By James Caldwell, Torch columnist

WWE Raw Live Report
December 31, 2007
Taped Dec. 29 in Greensboro, N.C.

The show opened with a video package hyping Randy Orton as a champion who rose to the occasion to take out opponents along the path. The voice-over man proclaimed him the greatest Raw superstar of 2007.

Right on cue, Randy Orton was in the ring to start the show. The spotlight shined right on him with all the house lights turned down. His music stopped and he was serenaded by boos. Orton said 2007 could be summarized by three letters: R-K-O. He said he went from a legend killer to a one-man dynasty. In 2008, he'll be more ruthless and dominant than ever. Orton said he'll start the new year as champion, and he will walk out of 2008 still the WWE champion. More boos. Suddenly, Jeff Hardy's music interrupted and the place went nuts. Jeff slowly walked out to the ring, taking his time to let everyone get a good look at him. Hardy eventually entered the ring and stared Orton down. He said Orton can talk all he wants, but right here, it means nothing. Hardy said it's about what you've done lately. They went back to two weeks ago when Hardy pinned Orton in the tag match main event.

Back in the ring, Orton said Hardy got lucky. Hardy said it proves he can beat him. He said he has all the momentum going into their match at the Royal Rumble. Orton then told Hardy to talk to Michaels and Cena about what he's done to them lately. Orton paced around the ring while the fans chanted, "You suck". Orton said momentum can take a quick turn, so he needs to pay attention. Mics dropped. They went nose-to-nose, then Orton suddenly went for the RKO, but Hardy blocked and nailed the Twist of Fate in center ring. Orton collapsed on the mat while Hardy stared down at him, then Hardy posed for the crowd and hopped over the top rope to the floor.

- They aired a lengthy video package on Ric Flair's retirement angle, mixed with some classic Flair footage. They showed Vince McMahon throwing down the Ultimate Challenge of Flair's career being over the next time he loses a match.

- Ringside, Ross and Lawler plugged Hunter vs. Flair, then showed Shawn Michaels walking backstage ahead of his match against Mr. Kennedy.

[Commercial Break]

They plugged Raw Roulette from the Mohegan Sun on next week's Raw. Everything is on the line. Uh-oh. Does that include WWE Title shots?

Backstage, Jeff and Matt met up to talk things over. Matt said it's good for him to get out of the house and catch up with everyone. Jeff asked about the appendix. Matt said he hopes to be ready in time for the Rumble. He then talked about Jeff giving him the first title shot when he beats Orton for the belt. Jeff said it would be an honor to give his older brother the first shot. They left to go talk things over.

Mr. Kennedy walked out to the ring and waved off the mic drop. Ohhkaay. Shawn Michaels then came out for the match. Could have used a little pre-match hype to explain why they're having a PPV re-match on TV without anything on the line.

[Q2]

1 -- MR. KENNEDY vs. SHAWN MICHAELS

Before the match started, Ross said Mr. Kennedy has all the ability in the world, but at some point, he has to win a career-defining match. Kennedy isn't selling the hand injury from the PPV anymore. They started with a basic series of standing exchanges, with Kennedy trying to be the aggressor. Michaels caught Kennedy in the corner, then dragged him to center ring with a half-crab, but Kennedy go a rope break. Michaels tried to work over the knee, but Kennedy tackled him, taking them both through the ropes to the floor. Kennedy quickly slipped back into the ring, but Michaels beat the ten count back in.

[Commercial Break]

They returned with Kennedy in control. He set up Michaels in the corner and landed a big running knee smash to Michaels's forehead. Kennedy maintained the smash for added effect. At 10:00, Kennedy took Michaels to the corner and nailed a high-impact superplex for a close nearfall. He went back to work on Michaels's back with a mat hold, but Michaels broke free, nailed a forearm smash, and kipped up to make his comeback. Michaels nailed consecutive atomic drops, but he kept selling the lower back. Michaels then took a while going up top and Kennedy moved out of the way of a top rope elbow. Kennedy tried a quick roll-up, but Michaels kicked out just in time. Michaels quickly went for a sunset flip, but Kennedy countered. They went into a great series of pin attempts that resulted in a nearfall for Michaels. Beautiful. Michaels elbowed out of a fireman carry and went for a superkick, but he couldn't get anything on it with his back sore. Kennedy then nailed a modified STO for the pin and the win. Ross said that on this night, Kennedy was the better man.

