Want more wrestling news, rumors, and results? Be sure to visit PWInsider.com and PWInsiderXtra.com.
January 1st
On this day in history in ....The title says it all, damn that was one hell of a Raw last night. I hope it sets the tone for 2008 going forward.
The Angles:
The Matches:
What To Make Sure And Watch If You DVR'd The Show:
Rhetorical And Unanswered Questions:
We are live on tape from Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida and your announcers are Mike ‘Sponge Bob’ Tenay and Don ‘The Explorer’ West.
Don and Mike are in the Impact Zone to welcome us to the top pay per view matches of 2008.
Match Number One: Jeff Jarrett versus Kurt Angle with Guest Enforcer Mick Foley from Bound for Glory
We hear comments from Jeff Jarrett about how he had to prepare to be in the ring with one of the best. Jeff says that it was everything he hoped it would be. Mick says that he has known Jarrett for twenty years and he talks about how he expected an inner struggle with Jeff. He says that he thinks Kurt may set the bar too high for himself. Kurt says that they were seeing eye to eye when he signed with TNA, but then they started banging heads and they don’t respect each other. They have been able to work through the problems. Kurt mentions a clause in his contract regarding the power Jeff Jarrett has to fire him.
Angle with a double leg take down and Jarrett gets to the ropes. Angle with a single leg take down and he slaps Jarrett in the head. They lock up and Angle with a side head lock and take down. Angle with a shoulder tackle and Angle with a side head lock take down. Jarrett with an arm drag and side head lock take down of his own. Jarrett with a shoulder tackle and side head lock take down. Angle with a belly-to-back suplex but Jarrett holds on to the side head lock.
While the action is going on, Jarrett says that he hand picked Angle to come to TNA because Angle is what Total Nonstop wrestling is about. He is a great performer and when he gets into the ring, he gets it done. He talks about Angle’s persona and aura with his background prior to coming to TNA. He says things got personal between them and Jarrett says that he picked the wrong guy. He talks about the problems with Kurt and his family and he suggests that Kurt has lost his dignity.
Kurt says that he did not care about Jarrett or his family. He tells Jarrett to get over it. The fans were siding with Jeff because of what happened to his family. Angle says that others have last family members. He was there to show that he was TNA.
Angle backs Jarrett into the corner and Angle with knees and punches to Jarrett. Angle with a European uppercut. Jarrett with a drop kick and then he clotheslines Angle over the top rope to the floor. Jarrett with a pescado onto Angle. Jarrett sends Angle into the guardrails and he punches Angle. Jarrett comes off the apron but he misses Angle and goes into the guardrail. Angle kicks Jarrett as they return to the ring.
Mick says that he was hoping to get involved because he did not want his first and possibly only appearance in TNA to be him standing at ringside. Jarrett talks about the respect that they have for each other. He says that it was special to have Mick involved in the match. Angle says that he was very confident that he would win if Mick Foley was not involved. Kurt says that Jarrett is protected all the time and it is political.
Angle with a European uppercut and Jarrett is in the ropes and Angle chokes Jarrett. Jarrett with a reverse atomic drop followed by an enzuigiri. Jarrett with a splash into the ropes and then we see the Jarrett Strut. Angle with a clothesline and both men are down.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Kurt comments that he took advantage of Jarrett because Jeff had been out of the ring for two years. He tried to get Jarrett tired and then he was trying to beat him down. He was close to beating him a few times. Jeff says that he was getting his bearings back in the first ten minutes and Kurt knows what he is doing so it took a while to get back into a groove.
Jarrett with a rollup for a two count. Angle with another clothesline and another two count. Angle with a suplex for a two count. Angle with a reverse chin lock as he continues to wear down Jarrett. Jarrett with punches and kicks. Angle with shoulders in the corner but he misses a charge into the corner. Jarrett with a DDT and both men are down.
Angle and Jarrett exchange punches and Angle with a knee, but Jarrett with clotheslines. Jarrett with a Blue Thunder Driver for a two count. Angle with an Irish whip but he charges into a boot. Angle with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex for a two count. Angle tries for the Olympic slam but Jarrett counters with a DDT for a two count. Jarrett puts Angle on the top turnbuckle and he tries for a superplex but Angle punches Jarrett and he tries for a belly-to-belly suplex to the floor. Jarrett hits the superplex and both men are down again and Jarrett gets a two count.
Jeff talks about how there was a point when they both ended up on the top rope. He talks about how Kurt wanted to hit a belly-to-belly suplex to the floor. He says that match would have ended and maybe his career. Kurt says that he wanted to hurt Jeff and end his career to get him out of his life. Kurt says that he underestimated Jeff and Jeff showed that he had a lot of balls.
