Monday Night Raw: The New Beginning
December 8th 2008
Albany, New York
We are welcomed to WWE Monday Night Raw by Michael Cole and Jerry "The King" Lawler, who announce that tonight, Raw will have a huge 6 man tag team match main eventing the show, and very well could have major repercussions on the future of the industry.
As the announce team finish up introducing us to the show, the music of Chris Jericho comes over the arena's speakers. The crowd begins to boo Jericho imensley, as he walks down to the ring in a custom tailored suit. He has quite the serious expression on his face, as he makes his way up the steel ring steps and into the ring. He hops into the ring, as Lillian Garcia hands him the microphone. Jericho gazes out into the crowd with a no nonsense look on his face.
Jericho begins to talk, saying that last week there was a blatant show of disrespect by Austin Aries displayed to Chris Jericho, and that Austin Aries thinks he can walk around on his turf because he won a few titles in a no name independent in Philadelphia. The New York crowd begins to boo Jericho heavily, and a "You Suck" chant starts up. Jericho then says that that's the main problem, the fans think that the true talent sucks. Jericho makes note that he is the man who worked his way up the ladder, and deserves respect. He says that he shouldn't be pushed around, by some no good, arrogant punk who is nothing more then a glorified lightweight. Jericho says that Aries tried to physically harm Jericho last week, but mentions that Jericho is one of the top superstars in the company, and Aries has proved absolutely nothing to make him worthy of even facing Chris Jericho in a match. Jericho is about to talk again, but is interuptted by the opening chords of "Personal Jesus" by Marilyn Manson. This brings out Austin Aries, who gets a warmer reception than last week. Aries, with a look of discontent on his face, makes his way into the ring, already in his wrestling gear. Aries is handed a microphone, and says that he worked his ass off for the past 5 years, and that he doesn't need to show respect toward Jericho, who should know what it's like to come up in the business with absolutely nothing.
Jericho chuckles at the comment, and then remarks to Aries that he remembers quite clearly, but he always did what he was supposed to, and kept himself in line. Jericho says that when someone told him to do something that was in a higher position than he was, he would listen out of common courteously to his elders. Aries says that he does indeed respect the past, but that's where he believes they should stay- the past. This enrages Jericho, who then pushes Aries and tells him that later tonight, he will put him in his place. The two stare down as Raw heads to commercial
Commercial Break
Back from commercial, we are joined backstage by the World Tag Team Champions, Priceless. Ted DiBiase Ted says that for the past several months, they have reigned as tag team champions because they were raised by the best the business has to offer- both Ted DiBiase and Dusty Rhodes. DiBiase says that last week, when Priceless was pinned by The Briscoes, that it was a fluke, nothing more then a bad night for the team. DiBiase says that they are better then two redneck hicks from rural America who have no values. He finishes off by saying that when they face off tonight in a rematch, and The Briscoes realize that they are nothing more then two brothers who happened to get lucky, they will crawl back in their hole, and there will be no more mention of them.
Charlie Haas is seen standing in the ring, being nothing more then simply Charlie Haas. Haas says that for the past few months, he has been imitating superstars, and has had a fair deal of success, but now, he has gained the confidence necessary in order to wrestle as himself and prove he is able to beat Jerry Lynn, who is washed up, anyway.
1st Match: 10 Minute Time Limit
Jerry Lynn Vs. Charlie Haas
The match starts off face paced, as Lynn and Haas both exchange a wide variety of holds on the mat, each one trying to one up each other. Lynn manages to pick up the advantage on the younger Haas, before Haas comes back with some high paced offense, managing to land two dropkicks and a running clothesline. Haas gets too excited, though, and Lynn reverses an Irish Whip, and then hits a beautiful step up inziguri onto Haas. Lynn takes Haas up for the Cradle Piledriver, but Haas lifts his leg into the face of Lynn before he can, and then rolls Lynn up, upsetting the former ECW champion!
Winner: Charlie Haas(4:30)
Post match, Charlie Haas attempts to get his hand raised by the referee, but he shoves the referee off, and holds his own hand up high. Lynn, shocked on the mat, has his hands over his face in disappointment that he lost to Haas. Haas leaves, staring down Lynn as he walks to the back, triumphant.
Backstage, we are joined by the #1 Contender for the WWE Championship, Randy Orton. Orton says that last week, he secured his shot to once again have an opportunity at the richest prize in the game, the World Heavyweight Championship. Orton says that over the years, he has made himself a legacy that no one his age can lay claim to, except him. Orton says that he knows a few people besides him are looking to make a legacy besides him, though, and walks out of view.
