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July 2nd
On this day in history in ....
1969 - "Iron" Mike DiBiase, father of Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase and grandfather of current WWE star Ted DiBiase, dies of a heart attack following a match against Man Mountain Mike in Lubbock, Texas.
1983 - Jim Crockett Promotions ran Greensboro, NC at the Coliseum with the following results:
-Gene Anderson defeated Joel Deaton.
-Susan Starr defeated Leilani Kai.
-Dick Slater defeated John Bonello.
-Jimmy Valiant & Rufus R. Jones defeated the Great Kabuki & Gary Hart.
-Wahoo McDaniel & Roddy Piper fought NWA US Champion Greg Valentine & Dory Funk Jr. to a no contest.
-NWA Tag Team Champions Jack & Jerry Brisco defeated Ricky Steamboat & Jay Youngblood.
-NWA World Champion Harley Race defeated Ric Flair via disqualification.
1987 - The Great American Bash tour stopped in Landover, Maryland with Dusty Rhodes, Nikita Koloff & The Road Warriors defeating The Four Horsemen in the main event.
1991 - In one of the biggest news stories of the decade, NWA/WCW World Champion Ric Flair quits (is fired by) WCW. Flair was scheduled to face Lex Luger at the Great American Bash PPV eight days later. According to Flair, he did not get along with WCW Executive Vice President Jim Herd, who had wanted to change Ric Flair's whole character and persona at one point. They were in the midst of a contract negotiation when Herd told Flair he wanted him to drop the title to Luger at the Bash. Flair wanted to work out a new contract first. Herd then said he wanted Flair to drop the title to Barry Windham, before the Bash, and not appear on the PPV. Herd then changed his mind again, saying he didn't even want Flair to drop the belt, and that WCW was going to strip him of the title.
However, the belt (the "big gold belt") was a holdover from the NWA days (this is when WCW was breaking away from the NWA name), and Flair still had a $25,000 deposit down that he had given as security while holding belt. Flair said if Herd wanted the belt, Flair wanted his deposit back. Herd told Flair he could keep the belt then, and Flair left for the WWF, with the belt still in his possession. WCW stripped him of "their" title, and made a new belt to give to the winner of a hastily arranged Luger-Windham match at the Bash. The NWA (which was an organization in name only at this point) continued to recognize Flair as champion until he made his WWF debut in September. The "big gold belt" went with Flair, and was used in the famous Bobby Heenan "ice cream and horse manure" promo where he announced that Ric Flair was coming to the company and compared Flair to Hulk Hogan.
1999 - Extreme Championship Wrestling ran the Mid-Hudson Civic Center in Poughkeepsie, NY with the following results:
-El Mosco defeated Tony Devito.
-Skull Von Krush defeated Simon Diamond.
-Yoshihiro Tajiri defeated Super Crazy and Little Guido in an elimination match.
-Francine defeated Steve Corino.
-ECW World Tag Team Champions Buh Buh Ray & D-Von Dudley defeated Danny Doring & Roadkill and Chris Chetti & Nova in an elimination match.
-Jerry Lynn defeated Lance Storm.
-Sabu defeated Justin Credible.
-ECW World Champion Taz defeated Spike Dudley.
ECW TV Champion Rob Van Dam defeated Balls Mahoney.
2001 - The long awaited "debut" of the new WCW on Raw from Tacoma, Washington was a flop. Given the final half hour of the 7/2 Raw, Buff Bagwell and Booker T had what many fans felt was the worst main event in the history of the program. Bagwell, who had his first match in months the day before on a house show, blew up quickly, and was using long restholds in a match that should have been non-stop action to put over the quality of the WCW performers. Booker T tried, but was still shaking off the ringrust himself, and was not in a position to carry Bagwell. The match was embarrassing, and chants of "Boring" and "This Match Sucks" were clearly heard throughout. A WWF source said Vince McMahon "absolutely hated" the whole WCW segment. That same night, Billy Kidman defeated Shane Helms for the WCW Cruiserweight Title. This was the first time a WCW title would change hands on a WWF show.
2004 - Kevin Von Erich signs deal with VCI Entertainment to release World Class Championship Wrestling DVDs. In the end, only one DVD is released and eventually, Von Erich decides to sell the WCCW library to WWE, which utilizes it for their Video on Demand and DVD projects.
2005 - WWE announcer Marc Lloyd, who hosted WWE Afterburn and Byte This on WWE.com was released by the company.
2006 - Beth Phoenix returns to the ring from her broken jaw, wrestling for WWE developmental OVW in Hodgenville, Kentucky.
2007 - Chris Benoit's personal physician, Dr. Phil Astin III is charged with seven counts of improperly dispending medication to patients in the wake of the Benoit family tragedy. The legal fight bankrupts Astin, who is eventually convicted and sent to prison.
David Nahmias, the United States District Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia held a press conference in regard to the indictment brought upon against Astin. Notes of interest from the press conference:
- A federal grand jury charged today indicted Dr. Astin with "illegal distribution of prescription drugs, that is controlled substances including Percocet, Xanax, Lorcet and Vicoprofen outside the usual scope of medical practice and not for the use of medical purposes."
- Astin was originally charged in a criminal complaint last Friday after the raid on his medical office last week stemming from the Chris Benoit tragedy.
- Dr. Phil Astin appeared in court this afternoon and was released on $125,000 "secured bond" with a number of conditions, including the surrender his medical license, his DEA certificate, and being placed with an electronic monitor.
- The seven counts against Astin are based on seven dates he prescribed multiple prescriptions for two patients (listed by the Associated Press as having the initials M.J. and O.G.), with some prescriptions not even being dated. It was noted federal law requires the signature and dating of the prescription for a controlled subject on the date the prescription is issued.
- The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are possible once agents review evidence and documents taken during their raids and/or additional materials are uncovered.
- A "preliminary review" of Astin's prescription writing activity, "indicated that he authorized one million dosage units of various pharmaceutical controlled substances in the past two years, including significant quantities of an injectable anabolic steroid."
- While the federal investigation is focusing on the illegal distribution of controlled substances, Fayetteville County DA Scott Ballard remains in charge of the local investigation into the Benoit tragedy. They will continue to coordinate as necessary.
The Drug Enforcement Agency issued the following press release following Astin's arrest:
Doctor Charged with Illegal Drug Distribution
Dr. Astin Allegedly Provided Over A Million Doses of Prescription
Drugs and Steroids in Two Year Period
JUL 2 -- ATLANTA--Dr. Phillippe C. Astin, III, 52, of Carrollton, Georgia, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for illegal distribution of prescription drugs, including Percocet, Adderall, Lorcet, and Xanax, outside the usual scope of medical practice and not for legitimate medical purposes. Astin was charged today in a seven-count criminal indictment and made his initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Linda T. Walker. Astin was initially charged in a federal criminal complaint issued last Friday, after DEA agents and officers from the Fayette and Carroll County Sheriff's Offices executed search warrants at his medical office last week.
David E. Nahmias, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, said, "Prescription drugs are controlled substances because if they are abused, they can cause serious addiction, illness, or even death. Dr. Astin allegedly prescribed such drugs like candy, with little regard for appropriate medical practice or the recipients' health. Dirty doctors should be on notice that they face federal prosecution and prison time as we work with the DEA and other law enforcement partners to protect the health and safety of our communities.
“Addressing the problem of the diversion and abuse of controlled pharmaceuticals is a top priority for DEA,"Â said Rodney G. Benson, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “I would like to add that the purchase of steroids and other performance enhancing drugs over the internet continues to be a major issue. An internet search of steroids and pharmaceutical products over the internet both yield over 2 million hits. The diversion of these drugs through doctor shopping, improper prescribing and rogue internet pharmacies continues to be a major concern. We want to make it clear that through our investigative techniques, those held responsible for the distribution of such products will ultimately be brought to justice."Â
According to Nahmias, documents and information presented in court: The indictment charges that Astin prescribed several prescription drugs, which are controlled substances, including Percocet (oxycodone), Adderall (amphetamine), Lorcet (hydrocodone), and Xanax (alprazolam), to two patients who are not identified by name. For one patient, the prescriptions began in April of 2004 and continued for more than a year. The indictment identifies seven dates on which the prescriptions were issued to the two patients. According to the indictment, these patients received multiple prescriptions for the drugs, all on the same date, even though some of the prescriptions were undated. Federal law requires medical practitioners to sign and date each prescription for controlled substances on the date that it is issued.
According to Nahmias, although the indictment identifies prescriptions written on only seven dates to two patients, the investigation is ongoing and additional charges are possible after agents and prosecutors review the evidence, including voluminous documents obtained in the searches. The indictment also seeks forfeiture of all proceeds from and property used to commit or facilitate the alleged crimes.
Last Wednesday and Friday, DEA and local law enforcement officers searched Dr. Astin's medical office, located at 702 Dixie Street, Carrollton, Georgia. Agents also searched Astin's mother's residence, located at 532 Cedar Street, Carrollton, Georgia. Dr. Phil Astin III is registered with the DEA under the provisions of the Controlled Substance Act, to handle and prescribe schedule II through V controlled substances. Dr. Astin is registered at his office address.
On June 25, 2007, local authorities discovered the deceased body of one of Astin's patients, Chris Benoit, at Benoit's home located in Fayetteville, Georgia. The deceased bodies of Benoit's wife and child were also found at the home. DEA Diversion indices, as well as evidence found at the crime scene by the Fayette County Sheriff's Office, identified Dr. Astin as the supplier of various pharmaceutical controlled substances, including injectable anabolic steroids, found in Mr. Benoit's residence. Through prescription records for Mr. Benoit maintained at a pharmacy in Fayetteville, Georgia, Dr. Astin was identified as prescribing, on average, a 10-month supply of anabolic steroids to Mr. Benoit every three to four weeks from May 4, 2006 through May 9, 2007.
While executing a state search warrant at Dr. Astin's medical office on June 27, 2007, agents and officers seized copies of prescriptions written by Dr. Astin for Testosterone, Xanax, Adderall, Concerta, Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, and Soma, which were consistent, in terms of quantities, dosages, and frequencies of the prescriptions, with illegal prescription drug abuse. Multiple undated copies of prescriptions for controlled substances were also found in various medical records.
A preliminary review of Dr. Astin's prescription writing activity showed that he authorized approximately one million dosage units of various pharmaceutical controlled substances in the last two years. The prescriptions also included significant quantities of injectable Testosterone cypionate, an anabolic steroid.
This case is being investigated by Special Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Fayette County Sheriff Department's Drug Suppression Task Force, with the assistance of the West Georgia Drug Task Force, and the Carroll County Sheriff's Department. Assistance has also been provided by the office of Scott L. Ballard, District Attorney, Griffin Judicial Circuit, and the office of Pete Skandalakis, District Attorney, Coweta Judicial Circuit.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Horn and Carol Kayser.
