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September 5th
On this day in history in ....
1968 - Bob Geigel & Bob Brown defeat Ron Etchison & Sonny Myers in Kansas City, Kansas to win the NWA North American Tag Team Title.
1973 - Terry & Ron Garvin defeat Tojo Yamamoto & Johnny Marlin in Nashville, Tennessee to win the NWA Mid-America Tag Team Title.
1979 - Mike George defeats Mr. Wrestling II in Shreveport, Louisiana to win the Mid-South Wrestling Association North American Heavyweight Title.
1983 - World Class Championship Wrestling holds their first Labor Day Weekend 'Star Wars' event in Ft. Worth, Texas. Here are the results:
- Iceman Parsons defeated Buddy Roberts.
- Bruiser Brody defeated Kamala via disqualification in a Lumberjack match.
- Kerry Von Erich defeated Michael Hayes in a Country Whipping match.
- Kevin Von Erich defeated World Class American Champion Jimmy Garvin via disqualification.
- World Class Texas Champion David Von Erich defeated Terry Gordy in a two-out-of-three falls match.
- World Class Six-Man Tag team Champions The Fabulous Freebirds (Hayes, Gordy & Roberts) defeated David, Kerry & Kevin Von Erich when Hayes pinned Kerry.
1990 - Clash of the Champions XII took place in Ashville, North Carolina at the Civic Center, and aired live on TBS. Here are the results of the show, which was nicknamed "Fall Brawl - Mountain Madness":
- Steve Armstrong & Tracey Smothers defeated The Freebirds (Michael Hayes & Jimmy Garvin).
- Mike Rotundo defeated Buddy Landell.
- The Master Blasters (Iron & Steel) defeated Brad Armstrong & Tim Horner.
- The Nasty Boys defeated Jackie Fulton & Terry Taylor.
- Tommy Rich defeated Bill Irwin.
- LPWA Champion Susan Sexton defeated Bambi.
- Rick & Scott Steiner defeated Tim Hunt & Jeff Warner.
- Stan Hansen defeated Tom Zenk.
- United States Champion Lex Luger defeated Ric Flair via disqualification.
- NWA World Heavyweight Champion Sting defeated The Black Scorpion (Al Perez under a mask). After the match, a second (and much larger) Scorpion appeared on the stage, claiming to be the "real" Scorpion. The angle would drag on until Starrcade in December, when the "Scorpion" would finally be revealed as Ric Flair.
1991 - Clash of the Champions XVI took place in Augusta, Georgia at the Civic Center, and aired live on TBS. Here are the results of the show, which was nicknamed "Fall Brawl":
- In a dark match, Tommy Rich defeated Joey Maggs.
- El Gigante won a 15-man battle royal.
- Brian Pillman defeated Badstreet.
- United States Champion Sting defeated Johnny B. Badd.
- Ricky Morton defeated Mike Graham.
- The Freebirds (Michael Hayes & Jimmy Garvin) defeated Todd Champion & Firebreaker Chip.
- Ron Simmons defeated The Diamond Stud (Scott Hall).
- Van Hammer defeated Terrance Taylor.
- Television Champion Steve Austin defeated Tom Zenk.
- Arn Anderson & Larry Zbyszko, later nicknamed 'The Enforcers, defeated Rick Steiner & Bill Kazmier in the finals of a tournament to crown new WCW World Tag Team Champions. Previous champions the Steiner brothers had vacated the belts when Scott was sidelined with an injury.
1997 - Donovan Morgan defeats Michael Modest in Hayward, California to win the All-Pro Wrestling Universal Heavyweight Title.
2004 - New York City newspaper Newsday ran a lengthy profile on New Jersey-based UWA, which recently ran several free shows in Brooklyn and Long Island, New York. The article profiled a number of local independent workers, including Bandido (who formed the promotion), Bobcat (best known for her WWF Hardcore championship win as the Hardcore Ho), Ariel (MA-based female who has toured Japan and also works for JAPW and ROH, among others), and Warpath. The focus of the story was an annual free event (which the story claims has been promoted for 10 years) in Brooklyn , as a gift to the local community by grocery store owner Osvaldo Velasquez, who covered the cost of the show.
2005 - WWE broadcast Raw, headlined by Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Masters. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
While it is the Labor Day holiday in the United States, it is time for the WWE to work towards the Unforgiven pay per view in less than two weeks. What will happen when Shawn Michaels takes the Master Lock Challenge? Will we find out who attacked Ric Flair last week? What new matches will be announced for the pay per view? How many people forgot that there is a WWE pay per view in less than two weeks? Will we see anything new with the feud between Matt Hardy and Edge? Will Maria return to Raw? What will happen in the Ashley/Torrie/Candice/Victoria feud, and will we ever see Trish Stratus come back?
We are live from Nashville, Tennessee.
We have our first match of the night, the number one contender for the WWE title Kurt Angle versus Eugene. Angle with a go behind and a German suplex followed by a series of kicks to Eugene's head. Angle with punches and a European uppercut to Eugene before Angle chokes Eugene on the mat. Angle punches Eugene in the corner and follows that with kicks. Angle with a belly-to-back suplex and then he tries to stretch Eugene with a rear chin lock and then he stretches Eugene's face. Angle with cross faces to Eugene followed by a back breaker. Angle with a knee lift followed by a European uppercut that sends Eugene off the ropes. As Eugene comes off the ropes, Angle connects with a clothesline. Eugene is slammed into the turnbuckle, but he powers up. Eugene blocks a punch and he responds with punches of his own. Eugene with a spinebuster to Angle when he charges at Eugene. Eugene charges into an Angle elbow and then Angle wrings Eugene's knee into the ring post. Angle kicks Eugene in the back of the leg. The straps go down and Angle puts Eugene in the ankle lock. After the match, Angle drops a knee on Eugene's injured knee. Angle puts Eugene in the ankle lock with a leg lace. From out of nowhere, John Cena comes out and Cena with punches to Angle and Angle leaves the ring. From out of nowhere, Tyson Tomko with a big boot to Cena and Cena goes down. Angle returns to the ring and he stands over Cena and has some words for Cena. We go to commercial.
We are back with a Moments Ago Moment of Kurt Angle and John Cena fighting after Angle's match only to be interrupted by Tyson Tomko's Boot of Doom.
Eric Bischoff is with Tyson Tomko in the BischOffice. Eric loved what Tomko did to Cena. From out of nowhere, Kurt Angle enters and he is happy with what Tomko did as well. Angle suggests a reward for Tyson. Eric says that Tyson Tomko will face John Cena tonight.
It is time for our next match, The Heart Throbs versus Val Venis and Viscera. Val and Romeo start things off and Romeo with a kick and punch to Val. Romeo with more kicks in the corner and then he chokes Val with his boot. Val with clotheslines out of the corner followed by a chop and a knee off the Irish whip. Val with a side Russian leg sweep and then he gets ready to gyrate over Romeo, but he sees Antonio come in. Val tries for a half nelson slam, but Romeo blocks it. Romeo tries for a suplex, but Val blocks it. Val with a reverse suplex. Viscera tags in and he misses a splash. Antonio tags in and he punches Viscera. Viscera with a head butt and Val tags in. Viscera with a spinebuster and Val goes up top. Romeo comes in and Val comes down. Antonio attacks Val from behind when Val focuses on Romeo. Romeo works on Val's knee while Antonio distracts Viscera and the ref. Val tries for an enzuigiri, but he misses. Romeo with an elbow to the knee. Romeo and Antonio work more on the knee and Romeo with another elbow to Val's leg. Val gets to the ropes, but Romeo drops onto Val's leg. Val sends Romeo into his corner and Romeo and Antonio bump heads. Romeo prevents Val from making the tag, but Val eventually gets the tag and Viscera comes in. Viscera with clotheslines and elbows followed by a slam to Antonio and a back body drop to Romeo. Viscera sends Romeo and Antonio into the turnbuckle. Viscera charges into a pair of boots. Viscera gets Romeo up for a Samoan Drop, but Antonio charges and Viscera uses Romeo to knock Antonio down. Viscera with a Samoan Drop on Romeo for the three count.
We look back at Chris Masters' Master Lock challenge and his victims. We go to commercial.
We are back with a statement from Linda McMahon to talk about the relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina victims.
It is time for Carlito's Cabana and Carlito welcomes everyone. His guest is the newest Raw superstar. It is Ashley. Carlito calls her Assley instead of Ashley. Carlito suggests that with the money from the Diva Search, she would get a new wardrobe. He suggests that she get a makeover since she has an earring stuck in her lip. Maybe she could do something about her hair. Ashley laughs at the thought of Carlito making hair comments. Carlito reminds Ashley that he is the Intercontinental champion. Nobody comes into the Cabana to insult Carlito. Not her, not Shawn Michaels, not Ric Flair. Carlito says that he was the one who attacked Ric Flair last week. He did it because Flair made the mistake of insulting Carlito. He found out last week, and will find out at Unforgiven that when you insult Carlito, bad things happen. Carlito says that Ashley knows about bad things happening to her. Carlito shows footage of Ashley wrestling Victoria last week on Raw. Carlito suggests that her initiation on Raw has been "raw". Carlito starts to say that Ashley will face Torrie, but Ashley cuts him off and says that she is looking forward to fighting Torrie. Carlito says that there is an initiation process on the Cabana. Carlito takes a bite out of his apple, but before he can spit it in Ashley's face, we hear a woooo and Ric Flair comes to the ring. Carlito punches Flair in the ring and then kicks him, but Flair with the testicular claw and Flair bites Carlito's hand. Flair with a chop followed by another Testicular claw followed by a low blow and punch. Flair tosses a basket of apples at Carlito as Carlito walks gingerly to the back. Flair gets on the mic and wonders where Carlito is going. Flair says that Carlito is going to school at Unforgiven. At Unforgiven, Flair is going to take a bite out of Carlito's ass. Then Flair will become the Intercontinental champion. Flair with an elbow drop and knee drop to apples. Flair woooos for the crowd and the he does a rolling knee drop on another apple.
It is time for another Master Lock video package. We go to commercial.
We are back and we go to a local bar where Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch are ready to become the next tag team champions. Trevor talks about what he is going to do to their opponents, and then Lance translates it from Murdoch to English.
It is time to talk about the situation between Matt Hardy and Edge. Lawler says that neither man will be the same after last week. It is time to see a video package from last week's street fight including the backstage segments.
Eric is in the BischOffice when there is a knock on the door. Matt enters and Eric asks if he is happy with what he did. Eric says that Matt and Edge put the company and Eric at risk. Matt only wants to hurt Edge. Eric has a contract for a match against Edge at Unforgiven in a steel cage. Matt signs the contract. Matt says that he will finish with Edge at Unforgiven. Matt says that Edge will find out that Matt Hardy will not die. Eric stops Matt, and says that as a condition of the contract, he wants to see Matt face Gene Snitsky. We go to commercial.
We are back with the Slam of the Week: Big Show and Gene Snitsky last week on Raw after Show's match.