Commercial Break
Backstage, Stone Cold Steve Austin is with the Intercontinental Champion, Kofi Kingston. Austin tells Kofi that with the new influx of wrestlers on the Raw brand, that there will be a lot more competition for the Intercontinental Championship. Kofi says that he's up for anything Austin throws at him, and Austin says if he's so sure of himself, he can take on a former Intercontinental Champion this week-William Regal! Kofi nods and Austin wishes him the best of luck.
2nd Match: 10 minute time limit
Priceless Vs. The Briscoe Brothers- Non-Title
The match starts off with Cody and Jay taking it to the mat, and Cody completely dominates Jay down there. However, Jay is able to reach his feet, and starts striking the hell out of Cody with a series of chops and forearms, which causes Cody to clothesline him down and tag in Ted. Ted and Cody then work on isolating Jay on the ground, keeping him cornered. Jay starts to mount a firey comeback on Ted, but just as he is about to tag Mark, Cody runs in and tries to prevent it, but Jay hits a but leg lariat, knocking Cody out of the ring! He finally makes the tag to Mark, who rushes into the ring, hitting a flurry of high end offense, before quickly trying for the Cut-Throat Driver on Cody again, but Ted comes in and hits the Million Dollar Sweepstakes on Mark! As Cody covers Mark, Jay springboards out of nowhere, hitting a leg drop and breaking up the pin! Ted Jr. quickly comes in to dispose of the Jay, but Jay sidesteps Ted, sending him over the top rope! Jay then brings Mark to his feet as Jay takes Cody up on his shoulders, and the duo hit the Springboard Doomsday Device! Mark covers and picks up a huge win for the 2nd week in a row over the tag champs!
Winner: The Briscoe Brothers (7:05)
As The Briscoes get to their feet, celebrating their win for the second week in a row, Ted pulls Cody outside the ring and starts yelling at him, and then goes over to the steel steps and kicks them, as well. Ted gets on the microphone and calls the Briscoes two very lucky people, but they won't be lucky because they will never, ever get their shot at Priceless for the tag belts.
Commercial Break
Backstage, Priceless are seen walking, still visibly frustrated about their loss just moments ago. As they walk, they run into Randy Orton. Orton looks at the duo, and Ted becomes defensive and asks him if he has a problem. Orton says that he does, and it's because he knows that they are better then what they showed out in the ring the past two weeks. Orton tells them they should shape up.
We are joined backstage with Jerry Lynn and Stone Cold Steve Austin. Austin asks Lynn what happened out there, considering Lynn was so sure he could hang with the newer generation. Lynn tells Steve that it was his first match back, so of course he was going to be a little rusty. Austin tells Lynn that if he wants to be a viable contender on Raw, he is going to need to win a match soon. Lynn tells him not to worry.
3rd Match: 15 minute time limit- Non-Title
Kofi Kingston Vs. William Regal
Regal immediately tries to take Kofi to the mat, but the speed of Kofi is too much for Regal to handle, as he is immediately out matched and sent to the outside. Kofi tries for a dive on Regal, but ends up faking him out, not actually diving. Kofi smiles, but Regal takes his feet, trips him, and slides him to the outside of the ring. Regal then viciously slams Kofi down on the outside! Regal slides Kofi into the ring and covers the champion, but Kofi manages to get his shoulder off the mat at 2.
Commercial Break
Back from break, Regal goes after the back of Kofi, continually driving his knee's into his back, before stretching the heck out of him with a surfboard! Kofi struggles as Regal eventually breaks the hold. Regal tries to take Kofi up, but that proves to a mistake as Kofi quickly hits a high elevation dropkick! Kofi and Regal are both down, but they manage to get up at 6. Kofi begins to chop away at Regal, before taking him down with a series of clotheslines, pumping the crowd up. Kofi hits a a signature leg drop to Regal, and then sets up for Trouble in Paradise. He goes for it, but Regal avoids it and manages to his a huge high knee to the champion! Regal covers, but Kofi gets his foot on the bottom rope! Regal is stunned, and takes Kofi up, setting him up for another knee. As Regal comes back, though, Kofi spins around, and hits the Trouble In Paradise on Regal! Kofi covers, and gets a huge win!
Winner: Kofi Kingston(10:21)
Post match, Kofi is handed the Intercontinental Championship as he holds his hand over his head. He celebrates on the top rope, before coming down and seeing that "American Dragon" Bryan Danielson is in the ring with him with a microphone. Danielson says that he's the best wrestler in the world, and Kofi has something that he believes rightfully belongs to him. Kofi drops the belt and tells Bryan to bring it on, but Bryan tells Kofi he doesn't want to fight a man who isn't at 100%, and backs off, saying that his time will come.
Backstage, Batista says that last week, he should have beaten Shawn Michaels and gotten his chance at the World Heavyweight Championship. Batista says that Austin has informed him that tonight, he will take on Michaels again to try to get some frustration off his back, and Batista says a different side of The Animal will come out.
