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September 12th
On this day in history in ....
1970 - WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino defeats Crusher Verdu in a Texas Death match at the Boston Garden in Massachusetts.
1982 - Sgt. Slaughter & Don Kernodle defeated Giant Baba & Antonio Inoki in a tournament final for the NWA World Tag Team Title. Well, not really. This was totally fictitious, as Baba & Inoki weren't even a tag team at the time. This was simply the NWA's way of putting the title on Slaughter & Kernodle after previous tag team champions Ole Anderson & Stan Hansen split up.
1988 - The Samoan Swat Team (Fatu & Samu) defeat John Tatum & Jimmy Jack Funk (Jesse Barr) to win the World Class Championship Wrestling Texas Tag Team Title.
1989 - Clash of the Champions VIII was held in Columbia, South Carolina at the USC Carolina Coliseum. Here are the results:
- The Road Warriors defeated The Samoan Swat Team when Hawk pinned Fatu after a Doomsday Device.
- Tom Zenk defeated The Cuban Assassin via sleeperhold.
- Sid Vicious defeated Ranger Ross.
- NWA World Tag Team Champions The Freebirds (Jimmy Garvin & Michael Hayes) defeated Rick & Scott Steiner.
- Brian Pillman defeated Norman the Lunatic.
- Steve Williams defeated Mike Rotundo.
- United States Champion Lex Luger defeated Tommy Rich.
- Sting & Ric Flair defeated Dick Slater & The Great Muta via disqualification when Terry Funk interfered and tried to choke Ric Flair by putting a plastic bag on his head.
1999 - WCW Fall Brawl was held in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Here are the results:
- Rey Mysterio Jr., Eddie Guerrero & Billy Kidman defeated Vampiro & The Insane Clown Posse when Kidman pinned Vampiro after a Guerrero hit a missile dropkick and Kidman followed with the shooting star press.
- WCW Cruiserweight Champion Lenny Lane defeated Kaz Hayashi with a full nelson into a forward legsweep.
- Hugh Morrus & Brian Knobbs defeated Dean Malenko & Shane Douglas in a no disqualifications match when Morrus pinned Malenko with a moonsault.
- WCW Television Champion Rick Steiner defeated Perry Saturn with a top rope bulldog.
- Berlyn defeated Hacksaw Jim Duggan with a neckbreaker.
- Harlem Heat defeated Barry & Kendall Windham to win the WCW World Tag Team Title when Booker pinned Kendall with a missile dropkick. With this victory, Harlem Heat became the first ever nine-time WCW World Tag Team Champions.
- Sid Vicious defeated Chris Benoit to win the United States Title with a powerbomb after Benoit missed a top rope dropkick.
- Bill Goldberg defeated Diamond Dallas Page with a spear and jackhammer.
- Sting defeated Hulk Hogan to win the WCW World Heavyweight Title with the Scorpion Deathlock after hitting Hogan with a baseball bat. The match saw interference from Bret Hart, Lex Luger, Sid Vicious, and Diamond Dallas Page. This match made Sting a six-time WCW World Champion.
2003 - Takashi Sugiara defeats Michael Modest in Tokyo, Japan to win the Pro Wrestling Noah Junior Heavyweight Title.
2004 - WWE held their Unforgiven PPV. Here is Tim Whitehead's original report on the show:
WWE's Unforgiven (9/12 from Portland, OR) proved to be a thumb's in the middle show from my perspective. There was one real good match and one that was horrible. Everything else was average-to-decent TV type action, including the main event. It was once again clear that they rushed way too fast into the Triple H vs. Randy Orton deal. It was basically standard stuff other than the ladder match. The live crowd was strange. It got hot on occasion but at other times was very cool. Commentary from Jim Ross & Jerry Lawler was fine.
CHRIS BENOIT & WILLIAM REGAL defeated RIC FLAIR & BATISTA in 15:05. Really strange seeing Benoit in an opening match after being RAW World Champion for five months. He went for a crossface early, but Batista made the ropes. Regal tagged in against Batista and they had a major style clash. Flair came in and traded hard chops with Benoit. The live crowd, as always, was into that. Flair took a backdrop. He also took his face-first bump after a series of shots from Benoit. Regal returned, but Flair raked his eyes and chop blocked him. Benoit managed to tag back in and he sent Flair into another face-first bump with an enzuigiri. Benoit tried for the sharpshooter on Batista but he powered out. Flair & Batista cornered Regal and put a beating on him. Flair hooked the figure four. Benoit made the save. Benoit chopped Flair some more and backdropped him again. He did the triple Germans on Flair, and also did one on Batista when he ran in. Benoit put the crossface on Flair, with Batista breaking it up. Batista gave Regal a spinebuster. Regal suffered a busted lip. Batista and Regal ended up fighting out on the floor as Flair laid Benoit out and went for the figure four. Benoit countered it and hooked the crossface. Flair, always the fall guy, submitted. Average opener with decent heat.
Backstage, Christian and Trish Stratus were arguing. Trish wanted Tyson Tomko to accompany her to the ring for her women's title defense, but Christian wanted Tomko to stay backstage with him in case Chris Jericho attacked. Trish said Tomko needed to be out there with her in case she was attacked from behind. Christian said it wouldn't be the first time she's taken it from behind. Tomko didn't know which side to take, but then Trish came on to him and promised some favors to him in the locker room later. Tomko looked at Christian and said, "good luck", as he left with Trish. Christian compained that Trish really is a slut.
TRISH STRATUS defeated VICTORIA in 8:20 to retain the women's title. Victoria did a hip toss. Trish hit some kicks. Victoria dropped Trish across her knee and kicked her out to the floor. Victoria tried to go out after Trish but Tomko protected her. Trish posted Victoria and kicked her hard. Trish scored some twos. Victoria scored twos of her own with a sideslam and a standing moonsault. Victoria headbutted Trish and then made the mistake of doing a plancha onto Tomko out on the floor. Tomko tossed her right back in, where Trish nailed her with the stratusfaction for the pin. An okay women's match, but it had little heat. Afterward, Tomko was planning to slam Victoria but the "mystery woman" ran in and DDT'd him for the save.
