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December 16th
On this day in history in ....
1880 - John McMahon defeats H.M. Dufur in Boston, Massachusetts to win the American Collar-and-Elbow Title, ending Dufur's second reign.
1917 - Frank Gotch, an early professional wrestling great who many feel was the first true crossover celebrity into the mainstream entertainment world, died of kidney failure brought on by Uremic Poisoning at the age of 38 (some reports list him as being 39 and 40) in his birthplace of Humboldt Iowa..
1941 - Black Guzman defeats Tarzan Lopez in Mexico City, Mexico for the NWA World Middleweight Title.
1949 - Verne Gagne defeats Leo Newman in Houston, Texas to win the NWA Texas Heavyweight Title.
1949 - George Flynn defeats Danno O'Connor for the Georgia version of the NWA Southern Heavyweight Title in Atlanta, Georgia.
1952 - Fred Atkins and Ray Eckert defeat Ben and Mike Sharpe to win the San Francisco version of the NWA World Tag Team Title, ending the Sharpes' sixth reign.
1954 - Ray Villmer defeats Joe Dusek in Kansas City, Kansas to win the NWA Central States Title.
1955 - Al Lolotai defeats The Zebra Kid (George Bollas) to win the NWA Hawaii Heavyweight Title in Honolulu, Hawaii.
1962 - Mr. High and Mr. Low (Doug Gilbert and Dick Steinborn) defeat Art and Stan Neilson in St. Paul, Minnesota to win the AWA World Tag Team Title.
1963 - Edouard Carpentier wins his second World Wrestling Association (Los Angeles) World Heavyweight Title by forfeit, when Bearcat Wright no-shows a title defense in Indio, California.
1966 - Mike DiBiase defeats The Viking in St. Joseph, Missouri, to win the NWA Central States Heavyweight Title for the third time.
1970 - Mighty Atlas and Oni Wiki Wiki defeat Bobby Hart and Lorenzo Parente for the Mid-America version of the NWA World Tag Team Title in Nashville, Tennessee.
1970 - Bob Kelly wins his second NWA Gulf Coast Heavyweight Title, defeating The Wrestling Pro in Mobile, Alabama.
1970 - Bill Robinson defeats The Destroyer (Dick Beyer) for the Hawaii version of the NWA North American Heavyweight Title.
1971 - Ole Anderson defeats Jack Brisco in Tampa, Florida for the NWA Florida Television Title, ending Brisco's second reign with the belt.
1972 - George Gordienko and Super Hawk defeat Danny Babich and Michel Martel for the Stampede International Tag Team Title.
1975 - Rock Riddle and John Tolos defeat Micky Doyle and Mando Lopez to win the NWA Americas Tag Team Title.
1977 - The Canadian (Roddy Piper) wins his fourth NWA Americas Heavyweight Title by ending the 11th reign of Chavo Guerrero in Los Angeles, California.
1978 - Bobby Eaton and George Gulas defeat Gypsy Joe and Tojo Yamamoto for the NWA Mid-America Tag Team Title in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
1980 - Jackie Sato defeats Nancy Kumi to win the vacant WWWA World Singles Title in Tokyo, Japan, beginning her third reign.
1983 - Mike Rotundo defeats Greg Valentine in a tournament final for the vacant NWA Florida Heavyweight Title in St. Petersburg, Florida.
1984 - Blue Panther defeats El Matematico in Mexico City, Mexico for the UWA World Welterweight Title.
1986 - Hacksaw Higgins and Kareem Muhammad defeat The Fabulous Ones (Steve Keirn and Stan Lane) for the Florida version of the NWA United States Tag Team Title in Tampa, Florida, ending the Fabulous Ones' second reign. Higgins and Muhammad would be the final champions.
1986 - Bad News Allen defeats The Falcon in Orlando, Florida to become the final NWA Bahamas Heavyweight Champion. The title would be abandoned in 1987.
1987 - The WWF held their second annual "Slammy Awards" in Atlantic City, New Jersey, at Caesar's Palace. Here are the winners:
Best Performance by an Animal: George Steele
Woman of the Year: Miss Elizabeth
Best Ring Apparel: Harley Race (This was followed by Race brawling with Hacksaw Duggan, who was presenting the award. For the rest of the show, Race and Duggan brawled all over the building and backstage, while Gorilla Monsoon, following them with a camera crew, provided commentary.)
Hulk Hogan Real American Award: Billy Graham
Jesse "The Body" Award: Rick Rude
Greatest Hit: Jim Duggan
Manager of the Year: Presenter Gorilla Monsoon announced that the envelope was empty, so there was no winner, ticking off Bobby Heenan, Mr. Fuji, Jimmy Hart, and Slick.
Best Personal Hygiene: Nikolai Volkoff, Boris Zuhkov and Slick
Best Vocal Performance:
Song of the Year: There was no winner, as Sika the Samoan ate the envelope.
Best Group: One Man Gang
Humanitarian of the Year: Ted DiBiase (the story was that he bought the award)
Best Head: Gene Okerlund and Bam Bam Bigelow
Bobby "The Brain" Heenan Scholarship Award: Islanders Haku and Tama, Andre the Giant, Hercules, King Kong Bundy, and Harley Race (who were all managed by Heenan at the time).
This was the infamous program where Vince McMahon sang "Stand Back", footage that still haunts many fans to this day.
1988 - Terry Gordy and Stan Hansen win the vacant AJPW Unified Tag Team Title for the second time, by winning the 12th annual World's Strongest Tag Team League.
1990 - WCW held their Starrcade Pay-per-view at the Kiel Auditorium in St. Louis, Missouri. The show centered around the Pat O'Conner International Tag Team Tournament, and also featured an end to the months-long storyline of the "Black Scorpion" that had been hounding WCW World Champion Sting, claiming to be someone from his past. Here are the results from the show:
- In a match held before the PPV broadcast, Bill Irwin defeated TC Carter.
- Bobby Eaton defeated Tom Zenk with a small package after Zenk missed a top rope dropkick.
- Tag Team Tournament, First Round: USA: Rick & Scott Steiner defeated South Africa: Sgt. Krueger (Ray Appolo, who would go on to become the babyface era Doink the Clown) & Col. DeKlerk (Ted Petty, who was worked as the masked Cheetah Kid at the time but would go on to become famous as ECW's Flyboy Rocco Rock) when Scott pinned DeKlerk with a Frankensteiner.
- Tag Team Tournament, First Round: Mexico: Konnan & Rey Misterio defeated United Kingdom: Chris Adams & Norman Smiley when Konnan pinned Smiley with a superplex.
- Tag Team Tournament, First Round: Japan: The Great Muta & Mr. Saito defeated New Zealand: Jack Victory & Rip Morgan when Muta pinned Victory with a German suplex.
- Tag Team Tournament, First Round: USSR: Victor Zangiev & Salman Hashimikov defeated Canada: Danny Johnson & Troy Montour when Hashimikov defeated Montour via submission with an armbar.
- Michael Wallstreet defeated Terry Taylor with a Samoan Drop.
- The Skyscrapers (Dan Spivey & Sid Vicious) defeated Big Cat & Motor City Madman in one minute when Vicious pinned Madman after a double powerbomb.
- Tommy Rich & Ricky Morton defeated Michael Hayes & Jimmy Garvin when Morton pinned Garvin with a rollup after manager Little Richard Marley's interference backfires and he hits Garvin with a crutch. The Freebirds would beat up Marley afterwards for the mistake.
- Tag Team Tournament, Semifinals: Rick & Scott Steiner defeated Konnan & Rey Mysterio when Rick pinned Mistero with a powerbomb as Misterio went for a rana.
- Tag Team Tournament, Semifinals: The Great Muta & Mr. Saito defeated Victor Zangiev & Salman Hashimikov when Saito pinned Zangiev with a backdrop driver.
- Lex Luger defeated Stan Hansen in a Bullrope match to win the NWA United States Title by touching all four corners. The referee was knocked out as Luger touched the fourth, and a second referee came out and declared Hansen the winner after seeing him touch all four corners, but the first referee woke up and said he say Luger touch four corners first, so he was declared the winner. This began Luger's fourth reign as champion.
- NWA World Tag Team Champions Doom vs. Arn Anderson & Barry Windham (subbing for Ric Flair) in a street fight ended in a no-contest when Windham pinned Ron Simmons with a small package and Butch Reed pinned Anderson with a clothesline at the same time.
