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December 14th
On this day in history in ....
1956 - Jerry Graham defeats Bobby Wepner to win the NWA Southern Heavyweight Title in Florida.
1963 - Verne Gagne becomes a six-time AWA World Heavyweight Champion, defeating The Crusher in Minneapolis, Minnesota, ending Crusher's second reign as champion.
1979 - Gino Hernandez & El Gran Markus defeats Jose Lothario & El Halcon for the NWA American Tag Team Title in Houston, Texas, ending Lothario & Halcon's second title reign, and beginning the second reign for Hernandez & Markus.
1983 - Dick Slater defeats Greg Valentine in Shelby, North Carolina for the United States Heavyweight Title, ending Valentine's third, and final, reign with the belt.
1986 - WWF taped the ninth Saturday Night's Main Event program for NBC during a show at the Hartford Civic Center in Hartford, Connecticut. The show would air on January 3, 1987. Here are the results of the show:
- WWF World Heavyweight Champion Hulk Hogan defeated Paul Orndorff in a Steel Cage match. This was the famous "restart" match, where Hogan and Orndorff both escaped the cage on opposite sides, and allegedly touched the ground at the same time. The referee ruled the match a tie and had it restarted. This was the end of the Hogan-Orndorff feud, one of the biggest drawing programs of the 80's.
- WWF Intercontinental Champion Randy Savage defeated George "The Animal" Steele.
- Junkyard Dog defeated Harley Race via disqualification.
- Adrian Adonis defeated Roddy Piper via countout when Adonis sprayed perfume in the eyes of Piper, blinding him.
- Blackjack Mulligan defeated Jimmy Jack Funk with a reverse elbow.
1992 - The Hell Raisers (Road Warrior Hawk and "Power Warrior" Kensuke Sasaki) defeat Scott Norton & Tony Halme (aka Ludvig Borga in WWF) for New Japan's IWGP Tag Team Title in Tokyo, Japan.
2002 - The Messiah defeats Justice Pain in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for the CZW World Heavyweight Title, ending Pain's fourth reign and starting the second run with the belt for Messiah.
2003 - Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Osamu Nishimura defeat Hiroshi Tanahashi & Yutaka Yoshie in Nagoya, Japan to win New Japan's IWGP Tag Team Title.
2003 - WWE's Armageddon Pay-per-view was held in Orlando, Florida at the TD Waterhouse Arena, headlined by Triple H defeating champion Goldberg and Kane in a Triple Threat match, ending Goldberg's only World Title reign in WWE. Here are the results:
- In a Heat match, Rico defeated Heidenreich with a neckbreaker after Miss Jackie distracted Rico.
- Booker T defeated Mark Henry with an ax kick.
- Randy Orton defeated Rob Van Dam with the RKO to win the Intercontinental Title. Mick Foley was the special referee.
- Chris Jericho & Christian defeated Trish Stratus & Lita when Christian rolled up Trish from behind while she was talking with Jericho.
- Shawn Michaels defeated Batista with a superkick.
- Matt Hardy defeated Maven. Batista, enraged over his loss to Michaels, beat up Maven, and when Hardy came out, Maven was already out cold from a Batista powerbomb. Hardy covered Maven and counted his own pin.
- Ric Flair & Batista won a Tag Team Turmoil match to become the World Tag Team Champions defeating champions the Dudley Boyz when Batista pinned D-Von with a powerbomb. Other teams in the match were Scott Steiner & Test, Rob Conway & Rene Dupree, Hurricane & Rosey, Mark Jindrak & Garrison Cade, Lance Storm & Val Venis.
- Women's Champion Molly Holly defeated Ivory with a cradle.
- Triple H defeated champion Bill Goldberg and Kane in a Triple Threat match to win the World Heavyweight Title. Triple H hit Goldberg with a low blow, setting up for Kane to chokeslam Goldberg. Batista, at ringside, pulled Kane out of the ring, allowing Triple H to get the pin on Goldberg.
2008 - WWE held their Armageddon PPV in Buffalo, New York. Here is Mike Johnson's original report on the show:
Welcome to PWInsider.com's coverage of the 2008 Armageddon PPV, live from Buffalo, NY.
ECW champ Matt Hardy vs. Vladimir Kozlov (non-title)
They explained it was a personal issue and not for the title since Kozlov has never competed in an ECW ring. The fans chanted USA and Hardy's name early. Kozlov took over early with his power. Hardy pulled himself out of a move and tried for several pinfall attempts. Kozlov cut him off, throwing Hardy shoulder-first into the ringpost. He continued the assault on Hardy's shoulder with a series of headbutts to the shoulder and then a judo takedown into a keylock. Hardy tried to fight out but Kozlov caught him with a Fireman's Carry and then cinched in the keylock again. Hardy used several kicks to try and break free, but Kozlov powered him back to the mat. Kozlov nailed a DDT and went back to the keylock.
Hardy mounted a comeback with a high cross bodyblock off the apron to the floor and then the Side Effect but Kozlov kicked up. Hardy's attempt at the Twist of Fate was shoved off. Hardy came off the middle turnbuckle but was caught with a clothesline for a two count. Hardy kicked up and fought his way back into offense. He caught Kozlov in the corner with a series of punches but was shoved off. Hardy's face hit the metal that connects the turnbuckle to the ringpost. Dazed, Hardy was nailed by a chokeslam into a spinebuster for the pin.
Your winner, Vladimir Kozlov!
Hardy worked really hard to carry Kozlov.
Backstage, WWE champ Edge, Vickie Guerrero and Chavo Guerrero were watching the monitor. Edge noted that it's fitting that happened to Matt after his accusations and Vickie said it was karma. Edge left to get ready for his match. Chavo asked Vickie how they took out Jeff Hardy the night before Survivor Series. Guerrero got insulted and said she already told him they had nothing to do with it. She told Chavo to go get her a coffee and reiterated there was nothing to tell and they weren't involved.
Tonight's Text messaging gimmick is for fans to vote if Edge, Triple H, Kozlov or other attacked Jeff Hardy last night.
Backstage, Hornswoggle was messing with Eve Torres. Finlay apologized, but Hornswoggle hit her in the rear with the plastic shillelagh. Finlay asked his son to stay backstage so he could make sure he was safe tonight. Hornswoggle looked heartbroken.
WWE Intercontinental champ William Regal and Layla were introduced and sat at ringside for the tournament final, which Lilian Garcia erroneously called the "Intercontinental championship tournament final."
Rey Mysterio vs. CM Punk for a WWE Intercontinental championship shot.
As Punk came to the ring, they showed still photos of the Miz and Morrison winning the Tag Team titles last night in Hamilton, Ontario. I wish WWE had used the title shot to put over that you "never know" when something might happen, which is why every live event is important, but they missed the chance.
