Want more wrestling news, rumors, and results? Be sure to visit PWInsider.com and PWInsiderXtra.com.
April 1st
On this day in history in ....
1974 - WWWF ran at Madison Square Garden in New York City with the following results:
- Otto Von Heller vs. Jose Gonzalez ended in a draw.
- Larry Zbyszko defeated Ed Sullivan.
- WWWF Tag Team Champions Dean Ho & Tony Garea defeated Mr. Fuji & Toru Tanaka via DQ.
- Gorilla Monsoon defeated Don Leo Jonathan.
- Chief Jay Strongbow defeated Stan Stasiak.
- Pedro Morales defeated Larry Hennig.
- WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino defeated Nikolai Volkoff.
1989 - Master Of Pain defeats Jerry Lawler for the USWA Unified Heavyweight Title in Memphis, Tennessee, ending the first of Lawler's 27 runs with the title.
1990 - Wrestlemania VI takes place. Mike Johnson penned the following:
WRESTLEMANIA VI
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Venue: Skydome
Announced Attendance: 67, 678
*Rick Martel forced Koko B. Ware to submit to a Boston Crab.
*Demolition defeated the Colossal Connection, Andre the Giant and Haku to win the WWF Tag Team championship. Andre was at the very end of his run here so Hake did most of the in-ring work. Demolition hit their finisher on Haku for the pin. Andre the Giant turns babyface again by laying out Haku and manager Bobby Heenan. It would be Andre's final Wrestlemania appearance inside the ring.
*The Earthquake pinned Hercules Hernandez in a short match. Hernandez is carried out on a stretcher after the match.
*Brutus Beefcake pinned Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig after a slingshot into the ringpost. This would "break" Hennig's perfect record within WWF's television storylines, although he had lost on house shows to both Hulk Hogan and The Ultimate Warrior prior to the PPV bout. Lanny Poffo, working under the name the Genius, managed Hennig.
*Roddy Piper, painted half black, fought Bad News Brown to a double countout. Piper would recount in his autobiography that the paint would take some time to come off, and he actually flew home painted half black.
*The Hart Foundation defeated The Bolsheviks in a quick match. Nikolai Volkoff attempts to sing the Russian National Anthem and is attacked with the Hart's hitting their Hart Attack finisher for a quick pin.
*The Barbarian pinned Tito Santana with a flying clothesline. Bobby Heenan would start as Barbarian's manager here for his singles run with the company.
*In a mixed tag match, Dusty Rhodes and Sapphire defeated Randy Savage and Sherri Martel. Miss Elizabeth is in Dusty's corner and sets up Sapphire's pin on Martel after interfering. It would be the last time we'd see Elizabeth until next year's Wrestlemania.
*The Orient Express, Pat Tanaka and Akio Sato defeated The Rockers by countout when Mr. Fuji tossed salt in the eyes of Marty Janetty and blinded him.
*Hacksaw Duggan pinned Dino Bravo after clobbering him with the trusty old 2 x 4. Earthquake laid out after the bout.
*Ted DiBiase defeated Jake Roberts to regain possession of his "Million Dollar Belt." DiBiase in a series of vignettes had the belt created because it was worth more than the WWF championship. Roberts had stolen it and kept it in his bag with Damien the snake. DiBiase hides under the ring after the match.
*Big Bossman, fresh off his turn as a babyface, pinned former Twin Towers partner Akeem with a sideslam. DiBiase attacked Bossman while he was on the floor during the bout. Bossman would go right into a feud with DiBiase because he couldn't be bribed to return the Million Dollar belt several weeks earlier.
Rhythm and Blues (Honkytonk Man and a jet black-dyed hair version of Greg Valentine) perform their new "single", only to be attacked by The Bushwhackers.
*Rick Rude pinned Jimmy Snuka with the Rude Awakening.
*WWF Intercontinental champion The Ultimate Warrior pinned WWF champion Hulk Hogan in a Title-For-Title bout. This is a great match the first time you watch it, as the crowd makes it just incredible. Years later, the same fans would create a similar atmosphere for Hogan's Wrestlemania return vs. The Rock. Hogan hurts his knee early and walks around the ring. Gorilla Monsoon actually says that it may have been dislocated during the match. Hogan locked on a side headlock. When Monsoon talked about what a dangerous hold it was, Ventura quipped, "Absolutely- ask Richard Belzer." as a nod to the lawsuit over Hogan dropping Belzer on his head when he passed out in a side headlock. Hogan missed his legdrop, setting up Warrior splashing him for the pin. In an unplanned moment, Hogan presented the belt to the Warrior, leaving as the sympathetic legend. The final visual of the show is plain awesome as Warrior celebrated with both championships and fireworks galore, while Hogan watches from his departing ring cart, the legend defeated.
Celebrities: Rona Barrett, a gossip reporter, did an interview with Miss Elizabeth....Steve Allen, future spokesman for the Parents Television Council, did a sketch rehearsing with The Bolsheviks singing in the men's room....Robert Goulet sang the Canadian national anthem to open the event.
Notes: The first International Wrestlemania set a then-Skydome attendance record....The theme to the show was "The Ultimate Challenge" based around the main event....WWF was turned down by all of the Skydome-related companies to sponsor and co-promote the event, to the point that the Toronto Blue Jays declined allowing WWF to use their ticketing system to sell tickets.....The late Jack Tunney had a lot to do with local promotions for the event....Gorilla Monsoon and Jesse Ventura were the announcers for the show. This would be Ventura's final appearance at a Wrestlemania as commentator as he parted ways with the company soon after....A dark match on the show saw Paul Roma defeat The Brooklyn Brawler....The ring carts from Wrestlemania III returned for this show, the last time (thus far) that they have been used for a Wrestlemania event....Yes, that's none other than future WCW World champion Diamond Dallas Page driving a pink Cadillac (which he owned) to bring Honkytonk Man and Greg Valentine to the ring....Future WWE star Edge attended the show as a fan, sitting 11th row.
Jess McGrath: Much like Mania 5, this was a one-match show. And just like Mania 5, that match delivered. But, unlike Mania 5, if you went back today and watched Hulk Hogan vs. the Ultimate Warrior, you would be quite disappointed. Hogan-Savage held up much better than Hogan-Warrior. But at the time, it was a tremendous match. I remember being shocked at how interesting it was. I think what made it in part was that they went so long; I was figuring on a quick match like Hogan-Andre from three Manias before. Instead they surpassed the twenty minute mark, and it was really entertaining the whole way. Another thing that can't be underestimated is how big that finish was. Hogan NEVER missed the legdrop, and nobody ever kicked out of it. Even more of a shock than if somebody kicked out of the pedigree today, let's say. Not really much to say about the rest of the show. Quite a contrast when Robert Goulet finished up his anthem and they went right into Koko B. Ware's "Bird Bird Bird" song, or whatever it was that they called it.
Mike Johnson: This was a one match show and the match delivered as the WWF did a rare babyface vs. babyface match. While Warrior was being positioned as the new king of the mountain, he lasted less than a year in the role....This show began a huge push for Rick Rude as the Warrior's first real challenger, based on his Wrestlemania victory the previous yearr....There was a lot of filler on the show and much of it wasn't pleasant....Interesting to note that the Canadian stars (Dino Bravo, Earthquake, etc.) still worked as villains despite the hometown advantage.
Dave Scherer: I remember two things totally jumping out at me for this show. First and foremost, I never thought I would see Hulk Hogan and Ultimate Warrior have a great match, but they did. As Mike said, it was a one match show and man, that one match delivered in a big, big way. The match was booked perfectly as well, with Hogan symbolically passing the torch to the new top guy. I also loved the aura that eminated from booking the show at Skydome. It gave the company's big show a big show feel, the first of its kind since Mania 3 in Pontiac.
1994 - The Rock N' Roll Express defeat the Heavenly Bodies (Tom Pritchard & Jimmy Del Ray) for the SMW Tag Team Title in Pikeville, Kentucky, starting their seventh reign with the title.
1996 - Goldust defeats Savio Vega to win back the WWF Intercontinental Title at a Raw taping in San Bernadino, California. The belt was held up earlier in the show following a controversial finish in a match between the two. The two matches were shown on separate episodes of Raw. Also at this taping, Mick Foley had his in-ring TV debut as Mankind, defeating Bob Holly with the Mandible Claw. Later in the same episode, Mankind would attack the Undertaker, laying him out with the Mandible Claw as well.
2001 - Wrestlemania 17 takes place. Mike Johnson penned the following:
WRESTLEMANIA X7
Location: Houston, TX
Arena: The Astrodome
Announced Attendance: 67,925
RESULTS
*WWF Intercontinental champion Chris Jericho pinned William Regal
*The APA & Tazz defeated The RTC (Bull Buchanan & The Goodfather & Val Venis when Bradshaw pinned Goodfather with a clothesline from hell.
*Kane beat Raven and Big Show to win the WWF Hardcore championship when he pinned Big Show.
*Eddie Guerrero pinned Test to win the WWF European championship.
*Kurt Angle pinned Chris Benoit, hooking the tights in an awesome match that Angle later commented was as close to Olympic wrestling as it would ever get in the WWF.
*Chyna pinned Ivory to win the WWF Women's championship in a virtual squash.
*Shane McMahon pinned Vince McMahon in a Streetfight with Mick Foley as the special referee after McMahon hit the Van Terminator with a trash can on Vince for the pin. An early sign of problems with the WCW Invasion were seen when Shane gave a shout-out to the WCW stars sitting in a luxury box to no reaction from the crowd. A catatonic Linda McMahon came out of her trance to help her son with after a low blow to Vince. Trish Stratus turned babyface here as well and got into it with Stephanie McMahon. A fun brawl!
*Edge & Christian defeated The Dudley Boyz and The Hardy Boyz in a TLC match to win the WWF Tag Team championship. This excellent match featured run-ins by Lita, Spike Dudley, and Rhyno. This was the ultimate TLC style match and the last time the three teams who pioneered the idea would face each other.
*The Iron Sheik won a Gimmick Battle Royal which featured Brother Love, Bushwhackers, Jim Cornette, Doink, Duke Droese, Earthquake, Gobbledy Gooker, Goon, Michael Hayes, Hillbilly Jim, Kimala, Kim Chee, One Man Gang, Repo Man, Sgt. Slaughter, Tugboat, and Nikolia Volkoff. Bobby Heenan and Gene Okerlund were brought out for commentary. The entire thing was played for laughs and nostalgia and gave the crowd a chance to calm down.
*The Undertaker pinned Triple H with a tombstone in a good brawl including Hunter being tossed off some production scaffolding.
*Steve Austin pinned The Rock in a No DQ match to win the WWF World Title after Austin obliterated The Rock with several stone cold stunners and a chair. Austin aligned himself with Vince McMahon after the bout.
Notes: The peak of WWF's business....The crowd was announced as a new Astrodome record....Before the PPV went on the air, Justin Credible (Wrestlemania debut) & X-Pac beat Steve Blackman & Grandmaster Sexay when X-Pac pinned Blackman during Sunday Night Heat....Paul Heyman (Wrestlemania debut) and Jim Ross hosted the event....The promotion held another AXXESS during the weekend.
Mike Johnson: I attended Wrestlemania X7 live at the Astrodome in Houston. I remember liking the show, although from my sightlines (the 200 level, which was priced at $75) it was a little hard to get into some of the matches because of the distance of the ring. Nothing, however could match the atmosphere of being inside the Dome, which I still consider to be one of the best live events I've attended. From the second you walked out from the tunnel into the building, one could not just feel overwhelmed by the sheer size of everything: the crowd size, the production, everything. The roar of the crowd when the show began was unlike anything I had ever seen in any event, be it a wrestling show, a concert, a theatrical production or a sporting event. It truly was WWF's peak and in my eyes, they have yet to surpass this 2001 day in that regard. While the crowd roared for the superstars of the promotion all night, the World Wrestling Federation's production was the true star of the event. The staging of the show, particularly 16 spotlights with changing colors added a great sense of magic to the look of the building, while the graphics and Titantron screens made everything seem important. Every match had it's own identity based upon the graphical designs of the WWF staff. They were second to none anywhere in the entertainment business. The main event between Steve Austin and the Rock was nothing less than spectacular, although live whatever the storyline was for the alliance with Vince McMahon was completely lost on the crowd and eventually was a factor that helped put WWF business into a downward spiral. The dichotomy of the audience was really interesting to follow in the main event. The crowd cheered Austin completely, while factions were cheering for the Rock, most of the majority booed his offense and comebacks on Austin. When McMahon got involved, the crowd wasn't happy, but if turning Austin was the point, the crowd didn't seem to know whether to react or not. They booed at the doubleteaming but when Austin scored the pinfall after pummeling the Rock with multiple chairs, the crowd exploded. The crowd was really strong for the opening matches and quieted down as the show went on. They came alive again for the TLC match, were brought down by the gimmick Battle Royal and were completely electric for the two main events. It was quite an experience as the Texan fans were something else. Live, Triple H vs The Undertaker was really great with the crowd totally behind the Undertaker. The roar when Helmsley was thrown off the scaffolding was tremendous. The crowd swarmed to the stage that Motorhead was playing from and popped huge for Triple H's entrance like he was a true star. At the time with Austin's turn, it would have made sense to turn Triple H face, but the idea was discarded. The TLC match was a really fun match to watch, although one couldn't help to wonder at the times how in the world they could even try to top themselves. You could see they were working really hard and well beyond the point of sanity and logic and one can only respect what everyone involved went through. The scariest moments of the match were easily Jeff Hardy slipping as he crossed the top of three ladders and D-Von nearly killing himself on a ladder as he fell when hanging from the belts. Hardy's penchant for crazy stunts eventually burnt him right out of a full time wrestling career. When one thinks about this show, they have to think of the gimmick battle royal. What can one say other than it was there? It was fun in a nostalgic sense to hear all the old theme songs. Live, the crowd didn't seem to know who most of the performers were, although Michael Hayes, Jim Cornette and Doink received great ovations live. It was a great idea to bring the crowd down so they weren't burnt out for the main event, too. The Vince McMahon-Shane McMahon match was a lot of fun to follow live with great twists and turns. The crowd came alive for the match, chanting "Linda" through the entire match while waiting for the then-catatonic Linda McMahon to attack her husband. It was really fun to see Mick Foley returning to old form for a few brief moments while pummeling Vince. The debut of the Van Terminator by Shane McMahon was a surprising move, and with all the turns, the catfight, and the great finisher, Paul Heyman's fingerprints were all over the match. While Rob Van Dam would eventually do the move in WWE, it would be Shane McMahon would be credited with doing it first on a huge national scale. The undercard of Mania 17 had it's moments as well. Chris Benoit vs. Kurt Angle gave us a nice taste of what to come. It was cool to see the crowd popping live for the matwork in the opening moments of the show. Chris Jericho vs William Regal and Test vs Eddy Guerrero were fine live, although I found the earlier portion of the show odd at first because I couldn't hear the bumps in the ring. The crowd popped huge for Bradshaw hitting the lariat and the big boot like he was Stan Hansen in the Tokyo Dome during the six man tag team bout, which was a little too fast to follow live. Tazz got a nice pop coming out when he prevented the RTC from speaking on the mic.
Jess McGrath: BEST. WRESTLEMANIA. EVER. What more needs to be said? It will be a very long time before you see a show this good from WWE. Everything clicked on all cylinders, topped by one of the best WWF title matches ever with Austin vs. Rock. On a scale of 1 to 10, this show was a 9.9. The only small thing that still bothers me to this day is turning Austin heel. People didn't want to see it, and certainly the people in Houston that day didn't. There were a lot of good arguments for it on paper, and they had a lot of success ending Wrestlemania with a heat finish the previous year rather than the big babyface winning. But it just didn't work. That said, I don't want to dwell too much on a small blight on an otherwise awesome show. Definitely the best of the Wrestlemanias, and the one against which future Manias will be judged.
2003 - At a Smackdown taping in Spokane, Washington, Sable returned to the WWE after a four-year absence, interrupting Torrie Wilson's celebration over her Playboy magazine cover. The return shocked many, given the bad blood between Sable and the WWE, which included Sable filing a lawsuit against WWE at one point for sexual harassment.
2006 - WWE held their Hall Of Fame induction ceremony in conjunction with Wrestlemania weekend, inducting Bret Hart, Eddie Guerrero, Gene Okerlund, The Blackjacks, Tony Atlas, Verne Gagne, Sherri Martel and William Perry (who went into the "celebrity wing"). This would be Bret Hart's first appearance at a WWE event following the 1997 "Montreal Screwjob".
Here is Mike Johnson's original report from the ceremony:
- The crowd has already been let in at the Rosemont Theatre, and a huge "We Want Bret" chant has broken out.
- They are using the same stage set as last year for the Hall Of Fame.
- All of the WWE stars arrived as a group at 6:45pm local time to take their seats in the front rows. There was a big pop for all the stars coming out. Jimmy Hart got a big pop as he entered.
-A huge "LOD" chant broke out for Road Warrior Animal as he walked in.
- There were loud boos and "You Screwed Bret" chants as Shawn Michaels entered and took his seat.
- Lilian Garcia came out to welcome the crowd to the event, and reminded them to be loud.
- Batista entered to a huge pop, and a chant broke out for him.
- The first induction of the evening was the Blackjacks, Mulligan & Lanza, who were inducted by Bobby Heenan. Heenan played an April Fool's joke on the crowd, telling them to look under their seats for an envelope with backstage passes. Mulligan remarked that the Blackjacks were part of "Americana", sandwiched between the Road Runner and the Cisco Kid every Saturday morning.
- Obviously, the webcast on WWE.com will not be live. All of the presenters and inductees have Titantron videos that are being played for them.
- Verne Gagne was inducted next, by his son Greg. Greg said that "twenty years ago if you told him they'd induct Verne, he'd say you were out of your minds" and then noted, "and no, this doesn't mean we joined 'a very special club'." Greg then thanked the McMahons for all they have done for wrestling. Greg then talked about the Gagne family, and then listed the people Verne had trained, including Ken Patera, Jim Brunzell, The Andersons (which got a big pop), Ric Flair, The Iron Sheik, Chris Taylor, Buddy Rose, Sgt. Slaughter, Ricky Steamboat and Curt Hennig. Greg then spoke about the formation of the AWA and the stars it created, naming Hulk Hogan and Jesse Ventura.
- Verne Gagne then made his acceptance speech. At one point he mentioned Vince McMahon, which drew boos from the crowd, and Verne remarked "I never liked the guy either". Verne said that being put in the Hall Of Fame meant the world to him. There crowd chanted "One More Match" at Verne. Verne closed his speech by complimenting McMahon on putting together "the greatest wrestling promotion".
- William "The Refrigerator" Perry was next, inducted by John Cena. Almost the entire building was booing John Cena, and a "Cena Sucks" chant started up. Cena remarked "It seems everyone is ready for Wrestlemania". They showed HHH on the screens, and the place popped. The crowd was not letting Cena talk, and Triple H stood up briefly at one point, resulting in chants of "Triple H" and "One More Day". The crowd then chanted "F*** You Cena" as Cena tried to do a Howard Cosell impersonation. Music started to play as Cena talked in an attempt to drown out the crowd, who were now chanting "Boring". The fans continued to boo Cena, while the screens above the stage focused on a small group of fans who were clapping for Cena.
- William Perry then made his acceptance speech, talking about playing for the Chicago Bears, and how he never knew that would lead to him being in the ring with wrestlers he watched while growing up like Andre The Giant, Big John Studd, Tony Atlas and the Killer Bees (yes, he said the Killer Bees).
- Sensational Sherri Martel is next, inducted by Ted DiBiase. During the video package for Sherri, there was a big pop from the crowd when Randy Savage appeared in a clip. The crowd also booed every sign of Shawn Michaels in the video package. DiBiase received a standing ovation from the crowd as he came out. DiBiase put over Sherri for her toughness, noting she fought for everything she had, and came from a broken home, never knowing her dad. DiBiase said Sherri proves you should never be told you can't achieve your dreams. He said she shows the passion it takes to be a wrestling star, and she wanted to do this from the time she saw her first show in an auction barn. She moved to Memphis because she wanted to become a star, and there was a company based there, where she was trained by Butch Moore. DiBiase says that Sherri went on to become one of the greatest of all times, and that she was the first lady to hold both the WWF and AWA Women's Titles. DiBiase then went over her managerial career, noting how she did everything she could to make her charges the biggest stars she could.
- Sherri made her acceptance speech. She talked about how she got to watch all the big stars grow in the business, naming Hulk Hogan, Steve Austin and Big Show. A fan yelled for Macho Man, and Sherri said "Now, that was a psycho ... and it took a psycho like me to work with him". Sherri noted how many different people she worked with, and joked to Pat Patterson, who was in the crowd, that she was jealous because "he keeps partners longer than she does". She then asked Booker T why he lost Sharmell to the Boogeyman when Booker never lost her when they were together. A fan yelled "She's drunk" and Sherri responded "I worked 26 years for this and you paid for your ticket, so be quiet". Sherri then thanked everyone she worked with, including Pat Rose, Buddy Rose, Nailz, Randy Savage, Tom Prichard, Shawn Michaels, and last, but not least, Ted DiBiase and Ric Flair. She then told a story about going out drinking with Ric Flair before signing divorce papers, but couldn't remember which husband she was divorcing. Sherri also thanked Eric Bischoff, who was in attendance, for her job in WCW. Sherri talked more about working with Flair, and about with Harlem Heat, saying she was closer to them than her own family. Sherri said that Harlem Heat taught her what having brothers is like, and that "there are no colors in wrestling, just brothers". A fan was yelling something from the balcony, but the fans drowned him out with chants of "Kick him out". Sherri then talked about training, and thanked the Fabulous Moolah and her friend Kathy Fitzpatrick. A production said something to Jerry Lawler, who then whispered something to Sherri. Sherri then rushed through a slew of thank you's to end her speech.