It is time for our next match, Matt Hardy versus Gene Snitsky. Before the match begins, Edge and Lita come out to watch the match from the announce position. Matt ducks a punch from Snitsky, but Matt responds with a punch of his own. Snitsky backs Matt into the corner, but Matt with a kick to Snitsky. Snitsky with a clothesline to Matt followed by a series of boots. Gene slams Matt and then chokes him. Gene hangs Matt over the apron and connects with a running boot to Matt's head. Snitsky with a punch to Matt followed by an Irish whip and a running clothesline. Gene blocks an Irish whip attempt, but Matt with a Side Effect. Matt goes up the ramp, but Gene attacks him from behind and sends Matt into the ring steps. Gene with a slam set up into his own version of a Side Effect for the three count. After the match, Snitsky brings the ring bell into the ring. From the announce position, Edge begs Gene not to do it. Before Gene can hit Matt with the bell, Big Show's music plays and he freezes in place. Gene hits Matt with the bell and then leaves through the crowd when Show enters the ring.
We see the footage from the Angle/Eugene match one more time when Tyson Tomko connects with the Big Boot to Cena's head. We go to commercial.
We are back and we see some members of the military in the crowd.
It is time for our next match, Tyson Tomko versus John Cena in a non-title match. Cena attacks Tomko as he enters the ring. Cena with a running back elbow into the corner. Cena with kicks to Tomko followed by an Irish whip and another running elbow. Cena with a suplex followed by elbow drops. Tomko with a rake of the eyes followed by a spinebuster. Tomko punches Cena followed by a powerslam for a two count. Tomko with punches to Cena's head followed by knees and more punches. Tomko with a suplex to Cena followed by a rear chin lock. Cena gets up, but Tomko with a short arm clothesline to Cena and he gets ready for the Boot of Doom. Cena ducks and hits the flying shoulder tackle followed by a clothesline, hip toss slam, Blue Thunder Driver, and to finish off the "move of doom", the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena pumps up the shoes and it is time for the F-U for the three count.
As Cena get to the top of the ramp, Kurt Angle comes out and attacks Cena. Angle stretches Cena's face and then connects with a European uppercut and kicks followed by more punches. Angle sends Cena into the base of the TitanTron followed by more punches and kicks. Angle with an Angle slam on the stage. Angle picks up the WWE title belt and stands over Cena. We go to commercial.
We are back with a Moments Ago moment of Kurt Angle attacking John Cena after Cena defeated Tyson Tomko.
Todd Grisham is running in the back trying to get a few words from Kurt angle. Todd wants to know if this is going to be a pattern with his attacks. Angle says that Cena's title reign is a farce. Cena tells his chain gang that it is about "real being real" Angle says that it does not get more real than Kurt Angle. Everyone who watches Raw knows that Kurt Angle should be the champion. At Unforgiven, Angle will prove to Cena that he is the most vicious son of a bitch in the WWE.
It is time for our next match: Torrie Wilson (with Candice and Victoria) versus Ashley. Victoria distracts Ashley and Torrie attacks Ashley from behind. Torrie tosses Ashley to the mat by her hair. Torrie tosses Ashley by her hair and sends her to the mat. Ashley with a sunset flip. Torrie with a kick to Ashley and then pulls her up while on Ashley's hair. Torrie with a drop kick to Ashley for a two count. Torrie with an Irish whip into the corner and Torrie charges into a boot. Ashley with a spear and then she slams Torrie's head into the mat. Ashley tosses Torrie by her hair. Candice gets too close and Ashley stomps on her hand. Torrie sends Ashley into the ropes, but Victoria pulls the rope, sending Ashley to the floor. Victoria drops Ashley on the apron. Back inside the ring, Torrie with an X Factor for the 3 count.
We see another Master Lock video package and we go to commercial.
We are back with the Linda McMahon Hurricane Katrina relief statement.
It is time for our next match, Shelton Benjamin versus Rob "Bagwell Version 2" Conway. Before the match begins, Kerwin White rides out to the ring on his golf cart. Conway punches Benjamin when Shelton got distracted. Conway with an elbow followed by the Scott Steiner flex elbow drop. Conway sends Benjamin in the corner and punches Shelton. Benjamin with a slam followed by a Samoan Drop. Conway sends Benjamin to the floor and Conway follows after him. Conway runs Benjamin;s back into the ringside barrier and then he suplexes Benjamin on the floor. Conway rolls Benjamin back into the ring and has a few near falls. Conway with a neck breaker followed by a kick to the neck and a reverse chin lock. Benjamin with an elbow, but Conway with punches. Benjamin responds with punches and a roundhouse and clotheslines. Benjamin with a slam followed by a clothesline for a two count. Conway holds on to the ropes and he sends Benjamin to the apron. Benjamin with a knee lift to Conway and then Benjamin goes up top for a clothesline for a two count. Conway with a kick to Benjamin, but Benjamin with a rollup. Kerwin trips Benjamin and Conway gets the three count with a rollup. We go to commercial.
We are back and we see the Mick Foley book signing video package.
It is time for our next match, Hurricane and Rosey versus Trevor Murdoch and Lance Cade. Murdoch and Hurricane start things off and he tries to kick Hurricane on a break, but Hurricane is too quick. Murdoch with a knee and forearm to Hurricane's back. Hurricane stops Murdoch in his place with a Hurri-Pose. Hurricane with an arm drag and Rosey tags in and slams Trevor twice. Rosey with a forearm to Trevor followed by an Irish whip and splash. Rosey continues the attack with a shoulder tackle and a diving headbutt. Rosey with a punch to Murdoch, but Cade distracts Rosey. Cade and Murdoch with a double hot shot. Cade chokes Rosey in the ropes. Trevor chokes Rosey while Lance distracts the ref. Trevor and Lance with a double back elbow and double clothesline. Trevor with crossfaces to Rosey and then he tags in Lance. Murdoch and Cade with a double suplex followed by an elbow drop from Cade. Cade punches Rosey in the head and then he chokes Rosey. Rosey punches Cade, but Cade backs Rosey into the corner and punches Rosey. Murdoch tags back in and connects with forearms to Rosey followed by an elbow to Rosey's head. Cade tags in and punches Rosey. Cade with a forearm to Rosey and then Cade goes up top. Rosey punches Cade and then press slams Cade. Hurricane and Trevor tag in. Hurricane with punches followed by an elbow. Hurricane with a missile drop kick. Hurricane with a tilt-a-whirl head scissors followed by punches. Murdoch catches Hurricane off the ropes, but Hurricane gets a cross body. Murdoch with a jawbreaker to Hurricane while Rosey and Cade fight outside. Murdoch with a bulldog from the top turnbuckle for the three count.
Time for another Master Lock challenge video package. We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time to run through the card for Unforgiven on September 18th:
John Cena versus Kurt Angle for the WWE title
Big Show versus Gene Snitsky
Edge versus Matt Hardy in a steel cage match
Ric Flair versus Carlito for the Intercontinental title
Shawn Michaels versus Chris Masters
Todd Grisham is with Chris Masters. Chris wants Todd to tell him who the man is. Chris wants Todd to tell everyone how he took the sixteen time champion and made him cry like a little lady. Instead of hearing Todd Grisham talk, Chris has the footage from last week's Raw when Masters got Flair in the Master Lock. Chris says that footage is just like him, it gets better every time he sees it. Todd says that Shawn Michaels is his toughest challenge. Chris tells Todd to look at Shawn Michaels and then look at Chris. Chris says that he has taken care of 300 pound men in the Master Lock Challenge. Chris will take his arms and put them around Shawn's scrawny little neck. The show will be stopped once and for all. We go to commercial.
It is time for our main event, and it is the Master Lock Challenge. Out first is the Master Lock-er Chris Masters (with Golden Shower version 4.0). We wait a few minutes for the Master Lock-ee, Shawn Michaels to come to the ring. Shawn hesitates getting into the Master Lock chair. Masters tries to get into position before he pulls back. Masters gets a towel and wipes himself down. Masters locks in the hold and the challenge is on. Shawn tries to use the turnbuckles, but Masters holds on. Michaels is losing consciousness, but he powers up. Michaels backs Masters into the turnbuckles four times with no success. Then Shawn tries to use his feet on the far turnbuckles to escape, but Chris holds on. Michaels is almost out, but he powers up and then he hits a back kick to Masters' nards. Masters throws Michaels down and he gets the chair and hits Michaels in the head with it. Michaels is bleeding and Masters locks the Master Lock in one more time. The ref calls for the bell, but Masters will not release the hold. Officials come out to get Masters to release the hold. Masters celebrates in the ring while Michaels is out on the mat. We go to credits.
2006 - WWE broadcast ECW on Sci Fi. Mike Johnson filed the following TV report:
Thank you for logging in tonight for PWInsider.com's live coverage of ECW on SciFi, headlined by ECW World champion Big Show vs. DX in a Handicap match. The show opened with a video feature building the match.
DX entered the building. Shawn Michaels asked Triple H if this was the place. Helmsley looked around and said, "Bingo. This is the place." That reference is as old as the DX gimmick.
Extreme Rules: Sabu & Rob Van Dam vs. Mike Knox & Test (with Kelly Kelly)
I believe this is the first time Sabu and Van Dam have teamed up since 1999. Joey Styles said that Knox and Test have the advantage because Sabu and Van Dam are singles competitors. Uh, they were ECW Tag champs, Joey. Knox and Sabu started out with Knox getting the better of Sabu. Sabu took down Knox with a leg lariat and tagged in Van Dam. Knox and RVD exchanged blows. He backed Van Dam into his corner and went to work on him as Test choked Van Dam from behind. Sabu grabbed a chair on the floor and brought it to his corner. Test tagged in and worked over Van Dam. Van Dam reversed an Irish Whip and hit a spinkick in the corner on Test. Sabu and Van did the old school Rolling Thunder combo from when they were a team in the past. Van Dam and Sabu hit leg lariats on Knox but Test broke up the count. Sabu set up a table on the floor but Knox attacked him and tossed him back into the ring. RVD dove towards Knox on the floor. Test pressed Sabu overhead but RVD came off the top with a Ryder Kick to the mush. Test recovered and tried to powerbomb Van Dam out of the ring through a table but Van Dam recovered and turned it into a sunset flip. Test whiopped Van Dam towards the ropes and Knox pulled them down. Van Dam recovered, landing on his feet outside the ring on the apron. Test and Knox doubled on Van Dam outside on the apron. Sabu dove off a chair and hit a flying bodypress, and all four crashed through a table as they went to commercial.
When ECW returned from commercial, Sabu rolled Test into the ring and set up a chair for the Triple Jump Moonsault. Test grabbed Sabu's leg as he leaped past him, sending Sabu facefirst into the chair. Test tossed Sabu out to the floor. Van Dam nailed Test with a chair. Van Dam hit the running, skateboarding dropkick into Test in the corner. Van Dam leapt to the top for the Five Star Frog Splash but Knox nailed him with a chair. Knox hit a superplex on Van Dam but Sabu broke up the pin with a chair. Knox was bleeding from the nose. Sabu locked Knox in a camel clutch and held a chair in front of his face. Van Dam rebounded off the ropes and dropkicked the chair. Nice old school Sabu/RVD stuff. Sabu made the cover but Test broke it up and knocked Van Dam out of the ring. Test whipped Sabu in the corner and charged but Sabu tripped him. Sabu hit Air Sabu in the corner. Test fell forward, catching his face on the back of the chair. Sabu nailed the triple jump moonsault. Sabu made the cover but Test kicked up at the last minute. Sabu and Van Dam set up a table in the ring. They blasted Knox with a chair. They put Knox atop of the table. RVD hit a frog splash as Sabu came off the top with a legdrop (that missed) in an old school style ECW spot. Knox was pinned.