Commercial Break
There is a recap of the opening promo, showing Chris Jericho insulting Austin Aries, which is leading to the upcoming match.
4th Match: 15 Minute Time Limit
Chris Jericho Vs. Austin Aries
Aries and Jericho stare each other down with pure anger in each others eyes. Jericho slaps Aries, and tells him that he's no good. Aries jumps on Jericho, and starts assaulting him with a series of left and right hands. Jericho is backed into the corner, but Jericho drop toe holds Aries right into the middle turnbuckle! Jericho then takes Aries up into the corner and starts stomping away, while yelling "Who's still the king?!" Jericho sends Aries into the other turnbuckle, but Aries manages to go up and over, and then take Jericho down with a Hurricanrana! Aries quickly hits a dropkick, which sends Jericho into the corner! Aries runs to the opposite corner, and then charges at Jericho with a dropkick, but Jericho manages to move out of the way! Aries falls to the ground as Jericho pulls him to the center and applies the Walls Of Jericho! Aries fights, and manages to turn Jericho around and roll him up! One, two, Thre-, Jericho manages to kick out! Jericho and Aries both quickly get to their feet, and Aries goes at Jericho, but Jericho jumps and hits the Codebreaker! Aries is stunned as Jericho picks up the victory!
Winner: Chris Jericho(3:25)
Post match, Jericho looks down at Aries, and instead of leaving, decides to apply the Walls Of Jericho! Jericho keeps them clutched in, as the referee tries to get Jericho off of Aries, but he won't budge! Several officials come down and try to get Jericho off, and the are finally able to tear him off of Aries. Jericho looks down at the fallen Aries and grins, as the crowd boo's the hell out of Jericho.
We are joined backstage by John Bradshaw Layfield. JBL says that at Wrestlemania 21, he lost his world title to John Cena, and that ever since, Cena has managed to shine off of the popularity he gained from beating him. JBL says that last week is enough proof to show that Cena has taken a dive from grace, and shouldn't be anywhere near the World Heavyweight Championship anymore, because like someone that is way past their best, Cena should take a back seat to JBL, like everyone else. JBL says that tonight, his team will prevail, proving cena to be nothing more then a fool yet again.
Commercial Break
We are show a clip of last week's main event, as Batista and Shawn Michaels tear each other apart, before Randy Orton runs in and distracts Michaels. The announcers note that both men want to see who the better man is, and right now, they will get the chance.
5th Match: 15 Minute Time Limit
Batista Vs. Shawn Michaels
The match starts off with Batista going after Shawn like a beast, trying to take to him like a raw piece of meat. Michaels has speed on his side, though, and manages to avoid a few tackles from the big man. The two lock up, and Batista quickly grabs Michaels in a headlock. Michaels struggles, before pushing him forward, grabbing Batista's arm and pulling it to his back. Michaels wrenches on The Animal, as Batista tries to escape the hold. Finally, Batista elbows Michaels, and then sends him into the corner. HE runs at Michaels with a spear, but Michaels moves out of the way as Batista crashes into the ring post! Batista crashes and burns as Michaels comes from behind with a roll up, but Batista gets his shoulder up at 2. Michaels then begins going after the arm, and hits a huge baseball slide, as Batista slides out of the ring, hitting the mat on his shoulder! Michaels awaits Batista to get to his feet, before he uses the ropes to propel himself up and over, going for a crossbody, but Batista catches him! With Michaels caught, he runs into the ring post, sending Michaels' back crashing and burning! Batista drops HBK as we head to commercial
Commercial Break
Back from commercial, Batista has Michaels in a gut wrench in the middle of the ring, targeting his back. Michaels continually struggles against the big man, but Batista won't alleviate the pressure. Michaels finally manages to roll Batista onto his back, and gets a 2, but Batista breaks the hold and throws Shawn off before he can pick up the win. Batista then gets to his feet, taking Shawn with him. He takes Shawn up, and runs him into the corner! Michaels falls forward, but Batista begins to ram his shoulder into the midsection of Michaels! Batista takes a step back, and goes to run at Michaels, but Michaels dodges the big man! Batista turns around, and is met with a DDT by Michaels! Both men are down, and the ref begins a count. Both men begin to stagger at 6, and both are up by the count of 8. Michaels hits two knife edge chops before Batista swings at him with a lariat, but Michaels ducks and hits a belly-to-back suplex! Michaels gets to his feet, adrenaline beginning to pump. Michaels takes Batista up and tries to scoop slam him, but can't get him up, and Batista takes advantage, coming back down and hitting a huge Spinebuster onto Michaels! Batista rolls into a cover, but Michaels kicks out at 2! Batista is extremely frustrated, as he takes Shawn up and signals for the Batista Bomb, but as he takes Shawn up, Shawn hits several punches to The Animal up top his shoulders, but Shawn struggles out and falls behind. Batista turns around, and Shawn quickly takes the opportunity and hits Sweet Chin Music! Michaels crawls into the cover, but the referee calls for the bell, as time has expired!