Punk and Rey shook hands at the bell. This is their first-ever singles bout, although they did face off in a Three-Way with the late Eddie Guerrero for IWA Mid-South in 2002. The announcers noted that Rey's arm wasn't taped up. They did some nice chain wrestling early. Punk shoulderblocked Rey down but Rey caught him in a pinfall combination for a two count. Rey set up Punk for the 619 but Punk caught him with an armdrag. Punk went for the GTS but Rey hit a Lucha style armdrag to escape. Punk sent Rey to the outside with a backdrop in front of Regal, then hit a dive to the floor.
Back inside the ring, Punk continued to work over Mysterio's back with body scissors. The announcers were really putting over the importance of the IC title. Punk began nailing roundhouse kicks on Rey. Rey caught him with a shoulderblock from the outside of the ring. He went to go to the top but Punk crotched him. While Rey was tied to the tree of woe, Punk caught him with several knees to the back. Rey moved and Punk hit the turnbuckles. Rey hit a moonsault press from the top for a two count.
Punk came back with a scoop powerslam for a two count. Punk locked on a Crowbar submission, going after Mysterio's arm and wrist based on when he "hurt" it while facing off with Mike Knox in the aisle a few weeks back. Rey tried to go for the ropes but Punk turned it into a crossface. Rey finally made it to the ropes, forcing a break. Mysterio comes back with a headscissors takedown, locking Punk into an armbar submission. Punk finally made it to the ropes.
Rey went to the apron as Punk recovered. He nailed a shoulderblock, then a missile dropkick. It knocked Punk out of the ring to the floor. Rey went to the top and nailed a dive off the turnbuckles to the floor. Mysterio hit a springboard Thesz Press. Michael Cole called it a senton. Someone should slap him every time he mis-calls a move. That would be worth $40.
Punk and Rey began battling in the middle of the ring. Punk missed the high knee. Rey charged but was caught and sent flying into the corner. Punk hit the high knee into the bulldog for a two count. They showed Regal believing it was the finish. The crowd was all over Regal, which sort of hurt the heat of the match. Mysterio caught Punk out of nowhere with a rollup, but Punk kicked up at the last second.
Mysterio missed the 619. Punk went for the GTS but Rey caught him with a hurancanrana. Punk landed in the ropes and Rey hit the 619. Punk avoided a springboard splash. Punk went to grab Rey but was caught with a crucifix for a two count. Rey caught Punk with a knee. Rey dove off the top for a rana but was caught on his shoulders. Punk maneuvered it into a GTS and scored the clean pin.
Your winner and top contender for the Intercontinental championship, CM Punk!
Really strong stuff here. The last few minutes was really good.
They said it appeared Punk may have broken Rey Mysterio's nose on the GTS and based on the replay and how it was bleeding, I wouldn't be shocked. Punk (who was cut on the nose as well) and Rey embraced. Regal applauded their efforts and smiled at Punk. Punk promised to nail him with the GTS.
The announcers really put over the legacy of the IC belt, so hopefully the company is serious about rehabbing the title.
Jeff Hardy cut a promo in a dark, secluded area. He said the last year, he was forced to look inward and ask himself if he was ready to change. He said it's easy to say Hardy is a screw-up who is ready to mess up again. He said that they were scared to see he was just human. He said that everyone tried to break him but Hardy promised he broke his own walls down. Hardy said he would answer all the questions about whether he has what it takes and if he's ready to change. He promised he is who is, Jeff Hardy, WWE champion. It was a really good promo.
Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler noted it's been a rough year for Hardy and also for Shawn Michaels. We went to a video feature on the JBL vs. Michaels feud. How about we do this on a show I don't pay $40 for and instead give the undercard another 5-7 minutes to wrestle?
JBL came to the ring and said he'd like to introduce everyone to his newest employee Shawn Michaels. Michaels made his way to the ring, looking somber. Michaels took the mic and said the economy has hit "all of us hard" and he wasn't immune. Michaels said that he's heard everyone say that he was rich and a WWE Superstar on TV, so how could this happen to him? Michaels said he wishes that was true but when he came into money in his 20s, he spent big on houses, motorcycles and helped every High School friend who asked for it. He said when he hit his 30s, he paid for all of his surgeries himself because he didn't want to ask for a handout and be beholden to any one person or company. He said when he met his wife, he turned his life around and married her. He hired an investment firm to invest his money in the stock market and he gave to his churches and everyone who needed it, but then the bottom fell out. Michaels said that if it was 20 years ago, he wouldn't worry about it but the reality is, he doesn't know how much time he has left in the ring, but his family and relatives depend on him.
He said that is why he took JBL up on his offer. Michaels said he doesn't like JBL as he's smug, a bully and he finds him reprehensible, but "the man is very good financially and that's what I need right now." Michaels said he will put his kids through college and he won't allow his brother and sister to lose their houses. Michaels said everyone hears the stories about guys bragging groceries or limping into High School gyms, but he's not going to be a wrestling tragedy. Michaels said that if being considered a sellout is the price he has to pay, then so be it. He looked to be on the verge of tears. The crowd indeed chanted that he did. Michaels said that it wasn't something he wanted to do, but something he has to do.
JBL offered Michaels his hand and Michaels, after pausing, took it and shook it. JBL walked out of the ring as Michaels stood there looking like a broken man. It was a hell of a segment. Someone in WWE obviously saw "The Wrestler" and liked it, because they positioned it that Michaels basically didn't want to end up like Randy the Ram in the film, so he made a deal with the devil. I don't think anyone but Michaels could pull this one off.
Eve Torres interviewed Randy Orton, asking him his strategy. Cody Rhodes took the mic and said that Orton was once the crown jewel of Evolution while Batista was hired muscle. Rhodes said that Batista isn't on their level because he doesn't have the God-given ability of a second and third generation performer like each of them. Manu said Orton has been waiting four years to expose Batista as the fraud that he is and will cement his legacy. Manu and Rhodes walked off. Orton looked at Eve and then walked off.
They showed the Buffalo Bills at ringside.
Mark Henry (with Tony Atlas) vs. Finlay - Belfast Brawl
They started brawling outside immediately. A ton of weapons got tossed into the ring. Finlay nailed Atlas, opening up the chance for Henry to nail him with a trash can lid. Henry splashed Finlay against the ropes, sliding through and landing on his feet outside. Henry warned Finlay he's got the fight he wanted.
Henry continued to beat Finlay down on the mat. Finlay fought his way back with trash can and cane shots. Henry cut him off but missed the Banzai Drop in the corner. Finlay went for his shillelagh but was kicked in the face by Henry. Henry broke the shillelagh over his knee. Finlay tried to nail him with a cane but Henry knocked him down and broke that apart as well.
Henry locked on a bearhug but Hornswoggle appeared and tried to climb to the top. Henry shoved Finlay backwards into the corner, knocking Hornswoggle off the ropes. He went under the ring. Henry picked up a trash can and used it to squeeze Finlay in a corner. He then smashed Finlay across the back with it. Henry grabbed the ring steps and was going to slam it down on Finlay who dropkicked him in the knee.
