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On this day in history in ....
1951 - Bob Orton (grandfather of current WWE star Randy Orton) defeats Alo Leilani in Kansas City, Missouri for the NWA Central States Heavyweight Title.
1985 - The Cobra defeats Gama Singh in Calgary, Alberta, Canada to win the Stampede British Commonwealth Mid-Heavyweight Title for a second time.
1994 - Ricky Fuji defeats The Great Sasuke to win the FMW Independent World Junior Heavyweight Title in Nagoya, Japan. The belt was actually vacant at the time, as Sasuke had vacated it to train for an explosion match with Atsushi Onita.
1996 - The Eliminators (Perry Saturn & John Kronus) defeat The Gangstas (New Jack & Mustafa) in Middletown, New York to become two-time ECW World Tag Team Champions.
1997 - Hayabusa, Masato Tanaka & Hisakatsu Oya defeat Atsushi Onita, Tetsuhiro Kuroda & Hido to win the FMW World Street Fight 6-Man Tag Team Title in Osaka, Japan.
1999 - During a live edition of Nitro from Baltimore, Maryland, Bret Hart vacates the WCW World Heavyweight Title due to a controversial win over Goldberg in a title defense the previous night at Starrcade when Roddy Piper (the fourth referee for the match, after three others were knocked out), called for the bell while Hart was putting Goldberg in the Sharpshooter, claiming Goldberg had submitted. The idea was that Vince Russo had told Piper to give Hart the match in order to "right the wrong" of the Montreal screwjob. Later in the show, Hart defeated Goldberg in a rematch to become a two-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion with the help of Kevin Nash and Scott Hall. Roddy Piper then ran down to help Goldberg, but was attacked by Jeff Jarrett (who earlier in the show defeated Chris Benoit in a ladder match to win the U.S. Title). Nash, Hall, Jarrett, and Hart then reformed the NWO, with Nash stating "The band is back together".
2002 - Major League Wrestling holds their "King Of Kings" event in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida at the War Memorial Auditorium. Here are the results of the show:
- Norman Smiley vs. Hack Myers ended in a no-contest.
- EZ Money & Julio Dinero defeated Nosawa & Katsushi Takemura.
- Fuego Guerrera (Amazing Red in a mask) defeated Super Crazy and Christopher Daniels in a three way match.
- Steve Williams & PJ Friedman defeated Mike Sanders & Jimmy Yang.
- CW Anderson & Simon Diamond defeated The SAT.
- Sabu defeated La Parka.
- Mike Awesome defeated Jerry Lynn.
- Steve Corino defeated Terry Funk and Dusty Rhodes in a three way match.
- MLW World Champion Satoshi Kojima defeated Vampiro.
TNA Tag Team champions The British Invasion vs. The Motor City Machineguns
Doug Williams and Chris Sabin started the bout with Sabin getting the better of him with several mat moves and takedowns. Alex Shelley tagged in, as did Magnus. They went back and forth with Shelley getting the better of him. The fans chanted for the Guns. Shelley came off the middle rope but was caught. Magnus went for a suplex but Shelley escaped and grabbed a Fujiwara armbar. The Guns focused on Magnus' midsection with kicks to the chest. The Invasion ended up on the floor. The Guns hit stereo bodypresses out of the ring to the floor.
Back in the ring, Williams caught Shelley in the back with a knee as he rebounded off the ropes. Magnus took Shelley down. Williams tagged in and scissored Shelley's head, beating him into the mat. Shelley escaped and began making his comeback but was caught in the Gori Guerrero Especial. Williams charged him backwards into the corner. Shelley fought off Williams and hit a bodypress off the ropes for a two count.
Williams locked Shelley in a straightjacket hold. Shelley made his way to his feet, reversed the move and slammed Williams down. Magnus made his way around the ring on the floor and pulled Chris Sabin off the apron to the floor, preventing a tag. Magnus worked over Shelley, who came back with a bodypress. Magnus caught him and hit a Fall Away Slam. Magnus came off the ropes but Shelley caught him with two knees.
Hot tag city. Sabin takes out Magnus with a back elbow. Sabin drilled Williams with a tornado DDT for a two count. Shelley came off the top with a Ryder Kick to Magnus. He then drilled him into the corner with an STO. Shelley and Williams battled on the apron. Shelley got the better of him and kicked him off the apron. Sabin hit a dive to the floor on him.
Shelley peppered Magnus with a series of kicks, then sliced bread#2. The fans thought that was three but Magnus kicked out at the last moment. Shelley slammed Magnus and went to the top. He went for a double stomp but Magnus rolled out of the way. Williams caught him with an exploder. Sabin dropkicked Williams but was caught with a clothesline by Magnus. Everyone was down and out a the fans chanted for the Guns.
Shelley made his way to his feet and began beating him with forearms but was caught with a European uppercut. Magnus went for a big boot but Shelley moved and Williams was nailed and knocked to the floor. Sabin caught Magnus with an enziguiri. The Guns hit stereo kicks on Magnus but Williams broke it up. Sabin catches Williams with a high Ace Crusher. Sabin holds Magnus for a hangman's neckbreaker as Shelley came off the ropes with a splash. Even I was shocked Magnus kicked out of that one.
The Guns set up for a super Sliced Bread #2 but Williams shoved Shelley off the top to the floor. The Invasion nailed a powerbomb on Sabin with Williams hitting the European uppercut on Sabin as he was bombed off the top rope for the pin.
Your winners and still TNA Tag Team champions, The British Invasion!
One hell of a fun opener. This was good stuff from bell to bell. Magnus has to be one of the most improved wrestlers of 2009.