TYSON TOMKO beat STEVEN RICHARDS in 6:25. Tomko got on the mic and demanded that the "mystery woman" come out and fight him. To prove he wasn't a complete idiot, he called "her" a cross-dressing hermaphrodite. Poor JR & Lawler had to walk the thin line between pretending not to know the obvious and breaking kayfabe. The "mystery woman" returned and the impromptu match began. Tomko quickly stripped off the dress to reveal a bra & unsexy panty clad Richards. Lawler noted the, uh, bulge in the panties to indicate that the "mystery woman" was a male. The crowd hated this match, and I mean they really hated it. And they were right, because it sucked. Tomko tossed Richards around, seemingly forever, calling him a punk and a big sissy. Richards put a claw hold on Tomko's crotch and rallied briefly. Then, for reasons no one knows, Richards went to pick up his bra (which had fallen off) and Tomko gave him a swinging neckbreaker for the pin. Horrible match.
CHRIS JERICHO defeated CHRISTIAN in a ladder match in 22:28 to win the vacant IC Title. It was announced that no one would be allowed at ringside for this match, to explain Trish & Tomko's absence. They brawled at first. Jericho hit two suplexes. Jericho vaulted Christian high over the top and out to the floor. Jericho threw a ladder at him but the post got in the way and that spot sort of looked bad. Jericho hit an enzuigiri on Christian and successfully hit him with the ladder. They brawled over the rail and into the crowd. Jericho used a cable to choke Christian, which was legal since this match was no-DQ. Christian hit an umprettier on Jericho on the floor, and took the opening to try and climb to retrieve the belt. Jericho pulled him down. Each took turns ramming the other into the ladder. They took some stiff blows here. Christian tried to climb again but Jericho stopped him and then threw the ladder on him. Jericho climbed to the top rope and rode the ladder down onto Christian. That looked scary. Christian recovered and used the ladder on Jericho. Christian started to climb, but came back down when Jericho flipped him off. That spot didn't look all that sensible. Jericho dropkicked the ladder into Christian. He then bulldogged Christian on the ladder and sandwiched him using the ladder. Jericho went for the lionsault and landed on the ladder. He sold his knee big time, and really there's no way to protect yourself on a spot like that. Christian climbed and grabbed the belt but couldn't get it loose. Jericho pulled the ladder away, leaving Christian hanging from the belt. He then used the ladder to knock Christian off for a killer bump. The crowd, which had been amazingly cool for most of this match, erupted into a Y2J chant. Jericho tried to climb. Christian turned the ladder over. Christian went up, and Jericho caught him and put a form of the walls hold on him on the ladder before both bumped off. Jericho went up again and almost got the belt, but he took a seriously dangerous bump when Christian knocked the ladder over. Jericho just missed serious injury when he landed partly on the ladder. Next, both went up separate ladders, and both bumped off hard. Jericho recovered first and climbed to successfully retrieve the belt for the win. Great match and great effort by both guys. Clearly the show's highlight.
Todd Grisham went to Kane's locker room to interview him. Lita came out and ran Kane down, expressing hope that Shawn Michaels would hospitalize him. Kane arrived and informed Lita that Eric Bischoff had made the match a no-DQ bout. He forced a kiss on her and dragged her off to the ring. This begged the eternal question: Why do male wrestlers who are having troubles with their valets, wives, girlfriends, or whatever, take them to the ring with them?
Jonathan Coachman interviewed Jericho, who was clearly in legit pain from his match. He put over being the first ever seven time IC champ. Edge arrived and said Jericho's win was hollow since he didn't beat the champ to get the belt. He promised to take the title back once he heals up. Jericho said he'll be ready.
SHAWN MICHAELS defeated KANE in the no-DQ match in 18:01. Kane started with brawling. The Heartbreak Kid hit a Thesz press and pounded Kane with fists. HBK kicked Kane out to the floor, where Kane went for a lariat but ended up hitting the post. Back in the ring, HBK came off the top but was caught with a fist. Kane hit a lariat, and then went out to argue with Lita, who was cheering for HBK. HBK hit him with a plancha. Kane used Lita as a shield to block further HBK aggression. Kane slammed HBK on the Spanish broadcast desk. The desk didn't break, so Kane slammed him again and this time it did break. Returning to the ring, Kane did his methodical offense, pounding HBK with legdrops and slams, and whipping him into the corner to hurt his bad back. Kane scored some twos. Kane hit a neckbreaker and a lariat. HBK came back with a DDT and a flying forearm. Kane hurled HBK into the corner and he took the Flair flip bump out to the floor. Kane rammed HBK into the stairs and he juiced. Kane got a chair but HBK blocked the shot. Kane hit a big elbow to HBK's face. HBK posted Kane and hit an elbow off the top. The crowd finally started getting into the match, as their pattern seemed to be to wait for the closing minutes to get hot. HBK went for the sweet chin music, but Kane outmaneuvered him and caught him with a boot to the face for a two count. Kane hit a lariat off the top. HBK used a low blow to block a chokeslam. HBK hit Kane with a hard chairshot, but then went down himself, I guess from exhaustion. Kane revived first and got the chair. Lita struggled with him over it, allowing HBK to recover and hit the chin music for the pin. Overall a decent match, especially the closing couple of minutes.
Grisham interviewed HHH, who took full credit for making Randy Orton into a star. It was the standard HHH bragging promo. He said he'll spit in everyone's face the way Orton spat in his.
LA RESISTANCE defeated RHYNO & TAJIRI to retain the RAW World Tag Titles in 9:40. Tajiri and Sylvan Grenier started off with mat action. Rhyno backdropped Rob Conway. Conway evaded the gore. Rhyno got tied up for a while in the heel corner. Tajiri tagged in and kicked Conway hard. Tajiri got doubled on, and the crowd chanted "USA" for him. Rhyno hot tagged and cleaned house. He put Grenier down with a spinebuster, with Conway making the save. The match sort of got lost for the closing minutes. Tajiri hit Grenier in the balls with the Quebec flagpole. Rhyno gored Grenier, but Conway put Grenier's boot on the rope to stop the count. Grenier then hit Rhyno with the flagpole and scored the pin, even though the ref should have seen Grenier tossing the flag away after the blow. Basically, a standard match.
