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April 18th
On this day in history in ....
1939 - Ed Don George defeats Steve Casey for the Boston AWA World Heavyweight Title in Albany, New York, ending Casey's second reign and beginning George's third.
1958 - Karl Heinkler and Kurt Von Brauner defeat Don Lee and The Mighty Yankee to win the Georgia NWA International Tag Team Title in Atlanta, Georgia.
1959 - Debbie Combs is born in Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
1961 - Steve Lombardi is born in Brooklyn, New York.
1962 - René Guajardo defeats Antonio Posa for the NWA World Middleweight Title in Mexico City, Mexico, beginning Guajardo's second reign.
1962 - Tex Riley and Gus Taylor win the Gulf Coast NWA Southern Tag Team Title from The Mysterious Medics in Mobile, Alabama, ending their fourth reign.
1966 - Buddy Austin and El Mongol defeat Thunderbolt Patterson and Alberto Torres to win the World Wrestling Association World Tag Team Title in Los Angeles, California
1969 - Rayo de Jalisco defeats René Guajardo to win the NWA World Middleweight Title in Mexico City, Mexico, beginning Jalisco's third reign and ending Guajardo's fifth.
1969 - El Mongol defeats Assassin #1 for the NWA Georgia Heavyweight Title in Atlanta, Georgia, to begin his sixth reign.
1969 - Bud and Ray Osborne defeat Bob and Fred Sweetan for the Stampede International Tag Team Title in Calgary, Alberta.
1972 - Championship Wrestling from Florida held an eight-man tournament for the vacant NWA Florida Television Title in Tampa, Florida. The results:
Quarterfinals:
- Paul Jones defeated Hiro Matsuda.
- Bob Roop defeated The Professional.
- The Challenger defeated Johnny Grey.
- Johnny Walker defeated The Great Mephisto.
Semifinals:
- Paul Jones defeated Bob Roop.
- Johnny Walker defeated The Challenger.
Finals:
- Paul Jones defeated Johnny Walker to win the vacant NWA Florida Television Title.
1972 - Dory Dixon and Raúl Mata defeat Goliath and Kinji Shibuya for the NWA Americas Tag Team Title in Costa Mesa, California.
1973 - Killer Karl Krupp and Fritz Von Erich defeat Kintaro Ohki and Umanosuke Ueda to win the NWA International Tag Team Title in Yaizu, Japan.
1973 - Jackie Fargo and Jerry Jarrett win their second Mid-America NWA Southern Tag Team Title in Nashville, Tennessee, defeating Jerry Lawler and Jim White.
1974 - Fritz Von Erich defeats The Texan (Blackjack Mulligan) for the NWA American Heavyweight Title in Dallas, Texas, beginning his 12th reign.
1977 - Bill Dundee and Tommy Rich defeat Karl and Kurt Von Steiger to win the NWA Southeastern Tag Team Title in Memphis, Tennessee, ending the Von Steigers' second reign.
1978 - The Iron Sheik and Bull Ramos defeat Jerry Oates and Jesse Ventura for the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Title.
1979 - Lizmark defeats Américo Rocca for the Mexican National Welterweight Title in Acapulco, Mexico.
1981 - The WWF held two events in two of their major northeastern venues.
In the afternoon, an event was held at the Spectrum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The results:
- Larry Sharpe defeated Tony Altimore.
- Dominic DeNucci defeated Baron Mikel Scicluna.
- Johnny Rodz defeated Fred Savage.
- The Fabulous Moolah and Leilani Kai defeated Jill Fontaine and Suzette Ferrera.
- Tony Atlas defeated Hulk Hogan.
- Pat Patterson defeated Sgt. Slaughter by disqualification.
- WWF Heavyweight Champion Bob Backlund (with Arnold Skaaland) defeated Killer Khan.
- The Great Yatsu fought The Hangman to a 20-minute time-limit draw.
- André the Giant and Tony Garea defeated Moondog Rex and Sgt. Slaughter (subbing for Moondog King) by disqualification.
That evening, the focus shifted 130 miles down Interstate 95 to Landover, Maryland's Capital Centre. The results were:
- Larry Sharpe defeated Tony Altimore.
- Special Delivery Jones defeated The Hangmen.
- Moondog Rex defeated Johnny Rodz.
- Tony Garea defeated Moondog Rex by disqualification.
- The Fabulous Moolah and Leilani Kai defeated Jill Fontaine and Suzette Ferrera.
- Pat Patterson defeated Sgt. Slaughter by disqualification.
- Tony Atlas defeated Hulk Hogan.
- Killer Khan defeated WWF Heavyweight Champion Bob Backlund by disqualification.
1981 - Mid-South Wrestling held its ninth Superdome Extravaganza event at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, which featured a nine-team tournament for the vacant Mid-South Tag Team Title. The results were:
- Luke Graham defeated Chic Donovan.
- Carl Fergie defeated Kelly Kiniski.
- King Cobra defeated Bull Ramos.
- Cowboy Lang defeated Little Tokyo.
- Cocoa Samoa defeated Larry Booker.
Mid-South Tag Team Title tournament:
First round:
- The Grappler and Super Destoyer defeated Jimmy Garvin and Jake Roberts.
- André the Giant and Dusty Rhodes defeated The Wild Samoans (Afa and Sika).
- Leroy Brown and Ernie Ladd defeated Tony Charles and Don Diamond to advance to the semifinals.
- The Fabulous Freebirds (Terry Gordy and Michael Hayes) defeated Killer Karl Kox and Buck Robley.
Quarterfinal:
- The Grappler and Super Destoyer defeated André the Giant and Dusty Rhodes to advance to the finals.
- Junkyard Dog and Dick Murdoch defeated The Fabulous Freebirds (Terry Gordy and Michael Hayes).
Semifinals:
- Junkyard Dog and Dick Murdoch defeated Leroy Brown and Ernie Ladd.
Finals:
- The Grappler and Super Destoyer defeated Junkyard Dog and Dick Murdoch to win the vacant Mid-South Tag Team Title.
1981 - Brett and Buzz Sawyer defeat The Destoyer and Rip Oliver to win the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Title.
1982 - The first of Hulk Hogan's two unrecognized AWA World Heavyweight Title victories takes place in St. Paul, Minnesota, as Hogan wins the title from Nick Bockwinkel. Both men used foreign objects during the match, with the referee declaring Hogan the winner and new champion. However, AWA President Stanley Blackburn voided the title change and returned the title to Bockwinkel because of said foreign object use.
1985 - Bruiser Brody wrestled Antonio Inoki in his first singles match for New Japan Pro Wrestling at Sumo Hall in Tokyo, Japan.
1987 - Rip Oliver wins his 11th NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Title in Portland, Oregon, defeating Ricky Santana.
1987 - Invader I defeats Jason the Terrible for the WWC Television Title in San Juan, Puerto Rico, beginning his second reign. At the same event, Frankie Lancaster defeats Super Medic in a rematch from their April 11 match in Caguas to win the held up WWC World Junior Heavyweight Title, beginning his second reign.
1989 - NWA International Heavyweight Champion Jumbo Tsuruta defeats NWA United National Heavyweight and PWF Heavyweight Champion Stan Hansen in Tokyo, Japan to unify all the titles, and become the first AJPW Triple Crown Champion. This ended Hansen's fourth PWF title reign, as well as Tsuruta's third NWA International and sixth NWA United National title reigns.
1990 - Gory Guerrero, one of the premier wrestlers in the early days of lucha libre, passes away at age 69 in El Paso, Texas.
1991 - Stan Hansen and Dan Spivey defeat Terry Gordy and Steve Williams for the AJPW Unified World Tag Team TItle in Tokyo, Japan, ending Gordy and Williams' second reign.
1992 - Super World of Sports held an joint event with the WWF at Tokyo Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan. The results were:
- Chris Walker pinned Tetsuya Yamanaka.
- Shinji Takano pinned Kendo Nagasaki.
- Yoshiaki Fujiwara and Ishinriki defeated Tatsumi Kitahara and Shinichi Nakano.
- Satánico defeated The Dragon by countout.
- Samson Fuyuki and Takashi Ishikawa defeated The Beverly Brothers (Beau and Blake).
- SWS Light Heavyweight Champion Naoki Sano pinned Chavo Guerrero to retain the title.
- Haku and Yoshiaki Yatsu defeat SWS Tag Team Champions The Natural Disasters (Earthquake and Typhoon) to win the title, beginning their second reign.
- Genichiro Tenryu defeated Ric Flair in a best-of-three falls match. Flair made Tenryu submit with the figure-four to win the first fall, and Tenryu pinned Flair after the second and third falls after powerbombs.
1992 - Moondog Moretti defeats Ole Olsen for the West Coast Championship Wrestling Heavyweight Title in Cloverdale, British Columbia, beginning his second reign.
1997 - Steel (Val Venis) defeats Rayo de Jalisco, Jr. to win the CMLL World Heavyweight Title in Mexico City, Mexico.