2007 - WWE broadcast Monday Night Raw. Ed Shirreffs filed the following TV Report:
The July 2, 2007 edition of Monday Night Raw comes to us from Dallas, Texas. The show opens with a recap of John Cena successfully defending his belt at Vengeance two weeks ago. Lashley's dive over the top is damn impressive. It's a slick package with quotes from some of the competitors talking about how much the belt means to them.
Mr. Kennedy comes out ready to wrestle and demands the mic. He says he should be the WWE Champion, but never got to cash in his Money in the Bank. This promo should be on Smackdown, and Kennedy should be a face. Kennedy blames the fans for putting too much stress on him and they caused him to compete before he was ready. From now on, his actions will serve one man, and one man alone. He is ready to do the MISSSSSTAAAAHHH KENNEDY~! bit, but John Cena interrupts.
Cena gets some boos in Texas. He calls Kennedy the new guy and formally introduces himself. The crowd is split tonight. Cena is trying to remember who he is in the ring with, and says MISSSTTTAAAHHH...cameltoe. A camel toe chant breaks out. Cena says rumor has it that Kennedy likes to talk...a lot. He calls him Mr. Crappypants. Cena wants to know if the crowd thinks they are to blame for Kennedy's MITB loss. Some more juvenile names. Mr. Kenny G is pretty funny, though. Cena says to him and the crowd, Kennedy's word is worthless. Triple C says he doesn't like Kennedy. Cena craps on Kennedy's gimmick some more. Goodbye, heat!
King Booker comes out to the ring and says bravo to John Cena for his virtuoso performance. There is only one man royal enough to compete for the WWE Championship, and his record against Cena is flawless. He's speaking about himself, of course. You will recall that Cena won a Best of 5 series against Booker for the US Title in the fall of 2004, so flawless isn't accurate. Book challenges Cena for the title.
Randy Orton is the next contender to come out and stake a claim to the number one contendership. He says since Booker and Kennedy are new to RAW, he will explain how things work. Orton says he's been around the longest, and has ended RVD's and HBK's careers. And he has never had a one on one championship match with Cena before. Bobby Lashley comes out and gives us the 'cold, hard facts'. Kennedy lost the MITB. King Booker and Orton both lost their championships. Lashley never lost his belt, thus he is the uncrowned champion and vows not to rest until he takes the belt from Cena.
Things look to get violent, but William Regal comes out. Coach is on holiday, so Regal is in charge. It gets a few cheers. He says at the end of the night, we will know who the number one contender is, and there will be a contract signing. Tonight's RAW will be a Beat the Clock edition! Everyone will compete in singles action, and the one with the fastest time will face Cena at the Great American Bash for the WWE Championship. He wishes them all luck, and tells Randy ('sunshine') that his match is first. A tweener Commissioner Regal could be a welcome change of pace. Commercial for ESPN's Bronx is Burning. If the Yanks keep losing, things will get heated this summer, too.
Randy Orton vs. Jeff Hardy
Lockup into an Orton headlock. Shoulderblock and a quick cover by Orton. Roll up by Hardy. Orton dropkicks Hardy out of the ring and rolls him back in for a one count. Hardy dumps Orton and hits a baseball slide through the ropes. Slingshot body press to the floor by Hardy and he covers for two in the ring. Orton with a lariat for a couple near falls. Randy does the Garvin/Orton Stomp and leg drop for two. Abdominal stretch on the mat by Orton. Hardy punches out, but Orton gets a waistlock on the mat. Scoop slam for two by Orton. Another scoop slam gets two. Orton hits a third for another two count. Orton goes back to the bodyscissors on the mat as we reach the 4 minute mark. European Uppercut by Orton. Hardy punches and kicks back. Hardy with a neckbreaker for two. Mule kick by Hardy and he dropkicks Orton in the corner for two. Sitout gordbuster by Hardy and he goes to the top. Orton rolls out of the ring and onto the apron. He snaps Hardy's neck off the top rope for two. Whisper in the Wind gets two. Orton counters the Twist of Fate into an RKO (!) for the win at the 7:06 mark.
Your winner, Randy Orton!
The Just for Men Stay in the Game moment is from the Women's Championship match (?) at Vengeance when Candice won the belt from Melina. She comes out and joins JR and King for commentary.
Melina vs. Maria
Melina tires to reason with Maria, then shoves her. Maria with a Lou Thesz press. Clothesline by Melina. Melina spins Maria around by her legs, then pulls the hair. Maria's face is rubbed into the mat. Hair Pull Curb Stomp by Melina. Kick to Maria's chest. Melina stares at Candice and Maria kicks her, but Melina kicks right back. Forearms to the back, a DDT, and more forearms by Melina. Maria fights back and hits a bulldog. Hard irish whip into the corner by Maria and she goes for the ten punches, but Melina drops her face on the top turnbuckle. Inverted Leg Drop Bulldog by Melina for the win.
Your winner, Melina!
Melina goes up to the commentary desk, but Candice takes the fight to her and stands triumphant on the desk.
Triple H video package in anticipation of his comeback. Some fairly graphic surgery footage. Eleven time champion sounds pretty good to Triple H.
Hacksaw Jim Duggan is in the back with Dusty Rhodes and Dust introduces Cody Runnels to him. I guess Cody is on RAW now? Randy Orton comes up and says one day, Cody can be just like him. He says he followed in his own father's footsteps and was better than him. He says Cody will be better than Dusty one day. Randy says Legend, but only implies the last part of that. Dusty says he is being disrespectful, so Orton slaps him. Cody tries to get involved, but Dusty holds him back.
Flashback to Santino Marella winning the Intercontinental Title from Umaga back in April. Flash forward to Vengeance, where Umaga was cheered for beating on Santino. In the back, Santino checks on Maria. She says she is concerned about him challenging Umaga and tells him he doesn't have to do this. Santino says people don't take him seriously, and that is why he must prove himself. Quick kiss for luck by Santino.
Intercontinental Title Match: Santino Marella (c) vs. Umaga
Umaga slowly stalks Santino. He throws Marella off of a waistlock. Santino with kicks, but Umaga catches him. Umaga misses a big splash and Santino gets a low dropkick. Umaga pulls Santino out of the ring and squeezes Santino's head against the ringpost. Santino is tossed back in the ring. Umaga applies pressure to the shoulder. He chops Marella down. Umaga misses a Stinger Splash and gets kicked in the head for one. Umaga's kick out sends Marella from the ring. Santino goes to the top, but Umaga catches him midair for a Samoan Drop. He drags Marella to the corner and connects with the Whipsplash. Umaga lifts Marella up and nails the Samoan Spike to win the match.
Your winner, and NEW Intercontinental Champion, Umaga!
No reaction from the crowd. WWE still has some work to do to get the belt over again.
King Booker vs. Val Venis
The time to beat is 7:06. Val with a side headlock and shoulderblock. Booker with an inside cradle for two. Side kick for two by Booker. He chops Venis and elbows him in the corner. Venis with some forearms to the back, then a back drop driver for two. Booker with a lariat for two. Booker throws Venis' shoulder into the ringpost. Booker with some kicks to the chest and an armbar. Venis makes the ropes. Suplex by Booker gets two.
Venis punches back, but Booker hits a back elbow for two. Venis blocks a back body drop and ducks a kick. Venis with a clothesline and elbows. Reverse neckbreaker by Venis gets two. Booker comes back and hits the Scissors Kick for the win and 2:36 to spare. 4:30 is the new time to beat.
Your winner, King Booker!
Kennedy is in the back with Super Crazy, trying to see if he understands the Beat the Clock concept. Kennedy says everyone knows Super Crazy will lose anyways, so he asks him to take a dive. He offers a few pesos in return. Kennedy asks if they have a deal, and Crazy says, "Si." Kennedy says Gracias and walks off.
Mr. Kennedy vs. Super Crazy
Kennedy wastes time by calling for the mic from the ceiling after the bell rings. He starts to speak, and Super Crazy rolls him up from behind for the win. Kennedy's shoulder was clearly up at one point during the pin.
Your winner, Super Crazy!
Kennedy chases Crazy to the back.
Booker T and Sharmell are talking to Lashley's opponent, Shelton Benjamin. King Booker says they have been comrades for a long time. His proposition is for Shelton to last 4:30, and if he does, he will get the first title match. Shelton says Bobby can't catch him in 4:30, and they have a deal. Shelton has to kiss Booker's ring to seal it.
Todd Grisham is in the back with Dusty Rhodes and wants his thoughts on the confrontation with Randy Orton. Rhodes wants Orton in the ring next week.
Carlito is complaining to Jillian Hall about having to face Sandman. Sandman interrupts and opens a beer all over Carlito. He loves to drink, but Carlito will find out how much he loves to fight. Carlito says he is cool and spits apple at the Sandman. Sandman spits beer in Carlito. When Carlito looks back, Ron Simmons is in Sandman's place and says, "Damn!"
Sandman vs. Carlito
Sandman walks the guardrail and opens two beers during his entrance. Lock up to start. Sandman pushes Carlito to the corner. Another lock up and this time Carlito gets Sandman in the corner, and hits a cheap shot and some punches. Sandman with a punch of his own and a back elbow. Carlito rolls out of the ring and snaps Sandman's neck off the top rope. Stomps by Carlito and another left hand. Carlito twists the head of Sandman. Carlito with some elbows to the head. Sandman elbows out, but Carlito blocks a charge . He picks up the Singapore Cane, but the ref takes it from Carlito. Sandman takes it from the ref and hits Carlito.
Your winner by disqualification, Carlito!
Bobby Lashley vs. Shelton Benjamin
Shelton tries to avoid Lashley. Lashley takes him down and the do some mat wrestling, with Shelton immediately kicking out of pin attempts. Shelton bails from the ring. Lashley punches Shelton then hits a big overhead belly to belly suplex. Shelton bails again as King and Queen look on. Shelton gets on the apron, but jumps back to the floor. Lashley is able to chase him back into the ring. Shelton turns a back body drop into a DDT. Awesome spot. Shelton gets two. He really had to do some work to hit that. Lashley ducks a clothesline and hits a T-Bone suplex. Lashley with some clotheslines and a spear in the corner. Argentine gutbuster by Bobby for two. Shelton gets out of the Oklahoma Slam and kicks Lashley in the face for two. Shelton goes to the top, but as he comes down, Lashley spears him at about the four minute mark.
Your winner, and number one contender for the WWE Championship, Bobby Lashley!
Another Triple H video package is shown. Lots of classic clips shown.
William Regal comes out to take care of the contract signing. King Booker probably should have gone over since WWE could have really built a Lashley-Cena match into something special if given enough time. Instead, they'll only have two more episodes of RAW to get this match over. Lashley comes out next (shouldn't he have just stayed in the ring?). Cena's out next. Cena wastes no time and says they both know who each other are. Cena says it will be a great match and he looks forward to it. Lashley says that makes two of us and signs the contract.
