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July 11th
On this day in history in ....
1958 - Angelo Savoldi defeats Dory Funk Sr. in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to win the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Title for the second time.
1961 - Gene Kiniski defeats Verne Gagne in Minneapolis, Minnesota to win the AWA World Heavyweight Title.
1987 - Two title changes took place at Great American Bash cards in separate locations. At the Greensboro Coliseum in North Carolina, Lex Luger defeated Nikita Koloff for the United States Title. The referee was knocked out, and manager JJ Dillon tossed Luger a chair, which he used to knock out Koloff. He then put the unconscious Koloff in the Human Torture Rack for the win. In the main event of that show, NWA World Champion Ric Flair defeated Jimmy Garvin in a steel cage match when Garvin passed out while trapped in the figure four leglock. As a result, Flair won a date with Garvin's valet, Precious. When the date occurred, Ronnie Garvin went instead (dressed as a woman), and beat up Flair.
That same night, at a show in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Steve Williams defeated Big Bubba Rogers with the Oklahoma Stampede powerslam to win the UWF Heavyweight Title. Williams was the fourth, and final, UWF champion, as the company was absorbed by Jim Crockett Promotions and the title was later abandoned. Interesting to note, he was also the only babyface champion, as the three previous UWF champions (Rogers, One Man Gang, Terry Gordy) were all heels.
1989 - Stan Hansen & Genichiro Tenryu defeat Jumbo Tsuruta & Yoshiaki Yatsu in Hokkaido, Japan to win the All Japan Pro Wrestling World Tag Team Title.
1992 - Thanks to Silent Bob for the following. ... World Wrestling Federation house show in Charlotte, North Carolina. This show is significant as it was, at the time, a very rare WWF show in the Queen City which was the long time home of Jim Crockett Promotions. This was Flair's one and only return to his hometown under the WWF banner as he was pulled off a subsequent show due to illness. This was the largest crowd to date at what was, at the time, the "new" Coliseum. Previous WCW shows only utilized half of the arena with a curtain dividing the arena in half.
- Ric Flair pinned WWF Champion Randy Savage, but the decision was later reversed when Flair dropped a foreign object he used to pin Savage in front of the referee.
- The Undertaker w/Paul Bearer pinned the Bezerker (complete w/rubber sword & shield that visibly bent when he got in the ring) w/Mr. Fuji after a tombstone.
- The Nasty Boys beat High Energy (Owen Hart & Koko B. Ware) when Sags pinned Owen.
- The Natural Disasters (Earthquake & Typhoon) defeated the WWF Tag Team Champions Money Inc. ("Million Dollar Man" Ted Dibiase & Irwin R. Schyster) by CO when Money Inc. walked out rather than continue the match.
- Tatanka defeated Rick Martel.
- "British Bulldog" Davey Boy Smith pinned Repo Man after hitting him with a hook on the rope Repo brought to the ring.
1999 - Momoe Nakanishi defeats Chaparita Asari in Tokyo, Japan to win the WWWA Super Lightweight Title.
2005 - Matt Hardy returned to WWE on the same day his 90 day no compete was scheduled to expire.
Matt Hardy returned to WWE, attacking Edge backstage and in the ring.
For those that are curious what Matt Hardy said on the mic following his brawl with Edge, here is what Hardy said:
"Adam, you bastard, I am going to make your life miserable. And Lita, you whore, I'm going to make your life miserable too. And the WWE can kiss my ass!"
(Hardy is tackled by security and a referee)
"I'll see you at Ring Of Honor. ROH!"
Hardy was then tackled by security, officials and "cops".
As he was escorted up the ramp, Hardy continued yelling at WWE official John Laurinatis and apparently said "I wish you were alone, Johnny Ace", although it was hard to make out exactly what was said. Hardy did say, clearly, " WWE can kiss my ass" as he was escorted through the curtain.
2008 - WWE broadcast Smackdown. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We start off tonight’s show with a look back at last week’s show when Edge complained about losing the World Title on Raw earlier in the week and his frustration over not having any backup. Then Edge talked about his problems with Vickie Guerrero and then he announced that the wedding is off.
We are live on tape from Baton Rouge, Louisiana and your announcers are Jim ‘Melmac Loves BBQ’ Ross and Mick ‘Gordon Shumway’ Foley.
Edge comes out to the ring and he looks like he lost the love of his life . . . and his fiancée as well. Edge reminds us that he called off his marriage to Vickie Guerrero last week. He had a week to think about it, and he says that he stands by his statement and the wedding is off. When he proposed, he did it because he loved Vickie. He cherished her and he looked at her as an equal. The minute Vickie tried to give him orders; it did not work that way. He has been happy ever since now that he is his own man. He says that Vickie Guerrero is not good enough for him. He will prove his critics wrong at the Great American Bash who thought that he was champion only because he had Vickie Guerrero in his corner. Edge tells everyone personally that they were wrong. He has won more championships than anyone in the industry. Edge says that he will prove it again when he defeats Triple H to become the WWE Champion.
Vickie Guerrero appears with her wheelchair chauffeurs, Curt Hawkins and Zach Ryder. She tells Edge that if he thinks he can come out and say that it is her loss, Edge has another thing coming. Last week, Edge said that he was the real general manager of Smackdown. Vickie says that she is putting Edge in a match to prepare for his title match at the Great American Match. It will be a No Disqualification Match against the World’s Largest Athlete, the Big Show. Vickie wishes her ‘baby’ luck.
Edge says that he is not afraid of the Big Show and he says that the Big Show will be just like Vickie, a loser. Vickie tells the production staff to turn off his mic and they oblige Vickie. Vickie has an evil smile on her face as we go to commercial.
We are back and Maria is coming to Smackdown soon.
Match Number One: Matt Hardy versus Shelton Benjamin
They lock up and Matt with a clean break. Matt avoids a punch from Benjamin and Benjamin goes down before Matt can punch him. Hardy with a side head lock and Benjamin punches Hardy. Hardy with a back elbow and a near fall. Benjamin sends Hardy into the turnbuckles and then he hits a neck breaker. As Benjamin tries to work over Hardy, he has a running conversation with the referee. Benjamin works on Hardy’s neck. Benjamin with an Irish whip and splash into the corner. Benjamin tries for a second Stinger splash, but Hardy moves and Benjamin lands on the turnbuckles. Hardy with a punch to the midsection followed by a clothesline. Benjamin avoids the Twist of Fate but he cannot escape the bulldog and Hardy gets a two count. Hardy goes up top but Benjamin leaps to the turnbuckles. Hardy knocks Benjamin down and then he hits a double sledge from the turnbuckles for a near fall. Hardy sets for the Twist of Fate and Benjamin avoids it again. Benjamin with an Exploder for a two count. Benjamin goes up top but Hardy with a boot as Shelton comes off. Hardy tries for a Twist of Fate but Benjamin is too close to the ropes. Benjamin with a leaping clothesline for the three count.
