15th Anniversary Monday Night Raw Report 12-10-07
Submitted by Donny Anderson on Monday, December 10, 2007 at 11:36 PM EST
It's one of the biggest nights in WWE history. Who will appear tonight? What will transpire? What turns will the road to Armageddon take? Find out tonight as the USA network presents the WWE Raw 15th Anniversary Spectacular, Live from Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Vince's music hits in the arena and the Chairman comes out followed with his two children, Shane and Stephanie. Vince grabs a mic, and starts to talk. He welcomes everyone to Monday Night Raw. He says that 15 years ago, he created a show that was uncut, uncooked and uncensored, and it's become the longest running entertainment primetime show in history. He says that Linda can't be here for some gastro-intestinal problems, but he does introduce Shane, and Stephanie. Vince calls on the photographer for the portrait, but Hornswoggle's music hits, and Vince's other son runs out to the ring. He hugs Vince's leg, and Vince tells Shane to get him off. The crowd starts chanting "Horsnwoggle". Vince says to his children that they are waiting for him to die. He says that he loves Shane, loves Steph, and even Hornswoggle. He then says that he loves the audience. The photographer is about to take the photo, when suddenly Triple H's music hits. The Game comes out to a massive pop. HHH says to Vince that he has to wait for the pop to die down. He then says that it's supposed to be a family portrait, with the whole family. He says that it's not a secret anymore, and that the crowd is not stupid. He says that he's been around for a while, and feels like he could be a part of the family, like a son. He then says "hi" to Steph. HHH says that a family is people that one loves, or loved. HHH then introduces to Vince some of the people that Vince has "loved": representing the current Diva's is Melina, representing the past Diva's is Sunny, representing more Divas is Mae Young. Mae hops on Vince the moment she steps in the ring. Vince says to his children that it was at Moolah's funeral, and he had a lot to drink. When he mentions dusting off cobwebs, Shane ditches the ring. Vince turns to Steph, and says that he was thinking of her mom. Steph puts her hands up to stop him. HHH says that anyone can get the pretty ones. He says that any WWE employee that has been mistaken for a woman, and McMahon tried to get with should come out. Bastion Booger, Knuckleball Schwartz, the Fink, Big Dick Johnson, and Pat Patterson and Gerald Brisco all hit the ring. Steph tells Vince that he has serious problems, and that he has embarassed their family for long enough. Then says that it's time for her to embarass him. She walks over to HHH and the two kiss for quite awhile. Steph then leaves the ring, and Vince walks up to HHH and says that he hates him. Vince tells the audience they can all go to Hell. Hornswoggle looks rather upset, and HHH says that he knows that he's always wanted a family portrait. HHH says that if only there was someone who could put a smile on Hornswoggle's face, and a smile with just his music. The Godfather's music hits, and he comes out followed by the Ho Train. Godfather grabs a mic and says that it's time for Hornswoggle to hop aboard the Ho Train. A disturbing dance party ensues in the ring. Wow, what a hilarious segment, and a great way to kick off the 15th anniversary show.
-commercial break-
Jeff Hardy v. Carlito
Ladder Match for the Intercontinental Championship
Carlito rolls to the outside and grabs a ladder first thing. Hardy slides to the outside, and his face gets slammed by the ladder. Carlito wastes no time, and sets the ladder up inside the ring. Hardy gets back in and goes for a Twist of Fate, but Carlito reverses with a nice clothesline. Carlito gets pounds on Hardy in the corner, and places the ladder over him. Carlito then runs at Hardy, who pushes the ladder into Carlito's face. Hardy then places the ladder on the mat, and slams Carlito's face into it, and leaps over the top to knock the ladder up, but Carlito rolls out of the way. Carlito grabs the ladder, and pushes Hardy against the security railing. Carlito gets to the outside, and Hardy eventually is forced back inside. As Carlito goes to follow, Hardy hits a front dropkick, knock Carlito off the apron and into the prone ladder. Carlito is hurt, and Hardy grabs the other ladder and tries for the belt. Just before he can get to it, Carlito leaps onto the ladder from the outside, and the two battle up top. Carlito leaps over Hardy for a sunset flip-powerbomb off the ladder. Both men are down as we cut to a break.