Some Notes: They have a lot of yellow Hulk Hogan shirts in the Arena, including right across from the hard camera...I popped for the Kermit the Frog color green ropes in honor of X-Mas.
Mike Tenay and Taz, in their new announcing position, talked about how important 2010 is going to be for TNA and pushed the 1/4 Impact special and Hulk Hogan debut. They discussed the PPV card.
TNA Knockouts champion ODB vs. Tara
ODB tried to kick Tara before the bell but was caught. Tara began firing away on her. ODB charged Tara in the corner but was caught by the Tarantula. Tara nailed a slingshot legdrop into the ring. Tara attempted a powerbomb but ODB was too heavy and escaped. Tara nailed her with a forearm and whipped her into the corner. ODB leapt up and over, then nailed her with a knee. She threw Tara into the corner. ODB hit a shoulderbreaker on Tara and scored a two count.
ODB teased a Brocno Buster but stopped and kicked Tara in the chest instead. She began tearing at Tara's face, pulling her through the ropes. ODB nailed an inverted DDT. ODB was working a more aggressive styles than usual. Tara tried to fire back but was taken down. ODB nailed a Fall Away Slam. She covered Tara for a two count.
Tara began kicking ODB away. She nailed a series of rights but was caught with a kick to the gut. ODB went to the middle rope but missed a dive. Tara, favoring her shoulder, nailed several left hands. Tara nailed a nasty flapjack. She nailed a snap suplex and then a standing moonsault press for a two count.
Tara went for Widow's Peak. ODB avoided it and went for a TKO but Tara turned it into a sunset flip and held her down for a three count.
Your winner and new TNA Knockouts champ Tara!
Christy Hemme came out to interview Tara. She said she couldn't believe it and was thankful for all the fans. She said she thought the peak of her career was beating Kong in the Cage but this was what it was all about. She sounded like she might break down. They showed an angry ODB watching from the ring.
They aired a promo for the 1/4 Impact special.
Feast or Fired Battle Royal
The match featured Samoa Joe, Kevin Nash, Jay Lethal, Consequence Creed, Kiyoshi, Rob Terry, Cody Deaner, Sheik Abdul Bashir, Beer Money Inc., Homicide, Eric Young.
Creed pointed out his mom and dad as he walked around ringside. Nash had a new valet named Brittney, who they said won Nash's forgotten valet contest. Everyone started brawling. Due to the nature of the bout, a play by play is useless, so I'll only note major occurrences.
They noted a rumor that Young told the other members of World Elite not to go for any of the briefcases but Bashir was trying to get one. Deaner fought him off. Taz admitted Deaner had been off the radar in TNA of late.
The fans were really behind Samoa Joe as Joe beat down Young outside the ring. Lethal Consequences worked over Homicide with their double team maneuvers.
Davari and Deaner battled over a case, which fell to the floor. Deaner grabbed it but Daivari pulled it free and nailed him with it. Bashir was announced as the recipient of the first case.
Rob Terry grabbed a second case. Eric Young looked upset. Kevin Nash and the others surrounded Terry. Beer Money hit the ring and jumped them. Beer Money nailed Young with a double suplex. Homicide came off the top but was caught by Roode and catapulted into a Storm DDT.
Nash took out Beer Money and retrieved a third briefcase.
Lethal Consequences battled with Samoa Joe. Creed hit a missile dropkick on Joe. Roode took out Creed. Young piledrove Roode. Lethal went to the top for the last case but Homicide leapt to the top rope and nailed an Ace Cutter off the top rope. Deaner went to get the case but was kicked to the floor by Joe.
Samoa Joe retrieved the last case.
So, the winners are:
BASHIR
ROB TERRY
KEVIN NASH
SAMOA JOE
Jeremy Borash came to ringside and said we will find out right now who won what prizes in a few minutes.
Christy Hemme interviewed Kurt Angle and TNA champ AJ Styles. Hemme said that Desmond Wolfe claimed he's going to end Angle's career. Angle said Wolfe has his head up his a** and he won't be ending his career when Angle has so much unfinished business to attend to. Styles commented that Angle was real subtle and said Angle will get his shot and get it soon. There's your tease for 1/4. Styles said that tonight he was going to finish off Daniels and then, he'll take care of his unfinished business.
They played dramatic music as Jeremy Borash opened the first briefcase for Kevin Nash. Nash won a TNA Tag Team championship shot.
Samoa Joe was next. He wins a TNA championship shot. Joe vs. AJ sounds good to me. Joe looked at the camera and said, "I told you!" and looked intense, before he leaves.
They opened the final two briefcases at the same time. Bashir had a big smile on his face. Rob Terry won an X-Division championship shot. Bashir was fired. Bashir was pissed and threw both cases down. Borash wishes him the best in his future endeavors. Tazz claimed it wasn't part of the show.
The Feast or Fired was about as well as it could be, given the concept. The crowd was into Joe getting a title shot big-time.
Team 3D & Rhino & Jesse Neal vs. Hernandez & Matt Morgan & D'Angelo Dinero & Suicide - Elimination Bout
Hernandez has to wrestle the first five minutes alone. He and Rhino started early and Hernandez was quickly overcome by the other team. Hernandez ended up outside on the apron and slingshot in, hitting a shoulderblock on Devon. He then tossed Rhino out of the ring. He challenged Neal to enter the ring and was nailed from behind by Devon. Rhino tagged back in and worked over Rhino. Brother Ray tagged in and clotheslined Hernandez. Rhino nailed Hernandez with a gore but only got a two count. He went for another but Hernandez avoided him and rolled up Rhino.
Rhino has been eliminated.
