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November 2nd
On this day in history in ....
1992 - Jerry Lawler defeats Todd Champion in Memphis, Tennessee for the USWA Unified Heavyweight Title, starting Lawler's 13th reign with the belt.
1998 - In Houston, Texas, Vince McMahon creates the WWF "Hardcore Championship" and awards it to Mankind (Mick Foley). Ironically, Mankind would hold the title for less than a month, and never win it back. Despite this, the Hardcore Title is often associated with Foley.
1999 - Mankind & Al Snow defeat Hardcore & Crash Holly for the WWF World Tag Team Title in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
2000 - The WWF released the following regarding the Owen Hart lawsuit:
World Wrestling Federation Entertainment, Inc. Announces Settlement in Owen Hart Case
STAMFORD, Conn.--Nov. 2, 2000--World Wrestling Federation Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: WWF) announced today that it has agreed to a settlement in a previously disclosed lawsuit filed by the members of the family of Owen Hart, a professional wrestler, whose accidental death occurred while performing under contract with the Company. Under the terms of the agreement, the WWFE will receive a full release from any further liability in the case.
`It has always been our intention to settle this case and we tried to do what we felt was in the best interest for all those involved, particularly for the family of Owen Hart,'' said Linda McMahon, CEO.
As a result of the settlement, the WWFE will take a charge of $7 million which is net of its insurance recoveries and will retain the right to pursue contribution and indemnity from the companies that manufactured and sold the equipment involved in the accident. The charge will be recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses for the quarter ended October 27, 2000.
That was the ending to one of the most tragic stories in the history of wrestling. Kansas City Circuit Judge Douglas Long. Jr. approved the settlement, and the family of Owen Hart received $18 million dollars for the loss of Owen Hart on May 23, 1999 when his harness at the Kemper Arena malfunctioned and he fell to his death during the Over The Edge pay-per-view. The WWF told stockholders that they would pay $7million of the payment, and they wanted the rigging and harness companies to pay the other half. One of the companies, Amspec, Inc., filed for bankruptcy right before the judgment, possibly in anticipation of the payment.
Owen's wife, Martha, received $10 million. Their children, Oje, 8, and Athena, 5, received $3 million each. Stu and Helen Hart, Owen's parents, each received $1 million. After the hearing, Martha took her children to the Kemper Arena to see where Owen died. Martha announced that she was using $2 million of the money to start the Owen Hart Foundation to help the less fortunate.
Perhaps the saddest part of the story is how the Hart family, once thought to be a very tight unit, was now in shambles. Bret and Keith Hart sided with Martha, Stu and Helen, while sisters Diana and Ellie did not. Of course, their respective husbands, Davey Boy Smith and Jim Neidhart signed contracts with the WWF after the incident. Martha had some stinging comments about the situation after the settlement in the Calgary Sun.
"This is not a close-knit family and I'm not part of it anymore -- we carry the same last name but that's as far as it goes. They betrayed Owen by working against me and his children and I will never consider myself, or my children, a part of that family anymore. I will respect Owen's parents and I will stay in touch with a select few of them but people need to know that Owen was a white sheep in a black family."
2004 - At the Smackdown taping in St. Louis, Missouri, Kurt Angle made a challenge to the current crop of WWE Tough Enough contestants, one that nearly ended in disaster. Here is the report from that show:
We then went to the ring, where Al Snow had all the contestants assembled. Kurt Angle was then brought to the ring. Angle went down the line, asking each contestant their name, then insulting them while getting into their face. When he got in the face of Nick, he asked him to turn his eyes away, and when he wouldn't, he shoved him. Angle seemed to take great pleasure in ripping into Dan R. (the smartass) and Dan P. (the MMA fighter). Some of the contestants cracked smiles and laughed during the segment, and Angle would yell at them and shove them to shut them up. Angle talked about what it takes to succeed in wrestling, and told the contestants that he hated them, since they were getting a chance to win a million dollars. Angle (who was wearing his amateur wrestling shoes) did some squat thrusts (squat into pushup and back to standing position). Angle then told the group they would be doing squat thrusts, and whoever did the most without messing up would win a special prize. While Angle berated the group, last week's segment with the Big Show was recapped. After the recap, Angle brought two referees to watch the group and eliminate whoever messed up. Ryan appeared to be able to do them much faster than the rest. Justice was eliminated first, then one by one they gave out, including Ryan. The last two were Daniel Puder and Chris Nawrocki, with Nawrocki winning. Nawrocki was then told his special prize was his first match ever ... right now with Kurt Angle. Apparently, this was shoot-style wrestling, using "professional wrestling rules".
Kurt Angle vs. Chris Nawrocki. Angle took Nawrocki down with a front facelock, but Nawrocki grabbed the ropes. Angle then reapplied the hold, and easily took Nawrocki down for a pin. Winner: Kurt Angle.
Angle then asked the other contestants if anyone else wanted to take him on. Daniel Puder volunteered.
Kurt Angle vs. Daniel Puder. They grappled, and Puder went for an arm, but Angle backed him into the ropes. As they came off, Angle grabbed a front facelock, but Puder got away. The crowd was chanting "UFC" for Puder (who, while he does have a MMA background, never actually fought in UFC). They locked up again, and went to the mat. Angle was on top, and Puder went for a keylock, but his shoulders were down, so he was pinned (although it appeared his shoulder was up). Winner: Kurt Angle.