Jarrett with the figure four leg lock and Angle tries to get the ropes and he finally gets to the ropes.
Kurt talks about being in the figure four leg lock and he says that it hurt like a son of a b****. It is probably as painful as his ankle lock. There was a point when he wanted to quit, but he did what he had to do to get out of the hold and he will not let Jarrett put him in the hold again.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Angle with a German suplex but he can only get a two count. Angle holds on and he hits two more German suplexes but Jarrett kicks out at two. The straps come down and Jarrett with an arm drag and he tries for a piledriver. Angle with a sunset flip and then Angle puts Jarrett in the ankle lock.
Jarrett says that the ankle lock is legendary and with his background and determination, he cranks on it. Jarrett was not sure how the match would go at this point.
Jarrett tries to get the ropes but Angle pulls Jarrett into the center of the ring. Jarrett rolls through to get out of the hold. Angle tries for the Olympic slam and hits it for a two count. Angle goes up top for the moonsault but Jarrett moves out of the way and Angle misses. Angle with a clothesline that hits the referee when Jarrett moves out of the way. Jarrett with the Stroke and Foley comes in to make the count and Jarrett can only get a two count.
Mick says that he had to get involved because the referee was down. As the enforcer, he felt that he was the de facto referee. Mick also says that if he did not get involved, he would not be able to look at himself in the mirror.
Angle with a low blow while Foley checks on the referee. Angle rolls out of the ring and he gets a chair. Foley tries to stop him from using the chair and Angle drills Foley in the head with the chair. Angle returns to the ring and he hits Jarrett with the chair.
Angle says that when he went to get the chair, Mick Foley paid the price for getting involved in the match.
Angle gets the ref back to consciousness and Foley pulls the referee out of the ring. Foley yells at Angle and then Foley punches Angle and it is time for Mr. Socko. Jarrett hits Angle with the guitar and Foley makes the three count.
Winner: Jeff Jarrett
We go to commercial.
We are back with the Women’s Match of the Year and it was between Awesome Kong and Gail Kim from the January 10th episode of Impact.
Match Number Two: Gail Kim versus Awesome Kong with Raisha Saeed for the TNA Women’s Title
Kong goes after Gail during the ring introductions but misses a clothesline. Gail with chops and forearms to Kong. Kong with an Irish whip but Gail goes to the apron on the charge and Gail with a kick, but Kong with a spinning back fist that knocks Gail off the apron to the floor. Kong slams Gail’s head into the ring steps and they fight up the ramp. Kong chokes Gail on the ramp with her leg but Gail with a kick. Gail tries for a Thesz Press off the ramp but Kong catches her and runs Gail into the edge of the ramp. Gail is Irish whipped into the wall of the bleachers. Gail is against the wall and Kong charges, but Gail moves and Kong goes through the wall. We go to commercial while officials check on Kong.
We are back and the action returns to the ring as Kong appears to be back in control. Gail charges into Kong and Kong with a body block. Kong puts Gail on the top turnbuckle and Gail blocks a spinning back fist with her boot. Gail follows that with a tornado DDT for a two count.
Angelina Love wonders why she is there and why they are showing the match because her and Velvet are not in the match. This match does not matter.
Gail punches Kong and then she goes up top and hits a senton splash for a two count. Gail goes to the apron and she is distracted by the woman who came to ringside with Kong. Gail comes off the top turnbuckle but Kong catches Gail and hits a choke slam but only gets a two count. Kong with an Irish whip but she misses a charge into the corner.
Traci comments that Kong’s name fits her because she is an all around performer. Roxxi talks about how Kong is bigger than most of the women in the ring and then she says a few things that are bleeped while she talks about how much of an impact her moves have. ODB says that you need more than heart to beat Kong.
Gail with a clothesline and punches. Kong with a kick to the midsection and then she hits a butterfly facebuster but Gail is able to kick out. Kong tries for a power bomb but Gail gets out of the hold and Gail with a drop kick but Kong stays on her feet. Gail tries for a rana from the turnbuckles, but Kong catches her and hits three power bombs with the third being a sit out power bomb without releasing to get the three count.
Winner: Awesome Kong
We go to commercial.
Match Number Three: Kurt Angle versus Samoa Joe from Lockdown for the TNA Heavyweight Title
Joe with a kick but Angle moves out of the way. Joe with a kick to the ribs. Angle tries for a jab but Joe blocks it. Joe backs Angle into the ropes and the referee makes them break. Angle with a kick to the leg. Angle wants a test of strength but Angle with a kick to the leg instead. Joe blocks a kick and he kicks Angle in the leg.
