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12/25 THIS DAY IN WRESTLING CHRISTMAS HISTORY

By Mike Johnson on 2011-12-25 07:43:01

December 25th

On this day in history in ....

1902 - Don McLeod defeats Tom Jenkins in Worcester, Massachusetts to win the American Heavyweight Title for a second time. The match was actually stopped and Jenkins forfeited the title to McLeod due to problems with his leg, later diagnosed as blood poisoning.

1925 - Bronko Sandor Lupsity, better known as Canadian wrestler and longtime World Class Championship Wrestling referee Bronko Lubich, is born in Batonja, Hungary.

1940 - Billy McEuin defeats Billy Raeborn in Eugene, Oregon to become the first Pacific Coast Junior Heavyweight Champion.

1952 - John Cretorian and Kurt Von Poppenheim defeat Harold Sakata and Toi Yamamoto for the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Title.

1965 - In Indianapolis, Indiana, Dick the Bruiser defeats Gene Kiniski for the World Wrestling Association World Heavyweight Title, beginning his third reign. Also, Moose Cholak and Wilbur Snyder defeat The Assassins (Guy Mitchell and Joe Tomasso) to win the WWA World Tag Team Title.

1967 - Art Nelson and Pat Patterson defeat Red Bastien and Mario Milano for the International Wrestling Alliance (Australia) Tag Team Title in San Francisco, California, ending Bastien and Milano's third reign.

1968 - Toru Tanaka defeats Jim Hady to win the NWA (Hawaii) North American Heavyweight Title in Honolulu, Hawaii. Also, Nick Bockwinkel defeats Johnny Barend for the NWA Hawaii Heavyweight Title.

1968 - Rey Mendoza defeats Angel Blanco in Mexico City, Mexico to win the NWA World Light Heavyweight Title for the third time.

1968 - Rey Mendoza defeats Angel Blanco for the NWA World Light Heavyweight Title in Mexico City, Mexico, beginning his third reign.

1968 - Alberto and Ramon Torres defeat Butcher and Stan Vachon to win the NWA Georgia Tag Team Title in Savannah, Georgia. This ended the Vachons' second reign and began the Torres' third.

1968 - Karl and Kurt Von Steiger defeat Johnny War Eagle and Billy White Wolf to win the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Title, beginning their second reign.

1970 - Jose Lothario & Danny Miller defeat The Infernos to become the new NWA Florida Tag Team Champions in Tampa, Florida. The previous champions, Dusty Rhodes & Dick Murdoch, had been stripped of the belts.

1975 - Carlos Colon & Cowboy Bob Ellis defeat Ali Baba & Bull Gregory in Caguas, Puerto Rico to win the WWC North American Tag Team Title.

1975 - Dutch Savage and Jimmy Snuka win their third NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Title, ending the fifth reign of The Royal Kangaroos (Jonathan Boyd and Norman Frederick Charles).

1977 - Bob Sweetan defeats Black Angus Campbell for the NWA Central States Television Title in Kansas City, Kansas, beginning his second reign.

1977 - Gypsy Joe and Leroy Rochester (Junkyard Dog) win a tournament final in Nashville, Tennessee for the vacant NWA Mid-America Tag Team Title.

1978 - Kevin Von Erich defeats Bruiser Brody in Fort Worth, Texas to win the NWA American Heavyweight Title, ending Brody's third reign.

1978 - Austin Idol ends Jerry Lawler's 14th reign as AWA Southern Heavyweight Champion in Memphis, Tennessee.

1978 - Bill Watts' Mid-South Wrestling held a "Superdome Extravaganza" in New Orleans, Louisiana at the Superdome, headlined by a tournament for the United States Tag Team Title. Here are the results of the show:
- Jim Shields defeated Bill Irwin.
- Karl Von Krupp defeated Bob Markus.
- Jerry Stubbs defeated The Assassin #1 to win the Mid-South Louisiana Title.
- Ron Bass defeated Karl Kox to win the Mid-South Brass Knuckles Title.
- Ernie Ladd defeated Ray Candy via forfeit to win the Mid-South North American Title.
United States Tag Team Title Tournament: Round One
- Jack & Jerry Brisco defeated Terry Latham & Ricky Fields.
- Ernie Ladd & Stan Hansen defeated The Angel & Gama Singh.
- Wahoo McDaniel & Jim Shields defeated The Assassins.
- Bobby Jaggers & Jerry Brown defeated Randy Tyler & Mike George.
- Andre The Giant & Dusty Rhodes defeated Rob Bass & Ron Slinker. Andre & Rhodes received a bye into the semifinals.
United States Tag Team Title Tournament: Quarterfinals
- Ernie Ladd & Stan Hansen defeated Jack & Jerry Brisco. Ladd & Hansen received a bye into the finals.
- Bobby Jaggers & Jerry Brown defeated Wahoo McDaniel & Jim Shields.
United States Tag Team Title Tournament: Semifinals
- Andre The Giant & Dusty Rhodes defeated Bobby Jaggers & Jerry Brown.
United States Tag Team Title Tournament: Quarterfinals
- Andre The Giant & Dusty Rhodes defeated Ernie Ladd & Stan Hansen to win the tournament and the U.S. Tag Team Title. Danny Hodge was the special referee.

