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6/21 THIS DAY IN HISTORY

June 21st

On this day in history in ....

1934 - Francisco Aguayo defeats Martinez Larrea in Mexico City, Mexico for the Mexico National Heavyweight Title.

1942 - Ciclon Veloz defeats Jack O'Brien to win the Mexico National Welterweight Title.

1957 - Pepper Gomez & El Medico defeat Duke Keomuka & Tokyo Joe in Houston, Texas for the NWA Texas Tag Team Title.

1963 - Pepper Gomez defeats Bill Watts to win the NWA Texas Heavyweight Title in Houston, Texas.

1965 - Stan Stasiak & Haru Sasaki defeats Pepper Martin & Shag Thomas in Portland, Oregon for the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Title.

1966 - Tojo Yamamoto & Great Higami defeat Len Rossi & Mario Milano to win the Mid-America version of the NWA Southern Tag Team Title in Birmingham, Alabama.

1969 - Paul DeMarco defeats The Professional (Doug Gilbert) for the NWA Georgia Heavyweight Title in Atlanta, Georgia.

1969 - Johnny Walker & Bearcat Brown defeats The Great Mephisto & Dante to win the Mid-America version of the NWA World Tag Team Title in Chattanooga, Tennessee, ending Mephisto and Dante's second reign.

1971 - Don & Al Greene win the Mid-America version of the NWA Southern Tag Team Title for the seventh time, defeating Tojo Yamamoto & Jerry Jarrett in Memphis, Tennessee, ending their third reign.

1971 - Tarzan Zorra defeats Jos LeDuc to win the International Wrestling Association International Heavyweight Title in Montreal, Quebec.

1978 - Mongolian Stomper wins an elimination tag team match in Knoxville, Tennessee to win the vacant NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Title, beginning his second reign.

1980 - Takachiho (The Great Kabuki) & Killer Karl Kox defeat Bob Brown & Pat O'Connor to win the NWA Central States Tag Team Title in Kansas City, Kansas.

1981 - Dusty Rhodes defeats Harley Race for the NWA World Heavyweight Wrestling Title in Atlanta, Georgia, ending Race's sixth title reign, and starting Rhodes' second run with the belt. This would begin Rhodes' longest NWA World Title reign, lasting almost three months (his first and last reigns were one and two weeks, respectively). 

1982 - Junkyard Dog defeats Bob Roop for the Mid-South North American Heavyweight Title in New Orleans, Louisiana, starting his first run with the belt. 

1984 - The Uptown Boys (Marty Janetty & Tommy Rogers) defeat The Grapplers (Len Denton & Tony Anthony) for the NWA Central States Tag Team Title in Kansas City, Kansas. At the same show, Ted Oates defeats Luke Graham to win his second NWA Central States Heavyweight Title.

1984 - Steve Grey defeats Danny Collins for the British Welterweight Title in Malvern, England.

1985 - Sgt. Slaughter defeats Larry Zbyszko to win the AWA America's Heavyweight Title in Chicago, Illinois.

1985 - Rayo de Jalisco, Jr. defeats MS-1 to win the NWA World Light Heavyweight Title in Mexico City, Mexico.

1986 - Mika Komatsu and Kanako Nagatomo defeat The Red Typhoons (Kazue Nagahori and Yumi Ogura) for the AJW Tag Team Title in Tokyo, Japan.

1987 - Although possibly a phantom title change, Al Perez defeats The Dingo (Ultimate) Warrior for the World Class Texas Heavyweight Title in Puerto Rico.

1992 - Punish (Keiti Takayami) and Crush (Shoji Akiyoshi) defeat Scorpio, Jr. and Shu El Guerrero to win Michinoku Pro Wrestling's UWA/UWF Intercontinental Tag Team Title for the second time in Tokyo, Japan.

1992 - Villano III defeats The Killer for the UWA World Junior Heavyweight Title in Naucalpan, Mexico.

1993 - Owen Hart defeats Papa Shango for the USWA Unified World Heavyweight Title in Memphis, Tennessee.  On the same show, New Jack & Homeboy defeated Rex King & Steve Doll for the USWA Tag Team Title, ending King & Doll's fourth title reign.

1994 - El Pantera defeats Felino to win the CMLL World Welterweight Title in Cuernavaca, Mexico, beginning his second reign and ending Felino's second.

2000 - Two Memphis Championship Wrestling titles change in Memphis, Tennessee. Steven Regal defeats Jerry Lawler for the MCW Southern Heavyweight Title, and The Fabulous Rocker defeats Spanky to become the first MCW Light Heavyweight Champion.

2000 - The Samoans (Eddie Fatu [now WWE's Umaga] and Matty Samu [later known as Rosey]) defeat Hideki Hosaka and Yoshinori Sasaki in Tokyo, Japan to win the FMW/WEW Hardcore Tag Team Title.

2000 - Mens Teioh defeats Chabinger (Masayoshi Motegi) for the Big Japan Pro Wrestling Junior Heavyweight Title in Fukushima, Japan, ending Motegi's secnod reign.

2001 - The first ever episode of WWF Tough Enough airs on MTV.  The reality show/competition results in current WWE stars Maven and Nidia winning contracts after beating out 11 other participants.

2001 - Michael Modest defeats Bruce Hart fot the Stampede North American Heavyweight Title in Lethbridge, Alberta. Modest's All Pro Wrestling Universal Heavyweight Title was also on the line.

2002 - Justin 2 Fine & B.J. Turner defeat The Blackbird Posse (Larry Green & Chris Young) to win the NWA Texas Tag Team Title in North Richland Hills, Texas, ending the Posse's third reign.

2002 - Kidd Quick is awarded the vacant Outlaws of Championship Wrestling Heavyweight Title in Grand River, Ohio, beginning his second reign. Quick had been stripped of the title three months earlier.

2002 - Rod Steel defeats Doctor Heresy to win the Independent Pro Wrestling Television Title in St. Petersburg, Florida.

2003 - Terry Funk defeats The Sandman and "Pitbull" Gary Wolfe (subbing for then-champion Sabu) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for the vacant 3PW Heavyweight Title.

2003 - The Impact (Scott Cage & Kaos) defeat Future Shock (Jay Freeze & Brandon P.) for the NWA Wildside Tag Team Title in Cornelia, Georgia.

2003 - Sebastian defeats Julio Dinero to win the Keystone Championship Wrestling Heavyweight Title in Altoona, Pennsylvania, beginning his second reign. At the same event, Mercury Flash wins his second KCW Central Pennsylvania Title, ending the second reign of Charlie Mansun.

2003 - Headshrinker Samu and John Rambo defeat Leslie Leatherman and Flex Fenom for the National Wrestling League Tag Team Title in Martinsburg, West Virginia. Two other titles also changed that night. The Goodfellas (Shorty Smalls and Dueces Wild) defeat The Freak and Snatch Haggis to win the House of Pain Wrestling Federation Tag Team Title and Sam Sanders defeats champion Fumar, Joker and Spyral in a four-way ladder match for the HoPWF Cruiserweight Title, ending Fumar's fourth reign.

2004 - Steve Stone wins the Brew City Wrestling Heavyweight Title for the second time, defeating Adrian Serrano in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

2004 - WWE broadcast Raw.  Tim Whitehead filed the following TV report:

The 6/21 episode of RAW GOT ROCKED AND LITA GOT ROLLED aired live from Miami. It was an eventful show, to be sure, but it didn't really seem to click, and much of the show seemed off-center.

They opened with footage of Triple H's encounter last week with Eugene, where he pretended to befriend him in his classic deceitful manner.

Jim Ross & Jerry Lawler announced that HHH vs. Eugene would be the main event for the evening. They also promised an update on Shawn Michaels' injuries.

Rock came out! Since they were near his home, he was available for an appearance on this week's show. He got a huge superstar pop and ovation. He did his "finally" routine, altering it slightly to say, "Finally, the Rock has come back.....home!" Rock pointed out his family, many of whom were sitting on the front row. These were family members from his mother's side (the Maivia family), and also his wife, whom he introduced as his "fine assed wife". For most of wrestling's TV history, wives of wrestlers who were popular with female fans were never even mentioned, let alone shown. Rock then introduced Jason Taylor & Zack Thomas of the Miami Dolphins, and playfully ragged on them and the team a little. Rock said he was worried about Eugene and asked him to come out to the ring, offering to wise him up a little on HHH's true nature and intentions. Instead, Randy Orton came out, styling & profiling in an expensive suit. Orton informed Rock that Eugene wasn't yet at the arena, reporting that HHH would be picking him up at his hotel and bringing him to the arena in a limo. The crowd immediately lit into Orton, calling him an a**hole. Orton said he was glad Rock showed up so they would be able to finally talk face to face. He was happy to inform Rock that there's now a star in WWE who is younger, hipper, and better looking than he is, namely himself. Orton said Rock is yesterday's news. Rock said he agreed with the 15,000 fans in the arena, and said "you are an a**hole". Rock noted that both he and Orton are third generation wrestlers. He recalled that his father Rocky Johnson whipped Bob Orton Jr.'s ass and his grandfather High Chief Peter Maivia laid the Samoan smackdown on Bob Orton Sr. He said when Orton's mammy & grandmammy complained about this, his grandmother Lia Maivia slapped the lips off both of those bitches. Orton looked pissed, but he then smirked and said the fans know who the real man is. Rock then claimed to have met Orton back when both were kids. He alleged that Orton had a gerbil back then, which prompted Orton to immediately get defensive and insist that he and Rock never met as kids. Rock said the first time they met was in a wrestling locker room when both of their dads were wrestling on the same show, and that Orton was playing the little girl's game "My Little Pony". Orton said he never played that game, but then stammered something about it belonging to his sister. Rock said he scared Orton so much that little Randy fled and ended up crashing into King Kong Bundy's balls. Rock said he told Orton's dad that day that someday he would "kick your son's ass". Rock thus challenged Orton to fight right there in Miami. Orton did the classic cocky heel backdown, saying he couldn't fight because he had a match scheduled for later, was wearing an expensive suit, and hadn't had time to stretch out yet. Rock didn't accept these excuses, and lit into Orton with fists. Orton bumped over the top rope and crashed to the floor. This brought out Eric Bischoff. He said he wouldn't allow Rock to attack one of his superstars like that, and also alleged that Rock was plotting to interfere in the HHH vs. Eugene match. So he ordered security to eject Rock from the arena, and said he'd have Rock arrested if he didn't cooperate. The crowd chanted "a**hole" at Bischoff. Rock said he'd leave on his own, and insulted the security guys, calling them dwarves and oompa-loompas. He said it was no wonder WCW went out of business if Bischoff ejected guys like him. Rock then left, but he took a long time to do so, stopping to talk with and/or insult every WWE competitor he encountered on the way out. He told Trish Stratus she was hot, and congratulated Tyson Tomko on his TV series, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. He passed Molly Holly and pulled off her wig. He stopped to talk to Hurricane & Rosey, calling them Hamburglar & Grimace. He offered to high five Jonathan Coachman, but then withdrew the offer and left Coach standing there looking stupid. Back in the ring, Orton was frustrated that Rock was taking so long to leave. Rock, from the arena exit door, told Orton that in three seconds something bad would happen to him. Rock counted down and sure enough, Edge came out of nowhere and speared Orton. LOL! Rock then simply got in his car and drove off. This was a good Rock segment, though the long exit kind of dragged.

