April 22nd
On this day in history in ....
1935 - Pat Newman defeats Dobie Osborne to win the Georgia Southern Lightweight Title in Augusta, Georgia, beginning his third reign.
1946 - Everett Marshall defeats The Swedish Angel for the Rocky Mountain Heavyweight Title in Denver, Colorado, beginning Marshall's second reign.
1947 - Cliff Gustafson defeats Sandor Szabo to win the Minneapolis World Heavyweight Title in Minneapolis, Minnesota, ending Szabo's second reign.
1949 - Sonny Myers defeats Danny McShain for the NWA Texas Heavyweight Title in Houston, Texas, ending McShain's third reign and beginning Myers' second.
1952 - Pierre LaBelle and Juan Garcia defeat The Golden Terror and Danny Savic to the New Mexico Tag Team Title in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
1953 - Danno MacDonald and David Johns defeat Paul DeGalles and Tarzan Potvin for the Northwest Tag Team Title in Vancouver, British Columbia.
1955 - Raul Zapata defeats Larry Chene to win the NWA Texas Junior Heavyweight Title in Houston, Texas.
1958 - Rip Rogers (Eddie Graham) and Johnny Valentine defeat Albert and Enrique Torres to win the NWA Texas Tag Team Title in Dallas, Texas.
1963 - Miguel Pérez, Jr. is born in Carolina, Puerto Rico.
1964 - Dick the Bruiser defeats Fred Blassie for the World Wrestling Association World Heavyweight Title in Los Angeles, California, ending Blassie's fourth reign. Dick the Bruiser started his own promotion in Indiana that same year, also called the World Wrestling Association, with him as the first champion.
1964 - Nick Bockwinkel and Nick Kozak defeat The Destoyer and Dan Manoukian (subbing for Art Michalik) for the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Title in Salem, Oregon, ending Destroyer and Michalik's third reign and beginning Bockwinkel and Kozak's second reign.
1966 - Rayo de Jalisco and Santo defeat René Guajardo and Karloff Lagarde in a tournament final for the Mexican National Tag Team Title.
1968 - Johnny Rougeau defeats Ivan Koloff to win the IWA International Heavyweight Title in Montreal, Quebec, beginning his fourth reign.
1968 - The Spoilers (Don Jardine and Smasher Sloan) defeat Billy Red Lyons and Fritz Von Erich for the NWA American Tag Team Title in Fort Worth, Texas.
1969 - Kyoko Inoue is born in Nanyou City, Japan.
1969 - Tony Borne and Moondog Mayne defeat Karl and Kurt Von Steiger for the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Title. This began Borne and Mayne's fifth reign and ended the Von Steiger's third.
1973 - The Mighty Mongol ends Bob Kelly's 10th NWA Gulf Coast Heavyweight Title reign in Pensacola, Florida.
1977 - The Wrestling Pro defeats Ken Mantell to win the NWA Gulf Coast Heavyweight Title in Dothan, Alabama, beginning his seventh reign.
1978 - Ezekiel Jackson is born in Harlem, New York.
1988 - The WWF tapes the 16th edition of Saturday Night's Main Event at the Springfield Civic Center in Springfield, Massachusetts. The show aired on NBC on April 30. Three episodes of Wrestling Challenge were also taped afterward, featuring the debut of ring announcer Mike McGuirk. The results:
- Jim Duggan defeated Hercules by disqualification when André the Giant interfered, with Ultimate Warrior making the save.
- Brutus Beefcake defeated Danny Davis by submission with a sleeper hold.
- WWF Champion Randy Savage (with Miss Elizabeth) pinned One Man Gang (with Slick) after a flying elbowdrop to retain the title.
- WWF Tag Team Champions Demolition (Ax and Smash (with Mr. Fuji)) defeated The British Bulldogs (Davey Boy Smith and The Dynamite Kid) by disqualification.
- Ted DiBiase pinned Don Muraco.
- Rick Rude pinned Koko B. Ware after the Rude Awakening.
1989 - Carl Styles defeats The Grappler for the NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Title in Portland, Oregon, beginning his second reign and ending Grappler's sixth.
1996 - The Monday Night War continued, with WWF Monday Night RAW beating WCW Monday Nitro, 3.3 to 2.7 in the ratings.
WWF Monday Night RAW was taped April 1 at Orange Pavilion in San Bernadino, California. The results:
- Goldust (with Marlena) pinned Savio Vega, after Steve Austin hit Vega with his Million Dollar belt while Marlena distracted the referee, to win the held-up WWF Intercontinental Title.
- Vader (with Jim Cornette) pinned Fatu after a moonsault.
- The Godwinns (Henry and Phineas (with Hillbilly Jim)) defeated Ken Paterson and Yoshihiro Tajiri.
- Mankind defeated Aldo Montoya by submission with the Mandible Claw.
WCW Monday Nitro held this week's show live and taped the next week's show at the Albany Civic Center in Albany, Georgia. The next week's show was taped to air at 7:00pm due to the NBA Playoffs airing on TNT. The results were:
April 22:
- The American Males (Mark Bagwell and Scott Riggs) defeated Public Enemy (Johnny Grunge and Rocco Rock) by disqualification after Public Enemy threw Bagwell over the top rope. Before the match, Eric Bischoff gave away RAW's results. After the match, PE put Riggs threw a table on the floor.
- Chris Benoit pinned Eddie Guerrero after blocking a sunset flip fromt he corner and holding the middle rope.
- Jim Duggan pinned Meng after hitting him with a taped fist. Bischoff again read the RAW results again during the match.
- WCW World Tag Team Champions - WCW World Television Champion Lex Luger and Sting defeated WCW World Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair (with Miss Elizabeth and Woman) and The Giant (with Jimmy Hart) by disqualification after Flair threw hot coffee in Giant's face, intended for Luger. All three titles were on the line.
April 29:
- WCW World Tag Team Champions - WCW World Television Champion Lex Luger and Sting defeated Harlem Heat (Stevie Ray and Booker T) to retain the title, when Sting pinned Booker with a roll-up after Harlem Heat was distracted by Jimmy Hart.
- The Steiner Brothers (Rick and Scott) defeated Fire and Ice (Scott Norton and Ice Train), when Rick pinned Ice Train after a clothesline.
- Lord Steven Regal pinned The Belfast Bruiser in a parking lot brawl after a piledriver on the hood of a car.
- The Giant (with Jimmy Hart) pinned WCW World Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair (with Miss Elizabeth and Woman) after a chokeslam to win the title.
1998 - WCW held a live edition of Thunder at the Carolina Coliseum in Columbia, South Carolina. The results:
- WCW World Television Champion Booker T defeated Disco Inferno to retain the title.
- The Barbarian defeated Prince Iaukea.