Kurt says that the match at Lockdown was one of the most physical matches because of Joe’s background in that style. Angle says that he does not have respect for Joe. Joe says that it was two men who had something to prove. Joe says that Angle learned that he was the big dog on that night. Mick says that it was a wild match and unique. He says that only the best athletes will survive in a six sides of steel match. Mick says that he enjoys watching this type of match because he would not do as well inside the cage. Angle says that a six sides of steel match has so many things that you can do. There are more options and it is one of the most dangerous matches you can be in. Joe says this is the ultimate test and he thrives in that situation because you find out who the better man is.
Joe tries for a knee bar but Angle gets to the ropes. Angle with a double leg take down and he punches Joe in the head but Joe gets to the ropes. Angle with a jab to Joe and then he takes Joe down again. Angle gets on top of Joe and then he punches Joe in the head. Angle goes for the leg again but Joe with a kick to the head and then Joe punches Angle. Angle grabs Joe by the neck and then Angle gets to the ropes. Angle with a knee to the midsection but Joe starts to stomp on Angle’s feet. Joe with a hip toss to Angle but Angle escapes. Joe tries for another hip toss but Angle counters with a Saito suplex.
Joe says that Kurt rededicated himself to put on his best showing and he trained with some of the best, but Joe says that he did too. Joe talks about how he had a good training regimen. Kurt says that he wanted to beat the hell out of Joe and that was how he trained. He wanted to make Joe tap.
Angle then he has Joe in a choke. Joe makes it to the ropes and Angle eventually releases the hold. Angle with a knee to the head and then he punches Joe in the corner. Angle with a front face lock but Joe with punches. Angle with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex but Joe gets to the ropes on the cover. Angle with a European uppercut and then Angle punches Joe.
Angle says that Joe is an incredible athlete and he is difficult to get down, keep down, and inflict pain. Angle says that he has to add more intensity to the matches. In addition to trying to beat Joe, he tries to hurt him.
Angle with an arm bar submission but Joe is able to block the hold and Angle gets to the ropes. Angle punches Joe in the head and then connects with a European uppercut. Angle goes for Joe’s knee. We go to commercial.
We are back and Angle with a figure four leg lock. Joe tries to reverse the hold but Joe cannot roll over. Joe is finally able to reverse the hold but Angle is able to grab the ropes. Joe is limping due to the figure four and Angle works on the leg. Angle with an elbow drop to the knee. Angle with a side head lock but Joe with elbows. Angle tries for another suplex, but Joe boxes Angle’s ears and hits a desperation clothesline and both men are down. Joe with snug forearms and a clothesline to Angle. Joe with the running knee into the corner. Joe with an Irish whip but he charges into the corner. Joe tries for the muscle buster after a jumping spin kick, but Angle is able to counter and he puts Joe in the ankle lock. Joe gets out of the hold.
Angle says that he is working on different ways to keep people from getting out of the ankle lock and it is due to Joe because Joe has been able to endure it the most. If Joe is able to roll out of it or kick out of it, Angle says that he cannot hold on.
Angle charges at Joe and Joe hits an STO and Joe can only get a two count. Angle with a rake of the eyes. Joe with a kick and then he hits a power bomb but turns it into a Boston Crab and then the Liontamer. Joe puts Angle in the STF.
Angle talks about how he felt he was in the STF forever. He talks about how Joe put his weight into the move. He knows what Joe can do so it won’t happen again.
Joe then puts Angle in the Crippler Crossface. Angle gets to Joe’s ankle and he puts Joe in the ankle lock. Joe counters into another Crippler Crossface. Angle tries to fight out of the hold and then Angle gets out of the hold and to the ropes. Angle tries for a clothesline, but Joe turns it into another Crippler Crossface. Angle tries to roll through and he lifts Joe up for an Olympic Slam but Joe kicks out at two. Angle applies the ankle lock one more time and they are in the center of the ring.
Joe says that Kurt knows what he is doing and he knows how to cripple and hurt a man. He knows that it was his opportunity at Lockdown and he was not going to fall short.
Joe rolls through but Angle holds on to the ankle lock. Joe is able to pull Angle’s trunks and he puts Angle in the Choke. Angle grabs the referee’s shirt and Angle gets to the ropes thanks to help from the referee. Joe releases the hold. Angle with a kick to the midsection and he tries for the Olympic Slam but Joe gets out of the hold and then he sends Angle into the cage and he hits a super kick. Joe gets Angle up for the muscle buster and hits it. Joe gets the three count.
Winner: Samoa Joe
Joe says that winning the TNA Title meant the world to him. It made him the standard-bearer. He says that he hopes to regain the title soon.
After the match, Marcus Davis gives Joe the TNA Heavyweight Title belt. After highlights from the match, Joe is seen in the ring with the title belt as the referee checks on Kurt Angle.
