WWE Raw Live Report
Three-hour Slammys special
December 8, 2008
Philadelphia, Pa.

The show started with a video package hyping the top moments of the past year setting up tonight's Slammys award show. Live in the arena, Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler introduced the show and hyped Chris Jericho vs. Jeff Hardy as part of the Slammys Superstar of the Year battle. Jim Ross and Tazz then hyped Triple H vs. Batista and back to Cole and Lawler to hype John Cena vs. Edge.

On-stage: The dramatic Hall of Fame music hit, then they showed the Slammys award statues on stage. Lilian Garcia then announced Maria and Festus as the first presenters for the first award of Tag Team of the year. Maria tried to introduce things, but Festus, who was sporting a tie over his overalls, wouldn't co-operate with the teleprompter. Cue up the candidates of Carlito & Primo, Priceless of DiBiase & Rhodes, Miz & John Morrison, and Cryme Tyme.

And the winner is...Miz & Morrison. Fans booed that one while Maria smirked. Their music hit, then Miz and Morrison stormed out on stage and celebrated as if they won the (insert cliched major sporting event). On stage, Miz and Morrison had a brief tug-of-war for the trophy, then Morrison graciously accepted the Slammy. Miz mocked Festus and moved his lip up and down while talking really slow. He told Festus to get out of here, then he slowly walked off with Maria.

Morrison did his big acceptance speech thanking his mom, Chuck Norris, and other folks. "Yes we can!" he shouted, comically channeling Barack Obama. Miz told him to calm down and wipe away the tears, the Miz proclaimed them as the greatest tag team of the 21st century. They paused to star off into the horizon. In life, there are winners and losers. Be Jealous.

In-ring: They transitioned right into Morrison's in-ring entrance for a semi-final #1 Contender to the IC Title tournament match. Backstage, William Regal and Layla were shown watching on a monitor. Much bigger TV than in the Main Event Mafia locker room. C.M. Punk then came out as the opposition. Also tonight is Rey vs. Kofi in the tournament.

1 -- World tag team champion C.M. PUNK vs. JOHN MORRISON -- Final Four match in #1 Contender to IC Title tournament

Basic exchange in the opening minute, then Punk knocked JMo to the outside and hit a plancha. Cole less-than-emphatically sent us to break.

[Commercial Break]

[Q2]

Back from break, we found out that Morrison caused an injury to Punk's ankle. Morrison then found himself up top when Punk crotched him and nailed an absolutely crazy-looking huracanrana. He couldn't make the cover, but eventually did for a nearfall. Punk tried to follow with a high knee and bulldog combo, but his leg gave out. Morrison then nailed a spinning Russian legsweep for a two count. Punk and Morrison battled for control, then they showed Regal watching closely. Punk then wanted the G2S, but Morrison countered into a great victory roll for a very close two count. Punk then wanted the G2S a second time and this time he nailed Morrison square in the jaw for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Punk in 8:00 to advance to the finals. Heck of a match. Great finish, starting with the sick top-rope huracanrana, then a couple of really great nearfalls at the end. If Morrison stays on schedule, 2009 will be his year. (**1/4)

Announcers: Cole and Lawler, who was dressed to the nines, talked about the John Cena vs. Chris Jericho feud, with Jericho possibly crossing the line in taking it to Cena. Cue up a video package recapping last week's Cena vs. Kane main event, then climaxing with Randy Orton giving Cena the big horizontal implant DDT off the stage to the floor before Jericho slapped on the Walls of Jericho for the big finish.

Backstage: Todd Grisham brought in John Cena for an interview. Cena responded to what happened last night by saying Jericho forget what the words Hustle, Loyalty, and Respect mean. Cena then mocked Jericho's previous promo about his son being a Cena fan. He said that while he was at home recovering from his neck injury, his dog Lou would start cleaning himself and trying to throw up everytime Jericho was on the show. So he banned his dog from watching Raw until Armageddon, which is absolutely ridiculous.

Cena said he never intended to cause Chris Jericho grief at home with his son. But, maybe his son saw Jericho become a smug little punk who needs his teeth stuffed down his throat. Cena said that if the same thing that happened to him last week happened to Jericho, he would be in the ring complaining and whining and holding up the show. Cena said he's going to handle business by fighting Jericho tonight. He gets a re-education of the word "respect" tonight!

