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une 12th
On this day in history in ....
1991 - WCW held Clash of the Champions XV, "Knocksville, USA" at the Civic Coliseum in Knoxville, Tennessee. The event aired live on TBS, doing a 3.9 rating. Here are the results from the show:
- Rikki Nelson defeated The Cuban Assassin. This match was not shown on the broadcast.
- The Young Pistols (Tracey Smothers & Steve Armstrong) & Tom Zenk defeated The Freebirds (Michael Hayes, Jimmy Garvin & Badstreet).
- Oz (Kevin Nash) defeated Johnny Rich in under two minutes.
- Danny Spivey defeated Big Josh.
- Dustin Rhodes defeated Terrence Taylor via disqualification.
- Sting defeated Nikita Koloff.
- Barry Windham & Arn Anderson defeated Brian Pillman & El Gigante in a "loser leaves town" match when Windham pinned Pillman. Pillman was forced to leave WCW for 90 days (but would return as the masked Yellow Dog).
- IWGP Tag Team Champions Rick & Scott Steiner defeated Masahiro Chono & Hiroshi Hase.
- The Diamond Stud (Scott Hall) defeated Tommy Rick in under two minutes.
- Steve Austin defeated Joey Maggs in under thirty seconds.
- WCW U.S. Champion Lex Luger defeated The Great Muta.
- WCW World Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair defeated Bobby Eaton in a two out of three falls match. Eaton won the first fall via pin, Flair won the second via countout, and Flair pinned Eaton to win the third and deciding fall. The match has been highly praised for Eaton, who was known as a tag team wrestler in the Midnight Express, breaking out and showing what he could do in a singles match.
1998 - Kenta Kobashi defeats Toshiaki Kawada for the All-Japan Triple Crown (NWA International, NWA United National and PWF Titles) in Tokyo, ending Kawada's second run with the title and beginning his own second reign with the belts.
2001 - Test defeats Rhyno for the WWF Hardcore Title in Baltimore, Maryland, ending Rhyno's second reign and starting his own second Hardcore Title run.
2002 - NWA: TNA announced that legendary promoter Jim Barnett, who was to honored during their first PPV, would not be appearing as he was signed to a deal by WWE to work as a consultant.
2003 - David Sahadi. at the time an extremely important cog in WWE's top notch production machine who was the number two or three man in WWE production, behind only Kevin Dunn and maybe Chris Chambers, gave notice that he was leaving the company. Sahadi was considered the "go to guy who Dunn hands all of the top projects off to" and described as a "creative genius" by many in the company, is largely responsible for many of the WWE production innovations and pieces that have left lasting memories in the minds of fans and people outside the business as well. He came up with the signature style cold opens that WWE PPV's have been famous for, and also won ProMax awards for his work. He was instrumental in the comedic style seen in many WWE commercials, helping to create such pieces as The WWE Beauty Pageant skit (which one a gold medal at the Promax ceremonies in 2001), the Billionaire Ted series and much more. Sahadi, who was very close with the late Freddie Blassie, also created the emotional pieces with the "oldtimers" and put together many of the most poignant pieces WWE has ever done. Sahadi later joined TNA, where he heads up their production.
2005 - Extreme Championship Wrestling rose from the grave for the first time as WWE produced the most well received of any ECW reunion shows, the first One Night Stand PPV. Designed to look and feel like the "next" ECW show, the company went out of their way to recreate the look, feel and aura of the original ECW, right down to the ring, entranceway, commentators, characters and production. WWE utilized a number of former ECW stars who weren't signed to contracts and created a scenario where at the end of the day, the biggest star in the history of the business, Steve Austin, appeared to praise and put over the little promotion that could, unannounced. It was one of the most emotional nights in pro wrestling history and set a bar that to date, has not been touched emotionally.
Buck Woodward filed the following PPV report:
The Pay-per-view opened with ring announcer Stephen DeAngelis introducing Joey Styles, the voice of ECW. Styles came out, and looked to be holding back tears as the fans chanted his name. Joey let out an "Oh My God" and called out his broadcast partner for tonight, Mick Foley. Foley came out, wearing a Cactus Jack shirt.
An ECW highlight video then aired, and then they went right back to the ring.
Lance Storm, with Dawn Marie, vs. Chris Jericho.
As Storm came to the ring, they showed clips of the Impact Players, and talked about Storm's ECW history. Chris Jericho came out to his WWE music, but had his old Lionheart vest and ECW-era tights. An ECW chant rang out, and the two shook hands.
They traded headlocks and headscissors at the start. They countered each others moves, then armdragged each other to a stalemate. Jericho put Storm in a bow and arrow. The fans chanted "She's a crackwhore" at Dawn Marie. Storm chopped Jericho and leapfrogged him, but Jericho came back with a dropkick, then used a baseball slide to send Storm to the floor. A "Lionheart" chant rang out. Jericho went for a dive off the apron, but hit the guardrail. Back in the ring, Storm hit a dropkick for a two count. Storm hit a Chris Candido-like delayed vertical suplex, then applied a trapped arm sleeper. Storm chopped Jericho in a corner. Storm went for a whip, Jericho reversed, but Storm leapt to the top rope. Storm dove back, but Jericho dropkicked him in the back. Jericho hit a hiptoss and an enzugiri. They went into great exchange of holds, ending with a Tiger suplex by Jericho for two. There was a "Chris Candido" chant.
Storm came back with another dropkick, then went for a cradle piledriver, but Jericho backdropped out of it. Storm hit a superkick for a two count. Storm set up for a superplex, but Jericho shoved him off and hit a top rope elbow. A "F*** John Cena" chant rang out. Storm rolled Jericho into the Calgary Crab, but Jericho tripped out of it and tried for the Walls Of Jericho. He couldn't get it, so he gave Storm a catapult into the buckles and followed with a bulldog. Jericho went for a Lionsault, but Storm got his knees up. Jericho, however, grabbed Storm's legs and applied the Walls. Dawn Marie got on the apron and distracted referee Mike Kehner as Storm was tapping. Justin Credible and Jason ran out, and Jericho released his hold to knock them off the apron. Jericho then rolled up Storm, but Storm kicked him off, and Credible, from the floor, hit him with a cane shot. Storm then covered Jericho for the pin at the seven minute mark. Winner: Lance Storm.
The Impact Players hugged and posed before leaving together. Jericho was given a "Lionheart" chant as he left.
Joey and Cactus pointed out that there was a balcony of empty seats that had been reserved for the "invading" Raw and Smackdown wrestlers.
Pitbull Gary Wolfe then introduced a video package looking back on ECW stars that have passed away over the last few years and are "watching from the best seats in the house". The package featured Rocco Rock, Terry Gordy, Mike Lockwood, The Original Sheik, Mike Lozansky, Pitbull Anthony Durante, Big Dick Dudley, and Chris Candido.
Yoshihiro Tajiri, with Sinister Minister & Mikey Whipwreck, vs. Super Crazy, vs. Little Guido, with Tracey Smothers, Big Guido, Tony Mamluke & JT Smith.
Guido was tossed to the floor at the start, and Crazy gave Tajiri a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker, but Tajiri came back with a handspring elbow. Guido came in, and grabbed Tajiri in a Fujiwara armbar, which Tajiri avoided, then went for the juji-gatame, but Crazy broke it up with a standing moonsault. Guido went for a sunset flip on Crazy, but Crazy rolled through and dropkicked Guido. Tajiri went to rollup Crazy, but was dropkicked as well. Crazy went for a dive, but Mamaluke tripped him from the floor. Guido and Crazy battled into the crowd. Crazy went into the bottom balcony and moonsaulted most of the FBI. Crazy got an ECW chant back in the ring.
Tajiri grabbed Crazy in the Tarantula, but Crazy got Tajiri in a corner and pounded him while the fans counted in Spanish. The FBI tripped Crazy and crotched him on the ringpost. Big Guido came in and tried to powerbomb Tajiri while Guido went to the top rope. Tajiri spit mist at Guido, and Sinister Minister hit Big Guido with a crotch shot. Tracy Smothers ran in, and Tajiri superkicked him. Mikey ran in and gave Guido a Whippersnapper off the ropes. Tajiri pinned Guido at the five minute mark.
Crazy moonsaulted Tajiri for two, but Tajiri came back with a DDT for two of his own. Crazy planted Tajiri with a fireman's carry slam, then went for his three consecutive ascending moonsaults, but Mikey tripped him on the third one. Tajiri went for the kick to the head, but Crazy ducked it, powerbombed Tajiri and hit a moonsault for the pin at the seven minute mark. Winner: Super Crazy.
