Want more wrestling news, rumors, and results? Be sure to visit PWInsider.com and PWInsiderXtra.com.
June 25th
On this day in history in ....
1934 - Jim Londos defeats Jim Browning in New York City to unify the New York recognized World Heavyweight Title with the NWA (National Wrestling Association) World Heavyweight Wrestling Title.
1976 - Antonio Inoki and Muhammad Ali fought to a 15 round draw in Tokyo, Japan. The rules of the match stated that Inoki could not use any suplexes, throws or submission moves. Due to a misunderstanding about the finish of the bout, the entire match ended up consisting of Inoki lying on his back (so Ali could not knock him out) and kicking at Ali's legs, while Ali would back away from the kicks as neither man trusted the other. The fight, which was seen in the U.S. on closed circuit television, has been criticized as being one of the most boring matches of all time. However, to this day, a large part of Inoki's legend in Japan is based on the fact that he "went the distance" with Ali.
1995 - The King of the Ring Pay-per-view was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at the Spectrum. Here are the results:
- In a match shown on the Free-For-All, Savio Vega defeated Irwin R. Schyster to earn a spot in the King Of The Ring tournament (Razor Ramon, due to injury, had to vacate his spot).
- In a quarterfinal King Of The Ring match, Savio Vega defeated Yokozuna via countout.
- In a quarterfinal King Of The Ring match, The Roadie defeated Bob Holly.
- In a quarterfinal King Of The Ring match, Shawn Michaels vs. Kama went to a draw.
- In a quarterfinal King Of The Ring match, Mabel defeated The Undertaker.
- In a semifinal King Of The Ring match, Savio Vega defeated The Roadie
- Bret Hart defeated Jerry Lawler via submission in a Kiss My Foot match.
- Mabel defeated Savio Vega to win the King Of The Ring Tournament.
- Diesel & Bam Bam Bigelow defeated Tatanka & Sid Vicious.
2000 - The King of the Ring Pay-per-view was held in Boston, Massachusetts at the Fleet Center. Here is Buck Woodward's original report on the event.
The show opened up live on PPV with Rikishi taking on Chris Benoit in quarterfinal one of the KOTR tourney. They went at it as soon as Benoit hit the ring. Rikishi was on top early, but Benoit hit a big German suplex. JR said that the tourney matches were decided earlier today in random drawing and that they had 15 minute time limits. He said only winners advanced. I don't know if that means the brackets are out the window or not. Benoit was in control after the suplex. He locked on the crossface three minutes in. Rikishi didn't give up and Benoit nailed Rikishi with a chair, repeatedly, to be DQ'd. Rikishi wins. Benoit tore Rikishi up after the match, laying him out and hitting the headbutt from the top.
The showed the angle with Linda McMahon from Heat. In the back, the Faction begged Vince to not do something stupid. Vince said he wouldn't, and that he was Joe Cool. Vince left and HHH, Steph and Shane said he wasn't cool and thought he would do something dumb.
Backstage, Chris Benoit played bad ass and didn't really care that he got himself DQ'd.
Then it was time for Eddie Guerrero, with a new short hair cut and Chyna, vs. Val Venis, with Trish. Val was working over Eddie for a second, but Eddie came back. JR mentioned that Bret Hart won the first KOTR in Dayton, OH in 1993. Eddie hit a superplex two minutes in. He then worked over Val. Val came back and dumped Eddie face-first and then placed him back-first over his knee. Eddie came back with a rana and a back suplex. Eddie missed a senton from the top and Val hit a spinebuster. Val went for the Money Shot but Eddie got his knees up. Val came back and got a two with a side Russian legsweep. Val got a two when his feet were on the ropes. Val went to the top but Eddie crotched him. Eddie hit a rana from the top. Trish got on the apron but Chyna pulled her off. Val grabbed Chyna but before he could duke her, she nailed him with a shot. Eddie rolled up Val but got only a two. Val then hit a Fisherman's suplex in eight minutes to get the win. Good match.
Pat Patterson was shown in the back making fun of the evening gowns that were there for him to wear. He said he had to look better than Brisco. The wardrobe lady told him that she wasn't a miracle worker.
In the back, Rikishi was asked if he would be able to go forward against Val Venis. He said he would.
Then it was time for Crash Holly vs. Bull Buchanan. Crash went after Bull, but Bull threw him around. Bull laid out Crash with clotheslines and backbreakers. Ross said that there were 17,651 fans there. He also said that the semifinal matches of the tourney would be 30 minutes. And, the King's coronation would be on Raw tomorrow. Lawler talked about, for the second time, how he pasted Bret Hart during the coronation in 1993. Bull beat up Crash for the first few minutes. Crash got an "oops" two count in there. Bull then went for the scissors kick in four minutes, missed, and Crash pinned him.
In the back, Vince confronted Linda. She was incredulous to him. Vince brought up all of the horrible things that Linda has done to him. Vince then asked why she was here. She asked if he would be a man, or do another 12 on 3 like he did on Smackdown last week. Vince got pissy and said that he, Shane and HHH could do it on their own tonight. He said because of the stip she brought in (title on the line) he didn't have to use all of the other people because the faces would screw themselves because they want the title.
Then it was time for the fourth match of the tourney, winner meets Crash: Kurt Angle vs. Chris Jericho. Kurt came out and crapped on all of the Boston sports franchises. He said unlike them, he would bring home the big one. And then, he mocked the Boston accent. CJ came out next, to a great pop. He cut a promo and got a great pop. CJ shot on Angle, culminating by calling him a "royal pain in the ass". Angle did a beat down on CJ early and the fans chanted "Y2J". They went back and forth early. CJ hit a Lionsault for a two. CJ did a dropkick while Angle was on the apron and they fought on the floor and into the crowd. Angle got the better of CJ, with Chris taking the first "steps bump" of the night/. Angle had red marks on his chest from CJ chops. CJ came back with a double arm throw for a two. KA came back with a catapult and a suplex. Angle nailed him with a nasty clothesline for a two five minutes in. CJ came back briefly with chops, but missed a run in the corner. Angle went to the second rope and CJ dropkicked him in the gut. CJ then hit a rana from the top. CJ hit a big reverse elbow and a spinning heel kick for a two. CJ was going for a bulldog when Angle hit him with a clothesline and got a two. Angle went for a suplex but CJ turned it into the Walls of Jericho. Steph Mac ran to ringside so CJ let the move go. Angle nailed CJ from behind and CJ went into the ref. Steph went to nail CJ with the title belt but CJ ducked and she hit Angle. CJ then kissed Steph, and Angle came in from behind and hit the Olympic Slam for the pin in about 10 minutes. It's true.
In the back, Shane told his dad that the lost his cool and now they can't have interference. Vince says they were fine. Shane said he is worried about what HHH thinks.
They went to WWF NY where Mick Foley, with his crew cut, talked to JR. Ivory was tending bar. Foley put over being at WWF NY. Foley said that Kurt Angle was his "personal favorite". It put over the restaurant well.
Next up was the four team elimination match for the WWF Tag belts, with Edge and Christian vs. T and A (with Trish) vs. The Hardy Boyz (with Lita) vs. Too Cool, the champs. The last team in the bout are the champs. Edge and Christian did their usual promo, talking about the Boston sports teams. Then, they did Bill Buckner's 1986 error against the Mets. Ouch! I won't go move by move, since there are four teams. There are two guys in at a time. You can tag the other guys. While Test and Matt were working, Trish tried to interfere and Lita took her out with a clothesline. T and A tried to take out Lita but it failed. Matt pinned Test after a Swanton Bomb by Jeff for the first elimination. Then it was Jeff Hardy vs. Scotty 2 Hotty. Then it was Matt vs. Christian. Jeff got a two on Christian when Lita nailed him with a flying headscissors. The fans popped for her. Matt got a two with a Twist of Fate but Edge pulled him out. Christian then hit Matt with the Impaler to pin Matt after they blocked the Twist of Fate. Too Cool vs. Edge and Christian is left. Too Cool worked over Edge early. Christian came in and was worked over as well. They did spots where Edge and Christian took each other out and the champs got two counts. Edge and Christian came back and put BC down. They were about to do the work when Scotty came back and took them out. He wormed Edge. Christian tried to nail the champs with the belt, but it didn't work. BC hit the Hip Hop Drop on Edge. While the ref was putting Scotty out, Christian nailed BC in the head and Edge made the cover.