TRIPLE H defeated RANDY ORTON to capture the RAW World Title in 24:43. HHH shoved Orton. Orton slapped him twice. They brawled with fists. Orton hit a backdrop and sent HHH crashing out to the floor. HHH returned and was caught with some uppercuts. HHH hit a chop block, posted Orton, and went after Orton's left knee. HHH worked the knee over for a few minutes in the methodical, old school style. Orton rallied but HHH put him down with a facebuster for a near fall. HHH hooked the figure four. He held it for a long time, with the idea being to put over Orton's toughness, as he didn't submit despite his injured knee. HHH was eventually caught using the ropes for leverage and forced to break the hold. Orton blocked a second attempt by HHH to hook the figure four and sent him careening into the post. HHH juiced. Orton scored twos with a dropkick and a DDT. They traded sleepers. Orton, despite his knee pain, went to the top and hit a high crossbody for a near fall. On the floor, Orton sent HHH into the stairs. Back in the ring, Orton scored a near fall with a neckbreaker. Orton went for the RKO. HHH blocked it and referee Earl Hebner took a bump. HHH went for the pedigree. Orton blocked it and hit the RKO, but of course there was no ref. Flair ran in, with Orton disposing of him. Ditto for Batista. HHH caught Orton with a low blow and Coach ran in wearing a ref shirt to make the count, but Orton kicked out at two. Orton punched Coach. Batista gave Orton a spinebuster. HHH covered him and Coach counted but again it was only two. Orton backdropped HHH and gave Coach an RKO. Flair came in with a chair but Orton RKO'd him. Orton then gave Batista a low blow. HHH, however, caught Orton with a chairshot and then pedigreed him on the chair. Batista revived Hebner and rolled him in to make the count for the title change. I thought this match was okay. It was solid, but slow paced and had little heat until the end, when there was way too much interference. They really rushed into this entire HHH-Orton deal, and this match seemed to take some of the steam out of what strength it had. An okay match, but disappointing as a main event
2006 - Ohio Valley Wrestling booker Greg Gagne was dropped by WWE from their developmental system. The former AWA star had been hired as a WWE agent shortly after Wrestlemania 22 in Chicago and was then moved to OVW as booker, replacing Paul Heyman.
2006 - WWE signed former WCW star Brad Armstrong for the ECW brand, where he appeared as an announcer. Armstrong also did some wrestling on house shows with younger talents to help their grooming process as performers.
2006 - The following sad note was posted on the official website for original ECW music guru Harry Slash, www.Slashtones.com yesterday..."Harry Slash & The Slashtones' ECW collaborator Eddie Sperry passed away last weekend in Thailand. The cause of death is not yet known. Eddie Sperry had worked wih Harry Slash on the mastering of the ECW songs "Path Of Rage," "Total Elimination", "Simply Ravishing", "Huka Blues", "Survive! (If I Let you.)", the themes of Taz, The Eliminators, Rick Rude, Sabu and Taz (his 2nd theme) and also worked on the first version of the ECW theme "This Is Extreme!". Eddie also co-produced the ECW themes for Super Crazy ("El Guererro Nomad") and Tommy Dreamer ("Innovation / Man In A Box"). Eddie worked with Harry Slash on various other projects away from ECW including the Joe Lynn Turner / Arno Hecht / Reckless Fortune version of "The Rain" for the Versailles Records' 2001 tribute to The Cult. Sperry's body of work included numerous film scores and soundtracks as well as recordings with Debbie Harry, Mark Ribot, Rob Thomas, Moby and many othes. He also recorded several albums with his own bands, Screed and Hookfoot. Our condolences go out to the entire Sperry family."
2006 - WWE broadcast ECW on SciFi from Madison Square Garden, the first time ECW was ever held in the venue. Richard Trionfo filed the following report:
When ECW was in its hey day in the 1990s, nobody probably ever expected that the company would do a show in Madison Square Garden, but it has finally happened. What will we see when the Mecca of Professional Wrestling goes extreme? Will Sabu finally get the ECW Heavyweight Title as he faces the Big Show in his first match in Madison Square Garden? What is next in the CM Punk/Shannon Moore feud? Will Sandman get his hands on Matt Striker?
We are live on tape from New York, New York and your announcers are Joey Styles and Tazz.
Paul Heyman and his security detail come to the ring as the show begins and Paul has something to say. He says that the prodigal son, the messiah, the savior of the wrestling industry has arrived in the hallowed halls of Madison Square Garden. He asks the fans if they realize that they are part of history tonight. They have come together in the world's most famous arena and are part of a history making moment. Finally, after all of the years, hard work, sacrifice, and dedication; his ECW flag flies high in Madison Square Garden. To a New York boy growing up, this is the center of the universe, the great synagogue, the ultimate temple, the great church, the grand cathedral. There is no other place to a kid from New York like Madison Square Garden. With all humility, he wants to thank himself for this achievement. Paul wonders who else he was supposed to thank. Five years ago, they were the reason why ECW went out of business. He listened to the fans who wanted more Rob Van Dam, Sabu, Sandman, and Tommy Dreamer. He tells the fans "screw you." He listened to himself because he knows better than the fans. He made compromises with Vince McMahon. He took ECW to a global platform and here were are "…from the bingo hall to the Garden" For that, he tells his children "You're Welcome" for his hard work and his ingenuity. This is his concept. Tonight, his ECW grows even larger when the Big Show comes down the aisle.
Heyman is interrupted by Sabu, and Paul tells him that if he makes one more step to the ring, he will pin him in the middle, just like he did two weeks ago. Sabu hits the security detail with the chair and he takes down Heyman, but they return to the ring and grab Sabu. Sabu hits them with the chair again and then he gives one of the members of the security detail an Arabian facebuster.