Your winners, Sabu and Rob Van Dam!
It wasn't always perfect in execution but it was entertaining. It was fun to see Van Dam and Sabu tagging again. Knox and Test were working a lot harder than I expect most fans will give them credit for, because, well, they are Test and Knox.
They showed Big Show looking determined in his locker room.
Somewhere surrounded by candles, Kevin Thorne was kissing Ariel and asked her what the cards hold for them tonight. She placed a card, and Thorne smiled. He said, "That's very..." and she answered, "Sexual." and he continued going to town.
Matt Striker came out for another segment of "Matt Striker's Classroom" as they showed clips of The Sandman-Striker incident from last week. Striker said that last week, Sandman learned that brains will always triumph over brawn. Striker pointed out he was in Columbus, Georgia, the home of the Little League World Series champions. He said that little dumb jocks will grow up to be big dumb jocks. Striker began tearing on the fans for caring more about sports than they are about politics and literature. He said we'd never see him swinging with stingrays because by the grace of the Lord above, he's different from each and every one of the fans. Sandman's music hit and he came out from the audience. Striker jumped on his desk, brandishing a stapler. He challenged Sandman to fight him right now, then ran away to the entrance way. Sandman wrote, "SUX" under Striker's name and then wrecked his set. Striker pointed at Sandman and said he proved Striker's point by being, "a big dumb jock taking things to the extreme."
They aired a feature on the John Cena feature film, "The Marine."
Kevin Thorne and Ariel came to ringside, where Ariel jumped over the announcer's table and gave Joey Styles the first lapdance of his life as he shrieked, "Tazz, this woman has fangs!" Thorne and Ariel watched the next match.
Stevie Richards vs. Balls Mahoney
Richards is always announced as Stevie but the graphic always says Steven. Paging Kevin Dunn. Richards went right after Mahoney, who fought back and charged him in the corner but missed. Richards got a two count. Richards hit a neckbreaker for a two count, then kicked Mahoney in the back. Richards locked on a rear chinlock as Mahoney tried to rally the fans behind him. Balls finally made a comeback and traded punches with Richards. Mahoney hit a back elbow and a Russian Legsweep into a cradle for a two count. Mahoney began measuring and hitting Stevie with punches. Kevin Thorne got on the apron and was nailed. Ariel distracted the referee. Richards hit a low blow. Mahoney staggered towards Thorne, who hit him in the throat with his walking stick. Richards covered Balls and scored the pin.
Your winner, Stevie Richards!
Thorne and Ariel smiled as they walked off.
They showed DX walking backstage, ready for the main event.
Backstage, Shannon Moore said he was the Prince of Punk. CM Punk showed up. He looked at Moore and said, "You're a poseur", then slapped him. Moore and Punk stared down each other. Punk smirked at Moore and walked off.
Joey Styles and Tazz put over the main event.
Extreme Rules: The Big Show vs. DX
Big Show came to the ring. Paul Heyman came to the ring with his security force. Heyman said that he's had an attack of conscience. He said that he cannot encourage Big Show to destroy DX with weapons in a match where anything is legal. He said that it was absurd and claims to have been wrong. Heyman apologized, then announced the match would not be contested under Extreme Rules. Show smiled and shook Heyman's hand.
DX made their way to the ring. DX jumped Show. He shoved them off. Michaels went for a DDT but Show picked him up. HHH kicked Show, allowing Michaels to swing down with the DDT. Michaels went for the pin but was easily shrugged off. Show measured each member of DX with headbutts. Show missed an elbow off the ropes on HHH. Michaels went to rebound off the ropes but the security force pulled the ropes down. Michaels fell to the floor where he was assaulted. HHH tried to make the save but was laid out. Show worked over Michaels, who was now left alone. The crowd chanted, "Let's go DX." Show pressed and slammed Michaels. Show locked a bearhug on Michaels. Michaels fought off as HHH finally returned and hit a series of rapid-fire punches. HHH hit a kneelift and charged Show in the corner but was elbowed. HHH hit a spinebuster on Show. Heyman's personal security tried to get involved, so Michaels dove out of the ring on them. HHH went for the Pedigree but Bob Holly attacked him. Styles called him Heyman's "newest Kool-Aid drinking minion." Michaels fought off Holly, but was laid out by Show. All of Heyman's army began beating down Michaels in the ring as HHH was out on the floor. HHH grabbed a sledgehammer out from under the ring (nevermind how it got there) and saved the day. Styles explained that it was planted by HHH because the match was originally Extreme Rules. I guess that explains it. The show ended with DX doing crotch chops as pyro shot off. So, DX got to run off four heels. That's extreme.
2007 - Just a few weeks after debuting for the company, Andrew "Test" Martin was already done with TNA.
2007 - The Sports Legacy Institute, headed by former WWE star Chris Nowinski, issued the following press release:
Sports Legacy Institute Announces Findings of Forensic Examinations on Wrestler Chris Benoit's Brain
NEW YORK, Sept. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading medical experts associated with the Sports Legacy Institute today appeared with Michael Benoit, father of professional wrestler Chris Benoit, to release the results of neuropathological tests that demonstrate his son suffered from a type of brain damage called Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), which was found in all regions of his brain. The Sports Legacy Institute (SLI), which oversaw and coordinated the testing, is an independent medical research organization dedicated to studying the long-term effects of head injuries in sports. SLI President Christopher Nowinski contacted Michael Benoit on June 28th, the Thursday after his son's death, to obtain permission to study the wrestler's brain. SLI's research has indicated there is a connection between the repeated head injuries suffered by many athletes involved in contact sports and an aggregation of abnormal Tau proteins in the brain, causing CTE. CTE's most common symptoms include depression, cognitive impairment, dementia, Parkinsonism and erratic behavior. Experts believe that CTE may have been a cause or contributing factor in the Benoit tragedy. While CTE has long been found in boxers, and more recently in NFL football players, the findings of CTE in Benoit suggest that athletes involved in other contact sports may also be at a heightened risk for this type of brain injury.
"When Chris Nowinski contacted me about conducting tests on Chris' brain, I was extremely hesitant given the circumstances surrounding my son's death," said Michael Benoit. "I agreed to the testing after he explained their desire to expand knowledge about the potential brain damage that athletes can suffer from repetitive head injuries in contact sports. When the results were explained to me by the SLI doctors, I was shocked to learn the extent of damage and saddened that he could have been suffering from this without anyone's knowledge. I hope the examination of Chris' brain leads to greater understanding and ultimately helps protect athletes of all ages."
Bennet Omalu, MD, MPH, a leading forensic neuropathologist, the Chief Medical Examiner of San Joaquin County, CA, and founding member of the Sports Legacy Institute examined Chris Benoit's brain as part of the Sports Legacy Project and had also examined the brains of Mike Webster, Terry Long, Andre Waters, and Justin Strzelczyk all of whom were professional football players, died by the age of fifty, and displayed similar psychological and behavioral profiles. Their brains showed evidence of CTE and two of the players -- Long, and Waters -- committed suicide.
Mike Webster died of a heart attack, but suffered from dementia, depression, and exhibited erratic behavior after retiring from football. When Justin Strzelczyk died at the age of 36, he had been telling relatives he was hearing voices from "the evil ones" and then led police on a 40 mile high- speed chase through central New York at speeds up to 100 mph on the wrong side of the highway, which resulted in an explosive crash and his death
"When the SLI approached Michael Benoit about testing Chris' brain as part of the Sports Legacy Project, our goal was to determine if there was evidence of CTE caused by repeated trauma to the head sustained during Chris Benoit's career. We have now confirmed multiple concussions are part of his medical history, along with clinical symptoms associated with CTE," said Julian Bailes, MD, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery at West Virginia University School of Medicine and an SLI founding member. "Because my SLI colleagues and I have found evidence of CTE in the brains of four former professional football players, we felt an examination of Chris Benoit's brain may bring awareness to CTE's existence outside of boxers and football players. The findings of CTE in Chris Benoit suggest that there may be a common syndrome among athletes who suffer multiple head injuries in contact sports."
The neuropathological findings were confirmed by other neuropathologists, and correlate with recent findings of an increased risk of depression and cognitive impairment in professional football players who have suffered multiple concussions, according to research conducted by Dr. Bailes and another SLI founding member, Robert Cantu, MD, Chief of Neurosurgery Service and Director of Sports Medicine at Emerson Hospital in Concord, MA, and Co- Director of the Neurologic Sports Injury Center at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, MA.
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a form of brain damage that is best documented in boxers, but can also occur in athletes who played football, ice hockey, rugby, soccer, or any sport associated with impacts to the head. It can only be confirmed by a post-mortem neuropathological immunohistochemical study. While studies show that as many as 20 percent of professional boxers show evidence of CTE, there has been little study of CTE in athletes involved in other contact sports.
According to the examinations, Mr. Benoit's brain exhibited large amounts of abnormal Tau protein, manifested as Neurofibrillary Tangles (NFTs) and Neuropil Threads [NTs]. These represent aggregates of abnormal Tau protein, which are remnants of the cytoskeleton of the brain cells and their connections. Frequent NFTs and NTs were distributed in all regions of the brain including the neocortex, the limbic cortex, subcortical ganglia and brainstem ganglia accompanied by loss of brain cells. Accumulation of abnormal Tau protein in the form of NFTs and NTs in the brain has been confirmed to cause neurodegeneration, cognitive impairment and dementia. There was no other neuropathological evidence for any chronic or acute disorder to explain his clinical symptoms.
"The findings of CTE in Chris Benoit's brain, which are consistent with the previous examinations of athletes who suffered from repeated head traumas, confirm the need for a large-scale study of CTE in athletes who participate in contact sports," said Chris Nowinski, who retired from professional sports after multiple concussions and conceived SLI, a collaboration of doctors and advocates that includes renowned attorney Robert Fitzsimmons, who played an integral role. "The link between CTE and contact sports is clear. We need to conduct more research to understand the full spectrum of the disease and raise awareness so parents, coaches, medical staff and athletic officials know how to respond when athletes, including children, sustain head injuries. If we apply this knowledge we believe we can successfully prevent future cases."
The Sports Legacy Institute is dedicated to studying the effects of concussions and other sports related brain injuries. Through its efforts, SLI aims to maximize the safety and vitality of all athletes who participate in contact and collision sports around the globe. The designation of the Sports Legacy Institute as a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation is in the process of being submitted. The Sports Legacy Institute relies on donations from concerned parties to fund its work.
