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July 28th
On this day in history in ....
1977 - Seji Sakaguchi & Strong Kobayashi defeat Tiger Jeet Singh & Umanosuke Ueda for the NWF North American Tag Team Title in Fukuoka, Japan. This begins the second run with the belts for Sakaguchi & Kobayashi.
1980 - Killer Karl Krupp & El Mongol defeat Ken Lucas & Ricky Morton to win the AWA Southern Tag Team Title in Memphis, Tennessee.
1983 - Satanico defeats Ringo Mendoza for the NWA World Light Heavyweight Title in Mexico City, Mexico.
1985 - The Cobra defeats Hiro Saito for the WWF World Junior Heavyweight Title in Osaka, Japan. This match starts The Cobra's second reign with the title, and he would ultimately vacate it when WWF and New Japan break off relations.
1986 - The Great American Bash tour pulled into the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina. Here are the results from the show:
- Steve Regal defeated Sam Houston.
- Black Bart & Konga The Barbarian defeated Denny Brown & The Italian Stallion.
- Manny Fernandez defeated Baron Von Raschke in a Loaded Glove On A Pole match.
- Wahoo McDaniel defeated Jimmy Garvin in an Indian Strap match.
- Tully Blanchard pinned Ronnie Garvin in the fourth round of a Taped Fist match.
- The Rock N' Roll Express vs. Ole & Arn Anderson went to a 20-minute draw.
- Paul Jones defeated Jimmy Valiant in a Hair vs. Hair match, and Valiant had his head shaved bald.
- The Road Warriors & Baby Doll defeated The Midnight Express (Dennis Condrey & Bobby Eaton) & Jim Cornette in a steel cage match.
- Dusty Rhodes defeated Ric Flair to win the NWA World Heavyweight Title in a steel cage match. This would begin The American Dream's third, and final, NWA World Heavyweight Title reign.
1987 - Wendi Richter defeats Monster Ripper (Bertha Faye) for the WWC Women's Title in Trinidad. This would begin Richter's second run with the title.
1990 - The 27th edition of WWF's "Saturday Night's Main Event" aired on NBC, earning a 7.2 rating. The show featured the following matches, which were taped on July 16th in Omaha, Nebraska:
- WWF World Heavyweight Champion The Ultimate Warrior defeated Rick Rude via DQ.
- WWF Tag Team Champions Demolition defeated The Rockers when Ax pinned Shawn Michaels.
- WWF Intercontinental Champion Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig defeated Tito Santana.
- Texas Tornado Kerry Von Erich defeated Buddy Rose.
1992 - Destructores (Volcano & Tony Arce) defeat Misterioso & Volador for the Mexican National Tag Team Title for the third time in Monterrey, Mexico.
1994 - Silver King defeats Black Magic (Norman Smiley) for the CMLL World Heavyweight Title in Cuernavaca, Mexico.
1995 - Eddie Guerrero defeats Dean Malenko in Middletown, New York to win back the ECW World Television Title he had lost a week earlier in Florida. This show also saw the ECW debut of the Steiner Brothers, who defeated Vampire Warrior & Dudley Dudley.
1997 - Alex Wright defeats Chris Jericho for the WCW Cruiserweight Title in Charleston, West Virginia.
2000 - Masao Inoue & Yoshinobu Kanemaru of Pro Wrestling Noah defeat Jado & Gedo for the WEW (FMW) Tag Team Title in Tokyo, Japan.
2006 - After being pulled from WWE action due to concerns about elevated enzymes in his liver during a WWE Wellness Policy test, Bobby Lashley is cleared to return to the ring. The test, which also caused problems for other WWE talents, is later thrown out as having been contaminated by the labratory that handled the testing.
2007 - TNA signed suspended Tennessee Titan cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones to a deal that would see the NFL star perform as a professional wrestler. The NFL would step in to prevent Jones from being truly physically involved, although he would have a run as TNA Tag Team champion and would get to pin Sting during his run. Jones was suspended for the entire 2007 NFL season without pay for off-the-field personal conduct problems, including a Las Vegas strip club shooting incident that left former independent pro wrestler Tommy Urbanski paralyzed.
2007 - One of the toughest men to ever walk Planet Earth, Karl Gotch passed away in Florida. Gotch was looked at as one of the toughest men in the world when he was active, and was revered in Japan. He was a big proponent of the "shoot style" and is credited for popularizing the German suplex, to the point that many state he invented the move (although Gotch himself denied creating it).
2007 - WWE Smackdown and ECW ran a live event in Singapore. Go Boon Wan filed the following live report:
I attended the Smackdown/ECW house show last night at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Here are the results of the show.
Ric Flair beat Chris Masters. The crowd was very respectful of Flair and cheered when he put on the Figure Four for the victory.
Deuce and Domino beat The Majors. Cherry was with the champions. They got good heel heat.
Michelle McCool beat Victoria. The crowd seemed surprised by this result.
Elijah Burke beat Stevie Richards by using the ropes. The crowd booed this result.
John Morrison beat Tommy Dreamer to keep the ECW Title. CM Punk was not at the show which made the fans angry.
Kane beat Finlay with the big chokeslam. The crowd loved Kane!
Rey Mysterio beat Chavo Guerrero with the 619. The crowd went crazy for Rey. He seemed to love being in front of the crowd again.
Batista beat Great Khali but it was a DQ so Khali is the champ. What happened was Finlay ran in and beat up Batista. Kane came down and saved him. This led to a tag team match that Batista and Kane won after they pinned Finlay.
It was a very fun show for the fans in Singapore.
2007 - WWE developmental Ohio Valley Wrestling ran Elizabethtown, KY. Trevor Goodman filed the following live report:
Elizabethtown, Kentucky has been a monthly stop for OVW since the beginning of the promotion. I have been going to these events for several years, and have truly enjoyed seeing the progression and development of these men and women working hard to achieve their dreams. Elizabethtown is probably the best place besides the Six Flags shows, to really see what the young talents can really do when given some time to work.