1979 - Jack and Jerry Brisco defeat Austin Idol and The Masked Superstar to win the NWA Georgia Tag Team Title.

1979 - Bob Armstrong defeats Sterling Golden (Hulk Hogan) for the NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Title in Knoxville, Tennessee.

1979 - Jim Brunzell wins his second NWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Title in Charlotte, North Carolina, by defeating Ray Stevens.

1981 - At World Class Championship Wrestling's "Christmas Star Wars" in Dallas, Texas, Jose Lothario defeats Ernie Ladd in Dallas, Texas to win the NWA Texas Brass Knuckles Title for the third time. Also, Tiny Tom defeats Little Tokyo to win the NWA World Midgets' Title, ending Tokyo's second reign.

1982 - Mike Rotundo defeats Bad Leroy Brown in Charlotte, North Carolina to win the NWA Mid-Atlantic Television Title.

1982 - World Class Championship Wrestling holds the first "Christmas Star Wars" event at Reunion Arena in Dallas, Texas, drawing a crowd of 18,000 fans (and a Texas record gate at the time) for a show that featured one of the most famous heel turns of all time, a turn that sparked arguably the greatest feud in Texas wrestling history, the Von Erichs vs. The Fabulous Freebirds. Here are the results from the show:
- Brian Adias defeated Frank Dusek.
- Jose Lothario & Al Madril defeated Magic Dragon & Checkmate.
- Lone Eagle defeated Little Tokyo.
- World Class American Champion Kevin Von Erich defeated King Kong Bundy via DQ.
- World Class Texas Champion David Von Erich defeated Bill Irwin.
- Ken Mantel won a Battle Royal.
- Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy & David Von Erich (subbing for Buddy Roberts) defeated Tom Steele, Mike & Tommy Sharpe to become the first World Class Six-Man Tag Team Champions. After the match, David gave his share of the title to Roberts, since he was the third member of the Freebirds.
- NWA World Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair defeated Kerry Von Erich in a No Disqualification Steel Cage match in which Michael Hayes was the referee. Leading up to the match, World Class had run a storyline where, due to past controversial decisions in Flair title matches, there was a dispute as to who the referee would be. It was decided that Hayes, rather than usual officials David Manning or Bronco Lubich, would be "tough but fair" and able to keep control in the match. During the match, Von Erich and Flair got knocked out, and Hayes dragged Kerry on top of Flair and counted to three. However, Von Erich refused to accept the victory, and gave the match to Flair. Hayes screamed at Von Erich, calling him an "idiot" and as Kerry exited the cage, Terry Gordy slammed the door on Von Erich's head, sparking off the Freebird heel turn and the beginning of the legendary feud with the Von Erichs.

1983 - Rip Oliver defeats Billy Jack (Haynes) to win the NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Title in Seattle, Washington, beginning his fifth reign and ending Billy Jack's second.

1983 - Magnum T.A. & Mr. Wrestling II defeat Butch Reed & Jim Neidhart to win the Mid-South Wrestling Association Tag Team Title in New Orleans, Louisiana.

1983 - World Class Championship Wrestling held their "Christmas Star Wars" card at Reunion Arena in Dallas, Texas, drawing over 19,000 fans. Here are the results:
- The Missing Link defeated Johnny Mantell.
- Iceman Parsons & Brian Adias defeated The Super Destroyers to win the World Class American Tag Team Title.
- Kerry Von Erich defeated Kamala via DQ.
- Mike Reed defeated The Mongol.
- David Von Erich defeated NWA World Champion Ric Flair via DQ.
- Jose Lothario defeated Black Gordman.
- Kevin & Mike Von Erich defeated Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts in a No DQ Loser Leaves Town match when Kevin pinned Gordy.
- Jimmy Garvin defeated Chris Adams to win the World Class American Title.

1984 - The Rock N' Roll Express defeats Ted DiBiase & Hercules Hernandez to win the Mid-South Wrestling Association Tag Team Title in New Orleans, Louisiana.