Heyman tells Sabu that he nearly stepped in it, and he will pay the price in a giant way. Tonight's match will be an Extreme Rules Match. Sabu with a springboard clothesline onto the security detail and then he returns to the ring as we go to commercial.
Match Number One: Rob Van Dam versus Bob Holly
Van Dam kicks Holly as he enters the ring, but Holly kicks back. Van Dam with a rana followed by a crescent kick. Van Dam tries to clothesline Holly over the top rope, but Holly back body drops Van Dam to the floor and Holly follows that with a pescado onto Van Dam. Van Dam with a moonsault from the ringside barrier and it appears to hurt Van Dam more as they bang heads. Holly rolls Van Dam back into the ring and hits two leg drops for a two count. Holly puts Van Dam in the ropes and he connects with a series of crossfaces. Holly continues the attack as he chokes Van Dam in the ropes. Van Dam fights back with elbows and punches but Holly with a drop kick for a two count. Holly slams Van Dam and then he goes up to the second turnbuckle for an elbow, but Van Dam gets his leg up to stop Holly and both men are down. Van Dam with clotheslines to Holly followed by a step over heel kick and Rolling Thunder for a two count. Van Dam with forearms in the corner followed by an Irish whip and a monkey flip. Van Dam with more forearms and an elbow. Van Dam goes up top, but Holly hits the ropes and that crotches Van Dam. Holly punches Van Dam and he sets up for a superplex but Van Dam punches Holly off. Van Dam sets up for the Five Star Frog Splash, but Stevie Richards, Mike Knox, and Test come to the ring. Van Dam hits a side kick from the top turnbuckle on Richards and then he hits a spinning heel kick on Knox. Test hits a full nelson slam and the referee calls for the bell.
Winner: Rob Van Dam (by disqualification)
After the match, Richards and Knox hold Van Dam while Holly and Test work over Van Dam. Sandman and Tommy Dreamer come into the ring and Sandman canes away. Sandman canes Richards and then Dreamer with a DDT. While Test, Knox, and Holly leave the ring, Van Dam goes up top for a Five Star Frog Splash.
Joey Styles says that the evening will get more extreme, and Tazz talks about the title match. We see Sandman and Dreamer celebrating in the ring with a few cold drinks.
We see footage of Sabu versus Big Show from three weeks ago when Sabu got disqualified because it was not an Extreme Rules match. Styles points out that tonight;s match is an Extreme Rules Match. We go to commercial.
We are back and before our next match, we see footage from last week when CM Punk called Shannon Moore a poseur and slapped him.
Match Number Two: CM Punk versus Shannon Moore
Moore gets in Punk's face and he slaps Punk followed by punches and an elbow. Moore with more punches and then he gets on the second turnbuckle and tries for a tornado DDT, but Punk tosses him off on the attempt. Moore charges into the corner and Punk ties up Moore in the ropes. Punk with a springboard clothesline followed by a back kick and knees to Moore. Punk with an Irish whip and a running knee into the corner and a bulldog. Punk with slaps, a back hand strike, and a round kick. Punk with a uranage followed by the Anaconda Vice and Moore taps.
Winner: CM Punk
Rene Dupree is in the back and while he grooms himself, he talks about the ECW title match between Big Show and Sabu. Dupree says that he will be debuting next. We go to commercial.
We are back and the FBI are in the back congratulating CM Punk on his victory. Kelly stops by and she wanted to congratulate CM Punk on his Madison Square Garden debut. Kelly tells Punk that she is a really big fan of his and since she is an exhibitionist, she would love to go to one of those wild, crazy nightclubs. Unfortunately, she is only nineteen years old. She says that they cannot really go out, but they can stay in. Mike Knox stops by and he takes Kelly with him.
Kevin Thorn and Ariel come to ringside and join Tazz and Styles at the announce position.
Match Number Three: Rene Dupree versus Balls Mahoney
Dupree attacks Mahoney as he enters the ring and then he punches and kicks Mahoney. Mahoney blocks Dupree's attempt to slam Mahoney into the turnbuckle and Mahoney responds with punches and an Irish whip but he charges into the corner and Dupree moves out of the way. Dupree kicks Mahoney and he follows that with a springboard elbow and a kick to the back for a two count. Dupree with a kick to Mahoney's head and then he hits an elbow drop from the second turnbuckle for a two count. Dupree does the Rick Martel Hop followed by a fist drop for a near fall. Mahoney punches Dupree but Dupree throws Mahoney to the mat. Dupree slaps Mahoney but Mahoney punches Dupree and then he hits a sit out spinebuster for a two count. Mahoney with jabs followed by an uppercut. Mahoney with a spinning heel kick that sends both men over the top rope to the floor. Thorn approaches Mahoney and Balls punches Thorne. Mahoney gets a chair but the referee takes it. Dupree distracts the referee and that allows Thorn to hit Mahoney with his cane and Balls hits the ring steps. Dupree rolls Mahoney back into the ring for the three count. We go to commercial.
Winner: Rene Dupree
We are back with Matt Striker and he reminds us that he is a New York City teacher. For the past few weeks, he has been teaching Sandman some valuable lessons. He says that he is concerned about the amount of "giggle water" that the fans have been consuming while enjoying the proclivity of the Sandman's pugilistic endeavors; or as the fans would say it, enjoy drinking beer while the Sandman beats people up with a Singapore Cane. If he looked at Sandman's permanent record, he is sure that it would be littered with examples of truculent, trepidatious, trench mouthed truancy. Striker tells everyone if they don't know what those words mean, they should look them up. Striker mentions that he saw earlier tonight when Sandman corralled some of his cronies for some extreme violence. Striker says that a man is judged by the company that he keeps, and he says that he keeps some interesting and intelligent company. You can drink beer with the Sandman, or come to class and learn from Matt Striker.