The only two major stars that OVW produced that was brought up to the main roster before the Elizabethtown tours began were Randy Orton and Brock Lesnar. It's really been amazing to have seen matches of current stars on Raw, Smackdown, ECW and TNA before they made it to the "show". There are some that you knew would be big, some that really improved and grew on you, and some that it broke your heart that they didn't achieve their dream.
To many WWE fans a guy like Mike Mondo was in a ridiculous gimmick and became a jobber to the stars. To an OVW fan, he was a guy that achieved his dream of making it to the show, that most figured never would. I now find myself watching the shows more to check on the OWV guys and gals, as much as seeing what storylines and matches they throw at us.
In the past six years I've seen matches in Elizabethtown featuring talents such as John Cena, Batista, Ken Kennady, C.M. Punk, Brent Albright, Deuce and Domino, Bobby Lashley, Johnny Nitro, Elijah Burke, Kenny Dykstra, Mickie James, Beth Phoenix, Melina, Carlito, Paul London, Armando Alejandro Estrada, Doug Basham, The Damaja, Tomko, Kevin Thorn, Shelton Benjamin, Cody Rhodes, and many others. Tickets are five dollars a seat, not a bad deal for seeing someone that could be headlining a pay per view someday or a major player on the big shows. It's a lot like minor league baseball, sometimes you really feel like you are seeing something special. I feel like I've witnessed people living out and sometimes succeeding at their dreams.
Last night we had Kenny Bolin making his first appearance in several years to sit ringside. He was shilling some DVD's and merchandise. Timmy Baltimore was our ring announcer. Al Snow and Robert Gibson were sitting in the balcony with the other wrestlers watching and analyzing the performances. The card started at 7:30 and ended after 11 matches at 10:50. Eleven matches for five bucks, is a pretty good deal.
Here are the match results along with a few notes.
1. "The Professional" Mike Mondo defeated "The Jaguar" Dre Blitz after a forearm smash. Mondo was in a coaching role with young Blitz last night. Blitz is a member of the Derby City Wrestling feeder system for OVW. I think this was his opportunity to work with a higher tier talent/aka do the job. It's hard to say what kind of promise Blitz has. Mondo carried him through a very basic match, with a little bit of matwork. However, there have been a few amateur showcase stars that have made it to the main roster including Domino (Cliff Compton), JTG and Armando Alejandro Estrada, so I guess anything is possible.
2. Armando Alejandro Estrada defeated The Prodigy after a DDT. Estrada has come a long way in his ring work. He now can put on a respectable match tying in his comedic talents on the mic and interacting with the fans during throughout. I have to believe with his comedic abilities that he would be a natural for a talk show segment. ECW could use a few new elements including a little humor. There is no one on there to currently make you chuckle, unless you put the Miz in that category, for his unintentional humor. The Prodigy, I believe, is Tomasso under a mask. He has been working in a mangerial role lately for Ox and Hammer. This match put a lot of smiles on people faces and Estrada came off like a star in his personna.
3. Ox and Hammer defeated Jesse and Festus after a double team shoulderblock. I'm sure you are so envious that you didn't get to see this one live. LOL Much to my surprise, I was impressed with Jesse and Festus. That may be the first time that's ever been said. I've been very curious as to what in the world they were going to do with these guys upon their arrival. This is their second appearance in Elizabethtown. The first time they appeared in a gauntlet match and didn't show any direction toward their characters. This time, we got a possible preview of their Smackdown gimmick. The best way to describe it is a comedy gimmick that's possibly hoping to appeal to children in a Bushwhackers, George Steele kind of way. Festus' gimmick is that of a large child. He wanders off from ringside, pouts when he doesn't get to hurt the other guys, and tries to evade Jesse by hopping into the crowd. Jesse comes off as the sympathizing older brother that's trying to nicely keep his big buddy in line. Yes, it sounds stupid, I know. However, Festus has a Jim Carey thing going where his facial expressions and body mannerisms make his actions funny. It's one of those things that's so odd, you can't help but chuckle a little. The kids at ringside really enjoyed Festus. He even played up the chanting of his name quite well. His gimmick isn't groundbreaking, but the way he plays it is a little different. Will it put butts in seats? Probably not. I think they may be hoping for an Eric Young type of thing to happen. When Festus is in the ring, he has this Hulkesque look on his face and tries to fight in a Little Rascals sped up style of attacking. Gordy actually is a good worker. Festus has good charisma, but falls into the typical big man category. I like the progression of the Ox and Hammer team. They are both good on the mic and really know how to keep the fans interested with their antics. The Ox is a really good trash talker with the fans. He may be the best in the company. If he wanted, he could channel Bubba Ray Dudley and really rile up the fans.
4. Jacob Duncan w/ Beth Phoenix defeated a young worker who's name wasn't announced, by DQ after being blasted with a chair by Antoni Pulaski. Duncan challenged Pulaski to try to win his body slam challenge. Pulaski stated that Duncan had to beat his hand picked opponent, in order to get a shot at Pulaski at Six Flags on Friday. Duncan is another guy that has shown so much improvement. He may be getting closer to a shot at ECW. I believe he could work a decent big man match with the right match up. I like Pulaski. His modern day version of King Kong Bundy has a place in the WWE.
5. Goose Mahoney dressed as Ric Flair and billed as the Nature Goose and ODB defeated Katie Lea and Mini B by pinfall. Mahoney does do a good job in his wrestler parodies. He even did a flip over the turnbuckle and ran to the top rope, stepped down to the second rope and was slammed by Mini B. That move doesn't work for Goose either. The crowd enjoyed the comedy routine.
6. Beth Phoenix won a five woman scramble over Nattie Neidhart, Serena, Shenaynay and another lady who's name I didn't catch. The beginning of the match featured some back and forth mat work by Nattie and Beth. A match with them would be fun to see. I was impressed with Nattie's interaction with the crowd and her ability in the ring.
