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On this day in history in ....
1989 - Clash of the Champions V was held in Cleveland, OH at the CSU Convocation Center and was nicknamed "St. Valentine's Day Massacre". Here are the results from the show, which was aired live on TBS:
- The Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton & Stan Lane) defeated The Russian Assassins when Eaton pinned Assassin #1.
- Butch Reed defeated Steven Casey.
- Ric Flair and Ricky Steamboat had an in-ring confrontation, with Flair making fun of Steamboat's family and home life, while bragging about his wild party life and women. Steamboat ended up ripping off Flair's clothes and running him out of the ring.
- Lex Luger defeated The Blackmailer (Jack Victory).
- United States Tag Team Champions Mike Rotunda & Steve Williams defeated The Fantastics when Williams pinned Tommy Rogers.
- Ricky Steamboat defeated Bob Bradley.
- Rick Steiner defeated Rip Morgan.
- NWA World Six Man Tag Team Champions The Road Warriors & Genichiro Tenryu vs. Mike Rotunda, Kevin Sullivan & Steve Williams ended in a double disqualification. The original match was scheduled to have Sting, Michael Hayes & Junkyard Dog challenging the Warriors & Tenryu for the belts. However, a ridiculous backstage angle was done where Sullivan locked a gate over a stairwell, keeping Sting, Hayes and JYD from being able to get to the ring. Sullivan and company went to the ring and took the match and after six minutes, Sting, Hayes and JYD hit the ring for a big brawl, ending the cluster in a double DQ. The entire scenario was such an embarrassment that All Japan Pro Wrestling broke off relations with the NWA and wouldn't send Tenryu back to defend the belts. The six-man title was soon forgotten and abandoned.
1994 - "Dirty White Boy" Tony Anthony defeats Brian Lee for the Smoky Mountain Heavyweight Title in Knoxville, Tennessee, ending Lee's second title reign and beginning his own second run with the title.
1997 - During a special Thursday edition of Raw from Lowell, Massachusetts, WWF World Heavyweight Champion Shawn Michaels, allegedly suffering from a knee injury, vacated the title. During a tearful speech, Michaels claimed that he "lost his smile" and needed time away from wrestling. Many at the time claimed Michaels vacated the belt and took a "vacation" from the ring because he knew he was going to be asked to drop the title at Wrestlemania. This added to the growing tension between Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart, who was penciled in to win the belt from Shawn that he had lost the previous year at Mania. Several Hart supporters felt that if Michaels was healthy enough to get in the ring and make his speech, he was healthy enough to lie down and lose the title. As a result, the Final Four PPV that was to be headlined by Bret Hart vs. Steve Austin vs. Vader vs. Undertaker to determine a number-one contender to Michaels was changed to a match to fill the title vacancy. Also during this show, Rocky Maivia won his first WWF championship, defeating Hunter Hearst Helmsley for the WWF Intercontinental Title.
1998 - Axl Rotten defeats Bull Pain in Lexington, Kentucky to win the IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Title, ending Pain's fourth reign as champion.
2000 - Big Vito & Johnny the Bull defeat Don & Ron Harris for the WCW World Tag Team Title in Germany, winning back the belts they had lost the night before.
2001 - Shelton Benjamin & Brock Lesnar defeat BJ Payne & Damien for the Ohio Valley Southern Heavyweight Tag Team Title.
2002 - Chad Collyer defeats Shannon Moore for the HWA Cruiserweight Title. On the same show, Lance Cade & Mike Sanders defeat The Island Boys for the HWA Tag Team Title.
2006 - In another "Hell Freezes Over" moment, WWE shocks many by announcing during an edition of Raw that Bret "Hitman" Hart would be inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame during Wrestlemania weekend. Hart, who had said in the past that he would accept induction in the Hall Of Fame despite his problems with WWE and Vince McMahon, would later stress that while he was going into the Hall Of Fame, he would not be appearing at Wrestlemania the next day.
2007 - Former NWA World champion Dusty Rhodes was officially announced as being inducted in the WWE Hall of Fame during Wrestlemania 23 weekend.
2008 - Mattel Inc. announced that they acquired the rights to be WWE's master toy licensee. WWE had been with Jakks Pacific for years and had filed a lawsuit against them, which was dismissed in December, where they accused Jakks of bribery to win their last licensing deal with WWE. The contract with Mattel, a giant in the toy business, goes into effect in January of 2010 and will last for five years.
Meanwhile, Jakks had already signed a deal with TNA to be their mater toy licensee, starting next January when the WWE deal expires. They sent out the following press release today.
MALIBU, Calif., Feb 13, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The world leader in wrestling toys, JAKKS Pacific Inc. (NASDAQ: JAKK), today announced that it signed an exclusive five year worldwide Master Toy License with TNA (Total Nonstop Action) Entertainment LLC for TNA Wrestling, with a planned launch expected to commence in 2010.
JAKKS' new TNA Master Toy License includes all styles of action figures, playsets, accessories and role play toys as well as collectible items based on TNA Wrestling's top talent which includes wrestling megastars Kurt Angle, Booker T, Christian Cage, Samoa Joe, A.J. Styles, Kevin Nash, Team 3D and other wrestlers who have chosen to align with the world's fastest growing wrestling league, TNA Wrestling.
TNA has been increasing in popularity since its inception in 2002. "TNA iMPACT" airs every Thursday night from 9:00 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT on Spike TV (available in 96.1 million homes and is a division of MTV Networks). Through a combination of televised programming, pay-per view and live events, TNA is also available in over 110 countries around the globe. For instance, the United Kingdom, historically JAKKS' strongest international territory for wrestling toys, is also TNA's strongest international territory, with programming having just moved from Bravo II to the main Bravo channel.
"TNA's stellar and growing arsenal of top world famous wrestlers, impressive ratings increases, aggressive live touring event schedule, and mounting exposure worldwide, coupled with JAKKS' expertise as the world's leading wrestling toy maker, bodes well for this new wrestling toy line to create a perfect storm," said JAKKS' Chairman and CEO Jack Friedman. "By the time 2010 arrives, TNA should be able to increase its market share even more significantly, and fans should be even more receptive to a new and exciting wrestling toy line."
"TNA fans have come to expect the very best in professional wrestling in everything we do, and JAKKS represents the top of the line in pro wrestling action figures," said Dixie Carter, President of TNA Wrestling. "We could not be more thrilled to have the world's leading wrestling toymaker join the fastest growing professional wrestling brand in the world. We believe that JAKKS' strength in the wrestling action figure genre will help continue TNA's reinvention of pro wrestling."
2008 - WWE posted the following on their website:
Congratulations are in order for Stephanie McMahon and her husband Paul Levesque. The daughter of WWE Chairman Vince McMahon has confirmed to WWE.com that she is pregnant with her second child.
"Being a mom is the greatest gift in the world," said McMahon. "I couldn't be more excited."
