5/18 THIS DAY IN HISTORY: DAVEY BOY SMITH PASSES AWAY, FLAIR TRIUMPHANT AT SLAMBOREE, VON ERICH VS. SUPERSTAR GRAHAM FOR NWA WORLD TITLE, JERICHO CHALLENGES FOR ECW WORLD TITLE AND MORE
By
Mike Johnson on 2011-05-18 08:00:00
May 18th
On this day in history in ...
1943 - Jimmy Snuka is born.
1963 - WWWF ran Philadelphia, PA with the top matches featuring the following results:
-Vittorio Apollo defeated Tommy O'Toole.
-Johnny Barend defeated Pete Sanchez.
-WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino defeated Miguel Torres.
1964 - Gorilla Monsoon defeated WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino via disqualification in Pittsburgh, PA.
1968 - WWWF ran Philadelphia, PA at the Arena with the following results:
-Sammy Rubin defeated Mike Padoulious.
-Baron Mikel Scicluna defeated Arnold Skaaland.
-Hans Mortier defeated Earl Maynard.
-Prof. Toru Tanaka defeated Crybaby Cannon.
-Bull Ramos & Col. Homer O'Dell defeated Eduard Carpentier & Louis Cerdan.
-WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino & Victor Rivera fought Gorilla Monsoon & Virgil the Kentucky Butcher to a time-limit draw.
1969 - WWWF ran Washington DC at the Coliseum with the following results:
-Prof. Toru Tanaka fought Dominic DeNucci to a draw.
-The Mongols defeated Victor Rivera & Al Nelson via disqualification.
-Mario Milano pinned Karl Kovacs.
-Manuka Akim defeated Angelo Savoldi.
-Sandy Parker & Vicki Williams defeated Kathy O'Day & Rita Boucher.
-U.S. Champion Bobo Brazil fought Crusher Verdu to a double count-out .
1973 - WWWF ran Albany, NY at the Washington Avenue Armory, featuring:
-Ricky Sexton defeated Tito Torres.
-Miguel Feliciano defeated Bull Pometti.
-Joe Turco defeated Luis Torres.
-Manuel Soto defeated Mike Conrad.
-WWWF World Champion Pedro Morales defeated Mike McCord at the 13-minute mark.
1973 - Former WWF and ECW star The Blue Meanie is born.
1974 - WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino defeated Nikolai Volkoff via countout in the main event of a card in Philadelphia, PA.
1979 - WWF ran Long Island, NY at the Nassau Coliseum featuring:
-SD Jones fought Johnny Rivera to a draw.
-Baron Mikel Scicluna defeated Mark Tendler.
-Johnny Rodz defeated Tony Altimore.
-Hussein Arab defeated Dominic DeNucci.
-Bruno Sammartino defeated Johnny Valiant.
-Cowboy Lang & Tiny Thumb defeated Little Tokyo & Butch Cassidy.
-Ivan Putski defeated Bulldog Brower via count-out.
1984 - NWA world champion Kerry Von Erich defeated Superstar Billy Graham in Lake City, FL, headlining a Championship Wrestling from Florida card.
1985 - Jim Crockett Promotioins ran Greensboro, NC at the Coliseum with the following results:
-Ricky Reeves defeated Doug Vines.
-Pat Tanaka fought Denny Brown to a draw.
-Black Bart defeated Sam Houston.
-Ron Bass defeated Stoney Burke.
-NWA U.S. Champion Magnum TA defeated Buddy Landell.
-Jimmy Valiant defeated Superstar Billy Graham.
-NWA TV Champion Tully Blanchard defeated Dusty Rhodes.
-NWA World Tag Team Champions Ivan & Nikita Koloff defeated Dick Slater & Buzz Tyler.
1987 - Ron & Jimmy Garvin defeated NWA U.S. Tag Team Champions The Midnight Express, Bobby Eaton & Stan Lane in a non-title match, headlining a Jim Crockett Promotions card in Fayetteville, NC.
1987 - WWF ran at Madison Square Garden in New York City with the following results:
- Sam Houston defeated Terry Gibbs.
- Paul Roma & Jim Powers defeated Bob Orton & Don Muraco.
- Lanny Poffo defeated Dave Barbie.
- WWF World Champion Hulk Hogan defeated Harley Race. After the match, Race attacked Hogan with the title belt and bloodied him, leading to Hogan challenging Race to a No Holds Barred match at the next MSG show.
- Debbie Combs defeated WWF Women's Champion The Fabulous Moolah via countout.
- Demolition defeated The Killer Bees.
- Ron Bass defeated Jose Luis Rivera.
- Ken Patera defeated Honky Tonk Man via DQ.
1991 - WCW ran Daytona Beach, FL with the following results:
-WCW TV Champion Arn Anderson pinned Powerhouse Parker.
-The Junkyard Dog defeated El Cubano.
-Dustin Rhodes pinned Black Bart.
-Big Josh fought Dan Spivey to a double countout when both men began brawling on the floor.
-WCW U.S. Champion Lex Luger fought Nikita Koloff to a double disqualification.
-Ron Simmons pinned Butch Reed.
-Bobby Eaton pinned Terrance Taylor.
-El Gigante defeated the One Man Gang via disqualification.
-Sting & Brian Pillman defeated WCW World Champion Ric Flair & Barry Windham in a steel cage match.
1996 - Extreme Championship Wrestling ran Allentown, PA at Ag Hall, drawing 1,200 fans for a card featuring:
-Rob Van Dam pinned El Puerto Ricano,
-Brian Lee defeated Axl Rotten at 1:30,
-Ron & Don Harris defeated the Pitbulls,
-ECW World Champion Raven defeated Chris Jericho at 17:23,
-JT Smith, Little Guido, & Big Titan defeated Hack Myers, Buh Buh Ray & D-Von Dudley,
-Taz defeated 2 Cold Scorpio via submission,
-Sabu pinned Mikey Whipwreck at 15:45,
-ECW World TV Champion Shane Douglas defeated Tommy Dreamer and 2 Cold Scorpio in an elimination match; Douglas pinned Dreamer; Douglas pinned Scorpio,
-ECW World Tag Team Champions The Eliminators defeated The Gangstas when New Jack was pinned.
1996 - WCW ran Lake Charles, LA, drawing 4,000 fans with the following:
-The Booty Man defeated Kevin Sullivan.
-Dick Slater defeated Lord Steven Regal via countout.
-Randy Savage defeated Arn Anderson.
-Sting defeated Ric Flair.
-WCW World TV Champion Lex Luger defeated Eddie Guerrero.
-Public Enemy defeated the Nasty Boys in a streetfight.
-WCW World Champion the Giant defeated Jim Duggan
.
1997 - WCW ran Slamboree '97 at the Independence Arena in Charlotte, NC. Tim Whitehead filed the following PPV report for the Wrestling Lariat Newsletter:
Diamonds are forever, and so is Ric Flair. Well, maybe nothing is really forever, but Flair’s status as the most over wrestler in the history of the Carolinas and surrounding territory may not be challenged for a very long time. That was never more apparent than at WCW’s Slamboree, as the sold-out Charlotte Independence Arena once again paid homage to the Nature Boy, a ritual that has been often repeated over the past two decades or more, and if Flair’s performance at this show was any indication, we may still be seeing Charlotte light up for his presence a decade or more from now. The better-than-expected main event featuring Flair in the WCW vs. NWO match was the capstone of a generally “thumbs up” show, though by the time Flair’s match began the show was in a down period following the two worst matches on the show. With the exception of the good main event, the show unfolded in a manner similar to other recent WCW PPV’s, with strong lower card bouts leading into generally lower quality matches higher on the roster. The Steiners vs. Konnan & Hugh Morrus match, which was third from the top, was pretty bad and the Steve McMichael vs. Reggie White grudge bout semi-final was every bit as awful as feared going in. There was only a single DQ on the entire nine match show, which definitely is a positive trend (assuming it lasts long enough to become a trend). The other noteworthy item was the prominence of submissions on this show. Several matches ended in submission, and don’t think that’s a coincidence since Ken Shamrock is starting to get over in Titan.
STEVEN REGAL beat ULTIMO DRAGON with the Regal Stretch in 16:03 to capture the TV Title. Regal is no longer using the “Lord” moniker. WCW continues to bill Ultimo as “Ultimate” Dragon. They started off by trading mat wrestling holds. There was little crowd reaction even though what they were doing was good, mainly because fans now expect a flurry of action at the beginning of a match and thus grow restless if there’s a slow start. At around the 5:00 mark the action picked up with Dragon laying in his trademark kicks. They traded submission holds, with Dragon going for a cross armbreaker on several occasions and Regal of course going for his stretch. Regal took a bump to the floor where Sonny Onno laid in some martial arts kicks. Dragon acted upset by Onno’s interference, signalling the turn later in the match. Dragon hit a handspring elbow and a hurancanrana off the top for a two count but missed a moonsault. Regal went for a power bomb but Dragon converted it into a frankensteiner. Dragon hit a quebrada, though just barely as toward the end of the match they were starting to be off a little bit. Regal again ended up on the floor where Dragon hit his trademark Asai moonsault. Onno again kicked Regal, prompting Dragon to push him out of the way. Onno reacted by kicking Dragon, setting him up for a kick from Regal as well. Regal then hit a front suplex followed by his finisher for the submission win and title change. Onno took credit for Regal’s win afterward. A good opener, with the crowd gradually getting into it, and a huge pop at the end for Regal’s win.
MADUSA beat LUNA VACHON in 5:07 with a German Suplex. The commentators discussed the controversy surrounding who owns the Women’s Title. For the record, Akira Hokuto has never lost the belt to Madusa, but they’re claiming Madusa beat her in Japan and that Hokuto & Sonny Onno stole the belt so WCW officials are looking into the matter, which is totally bogus. Anyway, this was an OK match, short enough to not expose either wrestler. Luna opened up fast but Madusa hit a spin kick to a nice pop. Madusa continued on offense with chops and a good clothesline. After trading some hair pulling spots, Luna missed a splash and Madusa hit the suplex for the pin.