Hornswoggle tossed Finlay a new shillelagh. He nailed Henry with it and scored the pin.
Your winner, Finlay!
A decent hardcore match.
The Divas were decorarating a tree when "Santa Haas" showed up. He said that since they were all nice, he brought them presents. Beth Phoenix and Santino Marella appeared. He said that he knew what they really wanted for Christmas was to be Diva of the year, but they all tied for last place. He said that since "we won" (Beth corrected him), they were going to take the next present. Boogeyman popped up and Santino tried to run away. Goldust was in the doorway under mistletoe. Santino freaked and ran away. Goldust said he just wanted to sing a song. Boogey gave him a gift. He, Goldust, Haas and the Divas sang "We Wish you a Merry Christmas." Too much forced humor but Santino was awesome as usual.
Ken Kennedy did a public service announcement, saying he wants everyone to have a great holiday season but not to drink and do drugs (or fail wellness tests, I guess), but to go out and buy his movie on January 6th. I thought it was cute.
Randy Orton vs. Batista
Orton got a pretty decent pop for his entrance. Manu and Rhodes were at ringside at opposite sides of the ring. They locked up in the center of the ring. Batista backed Orton into the corner but Orton muscles his way back to the center of the ring. Orton grabbed a side headlock and ended up tangled in the ropes, but it was a clean break. Orton went back to the side headlock, then dropped down into a drop toehold on Batista. He cinched in a front facelock but Batista escaped and they faced off.
Batista finally shoulderblocked Orton down. Orton teased being scared, then dumped Batista to the floor. Manu and Rhodes attacked him but the referee saw it and threw them out of ringside. Orton drilled Batista outside and tossed him back into the ring. He tossed Batista shoulder-first into the ringpost. Orton cinched in a keylock. Batista finally escaped and clotheslined Orton in the corner. He powerslammed Orton and signalled for the Batista Bomb.
Orton landed on his feet and hit a standing neckbreaker. When he recovered, Orton locked in a cravate. Orton slammed Batista into the mat face first, then starting nailing the Garvin Stomp. Outside of the ring, Orton continued beating Batista, who was dazed on the apron, sending him to the floor. Orton tossed him back into the ring and covered him for a two count. Orton cinched in a side chinlock. Batista finally made his way to his feet. Batista went for a clothesline but Orton grabbed him and drove him back to the mat.
So far, it's been methodical but very good in terms of how it's laid out. I am surprised to see Orton doing most of the dominating so far. Batista got to his feet but Orton held onto the choke, Batista finally nailed a sideslam. They recovered and began slugging it out mid-ring. Batista got the best of it and nailed a running clothesline in the corner. He nailed another, then clotheslined Orton out of the ring to the floor.
Batista drilled Orton's face into the ring apron. He tossed Orton into the ring and ascended to the top but was caught by Orton. Orton nailed a superplex, the staple of his father, but only got a two count. Batista caught Orton with a spinebuster for a two count. This has turned into a really good match.
Batista went for the powerbomb, but Orton countered and went for the RKO. Batista shoved him off and slammed him for a two count. Batista set up for the spear but Orton punted him in the face as he charged. He nailed his backbreaker variation for a two count, then set up for the RKO. He went for it but was caught and hit with a uranage for a two count. The crowd thought that was the finish. Orton caught him with a DDT.
Orton went for the punt but Batista caught him and slammed him into the buckles. The crowd booed him missing the punt. Batista caught him with a Batistabomb and pinned him clean.
Your winner, Batista!
A really good match. Anyone who doesn't think Batista and Orton have both shown really marked improvement in recent months is obviously not paying attention. I wouldn't be shocked to see that Pat Patterson laid this out as it was a hell of a match. Kudos to all involved.
They recapped the Slammys. Rinse and repeat my comments earlier about paying $40 and wanting more time for the undercard wrestling.
Santa's Little Helper Tag: Maria & Kelly Kelly & Mickie James & WWE Divas champ Michelle McCool vs. Victoria & Natalya & Maryse & Jillian Hall
So that Raw vs. Smackdown rivalry from last month is already kaput? Maryse and Mickie opened. James nailed an armdrag. She and Maryse went back and forth until Masryse begged off and stepped between the ropes. She tagged in Natalya, who slapped James. James hit a Thesz Press and unloaded.
Kelly Kelly tagged in with a sunset flip. Natalya nailed her with several forearms. Kelly used a cartwheel to escape an armlock. Team Smackdown worked over Kelly in their corner. Natalya nailed her with a clothesline. Jillian tagged in and flipped Kelly by her hair. Hall went for a cartwheel into a splash but Jelly got her knees up and tagged Maria.
Maria was whipped into the corner but kicked off Hall when she charged. Maria nailed a bulldog. The babyfaces laid out the heels in the corner. Michelle nailed a Styles Clash for the pin on Hall.
The women looked awesome. The wrestling was what you would expect but they were all trying hard.
Great Khali, with new music, made his way to the ring with a big smile on his way. Ranjin Singh announced it was time for Khali's Christmas Kiss Kam. He picked McCool, who ran off. Singh then said he'd kiss all the others. None of them were exceedingly interested, even though Mickie was playing tongue hockey with the guy last Monday. Singh said he had a back up plan. Cue Mae Young and the barf bags.
They showed Chris Jericho preparing backstage and then went to a video recap on John Cena's return and subsequent feud with Jericho over the World championship.
WWE World champ John Cena vs. Chris Jericho
Jericho went right after Cena's neck early, playing off his injuries. Cena fired back and they brawled around ringside. When they returned to the ring, Jericho caught Cena with a kick. He began nailing headbutts and forearms in the corner. Jericho whipped Cena out of the corner but Cena came back with a running clothesline. He began beating Jericho in the corner. Cena missed a second charge.
Jericho locked on a sleeper in the middle of the ring but Cena dropped backwards. Jericho held on. Cena got back to his feet and rammed Jericho backwards in the corner. Again, Jericho held on. Cena dropped to his knees, and then down to the mat. Cena powered to his feet and went for the F-U but Jericho countered it into a DDT. Cena rolled to the apron. Jericho was caught in an F-U while they were standing outside on the apron but escaped, then nailed a bulldog off the apron to the ring steps. I was shocked they didn't have Cena bleeding after that.
Jericho rolled Cena into the ring but Cena kicked up. Jericho continued the assault, beating and choking Cena against the ropes. Jericho trapped Cena in a full nelson. Cena fought his way out, then avoided a charge in the corner. Cena nailed a shoulderblock then hit a back suplex. He nailed the five knuckle shuffle.
