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June 30th
On this day in history in ....
1944 - Former NWA and ECW World champion (and one of the greatest performers of ALL TIME) Terry Funk is born.
1961 - "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers defeats Pat O'Connor in Chicago, Illinois to win the NWA (National Wrestling Alliance) World Heavyweight Wrestling Title for the first time.
1985 - Hercules Hernandez defeats Hector Guerrero for the Florida State Heavyweight Title in Orlando. The title would be vacated less than a month later when Hernandez was fired for having a locker room fight with Wahoo McDaniel.
1985 - Cody Rhodes was born.
1986 - Alicia Fox was born
2003 - In her WWE television debut on Raw, Gail Kim wins a Battle Royal for the WWE Women's Title outlasting Jazz (who was the champion going into the match), Ivory, Molly Holly, Jacqueline, Trish Stratus and Victoria.
2003 - Hulk Hogan appeared on the Bubba The Love Sponge radio show in Florida and said that his "Mr. America" character was "on hiatus" and that, for the immediate future, he was done with WWE. Hogan implied that he was not happy with the creative direction of the company, but stayed away from blaming anyone or giving any specific reasons for his departure. There were rumors that Hogan was also not happy with his Wrestlemania payoff, which may have added to his attitude towards the company. Hogan said he was looking into wrestling some matches in Japan, but that he had no plans to return to action in the U.S. at the time. Hogan would later return to the WWE (and would later leave again, as well).
2005 - Then-independent wrestler Matt Striker makes headlines nationally when it is revealed that he had run afoul of the New York State Board of Education for allegedly calling in sick from his teaching duties to work dates in Japan. Striker would later resign his job. The controversy led to WWE hiring him a few weeks later and he has remained with the company since.
In regard to the controversy, Striker sent the following statement to PWInsider.com after a request for comment:
I rarely if ever pay any mind to the Internet, but I felt the need to shed some light on a few facts, or lack thereof:
1. I never stole anything from the NYC Dept. of Ed. Upon realization that sick days and personal days were two entirely different things- I immediately offered to remit the money for days paid that I was in Japan.
2. I resigned under advice from my union appointed lawyer, which resulted in a backlash of student and parent response because my students were receiving excellent instruction and preparation for the NYC Regents. Parents, Students and fellow members of the faculty organized petitions and such to return me to my position. I was and still am a GOOD teacher. The bottom line was the kids.
3. Was it fraud? Yes, I wholeheartedly admit that. Am I sorry? You have no idea how sorry I am. Did this merit a resignation and whirlwind news story and unfounded venom from message board patrollers? No.
4. Was I sick? Yes. The week of my resignation, I had two lumps removed from my back (You can see the scars when you come to "boo" me) and subsequent blood tests, that were NOT covered financially because of loss of insurance benefits. The results were a toxic infection in my blood that I am currently being treated for.
5. People who want to run with minimal facts and create stories based on hearsay and conjecture are entitled, but take away with you this food for thought: New York City really needs teachers, some of the ones they have molest and abuse our children--Matt Striker established relationships and rapports with our students and presented them with a tangible role model and a belief that they could achieve their dreams. I am proud to say that a huge percentage of MY KIDS passed the NYC Regents [Exam] because I taught them!
6. It is better to be hated for who you are than to be loved for who you're not. What I did was wrong. I have said it before - I will gladly compensate the city for the 4 days, I will gladly work-free of charge- for the NYC Board of Ed as a gesture of remorse. The fact that these things, that are personal become public and become fodder for people to accuse and find enjoyment in ones misfortune is sad.
7. Look at the facts, God gave me gifts and I choose to use them to touch peoples lives. I choose to make the world better by entertainment and education. I try to bring laughter everywhere I go. In this time where there is so much hate and anger I try to bring a positive aspect and energy where I go. You can all judge me, although it is not your judgement that I await...anyone who knows me- knows who my REAL judge is!
Thanks,
Matt Striker
2006 - Andrew "Test" Martin was brought back to WWE as a member of the ECW brand.