- Tag Team Tournament Finals, Rick & Scott Steiner defeated The Great Muta & Mr. Saito when Rick pinned Saito with a sunset flip as Saito was putting Scott in a sleeper to win the tournament.
- NWA World Champion Sting defeated The Black Scorpion with a flying bodypress in a steel cage match. Dick The Bruiser was the special referee, and after the match a slew of Scorpions attacked Sting and Bruiser. Barry Windham and Arn Anderson finally jointed the brawl, and the Scorpion that Sting defeated was unmasked to reveal Ric Flair.
1992 - El Dandy defeats Bestia Salvaje for the CMLL World Middleweight Title in Naucalpan, Mexico, beginning his second reign.
1993 - Shinichi Nakano defeats ends Masayoshi Motegi's third reign as WWC World Junior Heavyweight Champion in Kawasaki, Japan. This was during the WWC's partnership with the W*ING promotion.
1994 - The Cowboys (Silver King and El Texano) defeat Emilio Charles, Jr. and El Satanico to win the vacant CMLL World Tag Team Title. The title had been vacated the previous month when Canek, who held the title with Dr. Wagner, Jr., chose to no longer appear for the promotion.
1995 - Tony St. Clair and August Smisl defeat Cannonball Grizzly and John Hawk in Bremen, Germany for the Catch Wrestling Association Tag Team Title.
1999 - Ultimo Vampiro ends Bombero Infernal's second reign as IWRG Intercontinental Middleweight Champion in Naucalpan, Mexico. At the same event, Scorpio, Jr. defeats Super Parka for the IWRG Intercontinental Heavyweight Title.
2000 - Lucha libre legend Blue Demon, born Alejandro Muaoz Moreno, dies of a heart attack at age 78.
2000 - Thunder and Lightning win their second WWC Tag Team Title, defeating The West Texas Rednecks (Barry and Kendall Windham) in Carolina, Puerto Rico.
2000 - Hy-Zya defeats Todd Morton for the vacant IWA Mid-South Light Heavyweight Title in Charlestown, Indiana, beginning his fifth reign.
2003 - T.J. Dalton and J.T. Stahr defeat The Riggs Brothers (Johnny and Jason) to win the HWA Tag Team Title.
2004 - Masaaki Mochizuki defeats CIMA for Dragon Gate's Open The Dream Gate Title in Tokyo, Japan.
2005 - Karachi Vice (Tiger Raj Singh and Gama Singh, Jr.) defeat Ravenous Randy and Pete Wilson to win the Stampede International Tag Team Title, beginning their second reign.
2006 - Don Jardine, better known as The Spoiler, dies from complications from a heart attack and leukemia in Wetaskiwin, Alberta, at age 66.
2006 - Carlito defeats Jon Heidenreich to win the WWC Universal Heavyweight Title in Caguas, Puerto Rico, beginning his short-lived 11th reign. Heidenreich would win the title back the same night.
2006 - Two German Stampede Wrestling titles change hands in Oberhausen, Germany, as The Absolute Alliance (Steve Allison and John Kay) defeat Steve Douglas and Emil Sitoci for the GSW Tag Team Title, and Chris Colen defeats champion Absolute Andy and Murat Bosporus in a Falls Count Anywhere match to win the GSW Breakthrough Title.
2006 - Shinobi defeats Sayoko Mita, a female newscaster, to win the DDT Ironman Heavymetalweight, for apparently the 153rd time.
2007 - WWE presented their Armageddon PPV. Mike Johnson filed the following PPV report:
Welcome to PWInsider.com's live coverage of the 2007 WWE Armaggedon PPV from Pittsburgh, PA at the Mellon Arena. Thanks for logging in with us tonight for live coverage. PWInsider.com Elite subscribers can also stay tuned for our post-game audio show.
The opening video package was built around the WWE and WWE World championship matches.
WWE United States champion MVP vs. Rey Mysterio
MVP came to the ring looking all business. Mysterio came out wearing a cool outer mask with a half-skull/half mask. He took time embracing several kids wearing Rey masks as he came down the aisle.
When the bell rang, MVP went shot in for a single leg takedown but Mysterio avoided it, then evaded a second. Mysterio drilled him with several kicks and a hurancanrana. He rolled MVP over for a Lucha style cradle but MVP kicked up at one. Mysterio bounced off the ropes to set up a Mexican armdrag. MVP landed outside the ring but the referee stopped Rey from diving. When the ref instructed MVP to return, Rey charged and leaped over the referee into a twisting dive to the floor.
Back in the ring, Rey avoided an MVP big boot in the corner but was caught with a powerbomb into the turnbuckles. MVP got a two count off the move. Mysterio started selling his neckand throat from the powerbomb whiplash. MVP went right after the neck, wrenching it to work over Mysterio.
Mysterio battled back to his feet, but was nailed in the back of the neck to be taken back down. MVP drilled him in the head with a kick, shades of Randy Orton, for a two count. MVP locked on a Camel Clutch style move, locking one of Mysterio's arm in a half nelson. Mysterio fought back with elbows, but was nailed with a knee to the jaw. MVP scores another two count.
MVP's focus went right back to Mysterio's neck, locking an armbar on him while focusing the torque on the neck and shoulder. MVP pressed and dropped Rey, but Mysterio landed on his feet and nailed a hurancanrana. They recovered to their feet. Mysterio hit a springboard off the ropes into a high cross bodyblock for a two count.
Rey went to the top but was shoved off to the apron. Mysterio returned with the West Coast Pop, slipping as he came off the ropes. Mysterio grabbed his left knee, which landed under MVP. He used an Arabian Press for a two count. MVP cut him off with a clothesline and dragged him to the top turnbuckle. They battled atop of it. MVP nailed Rey, sending him to the apron. Rey continued to battle his way back and nailed a top rope hurancanrana for a two count. The announcers put over that he was able to do the move with a "bad knee."
Rey rebounded off the ropes but was caught with a boot to the face. Rey kicked up at two. Mysterio nearly got a three count after reversing an inverted DDT into a Scorpion death Drop while flipping over MVP.
Mysterio set up MVP for the 610 but MVP ducked and retreated to the floor. Mysterio ran down the apron and hit a hurancanrana on the floor. They teased a count out with Rey getting back in at 6. MVP got back on the apron at nine but then waved off the match and let himself be counted out.
Your winner, by countout, Rey Mysterio!
Rey jumped MVP on the floor and nailed him with the 619 after the bout. MVP escaped up the apron with his championship belt.
The opener was decent, although you never got the feeling they moved past second gear. The finish may come off a little stronger if it appeared MVP was in deep jeopardy, which I never really felt got across. The in-ring work was good.
Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler discussed the HHH vs. Jeff Hardy bout.
Todd Grisham interviewed Hardy. He asked Hardy if this was the biggest match of his career. Hardy said he's had a lot of big matches but this was the closest he's ever gotten to a shot at the WWE title and to get there, he has to defeat a 11 time former champion. Hardy said he was at the crossroads of his career and that he didn't fear Triple H or anyone else. He said he can not, will not and never will believe in "Never." Good promo.
Kane & ECW champion CM Punk vs. Big Daddy V & Mark Henry (with Matt Striker)
Punk and Henry started off. Henry shoved him down. Punk came back with several kicks to the thighs. He tried to single leg takedown Henry but was beat down. Punk nailed a drop toehold in the corner and began nailing him with punches. Kane tagged in and they worked over Henry briefly. Punk tagged back and nailed a dropkick but was caught with a clothesline.
V tagged in. He kicked Punk in the gut, then chopped him in the corner. Punk fired back with chops and punches. He charged at V but was nailed down to the mat. V tossed him to the floor, where Matt Striker kicked him while he was on the ground. V hiptossed Punk over the ropes back into the ring. V pressed and dropped Punk.
Henry tagged in and stepped over Punk's prone body. He choked Punk. Punk backed into a corner but was smothered with a boot to the face. Henry beat Punk down and charged him in the corner. Punk avoided the charge and tagged Kane.
Kane went right after Henry with a running clothesline in the corner. He nailed a second, then a big boot to the face. Henry didn't go down, but finally did when Kane nailed a flying clothesline off the top. Kane called for a chokeslam, then nailed V in the corner. That allowed Henry to run Kane into the corner, where he was double teamed.