Michael Cole interviewed Crash in the back and acted like Crash was lucky to get this far, which ticked Crash off.
Now, it's time for Rikishi vs. Val Venis, with Trish. Rikishi had a nasty bruise on his arm when he came out. The big guy dominated early, beating Val up around ringside. Rik wasn't selling his earlier beating at all. Back in the ring, Val was on top. Val went for the Money Shot three minutes in but Rik caught him and he hit the belly-to-belly for the pin. After the match, Trish jumped in Rik's back. He dumped her but before he could so anymore damage, Venis attacked him with a low blow and beat up Rik's "injured shoulder" with the ring steps. Val then chaired Rik's arm with a chair. Battered and bruised, Rikishi is in the final of the KOTR.
Coach interviewed Brisco. Brisco said we would see he is all man, then his gown was delivered.
Now it's time for the other semi, Kurt Angle vs. Elroy. Crash was on the offense early, but Angle came back with a suplex and then went to town. Crash then came back and it went back and forth until Kurt hit a suplex for the pin in four minutes.
They showed clips from last night at MSG. Donald Trump was there and cut promos with the King.
In the back, UT and Kane did promos. They are here to win the belt.
Time for Patterson vs. Brisco in a Hardcore Evening gown match. Brisco came out first. In addition to the gown, he was wearing make up, a wig and heels. I don't know what to say. Patterson came out with a wig and makeup, and sunglasses. Pat had a bra on too. Brisco did too I guess. Patterson got the mic, and kissed Finkel. Pat said that Brisco looked like an old drag queen. Pat said when Brisco was defending his title, Pat was always at his side and he was his friend. Pat said that if he wants the belt, he will lay down and let Brisco pin him. Brisco said OK. They hugged and Pat kneed him and pulled his skirt up. Pat shoved a banana in Brisco's mouth (no, not that banana!). Patterson rammed a pad in Brisco's face and was about to do a stinky face (with women's undies on). Brisco blocked it. Fans chanted boring. That was being kind. They were booing too. A few minutes in, Crash ran in and stripped both men to bra and panties. He nailed Pat with a trashcan and won the Hardcore Title.
The Duds did an interview in the back where they said they would take out Tori. Buh Buh has her name written on a table. Time for the handicap dumpsters/table match with X Pac, Road Dog and Tori taking on the Dudley Boyz. To win, The Duds have to put all three members of DX through a table while DX has to lock both Duds in a dumpster. Duds were over coming out. The Duds worked Dogg over early. Dogg tagged out and they got some heat on X Pac. Pac came back with a big kick. Tori came in and laid kicks into D. Dogg then came in. Buh Bug came in and cleaned house. Buh Buh told X Pac to suck it, and got a pop. D hit a head butt to both DX men's genitals. And then he did it Tori too. Dogg and Pac tried to leave Tori to fight, so the Duds went and got them in the aisle. DX then whipped the Duds into the dumpster. The fans chanted, "We want tables". They threw the Duds in the Dumpster and shut the lid, but the ref was tending to Tori. The Duds snuck out of the dumpster and crawled under the ring to the other side while DX got the ref. They weren't there when the ref checked, and the Duds pasted them with chairshots to the head. The Duds set up Double Tables on the floor after throwing the ring steps in the ring. Buh Buh stood on the steps in the ring and threw Dogg through double tables! Pac came in and took out both Duds. Pac set a table up and laid D-Von on it. He went to the top. Buh Buh crotched him. D then suplexed him through it. Buh Buh eyed up Tori. She tried to run and finally jumped in the dumpster. You can probably see where this one is going. They opened the dumpster and DX hit them in the head with chairs. They fell in and they got the pin. The fans hated the finish, and I agree with them. After the match, they came out of the dumpster with Tori. Pac came in and got 3D, as did Dogg. Finally, Buh Buh did the Bubba bomb through the table. Buh Buh did the look afterwards.
Kurt Angle and Rikishi did interviews before the KOTR final. Rik has his arm taped. Rik went after Angle early and went for the stink, but angle stopped him and took over. Angle took him to the floor and whipped Rik into the steps. he took him back in and worked over the big guy. Rik sold the right arm. Rik came back with a clothesline and the Samoan drop. He followed with a running neckbreaker for a one count. Then he gave Kurt a stinky face. Kurt then did an Olympic slam out of nowhere for a two. Kurt did a sunset flip but Rik sat on him for a two. Fans were chanting for Angle. Rik went to the top but Kurt crotched him. Kurt went for a belly to belly from the second rope and hit it for the pin in five minutes.
The Faction did an interview in the back. They are ready.
They showed the USA Today Weekend cover with the Rock and Mike Piazza.
The main event was next, with The Faction (Vince, Shane & HHH) vs. Kane, Undertaker & The Rock, with the WWE Title going to the winner of the fall. The heels came out first. Then, the faces did their own entrances. Kane and the UT got good reactions. The Rock? You know this one already. The crowd was live but the WWF didn't mic them well. The story of the babyfaces would be they all wanted to win the title. In the back, Kurt Angle was drinking milk. Shane started with Kane. Shane was begging off a lot but doing moves as well. Rock tagged himself in. HHH faced off with Rock but wanted to leave. Rock demanded that he stay. Shane nailed Rock from behind. Rock whipped Shane over the top to the floor. Shane came back in and UT chokeslammed Shane. Rock broke the count at two. HHH came in. UT worked over HHH. UT did a DDT (which some people said they aren't allowed to do anymore) on HHH but Kane broke the count. Rock came in and cleaned house briefly, but then was mugged on the floor by the faction until UT and Kane made the save. Rock cleared the announce table but HHH attacked him before he could do anything there. Those two went back in the ring. Rock should have tagged out but didn't because he knew he might not get tagged back in, and thus couldn't win the title. So, the heels worked Rock over for the next few minutes. Eventually, everyone got into it and Rock went for the People's Elbow on HHH but Kane ran in and chokeslammed Rock. HHH played up to Kane for doing it, not realizing that he was doing it to win the title. Then, Kane did a tombstone (which some people said they aren't allowed to do anymore) on HHH. UT broke it up. UT then did a chokeslam from the top turnbuckle through the air into JR's announce table in an awesome spot. Vince then went to do the People's Elbow on Rock but Rock got up and hit the Rock Bottom on Vince to win the match and the WWF title. There wasn't the pop I thought we would see for Rock's win. He got more of one after they announced he won the belt.
2001 - The "WCW Invasion" storyline went into full swing during Raw at Madison Square Garden. Here is Tim Whitehead's original report on the show.
The 6/25 edition of RAW is WCW aired live from Madison Square Garden in New York. It was the expected beginning of the WCW invasion in full. The focus was on skits rather than wrestling. I thought the show was entertaining and took some steps in the right direction but I still don't see this WCW angle being handled quite right. It's gonna be even tougher now with Chris Benoit on the sidelines, joining Rock and HHH.
Vince McMahon came out right at the start. He mentioned the rumor that, had either Chris Benoit or Chris Jericho won the WWF Title at King of the Ring, they would have defected to WCW right there on RAW. He said that thankfully that will not happen since Steve Austin beat both Benoit & Jericho, even after the blatant cowardly interference of Booker T. He wondered aloud what the "T" stands for, suggesting maybe "terrible", "trash", or "troglodyte". He said it could also mean "temporarily employed", noting that that term could apply to every WCW wrestler since he plans to run that company out of business. He called Madison Square Garden "hallowed ground" and said the WWF helped build that arena into what it is today and that no WCW wrestler has any business coming there. To show how important the WWF is to the Garden, Vince aired a video from a decade or so ago where his late father Vince McMahon Sr. was inducted into the MSG Hall of Fame, with comments from Freddie Blassie and the late Gorilla Monsoon, along with footage of Andre the Giant. Vince promised the fans to bring them more memorable moments tonight.