Up next, they did a strong angle with RANDY SAVAGE & MISS ELIZABETH coming out for an interview. Savage took the mic from Gene Okerlund (he should get a public service award of some kind for that one) and began running down DALLAS PAGE. Page ran in with a crutch he took from Savage in an earlier TV angle and Savage fled the ring. Page then accused Savage of kissing Hogan’s ass, which led Savage to run back in the ring where Page destroyed him with ECW-style shots from the crutch. Page also bent and broke the crutch on NWO members Marcus Bagwell, Vincent, and even Eric Bischoff when they came to Savage’s aid. Finally, Scott Norton took Page down and he got pounded by the NWO members until GIANT made the save. Page was over like crazy.
REY MYSTERIO JR. beat YUJI YASURAOKA in 14:58 with a springboard hurancanrana. This was yet another good match though it got only a lukewarm fan reaction since no one had the slightest idea who Yasuraoka was (he’s a regular with the WAR promotion in Japan). Yasuraoka started strong with kicks and stomps, getting a two count after a lariat kick. Mysterio frankensteinered Yasuraoka over the top and went for a follow-up move but the ref was in the way, which was a planned spot as Mysterio then did an awesome somersault plancha over the top onto Yasuraoka for the biggest pop of the match. Back in the ring, Mysterio went for another springboard move but Yasuraoka brought him down with a kick. Yasuraoka hooked on a wakigatamae (arm bar submission hold) but there was no crowd response and a “boring” chant started. Yasuraoka then locked on a cross armbreaker. This was followed by several good moves from Yasuraoka (who is something of an unheralded worker since he wrestles for one of Japan’s less publicized groups), including a dive to the floor which the camera missed. Yasuraoka got a two count with a lariat. Mysterio came back, getting two with a split-leg moonsault. They traded twos with Mysterio hitting a rana and Yasuraoka then reversing it. Yasuraoka got two with a double arm DDT. Mysterio got a two with a fisherman suplex before hitting Yasuraoka with a dropkick and the finisher for the pin.
GLACIER defeated MORTIS by DQ in 1:50. Basically, they brawled for about 90 seconds before Mortis signaled for Wrath (the name they finally devised for Bryan “Adam Bomb” Clark) to come in. Wrath used James Vandenberg’s staff on Glacier for the quick DQ. Mortis, Wrath, and Vandenberg then worked Glacier over, including a neat looking spot where Mortis straddled Glacier’s neck and forced his face into the ring stairs. Ernest Miller (a martial arts specialist from the Power Plant) then made the save. Miller looked great doing his limited moves and the heels sold like crazy to put him over. Brief, but entertaining.
DEAN MALENKO defeated JEFF JARRETT with the Texas Cloverleaf submission in 15:01 to retain the U.S. Title. There was a huge “Jarrett sucks” chant at several points throughout this match. They started off with traditional spots and mat wrestling, which cooled the crowd since this style just isn’t over nowadays even when well done. Malenko spent a good deal of time working over Jarrett’s left leg. Jarrett came back with an abdominal stretch, with Debra McMichael helping him out a little. Malenko regrouped with kicks, punches, and a suplex for a two count. Jarrett hit a neckbreaker and went for the figure four but Malenko kicked his sore left knee. Jarrett still managed to score two with an inside cradle. Jarrett worked Malenko over on the floor. Back to the ring, Jarrett hit a crossbody but Malenko rolled through on it for two. Jarrett hooked on the figure four but Malenko made the ropes. Both wrestlers collided in a weak looking spot and Jarrett fell from the ring. Steve McMichael then arrived and tossed Jarrett back in and led Debra away. Malenko then hooked on his cloverleaf finisher for the submission. On balance a decent match, but it ran too long.
MENG beat CHRIS BENOIT in 14:53 with a nerve hold submission in a Death Match. Pinfalls didn’t count here. Woman’s screams at ringside here were really irritating. Benoit has reached the point where he’s so good he can carry just about anyone to at least a decent match and can work all styles from mat wrestling to aerial attacks to brawling. Meng kicked the daylights out of Benoit early. Both wrestlers traded suplexes. After brawling on the floor, they returned to the ring where Benoit hit his hard chops and Meng responded with clubbing elbows. Jacqueline briefly came out and had a staredown with Woman. Meng used a headbutt and a piledriver on Benoit. Benoit retaliated with a wakigatamae and a cross face submission hold. Meng literally clubbed Benoit down with stiff blows, leading to an eight count. The crowd heat by this time had fallen due to the lack of pin attempts and prevalence of submission moves, but Benoit drew a pop with a tope. Benoit then suplexed Meng off the second rope and went for a splash off the top but Meng caught him in a nerve hold. Woman went nuts at ringside but Benoit waved her off when she threatened to interfere, preferring to win or lose by his own abilities (or so the storyline went). The ref ruled that Benoit was out and awarded the upset win to Meng. A somewhat unusual match but Benoit carried it to an acceptable level.
RICK & SCOTT STEINER defeated KONNAN & HUGH MORRUS in 9:33. The Steiners dominated early with suplexes and clotheslines to no heat. The heels then double teamed Scott, and the match began to really deteriorate. Rick finally hot tagged in and cleaned house but it all came off really bad with loads of missed spots. All four began brawling in the ring. Morrus missed a moonsault, enabling Scott to frankensteiner him. Rick then pinned Morrus. Konnan was angry with Morrus for losing and attacked him and walked out as Jimmy Hart tried in vain to patch things up. The teams just didn’t work well together, leading to a very bad match.
STEVE McMICHAEL pinned REGGIE WHITE following a shot from the briefcase in 15:15. This match had good heat early due to the status of McMichael and especially White as football legends, but it ran so long and came off so badly that the heat was gone after the first five minutes or so. White wore a Green Bay Packers jersey with a WCW logo. They traded shoulderblocks early, which was really the only move either could do. McMichael “drew” a scrimmage line on the mat and dared White to cross it. White ended up knocking Mongo to the floor, where he did the old Ric Flair “walkout” routine and headed for the locker room, only to be hauled back by Gilbert Brown of the Packers, who was at ringside for White. White went for a dropkick which got a lot of altitude for his size but also barely grazed Mongo. White then barely hit McMichael with a clothesline, which Mongo sold by crashing to the floor. In the funny line of the night Tony Schiavone said it shows how powerful White is that he could knock McMichael from the ring even though he hardly touched him. McMichael weakly clipped White from behind. They continued trading weak and/or missed spots. Mongo rammed White’s arm into the turnbuckle, but he sold it as if his head hit it. McMichael went for a figure floor but a weak kick from White again sent him to the floor. Mongo returned to the ring but got clotheslined back out again. Finally (in fact, almost mercifully) White hit a splash but Debra distracted the ref. Mongo got his briefcase but Brown took it from him in a clumsy-looking spot. Jarrett then ran out and tossed another briefcase to McMichael which he used to flatten White for the pin. A really, really bad match.
RIC FLAIR & RODDY PIPER & KEVIN GREENE defeated KEVIN NASH & SCOTT HALL & SYXX in 17:19. This match had incredible heat and was far better than it looked to be on paper. It was great that Syxx was included here as he certainly added to the match. Flair was naturally over to the highest degree, as was Piper. Greene was over and actually looks to have potential. Compared to McMichael or White, he’s Kenta Kobashi. Syxx hit a terrific spin kick on Flair, followed by a series of Flair’s patented chops. Flair looked great considering that he’s coming off an injury, and was awesome in taunting the NWO. Nash’s shocked facial expressions were hilarious as he watched the “old man” Flair clean everyone’s clock. Greene tagged in but Hall spit on him and tagged out to Nash. Greene drew a huge pop by shoulderblocking Nash to the mat, sending him from the ring with a bodyslam. Greene then double clotheslined Hall & Syxx. Piper came in and did his routine of going berserk with his fists. He hit a neckbreaker on Hall but Syxx subdued him by kicking his bad (that is, artificial) hip. Hall continued to pound on the hip, saying, “Now we’re going to school” to taunt Flair. Piper managed to tag in Flair, who cleaned house again until being caught by Hall coming off the top. Flair got hurled over the top and appeared to scrape his elbow on the side of the ring as he was bleeding hardway from it shortly afterward. Nash kicked Flair on the floor, and rolled him back in where Syxx did the “hump” on him in the corner. Piper kept trying for the save, limping badly to sell the hip. Piper tagged in and went after Syxx but referee Randy Anderson didn’t see the tag and ordered Piper out. Piper slugged the ref, knocking him out, which under normal circumstances would have led to a DQ (WCW just can’t keep its rules straight even in a hot match). Suspended former NWO referee Nick Patrick then ran in as the unofficial substitute. Flair and Hall were going at it as the others fought on the floor. Flair locked on the figure four to an incredible pop, while Greene powerslammed Syxx and Piper hooked a sleeper on Nash. Patrick ended up counting down all three NWO members simultaneously to give the WCW team the big win. A great main event!
NOTES:
Referee Nick Patrick was reinstated the next evening on Nitro for his “honorable” actions in this match.
For those with an interest in history, Jeff Jarrett is playing Pompey to Steve McMichael’s Julius Caesar, as that relationship is obviously one-sided.
Commentary was terrible, especially Bobby Heenan making fun of the wrestlers’ names and moves.
Schiavone mentioned that Flair regained the World Title from a huge wrestler (i.e. Vader) in December 1993 in Charlotte, and that the huge wrestler had not been seen since, which, to put it bluntly, was a categorical lie.
The dark match saw Public Enemy beat Harlem Heat in a match reported to us as poor.
1998 - WCW ran Providence, RI at the Civic Center with a Monday Nitro broadcast, featuring:
-Perry Saturn defeated Psychosis
-Juventud Guerrera defeated Damien
-WCW U.S. Champion Bill Goldberg defeated Glacier
-Chris Jericho defeated Ciclope
-Lex Luger defeated Brian Adams
-The Ultimo Dragon defeated Eddie Guerrero.
2000 - WCW ran Jackson, MS, drawing 2,133 fans with the following results:
-Three Count's Shane Helms & Shannon Moore defeated The Jung Dragon's Yang & Kaz Hayashi.
J-im Duggan defeated Fit Finlay.
-Mona defeated Juventud Guerrera, Lash Laroux, David Flair, and WCW Cruiserweight Champion Crowbar in an elimination match by last defeating Guerrera.
-Booker T defeated Shawn Stasiak.
-Ron & Don Harris defeated Stevie Ray & Big T and Big Vito & Johnny the Bull.
