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April 30th
On this day in history in ....
1977 - Superstar Billy Graham defeats Bruno Sammartino for the WWWF World Heavyweight Title in Baltimore, Maryland, ending Bruno's second run with the title.
1981 - NWA World Champion Tommy Rich defeated Harley Race in Rome. GA.
1983 - Greg Valentine defeats Roddy Piper for the NWA U.S. Heavyweight Title in Greensboro, North Carolina, starting his third reign with the title. This ended Piper's second U.S. Title reign, and it would be over 15 years before Piper would win the title again.
1985 - Mid-South Wrestling ran The Municipal Auditorium in Shreevport, LA, featuring the following results:
*Tom Prichard beat Pvt. Terry Daniels.
*Dutch Mantell beat Jack Victory.
*Debbie Combs beat Prissy Purcell.
*Steve Williams beat Steve Casey.
*Brickhouse Brown & Brad Armstrong beat the Dirty White Boys.
*Mid-South Wrestling Tag Team Champions The Rock 'N Roll Express beat Jake Roberts & the Barbarian.
*NWA World Champion Ric Flair defeated North American Champion Terry Taylor.
1988 - Jim Crockett Promomotions ran Pate Stadium in Laurinburg, NC with the following results:
*Chris Champion fought the Terminator to a draw.
*Shaska Whatley pinned Kendall Windham.
*Ricky Santana pinned the Big Green Machine.
*Barry Windham beat Rocky King with the claw.
*Nikita Koloff defeated Al Perez by disqualification.
*NWA United States Tag Team Champions The Fantastics beat The Midnight Express, Stan Lane and Bobby Eaton, with Jim Cornette.
*The Midnight Rider & Lex Luger defeated J.J. Dillon & Tully Blanchard & Arn Anderson in a handicap match when Luger pinned Dillon. This would prove to be Dusty Rhodes' last appearance as the Midnight Rider as that angle was dropped.
1988 - WWF broadcast Saturday Night's Main Event on NBC, featuring the following results:
*Hacksaw Duggan beat Hercules Hernandez via DQ.
*Brutus Beefcake beat Danny Davis via submission with a sleeper.
*WWF Champion Randy Savage pinned One Man Gang.
*WWF Tag Team Champions Demolition beat The British Bulldogs via DQ.
*Ted DiBiase pinned Don Muraco.
*Rick Rude pinned Koko B. Ware.
1990 - WWF ran Madison Square Garden in New York City with the following results, courtesy www.TheHistoryofWWE.com:
*Hercules pinned Haku (w/ Bobby Heenan) at 11:51 after reversing Haku's pinfall attempt by sitting on Herc's chest into a roll up
*Paul Diamond pinned Jim Powers at 9:53 by reversing a powerslam into a small package; during the bout, Bobby Heenan joined Gorilla Monsoon & Lord Alfred Hayes in the broadcast booth and provided guest commentary for the next few matches.
*Jake Roberts pinned Bad News Brown with the DDT at 12:55; after the bout, Brown was just able to escape when Jake threw Damien into the ring after Brown had hit the snake bag under the ring earlier in the bout; later in the show, Bad News Brown came back out and promised the next time we see him he would bring his own bag with him after he had got the biggest sewer rat he could find to take care of Damien.
Nikolai Volkoff pinned Jose Luis Rivera at 5:23 with a clothesline to the back of the head.
*Greg Valentine & the Honky Tonk Man (w/ Jimmy Hart) defeated the Bushwhackers via count-out at 13:01 when Luke chased Honky backstage with a steel chair after Honky threw Butch into the ringpost, leaving only Valentine in the ring; after the match, Valentine threw Butch back inside the ring and continued to attack him but was hit by Luke wielding a chair as he attempted to put Butch in the figure-4; the Bushwhackers then knocked Valentine to the floor with the battering ram.
*Dino Bravo (w/ Jimmy Hart) pinned the Red Rooster at 4:45 with the side suplex.
*The Big Bossman pinned Ted Dibiase (w/ Virgil) at 11:18 with a small package after Dibiase put his head down for a backdrop attempt; after the bout, Bossman was double-teamed until he was able to stop an attack with his own nightstick and chase Dibiase & Virgil away from ringside with it; prior to the bout, Bobby Heenan left the broadcast booth saying he didn't want to watch the Big Bossman
*The Barbarian (w/ Bobby Heenan) pinned Jimmy Snuka at 6:40 with a boot to the face and both feet on the ropes for leverage
*Hulk Hogan defeated Earthquake (w/ Jimmy Hart) via disqualification at 8:39 when Hart broke the pinfall after Hogan's legdrop; after the bout, Hogan fought off Earthquake before dropping him with a bodyslam.
1993 - AAA held the first-ever Triplemania event with the following results before 48,000 fans in Mexico City, Mexico at Plaza de Toro:
Konnan must retire if he loses: *Cien Caras beat Konnan (2-0 count out) - Konnan was counted out after Jake Roberts, who was sitting ringside, get involved.
*Hair vs Mask Match: Perro Aguayo beat Mascara Ano 2000 (Jesus Reyes Gonzalez 2-1)
*Love Machine (Art Barr) & Mascara Sagrada & Mascarita Sagrada beat Blue Panther & Jerry Estrada & Jerrito Estrada
*Mexican National Light-Heavyweight Championship: Lizmark* beat La Parka (LA PARK 2-1)
*El Hijo del Santo & Octagon & Villano III beat Fuerza Guerrera & Heavy Metal & Rambo (2-1
*Rey Misterio Jr & Volador & Misterioso beat Los Destructores (Tony Arce & Vulcano & Rocco Valente)
*Super Calo & Winners & El Salsero beat Baby Sharon & May Flowers & Rudy Reyna
*Martha Villalobos & Wendy & Pantera Surena beat Lola Gonzalez & Vicky Caranza & Larrosa
1998 - Chris Benoit defeated Booker T for the WCW Television Title in Augusta, Georgia, ending Booker's second run with the belt. Over the next month, Booker and Benoit would exchange the title several times. They would also engage in a best-of-seven series of matches as part of their rivalry.
2000 - WWE Backlash was held in Washington, DC at the MCI Center. Here are the results:
- WWF World Tag Team Champions Edge & Christian defeated Road Dogg & X-Pac when Edge pinned X-Pac.
- WWF Light Heavyweight Champion Dean Malenko defeated Scotty Too Hotty.
- Big Bossman & Bull Buchanan defeated The Acolytes when Bull pinned Bradshaw.
- WWF Hardcore Champion Crash Holly defeated Tazz, Hardcore Holly, Perry Saturn, Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy in a six-way match when he pinned Tazz.
- The Big Show (dressed as Hulk Hogan and calling himself the "Showster" defeated Kurt Angle in under three minutes.
- Test & Albert defeated The Dudleys (Bubba & D-Von) when Test pinned Bubba.
- WWF European Champion Eddie Guerrero defeated Esse Rios.
- WWF Intercontinental Champion Chris Benoit defeated Chris Jericho via DQ.
- The Rock defeated Triple H to win the WWF World Heavyweight Title. Shane McMahon was the special referee.
2003 - NWA: TNA held their weekly PPV in Nashville, TN. Buck Woodward filed the following PPV report:
NWA:TNA for April 30th began with Jeff Jarrett arriving at the Asylum, escorted by security.
Justin Credible & Perry Saturn defeated The New Church (Brian Lee & Slash, with Jim Mitchell), Ron & Don Harris and America's Most Wanted (James Storm & Chris Harris) in 8:10. The announcers put over how four different factions were represented in this match (New Church, Team Extreme, SEX, and NWA). Surprisingly, they wrestled under tag team rules, with two men in, and everyone else on the apron, for most of the match. Towards the end, the Harris Brothers and New Church battled on the floor, while Team Extreme and America's Most Wanted fought in the ring. In the end, a Harris Twin kicked Chris Harris into James Storm, and Perry Saturn grabbed Storm and hit the Death Valley Driver for the pin.
In the SEX locker room, Goldylocks interviewed Glen Gilberti about Raven going to Team Extreme for help instead of SEX. Gilberti was insulted by it, calling Team Extreme "drug addicts from the Bingo Hall". Gilberti said he was going to confront Raven about his decision, saying he should have come to him for approval first. Gilberti then said that "either way", the NWA World Title was coming back to Sports Entertainment Xtreme.
Goldylocks interviewed Jerry Lynn about being a target in NWA:TNA for people trying to make a point. Lynn said he was tired of being a doormat, and said he was sick of busting his ass for nothing. He said tonight we would all see a brand new Jerry Lynn.
Jerry Lynn defeated Christopher Daniels in 7:06. Before the match, Daniels took the mic and said he had something to clear up. Daniels said that XXX was the "X Division dream team", not Lynn and Amazing Red. Daniels challenged Lynn, saying if he wins this match, Lynn & Red have to defend the NWA World Tag Team Title against all three members of XXX. Lynn countered by saying if he wins, he and Red get to defend the titles against one member of Triple X, of their choosing. Lynn then slugged Daniels to seal the deal and the match started. Lynn dominated the first two minutes, then Daniels took over after a chinbuster and drop toe hold into the ropes. Lots of great wrestling here, as you would expect. Daniels hit a standing moonsault, a Shining enzugiri, and a slingshot legdrop, but couldn't but Lynn away. Lynn dropkicked out of a flapjack attempt, then hit a spear and pounded Daniels. Lynn hit a clothesline and a German suplex for a two count. Daniels hit a legsweep to stop Lynn's momentum. Daniels hit a palm thrust on Lynn in the corner, and hit the Fall From Grace out of the corner for a two count. Daniels went for his double springboard moonsault, but Lynn moved, so Daniels landed on his feet. Daniels charged Lynn, who grabbed him in a TKO. Daniels kicked out at two, and backdropped out of a cradle piledriver attempt. The referee got bumped, and Daniels went for Angel's Wings, but Lynn hit him with a low blow and rolled him up for the pin.
A video package on the "Team Extreme - Sandman, Saturn, New Jack, Credible - was shown.
In the SEX locker room, Team Extreme were getting in the face of Glen Gilberti. There was a lot of trash talking and cursing, and it was revealed that neither side had been in contact with Raven all week.
AJ Styles & D'Lo Brown defeated Sonny Siaki & David Young, with Desire in 9:10. Before the match, an AJ Styles interview was shown, where AJ said it didn't matter who the champion was after tonight, because he was going to get his title shot and become champion himself. The heels managed to isolate Styles for a good portion of the match, before the hot tag was made to Brown. Brown and Styles hit a nice Sky High/neckbreaker combo on Young. Siaki broke up the pin. Styles hit a springboard shooting star press on Young on the floor. Brown hit the Sky High on Siaki. Desire got on the apron, and Brown sent Siaki into her. Desire fell to the floor, and Young went to check on her. Meanwhile, Brown backdropped Siaki into Styles arms for a Styles Clash. Brown followed with the Lo Down frog splash on Siaki and got the pin.
The aired D'Lo Brown's comments on the World title match. Brown said he would be looking for a match with the winner.
They aired a sit-down interview Mike Tenay conducted with Ron Killings and Konnan. Killings talked about being the first black NWA World Champion, and that he and Konnan had hit the same "speedbumps" in the career. Killings dropped the MF a few times, but it was bleeped. Konnan said there was racism in society and in wrestling. Konnan gave the same speech he has for weeks about there not being Latino or blacks in management or announcer positions in wrestling. Tenay mentioned Jonathan Coachman, and Konnan insinuated that he wasn't black. Tenay said they had their forum to speak, but they needed to prove themselves in the ring. Killings and Konnan then ended the interview by playing up black and Latino stereotypes.
Over at the dancers cages, a female "fan" tried to get into it with Lollipop, but security dragged her away.
Raven did a promo about how it was his fate to win the World Title tonight.
Chris Sabin defeated Shark Boy, Jimmy Rave and Jason Cross in an elimination match in 8:10. Tons of highspots and dives here. Shark Boy eliminated Rave at 2:45 with the Dead Sea Drop. Sabin eliminated Cross at 6:23 with the Future Shock (fisherman buster). At the end Sabin hooked the top rope to avoid a Dead Sea Drop and hit a Future Shock on Shark Boy for the pin.
Goldylocks interviewed Erik Watts. Watts talked about how Jeff Jarrett "saved him" last week from Dinero and Laree. Watts had a bunch of weapons, and said he had them to help his friend Jarrett. Dusty Rhodes showed up and told Watts he was full of it, and that he would have nothing to do with Jarrett tonight. Watts pulled out the NWA World Title belt he has been carrying around, and gave it to Dusty, saying he was the real champion. Watts kissed up to him some more and left. Dusty said that Watts was a "crazy son of a bitch".
The events leading to Amazing Red vs. Kid Kash for the X-Division Title were recapped.
Goldylocks interviewed Kid Kash, saying he was still the X-Division champion, since his bout with Trinity last week was non-title. Kash also reiterated that he owned Trinity's contract, so she has been "suspended without pay" by him. He then called Amazing Red a "little prick".
Amazing Red defeated Kid Kash to become the new X-Division Champion in 9:11. Quick paced match until the very end. Towards the end, the ref got bumped, and Red suplexed out of a Moneymaker attempt, but the referee was not there to make the count. Kash reversed positions again, and went for the Moneymaker, but the masked luchador ran in and hit Kash, allowing Red to get the pin. The timekeeper was slow to ring the bell after the pin. The luchador then ran back in, gave Red a reverse DDT, and left through the crowd.
They aired a montage of interview clips from wrestlers talking about the Jeff Jarrett-Raven match. Chris Harris was non-committal as to who he thought would win, Jim Mitchell didn't care (since the New Church wasn't involved), Mike Sanders just made jokes about finally getting TV time, Dusty Rhodes talked about the pressure involved in being a champion.
The "crazy female fan" came back and tossed Lollipop out of the dance cage and started dancing in it. Lollipop got on the mic and ripped on the "fan", then challenged her to a fight. They had a catfight, and the referees broke it up, to the boos of the fans. They got back at each other again, but security came in and dragged the "fan" off.
A video package on Raven and his quest for the NWA World Heavyweight Title was shown.
Don West and Mike Tenay talked about "Anarchy In the Asylum", which will take place next week. Essentially it is a bunkhouse "Gauntlet For The Gold" where falls count anywhere, and the winner will be the number one contender for the NWA World Heavyweight Title. They promised that former champions from the NWA, WCW, ECW, WWE, Japan, Mexico, and Europe would be involved in the match.
A video package on Jeff Jarrett and his problems with Raven was shown.
They did the tale of the tape for the World Title bout.
Jeff Jarrett defeated Raven, with Julio Dinero & Alexis Laree, to retain the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. They locked up, and Jarrett broke clean on the ropes. Raven downed Jarrett with a shoulderblock for an early two count. Raven outwrestled Jarrett, until he slid through the ropes to the floor and Jarrett dropkicked him in the head, between the ropes. Jarrett tossed Raven into the rails. As Jarrett got back in the ring, Julio grabbed his leg, allowing Raven to get an advantage. Alexis distracted the referee, and Julio ran in with a chair, but missed and hit Raven. Jarrett tossed Julio to the floor, and hit a pescado on Julio and Alexis. Raven, who was busted open following the chairshot, then hit Jarrett with a plancha. Raven took over on the floor, and Jarrett was soon bleeding as well. Raven went to put Jarrett through a table, but Jarrett rolled back into the ring, so Raven hit him with a forearm off the top instead. Raven hit a kneelift, and a drop toe hold into a chair for a two count. Both men were bleeding heavily. Raven used a rear chinlock to wear Jarrett down, then kneed him in the gut when Jarrett fought up. Raven went for a sleeper, and Jarrett broke it once, but Raven got it back on. Jarrett slumped to the mat, but fought back up and broke out with a jawbreaker. Jarrett went for a stunner, but Raven shoved it off, and both men fell to the mat. They both slugged it out, and Julio and Alexis tried to get involved again, but Jarrett knocked them off the apron. Jarrett catapulted Raven into the buckles, but only got a two count. Raven hit a superkick for a two count. Raven missed a back elbow, and Jarrett hit the Stroke for a two count. Raven reversed a whip into a DDT for a two count. Jarrett hit a clothesline and both men went over the top rope to the floor. Jarrett put Raven on the table that was set up earlier and pounded him. Jarrett went to the second rope, but Julio attacked him. Jarrett elbowed Julio off him and to the floor. Jarrett jumped off the second rope and put Raven through the table on the floor with an elbow. Jarrett brought Raven back into the ring and hit a DDT, but Alexis and Julio pulled the referee from the ring. The referee ordered them away from ringside. As the referee got on the apron, Raven rammed Jarrett into him, sending the ref to the floor. Raven hit Jarrett with a low blow, and fell to the mat. The Harris Brothers and Mike Sanders ran out, but Brian Lee, Slash, Mike Awesome and Jim Mitchell came out and stopped them, fighting back through the crowd. New Jack, Perry Saturn, Justin Credible and Sandman ran in and attacked Jarrett, handcuffing him, and beating him up including a superkick Conchairto with Credible and Saturn superkicking chairs held by Sandman and New Jack into Jarrett's head. Team Extreme cleared out, and Raven prepared to hit the handcuffed Jarrett with a chair. The lights went out, and when they came back on, Sabu was in the ring. Sabu threw a chair at Raven, then hit Air Sabu on him in the corner to a huge ovation. Sabu knocked members of Team Extreme off the apron to the floor, then hit a chair launch into a springboard somersault senton on members of Team Extreme on the floor. Sabu exited through the crowd, accidentally knocking down a fan on his way out. In the ring, Raven and Jarrett got back up, and Raven slugged the handcuffed Jarrett. Raven prepared to hit Jarrett with a chair, but Raven missed the chairshot and hit the ropes, with the chair bouncing back into Raven's face. Jarrett covered Raven for a two count. The referee was given a key to the cuffs (Mike Tenay said it was a "universal" cuff key) and started to unlock them. Raven went after Jarrett, but the referee backed him up. Raven then helped take the cuffs off Jarrett, and yelled at him to get up. Raven hit a DDT, but Jarrett kicked out at two. Raven picked up Jarrett for a second DDT, but Jarrett reversed it into the Stroke and got the pin. A few fans threw garbage into the ring. Dusty Rhodes came to the ring, shook hands with Jarrett, and raised his arm. A bloody Jarrett celebrated with the belt to end the show.