1984 - World Class Championship Wrestling held their "Christmas Star Wars" event at Reunion Arena in Dallas, Texas, drawing over 17,000 fans. Here are the results:
- Kelly Kiniski defeated Buck Zumhoffe.
- Rip Oliver defeated Iceman Parsons.
- Jose Lothario defeated El Diablo Grande.
- World Class American Tag Team Champions The Fantastics defeated The Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton & Dennis Condrey).
- Kerry Von Erich defeated NWA World Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair via DQ.
- Kevin Von Erich defeated Chris Adams in a Lumberjack match.
- Terry Gordy, Buddy Roberts & Chic Donovan defeated Skandar Akbar, The Missing Link & Mr. X in a Loser Leaves Town elimination match. This was done like a battle royal, and Terry Gordy ended up as the sole survivor (and didn't have to leave town).
- Mike Von Erich & Billy Jack Haynes defeated Gino Hernandez & Jake Roberts.

1985 - World Class Championship Wrestling held their "Christmas Star Wars" event at Reunion Arena in Dallas, Texas, drawing over 8,000 fans. Here are the results:
- John Mantell defeated Tommy Montana.
- Iceman Parsons & Brian Adias defeated The Great Kabuki & The Grappler.
- Tatsumi Fujinami defeated Jose Lothario.
- Lance Von Erich defeated World Class American Champion Rick Rude via DQ.
- Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts defeated Mark Youngblood & Dave Peterson.
- The Missing Link defeated Jack Victory.
- Kerry & Kevin Von Erich defeated World Class American Tag Team Champions Chris Adams & Gino Hernandez via DQ.
- Scott Casey & Sunshine defeated John Tatum & Missy Hyatt.
- IWGP Champion Antonio Inoki defeated Steve Williams.
- Bruiser Brody defeated One Man Gang in a chain match.
- Kerry, Kevin & Lance Von Erich defeated The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts).

1986 - AWA holds their "Brawl In St. Paul" event at the St. Paul Civic Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, drawing over 8,000 fans. Here are the results:
- Buck Zumhoffe vs. Buddy Wolfe went to a time limit draw.
- Earthquake Ferris defeated Brian Knobbs.
- Steve O defeated Boris Zuhkov.
- Greg Gagne, Scott Hall & Leon White (Vader) defeated Larry Zbyszko, Mr. Saito & Super Ninja.
- Jimmy Snuka defeated Col. DeBeers via countout.
- AWA World Heavyweight Champion Nick Bockwinkel defeated Curt Hennig via disqualification.
- The Midnight Rockers (Shawn Michaels & Marty Janetty) defeated Buddy Rose & Doug Somers in a steel cage match.

1986 - World Class Championship Wrestling held their "Christmas Star Wars" event at Reunion Arena in Dallas, Texas, drawing over 7,000 fans. Here are the results:
- Mark Youngblood defeated Tim Brooks.
- Steve Simpson defeated The Grappler.
- Lance Von Erich defeated Master Gee (George Wells).
- Dingo Warrior (Ultimate Warrior) vs. Bob Bradley ended in a double DQ.
- Candie Divine defeated Lock.
- Tony Atlas defeated Matt Borne.
- Scott Casey defeated Black Bart in a Loser Rides A Mule match.
- Kevin & Mike Von Erich defeated World Class Tag Team Champions Brian Adias & Al Madril via DQ.
- Abdullah the Butcher defeated Bruiser Brody in a Loser Leaves Town Steel Cage match.

1986 - The New Breed (Chris Champion and Sean Royal) defeat Vic Steamboat and Kendall Windham in Tampa, Florida to win the vacant NWA Florida Tag Team Title. The title had been inactive for five years prior.

1986 - The Nightmares (Danny Davis and Ken Wayne) defeat Tony Anthony and Jerry Stubbs for the Continental Wrestling Federation Tag Team Title in Birmingham, Alabama.

1987 - World Class Championship Wrestling held their "Christmas Star Wars" event at Reunion Arena in Dallas, Texas, drawing over 4,000 fans. The show was headlined by three steel cage matches, and one of the more distasteful angles in wrestling history. Here are the results:
- The Missing Link defeated Vince Apollo.
- The Real Thing (Rip Morgan) defeated Jason Sterling.
- Brian Adias vs. Bill Irwin ended in a double countout.
- The Fantastics defeated Jack Victory & John Tatum.
- Kerry Von Erich won a Pole Battle Royal, climbing a pole to grab the $10,000 prize.
- World Class Texas Champion Matt Borne defeated The Iron Sheik.
- Jeff Raitz defeated Tony Falk.
- Eric Embry defeated Shaun Simpson in a Steel Cage match to win the World Class Light Heavyweight Title.
- Kevin Von Erich, Chris Adams & Steve Simpson defeated Terry Gordy, Buddy Roberts & Iceman Parsons in a Steel Cage match to win the vacant World Class Six Man Tag Team Title.
- World Class Champion Al Perez defeated Kerry Von Erich in a steel cage match. Prior to the match, Fritz Von Erich was attacked by a group of heels and faked a heart attack in the ring. Legitimate news media fell for the act, and reported on his "heart attack" as being real. For the next several weeks, Fritz' "condition" would get better or worse depending on how well the shows were drawing, as his sons promised to get revenge for what had happened to their father.