- Vicious and Delicious (Buff Bagwell and Scott Norton) defeated Lex Luger and Rick Steiner. Bagwell was injured late in the match, while taking Steiner's bulldog from the second rope. Bagwell's head slipped out of under Steiner's arm and Bagwell smashed face-first into Steiner's back. Bagwell was paralyzed for four minutes and later underwent successful surgery to repair damage to his vertebrae. He would make a full recovery and return to the ring, but when it happened, the injury was a frightening moment.
- Horace defeated Evan Karagias by disqualification.
- WCW United States Heavyweight Champion Goldberg defeated Mike Enos to retain the title.
- Sting defeated Scott Steiner by disqualification.
1999 - Michelle Starr defeats Lumberjack Bubba for the NWA Vancouver Island Heavyweight Title in Nanaimo, British Columbia, ending Bubba's second reign.
2000 - ECW held its fifth-annual CyberSlam event at the ECW Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The results were:
- Masato Tanaka defeated 2 Cold Scorpio.
- Dawn Marie and Lance Storm defeated Jazz and Super Nova, when Dawn Marie pinned Jazz.
- Little Guido defeated Super Crazy and Kid Kash in a three-way match.
- C.W. Anderson and Billy Whiles defeated Danny Doring and Roadkill, when Anderson pinned Doring.
- Balls Mahoney and New Jack defeated Da Baldies (Angel and DeVito).
- Steve Corino defeated Dusty Rhodes.
- Rhino defeated ECW World Television Champion Yoshihiro Tajiri to win the title.
- Tommy Dreamer defeated ECW World Heavyweight Champion Tazz to win the title, ending Tazz's second reign. The match would serve as Tazz's final appearance in the original ECW as a wrestler, although he would make a cameo later in the year in NYC. Dreamer gave a passionate crying speech, saying that he might never make it to Wrestlemania and didn't want to make it to Starrcade, but he made it in the ECW Arena. Dreamer was then attacked during his post-match celebration by Justin Credible, leading to....
- Justin Credible defeated ECW World Heavyweight Champion Tommy Dreamer to win the title after Francine turned on him to set up the victory. The storyline was that Dreamer, after years of striving, had finally won the big one, only to lose the belt before he had a chance to win it. Credible, upon winning the belt, threw down his Tag Team championship, effectively vacating those belts until August 2000.
2000 - Jay Jaillet defeats Luis Ortiz for the NWA New England Junior Heavyweight Title in Salisbury, Massachusetts, ending Ortiz's second reign.
2000 - Trevor Rhodes defeats Meng in Eldon, Missouri to win the World League Wrestling Heavyweight Title.
2000 - Suicide Kid wins his third IWA Mid-South Light Heavyweight Title, beating Daniel Quinn in a tournament final in Charlestown, Indiana.
2001 - The Disciples of Synn (Damian and Payne) defeat The Minnesota Stretching Crew (Brock Lesnar and Shelton Benjamin) to win their second OVW Southern Tag Team Title in Jeffersonville, Indiana.
2001 - Chikayo Nagashima and Sugar Sato defeat Akira Hokuto and Mayumi Ozaki for the AAAW Tag Team Title in Osaka, Japan, beginning their third reign.
2002 - WWE broadcast Raw. Tim Whitehead filed the following TV report:
The 4/22 episode of RAW aired live from St. Louis. It was another solid, but unspectacular, show. It was entertaining, especially watching the Dr. Flair & Mr. Vince stuff, where the Nature Boy is being slowly driven to become another Mr. McMahon (as if there's a shortage of them).
They opened with still photos of the Backlash main event, where Hulk Hogan beat Triple H to capture the WWF World Title for the first time in nine years. Jim Ross called it the greatest comeback in the history of sports entertainment, though he also noted that it was a controversial win.
Brock Lesnar defeated Matt Hardy by TKO in 3:08. As Paul Heyman led Lesnar to the ring, JR called him a certified monster, and footage aired from last week of Lesnar destroying Matt. Tonight, Matt was seeking revenge for brother Jeff, whom Lesnar massacred at Backlash. Matt had his ribs taped to sell last week's beating. He sneak-attacked Lesnar before the bell by coming in from behind through the crowd. Lesnar overpowered Matt and gave him two backbreakers. Lita wasn't there. In real life, she's injured, but the TV storyline was that Matt made her stay away for her own safety. Lesnar charged Matt in the corner. Matt moved and Lesnar hit the post, which allowed a flurry of offense from Matt. He hit Lesnar with two legdrops off the top. Matt went for the twist of fate but Lesnar blocked it and hit the Brockbuster (that's the name I've made up for the high drop Lesnar does every week, which they have no name for yet). Lesnar followed up with a powerbomb and the ref stopped the match. JR remarked that Lesnar has a bona fide mean streak and an agent who has no conscience.
Ric Flair arrived and greeted a couple of crew guys, but they gave him the cold shoulder. They were upset with Flair for screwing Steve Austin in the #1 contenders match at Backlash. Flair swore to them that he didn't screw Austin on purpose. Undertaker then walked up. He kept things stirred up by thanking Flair for doing the right thing. Flair again insisted that he honestly didn't see Austin's foot on the ropes and it was just an honest mistake, not any effort to screw Austin deliberately. But UT kept it up, saying he owes Flair one. In fact, UT announced his plans to thank Flair right out in public, and he headed off to the ring. Flair looked upset.
UT arrived at the ring. He declared himself to be the #1 contender and said he'd like to compliment someone for a job well done, namely the Nature Boy. He said Flair called that match right down the middle and counted 1-2-3 just at the right time. He said he would have won no matter who the ref was, but that it happened to be Flair, so he deserves to be thanked. UT then turned to discussing his upcoming shot at new Undisputed WWF champ Hulk Hogan. He said everyone's caught up in the big Hulk comeback and miracle title victory. UT took credit for Hogan's win by saying, "You're welcome". UT said he'll take the belt from Hulk at Judgment Day, where he'll serve as Hogan's judge, jury, and executioner. At this point, Triple H was seen entering the arena with a not-too-pleased look on his face. UT looked concerned and started yelling that HHH can't legally appear on RAW since he was signed to Smackdown after losing the title. HHH headed straight to the ring and immediately attacked UT. They had a great brawl. They went to the floor and tumbled over the broadcast desk. HHH took a monitor and bashed UT repeatedly in the head with it and he juiced a gusher. A bunch of refs pulled HHH off of UT. The bloodied UT revived and slugged HHH and the brawl broke out again. They fought to the back where there was a parked car. It was HHH's car, and he got a sledgehammer out of the back seat and hit UT in the stomach with it. He was about to use it on UT again when two security guys tackled him and a bunch of cops arrived. HHH got handcuffed but still was able to kick UT, who was in a bloody heap on the floor as they went to a commercial break.
After the break, they replayed highlights of the brawl. They also showed HHH being hauled off to the steel motel in a squad car. A really good, intense brawl and angle.
