September 11th
On this day in history in ....
1959 - Rey Mendoza (father of Los Villanos) defeats Dory Dixon for the EMLL NWA Light Heavyweight Title in Guadalajara, Mexico.
1963 - WWWF ran Reading, PA with the following results:
-Argentina Apollo fought the Black Shadow to a 30-minute time-limit draw.
-WWWF US Tag Team Champions Brute Bernard & Skull Murphy defeated Ron Reed & Tim Woods in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match.
-Pedro Morales fought Johnny Barend to a draw after a collision knocked both men out.
1965 - ECW mastermind Paul Heyman is born.
1965 - WWWF ran Baltimore, Maryland with the following results:
-Chief Big Heart & Chief White Owl defeated Smasher Sloan & Clyde Steeves.
-Johnny Valentine defeated Gene Dubuque.
-Bobo Brazil defeated Waldo Von Erich.
-Tarzan Tyler defeated Vittorio Apollo.
-WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino defeated Bill Watts.
1967 - Fritz & Waldo Von Erich defeat Brute Bernard & Mike Paidousis to win the NWA American Tag Team Title in Fort Worth, Texas.
1967 - WWWF World Champion WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino fought Gorilla Monsoon to a draw in the main event of a WWWF event in Hershey, PA.
1973 - Professor Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji defeaed Tony Garea & Haystacks Calhoun for the WWWF World Tag Team Title in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, starting their second reign as champions.
1971 - WWWF ran the Boston Garden with the following results:
-Karl Gotch defeated Mike Monroe
-Rene Goulet defeated the Black Demon
-Jimmy Valiant defeated Tomas Marin
-Beautiful Bobby defeated Mike Pappas
-Stan Stasiak defeated Manuel Soto
-WWWF World Champion Pedro Morales, Gorilla Monsoon, & Chief Jay Strongbow defeated Jimmy Valiant (sub. for Lou Albano who was bloodied before the match), WWWF Tag Team Champions Tarzan Tyler & Luke Graham in a Best 3 of 5 falls Texas Death match; John Stanley and Haystacks Calhoun were the referees for the bout
1973 - In Philadelphi, PA, Mr. Fuji & Prof. Toru Tanaka defeated WWWF Tag Team Champions Tony Garea & Haystacks Calhoun to win the titles when the referee stopped the match, ruling Calhoun unable to continue after Tanaka threw salt into the champion's eyes and choked him with his own horseshoe.
1976 - Wahoo McDaniel defeats Ric Flair in Greenville, North Carolina to win the NWA Mid Atlantic Heavyweight Title, ending Flair's second reign with the belt and starting Wahoo's third run as champion.
1977 - Dusty Rhodes & Don Muraco defeated WWWF World Champion Superstar Billy Graham & Ivan Koloff in the main event of a Championship Wrestling from Florida card in Orlando, FL at the Sports Stadium.
1977 - WWWF ran Steubenville, Ohio with the following results:
-Tony Garea defeated Baron Mikel Scicluna via disqualification.
-Stan Stasiak defeated Larry Zbyzsko.
-Larry Sharpe & Jack Evans defeated Johnny DeFazio & Lenny Hurst.
-Dominic DeNucci defeated Rocky Tomayo.
-Peter Maivia defeated Ken Patera via countout.
1978 - WWWF ran Stamford, CT with the following results:
-Jim Ray defeated Frankie Williams.
-Tony Russo defeated Frankie Williams.
-Luke Graham defeated SD Jones.
-Dino Bravo fought Spiros Arion to a draw.
-The Yukon Lumberjacks defeated Larry Zbyszko & Tony Garea.
1981 - WWF ran Trenton, NJ at the CYO Center with the following results:
-Roberto Soto pinned Ron Shaw.
-Dominic DeNucci defeated Larry Sharpe via disqualification.
-Baron Mikel Scicluna pinned Curt Hennig.
-Steve King pinned Angelo Gomez.
-SD Jones defeated Bulldog Brower via disqualification.
-Pedro Morales fought WWF IC Champion Don Muraco to a draw.
1984 - Bruno Sammartino officially debuted as a commentator for WWF during an episode of Championship Wrestling being taped in Poughkeepsie, NY. The episode would air on 9/22 of that year.
1984 - WWF ran Los Angeles, CA at the Sports Arena with the following results:
-Rene Goulet defeated Terry Daniels.
-WWF Tag Team Champions Adrian Adonis & Dick Murdoch defeated the Wild Samoans.
-Andre the Giant defeated the Iron Sheik.
-Jimmy Snuka defeated Roddy Piper via disqualification.
-Tiger Chung Lee defeated Salvatore Bellomo.
-Bob Orton Jr. defeated SD Jones.
-Princess Victoria & Velvet McIntyre defeated Despina Montagas & Leilani Kai.
-WWF Intercontinental Champion Tito Santana fought Greg Valentine to a no contest.
1987 - Jim Crockett Promotions ran the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis, TN, headlined by UWF Champion Steve Williams & the Road Warriors defeated Big Bubba Rogers & NWA U.S. Tag Team Champions The Midnight Express, Bobby Eaton & Stan Lane.
1988 - Jim Crockett Promotions ran Greensboro, NC with the following results:
-NWA TV Champion Mike Rotundo & Rick Steiner defeated Brad Armstrong & the Italian Stallion.
-Steve Williams pinned Rip Morgan.
-The Road Warriors defeated the Sheepherders.
-The Russian Assassins defeated Ricky Morton & Nikita Koloff via disqualification when Ivan Koloff interfered.
-Dusty Rhodes defeated Al Perez in a dog collar match; after the bout, Kevin Sullivan interfered and helped double team Rhodes.
-Sting defeated NWA US Champion Barry Windham via disqualification when the champion began choking Sting on the ropes.
-NWA World & U.S. Tag Team Champions The Midnight Exspress, Bobby Eaton & Stan Lane defeated The Fantastics, Bobby Fulton & Tommy Rogers when Eaton pinned Rogers.
-Lex Luger defeated NWA World Champion Ric Flair via disqualification when Flair threw the challenger over the top rope; former NFL player John Ayres was scheduled as the guest referee but did not appear; Luger originally won the match and title when replacement referee Teddy Long made the pinfall but initial referee Tommy Young overruled it due to Flair throwing Luger over the top earlier in the match.
1990 - WCW ran Dayton, Ohio at the UD Arena with the following results:
-Tommy Rich pinned the Blade Hunter.
-The Master Blasters defeated Mike Rotunda & Tim Horner.
-Jackie Fulton pinned Dutch Mantell.
-NWA US Tag Team Champions Rick & Scott Steiner defeated the Samoan Swat Team.
-Bobby Eaton & Stan Lane defeated Brian Pillman & Tom Zenk.
-NWA World TV Champion Arn Anderson & Sid Vicious defeated the Junkyard Dog & Brad Armstrong.
-NWA World Champion Sting pinned Ric Flair.
1992 - WCW ran the UIC Pavilion in Chicago, IL with the following results:
-Arn Anderson & Bobby Eaton defeated Van Hammer & Tom Zenk.
-Erik Watts defeated Mike Graham.
-Dustin Rhodes defeated Bob Cook.
-The Barbarian defeated Barry Windham.
-Rick & Scott Steiner defeated Greg Valentine & Dick Slater.
-Brad Armstrong pinned Brian Pillman with the Russian legsweep.
-WCW World TV Champion Ricky Steamboat defeated Steve Austin.
-Sting & Nikita Koloff defeated Jake Roberts & the Super Invader.
-WCW World Champion Ron Simmons defeated WCW U.S. Champion Rick Rude.
1995 - Brian Christopher defeats Billy Jack Haynes for the USWA Southern Heavyweight Title in Memphis, Tennessee, ending Haynes' second reign and starting Christopher's 18th run with the belt.
1995 - The Monday Night Wars officially begin, as WWF Monday Night Raw on USA Network and WCW Monday Nitro on TNT air on the same night for the first time (Nitro debuted the previous week, when Raw was preempted). Nitro scored the first win in the ratings, with a 2.5 to Raw's 2.2. Nitro featured the debut of Sabu (who lost to Alex Wright on a reverse decision when he put him through a table after beating him), Sting defeating V.K. Wallstreet (Mike Rotundo), Randy Savage defeating Scott Norton, and World Champion Hulk Hogan defeating Lex Luger (who jumped from WWF the previous week) via disqualification. Raw offered up Davey Boy Smith defeating Razor Ramon via disqualification, The Smoking Gunns defeating Brooklyn Brawler & Rad Radford (Louie Spicolli), Isaac Yankem (Kane) defeating Scott Taylor (Scotty 2 Hotty), and a main event of Shawn Michaels defeating Sid Vicious.
1997 - Tracy Smothers defeats Bull Pain in Louisville, Kentucky for the IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Title.
1997 - Wrestlefest - 50 Years Of Funk, a card put together by Terry Funk in Amarillo, Texas to celebrate fifty years of the Funk family wrestling in Texas, was held at the Amarillo Fairgrounds Coliseum, drawing almost 4,000 fans to see a show that combined ECW, WWF, Independent and Japanese talent. Here are the results of the show:
- Wing Kanemura defeated Roadkill.
- ECW World Television Champion Taz defeated Chris Candido.
- Shark Tsuchiya defeated Cooga.
- Mark & Chris Youngblood defeated The Bushwackers.
- Balls Mahoney defeated Bubba Ray Dudley.
- ECW World Heavyweight Champion Shane Douglas defeated Tommy Dreamer.
- Dory Funk Jr. defeated Rob Van Dam.
- Mankind defeated Sabu via disqualification.
- Hayabusa, Masato Tanaka & Hakushi defeated Jake Roberts & The Headhunters.
- WWF World Heavyweight Champion Bret Hart defeated Terry Funk. Prior to the main event, Terry was presented with a title belt, proclaiming him "lifetime" ECW World Champion. The special referee for the match was Dennis Stamp, who was the opponent in Bret Hart's debut match, which took place in the Funk's old Amarillo territory. The documentary "Beyond The Mat" was highlighted by a scene filmed prior to this show, where Stamp complained to Funk about "not being booked" for the show.
1998 - Extreme Championship Wrestling ran Altoona, PA with the following results:
-Super Nova & the Blue Meanie defeated Tracy Smothers & Little Guido.
-Sal E. Graziano defeated John Kronus.
-Spike Dudley defeated Sal E. Graziano.
-Jerry Lynn defeated Mikey Whipwreck.
-Chris Chetti defeated Danny Doring.
-Tommy Dreamer defeated Jack Victory.
-Chris Candido defeated Lance Storm.
-ECW Tag Team Champions Sabu & ECW TV Champion Rob Van Dam defeated Buh Buh Ray & D-Von Dudley.
1998 - WCW ran Cincinatt, Ohio with the following results:
-Kanyon defeated Evan Karagias.
-Meng defeated Hugh Morrus.
-Ernest Miller defeated Billy Kidman.
-Stevie Ray defeated Steve McMichael
-Diamond Dallas Page defeated Curt Hennig.
-Sting & Kevin Nash defeated WCW US Champion Bret Hart & Scott Hall.
-WCW World Champion Bill Goldberg defeated the Giant.
1999 - Extreme Championship Wrestling held a TNN taping in Buffalo, NY with the following results:
-Vito Lograsso defeated Jesus Cristobol (Zorro in Mexico).
-Jazz defeated Tony Devito.
-Nova & Chris Chetti defeated Tony Devito & Simon Diamond
-Jerry Lynn defeated Justin Credible after Lance Storm's interference backfired; after the bout, Rob Van Dam made the save; moments later, the lights went out and when they came back on Sabu was in the ring; Sabu, RVD, and Lynn then fought each other; moments later, Sabu put Credible through a table before ECW World Champion Taz appeared and put Sabu in the Tazmission in the aisle; New Jack then appeared and cleared the ring with several weapons.
-Axl Rotten & Balls Mahoney defeated CW Anderson & Bill Wiles.
-Masato Tanaka defeated Rhino; after the bout, ECW World Champion Taz put Tanaka in the Tazmission.
-ECW TV Champion Rob Van Dam pinned Uganda.
-ECW Tag Team Champions Raven & Tommy Dreamer defeated Danny Doring & Roadkill (w/ Miss Congeniality) following simultaneous DDTs at 1:10.
-Super Crazy pinned Little Guido (w/ Sal E. Graziano) at 7:48 with a brainbuster.
-Spike Dudley pinned Sal E. Graziano at the 15-second mark with the Acid Drop.
2000 - WCW ran Monday Nitro in Charlotte, NC with the following results:
-WCW Tag Team Champions Rey Mysterio Jr. & Juventud Guerrera defeated Kronik.
-Reno defeated Big Vito in a stickball on a pole match.
-Madusa defeated Torrie Wilson via disqualification.
-Jeff Jarrett defeated Ms. Jones.
-Hugh Morrus defeated WCW US Champion Lance Storm in a non-title match.
-Sting defeated Ron & Don Harris in a handicap match.
-WCW World Champion Kevin Nash fought Scott Steiner to a no contest; Booker T was the guest referee; Bill Goldberg was the special enforcer for the bout.