Bischoff told security to be sure that Rock doesn't return. He was being typically condescending to the security guys. Chris Benoit came in. He was worried about Eugene having to fight HHH. He said if HHH wants a shot at his World Title, he'll give it to him without him having to defeat Eugene first. Bischoff got even more arrogant, if that's possible, and told Benoit this was none of his business. He warned him to shut his mouth about this, or he'd have him ejected from the arena just like he did with Rock.

Trish Stratus defeated Victoria in 3:55 to retain the women's title. Victoria did her standing moonsault. The one where she does a dance routine longer, but not better, than the three minute waltz beforehand. Trish bumped Victoria off the apron and rammed her into the security railing. Trish kicked Victoria and then mocked her dance routine. Trish hit a spinebuster. Victoria came back with a lariat, a sideslam, and some kicks of her own. She hit Trish with a moonsault, which looked scary because Victoria's knees landed right on Trish's ribs. Tomko broke up the pin. Trish then won with a quick roll-up, using the ropes for illegal leverage. Not all that good, though this short match was the only actual wrestling in the entire first hour. Afterward, Trish attacked Victoria and stomped her until some really weird looking chick, who looked like Steven Richards in drag, ran in and rescued her. Lord only knows where this will lead.

They aired the first of several segments on the regional RAW Diva search auditions in Chicago. A virtual plethora of babes tried out.

They aired footage of Kane's assault on Shawn Michaels last week. JR reported that Michaels suffered a crashed larynx, as well as other injuries, and that he'll be out for a very long time.

William Regal confronted Bischoff, saying that putting Eugene in with HHH is like leading a lamb to slaughter. He said Eugene has become very popular and demanded that Bischoff explain his actions. Bischoff said he doesn't have to explain anything to Regal, but then explained things. He said he was tired of Eugene being around and tired of being humiliated by him. Regal said if that's the case, it would be better just to fire Eugene than to send him in to be mauled by HHH. Bischoff claimed he can't fire Eugene because of the Board of Directors and because of his sister. That Board of Directors excuse is one of those floating rationalizations that gets invoked when necessary for the storyline, but is revoked when the storyline demands that someone be fired on the spot. As for Bischoff's sister, wouldn't she rather see Eugene get fired than dismembered? Anyway, Bischoff said Eugene needs to quit on his own, and that can be accomplished by having his favorite wrestler HHH humiliate him. Regal admitted he's a dirty, rotten scoundrel, but said he loves Eugene and that Eugene loves Bischoff and looks up to him. He said Bischoff should be ashamed of what he's doing. Bischoff's response was to inform Regal that he's no longer Eugene's guardian and instead is back on the active roster. In fact, he told him his first match would be right now, which in this case meant after a commercial break.

Regal's first match back was against Kane. JR & Lawler acted shocked, as if it's unheard of for Bischoff to force someone he's pissed at to fight Kane. Hell, I'd be shocked if he didn't force someone to fight Kane. Regal was still wearing his suit, as Bischoff didn't give him the time to dress out for the match. Anyway, the match never got started. Regal went after Kane on the floor before the bell. Kane then simply destroyed Regal in like twenty seconds and left him laying. The bell never rang.

Kane went to Bischoff and asked if that was what he wanted him to do. Bischoff said it was, and praised Kane for being a professional. Professional what? Bischoff said that HHH will soon be the #1 contender for the World Title, and will get a title shot at the Vengeance PPV. But he said Kane will get a title shot next week on RAW. Uh, so what good is the #1 contender's slot if someone else gets the title shot before you do? Kane liked this, so he didn't destroy Bischoff's office. Kane did, however, inform Bischoff that he "ain't seen nothin' yet", basically hinting that he'd do something else big before the end of the show. Bischoff looked a little worried. Kane walked off laughing.

More Diva footage aired from Chicago.

Hour two began with Orton & Batista beating Edge & Chris Jericho in 14:42. Batista pounded Edge. Edge dropkicked and suplexed Orton. Jaricho hit Batista with a flying forearm. Batista, doing a powerhouse routine, blocked Jericho's walls hold. Jericho dropkicked, bulldogged, and lionsaulted Batista. Orton broke up Jericho's pin attempt. Batista hit Jericho with a killer lariat, which everyone sold like crazy. The ref held Batista back as if Jericho was seriously hurt. Jericho stayed down as they went into a commercial break, with refs and agents running in to check on the situation. After the break, it was reported that Jericho was unable to continue, and that Edge had chosen to continue the match alone rather than to forfeit. Batista pounded Edge until missing a dropkick. Edge cleaned house for a brief period, including hitting a spear (sort of) on Orton in the corner. Batista stopped the pin. Edge threw Batista out and then speared Orton for real. Batista made the save, and it looked like he hardway opened a cut on Edge's cheek, though it wasn't clear exactly how. Edge got powerbombed by Batista, with Orton then hitting the RKO on the dazed Edge for the pin. The part before the break was okay but the latter part of the match was a little sloppy. On balance an okay match but not the hot one we've come to expect in this time slot.

Still more Chicago babe footage aired.

Video aired of a Smackdown the Vote rally in Miami with local Democratic congressman Kendred Meek. Props were given to both President Bush & Senator Kerry for providing information for a voter's guide they are publishing.

Stacy Keibler ran into Matt Hardy backstage. Stacy ran and hugged him, since Lita had apparently revealed to him that she's pregnant. At least they didn't try to pretend he still doesn't know, after it was all over TV last week. Matt was all excited about being a daddy. Stacy offered to babysit. Damn, I wish I'd had a babysitter like Stacy when I was a kid. Matt revealed to Stacy that he bought Lita a ring. I guess Stacy gets to know all of Matt or Lita's secrets first.

Smackdown Rebound aired.

A limo arrived carrying HHH, Eugene, and Ric Flair. Eugene got out and announced that he's a kiss stealin', wheelin' dealin', limousine ridin' son of a gun. That was pretty cool. HHH was being ultra-nice to Eugene. He told him he could dress out in the Evolution locker room. He then confided to Flair that he was having a blast doing this.

Matt came out to the ring and said he got a great Father's Day gift when Lita informed him that he's now a father. He asked her to come out. She did so, and was very happy as well. They kissed. Matt gave a soap opera style romantic speech, and then got down on one knee, proposing marriage and offering the ring to Lita. Lita was all giggly and bubbly and was about to say yes, when Kane appeared on the TitanTron. What, you were expecting Michael Moore to appear there and to admit it was really his pal Richard Clarke who sanctioned those Saudi flights he's been ranting about? No, it was Kane, who flat out told Matt that the baby is his. Matt did his best to act like a tough guy. He called Kane a lying bastard and dared him to come out and fight. Kane then asked Lita whose baby it is, and she started crying. Matt saw this and put two and two together. He started way overacting, like someone in an old silent film, with expressions of horror and dismay on his face.

Matt was walking out of the building in disgust. Lita ran after him and said she only trying to protect him when she had sex with Kane, since Kane presumably had threatened to kill Matt if she didn't say yes. Matt wasn't listening. Finally, Lita said the baby might still be Matt's after all. Matt just walked out, and Lita cried some more. This whole thing is so bad, on several levels.

In Chicago, several Diva contestants were selected to move on to the next round. The losers were dismissed by being told (by Coach) that they aren't Diva material. So much for letting them down easy. Considering the time they're putting into this, this thing had better turn out to be good.

All four Evolution members were being very nice to Eugene. Eugene asked where Regal was, but HHH told him Evolution are his real friends. HHH said real friends don't hurt each other, and said he's still sore from the Hell in the Cell match, asking Eugene to take it easy on him in their bout. Eugene, of course, agreed to go easy. Bischoff walked in and said he came to wish Eugene luck. HHH was great again, getting in Bischoff's face and saying no one believes his crap. He accused Bischoff of wanting him to slaughter Eugene, but said he won't do that because he and Eugene are best buddies and Eugene is now with Evolution. HHH then told Eugene to go out to the ring to get ready for their match. When Eugene was gone, HHH, Bischoff, and the others all burst out laughing. Hilarious!

HHH vs. Eugene went to a no contest in 16:48. HHH continued to maintain the ruse, hugging Eugene before the match. HHH gave Eugene a hip toss. Eugene then gave one to HHH. HHH got mad but quickly calmed down and acted like everything was fine. Eugene won a test of strength, which was a little hard to believe. HHH kept trying to take it in stride and stay on track. Eugene did the Hulk Hogan mannerisms and won a test of strength with Flair. HHH went to the mat for some grappling, but Eugene out-wrestled him and suplexed him. HHH rolled from the ring to regroup as they went to a commercial break. When the action retured, Eugene was still out-wrestling HHH. Okay, this was all entertaining, but really kind of hard to swallow. Finally, HHH accused Eugene of hurting him. Kind hearted Eugene backed off to let HHH recover, which led to HHH sucker punching him. HHH pounded Eugene with closed fists as Eugene looked dismayed that his friend had turned on him like this. HHH scored two with a spinebuster. Flair choked Eugene behind the ref's back. Eugene, in another unbelievable spot, did the Hogan babyface comeback, hulking up and laying HHH out. Eugene successfully came off the top rope, which must have been a psychological blow to Flair at ringside. HHH went for a pedigree, but Eugene backdropped his way out of it and ended up giving HHH a Rock Bottom and a People's Elbow. HHH rolled from the ring again as Eugene did the Flair strut. HHH returned and this time got serious. He gave Eugene a devastating pedigree. He was about to go for the pin, but Bischoff came out and demanded that HHH punish Eugene some more. He said HHH won't get the title shot at Vengeance unless he beats the living hell out of Eugene. So HHH got a chair and brought it into the ring. Benoit ran in and went after both HHH and Flair. He gave HHH a German suplex. Orton & Batista ran in but Benoit ran them from the ring with the chair. HHH staggered back up, and so did Eugene (who had been down all this time from the pedigree). Benoit swung the chair at HHH, but HHH ducked and Eugene took the chairshot. Down he went. HHH then caught Benoit with a low blow and pedigreed him. The match just sort of ended with no decision. HHH acted triumphant, as his music played and he celebrated with his Evolution cohorts as if he was the winner. I guess this was good enough to earn HHH the #1 contendership. I also assume everyone will try to tell Eugene next week that Benoit hit him with the chair on purpose. We'll see. As for this match, it was entertaining but a little bit unbelievable, unless we soon learn that this whole Eugene affair has been one huge Bischoff plot.

RHETORICAL QUESTIONS:

Did you notice how easily Orton earned his a**hole chant?

If you can dodge a chairshot, can you dodge a ball?

Is there any point, or any quality, to Victoria's dance?

Are they grooming Batista for the UFC?

Anyone else in line to claim the fatherhood of Lita's baby?

Weren't Kane's private parts supposedly burned off in a fire?

2005 - WWE held a press conference to promote their Vengeance PPV in Las Vegas.  Danny Walk filed the following report:

 

I just returned from the WWE Vengeance Press Conference in Vegas and thought I'd give you a report.

The event was held at the Thomas and Mack in a meeting room. It was a standing room crowd with more than a couple hundred people there. It was set up like a boxing press conference with two long tables and a podium that was in the middle. The faces sat at one table and the heels on the opposite side. Everyone who came out entered from a curtain with their music.