Rhyno beat Test to regain the Hardcore Title in 4:31. Footage aired of Rhyno losing the belt a couple of weeks ago to Test due to Stacie Kiebler's distraction. Paul Heyman predicted that the WCW invasion has now been stopped. So much for his psychic abilities. They started with garbage can shots and then fought through the crowd to the back. Test came off a platform and put Rhyno through a table. Looked like it hurt. Test put Rhyno in a cart and rammed him into a wall. He hit Rhyno with a ladder. But Rhyno suddenly squashed Test against a wall with the gore and got the pin. However....
.....Mike Awesome defeated Rhyno to capture the Hardcore Title. No sooner did Rhyno win than Awesome arrived and broke a board over his head. He then slammed Rhyno on the ladder (that looked really sicko) and pinned him under the 24/7 rule. Jim Ross & Heyman freaked out over a WCW guy taking a WWF belt.
X-Pac beat Jeff Hardy to capture the Light Heavyweight Title in 3:10. Pretty good match, except for one spot where Jeff took a bump off the top from a dropkick that barely grazed him. Jeff dropkicked X-Pac out of the air. X-Pac went for the bronco but got booted in the crotch. Jeff missed a swanton when X-Pac rolled clear, with X-Pac then winning by using the ropes for leverage behind the ref's back.
Austin & Debra arrived, and found Vince seething in anger over Mike Awesome. "He raped me and left with a WWF Title", said Vince. Didn't Austin once "violate" Vince in a hospital? Anyway, Austin wasn't very sympathetic, noting that Vince had been nowhere to be seen at King of the Ring, and that he had still retained the WWF Title over both Benoit & Jericho even with Booker T interfering. Vince acted apologetic and assured Austin that he cares about him. They ended up making up and hugging. Debra just looked disgusted. Austin's hand was bandaged from the injury he received at the PPV, and at the beginning of the show JR had acknowledged that Austin had been hospitalized briefly after that match (from hitting his head taking the desk bump during the Booker T run-in).
The first of several Madison Square Garden golden moment segments aired, this one showing footage of Bruno Sammartino in action. Heyman cited the dates of Bruno's WWF Title reigns.
Video aired from the PPV of Booker T's run-in against Austin.
Big Show encountered Trish Stratus backstage. He showed her his new T-shirt which said "Big Show" and had an arrow pointing down to his crotch area. Guess he watches Beevis & Butthead a lot. Trish didn't seem impressed. Show then said he would win the European Title from Matt Hardy and celebrate by visiting England, Sweden, China, and other European countries. That explains why the arrow on the shirt didn't point up to his head. He offered to take Trish with him and said she'd look cute dressed like a snow bunny. Trish liked the idea of visiting Europe but said they would need separate rooms, of course. Show said they could work something out. Show called himself a genius after she left. Bet no one else has ever called him a genius.
Vince and Austin were hanging out together like the good buddies they are when Kurt Angle walked in. Vince praised Angle for kicking Shane's ass in the PPV street fight. Angle enjoyed the praise but also noted that he suffered some injuries, citing a concussion and a broken tailbone. Austin laughed at him, saying his (Angle's) three matches at the PPV combined weren't as tough as his one match against Benoit & Jericho. He kept implying that Angle's a wimp, but Vince invited Angle to stay, to Austin's dismay. Angle took a seat slowly, acting like it hurt to sit down.
Another MSG golden moment featured video of Superstar Billy Graham. So this was the second such segment in a row to feature a guy who isn't fond of Vince.
Tazz beat Steven Richards in 0:13. Richards called New York a cesspool. New York native Tazz went in and put him out in seconds with the Tazzmission. The RTC angle appears on the verge of being thankfully censored.
Angle was enjoying the carrots, celery, and other healthy food items available in Vince's suite. Austin pulled Vince over to the side and wanted him to kick Angle out so they could hang out alone together like best buddies. But Vince said the King of the Ring ceremony was about to start and he wanted to keep an eye on Angle, fearing he might interrupt the ceremony in a jealous rage over losing the tournament final. Angle then told Austin the two of them are a lot alike since both are former KOTR champs and both have held the WWF Title. He said they're so alike they could be related. Austin just looked disgusted. This was hilarious.
Yoshihiro Tajiri carried the King of the Ring trophy to the ring under William Regal's command. He acted like the trophy weighed a ton. Regal said America lacks a lot of things, such as civility and politeness, and also lacks royalty, but he then introduced King Edge. Edge came out accompanied by Christian. Regal told Edge that, even though his win was tainted by Shane's interference, his reign as king will "reck" of awesomeness. Edge then posed, and was joined by Christian and Tajiri. Tajiri was hilarious. Christian then said he was honored to be there with Edge, but reminded everyone that he got cheated out of victory in his semi-final bout due to interference. He said he won two earlier round matches over Big Show and Kane, whose combined weight is over 1000 pounds. That was really a great line! Edge seemed a little perturbed by Christian's remarks but tried to be cheerful and said the era of awesomeness is now upon us. Billy Gunn then came out. He said that he won the KOTR tourney in 1999 (which is so totally like about as memorable as Barry Horowitz's win in Global wrestling circa 1991). Gunn then said he missed the 2000 tourney due to injury and then wasn't even invited to join the 2001 tourney. Someone in the crowd shouted "good!". Gunn also complained about the indignity of being sent to WWF New York with all the moron fans there, and called Edge a no-talent punk. JR called Gunn "Bitter Billy". Edge said Gunn must be imitating a vacuum cleaner since he sucks and blows at the same time and hoped that if he turns out like Gunn two years from now that someone will just shoot him in the head. Edge said it's not his fault Gunn has accomplished nothing for two years and called him "Billy Bitchcakes". He vowed not to "Billy Gunn" the KOTR Title. Gunn threatened to kick Edge's ass, which is about as good of a comeback you could expect from him on the mic as he was like so totally outclassed by Edge. Edge agreed to fight, so Commissioner Regal booked the match for later in the show.
The next MSG moment was the legendary Sgt. Slaughter vs. Pat Patterson bootcamp match from about 20 years ago.
Hour two began with the Dudleys beating Undertaker & Kane to retain the WWF World Tag Titles in 4:49. The match itself wasn't much. JR kept dwelling on Dallas Page and how he had psychologically harmed Sara, who was at ringside. He kept mentioning the "private collection" of more intimate secret videos Page has of Sara. The match ended with Albert doing a run-in and plastering Kane with the Baldo Bomb, allowing D-Von to get the pin. Kane chased Albert afterward. This left UT & Sara conveniently alone, and as they left up the ramp, Page came out of nowhere and flattened UT with two chairshots. Sara tried to fight Page but he held her down and ripped out a chunk of her hair. It looked really fake because there's no way that much hair could be ripped out without taking half the scalp with it. Page fled with Sara's golden locks before UT revived. JR said Page is a "sick bastard" and is also as good as dead.
Regal told Tajiri that Benoit is injured (JR acknowledged this, noting he'll be out for several months with neck surgery for nerve problems). But since Jericho is still healthy, Regal thought he needs to be punished for teasing that he might jump to WCW. He asked Tajiri for advice on what type of match or opponent would punish Jericho the most. Tajiri recommended himself. Regal agreed to the match, and Tajiri did all the funny facials he does when celebrating.