We are back in the Impact Zone and there are now people in the bleachers while Don and Mike are in the ring. Mike says that 2008 has been a good year for TNA. Mike says that the Lockdown match was one of the greatest of all times. We go to commercial.
Match Number Four: Sting versus A.J. Styles at Turning Point for the TNA Heavyweight Title
[Play by Play is from Mike’s Turning Point Live Coverage]
Sting says that this all has to do with respect. He was trying to show the younger guys what respect is. It was what he had for Flair and the Horsemen. It is what Foley had for Funk. A.J. says that the title was at stake, and he does not know where was coming from about respect. A.J. says that he respects Sting and then he corrects himself and says that he respected Sting.
They started slow with some solid back and forth counter-wrestling. Sting began nailing elbows to the face to break a hammerlock.
A.J. says that the match was important for the power struggle in TNA between the Frontline and the Main Event Mafia. It was about the title because if you have the belt, you have the power.
Styles was nailed with a bulldog. Sting rebounded off the ropes but Styles drilled him with a dropkick. Sting went to the floor to slow down the pace. We go to commercial.
When Sting returned to the ring, Styles slammed him and hit a big kneedrop. The Impact Zone was doing the dueling chants for both men. Sting pressed Styles and tossed him over the ropes to the floor. Styles clutched at his ribs. Sting whipped him into the guard rail, then pressed and dropped him over the railing.
A.J. mentions that his ribs were killing him but he will get through it because he wanted to beat Sting. Sting says that it was more than punishing A.J. because he was trying to teach him something. He never said A.J. wasn’t a great wrestler, but he was trying to teach him and he will continue to try to get to Styles.
Back in the ring, Styles cut off Sting with an over the knee backbreaker. Styles tried for a hiptoss, but Sting cinched in an abdominal stretch. Sting began nailing Styles in the ribs. I keep waiting for Sting to reach for the ropes like a heel but he doesn't. Styles finally gets out, but Sting pressed and dropped Styles over the top rope. He began shoulderblocking Styles in the corner. He went back to the abdominal stretch. Styles escaped and he and Sting began slugging it out in the center. Styles finally kicked Sting in the head. The story of the match at this point was whether Styles could overcome all the damage to recover.
A.J. says that the plans for the Frontline in 2009 are to do what they have always done. Work their tails off and be the best that they can be inside and outside the ring. Styles began cleaning house with clotheslines and hit a back suplex on Sting. Sting tried to backdrop Styles over the ropes but AJ landed on his feet and hit the springboard forearm for a two count. Styles hit a snap suplex for a two count. Sting took control and went to the top for a bodypress but Styles ducked. Styles went for the Styles Clash but Sting kicked him in the head. Styles staggered into the corner and was nailed with a pair of Stinger Splashes.
Styles fell to the mat in the corner. Sting set him up again. Styles was out on his feet and was nailed with a third splash. Sting put Styles atop the ropes and went for a superplex. Styles fought it off and hit a sunset flip powerbomb into the ring. Styles was too hurt to cover Sting at first but finally made his way over. He changed his mind and went to the top rope. Styles hit the Spiral Tap off the ropes, then signaled for another one.
Styles went to the top but Booker T and Kurt Angle came to ringside. Styles nailed them both. He went for the Pele Kick on Sting but missed and Sting rolled him up and scored the pin. Styles looked shocked.
Winner: Sting
Sting says that he thought A.J. had him going and he did not see anyone from the Main Event Mafia come out until after the match. Things backfired on the Main Event Mafia because A.J. had his way, but he wanted to seize the moment. A.J. says that the proof is in the pudding about the match.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a video package of the tag team division focusing on LAX and the team of James Storm and Robert Roode.
Match Number Five: James Storm and Robert Roode with Jackie Moore versus Homicide and Hernandez for the TNA Tag Titles
Homicide and Storm start things off and Storm with a shoulder tackle but Homicide with a tilt-a-whirl head scissors. Homicide with a monkey flip and drop kick to Storm and Storm seeks sanctuary from Roode. Homicide takes advantage of the position that Storm is in and he sends Storm into Roode’s solar plexus on the apron. Homicide with an overhead belly-to-belly throw for a near fall. Storm with a side head lock but Hernandez makes the blind tag and he hits the slingshot shoulder tackle. Hernandez catapults Storm into a forearm that sends Storm back onto his knees. Homicide knocks Roode off the apron before hitting a senton splash and Hernandez gets a two count. Storm runs Hernandez into the corner and Roode tags in and chops Hernandez.
