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Raw Report for Dec. 17 - Ric Flair Returns

Sean Balfour / December 18, 2012 - 1:56am

WWE RAW REPORT- And the Slammy Goes To…

So we are all in agreement, last night’s TLC was a great show with lots of good booking and hard work in the ring with a hot crowd, right? And who could have predicted all the matches ending the way they did? Oh right, I did on last week’s report, the one time I don’t make a bet! Okay okay, moving on.

Tonight is the Slammy Awards.  I will put a full result list at the end of this report, including the internet Slammys that nobody cares about.

Raw begins with a Slammy retrospective, including highlights of The Rock, The famous Wrestlemania rematch challenge from HBK to Undertaker, and a whole lot of goofy crap.  No Dennis Miller though. Remember that train wreck?

The announcers are dressed in their Wrestlemania best.  They rundown some highlights of TLC.

MATCH # 1 REY MYSTERIO vs. DAMIEN SANDOW

Both men have their significant others at ringside with them.

Sandow tosses Rey to the floor as he takes his classic belly flop bump.  He hits the elbow of distain.  Mysterio comes back with a senton and a leg scissors.  Mysterio hits a tornado DDT and follows up with a 619 and splash for a quick and clean win.

Winner – Rey Mysterio

And the first Slammy is up for grabs, with Booker T coming out to present the “tell me I did not just see that” award.

MOST SHOCKING MOMENT

You want shocking? The Boogeyman comes out to make his shocking return! He runs around the entrance way eating worms.

Brad Maddox comes out as if to assume that he will win for his low blow on Ryback.

And the Slammy goes to…Kofi Kingston for walking on his hands to avoid elimination from the Rumble. I guess it’s not rigged. It looks like all the casual fans will be voting for babyfaces.  Kofi gives a short and generic speech that will not win any awards anytime soon.

MATCH # 2 KAITLYN vs. EVE

Both ladies are in the ring to start the match as soon as the Slammy portion is finished.

They roll around the ring trading shots.  Kaitlyn smacks Eves head off the guardrail and then slaps her.  Eve gets control back in the ring and applies a headlock from the corner top turnbuckle. Kaitlyn converts it into a gut-buster and scores the pin.

Winner – Kaitlyn

After the match, Kaitlyn grabs the title and poses for a picture, mocking Eve.

COMEBACK OF THE YEAR

To present the most obvious award are none other than the New Age Outlaws! They spin off their usual routine, but they omit the “suck it” part (which I thought was the best part).

And the Slammy goes to…Jerry Lawler (duh)

Lawler jogs up to make his acceptance speech. He makes a joke about running and thanks everyone, saying that it’s great to be back (very short, this one could have been longer)

MATCH # 3 KOFI KINGSTON vs. TENSAI

Tensai overpowers Kofi early and hits a few elbows and a head butt.  He hits a vaderbomb. Kofi hits a T.I.P. from nowhere for a quick win.

Winner – Kofi Kingston

We are just plowing through the show at this rate! Wade Barrett ruins Kofi’s celebration and knocks Kofi into the ring post before hitting the bull hammer elbow.

This whole show is just one big commercial for the new WWE app and I-phones.

Vickie Guerrero comes out next to present the next award.

KISS OF THE YEAR

And the Slammy goes to…AJ & Cena

Vickie had a funny moment when she pre named AJ as a co-winner because she was involved in every nomination.  AJ comes out alone to accept the award, but Vickie demands an explanation for her actions.  AJ says that she doesn’t care what anyone thinks anymore, and she doesn’t owe anyone anything.  Vickie and AJ start to get heated and Dolph Ziggler comes out to break the two up.  AJ says that her kiss of the year win was nothing compared to this; and she proceeds to make out with a very receptive and embracive Ziggler, who was left shocked. Cena should have read the shirt, because Dolph just stole the show, and his girlfriend!

MATCH # 4 GREAT KHALI vs. DAVID OTUNGA

I am starting to get the feeling that we aren’t going to see much in ring substance tonight, which is fine by me…this is more of a fun retrospective show anyway!

Is there anything else I can write about while this match happens? I’m going to Vegas tomorrow, should be fun! Always bet on black, right? What’s happening, I’ll just look up…Knife chop, pin fall.  Is that Natalia in their dancing? When did that happen? Oh well.