A video package of classic ECW moments and angles was shown.
The empty seats for the "invaders" were shown again.
Psicosis vs. Rey Mysterio
Psicosis wore his mask to the ring, then took it off after making his entrance. Rey came out to his WWE music. A "lucha libre" chant rang out. They locked up, and traded arm wringers. They had some sloppy exchanges, and a few fans booed. Both men seemed tentative in the ring. Rey broke up a knuckle lock by jumping on Psicosis' shoulders and hitting a sunset flip. Rey went for a cross body, but Psicosis rolled through it and hit a facebuster. There was a "put the mask on" chant for Psicosis. Psicosis elbowed Rey in the back of the neck, then whipped him hard across the ring. There was a "boring" chant.
Rey hit a Quebrada moonsault, but Psicosis grabbed a sleeper. Fans booed. Psicosis threw Rey into the corner, then to the mat, then to the floor. Psicosis dropped Rey gut first across the guardrail, then went to the top rope and hit a guillotine legdrop to the floor on Rey. Psicosis tossed Rey in the ring as a "Holy S***" chant rang out. Psicosis covered Rey for a pair of two counts. Rey avoided a Psicosis dropkick in the corner, and hit a facebuster for a two count. Psicosis missed a charge and went shoulder first into the ringpost, then fell into the crowd. Mysterio hit a top rope senton into the crowd on Psicosis. Rey hit the 619 (to boos), and the springboard rana (to cheers) for the pin at the seven minute mark. Winner: Rey Mysterio.
As Rey was celebrating, Kurt Angle, JBL, Orlando Jordan, The Bashams, Matt Morgan, and Carlito, with tickets, and sat in the balcony. A "F*** You Smackdown" chant rang out.
They started to show a Roadkill and Danny Doring promo, but abruptly cut away from it to show more of the Smackdown guys getting booed. Then they aired another video package of classic ECW footage. These are very well done packages, showing tons of classic angles and moments from ECW history.
Joel Gertner showed up in the balcony to interview the Smackdown wrestlers, but as he was doing one of his classic intros, Kurt Angle grabbed the mic and JBL shoved and kicked Gertner away. Angle ripped on the ECW fans, who chanted "You suck d***". Angle kept ripping on the fans and ECW, as fans chanted "Shut the f*** up". Angle promised that every ECW wrestler would be beaten up tonight, and said the crowd could "kiss his a**". JBL then took the mic and an "A******" chant broke out. JBL said he could sell out Madison Square Garden, but ECW couldn't sell out a bingo hall. JBL ripped on the fans and the Internet. The fans chanted "Shut the f*** up" some more. JBL called himself a "Wrestling God". JBL said that the PPV would only succeed because he was there.
JBL's diatribe was interrupted by Rob Van Dam's music, and RVD, in a knee brace, came out, accompanied by the Manager Of Champions, Bill Alfonso. JBL complained about being interrupted, but the mic was cutting out, and the fans were drowning him out. An "RVD" chant rang out, and Van Dam said this was "awesome". Van Dam said JBL was "sucking up the credit" and that tonight had nothing to do with them. RVD said this was going to be one of the biggest PPV's of the year, because the fans were sick of having the likes of JBL shoved down their throats, and they wanted ECW. RVD said that he was shooting, and no "Creative Geniuses" were scripting his comments tonight. RVD said the "office" didn't get it, but the fans did. RVD asked Fonzie if he remembered when RVD had a vocabulary that was more than "Cool" and "Whatever". Van Dam talked about being able to use his skills to entertain the fans, and said he was the "whole f****** show" and that RVD 4:20 meant he "smoked your ass". RVD and Fonzie talked about his legendary ECW Television Title reign, and said that "was how you showcase RVD". RVD said he went to Vince McMahon, and said that he should let the ECW guys show what they were all about. RVD said "we don't even need a storyline". RVD said Vince agreed to the idea, which led to this PPV. Rob Van Dam said that then he needed knee surgery, and that it sucked that he wasn't cleared to wrestle tonight. RVD said he missed tours of Europe and Japan, Booker T's wedding, and even Wrestlemania, but what really sucked was not being able to wrestle tonight. Van Dam then said that "RVD is ECW".
Rhino stormed the ring and gored RVD. Rhino stomped him down, and then the lights went out.
When they came back on, Sabu was in the ring.
Rhino vs. Sabu.
Rhino hit a shoulderblock and a belly to belly suplex to start. The fans chanted "You got fired" at Rhino. Sabu threw a chair at Rhino to send him to the floor, then did a chairlaunch into a springboard bodypress on Rhino on the floor. Sabu whipped Rhino into the guardrail, hit him with a chair, then put him on a table on the floor. As Sabu went for a springboard, Rhino rolled off the table and yanked Sabu off the ropes. Back in the ring, Rhino hit a running boot to the head for a two count. Rhino slammed Sabu, then went to the top rope, but Sabu met him there. Sabu then hit a top rope rana, and followed with a slingshot leg lariat for a two count. Fonzie tossed Sabu a chair, and Sabu hit a chair launch into a leg lariat in the corner. Rhino fell into the chair as he went down, then Sabu hit a legdrop off the chair for a two count.
Sabu went for the Triple Jump Moonsault, but Rhino tripped him into the chair. Rhino dropped Sabu face first onto the chair, then dropped him backwards out of a powerbomb into the corner. Rhino went for the gore, but Sabu moved and hit referee Pee Wee Moore. Rhino then piledrived Sabu. RVD ran in and hit Rhino with a chair shot. RVD, bad leg and all, then gave Rhino a running dropkick in the corner with the chair. RVD put Rhino face first on a table in the ring, and Sabu gave Rhino an Atomic Arabian Facebuster to the back of the head, putting him through the table. Sabu then got the pin at the seven minute mark. Winner: Sabu.
Al Snow was shown arguing with Head, blaming Head for inviting the Smackdown wrestlers to the ring, calling them "Smackdown a*******". Snow said they would settle this back at the room, but for now, he wanted to reminisce some more. Another video package of ECW highlights was shown.
Eric Bischoff, Edge, Christian, Jonathan Coachman, William Regal, Gene Snitsky, and Tyson Tomko, and La Resistance showed up. Someone spit beer at Bischoff as they made their way to the balcony and joined the Smackdown wrestlers.
Chris Benoit vs. Eddie Guerrero.
Both came out to their WWE music, and Guerrero seemed to be in his "WWE gimmick", acting heelish. They locked up, and broke clean in the corner. The fans chanted "I f***** Lita". They traded armdrags, then stalemated on some chain wrestling. "He's Got Herpes" chant. Did I mention Edge was in the balcony now? Eddie regrouped on the floor. "You screwed Matt" chant for Edge.
In the ring, Eddie hit a back elbow, and a series of chops. Eddie raked the sole of his boot on Benoit's face. Eddie applied a crossface, and Benoit broke out with a back suplex. Eddie had a trickle of blood coming from his nose. Eddie chopped Benoit, then punched him, then went back to the crossface. "F*** you Bischoff" chants now. Benoit came back with a shoulderblock, then they went to the floor. Guerrero tossed Benoit into the rails, then hit a chairshot. Eddie rammed Benoit into a table, then set him up and delivered a superplex. Guerrero went for a frog splash, but Benoit moved. Benoit hit a clothesline and a Northern Lights suplex for two. Benoit then gave Guerrero a top rope superplex, then a series of German suplexes. Benoit hit a top rope headbutt for two. Benoit went for another German, but Eddie rolled him up for a two count. Benoit escaped and locked in the Crippler Crossface. There was a "Eddie" chant, but after being in the hold for a minute, he tapped out, giving Benoit the win at the eleven minute mark. Winner: Chris Benoit.
JBL and Orlando Jordan applauded the match, since Benoit and Guerrero are "Smackdown guys". Benoit and Guerrero stared each other down. Then they aired a Vengeance commercial.
Joel Gertner went to the balcony again, and tried to interview Eric Bischoff, who was drinking a beer. Joel Gertner said he had a question for Bischoff, and then asked for a job. Bischoff spit beer out, as Joel was begging for a job. Some fans chanted "You sold out" at Gertner. Bischoff said "Hell no" calling him a "scab" and a "wannabe". Bischoff then ranted about being in control of Raw, and called the fans "scabs" saying he didn't want to see any of them at Raw. Bischoff threw the rest of his beer at Gertner.