1987 - Lord Humongous (Sid Vicious) defeats Danny Davis for the NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Title in Knoxville, Tennessee.

1987 - Dave Peterson ends the 18th NWA Central States Heavyweight Title reign of Bob Brown in St. Joseph, Missouri.

1988 - Mike Graham defeats The Terminator to win the vacant NWA Florida Heavyweight Title in Tampa, Florida. The title had been vacated when champion Mike Rotunda gave the belt to Rick Steiner. This began Graham's second reign.

1988 - Top Gun wins his second NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Title, ending the fourth reign of The Grappler in Portland, Oregon.

1991 - Wilbur Snyder passes away in Pompano Beach, Florida at age 62.

1991 - Jushin Liger defeats Brian Pillman to win the WCW Light Heavyweight Title in Atlanta, Georgia.

1992 - Mohammad Hussein (Lou Fabbiano) and El Vigilante defeat Ray Gonzalez and Rex King to win the WWC World Tag Team Title in Carolina, Puerto Rico.

1993 - Black Bart and John Hawk (JBL) defeat Steven Dane and Chaz Taylor for the Global Wrestling Federation Tag Team Title in Dallas, Texas. At the same event, Chris Adams wins the GWF North American Heavyweight Title from Iceman King Parsons.

1993 - Chris Adams defeats Iceman King Parsons in Dallas, Texas to win the Global Wrestling Federation North American Heavyweight Title. On the same card, Black Bart & John Hawk (JBL) defeat Steven Dane & Chaz Taylor for the GWF World Tag Team Title.

1999 - Mike Rapada wins the NWA North American Heavyweight Title for the fourth time, defeating Terry Taylor in Nashville, Tennessee. This was also recognized by Music City Wrestling, where the match took place, as they had a recognized North American Heavyweight Title as well, this began Rapada's eighth MCW reign.

1999 - El Cobarde, Sr. defeats El Hijo del Solitario in Toluca, Mexico to win the Mexican National Heavyweight Title, beginnign his second reign.

2003 - Mr. Gannosuke and Tetsuhiro Kuroda defeat Jun Kasai and Tengukeiser for the vacant AJPW All Asia Tag Team Title in Tokyo, Japan.

2003 - Dan Morrow and Bryan Turner defeat The Devil's Deciples (Damien and Dante) for the NWA Mid-America Tag Team Title in Columbia, Tennessee. This began and ended each teams' second reign.

2003 - UPN airs the first ever WWE Smackdown "Christmas In Iraq/Tribute To The Troops", which was taped at Camp Victory in Baghdad, Iraq on December 20th for an audience of soldiers overseas.  The show included Vince McMahon knocking down Santa Claus for not bringing him a gift, only for "Santa" to reveal himself as Steve Austin.  Austin then gave McMahon a stunner.  Here are the matches from the show:
- The APA defeated Charlie Haas & Shelton Benjamin.
- Rikishi defeated Rhyno.
- Eddie Guerrero defeated Chris Benoit.
- Torrie Wilson defeated Dawn Marie and Sable in a "Santa's Little Helper" contest.
- John Cena defeated The Big Show with an FU.  After the match, Steven Austin came out and gave stunners to both men.

2004 - John Bogie and Elix Skipper defeat A.J. and Damien Steele to win the Georgia Championship Wrestling Tag Team Title in Columbus, Georgia.

2006 - Lady Apache defeats Hiroka for the CMLL World Women's Title in Mexico City, Mexico, beginning her third reign.

2006 - Fantasma de la Opera, El Hijo del Diablo and El Veneno defeat Dr. Cerebro, Cerebro Negro and Suicida to win the vacant IWRG Intercontinental Trios Title in Naucalpan, Mexico. The title was vacated earlier in the year when Scorpio, Jr., who held the title with El Veneno and Cerebro Negro, jumped to AAA.

2009 - WWE broadcast Smackdown.  Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:


After opening your Christmas presents, it is time to sit down in front of the television and watch the Christmas tradition. After that is done, it is time to watch the final episode of Smackdown for 2009.