[Commercial Break]

Slammys Award: Cryme Tyme and Candice Michelle came out on stage to present Best Finishing move. Awkward exchange, then JTG said Stone Cold Stunner. Shad with Rock Bottom. JTG with figure four leglock. Whoo! from the crowd. Shad with Sharpshooter. Candice then asked who would like to see her best finishing maneuver. Oh dear. Candidates for 2008: Taker's Hell's Gate, Randy Orton's RKO, Evan Bourne's Shooting Star Press, or Big Show's Knockout Punch.

[Q3]

And the Slammy goes to...Candice realized the Slammy trophy had suddenly disappeared. Shad then handed it off to JTG behind Candice's back before Candice took it back. Cryme Tyme's music hit for some reason, then they left. Candice then announced Evan Bourne for the Shooting Star Press as the winner. Nice. He can't be here, though. Mike Knox is here instead! Knox came out and stared down Candice, who tried to maintain a pleasant demeanor. Knox then accepted the award and Candice walked off. Knox waited out the "You suck" chants while simply standing there.

On stage: After Cole and Lawler talked about Knox being one of the reasons why Bourne couldn't be here, Randy Orton's music hit and Orton walked out on stage to complain and put on his boo-boo face. Kudos to Ross for that one. Orton actually was out to complain about not being nominated for Superstar of the Year. See, he beat everyone on the list. Orton took us back through Evolution history to talk about Triple H and Batista turning on him out of sheer jealously.

Now, those two face each other tonight. He'll beat Batista at Armageddon, and he has an idea for tonight that Cody Rhodes, Manu, and himself are challenging them to a two-on-three handicap match. Tonight? Tomorrow on ECW? At WrestleMania? Not clear. He said the legacy is born tonight.

Raw tonight: Jericho vs. Hardy. And Cena vs. Edge. Lawler said it's a match you used to only dream about. Um...they had like a really, really lengthy feud in 2006. Won a few awards. Kind of a big deal.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: MVP was in the ring out of the break. A whole lot of talking going down tonight 40 minutes into the show. MVP addressed Jimmy Rollins of the Philadelphia Phillies, who was in the front row. He said it took Philly 25 years to finally win a championship, which is ridiculous compared to his small losing streak. He called the Phillies a fluke for winning the World Series and claimed to be better than Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, and the whole city of Philly. Loud boos against MVP. Suddenly, MVP's music hit again. Oh snap, it's MVHaas. Haas was sporting the full MVP Power Rangers suit and doo-rag. Lilian announced him as MVC for Most Valuable Charlie. Haas did a ballin' pose before dropping the sunglasses and focusing on the bandage strip on his nose.

2 -- MVP vs. MVCHARLIE

MVP went to work on Haas in center ring while they showed Jimmy Rollins watching closely from the front row. Ross and Tazz calling this one, by the way. Fans chanted for "MVC" as Haas fought back with elbow strikes. MVP then caught him with a thrust chop and smash across his knee. MVP then dropped a ballin' elbow drop for a two count. MVP then unceremoniously dumped Haas to the floor before dropping him across the guardrail.

MVP dumped Haas back into the ring, but took some time to trash talk to Rollins. Back in the ring, Haas fired up with a big comeback before attempting his own ballin' drop, but MVP got his knees up to block. MVP then wanted the Chono Boot in the corner, but Haas ducked and rolled up MVP for the pin and the win. Afterward, Rollins smirked at MVP, who came up shocked.

WINNER: MVC in 3:00. Nice, simple match continuing MVP's losing streak. Rollins's involvement was well-done as he wasn't completely over-the-top playing his role. (*)

[Q4]

Slammys: ECW champion Matt Hardy and ECW assistant to the GM Tiffany came out on stage for the next award. Hardy was looking very dapper in a pinstripe suit. Meanwhile, Tiffany was sporting a very sparkly blue dress. Hardy said they're in the birthplace of Extreme, which set off a mini E-C-dub chant. Hardy and Tiffany introduced Most Extreme Moment of the Year. Candidates: Cena and JBL's parking lot brawl. Oh, how horribly cheesy that was. Undertaker's crash landing vs. Edge that put Edge into temporary retirement. Jericho puts Shawn Michaels through the Jeritron. Jeff Hardy comes off the Titantron with a Swanton Bomb on Randy Orton.