- Billy Kidman is in attendance at the event with Torrie Wilson. Ron Simmons is also in attendance. CM Punk is there, sitting with Maria.
- Tony Atlas is next, inducted by S.D. Jones. The video package for Atlas mentioned that Atlas faced Hulk Hogan and slammed him, but not that he pinned him. Jones, who was introduced as Atlas' longtime partner, and said that he and Atlas met in Allentown, Pennsylvania and became close friends. Jones said they went to the office and asked to become partners, and became one of the best tag teams at that time. He said they challenged Fuji & Saito, but didn't win the belts. Jones said it was his fault, and he stepped aside, which led to Rocky Johnson teaming with Atlas. Jones said Atlas and Johnson didn't get along, which resulted in Atlas and Jones becoming partners again. Jones then told a story about he and Atlas being in a gym in Spain, and having a lifting competition with some of the people there. Atlas lifted 660lbs., and no one in the gym wanted to try and compete with him. Jones then talked about Atlas out lifting Olympic athletes all around the world, then talked about Atlas' title victories.
- Tony Atlas then gave his acceptance speech. He thanked all the wrestling fans, saying there would be no stars without them. Atlas talked about some of his opponents and partners, including Ric Flair, Ken Patera, Dusty Rhodes, Superstar Graham, and noted that this was likely his last time in front of a huge crowd. Atlas told the story of his mother working two jobs to get by, and how they were "dirtpoor" and how they ate off of newspapers on the dirt floor of their house. Atlas said he was wearing the same pants at his High School graduation that he wore when he started school, but he was blessed to be born in the greatest country ever. Atlas said he proves that if you put in a good effort no matter who or what you are, you can make a name for yourself because you are in the United States. Atlas then asked a woman named Monica to stand up, and said in 1989 he was homeless when she took him in. Not knowing who he was, she educated him and now he's a certified personal trainer because of her. Atlas then said that Vince McMahon gave him a job as Saba Simba to give him a chance to earn money and get back on his feet, and thanked Vince for that. He closed the speech by asking everyone to remember that they live in the greatest country in the world.
- This ended the taping for the WWE.com broadcast. The rest of the show is being taped for USA Network. We will continue to post notes on that taping.
- Hulk Hogan came out to induct Mean Gene Okerlund. The fans started chanting "One More Match" at Hogan, and soon a "Hogan-Austin" chant rang out. Hogan rubbed his fingers in the "money sign" and then admitted that would be a "great match someday". Hogan talked about Mean Gene's career and how they became friends. Hogan said that Okerlund helped wrestlers with promos when they didn't know what to say. He said Mean Gene became the "voice of wrestling and the life support of Hulkamania".
- Okerlund gave his acceptance speech, joking about tagging with Hulk Hogan. Bobby Heenan hugged Mean Gene and kissed his bald head. Mean Gene then told a bunch of stories, including making fun of the infamous Gobbledy Gooker, and talked about Ric Flair, the Hillbillies, the Sheik, Jake Roberts and others.
- It appears WWE has had John Cena come off the stage and sit amongst the other wrestlers in the front rows instead.
- The Eddie Guerrero induction, which will be airing on USA, is beyond amazing, with many WWE workers visibly crying.
- The Bret Hart induction is next. When Steve Austin came out, fans chanted "Austin-Hogan".
- During Bret Hart's induction speech, he told a lot of Owen Hart and Jim Neidhart stories. There were no references towards Shawn Michaels, except for Bret telling a story about how he once disciplined his son, so his son went to his room and came out with a Shawn Michaels shirt and glove on and said he was "in the kliq". Bret said while WWE took a lot from him, they gave him a lot too. Bret finished his speech about 15 minutes after 11pm (that's Eastern time, not Chicago time).
2007 - WWE broadcast highlights of the 2007 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony. Buck Woodward filed the following TV report:
The USA Network broadcast of the Hall Of Fame ceremony began with a montage of clips of past Hall Of Famers, leading into this year's ceremony. Todd Grisham immediately introduced Steve Austin, who inducted Jim Ross. They showed a video package on Ross' career, with comments from The Rock, Steve Austin, Triple H, Chris Benoit, Dusty Rhodes, Matt Hardy, Michael Cole, JBL, Ron Simmons, Ric Flair, Jerry Lawler, John Cena, Shawn Michaels and Vince McMahon.
Jim Ross came out to the Oklahoma fight song. They showed his wife in the audience, and there was a chant for Ross from the fans. Ross joked that "his cousins made it from Oklahoma". Ross talked about his passion for wrestling, and there was a "Thank You, JR" chant. Ross thanked his wife, calling her his "angel". Ross talked about how it took him 19 years to get to the WWE, and he was no "overnight sensation". Ross talked about being the first non-wrestler to grow up as a wrestling fan to be inducted into the Hall Of Fame. He thanked everyone for celebrating "a wrestling fan being inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame".
After a commercial break, Grisham introduced William Shatner, with Grisham doing a Captain Kirk impersonation. Shatner talked about the time he appeared on the King's Court in 1995. Shatner was literally reading every word off of a sheet of paper. Shatner said he would now "monkey flip" Lawler into the Hall Of Fame. The video package for Lawler then aired with comments from Triple H and Jim Carrey (from when they made "Man On The Moon") and including footage of his famous feud with Andy Kaufman. Lawler was introduced and as he walked out, they went to break.
Back from commercial, Lawler talked about what an honor it was to be backstage with all the legends tonight. Lawler talked about coming to WWE, and how Bret Hart helped him get "center stage" when he first arrived there. Lawler reiterated what Steve Austin said about Jim Ross being the best there ever was. Lawler then talked about Wrestlemania, and got in his joke that after tomorrow, one of the billionaires will be bald and "will have to cut holes in his pants pocket in order to run his fingers through his hair". Then they went to commercial again.
Back from break, Grisham introduced Wade Boggs who came out to baseball stadium organ music. Boggs did the old Mr. Perfect gum swat as he approached the podium. Boggs talked about how Hennig had big shoes to fill as a second-generation wrestler, but he filled them well. Boggs was visibly choked up as he introduced the video package on Curt Hennig. The video package featured comments from Gerald Brisco, Larry Hennig, Ric Flair, Sgt. Slaughter and Bruce Prichard.
Wade Boggs said that Curt Hennig's life revolved around his family, and he introduced Hennig's wife, children and parents, who came out to the old "Mr. Perfect" music. Hennig's wife, Leonice, thanked the fans, who were chanting "Mr. Perfect". She said "That he was". Leonice then adapted a line from his old promos, saying "He was exactly what he said he was, absolutely perfect".
After another commercial, we saw the lobby of the Fox Theatre, including the WWE merchandise stand. Todd Grisham then introduced "Dustin Runnels and Cody Rhodes". Dustin said that all his life, he wanted to be exactly like his dad, but he eventually realized that to really be like him he had to go out and do something on his own. He said tonight, he and "his bro" had the honor of inducting their father into the Hall Of Fame. Cody said that he felt Dustin has never gotten credit for his role in the Attitude era as the "envelope pushing" Goldust, doing a Goldust impersonation. The fans chanted "Thank You Goldust". Cody then talked about his father, saying Dusty was the best talker in the history of the business. Cody said he "didn't need a Pit, a Parlor, or a Shop", he just needed a microphone. Cody did a fantastic job putting over his father, and talked about his rivalry with Ric Flair, noting that even Dusty would tell you that Ric Flair is the greatest of all time. Flair was shown in the audience, getting choked up. Cody talked about Dusty as a father, and how when Dusty wasn't home, it was because he was putting food on the table for his family. The showed Dusty's daughter in the crowd, and she was getting choked up. Cody did a fantastic job with his speech.
They aired a video package on Dusty Rhodes with comments from Ric Flair, Triple H, and Arn Anderson. Dusty came out to his old WWF music, and danced with Kristal before going to the podium and embracing his sons. They went to commercial as they were hugging.
After the commercial, the fans were chanting for Dusty. Rhodes talked about how proud he was of his sons. Rhodes discussed having passion for the business. Rhodes cut a promo about "Hard Times" that people go through and how it was the duty of wrestlers to make it "good times" for the fans that pay to see them every night. Rhodes talked about how wrestlers moan sometimes about taking long trips, but that they wouldn't even care about being paid if they could walk out at Wrestlemania, noting that Triple H won't get to do that this year and he will be missed. The fans gave Triple H a big ovation.
They edited to another part of Rhodes' speech, with Rhodes talking about Kevin Sullivan hitting him in the heart with a golden spike, and how if "Stephanie was around then, she'd have fired him on the spot". Rhodes said that Harley Race was the toughest man he ever faced, and asked Race to stand up. He did and got an ovation, and Rhodes joked he had "put over Race enough". Rhodes talked about working seven nights in a row with Ric Flair, and said Flair is the greatest wrestler in the industry. Flair, in tears, walked up to the stage and shook hands with Dusty. Dusty said that he knew he was going to cry, and pulled out a black and yellow polka dot handkerchief. Dusty then said if someone young wants to get into this business, they should be given a tape of Ricky Steamboat, who was also given an ovation, but not shown.
Dusty joked about how he is "behind in the times" and that he gets his "ass chewed out" for not emailing people he just talked to face to face five minutes earlier. Rhodes talked about Dick Murdoch, saying that when he wonders where Murdoch is today, he turns around and sees JBL looking right at him. They showed JBL in the audience, and he was sitting with Barry Windham. Rhodes put over the WWE Divas, and joked that if his wife wasn't there, he would get himself some "brown sugar" looking at Kristal. Rhodes laughed and said "I can't believe I said that". Rhodes then asked Ric Flair, Arn Anderson and Harley Race to stand up, and asked Flair & Anderson to induct he and Harley into the Hall Of Fame. Rhodes then said "I have wined and dined with Kings and Queens, thank you".
Todd Grisham then closed out the ceremony, and confetti dropped from the ceiling to end the show.
Commentary: Geez, this thing was edited to bits. I strongly suggest reading our report from the live ceremony, because this special didn't even come close to doing the event, or those inducted, justice with the exception of Dusty Rhodes (and even his induction was heavily edited down). Lawler talking about Memphis gets edited out, but his pubic hair joke stays in? I really hope that next year WWE either gets more television time for the ceremony, or doesn't try to cram four inductions into the broadcast.
2007 - WWE broadcast Wrestlemania 23 on PPV. Buck Woodward filed the following PPV report:
Welcome to our coverage of Wrestlemania 23. We will be updating this page throughout the show with results from the show, so check back throughout the evening for updates.
Wrestlemania 23 opened with a video montage of past Wrestlemania logos and clips from those events. They showed Vince McMahon welcoming fans to Wrestlemania III at the Silverdome, then switched to a live shot of Ford Field. They continued to play the Wrestlemania III audio of Vince's introduction, which led to Aretha Franklin singing "America The Beautiful". Aretha, accompanied by a choir, sang while a montage of clips of WWE stars with troops overseas was shown. Fireworks went off at the end.
A video package focusing on the "All Grown Up" theme for Wrestlemania was shown. Pyro went off, and WWE Hall Of Famers Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler welcomed us to the show. They immediately put over that there were more fans at Ford Field tonight than there were when the Superbowl was held there (of course, that is due to floor seating). The Smackdown and ECW announce teams were then given their chance to welcome us to the show.
Money In The Bank ladder match for a guaranteed future title match: Edge vs. CM Punk vs. King Booker vs. Jeff Hardy vs. Ken Kennedy vs. Matt Hardy vs. Fit Finlay vs. Randy Orton
Each wrestler had a separate entrance and each wrestler's entrance was accompanied by their respective brand's announcers talking about the participant. Jeff Hardy, then King Booker with Sharmell, then Fit Finlay, then CM Punk, then Ken Kennedy (who had his mic on the stage to introduce himself), then Matt Hardy, then Randy Orton, and finally Edge. All the announcers are going to call this match together. There were several ladders set up in the aisle, and all around ringside on the floor.
At the start, everyone stared at the briefcase, then some wrestlers ran to the floor to get ladders, while others began brawling. A group of them fought on the floor and Finlay, yes, Finlay, jumped off the top rope onto the pile. In the ring, Edge went for the case, but Matt Hardy pulled him down. They went to the floor. Orton and Finlay climbed the ladder together, and then tipped over. Jeff went to climb up, but Kennedy pulled him down. Booker reached under the ring and pulled out a stepladder. CM Punk ambushed him and then began using the stepladder as a weapon until Edge got a hold of it and threw it in Punk's face. Punk was busted open. Edge bridged a ladder between the rail and the ring apron and went to suplex Punk in it, but Punk reversed it and suplexed Edge on the floor.
In the ring, Booker gave Orton a spinebuster, Kennedy a superkick, then Punk and Finlay spinebusters. Booker did a spinarooni, then was squashed between ladders by the Hardys. Matt gave Edge a Side Effect. The Hardys set up some ladders for the "Mercury face crusher spot" on Edge. Finlay shoved Jeff off the ropes to the floor to break it up, and Edge suplexed Matt onto a ladder. Kennedy got in and knocked Edge out, then pounded on Matt. Kennedy put Matt on a ladder and went for the Kenton Bomb, but Matt moved out of the way and Kennedy crashed. Jeff gave Kennedy a Swanton Bomb. Matt and Jeff then hit Finlay with a ladder, then knocked Orton off the apron with it. They hit Booker with the ladder as well, then set it up. The Hardys climbed a ladder, then punched it out at the top of the ladder over who would win, until Finlay knocked down the ladder, sending them into the ropes.
Finlay knocked down Booker and Punk, then picked up a ladder, but Edge speared him. Edge gave spears to everyone else in the match (including Orton), until CM Punk leapfrogged him and Edge hit the corner hard. Punk then took a ladder and did the Terry Funk whirly bird spot. He hit a bunch of participants, but then Edge speared him and Punk went down, with the ladder catching some people on the way down. Edge set up a huge ladder, and went to climb up, but Orton toppled it and Edge fell to the floor. Jeff Hardy gave Orton a gourdbuster, then set up the huge ladder again. On the floor, Matt put Edge on the ladder that was bridged between the apron and railing. Jeff looked to be deciding between the briefcase and killing Edge. Jeff decided on the latter, jumping off the ladder and legdropping Edge through the bridged ladder and to the floor. Yes, I said through, as the ladder broke in half. Jeff and Edge were laid out on the floor and stretchers were brought out.
In the ring, Orton gave Matt an RKO, then gave one to Finlay, and one to Kennedy. Orton set up a ladder began to climb up. Punk used another ladder to knock Orton down. Punk set up another ladder, so there were two ladders side by side. Edge was stretchered out. Orton and Punk fought it out on the two ladders. Orton gave Punk an RKO off the ladder, hurting himself as well. Booker came in and started to climb, but Orton got up and stopped him. Orton went for the Ladder RKO on Booker as well, but Booker blocked it and gave Orton a Bookend off the ladder. Booker started to climb, but Matt Hardy came up the other side of the same ladder and slugged it out with him. Sharmell ran in and pulled Matt down. Matt threatened to give her the Twist Of Fate, so Booker gave up grabbing the briefcase to save her. Booker came down, and Matt grabbed him and hit the Twist Of Fate. Finlay, who was bleeding, was crawling back into the ring.
Matt was climbing a ladder, so Finlay toppled it down. Finlay then gave Hardy the Celtic Cross onto a ladder that was laying in the ring. Finlay, holding his back from the move, was having trouble climbing the ladder. Hornswoggle, to a pop, came in and began to climb the ladder. Kennedy came in, kicked Finlay, then got up on the other ladder. Hornswoggle punched him, which made Kennedy mad. Kennedy gave Hornswoggle a somersault Samoan Drop off the ladder. Finlay picked up a ladder and threw it at Kennedy, hitting him in the face. Finlay started to climb another ladder, but CM Punk gave it a springboard dropkick to knock him off. Punk set up a ladder and started to climb. He got a hand on the case, but Kennedy came up the other side of the ladder. They slugged it out, and Punk shoved Kennedy off the ladder. Kennedy picked up another ladder and used it to knock Punk off. Kennedy climbed up and grabbed the briefcase at the nineteen minute mark.
Winner: Ken Kennedy.
Finlay was shown helping Hornswoggle up on the floor.
They showed a video package on The Condemned premiere.
Todd Grisham interviewed Ken Kennedy, who said that any champion in WWE should "grow eyes in the back of their freakin' head". Kennedy said that nice guys finish last, and that he isn't a nice guy. Kennedy said he is Mr. Kennedy, and he is Mr. Money In The Bank.
Kane vs. The Great Khali
Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler are the lucky announcers for this one. Kane didn't have his hook with him. Kane was shoved down on the initial lockup, then went down on a shoulderblock attempt. Kane went for a whip, and Khali tossed him to the floor. Kane yanked Khali throat first across the top rope as he got back into the ring, but Khali took him down with a clothesline, then slammed Kane. Khali applied a nervehold, then hit some forearms to the back and some elbows in the corner. Khali choked Kane. Kane battled back with some punches, but Khali just shoved him away. Kane charged and hit a clothesline, then went to the top rope and hit a clothesline, but Khali still didn't go down. Kane hit a big boot to the face, and Khali fell back and got tied up in the ropes. Kane hit a series of right hands. Kane went under the ring and pulled out his hook. Khali was freed by the referee. Kane got in the ring, but Khali hit some punches and Kane's hook ended up being hooked on the top rope.
They exchanged punches, and Khali got the better of it. Khali ripped the pad off of a turnbuckle. While the referee cleared the stuffing out of the ring, Kane used the chain on his hook to crotch Khali. Kane then bodyslammed Khali for a two count. Kane called for a chokeslam. Khali grabbed Kane by the throat as well. Kane punched free, but then walked into Khali's double handed chokeslam. Khali stood on Kane's chest for the three count at the five minute mark.
Winner: The Great Khali.
Khali choked Kane with the chain from the hook for a while before walking off.
Backstage, Cryme Tyme were trying to cheer up Eugene over having his head shaved. They had Extreme Expose start dancing, and Cryme Tyme joined in. This wasn't cheering up Eugene at all. The Fabulous Moolah and Mae Young showed up, dressed like Extreme Expose, and started dancing with Eugene, which did cheer him up. They were stopped by the Doctor Of Style, Slick, who told them they shouldn't be illin', when it was time to be chillin'. Slick then danced, but was interrupted by Dusty Rhodes, who said you can't have a dance party without him. He started dancing, and we had Sgt. Slaughter, Jimmy Hart, IRS, Pat Patterson, Geraldn Briscoe, Mean Gene Okerlund and Howard Finkel joining in. The music stopped and Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat, to a big pop, appeared on the screen. Steamboat looked at the camera, winked, and the dance party continued.
U.S. Champion Chris Benoit vs. MVP
Obviously, Michael Cole and JBL handled this one. They locked up and MVP took Benoit down with a headlock, but Benoit switched to a headscissors, and MVP reversed into a single leg crab, then went into a headlock. MVP hit a shoulderblock, blocked a German suplex attempt by Benoit, and armdragged him to the floor wen Benoit went for an arm. Benoit got in and went for a sharpshooter, but MVP tripped out of it and Benoit went for the Crossface, but MVP rolled out. MVP went for a waistlock, but Benoit reversed it, only for MVP to take Benoit down with a fireman's carry. Benoit went for an arm, but MVP grabbed the ropes. MVP kicked Benoit in the gut, and whipped him hard across the ring. Benoit elbowed him as he charged in and set up MVP for a superplex. Benoit hit some chops, then went for the superplex. MVP blocked it, and pulled Benoit's arm across the top rope as he jumped down to the floor.
MVP got back in and went to work on the arm with kicks and punches, then kicked Benoit hard in the back for a two count. MVP hit the arm again, but Benoit responded with a chop. MVP hit some kicks to take Benoit down, but missed a roundhouse and Benoit grabbed MVP in a waistlock. Benoit hit three consecutive German suplexes, then went to the top rope. MVP crotched Benoit on the top and set up for the superplex. MVP hit the top rope superplex, but Benoit cradled his legs up and got a two count on MVP when they hit the mat. MVP kicked Benoit and threw him shoulder first into the ringpost. MVP rolled up Benoit for a two count.
MVP hit a back suplex for a pair of two counts, then applied an armbar. Benoit punches out of it, and avoided an MVP kick, but MVP caught him with a boot to the face on the rebound. MVP went for a slam, but Benoit floated over it and went for the Crossface, but MVP pounded out of it. MVP slammed Benoit, then hit his elbowdrop for a two count. MVP missed a running kick in the corner, and Benoit hit two consecutive German suplexes. MVP blocked a third and went for one of his own, but Benoit blocked it. MVP shoved Benoit into the ropes, but Benoit ducked a kick and hit three consecutive German suplexes. Benoit called for the diving headbutt, and hit it for the three count at the nine minute mark.
Winner: Chris Benoit
Donald Trump was backstage with the former Miss USA, Tara whateverhernameis. He was on the phone complaining about the lack of catering in the dressing room. The Boogeyman appeared, and Tara ran off. The Boogeyman said "I'm the Boogeyman, and I'm coming to get ya!" Donald Trump said he wanted a sandwich. Boogey said he would. Trump said if he did, he'd get Boogey some worms. Boogey asked if Trump wanted a worm sandwich before leaving.