1998 - Mitsuharu Misawa defeats Jun Akiyama to win AJPW's annual Champion's Carnival tournament.
1998 - Skull Ganz wins a tournament in Monroe, Michigan to become the first Southern Michigan Championship Wrestling Television Champion. SMCW joined the NWA two weeks later and became NWA of Michigan.
1999 - Los Juniors (Perro Aguayo, Jr., Blue Demon, Jr., La Parka, Jr. and Mascara Sagrada, Jr.) defeat Los Vatos Locos (May Flowers, Charly Manson, Nygma and Picudo) in Zapopan to win the Mexican National Atómicos Title.
1999 - Nick Dinsmore defeats Rod Steele in Jeffersonville, Indiana to win his second OVW Heavyweight Title.
1999 - Brandi Alexander defeats Malia Hosaka for the World League Wrestling Women's Title in Springfield, Missouri.
2001 - Pro Wrestling ZERO-ONE held True Century Creation, the company's second-ever pay-per-view event, at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo, Japan. The results were:
- Tatsuhito Takaiwa pinned Naomichi Marufuji.
- Naohiro Hoshikawa defeated The Cobra by submission.
- Alexander Otsuka defeated Takashi Seguira by submission.
- Sean McCully defeated Shinjiro Otani by submission.
- Shinya Hashimoto and Tadao Yasuda defeated Tamon Honda and Masao Inoue, when Yasuda TKO'd Honda.
- Mitsuharu Misawa and Takeshi Rikio defeated Kazunari Murakami and Naoya Ogawa, when Misawa pinned Murakami.
2001 - Scott D'Amore defeats Tommy Dreamer to win the Border City Wrestling Can-Am Heavyweight Title in Oldcastle, Ontario, beginning his fifth reign. This reign would be short-lived, as D'Amore lost the title on the same day to Mikey Whipwreck.
2002 - Wahoo McDaniel dies of complications from diabetes in the city where he had his great success, Houston, Texas, at age 63.
2003 - Mr. Niebla defeats Universo 2000 in Mexico City, Mexico for the CMLL World Heavyweight Title.
2003 - Justice defeats Naphtali to win the NWA Florida X Division Title in Pinellas Park, Florida.
2003 - Deadly Impact (Killer Cox and Brian Jewel) defeats The Kamikaze Boyz (Casanova Kid and Mickey Miracle), The Redneck Rebels, Zach Mercury & Rick Matthews and Zero Tolerance (T.J. Bratt and Rob Stardom) in a five-team battle royal to win the vacant NWA Canadian Tag Team Title in Winnipeg, Manitoba. At the same event, The Big Machine defeats The Mini Machine for the Canadian Wrestling Federation Hardcore Title.
2004 - WWE held the sixth-annual Backlash pay-per-view at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alberta. The event got a 0.55 buyrate. The results:
- In a match airing on Sunday Night Heat, Val Venis pinned Matt Hardy with the Money Shot.
- Shelton Benjamin pinned World Tag Team Champion Ric Flair after a clothesline from the top rope.
- Jonathan Coachman pinned Tajiri with a roll-up after Garrison Cade hit Tajiri in the face.
- Chris Jericho defeated Christian and Trish Stratus in a handicap match, by pinning Christian after a running enzuigiri.
- WWE Women's Champion Victoria pinned Lita with an inside cradle to retain the title. After the match, Gail Kim and Molly Holly came out and attacked Lita and Victoria.
- WWE Intercontinental Champion Randy Orton pinned Cactus Jack in a hardcore match, after an RKO on a barbed-wire baseball bat, to retain the title.
- The Hurricane and Rosey defeated La Résistance (Robért Conway and Sylvain Grenier), when Hurricane pinned Conway after the Eye of the Hurricane.
- Edge pinned Kane after a spear.
- World Heavyweight Champion Chris Benoit defeated Shawn Michaels and Triple H in a triple threat match, by making Michaels submit with the Sharpshooter, to retain the title.
2005 - WWE held a Supershow, taping the April 21 SmackDown! and airing RAW live, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. RAW got a 3.9 rating on Spike TV, and SmackDown! got a 3.3 on UPN. The results were:
- In a dark match, Paul London and Nunzio defeated Spike Dudley and Billy Kidman, when London pinned Kidman after a DDT off the top rope.
SmackDown!:
- The Big Show and Booker T (with Sharmell) fought to a double-disqualification in a WWE Title #1 contender's tournament first round match, when Kurt Angle and JBL, who were on commentary, attacked Show and Booker on the floor. After the match, SmackDown! General Manager Theodore Long said that later in the show the four men would square off in a tag team match, and the following week, the four would have a fatal four-way match to determine the #1 contender for the WWE Title.
- Matt Morgan pinned Brett Matthews (Brett Major/Zack Ryder) with a suplex into a sidewalk slam.
- The Big Show and Booker T defeated Kurt Angle and JBL.
- MNM (Joey Mercury and Johnny Nitro (with Melina)) defeated WWE Tag Team Champions Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio, when Mercury pinned Mysterio after the Snapshot, to win the title.
- WWE Champion John Cena defeated Orlando Jordan (with Doug Basham) after the FU.
RAW:
- Chris Benoit fought Edge to a no-contest when they fought backstage.
- World Tag Team Champions William Regal and Tajiri defeated The Heart Throbs (Romeo and Antonio), when Tajiri pinned Romeo with a sunset flip.
- Shawn Michaels defeated Muhammad Hassan (with Daivari) by disqualification when Daivari attacked Michaels. Hulk Hogan made a surprise appearance to make the save.
- WWE Intercontinental Champion Shelton Benjamin pinned Simon Dean with the Exploder suplex.
- Jim Ross pinned Triple H (with Ric Flair) in a no-disqualification match after Batista interfered, beat down Flair, hit Triple H with a chair and put Ross on top for the cover.
2005 - Psycho Sickness (Psycho Mike and Sick Eric) defeat Forza Bruta (Darkness and Raiss) to win the Italian Championship Wrestling Italian Tag Team Title in Belluno, Italy.
2007 - WWE ends its developmental relationship with Jody Hamilton's Deep South Wrestling. All DSW talent was moved to OVW, until DSW was eventually replaced by Steve Keirn's Florida Championship Wrestling. The final title holders in DSW under WWE were Deep South Heavyweight Champion Bradley Jay and Deep South Tag Team Champions Team Elite (Mike Knox and Derrick Neikirk).
2007 - Tony Santerelli and Mike Taylor defeat Hale Collins and Vik Dalishus for the Great Championship Wrestling Tag Team Title in Phenix City, Alabama. At the same event, Johnny Swinger wins his third GCW Heavyweight Title, defeating Raven.
2008 - TNA was a major part of Midway Games annual videogame presentation to that genre's media with Jeremy Borash, Samoa Joe, The Motor City Machineguns and Jay Lethal all appearing.
2009 - ROH broadcast ROH on HDNet. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We are live on tape and your announcers are Mike Hogewood and Dave Prazak and we go to the studios. They talk about the main event between Claudio Castagnoli and Brent Albright.
We get comments from Jimmy Jacobs and Necro Butcher before their match starts.
Match Number One: Jimmy Jacobs versus Necro Butcher
Before the match starts, the referee takes the staple gun from Necro but Necro fights the referee’s efforts. This allows Jacobs to attack Necro while he is distracted. Jacobs with punches and forearms to the back of the neck. Necro with punches to Jacobs followed by an Irish whip and back body drop. Jacobs backs into the corner and hides behind the referee. Jacobs offers his hand to Necro but Necro is hesitant to accept. Necro shakes his hand but then he punches Jacobs and then he connects with a flurry of punches and kicks in the corner. Necro sends Jacobs into the turnbuckles and then he throws Jacobs to the floor. Necro gets the ring bell and he hits Jacobs in the midsection with it. Necro chokes Jacobs with the cover to a ringside table and he biels Jacobs with it. Necro sets up the ringside table next to the apron and he is going to try to power bomb Jacobs through the table, but Jacobs gets out of the hold and Jacobs with a belly-to-back suplex on the floor. Jacobs gets a chair and he sets it up. Jacobs grabs a bag and he tries to suffocate Necro with it. Jacobs punches Necro while he has Necro in the chair. Jacobs with a pescado onto Necro in the chair and both men are down.
They return to the ring and Jacobs punches Necro and then he goes to the turnbuckles for an elbow drop and he hits it but can only get a near fall. Jacobs waits for Necro to get up and then he tries for a spear but Necro sees it coming and he punches Jacobs. Necro with a choke slam and then he picks up Jacobs for a Tiger Driver. Necro does not want to finish off Jacobs yet and he goes to the floor for the staple gun.
From out of nowhere, Brodie Lee attacks Necro and the ref calls for the bell.
Winner: Necro Butcher by disqualification
After the match, Lee holds Necro for Jacobs to use the staple gun, but Necro kicks the staple gun away and Necro wants to use it on Jacobs or Lee.