Mike Awesome vs. Masato Tanaka.
The WWE guys in the balcony turned their backs to the ring. Tanaka had his shoulder taped up. Joey Styles called Mike Awesome a "Judas" for breaching his contract and jumping to WCW. Joey called him a "piece of crap". Tanaka and Awesome started off fast, with Tanaka being sent to the floor, and Awesome hitting a plancha. Tanaka recovered and sent Awesome into the crowd, then hit a running chair shot. Tanaka whipped Awesome into the rails, but Awesome gave him a boot to the face and followed with a clothesline. Back in the ring, Awesome clotheslined Tanaka from the apron. Awesome then gave Tanaka an Awesome Bomb off the apron through a table at ringside. An "ECW" chant and a "Holy S***" chant rang out.
Awesome rolled Tanaka into the ring and hit an Awesome Splash for a two count. Awesome went for a Awesome Bomb, but Tanaka backdropped out of it. However, Awesome kept his grip, rolled back up and hit the Awesome Bomb. Awesome went for a chair, but Tanaka got one as well. Awesome hit two chair shots to the head, but Tanaka wouldn't go down. A third shot sent him down, but he got back up. Tanaka booted a charging Awesome, then hit the Diamond Dust for a two count. Tanaka piled up some chairs, and gave Awesome a tornado DDT into them for a two count. Tanaka put a chair on Awesome, then smacked it with another chair. Tanaka then hit a top rope elbowdrop using the chair for a two count. Awesome hit a German suplex, Tanaka got back up, and Awesome hit a spear. Awesome hit Tanaka with a chairshot, then grabbed a table. The table was broken, so he got a different one. Joey and Foley made fun of Awesome's old WCW gimmicks.
Awesome set up a table, then went to superplex Tanaka through it. Tanaka blocked it and hit a DDT off the top rope through the table for a two count. Tanaka went to the top rope, but Awesome met him up there and hit an Awesome Bomb off the top through the remnants of the table. Tanaka kicked out at two. The fans were giving both men a standing ovation and an ECW chant. Awesome set up a table at ringside. The fans chanted "This Match Rules". Awesome went for the Awesome Bomb over the top rope, but Tanaka slipped away. Awesome grabbed him again, and threw Tanaka over the top rope and through the table. Awesome then dove over the top rope and landed on top of Tanaka in the remnants of the table. They counted the pin on the floor at the ten minute mark. Winner: Mike Awesome.
We saw that after the match, during replays, Awesome powerbombed referee Jim Mollineaux.
Ring Announcer Bob Artese came down to the ring, followed by Paul Heyman. Heyman was wearing a leather trenchcoat and an ECW baseball hat, like the old days. Heyman got into the ring, dropped to his knees and saluted the crowd. Heyman seemed choked up, as the fans chanted "Thank You Paul". Heyman said he wasn't crying, and that his eyes were red because he was "smoking a joint" with Rob Van Dam. Heyman thanked Tod Gordon for giving him the chance to book, and thanked Rob Buffone (who was in the front row) and Charlie Abruzze for producing the TV show every week with him. Heyman then thanked the "crazy bastards" in the crowd.
Heyman said he was going to take the "high road" and leave, but instead he had something to say to Eric Bischoff. Heyman said he didn't go running to a WCW PPV, and told Bischoff that he was in "our house, bitch". Heyman said "Hide your wives, it's Edge". A "You screwed Matt" chant rang out. Heyman said "no one had the balls" to say this to Edge, but Heyman had two words for him: "Matt Freaking Hardy". Big pop. Yeah, that is three words. Heyman then said he had something to say to "Mr. Shoot Promo", JBL. He said JBL was only WWE Champion for a year, because "Triple H doesn't want to work Tuesdays". The WWE wrestlers in the balcony basically acted goofy and overreacted to Heyman's comments. Heyman said this isn't WCW, Monday Night Raw, or Smackdown, this is ECW, and left to a big ovation.
A commercial for "The Devil Rejects", a film by Rob Zombie, was shown.
The Dudley Boyz (Buh-Buh Ray & D-Von) vs. Tommy Dreamer & The Sandman.
The Dudleys came out first, then Dreamer (giving the finger to the Smackdown and Raw workers), then The Sandman, who did his classic entrance from the crowd (including Metallica's "Enter Sandman"). Dreamer and Sandman toasted with Chris Chetti & CW Anderson at ringside. Dreamer & Sandman then licked beer off the breasts of Elektra. Sandman made a jerking motion with his Singapore Cane towards JBL and Co. The fans chanted ECW as all four men touched fists before the match.
Before they could start the match, the BWO theme rang out. Big Stevie Cool, Hollywood Nova and Da Blue Guy came to the ring. Joey Styles pointed out that WCW could never sue ECW over the gimmick, since it was a parody of the NWO, and protected under parody laws. Big Stevie Cool got on the mic, and said he had heard a lot of talk about "invading", but you couldn't have a "hardcore invasion" without the BWO. Stevie said he had three simple words, "We're taking over" and Steviekicked Tommy Dreamer. The Dudleys and BWO and beat down Dreamer. Kid Kash (Joey said he had "Total Nonstop Attitude") ran out, but was quickly dumped out of the ring. Balls Mahoney & Axl Rotten then ran out, and as the Dudleys fought with Dreamer and Sandman on the floor, Balls and Axl disposed of the BWO, including chairshots on Nova. The Dudleys then attacked Axl & Balls, and we had a huge brawl on the floor. Kid Kash did a springboard off the back of referee John Finnegan, off the top rope, onto the pile of wrestlers.
Axl, Balls, The BWO, and Kash, fought to the back, and the bell finally rang to begin the scheduled tag team match. Bubba and Dreamer went at it in the ring with weapons, while fans chanted "Cactus Jack" and Foley said they were referring to "some forgotten hardcore hero". Bubba rubbed a cheese grater across the face of Dreamer, and Dreamer was soon bleeding profusely. Bubba missed a second rope senton, but he and D-Von hit a back suplex/neckbreaker combo on Dreamer. Sandman grabbed a ladder and hit the Dudleys with it. Dreamer put the ladder on his head, and did the Terry Funk spin, hitting everyone. On the floor, Dreamer rubbed the grater into Bubba's head. Sandman gave D-Von a drop toehold into a trash can.
Bubba crotched Dreamer on the guardrail on the floor. In the ring, Sandman put a ladder on D-Von and hit the Rolling Rock top rope senton. Bubba blasted Sandman in the head with a chair. A "Holy S***" chant broke out. Sandman was put on a ladder and Bubba hit a frog splash. D-Von grabbed the cane, but hit Bubba when Sandman ducked. Sandman hit the White Russian legsweep on D-Von. Dreamer and Sandman put the Dudleys into simultaneous figure four leglocks. Lance Storm and Justin Credible ran in and broke it up, Credible carrying barbed wire. Credible gave Sandman "That's Incredible" on barbed wire.
Credible & Storm held Dreamer, and Francine ran in. Francine kicked Dreamer in the nads. Beulah, to a huge pop, ran in, and started catfighting with Francine. Storm and Credible pulled her up, but Dreamer made the save, and Beulah hit Credible in the nads. Dreamer said "Thank you" to Beulah, and the two hugged. The Dudleys came at them, but Dreamer and Beulah hit them with a double DDT. There is a lot going on here, folks. Beulah took off for ringside, and the match continued.
The Dudleys put Sandman through a table, but only got a two count. Joey Styles was censored for saying "Balls", so he said it two more times. Dreamer was given the Dudley Death Drop, but kicked out. The Dudleys set up a table, but Spike Dudley, in his old gear, came out. The fans chanted "LSD". Spike handed Bubba and D-Von lighter fluid and matches. We've got a flaming table, and Dreamer was powerbombed through it by they Dudleys. Bubba then covered Dreamer for the pin.
Winners: The Dudley Boyz.
The Dudleys went for Beulah, but Sandman caned them away, and screamed "get me a beer". Stone Cold Steve Austin's music started, and Austin came to the ring, to a pop. Austin got on the mic and said Sandman doesn't need a beer the way he drinks, he needs a case of beer. Austin said he wanted everyone from the back to come into the ring for a ECW beer bash. The ring filled with ECW wrestlers, including Johnny Swinger, Danny Doring, Roadkill, and others. Austin then challenged the Raw and Smackdown wrestlers in the balcony to come to the ring and try to "whip their ass". Austin said he was going to sit down at ringside, drink a beer, and watch what happens. Austin said if they didn't come to the ring, he'd come up there and get them, and gave them a count of ten. They finally came down.
