Source: PWInsider.com
Raw Report for December 20, 2004
By Richard Trionfo
Since we are approaching Christmas and New Year’s, it is time for the WWE to take a look back at the past year on Raw. We can only hope that the ‘Best of 2004’ does not have the same problem that they did last year when Raw presented one of their best matches of the year on television the following Monday with Shawn Michaels facing Triple H for the title.
Your announcers are Jonathan Coachman and Jerry Lawler in an empty arena as they talk about what we will see on tonight’s show. Coach talks about how when you think about emotion, you think about Wrestlemania XX.
Our first match is Chris Jericho versus Christian at Wrestlemania XX.
Jericho and Christian exchange punches and then Jericho with a flying forearm. Jericho with a drop toehold followed by the Big Bossman Splash in the ropes and an enziguiri for a two count. Jericho with a rollup, but Christian reverses with the help of the ropes for a near fall. Jericho with a Northern Lights Suplex and bridge. Christian bridges out of the hold. Jericho with a bulldog followed by the Lionsault, but he lands on Christian’s knees. We fast forward to Trish Stratus running/bouncing to the ring to show support for her man. Meanwhile in the ring, Jericho and Christian exchange more punches. Christian with an Impaler DDT for a two count. Trish gets on the apron, and Christian pulls her into the ring and throws her down in the corner. Jericho sends Christian out of the ring. Trish ‘accidentally’ elbows Jericho in the face, allowing Christian to get a rollup victory. We fast forward to the post-match festivities. Christian returns to the ring, and then Trish slaps Jericho twice, followed by an Unprettier. Trish and Christian stand over Jericho as we fast forward to Christian and Trish on the ramp as they kiss. We go to commercial.
We are back with a WWE Rewind: Vince McMahon making Coach wear a dress at Taboo Tuesday.
It is time for Coach to ask Lawler to act mature, unless he was trying to act like Eugene. Time to look back at the debut of Eugene. We see William Regal in the Bischoffice with Eric. We see footage of the first meeting between the two, followed by Regal telling Bischoff he does not want to do it. Then we see Eugene licking Lawler’s head, Eugene setting off the pyro, Eugene with the Rock, Eugene shaving Eric’s head, Eugene shooting the t-shirt gun in Regal’s nether regions, Christy kissing Eugene, Trish being called a slut by Eugene, Eugene saying that Triple H was his favorite wrestler to the Rock. Then we see Eugene in training and imitating many wrestlers’ moves. Then we see Eugene winning the tag title and then celebrating in the ring with some kids. We go to commercial.
We are back with the Shelton Benjamin video package about growing up in South Carolina, and what he had to deal with as a child. Coach and Lawler talk about Shelton’s return to Raw in March.
Shelton Benjamin versus Triple H (March 29, 2004) [Here is the full match as it aired on that date]:
We are back and it is Game Time as Triple H (with GameFountain) comes to the ring. His opponent is Shelton Benjamin. Hunter with a light slap to Benjamin on a break. Benjamin with a couple of takedowns, and Hunter makes it to the ropes. Benjamin with a light slap to Hunter. Hunter with a shoulder block, and then Benjamin nips up when Hunter comes off the ropes. Hunter tries for a Pedigree, but Benjamin gets out of it. Hunter shows Benjamin that he was close to losing. Benjamin with a shoulder block, and then he gets Hunter in a backslide. Benjamin shows Hunter that he was close to losing. Hunter talks to the ref, and then he goes after Benjamin, but Shelton with a fireman’s carry. Arm drag and arm bar by Benjamin. Hunter catches Benjamin’s leg and spins him around, but Benjamin with the Dragon Whip for a two count. From out of nowhere, Ric Flair comes to ringside. Hunter throws Benjamin outside and tries to distract the ref to allow Flair to take advantage of Benjamin, but from out of nowhere, Chris Benoit comes out to even the sides. We go to commercial.