2004 - Former Major League Wrestling owner Court Bauer and Teddy Hart announce plans to launch a new wrestling promotion, H2 Wrestling, in the summer of 2004. The project, despite some buzz and promise, does not launch and instead Bauer goes on to work for the WWE Creative team.
2004 - Kurt Angle appeared for an in-studio interview on Off the Record in Canada. Adam Lebow filed the following report:
Kurt Angle on TSN Off the Record
TSN @ 6:00 PM eastern April 29th 2004
Show opens with a montage of Kurt Angle entrance and in the ring, as well as with highlights of Kurt being on the show last time saying he will quit when he is ready to quit.
We go into the opening OTR montage.
Cut to a video from Angle warming up at Mania XX in the ring. Michael welcomes Kurt to the show and says he is happy to have Kurt back on the show. Landsberg says they get lots of email when they announce they will have wrestlers on the show, with Benoit it was his climb to the top, Hogan it was about his book and Kurt about his health. Kurt says he had 4 years of great health and then he hit a wall. He had neck surgery last year and will be having another one next month and will be back for Sumerslam. He is happy he has been put in the GM role so that he can still be on TV and develop, but it is hard for Kurt not to be getting in the ring. Kurt says he keeps on coming back from his surgeries to the ring because he did it in 1996 at the Olympics. He was taking major pain killers then and Michael asks what his major risk as an amateur was. He says in the 3rd round of the US Open he landed on his neck and it broke but he continued the tournament. Instead of going to the doctor, he just went to a Chiropractor. Michael asks if he is a danger to anyone in the ring and Kurt says no but Landsberg asks if he is a risk to himself. Kurt says he never would have thought of it until he had his baby daughter because he wants to be able to play with her.
Was it worth wrestling in the Olympics? At the time he thought so but looking back he really shouldn't have. It meant a lot to him and he was blinded by the fact. He had numerous doctors tell him not to wrestle until he convinced one doctor to give him medical clearance. Landsberg asks when his child was born, and he says just before Mania. They show tape of Angle entering the ring at Mania XIX and ask him to comment. Kurt says he had 20% strength in his arm and he just didn't want to hurt himself anymore. However, he was most worried about Brock Lesnar. It was his first Wrestlemania and he is a rookie and he says at the time Brock still didn't really know how to work. It was a really bad combination. Kurt says if he had HHH, Edge, Benoit or Guerrero, he would be fine but because it was Brock, he had to be pretty stupid to do the match. Kurt says at the end of the match, he couldn't even lift his arm and he broke into shock. The EMTs came to give him medical attention and Brock's neck was messed up. It was a bad situation. Landsberg asks if he is happy he went into something 'fake' and Kurt laughs and says wrestling is fake. He goes and says, yes it is scripted but if anyone goes out and wrestles they will see that wrestling isn't fake. They work for 250 days a year. They show footage of Brock missing the Shooting Star Press, and says that was expected to be the finish. Kurt says that Brock was out right away and he thought Brock was paralyzed. He says he went for the pin expecting to win then at that point because Brock wasn't responding to Kurt so he was just trying to end the match. Kurt says the first thing that came to his mind is that the top two superstars are about to go out with injuries. Kurt says that when Kurt Angle is injured, he is looking for the next Kurt Angle.
They come back from break and Landsberg says that Kurt has the ability to be known as the greatest wrestler ever. Kurt says he began to learn how to wrestle on a Monday and by Friday he had his first match. Landsberg says that is a great learning curve and Kurt says it is unprecedented. Landsberg compares Angle to Bo Jackson because Bo lost his career because of injuries. He asks Kurt if he will miss his opportunity because of his injury, and Kurt says yes. He will never be a Rock or Austin and he wants to be the best technical wrestler ever. However, he will never be the best because of the length of his career as he hasn't given it enough time. Kurt feels the company will never push him again because of the risk of injuries.
He compares it to Eddie Guerrero, 2 years ago they could have attached the rocket to his back but they didn't because they wanted to make sure he would be able to stick around, and now he is the champion. He doesn't see WWE being able to do that with him anymore because of his neck. They show old footage of Angle on the show saying that it is very difficult not to take pain killers, as it is the most brutal form of entertainment you are in. They ask if his attitude has changed over the years. Kurt admits that he has taken pain killers and the reason is they wrestle 250 days a year. Kurt believes the NFL is the most brutal sport but they only have to give 100% for 16 games + Playoffs but in WWE you have to give 100% 250 days a year. Kurt says he isn't putting down the wrestlers or the company because Vince has an agenda for everyone and if they screw up with drugs, Vince will fire them. However, he says wrestlers need the pain killers and as long as they take it on a prescribed basis there really isn' an issue. Kurt asks how can you tell someone not to take pain killers when they are in so much pain that they can't bare it and the doctor wants them to take it. Landsberg asks if Kurt wants to get back into the Olympics and Kurt says not anymore. That time has passed and he wants to retire.
Quirky Fact: Kurt Angle tried doing Sportscasting on Fox Sports Net in Pittsburgh before joining WWE.
They come back from break showing a Kurt Angle promo on Rock, Austin and Shane McMahon about Strudel when he was the WWF Champion and Rock was WCW Champion. Landsberg asks if he ever would want to be an interviewer and he says no, because he can read a crowd and play himself but he cant really be the one asking questions. Landsberg asks if Kurt has helped Amateur and Pro Wrestling come together. Kurt says when he came to WWE it was for himself. Landsberg asks if Brock could have happened without Kurt and Angle says no Brock wouldn't have happened because Kurt says he paved the way. Kurt says when he came he thought wrestling was stupid and it was really himself who was stupid. Kurt feels that he has changed the opinions of many Amateur wrestlers because of his cross over. It gives these guys in Amateur wrestling the chance to come and showcase themselves in Pro Wrestling. It is a great job and a great gig. It gives Amateur Wrestling an exposure that it never gets by being on WWE TV and it is a way to make money as there is none in the Amateur ranks. Landsberg asks if Kurt wanted to go back to the Olympics and Kurt says both in 2000 and 2004 but his knee in 2000 and his neck in 2004 wouldn't let him. Now he feels he is too old to go back because Amateur wrestling is really competitive.
E-Mail Question: Your character confuses me. I know the Undertaker isn't really the Undertaker but who is Kurt Angle?
Landsberg says not to answer that because they will do it after the break.
They return from break and Landsberg says he really enjoyed this interview over many of the others they have done. In regards to the e-mail question, Kurt says he just plays himself and isn't a gimmicked character like the Undertaker or a bad ass guy from Greenwich like HHH. He says he has done the nerdy and Tough Guy approach but mostly it is Kurt Angle from Pittsburgh who won the 1996 Olympics. Kurt says that people sometimes ask him if he really won an Olympic Medal. Landsberg says that is the problem with wrestling because people cant always define what isn't real, such as Kurt Angle going through a table. Landsberg asks how Angle has changed since the last time he was on the show. He says 3 years ago he was star struck about being in the WWE and really cared about the business but now his mindset is that he would rather be home with his wife and his kids. He doesn't really need to be the center of attention anymore on TV. They promote the upcoming Smackdown Taping June 1st at the Air Canada Center in Toronto. Kurt says it is the 1st time that all the talent will be healthy and be back in action on that show such as himself, Taker, Mysterio and others.
They thank each other and wrap up.
2006 - WWE held their Backlash PPV. Buck Woodward filed the following PPV report:
Pre-PPV Heat Recap
- Todd Grisham and Maria hosted. Maria got off the first "God" line of the night, saying that as a Christian in Sunday school, she was always taught that God was "undefeated".
- In the only Heat match, Goldust defeated Rob Conway with a quick powerslam in a short bout. Joey Styles & Jerry Lawler handled commentary. Joey Styles & Jerry Lawler talked about God possibly sending down a lightning bolt and hitting the wrong person. Joey then asked God, if "he was listening" to not hit them with one by mistake. They wondered if God would really be involved in the match, or if Shawn Michaels would be in a handicap match with the McMahons.
- During Heat, video packages were shown on the Backlash press conference, See No Evil, Kane vs. Big Show, and Vince & Shane McMahon vs. Shawn Michaels & God, and the main event.
Backlash
Backlash opened with a video focusing on the Shawn Michaels-McMahon feud, followed by a video package focusing on the World Title match. They went live to the arena, where Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler (our only announcers for the show, unless you count Hugo Savinovich & Carlos Cabrera) welcomed us to the show. No mention of why Joey Styles was gone (and I don't recall a lightning bolt coming down).
Chris Masters vs. Carlito.
As Masters made his entrance, the recent events between he and Carlito were reviewed. The two argued as soon as Carlito entered the ring, then Carlito slapped Masters after the bell rang. Masters went on the attack, choking Carlito with his own T-Shirt. Carlito dropkicked Masters in the legs to take him down, then drove him face first to the mat for a two count. They traded punches, and Masters hit a high backdrop for a two count. Masters worked on Carlito's back with forearms, then went for a press slam, but Carlito floated over it. Carlito actually put Masters in a full-nelson to a pop, but Masters broke it. Carlito tried to apologize for using the move, then as Masters charged him, he sidestepped it and pulled down the top rope. Masters fell to the floor, and Carlito nailed him with a pescado.
Carlito dragged Masters back into the ring and pounded him in the corner. Carlito elbowed Masters after Masters reversed a whip, but Masters came back with a powerbomb, throwing him into the turnbuckles with the move for an ugly landing. Masters choked Carlito on the middle rope, then straddled him. Masters delivered a legdrop for a two count. Masters applied a neck vice, then caught him with an elbow as Carlito tried to rally and put him back in the vice. Masters hit a reverse neckbreaker for a two count, then Carlito raked his eyes, but Masters came right back with a clothesline, then pounded Carlito on the mat. Masters gave Carlito Snake Eyes, then called for the Masterlock.
He went for the hold, but Carlito slipped under it and rolled up Masters for a two count. Carlito went off the ropes, ducked a clothesline, and hit a second rope springboard elbow. Carlito booted a charging Masters. Carlito picked up his apple. Carlito threw the apple in the air, and while Masters stared at it, Carlito dropkicked his legs out. Carlito hit a series of clotheslines then a dropkick to the chest for a two count. Masters reversed a whip into the corner, hit some shots to the back, and set up Carlito for a back superplex. Carlito elbowed Masters off the ropes, then hit a standing Masters with a moonsault (actually, he missed for the most part, but Masters sold it anyway) for a two count. Masters tried for a Masterlock, but Carlito slipped out of it and drove Masters head first into the turnbuckle. Carlito then hit the back cracker and put his feet on the ropes for leverage to get the three count at the ten minute mark.
Winner: Carlito.
They went backstage, where Maria said some fans may not be happy with Master's win over Carlito (?). Maria then introduced a video package where they asked fans who would win the main event. No one picked Edge. When they came back to Maria, Lita interrupted, saying she doesn't care what "Roscoe P. Coltrane in Lexington, Kentucky" thinks. Lita and Maria exchanged insults, and Lita noted that after Edge wins tonight, they would have a "private sex celebration" because unlike the people in the arena, she actually "gets some".
Umaga vs. Ric Flair.
Armando came out and introduced Umaga, and as Umaga headed to the ring, they reviewed his attack on Ric Flair from a few weeks ago. Flair took off his robe as he walked down the aisle and they started brawling on the floor. Umaga pounded Flair down on the floor, then tossed him into the ring and the bell rang. Umaga pounded Flair in the corner, but when Armando got on the apron, it distracted the referee and Flair hit a low blow. Flair got some offense, but Umaga stayed dominant. They went to the floor, and Umaga missed a charge and ran into the ringpost. Flair tossed Umaga into the ring and clipped his knee. Flair kicked at the leg of Umaga and hit another chopblock to bring him down. Flair went for the figure four, but Umaga kicked it off, sending Flair into the corner. Umaga hung Flair in the tree of woe, then hit a jumping headbutt to the chest. Flair slumped down in the corner, and Umaga charge into him with a butt bump. Umaga hit a second rope headbutt on Flair, then called for the Spike. Umaga hit Flair with the Spike (thumb to the throat) and got the pin at the four minute mark. No, this is not a joke. Umaga dominated and cleanly pinned Ric Flair in four minutes.
Winner: Umaga.
Backstage, Vince McMahon was getting psyched up for his match. Shane McMahon came in, and Vince stressed that tonight was not a handicap match, that they were facing Shawn Michaels & God. Vince said he could do anything God could do. He spilled a puddle of water on the floor and stepped in it. Vince said he was "walking on water". Vince then picked up a loaf of bread and a fish. He threw them to the side, and then a dozen loaves of bread and fishes came flying back at him. Vince held one of the fish and said "Holy Mackerel". Vince walked off. Shane went to drink out of his water bottle, but the water had "turned into" wine.
Back to the announcers, Jerry Lawler remarked that maybe Vince can forgive his own sins. JR and Lawler then discussed the Mickie James-Trish Stratus feud.
Women's Champion Mickie James vs. Trish Stratus.
Mickie was dressed as Mickie, and Trish was dressed as Trish. Mickie seemed nervous about locking up with Trish. Mickie grabbed an armwringer, but Trish tripped out of it and cradled Mickie for a two count. Trish blew Mickie a kiss. Mickie charged, and Trish matrixed under a clothesline and then backflipped into a headscissors. Trish hit a dropkick, missed a Chick Kick, but followed through and hit a jumping kick. Mickie went to the floor to regroup, and Trish gave her a Thesz Press off the ring apron and pounded her. Back in the ring, Trish Stratus hit a Stinger Splash. Trish went to pound Mickie in the corner, but Mickie dumped Trish over the top rope and to the floor. Trish favored her arm on the landing, and was slow to get back into the ring. Mickie covered Trish three times, but Trish kicked out each time. Mickie argued with the referee about the count, and looked to be trying to buy some time. Mickie stomped Trish, but was not going after the arm, which Trish was clutching. Mickie began choking Trish, and wouldn't stop. The referee disqualified Mickie at the four minute mark.
Winner via disqualification: Trish Stratus.
Mickie walked off with her belt saying "it was all mine". Trish stood up and gestured that he wanted Mickie back in the ring, but she didn't return. Trish didn't lift her bad arm as she gestured at Mickie.
Backstage, Maria apologized for for mistakenly saying Masters won the opener in the earlier segment (which I have been told was pre-taped). She then interviewed Shawn Michaels, who basically said that Vince couldn't deal with the fact that he lost at Wrestlemania. Shawn said that Lexington had "two words" for Vince as he left, and the crowd said "Suck It" as Michaels smiled.
Intercontinental Champion Shelton Benjamin vs. Rob Van Dam. Both the IC Title and the Money In The Bank title shot are on the line.
There was a brief "ECW" chant before they locked up. They went to the mat, and Benjamin outwrestled RVD, slapping him across the back of the head. Benjamin applied an armbar as an "RVD" chant started. Van Dam reversed the hold, then kicked the arm. Benjamin used the ropes to springboard and reverse out of the armbar. There was a "Mama's Boy" chant for Shelton. Benjamin grabbed a side headlock, then hit a shoulderblock. Van Dam leapfrogged Shelton, then used a bodyscissors to get a two count. Van Dam delivered a series of armdrags. Van Dam appeared to have a cut next to his left eye. Benjamin backed Van Dam into the corner on a lockup, then kicked him in the gut. Benjamin punched RVD, who reversed a whip and hit a side kick. Benjamin rolled to the floor and kicked the ring steps in frustration.
Benjamin made his way back into the ring, and hit a knee to the gut, then a kneelift to the chest. Benjamin delivered a forearm, but RVD flipped over a backdrop attempt and hit a spinkick. Van Dam hit some clotheslines and a bodyslam, then went for Rolling Thunder, but Benjamin rolled to the floor. Van Dam hit him with a pescado on the outside instead. Back in the ring, RVD hit a shoulderblock from the apron, but Benjamin gave him a knee to the head on the second attempt. Benjamin then delivered a sunset flip off the apron, powerbombing Van Dam to the floor. Benjamin rolled RVD into the ring for a two count. Shelton choked RVD against the middle rope and hit some knees to the back. Shelton straddled RVD on the ropes, then scored a two count and applied a rear chinlock.
RVD battled up, but Benjamin yanked him to the mat by his hair. Shelton punched RVD on the ropes, then delivered a running knee on the ring apron as RVD was hung over the middle rope. Benjamin covered RVD for a two count, then hit a side backbreaker and went back to the chinlock. Benjamin turned it into a camel clutch variation, but Van Dam made the ropes to force a break. Benjamin slammed RVD, then slammed him a second time. Benjamin went for an exploder, but RVD blocked it. RVD elbowed Benjamin down, then went for Rolling Thunder, but Benjamin jumped up and grabbed Van Dam in a Samoan Drop for a two count. Benjamin put RVD on the top rope, then went for a superplex. RVD punched out of it, sending Shelton to the mat. Shelton got up, and leaped from the mat to the top rope and then delivered the superplex for a two count.
Shelton Benjamin applied a reverse chinlock with a bodyscissors. Van Dam got to his feet and elbowed free, but Benjamin reversed a whip into the ropes. Van Dam put on the brakes, and Benjamin missed an attempted dropkick. Van Dam hit a kick to the head, then dodged a Stinger Splash and hit a pair of clotheslines and a savate kick. Van Dam elbowed a charging Benjamin and hit a springboard kick off the second rope, then a spinning heel kick. RVD hit Rolling Thunder, but Benjamin kicked out at two. RVD powerslammed Benjamin and hit a split legged moonsault for another two.
RVD hit some shoulderblocks in a corner, then went for a monkey flip, but Benjamin landed on his feet. Benjamin went for a kick, but RVD caught it and gave Benjamin a spin kick. Van Dam went for the Five Star Frog Splash, but Benjamin rolled out of the way and Van Dam crashed to the mat. Benjamin spiked RVD with a DDT for a two count, as RVD reached the ropes. Benjamin covered a second and third time (with feet on the ropes) but RVD kept kicking out. Van Dam rolled to the floor. Benjamin went after him, and RVD drop toe holded Benjamin into the security wall. RVD rolled into the ring, and Benjamin grabbed the Money In The Bank briefcase. RVD went for a baseball slide kick, but Benjamin moved and superkicked Van Dam on the floor.