Cena went for the F-U but Jericho fought out and went for the Walls of Jericho. Cena kicked him off but was caught with a missile dropkick out of the corner for a two count. Jericho continued beating on Cena's neck but Cena came back with a clothesline. Jericho caught Cena with a clothesline and hit the Lionsault for a two count.
Jericho continued working over Cena and placed him on the top rope. He went for a superplex but was shoved off. Cena nailed the Alabama Jam to the back of Jericho's neck and called for Jericho to get back up and fight. He caught Jericho with the F-U but Jericho landed on his feet. Jericho nailed the Codebreaker but only received a two count. Cena caught Jericho and nailed the F-U. He covered Jericho for a two count. Cena went to grab Jericho, who caught him with an inside cradle for a near fall.
Cena went for the STFU but Jericho broke free and locked in the Walls of Jericho. Cena nearly made it to the ropes but Jericho dragged him back to the center of the ring. Cena began digging down deep and powered him way out. He reversed it and cinched in a STFU. Jericho tapped.
Your winner and still World champion, John Cena!
Another really good match. Way better than their match last month at Survivor Series. I liked the the work here a lot.
65% of text voters claimed Edge attacked Hardy last month. 23% said "Other". That's my guess.
WWE champ Edge vs. Jeff Hardy vs. Triple H
Hardy went right after Edge in the corner at the bell but HHH nailed him. Hardy gained control, whipped HHH into Edge, then splashed both in the corner. HHH landed on his knees and Hardy used him as a springboard for Air Sabu in the corner on Edge. Hardy went after HHH, leaving him open to be nailed from behind by Edge. Edge and HHH battled on the floor. Hardy hit a plancha to the floor, nailing Edge as HHH got out of the way.
As Hardy recovered, HHH nailed him with a clothesline on the floor. As HHH returned to the ring, Edge kicked him in the face. He began peppering HHH with rights in the corner. HHH began returning fire, but was cut off with a kick. They went back and forth until HHH caught him with the high knee as Edge rebounded off the ropes. HHH clotheslined Edge in the corner. HHH set up Edge for the Pedigree as Hardy returned to the ring and broke it up.
Hardy whipped HHH into the ropes but put his head down and HHH nailed him with a knee strike. He went back to the Pedigree but Hardy hit Whisper in the Wind off the ropes. All three men were down. Hardy went to the top but Edge caught him. HHH came underneath and it turned into a stacked Tower of Doom spot. The first time I saw that during a CZW 6 man tag in 2001 in Delaware featuring the Briscoes, the SAT and the Amazing Red, I never thought I'd see it on a WWE PPV.
Hardy caught HHH with a dropkick in the corner. Hardy struggled to get to his feet as Edge set up for the spear. Hardy got out of the way and Edge speared HHH. Hardy caught HHH with the Twist of Fate and went to the top for the swanton. He nailed HHH with it. The referee counted two but Edge pulled Hardy out of the ring to the floor. He whipped Hardy into the security railing outside the ring.
Edge went to drill Hardy into a ringside table but Hardy blocked. Edge was smacked into the table, then whipped into the railing. Hardy cleared off the Raw table, then smacked Edge into the Smackdown table. HHH attacked both of them from behind on the floor. He tossed Edge over the Smackdown table, then slammed Hardy's face into the steel stairs. HHH began clearing off the Smackdown table, then grabbed Hardy. HHH set up Hardy for a Pedigree through the table. Hardy countered it into a Twist of Fate attempt but HHH kicked him off. HHH saw Edge coming and moved. Edge then speared Hardy off the Smackdown table through the Raw table.
Back in the ring, Edge nailed the Impaler DDT on HHH. HHH recovered and nailed the spinebuster. He hit the Pedigree on Edge but Vladimir Kozlov pulled him out of the ring and through HHH into the stairs. Matt Hardy nailed Kozlov from behind. Thy brawled on the floor but Matt was slammed into the railing. Jeff Hardy went to the top for the swanton but Vladimir shoved him off. Matt jumped Kozlov and they brawled to the back.
HHH pulled himself into the ring, where Edge was just pulling himself to his feet. Edge speared HHH and covered him for a two count. Edge looked frustrated by his inability to get a win. Edge grabbed a pair of chairs and set up for a Conchaito on HHH. As he went for it, Hardy grabbed the chair and nailed Edge with it. Hardy went to the top for the swanton but HHH shook the ropes and crotched him.
HHH kicked Edge and nailed the Pedigree. He covered Edge but Hardy hit the swanton on both and covered Edge for the WWE championship.
Your winner and new WWE champ, Jeff Hardy!
A great, great match. They teased the hell out of the Hardy swanton win before he finally nailed it. The crowd looked absolutely thrilled when he won the title. The cameras stayed with Jeff for a long time in the ring followed by Hardy doing a lap around the ringside fans. No commentary, just letting the moment speak for itself.
They went to replays and the PPV ended with Jeff, title in hand, standing above the castle that was the entrance set for the PPV. Other than not doing the obvious celebration with Matt in the ring, this was as perfect a moment as WWE could have asked for.
2009 - WWE presented a three hour Slammy Awards edition of Raw. Here is Richard Trionfo's TV report:
It is a big night as the red (not from blood) carpet is ready for the Slammy Awards.
We are live from Corpus Christi, Texas and your announcers are Jerry ‘How I Met Your Mother’ Lawler, Michael ‘I miss Vintage Weekend Update’ Cole, and Matt ‘My ears are bleeding’ Striker.
We are told about the tournament to determine the Superstar of the Year before Dennis Miller is introduced.
Dennis says that he is glad to be here and he comments on the effect of the pyro. Dennis throws out a few comments that go over the fan’s heads. Dennis suggests that there are a few similarities between wrestling and politics and we see a photo of Nancy Pelosi and Vickie Guerrero. We see some other photos of wrestlers and politicians together. Dennis mentions how he has similar beliefs about the troops and he mentions USA Cares.
It is time for the first award and is being presented by the musical stars of WWE, R Truth and Jillian Hall. The first award is for ‘Best Tag Team’ and Jillian decides to belt out a song from the 1990s and it gets almost as good a reception as the opening monologue. Truth has new lyrics for his song and tells Jillian to ‘shut up’. The nominees are Chris Jericho and Big Show, Degeneration X, Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes, David Hart Smith and Tyson Kidd. The winners are Chris Jericho and Big Show.
Chris and Show come out to accept their awards. Show looks happy while Jericho looks miffed about last night. Jericho wondered if the crowd was expecting someone else. Jericho says that he could feign surprise but they are the greatest tag team of this year or any other year. They should have won the award. Chris has two people to thank. First, he thanks Edge for being a coward and getting hurt to force them to relinquish the titles. He also thanks himself for choosing Big Show to be his partner.
Show has to stoop to talk into the mic and he says that despite what happened last night, they will regain (or retain as Show said) their titles in the near future. Jericho says that they have invoked their rematch clause and they will face DX tonight to prove that they are the best tag team of all time.