2000 - WWE ran Raw in Phoenix, Arizona with the following results from the live broadcast:
-Matt & Jeff Hardy defeated the Dudley Boyz at 2:18 when Jeff pinned Bubba Ray following outside interference from Edge & Christian; after the match, the Dudleyz put Edge through a table; due to prematch stipulations, the Hardyz became the #1 contenders to the tag team titles
-WWF Women's Champion Lita pinned Ivory at 2:03 with the Twist of Fate and the moonsault
-Too Cool defeated WWF IC Champion Eddie Guerrero & Chyna at 4:00 when Grandmaster Sexay pinned Guerrero with the legdrop off the top; after the match, Guerrero attacked Too Cool with the IC title as they danced until Rikishi made the save; relunctantly, Chyna fought off Rikishi to save Guerrero
-Chris Jericho defeated Triple H (w/ Stephanie McMahon) via disqualification at 5:09 when X-Pac attacked Jericho as Triple H argued with Kurt Angle on the floor; after the match, Triple H and X-Pac had a confrontation due to X-Pac's interference
-The Goodfather & Bull Buchanon defeated the Acolytes at 2:36 when Buchanon pinned Farooq with the axe kick; after the match, Val Venis attacked the Acolytes with a chair and joined the RTC
-WWF European Champion Al Snow pinned Tazz at 1:28 with an inside cradle after Jerry Lawler interfered and hit Tazz over the head with a framed picture of David Hasselhoff; after the match, Tazz grabbed a mic, said he can't compete with Lawler's political power, and that he has become just another victim of the WWF
-Kurt Angle fought Test & Albert (w/ Trish Stratus) to a no contest at 2:52 in a handicap match after Stephanie McMahon came ringside and attacked Trish, Triple H made the save for Stephanie, and Triple H accidentally knocked Stephanie out during a confrontation with Angle
-WWF Hardcore Champion Steve Blackman pinned X-Pac at 3:27 after Chris Jericho interfered and hit the challenger with a kendo stick
-Kane & Chris Benoit defeated WWF World Champion the Rock & the Undertaker in a No DQ match at 5:02 when Kane attacked Taker midway through the Last Ride, with Benoit falling on top for the pin
2004 - Ring of Honor presented the third annual Glory by Honor event on at the Rexplex in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Mike Johnson filed the following live report:
The focus of the show going in was the debut of former WWF champion Mick Foley, who is going to be a regular for the next few events.
Before the show opened, the entire roster came to the ring and held a moment of silence for the victims of 9/11. Dan Maff took the mic and reminded everyone of what families had lost that night, that many of the wrestlers working the show were from the New York City area, and said that if the United States can make it through 9/11, it can make it through anything. It was a nice, classy moment, although a comment later in the night would blemish it.
*Jimmy Rave pinned Special K's Dixie with the Styles Clash in a decent opener. For some reason, putting on one of Prince Nana's robes has injected some charisma into Rave. After the match, Nana announced the newest member of the Embassy was Mick Foley, who didn't come out and two attempted at producing him. Nana said that he would go in the back and get Foley himself and bring him out and everyone left.
*Jay Lethal pinned Matt Stryker in a match where Lethal (who has been in a slump) would have lost his job if he lost. By losing the match, Stryker "lost his plane ticket" to the ROH East Coast shows, so he would have to drive if he worked them. The crowd was all over Stryker, who is a good technical wrestler but never escaped the Field of Honor debacle last December. Lethal looked great here, including a clubbing clothesline that would have made the Dynamite Kid wince. Stryker took the mic after the show and tried to blame all the Internet fans for writing about him like cowards, and said he was going back to the Midwest where fans appreciate real wrestlers. Stryker flubbed his line, so the crowd was all over him even worse.
*Trent Acid won a really fun Six Man Mayhem match which also included Angel Dust, Ace Steel, Kahagas, Fast Eddie and Izzy. Special K had dissension at ringside because Izzy had his new girlfriend Lacey with him. Fast Eddie hit some impressive moves here. This was a really fun and fast mix of insane spots, which the crowd ate up.
*Austin Aries came to the ring and demanded Mick Foley come out and face Generation Next. Foley didn't come out, so Aries challenged Punk to come out for their match. Punk did. CM Punk pinned Austin Aries in a disappointing match. Although the two have worked together a few times before and there was the Generation Next vs. Second City Saints storyline behind it, it never took off and at this point, brought the crowd down quite a bit. Punk's entrance is awesome. Late in the match, the referee was bumped. The crowd booed the hell out of that. Roderick Strong and Jack Evans hit the ring. Ace Steel made the save and everyone brawled to the back. Alex Shelley hit the ring and he and Aries worked over Punk. Steve Corino, in street clothes, and his young boys hit the ring as a surprise and Corino brawled with Shelley. The place popped huge for Corino's appearance. In all the madness, Punk rolled up Aries for the pin. CM Punk took the mic and told Generation Next that, "You just found out when you f*** with me, you f*** with my friends, too." Gary Michael Cappetta jumped in the ring and said that the last time anyone saw Corino in ROH, it was the barbed wire match against Homicide last November (which saw Corino win, then walk out of the company).
Before Corino could answer, Homicide's music hit and he and Julius Smokes came to the ring, setting the stage for the low point of the evening. Homicide got in the ring and said that he couldn't believe that Corino was back and said that Corino was right about a few things he said last year -- that the ROH promotion was crap, that everyone who worked for it was crap, and that the ROH fans are crap. He called the fans Internet marks and ripped apart well known fan Paul "Green Lantern Fan" Sosnowski by name. The crowd started chanting "Homocide" at him. Homicide responded by saying that he wished all the fans were in the Twin Towers on 9/11. That was easily the most asinine, stupid thing ever said by anyone involved with ROH. It was disgusting and shouldn't have been said. Company sources told me that the promotion didn't script his comments and they are going to be edited off the tape, but it was one of those moments that make one ashamed to even be at a wrestling show that day, much less be a fan period. Even if Homicide just made the flippant remark off the top of his head, there was absolutely no need to go there, especially on this day and just a few hours after he stood in the ring in tribute to those who had passed away on that tragic day. First of all, he doesn't need to say something that disgusting to get over. Secondly, the promotion bills itself as Ring of Honor, but one comment like that smears the very concept of what the company has built for itself, especially after it has worked hard to rebuild from all the issues it faced earlier this year. Third, fans see ROH as a place where they are respected, so when someone, working or not, says among the most disrespectful comments ever said to get cheap heat, it makes the promotion look like crap, not the heel.
Homicide's comment took the wind out of the sails of the show for some (including myself) as half the crowd just sat there stunned at the comment, while the other half didn't hear it because the mic was shoddy. In many ways, that was the promotion's saving grace because it seemed many (including booker Gabe Sapolsky) didn't hear the comment. The promotion really was lucky in that respect. In a conversation a minute after the angle, Cary Silkin made it clear that it wasn't something that ROH endorsed or requested. I do believe that to be true as before the show, Sapolsky didn't want Mick Foley to make any comments about 9/11 on the mic (he later allowed Foley to do so), feeling that once the pre-show ceremony would be over, fans should be allowed to lose themselves in the show and enjoy themselves. However, once it was said in their ring, ROH maintains responsibility for it and an apology, at the very least, should be made immediately as it was a moment that made one feel dirty for being at the show.
The angle closed with Homicide wanting to shake Steve Corino's hand but Punk wouldn't allow it. Homicide warned him that he has his own problems with Generation Next, but would have to deal with the Rottweilers if he put his nose in Homicide's business. Corino and Punk walked out as Homicide demanded Corino get back in the ring. The angle was flat by that point. Corino is back here as a regular when his ZERO-ONE commitments allow.
*Danny Maff and BJ Whitmer defeated Flash Venom in a hot two minute match. The idea here was that Allison Danger brought in the IWA stars as bounty hunters to destroy her former team. The idea is that Danger refuses to realize that the Prophecy is dead and would rather destroy her former charges rather than see them succeed without her. Danger began ripping on everyone and demanded Mick Foley come out to take out Maff and Whitmer. Foley came out to a monster pop, with the idea that he was tired of everyone bringing his name up. Foley ripped apart Danger and told her to leave the ring.
Foley said that everyone was wondering why he was here at Ring of Honor. The Embassy came out and they all hugged Foley. Prince Nana named him as the newest member of the Embassy. Foley said that wasn't the case and it ended with them attacking him. Generation Next hit the ring, looking to get a piece of Foley as well. Maff and Whitmer made the save. With the heels run off, Foley said that the reason he came to ROH was that he was invited a few weeks ago and asked to see the product. He said that he saw moves that made his say, "Holy sh**" so he rewound the tape and he said it again. He said that if he had any athletic ability left, he would be stealing those moves. Foley said he saw something more than just great wrestling when he watched the tapes, he saw the future of wrestling. He put over Jay Briscoe for fighting for the title as he nearly "bled to death" (Samoa Joe Steel Cage match, 3/13). He put over BJ Whitmer and Danny Maff as a great team who work hard and said that as far as he was concerned, ROH stood for "Ring of Hardcore." The fans popped and they went to the back.
*Bryan Danielson forced Alex Shelley to submit with Cattle Mutilation in a really good 20 minute bout with lots of submissions and hard hitting strikes. Danielson came out in a robe that wouldn't have looked out of place on a Jedi Master. This was probably the strongest match on the show so far. After the match, Danielson said that he was looking for ROH champion Samoa Joe so he could finally get his title match and that he wanted to challenge someone who was coming to ROH in November, Jushin Liger. The fans popped huge for the challenge.
*ROH Pure champion John Walters forced Nigel McGuinness to submit to retain the title in another decent match. Walters finished off McGuiness with his lungblower three times (pulls the competitor backward across his knees), then cinched in a submission hold while crossing McGuiness' arms around his collarbone. McGuiness finally tapped and raised Walters' hand afterwards.
*ROH champion Samoa Joe pinned Doug Williams. They did a lot of mat work early. Joe hit his Muscle Buster on Williams, who kicked out, which was surprising since that's put away a lot of names. Joe nailed a clothesline for the pin. Solid match.
*ROH Tag Team champions The Havana Pitbulls retained their titles in a Four Team Ultimate Endurance match where the stipulations changed with every elimination. The match also included BJ Whitmer & Danny Maff, The Carnage Crew, and Roderick Strong & Jack Evans. The first fall was a submission match. Maff and Whitmer brawled a lot with the Crew. HC Loc had a submission on Whitmer, but Maff "knocked him out" with a chair to the head. Maff and Whitmer nailed DeVito's knees with chairs as he was pulled to the ringpost. DeVito tapped out to a double crab. The match turned into a Scramble Match with some cool dives. Maff destroyed Evans with the Burning Hammer. By this point, the fans wanted to see Maff and Whitmer win the titles. The final segment was a title match. Reyes and Whitmer just peppered each other with strikes and kicks. Reyes scored the clean pin with a kick to the head. The crowd just deflated, hoping to see a title change. Still, an awesome last match.
Allison Danger came out and told the Pitbulls she'd do or pay anything if they took out Maff and Whitmer and made them bleed. They started working over Maff and Whitmer. Generation Next and the Embassy both hit the ring and laid out Maff and Whitmer as well. Mick Foley returned and sprayed the ring with a fire extinguisher. This allowed Maff and Whitmer a chance to clean house and they cleared the ring with Foley's help. The crowd chanted Foley's name. Foley said that he had an admission to make, and that was that he didn't do anything tonight. He asked the fans to give a big round of applause for everyone who worked the show and the fans chanted ROH. They played Foley's old theme music, "Born to Be Wild" to close the show. A fun ending.
Notes: The crowd looked to be in the 850-900 range, which was about what the promotion has been doing in the venue, so it doesn't appear Foley added more fans than usual to the house....The promotion broke its merchandise record on 9/11, which was helped greatly by the fact that the company is now accepting credit cards at the shows. The had two professional looking signs advertising that they were accepting credit card payments at the show....They ran an angle after the show where Dunn and Marcos were attacked by Special K....There were issues with some of the ringside seats being double sold last night. The promotion tried to make good by offering refunds and comps for bleachers seats, free DVDs, and also putting some fans upstairs in the balcony section where the hard camera is located. It was human error that caused the mistake and the company tried to make good to the best of their ability....The promotion had stronger than usual security to prevent those outside the inner circle from entering the locker room, partially because Mick Foley was debuting and partially to prevent word on Steve Corino's debut from leaking out....The promotion quickly sold out of their first and second row seats for the 11/6 return to the Rexplex and has very few third row seats left. For details, visit www.ROHWrestling.com.
2005 - TNA Held their Unbreakable 2005 PPV, featuring what is still remembered as the best match in company history, Samoa Joe vs. AJ Styles vs. Christopher Daniels. Mike Johnson filed the following PPV report:
TNA Unbreakable Pre-Game Show:
Jeremy Borash and Shane Douglas welcomed everyone and ran down the lineup for tonight's Unbreakable PPV.
Backstage in an office, Traci Brooks interviewed Larry Zbyszko asking him about the rumors of talent wanting to come to TNA. Zbyszko says that is a reality and there is a list a mile long of guys wanting to come in. She said that NWA champion Raven requested his match be "Raven's Rules" tonight and Zbyszko said that the match will indeed be Raven's Rules.
Jeremy Borash and Shane Douglas shot it to Mike Tenay and Don West, who discussed the card.
Cassidy Riley vs. Jerelle Clark
Riley made Raven's crucifix as he stood atop the ring ropes. They did some back and forth wrestling. Riley went for a powerbomb but Clark landed on his feet and hit a series of arm drags on Riley. Clark rallied the crowd. Riley took him down with a clothesline. Riley ducked a spinkick then hit a springboard elbow (which the cameras missed). Monty Brown, in street clothes, came to ringside and jumped in the ring. Riley powdered out. Clark dared him to attack and Brown shoulderblocked him down. They rang the bell, so I guess it's a no contest.