Puder reached out for a handshake, but Angle got in his face, and the two were talking nose to nose. You couldn't make out what they said, other than Angle saying "Now get out of my face" at the end. Tazz said Angle was telling him that you have to stay off your back in a wrestling contest, although that obviously was not what was being said. Angle then told all the contestants that as far as he was concerned, none of them were Tough Enough.
In truth, replays of the "match" showed that Puder had Angle's arm locked up and was probably moments away from submitting Angle when referee Earl Hebner counted a fast pin on Puder, who obviously didn't have his shoulders down. Angle was embarrassed, Puder gained a measure of popularity (that he still plays off of to this day), and many experts wondered what the hell WWE was thinking when they came up with the idea for the segment.
2007 - Harry Smith and Chris Masters were suspended by WWE for Wellness Policy violations. They were the first two workers to be named under the terms of the revised provision where Wellness Policy violators' names would be released to the public. Masters would later be released from the company.
World Wrestling Entertainment Suspends Two Performers
STAMFORD, Conn., November 2, 2007 – In accordance with its Substance Abuse and Drug Testing Policy, WWE today suspended the following performers for violations: Chris Mordetzky (Chris Masters) for 60 days (second violation) and Harry Smith (D. H. Smith) for 30 days (first violation).
2009 - The Chicago Tribune featured an article on Hulk Hogan, which includes quite a few Hogan gems, including his claim that he tried to get into Metallica and The Rolling Stones:
On his WWE Hall Of Fame ring, which Hogan now wears to cover a "Linda" tattoo on his finger: “I think Vince McMahon paid $20 for it. My high school ring was better than this thing.”
On his musical aspirations: “I was in England presenting an award with Jerry Hall, Mick Jagger’s ex-wife, and she told me the [Rolling] Stones were looking for a bass player. I sent her a ton of merchandise that she asked for and said ‘Tell Mick I’m a great bass player.’ I never heard a word back." (Hogan also claimed he sent a tape to Metallica, but they never called back either)
On actively wrestling again: "People might say I'm too slow or crippled to get back in the ring. I can't say they're wrong. I heard Stone Cold [Steve Austin] say 'I'm not hanging around and embarrassing myself like some of these old guys.' I wonder who he's talking about, you know?
2010 - Linda McMahon lost her first attempt to become Senator in the State of Connecticut. Vince McMahon, Stephanie McMahon, Shane McMahon, Triple H and Marissa McMahon all joined former WWE CEO Linda McMahon as she officially conceded her Senate race for the State of Connecticut to Richard Blumenthal. A smiling McMahon thanked everyone for what she called one of the "most unbelievable" years of her life and for all their hard work on her campaign. She remarked that "no matter what, I consider this a victory2010 - WWE broadcast NXT. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
Tonight is a 24 Karat Production. We see footage of Aksana and her love of English language only to have immigration issue. If only someone could make sure that she stays in this country. A Knight in Shining Gold Face Paint came to her rescue. Tonight is the night when Aksana get to stay in country.We are live on the World Wide Web from Bridgeport, Connecticut and your announcers are Michael ‘Don’t Blame Me, you know who I voted for’ Cole and Todd ‘I hope I catch the bouquet’ Grisham. Your host is Matt ‘Stand Up for the Teachers’ Striker.
Who will get eliminated tonight, but more importantly who will catch the garter and bouquet?
Matt Striker is in the ring and he brings out the five rookies and they are not wearing their bridesmaid dresses. We find out that Maxine is Michael Cole’s pick to win this competition.
Matt says that this is a special night and he mentions the wedding and the funeral for one of the rookies. Matt reminds us that winning competitions means immunity. Naomi has won three contests. Aksana cannot get immunity so she is excused from the competitions and she gets to prepare for her big night.
Matt says that one has to sweep the competitions to gain immunity. Since love is in the air, the first competition is a kissing contest. Matt says that he will need a special judge for the contest and it is the official mascot of NXT, Hornswoggle.
Matt asks Hornswoggle if he is ready and he grunts. Matt says that Hornswoggle gets to tell him which Diva made him ‘happiest inside’.
Kaitlyn is the first to go and Kaitlyn gets on her knees so they can be face to face. Hornswoggle hesitates at first and then he goes in for the kill. Hornswoggle has trouble getting up after the kiss.
Maxine is next but she doesn’t want to kiss Hornswoggle. She refuses to kiss Striker either. She says that Hornswoggle did this on purpose to mess with her. Maxine tells him to go. Hornswoggle leaves and he appears a bit dejected.
Cody Rhodes comes out and he is dressed very dashingly. He enters the ring and he says that they are all welcome. He says that he is here for his brother’s wedding, but this situation and scenario called for something or someone ‘dashing’. He says that he is here for that.
Kaitlyn now has to kiss a second man and Matt says that now she will have to kiss two men in the same night for the first time.
Cody checks on himself and he applies some lip balm as Kaitlyn waits for Cody to be finished. They kiss and Cody does not react the same way that Hornswoggle did so Kaitlyn tries again. Cody works his way to Maxine and he gets some breath spray and uses it on Maxine. Cody kisses Maxine’s wrist. Cody goes to Naomi and Naomi refuses.