Kennedy's music plays and he comes out with Booker. They call the signing a farce. Cena says if those two want some, they can come get some. Cena takes on Kennedy, and Lashley takes care of Booker. Cena grabs the contract and signs it. When he turns around, Lashley spears him. Lashley picks up the title belt and throws it down next to Cena. Bobby walks off as we get some replays off the spear. JR puts over Lashley's thirst for the gold to end the show.
2008 - Ashley Massaro announces she has requested her release from WWE, citing that her then-seven year old daughter was ill and Massaro needed to be with her. Massaro has not worked in pro wrestling since being granted that release.
2008 -WWE began looking into the idea of broadcasting some of their Smackdown episodes live on Fridays as part of their move to MyNetworkTV. Under the plan, ECW on Sci Fi would be taped on Mondays on Raw taping events. In the end, the move does not go through due to the additional work and travel time it would force the company's production side to undergo.
2008 - Hulk Hogan's estranged wife, Linda Hogan, accused the former WWF and WCW World champion of stalking her in court documents filed today in Pinellas County Court, Linda accused Hogan of driving to the edge of her property and then following she and her guests. A February order prevents Hogan from entering the their Bellair Mansion as Linda and the couples' children.
"Husband clearly understands the mandates of the Court Order and is intentionally "pushing the boundaries" with respect to his rights pertaining to the marital and beach houses," the motion says. "However, Husband is violating the spirit of the Order and antagonizing the wife by parking on the border of the property and following Wife and her guests."
2009 - WWE Hall of Famer Roddy Piper was arrested for DUI after being stopped for a field sobriety test. The arrest makes TMZ.
2009 - Child abuse charges against former WWF star B. Brian Blair were dropped. Assistant State Attorney Pam Bond made the announcement earlier today but did not issue additional comments. A full official statement is forthcoming from the Prosecutor's office.
Blair, age 52 at the time, was arrested a week before and charged with several counts of child abuse following a 4 AM incident with his two sons, 17 and 12.
According to reports of the incident, Blair got into an argument with his oldest son, shoving and punching him before locking him what was described as a "choke" that left his son with trouble breathing. The 12 year old then ended up being choked by Blair as well. Authorities were called to Blair's residence and he was arrested at 5:12 AM.
In the days that followed the arrest, stories of issues with Blair's oldest son began to make the rounds. Former wrestling star Mike Graham commented that Blair had confided numerous issues with the son running away and running with a bad crowd in the past. All signs were that the issues had been brewing for some time.
Blair is best known for his tag team with Jim Brunzell, the masked Killer Bees, wrestling for several years in the 1980s-era WWF. Blair also wrestled in the Florida area. He retired several years ago after claiming back injuries in a fall at a restaurant, although he did one final New Japan tour after that incident.
Blair was elected Hillsborough County Commissioner in 2004. He did not win his bid for re-election earlier this year.
2009 -WWE broadcast WWE Superstars on WGN. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We start off tonight’s show with a contribution from the Raw brand as Santino Marella comes to the ring and he is apparently over the firing of his ‘sister’.
Match Number One: Santino Marella versus The Brian Kendrick
Kendrick tries for a kick and Santino moves out of the way. They lock up and Kendrick with a knee and elbow followed by a cravate. Santino rolls through to escape the hold and then Santino with a side head lock take down. Kendrick with a head scissors and Santino escapes and reapplies the side head lock. Kendrick gets his foot on the rope and Santino is forced to release the hold. Santino blocks a kick and then he punches Kendrick. Kendrick with a knee and then he tries to throw Santino over the top rope. Santino skins the cat, but Kendrick drops Santino’s groin across the top rope. Kendrick starts to work on the knee and he kicks Santino. Santino goes to the mat as Kendrick continues to work on the knee. Santino tries to get Kendrick off his leg but Kendrick with a drop kick to the knee. Kendrick pushes Santino down and slaps him as he insults Santino. Santino powers up as he starts to walk with meaning. Santino tells Kendrick that he made him mad and it is time for punches and then Santino with a split and hip toss. Santino power walks into a boot from Kendrick and Santino grabs the rope to stop the count. Santino tries for a rollup but Kendrick with a near fall. Santino counters and gets the three count.
Winner: Santino Marella
We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time for Smackdown to be represented.
We see footage of John Morrison’s victory over CM Punk from last week’s Smackdown.
Match Number Two: Charlie Haas versus John Morrison
They lock up and Haas backs Morrison into the ropes and Haas with an elbow and punch to the head. Morrison avoids a punch and hits a series of arm drags and then Morrison poses and then hits a dropsault that sends Haas to the floor. Morrison goes to the apron and then he hits a baseball slide that sends Haas to the floor. Morrison goes outside but Haas drops Morrison on the ring steps. Haas sends Morrison’s ribs into the apron and then they return to the ring. Haas with kicks to the ribs for a near fall. Haas with a body scissors to Morrison but Morrison with punches to escape. Morrison with a kick but Haas blocks it. Morrison with another kick and clothesline. Morrison with a leg lariat and then he hits the Shining Wizard for a two count. Haas with a knee to Morrison but Morrison avoids a kick and then he hits Moonlight Drive followed by the split legged corkscrew moonsault for the three count.
Winner: John Morrison
Zack Ryder is woo woo walking to the ring as we go to commercial.
We are back for some ECW action.
Match Number Three: Zack Ryder versus Tyler Reks
They lock up and Ryder backs Reks into the ropes and wooo wooos. Ryder with a side head lock and a shoulder tackle. Reks with a flapjack for a near fall. Ryder goes to the apron and he drops Reks on the top rope. Ryder sends Reks into the turnbuckles and kicks him. Ryder with a boot to the head. Ryder with a near fall and then he applies a side head lock. Ryder pulls Reks back by the hair but Reks hits a neck breaker. Reks with a punch but Ryder with forearms. Reks slides past Ryder and hits a punch to the chest. Reks with a kick and then he drives Ryder face first into the mat for a near fall. Ryder with a jawbreaker but Reks with an elbow. Reks tries to come off the turnbuckles but Ryder kicks Reks and then he hits the Zack Attack for the three count.
Winner: Zack Ryder
We go to commercial.
We are back and did you know that the military and WWE have a good working relationship.
We have a Christian video package.
It is time for the Raw Rebound.
The main event will be from the Smackdown brand with the World Champion facing one half of the Tag Champions. Before we get to the match, we take a look at footage from the match between Jeff Hardy and CM Punk when Hardy thought he had won, only to see Punk get disqualified.
Match Number Four: CM Punk versus Edge
They lock up and Punk backs Edge into the corner but Edge with a clean break and he goes for the eyes but Punk stops him and Edge backs into the ropes to avoid Punk’s fury. Punk with kicks to Edge’s leg and then he follows that with forearms and a knee to the midsection for a near fall. Punk with a body scissors on Edge. Punk gets a near fall followed by knees. Edge with a rollup and Punk with a kick after he escapes. Punk with a punch to the ribs and he follows with a kick for a near fall. Edge with forearms to Punk and then Punk sends Edge to the apron and then he kicks Edge and Punk follows with a baseball slide that sends Edge to the floor. Punk goes to the floor as well and he returns Edge to the ring. Punk charges at Edge but Edge with a boot to the head and Punk goes down and he holds his injured eye. The referee tells Edge to back off while Punk recovers.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Edge with a knee to the back of Punk’s head. Punk with kicks to Edge’s legs followed by forearms. Edge with a flapjack to Punk for a near fall. Edge with a kick to the back followed by a knee and then he continues to work on the back. Punk gets to his feet and he kicks Edge followed by a leg lariat. Punk charges into the corner and he blocks a kick from Edge. Punk with an enzuigiri for a near fall. Punk with an elbow to the back of the head and Punk with a double underhook but Edge with an Impaler DDT for a two count. Edge sets for the spear and Punk sees it coming and hits a swinging neck breaker for a near fall. Punk goes to the apron for the springboard clothesline but Edge moves and Edge charges but Punk with a power slam for a near fall. Punk charges into the corner and hits the knee and then tries for the bulldog but Edge escapes. Punk gets Edge up for the Go to Sleep but Edge with a rake of the eyes and Punk goes down and into the corner. Edge kicks and punches Punk while the referee pulls him off. Punk says that he cannot continue and the referee calls for the bell.
Winner: Edge
After the match, Edge leaves the ring and celebrates while Punk holds his eye.
Josh Mathews is in the ring trying to get some comments from CM Punk. Josh asks Punk if he would have forfeited the match if it was a title match. Punk says that if he cannot see, he cannot compete. He says that he will give Edge a rematch when he can see again, but right now he cannot see.
2009 - TNA broadcast Impact on SpikeTV. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We start off tonight’s show with a look back at last week when Samoa Joe arrived with Kurt Angle and we find out why Samoa Joe joined the Main Event Mafia.
We are live on tape from Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida and your announcers are Don ‘Happy Day After Canada Day’ West and Mike ‘Happy Day After Free Agency Begins’ Tenay.
We start off with the Main Event Mafia who come to the ring by height. There is one person absent and that is the godfather Sting. Angle has something to say. Angle tells Sting that he knows that he is at home licking his wounds, but he wants to tell Sting that it was not personal, it was strictly business. Angle tells Foley that he cannot run and he cannot hide, so maybe he should come out to the ring right now, like a man.
Mick Foley comes out and he starts to talk, but Kurt cuts him off and says that Mick committed a cardinal sin by crossing the boss. He told Team 3D that they had a chance to wrestle for the tag titles if they could beat Steiner and Booker. Angle tells Foley that there will be consequences. Angle says that they are the most dominant force in wrestling. Angle tells Foley that his answer is not important, their reputation is important. Angle tells Foley that if you want to dance, you have to pay the band.
Mick says that he messed up and he wants Kurt to leave him alone because he has had a few bad weeks. He just wants to wrestle Kurt at Victory Road. Angle tells Foley that he lied to the Godfather. Foley tells his security to do their job and they fall to the mat after being attacked by the Big Poppa Pipe.
Foley says that he has the worst security and now he is having a horrible week. Foley tells them to go ahead, but he wants enough left so he can recover to face Angle at Victory Road. Angle says that he can kick Foley’s ass, Booker can kick his ass, Nash can kick his ass, or maybe even Samoa Joe. Foley gets to choose and Foley chooses door number one and he punches Angle. The beatdown on Foley starts while Nash watches Steiner choking Foley with the pipe.
Jeff Jarrett’s music plays and he comes to the ring with his guitar and five men leave the ring while one man enters. Joe is busted over his eye.
Jarrett hits Foley with the guitar and he leaves the ring. Jarrett walks past the members of the Main Event Mafia and he is bleeding too. We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time to look back at what just happened in case you missed it. We see footage of Mick Foley being offered help during the commercial only to refuse it.