We go to the back where Kyle Durden is with Brent Albright. Kyle asks Brent about his feud with Claudio. Brent says that the feud has gotten personal. Tonight, they will show the world how personal it has become. He says that there has been controversy and it might continue tonight. Everyone will see how much hatred he has for Claudio. He tells Claudio that he has two choices . . . he can get out or tap out.
We get comments from Sami Callihan and Eddie Kingston before their match.
Match Number Two: Eddie Kingston versus Sami Callihan
They lock up and they have a stalemate. They lock up again and Kingston with a side head lock followed by a shoulder tackle but Callihan stays on his feet. Callihan tries for a shoulder tackle of his own and Kingston stays on his feet and then he pushes Callihan. Callihan with an STO into a side head lock and then he locks in the Koji Clutch but Kingston gets to the ropes and Callihan releases the hold. Kingston pushes Callihan but Callihan responds with a pie face. Callihan with a series of chops and a head butt. Kingston with an overhead head and arm suplex. Callihan sends Kingston into the turnbuckles and then he kicks Kingston. Kingston gets up and they exchange chops and slaps. Kingston with a series of chops but Callihan with a rake of the eyes. Kingston punches Kingston and then he chokes him in the corner.
Callihan with a chop but Kingston tries to fight back. Callihan with a rake of the face and Callihan tries for a snap suplex but Kingston blocks it. Callihan with a punch to the head and then he follows that with a head butt to the back of the head. Callihan chops Kingston in the corner followed by a forearm and more head butts. Callihan runs into a boot and Kingston with a forearm that knocks Callihan to the mat. Callihan with a chop but Kingston with a head butt followed by a slam for a near fall. Callihan with a back kick but Kingston with a side head lock. Callihan with a kick followed by a snap belly-to-back suplex for a near fall. Callihan with a kick to the back of the leg but Kingston responds with a belly-to-back suplex and then he hits a spinning back fist that knocks Callihan out and Kingston gets the three count.
Winner: Eddie Kingston
We go to the back where Kyle Durden is with Claudio Castagnoli. Kyle asks Claudio about Brent Albright and Claudio asks Kyle about his wardrobe and then he talks about his fine European scarf. He calls Albright American trash and he says that he is what is wrong with America. Claudio points out that he is very European.
We are back in the ROH HDNet Studios and Mike and Dave interview Jerry Lynn. Mike asks Jerry how it feels to be champion. Jerry says that he has been fortunate to be a champion before, but now he is the ROH champion. He says that he understands the cynics, but Jerry points out his passion in the ring. Dave asks him about his future plans and Jerry says that he will be a fighting champion just like the past ROH champions. Dave mentions that Jerry has big shoes to fill as the champion.
Match Number Three: Bobby Dempsey versus Orange Cassidy
Cassidy attacks Dempsey after the hand shake with forearms. Dempsey with a running body block and then Dempsey gets Cassidy up for the Death Valley Driver and the three count.
Winner: Bobby Dempsey
We go to a video package for Erick Stevens where he talks about some buzz words that describe his work in the ring.
We go to comments from the participants in the next match.
Match Number Four: Cheech and Cloudy versus Rhett Titus and Kenny King
King and Cheech start things off and they lock up with King applying a waist lock into a side head lock but Cheech with a hammer lock. King escapes but Cheech with a side head lock. King works on the arm but Cheech reverses. King with a punch and Titus tags in. Cheech with an arm drag into an arm bar. Titus punches Cheech and then King comes in and they send Cloudy into the opposite corner. King and Titus miss charges into the corner and Cheech and Cloudy connect with stereo punches of ten in the corner and they finish things up with a double bulldog that sees Cheech and Cloudy give each other a high five as they pass. Cloudy is tagged in and he works on Titus’ arm. Cloudy sends Titus to the apron and then he hits a shoulder that knocks Titus to the floor. Cloudy is on the opponent’s side of the ring so when he took too long after the shoulder tackle to admire his work, King hits a knee on the apron that staggers Cloudy. Titus with a double sledge to Cloudy’s back and then King is tagged back in. King with a snap suplex and then he floats over and punches Cloudy before getting a near fall. Titus tags back in as King and Titus remain fresh. Titus tries for the sexy suplex but Cloudy counters with an inside cradle for a near fall. Titus keeps Cloudy from making the tag to Cheech. Titus with a snap mare and a reverse chin lock. Titus with a Stinger Splash into the corner followed by a running knee for a near fall.
King tags back in and he hits a clothesline for a near fall. King with a slam but he misses a springboard leg drop when Cloudy moves. Cloudy with a sunset flip from the apron but he can only get a two count. King misses a clothesline and kick and Cloudy is able to make the tag to Cheech. Cheech with a back elbow to King followed by a drop kick that knocks Titus off the apron. King falls victim to another back elbow Cheech with an Irish whip and a running shoulder tackle. Cheech goes up top and King tries to punch Cheech but Cheech with a cartwheel using the ropes to avoid King. Cheech with a super kick to King for a near fall. Cloudy tags back in and they hit a double team slam and then Cheech gets Cloudy on his shoulders for a version of a Splash Mountain leg drop but Titus breaks up the cover.
Titus makes the tag and he punches Cheech. Cheech sends Titus into the ropes and Titus lands on the second rope. Cloudy with a 619 while Cheech hits a drop kick to the back of the head. King pushes Cloudy off the top turnbuckle and Cloudy hits the guardrail and he hits it hard. Titus gets Cheech up for a power bomb and King goes to the apron and hits a blockbuster for the three count.
Winners: Kenny King and Rhett Titus
Match Number Five: Claudio Castagnoli versus Brent Albright
Claudio attacks Albright from behind as Albright gets to ringside. Albright chops Claudio and sends him into a ringside table. Albright slams Claudio’s head into the apron and then they enter the ring.
Albright with forearms and then he hits an uranage back breaker on Castagnoli. Brent with a forearm and chops but Claudio responds with kicks and European uppercuts. Claudio with a bite of Albright’s face. Claudio with a chop but Albright with chops of his own. Albright charges into a European uppercut. Albright propels Castagnoli into the ropes and then Albright clotheslines Claudio over the top rope to the floor. Albright tries for a pescado but Claudio catches him and then Claudio with a running splash into the guardrail.
Claudio with a snap mare into a reverse chin lock. Claudio with a clothesline to Albright for a near fall. Claudio with a series of boots to the head of Albright. Claudio with a European uppercut followed by a hard Irish whip. Claudio with a Les Artess suplex for a near fall. Albright with a chop but Claudio with a drop kick for a near fall. Albright with chops but Claudio stops Albright with a European uppercut. Claudio chokes Albright in the ropes and then Claudio hits a European uppercut that sends Albright to the floor. Claudio with a forearm to the back but Albright hits an overhead belly-to-belly suplex. Albright tries to get back into the ring but Claudio pulls Albright back to the floor. Claudio with a reverse chin lock and then he pulls Brent down by the hair. Albright with a punch and then Albright with an uranage and clothesline. Albright with a back elbow and then he hits an Exploder suplex. Albright with a forearm and an overhead belly-to-belly throw. Claudio with a European uppercut but Albright with a power slam and a two count.
Albright with a chop and then he tries for a suplex. Claudio blocks and he tries for a suplex, but Albright blocks it. Albright hits a corkscrew neck breaker for a near fall. Albright with punches and chops. Claudio with a springboard European uppercut and he sets up Albright for a big swing and he hits it. Claudio sets for a running European uppercut but Albright counters with a back slide. Claudio with a bicycle kick for a few near falls. Albright applies the crowbar and turns it into a crossface. Albright returns to the Crowbar after Claudio tries to escape. Claudio gets to the ropes. Albright with a knee to the head. Claudio with shoulders in the corner. Albright with an elbow but Claudio with a leaping forearm. Claudio and Albright exchange forearms. Claudio goes up for a superplex but Albright pushes him off and Albright hits a cross body for a two count. Albright with chops and he tries for a half nelson suplex but Claudio blocks it and Claudio hits an arm drag. Claudio with a rollup and some help from the ropes for the three count after countering a half nelson suplex.
Winner: Claudio Castagnoli
We go to credits.
2010 - TNA broadcast their Lockdown PPV. Mike Johnson filed the following PPV report:
Welcome to PWInsider.com's live coverage of TNA Lockdown 2010.
TNA is doing a live preview show from St. Charles, Missouri hosted by Jeremy Borash and Christy Hemme. Odds they wouldn't promote that ahead of time. So far, they have been running down the lineup and running video features. If and when they hold a live match or interview, we'll start updating.
Jeremy Borash was inside the steel cage and noted all of the matches tonight would be taking place inside a steel cage. He introduced TNA Knockouts champion Angelina Love, who made her way to the ring. She said that tonight, it's not just going to be defending her title, but Tara as well, because she can lose it without being pinned. Love said that she didn't like that, but that's the rules of the match. She said Tara and herself want to get their hands on the Knockouts Tag Team belts and predicted new champions. She said she could use the cage to throw Madison Rayne and Velvet Sky into the cage and when the Beautiful People left the ring, they could be "one angry mess." OK promo, although nowhere near the level of anger or intensity you'd expect out of a babyface going for revenge in a cage.