2007 - The Associated Press has released an article on the series of young deaths in professional wrestling, noting "loopholes" in the WWE Wellness policy and that Georgia Senator Johnny Isakson has instructed his staff to begin gathering information into whether the Health Commission should be looking into the industry.
2008 - CM Punk captured his first WWE World championship on Raw. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
Last night at the Night of Champions pay per view, the Raw brand had a chance to bring both heavyweight titles from Smackdown but Batista was stopped by La Familia while John Cena was stopped by the Great Pumpkin Triple H. We have a new man on top and his name is not John Bradshaw Layfield. Kofi Kingston won the Intercontinental Title from Chris Jericho thanks to interference by Shawn Michaels. Chris got some revenge after the match with a forearm to the eye. Now that Cody Rhodes is a former and current tag team champion thanks to his trickery against Bob Holly, will Holly get revenge or will the son of a son of a plumber's new alliance with the son of a Million Dollar Man be enough to stop the Angry Alabamian? Who is the next woman to challenge Mickie James after her successful title defense against Katie Lea Burchill? How is Vince McMahon and what is the big announcement from his family?
We start off tonight’s show with a look back at last night’s . . . who cares if there was a pay per view last night, Vince McMahon had part of the stage fall on him. We see the footage.
Shane McMahon is in the studios in Connecticut and he points out that his father was the victim of a terrible accident last week. Shane says that Vince is a man who relishes his privacy so they will not mention his physical condition. Shane tells everyone to pull together in this time of uncertainty.
We are live from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and your announcers are Jerry 'I wish I knew a good BBQ place in this town' Lawler and Michael 'That BBQ Restaurant' Cole.
Even though he is not the announcer tonight, Jim Ross comes out to say hello to his Oklahoma fans. Jim has a mic and he has a tear in his eye. Jim says that it is a magnificent honor to be standing in the ring tonight with the fans around the world watching to say it is damn good to be home. Jim says that he is excited about a new journey that he is embarking on as the play-by-play voice of Smackdown. He hopes that everyone will join him on that journey. They will raise hell on Smackdown and take it places it has never been before. Jim says that he is excited for the opportunity to work with Mick Foley on Smackdown, but he thanks Jerry Lawler for being with him for over a decade as his traveling partner, driver, and father confessor . . . his older brother. Jim says that he was happy to be inducted at the same time as Jerry. Jim says that his friend Michael Cole will do a great job in his place. Jim says that he has known Michael since he joined the WWE. Jim mentions some of his favorite moments in Oklahoma City. He mentions seeing Danny Hodge in his first show. Jim then mentions Mid-South Wrestling. Jim talks about some things that involved Vince McMahon. He says that he will not throw salt on another man’s wounds when he is down, but he suggests that Vince is a Longhorns fan. Nothing can put a damper on his opportunity tonight to be surrounded by his family and his friends. Jim says that he will never forget this night and he hopes that everyone will load the wagon and get on the Sooner Schooner and ride it to Smackdown every Friday night. Jim tells everyone to eat some barbecue.
Apparently Edge is not a fan of barbecue because he comes out with Curt Hawkins and Zach Ryder. Lawler and Cole wonder why he is here. Edge has a mic and he says that when he heard JR had a farewell address on Raw, he had to make an appearance. It is because Jim’s arrogance never ceases to amaze him. Who cares about Jim or the Sooners. Edge tells JR to ‘Hook ‘em Horns’. Edge says that nobody cares about Jerry Lawler, Michael Cole, or him. Edge suggests that Barbecue Boy put that in his blog. Edge says that it is not all bad. It is time for Jim to start his hall of fame career on his show. Now he can call Edge’s future Hall of Fame career. Instead of ‘Stone Cold . . . Stone Cold . . . Stone Cold’ it will be ‘Edge wins. . . Edge wins . . . Edge wins.’ Edge wants Jim to try it and Jim drops the mic. Edge points out that Jim Ross is finally speechless. Edge asks Ryder and Hawkins to escort Jim Ross out of the arena as he declares Jim’s farewell address over.