We go to the back where Jeremy Borash is in the locker room with Jeff Jarrett and security is pulling Foley away.
Mike Tenay had a chance to talk to Kevin Nash and he says that Nash might be one of the most controversial ever. Tenay talks about Nash and Hall going to WCW. Nash talks about being on the road 300 days as the champion. He says that he barely earned 7 figures. He says that Bischoff offered more for half the time. Nash says that everyone would ask about their bonuses and it turned from who had a good match to how much they got paid. Nash says that he is here for the money even though he still loves the job. Tenay asks Nash if ever conversation has to deal with money. Nash is asked about his match against A.J. at Victory Road. Nash says that he is in the best shape he has been in over the last ten years. Nash says that he thinks he is a legend and it would be nice to win the title. Having a title belt adds more money in his pocket during interviews. We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time to see if Abyss has found Dr. Stevie. Lauren is trying to calm Abyss down while he tries to break stuff. Abyss picks up Lauren and he puts her on the Spin Cycle desk. Abyss says that he would never harm Lauren because he never cared about anyone like he cares about her. Abyss says that he is sick. He says that he is sick today and will be sick tomorrow. Abyss says that he will come back to get her when it is all over.
Match Number One: Cody Deaner with ODB versus Amazing Red
Deaner misses a clothesline and Red with kicks. Red avoids punches from Deaner and Red with kicks and a wrist lock. Deaner asks ODB what he should do and Deaner with a reversal. Red escapes and hits an arm drag followed by a head scissors. Deaner goes to the floor and he gets some tips from ODB but Red with a corkscrew plancha onto Deaner. Red rolls Deaner into the ring and he gets a near fall with a rollup. Red with a kick to the leg followed by a back kick to the midsection. Deaner with a clothesline for a near fall. Deaner sends Red into the corner and he punches him. Deaner with a slam and gets a near fall. Deaner sends Red into the turnbuckles but Red with an Irish whip and a kick into the corner. Red with a jumping spin kick for a two count. Red goes up top but he takes too much time and Deaner knocks Red off the turnbuckles and to the mat. Deaner goes to the apron and he puts on his hat before going up top against the orders of ODB. Deaner turns the hat into position and then he misses a diving head butt. Red goes to the turnbuckles and hits the Red Eye for the three count.
Winner: Amazing Red
We go to a Booker T video package.
Abyss tells everyone to get away and security has weapons to stop Abyss. He wants to know if they are going to do something. The head of security tells Chris that this is not going to happen in his house. Abyss snarls and stares as we go to commercial.
We are back and it is time to go to Jeremy Borash in the Founder’s Locker Room. Jeremy asks Jarrett why he is in his gear. The Main Event Mafia enter clapping and Kurt says that he wants to talk to Jarrett. Angle asks Joe to hold his title belt. Angle says that there won’t be any problems. Angle says that they have had their problems in the past and they can put them aside. He offers Jeff a peace offering. Angle says that they can rule TNA for the next ten years. Jeff tells Angle that he can screw his offer because there is no ‘together’. He asks Kurt if he remembers the history. He tells Angle that he abused his power, authority and spot. Jarrett says that it is his house and company and they are going to play by his rules. Angle and Joe will be in a tag match and the title will be on the line. Jeff tells Angle that he will be wrestling him and A.J. Styles. If Jarrett or Styles win, they get the title. Booker apparently does not like Jarrett’s ruling as they leave.
Lauren is in the back with Jenna and she asks Jenna about their match and wonders how Jenna will get out of it. Jenna says that she is going to fight her. She says that it is all a show with Sharmell.
Sojournor Bolt enters and she has a few things to say about Jenna. She says that Sharmell is her girl so they have a problem.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Kurt Angle is with Jeremy Borash and Borash asks Angle about his match and Angle takes the mic. He asks Jarrett if he knows what he just did. He says that Jeff has signed his death certificate. Angle says that he wondered what it would be like if he ever teamed with Joe because he thought they would be unstoppable. He asks if A.J. or Jarrett are ready.
Booker asks Sharmell to get Matt Morgan and then things break down.
Match Number Two: Eric Young versus Rhino with Jesse Neal
Young attacks Rhino as he enters the ring and Rhino punches back. Rhino sends Young into the corner and punches him and then he raises his arms for punching Young. Rhino with a near fall followed by kicks in the corner. Young with a hard Irish whip and a clothesline for a near fall. Young punches Rhino in the corner and then he chokes Rhino. Young with a snap mare and a reverse chin lock. Rhino gets to his feet and he punches Young, but Young pulls Rhino down to the mat and gets a near fall. Young yells at the referee while Jesse tries to give Rhino some encouragement. Young chokes Rhino in front of Jesse and then Young and Jesse yell at each other. Young slaps Neal and sends him into the guardrails. Young returns to the ring and he punches Rhino. Rhino is staggered but Rhino punches back and Rhino with a flying clothesline and a back elbow. Rhino with a running shoulder in the corner. Rhino with a spinebuster but Jesse distracts the referee so there is no count. Rhino yells at Jesse and Young sends Rhino into Neal and Young with a rollup with his feet on the ropes for the three count.
Winner: Eric Young
Lauren is with Sharmell and Sharmell is not happy about being a messenger girl. Matt is on the phone and Sharmell tells Matt that Kurt wants to see him. Matt acts like he just won Miss America and he thinks that he is now a part of the Main Event Mafia. We go to commercial.
We are back and we go to the back where Jeremy Borash is still with Kurt Angle and Matt Morgan enters. Sharmell yells at Booker. Matt says that he knew this would be a big day. Matt wants to know how many figures they are talking about. Kurt tells Matt that the Mafia is taking him under consideration but there are a few things that he needs to do. Matt reminds Kurt what he did to Sting last week. Kurt says that he needs to make sure that his bases are covered for their match tonight. Kurt wants Matt to take care of Christopher Daniels and make sure that he gets nowhere near the ring. Matt says that his patience is wearing thin.
We have a Sarita video package.
Match Number Three: Angelina Love and Velvet Sky with Madison Rayne versus Tara and Awesome Kong with Raisha Saeed
Velvet and Tara start things off and Velvet with a kick and then she pulls Tara to the mat by her hair and follows it with punches. The referee pulls Velvet off Tara and Velvet yells at the referee. Tara with a waist lock take down and a Muta Lock. Tara with an arm drag or two. Tara works on the arm and she keeps Angelina from tagging in. Kong makes the tag and she tosses Velvet by the head across the ring and she wants Angelina. Angelina with forearms but Kong with a double sledge and punches to the head. Kong with a vertical choke and she tosses Love into the corner. Kong punches Love and then Tara tags in. Tara works on the arm but Madison distracts the referee. Sky with a knee to the back to change momentum. Love and Sky with kicks to Tara and Velvet with a snap mare and kick to the back followed by a drop kick from Angelina Love. Velvet chokes Tara and then mocks Kong. Velvet with an elbow for a near fall. Velvet tosses Tara across the ring and Love is tagged back in. Love and Tara both pull each other down by the hair and Velvet tries to stop Tara from making the tag. Kong with an Irish whip and it is time to charge into the corner but Love stops Kong and Kong with a clothesline. Kong sets for a power bomb but Love stops Kong. Tara sends Love to the floor and then Tara sends Love into the ring post. Kong with an Implant Buster to Sky for the three count.
Winners: Tara and Awesome Kong
After the match, Tara brings her box into the ring and she opens it and reveals her tarantula. It looks like Terry the Tarantula is going to spend some time on Velvet Sky. Angelina and Madison run to the back as we go to commercial.
We are back and Lauren is with Angelina Love and she is freaking out at Terry the Tarantula. Lauren asks about Velvet, but Angelina says that it could have been on her. Lauren asks Angelina what is on her shoulder and Angelina runs away. Lauren gets a good laugh at Angelina’s gullibility.
We have a Brother Ray video package.
James Storm and Robert Roode come to the ringside area and they join Don and Mike at the announce table.
Match Number Four: Team 3D versus Booker T and Scott Steiner in a Number One Contenders Match
There is some pushing before the match begins. They also have a few words for each other. Steiner and Ray start things off and Steiner poses. They lock up and Steiner with a forearm to the back and he sends Ray into the turnbuckles. Steiner kicks Ray and chops him. Ray with an Irish whip and splash into the corner and then he punches Steiner. Steiner with a t-bone suplex followed by a punch. Ray blocks a punch and then he slams Steiner. Ray misses an elbow. Steiner with a clothesline and then Steiner misses the flex elbow. Ray with a side slam for a near fall. Devon tags in and he punches Steiner. Booker with a kick to Devon’s head. Booker tags in and he punches and chops Devon followed by knees and a thrust kick. Booker with a kick to the midsection and Steiner tags in. Steiner with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex for a near fall. Booker tags back in and he kicks Devon in the abdomen. Booker with a back heel kick. Devon with a clothesline and both men are down. Ray tags in and he connects with clotheslines to Booker followed by a hip toss. Ray with a BubbaBomb to Steiner. Booker with a Bookend to Ray for a two count.
Sheik Abdul Bashir and Kiyoshi come out to the announce table and they start a brawl with Storm and Roode.
Meanwhile, back in the ring Team 3D hit 3D on Booker but Sharmell is in official referee distraction spot one. Ray slams Steiner and it is time for the Wassup Headbutt. Ray tells Devon to get some furniture for the ring. Devon gets a table but Big Rob hits Devon. Magnus comes into the ring through the crowd and he hits Ray with the briefcase while Williams distracts the referee. Booker covers Ray for the three count.
Winners: Booker T and Scott Steiner
We go to commercial.
Match Number Five: Jethro Holliday versus Jay Lethal
Jay Lethal does not come out because he is involved in a battle with his tag team partner against Abyss. Abyss comes to the ring in Lethal’s place and Holliday punches Abyss but Abyss with a Black Hole Slam. Abyss throws Holliday out of the ring.
Abyss wants a mic and he tells Dr. Stevie to come out to the ring. He says that he wants the whole world to hear what he has to say. He tells Dr. Stevie that he does not need him any more. There will be no more therapy sessions. No more daily calls to check in. No more shock treatment, except for him. When he gets his hands on Dr. Stevie, he will hoist him up and drop down and snap him across his shoulders like a twig.
Stevie is on the JarrettTron. He has some night vision goggles and Lauren is with him. Stevie tells Lauren to shut up and then he suggests what he can do to Lauren. He says that he would not do anything because he is not a monster like Abyss. Stevie says that he owns Abyss ‘mind, body, and soul’. He tells Abyss that he will come to his office for therapy or else. Abyss runs to the back as we go to commercial.