The other attacked Hernandez and focused on his knee. Jesse Neal grabbed a chair but before he could use it, the five minute period was over and his partners hit the ring and made the save. An enraged Hernandez hit a monster dive over the top to the floor on Neal and 3D.
Suicide drilled Neal in the chest with two boots for a near fall. Suicide hit a nasty looking Alabama Jam off the top. Neal fought him off but was nailed with a dropkick. Neal continued to work over Suicide in the corner. Neal charged him in the corner but Suicide avoided it. Neal nailed Suicide with a chair and the referee didn't do anything. Hernandez grabbed the chair and KILLED Neal with it. Slick Johnson disqualified Hernandez.
Hernandez has been eliminated.
Neal looked glassy eyed and was rolled out of the ring.
Team 3D nailed Suicide with the Dudley Death Drop and covered him.
Suicide has been eliminated.
Dinero and Ray went back and forth. The announcers explained Neal had been disqualified as well.
Neal was also eliminated.
Dinero went back and forth with 3D. Dinero hit a running splash onto Ray, who was draped over the ropes. Taz called it a "Yambag Express." Devon whipped Dinero into the ropes and Dinero was snapped into a 3D and pinned.
D'Angelo Dinero has been eliminated.
It's Morgan vs. 3D. The fans chanted for Morgan to "F*** them up." Morgan dared them both to come at him at once. They obliged and worked him into the ropes. Morgan made a comeback, clotheslining them both and sandwiching them in the corners with splashes. 3D overcame him and took their turns beating him down.
Morgan made a comeback and pinned Devon with the Carbon Footprint.
Brother Devon has been eliminated.
Ray worked over Morgan but in the end, fell victim to the Carbon Footprint as well.
Your survivor, Matt Morgan!
The match itself was solid but nothing out of the ordinary. I thought they did a nice job trying to get Hernandez over early with his handicap situation and his massive chairshot. Later, they had the veterans in 3D working with Morgan to build him and give him more legitimacy. Everything was fine from the wrestling standpoint but TNA really needed to have all hands on deck knowing what was going on. There was some real confusion regarding some of the finishes and eliminations and that does nothing but make everything a mess for the viewers at home, hurting whatever they are trying to accomplish.
They aired a preview for the Foley and Abyss vs. Raven and Stevie bout, then announced that was for later. They went right into a preview for Lashley vs. Steiner. Oops.
Bobby Lashley vs. Scott Steiner - Last Man Standing
Kristal Lashley came to ringside with Lashley but was sent to the back. Steiner followed her to the back. Lashley charged after him. Steiner hid behind Kristal and nailed her husband. Steiner tossed Lashley off the ramp and into the guard rail. Steiner began choking Lashley with a wire on the floor and screamed at fans. Taz said he was in a holiday mood and making friends.
Steiner brought Lashley into the ring. He charged for a clothesline but Lashley caught him with a T-Bone suplex. Steiner was limping bad. Lashley clotheslined him into the corner and began beating him in the corner. He charged with a shoulderblock to the gut. Lashley cinched in a Dragon Sleeper on Steiner, who was out.
Referee Andrew Thomas began counting Steiner out but made his way to his feet. Lashley clotheslined him out of the ring. Steiner hobbled up the aisle but Lashley attacked him. He nailed Steiner with a chair. Steiner grabbed a lead pipe and nailed Lashley with it. Lashley was down but made his way to his feet. Lashley was nailed again but got to his feet before the ten count. Lashley was brought back to ringside and slammed into the ring steps.
Steiner placed Lashley on the top rope, draped him and dropped him into a DDT. Lashley made his way up at the nine count and was met with a kick to the gut. Steiner is still limping but still set up Lashley for a top rope belly-to-belly suplex. Taz said, "That was classic, or as some might say, vintage Scott Steiner."
Steiner went to slam Lashley with a double sledgehammer but was caught with an overhead belly to belly suplex. Lashley hit a running powerslam on Steiner. He made his way to his feet but was caught with a lowblow. Steiner went for the top rope Frankensteiner. Lashley made his way to his feet. Steiner retrieved the lead pipe but Kristal Lashley pulled it out of his hands and tossed it into the ring.
Lashley speared Steiner and then nailed him with the pipe. Steiner was counted out.
Your winner, Bobby Lashley!
This wasn't the spectacle their brawl was on the last PPV, but given that Steiner obviously got hurt early, this was fine. Steiner worked extremely hard. I am guessing Kristal's interference was to give her revenge over Steiner and end the storyline. We'll see.
Abyss & Mick Foley vs. Raven & Stevie Richards
Richards came out with a chair that read "Abyss use my chair" in an homage to the old "Tommy, Use my Sign" angle where Dreamer used a sign at ringside in ECW on Raven and it turned out there was a stop sign underneath. Raven came out with a Singapore Cane, so the announcers wondered if the weapons were legal. Mick Foley came out and said it was now a Foley's Funhouse Rules match, where anything goes. Abyss was wearing the burnt pants and you could see his bandaged leg underneath.
They started out with the faces cleaning house using the weapons. Raven and Foley battled on the floor towards the stage. Abyss tied Stevie to the tree of woe. Abyss missed a charge in the corner, then Stevie missed one and crotched himself in the corner. Taz quipped, "For a doctor, that wasn't very smart."
Stevie retreated from the ring and went towards the entrance stage. Abyss and Richards brawled to the stage. Abyss pulled a table out. Richards made his way towards the announcers, begging for help. Raven returned and attacked Abyss before he could do further damage. Raven went after Abyss' burnt leg, nailing it with the cane and biting it. The announcers wondered where Foley was.