As the WWE wrestlers got in the ring, Bischoff joined the announcers. There was a face off, when Taz' music hit. Taz, in an FTW shirt, came to the ring. Styles told Bischoff if he didn't own WCW, he never would have been an announcer. Taz and Angle went at it, and the huge brawl broke out. Taz and Angle went to the floor, and Taz put Angle in the Tazmission. In the ring was an all out brawl. Styles and Bischoff were arguing on commentary as the ECW guys cleared the ring of the Raw and Smackdown workers.
Mike Johnson called in from the live show to say that JBL was hitting The Blue Meanie in the head, busting open his staples from Hardcore Homecoming.
With the WWE guys retreating, Steve Austin, wearing JBL's hat, told Mick Foley to bring Eric Bischoff to the ring, since he hadn't gotten any of the beating yet. Foley dragged him down, and the Dudleys gave Bischoff 3D, at Austin's request. Austin then told Benoit to give Bischoff a flying headbutt. Rey gave Bischoff a 619 (fans booed it again). Austin stood over Eric Bischoff, and said he was conducting a "post show interview". The downed Bischoff said (censored) "F*** ECW". Austin had the Dudleys hold up Bischoff, and then gave him a stunner. Bischoff was carted out of the ring by the Dudleys, as the ECW wrestlers in the ring had a beer celebration. The Dudleys carried Bischoff all the way out of the building and dumped him on a flatbed truck.
The PPV concluded with the beer celebration in the ring. Austin raised Sandman's arm on the stage as Joey Styles yelled "ECW Lives" to end it.
2007 - WWE capitalized on the mainstream press that was reporting on Vince McMahon's limo explosion on Raw the previous night, issuing the following press release:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BLOWN AWAY
Who Blew Up WWE® Chairman Mr. McMahon?
STAMFORD, Conn., June 12, 2007 …While some might say “The Sopranos" went out with a whimper, last night on USA Network, WWE's “Monday Night RAW" went out with a bang. At the end of his self-anointed “Mr. McMahon Appreciation Night", WWE Chairman Mr. McMahon entered his limousine when it suddenly exploded. The shocking ending raised a myriad of questions: How could Mr. McMahon have survived the fiery explosion? And who could have committed such a heinous act?
Although full details have not been disclosed, initial reports indicate that Mr. McMahon is presumed dead. An official investigation into Monday night's events is currently underway with no one being ruled out as a suspect. Throughout the night, people from Mr. McMahon's past - from Donald Trump to Snoop Dogg to Bob Costas to Stone Cold Steve Austin - had less than flattering things to say about the WWE Chairman, but would any go so far as to actually blow him up? The question of “whodunit", as well as the fate of Mr. McMahon, will be on everyone's minds as the WWE saga continues on “Monday Night RAW" on USA (9 p.m. ET/8C).
Log on to wwe.com for the latest news on Mr. McMahon. Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: WWE) can be found at corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.
2010 -Former professional wrestler Aurelian "Grizzly" Smith passed away due to complications of Alzheimer's Disease. He was 78 years old. Smith wrestled for a number of territories and promotions, including Bill Watt's Mid-South Wrestling and promotions in Texas and Kentucky. Smith held a number of championships, including the NWA American Tag Team championships with Fritz Von Erich and with Luke Brown, the AWA Midwest Tag Team, the NWA Southern Tag Team titles in Georgia, and the NWA United States Tag Team titles for Tri-State Wrestling. Later, he held road agent positions for both both WCW and the WWF. To mordern fans today, Smith would be best known as the father of Jake Roberts, Sam Houston and Rockin' Robin. Aurelian's relationship with his children were chronicled in both the Barry Blaustein documentary "Beyond the Mat" and a WWE DVD set devoted to the life and career of Jake Roberts. Smith had been in declining health in recent years and his children gathered by him earlier in the week as his health took a turn for the worse.
2010 - Former WWE stars Kizarny and Stacy Carter announced their engagement.
2010- Ring of Honor held their "Take No Prisoners": PPV. Here is Mike Johnson's live report:
Ring of Honor Take No Prisoners in Houston, Texas.
After several pre-show bouts, ring announcer Bobby Cruise announced there would be some changes due to injury and further updates would be coming.
After taping the opening, they went to the first bout.
Ace Steel vs. Colt Cabana.
There was lots of silliness early in the bout as both played to the crowd. They did a lot of counter wrestling. Cabana called for the flying a**hole. Cabana then caught Steel out of nowhere with a submission to get the win. Short but OK.
Your winner, Colt Cabana!
Both shook hands after the bout.
Rhett Titus vs. Bushwhacker Luke Williams
Yes, Bushwhacker of Honor has come to PPV. Titus was none too pleased and the crowd got all over him. Titus whipped Luke into the corner but was clotheslined. Titus begged off. They went back and forth with some silliness before Titus schoolboyed Williams and hooked the tights.
Your winner, Rhett Titus!
The crowd clapped to Luke's music as he left.
Chris Hero & Incognito & The American Wolves vs. ROH Tag Team champions Kevin Steen & El Generico & Magno & Jay Briscoe.
The babyfaces stormed the ring before the bell. Magno and Incognito went into a nice Lucha exchange, which the crowd liked. Magno nailed a rana and then reversed a backbreaker attempt into a Lucha armdrag. Incognito nailed a dive. Kevin Steen and Eddie Edwards then officially started the bout. They began exchanging chops in the center of the ring. Generico tagged in and hit several kicks on Edwards, who tagged out to Davey Richards. Generico maintained control, pummeling him in the corner with punches. Hero tagged in but Generico retained control. Hero came back with a forward roll and tagged in Richards. The Wolves began tagging in and out as they worked over Generico.
Hero tagged in and kicked Generico in the face. The crowd tried to rally Generico. His partners led them in an Ole Ole chant. Generico fired back with a DDT and made the hot tag to Steen. The Tag champions cleaned house and then hit stereo flip dives over the top to the floor. Generico then hit an awesome springboard moonsault to the floor. Magno hit a twisting moonsaulty to the floor. Steen and Generico double teamed Edwards. Briscoe went to the top and nailed a splash for a two count on Edwards.
The crowd chanted, "This is awesome." Hero went to the top but was cut off by Steen. Generico grabbed him and teased a brainbuster off the top but was fought off. Hero put on his loaded forearm pad and drilled Generico with it, but Generico evaded the shot. He went again for the brainbuster but this time, Hero nailed him. Generico fell backwards into the ring but kicked up at two.
Jay Briscoe grabbed Hero and pulled him into the ring. He nailed the Jay-Driller on Hero and scored the pin.
Your winners, Steen & Generico & Magno & Briscoe!
A fun eight man tag with some cool dives to the floor. Best thing on the show thus far.
Jimmy Jacobs vs. Necro Butcher
They began brawling and went right to the floor immediately. They went over the guard rails into the crowd. Necro slammed a trash can over Jacobs' head. They brawled up the bleachers. Jacobs nailed Necro but Necro came back with another trash can shot, sending Jacobs down the bleachers. They returned to the ring, where Necro was busted open and bleeding heavily. Jacobs went for a chair shot but Necro stopped him, then slammed Jacobs on the chair. They brawled onto the floor again. Jacobs went to the top but Necro threw a chair at him. He grabbed Jacobs to bodyslam him off the ropes to the floor but Jacobs battled back. Necro and Jacobs battled atop the top rope. Necro tried to suplex Jacobs to the floor but Jacobs reversed it and Necro took a suplex straight off the ropes to the floor. That was insane.
They returned to the ring, where Jacobs tried to pin Necro. Necro kicked up at two. Necro caught Jacobs with a bulldog for a two count. Necro nailed Jacobs hard with the edge of a chair, creating a sickening clanging noise. They battled on the apron and Necro hit a death valley driver through a table at ringside. Butcher brought him back into the ring and hit a top rope cross bodyblock for a two count. This is a fun match. Gotta love the plunder.
Jacobs nailed Necro with a low kick. He locked the choke submission on Necro as the fans chanted for Butcher not to tap. Butcher's arm was dropped twice by the referee but he fought his way to his feet. Butcher nailed a sitdown tiger driver and scored the pin.
Your winner, Necro Butcher!