Match Number Five: Kurt Angle and Samoa Joe versus Jeff Jarrett and A.J. Styles in an If Jarrett or Styles win, they are the new champion, but if not Angle keeps the title Match
Jarrett and Angle start things off and they lock up. Jarrett with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Jarrett and Angle block hip tosses. Angle escapes a Stroke attempt. Angle rolls through a sunset flip and tries for an ankle lock but Jarrett escapes. Angle with a kick and elbow followed by a European uppercut. Jarrett with a hip toss and then he comes off the ropes and hits a clothesline when Angle gets out of the ropes. Styles tags in and Angle with a rake of the eyes. Joe tags in and Styles punches Joe. Joe with a leg sweep to Styles and then he punches A.J. in the head. Styles with a phenomenal drop kick and then Jarrett punches Angle and so does Styles. Styles clotheslines Angle over the top rope to the floor and then Styles and Jarrett with a double clothesline as we go to commercial.
We are back and Angle returns to the ring and he kicks Styles in the leg. Angle stomps on A.J.’s leg while Jarrett wants to tag in. We see footage of Styles being in control until he gets thrown around the ring like a rag doll by Joe and Angle. Back to live on tape action and Angle punches Styles in the head. Styles blocks a punch and connects with a punch and enzuigiri. Joe knocks Jarrett off the apron to keep Styles from making the tag. Joe comes in and he chops Styles. Styles with a springboard moonsault to Joe and he sets for the inverted DDT but Angle tries to interfere. Styles with a DDT to Angle and an inverted one to Joe. Joe puts Styles in the choke but Styles rolls through and hits the Pele kick and both men are down.
Jarrett and Angle tag in and Jarrett with clotheslines to Angle followed by a Pedigree for a near fall that is broken up by Joe. Jarrett charges into an elbow. Angle tries for the Olympic slam but Jarrett counters with a DDT. Jarrett punches Joe who tried to break up the cover. Jarrett puts Angle on the turnbuckles and he tries for a Super Stroke but Joe with a chop and he has Jarrett up for a Muscle Buster. Styles with a springboard forearm and the referee is knocked out. Jarrett hits the Super Stroke on Angle but the referee is out cold so there is no referee’s count. Jarrett gets the guitar and the referee recovers in time to grab it from Jarrett. Angle puts Jarrett in the ankle lock while Jarrett and the referee argue. Joe pulls Styles off the apron and then Jarrett tries for an enzuigiri but Angle avoids the kick and Angle reapplies the ankle lock and adds a leg lace. Jarrett has passed out.
Winners: Kurt Angle and Samoa Joe
After the match, the Main Event Mafia join their victorious brothers in the ring to celebrate. Styles ocmes into the ring and he swings wildly with the Legends Title belt as the Main Event Mafia leave the ring. Joe comes into the ring and he goes after Styles. The rest of the Main Event Mafia return to the ring to work over Styles. Steiner with a belly-to-belly suplex to Styles.
In the split screen we see Matt Morgan attacking Christopher Daniels.
Back in the ring, Nash is about to hit Styles with the Legends belt and the lights go out and they go back in and Sting has his baseball bat and it is time for Sting to take care of all five men in the Main Event Mafia because he is wearing the purple jacket. Sting has stolen the title belt from Kurt Angle and the lights go out and Suicide is gone as well as Sting. We go to credits.
2010 - Dragon Gate USA presented Uprising 2010 on PPV. Mike Johnson filed the following PPV report:
DGUSA Uprising opened with Johnny Gargano cutting a promo thanking everyone for ordering the PPV. He said that ever since Jon Moxley joined Kamikaze USA, every Japanese stable wants an American to be their mouthpiece. Gargano said that makes him the hottest free agent in DGUSA and after he watches the show, he'll decide who he's going to represent. The audio seemed low but beyond that, the promo was fine.
We go to the ring where fans are feverishly banging thundersticks.
AKIRA TOZAWA vs. MAASAKI MOCHIZUKI
This is Tozawa's PPV debut. The announcers set this up as the elder Mochizuki vs. the young Tozawa. Mochizuki controls Tozawa early with several shoulderblocks and a kick between the shoulder blades. Tozawa comes back with a dropkick that sends Mochizuki to the floor and then scores with a tope suicida. He slams Mochizuki into the post at ringside. Mochizuki fought back and charged Tozawa with a knee strike outside, but Tozawa moved and Mochizuki nailed the ringpost with his knee. Tozawa began working over Mochizuki on the floor and tossed him back in the ring. Mochizuki came back, tossing Tozawa to the floor and beating him with kicks on the floor. They battle to the apron, where Tozawa is dropped onto the corner of the apron with a shinbreaker. Mochikuzi nails a running kick to the ribs. Mochizuki cinched in a leglock. Tozawa tried to kick free but his other leg was captured and turned into a Sharpshooter variation. Tozawa made it to the ropes.
Fans began chanting for Mochizuki. Tozawa went for an enzigiri but Mochizuki ducked and locked in an ankle lock. Tozawa fought to get to the ropes and finally made it. Tozawa fought back but was caught with a kick to the chest as he came off the center turnbuckle. Both men rallied up. Tozawa ran Mochizuki into the corner turnbuckle but missed a headbutt. He finally nailed a rolling senton. He charged Mochizuki but Mochizuki nailed him with a big boot. Mochizuki nailed a running kick to the chest for a two count, then nailed an enziguiri from the top rope.
Tozawa came back with a surprise German suplex into a bridge for a two count. Tozawa goes for another but Mochizuki lands on his feet and peppers him with kicks. Tozawa rolls him up for another two count. Mochizuki kills him with a kick to the head. Great sequence. Mochizuki charges and knees Tozawa with kicks as he's laid up in the corner. They were just brutal. Mochizuki goes for a Dragon suplex but Tozawa fights him off. Mochizuki finally drills him with a kick to the head and Tozawa is out and is pinned.
Your winner, Maasaki Mochizuki!
Really stiff opener. Great stuff here and a hot as hell crowd.
Backstage, Lenny Leonard and Chikarason preview the rest of the PPV card.
No DQ: JON MOXLEY vs. JIMMY JACOBS
Moxley had some disheveled woman that he dragged around with him. Moxley shoved her into Jacobs then attacked him, choking Jacobs against the ropes. Moxley kicked Jacobs in the head but Jacobs screamed, then clotheslined Moxley. Moxley came back with a series of rights in the corner, beating Jacobs. Jacobs came back, stomping the hell out of Moxley in the corner. Moxley whipped Jacobs into a clothesline. He charged Jacobs, who dropped down and Moxley went over the top to the floor. Jacobs went for a dive but missed. Moxley worked him over outside the ring, slamming him into the ringpost and chopping away at him.
Moxley yanked Jacobs arm, trying to wrench it across the ringpost. He told his woman to bite Jacobs and she did, on the ear. Ouch. They continued to brawl around the ring. Jacobs grabbed a plastic trashcan and charged Moxley, slamming it into his head. Moxley came back with a chop and slammed Jacobs into the ringpost. Moxley grabbed several chairs and flung them into the ring. Moxley tossed Jacobs into the ring. He went to the top rope but Jacobs threw a chair into Moxley's face. Moxley went to the floor. Jacobs hit a dive through the ring but Moxley caught him. Jacobs turned it into a guillotine choke but was dropped crotch first on the guard rail. Moxley went to grab Jacobs, who slammed a fan's seat into his face. Jacobs jumped over the barricade, cracking Moxley with an elbow.
Jacobs tossed Moxley back into the ring and grabbed a wrench from the timekeeper's table. Moxley took him out and grabbed wrench. He used it to choke Jacobs, then slammed Jacobs down. He used the wrench on Jacobs' nose and mouth. Moxley missed a charge with the wrench and Jacobs kicked him in the gut. He grabbed the wrench and nailed Moxley in the head. Jacobs went to grab Moxley, who tried to charge, but Jacobs locked in the End Time choke. Moxley suplexed him over to escape and scored a two count.
Moxley cinched in a STF on Jacobs, while the fans rallied him. Moxley caught Jacobs with a DDT as Jacobs got up but only received a one count. Moxley went for a powerbomb but Jacobs escaped and nailed a springboard Ace Crusher. Jacobs went for a spear but was nailed with a chair for a two count. Fans began chanting for Jacobs. Jacobs used a forward roll for a two count. Moxley ducked a clothesline and went for a move but was caught with End Time. Moxley called his woman into the ring to break it up. Jacobs went to spear Moxley, who shoved her into the path of destruction. Jacobs caught Moxley with sliced bread #2 but YAMATO and Shingo hit the ring and mauled Jacobs. Moxley scored the pin.
Your winner, Jon Moxley!
They continued beating Jacobs after the match. BxB Hulk cleared the ring and rescued Jacobs. As Jacobs recovered, Hulk tried to recruit Jacobs into the WORLD-ONE group but Jacobs walked out, saying he was his own man.
Fun little brawl that basically consisted of them exchanging shots and moves. It makes sense Jacobs wouldn't want to accept an invitation right away given his past as a character.
MIKE QUACKENBUSH & JIGSAW VS. PAC & NARUKI DOI
Pac is a British star making his PPV debut. Everyone shook hands in a show of respect before the match. Fans were chanting for Jigsaw. Pac and Quackenbush started out going back and forth with some nice counter-wrestling. After some sweet wrestling, Pac nailed a series of flips and dropkicks to control the match. Pac went for a sunset flip but Jigsaw nailed a flying bodypress. Quack and Jigsaw worked over Naruki Doi. Doi shoulderblocked Jigsaw down. They went back and forth with some armdrags and then faced off as the crowd went nuts. Great stuff.
Doi began to work over Jigsaw's arm and elbow. Doi and Pac double teamed Jigsaw. Pac hit a slingshot legdrop into the ring for a one count. Pac cinched Jigsaw with head scissors. Jigsaw leaned back trying to trick Pac into a pinning combination. Doi locked on a figure four leglock while Pac held the head scissors. Quackenbush argued with the referee. Doi nailed a corkscrew press off Pac's back. Quack hit the ring and began chopping away. Doi went to help Pac but ended up chopping his own partner. Quack caught Pac with a twisting DDT. Jigsaw came off the top with a dive for a two count. Jigsaw locked in a short arm scissors. He locked on a Gori Guerrero Especial as Quack came in with a rolling senton. Team CHIKARA worked over Pac's arm with a double stomp to the arm.
The CHIKARA team continued to control the flow of the match. Pac comes back with a series of kicks and dives to Doi to make the hot tag. Quack went for a dropkick but Doi tricked him into nailing his own partner in the corner. He slammed Quack atop olf Jigsaw then splashed them. CHIKARA went to the floor, where Pac nailed a springboard twisting press onto both. This is one hell of a match. Quack is tossed back in the ring. Doi trapped him in the ropes, nailing him with forearms and dropkicks. Doi nailed a top rope senton across Quackenbush's back. Quack was elevated and dropped into a sitdown bomb by Doi for a two count. Quack rolled out as Jigsaw dropkicked Doi out.
