WWE's Top 10 Stories in 2008

Looking back at the past year, the WWE was definitely more full of surprising moments than ever before, making it an exciting year to be a pro-wrestling fan. Despite the economic downturn, fans continued to attend shows, purchase Pay-Per-Views and WWE merchandise, showing that the brand of sports entertainment continues to thrive. What was great about 2008? While WWE found itself in controversy as it always does, it was definitely less devastating than anything seen in 2007. WWE was able to rise to the occasion with some great stories of intrigue, surprise and triumph in 2008.

While there were several seemingly devastating injuries at the time this past year - John Cena, Randy Orton and Edge, there were also some surprise returns as well. A few names from the past also made their way back into the wrestling ring including Goldust, Honky Tonk Man, Roddy Piper and D. Lo Brown. Stone Cold Steve Austin returned at Cyber Sunday as a Guest referee, and Mr. Kennedy made his move into the acting world with an upcoming DVD movie for 2009. The General Manager position on Raw was constantly changing names while the GM's of ECW & Smackdown stayed consistent.

Here's a look back at the top 10 WWE stories and incidents of 2008.

#10 McMahon's Millions

While it may be considered somewhat of a flop by the WWE, and the fans who didn't win, millions of fans registered to win Mr. McMahon's money on Raw. The catch was you had to be watching and prepared to give a special code, or answer a trivia question. The other catch? You didn't necessarily win a ton of money. Some fans were left with just $12 or $200 while others won up to several hundred thousand. The contest lasted for about a month or so on Raw, and ended with the collapse of the WWE set onto Mr. McMahon. Wrestlers rushed over to assist the chairman, who was taken away via stretcher, and hasn't been heard from since. Stephanie and Shane stepped in, asking fans to respect the family's wishes that Mr. McMahon's health not be discussed at this point.

Million Dollar Mistake?

WWE Draft and Collapse of Million Dollar Mania

Million Dollar Media & Raw Ratings

Million Dollar Media Coverage

WWE's Million Dollar Giveaway Press Release

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#9 ECW Superstar Initiative

With Theodore Long's taking over as GM on ECW, good things started to happen for the 1 hour long show. Not only did he add a beautiful new assistant in WWE Diva Tiffany (Taryn Terrell), but he also introduced a superstar initiative. The concept was to test out new wrestlers on ECW to see who has what it takes to be a part of the Extreme brand. Some of the names we are now very familiar with include: Evan Bourne, Jack Swagger and Ricky Ortiz. Expect these superstars to continue making a name for themselves in 2009, with title aspirations possibly leading to title reigns.

Jack Swagger vs. Ricky Ortiz Round 1

ECW's Young Talent Rising

WWE's Minor League - The ECW

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#8 Return of the Slammys

It had been a long hiatus for the fun-filled award show known as "The Slammys". Previously, superstars such as Shawn Michaels, The Rock and Bret "the Hitman" Hart won awards, but this year saw a new set of superstars taking statues. Miz and Morrison won best Tag Team, Beth Phoenix was top diva, Edge & Vickie were top couple, and 2008 Superstar of the Year was Chris Jericho. Shawn Michaels and Flair won the award for best match of 2008, with Flair's final match at WM24. The special 3 hour Raw was a fun show full of entertaining moments such as a Khali kiss with diva Mickie James complete with Jillian Hall's awful singing and the backup dancers of Rajin Singh, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, The Fink, and Kung Fu Naki. Oh & don't forget Ron Simmons....DAMN!

Raw Recap 12.08.08 - Slammy Awards

List of 2008 Slammy Award Winners

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#7 WWE Universe Launches

In keeping with the fast-moving internet era, the WWE released a place for fans, very similar to Myspace. The WWE Universe is an interactive social media fan experience complete with your own profile, pictures, videos, blogs, forums and groups where fans get to meet other fans, view wrestler and diva blogs, and discuss everything WWE. The site continues to be a success and features just about every current WWE personality, superstar and diva in the WWE with their own profiles.

Are You Part of WWE Universe?

WWE Divas - WWE Universe Profiles

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#6 Regal's Rule in 2008

While it was a bad year for our #5 individual, it was perhaps fittingly a "regal" year for William Regal. Earlier in the year, Regal won the 2008 King of the Ring tournament, beating the likes of CM Punk. From there, the 2008 King became the General Manager of Raw, a tyrant who abused the fans. Regal had the lights cut out on matches, ordered matches to be stopped and threatened to have fans thrown out. All this resulted in an eventual match with Mr. Kennedy, in which the loser had to leave Raw. Regal was dismissed from Raw for some time (due to a Wellness policy violation) but upon his return, he managed to defeat Santino Marella to capture the Intercontinental Title. Regal also picked up a "Queen" in the process, as WWE Diva Layla became Regal's gal pal and sidekick. Heading towards 2009, Regal will look to build on that success, but will have a tough challenge when he defends his title against CM Punk.

