Raw Recap 12.22.08

Raw recap from Toronto, Canada:

Tonight's WWE Raw show opened with "Glamarella", as Santino Marella and Beth Phoenix were shown backstage. Beth wore a Santa hat and Santino discussed how the fans have disrespected him over the past year. Santino said tonight he gets to have some fun because he has a secret for all the children to pay attention to. Beth tried to intervene before Santino could speak, but he told her to "shut up her face". Santino continued but just then John Cena showed up. Cena told Santino he's just mad Santa never brought him the big pink Barbie dollhouse he asked for. Marella was insulted and challenged Cena to find a partner to face he and Beth Phoenix. Cena turned to see Goldust standing there. Goldust said to pick him, but Santino added that Cena's partner needs to be female. Cena told Santino he was on and left the scene. Marella said when they win he'll reveal the secret of Santa Claus.

Kane came out to the ring and was accompanied to the ring by WWE Diva Kelly Kelly. Highlights were shown from last week's incident where Kane stalked Kelly and asked if she had feelings for him. Kane found out that Kelly was seeing someone else, so Kane went out to send a message by beating up The Miz in the ring. Kane took a mic and informed the fans that Stephanie McMahon asked him to issue an apology to Kelly for last Monday. Kane apologized to Kelly but then told her to apologize to him for leading him on. Kane said Kelly's not in love with The Miz and some day will regret not telling him the truth. Just then, Shawn Michaels came out to start off the first match of the four "Race to the Rumble" matches of the night. These matches featured 8 former champions squaring off to determine four winners who will fight in a Fatal Fourway next week.

Shawn Michaels vs. Kane
Race to the Rumble Match #1

Kane dominated Michaels for a good part of the match, beating him around the ring. Shawn started to make a comeback but fans continued to boo as he did. Michaels was able to hit Kane with a flying forearm off the ropes, then went over to Kane who was still down on the mat. Kane reached up to grab Shawn in a Chokeslam, but Shawn powered out and reversed for a submission hold. Kane managed to stand up and get out of the hold, then used a sideslam on HBK. Kane followed with a vicious clothesline off the corner, then awaited HBK to stand for the Chokeslam. Again, Michaels escaped it and this time landed Sweet Chin Music out of nowhere to win it. JBL was shown watching and nodding backstage.

Winner: Shawn Michaels wins via pinfall over Kane to advance to the Fatal Fourway in the Race to the Rumble.

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When Raw returned, highlights were shown from a week ago where Orton baited Batista into having a rematch. Orton slapped The Animal backstage then lured him out into the arena. Rhodes and Manu jumped Batista on the ramp, allowing Orton to help attack. John Cena rushed in to save Batista, and later the two would team up to face Orton, Rhodes & Manu. During the main event Handicap tag match, Cena was knocked to the outside after Orton hit the RKO on Batista. Orton ran and delivered his Punt Kick on Batista, leaving the Animal down in the ring from the attack.

Kofi Kingston vs. Manu

Kofi delivered a Happy Holidays greeting backstage prior to the match. Manu tried to overpower the quick, high-flying Kingston in the matchup early. Manu used a headlock to keep Kofi grounded. Manu picked up Kingston and slammed him down then used a headbutt coming off the ropes. As Manu charged at Kingston in the corner, Kofi managed to hit an impressive handstand flip kick on the apron, then got onto the corner ropes to do a high cross body down onto Manu. Kofi landed his double legdrop on Manu but the second generation star kicked out of a pin. Manu whipped Kofi to the corner, but Kofi jumped on the ropes and flew back at Manu. Manu caught him in mid-air, then hoisted Kingston up on his shoulders. Manu looked ready to slam Kingston down, but Kofi was able to shift his weight and pull Manu down into the winning pinfall.

Winner: Kofi Kingston wins via pinfall over Manu.

Backstage, John Cena was shown talking with WWE Diva Kelly Kelly. Kelly shook hands with Cena and Lawler said it looks like Cena found his partner for the mixed tag match later.