Roode with a kick to Hernandez, but Hernandez with a shoulder block that sends Roode into the corner. Homicide tags in and he hits a back elbow. Roode with an elbow to Homicide after a knee. Homicide with a kick and a suplex as he turns it into a second suplex. Homicide rolls through and then he tags in Hernandez who hits a backbreaker onto his shoulder. Homicide tags back in and he punches and chops Roode. Homicide sends Roode over the top rope by ducking and boosting. Homicide with the tope con hilo onto Roode. Homicide takes one of Storm’s frosty beverages and drinks it as we go to commercial.
We are back and Storm with a double underhook slam for a near fall. Homicide with punches but he cannot make a tag that is seen by the referee despite the tag actually being made thanks to the distraction by Roode. Roode comes in and he kicks Homicide. We see footage from the commercial break when Jackie held Homicide to allow Storm to kick him in the back of the head and a swinging neck breaker from Roode. Then we see a double suplex leading into the recitation of their team name.
Back to live on tape action and Roode with a belly-to-back suplex for a near fall. Storm tags back in and he puts Homicide on the turnbuckles and Storm punches him. Homicide tries for a superplex but Homicide counter with a DDT and both men are down. Roode tags in and each tries for a suplex but they are blocked. Homicide sends Roode into the turnbuckles and then Hernandez is tagged in and he hits a series of chops on Roode and Storm followed by slams and a double drop kick. Hernandez with a series of Stinger Splashes and then he biels Roode with his shirt and then hits a shoulder block on Storm. Hernandez charges into a boot from Roode. Roode tries for a cross body but Hernandez catches him and hits the power bomb for a two count. Hernandez with a short arm clothesline and Homicide is tagged back in and Hernandez hip tosses him onto Roode and Storm. Homicide with punches but Roode sends Homicide to the floor. Hernandez puts Storm on the top turnbuckle and hits a superplex. Roode with a spinebuster to Hernandez but Homicide hits the Ace Cutter on Roode. Homicide misses the frog splash when Roode moves out of the way. Storm gets Homicide up and Roode hits a neck breaker but Homicide kicks out. Hernandez knocks Storm out of the way and he takes Homicide from Roode and he holds on as Roode thinks he is about to hit their finisher. Hernandez sends Homicide at Roode for a DDT. Hernandez with the plancha onto Storm. Homicide hits the frog splash on Roode but Roode kicks out. Jackie has one of the belts as she moves around ringside. Roode has the belt and the referee is in distraction spot one. Roode tries to hit Homicide with the belt but Homicide moves and Homicide is able to hit Roode with the belt. The referee was out of position and could only make a two count. Storm with a super kick to Hernandez on the floor and since they are not the legal men in the match, the referee goes to the floor to separate them. Meanwhile, back in the ring, Homicide has Roode in a rollup, but Roode sends Homicide towards the ropes where Jackie hits Homicide with the steel chair and Roode gets the three count.
Winners: James Storm and Robert Roode
| We begin this year’s WWE programming with a look back at the continued battle between Batista and Rey Mysterio to determine the man who would face the Undertaker for the title as well as the match between Rey and Undertaker that was interrupted by Batista’s actions. We are live on tape from East Rutherford, New Jersey and your announcers are Matt ‘Costas’ Striker and Todd ‘Merry New Year’ Grisham. Todd lets us know that we will find out Undertaker’s opponent at the Royal Rumble with the Beat the Clock Challenge, which is a staple of the first Smackdown of each year. CM Punk comes to the ring with Luke Gallows and he is going to address the crowd. He wants to know if anyone in the crowd has made New Year’s Resolutions. He tells some of the fans who are booing his comments that he only asked them to raise their hands, not to boo or cheer something. He wants to know if anyone has broken them already. Punk asks a fan what he resolution might have been and Punk suggests that he already broke it. Punk wonders how many were going to give up drinking for the New Year. He says that resolutions are about bettering yourself and Punk says that he has no reason to make resolutions because he is already better. He says that he can help everyone and save them and points to Luke Gallows. Punk wants everyone to stand up to make a pledge. He tells people at home to touch their television screens so they can feel his power flow through their veins. Punk’s pledge is “I (state your name) am tired of wasting my life being a loser. I am tired of treating my body like a sewer. I am tired of not having the strength to just say no. In 2010 I will adhere to the straight edge lifestyle. I will not smoke. I will not drink. I will not do drugs.” Punk comments that the people in the crowd are not good at following directions. He wants to make it clear to them. He does not want to have to beat this into them. He says that he will beat everyone up if that is what it takes to get his message through. Punk suggests that some people are still hung over. Punk says that he will save a lost soul from the audience because he has