After an Angle vs. Anderson video package, Jeremy Borash interviewed Ken Anderson backstage. Anderson glared at Borash when he was introduced and told him to shut up. Anderson said he's rarely a man of few words but he has little to say because he has the key to the cage and showed it off. Anderson said he wanted to apologize in advance because fans are expecting a five star mat classic and some blood, but he doesn't have to beat Kurt Angle, just walk through a door. He said even Borash could walk through a door. Anderson said that he has his gameplan and he's going to walk out the door, and call for the mic and say, "MISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSTERRRRRRR........" then got very low and said, "You know." He walked off and kept returning on camera as Borash tried to finish the segment, but never said his name. Finally, an intimidated Borash said, "Mister Anderson....Anderson" quietly. Funny end to a solid promo.
TNA announced that Doug Williams was stripped of the X-Division champion. I'm not a fan of that one. He's been AWESOME on television of late and it's not like he didn't have an excuse. I think TNA missed the boat on this one as it would have been hilarious to have him blame Kazarian and Moore for causing the volcano since they knew he would beat them.
TNA then announced Sean Waltman no showed. Well, they were honest about it, saying he didn't arrive by the call time.
Christy Hemme interviewed Team 3D. Brother Ray asked Devon how hot Christy Hemme was and handed her his hotel room key. Ray then cut into a promo saying they won the NWA and TNA Tag Team championships at Lockdown in the past. He said they were going to continue that tonight and get rid of Hall, Nash and Waltman from TNA. Ray said they have a surprise tonight that they are going to spring on the Band on the way to the ring tonight. He made a guarantee that someone is going through a table. Usual good 3D promo.
Jeremy Borash interviewed TNA President Dixie Carter, who introduced several members of the military in attendance. She thanked the military for their support. Carter put over St. Louis and yesterday's Fan Interaction event. Carter plugged Monday's Impact and the new timeslot. Borash asked her to predict who was winning the Lethal Lockdown tonight. She said she didn't know but one of the servicemen predicted Team Hogan.
TNA Lockdown PPV
The PPV opened with the usual video package, including the "voice" of the steel cage warning all to fear him.
Mike Tenay and Taz announced that Doug Williams was stripped of the X-Division championship and that Sean Waltman no showed. Mike Tenay then slid into storyline, noting that Eric Bischoff was at the Fan Interaction event yesterday, but didn't interact with Hulk Hogan. Today, there's been no sign of Bischoff in the building.
Rob Van Dam vs. James Storm for Lethal Lockdown advantage.
Storm was wary of going into the cage so RVD dropkicked the door into his face. On the floor, Van Dam whipped him into the cage facefirst. Rob nailed him with a thrust kick to the throat. The crowd was loving RVD. Van Dam dropped Storm across the apron and hit the corkscrew guillotine legdrop off the cage. The crowd chanted, "ECW." No, they really chanted TNA. Van Dam continued the beating on Storm.
Van Dam went to slam Storm into the ring steps but Storm blocked it and slammed RVD into it. Van Dam was busted open hardway from the shot. They entered the cage and the match officially began. Van Dam nailed a spinning kick in the corner. Van Dam choked him against the corner with his boot. RVD whipped Storm into the ropes and nailed an inverted atomic drop. He placed Storm on the ropes and nailed the Ryder Kick off the ropes. Van Dam covered Storm for a two count.
Van Dam worked over Storm in the corner. He whipped him to the opposite corner and went for the somersault monkey flip but Storm avoided it, nailed a neckbreaker and worked him over with punches. Storm cinched in a side chinlock. RVD fought out of it but was clotheslined over the ropes and into the cage for a two count. Storm nailed a big boot. RVD made a comeback and they slugged it out in the middle of the ring.
Van Dam got the better of the exchange and nailed several clotheslines, then ran Storm into the cage. RVD nailed a split-legged moonsault for a two count. Storm nailed a jawbreaker as fans chanted for RVD. Storm took a swig of beer and teased hitting him with the bottle. Ref Brian Hebner took the bottle and missed Storm spitting the beer in RVD's face as he disposed of the bottle. Storm hit a DDT for two count.
Storm went for the Last Call superkick but RVD ducked and hit the rear windmill kick. Rob nailed the five star frog splash and scored the clean pin. Team Hogan has the advantage in the main event.
Your winner, Rob Vam Dam!
Real fun opener. It's weird to have the babyfaces going into the Lockdown with the advantage from a drama standpoint, but we'll see how it plays out. Enjoyed this a lot.
Christy Hemme interviewed Hulk Hogan. Hogan ran down all the things that have happened to his team in the last few weeks, but the fact they are all in the building tonight means they are going to tear down the house and leave their mark. Hogan said that RVD pinning James Storm brings them a ray of sunshine through the clouds. Hogan said that if Team Flair wins tonight, it's time for Hogan to "pack his bags" and leave TNA. Hemme said that he doesn't mean that. Hogan said that if Flair's team wins, there's nothing "left" for TNA and nothing "left for my guys." Hemme asked about Eric Bischoff. Hogan said that when he came to TNA, he thought Bischoff could help him, but now he's over it and "it's out of his hands." It is? I thought Hogan was in charge. I don't know if I've written this before, but it's weird that Hogan hardly does the classic "Hogan promo" these days...and if they were going to tease a Loser Leaves Town deal...wouldn't it make sense to do it...on TV...to build to the PPV?
Mike Tenay announced that Scott Hall needs to find a partner or face Team 3D in a handicap match.
Brian Kendrick vs. Homicide vs. Alex Shelley vs. Chris Sabin - Xscape Match
Weird this has same stipulations as Angle vs. Anderson. Homicide and Kendrick acted like they would team. Kendrick was busted open immediately hitting the cage. The Guns worked over Homicide and Kendrick. Homicide caught Sabin with an Ace Cutter and hit a belly to belly on Shelley. Kendrick used his foot to smother Sabin. The Guns came back with some double team maneuvers. So far, so good.
Kendrick missed a splash in the corner and Sabin nailed a tornado DDT off the ropes. Homicide nailed a spinning neckbreaker on Sabin but Shelley caught him with a clotheslines. Shelley went up the cage but Kendrick cut him off. Sabin tried to cut off Kendrick but Kendrick raked his face and tied Shelley to the tree of woe. Homicide drilled Sabin with the Gringo Killer.
Kendrick and Shelley battled in the corner. As they did, Homicide scaled the cage and escaped. Kendrick tried to stop him but didn't catch him in time.
Your winner, Homicide!
It was all fast paced stuff and for the timeframe they had to work with, I enjoyed it. Nice to see Homicide get the nod here as he's been terribly overlooked in recent months. It's Homicide vs. Kaz vs. Moore later, which is fine with me.
Kevin Nash vs. Eric Young
Young slid under Nash's legs and punched him in the face. Nash went down to one knee. Nash rose back to his feet and they locked up. Nash nailed Young over the back and whipped him into a corner. He charged Young, who kicked him off. Young nailed a missile dropkick off the top rope. Nash ended up outside the ropes on the apron and Young dropkicked him into the cage, then a high cross bodyblock into the cage.
Back in the ring, Nash grabbed at the referee and lowblowed Young as the ref was distracted. He began kneeing and kicking Young in the corner. He began beating Young with forearms. Young fought back and dared Nash to bring it. Nash kept beating down Young, who kept fighting to his feet. Nash smothered him with a boot to the face. Young began blocking Nash's punches and fired back but was caught with a chokeslam.
Young recovered and began kicking at one of Nash's knees. Young nailed several big rights and rebounded off the ropes, only to be caught with a big boot. Nash nailed a powerbomb and pinned him.
Your winner, Kevin Nash!
Not a bad match at all. They had a decent story with Young doing the never say die deal. Young was busted open towards the end.
Nash took the mic and announced he would be Scott Hall's partner tonight against Team 3D.
TNA Knockouts champion Angelina Love & Tara vs. The Beautiful People (with Lacey Von Erich)
If the People lose, they lost the Tag straps. If Love or Tara lose, whoever pins them is the new Knockouts champion. If someone killed Col. Mustard with a wrench in the library, I quit.
Hey why aren't the Beautiful People scared of ruining their good looks in this cage?
Angelina cleaned house on Velvet early. She tried to call time out in a cage match. I laughed at that. Rayne tagged in but Love slammed her down for a two count. Tara tagged in and nailed several rights. She grabbed Rayne for a Fireman's Carry but Rayne raked her face. Velvet tagged in but was caught in a drop toehold and an Oriental Torture Device.
Tara chopped Sky but Rayne grabbed her, allowing Sky to take control and choke Tara. She stomped her for a two count. The BP nailed a double dropkick on Tara's back for a two count. Rayne scissored Tara and nailed the scissor stomp. Sky tagged in and scored a two count. Tara came back with several punches and a slam. Tara went to the top rope and told Love to watch but missed a moonsault.