And the Slammy goes to...Matt's smile gave it away...Jeff Hardy. Hardy's music hit to a huge reaction, then Hardy came out on stage and celebrated for the fans. Jeff walked over to his brother and accepted the trophy with a hug. Jeff then approached the podium mic and waited out the cheers and "Hardy, Hardy" chant before addressing the audience. Jeff said it started on a trampoline in N.C. He said he doesn't care how he leaves Armageddon, but he's leaving as WWE champion. Matt clapped it up, then Jeff walked onto stage and breathed a deep sigh before walking to the ring for his match. They showed a little girl sporting the Jeff forearm sleeves doing his pose. Cutest Moment of the Year right there. Chris Jericho then came out as the opposition. Up next...

[Commercial Break]

3 -- JEFF HARDY vs. CHRIS JERICHO

All four announcers were on this broadcast as they returned from commercial with the action already in progress. Jericho playfully slapped around Jeff before dumping him to the floor and wiping his hands of Jeff. Jeff, who was without the crazy face paint tonight, eventually made his way back into the ring where Jericho slapped on a modified rear naked choke.

[Q5 -- second hour]

Cole announced Striker & Grisham as the Announcers of the Year team and Lawler was beside himself. "What? Who?!" he said. Ross took the high road and congratulated them. Lawler sarcastically added that they must be that good since they're not here. Back to the action where Jericho and Jeff battled up top before Jeff missed with a top rope Swanton Bomb. Jericho then nailed a Lionsault into a cover for a two count. Jericho went for the Walls of Jericho, but Jeff countered into a roll-up for a two count.

Jeff made his full comeback with a back heel kick before calling an audible into nailing the top rope Whisper in the Wind for a two count. Jeff asked for the crowd support, then he stalked Jericho and wanted the Twist of Fate. Jericho countered the move, though, and spun Hardy right into the codebreaker in center ring. Jericho made the cover and scored a clean pin for the win. Wow.

WINNER: Jericho in 6:00 of TV time. That's quite the surprise to see Hardy lose clean to Jericho. I suppose you just wouldn't expect to see two #1 contenders booked in a TV match with a clean finish six days before a PPV. But, it certainly made Jericho look strong heading into the match against Cena. WWE apparently decided a strong heel Jericho was more important than a strong babyface Hardy for selling a PPV. (**)

Post-match: Jericho quickly slipped out of the ring and looked around the arena wondering if John Cena was going to get him. Jericho slowly backed up the entranceramp then smirked when he felt secure.

Backstage: Orton, Cody, and Manu were shown walking out of a locker room. Orton smirked, then the camera zoomed in on the nameplate: Stephanie McMahon.

[Commercial Break]

ECW promo: Henry & Atlas vs. Finlay & Hornswoggle.

Slammys: Couple of the Year award time, then Kelly Kelly and Kane were brought out as the presenters. Well, Kelly came out by herself. Kane's music then hit, and Kane slowly walked out on stage not particularly thrilled with this opportunity. There's a lot of K's here. Kelly tried to talk to Kane, who stared her down, then recapped his past relationship experience that ended with him Tombstoning a priest. That got a laugh. Candidates: Glamarella of Santino & Beth Phoenix, Edge & Vickie G., William Regal & Layla, and Finlay & Hornswoggle. ???

And the Slammy goes to...Edge & Vickie Guerrero. Loud boos for that. Vickie then walked out on stage sporting a neckbrace and beside herself with joy over the decision. Kelly and Kane departed, then Vickie shouted, "Excuse me!" that drew more boos. And more boos every time she repeated herself. So great. Vickie said Edge and her have been through so much the past year. Even more boos. Wow, the heat on this is crazy. Vickie said this award shows that true love prevails. On behalf of her hubby, Edge, they accept this. "We did it, baby!" she shouted.

Vickie walked off, then Santino's music hit. Santino and Beth walked out and Santino was not happy, as evidenced by the hands on his hips. Santino made a boo-boo face, then he went to the podium and said you gotta be kidding me. Santino said Vickie is like how-you-say Cougar of the Year. He said Beth never loved me, hated me, and tried to have Undertaker send me to a-hell. Santino then challenged any of the other couples to a match tonight. This is even after injuring his ah scrotumicism region. Oh my. Santino then led Beth to the ring.

