Raw 15th Anniversary Recap 12.10.07

Raw recap from Bridgeport, CT:

Raw opened with a clip from 1/11/93, the first ever Raw and then launched into a mix of the various opening theme songs and videos from Raw's history.

Vince, Shane and Stephanie came out from backstage and down to the ring. Vince welcome everyone to the show and talked of it being the longest running and rated prime time series in history. Vince said tonight will be a family reunion and family portrait. Vince remarked that his wife Linda couldn't be present due to a gastrointenstinal problem. Vince asked where the photographer was, and just then Hornswoggle's music came on. The leprechaun ran down the ring and grabbed Vince's leg. Vince told Shane, Steph and Hornswoggle that he knows they all want his money when he does, but he loves them all regardless. Vince began to count off for the photo to be taken but just then HHH came out from backstage.

HHH got into the ring and told Vince that amily is all about the people he once loved. HHH then said he would bring out the people Vince loved. First, out came Melina representing the WWE divas. Then out came Sunny, representing the past divas. Mae Young came out next and began to hug on Vince in the ring. Vince tried to explain to Steph and Shane why he had a recent fling with Mae Young, but Shane wasn't hearing it and left the ring. Next, HHH called out any WWE employee that was mistaken for a woman and was with Vince McMahon. Out came Jerry Briscoe, Pat Patterson, Bastion Booger, Big Dick Johnson and Abe Knuckleballer Schwartz.

Stephanie told Vince this was ridiculous and he's embarassed the family enough, so she would embarass him. Steph went over and gave HHH a long kiss before leaving the ring. Vince told HHH he hates him and all the fans can go to hell. Vince left the ring and stormed off up the ramp. HHH noticed Hornswoggle was upset but then called out the Godfather Pimp who brought with him the "Ho Train". All the women entered the ring and began to dance with the remaining superstars in the ring.

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Carlito vs. Jeff Hardy
IC Title Ladder Match

Jim Ross mentioned that Hardy has a tough week ahead as he faces Triple H this Sunday for Armageddon. Carlito went out and grabbed the ladder early. Jeff tried to dropkick slide at him, but Carlito moved and then clocked Jeff on the head with the ladder. Carlito went to set up the ladder in the ring, but Jeff got in to prevent his climb. Carlito used a hard clothesline then placed the ladder in front of Jeff in the corner. As Carlito ran at Jeff, Jeff pushed the ladder out into him.

The match moved to the outside when Carlito rammed Jeff into the barrier using the ladder. Jeff escaped and was able to throw Carlito from the apron onto the ladder placed on the barrier. Jeff set the ladder up in the ring and climbed up. Carlito got up from outside the ring and did an amazing springboard off the ropes right onto the ladder. Carlito was able to flip over Jeff and slam him off the ladder to the mat. Raw hit a commercial break with both men down.

Raw came back with Jeff climbing the corner ropes with a ladder set up there. Hardy tried to leapfrog over the ladder onto a fallen Carlito, but Carlito rolled away. Jeff clutched at his leg and Carlito took advantage with the attack. Carlito put Jeff's leg into the ladder and stomped on it, then grabbed a 2nd ladder from outside. Carlito slammed Jeff on both ladders, then set up one to climb for the belt. Carlito set up the ladder above the one laying on the mat with Jeff. Jeff came too and climbed up behind Carlito to punch him. Carlito came down to work on Jeff more. Jeff hobbled around and Carlito beat him up against a ladder in the corner. Carlito charged and Jeff flipped him up and over onto the ladder. Jeff managed to hit a quick Swanton with Carlito down.

Jeff set up the ladder over one that was laying on the mat. Jeff began to climb, but Carlito stopped him by pushing the ladder to the ropes. Jeff tried to use a Twist of Fate on Carlito on the ladder, but Carlito reversed, driving Jeff into his kness on the ladder. Carlito climbed up the ladder and was near the belt, but Jeff quickly climbed up to punch Carlito off. Carlito fell to the mat then rolled out of the ring, allowing Jeff to claim his belt.