They dragged Abyss back to the ring as the fans chanted for Foley. Abyss made his way to his feet. raven set up the steel steps and jumped off to hit Abyss from behind. Raven went under the ring and got a can of gas. Before he could use it, Foley came charging to ringside with a shopping cart full of weapons. He charged it into them. Foley used a barbed wire bat on Raven and Stevie. There was a small ECW chant that was drowned out by a Foley chant.
In the ring, Foley piledrove Raven, then hit the double arm DDT on Stevie. They placed Raven and Stevie atop each other. Abyss hit the Earthquake splash. Foley pulled out the (Don't call me) Socko but Raven threw powder to blind Foley. Raven used the Mandible Claw on Foley. Stevie grabbed Foley from behind but was picked up for the Shock Treatment backbreaker. Abyss dropped a legdrop across Raven at the same time for a two count.
Abyss pulled a sock out and Taz called it stereo Mister Sockos. Raven escaped and DDT'd Abyss for a two count. Outside the ring. Foley pulled a barbed wire ring over Stevie's chest and put him on the table. Foley came off the stage with a big Cactus elbow through the table.
Daffney ran to ringside and hit Abyss with a chair. It didn't faze him and he grabbed her for Shock Treatment. Raven kicked Abyss and went for the Evenflow DDT but it was turned into the Black Hole Slam and Abyss made the cover.
Your winners, Abyss and Mick Foley!
If you like hardcore matches, this was for you. If you don't, you won't be a fan. I enjoyed it. Foley looked really energized here as well, so that was a plus.
Backstage, Jeremy Borash interviewed Samoa Joe, who was now in line for a TNA title shot. Joe looks to have dropped some weight. Joe said he got what he came here for. He said that he told everyone what he was coming for - a World title shot - and he did it. He promised to beat up everyone in the ring and come out with it, and he has it. He said the most dangerous man in the world is now in possession of a title shot anytime he decides to do so. He said that he could walk into AJ's locker room right now or maybe he'll wait for the title match tonight or maybe he'll wait until 1/4 on a night of big statements. He said that these are questions that only he can answer, but when he cashes in the briefcase, he'll work out the TNA champion. Your usual great old school Samoa Joe promo.
Desmond Wolfe vs. Kurt Angle - Three Degrees of Pain.
The first fall can only be won via pinfall. The second fall can only be won by submission. The third fall can only be won by escaping the Six Sides of Steel. They have one hell of a match to live up to from last month and while I personally wish it wasn't in a cage, I am looking forward to this one.
FALL ONE: PINFALL
If you use the cage in the first two falls, you are DQ'd. Then why have it? Things like this are what drive people crazy about TNA. It would have been better if they said nothing and they explained the competitors were trying to show the other who the better wrestler was.
Wolfe and Angle went back and forth with some mat work early Wolfe locked in a hammerlock but Angle escaped, took him down and floated over into a front facework. Wolfe countered, locking in a half nelson. Angle made his way to his feet and used a single leg takedown. He scissored Wolfe's leg and grapevined the ankle. They continued to go back and forth with some nicely executed counters.
Wolfe nailed Angle with an European uppercut and covered him unsuccessfully. Wolfe tried to force Angle's shoulders to the mat but was unable to get him down. Wolfe misses a knee, allowing an opening for Angle to maul him in the corner. Angle used a headlock takedown for a near fall. Wolfe took control on the mat and received several near falls. Angle catches Wolfe with a powerbomb into the turnbuckles.
Angle nailed Wolfe with a sunset flip. Wolfe went right back to the arm he had been working on during the matwork sequences. Angle made a comeback, whipping him into the corner and nailing a belly to belly suplex. Angle had a trickle of blood from somewhere on his head. Wolfe nailed a flying hammerlock on Angle. Wolfe went for the jawbreaker lariat but Angle avoided and caught him with a series of German suplexes.
Angle went to the top rope but Wolfe dove at him. Wolfe nailed him with the Tower of London but Angle kicked out at the last second. Wolfe went for a lariat but Angle ducked and rolled him up for a two count. Wolfe went for another Tower of London but Angle escaped and hit the Angleslam for a two count. Angle was selling his right arm. He went to the top rope but missed a moonsault into the ring.
Wolfe rebounded off the ropes with a lariat, then sets up Angle for the Tower of London. He drives Angle into the mat and covers him for a three count.
Winner of the first fall, Desmond Wolfe!
FALL TWO: SUBMISSIONS ONLY
They went right into it with Wolfe working on Angle's arm while tying him up in European submissions. Angle rolled through and locked in a figure four leglock. Wolfe made it to the ropes and focused on Angle's arm again, forcing him to the mat. Angle tried to go for the Angleslam but Wolfe turned it around and rode him to the mat again. The announcers noted that every time Angle seemed to get it going, Wolfe had his number.
Angle finally caught Wolfe in the middle with an anklelock but Wolfe rolled through and turned it into a figure four scissoring Angle's arm into a hammerlock. Angle was aboe to escape and get back to the anklelock. Wolfe teased tapping but was able to cinch on a Kimura while scissoring his legs. He turned it into a London Dungeon. They continued to reverse submissions attempts. This is great.
Wolfe used his legs to lock a choke on Angle, but Angle slipped out and went back to the anklelock. He scissored Wolfe's leg with his own to prevent him from pulling himself to the ropes. Wolfe finally relented and tapped.
FALL THREE: ESCAPE TO WIN.
Angle slammed Wolfe into the cage. He began climbing the cage, although his arm was hurting. Wolfe leaped after him and cut Angle off. He slammed Angle into the cage several times and then superplexed him back into the ring. Wolfe tried to escape. Angle followed him but Wolfe beat him down. Angle leapt into the corner and superplexed Wolfe up and over back into the ring, tossing him clear across.