Vince McMahon was the first out to welcome everyone. He was greeted with a big ovation. He thanked us for showing up and he talked about how he was glad to bring the WWE back to the fans in Vegas. He introduced Eric Bischoff, who emceed the rest of the event. He first came out and started to heel the crowd but surprisingly was really courteous to everyone. He talked about the history of the WWE in Las Vegas.

Triple H was the first wrestler out and was very entertaining. I'm not the biggest HHH fan but when he drops this whole "I'm the toughest guy in the world" crap, he is extremely funny. He mentioned how in Vegas he lost the title to Vince because he was laughing so hard from watching Vince try to wrestle him he got rolled up.

Edge and Lita were up next. Lita talked about she was proud to be Edge's slut and whatnot and then Edge got on the mic very briefly. He surely cut his promo short because the crowd was chanting "Hardy" very loudly. He acted like he heard wrong and said "Party?" "Yeah, we're gonna party after Vengeance on Sunday" and went and sat down.

Kurt Angle was introduced to a very babyface reaction and went through the motions on his promo. Bischoff then had Christy Hemme come out next. She talked about being lucky to be here today and said she received stitches from the attack from Victoria yesterday.

John Cena was up after Christy and received an enormous reaction from the crowd. The fans really love him. He said he'd beat both Christian and Jericho because he had the Chain Gang behind him.

Batista was the last introduced and was also very over. He squared off with HHH immediately and then said he didn't have much to say except that he was going to beat HHH in HIAC and that he'd have to be killed to lose the title. Also, very interestingly he said the REAL champ was here and stared down John Cena, who was sitting down.

Finally, Bischoff opened the floor to questions from fans. A fat guy asked Triple H a question he didn't like and HHH totally ripped into this guy, insulting him for minutes to the crowd's delight. Throughout the press conference, he would ad lib to what others were saying and the crowd was very into him. He seemed to play a cocky face instead of the bad ass heel that has gotten stale. Another fan (obviously an internet fan) asked Vince that he had read that he met with Sabu yesterday and wanted to know how that went. Vince corrected him and said he did not meet with him but was very impressed with his performance at the ECW PPV and looked forward to speaking with him in the future.

Overall, I came away from the press conference extremely excited for Vengeance and was very pleased with the WWE's effort to put together another chance for the fans to see the stars live and in person. Definitely a thumbs up live event.

2006 - WWE issued a press release about the new ECW running a standalone taping on 7/4 in Philadelphia.  It would be the first and last time the new ECW did so.

2007 - PWInsider.com broke word that WWE planned a retirement match for Ric Flair at Wrestlemania 24.  Of course, Flair would go on to lose to Shawn Michaels, forcing his retirement from WWE at that event in 2008.

2007 - World Wrestling Entertainment's Vince McMahon was among the names announced as being honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2008, The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Walk of Fame Committee announced.

McMahon will receive a special ceremony and a permanent star on the Walk of Fame, which runs three and a half miles down the sidewalk of Hollywood Boulevard. The date of the ceremony was not announced.

McMahon will be honored under the Television category, for his contribution to the broadcast television industry. There are five different categories an individual (including fictional characters, like Kermit the Frog and Mickey Mouse) can be honored under, one for each point of the star.   As it turned out, McMahon's star was placed next to Kermit's.

To be honored on the Walk of Fame, the honoree must agree to attend a presentation ceremony within five years of selection. A $25,000 fee must be paid to the Hollywood Historic Trust which oversees the Walk of Fame. The Trust uses the $25,000 towards costs of the star's installment and security at the ceremony, among other related costs.

2007 - TNA ran Cade Cod, MA.  Joe Smith filed the following live report:

2008 - Heavy flooding in the Midwest adversely affected the Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute & Museum in Waterloo, IA.  The museum, which is home to the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, suffered substantial damage.  They have lost a lot of pro wrestling memorabilia of some of the biggest names in wrestling history, such as Lou Thesz and Frank Gotch, among others.  June 27th-28th is their induction weekend for the Lou Thesz Hall of Fame and they p
 
Posted below in italics is the statement that they issued regarding the flooding.  Also below are web links citing their Executive Director's personal account of the flooding, and a link for anyone who would like to donate to help our restoration process.
 
Executive Director Mike Chapman's account of the flood:  http://www.wrestlingmuseum.org/wincolumnforflood.htm
 
Donation Link: http://www.wrestlingmuseum.org/donateforrecovery.htm
 
WATERLOO -- The flood of the century has severely damaged the Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute and Museum but the staff has decided to go ahead with “Super Weekend” scheduled for June 27-28, with a few modifications.

The weekend begins with a celebrity golf tournament Friday at Irv Warren Golf Course at noon. A World League Wrestling show, produced by Harley Race, will go on as scheduled. Called “Night of the Legends 2” it will be held at Young Arena, starting at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.).

2008 - TNA ran Danville, IL.   Tony and Mick Spivey filed the following live report:

We attended the TNA show in Danville last night.  Front row seats, great experience!  My 10-year-old son is helping me with this...the best of our memory, here's what happened:

Consequences Creed vs. Johnny Devine - Good opening match, both guys got a fair amount of offense and "fan interaction" time.  Consequences Creed with the win.

Velvet Sky vs. Roxxi - Both Knockouts were over with the fans.  Roxxi was the clear crowd favorite.  I like that they are letting her have a little personality now.  Not a bad match.  Roxxi got the win, but was attacked from behind by Velvet, and got the paper bag.  ODB ran in for the save.  After Velvet was dispatched, ODB produced the flask and offered Roxxi a swig.  She took a drink, and spit it out immediately.  Lots of fans passing their beers over the railing, and ODB obliged by swigging them.  Man, that girl can drink! 

Kaz got beat by Robert Roode, with interference from James Storm

Kip James vs. Eric Young - Young got the first big pop of the night (other than JB saying we were ready to go).  Kip got some serious crowd heat from a guy in our section.  "Bullet Bob owned you man!".  LOL!   The match was all Kip until the crowd yelld for Super Eric.  Young went beneath the ring, Super Eric's music hit, and he came out as Super Eric.  Obviously, he won.  Super Eric was really over.

Shark Boy made a brief appearance with a comedy bit.  He came out to question why he was not in a match.  He asked for the "matchmaker" to come out.  A TNA employee came out, and Shark Boy grilled him in classic Stone Cold rapid-fire style, complete with the crowd providing the "What?" chant.  "No memo...no e-mail...no voice mail...no smoke signals".  Ended with Shark Boy giving the "matchmaker" the Chummer.  I know not everybody is into his gimmick, but if the crowd response is like this everywhere, he is really, really over. 

James Storm/Jacqueline vs. Curry Man/Traci Brooks - The Cowboy got some serious heat with pretty much the same speech he gave in Bloomington.  Line of the night:  "You know the toothbrush was invented in Illinois, because it's not called a TEETHbrush!".  Lots of dancing from Brooks/Curry Man, which was okay by me!  Traci is much prettier in person, almost overwhelmingly so.  The match was good back-and-forth, each side getting a chance to shine.  After lots of 2 against 1, and Storm beating on Traci for a while, Curry Man and Brooks get the win.  Cool moment:  Curry Man brought a kid up from the front row.  The kid had a "Fallen Angel" shirt on.  He got to dance to the Curry Man music, and was presented with a Curry Man shirt.  Curry Man pointed to the Fallen Angel logo, and acted as if he had never heard of him. 

JB said he had a special surprise...a tag-team first.   Scott Steiner and Petey Williams vs. AJ Styles and...Samoa Joe!  This was a killer main event.  AJ and Petey did a great bit where they each were coming off the ropes, ducking each others punches, and ended up both ducking at the same time, then turning and kicking at the same time, with each grabbing the other's foot.  They negotiated a "at the same time" deal, where they each eased the other's foot back to the floor.  Fun comedy bit in the middle of a lot of action.  AJ is amazing to watch live.  He makes it look effortless.  The Pele kick live is incredible.  Steiner was in classic "SHUT UP FAT BOY!" heel mode with the crowd.  No one does it better.  AJ and Samoa Joe with the win, with a simultaneous Styles Clash and Coquina Clutch. 

As in Bloomington, JB brought everyone out for autographs and pictures (except Steiner/Petey and Storm/Jacqueline).  You could get your pic taken with Joe and AJ in the ring for $20.  The wrestlers made sure everyone got an autograph and took hundreds of pictures.  Got a nice shot of my son with Eric Young, and myself with ODB. 

If you get a chance to catch TNA live, do it.  The price for front row tickets was worth every penny.  The matches are made to entertain, and the fan interaction is a nice thank-you for laying out some hard earned cash.

2009 - Former WWF star turned politician B. Brian Blair, age 52, was arrested today on several counts of child abuse following a 4 AM incident with two sons then aged, 17 and 12.   All the charges were dropped when it was revealed that the older son, 17, started the incident that led to police being called.

According to an article in the St. Petersburg Times, Blair got into an argument with his oldest son, shoving and punching him before locking him what was described as a "choke" that left his son with trouble breathing.  The 12 year old then ended up being choked by Blair as well. Authorities were called to Blair's residence and he was arrested at 5:12 AM. Blair is currently being held without bail, standard procedure in domestic violence cases.

Blair is best known for his tag team with Jim Brunzell, the masked Killer Bees, wrestling for several years in the 1980s-era WWF. Blair also wrestled in the Florida area. He retired several years ago after claiming back injuries in a fall at a restaurant, although he did one final New Japan tour after that incident.

Blair was elected Hillsborough County Commissioner in 2004.  He did not win his bid for re-election in 2009.

2009 - TNA held their Slammiversary PPV.  Mike Johnson filed the following PPV report:

 The TNA pre-game show opened with Jeremy Borash welcoming everyone to the broadcast, running down the PPV lineup.  A video preview of the King of the Mountain match for the TNA championship then played. 

Lauren interviewed Beer Money Inc.  She noted that they were rested while Team 3D were on a 15 hour flight back from Japan.  Roode said that Team 3D are the greatest team of all time and situations like this, where they defend the New Japan tag titles in Japan the night before a big TNA Tag title defense, it says they are amazing.  He wondered if they could really beat 3D.  They then both cracked up.  James Storm says that we shouldn't feel sorry for them on the plane, but the plane for having to carry them with all that weight.  Storm said that they don't care where 3D went, because tonight they are going to prove they are the best tag team in the world.

TNA played a video piece on Beer Money vs. Team 3D.

Jeremy Borash asked fans for predictions on who would win the King of the Mountain TNA title bout tonight.

New entranceway for the PPV, by the way.

Eric Young & Rhino vs. The British Invasion's Doug Williams & Brutus Magnus

The match opened with Rhino drilling Williams with a big shoulderblock.  Young and Rhino tagged in and out working on Williams.  Magnus tagged in but was drilled with a clothesline.    Magnus attempted a hiptoss but Rhino blocked it and hit a second clothesline.  Rhino went to tag out to Young but Young dropped off the apron.  That left Rhino open for a double team from the Invasion while Rob Terry distracted the referee. 

Young walked off as Don West noted that Young was mad that after everything he's done for the company, he's on the pre-game show.  Jesse Neal came out to talk to Young, who slapped him and walked off.  Neal ran to ringside to cheer on Rhino.  Rhino began making a comeback but Williams cut him off.   Williams was wearing a black armband in honor of Mitsuharu Misawa.