We are back and Benjamin bridges out of a top wristlock and gets Hunter in an arm bar. Hunter with the Harley Race High Knee. Benjamin with a small package, and then Hunter sends Benjamin into the ringpost. Hunter sends him across the ring into the other ringpost. Hunter with a neckbreaker. Hunter with a suplex followed by the Ric Flair knee drop. Hunter with a sleeper. Benjamin with a back elbow to Hunter and both men are down. Back body drop by Benjamin. Benjamin with a side takedown followed by sleeper. Hunter with a belly-to-back suplex. Hunter goes off the second rope, but flies into a boot. Hunter does the Flair Flop as both men are down. Benjamin clothesline Hunter over the top rope, and he eats the barrier. Benjamin with a clothesline off the apron. Flair tries to distract Benjamin. Benjamin sends Hunter into the steps. Benjamin goes up top and hits a clothesline, but only gets a two count. Hunter with a hot shot on Benjamin into the turnbuckle. Benjamin with a powerslam for a two count. Hunter tries for a Pedigree, but Benjamin counters it into a bridge for a two count. Hunter talks to the ref, allowing Flair to punch Benjamin. Benoit goes after Flair. Benjamin with a Stinger Splash to Hunter, and a rollup for the three count. After the match Benjamin celebrates with Benoit while Flair and Hunter are shocked in the ring at what just happened.
Coach and Lawler say that Shelton Benjamin is an inspiration to all. Coach talks about how Smackdown went to Iraq last year, and we see the video package from last year’s tour. Lawler talks about how Smackdown will be broadcast from Iraq this week and we go to commercial.
We are back and Coach talks about the announcement of the Elimination Chamber match at New Year’s Revolution. Before we talk about the main event for the next WWE pay per view, let’s talk about another big event from the WWE. The wedding of Kane and Lita.
Kane marries Lita (August 23, 2004) [Here is the full segment as it aired on television]
We are back as the music starts in the ring. Out first comes the ring bearer. He is followed by the flower midget. Out next is the blushing groom. We see the bride come out and she is not wearing the white dress. She comes to the ring in a black dress. Kane mad! Kane no like Lita in black. Before the ceremony begins, there is someone who needs to address the bride and groom. That person is Eric Bischoff. Eric is going to read a passage from the bible for the happy couple. The reverend/wedding guy says that he can see that their relationship is unique, and he says that Kane has a video to show how much he cares about her. Of course the song playing is ‘Your Having My Baby’. Time for the vows, and Kane goes first followed by Lita. Lita has a lot of things to say about Kane, and she is really looking forward to being Mrs. Kane, and the shorter the better. The person performing the ceremony asks for anyone who objects to speak now, and a few people in the crowd voice their objections. Before we move on, from out of nowhere, Trish Stratus comes out and offers to be the maid of honor. Lita attacks her maid of honor for saying a few nasty things about her. Lita says that two words that every groom wants to hear . . . ‘I Do’. Before Kane can do or not do, from out of nowhere, Matt Hardy’s music plays and he attacks Kane from behind and gives Kane a Twist of Fate. Matt takes Lita away, but before he can get her to the back, Kane sits up and there is a wall of flame blocking Matt and Lita’s escape. Kane comes after Matt and Kane with a big boot of tuxedo pants. Kane chokeslams Matt off the ramp. Kane says that he does and they are now husband and wife. Kane kisses the missus as Kane’s music plays.
Coach and Lawler talk about the night that Lita lost the baby in Kane’s match against Gene Snitsky. We see footage of Kane showing his anger at the loss of his child.