heart. In each city, his message will grow and spread until everyone realizes that he is not a minor threat and the youth of today will come together as a straight edge society. Punk says it will start tonight when he sets the winning time in the Beat the Clock Challenge. At the Royal Rumble he will become a 4 time Straight Edge Champion when he defeats the Undertaker. Match Number One: Matt Hardy versus CM Punk with Luke Gallows in a Beat the Clock Challenge Match They lock up and Hardy with a side head lock into a hammer lock and rollup but Punk kicks out. Punk backs away from Hardy and Hardy with a front face lock and then he tries for an inside cradle and gets a near fall. Punk with a waist lock and Hardy works on the wrist. Hardy wrings the arm but Punk with a kick. Hardy blocks another kick and takes Punk down and stomps on his solar plexus. Hardy with a kick to the ribs. Hardy with shoulders in the corner as he continues to work on the ribs. Hardy with a sit out gourdbuster for a near fall. Punk drops Hardy on the top rope and then he goes for a springboard move but Hardy punches Punk in the midsection. Hardy gets a near fall and then he hits a side Russian leg sweep for a near fall. Hardy with a forearm to the back and then Punk with an Irish whip but he runs into boots but Punk blocks it and sends Hardy into the ropes and then drops Hardy to the mat. Punk with a cover but Hardy has his hand on the ropes. Punk kicks Hardy in the midsection. Punk with a neck breaker and gets a near fall. Punk with a figure four head scissors and Punk with elbows to the head to continue to wear down Hardy. Punk gets a near fall and then he connects with a forearm and elbows to the head. Punk with a clothesline and then he gets a near fall. Hardy with a kick to the midsection and then eh sends Punk into the turnbuckles and hits a clothesline. Punk avoids Hardy’s bulldog and then Punk with a leg lariat and Punk gets a near fall. Punk with a belly-to-back suplex for a near fall. Punk with a reverse chin lock and Hardy gets to his feet and Hardy with an elbow and punches to the midsection. Hardy with a belly-to-back suplex and Hardy with a kick to Punk and he sends Punk into the turnbuckles and hits a flying clothesline for a near fall. Hardy with the running clothesline into the corner and he hits the bulldog for a near fall. Hardy hits a Side Effect but he can only get a two count. Hardy waves his arms for the Twist of Fate but Punk backs Hardy into the ropes. Punk with a roundhouse kick to the head and then he gets Hardy up for the Go To Sleep and connects and gets the three count in 7:20. After the match, Punk has Gallows attack Hardy and Hardy fights back but Gallows with spinebuster slam. We see the other three match ups in the Beat the Clock Challenge with Chris Jericho facing Rey Mysterio, Dolph Ziggler facing Kane, and Batista facing R Truth. We go to commercial. Match Number Two: Kane versus Dolph Ziggler in a Beat the Clock Challenge Match [current time to beat is 7:20] Ziggler goes for the leg and Kane stops him but Ziggler with a front face lock into a side head lock. Kane and Ziggler work on the mat with Kane getting a front face lock. Ziggler gets to the ropes and then he hits a drop kick to the knee and clips Kane as he continues to work on the leg. Ziggler with an elbow drop to the knee. Ziggler with a rollup as he continues to work on the knee. Kane with a clothesline for a near fall. Kane looks at the clock and he gets Ziggler up for a delayed vertical suplex for a near fall. Kane with a snap mare and drop kick for a near fall. Ziggler blocks a back body drop with a DDT and both men are down. We see Punk and Luke watching in the back as Ziggler gets a near fall and hits a leap frog neck snap for a near fall. Ziggler with elbows and punches to the head followed by a drop kick. Ziggler with a chin lock but Kane picks up Ziggler and slams him. Kane misses an elbow drop and Ziggler hits a leg lariat for a near fall. Ziggler with a series of elbow drops for a near fall. Ziggler returns to a chin lock as the time continues to run. Kane with a big boot and he gets a near fall. Kane with an Irish whip followed by a running clothesline into the corner and a side slam for a near fall. Kane with a running power slam for a near fall. Kane goes up top for the clothesline but Ziggler stops him and he tries for a superplex but Kane knocks Ziggler off. Kane hits the clothesline and gets a two count as we approach one minute remaining on the clock. Ziggler gets to the apron to avoid a choke slam. Kane is dropped on the top rope and then Ziggler tries to choke out Kane as he climbs on Kane’s back. Ziggler continues to choke out Kane but Kane holds on as time runs out. After the match, Ziggler hits the Zig Zag on Kane and leaves the ring frustrated that he will not get to face the Undertaker at the Royal Rumble. Punk and Gallows are shown in the locker room and they are happy with what they just saw in the ring. We go to commercial. We are back and did you know that they are starting off 2010 with the Did You Knows from 2009 about this year’s Wrestlemania 26 demographics. It is time for the Raw Rebound. Match Number Three: Great Khali versus The Carolina Panther The bell rings and Khali takes a few punches and forearms but they have no impact on Khali. Khali with a vertical choke slam and he stands