7. Johnny Jeter pinned Jay Bradley. I really like Bradley and think he has some potential. He has a nice heel personna. Jeter came out with a local manager, and Bradley blamed his loss on him. He told Jeter that he won because he brought his babysitter. The match result prompted a challenge for next month in which the loser has to wear a bonnet and diaper. I think Jeter has some great skills. He peaked with the Matt Cappotelli storyline. I wish that he hadn't been so damaged after the Spirit Squad. I think Jeter, Dystra and Nemeth all had some real potential. Dykstra has the goods if they ever let him use it. Nemeth is possibly one of the best mat workers that I've seen in OVW that didn't come from Ring of Honor. Jeter reminds me of a young Chris Jericho.
8. The Next Generation Hart Foundation (Teddy Hart and Harry Smith w/ Nattie Neidhart) defeated The James Boys w/ Mini Bolen in a non-title match after a double team move that can only be described as a Teddy Hart blockbuster off the top rope as Harry Smith is powerbombing his man. The place came unglued for Teddy's performance. He really busted his ass last night. He pulled out an Asai moonsault, an amazing body press, a shooting star press and that tag team move that I mentioned above. The Harts were treated like stars and really looked like something special. The James Boys, who I also think has something special, did their part and made them look great. These two teams should be on the main roster by the end of the year, or something is really wrong. I know the Foundation won't be rushed, but the potential is there. Of course Teddy has the experience. I believe that they just need to gel before being moved up. It may happen very soon. I would love to see Jim Cornette managing The James Boys. They need a great fast talker to go with their gimmick. Although K.C,, can definately channel Tommy Rich when he wants to. You would have enjoyed this match. I believe they said that the Foundation will challenge the James Boys at Six Flags on Friday.
9. Shawn Spears defeated Steve Lewington after a low blow in a television title match. Spears really has the cowardly, dastardly heel gimmick down. I don't know if his size gets him a shot, but he really is getting to that point where he has jumped to the top of the roster. Spears throws one of the hardest chops you'll ever see. He always takes his opponents best in return to. The fans wanted to see Cody Rhodes make a run in. I don't think the general public is ready to let go of that feud, even though it looks like Cody will only be appearing on the tv show. Cody had a lot of really good matches during his time here.
10. Team America ( Mike Kruel, The Akbars and The Belgium Brawler) defeated Idol Stevens, Colt Cabana, Chet the Jet and Atlas DaBone. This match definitely had the crowd going as the faces belittled the B team members of Team America. Kruel tried to remain on the outside until later in the match. Roucka was in a sling, but still accompanied her team to the ring. No word on what happened to her. The faces were about to win, when Kruel as troubleshooter got on the mic and ejected referee Ray Ramsey and inserted Ramon Loco. The match ended when Kruel hit Colt Cabana with brass knuckles. This was a surprising outcome. Typically the eight man matches feature the top faces and they usually win. When Kruel was teamed with the Derby City regulars most figured they'd lose. I credit them with the surprise finish.
11. Vladimir Kozlov pinned Paul Burchill to become the new OVW Heavyweight Champion after using Mike Kruel's brass knuckles. I'm not sure if they have a Sunday show somewhere and plan to switch the belt back or not. Cody Rhodes won the title here at the beginning of the year and lost it the next day. I also am not sure if Burchill and Kozlov were scheduled to fight at Six Flags and was bumped due to the rain. Whatever the case, Kozlov was announced as the new champion and left with the belt. I keep hoping that the Ripper will appear in the WWE very soon. I believe you agree on that. If they keep his character the way it is, he could be a player down the road. Kozlov looked better than I've ever seen him. He is getting better, but has a long way to go to being watchable.
2008 - Pro Wrestling Unplugged ran the ECW Arena. Nate Stein filed the following report:
The intense action, the wall-to-wall packed crowd, and the announcement of PWU joining Philadelphia-area TV at the New Alhambra Arena made Pro Wrestling Unplugged’s “Iron & Steel” a night to remember.
* ZACH McGUIRE pinned JC RYDER
One-half of the New Jersey Independent All Stars, JC Ryder, was met with the crowd’s regular disgust for the state of New Jersey. But the fan-favorite deaf wrestler Zach McGuire was met with roaring approval. In a great start to the night, this fast paced back and forth match-up stayed hot from start to finish. In the end, the technical ability of McGuire caught Ryder in a clutch pin.
* TEAM P.I.T (“The Complete” Pete Hunter/Aramis w/ “The REAL Pitbull” Gary Wolf) defeated BLOODLINE (Gangrel/Billy Blade)
Despite the crowd solidly behind “The REAL Pitbull” Gary Wolf’s hand-picked protégés Pete Hunter & Aramis, Team P.I.T. had very powerful obstacles to overcome in Gangrel and Billy Blade. After a display of power and experience from Bloodline keeping the power of Hunter & agility of Aramis down, it was Gary Wolf’s teaching that shone through. Billy Blade attempting a cross body was caught by Hunter, who hit The Completion for the finish.
* Z-BARR rolls up DEVON MOORE for the pin
Only encouraged by the PWU fans’ hatred of him, Z-Barr was ready for battle. But Devon Moore was driven his own interest in starting a path back to the PWU World Title. Moore displayed intense offense, keeping Z-Barr down almost the entire match. But Moore’s own momentum allowed Z-Barr to keep him down for the pin.
* For a PWU World Heavyweight Title shot in September, JOEY MATTHEWS one ups TRENT ACID (escorted by “Discount” Dewey Donovan)
Matthews started out saying Acid was jealous of his success and was going to beat respect into Acid. Acid came out stating despite any money Matthews has made, he’s just a Backseat Boyz ripoff! If you want to talk about fire, these two exploded with intensity. Tremendous power and agility from both men, it was shady tactics from Matthews, who hit a lowblow behind the ref’s back to set up for a double arm DDT for the pinfall to earn a title shot in September.
