Raw Recap 12.08.08 - Slammy Awards

Raw recap from Philadelphia, PA:

Raw opened with a video package welcoming fans to the 2008 Slammy Awards. The video included highlights of some of the best matches and moments of the year including Shawn Michaels vs. Ric Flair at Wrestlemania 24 and Jeff Hardy's Swanton Bomb off the scaffolding onto Randy Orton.

Jerry Lawler and Michael Cole welcomed fans and discussed tonight's matches involving the nominees for Superstar of the Year Slammy, Batista vs. Triple H, John Cena vs. Edge and Chris Jericho vs. Jeff Hardy. JR and Tazz were also on hand to provide commentary for tonight's show.

Lillian Garcia introduced Maria & Festus to announce the first award of the night. 2008 Tag Team of the Year award nominees were: Carlito & Primo, Team Priceless, The Miz & John Morrison and Cryme Tyme. The Slammy went to The Miz & John Morrison. Miz and Morrison emerged from backstage hugging each other and jumping around. Miz snatched the award from Maria then tried to get Maria or Festus to kiss his hand. Miz mocked Festus making his lips move and slapping him in the face as he mouthed Forrest Gump's lines. Morrison delivered a fake dramatic acceptance speech, pretending to cry. Miz said they are the greatest tag team of the 21st Century. Morrison headed to the ring for the first match of the night, second round of the Intercontinental title tournament.

CM Punk vs. John Morrison
Intercontinental Championship Tournament Semifinals

William Regal and Layla shown watching backstage. At one point in the match, Punk flew off the apron for a cross body onto Morrison. Punk landed in a pile with Morrison outside the ring. After a commercial break, Morrison had Punk down in the ring in a submission hold. Punk tried to fight back on his feet, but Morrison kicked him down. Punk favored his ankle which seemed to be seriously hurt. Morrison tried for a move off the turnbuckle, but Punk got up to punch him. Punk landed bad on his ankle as he hit an impressive Hurricanrana off the corner.

Morrison continued to land impressive moves including a spin kick to Punk's head, but Morrison was unable to score a pinfall. The two traded pinfall attempts in exciting fashion. Punk had Morrison up for GTS, but Morrison countered it using his weight to flip Punk into a rollup pin. Punk barely escaped but after a spin kick to Morrison's head, Punk was able to hoist Morrison up for a successful GTS to win it.

Winner: CM Punk wins via pinfall over John Morrison to advance to the Finals of the Intercontinental Championship tournament.

Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler said that CM Punk will face the winner of Rey Mysterio vs. Kofi Kingston at Armageddon this Sunday to decide #1 Contender for the IC title. Lawler introduced footage of the John Cena vs. Chris Jericho buildup to their title match this Sunday. Footage included Cena vs. Kane last week, and the vicious attack by Orton, Team Priceless and Jericho on Cena at the end of Raw.

Todd Grisham interviewed John Cena backstage about the footage of his beatdown last week. Cena mocked Jericho's speech last week about how his son idolizes Cena. Cena said during his injury recovery his dog Lou became a huge Raw fan and a fan of Jericho. Cena said his dog would clean itself during Jericho segments, then attempt to throw up, so Cena banned it from watching Raw. Cena then hyped up tonight's match against Edge and the Slammy's. Cena ended by vowing to come get Jericho this evening with no surprises.

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Cryme Tyme and Candice Michelle presented the Slammy Award for Best Finishing Maneuver of 2008. Nominees were: Undertaker's Hells Gate Submission, Orton's RKO, Evan Bourne's Shooting Starpress, & Big Show's Knockout Punch. Cryme Tyme tried to steal the award, then headed backstage. The Slammy was awarded to Evan Bourne for his Shooting Starpress. Bourne was unable to attend due to being out with injury. Candice was about to accept on Evan's behalf until Mike Knox walked out and stared her down, then took the award from her. Candice headed backstage and Knox stood on the ramp sneering with the award in hand.