Big Show beat Matt Hardy by DQ in a European Title match in 3:12. Show was wearing his new T-shirt, which also said "Big All Over" on the back. Show tossed Matt around, with Matt getting in a few shots on Show's arm. Trish kissed Matt in an effort to distract him. This angered Lita, who ripped Trish's top off. Show was about to chokeslam Matt when Lita kicked him in the testicles for the DQ. Maybe the arrow on the shirt was to show her where to kick in case she forgot. Anyway, Matt remained champion so Show's arrow won't be pointing to a title belt.
Perry Saturn & Terri were supposed to be the guests this week at WWF New York, but Shane appeared there instead. There was a big "Shane-O-Mac" chant. Shane claimed that Vince is using all his media clout to keep WCW from getting on TV. As if! Shane said WCW needs TV, so therefore he has no choice but to invade and take over WWF's TV. He said he'll drive Vince out of business just as Vince did to his own father. Shane then brought out Booker T as the man who will lead the invasion. Booker said it was too damn easy to take Austin down last night. That line would have been more effective if Austin hadn't gone on to win. He challenged Austin to fight.
Both Austin & Vince were furious over Shane & Booker. Austin said he doesn't deserve to be attacked and challenged like that. Vince said they're in his restaurant, and told Austin to go down there and kick their asses since it's only a couple of blocks away. Austin began sort of making excuses, but Debra encouraged him and he agreed to go, but wanted Vince to go with him. Vince recommended that Austin take Angle with him. Angle got one of those "who, me?" looks on his face. Austin said if Angle has so much in common with him, he should agree to go. Austin left with Angle reluctantly following.
Hardcore Holly & Al Snow were discussing the success of Tough Enough (which has gotten rave reviews). They encountered the Acolytes, who were rallying the lower card guys to defend the WWF. They said WCW wouldn't give any of them a chance or even return their calls over the years, but now that the promotion has folded and needs a way to re-start, the wrestlers there are trying to take over the WWF. They said Dallas Page and the other invaders can go to hell and encouraged everyone to stand up for the WWF. Among those there were Goodfather, Bull Buchanan, Dean Malenko, Raven, Steve Blackman, Crash Holly, Taka Michinoku, Sho Funaki, Haku, and Essa Rios.
Jimmy Snuka's cage dive onto Don Muraco, which ultimately made a star out of Mick Foley, was the next MSG moment.
Edge beat Billy Gunn in 6:17. No heat except for a mysterious "Hulk Hogan" chant. Since Hogan may try to start up his own company to oppose Vince, there was no way in hell he was gonna be on one of the MSG moments. Christian accidentally nailed Edge at one point, but he later redeemed himself by giving Gunn a backbreaker. Edge then won with the DDT, which JR accidentally called the DDP. Christian carried Edge's trophy as the two left, holding onto it as if it were his.
Vince received a phone call from Austin, who was stuck in traffic. Vince told Austin to sit tight, and also said, "I know Angle's a dork, but he's a dangerous dork, and he's our dork for tonight."
The final MSG moment was the Andre vs. John Studd bodyslam challenge from the first WrestleMania.
Chris Jericho beat Yoshihiro Tajiri in 5:10. A real good match while it lasted. Jericho said that since Steve Assclown is still WWF champion, he'll take his anger out on Tajunior. Lots of chops. Tajiri hit those hard kicks of his that make you cringe. Tajiri hooked the octopus and got an "ECW" chant in response. Jericho slugged Regal. Regal responded by pulling the ref out when Jericho went for a pin. He put Jericho in a full nelson and Tajiri went to spray the mist (for the first time since arriving in the WWF) but Jericho ducked and Regal took the spray. Jericho nailed the shocked Tajiri and lionsaulted him for the pin. Tajiri kept begging the blind Regal for forgiveness afterward.
Vince got another call from Austin, who had made it to WWF New York. Vince said he'd go to the ring and when he gives the signal, they are to attack. Vince told Debra, "This is gonna be good!" as he left for the ring.
Vince arrived in the ring and said the hallowed ground of MSG had been tainted by WCW invaders, but that all's well that ends well, and the WCW guys are about to pay. This was the signal for Austin & Angle to leave their car and go inside the restaurant. The fickle fans who had cheered Shane & Booker earlier, now cheered Austin & Angle. One of the employees told Austin that Shane & Booker were gone. Austin grabbed a mic and said Booker was a coward for not being there and imitated how Booker says "ask" (i.e., "akst") and said the next time he sees Booker in person he'll kick his "sucka ass". Back at the Garden, Vince said it wasn't surprising that Shane & Booker fled, and that it proves that WWF is the dominant brand name in sports entertainment. To Vince's chagrin, Shane arrived at ringside. Booker then came through the crowd and entered the ring. Vince slugged him. Booker just shook it off and nailed Vince with his kicks, including the scissor kick, leaving Vince laying. Booker & Shane escaped as the rallied lower card guys all came out for the belated save.
2007 - The bodies of WWE star Chris Benoit, his wife Nancy (known for her run as "Woman" in professional wrestling) and their son Daniel, are discovered in the Benoit home in Atlanta, Georgia. WWE releases the following statement that afternoon:
"WWE is sad to report that Chris Benoit and his family have been found dead in their home. Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Tonight's Raw will be a tribute to Chris and his family."
While an investigation took place, WWE made the decision to drop the "Mr. McMahon Presumed Dead" angle, which was going to be the focus of a three-hour Raw. The live event was cancelled, and replaced with a tribute to Benoit including many of Benoit's best matches. Later that night, while the Raw tribute was still airing, Lt. Tommy Pope of the Fayette County Sheriff's Department in Georgia told ABC News that their deaths are being investigated as a "possible murder, suicide." The ABC website, quoting Pope, noted, "the instruments of death were located on the scene." Pope did not specify what those may have been, but said there was no signs of shootings or stabbings. Pope stated the department is "not actively searching for any suspects outside of the house."
It was later revealed by authorities that the deaths were the result of a double murder-suicide, with Chris Benoit strangling his wife and son to death over the course of the weekend, before taking his own life by hanging himself. WWE would pull Chris Benoit tributes, photos and mentions form their website, and Vince McMahon would issue a public apology the next day for the Raw tribute, noting that "the facts of this "horrific tragedy are now apparent" and stating that Benoit would never be mentioned on WWE programming again.
2008 - Ultimate Warrior returned to the ring for NWE in Spain, a show that aired via Internet PPV. LT filed the following report:
We start off tonight’s show with a look back at last Sunday’s Slammiversary when Kurt Angle got the TNA Heavyweight Title with an assist from Samoa Joe. In the immortal words of Joe Schmo, ‘what is going on?’ Daffney landed in thumbtacks as well.
We are live on tape from Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida and your announcers are Mike ‘Not in the Main Event Mafia’ Tenay and Don ‘Not with the Women’s Champ and her minions’ West.
Match Number One: Brutus Magnus versus Brother Ray in a New York City Street Fight
Brother Ray attacks Magnus from behind as he comes to the ring. Ray sends Magnus into the apron and then he chops him before they finally make it to the ring. Ray with a running clothesline into the corner and then he throws Magnus over the top rope to the floor. Ray goes out after Magnus and he chops him against the rail followed by a punch. Ray sends Magnus into the crowd and then Ray follows. Magnus with a rake of the eyes followed by a kick and a European uppercut. Magnus goes to the steps and he hits a double sledge to Ray’s head. Ray sends Magnus into the wall and then he chops Magnus. Ray sends Magnus back into the ringside area and he punches Magnus followed by another chop. They are back in the ring, but Ray brings a table into the equation. Magnus tries to rest while Rob Terry comes into the ring and he hits a spinebuster. Kiyoshi, Doug Williams, and Sheik Abdul Bashir come in and join in the attack. Devon comes in and clotheslines Kiyoshi followed by a chair shot to Terry. They hit a 3D on Kiyoshi and the referee has thrown the match out.
Lauren is in the back with Kurt Angle and she wants to know how long he has been talking to Joe. Joe arrives and Lauren wants to know if Sting is aware. We go to commercial after Joe and Angle hug.