Pac hit a springboard clothesline on Jigsaw. He went for another but was caught and hit with an enziguiri, then a rack bomb. Doi broke up the pinfall attempt. Quack began chopping away. Quack came back with a series of rapid fire slaps and chops. Doi nailed a sunset flip but Jigsaw kicked him and drilled Doi with a brainbuster for a two count. Jigsaw went for a back suplex on Doi but Pac came off with a shooting star press for a two count. Quack nailed a package bomb on Pac for a two count but Doi superkicked him. Pac hit a shooting star into a dropkick on Jigsaw. Doin destroyed Jigsaw with a insane running kick and scored the pin.
All four shook hands after the match. I can't tell you how much I loved this. You had crazy dives, stiff kicks, fast action and it was all held together with some great mat wrestling. Fans like to chant "This is awesome" at every headlock these days, but if there was ever a match that deserved such a chant, this was it. Great stuff.
Your winners, Pac & Naruki Doi!
Quackenbush took the mic and said that after a match like that, he and Jigsaw have nothing but respect for Pac and Doi. He said that since they are talking respect, he wants to call out someone who he has none for - YAMATO. He said YAMATO attacked them from behind in Windsor and they have been having problems since the debut DGUSA event. He challenged YAMATO to assemble his men and battle CHIKARA. Before YAMATO could respond, his allies from Kamizake USA attacked Jigsaw and Quack from behind. YAMATO lowblowed Quack as the others held him, then did the same to Jigsaw. They continued the assault on Quack and Jigsaw. They are helped out of the ring by DGUSA officials.
Uh, where are those great guys Pac and Doi who respected CHIKARA 30 seconds ago? With friends like them, who needs enemies? Beyond that small hole in logic, a good angle to set up the big multi-man match at the DGUSA Anniversary show.
Backstage, they showed BxB Hulk warming up.
Elsewhere, Jimmy Jacobs was screaming from across a room that he didn't need anyone and would take out Jon Moxley and Kamikaze USA one by one. It was so far away that I didn't even realize it was Jacobs at first. I guess they were trying to be artsy.
In the ring, Lenny Leonard thanked everyone for their support and announced several wrestlers who made an impression during the training seminar earlier in the day would get a chance to kick off the second half of the PPV.
RIP IMPACT vs. JOHNNY WAVE
Impact is a thin long haired guy. Wave looks like Justin Bieber. Before they could start the match, Brodie Lee hit the ring and killed everyone, including the referee. It was awesome destruction. Lee took the mic and said he's the biggest and baddest in the locker room and would take on anyone, anywhere, anytime. He threw Impact rudely out of the ring. This was a nice angle to get over Lee as a monster.
They plug the www.DGUSA.tv website.
Backstage, Mike Quackenbush and Jigsaw are in a bathroom. Jigsaw is mad they were attacked again. Quack promised they were going to end it and told YAMATO to bring everyone he has to the battle.
YAMATO & SHINGO vs. CIMA & DRAGON KID
Kid and CIMA were having fun with the fans before the bell. YAMATO and Kid started off. YAMATO sort of remined me of Raven with his look tonight. They go back and forth trying to get control of the other's arm. Kid turned a hiptoss into an armdrag. YAMATO went to the floor. Kid teased a tag but tagged in CIMA instead. Shingo caught him with a kick to the rib. Shingo worked him over in the corner but CIMA escaped and dropkicked Shingo. Shingo nailed a belly to back suplex. They caught CIMA with a double kick to the gut. Kid and CIMA choked out YAMATO in the corner. Kid came off the ropes with an elbow on YAMATO. Kid dropped a knee across YAMATO for a near fall.
CIMA and Kid tagged back and forth with kicks and shots on YAMATO. Kid came off CIMA's shoulders with a senton, then CIMA nailed one of his own. CIMA tied up YAMATO on the mat, then turned it into a Sharpshooter. Shingo hit the ring and raked CIMA's face. Shingo locked in a rear chinlock, forcing his weight down over CIMA's shoulders. He beat CIMA down with rights. CIMA fired back but was caught with a Mongolian chop. CIMA and Kid go to the floor. They work over Shingo. CIMA came off the guard rail with a double stomp as Kid held him.
Back in the ring, Kid nailed a hestitation dropkick on Shingo. Shingo came back with a slam and a kneedrop. YAMATO tagged in and slides his boot over Kid's face, then dropkicks him in the head for a near fall. Kid goes to the outside, where Shingo picked him up and dropped him chest first on the apron. CIMA goes after Shingo but is nailed with a chair. All four brawl around on the outside. When it settles down, YAMATO and Shingo continue their assault on Kid. They pick him up for a double atomic drop. Shingo uses his boot on the face of Kid. Kid begans to fire back but Shingo is too powerful. They exchange kicks but Shingo chops Kid down.
Shingo military presses and slams Dragon Kid. YAMATO runs in to prevent CIMA from attacking Kid. Shingo chops away at Kid. Kid finally reverses a whip but Shingo held onto the ropes and drilled Kid with an elbow. Kid kicks off Shingo, nails head scissors and makes the hot tag to CIMA. CIMA and Kid dropkick Shingo to the apron. Kid nails a 619, then a Bermuda Triangle. CIMA nails YAMATO with a stiff kick to the chest. He went for a suplex but YAMATO escaped. CIMA nailed a codebreaker and the Perfect driver for a two count. CIMA is shocked he didn't get the win.
YAMATO locked in a choke sleeper but CIMA freed himself. Kid catches Shingo in an Octopus submission. Shingo makes his way to his feet and sideslams Kid down. Fans began chanting "This is awesome." Shingo chopped Kid. Kid reversed an elbow, springboarded off the ropes and nailed a stunner. Shingo drilled him with a hard back elbow, then powerbombs him. CIMA makes the savem then kicks YAMATO in the face. CIMA went for a springboard dive but YAMATO got out of the way. Shingo and YAMATO worked over CIMA. They whipped CIMA into the corner and each nailed a running charge. They hit CIMA with the Overbomb for two count.
YAMATO drilled CIMA with a brainbuster but he kicked out at the last minute. Shingo is put on CIMA's shoulders and Kid nailed a supercanrana off the top on him. YAMATO breaks up the pin. Lots of great spots here. Shingo began beating down Kid, who grabbed him with a crucifix. CIMA dropkicked Shingo, who went down for a two count. CIMA kicked in a guillotine choke into a DDT. YAMATO speared CIMA and held him for Shingo. CIMA and YAMATO kept reversing positions so Shingo kept starting and stopping so he didn't nail his partner. In the end, he nailed YAMATO anyway. That was pretty humorous. Kid hit the Ultra hurancanrana but Shingo kicked up at two.
Kid went for a Dragonrana but Shingo moved and Kid landed on his feet. Shingo nailed Made in Japan but CIMA broke it up. CIMA began checking on Kid as he was out. Shingo deposited him to the floor. YAMATO locked on a choke outside the ring. Shingo began stalking Kid, who was out on his feet. Shingo nailed a running clothesline. Shingo went to the ropes with Kid in a Fireman's Carry position, drilled him and scored the pin.
Your winners, Shingo and YAMATO!
Another really strong match. Great back and forth hard-hitting tag.
CIMA checked on his fallen partner and carried him out on his back. Fans chanted for Kid and then chanted "That was awesome."
Johnny Gargano, with better audio, said "That one Japanese guy hit that other Japanese guy with that move." He said he had so many decisions to make and would, but first, he would watch the main event.
DGUSA OPEN THE FREEDOM GATE CHAMPION BxB HULK vs. MASATO YOSHINO
They had Lenny Leonard in the ring doing professional ring introductions for the title match. They went back and forth early with some really good mat wrestling and exchanges. Hulk caught Yoshino with a dropkick and a boot to the chest. Hulk nailed several knees to the face and elbows across the back. Yoshino kicked off Hulk and began working on Hulk's arm. Yoshino charged and dropkicked Hulk in the back. Yoshino continued to torque Hulk's arm, wearing him down. Hulk made it to the ropes and broke the hold.
Yoshino grabbed Hulk, rolled through and cinched in a submission, tying up his arms and scissoring the legs. Hulk finally made it back to the ropes to break it. A slow, methodical style so far. Yoshino came off the top with a double stomp across the arm. Hulk fought back and came off the top with a springboard missile dropkick. Hulk measured Yoshino with a series of kicks. Yoshino hit a standing moonsault press for a two count. Hulk tried to pick up Yoshino but his arm was killing him. Yoshino caught him with a Slingblade, nailing a two count.
Yoshino locked in submission. He turned it into a sunset flip but Hulk rolled through and kicked Yoshino in the head, then hit the BxB Press for a two count. He went for a moonsault but Yoshino made it out of the way. Yoshino hit a missile dropkick for a two count. They went back and forth and lots of crazy stuff. Yoshino did a head scissors into an armbar. Hulk came back with a jackknife cradle for a near fall. Hulk hit the FTX for a two count.
They battled on the ropes. Yoshino shoved Hulk off but he came back. He hit the Thunder off the ropes for another near fall. I really thought that was it. Hulk missed a kick and Yoshino rolled him up for a two count. He nailed a crucific bomb for another. Hulk nailed a series of kicks to the head, then the EVOP and scored the pin.
Your winner and still Open the Freedom Gate champion, BxB Hulk!
Jon Moxley immediately came to the ring with the mic and said there is no time for celebration. He said it was time for Kamikaze USA to show they can make an impact. He told Hulk he was a target as champion, that they were going to get him and he would never see it coming. The other members of Kamikaze USA attacked Yoshino and Hulk from behind. It became a three on one beating on Hulk. Jimmy Jacobs hit the ring and attacked Moxley, hitting a dive out of the ring on him. They brawled off. They continued working over Hulk. CIMA hit the ring with a broom but was overwhelmed. Dragon Kid made the save, although he was hurt. In the end, CIMA and Kid ran off Kamikaze USA.
CIMA picked up Hulk's championship and fit it over his waist. CIMA took the mic as fans chanted for the promotion to come back. He thanks Toronto for coming. He asked the fans if they enjoyed themselves and the fans popped and chanted his name. He led them in chanting Dragon Kid's name instead. He said that they love Toronto and asked everyone to listen to his "excellent English." He said they hope and promise to come back to Canada. He asked the fans if they wanted DGUSA to return here and the place popped. He led a Dragon Gate chant to end the evening.
A good showing for the company with no bad matches. I felt there was a stronger attempt to build characters and rivalries here than in the past, where it sometimes felt like a collection of talented guys doing similar matches and spots every month. While that is entertaining, it also can mesh together. One thing that really stood out watching the show is that the switch to stronger stables and storylines definitely helped the promotion make this show stand out. Easily worth the price of admission.