Hot tag time. Love hit a flying clothesline on Rayne, then one on Sky. She whipped the People into each other in the corner but Tara blind tagged herself in. Tara nailed the Widow's Peak on Rayne but Sky broke up the pin. As everyone battled, Lacey Von Erich opened the cage and cracked Tara in the back of the head with the Knockouts title belt. Madison scored the pin.
Your winners, The Beautiful People! New Knockouts champ, Madison Rayne!
Love was pissed that Tara lost her title. Love still offered her a handshake, at which point Tara attacked her and ran Love into the cage.
The match was fine given the circumstances but isn't the whole point of a cage match to KEEP EVERYONE ELSE OUT?
Jeremy Borash interviewed Team Flair. Flair told Borash he really annoys him. Flair said they were in Team Flair country. Flair said they appreciate the enthusiasm and youth of RVD and Jeff Hardy, but the future of TNA is Beer Money. He mocked the idea of Jeff Jarrett being a legend, when he has Sting on their side. He mocked Abyss being taken out the last few weeks. Flair promised we'd never see Hogan on TNA television again after tonight.
Borash then turned his attention to the TNA championship match. AJ Styles pointed out he was the longest reigning TNA champion ever and there is no one he hasn't beaten, dating back all the way to day one. He told Pope Dinero to go to the mirror and tell himself he's no AJ Styles. He said Pope has nothing that Styles possesses. Styles said his Sunday night service ends tonight and there's nothing he can do about it....but like it.
Team 3D vs. Scott Hall & Kevin Nash
Huge pop for 3D when their music hit. They came out with a table. Bubba took the mic and asked St. Louis if they were ready to get wild and crazy. Bubba told the referee to leave the cage door open, because everyone came to see Team 3D fight, not to see them wrestle. He told the Band tonight was a St. Louis Street Fight where Falls Count Anywhere in the bulding. Nice way to make things up for the Waltman no show. Hall has lost more weight.
They all started brawling on the rampway. Hall teased a Razor's Edge on Ray but was backdropped over. Nash was tossed into a railing by Devon. Ray and Hall went into the crowd. Nash and Devon followed. They all brawled in the crowd. Ray nailed Hall with a beer. The crowd was into it big-time.
They returned to ringside where The Band took over control. They tossed Devon into the cage. Ray was out on the floor. The arena started chanting for tables. Nash and Hall beat down Devon in the crowd. Hall tried to hold the cage door to prevent Ray from entering. Nash continued to measure and beat down Devon.
Hall and Nash switched places. Ray grabbed a chair and hit the door, "hurting" Nash's hand, then slammed the cage door into Nash's face. Bubba hit the ring and was clubbering and chopping away. 3D sandwiched the Band in the corner. Devon splashed them, followed by Bubba.
Ray slammed Hall and called for the Wazzup headbutt. They took Nash out. Devon hit the headbutt. Devon went to get the tables. This is fun as heck and the crowd is LOVING THIS. They set up for a Dudley Death Drop on Hall through the table and nailed it.
Devon covered Hall and scored the pin.
Your winners, Team 3D!
From a fun standpoint, this was the best thing on the show so far. Say what you will about the players here, but they all worked hard, used everything they could to put on a show and got the biggest reaction of everything thus far on the show. Thumbs up.
Jeremy Borash interviewed Team Flair. Flair told Borash he really annoys him. Flair said they were in Team Flair country. Flair said they appreciate the enthusiasm and youth of RVD and Jeff Hardy, but the future of TNA is Beer Money. He mocked the idea of Jeff Jarrett being a legend, when he has Sting on their side. He mocked Abyss being taken out the last few weeks. Flair promised we'd never see Hogan on TNA television again after tonight.
Borash then turned his attention to the TNA championship match. AJ Styles pointed out he was the longest reigning TNA champion ever and there is no one he hasn't beaten, dating back all the way to day one. He told Pope Dinero to go to the mirror and tell himself he's no AJ Styles. He said Pope has nothing that Styles possesses. Styles said his Sunday night service ends tonight and there's nothing he can do about it....but like it.
TNA X-Division championship: Kazarian vs. Homicide vs. Shannon Moore
Taz said he didn't think it was cool TNA stripped Williams. AGREED.
Kazarian and Moore worked on Homicide early with legdrops. Homicide went to the apron, where the other two took turns slamming the back of his head into the cage with punches and dropkicks. Kaz covered Homicide but Moore pulled him over. They went face to face but then turned their attention back to Homicide.
Moore and Kaz went back and forth punching each other. Kaz sunset flipped Moore, who kicked up. Kaz pulled him into the next pinfall combination. As they grappled, Homicide dropkicked them both. He caught Moore with a back elbow, then suplexed Kazarian for a two count. He nailed an exploder on Moore for a two count, then choked Kazarian against the ring ropes.
Homicide did the Three Amigos suplex, but Moore turned the second one into an inverted atomic drop. Kazarian tried to steal the pin but Moore jumped him. Moore placed Homicide on the top rope. He punched Homicide, who nailed the back of his head into the cage. Kazarian joined Moore on the top and they went for a double superplex but Homicide nailed headbutts on them both and hit a double Ace Crusher off the ropes on both. He covered Moore for a two count then jumped on Kazarian for a two count.
Kazarian rolled up Homicide from behind and nailed Moore with a Northern Lights suplex at the same time for stereo two counts. Kazarian went for something on the ropes but slipped and nailed the cage. Moore came off the top with a forward flip on Homicide for a two count. Kazarian covered Moore but Homicide nailed him with a jawbreaker. Homicide nailed Moore in the corner, then did the same to Kaz.
Homicide went to the top for a cutter on Moore but was shoved off. Kazarian and Moore both walked the rope towards each other and battled atop the ropes. Moore got the better of it and Kaz was knocked into the ring. Moore hit a moonsault onto Homicide for a two count.
Kazarian picked up Moore for a powerbomb, only to slam Moore backwards into the cage before bombing him into the cage. Kazarian pulled Homicide to the top rope for the Flux Capacitor but Homicide battled him off and nailed a nasty beel off the top. Kazarian landed in a scary bump. Moore covered him but Homicide came off the top with a flying headbutt to break it up.
Moore got the better of Homicide but Homicide played possum. He went for a Gringo Killer but Kazarian laid him out and hit an insane looking version of the Kryptonite Krunch for the pin.
Your winner and new X-Division champion, Kazarian!
They worked their asses off here.
They noted the X-Division belt was in the UK with Doug Williams.
Christy Hemme interviewed Pope Dinero. Dinero said he was going to slap Styles so hard, his highlights were going to catch a midnight train to Georgia. He talked about how he's stylin' not AJ Styles. He said when he walks into a restaurant, people take notice. When Styles walks in, people ask him to get them a drink. Dinero said this is the biggest night of his life and he's been working his entire life to get to this moment. He said once he gets the title, no one will have a doubt that Pope is pimping. Great promo.
Team 3D vs. Scott Hall & Kevin Nash
Huge pop for 3D when their music hit. They came out with a table. Bubba took the mic and asked St. Louis if they were ready to get wild and crazy. Bubba told the referee to leave the cage door open, because everyone came to see Team 3D fight, not to see them wrestle. He told the Band tonight was a St. Louis Street Fight where Falls Count Anywhere in the bulding. Nice way to make things up for the Waltman no show. Hall has lost more weight.
They all started brawling on the rampway. Hall teased a Razor's Edge on Ray but was backdropped over. Nash was tossed into a railing by Devon. Ray and Hall went into the crowd. Nash and Devon followed. They all brawled in the crowd. Ray nailed Hall with a beer. The crowd was into it big-time.
They returned to ringside where The Band took over control. They tossed Devon into the cage. Ray was out on the floor. The arena started chanting for tables. Nash and Hall beat down Devon in the crowd. Hall tried to hold the cage door to prevent Ray from entering. Nash continued to measure and beat down Devon.
Hall and Nash switched places. Ray grabbed a chair and hit the door, "hurting" Nash's hand, then slammed the cage door into Nash's face. Bubba hit the ring and was clubbering and chopping away. 3D sandwiched the Band in the corner. Devon splashed them, followed by Bubba.
Ray slammed Hall and called for the Wazzup headbutt. They took Nash out. Devon hit the headbutt. Devon went to get the tables. This is fun as heck and the crowd is LOVING THIS. They set up for a Dudley Death Drop on Hall through the table and nailed it.
Devon covered Hall and scored the pin.
Your winners, Team 3D!
From a fun standpoint, this was the best thing on the show so far. Say what you will about the players here, but they all worked hard, used everything they could to put on a show and got the biggest reaction of everything thus far on the show. Thumbs up.
Ken Anderson vs. Kurt Angle
Anderson did his own ring introduction before the bout, saying he had "his precious" (the key). The strange thing is no one else has needed a key to get in and out of the cage all night really. So weird to build this stip for weeks and then have the undercard sort of flout its not a big deal. Anderson is wearing the key around his neck.