Brown took the ring mic and said that he wanted to talk to Larry Zbyszko. Riley got back in the ring and Brown advised him to go in the back and let him talk. Riley made the Raven crucifix, so Brown attacked him and hit him with the Pounce. Brown cut a promo telling Zbyszko and TNA that he wasn't going to sit on the back burner anymore. He said that he's tired of waiting and asking for two years to get what he deserves. Brown said that he's never played second string to anyone and that he is on the top of the food chain. Brown challenged the winner of Raven vs. Rhyno to face him at the 10/23 Bound For Glory.
Jeff Jarrett's music hit and he came out in his ring gear. Mike Tenay and Don West noted that he's not scheduled for a match tonight. Jarrett took the mic and said that he hopes he didn't hear what he just thought he did. Brown said that he did. Jarrett said that Monty saw him getting dressed and said, “Why are you even in my ring? ÂÂ Brown said that he can do anything he wants. Jarrett said that there are more "unimportant wrestlers hanging in the back than there are on the TNA roster." Brown agreed with him. Jarrett said that they are all there for his and Jeff's job. Brown agreed.
Jarrett said that all of Monty Brown's success is due to him, saying Brown got on the Wednesday night PPVs because of him. He said that Brown will get to go to "Slammin' Saturday Night" because of Jarrett. Brown said that Jarrett may have brought him to the dance but Brown did it himself and said they "“have a problem."Â He took off his shirt, but Kip James hit the ring to try and play peacemaker. Jarrett said that they have more important things to take care of. Jarrett said that possession is 9/10th of the law and come 10/1, he will be wearing the NWA championship belt. Jarrett said that no one deserves the belt more than him, naming AJ Styles, Kevin Nash, Abyss, and Sting. He said that no one is more worthy to be champion than him.
Jeff Hardy's music hit and he hit the ring. He and Jarrett brawled. Jarrett was tossed to the floor and kicked into the guard rail. Hardy went for a dive but Jarrett moved. They brawled to the announcer's table. Jarrett tossed Hardy back into the ring and brought a chair with him. Jarrett went for the Stroke on the chair, but Hardy evaded it and hit a DDT on the chair. Kip James pulled Jarrett out of the ring. Mike Tenay and Don West talked about the competitiveness of the NWA championship division. Hardy's music played.
They played an awesome video feature on Raven vs. Rhino.
Inside the ring, Jeremy Borash and Shane Douglas reviewed the card.
Backstage, Traci Brooks interviewed AJ Styles and asked him about his X-Division championship bout tonight. Styles said that he and Christopher Daniels have had their battles. He said that last month Samoa Joe showed the world that TNA isn't about weight limits but no limits. Styles said that when TNA debuted three years ago, there was one man who was the face of TNA and was awesome. Styles said that when TNA debuts on Spike TV on 10/1, there's only one man that will be "Simply Phenomenal." Brooks wished him well in the title match.
Mikey Batts vs. Shark Boy
Batts shoved Boy, who shoved back. Batts slapped him. Boy chased him around the ring before finally slapping him back. Shark Boy unloaded with chops in the corner. He nailed Batts with 10 punches in the corner. The crowd started a "Mikey sucks" chant. Batts choked Shark Boy in the corner. Batts clotheslined Shark Boy in the corner. Batts missed a springboard legdrop off the ropes. Shark Boy hit an atomic drop and went for a bite of Batts' rear, but Batts powdered out of the ring. Shark Boy dove out of the ring and rolled Batts into the ring. Shark Boy went to the top but Batts shoved the referee into the ropes. Shark Boy pretended to be crotched on the ropes but then grabbed Batts and hit the Dead Sea Drop out of the corner for the pin. Your winner, Shark Boy!
In the ring, Jeremy Borash and Don West ran down the lineup for Unbreakable with a last minute hard sell. Some of the fans chanted "TNA."
TNA Unbreakable opened up with a graphic stating, "This Event is Dedicated to the Unbreakable Spirit of the American People."
They aired a vignette with someone doing an imitation of Howard Cosell talking over Monday Night Football's theme making a number of football references while running down TNA and the title matches for tonight's card.
3 Live Kru vs. Diamond In the Rough
Mike Tenay noted that Simon Diamond has turned around the careers of Elix Skipper and David Young. Konnan took the house mic and publicly apologized to BG James for doubting him but said that now they can get down to entertaining the best fans in the world, the TNA fans. James did the 3 Live Kru ring introduction. Skipper and James started the bout with Skipped taking him down with strikes and kicks. Young tagged in and ducked a James clothesline but nearly ran into Konnan. He backed off and turned around, only to get a thumbpoke in the eye. Killings and James worked over Young. Diamond began going off on Skipper and slapped him. Mike Tenay made a reference to Bobby Young. Skipper then took out James, with Don West saying it was a wakeup call that Skipper needed. Diamond scored a two count. Young tagged in and kicked James in the gut. The Diamonds in the Rough continued to work over James. James and Diamond butted heads in the ring as James came off the ropes. Konnan made the hot tag, He cleaned house on all of the Diamonds in the Rough. Konnan hit the somersault clothesline on Diamond. He threw his sneaker at Young, then hit a faceplant for the pin. A decent opener.
Your winners, the 3 Live Kru!
Mike Tenay and Don West discussed the events that took place during the pre-game show and showed footage of the incident.
Showcase Match: Austin Aries vs. Roderick Strong
Roderick Strong was wearing tights emblazoned with the "Generation Next" logo from Ring of Honor. The crowd chanted "Generation Next" and "ROH". Mike Tenay and Don West noted that the fans asked for more of the top independent talent and they are getting it. They also noted the two are stablemates in ROH. They did some back and forth mat wrestling. Aries used a headstand to get out of his head being scissored, then hit a dropkick and went into a side headlock. Strong went for a Boston Crab but Aries used a legsweep to break it. Aries went for a monkeyflip, but Strong broke it. Strong hit a backbreaker then slammed Aries into the corner. Strong dropped Aries across his knee with a backbreaker. Strong jettisoned Aries into the corner with a sick Irish whip. He tied up Aries in a submission move but Aries bridged back to attempt a rolling cradle pinfall. Strong pulled Aries into a rear chinlock. Aries broke free but was cut off with a Strong dropkick. Strong unleashed a stiff chop. Aries and Strong began chopping each other back and forth. Aries hit a lariat followed by his signature elbow. Strong went for a reverse takedown but Aries elbowed out of it. He snapped Strong's neck over the ropes. Strong hit a double gutbuster on Aries for a two count. Aries small packaged Strong for a two count. Strong goes for the Boston Crab but Aries grabbed his leg. Strong slammed him into the turnbuckle. Aries hit a brainbuster then went to the top and connected with a 450 splash for the pin. Your winner, Austin Aries! Great match. This is exactly the kickass wrestling that TNA needs to put on Spike TV out of the gates. The crowd chanted "TNA" after the pinfall.
Backstage, Shane Douglas interviewed Kip James and Monty Brown. James questioned Brown about earlier. Brown said that he was getting the job done. James said he owed Jarrett an apology. Brown said that he owes nobody and apology and he's going to do what he has to do to make an impact. They agreed they were going to take care of Lance Hoyt and Apollo tonight.
A Bound For Glory PPV promo aired.
Kip James & Monty Brown vs. Apollo & Lance Hoyt
James and Brown made separate entrances. Apollo and Hoyt came out with Sonny Siaki, who was wearing a suit and neck brace. He reminded me of Tazz. They sent him to the back at the start of the match. James and Brown made fun of his injury. James tagged in several times on his own without Brown's consent so they were teasing dissension. Brown worked over Hoyt. Tenay and West put over that the Orlando fans had made Hoyt a star. Brown missed a shoulderblock in the corner and Hoyt rained down upon him with ten punches. The crowd yelled "Hoyt" with each punch. Brown hit a back suplex on Hoyt. Brown tries again but Hoyt lands on his feet. He hits some offense but Brown cuts him off and hits a sideslam variation for a two count. Brown tagged out to James. He slammed Hoyt's head into the corner. James whipped Hoyt into the corner but was elbowed as he followed with a charge. Both men end up down after a clothesline attempt. Apollo and Brown both tagged in. Apollo DDT'd Brown and powerslammed James. Apollo hit a sitdown powerbomb on Brown but James broke up the pin. He hit the Famouser on Apollo. Hoyt hit James and then hit a moonsault. Hoyt and Brown brawled on the floor. Hoyt was slammed into the ringpost and never returned, as they wanted to protect him from taking the loss. James and Brown accidentally collided. Apollo hit a superkick on James who kicked up. Brown hit the ring and Pounced Apollo for the pin. Your winners, Monty Brown and Kip James, who had words as they left. The story of the match was the miscommunication between the two.
Backstage, Traci Brooks interviewed Team Canada. Petey Williams told Eric Young and A-1 that they needed to outlast the other teams. Young said that there was an American referee was worried. Bobby Rude told them to get a grip. He said that it was time for A-1's free ride to be over and to step it up tonight. Rude said that he was going to do that against Jeff Hardy tonight. He said that Hardy wasn't a :halfbaked idiot." Brooks asked Williams about his match with Chris Sabin tonight. Williams said that he and Sabin broke in together, had the same trainer, and came through the ranks in TNA together. He said that they may have that history, but Williams has the most devastating move in wrestling, the Canadian Destroyer.
Petey Williams vs. Chris Sabin
Mike Tenay noted that it was originally Shocker in the match but AAA management changed his booking to a bout that made it logistically impossible to get him to Orlando in time for the PPV. They discussed the history between the two. They started off fast. Williams missed a legdrop on the apron. Sabin hit a running dropkick onto Williams who was on the apron. They battled on the floor. Back in the ring, Williams tied Sabin to the tree of woe. Sabin hit a DDT for a nearfall. Williams focused on the neck, choking Sabin with a knee across the throat and hitting kicks and strikes. During the bout, Tenay and West talked about the Hurricane Katrina tragedy and gave the number for the American Red Cross to donate to the cause. Classy. Williams was coming off the ropes but Sabin dropkicked him in the back. Sabin peppered Williams with a series of fiery forearms. They traded back and forth chops. Sabin hit a Fisherman's Buster for a two count. Sabin went for Cradleshock but Williams evaded. Williams went for the Canadian Destroyer but Sabin moved. Williams locked in the Sharpshooter. The crowd began the back and forth chants for each wrestler. Sabin hit a DDT for a two count. Williams went for the Canadian Destroyer but Sabin avoided it. Sabin went for a springboard dropkick but Williams swatted him away and went for the Sharpshooter again. Sabin turned it around but was kicked in the gut before he could turn it into any offense. Sabin hit a running powerbomb into the turnbuckles. That was awesome. Sabin put Williams in a Fireman's carry position and ran him into the turnbuckles several times to set him up for Cradleshock. Williams raked his face and escaped. Williams went for the Destroyer but Sabin turned it into Futureshock and scored the pinfall. Good match.
Before he had a chance to recover, Matt Bentley hit the ring in street clothes and superkicked Sabin. Bentley said that a lot of people thought he was going "Up North"Â (they really have to stop regionalizing their company) but he said that TNA was his home. Bentley said that he was Bound for Glory and he would be there in the match he made famous, The Ultimate X. He superkicked Sabin again for good measure.
They aired a video feature on Sabu vs. Abyss. Jim Mitchell is one hell of a talker.
Sabu vs. Abyss
Jim Mitchell took the ring mic and said that Abyss had no problems with Sabu until he stepped into his attempts to destroy Raven. He said that Sabu may be a hardcore icon but he can'rt stand up to Abyss. He said their match tonight would be a No DQ match but by entering the ring, Sabu was signing his death warrant. The lights went out and when they returned, Sabu was in the ring.
Abyss unloaded on Sabu several times. He continued to hammer Sabu's back. Sabu fired back with punches but was nailed by Abyss. Abyss whipped Sabu into the corner but Sabu kicked him as he charged. Abyss suplexed Sabu, who rolled out of the ring. Sabu called for a chair and several ringside fans handed him theirs. Sabu returned to the ring but Abyss stomped his hands. Sabu dropkicked his legs. Sabu hit the Arabian Facebuster. He set up a chair and hit an awesome flying clothesline onto Abyss with both sailing over the ropes to the floor. Sabu went for a table but it buckled on one end. Abyss took him down and went for another table. Sabu went after Abyss but was fought off.
Sabu returned to the ring and sprinboarded out of the ring with a dive. Abyss threw him back into the ring. As Abyss returned, Sabu hit a baseball slide kick to his ankle. Sabu hit a double springboard into a tornado DDT. The crowd chanted "ECW." He got a two count from the pin attempt.
Abyss was caught between the top and middle ropes. Sabu charged him but was caught and belly to belly suplexed over the top to the floor, crashing through two tables. Abyss retrieved Sabu but was only able to get a two count.
Abyss went back to the floor and grabbed another table. The crowd chanted, "We want thumbtacks." Abyss began setting the table in the ring but Sabu nailed him with a chair several times, then threw it at Abyss for a two count. Sabu went to the top and hit the Arabian skullcrusher to the back of Abyss' head as he was draped over the table. Sabu went for the pin but Jim Mitchell put Abyss' leg over the bottom rope.