-WCW U.S. Champion Scott Steiner defeated Capt. Rection.
-Lex Luger defeated Shane Douglas & Chuck Palumbo in a handicap match.
2002 - Davey Boy Smith passed away.
2003 - WWE Judgment Day was held in Charlotte, North Carolina at the Charlotte Coliseum with the following results:
- Hurricane Helms defeated Steven Richards with the Shining Wizard in a match for Heat.
- John Cena, Chuck Palumbo & Johnny Stamboli defeated Chris Benoit, Rhyno & Spanky when Palumbo pinned Spanky after a backbreaker/legdrop combo with Stamboli.
- La Resistance defeated Scott Steiner & Test when Grenier pinned Steiner after a double spinebuster following Test accidentally kicking Steiner..
- Eddie Guerrero & Yoshihiro Tajiri defeated Shelton Benjamin & Charlie Haas in a ladder match to win the WWE Tag Team Title when Guerrero grabbed the belts as Tajiri spit mist in Benjamin's eyes..
- Christian won a nine-man battle royale to win the revived WWE Intercontinental Title, last eliminating Booker T. Also in the match were Goldust, Chris Jericho, Kane, Lance Storm, Test, Rob Van Dam and Val Venis. The belt had been vacated when World Champion Triple H defeated Kane to unify the championships on October 20, 2002.
- Torrie Wilson defeated Sable in a bikini contest.
- Mr. America (Hulk Hogan) defeated Roddy Piper with a legdrop after Sean O'Haire accidentally hit Piper with a steel pipe.
- Kevin Nash defeated World Champion Triple H via disqualification when Triple H hit referee Earl Hebner with a sledgehammer as he was trying to use it on Nash.
- WWE Women's Champion Jazz defeated Jackie, Victoria and Trish Stratus in a four-way match by pinning Jackie with a DDT.
- WWE Champion Brock Lesnar defeated Big Show in a stretcher match after interference by Rey Mysterio allowed Lesnar to put Show on a forklift and carry him to the back.
2004 - During a Smackdown taping in Las Vegas, Nevada, Chavo Guerrero Classic defeated his son, WWE Cruiserweight Champion Chavo Guerrero Jr., and Spike Dudley in a a three-way match to win the Cruiserweight title when Classic accidentally fell on top of Chavo Jr. for the pin after colliding with Spike.
2004 - The Charleston Post Courier featured a long profile of Jesse Ventura, looking at the future aspirations of the former wrestling star turned Governor of Minnesota. The article features rare comments from Ventura, who has more or less ignored all press requests for interviews since leaving his position as Governor.
In discussing the idea of running for President in the 2008 elections, Ventura commented, "I'll make a decision about it at some point, but am I serious about it right now? Not particularly. I like to do things to remind people that we need more than two choices. It's like I said one time on the Larry King show when I was on with (former) Sen. Alan Simpson, who was expounding the two-party system and how great it was. It's so great it gives us one more choice than communist Russia. What could Simpson say? He sat there and couldn't deny it. Why do we get only two choices? We need three or four choices."
WWE owner Vince McMahon discussed backing his former wrestling announcer partner in the article as well, noting that, "Jesse has been talking about being president of the United States for many years. He is convinced he will be president."
In the end, Ventura never ran for President and made it clear that when he later approached WWE about endorsing a run, they never responded to him. Ventura would instead go on to author several books and host a Conspiracy Theory based "reality" show on TruTV.
2005 - PWInsider.com reported the following: "According to several sources, former WCW World champion Diamond Dallas Page is gone from TNA. Page finished at the Hard Justice PPV this past Sunday. TNA management may not be seeing Page's departure as a loss as they were unhappy that he didn't want to put over Monty Brown without outside interference from Phi-Delta Slam. It is believed that Page's status was a byproduct of the change in political power with Dusty Rhodes (who Page has always credited for helping make him a star and was close to) stepping down as booker. There really wasn't much left for Page to do in the company at this point either beyond putting over others."
2005 - TNA officially suspended Jeff Hardy. TNA announced at the very last minute of their pre-game show for Hard Justice several days earlier that Sean Waltman would be replacing Jeff Hardy on the PPV. They waited until the last second to announce it, hoping Hardy would make it from North Carolina to Florida. Hardy did arrive after the PPV and was at the hotel where the wrestlers stay but arrived so late TNA needed to substitute Sean Waltman into a match he had been advertised for against Raven. Hard Justice wasn't been the first time that Hardy was late (or an outright no-show) at TNA events, although he had been on his best behavior in recent months.
2006 - Hardcore Homecoming: November Reign was released nationally on DVD. However, the main event of the show, featuring Team 3D vs. Sabu & Terry Funk was not included due to 3D's TNA contracts, which prevented their matches from being sold nationally by any company other than TNA.
2007 - World Wrestling Entertainment released developmental talent Angel Williams (who would go on to stardom as TNA Knockout Angelina Love), ECW Diva Ariel (Shelly Martinez), long tenured undercard star Scotty Too Hotty and former Spirit Squad member "Mitch" (real name Nick Mitchell) from their contracts. In the case of Ariel, she was released after a backstage argument with WWE star Batista over his relationship with WWE Diva Melina. Martinez would later term it as "standing up for someone" and politically, ended up iced over the situation.
2007 - PWInsider.com reported the following: "Former WWE Cruiserweight champion Gregory Helms is suffering from a neck injury, said to be caused not by a single incident but instead the result of the years of pounding he's taken while working in the business. It's believed Helms is going to require neck fusion surgery, like other WWE performers before him, including Steve Austin and Chris Benoit, which means Helms will likely be out of action for well over a year. Helms has been with WWE since they acquired WCW in 2001, most notably portraying the undercard superhero babyface Hurricane before discarding the gimmick and moving to Smackdown."
2008 - UFC announced they would debut in Minnesota, featuring Brock Lesnar's first ever MMA fight in his Home State on 8/9/08.
2008 - WWE ran their Judgment Day PPV in Omaha, Nebraska. Buck Woodward filed the following report:
Welcome to PWInsider.com's coverage of WWE Judgment Day. We will be updating this page throughout the night with results from the show, so check back often for updates.
John Cena vs. JBL.
This might be a first, as I can't remember a Wrestlemania main event (well, co-main event) being rematched a few years later as the opening match on a PPV. Cena got a positive reaction coming out. They had a staredown at the bell, then locked up with Cena backing JBL into the corner for a break. Cena grabbed a waistlock, then put JBL in a side headlock. JBL backed Cena in a corner and we had another clean break. JBL hit a knee to the gut on the next lockup, then hit a forearm and applied a side headlock. Cena shoved off JBL and went for a backdrop, but JBL pounded Cena with a forearm. Cena hit a drop toe hold and went for the STFU, but JBL made the ropes. JBL crawled to the apron, then grabbed Cena's arm and yanked it down across the top rope. JBL went to work on the arm, throwing Cena shoulder first into the ringpost and then wrapping his arm around it.
JBL worked over the arm with punches and kicks, then hit a swinging neckbreaker. JBL applied an overhead wristlock, but Cena got to his feet in the hold. JBL kicked Cena in the gut and rolled him to the mat. JBL applied a jujigatame armbreaker, and Cena rolled to his feet in it and then lifted JBL up off the mat to break the hold. Cena sold the arm like crazy, and JBL rammed Cena into a corner. JBL stomped Cena. There was light JBL chant, which was quickly drowned out by a Cena chant. JBL and Cena traded punches, with Cena getting the better of it until JBL hit the arm of Cena. Cena came back with a clothesline with his good arm, then hit a shoulderblock and hurt his bad arm. Cena hit the Throwback, then went to the top rope, but missed the Rocker Dropper, as JBL moved and Cena crashed to the mat.
JBL stomped Cena on the apron, then went to suplex Cena into the ring. Cena teased reversing it, then JBL lifted Cena and dropped him gut first across the top rope. JBL shoulderblocked Cena off the apron and Cena fell into the security wall on the floor. JBL rammed Cena back first into the ring apron. JBL rolled Cena into the ring for a two count. JBL hit a kick to the head, then another, and followed with an elbowdrop for a two count. JBL applied a bearhug, then punched Cena to the mat and applied a bodyscissors, adding a full nelson to the move. Cena managed to get to his feet in the move, breaking the bodyscissors, but JBL kept the full nelson locked in. JBL then powered out of it, and lifted JBL for an FU, but he was too weak to get him up. JBL kicked Cena in the shoulder, then applied a bodyscissors with a chinlock. Cena managed to turn around in the hold, lift JBL up off the mat, and hit a spinebuster to break out.
Both men were slow to get up, then they slugged it out. Cena got the better of it, but missed a splash in the corner. JBL hit a boot to the face, then dropped four elbowdrops to Cena's back. JBL hit a short arm clothesline, then stood over the downed Cena and stared at him. JBL slapped his head, then stomped his fingers. JBL went for another short arm clothesline, but Cena ducked it and hit the FU out of nowhere for the pin at the fifteen minute mark.
Winner: John Cena.
JBL was upset with himself over the loss, shaking his head as he walked to the back. John Cena got up, selling the ribs, before leaving.
William Regal was shown watching from a skybox.
Jim Ross & Jerry Lawler introduced the other announce teams, with Michael Cole & Mick Foley and Tazz & Mike Adamle talking about the rest of tonight's car.
They showed "The Dirt Sheet" where Miz & John Morrison mocked Kane & CM Punk.
WWE Tag Team Champions John Morrison & The Miz vs. Kane & CM Punk.
Tazz and Mike Adamle get to call their one match for the night. Each wrestler had their own entrance for the match. Punk and Miz started off, with Punk hitting a shoulderblock and a back kick. Punk delivered a suplex for a one count, then applied a double underhook. Kane tagged in, and he and Punk stomped Miz down in a corner. Kane hit a kick to the gut, then put Miz in a Hangman. Kane dropped Miz to the mat, then whipped him across the ring, only to be met with a shoulderblock to the midsection. Miz shoved Kane into his corner and tagged in Morrison. Morrison ran into a Kane bodyslam, then Kane dropkicked Morrison as he sat up on the mat. Kane tagged Punk, and they hit a backbreaker/slingshot kneedrop combo. Punk applied a Tarantula variation, then pulled Morrison into a sunset flip for two before applying a reverse Stretch Plum variation. Morrison kneed out of it, and tagged in Miz for a double gutbuster.