Winner: Jeff Hardy wins the ladder match over Carlito to retain the IC title.

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Todd Grisham interviewed Shawn Michaels backstage. Grisham mentioned HBK was part of the very first Raw show. HBK said he defended his IC title on that show, and couldn't remember who he defended against. HBK then discussed Mr. Kennedy's antics last week. HBK said since Kennedy had a Jannety impersonator last week, tonight he could face the real version and see how he does. Jannety made a brief appearance then said he had to go get ready.

A highlight reel of Raw moments was shown featuring Undertaker, The Dudleys, 1-2-3 Kid, Stone Cold, New Age Outlaws, Hulk Hogan, and more. The Vince limo explosion, Mike Tyson vs. Stone Cold and Shane buying WCW were among moments shown.

World Class Championship Wrestling dvd ad was shown.

Santino in the ring said he was sick of the anniversary show and had issued an open challenge to anyone who wants to compete. Surprisingly Rob Van Dam came out from backstage down to the ring.

RVD vs. Santino Marella

RVD got into the ring and faced off with Santino. RVD started to do the self pointing for a fan chant of "Rob Van Dam", but Santino kicked him. RVD fought back quick to knock Santino down onto the mat. RVD then climbed the corner ropes for a quick frog splash onto Santino. After a Rob Van Dam chant from the crowd he made the pin for the victory.

Winner: Rob Van Dam wins via pinfall over Santino Marella.

A highlight video of Evolution was shown with moments from their various incidents on Raw. Jim Ross said Evolution would re-unite in the ring next.

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ECW ad shown announcing tomorrow night's match of Elijah Burke vs. Batista.

Lillian Garcia introduced all four members of Evolution to the ring. Ric Flair came down, followed by Triple H and Batista. Batista hugged Flair and HHH as he got into the ring, then posed from the ring corners. Next, Randy Orton was introduced. Orton came to the top of the ramp, mic in hand. Orton said he wouldn't join them because he is the current WWE champ and won't let them ride the coattails of his success. Orton showed a highlight of when he became champ in the past and Evolution turned on him, attacking him in the ring.

Orton said he'd beat Jericho this Sunday to retain his champion. Orton said he'd rather be remembered for being a member of RKO, and then introduced Edge to the ramp. Edge with mic in hand told HHH that Batista won't have his title after this weekend either. Batista and Flair then called out RKO. Orton said they expected this and talked to Regal earlier. Out came Umaga and the 3 men headed to the ring for a six man tag.

RKO & Umaga vs Batista, Ric Flair & Triple H

The match was in progress after a break as Flair and Edge went to face off. Edge backed Flair to a corner and hammered away. Flair came out of the corner and chest chopped Edge several times. Edge managed to escape from a corner and flip Flair over his back. In came Umaga to further punish Flair. Umaga put a vice grip on Flair's shoulder down on the mat. Flair got to his feet but Umaga punched him down then tagged Orton in. Orton drove a knee down into Flair's face then whipped him to the corner. Orton tried for a dropkick after tossing Flair to the ropes, but Flair held the rope and Orton hit the mat. Flair managed to tag in Batista.

In came Batista to agressively take down Orton. Batista ran over and knocked Umaga off the apron. Batista tossed Edge in and beat him up. Just then Orton ran in and attacked Batista from behind. HHH came in to assist and all the men started brawling. HHH and Batista did double spine busters off the ropes driving Edge and Orton to the mat. As they stood up, Umaga clotheslined HHH and Batista down, then shoved the ref out of the ring. The ref called for the DQ and Flair went to start chopping at Umaga. Umaga reversed things and grabbed Flair for a Samoan Spike. Batista hit Umaga from behind. As RKO retreated up the ramp, Umaga was left in the ring 3 vs 1. Umaga was given a low blow from Flair, a spear by Batista and then Pedigreed down by HHH.

Winners: Batista, Ric Flair & Triple H win due to disqualification of RKO and Umaga.