Sabu grabbed Mitchell but Abyss attacked him. Abyss hit Shock Treatment on Sabu, dropping him across the decimated table in the ring. Sabu began clutching his ribs. Abyss went under the ring and retrieved a sack of thumbtacks. The referee tried to stop him (in a no DQ match?) and was chased off. Abyss spread them out across the ring. Abyss grabbed Sabuand went for a chokeslam but Sabu kicked him low. He clotheslines Abyss several times. Abyss went for a powerbomb on the tacks but Sabu escaped. Sabu slammed a chair against his head. He went for a double springboard tornado DDT but Abyss caught him and hit the Black Hole Slam into the tacks on Sabu and scored the clean pinfall. Your winner, Abyss! This was a really fun brawl.
Shane Douglas interviewed Alex Shelley. Shelley said that Sean Waltman isn't there and he doesn't have any answers. He said that everyone always tells him that Waltman is there when it counts, but he's nowhere to be found. Shelley said that he's one half of the Chris Candido Memorial Cup winners and he's walking to the ring for his World Tag Team championship match, with or without his partner.
They went back to Mike Tenay and Don West who noted that Shelley was alone. Don West said that you would think that given the way Chris Candido tried to help the younger talent, Waltman would be there to help Shelley "but some people only care about themselves."
Jeff Hardy vs. Bobby Rude
Rude attacked Hardy at the bell but Hardy rebounded off the ropes with a clothesline. Rude retreated to the floor. Hardy hit a baseball slide and then a slingshot into a cross bodyblock to the floor. Rude began beating down and choking Hardy, screaming at him. Rude hit a running clothesline in the corner. He hit a tiltowhirl backbreaker for a two count. Rude locked him in a surfboard. Hardy hit a sunset flip for a two count. Rude hit a belly to back suplex, but only got a two count. Hardy went for the Twist of Fate but was caught by Rude, so Hardy hit a reverse kick to escape. Hardy hit a double sledge. Hardy hit a corkscrew moonsault on Rude for a two count. Hardy hit an STO on Rude and went to the top rope. Petey Williams sprinted to the ringside area and crotched Hardy. Rude went to the top and attempted a superplex. Hardy shoved him off, but the second time was unable to as Rude hit an overhead release suplex for a two count. Williams tossed Rude the hockey stick, who was going to use it on Hardy, who kicked it out of his hands. The referee clearly saw the tail end of it yet didn't ring the bell. Hardy hit the Twist of Fate but Rude rolled out of the ring. Hardy dove off the top onto Rude and Williams on the floor. Williams teased the Canadian Destroyer on Hardy, who backdropped him. Jeff Jarrett hit ringside and broke the hockey stick over Hardy's back. Bobby Rude scored the pin. Your winner, Bobby Rude! OK match. Hardy seemed to be trying hard. Rude looked solid. It certainly appears it will be Jarrett vs. Hardy.
They ran a video feature for the Four Way NWA Tag Team championship bout.
Backstage, Shane Douglas interviewed NWA Tag Team champions The Naturals and Jimmy Hart. Before they had a chance to say much, America's Most Wanted showed up. Chase Stevens told them they could go right now. AMW acted heelish, and told them they had 15 minutes left in their Tag Team championship reign.
NWA Tag Team champions The Naturals vs. Alex Shelley vs. Team Canada vs. America'sMost Wanted
They showed Chris Candido's father and brother as well as Candido's old friend Jimmy Shoulders (Cloudy in WWF) at ringside, as they were brought in since the Candido Memorial Cup winners were in the bout No Tammy Sytch. They played up that Waltman was nowhere to be found, calling him a “no show."Â Chase Stevens gave the yellow towel they carry in honor of Candido to his father.
AMW and Naturals began brawling at the bell. Shelley hit a running dropkick to Chase Stevens' head. Shelley was doing a hit and run deal as he was alone. A-1 kneed Shelley as he came off the ropes. Douglas tagged out to him. A-1 worked over Shelley. The crowd chanted "We Want X-Pac."
Eric Young worked over Shelley with a front chancery. Shelley tried to tag out to the Naturals, but they walked away. Team Canada continued the assault on Shelley. A-1 used his boot to choke Shelley's throat across the ropes. They continued to show Candido's family at ringside. Johnny Candido hopped the rail and jumped on the apron, asking for the tag. Shelley tagged him and he hit several clotheslines. Tenay noted he's been wrestling for several years. Candido motioned to the sky for his brother, but Team Canada attacked him from behind and scored the pin.
Candido & Shelley are eliminated. The match continues...
James Storm hit the whirlybird on Eric Young. Young came back to throw him over the ropes to the floor. Team Canada continued to work over Storm. Storm kept kicking out, frustrating Eric Young. Storm finally superkicked Young and made the hot tag. Chris Harris hit a big lariat on Young. He battled with A-1. Harris hit the Lou Thesz Press and a bulldog out of a corner. Harris hit a high vertical suplex on A-1, holding him for a long time. Storm got into it with The Naturals, leaving his partner to be hit with a hockey stick. Eric Young scored the pin.
America's Most Wanted is eliminated. The match continues....
The Naturals worked over Eric Young. A-1 tried to interfere but Andy Douglas fired over on Young with a series of punches. Young threw Douglas to the floor. Jimmy Hart went to his aid, but he was shoved to the floor. Douglas finally comes back with a high knee while rebounding off the ropes. Chase Stevens tagged in and goes to town on A-1. He hits a big slam on Young for a two count, but A-1 made the save and broke the pin. A-1 hit a big powerbomb on Stevens. Douglas tried to suplex A-1, but it gets reversed and Douglas is placed on the top rope. He gets shoved off but Young attacks Douglas. Young hits a superplex into the ring for a two count. Jimmy Hart nails Young, who takes a bump to the floor. The Naturals hit the Natural Disaster on A-1 to score the pin. Your winners and still NWA Tag Team champions, The Naturals! Mike Tenay said that they did it for the man who brought them to the gold, Chris Candido.
It was never seen on camera, but the Naturals embraced Candido's father at ringside after the bout.
They aired a Bound for Glory PPV promo.
Mike Tenay & Don West discussed the importance of Bound for Glory and plugged the fanfest.
Shane Douglas interviewed Rhino. Rhino said he is free after four years of wrestling hell. He said that he doesn't have to deal with corporate asskissers and "Hollywood b*tches telling me how to show emotion in the ring." The crowd popped for that. He said that Raven has what he wants, the NWA title, and he was going to show Raven a lot of pain in the ring.
They aired the Rhino vs. Raven video feature.
Raven's Rules: NWA champion Raven vs. Rhino
Raven came to the ring with a shopping cart full of weapons, like he did during his WWF run in 2001. He began placing the weapons in the ring. The crowd chanted, "ECW"Â Rhino grabbed a Singapore cane while Raven grabbed a chain. Rhino went to the floor. Raven threw a trash can at him. Rhino returned and they faced off with Canes. Raven threw Rhino into the corner. He hits Rhino with a crutch and drills it into Rhino's face. Rhino takes him down and chokes Raven with nun-chuks. Raven hit a knee lift and worked over Rhino with a pizza cutter. I think Brisco used that against Funk in the 1970s. The fans chanted, "We want Pizza" Rhino was bleeding. Raven hit Rhino with a pair of cookie sheets. They brawled towards the announcers. Raven threw Rhino into a beer keg. Raven pulled a ladder out from under the ring. Rhino was bleeding badly. Rhino slammed the keg into Raven several times. Raven hit Rhino in the head with the cane.
They returned to the ring. Raven scored a two count after a cane shot to the head. He locked an anklelock on Rhino. Rhino tried to get to the ropes but Raven pulled him to the center of the ring. Rhino broke free and took Raven down on the floor. He hit Raven with a trash can. He rolled Raven back into the ring. With Raven out in the corner, Rhino kicked a trash can into his head. Rhino hit several boot scrapes on Raven. Raven went right back to the anklelock. Rhino broke it by striking Raven with a trash can.
Rhino used a staple gun on Raven's forehead. Raven finally makes a comeback with a series of lefts and a discus clothesline. He lariats Rhino and hits a big running kneelift. Raven hit a bulldog out of the corner for a near fall. Cassidy Riley ran down to ringside, distracting the referee as Raven DDT'd Rhino. Raven could have made the pinfall if Riley hadn't come to ringside, which could be planting seeds for the idea that Riley is really with someone else (Jarrett?)
Rhino slammed a ladder into Raven. Raven shattered the ladder by putting Rhino through it for a two count. Raven followed Rhino out of the ropes with the ladder, which Rhino used as a teetertotter, slamming it into Raven's face for a two count. Rhino grabbed the shopping cart at ringside and slammed it into Raven's face. He tossed the cart into the ring. Raven ran the cart into Rhino's midsection. Rhino tried to gore Raven but ended up hitting the shopping cart instead.
Jeff Jarrett came to ringside and grabbed the NWA title belt. He was going to strike Raven with it, but Jeff Hardy hit the ringside area and hit Jarrett. Raven DDT'¢d Jarrett and then hit a DDT on Rhino for the pinfall. Your winner and still NWA champion Raven!
They aired a video on the X-Division championship bout.
TNA X-Division champion Christopher Daniels vs. AJ Styles vs. Samoa Joe
This match closing the PPV is hopefully a good sign that TNA management sees the importance of creating a new breed of wrestling stars as they move onto Spike TV. Mike Tenay referred to it as the "signature division of TNA."
Joe kicked Daniels, but Styles said that wasn't how it should be done. He and Joe took turns using Daniels as a kick bag. Daniels gets up and said, “Stop kicking me!!" and they both nailed him with stereo kicks. AJ and Joe went for pinfalls on each other. Joe cinched in a crossface on AJ but Daniels broke it.
Joe began beating on AJ with kicks and strikes. Daniels nailed a series of rights on AJ and a forearm on Joe. He went for a pin on AJ but Joe broke it. Daniels tried to bulldog AJ but he shoved him into Joe, who hit a sideslam. There were a lot of exchanges between the three.
AJ nailed Joe then hit a diving lariat on Daniels. Joe suplexed AJ into the corner. Joe hit the facewash on AJ. Daniels shoved Joe through the ropes, hit a dropkick through the ropes, then hit an Arabian Press to the floor on Joe. As they battled on the floor, AJ hit a shooting star press to the floor on both. AJ rolled Joe into the ring for a two count. AJ hit a dropsault on Joe for a two count.
Joe whipped Daniels into the corner, where he monkey flipped AJ. Joe caught him for a powerbomb, but AJ turned it into a hurrancanrana. Nice! AJ was elevated to the floor. Daniels hit a running kick on Joe and challenged him to strike him back. Joe unloaded with kicks and strikes. Daniels rolled up Joe but he cinched in a choke and pulled Daniels atop of him. Styles hit a dive off the top, splashing both to break the choke before Daniels tapped.
Daniels hit an STO on Joe. Daniels went for the Best Moonsault Ever but AJ cut him off and hung Daniels upside down. Joe attacked both and came off the ropes with a running kick on Daniels. The crowd chanted, "This is awesome." Joe nailed a running kick on AJ and a senton splash for a two count.
Daniels hit a Spicoli Driver on Joe. AJ and Daniels battled on the floor. Joe hit a running twisting suicide dive to the floor. This match is off the charts. Joe brought Daniels into the ring and went to set up the muscle buster but Daniels fought him off. AJ followed to the top, where Joe suplexed both Daniels and AJ into the ring. The crowd went nuts and chanted "TNA".
AJ unleashed a series of strikes but Joe returned in kind. AJ missed an enziguiri and Joe suplexed him. Joe set him for the muscle buster on AJ. Daniels grabbed the X-Division title belt. He went to hit Joe with it, but Joe caught him. The referee tried to grab the belt but Joe pulled it away. Daniels kicked the belt into Joe's face. Joe went down like he was shot.
Daniels and AJ battled each other back and forth with forearms. Daniels hit a spinning sitdown powerbomb for a two count. Daniels hit an uranage and then hit the Best Moonsault Ever but Samoa Joe broke it up. Daniels hit a turning DDT on Joe. AJ hit his springboard into an inverted DDT on Daniels for a two count. Daniels superplexed AJ into the ring with both men standing on the top rope. Joe used the moment to cover both men for two counts.
Joe powerbombed AJ and cinched in a crossface but Daniels got to the ropes. Joe chopped Daniels down. AJ hit the Pele Kick on Joe and locked Joe in a Torture Rack, then slammed him down for a two count. Daniels slammed AJ atop of Joe. AJ did an awesome reversal into a Styles Clash but at the last second, Joe broke it up. This match is beyond great.
Joe tossed AJ to the floor. Daniels maneuvered, sending Joe to the floor as well. The crowd clapped in unison to rally the wrestlers. Daniels and AJ just beat the hell out of each other with strikes. Daniels went for Angel's Wings, but Styles flipped over Daniels and bridged, scoring the pinfall in an awesome match.
Your winner and new X-Division champion, AJ Styles!
The aftermath was just awesome as they made sure to note that Samoa Joe was still undefeated. Joe stared into the ring, furious he didn't win. Daniels screamed and pounded on the mat, shocked he had lost. A dazed and bloody (from the nose) AJ celebrated while he regained his bearings. All three looked like valiant warriors coming out of battle, and in many ways they were, because as the smoke cleared, it was one of the best matches on PPV this year that stood triumphant. This was one hell of a way to enter their Spike TV era. Get the replay. You won't be sorry.