Miz put Punk in a chinlock, then switched to a front facelock. Punk hit a kick to the head to escape Miz, then tagged in Kane, who gave Miz a side slam. Kane went to the top rope and hit a clothesline. Kane went for a slam, but Miz floated over it and made a blind tag to Kane, hit clipped Kane's leg and hit a neckbreaker. Miz hit some punches on the mat and in a corner, then tagged in Miz who hit a jumping clothesline in the corner. Miz tagged back in and kicked Kane in the chest. Miz tagged back in and stomped Kane down. Miz applied a chinlock, then hit a knee to the chest. Kane came back with a kick to the chest as Miz charged him and Kane tagged in Punk as Miz tagged in Morrison. Punk hit a flying forearm, a leg lariat and a roundhouse kick. Punk knocked Miz off the apron and powerslammed Morrison for a two count. Punk gave Morrison a jumping knee in the corner, then clotheslined Miz off the apron while bulldogging Morrison for two. Punk gave Miz a pescado, then gave Morrison a springboard clothesline for a two count. Punk went for the GTS, but Miz ran in, so Punk let go and tossed Miz to the floor. Punk lifted Morrison for the GTS again, but Miz hooked Punk's leg from the floor and Punk let go of Morrison. Kane ran to Miz on the floor and chokeslammed him on the outside. Punk was watching that unfold, then turned around and was hit by Morrison with the Moonlight Drive neckbreaker for the pin at the eight minute mark.
Winners: John Morrison & The Miz.
The events leading to Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Jericho were shown.
Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho vs. Shawn Michaels.
Chris Jericho wore the Intercontinental Title belt to the ring, but the match was not introduced as a title bout. Both men got positive reactions from the crowd. Jericho kept going for Michaels' leg at the start, but Michaels kicked him away. Michaels grabbed a side headlock and took Jericho to the mat. Jericho got to his feet and lifted Michaels, but HBK went into a sunset flip for a two count. They went into a series of reversals and bridges for two counts, including Jericho attempting a back suplex but Michaels turning it into a bodypress only for Jericho to reverse it into his own cover. Michaels grabbed an Indian deathlock variation (JR called it a "Native American deathlock") but Jericho made the ropes. Jericho kicked Michaels leg, and Michaels slapped him in the face. Jericho threw some punches and knocked Michaels into a corner. The referee backed up Jericho, and Michaels grinned at him. Jericho looked angry. Michaels put Jericho in a hammerolock, but Jericho elbowed him in the mouth, then hit a series of punches and kicks. Jericho ran into a Michaels elbow, then put Jericho in an armbar, dropping over the top rope to yank the arm down.
Michaels continued the assault on the arm, but Jericho reversed a whip and sent Michaels upside down in a corner. Jericho stomped Michaels, then set up for a back superplex. Michaels elbowed Jericho to the mat, but Jericho crotched Michaels on the top rope. Jericho went for a superplex, but Michaels blocked it and dropped Jericho face first to the mat. Michaels went for a top rope elbowdrop, but Jericho got his knees up, and Michaels came down on them and hurt his ribs. Jericho kicked Michaels in the gut, then dropped on him with a senton. Jericho hit a back suplex, then kicked Michaels in the side. Jericho applied an abdominal stretch, then punched Michaels in the side while maintaining the hold. Michaels started to break free, but Jericho grabbed him in a gutbuster for a two count. Jericho whipped Michaels hard into a corner several times, but when he went for a bulldog, Michaels shoved Jericho off and Jericho went into the ropes, with his legs going between the ropes and his chest going hard against the top rope like a clothesline.
Michaels hit a flying forearm, then did the kip up. Michaels grabbed his ribs, and Jericho swept Michaels' legs and put him in the Walls Of Jericho. Michaels reached the ropes to break the hold. Jericho stomped Michaels on the apron. Jericho went for his springboard dropkick, but Michaels moved, so Jericho landed on his feet on the apron. Michaels, also on the apron, superkicked Jericho, who fell to the floor. Michaels picked up Jericho and rolled him into the ring, but Jericho kicked out at two. Michaels went to the top rope, and this time hit the flying elbow, but then grabbed his ribs in pain. Michaels then set up for the superkick, stomping in the corner. Jericho started to get up, then slumped to the mat, not facing Michaels. Jericho got up again, but then went down again. Michaels seemed to be getting antsy to hit the move. Jericho finally got up and turned around, and Michaels went for the superkick, but Jericho sidestepped it and hit the Codebreaker. Jericho crawled onto Michaels slowly, but only got a two count.
Jericho picked Michaels up off the mat, but Shawn Michaels took Jericho down into a crossface. Jericho struggled in the hold, and looked to be on the verge of tapping, but then made the ropes for the break. Michaels went for it again, but Jericho rolled out of it, hit two knees to the gut, then hung Michaels gut first over the top rope. Jericho set up for the Lionsault, but Michaels got his knees up. Jericho landed on his feet though, and grabbed Michaels' legs for the Walls Of Jericho. He tried to turn Michaels, but Michaels was blocking it, so Jericho tried to turn it the other way, and Michaels rolled Jericho up into a cradle for the pin at the sixteen minute mark.
Winner: Shawn Michaels.
Jericho offered a handshake to Michaels after the bout. Michaels hesitated, and they shook hands, although both seemed wary of each other. Jericho applauded Michaels as he left the ring.
William Regal was shown watching as Jericho left the ring.
Todd Grisham interviewed Mickie James, who said she was confident about her title defense tonight. Todd then asked her about her date with John Cena last week. Mickie said it was nice, then JBL interrupted and told Mickie to go away. JBL asked Todd to ask him a question about John Cena. Todd pointed out that John Cena beat JBL, so he asked him what he planned to do in order to get revenge. JBL said Todd obviously never was in a fight. JBL said he beat Cena up for 20 minutes, and that's why John Cena was in the trainer's room right now, and he wasn't. JBL then ripped into Todd for asking such a stupid question.
Women's Champion Mickie James vs. Beth Phoenix vs. Melina.
As Phoenix came to the ring, they recapped how she beat the crap out of Melina backstage last week. Melina did her usual entrance, but was glaring at Beth Phoenix the whole time. At the bell, Beth held open the ropes and told Melina she didn't belong in "her ring". Melina responded by kicking Phoenix out of the ring. Mickie rolled up Melina for a two count. Mickie bounced off the ropes, but Phoenix held them open and mickie fell to the floor. Phoenix nailed her with a lariat. In the ring, Melina hit Phoenix with right hands, and Phoenix lifted her up, but Melina kept punching her down. Phoenix kicked Melina and went to lift her up, but Mickie hooked her from behind for a sunset flip for two. They went into sequences where one wrestler would get an advantage over another, but the third would come in and break up a cover or hold. Mickie hit Phoenix with a top rope Thesz press, then a dropkick for a two count. Melina grabbed her and stretched Mickie over the top rope in a corner, but Phoenix went over and lifted Melina and Mickie James into an over the shoulder backbreaker. She had both women, over the same shoulder, and was walking in the ring with them, it was incredible. They finally crumbled to the mat, then Phoenix picked up Mickie in a choke. Melina came up behind Phoenix and hit a neckbreaker. Phoenix rolled to the floor, and Mickie James hit Melina with a DDT for the pin at the five minute mark.
Winner: Mickie James.
Backstage, Shawn Michaels was taking his gear off when Batista walked in. Batista said he promised to hurt Michaels the next time he saw him (because he lied about his injury), but he wasn't going to hurt him now. Batista said Shawn would have to wait, and that Batista would dictate the time and the place it happens. Shawn looked worried as Batista walked away.
They showed the results of a fan poll, with fans picking Undertaker to beat Edge, 85% to 15%.
The events leading to Undertaker vs. Edge were shown.
The Undertaker vs. Edge for the vacant World Heavyweight Championship.
Edge came out along, then Undertaker made his entrance. The World Title belt was in a glass case. Taker stalked Edge around the ring at first, throwing out jabs at him. Taker shoved Edge to the mat, and Edge rolled to the floor. He got back in threw some punches at him. Taker grabbed him by the throat and tossed him in the corner, then hit a slew of punches and choked Edge down on the mat. Undertaker kicked Edge on the apron, then wrapped his arm around the middle rope and kicked at it. Taker took him to the floor and threw Edge shoulder first into the ringpost. Back in the ring, Taker hit a short arm shoulderblock, then a second. Undertaker rammed Edge shoulder first into the top turnbuckle, then kicked at the shoulder. Undertaker went for Old School, but Edge crotched him on the top rope. Edge stomped the Undertaker, kicking him to the floor. Edge went out after him, but Taker yanked Edge off the apron by his tights, sending him into the security wall.
Outside the ring, Undertaker headbutted Edge and went to whip him into the ringsteps, but Edge reversed it and Taker went knees first into the steps. Edge gave Undertaker a baseball slide kick, then threw him back into the ring. Edge headbutted Undertaker, but Taker returned fire with his own headbutts. Undertaker went for a running kick, but Edge moved and Undertaker got caught up in the ropes and fell to the mat hard. Edge got a two count, then stomped Undertaker in the head. Edge landed some punches, but Undertaker returned fire. Undertaker missed a clothesline, and Edge kicked out his leg from behind. Edge pulled Taker to the apron and wrapped his leg around the ringpost. Edge hit some punches and tried another headbutt. Undertaker returned fire again, but Edge kicked Taker in the arm. Edge moved in and Taker teased the illegal gogoplata, before letting go at the referee's command. Edge hit Taker and went for his own Old School ropewalk, but Taker crotched Edge on the top rope.
Undertaker and Edge traded punches, but Edge missed a clothesline and Undertaker hit Edge with the flying clothesline. Undertaker hit a splash in the corner, then a clothesline in the opposite corner. Undertaker threw Edge in a corner, then hit a boot to the face for a two count. Undertaker hit the Old School forearm off the top rope, then went to lift Edge for a tombstone, but Edge floated over and dropped Undertaker to the mat with the reverse facebuster. The Edgeheads came out to distract the referee while Edge pulled the pad off a turnbuckle. The Edgeheads left. Undertaker lifted Edge for a powerbomb, but Edge flipped out of it and hit an Impaler DDT for a two count. Edge went for a spear, but Undertaker sidestepped it and Edge went into the ringpost. Undertaker lifted Edge for a powerbomb, but threw him back first into the corner instead. Undertaker covered, but Edge got his foot on the bottom rope for two.
