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February 17th
On this day in history in ....
1964 - WWWF ran at Madison Square Garden in New York City with the following results:
- Sky Low Low & Billy The Kid defeated Sonny Boy Cassidy & Farmer Pete.
- Don McClarity defeated Magnificent Maurice.
- Bill Watts defeated Klondike Bill.
- Hans Morier defeated Gino Brito.
- Dr. Jerry Graham defeated Tony Marino.
- Bobo Brazil & Argentina Apollo defeated Killer Kowalski & Gorilla Monsoon via DQ.
- WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino defeated Giant Baba with a backbreaker.
1969 - WWWF ran at Madison Square Garden in New York City with the following results:
- Arnold Skaaland defeated Bob Harmon.
- Carlos Colon & Pete Sanchez defeated Tony Altimore & Lou Albano.
- John Sullivan defeated Johnny Rodz.
- Dominic DeNucci defeated Angelo Savoldi.
- Victor Rivera & Haystacks Calhoun defeated Gorilla Monsoon & Baron Mikel Scicluna.
- WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino vs. Killer Kowalski ended in a double DQ.
1975 - WWWF ran at Madison Square Garden in New York City with the following results:
- Manuel Soto & Pete Sanchez defeated Jack Evans & Johnny Rodz.
- Joe Nova defeated Bill White.
- Victor Rivera defeated Hans Schroeder.
- Tony Garea & Dean Ho defeated Killer Kowalski & Bobby Duncum via DQ.
- The Wolfman defeated El Olympico.
- Pedro Morales defeated Butcher Vachon.
- WWWF Tag Team Champions Johnny & Jimmy Valiant defeated Gorilla Monsoon & Chief Jay Strongbow.
- Spiros Arion defeated WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino via DQ.
1981 - El Canek defeats Tiger Jeet Singh in Mexico City, Mexico to win the UWA World Heavyweight Title, ending Singh's second reign as champion and starting Canek's second run with the belt.
1986 - The third straight Madison Square Garden match between Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage sold out the venue in New York City. Here are the full results of the show:
- Lanny Poffo defeated Rene Goulet.
- King Tonga (Haku/Meng) defeated Les Thornton.
- The Hart Foundation vs. The Killer Bees ended in a draw.
- King Kong Bundy defeated George Wells.
- Ricky Steamboat defeated The Magnificent Muraco in a Martial Arts match.
- Tony Atlas defeated Barry O.
- Adrian Adonis defeated George Steele via DQ.
- The Iron Sheik & Nikolai Volkoff defeated Corporal Kirschner & Dan Spivey.
- WWF World Champion Hulk Hogan defeated Intercontinental Champion Randy Savage in a Lumberjack match when George Steele tripped Savage as the lumberjacks were fighting on the floor, allowing Hogan to legdrop Savage for the win. Only the World Title was on the line.
1989 - Robert Fuller & Jimmy Golden defeat Kevin & Kerry Von Erich in Dallas, Texas to win the World Class Tag Team Title, ending Kevin & Kerry's third reign as champions. Fuller & Golden won the match via disqualification, which under World Class rules meant the title changed hands.
1996 - Lex Luger defeats Johnny B. Badd (Marc Mero) for the WCW World Television Title in Baltimore, Maryland at a non-televised event, ending Badd's second reign. Badd would win it back the next day.
1996 - PG-13 defeat Jesse James Armstrong & Tracey Smothers for the USWA Tag Team Title in Memphis, Tennessee, winning back the titles they had lost only three days earlier. This would mark the beginning of JC Ice & Wolfie D's eleventh run with the straps.
1996 - ECW ran their Cyberslam event (held in conjunction with a fan convention) at the ECW Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Here are the results:
- Judge Dredd & Bad Crew defeated Dino Sendoff, Don E. Allen & Shark Attack Kid. The Sandman then ran out and caned all six men.
- Spiros Greco defeated El Puerto Ricano with a side slam.
- Taz defeated Joel Hartgood in under two minutes with the Tazmission. Following the match, Taz took down several other wrestlers, and fought with Mikey Whipwreck.