They faced off. Anderson dropkicked Angle and tried to escape. That was cute. Angle grabbed him. Anderson got the mount and began beating Angle with a chain wrapped around his fist. He tried to escape again but Angle nailed him with a double axe handle across the back and a suplex.
Angle nailed Anderson with a snap suplex. He whipped Anderson into the ropes. Anderson held onto the ropes. Angle charged and Anderson snapped him into the cage. Angle was bleeding a gusher. Anderson mocked Angle, then snapped his head into the cage several times. Anderson measured him and nailed a legdrop. Angle mounted a comeback but Anderson slipped around him and charged Angle head first into the cage.
Angle snapped backwards to the mat. Anderson went for a piledriver but was backdropped over. Angle went to open the lock but Anderson attacked him from behind. Anderson is now bleeding hardway. He went to the top but Angle popped up and hit a belly to belly superplex. Crowd chanted TNA.
Anderson took control and began choking Angle with his wrist tape while scissoring his body to hold him in place. Angle began to black out but fought his way to his knees. The crowd was into the comeback. Angle elbowed his way out and hit a back suplex. They battled back and forth. Angle nailed several clotheslines and an overhead suplex. The crowd is bigtime into this one and it's real good.
Angle charged but Anderson kicked him off. Anderson went after Angle but was caught with an overhead belly to belly suplex. Angle went for the Angleslam but Anderson avoided. Anderson suplexed Angle over but wasn't allowed to make a pin. He went for the Mic Check but Angle slipped out and began hitting a series of German back suplexes. He ended up nailing six of them.
Angle went to the door to escape, but looked back at Anderson. He pulled down the straps and locked on the ankle lock. Anderson kicked him off and nailed the Mic Check. Anderson opened the lock but Angle nailed an Angle slam. Angle locked the door again and threw the key to the crowd. Anderson tried to get out and freaked he was locked in. He kept trying to climb out but Angle prevented him.
They ended up on the ropes. Angle nailed a crazy back suplex off the ropes into the ring. The place went nuts for that spot. Taz put over the spot as saying he's thrown "a few" suplexes in his day but never threw anything like that. Angle went to the top of the cage and went for the moonsault and nailed it. That may have been the first and only time Angle actually nailed that move off the cage.
Angle suddenly had a key to unlock the door. Taz said that there must have had another one. He went to walk out but Anderson got up and gave him the double finger. Angle returned but was lowblowed and hit with the Mic Check. Anderson went to crawl out but Angle grabbed him by the ankle at the last minute and pulled him back in. Anderson kept tapping but there was no submission. Anderson finally rolled through and Angle crashed into the cage.
Anderson tried to leave but Angle began choking him out with the chain for the warrior medal. Angle spit in his face, stomped on Mr. Anderson's testes and walked out to win.
Your winner, Kurt Angle!
This was a hell of a match with some bonafide insane spots and a really good, grueling brutal back and forth fight. This may have been the best match of Anderson's career. This was just great.
Angle took the mic and said the fans were the best. He announced he was taking some time off to step back and regroup. He said when he comes back, he will only have one goal in mind - winning the TNA championship.
TNA champion AJ Styles vs. Pope Dinero
Earl Hebner threw Ric Flair out of ringside before the match. Hebner actually physically forced Flair up the apron. The building started chanting, "We want Flair." Jeremy Borash did the big time title bout ring introductions.
They locked up and Styles nailed a Beel Toss early. They did some good back and forth wrestling early. The fans were doing the back and forth chants. Dinero took control and almost got a pin with, I kid you not, a side roll. Dinero hiptossed and slammed Styles, then hit a series of arm drags. Styles retreated to the corner in shock. Styles tried to make a comeback but Dinero kept control.
Styles shoulderblocked Dinero down but was caught with a forearm and a series of elbows. Dinero was over big-time. Dinero caught Styles with a kick but Styles sidestepped Dinero and sent him into the cage shoulder-first. Styles drilled him with a perfect dropkick to the face. Styles muscled Dinero up and slammed him down on his shoulder. Styles continued to work on Dinero. Styles then turned his attention to Dinero's leg from the issues Pope had with it due to Desmond Wolfe.
Dinero avoided a Styles kick and sent Styles into the cage head-first. He DDT'd Styles but came down favoring his shoulder. Styles missed a punch but Pope didn't. Dinero cleaned house with several shots and backdropped Styles. He nailed an inverted atomic drop and flying shoulder tackle. Dinero hit a pimp slap on Styles, then caught Styles in a leapfrog attempt, turning it into a powerslam for a two count.
Styles caught Dinero with a shoulderblock in the corner. Styles missed a punch in the corner but thumbed him in the eye. Styles went to the top rope and scored with a flying forearm for a two count. Dinero came back with a diving headbutt but only scored a two count. Taz pondered where Dinero had a separated shoulder.
Dinero went for a move but Styles escaped and hit the Pele Kick for a two count. He nailed a 450 splash for a two count. Styles was pissed he didn't get the pin. Styles went to the top of the cage and dove for a high cross bodyblock but missed. Dinero rolled him up for a two count. Place went nuts. Dinero hit a backstabber for a two count. Styles was in the corner and reached out to grab a pen from a cameraman. He stabbed Dinero in the eye with it. Styles hit a discus clothesline, then the Styles Clash and scored the pin.
Your winner and still TNA champion AJ Styles!
Your winner and still TNA champion AJ Styles!
Really great match, to the point they didn't need to go with the pen bit and I'm a little sad that they did. However, you can't take anything away from the work here and it did make sense for his character. Really good stuff.
Jeremy Borash caught Eric Bischoff coming in and tried to get a word with him but was blown off.
Lethal Lockdown: Team Hogan vs. Team Flair.
Abyss and Robert Roode start out. They are going five minutes. They are claiming Abyss has a hairline fracture of his hip from the car crash on Impact. Robert Roode worked him over early but Abyss fought back with chops and punches in the corner. Abyss choked him with his boot. Abyss threw Roode into the cage several times. Roode came back with a rolling snap mare. Roode tossed Abyss into the cage. Roode started stomping Abyss. Roode worked over Abyss as the clock counted down.
Rob Van Dam hit the ring and began working over Roode with punches in the corner. Van Dam hit a spinkick in the corner. He nailed Roode with Rolling Thunder. Van Dam, who was bandaged from his wound earlier, looked to be bleeding again. Abyss was down in the corner hurting while Van Dam controlled the situation.
Desmond Wolfe came out to even things up. Abyss was waiting for him at the door but Roode lowblowed him. RVD went after Roode but Wolfe dropkicked him into the cage, then rammed him into the cage a second time. Team Flair worked over Team Hogan.
The next man out was Jeff Jarrett. Jarrett was pure white meat babyface, killing everyone in the ring from Team Flair. He hit a double noggin knocker on Wolfe and Roode, then ran them both into the cage at once. Jarrett went for a hurancanrana but was powerbombed down. Wolfe attacked RVD and ripped his face against the cage. Wolfe went after Abyss and tried to take the ring from Abyss, since Chelsea wants it.
Next out for Team Flair was James Storm. He spit beer in Abyss' face and attacked Jarret with a series of rights. Van Dam was bleeding heavily at this point. Jeff Jarrett nailed Roode. He nailed a suplex after holding Roode up for a period. The battle continued.
Next out was Jeff Hardy for Team Hogan. Hardy didn't come out. They went to a shot backstage of Sting and his baseball bat standing over a prone Hardy. If this isn't a build for Hardy to make the save here, TNA severely screwed up. If this is a set up for Hogan to make the superman save, they TRULY screwed up. Hardy is a way bigger star at this point and if he doesn't hit the ring, what the hell is that about? He was hit with the best fireball ever seen in wrestling and is good to go six days later, but a bat shot knocks him out of a main event revenge match? REALLY? I guess we will see.
Out comes Sting, who never even took off his leather jacket. The roof and the weapons lowered for the Lethal Lockdown with a 4 on 3 Everyone grabbed weapons and Team Flair began working over Team Hogan. Trash cans, lids, cookie sheets, a steel pipe, chairs and more were used on the Hogan team.
Jeff Jarrett caught Wolfe coming off the ropes and nailed a trash can shot. RVD followed suit. RVD nailed Sting with a trash can. Sting no sold it and hit RVD with a baseball bat. Roode tossed RVD into the cage. Jarrett pulled himself up using the cage. Beer Money throttled Jarrett into the cage and the door opened. Jarrett went to the floor. Beer Money followed and beat Jarrett on the floor.
Abyss pulled out tacks. He ripped Sting's jacket off. He tried to chokeslam Sting on them. Wolfe attacked Abyss. Abyss fought him off and went for the chokeslam again. Storm drilled Abyss with a beer bottle. Jeff Hardy's music hit and Hardy ran out with a singapore cane, cleaning house on everyone and anyone from Team Flair. The place immediately began chanting for Hardy.