Randy Orton made his way out from backstage, mic in hand. Orton discussed being WWE champ for 4 months this year and winning the Wrestlemania main event title match. Orton said he was snubbed from Superstar of the Year award, even though he beat all the other nominees. Orton discussed Evolution and how it imploded due to Batista and Triple H. Orton said the two will compete against each other, a man he beat at Wrestlemania and the man he'll beat this Sunday at Armageddon. Orton said he along with Manu & Cody Rhodes are challenging Triple H & Batista to a 2 on 3 handicap match.

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Raw returned with Smackdown's MVP in the ring discussing his losing streak and how it will end tonight. MVP singled out Jimmy Rollins from the Phillies in the audience saying how it took them 25 years to win a title. MVP said he's better than all of them and he'll be a dynasty unlike them. Just then, MVP's own theme music came on, but Charlie Haas came out in MVP's wrestling gear, shades and doo rag.

MVC vs. MVP

Most Valuable Charlie took on MVP on Raw. JR said that Haas won Best Impersonation Slammy on WWE.com. MVP showed his frustrations as he started punching Haas and beating him into the ring corner. Haas got on a roll after Jimmy Rollins stood up from the crowd to yell at MVP. Haas delivered a huge boot followed by a clothesline and slam. Haas went for the Ballin maneuver but MVP stuck his knees up then regained control. MVP ran for the boot kick on Haas in the corner, but Haas avoided it then rolled up MVP for the quick win. Jimmy Rollins and Phillies agreed with the victory, continuing to taunt MVP.

Winner: MVC (Charlie Haas) wins via pinfall over MVP.

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WWE Diva Tiffany & ECW Champion Matt Hardy presented Slammy for 2008 Extreme Moment of the Year. The nominees for the Slammy were: Cena & JBL's Parking Lot Brawl, Undertaker's Crash Landing during TLC Match against Edge, Chris Jericho smashing HBK through Jeritron on Raw, Jeff Hardy's Plunge off the Scaffolding down onto Randy Orton on Raw. The Slammy was awarded to Jeff Hardy for his Swanton Bomb plunge off the scaffolding down onto Randy Orton. Matt congratulated his brother, handing him the award. Hardy discussed how he plans to leave Armageddon this Sunday as WWE Champion, then headed down the ramp for his match with Chris Jericho.

Jeff Hardy vs. Chris Jericho

The match was joined in progress after a commercial break. Jericho fought back to gain control after Jeff had it. Jericho used a slam, then tried a quick pinfall. Jericho stood Hardy up and slapped him a few times, prompting Hardy to fight back. Jeff charged at Jericho near the ropes, but Jericho pulled the top rope down. Hardy hung on to stay on the apron, but Jericho jumped off the side ropes and dropkicked Jeff to the outside. Hardy finally got back in the ring, where Jericho kept him down in a headlock.

After eventually escaping the hold, Jeff gained momentum and was able to hit a variety of moves including a double leg drop on Jericho's groin. Jeff got to the corner for a move, but Jericho climbed up to fight him. Hardy shoved Jericho off and went for a Swanton with Jericho moving away. Jericho connected on a Lionsault off the ropes then tried for Walls of Jericho. Hardy countered it to roll up Jericho for a pin, with Jericho escaping. Jeff was able to hit Whisper in the Wind, but Jericho escaped the pin again. Hardy went for Twist of Fate with Jericho countering it and hitting the Code Breaker out of nowhere to win it.

Winner: Chris Jericho wins via pinfall over Jeff Hardy.

Backstage, Orton, Rhodes and Manu exited Stephanie McMahon's office smirking. Michael Cole reminded fans that Cena will face Edge tonight in another battle between Superstar of the Year contenders.

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WWE Diva Kelly Kelly and Kane came out to present Slammy for 2008 Couple of the Year. Kelly came out alone all smiles, until Kane's pyro erupted and the Big Red Machine came out to join her. Kelly Kelly discussed the concept of love with Kane adding the last time he was in love he tombstoned a priest. Nominees for the Award were: Beth Phoenix & Santino, Vickie Guerrero & Edge, William Regal & Layla and Finlay & Hornswoggle. The Slammy Award went to Edge & Vickie. Vickie came out in a neckbrace ecstatic as Kane and Kelly left. Vickie yelled at the audience to quiet down then discussed how much she and Edge have been through this past year, getting choked up over it. Vickie said the award shows that true love prevails. The crowd continued to drain out Vickie with boos and jeers as she walked backstage.