Styles reminds everyone that Matt Striker was banned by the New York Board of Education. Tazz and Joey talk about how regardless of the result of the match tonight against Sabu; he will be part of the Hell in a Cell match at Unforgiven. We see footage from last night's Raw when Big Show attacked Shawn Michaels.
Before our main event, we see footage from Sabu's attack on Paul Heyman and his security detail at the start of the show.
Match Number Four: Big Show versus Sabu for the ECW Title in an Extreme Rules Match
Before the bell rings, Sabu brings out two tables and sets them up outside the ring as we go to commercial.
We are back and Sabu has a chair and he tosses it at Show, but Show just swats it away. Show throws Sabu to the mat. Sabu with a waist lock but Show uses his rear end to get Sabu to release the hold. Show with a chop in the corner followed by a head butt. Show throws Sabu out of the ring and Heyman's security detail attack Sabu on the floor. Show with more head butts to Sabu and then he picks up the chair and Show destroys it. Sabu punches Show but Show responds with a clothesline when Sabu comes off the ropes but Show only gets a two count. Show punches Sabu while the fans show Big Show their disapproval with his performance. Show steps on Sabu's chest. Sabu with a low kick to Show and then Sabu gets a chair and he throws it at Show's head twice and then he hits a drop kick to Show's knee. Sabu with a camel clutch on Show, but Show is too big and Show turns it into a side slam. Show tries for a big boot but Sabu moves out of the way and Show crotches himself on the top rope. Sabu hits a side kick and Show goes over the top rope to the floor. Show returns to the ring and he head butts Sabu. Show tells the security detail to bring him a table and Show sets it up. Sabu gets a chair but Show still grabs Sabu and he tries to choke slam Show through the table, but Sabu counters with a DDT through the table, but Sabu can only get a two count. Sabu hits Show in the back with the chair and then he hits Show in the head with the chair. Sabu hits Show in the back with the chair and Show falls through the ropes and through a table on the floor. Sabu attacks the security detail and then he sets up another table. Show picks up Sabu but Sabu sends Show into the ring post. Sabu gets a chair and he hits Show in the back and that sends Show to the table. Sabu comes off the top rope but Show catches Sabu and then he choke slams Sabu through the table. Sabu is thrown back into the ring and Show with the cobra clutch back breaker and the step over leg drop for the three count.
Winner: Big Show
2007 - Former WCW and WWE star Bill DeMott posted a blog entry at www.myspace.com/billdemott, noting that he was intending to retire at the end of 2007 as he's contacted both WWE and TNA and neither have shown interest in him working for their companies. DeMott noted that he would still be doing training seminars and that we can add him to the list of guys working on a book about the business. DeMott's book "The Last Laugh" was published in 2011 and he eventually returned to WWE working as a trainer for the revived Tough Enough before signing on as a talent scout.
2007 - Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. who was forming his own Mixed Martial Arts promotion at the time, mentioned a potential partnership with World Wrestling Entertainment during an interview with MMAWeekly.com. Cuban noted, "We've been in discussions with the WWE, Vince and Linda McMahon and Shane about doing some cross promotions under the HDNet Fights banner. Since they do a great job of putting together events, within some of the restraints that I talked about, the no ring girls and obviously the events have to be straight up, there's no scripted anything, but they want to get into that side of the business. They realize that if they just brand it as WWE, that people aren't going to believe that it's not scripted, but if they work with Mark Cuban and HDNet Fights and the Dallas Mavericks approach, then people will trust it." In the end, WWE and Cuban never worked together on any MMA venture.
2008 - WWE broadcast Smackdown. Taylor Millard filed the following TV report:
Welcome to PWInsider.com’s coverage Smackdown coming from the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The show begins with a recap of the Scramble match from Unforgiven, showing the various changes in the WWE title before the King of Kings, Champion of Champions, husband of Stephanie, won the match and retained his title.
Speaking of the King of Kings…out he comes. Jim Ross and the Tazz welcome us to the show and mention a number one contender’s match between Jeff Hardy, MVP, Shelton Benjamin, and The Brian Kendrick. JR talks about Triple H retaining his title with one second left (Tazz saying the title changed hands seven times during the scramble match). JR says he’d love to see the scramble concept again (thanks Vince). Triple H says everyone should go see Unforgiven, buy the DVD (saying he gets good residuals), but says “It’s awesome” and a great night. Talks about how CM Punk got “punked out” by Randy Orton, says Matt Hardy won the big one. But only one man walked in and out with his title. That, of course, is him…The GAME! Says it’s a “sure thing” if his name is on the card. Puts over the scramble match again but…
Out comes Jeff Hardy with a mic. Hardy congratulates Triple H (calling him “the man”) and says he truly is the King of Kings. Says everyone in the locker room looks up and respects him. He sucks up more and Triple H says he appreciates it, but then reciprocates. Says he respects and admires Hardy’s desire and passion for the business. Triple H says he respects Hardy for reaching up for the brass ring, but he’s always one second away. Hardy says he may always be one step away, but maybe he just never has the right people to push him along. Talks about the Kliq, DX, and the family Triple H has (Hi Steph!). Hardy says if he had all that, he might be WWE champion. Triple H reminds him about Hardy’s brother Matt. Says people thought Hardy was better than Matt, but Matt is now the ECW champion and Jeff isn’t. Triple H says Hardy had Matt to keep him on the straight and narrow and focused. Talks about Hardy’s extracurricular activities and Triple H says he doesn’t want to get into some argument about it, but the truth is, he does respect Hardy and everything he’s done. Puts over the fatal four way match tonight between Hardy, Benjamin, MVP, and Kendrick. Hardy says he’ll win and Triple H says if you get to No Mercy, Hardy will prove he can’t do it. As Motorhead plays over the loudspeakers, the King of Kings gives a look at the Charismatic Enigma and leaves. And we head to commercial.
Back from commercial and I’m still shocked Kansas got only NINE yards against USF in the third quarter. It’s also time for the Vince McMahon/Kevin Dunn.…anyway.
