Kennedy says he's going down the line with one word that summarizes their feelings about HBK. Diesel says "Egotistical," Razor says "Chump," and Marty says "traitor." Kennedy agrees wholeheartedly, and says that his one word is "Loser." He looks at the fake HBK and says after Armageddon, he better think of a new profession.
HBK's music hits, and the REAL Shawn comes to the ring. Kennedy rolls out of the ring, and HBK delivers 3 superkicks. Kennedy jumps back in the ring, but dives out once Shawn sees him. HBK stares down fake HBK, and fake HBK takes off running. HBK and Kennedy stare at each other as Shawn's music plays into the commercial break.
-commercial break-
In the back, Vince is talking on the phone, and says next week that HULK HOGAN will be headlining, with Trish Stratus, Mick Foley, Eric Bischoff, and Stone Cold Steve Austin! Hornswoggle shows up, and Vince pulls him up and says they need to have a conversation. He says that next week is the first full McMahon family portrait. Now, about the tough love stuff, Hornswoggle has been lucky lately. Finlay isn't here tonight, so Hornswoggle has a handicap match against Carlito and Coach. As a McMahon, Hornswoggle better be resourceful. Hornswoggle picks up his cell phone and calls someone.
After that, we get a recap of HHH and Hardy being booked in a match against each other at Armageddon.
In the back, Triple H and Regal are talking. HHH asks what Regal's ulterior motive is. Regal says both were Survivors, both are champions, and so it made perfect sense... with the winner getting a WWE Title match at the Royal Rumble! Regal says the Game's whole career has been about hating his enemies, and turning that hate into dominance. The problem is, HHH doesn't hate Jeff Hardy, he respects him. Triple H says maybe he doesn't hate Jeff Hardy, but when it comes to being WWE Champion, he'd pedigree his own mother, grandmother, and even his father-in-law.
-commercial break-
Umaga v. Chris Jericho
Both men come down to the ring.
-commercial break-
We come back and both men are brawling outside of the ring. They get back in, and Jericho has the advantage with an armlock that allows Jericho to deliver elbows to Umaga's jaw. Umaga powers out by flipping Jericho over, but Jericho gets up and walks right into Umaga picking Jericho up like a back body drop, put walking forward and throwing Jericho feet first out of the ring. Jericho gets back in the ring and takes a short clothesline followed by a big splash. Umaga starts kicking Jericho, and then punching him everytime Jericho tries to get up. Umaga locks on his shoulder nerve-hold. Jericho powers out by tripping Umaga and sending him into the corner. Jericho charges into the corner, but gets caught with a kick by Umaga. Umaga punches Jericho a few times, and throws him into another turnbuckle. Umaga beats down Jericho until he's sitting in the corner. Umaga goes for the wrecking ball, but misses it. Jericho jumps on the top rope and hits a flying shoulder block to the back of Umaga's head sending both men down. The ref starts counting, and both men are up by 7. Jericho delivers some slaps, an enziguiri, a bulldog, and a lionsault! Jericho gets a 2 count. Umaga goes for a big splash, but misses, which allows Jericho to hit the codebreaker. Umaga is out, and as Jericho is crawling towards Umaga, Orton appears, kicks Jericho, and gives him the RKO. Jericho is out as Randy walks away.
Your Winner: Jericho by DQ
Match Rating: A- (This was really an incredible match. It was missing that "it" factor, but nevertheless, I marked out hard for the Lionsault. It's been too long since we've seen that one. Umaga looked strong with that back body drop move, among other things. The nervehold of doom was appropriate, and not overdone like the last few weeks. Overall, a great effort and a great match between two awesome superstars. The run-in finish was expected, but I won't knock that too hard.)
-commercial break-
We get an announcement by JR and King that, next week, Mr. McMahon will announce the greatest RAW Superstar in the 15 year history of the show!
Carlito's music hits, followed by Coach's music, and we have our No-DQ handicap match.
Carlito and Coach v. Hornswoggle
Hornswoggle comes down to the ring looking confident. He walks around the ring, and talks to Lilian Garcia. Garcia says Hornswoggle made a phone call, and has hired protection. JBL AND RON SIMMONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! APA REUNION!!!!!
JBl and Simmons hit the ring. JBL gives a neckbreaker to Coach and Ron Simmons hits a spinebuster on Carlito. Coach is out in the ring as JBL and Ron Simmons stalk him. JBL hits the clothesline from hell! APA drags Coach to the corner, and Hornswoggle hits the toad splash for the win!
The crowd is going crazy for APA. JBL grabs the mic and says as you can see, the APA doesn't discriminate. If you have the money, you, too, can hire the APA. If you have lots of money, you can see JBL on Neil Cavuto on Fox News. Or, if you get bored, you can watch the greatest commentator on the best wrestling show every Friday Night. Simmons looks preturbed, grabs the mic, looks at JBL, and says "DAMN!"
Your Winner: Hornswoggle
Match Rating: A (A for APA. This was totally out of nowhere, and an awesome Raw moment. Yes, it was a squash. Carlito was barely even present... but really, who cares. This was an old fashioned mark-out moment. Awesome.)
Grisham is in the back talking to Snitsky. Snitsky says that Hardy has something he wants, the IC title. He's going to inflict more pain on Hardy than he's ever experienced.