McMahon's statement to WWE.com confirms rumors that have been circulating in the press that she is expected to give birth to her second child this summer.
We at WWE.com would like to wish the expectant parents a healthy and happy pregnancy.
2010 - ROH held their 8th Anniversary event in New York City. Mike Johnson filed the following report:
Ring of Honor celebrated their eighth anniversary event with a solid show highlighted by a truly special moment where Tyler Black finally (and I do mean FINALLY, since he was originally slated to win the title in December 2008) won the ROH championship from Austin Aries.
Quick results from the show:
*ROH held a ten bell count in honor of the passing of Jack Brisco and Georgiann Makropoulos. Makropoulos was instrumental in getting Bruno Sammartino to appear at the company's first show in the venue.
*Roderick Strong pinned Brian Kendrick in a strong opener. Kendrick's chest was blood red from chops.
*The Kings of Wrestling defeated Harlem and Lance Bravado in an entertaining squash.
*In an "Unsanctioned Anything Rules" match, Necro Butcher and Eddie Kingston defeated Joey Ryan and Erick Stevens. Necro and Kingston had Gypsy Joe with them, which was completely lost on the crowd. There was some OK brawling here but the crowd never seemed to get into it, which was surprising since NYC crowds have always gone more for the violence than wrestling. The finish saw Necro, after using Mr. Socko, put a bag over Ryan's head and choke him out to get the win. The Embassy beat down Necro after.
*In another strong match, Davey Richards forced El Generico to tap out to a Kimura in the center. Really good back and forth wrestling here.
*ROH Tag Team champions The Briscoes defeated The Dark City Fight Club. Afterwards, the Kings of Wrestling hit the ring and jump the Briscoes, leading to a three way brawl. In the end, the Briscoes take out the others with stereo dives onto the floor. Crowd was really into the brawl.
*They announced a 5/8 return with TNA stars The Motor City Machineguns appearing, so it appears TNA has backed off on the restrictions of talent appearing on ROH house shows.
*Delirous won a solid four way over Steve Corino, Skullcrisher Raschke Brown and Kenny King, pinning King.
*Colt Cabana defeated Kevin Steen by DQ. This was more an angle than anything else. Steen tried to powder out but Corino, who is something of his mentor, tossed him back in and began cutting a promo on the mic, telling Steen to "do it for me" but El Generico came out and hit the ring to face off with his former partner. The ref through the match out once it got physical.
*Tyler Black defeated Austin Aries to win the ROH championship. Roderick Strong, Kenny King & Jim Cornette were judges at ringside. Lots of near falls here, which the crowd was into bigtime. At the end, King tried to interfere, but Strong got on the apron and laid him out. Black and Strong had words, so Strong ate a superkick. Jim Cornette got up and tried to reason with Black and got one for his troubles as well. Black then nailed a twisting move off the top and scored the pin. They did a big celebration in the ring and Strong issued a challenge for the title.
Notes: As noted, they return 5/8....The crowd was down a noticeable amount from last time. My theory is that the 60 minute draw in the blizzard ran some fans off and they didn't want to see another potential 60. We'll see if they return...ROH worked hard to rehab Black with the World title win....The Briscoes, Steve Corino and Colt Cabana were the only talents on the first anniversary show who also worked tonight. Of those names, only the Briscoes have been with the company it's entire run...TruTV's All Worked Up was filming ROH security chief Zach Yeager at the show for his role in their reality series....I believe staff from NBC's The Marriage Ref were also in attendance...Cary Silkin was extremely happy with the way the World title match went.
2011 - TNA held their Against All Odds PPV. Mike Johnson filed the following PPV report:
Welcome to PWInsider.com's live, ongoing coverage of TNA's Against All Odds 2011 from Orlando, Florida.
The 2011 TNA Against All Odds PPV kicked off with a video feature covering all the recent TNA storyline events, including Mr. Anderson's TNA title win, Fortune turning on Immortal and the Kurt Angle vs. Jeff Jarrett storyline.
Mike Tenay and Taz welcomed everyone to the PPV, going over the top matches. They announced that Generation Me were unable to make it to Florida due to travel issues, so they won't be able to compete in their scheduled match to name the top contender for the X-Division championship.
Robbie E and Cookie made their way to the ring. Robbie took the mic and said that he's got good news and bad news. He said that the good news was that since Generation Me had travel issues "aka were afraid of Robbie E", he was the new top contender to the X-Division championship. The bad news was that no one gets to see him wrestle tonight. He demanded the referee count Generation Me out of the ring to make it official and told him to hurry, since "we have to get to the clubs."
The referee called for the bell and began making the count. Robbie E did a fist pump as each number was counted off. He won via countout and began celebrating, carrying Cookie around the ring.
E began leaving the ring and Taz wondered if he even knew that Kazarian was going to defend the title tonight. As he made his way to the ramp, Kazarian's music began and out came the X-Division champion. He backed up Cookie and E towards the ring. Kazarian took the mic and said that while E was OK with getting out of there with a cheap victory but as a member of Fortune, he can't not let everyone get what they paid to see. He said that perhaps E didn't get the memo, but there is indeed going to be a championship bout tonight. He said it was going to happen right now.
TNA X-Division champ Kazarian vs. Robbie E
As Kazarian put down the mic, E attacked him on the ramp but Kazarian beat him back down to the ring. Kazarian tossed him in the ring and hit a Gutwrench suplex. Cookie tried to interfere but was thwarted. Kazarian set up E on the ropes, then kicked him off to the floor.
Kazarian went to the top rope for a dive but Cookie went to interfere. Kazarian grabbed her but E grabbed Kazarian's legs and yanked them out from him. Kazarian took a hard bump down, crashing into the stairs. E slammed Kazarian's arm into the stairs.
Kazarian fought back but was kicked down. E went to the ropes for a fistdrop and covered the champion for a two count. He shoulderblocked Kazarian into the corner. E argued with the referee, allowing Cookie to choke Kazarian in the corner. E used his boot to choke Kazarian against the ropes.
Kazarian came back with a right hand and a side Russian legsweep for a two count. E cut him off and went back to work on Kazarian's shoulder and back. He used his knee to try and strangle Kaz, then nailed him with a snapmare. E locked in a side chinlock to try and force Kazarian down.
Kazarian made a comeback with a clothesline and scored a close two count. He went for the inverted tombstone but E slipped out and went for a swinging neckbreaker. Kaz escaped and rolled him up for a two count. E kicked Kazarian into Cookie, who nailed him. E rolled up Kaz for another two count.
E stalked Kazarian, slapping him and trash talking. Kazarian ducked a move and caught Robbie with the inverted tombstone for the pin.
Your winner and still X-Division champ, Kazarian!
Solid, well worked opener. Good stuff.