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Backstage, Sima Snuka (Deuce) spoke to Randy Orton. Snuka told Orton he can make a big difference in their team as a second generation superstar. Just then Manu and Rhodes came walking up. Orton told Manu he didn't want to hear it, then said maybe their team can use a new member. Orton walked off, then Snuka stared at Manu briefly before walking off.

Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler introduced a D-Generation X advertisement with Lawler reminding fans the ad was shot before Shawn Michaels fell on hard financial times. DX cut a promo for the WWE Shop Zone items available as great holiday gifts including the WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2009 video game. The promo ended with a Michaels and Triple H in a fight after the two kept slapping each other and discussing their wrestling accomplishments.

CM Punk talked to Shawn Michaels backstage about his experience over in Iraq, then told Michaels next week Punk could be facing Michaels in the Fatal Fourway for the first time. Just then, Triple H walked in saying they needed to talk. Punk exited and HHH told Michaels he's been avoiding his calls so he needed to come face to face. HHH told HBK if he had financial trouble he should have come to him. Michaels said that would only hang like a dark cloud over their friendship. Michaels said he doesn't expect him to understand, but he will get himself out of this. Michaels said he has to do this his way without anyone's help. Triple H told Michaels he hopes he knows what he's doing.

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Mickie James & Melina vs. Layla & Jillian Hall

William Regal joined Cole and Lawler for commentary on this Raw WWE Divas tag match. Prior to the match, Jillian butchered a holiday song. William Regal talked up his gal pal Layla, discussing how great a job she did interviewing Jim Carey recently. During the match, Mickie went to the corner for a move against Layla, but Jillian ran over on the apron and shoved Mickie off to the outside. From here, Mickie began to favor her knee, but the heel divas doubleteamed and kept her away from a tag to Melina. Mickie finally managed to break away from Jillian. Melina came in gaining the upperhand briefly, landing her finisher. Layla rushed in to break up the pin. Mickie rushed in as well to knock Layla out of the ring, then Mickie went back to the apron holding her knee as if seriously hurt. Eventually, Melina jumped up on Jillian's shoulders and used a flip to get Jillian into a pinfall.

Following the win, Melina helped Mickie James get into the ring. Mickie looked visibly shaken and upset from her knee injury. Melina tried to cheer up Mickie James in the ring.

Winners: Mickie James & Melina win via pinfall over Layla & Jillian Hall.

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Raw Rewind showed highlights last week of the Rey Mysterio vs Sima Snuka match. Mysterio took control as he knocked Snuka to the outside and jumped on him. Mysterio accidentally bumped into Cody Rhodes at ringside, and he and Manu got up to go after Mysterio. Mysterio escaped the three men, but as he backed up the ramp, Mike Knox rushed down and attacked Rey from behind.

Rey Mysterio vs. JBL
Race to the Rumble Match #2

JBL began to dominate the match from the get go, but Mysterio escaped a move and flipped JBL into the ropes. Mysterio ran over for the 619, but JBL slipped out of the ring. Mysterio dove out and landed on JBL as Raw went to commercial.

Back from break, Rey tried to continue controlling the match. Mysterio jumped off the corner but JBL caught him mid-air. JBL threw Mysterio back over his head halfway across the ring. JBL kicked out of a pinfall attempt after the fall away slam. JBL picked up Mysterio and stretched his leg and back against his leg, twisting Mysterio's body. Mysterio fought his way out by beating on JBL's leg. Mysterio hit a Sunset Flip and JBL went to punch him in the face. Mysterio slid away as JBL punched the mat. JBL clotheslined Mysterio as he came at him off the ropes, then JBL delivered elbow drop after elbow drop on Mysterio repeatedly. Mysterio still escaped the pinfall.

At one point, JBL grabbed Mysterio's tights and yanked him back causing Mysterio to fly out of the ring and crash to the outside. Mysterio seemed to hurt his leg as he landed, and JBL went out to attack. JBL rammed Mysterio into the side apron then got back in the ring. Rey just managed to crawl back into the ring at 9, beating the ref's count. JBL delivered a vicious clothesline on Rey in the ring, but again Rey kicked out. JBL hoisted Mysterio up in a torture rack on his shoulders, then tried for a Sleeper Hold as Rey escaped. Mysterio used a jawbreaker, then used a sleeper of his own on JBL. JBL backed him into the corner, but Mysterio got to the apron and did a springboard off the ropes to land on JBL.