Jim leaves with Hawkins and Ryder as Edge remains in the ring. Edge says that he has an ulterior motive. He says that the flagship show is missing a few things like a General Manager. Smackdown has the greatest General Manager in history, who happens to be his fiancée, the love of his life, Vickie Guerrero. This show is also missing the Undertaker, but so is the rest of the WWE Universe after he banished him from the company. Edge says that there is one other thing that the show is missing and that is a world champion. Edge wants everyone in the back to know that they will never have a shot at his World Heavyweight Title. They can challenge Triple H for the WWE Title, but unless it is a draft show, you will never see him on Monday night again.
Edge walks up the ramp but Batista’s music plays and he comes out. Edge and Batista stare each other down and then Batista chases Edge around the ring and Edge goes down and Batista punches him and he runs Edge into the ringside barrier and apron. Batista sends Edge into the ring post. Edge escapes into the crowd, but Batista pulls him back. Batista with punches to Edge and they return to the ringside area. Batista slams Edge’s head into the announce table. Batista hot shots Edge onto the announce table before Irish whipping him into the ring steps. Batista is back in the ring with Edge and Edge begs for mercy. Batista sets for the Batista Bomb and he hits it.
CM Punk’s music plays and he comes out with a referee.
Match Number One: CM Punk versus Edge for the World Title
Punk gets Edge up for Go To Sleep for the three count.
Winner: CM Punk
Edge slinks away while Punk celebrates in the ring.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a Moments Ago Moment of Batista attacking Edge followed by CM Punk taking a page out of Edge’s book and taking advantage of the situation to cash in the Money in the Bank.
Match Number Two: Mickie James versus Jillian Hall
Jillian pushes Mickie down and Mickie with a Thesz Press and punch. Mickie with a baseball slide followed by a head scissors take down on the floor. Mickie rolls Jillian back in and Jillian kicks Mickie as she returns to the ring. Jillian works on Mickie’s injured arm and she drop kicks the arm. The referee checks on Mickie to see if she can continue. Jillian with an arm wringer and arm bar but Mickie fights back. Jillian uses the hair to take Mickie down. Jillian misses a leg drop. Jillian with a kick to the shoulder as she runs Mickie into the corner. Jillian misses the handspring back elbow and Mickie with a kick for the three count.
Winner: Mickie James
Rey Mysterio is walking as we go to commercial.
We are back and Jerry Lawler talks about the impact of the draft on Raw and what happened with Batista and the World Title. We are reminded that Rey was the first draft pick for Raw.
Rey comes to the ring and he congratulates CM Punk on beating Edge and bringing the World Title back to Raw. Rey says that up until last week, his entire WWE career and his life was Smackdown. The crowd boos a bit but he says it was in a good way. He was shocked to be drafted to Raw, but it was a good thing. He likes it on Raw.
Rey is interrupted by Santino Marella who comes to the ring. Santino says that Shane told everyone to pull together and act as one. Since he is the most charismatic superstar on Raw, he welcomes Rey. Santino says that he does not see the big deal because a man who hides behind a mask is incredibly ugly, incredibly stupid, or Batman. Santino says that Rey is not Batman. Santino tells Rey to shut up his face. He does not understand the popularity. We see the cover of the new WWE Magazine and Rey is on it. Santino calls him Rey Mastreo and he is taller than Hornswoggle and he likes cookies. Santino says that he submitted an excellent photo of himself, and they did not use the photo. It is of Santino lying on a bed. He calls that a photo. He says that every man and woman would buy it. Santino tells Rey Mastreo that there is a reason he has not been on Raw. It is because true superstars like himself rise and shine. He tells Rey to mind his manners and behave because if he doesn’t, it could be very bad for him. Santino allow Rey to speak, but he wants Rey to say it in a language that everyone can understand.
Rey punches Santino and then drop toe holds Santino into the ropes for a 619.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Michael Cole says that we will soon hear from the new World Champion. The Moments Ago Moment has turned into an Earlier Tonight Moment and we see Punk cash in Money in the Bank.