JR & Jerry Lawler put over the success of The Scorpion King. They then went to a taped segment with Goldust & Booker T called "At The Movies", where they did the Siskel & Ebert gimmick. Goldust started off with his Hollywood lingo, calling Scorpion King a "Felliniesque" story of a quest for salvation, or something like that. Booker got fed up and said, "Just roll the damn footage". They showed the opening scene from the movie where the future Scorpion King (Rock) rescues his brother from some barbarians. Booker gave it two thumbs up but didn't like one thing. Namely, he was upset that Rock was in it, claiming the film would be even greater and more over-the-top if he was the star instead. To prove it, Booker re-aired the scene, only this time he got in front of the screen during Rock's appearance and said he's not only the Scorpion King, but a five time WCW champion and he has a sword, too. Booker claimed the movie would be an Oscar contender if he had been in it. Goldust, not to be outdone, re-aired the scene yet again with himself in front of the screen doing his Goldust mannerisms. Yeah, that would have scared the hell out of those barbarians. Booker said they'd have called the movie "The Scorpion Queen" if Goldust had been in it. Goldust said, "Tell me you did not just say that!" Okay, it was a funny segment. Silly, but funny.
William Regal encountered Flair backstage and couldn't resist "congratulating" him for counting Austin down when his foot was clearly on the ropes. Flair repeated for the umpteenth time that it was an accident. Regal then congratulated him for an accident well done. Flair was pissed.
Rob Van Dam beat Mr. Perfect in 3:00. Eddie Guerrero did color commentary bragging about his IC Title win at the PPV. He was doing the full Latino Heat gimmick and sometimes speaking in Spanish. Lawler acted like he understood him, claiming to be bilingual. JR said, "You're bi all right!" When RVD arrived he tried to confront Guerrero but Perfect attacked and the match began. It wasn't a good match as their styles clashed. RVD won with the frog splash. Afterward, Guerrero attacked RVD from behind and went for his own frog splash but RVD rolled clear and Guerrero crashed to the mat. RVD kicked Guerrero from the ring and he retreated. By the way, for future reference, several readers last week informed me that when Guerrero uses the term "mommy", it is actually "mami", a Latino term for "honey" or "sweetheart". So it made sense when he was calling Terri "mami".
They aired the first of several Hulkamania Flashbacks. This one featured the Hulkster winning his first WWF Title from Iron Sheik in 1984 at Madison Square Garden.
Jazz & Molly Holly defeated Trish Stratus & Jackie in 2:15. Short, but all action. Trish had Jazz on the ropes until Molly took a cheap shot at her. Jackie came in and cleaned house. Jazz threw Trish into the stairs, which was the same thing that "hurt" her back at the PPV. Jazz hit Trish with the title belt and Molly lariated her and pinned her. Afterward, Trish made a comeback and double lariated Jazz & Molly.
Flair complained to Arn Anderson that everyone thinks he screwed Austin on purpose. Arn said he believes Flair when he says it was an accident, but there are a lot of crew guys and guys in the locker room who don't. Arn added that there are also probably a lot of fans who don't believe him, either. So Arn recommended going out and talking to the fans straight up about it. Flair said that was an excellent idea and said he'll prove he's telling the truth.
Another Flashback segment saw Hogan pin Randy Savage at Wrestlemania V in 1989 to regain the WWF Title.
Hour two began with Flair coming down to the ring. For the record, JR believed Flair was being truthful, but Lawler didn't. There were some boos for Flair. Flair said he would set the record straight. He admitted to doing a lousy job officiating and said straight up that he blew the call by counting Austin's shoulders down when his foot was on the ropes. He understood why Austin would be upset but swore it was an accident. He said that if Ric Flair says something in a city like St. Louis you can be sure it's gospel truth. St. Louis, of course, was the home for decades of promoter Sam Muchnick, who was legendary for his honesty and his efforts to promote a serious product. Flair then had two replays of the Austin vs. UT match finish aired from two different camera angles. The first angle made it look like Flair might have been able to see Austin's foot on the ropes. But the second angle, shot from Flair's vantage point, showed that UT's body was blocking Flair's view so he couldn't see Austin's boot. Flair said that he likes Austin and respects him, and apologized to him from the bottom of his heart for accidentally causing him to lose the match. This brought Austin out to a pop. Austin started the "what" sequence by saying, "You're sorry?", "You apologize?", "You made a mistake?" Each was followed by "whats" from the crowd, but it should be noted that he cut it much shorter than usual and didn't ask like a zillion pointless questions just to elicit "whats". Austin said Flair's full of crap and he can apologize all he wants but the fact will remain that he (Austin) lost the #1 contendership because of Flair. He added that Flair may claim to be speaking the gospel truth but said, "I don't hear any church bells". He said he gets more pissed off every time he hears Flair speak. Flair wouldn't look Austin in the eye, so Austin said, "Look me in the eye, you son of a bitch". He said Flair made the biggest mistake of his life when he screwed Stone Cold Steve Austin and said he doesn't give a rat's ass how many championships Flair has held. Flair angrily noted that he's held the championship 16 times. Flair repeated that what happened was an accident and said he's not Vince McMahon. Austin said he'd rather deal with Vince because he prefers a "sumbitch" who tells you up front that he's gonna screw you to a "sumbitch" who screws you after swearing he won't. Ouch! Austin said Missouri's the "show me" state so he said he had something to show Flair. He then flipped him off. Up to this point, this was a good segment. But it got a little convoluted at the end. Flair, after yet another apology, promised to make it up to Austin by teaming him with Bradshaw in a match against Scott Hall & X-Pac. In other words, Austin loses the cherished #1 contendership, but as compensation gets a tag match against some guys he wrestles almost every week on TV, with no title or contendership at stake. How would that make things up to Austin? Anyway, Flair left with Austin looking not all that happy, or satisfied.
Booker T & Goldust beat Bubba Ray & Spike Dudley in 6:14. Bubba hurled Spike over the top onto Booker & Goldust to start the match. Spike did a double foot stomp on Goldust. But as usual, Spike got destroyed and sold it big. Bubba hot tagged in and went to town on both opponents. Spike then got that Dudley look on his face and shouted, "Get the table!" This drew a huge pop. However, Goldust laid Bubba out as he was getting the table and Booker nailed Spike with a scissor kick for the pin. After Booker & Goldust left, Steven Richards ran in. He hurled Spike from the ring and attacked Bubba in an attempt to win the Hardcore belt under the 24/7 rule. But Bubba put Richards through the table and danced afterward.
Another Flashback featured Hogan beating Sgt. Slaughter at Wrestlemania VII in 1991.
Shawn Stasiak was talking to himself in the locker room. Tommy Dreamer asked him what the deal is about Planet Stasiak. Stasiak went off about how he hears voices in his head and crap like that. Regal arrived and called him a "silly pillock" for talking about a planet that doesn't even exist. Stasiak challenged him to fight. Regal agreed to the match and vowed to knock some sense into his head.