Wolfe headbutt Angle in the gut. He went to whip Angle into the cage but Angle reversed it. Wolfe hit the cage and was busted open. Angle clotheslined Wolfe. Angle went to the top rope and came off for a splash but Wolfe lifted a leg. Angle was hit in his bad arm but Wolfe used his bad leg and immediately grabbed at his ankle screaming.
The referee opened the cage door as Wolfe dragged himself to it. Angle went after Wolfe, who pulled the cage towards himself, nailing Angle. Wolfe almost got all the way out but Angle locked on the anklelock and pulled him to the center. Angle held onto the hold even though he couldn't win via submission. Wolfe screamed and was out in the middle of the ring from the pain of the hold and the loss of blood.
Angle began climbing the cage with one arm. As Angle made it to the top, Wolfe realized where he was, saw Angle and pulled himself to the door. Just as he made it out the door, Angle dropped to the floor and emerged the winner.
Your winner, Kurt Angle!
This wasn't an instant classic like last month, but this was one hell of a great match, especially the first two falls. The back and forth mat work and submission reversals were a thing of beauty. I loved the hell out of this.
TNA champion AJ Styles vs. Daniels
They put over the masked attacker during the video before the match, so perhaps we'll be seeing that person revealed today.
They jawed at each other during the announcements and Slick Johnson displaying the title belt. They locked up and fought they way around the ring with neither man getting the advantage. Styles finally got Daniels in the corner. He broke clean but Daniels slapped him in the face. They wound up in another corner. Styles broke and went to strike him but the referee held him back. Daniels went right after him and cinched in a wristlock. Styles tried to kip up but Daniels dropped his weight down, having scouting Styles.
Daniels rode Styles on the mat, but Daniels reversed. They had some nice sequences of counter-wrestling. Styles shoulderblocks Daniels down but Daniels rolled through and took down Styles' legs. He worked on Styles' shoulder. Styles came back to hit a major dropkick on Daniels. He chopped Daniels in the corner, snapmared him into the ring and kicked him in the back. Styles began kicking away at Daniels in the corner.
Daniels used a single leg takedown to try and break the momentum. He charged but Styles caught him with a head scissors and snapped him over. Daniels went to the floor, where Styles dove over the ropes to the floor. Daniels was rolled back in and hit with a discus clothesline. He cinched in a rear chinlock on Daniels. Daniels broke free, used a Liger palm thrust and hit a monkey flip into the corner on Styles.
Daniels dumped Styles out of the ring, where he landed on his head. Daniels began setting up chairs in the aisle. He sat Styles in one and attempted to use a chair. The referee grabbed it away and argued with Daniels. As the referee returned the chair, Daniels grabbed Styles and nailed an uranage into the second chair. Daniels tossed Styles into the ring for a two count.
Daniels worked over Styles, who came back with a flying head scissors. Styles used several forearms. He went to jump onto the turnbuckles but Daniels nailed him in mid-leap. He draped Styles backwards over the top rope. He leaped down, back suplexing Styles and dropped him back-first across the top rope and turnbuckle. That was nasty. Daniels began focusing his attack on Styles' back. He slammed Styles and cinched in a crossface, stretching Styles backwards.
Daniels went for a back flip off the ropes but Styles evaded him and nailed a back suplex. Both men were out as the crowd rallied them. Styles peppered Daniels with shots from both hands. He caught Daniels with a spinkick. Styles charged and was elevated over the top to the apron. Daniels nailed Styles to the floor. Daniels went for a slingshot over the ropes into a hurancanrana, but Styles instead powerbombed him on the floor. Styles worked over Daniels on the floor. Daniels had a knot on his head, apparently from the powerbomb.
When they returned to the ring, Daniels backed off. Daniels tried to kick him but Styles caught it and slammed him. Styles nailed a backbreaker out of a Fireman's Carry. Styles hit his springboard into an inverted DDT for a two count. Styles charged at Daniels who elevated him and crotched him across the top rope. Daniels stood on the middle of the ring ropes and suplexed the dazed Styles into the ring for a two count.
Daniels and Styles battled on the top rope. Daniels nailed a top rope hurancanrana, then hit a shining wizard for a two count. They showed the swelling knot on Daniels' head. They battled back and forth and Styles nailed a brainbuster. Styles hit the springboard forearm into the ring for a two count. Styles hit the Pele Kick. He went for the Styles Clash but Daniels broke free. Daniels used a palm thrust. Styles grabbed a waistlock for a German suplex. Daniels grabbed the ref and then thumbed Styles' eyes. He nailed an uranage and then the Best Moonsault Ever for a two count.
Styles came back with a catapult into the corner, then nailed the Styles Clash for a near fall. Styles went to the top rope but Daniels cut him off and nailed a right hand. Daniels went to the top but Styles nailed him and hit a Styles Clash off the ropes and scored the pin.
Your winner and still TNA champion AJ Styles!
Excellent back and forth match. Daniels was brought up to a new level here with his performance. Styles and Daniels had a great competitive match.
Styles held his title over Daniels' head. He went to the corner and told the camera, "Come and get me. That's why I'm the TNA World champion." TNA celebrated his victory as the PPV went off the air.
2011 - WWE broadcast Monday Night Raw. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We are live from Austin, Texas and your announcers are CM ‘Stone Cold, Stone Cold, Stone Cold’ Punk, Jerry ‘How far are we from the campus’ Lawler, and Michael ‘Stone Cole, Stone Cole, Stone Cole’ Cole.