Rhino made a comeback and teased the gore but Magnus hit Rhino from the apron.  Rhino drilled him, then nailed Williams.  Neal begged to be let into the match but no go.  Williams came back with a high kneelift in the corner.  Williams went to the top but Rhino moved out of the way.  Neal jumped on the apron and tagged in.  The referee alllowed it.  Neal cleaned house on the Brits.

Magnus caught Neal with a arhug.  Williams came off the top with a back elbow and Magnus scored the win.

Your winners, The British Invasion!

Match was designed to advance the Young storyline more than anything.

At ringside, Lauren noted it was TNA's seventh anniversary.  Jeremy Borash was inside the penalty cage for the King of the Mountain and they ran down the lineup to the PPV.  They announced the X-Division championship bout would open the PPV.

They aired a video feature on the tag team Monster's Ball match.

Back at ringside, Jeremy Borash continued to hype the show and interview fans about the PPV.

Lauren interviewed Sting about his match with Matt Morgan.  Sting said that maybe it's his age or being dropped on his head so much, but people are questioning him.  Sting said that he's got 20 years of confidence.  He said that he still wants to bring respect back to TNA.  Sting said Matt Morgan wants to make an example out of him, but instead he will make one out of Morgan.

They aired a video piece on the X-Division championship bout.

Borash and Lauren did a last minute hypejob for the PPV.

TNA Slammiversary PPV

X-Division champion Suicide vs. Chris Sabin vs. Jay Lethal vs. Consequences Creed vs. Alex Shelley - King of the Mountain

Detroit Tiger Curtis Granderson is at ringside to present the winner with the championship belt and is also doing commentary with Mike Tenay and Don West.

All four challengers took turns beating on Suicide as the bout began.  The Guns nailed the Dream Sequence on Suicide.  Creed pulled a ladder into the ring, although the ladder isn't in play until someone gets pinned.  Suicide nailed a springboard back elbow on the Guns as Lethal Consequences set up the ladder in a corner.  Suicide ducked under it, then rammed all of the challengers with it at once.

Suicide hit a reverse suplex on Lethal, who crashed down facefirst on the ladder, then pinned him.  Suicide is now allowed to ascend the ladder to hang the X-Division belt.  Lethal was sent to the Penalty Box.  The other three challengers continued to beat down on Suicide.  The Guns slammed Suicide into the ladder.  Suicide came back to slam Creed into a ladder.  Suicide hit a flying elbow in the corner on Shelley, then pinned him.  Shelley goes off to the box.

Lethal was released from the box and immediately attacked Suicide, nailing a clothesline.  Suicide drilled Lethal's face into the center turnbuckle.  As he turned, Sabin drilled him in the face with a chair.  Lethal nailed the Lethal Combination onto a chair.  Sabin tried to steal the pin.  Lethal and Creed jumped atop of it.   No one seemed sure who was now allowed to hang the belt.  Suicide went to the box.  They finally confirmed it was Lethal who could now hang the title.

Suicide and Lethal are now both eligible.

Lethal grabbed the belt but he and Creed were jumped by the Guns.  Shelley kicked out of the corner with a double stomp variation on Creed.  The Guns swarmed over Lethal.  They then hung Lethal in the corner and his stereo kicks to the face.  They turned their attention to Creed.  Sabin locked in an over the knee backbreaker and Shelley came off the top with a kneedrop.  Creed came back to pin Shelley.

Suicide, Creed and Lethal are now both eligible.

Suicide was released from the penalty box but Lethal Consequences kept him at bay.  Sabin went for Cradleshock but Suicide escaped and kicked Sabin, who took a bump into a ladder.  Lethal pulled Suicide out of the ring to the floor, where Creed hit a running flip dive.  Lethal tried to slam Suicide into a chair but it was blocked.  They brawled up the entrance ramp.  Sabin climbed to the penalty box from the ladder, then dove off onto Lethal Consequences and Suicide.  Fun spot.

This left the Guns alone in the ring, although neither had qualified,.  Sabin jumped down.  Shelley pinned him.  Sabin goes to the box and Shelley is now eligible.  I laughed at that one.  Shelley tried to scamper up the ladder but Suicide dropkicked the ladder.  Lethal Consequences returned to the ring.  Lethal and Shelley battled in the corner over a ladder.  Shelley slammed him face-first into it.  As he battled to his feet, Suicide picked up Creed and dropped him across the ladder.  Lethal took a forward flip dive off the ladder into the ring, which looked insanely scary.  Thankfully, replays showed he had completely cleared the bump.

The box released Chris Sabin, who hit the ring and immediately pinned the prone Lethal.  Everyone is now allowed to try and hang the belt.  Shelley drilled Creed with a kick but was caught with a DDT by Suicide.  Sabin hit the Cradleshock on Suicide.   Sabin began climbing the ladder but Suicide caught him and pulled him off.  Sabin caught Suicide and tied him to the tree of woe then hit the high running dropkick in the corner.

Sabin began climbing the ladder as Lethal was released.  Lethal followed him up and hit a back suplex off the ladder.  Shelley came off the ladder with a frog splash on Lethal.  All five continued to battle.  A ladder was bridged between the ring and the railing on the floor.  Sabin ended up knocked off the apron onto it.  Shelley went to the top but Suicide tried to stop him.  He was battled off, then Shelley hit a missile dropkick.  Suicide was placed in a chair on the floor.  Shelley hit a slingshot dive onto Suicide in the chair.  Lethal hit an elbow drop off the top rope onto Sabin, who was laying on the ladder.  Everyone in the match was out.

Shelley and Creed made their way to the apron and battled back and forth.  Shelley finally drilled him with a superkick.    Shelley went for Sliced Bread #2 off the ringpost.  Shelley was jumped by Suicide and they battled in front of the announcers.  Shelley went for Sliced Bread #2 off the cage but it was avoided.  Suicide dropkicked Shelley over the rail into the crowd.  He took the X-Division title and climbed the ladder.  Lethal shoved the ladder over but Suicide landed on the ropes then jumped onto the penalty box.  Lethal tried to use the ladder as a weapon but Suicide pulled it atop of the box.  Lethal followed and was taken out.

Shelley set up another ladder and began climbing up.  Suicide ran across the ladder from the box and hit a diamond cutter on Shelley, driving him off the ladder.  Suicide grabbed the belt, went to the top and hung the belt above the ring.

Your winner and still X-Division champion, Suicide!

The lights went out and Suicide was gone when they returned.

Lots of really innovative, insane bumps here.  All five guys really wrestled their rear ends off.  I really enjoyed this.  One hell of an opener.  Lethal's bump off the ladder in the corner was cringe-worthy and I thought the finish was pretty inventive.  We're off to a good start.

Mike Tenay and Don West ran down the lineup for the remainder of the PPV.

Lauren noted that Team 3D were still on their way back from Japan.  They were in Japan for a match yesterday, beating Karl Anderson and Giant Bernard in Osaka, so they are already back in the United States, but for the sake of the storyline are "returning" now.

Lauren interviewed Shane Douglas.  He said that no matter where he has wrestled, he's the measuring stick.  He made allusions to Ric Flair, noting that to be the man, you have to beat the man.  Douglas said that Jeff Jarrett felt sorry for Daniels and let him back, saying it was Jarrett's weakness of character.  Douglas said he's a legend in the sport, not someone he allows punks to make their name on. 

Aaron McMann, on hand, sent word he estimates the crowd is 4000-5000 fans. 

Shane Douglas vs. Daniels

Douglas came to the ring and ripped on Michigan, putting over Pittsburgh.   Douglas attacked Daniels immediately.  Daniels cut him off with a dropkick to the knee and locked in a side headlock.  Daniels drilled him with a series of chops and a dropkick that sent Shane into the corner.  Daniels kicked him in the corner and went back to the headlock    Daniels shoulderblocked Douglas down.  Douglas ducked out of the ring as Daniels went for a kick.  Daniels tried to do a kick out of the ring but Shane walked away.  Douglas argued with the crowd, thinking Daniels was down and out.  Daniels actually was fine and caught him with an Arabian Press.

Douglas came back and focused on Daniels' arm, locking him in a hammerlock and running Daniels into the steel steps at ringside.  Douglas locked on an armbar whole sitting in a Camel Clutch position.  Douglas escapes and comes back with a kick to the head.  Daniels pulls himself to his feet, selling his arm.  He clotheslines Douglas several times.  Daniels nails a Northern Lights suplex for a two count.  Daniels went for the BME but Douglas caught him off.  They exchanged headbutts.  Daniels used a leg sweep and hit the BME for the pin.

Your winner, Daniels.

Match never seemed to get out of first gear.  Douglas seemed limited in what he was able to do so Daniels worked a match around that.  Douglas can still cut a hell of a promo.  I'd love to see him end up somewhere as an announcer again. 

Jeremy Borash interviewed Mick Foley.  He said Foley only has a 20% chance of retaining the belt tonight.  Foley disagreed and said that there was no way Jeff Jarrett would win the belt since he knows that the company needs Foley to remain champion and help the company achieve it's greatness.  Foley said after tonight, he'll begin to prepare for his next title defense, at Bound for Glory 2010. 

They aired a Knockouts championship promotional video.

TNA Knockouts champion Angelina Love vs. Tara

They had a staredown at the onset of the match.  Tara teased the Widow's Peak, grabbing Love by her hair before dropping her down.  Tara whipped her across the ring by her hair for a one cout.  Love rolled out of the ring into the arms of the other Beautiful People.  Tara slipped through the ropes to kick Love into the railing backwards.  She tossed Love back into the ring but as she prepared to step through the ropes, the other People pulled her off the apron to the floor.  Tara was tossed back into the ring but kicked out of a pinfall attempt.

Love came off the ropes with a dropkick for another pinfall attempt.  Tara came back with a sunset flip attempt.  Love returned with a spin kick for another two count.  Tara continued to kick out.  Tara was tossed to the floor, where Velvet Sky and Madison Rayne worked her over and tossed her into the ring steps.  Love was unable to score the pin and threw a tantrum about it.

Love began kicking at Tara in the corner.  Tara came back with a kick to the mid-section and began firing back with rights.  Tara clotheslined her several times and slammed her down.  Velvet Sky was able to blind her with hairspray, leading to Love getting the pin.

Your winner and still Knockouts champion Angelina Love!

Match was good until the finish.  I'd like to see what more these two can do in the future.  Tara looked really good.

Backstage, Lauren interviewed Dr. Stevie who had Raven and Daffney with him.  Stevie said that Lauren was unprofessional and has some sort of issues they will have to put to rest after the Monster's Ball.  Stevie said he spent hundreds of hours trying to put the jigsaw puzzle that is Chris Parks back together but he can't be put back together.  Raven cut one of his really intelligent cryptic promos that when you boil it down, mean nothing but sounds cool.  Raven said he and Abyss are both addicts for the pain and misery.  Raven promised it would be his glorious night of redemption because nothing is ever going to change and they are both hopeless addicts on their way to hell.  He promised that he and Abyss would both have a breakthrough, even if it kills them both.  Raven began laughing maniacally and crying as he hugged Richards.

Raven & Daffney (with Dr. Stevie Richards) vs. Taylor Wilde & Abyss - Monster's Ball

All four brawl in the ring.  Abyss whipped Raven into Daffney, then charges Raven in the corner.  Raven moved, leaving Daffney to take it full force.  Richards tossed Raven a trash can but Abyss punched the can, knocking down Raven.  I thought Abyss sliced his hand on the can since he pierced it.  Abyss pressed and tossed Daffney out of the ring on all the heels.  Daffney then hit a dive onto all three.  Fun opening sequence.