* PWU World Heavyweight champion TOO COLD SCORPIO retained his title against SID VICIOUS
The sold out crowd was hot for both competitors. Sid started by using his power to control Scorpio. Never backing down, Scorpio fought back with all he had. Scorpio’s agility kept him just out of danger, until Sid connected with a chokeslam. Before Sid could capitalize, Helter Skelter distracted Sid, allowing Scorpio to roll up Vicious. None too happy, Sid beat the crap out of Skelter, only to be stopped by Scorpio…who then helped Sid slam Helter through a table on the outside.
* PWU Owner TOD GORDON announced that on August 18, PWU will return to the New Alhambra Arena where the crowd will legitimately pick who wrestles who.
* AMY LEE then confronted the next round of PWU Commissioner Idol contestants to see how they would handle her in the locker room…and none of the contestants has kind words to say to AMY LEE.
* The sold out crowd was on their feet as THE BOSOM BUDDIES (Teddy Fine/Drew Blood) took out THE BEST AROUND (TJ Cannon/Bruce Maxwell), only to be attacked from behind by Cannon & Maxwell
Drew Blood started off against The Best Around. Quick tags and double teaming kept Blood under T.B.A.’s control. After a head bouncing DDT to Maxwell, Blood was able to tag a fresh Teddy Fine, who has been wanting revenge after months of T.B.A.’s attacks. As T.B.A. went for their Lungblower Double Stomp, Drew took out Maxwell, allowing Teddy to roll up Cannon for the pin. But The Bosom Buddies didn’t enjoy the victory as T.B.A. attacked both men after the match.
* “The Southern Stomper” LUKE HAWX defeated EDDIE KINGSTON and JOHN McCHESNEY in a Three-Way Dance
Set as a singles match between Hawx and Kingston, Luke stated he’s going to kick Kingston’s ass like The Saints kicked The Eagles ass twice last season. But John McChesney headed to the ring saying he didn’t come to Philly to be a “Riddler” and made it a three way dance. All three tried to take each other out, finally leading Kingston hit a backdrop driver on McChesney, leaving Kingston open for a Flatliner from Hawx. For a finishing touch, Hawx grabbed Kingston’s tights for the pin.
* McCHESNEY and HAWX beat down KINGSTON after the match. “New Batman” JOHNNY KASHMERE, “Boy Wonder” JIMMY KLEIDSDALE, and TRENT ACID make the save…and announce PWU is going on Philadelphia television
After clearing the ring of Hawx and McChesney, “The New Batman” said he’s got respect for Kingston and has a huge announcement. Pro Wrestling Unplugged is going to be broadcasted into over 300,000 homes this fall in the Philadelphia area on television!
* LUCKY pinned DETOX after using a cheap shot to knock him off the top rope
Detox started with his playful games, disguised as a Security Guard checking the ropes, surprising Lucky out of the ring. If you want to talk about action, Lucky and Detox went hold for hold until Lucky used some dirty New Jersey tactics. But Detox hit a double knee then a springboard to the outside. Lucky again tried to cheat, but Detox hit a double underhook powerbomb and despite tweeking his knee, climbed to the top, where Lucky backed into the ropes, causing Detox to fall & giving Lucky a pinfall victory.
* In a STEEL CAGE where the winner had to escape the cage, MESSIAH defeated ADAM FLASH. But FLASH was the one left standing.
After four months of mind games, Flash had nowhere to run to & took repeated shots to the head and even powerbombs against the steel cage wall from Messiah. Flash regained control, eventually facewashing Messiah with a chair to bust him open and hit a legdrop from the top of the cage. When Flash tried to escape from the cage, Messiah climbed up after. As they battled on top of the cage, Flash repeatedly bashed Messiah in the cage, sending him flying through a table on the outside to give Messiah the inadvertent victory.
* The PWU Tag Titles changed hands inside a STEEL CAGE as The SAT beat ALL MONEY IS LEGAL
For almost a year, The SAT & All Money Is Legal have been in battle over the PWU Tag Titles. Now locked inside a steel cage, these men punished each other. The SAT took early control by damaging double team action. But All Money Is Legal fought back with amazing agility. In a flurry of flying headscissors, hurricanranas, and enziguris, K-Pusha hit a flying facebuster from the top off the cage on Joel. But as K-Murda made his way to the opposite platform, he was caught by both members of The SAT with a Spanish Fly from the top of the cage! But The SAT weren’t satisfied with that as they beat down All Money Is Legal after the match, as well.
2008 - Triple H and Stephanie McMahon celebrated the birth of their second daughter, Murphy Claire Levesque, weighing in 8 lbs., 12 ounces.
2008 - Actor Freddie Prinze Jr. was introduced to the WWE roster as having officially joined World Wrestling Entertainment's Creative team.
2008 - Mike Adamle is named the General Manager of Raw during a USA Network broadcast. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV Report:
Raw has been considered to be a disorganized mess by the McMahon family since Vince was injured by the falling set during the final McMahon McMillions McGiveaway. During that time, we have seen many people try to claim that they were in charge of things. Will someone take charge who is supposed to run the show or will the inmates continue to run the asylum? It has been an entertaining few weeks on Raw so will a figurehead cause the fun to end? What is next for Chris Jericho since Shawn Michaels is not around? Will Jim Duggan get another shot at Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase for calling him old? Will Bradshaw have a new limo, and if so, how long before Cryme Tyme gets their hands on it? Will we see more from Kofi Kingston and Paul Burchill as they battle over the Intercontinental Title? What about Katie Lea and her quest for the Women’s Title currently held by Mickie James? Is Kane going to finally show us what is in his bag or will we have to continue to try to guess? I am going to say that it is the map from Goonies. Will we see the continuation of the Love Connection between Santino Marella and Beth Phoenix after Beth beat the crap out of Santino for the last two weeks? We might find out in two and two.
We start off with a look back at last week’s Raw when Batista blamed Kane for his loss to CM Punk. We see Batista declare himself the sheriff and gives himself a title match. We see highlights from the match between Punk and Batista only to see Bradshaw attack both men. We see Cena ‘accidentally’ punch Batista and then see them get separated. Who is in charge?