Winner – Khali

Next is something very, very, bizarre.  The announcers say that the next presenter for Superstar of the year is someone very special and they are in the house now.  First of all I don’t know why this award is happing at 9pm. They flip to a graphic of Big Show, Cena, Sheamus and CM Punk.  But they we hear a “whoooo” and Ric Flairs voice announcing “the nominees”. But they don’t show him, and we don’t really hear a huge crowd reaction.  Is this a live voice? Are they not allowed to show his face on TV yet? I’m lost at this point, that Khali match really threw me off.  They go to break and say that the special guest will be on to announce the winner next. Did the Canada tape delay mess up and spoil it?

SUPERSTAR OF THE YEAR

It is Natch presenting! He gets his proper intro which leads me to believe that I witnessed a technical glitch…well done Score. He gets a great reaction and does several “Whooos!” He puts over the town, and milks the presenter duties.

And the Slammy goes to…John Cena

Cena gets a mixed reaction, but heavy on the booing from the Philadelphia crowd. He talks about hustle, loyalty and respect.  He says that out of respect he presents the award to Flair whom is the greatest superstar of all time.  Flair says “I don’t know why you guys don’t like him more” as he’s cut off by CM Punk. (I love everything about what I’m watching)

Punk limps out and calls the whole thing ridiculous on multiple levels.  He discredits John Cena as a worthy candidate, as he points out what a horrible year Cena has had.  He tells Flair that he’s also a loser and he angrily calls himself “the Man”.  Flair shrugs him off, and takes verbal shots at Heyman.  Punk says that he could kick Flairs ass with one leg.  Flair points out his HOF rings and his diamond Rolex.  Flair throws the coat down and heads to the ring.  I guess he should call Shawn Michaels for permission first.  Heyman tries to discourage Punk as he hobbles on crutches towards the ring.  I’m pretty much marking out right now.

Back from the break Punk is in the ring, facing down Flair. Heyman is getting an ECW chant.  Punk takes a cheap shot with the crutch and then mocks his strut.  Flair hits a thumb to the eye of Punk and then he slaps the figure four on Heyman.

Flair tells Lawler that he loves him, and they are never going to lose either of them.  He says that he told Vince that he wants to die in WWE.  He is cut off by a muffled megaphone sound…its The Shield!

The trio make their way down through the crowd. Flair doesn’t back down. After yet another break Raw is joined in progress with Flair and Hell No brawling with The Shield.  The Shield takes care of Bryan and Kane and then isolates Flair.  They set up the announce table and are about to hoist Flair up but Ryback comes out to make the save.  He cleans house as Hell No get back up.  Ryback presses Rollins and drops him onto the table (which doesn’t break).  The Shield retreat as Flair celebrates with Ryback and Hell No, whom actually hoist Flair up on their shoulders.

In the back, Flair Kane and Bryan do some comedy as they all chant “Yes, No, Whoo!” and Ron Simmons comes in and says “Damn!” (Just once I’d love to see him say something else)

MATCH # 5 BRODUS CLAY vs. JTG

Another in ring gem…  Splash, fall away slam, head Butt, Call my momma.

Winner – Brodus Clay

JBL calls it a match of the year candidate…who is he, Cameron?

LOL MOMENT OF THE YEAR

Santino and Tensai come out to present together…this could be good.  Tensai takes a Shockmaster bump as he trips out of the entrance.  He has an icepack on his head (from the TIP). Santino is laughing at him. Poor Albert. Even Santino calls him Albert!

And the Slammy goes to…The Rock, for his promos on John Cena.

Santino announces that the Rock couldn’t be here tonight (which gets a bunch of boos) and he accepts the award on his behalf.  Daniel Bryan comes out (to Sin Cara’s music) and protests the award, shouting “No” as Kane drags him off.

Oh now I get it, Sin Cara was entering off Camera which is why I heard his music.  This is a very strange, shotgun style production tonight.

MATCH # 6 SIN CARA vs. CODY RHODES

Cody controls the match from the start, stomping the face and stepping on the throat.  He runs into a kick to the side of the head and Cara follows up with a springboard missile kick and a hurricanrana. Rhodes reverses and hit’s Cross Rhodes for the win.

Winner – Cody Rhodes

Zack Ryder and Layla present the next award.

TRENDING NOW #HASHTAG OF THE YEAR

What a stupid award.

And the Slammy goes to…#FeedMeMore Thankfully they forgo any speech for this one.

Big Show comes out with his huge chair…this is really funny.  Show says that he’s not upset about losing out on Superstar of the year, because he’s still world champion.  He says that he’s the most dominant superstar in the WWE.  The Crowd chant boring, and “what” and Big Show takes exception.  Sheamus interrupts.  He tells Show what he always tells him, “we had one hell of a fight” “no regrets” all those things that losers say.  He admits that Show was the better man last night and he deserves to be the World Champion.  Sheamus offers a handshake.  Show reluctantly shakes his hand and throws in some insults at the last second.  Sheamus snaps and tackles Show and then him with the giant chair and a brogue kick.