on his opponent for the three count. After the match, Khali starts to dance and then he leaves the ring. We go to commercial. We are back and we see the heinous attack by John Morrison on the current Intercontinental Champion Drew McIntyre. Match Number Four: John Morrison versus Drew McIntyre for the Intercontinental Title Morison with a take down into a near fall. Morrison with a forearm and a leg lariat for another near fall. Morrison clotheslines McIntyre over the top rope to the floor. Morrison goes to the floor after McIntyre and then he does some flipping moves over McIntyre and then he goes onto the ringside barrier again but McIntyre pulls Morrison off and Morrison flips around and takes McIntyre down. Morrison returns McIntyre to the ring and gets a near fall. Morrison casually returns to the ring and McIntyre kicks Morrison and Morrison is hanging from the ropes with his leg caught. The referee tries to get Morrison out of the ropes and McIntyre kicks Morrison and works on the leg. Morrison finally gets free of the ropes and then McIntyre keys on the leg and works on the ankle. McIntyre stomps on the ankle and then the head. McIntyre wrenches the leg as he continues to wear down Morrison’s high flying ability. Morrison with an enzuigiri and both men are down. Morrison punches McIntyre followed by a clothesline and a jumping spin kick for a near fall. McIntyre punches Morrison in the leg and Morrison goes down. McIntyre with a double underhook but Morrison escapes and then he hits the springboard roundhouse kick and he gets a near fall. McIntyre with a tilt-a-whirl back breaker and then he exposes the turnbuckle but Morrison with punches to McIntyre. The referee tries to stop Morrison in the corner. Morrison continues the attack on McIntyre but when the referee picks up the turnbuckle pad, Morrison is pushed into the referee by McIntyre and the referee disqualifies Morrison. After the match, Morrison argues with the referee while McIntyre goes to the back. Morrison hobbles after McIntyre and they fight on the ramp. McIntyre goes to the leg again and the referees come out to try to separate them. We go to commercial. We are back and Michelle McCool and Layla are at the announce table in their own Mickie James clothing line on display. Match Number Five: Beth Phoenix versus Mickie James Beth pushes Mickie and tells her to focus on the match and not Michelle and Layla at ringside. Mickie with forearms but Beth with a back breaker for a near fall. Beth with an Irish whip but Mickie tries to float over and Beth sends her to the apron. Mickie sends Beth into the turnbuckles and then hits a Thesz Press for a near fall. Mickie with forearms and Layla goes to the apron. The referee focuses on the interference that has not taken place. Michelle tries to interfere on another part of the apron. Beth charges at Mickie and Michelle hits a roundhouse kick that connects with Beth instead of Mickie. Mickie with a rollup for the three count. After the match, Michelle and Layla cannot believe what happened in the ring. Mickie avoids Layla who comes after her in the ring. Mickie takes down Layla but Michelle makes it a two on one situation. Beth pulls Michelle off and throws her to the side. Beth runs Michelle into the turnbuckles and punches her. Mickie takes off Layla’s shirt and then kicks her and hits a clothesline. Beth with a clothesline to Michelle. Layla gets a back kick from Mickie and Layla is thrown to the floor. Beth slams Michelle to the mat and then she kicks Michelle in the ribs. Beth and Mickie stare each other down in the ring and then Beth kicks Layla off the apron. Beth starts to leave the ring but instead she attacks Mickie from behind and hits the Glam Slam. Chris Jericho is walking in the back as we go to commercial. We are back and did you know that WWE does more events in Europe than the four major sports leagues that do not have more than a game or two overseas. We are back and Chris Jericho comes to the ring for his Beat the Clock Qualifying Match but he has something to say first. Jericho says that there is a saying in old westerns and it is that this town isn’t big enough for the both of us. He says that Smackdown is not big enough for him. Jericho says that he is bigger than anyone who is watching the show and he is bigger than the WWE. Jericho says that on Monday night, he will regain the Unified Tag Titles by beating DX with his partner the Big Show. That will mean that Jericho will continue to be the face of Smackdown, Raw, ECW, Superstars, live events, pay per views, WWE on Demand, and WWE Classics. He says that he will be the face of the company. Jericho says that his New Year’s Resolution will be to win every title in the company. He says that it will start tonight when he beats Rey Mysterio in record time. Then he will beat the Undertaker at the Royal Rumble to become a six time champion. Jericho says that he is good enough to do it and everyone knows that. He tells the thick headed, lollygagging dullards need to get used to him because in 2010, he will take his rightful place as the omnipotent epicenter of the WWE Universe. Match Number Six: Chris Jericho versus Rey Mysterio in a Beat the Clock Challenge Match [current time is still 7:20] Jericho with a kick and then he sends Rey into the turnbuckles. Rey with a forearm and side head lock but Rey with