We are live from Washington, D.C. and your announcers are Michael ‘Welcome to the House of Ovechkin’ Cole and Jerry ‘Where is Bill Clinton to give Santino advice’ Lawler.
John Cena comes to the ring to address the crowd. Cena says that he can tell by the mixed reaction that there are some who already know what he is going to tell them. He says that he is not perfect. He says that he made a mistake, and the way that he was raised, you admit the mistake and accept the consequences. Cena reminds us that he punched Dave Batista in the mouth. Cena says that he knows that has some consequences. Cena says that he cannot believe that he is doing this. He reminds us that he is standing in the ring like a man to tell Batista to come out if he wants to settle things right now.
Batista does not come out at first, but eventually his music plays and he comes out in a Wes Unseld Bullets jersey. Batista has a mic and he tells John that nobody knows more than him that things happen in the heat of the moment. Batista knows that Cena did not mean to hit him so they are cool. Batista says that he likes and respects Cena. Batista says that when he beats CM Punk at SummerSlam he wants to give Cena the first title defense.
Cena reminds Batista that he had his two shots at the title. Cena points out that there are a lot of guys who deserve a title shot, but maybe it should not be Batista. Batista says that he cannot argue with Cena’s logic. Batista says that he is not the champion now because people interfere in his matches. Batista says that CM Punk cannot beat him, and neither can Cena. Cena wonders if it is good to be home for Batista. Cena reminds everyone that Batista is from Washington D.C. and he figured that is why Batista would sneak something like that in with him. Since there is no law and order on Raw with no McMahons or general manager. Cena says that Batista/Cena should headline Wrestlemania so why not have Wrestlemania tonight. Cena wants to find out who the better man is. Batista says that he has never faced Cena one-on-one so since he has an arena full of friends and family who want to see him get his ass whooped. . .
Shane McMahon’s music plays and Shane comes out to the Shane-O Shuffle. Shane says that him and his sister have appointed a new general manager on Raw and that person will be introduced later. Shane says that a number of matches have been announced for tonight. CM Punk will face one of the hottest free agents. The general manager already has plans for tonight for Cena. Cena will face Bradshaw and Kane. Cena will have a tag team partner and that man is Batista. Shane shuffles as we go to commercial.
We are back with the Slam of the Week: D’Lo Brown’s return and his victory over Santino Marella, but Santino might be a loser in the ring, but not in love.
We see Santino and Beth in the back and Santino and Beth both say that this relationship is strictly professional.
Match Number One: Kelly Kelly and D’Lo Brown versus Santino Marella and Beth Phoenix
The men start off and D’Lo with an atomic drop but Santino with a sunset flip but D’Lo rolls through and hits a clothesline for a near fall. D’Lo with a punch to Santino. Santino tries to get D’Lo up but he is unable to do it. Beth tags in and she is able to pick up Santino. Beth wants a piece of Santino but Kelly tags in. Kelly with forearms and kicks to Beth, but Beth with a back breaker to Kelly. Santino wants to tag in and he sets for an elbow but Kelly moves. Santino knocks D’Lo off the apron and Santino gets the three count with a rollup.
Winner: Santino Marella and Beth Phoenix
After the match, Santino celebrates like he beat Hulk Hogan and then he hugs Beth and things get awkward. Santino shakes Beth’s hand and then they have a nervous moment together in the ring. Santino puckers up but when Beth turns around he stops. Santino gets ready to leave the ring but Beth pulls him back and he screams like a girl. Beth lays a big kiss on Santino and she leaves the ring.
We are back and Jeff Foxworthy talks about Autism and he mentions Saturday Night’s Main Event and the link to Generation Rescue.
We see a photo of Vince McMahon as Bradshaw tells Shane that he was and is a great man. He asks Shane how Vince is. Bradshaw says that Shane can help him to get a title match. He says that Batista does not need a third chance and Cena getting a shot is a joke. Bradshaw reminds Shane that he beat Cena at the Great American Bash. Bradshaw says that he needs to be the one to beat Punk for the title. Shane tells Bradshaw to take it up with the new general manager. Bradshaw talks about his tag team partner and Shane’s phone rings with his own entrance music for a ring tone. Shane is apparently on the phone with the new general manager and he talks about the changes. Shane excuses himself.
We see footage from last week when Jerry Lawler slapped Cody Rhodes.
Match Number Two: Jim Duggan and Jerry Lawler versus Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase for the World Tag Team Titles
Lillian says that the match has been changed and instead of Jim Duggan, Jerry Lawler’s tag team partner will be Michael Cole. We go to commercial.
We are back and Cole is trying to figure out what to do and we have no announcers.
Match Number Two . . . Take Two: Jerry Lawler and Michael Cole versus Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes for the World Tag Team Titles
Lawler and DiBiase start things off and they lock up. DiBiase with a clean break. They lock up again and DiBiase with another clean break, but Lawler with a slap. DiBiase with an Irish whip but he charges into a boot. DiBiase with a clothesline and a forearm followed by a punch. Rhodes is tagged in and Lawler slaps Rhodes. Rhodes backs Lawler in the corner and he punches Lawler on the break. Lawler with punches in the corner as the referee holds him back. Rhodes with a knee to the midsection followed by a bulldog for a two count. Rhodes with a key lock and then he punches Lawler. Cody goes to the turnbuckles and then he misses an elbow. Lawler with jabs and then he punches DiBiase when he tries to interfere. Lawler sets for a piledriver but DiBiase hits Lawler from behind. Rhodes with a back body drop and a punch. Cole accidentally tags in and Rhodes hits Lawler from behind and tosses him out of the ring. Cole punches Rhodes but Rhodes with a punch to the midsection and a clothesline for the three count.
Winners: Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase
After the match, Lawler and the referee check on Cole.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Mike Adamle is at the announce table and he says that he was told to be in Washington D.C. Now he knows why. Jerry Lawler returns to the announce table.