We go to highlights from the Tables match when John Cena lost the title to Sheamus.
We go to commercial.
We are back and William Regal is in the ring with Vladimir Kozlov and Ezekiel Jackson and we see footage from last week’s ECW when they were in a six man tag match.
Regal says that despite what happened last week, they are on the same page right now. Regal says that he has challenged Christian to find two partners for a match tonight.
Christian comes out and Regal wants to know who Christian found as his partner. Christian says that he has found people who have had problems in the past but want to annihilate Regal and his band of miserable men.
Match Number One: Vladimir Kozlov, William Regal, and Ezekiel Jackson versus Christian, Kane, and Great Khali
Khali and Kozlov start off and Khali blocks a kick and he sends Kozlov to the mat. Kozlov goes for the leg but Khali does not move. Khali with a big boot to Kozlov but Kozlov tags Jackson into the match. Khali with a punch and Christian tags in and goes up top for a cross body and gets a near fall. Christian with a punch to Jackson and then he punches Regal. Jackson with a back breaker and a forearm to the back. Regal tags in and he connects with a knee to the back. Regal with a knee to the head and then he puts Christian on the turnbuckles. Kane is tagged in and he hits a clothesline into the corner followed by a vintage side slam. Kane goes up top and hits the clothesline to the side of the head but Kozlov breaks up the cover. Jackson tags in and he hits a clothesline but Kozlov makes a blind tag and he runs into a big boot. Khali tags in and hits the chop to the head for the three count.
Winners: Christian, Kane, and Great Khali
It is time for the next award to be presented. The next award is for Breakout Star and presenting are Tiffany and Teddy Long. Tiffany talks about the New Superstar Initiative and then we see the nominees: Sheamus, Drew McIntyre, Abraham Washington, and Yoshi Tatsu.
The winner is Sheamus. Sheamus comes out with his title belt and he accepts his award. Sheamus says that he figures everyone is taking him seriously now. He asks John Cena if he is taking him seriously. He is not a footnote because he beat John Cena. Sheamus mentions the greats who are in the Hall of Fame who never won the WWE Title like Roddy Piper, Curt Hennig, and Ricky Steamboat. Sheamus tells Cena that he is never getting the title back.
We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time for Cole, Lawler, and Striker to talk about John Cena. Striker is not impressed with Cena and he wants to talk about the other three nominees. The nominees are CM Punk, the Undertaker, Randy Orton, and John Cena. Instead of voting, the winner will be determined by a four man tournament.
Match Number Two: Cody Rhodes versus Kofi Kingston
Cody comments to Kofi about his arm and the wrap on his upper arm. They lock up and Cody backs Kofi into the corner and Cody goes for the arm but Kofi gets out of the way. Kofi with a side head lock and Kofi with a shoulder tackle and he shows some pain. Kofi with a kick and drop kick followed by a leaping clothesline. Kofi with the Boom Boom Leg Drop and Ted DiBiase comes out and attacks Kofi. Evan Bourne comes out to make the save.
No Contest
Dennis Miller appears and he announces that we will have a tag match involving these four men. And he also tells Jeremy Piven and Al Sharpton to ‘suck it’ after he gives himself a Slammy.
Match Number Two and a Half: Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase versus Evan Bourne and Kofi Kingston
The match restarts with Kofi and Evan hitting suicide dives as we go to commercial.
We are back and DiBiase with a chin lock on Kofi. We see footage during the commercial when Cody took advantage of the injury to Kofi from last night. Cody and Ted with quick tags and Ted with a double sledge from the turnbuckles. DiBiase with a near fall on Kofi. Kofi with a punch but DiBiase with a snap mare and a kick to the arm. Cody tags back in and he drops a knee on the arm before tagging Ted back in. DiBiase with a key lock to the injured arm and Kofi with an escape and back body drop before he tags in Bourne who hits a running head scissors to Cody followed by a leg lariat. Bourne knocks Ted off the apron and then he hits a double knee take down for a near fall on Cody. Ted sends Kofi to the floor and Bourne sends Ted to the floor. Rhodes hits CrossRhodes for the three count.
Winners: Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase
We go to commercial.
We are back and did you know that there is still more than 2 hours of show left . . . and the WWE does a lot with the military.
It is time for more awards to be presented and we return to Dennis Miller doing his best David Letterman Oscars imitation. Dennis introduces the next presenters and it is Vickie Guerrero and Santino Marella. Vickie throws out an Excuse Me or two. Vickie talks about special moments that have left audiences speechless. Vickie mentions her return to Smackdown. Santino comments on Vickie’s weight. It is time for Shocker of the Year and the nominees are: Randy Orton IEDDTing Stephanie McMahon; Batista attacking ‘HIS FRIEND’; CM Punk retires Jeff Hardy; and Sheamus runs Mark Cuban through a table.
The winner is CM Punk rids Smackdown and WWE of Jeff Hardy. Punk is excited to win and he accepts his award with pride. He pulls a James Cameron and we go to commercial.
We are back and Kane will be on ECW tomorrow night.
CM Punk is in the ring with his award and he has a list of people he wanted to thank but he figures that the people of Corpus Christi would not be quiet enough to listen. Punk thanks himself because without himself, this year would not be possible. Punk says that he was champion twice, won Money in the Bank for the second time, and is the only man who would tell everyone that they are throwing their lives away. He says that he speaks the truth and he does not care if people don’t like it. Punk says that his crowning achievement was getting rid of the Charismatic Enabler. He says that he is the first straight edge Slammy Award winner. He says that he will become the Straight Edge Superstar of the Year.
Match Number Three: CM Punk versus John Cena in a Superstar of the Year Semifinal Match
They lock up and Cena with a side head lock and Cena with a shoulder tackle. Punk with a drop kick and he gets a near fall. Punk with an Irish whip followed by a knee in the corner and a bulldog. Punk with a key lock as he isolates the arm. Cena powers out and he kicks Punk but Punk tries for the Go To Sleep but Cena counters it and puts Punk in the STF. Punk reaches for the ropes and Cena pulls Punk into the center of the ring and Punk taps.
Winner: John Cena
After the match, Cena gets on the mic and he congratulates Sheamus on being the new WWE champion. He says that he needs to take a second to apologize to anyone he let down last night. He says that you can try so hard at something and be prepared yet fail. Cena says that when you fail it is painful and it causes sadness and disappointment. He says that a man’s character is not judged after celebrating a victory, it is when your back is against a wall. No matter how great the setback and how severe the failure, you never give up. You pick yourself up and you move on. Cena says that there were some who might have lost faith in him. Cena wants to talk to those who still believe and still stand in his corner. He says that the WWE Universe is all that he has. He says that what happened at TLC will never happen again. He says that his Road to Wrestlemania starts right now and he looks for a graphic to point at. Cena says that he will not be stopped. Cena give a headline for WWE.com and he says that he is going to pull a Jack Swagger and not lose until he becomes WWE Champion again.