2006 - WWE ran Raw in Madison Square Garden. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
Tonight's episode of Raw marks a somber anniversary in recent American history, and World Wrestling Entertainment makes its return to Madison Square Garden We are now less than a week from Unforgiven and with seven matches announced for the pay per view so it is time to see the final build for the pay per view. Will this be the final Raw appearance for John Cena since a loss at the pay per view will send him to Smackdown? Will we see the final cable television appearance of Trish Stratus since she has announced her retirement? Will we see the Big Show since he is going to team with Vince McMahon and "his son" Shane against Degeneration X in a Hell in a Cell match? What is next for the tag team champions? Will we have another press conference with Melina and Johnny Nitro? How will Vince McMahon do in the main event against Triple H? Will we see "his son" Shane be named as guest referee for that match to make it a family affair?
We are live from New York , New York and your announcers are Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler.
The show begins with a moment of silence to remember the people who died as a result of the attacks on September 11th. Howard Finkel introduces the United States Marine Color Guard, and Lillian Garcia performs America the Beautiful.
Match Number One: Ric Flair versus Umaga (with Armando Alejandro Estrada)
Flair takes advantage of being in the ring first as he attacks Umaga when he enters with chops. Umaga throws Flair off, but Flair clips Umaga. Estrada gets on the apron to signal the Samoan Spike but Flair with three low blows followed by punches and chops. Umaga tosses Flair out of the ring and Flair grabs a chair. Flair hits Umaga in the head with the chair and the referee calls for the bell.
Winner: Ric Flair (by disqualification)
Umaga shakes off the chair shots and Flair leaves the ring. Umaga tosses the ring steps out of the way. Umaga picks up Flair on the floor and he hits a Samoan drop on the floor. Umaga rolls Flair back into the ring and Umaga tosses the ring steps into the ring.
Kane comes to the ring and he punches Umaga. Umaga punches back but Kane gets the advantage. Umaga with an uppercut. Kane grabs Umaga by the throat, but Umaga with a belly-to-belly suplex. Umaga gets the chair and he hits Kane in the back and then to the head. Estrada signals to Umaga, but Kane sits up and he kicks Umaga in the head and then he picks up the chair and he hits Umaga with it twice and Umaga falls out of the ring. Kane throws the ring steps at Umaga on the floor. Kane hits Umaga with the steps and Umaga falls into the crowd. Kane returns to the ring and we see his pyro as Umaga and Estrada go up the Rawest Ramp in Sports Entertainment.
Vince McMahon and "his son" Shane walk into Madison Square Garden and go past the Walk of Fame. He says that you have to be someone special like Muhammad Ali, Walt Frazier, Carl Lewis, Larry Bird, or the biggest name of them all, Vince McMahon. Vince says that nobody ever steps on him. Tonight, he has a feeling that they are going to be walking all over DX. We go to commercial.
We are back with a Hell in a Cell moment of Mick Foley versus Triple H from No Mercy 2000.
The NYPD Emerald Society come to the ring as the Highlanders come out and they are joined by Rowdy Roddy Piper. Piper gets on the mic and he says that he loves the fans too. He is happy to be back in New York City He was skirting down 8th street and he saw a magazine rack. He pulls out the WWE Magazine with the 51 Worst Offenders in the WWE. He points out that he was number one. Piper says that speaking of number one, he is proud to be here with the Highlanders who are the number one contenders for the tag titles. Rory and Robbie introduce themselves to Piper and Roddy and Robbie go back and forth. Robbie and Roddy slap each other and Roddy says that he has not had as much fun since he beat up Mr. T.
The Spirit Squad come out and Nicky says that it does not matter if you call them kilts or skirts, the simple fact is that Roddy Piper, the Highlanders, and the NYPD Pipe and Drums are dressed up like a bunch of girls.
Roddy says that it is tough talk from someone who had their testicles removed and replaced with pom poms. Piper says that it has been a long time since he had a fight in Madison Square Garden , so why not have a six man tag match. Spirit Squad confer and they agree to the match. We go to commercial.
Match Number Two: Highlanders and Roddy Piper versus The Spirit Squad
We join the match in progress and Piper tags in Robbie who hits a head butt on Mikey's shoulder. Robbie continues to work on Mikey's arm. Johnny with an enzuigiri to Robbie when the referee was distracted and he comes into the ring and works on Robbie's arm. Mikey tags back in and he returns to Robbie's arm. Johnny tags back in and he kicks Robbie in the leg. Kenny tags in and he suplexes Robbie. Johnny with a kick to Robbie's back as he comes off the ropes. Mikey tags in and he is alley ooped into Robbie in the corner with a forearm. Mikey with a kick to Robbie's face. Mikey with a back elbow to Robbie and then Kenny is tagged in and he punches Robbie from the second turnbuckle. Kenny follows that with a flying back elbow for a two count. Robbie tries to make the tag, but Kenney pulls Robbie back into his corner. Johnny tags in and he kicks Robbie in the head. Robbie with a sunset flip for a two count, but Johnny comes back with a clothesline and a rear chin lock. Robbie tries to get to the corner but Johnny with an elbow and then he knocks Rory off the apron. Piper tags in and he punches all three men.
Piper with a biel to Kenny and knee lift to Mikey. Piper with a series of jabs and a roundhouse to Mikey. Kenny punches Piper, but Piper tries to fight back. Kenny tries to clothesline Piper over the top rope, but Piper with a back body drop. Rory and Robbie with a double inverted slingshot suplex on Johnny and Piper gets the three count.
Winners:The Highlanders and Roddy Piper
Todd Grisham is in the interview area with Johnny Nitro and Melina. Todd wants to know how Johnny prepared for the six man match. Johnny says that he is prepared for anyone. Johnny wants to address Jeff Hardy'scomments about how watching the press conference was like watching paint dry. Nitro says that they are the hottest things on television. Melina says that Mick Foley coming in and talking about things that happened twelve years ago being like watching paint dry. When she fired Mick Foley, she did everyone a favor. Nitro tells Mick that every time he has a crush on a woman fifteen years younger than you; you might want to talk about something other than starving children. We see Jeff Hardy in the background painting something while Nitro talks. Nitro turns around and he pushes Hardy and asks him if he thinks it is funny. Hardy throws yellow and blue paint on Nitro as we go to commercial.
We are back with a Hell in a Cell Moment from the Undertaker and Shawn Michaels from In Your House in 1997.
We are reminded that Hell in a Cell will take place on Sunday at Unforgiven.
Edge comes to the ring with Lita and he has something to say. He says that everyone prides themselves on being intellectuals, but he will make it simple. Tonight is the final Raw appearance of John Cena because after he beats Cena at Unforgiven, he will send Cena back to Smackdown. Maybe Cena will return to the throwback jerseys and cut a few raps. Edge says that Cena has taken a while to get back to his bad self so he wrote a rap.
We're heading to Toronto for some home cooking,
Where the people are like New Yorkers only much better looking
After this Sunday I will have no more cares
When I beat John Cena with Tables, ladders and chairs.
Cause I will grab the title and my career will soar
While Cena chokes worse than the Yankees in 2004
Then Cena goes to Smackdown going from facing me to King Booker
Which is like going from the lovely Lita to a New York City hooker
I do not lose TLCs. I've got nothing to fear
So tune in next week on Raw because the champ will be here
We then see Randy Orton come out and we see footage of last's six person tag match when Orton hit the RKO on Trish Stratus.
We go to commercial as Johnny Nitro comes out.
Match Number Three: Edge (with Lita), Johnny Nitro (with Melina), and Randy Orton versus John Cena, Carlito, and Jeff Hardy
Hardy and Nitro start things off. Nitro attacks Hardy and punches him after Melina distracts him. Hardy throws Nitro into the corner and he punches Nitro. Hardy with an Irish whip and Hardy with a baseball slide followed by a leg drop to the lower abdomen. Carlito tags in and he punches Nitro. Carlito slams Nitro's head into the turnbuckles and he hits a drop kick followed by a kip up for a two count. Nitro runs Carlito into the corner and Orton tags in. Carlito with a clothesline to Orton followed by punches and a back elbow for a two count. Orton with a poke to the eyes and Edge tags in. Edge with forearms to Carlito. Carlito with a rana to Edge after jumping over Edge. Cena tags in and Edge tags Orton into the match. Cena punches Orton followed by an Irish whip and a Fisherman's suplex for a near fall and Edge breaks up the cover. Cena punches Edge but Orton attacks Cena from behind and he hits a suplex. Nitro tags in and he works on Cena's back. Nitro kicks Cena but Cena with a double leg take down and Carlito tags in. Carlito with a suplex for a two count. Nitro sends Carlito into the turnbuckles and Orton is tagged in. Randy with a standing drop kick for a two count. Orton with a side head lock and Carlito with a flying clothesline for a two count. Cena punches Orton while Carlito holds him and Hardy tags in and he clotheslines Orton. Hardy chokes Orton in the corner. Hardy with a flying body tackle that sends Orton into the ropes, Hardy punches Orton in the back and then he clotheslines Orton over the top rope to the floor. Carlito gets on the mat and Hardy uses Carlito to springboard over the top rope onto Orton, but Hardy falls a little short. Edge with a spear to Hardy on the floor and Cena checks on Hardy. Edge and Hardy return to the ring as we go to commercial.
We are back and Edge has Hardy in a single leg crab. Hardy kicks Edge off and Nitro tags in and he prevents Hardy from making the tag. Nitro continues to work on Hardy's leg Hardy with a twisting head scissors to get Nitro off his leg, but Nitro grapevines the leg and Orton continues to work on Hardy's leg and knee. Orton stomps on Hardy's leg before tagging in Edge. Edge with a rake of the eyes to stop Hardy's attempt to fight back. Hardy hits Whisper in the Wind and both men are down. Carlito and Orton tag in and Carlito punches Orton. Carlito punches Nitro as well. Edge pulls the rope when Carlito tries for a springboard move and Carlito goes outside the ring. Edge tags in and he works on Carlito's leg.
Carlito tries to make the tag but Edge hold on and Nitro with an elbow to Carlito's back followed by punches. Nitro with a neck breaker followed by kicks to the back. Nitro chokes Carlito in the ropes and then Edge with a leg drop when the referee was not looking. Nitro kicks Carlito in the abdomen followed by a rear chin lock. Carlito hits the springboard back elbow on Nitro and both men are down. Cena tags in and he clotheslines Nitro and Orton followed by a leap frog neck breaker to Nitro. Cena with a modified blue thunder driver on Edge. Carlito with a lungblower to Orton and then Hardy hits a Swanton on Orton. Edge charges at Cena and Cena gets Edge up for the FU but Nitro comes in to break it up. Nitro gets an FU and STFU on Nitro and Nitro taps. We go to commercial.
Winners: John Cena, Carlito, and Jeff Hardy
We are back with another Hell in a Cell Moment: Chris Jericho versus Triple H from Judgment Day 2002.
Anthony Michael Hall from The Dead Zone is in the front row.
We are back with the latest Cryme Tyme video with a parental advisory. This week, we see a white man lost while talking on his cell phone looking for a Starbucks. He is followed by one of the members of Cryme Tyme who chases him away.That is how they train for endurance. They find out that their victim was slowed down by their wallet.
Vince McMahon tells Shane McMahon that this will be a glorious and exalted night. This triumph will be passed down to his grandsons and granddaughter. His son and daughter will be so proud. Vince says that she might have some mixed emotions. He will carry the McMahon coat of arms for his grandfather Jess and Father Vincent J.. Shane says that this will be bigger than the Knicks, Rangers, and Ali combined. Vince says that it is different because he is a winner. We go to commercial.
We are back with the Slam of the Week:Chris Masters losing to Super Crazy last week.
Match Number Four: Chris Masters versus Super Crazy
Masters punches and kicks Crazy followed by an elbow to Crazy's head. Crazy tries for a jumping spin kick but Masters catches Crazy and he slams Crazy to the mat. Masters punches Crazy and then he stomps on Crazy's head. Master with a side head lock. Crazy with a cross body for a two count followed by chops. Masters with an Irish whip and a running shoulder into the corner. Masters follows that with a running splash into the corner and punches from Masters. Masters misses a charge into the corner and Crazy with a drop toe hold and a springboard side kick and a missile drop kick and standing moonsault for a two count. Masters kicks Crazy and then he tries to powerbomb Crazy but Crazy gets out of the hold. Crazy with a sunset flip for a three count.
Winner: Super Crazy
We see a clip from The Marine.
Trish Stratus is walking in the back on Raw for the final time as she prepares for her final match on Raw. We go to commercial.
We are back with the Smackdown Rebound.
We see Toby Keith in the front row as well.
Match Number Five: Mickie James versus Trish Stratus
Mickie works on Trish's arm but Trish rolls through and she trips Mickie. Mickie counters with an Oklahoma roll for a near fall. Trish with a side head lock followed by a Louise Thesz press and she punches Mickie. Trish tries for the handstandcanrana but Mickie pushes Trish off and Mickie with a head scissors. Mickie and Trish each with clotheslines and both women are down. Mickie with a drop kick to Trish and then Mickie goes up top but Trish hits the handstandcanrana. Trish with a forearm to Mickie, but Mickie responds with forearms of her own. Trish with a head scissors take down. Trish misses the chick kick and Mickie with a rollup. Trish set for Stratusfaction but Lita gets on the apron. Trish hits Stratusfaction off Lita sending Lita to the floor and Trish gets the three count.
Winner:Trish Stratus
After the match, Trish and Mickie shake hands and hug in the center of the ring. Trish gets on the mic as she addresses the Raw fans for the last time. Trish thanks everyone for coming along for this amazing, awesome ride.
We have another Hell in a Cell Moment: Kevin Nash versus Triple H from Bad Blood 2003. We go to commercial.