She tells Cody that he is dashing but she wouldn’t kiss him if he was the last man on Earth. She refuses to kiss Cody after he kissed Maxine and Kaitlyn. Naomi doesn’t mind losing.
Cody says that he has plenty of ladies carrying around his bags and she has too much baggage for him.
Cody moves on to AJ and Cody files her nails before they kiss. He says that she has probably never kissed a boy and never stood across from such a dashing man, but he wants AJ to know that he is rooting for her.
AJ says that she might as well go for it and they end up on the mat and AJ composes herself.
Cody has a winner and it is AJ.
Matt sends it to the happy couple at the announce table. Cole shows off his tuxedo t-shirt and Josh says that he looks like Jerry Lawler.
It is time to see the rankings and AJ is now the only one who can catch Naomi since she has two wins.
Michael Cole says that the Bellas are his date for tonight.
AJ is walking in the back with Primo and he says that she looks good. Primo says that when he saw Cody kissing AJ, he felt a bit jealous. She says that she has wanted to tell Primo something and in case she is eliminated, she won’t be able to tell him. She wants to tell him in private.
They open a door and Dusty Rhodes is with the Bellas. Dusty says that they are having a private conversation. He says that there is no room at this inn. He tells Primo that he is looking good.
We go to e-merical.
Match Number One: Alicia Fox versus Kelly Kelly
Alicia pushes Kelly a few times and then Kelly with a Thesz Press. Alicia works on the arm but Kelly with a tilt-a-whirl head scissors and Alicia goes to the apron. Alicia pulls Kelly to the floor. Kelly gets back into the ring and Alicia with a gutwrench back breaker and she stretches Kelly on her knee. Kelly with knees to Alicia to get out of the hold. Kelly with a jawbreaker but Alicia with an Eve Torres drop kick. Alicia misses the scissors kick and Kelly with a sunset flip for a near fall. Kelly with a kick and then she hits the K2 for the three count.
Winner: Kelly Kelly
AJ and Primo are still looking for a room to have their private talk and they enter a room with Maxine kissing Hornswoggle. She says that she thought he was choking and she was giving him CPR. AJ and Primo look for another room.
We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time for the Physical Challenge. Matt reminds everyone of the standings for Immunity. This challenge is the Wedding Gift Scramble. There is a flag in one of the presents and the person who finds the flag wins the competition.
Kaitlyn is the winner of the challenge and that means that Naomi has immunity.
It is time to remind everyone about how bad everyone is who criticizes WWE because they don’t really know about WWE. Time to Stand Up for WWE.
Michael talks about how ‘standing up’ for the WWE is a family thing. You can go to wwe.com to see people Standing Up for WWE.
We go to commercial with a look at the wedding invitation.
We are back and the ring is getting prepared for the wedding.
While we wait for the nuptials, Josh and Cole show some emotion talking about the WWE Title match and what might happen to John Cena.
AJ and Primo find a private spot that is only accessible by cameras. AJ and Primo see Kaitlyn and Dolph having a bit of fun and then we see Vickie Guerrero leave the stage and she is hunting Kaitlyns. Kaitlyn and Dolph try to explain what they saw. Kaitlyn is pushed by Vickie. Kaitlyn takes the wedding cake and throws it on Vickie. Vickie screams.
The ring is almost ready for the wedding. We go to commercial with the life partners arguing at the announce table.
We are back and did you know that Smackdown is the top show on SyFy since the show debuted on SyFy.
The groom’s party comes out first.
Hornswoggle comes out since he is the ringbearer.
The groom comes out to his entrance music (because every wedding needs entrance music). Goldust is in his facepaint and he has his Million Dollar Belt while Josh tears down the fourth wall and says that this wedding isn’t real.
Since she is only a rookie, Aksana comes to the ring to the wedding march. Aksana is in a gold dress.
The priest says that they each have written their vows.
Goldust says that Aksana looks beautiful. He says that he knows that their relationship has been bizarre and untraditional. She will never forget the name . . .
Goldust.
Aksana thank Goldust for saving her. She promise that she love him as much as she love country. Aksana start USA chant.
The priest asks if anyone objects to the wedding. Despite the crowd’s apparent objection, the priest objects. He says that everyone has a price.
Ted DiBiase’s music plays and he comes out with Maryse. Ted says that this isn’t the first time that money has ruined a marriage. Ted says that this means that Goldust’s mail order bridge to be will be deported. Ted brings out the Immigration agent and he has handcuffs. Ted says that there is one thing he can do to save this pathetic sham of a wedding and Goldust knows what that is. He wants his Million Dollar Title back.
Dusty gets on the mic and he says that he knew that something like this was gonna happen. Dusty went to Rome and the Pope was busy so he went to Mississippi and he found a Southern minister with a hound dog. Dusty brings out the minister and it is . . .
Ted DiBiase (to the real Million Dollar Music).
Ted comes to the ring and Michael Cole cannot believe that Ted would stab his son in the back with this betrayal.
Dad says that he did it for the look on his son’s face because it is priceless.
Ted says that it is time for the ceremony.
Goldust says ‘I Do’.
Aksana say ‘I Do’ too.
They are officially married and Ted tells Goldust he can kiss his bride. Dad jumps in for the first kiss. Aksana slap Goldust instead of kissing him and she leaves the ring.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a Moments Ago Moment of the wedding ceremony as Aksana slapped Goldust since she got the ring on her finger.