Show is out cold and Dolph Ziggler runs to the ring with his briefcase! Cena spoils the party and attacks Dolph.  He knocks him around and tosses him into the barricades.   The case has not officially been cashed in.

In the back, Dolph hunts down Vickie.  He’s furious about what just happened.  Vickie is mad at Dolph about what went down last night with AJ, and their kiss tonight. Dolph says that he has no idea what AJ was up to.  He tells Vickie that their “relationship” is over.  He says that her jealousy is getting tired, old and ugly, just like her.  Vickie books a match with Dolph & AJ vs. Cena & her!

Miz and Del Rio come out for a return match with 3MB, and they have a new tag team partner.  Miz says that their partner takes it to the extreme! It’s the heart and soul of ECW, Tommy Dreamer!

MATCH # 7 3MB vs. ALBERTO DEL RIO & THE MIZ & TOMMY DREAMER

This is a good way to get Miz and Del Rio over as baby faces; put them against a team that nobody likes and tag them with a hometown hero.

Dreamer tags in early and gets a nice ovation.  He watches Slater gyrate and then slaps him and hits a flapjack.  The match breaks down and Del Rio hits a tope and Dreamer launches off the top post to all 3 men outside.  Miz hits a running clothesline on Slater.  3MB work together to control Miz for a while, but he eventually gets a tag to Del Rio, who viciously shoves Drew McIntyre off the apron and hits a stiff kick to Mahal.  He hits an enziguiri to Slater and is about to apply the Cross arm breaker, but instead he tags in Dreamer.  Dreamer hits the DDT on slater for the win.

Winners- Del Rio, Miz, Dreamer

It’s still very awkward to see Del Rio as a baby face, for almost no reason.

Sheamus comes out to present the next award.  He talks about winning his award for newcomer of the year, 3 years ago.

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR

And the Slammy goes to…Ryback

The Big Hungy takes a break from one of his 10 meals and comes out for a speech.  He quotes the late great Owen Hart, saying “enough is enough, and it’s time for a change” He says that he is that change.  If you had Ryback to be the first person to utter Owen’s name in 5 years on WWE TV, then you just won a lot of money.

MATCH # 8 RYBACK vs. ANTONIO CESARO

Cesaro calls the polling rigged.  He says he’s stronger, and smarter than Ryback.  He also points out that he has a title.

Ryback tackles him, and he reverses a suplex.  Cesaro fights back with a gut wrench.  He goes for a neutralizer but Ryback powers out with a backdrop.  Cesaro leaves with his title despite Ryback trying to stop him, and gets counted out.

Winner – Ryback

I AM FULL! I AM FULL! I AM FULL!

Mean Gene, Ricky Steamboat, and Jim Ross come out for the next award.

MATCH OF THE YEAR

The Nominees are: Taker vs. HHH (WM28) Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena (Extreme Rules) Big Show vs. Sheamus (HIAC PPV) The Rock vs. John Cena (WM 28)

And the Slammy goes to…Undertaker vs. HHH

The right match won in my opinion.

Trips has a haircut, did we know that? He gets a nice ovation and says that it’s ironic that he won a Slammy for best hair in 1997.  The Crowd chants “we want Taker”.  HHH says that he was a part of something magical at Wrestlemania.  He puts over Shawn Michaels and Undertaker.  He says that although it was the end of an era, we haven’t seen the last of The Undertaker!

In the back loading area, The Shield are seen beating the hell out of Tommy Dreamer.  They take out Ricardo as well (who was randomly there)

AJ comes out before her match, and has a 12 foot ladder set up for her in the middle of the ring.  She climbs to the top.  She says that she’s full of surprises.  She talks about getting stopped everywhere and asked “why?” She says that she thought it would be obvious…she’s about to get into detail when Vickie interrupts her (heel vs. uber heel?)

MATCH #9 DOLPH ZIGGLER & AJ vs. JOHN CENA & VICKIE GUERRERO

Cena delivers a basic backdrop to Ziggler, so he retreats and tags in AJ, meaning Vickie will have to come in. Vickie does run in and attack AJ (who am I rooting for?) Vickie seems fed up, so she leaves.  AJ is technically obsolete so that leaves him one on one with Dolph who hits 7 elbow drops.  Cena slaps in an STF but AJ returns with Big E Langston! Langston hits Cena with a clothesline and a gut buster.

Winner – John Cena

Langston stands over Cena as AJ skips around and Dolph looks on confused.