Todd Grisham is in the champion interviewing position with CM Punk. Todd congratulates Punk and Punk says that he does not have the words. He wants to get Edge’s name taken off the belt. He thanks Batista for making it possible and the fans. Bradshaw stops by to stare at Punk and the title belt. Bradshaw asks Punk if he is joking by celebrating beating a defenseless man. Bradshaw asks if Punk is proud. Punk says that he is proud to be champion. Bradshaw says that Punk can go to sleep knowing that he is a paper champion or an asterisk. He tells Punk that he can step up and get in the ring with greatness. He can put the title on the line tonight against him. Punk asks Bradshaw if he wants to be the first one and he accepts the challenge. We go to commercial.
We are back with a commercial for Smackdown and Mr. America will not be there on the Fourth of July.
John Cena comes out and he has a mic. Cena mentions surprises and classic moments. He says that he told everyone that the match between him and Triple H at Night of Champions would be a classic moment. He reminds us that he did not win the WWE Title last night since he was defeated by Triple H. It is a loss that he takes with pride because last night’s match proves one thing and that is that they are the two best in the business. Just like tonight when everyone has been a part of history. You will look back on this day and say that you were there when CM Punk cashed in the Money in the Bank briefcase to become the World Champion. Cena wonders why Bradshaw is bullying his way into the title. He says that he does not know much about Punk but he likes him. He used his brain to get the title and will use his guts to try to keep it. Cena says that anyone who asked for the title match would have been given it, even him. Cena likes that idea and since there is no General Manager, the champion should be the one to choose who he faces. Cena asks the crowd to help Punk make the decision. The people have spoken and he asks Punk to consider it. Cena tells Bradshaw to take his limo and his Mamajuana and drive back to New York.
Bradshaw comes out and he stares at Cena since he has some staring time saved up from earlier. Bradshaw tells Cena that he will not be wrestling CM Punk for the title tonight because the match is his. Bradshaw declares martial law in the WWE. He says that it is his God-given destiny to become champion and he cannot have Cena in the building. Some of Oklahoma City’s finest come out to escort Cena out of the building (so he can return later?) Bradshaw points out that it is his security and he does not care about what the people think because he has money.
Security comes to the ring and they surround it while Cena waits for a fight. Bradshaw sends his men into the ring and they hold Cena for Bradshaw to punch him. They pull Cena out of the ring and carry him to the back. We see Cena being taken out in the back as he tries to fight out of this seven-on-one situation. We go to commercial since Hunter is not waiting outside this door.
We are back with the Slam of the Week: Cody Rhodes losing and winning the World Tag Titles in the same moment.
Match Number Three: Cody Rhodes and Ted ‘DeBusey’ DiBiase versus Darren Wayne and Steve Anthony
Rhodes with a side head lock but he distracts his opponent while DiBiase attacks him from behind. DiBiase with a fist drop and Rhodes tags in and he connects with a knee drop. Rhodes with a DDT as DiBiase takes care of his other opponent with a clothesline.
Winners: Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase
Cody has a mic and he says that everyone wants to know why he did what he did to Bob Holly. When you are the son of Dusty Rhodes and grow up hearing about doing things the right way and pay your dues while being patient. He took that advise and applied it and where did it get him? He was carrying that baby boomer Bob Holly to keep his career alive. Cody says that he couldn’t find himself. He talked to Ted before he debuted. Cody says that he is not a patient person. When you are this talented, you don’t pay dues.
Ted gets on the mic and he says that the people of his generation do not have the spine to do what they do. In reality, the people in this country under the age of 30 are spoiled, obedient sheep. They took matters into their own hands. It makes them simply . . . priceless.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Katie Lea and Paul Burchill are talking about last night. Paul guarantees that Katie will become women’s champion. He tells Katie not to get in trouble. Jamie Noble arrives and he introduces himself to Katie. Jamie says that he was a big deal on Smackdown and he is going to get respect on Raw, ‘Prison Rules Style’. He is going to go to the biggest man in the locker room and draw his line in the sand. Jamie turns around and sees Kane standing there. Noble says that they are on new shows and it is time for new starts. Now that Mr. McMahon is not here, so there is no boss and they are both equals. Noble tells Kane not to dig in his bag to listen to his Larry the Cable Guy tapes or there will be trouble. Noble tells Kane a knock-knock joke. Kane grabs Noble by the throat but Noble kicks Kane and escapes. Kane walks away as if he was a horror movie villain.