The rookies are at ringside and Matt says that it is time for one of the rookies to be removed from the competition. Matt reminds us that Naomi is immune from elimination. It is time to go to the Random WWE Tron Elimination Generator and the person who is going home is Maxine.
Maxine is asked to give her parting words. She says that she understands that it is hard to wrap your mind around something different. She says that she is not the typical diva or woman. She says that she will be back and she will make sure that she reaches where she belongs and that is . . . on top.
She takes the walk of shame and Alicia hugs her former rookie.
November 2nd
On this day in history in ....
1992 - Jerry Lawler defeats Todd Champion in Memphis, Tennessee for the USWA Unified Heavyweight Title, starting Lawler's 13th reign with the belt.
1998 - In Houston, Texas, Vince McMahon creates the WWF "Hardcore Championship" and awards it to Mankind (Mick Foley). Ironically, Mankind would hold the title for less than a month, and never win it back. Despite this, the Hardcore Title is often associated with Foley.
1999 - Mankind & Al Snow defeat Hardcore & Crash Holly for the WWF World Tag Team Title in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
2000 - The WWF released the following regarding the Owen Hart lawsuit:
World Wrestling Federation Entertainment, Inc. Announces Settlement in Owen Hart Case
STAMFORD, Conn.--Nov. 2, 2000--World Wrestling Federation Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: WWF) announced today that it has agreed to a settlement in a previously disclosed lawsuit filed by the members of the family of Owen Hart, a professional wrestler, whose accidental death occurred while performing under contract with the Company. Under the terms of the agreement, the WWFE will receive a full release from any further liability in the case.
`It has always been our intention to settle this case and we tried to do what we felt was in the best interest for all those involved, particularly for the family of Owen Hart,'' said Linda McMahon, CEO.
As a result of the settlement, the WWFE will take a charge of $7 million which is net of its insurance recoveries and will retain the right to pursue contribution and indemnity from the companies that manufactured and sold the equipment involved in the accident. The charge will be recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses for the quarter ended October 27, 2000.
That was the ending to one of the most tragic stories in the history of wrestling. Kansas City Circuit Judge Douglas Long. Jr. approved the settlement, and the family of Owen Hart received $18 million dollars for the loss of Owen Hart on May 23, 1999 when his harness at the Kemper Arena malfunctioned and he fell to his death during the Over The Edge pay-per-view. The WWF told stockholders that they would pay $7million of the payment, and they wanted the rigging and harness companies to pay the other half. One of the companies, Amspec, Inc., filed for bankruptcy right before the judgment, possibly in anticipation of the payment.
Owen's wife, Martha, received $10 million. Their children, Oje, 8, and Athena, 5, received $3 million each. Stu and Helen Hart, Owen's parents, each received $1 million. After the hearing, Martha took her children to the Kemper Arena to see where Owen died. Martha announced that she was using $2 million of the money to start the Owen Hart Foundation to help the less fortunate.
Perhaps the saddest part of the story is how the Hart family, once thought to be a very tight unit, was now in shambles. Bret and Keith Hart sided with Martha, Stu and Helen, while sisters Diana and Ellie did not. Of course, their respective husbands, Davey Boy Smith and Jim Neidhart signed contracts with the WWF after the incident. Martha had some stinging comments about the situation after the settlement in the Calgary Sun.
"This is not a close-knit family and I'm not part of it anymore -- we carry the same last name but that's as far as it goes. They betrayed Owen by working against me and his children and I will never consider myself, or my children, a part of that family anymore. I will respect Owen's parents and I will stay in touch with a select few of them but people need to know that Owen was a white sheep in a black family."
2004 - At the Smackdown taping in St. Louis, Missouri, Kurt Angle made a challenge to the current crop of WWE Tough Enough contestants, one that nearly ended in disaster. Here is the report from that show:
We then went to the ring, where Al Snow had all the contestants assembled. Kurt Angle was then brought to the ring. Angle went down the line, asking each contestant their name, then insulting them while getting into their face. When he got in the face of Nick, he asked him to turn his eyes away, and when he wouldn't, he shoved him. Angle seemed to take great pleasure in ripping into Dan R. (the smartass) and Dan P. (the MMA fighter). Some of the contestants cracked smiles and laughed during the segment, and Angle would yell at them and shove them to shut them up. Angle talked about what it takes to succeed in wrestling, and told the contestants that he hated them, since they were getting a chance to win a million dollars. Angle (who was wearing his amateur wrestling shoes) did some squat thrusts (squat into pushup and back to standing position). Angle then told the group they would be doing squat thrusts, and whoever did the most without messing up would win a special prize. While Angle berated the group, last week's segment with the Big Show was recapped. After the recap, Angle brought two referees to watch the group and eliminate whoever messed up. Ryan appeared to be able to do them much faster than the rest. Justice was eliminated first, then one by one they gave out, including Ryan. The last two were Daniel Puder and Chris Nawrocki, with Nawrocki winning. Nawrocki was then told his special prize was his first match ever ... right now with Kurt Angle. Apparently, this was shoot-style wrestling, using "professional wrestling rules".
Kurt Angle vs. Chris Nawrocki. Angle took Nawrocki down with a front facelock, but Nawrocki grabbed the ropes. Angle then reapplied the hold, and easily took Nawrocki down for a pin. Winner: Kurt Angle.