In case you missed the opening video package because YOUR FRIEND forgot to tell you it was a three hour Raw, we get to see it again.
We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time for the Match of the Year Slammy to be presented and it is presented by Triple H and he is decked out in the overstock of DX merchandise. Hunter reminds us that they will be defending the titles later tonight. First, he has an award to present and he gives us a vintage ‘are you ready’. The nominees are: Shawn Michaels versus The Undertaker from Wrestlemania 25 (the 24th Anniversary); John Cena versus Randy Orton from Breaking Point in the I Quit Match; Jeff Hardy versus Edge from Extreme Rules in a Ladder Match and Punk’s victory minutes later; The Lots of People Tag Match from Bragging Rights. The winner is Shawn Michaels versus Undertaker.
Shawn Michaels comes out to accept the award. Hunter tells everyone that they need to buy the DVD to see this match. Shawn says that he has had the good fortune to win this award the last two years. Shawn mentions that he won it last year for beating Ric Flair. This year, he could not beat the Undertaker, but he is proud of what they accomplished in Houston that night. Shawn says that he can beat Undertaker and Taker knows it. Shawn throws out a challenge for Undertaker to meet one more time at Wrestlemania.
We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time for the other half of the Match of the Year Slammy Award winner to come out, but he has a match to wrestle.
Match Number Four: Undertaker versus Randy ‘Dreamscape’ Orton in a Superstar of the Year Tournament Match
They lock up and Orton with a side head lock but Taker with a shoulder tackle. Taker works on the shoulder as he sets up for Old School. Orton pulls Taker off the turnbuckles and Orton stomps on Taker’s chest. Orton with more punches as he mounts Taker in a viperous manner. Orton punches Taker in the corner but Taker punches back. Orton and Taker exchange punches until Taker gets the advantage. Taker with an Irish whip and splash into the corner. Taker with snake eyes and a big boot followed by a leg drop of Death Valley for a near fall. Taker sets for the choke slam but Orton with a kick and punches. Orton clotheslines Taker over the top rope but Taker lands on his feet and he pulls Orton to the floor. Taker goes for the vintage leg drop on the apron. Taker walks up the ramp to stop Rhodes and DiBiase from advancing any further. Maybe they did not plan to attack Taker because the delay allows Orton to recover long enough to hit an RKO and then he gets into the ring before the referee’s ten count.
Winner: Randy Orton by count out
After the match, Rhodes and DiBiase attack Taker in the ring but Taker grabs DiBiase and Rhodes by the throat and sends them over the top rope to the floor. Taker hits a choke slam on Orton and then he forces the referee out of the ring. Taker looks at Rhodes and DiBiase.
We go to commercial.
We are back with another Slammy Award presentation and this time it is for Dennis Miller to agree that this has been a bit tedious. It is time for the Guest Host of the Year Slammy and Vince McMahon is here to present it. Vince talks about his vision for guest hosts. Vince says that some have been better than others and Vince looks at tonight’s guest host. Vince says the audience has been lousy. The nominees are: Bob Barker; Seth Green; Shaquille O’Neal; and The Osbournes. The winner is Bob Barker. We go to a pre-recorded message from Bob and he thanks everyone for the award.
Vince asks Dennis who he would suggest to be a guest host. Dennis throws out a curveball and mentions Bret Hart. Vince says that Bret screwed himself the last time he was in WWE. Dennis asks the fans if they would want it.
We go to commercial.
Dennis is in his office and he is interrupted by Chris Jericho on the phone. Jericho says that he brings a lot to the table. He thanks Dennis for showing him some respect. He knows that Dennis can cancel the rematch, but he knows that Dennis is aware of the power. Dennis says that Jericho’s whining is a sign that people think the world revolves around him. Dennis says that Jericho is an energy black hole that sucks the vibe out of the show. He compares Jericho to Kanye West. Dennis says that he is keeping the match on the show because he wants to keep Jericho off Monday Night Raw. Jericho says that he is going to prove Dennis and the rest of the hypocrites wrong.
Dennis is back on the phone and he says that it was just Jericho whining again.
We see photos from the end of the main event from last night’s pay per view before our rematch.
Match Number Five: Degeneration X versus Slammy Award Winning Tag Team of the Year Chris Jericho and Big Show in a Unified Tag Title Match
Jericho and Hunter start things off and then Michaels gets behind the referee and Hunter pushes the referee down. The referee calls for the bell.
Winners: Chris Jericho and Big Show by disqualification
After the match, Shawn gets on the mic and wants to know why Hunter cost them the match. Shawn points out that the titles don’t change hands on a disqualification. Hunter apologizes for costing them the match and the winner’s prize money. It was also the one rematch that Jericho gets. Shawn says that it is horrible to be Jericho because now Jericho isn’t supposed to be in a Raw ring. Shawn says that Jericho is trespassing. Hunter wonders if there is anyone who would be able to get Jericho out of the ring and band together. Wrestlers from all three brands come out in DX gear (that I hope they paid for because if not, they are getting cease and desist letters).
Michaels with Sweet Chin Music and Jericho rolls to the apron and then he goes to the floor and he is not smiling any more. Jericho says that he wants to stay on Raw and have it done right.
We go to the back where Jericho is being forced to leave the building. Jericho throws a fit and he is pushed out of the building while the Smackdown and ECW members of the mob stay in the building.
We are back with another award and Carlito, Eve, and Chris Masters are out to present the next award. Masters makes this segment a pectacular. They are out to present the Extreme Moment of the Year. Carlito tells Masters to stop doing his pec dance and says that he can do it too. Carlito asks Eve if she can do it too. Eve tells Carlito that he will never find out. The nominees are: Kofi Kingston’s attack on Randy Orton in Madison Square Garden; Big Show sends John Cena through a light; Jeff Hardy with a swanton through a table from a big ladder; Triple H attacking Randy Orton and his vapid ‘wife’ at Orton’s house.
The winner is Jeff Hardy hitting the Swanton from Summerslam. Accepting the award is Matt Hardy. Matt says that it is really cool. He says that Jeff is very honored and he wants to thank everyone. Carlito wants to know why Matt is accepting the award. Carlito stops Matt’s speech by punching Matt. Carlito accepts the award on his behalf and he thanks Jesus, the Academy, and Team Jacob. He also thanks Puerto Rico and himself. Master puts Carlito in the Master Lock and then Hardy punches Carlito.
We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time to see the trailer for Marine 2 starring Ted DiBiase (sometimes Junior).