V caught Kane with a sitdown powerbomb, but Punk broke up the pin with a dropkick to V's back. V clotheslined Kane down as Punk tried to rally him in the corner. V splashed Kane's back and smothered him with his weight and he peppered him with punches. Henry tagged back in. V nailed a running splash in the corner. Henry locked on a bearhug as Kane staggered out of the corner. Kane battled to escape and was nearly able to tag Punk but Henry dragged him back to the opposite corner.
V and Henry continued to work over Kane. Kane finally fired back with punches on V, but was taken out with a clothesline. Henry tagged back in and was drilled with a DDT. Kane made the tag to Punk who went right after Henry and V with punches and kicks. He nailed V with a pair of knees in the corner, but was shoved off while going for the bulldog. Punk dropkicked V, who went down to one knee. Henry went after Punk but Kane attacked him and they went to the floor.
Punk went for a springboard clothesline, but Striker jumped on the apron. Punk nailed him. Punk dove into the ring but V caught him on his shoulders and hit a Samoan Drop, scoring the clean pin.
Your winners, Big Daddy V & Mark Henry!
The announcers put over the power of Big Daddy V. Good tag match. They told a solid, logical story all the way through. I thought Henry grabbing the bear hug right after V nailed Kane with a running splash in the corner was a nice touch. Punk showed a lot of fire and gets sympathy for losing in the manner he did, while Kane remains a monster and the heels get over. Solid stuff, especially considering who was in the ring.
Backstage, Vickie Guerrero, in a wheelchair, greeted Edge. She had set up a celebration for Edge's World title victory. She said once he wins the belt, all of her pain and suffering will subside. Edge promised to make her feel as good as he feels. He said her love gives him the strength of three men. He asked for a kiss for good luck and kissed her hand. They played it up like two young lovers. Vickie looked on adoringly as Edge exited.
Ken Kennedy vs. Shawn Michaels
Kennedy took the mic when he entered the ring. He said to Shawn Michaels (still backstage) that it doesn't matter if he likes Michaels, taunts Michaels, hates Michaels or respects Michaels, because all that matters is that he beats Michaels and promises that Michaels will be beaten by Mister Kennedy....Kennedy.
Big pop for Shawn Michaels' entrance. The crowd chanted "HBK" at the bell as the two faced off. Kennedy dared Michaels to come face him. He went right to work on Michaels with punches to the face and kicks to the gut. He whipped Michaels into the ropes and nailed him with a reverse elbow. He picked up Michaels for a slam, then elbowed him. The early portion was all about Kennedy's aggressiveness.
Kennedy nailed a backbreaker for another two count. He continued to work over Michaels in the corner. Michaels finally came back with a chop. He whipped Kennedy, who reversed it and Michaels took a flip bump over the turnbuckles. Kennedy went to put Michaels on his shoulders, but Michaels dropped down and chop blocked Kennedy's knee from behind.
Michaels whipped Kennedy into the ropes and went for a suplex but his back hurt. Michaels nailed several elbows and extended the arm into a DDT similar to the one Shane Douglas used in ECW on Gary Wolfe. Kennedy rolled on the apron screaming. Michaels went right to work on the arm, locking on an armbar, then a hammerlock, dropping knees on the lower back at the same time.
Michaels continued working on the arm as Kennedy got to his feet. Kennedy finally broke free and speared Michaels through the ropes with both falling to the floor. They battled on the floor. Kennedy teased running Michaels' back into the apron, but Michaels instead shoved him into the ring barrier. He stomped Kennedy's hand on the ring steps for good measure.
When Kennedy returned to the ring, Michaels continued to work over the hand and wrist. Kennedy fired back with punches. Michaels and Kennedy battled on the apron outside the ring. Kennedy shoved Michaels backwards into the steel ringpost with Michaels falling to the floor. Jim Ross pushed that Michaels was out of the ring for four years after back surgery. For some reason, I had flashbacks to Ross talking about Ric Flair's plane crash and back problems in the 1980s here. Not that I'm complaining, since the commentary so far is really good.
Kennedy worked over Michaels, including a knee to the face in the corner. Kennedy continued to sell the hand as if it might be broken. Kennedy slammed Michaels down with a backbreaker over the knee for another two count. He nailed another, then pulled Michaels backwards over his knee to try and force a submission.
Michaels tried to get the crowd behind him as he fought to get out of the hold. Michaels finally rolled out but was nailed with a series of elbows for a two count. Kennedy tried to come off the ropes but Michaels moved. Kennedy landed on his feet but Michaels avoided him. Kennedy finally nailed another elbow.
Kennedy cinched in a rear chinlock, placing his knee between Michaels' shoulder blades for additional leverage. Michaels fought his way back but Kennedy continued to battle back. Michaels finally nailed an elbow and backdropped Kennedy to the floor. Michaels nailed a flying forearm and kipped up to his feet.
Michaels nailed an atomic drop, then went to the top rope for the Picture Perfect elbow off the top. He nails it and Michaels signals for Sweet Chin Music while hurting from the damage to his back. Kennedy duckes the kick and rolls up Michaels for a two count. Kennedy picks up Michaels for his rolling finisher but Michaels turns it into a sunset flip for a two count.
Kennedy slingshots Michaels into the corner and Michaels hits his head on the ringpost. Kennedy hits his rolling back splash finisher but Michaels kicks up at the last second. Kennedy stalked over Michaels talking trash. Kennedy went for a STO but Michaels held onto the ropes to escape. Michaels drilled him with Sweet Chin Music and scored the clean pin.
Your winner, Shawn Michaels!
Another good match. They told a good story and I thought both did a good job getting over the fact that they had been worn down and hurt over the course of the match - Michaels' back and Kennedy's hand. It probably wasn't the spectacular match of Kennedy's career but was a very good showing for both and Kennedy can use his injured hand as the excuse for the loss
They aired a Royal Rumble commercial with all of the WWE stars battling on a subway car. The big finish was Michael Buffer trying to do his "Let's Get Ready To Rumble" line but Shawn Michaels superkicked him.
Todd Grisham interviewed WWE champion Randy Orton. Orton said Chris Jericho was a virus and he would wipe Jericho out tonight. He said the only thing Jericho should save us from was his empty promises. Orton said that the WWE champion doesn't have to be the most entertaining and promised he would be the one leaving with the belt. Orton said that since Jericho likes code, he has one for Jericho - Orton 18. He said that between John Cena, Triple H and Shawn Michaels, they had 18 World championships between them, and that's 18 that have fallen to the RKO. He told Jericho, "Don't save us, spare us" and said all of Jericho's hype won't spare Jericho when he gets into the ring with the best the industry has ever seen. Good promo.
Jeff Hardy vs. Triple H for a WWE championship match at the 2008 Royal Rumble
They shook hands at the bell and locked up. Triple H shoulderblocked Hardy down to the mat. Hardy got clotheslined down. Hardy armdragged HHH over several times. Hardy went for a baseball slide outside, but HHH moved. They battled outside of the ring on the floor. HHH went to slam Hardy's head into the barrier but Hardy ducked and nailed HHH. Hardy went to do the railing run but slipped. HHH saved it with a clothesline on the floor.
Back in the ring, HHH went for a back suplex but Hardy landed on his feet. He went to throw a punch but hesitated, so HHH slapped him. HHH yelled at Hardy to fight him. Hardy charged him and they locked up. HHH tossed Hardy into the corner. Hardy avoided him and nailed a series of kicks. He whipped HHH, who reversed it. Hardy slid underneath and nailed a low legdrop between the legs and a dropkick to the face. He slapped HHH.
HHH smiled, then kicked Hardy in the gut. He tossed Hardy to the floor, then followed. He whipped Hardy into the ring steps on the floor, then drilled him into the ring apron back-first outside the ring. HHH dropped an elbow on Hardy, then whipped him into the corner. Hardy started to mount a comeback but when he went to the top, HHH shoved him to the floor with hardy landing throat-first on the barrier, like Brian Pillman in WCW.
They teased a countout but Hardy got back into the ring at nine. As Hardy made his way through the ropes, HHH nailed him with a kneedrop to the back off the corner. Hardy continued to fight off HHH, who avoided Hardy's reverse kick. HHH locked on an abdominal stretch and began grabbing the ropes for additional leverage. Hardy broke free but HHH rebounded off the ropes with another clothesline.
HHH locked on a sleeper but Hardy charged the corner and HHH ate turnbuckle. Hardy nailed a dropkick. HHH whipped him into the ropes but Hardy lariated him. HHH and Hardy slugged it out in the center of the ring. HHH missed a clothesline but Hardy hit a flying clothesline rebounding off the ropes. Hardy peppered him with punches in the corner. HHH fell to the mat but Hardy missed a dropkick.