We are live on tape from Orlando, Florida and your announcers are Todd ‘Where do we put the stockings on the announce table’ Grisham and Matt ‘This is the first Christmas Smackdown in Orlando, but I might be wrong’ Striker.

We are in the back and Vickie Guerrero is our special holiday host. She wants to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. She talks about how Christmas is for having friends and families over. Vickie has Teddy Long with her and she talks about how egg nog is a once a year thing. Teddy pours some egg nog and he mentions that he added something to the nog. Vickie shows us how she prepares her potatoes and she has a little fun with butter and Teddy worries about another heart attack. Now it is time to talk about the turkey. We see the finished product and then we see the stuffing. Teddy says that the stuffing looks like dog food. Teddy refuses to get the cranberry sauce for Vickie because he doesn’t get cranberry sauce for anyone. Vickie is shocked to see a pest in the kitchen and it is Hornswoggle who attacks the turkey.

Match Number One: R Truth, Finlay, Matt Hardy, and John Morrison versus CM Punk, Luke Gallows, Dolph Ziggler, and Drew McIntyre

Ziggler and Finlay start things off and they lock up and Finlay with a side head lock and shoulder tackle followed by a slap to the face. Finlay with a slam and then he hits a seated splash for a near fall. Finlay teases Ziggler to make a tag and hits a short arm clothesline. Truth is tagged in and he dances before he slaps Ziggler in the face. Truth with a rollup as a counter to a hip toss. Truth works on the arm but Ziggler with kicks and a fireman’s carry for a near fall. Punk tags in and he head butts Truth in the ribs. Truth with a hip toss and he works on the wrist. Hardy tags in and he Punk tries to escapes. Hardy punches Punk in the head and sends him into the turnbuckles and kicks him. Hardy with a running clothesline into the corner and he hits a bulldog for a near fall. Punk with an Irish whip but he turns into an elbow from Hardy. Hardy comes off the turnbuckles and Punk with a punch to the midsection and then kicks Hardy and gets a near fall. We go to commercial.

We are back and Gallows has Hardy in a bear hug. Gallows punches Hardy and then McIntyre is tagged in and he kicks and punches Hardy and the referee has to pull McIntyre off. McIntyre chokes Hardy in the ropes and then he has to deal with Morrison. McIntyre with a short arm clothesline for a near fall. Ziggler tags in and he kicks Hardy in the ribs and then McIntyre with a forearm. Ziggler with a drop kick and a near fall. Ziggler with the leap frog neck snap and then gets a near fall. Ziggler with a body scissors and chin lock. Ziggler works on the ribs and abdomen. Hardy tries to fight out of the hold and he gets to his feet. Ziggler pulls Hardy down by the hair. McIntyre tags in and he kicks Hardy in the back while Ziggler keeps Hardy on the mat. McIntyre punches Hardy and hits a head butt. Hardy gets out of a slam attempt and hits a neck breaker and both men are down. Punk and Morrison tag in and Morrison with punches and kicks followed by a forearm. Morrison with an Irish whip and a clothesline in the corner. Morrison tries for a leg lariat but Punk holds on to the ropes and Morrison does not connect. McIntyre tags back in and Morrison punches McIntyre. Ziggler tags in and Morrison hits a leg lariat and then he hits the Shining Wizard for a near fall that is broken up by McIntyre. Finlay with a rolling fireman’s carry slam to McIntyre. Punk with a Go To Sleep to Finlay (despite not being the legal man in the ring). Truth with leg lariat to Punk. Hardy hits a Side Effect on Ziggler after he misses Truth, who hits his split. Gallows hits a double clothesline on Truth and Hardy but Morrison with the springboard spin kick to Gallows. Morrison hits the springboard corkscrew moonsault on Ziggler for the three count.
Winners: John Morrison, R Truth, Jeff Hardy, and Finlay

After the match, we see a stare down between the two teams.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Chris Jericho comes to the ring and he has something to say. He says that having tonight’s show called a DX Christmas is a travesty and proves that Teddy Long is incompetent as a general manager. Triple H and Shawn Michaels wishing everyone a Merry Christmas is a fallacy and proof of the conspiracy being perpetrated by WWE against him. He says that he is a victim in all of this. He says that to be excommunicated and banished from Raw by malefactors is one thing, but to be disrespected and insulted on Smackdown is worse. He reminds everyone that he is the face of Smackdown and the man on this show. The fact that the Big Show and Chris Jericho are no longer number one contenders is a travesty. He wants to know what the Hart Dynasty has ever done to deserve that position. Jericho says that they were never beaten in their rematch.