Noble runs into the arena and hides at the announce table for a second before he is sent away by Lawler and Cole. Noble hides but the pyro goes off and Noble leaves his sanctuary. Noble with a tope onto Kane and kicks him but Kane sits up and hits an uppercut. Noble with a forearm to Kane but Kane pushes him off and then he connects with a boot. Kane with a choke slam on to the announce table and Noble rolls off. Kane smirks.
Chris Jericho is staring and walking as we go to commercial.
We are back and we see how Chris Jericho became a former Intercontinental Champion. Then we saw Jericho with the forearm to the eye.
Chris Jericho is on the mic and he comments on how the WWE website called him Y2Jaded. He says that he is an honest man who got swindled by Shawn Michaels and Kofi Kingston. He talks about how he was double teamed last night. Chris says that he was told that Shawn is not there tonight, just like he was told yesterday. Each time Shawn comes out, he clutches his injured eye. Chris says that there is more to the eye injury. Chris says that Michaels comes out with his eye injury to placate his ego. Jericho offers Michaels a return on his investment. Jericho challenges Michaels to a one-on-one match at the Great American Bash. Jericho says that Michaels took something from him, so he will return the favor and take something from Michaels. Jericho then says that he will take his title back.
Match Number Four: Chris Jericho versus Kofi Kingston for the Intercontinental Title
We join the match in progress and Lance Cade is at ringside. Michaels works on Kofi’s neck. Kofi does the leap into the corner, but Jericho sent Kingston into the turnbuckles. Back to live action and Jericho with a clothesline and then he slaps Kofi and then he sends Kofi into the ropes and Kofi bounces off and hits Jericho. Kofi with a Jamaican Hammer followed by a flying double sledge. Kofi with the hesitation leg drop. Jericho with a rollup for a near fall followed by an enzuigiri for a two count. Kofi with a punch and uppercut followed by an Irish whip. Jericho with a kick and bulldog followed by a Lionsault for a two count. Jericho with a forearm and suplex but Kofi counters and he gets a rollup. Jericho reverses and pulls the tights but the referee disqualifies Jericho.
Winner: Kofi Kingston by disqualification
After the match, Jericho attacks Kingston and he rakes the eyes. We go to commercial.
We are back and Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler recap tonight’s show and we see CM Punk defeat Edge one more time.
We see Edge leaving the arena and he blames Hawkins and Ryder for losing. He wants to know where they were. We see Edge drive away and he is not happy.
Match Number Five: Bradshaw with JBLimo versus CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Title
Bradshaw has his security come to the ring and Bradshaw is ready to start the match. They lock up and Bradshaw with a knee in the corner followed by punches. Bradshaw with a short arm clothesline followed by a forearm to the back and elbow drops for a near fall. Bradshaw with a side head lock. Punk with an arm drag and back kick followed by a knee lift that sends Bradshaw to the floor. Punk misses a baseball slide to the floor and Bradshaw with a clothesline and then he slams Punk’s head into the announce table. Punk kicks out of a cover by Bradshaw. Bradshaw with a cravate and Punk with punches and kicks. Bradshaw with a sleeper but Punk with elbows to get out of the hold. Punk with a forearm but Bradshaw with a shoulder tackle. Bradshaw charges into a boot and then Punk with an enzuigiri that sends both men to the mat. Punk with a knee into the corner followed by the bulldog for a two count. Bradshaw catches Punk and hits a fallaway slam for a two count. Punk with a spin kick to the head and then he hits the springboard clothesline for a two count.
John Cena comes out with Cryme Tyme to take care of security. Bradshaw is distracted and that allows Punk to hit Go To Sleep on Bradshaw for the three count.