This report is about twice as long as usual, so I will forgo my usual thoughts and odds.  But I will say that I enjoyed much of the show tonight, and I was generally okay with the fact that the matches were short and inconsequential.  I was pleasantly shocked to finally see Flair back, and I am happy to see the serious turning of the corner in regards to creating new stars, and thinking somewhat outside of the box.  The product which spent much of 2012 in a stale state, might finally be breathing new life heading into the new year!

And here are the full Slammy results!

SLAMMYS

Upset of the Year

Winner: Daniel Bryan defeats Mark Henry and Big Show at Royal Rumble

Other nominees: Justin Gabriel defeats Antonio Cesaro, Dolph Ziggler wins Money in the Bank, Santino Marella defeats Jack Swagger for the U.S. Title.

Diva of the Year

Winner: AJ Lee

Other nominees: Eve, Layla, Kaitlyn

WWE.com Exclusive Video of the Year

Winner: Jerry "The King" Lawler speaks to WWE.com about his miraculous return

Other nominees: Eve fires The Bella Twins online, Daniel Bryan explains why he’s "Mr. Small Package", CM Punk & Paul Heyman address Punk’s 365-day reign

Crowd Chant of the Year

Winner: "Feed Me More!"

Other nominees: "YES! YES! YES!", "Hoeski!”, "Cody’s Mustache!"

Betrayal of the Year

Winner: Big Show knocks out John Cena at “Over the Limit”

Other nominees: Daniel Bryan dumps AJ; AJ walks out on Daniel Bryan, Eve low-blows Zack Ryder.

Facial Hair of the Year

Winner: Daniel Bryan

Other nominees: Damien Sandow, Cody Rhodes, CM Punk

Insult of the Year

Winner: John Cena to Dolph Ziggler & Vickie Guerrero: "You're the exact opposite. One enjoys eating a lot of nuts and the other is still trying to find his."

Other nominees: CM Punk calls Daniel Bryan "goat-faced.", Sheamus to Dolph Ziggler, while Ziggler was standing on a ladder: "Look at you there, Ziggler. You’re finally taller than everybody, congratulations." , The Rock to John Cena: "If John Cena had led the American Revolution, right now all of us would be playing cricket, we'd be sipping tea and we'd be blessing the Queen."

Tweet of the Year

Winner: "Goat face is a horrible insult. My face is practically perfect in every way. In fact, from now on I demand to be called Beautiful Bryan." – Daniel Bryan

Other nominees: "I don't have Instagram. I'm an adult." – Cody Rhodes, "I did it for Andy Kaufman." – CM Punk", “Yes, this is the real Great Khali. I'm ready to tweet with you!" – The Great Khali

Top Social Media Ambassador

Winner: Charlie Sheen

Other nominees: Mike Tyson, Disney's The Muppets, Arnold Schwarzenegger

Best Dancer of the Year

Winner: Brodus Clay

Other nominees: Rosa Mendes, R-Truth, The Great Khali

Feat of Strength of the Year

Winner: Sheamus delivers White Noise to Big Show

Other nominees: Big Show KO Punches Sheamus at WWE Hell in a Cell, Antonio Cesaro unleashes his Neutralizer on Brodus Clay; Ryback delivers Shell Shocked to Primo & Epico at the same time.

YouTube Show of the Year

Winner: Z! True Long Island Story

Other nominees: Santino's Foreign Exchange, WWE Download, Are You Serious?

Most Shocking Moment

Winner: Kofi saving elimination from the rumble by walking on his hands

Other nominees: Brad Maddox’s low blow, the 18 second win by Sheamus, CM Punk attacking The Rock at Raw 1000.

Comeback of the Year

Winner: Jerry Lawler

Other nominees: Brock Lesnar, Chris Jericho, DX

Kiss of the Year

Winner: AJ & Cena

Other nominees: AJ & Kane, AJ & Bryan, AJ & Punk

Superstar of the Year

Winner: John Cena

Other nominees: CM Punk, Big Show, Sheamus

LOL Moment of the Year

Winner: The Rocks promos on Cena

Other Nominees: Anger Management with Team Hell No, Orton attacking Striker and Ricardo with food, Vickie getting funky.

Hashtag of the Year

Winner: #FeedMeMore

Other nominees: #LittleJimmy #PeoplePower #WWWYKI

Newcomer of the Year

Winner: Ryback

Other nominees: Brodus Clay, Antonio Cesaro, Damien Sandow

Match of the Year

Winner: Taker vs. HHH (WM28)

Other nominees: Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena (Extreme Rules) Big Show vs. Sheamus (HIAC PPV) The Rock vs. John Cena (WM 28)