Jamie Noble is in the ring with Layla and he tells the new general manager that he is the rising star. He compares himself to Barack Obama and John McCain. He says that he has his part-time girlfriend to show that he is the next Intercontinental Champion. Noble says that he challenged Kofi (or Coffee) Kingston and he wants him to come out.
Match Number Three: Jamie Noble with Part-Time Girlfriend Layla versus Kofi Kingston
They lock up and Noble backs Kingston into the corner and he kicks and punches Kingston followed by a slam. Noble with a punch to Kingston followed by an Irish whip. Kingston with forearms and a high drop kick. Kingston with a flying forearm and then he hits the double leg drop. Kingston with kicks to Noble and then he hits a cross body but Noble rolls through and gets a two count. Noble gets Kingston up on his shoulders but Kingston with Trouble in Paradise for the three count.
Winner: Kofi Kingston
CM Punk is walking in the back and we wonder which ‘hottest free agent’ Punk will face as we go to commercial.
We are back and Bradshaw has joined Adamle and Lawler at the announce table and Bradshaw tells Adamle to shut his yap.
Match Number Four: CM Punk versus William Regal
Regal with a side head lock but Punk with a top wrist lock and Regal with a bridge and then he takes Punk down with a rear chin lock. Punk with a hammer lock and Regal with a hammer lock take down into a near fall. Regal with a reverse chin lock into a side head lock. Punk with a jaw breaker followed by a jumping leg lariat. Punk with an arm bar followed by knees to the head and body. Regal with a kick and he sends Punk into the corner and connects with elbows. Regal with a kick to the head and Punk’s head goes into the post. Regal with a full nelson but Regal sends Punk into the ropes. Regal with a punch to Punk and then Regal gets a near fall. Regal with an arm bar and cravate combination and Regal turns it into a full nelson again. Punk with an inside cradle for a near fall. Regal works on Punk’s facial injury and he connects with crossfaces. Regal with another arm bar. Punk and Regal with forearms but Punk with a kick and slaps. Regal block one kick, but Punk hits a roundhouse kick for a two count. Regal with a half nelson overhead suplex and then Regal tries to put Punk in the Regal stretch, but Punk gets to his feet and he hits the Go To Sleep for the three count.
Winner: CM Punk
After the match, Bradshaw leaves the announce table and he enters the ring. Before they can do anything, Kane comes out and he brought his lunch again. Kane with an uppercut to Bradshaw but Punk with a kick to Kane. Bradshaw with a boot to Punk. Bradshaw and Kane with a standoff in the ring as we go to commercial.
We are back with the Highlight Reel and Chris Jericho is dressed as if he was the TNA Heavyweight Champion. He is accompanied by Lance Cade. We see the broken Jeritron in the background. Chris says that last week he told the truth, but he was vilified and ostracized. He says that he was able to grow up, unlike everyone else. Jericho says that he has matured and moved on. He has taken his career to another level and he was forced to do it because of the fans. He says that he was known as an entertainer and a showman. He played that part because that is what the fans wanted. Jericho says that he did it for the fans instead of for himself. Despite being the first Undisputed Champion, he figured that he would host his own show instead of returning to the path of a title. Jericho says that he reached for fool’s gold, and now he will never settle for second best. Tonight is the last Highlight Reel. Jericho says that he has a special farewell to an icon. A farewell to one of the greatest careers. The man whose career Jericho ended. Chris says that it is not the end of HBK. It is the end of Y2J. We see some of Jericho’s greatest moments. Jericho wonders if everyone misses that wild and crazy guy. Jericho doesn’t and he is embarrassed by that performer. Jericho says that he has moved on and matured. He learned that from Shawn Michaels. He could have been a puppet on a string, but the fans would not respect him the way that they respect Shawn Michaels. Jericho says that is not fair. Jericho says that he had to take matters into his own hands and he sent Michaels through the Jeritron; and then he injured Michaels. Jericho says that when he destroyed Shawn Michaels, he did it to all of the fans.
Lance takes the mic and he says that the fans do not appreciate him, but he does. Lance says that his career was floundering and he was paired with a singing cowboy. Lance says that Shawn Michaels did not see that. Jericho saved him.
Jericho says that he appreciates Lance and he also appreciates that Shawn Michaels is watching Raw in the dark as he deals with his detached retina. Chris wants Shawn to listen to him. He tells Shawn to stay home and move on with his life. He tells Shawn to enjoy his family and life away from the wrestling ring because he deserves it. Jericho says that he has heard everyone try to jockey for a title match against CM Punk. Since he got rid of someone like Shawn Michaels, he is the man who deserves the title match.
We go to commercial.
We are back with another video package about Jenny McCarthy’s appearance on Saturday Night’s Main Event to push Generation Rescue.
Jim Ross has come to ringside and he joins Jerry Lawler and Mike Adamle at the announce table and says that he was called and told to be in Washington tonight.
Match Number Five: Mickie James versus Jillian Hall
They lock up and Jillian with a knee followed by an Irish whip but she charges into an elbow. Mickie tries for a head scissors take down but Jillian tosses Mickie to the mat. Jillian slams Mickie’s head into the mat. Jillian with an Irish whip and hits the handspring back elbow followed by a blockbuster for a near fall. Jillian with a Dragon Sleeper but Mickie with a knee to get out of the hold. Jillian with a kick and then she breaks glass with her voice. Mickie with a rollup for a two count. Mickie and Jillian with forearms but Jillian with a knee. Mickie with a Thesz Press and punches. Mickie with a flying clothesline and forearm. Mickie misses a kick but Jillian misses an X Factor and Mickie hits the Implant DDT for the three count.
Winner: Mickie James
After the match, Mickie celebrates with her dad, but from out of nowhere, Katie Lea attacks Mickie and sends her into the ring post. Katie with a neck breaker and then she leaves. Katie gets on the mic and she says that what just happened was for the new general manager. Katie says that she is going to be the new Women’s Champion while her brother Paul will be the new Intercontinental Champion.
We have the Smackdown Rebound (I am serious, there was a Smackdown Rebound).