Winner: Shelton Benjamin
Hawkins and Ryder are in the office with Vickie. Hawkins complains about what Edge said about them. He says that Edge has abused all of them and they have no problem with what she decides to do to Edge. Hawkins says that they want revenge against Jesse and Festus. Ryder says that Vickie deserves someone better than Edge and they will always be there for her. Vickie cries us into commercial.
We are back and Montel Vontavious Porter is at ringside with Mick and Jim Ross.
Ken Kennedy gets on the mic and says that he is more valuable than the ‘MVP’.
Match Number Two: Ken Kennedy versus Domino
They lock up and Domino with a hip toss and then he has Kennedy in a hammer lock. Kennedy with a reversal. Kennedy with a drop toe hold and then hits a short arm clothesline. Kennedy with a running clothesline into the corner and then he tries for the running boot but Domino gets out of the ring. Kennedy goes out after Domino and returns him to the ring. Domino with a slam to Kennedy followed by a leg drop. Domino with a rear chin lock but Kennedy gets out of the hold. Kennedy with a roundhouse kick for a two count. Kennedy with clotheslines to Domino followed by an Irish whip and clothesline into the corner. Kennedy with a running boot to Domino in the corner and then tries for a splash but he lands on Domino’s knees. Kennedy with a Mic Check for the three count.
Winner: Ken Kennedy
After the match, Montel Vontavious Porter leaves the announce position and he has some words for Kennedy but from out of nowhere, Umaga hits a super kick on Kennedy when he turns around. Umaga with the Samoan Spike to Kennedy and Porter gets a good laugh out of it.
Edge is with Chavo Guerrero and Bam Neely. Chavo cannot understand why Vickie is making Edge wrestle Big Show. Chavo says that he understands why Edge did what he did and now he is going to straighten this out and give Vickie a piece of his mind. Chavo tells Edge that they are like brother and they will always be family. Chavo says that he will straighten it out and Bam follows behind him. We go to commercial.
We are back and Vickie Guerrero is on the phone and Chavo enters without knocking. Chavo says that he has something to get off his chest. He cannot believe what that jerk Edge did to her by calling off the wedding. He calls Edge a liar and arrogant. He wonders if Edge ever loved her. Chavo says that they need to stay together because they are Guerreros. They are family. Vickie tells Chavo to cut the crap and then she tells Chavo that he will be facing Triple H tonight.
We see footage from ECW when Finlay defeated Miz with an assist from Hornswoggle.
Match Number Three: John Morrison and The Miz versus Finlay and Hornswoggle
Finlay and Morrison start off and Finlay with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Finlay with a forearm to Morrison’s back but Miz with a shot to Finlay’s back but Miz is brought into the ring and Finlay with a double clothesline. Finlay with a rocket launcher into Miz and Morrison followed by Stunners to the two. Miz and Morrison with a double drop kick to Hornswoggle. Morrison stands on Hornswoggle’s chest and then he tags in Miz. Miz slaps Hornswoggle and Finlay knocks Miz out of the ring. Morrison tags back in and he slaps Hornswoggle and then he gets on his knees. Hornswoggle with an enzuigiri and Finlay is tagged in. Finlay with clotheslines to Morrison and then he sends Miz into the turnbuckle. Finlay with a missile drop kick for a near fall. Morrison with a kick to Finlay but Finlay hits the Celtic Cross for a two count when Miz breaks up the cover. Miz tags in and Finlay hits Miz with the shillelagh followed by a frog splash from Hornswoggle after a tag for the three count.
Winners: Fit Finlay and Hornswoggle
We go to commercial.
We are back with a look at Jeff Hardy. It is a feature for the WWE Magazine.
Match Number Four: Triple H with GameFountain versus Chavo Guerrero with Bam Neely
Chavo hides behind Hunter as he yells at Hunter before the match starts. Eventually the bell rings and it is one on one. Chavo with a hammer lock into a side head lock. Hunter with a hammer lock and reversal by Chavo. Hunter with an elbow and he complains to the referee. Hunter punches Chavo and then works on the arm with an arm wringer. Chavo with a reversal but Hunter gets out of the hold with a punch. Hunter sends Chavo into the ring post. Hunter wrings the arm. Chavo punches Hunter and Irish whips him but Hunter with a boot when Chavo charges. Bam trips Hunter when the referee was dealing with Chavo. Chavo kicks Hunter and then Bam with an elbow when the referee is out of position.
Chavo with a Saito suplex on Hunter for a two count and then he puts Hunter in an arm bar with a cross face. Chavo turns it into a side head lock. Hunter punches Chavo but Chavo with a knee to Hunter followed by a Latino uppercut. Hunter with a high knee and facebuster followed by a clothesline for a near fall. Chavo with a kick to Hunter but Hunter with a spinebuster. Bam gets on the apron and he returns to the floor after a punch. Hunter gets out of a suplex attempt and then he hits a Pedigree for the three count.
Winner: Triple H
We go to commercial.
We are back and Natalya and Michelle McCool will battle for the Divas Title at The Great American Bash.
Match Number Five: Maryse and Natalya versus Michelle McCool and Cherry
Maryse and Michelle start things off and Michelle takes Maryse down and gets a near fall. Michelle with a European uppercut. Maryse with a cartwheel out of a hip toss attempt but Michelle with a drop kick to Maryse. Cherry tags in and she works on the arm. Cherry with a leap frog neck breaker for a two count. Natalya tags in and she gets Cherry in a waist lock but Cherry with a snap mare and shoulder tackle for a near fall. Cherry tries for a cross body but Natalya catches Cherry and slams Cherry into the ropes. Natalya uses the ropes on Cherry’s leg. Cherry with a series of kicks to Natalya but she misses a knee drop. Natalya puts Cherry in the Sharpshooter and Cherry taps.