- Brian Pillman made his ECW debut, appearing in the ring to cut an obscenity laced promo against Eric Bischoff and WCW, claiming he had been fired by the company. Pillman would end up being carted off by security after threatening to urinate in the ring. As he was carted off, Pillman attacked a "fan" (really worker Chris Krueger) and stabbed him with a fork. This was part of Pillman's famous work/shoot with WCW, trying to convince fans he really was fired from WCW and was a "loose cannon". Pillman would later get WCW to actually give him his release (to make the angle "more believable" as they were trying to work everyone with it) and jump to the WWF. The ECW promo was one of the best interviews of Pillman's career.
- Buh Buh Ray Dudley defeated Mr. Hughes with a splash off the top rope.
- The Gangstas were scheduled to wrestle The Headhunters, but New Jack was unable to appear. Mustafa fought the Headhunters alone, and lost. This led into the next match....
- The Bruise Brothers (Ron & Don Harris)returned to defeat The Headhunters.
- An injured Tommy Dreamer, suffering from a separaed shoulder, confronted Raven, and the Bruise Brothers (who were there to back up Dreamer) turned on Dreamer, pulling him groin first into a ringpost.
- JT Smith defeated Axl Rotten after a chairshot.
- Francine & The Pitbulls defeated Stevie Richards & The Eliminators (John Kronus & Perry Saturn) in a Triple Dog Collar match when Francine pinned Richards after the Pitbulls gave him a powerbomb/neckbreaker combo.? After the match, the Eliminators gave the Pitbulls and Francine Total Elimination.
- ECW Television Champion 2 Cold Scorpio vs. Sabu went to a 30-minute draw.
- Shane Douglas defeated Cactus Jack. SMW (and future WCW referee) Mark Curtis was the special referee, and handed Douglas handcuffs during the match. With Foley cuffed, Douglas hit him with chairshots and put him in a figure four, with Cactus refusing to submit. Cactus called for Mikey Whipwreck to help him, and Mikey came in and blasted Cactus with a chairshot to give Douglas the win.
- ECW World Champion Raven defeated The Sandman with a DDT on a chair.
1997 - Psycho Sid (Vicious) defeats Bret Hart for the WWF World Heavyweight Title during a live edition of Raw from Nashville, Tennessee after Steve Austin interferes and hits Hart with a chair, allowing Sid to powerbomb Hart for the win. This ended Hart's fourth title reign after only one day as champion, having won the belt the previous night at the "Final Four" Pay-per-view event. It began Sid's second, and final, WWF Championship run. After the match the Undertaker, who had been named number one contender to the title for Wrestlemania, came out and stared at Sid.
1997 - During a live edition of Nitro from Tampa, Florida, Prince Iaukea defeats Steven (William) Regal for the WCW World Television Title, ending Regal's third run with the belt.
1998 - During an edition of Raw in Waco, Texas, The Headbangers (Mosh & Thrasher) defeat The Rock N' Roll Express to win the NWA World Tag Team Title. Prior to the match, Commissioner Slaughter replaced NWA referee Tommy Young with WWF referee Earl Hebner, who refereed the match under WWF rules (no over the top DQs). At the end of the match, Jim Cornette hit Thrasher with his tennis racquet, but Thrasher fell forward onto an unconscious Ricky Morton for the pin. Also on Raw, Goldust wrestles in full Dusty Rhodes WWF attire (yep, polka dots) and does an impersonation of his father during a losing effort to Bradshaw.
1998 - Randy "Macho Man" Savage receives Harvard Lampoon's "Real Man" of the Year Award.? The humor magazine gives out the award every year to "that male specimen of the human species who best exemplifies universal manliness." Past honorees include John Wayne, Aerosmith, John Candy, and others.
2000 - Flash Flanagan defeats Rico Constantino for the Ohio Valley Wrestling Heavyweight Title.
2001 - Steve Blackman defeats Raven to win the WWF Hardcore Title in Cedar Falls, Iowa. However, as Blackman is leaving the ring, Raven cradles him and scores a pin to take back the title due to the "24/7" rule.