Sports Legacy Institute
2008 - TNA debuted at the Manhattan Center in New York City. Mike Johnson filed the following live report:
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling became the fifth wrestling company to hold a live event in the original home of Monday Night Raw, The Manhattan Center's Grand Ballroom, last night. It was a show full of a lot of good wrestling, an angle designed specifically to put over the New York City fans, and lots of instances of the company trying to create goodwill in the world's top market.
The show wasn't sold out, or close to it, something that historically will be remembered as mind-blowing when you consider Ring of Honor sold out all but one or two of their events in the Grand Ballroom and drew larger crowds to both of their Hammerstein Ballroom events downstairs and that was without a great TV partner in SpikeTV or any of the local promotion TNA had in the days leading to the show.
Of course, there were several factors that pretty much killed the show, to the point that those within the company felt like they had to trudge through after the well known Ticketmaster issue that saw the show accidentally canceled and all ticket sales refunded. While I know personally of some readers and personal friends that made the call not to attend due to the Ticketmaster issue, my personal belief is that if TNA had strong brand identity among fans, the issue would have been immediately forgiven and tickets snatched up. To make up to the fans that did attend, TNA brought boxes upon boxes of older DVD titles (several Best of releases and 2005-2006 era PPV shows) and gave them out to anyone who handed the staffers a ticket to mark. I think the company deserves a lot of credit for doing that.
The day of the show, New York City ended up getting one of the worst rain storms I can recall in many, many, many months. Heading into Manhattan, the subways were a mess and everyone in the five boroughs were absolutely soaked. The weather conditions had to have hurt any potential walk-up sales as there was no way to avoid the weather unless you traveled by submarine.
Before the show started, I'd have estimated the audience at 600 fans, which was scary bad. By the time they went to intermission, I upped my estimate to 900-1,000, probably closer to 900. The balcony looked pretty full, as did seating on the stage (where the entrance was situation). Ringside, however, was sparse after the third or fourth row, so a lot of the more expensive tickets weren't moved.
The show itself was a fun house show. The night before, I attended TNA's return to Long Island and felt it was something of a feel good show designed to pop families and kids but no blow-away pure wrestling. With the NYC show, realizing they'd be playing to a more die-hard crowd, TNA upped the athletics, tossed in some brawling and hardcore weapons shots (sans blood), spotlighted hometown boys Team 3D and saw their X-Division talents perform a lot more risky maneuvers. There were a lot more "TNA" chants tonight and fans yelling inside comments. Again, lots of LAX shirts.
While the Friday show was decent, this was a show that reminded one of how good the company can be if they ever get all their ducks in a row. It's almost laughable that the second the storylines that drive hardcore fans batty on television weren't part of the equation at all, TNA was immediately more fun to watch.
Jay Lethal pinned Sonjay Dutt. Lethal hit a dive to the floor on Sonjay to start the bout. They were working a much harder, faster paced style than last night, playing off their feud. Dutt hit a sweet guillotine legdrop onto Lethal. Dutt locked on a sleeper but Lethal battled his way out of it. Crowd was super hot with lots of chants. Lethal hit a springboard off the ropes into a backflip, then hit a German suplex. Dutt hit a sunset flip powerbomb off the top, then hit a moonsault for a two. Lethal came back with the Lethal Combination, then the flying elbow drop. Super opener.
Awesome Kong defeated Roxxi and Traci Brooks in a Three-Way. The babyfaces tried to double on Kong but she clotheslined both. Roxxi seems to have lost that unique aura she had following the shaved head now that the hair is growing back in and she's dropped a lot of the voodoo stuff as well. Kong charged Roxxi, who dropped down and held the ropes and Kong bumped onto the floor. Brooks and Roxxi began exchanging chops and Brooks speared her. Roxxi came back and hit a Northern Lights for a two but Kong broke it up. Roxxi and Brooks ended up at odds again, allowing Kong to decimate them. Kong hit the Implant Buster on Roxxi. Brooks was powerbombed atop of her and Kong scored the pin. Short but solid stuff.
Eric Young pinned Johnny Devine. They did a lot of early spots where Young outsmarted Devine. Devine hit the floor after a leg lariat and tried to walk out. Young then faced off with Earl Hebner and locked up. Hebner got the better of him and then did the Flair woo and strut. Devine hit the ring and ended up going back and forth with Hebner. Young took the referee shirt off Hebner, then officiated them going at it. It ended up with Devine taking a double hiptoss and powdering to the floor. Total shenanigans. Devine came back with a guillotine legdrop across Young's throat as he was laid out on the apron. Devine locked on a chinlock but You ng came back with a sunset flip. Devine cut him off with a rear chinlock. They did the Flair flop spot like Long Island, except Devine cut him off. He then hit an old school Tully Blanchard slingshot under the ropes. Young rolled out of the ring. Devine kept beating Young to prevent him from getting back in the ring. Young went under the ring for Super Eric. The music got a pop. Devine started laughing and mocking Eric. Young cleaned house on Devine, then scored the Death Valley Driver for the pin. Despite the silliness, the crowd enjoyed it.
Then it came time for the Team 3D angle, which they said was being taped for TNA Today and Impact, but we'll see where it airs. Jeremy Borash did the usual "we could bring a PPV here" spiel to get the crowd hot. Team 3D came to the ring, interrupting him. Pat "Simon Diamond" Kenney was in the ring and Brother Ray said that he was there as a TNA representative to make sure that 3D didn't get out of hand. Bubba said that the Manhattan Center reminded him of the old Elks Lodge and fans chanted ECW. I doubt 99% of those fans were actually there, but that's another story. Ray said that as of last night, they were no longer signed to TNA and thanked TNA for giving them the chance to address New York and trusting them to do so. Ray said that Devon was holding two contracts, one from TNA and one from "another company" with the story being that they had taken all their offers and sized them down to these two. The basic jist of the angle was that 3D were going to let their hometown fans in NYC make the decision for them, because whether the fans loved or hated them, they always respected 3D. Of course, the fans chose TNA and 3D "signed" the contracts in the middle of the ring with Kenney presiding. They then ripped up the other offer, which was meant to mean WWE without saying so. I don't believe there was ever any real chance of a WWE return, especially since WWE could care less about teams right now. 3D then declared they were going to put someone through a table later when they challenged Beer Money, Inc. for the tag belts. The angle was perfect for the market.
Abyss defeated Rhino in a Monster's Ball Match. They immediately began brawling and went to the floor. Abyss was whipped into the railing at ringside. They went over the rail and brawled around the back of the venue, throwing each other into walls and doors. Somewhere, Rhino grabbed a rubber trash can and nailed Abyss. They returned to the ring and Rhino began pulling out all the hardcore trinkets - trash cans, a chair, cookie sheets, etc. They teased an Abyss trash can shot but Rhino stopped him and wedged it in the corner. They did the sitdown spot where Rhino crotched Abyss on a chair when he went for the Earthquake splash. Abyss came back and nailed the Black Hole Slam for a two count. Rhino speared Abyss into the trash can in the corner for another two. Abyss came back with another Slam and scored the pin. It was pretty much your typical hardcore style match, except for blood.
TNA X-Division champ Petey Williams defeated Consequences Creed. Watching these two from ringside, you could see how underrated they both are. Williams was really smart at playing off the crowd. At one point, he went to do push-ups to get heat. When the crowd went to pop for it, he immediately stopped and sneered, instead of trying to be the "cool" heel with NWO disease. Creed has a really good infectious personality that helps him connect with the crowd. He did the Apollo Creed "Rocky" inspired entrance complete with the red, white and blue outfit with "Living in America" playing. Like Dutt vs. Lethal, they turned up the notch with moves tonight as compared to Long Island. Williams even whipped out a dive over the top onto Creed's shoulders into a rana, a Sabu original. Lots of back and forth innovative moves here until Williams nailed the Canadian Destroyer. Creed got a nice round of applause on the way out.
TNA Tag Team champions Beer Money Inc. (with Jacqueline) defeated Team 3D. James Storm ran down NYC and the sports teams before pulling out a Yankee cap spitting in it and tossing out to the crowd, who tossed it back. Brother Ray took the mic and warned Beer Money that they weren't in "the jungle" but in New York City and if they told the fans to, NYC would hop the rails. Ray got off a great line, saying, "I've started more riots in NY than Devon has banged your mother." Beer Money's act is top notch. They do a lot of little heel things that made The Midnight Express great back in the day, right down to denying a "Brokeback Mountain" chant before hugging. Ray was dying standing on the apron as the crowd railed away with the chants towards the champs, to the point he finally just grabbed the ring mic and thanked the fans. They settled into a traditional back and forth tag match. Towards the end, 3D called for the tables but got attacked by the champs. 3D made the comeback and called for the Dudley Death Drop but Storm nailed Ray and Roode rolled up Devon for the pin. I was surprised 3D did a clean job in NYC. Beer Money pulled out a table and said 3D were going to be the ones going through it, but they made a comeback and in the end, Devon powerbombed Jacqueline through it. She took one hell of a bump. 3D apologized for not winning the belts but added that they kept their promise that someone would go through a table. Ray said that no matter where they've wrestled, they love the NYC fans the most and led a chant for NY.
TNA champion Samoa Joe defeated Booker T, Christian Cage and Kurt Angle in a Four-Way Elimination bout. Booker T took the mic before the show and told all the "independent marks" to keep their mouths shut. It didn't get over. Joe got a nice big pop coming out as he's headlined here before. In fact, I believe he was the only person on the entire show who's actually worked in the Grand Ballroom. All four brawled early before it settled into a one on one. Booker was eliminated pretty quick by Joe with a snap powerslam. The crowd had a "What the hell" reaction since it was so fast. They pulled out a Tower of Doom spot with Samoa Joe superplexing Christian off the top while Angle powerbombed him. Angle then covered Cage for a two count. At one point, Angle locked a stereo anklelock on Cage and Joe, but they rolled through and tossed him off. Cage and Joe battled on the top and Cage knocked him off. Angle came from behind and shoved Cage off and Joe caught him with an Acecutter on the way down for the pin. Joe and Angle then went through their greatest hits with tons of back and forth stiff shots and suplexes. Angle hit several German suplexes on Joe, followed by a belly to belly. Angle charged Joe, who caught him in the corner with a uranage. Joe then nailed the muscle buster for the win.
After the match, Joe returned to the locker room. Angle recovered and addressed the crowd, saying this building was TNA's Madison Square Garden and the New York City fans were the best in the world. He thanked them for supporting TNA. Angle took photos in the ring for $20 afterwards while Creed, Brooks, Young, Borash and Lethal took photos and signed for fans around ringside.
Notes: TNA again sold out of their programs...Ronnie Lang's Atlas Security handled security in the building.
2008 - WWE ran a Supershow in Rochester, NY. Patrick O'Bannon filed the following live report:
Rochester might not be the nicest city, but I love going to wrestling events there. The crowd is always super into it and that makes it a lot more fun to attend. There was no CM Punk which really ticked me off. No Jericho either. He could've at least came out and did a anti-HBK promo or something. Oh well, show was still damn good. We chilled in the parking lot before the show and saw Mark Henry/Tony Atlas, Primo/Carlito/Kofi, Kelly Kelly/Eve, Cryme Tyme and Santino arrive.