Now, THIS is how you use Necro Butcher. A fun, fun brawl.
They announced the next match was now going to be a Three-Way match.
Bobby Cruise introduced former ROH champion Nigel McGuinness. McGuinness was openly favoring his injured arms. The crowd chanted his name and then "Thank you Nigel." He said it's really difficult to stand in the ring and say what he has to say tonight. He noted he wasn't dressed to wrestle tonight. He said he wanted to apologize that he couldn't wrestle tonight. He said the last 17 months, he's abused his body and soul to preserve the integrity of the ROH championship. He said that sometimes, that means he has the type of matches he has last night. He said that if anyone has something to say about that, they can meet him after the show for a little chat...and it will be the last chat they ever have.
Claudio Castagnoli made his way to the ring. He took the ring mic. Claudio shook Nigel's hand after Nigel wished him luck in the three-way bout. Castagnoli then attacked him from behind. As he was beating on Nigel, Bret Albright's music hit and he came to the ring. Blue Demon Jr. then came to the ring.
NWA champ Blue Demon Jr. vs. Claudio Castagnoli vs. Brent Albright
Castagnoli and Demon went back and forth as Albright watched from the apron, so I guess they will tag in and out. Claudio nailed a tiltowhirl backbreaker on Demon, then antagonized Albright. Claudio slammed Demon into the turnbuckle. Claudio turned his attention to Albright, which gave Demon the chance to nail him from behind. Demon tagged in Brent, who nailed a twisting neckbreaker. He drilled Claudio with an uppercut, then ducked when Claudio went for a dive. Claudio went over the top to the floor. Albright followed and as they battled on the floor, Demon nailed a tope.
Albright went to the top and dove into the ring but was nailed with an uppercut. He set up the Ricola Bomb but Demon distracted him. Brent hit a German suplex from behind on Claudio and scored the pin.
Your winner, Brent Albright!
OK match but again like last night, I would have wanted to see Demon work more in his element and see what he had to offer. This really felt like just as it started to get going, it was done, sadly.
Alex Kozlov vs. Roderick Strong.
They started out fast with some good back and forth wrestling. String caught Kozlov with a Fall Away Slam. They battled to the outside, where Strong nailed a flying forearm off the apron. Kozlov took control on the floor and began kicking at Strong when they returned to the ring. They began battering each other with chops. They battled on the top rope and Kozlov superplexed Strong into the ring.
They continued to assault the hell out of each other with chops. Strong came back with a gutbuster and a superkick for a two count. Strong hit a running leg lariat. He then locked on the Stronghold Boston Crab variation for the submission.
Your winner, Roderick Strong!
Short but fun match. They packed a lot into the bout.
Alex Kozlov vs. Roderick Strong.
They started out fast with some good back and forth wrestling. String caught Kozlov with a Fall Away Slam. They battled to the outside, where Strong nailed a flying forearm off the apron. Kozlov took control on the floor and began kicking at Strong when they returned to the ring. They began battering each other with chops. They battled on the top rope and Kozlov superplexed Strong into the ring.
They continued to assault the hell out of each other with chops. Strong came back with a gutbuster and a superkick for a two count. Strong hit a running leg lariat. He then locked on the Stronghold Boston Crab variation for the submission.
Your winner, Roderick Strong!
Short but fun match. They packed a lot into the bout.
ROH champ Jerry Lynn vs. Erick Stevens vs. D'Lo Brown vs. Bryan Danielson
Brown and Danielson went face to face, nose to nose when Stevens and Lynn got involved. It settled down into Danielson and Stevens. Danielson went for a leapfrog but was caught in a Fireman's Carry. Brown and Lynn had a quick exchange. Danielson got involved and they teased a confrontation with Brown. Brown got tossed outside. Lynn and Danielson faced off, then opted to hit stereo dives outside on their opponents instead.
Danielson and Stevens returned to the ring and went back and forth. Lynn nailed a tornado DDT on Brown. Lynn nailed a German suplex on Danielson. Lynn and Danielson went back and forth on the mat and Lynn cinched in an armbar. Brown came off the top with a frog splash for a two count. Stevens lifted Brown into the air, then nailed a lariat. He placed Stevens on the top rope. Lynn came from behind and powerbombed Brown into the ring. Stevens went for a splash but missed. They ended up on the outside, where Danielson hit a springboard splash into the crowd.
Lynn surprised Stevens and scored the pin.
Your winner and still ROH champ, Jerry Lynn!
Tyler Black & KENTA vs. Austin Aries & Katsuhiko Nakajima
Black and Aries faced off but Aries tagged out to Nakajima before anything major went down. Black evaded a kick and slapped Nakajima. He rebounded off the ropes but caught a dropkick to the legs. KENTA tagged in and the place went nuts. KENTA kicked Nakajima in the face and it was on as they started striking and kicking each other in the chest. Awesome! When they finished, the place erupted and chanted for ROH.
KENTA ducked under a kick and hit a running leaping leg lariat to the face. Aries tagged in and tried to dissuade KENTA from kicking him. They went to the mat for a nice exchange. Black and KENTA worked over Aries. Black went to hit a springboard but was shoved off the ropes to the floor. Nakajima nailed an elbow off the top on KENTA. They continued to go back and forth with lots of great wrestling.
KENTA hit a series of kicks in the corner. Nakajima nailed a flying forearm into the corner. KENTA went for a tornado DDT but Nakajima escaped and hit a spinning kick to the face in the corner. Nakajima went for a superplex but was slapped down and hit with a double stomp.
They continued going back and forth. Black caught Aries with a package piledriver variation for the pin.
2012 - TNA held their Slammiversary PPV. Mike Johnson filed the following PPV report:
Welcome to PWInsider.com's live, ongoing TNA Slammiversary PPV coverage.TNA Tag Team champions James Storm & substitute Alex Shelley vs. The British Invasion
Robert Roode is back to being called Bobby Roode again. Roode joined Taz and Mike Tenay on commentary. Roode said he hoped to be return to action within 3-4 weeks from his injury.
Williams and Storm opened up, going back and forth. Storm controlled early and tagged out to Shelley. Williams tagged out to Magnus, who shoulderblocked Shelley down and tagged him with a right hand.
Storm blind tagged himself in. They worked over both members of The Invasion and double dropkicked Magnus. Storm began working over Williams’ arm. The champions tagged in and out working over Williams. Shelley locked on the Oriental Torture Device. Storm rebounded off the ropes, then dropped down to poke him in the eyes.
Magnus pulled Shelley out of the ring but nailed him on the floor. Back in the ring, the Invasion doubleteamed Shelley with a big boot. Williams began taking Shelley apart, working on the shoulder. The Invasion tied up Shelley’s arms and snapped him down to the mat. Shelley fought his way out but was caught with a powerful suplex by Magnus.
The Invasion scored with some nice double team maneuvers, including a great flying elbow by Magnus. Storm broke up the count. Shelley tried to kick his way out of the challengers’ corner but was nailed with an exploder suplex. Williams went for the Chaos Theory but Shelley slipped out and drove Williams’ face into the turnbuckles.
Storm made the tag and cleaned house on the Invasion. Williams took a big backdrop. Storm DDT’s Magnus for a two count but Williams interfered. Storm drilled Magnus on the floor, then backdropped Williams over the top to the floor on his partner. Storm held the ropes open for Shelley to hit a suicide dive to the floor.
Shelley and Storm nailed a double suplex on Magnus, dropping him across his own partner. Storm was attacked from behind and tossed to the floor. The Invasion began working over Shelley. He fought them off. Storm went for the Whirly Bird but Williams slipped out.
Storm and Shelley nailed a series of moves on the Invasion. Shelley drilled Williams with a double stomp. Storm covered him but Jackson James only counted two. The crowd chanted “that was three.”
Storm accidentally spat beer in Shelley’s eyes. Shelley superkicked Storm again. The challengers drilled Shelley with a double team reverse elbow but Shelley kicked out at the last second.
Shelley went to the floor, blinded. The challengers worked over Storm. Shelley made the save. Storm superkicked Magnus and Shelley hit Sliced Bread #2 for the pin.
Your winners and still TNA Tag Team champions, James Storm & Alex Shelley!
Solid match with good bell to bell tag action. Nice way to open the show.
They showed video of Jeff Jarrett and Kurt Angle showing up at the Impact Wrestling Zone earlier tonight.
Jeremy Borash interviewed Scott Steiner. Steiner said he was going to take out Morgan, then show his girlfriend what it was like to be with a real man.