Christy Hemme interviewed Scott Steiner and Beer Money. Scott Steiner was all over the place with a silly interview, saying he was going to have the same match he always had, kicking someone's ass. Beer Money picked it up, saying that they were going to take Immortal's flunkies out. James Storm started a "You suck" chant, saying that the fans will be chanting that for their opponents tonight.
AJ Styles' music and out came Styles in street clothes. Styles joined Tenay and Taz at the announcing position.
Scott Steiner & Beer Money vs. Rob Terry & Gunner & Murphy
The announcers were pushing Terry vs. Steiner as a battle of two of the biggest physical specimens in the business. AJ Styles noted that Ric Flair would return to Impact Thursday.
Steiner and Gunner started off. Steiner shoulderblocked him down and chopped away at him. Gunner went for a leapfrog and failed, so Steiner tossed him with a belly to belly suplex. Murphy got tossed as well. Terry tagged in and the two faced off. Fans were chanting for Steiner.
Terry began making bodybuilding poses, so Steiner kicked him low while the referee wasn't looking, then dropped an elbow. Murphy tagged himself in and locked up with Steiner. Steiner controlled him and then tagged in Storm. Storm nailed an inverted atomic drop and a clothesline for a two count. Murphy caught him with a knee to the gut and tagged in Gunner, but Storm nailed a kneelift and a hangman's neckbreaker.
Gunner came back to toss Storm over the top but Storm skinned the cat and worked over Gunner with a series of clotheslines and punches in the corner. Terry nailed Storm, who was then caught with a clothesline. The Immortal members worked over Storm in the corner. Gunner slammed Storm and dropped an elbow for a two count.
They continued controlling Storm as Murphy locked in a rear chinlock. Storm fired back but was grabbed by the hair and slammed backwards to the mat. Terry tagged in and picked up Storm, hitting a big over the shoulder powerslam for a two count. He went for another but Storm slipped out and nailed the Backstabber.
Storm went to make a tag but Murphy tried to prevent it. Storm kicked him off and tagged in Robert Roode. Roode went for a move but there was a miscue and Gunner ducked, Roode, undaunted, saved it by rebounding with a big clothesline. Roode then clotheslined Terry out of the ring and hit a rolling snapmare off the ropes on Gunner for a two count. Storm drilled Gunner with a spinebuster for a two count but Murphy broke it up.
Terry went after Steiner and attacked him on the floor. Beer Money made a comeback and teased DWI but Terry tried to attack them. He nailed Murphy and was hit with a double suplex by BeerMoney. Roode nailed a spinbuster on Gunner, thrn Murphy. Terry grabbed him for a chokeslam but Roode slipped out and nailed a spinebuster as well.
Roode went to the ropes for a suplex on Gunner but instead tagged Steiner, who nailed a top rope Frankensteiner and scored the pin.
Your winners, Beer Money and Scott Steiner!
Solid six man tag, other than a few moments. For a match I really had no emotional investment in seeing, this was a nice surprise as it was laid out well. The heels did a great job of holding their end up here. Terry and Steiner were used in ways to show off their strengths while Beer Money are so good, it's ridiculous.
Christy Hemme interviewed Brother Devon. Devon said that while his sons did everything he taught them to do on Impact, he's not letting them be involved in the match tonight. They weren't happy. He said that he didn't want them to be a sacrifical lamb tonight and told them that while he knows they weren't happy, they were still his sons and they needed to do what he asked. He told them that he loved them but they needed to watch, not get involved. They finally agreed. Devon's delivery was good.
Samoa Joe vs. Pope Dinero
Pope's tights were mocking Joe's "gonna kill you." They locked up after Pope ducked out of the ring early. He tried to get the better of Joe but the second Joe was obviously unphased, Pope walked out of the ring and tried to head up the aisle back towards the locker room. Okada, dressed like Kato from the Green Hornet, backed him to the ring, where Joe did a dive to the floor. They noted he was Joe's camerman that helped him expose Pope. They called him Okato, which came off so lame.
Back in the ring, Joe nailed a headbutt but Pope cut him off and suplexed Joe over. Joe popped right back up and clotheslined Pope. Joe peppered Pope in the corner with strikes and punches. He nailed a back splash in the corner followed by an enziguiri.
Joe began working over Pope again but the referee (Jackson James of course favoring the heels) stopped Joe, which allows Pope to thumb him in the eye. Pope tossed Joe to the outside, slammed him into the apron, and tossed him back in the ring. Joe mounted a quick comeback but was clotheslined as he rebounded off the ropes.
Pope worked over Joe and nailed his diving shot over Joe's back, landing on the floor. Pope drilled Joe with a neckbreaker for a two count. Pope came off the ropes but was caught with an inverted atomic drop, kicked in the face and nailed with a back senton splash for a two count. Pope nailed Joe in the face as Joe lifted him over his back and removed a turnbuckle pad as Joe recovered.
Pope tried to slam Joe into it but Joe stopped him and they went back and forth with near falls. Pope came off the ropes but Joe grabbed him in a rear naked choke. Pope tapped out immediately, so quickly it wasn't even funny.
Your winner, Samoa Joe!
Joe had words with Jackson James, to the point I thought he had DQ'd Joe for using the choke. Pope asked for a handshake and Joe, after hesitation, accepted it. Pope nailed Joe and slammed him into the exposed buckle, busting him open. Okada tried to help but was laid out. Joe went after Pope, who retreated out. Pope smiled as he left while Joe was pissed.
Match was good. Okada's gimmick is awful!
Christy Hemme interviewed Mickie James. James said she was excited about her title shot tonight. She said that the only reason Madison Rayne has the title is because Tara laid down for her but tonight, when Rayne lays down, she won't be getting back up. OK promo.
TNA Knockouts champion Madison Rayne vs. Mickie James: Last Knockout Standing
Someone has a sign that read "I'll pay Flair's bar tab." Hilarious.
They battled to the floor immediately. Rayne went after James, who caught her with a kick on the floor. Rayne came back to slam James into the ring steps. The referee began to count her out but she made her way up and back to the ring.
James unloaded on Rayne, who retreated to the floor. Rayne tried to walk out but James charged and nailed her from behind. Rayne came back and began unloading with shots across her back, then whipped her into the railing. They went back and forth on the floor. James reversed an Irish Whip and Rayne hit her head on the ringpost. Rayne recovered and nailed a DDT. The referee began counting James down but she made her way back to her feet.
Rayne went after James but James caught her and tossed Rayne to the floor, where the referee began counting her down. James nailed a bodypress off the apron to the floor. They began counting both women down but Rayne went under the ring. James followed. They emerged on the other side of the ring. Rayne tried to nail James with her loaded glove but James moved and Rayne hit the ring steps. Rayne was kicked and was down but James picked her up and tossed her in the ring.
James went to the ropes but Rayne nailed her and sent her falling from the ropes to the floor. James pulled herself up to her feet at the nine count. Rayne went to nail James with the glove but James grabbed her arm and snapped it off the ropes. James came off the top with a Thesz Press, then hit a spinkick. James grabbed the glove from Rayne's hand. Tara hit the scene so James nailed her with the glove.