The match continued with near pinfall after near pinfall. Finally, Mysterio kicked JBL into the ropes and ran across the ring for 619. Out of nowhere, Shawn Michaels appeared and pulled JBL out of the ring, seeming to save him. Michaels looked JBL in the face, then suddenly slapped him. The ref called for the bell as Michaels left the scene. JBL was awarded the match due to outside interference. Mysterio continued to argue with the ref over the result.

Winner: JBL wins due to disqualification over Rey Mysterio when Shawn Michaels interfered.

Behind the scenes footage was shown of Behind the Enemy Lines Colombia starring Mr. Kennedy as Carter Holt. Special effects were highlighted including the explosions in the movie. The DVD arrives January 6th, 2009.

Cole and lawler reminded fans of the last 2 Race to the Rumble matches, but Cole said there's still speculation over Batista's health after last week's punt kick.

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Highlights were shown again from last week's main event, where Randy Orton delivered the RKO to Batista followed by a vicious Punt kick to his head. Batista was left down on the mat trying to recover from the kick as Orton, Rhodes & Manu were victorious up on the ramp.

Batista vs. Randy Orton

Orton arrived to the ring awaiting his opponent Batista. A referee came into the ring and walked over to Justin Roberts. Justin Roberts informed the fans that Batista is unable to compete tonight, so the winner due to forfeit is Randy Orton.

After the announcement came, Orton took the mic and told the fans nothing in his career has been as personally satisfying as kicking Batista in the head last week. Orton said 4 years ago he won his first major title in Toronto, but the following night Batista ambushed him after pretending to celebrate the victory. Orton said he's dreamt of kicking Batista for four years now, so Christmas came early. Orton said Batista won't face Cena at the Rumble now. Orton said Batista now is back where he started four years ago, taking a back seat to him. Orton vowed the next time Batista sees him, he'll be World Heavyweight Champion.

Winner: Randy Orton wins due to forfeit of Batista to advance to the Fatal Fourway in the Race to the Rumble.

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Backstage, Dolph Ziggler walked up and introduced himself to Kelly Kelly. Kelly shook his hand saying nice to meet him, then turned to check her hair in a mirror. A hand tapped Kelly on the shoulder. As she turned back, The Miz and John Morrison were standing there. Miz thanked Kelly for what Kane did to him last week due to her. Miz said he didn't realize how vengeful Kelly was after their incident on ECW. Miz asked Kelly if she's protecting John Cena, and Kelly said that Cena asked her to be his tag partner tonight and that's all. Miz and Morrison then informed Kelly they heard a rumor that someone broke into a superstar's hotel room trashing all sorts of belongings in the room. Miz and Morrison said they heard it was Kelly Kelly's room, and wished her a Happy Holiday.

CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho
Race to the Rumble Match #3

Jericho was announced as the 2008 Superstar of the Year Slammy winner. During the match, Punk gained momentum as he hit a Cross Body off the corner on Jericho then kicked him in the legs. Punk spun around to kick Jericho in the gut and chest, then side of the head. Jericho fell to the mat holding the side of his head and rolling under the ropes as Raw went to commercial break with the ref asking if he could continue.

When Raw returned, Jericho was in the corner where Punk tried to whip him across to the opposite corner. Jericho reversed it and whipped Punk but Punk leapt onto the ropes as Jericho charged then managed to squeeze Jericho against the ropes. The fans in Toronto were audibly behind Jericho, cheering for their fellow Canadian. Jericho managed to gain control over Punk putting a headlock on to wear him down. Punk got up and fought out, but as he ran across off the ropes, Jericho gave him a knee to the midsection, then kicked him while he was down. Jericho went for a Superplex off the corner, but Punk knocked him down to the mat.