[Q6]

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Santino and Beth were still warming up out of the break, then after a pause for Santino to stretch to his scrotumicism region, Finlay's music hit. Out came Finlay and Hornswoggle for a warm-up match before ECW. Before the bell sounded, Santino showed off his unibrow to mock Santino. Finlay then put a green derby on Beth, who slowly dropped it and stepped on it.

She then slapped Finlay across the face, so Finlay smacked Santino hard across the face. Santino bailed to the floor to complain, then Beth told him to get his head back in this. Santino said he has this one. Beth shouted that he embarrassed her. Santino lowered the ropes, though, and insisted he start this one.

4 -- SANTINO & Women's champion BETH PHOENIX vs. FINLAY & HORNSWOGGLE

Finlay worked on Santino to start things off, then Hornswoggle tagged in and battled Santino while Santino was on his knees. Hornswoggle executed a lift-up DDT, then he went up top and hit a tadpole splash clear across the ring. Horny with the cover on Santino for the win as Beth could only watch from the apron in disdain. Afterward, Beth tried to rub Santino's belly and tell him it would be all right. Santino sold a neck injury.

WINNERS: Finlay & Hornswoggle in 2:00. A bit, well, a lot unbelievable with Hornswoggle scoring the pin. But, Santino's greatness in this segment > suspension of disbelief. (n/a)

Slammys: With Beth still consoling Santino in the ring, Melina and Teddy Long were introduced to announce Diva of the Year. Melina talked about beauty, talent, and athleticism defining a diva. Teddy added that they hot. And the nominees are Beth Phoenix, Mickie James, Kelly Kelly, or Michelle McCool.

And the Slammy goes to...Melina's smile disappeared...she announced Beth Phoenix as the winner. They cut to the ring where Beth was trying to hold up Santino in the ring. She then comically dropped Santino like a bad habit and ran to the ring to accept the Slammy from Melina. Beth smiled, then looked deep into Melina's eyes with a crazy look in her eyes. Beth accepted on behalf of all the dominant divas across the world.

Beth then stared down Melina before giving her a playful shove. Melina took a step, then in her evening gown, landed a straight forearm smash. They brawled on stage for a few moments. Santino found himself on stage trying to assist, but Melina pushed Beth down and Beth went straight into Santino's scrotumicism region. Beth pause, then realized the error and tried to help Santino, who screamed like a girl and sold that he was going to throw up while bent over at the waist.

Announcers: Cole and Lawler confirmed that Batista vs. Hunter has been changed to Batista & Hunter vs. Orton & Cody & Manu tonight.

[Q7]

[Commercial Break]

Slammys: Presenting the OMG Moment of the Year, Alicia Fox and Joey Styles came out to D.J. Gabriel's theme music. Joe E. Styles waited for Alicia to stop dancing, then awkwardness ensued as Alicia introduced the category. Styles then issued his trademark "Oh My God!" saying. After a very lengthy pause, Alicia said it's no wonder he was taken off TV. Styles seemed to just want to soak up the moment forever, with some "E-C-W" chants in the background.

Candidates: C.M. Punk cashes in MITB to win the World Title. Taker sends Edge to hell. Big Show punches out Mayweather. John Cena returns at the Royal Rumble. And the Slammy goes to...C.M. Punk. Punk came out on stage sporting a little hoodie and t-shirt combo before accepting the award. Punk said he is wearing pants, by the way. He said this has been his miracle year, then recapped his history of title successes. Punk thanked Batista for the assist on the title victory and Edge for being in the right place at the right time.

Punk pulled out a piece of paper to thank a ton of random folks. Scotty Goldman (Colt Cabana) got a plug. Mike Schmidt and Rocky Balboa turned him back babyface after the Philly audience was growing restless. Punk then went backstage and tried to grab Styles for one more rendition of the OMG shout-out. After another awkward long pause, Styles re-emerged but said he wouldn't do it. Punk was turning red up there. He then reminded Styles they're in Philadelphia. Joey finally did his "Oh My God!" saying one more time.

In-ring: Punk's World tag team champion partner Kofi Kingston then came out on stage and gave some love to Punk before going to the ring for his IC Title tournament contender match. Rey Mysterio came out as the opposition while they recapped Rey suffering ligament damage to his wrist on last week's Raw at the hands of Knoxy, but he still beat Miz in the tournament.