The showed a video package on last night's Hall Of Fame ceremony.
Lilian Garcia announced that tonight's attendance, a new Ford Field record, is 80,103.
Howard Finkel was then introduced, and he brought out the Hall OF Fame class of 2007. Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler were on the stage for this segment. Curt Hennig was represented by his wife and father. Don Muraco accompanied Mr. Fuji, who was in a wheelchair. Afa & Sika mugged for the camera. Joyce Farhat represented her late husband, the original Sheik. Dusty Rhodes was the last one introduced.
They showed the results of a WWE text message poll for the Undertaker vs. Batista match, with 82% of those responding picking Undertaker to win. They then showed a video package on the events leading to the World Title match.
World Champion Batista vs. The Undertaker
Smackdown General Manager Theodore R. Long was the ring announcer for this match. Batista came out first. Undertaker had a long entrance.
Batista speared Undertaker immediately and hit some punches in the corner. Taker reversed positions and pounded Batista with punches. Batista responded with shoulderblocks to the gut. Batista whipped Taker across the ring and hit a clothesline, then clotheslined him to the floor. Taker landed on his feet and pulled Batista out. They slugged it out on the floor. Fans are solidly behind Undertaker. Batista whipped Undertaker into the ringsteps and rolled back into the ring. Batista came back out and tossed Undertaker in. Batista went to the top rope and hit a flying shoulderblock for a two count. Batista hit some punches, but ran into an Undertaker boot to the face. Batista absorbed the shot and came right back with a clothesline. They exchanged punches, and Batista slammed Undertaker. Batista went for a kick, but Taker caught it and then hit a series of rights and lefts to the gut. The back and forth punching resumed, with Taker getting the better of it.
Undertaker whipped Batista across the ring and hit a running splash. Taker hit a second, then gave him Snake-Eyes and a boot to the face. Undertaker dropped the leg for a two count. Undertaker went for the Old School rope walk and hit the top rope forearm. Undertaker called for a chokeslam, but Batista blocked it and pulled Taker's hand off his throat. Batista hit a knee to the gut, but Taker came back with a shoulderblock. Undertaker got a two count, then punched Batista to the floor. Undertaker rammed Batista into the ringsteps, then stretched him over the ring apron and hit an elbow, then kicked him in the head. Undertaker went for the ring apron legdrop and nailed it, bringing Batista to the floor with it.
Batista slowly got up on the floor, and Undertaker dove over the top rope and hit a tope to a huge pop. Taker pounded Batista on the floor, rolling in briefly to break up the count. Baitsta reversed a whip and sent Undertaker into the timekeeper's table. Batista pounded Undertaker on the floor, clearing off the Raw and ECW announce tables and putting Taker on the Raw one. Batista stood on the Raw announce table, lifted Undertaker, and powerslammed him through the ECW announce table. Batista shoved Undertaker back into the ring for a two count, hit a series of punches, then covered him for another two count. Batista set up for a powerbomb, but Taker backed him into a corner and hit a pair of back elbows. Taker went for a whip, but Batista blocked it and hit a belly to belly suplex for a two count. Batista kicked Taker in a corner, then got on the second rope and started punching him, arguing with the referee in between shots. Undertaker pulled Batista off the ropes and gave him the Last Ride powerbomb for a two count.
Both men got to their feet and Undertaker hit a series of rights. Batista reversed a whip and hit a spinebuster. Batista called for his powerbomb, but Undertaker sat up and rose to his feet. Batista went for a clothesline, but Undertaker ducked it and hit a chokeslam for a two count. Undertaker called for the tombstone. Undertaker lifted Batista, but Batista floated over and speared the Undertaker. Batista hit the Batista Bomb, but Undertaker got a shoulder up at the two and a half count to a big pop. Batista was stunned. Batista went for a second one, but Undertaker backdropped him. Undertaker went for a punch, but Batista ducked it and scooped him up for a slam. Undertaker floated over and shoved Batista into the turnbuckles. Batista staggered out, Undertaker lifted him and delivered the tombstone piledriver. Undertaker goes 15-0 at Wrestlemania at the fifteen minute mark.
Winner and new World Heavyweight Champion: The Undertaker.
Backstage, Vince McMahon was checking out his hair in the mirror. Stephanie McMahon entered, with a baby carriage. Vince chastised her for bringing his grandaughter to Wrestlemania. Vince then said maybe she would bring Vince luck. Vince then talked to his granddaughter about how he was going to give Donald Trump a skull fracture. We saw this from the point of view of the baby. Seriously. Vince suddenly acted like he smelled something. He said the baby just "took a Trump."
Joey Styles and Tazz, sans table, talked briefly about the ECW Originals vs. ECW New Breed war.
ECW Originals (The Sandman, Tommy Dreamer, Sabu & Rob Van Dam) vs. New Breed (Elijah Burke, Kevin Thorn, Marcus Cor Von & Matt Striker)
The ECW Originals entered through the crowd. The New Breed entered as a group, accompanied by Ariel. Elijah Burke has new ring gear. Sabu started off with Matt Striker. Striker missed a clothesline and Sabu hit a springboard clothesline and a springboard leg lariat, then another springboard clothesline. Sabu dropkicked Striker in the face, then hung him over the top rope. Sandman was tagged in and hit hit a top rope legdrop to the back of Striker's head. Cor Von broke up the cover. Burke tagged in, but Dreamer did as well and Dreamer & Sandman hit a double clothesline and a double elbowdrop. Cor Von hit Dreamer from the apron and Burke nailed him with a clothesline.
Cor Von tagged in and worked over Dreamer with punches. Cor Von hit a double underhook suplex, then tagged in Burke for a double backdrop. Burke hit a jumping double knee to Dreamer's back and got a two count, as Sabu broke it up. Thorn tagged in and hit a splash on Dreamer in the corner, then a clothesline. Thorn put Dreamer in a chinlock and hit some forearms to the chest. Dreamer elbowed out, but Thorn rammed him in a corner. Dreamer booted him in the face as he charged in, but Thorn caught him with a spinebuster for a two count. Cor Von tagged in and hit a vertical suplex for a two count, then put Dreamer in a chinlock.
Cor Von lifted Dreamer for a slam, but he floated over and gave Cor Von a reverse DDT and Burke, who had run in, a neckbreaker at the same time. Dreamer crawled for a tag, kicking away Burke. RVD got the hot tag and cleaned house on Striker and Thorn. RVD nailed Striker with a kick to the head, then hit Thorn with a top rope kick. RVD gave Striker a monkeyflip, then hit Rolling Thunder, but Cor Von pulled RVD to the floor and laid him out. Sabu dove over the top rope onto Cor Von. Dreamer DDT'd Striker. Burke knocked Dreamer out of the ring. Sandman knocked Burke over the top rope, and went over with him. RVD hit the Five Star Frog Splash on Striker for the win at the seven minute mark.
Winners: The Sandman, Tommy Dreamer, Sabu & Rob Van Dam
Joey Styles let out an "Oh My God" in celebration.
They showed a video package for next year's Wrestlemania, which will be in Orlando, Florida at the Citrus Bowl.
The Hitman was shown in the crowd. Thomas Hearns, that is. Yeah, cheap joke.
For the last time (thankfully) we saw the celebrity predictions for the Battle Of The Billionaires, followed by a long video recap of the events leading to the match.
ECW Champion Bobby Lashley, with Donald Trump, vs. Intercontinental Champion Umaga, with Armando Alejandro Estrada & Vince McMahon in a hair vs. hair match, with Trump and McMahon putting their hair on the line. Steve Austin will be the special referee for the bout.
Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler are the announcers for this match. A barber's chair was pulled to ringside, complete with it's own entrance music. Vince McMahon then entered, alone. Miss Universe, Miss USA, and Miss Teen USA were shown at ringside. Umaga, accompanied by Armando, then made his entrance. Donald Trump then made his entrance, accompanied by Tara. They dropped money (yes, real money) from the ceiling as Trump walked to the ring. Bobby Lashley then made his entrance. Steve Austin then made his entrance, wearing a sleeveless referee shirt.
They charged into each other at the start, and neither man budged. Lashley hit a series or right hands, and Umaga shoved him, but Lashley hit a clothesline in the corner. Lashley hit some punches in the corner, and Austin told him to break. When he didn't, Austin pulled Lashley out of the corner. Umaga kicked Lashley and whipped him into a corner. Lashley dodged a charge and hit a second rope clothesline. Lashley covered Umaga, but Armando put Umaga's foot on the bottom rope. Lashley pulled Armando into the ring and gave him a running powerslam. Lashley tossed him out of the ring. Umaga charged Lashley, but Lashley dodged it and pulled the ropes down. Umaga went over the top rope and landed on the floor. Armando is totally out. Vince convinced Umaga to get back in the ring and fight.
Umaga got back in and dodged a Lashley charge and Lashley went through the ropes and landed on the floor. Umaga got Lashley back into the ring and hit a splash for a two count. Umaga choked Lashley against the bottom rope. Austin told him to break, and when he didn't, Austin slapped Umaga in the back. Umaga and Austin had a staredown. Umaga choked Lashley again, and Austin pulled him off by the hair. They had a staredown again. Lashley hit Umaga with some shots, but Umaga took him down with a clothesline. Umaga used the second rope to hit a Bonsai Splash on Lashley, then hit a second. Lashley came back with some punches, but Umaga caught him with a Samoan Drop.
Lashley went to lift Umaga for a slam, but fell under the weight and Umaga went down on top. Vince got on the ring apron. Umaga went to slam Lashley, but Lashley floated over and bounced into the ropes, knocking Vince to the floor. Umaga gave Lashley a faceplant. Umaga went to the top rope, but Lashley went over and slammed him off the top. Lashley hit Umaga with a running clothesline, and both men were down. Austin counted both men down, but stopped at nine, refusing to end the match in a draw. Austin said there would be no countouts in the match. Shane McMahon came down to help up Vince, who had been lying on the floor since being knocked off the apron.
Umaga got up and hit Lashley with some punches, then choked him in the corner. Austin pulled Umaga off by fish hooking his eye. Shane McMahon got on the apron, but Austin chased him away. Umaga gave Austin the Samoan Spike, knocking him to the floor. Shane McMahon got in the ring and gave Lashley some right hands. Lashley grabbed Shane for a suplex, but Umaga hit him. Shane stomped Lashley down in the corner, and Umaga gave him the running posterior shot in the corner. Vince got a trash can out from under the ring, and Umaga held it over Lashley in the corner. Shane went to the top rope and hit the Coast To Coast dropkick, crushing the trash can into Lashley's face.
Shane McMahon took off his shirt and jacket, and had a referee's shirt on. Shane pulled Lashley into the center of the ring, and Umaga hit a top rope splash. Shane counted two, but Steve Austin pulled Shane out of the ring, hit a series of right hands and tossed him into the ring steps. Austin got into the ring and Umaga hit him with another Samoan Spike. Austin was down, and McMahon trash talked him from the floor. Trump gave McMahon a clothesline on the floor and hit a few punches. There's your highlight moment for the new programs. In the ring, Umaga lifted up Austin for a third spike, but Austin ducked it and hit a stunner on Umaga. Lashley hit a spear and covered Umaga and got the pin at the fourteen minute mark.
Winner: Bobby Lashley.
Austin grabbed Vince on the floor and tossed him into the ring. Shane attacked Austin, but Austin gave Shane a Thesz press. Austin gave Shane a series of right hands, an elbowdrop, and a stunner. Meanwhile, Vince was trying to sneak off. Austin was raising Trump and Lashley's hands in the ring, when they saw Vince escaping. Lashley ran down the aisle, scooped up McMahon and brought him back to the ring. McMahon yelled at Lashley from the ring, and backed into Austin. Austin gave Vince a stunner, and Lashley put him in the chair.
Austin held down Vince while Lashley and Trump used razors to shave Vince bald. Vince screamed for them to stop, but they shaved it all off. Ross joked that we now knew the truth, and that it was Vince's real hair all along. They played the "Bald Headed Blues" as Lashley and Trump put Shaving cream on Vince's head, and then used razors on it. Austin was drinking a beer. They unstrapped Vince from the chair, and Lashley had a mirror to show Vince how he looked. Vince saw his bald head, and tried to fall back over the chair, but the chair wouldn't topple, so Steve Austin knocked it over. Bald Vince staggered down the aisle. Steve Austin had a beer celebration with Trump and Lashley in the ring. Austin then gave Trump a stunner and walked off. Trump takes a stunner like Linda McMahon takes one. Austin walked off, while Lashley checked on Trump in the ring. Austin gave a double bird from the stage as Lashley helped Trump from the ring.
They showed the finish from the dark match earlier tonight, which saw Carlito & Ric Flair defeat Chavo Guerrero & Gregory Helms in a Lumberjack tag match when Carlito gave Guerrero the backcracker.
WWE Women's Champion Melina vs. Ashley in a Lumber Jill Match with Kristal, Victoria, Layla, Jillian Hall, Candice Michelle, Kelly Kelly, Trinity, Torrie Wilson, Brooke, Michelle McCool and Mickie James surrounding the ring.
JBL and Michael Cole got to call this one. Melina had a fur covered hooded jacket as part of her ring gear. Ashley hit some punches at the start and Melina rolled to the floor, and was tossed back in. Ashley rolled her up for a two count. Melina tripped Ashley into the ropes and choked her with her boot. Ashley hit some forearms and punches and choked Melina. Melina screamed "You think you are better than me?" and choked her against the ropes. Melina gave Ashley a Giant Swing and got a two count. Melina choked Ashley. Melina put Ashley in a surfboard, and drove her face first into the mat. Ashley grabbed a flying headscissors and whipped Melina across the ring and did a monkeyflip. Ashley missed a second rope elbow and Melina got a two count. Melina picked up Ashley, but she got behind her and rolled her up. Melina rolled through it into her own rollup, and got a Backlund Bridge for the pin at the four minute mark.
Winner: Melina.
Ashley sort of kicked Melina to the floor, and the babyface Divas threw her back in the ring. There was a very brief all Diva catfight in the ring. The heel Divas then left with Melina and the belt, and the babyface Divas were left standing in the ring.
They showed the results of another WWE Text message poll, which saw John Cena favored with 59% of the vote over Shawn Michaels. A video package on the events leading to the main event were shown.Ãâ
WWE Champion John Cena vs. Shawn Michaels
Shawn Michaels entered to the DX music, and was not wearing his World Tag Team Title belt. They did a big video entrance for John Cena with him supposedly driving into the building in a Ford Mustang and going through a glass wall with the Wrestlemania logo on it. As they were about to lock up, a fan ran in the ring and was removed. Shawn sat on the top turnbuckle and watched him being removed (they didn't show the fan on camera).
Shawn Michaels called Cena into center ring for a handshake. Cena refused, so Michaels slapped him and then decked him with some right hands. Michaels gave him a crotch chop. Michaels applied a side headlock, then went into a hammerlock. They traded reversals, then Michaels ducked Cena's punches and delivered his own punches and chops. Cena slumped down in a corner, frustrated. They locked up again, and Michaels hit some short arm shoulderblocks. Michaels took Cena down with a side mare. Cena rose up, and Michaels took him down with a side mare again. Michaels worked Cena over with the side headlock, but Cena got to his feet and shoved it off. Cena missed a clothesline and an elbow, but hit a second clothesline attempt to a chorus of boos.
Michaels sat in a corner and stared at Cena. He got to his feet and Cena hit a shoulderblock, but Michaels came back with a Thesz press and a series of right hands. Cena tossed Michaels to the apron, but Michaels hiptossed Cena from the apron to the floor. Michaels chopped Cena on the floor and hit an enzugiri. Michaels got on the apron and hit a second rope springboard moonsault onto a standing Cena on the floor. They crashed into the announce table, which didn't break. Michaels tossed Cena into the ring and hit a chop, then forearmed him in the corner. Michaels hit some chops, then whopped Cena hard across the ring. Cena tried to catch Michaels with a boot as he charged in, but Michaels caught the kick and pounded Cena's leg. Michaels stomped the leg, then dragged it outside and whipped the leg into the ringpost. In the ring, Michaels hit a kneedrop to the leg and chopblocked it.
Michaels chopped Cena, then went back after the leg, wrapping it around the middle rope and yanking on it. Michaels kicked at Cena's leg, then hit a chopblock. Michaels got in Cena's face and said something, but it wasn't audible. Michaels worked on the leg some more, then Cena fired off a few punches. Michaels returned fire with chops, but Cena was getting more out of his punches, finally decking Michaels. Michaels got up and rammed Cena back into the corner with a shoulderblock. Michaels kicked at Cena's leg, and they went returned to the punch-kick thing. Michaels went for a shoulderblock and Cena moved, and Michaels went head first into the ring post. Michaels was busted open.
Cena hit a running clothesline and a series or right hands on the mat. Cena hit a flying shoulderblock, then a second. Cena gave him a back suplex into a powerbomb, then did the "You Can't See Me" to a mixed reaction of mostly boos. Cena hit the Five Knuckle Shuffle fistdrop. Cena went for the FU, but Michaels floated out and hit a chop. Cena reversed a whip and Michaels went upside down in a corner. Michaels ducked a Cena punch, and Cena almost hit the referee. Michaels went for a superkick, but Cena ducked and the referee got knocked out of the ring. Cena went for the FU, but Michaels reversed it into a DDT. Both men were down on the mat.
Michaels rolled to the floor and took apart the ring steps. Michaels went took Cena outside the ring and gave him a piledriver on the bottom half of the ring steps. Cena was bleeding from the back of the head. Michaels rolled Cena into the ring, and a second referee eventually came out. Michaels covered Cena, but he got his shoulder up at two. Michaels lifted up Cena, but Cena reversed his attempted whip. Michaels rebounded off the ropes and hit a flying forearm. Michaels kipped up, then hit a top rope elbowdrop. Michaels started stomping in the corner, but Cena lunged at him and hit a clothesline.
Cena and Michaels got to their feet and exchanged punches. Cena scooped up Michaels for an FU, but Michaels floated over into a sunset flip for a two count. Michaels went for a Thesz Press again, but Cena caught it and hit the FU. Cena covered, but only got a two count. Cena put Michaels on the top rope and set up for a second rope FU. Michaels elbowed out of it, and punched Cena to the mat. Michaels hit a flying bodypress, but Cena rolled through it, got to his feet holding Michaels and went for the FU Michaels flipped out of it and went for a superkick, but Cena ducked it and tripped Michaels. Cena went for the STFU, but Michaels rolled over and Cena went for it again, but Michaels turned it into a cradle for a two count.
Michaels went for an enzugiri, but Cena ducked it and hooked in the STFU. Michaels made the ropes, and Cena finally broke the hold. The referee warned Cena that he has to break on the ropes, and the momentary distraction allowed Michaels to nail Cena with the superkick as he turned around. Michaels crawled onto Cena for a two count. Both men were down, and slowly got up, leaning on each other. Cena went to lift Michaels for the FU, but Michaels floated out and Cena went right into the STFU in the center ring. Michaels struggled a bit, then tapped out at the twenty-eight minute mark.
Winner: John Cena.
Cena celebrated in the ring, then went in the aisle where Michaels was walking out. He tried to turn Michaels around, but Michaels walked off. Michaels turned around halfway down the aisle, and Cena saluted him. Cena then went back in the ring to continue his post-match celebration. Confetti dropped down as the show ended.
One final note, Vince McMahon and Donald Trump are scheduled to appear on The Today Show tomorrow morning.
2008 - Former NWA World champion Dusty Rhodes left his position on the WWE creative team to head up working on the creative end of WWE's developmental system.
Rhodes will be responsible for character development and for scripting the weekly Florida Championship Wrestling TV show when it debuts on Tampa's CW network affiliate, similar to the position held by Jim Cornette and Paul Heyman during their tenures with Ohio Valley Wrestling. FCW, run by Steve Keirn and Tom Prichard, is currently WWE's only developmental territory.
The move was seen as a good fit for Rhodes as it would keep him from having to travel on the road with the WWE creative team on a regular basis, put him back in his old stomping grounds of Florida and help him create a new crop of stars by meshing his own creative skills with knowledge of what WWE management wants by virtue of his creative team run. Rhodes had most recently been working on the ECW brand, which showed a marked improvement under his watch.
2008 - The United States Department of Justice released the following:
Former Wrestler Sentenced on Sex Trafficking and Forced Labor Charges
By U.S. Department of Justice
Former professional wrestler Harrison Norris Jr., 42, a/k/a "Hardbody Harrison," from Cartersville, Ga., was sentenced today to life in prison and lifetime supervised release for committing multiple violations of federal sex trafficking and forced labor statutes in connection with a scheme to force women into prostitution. He was also sentenced to pay a $2,400 special assessment.
"These vulnerable American victims were lured by false promises to train as professional wrestlers and suffered horrific physical, sexual, and psychological abuse," said Grace Chung Becker, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division. "I commend these women for coming forward and helping the Department hold accountable those who engaged in this shameful conduct."
U.S. Attorney David E. Nahmias said of the sentencing, "Defendant Norris ran a forced prostitution ring in which women were sexually assaulted, held in debt, and forced to work and perform sex acts against their will. This heinous conduct deserved the severe sentence handed down today. Human trafficking removes an individual's freedom to choose and can have long-lasting, psychological effects on the victims. In this case numerous victims were brave enough to come forward and testify at trial against their captor and abuser, defendant Norris. The jury specifically found aggravated sexual abuse by defendant Norris and the judge entered a sentence that should deter others from exploiting their fellow human beings."