Our next match is Kane versus Gene Snitsky from Taboo Tuesday (October). [Here is the full match report]
It is time for Match Number Three, Kane versus Gene Snitsky, but first it is time for a video package. We see the three weapon options at ringside. The fans want to see the steel chain as the weapon of choice. The net has chosen: Steel Chair: 30%; Lead Pipe: 29%; and Steel Chain: 41%. Out first is Gene Snitsky. Out next is Kane, through heckfire and charcoal briquettes. He is followed to the ring by Lita. The referee drops the chain in the middle of the ring as the match begins. Snitsky goes for the chain first, but it is a deadlock at first. Kane with punches to Snitsky. Snitsky escapes out of the ring, but Kane chases after him, and picks up the chain. Kane misses Snitsky with the chain, and Snitsky gets the chain. Kane wraps the chain around his hand and he clotheslines Snitsky with the chain. Kane slams Snitsky’s head into the chain wrapped around his hand on the turnbuckle. Kane with a punch to Snitsky with the chain and Snitsky goes outside again. Snitsky hits Kane in the throat with the chain and then he whips Kane with it. Snitsky chokes Kane with the chain in the ring. Kane with a Nash clothesline to Snitsky. Snitsky slams Kane and then drops two elbows. Snitsky with a clothesline and then he grabs the chain again. Snitsky chokes Kane with the chain while Lita tries to shout encouragement at her ‘husband’. Kane punches Snitsky. Snitsky with a side slam, and then Kane sits up. Kane unloads on Snitsky, and then both men hit Big Boots of Shiny Pants and both men are down. Kane sits up one more time. Lita grabs the chain just as Snitsky goes for it. Kane with a choke slam set up, but he decides to throw Snitsky over the top rope to the floor. Kane grabs the chain, but Snitsky kicks the ring steps at Kane and Kane goes down. Snitsky grabs a chair and hits Kane in the face with it. Snitsky hits Kane with the chair in the throat two more times. Snitsky goes outside and gets the chain and brings it back into the ring. Snitsky chokes Kane with the chain and then knocks him down. Snitsky adds the chair to his attempts to choke Kane. Snitsky wraps the chair around Kane’s throat and Snitsky goes up to the second turnbuckle and jumps on the chair, just like Kane did to Shawn Michaels. Kane is bleeding from the mouth. The ref calls for medical assistance as Snitsky leaves the ring. He comes back in the ring and covers Kane for the three count at 14:17. After the match, the medical staff applies a neck brace to Kane and then carry him out of the ring. As Kane is being carried out, he is attacked from out of nowhere by Gene Snitsky.
Coach and Lawler talk about Gene Snitsky and what happened last week on Raw with Gene and Lita.
Lita confronts Gene Snitsky (December 13, 2004) [Here is the full segment]
We go to the ring where three of the Divas are in the ring shooting shirts into the crowd. Then we hear Lawler and Ross talk about the world title situation. From out of nowhere, Gene Snitsky comes to the ring. Gene tells the girls not to be afraid because he is just out to have fun. Then he brings up what he did to the Kane family. Gene asks Christy to show him how to use the t-shirt gun. Then he grabs Christy by the throat and then he tells her that he doesn’t have fun unless he is hurting someone. From out of nowhere, Lita comes out with her title belt. Lita calls Gene tough for picking on her last week and Christy tonight. Lita says that her husband, Kane, is coming back and he is going to take care of Gene when he returns. Gene chases after Lita and from out of nowhere, Kane’s wall of fire emerges from the ramp. We go to commercial.
We are back with Steve Austin bringing out Chris Benoit on the Raw after Royal Rumble to set up the match with Benoit and Hunter at Wrestlemania. We see Shawn Michaels super kick Chris Benoit and getting in the main event at Wrestlemania XX. We see the video package setting up the main event.
Triple H versus Chris Benoit versus Shawn Michaels at Wrestlemania XX
Benoit and Michaels push each other as Michaels goes after Hunter. Benoit kicks Hunter and then Michaels throws Benoit off. Benoit tries to get Michaels in the Crossface, but he escapes. Michaels and Benoit exchange chops. Benoit with an Irish Whip on Michaels and that knocks Hunter out of the ring. Benoit with a head scissors and Michaels with a cover, but Benoit with a bridge. Benoit tries for the Crossface again, but Michaels escapes. Benoit with a Northern Lights Suplex on Michaels. Michaels with a clothesline on Benoit, and Hunter with a clothesline on Michaels. Hunter punches Benoit and then throws Michaels over the top rope, but he skins the cat. Michaels throws Benoit over the top rope to the floor after Hunter Irish Whips Benoit towards him. Michaels with a back body drop on Hunter followed by a chop and punch. Hunter with a Harley Race High Knee on Michaels. Benoit gets on the apron and he connects with two shoulder blocks. Benoit tries for a third, but Hunter with a knee to Benoit’s head. Hunter runs Benoit’s back into the ring apron. On a second one, Michaels with a baseball slide into Benoit’s back. Michaels goes up top and hits a Moonsault as we go to commercial.