2010 - TNA made their debut in Brooklyn, NY at MCU Field, the home of The Brooklyn Cyclones baseball team. The outdoor event would eventually become the blueprint for the company's Basebrawl events promoted in conjunction with minor league baseball teams. David Turrigiano fied the following live report:
The TNA at MCU Park show was good, but only 6 matches on the card. Crowd was into most of the card. J.B. is awesome at warming up the crowd and keeping them interested between matches at various breaks. I went with one of my buddies who is not as big a TNA fan as me, but is a huge wrestling fan.
Opening match was a 4 way X-Division match with the winner becoming #1 contender. Two of Brooklyn's own were in this one, Homicide and Amazing Red. The others were Jay Lethal (whom I figured would win) and Brian Kendrick. Homicide had someone rapping part of the old LAX lyrics (no clue who the guy was) as part of his intro. Kendrick in a great heel move ran around the bases as if he hit a home run when he was introduced. This was total non-stop action as the TNA name suggests. Spotfest too with some botched moves. Lots of Flair chants for Lethal. To my surprise, Amazing Red was the winner of the match (pinning Kendrick) Very good match even with the missed spots.
Next match, was Angelina Love (with some Hot 97 DJ escorting her, no clue who he was I am an 80's metal fan) challenging Madison Rayne for the Knockouts Title. Rayne gets on the mic before the match saying since she only has to defend her belt once every 30 days, the match is now non-title. Gee, guess who is going to win now. Earl Hebner was the ref and got plenty of You screwed Bret chants before the match started. JB even introduced him as the most infamous ref, so you knew he would play to the crowd. He took off his ref shirt and had a shirt that said "Damn Right I did" in reference to screwing Bret. The match got boring chants. Madison got a few take your top off and you can't wrestle chants. Angelina was good, but the crowd was right Madison can't wrestle. Angelina won with the elevated DDT after Hebner played tonsil hockey with Madison (she fell into his arms as a bump). The match sucked.
Jeff Jarrett came out to thank the crowd. He talked about the eight year anniversary of TNA and the great acquisitions, three years ago Kurt Angle, whom Jeff called the greatest wrestler in the world (I agree), then the two more recent acquisitions of Jeff Hardy and RVD. Big pop for Jeff.
Next was Desmond Wolfe vs. Kurt Angle. An awesome match if you love mat wrestling. Some Nigel chants for Wolfe, some "Where's Chelsea?" chants and even a few "American Dragon" chants for Bryan Danielson. I started a "Cena sucks" chant at that point. Great match, back and forth, eventually Angle gets Desmond to tap to the ankle lock. This and the main event were the two best matches
The next match was Abyss vs. Jeff Hardy. There was a couple behind me with a girl who I thought was 18 but said she was 21 and she was booing the crap out of Hardy. He thought all the ladies loved Jeff. She was vicious with the anti-Hardy drug chants. Some "Where's Matt?" chants also. Abyss is much better as a heel. Was giving the crowd, the FU salute with the arms and doing the Hogan hands to the ear. Pretty good match. Abyss takes out the tacks. Abyss goes for a superplex but Hardy reverses into a sunset flip powerbomb off the second rope into the tacks which was awesome. Jeff swantons onto Abyss while on the
tacks and Hardy wins.
20 minute intermission was next
Then Team 3D vs. Ink, Inc. Bubba says since they are back home with the rowdiest fans in the world this will be a tables match. Everyone is for 3D here. Lots of hatred towards Shannon Moore, some Three Count references. I threw in a the Book of D.I.L.L.I.G.A.F. says Shannon sucks which got some laughs. My buddy was chanting for flaming tables (yeah like you will see that in TNA or WWE for that matter). Lots of ECW chants for Team 3D. Do I need to say who won here? Jesse Neal goes through the table with a 3D and Team 3D wins.
Time for the main event.
Now for 2 rants.
1)No more beer was sold after the next to last match. That was low. I was surprised 16 oz beers were only $6.25 (for a stadium - in NYC that is cheap). so only 3 beers for me because of the stoppage of beer.
2)Only 6 matches. No Samoa Joe, No Beer Money, no Matt Morgan, No Band (wait that's better), a few NYC wrestlers were not there (Taz, Foley, Tommy Dreamer, Pope), No Mr. Anderson, no Machine Guns, no Douglas Williams. There were a few we want Taz chants. It was a very good card, but too few matches and too short.
The main event was A.J. Styles challenging RVD for the World Title. AJ cuts an anti-NY promo before the match, putting down the Nathan's hot dog eating contest and Jay-Z. Styles also makes fun of fans looking dumb doing the RVD thumbs behind the back pose as well as RVD's theme music. RVD actually got some "Overrated" chants, which surprised me. I love both these guys. Very good back and forth match, but a bit short. RVD wins with the five star frog splash.
Jeremy Borash announces about DVD sales, pictures, etc. That was enough for me. Even with the short two train stop ride home, didn't feel like hanging out meeting the wrestlers.
2010 - WWE broadcast Smackdown. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV Report:
We start off tonight’s show with a look back at Kane’s comments last week about CM Punk before their match. We then go to CM Punk’s comments that he is an innocent man. We then see highlights from the match between CM Punk and Kane which saw CM Punk running from Kane and the building.
We are live on tape from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania and your announcers are Matt ‘Scrapple’ Striker and Todd ‘why is there a hyphen in the town name’ Grisham.
Jack Swagger comes to the ring and he has something to say but he does not live up to his last name because he lacks some swagger as well as his title belt. Jack says that last week he told us that he was going to make people suffer. He wanted to take all of the agony and suffering that was inside him and make others suffer. Jack says that he decided it was time for others to feel the pain that he felt after being cheated out of his World Title. If he can do that to the world’s largest athlete, he can do that to anyone. We go to the video from last week when Jack Swagger worked on Big Show’s ankle.
Jack wants everyone to talk about what he is capable of doing, not the Money in the Bank match at the pay per view. Jack says that it is fitting that his journey started when he won the Money in the Bank match at Wrestlemania and he started on his road to becoming the biggest star in the business. Five days later, he cashed in the briefcase and became everyone’s World Champion. Jack reminds us that it all came crashing down two weeks ago. Jack says that he was cheated out of his World Title in a Fatal Four Way match. Jack says that there were no rules and nothing to protect him. He says the worst part was that his daddy was devastated. He says that his daddy can barely eat and no one cares.
Big Show comes out and he is noticeably limping. Show mocks Jack’s whining and throws out a few puns. Show says that there are more important things to be upset about. Show says that it is worse to be stuck in an elevator with Show when he has gas than losing a title. Show says that Jack should have finished things. He was surprised that Jack was able to hurt him. Show reminds Jack that he is still standing and still breathing. As long as he is standing and breathing, he will not stop. Show says that he dares Jack, but then he changes it to begging Jack to try to put him in the ankle lock one more time.
Jack says that he has nothing to prove to the Big Show. Last week, Show felt the ligament tearing from his bone. Jack says that is the same thing that Rey will feel when he wins his World Title back at the pay per view.
Show tells Swagger that he is one delusional dude. Show says that Jack cannot separate fantasy from reality. Jack thinks that everyone wants to see him as World Champion, but that is not true. Show tells Jack that he might think he can break his ankle, but that is a fantasy. Show tells Jack that it is a reality that he can break Jack’s jaw. Show tells Jack that he might as well do it now.
Show limps to the ring and he is attacked from behind by Cody Rhodes who clips Show. Swagger and Rhodes attack Show on the floor with both men working on the ankle. They move into the ring and Swagger and Cody both kick the ankle. Swagger drops an elbow on the ankle and then Cody stomps on the leg. Show starts to fight back and Rey Mysterio makes his way to the ring and he hits a seated splash on Swagger and then he gives Rhodes a tilt-a-whirl head scissors that sends Cody to the floor.
Todd and Matt talk about the Money in the Bank pay per view and we get the names of the first six participants in the match who were announced on wwe.com. Already in the match are Kane, Matt Hardy, ‘Dashing’ Cody Rhodes, Christian, Kofi Kingston, and Big Show. Striker talks about the differences in styles of the wrestlers and they both wonder who the final two men will be in the match.
We go to commercial.
We are back and did you know that more than fifteen million people watch WWE programming a week.
We have a Moments Ago Moment of the attack on Big Show by Jack Swagger and Cody Rhodes only to be interrupted by Rey Mysterio’s interference. We are told that these four men will be in a tag match tonight.
Before our first match, we see Dolph and Vickie in the back. Vickie reminds Dolph that if he wins, he gets an Intercontinental Title match. Dolph says that he has this taken care of. Dolph appears to be distracted by something and we see that it is Rosa Mendes doing jumping jacks.
Match Number One: Kofi Kingston versus Dolph Ziggler in an If Dolph wins, he gets a title match’ Match
Ziggler with a take down and a series of near falls as he tries for a quick victory. Kofi with a rollup of his own for a near fall. Ziggler with punches to Kofi but Kofi with a monkey flip and Ziggler lands on his hip. Kofi with a European uppercut and then he tries for Trouble in Paradise but Dolph holds on to the ropes and he goes to the floor to regroup. We go to commercial.
We are back and Ziggler with an arm bar and then we see footage from the commercial break when Ziggler sent Kofi into the apron. Ziggler sends Kofi to the mat and he kicks Kofi and gets a near fall. Ziggler with a snap mare and a leap frog neck snap for a near fall. Kofi with elbows and punches but Ziggler with punches to maintain control. Ziggler with another snap mare and then he hits a leaping elbow drop for a near fall. Ziggler with forearms to Kofi’s head followed by an Irish whip. Kofi goes to the apron and hits a pendulum kick. Kofi goes up top for a cross body and gets a near fall. Kofi with a series of chops and a drop kick. Kofi with a leaping clothesline and then he hits the boom drop. Kofi sets for Trouble in Paradise but Dolph ducks under and Ziggler with a leg lariat to the back of the head and he gets a near fall. Ziggler shows some frustration and then he looks at Vickie. Ziggler turns around and is caught by Trouble in Paradise and Kofi gets the three count.
Winner: Kofi Kingston
After the match, Vickie leaves without Dolph after looking disappointed with his performance.
We go to the Straight Edge Locker Room and Punk tells Serena to let him handle this. Serena says that Kane will not stop and they need to admit it and everything will stop. Punk says that he has everything under control. Serena reminds Punk that he was in surgery for ten hours and they do not have control over the situation. She says that they lost control a long time ago. Punk tells Serena to calm down but Serena says that she will not calm down. Serena says that she saw Punk’s face as he went into surgery and she felt helpless. She says that it broke her heart. Punk asks Serena if she trusts him and he tells her to let them take care of it. Serena tells them if they cannot take care if it, she will. Serena leaves and Punk tells Luke that this all ends tonight. The Straight Edge Society depends on it.