Undertaker lifted Edge, and then noticed the exposed turnbuckle. The hesitation allowed Edge to slip out and ram Undertaker back first into the exposed turnbuckle. Edge hit some punches, but Taker shoved him back. Edge charged, and Taker moved, but Edge put on the brakes to keep from hitting the exposed corner. Undertaker lifted Edge and dropped him with Snake Eyes on the exposed turnbuckle. Both men were slow to get up. Undertaker went for a running boot, but Edge hit a spear, not a solid one, but good enough for a two count. They exchanged exhausted punches, with Edge getting the better of it. Undertaker grabbed Edge by the throat, but Edge punched out. Edge bounced off the ropes, but Taker grabbed him by the throat and hit the chokeslam. Taker crawled onto Edge and covered him, but Edge got his shoulder up at two.
Undertaker kicked Edge in the head and Edge fell to the floor. Undertaker went outside and clotheslined Edge, sending both men over the security wall and into the crowd. They punched each other as they crawled back to the ring. Undertaker punched Edge, who fell backwards into the wall and Undertaker crawled into the ring at the seventeen minute mark to win the match via countout.
Winner via countout: The Undertaker.
Vickie Guerrero was wheeled out by the Edgeheads, saying "Excuse me" and the crowd, which wasn't that loud tonight, got VERY loud with boos and catcalls. We're talking more heat than I've heard a heel get on a WWE show in a while. Vickie kept stopping as the crowd was just overwhelming. Vickie said a championship can only be won by pinfall or submission, not via disqualification or countout. Vickie said that the World Title "remains vacant". Vickie said that Undertaker is not the new World Champion. Taker threw down the belt, as the announcers debated her theory. Undertaker grabbed Edge, who was at ringside, and yanked him into the ring. Undertaker gave Edge a tombstone piledriver. Vickie called Undertaker a "son of a bitch", with the word "bitch" being bleeped. Yep, it was bleeped on PPV. The Edgeheads pulled Edge from the ring as Undertaker glared at Vickie, who walked away, leaving her wheelchair behind. The crowd was chanting "Vickie sucks" and was louder than at any point tonight.
Randy Orton cut a promo backstage, talking about his title reign, and the fact that Triple H got lucky when he won the title on his "third attempt". Orton pointed out that this was not a three or four-way match tonight, and he would take back the belt. Orton said HHH never taught him anything in Evolution because he knew this day would come.
MVP came to the ring, with the announcers wondering what he was doing. MVP wondered why he was left off the Judgment Day card, calling it "pure stupidity" and "bad business". The fans were giving him the "What" treatment. MVP said if there was any "top tier talent" that wanted to get him out of the ring, they could try. MVP said there had to be someone backstage that "thinks" they are on his level. Matt Hardy's music hit. Hardy came out, wearing street clothes. MVP told Hardy to come to the ring, and to "bring my title" with him. Matt said he had already proven he was better than MVP, and said there was someone else that wanted to prove it. Jeff Hardy's music then hit.
Jeff Hardy vs. MVP.
Matt Hardy returned to the back. Cole & Foley called the match. MVP went to work on Hardy with forearms and a rollup for two. The fans were chanting for Hardy. Jeff hit a flying forearm and tried to slide under MVP's legs. MVP caught him and held a leg, but Hardy kicked him with the free leg. MVP rolled to the floor, then regrouped and returned. MVP tripped Hardy and hit some punches, then grabbed a waistlock, rolling Hardy over for a two count. MVP applied a front facelock, but Hardy reversed into a hammerlock. MVP backed Hardy into a corner, then hit a back elbow. MVP charged Hardy, who pulled down the top rope and MVP fell to the floor. Hardy went to kick MVP between the ropes, but MVP grabbed his legs and yanked him hard to the floor. MVP rolled Hard back into the ring for a two count.
MVP hit a kneedrop to the arm of Hardy for two, then applied an armbar. Jeff tried to punch out of it, but MVP yanked Jeff down to the mat by his hair. MVP kicked Hardy in the gut, then pounded on the arm and reapplied the armbar. MVP hit a knee to the arm, then a trapped arm bodyslam for a two count. MVP applied an overhead armbar. Jeff punched out of it, then went for a elevated leapfrog off the ropes in the corner, but his arm gave on him and he crashed to the mat. MVP hit a cross armbreaker drop for a two count, then stomped the arm and hit a kneedrop on it. MVP applied a reverse Fujiwara armbar, then kicked Jeff in the shoulder. MVP lifted Jeff in a fireman's carry, then dropped him to the mat. MVP hit a running kick, and Jeff fell through the ropes and to the floor.
MVP threw Jeff shoulder first into the security wall, then rolled him into the ring for a two count. MVP hit Jeff's arm with forearms, then went back to the armbar. Jeff fought up, hitting punches, but MVP gave Jeff a bulldog into his knee. MVP went for the Playmaker, but Jeff blocked it and hit a clothesline. Jeff hit some punches, then a running forearm with the good arm. Jeff hit a clothesline, then an elevated kick in the corner. Jeff went to the top rope, but MVP rolled out of the way of the Swanton Bomb. Jeff crashed to the mat, and MVP hit some forearms. MVP measured for the big kick, but Jeff gave MVP a drop toe hold into the middle turnbuckle. Jeff then hit the Whisper In The Wind (which didn't hit well) to get the three count at the ten minute mark.
Winner: Jeff Hardy.
William Regal was shown watching as Jeff exited.
They showed an interview with Sylvester Stallone about Rambo, which is sponsoring the PPV tonight and is coming out on DVD soon. Stallone told a story about how the original director for the film didn't have the same vision for the film that he did, so the original director was let go, and Stallone ended up directing it. Stallone said he wasn't prepared to do that, so he directed it with the idea that Rambo was directing it.
The events leading to Triple H vs. Randy Orton were shown.
WWE Champion Triple H vs. Randy Orton in a steel cage.
The only way to win is pinfall, submission or escaping the cage and having both feet touch the floor. Orton, with his new theme music, walked really slowly to the ring, staring at the cage. Triple H then did his entrance, including doing the spit fountain on the top of the cage. Jim Ross pointed out that Triple H was the man to end all three of Randy Orton's World/WWE Title reigns. They did the "big match" introductions here, as they did for all the championship matches tonight.
Randy Orton dove for the still open door at the bell, but Triple H grabbed him by the legs and hit some punches. Orton grabbed the door and slammed it shut on Triple H's head to knock him back. They exchanged punches, with Triple H starting to get the better of it when Orton hit a knee to the gut. Triple H ducked a shot and hit a jumping knee in the ring. Triple H went to ram Orton into the cage, but Orton blocked it. Orton went to ram Triple H into the cage, but HHH blocked it. Triple H finally rammed Orton into the cage. Orton tried to climb the cage, but Triple H pulled him back into the ring. Orton hit a punch, then went for a backdrop, but Triple H hit a neckbreaker to block it. Triple H hit some punches on the mat, then delivered a kneedrop for a two count.
Orton grabbed HHH by the trunks and yanked him into the cage wall. Orton then used a catapult to send HHH face first into the cage. Orton flung Triple H over the top rope and into the cage. Triple H was between the ropes and the cage, and Orton rammed the back of Triple H's head into the steel fence three times. Triple H kicked Orton between the ropes, but Orton kicked Triple H in the chest as he tried to get back into the ring. Orton pulled Triple H into the ring so he was hanging by his feet off the middle rope, and hit a DDT for a two count. Orton then choked Triple H and hit a series of right hands. Orton slugged Triple H to the mat for a two count, then applied a rear chinlock. Triple H punched out of the move, but Orton hit a snap powerslam for a two count.
Orton stared at Triple H on the mat for a while. Like, a long while. Like, he-could-have-walked-out-several-times-already-while. Orton did a long, and slow, Garvin stomp, then hit a kneedrop for two. Orton then stomped him, much faster now, and pulled down his kneepad. Orton missed the kneedrop this time, as HHH rolled away. Orton went for a slam, but Triple H floated over it and hit a chopblock to the back of his leg. Triple H hit another chopblock and then applied a figure four leglock. Orton couldn't make the ropes, as Triple H moved the hold into the middle of the ring. Orton struggled in the hold, while Jerry Lawler pointed out that Triple H shouldn't have to break the hold if Orton gets to the ropes. Orton got to the ropes, and Triple H broke the hold as the referee requested. Ross and Lawler wondered why. Orton went for an RKO, but Triple H blocked it and went for a Pedigree, but Orton backdropped him. Orton crawled for the door, but Triple H grabbed him. Orton kicked him away. Orton went to go out the door again, but Triple H dragged him back in. Orton dragged a chair back in with him.
Orton kicked Triple H into a corner, then went for a chairshot, but Triple H blocked it. Triple H hit a facebuster to the knee for a two count, then picked up the chair. Orton hit Triple H with a low blow. Orton hit Triple H across the back with the chair, then gave Triple H a DDT on the chair. Orton covered Triple H, but HHH kicked out at two. Orton set up the chair in the ring, and set up for an RKO on it. Orton took a long time setting it up. Orton grabbed Triple H, but Triple H threw off the move and sent Orton into the cage. Triple H then gave Orton a drop toe hold into the chair and draped an arm over him for the two count.
Both men were slow to get up, and Orton started to climb the cage. Triple H grabbed him by the trunks to stop him, then they battled on the top rope, with Triple H ramming Orton into the top of the cage. Orton fell to the mat. Triple H went to climb over the top, but Orton grabbed a foot and pulled him back down to the top rope. Orton punched Triple H to the mat, then went to go over the top of the cage. Triple H stopped him, and pulled Orton back over. Triple H rammed Orton into the top of the cage several times, then set up for a top rope Pedigree, but Orton escaped and pulled Triple H by the hair off the top rope so he would crash to the mat. Orton went to climb over the top and was all the way on the other side when Triple H grabbed him. Orton's legs were dangling as Triple H held Orton by the head and pulled him back over. Orton hit a back elbow and Triple H went down to the mat. Orton went to go over again, but Triple H grabbed his foot and finally pulled Orton down, crotching him on the top rope.