Norris was sentenced to life in prison and lifetime supervised release, and he was ordered to pay a $2,400 fine. Norris was convicted on Nov. 22, 2007, on 24 counts, including one count of conspiracy; four counts of holding women in a condition of peonage; five counts of forced labor; five counts of trafficking with respect to peonage; five counts of commercial sex trafficking; three counts of witness tampering; and one count of obstructing enforcement of a peonage investigation. Peonage is a condition of involuntary servitude imposed to extract repayment of an indebtedness.
Since 2001, Norris had been running a prostitution business in the Atlanta, Ga., area. From April 2005 to August of 2005, Norris and his co-conspirator Aimee Allen, recruited and forced women, many of whom were poor, homeless or addicted to drugs, to work for Norris as prostitutes and servants in his two Cartersville, Ga., homes. Norris lured several victims to his homes by falsely promising that he would train them to become successful wrestlers in his female wrestling company. Allen, who pled guilty and cooperated with the government, testified against Norris at trial, and was later sentenced to two years and 10 months in prison. One of Allen's key roles in the conspiracy was to convince victims that Norris's wrestling company was legitimate. According to the evidence at trial, another co-conspirator, Cedric Jackson, kidnapped at least one victim and provided her to Norris. Jackson was previously sentenced to serve five years in prison.
Witnesses testified that Norris isolated the victims from their families and friends and monitored them at all times to prevent their escape. Norris's control over the victims included a strict military structure that he imposed in his home. The defendant assigned each of his victims to a "squad" overseen by a "team leader," a woman conspiring with Norris to keep the victims in servitude. Allen was one such team leader.
Evidence at trial established that forced acts of prostitution occurred at nightclubs, in apartments, at hotels, in the back of Norris' truck, and in other locations in North Carolina and northern Georgia. The profits from Norris' forced prostitution business were collected by him and held in his safe, along with the victims' identifications and cellular phones. The victims also testified that they were forced to engage in sexual conduct with Norris.
In addition to forcing the women to work as prostitutes, Norris made the victims work in and around his two homes in Cartersville, performing domestic labor including hauling trees, laying sod, and painting. The evidence at trial further established that Norris set strict rules and fined the women for such infractions as talking too much or failing to exercise. In addition, Norris kept the women financially indebted to him by charging them for food, medicine, rent, and cigarettes. Norris then told the victims that they could not leave until their debts were paid, all the while continuing to increase the debt he claimed he was owed.
Human trafficking prosecutions such as this one are a top priority in the Department of Justice. In the last seven fiscal years, the Civil Rights Division, in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney's Offices, has increased by nearly seven-fold the number of human trafficking cases filed in court as compared to the previous seven fiscal years. In FY 2007, the Department obtained a record number of convictions in human trafficking prosecutions.
This case was investigated by of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from Smyrna Police Department and Bartow County Sheriff's Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Coppedge, and Justice Department Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Karima Maloney.
2008 - WWE broadcast ECW on Sci Fi. Mike Johnson filed the following TV report:
Welcome to PWInsider.com's live coverage of ECW on Sci Fi.
We open with footage of the 24 Man Battle Royal at Wrestlemania, leading to Kane's ECW title win over Chavo Guerrero. When Kane went to signal for his pyro to go off, we went live to Kane walking to the ring for the first time as champion. Kane said that at Wrestlemania, he had the satisfaction of destroying 23 other men to earn his shot at the ECW title. He said he beat Chavo in 8 seconds for the belt. The fans chanted ECW. Aw, come on now. I don't mind Kane, but that's just blasphemy. Kane said that even though ECW is known for the most brutal moments in wrestling, we haven't seen anything yet.
CM Punk came to the ring with his Money in the Bank briefcase. Kane says to Punk, "I see you had a good day on Sunday too, but if you are out here to do what I think you are going to do, you aren't going to have a good night tonight." Punk said that he's extremely jealous because Kane got himself a title shot, but the reality is he can have a title shot whenever he wants, even right now.
Chavo Guerrero came out and said no one is going to get an ECW title match before him, and his title win was a fluke. Kane said he beat Chavo in 8 seconds. Punk told Guerrero he made history by losing the title and in record fashion. Guerrero said he had to be prepared for 24 different opponents, while Kane attacked him from behind because Kane can't beat him face to face. Guerrero promised Kane he can't beat him face to face and when he does, everyone will be proud to call him their ECW champion again.
Guerrero said that he spoke to Armando Estrada and CM Punk and Kane will be teaming against Chavo and someone who feels he has unfinished business with Punk from Wrestlemania. Shelton Benjamin came out. He asked Punk if feels lucky, because the only reason he won the Money in the Bank was because two others tipped a ladder under Shelton and made him "drop 20 feet" through a ladder. Benjamin said a normal man would be hospitalized, but he's not a normal man, so tonight he'll find out why Benjamin is the golden standard. Benjamin sounds so forced on the mic. Punk said, "That's OK, Goldilocks." Punk said he can call himself any snazzy nickname he wants, except Money in the Bank
They air a Wrestlemania video, including the amazing ending to Flair vs. Michaels that will go down as one of the best finishes of all time in my opinion. I still get chills seeing it.
Stevie Richards come to the ring. We see clips of the recent problems between Mike Knox and Stevie.
Stevie Richards vs. Mike Knox
Knox went right after Knox, nailing several shoulderblocks in the corner. Richards came back with an enziguiri, which sent Knox to the floor. Richards went to dive off the apron but was nailed with an elbow as he came down. They fought back into the ring. Knox hit a delayed vertical suplex on Richards and began punching and chopping away. Knox locked on a bear hug. Richards fought back with a series of rights. He then bites Knox, who breaks the hold. Richards got laid out. All the commentary is based on building Knox.
Richards comes back with kicks to the knees and chest. He covers Knox for a two count. Richards goes to give Knox a big boot, but is caught and nailed with a backbreaker. Knox nails his finisher and scores the pin.
Your winner, Mike Knox!
They show a video package on the Hall of Fame ceremony, which was just great live. It's so worth getting the Wrestlemania DVD just for the Hall itself.
They confirm my report that Wrestlemania 25 is going to Houston next year. Joey quips that maybe they can get Tazz on a horse.
In the ring, Tazz asked Colin Delaney what his Wrestlemania experience was like. Delaney said he was there but didn't have a match. He said he hopes that next year, he hopes to have a match because he'll be there with a WWE contract, not because he bought a ticket to Wrestlemania. Armando Estrada came out and said that Delaney has some good news coming to him. He said Delaney has earned his first official contract. Estrada said that he's worked hard, but there's one thing he forgot to mention...April Fool's. Estrada tells him if he wants to earn a contract, all Colin has to do is defeat "This man."
The Big Show's music hit. Nice knowing ya Colin!
Big Show vs. Colin Delaney
They face off. Delaney tries to walk away but each time Show steps in front of him. He tried to turn away, but Show grabs him by the shoulder and locks in a cobra clutch. It's over. Show slams him to the mat.
Your winner, Big Show!
Triple H DVD plug. Order it at www.highspots.com.
They went into a video feature on last night's Ric Flair farewell. Great piece. WWE deserves a hell of a lot of credit for the way they've treated Flair. When they showed the old footage of Flair and Steamboat interspersed with them hugging, just fn' awesome. Everyone should send WWE a thank you note for doing this right, because they sure as hell did.
ECW champ Kane & CM Punk vs. Chavo Guerrero & Shelton Benjamin
Benjamin and Punk start the bout with Punk being worked into the corner. Punk fights out and uses a double leg takedown. He grabs Benjamin for a snap suplex and floats over for a near fall. Kane tags in and demolishes Benjamin with punches. He nails a dropkick, seriously, to the face of Benjamin, who is sitting up on the mat.
Guerrero tags in and begins working over Kane in the corner. Kane grabs him by the throat but is kicked off. Guerrero scampers out of the ring and tags out to Benjamin. Benjamin and Chavo both end up tossed out of the ring. Guerrero tries to save himself, but is kicked off by Punk.
Back from commercial, Kane drilled Benjamin with an elbow for a two count. He tags out to Punk, who snapmares Benjamin, then hits a dropkick to the back of the head. Benjamin kicks Punk and tags out to Chavo. Punk catches Chavo with a tilt o whirl backbreaker. Chavo hits a running clothesline to Punk. He goes to charge Punk in the corner but Punk catches him and nearly gets a GTS, but Benjamin kicks him in the face.
Benjamin tags in and ties up Punk with a submission. Punk fights to his feet, but is cut off and nearly pinned. Chavo tagged in and slingshot himself over the ropes into a double kneedrop on Punk. He locked Punk into a surfboard variation, then cinched in the Oriental torture device made famous by the Great Muta. Chavo went back to the surfboard. Chavo works over Punk in his corner and when the referee admonished him, Benjamin went to work on Punk. Punk tried to fight his way out but it was to no avail.
Benjamin whipped Punk into the corner. Punk surprised him with a small package but only got a two count. Benjamin began choking and punching Punk. Punk kept kicking out at two. So far, this is a really good, solid tag bout. Chavo continued to get heat on Punk, locking in an inverted armbar. Joey asked Tazz, "What do you call that?" since WWE likes their announcers to ask questions they think fans might ask, as opposed to simply explaining the moves.
Punk breaks free and finally makes the hot tag (get it?) to Kane. Kane lays out both and drills Benjamin with a legdrop. He pounds away on Benjamin in the corner. Kane catches Benjamin for a chokeslam, but he fights out. Kane nails him with a big boot to the face and went to the top for a clothesline. Chavo cut him off, crotching the ECW champ.
Punk tags himself in, but misses a springboard clothesline. Punk comes back with a kick to Benjamin, nails the GTS and scores the pin.
Your winners, ECW champ Kane and CM Punk!
I enjoyed the show. A solid mix of wrestling and hype. Mike Knox is starting to find himself as a vicious heel and the main event was good stuff. Hey did anyone notice that Punk never explained why he came out at the start of the show to begin with?
2009 - Monty Brown, last seen nationally in ECW as "Marcus Cor Von" told Michigan Live's website that he was negotiating for a planned return to World Wrestling Entertainment. He would not return to the company.
2010 - Linda McMahon tendered her resignation from the Connecticut Board of Education today, citing a new legal opinion by state elections officials that restricts political activities by board members
The former CEO of WWE had served on the Board for a little over a year, the first of her political moves towards her first run for Republican Senator of the Nutmeg State.
2010 - WWE broadcast Superstars. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We start off tonight’s show the Raw brand and your announcers are Jerry Lawler and Michael ‘Five Hole’ Cole.
Match Number One: Kofi Kingston and Montel Vontavious Porter versus Zach Ryder and Carlito with Michael Tarver
Carlito and Porter start things off and Porter goes to the floor after Tarver who is talking trash with Porter. Porter pushes Tarver and then he goes after Tarver and knocks him down with another punch. Carlito and Ryder go to the floor to calm Tarver down. Things calm down and they lock up with Porter applying a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Porter with an arm drag and Carlito backs into the corner. Carlito with a kick and punches to Porter as he backs him into the corner. Carlito with an Irish whip but Porter floats over and hits a shoulder tackle. Porter brings Ryder into the ring and he hits a running forearm on Ryder. Porter with the Ballin’ Elbow and then he waits for Ryder to get up but Carlito pulls him to the floor. Kingston and Porter with baseball slides and we go to commercial.
We are back and Kingston with an arm bar on Ryder. Kofi with a monkey flip to Ryder and then he leaps onto Ryder in the corner and punches him before returning to the mat. Kofi with a near fall on Ryder before he tags Porter back in. Porter with a punch and knee to the midsection. Porter with a suplex to Ryder and a near fall. Porter with a kick to Ryder but Carlito distracts Porter and Ryder with a leaping leg lariat for a near fall. Carlito tags in and he punches Porter. Carlito with a neck breaker and then he gets a near fall. Carlito with a rear chin lock. Carlito with a springboard back elbow for a near fall. Ryder tags back in and he connects with a forearm to the back followed by a snap mare and kick to the back. Ryder with a snap mare and drop kick to the back for a near fall. Carlito tags back in and he kicks Porter in the back. Carlito with more punches to Porter and then Carlito mocks Porter. Porter gets up and punches Carlito. Carlito with a drop kick and he gets another near fall. Carlito with more punches but Porter with an overhead belly-to-belly throw and both men are down. Kofi tags in and he hits a cross body followed by a chop and drop kick. Kofi with the Boom Drop and then he gets ready for Trouble in Paradise. Ryder tries to interfere but Kofi deals with him and Porter with a running boot to knock Ryder to the floor. Kofi with Trouble in Paradise for the three count.
Winners: Montel Vontavous Porter and Kofi Kingston
It is time for the Wrestlemania Week recap video package.
We go to commercial.
We are back and we take a look back at the 26 Man Battle Royal because Yoshi Tatsu won and he is in the next match.
Match Number Two: Yoshi Tatsu versus William Regal with Skip Sheffield
They lock up and Yoshi works on the arm but Regal rolls through and reverses. Yoshi with a kick and hammer lock into a side head lock. Regal tries for a shoulder tackle but Yoshi stays on his feet. Yoshi with a few kicks and he gets a near fall. Yoshi with a side head lock and take down. Regal throws Yoshi to the floor but he holds on to the ropes and gets a near fall. Yoshi with a side head lock but Regal with a shoulder tackle out of the corner. Regal with forearms and then he hits a back elbow and butterfly suplex for a near fall. Regal with a chin lock and arm bar. Regal tries for a forearm but Yoshi is too quick with kicks and forearms. Regal with a forearm to the head and then he tries for the running knee but Yoshi moves and hits a back kick. Yoshi with knees into the corner followed by a rolling mare and kick to the chest for a near fall. Yoshi goes up top but Regal moves and Yoshi misses the spin kick. Regal puts Yoshi in the Regal Stretch and Yoshi tries to make it to the ropes and he succeeds. Yoshi goes to the apron and he kicks Regal in the head twice and then gets the three count on a woozy Regal.
Winner: Yoshi Tatsu
We go to footage from John Cena’s appearance on True Jackson VP which will air on Saturday night.
We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time for the Smackdown half of the show with your announcers Todd Grisham and Matt Striker.
It is time to take a look back at Shawn Michaels’ career and farewell speech from Monday night.
Caylen Crot gets on the mic and he reminds everyone who they are and says that they are called the Dudebusters. Trent says that they are the coolest tag team of all time. Caylen says that they met Criss Angel and wonder what the big deal is about Bret Hart.
We see a photo of the Hart Attack on Vince from Sunday.
Match Number Three: Caylen Croft and Trent Barreta versus David Hart Smith and Tyson Kidd with Natalya
Kidd and Barreta start things off and Kidd works on the arm and Trent with a single leg trip. Kidd with a side head lock and take down. Kidd with a shoulder tackle followed by a back kick and drop kick to the head for a near fall. Croft tags in and Kidd with a kick to the leg and then Kidd with an arm bar before he tags in Smith. Smith works on the arm and then he picks up Croft by the arm. Smith with an arm drag take down into an arm bar. Croft with a knee and forearm but Smith blocks a drop kick and tries for the Sharpshooter but Trent pulls Caylen out of the ring. We go to commercial.
We are back and Kidd with a Fujiwara arm bar on Croft and he turns it into a standard arm bar followed by a knee. Kidd tries for a suplex but Croft lands on his feet. Kidd with a rollup but Croft sends Kidd into the ropes and Barreta with a leg drop to the head. Barreta tags in and he connects with a forearm. Croft tags in and he slams Kidd and then he tags Barreta back in and he hits a slingshot elbow drop and gets a near fall. Barreta with a cravate but Kidd with an arm drag. Trent responds with a running back elbow and then he connects with a leaping knee to the chest. Trent with a hard Irish whip and Croft is tagged in. Croft with a knee to the back and he gets a near fall. Croft with elbows to the head and he puts Kidd in a reverse chin lock. Trent tags in and Kidd hits a double drop kick and he makes the tag to Smith. Smith with a flying shoulder tackle and clotheslines to Barreta. Smith with a back body drop and Saito suplex for a near fall but Croft breaks it up. Trent sends Smith into the ropes and then he tries for a tornado DDT but Smith blocks it. Kidd is tagged in for the springboard Hart Attack. They take care of Croft and Kidd puts Barreta in the Sharpshooter and Trent taps out.
Winners: David Hart Smith and Tyson Kidd
2011 - Ring of Honor debuted at the Center Stage Theater in Atlanta, GA, holding their "Honor Takes Center Stage Night One" Internet PPV. Stu Carapola filed the following iPPV report:
Kevin Kelly and Dave Prazak welcome us to the show and run down the card, then send us to the ring for our opening match...
Michael Elgin vs El Generico
The House of Truth is barred from ringside for this match. They tie up and Elgin overpowers Generico, but Generico ducks around Elgin and lays into him with chops so Elgin runs him over with a shoulderblock. Generico continues trying to maneuver around Elgin and unloads on him in the corner, then dodges a charge and hits a top rope flying bodypress. Generico goes for a swinging DDT off the ropes, but Elgin blocks and turns it into a backbreaker for 2. Elgin starts working Generico's back over with forearms and kneedrops, but wastes too much time paying attention to the fans and Generico gets a rollup for 2. Elgin quickly regains control and rams Generico hard into the corner, further injuring his back. Elgin puts Generico on top but Generico fights him off and gets a sunset flip out of the corner. Elgin blocks and tries a vertical splash, but Generico moves and starts nailing Elgin with clotheslines, but can't knock Elgin down so he goes up top and hits a flying headscissors and then a Blue Thunder Driver for 2. Generico goes for the half and half, but Elgin fights his way out and charges Generico in the corner, but Generico nails him and suplexes him into the turnbuckles and covers for 2. Generico goes for the running Yakuza Kick in the corner, but Elgin catches the foot and powerslams Generico into the corner, then rips his head off with a hard clothesline for 2. Generico goes for a powerbomb but Generico backdrops out then charges Elgin and gets caught with a Black Hole Slam for 2. Elgin hits the charge into the corner and goes for another hard clothesline, but Generico moves and Elgin sails out to the floor. Elging dodges a dive, but Generico lands on the apron and tries again and this time Elgin catches him and tries to powerslam him into the barricade, but Generico slips out and Elgin crashes into the guardrail and then follows that up with the diving DDT through the ring and onto the floor. Crowd popped big for that one. Generico rolls Elgin back inside and goes for the Yakuza Kick again, but someone in a black ski mask comes out and grabs Generico's leg, allowing Elgin to nail him and hit the twisting sitout powerbomb for the win.
Winner: Michael Elgin
Solid opener, there was some good stuff in here that got the crowd going.
We go to a video package recapping Eddie Edwards defeating Roderick Strong for the ROH World Title two weeks ago in New York City.
Truth Martini is out in the ring with Caleb Konley telling us that we all can trust Truth Martini, drawing a very naughty chant from the crowd. Truth says Konley has been down the wrong path, but tonight is his chance to prove to the world that he is fit to be the newest member of the House Of Truth. This leads us right into the next match...
Four Corner Survival: Homicide vs Tommaso Ciampa vs Colt Cabana vs Caleb Konley
Konley and Homicide kick us off and Konley gets the early advantage with some armdrags, but the crowd chants "let's go Spanky" at him. Konley tries a drop down and Homicide kicks him in the ribs and tags in Cabana, who chain wrestles circles around Konley and gets a folding press for 2. Konley gets a Frankensteiner, but Cabana gets a flying ass for 2. Cabana tags Homicide in and he hits an overhead release suplex, but Konley nails Homicide and tags out to Ciampa, who immediately find himself eating Homicide's fist over and over. Ciampa tosses Homicide to the floor where Nana lays in some shots and then Mia Yim kicks his head off. Homicide goes back into the ring and Ciampa covers for 2, then boots Homicide in the face and tags out to Konley, who hits a vertical suplex with a floatover for 1. Homicide tries to make the tag but Konley cuts him off and takes him back to the corner and tags in Ciampa, who nails Homicide with a clothesline and rams several elbows to Homicide's ear before covering for 2. Konley back in and continues working Homicide over and catapults him into the bottom rope, which gets him 2 when Ciampa breaks the fall. Konley with a judo throw into a top wristlock with the other arm grapevined. Homicide ducked a big boot and tags Cabana in and he unloads on Konley with jabs and elbows for Ciampa, Nana, and Ernesto, and then a kiss for Mia. Cabana with a Lionsault to Konley for 2 and the Flying Apple to Konley, but Ciampa tags himself in and gives Cabana a neckbreaker. Now Konley and Ciampa go at it, with Konley hitting a running knee for 2. Ciampa hits the powerbomb into a backbreaker, but Homicide tags himself in and covers for 2. Now Homicide and Ciampa go at it, exchanging blows in the middle of the ring before Homicide hits the suicide dive to the floor on Cabana out of nowhere. Ciampa tries a dive onto Homicide and misses, so Homicide gets back in and hits a second suicide dive to Ciampa, then gets back in the ring and tosses Konley as well and hits yet a third suicide dive that wipes everyone out. Homicide rolls Konley in and goes for the Ace Crusher but Konley blocks and tries a clothesline, and Homicide ducks and hits the Cop Killa for the win.
Winner: Homicide
Truth Martini gives Caleb Konley the verdict...and it's a thumbs up. Truth Martini welcomes Caleb Konley into the House of Truth and says today is the first day of the rest of his life...and it's also April Fool's Day. Michael Elgin runs in and kills Konley with a clothesline out of nowhere, then hits the sitout powerbomb. Crowd chants for one more time, but Elgin ignores them and they head to the back.