5 -- World tag team champion KOFI KINGSTON vs. REY MYSTERIO -- Final Four match in #1 Contender to IC Title tournament

Winner gets Punk at Armageddon in the finals of the tournament. They showed IC champion William Regal watching with Layla backstage. Kofi quickly targeted the injured wrist and tried to wear down Rey doing a sort of seated row hold you would normally see in the weight room. Kofi continued to wear down Rey, then he ducked underneath a leaping splash and quickly rolled up Kofi with a pinning combination for a sudden pin and the win.

Afterward, Rey waited for Kofi to get up, then he shook his hand and offered him congrats on a solid match. Kofi was frustrated, but he gave it up for Rey and walked out of the ring. So, it's Rey vs. Punk at the PPV. First-time ever.

WINNER: Rey in 3:00. Surprisingly short match with a surprise finish that caught me off guard. Kofi is still trying to find his groove on Raw where the writers don't seem to know what to do with him. (*)

[Commercial Break]

[Q8]

Slammys: Eve Torres and Mr. Kennedy came out as the presenters for Match of the Year. Kennedy, sporting his white goatee to match his frosty-top hair, said Eve is looking good tonight. They hyped the MOTY category before Kennedy quipped that every match involving a certain someone is a MOTY contender. The house mic then dropped from the ceiling and Kennedy announced himself before Eve finished it off.

Nominees are Money in the Bank from WrestleMania 24, this year's Royal Rumble match with Cena vs. Hunter in the final two, Undertaker vs. Edge from Summerslam in HIAC, and Shawn Michaels vs. Ric Flair from WM 24. They included Flair's quote "I will never wrestle in this ring again" in the video package. And the Slammy goes to... Michaels vs. Flair.

Shawn Michaels came out dressed in street clothes and he accepted the award from Eve. Michaels waited out the crowd reaction, then said he doesn't know where to begin on this one. He said he's been part of some of the most unforgettable matches and moments in WWE, but his match against Flair at WM will always hold a very special place in his heart. Crowd did a ton of "Whoos" as Michaels talked up Flair. He said he knows Flair is watching, so what he said at the end of their match is true. "I do love you," Michaels said. He said this award will always be a wonderful reminder.

JBL then interrupted to a ton of boos and grabbed the award from Michaels. He said that on behalf of Michaels, he accepts this award. Michaels looked dejectedly at the floor before JBL simply walked off with the award in hand. Michaels was left standing there, then he grabbed the award envelope and looked around as they faded to commercial.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Batista came to the ring a few minutes short of the top of the hour for the three-on-two handicap match. Triple H then came out for his full ring intro. Looks quite odd not seeing the WWE Title belt around his waist. Hunter and Batista slapped hands, then Randy Orton slowly led out Cody Rhodes and Manu at the top of the hour.

[Q9 -- third hour]

6 -- TRIPLE H & BATISTA vs. RANDY ORTON & MANU & CODY RHODES

Michael Cole gave us a history lesson on Evolution before the bell sounded and Darque Tan Hunter went after Cody. Batista then came in off a tag and worked on Cody. Hunter and Batista then cleared Cody and Manu to the floor. Orton tried to slither in the back door, but Hunter and Batista turned around and Orton slithered right back out of the ring to pick his spot. Everyone wins. Hunter and Batista retain their Alpha Male status and Orton plays up his opportunistic chickens--- heel. Cut to break.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break, Orton was stomping a Ronny Garvin mudhole in Triple H, who then fought back from his knees until Orton slapped on a sleeper into the fallaway backbreaker. Umaga...er...Manu then came in with a diving headbutt on Hunter. Hunter finally broke away from the heels at 9:00 and made his hot tag to Batista, who cleaned house on everyone. Manu took a spinebuster in center ring, then he charged up for a Batistabomb, but Cody came off the top, so Batista threw Manu into Cody. Batista was left in center ring, then Orton blind-tagged himself into the match.