We are back and the match continues as Michaels with a German Suplex on Benoit. Benoit with the Hat Trick German Suplex Combo of his own. Benoit with the throat slash and he goes up top for the Flying Headbutt. Michaels with a flying forearm that knocks Benoit out of the ring. Michaels with a nip up followed by an inverted atomic drop and clotheslines on Hunter. Michaels slams Hunter and then he goes up top for the elbow drop. Michaels sets up for Sweet Chin Music and he connects, but Benoit pulls Hunter out of the ring to stop the count. Michaels punches Benoit outside the ring. Michaels rolls Benoit back into the ring. Michaels chops Benoit in the corner. Benoit with an Irish Whip and Michaels does the Michaels Flip in the corner. Benoit tries for a Sharpshooter, but Michaels will not allow it. Benoit with a catapult that sends Michaels into the ring post. Benoit punches Michaels and then locks in the Crossface. Michaels is about to tap, but Hunter grabs his arm and Hunter punches Benoit to get him to release the hold. Benoit sends Hunter into the ring steps and then chops him outside the ring. Hunter reverses and Irish Whip and sends Benoit into the ring steps. Hunter rearranges the Smackdown Announce Table. Benoit slams Hunter’s head into the Spanish Announce Table and then sets him on top of the Spanish Announce Table. Benoit tries to German Suplex Hunter on the Raw Announce Table, but Hunter blocks him. Hunter looks like he is going to Pedigree Benoit through the Spanish Announce Table, but Michaels and Benoit stop him. Hunter and Michaels with a double suplex on Benoit through the Smackdown Announce Table. Michaels gets in the ring and tells Hunter to get in the ring. Michaels and Hunter exchange punches, with Michaels gaining the advantage. Hunter does the Hunter flip over the top rope to the floor on an Irish Whip and he takes out a cameraman. Michaels sends Hunter into the ring post, and Hunter is now bleeding. Michaels rolls Hunter back into the ring. Michaels punches Hunter, but Hunter with a kick and a Pedigree, but both men are down. Hunter makes the cover, but Benoit makes the save as we go to commercial.
We are back and the main event from Wrestlemania continues. Benoit chops Hunter, but Hunter comes back with a knee. Hunter tries for a Pedigree, but Benoit counters with a Sharpshooter on Hunter. Hunter tries to get to the ropes, but Benoit pulls him into the center of the ring. From out of nowhere, Michaels with Sweet Chin Music on Benoit. Michaels covers Benoit, but Benoit kicks out at two. Michaels gets ready for Sweet Chin Music again, but Benoit ducks and Michaels goes over the top rope to the floor. Hunter kicks Benoit and sets up for the Pedigree, but Benoit counters with the Crossface. Hunter rolls through, but Benoit keeps the hold locked in. Hunter taps and Chris Benoit is your new World Heavyweight Champion.
We see the Chris Benoit video package about winning the championship including footage from Japan and Stu Hart’s dungeon. We go to commercial with a Raw 2004 Moment: Mick Foley’s This is Your Life segment from this year. Here is the full segment as it aired:
This is Your Life (March 8, 2004)
We are back and it is time to Smell as the Rock comes to the ring. Rock finally hits a catchphrase. Rock says that Evolution has taken away Mick Foley’s ability to have fun and smile, but he is going to give Foley his smile back. A car crashes as Mick Foley comes to the ring. Rock tells Foley that tonight ‘This is your life’. Confetti falls from the rafters. Time to stroll down memory lane. We see the video that made Mick Foley famous when he jumped from the roof. Rock has brought the women who owned the house that Foley jumped from. . . Doris Snyder. Foley says that he didn’t expect someone like Doris, he thought there would be some ex-girlfriends. He says that Doris would give the kids in the neighborhood some pie. Rock gets the ‘pie’ mixed up, and Foley corrects things. Doris says she is ‘keeping her back door open for strudel’, and Rock freaks out. He sends Doris to the corner. Time for the next video package of Mick Foley at Madison Square Garden to see Jimmy Snuka versus Don Muraco. Rock brings out Jimmy Snuka. Mick says that Snuka is the reason that he is now a wrestler. Foley wants to know if Snuka will be there on Sunday. He says that he would be there. Rock talks about Snuka’s promos, and how you had no idea what he was saying. Rock tells Doris to stop looking at Snuka’s ass, and Snuka says that he loves ‘pie’. Rock tells Snuka to have fun with Doris at the local Holiday Inn. Rock reminds us that Foley is a best selling author, and we see a photo of Have a Nice Day. Time for the first critic to review the book, Bob Thompson. Foley stops the music, and says that Bob did not like the book. Foley wants Bob to meet Mr. Socko. Rock says that Bob is the symbol for everyone who ever told Mick Foley ‘no’ and that the critics are wrong. Bob gets in Rock’s face and apparently he doesn’t like Walking Tall. Rock tells Bob it doesn’t matter what he thinks. Mr. Socko has arrived, and says hello to Bob Thompson. From out of nowhere, Batista comes out and attacks Rock. Orton and Flair join the party and they beat down Foley. Rock clotheslines Batista before he can give Foley a SitOut Batista Bomb. Rock gets out of the OrtonCutter, but Batista stops the Rock Bottom attempt on Orton. Batista gives Rock a SitOut Batista Bomb.