We are back and it is time for the Main Event Mafia to come to the ring. They are led by Kurt Angle with his magical beard and hair as well as the TNA Title belt. He is joined by Scott Steiner, Booker T, Sharmell, Jenna, and Kevin Nash. We see footage from what happened during the main event.
Kurt introduces himself to the fans as the new TNA champion. Kurt says that before the celebration continues, he wants to bring out the newest member of the Main Event Mafia, Samoa Joe. Angle and Joe hug again. Joe then hugs his mentor Kevin Nash, the man he bloodied in a cage, Booker T. Kurt says that it all started with him when Joe came back after his attack by the Main Event Mafia. Kurt says that the Mafia saw what Joe was doing and he had to be signed. Kurt says that Joe’s price was too high and that is where Jenna came into the equation. Kurt says that they made horse’s asses out of everyone, especially A.J. Styles. Angle says that he had Joe take out Nash, Steiner, and Booker. Everyone took a bullet for the family because that is what families do. Kurt says that he told the world what was going to happen. Angle says that he told everyone that he would win the title at Slammiversary and they would all celebrate. That included Samoa Joe. Joe said that same thing.
Angle says that he forgot to tell Sting and he apologizes for not telling him, but what Sting didn’t know didn’t hurt him.
Mick Foley comes out and he is joined by his security on the ramp. Mick comes to the ring and walks into the Lion’s Den. Mick says that Angle must be the man with the plan and he does not owe him an explanation. He says that Angle might owe Sting an explanation and Joe might owe A.J. an explanation. Mick says that the only thing that Angle owes him is a rematch at Victory Road. Foley says that he is cashing in the rematch clause in a one-on-one match for the title.
Angle tells Mick that he saw Foley after the pay per view and he comments on Mick crying after the match. He wants Mick to cry for him. He calls Mick a disgrace and he tells Mick that he does not have any power. Angle says that Mick can sign all of the contracts he wants, but Angle has the power. Angle says that he has the power to choose his opponent for Victory Road. Mick says that he wants the title back and he wants that shot as soon as possible. Mick says that he is still the TNA champion. Angle asks Foley if he thinks he can beat him and Foley says that he can beat Angle.
Angle says that this is his night of celebration and Foley is not going to get him riled up. Kurt tells Foley that when he wants something from the Main Event Mafia, he has to give something back. Angle makes a proposal to go to Mick’s office to work out a little agreement. Angle leaves the ring.
Lauren stops A.J. Styles as he enters the building and Styles tells her to be quiet. He asks Kip James where Joe is and he thinks that Joe is with the Mafia. Styles walks away as we go to commercial.
We are back and it is time for a video package about Mick Foley and Jeff Jarrett and their problems.
It is time to run through the show as we wait for Jeff Jarrett to call in.
It is time to go to the JJ Phone and Jarrett says that there has been a lot of pressure and he needs to rise above the problems. They will solve their problems next week.
We find out that Sarita debuts in three weeks.
Match Number Two: Abyss versus Kevin Nash
The match is joined in progress and Nash with a knee in the corner. Nash misses a punch but Abyss does not miss. Nash with a clothesline. Nash with a series of elbows in the corner. Nash with an Irish whip and a running clothesline in the corner. Abyss with an Irish whip followed by a splash in the corner. Abyss sets for the charge across the ring but Nash with an elbow and then he clotheslines Abyss over the top rope to the floor. Abyss pulls Nash out of the ring and they exchange punches. Nash goes for a chair and he tries to hit Abyss but he hits the ring post. Abyss with punches to Nash and then he sends Nash into the guardrails and ring steps. Abyss tosses the chair into the ring and he wedges it into the turnbuckles. Nash with a knee and then he hits a big boot. Nash takes the chair out of the turnbuckles and Dr. Stevie comes into the ring and he hits Abyss with a taser and Abyss is smoking. Nash drops the chair because the referee did not hear any of the noises from the taser. Nash gets the three count.
Winner: Kevin Nash
After the match, Lauren comes to the ring to check on Abyss.
James Storm and Robert Roode are in the back and they are on their way to the ring. We go to commercial.
We are back and Storm and Roode are in the ring. Storm says that it is great to be the champs again. Roode says that they are the greatest tag team in TNA and the greatest tag team in the world. Roode says that they have to give credit where credit is due. When it comes to legends, Ray and Devon are legends. Roode says that on Sunday, Ray took his eye off the ball and made a mistake. They capitalized on the mistake and became three time tag team champions. They are here to grant Team 3D their rematch. They can have it anytime, anywhere, any place.
They are interrupted by Booker T and Scott Steiner. Booker has a strange smile on his face. Booker says that he has a history lesson for them. He asks if they heard of the Steiner Brothers or Harlem Heat. They are the greatest tag teams of all time. Steiner tells them that if they cannot recognize, Kurt Angle is calling all of the shots and making all the rules. That means Mafia rules. Steiner says that the deal is sealed and etched in stone and there is nothing they can do about it. Booker says that Mick made the deal. Mick will get a title match against Kurt Angle. Nash will have a Legends Title match. Booker says that him and Steiner will get a shot at the tag titles.
Storm says that they are two of the greatest tag team wrestlers in history, but in TNA with the title belts, they are just another Neal and Bob. He tells them to get in line.
Booker must have some hearing problems because he did not think he heard what Storm just said. Booker says that they made the deal. They are in singles matches tonight against each other.
Team 3D come out and he wants to know what Booker and Steiner were saying. Ray says that they are frustrated because Storm and Roode already gave them the rematch at Victory Road. They plan on taking that rematch.
Steiner says that Team 3D are a bunch of fatasses but there is nothing that they can do about the title match. Ray says that they are going to Mick and make an offer he can’t refuse.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a thumbtack match video package.
Match Number Three: Daffney versus Taylor Wilde in a Match of 10,000 Thumbtacks
Daffney attacks Taylor before the bell rings and she punches Taylor. Daffney chops Taylor and then hits a snap mare and a neck breaker. Daffney goes for the thumbtacks, but Taylor pulls her off. Taylor tries to do the same but Daffney pulls her off. Daffney with punches and kicks to Taylor. Daffney gets the back of tacks. Daffney comes off the turnbuckles and Taylor with a kick to the midsection. Taylor gets the bag and she tries to open it. Daffney with a rake of the eyes. Daffney hits Taylor with the bag of tacks and then Daffney pours them on the mat. Daffney grabs Taylor and she tries for the Crudenza but Taylor tries to hit a German suplex with a counter. Taylor with forearms and then she tosses Daffney onto the tacks to win.
Winner: Taylor Wilde
We go to the back where Lauren is with Velvet and Madison. Velvet says that nobody comes in from another promotion to take over their turf. Madison has a tarantula on her shoulder and Velvet and Madison scream. We go to commercial.
We are back and we go to the back to Mick Foley’s office. Team 3D want to know why Booker and Steiner have the title match at Victory Road. Mick says that they know each other and Mick says that Team 3D doesn’t care about Foley’s title loss. Mick says that he does not care about Team 3D losing their titles. Foley says that Team 3D say they are the best. Why not have a match next week to see who gets the title match at Victory Road. Ray has a barbed wire bat and he says that they like him and respect him. Ray says that it isn’t working for them. He tells them to do the right thing. Mick begs Ray to take the match next week. Devon says that they will take the match but tells Mick not to play mind games with him.
Jeremy asks Mick how Kurt will feel about this and Mick says that he does not care.