Angle then asked the other contestants if anyone else wanted to take him on. Daniel Puder volunteered.
Kurt Angle vs. Daniel Puder. They grappled, and Puder went for an arm, but Angle backed him into the ropes. As they came off, Angle grabbed a front facelock, but Puder got away. The crowd was chanting "UFC" for Puder (who, while he does have a MMA background, never actually fought in UFC). They locked up again, and went to the mat. Angle was on top, and Puder went for a keylock, but his shoulders were down, so he was pinned (although it appeared his shoulder was up). Winner: Kurt Angle.
Puder reached out for a handshake, but Angle got in his face, and the two were talking nose to nose. You couldn't make out what they said, other than Angle saying "Now get out of my face" at the end. Tazz said Angle was telling him that you have to stay off your back in a wrestling contest, although that obviously was not what was being said. Angle then told all the contestants that as far as he was concerned, none of them were Tough Enough.
In truth, replays of the "match" showed that Puder had Angle's arm locked up and was probably moments away from submitting Angle when referee Earl Hebner counted a fast pin on Puder, who obviously didn't have his shoulders down. Angle was embarrassed, Puder gained a measure of popularity (that he still plays off of to this day), and many experts wondered what the hell WWE was thinking when they came up with the idea for the segment.
2007 - Harry Smith and Chris Masters were suspended by WWE for Wellness Policy violations. They were the first two workers to be named under the terms of the revised provision where Wellness Policy violators' names would be released to the public. Masters would later be released from the company.
World Wrestling Entertainment Suspends Two Performers
STAMFORD, Conn., November 2, 2007 – In accordance with its Substance Abuse and Drug Testing Policy, WWE today suspended the following performers for violations: Chris Mordetzky (Chris Masters) for 60 days (second violation) and Harry Smith (D. H. Smith) for 30 days (first violation).
2009 - The Chicago Tribune featured an article on Hulk Hogan, which includes quite a few Hogan gems, including his claim that he tried to get into Metallica and The Rolling Stones:
On his WWE Hall Of Fame ring, which Hogan now wears to cover a "Linda" tattoo on his finger: “I think Vince McMahon paid $20 for it. My high school ring was better than this thing.”
On his musical aspirations: “I was in England presenting an award with Jerry Hall, Mick Jagger’s ex-wife, and she told me the [Rolling] Stones were looking for a bass player. I sent her a ton of merchandise that she asked for and said ‘Tell Mick I’m a great bass player.’ I never heard a word back." (Hogan also claimed he sent a tape to Metallica, but they never called back either)
On actively wrestling again: "People might say I'm too slow or crippled to get back in the ring. I can't say they're wrong. I heard Stone Cold [Steve Austin] say 'I'm not hanging around and embarrassing myself like some of these old guys.' I wonder who he's talking about, you know?
2010 - Linda McMahon lost her first attempt to become Senator in the State of Connecticut. Vince McMahon, Stephanie McMahon, Shane McMahon, Triple H and Marissa McMahon all joined former WWE CEO Linda McMahon as she officially conceded her Senate race for the State of Connecticut to Richard Blumenthal. A smiling McMahon thanked everyone for what she called one of the "most unbelievable" years of her life and for all their hard work on her campaign. She remarked that "no matter what, I consider this a victory2010 - WWE broadcast NXT. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
Tonight is a 24 Karat Production. We see footage of Aksana and her love of English language only to have immigration issue. If only someone could make sure that she stays in this country. A Knight in Shining Gold Face Paint came to her rescue. Tonight is the night when Aksana get to stay in country.We are live on the World Wide Web from Bridgeport, Connecticut and your announcers are Michael ‘Don’t Blame Me, you know who I voted for’ Cole and Todd ‘I hope I catch the bouquet’ Grisham. Your host is Matt ‘Stand Up for the Teachers’ Striker.
Who will get eliminated tonight, but more importantly who will catch the garter and bouquet?
Matt Striker is in the ring and he brings out the five rookies and they are not wearing their bridesmaid dresses. We find out that Maxine is Michael Cole’s pick to win this competition.
Matt says that this is a special night and he mentions the wedding and the funeral for one of the rookies. Matt reminds us that winning competitions means immunity. Naomi has won three contests. Aksana cannot get immunity so she is excused from the competitions and she gets to prepare for her big night.
Matt says that one has to sweep the competitions to gain immunity. Since love is in the air, the first competition is a kissing contest. Matt says that he will need a special judge for the contest and it is the official mascot of NXT, Hornswoggle.
Matt asks Hornswoggle if he is ready and he grunts. Matt says that Hornswoggle gets to tell him which Diva made him ‘happiest inside’.
Kaitlyn is the first to go and Kaitlyn gets on her knees so they can be face to face. Hornswoggle hesitates at first and then he goes in for the kill. Hornswoggle has trouble getting up after the kiss.
Maxine is next but she doesn’t want to kiss Hornswoggle. She refuses to kiss Striker either. She says that Hornswoggle did this on purpose to mess with her. Maxine tells him to go. Hornswoggle leaves and he appears a bit dejected.
Cody Rhodes comes out and he is dressed very dashingly. He enters the ring and he says that they are all welcome. He says that he is here for his brother’s wedding, but this situation and scenario called for something or someone ‘dashing’. He says that he is here for that.