We are back with a This Week in WWE 24/7 History moment with footage from the episode of Smackdown that aired days after the attacks on New York and Washington .
It is time to go through the card for Unforgiven:
DX are walking in the back and they are stopped by Trevor Murdoch and Lance Cade. Hunter and Shawn attack Cade and Murdoch but Shane McMahon comes from behind. Cade, Murdoch, and Shane send Hunter into the door of the limo and then they close the limo door on Hunter's head. Big Show slams Shawn Michaels onto the hood of the limo. Vince McMahon tells Hunter that their match will be no disqualification. We go to commercial.
Triple H staggers to the ring all bloodied as the doctor checks on Michaels.
Match Number Six: Vince McMahon versus Triple H
Vince moves out of the way when Hunter charges at him. Vince punches Hunter in the ear and then he head butts Hunter in the bloodied ear. Hunter staggers around the ring and he head butts Hunter one more time. Vince kicks Hunter in the ribs. And then he takes off his belt and he chokes Hunter with the belt. Hunter collapses and Vince lets go. Vince punches Hunter in the head with the belt. Hunter falls out of the ring and Vince goes after him. Vince sends Hunter head first into the ring post. Vince rolls Hunter back into the ring and Vince waits while the referee checks to see if Hunter wants to give up. Hunter with a crotch chop and then Vince with a Pedigree to Hunter but he only gets a two count. Hunter sits up and Vince kicks Hunter in the head. Vince punches Hunter in the head and Hunter gets up. Hunter punches Vince and then he hits a spinebuster. Hunter punches Shane as he enters the ring. Hunter sets up for the Pedigree and Shane hits Hunter in the back of the head.
gets a chair while Vince continues to kick Hunter. Shawn Michaels hobbles to the ring and he avoids a chair shot. Michaels with a flying forearm and Michaels kips up. Michaels punches Vince and then he hits a reverse atomic drop on Shane. Show catches Shawn and he hits a power bomb. Hunter reaches under the ring and he gets the GameHammer. Hunter enters the ring and Show kicks Hunter in the head. Shane hits Shawn Michaels in the shoulder with the chair. Vince wants Shane to wait before he hits Hunter with the chair and he picks up the GameHammer and Vince hits Hunter with it. Vince covers Hunter for the three count.
Winner: McMahon
Vince McMahon, Shane McMahon, and Big Show stand over Shawn Michaels and Triple H as we go to credits.
2007 - WWE announced that they had officially released former ECW World champion The Sandman from contract. Sandman had asked for his release. Sandman had been drafted to the Raw brand from ECW and hadn't been used much prior to asking for a release.
2007 - he Associated Press released the following article this morning in regard to the death of WWE hall of Famer Sherri Martel:
Autopsy In For WWE's Sherri Martel
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) - Tuscaloosa homicide investigators say WWE Hall of Famer Sherri Martel had multiple drugs in her system when she died, including a high amount of oxycodone.
A homicide spokesperson said her June death in McCalla was ruled an accident.
Martel, who was 49, was inducted into the World Wrestling Entertainment Hall of Fame last year and won championship titles in the American Wrestling Association and World Wrestling Federation.
At the time of her death, Captain Loyd Baker of the Tuscaloosa County Metro Homicide Unit had said foul play isn't suspected, but that Martel didn't die of natural causes.
2007 - Former WCW World champion Goldberg appeared on Texas radio station Live 105.3 FM, interviewed by Richard "Big Dick" Hunter, discussing a number of topics. Highlights of the interview featured the following comments:
Deaths in Professional Wrestling: "[The death of] Curt Hennig was really really tough. Curt helped me out tremendously when I got into the business. Brian [Adams] helped me out, whether it was in WCW or whether it was in Japan. Forget the wrestling side of it. These were two great men with families. It's a shame. Every person who falls victim to the quote-unquote 'wrestling business' is a definite shame and something has got to be done. I've been saying this for a long, long time. I've been a fan of a union for long, long time and guess what, now Congress is stepping in. We'll have to see what happens with all this. It's time for Vince McMahon to take some responsibility and stop passing the buck."
A Second Run with World Wrestling Entertainment: "WWE, it's not an option. I wouldn't want to put another penny in Vince McMahon's pocket."
So Goldberg is Done Forever in the Ring? "I don't forsee myself ever stepping back into a wrestling ring. I'd love to do it in Japan. My family has never seen me wrestle, my wife and my little boy. Unless it's the right opportunity, I'm not donning those tights and those boots again."
TNA as the 'Right Opportunity?': "TNA totally blows, man. I don't think they have a clue as to what people want to see, I think. They've got a very clouded vision. Right after the Benoit death, WWE and TNA had an opportunity to 'make it right.' They had an opportunity, they had everyone's attention and what does TNA do? They go out and sign 'Pacman' Jones. That in itself, in a nutshell, describes TNA's mentality. That as a viable option for Goldberg? Absolutely not. Those guys don't deserve to have me on their program."
2008 - TNA broadcast Impact. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We start off tonight’s show with a look at Christian advancing to the main event at No Surrender to join Booker T, Kurt Angle, and Samoa Joe. We see footage of Sting calling out Jeff Jarrett.
We see Sting arrive at the Impact Zone and Jeremy asks him what he has in store for tonight and he says two words, Jeff Jarrett.
We are live on tape from Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida and your announcers are Mike ‘Guitars, Bats, and Ice Cream . . . Oh My’ Tenay and ‘TV’s’ Don West.
Samoa Joe comes to the ring through the crowd and we see footage of Sting giving Joe the Scorpion Death Drop last week. Joe calls out Sting and he says that they are days away from No Surrender and he does not care any more. He does not care if everyone is gunning for him. He says that he is not leaving tonight unless he gets Sting’s head on a silver platter.
Kevin Nash comes out and he says that Joe might not care, but he says that he cares. He spent six months invested in Joe. Joe says that the minute Nash put his hands on him, he can put his hands on Nash. After Sting, Nash is next. Nash says that Joe is right. He feels like the father with the cigarette in one hand and a drink in the other telling his son not to drink and smoke. Nash says that he told Joe not to lose his temper and then he does what he tells Joe not to do. Nash points out that Joe is the champion. While Joe looks for Sting, there are three guys gunning for the title. Nash tells Joe not to follow him. He tells Joe that he has something set up to prove that Joe is not ready. Nash says that he has three competitors for Joe. If Joe can beat them, then Nash knows that Joe is ready.
Joe tells Kevin that he made one promise and that was that he would defend the title with his life and he will do it tonight. Joe says that he will take Nash’s challenge. After he is done with the three pieces of trash in the ring tonight, he will be coming after Sting.
TO THE BACK and Lauren is with Angelina Love, Velvet Sky, and Kip James. Lauren asks about the bogus beauty contest. Angelina says that there is nothing bogus about tonight. Angelina tells Lauren that beauty is everything. It is not about friends or money. At No Surrender she will win the title. Tonight, she makes an example out of Taylor Wilde and she will humiliate Taylor in front of the world.
Christian Cage walks behind Lauren as she talks about Abyss’s open challenge. We go to commercial.
Match Number One: Abyss versus Christian Cage in a 31 Flavors Open Challenge
Abyss throws Christian to the mat on a collar and elbow tie up. Christian with punches to Abyss but Abyss blocks an Irish whip. Abyss with a shoulder tackle and Christian goes down. Abyss misses a charge into the corner and Christian chops Abyss. Abyss punches Christian and then he hits a running butt splash to Christian in the corner. Abyss gets a near fall followed by punches. Christian punches Abyss but Abyss with a knee. Christian with a kick but Abyss tosses Christian into the air. Abyss pulls Christian into the corner and then Abyss sets for another running butt splash but Christian moves and Christian with a clothesline but Abyss stays up. Abyss stays up after a second clothesline attempt. Christian with a flying back elbow from the second turnbuckle for a two count. Christian with a drop kick to the knee and then Christian goes up top for the frog splash but Abyss grabs Christian by the throat and he tries for a choke slam but Christian counters and he tries for the Unprettier. Abyss with a choke slam but he only gets a two count. Abyss gets Christian up for Shock Treatment, but Christian counters and he hits the Unprettier. Kurt Angle comes into the ring with Booker T and the referee calls for the bell.
No Contest
After the match, Christian and Booker attack Christian and Angle gets a chair. Abyss stands there and then Angle gives him the chair but Abyss refuses to use the chair. Abyss punches Angle and Booker. Angle attacks Abyss while Abyss deals with Booker. Booker grabs the chair and Angle holds Abyss but Matt Morgan comes into the ring to save Abyss.
Morgan gets on the mic and he says that Angle and Booker are real tough when they try to jump Abyss. Matt suggests that Angle and Booker face him and Abyss tonight. We go to commercial.
We are back and Jeremy Borash is in the ring. He announces that it is time for the Beauty Contest. Two women will compete in three events. The first event will be the Evening Gown Competition. The second event will be the talent competition. The final event will be the Bikini Competition. Jeremy announces the judges and they are Curry Man, Super Eric, and Shark Boy. Angelina Love is accompanied by Velvet Sky and Kip James. Out next is Taylor Wilde.
The judges ponder their decisions and Curry Man chooses Angelina Love. Shark Boy chooses Taylor Wilde. Super Eric chooses Taylor Wilde.
Sonjay is in the back and Lauren asks him about the Ladder of Love Match. Sonjay says that he will finally get Val on Sunday. Sonjay says that he will get Val by any means necessary. Sonjay says that the girl is his at No Surrender and there will be no mercy.
We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time for Karen’s Angle and she is with Sting. Karen comments on how Sting has demanded respect for the veterans. Sting says that he wants respect for the business. She asks Sting about his possible retirement. Sting says that he was willing to give it up, but he thought about what would happen if he left. He talks about how people would give up their seats for a legend, but now they don’t even recognize him. You don’t treat a Kurt Angle like A.J. did. You get the win and walk away. Joe did the same thing with Booker. Sting says that he would have never done that to a Flair or Hogan. Karen says that the younger people in the back say that the veterans won’t walk away. Sting says that he remembers when he was the kid and the ja-brone. Sting says that he had respect at that time. He says that he will show it whether it is tough love or not. Karen asks Sting about Jeff Jarrett and where he fits in. Sting says that he has a history with the Jarretts. He does not know where Jeff stands but he cannot wait to hear what Jeff says.
We run through the card for No Surrender.
A.J. Styles comes to the ring and he has a mic. What will he do? A.J. wants Frank Trigg to come to the ring because he should be getting the piss kicked out of him by A.J. We go to commercial.
We are back and Frank Trigg comes into the Impact Zone and he has a mic. We see footage of Frank hitting A.J. last week with a kendo stick to allow Christian Cage to get the victory. Frank says that he couldn’t understand half of what the hillbilly said. Frank says that A.J. was a decent amateur wrestler, but Frank reminds A.J. that he is a professional mixed martial artist and he hurts people. Frank says that they will be fighting at No Surrender, but it will be his style. Three five minute rounds and the only way to win is by submission. A.J. accepts the challenge. They shake hands and Frank comments on A.J.’s grip. Styles slaps Trigg and Trigg with a take down and security comes to the ring.
TO THE BACK and Lauren is with Christian. Christian interrupts Lauren’s monologue and he says that it is real basic. It is the law of survival. It is fight or flight. Christian says that he might not be the strongest or the fastest. Christian says that it is going to take a lot to keep him from the main event of No Surrender. Christian points out that this is in his backyard. It is one hour from where he grew up and got hooked on wrestling. He talks about wrestling in snow banks when he grew up. Christian talks about using his student loan money to start training to be a wrestler. Christian says that he will be one hour from where he had his first professional match where he was paid ten dollars. It will come full circle on Sunday.
We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time for part two of the Beauty Pageant. Now it is time for the bikini contest. Jeremy announces that each woman is wearing a regulation bikini. Taylor goes first. Angelina goes to the judge’s table and she gives them a close up of the bikini. We go to the judges and Eric votes for Taylor Wilde because he was not invited to the party. Curry Man votes for Angelina and so does Shark Boy. We are tied.
Match Number Two: Awesome Kong with Raisha Saeed versus Roxxi Laveaux in a Bimbo Brawl
Kong attacks Roxxi on the ramp and takes her down. Roxxi’s buggy is knocked over by Kong. Kong picks up the buggy and she throws it at Roxxi, but Roxxi moves. Roxxi is sent into the guard rail and then Kong kicks her in the back. Kong throws Roxxi into the crowd. Kong sends Roxxi into the wall of the bleacher and then Kong sends Roxxi back into the ringside area. Roxxi stops short of the ring post and she punches Kong and slams her head into the ring steps. We go to commercial.
We are back and we see Darth Kong as she works the kendo stick. Roxxi attacks Kong in the corner but Kong fights her off. Roxxi with trash can lid shots and a running boot that sends Kong to the mat for a two count. Roxxi with a drop toe hold onto a chair and then she follows that with a bulldog onto the chair for a two count. Kong with a clothesline and Roxxi is down. Kong sets up the chair in the ring and she prepares for a slam onto the chair. Kong goes to the turnbuckles and she tries for a frog splash but Roxxi moves and Kong hits the chair. Roxxi with a two count. Kong gets the chair when Roxxi talks to the referee. Kong throws the chair at Roxxi and Roxxi is bleeding from the forehead and Kong hits the Awesome Bomb for the three count.
Winner: Awesome Kong
After the match, Saeed sets up the chairs for an Awesome Bomb onto the chairs. ODB comes out and she has a chair. Kong holds the referee in front of her to get out of the ring. ODB hits the referee.