Hardy clotheslined HHH to the floor then dropkicked him down on the floor. He tossed HHH back into the ring. He went to the top rope and hit a flying bodypress for a two count. Hardy hit a twisting corkscrew moonsault press for another near fall. Hardy went for the Twist of Fate but HHH nailed a DDT for a two count.
Hardy went for a crucifix but HHH fell backwards. Hardy then tried to counter it with a pinfall attempt and got a two. HHH went overly aggressive, beating Hardy in the corner. The announcers said that HHH realized he was only a second away from being beat. Hardy kicked a reverse mule kick, and dropkicked HHH in the chest. Hardy nailed the swanton but HHH kicked up at the last second.
HHH cut off Hardy and teased the Pedigree. HHH grabbed Hardy as he escaped and nailed the spinebuster. HHH pulled him up for the Pedigree but Hardy reversed it into a forward roll for the clean pinfall.
Your winner, WWE Intercontinental champion Jeff Hardy, who now has earned a title match at the Royal Rumble.
Hardy jumped into the crowd to celebrate as HHH looked on. The match was good with the story being that HHH was the better wrestler because he kept Hardy from building any long-term offense. They teased that Hardy could have stolen a win and HHH got even more aggressive at that point. Hardy stealing the win at the end seemed to make the ringside fans happy but I didn't think it came off like a huge momentous moment for Hardy. If this was designed to make it "his moment" to get him to a new level, Pittsburgh wasn't the town to do it in. Still, another good match.
Great Khali bellowed something backstage. Runjin Singh said that Finlay would learn the consequences of his actions after stopping Khali from destroying Hornswoggle at Survivor Series. Runjin said that Finlay loves to fight but Khali loves to destroy. He said that Hornswoggle and Khali will lay at the feet of Khali tonight, decimated.
Great Khali (with Runjin Singh) vs. Finlay (with Hornswoggle)
Hornswoggle came to the ring with Finlay. If Finlay can pull an entertaining match out here, he's truly double the awesome worker we already know he is. Finlay got right into Khali's face, but was shoved into the corner and kicked. He chopped Finlay in the chest, then nailed him in the head.
Finlay was tossed to the floor. Khali followed. He slammed Finlay's face into the apron. Finlay escaped and nailed several kicks to Khali while he was on the apron. Khali still nailed him with a chop to the chest. They returned to the ring, where Khali used his Vulcan nerve pinch of doom. Finlay escaped but was hit with a big boot.
Khali went right back to the nerve pinch. That went on forever it seemed. Finlay finally gets the ropes to break the hold. Khali used the vice grip while Finlay was in the ropes, so the referee called for the break. Hornswoggle who was on the apron was grabbed by Khali and tossed aside.
Khali chopped Finlay, then pressed and slammed him. Khali began removing one of the top turnbuckle pads. The referee caught him. Finlay grabbed the shillelagh to crack Khali but was caught for a chokeslam. Hornswoggle hit the ring with a second and nailed Khali with a low blow. Finlay scored the pin.
Your winner, Finlay!
Not a good match from an in-ring standpoint but they probably did as much as you could expect and this was far better than you would have believed going into it.
WWE champion Randy Orton vs. Chris Jericho
It's kind of telling this is in the middle of the card. They tied up in the middle of the ring but neither got any advantage. Orton backed Jericho up into the corner and nailed several punches. Jericho escaped and caught him with an armdrag into an armbar.
Jericho picked up Orton for a suplex and dropped him across the ropes. When Orton landed in the ring, Jericho kicked him. He nailed another in the gut, then went right back to the armbar. He went after Orton's exposed ribs with a number of elbows as well. He nailed Orton with a spin kick. Orton went to the floor. Jericho dove off the top to the floor.
Orton caught Jericho returning to the ring and teased hitting the DDT while hanging Jericho off the ropes but Jericho escaped and went for the Wall of Jericho. Orton finally got the better of the exchange and drilled Jericho with a DDT. He stalked Jericho with several kicked and then locked on a side chinlock. Jericho fought to his feet but was caught with a big dropkick as he rebounded off the ropes. Orton got a two count after the dropkick.
Orton went right back into a sleeper combination, grapevining his legs around Jericho's torso. Orton whipped Jericho into the corner. Jericho went to avoid the charge but the two "cracked heads" and both collapsed to the mat. The referee began counting each down on the mat but each returned to their feet at the eight count.
Jericho got the better of their exchange once they got back to their feet including a forearm off the ropes. Jericho clotheslined Orton for a two count. He nailed an uppercut on Orton (Dory Funk would be proud) and nailed a dropkick off the ropes. Orton got his shoulder up right before the three count. Orton drilled Jericho with a powerslam for a two count.
Orton tossed Jericho into the ringpost shoulder-first. He went for the RKO but Jericho attempted a backslide, getting a two count. Orton tossed Jericho back into the ringpost again. Orton nailed Jericho with a superplex, but only gained a two count as Jericho got his shoulder up.
Orton missed a dropkick, but was caught by Jericho, who went for the Walls of Jericho. Orton was nailed with an enziguiri and then hit with a bulldog takedown. Jericho went for the Lionsault, but Orton got his knees up. Orton went for the RKO but Jericho shoved him off and hit a Lionsault for a near fall. The Arena thought it was the finish.
They battled in the corner with Orton elbowing Jericho off the apron into the ring barrier. Orton stalked him but was slammed into the ring post. Orton tossed Jericho into the Smackdown announce table. Jericho landed on JBL, then shoved him aside as he went back after Orton. He tossed Orton into the ring and nailed a shot to the back of the head off the top.
Jericho waited for Orton to get to his feet and called for the Codebreaker, but Orton caught him and slammed him powerbomb style into the turnbuckles. Orton went for his trademark kick to the head, but Jericho avoided it and locked on the Wall of Jericho. Orton dragged himself to the ropes but Jericho pulled him to the center of the ring. JBL hit the ring and kicked Jericho in the face, causing a disqualification.
Your winner, by DQ, Chris Jericho!
As he left the ring, JBL said, "You think you can put your hands on me, son?" He went to the back. Even Orton looked shocked and confused by what happened. Orton drilled Jericho with the RKO.
The match itself was good until the finish, which the live crowd absolutely hated. I guess we are looking at a JBL-Jericho program.
They aired the Royal Rumble commercial again. Being from NYC, I got a kick out of the subway theme, although since the train was a 7 train, the next stop after 14th Street isn't Madison Square Garden...the 7 train doesn't go to either of those stations! But, I digress.
Lilian Garcia announced the next match would be for the WWE Women's championship. Jillian Hall came out. She plugged the itunes album. She said she was going to sing one of her favorite songs off the album right now. It was a terrible rendition of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." She was thankfully cut off by Mickie James' theme music.
WWE Women's champion Beth Phoenix vs. Mickie James
They locked up with Phoenix overpowering James early. James went for the bulldog off the ropes but was shoved off. James tried to whip Phoenix but was stopped and Beth nailed her arm. James went for her headscissors out of the corner but was caught and powerbombed. Phoenix got a two count.
Phoenix locked on a Dragon Sleeper (Tatsumi Fujinami, represent yo), then nailed the Oklahoma Stampede in the corner. James came back with a rollup for a two count. Phoenix locked on a chicken wing combination, but James battled back with several elbows to the face. James avoided a reverse suplex, then hit her head scissors out of the corner.
James nailed the Lou Thesz Press and peppered Beth with punches. She nailed a second Thesz Press, then a dropkick to the face for another two count. Mickie hit a missile dropkick for another two count.
Beth cut off James with a kick to the gut, then nailed a Fisherman's suplex for the clean pinfall.
Your winner and still WWE Women's champion, Beth Phoenix!
Match was short but fine for what it was. Phoenix stands out doing all the power moves usually reserved for men and James' work was good here too.
Tazz reunited with old Smackdown announcing partner Michael Cole for the main event.
WWE World champion Batista vs. The Undertaker vs. Edge - No DQ
They aired a video feature on the main event.
Taker and Batista lock up. Taker was shoved out of the ring, where he grabbed at Edge, who was outside. Batista and Taker battled over who was going to get Edge. Edge scrambled away. Edge got offense in on Taker, then backed off. Batista attacked Taker from behind, then nailed him with a kneelift. He clotheslined Taker out of the ring. Taker landed on his feet and grabbed Edge by the throat and slammed him to the floor.