Kaitlyn now has to kiss a second man and Matt says that now she will have to kiss two men in the same night for the first time.
Cody checks on himself and he applies some lip balm as Kaitlyn waits for Cody to be finished. They kiss and Cody does not react the same way that Hornswoggle did so Kaitlyn tries again. Cody works his way to Maxine and he gets some breath spray and uses it on Maxine. Cody kisses Maxine’s wrist. Cody goes to Naomi and Naomi refuses.
She tells Cody that he is dashing but she wouldn’t kiss him if he was the last man on Earth. She refuses to kiss Cody after he kissed Maxine and Kaitlyn. Naomi doesn’t mind losing.
Cody says that he has plenty of ladies carrying around his bags and she has too much baggage for him.
Cody moves on to AJ and Cody files her nails before they kiss. He says that she has probably never kissed a boy and never stood across from such a dashing man, but he wants AJ to know that he is rooting for her.
AJ says that she might as well go for it and they end up on the mat and AJ composes herself.
Cody has a winner and it is AJ.
Matt sends it to the happy couple at the announce table. Cole shows off his tuxedo t-shirt and Josh says that he looks like Jerry Lawler.
It is time to see the rankings and AJ is now the only one who can catch Naomi since she has two wins.
Michael Cole says that the Bellas are his date for tonight.
AJ is walking in the back with Primo and he says that she looks good. Primo says that when he saw Cody kissing AJ, he felt a bit jealous. She says that she has wanted to tell Primo something and in case she is eliminated, she won’t be able to tell him. She wants to tell him in private.
They open a door and Dusty Rhodes is with the Bellas. Dusty says that they are having a private conversation. He says that there is no room at this inn. He tells Primo that he is looking good.
We go to e-merical.
Match Number One: Alicia Fox versus Kelly Kelly
Alicia pushes Kelly a few times and then Kelly with a Thesz Press. Alicia works on the arm but Kelly with a tilt-a-whirl head scissors and Alicia goes to the apron. Alicia pulls Kelly to the floor. Kelly gets back into the ring and Alicia with a gutwrench back breaker and she stretches Kelly on her knee. Kelly with knees to Alicia to get out of the hold. Kelly with a jawbreaker but Alicia with an Eve Torres drop kick. Alicia misses the scissors kick and Kelly with a sunset flip for a near fall. Kelly with a kick and then she hits the K2 for the three count.
Winner: Kelly Kelly
AJ and Primo are still looking for a room to have their private talk and they enter a room with Maxine kissing Hornswoggle. She says that she thought he was choking and she was giving him CPR. AJ and Primo look for another room.
We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time for the Physical Challenge. Matt reminds everyone of the standings for Immunity. This challenge is the Wedding Gift Scramble. There is a flag in one of the presents and the person who finds the flag wins the competition.
Kaitlyn is the winner of the challenge and that means that Naomi has immunity.
It is time to remind everyone about how bad everyone is who criticizes WWE because they don’t really know about WWE. Time to Stand Up for WWE.
Michael talks about how ‘standing up’ for the WWE is a family thing. You can go to wwe.com to see people Standing Up for WWE.
We go to commercial with a look at the wedding invitation.
We are back and the ring is getting prepared for the wedding.
While we wait for the nuptials, Josh and Cole show some emotion talking about the WWE Title match and what might happen to John Cena.
AJ and Primo find a private spot that is only accessible by cameras. AJ and Primo see Kaitlyn and Dolph having a bit of fun and then we see Vickie Guerrero leave the stage and she is hunting Kaitlyns. Kaitlyn and Dolph try to explain what they saw. Kaitlyn is pushed by Vickie. Kaitlyn takes the wedding cake and throws it on Vickie. Vickie screams.
The ring is almost ready for the wedding. We go to commercial with the life partners arguing at the announce table.
We are back and did you know that Smackdown is the top show on SyFy since the show debuted on SyFy.
The groom’s party comes out first.
Hornswoggle comes out since he is the ringbearer.
The groom comes out to his entrance music (because every wedding needs entrance music). Goldust is in his facepaint and he has his Million Dollar Belt while Josh tears down the fourth wall and says that this wedding isn’t real.
Since she is only a rookie, Aksana comes to the ring to the wedding march. Aksana is in a gold dress.
The priest says that they each have written their vows.
Goldust says that Aksana looks beautiful. He says that he knows that their relationship has been bizarre and untraditional. She will never forget the name . . .
Goldust.
Aksana thank Goldust for saving her. She promise that she love him as much as she love country. Aksana start USA chant.
The priest asks if anyone objects to the wedding. Despite the crowd’s apparent objection, the priest objects. He says that everyone has a price.
Ted DiBiase’s music plays and he comes out with Maryse. Ted says that this isn’t the first time that money has ruined a marriage. Ted says that this means that Goldust’s mail order bridge to be will be deported. Ted brings out the Immigration agent and he has handcuffs. Ted says that there is one thing he can do to save this pathetic sham of a wedding and Goldust knows what that is. He wants his Million Dollar Title back.
Dusty gets on the mic and he says that he knew that something like this was gonna happen. Dusty went to Rome and the Pope was busy so he went to Mississippi and he found a Southern minister with a hound dog. Dusty brings out the minister and it is . . .
Ted DiBiase (to the real Million Dollar Music).