Chris is interrupted by the music of the Hart Dynasty and they come to the ring to confront the man who says that they are not worthy of a tag title match. Jericho says that he wants them to calm down and take a breath. He says that he respects where they came from and their family. He reminds them that he trained in Stu Hart’s Dungeon as well. He says that he remembers when they were running around with mucus on their noses and dirt on their faces and that is what he thinks of them now. He calls them a bunch of punks. He wants to know what they have done to prove themselves in a title match.

Smith says that when they come across any hardship or controversy. They do not run or complain. They take the problem head on. Tyson says that Chris says that he is the best, but they are better than the best . . . period. Jericho says that while they were thinking of nifty catchphrases at Stu’s house . . .

Jericho is interrupted by DX’s music and they are on the TitanTron. Hunter says that they were going to wait for the opportune moment and make a proper impact, but everyone in the ring is boring them to death. Hunter has to wake up Shawn. Shawn says that this is what Smackdown looks like. Hunter reminds Shawn that he has been here before. Hunter tells Shawn to talk about their gifts. Shawn says that it is not their unauthorized biography. Their gift is something better. Hunter and Shawn want to give Chris something to remind Chris of his former partner, a Tickle Me Big Show. Hunter mocks Jericho’s scowl and then we hear the sound that the Tickle Me Big Show plays and it is a gas. Shawn has a gift for the Hart kids and Shawn has a special gift. It is a one way trip to the great white north, Canada where they can enjoy a nice train ride to the freezing cold temperatures, Canadian bacon, bears, hockey, and more bears.

Jericho says that this is the sophomore behavior that DX does to pander to the hypocrites and never take anything seriously. He tells them that if they want to prove themselves, they need to make an impact. Jericho says that he is not through with DX and he will win back the tag titles. While Jericho talks, Smith gets ready to attack Jericho and they hit the springboard Hart Attack.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Mickie James is in the back and she is confronted by Michelle McCool and Layla. Michelle says that she wants to say that they are sorry and they are ashamed for the way that they have treated her since it is Christmas. Layla almost sounds sincere with her apology. Michelle has a present for Mickie and they are sorry. Mickie looks at the gift and Michelle and Layla tell Mickie that it is a Jenny Craig gift certificate. Then they make fun of Mickie’s weight and leave.

We take a look back at the match between Batista and Undertaker at TLC when Teddy Long ruined Batista’s victory celebration to restart the match and give Taker the belt back after the match was restarted. Then we see footage from last week’s match between Rey Mysterio and Batista to see who would face Undertaker tonight.

Rey is in his locker room getting ready for his match and Josh Mathews interrupts Rey to ask him if he thinks he has any chance of beating Undertaker for the World Title. Rey starts off by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. Then he says that he defeated Batista last week and it was an awesome feeling because he has the chance to become champion again. He is the underdog in this match but it is Christmas and it is the time of year when miracles happen. Rey says that Orlando might see a miracle tonight and he will receive the present of a lifetime.

We go to commercial.

We are back and did you know that they are still using the number of photos viewed ‘Did You Know’ graphic?

Match Number Two: Rey Mysterio versus Undertaker for the World Title

Rey moves to avoid Taker as the bell rings and he avoids Taker for a bit but he runs into a clothesline. Taker throws Rey to the floor and then he goes after Rey. Taker puts Rey on the apron and goes for the leg drop but Rey moves out of the way. Rey with a cross body onto Taker but Taker catches Rey and tries to send Rey into the ring post but Rey pushes Taker into the post and then hits a suicide dive onto Taker. We go to commercial.

We are back and Rey kicks Taker in the leg and Taker blocks a kick and connects with an uppercut and a head butt. Rey with a kick and Taker does not like that and Taker charges at Rey but Rey drops down and Taker goes over the top rope to the floor. Rey with a baseball slide to Taker and then he tries for a seated splash onto Taker but Taker catches him and sends Rey into the ringside barrier. Taker returns to the ring and then he goes back to the floor after the count has been stopped. Taker slams Rey’s head into the ring steps. Taker rolls Rey back into the ring and then he hits an elbow drop. Taker works on the arm and kicks Rey in the chest. Taker uses the rope to work on the arm. Taker lifts Rey by the arm and then he drops Rey to the mat and gets a near fall. Rey struggles into the corner and Taker kicks Rey in the arm. Taker with a slam and then he stands over Rey. Taker sets for Last Ride but Rey escapes and he kicks Taker and then hits a springboard shoulder tackle and a springboard leg drop for a near fall. Rey with kicks to Taker but Taker grabs Rey by the throat for a choke slam but Rey escapes the hold with kicks. Rey tries for a springboard cross body but Taker with a kick and then Taker hits a choke slam on Rey.