Winner: CM Punk
After the match, Punk hits a pescado onto the members of security. Cryme Tyme, Cena, and Punk take care of things as we go to credits
2009 - Sheamus, Yoshi Tatsu, Abraham Washington and Tyler Reks debuted on the main WWE roster for ECW.
2009 - TNA President Dixie Carter was interviewed discussing various topics at www.tnawrestling.com. Excerpts from the interview included:
TNA Fan Base: The audience of 2009 is significantly different from the audience during the height of the WWF-WCW run. And we have to continue to change accordingly. Today’s fans are smarter, more involved. They don’t want their intelligence insulted, and we have been guilty of that at times in the past. Can we please everyone all the time? No, that’s not realistic. But you have to strive to please them much more than not.”
TNA Impact's Ratings: "“I think we have accomplished more in the last six- to 12-months than we have in the last several years,” Carter said. “I look at our ratings over the last year, and they are up more than 20 percent. We actually don’t want that to happen We want everyone’s ratings to go up. In order to succeed, we don’t think we have to take ratings away from anyone else. As a wrestling industry, we all have to grow the fan-base worldwide. We can’t just say we’re going to beat Raw (in the ratings). Right now, that’s unrealistic. We had to start with a more obtainable goal to beat the ratings of our competitor’s third-rated show, ECW – and we’ve done that. I have heard people say, ‘It’s not a big deal to beat their lowest rated show,’ but I disagree. It’s a huge success for TNA, which five years ago had just 300,000 viewers in a Friday afternoon timeslot on Fox Sports. So now we’re setting our sights on their second-rated show, Smackdown – and that gap has closed significantly over the past six months.”
TNA Homegrown Performers: "We have an amazingly talented group of young guys ready to break out in a big way. It is their time. They have earned it and deserve it. The landscape in TNA over the next 12 months is going to change dramatically. Our veterans are here to show that their greatness is beyond themselves and to help create other superstars. These (veterans) are secure enough to know that that’s what is needed for this company to continue to grow. Their leadership in and out of the ring is unmatched.”
2009 - WWE aired ECW on Sci Fi. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV Report:
We are live from Bakersfield, California and your announcers are Matt ‘Watch out for Ben Richards’ Striker and Josh ‘Happy Jerrelle Clark Day’ Mathews.
ECW General Manager Tiffany is in the ring and she has something to say. She welcomes everyone to a new era of ECW. She mentions the announcement of the 15 superstar trade initiated by Donald Trump, the look and feel of ECW has changed. She says that she is excited about the New Superstar Initiative. ECW will continue to be the place to see the top young stars in WWE today.
Match Number One: Shelton Benjamin versus Yoshi Tatsu
Before the match, Shelton gets a mic and he comments on his opponent’s name. He talks so Yoshi can understand him. He speaks as if he was starring in Rush Hour 4.
Shelton bows to the referee and to the crowd. Shelton does the crane and then gets a good laugh out of things. Then he does the sumo set up. Shelton says that he has one more before the match starts. He does a deep bow but Yoshi with a kick and a three count.
Winner: Yoshi Tatsu
After the match, Yoshi bows to Shelton before leaving the ring.
Abraham Washington walks in the back as we go to commercial.
We are back and did you know that Triple H and John Cena will be wrestling next week. I wonder what will happen.
It is time for Abraham Washington to come to the ring and he has a talk show. He welcomes everyone to the newest sensation on ECW, the Abraham Washington Show. Before he gets to his first guest, he wants to talk about a few things in the WWE Universe. Washington talks about The Bash and the main event. He says that he has not seen that much pain and brutality since Paris Hilton in a spelling bee. Washington suggests that Vince McMahon’s repurchase of Raw from Donald Trump was a financial disaster, just like 12 Rounds, which is available on DVD. Washington says that the Miz might have enjoyed that joke, but he lost to John Cena twice this week. Washington brings out his guests, the Bella Twins.