Taker nailed Batista, then legdropped him as he was laid out across the apron with his head exposed. Edge leaped on the chance to try and pin Batista, but only got a two count. Edge began working over Batista, then shoulderblocked Taker off the apron. Batista grabbed Edge with a slam, then clotheslined him in the corner.
He charged Edge in the corner but was caught with a drop toehold. Edge teased a spear but was caught with a kick to the face, then an over the shoulder powerslam. Batista scored a two count but Taker broke up the pin. Taker went to hit Edge with a guillotine legdrop but Batista nailed Taker with a running clothesline on the apron, sending him to the floor.
Batista caught Edge with a spinebuster, then tried to set him for the Batista Bomb. Edge lowblowed him and went for a pin, but Taker pulled the referee to the floor. Taker peppered Edge in the face and chest with punches in the corner, then hit a running splash in the opposite corner. Taker hit Edge with snake eyes, then a big boot to the face. Edge kicked out.
Taker walked the ropes and drilled Edge. He tried to lock a triangle choke on Batista. Outside the ring, Edge rang the timekeeper's bell, so Taker broke the hold. Taker went after the referee but Edge speared him for a two count. Edge then speared Batista and scored a two count.Edge grabbed a chair and placed them under Batista's head for a Conchairto, but Batista kicked him in the face.
Taker and Batista both got to their feet and went after each other. Taker nailed a superplex on Batista. Batista took down Edge, but it turned out to be an imposter. Batista called for the Batista Bomb, but Taker grabbed him with a chokeslam. Taker chokeslamed the fake Edge. Batista caught him with a kick and tried for the Batista Bomb but Taker drove him into the corner.
Taker nailed Snake Eyes, but was caught with a clothesline by Batista. Batista received a two count. Batista went for the over the shoulder powerbomb but Taker reversed it into a tombstone piledriver. Edge nailed Taker from behind with a chair, then drilled Batista with one and scored the pin.
Your winner and new WWE World champion Edge!
They booked the hell out of this as I don't think they ever let up the momentum the entire time. As it turned out, there were two fake Edges, not one. Decent match.
Overall, a very good show, way better than I think anyone expected coming in. If you want to see some good wrestling, you'll enjoy this, although you may not love some of the finishes.
2007 - The AP reported the following:
The Associated Press issued the following article this evening:
Lawyer says Benoit estate fight could be resolved soon
ATLANTA- fight over the estate of pro wrestler Chris Benoit -- who killed his wife, son and then himself in June -- could soon be resolved, a lawyer for Benoit's father said Sunday.
Separately, lawyer Cary Ichter said, the league Benoit performed in, Stamford-based World Wrestling Entertainment , has balked at the idea of making a financial contribution to Benoit's two surviving children from a previous marriage.
WWE attorney Jerry McDevitt did not immediately return a call to his cell phone Sunday seeking comment.
The dispute over the estate, estimated to be worth $1.5 million to $3 million, involves a fight between the family of Benoit's slain wife, Nancy, and Benoit's father, Michael, who is acting on behalf of Benoit's other two children, who live in Canada.
Ichter told The Associated Press that he hopes to know in about a week whether the two sides will be able to resolve the dispute or if further litigation will be necessary. He declined to detail what terms are being discussed.
A central issue in the dispute is the order in which the killings occurred.
Lawyers for Benoit's mother-in-law, Maureen Toffoloni, filed a petition in August asking a court to determine the order of the deaths, which could affect whether she gets any of the estate, which includes two homes, several bank and investment accounts and other assets.
Investigators have repeatedly said that Benoit killed his wife, then their son and himself during the weekend of June 22 at their suburban Atlanta home.
District Attorney Scott Ballard has said the wrestler used a cord to strangle his wife, then killed his son with a choke hold, then placed Bibles next to the bodies and hanged himself on a piece of exercise equipment.
Under that scenario, the estate would pass to Benoit's surviving two children, according to Ichter.
But if the boy was killed first and then the wife, under Georgia law at least some of the estate would pass to Toffoloni, lawyers in the case have said.
That's because of a forfeiture statute that takes into account the fact that Benoit was the killer. As such, the law for purposes of estate distribution would consider Benoit to have died before his wife and son.
Ichter has said that if the boy was killed first, the estate would pass to the wife and, since she was killed, it would then pass to her family.
An attorney for Toffoloni, of Daytona Beach, Fla., has said he doesn't believe the order of deaths is clear, and that is why he has asked the Fayette County court to make a determination based on the law.
As for the issue of a payment from the WWE to Chris Benoit's two other children, Ichter said he and a local attorney for the league had been discussing the idea of compensation for the children. Ichter said he told the lawyer that Benoit's father might accept $2 million for the children. About a week ago, the attorney told Ichter the WWE wasn't interested in talking about it further, according to Ichter.
Ichter said his client has not decided yet whether to sue the WWE.
Investigators have not given a motive for the killings, but the question of whether steroids played a role has lingered. Anabolic steroids were found in Benoit's home, and tests showed Benoit had roughly 10 times the normal level of testosterone in his system when he died.
Some experts believe that use of testosterone can contribute to paranoia, depression and violent outbursts known as "roid rage."
Benoit's father believes years of head trauma his son suffered while in the ring contributed to the killings
2008 - Darren Aronofsky's The Wrestler had its official Hollywood premiere. Steven Starr was in attendance and filed the following report:
I attended The Wrestler premiere tonight at the Samuel Goldwyn Theatre in Beverly Hills. Ric Flair, Diamond Dallas Page, Greg Valentine, Roddy Piper, Brutus Beefcake and Ernest Miller were in attendance, as well as 50 Cent, Jared Leto, Masiela Lusha, Matthew Perry, John McGinley and the stars of the movie, Evan Rachel Wood, Marissa Tomei, and Mickey Rourke.
Before the screening started, Darren Aronofsky introduced Wood, Tomei, and Rourke to the audience. Aronofsky explained how he did not set out to make a movie celebrating the "sport of wrestling" (his words), but that it came together that way and he has a lot of respect for the craft. He told a story about how he screened the movie for BAFTA, and Roddy Piper was in attendance. Not knowing how Piper was going to respond, he put Piper on the spot and asked him what he thought of the screening. Piper joked with him at first he didn't know where Aronofsky did his research, but complimented him and said this was the first film that truly told a wrestler's story.
Aronofsky then explained that he asked Piper to bring several retired wrestlers to the premiere tonight, and then introduced DDP, Beefcake, Valentine, and Ernest "The Cat" Miller. Each of the wrestlers stood up in their seats when Aronofsky introduced them, except for Miller -- for some reason 50 Cent stood up instead. Unfortunately, only 50 and his two bodyguards thought this funny. Aronofsky then introduced Lex Luger, who he called "an inspiration to us all" but Luger wasn't actually in attendance.
After the screening, there was an after party. Flair kept to himself. He was with his wife and two other people. Flair didn't stay very long after the screening ended. Piper brought his family with him and he had a crowd around him all evening. He was clearly in his element. Miller was busy taking pictures with celebrities on his personal camera and chatting everybody up. Valentine stayed close to Piper and Beefcake. Valentine, Beefcake and DDP looked like they were happy to be there but Hollywood parties can be very aloof, and all three seemed out of their element to me.
Jared Leto was being followed by a camera crew all evening so I wouldn't be surprised if some footage of the event pops up. Interestingly, several stars on Fox Searchlight's media list no showed the event including Hulk Hogan, Emile Hirsch, Nicky Hilton, Kevin Connolly, and Luke Wilson.
2009 - TNA Knockout Christy Hemme, who won the first-ever WWE Diva Search competition, announced last night during a podcast for her official website, the RHS that she was officially retired from in-ring competition, but would be remaining affiliated with TNA. Hemme explained that she found herself tense and nervous about the possibilities of re-injuring her neck during a six-Knockouts tag match several weeks back, concerned that she didn't want to have spent eight months allowing a neck injury to heal naturally only to suffer it again. Hemme noted that the day after that bout, she informed TNA that she wasn't going to continue wrestling. She noted that she feels healthy and fine, but didn't want to put herself into a situation where her long term quality of life would be an issue.
Hemme broke into the business in 2004, winning a contract via the inaugural WWE Diva Search. She posed for Playboy Magazine a year later. She debuted in TNA after being released by WWE and has remained with the company since. She is still working for the company as a ring announcer and backstage interviewer.