Winners: Natalya and Maryse
After the match, Natalya attacks Michelle and runs her into the corner. Natalya kicks Michelle out of the ring and then she hits a snap suplex on the floor.
We go to commercial.
We are back with the Slam of the Week: Festus pinning Zach Ryder last week but Edge spearing the catatonic Festus.
Match Number Six: Jesse and Festus versus Curt Hawkins and Zach Ryder
The bell rings and Festus changes in the same way that Gordon Shumway turns into ALF. Jesse starts with Hawkins and Jesse with punches to Hawkins before the referee pulls Jesse out of the way. Hawkins with a knee and then he sends Jesse into Ryder. Ryder tags in while Festus bobs from side to side. Festus tags in and he starts throwing uppercuts. Festus with a side slam and then he hops around and hits a short arm clothesline but he misses a splash. Hawkins and Ryder talk strategy while Festus is held back by the referee. They want to be counted out and the ref complies.
Winners: Jesse and Festus by count out
After the match, Festus is motionless while Hawkins and Ryder attack Jesse and throw him out of the ring. Hawkins and Ryder with a double spear and then they double team Festus. Jesse hits the ring bell and Festus fights off Hawkins and Ryder. Jesse with a Thesz Press onto Hawkins and then Festus kicks Ryder out of the ring.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a video package for Triple H. Apparently he is the King of Kings.
Match Number Seven: Stevie Richards versus Vladimir Kozlov
They lock up and Kozlov with a knee and then he sends Richards into the ropes. Richards with a side head lock and Kozlov with a running shoulder tackle. Richards with kicks to the leg followed by a drop kick. Kozlov with a boot to a charging Richards and then he sends Richards into the corner. Kozlov with shoulders in the corner and then he chokes Stevie. Kozlov with knees and a fireman’s carry followed by cross faces to Richards. Kozlov with a body scissors but Richards with an elbow to the head to get out of the hold. Richards with punches to Kozlov and the Russian groans. Richards with more kicks followed by an enzuigiri for a near fall. Richards with a chop and Richards misses a charge into the corner and he gets crotched. Kozlov with a head butt to the back of the head for the three count.
Winner: Vladimir Kozlov
Chavo and Edge are arguing in the locker room and Hawkins and Ryder join in the argument and we cannot hear anything. Edge wants to calm everything down. Edge says that Vickie has been screwing with all of them. Edge reminds all of them that he has a No Disqualification Match against Big Show. Edge wants them to come out to help him and they start to argue again. Vickie arrives in the locker room and she threatens to fire anyone who helps Edge tonight. She tells Edge if he does not face Big Show tonight, he is fired. Vickie tells Edge to take his beating like a man . . . if he is a man. We go to commercial.
We are back with the Raw Rebound.
Foley and Ross talk about Kane and his rampage at the end of last week’s show. Time to run through the card for The Great American Bash.
Vickie Guerrero comes out to watch the match.
Match Number Eight: Big Show versus Edge in a No Disqualification Match
Edge is sent into the turnbuckles and chopped by Show followed by a biel. Show slams Edge. Show pulls Edge back out to the floor. Edge is thrown into the ringside barrier by Show and then Show rearranges the announce table. Show chops Edge but Edge with a spear to Show and both men are down as we go to commercial.
We are back and Edge has a kendo stick that he found under the ring as Vickie is rolled to ringside. Show blocks the kendo stick shot and Show presses Edge over his head but Edge hits Show with the stick. Edge tries to escape into the crowd but Show pulls him back and throws Edge down to the floor. Show Irish whips Edge into the ring steps. Show takes the Shhhh chop to the floor and then he rolls Edge into the crowd. Edge drops Show into the ringside barrier and then Edge with a bulldog to Show. Edge hits Show with the kendo stick and Show returns to the ring. Show sends Edge into the turnbuckles and then he charges into a boot. Edge climbs Show and tries to choke him out. Show tries to get Edge off his back but Show goes down to his knees. Show recovers and he hits a side slam to get out of the hold. Show with a head butt to Edge followed by an Irish whip and running butt splash. Show with a running shoulder tackle and then he signals for the choke slam. Edge counters the choke slam with a DDT and both men are down. Edge covers Show and Show throws Edge off emphatically. Edge grabs a few chairs and brings them into the ring. Edge charges at Show and Show punches the chair and Edge goes down. Show grabs Edge and Edge with a low kick and both men are down again. Edge has a chair and he hits Show in the back and then he sets up Show for a one man conchairto. Show grabs Edge and hits a choke slam. Show sets up Edge for a one man conchairto. Vickie stops Show and demands the match be stopped.
Winner: Big Show by general manger’s stoppage
After the match, Vickie lies on top of Edge to protect him. Show leaves the ring. Edge realizes what happened and Vickie tells Edge that she loves him and she apologizes. Edge says that he loves Vickie too. He asks her to marry him again and she accepts the proposal. They kiss as we go to credits.
2008 - WWE ran Lexington, KY. Terri Bey filed the following live report:
I attended the 7/11 Raw House Show in Lexington KY and here are the results.
Finkel announced the possible stipulations for the World Championship Match: NO DQ or Falls Count Anywhere. There may have been another though.
Jamie Noble beat Charlie Haas in an ok opener. Nothing special.
D Lo Brown beat Santino Morella in a pretty decent match. Morella cut a funny promo before the match making fun of Lexington and praising rival Louisville. Brown looked ok.
Paul London beat Chuck Palumbo in a fair match. London had a kid as a guest manager that Kelly Kelly picked out of the crowd. London had some cool moves and did his best with Chuck.
Kofi Kingston retained his Intercontinental Title against Paul Burchill w/Lea in a pretty good match. Both guys worked hard. I enjoyed it.
Mickie James retained her Women's Title against Beth Phoenix in a good match. I enjoyed both women's' efforts. Beth's power moves are impressive in person.
Intermission
Lance Cade cuts a promo bashing HBK
HBK beat Cade in an excellent match. Nice work between both teacher and former student. HBK is still the man in my book.
CM Punk retained his World Heavyweight Championship against Batista in a surprisingly very good match. The stipulation was No DQ. I enjoyed it. Both guys worked pretty well together. Post Match saw Batista Batista bomb CM Punk and Batista got a huge CHEER and when Punk got up, he got BOOd. Weird. But anyway.....good match.