Backstage Hornswoggle was attacking Molly Holly and Mickie James told him to stop. William Regal came out and said it was good to see Molly and then the divas left. Regal told Hornswoggle there will be a rematch tonight from Survivor Series, Hornswoggle vs. Great Khali. Regal told Hornswoggle that Finlay's plane ticket to Raw from Ireland had been canceled tonight and wished him good luck.

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Slam of the Week shown with Hornswoggle hiring the APA to help him in his handicapped match against Carlito and Coach last week. After APA knocked Carlito and Coach to the mat, Hornswoggle jumped off the ropes for a tadpole splash victory.

Hornswoggle vs. Great Khali

Hornswoggle dove under Khali's legs and eluded him early, until Khali grabbed him by the coat. Just then Hulk Hogan's music hit and Hogan came down to the ring to face Khali. Hogan got in the face of Khali. Khali went for a punch, but Hogan caught his arm. Khali kicked Hulk in the midsection then started to punch him around the ring. Hogan started to shake and withstood Khali's attack. Hogan riled the crowd up then wound up his punches. Hogan delivered several shots to Khali and a final punch to knock him to the mat. Khali rolled out of the ring and his handler/translator, Singh pleaded him to stay out of the ring. Hogan motioned that he could bodyslam Khali, but Khali was held back from returning to the ring.

After Khali was escorted away up the ramp, Hulk and Hornswoggle stood in the ring. Hulk took the mic and spoke to the crowd. Hogan told the crowd he can tell Hulkamania is still alive and congratulated Raw for 15 years. Hulk told the crowd he was heading back to Los Angeles to work on American Gladiators. Hogan and Hornswoggle did the Hulkster poses for the crowd.

Winner: No contest as Hulk Hogan entered the match to beat up Khali.

More Raw highlights shown, this time with DX's various antics shown. Another flashback shown, this time with Vince McMahon in the hospital. Mankind showed up at bedside with Mr. Socko to entertain Vince. Vince yelled at Mankind to leave and in came Stone Cold dressed as a doctor. Austin attacked Vince with many hospital items.

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15 Man Battle Royal

A battle royal involving 15 stars from WWE past including Bart Gunn, Pete Gas (of Mean Street Posse), Doink the Clown, Repo Man, Bob Backlund, Steve Blackman, Gangrel, The Goon, Skinner, IRS, Scotty 2 Hotty, Jim the Anvil Neidhart, Sgt. Slaughter, Flash Funk and Gillberg.

Bart Gun and the rest of the wrestlers lifted up Gillberg and tossed him over the ropes after carrying him around the ring overhead. Backlund was tossed out next followed by Doink who was tossed out by Al Snow. Snow clocked Gangrel with "head" and he fell out next. Flash Funk managed to eliminate Snow over the ropes. Pete Gas and Bart Gunn went out next. Flash Funk grabbed Blackman in a head scissors and flipped both of them out of the ring. Next Jim Neidhart eliminated The Goon and Doink.

Scotty 2 Hotty, Sgt Slaughter, IRS and Skinner were left as the final 4. Scotty 2 Hotty did the worm on IRS, but Skinner was able to toss him over the ropes soon after. Slaughter came over and put Skinner in the Cobra Clutch, but Skinner managed to escape. Slaughter avoided Skinner as he came at him near the ropes. With Slaughter looking out at Skinner, IRS ran over and pushed him out of the ring. As IRS stood in the ring celebrating the win, out came Ted Dibiase Dibiase pulled a wad of cash out and gave it to IRS. IRS then took his briefcase and proceeded to exit over the top rope to eliminate himself.

Winner: Ted the Million Dollar Man wins the 15 Man Raw Battle Royal.

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Eric Bischoff was in the ring and told the crowd it meant a lot to be there on this huge celebration show. Eric pretended to wipe away tears and then said it seems Raw has stayed the same and he sees the same fans are there every time. Bischoff said he's there to take their money not put smiles on their faces. Bischoff asked the fans to stand and thank them for all he's done. As Bischoff was being booed all of a sudden Y2J's music came on and the pyrotechnics exploded at the top of the ramp for his entrance.