Samoa Joe is walking. We are going to commercial.
We are back and it is time for the Kevin Nash Challenge.
Match Number Three: Samoa Joe SquashFest featuring Victim One Johnny Devine
Devine attacks Joe from behind but Joe hits a Death Valley Driver for a three count.
Victim Number Two: Lance Rock with Jimmy Rave and Christy Hemme
Joe is distracted by Rave and Rock is able to punch Joe. Joe with punches to Rock and then he runs into an elbow. Joe moves out of the way when Rock tries to come off the turnbuckles. Rave is knocked off the apron and then Joe hits the Yakuza Kick and then he makes Rock tap to the choke.
Victim Number Three: Tomko
Tomko has words for Joe and he punches Joe but Joe responds. They go back and forth with forearms until Joe runs Tomko into the corner and he chops Tomko. Joe with a running forearm to Tomko but Tomko with a clothesline. Tomko with a reverse chin lock and punches. Joe with a super kick and then he tries for the muscle buster but Tomko fights off Joe. Joe with a reverse atomic drop followed by a running boot and senton splash for a two count. Joe with a power slam for a two count. Tomko with a choke slam for a two count. Joe hits a back body drop and then he misses a splash into the corner, but Tomko charges into the corner and Joe hits the STO. Joe with the muscle buster for the three count.
Winner: Samoa Joe
After the match, Nash gets on the mic and he says that Joe proved him wrong and Joe is more than ready. He says that he feels sorry for his opponents in Toronto. Nash tells Joe that he taught him everything he knows and the kid is on his own. Nash and Joe shake hands and hug.
We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time for the Sudden Death Talent Off in the Beauty Pageant. Angelina will be giving an ‘oral presentation’ and Velvet starts with a knock knock joke. Angelina has a poem for Taylor. She finishes with a round of Row Row Row Your Boat and she is joined by Jillian Hall. Wait that was Velvet and Angelina. Taylor is going to play the drums for her talent. It is time for the judges to decide and Curry Man votes for Angelina Love while Shark Boy votes for Taylor. Super Eric is confused and he votes for Taylor Wilde.
While Taylor basks in the adulation from the crowd, Taylor Wilde slaps Kip when he gets in her face. Angelina and Velvet attack Taylor while Kip holds off the masked judges. Rhino comes to the ring and Kip, Velvet, and Angelina leave the ring.
Match Number Four: Booker T and Kurt Angle versus Abyss and Matt Morgan
Morgan and Angle start things off and Angle with a waist lock but Morgan with an elbow and Irish whip. Morgan with a running splash in the corner followed by a side slam for a two count. Abyss tags in and he connects with a forearm to the back. Abyss with a punch to the top of the head and he connects with more punches. Angle with a rake of the eyes and then he connects with European uppercuts. Angle runs into a boot from Abyss and he gets a near fall but Booker breaks up the cover. All four are in the ring and Abyss clotheslines Angle over the top rope and Morgan sends Booker over the top to the floor. Abyss and Morgan pose in the ring and we go to commercial.
We are back and Angle punches Morgan but Morgan does not feel anything and he slams Angle. Angle with an elbow drop and then Booker chokes Morgan in the ropes. Booker tags in and then he punches and kicks Morgan. Booker with more punches. Booker with a back heel kick to Morgan and Angle tags in. Angle with a kick to Morgan’s chest and then he continues to kick Morgan in the corner. Angle tries for a suplex, but Morgan blocks it and he hits a suplex of his own and both men are down. Abyss tags in and he punches Angle and Booker. Angle grabs both men by the throat and Angle and Booker with kicks but Abyss with a double clothesline. Abyss grabs Booker, but Angle hits Abyss from behind. Morgan with a bicycle kick to Angle and they go outside. Abyss hits a Black Hole Slam on Booker but the referee sends Morgan into his corner and that allows Team 3D to interfere and Devon hits Abyss with a chair and Angle gets the three count.
Winners: Kurt Angle and Booker T
Sting is walking from the rafters and we go to commercial.
We are back and Sting comes to the ring and he might have something to say. Sting tries out for the TNA Spelling Bee and he wants Jarrett to come out. He says that he has no problem with Jarrett and he hopes that Jarrett will talk to him about it. Sting tells Joe that he knows that he is here too and the round table is for him. Sting suggests that Joe cross the line too.
Joe is in the rafters and he asks Sting if he is disrespectful or is Sting insecure. Is Joe a punk or is he a threat. He welcomes Sting to come to No Surrender. Joe says that he will be there, but he won’t be alone.
Jeff Jarrett’s music plays and he appears over one of the entrances and his pyro is back. We go to credits.
2009 - Jeff Hardy was arrested on charges of trafficking in controlled prescription pills and possession of anabolic steroids, according to The Pilot in North Carolina. The Pilot reported Hardy was arrested after a search of his home turned up "262 Vicodin prescription pills, 180 Soma prescription pills, 555 milliliters of anabolic steroids, a residual amount of powder cocaine and items of drug paraphernalia."
The Moore County Sheriff’s Office issued the following press release to PWInsider.com:
September 11, 2009
Sheriff Lane Carter reports the arrest of an individual on charges of trafficking in controlled prescription pills,
and possession of anabolic steroids. Sheriff Carter reported a joint investigation conducted by officers from
the Moore County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit, Moore County Sheriff’s Office Select Enforcement Unit, and
Fayetteville Police Department led to the arrest.
Officers executed a search warrant at a residence located at [Address Deleted by PWInsider.com] near Cameron, North Carolina. During the search officers located and seized approximately 262 Vicodin prescription pills, 180 Soma prescription pills ( Soma’s are non-controlled prescription pills), 555 milliliters of anabolic steroids, a residual amount of powder cocaine, and items of drug paraphernalia. Vicodin and anabolic
steroids are included in Schedule III within the North Carolina Controlled Substances Act. The estimated street value
of the drugs seized is $2,500.00.
Arrested was:
Jeffrey Nero Hardy 32 years of age
[address deleted by PWInsider.com]
Cameron, North Carolina
Jeffrey Nero Hardy was arrested on September 11, 2009 and charged with felony trafficking in opium, two counts of felony possession with intent to sell or deliver a Schedule III controlled substance, felony maintaining a dwelling to keep controlled substance, felony possession of cocaine, and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.
Jeffrey Nero Hardy received a $125,000.00 secured bond and was placed in the Moore County Detention Center.
The case continued on until earlier this month, where Hardy accepted a plea deal where he would plead guilty on several charges in exchange for a 10 day jail sentence, a $100,000 fine, agreeing to a drug rehabilitaton program and 30 months of probation.
2009 - TNA ran Augusta, Georgia. Kenny Graddick filed the following report:
TNA House Show results in Augusta, GA at The James Brown Arena on 9-11-09
1. Suicide defeated Shiek Abdul Bashir
2. Taylor Wilde defeated Daffney
3. Hernadez defeated Homicide w/ Shiek Abdul Bashir
4. X-Division Champion Samoa Joe defeated Daniels
5. TNA World Tag Team Champions Booker T and Scott Stiener defeated Beer Money
6. TNA World Champion Kurt Angle defeated AJ Styles
The James Brown arena was only half way filled, but the crowd was hot all night. After the main event match, AJ Stlyes was talking to the crowd and said he is not retiring from wrestling and hype the crowd up by talking about The Georgia Bulldogs college football team. Styles stayed in the ring and pose for pictures for $20, and soon as after you take the picture, they print it out and give it to you as you exit the ring, the line was moving really fast so that was cool. Hernadez, Daniels, Taylor Wilde, and ref Dave Hebner walk around ringside signing autographs and posing for pictures too.
2009 - WWE broadcast Smackdown. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We are live on tape from Rockford, Illinois and your announcers are Jim ‘Now I can watch the League Championship Games in January . . . Thanks PWInsiderElite.com’ Ross and Todd ‘What about the special episode of 90210 on January 31st’ Grisham.
Jim Ross’ welcome to the show is rudely interrupted by the gong of the Undertaker and he comes to the ring. Taker has a mic and after looking around for a while, he decides to talk. He says that the sands of time have slowly fallen through the hourglass, but in two days he will reclaim the World Title and once again cast his shadow of darkness over Smackdown. Taker says that CM Punk is growing very tired. He says that Punk is constantly waking up in the middle of night in a pool of his sweat consumed in fear because he knows that his ‘breaking point’ will be realized when he feels the grip of Hell’s Gate. Taker says that submission is the only alternative to an eternity of pain. Taker says that when Punk submits . . . and he will submit, not only will he relinquish the World Title, he will personally hand Taker his soul. The symphony of lies shall end.
Not to be outdone, CM Punk comes out. Punk laughs at Taker’s comments and he comments on the symphony of lies. Punk says that is like the pot calling the kettle black. He says that he sees through the smoke and mirrors. While Hardy was the charismatic enabler, Taker is so much worse because Taker has preyed on their chemically influenced minds for almost twenty years. Punk says that Taker is this generation’s Alice in Wonderland. He talks about the drugs that the hippies used. Punk says that the people actually believe in the Undertaker. They believe that Taker can withstand any beating and that he has magical powers to come back and vanquish any foe. Punk says the fans actually believe that Taker has a chance to beat him on Sunday. They believe Taker because of the list of victims on Taker’s resume.
Many think that Punk will be easily added to Taker’s list of souls. Punk says that he is stronger than all of the men Taker has faced in the past. Punk says that he is not after Taker’s soul, he just wants to make Taker tap out. Punk asks what the fans will think when they lose the Undertaker right after they lost Jeff Hardy. Now they will watch their heroic icon submit to the Anaconda Vice. They will retreat back into their little world and grab 40 ounces of liquid courage to feel better. He suggests that they will pop a few extra pain pills because of the knowledge that Taker tapped out. Punk says that they will get a glimpse tonight when he makes Matt Hardy tap to the Anaconda Vice. He asks Taker not to get involved and look at the world that we will see after he makes Taker tap out at Breaking Point. There will be one true icon and it will be the ‘choice of a new generation’. Punk tells everyone to just say no.
Taker says that Punk has something wrong. The fans won’t be saying ‘Just Say No’. They will be saying ‘Rest in Peace’.
We go to commercial.
We are back with the Smack of the Night: Finlay cheating with a shillelagh again.
Match Number One: Finlay versus Mike Knox in a Belfast Brawl
They lock up and Finlay takes Knox to the mat and hits an elbow and European uppercut and a running elbow. Finlay with a shoulder in the corner followed by a head butt and forearm. Knox with an Irish whip but Finlay with a boot. Knox with a power slam followed by elbow drops. Knox tries to look under the ring but Finlay with a baseball slide. Knox sends Finlay’s head into the announce table. Finlay stops Knox from using the chair but Finlay uses it on the abdomen. Knox kicks the chair into Finlay’s face and both men are down as we go to commercial.
We are back and Knox with a side slam onto a chair for a near fall. Knox with a kick and forearm to Finlay. Knox throws Finlay out of the ring and then Knox takes out a trash can and he throws them at Finlay. Knox kicks Finlay against the ringside barrier and then he follows it with a bicycle kick that sends Finlay into the seating area. Finlay sends Knox back into the ringside area. Knox catches Finlay off the ringside barrier and Knox runs Finlay into it.
They return to the ring and Knox hits Finlay with the trash can a few more times. Knox goes under the ring again and he pulls out a table. Knox stops Finlay from using the shillelagh. Knox sets up the table in the corner but Finlay hits Knox a few times with the trash can. Knox Irish whips Finlay onto the table but it does not break. Knox gets a near fall and then Knox hits Finlay with a trash can lid. Knox tries for a cross body but Finlay hits Knox with the shillelagh and Knox is out. Finlay gets the three count.
Winner: Finlay
We go to the Divas Locker Room where Dolph is about to enter, but Michelle stops him. Layla emerges from the locker room. Michelle asks Dolph what he sees in Maria. Michelle asks Dolph why he would want to be with a little girl like Maria when he could be with a woman like Michelle. Michelle falls from her crutches and it looks like Dolph is all over her. Dolph leaves and Layla is in the background and she tells Michelle that she got everything.
We are back with the Raw Rebound.
Match Number Two: David Hart Smith with Natalya and Tyson Kidd versus Great Khali with Runjin Singh
Before the match starts, Kane attacks Khali and he punches and kicks Khali. Instead of going after Singh on the floor, Kane gets a cane, but Khali with a chop to the head and Kane goes down. Khali with the Punjabi Plunge.
Chris Jericho and Big Show are walking in the back as we go to commercial.
We are back and did you know that WWE likes talking about their ratings.
We see footage of Chris Jericho losing his chance to go to Hawaii thanks to Montel Vontavious Porter. We then see Show get slammed by Mark Henry.
Match Number Two: Big Show and Chris Jericho versus Cryme Time
Jericho and JTG start things off and Jericho with a knee and punch before he sends JTG into the turnbuckles and follows that with more punches. Jericho slaps JTG and JTG with a rollup for a near fall and an inside cradle. JTG with a kick but Jericho with a kick of his own and a forearm. Jericho with a kick but JG with a drop kick and a clothesline that sends Jericho over the top rope to the floor. Jericho kicks the ring steps and attacks the announce table as we go to commercial.