From out of nowhere, Batista comes into the ring and he attacks Taker and the referee calls for the bell. Taker punches back and then Batista hits a spinebuster and then he sets up for a Batista Bomb but Taker with a back body drop. Rey hits a springboard drop kick to Taker’s back and Taker falls ‘into the position’ and Rey hits a 619. Rey comes off the ropes and Taker grabs Rey by the throat. Batista stops the choke slam with a spear to Taker. Batista charges at Rey and Rey with a kick to the knees and Batista falls into the ropes as only a Rey Mysterio opponent does. Rey hits the 619 and a springboard seated senton and then Rey heads to the back.

No Contest

We are back and it is time for the announcement of the guest host for next week and then it is followed up with a reminder that John Cena and Sheamus will meet for the WWE Title next week.

We have a moments ago moment of Batista’s attack on Undertaker and the residual carnage.

It is time to take a look back at the Tribute to the Troops special and highlights from the show and tour.

Cryme Tyme is in the monitor room and they see Santa Claus and he sounds a lot like Heath Slater. Santa says that he does not know how the real Santa does it. Now he has to hand out gifts to the crowd and he is not going to do it. He says that he got all of the good gifts for himself. Shad wants to give him a helping hand but JTG suggests a helping boot and Shad kicks Santa. They take his jacket and bag of presents.

Cryme Tyme come out but they give out some gifts before their match.

Match Number Three: Cryme Tyme versus Bryce Andrews and Pat Buck

Andrews and JTG start things off and JTG with a side head lock but Andrews with a forearm. JTG with a punch to Andrews and then he slams his head into the turnbuckles. JTG with an Irish whip and back body drop. Andrews with a kick and Buck tags in. JTG with a kick and Buck misses a drop kick and Shad is tagged in and he hits a few clotheslines and then he knocks Andrews off the apron. Shad with a spinebuster slam to Buck and then he hits the Money Money Elbow drop. Shad press slams Andrews to the floor. Shad tags JTG in and they hit the combination swinging neck breaker and Samoan drop for the three count.
Winners: Cryme Tyme

We return to Vickie’s kitchen and Teddy and Vickie argue over Hornswoggle’s appearance and Vickie pulls the ‘Vince card’ and Teddy clams up. Vickie apologizes for the tiff and says that everything is under control. Vickie says that a great dessert can save the night and she talks about making an apple pie. Vickie and Teddy each have pies and they want to throw them in each other’s face but they stop at the last minute. Hornswoggle returns while Vickie talks about the recipe. Teddy interrupts Vickie and she turns around and Hornswoggle hits Vickie in the face with a pie. Teddy gets a good laugh but he is standing in front of the egg nog but Hornswoggle hits Teddy with a pie and we gets a crotch chop from the DX mascot before he takes a drink out of the bowl of egg nog.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Michelle McCool has joined Todd and Matt at the announce table for the next match.

Match Number Four: Mickie James and Maria versus Layla and Beth Phoenix

Maria has to hold Mickie back before the match starts because she wants a piece of Layla.

Maria and Layla start off and Maria pushes Layla and hits a hip toss and drop kicks. Maria with an Irish whip and hits a running back splash into the corner. Maria chokes Layla with her boot. Maria blocks a hip toss but Layla with a kick and a spin kick for a two count. Beth tags in and she hits a running shoulder tackle and Irish whip followed by a splash. Beth chokes Maria in the corner and then hits a bonsai drop. Beth chokes Maria in the ropes and Layla tags in and Beth is angry with the tag. Layla with a snap mare and a drop kick to the back. Layla with a chin lock and arm bar combination. Layla with a front face lock and a shoulder tackle. Mickie tags in and hits a Thesz Press and then she slams Layla’s head into the mat. Mickie tosses Layla by the hair and then Mickie kicks Beth off the apron. Layla misses her spin kick but Mickie does not miss with her spin kick and gets the three count.
Winners: Maria and Mickie James

After the match, Mickie goes after Michelle but Michelle throws the furniture at the announce table at Mickie to stay out of the way. Beth pulls Mickie off the announce table and attacks her. Maria tries to make the save but Beth takes care of her. Michelle stands over Mickie but Beth stares at Michelle and Michelle quietly walks away.

It is time for the Marine 2 trailer. Did you know that it is out on DVD on Tuesday?

We go to commercial.

We are back with a shot of the entrance to Disney World (why aren’t they using Universal?)

We are reminded that next week that John Morrison gets his rematch against Drew McIntyre (in case you missed the announcement on Superstars)

We have a Raw Rebound of the Little People’s Court (please make it stop).

