We open with a recap of the title rematch between Batista & Edge from 2 weeks ago. In my mind, Edge should not be the champion, and for that matter, Vicki Guerrero should not be the GM. Speaking of Vicki, she's out to start the show proper, pushed down the ramp in her wheelchair by Teddy Long. Vicki sets up a Beat the Clock tournament, but has a caveat for Batista & Undertaker, who are both entered. If either man decides to attack Edge, they can kiss their title opportunities good-bye.

Vicki then introduces Jonathan Coachman as Michael Cole's new partner, replacing JBL. One poser replaces another.

Match 1: Montel V. Porter vs. Finlay (w/Hornswoggle)(non-title)(Beat the Clock challenge match) For once, the former cruiserweight champion walks out to the ring with Finlay. Common sense would've suggested MVP being put in a separate match, but apparently, Finlay may be the next guy to be given a shot at the US title, depending on the outcome of this match. It's a pretty good one, too. For several minutes, Finlay has Porter wrapped in a body scissors, but Porter is able to force the former US champ down for a series of 1 counts. Late in the match, Porter hits the running facewash in the corner. However, Hornswoggle picks that time to take action. As Porter scores another 1 count on Finlay, 'Swoggle moves Finlay's shillelagh toward the center of the ring. Porter instinctively moves to get it and draws the attention of ref Jim Corderas. At the same time, 'Swoggle comes out from under the ring, where his own shillelagh was stashed. As Corderas replaces the bigger stick, Finlay strikes. Good night, Mr. Porter. Winner: Finlay. Time: 9:46.

Post-match, Vince McMahon comes out to congratulate Finlay, and acts happier toward his "bastard son".

Match 2: Chuck Palumbo & Michelle McCool vs. Victoria & Kenny Dykstra The fractured relationship between Chuck & Michelle, thanks mostly to Jamie Noble (in absentia at this time), is put to the test here against a more secure couple. Kenny recently snapped a lengthy losing streak in a visit to ECW 2 1/2 weeks ago, beating Nunzio, so now it's Palumbo who has to get the monkey off his back. At first, it looks like things will revert to form on both sides. Michelle stays a step ahead of Kenny's attempts at interference, leaving the former tag titlist frustrated. At the end, however, Dykstra's persistence finally pays off. He gets Michelle's attention, only to eat a chick kick. Victoria cashes in with the Widow's Peak, however, and collects the fall. Winners: Victoria & Kenny Dykstra.

Post-match, Chuck berates Michelle and leaves her behind.

Vicki Guerrero sends Teddy Long back to catering for cream for her coffee. Her nephew Chavo comes in, upset over her romance with Edge. He wishes he could turn back the clock for something he wants but for now can't have. Eh?

Match 3: Chavo Guerrero vs. Sho Funaki (Beat the Clock challenge) Guerrero is coming off a loss via countout to CM Punk 3 nights ago. Funaki was destroyed by Edge 2 weeks ago. The only thing that will distract either of these former cruiser champions is the clock on the video screen. It bothers Chavo more than it does Funaki early on. As with MVP earlier, Chavo gets a series of 1 counts on Funaki, but the Rising Son continues to battle and gets a few near falls of his own. However, after blocking a sunset flip, Chavo goes right for the jugular, if you will, and hits the GoryBomb (similar to the Widow's Peak) to end it. Winner: Chavo Guerrero. Time: 6:02.

Let me correct myself. The Edge-Funaki match was on 12/14, not 12/21.

Match 4: Batista vs. Curt Hawkins & Zach Ryder (Beat the Clock Challenge) On paper, it's a squash, but not with the power-mad Vicki Guerrero pulling the strings. Ryder is added at the last minute--illegally, of course---to ensure that Batista doesn't beat Chavo's time. Teddy is reluctantly making the announcement adding Ryder to the match. This angle needs to stop yesterday!!!! Batista has the advantage early, but the Edgeheads take control with a double-team, not needing to tag in and out at all. A late flurry avails the former champion not, however, as he's blocked from using his powerbomb finisher with time running out. Winner: None. Match ends in a "Draw" at 6:02.

Raw Rebound: Triple H vs. Ric Flair.

Rey Mysterio interview. Rey says that the Beat the Clock challenge takes away an important part of his game plan. Studying his opponent. He needs to use the gifts and talents he has to win.

Match 5: Jimmy Wang Yang & Shannon Moore vs. Deuce & Domino (w/Cherry) With 4 days before their tag title mini-iron man match vs. John Morrison & Mike Mizanin on ECW, Yang & Moore face off against the former champs from "the other side of the tracks". Early on, Yang takes a spill to the floor. Cherry sold like she collided with Yang, but it's clear she was already out of harm's way before contact was made. Yang, being a gentleman, helped her up and asked if she was okay. Cherry seemed confused by such chivalry, but Domino saw this as an opportunity to attack, which made Yang the face in peril. Moore finally tagged in late and cleared the decks. Deuce went for a double team move off the top, but Moore shoved Domino into the corner, causing a collision, then schoolboyed Domino for the win. Winners: Jimmy Wang Yang & Shannon Moore.

Match 6: Undertaker vs. Mark Henry (Beat the Clock Challenge) Cole references when Henry cost the Deadman the title back in May. Matt Striker was announced, but he instead is the obviously biased guest ref, more irresponsible booking by Vicki Guerrero. To his credit, Striker called the match fairly-----right up until the final seconds. It was an even match all the way, as Henry is familiar enough with Taker to be prepared for even the Old School off the top, which Henry countered into a bearhug. Undertaker hit the chokeslam, but Striker stopped his count at 2 with 8 1/2 seconds to go. He ran off as time expired, leaving Henry to take further punishment. Winner: None. Match ends as a "Draw" at 6:02.

2007 Diva Search runner-up Lena returns as a backstage reporter, and interviews Striker, who won't admit to any wrong-doing, claiming Undertaker threatened him. Big Daddy V makes a token appearance to set up a program with the Deadman.

Match 7: Edge (w/Zach Ryder & Curt Hawkins) vs. Rey Mysterio (non-title)(Beat the Clock Challenge) The cowardly champion has decided to ensure that he has no opponent for the Royal Rumble by taking on Mysterio himself, and bringing his drones along for interference. Sorry, that should not be allowed.

It's also hard to believe that a few years ago, Edge & Mysterio were tag team champions, but that's now a distant memory. Edge stalled as long as he could, refusing to lock up in the beginning of the match. He threw Mysterio to the floor, allowing the Edgeheads a free shot. However, only Ryder took the chance. A couple of minutes later, Batista came out and cleared out the Edgeheads. Then, Undertaker showed up on the stage and made the house go dark. When the lights came on again, Edge was left in position for Rey to dial 619. One springboard splash later, Mysterio punched his ticket to the Rumble. Winner: Rey Mysterio. Time: 4:23.