Both men were slow to get up. Orton charged Triple H, who gave Orton a spinebuster. Triple H went for a Pedigree on the chair, but Orton grabbed a double leg takedown and Triple H went down back first on the chair. The fans chanted for Triple H as Orton measured for the kick to the head. Orton went for the kick, but Triple H dodged it and blasted Orton with a chairshot to the head. Triple H then gave Orton the Pedigree for the pin at the twenty one minute mark.
Winner: Triple H.
Triple H stood atop the cage with the title belt to end the show.
2008 - TNA ran Wallingford, CT with a house show. Clem Natale filed the following live report:
I just got back from the TNA house show in Wallingford, CT. It was a very enjoyable show. The crowd definitely was not a sell out, but it was very enthusiastic nonetheless. Overall, I would say TNA should be happy with how the show turned out.
The show opened with Alex Shelley vs. Consequences Creed in a good, competitive match. The crowd was into both guys. Shelley won with a Celtic Cross type maneuver. They shook hands after the match.
Next up brought out Johnny Devine who got on the mic and complained how he wasn't chosen by Jim Cornette for the King of the Mountain match. This brought out Matt Morgan who quickly squashed Devine, ending it with his variation of the F5.
Eric Young vs. Rellik as up next. Young played to the crowd a lot doing a bunch of comedy and eventually won the match after he turned into Super Eric.
Out next was Team 3D who got on the mic and proceeded to rip into the crowd. Bubba Ray was especially funny, ripping into a bunch of kids in the front row and threatening to beat them up. He asked if one of the kid's was the Blue Meanie's son which I found funny. LAX came out and told the kids all they had to do was call Bubba "Fat Boy" to get him mad. Bubba responded that he wasn't fat, he was just big boned and had a thyroid condition. Lots of "Fat Boy" chants after this to get Bubba mad. About halfway through the match Bubba ran backstage in a way that everyone was expecting him to come back out. He never ended up coming back out and D-Von fell victim to LAX's Doomsday Device type maneuver. After the match, LAX took one of the kids into the ring and celebrated with him.
Next up was intermission followed by Kurt Angle coming out thanking the crowd for coming out, saying he wishes he could wrestle, and that TNA will be beating WWE within 2 years...
Awesome Kong vs. ODB for the Knockout Championship was next. ODB was accompanied by 2 local DJ's. Crowd was very into ODB but she was pinned after trying to slam Kong only to fail and get hit with a sick looking Awesome Bomb.
Out next were James Storm and Jackie, with Storm getting on the mic and channeling Ricky Bobby from "Talladega Nights" by saying a comical prayer to "6 pound 8 ounce Baby Jesus" before the match. Their opponents were Rhino and Traci Brooks who ended up winning with stereo Gores on Storm & Jackie, respectively. Storm was hilarious being a cowardly heel throughout the match and interacting with the crowd.
Finally, Samoa Joe made Tomko tap out with the Kokina Clutch in a good, competitive match for the TNA title.
After the show they had most of the babyfaces come out to sign autographs as well as the chance to have your picture taken with Kurt Angle in the ring. Overall, this was a really good show and the chance to go in the ring and meet a lot of wrestlers is a unique experience. They were also offering people backstage passes for being loud and supportive. Also, Matt Morgan was walking around in the arena afterwards and he was very nice to everyone. This was my first non-WWE show ever and it definitely is a different and fun experience. You get to do and see a lot that you usually would not be able to.
2009 - In a story that garnered WWE tons of publicity, The Pepsi Center in Denver found themselves double booked with The Denver Nuggets vs.Los Angeles Lakers in Game 4 of the NBA Western Conference Finals and a Raw broadcast. WWE was offered The Denver Coliseum to move the 5/25 Raw taping there. Since it's a smaller building, there was not be enough room for the amount of fans who have already purchased advanced tickets.
Ticketmaster issued the following statement on the issue:
The Denver Nuggets are scheduled to play on Monday May 25th @ 7:00pm. The Pepsi Center is working closely with the WWE and hopes to have information regarding the WWE event at the Pepsi Center soon. Both the Pepsi Center and TM will post information as soon as it is available. NO REFUNDS are available at this time.
WWE issued this statement in regard to the issue:
WWE VS. NBA
May 18, 2009
STAMFORD, Conn., May 18, 2009 – World Wrestling Entertainment®’s live, internationally televised broadcast, WWE Monday Night RAW®, (USA Network, 9:00 PM ET) to take place at the Pepsi Center in Denver next Monday, May 25th is in jeopardy of being cancelled by the Denver Nuggets. The WWE and Denver Nuggets are currently at an impasse in resolving a scheduling debacle by the team and the Pepsi Center.
A sell-out crowd is expected to attend the WWE show at the same time the Denver Nuggets are slated to square off against the Los Angeles Lakers for Game 4 of the NBA Western Conference Finals. WWE has held the May 25th date with the Pepsi Center since August 15, 2008.
“Even though the Denver Nuggets had a strong team this year and were projected to make the playoffs, obviously Nuggets and Pepsi Center owner Stan Kroenke did not have enough faith in his own team to hold the May 25th date for a potential playoff game,” said WWE Chairman Vince McMahon.
Vince McMcMahon was interviewed on ESPNEWS about the problem. Richard Trionfo filed the following report:
Jonathan Coachman conducted the interview with his former boss. Coach mentions that Vince is never one to step down from a fight. Coachman mentions that next week’s Raw at the Pepsi Center was booked in August, but the contract was not signed until April.
Vince says that Stan Kroenke should be arrested for impersonating a good businessman for booking a WWE television show when their team would not have been in the playoffs. Vince suggests that the fans of the Nuggets had more faith in the team than their management. Vince says that it is not good business to not support your own team. It is also not good business to throw the WWE out on its ear when there were no tentative dates or provisions in the contract that they signed.
Coach mentions a statement from the Nuggets that they were trying to deal with the conflict. Coachman asks Vince what they are trying to do to work things out and Vince suggests a steel cage match against Kroenke. He says that it will settle everything.
Coach asks if Vince will be in Denver on Monday. Vince says that the WWE trucks are on the way to Denver and it looks like there are going to be two events in the Pepsi Center.
Vince says that the person at fault is Stan Kroenke. Vince says that it is unfair for the way that he treated the Nuggets fans and the WWE. He says that it is not fair to book the WWE event at the same time as the NBA playoffs.
Vince holds up a Lakers shirt and says that he wants to personally give it to Mr. Kroenke.
Coachman asks Vince if they will go to the NBA to resolve this problem. Vince says that NBA put it back in the Nuggets’ court because the Nuggets never presented it to the NBA as a booked date for scheduling purposes.
Vince McMahon came off well while it seemed at times that Vince was cutting a promo with the number of times that he mentioned Stan Kroenke’s name. It looks like it could be a very eventful Memorial Day in Denver.
2009 - In the midst of all the controversy surrounding the Raw taping for 5/25, WWE broadcast a live Raw from Louisville, Kentucky. Richard Trionfo filed the following report:
We are live from Louisville, Kentucky and your announcers are Michael ‘Vintage Scoopy McScooperstein’ Cole and Jerry ‘When will the Miz pull out the Calipari references’ Lawler.
We start off with Randy Orton coming to the ring to address the fans. Orton finally makes his way to the ring as we see photos of last night’s match between Randy Orton and Batista featuring the return of ROH Ambassador Ric Flair. Randy points out that he is still the WWE Champion. Orton says that he was not just looking to retain his title, he was looking to take Batista out for good. When he was about to accomplish that, he was stopped by Ric Flair. Randy says that Flair was never fond of him during the Evolution days as a threat to outshine Triple H and outshine him which Orton says he has done. That is why Orton kicked Flair in the skull in 2007. Orton says that if he had not done it, Flair would have been able to beat Shawn Michaels at the 24th Anniversary of Wrestlemania and still be wrestling today. Orton says that he has kicked every other member of Evolution in the skull and they have not been the same. They have sought retribution but they have never gotten it. Orton tells Flair that he is only delaying the inevitable. Orton dares Flair to get in his business . . .
We hear the Woooo and the Ambassador comes to the ring. Flair signals that he is looking at Orton. Flair says that Orton might be the champion, but he did not beat Batista. Flair says that the way he saw it, he was close to losing the title so he slapped the referee to get intentionally disqualified. Flair tells Orton to look at him. Flair wants to know what makes Orton a big man now after hanging on the ring post. When it comes to Evolution, he was supposed to be the next big deal and the heir apparent. Flair tells Orton that Batista blew by him and Flair gives us the vrooming noises. Flair says that Orton might have his own group and he might talk trash but until he beats the man, he hasn’t accomplished anything.
Orton says that he is the man because he has the belt. Orton says that he can beat Batista. Flair interrupts with a woooo. Flair asks Orton if he said that he can beat Batista. Flair says that he saw Vickie Guerrero an hour ago and she was not happy about the disqualification. Flair says that he gave Vickie an idea and she liked it. Flair says that there is a pay per view in three weeks and Orton will have to defend the title against Batista again. This time, there will be no disqualifications, count outs or interference. The match will be in a steel cage.
Orton tells Flair that since he was so nice to come out and deliver the message, he wants to give Flair a message for Batista. Orton attacks Flair and he kicks him. Rhodes and DiBiase come to the ring at the Orton pace. Batista is not in Evolution so he can run to the ring and he attacks Rhodes and DiBiase on the way to the ring. We have another three on two situation. John Cena comes out to help Flair and Batista.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a Moments Ago Moment of Orton’s punch to Flair and the eventual brawl involving Legacy, Batista, and John Cena.
Josh Mathews stops John Cena in the back and he wants to know why Cena was out there to help Batista and Flair. Cena says that he has been beaten down before and some say that he might have lost a step. Cena says that some of the believers have questioned his resolve. Cena points out that he beat the Big Show last night and the critics were silenced. Cena says that he usually does not look for trouble. He wishes both men well at Extreme Rules because it will be a matter of time before he wins the title.
Vickie Guerrero stops by and she says that tonight John Cena will be teaming with Batista to face Randy Orton and The Legacy. Cena shows feigned anger and a fondness for Ghostbusters and then he tells Vickie that he loves that.