2009 - World Wrestling Entertainment added to the following to their corporate website in regard to the company's Wellness Policy:
How often is a WWE Talent tested after testing positive and receiving a strike?
After a WWE Talent tests positive and receives a strike, that WWE Talent is tested an average of 16 times for a period of one year.
Does a WWE Talent who leaves WWE with a strike or strikes retain those infractions if they return to WWE?
Any WWE talent who leaves the WWE for any reason with a first or second violation on his/her record will maintain those strikes if he/she returns to the WWE.
Is a WWE Talent who is terminated for a third strike able to return to the WWE?
A WWE Talent who is terminated by the WWE for a third violation will be prohibited from returning to the WWE for at least one year. Before a possible return, the WWE Talent must test negative for all prohibited substances under the Policy during a pre-contract screening. If they pass the pre-contract screening and are approved to return, the WWE Talent must undergo mandatory unannounced testing for at least one year after the execution of the new contract. The WWE Talent will return with two strikes on his/her record.
2010 - WWE broadcast Superstars. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We start off this week’s show with the Smackdown brand and your announcers are Jack Korpela and Matt Striker.
Match Number One: JTG versus Curt Hawkins
They lock up and JTG with a side head lock and take down. Hawkins gets to his feet but JTG with a shoulder tackle and gets a near fall. JTG works on the arm and takes Hawkins to the mat and kicks him in the arm and gets a near fall. JTG continues to work on the arm but Hawkins backs JTG into the corner and connects with a shoulder followed by a slap. JTG with an Irish whip and then he goes to the turnbuckles but Hawkins sends JTG over the top rope to the floor. Hawkins with a front face lock and then he runs JTG into the apron. They return to the ring and Hawkins gets a near fall. Hawkins with a forearm to the back and then he hits a suplex and gets a near fall. Hawkins with a reverse chin lock. Hawkins with knees to the back while holding on to a rear chin lock. Hawkins with a knee when JTG gets back to his feet. They each try for a clothesline and both men are down.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Hawkins with a chin lock but JTG with a belly-to-back suplex and both men are down. Hawkins with a side head lock and JTG tries for a belly-to-back suplex but Hawkins counters with a lateral press for a near fall. JTG with a punch followed by a reverse atomic drop but Hawkins with a slam and he gets a near fall. Hawkins punches JTG and then he goes up top for the elbow drop but JTG rolls out of the way and Hawkins misses. JTG runs Hawkins into the corner and he kicks Hawkins. JTG leaps into the corner and hits the Mug Shot and gets a near fall. Hawkins kicks JTG in the knee but JTG with a Shout Out for the three count.
Winner: JTG
It is time to take a look back at this week’s NXT when Byron Saxton showed that he could sing, but couldn’t really do the obstacle course. Johnny Curtis showed his prowess at the obstacle course.
We are back and it is already time for the Raw portion of the show. Your announcers are CM Punk and Scott ‘or whatever Punk calls him’ Stanford.
Match Number Two: Zack Ryder versus Darren Young
Zack wants the referee to hold Darren back because he isn’t ready. Ryder backs Young into the corner and he pushes him. Young pushes back and gets a rollup when Ryder misses a charge into the corner. They lock up again and Young with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Young with a clothesline and knee to the head. Young sends Ryder into the turnbuckles and then hits a European uppercut. Young goes to the turnbuckles and punches Ryder but Ryder escapes and pulls Young into the ropes. Ryder goes to the apron and connects with a kick. Ryder chokes Young in the corner and then slingshots him into the turnbuckles and gets a near fall. Ryder with a reverse chin lock on Young. Young with elbows and then he escapes. Young runs into a boot from Ryder and Ryder gets a near fall. Ryder with a neck breaker but he can only get a two count. Ryder sends Young into the turnbuckles and punches him until the referee warns him. Ryder with a running boot across the face and he gets a near fall.
Ryder with a reverse chin lock on Young and Ryder with a forearm to the back. Young with an overhead belly-to-belly throws and then Young with punches after blocking punches from Ryder. Young with forearms and a flying shoulder tackle. Young with a slap to Ryder and a reverse atomic drop followed by a clothesline. Young with a gut buster from the shoulders for a near fall. Ryder with a forearm and Young tries for a rollup but Ryder holds on to the ropes. Ryder with the Rough Ryder for the three count.
Winner: Zack Ryder
We go to commercial.
We are back with the Raw Rebound.
We run through the card for TLC (at this point)
Match Number Three: Drew McIntyre versus Yoshi Tatsu
Drew takes his time getting ready for the match while Yoshi is ready for action. They lock up and Drew backs Yoshi into the corner and Drew with a clean break. They lock up again and Drew with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Drew seems impressed with his performance so far. They lock up again and Yoshi sends Drew into the corner and he chops and kicks Drew. Drew with a forearm to the back and he adds punches to the attack. The referee warns Drew but Drew returns to the attack. Yoshi with forearms in the corner and he follows with kicks and the referee warns him. Yoshi with a series of kicks to the head and he gets a near fall.
Yoshi escapes a belly-to-back suplex and Yoshi tries for a round kick but Drew escapes it and goes to the floor. They fight to the floor and Drew tries to send Yoshi into the barrier but Yoshi blocks it and he sends Drew into it. Drew with a shoulder breaker into the ring apron and we go to commercial.
We are back and Drew with a key lock on Yoshi and then he stomps on the arm. Drew wraps Yoshi’s arm in the ropes and then he kicks the ropes to add more pressure to the arm. Drew gets a near fall and Yoshi gets his foot on the ropes to stop the count. Drew punches Yoshi and then he returns to the key lock. Yoshi with kicks to Drew and then he hits a crucifix for a near fall. Drew with a savate kick for a near fall. Drew stomps on the hand and then kicks Yoshi in the head. Drew with an arm bar.
Yoshi punches Drew in the ribs and then he kicks and chops him. Drew with a divorce court and he gets a near fall. Drew with an arm bar but Yoshi with a drop kick that sends Drew to the floor. Drew returns to the ring but Yoshi side steps him and Drew goes into the ring post and to the floor. Drew returns to the ring and Yoshi with chops to Drew. Yoshi with kicks to Drew and then he hits the double knees into the corner. Drew avoids the rolling mare but Yoshi hits a spinning heel kick but Drew gets his hand on the rope and the referee stops his count. Drew sends Yoshi to the apron but Yoshi with a round kick. Yoshi goes up top but misses the spinning heel kick and Drew gets up first and he hits the Future Shock DDT for the three count.
Winner: Drew McIntyre
2010 - TNA broadcast Impact. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
This week’s show starts off with a look at the top contenders for Jeff Hardy’s TNA Heavyweight Title, Ken Anderson and Matt Morgan. They talk about the concussion situation for Ken and what it means to him.
We see Ken Anderson walking into the building earlier today and he is not in a good mood after looking at the board. Matt Morgan wants to know what Ken is so angry about because Ken told Matt that he would be cleared to wrestle so he should have been happy to see his name on there in a tag match against Jeff Hardy. Ken wants to know if Matt is his mom. He says that his word is his bond and Matt says that he doesn’t want to hear that from Ken. Ken calls Matt ‘partner’ before walking away.
We are live on tape from Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida and your announcers are Mike ‘The Good Mike announcer’ Tenay and Taz.
Matt Morgan comes to the ring and he is dressed for action, but wants to address the Impact Zone. He says that he is in the spot he is in because he had a choice to make. He could turn his back on Fortune, Immortal, and a childhood idol in Hulk Hogan. He had a guaranteed payday for the rest of his career. Or he could stand up for Ken Anderson when Ken was forced to wrestle Jeff Jarrett in a chain match. He says that he made the right choice and in his heart of hearts it was the right choice. It might not have been an easy choice. Tonight, he is supposed to team with Ken Anderson against Jeff Hardy and Kazarian. Matt wants to address Ken. He says that he has done everything to help Anderson. Matt says that when the bell sounds, all bets are off. If Hardy and Kaz want to hit Ken in the head again, it is all on Anderson. Matt says that he has done everything to keep Anderson from hurting himself. Matt says that he will have Anderson’s back tonight in the match, but will Anderson be healthy enough to have his back?