Benjamin rolled RVD back into the ring, and went to the top rope. Benjamin hit a flying bodypress, but RVD rolled through it for a two count. They traded reversals on kick attempts, but Van Dam caught Benjamin with a rana. Benjamin went for the briefcase, and as RVD went after him, Benjamin knocked RVD back into the referee. Benjamin picked up the case, but RVD kicked him in the gut. RVD then hit a Van Daminator with the briefcase and followed with the Five Star Frog Splash for the win at the 18-minute mark.
Winner and new Intercontinental Champion: Rob Van Dam.
The events leading to Big Show vs. Kane were shown. Todd Grisham interviewed Big Show, who had bandages on the side of his left eye as a result of his attack last week. Big Show noted that when he was in The Waterboy he didn't run around freaking out. Show said he doesn't know why Kane has a problem with May 19th, saying it had to be more than just the movie coming out. He said that Kane crossed the line last week, and it would be "an eye for an eye".
Kane vs. Big Show.
Lilian Garcia announced the match from the floor, not wanting to be in the ring with Kane. Kane fired off some punches to start the match, but Big Show lifted Kane and gave him a press slam. Show chopped Kane in the corner twice, but ran into a Kane boot. Kane went for Show's eye, but Show attacked Kane's arm, hitting it and lifting Kane in an armwringer. Show hit a shoulderblock and Kane fell to the floor, but Show went after him and tossed him back in. Kane kicked Show while Show was on the ring apron, then rammed him into the ringpost. Show rolled back into the ring and Kane kicked him in the shoulder. Kane drove a knee into the shoulder, then wrapped his arm around the top rope and yanked on it. Kane hit a clothesline in the corner, then hit a flying clothesline to take Show down.
Kane went for am armwringer, but Show slammed Kane. Show missed an elbowdrop, and Kane stomped Show's arm. Kane kept working on the arm, applying an armbar on the mat. Show got to his feet and headbutted out of the hold. Show went for a choke, but Kane hit his arm, then applied an overhead wristlock (Show was down on one knee). Show powered out of the hold, but Kane hit him with a boot to the face. Kane went to the top rope, but Show blocked whatever Kane was going for as he came off the top rope. Show hit a fallaway slam, then a clothesline, then hit a reverse avalanche in the corner. Show hit a shoulderblock, and called for the chokeslam. Show went for the hold, but Kane sort of reversed it into a cross armbreaker-style DDT. Show kicked out at two.
Show hit (actually missed badly) a boot to the face, then delivered a legdrop for a two count. Show went for a slam, but Kane floated over it and hit a punch. Kane then walked into a Big Show powerslam for a two count. Big Show gestured that he was going to go after Kane's eye, but Kane raked Show's bad eye, then kicked him to the floor. Kane went to the floor, but the lights in the arena turned red, with voices saying "May 19th, it is going to happen again, you can't stop it, you can't control it". Kane got into the ring, freaking out, ramming his head into the turnbuckles and hitting himself in the head. Show got in, saw what was going on, then went out of the ring and got a chair. The lights were still red, and Show seemed to be having second thoughts about it, but then blasted Kane with the chair at the ten minute mark. As soon as Show hit Kane, the lights went back to normal, and the voices stopped. Show left the ring and walked away. Kane sat up in the ring, and smiled and laughed. They never rang a bell or announced a result. The fans booed.
Winner: Kane via disqualification or a no-contest or something.
Backstage, Candice told Vince McMahon that she had a chest cold, and asked Vince to lay "healing hands" on her. After some discussion over where Vince should lay his hands, he "healed her", complete with Candice yelling like she was in a bad exorcist bit or something. I guess she is in a bad exorcist bit. Candice went down on the couch, moaning, and Vince was about to heal her some more, but Shane came in and told Vince their match was next. Jim Ross asked "What the hell" that was, and said Vince has "lost it".
The events leading to the McMahons vs. Shawn Michaels & God were shown.
Vince & Shane McMahon vs. Shawn Michaels & God.
Shane and Vince made separate entrances. Vince then took the mic and talked about Shawn's partner, then introduced "God". A white spotlight, accompanied by heavenly music, came down the aisle. Vince stopped the spotlight in the middle of the aisle. Vince said this was "his house" and the entrance had to be done WWE-style. He said God had to get "jiggy" with it, and had funk music play as the spotlight circled ringside and "entered" the ring. Vince was dancing the whole time. Vince accused the white spotlight, or God, of trying to sneak up on him. Vince told the referee to "check him out". The referee wondered what he was supposed to check, and Vince slapped him, saying he might have something up his sleeve. Vince then said God could "bring it" since it was now a no-DQ, No Holds Barred match. Vince's diatribe was then interrupted by Shawn Michaels' music, and HBK made his way to the ring.
Shawn slapped Vince when he tried to continue to speak, and the match was underway. Michaels knocked Shane around, then gave Vince a pescado on the floor. Shawn got back in the ring, and clotheslined Shane out, then skinned the cat back in. Shawn gave Shane a tope con hilo. There was an "HBK" chant. Shawn chopped Shane up the ramp, and the went up to the stage. Shane hit some knees to the gut and decked Michaels with a series of right hands. Shane went for a piledriver on the stage, but Michaels backdropped him. Vince showed up with a chair, but Michaels cut him off and knocked him down. Michaels rammed Shane into a steel part of the set. Michaels then gave Vince a cross bodyblock, taking them both off the stage and through a wooden stage below.
Michaels slowly got out of the wreckage and made his way to the top stage again, where Shane met him with a chairshot to the head. Shane then climbed down to check on his dad. Michaels was busted open. Shane revived his dad a bit, then went back to Michaels and pounded him with punches. Shane punched and kicked Michaels back down the ramp, as Vince was still recovering from the fall through the wooden stage. Shane and Michaels made it back to ringside, and Shane rammed Michaels into the ringpost. Shane pounded Michaels and then armdragged Michaels into the security wall before tossing him into the ring. Shane punched and kicked Michaels, as Vince was finally back at ringside. Shane gave Michaels a back suplex, then went to the top rope. Shane missed a top rope elbowdrop. Vince was now on the ring apron.
Shawn and Shane exchanged punches, then Shane grabbed him with a DDT. Vince asked for the tag, and Shane gave it to him. Vince took off his belt and whipped Shawn Michaels across the back. Vince wrapped the belt around his fist and punched Michaels down. Vince lifted a bloody Michaels off the mat and decked him again. Vince called for a weapon, and Shane went under the ring for a garbage can. Vince nailed Michaels in the head with the can, then called for the microphone. Vince mocked "God" (although no one was in the corner), asked what God was "going to do about it". Vince acted like God had gotten off the ring apron and was heading up the aisle. Vince said Michaels was "made in his own image" and that he was a "piece of crap". Vince said "God has left the building".
Vince lifted Shawn off the mat, and said he was going to "kick his teeth in". Vince went for a superkick, but Michaels caught it and knocked Vince down with a forearm. Michaels kipped up, and Shane McMahon came at him with a chair. Michaels ducked, and Shane whacked Vince in the head with the chair by mistake. Michaels gave Shane a forearm and a reverse atomic drop, then a slew of clotheslines. Michaels slammed Shane, then delivered a top rope elbowdrop. Michaels started to stomp in the corner, then nailed Shane with a superkick, then nailed Vince with a superkick. Michaels did a crotch chop, and there was a brief "DX" chant. Michaels went under the ring for some tables. Michaels set up two tables in the ring, next to each other. Michaels put Vince on one and Shane on the other, then went and pulled out a very tall ladder.
Michaels climbed to the top of the ladder, and the Spirit Squad came to ringside. Shawn jumped off the ladder onto the Squad at ringside, taking down all of them. There was a brief "Holy S***" chant, then a louder "HBK" chant. Michaels brawled with the Spirit Squad, but eventually the numbers overtook him and the Squad pounded him at ringside. They stomped him down, and the Squad pulled the McMahons off the tables in the ring. They took the ladder out of the ring (to boos), and rolled Michaels into the ring. The Spirit Squad did their Lift Slam spot, putting Michaels through a table. They put Vince on top, and left the ring. Vince hooked Michaels' leg for the three count. at the twenty minute mark. Jim Ross said it was "Bulls***" and then apologized twice.
Winners: Vince McMahon & Shane McMahon.
The Spirit Squad helped the McMahons out of the ring. Lawler noted it was "The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit Squad", while Ross noted it was a seven-on-one handicap match. On the stage, the Squad lifted the McMahons onto their shoulders.
Todd Grisham interviewed John Cena, saying he was a "controversial WWE champion" and that some fans like him and some don't. Cena thanked Grisham for watching the show. Cena pointed out that he could lose the title tonight without being beaten. Cena said the "silence" was the fans that wanted Edge to win, then relented that there were some fans that did want Triple H to win. Cena said the one voice that would be heard over all others was Lilian Garcia, announcing that he was still the WWE Champion (that was greeted with boos).
Jim Ross announced that Trish Stratus had dislocated her shoulder, but that it had been put back into place, and that she would be having an MRI.
Striker came to the ring, his classroom set already in the ring. Striker got on the mic, and said there was another miracle taking place tonight ... an intelligent person in Kentucky. Striker said Kentucky was famous for fried chicken and illegally recruited basketball players. Striker said Kentucky was not famous for being an educated state. Striker informed the crowd that he would be their teacher. Striker said he found the smartest man in Kentucky, and introduced Eugene.
Striker said Eugene was a reason to not marry your cousin. Striker said he brought out Eugene to make an example out of him. Striker said he was willing to bet that Eugene couldn't spell his own name. Striker gave Eugene a piece of chalk to write his name, then the camera conveniently didn't show the blackboard. We then saw that Eugene wrote "Loves Poop" under where Matt Striker had written his name earlier. Eugene tried to start a "You Love Poop" chant. Striker then caught Eugene picking his nose. Eugene was about to eat it, but Striker stopped him. Striker explained to him that you don't pick your nose and eat it. Eugene stuck the booger in Striker's mouth. Striker was disgusted and went to hit Eugene, but Eugene gave him a stunner and ran off. An angry Striker was shown getting up in the ring. Striker ran off, looking for Eugene.
The events leading to John Cena vs. Edge vs. Triple H were shown.
WWE Champion John Cena vs. Edge vs. Triple H.
Edge came out first, to a mixed reaction. Triple H was next, getting more cheers than Edge, to my ears. Cena then came out to boos punctuated by screams from girls and kids (in other words, what has become his usual reaction). At the bell, Edge told Triple H and Cena they could fight, and stepped onto the floor. Cena and Triple H went chest to chest, then started trading punches. Cena hit two shoulderblocks and a cradle suplex, but Edge slid in and broke up the cover, then slid back out. Triple H hit a reverse atomic drop, and traded punches with Cena. Triple H hit a jumping knee, but Edge slid in and broke up his cover on Cena. Edge went to the apron, and continued to watch as Cena and Triple H slugged it out. They went back and forth with punches, then both stopped and looked at Edge. Cena and Triple H pulled Edge into the ring and then took turns punching him.
Cena clotheslined Edge to the floor, then went after him and rammed him into the announcers table. Triple H came out and showed Cena how to do it right. This went back and forth, with Triple H and Cena taking turns ramming Edge into the table, trying to one-up the other. Back in the ring, Triple H hit Cena from behind and flung him out of the ring. Edge grabbed Triple H by the trunks and pulled him into the turnbuckles, then knocked him onto the ring apron, where he stomped him. Triple H got to his feet and knocked Edge down, but Cena yanked Triple H off the apron and to the floor. Cena gave Edge a top rope splash, then hit a side suplex into a powerbomb. Cena did the "You Can't See Me" and went to bounce off the ropes, but Lita pulled the ropes down and Cena fell to the floor. Triple H rammed Cena into the ringsteps.
In the ring, Triple H gave Edge a facecrusher on a knee, then hit a clothesline for a two count. Triple H pounded Edge, but Edge caught him with a boot to the face. Edge ran into a Triple H spinebuster, and Triple H scored a two count. Edge floated over a suplex attempt and yanked Triple H to the mat for a two count. Triple H applied a sleeper, but Edge reversed into his own sleeper. Cena came into the ring and scooped up Triple H and Edge over his shoulders, as if he was going to FU both of them. Edge slid off and speared Cena, while he was still holding Triple H. Triple H and Edge rolled to the floor, where Edge catapulted Triple H into the ringpost. Triple H was instantly gushing blood out of the forehead. Edge put Triple H on the Spanish announcers table and delivered an Implant DDT. Triple H bounced off the table, and there as a LOT of blood coming out of his head.
Back in the ring, Edge hit a top rope dropkick on Cena for a two count. Edge stomped down Cena in a corner, then hit a shoulderblock in the opposite corner. Edge went for a DDT, but Cena grabbed a drop toe hold and applied an STFU. Edge went towards the ropes, but Triple H, from ringside, stopped his hand, afraid that Edge was going to tap out. Triple H then blasted Cena with the microphone to break up the hold. Edge rolled to the floor, where the bloody Triple H collapsed as well. Triple H got up, as did Edge, and Triple H blasted Edge with a chair, sending Edge over the security wall and into the front row.
Triple H got into the ring, and I can't emphasize how bloody he was, and Cena put him in the STFU. Triple H struggled in the hold, and his arm went limp. The referee checked it twice, but on the third time, Triple H kept it up. Triple H powered up and made it to the ropes. Cena went for an FU, Triple H slid out and went for a Pedigree, but Cena tripped out of it and applied the STFU again. Triple H struggled in the hold, and Edge was back at ringside and climbing the ropes. Triple H made the ropes, and Cena released his hold and went to battled Edge on the ropes. Cena grabbed Edge for a second rope FU, but Triple H got behind him and lifted Cena on his shoulders, dropping back with an Electric Chair while Cena still had Edge over his shoulders. They crashed to the mat, and Edge rolled to the floor. Lita got into the ring with a chair, but Triple H gave her a spinebuster. Triple H picked up the chair, but tossed it down and went to ringside.
Triple H pulled out the sledgehammer. Triple H got into the ring and measured Cena for a shot, but Edge got in and speared Triple H. Edge picked up the hammer and went for Cena, but Cena picked him up for an FU. Triple H crawled over and gave Cena a low blow. Cena fell back into the ropes, dropping Edge over the top rope and to the floor. Triple H kicked Cena in the gut and set up for a Pedigree, but Cena pulled out his legs and rolled him up for the pin at the 18-minute mark.
Winner: John Cena.
There was a pop for the win. Triple H then grabbed the sledgehammer and blasted Edge, the referee and Cena with it to a big pop. Triple H stood over Cena, and then did a bunch of DX crotch chops to a huge pop. Everyone was laid out in the ring, and Triple H's music played as he walked to the stage and did another set of crotch chops. The crowd was way into Triple H as the show ended.
2007 - WWE broadcast Raw. Ed Shireffs filed the following TV report:
The April 30th edition of Monday Night Raw follows the latest PPV, Backlash, where Vince McMahon was finally crowned the ECW Champion after years spent chasing the belt. The show also saw the Hardy Boyz retain the tag belts, and John Cena luck into retaining the WWE Championship when Shawn Michaels superkicked him onto Randy Orton for the win.
The show opens in the back with a meeting of champions, John Cena and Vince McMahon. Shawn Michaels comes by and does a double take upon seeing McMahon with the ECW title. Michaels calls Cena lucky and wants another match. Cena seems willing to accept, but Vince interjects and says that Michaels must win tonight against Cena before getting a title match. Vince says that if Shawn is lucky, he can then get a shot at the ECW Champion. He walks off, but not before saying, "Peace out, my brothers." Cena says that Vince has lost it.
JR welcomes us to Nashville, Tennessee. He says that last week's Cena-Michaels match went so long that this match couldn't happen. Avid PWInsider.com readers know the real reason.
Edge vs. Randy Orton
Edge slaps Orton to start. Orton punches back. Orton chases Edge around the ring. Back in the ring, Orton pokes him in the eye. Orton with a European Uppercut. He chokes Edge in one corner before punching him in another. Snapmare out of the corner is followed by the Garvin/Orton Stomp and a knee drop. Orton mounts Edge and punches him some more. Orton taunts Edge with some slaps before choking him on the ropes. Orton tosses Edge into the corner for more right hands. Orton with another choke and some forearms to Edge's chest. Orton knocks Edge off the apron into the railing. Commercial.
Orton is still pounding Edge after the break. Edge begs off and throws Orton's shoulder into the ring post. Edge spears Orton, who flies from the apron and bounces off the announcer's table in a really cool spot. Edge goes after him and tosses a limp Orton back into the ring. Edge covers, but Orton manages to kick out at two. Orton actually gets a 'Randy' chant. Edge stomps and knee drops Orton for two. Edge with a Cobra Clutch to Orton on the mat. Orton elbows out. Edge takes him back down with a spinning heel kick. Edge goes to the top rope. Orton meets him and punches Edge in the head. Orton climbs the ropes. The two fight for position. Edge punches Orton down and jumps off the top, but Orton counters with a drop kick. They trade punches again. Edge thumbs Orton in the eye. Orton counters with a backbreaker for two. Edge blocks a back body drop attempt, but Orton powerslams him for two. Edge with an Edge-O-Matic for two. The two go for cross body attempts and collide in mid air. Edge gets up first and removes the turnbuckle. Edge and Orton trade roll ups for two. Orton with a lariat. Orton goes for punches in the corner. Edge counters with a Snake Eyes. Edge puts his feet on the ropes but gets caught. Orton tries to cheat as well, but he is similarly caught. Edge blocks an RKO and hits the Impaler DDT for two. Orton leapfrogs a spear attempt by Edge, who eats turnbuckle. Orton is wearing the crimson mask and sets up for an RKO. Edge blocks it and Spears Orton for the win to finish a really good opening match that no one would have expected going in for obvious reasons.