Sara Del Rey & Serena Deeb vs Ayumi Kurihara & Hiroyo Matsumoto
Matsumoto and Deeb start us off and Deeb gets a go behind into a waistlock and takes Matsumoto down, then stomps the arm. Deeb goes to a wristlock but Matsumoto sweeps the leg and they exchange armdrags in slightly sloppy fashion. Del Rey tags in and gets a "Queen of Wrestling" chant, Matsumoto goes for a test of strength so Sara kicks her in the midsection and tries a charge, but Matsumoto gets the boot up and tags out to Kurihara, and they whip Sara to the corner and hit a trio of running knees. Kurihara with a bridging snap suplex for 2, but comes off the ropes right into a hard kick to the ribs and an axe kick for 2. Deeb tags in and walks right into a hard dropkick from Kurihara, who sweeps her legs and locks Deeb into a hold even I can't identify. Sara comes in and kicks Kurihara in the head and also has one for Matsumoto, giving Deeb an opening to lay in some hard shots, but tries the spear and Kurihara dodges, and Deeb goes to the floor. Everyone winds up in one spot as Kurihara goes to the top rope and hits a big dive to the floor. Kurihara sends Deeb back in and goes for a monkey flip, Deeb blocks and sits Kurihara on the top rope but Kurihara gets a cross armbreaker and slumps backward over the top rope. THAT looks nasty, and Sara must have agreed because she ran across the ring and booted Kurihara in the face. Sara tags in and gets a wheelbarrow flapjack for 2, then Deeb tags back in and hits a hard slam and a legdrop for 2. Deeb with a three quarter nelson, but Kurihara reverses to an O'Connor Roll for 2. Sara knocks Matsumoto off the apron before Kurihara can make the tag, but Kurihara hits a Codebreaker to Sara and finally makes the hot tag and Matsumoto comes in and cleans house, wiping both Sara and Deeb out with a crossbody for 2. Matsumoto with a Torture Rack into a gutbuster on Sara, but Deeb breaks the cover at 2 and then tags herself in. Deeb with some jabs but Matsumoto lays her out with a double axhandle, Sara lays her out with a rolling front kick, and Kurihara hits a missile dropkick to Deeb, kills her with a suplex, and then Matsumoto with a backdrop suplex that kills Deeb even deader than she was before for the win.
Winners: Ayumi Kurihara & Hiroyo Matsumoto
Kurihara and Matsumoto will now go on to challenge Daizee Haze and Tomoka Nakigawa for the SHIMMER Tag Team Title tomorrow afternoon. Haze and Nakigawa were at ringside scouting their challengers, and Nakigawa spits her green mist at Kurihara and Matsumoto and then she and Haze run off.
Kevin & Dave talk about a brawl earlier tonight between the Briscoes and the All Night Express that caused the ANX to get kicked out of the building. We then take a look back at their violent match a couple of weeks ago in New York City and a subsequent locker room fight between the two teams.
Jay & Mark Briscoe vs Kyle O'Reilly & Adam Cole
Mark and Cole start and do a feeling out process, then exchange armdrags and legsweeps before doing the indy stalemate. Jay and O'Reilly tag in and do a mat wrestling sequence, but Jay runs O'Reilly over with a shoulderblock and then O'Reilly reverses a hiptoss to a cross armbreaker. Jay gets out and boots O'Reilly in the face, but O'Reilly makes the tag and he and Cole hit stereo kicks and Cole covers for 2. Jay rams Cole to the Briscoe corner and Mark tags in and delivers some jabs and chops. Cole tries to fight his way out and gets some chops of his own and tags O'Reilly in for a flapjack/bulldog combo that gets 2. Mark gets a chinbreaker and then Jay turns O'Reilly inside out with a running clothesline. My signal goes out for a moment, and when it comes back the Briscoes hit a giant double Beell toss on O'Reilly and then Mark gets a rear chinlock and rams crossfaces into O'Reilly's grill. O'Reilly catches Mark with an enziguiri and tags Cole, who comes in with dropkicks and chops to Jay, then backdrops Jay to the apron and nails him with an enziguiri to send him to the floor and finally wipes Jay out with a high velocity dive through the ropes. They head back in where Jay plants Cole into the mat with a big spinebuster that literally makes the crowd go silent. Jay with some really hard chops in the corner and Mark tags in and gets a vertical suplex for 2, then they hit the double football tackle for 2. Jay with a hard running clothesline in the corner, then a snapmare and running boot for 2 on Cole. Cole dives for his corner, but Jay cuts him off and rams him back across the ring to the Briscoe corner. Mark tags in and chokes Cole with his boot in the corner, but eats boot on a charge and Cole hits a leg lariat out of the corner and makes the hot tag. O'Reilly boots Jay off the apron, then unloads on Mark with kicks, kneestrikes, and sweeps the legs out from under Mark. Jay runs in and nails O'Reilly, but O'Reilly ducks a double clothesline, catches both their boots, and hits a double Dragon Screw and then a missile dropkick to Mark for 2. Cole blind tags in as O'Reilly hits the rolling Butterfly suplexes, a wheelbarrow DDT, and a wheelbarrow suplex that totally pops the crowd, but only gets 2. Crowd start a this is awesome chant as Mark backdrops Cole to the apron where Jay yanks him to the floor. Cole nails Jay and hits a leaping enziguiri to Mark, and then Cole whips Jay into the corner of the barricade and O'Reilly hits his running missile dropkick off the apron to Jay. Cole with a flying bodypres in the ring for 2 on Mark, then Cole gets Mark in a fireman's carry for a top rope double stomp from O'Reilly, then hits an FU onto O'Reilly's knees and a double knockout kick gets 2. Jay pulls O'Reilly to the floor as Mark hits a leaping enziguiri on Cole. Jay tags himself in and hits a Falcon Arrow, but O'Reilly breaks it up so O'Reilly and Mark go blow for blow with Redneck Kung Fu and kicks. O'Reilly charges Mark but Jay superkicks his head off and Mark suplexes O'Reilly right on top of his head, then they hit the springboard Doomsday Device on Cole for the win.
Winners: Jay & Mark Briscoe
AWESOME MATCH! Cole and O'Reilly looked like superstars out there. The All Night Express, who had been kicked out of the building earlier, come out of the crowd and brawl with the Briscoes. A bunch of security personnel run out to try and break them up without much success. King and Titus go for the spike piledriver on Mark on the floor, so Jay press slams a security guy onto the ANX to save his brother's career. The ANX head back in the ring and dare the Briscoes to get in there and fight them as the crowd chants "ANX" at them and then "f*** the Briscoes."
INTERMISSION
Okay, we're back and it's time for our next match...
Davey Richards vs Roderick Strong
Wristlock exchange to start and Roderick ends up in control of Davey, but Davey fires off a kick at him and Roderick bails to the floor for a siesta. He heads back in and they lock up Greco-Roman style, and Roderick goes back to the wristlock but Davey cartwheels out and armdrags Roderick into another stalemate. Crowd is really into this match. Another Greco-Romen knucklelock, but Roderick kicks Davey in the gut and goes back to work on the arm and tries a chop, but Davey dodges and lands a kick. Roderick shoves him, so Davey calmly kicks the crap out of him and hits a snap suplex for 2. Davey with an arm-trap Texas Cloverleaf and turns it into a pinning combination for 2. Roderick tries to kick at Davey's legs but Davey quickly shuts him down and hits a hard slam and traps Roderick in an Indian Deathlock. Roderick makes the ropes so Davey with a side backbreaker and then he goes up top for the headbutt, but Truth Martini grabs Davey's ankle and distracts him long enough for Roderick to hit a leaping enziguiri and send Davey tumbling to the floor. Roderick goes after him and unloads with chops, then sends Davey back in the ring and repeatedly stomps him in the chest. Davey is bleeding from the mouth as Roderick hits a vertical suplex and covers, but Davey kicks out before 1 so Roderick smacks him in the head and repeatedly drills Davey in the face with blood literally splattering out of Davey's mouth with each blow. Roderick with a seated abdominal stretch on Davey, but Davey fights his way out and then takes a knee to the gut for 2. Roderick gets a top wristlock on Davey and turns it into a Million Dollar Dream with a bodyscissors, but Davey reverses out of that and turns it into a surfboard. Roderick kicks Davey in the face to get out and takes Davey to the floor, hitting a gutbuster onto the barricade and then slamming him onto the edge of the ring apron. Roderick is a sadistic dude. He rolls back into the ring and lets the referee count Davey, but Davey beats the count back in so Davey stomps at him and unloads with hard chops, then slumps Davey in the corner and rams his shoulder into Davey's midsection. Davey starts firing back but Roderick with more heavy blows puts Davey down again, and then a side backbreaker gets 2 for Roderick. Roderick with a jarring back suplex for 2 and then goes to a front facelock. Davey regains his base and rams Roderick to the corner, then backdrops him to the apron and hits a leaping enziguiri to send Roderick to the floor. Davey went for the running kick from the apron and Roderick dodges, but Davey hits it on the second try and hits a killer dive to the floor. They head back in and Davey hits a missile dropkick and a big boot to the face. They exchange forearms in the middle of the ring with Roderick getting the upper hand, but Davey hits the handspring enziguiri for 2. Roderick goes for a uranage backbreaker, but Davey counters to a crucifix for 2, then a kick and a bridging German Suplex for 2. Davey gets the anklelock but Roderick counters to the LeBell Lock. Davey rolls Roderick to his back for 2 but Roderick with a pair of hard forearms, a release gourdbuster, and a charging clothesline in the corner, a roaring clothesline, and a Side Effect gets 2. Crowd starts chanting for Davey as Roderick sits him side-saddle on the top rope, hits a leaping enziguiri, and side suplexes Davey on the top turnbuckle. Davey tumbles out of the ring, but Roderick rolls him back in and covers for 2, then hooks the Stronghold. Davey quickly makes the ropes so Roderick unloads with some chops, Davey reverses and lays in kicks in the corner, chops from Roderick, kicks from Davey, lots and lots of chops from Roderick, Davey collapses in the corner and Roderick continues to annihilate him with chops. Davey pops up and unloads with lots and lots of kicks on Roderick, then hits the Alarm Clock, ducks a leaping enziguiri and hits a pair of spinkicks to Roderick's jaw, and Roderick kills Davey with a leaping kneestrike. Both men are down and the crowd is on their feet chanting ROH. They end up fighting out on the ring apron and Roderick puts Davey on the second rope and suplexes him off the turnbuckles and onto the ring frame, and Davey falls to the floor again as the referee puts the count on him. Davey tries to get back in the ring so Roderick superkicks him in the face and sends him back to the outside. Crowd picks up the Twinkies chant as Todd Sinclair counts Davey, who manages to beat the count. Roderick is on him right away, unloading with forearms and chops, but Davey fires up and starts coming back at Roderick, who comes off the ropes and hits the Sick Kick for 2. Roderick with a uranage backbreaker and gutbuster and that only gets 2 as well. Crowd is going nuts for this match. Roderick looks frustrated, but goes for the Gibson Driver. Davey backdrops out and goes for the anklelock and Roderick escapes that, so Davey with a backdrop suplex and a roaring lariat for 2. Davey with more strikes and kicks and a knockout kick to the head, Roderick spits in his face, so Davey with another pair of knockout kicks for 2 and then hooks the anklelock on Roderick right in the middle of the ring. Truth Martini gets on the apron and Davey goes after him, giving Roderick an opening to hit a leaping enziguiri and a vertical suplex backbreaker and STILL only gets 2. Roderick with a superkick and Gibson Driver for 2 and then goes right into the Stronghold. Davey escapes that and goes to the anklelock and now Truth Martini comes in the ring. Davey nails him and Roderick goes for the Sick Kick again but Davey dodges and gets Roderick in the anklelock again. Roderick makes the ropes so Davey dumps Roderick to the apron and hits a leaping enziguiri, then puts Roderick up top and superplexes him into the ring, holds on and rolls through and hits a Falcon Arrow suplex, and turns that right into the anklelock and Roderick finally taps.
Winner: Roderick Strong
This match was just off the charts amazing and totally lived up to the Final Battle match. The crowd loved this, and is on their feet appaluding both men.
ROH World Tag Team Title Match: Kings Of Wrestling vs Charlie Haas & Shelton Benjamin
Crowd does dueling chants as the teams stare each other down. Claudio and Shelton start us off with a tie up, and neither man moves. Claudio flexes at Claudio, so Shelton gets a quick rollup for 2. Claudio sends Shelton to the ropes and Shelton runs him over with a shoulderblock for a quick 2. Claudio scurries over and tags Hero in, and Hero takes Shelton down and tries to mat wrestle him, but Shelton is an All-American wrestler and easily outwrestles Hero. Hero gets the ropes and then goes for a Greco-Roman knucklelock, but rolls through and picks Shelton's ankle, Shelton counters to a duck under single leg and rolls Hero into a cradle for 2. They exchange slaps, so Hero drills Shelton in the face and lays into him with kneestrikes, but Shelton chops him and drives him into the corner. Haas tags in and unloads on Hero with forearms, but eats Hero's elbow on a charge. Hero runs at Haas and ends up taking an overhead release suplex. Haas takes Hero to the mat with an armbar, but Hero rolls out and grinds Haas' face into the mat and then stomps on the back of his head. Hero lays into Haas with chops in the corner, but Haas no-sells so Hero thumbs him in the eyes. Hero goes for a hiptoss but Haas blocks and gets a pair of armdrags and goes to a hammerlock, keeping his hips off the mat to put all the weight on Hero's shoulder. Hero gets a chinbreaker and tags to Claudio, but Haas takes him right down with a single leg and pulls Claudio's kneepad down to do some damage with kicks. Shelton tags in and does the same and DDTs Claudio's foot and slams Claudio in such a way that Claudio's leg lands on the bottom rope. Haas tags in and comes over the top with a vertical drop on Claudio's knee. Shelton tags in and Claudio fires back with forearms, but Shelton gets a rollup for 2 and then goes into a half crab. Hero comes in and kicks Shelton in the face, but Haas & Benjamin recover and get a double back elbow on Hero and a double backdrop on Claudio. The KOW can't seem to get an advantage here as Haas & Benjamin hit stereo German suplexes on both men for dual two counts.
The Kings roll to the floor to try and regroup, and Claudio grabs Shelton and snaps him down on the top rope, then lays him out with a European uppercut. Claudio goes for a slam and Shelton slips out and goes for an O'Connor roll, but Hero blindsides him with an elbow from the apron and then tags in to put the boots to Shelton. Hero backdrops Shelton to the apron where Sara Del Rey grabs at Shelton's ankle, Shelton shakes her off and nails Claudio, but Hero comes in with a running boot to the face and pulls him into the ring for 2. Hero with a baseball slide to the face for 2 on Shelton, then tags Claudio in for a European uppercut that gets 2. Claudio drops an elbow then bars Shelton's arm, Shelton punches his way out and tries an Irish whip and Stinger Splash, but Claudio dodges and goes for a chokeslam, Shelton counters to a rollup for 2, but Claudio hits the chokeslam the second time around and gets 2. Hero is in and hit a Yakuza Kick to Shelton's arm and then a hammerlock backbreaker gets 2. Very cool move, and Hero goes to a top wristlock to do even more damage to Shelton's arm. Claudio comes in and elbowdrops Shelton while he's still in the hold, and then the Kings do the switcheroo behind the referee's back. Claudio presses Shelton over his head and Hotshots him on the top rope, then goes to a sleeper. Shelton gets out so Claudio drops him with a European uppercut and then Hero nails him from the outside. Claudio tags to Hero and then whips Shelton to the ropes and leapfrogs him, and Shelton comes out right into a leaping Yakuza Kick from Hero for 2. Hero keeps kicking Shelton in the face, but Shelton catches Hero's boot and starts firing back. Hero whips Shelton to the corner and hits a leaping elbow and then moonsaults off the ropes, but Shelton hits the "superkick, oh you caught my boot and spun me so now I'm going to spinkick you" kick.
Shelton finally makes the hot tag and Haas is in now and tearing through both Kings with clotheslines and hits a flying headscissors on Claudio and a T-Bone suplex on Hero for 2. Hero lands an elbow, but charges Haas and gets snap powerslammed for 2. Claudio comes in to help Hero out but Haas boots Hero in the face and hits a flying headscissors out of the corner on Claudio for 2. Hero goes for a roaring elbow but Shelton superkicks him in the face. Both Kings are slumped on the ropes so Haas & Benjamin hit a double Beverly Drop for 2. Hero catches Haas with a sharp rolling elbow and tags to Claudio and they hit stereo bicycle kicks to Haas for 2. Claudio gets the Giant Swing into the baseball slide from Hero and goes for the cover, but Shelton breaks it up at 2. Crowd does a "this is awesome" chant as they go for the waterslide elbow, but Shelton slips out and drills Claudio with a DDT and Haas covers for a very close 2. Haas and Claudio go punch-for-punch in the middle of the ring and Claudio hits a pop-up European uppercut for another close 2, then goes for the Ricola Bomb but Haas escapes and hits an Angle Slam. Haas gets the Haas of Pain, but Sara Del Rey is distracting the referee. Hero puts on the loaded elbow pad and goes up top, but Shelton leaps up and suplexes Hero off the top, and Claudio is left with no way out and taps.
Winners and NEW ROH World Tag Team Champions: Charlie Haas & Shelton Benjamin
This was was unbelievable, and the crowd blew up when Haas & Benjamin got the win. Awesome, awesome match and a great blowoff to their feud.
ROH World Title Match: Eddie Edwards vs Christopher Daniels
Eddie Edwards has new entrance music and tights. Daniels is the TV Champion, but the TV Title is not on the line. They do a mat wrestling sequence to start and Eddie gets a hammerlock, but Daniels wedges his way out and catches a wristlock. Eddie tries to roll out but Daniels rolls through with him, Eddie tries another roll but Daniels catches him in a cradle for 2, then gets another cradle for another 2. Eddie chops Daniels and sends him to the floor, and Daniels comes right back in and gets in Eddie's face and slaps him, so Eddie gives him another chop. Daniels takes Eddie to the corner and rams shoulderblocks to his ribs and then stomps him down in the corner. Eddie leapfrogs out of the corner and hits a Frankensteiner and then armdrags Daniels and bars the arm. Eddie takes Daniels to the corner and unloads with a chop, then just stomps him in the face. Eddie with another hard chop and Daniels goes down like a ton of bricks, but kicks out of a pin attempt before the referee can make a count.
Eddie goes for another Frankensteiner but Daniels holds on and catches Eddie in his own Achilles Lock. Eddie makes the ropes and they go out to the floor where Eddie hiptosses Daniels into the barricade. Eddie drags Daniels around ringside to chop him on each side of the ring, then rolls Daniels into the ring and hits a hard back suplex for 2. Eddie sits Daniels up top and goes for a back suplex, but Daniels fights him off so Eddie hits a leaping enziguiri to knock Daniels upside down and then hits a running dropkick from the floor and covers for 2. Eddie gets a rear chinlock and Daniels fights out of that, so Eddie hits an overhead release suplex for 2. Eddie goes for a vertical suplex but Daniels lands on his feet and bulldogs Eddie into the second turnbuckle and then hits a Blue Thunder Driver. Daniels nails several clotheslines and an STO, Eddie hits a second rope Codebreaker and an F5 that gets him 2. Daniels gets a chinbreaker and an enziguiri to knock Eddie silly and goes for a uranage, but Eddie rolls through with an armdrag. Daniels goes up top but Eddie hits a leaping enziguiri and goes for a Backpack Driver on the apron, but Daniels slips out and hits a uranage off the apron and through the timekeeper's table.
Daniels is in the driver's seat now and after taking a moment to recover, he goes after Eddie and slams him on the timekeeper's chair just to ensure that a)Eddie gets more hurt and b)the timekeeper will need to make a trip to IKEA tomorrow morning. Crowd start a "f*** TNA" chant as Daniels grabs the World Title belt and holds it high, then rolls Eddie into the ring and hits a slingshot elbowdrop for 2. Daniels with three bodyslams in a row and then covers for 2. Daniels with a hard kick to Eddie's back and then whips Eddie hard into the corner and stands on his back when he collapses. Daniels stomps away at Eddie's back, then hits a vertical suplex for 2. Daniels goes to a chinlock and Eddie elbows his way out and then lays in a couple of chops, but walks right into a spinebuster that gets 2 for Daniels. Daniels rams Eddie into the corner again and sits him up top and gets a superplex for 2. Daniels puts Eddie up top again and palmstrikes him in the face and goes for another superplex, but Eddie fights Daniels off and sends him crashing into the ring and then Eddie hits a missile dropkick and both men are down.
Eddie with a pair of running boots to the face of Daniels, and Daniels brushes the third aside and gets an O'Connor Roll for 2 and then they exchange pinning combinations for a long series of two counts, but neither man can get an advantage. Eddie dodges a charge and sends Daniels to the floor and follows him with a diving elbow through the ropes. Eddie rolls Daniels back in and goes up top and hits a flying bodypress for 2. Eddie lays into Daniels with a series of chops, and then unloads with Kobashi chops in the corner and hits a Tiger Suplex for 2. Daniels blocks a suplex attempt, but Eddie gets another enziguiri and a back suplex flapjack for 2. Daniels goes for a crucifix and turns it into the Koji Clutch and Eddie crumples to the mat. Eddie goes for the ropes but Daniels grapevines his arm to block him and Eddie is forced to totally turn himself around to get his foot on the rope. Daniels puts Eddie on top and side suplexes him into the ring for 2. Daniels goes for another enziguiri but Eddie ducks and catches Daniels in the Achilles Lock. Daniels can't make the ropes but is able to cradle Eddie for 2. They exchange blows in the middle of the ring, Eddie superkicks Daniels, Daniels hits an enziguiri and a backdrop suplex, Eddie hits a pair of clotheslines and then hits the 2K1 Bomb for 2.