Match Number Six: The Miz, Zack Ryder, and Drew McIntyre versus John Morrison, Yoshi Tatsu, and Mark Henry
Henry and Miz start things off but McIntyre distracts Henry and Miz attacks Henry from behind. Henry presses Miz over his head and drops him like the Ultimate Warrior. Henry works on the arm and he tags in Morrison who goes after his former tag team partner with a double sledge from the turnbuckles and a side Russian leg sweep and standing shooting star press for a near fall. Miz with a punch and McIntyre is tagged in. Morrison with a double leg take down and he punches McIntyre but McIntyre punches back. Morrison tries for the Shining Wizard but McIntyre moves and Ryder tags in. Ryder wants Yoshi into the match and Yoshi blocks a kick and he puts Ryder in a side head lock. Yoshi with a shoulder tackle and they go to a stalemate. Ryder woo woo woos but Yoshi kicks Ryder in the head for the three count.
Winners: Mark Henry, Yoshi Tatsu, and John Morrison
After the match, Yoshi acts like he won a Slammy for Breakout Star of the Year.
We see Divas walking in the back as we go to commercial.
Match Number Seven: Kelly Kelly, Maria, The Bellas, Gail Kim, Mickie James, and Melina versus Michelle McCool, Layla, Rosa Mendes, Natalya, Beth Phoenix, Alicia Fox, and Maryse
There is some bickering before the match as the Project Runway championship is going to be determined.
Rosa and Mickie start things off and Rosa sends Mickie to the mat and then she mounts Mickie and slams her head into the mat. Rosa slaps Mickie but Mickie with a punch. Rosa sends Mickie into the turnbuckles but Mickie with a kick and head scissors. Mickie with a kick and Implant DDT for the three count.
Winners: Mickie James, The Bellas, Kelly Kelly, Maria, Gail Kim, and Melina
Out to present the next award are the Odd Couple of Montel Vontavious Porter and Goldust. They are out to present Diva of the Year. Goldust suggests that since he acts like a diva at times, he should take the award. Goldust throws out a PMS reference. The winner is Maria.
Maria thanks the WWE Universe for all of their support. Batista West comes out and he talks about the screwjob of the year award. He says that he was screwed out of the title last night and he should be Superstar of the Year. Batista is escorted from the stage by Sgt. Buddy Lee Parker and the rest of the State Patrol and we go to commercial.
We are back and Dennis has been released from protective custody to introduce the next presenters and he probably wishes he was thrown in jail with Batista because it is Abraham Washington, Tony Atlas, and Big Dick Johnson. Tony laughs while Johnson dances and Abe is the reasonable one. It is the Oh My Moment of the Year: Chris Masters and his Pectacular; Shawn Michaels superkicks a girl; Michael Cole getting sick at the 10th Anniversary Superstar; Santino hitting Vickie with a pie.
The ‘winner’ is anyone who was not watching this segment. The Slammy goes to Michael Cole and his regurgitorial ability. Cole celebrates like he won a Pulitzer for War Coverage. He celebrates with Big Dick Johnson. Cole says that Slobberknocker is passé because it is a vintage time. Cole gets the cheap pop of the night for insulting Oklahoma and supporting Texas.
Dennis Miller returns and he expresses what everyone else thinks about Big Dick Johnson. Dennis mentions USA Cares again and he says that the next Slammy will be awarded after the next match.
We are back with a DX holiday merchandise promo. The Elimination Chamber segment is replaced with a new ring structure and no box jokes but Hunter destroys the ring. Time for the breakdown. Hunter has a DX snuggie for Shawn. Hornswoggle returns and he grunts and gives them a gift. They get gift cards and Hunter gets a Triple H one. Hunter sees the shirt and he says that even though he got gifts for them, Hornswoggle is not off the hook. Shawn and Hunter go after Hornswoggle but Hornswoggle escapes.
Next week’s guest host is Johnny Damon and he will have some Secret Santas.
Match Number Eight: Randy ‘Anaconda’ Orton versus John Cena in a Superstar of the Year Finals Match and Step One of the John Cena I’m Not Losing Again Until I Win the Title Again Tour
Cena punches Orton and slams his head into the turnbuckles. Cena with an Irish whip and kick followed by a fisherman’s suplex and a near fall. Cena punches Orton in the corner and then he slams Orton followed by an elbow drop for a near fall. Cena with an Irish whip and he tries for the bulldog but Orton sends Cena to the floor. Orton goes out after Cena and he connects with a European uppercut and then he sends Cena into the ring post. Orton rolls Cena back into the ring and he gets a near fall. Orton with boots to Cena and then he walks around before he stomps on Cena’s lower abdomen. Orton with a knee drop to the head. Orton kicks Cena in the corner and the referee tries to pull Orton away. Cena with a leap frog neck breaker and then he goes up top for the leg drop and hits it and gets a two count. Orton with a neck breaker and then he stands over Cena before he punches Cena in the head. Cena with a rollup when Orton takes too long between punches. Orton with a clothesline for a near fall.
Orton with the Garvin (who according to Buck, never beat Andre) Stomp followed by the leaping knee drop. Cena with the two flying shoulder tackles followed by the Blue Thunder Bomb and it is time for the third move of the Moves of Doom, the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena gets Orton up for the Attitude Adjustment but Orton escapes. Orton tries for an RKO but Cena escapes. Cena with an STF attempt but Orton escapes that. Cena hits the Attitude Adjustment but Orotn has his hand on the rope. Orton rolls to the floor and then he hits the IEDDT from the apron and both men are down. Orton thinks about the field goal but he rolls Cena back in and gets a near fall as Cena uses the power of the sun to kick out. Orton lines up and he tries for the field goal but Cena acts like Lucy and pulls the ball away. Cena with the Attitude Adjustment for the three count.
Winner: John Cena
After the match, Sheamus comes out with his title belt and Cena wants Sheamus to come to the ring but Sheamus is not going to do what the former champion says.
We go to credits. That is Raw, and I am out of here
2010 - WWE broadcast NXT. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We are live on tape on the internet and your announcers are Josh ‘Did you see me on Smackdown last week’ Mathews and Todd ‘Back for More’ Grisham. Your host is Matt ‘Getting the rope to pull Cole and Lawler in on Sunday’ Striker.
Matt introduces the NXT rookies who make their way to the ring. We see the pros on the stage as the rookies walk past.
Matt welcomes the rookies and mentions that one of them is a step closer to becoming the next breakout star. Matt reminds everyone about the immunity that could save someone.
Tonight is the first (and hopefully last) Karaoke Challenge. The judges are the crowd in Lafayette, Louisiana.
Conor O’Brian is first and he gets to choose an envelope with a superstar’s entrance music. Conor gets Sheamus’ entrance music. O’Brian is a bit off key with his rendition.
Derrick Bateman is next and he chooses The Miz. He does his fellow Ohioan some justice and gets a cheap pop for the people of Lafayette.
Jacob Novak gets to sing Dolph’s entrance music. Jacob appears to be a half octave off on his performance. Jacob does not appreciate the boos and he says that he is better than everyone in the crowd.
Brodus Clay is next and he sings Cody Rhodes’ entrance theme. He doesn’t have the falsetto down, but he does okay.