We will find out because Ken Anderson’s music plays and he comes out. Ken accepts a mic from someone at ringside instead of waiting for it to drop from the heavens. Ken tells Matt that he appreciates everything that he has done for him, but he is a big boy, not as big as Matt. Ken says that he can take care of himself since he is an adult. Ken points out that they are wrestlers and they are here to wrestle and that is what he is going to do. Ken asks Matt if he wants a note from his mommy. What about his doctor?
Matt says that Ken is good at misdirections. He says that Ken doesn’t need to show him any note, but he wants Ken to prove it to the fans who follow Anderson. Matt says that nobody wants to see Ken in a match where it might jeopardize the next twenty or thirty years of Ken’s life. What about the commitment to Sports Legacy Institute? When little pissant promoters like Eric Bischoff try to put you in harm’s way, you stand up and tell them to ‘f off’.
Anderson says that he has done it for two months.
Matt says that he wants Ken to look him in the eye and shake his hand if he is 100% percent and has his back.
Before there is any handshaking going on in the ring, Jeff Hardy’s music plays and he comes out. Jeff wants to know if they are going to have the match or not. Jeff says that Matt should have proposed to Ken so they could get married at Genesis. Jeff says that they are acting like a married couple.
Matt wants to know if they are hearing this from Hulk Hogan’s puppet boy. Anderson tells Jeff that his makeup is running.
Jeff tells Ken that Matt is working him. How does Ken know that Matt isn’t ‘one of us’ and he says that stranger things have happened in the past. Jeff says that if Ken doesn’t have the match, then he loses his title match. Jeff tells Matt to worry about his own health. Jeff tells the marks in the Impact Zone that they are all con men and at the end of the day, it is all about the title belt. Jeff says that him and Kazarian are going to prove that they are bad asses.
We go to Mike and Taz at the announce table. They run through the card for the show.
While Jay Lethal comes to the ring, we see footage from the X Division Title match at Final Resolution.
Match Number One: Robbie E with Cookie versus Jay Lethal for the X Division Title
Lethal keeps Robbie from leaving the ring and he punches Robbie. Cookie trips Lethal as he comes off the ropes and the referee doesn’t see it because it is a Hebner. Christy Hemme comes out and takes Cookie down and she puts handcuffs on Cookie.
Meanwhile there is a match going on and Robbie kicks and punches Jay as we go to commercial.
We are back and Lethal with an inside cradle on Robbie, but Robbie responds with a near fall. Robbie slaps Lethal in the head and kicks him. Lethal with a back elbow and punches followed by chops. Lethal with a kick and more chops. Robbie pulls Lethal to the mat and gets a near fall.
On the floor, Christy punches Cookie while the match continues. Robbie punches Lethal and slaps him in the head. Robbie with a reverse chin lock and then he pulls Lethal back to the mat by the hair to maintain the chin lock. Lethal gets to his feet and he escapes and punches Robbie. Robbie responds with a punch and then they exchange punches until Lethal takes control. Lethal with clotheslines and a chop. Lethal with a suplex and then he hits the Lethal Combination and then Jay goes up top and hits the elbow drop for a two count. Robbie gets a boot up and the referee finally sees Robbie’s foot on the rope and he stops the count. Robbie goes up top and Lethal crotches him after a punch. Lethal with a superplex. Cookie with a knee to Christy but Christy is able to stop Cookie from helping Robbie cheat. Lethal hits the Lethal Injection for the three count.
Winner: Jay Lethal
After the match, Christy gets in the ring and celebrates with Lethal. Jay kisses Christy for all of her help.
AJ Styles and Eric Bischoff are in the back and AJ says that Robbie just can’t get it done. He says that Robbie could have been a part of Fortune or Immortal but he couldn’t hold on to a title. Eric asks AJ if he understands irony. Eric says that irony is AJ talking to Eric about Robbie not getting it done, but AJ lost the title two weeks ago to Douglas Williams. Eric wants to know when AJ is going to step up and be the pound for pound greatest wrestler. AJ says that he held the title. Eric points out that AJ does not hold the title. He tells AJ to go and do it. AJ says that he has a rematch. Eric tells AJ that he better win because he can find any jabroni who can do a Ric Flair imitation. Eric points out Jay Lethal’s Flair imitation. He tells AJ to be a leader and then he dares him.
AJ takes off his sunglasses for a moment and then he walks away.
Douglas Williams is walking around in the back and they ask him about beating AJ Styles with his own move. Douglas says that it was entertaining to do it that way and was salt in the wounds. Douglas says hello to Magnus and they reminisce about the old days. Douglas asks Magnus about his girl and Magnus says that Chelsea is done. He says that women and wrestling don’t mix. He says that him and Desmond decided that she was not needed. Douglas asks about Desmond and Magnus says that he will be back soon. Douglas is asked how it felt to beat AJ. He says that it was refreshing to beat AJ.
Speaking of AJ, as Douglas goes to get ready for his match, AJ attacks him and they fight in the trailer. AJ sends him into a door and then he punches Douglas. They have moved into the part of the trailer where Tara and Madison Rayne are and they yell at AJ and Douglas as AJ continues to beat up Douglas. Douglas punches AJ but AJ punches Douglas. AJ sends Douglas into the wall while Madison and Tara continue to yell at them to stop. AJ calls them hookers and the AJ tells Douglas that he isn’t done with him. AJ says that he feels refreshed.
Orlando Jordan is walking in the back with Eric Young and a few blondes are with them. Eric is wearing the old TNA Heavyweight Title belt. Orlando wants to know where Eric found the title. Eric says that he found it in the garbage and he is the champion. Eric tells the girls that they have a huge match tonight and he wants to walk away. Orlando asks Eric about the girls and then he walks away.
Eric walks into a room and there is someone sitting in a circle of candles. Eric addresses him as sensei and we see that it is Brian Kendrick. Eric says that he needs some guidance for his first title defense. Brian tells Eric that he is the champion and will stay the champion because he believes in himself. Brian tells Eric that one man’s treasure is another man’s trash. Eric leaves and remembers to turn off the lights as we go to commercial.
Jeff Hardy says that there is a lot of bs going around in TNA and he says that he got in Anderson and Morgan’s head. He says that they should create their own destiny to get on the road to the most important title in wrestling. He says that the star of Immortal is joining forces with the up and coming star of Fortune in a tag match.
We see footage from last week when Mickie James attacked Tara and Eric Young protected Mickie by going after Generation Me.
Eric is accompanied by two Hooters girls because they are going to be on a special on SpikeTV on December 21st. Not to be outdone, Orlando has donned the orange hot pants for Hooters.
Eric gets on the mic before the match and he tells the Impact Zone that everyone knows that he is a fighting champion. Tonight his belt is on the line in the most dangerous match ever, the battle royal. Eric grabs the referee and throws him over the top rope to ‘eliminate him’. Now that the shenanigans are done, it is time for the tag match.
Match Number Two: Eric Young and Orlando Jordan versus Generation Me
Eric throws Max and Jeremy over the top rope to the floor. Orlando and Eric celebrate but Eric gives his tag team partner a reverse atomic drop and clotheslines him over the top rope to the floor. Eric celebrates but the referee reminds him that isn’t the type of match they are in.
Max and Jeremy hit Eric from behind. Max and Jeremy has something to say to the Hooters girls at ringside. Jeremy kicks Eric in the corner but Orlando takes care of Max and then Orlando gives Jeremy a back body drop. Orlando with a spinebuster to Max and then he covers him and adds a little grinding to the cover. Jeremy kicks Orlando and then knees him in the head. Jeremy with a leg drop and he gets a near fall. Jeremy spends too much time with the Hooters girls. Jeremy with a heel kick and then Max with a head scissors and Jeremy with a drop kick and Max gets a near fall. Jeremy goes to the floor and hits on the girls.
Young tags in and he hits a suicide dive onto the Bucks and then he sends Max back into the ring and hits a running back elbow and a discus clothesline. Orlando makes the blind tag and he hits a drop kick and clothesline followed by a spinebuster. Orlando with a kick and then he puts Max in a modified cobra clutch and Max taps out.
Winners: Eric Young and Orlando Jordan
After the match, Eric celebrates with his three Hooters Girls.
Eric Bischoff is watching a monitor in the back and Mickie James wants to talk to him because she wants to know who her tag team partner is tonight in the tag team tournament. Eric tells Mickie that her partner is Miss Tessmacher. Mickie says that she isn’t a wrestler and Eric says that she wasn’t much of a secretary either. He hopes that she is a better wrestler.