Regal beat Stasiak in 0:03. Regal was just standing in the ring when Stasiak charged in at full speed. And he charged right into a brass knux punch. Stasiak ended up unconscious on the mat, as if he were a government pillock. The bell never actually rang, but the ref counted Regal's pin. This was hilarious!
Bradshaw was found unconscious on the floor backstage. Flair & Arn arrived as EMT's were attending to him. They kept trying to get him to respond. One of them called him "John" (his real first name). No one knew who assaulted Bradshaw, but Flair said he knew.
Flair went to the NWO locker room and accused Scott Hall & X-Pac of attacking Bradshaw. Both plead innocent and sarcastically hoped he'd be okay. Flair said Bradshaw had been taken to a hospital. Hall then said that means their match against Austin would be handicap, but Flair said he'd find a substitute partner. After Flair left, Kevin Nash emerged from a bathroom (complete with toilet flushing sound). Flair came back in and said Nash was under suspension. He threatened a lifetime suspension if he didn't leave. So Nash left. Flair said Big Show would be Austin's partner, to Hall & X-Pac's apparent dismay.
Yet another Hulkamania Flashback saw Hogan beat Undertaker for the WWF title on 12/3/91.
And, after a commercial break, still another Flashback featured the Hulkster pinning Yokozuna for the belt at Wrestlemania IX in 1993, which was one of the worst 'Manias ever.
So finally, out came the Hulkster. Like at the PPV, he got a massive pop at first but the heat didn't hold up throughout the whole segment. Hogan had enough boas to pass for Jesse Ventura. He looked legitimately moved by the fan reaction. He said Hulkamania is still running wild. He said that he might have won the belt without Undertaker's interference, or he might not have. He said HHH deserves a rematch. The Hulkster said Hulkamania was born on 1/23/84 when he won his first WWF Title (over Iron Sheik) and was reborn on 4/21/02 at Backlash. He quoted Vince as saying reality was going to crash down on the Hulkster, but he said the reality is right here in my hand (he was holding the title belt). He said no matter how long his reign is, or even if the big man upstairs calls him home tomorrow, he'll be a happy man. Hogan invoked the power of the Hulkamaniacs and asked what Undertaker would do when Hulkamania starts running wild on him. Hogan did his posing routine to close a good promo segment.
More Scorpion King highlights aired with comments from Rock and director Chuck Russell.
Austin & Big Show vs. Hall & X-Pac went to a no-contest in 8:30. X-Pac got tossed around a lot. Hall flipped his toothpick. X-Pac got beat up some more. The heels managed to tie Austin up in their corner for a few minutes. Austin gave Hall a jawbreaker, which JR sold as a modified stunner, and tagged Show in. Hall & X-Pac both began begging to Show, but he didn't go after them. Instead, he turned and chokeslammed Austin. JR went ballistic as usual, calling Show a no good bastard and acting like it was a huge deal for Show to join the NWO. The show ended with Show & Hall & X-Pac celebrating over the downed Austin. So Flair again "accidentally" screwed Austin by putting Show in as his partner. The NWO music played but Austin wasn't pinned so I guess it was a no-contest.
RHETORICAL QUESTIONS:
Shouldn't they bring in Kelly Hu as Flair's executive assistant?
Aren't they glad that Scorpion King turned out to be a pretty good movie?
Are you surprised they let Booker mention the buried WCW Title?
Why didn't we get to hear Paul Heyman speak this week?
If Flair wanted to make it up to Austin, why didn't he just order a rematch against Undertaker with the contendership on the line?
Spike's good, but don't you miss D-Von?
2003 - CIMA defeats Genki Horiguchi in a tournament final in Tokyo, Japan to become the first Ultimo Dragon Gym Champion.
2005 - Full Impact Pro held "The Usual Suspects" at Brandon All-Stars in Brandon, Florida, featuring a tournament, although more of a series of elimination matches, a round-robin of sorts, to crown the first FIP Tag Team Champions. The results were:
- The Carnage Crew (DeVito and Loc) defeated The Heartbreak Express (Phil and Sean Davis) in a tournament qualifying match.
- The Ring Crew Express (Dunn and Marcos) defeated The Carnage Crew (DeVito and Loc) in a tournament match.
- Jerrelle Clark and Roderick Strong defeated FIP Heavyweight Champion Homicide and Vordell Walker in a tournament match.
- Sal Rinauro and Spanky defeated James Gibson and Steve Madison in a tournament match.
- DP Associates (Jimmy Rave and Fast Eddie Vegas (with Dave Prazak)) defeated Aaron Epic and Evan Starsmore in a tournament match.
- DP Associates (Jimmy Rave and Fast Eddie Vegas (with Dave Prazak)) defeated The Ring Crew Express (Dunn and Marcos) in a tournament match.
- The New Dawn (CM Punk and Don Juan) defeated Sal Rinauro and Spanky in a tournament match.
- Antonio Banks (MVP) defeated Rainman and Jared Steele in a three-way match.
- DP Associates (Jimmy Rave and Fast Eddie Vegas (with Dave Prazak)) defeated The New Dawn (CM Punk and Don Juan) and Jerrelle Clark and Roderick Strong in a three-way elimination match to win the tournament and become the first FIP Tag Team Champions. A three-way was held due to there being three teams without a loss during the tournament.
2005 - Eric Canyon defeats Conscience to win the NWA Scottish Heavyweight Title.
2005 - Jon Davis defeats Adam Windsor for the NWA South Georgia Heavyweight Title in Valdosta, Georgia.
2005 - Yakuza (Lance Alonte and Angel of Darkness) defeat Picture Perfect (Kevin Kantrell and Blain Rage) to win the NWA Spinebuster Tag Team Title.
2005 - The Black Birds (Ice and Jazz) defeat A.J. Bradley and Void for the vacant NWA Mid-South Tag Team Title in Humboldt, Tennessee.
2006 - Dru Onyx defeats Tommy Marr to win the NWA North American Heavyweight Title in Altamonte Springs, Florida.
2006 - El Bronco defeats Romeo Roselli for the WWC Puerto Rico Heavyweight Title in Carolina, Puerto Rico, beginning his fifth reign.
2006 - Darin Corbin defeats Arik Cannon in Midlothian, Illinois to win the IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Title, ending Cannon's second reign.
2006 - Deathrow defeats A.J. Steele for the Great Championship Wrestling Heavyweight Title in Columbus, Georgia.
2006 - Dysfunction defeats Diego Corleone to win the NWA Wisconsin Heavyweight Title in De Pere, Wisconsin.
2007 - ChickFight holds and event at the Liquid Nightclub in Gloucester, England, featuring the eighth ChickFight tournament. The results were:
- Wesna defeated Pandora in a tournament quarterfinal match.
- Jade defeated Violet by disqualification in a tournament quarterfinal match.
- Cheerleader Melissa defeated Eden Black to become the first ChickFight Trans-Atlantic Champion.
- MsChif defeated Kelly Adams in a tournament quarterfinal match.