Santino and Beth came out as Vickie was heading backstage. Santino expressed outrage over not winning the award. Santino said Vickie is more like "Cougar of the Year". Santino said his significant other never tried to send him to Hell by Undertaker. Santino said they will prove that they are worthy of the award and will challenge any of the other couples to a match. Glamarella headed to the ring holding hands, awaiting their mixed tag challenge.

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Advertisement was shown for the Tribute to the Troops, December 20th at 9PM EST on NBC.

Santino Marella & Beth Phoenix vs. Hornswoggle & Finlay

Glamarella looked shocked to see their opponents head to the ring. Before the match could start, Hornswoggle and Finlay played a bit of slapstick with Horney kissing Beth's hand, and Finlay putting a green hat on her head. Beth slapped Finlay, then Finlay slapped Santino. Santino rolled out of the ring, recomposed himself then got in for the match to start.

Finlay opened the match taking it to Santino, knocking him down to his knees. Finlay tagged in Hornswoggle who punched Santino in the face, then did the Tadpole Splash off the corner onto Santino to win it. Beth Phoenix scowled from the apron. Hornswoggle blew kisses to her then went back to celebrate with Finlay.

Winners: Hornswoggle & Finlay win via pinfall over Beth Phoenix & Santino Marella.

WWE Diva Melina and ECW GM Theodore Long came out to present Slammy for 2008 Diva of the Year. Nominees included Beth Phoenix, Mickie James, Kelly Kelly and Michelle McCool. The Slammy was awarded to Beth Phoenix, The Glamazon. Beth was helping up Santino in the ring, then dropped him to the mat so she could run up and take her award from Melina. Beth glared at Melina then accepted on behalf of all the dominant divas across the world. Beth hoisted the award up to display it proudly, then turned and stared at Melina. Beth shoved Melina back, prompting Melina to punch Beth. The two divas engaged in an all out brawl at the top of the ramp, with Santino standing behind them. Melina kicked Beth back and her head hit into Santino's groin.

Michael Cole & Jerry Lawler confirmed that Batista will tag with HHH to take on Rhodes, Manu and Orton tonight, changing the original match of HHH vs. Batista.

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Highlights shown of last week's in ring discussion between JBL and HBK. JBL made an offer to HBK to come work for him. JBL gave Michaels the chance to kick him in the face in the ring, but if he did the offer was off the table, forever. HBK turned and left the ring walking up the ramp as JBL said "Looking forward to doing business with you, Shawn".

OMG Moment of the Year Slammy was presented by WWE Diva Alicia Fox and former ECW commentator Joey Styles. The award represented the Most Shocking Moment of the Year, which would you make you say "Oh My God!". Nominated moments were: Punk cashing in the Money in the Bank to defeat Edge, Undertaker sends Edge to Hell, Floyd Mayweather breaks Big Show's nose, and John Cena's Return at Royal Rumble to win it. The Slammy went to CM Punk for cashing in the Money in the Bank on Raw to win the World Heavyweight title. Punk came out from backstage. Punk discussed winning the title, the tag titles and possibly the IC title now. Punk thanked Batista and Edge, as well as a list of people including Scotty Goldman, Mike Schmidt and Rocky Balboa.

Kofi Kingston came out next for the Intercontinental Championship Tournament match against Rey Mysterio.

Rey Mysterio vs. Kofi Kingston
Intercontinental Championship Tournament Semifinals

Highlights were shown last week when Mike Knox came out to attack Mysterio before his match with the Miz. Mysterio suffered ligament damage in his wrist but still managed to defeat Miz later in the night to advance.

The match was off to a fast and furious start, with high flying kicks, spin moves, counters and finally Kofi isolating Mysterio down on the mat to work on his hurt wrist. Mysterio managed to stand up with Kofi still straining his wrist. Kofi yanked him back to the mat to continue wearing him down. Kingston had a near pin with a rollup but Mysterio escaped. With Rey in the corner, Kofi ran and delivered a Tomahawk chop on him. Rey staggered out holding the ropes, and Kofi whipped him to the other corner. Kofi tried to jump at Rey in the corner, but Rey moved. Kingston tried to jump off the corner, but Mysterio avoided it again causing Kofi to fall onto the mat. Rey ran over and flipped onto Kofi, pulling him into a quick surprise pinfall to win.