Abyss and Raven brawled into the crowd.  Daffney and Taylor brawled on the floor.  It was some fun carnage.  Raven grabbed a guard rail and held it over Abyss' throat.    They brawled towards some tables.  Raven tossed Abyss into steel railing.   Daffney and Wilde brawled into the same area.  Wilde climbed atop some of the staging equipment and dove off, putting Daffney through one of the tables. 

Raven and Abyss made their way back to the ring.  Raven grabbed a Singapore Cane but Abyss drilled him with a right.  Abyss grabbed a bag of thumbtacks from under the ring.  He entered the ring but was drilled in the head with a chair by Dr. Stevie.    Abyss was busted open.

Raven nailed the drop toe hold into a chair spot on Abyss.  Richards began tossing weapons into the ring.  Raven began beating Abyss with a cane.  Abyss made his way back and began destroying Raven with the cane and trash can shots.  Abyss grabbed a new trash can and Abyss teased a chokeslam.  He went for the chokeslam but the trash can rolled.  The announcers claimed Raven kicked it out of the way, which was a great save.

Richards got on the apron to argue with the referee.  He distracted Abyss.  Raven attacked Abyss and went to nail him with a trash can, but instead nailed Stevie.  Abyss used a Rocket Launcher, sending Taylor onto Raven.  Abyss grabbed the bag of tacks.  He dumped them in the ring.  Daffney attacked him from behind.  Abyss stalked her.  She tried to run but the tacks stopped her.  Wilde grabbed her with a spinebuster into the tacks.  She dove onto Daffney, going for a pin in the tacks but Richards broke up the pin.

Abyss grabbed Richards for a chokeslam on the tacks but Raven drilled Abyss in the back with a chair.  Raven hit the Evenflow DDT but Abyss kicked up.  Abyss nailed the Black Hole Slam into the tacks and scored the pin.

Your winners, Abyss & Taylor Wilde!

If you hate weapons and bumps, you won't enjoy this.  It was your typical match of that style with the new twist being Daffney taking the tacks.  I thought everyone involved worked really hard.  It was Raven's best PPV match in forever.  Daffney and Wilde worked far beyond any expectations to be sure.  Abyss put in his usual tough performance. 

Jeremy Borash interviewed Jeff Jarrett.  He noted that Jarrett said that he claims he has no desire to be TNA champion but says tonight will be the "night he takes his company back."  He asked if that was a contradiction.  Jarrett says that he doesn't want to be the TNA champion as he has a lot of responsibilities, but Foley is a ticking timebomb and until the title is off of him, Jarrett can't sleep.  He said he is sick of Mick Foley's head games.  He said that after he gets the belt off Foley, then he will figure out what he is going to do.

They aired a Sting vs. Matt Morgan video feature.

Matt Morgan vs. Sting

They locked up and Morgan shoved him right out of the ring to get over his power.  Morgan followed him to the floor and slammed Sting into the railing.  Morgan grabbed Sting by his legs and slammed his head into the railing.  They battled back to the ring but Sting snapped him over the ropes and kicked him to the floor.  Sting went after Morgan's leg and chopped and kicked at him.

They announced Team 3D just arrived in Detroit.

Morgan powered Sting into a corner and began drilling him with back elbows.  Morgan picked up Sting and slammed him down.  He dropped a leg and scored a two count.  Morgan continued to control the match, choking Sting against the ropes.  Morgan nailed a guillotine legdrop with Sting's head braced over the bottom rope on the apron.  Morgan locked on a side chinlock as Sting battled his way to his feet and tried to escape.  Morgan forced him back to the mat for another two count.

Sting avoided a charge in the corner then hit a missile dropkick off the top.  Didn't expect to see that out of Sting.  Morgan drilled him with the Carbon Footprint for a two count.  Morgan called for the Hellavator but Sting got out of it.  Sting was supposed to grab him for the Scorpion Death Drop but they just slipped down.  Morgan scored a two count.  They got to their feet.  Sting nailed the Death Drop for a two count.

Sting called for the Scorpion Deathlock but Morgan powered out.  Sting grabbed Morgan in the corner and hit the Scorpion Death Drop off the center turnbuckle and scored the pin.

Your winner, Sting!

They worked really hard.  Morgan was a perfect opponent for Sting since he always worked best with larger adversaries.  Solid match and probably the best either have looked in awhile.

They officially announced Bound for Glory would be in California.

Backstage, Lauren interviewed Samoa Joe and Legends champion AJ Styles.  She said they may have to work on the same page in order to get ahead.  Styles said the match is all about strategy and sticking to it.  He said that he and Joe have been talking strategy for weeks.  He said that he doesn't care if he or Joe win the title because they are putting the company back in the hands of the Originals.  Joe said that he promised to bring a Nation of Violence to TNA and did that to the Main Event Mafia.  He said it was down to Kurt Angle and said that tonight, they would become the most powerful force in wrestling.

TNA Tag Team champions Team 3D vs. Beer Money Inc.

Remember, the storyline is that 3D didn't arrive until just a short time ago after a 20 hour travel day from Japan.

Robert Roode controlled Devon early.  Ray tagged in.  He and Roode slugged each other back and forth.  Ray caught him with a boot.  Ray caught Roode with several chops in the corner.  Roode fired back but Ray caught him with a release back suplex.  3D caught Roode with some double team maneuvers.

James Storm tagged in but Devon caught him with a boot in the corner.  Roode grabbed Devon's legs and crotched him in the ringpost.  Storm drilled him with a running clothesline.  Roode tagged in and began choking Devon.  3D made a comeback and called for the tables.

Devon set up a table outside the ring.  Storm attacked him from behind.  He went to powerbomb Devon through it but Ray grabbed him by the hair.  Roode grabbed Ray with a spinebuster for a two count.  Beer Money nailed a double suplex on Ray. 

The British Invasion made their way to the ring.  Brutus Magnus and Doug Williams joined Tenay and Williams at ringside.  Beer Money continued the assault on Ray.  Ray came back to kick Roode and nail Storm with an uranage.  Devon tagged in and cleaned house on Beer Money.  He clotheslined Storm then delivered one to Roode for a two count.  Storm broke up the pinfall attempt.

Devon nailed a scoop powerslam then a chokeslam on Roode but Storm broke it up.  Ray dispatched Storm.  Ray nailed a back suplex while Devon hit a neckbreaker.  Storm hit a crossbody off the top.  Devon came back to clothesline Roode.  3D set up for the Doomsday Device but Storm broke it up and hit a back cracker on Ray.  Storm hit a top rope hurancanrana on Devon.  Roode hit a frog splash for a two count.

3D nailed the Doomsday Device on Roode but he kicked up.  Storm returned to the apron and spit beer at Devon who ducked.  Roode was blinded and nailed with 3D but Rob Terry got on the apron.  Ray drilled him, then dove off the top onto Terry and Magnus.  Williams got on the apron but Devon sent him off through the table.

Roode and Storm nailed Devon with DWI and scored the pin on Devon.

Your winners and new TNA Tag Team champions, Beer Money!

Good tag match.  I could have done without the British Invasion at the end, but you needed to keep them in the mix after their great performance last month and this finish sets up a more heated three way feud for the tag straps. 

Jeremy Borash interviewed Kurt Angle.  Borash asked him if tonight would be the night Samoa Joe fulfills his destiny.  Angle said tonight is about him and Joe, no one else.  Angle said he survived Joe's wrath and when he is done tonight, the Main Event Mafia will fulfill their position at the top of TNA.  He said tonight, he and Joe will settle their differences for once and for all.

TNA champion Mick Foley vs. Kurt Angle vs. Samoa Joe vs. Jeff Jarrett vs. TNA Legends champ AJ Styles: King of the Mountain

Angle came out wearing a Pittsburgh jersey and a fan hurled something at him.  Joe put on a Red Wings jersey and attacked Angle immediately.    Since Joe attacked Angle, he was DQ'd before the bell, so Angle was eligible and Joe had to start in the penalty box.  Given Joe's tricep tear, actually a smart way to work around it.  Angle is a dead wringer for Randy Couture now.  Styles and Jarrett worked over Angle immediately as Foley stayed outside protecting himself.

Foley's pants actually say Tweak and Tweet across the legs.  LAME!  You can, however, follow PWInsider at twitter/pwinsidercom.

The entire first two minutes was Jarrett and Styles working over Angle.  Foley picked up Jarrett for a slam and fell backwards.  Foley wanted to get pinned and did.  Joe returned to the ring and began clotheslining everyone.  Joe caught Jarrett with a running back elbow in the corner.  

Styles ducked a Joe clothesline and hit a sliding kick to Angle on the outside.  Joe dropped Jarrett with an inverted atomic drop and hit a clothesline and back senton splash for a two count.  Styles dropped Angle across the guard rail outside.  Angle returned to the ring but Joe clotheslined him out of the ring.  Foley and Joe went at it.  Joe hit a discus forearm shot.  Joe locked on a Tazmission as the other three all brawled out of the ring.  Jarrett got tossed over the rail into the crowd.  Joe choked out Foley and could now hang the belt.

Angle, Jarrett and Joe are now able to hang the belt.

Angle pulled a ladder into the ring but Joe used it as a weapon on Jarrett and Angle.  I love how the ladder has the TNA website address.  Joe hit a suplex onto the ladder on Angle.  Jarrett sets up the ladder in the corner.  Jarrett whipped Joe into the corner but Joe reversed and Jeff ate ladder.  Joe stomped away on his opponents as Styles began recovering outside.  Foley was released from the penalty box.

Joe made his way to the top of the ladder but Foley took the ladder out and Joe took a nasty bump backwards, nailing the ladder on the way down.  Foley whipped Joe into the corner.  Jarrett threw a ladder at Angle on the floor.  Jarrett set another ladder up in the center of the ring and began ascending. He was pulled down.  Angle and Foley began brawling in the ring.  Styles began kicking Angle in the corner.

Styles set up the ladder in the corner.  AJ went to smash Angle into it.  Angle blocked and went for a back suplex.  Styles landed on his feet but was caught and hit with a suplex into the ladder.  Jarrett went to hit the El Kabong but Angle kicked him.  Jarrett went for a move but it was reversed into the anklelock.  Jarrett kicked Angle off and nailed him with the guitar over the head.    The crowd chanted, "TNA".

Jarrett set up the ladder and made his way.  Foley caught up on the other side.  Foley asked Jeff to give him the belt.  Jarrett began punching him.  Styles hit a springboard off the ropes and dropkicked the ladder.  Foley and Jarrett went flying.  Styles came up holding his back.  Styles and Foley battled.  Joe worked over Jarrett in the corner and Jeff rolled out of the ring. 

Joe began setting a ladder across the center turnbuckle.  Foley went to the top of the penalty box.  Styles followed.  Foley teased a suplex off but Styles fought him off.  Styles teased suplexing Foley off the cage through the announce table but Foley fought him off and tossed him into the ring.  Joe went for the choke but Jarrett nailed him with the stroke into the ladder. 

Angle attacked Jarrett and locked on the anklelock.  Foley came off the top of the penalty box with an elbow on Angle and pinned him.  Foley began climbing up.  Styles grabbed the Legends title and drilled Foley with it.  Foley took a bump off the ladder.  Styles and Joe took turns working over Foley.  Styles nailed the Pele Kick on Foley, who rolled out of the ring.  Joe backdropped Styles out of the ring into a flip dive on Foley.  Styles pinned Foley on the floor to become eligible.  Everyone can now win.