We are back and JTG with an arm bar on Jericho. Jericho punches JTG and kicks him in the corner. JTG with an Irish whip but JTG pulls Jericho down as he goes to the floor. JTG with a leg lariat from the turnbuckles for a near fall. Shad tags in and JTG sends Shad into the corner. Shad with a running back elbow for a near fall. Shad with a forearm and a press slam. JTG tagged back in and they hit a wheelbarrow slam onto Jericho for a near fall. Jericho grabs the ropes and JTG tries to pull him back into the ring. Jericho punches JTG and Show is tagged in. Show with a head butt to JTG. Show with a forearm to the back. Shad is tagged in and he punches Show but Show with an Irish whip. Show misses a charge and Shad knocks Jericho off the apron. Shad comes off the turnbuckles but he gets a chop from Show for his efforts. Jericho tags in and he kicks Shad in the ribs. Jericho knocks JTG off the apron. Jericho chokes Shad in the ropes while the ref spends time with JTG. Shad with a big boot and both men are down. Show tags in and hits a leg drop and then he applies a reverse chin lock. Show with a big boot to Shad and Jericho is tagged in. Jericho kicks Shad but Shad punches back and he Irish whips Jericho but runs into a boot. Jericho tries for a bulldog but Shad counters with a power slam and both men are down. JTG tags in and he hits the flip shoulder tackle and a back breaker. JTG with a block buster for a near fall. All four men are in the ring until Show goes over the top rope to the floor. Shad with a shoulder tackle from the apron. Jericho trips JTG and tries to use the ropes. Jericho tries for the Walls of Jericho but JTG with a rollup for a two count. Jericho tries to throw JTG over the top rope but he skins the cat and kicks Jericho. When he is about to return to the ring, Show with a punch and Jericho gets the three count.
Winners: Chris Jericho and Big Show
Teddy Long is in his office and Vince hollas in. Vince says that Teddy is not good because while Smackdown is good, Teddy is on probation. Vince did not build his empire on good, he built it on great. He knows what Teddy is going to do. Teddy has a huge surprise for next week that will change the face of Smackdown. Vince wants to know what Teddy is going to do for him at Breaking Point. Teddy says that he will have something good for Vince, but Vince doesn’t want good, he wants excellent. Vince wants to know where Vince’s picture is but Teddy cannot find it.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Three: Charlie Haas versus John Morrison
They lock up and Haas with a hammer lock but Morrison with a reversal. Morrison with a back breaker and a side Russian leg sweep for a near fall. Haas with a knee and then he sends Morrison into the turnbuckles. Haas with a butterfly suplex and a forearm to the back. Haas sends Morrison’s shoulder into the turnbuckles and he follows it with a shoulder breaker and an arm bar submission. Haas continues to work on the arm with a knee and arm bar. Haas continues with the arm bar. Morrison with forearms and a drop kick followed by a clothesline. Morrison with a leg lariat and then he poses for absolutely no reason before a standing shooting star press and Morrison gets a near fall. Morrison is sent into the ring post and then Haas with a divorce court for a two count. Haas tries for a knee drop from the turnbuckles but Morrison stops him and Morrison with an enzuigiri and Morrison with the corkscrew split legged moonsault for the three count.
Winner: John Morrison
After the match, Morrison gets on the mic and he says that last week he had the greatest match of his career and became the Intercontinental champion and it couldn’t have happened without Rey Mysterio. John has a few images of his post match celebration. John thanks Rey from the bottom of his heart. He says that Rey was a great champion and whenever he wants a title match, he can have it.
Dolph Ziggler comes out and he says that this absolutely sickens him. Dolph says that he earned his title match but now John Morrison is the champion, not him. John asks Dolph if he was going to lose to Rey a third time. Dolph says that he was softening Rey up and he would have won. Dolph says that he earned his title match and he wants his title match. John suggests that they have Dolph’s title match right here right now. Dolph thinks about it and says no. Dolph says that he will have his title match on his terms. John asks Dolph if he is scared. John uses a play on Dolph’s last name and he gets the fans to chant it when he tells them to. Dolph threatens to leave if they don’t stop.
Josh Mathews is with Matt Hardy and he asks Matt about his match against the man who ended his brother’s career. Matt says that they did not finish things the way that he wanted to last week. Matt says that there will be two submissions. The first to Undertaker on Sunday and the other will be tonight. Punk will be tapping out and begging for mercy. Matt says that Punk will be lucky to make it to Breaking Point because when he locks in a submission hold, he is not letting go.
Match Number Four: Melina versus Layla with Michelle McCool and her Magical Crutch
They lock up and Layla with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Melina with a flap jack for a near fall. Melina with forearms and then she punches Layla in the corner but Layla pushes Melina off. Layla with a kick to the midsection and then she stretches Melina. Layla with a snap mare and drop kick to the back for a near fall. Melina with an inside cradle for a near fall. Melina with forearms and then she runs Layla into the turnbuckles. Melina with the screaming double knee drop to Layla followed by a screaming face plant for a near fall. Layla with a knee but Melina with a kick. Melina with a drop toe hold that sends Layla into the ropes. Melina misses a splash in the ropes and Michelle hits Melina with her crutch when the referee was not looking at the Titantron while Layla distracted him. Layla gets the three count.
Winner: Layla
Josh is in the interview area and he is with R Truth and he wants to know what’s up with Drew McIntyre. Things are escalating. Truth wants Teddy Long to put him in a match and he will be all over Drew. Before Truth can finish his catchphrase, Drew attacks Truth and Josh Mathews is down. Drew punches Truth after sending him into a table. Drew with a kick before he is led away by the referees.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a Moments Ago Moment of Drew McIntyre’s attack on R Truth.
Todd and JR are in the ring to talk about Breaking Point and we see the card.
Match Number Five: CM Punk versus Matt Hardy in a Submission Match
Punk with a kick but it misses its target. The next one connects. Hardy with a front face lock and forearm but Punk goes for the arm. Punk with a kick and side head lock take down. Hardy with a head scissors but Punk escapes. Hardy with a punch to the head and a neck breaker or two. Matt hits a third one. Hardy with a guillotine choke but Punk sends Hardy into the turnbuckles and then hits a back heel kick. Punk goes to the turnbuckles but Hardy pushes Punk off and Punk appears to have hurt his leg. Matt starts to work on the knee. Hardy with a clip to the leg and then he drops an elbow to the knee. Hardy is sent into the ring post and he goes to the floor and we go to commercial.
We are back and Punk with a knee to Hardy’s head and then he sends Hardy into the turnbuckles. Punk with an homage to Ivan Koloff with a knee to the back off the turnbuckles. Punk with a snap mare and drop kick to the back of the head. Punk with a rear chin lock but Hardy with a modified electric chair drop. Punk sends Hardy to the floor. Punk blows a kiss and then he hits a suplex. Punk with a leg drop to Hardy and then Punk gets up gingerly before hitting another leg drop. Punk with a figure four head scissors to Hardy. Punk with an enzuigiri and Hardy falls into the ropes. Punk with a hobbling knee into the corner and he tries for a bulldog but Hardy blocks it and hits an atomic drop to the knee and Hardy with a figure four leg lock as he goes to school. Punk with a reversal and he gets to the ropes as well. Punk favors his knee and Hardy with a running clothesline and a bulldog of his own. Hardy with a punch and a Side Effect. Hardy sets for the Twist of Fate and Punk gets Hardy up for the Go To Sleep but Hardy blocks it and he puts Punk in a single leg crab. Hardy adds a body scissors but Punk gets to the ropes. Punk screams in pain as Hardy takes his time to release the hold. Punk with a kick to the head and Hardy goes down. Punk puts Hardy in the Anaconda Vice and Matt tries to fight out of it but Hardy has to tap.
Winner: CM Punk
After the match, Punk celebrates his victory, but Taker’s gong sounds and the lights go off. They are back on and Punk’s title belt is gone. Taker is at the ramp and he has stolen Punk’s belt. We go to credits.
2010 - Mike Shaw, who wrestled for the WWF as Bastion Booger, in WCW as Norman The Lunatic and Makhan Singh for Stampede Wrestling, passed away of a heart attack at the age of 53. Shaw wrestled all over the world, also performing in Mexico and Europe.
2010 - Ring of Honor presented Glory by Honor IX via Internet PPV. Mike Johnson filed the following live report from the iPPV event in New York City:
Ring of Honor presented Glory by Honor IX last night in New York City in front of a turnaway crowd (literally, people were turned away, including reports of some late arrivals that were actually holding tickets that the venue refused to let enter) of 1,500 plus in the Manhattan Center's Grand Ballroom. I'll have a longer form report tomorrow, but here are quick results of the PPV, which was easily the best show ROH has presented in several months and may have been at the top of the list of all of their NYC outings:
*Kenny King pinned Jay Briscoe after Rhett Titus interfered. The All Night Express continued beating on Jay until Mark Briscoe hit the ring, setting off....
*Mark Briscoe pinned Rhett Titus. Both matches were great. Just totally hot openers in front of a hot, monstrous crowd. The place was into just about everything all night.
*The Embassy of Necro Butcher & Erick Stevens defeated Balls Mahoney & Grizzly Redwood. Fun brawl. Redwood took an insane bump, being pressed over Stevens' head and tossed to the floor.
*Colt Cabana & El Generico defeated Steve Corino & Kevin Steen in a double chain match. They did a coin flip before the match to determine who would get to pick who was chained to who. Genericoo won and demanded he be chained to Steen. Steen and Corino were both busted open. One hell of a brawl. Colby Corino came out to ringside to toss a chair into the ring. In the end, Cabana powerbombed Corino on a chair, then turned him over into the Billy Goat's Curse for a submission. The heels attacked afterwards. Generico made a comeback on Steen and was going for a brainbuster off the top when Steen ripped his mask off. Generico covered up and was run out of the Arena by Cabana. Steen and the Corinos celebrated as if they had vanquished Generico once and for all by ripping his mask off. ROH actually lost the Internet feed for about three minutes during the match, so they sent word to the ring to stall for time just as they were about to go into their finishing sequences.
*On the PPV, they aired a promo with Jim Cornette and Davey Richards announcing Richards had signed a new deal with ROH and wouldn't be retiring at the end of the year as he originally planned. Cornette then announced Richards would get a title shot at the ROH champion at the 12/18 Final Battle PPV in the same building. If you want tickets, just buy them now and get to the show EARLY. Richards wasn't at the show as he was touring Japan.
*Cornette then came out in front of the live crowd and announced the December main event for the Manhattan Center.
*ROH TV champion Eddie Edwards defeated Shawn Daivari. Solid.
*Christopher Daniels pinned Austin Aries with Angel's Wings off the top rope. Aries did some mic work early saying Daniels was completely washed up and obsolete. They didn't have the crowd early but won them over with the spot that closed the bout.
*ROH Tag Team champions The Kings of Wrestling defeated Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin in an off the charts instant tag team classic. This may have been one of the best matches I've seen all year. The Kings of Wrestling were brought out by someone rapping their theme, which added a nice big fight feel to the match. Haas and Benjamin came out to AC/DC's "TNT", which was the Haas Brothers' old theme song when they worked independents in the Northeast. Haas and Benjamin's work was awesome since they weren't being saddled with silly gimmicks or being low on the card with three minutes of TV time. Just an incredible back and forth match. Hero finally got the win with the loaded elbowpad. MUST SEE BOUT. Benjamin went on his twitter after the match to write, "That was the most fun I've had in ten years."
*Roderick Strong pinned Tyler Black to win the ROH championship. Another extremely strong match. The fans were all over Black, chanting "Future Jobber", "NXT" and "You sold out" since he had been mocking the company and saying he was signing with WWE on TV. Terry Funk was the ringside enforcer and joined the match after Todd Sinclaire was taken out by and accidental kick to the face. Lots of stiff kicks and hard hitting moves here. In the end, Strong killed Black with a series of backbreakers and a side kick to the face. Big pop for the title change, although I suspect everyone knew it was coming. Strong tried to shake Black's hand and give him the happy ending farewell but Black gave him the finger, gave the crowd the finger and stormed off.
Strong celebrated in the ring with manager Truth Martini when the lights and the music suddenly died, like a slow grinding death. The old Kung Fu movie sound effects hit and the place exploded. I have seen every single match ever held in this building and I don't recall ever hearing a bigger pop than the one for Homicide's return to Ring of Honor as the entire place was jumping up and down while fans who ran out (thinking the show was over) suddenly turned back around and were running for a good view. Homicide came out and the place chanted his name and "F*** TNA." He took the mic and said he was back, he wanted his "Ring of Homicide 187 World title" back, he would be fighting for it at Final Battle and he would be taking Strong out. He said he would go through "every Gringo" in the back if he had to, but promised Strong would see him in December. He then left. Great ending and I'd say a good 95% of the building went nuts for the Homicide surprise.
Overall, an excellent, excellent show. I'll have something more in depth tomorrow.
Notes: Kevin Kelly and Jim Cornette called the main event....Dave Prazak was unavailable for the PPV as his SHIMMER promotion was running this weekend....Homicide arrived very late into the show in order to hide from fans he would be appearing....They literally turned away hundreds from the show. It was to a ridiculous degree and they really should look into running the Hammerstein Ballroom for Final Battle....Backstage visiting were Monster Mack, Dixie, The Great Dyami and The Dirty Rotten Scoundrelz....No major injuries coming out of the show....I believe Generico is taking time off....Black did't get a farewell since he's going to be appearing, as a heel, on upcoming episodes of ROH on HDNet. His farewell bout will be against Davey Richards....This was the first PPV run by new booker Hunter Johnston.....Funk, Benjamin and Haas all signed autographs before the show...Incredibly hot and fun atmosphere live in the building. I can't compare it to anything but an old school ECW Arena show.
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