Y2J entered the ring and Bischoff asked why he was there if Bischoff fired him a few years ago. Jericho told Bischoff by firing him he made him realize he was burned out and mentally fried, so he had a fire lit under him to come back and be the new WWE champ. Bischoff and Jericho began to insult each other. Bischoff suggested Y2J forfeit his match for the title this Sunday and save everyone $40 so they don't need to buy the PPV. Jericho then delivered a right hand to Bischoff after a speech, knocking Bischoff to the mat. Just then, Randy Orton ran down into the ring to attack but Y2J managed to counter. Y2J knocked Orton down off the ropes and then put him into the Lion Tamer submission hold. Orton began to tap out franticly and Jericho went over and held up the WWE title, before leaving Orton laying in the ring.

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Hardcore Holly & Cody Rhodes vs. Cade & Murdoch
World Tag Team Title match

The American Dream Dusty Rhodes came down to join Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler at the commentator table for the match. Cody started off against Cade, with Cade slapping a headlock on. Cade came off the ropes an Rhodes took him down with a clothesline. Rhodes tried to come off the ropes at Cade and Cade kicked him down. Trevor Murdoch tagged in and began to beat up Rhodes more. Cade and Murdoch managed to keep Rhodes away from Holly early, but Rhodes escaped Cade. Holly tagged in and began to beat up Murdoch, delivering a dropkick off the ropes.

Holly went over and knocked Cade off the apron, then went after Murdoch. Cade quickly came back in and tried to run at Holly. Holly moved away and Cade delivered a solid clothesline to Murdoch knocking him to the mat. Rhodes got into the ring and took Cade out, leaving Holly and Murdoch alone. Holly picked up Murdoch and did the Alabama Slam to capture the pinfall victory. New tag team champions Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly celebrated in the ring with Dusty Rhodes.

Winners: Hardcore Holly and Cody Rhodes win via pinfall over Cade & Murdoch to become new tag team champions.

Highlights shown of the various celebrities who have stopped by Raw, including pro athletes like Shaq, Lebron James and the Miami Dolphins. Also shown were Donald Trump, Kid Rock, Motley Crue, William Shatner and Dennis Hopper among others.

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Raw flashback shown of WWE Divas, which started with Sunny and then Sable, followed by Chyna. Lita and Trish Stratus. Current divas Candice, Mickie James, Melina, Maria and Beth Phoenix were also shown.

Jillian Hall was in the ring with a headset on and told the fans she has a Christmas album coming out on iTunes tomorrow. Jillian began to sing "12 Days of Christmas" in her screeching voice. Just then, she was interrupted by Trish Stratus who's music came on. Trish came down to the ring with mic in hand and said she is so excited to be back on Raw. Trish began to tell Jillian how awful her singing was. Jillian told Trish she has the biggest ego in history. Just then Lita came out from backstage and down to the ring.

Lita and Trish got into each other's faces. Jillian started telling them to stop interrupting her moment, but Lita told Jillian it's her voice in general that's bad. Jillian pushed Trish and Lita away and started to sing again. Just then, the 2 divas grabbed Jillian by her hair and slammed her back to the mat. The two divas beat up Jillian around the ring a bit before she rolled out. As Jillian backed up the ramp holding her neck, Lita and Trish hugged in the ring.

Raw flashback shown of various "funny" moments from Raw's history involving Edge, Christian, Jericho, Rock, Mick Foley, Stone Cold and Golddust.

Another flashback shown from Raw wedding ceremonies which included Triple H and Stephanie, and the weddings of Kane and Lita.

Lita was shown backstage watching the wedding highlights and Kane came up behind her. The two tried to make small talk ackwardly. Just then, Ron Simmons came up behind them. After looking at Kane and Lita briefly Simmons yelled out his catch phrase "DAMN!"

Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler reviewed the matches for Armageddon including the Triple Threat for the World Heavyweight title, and Jericho vs. Orton for the WWE title.