Orton tried to sneak-attack Batista with the RKO, but Batista shoved Orton into Hunter, who nailed a clothesline. Hunter cleared the heels, or so he thought. Batista then wanted the Batistabomb on Orton, but Cody hit Batista in the back from out of nowhere. Orton then went right into the RKO on Batista, who was bent over after having taking the back smash. Oh sick. Orton with the pin and the win on Orton. Afterward, Hunter was stunned as he helped Batista. Orton then posed on the floor with Cody and Manu before giving an evil stare back at Hunter and Batista.

WINNERS: Team Orton in 10:00. Heck of a finish from Orton. They were playing right into the traditional (insert Batista or Hunter) formula match of beating a stacked deck following a furious finish, but WWE pulling the rug out from under the audience with Cody surprisingly competent and Orton picking up the win worked really well. All those stacked-deck wins actually led to something in this match. (**1/4)

[Q10]

[Commercial Break]

DVD promo: They aired a lengthy trailer for Mr. Kennedy in Behind Enemy Lines. DVD "premieres" Jan. 6. I think I'll walk into Walmart that day and ask the greeter for a bag of popcorn and a box of M&Ms before asking to see him/her to show me to the premiere of the movie. Maybe they'll air it on the display TV in the electronics section.

Slammys: Time for the Damn! Moment of the Year hosted by Mickie James and Ron Simmons. Simmons was sporting a nice jacket over his "Damn!" t-shirt. Mickie did the set up, then Ron surveyed the audience before deciding whether to unbutton his jacket. Nominees are Khali's Kiss Cam, C.M. Punk surprising Chavo Guerrero in a Mariachi outfit, Jim Ross in a sailor suit, or Santino injuring the scrotum region last week.

And the Slammy goes to...Khali Kiss Cam. Oh joy. Cue up the Khali theme music, then Khali gingerly limped out on stage sporting a very nice suit. Meanwhile, Runjin Singh's sideburns matched his tie. Khali cut a promo in his language, then Singh said awards are a frivolous thing and they shouldn't be so consumed by material possessions. Singh then translated that Khali believes they should focus on the depletion of natural resources so our kids will have a bright future. Khali then lifted his arms in the air and said "Blah!!!!" Lawler suggested Khali has gone green.

Khali started to leave, but then he spotted Mickie. They went for an embrace and a potential kiss because of Khali's unexplainable magnetism, but Jillian Hall cut it off from off stage and started singing. I know that song. Is it Celine Dion with the Titanic theme? Yep, sure is. Howard Finkel and Kung Fu Naki then showed up on stage and did a hand-waving with Jillian. Hacksaw Duggan and Sgt. Slaughter then showed up waving American flags. Meanwhile, Mickie hopped into Khali's arms and they played tonsil hockey. Mickie was a little too into it. Simmons then shouted "Damn!" and everyone stopped. Khali shrugged his shoulders, then he walked off with Mickie.

[Commercial Break]

[Q11]

Announcers: After a video package aired on Jericho taking out Cena at the end of last week's show, Cole and Lawler talked about Cena vowing to return the favor tonight. But, Cena vs. Edge up later.

Arena: Suddenly, R-Truth's music hit and R-Truth showed up in the arena rapping after winning the Slammy for best musical performance, announced on WWE's website. Killings rapped through the stands to the ringside area for the buffer segment before the main event. He asked Philadelphia what's up, then Dolph Ziggler showed up as the opposition. Ziggs is billed as being from Hollywood.

7 -- DOLPH ZIGGLER vs. R-TRUTH

Ziggler wanted to introduce himself to Truth, but Truth did a slight gyration that set off Zigg, who punched him in the face. Truth came right back with an open-hand slap of his own before landing a European uppercut. Ziggler then dumped Killings onto the second rope and some object went flying along with Killings to the floor. Jim Ross then chimed in that he met Dolph Ziggler eight times today. All four announcers chatted about Dolph being impressive against Batista last week, then Dolph went to work on Truth. Fans became restless as Dolph settled into a chinlock. Killings suddenly smashed Dolph sternum-first into the top turnbuckle after reversing a whip to the corner.

Killings dumped Ziggler to the floor, then he went for a slingshot dive that caught Ziggler flush. They picked up a battle on the floor while the ref applied his ten count. Truth then smashed Ziggler with an uppercut at eight, but Ziggler hit his now-trademark step-up enziguiri kick on Killings at nine that KO'ed the Truth. Ziggler slipped into the ring just before ten to pick up the win. Ziggler then introduced himself as the winner afterward.