Jarrett got back to his feet and began to set up a ladder.  He nailed Joe with it, then began climbing the ladder.  Styles followed on the opposite side.  Angle went after Jarrett, trying to pull him off.  Jarrett dove off the ladder onto Angle.  Styles dropped the title and when he went to retrieve it, he and Joe began battling back and forth.  Styles nailed him with a dropkick.

Foley drilled Styles with the TNA title.  Joe dropkicked the title belt into Foley's face.  Jarrett and Foley began brawling on the floor.  Foley nailed the Mandible Claw.  Joe climbed up the ladder but Styles grabbed his leg.  Styles pulled Joe off the apron.  Styles began pulling him off the ladder and tossed Styles into the corner.  Styles reversed a whip and Joe dove through the ropes on Jarrett and Foley.  Joe was grabbing the ladder.

Styles was attacked by Angle but hit the Styles Clash.  Styles went to the top but was powerbombed off the ladder by Joe.  Joe was faking the injury.  Joe went to the top of the ladder.  Angle followed.  Joe handed Angle the title and let him hang it, so Joe turned heel.

Your winner and new TNA champion Kurt Angle.

The Main Event Mafia came out on stage to applaud the new champion as they went off the air.

2009 - Former WWE Diva Candice Michelle posted the following blog on the WWE Universe website in an attempt to say goodbye to the audience after being released.  The blog was removed and Michelle's section was then deleted from the Universe area of the WWE website:

Dear WWE Universe,

Today is the first day of my next journey! I am filled with excitement and gratitude that I wanna express! First and foremost I wanna say thank-you to the McMahon family! Thank-you Vince, Linda, and Stephanie! I have had an amazing 5years wrestling for you guys! You have taught me and given me so many incredible memories! My time in the WWE was so heartfelt and an incredible journey that I will never forget. I wanna thank the people who have helped me there to be successful! Thank-You Johnny Laurenitis, Mark Corrono, and the rest of talent relations! You guys are awesome at what you do and I appreciate everything you have done for me! Thanks to the amazing agents Arn, Dean, Ricky, Mike, Fit, Barry, Steve, and Billy. You guys are incredible at what you do and it was so exciting for me to get the oppurtunity to learn from the BEST! Speaking of the best, John Cena was a champ in every sense of the word, inside and outside of the ring! Thank-you John for our great friendship, conversations, and encouragement in the business! I have so many fun filled memories on the road that I will never forget thanks to Victoria, Torrie(vote for her, shes amazing), Carlito, Tommy ( what a Dream), and Mickie ( one half of the nasty girls)! You guys will be my buddies for life and I will never forget you! Thank you to the other amazing superstars and Divas! You guys are simply the best at what you do! You have contributed so much in me becoming a wrestler, thanks to HHH, Big Show, Melina, Mickie, John Cena, Tommy Dreamer, Shawn Michaels, and everyone else who every helped me in the ring(in no particular order)! Thanks to the awesome crew and people behind the scenes, without them the show wouldnt even begin, they are all so incredible and full of talent! My time in the WWE was a true blessing!

I am excited that I was the FIRST WWE Diva Search contestant to become the WWE Womans Champion! I know I have paved a way for the woman like me and am so proud of them now! Go get em ladies, your all so talented and beautiful!

A special dedication to all the amazing and wonderful fans who have supported me, made sites for me, were always positive, and mostly just showed your love! I really appreciate you! I hope to see you in my next journey! I feel it coming fast! You can see my new website in less than 1.5 months at candicemichelle.com and catch up with my updates, also on twitter!

I have loved that journey and am ready to grow into this next chapter! Stay tuned.... much more to come!

Yours Truly,
Candice Michelle

2010 - WWE broadcast Raw.  Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:We are live from Bridgeport, Connecticut and your announcers are Michael ‘I endorse this show’ Cole and Jerry ‘Will they fight into the water this time’ Lawler.

We see photos of the NXT Alumni standing over John Cena from Fatal Four Way.

Vince McMahon makes his way into the arena and he walks as only Vince McMahon can. Vince welcomes everyone to Raw. He mentions that last night at Fatal Four Way there was sheer chaos in one of the main events and we have a new champion, Sheamus . . . fella. Vince says that there is only one person to blame for that and that person is Bret Hart. Vince said that he told Bret that he would have to make tough decisions, but not bad ones. Bret shouldn’t have fired Wade Barrett and forced the rest of the NXT group off. Vince mentions the joyride that Bret was taken on last week. Vince says that is no reason not to show up last night. Vince says that Bret did nothing to prepare the people who were at the pay per view that something might happen.

The fans chant for Bret.

Vince says that as the Chairman of the Board, he has not option other than to relieve Bret Hart of his duties. Vince tells Bret that he is fired. Vince says that it gives him a sense of closure.

Vince wants to make an important announcement. We have a new general manager. That person will be anonymous. The new general manager will be giving instructions through a computer on the announce table. Michael Cole will be the person who will announce to the crowd any proclamation from the General Manager. Vince says that you cannot blame the General Manager for being anonymous.

There is an e-mail from the General Manager and all seven members of the members of the NXT Group have been hired and they will address the WWE Universe tonight.

Vince says that things are starting off with a bang tonight.

The new WWE Champion comes out . . . fella.

Vince introduces the new WWE Champion, Sheamus. The crowd are not enthralled with the new champion before he speaks. Sheamus tells Vince that he is sorry. It is not the way that he wanted to win the WWE Championship. Sheamus says that more than anything, last night he wanted to prove that he belonged in the top echelon by beating three top superstars in the ring on his own. Sheamus says that did not happen. Sheamus says that he doesn’t deserve . . . he cannot accept this title under these circumstances.

Sheamus holds the title belt and then he hands it to Vince McMahon and then he pulls it back and smiles. He says that it doesn’t matter how it happened, he is the new WWE Champion. Sheamus says that it was a glorious opportunity and occasion. Sheamus has a message for the NXT Seven. He tells them thank you. He thanks them for interfering in their match last night. He thanks them for taking care of Bret Hart last week. He thanks them for jumping the guys in the back. He thanks them for giving him his opportunity. Sheamus says that he did not need their help because he could have won it on his own. Sheamus says that they think they made a statement last night, but the only statement being made was him winning his second WWE Title. Sheamus says that he will never . . .

We will never find out what Sheamus is never going to do because he is interrupted by John Cena who comes to the ring. Cena says that Pasty is in a good mood because he is thanking everyone. Cena has a few people he wants to thank. He thanks Mr. McMahon for the new mysterious and anonymous General Manager. Cena wants Cole to send an e-mail to the new General Manager for hiring the NXT guys because he will be able to settle his score with them. Cena thanks the human jar of mayonnaise for winning the Fatal Four Way match. Cena says that he gets a rematch. Cena thanks Bridgeport because he cannot think of a better place for a WWE Title Match.

Sheamus tells Cena that he can come out and bark all he likes because, fella, there won’t be a WWE Title Match tonight. Sheamus asks Vince to ask Cena to leave, or he will do it himself.

There is an e-mail and Michael Cole says that the main event tonight will be Sheamus defending the title against John Cena.

Vince says that it doesn’t get any bigger than that.

We have another e-mail. To ensure that there is no interference, there is a guest referee. Someone who demands instant fear and respect. The referee will be Mr. McMahon.

We go to commercial.

We are back with the Slam of the Week: Chris Jericho losing to Evan Bourne by disqualification last week on Raw.

We see a photo from last night’s match between Evan Bourne and Chris Jericho from Fatal Four Way.

Before the match, Chris Jericho says that he requested this rematch to make a statement to the fly by night wannabe as well as the parasites. Chris Jericho says that if he cannot win tonight, he is going to walk out of the arena and out of WWE forever.

Match Number One: Chris Jericho versus Evan Bourne

Jericho with a kick and then he sends Bourne into the turnbuckles and he kicks Bourne before the referee warns him. Bourne with a back slide for a near fall and then he gets another near fall with a rollup. Bourne misses a jumping spin kick when Jericho goes to the floor. We go to commercial.

We are back and Jericho has Bourne in a full nelson and he puts his body weight on Bourne. We see footage from the commercial of Bourne hitting a cross body from the turnbuckles to the floor but we also saw Jericho send Bourne into the ringside barrier. We are back to live action and Bourne with a rollup but Jericho with a baseball slide that sends Bourne to the floor. Jericho has the referee try to count Bourne out but he gets in at nine. Jericho punches Bourne and then he sets for a suplex but Bourne is able to counter with a knee to the head and he gets a near fall with a cross body. Bourne with a kick to the leg but Bourne with a knee. Bourne with a spinning heel kick and jumping knee. Bourne with a running back elbow and a baseball slide into the corner and he gets a near fall. Jericho blocks a rana and he puts Bourne in the Walls of Jericho. Bourne is able to get up and he counters with a tornado DDT and gets a near fall. Jericho with a knee and a butterfly back breaker and then he gets a near fall. Jericho with a kick to the back and then he connects with a back breaker and he stretches Bourne over his knee. Bourne with knees to Jericho to get out of the hold. Jericho gets to his feet first but Bourne tries for a running elbow into the corner but Jericho counters. Jericho goes to the second turnbuckle but Bourne with a leaping rana for a near fall. Bourne tries for the double knee take down but Jericho holds on and rolls through into the Walls of Jericho. Bourne tries to get to the ropes but Jericho pulls Bourne into the center of the ring. Bourne struggles to get to the ropes and he succeeds.

Jericho cannot believe that Bourne has not given up. Bourne with a kick from the apron and Jericho goes down. Bourne finds the power to go up top and he tries for the Shooting Star Press but Jericho gets his knees up and then he hits the Codebreaker for the three count.

Winner: Chris Jericho

After the match, Chris Jericho stands over Bourne and he picks Bourne up and then pushes him down.

We go to commercial.

We are back and we have a commercial for tomorrow night’s Lucky Cannon/Cody Rhodes match and Cody’s greatest moment as a WWE superstar.

We have an Earlier Tonight E-Moment when the main event was announced.

We go to the back where Vince is on the phone and he talks about the roar for the match. He is on the phone probably with the General Manager and says that it was a good decision. Vince says that he gave the General Manager complete authority. He says that surprises are cool, but don’t surprise him again.

Vince picks up his referee shirt.

We go to Virgil in the locker room and Ted says that he wanted to talk to him. They talk about how long they have known each other. Ted says that he wants to apologize to Virgil for what happened last week, but Virgil’s services will no longer be needed. Ted says that he has upgraded and found someone who appreciates money. Maryse speaks in French. Virgil asks what Ted will do for protection and Ted says that he will go to the drug store. Ted tells Virgil that he is fired.

Josh Mathews is in the interview area with the Hart Dynasty. Josh asks them for their reaction about the firing of Bret Hart. Natalya says that you could see it coming because Bret was railroaded again. Tyson says that blame could be placed on both sides the first time, but Bret did nothing wrong this time. Natalya says that as family, they will make sure that it doesn’t happen again. David says that they will make their Uncle Bret proud. Natalya says that she will dedicate her debut match on Raw to her Uncle Bret.

A limo pulls up and we go to commercial.

We are back and Did You Know that over 1 billion people can get WWE Mobile content.