As James stood over Tara, Rayne nailed her with brass knuckles and James was counted out.
Your winner and still Knockouts champion, Madison Rayne.
This had a some nice moments but never really got out of first gear in my opinion. They were killing each other but there was no real flow here as opposed to a back and forth deal. It was good for what it was as they both tried hard and it was really physical.
Backstage, Jeff Hardy said he was going to get his title back and wished Ken Anderson well, "you a**hole."
Matt Morgan came to the ring and said he was going to cut through all the garbage. He demanded Hernandez come to the ring, and Hernandez obliged. Morgan told him to start talking before he kicked Hernandez' ass all over the Impact Zone. Hernandez called him the "Great White Hope." He said that everyone wants a great White Hope so he went to Mexico with his culture where he's treated like the star he truly is. He said that here in TNA, he is treated like a second class citizen so he was back to tell everyone that this is Hispanic America, their country and Morgan is the new minority. He said that he was back to stick it to everyone who didn't appreciate him and if Morgan didn't like that, "the punk ass white boy" could get out of his country.
Morgan went to respond but Hernandez nailed him with a low blow then hit a Death Valley Driver.
Not a fan of the new Hernandez direction but we have to see where it goes. Racism never really works in getting anyone over these days. It just comes off as a lame idea that you blame the promotion for, plus in all of this we are supposed to forget that Morgan once gave Hernandez a career threatening injury? Apparently so since no one made a reference to it, and you'd think that's a pretty logical thing for Hernandez to be pissed off about.
Matt Hardy said that "Cold Blood" is something that society forced him into. He said that he was the good guy that went above and beyond and it never got him anywhere. He said that in the last year, he fought through a career threatening injury and his brother came to TNA. Matt said that he was punished for what Jeff decided to do. He then said that he was 3-0 against Rob Van Dam and was going to continue his undefeated record tonight. He said was going to do it with a smile on his face and cold blood in his veins. Usual Hardy promo.
Matt Hardy vs. Rob Van Dam
Hardy looks to have dropped some weight and looks way better. What a difference a month makes. They locked up and Hardy backed Rob into the corner. Rob fired away with punches. They went back and forth, with Rob finally nailing a kick to end the flurry.
Rob went for a monkey flip but was caught and dropped on the turnbuckles and nailed with a clothesline. Hardy slammed him into the turnbuckles and began working him over with shots in the corner.
Hardy escaped a backdrop and nailed a spinkick, sending Matt to the floor. As Matt returned to the ring, Hardy dropkicked him off the apron. He went for a moonsault off the apron, but Hardy grabbed his legs and slammed him into the apron. Hardy worked over Van Dam on the floor, running him backwards into the railing. Hardy went for a suplex on the floor but Van Dam got the better of it and dropped him across the railing, then hit a corkscrew legdrop across Hardy's back.
Van Dam tossed Hardy back into the ring but as he returned, Hardy kicked the ropes ito RVD's nether-regions and caught him with a Cactus DDT for a two count. This is markedly better than their first meeting. Back on the floor, Hardy picked up Van Dam and dropped him face first on the railing.
Back in the ring, Hardy nailed a legdrop and scored a two count. He grabbed Van Dam by the hair as he continued to work him over. Hardy locked in a full nelson from a sitting position but Van Dam fought his way back to a standing position. Hardy cut him back off and began slapping at Van Dam. Hardy cinched in a cravate but Van Dam began mounting a comeback.
Hardy charged at RVD in the corner. Van Dam elevated him up and over the ropes to the apron but Van Dam was knocked down. Hardy went to the top but Van Dam kicked him as he came off the ropes. Van Dam began mounting a comeback. He went for Rolling Thunder but Hardy rolled out of the way. Van Dam landed on his feet and hit a standing moonsault for a two count. Van Dam nailed a split legged moonsault on Hardy for another two count.
Van Dam missed a kick and was nailed with the Side Effect for a two count. Hardy went for the Twist of Hate but was shoved off and kicked stiffly in the corner. Van Dam went to the top but Hardy cut him off with an uppercut. Hardy went for a superplex but was punched away. Hardy fired back with another shot and backdropped RVD over in a scary looking moment. Hardy went for a moonsault but Van Dam rolled out of the way, Van Dam went to the top and hit the Five Star Frog splash, handing Hardy his first TNA loss.
Your winner, Rob Van Dam!
Really good match. Hardy seems to have kicked out of the whatever rust held him back for his TNA debut and had some good facial expressions as well. He seemed much more comfortable in his new role as a heel here. They had some good back and forth wrestling. This was my favorite thing on the show at this point. Good stuff.
Christy Hemme tried to interview Bully Ray about Devon not bringing his kids to their match tonight. He bullied her and then said he wants them to be brought to the ring. He said that he was the man who could make real men out of them because all they would learn from their dad was how to be a second rate sidekick who takes orders. He said that the kids' problem was that they were born "out of their mother's ass." He said he was going to take out Devon once and for all. It was an awesome promo, made all that much better by Hemme's look of sheer hatred and disgust when he walked off. Great heel stuff.
Bully Ray vs. Brother Devon: Street Fight
Ray went and hid after he came out. He charged Devon with a chain but Devon caught him and nailed him. They brawled around ringside. Devon drilled Ray with a drink. Back in the ring, a bunch of weapons were tossed into the ring. Devon drilled him with a Singapore Cane. Ray nailed him with a punch but Devon came back with another shot to the head.
Devon placed Ray's head under a chair as Devon's sons came to ringside. He told them to go to the back, turning his back on Ray. Ray nailed Devon with a shot across the back. He began screaming at the brothers and spit at them. Ray nailed Devin with a trash can lid, then placed a chair over his head instead.
Devon's son's grabbed Ray to stop him but he escaped and threatened them with a chain. Devon recovered and worked over Ray with a series of punches and clotheslines, then backdropped him over. One of Devon's sons nailed Ray with a trashcan. They grabbed Ray's legs to set up the Devon "Wazzup" flying headbutt on Ray. They did the old Dudleys "Tables" spot to get the crowd to yell it.
Devon set up the retreived table but was hit from behind with a low blow. Ray began handcuffing Devon's hand to the corner. Ray began trashtalking Devon. Devon's sons hit the ring again to try and free him but Ray nailed one of them from behind, laying him out. The other son unloaded on Ray but was laid out. Ray covered the second son and scored the pin as Devon was trapped and forced to watch.
Your winner, Bully Ray! Ray teased putting one of the sons through a table. Devon's facial expressions and reaction to all this was awesome. One of the best things he's ever done. Brother Ray mocked him, screaming, "Oh my brother, Testify" and raised a chair to nail Devon, then stopped and stood over the sons. Devon began screaming for security and begged Bubba to stop. Bubba dropped the chair and pulled one of the sons over to the table, then powerbombed him through it. Devon's agony here was awesome, as was Bubba's taunts that all this was happening because Devon was weak. Great emotional stuff here and I hope they follow up with this well, because they can make money with this angle.