Out comes Maryse with Victoria and Natalya Neidhart (to Maryse’s music). Tazz says he has no complaints with the trio. Out next is Michelle McCool, Maria, and Brie Bella and JR says, “Here comes the lovely opposition”.
Match One: Maryse, Victoria, and Natalya Neidhart vs. Michelle McCool, Maria, and Brie Bella:
Maria is wearing some interesting ring attire and McCool and Natalya start out the match. McCool gets a roll up but only for one. Another cover but only one. Maria tags in and gets a one count. Brie Bella then tags in and keeps working on Natalya. Natalya finally with an offensive move and Bella is down. Maryse tags in and is called Pat Patterson’s favorite diva. Maryse with forearms to the back of the head, then tags in Victoria. Victoria in control, but Brie climbs underneath the ring. Victoria drags a Bella back out, but the Bella (supposedly Brie) gets a roll up and the win. Winner: Michelle McCool, Maria, and a Bella Twin.
JR says at some point we’ll find out why the Big Show attacked the Undertaker at Unforgiven.
Back from commercial and it’s time for the WWE Slam of the Week, focusing on R-Truth’s victory against Bam Neely. After that’s over, R-Truth makes his way through the crowd rapping towards the ring. He is getting a “What’s up” reaction. Truth also dances in the ring.
Out next is someone who gets boos: Chavo Guerrero with Bam Neely. JR talks about Truth’s past and says he hopes he makes it big in WWE.
Match Two: R-Truth vs. Chavo Guerrero (with Bam Neely):
Truth asks the crowd, “What’s up” before locking up with Chavo. JR and Tazz put over the scramble matches again, as Chavo and Truth exchange arm locks. Truth with an arm drag takeover, but Chavo with a hard spin kick. Chavo gets two, and then connects with an uppercut. Truth with punches to the gut, but Chavo counters. Truth with two clotheslines and a reverse elbow to Chavo’s sternum. A bicycle kick by Truth, but Chavo counters with the Three Amigos. Chavo goes for the frogsplash but Truth counters. Neely pulls Truth off the turnbuckle and Chavo takes a disqualification. Winner by disqualification: R-Truth.
After the match Chavo and Neely argue about the Neely’s involvement with Chavo saying Neely works for him. Neely shoves Chavo to the ground but takes an axe-kick from R-Truth. Truth then gives Chavo a 364 and heads up the ramp.
Backstage, Shelton Benjamin is talking to Eve Torres but Triple H interrupts. Triple H says he doesn’t know why he’s competing in the fatal four way because Benjamin didn’t get pinned at Unforgiven. Triple H says Jeff Hardy is pretty intent on winning and Benjamin says he doesn’t reach for brass rings but for Triple H’s gold title. We go to commercial.
Back from commercial and JR says Wrestlemania will be shown on broadcast TV on the first week of October. He also puts over Smackdown’s “All-Star Extravaganza” that same week.
Meanwhile, Jesse and Festus (dressed as movers) are headed out to the ring. Festus gets in the ring and out next is Kenny Dykstra, who says he could be an all-star in any professional sport. Dykstra says he’s a 22-year-old stud, with no respect. He wonders what he has to do to get noticed. Says he’s taking the garbage out and attacks Festus. Jesse gets involved before the match starts then rings the bell.
Match Three: Festus (with Jesse) vs. Kenny Dykstra:
Festus with attacks on Kenny (don’t call me Lenny) Dykstra, leaving him rattled. Jesse gets back in the ring and the two duct tape Kenny up and place him on the dolly. JR asks where Kenny’s getting moved to and we go to commercial.
Back from commercial and Kenny is demanding someone in the back come help him. Kenny is wrapped up in bubble wrap and Jesse tapes up Kenny’s mouth. The two roll him up the ramp and disappear. Result: No Contest.
JR says Big Show and Vickie Guerrero will be out next. A recap of Vickie and Big Show’s attack on the Undertaker is shown.
Justin Roberts asks everyone to welcome Vickie Guerrero to the ring. Tazz says he’s still shocked what happened at Unforgiven with Vickie spitting on the Undertaker and JR wonders if answers will be given. Vickie says, “Excuse me” (which of course the crowd doesn’t). Looking rather smug, Vickie says the Undertaker made threats towards her before Unforgiven. But he failed and Smackdown’s GM says she spit in his face. She then introduces the man who helped her, the Big Show.
As Show comes out to the ring, JR and Tazz say they still can’t believe the Big Show’s power. Big Show says he was approached by Vickie for help after her family abandoned her. He thought about it and wondered what Undertaker was thinking, threatening the GM. Show says everyone has to follow the rules and the Undertaker thinks he’s above all that. Show says he knows what’s best for Smackdown and what’s best for all of us. He says he has a good thing with Vickie and that they’re a true power couple. He says the arrangement is strictly business and the two can help each other. He says Vickie wants an apology from the Undertaker (and if she gets it, Show gets a chance at the title). Show and Vickie exit the ring. JR and Tazz put over the main event with the fatal four way and we head to commercial.
Back from commercial with a promo for next week’s RAW between CM Punk and Chris Jericho in a steel cage match for the World Heavyweight Championship. In the ring are Funaki and Scotty Goldman, as Vladimir Kozlov head towards the ring.
Match Four: Funaki and Scotty Goldman vs. Vladimir Kozlov:
Kozlov (who is undefeated) beats up both men dropping Goldman on the ring posts and kicking him. Kozlov gives Goldman the “Head Butt of Doom” but pins Funaki for the win. Winner: Vladimir Kozlov
After the match, Kozlov demands tougher competition and better challenges. Kozlov says if no one gives him challenges, he’ll find one for himself. A recap of the ending of the match is shown, as Kozlov heads up the ramp.
Backstage, Triple H looks over Ezekiel Jackson’s shoulder and the two go nose to nose. The Brian Kendrick asks Hunter if he can help him. Triple H wishes him best of luck in the match tonight and Kendrick says he should be number one contender anyway because he was the longest reigning champ in the scramble match. Triple H says Kendrick was the biggest loser in the match and walks off. Tazz and JR talk about the fatal four way and we head off to commercial.