Time Expiration: 15:00
Post match, both men struggle to get to their feet as the audience gives them a nice ovation. Michaels extends his hand to Batista, as Batista kicks the ground. He looks around the arena, calming down. He looks at Shawn in the eyes, and shakes his hand, but only briefly. Batista slides out of the ring, staring at Shawn.
The announcers inform us that the main event is up next!
Commercial
Main Event: 25 Minute Time Limit
C.M Punk/John Cena/Rey Mysterio Vs. Randy Orton/JBL/Kane
The match starts off with Punk and Kane in the ring. Punk quickly goes at Kane with several kicks to the side, not backing down. Kane manages to catch one, though, and send Punk into the corner. Kane begins to stomp away at the champion, before hitting a tremendous sidewalk slam! Kane covers, but barely gets a 1. He takes Punk up, whips him into his corner, and tags in JBL JBL comes in, and starts punching away at the world champion in the corner, before taking him forward, hitting a huge knee strike to the champions abdominal region. JBL then takes Punk, and hits a beautiful gut wrench suplex, sending Punk to the center of the ring! JBL goes to cover, but only gets a 1 count yet again. JBL takes Punk back to his corner, tagging in Kane yet again. The trio continue to isolate Punk for several minutes, before Punk hits a step-up inziguri onto JBL, and then a tornado DDT onto Kane! Punk struggles, but makes the tag to Rey Mysterio, and things begin to get chaotic! Mysterio springboards in, and takes down Orton with a huge plancha! Just as Rey begins to build momentum. JBL throws him to the outside, but then Cena comes from behind and clotheslines JBL over the top! Cena turns around, pumped up, but Orton hits a huge dropkick to Cena, sending him through the middle rope! Punk then comes from behind Orton, and hits a leg lariat onto his challenger in three weeks, sending him up and over the top! Punk looks, and with no one around, hits a beautiful tope suicicida onto everyone on the outside of the ring! We go to commercial following.
Commercial Break
Following the commercial break, Kane has C.M Punk stretched over his knee, his back lying on Kane’s knee. Kane wrenches down on Punk, as we are shown that during the commercial break, Kane reversed a springboard clothesline from Punk into a huge big boot. Punk continues to struggle in the submission, the referee continually asking Punk if he wants to give up. Punk tries fighting back with several kicks to Kane, but Kane takes him up for a sidewalk slam, and then drops him over his knee again, holding Punk down with the same submission. Punk gasps for air, and out of desperation, lifts his boot to the side of the face of Kane! Kane staggers, but maintains the hold. Punk manages to lift his boot up again, and Kane breaks the hold! Punk gets to his knees, as Kane runs at Punk, but Punk leaps up and hit’s a hurricanrana, sending Kane into the middle turnbuckle in the corner! Both men are reeling, before Punk dives out and makes a tag to John Cena! As he tags Cena into the match, Kane manages to tag in Orton. Both men coming charging in the ring, but Cena takes Orton down with a huge shoulder block! Both men get up fairly quick, and Orton goes for a clothesline, but Cena ducks, and then hits his signature spin out power bomb! He looks down at Orton, but JBL comes from behind, clubbing Cena in the back! JBL sets Cena up for the Clothesline From Hell, but Mysterio comes in and dropkicks the knee’s of JBL! Rey sees Kane coming at him, but manages to hit a duck toe hold, sending him to the middle rope! Orton gets back up and tries to take Mysterio, but CM Punk comes from behind and jumps onto Orton! Rey then manages to hit the 619 onto Kane, who then shoots up groggily, but Cena takes him and hit’s a huge FU onto the monster! Meanwhile, Orton pushes Punk to the outside of the ring, but Cena takes Orton from behind, pulling him to his feet. Cena takes Orton up for the FU, but Orton slides back, turns Cena around and hit’s a HUGE RKO! Rey tries to come in and break up the pin, but Kane holds his legs, and the referee counts 3!
Winners: Randy Orton/Kane/JBL(18:02)
Post match, Orton stands triumphant over Cena in the ring. Kane and JBL are on the outside of the ring, walking off the back. Orton looks down at Punk on the outside, and then goes to the outside of the ring, grabbing the World Heavyweight Championship! Orton awaits Punk to get to his feet, and as he does, Orton charges and hits Punk over the head with the World Heavyweight Championship! Punk falls down to the outside mats as Orton triumphantly holds the World Heavyweight Championship over his shoulder as the show fades out.