Show started out with the ring announcer letting us know that we could text message a number they gave us to determine what kind of match Matt Hardy would be facing Mark Henry for the ECW Championship in. The choices were, Falls Count Anywhere, 2/3 Falls, or No DQ. Even if Falls Count Anywhere was the winner, you know they weren't going to allow that.
Opening match was Evan Bourne vs. Chavo Guerrero. Bourne got the pin after a Shooting Star Press. The crowd was totally into Bourne. I don't know if that was because he is the man or if it was the first match of the night. Either way, crowd loved him. It was a good opener.
Eve then was introduced as our hostess for the night. She did some trivia with fans, they got the question right and got moved to front row for the rest of the show.
Santino Marella/Beth Phoenix vs. Kofi Kingston/Kelly Kelly for the IC and Women's Titles was next. Crowd loved both Kofi and Kelly. Kofi went to Suplex Santino into the ring, while he was on the apron, but Beth who was knocked out of the ring by Kelly, held Kofi's leg so Santino landed on top of him and got the pin.
William Regal vs. Primo Colon. Nobody was into this match. It seemed really long and was actually kind of boring. Primo hooked Regal in a backslide for the win. Fans got into the end of the match, but I think that was only because it was over.
Three Way Elimination Match for the US Title was next. Shelton Benjamin vs. Carlito vs. R-Truth. Carlito did absolutely nothing in this match. I am having trouble even trying to figure out why he was a part of it. He was in the match for maybe 5 minutes, did nothing, then got rolled up by Killings and was eliminated. Carlito laid out Ron before he left the ring. Shelton and R-Truth just were not on the same wave length at all. Match was horrible. Maybe one of the worst matches I've ever seen live. I don't know if The Truth got hurt or what but there was a lot of stalling and a lot of miscommunications. Shelton finally hit his finisher for the win. Horrible, horrible match.
Intermission was next.
Cody Rhodes/Ted Dibiase vs. Cryme Tyme for the Tag Titles was next. Ted cut a promo before the match basically saying they are so young yet have accomplished so much. Fans were in love with Cryme Tyme, the most over on the show so far. Chad took out Ted, but while the ref was trying to get JTG out of the ring, Cody came in and hit Gaspard with a DDT. Ted recovered and pinned him and Ted/Cody retained their titles. Fun match. Cryme Tyme might not be the best workers in the world, but the people LOVE them, so that's got to count for something.
Matt Hardy vs. Mark Henry w/Tony Atlas for the ECW Title was up next. Fans went bonkers for Matt. He overtook Cryme Tyme for biggest reaction so far. They announce that 60% voted for the No DQ match so that's what it was. They also announced that if Atlas puts his hands on Hardy, Henry loses the belt. The action went to the floor and Matt got hold of a trash can. He hit Henry with it, but Henry made a comeback and threw the ring steps inside the ring. Mark went to kick Matt's head into the steps but Matt moved and Henry kicked them instead. Henry grabbed a chair and tried to hit Matt with it, but Matt moved and hit the ropes, the chair bounced back and hit himself in the face. Crowd loved that. Matt hit a few big moves, got some near falls that totally got the fans thinking he was going to win. Matt grabbed the chair, Atlas came in the ring, grabbed the chair, but didn't touch Matt. Hardy was distracted, Henry hit him with a Powerslam and pinned to retain the ECW Title.
Main Event: Rey Mysterio/Big Show/HHH vs. MVP/Kane/Khali. Crowd was a little confused and cheered Kane, very loudly even though he was on the heel side. Rey got a huge pop, but not on the same level as HHH. Crowd went INSANE for Hunter. Biggest pop of the night, easily. I've never seen Khali show as much personality as he did in this match. He actually gave MVP a fist bump, most likely because it wasn't on TV, but still, it was weird to see him acting normal. He didn't do much in the match for obvious reasons. A lot of the match was the heel trio working over Rey, making the crowd wait for the hot tag to HHH. It finally happened, crowd went insane. Ending saw all 6 men in the ring, Rey hit the 619 on MVP and Khali at the same time, Khali got dazed, HHH hooked him in the Pedigree while Big Show Chokeslammed Kane. HHH pinned Khali to win the match for his team.
Not a bad show overall. The Punk not being there really left a bad taste in my mouth. If I hear he is at the Supershow tomorrow in Jamestown, I am going to be pissed. I am glad though that I got to see Ted DiBiase. He is going to be a huge star in a few years. WWE returns to Western NY in December for the Armageddon PPV. I hope I can make it to that.
2009 - Pro Wrestling Guerrilla ran Reseda, CA, featuring Bryan Danielson winning the PWF title and vacating it in his last scheduled appearance before heading to WWE. Saul Stradlin filed the following live report:
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla ran on Friday night in front of another packed house, with the main draws being the stars of Dragon Gate and Bryan Danielson's final PWG match before going to WWE. Show starts off with the usual promo from Excalibur.
Match 1: LTP, Johnny Goodtime, and Shane Hasts over Charles Mercury & The Cutler Brothers and Los Luchas & Malachi Jackson: This match was patterned after the Toryumon triangle tags. Fast paced match, with an exciting opening sequence that featured the heel team of Mercury and the Cutlers taking dives from the faces. Nobody really shined in this match besides the Cutlers. Solid opener that got fans hot.
Match 2: Candice LeRae over Christina Von Eerie: Von Eerie was making her debut at this show, and this match was the first women's match to take place in PWG since March of 2008. Mostly brawling, with Von Eerie working a very stiff style. I would like to see Von Eerie return to PWG sometime in the future.
Following this match a couple of members of the ring crew were asked to tighten the top rope, but instead tightened the bottom rope. Excalibur got on the mic and had to instruct them and cracked a joke. When they finished, Excalibur poked fun at the overweight one by saying "that'll do pig."
Match 3: Scott Lost over Human Tornado: Good match, with various comedy spots thrown in including some kung fu sequences during the match. Scott Lost picks up the victory with a Big Fat Kill (spinning back kick to the face) that looked really cool. Post match Tornado sold the kick really well by acting like he had no idea what happened.
Match 4: Roderick Strong over Karl Anderson: Good heavyweight style match. Several chop and strike exchanges in this that the crowd was really into, Both men used their finishing holds (Boston Crabs) on each other until Strong used a Strong Hold (Liontamer) to get the victory.
Match 5: Naruki Doi over Joey Ryan: Don't really remember much from this aside from Joey being really over with the crowd. Not a bad clash of styles type match, and the heat helped it out.
Match 6: Shingo Takagi over El Generico: Following intermission, Generico and Takagi went on to have a great match with tons of dramatic nearfalls and false finishes. The fans in attendance were eating this up. Generico took a great beating, and the finish with Generico getting dropped on his head via a Last Falconry really got the crowd to react loudly. Possibly the loudest I've ever heard a PWG crowd up until this point.
Match 7: CIMA & The Motor City Machine Guns defeated Brian Kendrick & The Young Bucks: The Bucks continue to draw heat from the fans, and they have adapted well to the crowd rejecting them as of late. Lots of team work from both teams through out the match. CIMA got the pinfall on Kendrick, and after the match received a great ovation from the fans.
Match 8: Bryan Danielson defeated Chris Hero to become the new PWG World Champion: Danielson came out to a huge pop and was the crowd favorite. Great match, with Hero turning into a major a****** during it, busting him open and screaming at him while he had submissions applied. Danielson would later make a comeback and submit Hero that resulted into the loudest ovation I've heard at a PWG crowd. Post match saw a celebration with Paul London coming out to congratulate his Hybrid Dolphins partner. Danielson cut an emotional, humble promo and thanked the fans for their support. As various wrestlers came out to pay their respect, Danielson then vacated the PWG World Championship. Then he declared that a new PWG World Champion will be crowned at the 2009 Battle Of Los Angeles. The match itself went about 45 minutes, was the epitome of an epic battle, and a possible MOTYC from any promotion.
Great show. One of the best top to bottom cards PWG has ever put on. I highly recommend the DVD when it comes out. The last three matches really brought the show to a whole new level. Next show is October 2nd, with the returning crowd favorites Kenny Omega and Chuck Taylor taking on The Young Bucks for the PWG World Tag Team Championship.
2009 - WWE ran St. Paul, Minnesota. Terry Skaggs filed the following live report:
retty good size crowd at the Xcel Energy Center. The whole lower bowl was pretty much full with the exception of the seats behind the entrance.
1. Evan Bourne def. Chavo Guerrero Lots of offense for Chavo here. He went up top to end it with the Frog Splash but Hornswoggle came out from under the ring and distracted him. Bourne finished Chavo off with Airbourne. After the match Bourne and Hornswoggle celebrated together with Hornswoggle even carrying Bourne around the ring on his shoulders.
2. Chris Masters def. Alex Riley Crowd was pretty dead for this match and it went on a lot longer than it had to. Riley eventually passed out from the Master Lock.
Kelly Kelly was in the crowd and asked two kids what the name of the upcoming PPV is. They got it right and got to move up to the front row for the rest of the night.
3. Sheamus def. Santino Marella Big pop for Santino. Most of the crowd were either surprised to see Sheamus there or just didn't know who he was. Santino got on the mic and did a spiel about Sheamus looking like a ghost. Very entertaining match as Santino was his usual humorous self. Sheamus won it with his Uranage into a Backbreaker. Crowd gave Santino a big ovation after the match and he acted bashful about it.
4. Mickie James & Gail Kim def. Beth Phoenix & Rosa Mendes Big pop for the Divas. This was my first live event and first time seeing the Divas and WOW, they're every bit as hot in person as they are on TV. Probably even hotter. Anyways, pretty good much. Rosa was in longer than I thought she would be. Mickie eventually got the pin on Rosa after a Lou Thesz Press from the top rope.
5. Kofi Kingston def. MVP & The Miz in a Triple Threat Match to retain the WWE United States Championship Miz was out first and got some huge heat, and actually a few cheers, by saying he wouldn't overstay his welcome in WWE like Brett Favre is in the NFL. Big pop for Kofi as the crowd was really into him. Miz went and sat in a chair in the audience for the first few minutes of the match. Kofi picked up the pin after the Trouble in Paradise on The Miz.
Tony Chimmel brought the 2 kids in and they threw t-shirts to the crowd and plugged John Cena's personally autographed 12 Rounds DVD and matted photo for sale.
Intermission
6. Mark Henry def. Jack Swagger Swagger was doing hand gestures like he was throwing the boos he got from the audience away, which really looked awkward because he kept doing it. Pretty boring match. Henry finished it with The World's Strongest Slam.
7. Triple H def. Legacy in a 1 on 2 Handicap Match Rhodes & DiBiase took turns on the mic talking about how they were the new and DX was the old and that they'd put a finish to them at Breaking Point. HHH got a huge pop for his entrance, which is pretty cool to see live. HHH got on the mic and said he was kind of nervous because this was his first time with two guys, then said that even though the crowd may be chanting "suck it" towards them, they weren't supposed to take it literally. Lots of offense for Legacy but HHH got the Pedigree on Rhodes for the pin. After the match Legacy put a beatdown on HHH.