2002 - WWE held their No Way Out Pay-per-view in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, highlighted by the entrance of the New World Order into the WWF (and Hulk Hogan's first appearance on a WWF show in almost a decade). Here is Tim Whitehead's original report on the show:
WWF's No Way Out was one of the weaker WWF PPV's in a long time. Having said that, it wasn't really a bad show per se. It just didn't reach the level of most recent shows. It was just kind of so-so. Part of the problem was a cold Milwaukee crowd, which was dead for most of the undercard and also died for much of the main event. When they did pop, it was huge, but they really didn't pop all that much. The three top matches were all good, but not great. This is just my opinion, but they're already ruining the NWO angle. When Jerry Lawler, on commentary, began siding with the NWO, while Jim Ross ran them down, it signaled that they're going to be just another heel group. That cancels the entire previous hype, which was that they were an extraordinarily virulent poison who were going to run the WWF out of business. If that were the case, everybody in the WWF, heel or babyface, should oppose them. Bringing them in wasn't the smartest move to begin with, but once that decision was made, at the very least they should be depicted as legit threats to promotional survival. From what I saw on this show, they come off as three older guys who are kind of funny on the mic, and will attack the top babyfaces while the heels cheer them on. Their only threat to promotional survival will be when the main event match quality deteriorates when they start taking top spots on future PPV's. There is an inherent problem built into the angle. The things Hogan & Co. did to help kill WCW can't be shown on TV. How do you build TV and PPV off of backstage maneuvering? Do they plan to show Kevin Nash encouraging Austin not to sell for Jericho? Or are they gonna send Hogan on some talk show to claim that Kurt Angle can't work, or to insist that no Olympic wrestler ever drew money? And if they did, how would THAT draw money?
Other aspects of the show were handled well. They did a better job than usual of portraying Chris Jericho as the equal of the established upper tier. They handled the Triple H vs. Kurt Angle deal very well, with Stephanie's role being well booked.
The show opened with Hulk Hogan, Kevin Nash, and Scott Hall coming out to their old NWO music. JR went off on how they did more to destroy WCW than anyone else. Lawler said it's Ric Flair who's to blame for them coming in. There was a moderate crowd pop, but no one seemed to know how to react. Nash spoke first about how much heat they have backstage with the boys, and talked about how they've been called poison, cancer, and even "company killing bastards". He said that hurts their feelings and all they want is a chance to start with a clean slate. Hall got the mic and earned a pop for saying, "Hey-Yo". He said the NWO aren't bad guys, but are just "marks" and fans like everyone else. He said they just want a chance to work with the WWF superstars, hang out with them, take photos, and drink beer with the boys. Nash and Hogan both reacted to the beer comment and Hall then joked that maybe the beer part wasn't a good idea. That would be funny, I suppose, to the miniscule portion of the audience who are aware of Hall's record in that area, including recent activity since signing with the WWF. Hogan, who looked about 65 years old, said he's just like all the fans except for being rich and famous, and asked everyone to give them a chance. He said, "God bless Vince McMahon" for giving them a chance. He also gave "God blesses" to the fans and to America. During this segment, Lawler did a 180 and by the end was siding with the NWO and saying they've changed and deserve a chance. JR said he didn't believe a word they said.
THE A.P.A. won a six team "Tag Team Turmoil" match to earn a tag title shot at Wrestlemania at the 16:36 mark. Two teams chosen at "random" started off. When one team lost, another came in. They started with Scotty 2 Hotty & Albert vs. Christian & Lance Storm. Albert did the power moves. Scotty took a high bump out to the floor. Scotty tried for the worm but ended up pinned by Christian with the unprettier at 2:56. The Hardys came in and the pace picked up. Christian got pinned at 6:11 after Matt hit the twist of fate and Jeff did a swanton. The Dudleys arrived. They got heat on Jeff. Stacy Keibler went in but Lita tackled her. Lita sent Bubba Ray out with a Litacanrana, with Jeff then doing a somersault plancha on him. Meanwhile, Matt pinned D-Von with a simple roll-up at 10:50. The Dudleys did a 3D on Jeff on the floor before leaving. Billy & Chuck came out (no pun intended). With those little blond braids, Chuck looks like either Heidi or the girl on the Swiss Miss cocoa package. Lawler said JR needs to get braids like that to go with his cowboy hat. With Jeff KO'ed on the floor, they doubled on Matt and Billy got the pin with the famouser at 12:20. The APA arrived as the final team. They brawled with Billy taking a hard bump from Faarooq. Billy got pinned after spin bumping off Bradshaw's lariat from hell. A solid opener.