WINNER: Kennedy in 15:00. Great match. PPV-quality match-up with a clean finish that made sense because of the work Kennedy did on Michaels's back throughout the match. Kennedy is so talented that he just needs to work his aggressive style of match and not worry about the people in his ear giving him too much information. A real good sign for Kennedy going into '08. Michaels, of course, was simply a master in the ring. (***3/4)

[Q3]

Backstage, Todd Grisham asked Triple H for his thoughts on facing Ric Flair tonight with Flair's career on the line. Hunter was reflective as he built up his dilemma. He said he goes into every match the same way: losing is not an option. Hunter said without pausing that at least if Flair loses, he'll have lost to the best. Suddenly, Vince McMahon interrupted with his stooges. McMahon built up Flair's career being on the line, and him being the genius behind the idea. McMahon asked Regal what happens if Hunter loses tonight. Regal said, "if you lose in any way tonight, you will not be participating in the upcoming Royal Rumble match." Hunter turned sour, then McMahon turned sour and said, "Happy New Year."

[Commercial Break]

In a pre-tape video, Jillian Hall, half of Big Dick Johnson, and Ron Simmons wished us a happy new year.

Backstage, Regal wished McMahon a happy new year. Suddenly, McMahon's phone blew up. He has own theme music as his ringtone. Classic. Someone from USA Network interrupted. Probably the new marketing boss. McMahon put him on hold, then told Regal to have another match against Hornswoggle tonight. He told Regal to show him some tough love. Regal was overjoyed to spend NYEve beating up Hornswoggle.

Ross and Lawler introduced a video package on the Tribute to the Troops show from last week. Back ringside, they plugged JBL coming up on the show.

[Q4]

[Commercial Break]

The Royal Rumble video package aired with people beating each other up on a subway. Michael Buffer took a superkick from Shawn Michaels.

They aired a video package on the first Rumble from January 1998, with Hacksaw Duggan winning the match. Cue up Lillian Garcia to introduce a Rumble qualifying match. And out came Duggan. Umaga came out as the opponent.

2 -- HACKSAW JIM DUGGAN vs. UMAGA

Umaga quickly punched Duggan down to the corner. He then warmed up the train for the big running rear splash and Duggan ate rear end. Duggan rolled out of the corner with red liquid emerging from his mouth. Umaga then picked him up and landed the Samoan Spike to the throat for a quick win.

WINNER: Umaga in 2:00. A nice, quick squash to get Umaga a win after getting beat up too many times by Hunter the past two months. (n/a)

Backstage, Flair shook hands with Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly. McMahon then interrupted and sent the tag champs away so he could talk to Flair. McMahon asked if he was ready for one last run in the ring. He said there's no more kiss-stealing, limousine-riding, or wheelin' and dealin' after tonight. "It's over," he quietly said. "Over." Flair simply stared at him, then McMahon walked away.

Ringside, Ross and Lawler talked about this possibly being the final match for Flair, right here in Greensboro. They transitioned to footage from Jericho having his title opportunity against Orton taken away at Armageddon when JBL interfered in Jericho's match.

[Commercial Break]

JBL's music hit and the limo pulled out with JBL inside. Lillian Garcia said it was his Raw debut. I guess we’ll just skip the fact that he was on Raw with Simmons a few weeks ago. Kind of like Dustin Rhodes showing up out of character on Impact and not realizing his alter-ego had been on the show for months.