Both men are down, but Eddie regains his feet first and puts Daniels up top. Daniels blocks Eddie and goes for a top rope Angel's Wings, but Eddie blocks and backdrops Daniels into the ring and follows with a double stomp to the back, running kick to the chest, and then tries a powerbomb but Daniels slips out and hits the Angel's Wings but that only gets 2. Crowd is really behind Eddie as Daniels gets a shocked look on his face, but hits the uranage and the BME and that still only gets 2. Daniels is just stunned as the crowd chants "one more time" at him, so he just sits on Eddie's chest and repeatedly drills him in the face. Daniels goes for a second BME but Eddie gets the knees up and rolls him up for 2, then goes to the Achilles Lock. Daniels slips out so Eddie holds on and starts stomping on Daniels' head, but Daniels slips out again and just boots Eddie in the face to get the break. Crowd is going nuts and chanting ROH as Daniels sets Eddie on top yet again and hits another palmstrike, then they go silent as he tries a top rope uranage, but Eddie blocks and hits a top rope 2K1 Bomb and then a conventional 2K1 Bomb in the middle of the ring for the win.
Winner: Eddie Edwards
Another incredible match, putting an exclamation point on both tonight's event as well as the Eddie-Daniels series with Eddie Edwards finally getting his win over Daniels. Eddie extends his hand to Daniels as Daniels stares a hole through Eddie's skull and the crowd chants "shake his hand" at Daniels, but Daniels just walks off, grabs his TV Title belt, and slowly stalks to the back.
Eddie grabs a mic and says that they just had an awesome match and it was an honor to come to Atlanta tonight and the fans made it worth their while. He hopes ROH continues to come to Atlanta year after year, and it's his honor to represent this company as champion and thanks the fans for coming tonight and reminds them to come back tomorrow.
This show was just off the charts, the undercard was great and the last three matches were just off the charts. ROH has already set a standard for the weekend that Wrestlemania is going to have a hard time matching, because I don't think there's anything on Wrestlemania that is going to top those three matches. Big thumbs up for this show.
Thank you for following PWInsider.com's live coverage of Honor Takes Center Stage: Night One. We'll be back tomorrow afternoon at 1pm for the second half of ROH's Atlanta weekend, so make sure to come back then to check that out. Take care, and have a good night!
2011 - At the early evening session of AXXESS in Atlanta, GA, WWE did an angle and match featuring Roddy Piper and MTV star Rob Dyrdek defeating Tyson Kidd and Zack Ryder. The footage would be used for Drydek's MTV show, which Piper filmed some footage for a few weeks prior to the appearance. Piper actually suffered a broken neck during the filming but would not have it diagnosed and repaired for several months.
2012 - Wrestlemania 28 is held in Miami, Florida. Richard Trionfo filed the following PPV report:
Welcome to PWInsider.com's live coverage of Wrestlemania 28!
We open with Lillian Garcia singing America the Beautiful, then we flip to the opening video, and then we're off to Miami for this year's edition of the Granddaddy Of Them All, Wrestlemania 28!
World Title Match: Daniel Bryan vs Sheamus
Bryan gets a good luck kiss, then turns aroundandcatches a Bro Kick from Sheamus, who covers and gets the three count.
Winner and new World Heavyweight Champion: Sheamus
Wow, is that an atrocious waste of time and great wrestlers, or what? Wow, we're off to a GREAT start! You thought we were going to get a decent match out of these two? APRIL FOOL'S!!!
Team Johnny is backstage getting hyped up for tonight's match, and Miz says that losing is not an option. Just like he won the main event of Wrestlemania last night, they're going to win tonight. David Otunga introduces John Laurinaitis, who says that by winning the match tonight, they're going to make Wrestlemania history like when Hogan slammed Andre, like when Austin refused to submit to Bret Hart's Sharpshooter, tonight will become known as the night John Laurinaitis became the GM of both Raw and Smackdown.
Kane vs Randy Orton
Orton fires off on Kane right at the bell and they duke it out in the corner, Kane goozles Orton but Orton fights his way out and beats Kane down and puts the boots to him. Orton trires to do the DDT off the second rope, but Kane elevates Orton onto the top rope and comes in with a big boot to the head. Kane with a snapmare and a basement dropkick for 2, the gets Orton in a rear chinlock. Orton makes it to his feet and they trade blows in the middle of the ring, but Orton comes off the ropes right into a chop to the throat. Kane covers for 2, then gets a side suplex for another 2 count. Orton gets out and gets a neckbreaker for 2, then starts unloading with more right hands. Kane runs Orton into the cornerand gets a delayed vertical suplex for 2. Kane back to the rear chinlock, Orton gets out and counters a side suplex attempt to the over the back backbreaker. Orton with a clothesline, then another one, but Kane stays on his feet so Orton hits a snap powerslam and rams Kane shoulder first into the ringpost. Ortongoes for an RKO, but Kane shoves him off into the ropes and hits a big boot for 2. Kane goes up top and comes off with a clothesline attempt, but Orton dropkicks him on the way down and sets up again for the punt. He charges in, but Kane catches Orton and hits a chokeslam for 2. Kane pummels Orton in the corner with right hands, Orton ducks a clothesline and goes for the RKO, but Orton shoves Kane off into the corner. Kane lands a back elbow and goes to the second rope, but Orton just batters him with right hands and goes up to the second with him. He stops to look out at the fans, but the delay costs him because Kane grabs him by the throat and hits a chokeslam off the second rope for the win.
Winner: Kane
Much better match than I expected coming in, and I was really surprised to see Kane come out on top.
Santino Marella is backstage with Mick Foley and some guy from Deadliest Catch, and Santino promotes a WWE appearance on Deadliest Catch as Foley extolls the virtues of his new low carb diet. Foley puts Mr Socko on, Santino puts on the Cobra sock, and they dig into their crab dinners. Okay.
Intercontinental Title Match: Cody Rhodes vs Big Show
Cody bails out to the floor as soon as the bell rings, Show goes after him and Cody rolls back inside and tries a baseball slide, but Show catches him coming out of the ring and press slams him back inside. Show goes back inside and pummels Cody, hits a Beell across the ring, followed by a big bodyslam,and then chops Cody's chest in in the corner. Show with a big ass to Cody's face in the corner, but Cody dodges a charge in the corner and dropkicks his knees out from under him. Show tries to fire back at Cody, but another dropkick to the knee and Show goes back down. Cody fires repeated right hands to the skull of Show and goes for a cover, but Show easily presses him off at 2, so Cody goes back to the knee. I guess Cody has watched tapes of what Ric Flair did to his dad. Cody goes for a boot to the head, but Show catches his foot and fires back with big right hands. Show charges Cody in the corner and runs into Cody's boot, but Cody goes up top and Show grabs him by the throat. Cody grabs Show's hand and drops down to the floor, then comes back in and hits the Beautiful Disaster kick, but Show counters another one with a spear and knocks Cody out with the WMD for the win.
Winner and new Intercontinental Champion: Big Show!
Sheamus shops at Walmart, and then we see a video of how awesome it is to be a WWE Diva as all the girls talk about how great it is to travel the world and go to red carpet premieres. Then we go to Extra when Maria Menounes interviewed Kelly Kelly about Wrestlemania before Eve and Beth crashed the party and challenged Kelly and Maria to fight them at Wrestlemania.
Beth Phoenix & Eve Torres vs Kelly Kelly & Maria Menounos
Eve takes Kelly to the ropes and nails her, but Kelly slides between the legs and hits a Frankensteiner for 2. Eve sends Kelly to the corner, but Kelly ducks out of the way and rams Eve fact first into the corner. She goes for her cartwheel back elbow, but Eve gets the elbow up and goes up top for a moonsault. Kelly nails her and Eve tumbles down to the mat and then Maria tags in so they can give Eve a double stinkface. Beth nails Maria from the outside and Eve chokes Maria on the second rope. Eve gets a bodyscissors and a rear chinlock, then realizes Maria doesn't know how to take a rear chinlock and gives up. She tags out to Beth, who comes in and boots Maria right in the injured ribs before locking her in a side bearhug. So a non-wrestler with injured ribs is able to survive a bearhug from a girl with arms the size of Beth. RIIIIIIIIIIGHT. Beth drops to hold to knock Kelly off the apron, then tags out to Eve so she can hit the standing moonsault, but Maria kicks Eve out to the floor and crawls over to make the hot tag to Kelly, who comes in and goes after Beth. She knocks Eve off the apron, hits a flying headscissors on Beth, followed by a neckbreaker. Kelly comes off the top rope with a Molly Go Round, but Eve breaks it up at 2. Beth is angry now and goes for the Glam Slam, but Kelly counters to a bulldog. Kelly crawls over to the injured Maria and tags her in, and Maria slowly climbs up top,but takes so much time that Beth comes over and nails her, picks her up in a press slam, but Kelly comes into the ring and spears Beth, allowing Maria to roll up the Divas Champion for the win.
Winners: Kelly Kelly & Maria Menounos
Hey, nothing like making your Divas Champion look weak by having her lose to a non-wrestler who comes in INJURED but still manages to pin her.
The ring announcers informs the crowd that they beat a long standing attendance record in this building by drawing over 78,000 fans to the building, and then Jim Ross comes out to join the announce team for our next match.
Hell In A Cell: Triple H vs Undertaker with special referee Shawn Michaels
Undertaker pulls his hood off to reveal a shaved head and stares Triple H down. They go nose to nose in the middle of the ring and then look up as Metallica plays and the Cell is lowered over the ring, then Shawn calls for the belland we're off. They go toe to toe in the middle of the ring and Undertaker gets the advantage. Undertaker takes Hunter to the corner and pummels him with right and left hands, but Hunter gets a boot to the face when Undertaker charges him in the corner and responds with right and left hands of his own. Undertaker with another flurry of fists and he dumps Hunter out to the floor. Undertaker goes out after Hunter and rams him face first into the ring steps, then Hunter kicks Undertaker and rams him into the cage. Hunter goes for another whip into the cage but Undertaker reverses and Hunter crashes into the steel mesh, then turns around and gets backdropped on the floor. Undertaker with a series of headbutts and then he rams Hunter into the cage again before choking him out against the ring apron. Shawn tries to get Undertaker to back off on Hunter, but Undertaker shoves him off and rams Hunter into the cage again. Undertaker whips Triple H into the ring steps so hard they crash around to the other side of the ring, then rolls Triple H back inside. Triple H reverses a whip to the ropes and nails Undertaker, then gets a facebuster that the Undertaker no-sells, and Undertaker takes Triple H out with another clothesline. Undertaker with the wristlock and he goes to the top rope for Old School, and he nails it. Undertaker dumps Triple H back out to the floor and follows him out, picking up the ring steps and bashing Triple H in the head with them. Undertaker lays Triple H on the ring apron and catches him with a running legdrop. Undertaker brings the steps inside the ring and turns to grab Triple H, but Triple H gets a boot to the gut and a DDT, and just that quickly, the tide turns.
Undertaker goes to reach for the ring steps again, but Triple H stops him and rams him face first into the steps over and over and then goes for the Pedigree on the steps, but Undertaker backdrops him off the steps and onto the canvas. Undertaker with more right hands and now he rams Triple H's face into the steps and comes off the ropes, but Triple H catches him coming in and he hits a spinebuster onto the steps. Triple H goes to grab him and Undertaker catches Hunter in Hell's Gate, which he beat Triple H with last year, but Triple H powers Undertaker up and powerbombs him and then covers for 2. Triple H goes under the ring and gets a steel chairand rams it into Undertaker's ribs, then bashes Undertaker over the back with it. Triple H picks the steps back up and sets them up in the corner and whips Undertaker into them. Triple H dumps the steps out to the floor, then picks the chair back up and nails Undertaker with it over and over until Shawn steps in and tells Hunter to back off. Hunter shoves him out of the way and goes back to demolishing Undertaker with the chair. Hunter yells at Shawn to end it if he wants it over, and Shawn tells him that he knows Undertaker isn't going to quit. Shawn goes to ask Undertaker, but Undertaker shoves him away again, so Triple H with more chairshots and then he tells Shawn to end it or he will. Undertaker tells Shawn not to stop it, so Triple H yells at Undertaker to stay down. Undertaker makes his way to his feet regardless, so Triple H with a chairshot to the midsection and another one over the back, and he covers for 2. Triple H picks the chair back up and nails Undertaker again, and Shawn checks on Undertaker again and Undertaker repeats to Shawn that he doesn't want him to stop it. Triple H goes under the ring and gets the sledgehammer, and Shawn tries to talk sense into him, but Triple H tells him to end it because Triple H will if he won't. Shawn tells Undertaker to please let him ring the bell, but Undertake again shoves him away, so Hunter bashes him in the face with the sledgehammer and makes a cover, but only gets 2. Shawn again tries to tell Hunter to stop, but Hunter shoves him out of the way and tries to bash Undertaker's skull in, but now Shawn grabs the sledgehammer out of his hand and throws it away.
Hunter tells Shawn to end it, and Shawn almost decides to ring the bell, but Undertaker catches Shawn in the Hell's Gate to stop him from ringing the bell. Triple H comes to his best friend's rescue by bashing Undertaker's head in with the sledgehammer. Triple H goes to check on Shawn, then goes after Undertaker, but Undertaker kicks him low and catches Triple H in Hell's Gate. Triple H gets ahold of the sledgehammer, but he drops it. Triple H fades out, but he gets the sledgehammer again...and then fades out and drops the sledgehammer. This was the exact same finish as last year, but this time there's no referee, so the Undertaker is forced to drop the hold. Another referee runs into the Cell to take over as Undertaker chokeslams Triple H, but Hunter kicks out at 2. Undertaker grabs the referee and chokeslams him, then collapses into the ropes from exhaustion. Undertaker picks Triple H up for the Tombstone, but Hunter slips out the back and Shawn suddenly pops up and hits the Sweet Chin Music on Undertaker, followed immediately by Triple H hitting the Pedigree, and Hunter goes for the cover but Undertaker is out at 2.
Triple H has the sledgehammer againand Undertaker is prone on the mat. Shawn tries to shove Hunter back, but Hunter now tosses Shawn out to the floor and then turns around as Undertaker sits up and unloads on Hunter with right hands. Undertaker with a running clothesline in the corner, Snake Eyes, and a big boot. Undertaker with a legdrop and then the Tombstone, and Shawn makes it back into the ring to make the count, but now Triple H is out at 2. Shawn looks completely torn as he sits in the corner watching both men try and get to their feet. Triple H and Undertaker get to their knees and trade blows, then they make it to their feet and continue going toe to toe. Undertaker goes for another Tombstone, but Triple H slips out the back and hits the Pedigree, but Undertaker once again kicks out at 2. Undertaker sits up and grabs a chair as Triple H again gets ahold of the sledgehammer. Undertaker makes it to his feet and steps on the sledgehammer, then bashes Triple H in the skull with the chair, then continues destroying Hunter with repeated chairshots. Now Shawn tries to tell Undertaker to drop the chair, but Undertaker brandishes the chair and drives it into Triple H's ribs before bashing him over the back, then does it again. Shawn tells Undertaker to back off, so Undertaker drops the chair and covers Triple H...for 2.
Shawn pleads with Triple H to stay down, but he still reaches for the sledgehammer as Undertaker slowly stalks him. Triple H tries to drag himself up, but Undertaker blocks the shot with the hammer and looks Triple H right in the eye before pulling the sledgehammer away. Hunter shoves Undertaker off and shakes his head at him, then gives a crotch chop, so Undertaker bashes Triple H in the skull with the sledgehammer, tosses it out of the ring, and stands over Triple H as Shawn looks mournfully out at the crowd. Undertaker pulls the straps down and waits for Triple H to pull himself to his feet, then picks him up for a Tombstone. He hits and makes the cover and Shawn counts 3.
Winner: Undertaker
Both Undertaker and Triple H lie prone in the ring as the Cell raises and Shawn stares down at the both of them with a look of regret. Undertaker sits up and Shawn holds his hand out to Undertaker, and Undertaker reaches out and lets Shawn help him back to his feet where the two men embrace. Shawn raises Undertaker's handand then goes to check on Triple H as fireworks erupt to celebrate Undertaker reaching 20-0 at Wrestlemania. Triple H is still laying on the mat, and now Shawn and Undertaker help him to his feet and help walk him to the back in a great show of respect. All three men stand at the top of the ramp soaking in the cheers and share a hug as we discover that the true most important meaning to come out of this whole situation is that Undertaker 20-0 is trending worldwide on Twitter.
We look at last night's Hall Of Fame induction ceremony, featuring the inductions of Ron Simmons, Yokozuna, Mike Tyson, the Four Horsemen, Mil Mascaras, and Edge. We then see the inductees at the top of the ramp as Howard Finkel introduces them one by one, ending with Edge getting his entrance music for his announcement.
Josh Matthews is backstage hyping tonight's appearance by Flo Rida, but he is interrupted by Heath Slater, who puts himself over as the One Man Southern Rock Band. Flo Rida comes in and Slater suggests that they do a duet. Flo Rida says no, so Slater suggests that he be Flo Rida's DJ and then a backup dancer, but Flo Rida isn't having it. Slater asks what he can do, so Flo Rida says he can hold his mic, and Slater gets ready to get in his face, but Slater straight up launches him into the wall and walks off as Curt Hawkins and Tyler Reks come in and make fun of Slater for getting his ass kicked by Flo Rida.
Brie Bella introduces Team Johnny and Nikki Bella introduces Team Teddy for our next match, with everyone of course wearing color coded t-shirts so we morons know whose team everyone is on.
Team Teddy (Santino Marella, Mofi Kingston, Zack Ryder, R-Truth, Booker T & Great Khali) vs Team Johnny (David Otunga, Dolph Ziggler, Jack Swagger, Drew McIntyre, Mark Henry & The Miz)
Kofi and Ziggler start us off, Ziggler snapmares Kofi hard and whips him to the corner, but eats boot on a charge and Kofi gets a crossbody out of the corner for 2. Truth tags in and he and Kofi hit a double hiptoss on Ziggler, followed by the dancing legdrop from Truth for 2. Ziggler with a standing dropkick out of nowhere and then he tags out to McIntyre, who quickly gets flattened by Truth with a spinning forearm. Khali tags in and he unloads on McIntyre, ramming him into the corner and bashing him in the chest with a big chop and a clothesline. Booker T comes in and unloads on McIntyre, hitting a back elbow and a thrust kick. Booker with a side suplex for 2, but Otunga nails Booker from the outside. Booker goes through Team Johnny one by one with right hands, but Otunga hangs Booker up on the top rope and then Swagger tags in and covers for 2. Swagger with a snapmare and a top wristlock on Booker as Cole informs us that this is the first 12 man tag in Wrestlemania history. Swagger with a clothesline to Booker for 2, then tags out to Mark Henry, who slams Booker hard and then tags out to the Miz, who rams knees to the skull of Booker before connecting with a kneelift for 2. Miz with a rear chinlock and a suplex attempt, but Booker reverses to a suplex of his own. Ziggler with a big elbowdrop, but Booker kicks out at 2, so Miz tags back in and goes back after Booker with another rear chinlock. Booker fights his way free and hits an ax kick, but Henry comes in and hits the World's Strongest Slam on Booker. Khali comes in and lays Henry out with a chop, Swagger and McIntyre hit a double flapjack on Khali, and all heck continues to break loose with member of Team Johnny getting dumped to the floor before Kingston and Ryder hit stereo dives to the floor. Looks like someone's been watching their Dragon Gate USA DVDs! Oksana goes after Vickie Guerrero, the Bellas get involved, and they roll around on the floor as Booker makes the hot tag to Santino, who comes in and cleans house on Miz. Santino with a hiptoss and then he goes up top and hits a diving headbutt. Santino takes the cobra sock out of his tights, goes after Johnny on the apron, then nails Miz with the Cobra and makes a cover, but Ziggler breaks it up at 2. Ryder tags in and cleans house on Miz and Ziggler, and he goes for the Rough Ryder, but Miz elevates him overhead and he takes out Ziggler instead. Eve gets into the ring with him to do WOO WOO WOO, but Miz comes out of nowhere and hits the Skull Crushing Finale on Ryder and gets the win.
Winners: Team Johnny
It was what it was. Ryder looks mad as he gets up and turns around to look at Eve, who kicks him low and walks off looking real please with herself.
We do the segment where we look at all the places people came from to attend Wrestlemania, all the community stuff the WWE Superstars did over the last week or so in Miami, and all the time everyone in WWE spent on Twitter.
We then go backstage to John Laurinaitis asking CM Punk if he's not celebrating because he has stuff on his mind because of Chris Jericho. He says Punk looks angry and like he wants to go beat Jericho up, but he doesn't want a brawl out there, he wants a wrestling match, so he decides that if Punk loses his temper and gets disqualified, he'll lose his title to Chris Jericho.