Your winner, Edge!
In anticipation of Cena-Michaels III, we get a replay of last week's amazing finish to their excellent match. We also get a replay of Santino Marella's Intercontinental Title win, and his first live interview is next.
An ECW promo indicates a new direction for the show, with the Originals confronting Vince.
Todd Grisham is interviewing Santino, who "can not believe it". Grisham points out that Marella had been training in the United States to be a wrestler before going to Italy to visit family, where he bought a ticket to RAW and answered the challenge. Santino says he did it with the help of "Roberto" Lashley. He talks about how proud his family is, though Mama Marella wishes he weren't a wrestler. He and his eight (!) brothers and sisters drank wine all night to celebrate. He says he hopes to be successful in next week's title defense, his very first.
In a backstage promo, RVD talks about Vince winning the ECW title. Due to those comments, he must face Umaga tonight.
Vince is in the back with Shane, who admires the ECW Title. Vince thanks Shane for his help. Shane puts his arm over Vince and says that he loves him before a hug. Shane takes the belt and Vince orders him to polish it. Shane chants E-C-W before walking off screen.
Maria asks Edge why he doesn't look angry. Edge is upset that Shawn Michaels has been granted another WWE Championship match when Edge didn't lose at Backlash. He says he is going to insert himself back into the title picture whether anyone likes it or not. He then steals Kip James catchphrase and says "Get it, got it, good."
The Fruity Fruity Delicious replay is still photos of the Hardy Boyz retaining at Backlash.
Cade and Murdoch are at the announcer's desk for commentary.
Jeff Hardy vs. Johnny Nitro
Nitro walks out sans Melina. Hardy with a Side Russian Legsweep and pin for a quick two. Hardy with his mule kick. He goes for a move in the corner, but Nitro blocks. Nitro gets two with a couple of covers. Nitro with punches, then a chinlock. Hardy elbows out, but Nitro hits an elbow of his own. Nitro punches away in the corner. Hardy dodges a charge and nails Whisper in the Wind. Cade & Murdoch are very complimentary on commentary. Hardy with a couple clotheslines and a Falcon Arrow for two. Nitro with a Rude Awakening and he goes to the top. Hardy meets him. They jockey for position. Hardy back body drops Nitro to the mat and hits the Swanton for the win.
Your winner, Jeff Hardy!
Cade and Murdoch get up to clap for Hardy. They get on the mic and tell the crowd to give him applause. Cade says after last night, they respect Hardy and they want to get in the ring and shake his hand. They extend their hands, but Hardy doesn't bite and he walks off.
A replay of Vince's historic ECW Title win is shown. The hungry challenger was finally able to grab the brass ring.
Shane walks out to the ring. He introduces Umaga to the ring. Armando Alejandro Estrada is not present, still selling his beating from last Tuesday's ECW. Rob Van Dam comes out before the commercial break.
Umaga vs. Rob Van Dam
Back from the break, RVD is trying to kick Umaga down. He hits a running kick in the corner, but is quickly tossed off the top rope and into the security barrier. Umaga rolls him back in the ring and hits a leg drop. Umaga with a forearm to RVD's chest. He then hammers Van Dam in the shoulder. RVD punches back, but runs right into a Samoan Drop. Van Dam tries to lift Umaga up, but falls down into a two count for Umaga. Umaga with a forearm to the back. RVD dodges a charge and goes for a sleeper hold, applying the body scissors to a standing Umaga. RVD gradually wears Umaga down to the mat. Umaga recovers and tosses RVD from the ring. Van Dam quickly gets back up and goes to the sleeper hold again on the floor. King gets an "Extremely Crappy Wrestling" shot in. Umaga gets RVD off by leaping into the ring steps. In the ring, Umaga hits a headbutt. RVD avoids the Whipsplash. RVD flies over the top rope with a Sunset Flip attempt. He avoids a splash attempt and kicks Umaga on the mat. RVD with a clothesline and kick. Van Dam connects with the thrust kick off the top and hits Rolling Thunder, but only gets one. Umaga gets up and headbutts Van Dam. Umaga with a thrust to the throat. Van Dam dodges a splash in the corner and hits a springboard thrust kick. Van Dam goes for the Frog Splash, but Umaga goozles him. Samoan Spike and Umaga wins. WWE is three for three with their matches tonight.
Your winner, Umaga!
"The King of Extreme" Vince McMahon comes out at the top of the stage to celebrate Umaga's win and show off his belt.
Cowboy Troy is in the crowd and, mercifully, not on commentary.
Ric Flair is getting WOOOO coffee in the back. Carlito comes up and apologizes for screaming at Flair. To make it up, Carlito made a match for the two of them against The World's Greatest Tag Team to prove they are winners. Flair says this is Carlito's last chance. Flair walks off. Torrie asks if this is a good idea. Carlito says he knows what he is doing.
Shawn Michaels music plays in anticipation of the Cena-Michaels match, but we see on the Titantron that he has been attacked in the back and won't be able to compete tonight. Commercial.
Backstage, Cena is among the officials wondering what happened to Michaels. Coach comes up and accuses Cena of assaulting HBK. Cena pushes him against a wall but walks off before saying anything. McMahon comes up and demands that Coach find out who did this. Vince says he still wants Michaels in the ring tonight.
Carlito & Ric Flair vs. The World's Greatest Tag Team (Shelton Benjamin & Charlie Haas)
Flair and Haas lock up. Flair with a side headlock takedown. Flair with a shoulderblock. He blocks a hiptoss and hits one of his own. Chop to Haas' chest. Carlito tags in and chops Haas as well. Haas pushes Carlito into his corner and tags Shelton in. Shelton punches Carlito. Carlito blocks a back drop with a kick to Benjamin's chest. Carlito with a reverse elbow. Carlito springboards over Shelton and hits a standing rana. Shelton recovers and takes Carlito into his corner. Haas tags in and chokes Carlito. Haas with a forearm to the kidney. Haas knees Carlito in the face and hits a backbreaker. Haas with punches on the mat, then humbles Carlito with a Camel Clutch. Shelton tags in and leaps over the top rope to stomp Carlito in the back. Carlito hits some lefts, but Benjamin connects with a backbreaker. King gives Pronk a shout out. Shelton with a chinlock. Haas tags in and they get two with a double team. Shelton tags back in. Carlito punches back and blocks a backbreaker attempt. Carlito hits a Cool Shot to knock both men down. Flair tags in and chops Shelton. Flair with a reverse elbow. Carlito dropkicks Haas from the ring. Flair with a back drop and chop to Shelton.
Flair WOOOS and when he turns around, Carlito knocks him down and starts to punch away. Flair rakes his eye and gives chase. Flair punches Carlito on the ramp and the two start to brawl. Carlito tries to walk away, but Flair tackles him and punches him some more. Carlito gets away and Flair seethes.
In the locker room, Edge is face down after presumably being attacked.
"Mr. Money in the Bank" Mr. Kennedy surprises us by coming to the ring. He says that "I didn't do that" and mentions his White Bronco parked out back has no blood stains and the glove won't fit. Topical! He says he doesn't need to do stuff like that because he has the briefcase. Kennedy says he could have walked out of Backlash as a champion, but decided not to because he wanted to ask the crowd if they want to see him cash in his chance right here, right now. The crowd supports the idea, but Kennedy declines. Kennedy says what Edge did with his briefcase in January 06 was an act of cowardice and he would never do that. Kennedy will be upfront and says he will give the time and the place where it goes down. The countdown is on because in 335 days at Wrestlemania 24, Mr. Kennedy cashes in his briefcase. Kennedy. Good promo.
The 'whodunit' continues as Orton is knocked out in the shower. Coach orders Kenny to stay with him.
Coach runs into McMahon's office and recaps the situation with the top stars being knocked out. Vince says he has figured it out. He says the person did this because of WWE Champion John Cena. He orders Coach to send Cena to the ring and they will all come face to face with who did this.
Melina & Victoria vs. Mickie James & Candice Michelle
Victoria throws Candice down. Candice gets two with a backslide. Candice gets on Victoria's back for a sleeper. Victoria backs her into the corner and Melina tags in. Melina whiffs on a dropkick and gets pinned, but is able to kick out. Candice drives Melina into the corner and Mickie tags in. Mickie with a kick and Lou Thesz Press. Melina and Mickie then catfight on the mat. Melina punches Victoria in the stomach and Victoria tags in. Mickie knocks her right back out and tosses Melina back in. Victoria trips Mickie and drags her out of the ring. Victoria rams her into the apron and tosses Mickie in the ring. Victoria knocks down Mickie for a two count. Victoria places Mickie into the tree of woe and tags in Melina, who leaps over Victoria and splashes Mickie in the chest. Melina with a straitjacket sleeper hold. Mickie counters with a neckbreaker. Candice and Victoria tag in. Candice with some clotheslines. Candice with a forearm and satellite headscissors takedown before Melina interrupts the count. They try to double team Candice, but Mickie blocks it. Candice rolls up Victoria to pick up the win.
Your winners, Candice Michelle & Mickie James!
All of the ECW Originals show their disgust in promos taped last night after McMahon won the ECW Title. Sandman says he has urinated on all of professional wrestling. Sabu throws a ladder in the back. Tommy Dreamer doesn't know what to believe in anymore. Van Dam says it a loss of spirit for the original ECW.
John Cena comes out to the ring and gets on the mic. He says someone is trying to make a statement and get his attention. Cena says he never backs down from a challenge, and all they have to do is come out (and get some). The Great Khali comes out and answers Cena's challenge. Cena runs out of the ring and meets him. Cena throws some punches but gets tossed into the ring. Cena with a flying shoulderblock. Khali clotheslines him down. Khali hits a big boot. Khali kicks Cena in the corner and hits some charges. The crowd chants for Cena, but Khali continues to overpower him. Cena blocks the chop and actually gets Khali on his shoulders for the FU, but Khali prevents him from following throw. Chokebomb by Khali. Khali picks up the title and puts it by Cena's head. He then yells and raises his arms, indicating victory over the WWE champion. Khali walks off to end the show.
2009 - ECW Press announced they would be publishing Roap Opera: How WCW Killed Vince Russo by Vince Russo.
2009 - WWE broadcast WWE Superstars. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We are live on tape from Bridgeport, Connecticut with your announcers Jerry ‘Varlamov’ Lawler and Michael ‘Crosby’ Cole; and from New York, New York with your announcers Jim ‘Ovechkin’ Ross and Todd ‘Lundqvist’ Grisham for the Smackdown match and Todd ‘Avery’ Striker and Josh ‘Green’ Mathews.
Match Number One: Gail Kim and Maria versus Alicia Fox and Michelle McCool
Alicia tries to kick Gail before the bell rings but Gail blocks it and Gail with a monkey flip. Gail with a cross body into the corner and then she goes up top for a cross body for a near fall. Gail with a forearm and kick followed by a rana. Maria tags in and Gail with a snap mare and Maria with a leap frog neckbreaker for a near fall. Maria with knees to the midsection followed by a tilt-a-whirl head scissors. Alicia gets to the ropes and the referee pulls Maria away. While the referee is distracted by Alicia, Michelle with a kick to the back and Alicia gets a near fall. Michelle tags in and she kicks Maria in the corner followed by a European uppercut. Alicia tags back in and she kicks Maria followed by forearms. Michelle is back in and she kicks Maria and she has Maria in a cravate with knees for added impact. Michelle with a side Russian leg sweep and float over into a near fall. Michelle with a sleeper but Maria gets to her feet and she backs Michelle into the turnbuckles. Michelle with a clothesline from behind that takes Maria down again. Michelle attacks Gail on the apron and then Michelle turns into a kick and both women are down. Gail tags in and she hits a leaping clothesline in the corner and then she hits a blockbuster for a near fall. Gail goes to the turnbuckles again but Michelle sees it coming and kicks Gail and gets the three count.
Winners: Michelle McCool and Alicia Fox
We go to commercial.
We are back with a Mark Henry video package.
Match Number Two: Paul Burchill with Katie Lea versus Evan Bourne
They lock up and Burchill uses his size advantage to back Bourne into the ropes and he hits a knee followed by a slam and a forearm. Burchill sends Bourne into the turnbuckles followed by a snap mare and kick to the back. Bourne with a drop toe hold and elbow drop for a near fall. Bourne with kicks to Burchill but Burchill blocks a kick and hits an overhead suplex. Burchill with a brainbuster for a near fall. Bruchill with a reverse chin lock and Burchill tries to escape. Burchill with a knee and European uppercut but Bourne with kicks. Burchill works on the ribs. Bourne with a kick to the back of the head but he runs into the turnbuckles. Bourne with an uppercut to Burchill and Burchill blocks a rana and Bourne lands hard on the knee. We go to commercial.
We are back and Burchill with an atomic drop on the knee followed by a Saito suplex. Burchill uses the ring post to add to the injury to Bourne’s leg. Katie does the same when the referee deals with her brother. Burchill with a leg lace and Bourne tries to get to the ropes but Burchill is able to keep Bourne in the center of the ring. Bourne with a kick to get out of the hold. Burchill tries for another suplex but Bourne with punches and a head scissors. Bourne with a punch and a knee to Burchill that sends Paul to the floor. Bourne with a jumping spin kick to Burchill. Bourne with a kick and a leaping clothesline for a near fall. Bourne goes up top but Burchill stops him and Burchill tries for a superplex but Bourne with a chop, punches, and forearms. Bourne hits a shooting star press for the three count.
Winner: Evan Bourne
We go to commercial.
We are back with a Did you know moment about WWE’s ability to sell out shows in Europe along with footage of the tour.
It is time for the Raw Rebound.
Josh Mathews is in the interview area with Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes and Cody has custody of the shirt this week. They ask Cody and Ted about Randy’s match with Shane McMahon on Monday night. Cody says that Shane’s actions were those of a desperate man. He knows that their family’s time is over. Ted says that Monday is the final step for the McMahons. Tonight is their first step to join Randy Orton with gold. Ted talks about how the Colons come from a wrestling family. Ted says that the Colons are the tag team champions . . . for now.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Three: Ted DiBiase with Cody Rhodes versus Carlito with Primo
They lock up and Carlito with a clean break but DiBiase attacks Carlito and punches him in the corner. Carlito with punches and kicks to Ted in the corner and the referee pulls Carlito away. Carlito with an Irish whip but Ted with a kick. Ted runs at Carlito and Carlito with a back body drop for a near fall. Carlito with an arm bar but Ted pulls Carlito down by the hair. Ted misses a fist drop. Carlito with an arm drag into an arm bar. Ted with a punch and then he sends Carlito into the turnbuckles. Carlito tries for a monkey flip but Ted puts Carlito on the ropes. Carlito with a rana and both men go to the floor and we go to commercial.
We are back and Carlito hits a drop kick that sends DiBiase to the apron. Carlito hip tosses DiBiase into the ring but DiBiase with an arm drag and a kick to the head. DiBiase continues with the kicks to Carlito. DiBiase with a snap mare and a chin lock and arm bar combination. Carlito punches DiBiase and then he kicks him. DiBiase with a hot shot to Carlito and DiBiase gets a near fall. DiBiase with a series of elbow drops to Carlito and then it is time for the vintage and patented DiBiase fist drop for a near fall. DiBiase with a slam and then he goes for the second turnbuckle for a double stomp and he gets a near fall. Carlito with a belly-to-back suplex and both men are down. Carlito with punches to DiBiase followed by a knee lift. Carlito hits a clothesline to DiBiase and then he hits a DDT. DiBiase with a slam for a near fall. Carlito with a jawbreaker and he tries for the springboard back elbow but DiBiase sees it coming and he hits the Million Dollar Slam for the three count.
Winner: Ted DiBiase
2009 - TNA broadcast Impact. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We start off tonight’s show with a look back at Lockdown and last week’s Impact. We then see Jeff Jarrett and Kurt Angle have problems with Mick Foley. What does Bobby Lashley have up his soft spoken and hard hitting sleeves? Samoa Joe has issues but does he have any allies?
Jeff Jarrett is walking in the back and Jeremy Borash wants to ask Jeff some questions, but he will not answer Jeremy. Jeremy tries to get some answers from Jeremy. Mick says that Jarrett cannot fire him because he is the champion. Mick says that he wants to work with Jeff not against him. Mick says that friends fight with steel chairs. Mick says that him and Jeff are going to be closer than brothers.
We are live on tape from Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida and your announcers are Don ‘Fang Fingers’ West and Mike ‘Sorry San Jose’ Tenay.
The Main Event Mafia comes to the ring but Sting is not with them. Angle has a mic and he says that for the last six months since the birth of the Main Event Mafia, those closest to him have referred to him as the Godfather. Angle says that it is because he is the man in charge and he knows how to make things happen. He can deliver as long as he is showed respect. He tells Mick Foley that is how he is honored in TNA as long as he gets the proper respect. When Foley hit him last week with the chair, Foley did not know that there would be consequences. There is a price for Foley to pay. Angle tells Jeff Jarrett that he has an offer that Jeff cannot refuse. Angle says that if he is put in the title match at Sacrifice, he will put up what is most important to him. If he is pinned, the individual who pins him will be the Godfather of the Main Event Mafia. He tells Mick Foley that after what happened last week, he is going to go to his office and he is going to employ a hostile takeover. He is going to take over Foley’s office and job. He will take over everything because when you screw with the Godfather, you get the thorn of the rose.
Mick Foley is in the office with Jeremy Borash. Jeremy asks Mick for his thoughts. Mick asks what Angle said as he pulls out his headphones. Jeff Jarrett enters and he tells Mick that it is just the two of them and he can beat him up if he wants. He tells Foley to stay out of his way. Foley wants to know if Jarrett has his back if Angle tries to take over. Jeff tells Foley that he is on his own. We go to commercial.
We are back and Lauren is in the Main Event Dressing Room. Angle says that he is the Godfather and when he says something, he looks that person in the eyes and does it. Lauren asks Kurt about his offer for Sacrifice. Kurt says that he is going to whip Foley’s ass and become the TNA Champion. Steiner says that he wants to get back at Jarrett. Angle tells Steiner that they need Jarrett to get into the match at Sacrifice. Then Steiner can have him.