Michael Cole interviewed Ric Flair, who didn't buy the NWO's crap. Undertaker walked up and shoved Cole into a wall, making some intimidating threats toward Flair. I guess we'll see them fight soon, probably at Wrestlemania.
ROB VAN DAM beat GOLDUST in 11:05. Goldust attacked early but then bailed out. RVD did some of his usual spots, but this time the crowd wasn't into it. The whole thing seemed to have too slow of a pace for an RVD match. JR and Lawler started talking about other things, such as recent movies, which is their tactic when a match isn't very interesting. They did some rest spots. RVD missed a five star frog splash, but after a little more brawling and some kicks, he hit a second five star and got the pin.
The NWO encountered Steve Austin in a hallway. They sort of sarcastically called him the toughest S.O.B. in the WWF. Hall, of all people, offered him a six pack of beer. Austin said he wasn't thirsty. Hall told him he could save it for later. Austin tossed the six pack down and walked off.
SPIKE DUDLEY & TAZZ beat BOOKER T & TEST to retain the WWF World Tag Titles in 7:16. Not all that good, and no heat, either. As usual, the heels doubled on little Spike. Test tried to use the ropes to get a pin on Tazz. The ref wouldn't count, so Test shoved him. The ref shoved back and Tazz caught Test in the Tazzmission for the tap out.
Rock did a promo vowing to kick Undertaker's candy ass. It was nothing special for a Rock promo.
WILLIAM REGAL defeated EDGE in a Brass Knux on a Pole match in 10:26. Slow paced with no heat. Edge attacked Regal as the ref was searching him, which later proved to be a mistake on Edge's part. They just sort of brawled around in the ring and on the floor, with occasional attempts to climb the pole. Regal gave Edge a powerbomb on the floor. Edge juiced from the mouth to sell his "internal injuries". They've tried to heat this feud up but it just doesn't click with the fans. Regal took a bump to the floor when Edge blocked an attempted powerbomb off the apron. Regal got the knux but Edge attacked him and the knux ended up on the floor. Edge retrieved them and began cursing at Regal, but Regal surprised him with a blow from a second set of knux he had hidden in his tights. Edge was pinned once again.
Kurt Angle told Lilian Garcia that Stephanie will be an unbiased ref. He said it's a good thing she isn't pregnant because HHH would be a terrible father. Of course, Angle was confident of victory in his upcoming match.
ROCK beat UNDERTAKER in 17:23. They paced this well and it was a decent match which got some heat. Rock attacked immediately but UT came back with fists and stomps. They went to the floor and brawled out through the crowd. Back in the ring, they stayed active for a while and traded some two counts before UT went to a long bearhug. Rock fought back and laid UT out for the People's Elbow but UT caught him by the throat. Rock gave UT a low blow to escape. UT still chokeslammed Rock but was slow to make the cover and only got a two count. UT went out and got on his motorcycle like he was going to leave. He laid the ref out when he tried to stop him. He then retrieved a pipe he had hidden on the bike. Ric Flair ran down and chopped UT, who no-sold and beat Flair up. UT swung the pipe at Rock, but Rock ducked and managed to put the sharpshooter on UT. Vince McMahon ran out and got on the apron. Rock released the sharpshooter to beat Vince up. UT nailed Rock from behind and got him up for a tombstone piledriver but Flair laid UT out with the pipe. The ref revived and Rock got the pin. Good closing sequence which did draw a big pop.
Mr. Perfect appeared at WWF New York. He ran down the fans as not being up to his level of perfection. He said even the rats there are ugly, and I don't think he meant rodents with long tails.
