From the Hardys both carrying championship gold, to impressive Superstar returns, amazing ring debuts and dazzling Divas, 2008 has been an incredibly exciting year at WWE. With the New Year knocking on their doors, WWE.com analyzes the past 12 months for several Superstars, and what they can do to make ’09 their best year ever. If you want to chime in with your opinions on this subject, or simply make your own “Crystal Ballin’” predictions, feel free to do so in the Forums of WWE’s online social network, WWE Universe.

High spots: Any recollection of the past year would be incomplete without recalling what has been described as the single greatest match in WrestleMania history: The career-ending bout pitting Michaels against Ric Flair. While saddened to send his longtime friend and mentor out to pasture, The Showstopper undeniably understood the honor being bestowed upon him.

Low blows: Over the summer of 2008, Michaels watched in horror as his hated rival Chris Jericho punched HBK’s wife Rebecca square in the face. Perhaps equally as gut-wrenching, the global financial crisis that rocked the economy at the end of 2008, had forced a nearly bankrupt and desperate HBK to turn to oily millionaire JBL for help.

Crystal ballin’: First order of business for Michaels, clear up your finances and severe all ties with JBL. After all, no one walks away from the Longhorn Loudmouth without at least an earful of bile.

According to the Wrestling Observer, WWE will be releasing a “History of DX” book next year as told by Triple H and Shawn Michaels.

Thanks to Jaleel, we have the scans from the fantastic new WWE Magazine, Behind the Scenes.

Check them out here.

Thanks to Tin Tangent for sending me this:

Shawn Michaels has been nominated for awards in Golden Robes 2008 Wrestling Awards, the biggest wrestling awards in Britain. He’s been nominated for Wrestler of the Year and Favourite Feud of 2008.

LINK TO VOTE

Source: Baltimore Sun

As soon as the participants were set for the four-way elimination match to determine John Cena’s opponent at The Royal Rumble, the finish was obvious: It would come down to Shawn Michaels and JBL, with JBL ordering Michaels to lie down.

And that’s exactly what happened last night on Raw. Predictable? Absolutely. Boring and anti-climactic? Absolutely not, thanks to an outstanding dramatic performance by Michaels.

With all due respect to John Cena, Kane and Mr. Kennedy (who all have starred in movies), Michaels showed once again that he is by far the best actor in the company. I think HBK could even give Mickey Rourke a run for his money.

Not only was the outcome of the four-way match (which also involved Randy Orton and Chris Jericho) predictable, but no one really buys into the story line that Michaels has to work for JBL because he is broke. With all that being said, however, Michaels still was able to manipulate the emotions of the crowd through his facial expressions and body language during his conflict of conscience. He had fans pleading with him not to lie down for JBL. Michaels’ performance was even more impressive when you consider that it was a tough crowd for most of the night.

From a booking standpoint, I think it was the right call to have Michaels ultimately refuse to lie down, choosing to take a Clothesline from Hell instead. It was more dramatic and made Michaels come across as more sympathetic and honorable.

Source: UK Sun

AS 2008 draws to a clean finish, let’s look back on the people and events that provided the biggest impact on the wrestling, MMA and boxing industries over the last 12 months.

Keep in mind, the global economy is going to take its effect on available spending, which means pro-wrestling, the sweet science, and Mixed Martial Arts are all going to be in heavier competition with each other for the entertainment customer in 2009.

With wrestling, MMA, and boxing promotions all fighting over the ever-elusive pay per view, live gate, and merchandise piggy bank, it’s time to realise that each industry has an effect on the other, at least for now.

So The Paulies are open to anyone who could or can influence a consumer’s choice as to where to spend that available money.

The time capsule moment of the year Paulie award: Shawn Michaels’ sweet chin music to Ric Flair at Wrestlemania.

It was the Wrestlemania moment that will be replayed ad naseum for years to come, and with damn good reason. It was a fantastic video clip, filled with real emotion, with the audience living every moment with the performers who pulled it off magnificently.

Shawn Michaels saying “I’m sorry, I love you” right before kicking Ric Flair’s head off will go down as one of the most memorable moments in modern day pro-wrestling.

I’ve finally got the Raw screencaps up, thanks to the wonderful Amanda!

WrestleMania Axxess
Thursday, April 2nd – Sunday, April 5th 2009

Main Ring with Live Matches – Undertaker‘s Graveyard – Call-A-Match – Memorabilia Displays – Superstars’ Art Gallery – Kids Area – SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 Gaming Area – Film a Superstar Entrance DVD Starring YOU – Championship Belts Display – Autographs – Get a photo with your favorite WWE Superstar – And much more!

Exclusive pre-sale to WrestleMania ticket holders on December 30th at 10:00 AM CT.
Use Password: AXXESS

WrestleMania Axxess Tickets go on-sale to the public January 31st at 10:00 AM CT.

Tickets: $25 – LIMITED V.I.P. Packages: $45

Multiple session times available

Tickets available at Reliant Stadium Box Office, all Texas Ticketmaster retail locations, www.ticketmaster.com or charge-by-phone at Ticketmaster Express 1-866-448-7849

Download: Opening Promo | Backstage Promo | Match

I will have the screencaps up later today :) If you have trouble with downloading, please try again later, a lot of people are downloading the videos at the same time.

Raw Digitals