Todd Grisham is in the back with Shane McMahon and he says that it is great to see Shane around. Todd wants to know who the new general manager will be. Shane says that the new general manager is here and Todd will find out when everyone else does. We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time to talk about the card for SummerSlam.
Jerry wonders when some Raw match will be announced for SummerSlam. Jim Ross mentions Saturday Night’s Main Event and the tie in with Generation Rescue.
Cryme Tyme ask John Cena if they want him at ringside. They talk about how Cena cannot trust Batista and Batista shows up. Cena asks for a moment alone with Big Dave. Cryme Tyme leave the area. Cena says that he does not know who the new general manager is. Cena suggests that they let things happen in the ring. Batista suggests that he does not trust Cena. Batista tells Cena to stay out of his way and Cena tells Batista to do the same thing. They ask each other to go first, and Cena heads to the ring as we go to commercial.
We are back and Shawn Michaels will be on Raw next week.
Match Number Six: Bradshaw with JBLimo and Kane versus John Cena and Batista
Cena and Bradshaw start things off and Bradshaw with a kick and forearms to the back. Bradshaw with a forearm but Cena with a kick and blockbuster for a near fall. Batista makes the blind tag and he kicks and punches Bradshaw followed by shoulders in the corner. Bradshaw with a forearm to the back but Batista with a power slam for a two count and Kane breaks up the cover. Cena punches Kane and clotheslines him over the top rope to the floor. Bradshaw leaves the ring and Cena and Batista are face to face in the ring as we go to commercial.
We are back and Bradshaw with a swinging neck breaker on Cena and then he hits another one. Kane tags in and he kicks Cena followed by a snap mare and drop kick by Kane for a near fall. Kane with an uppercut and elbows in the corner followed by a shoulder. Kane with a slam for a near fall. Kane with a reverse chin lock. Cena tries to make it to his corner but Kane brings Cena back into his corner and Bradshaw tags in. Bradshaw with knees and a forearm. Bradshaw with a punch to the head. Kane tags back in and he punches Cena. Cena and Kane exchange punches. Kane with an Irish whip but he charges into an elbow. Kane with the side slam for a near fall. Kane goes up top for the jumping clothesline but Cena moves out of the way. Cena with a kick and DDT and both men are down. Bradshaw and Batista tag in and Batista with punches followed by an Irish whip and running clothesline into the corner. Batista with more of the same. Batista with a spinebuster and then he connects with a clothesline to Kane. Bradshaw with a punch. Kane pulls down the ropes and Batista goes to the floor. Bradshaw goes after Batista on the floor and he connects with a forearm before they return to the ring. Bradshaw with a near fall. Kane tags in and he connects with an elbow drop to the back. Kane with a kick to Batista’s ribs. Kane with a shoulder in the corner and then he kicks Batista in the ribs one more time. Kane with a body scissors to Batista but Batista with punches to Kane and he gets out of the hold. Bradshaw makes the tag and he kicks Batista and he knocks Cena off the apron. Bradshaw with punches in the corner while the referee deals with Cena. Batista with an Irish whip but he charges into a boot. Bradshaw sets for the Clothesline from Wall Street but Batista with a spear. Batista sets for the Batista Bomb but Kane comes in and Kane is taken care of. Bradshaw with a boot to Batista. Bradshaw accidentally punches Kane. Kane with a choke slam set up on his tag team partner. Batista with a spear on Kane and Cena makes the blind tag and hits the FU for the three count.
Winners: Batista and John Cena
After the match, Cena and Batista remain in the ring.
Shane McMahon comes out and he teases the Shane-O Shuffle. Shane wonders if this is how things started tonight. Shane brings out the new general manager for Raw and it is Mike Adamle.
Mike is in the ring and he says that as general manager, he announces that at SummerSlam, John Cena will face Batista. Adamle wishes them luck and leaves the ring. They face off as we go to credits.
2009 - ECW Original Francine and her husband Joe welcomed their first daughter, Molly Rose.
2009 - Following a vicious back and forth legal mess, Hulk and Linda Hogan settled their divorce in Clearwater, FL. Linda was quoted as saying, "The war is over. I still love him. He's the father of my children." After saying that the proceeding got embarrassing, she added that, "It just got out of control." The opposing lawyers even hugged after the hearing. While the two would make nice at first, it eventually turned into another back and forth, including shots at the other in books later written by each party.
2009 - WWE broadcast ECW on Sci Fi. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV Report:
We start off tonight’s show with a look back at Christian’s victory over Tommy Dreamer at Night of Champions to end the dream of the current icon of ECW in the home of the former company.
We are live on tape from Baltimore, Maryland and your announcers are Josh ‘Steamed Crabs and Little Italy’ Mathews and Matt ‘If it was called ‘The Block’ why was it more than a block?’ Striker.
We get some comments from Tyler Reks in the Scotty Goldman Memorial “Hey I’m in a Box” Box about how Paul Burchill will find out that he is more than a sufer from So Cal.
We also see footage from last week’s match between Tyler Reks and Paul Burchill and the post match attack by Burchill.
Match Number One: Tyler Reks versus Paul Burchill with Katie Lea
They lock up and Reks works on the arm and punches Burchill and works on the shoulder with an arm drag and arm bar. Burchill with an Irish whip and he charges into a boot. Katie distract the referee and Burchill pulls Reks off the turnbuckles and then hits a knee from the turnbuckles and then hits a back senton for a near fall. Burchill with a body scissors and then Burchill with a near fall. Burchill with shoulders to the midsection but Reks with a punch. Burchill with a knee to the midsection as he continues to work on that part of Reks’ body. Burchill with a running knee into the corner followed by a Saito suplex for a near fall. Burchill with an abdominal stretch. Reks escapes but Burchill with a knee. Reks with a rollup for a near fall. Reks with a punch and back elbow and drop kick to Burchill followed by a clothesline that sends Burchill over the top rope to the floor. Reks with a pescado and then when they return to the ring Reks with a cross body from the top for a near fall. Reks with an Irish whip but Burchill sends Reks to the apron and Burchill with forearms. Burchill tries to send Reks into the ring post but Reks avoids it and Reks drops Burchill across the top rope and then Reks with a springboard missile drop kick for the three count.