WWE Title Match: CM Punk vs Chris Jericho
Okay, so as we just heard, Punk loses the title if he's disqualified here. Nothing like last minute stipulations on the biggest show of the year. They tie up and fight over a rear waistlock, Punk takes Jericho down and tries to go behind, Jericho escapes but Punk sits out and goes behind, then fires forearms into Jericho's face. Punk sends Jericho to the ropes and lands a knee to the midsection, then drills Jericho in the face with knees and stomps in the corner. The referee backs Punk off, and Jericho stands up and slaps Punk in the face, so Punk goes back to stomping Jericho's face out in the corner. Jericho with another pair of slaps and then he backs off to the corner, and Punk again goes after him with right hands and knees before the referee backs him off yet again. Jericho asks Punk how his father is, and that enrages Punk, who traps Jericho's arms and rams elbowsmashes into his face American Dragon-style. Punk with a slam and then he goes up top, but Jericho rolls out to the floor, so Punk adjusts and hits a clothesline to the floor. Jericho asks Punk how his sister is, so Punk grabs a chair from ringside and chases Jericho into the ring with it, but catches himself at the last second. He stands there holding the chair over his head as Jericho yells at him that his father's a drunk and his sister's a drug addict, but Punk tosses the chair aside and gives Jericho an opening to hit a dropkick from the second rope.
Now Jericho has the advantage and rams kneestrikes into Punk and then catches him with a running back elbow. They go out to the apron and Punk goes for GTS on the outside, but Jericho slips out and clotheslines Punk into the ring, then picks him up and suplexes him out to the floor, and Punk takes it full on in a cringe-inducing moment. Jericho hits a running punt to Punk's ribs, then quickly rolls him inside and covers him for 2. Jericho with elbowdrops to Punk's ribs and then gets a double underhook backbreaker, a move Punk used many times in his pre-WWE days to welcome people to Chicago, but that only gets 2 for the challenger. Jericho gets a rear chinlock and Punk fights his way out, but Jericho catches him in a spinning backbreaker for 2 and then kicks him in the back and follows up with a senton for a two count. Punk again fires back with right and left hands and tries a crossbody off the top rope, but Jericho grabs Punk by the tights and yanks him down onto the back of his head. Jericho covers and gets 2, then traps Punk in a standing surfboard. Punk mulekicks his way out, then uses Jericho's momentum against him off a bulldog attempt by ramming him into the corner. Punk has the momentum and starts firing back with chops and kicks, a leg lariat, a clothesline, and a neckbreaker for 2. Punk with a running high knee in the corner and then comes out with a bulldog attempt, but Jericho shoves him off and goes for a Lionsault, Punk tries to get the knees up, but Jericho blocks and goes right into the Liontamer, and Punk escapes that and gets a high kick to the head for 2. Punk with a slam and then he goes to the top rope and goes for the Macho elbow, but Jericho gets the knees up and hits a Codebreaker that sends Punk spilling out to the floor.
Jericho goes out and gets Punk and rolls him back into the ring, but Punk gets the Go To Sleep out of nowhere and slowly crawls over to make the cover, but takes too long and Jericho is able to get his foot on the bottom rope. Punk unloads with more kicks, then catches Jericho with a snap powerslam for 2. Jericho escapes a suplex attempt and dumps Punk gut first onto the top rope, then hits the Lionsault for 2. Jericho fires forearms into Punk's unprotected head and then goes up top, but Punk makes it to his feet and unloads on Jericho, even pulling out the legendary Mongolian chop. Punk goes to the top rope and goes for a Frankensteiner, but Jericho holds onto him on the way to the mat and goes right into the Walls Of Jericho. Punk is trapped right in the center of the ring, but fights his way to the ropes and forces the break. Jericho protests with the referee, then charges Punk and gets backdropped to the floor. Punk hits a dive through the ropes and wipes out Jericho, then connects with the running high knee against the ringpost. Punk rolls Jericho back into the ring and goes for a springboard move back in, but Jericho catches him coming in with a Codebreaker and makes the cover, but Punk is out at 2. Punk goes for the GTS another couple of times, but Jericho fights his way out and shoves Punk into the corner and unloads with a running forearm to the back of the head and a kick to the ribs. Jericho goes back to the top rope, but takes too long and Punk hits a leaping enziguiri. Punk carries Jericho out to the middle of the ring, yells "BEST IN THE WORLD!" and goes for the GTS, but Jericho blocks and gets Punk in the Liontamer. Punk doesn't tap, so Jericho turns it into the full Walls Of Jericho, and Punk fights to get to the ropes, but Jericho drags him back out to the middle of the ring. Punk slips out and counters to a small package, Jericho counters to a small package of his own for 2, and Punk counters that to the Anaconda Vice, Jericho uses the hair to roll Punk to his back for 2, but Punk counters back to the Anaconda Vice and Jericho uses kneestrikes to escape and go back to the Walls Of Jericho. Punk tries to punch and kick his way out and finally succeeds and goes back to the Anaconda Vice and Jericho is finally forced to tap out.
Winner: CM Punk
Jericho looks mad as Punk celebrates and shouts out once again that he is the Best In The World.
We visit with the pilots who did the fly-by of the arena with fireworks as Lillian Garcia sang earlier in the evening, and then...SOMEBODY CALL MY MAMA! Brodius Clay comes out to tell us that we're gonna do something special tonight, he wants everyone to get out their phones because WE GONNA CALL OUR MAMAS! Brodius calls his mama on the phone and says we at Wrestlemania and he wishes she was here to see all this greatness...but wait a minute, she is here! Brodius introduces Mama Clay, and his mama comes out with a giant fake ass to dance with Brodius and the girls. As if that wasn't good enough, a whole bunch of other people's fat mamas comes out and dances with their giant fake asses as well.
Before our main event, WWE drives home John Cena's entire issue with the Rock as we see a commercial for the new GI Joe movie, starring the Rock. We see the video packages with the history between John Cena and the Rock, and then it's MAIN EVENT TIME!
Puff Daddy comes out to introduce MGK, who performs the Wrestlemania 28 theme song and gets booed out of the building, and then John Cena makes his entrance and gets booed out of the state. He gives some old bag in the front row his room key and pauses to soak in the...uh, adulation of the crowd, and then Flo Rida comes out to perform the other Wrestlemania theme song. Finally, the Rock comes out to a thunderous ovation from his adopted hometown, and we're off!
Once In A Lifetime: John Cena vs The Rock
Michael Cole notes that not only is this Rock's first Wrestlemania appearance in eight years, but also his first singles match in nearly nine. They tie up, and Cena shoves Rock off. Rock pauses for a moment to consider his options as we have dueling "let's go Cena" and "Cena sucks" chants, then they tie up again and Cena now gets shoved off, and stops to smile like an idiot before going back to circling Rock. Rock with a side headlock, then they trade wristlocks, Rock rolls through and whips Cena to the ropes and gets a series of armdrags and La Magistral cradle for 2. Cena backs off and looks bewildered, but adjusts his armbands and goes back to getting headlocked by Cena. Cena shoves Rock off to the ropes, Rock takes Cena down with a shoulderblock, but Cena comes back with a hiptoss and takes Rock down with a side headlock. Rock makes it back to his feet and shoves Cena off to the ropes, Cena gets a boot to the head, and Rock cracks him with a right hand. Cena gets flustered and charges Rock, but Rock takes him down with a double leg and Cena bails to the floor to a round of boos. Cena tries to shoulderblock through the ropes coming back in, but Rock sidesteps Cena and kicks him hard in the chest.
Cena finally catches a break as he rams Rock into the corner and charges in with shoulderblock to the midsection a couple of times, then runs him over with a clothesline and covers, but only gets 1. Cena gets a laying bearhug, and keeps the hold as Rock gets back to his feet and punches Cena in the face until he breaks the hold. Rock charges Cena, but Cena ducks and pulls down the top rope, sending Rock tumbling out to the floor. Cena goes out after Rock and drops him chest first onto the barricade, then picks him back up and does the same thing onto the announce table. Cena kicks Rock in the ribs and rolls him back inside to cover for a 2 count, then waits for Rock to get back to his feet so he can drill him in the skull with a big right hand. Cena plants Rock with a belly to belly suplex for 2, Rock fires back with right hands, but Cena shoots Rock to the ropes and catches him coming back in a bearhug. Rock tries to fight his way free, but Cena cinches up on the bearhug and Rock again screams in agony. Rock finally manages to punch his way free and hits a quick DDT for 2.
Cena tries unloading with a flurry of punches on Rock, but Rock starts firing back, hits a flying clothesline and a spinebuster, and goes for the People's Elbow. Cena grabs the ankle and tries countering to the STF, but Rock escapes so Cena hits a Blue Thunder Driver and does You Can't See Me and hits the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Instead of going for the cover, he waits for Rock to regain his footing and picks him up for the Attitude Adjustment, but Rock slips out and a double clothesline leaves both men laying.
Both men get back to their feet and they trade blows in the middle of the ring, but Cena ducks a big bomb and hits the Attitude Adjustment. Cena goes for a cover, but Rock is out at 2. Cena picks Rock up, but Rock hits a Rock Bottom out of nowhere and covers for a 2 count. Rock unloads on Cena with kicks and elbows in the corner, but Cena reverses a whip into a side suplex for 2. Cena rolls out to the apron and climbs to the top rope, waits for Rock to regain his feet, and hits the top rope Fameasser, but he still only manages to get 2. Cena goes for another Attitude Adjustment, Rock slips out and picks the legs, and gets Cena in the Sharpshooter. Cena makes the ropes, so Rock pulls him back out to the middle of the ring and tries to reapply, and he is successful. Rock seems to kind of lose the hold, and Cena manages to get back to the ropes and roll out to the apron. Rock goes out to the floor and pounds on Cena as he's straddled out on the apron, and Cena finally tumbles completely out to the floor. Rock whips Cena into the ring steps, and Cena is in a bad way as Rock picks him up and smashes his face into the steps a second time. Rock puts Cena back on the apron and rolls inside, and Cena gets a sunset flip over the top rope and rolls Rock right into the STF. Cena screams at Rock to tap, but Rock still manages to crawl toward the ropes. Cena drags Rock back out to the middle of the ring and goes back into the STF on Rock, and Rock starts to fade out. The referee checks the arm, but the Rock stays alive and manages to drag himself to the ropes and force the break.
Cena crawls over to the ropes to try and regain some strength, but staggers back over to the Rock and walks right into a Samoan drop. Rock unloads on Cena with right hands, Cena fires back, Cena blocks the Rock Bottom, Rock blocks the Attitude Adjustment, and then Rock hits the spinebuster and he hits the People's Elbow. Rock covers, but Cena again manages to kick out at 2. Rock gets back to his feet and picks Cena up, and Cena gets a quick small package for 2. Crowd is split for both men as Cena tackles Rock and catapults him into the top turnbuckle and rolls him up for 2. Cena hauls Rock back to his feet and drives him back into the corner, then sits him on the top rope. Cena goes up and tries for a superplex, but Rock fights Cena off and tosses him into the middle of the ring. Rock is exhausted, but digs deep and comes off the top with a crossbody. Cena rolls through, powers Rock up into the Attitude Adjustment, and covers for a very close 2. Crowd is going nuts as they thought that was it. Cena slowly gets to his feet, goes to do You Can't See Me, but gets booed by the crowd, so he stops and sets Rock up, throws his armband into the crowd and goes for the People's Elbow, but runs right into the Rock Bottom and Rock covers him for the win.
Winner: The Rock
Cena sits on the entrance ramp looking like someone just stole his girlfriend as Rock's music plays and the real top star in WWE celebrates in the ring. That's what happens when you try to be a smartass! Fireworks are going off as Rock raises his fist to the crowd in victory and we go off the air.
2013 - WWE broadcast Raw. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
At this time next week, we will be able to talk about the build to Wrestlemania 30 in New Orleans. Tonight, it is time for the final full show dedicated to pushing the fans towards buying Wrestlemania 29. What new developments will we see on tonight’s show? Will any new matches be announced? Will we get any memorable moments leading into the Super Bowl of Sports Entertainment?
We are in Washington, D.C. and your announcers are Michael ‘The Capitals win the Stanley Cup’ Cole, John ‘Congress agrees on something’ Layfield, and Jerry ‘Billy Kilmer is the new Redskins quarterback’ Lawler.
John Cena makes his way to the ring and he has something to say. John looks around and he thinks about how half the crowd is cheering for him while the other half is booing him. John says that he stands in the middle of a house divided. It is ironic that they are in Washington D.C., the home of the Democrats and Republicans. The arena tonight is filled with Cenacrats and Rockpublicans with all eyes focused on this Sunday and Wrestlemania.
It is no locker room secret that Dwayne Johnson and him do not like each other. Cena says that he respects the Rock for the superstar that he is and the fact that he can be called WWE Champion. Last year, he would have made some rude, over the line comment about the Rock and he would question Rock’s allegiance to the WWE. Then Rock would come to the ring and insult his family and then throw his shirt in a bowl of Fruity Pebbles.
It is much more because Rock is the current WWE Champion. He has done everything that he said he would do and he conquered ‘it’. John says that he will not waste his time talking about Dwayne’s Johnson.
There is a portion of him that feels the way the people do. He will be facing the greatest WWE Champion of all time on Sunday. John says that means a victory for him is impossible? Just like winning the Royal Rumble and defeating CM Punk for a shot at Wrestlemania was impossible. He says that the Rock’s time is up and his time is now.
On Sunday, they might get a moment they thought was not possible in their lifetime. Rock says that he can cope with failure. Cena says this failure will not be like his previous failure. Cena says that he had to deal with his loss last year for an entire year. Cena says that he had to sit back and watch the Rock usher in The People’s Era.
Cena says that he had to sit behind a curtain and debut a new WWE Championship. It was a title defined for Rock and his legacy.
Rock was able to shove his size 13 and shove it straight in his mouth.
On Sunday, we get absolute redemption. He will dominate 2013. In Rock’s first defense of his precious WWE Championship, the Rock will lose it.
The People’s Era will remain. The WWE Universe will remain. The mighty Rock will experience failure. Rock will have to wake up every day and talk to the millions and (cue crowd) millions. He will have to deal with the failure of a title intended for him to be defended by John Cena. Cena will not replace the new championship. He will hold it as a symbol as a symbol that he is better than the Rock.
Sunday is Wrestlemania. He will shock the world and even the Rock will know that it was made for him, but the Champ is Here.
Michael asks Jerry who will win the Rock/Cena match and it is being Touted. Jerry says that the Rock will win.
Big Show, Sheamus, and Big Show walk in the back as we go to commercial.
Match Number One: Heath Slater, Jinder Mahal, and Drew McIntyre versus Big Show, Randy Orton, and Sheamus
Slater and Orton start things off and Slater with a kick. Slater floats over but Orton with a punch and suplex. Sheamus tags in and Orton with a European uppercut and Sheamus with a slingshot shoulder tackle. Sheamus with an Irish whip but Slater with an elbow and punch. Slater with a kick and Drew is tagged in.
Drew punches Sheamus but Sheamus punches back. Sheamus with a power slam and Drew gets into the ropes. Sheamus hits Slater on the apron and Drew with a drop kick from the turnbuckles and Mahal tags in. Mahal kicks Sheamus and he hits a neck breaker and gets a near fall>
Mahal with knees and a cravate. Slater tags in and he punches and kicks Sheamus in the corner. Slater with jabs to Sheamus but Sheamus with a uranage back breaker and both men are down. Show tags in and he clotheslines Mahal a few times. Show with an Irish whip and then he hits a spear. He grabs Slater by the throat as well as Drew. Orton with an RKO to Slater and Sheamus with a Brogue Kick to Drew. Show knocks out Mahal and gets the three count.
Winners: Randy Orton, Sheamus, and Big Show
The Shield’s music plays and they make their way down the aisle and they come together to the ring. They stop halfway down the aisle.
Dean congratulates them on their big victory. He tells them to enjoy their victory because come Sunday, the Shield will not leave them with anything to celebrate. They will be flat on their backs looking at the sky wondering where it went wrong.
Seth congratulates them for finally managing to convince themselves and the ignorant and foolhardy people that they are on the same page. Unfortunately, justice never lies. They know the truth.
Roman says that the truth is that they are not a team. They are not on the same page. These people want to believe in them, but their team is phony. The whole world will believe in the Shield.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Jerry Lawler mentions that Zeb Colter will be wrestling Alberto Del Rio tonight.
We go to comments from Zeb Colter and Jack Swagger from Washington D.C. He says that like Ricardo’s ankle, this country is broken. He knows a man who can fix it. That man is Jack Swagger. Great empires have crumbled because the people became weak. The borders have been weakened and resources have been exploited. Everyone knows why.
It is time to stand up and say no more. In six days, Wrestlemania, real change is coming. Not only will he break the champ’s ankle, he will break the spirits of everyone who has tried to duck the American dream. Alberto will experience change as a Real American stands over Alberto as the World Champion. If you do not like that, you do not deserve to be a Real American.
Matt Striker is in the interview area with Alberto Del Rio. Matt asks Alberto about Jack’s comments. Alberto says that America is the land of opportunity. The Constitution grants freedom of speech. Alberto says that if he does not like what Swagger says, he can do something about it at Wrestlemania. Tonight, he will take care of Jumanji guy. He calls Zeb a piñata that he is about to break.
Match Number Two: Daniel Bryan (with Kane) versus Dolph Ziggler (with AJ Lee and Big E Langston)
They lock up and Bryan works on the wrist. Ziggler stomps on the foot and he works on the wrist. Ziggler with an elbow to Bryan’s arm and then he applies a chin lock. Bryan with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Bryan catches Ziggler on a leap frog attempt and Bryan catapults Ziggler into the turnbuckles. Bryan with kicks of no to Ziggler.
Bryan with a forearm to the head. Ziggler with an Irish whip but Bryan flips out of the corner and then he hits a flying clothesline. Ziggler gets to the ropes to prevent Bryan from applying the No Lock. Bryan takes Ziggler to the mat and he sets for a surfboard but he decides to drive Ziggler’s knees into the mat instead.
Ziggler with a drop kick to the head and he gets a near fall. Ziggler punches Bryan in the head and then he kicks Bryan and punches him some more. Ziggler runs Bryan’s face across the top rope. Ziggler misses a charge into the corner and Bryan with a Tarantula.
Langston and Bryan stare each other down and Kane thinks about helping his partner but he is too far away. Ziggler with a Fameasser when Bryan returns to the ring and he gets a near fall as we go to commercial.
We are back and Ziggler with a reverse chin lock and a headstand to add more pressure. Bryan gets to his feet and he backs Ziggler into the corner and escapes with an arm drag. Bryan with a kick to a charging Ziggler. Bryan with more kicks of no. Ziggler with a kick of his own but Ziggler misses a Stinger Splash.
Bryan returns to the kicks of no. Bryan misses a round kick and Ziggler tries for an O’Connor Roll but Bryan holds on to the top rope and he connects with a buzzsaw kick. Bryan goes up top but he misses a diving head butt when Ziggler moves out of the way. Ziggler with a kick and a sleeper. Bryan escapes and he applies a sleeper of his own.
Ziggler falls back and gets out of the hold. Bryan tries for the No Lock but Ziggler counters with a jackknife cover and Bryan bridges out. Bryan and Ziggler both go for cross bodies and both men go down.
AJ skips around Kane and while Kane is distracted Langston takes care of Kane with a running body block. Bryan with a baseball slide to Langston. Ziggler with a rollup and he gets the three count.
Winner: Dolph Ziggler
After the match, Langston runs over Bryan and then he hits the Big Ending.
Kane gets into the ring and he punches Ziggler and Langston. Kane grabs Langston by the throat but Langston escapes and he hits the Big Ending on Kane.
AJ gives Big E and Dolph the title belts.
We go to commercial.
We are back with the Slam of the Week: Brock Lesnar breaking Shawn Michaels’ arm last August.
Shawn Michaels makes his way to the ring and he has something to say.
Shawn says that you didn’t think they would have Wrestlemania without Mr. Wrestlemania. He says that he loves this time of year. The Road to Wrestlemania is ramping up. We have Jack Swagger versus Alberto Del Rio. We have CM Punk versus the Undertaker. And in the main event, we have John Cena versus The Rock.
Shawn says that is not why he is here. There is one match that he is particularly interested in. The match between Brock Lesnar and his best friend Triple H. It hits close to home. There is a ton of history between Brock and Hunter. Shawn says that him and his arm are part of that history. When this became a situation where Triple H put his career on the line, that is when he got concerned. He has a lot of doubts and a lot of questions.
Triple H makes his way to the ring but there is no GameFountain. There is a hug.
Hunter says before Shawn goes to far with this, he knows what he is doing.
Shawn tells Hunter that he does not think that Hunter knows what he is doing. Shawn says that Hunter is under the impression that their things are similar. They could not be any different. Shawn says that when his career was on the line, he was facing a man who he has the utmost respect for. Shawn says that he knew that his opponent felt the same way. Shawn says that he was heartbroken when he lost and his opponent felt the same way. Shawn says that his opponent did not brag about ending Shawn’s career.
Hunter’s opponent does not have an ounce of respect for Hunter, Shawn, the WWE Universe or anyone else. Shawn says that he knows that Hunter does not respect Brock. Brock does it for money and to hurt people. Shawn says that he used to think that this job was his life. Shawn says that was until he met Hunter because Hunter cares about this more than Shawn ever did. Hunter made this job his life. Hunter is putting his life on the line.
Hunter says that he gets it. Hunter tells Shawn that he loves him like a brother, but he will not be able to talk him out of the match.