Scott Steiner vs. Matt Morgan
Morgan grabbed a sideheadlock but was shoved off to the ropes. Morgan nailed him and slammed Steiner. Steiner was nailed with a headbutt. Morgan mauled him against the ropes and sent him to the floor.
Morgan followed him and shoved Steiner into the apron several times before rolling him back into the ring. Morgan went to place Steiner onto the turnbuckles when he was caught with a low blow. Steiner began trashing Morgan as he worked him over on the mat with boots.
Steiner drilled Morgan with a belly to belly suplex for a two count. Steiner was all over referee Brian Hebner (back from his knee issues) about the count. He choked Morgan against the ropes and kicked him several times in the ribs. Steiner choked Morgan’s throat with his boot.
Steiner caught Morgan with a clothesline as he rebounded off the ropes and nailed the push ups. Steiner worked over Morgan with chops in the corner, then snapmared him and caught him with a kick to the face. Steiner worked over Morgan with kicks in the corner. He drilled Morgan with a chop but that only fired Morgan up.
Morgan was whipped into the corner but caught Steiner with a kick as he charged. Morgan fired up and drilled Steiner with a series of rights and clotheslines. He positioned Steiner into the corner with a chokeslam, then nailed the Avalanche and a sideslam.
Morgan hit a sit-out slam for a two count. Morgan was caught with an STO for a two count. Steiner set up Morgan for the Steiner Recliner, trying to force a submission. Morgan forced his arms out and tried to lift Steiner for an Electric Chair. Morgan succeeded but Steiner rolled through for a victory roll. I didn’t expect that! Two count.
Steiner went to the ropes and leapt off, but was caught in a goozle. Steiner slipped out but Morgan boxed Steiner’s ears and nailed the Carbon Footprint for the pin.
Your winner, Matt Morgan!
Good match. They worked a faster style than I’d have expected but at the same time, still made sure to treat It like a grudge brawl, since it would make no sense for them to be exchanging armdrags.
Jeremy Borash interviewed Jeff Jarrett. Borash asked Jarrett if he’d ever imagined he’d be facing Kurt Angle with Angle’s greatest accomplishment. Jarrett said Angle’s best accomplishment Jarrett already took and she was home in Henderson, TN. Jarrett said that once he beat Angle, Jarrett was going to be the one standing on a podium at Impact with Angle placing the medal around Jeff’s neck. Jeff told Karen that he knew she was going to be watching tonight and the victory was dedicated to her.
TNA X-Division champ Abyss vs. Brian Kendrick vs. Kazarian
Great new theme music for Abyss.
Abyss drilled Kendrick with a right but was nailed by Kaz, who worked him into the corner with a series of rights and leaping kick. He dropkicked Abyss into the ropes but Abyss nailed him with an elbow.
Kazarian rolled to the floor, while Kendrick tried to face off with Abyss. Abyss absorbed a series of kick and was caught doing a high cross bodyblock. Abyss pressed and tossed Kendrick to the floor on Kazarian.
The challengers attacked Abyss and worked him over in the corner. Abyss went to the floor. He evaded a Kazarian sliding kick. Kendrick went for a dive but was caught. Kazarian dropkicked Kendrick’s back and Abyss went down. The challengers worked over Abyss on the floor and tossed him back into the ring.
Kazarian nailed a flying forearm as Kendrick held the champion. Kendrick then nailed a big running kick as Kaz held him. Kendrick charged but was caught with a Black Hole Slam. He went to the outside. Kazarian was backdropped to the apron and then nailed.
Abyss took his time, working over Kazarian and Kendrick one by one. He nailed Kazarian with a stiff chop across the chest. Kendrick was headbutt off the apron to the floor. Abyss whipped Kazarian into the corner and nailed him with a running charge in the corner.
Abyss worked on Kazarian, who mounted a comeback. Abyss drilled him across the back and nailed him with Shock Treatment. Kendrick began returning to the ring as Abyss dragged Kazarian to the corner for an back splash. Kazarian rolled out of the way and Abyss nailed his knees.
Kendrick went wild on Abyss with several dropkicks and then a missile dropkick for a two count. Kendrick came off the ropes with a tornado DDT for a two count.
Kendrick kicked off Abyss and went for Sliced Bread #2 but Abyss stopped him and nailed a chokeslam. Kazarian attacked Abyss and came off the top with a rana. Kazarian nailed a flying back elbow. Kendrick and Kazarian nailed a double dropkick. Kazarian nailed a slingshot legdrop. Kendrick nailed a splash. Both covered Abyss who kicked up.
Kazarian was caught for a chokeslam but Kazarian turned it into a rolling pin attempt for a two count. Kendrick was knocked into Kaz by Abyss, who went to the floor. Kaz and Kendrick began arguing and brawling.
They battled atop the ropes in a corner. Kazarian went for the Flux Capacitor but Kendrick knocked him off. Kazarian went for the Fade to Black but Kendrick nailed him with a thrust kick. Abyss dispatched Kendrick and covered Kazarian for the pin.
Your winner and still X-Division champion, Abyss!
Solid match. Abyss looked more like a monster here than he has in a long time. I really liked his new outfit and music as well as his new “art of war” direction. All three worked hard and it made sense to pin Kazarian as Kendrick would have more to lose by taking the loss here. The crowd didn’t get into the idea of the two challengers working over the heel champion, though.
So far, solid show. Nothing amazing but some good wrestling.
Crimson vs. Samoa JoeCrimson charged the ring and they began brawling and exchanging strikes in the center of the ring. Crimson drilled him with shoulders in the corner. Joe fired back with several knee strikes and tossed him to the floor. Joe went for a dive but was smashed with a forearm as he hit the ropes.
They battled on the floor before Joe rolled back into the ring. Crimson mounted Joe and drilled him with punches. He cinched in a cravate on Joe and nailed several knees and a neckbreaker for a near fall.
He went back to the cravate, but Joe caught him with a Dragon Screw legwhip. Dueling chants. Joe began working on Crimson’s leg. Joe went for another but Crimson didn’t take it right. They played it up like the knee was that hurt. Joe began slapping and trash talking Crimson. Crimson slammed Joe into the buckles and charged Joe. Joe caught him and slammed Crimson down on his knees.
Joe locked on a legbar, trying to force a submission but Crimson made it to the ropes to force a break. Joe locked on another leglock but Crimson again made it to the ropes. It’s nice to see the old Samoa Joe persona coming back out here.
Joe channeled Terry Funk, locking in a spinning toehold. Crimson kicked Joe’s ankle to knock him over, and cinched in an armbar with his legs. Joe grabbed the ropes. Joe slapped him so Crimson tossed him with a T-Bone Tazplex.
Crimson kicked Joe and nailed a double arm leaping DDT for a two count. He peppered Joe with rights. Joe caught Crimson with a great back suplex and a clothesline across the mush for a two count when Crimson got his shoulder up. That was great.
Joe continued beating on Crimson, powerbombing him for a two count and turning it into a one legged crab. Crimson again made it to the ropes. Joe began drilling him with Kawada kicks. Crimson and Joe exchanged slaps. Joe was caught with a spear. Both men were down from the force of the move.
They made their way back to their feet. They battled back and forth with right hands. Crimson began to get the better of him. Joe fired back with slaps and chops. Crimson leapt over Joe to get out of the corner but his knee seemed to bother him a little. Joe locked on a choke but Crimson slammed him backwards into the corner and caught Joe with a sit-down slam for the win.
Your winner, Crimson!
Easily the best match of Crimson’s TNA career, although he would really be served well to be booked in shorter matches and he needs work on his offense. They need to book him like Goldberg or JYD with really fast and hard hitting matches. The longer he goes, the less likely he will get over like a monster. That said, Joe did an excellent job here carrying him and showing signs of the vintage Joe that fans loved. I think once they hit the spear, the crowd thought that was the finish and while the rest was good, the crowd was spent. You could see their interest waning as it went on.
Joe shook Crimson’s hand afterward and warned him they would battle again. I hope so, as Joe brought the most out of him to date. Another decent match but Crimson is obviously a work in progress.
Jeremy Borash interviewed Winter and Angelina Love. Winter told Love that now they are really together, they are going to be closer to their dreams and destiny by Love winning the Knockouts championship. Winter told her that she knew it was her time. She tried to slip Love a pill but Love told her that she didn’t need to do that and she “gets it now.” She told Winter they were on the same page.