Main Event: Cryme Tyme and Cena beat DiBiase , Rhodes and Kane. There was a spot where Kane chokeslammed JTG and went to the back and JTG was carried to the back. Anyway, Cena finished off Dibiase and Rhodes with the five knuckle shuffle and FU. Post Match: Cena gives a speech on how he loves Lexington and KY and praises Finkel for his 31 years of service.
Good show.
2009 - TNA ran Hamburg, NY. Mike Rikard filed the following live report:
Mike Rickard sent this report.
Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling came to the Hamburg, New York Agricultural Center last night for an action-packed show. While there weren't a lot of fans in attendance, TNA did a great job working the crowd and putting on a very entertaining evening.
Things got off to a shaky start when the audio went out but TNA's Jeremy Borash showed up and began interacting with the crowd. He introduced the opening match and by match two, the sound was on and everything was working fine.
1. Eric Young vs. Consequences Creed: Not too much love for Young but both guys put in a good match to open the show. Young gets the duke and Creed sells like Young shot him.
WINNER: Eric Young (by pinfall).
2. Angelina Love vs. Taylor Wilde: Both girls are gorgeous in person. Good match with lots of high-flying moves and brawling. Love looked like she had things wrapped up when Wilde surprised her with a roll-up.
WINNER: Taylor Wilde.
After the match, Jeremy Borash told the fans that TNA was happy to be in Hamburg (a suburb of Buffalo, NY). He promised backstage passes to the loudest fans as well as a big surprise after the main event. The lure of backstage passes fired up the crowd bigtime and the smalla audience sounded a lot bigger than they looked.
3. Prince Abdul Bashir vs. Christopher Daniels: I haven't seen Daniels in person in a while so I forgot just how awesome his moonsault is. The only drawback to this match was that Bashir was doing little more than punches and kicks throughout the night. Still, Daniels kept things exciting.
WINNER: Christopher Daniels
4. TNA World Tag Team Championship Match: Beer Money Inc. (Robert Roode & "Tennessee Cowboy" James Storm) (Champions) vs. Team 3-D (Brother Ray & Brother Devon): This match was very old school in that both teams took their time building up the audience's anticipation before starting things off. Lots of comedy spots including Beer Money getting into it with referee Earl Hebner, leading to Brother Ray putting on Hebner's striped shirt and reffing a match between Storm and Hebner. Team 3-D dominated the match but some clever (some might say illegal) double teams by the champions spelled the end for Team 3-D.
WINNERS: Beer Money Inc. (by pinfall).
After the match, Bashir went to celebrate with Beer Money but the champions wanted nothing to do with them. Instead, Storm sprayed beer in Bashir's face then rolled him into the ring where Team 3-D anxiously awaited him. Bashir went through the table, much to the delight of the audience. Team 3-D worked the crowd and gave away a piece of the broken table to a young fan.
5. X Division Title Match (Three Way Dance): "Black Machismo" Jay Lethal vs. Suicide vs. Homicide (Champion)- Jeremy Borash announced that a new champion had been crowned this week and that TNA fans could watch the title match this Thursday on Impact. Decent X match with Homicide retaining.
6. Legends Title Match: Samoa Joe vs. A.J. Styles: I was surprised to see Joe wrestle (especially in a singles match) given his injury. You couldn't tell Joe was injured by the performance he put in. During the match, Kurt Angle ran out and tried to interfere but Mick Foley came out to stop him. Excellent main event with Styles hitting the Pele followed by the Styles Clash for the win.
WINNER: A.J. Styles (by pinfall).
After the match, Mick Foley congratulated Styles on his victory. He thanked the fans for supporting TNA then informed the fans that they had a special birthday to celebrate-that of legendary wrestler (and Buffalo native) The Destroyer. Foley led the fans in singing Happy Birthday as the Destroyer made his way to ringside. Foley then thanked the Destroyer for paving the way for all of today's stars. The Destroyer thanked Foley and told Foley that he's lot better wrestler than he is a singer.
Following the birthday celebration, Jeremy Borash informed the fans that they didn't have enough backstage passes for the fans so they were bringing the wrestlers out to meet them. Some of the evening's stars showed up to do autographs and mingle with the fans. There was also an opportunity to get in the six sided ring and take a picture with a TNA star for twenty bucks.
This was a really fun evening. While there weren't a lot of matches, the wrestlers put on a good show and really knew how to interact with the fans during the matches. That's something that you just don't see a lot of anymore. TNA really went out of its way to make the fans feel appreciated. The only real drawback to tonight's show was the obnoxiously bright lights they used to light the stage. They were so bright that you couldn't see all of the action and taking pictures was a bit of a chore. Still, one of the most fun house shows I've been to in quite a while.
2010 - Corey Maclin issued the following statement to PWInsider.com in regard to the lawsuit Jerry Lawler filed against him. Maclin's comments do not reflect the views of PWInsider.com or any of it's staff:
I was saddened to hear that my associate of many years Jerry Lawler had Joe Cooper a convicted felon file a lawsuit on his behalf against me.
I have worked very closely with Jerry Lawler over the years and made him a lot of money along the way. He was the face of Memphis Wrestling for many years but even when his star started to fade here locally in Memphis and he was no longer the major draw that he used to be I continued to keep him in the spotlight.
This lawsuit wasn't filed until after I sent a cease and desist letter to Jerry and WPXX TV asking that I not be used in the new Jerry Lawler Memphis Wrestling program or that any tapes that Maclin and Associates owned be used in the programming. I have stood by Lawler through thick and thin over the years through numerous claims and accusations against him continuing to feature him on my programming.
I wanted to give Jerry Lawler one more shot at his former Memphis glory by signing Hulk Hogan to face him at the Fed Ex Forum a match he publicly agreed to and promised to be the biggest match in decades that Memphis Wrestling produced. We felt sure that this rematch twenty five years in the making promoted properly with the original players Hulk Hogan, Jerry Lawler and Jimmy Hart along with all the original footage that we had would give Lawler one final time to shine and truly be the only living King of Memphis one more time.
