Monday Night Raw – December 22, 1997: Russo Done Right
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Night Raw
Date: December 22, 1997
Location: Memorial Auditorium, Lowell, Massachusetts
Attendance: 2,403
Commentators: Jim Ross, Michael Cole, Kevin Kelly, Jim Cornette
Opening sequence.
The arena has a Christmas theme with wreaths and snow falling.
Thrasher vs. Henry Godwinn
On the way to the ring, Henry says the Outlaws owe he and Phineas a title shot. Thrasher crashes into him in the corner and hits a quick cross body for two, drawing in Phineas for the DQ in just over a minute.
The Godwinns lay out the Headbangers and beat them with leather straps.
We recap Dude Love vs. the Outlaws over the last two weeks.
HHH and Shawn can be heard arguing behind closed doors.
The Rock vs. The Undertaker
Rating: C. These two never had the best chemistry but you could see the future of the Rock coming out here. Undertaker was still in his groove at this point and it was cool to see him selling so much for someone a few rungs beneath him. Good enough match, though the Kane ending was pretty obvious.
We recap the first hour.
Hour #2 begins.
European Title: HHH vs. Shawn Michaels
Shawn is defending but Owen Hart runs in and nails HHH during the entrances. Slaughter comes out to break it up and Shawn claims conspiracy. Back from a break and, in what is becoming WAY too common of a custom, we replay exactly what we just saw. The match will take place later.
The New Age Outlaws search for Mankind in the bowels of the building but beat up someone who just happened to be down there.
Marc Mero vs. Scott Taylor
Mero hits Taylor low post match and loads up another TKO, only to have Brandi come in for the save. Sable takes off the reindeer gear to reveal a rather fetching Mrs. Clause outfit.
HHH says he has everything to gain tonight.
Kurrgan vs. 8-Ball
The Outlaws find Mankind, who beats the tar out of them as he sings The Christmas Song. Eventually they get him into a walk-in freezer and lock him inside.
European Title: HHH vs. Shawn Michaels
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