TNA Knockouts champ Mickie James vs. Angelina Love
They went back and forth early. Love grabbed her in an armbar, powering James to the mat. Love is in ridiculously fit shape. Love shoulderblocked her in the corner and began nailing her with kicks and strikes.
James used a rana out of the corner but was caught with a suplex for a two count. Winter tripped James and then pulled her out of the ring for a powerbomb on the floor. Love followed her to the floor, nailing several kicks. She slammed James’ head into the mat.
Love nailed several forearms but James nailed a clothesline coming out of the corner. Love tossed James to the floor in front of Winter. She tried to toss James into the ring steps but James reversed it and Love ate the steps.
The women met in the center of the ring, exchanging shots. James was fired into the corner but came out with a leaping clothesline. James nailed a series of forearms and fired up with clotheslines.
James nailed a flapjack on Love and went to the top rope for the Thesz Press. She nailed it. Winter tried to grab James’ leg but James still caught Love with a kick. Winter put Love’s foot on the rope and broke the pin. Love nailed her kick on James. James grabbed the rope but Winter pulled her hand off. Earl Hebner saw it and yelled at Winter.
James was grabbed and nailed with a Northern Lights suplex for a two count. She rolled up James and Winter tried to help but James still kicked out. James went for her leaping DDT but the timing was awful and I thought Love broke her neck for a second. James still covered her and got the pin.
Your winner and still Knockouts champion Mickie James!
Winter attacked James and began whipping her with a belt. She started strangling James with it. Hebner tried to stop her but Love grabbed James and began strangling her as well. This seemed like a spot for Velvet Sky to make the save but it didn’t happen. The heels left James laying. They still played her music, which was weird since it was supposed to be this dramatic moment where the hero was taken down a notch.
Nowhere near as strong as you'd think.
Jeremy Borash interviewed Bully Ray. Ray asked Borash what type of match they were having. Borash said it was a last man standing. Ray said the key word was “man”, something Borash and AJ Styles know nothing about. He said he was a real man in a real man’s business. He said he should have taken Styles out three months ago. He said he’s a wrecking machine that’s in the best shape of his life and asked how Styles was going to hurt him. He said he was going to apologize to himself for not getting rid of AJ a long time ago and said he was going to beat Styles an inch from his life. Awesome promo.
Last Man Standing: Bully Ray vs. AJ Styles
Styles and Ray battled back and forth with punches early. Styles nailed him with a big kick. Styles tried to clothesline him over the top but couldn’t. Ray took him out with a big body blow as Styles rebounded off the ropes. The crowd was more behind AJ then anyone else thus far on the show.
Ray worked over Styles, who came back with shots of his own. Styles punched him low. Styles whipped Ray into the corner and nailed a leaping forearm in the corner. He whipped Ray into the opposite corner but met a kick when he charged at Ray.
Ray began nailing Styles with crossfaces and backdropped Styles. He set up for a clothesline and drilled him in the corner. The referee began counting Styles down. Ray nailed some knee strikes in the corner.
They battled to the floor, where Ray set up stairs in the aisle. Ray drilled him across the back with stiff shots and raked his face against the railing. Ray pressed and dropped him across the stairs, which were on their side. That looked brutal.
The referee began counting Styles down. Ray pulled him up and ran him into the stairs, which fell over. The count began anew. Ray flipped them on Styles and trapped him on the floor. The referee counted it, which surprised me. Ray continued to trash Styles around ringside. Styles was counted down but returned to the ring.
Ray set up Styles in the corner and chopped him hard across the chest. Styles pulled himself up and dared Ray to hit him again and give Styles his best shot. Ray killed him with another shot so hard, the crowd chanted, “holy sh**.” You could see the welts rising on Styles’ chest.
Styles dared him again and told Ray to lay one in on his chin. Ray punched him in the face and told the referee to count. Styles pulled himself back up again. Ray charged him but this time, Styles punched him. Styles nailed a series of rights and finally an enziguiri.
Styles went to the outside and nailed a beautiful springboard forearm. Styles charged but was caught with an elbow. Styles still nailed a Pele Kick. He placed Ray in the corner. They battled atop the ropes. Styles just drilled Ray with punches. Ray caught him with a sitout powerbomb off the top. This is easily the best thing on the show.
They went to the outside. Ray tried to use a chain on Styles but missed. Styles grabbed it and nailed a leaping punch with it on the outside. Bubba was busted open and Styles began choking him and nailing him around ringside. Styles tossed him back into the ring and nailed a springboard 450 splash.
Ray was counted down but got to his feet at nine. AJ grabbed Ray and dumped him over the top where he crashed to the apron and then into the steps, nearly taking out a cameraman at the same time. Styles then hit a pescado to the floor. Styles went for the Styles Clash on the floor but Ray backdropped him into the apron.
Ray pulled him onto the ramp and hiptossed Styles onto the stage. Fans were yelling for tables. Ray teased powerbombing Styles off the stage but Styles escaped and kicked Ray, then nailed a Pele kick. Ray almost fell off the stage. Styles nailed a punting kick, sending Ray to the floor. Styles then hit an AMAZING flying leap into a forearm smash. That was awesome.
Ray is almost counted out. Styles took a table where security was sitting away and placed Ray atop of it after nailing Ray with a chair across the back.
?Styles went back to the stage but realizing he was too far away, instead climbed a truss on the stage. He stopped about halfway, looked down and said, “f*** it” then kept coming. He leapt off and dropped an elbow through Ray and the table. That was pretty crazy and having been to that venue, I can tell you that’s a hell of a distance down.
The crowd began chanting Styles. The referee started counting both men down. Styles made his way up at six and was hunched over. Ray saw it and kicked him, sending Styles spiraling forward into the stage, where he crashed through a piece of it. Ray pulled himself up using the guard rail and was up while Styles was out when the referee made it to ten.
Your winner, Bully Ray!
The fans were chanting “Bullsh**” after. Officials came out to check on both men after the match.
By far, the best thing on the show. This was brutal as hell and they told a great story of Styles showing that he was indeed a man by taking Ray’s best shots and still asking for more. The idea here was that Styles could go toe to toe with Ray as a fighter. Even without the crazy stage spots, they had put together the best thing on the show. Ray is in incredible shape and you have to consider him the most improved guy in 2011. Just all around greatness here. This will be what this PPV is remembered for.
Jeremy Borash interviewed Ken Anderson. Anderson asked him if he liked when Anderson was making fun of Sting. Borash said he liked it. He yelled at Borash to laugh and then told him it wasn’t funny. He said play time was over and began bullying Borash. He said he could stand here all day and talk, but actions speak louder than words.
TNA champion Sting vs. Mr. Anderson
Sting attacked Anderson on the stage as he was doing his self-intro. He drilled Anderson with several punches, beating him down the aisle. The referee rang the bell as they entered the ring.
Sting sent Anderson into the corner and nailed several rights. Anderson went to the floor. Sting worked him over and tossed him over the railing. They battled into the crowd. Sting sent Anderson into the wall of the building, then sent him back in again.
They battled up the stairs of the venue and into the seating. They battled across the front row of the bleachers. Anderson tried to escape up the bleachers but Sting grabbed him. Anderson nailed a series of elbows and went to the top but Sting caught him and dragged him back in headlock. As they returned over the railing, a cameraman tripped and fell over.
Anderson nailed Sting as they returned, sending his arm into the ringpost. He slammed Sting’s wrist into the ringsteps. Anderson locked on a hammerlock and rammed Sting shoulder-first into the turnbuckles, then rolled him up for a two count.
Anderson locked on armbar and screamed at Sting he was going to pop his shoulder out. Anderson lifted Sting up and dropped him back to the mat. Anderson dropped an elbow for a two count.
Sting tried to reverse Anderson’s momentum but was nailed coming out of the corner. Anderson snapped his arm then nailed a short-arm clothesline. Anderson locked on an armbar. Sting mounted a comeback but was caught with a flying armbar for a two count.
Anderson maneuvered Sting in the corner and tried to mock him with a Scorpion Splash but Sting moved. Anderson still maintained control and scored another two count. Anderson continued working over Sting’s arm with an inverted keylock, then a top wristlock.
Sting tried to fight his way out but was unable to. He finally did. They battled back and forth with punches. Sting nailed a clothesline and fired up. He nailed a ton of clotheslines and whipped Anderson into the ropes for a backdrop. Sting nailed the Stinger Splash in the corner.