- Jetta defeated Skye in a tournament quarterfinal match.
- Wesna defeated Jade in a tournament semifinal match.
- MsChif defeated Jetta in a tournament semifinal match.
- Pandora defeated Bubble.
- Wesna defeated MsChif to win the ChickFight tournament.
- ChickFight Trans-Atlantic Champion Cheerleader Melissa defeated Wesna to retain the title.
2007 - TNA star Shark Boy settled his lawsuit against Dimension Films and several other entities over the infringement of his copyrighted and trademarked name "Shark Boy" in the Robert Rodriguez film "The Adventures of Shark Boy and Lava Girl in 3-D". The case was closed this past Friday 4/20 by the Southern District Court of Ohio with Judge Susan J. Dlott noting that the case can be reopened by 6/19 if agreed settlement terms are not completed.
On his official website, www.SharkBoy.net, the TNA star announced:
After nearly two years of legal proceedings, the trademark lawsuit with Dimension Films, et al., has finally been settled for an undisclosed amount. Shark Boy wishes to thank each and every one of you for supporting him throughout this long ordeal, and plans to continue entertaining fans of all ages throughout the world for years to come!
2008 - World Wrestling Entertainment suspended creative team member Michael Hayes for 60 days due to an incident that took place in Florida during the course of Wrestlemania week where Hayes allegedly made an explicitly insulting comment towards Smackdown star Mark Henry, using a racially explicit word. WWE did attempt to keep the suspension quiet, telling some who asked that Hayes was away on vacation, but word spread among the company's employees over the weekend that he was in the midst of serving a suspension from the company.
2008 - World Wrestling Entertainment cut developmental talents Chris Gray, Tommy Taylor and Ryan Bishop.
2009 - A number of Combat Zone Wrestling stars, including John Zandig, Nick Gage, Sabian, DJ Hyde and Devon Moore appeared on The Discovery Channel's Time Warp, a series where they use high definition cameras shooting in slow motion to show the physics of things that the human eye might not catch. In the appearance, they set up a wrestling ring and showed Sabian doing a flip dive out of the ring onto Moore, Moore nailing a shooting star splash, Gage piledriving Sabian through a table and more. The hosts, while being sure to point out that it was entertainment, were amazed at how hard the CZW crew were nailing each other and at the control they had of their bodies during highspots. Since this was CZW, there were light tubes and weapons involved. One of the hosts tried to intimate it wasn't all real, which led to Zandig chasing him out of the ring. When asked why they would put themselves through such physical abuse, Zandig and Hyde noted "You've never been out there" and discussed the feeling of performing inside a ring. "People talk about loving their job," said Hyde. "We wouldn't do this if we didn't love it." Zandig pointed out that they were all trained to do what they do.
2009 - K.C. On The Mat, a documentary on the Kansas City territory, aired via local cable, directed by former WWE Creative Team member Chris Gough.
2010 - WWE released a slew of talents, including Shelton Benjamin, Mickie James, Funaki, Jimmy Wany Yang, Slam Master J (Ray Gordy aka Jesse of Jesse & Festus), Katie Lea Burchill (now Winter in TNA), and Mike Knox.
2010 - The following press release was issued:
Hulk Hogan files lawsuit against Wells Fargo Insurance Services
Southeast Inc. and Wells Fargo Insurance Services USA, Inc.
Earlier today Terry Bollea a/k/a Hulk Hogan filed a lawsuit in Pinellas County, Florida Circuit Court against Wells Fargo Insurance Services Southeast and Wells Fargo Insurance Services USA. A summary of the allegations contained in the suit are summarized below:
Wells Fargo is an insurance broker in the business of, among other things, providing asset protection insurance for high net worth individuals. For many years up to and including August 26, 2007, Wells Fargo brokered a large range of insurance coverages for the Bollea family, cumulatively receiving tens of thousands of dollars in brokerage fees to do so.
Wells Fargo owed Hogan a fiduciary duty under Florida law to act in his best interests in regard to adequately protecting his assets in the event of a potential third party liability claim against him.
On August 26, 2007, Hogan's minor son, Nick, while driving a vehicle owned by Hogan was involved in an automobile accident which resulted in serious injuries to his passenger, John Graziano. In March 2008, representatives of Graziano brought suit against Hogan seeking to hold him individually and vicariously liable for injuries Graziano sustained in the collision. At the time of the accident Hogan was woefully underinsured for third party losses sustained by drivers of vehicles he owned, having primary automobile liability limits of only $250,000, per person injured. Hogan had no excess umbrella coverage available to protect his hard-earned assets despite an estimated net worth exceeding $30 million and a multi-million dollar annual income.
The Defendant, Wells Fargo, breached its fiduciary duties to Hogan under Florida law by failing entirely to inform, counsel and advise him of the need for excess risk coverage and the inadequacy of his insurance protection, particularly in light of Wells Fargo's knowledge that Hogan had teenage drivers in his household for which he was legally responsible.
On April 20, 2010, Hogan, to resolve liability claims filed against him, paid representatives of Graziano a confidential settlement amount in excess of Hogan’s available automobile liability coverage. This uninsured loss to Hogan was as a direct result of the breached fiduciary duties owed to him by Wells Fargo. The lawsuit filed today seeks recovery in full from the Defendants for all sums Hogan was unnecessarily required to pay as a result of the Defendants’ negligence.
2010 - WWE broadcast Superstars. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We start off tonight’s show with the Smackdown announcers, Todd Grisham and Matt Striker.
Shad has a strap with him and it relates to the Strap Match that he has on Sunday night at Extreme Rules against his former tag team partner JTG.
Match Number One: Shad Gaspard versus Goldust
They lock up and Shad pushes Goldust into the corner. They lock up again and Shad with a side head lock and shoulder tackle that sends Goldust to the floor. Shad goes after Goldust but Goldust with a clothesline before they return to the ring. Goldust with an uppercut or two. Shad with a kick but Goldust clotheslines Shad over the top rope to the floor. Goldust with a baseball slide but Shad moves out of the way and Shad sends Goldust into the ring steps. Shad rolls Goldust back in and gets a near fall. Shad kicks Goldust in the back and then he picks him up and sends Goldust into the corner. Shad with back elbows and punches to the head as the referee warns him. Goldust with punches and he tries for a slam but he collapses under Shad’s weight and gets a near fall. Shad with a kick to the back and then he hits a clothesline to the seated Goldust and he gets a near fall. Shad works on the neck as he taunts the man with the black and gold face paint. Goldust with an elbow and Shad with a forearm to the back. Shad with a reverse chin lock on Goldust as he tries to wear him down with the extra weight on Goldust’s back. Goldust gets to his feet and he hits a reverse atomic drop followed by a clothesline. Goldust with the drop down uppercut and a bulldog for a near fall. Goldust punches Shad in the corner but Shad pushes him off and hits a big boot to the head. Shad gets too overconfident and Goldust with an inside cradle for a near fall. Shad sends Goldust shoulder first into the ring post followed by an STO for the three count.