We see footage from the first round matches in the Team 3D Tag Team Challenge.
Match Number One: The Motor City Machine Guns versus Amazing Red and Suicide in the Team 3D Tag Team Invitational
Shelley and Red start things off and Shelley with a kick and side head lock. Shelley with a shoulder tackle but Red with an arm drag. Shelley with a leg sweep but Red with a matrix to get out of a cover. Red with a kick to Shelley’s head. Shelley ties Red up and then he tags in Sabin and Sabin poses. Red with a tilt-a-whirl head scissors. Suicide tags in and he drops Sabin on the mat and then he hits a leg drop. Suicide presses Sabin over his head and drops him and then Suicide presses Red onto Sabin for a near fall. Red sends Sabin into the turnbuckles and then Red with a drop kick. Sabin sends Red into the turnbuckles and then the Guns with a double kick. Suicide is knocked off the apron and then Red is tossed around by Shelley and Sabin.
Shelley puts Red in the Tree of Woe and then he stands on Red’s groin. Shelley with a baseball slide and Sabin with a hesitation drop kick. Sabin with a version of an abdominal stretch. Shelley tags back in and Red with kicks to Shelley and Sabin. Red with a kick to Shelley and then he hits an inverted DDT and both men are down. Suicide is tagged in and he hits a double sledge on Shelley and a clothesline in the corner. Suicide with a drop kick to Sabin. Suicide with a fireman’s carry slam of Shelley onto Sabin. Shelley hits Suicide from behind. Sabin with a kick and then Shelley with Sliced Bread #2 for a two count. Sabin with a drop kick that knocks Red down on the apron. Sabin and Shelley wait for Suicide to get up and it is time for a series of kicks. Red with a kick to Shelley followed by a rana to Sabin. Red hits Code Red to Shelley. Red with a corkscrew plancha onto Sabin. Suicide hits Suicide Solution on Shelley for the three count.
Winners: Amazing Red and Suicide
Lauren is with Angelina Love, Velvet Sky, and Madison Rayne. Lauren asks Madison about her stretcher match against Kong. Angela talks about other times things appeared to happen ‘on paper’. She says that they can do anything. They welcome a stretcher match and they wonder who will be able to push Kong on a stretcher.
We go to commercial.
We are back with and Abyss and Dr. Stevie video package.
Lauren is with Abyss and she asks him if Dr. Stevie is serious about putting Abyss in a match where his opponent can use weapons while he cannot. Abyss says that getting hit with weapons can make him better.
Cody Deener and ODB stop by and he says that he is going to seek revenge on Abyss. He challenges Abyss tonight. Cody tells Lauren to tell Abyss that he is waiting for him when Abyss grows a set. Cody touches Lauren and Abyss grabs Cody and Cody is afraid.
It is time for a Kurt Angle video package.
Mick Foley is with the Motor City Machine Guns and he reminds them that they beat him in a first blood match. Mick asks Shelley and Sabin for their help to take care of Kurt Angle. Alex tells Mick that he is crazy and they would like to help Mick, but Chris says that they have some issues. Alex says that they have issues with Suicide. He is under a mask and Suicide stopped TNA from showcasing the real tag team talent. Foley says that Suicide is Al Snow and Shelley and Sabin don’t believe him.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Two: LAX versus Doug Williams and Brutus Magnus with Rob Terry in the Team 3D Invitational Tournament
We go to the back and Hernandez is injured and Brutus Magnus has Hernandez’ briefcase.
Homicide will wrestle this as a handicap match and he hits Rob with the briefcase. Homicide hits the Tope con hilo on Williams and Magnus. Homicide sends Williams into the ring. Williams punches Homicide and Homicide hits a swinging neck breaker. Homicide punches Williams but Homicide charges into a boot. Homicide with a back elbow to Magnus. Williams attacks Homicide from behind. Homicide goes up top and he hits a missile drop kick on both men. Homicide with a chop to Magnus and then Homicide knocks Williams off the apron. Magnus with a clothesline to Homicide. Magnus kicks Homicide before tagging Williams back in. Williams with a European uppercut to Homicide and Homicide tries to fight back. Williams with a knee into the corner followed by a suplex for a near fall. Magnus tags in and the hit a cross arm clothesline. Magnus with a power slam and then he goes up top and he tries for a frog splash but he overshoots Homicide and misses. Williams tags in and Homicide with a kick and forearm but Williams with a European uppercut. Homicide with an overhead belly-to-belly throw. Homicide with a tornado DDT to Magnus followed by a cutter to Williams. Rob grabs Homicide’s leg and Williams hits a European uppercut while Magnus holds Homicide for the three count.
Winners: The British Invasion (Brutus Magnus and Doug Williams)
We go to commercial.
We are back with another video package about Kurt Angle.
Match Number Three: Madison Rayne with Angelina Love and Velvet Sky versus Awesome Kong with Raisha Saeed in a Stretcher Match
The referee sends Saeed to the back. He also sends Love and Sky to the back.
Madison turns around and Kong with punches and then she hits a choke slam. The stretcher is put in the ring and Kong hits a short arm clothesline. Kong puts Madison on the stretcher and the referee starts the count but Kong pulls Madison off and then hits the Implant Buster. Kong pulls Rayne off the stretcher again and Kong hits the Awesome Bomb. The crowd asks for one more and Kong gives it to them. Kong is put on the stretcher and the referee makes the ten count.
Winner: Awesome Kong
We go to commercial.
We are back and we see footage from during the commercial when Angelina and Velvet check on Madison.
Don and Mike talk about the attacks on Madison and Hernandez and Don blames what happened to Madison on the referee sending Angelina and Velvet to the back.
We have a rare Main Event Mafia video package.
Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin come out to the ring. Alex has the mic and he says that he wants everyone to shut up because they have someone to call out. They want Christopher Daniels/Suicide to come out to the ring.
Christopher Daniels comes out to the ring. Alex asks Daniels why he didn’t come in on the zip line. Shelley points out that Daniels lost his job 18 months ago. Since then, he has been doing small shows in indy purgatory trying to get his job back. Shelley points out that Daniels has a family to feed. Sabin says that is not all they know. Sabin says that they are as smart as they look. Sabin says that the time has come to ask him a few questions. He wants to know why Daniels and Suicide have the exact same build. Daniels and Suicide move the same way in the ring. Sabin asks why every time Suicide comes in the ring, the people chant Daniels’ name. Sabin says that those questions are rhetorical. Sabin calls Daniels a liar. Sabin says that it does not matter if Jarrett had anything to do with it. Sabin wants Daniels to admit that he is Suicide.
Daniels tells Sabin and Shelley that he does not owe them an explanation. The important thing is that Jeff Jarrett brought him back to TNA. He tells Sabin to get out of his face. Now that he is back, he will do what he does best and that is wrestle. He says that he does not have time for video games, masks, or repelling. If they want to know who Suicide is, ask them himself.
Shelley says that they will ask Suicide. He asks Daniels who Suicide is. Daniels takes the mic back and he says that he is Daniels. He says that he is pissed off. Daniels attacks Sabin and Shelley and he hits an STO on Sabin. Shelley with a rake of the eyes but Daniels with a Blue Thunder Bomb to Shelley. Sabin gets an uranage and Daniels sets for the BME but Sabin and Shelley get out of the ring.
It is time to Follow Foley Find Friends 2009. Now Foley is with Samoa Joe and his black head towel and knife. Foley reminds Joe about how he was there to praise Joe to everyone. Joe takes off his towel and walks away. Foley says that it is time for Plan C and we go to commercial.
Match Number Four: Cody Deener with ODB versus Abyss in an Anyone but Abyss can use weapons in this match match
Cody has a cookie sheet and he hits Abyss with it and Abyss thinks that something might have hit him. Cody has a trash can lid and he hits Abyss with it in the head and Abyss shrugs it off. Abyss starts to bleed. Cody with a kendo stick and Abyss blocks it. Abyss grabs Cody by the hair and he chops Deener. ODB gives Cody something to drink and a pep talk. Abyss grabs Cody and Cody spits it in Abyss’s face. Cody hits Abyss in the head with the trash can and Abyss is staggered. Cody hits him again but Abyss stays on his feet. Cody hits Abyss in the head with the kendo stick and Abyss stays on his feet. Cody hits Abyss again but Abyss does not go down. Cody gets a chair and hits Abyss with it. Cody celebrates when Abyss goes down. The hat is turned around so he is serious and he gets a wrench. Cody charges at Abyss but Abyss with a Black Hole Slam for the three count.
Winner: Abyss
Lauren is in the back with Daffney to talk about her work with Dr. Stevie. Daffney says that Dr. Stevie is the best psychiatrist she has ever been with. Daffney says that he tells her to let things out. Daffney tells Lauren that they have something in common. She says that Lauren knows who she is talking about. Lauren tells Daffney that she does not think that Abyss is interested in her. Daffney laughs and walks away.
We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time to go to the Main Event Dressing Room and Jeremy Borash is with Kevin Nash, Booker T, and their women. Jeremy asks about the tension between the women-folk. Sharmell says that everything is under control since Kevin put his pit bull on a leash. Security gets involved and Angle tells Booker to control Sharmell. Booker wants to leave and Sharmell goes with him.
Matt Morgan comes out and he has something to say. He says that he is going to drop a bombshell on Impact. Matt tells the Main Event Mafia that he is going to make an offer they cannot refuse. He offers his services. He says that he is the future of this business and the business is now. He will be waiting on their reply but this offer is only for a limited time.
Lauren is in the back with A.J. Styles and she asks him about their match tonight. She also asks about problems with Joe. A.J. says that Joe is on no one’s page and he is a different person. He does not know who Joe has been talking to. He tells Joe that he better have his game face on. He wants the Samoan Submission Machine, not the Nation of Violence.
We go to commercial.
We go to footage of Rhino training Jesse Neal in the ring. Jesse says that it is nothing line basic training. Rhino says that he has the heart.
Match Number Five: Booker T and Kevin Nash with their women versus A.J. Styles and Samoa Joe
Joe does not come out at the start of the match and we have another handicap match.
Booker starts off with A.J. and they lock up. Booker with a break but A.J. pushes Booker. They lock up again and Booker works on the arm. A.J. reverses and he puts Booker in a hammer lock. Booker with a side head lock and a knee to the midsection. A.J. with a back elbow and then Styles with the Phenomenal drop kick for a near fall. Nash tags in and Styles with a waist lock and Styles with shoulders in the corner. Nash with an Irish whip but Styles moves out of the way when Nash charges into the corner. Styles tries for a sunset flip but he cannot get Nash over. Nash puts Styles in the corner and it is time for elbows. Nash puts Styles on the turnbuckles but Styles punches Nash and then he puts Nash in a sleeper. Booker tags in and he connects with a knee and a knee lift. Nash tags back in and Styles with a kick to Nash’s leg and then he punches Booker. Styles goes to the apron and he sends Booker to the floor. Styles with a springboard forearm to Nash and Nash goes to the floor.
Bobby Lashley is slow walking in the split screen while Styles hits a slingshot splash onto Booker and Nash on the floor. Samoa Joe makes his way into the Impact Zone as we go to commercial.
We are back and Booker with a knee to Styles and we see footage during the commercial of tension between Joe and Styles. We see Nash and Booker attack Joe and Styles. Back to live on tape action and Joe attacks Nash and then he takes care of Booker. Joe with a drop kick to Nash followed by a power slam to Booker. Joe slams Nash’s head into the ring steps while Jenna distracts the referee in distraction point #1. Booker gets the Legends Title belt and he hits Styles with it to get the three count.
Winners: Booker T and Kevin Nash
After the match, Joe kneels over his fallen tag team partner. A.J. gets in Joe’s face and he wants to know why Joe is doing this.
Mick Foley is in his office and he is talking to someone controversial. He says that he needs this person’s help against Kurt Angle. Mick tells this person to hide in the closet until he can sucker Kurt Angle into the office.
We go to commercial.
We are back for the main event backstage segment as Kurt Angle finally starts his hostile take over of Mick Foley’s office, but first we have another Kurt Angle video package.
Angle is in Jeff Jarrett’s office and he confronts Mick Foley. Foley wants to set things straight. He is working on a new contract with a huge superstar coming into TNA. Then he will be ready to talk to Foley. Angle tells Foley to get out of his office. Foley says the safe word but that person does not hear it. Angle chokes Foley and Foley wants to know why Angle is so angry. Angle reminds Foley that he hit him with a chair last week. Foley tells Angle that he can hit him with a chair one time to get even. Then Foley can have a shot at his title at Sacrifice. Foley tells Angle to get Jarrett’s guitar and hit him in the head. Foley tells Angle that he has second thoughts about the guitar and he says that he can get a chair and he will have it in 30 seconds. Foley hits Angle in the head with the phone and then he applies the Mandible Claw as the lights go out. The lights go back on and Kurt Angle is down and someone has a chair but that person has a hood on. The hood comes off and it is Sting.
2010 - WWE released Hall of Famer Tony Atlas, who had been working as a personality on the ECW brand but was hardly being utilized once that brand was shut down.
2010 - TNA announced the following: "Effective immediately, TNA Wrestling has elected to terminate the services of Todd Clem p/k/a Bubba the Love Sponge. " Bubba came to the company as a personality when Hulk Hogan was hired but never really meshed well with the promotion. He was let go following negative comments made about Haiti on his radio show after the country suffered a massively crippling Earthquake, leading to a huge amount of humanitarian aid being sent there. The comments led to then-TNA talent Awesome Kong (now WWE's Kharma) physically attacking Bubba at a TNA Impact taping backstage.
2010 - WWE broadcast Smackdown. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We start off tonight’s show with a look back at the changes that took place with the Smackdown roster as a result of the 2010 WWE Draft.
We are live on tape from Hershey, Pennsylvania and your announcers are Todd ‘ Good thing MNM didn’t return tonight’ Grisham and Matt ‘That is a lot of chocolate’ Striker.
Smackdown General Manager Teddy Long comes out and he addresses the people of Hershey. He mentions that the draft was held last Monday and he says that it was off the hook. He mentions that people switched brands and he says that Smackdown got the best of the deal. Teddy introduces one of the newest members of the Smackdown roster, Kofi Kingston.
We see the interaction that Kofi and Chris Jericho had when Kofi was drafted to Smackdown with Trouble in Paradise.
Before our first match, Chris Jericho comes out to the ring and he has something to say. Twelve months ago, he said that he would become the face of Smackdown and he has done it. He says that he dazzled everyone with his presence and he took the show to the next level. He says that he gave us some of the greatest matches they have ever seen. He says that his time is done here and it is time to become the face of Raw. Jericho says that he does not want the hypocrites to fret and be sad that Chris is gone and has left an empty hole in their lives on Friday nights. Jericho says that it is time for everyone to move on with their lives and listen to the advice that he has given them. Jericho says that it is time to move on and to grow up.
Kofi wants to know why they need to grow up and he tells Jericho to shut up. He tells Chris that if he doesn’t want to or know how to do it, Kofi says that he will show him.
Match Number One: Kofi Kingston versus Chris Jericho
Jericho with a kick and forearm and then he sends Kofi into the turnbuckles. Jericho with n Irish whip but he runs into a boot. Kofi leaps onto the turnbuckles but Jericho counters it with a power bomb and we go to commercial.
We are back and Jericho kicks Kofi and then hits a baseball slide to send Kofi to the floor. Jericho mocks Kofi before going to the floor after Kofi and brings Kofi back into the ring. Jericho with a reverse chin lock, but Kofi with forearms to Jericho followed by an Irish whip. Kofi misses a splash into the corner when Jericho moves out of the way and Jericho gets a near fall. Jericho with a kick to the back and then he chokes Kofi in the ropes. Jericho with a kick to the midsection and then he taunts Kofi. Kofi with punches but Jericho with a kick to the head. Jericho with a rear chin lock followed by knees to the midsection. Kofi with a cross body for a near fall and then he hits a series of chops to the chest. Kofi with the leaping clothesline but when he tries for the Boom drop, Jericho is able to counter and he tries for the Walls of Jericho but Kofi is able to turn it into an inside cradle for a near fall. Jericho avoids Trouble in Paradise and then he puts Kofi in the Walls of Jericho. Kofi struggles to get to the ropes and he eventually gets to the ropes out of desperation. Jericho argues with the referee instead of finishing off Kofi and Kofi with a drop kick and then he tries for the Boom Drop but Jericho moves out of the way. Jericho with a Codebreaker but Kofi is propelled to the floor after the move. Jericho goes to the floor to get Kofi and bring him back into the ring. Jericho gets a near fall and then he kicks Kofi in the ribs while asking ‘where’s the boom’. Kofi hits Trouble in Paradise for the three count.
Winner: Kofi Kingston
After the match, Kofi celebrates on the turnbuckles, but he shows the damage that the Codebreaker can do.
We go to Jack Swagger in the back and we find out that he was on the Oklahoma Football team that won the Rose Bowl and he was invited to the White House by then President George W. Bush.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Chris Jericho is walking in the back and he stops to talk to someone and he wonders why this person was not out there to help him against Kofi. Jericho says that he could have used him on Raw and stayed there. Jericho says that he should have listened to him before. He wants to know if this person is listening to him now. Jericho starts to walk away but he walks into a big right hand from Big Show. Show says that he heard Jericho.
Chavo Guerrero is in the ring to make his return to Smackdown. He says that there is no need to rub your eyes or adjust your television sets because Chavo is back on Smackdown. He says that he is no longer under the thumb of the Raw guest host. He says that it feels good to be back. He talks about how there are now two Guerreros on Smackdown. He says that everyone knows how close he is to his Aunt Vickie. Chavo says that everyone can put their hands together to welcome Chavo back.
Chavo’s return is interrupted by Kane who makes his way to the ring. Kane walks up to Chavo and Chavo tries to be calm about Kane’s presence in the ring. Kane choke slams Chavo and then welcomes Chavo back to Smackdown. Who wants some pyro.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Did you Know about what WWE does at military bases all over the world?
Shad Gaspard is in the back and he talks about all of the new faces coming from Raw and how they think that it is their time. Shad says that they are wrong because it is his time. He then says it again.