We go to commercial.
We are back and the Peep Show is ready with Christian and his guest in the ring. Christian also has a bunch of ladders in the ring and a briefcase is above the ring. Christian talks about one of the most dangerous but most rewarding matches becomes a pay per view in less than three weeks. Christian mentions that some of the participants have been named and him and his guest are two of those people. Christian says that Matt has fallen off as many ladders as he has. Christian says that it has been a crazy few months for Matt. Christian mentions that Matt was just reinstated and he beat Drew McIntyre and Drew was also deported. Christian says that it was good to see Matt in the ring with Drew and not see Matt get dropped on his head. Matt wonders if that was a backhanded compliment. Matt says that during his career, he has fought an uphill battle against corporate politics, was suspended, fired, brought back, backstabbed, and he was also dropped on his head. Matt says that he kept coming back and before Matt can tell us that he will not die, Christian tells everyone that Matt will not win the Money in the Bank match.
Christian says that they both know the risks. Matt says that it is the match they put on the map and made famous. Christian points out that neither man has reaped the benefits of the briefcase hanging above the ring. Christian says that nobody deserves to win it more than either one of them. Christian says that he wanted Matt on the Peep Show tonight, Christian tells Matt that even though they both deserve it, Christian is going to win the Money in the Bank Match. Matt agrees that their careers paralleled each other. They have won tag titles, United States titles, Intercontinental Titles, and ECW titles. Matt says that they have both been unable to win the World Title. Matt mentions the briefcase and he starts to climb the ladder. Matt says that it is real that whoever brings down the briefcase and controls the contract, it will change everything. Matt says that he will be that person. Christian says that it looks like both of them are confident. Christian tells Matt that neither of them are Drew McIntyre. Neither of them are the chosen one. No one liked either of them. They have had to crawl, scratch, and fight to get everything. Christian says that he is sick of seeing people get opportunity after opportunity to be handed everything without earning it. Christian says that it is his time and he is going to win the Money in the Bank match.
Matt asks Christian if he doesn’t think that he is frustrated as well. Matt says that he has been trying his entire career to become World Champion. He says that when all is said and done, he hopes that the two men who will be battling at the end are the two people who deserve it the most and it is the two of them. Matt and Christian both say that they are going to win the match at the same time. They both drop their microphones and Christian looks like he is going to leave the ring but he returns to the center of the ring and he is punched by Matt and Matt sends Christian into the ladder.
We go to commercial.
We are back with an Alberto Del Rio video package. Alberto is reading a book and he says that a lot of people talk about his attributes and he mentions honesty. It is an attribute that all people are born with. He says that children show joy and anger, but as they grow up the lies increase. A liar is a despicable person who is looked down upon by the masses. He says that some lie more than others, but everyone is a liar. There is only one man who refuses to lie. He says that he is the one honest man.
Cody Rhodes is in the bathroom and he is making sure that his hair and eyebrows are perfect. Cody decides to interview himself. He tells himself that he looks great, but then he corrects himself to remind himself that he is Dashing Cody Rhodes. He asks himself about handling the world’s largest athlete by himself. Cody asks himself what his motivation was and he talks about the money in the bank match and then he mentions how he turned Big Show into a giant blob of mediocrity. He asks himself how will Show climb a ladder if he cannot walk. Cody tells himself that everyone will see how easy it will be for Cody to cash in the briefcase to become the first ‘dashing’ World Champion.
We go to commercial.
We are back and we see highlights from last week’s Kane/CM Punk match.
Match Number Two: Kane versus Luke Gallows with CM Punk
Kane with a knee and then he connects with forearms and kicks in the corner followed by uppercuts and elbows. Kane with more kicks and then he chokes Gallows in the ropes. Kane with an uppercut followed by an Irish whip and running clothesline into the corner. Kane with a hip toss and Irish whip. Gallows with a kick and forearms followed by a clothesline. Gallows with kicks to Kane but he runs into a choke slam set up. The mystery masked man attacks Kane from behind and the referee calls for the bell.
Winner: Kane by disqualification
After the match, Kane choke slams the masked man and then he does the same to Gallows. Kane grabs Punk on the apron and Serena runs to the ring, begging Kane not to hurt Punk. Serena wants Kane to listen to her because Punk couldn’t have hurt the Undertaker. On the day that Undertaker was hurt, Punk was nowhere near the Undertaker. Serena says that she knows because Punk was with her and he was ‘saving’ her. Serena wants Kane to listen to her. Serena has a video to prove their alibi.
We see footage from Memorial Day when Serena was having a crisis of conscience at a local bar. We see Serena getting a little close to a patron and the Straight Edge Society enter and they force the man to leave before Punk yells at Serena and then he leaves with her trying to plead her case.
Serena wants Kane to let Punk go and Kane lets go of Punk. Serena goes to check on her saviour but Punk wants nothing to do with her. Serena tells Punk that she had to do it. Punk wants to know if Serena has any idea what she just did. Punk will not listen to her pleas for forgiveness as we go to commercial.
We are back and did you know that WWE has a huge video library.
Before our next match, we see footage from Kofi Kingston and Montel Vontavious Porter’s appearance at the Times Square Toys R Us.
Chavo Guerrero has a mic as he goes to the ring and he tells his Aunt Vickie that he hopes that she is watching. He says that he sees how this works. Since her little Gringo boyfriend couldn’t get it done, he says that he can get it done and he will. When he beats MVP tonight, he deserves an Intercontinental Title match.
Match Number Three: Montel Vontavious Porter versus Chavo Guerrero
They lock up and Porter with forearms but Chavo with a kick and a Liger kick and then he kicks Porter before getting a near fall. Chavo with a kick to the head. Chavo does the Guerrero shimmy and then he hits the Three Amigos. Chavo goes up top and Porter moves so Chavo rolls through. Porter with a belly-to-belly suplex followed by a clothesline and a double thrust and facebuster. Porter with the Ballin’ Elbow and then he hits the Playmaker for the three count.
Winner: Montel Vontavious Porter
We go to commercial.
We are back with This Week in WWE History: The Lex Express and his attempt to slam Yokozuna on the Fourth of July in 1993.
We see the footage from two weeks ago when Kelly Kelly defeated Layla in a non-title match.
Match Number Four: Kelly Kelly with Tiffany versus Michelle McCool with Layla
Before the match starts, Layla had a few words for Tiffany and that allows Michelle McCool to attack Tiffany and send her shoulder first into the ringside barrier. Kelly checks on Tiffany while Layla and Michelle celebrate.
The referee holds Kelly back before the bell so Michelle can get into the ring. The bell rings and Michelle goes to the floor immediately. The referee starts the count and then Kelly kicks Michelle as she comes into the ring. Michelle with a kick and European uppercut. Michelle works on Kelly’s back and elbow to the upper back. Michelle throws Kelly to the mat and she kicks her. Tiffany holds her right shoulder on the floor while Michelle sends Kelly into the turnbuckles and Michelle chokes Kelly. Layla deodorizes Kelly while Michelle spends time with the referee. Tiffany with a clothesline to Layla on the floor and then Michelle goes after Tiffany but Kelly with a rollup for the three count.
Winner: Kelly Kelly
It is time for the Raw Rebound.
We go to commercial.
We are back with more from Alberto Del Rio. He walks down some stairs and he talks about inspiration. He says that it is an admirable quality to possess. He rhetorically asks how someone inspires someone. He says that you cannot show an ounce of fear. He says that you can always accomplish the impossible. He says that it is a natural gift that is unachievable by others. That is what makes you the embodiment of inspiration.
Rey Mysterio comes to the ring to address the WWE Universe. Rey holds up the title belt and he says that it feels great. He says some words in Spanish and then says that it feels great to be reliving his dream. It feels great to once again be the World Champion. Rey says that he knows that being World Champion brings new obstacles but he is ready. It has taken him his entire career to fight to the top and he says that he is not going to let one superstar, especially not Jack Swagger, take it away from him. Tonight, he is going to show Jack Swagger and ‘Dashing’ Cody Rhodes that while he is champion, he is not only competing against Rey Mysterio, but he is competing against the entire 619.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Four: Rey Mysterio and Big Show versus Dashing Cody Rhodes and Jack Swagger
Rey and Rhodes start things off and Cody checks with Swagger for some strategy. Rhodes with a kick and then he works on the arm. Rey with a flip using the ropes and then he kicks Rhodes. Rey with a kick to Rhodes and Show tags in. Show with a punch to Rhodes followed by chops. Show with an Irish whip that sends Rhodes into Swagger and knocks him off the apron. Show presses Rhodes and slams him onto Swagger on the floor as we go to commercial.
We are back and Rhodes with an Irish whip but he runs into a boot. Rey goes up top for a moonsault but Rhodes trips Rey and Rey is in the tree of woe. Rhodes tries for a dashing belly-to-back superplex but Rey with elbows that knock Cody off the turnbuckles. Rey with a seated senton for a near fall. Rey with a forearm and kick. Swagger makes a blind tag and Rey sends Rhodes into the ropes for the 619. Rey turns around into a big boot from Swagger. Swagger with a double sledge to the midsection. Swagger with shoulders to Rey in the corner. Swagger with a biel out of the corner and then he puts Rey in a bear hug and runs Rey into the corner. Rhodes tags in and he hits a gourdbuster followed by the Ric Flair rolling knee drop and he gets a near fall. Rhodes holds out Rey’s hand to make the tag and then Rhodes turns it into a surfboard. Rhodes charges into the corner and Rey floats over. Rhodes with an elbow and a springboard roundhouse kick for a near fall. Swagger tags in and Rhodes with a slam and Swagger with the double jump Swagger Bomb for a near fall. Swagger with a body scissors and he adds a chin lock to add extra pressure for a moment. Rey gets out of the hold and he kicks Swagger. Rey with a springboard moonsault but Swagger catches him. Swagger tries to spin Rey but Rey turns it into a DDT counter. Show tags in and he hits clotheslines on Show followed by an Irish whip and a running butt splash into the corner. Show with a shoulder tackle and then he sets for the choke slam but Swagger tries for the victory roll into the ankle lock and he turns it into a wheelbarrow suplex. Rey tags in and he hits the springboard leg drop but Rhodes breaks up the cover. Rhodes with a drop kick to Show’s knee and then Rhodes goes after Show’s ankle on the floor. Back in the ring, Rey pushes Swagger into the rope and he assumes the position. Rey tries for the 619 but Swagger blocks it and puts Rey in the ankle lock in the ropes. Swagger refuses to release the hold and the referee calls for the bell.
Winners: Rey Mysterio and Big Show by disqualification
After the match, Swagger keeps the ankle lock on Rey and then Show gets into the ring and he pulls Rey to the floor. Swagger eventually lets go of the hold and leaves Rey on the ground holding his ankle.
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