[Q5]

Anyways, after a long pause in the ring, JBL lifted his arm to set off a round of fireworks. He continued to stare into the crowd, then he raised his other arm to set off another round of fireworks. That's an expensive unofficial debut. After another pause, he raised his arm again to set off more fireworks. Click. Click. Click. After more pausing, he raised both arms this time to set off more fireworks. His music finally stopped and the fans booed him. JBL took the mic and said this day will be known for one thing only: the day that JBL returns. I thought it was his debut. So confusing. He said tonight is so momentous because he doesn't even have to be here. He's got money everywhere. JBL said he's here only because he loves power and domination. He said he loves taking small people and squashing them under his thumb because he can. JBL said he is the worst nightmare because if he can't buy it, he'll take it.

Chris Jericho's music interrupted and Jericho stormed the ringside area. They started a fight on the floor with JBL holding a several-inch height advantage. Jericho pushed JBL into the guardrail, then JBL pulled him to the floor. Jericho ripped off JBL's dress shirt and untucked his shirt. Security and agents finally came to ringside and tried to separate them, but they reached their feet and continued to fight. JBL tried to kick Jericho from a distance, but Sgt. Slaughter pulled Jericho out of the way. JBL, with a cut on his nose, was subdued by Windham as the camera zoomed in tight on the cut.

JC: Nice piece of storytelling there. Something that stuck with me from Bret Hart's book was a line from Stu Hart in the middle of a match that he was paying a wrestler to work, not to shoot. JBL is so much bigger than Jericho that he looked like he could kick Jericho's ass whenever he wanted to during the brawl, but that doesn't make anybody any money. The key was creating a sense that Jericho could take him as a scrapping fighter. That's where the intrigue is with both guys working together to create a hot segment, not JBL beating down Jericho in that moment.

[Commercial Break]

They came back and recapped the previous segment, focusing on the brawl ringside. Backstage, JBL screamed at referees and agents that he came to Raw to save the show, and no one treats him like that. He said he will buy them and sell them, and there's nothing they can do about it.

Melina, then Mickie James came out as challengers to Beth Phoenix in a Women's Title match.

3 -- Women's champion BETH PHOENIX vs. MICKIE JAMES vs. MELINA -- Women's Title match

The bell sounded and Melina pretended to want no part of the action, but she shoved Mickie from behind and Beth slammed Mickie to the mat. Melina continued to sit in the corner waiting for her moment, then Beth grabbed Mickie and gave her a double chicken wing slam. Melina tried to make a cover, but Beth pulled her up by the hair. Melina and Mickie then nailed a double enziguiri kick on Beth, but they couldn't decide on who should cover Beth. Mickie and Beth then brawled in the corner before Beth KO'ed Melina on the apron. The action broke down at 3:00, then Mickie went for a roll up on Beth, but Melina rolled up Mickie for a two count.

[Q6]

The challengers dumped Beth to the floor, then Beth was suddenly on the apron. The challengers quickly nailed her with a double dropkick off the apron. Mickie nailed a lift-up DDT on Melina and covered her, but Beth made the save just in time. Beth then chucked Mickie to the floor and picked up the scrap heaps of Melina. She went for the Fisherman suplex and connected in center ring. Beth made a cover and Mickie was just moments too late to break up the three count. Afterward, Beth gloated with the title belt while Mickie fought back tears of frustration.

WINNER: Beth in 5:00 to retain the Women's Title. Really nice match with a nice clean-up in post-production. Good storyline advancement between Beth and Mickie to keep Mickie in the title picture without having to lose a match. (*3/4)

[Commercial Break]

Vince McMahon's music hit and he walked out with William Regal following close behind. Regal prepped for a match in the ring, then Hornswoggle's music hit to a big pop. Horny slowly walked out to the ring showing fear with the deck stacked for the 10,000th time. McMahon dropped to one knee and gave Hornswoggle a little talk before sharing a hug. Aww. McMahon told Regal to shake hands with Hornswoggle, and they did.

