Official Raw Thread (12/17/07): Last Live Raw of The Year
 

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Is tonight the night?
By Bryan Robinson
Written: December 17, 2007

Last Blast? Flair basked in the warm glow of fans during last week's Raw 15th Anniversary spectacular.

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Ever since Mr. McMahon imposed a win or you must retire ultimatum on Ric Flair, the “Nature Boy” has wondered whether each singles match would be his last. He is determined to fight for his career, but he also realizes that one day, it must end. And tonight, it could all come to an end for the 16-time World Champion when he faces the 348 pound Samoan Bulldozer, Umaga.

When WWE.com caught up with Flair earlier today at HSBC Arena, he was a ball of mixed emotion. He took a deep breath and sighed slowly as he pondered his match tonight with Umaga. Flair ran his hands through his silver mane and looked off in the distance.

“Three weeks ago, I thought my career was going to end when I faced Randy Orton … and it might very well have ended then if it wasn’t for Chris Jericho,” the Nature Boy said. “Tonight, I am facing an absolute monster, arguably the best big man in the game today, Umaga. He has injured guys like Triple H, the best in our sport today, and pushed Jeff Hardy, who is on then verge of Superstardom, to the limit. I’m a realist; these guys are in their prime. I’m not.”

Flair then paused as a sheepish grin crept across his lips. A slow fire began to burn in his eyes.

“I know I’m living on borrowed time,” he said. “I know the odds are against me tonight. I would have a hard time betting on me against Umaga. But know this: if the end comes tonight, I’m not going quietly. I’m not going to make it easy for the Samoan Bulldozer.”

Flair then shook hands and asked to be excused so that he could have some time alone. He has had a lot of quiet time alone ever since the Chairman gave him the win or retire ultimatum. Each week, the Nature Boy’s cell phone has exploded with numerous phone calls from friends, relatives, admirers and former opponents expressing well-wishes and concern. Every time he enters an arena, he said, he looks around and wonders whether this will be the last time he competes.

Flair reflects on his memories over a career that has spanned more than 30 years and smiles. He smiles whenever he sees the ovation he receives from fans who have loved him for decades. Before he walked away, Flair was barely able to choke back his tears when he thought about the supporters who have stayed loyal to him.

“Every time I compete, knowing it could be my last time as a WWE Superstar, I’ll give every ounce of energy I have for myself, this great industry and most importantly, for all of our great fans,” he said, lips trembling. “This is a major challenge that will force me to be the best I possibly can be.”

With that, Flair took the special garment bag holding one of his million dollar ring robes. He looked around the HSBC Arena and let the tundra-like Buffalo air fill his lungs.

*Starts Hardy Chant*

Da_Naitch.

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoo

lol Flair as the headline. is that really the preview?

Got me some beer for tonight, getting drunk as i type this, should be good. Though Flair as the headline doesn't excite me, surely it should be Jeff headlining raw?

Jeff & HBK vs. Randy Orton & Kennedy

Who is Bryan Robinson?? His story reads like a Jane Austen novel. :n:

Yup.

But then again than usually have at least two previews, this was the first one that came up for me.

I've got my fingers crossed that Hardy injuries himself or somehow fucks up enough to get pulled from the Rumble. Let's all hope.

woooooooooooooo

enjoy, be back later

I'm not a Hardy supporter like most others (mostly as I've seen what overhyping someone does to their long term reputation), but I'm admit I'm interested in Hardy vs. Orton. It's original and has 2 appealing characters involved.

Evening fellas.

Interested to see where this goes after last night.

If I enjoyed recreational drug use, I'd agree with you.

Yeah, after the PPV, this is the big story, Vince getting stunned

Raw wise, nothing happened last night. Why not show crap from last week that was almost interesting.

Did it really do that good in ratings?

Jeff beat HHH; that's something of note.

WWE: Thinking to the future!

Jeff couldn't beat traffic if the road was fucking empty.

Mmm Victoria.

The fuck is this?

ah cmon

Kelly Kelly is in there?

1. Why does Randy Orton punch the ground with both fists? Does he want to look like a retarded gorilla? Because he's succeeding.

2. I could recognize none of those ladies other than Melina.

we get it, she sucks at singing, add something to the character

Kelly Kelly definately not on that team there Lillian

Woo Tits.

lol she announced Kelly Kelly on both teams

Wait, did they announce Kelly on both teams?

Wow...yea, this is the way to start Raw after a PPV...a women's match where only 20% of the people in the ring can wrestle.

I want Maria and Mickie in my stocking this Christmas.

wooooooooooooooooooo

I want to stuff Marias stocking.

At least they're getting the women's shit out of the way for the night.

King's idea of santas little helpers are Xanax and Viagra.

Note to Kelly: Wearing a thong with a mini skirt while wrestling is not a good idea.

Thats Michelle? Huh I thought it was Torrie

Actually wrestling with her arse hanging out? Happy days.

That Layla's a bit of alright, she on ECW or Smackdown?

I wish Marias underwear would No-Sell existance.

I want Maria in a box.


Wait...I ment I want to be <i>in</i> Maria's box.

Wasn't McCool supposed to have broken her nose or something a few days ago?

I've seen enough. End this.

Cmon Mickie, you're not supposed to wear panties with assless chaps

That was a heck of a DDT.

Nice DDT.

Its always a wonder when Victoria gets pinned in a match like this

Vince looks happy.

Oh god please don't start the vince is crazy gimmick again

Hey look Vince...is he killing himself again?

Wait, is this the 'limo' walk again?

:rofl:

Vinnie Mac just randomly staggers out.

You aren't actually complaining.....are you?

They didn't want to kill Layla's heat.

lol "are those panties?"

And cue Vince McMahon complaining for 10 minutes.

nah dude her ass in panties is amazing, but chaps were there and i wanted her bare ass hanging out

Vince's "You Hate Me" Speech Take: 343.

Vince rambles in his promos now, he's lost something

lol, Vince has lost his smile.

Vince McMahon: ...you broke my heat...errr...heart

AHAHAHA Jeff

... Jeff botches civility?

Jeff promo time.

Wait...Jeff?

No Jeff...don't turn the fans against you this early. :(

If he fires him, I will mark the fuck out.

Fuck, Jeff has a mic.

"They partied. They celebrated."

.....

... I want to find the person who decided to give Jeff mic time, and I want to blow their fucking brains out.

Jeff can actually talk

go hardy!!

Vince is gonna cry LOL

take the mic away from jeff

heart attack angle?

Has Raven jumped into Vince's body or something?

lol get the fuck up

Vince = Raven

... that was the most AWKWARD promo of all time.

RAMBO PROMO! FUCK YES!

RAMBO!

More awkward than Luger versus the shirt?

I'm fairly sure the government can "find" evidence that Saddam was booking Necrophilia angles.....

Quote the Vinnie Mac, Nevermore

Stallone could replace Cena. There, I said it.

lol That was awesome.