-commercial break-
We come back to see Carlito down, and Hardy mounting the top rope, with the ladder between them. Hardy leaps over the ladder for a flying legdrop, but Carlito rolls out of the way. Carlito stomps on Hardy's legs, and grabs the ladder. He puts the ladder on the ground, and places one of Hardy's legs inside the ladder. Carlito then grabs another ladder and slams it down on the other one, crushing Hardy's leg beneath it all. Carlito stacks both ladders, and bodyslams Hardy onto both. Carlito takes one ladder, and sets it up under the belt. Carlito starts climbing, but Hardy manages to get up and starts trying to fight Carlito down. Carlito hops down and chopblocks Hardy's leg. Carlito lays the ladder in the corner, and grabs Hardy. He beats Hardy down on the ladder, and then runs at the prone Hardy. Jeff manages to counter with a back body drop onto the ladder. Hardy climbs the top rope, and lands the Swanton!!! Jeff grabs a ladder, and sets it up under the belt. Hardy starts to climb, but Carlito is up and knocks the ladder down. Hardy lands on his feet and goes for the Twist of Fate onto a grounded ladder, but Carlito reverses it for a Backstabber on the ladder. Carlito sets up a ladder under the belt, and start the climb. Carlito grabs the belt, but Hardy meets him up top before Carlito can free it. Hardy knocks Carlito off the ladder and takes the belt.
Your Winner...And STILL Intercontinental Champion: Jeff Hardy
Match Rating: A (Carlito has totally redeemed himself for the last few weeks/months of jobbing out. Hardy is over like crazy with the fans. Both these guys worked their tails off in this match, and it really showed. Hardy goes to Armageddon strong, too. Hats off to both for a fantastic match.)
-commercial break-
Todd Grisham is in the back and introduces Shawn Michaels. HBK says that he defended his IC title on the very first Raw against...well he can't really remember. He then says that last week was a really dark time for Raw with Kennedy's little skit. He says that there was also a fake Marty Jannetty, and HBK is wondering how Kennedy would do against the real thing. Marty Jannetty walks up and says that he's ready tonight. HBK makes it official, Kennedy vs. Marty Jannetty tonight. Jannetty says he's pumped. HBK says that at Armageddon there will only be one winner: MISTERRRRRRR HBK...HBK.
-commercial break-
Santino Marella is in the ring. He says that he is sick to his stomach from this show. He says that to prove he is the future he has issued an open challenge. RVD's music hits!!!!! Mr. Monday Night is back!!!!
Santino Marella v. Rob Van Dam
RVD starts with his typical taunt, but Santino kicks him in the gut. RVD hits a high kick to Santino's head, mounts the top rope, and hits the 5-Star Frog Splash. This one is done.
Your Winner: Rob Van Dam
Match Rating: A (Simply for markout factor. I marked out like crazy for this, and it was nice to see RVD totally shut Marella up.)
-commercial break-
Lillian Garcia is in the ring, and introduces the original four members of Evolution. Ric Flair is the first to come out. He is followed by Triple H. Following the Game is the World Heavyweight Champion Batista. The Animal is followed by the WWE Champion, the Legend Killer Randy Orton. Orton has a mic in hand, and says that he's not coming out to join them. He says that he is at the top of his career, and the only reason the others want him out there is so they can ride the coat tails of his current success. Orton says that he remembers clearly what happened the last time he was the champion in their presence. A video package from Orton's first title win is shown, with Evolution ripping him apart. HHH says that he remembers that and that it was pretty cool, but they didn't beat him up for winning the title, they beat him up for being a jackass. Orton says that he'll keep that in mind of Sunday, when he beats Jericho to retain the WWE Championship. Orton says that he wants to be remembered on Raw not for being a part of Evolution, but for being a part of Rated RKO with Edge. Edge's music hits and the Rated R Superstar comes out. He says that if it makes HHH feel better, after Sunday Batista won't have his title either. Batista tells Edge to come to the ring if he wants to fight him. Edge starts mouthing off, and Flair tells him to shut up, and that everyone tonight was told to come to compete. He says that they can find a partner and take on the three of them. Orton says that they thought Flair would say that, so they went to Regal and found a partner...Umaga.
-commercial break-
Ric Flair, Batista, and Triple H v. Randy Orton, Edge, and Umaga
We come in after the break with the match underway. Batista has Orton in the corner, and tags in Flair. Orton darts to his corner and tags in Edge. The two scuffle, and Edge manages to beat Flair down in the corner. Flair manages to counter with some hard chops. Edge takes advantage with a back body drop, and tags in Umaga. Umaga comes in and beats Flair to the ground, and locks in the nerve hold. Flair is in the trouble, but tries to fight out. Umaga pushes Flair into the corner, and tags in Orton. Orton knocks Flair to the ground, and starts to stomp him all over, and lands a knee drop to the face. Orton covers, but Flair kicks out at two. Orton hits a back body drop, and then puts Flair into the ropes. Flair holds on, and Orton misses a drop kick because of this. Flair tags in Batista, and the Animal goes crazy on Orton. He throws Orton out of the ring, and then pulls Edge into the ring and destroys him. Orton comes back in and tries to beat Batista away, but Triple H intervenes, and he and Batista beat Edge and Orton down with spinebusters. The two of them turn around for a double clothesline by Umaga. Flair attacks from behind, and the ref rings the bell for a no-contest.