Security finally freed Devon, who was screaming for Bubba and was out of his mind as he checked on his children. One of Devon's sons did a stretcher job while Devon carried the other out. This was just off the charts great.
Jeremy Borash interviewed Jeff Jarrett. Jarrett asked if Jeremy really thought he would put "our kids" in jeopardy. He guaranteed that he would beat Kurt Angle tonight and that on March 3rd, Angle would walk the aisle and bring Karen Angle to the ring for the Jarretts to renew their vows.
Christy Hemme interviewed Kurt Angle. Angle said that all he cares about it getting the custody of his children back. He promised that after he finishes kicking "Daddy Jeff's ass" they were coming home with him. "Its real, it's damn real."
Jeff Jarrett vs. Kurt Angle
They did a feeling out process early. Angle let Jarrett grab a headlock and then dropped him backwards in a suplex. Angle cinched in a hammerlock but Jarrett nailed him with a back elbow. Angle came back with a suplex. He continued working over Jeff and tossed him to the floor. Angle worked over Jarrett with a series of punches against the rail. Karen Jarrett acted like she was going to get involved but Kurt scared her off.
Back in the ring, Kurt continued working over Jeff until Jarrett ducked out of a charge and Angle nailed his shoulder against the ringpost. Angle went to the floor, where Jarrett slammed him into the guard rail. Jarrett tossed him back in the ring and worked over Angle. Jarrett hit a flying bodypress but Angle rolled through for a two count.
Jarrett began stomping and punching away at Angle. He whipped Angle into the buckles. Angle reversed a whip but Jarrrett kicked him in the face as he charged. Jarrett went to the ropes but Angle leapt to the ropes and suplexed him off. Both men were down as the referee counted them out. They met each other on their knees, exchanging punches. They went back and forth as they fought their way to their feet.
Angle nailed a big forearm and a suplex for a close two count. Angle slipped out of a waistlock and went for the anklelock but Jarrett rolled through. Angle grabbed him for a series of German suplexes. Angle covered Jarrett for a two count. Jarrett went for the Stroke but Angle turned it into an anklelock. Jarrett escaped but missed a kick and got caught low.
Angle nailed the Olympic Slam but Karen Angle got on the apron and distracted the referee. That allowed Jarrett to nail a low blow on Angle. Jarrett nailed the Stroke but Angle got his shoulder up at the last second. He went for another Stroke but Angle shoved Jarrett into the referee. Jarrett went all the way to the floor.
Angle followed to the floor but Karen Angle raked his back. Kurt turned his attention to her but Jarrett blasted him from behind and then whipped Angle into the ring steps. Jarrett slammed him face-first into the steps. He tossed Angle into the ring and went to nail him with a chair but Angle nailed Jarrett. He went to use the chair but the referee grabbed it. Angle complained but Jarrett rolled him up for a two count. Angle came back with an exploder suplex for a two count.
Angle went to the ropes but Karen distracted him, allowing Jarrett to nail him with a nasty looking Stroke off the ropes for another two count. Jarrett went to grab Angle, who slipped around and nailed a German suplex. Angle pulled the straps down and locked in the anklelock. Karen tried to grab Jeff but was pulled into the ring as Kurt pulled Jeff from the ropes. Karen distracted the referee as Jeff tapped. Angle let Jarrett go to grab the referee, allowing Jarrett to blast him with the chair. Angle got his shoulder up at the last second.
Angle grabbed Jarrett for a quick small package for a two count. Jarrett was caught in a sunset flip but was able to drop down and capture Angle for the pin.
Your winner, Jeff Jarrett!
Really, really, really good match, especially the last few minutes. These two have always had good chemistry and the added story of the stipulation and additional chemistry of Karen Jarrett, who was really good in her role, made for an entertaining bout.
Karen celebrated with Jeff on the floor and in the aisle while Angle was crying in the ring. That gave way to some intense back and forth staredown. Angle took off his boots and left them in the ring, which Taz put over as if Angle had just retired. Taz wondered if we had just seen Angle's last match.
Christy Hemme interviewed TNA champion Ken Anderson. Anderson said that odds are stacked against him, since it's a ladder match and that's the bout that made Jeff famous. He said that he didn't want to sound like a "certain Governor, but there might be a conspiracy, Gorilla" while imitating Jesse Ventura. He said that Eric Bischoff has everyone running around trying to "save Jethro." He said that Jeff has all the girls screaming for them and they might love him as much as they love Justin Bieber. Anderson said he doesn't love Justin Bieber but loves competition. He said that people ask him if he's worried because it's Jeff's match but the reality is every match is his match. He said he was going to win tonight because he's the bigger ass****. Good serious promo.
TNA champion Mr. Anderson vs. Jeff Hardy - Ladder Match
Jackson James is the referee outside the ring.
They did the big fight intros before the match. There was a faceoff and Anderson went after Jeff with a flurry of offense, sending Jeff to the floor. Anderson followed and worked over Jeff. Jeff kicked him in the gut and went for the Twist of Hate but Anderson shoved him off, then sent Hardy into a ladder on the floor.
Anderson grabbed a ladder and began bringing it to the ring but Hardy nailed him. Hardy grabbed the ladder but Anderson grabbed the other side and rammed him with it. Anderson was cut off as he returned to the ring. Hardy nailed a neckbreaker onto the ladder. Hardy went up the ladder but was pulled off. He nailed a twisting kick to Anderson and followed up with a kick to the chest.
Hardy set up the ladder against the turnbuckles, like a ramp. He set up Anderson but was kicked in the gut. Anderson hit a side Russian legsweep onto the ladder. Anderson slipped out to the floor to grab another ladder. He set it up and climbed to the top, where he was met by Hardy. Hardy hit a sunset flip powerbomb off the top of the ladder to the mat.
Hardy slammed Anderson and climbed to the top for a leapfrog legdrop on Anderson but the champion rolled out of the way. Hardy and Anderson went back and forth, culminating with Anderson being backdropped onto the ladder that was sitting in the corner.
Hardy placed ladder upside down in the ring and began working over Anderson, dragging him around the ring. Anderson begins to mount a comeback with a series of right hands. Hardy cut him off and sent him to the floor, then kicked him into the guard rails. Hardy grabbed another ladder that was painted in Hardy's colors. He tried to throw it into Anderson's face but Ken caught it and slammed it back into Hardy's face.
Anderson went to whip Hardy into the stairs but Hardy reversed it and Anderson slammed into the stairs, selling his arm and wrist. Hardy nailed Air Sabu off the stairs, hitting a kick on Anderson, who was knocked over the railing and into the crowd. Hardy hiptossed him back into the ringide area.