KURT ANGLE beat HUNTER HEARST HELMSLEY in 14:39 to win HHH's Wrestlemania World Title shot. Special (as in, VERY special) referee Stephanie came out wearing a designer ref outfit which nicely displayed her assets. When Howard Finkel introduced her as Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley, she corrected him, noting she's no longer a Helmsley. She applauded Angle when he came out. She also made a point of reminding HHH who the ref is. Angle started with some matwork and scored a quick two count. He stomped HHH, but HHH brawled back with fists and lariats. Angle rebounded off the ropes, going for a lariat but HHH ducked and Steph took the blow, crashing all the way out to the floor. That got a pop, probably the biggest of the show. HHH smiled as Steph had to be helped to the back. Tim White took over as ref. That was good because Steph really couldn't have worked the entire match. Angle went on big time offense and scored twos with some great suplexes. HHH came back and scored twos with spinebusters and powerbombs. Angle "accidentally" laid the ref out. He gave HHH a low blow and hit the Olympic Slam. Steph ran in, holding her neck in pain, but HHH kicked out at two. HHH sent Angle crashing into Steph and she took another bump. HHH hit a DDT but there was no ref. He helped White up but Angle attacked and White took a bump to the floor. Angle swung a chair but missed, and HHH then nailed him with the Pedigree, White revived and started counting but Steph dropped an elbow on him. HHH was about to Pedigree Steph but Angle hit him with two hard chairshots and an Olympic slam, with Steph counting one-two-three. Angle and Steph left up the aisle together, both jubilant, as HHH sold the beating in the ring. Angle didn't wait around for HHH to revive. He lef very quickly, still in his tights as he went out into the cold Milwaukee winter night air to drive off fast in his car.
The NWO encountered Rock. They acted friendly toward him. Hogan said Rock's his son's favorite wrestler and asked for a picture with him. Rock posed with Hulk as Hall took a photo. Hogan then sneeringly said "so much for the people's taste". Rock told all three of them they can shove the camera up their candy asses.
CHRIS JERICHO beat STEVE AUSTIN to retain the Undisputed World Title in 21:33. They chopped the hell out of each other in this match. Literally, they must have seen a circa 1986 tape of Flair vs. Ron Garvin, because they never missed an opportunity to chop each other. They did a spot where Austin rammed Jericho into the turnbuckles a zillion times, with the crowd shouting "what" each time rather than counting. The first few minutes had heat but the crowd was dead after that, except for the finishing sequence. They brawled up the aisle and took shots into parked trucks and other objects. They did a creditable job of presenting Jericho as Austin's equal. Austin did three superplexes on Jericho. They traded some two counts. Austin blocked a chairshot attempt. They teased going through the announcers' desk, but didn't. Jericho hit two lionsaults but had to stretch to do it as Austin was way across the ring. Jericho hooked the walls but Austin made the ropes. Jericho got the belt but Austin ended up giving him a spinebuster on it for a near fall. Jericho gave Austin a breakdown on the belt for a two count. There was a big ref bump. Austin put the walls on Jericho, who tapped, but there was no ref. They really didn't need to do that spot after making Jericho look so good up to that point. Austin gave Jericho a stunner, and in ran the NWO. Austin briefly fought them but they overpowered him and Hall gave him a stunner. The ref revived and Jericho got the pin. After Jericho left with his belt, the NWO continued pounding Austin, including a second stunner from Hall. The show ended with Hogan spray painting the NWO tag on Austin's back.
2002 - Pro Wrestling Noah ran a show at Budokan Hall in Tokyo, Japan, drawing a sellout crowd of 16,500 fans to see New Japan's Yuji Nagata team with Jun Akiyama to defeat Mitsuharu Misawa & Kenta Kobashi when Akiyama pinned Kobashi.
2003 - During an edition of Raw from Columbus, Ohio, Eric Bischoff (with the help of a cinderblock and Sean Morley) defeats Jim Ross in a no disqualification match, despite attempts by Jerry Lawler to make the save.
2008 - WWE held their No Way Out PPV. Here is the original report from the show:
No Way Out opened with a video package highlighting the WWE and World Title matches as well as the two Elimination Chambers, pushing the fact that tonight's winners will be going to Wrestlemania. Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler welcomed us to the show, and they went to the ring for the opening contest.