Washington tells the ladies to relax. He has them introduce themselves. Brie is wearing a red flower in her hair while Nikki is wearing black. Washington asks if they have always looked alike and then he says that he was joking. He asks them how much they spend on their weave in a year. They say that they are 100% natural. Washington does not believe them and he says that he knows synthetic materials. He also brings up a story that called the Bellas one of the sexiest twins in sports and that they are the first twin divas. He asks them what makes them different. Brie says that she is younger and Nikki mentions that it is by sixteen minutes. Nikki says that she is the smarter of the twins. Washington asks which one got their first kiss. Then he asks as the talk gets out of the PG realm and Nikki says that she was the first of the twin. Washington asks which one is the best athlete and wants to see who can do the better split. They argue about things and now it is time for them to fight.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Two: Sheamus versus Oliver John
Before the match, Sheamus gets on the mic and he talks in Gaelic and he says that some say that Irish traditions are dead, but he will show that they are still alive. He says that he will claim ECW as his own.
John with a waist lock but Sheamus with a take down. They lock up and Sheamus with a forearm to the back and a kick. Sheamus with a forearm and Irish whip followed by a forearm to the back. Sheamus with a clothesline and he puts John in a cross face and arm bar. Shemus sends John to the mat and then he Irish whips John and hits a shoulder to the back. John fights back and he punches Sheamus but Sheamus with the bicycle kick and it is time for an uranage backbreaker for the three count.
Winner: Sheamus
Vladimir Kozlov gets ready in the back and William Regal wants to talk strategy with Kozlov. Regal says that he wants to make an impact and not be embarrassed tonight. Kozlov says that he’s got it.
We go to commercial.
We are back and did you know that for 39 weeks, nothing has been more watched than ECW.
Zack Ryder is in the back and Tyler Reks stops by say hello to Zack. He says that he is from Southern California and he is looking forward to his debut on Superstars on Thursday. Zack tells Tyler that the best beaches in the world are in Long Island and he tells Tyler to go home and get ready for their match on Thursday. Zack woos and leaves.
Time for the Raw Rebound.
Christian is walking in the back and Tommy Dreamer asks if they are ready. Christian points out that he returned to the WWE in this building. Christian says that he still wants to be the ECW Champion. Dreamer points out that it is nice that he brings this up now when they are going to face Kozlov and Regal.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Four: Vladimir Kozlov and William Regal versus Tommy Dreamer and Christian
Christian and Regal start off and Regal works on the arm but Christian reverses and puts Regal in a hammer lock. Christian with a side head lock and shoulder tackle but Regal stays on his feet. Christian with a take down and Regal gets a near fall. Christian with a shoulder tackle and a near fall. Christian with a side head lock but Regal with a shoulder in the corner. Regal with an Irish whip and he charges into boots from Christian followed by a back elbow from the turnbuckles. Kozlov tags in and he misses a clothesline. Christian with punches and then he avoids a kick and connects with more punches. Kozlov with a shoulder tackle and then he gets Christian on his shoulders for a back breaker. Christian is able to escape and he tags in Dreamer who punches Kozlov but Kozlov with shoulder s in the corner. Dreamer with an uppercut and a cross body. Kozlov goes to the floor and Christian is tagged in. Christian with a baseball slide and then he goes up top but Regal gets in the middle of things and we go to a standoff and commercial.
We are back and Regal with a reverse chin lock on Dreamer. Dreamer with punches but Regal with a knee. Regal with forearms and Kozlov with kicks when Regal and Christian distract the referee. Kozlov tags in and it is time for elbow drops and a near fall. Regal tags back in and he connects with forearms but Dreamer with a rebound chop. Regal with a punch and knee drop. Dreamer with an arm wringer and he tags in Christian who is punching away and then he hits a drop kick and back elbow. Christian with a missile drop kick for a near fall. Christian with a sunset flip for a near fall. Regal rolls to the floor and then he drops Christian’s arm on the top rope. Kozlov tags back in and he sends Christian shoulder first into the turnbuckles. Kozlov works on the arm and then he tags Regal back in. Regal with a knee to the arm. Christian with a punch but Regal with an arm wringer and another knee to the arm. Kozlov tags in and he punches Christian in the arm. Kozlov with a key lock and an arm wringer into a key lock on the mat. Dreamer tries to encourage Christian to fight out of trouble and make the tag.