We see footage from last week’s attack by the NXT Seven on Bret Hart at the end of last week’s Raw.

Match Number Two: Natalya with David Hart Smith and Tyson Kidd versus Tamina with Jimmy and Jey Uso

Tamina with a kick and punch to Natalya and then she sends Natalya into the corner and she kicks Natalya. Tamina with a jumping head butt followed by an Irish whip but Tamina misses a splash in the corner. Natalya with a running clothesline and slam. Tamina hits Natalya from behind. Natalya counters a Samoan drop attempt into a sunset flip and then she tries for a Sharpshooter but the NXT Seven come into the ring and the match stops.

Wade Barrett comes out with the NXT Seven. He says that they want to apologize but Tyson Kidd with a plancha onto some of the NXT Alumni. It turns into a seven on two attack as they send Smith into the ring steps and Kidd into the ringside barrier.

We go to commercial.

We are back and the NXT Seven are in the ring and David Otunga has the mic. He says that he wants to apologize for their actions over the last few weeks. They did what they did for one reason and one reason only. It was for their love of the WWE. They love the WWE so much that they would do anything to get noticed and get contracts. Now that they have their contracts, it is time for things to go back to normal.

Heath Slater says that they are trying to say they are sorry. They have no problem with the WWE Locker Room or the WWE Universe. The attacks over the last few weeks have not been personal. There are a few people they want to single out and apologize to.

Justin Gabriel apologizes to Bret Hart. He says that they painted him in a corner. Bret wouldn’t sign them and then he fires the only person with a contract. Gabriel says that he hopes Bret is okay. Then he wants to apologize to Tyson Kidd and David Hart Smith. He says that they had to defend themselves tonight and he hopes that they can co-exist peacefully.

Darren Young wants to apologize to John Cena. He says that it is nothing personal. He says that when he was on NXT, people called him the Black John Cena. He says that they had to make an impact so they attacked the top guy in the WWE. Darren says that John Cena will get his title back.

Skip Sheffield says that they want to apologize to the WWE Universe. Back in NXT, the people supported him and repeated what he would say. He wants everyone to repeat his catchphrases but they refuse. Skip says that he wants to tell the children that they scared, he hopes that the children can forgive and forget.

Michael Tarver says that from a single parent’s perspective he used to be homeless. Michael apologizes to his children because he raised them better. He says that you have to do everything legally to obtain your goals. He says that everyone would have done what they did.

Wade takes the mic and he says that while the gentlemen behind him did what they had to do, Wade says that he was the only one who had a job and a title match. Wade rhetorically asks why would he join up with these men, it was for loyalty. He said that they would have fun in NXT and they would stick together so long that they would get contracts. They were not going to let management dictate their careers. Wade says that people with no common link formed a Nexus and a link that will not be broken. Wade says that he has his title shot back in addition to his contract.

Wade has something to say to Sheamus. Wade says that however Sheamus wants to spin it, the reason why Sheamus is champion is because of them. Sheamus capitalized on John Cena being their target. Wade says that they can make a target out of Sheamus just as easily. Wade says that he can take the title off Sheamus at any time. Whether it is John Cena tonight, or Wade Barrett in the future, Sheamus will lose his title. Wade says that he will be the champion and he will make no apologies when he becomes champion.

They stand in the ring as we go to commercial.

Match Number Three: John Morrison with Eli Cottonwood versus Ted DiBiase with Maryse

Ted says that they had a match, but he has better things to do so he has found a suitable replacement.

Match Number Three: John Morrison with Eli Cottonwood versus Zack Ryder with Titus O’Neil

They lock up and Morrison backs Ryder into the turnbuckles but Ryder pushes Morrison after a break. Ryder backs into the ropes and Ryder punches Morrison and connects with a forearm. Morrison with a drop kick and kicks followed by punches in the corner. Morrison sends Ryder into the turnbuckles and then he tries for the springboard spin kick but Ryder pushes Morrison into the ropes and then he sends Morrison into the turnbuckles. Ryder with kicks and the referee warns Ryder. Ryder with a catapult into the ropes and he gets a near fall. Ryder with a snap mare and drop kick to the back of the head for a near fall. Ryder with a reverse chin lock and then he tries for a neck breaker but Morrison with a near fall. Ryder with a running back elbow and then he wooos for a few before a knee drop and he returns to the reverse chin lock. Morrison with a jawbreaker and an enzuigiri and both men are down. Morrison gets a near fall. Morrison with a punch followed by a knee and another punch. Morrison with a clothesline and leg lariat for a near fall. Morrison misses the Shining Wizard and Ryder drops Morrison on the top rope. Morrison counters a leg lariat with a power bomb and then Morrison hits the split legged corkscrew moonsault for the three count.

Winner: John Morrison

After the match, Morrison and Cottonwood talk about his finisher and Cottonwood goes on the turnbuckles but Morrison stops him.

John Cena is walking and Josh Mathews asks about the apology from earlier tonight. Cena says that they said it was nothing personal, but he had to be taken out on a stretcher and they almost destroyed Raw. Cena says that he wears his loyalty on his sleeve. They made him a target, so now he will settle it. He says the apology is not accepted. He wants to get his title back.

Vince tells Cena that neither him nor Sheamus will have any excuses. Vince says that he will ensure that the best man wins tonight.

We go to commercial.

Match Number Four: Great Khali and Eve Torres versus Alicia Fox and Primo

Khali and Primo start things off and then Primo tags in Alicia so Primo doesn’t have to deal with Khali. Alicia pushes Eve twice and Eve with a kick and side head lock take down. Eve with a hip lock take down. Eve with a clean break and then she blocks a kick and hits a clothesline for a near fall. Eve with a drop kick but Alicia with a drop toe hold and she gets a near fall. Alicia sends Eve’s face into the canvas and then she kicks Eve. Eve with forearms to Alicia and Alicia hits a leaping knee to the head and gets a near fall. Alicia sends Eve into the turnbuckles and then Eve pushes her away and kicks Alicia in the head. Eve goes up for a moonsault and she hits it but Primo gets in the ring and the referee cannot make the count. Eve slaps Primo and then she tags in Khali. Primo gets on his knees and begs for mercy. Alicia goes to the back and Khali chops Primo and then he hits the Punjabi Plunge for the three count.

Winners: Great Khali and Eve Torres

After the match, Khali and Eve dance.

Randy Orton walks very slowly in the back as we go to commercial.

We are back and Randy Orton’s music plays and he comes to the ring as only a viper or apex predator can.

Randy has something to say and he tells the people of NXT that if they want to interfere in his match, that is fine. Now that all of them are under contract, it is a matter of time before he punts every one of them in the skull. Orton tells Wade Barrett that he accepts his apology and he hopes that Wade becomes the next WWE Champion because then he is staring in the eyes of the man who is going to take it from him.

The Miz interrupts Randy Orton and he has something AWESOME to say. Miz wonders if we really are going to see another Randy Orton title match. Miz says that he hears voices in his head and they are tired of seeing him in title matches. He is sick of Orton hitting his RKO on people and he is sick of Randy Orton. Miz says that Orton has done a lot but there is something that Randy Orton never did and that is to hold the WWE and United States Title at the same time. Miz says that Orton has had enough chances and it is time for Orton to go to the back of the line. Miz says that the next title match is his. It is an industry secret and he says that it is because he is the Miz and Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee’s kicking Orton in the midsection and punching him in the head. Miz misses a clothesline but Orton hits a power slam. Orton turns into the mat and does RKO push ups but Miz goes to the floor before Orton can hit an RKO. Edge makes his way to the ring and he sneaks up on Orton and hits a spear.

Edge tells Orton now it is time for the real fun to begin.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Did You Know that WWE gives tickets to members of the military.

Match Number Five: John Cena versus Sheamus for the WWE Title with Guest Referee Vince McMahon and Real Referee Jack Doan

Cena with a waist lock but Sheamus gets to the ropes and Cena releases the hold. Sheamus with a kick and forearm followed by punches. Sheamus with more kicks in the corner and the referee warns him. Sheamus with a slam and elbow drop for a near fall. Sheamus continues to work on the head and neck with punches. Sheamus punches Cena followed by a hard Irish whip and he gets a near fall. Sheamus with a neck breaker and he gets a near fall. Sheamus throws Cena to the floor and we go to commercial.

We are back and Sheamus punches Cena but Cena punches back. Cena misses a charge into the corner and hits the ring post when Sheamus moves out of the way. Sheamus waits for Cena to get up and he tries for a running knee but Cena moves. Sheamus with a clothesline and he gets a near fall. Cena goes to the apron and Sheamus puts Cena in the ropes and then he connects with a forearm across the chest. Sheamus puts Cena in the ropes again and connects with another forearm across the chest. Sheamus tries a third time but Cena uses his strength to connect with a head butt and then he punches Sheamus and kicks him. Cena with a punch but they hit a double clothesline and both men are down. Cena avoids a clothesline and he tries for the Attitude Adjustment but Sheamus escapes and he slams Cena and gets a few near falls.

Sheamus misses the pump kick and Cena with two flying shoulder tackles followed by the Blue Thunder Bomb. Cena with the Five Knuckle Shuffle and then Cena gets Sheamus up but Sheamus with a rake of the eyes followed by a back breaker and Sheamus gets a near fall. Sheamus waits for Cena to get up but Cena takes too long so Sheamus picks him up. Cena with a drop toe hold into an STF. Sheamus crawls for the ropes and he gets there. Cena releases the hold at four. Sheamus rolls to the floor and Cena looks for Sheamus. Sheamus Irish whips Cena into the ring steps. Sheamus rolls Cena back into the ring but he can only get a near fall. Sheamus goes to the floor and he sets up the ring steps on the ramp. Sheamus pulls Cena to the floor and he throws Cena into the ring steps. Sheamus rolls Cena back into the ring and then Sheamus waits for Cena to get up for the Pump Kick and he hits it.

The NXT Seven come to the ring and Sheamus sees them coming so he leaves. The announcers leave the ring and that allows DarrenYoung to throw Cena over the announce table. Skip pushes the announce table onto Cena.

Vince gets into the ring and he tells the NXT guys to stop. Vince wants to know if Cena is still breathing. Vince asks the NXT guys to come into the ring. Vince tells everyone that these are extraordinary athletes. Vince says that he cannot take full responsibility. He can take partial responsibility for what happened to Jerry Lawler, Michael Cole, and Bret Hart.

Vince wants a round of applause for him. Vince says this week was interesting. Vince says that next week, the General Manager will reveal something. Wade looks at the NXT Seven and he has that ‘Why is Steve Austin Looking at me like that’ look on his face.

Vince then chuckles and he says that they almost had him for a second. The seven surround Vince as Vince starts to talk about next week. All seven men attack Vince. They hold Vince up and send him into a Sheffield clothesline. Barrett with the fireman’s carry slam to Vince. Gabriel goes up top and hits the 450 Splash on Vince. They stand over Vince and then they leave the ring.

We go to credits with Vince down in the ring.

 

2011 - WWE broadcast NXT.  Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:This week’s show looks back at the man whose presence on NXT ended last Tuesday night, Lucky Cannon. Then we see the issues with Hornswoggle and Maryse that caused Lucky Cannon to lose focus and eventually the competition. Lucky then got the news of his demise, but probably more crushing to his ego, the rejection by Maryse.