Back in the ring, Hardy tried to suplex Anderson into the upside down ladder but Anderson reversed it. Hardy had a nasty looking fall into the ladder, which shifted as he crashed into it. Ouch! Anderson set up the ladder and began climbing to the top as Hardy struggled to catch up. Hardy finally dragged him off and nailed the Twist of Hate.
Hardy pulled another ladder in but Anderson slammed him on it. Anderson went for the top rope rolling swanton but hit his head on the ladder as Hardy got out of the way. Hardy began setting up two ladders next to each other and began climbing them. Anderson met him towards the top. Hardy went for the Twist of Hate but Anderson fought him off. They battled back and forth on the top of the ladder.
Hardy slammed Anderson's head into the top of a ladder, then went for the belt. Anderson shoved the title away. They battled atop the ladders, which slipped out from under them. They both crashed to the mat, with Hardy grabbing at the belt as they crashed. That was obviously supposed to be the finish but the belt didn't give way.
Hardy tossed Anderson to the outside and climbed up and retrieved the belt as Anderson fought to get up the ladder.
Really good ladder match. They did all sorts of insane spots. Anderson looked strong and Hardy is obviously in his element here. Other than the belt not wanting to do the job at the end (which you can't blame on the guys), this was a real pleasure to watch.
TNA should be really proud of this show. Not overbooked nonsense, lots of good wrestling, some great angles and some emotional stuff. This was TNA at its best and I hope they can keep some of the momentum they built tonight. Total thumbs up. You'll want to go out of your way to see a replay or a DVD of this one.
2012 - WWE broadcast Raw. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
This week’s show starts off with what ended last week’s show with Kane’s tribute to Heidenreich with the close talking intimidation promo.
Kane’s face is on the screen and he says that there is nothing that he won’t do and no line that he won’t cross. He will do whatever it takes to get John Cena to embrace the hate. Two things will happen tonight. John Cena will embrace the hate and someone will take a ride in this . . . and we cut to the ambulance that will be a precursor for the one that will be used on Sunday at The Elimination Chamber.
We are live from San Diego, California and your announcers are Michael ‘I wish we knew what area code we are in’ Cole and Jerry ‘Mr. Wrestlebrawl’ Lawler.
We are shown a graphic that John Laurinaitis is still the interim Raw General Manager.
Jerry Lawler is in the ring with the participants in the Elimination Chamber Match and we are going to have a debate. Jerry introduces everyone who is in the ring.
Jerry says that everyone will get 45 seconds to answer his questions. The first question is for CM Punk and Jerry asks why Punk thinks he will buck the odds.
Before Punk can enter, John Laurinaitis comes out with the be-sweatered David Otunga. John says that he is so happy to be here tonight and so happy to have the support of the Board of Directors.
Punk is given a chance to answer the question and he has three things to say. First, to the WWE Universe . . . he gives his word and promise that this debate will not end in violence (and the crowd boos). Second, he says to Snicklefritz and Clown Shoes . . . he congratulates him for keeping his position of power. Some might think that John has photos to keep his job, but he says that John has been doing a lot of begging. Third, he says that he will win because he is the best wrestler in the world.
Dolph is next, but Vickie interrupts and she says that there should be no booing allowed.
Dolph says that he is a better wrestler than CM Punk and better than everyone else and he backs it up every single night. There are people like R Truth who don’t know what state they are in.
Truth wants to know if Dolph is going there. Truth says that if he is elected, he is going to trade Dolph and Vickie to Smackdown for Hornswoggle and a box of spiders.
Dolph tells Truth that they are not running for office.
Jerry lets Truth continue and he says that if he is elected, he will make it legally required to shout ‘what’ . . . and then he tells everyone not to what him . . . after every line of the Pledge of Allegiance. Truth says that he will take that box of spiders and stomp on them and put them in a blender to make his grand mama’s spider stew. Truth says that Little Jimmy will watch him gulp down the Spider Stew because that is what will allow him to outlast everyone in the Elimination Chamber.
Now it is time for Miz to catch the next question. Jerry brings up that Miz was in the main event at last year’s Wrestlemania and Miz corrects him by saying that he was the main event. He retained the title twice. Miz wants to talk about the people in the Elimination Chamber. Kofi is an afterthought. R Truth is insane. He says that Punk is 0 for 2 in the Elimination Chamber and he will crumble faster than the cookie cream of his ice cream bars. Miz says that this is Dolph’s first time in the Chamber and then he insults Dolph and Vickie. Miz’s time runs out before he can talk about Chris Jericho.
Kofi tells Miz to shut up and he points out that Miz said that he is an afterthought. He has been overlooked for too long, but in one night everything can change. He might walk in as an afterthought, but he might walk out as the next WWE Champion.
Jerry gives the floor to Chris Jericho. Jericho says that it is obvious that he is surrounded by neophytes in the ring and in the arena. All of them need to quiet down because the true best in the world is about to enunciate. There is not a human being who has been in more Elimination Chamber matches on this planet. No one has eliminated more people than him. The last time he was in an Elimination Chamber match, he walked out as the World Champion. He says that his accomplishments are greater than the other five people combined.
Jericho tells Punk to look at him when he talks to him. Jericho says that he might as well give him the World Title now because his master is here to claim what is his.
Punk wants to know if Jericho was talking to him. He apologizes because he wasn’t listening to a word that Jericho was saying. He mentions how Jericho finished seventh on Dancing with the Stars.
Dolph calls this a joke. Dolph says that this is fifteen minutes of his life that he cannot get back.
Truth says that he won’t be talked down by a man named after Flipper.
Jerry reminds everyone that they are in individual matches tonight.
The first match will be Kofi Kingston against Chris Jericho. Mr. Sparkly Jacket pushes past Kofi and gets in Punk’s face. Punk holds up his title belt. Jericho turns around and Kofi hits Trouble in Paradise.
We go to commercial.
Match Number One: Kofi Kingston versus Chris Jericho
Kofi with kicks to Jericho and he forces him into the corner until the referee pulls Kofi away. Jericho with a kick but Kofi with a forearm and kick. Kofi with kicks to Jericho and then he connects with a running knee to the back. Kofi with a forearm and then he clotheslines Jericho over the top rope to the floor. Kofi with a suicide dive onto Jericho. Kofi sends Jericho into the announce table.
Kofi leaps into the corner and he punches Jericho but Jericho with a power bomb and both men are down. Jericho punches Kofi and then he hits a side suplex and a back senton for a near fall. Jericho with a modified cobra clutch but Kofi gets to his feet. Kofi with forearms but he misses a drop kick. Jericho with a drop kick to the head and he gets another near fall. Jericho slaps Kofi in the head.
Kofi with punches but Jericho with a kick to the chest. Jericho with chops to Kofi. Kofi leaps onto the turnbuckles and hits a cross body for a near fall. Kofi with chops followed by a drop kick. Jericho sends Kofi to the apron and Kofi goes for a springboard drop kick but Jericho blocks it and he puts Kofi in the Walls of Jericho. Kofi makes it to the ropes.