Winner: Shad
We go to a video package recapping this week’s NXT.
We go to commercial.
We are back with Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler to do the commentary for the Raw portion of this week’s show.
Match Number Two: Yoshi Tatsu versus Zack Ryder with Rosa Mendes
They lock up and Ryder with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. They lock up again and Ryder with a hammer lock and he pushes Yoshi. Yoshi with a chop and kick to Ryder and Zack goes into the ropes to avoid any more kicks. Yoshi blocks a punch and hits an uppercut followed by a shoulder block. Yoshi with a Japanese arm drag followed by another arm drag into an arm bar. Yoshi continues to work on the arm and slams the arm into the mat. Yoshi with a knee to the arm but Ryder gets to the ropes again. Yoshi returns to the arm but Ryder pulls Yoshi down by the hair. Yoshi with a hip toss and arm drag into an arm bar. Yoshi rolls through into an attempted cross arm breaker but Ryder keeps Yoshi from applying it properly and gets to the ropes. Ryder with a kick and side head lock. Ryder holds on to the ropes while Yoshi misses a spinning kick. Yoshi goes to the floor after Ryder but Ryder sends Yoshi’s head into the ringside barrier and Yoshi is down as we go to commercial.
We are back and Ryder with a reverse chin lock on Yoshi as we take a look at the footage before the commercial. We return to the ring and Ryder takes Yoshi to the mat again as he continues to cause trauma to the head. Ryder returns to the reverse chin lock. Ryder with a leg drop and a near fall. Ryder chokes Yoshi in the ropes right in front of Rosa and Rosa slaps Yoshi while Ryder distracted the referee. Ryder with a knee drop and then he returns to the reverse chin lock. Ryder misses an elbow drop but Yoshi does not miss forearms. Ryder with a kick but Yoshi with a forearm. Ryder with a leaping leg lariat but he can only get a two count. Ryder with an Irish whip but he charges into a boot. Ryder kicks Yoshi back into the corner. Yoshi kicks Ryder out of the way and then he chops Ryder and sends Ryder into the turnbuckles. Yoshi with kicks to the ribs but Ryder blocks one and Ryder with a forearm. Yoshi with a drop kick and then Yoshi with a rolling mare and kick to the chest for a near fall. Ryder with a kick but Yoshi with a back body drop. Yoshi with a flying forearm into the corner and then he goes to the turnbuckles but Ryder with a punch to the midsection. Ryder with a neck breaker for a near fall. Yoshi with a spinning heel kick that sends Ryder into the corner. Ryder sends Yoshi to the apron and Yoshi with a kick to the head. Yoshi goes up tip and he hits a spinning heel kick from the top for the three count.
Winner: Yoshi Tatsu
We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time to talk about the John Cena and Batista Last Man Standing Match. We have the video package to prove it.
We go through the card for the pay per view.
Carlito has something to say before his match. He says that despite being one of the few Raw Superstars to make it to Raw this week, he was still not scheduled in a match. He says that he is sick of it. He hopes that every future guest host is watching this. He says that they will see that Carlito deserves to be on Raw every week.
Match Number Three: Carlito with Michael Tarver versus John Morrison
Carlito goes to the floor and he talks to Tarver. Carlito returns to the ring and they lock up. Morrison with a clean break. Carlito with a side head lock and take down. Carlito with a shoulder tackle but Morrison with a monkey flip and a flapjack. Morrison poses and then he hits the standing shooting star press for a near fall. Carlito sends Morrison into the turnbuckles and then he kicks Morrison. Carlito sends Morrison into the turnbuckles again but Morrison throws Carlito to the apron. Carlito drops Morrison on the top rope and Carlito with a triple jump moonsault onto Morrison and we go to commercial.
We are back and Carlito with a back breaker for a near fall. Carlito with a reverse chin lock and Morrison with punches but Carlito with a kne. Morrison with an arm drag and drop kick for a near fall. Morrison with a forearm and an Irish whip. Morrison tries for the springboard spin kick but Carlito kicks the ropes and gets a near fall. Carlito stands on Morrison’s head but Morrison punches back. Carlito with a boot to the head for a near fall. Carlito with a reverse chin lock. Morrison with punches to Carlito and Carlito goes down. Morrison with a clothesline and leaping leg lariat for a near fall. Morrison charges into an elbow and then Carlito with a swinging neck breaker after a counter for a near fall. Carlito tries for the lungblower but Morrison holds on to the ropes. Morrison rolls through on a sunset flip and hits a Shining Wizard. Morrison misses the corkscrew split legged moonsault when he overshoots Carlito. Carlito and Morrison with punches and Carlito with a spinebuster for a near fall. Carlito with a back kick and a moonsault but Morrison with a spin kick after countering a lungblower. Morrison with a near fall. Tarver gets on the apron and Carlito had Morrison rolled up for a three count. Carlito yells at Tarver and that allows Morrison to hit the springboard spin kick for the three count.
Winner: John Morrison
2011 - WWE broadcast Smackdown. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
This week’s show starts off with last week’s retirement speech by Edge with video footage of his career mixed in. We see highlights from last week’s Number Two Contender Battle Royal to see who would face Alberto Del Rio at Extreme Rules. While Alberto Del Rio will not get to face Edge, he will face Edge’s best friend for the World Title.
We are live on tape from London, England and your announcers are Josh ‘I need a raise to work with bubble boy’ Mathews, Booker ‘If Jerry isn’t going to call BS on the fake royalty thing, I will’ T, and Michael ‘King Ralph was more believable’ Cole.
The World Title is hanging above the ring since the World Title match at Extreme Rules is a ladder match. Two titles are on the line tonight as the Corre puts their titles on the line. Justin Gabriel and Heath Slater face Big Show and Kane in a Tag Title Match; and Wade Barrett defends the Intercontinental Title against the man he beat for the title, Kofi Kingston.
Michael Cole comes to the ring wearing Booker’s old robe and he enters Suckingham Palace.
Cody Rhodes has something to say before his Wrestlemania Rematch match against Rey Mysterio.
Cody has some assistants with him and one is pushing a shopping cart with paper bags. Cody brings one of the bags into the ring with him.
Cody says that everyone can see that he is wearing a mask. His mask is for protection . . . protection only. Rey Mysterio wears a mask because he is hiding something. Rey is hiding his fears. He is hiding his loathing thoughts for all of the fans. He is hiding because Rey is ashamed of himself . . . and he should be.
In a matter of speaking, everyone is wearing masks as well. Cody says that he can see through their masks and he can see in their faces, their envy of him. He says that he can see in all of their faces, the look of despair because their lives are miserable. Cody says that the sick thing is that no matter how bad it is for you, you hope it is worse for your neighbors, your friends, and your family. He says that you probably cannot stand to look at them.