When we sat down with Hulk and Jerry in Lawler's house along with Jimmy Hart, Hulk advised Lawler that he should ask WWE for permission to work the match. At that point Jerry Lawler advised all of us in the room that he learned long ago that it was much better to ask for forgiveness rather than permission. I was stunned when he pulled out of the match citing reasons that were clearly false letting down me and most importantly the people of Memphis who allowed Jerry Lawler to call himself a King all these years.
I believe that this lawsuit is political in nature, I always knew that Jerry was a Republican but was stunned to find out that he had a sign in his yard supporting a man that as far as I know he has never met my opponent in the race for Clerk of Shelby County. I can no longer promote or support Jerry Lawler personally or professionally. I am saddened by the people he has chosen to associate with (known felons) and can no longer be a part of any project Mr. Lawler is involved with.
I find it to be almost ironic that at a time when Mr. Lawler's employer Linda McMahon is running for State Office in Ct while having to deal with all kinds of accusations regarding the wrestling business and how that determines her competency to be in office that Mr. Lawler would use the wrestling business to try to derail my bid to serve the people of Shelby County, TN.
In closing, let me say that Jerry has become very disenchanted with the Memphis political scene since his last run for Mayor where many people had told him to his face they would support him. His resounding loss in that election opened his eyes wide to many things, in no way was he expecting such a lopsided loss and total lack of support from the community. I believe that anger over his failed attempt at office and my wish not to be involved in his new project were the motivation behind this lawsuit that I believe will be shown to be without merit.
I will make no further public comments on this lawsuit. I will continue to work towards becoming Shelby County Clerk and look forward to serving the people of Shelby County in the coming years.
Corey Maclin
2010 - The 2010 Victory Road PPV opened with a video feature focusing on Abyss, including an homage to the famous scene in the Universal monster classic Frankenstein featuring a little girl handing Abyss a flower.
Mike Tenay welcomed everyone to the PPV.
TNA X-Division champion Douglas Williams vs. Brian Kendrick - Ultimate X with Submissions Legal
Williams went right to the corner to climb up to the cables but Kendrick attacked him. Williams overcame the attack and took Kendrick to the mat, then used a cravate to hold Kendrick to the mat. Kendrick made a comeback and peppered Williams in the corner with punches. Williams fought his way out and nailed a running knee strike in the corner, suplexed Kendrick and bridged over into an Oriental Torture Device for a submission attempt. Kendrick made it to the ropes but Williams grabbed him in a front facelock. Kendrick fought his way out but was caught with a missile dropkick off the middle rope. Kendrick went for a Cobra Clutch but Williams escaped and nailed a leaping forearm.
Williams scissored Kendrick's head between his legs as the fans chanted for Kendrick. Kendrick was able to escape and attacked Williams with over a dozen crossfaces. Williams raised himself to his feet as Kendrick was on his back and fell backwards, taking out Kendrick. Williams pulled Kendrick over his back for a hangman's neckbreaker. Kendrick dropped out and nailed several leaping kicks. He went back to the Cobra Clutch but Williams drove Kendrick backwards into the corner. He charged Kendrick, who backdropped him over the ropes to the floor. Williams made his way to the corner from the outside and tried to climb up but Kendrick pulled him backwards into the ring, hanging upside down with a choke.
Kendrick climbed over Williams and attempted to climb the metal trusts but Williams grabbed him and nailed a back suplex off the top rope into the ring, hurting both. Williams grabbed the dazed Kendrick, and tried to snapmare him over into a submission but Kendrick rolled through and went right to the Cobra Clutch. They pointed out Kendrick made Williams tap out previously to explain the strategy. Williams rolled through the ropes to the entrance ramp, then off of it to break the hold.
Kendrick began climbing the trust. Williams followed. They battled until Williams punched Kendrick, who fell and bumped off, snapping off the ropes, before landing on the Impact Zone floor. Williams climbed down since he's afraid of heights. Williams pulled out a pair of white gloves and paintbrushed Kendrick across the face with them, then slammed him into the apron. Williams and Kendrick battled on the cables. Kendrick appeared to be going for the Cobra Clutch, but both men fell off the aprons. Kendrick appeared out on the landing. Williams locked in a choke and Kendrick's arm was dropped three times.
Your winner, Douglas Williams!
As a submission match, this was OK but as an Ultimate X match, this was far below the usual level that fans would come to expect from that stipulation. I enjoyed the bout but the UX stip was really unnecessary here based on how the match was booked.
Mike Tenay and Taz discussed the TNA title bout and the three challengers.
Christy Hemme tried to interview Brother Ray. Ray grabbed the mic and said that Jesse Neal was a failure like her edition of Playboy. He said Neal was a failure to his family and his dead friend and will be one tonight and one in the wrestling business. Ray said that it wasn't in Devon's best interest to lay a hand on him. Ray said that he made Devon and Devon would be nowhere without him. Hemme looked disgusted so Ray asked her if she was going to cry because he'd like to see her cry. Ray said he is Team 3D and tonight, he was going to finish this. He stormed off.
Video feature on the three-way including a clip of Tommy Dreamer's cameo last month.
Brother Ray vs. Jesse Neal vs. Brother Devon
Brother Ray attacked Neal as he was coming down the ring ramp. Devon's music played but there was no sign of him as Ray kept beating the hell out of Neal around ringside. Cameras went backstage where Devon was trapped behind a locked door that had been jimmied not to open. Devon was screaming through the door for Hogan or Bischoff or someone to get the door open. Ray tossed Neal in the ring as the bell rang. Ray controlled Jesse, punching him. Ray controlled Jesse for some time,
Tommy Dreamer, Raven, Rhino and Stevie Richards made their way through the Impact Zone as fans chanted for ECW. Ray began jawing with them, allowing Neal to spear Ray for a two count. Jesse made a big comeback, working over Ray but was cut off with a back elbow. Ray grabbed a chair. Shannon Moore rushed the ring but was held back the referee. That allowed Ray to slam Neal over the back with the chair while the ref's back was turned.
Devon's music hit and he came to the ring, obviously freed. Ray shook his head no as Devon made his way. Team 3D went face to face for a long time, then turned to look over Neal. Ray went to hit Devon but Devon blocked it. Neal went to spear Ray but he moved and Neal speared Devon. Ray hit the Bubba Bomb on Neal and scored the pin.
Your winner, Brother Ray!
Fans were so upset over the result, they began chanting ECW again at the former ECW crew.
Good pre-match promo from Ray. The match was short but fine for the time they had and they continued the issues between all three while adding the fact that Neal speared Devon.