Marty Jannety vs. Mr. Kennedy

Raw rewind showed Mr. Kennedy bringing out the fake Razor Ramon, Diesel and Marty Jannety to the ring to mock HBK. The real HBK came down to the ring and knocked Kennedy out of the ring.

Kennedy took advantage early as he twisted Marty's arm back. Jannety used a takedown and then a dropkick on the seated Kennedy. Kennedy regained control and delivered a dropkick to Jannety's knee taking him down. Kennedy kicked Jannety's hurt leg then put a Half Boston crab on. Jannety managed to crawl to the ropes forcing the ref to break the hold but Kennedy continued to work on the injured leg.

Jannety finally got to his feet and began to attack, whipping Kennedy to the ropes. Jannety scored a suplex but failed at the pin after. Jannety foreced Kennedy to the corner then climbed up to start punching him. Kennedy escaped and knocked Jannety to the mat. Jannety scored the "Rocker Dropper" slamming Kennedy to the mat. Jannety climbed the corner ropes and Kennedy got up to run over. Kennedy hit the ropes and Jannety fell onto the corner. Kennedy tried for a finisher but Jannety slid off. Kennedy managed to catch Jannety with a quick move for the pinfall win, then started to beat him up after the bell. Michaels ran down to the ring to save Jannety, as he hammered away on Kennedy. Kennedy rolled out of the ring briefly, but then re-entered and attacked Michaels from behind. With Kennedy in control, all of a sudden Triple H came out from backstage wearing a DX shirt.

Michaels got up and grabbed Kennedy from behind then tossed him over the ropes. Triple H got into the ring and handed Michaels the DX hat and shirt. The two did the DX crotch chop several times with the explosives then posed from the ring corners.

Winner: Mr. Kennedy wins via pinfall over Marty Jannety.

Vince McMahon shown backstage putting his suit coat on and getting ready to go out for the big announcement of the all-time Raw superstar.

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Announcement of Raw's All-Time Superstar

Vince McMahon was in the ring and posed the question "Who is the greatest superstar in Raw history?" Vince said this person will have made the single biggest impact on Monday Night Raw. Vince asked a cop standing at ringside for the envelope with the superstar's name. Vince then asked for a drumroll and announced the greatest superstar in Raw history "Vincent Kennedy McMahon"! As Vince began making his acceptance speech out came Mankind with Mr. Socko.

Vince told Mick he knows he's jealous because he's not the best superstar, then told Mick to leave. Mick then put the Mr. Socko Mandible Claw into Vince's mouth. Mankind dropped Vince to the mat. Just then, the arena went dark and Undertaker's bell rang. Taker appeared from backstage and made his way slowly to the ring where Mr. McMahon was layed out. Taker got into the ring and removed his coat and hat as Vince got to his feet. Taker slapped his hand around Vince's neck and delivered a chokeslam to Vince, driving him down to the mat.

Taker posed in the ring and the arena went dark again. The lights came back on and Vince was shown in the ring layed out with Undertaker gone. All of a sudden shattered glass sounded and out came Stone Cold Steve Austin. Stone Cold posed on the ring corners with Vince still laying on the mat. Austin then proposed a toast and called for 2 beers to be thrown to him. Austin toasted to Vince and Raw for 15 years on the USA network. Austin layed down on the mat with his 2 beers but told Vince this wouldn't work laying down. Austin told Vince to get up and Vince slowly stood up. Austin handed him a beer then smacked his beer against Vince's. Vince tried to put the beer to his lips but was holding his neck in pain. Austin seized the moment and kicked Vince in the midsection then delivered the Stone Cold Stunner.

Austin then took the mic again with 2 beers in hand. Austin told the fans that the greatest Superstars on Raw are all the fans in attendance and all those watching around the world. Austin then asked the fans to give him a "Hell Yeah" if they wanted 15 years of WWE superstars to come down and have a beer bash with him in the ring. All of the Raw wrestlers past and present came down to the ring and celebrated with Austin drinking beers. Vince tried to climb back onto the apron but Austin punched him in the face. Austin and Hornswoggle then dumped their beers out onto Vince as Raw left the air.

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