Ted comes to the ring and Michael Cole cannot believe that Ted would stab his son in the back with this betrayal.
Dad says that he did it for the look on his son’s face because it is priceless.
Ted says that it is time for the ceremony.
Goldust says ‘I Do’.
Aksana say ‘I Do’ too.
They are officially married and Ted tells Goldust he can kiss his bride. Dad jumps in for the first kiss. Aksana slap Goldust instead of kissing him and she leaves the ring.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a Moments Ago Moment of the wedding ceremony as Aksana slapped Goldust since she got the ring on her finger.
The rookies are at ringside and Matt says that it is time for one of the rookies to be removed from the competition. Matt reminds us that Naomi is immune from elimination. It is time to go to the Random WWE Tron Elimination Generator and the person who is going home is Maxine.
Maxine is asked to give her parting words. She says that she understands that it is hard to wrap your mind around something different. She says that she is not the typical diva or woman. She says that she will be back and she will make sure that she reaches where she belongs and that is . . . on top.
She takes the walk of shame and Alicia hugs her former rookie.
2011 - WWE broadcast NXT. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:This week’s show starts off with the greatest proposal in the history of professional wrestling . . . since the last one. We also have a video package of the happy couple and their shared moments together.
We are live on tape from Greenville, South Carolina and your announcers are William ‘Southern Sunshine’ Regal and Jack ‘From this announce table I can see North Carolina’ Korpela.
JTG is in the ring and he says hello to Hatersville, South Carolina and he wants to know why people are cheering him. He wants everyone to get up and show some respect for the newest fairy tale couple in WWE because this is real, not one of those ‘I want a divorce after 72 days deals’. He brings out Derrick Bateman and Maxine.
Derrick carries Maxine out and then they walk to the ring hand in hand. Maxine reminds JTG that they are Batemax. Derrick says that it is a name for a couple that is just a little too hot for TV. He thanks JTG for the introduction and says that he might be a best man. JTG suggests that he would be the Best Fly Man.
Maxine wants to know when it became about JTG. Derrick asks if it is about him winning NXT and Maxine corrects him. Derrick says that he is going to do it right and he is going to do the chivalrous thing and show what 38 weeks of a Rookie salary can buy. Derrick puts the engagement ring on Maxine’s finger and they kick.
The happy couple and JTG are interrupted by Titus O’Neil, Percy Watson, AJ Lee, and some barking. Titus says that nobody wants to see them kiss because it makes everyone’s stomachs rumble. Percy comments on the happy couple and he is not glad to see them. Titus suggests that they are trying to get a show on the new WWE Network and suggests that it should be called Young and the Fish Lips.
Percy points out that Wembley from Fraggle Rock is going to marry Chicken of the Sea.
Maxine wants Derrick to do something. He says that they are jealous of their love and how Derrick is going to win NXT. He tells them that they are not invited to the party.
AJ wonders how many times Maxine can catch a guy like Derrick. She congratulates them and says that Maxine and her ring are cheap and plastic.
Titus says that they might be a little rough on Derrick and he was romantic but he went the wrong way. Titus says that Derrick should have tried to find his father to ask for her hand in matrimony. Titus says that they have found Maxine’s father. They pull a fish out of a sack.
Maxine goes after Titus and Percy but JTG and Derrick hold her back. Titus and Percy send Derrick over the top rope. Derrick wants to know why they have to ruin everything.
Matt Striker comes out and he says that before things get out of hand, they should save it for the main event where we will have a six person mixed tag match.
We go to commercial.
We see footage from last week when Tyson Kidd defeated Jey Uso and Jimmy and Curt Hawkins got involved in the action after the match.
Tyson says that Matt Striker has suspended Curt Hawkins and Tyler Reks for another week, but he has found a replacement. A man who deserved a chance. A man who never got his rightful shot. That man is the winner of season four of NXT, Johnny Curtis.
Match Number One: The Usos versus Tyson Kidd and Johnny Curtis
Kidd and Jimmy start things off and Kidd with a waist lokc and Jimmy with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. They lock up again and Kidd backs Jimmy into the corner followed by punches to the head. Jimmy puts Kidd in the corner and he kicks Kidd.
Jey tags in and they hit a double back elbow followed by a double elbow drop for a near fall. Jey with a slam to Kidd and he hits a diving head butt for a near fall. Jey sends Tyson into the corner and he tags in Jimmy and Tyson gets sent into an uppercut from Jimmy for a near fall.
Jey tags back in and Jimmy hits a back breaker followed by an elbow from the top by Jey. Kidd backs Jey into the corner and Curtis tags in and he connects with forearms followed by a running back elbow. Curtis chokes Jey by the apron and the referee warns him.
Curtis sends Jey into the turnbuckles and Kidd is tagged back in. Kidd with punches and then he gets hot shot into the turnbuckles when he charges at Jey. Jimmy tags in and he hits a clothesline and punch followed by a splash into the corner. Jimmy goes up top but Curtis is able to distract him long enough to allow Kidd to recover and Kidd knocks Jimmy off the apron and we go to commercial.
We are back and Curtis works on Jimmy’s leg and Kidd tags back in and he kicks the leg. Kidd continues to work on the knee and Kidd with a step over toe hold and he falls back to add more pressure to the knee. Jimmy punches Kidd to try to get Kidd to release the hold. Curtis tags in and hits a slingshot leg drop to the leg. Curtis with a step over toe hold on Jimmy and he gets a near fall when Jimmy stops trying to fight out of the hold.