Back from commercial and JR thanks Motorhead for providing the sounds of Unforgiven. Zack Ryder and Curt Hawkins are headed out next and Tazz says they’re too cool to hang out with. Out next are their opponents, Carlito (with afro) and Primo Colon. The inset box shows the two saying Smackdown will never be the same and that it’s cool the two are together.
Match Five: Zack Ryder and Curt Hawkins vs. Carlito and Primo Colon:
Carlito and Ryder start off the match and JR asks Tazz what he’s look life if he had hair like Carlito. Carlito with a neck breaker and gets a one count. Primo tags himself in and gets a spring board dropkick. Carlito is tagged in and power bombs Primo onto Ryder. Ryder gets the advantage on Carlito and tags in Curt Hawkins. JR says if the two stay together, Hawkins and Ryder could be really good. Ryder tags back in and after a quick cover, gets a two count. The former Edgeheads keep Carlito contained in their corner, while Primo tries to get Carlito to his corner. Ryder gets another cover but Carlito kicks out. Ryder with a backslide and Hawkins steps on Carlito’s chin. JR says the two are trying to dispel any possibility of Primo and Carlito challenging for the titles. Carlito continue to be dominated, but keeps kicking out. Tazz praises Primo for keeping his cool while he’s stuck on the outside. Carlito fights his way to his feet and tags in his brother. Primo starts unloading on Hawkins and knocks Ryder to the outside. Primo gets a two count, but Ryder breaks up the cover. Carlito with The Backstabber and the brothers win. Winner by pinball: Carlito and Primo Colon.
The two hug in the ring and JR says he can’t believe the Colons have defeated the tag team champions.
MVP through the back and Triple H wonders where he’s headed. After MVP tells Triple H he’s headed out for his match, Triple H wonders why he’s in the fatal four way. Triple H says MVP got pinned several times in the match and MVP says he’s in the match because he’s going to take his title from him. Triple H says, “Hope you don’t choke” and we go to commercial.
Back from commercial and JR says we’re moments away from our main event. The WWE 24/7 Classics on Demand moment is Ric Flair’s victory over Harley Race in 1983. Tazz says JR has to be pumped this month is Forever Flair month on 24/7.
MVP is the first man out towards the ring for the fatal four way match. JR says the King of Bling is looking to make his way into the main event of No Mercy to face the King of Kings. Tazz talks about the comments Triple H had for all the men in the match.
Shelton Benjamin gives a promo on the Titantron saying everyone to realize why he’s the Gold Standard and will win the match. JR puts over Benjamin’s athletic ability and his resume. Tazz says Benjamin has an opportunity to get a shot at the WWE title.
Out next is The Brian Kendrick with Ezekiel Jackson. JR says Big Zeke will be at ringside of tonight’s match, which can’t be good for the other opponents. We go to commercial.
Back from commercial and JR reminds us Wrestlemania will be shown on broadcast TV on October 3rd. Out next is Jeff Hardy and the fatal four way is ready to begin.
Match Six: Jeff Hardy vs. The Brian Kendrick vs. MVP vs. Shelton Benjamin for the Number One contendership to the WWE Title:
The bell rings and Kendrick quickly gets out of the ring. Hardy with punches to both MVP and Benjamin and Tazz says it’s best to get momentum in the match. MVP breaks up a roll up by Hardy and Benjamin and MVP work over Hardy. Both Benjamin and MVP face off for the right to cover Hardy but decide to go after each other. Meanwhile, Kendrick slips into the ring to cover Hardy but Benjamin breaks it up. MVP then attacks the Gold Standard and goes after Hardy again. Kendrick tries for The Kendrick on Benjamin but is stopped by MVP, who then uses Kendrick’s feet to knock down Benjamin. Benjamin gets back up and gives Kendrick a T-bone suplex. But Hardy nails a Whisper in the Wind on Benjamin for a two count. We head off to commercial.
Back from commercial and Hardy is shown getting thrown out of the ring (his knee glancing off of the steel steps). MVP with a cover on Shelton Benjamin but gets only a two count. Tazz says The Brian Kendrick is waiting for his spot to catch a pin or break one up. According to Tazz, that’s good strategy. Kendrick nails Benjamin with a dropkick then nails another one. Kendrick with a two count then puts Benjamin in the Camel Clutch. Big Zeke nails Hardy on the outside, leaving him out by the security wall. Benjamin fights his way out of the Camel Clutch, but Kendrick keeps a submission hold locked in. Benjamin finally counters out of the submission maneuver and goes for a cover (but only gets two). MVP with a low dropkick into Benjamin and the two start exchanging punches. MVP gets a two count on Benjamin, and then locks in a neck vise. Jeff Hardy slides back in the ring but gets tumped out again. Benjamin with a belly-to-back suplex but only gets two. Kendrick nails Hardy with a kick and he is out. Benjamin and MVP exchange covers, but Kendrick comes in and tries to steal one. MVP tries to get a cover on Kendrick but he fights out. Benjamin throws Hardy out of the ring and gets a cover on MVP for a two count. Benjamin goes for a cross arm breaker, as Hardy takes out Kendrick. Hardy attacks both MVP and Benjamin then covers Benjamin for two. Hardy goes for a two count, but MVP pulls Benjamin out. Great sequence where MVP has Hardy held for Kendrick to punch him but instead, releases Hardy and nails Kendrick. Benjamin throws Hardy thrown out of the ring again. MVP goes for the Drive-By Kick but Benjamin nails Paydirt. Kendrick nails The Kendrick on Benjamin, but Hardy with a swanton bomb and pins Kendrick for the win. Winner by pinfall and new Number One Contender: Jeff Hardy.
Suddenly, Vladimir Kozlov strides out to the ring and faces off against Hardy. Kozlov gives Hardy the Head Butt of Doom, then attacks Hardy’s sternum. Kozlov leaves Hardy lying in the ring and JR and Tazz recap the end of the match and Kozlov’s attack.