Afterwards, Rey offered a handshake to Kofi for a match well fought. Kofi reciprocated before leaving the ring.

Winner: Rey Mysterio wins via pinfall to advance to the Finals of the Intercontinental Championship Tournament Sunday at Armageddon.

Cole and Lawler said now for the first time ever Mysterio and Punk will face off at Armageddon Sunday. Two former World Champs vying for the #1 Contender spot at Regal's IC Title.

During the Mysterio-Kingston match, Michael Cole announced Slammy Awards given on WWE.com including Breakout Performer of the Year: Vladimir Kozlov. R-Truth was given Best Musical Performance of the Year. Best Impersonation was the Glamahaas, Best WWE Original Publication was The Dirt Sheet.

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Mr. Kennedy and WWE Diva Eve Torres presented Slammy for the Match of the Year. Nominees included Money in the Bank Ladder Match from WM24, 2008 Royal Rumble, Summerslam's Edge vs. Undertaker Hell in a Cell, Shawn Michaels vs. Ric Flair Career Ending Match at WM24. The Slammy Award went to Shawn Michaels vs. Ric Flair at Wrestlemania 24. HBK came out to accept the award on their behalf. As Michaels was speaking about the historic match, JBL came out to interrupt and accepted the award, saying that when he beat John Cena during the Parking Lot Brawl it was the Match of the Year. JBL took the statue and headed backstage leaving Michaels speechless for a moment.

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Batista & Triple H vs. Cody Rhodes, Manu & Randy Orton
2 on 3 Handicap Match

Early in the match, Triple H and Batista were able to knock Rhodes and Manu to the outside. As both men looked out, Orton tried to sneak behind them for a possible RKO. They turned and Orton dropped to roll out of the ring as Raw went to break.

Raw returned with Orton stomping on Triple H down on the mat. Rhodes and Manu each took a turn tagging in to work on wearing down The Game. Orton barked instructions to Rhodes to squeeze a headlock on HHH down on the mat. Triple H seemed to wear down briefly, then got to his feet, but Rhodes shoved him to the corner and tagged Orton in. Orton tried to wear HHH down with another headlock, but this time HHH got to his feet and used a backdrop to slam Orton back. HHH crawled over for a tag, but Orton tagged Rhodes in. Rhodes ran over to attack, with HHH eventually shoving him off a bulldog attempt. The two men crwaled to their partners, with Manu and Batista tagging in.

The Animal rushed in to clothesline Manu then knock Orton off the apron. Batista delivered a Spinebuster on Manu, then went for the Batista Bomb. Rhodes tried to jump off the corner at Biatsta, but he shoved Manu into his path. Both men crashed to the mat, then went to opposite corners where Batista clotheslined each. Orton snuck in to try to RKO Batista.

The match ended with Batista about to Batista Bomb Orton. Manu and HHH were on the outside and Rhodes snuck in to hit Batista from behind as he had Orton up in the air for the Bomb. Orton landed on his feet and quickly hit the RKO to win the match.

Winners: Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes & Manu win via pinfall over Batista & Triple H.

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Commercial was shown for Mr. Kennedy's upcoming movie, Behind Enemy Lines: Colombia which arrives on DVD January 6th, 2009.

Mickie James & Ron Simmons came out to present the Slammy for 2008 DAMN! Moment of the Year. Nominees were Khali's Kiss Cam, Punk Surprises Chavo Guerrero during Fiesta in ring, Jim Ross in Sailor Costume on Halloween, and Santino's Split Goes Splat (from last week's Raw). The winner was Khali's Kiss Cam. After accepting the award, Khali went to kiss Mickie James. Jillian Hall came out belting out the song "My Heart Will Go On" from Titanic. Kung Fu Naki, The Fink, Sgt. Slaughter and Hacksaw Jim Duggan all came out to serve as backup dancers waving their hands side to side. Khali picked up Mickie and kissed her passionately, then out of nowhere Ron Simmons yelled out "DAMN!" into the mic to stop the proceedings.