The show starts off with The Miz making his way to the ring. Miz wants everyone to remember that he is STILL the WWE Champion. Miz says that word has a great ring to it. He says that it is tough to digest this because they were expecting something else to be announced about Randy Orton becoming the NEW WWE Champion, but that did not happen. Miz says that he put Orton through a table.
Music plays and Alex Riley comes out as the Ghost of Christmas Past. He is here to show Miz the error of his ways before it is too late. We see Miz’s first WWE Title defense. We go to footage from 3 Weeks Ago when Miz defeated Jerry Lawler to retain the WWE Title. Lawler points out that they missed the footage of Cole interfering.
Miz says that he was happy for what he did. He beat a WWE Hall of Famer and made sure that Lawler would never be a WWE Champion.
Miz is interrupted by more creepy music and speaking of creeps, the Ghost of Christmas Present comes out and it is Michael Cole. He quotes that Miz needs to change because of his actions on Sunday. They were through nefarious means and he should be ashamed.
Miz says that your actions are defined by one phrase and one phrase only, are you still WWE Champion after the match. Orton underestimated him and Miz beat him. Miz says that he has something for Orton for his Christmas card and it is Miz holding the title belt.
We have more music and it is a photo of Angry Miz Girl and a female voice says that she is the Ghost of Christmas Future. She is very angry. He needs to see the light and change his ways or the new number one contender John Morrison will beat him.
Miz says that he is the future and the face of this company. He is the most must see champion in WWE history.
Miz’s Christmas Pageant is interrupted by John Morrison. John says that he is surprised because that was really stupid even for Miz. Morrison says that he is happy for Miz’s success because he beat Sheamus to become the number one contender. That means that sometime soon, they are going to fight for that title. Morrison reminds Miz that he beat him in the past, he beat him in the present, and he will beat him in the future to become the new WWE Champion.
Miz throws out a few REALLYs for Morrison and he says that he begs to differ. Miz says that he has always been better.
Riley pushes Morrison and Morrison punches Riley. Sheamus comes to the ring and he misses a pump kick. Morrison punches Sheamus but Sheamus with a clothesline to Morrison.
At ringside, Jerry Lawler punches Alex Riley.
We have a dingy dingy and the Announcer of Wrestling Horribly goes to the official high chair of the Raw General Manager. Cole quotes, tonight Miz will face his ghosts of the present, past and future in a six man tag match. It will be Miz, Alex Riley and Sheamus versus John Morrison, Jerry Lawler, and Randy Orton.
Randy Orton attacks Miz on the stage.
We see footage from last night’s TLC pay per view when chairs were dropped on Wade Barrett after their match.
We go to commercial.
We are back and remember that Tribute to the Troops will be on Wednesday night.
Cole reminds us about the main event that he read off the Raw General Manager’s face. Jerry says that he is excited to be in the match to get his hands on Cole’s champion and to team with John Morrison and Randy Orton.
Natalya has joined the announce team for the next match.
Match Number One: Melina versus Alicia Fox versus Eve Torres in a Number One Contender Match for the Divas Title
Alicia with a kick to Eve and an elbow to Melina. Alicia throws Eve into the ropes and then turns her attention to Melina and takes her to the mat. Alicia with forearms to Eve and then she throws Eve to the floor. Alicia with a punch to Melina but Melina with forearms to Alicia and then hits a splash against the ropes. Eve hits Alicia from behind. Melina with rollup for a near fall on Eve. Eve with a rollup on Melina. Alicia with a rollup to Eve. Melina kicks Alicia but Alicia with a power bomb from the corner that is broken up by Eve. Eve kicks Alicia and then hits the standing moonsault for a near fall. Eve tries for a moonsault but Melina stops her. Eve with a punch but Melina with a forearm. Melina tries for a superplex but Eve stops her. Alicia gets Melina on her shoulders and Eve tries for a cross body but Melina turns it into a victory roll before Eve can hit the cross body.
Winner: Melina
After the match, Natalya goes into the ring to congratulate Melina on her victory. Melina slaps Natalya and walks away.
Brie and Nikki fight over which one of them likes Daniel Bryan more. They fight over which one accompanies him to the ring.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Did You Know that Smackdown has been the number one show on Syfy every week since it moved to that network?
We are reminded that Smackdown will be live tomorrow night.
Cole mentions that it is likely that Nexus wouldn’t show up tonight because of what John Cena did last night at TLC.
Match Number Two: Daniel Bryan with the Bellas versus William Regal
They lock up and Regal sends Bryan to the mat but Bryan kips up and Bryan with an arm drag. Regal kips up and they circle each other. Regal with an arm drag into a wrist lock. Bryan rolls through and bridges and then hits a drop kick. They lock up again and Bryan works on the arm. Regal with a snap mare followed by kicks to the back. Bryan with a forearm and kicks to Regal’s back. Bryan kicks Regal in the corner followed by an Irish whip from Regal. Bryan flips over Regal but Bryan runs into a shoulder from Regal and Regal gets a near fall.
Regal with a cravate. Bryan with a slam but Regal holds on to the cravate and gets a near fall. Regal with a take down and then he connects with a series of forearms and gets a near fall. Regal with knees to the head followed by a forearm in the corner. Regal with an Irish whip and a forearm to the face and Regal gets a near fall. Regal with a full nelson on Bryan and Bryan escapes and hits a European uppercut. It is time for an exchange of European uppercuts and Bryan gets the upperhand with the uppercuts. Regal with a punch and then Bryan goes for a back slide but Regal with a forearm to the back and he tries for the Regal Stretch. Regal tries for a butterfly suplex and Bryan blocks it. He tries for the LeBell Lock and he locks it in and Regal taps out.