Jimmy with a forearm to the back as he tries to get away from Curtis. Jimmy kicks Curtis away and Kidd tags in and he stops Jimmy. Jimmy sends Kidd to the floor and he crawls to his corner to try to make the tag but Tyson is able to stop him.
Curtis and Jey tag in and Jey with forearms and a kick followed by an uppercut. Jey with an uppercut to knock Tyson off the apron. Jey with a spinning forearm to Curtis followed by a running butt splash into the corner for a near fall. Kidd breaks up the cover and Kidd kicks Jimmy and then he tries for a senton onto Jey, Jimmy and Jey catch Tyson and send him into the turnbuckles.
Jey with a Samoan drop and Jimmy tags in and hits a superfly splash for the three count.
Winners: The Usos
We go to commercial.
We are back with the Raw Rebound.
AJ is getting ready for her match and Kaitlyn asks her about Derrick and Maxine. They talk about what their children will look like. AJ mentions Kaitlyn’s match against Tamina and Kaitlyn wishes AJ luck in her match later tonight. They fist bump to show that they are still friends.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Two: Tamina versus Kaitlyn
Tamina with a side head lock and take down but Kaitlyn with a head scissors. Tamina with a punch followed by a forearm to the back. Kaitlyn with a European uppercut followed by a body scissors. Kaitlyn gets a near fall with a rollup as she holds on to the body scissors.
Tamina with an elbow to the head to escape. Kaitlyn with a suplex but she takes too long and Tamina gets her boot up when Kaitlyn charges into the corner. Tamina with a clothesline and a knee drop. Tamina sends Kaitlyn into the turnbuckles followed by a snap mare and Tamina gets a near fall. Tamina gets another near fall. Tamina with a kick to Kaitlyn and then she chokes Kaitlyn in the ropes.
Tamina with a rear chin lock followed by a forearm across the chest. Tamina pulls Kaitlyn to the mat by the hair and then Tamina continues to work on the neck and gets a near fall. Kaitlyn with a snap mare followed by forearms to the chest. Tamina with a punch to Kaitlyn and a reverse chin lock.
Kaitlyn backs Tamina into the corner and Kaitlyn with an arm drag into an arm bar. Kaitlyn misses a drop kick but Tamina misses a clothesline and Kaitlyn gets the win with a Side Effect.
Winner: Kaitlyn
We go to commercial.
Match Number Three: Maxine, Derrick Bateman, and JTG versus Titus O’Neil, Percy Watson, and AJ Lee
The women start off and Maxine with a kick and then she sends AJ into the mat. Maxine with a chin lock. Maxine with a short arm clothesline to AJ and then she hits another one. AJ avoids a third one and she gets a near fall with a rollup. Maxine with a kick and then she twists AJ by the hair before hitting a short arm clothesline and gets a near fall.
Maxine with an Irish whip but she charges into boots from AJ. AJ with an arm drag from the turnbuckles followed by a back spin kick. Maxine gets to the apron and then she tgs in JTG. Percy enters for his team.
JTG with a kick and knee but Percy with an overhead belly-to-belly throw. Titus tags in and he barks. Titus with a clothesline for a near fall. Percy tags back in but JTG is able to escape and tag in Derrick. Watson with an arm drag and drop kick for a near fall. Bateman with an Irish whip but Derrick charges into an elbow. Bateman uses Maxine’s distraction to hit a running drop kick into the corner for a near fall.
Derrick with kicks to the midsection in the corner and then he sends Percy into the corner to tag in JTG. JTG with punches to Percy followed by a snap mare and reverse chin lock. Percy with punches but JTG with a cross arm clothesline for a near fall. Derrick tags back in but Percy with a chop and kicks followed by an elbow but Derrick stops him with a knee. Derrick with a neck breaker for a near fall.
Bateman with a chin lock and forearms across the chest. Derrick returns to the rear chin lock and then he turns it into a cravate. Derrick with a knee but Watson with an enzuigiri and Titus tags in and he connects with shoulder tackles and a clothesline. Now it is time to bark. Titus with a forearm into the corner but Derrick with a drop kick for a near fall.
JTG goes after Percy but Percy clotheslines JTG over the top rope and they both goe to the floor.
The ladies fight to the floor and Derrick turns around into a barking Clash of the Titus for the three count.
Winners: Titus O’Neil, Percy Watson, and AJ Lee
2011 -Making his first appearance in a WWE ring in 2008, former WWF champion Mick Foley worked as the special guest referee at tonight's WWE Raw house show in Dublin, Ireland for a John Cena & John Morrison vs. Miz & R-Truth match.
Foley last appeared for the company during an angle where Edge, who was being built for a Summerslam 2008 match against The Undertaker, attacked Foley during a promo. Foley, who had been announcing for the Smackdown brand with Jim Ross at the time, departed the company in September of that year when his deal expired.
Foley moved onto TNA, where he held the TNA championship. His TNA run became one of the primary subjects of his "Countdown To Lockdown" memoir, which in a strange turn of events, WWE actively promoted on their TV and website, despite Foley being signed to the competition at the time.The ring created the steroids in an TN lab using powder acquired from China, selling it within Ohio. 32 people across two states were indicted.
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