4 -- HORNSWOGGLE vs. WILLIAM REGAL (w/Mr. McMahon)

Regal comically locked up with Hornswoggle and drove him into the corner. He yanked him around the ring before giving a clean break. McMahon offered encouragement to Hornswoggle from ringside. Regal then took Hornswoggle down and measured him for a left hand as McMahon stood on the ring steps. Regal then turned and looked back at McMahon, who wasn't sure why Regal was holding back. Regal dragged Hornswoggle to the corner, then went in for a talk with McMahon. Hornswoggle took advantage and punched Regal in the groin. Regal got mad and wanted to punch Hornswoggle again, but he held back. McMahon screamed at him to punch Hornswoggle, but Regal wouldn't do it. He then pulled out some brass knucks from Regal's jacket and told him to use them, but Regal wouldn't do it. Regal let go of Hornwoggle, and Hornswoggle scampered out of the ring.

McMahon stepped into the ring and casually slapped Regal across the face. McMahon started strutting around, then said he was testing Regal. He said Regal failed him. He didn't want Regal to hit him; he wanted to see if Regal would hit him. McMahon asked Regal what happened to him. "Who are you?!" he shouted. McMahon pointed to the exit ramp and told Regal to hit the road. Regal reluctantly left the ring and headed to the back.

WINNER: No Contest in no official time. If this is the start of a babyface turn for Regal, then it's a great piece of theater to get the program started. Intriguing segment, but it's only as good as the follow-up the next few weeks. (n/a)

[Q7]

[Commercial Break]

After the break, they recapped the opening segment with Jeff Hardy embarrassing Orton with the Twist of Fate. Hardy then came out to the ring for a match against Santino. Maria led out Santino and Carlito, who didn't seem to be sure of why he was with the two odd lovebirds. I'm not sure how Maria was breathing in a super-tight black spandex dress.

5 -- IC champion JEFF HARDY vs. SANTINO MARELLA (w/Carlito and Maria) -- non-title match

Hardy got a fast clap started in the audience, and Santino comically accepted the ovation, thinking it was for him. They had a brief lock up to start, and Hardy landed an arm drag. Santino tried to return the favor, but Hardy pulled the rug out from under him. Santino smiled and clapped it up for Hardy before slapping him in the face. He then tripped Hardy to the mat and landed forearm blows for a one count. Hardy came back with a back spin kick before nailing the corner double-foot dropkick. Hardy rolled Santino over and went up top for the Swanton Bomb, but Orton showed up on the Titantron. He screamed at Jeff that he'll have to spend the new year with his brother, Matt, in the hospital. Orton said he kicked Matt where his appendix used to be. He then went for a punt to the head on Matt. Could have used another take on that one, as Orton didn't get Matt clean. Jeff quickly ran out of the ring, then found Matt on the floor backstage. Medics checked on Matt while Jeff called out his name to get a response.

WINNER: No Decision in no official time. Good to see Orton getting the mean streak back leading to the Rumble match against Hardy. After Jericho called out Orton for being boring two months ago, they haven't gone back to square one of establishing Orton's quick-strike ability to severely injure someone. (n/a)

[Commercial Break]

They came back and recapped Orton's heinous attack on Matt during Jeff's match. Ross called it one of the most distasteful interruptions of a match he can remember. Ringside, Ross and Lawler talked quietly about Orton's actions. Ross said Hardy hasn't even been cleared for physical activity, and then he was punted in the head. His voice trailed off to sell the story...

They cut to the locker room where Hunter and Flair talked things over. Hunter talked himself up and said there's no way Flair could think he has a chance at his age. Flair said that when he looks at Hunter, it's like looking in the mirror and seeing himself 20 years ago. He said Hunter will be his friend the rest of his life, no matter what, but that's not the story tonight. Flair said he wants Hunter to be The Game - he has to be the man every night. But, it's Flair Country tonight, and he has to be Ric Flair. Flair said Hunter might be the best right now, but he isn't The Man until he puts him away. Flair told him not to worry about friendship. "You just bring...the...game," he told him matter-of-factly. Hunter tried to talk down to Flair, but Flair cut him off and said he will rise to the occasion tonight because he has to. Hunter got the lost word: "You be The Man, and I'll beat The Man." Damn.