-commercial break-
Jeff Hardy v. Snitsky for the Interncontinental Championship
They start off with a tie up, with Snitsky pushing Jeff into the ropes. Jeff ducks a clothesline, and tries to put Snitsky into the ropes. Snitsky uses his power to simply lift Hardy up, and slams him back first into the turnbuckle. Snitsky hits a body slam, and then puts Jeff in the corner and stomps away. Snitsky pushes him boot into the face of the fallen Hardy. Snitsky lifts Jeff from the ground, and locks in a double underhook. Hardy tries to power out, but Snitsky is using his leverage to keep him down. Finally, Hardy manages to power out, hits the ropes, but gets caught in a sidewalk slam. Snitsky pounds away at Hardy, gets him up, and hits a suplex. Snitsky goes for a legdrop, but Jeff dodges out of the way. Jeff goes on the offense with some dropkicks, getting Snitsky on the ground. Hardy gets a one count, and hits whisper in the wind. Hardy then hits a twist of fate, followed soon after by a swanton for the win.
Your Winner: and still Intercontinental Champion...Jeff Hardy
Snitsky hits Jeff Hardy with a big boot when Hardy's back is turned. Snitsky grabs a chair, but Triple H's music hits, and the Game shows up with sledgehammer in hand. Snitsky quickly takes off, and Triple H looks down at the fallen Jeff. He extends his hand to Jeff, who accepts it, only to get pulled into a face off with the Game. Triple H says something to Hardy before heading back up the aisle.
Match Rating: B+ (A solid match. The crowd seemed a little dead during Snitsky's dominating period, but came alive when Hardy made his comeback. Triple H coming out added a bit of drama to the whole affair, especially when it looked like he may attack Hardy. I'm excited about their match at Armageddon, and this just added to that excitement.)
-commercial break-
Jillian is in the back singing "Rockin Around the Christmas Tree" to Vince. Vince wishes her luck on her Christmas album, and she walks away. After that, Regal walks up and tells Vince that his daughter, Stephanie, is on her way here tonight.
-commercial break-
Shawn Michaels v. Randy Orton
Shawn starts off with the upper hand, delivering a few punches and teasing a sweet chin music that sends Orton out of the ring. Orton gets back in, frustrated, and gets the upper hand until Michaels counters with a swinging neckbreaker. Shawn with a headlock takedown, locking in the headlock submission. Orton gets to his feet, but Shawn holds tighter, bringing Randy down. Randy gets up again, puts Shawn into the ropes, and hits a back elbow that sends HBK to the ground. Orton begins stomping away on Shawn, puts Shawn in a front facelock, and attempts a suplex. Shawn blocks a suplex, rolls out, but gets caught with a stiff elbow. Shawn pulls Orton's legs out from under him, sending Randy to the ground and putting him in the ankle lock. Orton flips Shawn into a victory roll, but Shawn kicks out after two and locks the ankle lock in again. Orton grabs the ropes, forcing Shawn to release the hold.
-commercial break-
We're back with both men exchanging blows. Michaels gets behind Orton and applies a waistlock. Orton gets out of it only to get caught by a knife-edge chop, and a clothesline that sends orton out of the ring. Shawn follows him out of the ring, and goes for a superkick. Orton moves, and Shawn accidentally hits the timekeeper. Shawn checks on him, and gets back in the ring. On his way back into the ring, Orton grabs Shawn and delivers the hanging DDT to HBK. Orton begins stomping away on Michaels. Shawn gets back to his feet, but Orton chops him back down and puts in a body vice/chinlock maneuver. Michaels gets to his feet, and both men exchange blows again with Michaels getting the advantage with more Flair-style chops. Orton hits the shoulder block, inverted atomic drop, and then a backslide which gets a 2 count. Michaels hits a bodyslam, and then a top rope elbow. Shawn warms up the band, but sees Kennedy charging the ring, and leaps out of the ring to attack him. They start brawling into the crowd, and the ref calls for the bell. This one is over in a count-out. Orton grabs the mic, declaring himself the winner.
Your Winner: Randy Orton by Countout
Match Rating: B (Not a bad main event, but I think that Randy and Shawn's matches have run their course for now. I look forward to the HBK/Kennedy feud, as well as the Y2J/Orton feud, so this was a good way of getting exposure for both big feuds. Not bad, but not great.)
Y2J runs into the ring, spears Orton twice, and delivers punches. Orton gets back up, going for the RKO, but gets pushed down as Jericho goes for the Walls of the Jericho.
Vince is in the back, as Stephanie walks up. Stephanie says next week, Vince has invited a lot of people who despise him: Austin, Hogan, Linda. Stephanie asks him who has been beaten up more than anyone in Raw's history. Vince says "Al Snow." Stephanie says, no, it's him. She begs him not to go to Raw next week. Vince says if anyone has a problem with him being on his very own show, they can go straight to hell.
Final Grade: B+
What a night! Surprises, great storyline progression, and a couple of very fine matches. Snitsky and Hardy definitely deserved a little bit more time than they received, but with everything else going on, I'm cool with it. Match of the Night goes to Umaga and Chris Jericho, for one heck of a match. They both make it look so real, and yet, so effortless. I can't wait for next week's 15th anniversary show. Should be even MORE surprises in store for us.
As always, questions, comments, and concerns can be sent to DonnyAnderson@gmail.com. Thanks, and I'll see you all next week!
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