Kozlov with knees to the head. Kozlov with head butts to the chest followed by a belly-to-belly suplex for a near fall. Regal tags in and he kicks Christian and works on the arm. Regal with another arm wringer and another knee to the arm. Christian and Regal collide as Christian comes out of the corner and they are both down. Dreamer tags in and he clotheslines Kozlov but Kozlov stays on his feet. Dreamer with a clothesline from the turnbuckles for a near fall. All four men are in the ring until Christian and Regal go to the floor.
Dreamer with a punch to Kozlov followed by a neck breaker but he can only get a two count. Regal sends Christian into the ring steps. Kozlov is sent into the turnbuckles and Regal makes the tag. Dreamer sends Kozlov to the floor and then he brings Regal in. Dreamer with an inside cradle. Dreamer misses a charge into the corner and hits the ring post with his shoulder. Regal with an Exploder and Kozlov makes the blind tag. Kozlov with the uranage slam for the three count.
Winners: William Regal and Vladimir Kozlov
After the match, Regal holds Kozlov’s hand in the air in victory. We go to credits and Regal has made a new buddy.
2010 - Toni Adams Donahoo has passed away at the way-too-young age of 45 after a lengthy illness. Toni was an integral figure in the World Class program where Chris Adams, her husband at the time, was feuding with Steve Austin and his wife Jeanne, who was Adams' first wife, and later worked as Lady Blossom in WCW, as well as gave Austin the idea for the Stone Cold nickname. In a lot of ways, it was a program that was before its time as the women were a focal point and real life issues were a selling point of the storyline.
2010 - Daniel Bryan issued the following statement on his WWE release:
Since the WWE's statement was released I’ve been bombarded with messages asking me if it’s real, and by now I’m sure that most people know that it is.
WWE is very serious about adhering to their PG guidelines, and apparently my actions during the NXT attack on John Cena, namely choking announcer Justin Roberts with his tie and spitting in Cena’s face, crossed the boundaries of what is considered “PG.” Perhaps the choking was too violent or perhaps the spit was too demeaning. I apologized for both immediately following the incident; but I would be a hypocrite if I apologized for putting everything I have into the attack. I would much rather have gone too far than to come up too short.
As with anyone who gets fired from their job, especially when they feel its unjust, I am angry. Very angry. But I can’t fault WWE for how they handled my release. My contract contained a 90 day no-compete clause in the event I was let go, yet the WWE has graciously allowed me start wrestling again on any show that’s not taped for television or pay per view.
So with the negatives there also come positives. Before I got signed by WWE last October, I worked hard to bring new fans to independent wrestling. But with most of us having little national exposure the only thing we could do was wrestle our hearts out and hope for word of mouth. Now that I’ve appeared on WWE television in front of millions of new fans, things are different. My goal is to garner as much interest in independent wrestling over the next 90 days as I possibly can. I hope that some of the people who enjoyed watching me wrestle on TV will give independent companies such as Evolve, Dragon Gate USA and Ring of Honor a chance. I think most of you would enjoy the intimacy between the fans and the wrestlers and the intensity of the action; if you ask the fans who went to the Chikara or AIW shows I was on this weekend, I’m sure 99% of them had a great time. So if you’ve never been to an independent show, go ahead and dip your toes in... you might find that the water is pretty nice.
As far as what happens after 90 days, nobody knows. I’ve “heard” that TNA is interested. There are petitions going around to get me back into WWE and the last several weeks there have been fans chanting my names at their shows. People have even brought signs showing their support. And though most of the signs get taken away and though WWE may not be listening to your chants or petitions, I truly appreciate all the support over the last several weeks. It is both overwhelming and heartwarming. But regardless of what offers come in, I am in no rush to make any rash decisions. I enjoy my freedom as much as I enjoyed the benefits offered by being in WWE. My future, as usual, is uncertain. But I am enjoying my return to the independents. I’m hoping to see some of you there.
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