Tonight, Cody says that he offers a remedy at his expense. Cody shows a paper bag with the face cut out. He says that this is a paper bag and he wants his assistants to assist him by handing them out. Cody says that he wants everyone to cover their faces and their lying eyes. They will cover the black heads protruding on your proboscises. They will cover your rotten teeth. Cody wants them to cover their faces until he is hopefully drafted off this show, or at least until he defeats Rey Mysterio tonight, like he did at Wrestlemania.
Cody removes the hood from his jacket and he holds up the bag in his hand and he tells Rey that this one is for him.
Match Number One: Cody Rhodes versus Rey Mysterio in a Wrestlemania Rematch Match
Cody with a kick and punch as the bell rings. Rey with a kick and then Cody charges at Rey but Rey drops down and Cody goes over the top rope to the floor. Rey hits a seated splash on Cody. Rey kicks Cody in the arm and we go to commercial.
We are back and Rey tries for a springboard moonsault but Cody is able to trip Rey and he falls to the mat. Cody kicks Rey and he head butts Rey with his plastic mask. Cody chokes Rey and then he kicks Rey in the corner. Cody charges into the corner but Rey gets his boots up. Cody tries for a power bomb but Rey counters with a seated splash and gets a near fall.
Cody gets Rey on his shoulders after countering a head scissors attempt by Rey and Cody hits a Shock Treatment back breaker. Cody uses the ring post to work on Rey’s back. Cody punches Rey and then he tries to work on the leg but Rey with an enzuigiri that sends Cody into the ropes. Rey tries for the 619 but it is too early so Cody is able to get up. Cody back body drops Rey over the top rope but Rey lands on the apron.
Rey with a shoulder and kick from the apron and then the go to the apron. Rey blocks a kick from Cody but Cody is able to send Rey back first into the ring post and Rey falls to the floor.
We go to another commercial.
We are back and Cody has Rey in a cravate and he turns it into a front face lock. Cody with a power slam for a near fall. Cody stomps on Rey’s head and then he hits a Ric Flair rolling knee drop. Cody with a hard Irish whip and Cody with a head butt before getting a near fall. Cody with a forearm to the back followed by punches and the referee warns him. Cody puts Rey on the turnbuckles and he punches Rey before trying a superplex. Rey knocks Cody off the turnbuckles and Rey hits a seated splash and a springboard cross body for a near fall. Cody with a kick to the midsection and then he tries for a sunset flip but you don’t give Rey Mysterio a sunset flip because Rey rolls through. Rey tries for a round kick but Cody ducks to avoid it. Cody tries for a rollup but he can only get a near fall.
Rey with a kick to Cody’s head and he gets a near fall. Rey goes up top for a cross body but Cody is able to counter with a drop kick and he gets a near fall. Cody grabs Rey and hits the kick to the groin and then he sets for Cross Rhodes but Rey escapes. Cody tries for a power bomb but Rey is able to counter with a rollup for the three count.
Winner: Rey Mysterio
While Rey is getting his hand raised for the victory, he is attacked by Cody and Cody punches and kicks him before throwing Rey under the bottom rope to the floor. Cody Irish whips Rey into the ringside barrier a few times.
The post match brawl moves into the crowd but Rey starts to fight back and he hits a cross body that sends both of them back into the ringside area. Rey tries to send Cody into the ring steps but Cody stops him and he sends Rey into the steps. They go on top of the barrier and fight for a moment. They return to the crowd and Cody is sent into the dasher boards. Rey with knees to Cody and then he throws Cody into the ringside area again. Rey gets on top of the ringside barrier and Cody trips Rey.
Cody gives Rey Cross Rhodes on the floor. The fans chant ‘paper bag’ and Cody puts a bag on Rey’s head.
We go to commercial.
We go to the Corre locker room and Justin gets his title belt. He reminds Wade that he eliminated him last week in the battle royal, but he says that Wade would have done the same thing because a World Title match was on the line. Justin says nothing personal and Wade says the same. Then Wade says that maybe it is personal because he wouldn’t have done it to Justin.
Heath enters and he hears them talking about last week and he tells them that they would both sell their grandmothers down the river to get ahead. Heath wants to talk about unity. They are all equals and there are no leaders.
Ezekiel enters and he mentions the two title matches tonight and he says that as the leader, he is there for all of them. Wade stares a hole through Jackson and he tells Wade that he is messing around with him.
Wade suggests that they should be the ones messing with Jackson. They all have a good laugh.
Booker and Josh wonder if the Corre are going to be able to work together and be unified. Josh takes the opportunity to bring up the counseling that LayCool has attended and suggests that maybe the Corre should go down that path.
It is time to take a look back at last week’s counseling session with Layla and Michelle. Then we see what happened on Smackdown when Michelle attacked Layla during and after the match.
It is time to see the latest counseling session. Michelle says that the therapy is working wonders because Layla lost another match and she gives a sarcastic cheer. Layla points out that at least she competed and mocked her commentary. Michelle tells Layla that she wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for her, but Layla points out that it was her idea to go to therapy. Michelle means being a semi-successful diva. Michelle says that Layla is riding her coattails. Speaking of coats, Michelle wants her coat back from Layla.
The therapist wants to say something but that is shot down by both ladies who can still do something together. Layla reminds Michelle that the coat was a gift. Michelle says that Layla wants everything that is hers, just like she wanted to have Michelle’s title. Layla says that she was Divas champ as much as Michelle and she wants Michelle to show her some respect or LayCool cannot survive.
Michelle thinks that it might be best if LayCool ends because she doesn’t think that Layla is flawless. Michelle says that this is a waste of time and she apologizes. Michelle hugs Layla and then while Layla thanks the therapist for sitting there for the two sessions, Michelle grabs Layla from behind and throws her into the couch. Michelle storms out of the office and Layla is left crying.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Did You Know that they needed a total of 79 trucks for all of the equipment used at Wrestlemania?
We see the title belt above the ring again and we go from that image to Michael Cole in the ring. He says that if you missed Raw on Monday, you missed what we are going to see the footage of. We see Jack Swagger and Michael Cole torment their opponents at Extreme Rules including seeing Jim Ross kissing Cole’s foot.
Cole gets a good laugh out of that and then we see his ‘knighting’.
Cole introduces Jack Swagger who makes his way to the ring for his match.
Match Number Two: Jack Swagger versus Trent Barreta
Swagger with a shoulder tackle and then he sends Barreta into the turnbuckles and follows that with a hard Irish whip. Swagger with boots and then he hits the double jump Swagger Bomb. Swagger slaps Trent in the head but Trent with an elbow and he tries for a tornado DDT but Swagger pushes him off. Trent with an enzuigiri and a running elbow into the corner. Trent tries for a springboard move but Swagger counters with a power bomb and Swagger puts Trent into the ankle lock and Trent taps out.
Winner: Jack Swagger
We go to the Kids Choice Awards and we see Big Show’s involvement.
Big Show and Kane walk in the back as we go to commercial.