Jarrett drilled Wolfe with a guitar shot. RVD came off the top with a five star frog splash. Sting tried to clothesline Abyss into the tacks. Abyss nearly toppled over but caught Sting and chokeslammed Sting into the tacks. Never thought we'd see that. Hardy climbed up the cage and dared Beer Money to meet him. They followed him. Hardy began nailing them with cane and trash can lid shots.
Beer Money worked over Hardy on the cage after overwhelming them. They set up a table on top of the cage. Taz had a great call, saying, "Why the hell is there a table up there???" They teased hitting the DWI through a table but Hardy fought them off with the cane. He hit the Twist of Fate on Roode on top of the cage. Hardy set Storm on top of the table, then set up a ladder that was also, mysteriously, on top of the cage.
Hardy went to the top of the ladder and stood on it. He nailed a splash through the table. The entire place went nuts chanting for TNA and "Holy sh**."
Ric Flair's music hit, which of course, makes no sense, but whatever. Flair hit the ring in street clothes and began working on Abyss in the ring. He starts trying to get the ring off Abyss' finger. He began biting the finger. So, of course, Hulk Hogan's music hits and out come Hogan. Hogan looked to be limping. Flair began backing off when Hogan hit the ring. Eric Bischoff came running out and got in the middle of them. Hogan began demanding to know where Bischoff has been.
Bischoff begged Hogan to calm down. Bischoff pulled out brass knucks, then tossed them to Hulk. So, the swerve is there is no swerve and Hogan needs to get one over on Flair again. Hogan nails Flair, who immediately bled more than anyone else on the show. Hogan and Flair faced off while EVERYTHING ELSE IN THE MATCH STOPPED. Flair took a bump into the tacks and was then hit with a trash can.
Abyss hit the Black Hole Slam on Wolfe and scored the pin.
Your winners, Team Hogan.
This thing was schizophrenic. That's the best way to describe it. They had a backwards dramatic build, then teased no Hardy. Hardy made the save for the team and you had the big dramatic ending with a crazy bump. Then, everyone else was forgotten about and it became the Hulk and Flair show.
2011 - WWE broadcast Raw from London. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We are live on tape from London, England and your announcers are Jim ‘BBQ Bangers’ Ross, Dame Michael Cole, and Jerry ‘Do I have to be at the Royal Wedding’ Lawler.
R Truth comes out and he asks London ‘What’s up’. Truth wants to preach the gospel. He says that he is very happy because he has been down a long road. A road of trials, tribulations, and demons. He says that he has had problems. Truth says that he is in line to be the WWE Champion. Truth says that he is not perfect, but he is the Truth. He says that it doesn’t matter if it is the Miz or John Cena, he is walking out of the Triple Threat Match as the champion. Truth says that he is fighting everybody. He says that he will be the most fighting champion in history. Truth says that he is going to show what champions do.
John Morrison’s music plays and he comes out without the benefit of slow motion technology. Morrison congratulates the other half of Team Black and White Cookie. He says that he isn’t as happy as Truth. Morrison says that he got some help from Lady Luck. Morrison points out what happened on Monday. Truth says that he had to face three men last week. Morrison says that he isn’t in great shape.
We see footage from last week when Truth got some water as he waited for John Cena to come to the ring.
Truth says that anyone would want water. Morrison says that was a first and if he is in his best shape, he doesn’t want to see Truth in his worst shape.
Morrison says that Truth is in great shape for an athlete who smokes. Morrison says that it doesn’t make Truth a bad buy because he smokes cigarettes. Truth says that John is trying to get into his head so Morrison gets his number one and a half contendership.
Morrison accepts and he says that with the draft next week, this could be the last time that they wrestle and why not do it for Truth’s spot in the match at Extreme Rules.
Morrison says that they can celebrate by having a great match. Morrison says that Truth even said that he would be a fighting champion.
Truth says that the people in London don’t want to see them fight. The fans disagree with Truth and they want a fight. Truth asks for two things. He asks for a bottle of water and a cigarette. Morrison says that Truth forgot to ask for the most important thing . . . luck.
Match Number One: John Morrison versus R Truth in a ‘Truth isn’t that smart for putting his title match on the line Match’
Truth with a side head lock take down and he gets a near fall with a rollup. Truth goes to the floor and he gets some water. We go to commercial.
We are back and Truth with an arm drag but Morrison with an arm drag of his own. Truth with a side head lock take down and he gets a near fall. Truth with a rollup as a counter to a hip toss. Truth with another near fall followed by a side head lock take down. Morrison with a side head lock and Morrison with clotheslines but Truth with a leg lariat and he gets a near fall.
Truth with an arm bar with a chin lock. Morrison with a jawbreaker followed by a drop kick for a near fall. Morrison tries for a suplex and Truth blocks it. Truth with a suplex into a stunner and he gets a near fall.
Truth misses the axe kick but Morrison misses a springboard cross body. Morrison with the split legged corkscrew moonsault for the three count.
Winner: John Morrison
After the match, Morrison offers his hand to Truth and he has something to say to Truth. Truth is not happy with the result of the match. Morrison poses on the turnbuckles and Truth pulls Morrison off the turnbuckles. Truth with a running knee to Morrison’s head and he is down on the floor. Truth leaves the ring and then he hits another running knee against the ringside barrier. Truth walks over to Morrison and he wants to know why Morrison did this. Truth throws Morrison down and he gets some water and hits Morrison in the head with the bottle. Truth can’t believe that Morrison is getting up. Truth tells John that he did this and then he hits the What’s Up. Truth asks for a cigarette and he lights up in the arena.
The fans chant ‘that’s illegal’ to Truth while he gives Morrison some second hand smoke.
Truth talks to himself as we go to commercial.
We are back and so is the WWE Draft.
It is time for a Moments Ago Moment of R Truth taking out the frustration that his dreams have been dashed by John Morrison’s victory.
Jim Ross says that he never thought that R Truth had that type of personality. Lawler mentions that Truth lost his shot at the WWE Title.
Evan Bourne is in the ring and Vickie Guerrero excuses herself for the London audience. She introduces her business associate. The new and improved Dolph Ziggler. Ziggler now looks like a bigger version of Evan Bourne.
Match Number Two: Evan Bourne versus Dolph Ziggler with Vickie Guerrero
They lock up and Ziggler with a waist lock take down followed by an elbow to the back. Bourne with a head scissors take down and a kick to the leg. Bourne comes off the turnbuckles but Ziggler anticipates it and hits a drop kick. Ziggler gets a near fall. Ziggler tries for a bow and arrow on Bourne and then he hits a leaping elbow drop. Bourne with a kick but Ziggler with a take down.
Ziggler misses an elbow drop but Bourne with a leaping knee and a jumping back spin kick for a near fall. Ziggler rolls Bourne over but Bourne with a leaping double stomp. Bourne misses the shooting star press but Ziggler hits the Zig Zag for the three count.
Winner: Dolph Ziggler
Michael Cole mentions that he is going to be Knighted tonight.
We go to commercial.
We are back with the WWE Rewind: Sin Cara’s debut two weeks ago against Sheamus, then his debut on Smackdown with Jack Swagger. Then we see his in ring debut against Primo.
Jerry Lawler mentions that Sin Cara will be wrestling Alex Riley shortly. First we take a look back at Edge’s career because of his sudden retirement.
They mention that there is going to be a retirement party for Edge on Smackdown being thrown by Alberto Del Rio.
The Miz’s music plays and he comes to the ring with Alex Riley. Michael Cole stands up in his phone booth.
Miz says that for the past seven days he has been preparing physically and mentally for a Triple Threat Match between John Cena and R Truth. However, R Truth made a rash and irresponsible decision because his decision affected Miz more than anybody else.
Now Miz has to face John Cena and John Morrison. On top of that, he has to do it inside a steel cage. You can win by pinfall, submission, or escaping the cage. Miz says that he could be escaping the cage and John Cena pins John Morrison. Or he can be pinning John Cena while John Morrison escapes the cage. Miz will not accept this. Miz says that he is not leaving the ring until the Raw General Manager makes this right.
Riley . . . get the chair.
Lawler starts a one man ‘boring’ chant as we go to commercial.
We are back and Miz says that it doesn’t matter who it is, at the end of the match at Extreme Rules, he will still be the WWE Champion.
He says that he is the Miz . . . and he is . . .
interrupted by Sin Cara’s music.
He leaps into the ring as Miz and Riley watch him from outside the ring.
Before the match, John Cena’s music plays and he wants a piece of Miz. It looks like we have a tag match.
We get a dingy dingy and Michael Cole says that he got an e-mail from the general manager. There is now going to be a tag match with Alex Riley and Miz facing Sin Cara and John Cena.
Match Number Three: Sin Cara and John Cena versus Miz and Alex Riley
Riley kicks Cena but Cena punches Riley and sends him into the corner. Cena with an Irish whip and bulldog but Riley rolls to the floor. Miz checks on Riley and we go to commercial.
We are back and Cena pushes Miz and Miz misses a clothesline. Cena with an Irish whip and kick followed by a suplex. He gets Miz up for an Attitude Adjustment but Miz escapes the hold and hits a Side Effect. Miz chokes Cena and Riley with a forearm across the chest. Miz with a suplex and he gets a near fall. Riley tags in and he punches Cena.