Jericho argues with the referee and Kofi hits Trouble in Paradise and both men are down. Kofi gets a near fall because Jericho gets his foot on the bottom rope. The referee pulls Kofi off and Jericho with a thumb to the eye followed by a Codebreaker and Jericho gets the three count.
Winner: Chris Jericho
Shawn Michaels is walking in the back and he sees Triple H and they hug. Somewhere, Kelly Kelly is smiling that more people are embracing the ‘Hugs Solution’
We go to commercial.
We are back with the WWE Rewind: Kane versus John Cena at the Royal Rumble and Kane’s attack on Zack Ryder.
John Cena says that it is good to see Zack Ryder on Raw. Zack says that he cannot stay away from her. He says that Eve is the love of his life. He has flowers for Eve. Cena points out that every time Zack is here, Kane vows to hurt Zack to get to Cena. John tells Zack to stay in his locker room and he will bring Eve to Zack. (It is a good thing that Kane now knows where Zack is going to be).
John and David are in the office and David is holding his travel mug. David tells John to look at it a different way. John is the interim general manager, but he is not the permanent general manager. John says that he never thought about that. David has an idea. Not only would John be the permanent General Manager of Raw, but also of Smackdown. David takes a sip from his Crimson mug.
We go to highlights from what happened between Big Show and Randy Orton after Big Show got Orton disqualified in his match against Daniel Bryan.
Daniel Bryan comes to the ring to watch the match between Randy Orton and Big Show as we go to commercial.
We are back and Michael Cole has to be nice to Daniel Bryan because Daniel is sitting next to Cole and he knows what will happen if he says the wrong thing. Jerry points out the fact that he knows that Bryan would destroy Cole if he talked about Bryan the way he always does.
Match Number Two: Randy Orton versus Big Show
Orton punches Show but Show pushes Orton down. Show pushes Orton down again and then he sends Orton into the turnbuckles. Orton with a European uppercut and then Orton sends Show to his knees. Show with a chop to Orton and Randy rolls to the floor. Show pulls Orton up to the apron from the floor but Orton drops Show’s arm onto the top rope. Show with a side slam for a near fall.
Show sets for the punch and Orton rolls to the floor. We go to commercial.
We are back and Orton has climbed Show’s back to apply a sleeper. Show gets to the corner but Orotn holds on and he gets Show to a knee. Show with a snap mare and clotheslines to Orton. Show with an Irish whip and Show with a running back splash but Orton stops the running shoulder tackle with a drop kick.
Orton gets a near fall but he is sent to the floor when Show kicks out. Orton and Show fight on the floor and Show with a kick and then he sends Orton into the announce table while Bryan watches from his chair. Show sends Orton back in and then Show stares down Bryan. Show returns to the apron and Orton with a drop kick and a kick to the head. Show hangs over the top rope and Orton with an OMGIEDDT.
Orton punches the mat for the RKO and Show turns around and Orton hits an RKO type maneuver. Show sends Orton into the ropes and Show tries for a choke slam but Orton escapes. Orton with an RKO and then Bryan comes into the ring and hits Orton with the title belt to cause the disqualification>
Winner: Big Show by disqualification
After the match, Bryan hits Show in the head with the title belt.
We go to commercial, but it is almost time to stop the show.
We are back and it is time to remember what happened between Triple H and Undertaker over the last few weeks.
Now it is time to welcome back the man who was retired by the Undertaker, Shawn Michaels. Even in retirement, Shawn has his pyro.
Shawn says that when you don’t do this for a while, you get nervous and he is nervous. Shawn says that earlier today someone asked him on Twitter why he comes around this time of year. Shawn says that it is Wrestlemania and you cannot have Wrestlemania season without Mr. Wrestlemania. He says that he is the Showstopper and the Scene Stealer. He might not be Mr. Main event, but he is Mr. Hall of Fame.
Shawn says that he was watching Raw last week riveted in his seat and he was waiting for his best friend to utter those words that everyone wanted to hear. . . I accept the challenge to the Undertaker.
Shawn says that he was shocked when Hunter did not say it. Shawn says that he called John Laurinaitis and he said that he had to talk to his best friend. Shawn says that it dawned on him that Hunter got him and everyone. Hunter is the Cerebral Assassin and he is going to accept it.
Shawn says that he wants to hear that Hunter is going to come out to end the Undertaker’s undefeated streak.
Hunter makes his way to the ring. Hunter hugs Shawn before he addresses the fans.
They throw up the DX symbol.
Hunter says that it is great to see Shawn. He says that while he understands that it is hard to take Shawn away from Texas to come here. It would be nice to see him more than once a year. The fans agree.
Shawn says that after last week, he wanted to be here live to hear the awesome news that Hunter is going to face the Undertaker at Wrestlemania.
Hunter says that he wishes that Shawn had called him if it was the only reason why he came to the show. He will not be facing the Undertaker at Wrestlemania.
Shawn says that he understands and he knows that Hunter has to do the ‘thing’ with the suit. Hunter says that Taker left the ring with someone’s assistance. Hunter says that in order to beat the Undertaker, he has to end him and he is not that guy.
Shawn says that Hunter is that guy. He finishes people. He is a closer and he ends careers. He steps on people’s throats. He has no compassion. He wants to know if that is who Hunter really is now. He stood through everything with Hunter. When things changed in his life, he never left Hunter’s side. He wants to know if Hunter married that chick and became ‘one of them’? Is Hunter a sellout?
Hunter says that it is investing in a future, not being a sell out. He says that Shawn doesn’t understand this.
Shawn says that he is a simple guy and it is tough for him to understand how tough it is for him to understand Hunter’s business life. When someone challenges you and you back down, it makes you a coward.
Shawn tells Hunter not to walk away from him. It doesn’t matter how nice he dresses up or how much money he has, a coward is still a coward.
Hunter gets nose-to-nose with Shawn and then he walks away.
Shawn tells him to walk away.
Hunter tells Shawn that he cannot understand what is going on. Shawn is on his ranch with his wife and kid without a care in the world. Hunter says that all of this is going to be his. It is his responsibility weighs like a ton on his shoulders. Some might look at the Undertaker like an opponent, but he does not look at him like that any more. He looks at the Undertaker like a brand that is good for business. He cannot let that brand end because it is good for business. They are the end of an era. The end of an era of a different breed. The smash mouth style that doesn’t exist. They left it in the ring every night. Hunter says that he is not going to be the one to end that era. Undertaker is all that is left and he is damned if he is going to end that era for no reason. He won’t do it because he wants him to end it or to feed his own ego. He won’t do it to feed Shawn’s ego since Hunter is living vicariously through him because Shawn couldn’t get things done.