Lawler and Cole reminded fans that Superstar of the Year Slammy will be coming later.

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Raw Rewind showed last weeks Cena vs. Kane match, where Jericho ran down to interrupt and attack Cena. Team Priceless led by Orton came out to help, with Orton DDT'ing Cena off the top ramp, then Jericho putting the Walls of Jericho onto Cena on the pavement.

Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler ran down tonight's Slammy winners so far. Just then, R-Truth burst out in the crowd rapping "Whats Up" as he made his way down to the ring.

R-Truth vs. Dolph Ziggler

Both men had impressive moves early, with Truth able to jump over Ziggler out of the corner then land a spin kick to his head. Ziggler was able to dump Truth onto and over the top ropes at one point, then took control in the ring, using a headlock to wear down Truth. Truth eventually got to his feet and elbowed his way out, but Ziggler kneed him in the gut. Ziggler tried to whip Truth to the turnbuckle, but Truth countered to whip Ziggler instead. Truth clotheslined Ziggler over the top rope, then shot himself over the top rope onto Ziggler outside. The two men started to fight it out, trading punches while the ref kept counting them out. Truth got the upperhand and got onto the apron at 8, but Ziggler jumped up and hit a spin kick to knock Truth off. Ziggler rolled into the ring just before 10 to beat the count for his first victory.

Winner: Dolph Ziggler wins due to countout of R-Truth.

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Stephanie McMahon presented the 2008 Superstar of the Year Slammy. Nominees were Jeff Hardy, Chris Jericho, Batista, Edge, Triple H & John Cena. The award went to Chris Jericho who came out looking around to make sure Cena wasn't present. Jericho began to walk down the ramp away from the podium and got into the ring. Jericho began to berate the fans once again, saying they are biased and incapable of deciding the Superstar of the Year award. Jericho said he will be World Heavyweight Champ 3 times this year, after he beats Cena at Armageddon Sunday. Jericho vowed to close out 2008 as the champion yet again.

Just then, Cena's theme music came on and Cena came rushing to the ring. Jericho looked ready to fight then took off through the crowd. Cena went to go after him, but just then Edge's music came on and the Rated-R Superstar made his way down to the ring.

John Cena vs. Edge

Edge started off hammering away at Cena, but Cena quickly sent him to the ropes to clothesline him down. Cena followed up with a bulldog and then clotheslined Edge out over the ropes. Cena was riled up as he went to the outside and Raw took a break.

Raw returned with Edge in control, wearing Cena down with a neck hold. Edge continued with the momentum on Cena, punching away at him in the ring corner. Edge was able to bring Cena down to the mat again for another neck hold. Cena finally stood up and escaped it, then began to trade punches with Edge in the center of the ring. Cena started to gain momentum but Edge soon countered to get back his. Edge prepared for a Spear as Cena got to his feet across the ring. Cena ran at Edge to throw a shoulder into him, then gained momentum yet again. Cena hit the Five Knuckle Shuffle then went for the FU. Edge escaped the FU three times, with Cena countering Edge's attacks. Finally, Cena tripped Edge down and got him into the STFU. Edge struggled not to tap out.

All of a sudden, Chris Jericho rushed back down towards the ring. Cena broke the STFU and ran out to go after him. The two started to fight it out into the crowd. As Edge remained in the ring, Triple H rushed down and got into tackle Edge down and beat on him. Jeff Hardy rushed down next and launched himself into Triple H and Edge in the corner. Hardy speared Edge down and started punching away, but Triple H was back up and kicked Hardy in the head. HHH threw Hardy out of the ring and attacked Edge until he went to the outside. As Edge tried to get up near the crowd barrier, Jeff Hardy ran over and jumped off the steel steps to kick Edge down. Triple H continued staring out from inside the ring at Hardy as he headed up the ramp.

Winner: No winner due to Chris Jericho's interference. Referee called for the match to end when Cena left to attack Jericho outside the ring.