Winner: Daniel Bryan
After the match, the Bellas mob Bryan once Regal leaves the ring. The Bellas exchange kisses and it looks like Bryan is the winner of this exchange.
We go to commercial.
We are back and John Morrison is in the locker room getting ready for his match and Randy Orton is in there. Randy congratulates Morrison on his match and says that it looks like Morrison is the number one contender. Morrison says that it was bogus what happened to Orton. Orton tells Morrison that if he beats Miz, he will be coming after him for the title. Morrison tells Orton that he will be ready. Orton tells Morrison not to trust him.
Santino is on his chest and someone is walking on his back and it is Tamina. Tamina says that she doesn’t know what she is doing.
Maryse walks in and says that at least Tamina will have something to fall back on when her and Ted beat Tamina and Santino. Maryse and Tamina argue on Santino’s back until security pull the ladies off his back.
Mark Henry is talking to Gail about how great it feels today. Gail says that it is because Nexus isn’t here.
There is the sound of Excuse Me in the background as Vickie Guerrero and Dolph Ziggler walk by.
Mark says that the great smell has gone as we go to commercial.
Match Number Three: Santino Marella and Tamina versus Maryse and Ted DiBiase
The men start off and Santino is a bit hunched over so she fixes his back and he is now okay. They lock up and Santino with an hip lock take down but Ted with punches to Santino and then he rubs his forearm across Santino’s throat. Ted with a running back elbow and he gets a near fall. Ted with a standing drop kick and he gets a near fall. Ted with a reverse chin lock and he adds extra pressure on the neck to set up Dream Street. Santino with a split and hip toss and then he goes for the diving head butt and connects. Ted tags in Maryse while Santino sets for the Cobra. Santino wants to hit Maryse and Maryse turns it into Santino. Tamina with a super kick and then she goes to the top turnbuckle for a Daughter of Superfly splash. Ted avoids a cobra and Santino goes to the floor. Tamina hits the splash and gets the three count.
Winners: Santino Marella and Tamina
After the match, Tamina carries Santino up the ramp.
John Cena is walking in the back and he is talking to some production people as we go to commercial.
We are back and so is John Cena and the people of Austin really sound like they are glad to see him back. CM Punk tries to bring some reality into the announcing before John starts to talk.
John says that they are extra fired up. He says that tonight is epic and monumental. He says that he is going to do something that he meant to do for a while. John goes to the front row and hugs ‘We Hate Cena Guy’. John says that for the first time in six months, Raw is Nexus Free. Cena says that it makes him want to dance, and Punk has another thing he wishes to do. Cena says that he wants to sing and he out Foleys Mick Foley by singing Deep in the Heart of Texas. Cena says that he has some exclusive footage from last night’s pay per view. We get it from different angles and speeds.
John says that we got to see four shots of the demise of Wade Barrett. John says that he promised that he would get to each and every member of Nexus, but he finally got to each and every member of Nexus. That means that the tides have changed for Wade Barrett and his gang of turd burglars. Now he can set his sights on winning the Royal Rumble.
Vickie Guerrero is out and she throws out a few Excuse Mes as she walks with Dolph Ziggler to the ring. Vickie reminds John that he was not the only person to win last night at the pay per view. John gets a good laugh at the way that the fans treat Vickie Guerrero by booing her so loud that she cannot talk.
John begs the fans not to drown out Vickie, but they do not listen and John is still laughing uncontrollably.
Vickie has some footage of Dolph’s match since John got to show his footage. Instead of footage from last night’s Intercontinental Title match, we get Jerry Lawler’s comments to Vickie Guerrero last week on Raw during the Slammys.
Vickie demands an apology from Lawler or Dolph will beat him up.
Jerry wants to know if it is about her weight. Jerry says that Vickie is the only Diva whose bathtub has stretch marks. Cena and Lawler continue to roast Vickie.
Dolph says that Vickie is a saint and she is the most respected Diva in the WWE.
John asks Dolph why he said that Vickie was a double bagger. Then he says that Dolph used to be afraid of the dark, but after being with Vickie, he is afraid of the light. Vickie slaps Cena and then the dingy dingy goes off and Cole gets to read.
Since Vickie is threatening people that Dolph will beat people up. Dolph will face John Cena tonight.
Match Number Four: John Cena versus Dolph Ziggler with Vickie Guerrero
They lock up and Ziggler with a waist lock and take down into a front face lock. Cena escapes and Ziggler backs away. They lock up again and Cena with a side head lock take down. Ziggler gets to the ropes and Cena releases the hold. Ziggler with a kick and punch to Cena and Cena goes to the mat. Ziggler with kicks to Cena and the referee warns him. Ziggler punches Cena but Cena with an Irish whip and bulldog for a near fall. Ziggler goes to the apron for a breather. Cena blocks a kick but Cena with a suplex and he gets a near fall. Cena with an Irish whip but he misses a charge into the corner. Ziggler with kicks to Cena and he punches him in the head. Ziggler with a hard Irish whip and a near fall. Ziggler with punches to Cena and he staggers on his feet. Ziggler finally sends Cena to the mat and Ziggler gets a near fall. Ziggler with a kick to the midsection. Cena with a knee and a gutwrench suplex for a near fall. Ziggler with a kick to the chest and Ziggler with another near fall. Ziggler with a reverse chin lock as he gets Cena weakened for the sleeper. Cena gets to his feet and he gets Ziggler on his shoulders but Ziggler escapes and he hits an X Factor and gets a near fall.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Cena punches Ziggler and he hits a side slam and both men are down. Ziggler and Cena both hit clotheslines and both men are down again as the referee starts his count. Ziggler with a kick and jawbreaker to Cena and he gets a near fall. Ziggler waits for Cena to get up and he hits a standing drop kick and gets another near fall. Ziggler tries for another drop kick but Cena sees it coming and moves out of the way. Cena with the two flying shoulder tackles followed by the Blue Thunder Bomb and then it is time for the Legendary Sequence to finish with the Five Knuckle Shuffle.