Jericho eluded a pinfall, then a GTS attempt, and managed to hit a running Bulldog from off the ropes. Jericho found himself hoisted up again in a GTS attempt. This time Punk brought him down but Jericho escaped right before getting kneed in the face, and reversed it to take Punk down. Jericho turned it into the Walls of Jericho, causing agony to Punk. Punk tried to escape but rolling his body, but wound up farther from the ropes. Punk was close to the ropes but Jericho pulled him back into the center and kept the hold. Punk finally escaped it, but Jericho went for another attempt. Punk then kneed Jericho in the face, but couldn't capture the pin.

The match finally ended as Punk went to Springboard off the ropes at Jericho. Jericho grabbed him from the air and hit a Code Breaker to win it as fans celebrated the victory.

Winner: Chris Jericho wins via pinfall over CM Punk to advance to the Fatal Fourway in the Race to the Rumble.

Cole and Lawler revealed the official Fatal Fourway match for the Race to the Rumble: Shawn Michaels vs. JBL vs. Randy Orton vs. Chris Jericho. The winner of that match on next week's Raw will get to face John Cena for the World Heavyweight title at Royal Rumble.

In the back parking garage of the arena, Kelly Kelly was shown in street clothes and her jacket leaving the arena. Todd Grisham rushed out asking her where she was going since she has a tag match with John Cena coming up. Kelly yelled back that she talked to John and he understands but she has to go.

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Cole and Lawler introduced a highlight video package from WWE 2008 Tribute to the Troops, complete with an intro from President George W. Bush. Included in the video were Kelly Kelly, Maria, The Miz, John Cena, Batista, Jeff Hardy and Cryme Tyme. Check out a list of 2008 Tribute to the Troops music & theme songs here.

John Cena was shown backstage heading to the ring on his way out for the main event mixed tag match. Lawler asked the question who will Cena get for his partner now that Kelly Kelly has left the arena.

John Cena & ??? vs. Santino Marella & Beth Phoenix
Mixed Tag Match

Prior to the match, Santino took the mic and pointed out the world's biggest Santino fan in the audience. A woman holding a "Glamazon" poster began to excitedly point and yell she was a Beth fan. Santino told the woman she is the world's second biggest Santino fan, behind Beth. Santino then insulted the crowd saying Canda is second to the US in just about everything. As Santino was about to reveal a secret about Santa Claus, John Cena came out to interrupt.

Cena said Santa Claus is in the building tonight and has a front row seat. Cena said Santa gave him one Christmas wish, and got him another tag team partner. All of a sudden, Trish Stratus' theme music came on and the crowd went wild as Trish came down to the ring. Cole said Canada's own, Trish Stratus, is out of retirement for tonight.

The match opened with Cena locking a side headlock on Santino and bringing him down to the mat. Santino got Cena to back him into the corner then slapped Cena. Cena ran to clothesline Santino, but Marella ducked it and tagged Beth. Cena smiled then walked over to tag in Trish Stratus. The two divas stood face to face before Beth shoved Trish. Trish came back punching away. Beth tried to clothesline her but Trish did a "Matrix move" to duck it, then Trish jumped on Beth and hammered away at her. Eventually Beth picked up Trish with both hands and tossed her into the corner. Santino tried to climb the turnbuckle as Beth held Trish, but Trish escaped and hit the ropes causing Santino to fall on his groin.

Trish did a handstand in the corner and grabbed Santino with her legs, then threw him to the mat. As Trish riled up the crowd, Beth yanked her down hard to the mat by her hair. Beth wrenched in a side headlock and pounded away on Trish, then slammed her on her knee. Beth began to dominate, but as she went to pick up Trish, Trish reversed it into a Bulldog. Trish managed to crawl over for a tag to Cena who rushed in to attack Santino as he got in. Cena hit the Five Knuckle Shuffle on Marella, then prepared for the FU. Beth came in to prevent it, but Trish came in and kicked Beth, causing the Glamazon to roll out of the ring. As Trish went back to the apron, John Cena hoisted Santino up into the FU and completed it for the win.

Winner: John Cena & Trish Stratus win via pinfall over Beth Phoenix and Santino Marella.

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