WWE's New King & Political Smackdown

Raw King of the Ring Recap 04.21.08

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#5 Adamle is Raw, Briefly

It was a tough year for Mike Adamle, a former commentator for NFL programming. He originally started out as a sideline reporter on Raw introducing matches for Raw or upcoming Pay-Per-Views. Next, WWE put its faith in him as a commentator, moving him to ECW alongside Tazz. Unfortunately, Adamle tried to put his own cool spin on the commentating, but didn't know wrestling enough to call the matches. Superstar names, moves and information was botched and butchered. In all fairness to Adamle, he received a surprise promotion to General Manager of the Raw program. WWE really had faith in this guy, but for some reason Adamle was forced to resign, just a week after slapping Randy Orton in the face. Will we see or hear from Adamle in the WWE again? Only time will tell...

Rating Raw's New GM - Mike Adamle

Raw's New GM - Mike Adamle?

Tazz & Adamle Leave ECW?

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#4 Year of the Champions?

2008 saw plenty of World Heavyweight championship reigns, both short and long. It seemed every name on the upper eschelon of the WWE's rosters had the WH title at some time. Undertaker captured the title at Wrestlemania 24 by defeating Edge to keep his undefeated streak going. Then it was Edge getting the title back after his lover Vickie Guerrero stripped Undertaker of the title and had him banished from WWE. CM Punk had a surprise reign and memorable moment on Raw when he cashed in Money in the Bank after Edge was Powerbombed in the ring by Batista. Punk wore the World Heavyweight Title, but only briefly as he was sidelined for the big Championship Scramble match thanks to Randy Orton. Chris Jericho became the successor as champ, and wore the title twice in 2008. Batista also had his turn with the title, but for a very brief reign as he was champ in between Jericho's 2 wins. John Cena made his triumphant return from a neck injury to defeat Jericho at Survivor Series and is the current champ. Got all that?

And for honorable mention let's not forget the ECW title which currently is worn by Matt Hardy. During the past year, Mark Henry had an impressive ECW title reign as did the Big Red Machine Kane and Chavo Guerrero. Add to all this the new WWE Divas Championship created exclusively for Smackdown, currently owned by Miss Michelle McCool. Will 2009 see more champions, or longer, more stable title reigns?

CM Punk's World Championship

Triple the Scramble - Triple the Fun?

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#3 Cena's Rumble Return

In the WWE surprise of the year, the secret was kept so under wraps that even Cena's fellow wrestlers had no idea he was returning to action. WWE did a great job of thwarting any attempts of internet gossipers or rumor mills and allowed for a truly surprising moment in wrestling history. Cena made his surprise return from injury earlier than expected, as the #30 entrant into the Royal Rumble. Not only did he return, Cena won the Rumble and moved into the #1 Contender spot for Randy Orton's WWE Title. Definitely one of the great moments for WWE fans who were surprised at the return of the current posterchild for pro wrestling.

2008 WWE Royal Rumble PPV Results

Raw 1.28.08 Preview - Cena's Return?

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#2 Jeff Hardy WWE Champion

WWE fans are well aware of the long, rocky road that superstar Jeff Hardy has traveled. He's been walking on a thin line with the WWE due to 2 drug suspensions, and never seemed likely to wear the WWE belt. He had worn the Intercontinental title for some time in 2008. The enigmatic fan favorite was kept out of Wrestlemania 24 due to one suspension. Add to that Jeff's house tragically burning down and the loss of his favorite dog in the fire. Even more, Jeff found himself as part of WWE controversy yet again, as WWE ran a fake story that Jeff was attacked in his hotel room prior to Survivor Series 2008. The story was allegedly covered by TMZ and CNN, according to WWE. Jeff was unable to compete at Survivor Series for the title, but at Armageddon the stage was set. In a Triple Threat match, Jeff managed to hit the Swanton heard round the world, crashing down onto Edge, pinning the champ and becoming the new WWE Champion!

New WWE Champion Jeff Hardy

Armageddon 2008 Pay-Per-View Results

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#1 Ric Flair Retires

The Nature Boy will always hold a spot in the hearts and minds of pro-wrestling fans. He's had a career spanning several decades with an impressive resume of title wins in WCW, WWF & WWE. There had been murmurs behind the scenes for some time that Flair wasn't pleased at his role with the company and was considering leaving. A new story developed whereby Chairman McMahon ordered a stipulation: each match Flair fought in would put his career on the line. Flair pulled off wins against superstars including Randy Orton, Umaga, William Regal and Triple H en route to one of his biggest matches yet. At Wrestlemania 24, Flair battled his longtime friend Shawn Michaels in a Career Threatening Match. Michaels and Flair put on a great show, but in the end the Hall of Famer lost to Michaels via a Superkick. Flair delivered an emotional farewell at the Hall of Fame Ceremony the night before, and Raw the next night featured a salute to Flair, with wrestlers past and present coming to the ring to pay tribute to the legend. Flair made a few other appearances on Raw before he decided to puruse other endeavors.

Ric Flair Leaves the WWE

WWE 2008 Hall of Fame Ceremony

Wrestlemania 24 Results

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It's been quite a year but reflecting back shows how fun and entertaining WWE can be. When 2008 turns to 2009, we can all let out a single exclamation...Woooo! to honor one of the best wrestlers in history, and welcome in a terrific new year for WWE wrestling!

Agree/disagree with the above rankings or stories? Think 2007 was better than 2008? Feel free to leave your thoughts regarding the top WWE stories of 2008 in the comments below!

Also see: WWE's Top 10 Stories in 2007

Check out the latest WWE merchandise at Amazon.com!