Match Number Two: John Morrison versus Cody Rhodes
Morrison goes to the leg but Rhodes gets to the ropes and Morrison releases the hold. Rhodes pushes Morrison but Morrison with a forearm. Rhodes with a kick to the leg and then he sends Morrison in the turnbuckles and then he punches and kicks Morrison. Morrison with forearms and punches to Rhodes followed by an Irish whip but Rhodes with a float over. Morrison with a leg lariat and standing shooting star press for a near fall. Rhodes goes to the floor and Morrison follows after him and takes Cody down. Morrison sends Cody into the ringside barrier but Rhodes uses the ring steps for a spin kick as we go to commercial.
We are back and Rhodes with a cross face and arm bar but Morrison backs Cody into the turnbuckles and gets out of the hold with an arm drag. Rhodes responds with a drop kick and gets a near fall. Rhodes with a front suplex to Morrison and then he sets up for and hits the Ric Flair knee drop and gets a near fall. Rhodes returns to the chin lock and arm bar. Morrison with punches but Rhodes pulls Morrison to the mat by using the hair. Rhodes with more kicks to Morrison and then he punches Morrison in the face and stomps on the chest. Morrison punches Rhodes and connects with knees in the corner. Rhodes with an elbow after being sent into the corner and Rhodes goes up top and hits a moonsault and instead of getting the cover, he punches Morrison and then he tries for a cover but can only get a near fall. Rhodes with a slam and then he tries for the Flair knee drop but Morrison moves out of the way. Morrison with a drop kick of his own and both men are down. Morrison with punches and clotheslines to Rhodes followed by a flying shoulder tackle. Morrison with a rollup but Rhodes kicks out. Morrison with the springboard round kick but he can only get a two count. Morrison tries for a suplex but Rhodes floats over and he tries for Cross Rhodes but Morrison counters with a flap jack for a near fall. Morrison tries for the corkscrew split legged moonsault but Rhodes moves out of the way. Morrison lands on his feet and then Rhodes sends Morrison to the apron. Morrison with a kick and then he tries for a head scissors back into the ring but Rhodes counters with the Alabama Slam for a near fall. Morrison with a kick to the head and that staggers Rhodes and sends him to the mat. Morrison with a Shining Wizard but Rhodes gets his hand on the rope to break up the count. Morrison with a Pele kick but Rhodes is able to recover and he hits Cross Rhodes for the three count.
Winner: Cody Rhodes
We go to another Jack Swagger behind the curtain factoid. Jack says that he led Oklahoma to three consecutive national championships as team captain of the wrestling team.
We go to commercial with Edge walking in the back.
We are back with the WWE Rewind: Edge spearing Randy Orton to allow Batista to become the new number one contender for the WWE Title.
Edge comes to the ring for his Smackdown Farewell Address. Edge starts off by mentioning that he was drafted to Raw and he says that he doesn’t want to go. He says that Smackdown always felt like his show and his home. He says that the people felt like his family. Through all of his injuries, trial, and tribulations, the fans stood behind him even when he thought he didn’t deserve it. Edge says that the fans probably brought him back from his Achilles injury faster than he should have. Edge says that he wanted to come to tell everyone that he loved them.
Edge’s former tag team partner, Christian comes out to the ring. Edge says that he knows why Christian is out here, but before he gets to it, he has to say Edge and Christian. He says that everyone must remember what they did. Edge says that before Christian wishes him luck on Raw, he says that Christian is his best friend and because Christian is his best friend, he wants to wish Christian luck on his show.
Christian says that a lot of people remember the history of Edge and Christian, but he wants to let those who might not know how far back they go. Christian says that they have known each other since the sixth grade. They went to high school together, were roommates in college. They broke into the business together. They became seven time tag team champions together. Christian says that it means that he knows Edge better than anybody, probably better than Edge knows himself. Christian says that he knows that every word to come out of Edge’s mouth before he came out was a load of crap.
Edge wants to know where this is coming from.
Christian says that Edge has come back from a number of injuries and the WWE Universe respects him for coming back and Edge might not know how much they respect him. Christian says that Edge did not respect them back. He used the fans to get what he wanted.
Edge says that this is about Christian and not him. Edge points out that he is a nine time World Champion and then he asks Christian how many World Championships he has won.
Christian says that he has never been World Champion . . . yet. He says that he will win it on his own talent and merits and not have to stand on anyone’s neck. Christian says that he knows that Edge is trying to change the subject so he is going to call Edge out in front of everyone. He will tell Edge exactly what he is. He tells Edge that he is a liar.
Edge thinks about what Christian just said and he has a revelation and tells Christian that he was right. Edge says that he can’t wait to get off this show. Edge says that for the last few months he has been the puppeteer getting everyone to chant ‘spear’ any time he wanted them to and they did. He says that he is a master psychologist. He played everyone and he enjoyed every second of it.
Christian says that ever since he came back to the WWE, the peeps and the people in the back have been asking when will we see Edge and Christian together one more time to go for the titles. Christian says that he realized that Edge used him too to get to the top. Christian says that he doesn’t want to see Edge AND Christian any more. He wants to see Edge VERSUS Christian. He wants to see it right here and right now.
Edge takes off his jacket and then he tells Christian, no. Edge walks away and then he hits Christian from behind and then hits a big boot. Edge sets for the spear but Christian with a kick and then he tries for the Killswitch but Edge gets out of the ring.
Christian tells Edge that he has a better chant than ‘Spear’ and he starts serenading Edge’s farewell from Smackdown.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Josh Mathews asks Edge for his thoughts in the back for a possible match between Edge and Christian. Edge says that Christian probably wouldn’t want to see that match because it wouldn’t end well for him.
Edge backs into Show and Show says that it is a shame that we won’t see and Edge and Christian match. He says that it will be a shame that we don’t see this match and then we see Show knock out Edge.
Match Number Three: Michelle McCool and Layla with Vickie Guerrero versus Beth Phoenix and Kelly Kelly
Kelly and Michelle start things off and Michelle with a waist lock and she pushes Kelly into the turnbuckles. Michelle with a European uppercut followed by kicks and then she pushes Kelly. Michelle with a knee but Kelly with a tilt-a-whirl head scissors and clothesline followed by a rana and she gets a near fall. Michelle with a kick and Irish whip. Michelle sends Kelly to the apron but Kelly with a shoulder to Michelle and then she takes Layla down on the floor. Vickie hits Kelly from behind while the referee was not looking. Michelle runs Kelly into the ringside barrier before they return to the ring. Michelle gets a near fall. Michelle with a kick and she tries for a power bomb but Kelly with a rana to counter. Kelly with an enzuigiri and Layla is tagged in and she keeps Kelly from making the tag. Layla misses a leg drop and Beth is tagged in. Beth knocks Michelle down on the apron and then she sends Layla into the turnbuckles before she hits a double sledge and head butt. Layla with a drop kick to Beth but Beth with a back elbow and clothesline from the corner. Michelle tries to stop the Glam Slam and Beth sends Layla into Michelle followed by a kick to Michelle that sends her to the floor. Beth with a slingshot suplex and then Beth tags in Kelly who hits a leg drop off the back for the three count.
Winners: Kelly Kelly and Beth Phoenix
It is time for another ‘Getting to Know Jack Swagger’ segment. Swagger says that he turned down scholarships from Miami, Texas, Stanford, and USC while in high school.
We are back and Did you Know that a lot of people go to WWE.com.
It is time for another new face on Smackdown as Chris Master talks about viral videos and we see the Dancing Pecs. He says that is a masterpiece.
Dolph Ziggler comes out to address the fans. Dolph says that he did a huge favor for the Smackdown fans on Monday and he calls it the greatest moment of his career. We go to the highlights of what he did to Hornsowggle after losing by count out. Ziggler says that no one will ever see that little troll again on Smackdown. He says that he put him to sleep and now he is in leprechaun heaven.
Matt and Todd turn their attention to the injury problems with Matt Hardy. We go to footage from last week’s tag match when McIntyre stomped on Hardy’s head while it was on the ring steps.
We go to Matt Hardy in the back where Josh Mathews asks him about his health. Matt says that he has suffered a lot of injuries during his career, but nothing like last week. When Drew stomped his head into the stairs, it made its toll physically and psychologically. Matt says that he will come back and Drew McIntyre will realize.
We will not know what Drew will realize because he attacks Hardy and hits the double underhook DDT.
We go to commercial.
We are back and JTG is in the back and he says that he is thinking to himself about what is next for him. He says that it would look good to have some gold around your waist. JTG says that is a good idea.
CM Punk and the Straight Edge Society comes to the ring. Punk has Serena massage his hair before talking. Punk says that everyone in the WWE Universe thought that their hero Rey Mysterio would defeat him and shave his head bald. Punk says that he would beat Rey and he did it single handedly. Punk says that his symbol of purity on the top of his head. Punk says that Luke and Serena were unfairly ejected from ringside on Sunday, but he still beat Rey all by himself. Punk says that it is not a secret. He did it because he is straight edge.
Punk is interrupted by another face returning to Smackdown, Montel Vontavious Porter. Porter says that the cornrow wearing, savoir faring, jaw dropping, bottle popping, modern day mack is back.
Punk says that he was speaking and Porter says that was the problem. Porter says that he wants to apologize for having to listen to this moron and his band of mindless followers talk every week. He tells Punk to shut up. Porter says that Punk calls himself a savior, but Porter says that he is going to be a savior tonight by saving everyone from having to listen to Punk. Porter says that he remembers when Fridays were fun and Smackdown was a party. Punk came in like a wet blanket killing all of the fun. Porter says that he will make one promise. Porter says that Friday nights are going to get hot again.
Porter punches Punk but Gallows stops Porter and it turns into a two on one situation. Rey Mysterio comes out and he goes after Gallows and then he kicks Punk. Punk is pulled from the ring by Luke Gallows and we go to commercial.
Match Number Four: CM Punk and Luke Gallows versus Rey Mysterio and Montel Vontavious Porter
Gallows and Porter start things off and they lock up to a stalemate. Gallows with a kick and forearms but Porter with a flying forearm and he tags in Rey. Rey uses Porter for some extra force with a wheelbarrow slam onto Gallows for a near fall. Rey with a kick and forearm to Gallows but Gallows gets Rey up. Rey tries for a tornado DDT but Gallows blocks it and sends Rey into the ropes and Gallows with a big boot for a near fall. Gallows with punches and he tags in Punk. Punk punches Rey and then he has something to say to Porter on the apron. Punk chokes Rey with his boot in the corner. Punk with a belly-to-back suplex and then he hits a leg drop or three as they get more rapid and he gets a near fall. Punk with a figure four head scissors but Rey kicks his way out of the hold. Punk with a running knee to the head and he tags in Gallows. Punk with a suplex followed by a splash from Gallows for a near fall. Gallows with a knee to the chest and then he chokes Rey with his boot. Gallows with an uppercut to Rey and then Punk is tagged back in. Punk with a forearm to the back and Rey with forearms but Punk keeps Rey from making the tag. Punk with a spinebuster for a near fall. Punk with knees to Rey followed by an Irish whip. Rey counters with a tornado DDT and both men are down. Gallows tags in and so does Porter. Porter with an overhead throw followed by a clothesline and back elbow. Porter with a facebuster and then he sets for the Ballin’ elbow for a near fall that is broken up by Punk. Rey comes in and hits a springboard seated senton on Punk. Porter puts Gallows in the ropes and Rey hits the 619 and Porter hits the 305 for the three count.
Winners: CM Punk and Rey Mysterio
After the match, while Montel Vontavious Porter celebrates on the turnbuckles, the mysterious masked man attacks Rey and hits a swinging neck breaker before going into the crowd.
Jack Swagger is back for more ‘Did You Know’ and he says that he graduated with a 4.0 GPA. He says that he was invited back to give the keynote address at the 2010 Commencement Ceremony at the University of Oklahoma.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Jack Swagger comes to the ring to tell us some more facts. Jack raises the title belt before he talks. Jack says that when he was growing up in Perry, Oklahoma he was two years old when his father sat him down. Before he continues, he tells everyone that he has something important to say and asks to be allowed to finish. He tells everyone to sit down
Swagger continues by saying that when he was two years old, his father sat him down and told him ‘son, one day you’ll be a world champion’. By the time he was five, he completed the first grade and was six inches taller than everyone in his class. When he was twelve, he won the punt, pass, and kick competition. In the same year, he achieved the Boy Scout’s highest honor by becoming an Eagle Scout. Jack continues and says that when he was sixteen he scored a 1510 on his SAT. He says that he was admitted early to the most prestigious university in the land, the University of Oklahoma on a full scholarship. He points out that he did not have to pay for anything. Three years later, he graduated magna cum laude, at the top of the class. Jack says that he was the premiere athlete in the country and became a two time All American. He says that it was a lot of hard work, but he earned it.
Jack says that since he is being honest and pouring his heart out, his favorite achievement and greatest achievement was when he won the World Heavyweight Title. Jack says that thirty days ago when he won the title, he sat down with his daddy and wanted to sit down with him man to man. Jack says that his dad told him ‘Son, I told you so.’ Jack says that he is telling everyone that he is the World Champion and he is going to be the World Champion until he retires.
Teddy Long comes out and interrupts the champion. Teddy tells Jack that we have heard enough from him. Teddy says that everyone wants to hear who the number one contender is for Jack’s title.
Big Show comes out and he comes to the ring. Show wants everyone to give him a round of applause and then he wants to give him a golf clap. Show wants to tell Jack what the doctors said when he was born and it was ‘oh my god, do you see the size of him?’ Show tells Swagger that he is many things and he says that Swagger is not like he is. Show says that he is the world’s largest athlete. Show doesn’t want to take anything from Swagger’s accomplishments while the fans chant ‘punch him out’. Show counts off the accomplishments. One, he went to college; two, he earned a degree; three, he was an Eagle Scout; and four, he is the World Champion. Show says that there is only one little thing to add and that is early retirement. Show with a punch to Swagger and Swagger goes down.
2011 - WWE signed Jesse White, the son of Big Van Vader.
2011 - The ECWA held their annual Super 8 tournament, which was broadcast via iPPV for the first time. Stu Carapola filed the following live report:
Welcome to PWInsider.com's live coverage of the 2011 edition of the Super 8 Tournament! If you're not in Voorhees and want information on ordering the iPPV, click on the poster above.
Over The Top Battle Royal
I'm unfamiliar with a lot of the people in the match so I apologize if I miss or misspell some names, but I'll do my best. Standard battle royal to start with everybody going out one after another until we pare down to the last few. Black Panther, Larry Winters, JJ the Crew Guy, the Russian Assassin, King America (who made a nasty and audible thwack when he hit the floor), and Kujo all went out one by one until Mr Ooh La La, who spent most of the match doing the George Steele gimmick by camping out on the floor, got in and faced down with a large muscular guy, who caused Ooh La La to faint by flexing and roaring at him. At that point everyone ganged up on the muscular fellow and eliminated him, and then Tony Stetson and Corey Brave went and Ooh La La slipped back in after recovering from his faining spell and dumped Sean Royale to pick up the win.
Winner: Mr Ooh La La
Really entertaining opener featuring some veteran names from the independent scene. Ooh La La was hilarious, and I liked the old school heel strategy paying off to give Ooh La La the win.
We now officially kick off the show, and before we get started, we are introduced to some of the dignitaries in attendance: TWA founder Joel Goodhart, DJ Hyde (who carried out the Super 8 trophy), and the guest host and wrestling's original Diva, Sunny. All three get a nice reaction, and Sunny asks the crowd how they're doing today to pop the crowd, and then welcomes everyone to the Super 8 and puts over that it's taking place in her home state. She says they're going to give us a show we won't forget and she wants everyone to give it up for the guys who are going to be busting their butts for us tonight.
Sunny then introduces the eight participants: two-time Super 8 runner-up Tommaso Ciampa, Jeff Peterson Cup 2011 and WxW 16 Carat Gold Tournament Champion Sami Callihan, 2010 Wrestling Observer Rookie of the Year and CZW Best of the Best 2011 Champion Adam Cole, SHOCKWAVE the Robot, Rich Swann, "Beautiful" Bobby Shields, Shiima Xion, and 2004 Super 8 Finalist and two-time ROH World Champion Austin Aries.
Super 8 Tournament First Round: Sami Callihan vs Adam Cole
We kick the show off with a rematch of the finals of CZW's Best Of The Best from a few weeks ago, which was won by Cole. Fastg paced sequence to start with both trying to lay in heavy shots, but neither man could connect, so Callihan drives Cole to the corner and drills him with hard chops until the referee physically gets between them. Callihan tries a Thesz Press but Cole reverses to a Northern Lights Suplex for 2, then tries a dive when Callihan goes to the floor. Callihan rolls back in and Cole lands on his feet on the apron, but Callihan hits a leaping clothesline off the second rope and tries a dive, but Cole with a leaping enziguiri nails Callihan as he comes through the ropes and then he hits a nasty dive that sends both men crashing into hte barricade. Callihan recovers and starts laying in more chops on the floor, slips into the ring to break the count, then goes back outside to deal out more punishment to Cole. Cole reverses a whip and drives Callihan into the apron, but tries a flying headscissors off the apron and Callihan catches him and powerbombs him into the apron, them rams him into the apron a second time. Callihan rolls back in and tells the referee to count, but Cole beats the count so Callihan hits a vicious sitout powerbomb for 2. Callihan with a hard slam and then his slingshot splash for 2 before locking Callihan into a modified abdominal stretch. Cole gets out of that but Callihan kills him with a running boot for 2. Callihan drives Cole hard into the corner a few times, then hits a leaping enziguiri and a running facewash. Cole is just destroyed in the corner, but Callihan keeps up the punishment with a second running facewash, but when he tries a third Cole catches him with a superkick and a running boot to break Callihan's momentum. Both men are on their knees exchanging headbutts, then get to their feet and exchange chops. Callihan gets the advantage, but Cole spits in his face, rams Callihan into the corner, and gets a bridging German suplex for 2. Cole goes to the second rope but Callihan hits him with a double sledge and tries a superplex, but Cole blocks and headbutts Callihan until he crashes into the ring, then hits a flying bodypress, Callihan rolls through for 2, and Cole rolls through that for 2. Callihan with a backdrop suplex but Cole no-sells, Callihan takes his head off with a hard clothesline for 2, then locks in a nasty Horse Collar right in the middle of the ring. Cole slips out and runs Callihan into the corner, then tried a leaping Canadian Destroyer off the second rope, Callihan blocked that and tried a Horse Collar, Cole rolled him up for 2, then hit a superkick and the second rope Canadian Destroyer for the win.