Video feature on the TNA Knockouts championship.
TNA Knockouts champion Madison Rayne vs. Angelina Love: Title vs. Career
They noted that if The Beautiful People interfere, Rayne will be DQ'd and Love will win the title.
Love cleaned house on Rayne early, including a clothesline on the floor for a two count. Love went for a slam but Rayne raked her eyes and tossed her into the corner. Rayne choked Love in the corner, then ran her head-first into the other. Rayne nailed several kneelifts and a neck breaker for a two count. Rayne set up Love for the Scissor stomp, smashing her head into the mat several times. Love came back with a clothesline and a jawbreaker.
Love rebounded off the ropes with several clotheslines. Rayne took her out and grabbed a chair from ringside. The referee argued with Rayne, who ignored her. Love kicked the chair into Rayne's face. A woman in black wearing a motorcycle helmet drove into the Impact Zone. Love dared her to get in the ring. Rayne knocked Love to the floor, where the helmeted woman threw Love into the ringpost. The referee tried to see who the woman was and was tossed down by the woman.
The referee called for the DQ. After conferring with Jeremy Borash, Borash announced that due to the interference, Love was the new champion by DQ. Rayne looked shocked since she could only lose the belt if one of the BPs interfered, then got on the back of the motorcycle and the mystery woman drove off.
Weak finish to a match that never seemed to get out of first gear. If they were going to do a title change, why not do a clean finish? I guess the idea was to create a mystery over whether it really was one of the BPs who interfered or not.
Christy Hemme interviewed Ken Anderson about the TNA title match. Anderson mocked all the things he's supposed to say about the other men he's facing, clowning around. He said that earlier today he had an epiphany to do something special tonight, coming in as "normal, ordinary a**holes" but when the smoke clears, he'll have the opportunity to become "World Heavyweight champion a**hole."
AJ Styles & Kazarian vs. Samoa Joe & Rob Terry
Styles and Kazarian weren't happy when Joe was revealed. Styles faced off with Terry, then tagged out to Kazarian. Terry grabbed Kazarian in a claw, then smashed him down. Kazarian went to the floor, frustrated. Joe attacked him on the floor, tagging him with rights. Styles came charging but Joe smashed him with a boot to the face, then tossed Kazarian back in. Joe tagged in and nailed a ton of strikes as the fans chanted "Joe's gonna kill you."
Terry tagged in and tossed both Styles and Kazarian to the floor. Joe hit a suicide dive into a forearm smash on both. Back in the ring, Joe charged Styles in the corner. Styles raked his face and set up Joe for Kazarian to hit a slingshot DDT for a two count. Kazarian nailed a leg lariat as he and Styles began working together, working over Joe. Styles took Joe to the mat with a front facelock. Joe finally caught Styles in the corner with an Uranage and tagged Terry in.
Terry whips Styles into the corner, where he cannonballs in. Terry hits a huge backdrop on Kazarian, then presses and slams Styles. Terry misses a big boot but catches Kazarian trying to hit a high cross bodyblock and nailed a Fall Away Slam. Terry hits the over the shoulder powerslam for a two count on Styles. Kazarian breaks it up. Joe hits the ring and chops away at them. Joe set up Kazarian for the muscle buster but Desmond Wolfe ran out and pulled Joe to the floor. Joe and Wolfe battled on the floor. Joe knocked him down as Kazarian laid out Joe from behind. Wolfe charged Terry but was laid out.
Styles nailed a flying forearm on Terry. Kazarian followed up with a leg lariat and Styles hit a springboard 450 splash for the pin.
Your winners, AJ Styles and Frankie Kazarian!
The two got all excited celebrating before they realized they don't really like each other. They thanked Wolfe as they left, leaving him to be killed by Joe with a Muscle Buster.
Good, but short match. Terry was booked exactly as he should be, as a monster who is protected. Kazarian and Styles showed promise as a team and it was the usual good work from Samoa Joe.
Christy Hemme interviewed Abyss backstage. He was holding a board that was brandished with nails. Abyss said "they" gave him the instructions to create the destruction and pave their way to taking over. He promised to show everyone in the main event what a "b**ch" his girl, the weapon, can be.
Christy Hemme interviewed Abyss backstage. He was holding a board that was brandished with nails. Abyss said "they" gave him the instructions to create the destruction and pave their way to taking over. He promised to show everyone in the main event what a "b**ch" his girl, the weapon, can be.
Video feature on Hernandez vs. Matt Morgan.
Matt Morgan vs. Hernandez - Steel Cage Match
Morgan and Hernandez jawed back and forth when the cage was locked. Morgan tried to escape but Hernandez attacked him and tossed him into the cage several times. Morgan whipped Hernandez into the corner but missed a charge. Hernandez crotched Morgan on the top rope then dropicked him off. Hernandez splashed Morgan into the cage several times. He set up for a third but Morgan moved and Hernandez slammed himself into the cage head-first.
Morgan took control, running Hernandez into the cage several times. Morgan set up Hernandez on the top turnbuckle and nailed him with a big boot to the face. Morgan stomped Hernandez, then stepped on his chest. Morgan began messing with the crowd, asking them how he should leave the cage. He finally had the door open and stepped out with one foot, then changed his mins and went back after Hernandez, so the story is that he had Hernandez beat and changed his mind. Hernandez was busted open and there was a great closeup of him screaming before Morgan slammed him into the cage. Morgan began raking Hernandez's cut head across the cage. The Sheik would be proud.
Morgan destroyed Hernandez with a series of punches and showed off his bloody hand. He whipped Hernandez into the corner but Hernandez fired back with a series of clotheslines. Morgan nailed him with a cheap shot and called for the Carbon Footprint but was hit with a shoulderblock by Hernandez. Hernandez went for the Border Toss but Hernandez wasn't able to hold him up. The announcers said that perhaps Morgan rakes his eyes. Morgan took over but missed a charge in the corner. Hernandez went for it again and slipped as he hit the move, so it was more of a nasty looking powerbomb.
Hernandez climbed to the top of the cage but instead of escaping, he did a splash off the top. Morgan rolled out of the way. Fans chanted for TNA. Morgan pulled out a pair of handcuffs he smugged into the ring. He cuffed Hernandez to the rope. Morgan mocked him, then began climbing out of the cage. Hernandez ripped the cuffs open, then charged and dove through the door, landing on the rampway for the win.