Johnny Curtis gets to hiss out the Viper’s music.
Byron Saxton is next and he gets Shawn Michaels’ music (so get the comeback theories ready). Byron is a bit off key but he does a good job, just not Shatner good.
The fans give their votes and Derrick Bateman and Byron Saxton get the highest marks. Matt says that the winner is Byron Saxton. Bateman is surprised that his cheap pop did not work.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a Jacob Novak video package. He says that he was going to be the ultimate athlete. He mentions all of the sports that he played as a kid. He had a motto of Determine to Dominate. He is going to dominate. He brings a persona and attitude to the ring. He can beat you down as well as stay with the high flyers. He compares himself to Jack Swagger. Jacob says that he will become a World Champion just like Jack Swagger. He is looking forward to the stardom and money. A good businessman makes selfish decisions. Not a lot get to this level and he is on the doorstep to fame and fortune. Jacob says that he will cash in.
While Byron Saxton and Chris Masters come to the ring, we see the obstacle course set up on the ramp so we have that challenge to look forward to later tonight.
Match Number One: Byron Saxton and Chris Masters versus Brodus Clay and Ted DiBiase
Saxton and Clay start things off and they lock up with Clay sending Saxton to the mat. Saxton gets into the ropes and the referee pulls Clay away. They lock up again and Clay sends Saxton to the mat again. Saxton tags Masters into the match and they lock up. Clay backs Masters into the corner and he chops Masters and connects with a knee. Masters tries for a sunset flip and Clay pulls him up but misses a punch. Masters with a kick hand chops. Clay with a clothesline into the corner and then he Irish whips Masters. Clay misses a charge into the corner and Clay tries for the Master Lock but Ted distracts Masters. Clay with an overhead suplex followed by an elbow drop for a near fall. Ted tags in and we go to commercial.
We are back and Ted has Masters in a reverse chin lock. Masters with elbows to Ted to get out of the hold. Ted with a punch as we see the reactions from the rookies on the apron and Ted gets a near fall. Clay tags back in and he hits a splash into the corner. Ted tells Clay to finish him and Clay with a forearm across the back. Clay with a chop followed by shoulders in the corner.
Ted tags back in and he kicks Masters but Masters with a kick and chops but Ted with a drop kick after Masters hits Clay on the apron. Ted with a near fall. Ted chokes Masters in the ropes and then Clay drops Masters across the ropes. Ted gets another near fall. Ted misses a punch and Masters with a Samoan drop and both men are down.
Saxton tags in and he runs into a drop toe hold and Clay tags in. Clay with a head butt to Saxton followed by an Irish whip. Saxton comes off the turnbuckles but Clay catches him and hits a spinebuster. Ted tags in and he misses a knee drop. Masters tags in and he chops Ted and hits a flying shoulder tackle and forearm. Masters hits Clay on the apron and then Masters hits a spinebuster. Clay gives Ted an elbow drop when Masters moves out of the way. Masters calls for the Master Lock but Saxton makes the blind tag. Byron punches Ted and Ted hits Dream Street for the three count.
Winners: Brodus Clay and Ted DiBiase
After the match, Masters crouches over Saxton who is still on the mat because Byron appears to have had a lesson taught to him.
Derrick Bateman is stretching in the back and Daniel Bryan enters. Daniel talks to Alberto about his match against Alberto Del Rio. He wants to teach Derrick a submission hold for his match. He teaches him a heel hook. Derrick isn’t taking things too seriously so Bryan kicks him in the head. Bryan apologizes and says that maybe he is teaching him too much too soon. Bateman has named his fists ‘Freedom’ and ‘Justice’.
We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time for the Obstacle Course. Before we start, Matt reminds us that Byron Saxton and Jacob Novak each have an immunity point. This competition is worth two immunity points.
Jacob Novak is first and his time is 37.9 Seconds. Will anyone beat the standard set by Novak.
Byron Saxton is next and he takes his time on the course while holding his neck. Byron’s time is 62 Seconds.
Conor O’Brian is next and his time is 42.7 Seconds. We see the fall that O’Brian took as he went over the final wall before the push ups.
Derrick Bateman is next and his time is 35.7 Seconds despite having trouble with the balance beam. Bateman adds some flair by riding the dumpster across the line.
Johnny Curtis is next and his time is 34.8 Seconds. They check on the balance beam and they determine that he fell off the balance beam. Curtis demands a replay. Johnny Curtis has been disqualified for falling off the beam.
Brodus Clay is the last man to attempt the obstacle course and his time is irrelevant because he pushes the wall out of the way and was disqualified.
Clay argues with the referee.
We are told that Johnny Curtis gets a second chance at the obstacle course. His new time is 31.4 Seconds.
The winner of the challenge and proud winner of two immunity points is Johnny Curtis.
It is time for a Johnny Curtis video package. He says that he is from Westbrook, Maine. He says that he was in the Navy Reserves, played some baseball and football, and a volunteer fire fighter. He says that he is a great person and his background has paved his way to the WWE. He started training in a ring in the woods with his best friend. In 2005, he got a phone call that his friend got killed in a motorcycle accident. It was their dream to become wrestlers. Johnny says that he has dog tags on his tights with his friend’s name on it. He says that he will succeed.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Did You Know about where people going to Wrestlemania are from.
It is time for the Raw Rebound.
Jacob Novak is in the back with Vickie Guerrero and Jacob says that he didn’t expect her to be so beautiful. Jacob says that Kaitlyn showed no respect last season and he asks for some advice. Dolph Ziggler enters and wants to have a second with Jacob. Dolph asks Jacob what the deal is. Jacob says that he was just asking for some advice. Dolph tells Jacob to find a nice quiet place to watch the main event by himself.
Match Number Two: Alberto Del Rio with Conor O’Brian versus Derrick Bateman with Daniel Bryan
Alberto has something to say about Derrick before they lock up. Alberto with punches and a snap mare followed by a kick to the back. Del Rio with an Irish whip but he runs into an elbow. Bateman goes to the turnbuckles but Del Rio pulls him to the mat and gets a near fall. Del Rio with a reverse chin lock on Bateman but Bateman with elbows. Del Rio pulls Bateman to the mat by the hair. Del rio punches Bateman and the referee warns him. Del Rio with a kick to Bateman in the corner. Del Rio with a belly-to-back suplex for a near fall. Del Rio returns to the reverse chin lock. Bateman with elbows but Del Rio with a knee and punch. Del Rio with an Irish whip but he misses a charge into the corner. Bateman with punches to Del Rio that stagger Alberto. Bateman with a kick to the chest followed by a swinging neck breaker for a near fall.
Bateman misses a drop kick into the corner in a move reminiscent of his pro. Del Rio sends Bateman into the ring post and then he floats over into the cross arm breaker and Bateman taps out.
Winner: Alberto Del Rio
We go to credits.
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