Your Winners: No Contest
Umaga stands firm as Flair tries to fight him off, and then goes for the Samoan Spike. Batista attacks Umaga from behind, and then Umaga realizes that his is against Flair, Batista, and Triple H. Umaga rushes at Flair, but gets hit with a low-blow from the Nature Boy. Umaga turns around to get speared by Batista. Umaga slowly gets up, but is laid out with a Pedigree from Triple H. Jeff Hardy is shown in the back watching all this, as Evolution stands in the ring victorious.
Match Rating: A (Awesome match. It was great to see these guys mix it up. These guys are all premiere guys in the company, and they showed why tonight. I for one, enjoyed every minute of this.)
Hornswoggle is seen in the back harassing Molly Holly. Mickie comes in to help her, but Hornswoggle continues. Regal comes in to stop him. He greets both women before sending both women away, and tells Hornswoggle that he will have a match tonight against the Great Khali.
-commercial break-
Hornswoggle's music hits, and he comes out for his match, looking rather worried. Khali's music hits, and the Punjabi Giant stalks out.
Hornswoggle v. The Great Khali
Hornswoggle runs under Khali's legs, and then dodges a grab attempt. Khali grabs Hornswoggle by the collar, but Hulk Hogan's music hits!!!! The Immortal Hulk Hogan has come to save the day!!! Hogan stares down Khali, and starts to Hulk up. Khali tries for the Brain Chop, but Hogan blocks it. Khali lands a kick to Hogan's gut and starts to beat him all over the ring. The crowd starts chanting "Hogan", and Hogan Hulks up again. Hogan blocks a punch, and puts his finger in Khali's face "YOU!". Hogan starts to punch Khali, and sends him out with thunderous rights. Khali stares at Hogan with disbelief, and Hogan prompts him to come back in so he can bodyslam him. Khali instead runs away. Hornswoggle is very pleased with this turn of events.
Your Winner: No Contest
Hogan grabs a mic and says that it sounds like Hulkamania is still alive and kicking. He then congratulates the WWE for the anniversary. He says that there's nothing like standing in that very ring. He says that standing in the WWE ring is unlike anything else. He then says that he loves us all, and misses us all, and to never say never "oooooh yeeeeeeeah" (What a Savage reference). He then plugs the new American Gladiators, and ends the segment, with Hornswoggle and Hogan posing for the crowd. I was, am, and will always be a Hulkamaniac
Match Rating: A (Seriously, this was entertaining. This whole night has been. Sure it wasn't actually a match, but it was a nice appearance by the Hulkster. I loved the Macho Man reference, and seeing Hogan save the day made me feel like a kid again. Hornswoggle the Hulkamaniac...I love it.)
-commercial break-
In the ring, the Fink announces that it is now time for the 15 man battle royal. He introduces superstars from the past 15 years:
Al Snow
Bart Gunn
Doink the Clown
Repo Man
Steve Blackman
Pete Gas
Bob Backlund
before we get the full list, though, we hit a commercial break.
-commercial break-
We come back to see Gangrel being introduced, and we find that IRS, Flash Funk, Skinner, and the Goon were introduced during the break. Scotty 2 Hotty is introduced next. He is followed by Jim "the Anvil" Neidhart. Following Anvil is Sgt. Slaughter. He is followed by Gillberg. This match is finally underway.
15 Man Battle Royal
Everyone gangs up and Gillberg, and throws him out early. He is soon followed by Bob Backlund. Anvil is working on Skinner, Doink is taken out by Al Snow. Snow then takes out Snow. Snow is taken out by Flash Funk. Blackman takes out Pete Gas, and he is joined by Gunn. Blackman and Funk eliminate each other. The Goon follows, as does Repo Man. Skinner takes out Neidhart. Skinner goes after Sarge, and IRS takes on Scotty. IRS grabs his briefcase, but Scotty counters it by pushing it in his face. Scotty hits the Worm, but is taken out by Skinner. Sarge takes advantage of Skinner's back being turned with a Cobra Clutch. Skinner is taken out by Sarge, but Slaughter is taken out from behind by IRS.