[Q8]

[Commercial Break]

They plugged the Raw Roulette show next week.

Triple H's music hit at 10 minutes before the top of the hour. He did his entrance, then Ross and Lawler talked about their emotions going into the match. After a pause, Ric Flair's music hit and the crowd popped big. Flair came out with a big smile on his face before getting serious on the way to the ring. Ross talked about the historic nature of the match. He talked about Flair winning the NWA Title at the first Starrcade in 1983 here in Greensboro. A match that's also stood the test of time from that card is Piper vs. Greg Valentine in their brutal dog-collar match.

6 -- RIC FLAIR vs. TRIPLE H -- Flair's career vs. Hunter's Rumble spot

The match started with Flair doing a little showboating before Hunter took advantage of Flair with a stiff right hand blow out of the corner that drew boos. Hunter woke up Flair, who started chopping his way out of the corner. Hunter then caught Flair with a back elbow smash in center ring that drew more boos. Flair made another comeback with hard chops before Hunter nailed a face buster for a nearfall.

[Q9 -- over-run]

At the top of the hour, Hunter went back to work on Flair in the corner with right hand blows. He executed a neckbreaker for a nearfall. Flair retreated to the corner, but caught Hunter napping with a stiff right hand chop. Hunter reversed a whip off the ropes and protected Flair on a basic spinebuster. He then measured Flair for the Pediguree, but Flair countered with a backslide for a nearfall. Hunter quickly got up and stomped Flair to put him back on the mat before slapping on a sleeperhold. The fans rallied behind Flair, who broke the hold with a belly-to-back side suplex. They reached their feet and went into a standing fight. Flair knocked Hunter to his knees with chops, then he Whooed and executed a double underhook butterfly suplex. Wow.

Flair caught Hunter in the corner with an elbow smash, then he went up top. Oh no. Everyone came to their feet as Flair fought off Hunter and landed an axehandle smash for a nearfall. Flair strutted, then he started working over the left knee. Flair then dragged Hunter to center ring and went for the figure four, but Hunter pushed him away. Flair caught Hunter in center ring again, and slapped on the figure four this time. The crowd came alive as Hunter screamed in agony. Ross and Lawler went into their A-game selling the emotions of the match. Hunter kept trying to reach for the ropes, but Flair pulled him back into center ring. Hunter screamed in agony, then put his shoulders down for a nearfall. Hunter screamed, grunted, yelled, shouted, turned eight shades of red, and kept trying to grab the ropes before finally reaching the bottom rope to break the hold. The crowd groaned after running the gamut of emotions.

Flair got up, Hunter got up, and Hunter suddenly nailed Flair with a Pedigree in center ring. Hunter sold a knee injury, so he couldn't make the cover. He tried to crawl over and make a cover, but William Regal suddenly came to ringside and smacked Flair with brass knucks. The ref called for the bell, and Regal turned around and left. Flair was announced as the winner by DQ and Hunter was beside himself. Ross asked what the hell Regal was thinking by doing that. They replayed the finish as Hunter slowly picked up Flair and helped him to his feet. The fans cheered as both men embraced in center ring. Ross emphasized that both men will remain best of friends. Flair had a noble look on his face with his chin jutting out, just moments away from tears. Hunter's emotions were hidden by his hair, but the camera got one last close-up of both men acknowledging the other's brilliance in the match. Fade out.

WINNER: Ric Flair via DQ in 14:00. I loved this match to close out the year. A masterpiece inside the wrestling ring, with an excusable finish to set up plenty of storyline options. Flair has about five moves as he's nearing 60 years old, but what he does with those moves is what makes him so great. The emotions in the building really made this a classic TV match for the ages. Hunter didn't over-play the heel card, which was smart to keep him babyface for now, or set up a major heel turn - if they go that direction - after the heavy emphasis on Flair and Hunter remaining best friends. Where does Hunter go from here? Based on the stips, he's out of the Rumble. He's also lost another big match. It's a great set-up for Hunter to rediscover himself. (****1/4)

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