Winner: Tyler Reks
We go to commercial.
Match Number Two: Vladimir Kozlov versus Bill Baine
Kozlov with a kick to the chest and then head butts to the chest. Kozlov with an overhead belly-to-back suplex. Kozlov tosses Blaine onto the turnbuckles. Baine with a punch but Kozlov does not show any effect. Kozlov with a punch and then he puts Baine back on the turnbuckles and he kicks Baine followed by a fallaway slam. Kozlov with the spinebuster slam for the three count.
Winner: Vladimir Kozlov
After the match, Ezekiel Jackson comes out and he enters the ring and he stares down Kozlov. Jackson picks up Baine and hits an uranage on the unlucky Baine. Jackson leaves the ring.
Tiffany is in the office with Tommy Dreamer and Tommy says that being champion has been the greatest time in his life. Tommy leaves and Shelton enters. Shelton says that he wants to be on the Abraham Washington Show and Tiffany says that Abraham did not think that Shelton was entertaining enough. Gregory Helms enters as well and Shelton asks if Helms ever knocks. Benjamin wants to know what it takes to get on Abraham’s show? Does he have to dress up like a superhero? He tells Tiffany that he will show her entertaining. We go to commercial.
Match Number Three: Sheamus versus Goldust
They lock up and Sheamus with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Goldust with a side head lock and Sheamus with forearms to the ribs followed by another shoulder tackle. Sheamus tries for a slam but Goldust is able to hit the slam and Sheamus backs into the corner. They lock up and Sheamus sends Goldust into the turnbuckles and then Goldust with an uppercut. Sheamus with punches to Goldust. Sheamus with a series of elbow drops and he gets a near fall. Sheamus works on the neck but Goldust with elbows and Sheamus pulls Goldust back to the mat. Sheamus with a knee drop for a near fall. Sheamus with an arm bar. Goldust with punches to Sheamus but Sheamus with a kick and Irish whip. Sheamus misses a charge into the corner and Goldust with punches in the corner. Goldust with a boot to the head and a near fall. Goldust with a kick but Sheamus with a kick of his own. Goldust with the drop down uppercut followed by a power slam for a near fall. Sheamus with a kick that sends Goldust back to the mat. Sheamus with the uranage back breaker for the three count.
Winner: Sheamus
We see Christian walking in the back as we go to commercial.
We see a statue of Babe Ruth so that means we need to have a Raw Rebound.
Christian comes to the ring and he has something to say before his match later tonight. Christian says that you always remember your first time, but standing in front of his peeps as a two time champion, the second time feels a bit sweeter. Christian says that losing the ECW title was a good thing for him because it showed him how much the title means to him. Christian mentions the man who held the title before him, Tommy Dreamer. Christian says that he had some fun dealing with Tommy’s size and how emotional he gets . . .
Speaking of Tommy Dreamer, he comes to the ring and he has something to say. Tommy says that he is out here for a couple of reasons. First, he wants to tell Christian that it was a hell of a match on Sunday and he congratulates Christian for being the new champion. They shake hands. Dreamer says that he talked to Tiffany and he gets his rematch next week. Dreamer tells Christian that the rematch will be in an Extreme Rules match.
Zack Ryder interrupts the conversation and he says that he will beat Christian this week. We get a few wooo wooos. We also go to commercial.
Match Number Four: Zack Ryder versus Christian
The match is joined in progress and Christian slaps Ryder. Christian works on the arm but Ryder with a knee and then it is his turn to work on the arm and he gets a near fall. Christian kips up and he hits an arm wringer on Ryder and Ryder wants to take a breather. Ryder with a knee and side head lock but Ryder with a shoulder tackle for a near fall. Christian with a series of arm drags and arm bars. Christian with a rollup for a near fall. Christian with a hammer lock and Ryder with an elbow. Christian with a drop kick for a near fall. Christian drops Ryder against the top rope and then Christian goes up top. Ryder runs away but Christian with a running clothesline in the corner. Christian with a kick to Ryder. Ryder with a hard Irish whip and then he kicks Christian and connects with knee drops for a near fall. Ryder with a near fall but Christian with a punch. Ryder goes to the turnbuckles but Christian is able to stop Ryder and hits a flapjack. Christian with a sunset flip from the turnbuckles and Ryder goes to the floor. Christian runs into a shoulder from Ryder and then Ryder sends Christian to the floor. Ryder misses a boot to the head and then Christian pulls Ryder to the apron. Christian with a drop kick followed by the double jump cross body that just grazes Ryder. Both men are down on the floor and we go to commercial.
We are back and Christian is sent to the floor and he lands hard. Christian gets back on the count of nine and Ryder chokes him. Ryder with a seated abdominal stretch. Christian escapes but Ryder with a knee to the midsection for a near fall. Ryder with a waist lock and he adds a body scissors. Ryder runs Christian into the corner but he runs into a knee from Christian. Christian goes up top and Ryder punches him. Ryder tries for a superplex and he hits it. Ryder gets a near fall. Ryder with a bear hug and then he puts Christian back on the turnbuckles. Ryder tries for another superplex but Christian knocks him off and Christian gets a near fall after a cross body from the top. Christian with punches and a running forearm followed by an inverted DDT. Christian with a missile drop kick and then he goes up top again for another one and he gets a near fall. Christian tries for a tornado DDT but Ryder avoids the hold. Ryder sends Christian into the ropes from an electric chair and then Ryder gets a two count after a leaping leg lariat. Ryder runs into an elbow and then Christian hits the Tornado DDT but he can only get a two count. Christian charges into the corner but Christian runs into the post. Ryder tries for the Zack Attack but Christian escapes the hold. Christian with the pendulum kick and then he hits the Killswitch for the three count.
Winner: Christian
2010 - Shawn Michaels launches an official website, citing that he was tired of fake accounts online claiming to be him.
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