Match Number Four: Scott Steiner versus Robert Roode
They lock up and Steiner with a rake of the eyes. Steiner sends Roode into the turnbuckles and then he chops Roode followed by a forearm. Steiner with a chop but Roode with chops of his own. Roode floats over Steiner and he chops Steiner and follows it with a snap mare and leap frog neck breaker. Roode with a suplex to Steiner and Roode goes a one man group name announcement. Steiner throws Roode out of the ring and Steiner follows after him. Steiner sends Roode into the guardrails and ring steps. Steiner with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex for a near fall. Steiner chokes Roode in the ropes and kicks him followed by a chop. Steiner with a clothesline and the flex elbow drop followed by push ups. Steiner chokes Roode in the ropes. Steiner with a rake of the eyes and forearms and chops. Steiner with a bear hug but Roode escapes and he punches Steiner. Roode with clotheslines and a flying forearm. Roode with a chop but Steiner with an Irish whip but Steiner charges into an elbow. Roode with a blockbuster for a two count. Roode tries for the fisherman suplex but Steiner with the flatline but he can only get a two count. Steiner says that it is over and he sets for the Steiner Recliner but Roode avoids it and he sends Steiner into the turnbuckles. Steiner tries for a belly-to-belly suplex but Roode blocks it. Steiner gets the three count with a back slide.
Winner: Scott Steiner
Jeremy Borash is with Kurt Angle and Jeremy asks Kurt about what happened earlier tonight. Jeremy reminds Kurt about the deal for the tag title match and then Jeremy points out that Foley tweaked it. Kurt asks Jeremy if he means the qualifying match. Angle says that he will take care of that next week. He says that you don’t cross the boss. Jeremy asks Angle if he really didn’t tell Sting. Angle says that he is the Godfather. Jeremy says that Sting is the Godfather. Kurt tells Jeremy that he is the Godfather. Jeremy informs Godfather I that Godfather II is on his way. We go to commercial.
We are back and Jeremy Borash is with Mick Foley to talk about the phone call from Jeff Jarrett. Mick wants to know what Jeff meant by burying the hatchet. Mick says that he thought he was going to be on the same page as Jarrett at Slammiversary. He is willing to work things out if Jeff apologizes next week. Jeremy tells Mick that Kurt is not happy with the tweaking of the agreement. Mick says that they will deal with it at Victory Road.
We go to an Eric Young video package.
Lauren is with Eric Young and she says that his friends wonder what is going on. Eric says that those people are not his friends. He says that he is one of the originals. When everything is over, he is there to be the court jester. He says that he is done with that. Eric says that he does not care about them.
Rhino comes out and he says that Eric is talking about him. He says that because Eric did not have his back, he has a problem with him. Eric suggests settling this next week. Rhino says that they don’t have to settle it next week. Young with a head butt and he leaves. Jesse Neal comes out and he says the wrong thing since Rhino tosses Jesse against the wall and he almost takes Lauren out as well. We go to commercial.
We are back and Lauren is with Booker T about his match against James Storm. Booker says that he is fourteen time tag team champion. Booker says that he is going to beat him down. Sharmell says that she got it done. Sharmell says that now that the check has cleared, he wants Jenna in the ring. Sharmell says that she has a match with Jenna at Victory Road.
Match Number Five: Booker T with Sharmell versus James Storm with Boozer Cruiser
They lock up and Booker with a knee and forearm followed by chops and punches. Booker misses the back heel kick and Storm with chops and punches. Storm with punches but Booker with an eye poke. Booker tries to throw Storm out of the ring but Storm skins the cat and he punches Booker. Booker hot shots Storm on the top rope and then Storm goes to the floor. Booker with knees to Storm followed by a spinning heel kick for a near fall. Booker with a kick and he misses the scissors kick. Storm with forearms and a face buster and neck breaker. Storm gets a near fall. Booker and Storm with punches but Storm with a suplex and then it is time for the one man group name salute. Storm punches Booker and then he gets Booker in the corner and he punches him. Sharmell gives Booker the beer bottle and he hits Storm with it and he also takes out the referee.
Winner: James Storm by disqualification
Sting is just outside the Impact Zone. He walks into commercial.
We are back and A.J. Styles is now in the ring and he has something to say. A.J. says that after what happened on Sunday, he wants Mister Nation of Violence to come to the ring.
Joe comes out and he gets face to face with A.J. A.J. asks Joe if he did it for the money. A.J. says that they had a plan. One of them was going to win the title. The crowd says that Joe ‘sold out’. A.J. says that Joe did not want to win and he did not want A.J. to win either. A.J. tells Joe that he screwed him, the company, and the fans. A.J. says that Joe screwed himself when he gave Kurt Angle the title. A.J. says that he should take off Joe’s head right now. A.J. says that he will not do it. A.J. says that he wants to know who got into his head and told him that it would be a good idea.
Joe tells A.J. that he can ask him at Victory Road. Joe walks away and A.J. says that he is not done. Joe says that he is done. A.J. punches Joe and Joe fights back. Matt Morgan comes to the ring and he attacks A.J. Joe joins in the attack and then Morgan with choke push ups. Daniels comes to the ring and he goes after Morgan and Joe. Daniels with a forearm. The members of the Main Event Mafia make their way to the ring at their own individual speeds. They attack Daniels and Styles.
Sting comes out and he has his music to accompany him. The Main Event Mafia already leave the ring for Sting. We go to commercial before Sting comments on the situation.
We are back and Sting says that he expected this from Kurt Angle, but not everyone else in the group. Sting tells everyone to look at themselves. It was because of punks like Joe that they started the Mafia. Sting asks Kurt what else he did without telling him. Angle says that he had nothing to do with Matt Morgan. Sting tells Kurt that Kurt is beyond pathetic and does not believe that Kurt didn’t have a little to do with it. Matt says that he didn’t have a little to do with it. Kurt had a lot to do with it. Sting asks Kevin where he stands with all of this. He expected more from Kevin, but did not expect this much from Booker. He tells Booker to zip it. Sting says that he is not surprised about Steiner because he follows everyone. Sting says that Booker only cares about himself. Sting says that the same goes for Sharmell. Sting says that he expected more from Nash. He asks Kevin if he remembers the Wolfpack. Nash says that when Kurt didn’t want Sting in the Mafia, he said that Sting was alright. Nash was with Sting when he talked about respect and dignity. When they wanted to cut Sting off at the knees, he told them not to do it. Nash says that when Kurt said that maybe Morgan should take him out, he said it was a good idea. Sting wants to know why. Nash tells Sting to look around because the plan wasn’t working while Angle’s plan was working. The honor and dignity thing is bull****. Nash says that he believes in ‘In God We Trust’ and it is about money. They bought Joe because they could not beat him. He says that you can make friends or you can make money but you cannot make both. Nash says that he would love to be at Sting’s side, but he won’t fight them. Nash says that this is a fairy tale we tell your kids at night. Sting asks Kevin if it is about Kevin’s son Tristan. Sting asks Kevin if Tristan was to learn from Kevin’s example and Sting tells Kevin that he does not believe Kevin. Kevin is not being the Kevin that he knows. That Kevin is not Oz, Big D, or Big Sexy. That Kevin is Kevin Nash. Sting tells Kevin that he proved him wrong. Sting gives Kevin his bat so Kevin can finish him off. Sting tells Kevin to let the fairy tale continue. Kevin holds the bat but Sting has a second bat. Sting hits Nash with the bat and then Sting hits everyone else with the bat. Joe has the Kevin bat and Joe hits Sting twice with the bat. Morgan holds Sting while everyone attacks Sting.
2010 - WWE aired an episode of Smackdown. Richard Trionfo filed the following report:
We start off tonight’s show with General Manager Teddy Long and Consultant to Smackdown Vickie Guerrero in Teddy’s office. Teddy mentions that it has been a whirlwind week in the WWE. Three new champions were crowned at the Fatal Four Way pay per view, including Rey Mysterio. In four weeks, Rey will be defending his title at the brand new Money in the Bank pay per view. Vickie says that over the next two weeks, they will be evaluating all of the Smackdown superstars to decide which eight men will be in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match. Teddy says that they will all try to climb the ladder to get the briefcase above the ring. The briefcase will have a contract that allows the winner to have a title match against the Smackdown champion at any point in the next year. Vickie mentions the vicious attack that Vince McMahon suffered and he was rendered incapacitated.