8. John Cena def. Randy Orton by DQ. Randy Orton retains the WWE Championship Pretty long match with Orton in control for most of it. Cena eventually was able to lock on the STF but Legacy came down and started beating down on Cena. HHH came down and helped clear the ring with Cena. They posed together for a bit then went around ringside and signed things for the audience and high five'd everyone. HHH stayed out there a good 5-10 after Cena went to the back and continued slapping hands with the crowd and signing stuff. Really cool gesture.
Top Cheers:
HHH
Cena
Kofi/Santino
Top Heat:
Orton
Legacy
Miz
2010 - Former WWF Tag Team champion (and father of current WWE Diva Natalya) Jim Neidhart was arrested and charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance, two counts of trafficking in a controlled substance, one count of burglary of an occupied dwelling and one count of grand theft. Neidhart, 58, was arrested in Thonotosassa, Florida after deputies were alerted to him being loud and yelling as the former Hart Foundation member attempted to open a pill bottle while pumping gas in a gas station parking lot located at 3100 Flethcher Avenue. Neidhart was argumentative with the authorities, leading to them patting him down and finding 28 methodone tablets and 95 oxycotin pills. Several pill bottles in Neidhart's possession were belonging to neighbors who had recently reported them stolen.
The arrest was picked up by the local FOX affiliate in Tampa, which reported that some of the alleged theft victims knew Neidhart but had not given him permission to take their prescription medication.
2010 - TNA ran No Surrender 2010 on PPV. Buck Woodward filed the following PPV report:
They opened the PPV with footage of Mr. Anderson, D'Angelo Dinero, Jeff Hardy and Kurt Angle arriving earlier in the day, while Taz and Mike Tenay talked about their semifinal matches in the TNA World Title tournament. We then had a video package on the four contenders and their quest for the title.
TNA Tag Team Champions The Motor City Machineguns vs. Generation Me.
It was explained that London Brawling was unable to appear at the show due to a "personal issue" and Generation Me was getting the title shot due to their showing against the champions on Impact.
Shelley started out with Jeremy, exchanging armlocks and holds, with both men going for early covers. Max tagged in, with the crowd chanting for Shelley. Shelley took Max down with a drop toe hold and tagged in Sabin. Sabin hit a shoulderblock for two, then the two rolled out of armbar attempts before stalemating on dropkick attempts. Shelley and Jeremy tagged back in, and the back and forth continued until Jeremy hit a back elbow and a springboard armdrag. Max tagged in and moonsaulted on Shelley's outstretched arm. Jeremy tagged in and hit a double stomp on the arm off the top rope. Jeremy gave Shelley a jawbreaker, but Shelley dropkicked him to the ring apron. Sabin tagged in, and the MCMG hit a series of double team moves on Jeremy. Sabin elbowdropped Jeremy for a two count. Shelley tagged back in and hit a spinebuster and applied a reverse Boston Crab, turning it into a Rocking Horse. Max broke up the hold, to boos.
Sabin tagged in and but Jeremy rallied and tagged in Max, who hit some dropkicks. Max bulldogged Sabin, then kicked Shelley on the floor. Max gave Sabin a somersault stunner off the middle rope for a two count. Shelley made a blind tag as Generation Me was setting up a move. Sabin kicked Jeremy to the floor and Shelley kicked Max from the top rope for a two count. Shelley kicked Maz in the back and went for a springboard, but Jeremy stopped him and hit a neckbreaker on the apron. Max tried for some covers, but was unsuccessful. Jeremy tagged in, but Shelley blocked his suplex attempt. Generation Me hit a sandwich dropkick and Max got a two count on Shelley. Max hit a dropkick and tagged in Jeremy, who stomped Shelley and got a two count. Jeremy put Shelley in a full nelson. Shelley elbowed out of it, then avoided a dropkick and tagged in Sabin.
Sabin cleaned house, knocking Jeremy from the ring and blasting Max with elbows. Sabin hit a springboard DDT on Max, but Jeremy broke it up. Jeremy hit Sabin with a dropkick, but Shelley knocked him to the floor and hit him with a tope. In the ring, Sabin and Max punched it out, with Sabin going for a DDT, only for Max to ran him in a corner. Jeremy tagged in and Max fed him into a reverse DDT on Sabin. Shelley broke up the cover. Generation Me hit a headscissor/dropkick combo on Sabin. They went into a series of superkicks, including Sabin blocking one by Jeremy and throwing it into Max. The MCMG won the battle of superkicks, then hit Skull & Bones (neckbreaker/elbow combo) on Jeremy for the pin at the fourteen minute mark.
Winners: The Motor City Machineguns.
Post-match, Generation Me attacked the Guns from behind, giving Shelley a double elevated DDT to the floor as Shelley was hanging off the apron. They had EMTs come out and act like Shelley was seriously injured. Generation Me were laughing over the injury as they exited. Shelley eventually got to his feet with the aid of the EMTs and walked out.
TNA X-Division Champion Douglas Williams vs. Sabu.
Sabu dove at Williams' legs at the start, but Williams kept scrambling away. Douglas took him to the mat with a side mare, but Sabu turned it into a headscissors. Williams turned it into a leglock, but Sabu made the ropes. Sabu took Williams down with a headlock, but Williams broke out and grabbed a Cobra. Sabu made the ropes again. Williams applied an armlock, but Sabu backed him in a corner, and we had a clean break. Sabu kicked Williams in the gut, but Williams responded with punches and forearms. Sabu reversed a whip in a corner and hit a lariat, then delivered a slingshot somersault legdrop. Sabu applied a Camel Clutch, but Williams made the ropes.
Williams rolled to the floor, and Sabu hit a baseball slide kick. Sabu hit a slingshot senton onto Williams on the floor, then set up a table at ringside. Williams rammed Sabu headfirst into the table, then tossed him back into the ring. Williams got on the apron and kicked Sabu in the head. Williams hit a middle rope uppercut for a two count. Williams whipped Sabu into a corner and hit a jumping knee. Williams went to the top rope, but Sabu crotched him. Sabu went for a top rope rana, but Williams began to fall off the ropes, taking Sabu with him. Sabu still flipped, and Williams still went over to the mat. Sabu grabbed a chair, but the referee warned him not to use it.
Sabu stomped Williams, then used the chair for a triple jump moonsault, using the middle rope for the move. Sabu went for another chair launch, but Williams tripped Sabu face first into the chair. Williams hit a kneedrop for a two count. Williams hit Sabu with a low kick, but claimed it was to the inside of the thigh. Williams hit a clothesline, then put Sabu in an armbar. Williams drove his knee into Sabu's back, then hit a kneedrop for a two count. Sabu kicked Williams on a charge, then hit a springboard DDT for a two count. Sabu hit a springboard back elbow, and got a two count. Sabu used a chair launch to hit a leg lariat in the corner on Williams. Sabu went for another, but Williams kicked the chair into Sabu's midsection, then hit a gutwrench suplex for a two count.
Williams sent Sabu into the ropes, but Sabu clotheslined him to the floor. Sabu went for a chair launch, but referee Earl Hebner blocked him. Sabu got Hebner out of the way and jumped off the chair to the top rope, but Williams moved, so Sabu dropped back to the mat, then hit a slingshot senton on Williams on the floor. Sabu put Williams on the table on the floor, then went for a slingshot senton, but Williams moved out of the way and Sabu went through the table. Sabu crawled back into the ring, as Williams got ready to hit him with a chair. The referee took the chair from Williams, but with the ref's back turned, Williams hit Sabu with the championship belt. Williams pinned Sabu at the eleven minute mark.
Winner: Douglas Williams.
Christy Hemme interviewed Mr. Anderson, who said he doesn't care if the Pope doesn't like him or trust him. Anderson said he is there to win the World Title, then noted how the fans would be chanting "We Are A**holes" tonight.
Velvet Sky vs. Madison Rayne.
Madison entered on the back of Tara's motorcycle. Velvet was accompanied by Angelina Love. Madison choked Velvet in the corner with her boot, then punched her down and choked her on the mat. Madison put Velvet in a cravate and tossed her down to the mat. Madison put her in a camel clutch and jumped on her back, then reapplied the hold. Velvet kicked Rayne low, then slapped her in the face. Tara and Angelina argued on the floor, distracting the referee and as a result missing Velvet's cradle on Madison. Madison gave Velvet a clothesline, then pulled on her hair. Madison used a headscissors to ram Velvet face first into the mat, then got a two count. Madison went for a leapfrog in the corner, but Velvet caught it and slammed Madison to the mat. Velvet hit some clotheslines and a back elbow. Velvet kicked away a backdrop and hit a spear, then rammed Madison headfirst into the mat. Velvet hit a bulldog, put Tara pulled her out of the ring to stop the pinfall. Tara grabbed her helmet to use on Velvet, but Angelina kicked Tara from behind. Velvet crawled back into the ring, and Madison set her up for a neckbreaker, but Velvet reversed it into a DDT for the pin at the five minute mark.
Winner: Velvet Sky.
Christy Hemme interviewed Jeff Hardy. Hardy said that Kurt Angle was the best wrestler in the world, but he wasn't bad himself. Hardy said he was going to win the title tonight for Rob Van Dam.
Abyss vs. Rhino - Falls Count Anywhere.
Rhino attacked Abyss on the ramp during his entrance. Rhino pounded him in the floor, then tossed Abyss into the ring. Rhino pulled some weapons out from under the ring. Rhino wedged a trash can in the corner, but Abyss rolled to the floor. Rhino gave Abyss a pescado, and they brawled into the crowd. A camera man got knocked down, and they brawled into the backstage area. They brawled outside of the studio, and were fighting under one of the roller coasters at Universal Studios. Abyss rammed Rhino into steel fencing as they made their way back towards the building. They fought inside, past the interview set, and back through the crowd.
They made their way back to the ring, and Abyss tried a hiptoss, but Rhino blocked it and hit a clothesline. Rhino hit some punches in a corner, but Abyss reversed a whip and sent Rhino into the trash can. Rhino fell to the floor. They brawled up the aisle, past the ramp and near the stage. Abyss whipped Rhino into the guard rail and went for a cover, but Rhino kicked out. Rhino stopped a whip and threw Abyss threw the wooden front of the stage. Rhino went into the hole after Abyss, and as the camera man went after them, he got knocked back out of the hole. Abyss and Rhino apparently brawled under the stage to the other side, and busted back out of it (which looked really pre-cut), with Abyss now in control.
They made their way back to the ring, and Abyss slid a section of guard rail into the ring. Abyss put the rail in the corner, and went to whip Rhino in, but Rhino put the brakes on. Rhino hit Abyss with a clothesline, then blasted him several times with a cookie sheet. Abyss hit a shoulderblock in the corner, then a belly to belly suplex. Rhino set up for the Gore, but Abyss grabbed him by the throat and chokeslammed him on the trash can for a two count. Abyss went up the ramp and grabbed Janice. Abyss warned the referee to get out of his way, and Rhino hit Abyss with a Gore. Abyss kicked out at two. Rhino ran into a kick by Abyss, and Abyss then hit the Black Hole Slam for a two count.