We are back with a Best of Raw Moment when Chris Jericho went into Trish Stratus’ locker room to spill his heart, only to be shocked by Mae Young in the shower.
Coach suggests that Mae Young might be the most unique Raw Diva. Time to talk about the Diva Search contest. We see footage from the initial search as well as the 10 finalists. We see the attempts to ‘seduce’ Kamala, the Diva Dodgeball game, how much everyone hated Carmella, the ice cream eating contest, and the pie eating contest. We see the walks of shame as well as their comments as they were eliminated. We then see Coach getting beaten up by Christy and Carmella in Seattle. We then see the announcement that Christy won the contest.
Coach has a surprise for Lawler, and it is Christy. Time for Lawler to push some of the WWE sponsors. Coach wants to know what it was like to win the contest. Instead, we get a cheap plug for their sponsors. We go to commercial, but first, a Blade: Trinity segment.
We are back with the Body Slam of the week: Lita attacking the ringside table with a chair during her match with Trish Stratus at Survivor Series.
Coach and Lawler talk about the year that Lita has gone through. Lawler talks about how Trish teased Lita. Time to see Trish and Lita’s match from two weeks ago.
Trish Stratus versus Lita (December 6, 2004) [Here is the full match]:
We are back and it is time for our main event as Trish Stratus comes out first. Out next is the challenger, Lita. Trish and Lita go outside the ring on a collar and elbow tie up. Trish with a kick to Lita. Trish sends Lita into the corner followed by a chop. Lita with a kick to Trish’s face. Trish ducks under a Lita clothesline, but Lita trips her. Lita with a side Russian leg sweep and float over. Lita with a back body drop that sends Trish to the floor. Lita with a suicide dive through the ropes onto Trish. Trish takes off her mask and hits Lita with it. Trish punches Lita and then slams her head to the mat. Trish sends Lita into the turnbuckle. Trish chokes Lita from the top turnbuckle. Lita with a snap mare on Trish followed by a sleeper. Trish with a snap mare and a full nelson. Lita sends Trish to the apron, but Trish goes up top. Lita with a superplex and both women are down. Lita rolls on top of Trish, but only gets a two count. Trish with a kick to Lita’s head. Trish with a forearm to Lita’s nose. Lita with a powerbomb on Trish and then Lita goes up top for a moonsault, but Trish stops her. Lita with a sunset flip but only gets a two count. Lita tries for a DDT, but Trish holds onto the rope. Trish with a rollup and the ropes, but only gets a two count. Trish tries for Stratusfaction, but Lita flips Trish over. Lita with a neckbreaker followed by a moonsault for the three count and she is the new Women’s Champion.
We go to commercial with a Best of Raw Moment: The removal of Randy Orton from Evolution after SummerSlam.
We are back with a Best of Raw 2004 Moment: A look at Batista’s clothesline from hell on Chris Jericho that knocked him out. Time for Coach and Lawler to talk about Batista and Evolution. We talk about the Survivor Series match for control of Raw for Bischoff’s vacation.