Maryse joins Cole and Lawler at the announce table and Cole pulls a Vintage Adamle by mispronouncing Maryse’s name.
Match Number One: Divas Battle Royal featuring Kelly Kelly, Nikki Bella, Brie Bella, Beth Phoenix, Rosa Mendes, Jillian Hall, and Mickie James for a Title Match
Beth with a power slam to Kelly but Mickie goes after Beth. Rosa gets snap mared by Mickie and then Mickie eliminates Rosa. Beth clotheslines Bella one over the top rope to eliminate her and then Beth attacks the other one. Jillian with an Irish whip to Mickie and Beth hits the handspring back elbow. Beth kicks the other Bella out and she is eliminated. Mickie with a head scissors that sends Jillian to the floor. Mickie with a Thesz Press. Beth puts Mickie in the Tree of Woe but Kelly grabs Beth from behind and connects with a forearm. Beth tries to eliminate Kelly but Kelly is able to eliminate Kelly. The referee is busy dealing with Beth and Maryse sprays Mickie with some sort of spray and Kelly eliminated Mickie to win.
Winner: Kelly Kelly
We go to commercial.
We are back with the WWE Rewind: The non-Miz portion of the Miz and Santino Marella exchange at Judgment Day.
Match Number Two: Santino Marella versus Chavo Guerrero
Chavo with a forearm and then he connects with a Latino uppercut. Chavo with an atomic drop and Santino goes down and winces in pain. Santino walks off the charley horse and Chavo attacks Santino and hits another Latino uppercut. Chavo chokes Santino in the ropes. Chavo with a snap mare and then he stretches Santino and Santino screams like his sister. Chavo pulls Santino back to the mat and then he slaps Santino. Santino Cenas up and he punches Chavo. Santino with an elbow to Chavo followed by a clothesline and a back body drop. Santino charges into a boot and he goes down. Chavo goes up top but Santino rolls into the corner and Chavo returns to the mat. Chavo misses a charge into the corner and Santino with a jackknife cover for the three count.
Winner: Santino Marella
After the match, Chavo gets on the mic and he asks if that is funny. Chavo tells Santino to get his sister ready for a match against Vickie Guerrero for the Ms. Wrestlemania crown.
We go to commercial.
We are back and did you know that WWE.com had more visitors than Disney.com (Mike is not happy).
Time for a Ken Kennedy video package because he is coming back soon.
Maryse is talking in French in the back and Miz says that he has no idea what she is saying, but it is hot. Maryse does the fingernail gesture of indifference. Miz says that Maryse might be a Diva, but Miz is 4-0 against John Cena. Miz tells everyone that they will not want to miss what he has in store for John Cena tonight.
Josh Mathews is with Matt Hardy in the interview area. Josh asks Matt if he cost his brother a shot at the World Title while he has a United States Title match against MVP. Josh suggests that it is a reward for what Matt did. Matt says that Jeff broke his hand four weeks ago. Matt says that he feels the pain and it reminds him of all of the horrific things that Jeff did to him. Matt says that he will not let Jeff get all of the attention. Matt says that Vickie is a good person because she wiped his loss to Kofi Kingston off the record book. Matt says that he got the title match because he earned it.
Vickie wants to know what Chavo was thinking when he put her in a match. Chavo says that Santino’s games are over. Randy Orton storms in and he says that he is the WWE Champion and she needs to consult with him to put him in a match. Vickie says that she wanted a match that ensures that there is a winner. Randy tells Vickie that she better do everything to stay on his good side.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Three: Carlito and Primo versus The Brian Kendrick and Goldust
Goldust and Carlito start things off and Goldust with a side head lock and shoulder tackles. Carlito with an arm drag but Goldust with an arm drag of his own. Kendrick wants to tag in and he does so. Kendrick with a kick to the midsection and a reverse chin lock as he talks to his tag team partner. Kendrick with an inverted face lock and then he runs Carlito into the corner. Kendrick wants Goldust to cheat while he was with the referee and he yells at Goldust when he doesn’t listen. Carlito with a drop kick and Primo tags in and Primo with a punch. Primo with a flying back elbow and then he hits a side Russian leg sweep for a near fall. Kendrick with a jawbreaker and then he tries for the Kendrick but Primo avoids it. Primo with a slingshot cross body for the three count.
Winners: Primo and Carlito
After the match, Kendrick blames Goldust for the loss. Kendrick slaps Goldust and Goldust enters the ring to confront Kendrick. Hornswoggle comes up from behind and he grabs Kendrick’s leg. Hornswoggle, with help from Goldust, kicks Kendrick out of the ring.
We see John Cena’s shirt, but it is the Miz wearing the Cena gear. Miz walks in the back as if he is the man who feels no pain. We go to commercial.
It is time for Vintage John Cena, but it is the Miz to parody John Cena. Miz says the big news coming off Judgment Day is that the Miz is 4-0 against John Cena. For some reason, John Cena will not come out to fight him and that is why he came out dressed like John. Miz says that he has decided to do a remake of Cena’s Word Life song. Miz’s song is called ‘Nerd Life’. Miz wants Cena to come out but he does not oblige.
Miz announces that it is now Miz 5 Cena 0.
Jerry Lawler gets a mic and he comes to the ring. Jerry tells Miz that he has a newsflash. Lawler says that the commercials are getting better ratings than that rap. Lawler says that because someone does not come out when challenged, you do not beat them. Lawler says that he is going to call out Batista but Batista does not come out. Lawler says that he is not 1-0 against Batista. Lawler decides to call out Bruno Sammartino, Hulk Hogan, and Steve Austin. Lawler says that all of Miz’s talking is coming out of his rear end. Lawler tells Miz to go to Vickie Guerrero to get a match with Cena. Miz is about to go to the back but Big Show comes out.
Show tells Miz that make believe time is over. John Cena may think that he is done with Show, but Show says that he is not done with John Cena. Show says that he has a match against John Cena at Extreme Rules and it is a submission match. Show tells Miz that he will have to wait. Miz says that he can wait to beat John Cena after Cena is done beating Show. Miz pushes Lawler into the way to escape. Show hits Lawler from behind and he puts Lawler in a choke.
We go to commercial with a solemn voice.
We are back with the Slam of the Week: Last week’s tag match involving MVP and Matt Hardy.
Jim Ross is with Michael Cole to replace Jerry Lawler after Big Show’s attack.
We see photos of Matt Hardy possibly contribute to Jeff’s loss to Edge last night at Judgment Day.
Match Number Four: Matt Hardy versus Montel Vontavious Porter for the United States Title
They lock up and Porter with a rollup for a near fall. Hardy with an inside cradle for a near fall. Porter with punches followed by knees to the midsection. Hardy goes to the apron but Porter with a forearm and then he suplexes Hardy back into the ring. Hardy with a kick but Porter with a back slide. Hardy with a Side Effect for a near fall. Hardy tries to expose the turnbuckle and the referee stops him. Hardy with a clip to the leg and he uses the cast. Hardy gets a near fall. Hardy kicks Porter in the injured knee and then he uses the ropes. Hardy sends Porter’s leg into the ring post and then he gets a near fall. Hardy kicks the ropes and it reverberates to Porter’s leg. Hardy with punches to Porter’s midsection. Porter kicks Hardy away and then he hits a clothesline from the turnbuckles. Porter with punches followed by a side slam for a near fall.
Porter with a face buster and then it time for the Ballin’ Elbow for a near fall. Hardy throws Porter to the floor and then Hardy with a kick to the knee. Hardy tries to punch Porter with the cast but Porter moves and Hardy hits the ring post and then Porter slams the cast into the ring steps. Porter with a series of punches and then he stomps on Hardy’s cast. Porter with the running boot into the corner and then Porter hits the Playmaker for the three count.
Winner: Montel Vontavious Porter
We are back with a recap of the events that led to the main event tonight.
Ric Flair is in the locker room and Batista stops by. Batista wants to know why Flair is so happy. Flair says that he is going to call Orton out for next week. Batista reminds Flair who he is and Flair says that he did not want to retire. Flair says that he could beat up 90% of the guys on the show and he wants to beat up Orton next week. Flair tells Batista that if he does not believe in him then he will not be out there with him.
We go to the office and Chavo is on the ground and he is trying to teach Vickie how to hit a frog splash. Vickie says the match is off. Santina says that she is disappointed because the only way that Vickie could win is if pigs could fly. Vickie says the match is back on. Chavo tells Vickie to trust him. We go to commercial.
Match Number Five: Santina Marella versus Vickie Guerrero for the Ms. Wrestlemania Crown
Santina wants a time out and she gets on the mic. She says that she has something to say to Vickie. She says that she can see that Vickie is jealous. Vickie slaps Santina. Santina kisses Vickie and she makes a few more pig jokes. Chavo gets on the mic and he says that it is a no disqualification match.
Chavo attacks Santina from behind and Santina goes down after a Latino uppercut. Chavo punches Santina but Santina punches back. Chavo with punches to Santina until the tables are turned. Chavo gets back body dropped over the top rope to the floor by Santina.
William Regal comes to the ring from out of nowhere and he attacks Santina and hits an Exploder suplex followed by a knee to the head. Vickie gets the three count.
Winner: Vickie Guerrero
Legacy walk very very very deliberately in the back as we go to commercial.
We are back and Ric Flair will be calling out Randy Orton next week on Raw, we just don’t know where it will happen.
Match Number Six: Legacy versus Batista and John Cena in a Handicap Match
Cody and Cena start things off and they lock up and Cena with a side head lock. Cena with an Irish whip but he charges into an elbow. Orton tags in and he punches Cena. Cena with a kick and he tags in Batista but Orton leaves the ring and DiBiase is tagged in. Batista with a clothesline and he tries for a power slam. Rhodes misses an attack and Batista with a double shoulder tackle. Batista and Cena take care of Rhodes and DiBiase. Orton tries to slither his way to a sneak attack, but Batista and Cena see him and Orton goes to the floor. We go to commercial.