Abyss went for a powerbomb, but Rhino broke out and hit a clothesline. Rhino set up for a Gore, Abyss moved out of the way and Rhino ran head first into the guard rail that had been set up in the corner earlier. Abyss then hit the Black Hole Slam for the win at the thirteen minute mark.
Winner: Abyss.
Abyss told the camera that "They are coming on 10-10-10."
They did a video package on the Jeff Jarrett & Samoa Joe vs. Kevin Nash & Sting match.
Jeff Jarrett & Samoa Joe vs. Kevin Nash & Sting.
During the entrances, it was noted that Hulk Hogan was not at the show, as he is recuperating from more back work. Sting started out the match with Joe. Sting attacked Jarrett on the apron, and as Joe pulled him off, Nash came in and attacked Joe. Joe took Nash down with a jumping kick, then hit Sting with a back elbow and a Pele kick. Jarrett tagged in and pounded Sting in a corner. Nash hit Jarrett from the apron, allowing Sting to clothesline him. Nash punched Jarrett to the mat as he tagged in. Jarrett battled back with punched, but Nash kneed him in the gut. Nash gave Jarrett Snake Eyes, then hit a side slam for a two count.
Nash kneed Jarrett in the corner, then tagged in Sting, who went to work on Jarrett's arm. Sting hit a Stinger Splash, which got a pop. Sting went for a reverse splash off the middle rope, but Jarrett got his knees up. Jarrett tagged Joe, but Nash distracted the referee, who missed the tag. Jarrett and Sting clotheslined each other, and both men were laid out on the mat. Joe tagged in and went to work on Sting, hitting a kick and a back splash. Joe kicked Nash off the apron. Joe ducked a Sting clothesline and dove onto Nash on the floor with a tope. In the ring, Sting gave Jarrett a Hot Shot, but it was in the corner where Sting had left his bat. The referee was watching Nash and Joe on the floor. Sting went to give Jarrett a Stinger Splash, but Jarrett hit him with the bat. Jarrett hit Sting with the bat again, then went to the floor and told Joe, the legal man, to get in the ring. Samoa Joe put Sting in a Kokina Clutch. Sting was out cold, and the referee called for the bell at the six minute mark.
Winners: Jeff Jarrett & Samoa Joe.
As Joe left, he picked up Sting's bat and said "They used to call me Joe, now you can call me Batman."
The events leading to Styles-Dreamer was shown.
TNA TV Champion AJ Styles vs. Tommy Dreamer - I Quit (non-title)
Styles came out, then hid in the side of the entrance structure. When Dreamer came out, Styles tried to ambush him with the title belt, but Dreamer dodged it and punched Styles to the ring. Inside, Dreamer went for a Texas Cloverleaf early, but Styles kicked it away. Dreamer backdropped Styles to the floor, then pulled him back first against the ringpost. They asked Styles if he quit, and he just said Dreamer sucked. Styles broke out of the hold, and they traded chops on the floor. Styles missed an elbowdrop, and Dreamer put Styles in a full nelson camel clutch. Styles responded "Screw you Dreamer" and slid out, then kicked Dreamer from the mat. Styles fishhooked Dreamer, but Dreamer wouldn't quit. Dreamer rammed Styles back first into a corner. Styles reversed a whip, missed a shoulderblock in the corner, and Dreamer applied a crossface, but Styles rolled to the floor. Dreamer hit a clothesline from the ring apron, then went for a suplex on the ramp, but Styles reversed it.
Styles stomped Dreamer, and went for a figure four, but Dreamer picked up one of the lights on the entrance ramp and hit Styles with it. Dreamer then used the cord from the light to put Styles in a crossface variation. Styles elbowed out. Styles whipped Dreamer into the ring apron and splashed him. Styles pulled back the protective mats on the floor, and went for a Styles Clash. Dreamer backdropped out of it, Styles landed on his feet, but Dreamer shoved him shoulder first into the ringpost. Dreamer gave Styles a shoulderbreaker. Dreamer tossed a chair in the ring. Dreamer took Styles in the ring and put him in an armbar. Styles said Dreamer sucked again. Dreamer put Styles' arm in the steel chair and legdropped it. Dreamer used the chair to apply a keylock, but Styles raked Dreamer's eyes to break the hold. Styles pulled out a fork, but before he could use it, Dreamer hit a cross armbreaker.
Dreamer went for a crossface, but Styles pulled himself out of the ring. On the floor, Dreamer wrapped Styles' arm in the guard rail, but Styles still wouldn't quit. Styles lifted Dreamer and crotched him on the guard rail, then kicked at Dreamer's knees. Styles slammed the guard rail on Dreamer's groin. Styles pulled Dreamer's ankle against the bars of the rail, but Dreamer wouldn't quit. Back in the ring, Styles went for a figure four, but Dreamer kicked it away. Styles kicked Dreamer's knee out, then pulled him towards the ringpost and crotched him on it. Styles then applied a ringpost figure four for a brief time. Styles dropped Dreamer shin first on a chair, then kicked his leg out again.
Styles put Dreamer in a figure four leglock. Dreamer escaped, but Styles slammed him on a chair. Styles put Dreamer's head on the chair and went for a dropkick, but Dreamer moved, and Styles leg went in the fold of the chair. Dreamer put Styles in an ankle lock with the chair, then picked up the fork Styles had earlier. Before Dreamer could use it, Styles hit him with a Pele kick. Dreamer fell to the floor. Styles went for a dive, but Dreamer blasted Styles with a Kendo Stick. Dreamer hit Styles again with the stick, then have him a pumphandle slam with it. Dreamer took off his T-shirt (he had a tank top underneath) and put Styles in a crossface with the stick. Styles didn't quit, even as the stick broke across his forehead. Styles picked up the fork and hit Dreamer in the eye with it as he went to pick Styles up. Styles dropkicked Dreamer, who was bleeding from the forehead. Styles put the fork against Dreamer's eye and pressed it in, until Dreamer quit at the 17 minute mark.
Winner: AJ Styles.
Kurt Angle gave a brief interview about his match, which shockingly is next.
Kurt Angle vs. Jeff Hardy - TNA title tournament semi-final.
Dixie Carter was shown at ringside, surrounded by security. Angle and Hardy traded headlocks at the start, then Angle hit some punches in a corner and went for a vertical suplex. Hardy blocked it and hit a gourdbuster, then Hardy legdropped Angle in the groin. Hardy went for a clothesline, but Angle took over and hit a wicked powerbomb. Angle applied a chinlock, switching to a side headlock. Hardy punched out of it, but Angle hit a shoulderblock for a two count. Hardy hit some forearms, then went for his elevated kick in the corner, messed it up, then hit it. Jeff kicked Angle out of a corner, but Angle grabbed a charging referee and gave him a belly to belly suplex. Angle applied a chinlock, but Jeff got out of it with a jawbreaker.
Jeff went to the top rope, but Angle raced up and gave Hardy a belly to belly suplex off the ropes. Angle went for an Angle Slam, but Hardy armdragged out of it. Hardy hit a Twist Of Fate for a two count. Hardy went for a Swanton, but missed it. Angle hit the Angle Slam, but Jeff kicked out at two. Angle went for an ankle lock, but Hardy kicked it away. Angle hit a series of German suplexes, but Hardy still kicked out. Angle went for a moonsault, but Hardy moved out of the way. Hardy hit a Whisper In The Wind for a two count.
Angle went to the floor, and Hardy laid him out on the outside. Jeff Hardy then hit a Swanton off the top rope onto Angle on the floor. Both men were slow to get up, with Angle actually crawling into the ring first. Hardy and Angle slugged it out in the center of the ring. Hardy went for another Twist Of Fate, but Angle blocked it and hit a German suplex. Angle went to the top rope and hit a frog splash for a two count. Angle went for a powerbomb, but Hardy backdropped out of it. Hardy hit another Twist Of Fate for a two count, then hit a legdrop. Hardy went to the top rope and hit a Swanton, with Angle barely kicking out of it. Hardy hit another Swanton, but Angle kicked out again. Hardy went for yet another, but Angle got his knees up this time.
Angle gave Hardy an Angle Slam, but Hardy kicked out. Angle applied an ankle lock, but Hardy rolled through and sent Angle to the floor. Hardy went to the apron and dove into Angle with a clothesline. They went back in the ring, but as Hardy went to pick him up, Angle grabbed an ankle lock again. Hardy tried to kick it off, but could not. Hardy made the ropes, but Angle dragged Hardy back into the center of the ring and reapplied the hold. Hardy managed to kick it off. Angle hit a clothesline for a two count, then went back to the ankle lock. Hardy tried to roll over, but Angle stepped around him and kept the hold on. Hardy went for the ropes again, but Angle pulled him back to the center of the ring and added a leglace to the hold. Hardy continued to struggle in the hold, and the bell rang.
They announced that the 20-minute time limit had expired. The fans chanted for five more minutes. Eric Bischoff came out and conferred with Dixie Carter. Bischoff announced that they would add five more minutes to the match.
Angle kicked out Hardy's leg and stomped on his ankle. Angle dropped a knee on the ankle, then applied the ankle lock. Jeff kicked the hold off, and sent Angle to the floor. Jeff kicked Angle between the ropes, and on the floor, rammed Angle head first into the ringsteps. They got back in the ring, and Hardy limped to the top rope. Angle crotched Hardy, then delivered a top rope Angle Slam. Angle crawled onto Hardy, but only got a two count. They got to their feet, and Angle charged, but Hardy backdropped him to the floor. They put a clock up to countdown the final minute. Angle got back in the ring and rolled up Hardy for a two count. Angle and Hardy clotheslined each other, as the final seconds ticked down. Angle draped an arm over Hardy, but he kicked out. The buzzer (yes, a buzzer) sounded that the time had expired.
Bischoff ordered five more minutes on the clock.
Angle choked Hardy in the corner with his boot. Angle pounded Hardy with elbows, then rammed him in a corner and hit some shoulderblocks. Angle charged for another shoulderblock, Jeff moved, and Angle went shoulder first into the ringpost, then fell to the floor. Jeff rammed Angle into the ringsteps, then did it a second time. Angle was busted open. They got back into the ring, and Hardy applied a Boston Crab. Angle's face was in a pool of blood. Angle fought out of the hold and countered into an ankle lock. Hardy went for the ropes, but Angle pulled him back into the center of the ring and added a leglace to the move. Hardy struggled with 30 seconds left on the clock. Time ran out, and we had a buzzer again.
Eric Bischoff got in the ring, and called for trainers to come look at Angle's cut head. Angle was demanding more time. Bischoff put on a headset and was talking with someone, then was talking with the referee. Bischoff got on the mic and said that the trainers were telling them Angle could not continue due to the cut on his head. Bischoff said they were declaring the match a no-contest. Shannon Moore came out and checked on Hardy. Angle and Bischoff walked back to the locker room, arguing. Angle's cut didn't even seem to be bleeding anymore, as the trainers had wiped off his face.
Result: No Contest.