Tazz says Kozlov was waiting in the wings for attention and we go to credits.
2009 - WWE ran a Supershow in Ottawa, Ontario. Mitchell Johnson filed the following report:
The Great Khali def. Dolph Ziggler
*Lots of cheers for Khali.
*Fun match to get the crowd into things.
Sheamus def. Goldust
*Good back and forth match.
*Not sure how many people knew who Sheamus was.
6-Diva Tag Team Match
Gail Kim & The Bella Twins def. Alisha Fox, Jillian Hall & Natalya
*A lot of people took their washroom break here.
*Fairly average divas match, not too many people were into it.
Evan Bourne def. Carlito
*Very fun match that the crowd was very into.
*HUGE pop for the Shooting Star Press.
Cryme Time def. Hart Dynasty
*Good pop for Cryme Time
*Hart Dynasty shot a promo saying it was "too late" for Canada to start hoping on the bandwagon now. That got them some strong heat.
United States Championship
Kofi Kingston def. The Miz
*Kids LOVED Kofi Kingston
*Very good match with Kofi winning with Trouble in Paradise.
ECW Championship
Christian def. Tommy Dreamer & William Regal
*Christian received an overwhelming pop from the Canadian crowd.
*Great match with Christian winning with the Killswitch
Triple H & John Cena def. Randy Orton & The Big Show
*Strong pops for Cena and Triple H.
*Orton's entrance is longer the the Undertakers. It's just silly.
*A bit of disappointment from the crowd when Jericho didn't enter after Big Show, and when HBK didn't enter after Triple H.
Overall it was a pretty strong show. It was my first non-televised event, so I did miss the pyro, but the superstars put on a good show.
Biggest Pops:
1) John Cena
2) Triple H
3) Christian
4) Kofi Kingston
5) Tommy Dreamer
Biggest Heat:
1) Randy Orton
2) Dolph Ziggler
3) The Miz
4) William Regal
5) Hart Dynasty
2009 - The WWE legal department, among others, took issue with the advertising for the September 12 Georgia Old School Wrestling show in Barnesville, due to local advertising listing Batista and Warrior on the card.
According to Bill Bailey, the Program Director of FUN101.1FM in Thomaston, the station received a call Lauren A. Dienes-Middlen, WWE Vice President of Intellectual Property concerning guest appearances on their station by the promoter of the show, Big Steel (Joey Roberts). Bailey said he informed Dienes-Middlen that 101.1FM's role was limited to having the promoter for a series of guest spots, and he had no way of knowing the authenticity of the talent being advertised.
Bailey said he gave Steel (Joey Roberts) the phone number of Dienes-Middlen and advised him to make contact with her.
The station proceeded with the final pre-show interview on the morning of September 11, this one featuring the wrestler known as One Warrior Nation along with Steel. During the interview, One Warrior Nation made it crystal clear that he was not Warrior (known as "Ultimate Warrior" Jim Hellwig prior to the legal name change), although Steel continued to refer to him as "the Warrior".
It was apparent to Bailey that One Warrior Nation had no idea he had been advertised as Warrior.
Bailey said he also received a call from a person identifying himself as Warrior, who made it clear that he was not the person appearing in Barnesville. GWH has obtained a copy of an email from Warrior verifying that he did call the station.
In addition, the poster for the event listed Steel and Batista (Carolina wrestler Jay Batista, later changed to "The Beast" in the online poster) as the new Carolina NWA Tag Team Champions. GOSW did not obtain permission from Bill Behrens, the NWA member for Georgia, to use the NWA brand and no such title exists according to the current list of NWA champions.
2010 - WWE Smackdown star Matt Hardy was sent home from a WWE tour of Europe today, sources within WWE confirmed to PWInsider.com. There was concern about Hardy's condition that manifested themselves backstage at an event on the tour yesterday. Those issues followed an incident at the previous week's house show in White Plains, New York where Hardy was scheduled to team with R-Truth against CM Punk and Luke Gallows. Sources indicate there was concern about Hardy's condition at that event as well. Hardy was said to have left the show after officials spoke to him and never returned, not working the house show. Hardy was eventually released from the company and would sign with TNA before being released there in August 2011 following a DUI arrest.
2010 - WWE Raw ran Peterborough, Ontario. Jamie Adams filed the following live report:
WWE Raw Live Event - September 12, 2010
Peterborough Memorial Centre - Peterborough, ON, Canada
Carbon copy of last nights show in Hamilton, Ontario.
1. Evan Bourne beat Ted DiBiase w/ Maryse in a short bout.
Match was preceded by a dance-off which Bourne won. After the match Nexus (Barrett, Slater, Otunga, Tarver) attacked Bourne. Barrett said the main event would be The Nexus vs. Edge, Chris Jericho, and The Hart Dynasty.
2. Primo beat Zack Ryder via backstabber in another short match.
The first 2 matches took a total of 12 minutes including intros.
The Bellas came out and picked a guest bell ringer for the next match.
3. Goldust and Gail Kim beat Jey Uso and Tamina.
4. Randy Orton beat WWE Champion Sheamus via DQ. The Celtic Warrior pushed referee Charles Robinson to get DQ'd. Orton added an RKO after the match to get the pop of the afternoon.
The Bellas come out to throw t-shirts.
INTERMISSION
5. Divas Champion Melina pinned Alicia Fox, with Santino as a Special Referee.
6. The Miz beat John Morrison to retain the US title.
7. The Nexus (Barrett, Otunga, Slater, and Tarver) lost to Chris Jericho, Edge, and The Hart Dynasty w/ Natalya in an 8-man elimination match. After the match, Edge took to the mic and thanked everyone for coming and ended by saying "Go Petes" which is the name of the Jr. A Hockey team that plays in the building.
Overall, not a bad show, but very short. Only 2 hours and 5 minutes including a 10 minute intermission. Started at 2:55 and ended at 5:00 EST. From what I heard, they were rushing to get back to Toronto and catch a 7:30 flight to Cincinnati for tomorrow's Raw.
Attendance was around 3,000
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