Match Number Three: Big Show and Kane versus Justin Gabriel and Heath Slater with Ezekiel Jackson for the WWE Tag Titles
Slater and Kane start things off and Slater punches Kane but Kane with an Irish whip and back body drop. Kane with a snap mare and drop kick for a near fall. Show tags in and he chops Slater and then he does the Andre butt bumps in the corner and then he sits on Slater’s head before tagging Kane in. Kane with an uppercut. Slater goes for the knee and he tags in Gabriel who runs into a punch. Kane with an Irish whip and clotheslines into the corner followed by a side slam for a near fall.
Kane goes up top for the clothesline but Jackson pushes him off when Slater and Show were taking the referee’s attention away from the match. Slater tags in and he puts Kane in a reverse chin lock. Gabriel tags back in and he hits a forearm from the top rope. Gabriel gets a near fall and then he puts Kane in a front face lock. Kane tries to get into his corner and he connects with an uppercut but Gabriel with a DDT and he gets a near fall.
Slater tags back in and he goes up top but Kane with an uppercut to Slater and Show is tagged in. Show with a few clotheslines followed by an Irish whip and running butt splash and a running shoulder tackle. Show grabs Gabriel who tried to interfere and he throws him over the top rope and into Jackson on the floor. Jackson gets on the apron and Kane knocks him off. Show gets Slater up for a choke slam and hits it for the three count.
Winners: Big Show and Kane
We go to commercial.
We are back and the former Tag Team Champions are in the hallway arguing with Ezekiel Jackson. Slater and Gabriel wonder why Jackson didn’t have their backs after he said he would. Jackson says that he promised nothing and says that they need to take a good look in the mirror, especially Heath since he got pinned.
Jackson walks away and Gabriel is looking at Slater so Heath pushes him and wants to know what he is looking at.
Match Number Four: Drew McIntyre versus Chris Masters
They lock up and Masters backs Drew into the corner. Drew with a kick and punch. Masters sends Drew to the apron and he tries for the Master Lock but Drew avoids it from the apron and he sends Masters into the turnbuckles. Masters with a clothesline. Drew drops Masters’ arm and throat on the top rope and McIntyre gets a near fall. Drew with a boot to the head and then he hits a forearm across the chest followed by a short arm clothesline and he gets a near fall.
Drew tries for the Future Shock but he takes too long and Masters gets a near fall after a rollup. Masters gets another near fall after a Sky High. Masters with chops and a clothesline. Masters hits the flying shoulder from the second turnbuckle. Masters tries for a Master Lock but Drew is able to use the turnbuckles to drive Masters into the mat. Drew takes advantage of the situation and hits the Future Shock DDT and gets the three count.
Winner: Drew McIntyre
We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time for the Raw Rebound.
Booker talks about how he has mentored R Truth and he says that it is out of character. Josh uses this opportunity to comment on the Cody Rhodes/Rey Mysterio situation and we see the footage from earlier tonight.
Rey and Cody are now going to have a match at Extreme Rules and it will be a Falls Count Anywhere Match.
Match Number Five: Kofi Kingston versus Wade Barrett with Ezekiel Jackson for the Intercontinental Title
Kofi with kicks to Barrett followed by forearms. Barrett pushes Kofi away but he hits a running forearm and connects with more shots in the corner. Kofi with an Irish whip but he runs into an elbow and Barrett with a clothesline and kick to the midsection. Barrett with a forearm across the chest but Kofi kicks Barrett into the ringside barrier. Kofi hits a cross body from the top turnbuckle to the floor and we go to commercial.
We are back and Barrett is in control of the match and he tries to work on Kofi’s back. We see footage from the commercial break when Barrett was able to work on the back by sending him to the apron and ring steps.
Barrett with a knee but he charges at Kofi but Kofi goes down and Barrett goes over the top rope to the floor and Barrett holds his wrist. Kofi goes to the floor as well and Jackson tries to interfere to help Barrett but he hits Barrett instead. Kofi brings Barrett back into the ring but Barrett with a kick as Kofi gets back in.
Barrett yells at Jackson and he tells him to leave. Barrett turns around and Kofi gets a near fall with a rollup. Kofi with chops and a drop kick followed by the Superman punch. Kofi hits the Boom drop and then he gets ready for Trouble in Paradise but Barrett ducks it. Barrett gets Kofi on his shoulders for Wasteland but Kofi makes it to the ropes. Kofi gets on the turnbuckles but Barrett with a boot to the head that staggers Kofi. Kofi goes for a rollup but Barrett counters and gets a hold of the ropes for the three count.
Winner: Wade Barrett
We go to commercial.
We are back and the ring is set up for the retirement ceremony. Ricardo Rodriguez introduces Alberto Del Rio who drives into the arena. He is joined in the ring by Brodus Clay.
Alberto introduces himself . . . but we already know who he is. He says that nobody throws a party or fiesta like him. He welcomes everyone to Edge’s retirement party. Alberto says that he has brought all of these presents for Edge’s retirement. They are all covered up so Alberto can unveil them. The first present is a grandfather clock for Edge to sit and watch time tick away. Alberto imitates a clock by going tick tock. He says that when someone has an injury like Edge’s, you lose control of your lower body and cannot make it to the bathroom so he unveils Depends and a bedpan.
He says that there is nothing better in your retirement than friends. He tells Edge that she is here tonight and here she comes. Lita’s music plays and someone who isn’t Lita comes out. Alberto says that she looks a bit heavier but she has never looked better. He says that they can have some quality time together. If they want to have a romantic stroll, they can do it because Edge has his walker.
Alberto says that he has one more gift and it is Edge’s new ride. Ricardo comes out in a scooter and he even gets Edge’s pyro after mimicking him. Alberto says that Edge can go everywhere he wants. Alberto says that Edge also gets his own handicapped parking pass so he can park anywhere.
This is all due to the Essence of Excellence and the man who will be the new World Champion after Extreme Rules . . . Albertoooooooooooooooooooo Del Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrio.
Edge’s music plays and he comes out and he has something to say. Edge says that Alberto looks surprised to see him. Edge asks Alberto if he got his RSVP. Edge says that it doesn’t matter if it is in Mexico, the United States, or London, England, he isn’t going to miss his retirement party.
Edge says that Alberto sucks and that he is a lousy human being. He says that Alberto is a horrible party host and he calls him a party pooper. He mentions Brodus, that weird looking Ricky Martin, and the fake Lita. There is about 1,500 pounds of poop and he says that it looks like one giant flaming bag of poop.
Alberto tells Brodus to get him. Edge stands on the ramp as Brodus makes his way up the ramp. From out of nowhere, Christian hits Brodus from behind with a ladder.
Christian and Del Rio fight for a moment before Christian gets the ladder and hits Del Rio with it. Christian goes into the ring and sets up the ladder and he climbs it and takes down the World Title belt while his music plays.
Edge likes what he sees but Alberto is not really in a good mood as we go to credits.
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