Your winner, Hernandez!
Match was OK. Both guys were working really hard and it's hard to criticize a match where they took this type of punishment, especially Hernandez but parts of it were scary to watch and the finish was "too" creative for a Cage match where the babyface is winning but the heel is still standing strong.
Christy Hemme interviewed Jay Lethal. Hemme said tonight is Lethal's dream come true. Flair said that sometimes, he thinks Hemme is blonde if she thinks Lethal has a chance to defeat Flair. He said that he was going to beat Lethal so hard, he's going to go back to the future. Flair said that he is the reason there is even a wrestling business. He said that he was going to walk that aisle while Lethal is going to stand there and wondering what he's done to himself. Flair said that he hates showing off but tonight, he's going to be "Naitchin'" and is going to kick Lethal's ass. He said he was going to beat Lethal so hard, Lethal is going to go back to his mother's breasts and ask what he did wrong. He said that he should be sipping red wine and making love to a beautiful woman but instead he's going to be the 60 minute man. He said Lethal pissed him off and now he's going to see what happens when someone does that. Real good promo.
Taz and Mike Tenay discussed the Flair vs. Lethal bout.
Ric Flair vs. Jay Lethal
Lethal came out wearing a red and yellow robe that was emblazoned with the words "Living the Dream." Taz said it was in tribute to Hulk Hogan for making the match. The fans were strongly behind Lethal at the bell. They locked up with Lethal grabbing a side headlock. Flair reversed but was shoved off. Lethal mocked Flair's mannerisms. Flair shoulderblocked him down but was caught with a dropkick. Lethal backdropped Flair over and clotheslined Flair over the top to the floor.
As Flair returned to the apron, he caught Lethal in the gut with a shoulder and tried to suplex Lethal out of the ring. Lethal reversed it and suplexed Flair into the ring for a two count. He nailed a missile dropkick for another but Flair caught Lethal with a thumb to the eye. Flair chopped away on Lethal in the corner. Lethal blocked a punch and began chopping away on Flair in the corner. Flair stumbled out of the corner and hit the Flair flop.
Flair went to the top rope but Lethal caught him. Lethal scored with a superplex into the ring, then teased a top rope elbowsmash. He instead went for a moonsault but Flair rolled out of the way. Flair began working on Lethal's legs to set up for the figure four leglock. Dueling chants began. Flair finally locked in the figure four in the center of the ring and began using the ropes for leverage. Lethal sold the figure four like a champ. Hebner finally caught Flair using the ropes and forced a break. Flair shoved Hebner, who shoved back and Lethal rolled up Flair for a two count.
Flair grabbed Lethal by the mouth, fishhooking him and dragging him to the corner. Flair began working over Lethal in the corner with chops. Lethal finally began returning them in kind. Lethal ducked a clothesline and nailed a flying forearm. Lethal reversed an Irish whip and hit a handspring elbow. Taz said Flair thinks he's back in the ring with Muta right now. Big pop! Flair tossed Lethal into the corner but Lethal did the Flair Flop, landing on the apron and doing a strut. Flair charged and Lethal sunset flipped him over the ropes, pulling Flair's tights down in the process. Taz said sometimes, you just gotta show your ass.
Flair came back with a sleeper but Lethal slipped out and came off the ropes with knees over Flair's legs. Flair began limping. Lethal began working on Flair's legs, then locked a figure four of his own in the center of the ring. Flair tapped!
Your winner, Jay Lethal!
Good match and probably better than anyone should have expected out of Flair at this point and time. They did all the trademark Flair stuff and Lethal did a real good job and looked like a top flight guy..
Flair shoved Hebner after the match but Hebner shoved him back down. Lethal took the mic and said, "Hey Mom! I did it!"
Christy Hemme interviewed Jeff Hardy. Hardy said he's going to keep the Victory Road hot and all his creatures were going to fly high with him as the new World champion.
Mike Tenay previewed the TNA Tag Team title bout.
Tournament Final: Beer Money Inc. vs. The Motor City Machineguns for TNA Tag Team championship
Shelley and Roode started. The Guns controlled early but Roode caught Sabin with a punch. The Guns came back with some double team moves, taking James down from the apron with a dropkick and knocking Roode out of the ring with a flurry of offense. Roode nailed Sabin with a hard shot but Shelley caught him with a bulldog. Shelley worked over Roode's arm. The Guns tagged in and out to keep Roode off balance and wear him down. Taz referenced Mel Torme as a tap dancer. Hey Taz, you want to use Fred Astaire for that next time. Save Mel Torme for the Night Court references!
Storm got into it with Sabin, allowing Roode to post Shelley's nether-regions. Storm locked in a rear chinlock. Shelley tried to fight back but was cut off. Beer Money nailed a double team suplex. So far, so good. Roode nailed a gutbuster for a two count. He cinched in a gut wrench from behind to wear down Shelley. Shelley began using elbows to fight his way out, but was shoved into the turnbuckles in Beer Money's corner. Storm tagged in and continued to wear down Shelley on the mat.
Roode grabbed Shelley and held him in the corner but Shelley fought his way out. Shelley went for the hot tag but was cut off. He finally made it. Sabin shoved Roode into his own partner and hit a twisting DDT on Roode. Storm broke it up. Sabin punted Storm in the face with a nasty kick to the face. Sabin hit a springboard dive for a two count. The Guns began double teaming Roode with synchronized moves. Shelley nailed a standing sliced bread #2 for a two count on Roode. Roode nailed Shelley with a Stun Gun.
Sabin battled both members of Beer Money but was cut off. Storm nailed the Whirlybird. They slammed Shelley over Roode's knees for a two count. Beer Money was shocked there was a kick out. Fans began chanting for the Guns. The Guns hit their series of kicks to the head of Roode but Storm clotheslined them both out of the corner. Good match.
Storm went for a kick but Shelley blocked it. Sabin nailed a big boot to the back of the head. Storm went to the floor where Sabin nailed a high cross body to the outside. Roode went outside but Shelley hit a suicide dive. Best match on the show so far. Storm grabbed a beer bottle from ringside as the Guns worked over Roode. Storm spit it into the eyes of the referee Brian Hebner when he meant to nail Shelley. The Guns laid out Roode but there was no referee to count. Earl Hebner hit the ring, stumbling through the ropes, and made the count but Roode kicked out at two.