Winner: Adam Cole
EXCELLENT opener and every bit as good as I expected from these two. This could have easily main evented.
Super 8 Tournament First Round: Bobby Shields vs Austin Aries
They tie up and do a mat wrestling sequence that ends in a stalemate, then exchange wristlocks with Shields getting an armdrag and then showing off with some jumping jacks. Another wristlock by Shields but Aries cartwheels out and hits a fireman's carry and a legdrop for 2. Another back and forth with Shields getting a dropkick for 2 and then going back to the arm. Aries sends him into the ropes and Shields takes him down with a shoulderblock, but poses again and Aries trips him, hits a clothesline, and armdrags Shields several times. Shields gets a headscissors, but has obviously never watched an Austin Aries match before because Aries kicks out of it and dropkicks him in the face, then hits the Power Drive elbow for 2. Shields tries escaping to the floor, but Aries keeps up the pressure with a top rope double axhandle and then takes Shields around the ring to chop him in front of each section. Aries rolls Shields back in and hits the slingshot rolling senton, then follows it with the Finlay Roll and goes for a top rope elbow, but Shields' second at ringside grabs his ankle and Shields shoves him off the top to the floor. Shields goes to the outside and puts the boots to Aries, then lays in some hard chops and rams Aries into the apron. They head back in where Shields gets a neckbreaker for 2 and a series of double sledges, then whips Aries hard into the corner and shows off by doing some pushups. Aries tries to come back with some right hands but Shields gets a knee to the midsection and covers for 2, then gets an exaggerated Million Dollar Man fistdrop for 2. Shields with kneestrikes to the head and an STO, then he mocks the Power Drive elbow and tries it, but Aries moves and starts going after Shields, hitting an inverted atomic drop before running him back and forth from corner to corner and hitting a Russian legsweep for 2. Aries backdrops Shields to the apron, hits a neckbreaker on the second rope to send Shields to the floor, and hits the heat seeking missile. They head back in and Aries hits the slingshot twisting splash for 2 and goes for the brainbuster, but Shields rams Aries to the corner and then tries a charge, but Aries gets a rollup out of the corner for 2. Shields blocks the brainbuster, totally blows whatever he tried next, and Aries hangs him upside down in the corner and hits a baseball slide to the face for 2. Aries goes for a suplex, Shields slips out the back and hits a German suplex for 2. Aries with a Northern Lights Suplex for 2 and then repeated hard forearms, but comes off the ropes and Shields hits a DVD for 2. Shields motions that he's going to go for the 450, but Aries with a roaring elbow and then follows Shields up, Shields knocks him off and hits a running Yakuza kick in the corner, followed by a Falcon Arrow suplex for a close 2. Aries comes back with the shinbreaker/suplex combo and goes for the IED, but Shields moves, hits another running Yakuza kick in the corner, and goes for what looked like a Scorpion Deathdrop, but Aries reversed to a brainbuster. That only got 2, so Aries goes to the Last Chancery but Shields' second gets on the apron and distracts Aries, allowing Shields to roll him up with tights for 2. Shields tries a backslide but Aries rolls out and hits the boot to the head, IED, and the brainbuster finishes.
Winner: Austin Aries
Solid match, got a little disjointed in the middle but they pulled it together well and had a good finishing sequence. This was the first time I've seen Shields in a match this long and, aside from a couple slips, did a good job.
Super 8 Tournament First Round: Tommaso Ciampa vs Rich Swann
Swann ducks and dodges around Ciampa, but only for a moment because Ciampa kills him with a clothesline, then slowly stalks him before throwing his entire body behind a whip into the corner. Swann slips to the outside, Ciampa misses a baseball slide, Swann misses a moonsault but boots Ciampa in the head, and Ciampa responds by ramming Swann hard into the apron and unloading on him with more chops before delivering a gourdbuster on the ring steps and then hitting a double stomp off the apron. He rolls Swann back in and covers for 2, but Swann ducked another shot and hit a superkick that sent Ciampa tumbling to the floor. Swann went for the moonsault off the apron again and hit it this time, then rolled Ciampa back in and covered for 2. Swann goes for a cartwheel move but Ciampa catches him on his shoulders and drops Swann forward onto his knees for 2. Really devastating looking move. Ciampa goes to the second rope but Swann with a leaping enziguiri and then a leaping top rope Frankensteiner from the mat, followed by the triple jump standing 450 for a close 2. Ciampa goes for an airplane spin but Swann slips out and gets a front guillotine choke. Ciampa goes down, but gets back to his feet and hits a nasty suplex into the corner. Ciampa starts slapping Swann around but Swann fires back with right hands and goes for a running Frankensteiner, but Ciampa catches him in midair and hits the powerbomb with double knees for the win.
Winner: Tommaso Ciampa
Great showing by both men, with Ciampa working the power game and Swann working to outmaneuver him and get in his shots where he can. Ciampa in particular looked awesome here and has some really devastating stuff in his arsenal.
Super 8 Tournament First Round: Shiima Xion vs SHOCKWAVE The Robot
Quick lucha segment to start with neither man getting an advantage, then SHOCKWAVE takes Xion down with a side headlock. Xion reverses to a wristlock but SHOCKWAVE rolls through into a wristlock of his own. Xion counters back to the side headlock takedown and transitions into a rear chinlock, but SHOCKWAVE kicks him in the head, then stands on his head and gets another kick. Xion takes him down with a shoulderblock and they do a back and forth sequence, exchange armdrags and headlocks, and do the indy stalemate. Xion suckers SHOCKWAVE in with a boot to the gut, but pops SHOCKWAVE into the air and SHOCKWAVE hits a Frankensteiner that sends Xion careening to the floor and then follows him out with a slingshot dive. SHOCKWAVE sends Xion back in and covers for 2, then goes to the second rope and tries a Thesz Press, but Xion catches him in an inverted atomic drop, then hangs SHOCKWAVE on the second rope and hits a double running knees to the back for 2. Xion with a shucking and jiving back elbow takes SHOCKWAVE down and then he gets a combination Indian Deathlock/surfboard. SHOCKWAVE escapes that so Xion hits a double underhook suplex for 2, but makes the mistake of ramming SHOCKWAVE's metallic head into the corner and SHOCKWAVE no-sells. Xion tries another plan by hanging SHOCKWAVE upside down in the corner and repeatedly kicking him in the chest while yelling at the referee. SHOCKWAVE with a crossbody out of the corner for 2 and tries a big boot, but Xion catches the foot and hits a DDT for 2. Xion gets an inverted bearhug and tries a German suplex, but SHOCKWAVE blocks and hits a spinkick, spinning uppercut, and a tornado DDT for 2. SHOCKWAVE unloads with some jabs and a spinning Russian legsweep, then goes to the second rope, makes some robotic gestures, and htis a second rope elbow for 2. Xion hits a running elbow in the corner but SHOCKWAVE gets a leaping enziguiri, and Xion counters that with an inverted slam into his knee for 2. Xion tries a running second rope Lionsault, but SHOCKWAVE moves and hits a top rope legdrop for 2. SHOCKWAVE puts Xion up top and goes for a superplex, but Xion knocks him off and hits a 450 splash for the win.
Winner: Shiima Xion
Good athletic match to wrap up the first round. SHOCKWAVE is a hell of an entertaining characterand I'd love to see more of him.
The first round is over, so the four men to make it through to the semifinals are Adam Cole, Austin Aries, Tommaso Ciampa, and Shiima Xion.
Josh Daniels and TWA Tag Team Champions Matt Saigon & Damian Dragon vs ECWA Champion Papadon, ECWA Mid-Atlantic Champion Chris Wylde, and Team MackTion
Wylde and Daniels start with a tie up in the middle of the ring, and Daniels repeatedly takes Wylde down and goes for pinning combinations before tagging out to Saigon, who comes in with some martial arts kicks, and then Dragon comes in with a double stomp to the arm. Wylde manages to get back to his corner and tag in Papadon, who goes to work on Dragon's arm before tagging out to Kirby Mack, who then gets caught in the TWA corner where Daniels destroys him with chops. Daniels gets rammed into the corner and Mack hits a headstand into a corner dropkick, then tags in TJ for a Russian legsweep. Mack tags back in and Team MackTion hit a series of double teams in the corner on Daniels and Mack covers for 2. Papadon comes in and unloads with hard forearms, then a snapmare and diving clothesline for 2 as the fans chant "where's my pizza" at him. Wylde is back in and hits a running dropkick in the corner for 2, then whips Daniels into the ropes and catches him coming off with another dropkick for 2. TJ comes in and hits a running double axhandle for 2, then Mack comes in and gets a leg nelson on Daniels, allowing TJ to come in with a diving dropkick off the ropes. Papadon comes in with some hard kicks and gets a rear chinlock on Daniels, but Daniels snapmares his way out of it and then drills Papadon with a clothesline before making the hot tag, and Saigon and Dragon hit a double hiptoss and stereo kicks on Papadon and Dragon covers for 2. Saigon and Dragon with a double suplex on Papadon for 2, but Papadon catches Dragon with a hard forearm and a second rope European uppercut, then tags out to Wylde. Wylde immediately gets in trouble and takes a double team Diamond Cutter from Saigon and Dragon, but then Mack and TJ come in and hit a double team pendulum facebuster on Dragon. Daniels kills TJ with a clothesline and dumps Mack on his head with a suples, but Wylde nails him with a standing Sliced Bread #2. Saigon with a Here It Is Driver to Wylde, then unloads with kicks on Papadon. Papadon ducks a spinning kick and hits a DVD, but Dragon gets him with a tornado DDT and then Wylde wipes him out with a superkick. Daniels with more hard chops on Wylde, but Wylde with a second rope crossbody and Daniels responds to that with an Implant DDT for 2. Papadon and Daniels exchange strikes in the middle of the ring with Daniels coming out on top and dumping Papadon to the floor, but he turns around and Wylde small packages him for the win.
Winners: Papadon, Chris Wylde & Team MackTion
There was so much going on in this match that it was hard to keep up with the play-by-play. Daniels looked great even though I haven't seen him in a while, he's in great shape and still has some of the heaviest chops around. Papadon gets into it with his teammates after the match and they have to be pulled apart, and then Breaker Morant (who arrived late due to travel issues) came out to apologize to his team, and Daniels laid him out and locked in a double armbar submission and Dragon and Saigon walked off on him.
INTERMISSION
Super 8 Tournament Semifinals: Adam Cole vs Austin Aries
They tie up and Aries takes Cole to the corner but breaks clean, so Aries gets a snapmare and a cover for 1. Greco-Roman knucklelock and Aries gets teh advantage, but Cole bridges back and tries to put Aries down, but Aries twists out, scissors Cole's arm and gets an armbar into a pinning combination for 2. Another series of pinning combinations by Aries and then he takes Cole to the corner and lays into him with a chop, then lays in several hard forearms and boots in the corner. Aries goes for his springboard back elbow out of the corner but Cole catches him and hits a German suplex for 2. Cole with a hard slam for 2 and then put the boots to Aries in the corner, but Aries caught the foot and drilled him with a few forearms, then hit a bulldog and went for the Last Chancery, but Cole slipped out and went to the ropes. Cole with a bulldog out of nowhere for 2 and then went to an armbar, but Cole took Aries to the corner and went for a tornado DDT, but Aries blocked and yanked Cole off the ropes by the foot. Aries with a side backbreaker and held onto the hold, bending Cole backward over his knee and then cradling him for 2. Cole tries firing back and goes for a dropkick, but Aries dodges and gets a figure four stump puller. He rolls backward and gets Cole in a pinning combination for 2, then gets the Power Drive elbow for 2. Aries takes Cole to the corner and rams shoulderblocks into the back, then rams Cole back and forth from corner to corner. Finally Cole comes out of nowhere with a clothesline that wipes Aries out and unloads with right hands that drive Aries down in the corner. Cole with a boot ot the face, an enziguiri, and a second rope leg lariat for 2. Cole with a fireman's carry into a neckbreaker over the knee, then sits Aries on the second rope in the corner, but Aries fights out and Cole ends up on the apron. They fight over a suplex in each direction until Aries snaps Cole down on the top rope to send him to the floor and goes for the heat seeking missile, but Cole hits a leaping enziguiri and tries a top rope move, but Aries moves and Cole crashes hard. Aries with a Finlay Roll and he goes up top for a missile dropkick but Cole moves out of the way and both men are down. They exchange blows in the middle of the ring but Aries pulls off his elbow pad and hits a roaring elbow, but Cole drills him with a leaping boot to the face for 2, then a standing powerslam for 2. Aries quickly catches Cole with the shinbreaker/suplex combo, a brainbuster for 2, and then gets Cole in the Last Chancery. Cole won't tap so Aries pulls him up, hits several kneestrikes to the head, Cole fights back with forearms and goes for a slam, Aries blocks and goes for another brainbuster, Cole blocks and superkicks Aries in the face for 2. Aries with a small pakcage for 2, then the kick to the head and he goes for the IED but Cole superkicks him and hits a Snowplow for the win.
Winner: Adam Cole
Excellent match that believably could have gone either way. Cole looked great surviving through all of Aries' best stuff and is on to the finals. Aries is disappointed, and goes to ringside to grab a sign from a fan that says "Adam Cole is the Best of the Best" and brings it into the ring, holding it in the air and shoving it into Cole's hands before shaking his hand and walking off.
Super 8 Tournament Semifinals: Tommaso Ciampa vs Shiima Xion
Ciampa killed Xion with a dropkick before the bell and stomped him in the corner before hitting a running boot in the corner for 2. Ciampa tried a pop up but Xion hit a dropkick that sent Ciampa to the floor and followed him out with a diving dropkick through the ropes. Xion rolls Ciampa back in and lays in some body blows, but Ciampa takes his head off with a clothesline for 2. Ciampa goes for another clothesline but Xion ducks and gets a rollup for 2, then he tries a Frankensteiner, Ciampa hangs on so Xion punches him in the face and tries again and hits it, Ciampa reverses to a sunset flip for 2 and then locks in an inverted leg nelson (picture a leg nelson from a sunset flip position), then snapmares Xion and hits a running knee to the face for 2. Ciampa puts Xion up top and goes for a superplex, but Xion shoves him off and hits a missile dropkick. Xion hotshots Ciampa on the top rope and hits a hard clothesline and gets a crucifix for 2. Xion with a Crippler Crossface but Ciampa makes the ropes so Xion hits a running elbow in the corner and goes off the ropes, but Ciampa with a big boot to the face and a torture rack into a sitout gourdbuster for 2. Xion with a top rope tornado DDT and a Lionsault out of the corner for 2, he goes up top for a Spiral Tap but Ciampa moves and goes for the Texas Cloverleaf, Xion turns it into a small package for 2 and then superkicks Ciampa in the face, but Ciampa pops Xion up into the powerbomb over the knees, but that only gets 2. Ciampa quickly goes to the Texas Cloverleaf and Xion taps.
Winner: Tommaso Ciampa
Dominant win for Ciampa, and he now goes to the finals of the Super 8 for the third year in a row. He leads the crowd in a round of applause for Xion on his way out, which was a pretty classy move. Xion looked great, and between what I saw here and at EVOLVE a couple of weeks ago looks like he's started to hit a good stride.
The finals of the Super 8 tournament is set, and it will now be Adam Cole vs Tommaso Ciampa.
Battle of Former Super 8 Winners: Aden Chambers vs Ace Darling
Darling makes like he doesn't sweat Chambers, they tie up and jockey for control with Chambers backing Darling to the corner. Clean break, and they do a fast paced takedown/reversal sequence with neither man able to get an advantage again. Darling takes Chambers down with a side headlock, Chambers headscissors out of it, and we're back at a stalemate. Chambers with a cheap right hand and sends Darling to the ropes, but Darling with a twisting victory roll for 2, a schoolboy rollup for 2, and a backslide for another 2. Chambers backs off to the ropes to regain his composure, then takes Darling to the corner and tries another punch, Darling dodges and unloads with right hands and yells at chambers that he's still the man. Darling tries a charge in the corner, Chambers gets the boot up, but Darling responds with a dropkick for 2 and gets a chinlock. Chambers makes the ropes and elbows Darling in the ribs and then gouges the eyes. Chambers whips Darling to the ropes and gets a back elbow but barely gets 1 off a cover. Darling backdrops Chambers to the floor and Chambers crashes hard, and Darling tries a baseball slide but Chambers dodges and rams Darling into the timekeeper's table. Chambers rams Darling's back into the ringpost and then rolls him back into the ring where he continues the assault on the back. Chambers whips Darling into the corner so hard that Darling tumbles over the ropes and to the floor. Chambers goes after him and chokes him over the guardrail, then rolls him back in and ties Darling up in a surfboard. Ace starts to elbow his way out of the hold and hits a Frankensteiner. Chambers Tullys Darling into the corner and then rams shoulderblocks to his back, then hits a back suplex for 2. Chambers with a nasty top wristlock but Darling fights his way free and dumps Chambers to the apron. Darling rams Chambers into the top turnbuckle and knocks him to the floor with an enziguiri, then wipes Chambers out with a slingshot dive to the floor. They head back in and trade right hands until Darling hits an inverted atomic drop and a powerslam for 2. Darling with a bulldog for a close 2, then goes up top for a sunset flip, but Chambers rolls through and gets a Sharpshooter. Darling refuses to tap and makes the ropes, so Chambers puts Darling on the corner and goes for a superplex, but Darling shoves hi off and wipes out the referee. Darling comes off the ropes with a DDT and goes for the cover, but there's no referee. Darling goes to check on the ref, but he's totally out of it. He goes back to grab Chambers, but Chambers lowblows him and hits a DVD. Chambers goes over to revive the referee and then makes the cover, but only gets 2. Chambers starts slapping Darling around and yells at him to get up, then goes for a sunset flip and Darling drops down and cradles the legs for the win.