WINNER: Dolph Ziggler via countout in 4:00. Tough spot to be in on the card, but Ziggler looked equally-impressive as last week. Crowd was into the character enough to boo him post-match, so that's much better than standard silence. Good development. (*)

[Commercial Break]

Slammys: Stephanie McMahon was at the podium to announce the Superstar of the Year. Nominees are Jeff Hardy, Chris Jericho, Batista, Edge, hubby Triple H, and John Cena. And the Slammy goes to...Chris Jericho. A little twist there. Jericho then slowly strolled out stage in his heel villain suit while checking over his shoulder for Cena. Jericho cautiously accepted the award, Steph disappeared, then Jericho surveyed the booing audience. He then stopped mid-first-sentence and walked to the ring with trophy in hand.

[Q12]

Entering the final quarter hour of the show, Jericho stepped into the ring and surveyed the crowd surrounding the ring with a sneer. He said he's extremely ecstatic that none of the people were allowed to cast a vote for these awards because they are all mindless sheep steered into whatever direction they are told to go. Jericho said he knew he was winning this because he is the best in the world today. He started to list his accolades accrued over the past 12 months and vowed to regain the World Title from John Cena at Armageddon on Sunday.

Jericho paused and said he's also lost something in the midst of victories. See, there's Shawn Michaels. He lost an identity. He lost the persona he created just to please the people. It was an albatross hung around his neck for a decade and losing it was one of the best feelings of his life. Jericho said he was becoming what Cena is today: a crowd-pleasing sycophant. He said the fans are lying hypocrites, so he can't think of a better way to close out 2008 by defeating and destroying Cena this Sunday.

Suddenly, John Cena's music hit and the crowd erupted as Cena walked out on stage with the World Title in hand. He then charged the ring and Jericho bailed to the floor. Jericho disappeared into the crowd, then Cena stood sternly ringside looking toward where Jericho went. Cena then had to turn his attention to Edge, as his music hit and he walked out on stage with the WWE Title around his waist. Edge then slid into the ring and stared down Cena while the announcers plugged Raw in Pittsburgh next week. Ticket sales must be slow. Cena and Edge then stared each other down before the bell sounded.

8 -- World Hvt. champion JOHN CENA (Raw) vs. WWE champion EDGE (SD) -- non-title champion vs. champion match

The bell sounded and both men charged at each other before Cena dumped Edge over the top rope to the floor with a clothesline. Edge checked himself as they cut to break.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break, Edge was working on Cena on the mat. Great to hear Jim Ross doing the majority of play-by-play here like an old school Raw. Cena battled back at 6:00, then he did a flip-over neckbreaker before Edge cut him off. Edge then backed into the corner and wanted the spear, but Cena charged Edge with a big shoulder tackle setting up his comeback. Cena set up for the Five Knuckle Shuffle, which drew a loud mixed reaction, then he dropped the smash. Cena wanted to follow with the FU, but Edge slipped out. And a second time.

Cena then flipped Edge over and wanted the FU a third time, only to have Edge counter into a roll-up for a two count. Cena then caught Edge in center ring with a drop toe hold intot he STFU. Suddenly, Cena dropped the hold and ran to the floor where Chris Jericho was. Ref threw the match out as Cena and Jericho began fighting on the floor. They spilled over the guardrail to the ringside area.

WINNER: No Contest in 8:00. Hot finish led to an expected non-finish leading to the PPV. Post-match took precedence here... (**)

[Q13 -- over-run]

Post-match: The camera cut back to Edge, who was then attacked by Triple H. Hunter jumped Edge, but then Jeff Hardy stormed the ring and dropkicked Hunter from behind. Chaos broke loose, then Hunter recovered and dumped Hardy to the outside. Hunter with a spinebuster on Edge before clotheslining him over the top rope to the floor. Hunter stood tall in the ring, then Hardy flew off the ring steps with a dropkick onto Edge on the floor. Hunter stared down to ringside as Edge collapsed on the stage. Hardy then walked up the ramp and stared back toward Hunter, who remained in the ring by himself. The announcers then recapped all of the proceedings in the main event while speculating on where in the world Cena and Jericho ended up. Hardy and Hunter were shown staring at each other from a distance to close the show. Final shot of Hunter, of course.

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