Shawn says that he is here to tell Hunter that he better kick Brock Lesnar’s ass. Shawn says that he will be in Hunter’s corner to watch him do it.
Shawn talks about ‘two words’ but before he can say them, Brock Lesnar’s music plays and he bounces on the stage and makes his way down the ramp but Paul tries to hold Brock back.
Paul Heyman says that his client has two words for Hunter but he thinks they are different words than Shawn and Hunter are looking for.
Paul wants to lay this on the line. His client, Brock Lesnar, whether you like it or not, will beat Triple H into retirement on Sunday at Wrestlemania. Paul says that it might disappoint everyone, but that is the point of them being here tonight. Hunter will have to learn to live with all of that disappointment. Triple H will disappoint his father in law, the Chairman of the Board because Hunter will not be able to fight Vince’s battles any more. Hunter will disappoint the Board because he won’t be able to do his job. Hunter will disappoint his wife, but he is probably used to that. Hunter will disappoint Shawn Michaels.
Paul wants to know if Shawn wants to be this close to Triple H when Brock beats Hunter down again and maybe . . . possibly breaks his arm again.
Paul says that they fight with emotion and that is why Shawn was forced to retire. Paul says that his client picked this fight and Hunter answered the call. Hunter should have walked away just like Shawn did when he lost at Wrestlemania. Hunter will not be able to walk away. Hunter will crawl away with his tail between his legs, a beaten, battered, emasculated retiree who let down the WWE. Hunter never beat Brock Lesnar. The same Brock Lesnar who has caused the Cerebral Assassin to commit career suicide.
We go to commercial.
We are back and we take a look back at what we saw in the first 75 minutes of tonight’s show.
Michael Cole tells us that Wade Barrett and The Miz will be on the pre-show.
Miz is at the announce table for the next match.
Match Number Three: Wade Barrett versus Zack Ryder
Barrett with a kick and elbow to the back of the head and a kick to the ribs. Barrett with a suplex and he gets a near fall. Ryder drives Barrett into the mat and Ryder with a double thrust to the throat and a baseball slide to Barrett on the floor. Ryder sends Barrett back into the ring and then Ryder goes up top.
Barrett with a forearm to Ryder and then Barrett with shots to the head and then he kicks Ryder off the turnbuckles. Barrett gets a near fall. Barrett with an elbow drop followed by an apparent suplex but we were busy with the cameras on Miz. Barrett gets a near fall and then he chokes Ryder in the ropes. Barrett with knees to Ryder followed by a boot that sends Ryder to the floor.
Barrett goes to the floor and he has something to say to Miz. Miz gets up from the announce table. Barrett sends Ryder into the ring and Miz has something to say to Barrett. Ryder with a flapjack and elbow followed by a flying forearm. Ryder with a running forearm into the corner followed by punches and the Broski Boot.
Ryder gets a near fall. Ryder gets backed into the corner and Barrett with shoulders. Ryder with knees but Barrett grabs Ryder and pulls him to the mat. Barrett unwraps the Bull Hammer and he connects and gets the three count.
Winner: Wade Barrett
Vickie Guerrero and Brad Maddox are in their office and Santino Marella enters the office. He tells Brad and Vickie that Vince McMahon was yelling in the hallways. Santino says that when Vince is mad, someone gets fired.
Santino tells Brad and Vickie . . . April Fools.
Vickie and Brad whisper something back and forth and they tell Santino that he will be wrestling next.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Four: Santino Marella versus Mark Henry in a Don’t Play April Fools Jokes on Brickie Match
Santino thinks of how to start things off and Mark wants to know if Santino is serious. Santino with kicks and Henry does not move. Henry grabs Santino and Santino grabs the cobra. Henry with a shoulder tackle and then he picks up Santino and hits the World’s Strongest Slam and gets the three count.
Winner: Mark Henry
After the match, Ryback makes his way to the ring.
Mark tells Ryback that he is mad that he didn’t break his bench press record, but that does not give Ryback the right to so call threaten him. Mark reminds Ryback about the No Contact Clause going into Wrestlemania. Mark says that nobody wants to get their hands on Ryback like he wants to. Mark says that he knows that Ryback wants to get his hands on him. There is only one thing that is going to happen tonight and that is smile.
Mark smiles and he leaves the ring but Ryback picks up Santino and uses Santino to knock Mark out of the ring. Ryback tosses Santino onto Henry.
Jack Swagger is talking to Zeb Colter about his match with Alberto Del Rio and we go to commercial.
We are back and Vince McMahon is on Twitter and Michael Cole mentions that Vince has 53,000 followers already.
Matt Striker is with CM Punk and the urn in the interview area. Matt asks Punk if he thinks he is disrespecting the memory of Paul Bearer. Punk says the important question is whether he gives a damn. Punk says that he is trying to get inside Undertaker’s head. He is going to do what no one has been able to do, and that is beat the Undertaker.
Punk says that he will do whatever it takes to win. Taker is coming to scar Punk but Punk only cares about getting the win. Punk says that maybe Taker will get disqualified or counted out. It does not matter because Taker will lose the match.
Punk says that at the end of Wrestlemania, any time someone thinks about the grandest stage of them all, they will think about CM Punk.
We take a look at footage of Jack Swagger breaking Ricardo Rodriguez’ ankle.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Five: Zeb Colter (with Jack Swagger) versus Alberto Del Rio (with Ricardo Rodriguez)
Colter backs into the corner to avoid Del Rio. Del Rio puts his arms behind his back while Swagger gets ready to pounce on Ricardo. Colter grabs a crutch and then Swagger takes Ricardo down. Del Rio with a baseball slide to Swagger. Colter hits Del Rio with the crutch and the referee calls for the bell.
Winner: Alberto Del Rio by disqualification
Swagger attacks Del Rio from behind and then Swagger and Colter hit Del Rio with the crutches.
We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time to smell the Rock and he makes his way to the ring.
Rock mentions the connection that he has with the people is the only reason why he is standing in the middle of this ring, right here, right now. This Sunday isn’t about redemption. It is about the will of the people. This Sunday, the will of the people isn’t for John Cena to find redemption.
The will of the people is to see Rock take his size fifteen and curb stomp John Cena’s monkey ass. The will of the people is bigger than John Cena could ever imagine. If the people will it, they can change the world.
Maybe instead of the Rock visiting this town, the Rock will have to live in this town. Then the Rock would live in a big house right up the road . . . a big white house. Maybe we go from President Barack to President The Rock.
He says that will be a heck of an Inauguration Day. Rock says that he would start off the oath with . . . FINALLY
John Cena lost last year at Wrestlemania. Last week, Rock gave Cena a Rock Bottom. On Sunday, John Cena’s time will be never. It is not about Redemption and it is damn sure not about passing the torch. The only way Cena gets that torch is if Rock lights it up on fire and turns it into the biggest fireball and he puts it up Cena’s candy ass.
Cena is not just facing the Rock, he is not just facing 80,000 strong. He is facing a connection that is world wide with the Rock and millions and millions and millions and millions and millions and millions and millions.
The Rock lives for that connection and on Sunday you cannot deny the will of the people and you cannot beat the Rock.
Rock wants us to smell what he is cooking.
Chris Jericho walks in the back as we go to commercial.
Match Number Six: Chris Jericho versus Antonio Cesaro
They lock up and Cesaro backs Jericho into the corner and he slaps Cesaro. Jericho pushes back. Jericho with a side head lock take down and Cesaro with a head scissors. Cesaro with a side head lock and shoulder tackle for a near fall.
Cesaro returns to the side head lock and Jericho with chops. Cesaro runs Jericho into the turnbuckles and then he connects with a forearm. Jericho with a drop kick and a kick to the chest. Jericho with a chop in the corner. Jericho with a suplex and a drop kick to the shoulder for a near fall.
Cesaro with a European uppercut and then he applies a chin lock using Jericho’s arm. Jericho with a chop but Cesaro with an Irish whip. Cesaro with a shot to the eye from the apron but he falls on the turnbuckles when Jericho hits the ropes. Jericho punches Cesaro and then he hits a super rana and he gets a near fall.
Fandango’s music plays and the United States Title falls further into obscurity.
Sue emerges from the Golden Shower Curtain and then she is joined by Fandango.
Jericho watches Fandango and Sue dancing and then we go to commercial.
We are back and Chris and Antonio remember that there is a match. Cesaro with a cravate. We see Jericho hit a springboard drop kick but Fandango only gives him a two. Cesaro with a stomp on the chest and he gets a near fall. Cesaro with a butterfly suplex and he gets a near fall. Cesaro knocks Jericho off the apron.
Cesaro sends Jericho into the ringside barrier and then he gets a near fall when they return to the ring. Cesaro returns to the cravate. Jericho with a running forearm but Cesaro with a Michinoku Driver for a near fall. Cesaro with the Yodeling running European uppercut into the corner and he gets a near fall. Cesaro with punches and the referee warns him.
Jericho with a shoulder tackle or two. Cesaro sends Jericho over the top rope but Jericho lands on the apron. Jericho goes up top and hits a double sledge. Jericho with a bulldog followed by a Lionsault. Fandango makes his way to the ring but Jericho goes for the Walls of Jericho but Cesaro counters and rolls through into a gutwrench suplex for a near fall.
Cesaro runs into a boot and Jericho with a forearm. Jericho with a cross body for a near fall. Jericho with a baseball slide to Fandango. Cesaro with an inside cradle for a near fall. Jericho with a double leg take down and he gets Cesaro over for the Walls of Jericho and Cesaro taps out.
Winner: Chris Jericho
Before Jericho can release the Walls of Jericho, Fandango attack Jericho and then he kicks him. Fandango goes up top and he sets for the Fandangobama Jam. Fandango asks Jericho if he thinks he is funny.
Fandango goes up top again and hits another Fandangobama Jam.
Fandango gets the mic and he stands over Jericho and he tells him the proper way to pronounce his name.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Stephanie McMahon will be inducting Trish Stratus into the Hall of Fame on Saturday night.
Who wants to see some Touts about Rock and John Cena.
Match Number Seven: Cameron and Naomi (with Brodus Clay and Tensai) versus Nikki and Brie Bella (with Cody Rhodes and Damien Sandow)
Naomi and Nikki start things off and Naomi with a drop kick. Naomi with a leaping butt bump and then she hits a rana. Nikki with a hot shot and she kicks Naomi. Nikki wraps Naomi’s arm in the ropes. Nikki kicks Naomi to keep her from making the tag. Nikki with a hammer lock and she sends Naomi shoulder first into the turnbuckels. Brie tags in and continues to work on the arm.
Brie with an arm bar and wringer. Brie with a leg drop onto the arm and she gets a near fall. Brie with an arm bar. Naomi with punches but Brie sends Naomi to the mat. Brie gets a near fall. Brie continues to work on the arm and uses the ropes. Brie takes Naomi to the mat and returns to the arm bar. Naomi with a sunset flip but Brie gets a near fall.
Brie returns to the arm bar. Naomi with a forearm but Brie with a knee. Naomi with an enzuigiri and both women are down. Cameron tags in and she connects with clotheslines. Brie with an Irish whip and Cameron with a head scissors take down. Cameron with a leg drop to the midsection followed by a kick and an inverted DDT but Nikki breaks up the cover.
Naomi pulls Nikki to the floor. The guys fight on the floor and Cameron with a cross body but Brie rolls through and gets the three count.
Winners: Nikki and Brie Bella
We go to commercial.
We are back and are you ready for an Evisceration? The gong sounds, the lights go blue and Undertaker makes his way to the ring.
Taker tells CM Punk that his historic title reign lasted more than 400 days but the weight on him at Wrestlemania will last an eternity. It was Punk who decided to make this personal. For that, Punk will suffer. Defeating Punk at Wrestlemania is no longer good enough.
The disrespect that Punk has shown Paul Bearer means that Punk will suffer the ultimate price. Punk may be right. In his current state of mind, the streak may come to an end on Sunday. Punk will never live to talk about it.
The Druid Music plays and they make their way along the ramp.
Paul Heyman comes out dressed like Paul Bearer with the urn.
Taker is not entertained and as he makes his way up the ramp, Taker realizes that one of the Druids might be CM Punk. Taker punches one and he grabs another.
One of the druids removes his hood and it is CM Punk. Punk attacks Taker and then Punk hits Taker with the urn. Punk hits Taker in the back with the urn and he tells Taker that it is over. Punk chokes Taker and kicks him. Punk pushes Taker down and then he hits Taker in the midsection with the urn. Punk opens the urn and he pours the ashes onto Taker and throws some in Taker’s face. Punk pours the ashes on him as we go to credits.
2015 - WWE broadcast NXT. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We are in Winter Park, Florida and your announcers are Rich Brennan and Corey Graves.
We start off with Sami Zayn making his way to the ring and he is dressed to address the crowd about what he has been up to since we last saw in at Full Sail.
Sami says it is good to be back. He thanks everyone for their support. He says that he was overseas in Abu Dhabi. It was a great tour and he had a lot of time to think. The timing was interesting. There were some unanswered questions and concerns. While he should have thought it was great to be in Abu Dhabi, wrestling in front of his people, the only thing on his mind was Kevin Owens.
Sami says that he realized something. The Kevin Owens that he was in the ring with at NXT Takeover was not the same Kevin Owens he was in the ring two or ten years ago. He is different as a person. He saw something in Kevin’s eyes he did not see before. Now he has seen it and he gets it. He knows what he is dealing with. Sami says that he has formulated a plan and here it is.
Sami says he is going to use his rematch and recapture his NXT Championship. At the very top of that list and number one on the priority list is to kick Kevin Owens’ ass.
We go to commercial.
Match Number One: Rhyno versus Somebody NXT Did Not Announce
Rhyno runs his opponent into the turnbuckles and he punches him and hits a belly-to-belly suplex followed by a GORE for the three count.
Winner: Rhyno
After the match, Rhyno has something to say. He says that he came to NXT to make a statement. He came here for the NXT Championship. Rhyno asks everyone what do they want? He tells Sami Zayn, Finn Balor, and Kevin Owens it doesn’t matter who gets in his way because the end result will be the same. You will be ripped in half with a GORE GORE GORE.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a Dana Brooke video package. She will debut in two weeks on NXT.
We take a look at footage from last week’s match between Finn Balor and Kevin Owens for the NXT Championship.
We go to comments from Owens after the match. He says he won. That is all that matters. Nobody is taking this from him. Not Finn Balor, not Sami Zayn. Nobody.
Match Number Two: Bayley versus Emma
Emma has something to say to Bayley but Bayley reminds Emma she slapped her in the face. They lock up and Bayley backs Emma into the corner and she gives a clean break. They lock up again and Emma sends Bayley into the corner. Bayley with a waist lock but Emma with a standing switch into a side head lock. Bayley returns to the waist lock and Emma with another standing switch.
Bayley with a wrist lock into a waist lock. Emma pushes Bayley away but Bayley with a shoulder tackle. Emma with a leg sweep for a near fall. Bayley with a rollup for a near fall. Emma with a clothesline and she sends Bayley into the turnbuckles. Emma sends her into another turnbuckle but Bayley pushes her away.
Emma with a kick to the midsection and she sends Bayley into the turnbuckles. Bayley with forearms but Emma with a knee. Emma appreciates some of the aggression from Bayley and Bayley with elbows and she sends Emma into the turnbuckles a few times. Bayley misses a splash into the corner and Emma with the DilEmma. Emma rolls away and marches before hitting the cross body in the corner.
Emma with a dancing cover but Bayley with a rollup for the three count.
Winner: Bayley
After the match, Bayley helps Emma up and she says something to Emma. Emma watches Bayley leave the ring and Emma stays in the ring.
Devin Taylor is with Becky Lynch. Becky asks if she saw Takeover and how she was ‘this close’ to winning the title. She would have won if it wasn’t for Bayley. Everyone has gotten their title opportunities. Even Alexa Bliss has gotten a title match. Becky says she has proven what she can do, but she hasn’t gotten a title match. She says this is her title and this is her empire. No one is better than her. She welcomes everyone to N’BEX’T.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Three: Wesley Blake and Buddy Murphy versus Kalisto and Sin Cara in a Non Title Match
Murphy and Kalisto start things off and they lock up. Kalisto with a wrist lock. Murphy backs Kalisto into the corner and he chops him. Kalisto with a springboard arm drag that sends Murphy to the floor. Blake tries to interfere and he is sent to the floor. Cara with a suicide dive while Kalisto holds the ropes open. Kalisto goes up top and hits a moonsault onto Blake and Murphy on the floor.
Cara gets a near fall on Murphy. Kalisto tags back in and he kicks Murphy and applies a side head lock. Blake tags in and he holds the ropes open for Murphy to send Kalisto to the floor. Blake sends Kalisto back into the ring and he gets a near fall. Blake with elbow drops and he gets a near fall. Blake with a reverse chin lock.
Blake pulls Kalisto to the mat by pulling on the mask and he adds more pressure to the chin lock from the mat. Blake holds on to the chin lock while Kalisto tries to escape. Kalisto with punchers and he gets a rollup for a near fall. Blake with a clothesline and he tags in Murphy. Blake with a snap mare and Murphy with a double knee drop to the head for a near fall.
Murphy with a reverse chin lock. Kalisto with a kick but Murphy keeps Kalisto from making the tag by pulling the tights. Kalisto gets away and he tags in Cara who hits a springboard head butt followed by kicks and a springboard cross body. Cara takes care of Blake on the apron. Cara with a quebrada for a near fall. Cara with a chop but Murphy sends him to the apron. Blake pushes Cara off the apron and Blake with a forearm on the apron. Murphy with a suplex and Blake with a frog splash for the three count.
Winners: Wesley Blake and Buddy Murphy
Devin is in the back with Sami Zayn and Rhyno interrupts. He says that he did not come to NXT to wait in line or earn a spot. He does not care about personal vendettas. The line for the NXT Title starts behind him.
We go to commercial with a Solomon Crowe video package.
Match Number Four: Jason Jordan versus Tye Dillinger
Jordan pushes Dillinger and Dillinger slaps and punches Jordan. Dillinger with a waist lock but Jordan with an elbow and a running shoulder into the corner. Jordan with a waist lock take down and forearms to the back. Jordan with another waist lock take down and a splash to the back for a near fall.
Jordan with an elbow to the ribs. Jordan runs his forearm across the bridge of the nose. Jordan with a reverse chin lock into a rear chin lock. Dillinger with elbows but Jordan with a forearm to the back. Dillinger with a rollup for a near fall. Dillinger with a reverse atomic drop and chop. Dillinger with more chops and a side Russian leg sweep and boot to the head. Dillinger climbs the turnbuckles and he punches Jordan.
Jordan hot shots Dillinger onto the turnbuckles and then he hits an overhead suplex for the three count.
Winner: Jason Jordan
We have a video package for the Hideo Itami versus Tyler Breeze two out of three falls match.
Match Number Five: Tyler Breeze versus Hideo Itami in a Two Out of Three Falls Match
Fall Number One
They lock up and they go around the ring until Itami gives a clean break. They lock up and they go around the ring again. Itami with another clean break. Breeze runs Itami into the corner and he connects with a series of shoulders. Breeze kicks Itami and punches him. Breeze with an Irish whip and he hits a running forearm into the corner. Breeze sets for another forearm in the corner and he connects. He goes for a third but Itami stops him and hits a clothesline of his own. Itami with a knee to the midsection followed by a kick to the chest. Itami with more kicks followed by a back heel kick that sends Breeze to the floor.
Itami with a hesitation drop kick and he hits a flying boot to Breeze for the three count.
Winner Fall Number One: Hideo Itami (Itami 1 Fall, Breeze 0 Falls)
Fall Number Two
Breeze struggles to get back to his feet. Breeze falls back into the corner and the referee keeps Itami away while he checks on Breeze. Itami has to be held back, but it is a trick and Breeze with the Beauty Shot for the three count.
Winner Fall Number Two: Tyler Breeze (Itami 1 Fall, Breeze 1 Fall)
We go to commercial.
Fall Number Three
We are back and the third fall is joined in progress with Breeze punching Itami. Breeze kicks Itami in the corner and he chokes Itami. Breeze with a back elbow and he gets a near fall. Breeze with elbows to the neck and upper chest and he gets a near fall. Breeze with a reverse chin lock. Itami with elbows but Breeze with a drop kick for a near fall.
Breeze with knees to the head and a leg drop for a near fall. Breeze returns to the reverse chin lock. Breeze pulls Itami back onto the mat and he adds his body weight onto Itami. Itami with elbows and he gets out of the hold. Breeze grazes Itami with a drop kick but Itami recovers and connects with clotheslines and hits a leg sweep and running knees into the corner.
Itami goes up to the turnbuckles for a tornado DDT and he drops Breeze on the top rope. Breeze moves when Itami comes off the turnbuckles and Breeze has punches blocked. Itami gets a near fall. Itami sets for a fisherman’s suplex but Breeze blocks and gets a near fall with an inside cradle. Breeze with knees. Itami with a sunset flip for a near fall. Breeze with a near fall. They go back and forth with covers for near falls. Itami with a boot to the head for a near fall.
Breeze with a super kick for a near fall. Both men struggle to get back to their feet. Breeze with kicks to the chest. Itami wants more and Breeze slaps him. Itami with slaps and a back fist and kicks followed by another back heel kick. Itami misses the hesitation drop kick but Breeze misses the Beauty Shot. Itami with a back heel kick and he hits the hesitation drop kick but Breeze with the Beauty Shot for the three count.
Winner: Tyler Breeze (Breeze 2 Falls, Itami 1 Fall)
We go to credits.
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