Sabin hit Air Sabu off Shelley's back in the corner on Roode, then dove through the ropes on Storm. Roode caught Shelley with a spinebuster but Shelley kicked out. Roode was extremely frustrated and showed it. Roode and Shelley went back and forth. The Guns murdered him with kicks. Storm rolled up Sabin as Shelley covered Roode. Each referee counted a pin. Beer Money's music played but father and son argued over who won. In the end, they restarted the match, which the crowd loved. Nice false finish.
Beer Money too out the Guns at the bell but the Guns came back with offense so fast there was no way I could recap it all. The crowd is loving this. Shelley nailed a high cross bodyblock off the top on Roode and scored the pin.
Your winners and new TNA Tag Team champions, The Motor City
Really good tag match with some good back and forth wrestling and flashy dives from The Guns. In my eyes, this was the best thing on the show by far and a lot of fun. Big thumbs up here. The only criticism one could make was the false finish. In my eyes, so many shenanigans early on in the show really hurt the false finish because fans expected more of what they had already seen tonight. Had TNA waited until this match to do the false finish, it would have worked better. But, inside the ring, great stuff.
They aired a video feature on Kurt Angle vs. Pope D'Angelo Dinero.
Kurt Angle vs. Pope D'Angelo Dinero
They did some sweet back and forth wrestling early. Pope nailed a shoulderblock that sent Angle to the floor to regroup. Pope held the ropes open for Angle as he returned to the ring. Angle shows Pope respect, then grabbed him and powerbombed him into the corner. Angle nailed a snap suplex and covered Pope for a two count, Angle grabbed Pope with a rear chinlock, torqing his neck back hard. Pope fought back to his feet but Angle caught him rebounding off the ropes with a knee to the gut, sending Pope over. Angle covered him for a two count and nailed a backdrop suplex, then covered him again.
Pope came back to grab a sleeper but Angle shoved him off into the ropes and locked in one of his own. Pope reversed and nailed a back suplex on Angle. They returned to their feet, where Pope got the better of Angle with a series of rights, an inverted atomic drop and an elbow. Angle came back with a release belly to belly suplex for a two count. Pope came back to nail a series of German suplexes on angle, then hit a back heel trip into a cradle for a two count.
Pope for the the DEE in the corner but Angle evaded it and began nailing his sequence of German suplexes. He covered Pope but only garnered a two count for his efforts. Pope came back with the back hand slap and snapped off the ropes, landing on Angle's back and head as his slid through the ropes. Angle came back with a belly to belly suplex for a two count. Angle charged Pope in the corner but Pope moved and Angle slammed into the ringpost shoulder-first. Pope drove his knees into Angle's chest but Angle kicked up at the last second. Fans began chanting for Angle.
Angle went up and over to avoid a Pope charge and nailed the Angleslam for a two count. Angle pulled down the straps and locked in the anklelock. Pope fought for the ropes but pulled him back into the center of the ring. Pope finally powered up and rolled Angle into a forward roll for a two count. Angle went for a sunset flip but Pope dropped down for a two count. Angle rolled him into another anklelock and scissored his body. Trapped, the Pope had no choice but to tap.
Your winner, Kurt Angle.
Good, athletic match from bell to bell. The show is picking up some stream.
Christy Hemme interviewed TNA champion Rob Van Dam. RVD said that he was cool with Jeff Hardy but he knows that he doesn't have any friends out there. He promised to shove Abyss' girl where the sun doesn't shine and that he would retain the World title.
TNA champion Rob Van Dam vs. Mr. Anderson vs. Abyss vs. Jeff Hardy
The three babyfaces went after Abyss at the onset and worked him over in the corner. They each took turns punching Abyss in the corner, then RVD nailed a monkey flip out of the corner. Abyss rolled out of the ring, where Hardy did a dive over the top to the floor. RVD watched them but Anderson rolled him up to attempt to score a pinfall, showing he's an a**hole. RVD nailed the reverse windmill kick, then a corkscrew legdrop. Van Dam went for Rolling Thunder but Abyss grabbed him and dragged RVD outside and took him out.
Abyss returned to the ring and stalked Anderson but Hardy attacked him. Abyss grabbed Hardy and Anderson for a double chokeslam but they kicked him and took him down. Hardy and Anderson worked over Abyss. Anderson set himself up for Air Sabu but when Hardy charged, Anderson bodypressed him for a two count. Hardy took out Anderson but RVD hit the ring. Hardy caught him with a kick and suplex, then floated over for a two count.
Van Dam and Hardy went back and forth, then RVD hit a dive over the top onto Abyss. Hardy hit a dive onto both. Anderson went to the top and came off with a double sledgehammer onto Abyss. They showed Hardy grabbing his knee on the outside. Back in the ring, RVD nailed a split legged moonsault but Hardy broke up the pin on Anderson. Van Dam scored with a spinkick to the face on Hardy. Van Dam went to the top for the Ryder Kick but Anderson took his legs out from him. Anderson cinched up Van Dam for a superplex but RVD fought him. Hardy joined the fight in the corner. They did a Tower of Doom spot where Van Dam was superplexed in by Anderson and Hardy as Abyss grabbed them both with modified shoving chokeslams.
Abyss tried to make a pinfall but Anderson kicked up. Abyss grabbed Van Dam for a chokeslam but RVD escaped. Van Dam hit a springboard kick on Abyss, then a running clothesline on Hardy. RVD went to the top for the frog Splash but Anderson shoved him off the top rope to the floor. Abyss was taken out and it came down to Anderson and Hardy. They began battling and Anderson got the better of the exchange.
Anderson went for the Mic Check but Hardy blocked and went for the Twist of Fate. Anderson countered but was hit with an elbow. Hardy nailed a Twist of Fate. Hardy went for the swanton and nailed it. Abyss grabbed Hardy and chokeslammed him onto Anderson. Abyss covered them but Van Dam hit the Five Star Frog Splash on all three, then covered Anderson for the pin.
Your winner and still TNA champion, Rob Van Dam!
Abyss attacked Van Dam from behind and began stomping him. Abyss went to nail RVD with his board of nails but RVD moved. Abyss pounded the mat in anger, ripping up the mat. The announcers wondered who could control Abyss as they went off the air.
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