Match Number Five: Degeneration X versus David Hart Smith and Tyson Kidd with Natalya for the Unified Tag Titles

Kidd and Michaels start things off and they lock up and Michaels with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Kidd with a hip toss but Michaels kicks him off. Michaels with a hip toss but he misses an elbow drop. Kidd with a back kick and he tries for a rana but Michaels blocks it and he catapults Kidd into Hunter who punches Kidd. Hunter tags in and he punches Kidd and hits a delayed vertical suplex and points at Smith since he uses that move. Hunter gets a near fall. Hunter with a hard Irish whip and then he punches Kidd in the corner and follows it with another Irish whip but Kidd blocks the charge with boots to Hunter. Kidd goes to the turnbuckles and is met with a boot from Hunter and he tries for the pedigree but he is too close to the ropes and Smith with a clothesline to Hunter. Smith tags in and he kicks Hunter in the corner as we go to commercial.

We are back and Kidd chokes Hunter from the apron while the referee deals with Michaels trying to get into the ring. Smith with a knee to Hunter and then he hits a delayed vertical suplex to show Hunter who is the king of the delayed vertical suplex in the WWE and Smith gets a two count. Smith with a cross face to Hunter followed by a reverse chin lock. Hunter gets to his feet but Smith runs Hunter into the turnbuckles and he connects with a few shoulders and punches before Kidd chokes Hunter and rakes the eyes while the referee is distracted. Hunter punches Smith but Smith with a drop toe hold and then he tags Kidd in. Kidd runs into a clothesline and both men are down. Michaels tags in and he punches Kidd and then hits the flying forearm and then he chops Kidd. Michaels with a slam and then he goes up top for the elbow drop but Smith tries to interfere and Michaels kicks Smith away. Michaels misses the elbow drop when Natalya pulls Kid out of the way. Kidd with a springboard blockbuster for a near fall. Kidd sends Michaels into the turnbuckles and then Smith tags in and he punches Michaels. Michaels with a chop but Smith sends Michaels into the turnbuckles on an Irish whip and Michaels does the Michaels flip and goes to the floor. Smith goes out after Michaels and runs Michaels’ back into the apron. Michaels makes his way back onto the apron but Natalya slaps Michaels in the face. Smith with a European uppercut to Michaels and then Kidd is tagged in. Smith with a drop toe hold to Michaels followed by a drop kick to the head by Kidd. Kidd can only get a two count on Michaels. Kidd with a reverse chin lock and he locks it in as he works on Michaels’ neck. Michaels with a punch to Kidd’s midsection followed by a chop but Kidd hits a corkscrew drop kick and he gets a near fall that is stopped when the referee sees Michaels’ foot on the ropes.

Smith tags in and they start with a double suplex that turns into a delayed vertical suplex by Smith as Kidd checks his invisible watch. Smith can only get a two count on Michaels. Smith with a forearm to the head and then he puts Michaels in an arm bar and cross face. Michaels gets to his feet and he punches Smith and chops him. Smith with a Saito suplex and he gets a two count. Smith stomps on the solar plexus and the he hits another European uppercut. Kidd tags in and they send Michaels back first into the turnbuckles. Kidd gets a near fall. Kidd with a front face lock den Michaels tries to get to the corner to make the tag. Michaels with a chop but Kidd with a side head lock. Both men bump heads as Kidd comes off the ropes. Kidd rolls to the floor while Michaels remains in the ring. Michaels starts to crawl to make the tag but Kidd sets for a springboard move but Michaels turns around and hits a reverse atomic drop. Both men are down again. Michaels finally makes the tag to Hunter and Smith also tags in. Hunter punches Smith and then he hits the high knee. Hunter with the facebuster followed by a punch to Kidd on the apron. Hunter hits the spinebuster and gets a near fall. Hunter gives Kidd a more emphatic spinebuster. Hunter waits for Smith to get up and he sets for the pedigree but Smith counters and gets Hunter up for the springboard Hart Attack and Kidd hits it. Smith can only get a two count because Michaels breaks up the cover. Kidd clotheslines Michaels over the top rope to the floor but he misses a pescado. Smith tries for the running power slam but Hunter gets out of the hold. Smith with a waist lock and he runs Hunter into his corner but Hunter ducks down and Michaels hits a super kick and Hunter with a kick to the gut and a Pedigree for the three count.
Winners: Degeneration X

After the match, it is time for the mascot to come out and he has Santa hats for his masters and himself. Shawn gets on the mic and he says that after a long, hard day at the office, Hornswoggle has two words for everyone and he says ‘Merry Christmas’.
 

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