Drew McIntyre comes in and interrupts Tedddddddddddddddddy. He wants to know why Teddy is so happy and he wants him to wipe the smile off his face. Drew says that he humiliated Teddy last week and humbled him. Drew says that he will tell Vince about Teddy’s officiating at the pay per view as well as his lack of concern for the chairman.
Teddy says that he met with the Board of Directors that based on the absence of Vince McMahon, he can run the show however he feels appropriate. Teddy says that he is reinstating Matt Hardy. Drew says that Teddy can’t do it. Teddy says that he can do it and Matt will be facing Drew tonight. Teddy tells Drew to take his Scottish accent and the sour look on his face and get out of his office. Vickie tells Drew to leave and Drew finally exits.
We are live on tape from Manchester, New Hampshire and your announcers are Matt ‘What did I ever do to deserve getting my butt kicked the last two weeks’ Striker and Todd ‘How much time do you have’ Grisham.
Before our opening match, Jack Swagger has something to say on his way to the ring. Jack tells everyone to know that he is filing a formal protest against the WWE. He says that he is protesting that he has to fight a 500 pound giant right now. He is also protesting that he had to defend his title in a Fatal Four Way match. It is a match that is so lawless and so unpredictable that it is impossible for a natural athlete like himself to come out victorious. There were no rules in place to protect him or the World Title. When Kane came out and cost him the World Title, he was cheated out of the World Title. Jack says that he is invoking his rematch clause at Money in the Bank and he says that he is confident that he will come out victorious because his daddy taught him that cheaters never win and winners never cheat. Until then, he is going to make everyone suffer. Suffer the way that he suffered on Sunday. Suffer the way that his daddy suffered on Father’s Day.
Match Number One: Big Show versus Jack Swagger
Show with a kick and punches to Swagger followed by a chop in the corner. Show with more punches as Swagger goes down and then Show sits on Swagger while he is in the ropes. Show with another punch to the midsection followed by a head butt and Swagger rolls to the floor. Show pulls Swagger back onto the apron but Swagger drops Show on the top rope. Swagger goes up top but Show crotches Swagger and then he hits a superplex and both men are down and Swagger rolls to the floor as we go to commercial.
We are back and Show works on the arm and he uses his elbow as well as his entire body weight on the arm. Show pulls Swagger up by the arm and then he wraps the arm in the ropes. Show picks Swagger up by the arm and drops him to the mat followed by a leg drop to the arm. Show walks all over Swagger and then picks him back up. Swagger with punches that have no effect. Show with a punch and forearm and then he stands on Swagger’s wrist. Swagger with a kick and punches followed by a front face lock but Show picks up Swagger and tosses him away. Show with an Irish whip and then he hits a splash into the corner. Show misses a clothesline and Swagger with a flying shoulder to the knee for a near fall. Swagger kicks Show in the leg and then he tries to hyper-extend the leg. Swagger with a step over toe hold on Show but Show kicks Swagger away. Show gets back to his feet but he is clearly limping. Swagger with a kick to the leg and a flying shoulder tackle from the turnbuckles for a near fall. Swagger with a leaping leg drop to Show and then he hits the double jump Vader Bomb. Swagger tries for a second one but Show gets his arm up and he has Swagger by the throat. Swagger counters the choke slam and he rolls through into an ankle lock and Show fights to get out of the hole. Show crawls to the ropes and he gets to the ropes but Swagger refuses to release the hold and then he grapevines the leg. The referee calls for the bell since Swagger does not release the hold before the five count.
Winner: Big Show by disqualification
After the match, Big Show tries to get back to his feet but he cannot put any weight on his left leg as a result of the ankle lock and work that Swagger did on the leg. Show collapses under his own weight one more time.
We see Swagger smiling on the stage as he looks at what he did to Big Show.
We go to commercial.
We are back with the WWE Rewind: Christian and MVP versus Curt Hawkins and Vance Archer from last week.
Match Number Two: Montel Vontavious Porter, Christian, and Kofi Kingston versus Vance Archer, Curt Hawkins, and Dolph Ziggler
Hawkins and Porter start things off and Hawkins has a punch blocked but Porter with punches of his own. Porter with a head and arm overhead suplex for a near fall. Christian tags in and he punches Hawkins followed by a drop kick for a near fall. Porter tags in and he punches Hawkins. Hawkins sends Porter into the corenr and then he tags in Ziggler. Ziggler sends Hawkins into the corner but Porter with a boot to Hawkins. Porter then knocks Archer off the apron and then he back body drops Ziggler to the floor. Kingston and Christian also join in and Porter with a pescado onto Archer while Kofi hits a suicide dive onto Ziggler and Christian with a baseball slide to Hawkins as we go to commercial.
We are back and Porter with an Irish whip and flying forearm into the corner for a near fall. Kofi tags in and gets a rollup for a near fall. Kofi with an arm bar on Ziggler but Ziggler reverses and he puts Kofi in a side head lock. Kofi with a leaping back elbow for a near fall. Ziggler with a knee and then he works on the arm but Kofi with an arm drag and drop kick. Kofi with a side Russian leg sweep and then he runs a few laps around Ziggler but instead of doing the boom drop Kofi goes after Hawkins who tries to interfere. Ziggler hits Kofi from behind and then Ziggler with a leap frog neck snap for a near fall. Archer tags in and punches Kofi followed by a swinging neck breaker. Archer with a rear chin lock. Kofi with punches but Archer with a running back elbow and he gets a near fall. Hawkins tags back in and he kicks Kofi followed by a gutbuster from Archer as Hawkins gets a near fall. Hawkins with a suplex and he gets a near fall. Hawkins with a rear chin lock and he tries to isolate the arm.
Kofi with a jawbreaker and Ziggler tags in and hits Kofi with a double sledge to the back. Ziggler hits a leaping elbow drop for a near fall. Ziggler with an elbow followed by a slam. Kofi with a head scissors and then he tries to make the tag but Ziggler stops him. Kofi with a sunset flip and then he tags in Christian. Christian punches Ziggler a few times followed by a flapjack. Ziggler goes to the ropes and Christian stands on Ziggler’s back. Christian slingshots to the floor and Hawkins knows what is coming next but Christian sees him coming and Christian punches Hawkins. This allows Ziggler to avoid the punch. Ziggler with a kick to Christian and then Ziggler with a drop kick to Porter that knocks him off the apron. Christian with the inverted DDT but he can only get a near fall. Christian knocks Archer off the apron.
Christian with a back kick and then Christian with a sunset flip off the turnbuckles but Ziggler rolls through. Ziggler with a leaping leg lariat and he gets a near fall. Christian with a punch to Ziggler and then Christian goes up top but Ziggler follows but Christian knocks him off. Christian with a missile drop kick and then all six men get into the ring. Porter with a facebuster to Archer while Hawkins goes after Kofi. Porter with a cross body to Archer that sends both men over the top rope to the floor. Kofi hits Trouble in Paradise on Hawkins and they all go to the floor. Ziggler sends Christian into the turnbuckles and then he tries for the Zig Zag but Christian holds on to the ropes. Christian hits the Killswitch for the three count.
Winners: Christian, Kofi Kingston, and Montel Vontavious Porter
We go to commercial.
We are back and we are told that Rey Mysterio will address the fans next week.
It is time to take a look back at Monday Night Raw and what happened after the main event.
Kane is in the back with his empty casket. He says that tonight they will get vengeance. Tonight they will bring hell down on the guilty culprit. They will get their revenge. Tonight he will eviscerate CM Punk. Tonight, he will break Punk’s body in two. He will decapitate the head of the Straight Edge Society. Kane closes the casket.
Matt Hardy is walking in the back and he shakes hands with everyone in back, including JTG.
We are back and Did You Know that 100 million video clips have already been watched on WWE’s page on YouTube.