We go to the match, already in progress. Benoit tags in and punches Edge and Hunter and then knocks Batista and Snitsky off the apron. Benoit with a double axe on Hunter followed by a baseball slide on Batista and Snitsky. Benoit with a snap suplex on Hunter, a German Suplex on Snitsky, a German Suplex on Batista, and the Hat Trick German Suplex combo on Hunter. Benoit with the throat slash, but Edge hits him. Benoit with a snap suplex of Edge that sends Edge on top of Hunter. Benoit goes up top and hits a flying headbutt on both men. Snitsky makes the save and Jericho goes after Snitsky. Benoit puts Hunter in the Sharpshooter, but Snitsky breaks it up. Snitsky yells at the ref and Jericho pulls him outside. Benoit puts Edge in the Crossface, but Batista breaks it up. Hunter with a Pedigree on Benoit and Edge makes the cover for the three count to eliminate him. We move later in the match when Batista with a shoulder block on Jericho and Orton. Batista throws Orton out of the ring. Batista with a spinebuster on Jericho. Batista sets up for a clothesline on Jericho, but Orton grabs his leg and then hits him with the world title. Jericho with an enziguiri and the three count to eliminate Batista. Jericho with an elbow on Hunter followed by a springboard drop kick on Edge that knocks Edge off the apron, onto Snitsky. Batista with a clothesline on Jericho as he leaves the ring. Snitsky tags in and stomps on Jericho. Snitsky with a back body drop followed by a choke on Jericho. Edge punches Jericho in the corner and then connects with an elbow to the back of the neck. Edge with a kick to Jericho, but Jericho with a flying clothesline. Snitsky tags in and hits an elbow drop on Jericho and then knocks Orton off the apron. Orton punches Snitsky, but Snitsky with a kick to Orton and then he throws Orton outside the ring. Edge and Hunter attack Orton outside the ring. Jericho with a DDT on Snitsky and Jericho tries to make the tag, but his partner is being slammed into the announce table. From out of nowhere, Maven staggers to the ring and gets on the apron for the tag. Maven punches Snitsky and then hits a flying forearm. Maven punches Hunter and Edge as well. Maven throws Snitsky out of the ring, and then he throws Edge over the top rope to the floor. Maven with an elbow on Hunter followed by a bulldog from the second turnbuckle. Maven punches Hunter, but from out of nowhere, Snitsky hits Maven in the head, getting eliminated. Then Snitsky hits Jericho and Orton with the chair. Hunter covers Maven and eliminates him. We go to commercial.
We are back and Hunter is pulling Jericho back into the ring. Edge covers, but Jericho kicks out. Edge yells at the ref and then he charges at Jericho, running into an elbow. Jericho tries for a clothesline, but Edge ducks under, right into a Triple H Pedigree, but Jericho with a back body drop. Edge with a spear on Jericho to eliminate him. Edge and Hunter talk about Randy Orton as he enters the ring. Orton wants both of them. Hunter and Edge double team Orton in the corner. Edge with a belly-to-back suplex on Orton. Hunter tags in and Edge holds him while Hunter punches Orton. Hunter with a DDT, but he only gets a two count. Edge punches Orton, but Orton fights back. Orton with a power slam on Edge and both men are down. Edge charges at Orton, but Orton moves out of the way, almost causing Edge to run into Hunter on the apron. Orton with a standing drop kick to Edge that knocks Hunter off the apron. Orton with a rollup on Edge for a two count. Orton with forearms followed by punches on Edge. Hunter with a spinebuster on Orton. Hunter holds Orton for Edge, but Edge spears Hunter. Orton with an RKO on Edge to eliminate him. Orton stands over Hunter as he tries to get to his feet. Orton tries for another RKO, but Hunter with a low blow on Orton. Both men are down. Hunter tries for a Pedigree, but Orton counters with an RKO for the three count.
It is time to look at Eric Bischoff’s announcement last week of the Elimination Chamber match for New Year’s Revolution. We end Raw with a reminder about Smackdown in Iraq this Thursday.
Full Credit: PWInsider.com
