Raw started with all the superstars singing a carol, conducted by John Cena - leader of the Cenation AND the WWE Superstars here. This was really cringey as some of the main players had lines that referred to themselves. Merry Christmas everyone...
There wasn't much continuation of storylines here apart from AJ and Dolph showing they're together further, and also mocking Cena for the TLC ending. This was done in a few backstage/hotel room skits where they'd be snuggled and mocking John-boy. I suppose it showed them getting closer in a romantic and festive set-up as well as giving them the night off (pre-taped skits). These segments all culminated in a Edge/Lita style kiss that got so out of hand that they ended up knocking the tree over.
The main story of the night surrounded newly-turned-face Alberto Del Rio. At the start of the show, stand in Raw host Santa Claus (yes, this is how cheesy/festive/kid-like this episode of Raw was?!) was giving out presents to the crowd, when Del Rio's music played, seemingly to bring Del Rio out for a match? What happened next could've ruined Christmas for us all...
As Del Rio came out in his BMW, honking his horn (you'd have thought this was warning enough to St. Nick) he viciously mowed down Santa at approximately 1 mph. In my opinion, Santa turned round and rolled down the bonnet - a complete over-sell there! This then led to medics, referees (useful?) and others to attend to help Santa - all the while, Ricardo Rodriguez and Alberto were in shock at what just happened. Alberto would then protest his innocence, and that it was an accident, to the distraught WWE Superstars backstage who still think that Santa is real. This led Booker to choose Cena (who else?) to fight Del Rio in a Miracle on 34th Street Fight in honour of Santa...cue Santa chant from the losers in the back...
Throughout Raw there were several updates on Santa's condition a la Jerry Lawler's heart attack. Wow, they really will do ANYTHING!
This all ended with a comedy match as the main event, with Cena using several 'presents' along the way (bowling ball, chair, tv monitor) to counter Del Rio's arsenal of weapons, including a pie and a teddy bear that Cena no-sold. Typical Super Cena. This ended with a Santa run-in, Mr Socko (ah it was Foley all along! That's the guy I'd want to be Santa!) followed by an AA by Cena for the ultimate Christmas win. Fun match. Not sure if this was wise in the eyes of the kids for Del Rio to be the guy to run Santa over if they want him to be cheered; I know Raw was a bit of fun this week but still; pick a proper, 100% heel to do the deed if Cena's going to eat him up anyway?! Ricardo was comedy gold though; blubbering like it was the end of his world!
Again, Punk came out to show his face despite his injury. Without wrestling this guy is still undoubtedly the best in the world on the mic. The usual stuff from him and Heyman here: 400 days as WWE Champ (technically 394 at the time). Also, Punk said that Ryback needs to be punished as not only did he injure Punk, but he single handed RUINED Christmas for everyone by doing so. He also ate the whole turkey - damn him and his appetite! This section ended with a Ryback promo to forget (as they all are), where he says they'll have a TLC match on January 7th (first Raw of 2013). He then started a 'T-L-C' chant a la 'Feed Me More!'. Wow, talented.
A special mention now for the match of the night - which had the most at stake - the King of the Jobbers match between Zack Ryder and David Otunga. Otunga started off by explaining how educated he is...ZZZZzzzzzz... before Ryder came out to save the day (a new direction for him). Ryder won with the Rough Ryder for his first win this year? Winner, and OFFICIAL King of the Jobbers: Zack Ryder.
Other Raw highlights;
- Miz seems to be R-Truth's replacement to challenge (and lose) to Cesaro after getting the pin on Barrett during the Miz/Kofi vs Cesaro/Barrett-let's-combine-the-mid-card-titles match. Prediction: Battle royal (for No.1 contendership to US title) on Main Event will probably be won by Miz
- Cody (and mustache) couldn't get revenge on Kane for putting them out for 25 days
- Sheamus beat Show in a LumberJack Frost match...
- Shockingly, the divas all dressed as naughty Christmas sluts... didn't see that coming
- Maddox got ANOTHER chance at a contract (seeing as he's had about four opportunities; can I have just ONE??) - and lost to Khali (w/ Hornswoggle) Khali managed a few words in English but I think maybe he was just drunk...
- Tag division: 12-man tag match (not 6-man this week!) featured the Usos, Prime Time Players, Gabriel/Kidd and 3MB (oh and jobbers Brodus and Tensai) - Usos got the win again - GOOD!
- Kane and Daniel Bryan exchanged gifts: Kane gave DB a Slammy (DB very happy!) and DB gave Kane a puppy to which Kane said 'Thanks! I'm starving'.
- No Shield or Big E Langston... no harm done as it was the Christmas edition and I suppose everything was babyface-winning-focused.
@jimmosangle
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