Match Number Three: Drew McIntyre versus Matt Hardy
Matt and Drew have some words as the bell rings and then Drew misses a punch but Matt does not miss. Matt with a discus punch and Drew goes to the floor. Drew tries to pull Hardy to the floor but Hardy kicks Drew into the announce table and then into the apron. They return to the ring and Hardy with a tackle that sends both men to the floor. Hardy sends Drew over the ring steps and then Hardy with a forearm to the back. Drew runs Hardy into the ring post and then Drew goes to the floor. Drew puts Hardy on the top step and then he hits a belly-to-back suplex on the floor. Drew wants the referee to start his count but Matt gets back into the ring and the match continues. Drew with kicks to the head and then Drew with punches to Hardy. Drew with European uppercuts to Hardy and then he gets a near fall. McIntyre with an arm bar and cross face to Hardy. Hardy with punches but Drew with a kick and Irish whip but Hardy with a boot to a charging McIntyre. Hardy goes to the turnbuckles but Drew with a forearm and then he climbs the turnbuckles and hits a few head butts. Drew with a hip toss from the turnbuckles that he turns into a sit out driver and Drew can only get a two count.
Drew tries to figure out how to finish off Hardy and he punches Matt in the corner and the referee warns him. Hardy with a kick and punches. Drew with a running back elbow for a near fall. Drew with an arm bar and cross face. Hardy with kicks to the head but McIntyre with a double leg take down and he punches Hardy. Drew puts Hardy on the turnbuckles and connects with forearms to the back. McIntyre hits a super belly-to-back suplex but he rolls Hardy towards the ropes and Hardy grabs the ropes at two. Hardy rolls to the floor and we go to commercial.
We are back and McIntyre returns to the arm bar. Hardy gets to his feet and he punches Drew but Drew runs Hardy into the turnbuckles. McIntyre with short arm clotheslines in the corner followed by another short arm clothesline. McIntyre with a leaping boot to the head and he gets a near fall. Hardy punches Drew and then connects with a back elbow and a modified neck breaker for a near fall. Hardy with a Side Effect for a near fall. Hardy with a running clothesline into the corner but Drew is able to escape the bulldog attempt and Drew hits a big boot for a near fall. Drew with a neck breaker that connects with Drew’s knee and Matt can only get a two count. Drew tries for the double underhook DDT but Matt with a back body drop that sends Drew over the top rope to the floor. Hardy with an elbow from the turnbuckles. Drew sends Hardy into the ring steps and then Drew tries to stomp on Matt’s head on the ring steps but Hardy trips Drew and Drew hits the steps but Matt can only get a two count. Hardy goes to the turnbuckles but he takes too long and Drew pulls Matt off and gets a near fall of his own. Drew argues with the referee before he returns his attention to Hardy. Hardy with a kick and Twist of Fate for the three count.
Winner: Matt Hardy
After the match, Teddy Long appears on the TitanTron and he wants Drew to pay attention. Teddy tells Drew that he is sorry that he lost his match. Teddy has some bad news for Drew. Teddy says that it looks like somebody’s Visa has expired. That means that someone is in this country illegally. Teddy tells security to send Drew back to Scotland.
Matt waves goodbye to Drew as two men come to the ring to escort Drew out of the country.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Cody Rhodes comes to the ring with Husky Harris. Cody says that everyone is trying to look at his naturally sculpted facial features. He says that you can uncover your eyes to look at WWE’s most attractive superstar. Cody mentions the Diva Poll where they picked the most handsome superstar and Cody was the winner. Cody mentions that John Cena is a movie star, but he isn’t the most handsome guy in the WWE. Cody wants Husky Harris to show everyone his physique. Cody says that unfortunately Husky represents the average male. He mentions his horrible tattoos and dirty hair. Cody thanks Husky for his time. Cody says that he cannot help that he was born this good looking. He says that it is not genetics because look at his father and brother. Cody says that sometimes a blessing can be a curse. Cody asks a fan at ringside if he knows how hard it is to maintain his baby smooth skin. Cody says that he can hear the fans getting fatter. Cody goes to Todd Grisham and he asks Todd how many hours he spends in the gym while he reads comics and goes on the internet. Cody then turns his attention to Tony Chimmel. Cody says that he says that he hasn’t had a carb since Bill Clinton has been President. Cody says that Tony hasn’t had a donut since the first match. Cody returns to the ring and he thanks the WWE Divas for their exquisite taste. Cody lays across the top turnbuckle and says that it is not fair to have so much God given ability, to be so handsome, suave, debonair and handsome. He tells Vickie and Teddy to consider the man with the money face for Money in the Bank. Cody tells everyone to call him ‘Dashing’ Cody Rhodes. Cody repeats his new nickname a few dozen times.
We go to Vickie Guerrero in the back and she is admiring her photo of her and Dolph. Dolph enters and says that they need to talk. Dolph says that the relationship was supposed to be a two way street but he says that all he does is give and give. Dolph says that he wants gold. Vickie says that she gave him a gold chain. Dolph says that he wants an Intercontinental Title match or he doesn’t know about their future.
We go to commercial.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Rosa Mendes is jumping rope in the ring.
Match Number Four: Rosa Mendes versus Kelly Kelly with Tiffany
Before the match starts, Michelle McCool and Layla come to the ring, but first they do their synchronized entrance routine before giving their title belts to their rookie Kaval.
Rosa continues to jump rope and Kelly wants to know what is going on. Kelly with a kick and K2 for the three count.
Winner: Kelly Kelly
After the match, Kelly jumps some rope and then she throws the jump rope at Michelle and Layla. They get on the apron but Tiffany joins Kelly in the ring and we have a stand off.
We take a look back at the opening match between Big Show and Jack Swagger when Swagger puts Show in a prolonged ankle lock but refused to release the hold.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a video package for Alberto del Rio. He says that a lot of people talk about his attributes. Among them are honesty. He says that many lose it as they get older. He talks about how people lie as they get older. He says that a liar is a despicable person. He says that some lie more than the others. He says that everyone is a liar. He says that there is only one person who does not lie and refuses to lie. He says that he is the one honest man.
Next week, Rey Mysterio will be on Smackdown to address the WWE Universe.
Before our main event starts, CM Punk gets on the mic and he says that he only has one thing to say. He says that this is the face of an innocent man.
Match Number Five: CM Punk versus Kane in a No Disqualification Match
Punk punches Kane as he enters the ring but Kane sends Punk over the top rope to the floor. Kane sends Punk into the ringside barrier and Kane punches him. Kane biels Punk into the ringside barrier a few times and he follows that with an uppercut. Kane runs Punk into the ring apron and then he hot shots Punk on the ringside barrier. Luke Gallows tries to interfere but it fails. Kane punches Gallows and sends him into the ringside steps. Kane Irish whips Gallows into the ringside barrier. Kane with a clothesline to Punk and then he stops an attack from the other masked member of the group. Punk and Gallows attack Kane from behind and then Gallows with a series of punches Kane. New masked man with a boot to the stomach. Punk sends Kane into the ringside barrier as the three on one attack continues. Kane is Irish whipped into the ringside barrier by Gallows and the other masked man. Gallows with a clothesline to Kane. Gallows and the masked man send Punk at Kane but Kane with a back body drop. Kane sends Gallows into the ring post and then the other masked man gets sent into the ring post. Kane grabs Punk and slams his hand into the announce table and ring steps. Kane punches Punk and then he sends the arm into the ring post. Kane sends Punk into the ring steps twice. Kane rearranges the announce table and he choke slams the masked man on the ground. Kane grabs Punk but Gallows hits Kane from behind. Kane sends Gallows into the apron and then he choke slams Luke through the announce table.
Punk runs through the crowd and Kane follows. They make their way into the concourse and Kane continues his pursuit. Kane sends Punk into the merchandise table and then Kane slams Punk through one of the tables. Kane then sends Punk into the concessions table. Punk is able to get out of the building after an uppercut and Punk runs across the street to escape from Kane as we go to credits.
If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here!
Bang On Casino