D'Angelo Dinero was interviewed by Christy Hemme, who noted we don't know if Kurt Angle or Jeff Hardy will be advancing in the tournament. Dinero cut a promo on taking care of Mr. Anderson, noting he was "pulling the wool" over everyone's eyes, and heading on to Bound For Glory.
Ken Anderson vs. Pope D'Angelo Dinero - TNA title tournament semi-final.
They locked up and jockeyed for position at the start, at one point rolling across the mat as both attempted to get control of a small package. They traded holds on the mat, with neither man maintaining an advantage, until Pope kicked Anderson in the gut after escaping a hammerlock. They started throwing punches, and Anderson stomped Pope down in a corner. Anderson kept up his attack in the corner, until he ran into a boot by the Pope. Pope hit an armbreaker, then kicked Anderson in the ribs. Pope dropped Anderson with a hammerlock back suplex. Pope hit a kneedrop, then slammed Anderson's arm into the mat. It was noted Pope was getting revenge for when Anderson injured his shoulder. Pope kicked his shoulder and delivered a hammerlock slam, but Anderson came back with a pair of clotheslines and an enzugiri.
Anderson went for a backdrop, but Pope kicked it away. Pope missed a flying tackle and landed hard on his own shoulder. Anderson kicked Pope in the gut, then went for a hammerlock and threw Pope shoulder first into the corner. Anderson scored a two count. Pope reversed a whip, but Anderson kicked him as he charged in, then delivered a clothesline. Anderson applied a keylock on Pope's injured arm, and Pope battled out, but Anderson hit a knee to the gut, sending Pope back to the mat. Anderson hit a pair of short-arm shoulderblocks, then hit a back suplex for a two count. Anderson went for a whip, Pope reversed, and they clotheslined each other.
They slugged it out as they got up, with Pope getting the better of it. Pope hit a shoulderblock, then hit a backhand slap. Pope straddled Anderson on the ropes, and got a two count. Pope stomped Anderson, then went to the top rope. Anderson crotched him, then went for a superplex. Pope blocked it, and they jockeyed for position. Pope hit a headbutt and Anderson got crotched on the top rope, then fell to the floor. Pope then dove off the top rope and hit Anderson with a flying bodypress on the floor, catching Anderson on his shoulder. Pope rolled Anderson into the ring for a two count.
Pope went for a Codebreaker, but Anderson blocked it and went for a Mic Check. Dinero blocked that, but Anderson grabbed a rolling Fireman's Carry slam for a two count. Pope kicked Anderson and hit a punch, then landed the Codebreaker for a two count. Pope went for a Mic Check of his own on Anderson, but Anderson blocked it. Anderson went for a Mic Check, but Pope armdragged out of it. Pope charged Anderson, but Anderson grabbed him and hit the Mic Check for a two count. Pope hit a flurry of punches and kicks on Anderson in a corner. Pope went for the DDE (double jumping knee), but Anderson dodged it and sloppily applied a Mic Check to get the pin at the 18-minute mark.
Winner: Mr. Anderson.
Anderson picked up one of the fake dollars that Pope uses for his entrance and made it into a paper airplane, then threw it at Dinero on the floor. Dinero flipped him off as he left. Anderson acted mockingly hurt over the gesture. Anderson called for his microphone. He asked if the crowd had a good time tonight, then announced himself as being one match away from being the TNA World Champion. Anderson vamped it up before finally announcing his own name to end the show.
We were reminded that we still don't know who Anderson will face at Bound For Glory.
2010 - WWE ran White Plains, NY at the Westchester County Center. Nick Fox filed the following live report:
1st Match: Christian defeated “Dashing” Cody Rhodes via Pinfall (Killswitch) Referee: Chad Patton
Rhodes cut a Heel Promo before the match. He asked the ladies who they thought was better looking: ladies sided with Christian on this one. Rhodes also made a Stipulation: No wrestler can hit the other person in the face. Good back and forth match: crowd solely behind Christian. Christian worked Cody early. Few nearfalls. Christian hit his Flying Back Elbow & Springboard Sunset Flip. Cody then hit the Alabama Slam; a Springboard Savat Kick. Christian got the edge and hit the Killswitch for the Pinfall.
Alberto Del Rio comes out and attacks Christian. He cuts a Heel Promo saying that he can’t believe he’s facing Chavo Guerrero. Says some other things before Chavo’s music hits.
2nd Match: Alberto Del Rio defeated Chavo Guerrero via Submission (Rolling Cross Arm Bar) Referee: Chad Patton
Great match between these two. They worked both inside and outside the ring: lot of high spots. Crowd was solely behind Chavo. Chavo hit a Flying Cross Body on Alberto. Alberto used some Enzugiri kicks in match. Chavo landed a Tornado DDT on Del Rio. Del Rio worked on Chavo’s arms & legs. Towards the end of that match, Chavo landed a Frog Splash on Del Rio but Alberto got to the ropes before the three count. Del Rio throws Chavo into the Steel Posts and puts the Arm Bar on Chavo as Chavo Submits.
3rd Match: JTG defeated Tyler Reks via Pinfall (Da Shout Out) Referee: Aaron Mahoney
Match was okay. JTG hit some aerial moves on Reks. Tyler used his strength and worked on JTG’s arms during the match. JTG then hit Da Shout Out on Reks to score the pinfall. A lot of people weren’t impressed towards Tyler. Lot of “You Suck” chants.
4th Match: “Masterlock vs. Ankle Lock” Submission Match: Jack Swagger defeated Chris Masters via Submission (Ankle Lock) Referee: Chad Patton
Good match. Swagger did Push-Ups in the ring before the match. I thought that was funny. Swagger worked the crowd as a heel pretty well. Both worked inside and outside the ring. Swagger controlled the whole match: worked on Master’s arm. Both tried to hit their Submission Moves early. Swagger missed his Slingshot Suplex as Masters gained control. He put on the Masterlock, but Swagger got to the turnbuckles and countered into the Ankle Lock as Chris Submits. Masters sold the injury after the match.
5th Match: R-Truth defeated CM Punk(w. Luke Gallows) via Pinfall (Roll Up) Referee: Aaron Mahoney
Match was scheduled to be a Tag Team Match: Matt Hardy & R-Truth vs. Straight-Edge Society, but turned into a Singles Match. CM Punk cuts a great Heel promo before the match. He asked the crowd if anyone has let people down. He doesn’t accept “failure” in SES; when Gallows Tapped to Big Show on Smackdown. Crowd full of “You Tapped Out” chants. He makes Luke apologize as Gallows gets on his knees and begs for forgiveness. They hug. Truth does his normal “What’s up” entrance. It was funny that Punk would close his ears every time he said “What’s Up.” Truth went DMX on Punk as he was reciting “Party Up.” Good match. I noticed Punk barely used any of his Signature Moves. Truth countered the GTS early with a Roll Up. Punk used his Step-Up Enzugiri. Punk tries to take off the Turnbuckle Pad off. Gallows tries to interfere while referee was fixing the Pad but Truth counters: throws Punk into Gallows as Truth scores the pinfall on a Roll Up. After match, Punk slaps Luke. Gallows goes back to his “Festus.” character. They both hug but Punk gives the GTS to Gallows & leaves.
INTERMISSION
6th Match: WWE Intercontinental Championship: Champion Dolph Ziggler defeated Kofi Kingston and Drew McIntyre via Pinfall (Dolph Roll Up on Kofi) Referee: Chad Patton
Ziggler cut a nice heel promo before the match. He said everyone is jealous that they don’t have an Intercontinental belt as the crowd boos. He says he’s the greatest IC Champion EVER! Good back and forth match. McIntyre/Ziggler worked together on Kofi early, but that didn’t last long. Ziggler threw out Drew to work on Kofi. Good spot between them two. Ziggler hit some good moves: Fame-ASSER, T-Bone Suplex., & others. Kofi hit a Double Boom Boom Drop on both Dolph & Drew. Dolph did put the Sleeper on Kofi, but Drew countered it with the Neck Breaker. Drew got the upper hand with a Big Boot to Ziggler. Drew tried to hit the Future Shock DDT on Dolph, but Kofi hits Trouble in Paradise on Drew. Dolph Rolls Up Kofi to score the pinfall and Retain the Intercontinental Championship.
7th Match: “Bathing Suit” 6-Diva Tag Team Match: Kelly Kelly & The Bella Twins(Nikki & Brie) defeated Co-Women’s Champion Layla, Jillian Hall, & Rosa Mendes via Pinfall (Kelly K2 on Mendes) Referee: Aaron Mahoney.
Typical Divas match. Jillian Hall sung before the match: crowd booed. I do want to say that the Bathing Suits would probably not be “PG.” They definitely weren’t the Baywatch one-pieces they’ve wore on Raw. Layla was hilarious during the match: definitely played the “Beautiful People” gimmick with Hairspray; crowd went along with it. Kelly got the Hot Tag and cleaned house. All 6 Divas in ring: Babyface Divas hit a Triple Dropkick to Heel Divas. Layla hit the Layout to one of the Bellas for a nearfall. Bellas sprayed Layla & Hall with a water gun as they ran outside. Kelly hit the K2 on Rosa to score the pinfall.
Main Event: WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Champion Kane defeated Big Show via Pinfall (Punk’s Interference: Chair DDT to Show) Referee(s): Chad Patton & Aaron Mahoney
Big Show came out to a HUGE pop. Good back and forth match. They both worked outside the ring. Show had the early edge working on Kane; using his Fists in the corner. Show Bodyslammed Kane a couple times. The referee gets knocked out during Big Show’s Irishwhip to Kane. Kane hit his Flying Clothesline. CM Punk came out to give a Steel Chair to Kane. Kane Chairshots Show followed by a DDT on the Chair to score the pinfall as a new referee(Aaron Mahoney) came out to score the pinfall. After the match, Show eyes Punk. After a few minutes of begging, they both smile. Show handshakes Punk but Punk tries to run away. Show has Punk by his trunks & Knockout Hooks Punk out cold. No lie, Punk laid motionless in the ring for a good 5-8 minutes. The trainer came down to use the smelling salt on Punk; Punk went crazy. Punk attacks the medic as they fall outside the ring. Referees help break it up as Punk leaves the stage. Show Ends.
Live Notes:
I’ve never been to the Westchester County Center. Looked like an old-school gymnasium. I’d say it was 85-90% full by end of night.
Tony Chimel/Ashley Valence promoted the Merchandise stand. Ashley threw out t-shirts during that event. Ashley also gave a lucky kid to be a Time Keeper/Ring Beller during a match.
Tony Chimel promoted both the Night of Champions PPV and WWE’s Return to Madison Square Garden at the end of September. He said both Bret Hart & Undertaker would make their returns to MSG.
Crowd was hot the whole night but kind of died out for the Swagger-Masters match & Divas Tag match.
Biggest Pops:
1. Big Show
2. Kofi Kingston
3. Christian
Biggest Heat:
1. Alberto Del Rio
2. “Dashing” Cody Rhodes
3. Straight-Edge Society/Dolph Ziggler
What a great night in White Plains. The crowd was alive all night, and the matches were solid. The promos were fantastic. I suggest everyone should see a live WWE event if they can.
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