Sting went for the Scorpion Deathlock but Eric Bischoff came out. Sting was distracted and Anderson caught him with a rolling Samoan Drop for a two count. So much for Hulk Hogan’s speech about no interference and run-ins on Impact!
Sting nailed Anderson for a two count. Sting came off the ropes for a Vader splash but Anderson pulled his knees up for a two count. Anderson went for the Mic Check. Sting fought him off but was caught with a second attempt. Sting kicked up at the last second.
Anderson went to the top rope but was nailed and crotched by the champion. Sting punted him with a series of kicks and nailed a Stinger Splash in the corner. Sting nailed the Scorpion Deathlock and covered Anderson. Bischoff slapped his hand down so Sting thought it was a three count when the referee actually only counted a two. AWFUL.
Sting pulled up Anderson who lowblowed him and nailed the Mic Check. Anderson pinned Sting to win the belt.
Your winner and new TNA champion, Mr. Anderson!
The match was OK until the point Eric Bischoff came out. At that point, it was convoluted crap. The way the win went down, it did nothing for Anderson or the title. The story really was that Hogan and Bischoff promised the fans a clean title match and screwed them on that by lying. I would guess this leads into whatever the Sting-Hogan angle is.
Karen Angle was interviewed “via satellite from the Jarrett mansion.” Karen said that Kurt Angle shoved her down the stairs on Impact and she’s under therapy to get better. She swore she was pushed and did not fall. She said that when her husband gets in the ring with Angle, he’s going to be the number one contender and will bring the gold medal where it belongs, in her son’s room. She promised to put it around Jeff’s neck and take him to the bedroom and do what she does best. Tenay said that was being a ballbuster and she lost it as they cut her off.
Jeff Jarrett vs. Kurt Angle
They are smart to close with this as they are all but guaranteed a great match. I am guessing Karen is in the building based on the way the “Mansion” looked like backstage at the Impact Zone.
They have their usual good wrestling early with Angle riding Jarrett to the mat with a front facelock. Jarrett tries to escape but his hiptoss is reversed. Angle slammed Jarrett with a right hand in the corner and tossed him across the ring with a suplex.
Jarrett was worked over in the corner. Angle charged Jarrett, who backdropped him to the floor. Angle came up holding his shoulder. Jarrett went to the floor and ran Angle into the railing, working him over on the floor. He slammed Angle into the steps.
Jarrett lifted and dropped Angle over the railing. Jarrett drilled Angle with a running knee as he climbed back into the ring, sending him to the floor. Jarrett brought Angle back into the ring, nailing several kicks. He draped Angle on the ropes then slipped through and punched him in the face with a right hand.
Jarrett whipped Angle into the ropes and drilled him with a running knee to the gut. They each went for high cross bodyblocks at the same time and collided mid-ring. The referee counted them down but they made their way back to their feet. Jarrett caught Angle with a sleeper. Angle went down to one knee but battled back. He slammed Jarrett backwards into the corner.
Angle catches Jarrett out of the corner with a German suplex. Jarrett and Angle battled back and forth with punches. Angle nailed him with a leaping shot, then an elbow. He whipped Jarrett into the corner but Jarrett kicked him off. Angle still catches him with a high release belly to belly suplex.
Angle went for an anklelock but Jarrett kicked him off. They battled back and forth. Angle caught Jarrett with a powerbomb for a two count, then turned him over into an anklelock. Jarrett used a forward roll to break it and snapped Angle with a DDT for a two count.
Jarrett went for the stroke but Angle turned it into the Angleslam for a two count. Angle went up for a moonsault and missed it. Does that guy ever hit the move? Jarrett nailed him with the Stroke and scored a two count.
Jarrett told Angle he was going down and went for a tombstone. Angle reversed it, as did Jarrett. Jarrett was caught with an anklelock in the center of the ring. Jarrett rolled through and Brian Hebner was nailed, grabbing at his knee when he went down.
Jarrett rolled out of the ring and threw his hands up like he was done with the entire deal, then grabbed a guitar from under the ring. He broke it over Angle’s head and Jarrett, for the first time ever, began gathering evidence and tossed it out of the ring. He called for another referee, who one would think was watching the monitors and saw what happened, but whatever – to come to the ring and count the pin. Angle kicked up at two. Jarrett argued with the ref, allowing Angle to roll him up for a two count of his own.
Angle nailed his series of German suplexed for a two count of his own. They battled to the top rope. Jarrett nailed Angle off the ropes but Angle leapt back up and suplexed Jarrett off for another two count.
Jarrett was sent into the ringpost shoulderfirst. He started selling the arm again. Jarrett went for a Stroke off the ropes and nailed it. He covered Angle, who kicked out at the last second. The crowd started chanting for Angle and going nuts for him.
Jarrett goes for the anklelock but Jarrett slips out and locks in the move himself on Angle. Angle went for the ropes but Jarrett cinched it in. The crowd chanted, “USA” at Angle. Angle began fighting and kicking off Jarrett, who refused to let go. Angle finally reversed it in the middle of the ring and Jarrett tapped out.
Your winner, Kurt Angle!
Angle is now the top contender for Anderson’s TNA title.
Very good match. Probably not at the top tier level of matches they’ve had but these guys are both very good to great in the ring depending on the day and this was a very good day. From an in-ring standpoint, this was a really fun match and they had some really good sequences here.
2012 - The following was released on PRWeb.com.
World Wrestling Federation Entertainment, Inc. Sued for $5 Million
Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. recently accepted a settlement offer of $5 million after 4 weeks of trial on behalf of a client who was injured in a low impact motor vehicle accident in downtown Manhattan. The client suffered a knee injury which resulted in surgical procedures and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.
New York, NY (PRWEB) June 12, 2011
Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C., a leader among personal injury and medical malpractice firms in the New York area, recently settled a case (Index No 13451/08- Kimberly Benson v. World Wrestling Federation Entertainment, Inc. and Matthew T. Yackeren) for $5 million involving a knee injury caused by a low-speed, low-impact motor vehicle accident.
According to court documents, On November 2, 2007, Kimberly Benson’s car was struck in a sideswipe collision by a vehicle operated by Matthew Yackeren, an employee of World Wrestling Federation Entertainment. As a result of the low impact motor vehicle accident that occurred at a low rate of speed, Ms. Benson suffered a knee injury.
According to the case, Yackeren was driving a commercial van in the financial district of downtown Manhattan. While attempting to pass traffic, he backed up and then struck Ms. Benson’s jeep in the back driver side bumper with the side of his van. Damage to both vehicles was minimal.
Court documents show that Ms. Benson, a 41 year old mother and phlebotomy manager with a pre-existing knee injury, suffered a fracture of the cartilage in her knee and underwent several surgical procedures. In addition to the pain, degeneration of soft tissue and difficulty ambulating, Benson also developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) aka Reflex Symptomatic Dystrophy (RSD), a debilitating chronic pain condition which rendered her disabled and incapable of working.
Benson sued World Wrestling Federation Entertainment and their driver, Matthew Yackeren, for past and future medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. The case (Index No 13451/08) went to trial, and the defense argued causation- the low impact accident that occurred at such a low rate of speed could not have caused an injury.
After four weeks of trial, both parties settled the case. Benson recovered $5 million from World Wrestling Federation Entertainment and Matthew Yackeren. Andrew L. Libo, the attorney for Benson from Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C., was satisfied with the result. “Kimberly’s life and the life of her daughter will never be the same, due to this accident. We refused to settle this case before trial because we knew Kimberly deserved justice, and we were willing to fight as long as needed to ensure she was justly compensated.” The trial was conducted by Jeff S. Korek and Nicolas Bagley.
2012 - Following their statements made to the court about WWE computer network and how they policed it looking for evidence that the file former office worker Brian Wittenstein had dispersed confidential TNA information to anyone beyond John Laurinaitis, the temporary restraining order against WWE was dissolved officially.
The order against Wittenstein remains, demanding he return any confidential information and not tamper or destroy it.
Also filed with the court was a letter from WWE attorney Jerry McDevitt to TNA legal counsel Erika Blonquist, stating that he wanted to document several facts for the record before the case moved forward, writing:
"First, and as I advised you orally on the phone during our recent conference call, WWE has not solicited Ric Flair to leave TNA and enter into a contract with WWE. WWE has made no offer to Flair and has no intention of doing so.
Second, as I also advised you, WWE has not solicited any other current TNA talent to repudiate their contracts and enter into a contract with WWE. WWE has no interest in current TNA talent."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!
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