Riley with a running clothesline into the corner and Miz is tagged back in. Miz with a boot to the head and then he hits one with the right foot for good measure. Miz has something to say to Sin Cara and then he hits the Awesome Clothesline. Riley tags in and gets the near fall. Cena with a side slam and both men are down.
Miz and Sin Cara tag in and Sin Cara punches Miz. Sin Cara with a handspring back elbow followed by a head scissors to Miz. Sin Cara with an arm drag to Miz using the turnbuckles and he takes Riley down with a head scissors. Sin Cara with an enzuigiri to Miz from the apron but Riley pulls Cara off the apron.
Miz runs Sin Cara’s back into the apron and then they return to the ring. Miz with a front face lock. Miz gets Sin Cara on his shoulders but Sin Cara with a rollup for a near fall. Miz with a near fall. Riley tags back in and they hit a double suplex on Sin Cara. Riley with an Irish whip and clothesline as Sin Cara comes out of the corner. Riley gets a near fall. Miz tags back in and he kicks Sin Cara.
Miz sends him into the turnbuckles. Miz punches and kicks Sin Cara and the referee warns him. Miz tries for the Awesome Clothesline on Sin Cara but Sin Cara moves out of the way. Riley and Cena tag in and Cena with two flying shoulder tackles followed by a Blue Thunder Bomb and it is time for the Legendary Sequence to be briefly interrupted by Miz before he hits the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena gets Riley up for the Attitude Adjustment and Sin Cara with a springboard moonsault to Riley for the three count while Miz walks away from the ring with his title belt.
Winners: Sin Cara and John Cena
We go to commercial.
We are back with a new doll to be destroyed by the former Amazing Kong. This time we see the legs pulled from the torso.
Brie says that she is looking forward to their return match but it might never happen because Eve might get drafted to Smackdown next week.
Match Number Four: Eve Torres versus Nikki Bella with Brie Bella
Eve with kicks to Nikki but she misses a flip leg drop. Eve with an arm drag and another kick. Eve puts Nikki in the tree of woe but Nikki pulls herself up and Eve goes into the ring post. Brie does something resembling slamming Eve’s leg into the apron but Nikki can only get a near fall. Nikki with kicks to Eve and then she applies an arm bar with chin lock.
Nikki misses a knee drop but she sends Eve into the turnbuckles. Eve with a kick to the head and she gets the three count.
Winner: Eve Torres
Michael Cole says that it is time for the main portion of the show tonight. Cole mentions that the draft takes place next week so this week, he is going to go somewhere that no superstar has gone before. In a few minutes, Cole says that he will be knighted.
We go to commercial.
We are back with the Slam of the Week: Jerry Lawler defeating Jack Swagger last week on Raw and the announcement that we are getting a tag match at Extreme Rules. That is followed by Jack Swagger being protected by Michael Cole on Smackdown.
Michael Cole is in the ring and he brings out his trainer, his friend, and the man who is going team with him to defeat Jerry Lawler and Jim Ross at Extreme Rules . . . The All American American Jack Swagger.
Swagger has a cape for Cole to put on. Swagger has the official oversized scroll with the proclamation. Tonight the WWE Universe will witness a genuine human being take the next step in his already fabled Hall of Fame career. Tonight, he will not be known as Mr. Wrestlemania, he will be known as Sir Michael Cole. Tonight the WWE Universe will witness the first Knighting Ceremony. Jack Swagger introduces Queen Elizabeth.
She says that we are here tonight to celebrate Michael Cole. He is asked if he is going to honor the faith of the United Kingdom. She does the sword deal to make it ‘official’ and she does not take a little off the side. Cole celebrates his new knighthood by kissing the Queen.
Cole tells everyone to be silent because they are his peasants. Cole says that now that he is royalty, he thinks a few peasants . . . Good Ole JR and Jerry Lawler, should come in this ring and kiss his feet.
Lawler and Ross don’t move anywhere until Cole removes his shoe and sock. Swagger sends Lawler into the turnbuckles and then to the floor. Swagger sends Lawler into the ring bell pit.
Jim Ross takes off his jacket and he goes after Cole but Swagger stops him and grabs Ross. Cole wants Ross to kiss his foot and Ross tells him to go to hell. Swagger forces Ross’ face onto Cole’s foot.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Did You Know that ten million people watched the premiere of Tough Enough (of course there were about 150 airings)
Josh Mathews has taken over at the open air announce table while Cole lets his foot air out in the ColeDome.
Sheamus tells Santino that the last time they were in England, Santino embarrassed him with a tea party. This is his last time to have a chance to embarrass Santino.
Match Number Five: Santino Marella versus Sheamus
They lock up and Sheamus with a knee and kick followed by a knee drop. Sheamus sends Santino into the turnbuckles. Sheamus tries to slam Santino but Santino escapes the hold. Santino does a split but he doesn’t get up. Sheamus with a kick to the back followed by a knee and a short arm clothesline. Sheamus with an arm bar and chin lock. Santino gets back to his feet but Sheamus sends Santino back to the mat. Sheamus with a few elbow drops and he gets a near fall. Sheamus with a reverse chin lock and then he turns it into an arm bar.
Santino backs Sheamus into the corner but Sheamus with a splash into the corner and Santino goes down. Sheamus with an Irish whip but he misses a splash in the corner. Santino gets a second wind and the cobra is also on shaky ground. Sheamus with a kick to the arm and then to the head and he gets the three count.
Winner: Sheamus
We look back at the moment when R Truth snapped earlier in the show.
Randy Orton and CM Punk are walking in split screen as we go to commercial.
We are back and we take a look at how Nexus cost Randy Orton his shot at the WWE Title match last week on Raw.
Match Number Six: CM Punk versus Randall Keith Orton
They lock up and Punk with a side head lock and Orton backs Punk into the corner. The referee has to separate them and Punk pushes Orton but Orton with a punch. He sends Punk into the turnbuckle and hits a number of English uppercuts. Orton stomps a mudhole in Punk and then he runs his boot laces across Punk’s face. Orton with forearms across the chest but Punk with a kick to stop Orton.
Orton tries to send Punk into the turnbuckles but Punk stops him. Punk with a kick and knees in the corner. The referee warns Punk but Punk returns to the corner with more knees. Punk with an Irish whip but Orton with clotheslines followed by a power slam. Orton twists into position for the RKO with push ups but Punk with a forearm to the head to stop Orton and we go to commercial.
We are back and Punk with a slam followed by a knee drop for a near fall. Punk with a front face lock on Orton followed by knees to the chest and then he rakes Orton’s eyes with his boots and gets a near fall. Punk returns to the front face lock and then he gives Orton a suplex and gets a near fall. Punk returns to the reverse chin lock one more time.
Orton punches Punk followed by a head butt. Punk with a knee to the midsection and Punk gets a near fall. Punk continues to work on the midsection with boots to the chest. Orton goes to the floor and Punk hits a clothesline from the apron. Punk tries to join in the motivation by the fans at ringside for Randall before they return to the ring.
Punk blows a kiss before trying a suplex and Orton with a rollup for a near fall. Punk gets a near fall on Orton. Punk with a snap mare and a figure four head scissors. Orton gets free by biting Punk’s hand and then he punches Punk. Punk with a running knee into the corner but he takes too long for the bulldog and Orton counters it with a belly-to-back suplex and he gets a near fall. Punk with a forearm to the lower back followed by a bulldog for a near fall.
Punk with kicks to the leg and midsection but Orton with a back breaker and then he hits the Olympic Slam for a near fall. Punk goes to the apron and then he drops Orton across the top rope.
Punk hits the springboard clothesline and gets a near fall. Punk gets to his feet first and he goes to the turnbuckles, but he takes too long and Orton punches Punk on the turnbuckles. Orton sets for a superplex and he hits it but he can only get a near fall.
Punk rolls to the apron but he is leaning over the ropes. Orton with a kick and it is time for the IEDDT. Orton takes too long and Punk gets Orton up for the Go To Sleep. Orton gets out of the hold but Punk with a roundhouse kick and he gets a near fall. Punk picks up Orton for the Go To Sleep but Orton holds on to the ropes. Punk misses a kick and Orton with a rollup for the three count.
Winner: Randy Orton
After the match, Nexus tries to sneak up on Orton and it would have worked if they didn’t have their music playing as they came to the ring. Otunga, McGillicutty, and Ryan attack Orton and they work him over. Punk barks the instructions and Ryan hits a uranage. Punk asks Orton if he feels like a winner.
Ryan says that Orton is his. Ryan wants to kick Orton in the head but Punk tells him that Orton is his so Ryan will have to wait for the free kick. Punk reminds Mason who is in charge. Punk charges at Orton and since they took way too long, Orton was able to recover and he gives Punk an RKO. Orton runs out of the ring before Ryan, Otunga, and McGillicutty can figure out what happened.
We go to credits.
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