We are back and Orton sends Batista into the apron and the return to the ring and Orton gets a near fall. Orton with the Garvin Stomp to Batista and then he hits a knee drop for a near fall. DiBiase is tagged back in and Batista punches DiBiase but DiBiase with a drop toe hold and a near fall. DIBiase with a series of elbow drops to Batista for a near fall. DiBiase with a reverse chin lock. Batista gets back to his feet and he snap mares DiBiase. DiBiase with a boot to Batista and Cody is tagged in and he gets a near fall. Rhodes with forearms to the back and DiBiase tags in and they connect with punches to the midsection. DiBiase punches Batista and then it is back to the reverse chin lock. Batista and DiBiase collide in the ring and they both go down. Cena and Rhodes tag in and Cena with flying shoulder tackles followed by the Blue Thunder Bomb. Time for the Five Knuckle Shuffle and then it is time to set for the Attitude Adjustment but Orton makes the blind tag despite Cena hitting Attitude Adjustment on Rhodes. Orton punches Cena and then hits a knee drop to the back of the head. DiBiase attacks Cena while Orton was with the referee. Orton stomps on Cena’s chest and then he tags in DiBiase. DiBiase misses a knee from the turnbuckles but DiBiase with a clothesline. DiBiase with a series of vintage fist drops for a near fall.
Rhodes tags in and punches Cena and follows that with a snap mare and a chin lock and arm bar. Cena with a kick and an Irish whip but he misses a charge into the corner. Rhodes with a moonsault for a near fall. Orton tags in and he punches Cena and the referee gets in the way. DiBiase attacks Cena while the referee was out o f position. Orton with a drop kick to Cena. Orton with the patented reverse chin lock. Batista is able to make the tag and he punches Orton and then he hits a power slam for a near fall.
Big Show and John Cena fight on the ramp while Batista hits a spinebuster on Orton. Batista takes care of Rhodes and DiBiase. Rhodes goes up top and he falls from the turnbuckles because he was attacked by Flair. Batista with a spear to Orton for the three count.
Winners: Batista and John Cena
After the match, Batista and Flair celebrate in the ring.
We go to credits and will be back next week. Find out where.
2010 - Beth Phoenix and WWE developmental talent Brett DiBiase both underwent successful knee surgeries Birmingham, Alabama.
2010 - WWE released the Best of PPV matches 2010-2011 on DVD, the first in a planned series of annual releases.
2010 - WWE NXT was broadcast from Ottawa, Ontario. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV Report:
We begin tonight’s show with a look back at the bloodletting of three rookies. Who goes home tonight?
We are live on tape from Kanata, Ontario, Canada and your announcers are Josh ‘Can I announce a match at the pay per view’ Mathews and Michael ‘Why are they calling me Charles Logan tonight’ Cole. Your host is Matt ‘My Favorite Cricket’ Striker.
Matt Striker is on the stage and he brings out six of the pros instead of the rookies. Striker reminds us that one rookie was eliminated because of the Pro’s Poll and another one goes home through the same procedure. Matt wants to know what the pros are looking for from the rookies. Miz says that he is looking for someone to gain a larger audience than WWE already has. He wants to know that the person will want you to watch when you flip through the dial. Regal says that he is looking for adaptability for each situation. He says that he can be funny one moment and then in someone’s face the next. He says that you need in ring skills as well as a personality. CM Punk says that he would love to explain what he looks for but he says that he does not need to speak here because he has lost his appetite and his will to be in front of the people. Christian says that he is looking for someone who will capture the imagination of the WWE Universe.
Someone who will take this competition for himself. He says that he is looking for someone to show ‘it’. He says that he saw ‘it’ from some. Regal wants to know when Christian will show him ‘it’.
Matt Hardy says that he is looking for someone who has the potential to be the complete package. They need to be able to wrestle, to talk, and have ‘it’. They need to be able to survive in the locker room. Chris Jericho is the last one and he says that he is looking for somebody to make him want to pay money to see them. Jericho says that with one exception there is not one rookie who he would want to part with his money to see in the ring.
We see highlights from two weeks ago when Barrett and Young fought at ringside at the end of the show.
Match Number One: Darren Young versus Wade Barrett with Chris Jericho
Barrett has something to say but Young pushes his hand away. Barrett pushes Young and Young with a take down and punches. Barrett goes to the floor but Young goes to the apron and Barrett trips him. Young is run into the apron by Barrett before they return to the ring. Barrett with a big boot for a near fall. Barrett with a surfboard and then Barrett pulls Young down by the hair but misses an elbow drop. Young with punches to Barrett and a flying shoulder tackle and reverse atomic drop. Young with another punch and slam for a near fall. Barrett with a jawbreaker but Young with a forearm and Barrett goes down. Young with a full nelson but Barrett escapes the hold and then he puts Young on the turnbuckles and Young with a punch and tries for a tornado DDT but Young is sent to the apron. Barrett is dropped on the top rope. Young goes up top again and Barrett crotches Young and kicks him before hitting the fireman’s carry slam for the three count.
Winner: Wade Barrett
After the match, Cole and Mathews talk about Wade Barrett and then Cole mentions David Otunga.
It is time for the pros to talk about David Otunga. Regal says that he has a lot going for him. Truth says that he has the it factor. Jericho says that Otunga stands out from the other rookies. Miz says that Otunga is the next breakout star. Miz says that he is a star. Truth says that he disagrees with the rankings and thinks that he should be number one. Miz says that Otunga is a star already and can bring a new fanbase. Christian says that he has not seen the in ring talent match Otunga’s personality. Punk says that he is the worst rookie and he does not see ‘superstar’ when he sees him. Hardy says that Otunga got here on a free pass. Christian wonders if he is engaged to Kelly Clarkson. Hardy says that he wants to slap the sunglasses off. Punk mentions that Otunga wears sunglasses indoors and then he sighs. Truth says that you can be your own worst enemy. Regal says that Otunga can learn. Truth says that not everyone gets to learn like Otunga does and he needs to apply it in the ring.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Michael Tarver and Daniel Bryan are in the ring with Matt Striker. Matt reminds us that their eliminations were controversial and we go to the video tape.
Matt asks them for their feelings about the eliminations. Michael goes first and he says that he was told that it would be judged by a pro’s poll. However, he was eliminated by WWE Management. He wants to know who WWE Management is. It is a bunch of easily intimidated pencil pushers. They did not have the guts to eliminate him face to face. Striker mentions Tarver’s actions and comments. Tarver says that if there were eight limos that were the same color except one, which one would you notice. Tarver says that he was told to make it, you have to be different. Tarver says that he was revolutionary and he showed it during the competition.
Matt interrupts Tarver and then turns his attention to Daniel Bryan. Did Bryan say that he should be eliminated. Daniels say that it was true but the truth is that he was eliminated by management and not the pros. When he came to WWE, he learned about the politics and how Vince likes the big guys and the guys they made themselves. Daniel says that he is a self made man who was not created by the WWE machine. He thinks they want a guy who will make the most money. They need to find the best people for this job and he is the best person for this job. Matt wants to know if Bryan eliminated himself with his comments. Bryan says that Matt should know better and he says that he does not have to tell anyone that he is better than everyone. He tells Chris Jericho and William Regal that he showed them in the ring. He tells the Miz that he is better than him.
The Miz calls Bryan an indy star while Miz say that he was the first person to win the United States and Tag Titles at the same time. Bryan tells Miz to come to the ring and prove it if he thinks he is so good. Bryan tells Striker that he is not tired of being interrupted by Matt Striker. Bryan says that there is one person who says that he doesn’t have any personality or the ‘it factor’. He says that Cole is a parrot who is told what to say by Vince McMahon. Bryan says that Cole is a poor man’s JR and then he slaps and hits Cole. Striker and referees try to keep Bryan from him. We go to commercial.
We are back with a Moments Ago Moment of Daniel Bryan confronting Michael Cole.
Michael Cole says that if Bryan wants a job, he can’t take criticism from the announcers. Cole says that Bryan should be arrested and he might press charges.
Match Number Two: Justin Gabriel with Matt Hardy versus Heath Slater with Christian
They lock up and Slater with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Slater with a reverse atomic drop and kick but Gabriel with an arm drag while Cole goes to the back.
Gabriel tries for a pescado but Slater kicks him in the chest. Slater with a near fall followed by an arm bar. Gabriel with knees to the head to get out of the hold. Slater punches Gabriel but Gabriel with a spin kick and clothesline. Slater with a face plant for a near fall. Slater charges into a boot but Slater with a spinebuster for a near fall. Gabriel with kicks and a jumping spin kick. Gabriel is sent to the apron and Gabriel with a kick and Slater goes down. Gabriel with a 450 splash for the three count.
Winner: Justin Gabriel
After the match Christian shakes Slater’s hand as well as Hardy’s. Slater and Gabriel shake hands too.
Skip Sheffield is in the back and he reminds us that he was voted off NXT. He was seen as a threat because of his size, physique, and intensity. It was like Survivor when they took out the biggest and baddest threat and they did it first.
We go to commercial.
We are back and we have the Batista/John Cena video package for Over the Limit.
Michael Cole is back at the announce table and it is time to ignore that he got his receipt from DanielBryan. Cole and Josh run through the card for Over the Limit.
It is time to see what the pros have to say about Darren Young. Punk wonders what rankings really are. Christian says that he had Young ranked last. Truth comments on Young’s pro. Punk says that he is not Young’s friend. He is here to teach and guide. Jericho says that he does not like the haircut or the headband. Miz says that he likes something about him, but he hasn’t seen it yet. Truth says that he can see Young be a star but he needs to get out of his shell and let it shine.
We see highlights from Darren Young’s loss to Wade Barrett.
Matt Striker is with the pros and he asks them to figure out the next rookie to be eliminated.
We go to commercial.
We are back and the rookies are at ringside with Matt Striker.
Matt reminds us that we will be one rookie lighter after tonight. It is time for the Pro’s Poll and Wade Barrett is still in first place. David Otunga stays at second. Heath Slater moves up to number three despite losing his match to Justin Gabriel.
We are either eliminating Justin Gabriel or Darren Young and Darren Young gets to go home to South Beach.
Matt asks Young for his thoughts and he asks Darren to tell the pros what he thinks of the decision. Darren says that he did not think this would happen, but he wants to thank the fans in the arena and at home. Darren says that the difference between him and the other rookies is that he has respect for the pros. He says that he is not going to holler and cry. He wants to thank everyone and says that NXT is over for him. Young says that this is not the last time that you will see Darren Young and then he goes to the back.
Matt tells us that the competition will intensify next week. After looking back at what happened to Michael Cole, we are told that another rookie will be eliminated next week.
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