We are live on tape on the internet from Hershey, Pennsylvania and your announcers are Todd ‘Where is the river that Augustus fell into’ Grisham and William ‘Veruca’ Regal. Your hosts are Matt ‘Wonka’ Striker and Maryse.

Todd asks William about the final three competitors and Todd mentions that voting starts tomorrow because we have another elimination next week.

Hornswoggle and Titus O’Neil make their way to the ring. Titus lets out a bark or two and he wants everyone to be quiet for Hornswoggle. Hornswoggle tells everyone about quantum theory or maybe he has something to finish up with Maryse because that is what Titus translated Hornswoggle’s comments to be.

Maryse make her way to the ring and she wants to know what is going on. Hornswoggle gets the nerve to discuss the upcoming NHL Entry Draft with Maryse or maybe he has a surprise for Maryse and he wants her to close her eyes and hold her hand out.

Hornswoggle has to be lifted up to put a jewel box in her hand. Maryse says that good things come in small packages.

Maryse opens the box and it is a candy ring. Maryse says that it is so cute and Maryse wants Hornswoggle to come close. She asks Hornswoggle if a woman like her would care for something like this. She says that Hornswoggle has a little brain because he is a little person. He calls Hornswoggle a fat troll and tells him to find a woman his own size.

Maryse leaves the ring and she cannot believe that she wasted her time with this.

Zack Ryder returns to NXT and he has something to say to Titus O’Neil. He says that he doesn’t get how Titus has made it further with the little troll. Is he riding Hornswoggle’s coat tails for the sympathy vote? How is the little munchkin going to get him ready for the ring.

Titus says that Zack’s head band is too tight or maybe he is on a tan overload. Titus says that he will win this season of NXT and he will prove to Zack that Hornswoggle is a better pro than Zack will ever be. Titus says that everyone knows it.

Zack threatens to fist pump Titus’ face.

Matt Striker comes out and he suggests that we have a match between Zack Ryder and Titus O’Neil in the main event tonight.

We go to commercial.

We are back with footage from last week’s match between Yoshi Tatsu and Darren Young that set up this week’s match.

Match Number One: JTG, Chavo Guerrero, and Darren Young versus Conor O’Brian, Yoshi Tatsu, and Vladimir Kozlov in a Saw this coming a week away Match

Young and O’Brian start off and they lock up with Young getting a side head lock. Conor with a top wrist lock into an arm drag and arm bar. O’Brian works on the wrist but Young with a fireman’s carry into a wrist lock. Young turns it into an arm bar but Conor with an arm drag into a hammer lock. Young with a shoulder tackle but O’Brian with an elbow and a European uppercut. Young goes to the floor to regroup.

Chavo gives Young some advice before returning to the ring and Chavo tags in. Chavo with a kick and forearms to the back followed by a side head lock. O’Brian with a shoulder tackle to Chavo and then JTG and Yoshi tag in. Yoshi tries for kicks but JTG gets out of the way and retreats to the ropes. JTG wants Yoshi to let him get into the center of the ring. JTG slaps Yoshi in the back of the head and then tags in Young.

Chavo tags in and he punches Yohsi and connects with a Latino uppercut and he chokes Yoshi in the ropes. Chavo with punches to Yoshi followed by an Irish whip. Yoshi with a float over and a drop toe hold to Chavo. Yoshi with a series of kicks and Kozlov tags in and he connects with a shoulder tackle followed by head butts to the sternum. Chavo with a kick to Kozlov but Kozlov catches Chavo off the turnbuckles and hits a standing power slam for a near fall. Kozlov kicks Young off the apron and then he sends Chavo to the floor.

Young tries to interfere and go after Kozlov but he misses and O’Brian with a clothesline to Young. Young and JTG join Chavo on the floor as we go to commercial.

We are back and Kozlov with a power slam to Chavo for a near fall. Kozlov with a front face lock on Chavo followed by knees and shoulders in the corner. O’Brian tags in and Chavo with forearms. Conor with a delayed vertical suplex attempt but Chavo with a knee to the head to get out of the hold. Young is tagged in and Young kicks Conor. Young slams O’Brian and sends Conor’s legs into the ropes with each slam.

JTG tags back in and he works on Conor’s leg. JTG kicks Conor in the back of the leg but Conor is able to stay on his feet. JTG with a belly-to-back suplex set up into a neck breaker and he gets a near fall. Chavo tags in and hits a slingshot senton as he continues to work on the leg. Chavo slingshots himself to the floor and he continues to work on the leg.

Young tags back in and he kicks Conor and he applies a single leg crab and then he applies extra pressure to the leg by sitting on it. Young slams the knee into the mat and he tags Chavo back in and Chavo gets a near fall. Chavo with an elbow drop to the leg. Conor kicks Chavo in the head to get away but he is in the wrong corner and Chavo punches Conor.

Conor fights out of the corner but Chavo with a drop kick to the knee to stop him. JTG tags in and he kicks Conor in the leg. JTG sends Conor into the turnbuckles and then he wrings the leg into the ring post. JTG gets a near fall and then he punches Conor and then he drops a knee to the injured leg. Conor kicks JTG away but JTG stays in control and he tags to Chavo who continues to work on the leg. Conor blocks a punch and he connects with punches of his own but Chavo takes Conor to the mat again.

Young tags back in and he kicks Conor in the leg. Young puts Conor’s leg in the rope and he kicks Conor in the leg. Young with a kick to the leg and then he goes off the turnbuckles. Conor catches Young and hits a flapjack. Both men are down and JTG tags in, but Conor is able to tag in Yoshi. Yoshi with a drop kick and back body drop to JTG.

Yoshi with chops to JTG and he waits for JTG to get up so he can hit the running double knees into the corner. Yoshi takes care of Young and Chavo before taking care of JTG and hits a Shining Wizard but Young and Chavo break things up.

Chavo and Young try for a double suplex on Kozlov but Kozlov blocks it and counters with a double suplex of his own. JTG takes care of Kozlov and sends him to the floor.

Yoshi with a round kick to the head for the three count.

Winners: Yoshi Tatsu, Conor O’Brian, and Vladimir Kozlov

We go to commercial.

We are back and Todd mentions that there were some voting irregularities so Sin Cara will face Evan Bourne next week.

Time for the Raw Rebound.

Todd and William talk about CM Punk’s match with John Cena and Regal thinks that Punk will win the title at Money in the Bank.

Tyson Kidd is on the phone with Lucky Cannon and he says that they won’t do a revote. Tyson sees candles in the locker room and he tells Lucky he has to call him back. Yoshi tells Tyson not to touch. Tyson tells Yoshi he wasn’t going to do anything and he tells Yoshi that he will leave him alone with his little doll. Yoshi makes an offering to Yosh-bu . . . a Hershey bar.

We go to commercial.

Match Number Two: Titus O’Neil with Hornswoggle versus Zack Ryder in an Old School Pro versus Rookie Match

Ryder with a kick and forearms to the back followed by punches in the corner. Ryder with a forearm to Titus in the corner followed by more kicks. Titus with a kick and he sends Zack into the corner. Titus with a back elbow in the corner followed by a punch. Titus with an elbow to the head followed by a running shoulder tackle. Titus with a slam and an elbow drop for a near fall. Titus with an Irish whip but Titus misses a charge into the corner. Ryder goes to the floor to stop Titus’ momentum.

Titus hip tosses Ryder into the ring and Titus with a side head lock and take down. Titus with a shoulder tackle to Ryder and Ryder tries for a hip toss but Titus blocks it. Titus with a short arm clothesline followed by a bark. Hornswoggle bites Ryder in the rear end and Titus tries for a rollup but he can only get a two count.

Ryder goes to the floor and we go to commercial.

We are back and Titus with a kick and European uppercut to Ryder. Titus pushes Ryder into the corner and hits a back breaker on Ryder and gets a near fall. Titus charges into the corner and Ryder gets his knees into Titus’ head and Titus goes down. Ryder punches Titus and the referee warns him. Ryder kicks Titus in the midsection and then he chokes him. Ryder runs into a boot from Titus and then he kicks Ryder. Ryder with a forearm to the head and then he applies a reverse chin lock.

Titus with a jawbreaker to get out of the chin lock. Ryder sends Titus to the mat and he sets for the running boot to the face and Ryder hits it and he gets a near fall. Ryder with a reverse chin lock. Titus gets to his feet and he hits a belly-to-back suplex and both men are down. Titus with a punch followed by shoulder tackles and a flying clothesline. Titus barks and then he hits a fallaway slam. Titus sets for Clash of the Titus but Ryder gets back to the floor.

Titus checks on Hornswoggle on the floor and that allows Ryder to hit Titus as he re-enters the ring. Ryder hits the Rough Ryder for the three count.

Winner: Zack Ryder

2011 - In a pretty shrewd and funny move, NWA Hollywood issued the following press release:

“NWA CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM HOLLYWOOD” OFFERS EMPLOYMENT TO ALL LOCKED-OUT NFL PLAYERS

Top-Rated Professional Wrestling TV Series Gives All Current NFL Players a Chance to Get Back In the Game

LOS ANGELES, CA, June 16, 2011 – With the lockout between the National Football League’s owners and players still in effect, the L.A. based television series NWA CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM HOLLYWOOD extends an open invitation to all currently locked-out NFL players to join them as professional wrestlers.

With current NFL players like Cincinnati Bengals superstar Chad Ochocinco venturing into the world of professional bull riding and Minnesota Vikings’ Ray Edwards trying his hand(s) at boxing, the world of pro wrestling seems like a perfect fit for these athletes, who are all revved up with nowhere to go. And, as history proves, it might just be the best move.

“There is a long list of players who’ve made the jump from the gridiron to the squared circle of pro wrestling,” says 3-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion “Scrap Iron” Adam Pearce. “NFL and AFL greats like Lawrence Taylor, Reggie White, Kevin Greene, Bronko Nagurski, Wahoo McDaniel, and many others became pro wrestlers – so why not a Hines Ward, Ndamakong Suh, Michael Vick, Plaxico Burress, or Ben Roethlisberger?” Pearce adds, “It’s also an excellent way to keep them out of jail. Or worse.”

Professional wrestling has long been a spot for pro athletes to make cameo appearances, from Muhammad Ali to Karl Malone to Mike Tyson, but Pearce wants to make it clear that this is a chance at something more. “I’m tired of sports celebs getting into the ring for what’s playfully referred to as ‘sports entertainment’. That’s not what this is about. This is good, old-fashioned American pro wrestling. And if you wanna step into the ring with me or anyone else from the National Wrestling Alliance – you’d better be ready to go. This ain’t some pretty boy pose with flashing lights and fireworks. This is about kicking some ass. And there are quite a few NFL players that would fit the bill nicely. Believe that.”

Interested NFL players are told that the door is open and info regarding applying for a spot on the roster can be found at the www.NWAHollywood.com website.

About NWA CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM HOLLYWOOD

NWA Championship Wrestling From Hollywood, is a weekly television series produced by KDOC TV – Los Angeles. As a part of the National Wrestling Alliance, which has been in operation since 1948 (making it the longest running professional wrestling company in existence), Described by fans as ‘the only real professional wrestling on television”, NWA Championship Wrestling From Hollywood eschews the flashy “sports entertainment” of other TV wrestling programs by concentrating on “classic-style” pro wrestling that has kept the NWA alive and well for over 60 years. More information may be found by visiting www.nwahollywood.com and on Twitter at @nwahollywood.

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