Your Winner: IRS
IRS celebrates, but it's interupted by Ted DiBiase's Music hitting. The Million Dollar Man comes out, and comes face to face with his one time partner. DiBiase holds some money up to IRS, who accepts it. IRS turns around and jumps over the top rope.
Your NEW Winner: "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase
DiBiase grabs a mic and says that it just goes to show, that even after 15 years, everybody's got a price for the Million Dollar Man.
Match Rating: A (This was some old school goodness. I loved seeing DiBiase come out like the ultimate heel that he is, buying the victory. This was great.)
In the back, Eric Bischoff is seen walking, and we'll apparently hear from him next.
-commercial break-
After the break, Bischoff is in the ring. He has a mic, and says that it's been a long time since he's been in the ring. He wants to let us know that to be invited to the 15th anniversary means a lot to him. However, it reminds him that no matter how much things change, they really stay the same. He says that as he looks around, he sees the same faces. He says that unlike everyone else, he's not here to put smiles on our faces, but to take money from our pockets. He says that people like us need people like him, and that people like Vince need people like him to reinvent the business again, and again, and again. He says that he knows the crowd is tired of sitting, so they should stand up and give him applause. Y2J's music hits, and he comes to the ring. Jericho grabs a mic. Bishcoff reminds us all of when he fired Jericho. Jericho says that he wants to give a few words: Shut the hell up. He says that Bischoff was right in saying that things stay the same by saying that Bischoff was an ass-clown then, and he's an ass-clown now. He thanks Bischoff for firing him, because it put a fire under him, and that he knew when he came back, he would be better than before. He says that on Sunday there will be a new champion: Y2J. Bischoff wishes him luck. Jericho wishes Eric luck with his bad bowl-cut, and his pot-belly. Bischoff says that why doesn't Jericho just save the people their money, and forfeit his match with Orton right now. Jericho says that he could forfeit the match, or he could beat Biscoff down right now. Jericho lands a nice right hand to Bischoff, and goes for the Walls of Jericho. Orton comes in for the blindside, but Jericho sees him, and trips the WWE Champion. Jericho locks the Walls on Orton, and the champion starts tapping. Jericho leaves with Orton down in the middle of the ring.
-commercial break-
After the break, Dusty Rhodes is now joining King and JR.
World Tag Team Championship Match
Hardcore Holly and Cody Rhodes v. Cade and Murdoch
Cody and Cade start off. Cade locks in a headlock, but Cody pushes him off. Cade hits a shoulderblock, and hits the ropes. Cody hits a clothesline that knocks Cade down. Cade manages to hit a nice kick to the head, and tags in Murdoch. Murdoch has Cody down, and hits a few elbows. Murdoch covers, but Cody kicks out at 2. Murdoch covers again, and again Cody kicks out. Murdoch tags in Cade, who starts beating Cody down, but misses an elbow in the corner. Cody tags in Holly, and Cade tags in Murdoch. Holly beats Murdoch down, and Cade comes in to help his partner. Holly ducks a clothesline, and Cade hits Murdoch instead. Cody takes Cade to the outside, and Holly finishes off Murdoch with an Alabama Slam.
Your Winners...and NEW World Tag Team Champions: Hardcore Holly and Cody Rhodes
Dusty is now in the ring, congratulating his son for his first title win.
Match Rating: A (Why not? It was a good match, we saw new champs crowned, and it was something special to see Dusty in there congratulating his son.
-commercial break-
Jillian Hall is in the ring, and she says that her time has come to be the only Diva who has a Christmas album coming out, on iTunes tomorrow. She has just one thing to say, or rather sing. She starts to butcher "12 Days of Christmas", but is quickly interupted by Trish Stratus. Trish grabs a mic and apologizes for interupting, but it's Raw's 15th anniversary, and she's too excited to be back. She congratulates Jillian on her album, but says it's really bad. Jillian says that she definitely gets the award for biggest ego in WWE history. Lita's music hits, and she comes out to join the 2 of them. She gets in Trish's face, but then says that Jillian's album really does suck. Jillian calls them "has-beens", and starts singing again, but the two former Women's Champions take turns beating her down. As she runs off, Trish and Lita hug in the ring.
-commercial break-
Lita is in the back watching a video package about the different Wedding storylines from the past (including the one she had with Kane). Kane walks up to her, and asks if she's seen any good movies lately. She says no, but then says that the weather has been crazy lately. Kane says that it has been cold. Ron Simmons walks in on this uncomfortable moment, and says "Damn!".