Cena waits for Ziggler to get up for the Attitude Adjustment but Ziggler escapes and he puts Cena in the sleeper. Cena with a snap mare to escape and then Cena puts Ziggler in the STF and Ziggler tries to fight out of it. Ziggler taps but Vickie distracts the referee and did not hear the tap or see it.
Ziggler with a Fameasser but he only gets a two count. Ziggler thinks of what to do and he exposes the turnbuckle while Cena is with the referee. The referee stops Ziggler and Ziggler tries to hit Cena with the belt. Cena hits the Attitude Adjustment for the three count.
Winner: John Cena
After the match, CM Punk comes into the ring and he hits John Cena with a chair and leaves the ring.
Cena is not in a good mood any more as he looks at the stage and wonders what just happened.
We go to commercial.
We are back and we have a Moments Ago Moment of the final moments of the match between John Cena and Dolph Ziggler.
Josh Mathews tries to get a word from CM Punk outside the arena. Punk says that Cena only understands aggression. Punk gave Cena a taste of his own medicine. Punk drives away.
Jerry Lawler is getting ready and Sheamus stops him. Sheamus tells the fella that he is still carrying around his old battered crown. Sheamus says that he earned his crown and there is only room for one king.
Lawler says that he has been the king since 1974.
Sheamus says that tonight the King is dead.
Vickie is yelling at Dolph and she says that she was looking for an apology. Dolph says that he is challenging John Cena to a rematch on Smackdown tomorrow night. Vickie says that she will make it happen and it will be a handicap match. John Cena will face Dolph Ziggler and Vickie Guerrero. Dolph does not look too happy any more.
We are back and Did You Know that Smackdown vs. Raw has outsold a lot of video games.
So we don’t have a one man booth, Michael Cole is joined by Josh ‘Tomorrow night I can say Last night and not be wrong’ Mathews.
Match Number Five: Alex Riley, The Miz, and Sheamus versus Jerry Lawler, John Morrison, and Randy Orton
Orton and Miz start things off but Riley tags in and gets to face Orton. Orton with a kick and then he sends Riley into the turnbuckles and connects with a few European uppercuts. Orton with a knee drop and he tags in Morrison. Morrison kicks Riley and punches him. Morrison with an Irish whip and running clothesline into the corner followed by an uppercut. Morrison with a kick and punches. Lawler tags in and he kicks Riley and then he punches Riley and hits a drop kick. Riley punches Lawler and connects with an elbow.
Miz tags in and he kicks Lawler in the chest and tries for a punch but Lawler blocks it and punches Miz. Orton tags back in and Miz goes to the floor. Miz runs through the ring and he tags in Sheamus.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Riley punches Lawler while Sheamus deals with the referee. Sheamus gets a near fall. Sheamus with an arm bar on Lawler. Sheamus with a knee and Irish whip but he misses a charge into the corner and Sheamus hits the post with his shoulder. Morrison tags in and hits a clothesline followed by a leg lariat and Morrison appears to have reinjured his knee. Sheamus with an Irish whip and he misses a charge into the corner. Morrison with a springboard round kick to Morrison. Morrison knocks Riley off the apron. Sheamus crotches Morrison and Morrison lands hard. Miz tags in and connects with elbow drops to the leg. Miz kicks Morrison and then tags Sheamus back into the match.
Sheamus with an elbow drop to the leg and then he works on the knee. Morrison escapes the hold and Riley tags in and stops Morrison from making the tag. Riley works on the knee and slams it into the mat. Riley kicks Morrison and the referee warns him when they get into the ropes. Morrison tries to make the tag but Riley pulls him into his corner. Miz tags in and he kicks Morrison in the hamstring and then knees him. Miz continues to work on the leg but Morrison propels Miz over the top rope to the floor with his other leg. Miz with an elbow drop to prevent the tag from being made. Sheamus tags back in and he kicks Morrison in the chest.
Sheamus with forearms across the chest and gets a near fall. Sheamus returns to the knee and Morrison tries to fight out with kicks and he tries for an enzuigiri and he glances Sheamus. Sheamus with an elbow drop and then he puts Morrison in a modified camel clutch. Sheamus with a single leg crab and Morrison tries to make the tag. Lawler distracts the referee and Orton attacks Sheamus.
Sheamus knocks Lawler off the apron before returning to Morrison. Morrison with an enzuigiri and both men are down. Miz and Orton tag in and Orton with clotheslines. Orton with a power slam and then he hits an Olympic Slam and then it is time for the IEDDT on Miz and hits it.
Orton gets a near fall but Sheamus breaks up the cover. Morrison sends Sheamus over the top rope to the floor. Orton with the RKO push ups and Miz gets to his feet but Orton gives an RKO to Riley. Miz kicks Orton and Lawler punches Miz. Miz tries for the Skull Crushing Finale but Orton with the RKO to Miz and Lawler gets the three count.
Winners: Jerry Lawler, Randy Orton, and John Morrison
We have a dingy dingy noise and Michael Cole assumes the position. The television show Smackdown will be live tomorrow night on USA. In addition to the Smackdown Superstars, Raw will contribute a handicap match. Dolph Ziggler and Vickie Guerrero will face John Cena. There will also be Miz will face Randy Orton.
Orton tries to power bomb Miz but Riley interferes and Randy punches Riley. Miz escapes to the stage and we go to credits.
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