a leap frog and a wheelbarrow move but Jericho with a forearm to the back of the head and then he throws Rey under the bottom ropes and he lands hard on the floor. We see Punk and Gallows watch in the back as Rey returns to the apron and hits a shoulder and springboard cross body for a near fall. Jericho gets a near fall after a clothesline. Jericho with a belly-to-back suplex for another near fall. Jericho with a kick to the head and Rey falls into the corner. Jericho with a head butt to Rey for a near fall as we drop under the five minute remaining barrier. Rey with an enzuigiri and Jericho falls into the position but Jericho is able to get up and hits a back body drop on Rey. Jericho with an elbow drop for a near fall. Jericho with a snap mare and a rear chin lock with the arm isolated. Jericho takes a look at the time remaining as Rey returns to his feet. Jericho with a knee to the back followed by an Irish whip but Jericho runs into a drop toe hold into the turnbuckles. Rey with a diving head butt into Jericho’s chest off the turnbuckles and he gets a near fall. Rey hits a springboard cross body for a near fall. Jericho wit ha kick and then he hits a sunset flip but Rey rolls through and tries for a kick but Jericho blocks it and tries to put Rey into the Walls of Jericho but Rey is able to power out of the hold. Jericho with a clothesline to get another near fall and there are less than two minutes remaining in this match. Rey floats over Jericho but Jericho hits a torture rack drop for another near fall. Jericho looks at the clock on the TitanTron one more time as he realizes that time is getting short in the match. Rey with a drop kick to Jericho’s knees as he charges and guess where Jericho falls. Jericho is able to grab Rey’s legs on the 619 attempt and he puts Rey in the Walls of Jericho. Rey has about a minute to hang on before time runs out. Rey tries to get to the ropes and then Rey counters into a head scissors and you know the drill. Fall into the ropes and 619 but when Rey tries for the springboard move, Jericho hits a Codebreaker but he takes too long to make the cover and Rey kicks out at two. Jericho argues with the referee and then Rey gets an inside cradle for the three count with one second left on the clock. The new time is 7:19 as we go to commercial. We go to commercial. We are back and Rey Mysterio is at ringside to watch the final Challenge Match between Batista and R Truth since staying in the locker room worked so well for Punk. Match Number Seven: R Truth versus Batista in a Beat the Clock Challenge Match [current time to beat is 7:19] The match starts and they lock up with Batista with a knee instead of a break. Batista with a punch and Irish whip followed by a clothesline in the corner. Batista with a shoulder in the corner but Truth with a knee and a rollup for a near fall. Truth with a drop toe hold and leg drop to the back of the head for a near fall. Batista with a rake of the eyes and a clothesline. Batista with a kick to the back and then he hits a suplex and gets a near fall. Batista tries for a power slam but Truth escapes and he punches Batista. Truth does his usual split but Batista just stands there and kicks Truth in the head. Batista tries for a Batista Bomb and then he looks at Rey, who stands up, before trying the move but Truth is able to escape the hold. Truth punches Batista and then hits a spinning kick that sends Batista to the floor. Truth with a pescado and both men are down on the floor. They return to the ring and Batista kicks Truth on the apron and then he sends Truth into the ring post and Truth goes down to the floor and he is holding his shoulder. Batista Irish whips Truth into the ring steps. Batista sends Truth shoulder first into the turnbuckles. Truth punches Batista and then he hits a drop kick but he runs into a uranage slam for a near fall by Batista. Batista sets for a spear but Truth stops him and hits a DDT and gets a near fall. Truth with the axe kick but Batista kicks out at two. We have less than 90 seconds in the match. Batista sends Truth into the turnbuckles and Truth with a kick to Batista and then Batista charges into the corner but Truth moves and Batista hits the turnbuckles. Truth goes to the top and he tries for a missile drop kick but Batista swats him away. Batista hits a spear and we have 45 seconds to go and instead of getting the pinfall, he looks at Rey. Batista with a spinebuster and he sees that he has 20 seconds left. Batista gets Truth in the Batista Bomb and hits it but Rey pulls the referee out of the ring with four seconds left and time runs out. After the match, Rey goes to the stage and he gloats while staring back at Batista who is not happy while standing in the ring. Vickie Guerrero comes out and she excuses herself as she stands next to Rey. She apologizes to Rey because on Smackdown we all follow the rules. She tells Rey that it was obvious that Rey cheated. Since they could not determine the proper winner, she advises Rey to face Batista next week to determine the true number one contender to face Undertaker. We go to credits. 2011 - The Associated Press picked up a story on former CZW star Nick Gage surrendering to authorities after he robbed a bank in New Jersey. Gage remains in prison for the crime. If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here! |
Bang On Casino