Kennedy's music hits in the arena, and it's time for his match with Marty Jannetty.
-commercial break-
Mr. Kennedy v. Marty Jannetty
They start with a tie-up, and Kennedy twists Marty's arm, and goes for a clothesline, but Marty turns it into a drop toe-hold. The two have a nice exchange, with Kennedy getting the upperhand. Kennedy lands a low dropkick to Marty's knee, and then locks in a half-crab. Marty tries to crawl to the ropes, and grabs the bottom one. Kennedy breaks the hold, and slams Marty's knee to the mat. Kenney covers, but Marty kicks out. Kennedy grabs Marty's leg and twists it out from under him. Marty manages to hit an enziguiri, and starts to make a comeback. After a nice exchange, Marty hits a back elbow, and gets Kennedy into the corner. After a few shots, Marty climbs and starts to reign blows down on Kennedy. Kennedy pushes him down and hits a massive clothesline. Marty reverses an offensive attempt by Kennedy and hits the Rocker Dropper. Marty gets on top, but Kennedy hits the ropes, knocking Marty down, but leaving him laying on the top. Kennedy grabs him and goes for the Green Bay Plunge, but Marty turns it into a sunset flip. Kennedy kicks out at two, and brings Marty down face first for the win.
Your Winner: Mr. Kennedy
Kennedy starts beating down Marty some more, but HBK runs down for the save. He sends Kennedy to the outside, and then turns to help Marty out of the ring. Kennedy takes advantage and hits HBK from behind. He starts to beat HBK to the ground, but HHH comes out, and the two fight Kennedy off. HHH gives HBK a DX shirt and hat, and the two stand tall in the ring.
Match Rating: A (Hey, it was the return of Marty Jannetty. Granted it was a little slow, but give the man a break, it's been a while since he last competed. It was nice to see him still able to down some of this stuff, though. Also, the DX reunion at the end was a nice touch.)
Vince is in the back, and he'll announce the greatest superstar in Raw history next.
-commercial break-
Vince is in the ring with a mic. He asks who the greatest superstar in Raw history is. He says that it's someone who has to have had the single biggest impact on Raw. He asks for the envelope, opens it, and announces the greatest superstar in Raw history: Vincent Kennedy McMahon. He thanks the little people. Mick Foley's music hits, and Mankind comes out, complete with Mr. Socko. Vince says that he knows Mick is jealous, but he can just turn around and take himself out of the ring. Mankind locks in the Mandible Claw on Vince, and puts him down to the mat. Bells chime, the lights go out, and the Undertaker now makes his way to the ring, as Mankind leaves. Vince is still down in the middle of the ring. Undertaker takes his coat off, and his hat, and Vince slowly gets to his feet. Vince turns to face the Deadman, and is greeted with a chokeslam. Undertaker stands over Vince's fallen body, and poses. Bells chime again, and the lights go out, and when they come back on, Undertaker is gone. Steve Austin's music hits, and the Texas Rattlesnake comes out. Stone Cold plays to the crowd before turning his attention to Vince. He grabs a mic, and says that Vince laying in the ring is a sad sight. He says he thought he'd come out and say congratulations for 15 years of Raw. He thought he'd come out and drink a little beer, but Vince is sleeping. He says that still, Raw going for 15 years is quite an accomplishment, and he'll drink to that. He asks for 2 beers, and says that even though Vince doesn't look so good, there's got to be some way they can drink together. He lays down next to Vince, but says that it's not going to work out. He gets up and helps Vince up. He gets another few beers. He hands Vince one of the beers, and congratulates him for 15, then tells him to toast. As they both drink, Austin hits the Stunner on Vince. Austin grabs more beers and celebrates in the ring. Austin grabs the mic and says that the greatest superstar of Raw was not on the card, is not in the ring, but around the ring, and all over the world. And that's the bottom line, 'cause Stone Cold said so. He says that if you want to see 15 years worth of superstars come out and have a beer bash with Stone Cold, then give him a Hell Yeah. The whole roster comes down, legends, current superstars, even JR and King. Everyone is enjoying some cold ones, except Regal, who is enjoying a nice Coca-Cola. Vince tries to get back in the ring, but falls, and Austin pours beer on him. Triple H joins, as does Hornswoggle, by accident. Raw goes off the air with everyone in the ring.
Overall Rating: A+
Wow. This may have been the greatest Raw in history. It had some good action, awesome appearances, and some hilarious segments.
This is what an anniversary show should be. I was thoroughly entertained.
Questions and Comments, as always, can be sent to DonnyAnderson@gmail.com
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