Shawn pulls Hunter back and Shawn says that was an awesome speech and he is quite sure that it works on a lot of people. Shawn says that he likes the consistent little jab at him. Shawn says that he is at peace while Hunter is not at peace. Shawn says that he wants Hunter to look him in the eye and tell him that he doesn’t want to end the streak. He wants Hunter to look him in the eye and tell him no.
Hunter refuses to look Shawn in the eye. Hunter takes off his jacket and Shawn drops the mic. Hunter looks Shawn in the eye and they breath heavily. Hunter says no and drops the mic.
Shawn leaves the ring and walks away. Hunter and Shawn stare at each other from a distance then Shawn walks to the back.
Hunter is about to leave the ring and there is a gong. Then the lights go out.
We have the Undertaker looking at what happened to him at Wrestlemania video package. This time Taker is shown cutting his hair.
Hunter has to unbutton his collar as we go to commercial.
Match Number Three: Dolph Ziggler with Vickie Guerrero versus R Truth
Ziggler with a kick and a fireman’s carry for a near fall. Ziggler with an Irish whip but Truth floats over and then does a split followed by a leg lariat. Truth misses a charge into the corner and Truth hits the post. Ziggler gets a near fall on a rollup. Ziggler with a drop kick and then he kips up.
Ziggler poses and then he applies a reverse chin lock. Ziggler with a headstand while he keeps the head lock applied. Truth punches Ziggler, but Ziggler with a neck breaker followed by a leaping elbow drop and he does some sit ups for no reason.
Truth with an inside cradle for the three count.
Winner: R Truth
Santino Marella enters Zack’s locker room and he tells Zack that no one knows more about love than him. He checks on Zack’s breath and he tells him that he needs deodorant. He gives Zack one of his breath strips. Zack says it is repulsive and Santino points out that they are garlic.
We go to commercial.
We are back with the Slam of the Week: Last week’s Divas Match.
Beth Phoenix is at the announce table and we find out that Beth will be defending the Divas Title against Tamina.
Match Number Four: Tamina versus Brie Bella with Nikki Bella
Brie with a side head lock. Tamina with a chop but Brie drops Tamina on the top rope. Brie with kicks. Tamina knocks Nikki off the apron and Brie tries for a back slide but Tamina blocks it and hits a Samoan drop and then goes up top for the Superfly Splash and the three count.
Winner: Tamina
After the match, Beth rises from her chair to stare at Tamina and Tamina stares back.
John Cena must have found Eve because he is with Josh Mathews in the interview area. We go to commercial.
We are back with a video package for the Rock.
We go to comments from John Cena who is with Josh Mathews. John is about to say something, but he hears a woman screaming. Eve walks into the ambulance and Kane closes the doors. Cena attacks Kane from behind and Cena throws Kane into some cases. Cena tries to open the door but he is unsuccessful because the door may be made of Kryptonite. Eve opens the door before the ambulance drives away.
John wants to know if Eve is okay and Eve kisses Cena. John wants to know what that was for and Eve sees Zack Ryder in the wheelchair and he is dumbfounded.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Zack is trying to wheel away but Eve catches up to Zack to explain what happened. It was the heat of the moment. Eve tells Zack that he really cares about him but she only wants to be friends. Happy Valentines Day Zack.
Match Number Five: Miz versus CM Punk
They lock up and Punk with a hip lock take down for a near fall. Punk with a suplex and he floats over for a near fall. Miz drops Punk’s arm on the top rope but Punk with a boot to the head for a near fall. Miz wraps Punk’s arm in the ropes and then he applies a hammer lock and sends Punk shoulder first into the ring post. Miz with a side Russian leg sweep.
Miz with an arm bar. Punk with forearms to Miz but Miz tries for the Reality Check but he cannot hit the neck breaker and Punk with a round kick to the head. Miz kicks Punk while Punk punches Miz. Miz with more punches. Punk with a leg lariat and a swinging neck breaker followed by the running knee into the corner and Punk hits the bulldog. Punk signals for the Go To Sleep and Miz escapes it and connects with a DDT for a near fall.
Miz sets for the Awesome Clothesline and he hits it. Miz goes up top but Punk moves out of the way. Punk with a power slam for a near fall. Punk goes up top but Miz stops him and punches Punk. Miz sets for a superplex but Punk blocks it and he sends Miz to the mat. Punk signals for the elbow drop and he hits it.
Punk waits for Miz to get up and he gets Miz on his shoulders but Miz counters to set up the Skull Crushing Finale. Punk rolls through and applies the Anaconda Vice and Miz taps out.
Winner: CM Punk
After the match, we see Chris Jericho in the back and Punk celebrates in the ring.
The ambulance returns to the building and we go to commercial.
We are back and John Cena makes his way to the ring and looks like he stole someone’s girlfriend, even though they were ‘just friends’.
John says that there was an awkward moment by the ambulance earlier. He tried to apologize to Zack but he would not listen. John tells Zack that he is sorry. He says that this was Kane’s plan all along. To turn his friends against him. To turn the WWE Universe against him in order to ‘embrace the hate’.
John says that it was a solid plan and it would have worked if it was anybody else. John says that he is not anybody else. He says that by listening tonight, people think that he will get to a breaking point and he will snap.
John lets the crowd chant ‘We All Hate You’.
John tells everyone that it has been six years and people cannot understand that he is comfortable in his own skin. John says that he is proud of who he is and what he does. They don’t understand that he rises above hate. They think that John is soft. He tells everyone to go ahead and think that he needs to hate. He is not a creampuff, fruity pebble, with lady parts who doesn’t know how to fight out of a bag.
The fans show their sheep mentality by chanting fruity pebbles.
Cena says that he will adapt, he will overcome, and he will win. Cena says that on Sunday, Kane leaves in an ambulance. As for Dwayne, he has a message for him about Wrestlemania.
Zack Ryder comes out in his wheelchair and then he comes to the ring on his crutches. Zack gets to the ring and he confronts Cena.
Zack knocks the mic away. Zack slaps Cena and John takes off his hat and dog tags. The shirt comes off and Zack wants to know why he would take her when he has everything. Zack tells John he was never his friend.
Zack tries to punch Cena but Cena blocks it. Cena refuses to punch Ryder but Ryder goes to the mat. Zack leaves the ring and goes up the ramp on his crutches.
Cena is at a crossroads and Kane appears on the TitanTron and he tells John that he is in denial. He can talk all he wants about rising above the hate. He says that he stole the one true love of his friend. He says that Cena has embraced the hate. Unfortunately he feeds off hate. Sunday will be the last time that we see John Cena wrestle before Wrestlemania. He will not overcome, adapt, or win on Sunday. His body and soul will be leaving the WWE in an ambulance. Before he leaves, he wants a round of applause for John Cena.
Kane comes out and he pushes Zack off the stage and then Cena runs up the ramp to check on Zack and a stretcher comes out to take Zack away. Eve comes out to check on her ‘friend’.
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