Winner: Ace Darling
Good match, and a nice way to put over the legacy of the tournament by having two former champions come back for this match. Darling helps Chambers to his feet and raises his hand, but Chambers pulls away. Darling goes over and extends his hand to Chambers, and Chambers gives him the hand slap and heads to the back.
Sunny comes out to do the ring introductions for the finalists, and then it's time to crown the 2011 Champion...
Super 8 Tournament Finals: Adam Cole vs Tommaso Ciampa
They shake hands to start and we're off. Tie up in the middle of the ring and nobody moves. Another tie up and Ciampa takes Cole to the corner and drills him with hard forearms. Cole responds with forearms of his own and then they exchange hard chops. It turns into even more of a fight as they go back to the forearms and then exchange big boots. Finally Ciampa beats Cole down with forearms and then hits a drop toehold into an Indian Deathlock and repeatedly rams Cole's knees into the mat before bridging backward into a Muta Lock. Ciampa with hard forearms to Cole's back, Cole tries a leapfrog out of the corner and Ciampa catches him, but Cole slips out the back and gets a sleeper hold. Ciampa struggles to get to the ropes but drops to one knee and eventually collapses completely to the mat. The referee checks the arm but Ciampa stays alive and gets back to his feet, ramming Cole backward into the corner. Both men collapse to the mat, exhausted after everything they've been through today. Cole rolls out to the floor and Ciampa tries a baseball slide, but Cole catches his legs, pulls him out of the ring, and hits a wheelbarrow suplex into the ring apron. Cole gets back in the ring and tries to suplex Ciampa in, but Ciampa pulls him out to the apron. Cole tries to suplex Ciampa off the apron but Ciampa blocks and they end up exchanging forearms on the apron. Cole gets a leaping kneestrike and then German suplexes Ciampa off the apron and through a ringside table. Both men are just dead on the floor as the referee counts, but they make it back in before 10. They get to their knees and exchange forearms in the middle of the ring, then Cole fires up and just repeatedly drills Ciampa with forearms and goes for a superkick, but Ciampa ducks and picks Cole up and hits the powerbomb over the knees, but only gets 2. He crawls over and looks at the trophy at ringside, then pulls himself to his feet and sits Cole up top. He goes up after him and they exchange forearms again, only this time on the top rope. Cole hits a gourdbuster off the top and then comes off the top with the leaping Canadian Destroyer, but that only gets 2 as well. Both men have given each other their best shots and they keep coming, and Cole doesn't seem to know what to do to put Ciampa away. Cole stand Ciampa up and drills him with a superkick, Ciampa won't go down so Cole hits a second superkick, Ciampa goes to his knees so Cole hits a third and Ciampa's down. Cole covers but STILL only gets 2, so Cole gets frustrated and repeatedly slaps him and tells him to come on, so Ciampa pops up and hits a double kneestrike that rams Cole into the corner, and then hit him over and over with running Facewash after Facewash, then picks Cole up and hits an Air Raid Crash off the top rope to finally put Cole away and finally get his Super 8 Tournament win.
Winner and 2011 Super 8 Champion: Tommaso Ciampa
This match was awesome, and told a great story where both men wanted it so bad that they survived stuff that would have put anyone else away, with Ciampa finally winning the tournament after two frustrating losses in the finals. Sunny hands Ciampa the trophy and Cole comes over to give him a hug, and then all the other participants and DJ Hyde get in the ring to congratulate Ciampa, with Callihan and Xion hoisitng him up on their shoulders in victory. Ciampa makes a quick postmatch speech thanking Jim Kettner for paving the way for him to get where he is, and also puts over the other seven guys in the tournament and thanks the fans for coming out.
2012 - PWInsider.com reported that The Miz would replace Randy Orton as the star of "The Marine: Homefront."
2012 - The Bellas departed WWE as their contracts were expiring and they opted to take time off. They in early 2013.
2012 - WWE broadcast Raw. Mike Johnson filed the following TV report:
Here we go folks! Let's see how WWE follows up on a really great Extreme Rules PPV!
They open with a video feature on the aftermath of John Cena's battle with Brock Lesnar, including clips of Cena's post-match speech.
After the opening, ring announcer Justin Roberts welcomes everyone to "Raw starring Brock Lesnar." He introduces John Laurinaitis. He proclaimed that in one night, he revolutionized WWE and everything we know about it. He says that the audience should thank him for bringing Brock Lesnar back to WWE because in one night, he beat up John Cena so bad, he will never "be the man he was and proven to be a mere mortal." He said that Lesnar turned the WWE Universe on its ear more than any one man in the past and brought legitimacy back to WWE.
Brock Lesnar comes out. He's getting booed big time. He says that the world witnessed Brock Lesnar bringing the pain first-hand, exactly what he told the world he was going to do. Laurinaitis applauded that and said that's why Lesnar is the face of W...W...
Triple H's music hit and he came out, wearing a suit and tie. The announcers noted that this is the first time we've seen him since the Wrestlemania bout against Undertaker. He and Laurinaitis shake hands. Wait, since when are they cool with each other? Ace thinks HHH is out to congratulate Lesnar on being the new face.
The crowd chants for HHH and he stares blankly at them. He said that he's out here to do what Ace is supposed to do but doesn't have the guts to do. He tells Lesnar that his days of holding up the company through. He said that Lesnar's private jet won't be taking home, and neither will the limo that brought him here. He said Lesnar isn't getting a raise or treated special. He said that the name of the show will always be "Monday Night Raw." Lesnar just started at him. HHH says that no one is bigger than WWE and if he wants to be here, he'll get everything that was offered to him in the contract that HHH approved - the first one he signed with John Laurinaitis, not the one Ace agreed to but HHH didn't approve.
Ace says that he's in charge of contracts and it's not fair that the company goes back on it's word. HHH ripped up a contract and said he's not going to approve it. He said that Lesnar isn't some country bumpkin, he's a shrewd person that's been made into a global brand. So, Lesnar knows that John had no authority and Lesnar isn't getting anything he was told he would be getting. HHH said that he does want Brock here and so do the fans. The crowd booed him. HHH said that the fans might not like him, but they want to see him in a rematch with John Cena and see him face CM Punk, Randy Orton, and Sheamus. He said that if Lesnar is going to give it to them, it's under the terms of the contract he agreed to when he came back, when Lesnar agreed.
HHH said that if Brock doesn't want to be here or re-sign, he understands that's fine. He said if Lesnar wants to go take his ball and pack it away with his loss with Cena and go home, that's fine but HHH doesn't think he wants that. He asks Lesnar for an answer and Laurinaitis interfered. HHH said it was between him and Lesnar and asked Lesnar again. Lesnar said John signed the deal. HHH said his original deal was more than fair. Laurinaitis tried to intercede, so HHH told him to shut up. HHH turned to Brock and asked if they had a deal. You know an F5 is coming.
Laurinaitis said HHH was being disrespectful. HHH turned to Ace and was attacked by Lesnar. Lesnar beat him down in the corner but HHH fought back. Lesnar took him down and locked in a Kimura. They played it up like he had broken HHH's arm. Big Show, Sheamus, R Truth and Kofi Kingston hit the ring so Lesnar slid out and began tearing apart the ringside area. Security walked out Lesnar as HHH told the others that his arm is broken. Michael Cole said that Lesnar had just "fired himself."
The cameras followed Lesnar walking off through the back. The wrestlers helped HHH out of the ring very gingerly as the crowd chanted for HHH. Show told HHH that he "had a set of balls on him" and asked him what he was thinking. HHH said, "I'm telling you, it's broken."
GREAT angle.
After commercial, HHH was telling doctors that his arm was completely out of the socket and that he couldn't move it but could feel his fingers. He couldn't squeeze the fingers.
The announcers again talked about how Brock Lesnar must have fired himself tonight.
Eve Torres announced a Beat the Clock challenge tonight with the winner getting a WWE title shot at CM Punk at Over the Limit.
BEAT THE CLOCK: The Miz vs. WWE United States champion Santino Marella
They lock up and Santino takes him down and gets several quick covers. Miz isn't happy. The announcers say that Brock Lesnar has been escorted from the building. Miz nailed a high knee for a two count. Santino ducked a clothesline and shoulderblocked Miz down for a near fall. Miz drills Santino with a kick in the head for a near fall. Miz worked him over in the corner and stomped him down. Miz missed a charge and was rolled up out of the corner for a two count. Miz nailed a neckbreaker for a two count.
Miz nailed a running clothesline in the corner on a dazed Marella. He came off the ropes with a flying axehandle for a two count. Miz elbowed and punched Marella. He covered Marella for a two count. There was a small "Cobra" chant. Marella used a judo throw to get out of a chinlock and nailed a Stun Gun on Miz. Marella nailed a series of rights and split under Miz, then hit a hiptoss and headbutt.
Marella pulled out the Cobra but Miz ducked it and rolled him up from behind. Marella reversed for a two count. Marella went for the Cobra but Miz caught him with the Skull Crushing Finale in 4:18.
Your winner, The Miz.
Match was pretty much what you would expect. Nothing earth shattering here.
They showed clips of Layla El winning the Divas title last night.
WWE Divas champion Layla El vs. Brie Bella vs. Nikki Bella
They announced both Bellas as former champions. Really? The Bella were pissy with each other over the title loss last night.
The Bella were arguing at the bell so Layla dropkicked them into each other and rolled one up and the win.
Your winner and still Divas champion, Layla El!
Too short to be anything of consquence.
The lights went out as the announcers were talking about what happened with Brock Lesnar. Chris Jericho made his grand entrance. His arm is all wrapped up from the Street Fight at the PPV.
BEAT THE CLOCK: Chris Jericho vs. Big Show
Show chops away at Jericho several times and scored near falls. He whipped Jericho into the corner but was caught with a shoulderblock to the knees as he charged out. Jericho kicked away at Show but could only muster a one count on his cover.
Show came back to chop Jericho as he leapt through the air. He came off the ropes but Jericho rolled out of the way. Jericho nailed the Lionsault and covered Show for a rwo count. Jericho went for the Walls of Jericho but Show used a small package for a two count.
Show grabbed Jericho for a chokeslam but was kicked. Jericho covered him but Show easily kicks out. With 90 seconds left, Jericho nailed several kicks but was taken out by Show for another two count. They showed Miz watching on a monitor.
Show went for the KO but Jericho ducked. He went for the Codebreaker but Show caught him. Jericho locked on a front facelock over the ropes and they tumbled to the floor. Show charged and missed, landing in the timekeeper's area. Jericho returned to the ring and the referee was about to count ten on Show as the buzzer went off.
The referee ruled that Jericho won but as they went to commercial, the announcers weren't so sure.
When we came back, they ruled that Jericho's time actually had run out so Miz was still in charge.
Brodus Clay and friends did their entrance.
Brodus Clay vs. JTG
No Hornswoggle with Clay. They locked up and Clay muscled JTG back. They locked up again and Clay was kicked in the gut. He caught a kick and nailed JTG. He whipped JTG into the ropes and caught him in the mid-section, then slammed him. The announcers claimed that JTG had promised a big surprise for Clay.
Clay nailed his Rhino headbutt and squashed him in the corner. Clay suplexed JTG over and nailed the splash for the pin.
Your winner, Brodus Clay!
Typical Clay squash.
We see clips of the attack on HHH and stills from Cena vs. Lesnar.
Backstage, Eve Torres threw Teddy Long out of John Laurinaitis' office. Eve told John to calm down and that she gets it. She said that Lesnar was gone and HHH might blame him for it, but he needs to decide what type of leader he is going to be because the Board is watching. She asked him who John Cena's next opponent will be and he can guarantee that Cena isn't going to like it. He was really happy with himself.
BEAT THE CLOCK: Randy Orton vs. Jack Swagger
They locked up and Swagger went for a waistlock, but Orton escaped. Swagger nailed a series of shoulderblocks in the corner. He whipped Orton into the corner but was drilled with a clothesline for a two count. Swagger kicked Orton down and nailed the Vader splash off the buckles for a two count.
Swagger kicked Orton and went for a Gutwrench suplex. Orton landed on his feet and nailed a backbreaker for a two count. Swagger ducked a clothesline and tackled Orton's legs. Swagger nailed another tackle for a two count. The crowd chanted, "RKO."
Swagger worked over Orton in the corner with punches but was kicked by Orton, who fired back with right hands. Swagger overpowered him and locked in a submission hold, trying to force Orton to the mat. He locked in a hammerlock and rolled him around for a two count.
Swagger went for another Vader bomb but was kicked in the gut as he came down. Swagger was nailed with a powerslam and set up Swagger for the hanging DDT. Orton began setting up for the RKO but Swagger ducked and went for the anklelock with 18 seconds left.
Orton rolled through and sent Swagger into the buckles and pinned Swagger with the RKO in 4:16.
Your winner, Randy Orton, who's now got the best time.
GREAT match. This was the best and most competitive Swagger has looked in forever and they clicked really well in the ring.
WWE Tag Team champions Epico & Primo (with Rosa Mendes) vs. Kofi Kingston & R Truth
Primo kicked Little Jimmy, looking like a moron as it allowed Truth to clean house on him and clothesline Primo out of the ring.
When they returned from commercial, Truth covered Primo for a two count. The champions turned the tide and worked over Truth in the corner as the announcers confirmed that HHH's arm was indeed broken by Brock Lesnar. The champions continued beating on Truth in their corner, tagging in and out.
Truth fired back but was cut off with a double team. Primo worked him over with a series of right hands for a two count. Kingston tried to rally the crowd behind his partner. Truth nailed a leg lariat as Primo charged and made the hot tag to Kingston.
Kingston came in with a flying clothesline on Epico, then nailed a dropkick and another clothesline. He nailed the Boom Drop for a two count then nailed Epico. Rosa distracted the referee but it didn't matter as Truth used that to nail Epico and Kingston nailed the Trouble in Paradise to score the win.
Your winners and new WWE Tag Team champions, Kofi Kingston & R Truth!
Decent back and forth match.
Backstage, the former champions were arguing when Abraham Washington told them that had he been representing them, they wouldn't have lost the belts.
BEAT THE CLOCK: Great Khali vs. Kane
What did we do to deserve this?
Khali chopped away at Kane in several corners, nailing a number of chops. Kane went for a chokeslam but it was broken. Kane nailed a dropkick to Khali's legs and began working him over, scoring a two count. Kane nailed DDT and covered Khali for a two count.
Kane covered Khali again and locked in a chinlock, then drilled him in the back of the head with several punches. Kane went to the top and nailed a top rope clothesline. He covered Khali, who kicked out at one. Kane was nailed by Khali several times as they hit a minute left.
Khali nailed the big chop to the head but Kane rolled out of the ring. Khali followed him out with 24 seconds left. He rolled Kane and they grabbed each other for chokeslams as the clock expired.
No winer.
They continued battling and Kane chokeslammed Khali after.
It was what you would expect with Khali involved.
They said that John Cena would be meeting John Laurinaitis in the ring later to find out who his next opponent is.
BEAT THE CLOCK: Daniel Bryan vs. Jerry Lawler
Big pop for this!
Bryan didn't take it at all seriously, getting people to chant "Yes". They locked up and Bryan drilled him with a series of shots in the corner. He nailed a running dropkick in the corner for a two count. He continued to unload on Lawler in the corner but Lawler ducked a right and nailed a series of his own. Bryan nailed a headbutt and snapmared Lawler, then drilled him with a kneedrop for a two count.
Lawler came back with a series of punches and dropkicked Bryan for a two count. Bryan kicked Lawler and whipped him into the corner. Bryan missed a dropkick into the corner, setting him up for a fistdrop. Lawler pulled the strap down and nailed it for a two count.
Lawler went for the piledriver but Bryan backdropped him off and locked in the Yes Lock with 1:56 left. Lawler submitted.
Your winner and new top contender, Daniel Bryan!
That sound you heard was the Internet collectively pooping it's pants.
Punk comes out and applauds Bryan, then holds his WWE title over his head. That's going to be a fun PPV bout, folks!
Michael Cole reviewed what happened with Brock Lesnar and Triple H, promising there would be updates on the WWE website all this week.
John Cena made his way to the ring. He had his "injured arm" in a sling. Cena said that all his x-rays show no breaks and an MRI show no tears. He said that all the muscles in his arm are strained but he is here. He said he's been in WWE for a long time and there's a big difference between being hurt and injured. When you are injured, you go home. When you are hurt, you go out and do what you do best in a little bit of pain, so he's here.
Out came John Laurinaitis. Cena asked him if he got Zeus for his next opponent. Laurinaitis told Cena that when he told Lesnar he was the new face of WWE, he was trying to motivate Cena. Cena blew him off, saying he hired a mercenary to take him out. Laurinaitis tried to act like he did John a favor and Cena insulted him. Ace warned Cena he had the power to make Cena's life difficult. Cena called him an idiot if he thinks he can make his life more difficult. Laurinaitis said he was willing to let the past be the past and talk about the future.
Laurinatis said they were here to talk about his next opponent at Over the Limit. Out came Lord Tensai. He came to the ring. Ace nailed Cena from behind with the mic and announced his opponent at Over the Limit was....John Laurinaitis. Cena pulled himself up and all three assaulted Cena. Tensai nailed a back senton splash on Cena. Laurinaitis attacked Cena's arm, stomping it and grabbing an armbar.
Tensai pulled Cena to the ringpost and held his arm over the ringsteps for Laurinaitis to stomp it. Cole asked if the entire world had gone crazy. Laurinaitis slammed a chair over Cena's bad arm. We go off the air with the dastardly villains walking out as Cena is in the ring holding his arm.
Good angle to close the show and a good two hours overall.
2014 - Pro Wrestling NOAH announced KENTA would be departing the promotion, paving the way for him to sign with WWE as Hideo Itami.
2014 - WWE released Mason Ryan as well as NXT talents Shaul Guerrero, Oliver Grey, and Danny Burch. NXT Diva Sarah Backman requested and received a release as well.
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