We go to commercial.
We are back and we see highlights from last week’s Knockouts Tag Team Tournament. We also see highlights from last week’s steel cage match between Mickie James and Tara.
Match Number Three: Madison Rayne and Tara versus Mickie James and Miss Tessmacher in a Knockouts Tag Title Tournament Semifinal Match
Mickie and Madison start things off and Madison wants Tessmacher so Mickie tags in the person who has never had a match before. Madison pats her on the head and then Tessmacher pushes Madison. Madison pushes back. Tessmacher with arm drags aplenty. Madison misses a clothesline and Tessmacher with a hip toss and drop kick. Madison with a kick and then she throws Tessmacher to the mat. Madison chokes Tessmacher with her boot and then hits a shoulder in the corner. Madison with a cravate on Tessmacher and snap mares her. Madison grabs Tessmacher by the hair and the referee warns her. Madison chokes Tessmacher on the mat and then drives Tessmacher’s head into the mat. Madison mocks Mickie about making a tag and Tessmacher with a rollup for a near fall. Madison with forearms and then she rakes the eyes.
Madison goes to the turnbuckles and misses a cross body. Mickie tags in and hits flying clotheslines and forearms. Mickie with a neck breaker to Madison and then she turns her attention to Tara on the apron. Madison with a forearm and Thesz Press and she punches Madison. Mickie with a kick and she sets for the Impaler DDT but Tara gets Mickie’s attention and Tara hits Mickie with her cast. Madison with a punch and she gets the three count.
Winners: Madison Rayne and Tara
Kazarian is walking in the back talking about the tag match against Anderson and Morgan. Frankie stops to talk to Rob Terry about his big match. Frankie tells Rob that he has a huge opportunity tonight. There are a lot of eyes watching Rob tonight. Frankie tells Rob that he needs their help. Rob tells Frankie ‘screw you’. Frankie says that Rob can be made or you can be gone. He tells Rob to ask Rhino, but Rhino isn’t here. Frankie says that it is Rob’s call at the end of the day.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Pope is given some money for the congregation for the children’s Christmas. Pope says that it is time to tend to business.
Brother Ray comes to the ring and he has something to say before his match. He says that nobody has ever been worthy of being his tag team partner, especially not Devon. He says that Devon called him a bully and that is true. He says that he is starting his singles career tonight and he chose the biggest, baddest, roughest, and toughest guy in the locker room for his opponent tonight.
Match Number Four: Brother Ray versus Amazing Red
Ray with a body block as Red enters the ring. Ray with a back body drop and then he hits a running shoulder into the corner. Ray with a chop and then he biels Red across the ring. The referee checks on Red and Ray tells him to get out of the way. Ray pulls Red’s leg while he has his boot on Red’s chest. Ray punches Red and he lets Red get a shot in on Ray and he connects. Red goes up top and hits a missile drop kick. Red runs into a big boot and then he hits the Bubba Bomb for the three count.
Winner: Brother Ray
After the match, Ray gets a chair and is going to hit Red but Devon comes to the ring and Ray leaves the ringside area.
Jeff Jarrett talks about the Double J Double M A challenge and he says that someone will get $100,000 if he taps out. Last week, his challenger thought it was a joke, but it isn’t a joke to him.
We go to commercial.
We are back and D’Angelo Dinero is going to his car and he drives away.
Before our next match, Van Dam tells Bischoff it doesn’t matter who or what you put in his path because he will go forward until he gets the TNA title and Jeff Hardy’s ass.
Match Number Four: Rob Terry versus Rob Van Dam
They lock up and Terry pushes Van Dam away. Van Dam with punches to Terry followed by a kick. Terry grabs Van Dam by the throat and then hits a drop toe hold and drop kicks to Terry. Van Dam with a leg drop and then he tries for a cross body but Terry catches him and hits a standing power slam. Terry with a shoulder to the back and then he gets a near fall. Terry with a shoulder in the corner. Van Dam with a kick as Terry charges and then Van Dam with a springboard side kick. Terry hits Van Dam with a spear and we go to commercial.
We are back and Terry knocks Van Dam off the apron and he goes into the guardrail. Terry goes to the floor and he runs Van Dam’s back into the apron. Terry rolls Van Dam into the ring and he gets a near fall. Terry with a back breaker to Van Dam and then he slams Van Dam and gets a near fall. Terry with a bear hug on Van Dam. Van Dam escapes the hold but Terry with a waist lock. Van Dam with elbows and a kick. Van Dam with a corkscrew drop kick and then he hits a springboard side kick followed by Rolling Thunder. Van dam goes up top for the Five Star Frog Splash and he hits it and gets the three count.
Winner: Rob Van Dam
It is time to run through the ‘MMA’ career of Jeff Jarrett.
We see the Pope get out of his car and he walks into a local Adult Entertainment Establishment.
We go to commercial.
It is time for the Double J Double M Single A Submission Challenge. Jeff comes to the ring and he is accompanied by Team Jarrett.
Jeremy Borash reminds everyone of the parameters of the challenge. Jeff insults a few fans in the crowd who are not worthy of accepting Jeff’s challenge. They have chosen a victim for this week. Jeremy asks him two questions. He says that his name is Jose but his friends call him Jay. He says that his last name is Rios and he is from Puerto Rico. Jeff asks him who his favorite wrestler is and he says that it is Mickie James.
Jeff hits Jose and then he pushes him away. Jarrett with knees to Jose followed by punches. Jeff with punches to the head and then he puts Jose in a choke and Jose taps out.
Jeff Hardy and Frankie Kazarian walk together in the back for their match tonight. Matt Morgan and Ken Anderson walk in split screen before we go to commercial.
Before the match starts, Ken says hello to his a**holes.
Match Number Five: Jeff Hardy and Frankie Kazarian versus Ken Anderson and Matt Morgan
Hardy and Anderson start things off but Hardy gives Anderson the finger and tags in Kazarian before anything happens. Kazarian mocks Anderson’s concussions but Anderson punches Kazarian. Kazarian tries for a rollup but Anderson holds on to the ropes and Anderson with an elbow. Kazarian has a kick blocked but hits an enzuigiri and he gets a near fall. Anderson with a forearm to Kazarian followed by a hard Irish whip but Anderson put so much into it that Kazarian nails Anderson in the head. Anderson rolls the wrong way but he tags in Morgan. Morgan punches Kazarain followed by a clothesline and Irish whip. Morgan sends Kazarian into the turnbuckles and then he hits a leg to the back of the head. Morgan with the elbows in the corner. Morgan with a splash into the corner and then he hits a side slam on Kazarian. Morgan goes after Hardy but Jeff goes to the floor. Kazarian grabs the referee’s shirt and Morgan with another punch. Kazarian grabs the referee’s shirt again and Morgan goes off the ropes but Hardy pulls the ropes and Morgan goes to the floor. Hardy with a double sledge to the floor and then he sends Morgan into the ring steps because the referee is dealing with Anderson.
Hardy tags in and he kicks Morgan in the chest. Hardy with the double leg drop and a drop kick. Kazarian tags back in and they kick Morgan in the corner. Anderson is drawn in and the referee deals with him while Hardy and Kazarian double team Morgan. Kazarian punches Anderson on the apron and knocks him to the floor. Hardy tags back in while Kazarian chokes Morgan. Hardy with a double sledge to the head followed by kicks. Morgan and Kazarian try for a double suplex but Anderson with a clothesline to Kazarian and he punches Hardy. Jeff goes to the floor while Anderson hits a back elbow on Kazarian. The referee wonders what is going on and Kazarian escapes a Lambeau Leap attempt and he sends Anderson into the referee and the referee goes down.
Anderson avoids a clothesline and he hits the Lambeau Leap and then Morgan with a leg drop. Hardy punches Anderson but Anderson with a jawbreaker and Morgan with a clothesline to Hardy. Anderson goes up top for the Kenton Bomb but Rob Terry comes out and since Anderson has some equilibrium issues, he stays on the turnbuckles a bit longer than expected. Terry pushes Anderson off the turnbuckles and Ken gets crotched on the ropes.
Morgan sees Terry on the apron and Morgan gets dropped across the ropes and Hardy hits the Twist of Fate and gets the three count.
Winners: Kazarian and Jeff Hardy
While Hardy and Kazarian celebrate in the ring, Rob Terry walks up the ramp and he smiles. Morgan and Anderson are in the ring, but Morgan walks away as we go to credits.
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