ECW Champion Chavo Guerrero vs. CM Punk.
Joey Styles and Tazz reviewed the Guerrero-Punk feud and threw it to a video package as Punk entered the ring. There was some sort of audio error, as during the video package on the feud, you could hear Tazz asking someone about the "go home" portion of the match. That audio feed quickly cut off. Chavo Guerrero, wearing his new T-Shirt, then made his entrance as the announcers played up that Punk has scored pinfalls over Chavo with the GTS.
There was a chant for Punk at the bell as the two men went nose to nose. Chavo slapped Punk, and Punk kicked Chavo in the head. Punk hit a back elbow and a tilt-a-whirl slam for a two count. Chavo backdropped Punk to the apron and kicked him to the floor. Chavo attacked Punk as he got back into the ring and hit a series of elbows to the back of the head, then decked Punk with an uppercut for a two count. Chavo kicked Punk in the chest, then in the gut. Punk battled back with kicks, but Chavo gave Punk a drop toe hold and then hit a somersault splash to his back. Chavo hit a backdrop driver, then applied a bodyscissors.
Punk got out with a catapult into the corner, then hit a back kick to the gut and a kneelift. Punk backdropped Chavo, then ran into a boot by Guerrero. Guerrero charged Punk, who hit a powerslam for a two count. Punk went for the GTS, but Chavo countered it into a rana. Chavo hit a Tornado DDT for a two count. Chavo did the old Guerrero dance. Chavo went for a running kick, but Punk caught it and hit an enzugiri for a two count. Punk mocked Chavo's dance, then hit two vertical suplexes. The fans, who were behind Punk for the whole match, booed the attempt at the Three Amigos. Chavo blocked the third suplex, but Punk hit a bulldog for a two count. Punk went for the GTS, but Chavo grabbed the ropes to block it. Punk dropped Chavo to the apron, then kicked him in the head. Chavo collapsed onto the floor. Punk rolled Chavo back into the ring for a two count. Punk set up Chavo for a superplex, but Chavo shoved him off. Punk then crotched Chavo on the top rope. Punk went for a rana off the ropes, but Chavo hooked the top rope and Punk crashed to the mat. Chavo hit the frog splash and got the clean pin at the seven minute mark.
Winner: Chavo Guerrero.
Michael Cole and Jonathan Coachman reviewed the Edge-Mysterio feud, and noted that Smackdown General Manager Vickie Guerrero would not be here as a result of Rey knocking her out on Smackdown. Mike Adamle interviewed Rey Mysterio, who claimed Edge doesn't care about Vickie. Rey said his hitting Vickie was an accident, but he's not going to say he is sorry again. They talked about his torn bicep, and Rey showed off his bruised arm. Rey said it is torn, and it can't get any worse. Floyd Mayweather Jr. walked in and he and Rey exchanged pleasantries. Mayweather was accompanied by two huge bodyguards. Rey and Mayweather walked off together.
Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler discussed the Raw Elimination Chamber, and they showed Chris Jericho backstage taping up his wrists. The Elimination Chamber was slowly lowered as Michael Cole and Jonathan Coachman talked about the Smackdown Elimination Chamber. They showed a video package on the Chamber.
Elimination Chamber for a World Title match at Wrestlemania: Undertaker vs. Batista vs. Finlay vs. Big Daddy V, with Matt Striker, vs. MVP vs. Great Khali, with Ranjin Singh.
MVP entered first, then Big Daddy V, then Great Khali, then Finlay (no Hornswoggle) all of whom entered pods. So, it is starting with Batista vs. The Undertaker. Batista made his entrance, going to each pod and trash talking the wrestlers inside of them. Undertaker then made his entrance, slamming the Chamber door shut behind him.
Taker and Batista started out punching in center ring. Batista got the better of it and worked over Taker in a corner with shoulderblocks. Taker hit a kneelift to block a shoulderblock, then threw Batista over the top rope and onto the steel floor of the chamber. Undertaker rubbed Batista's face into the chain wall. Batista fought back with a punch, then kicked Taker back into the ring. Batista whipped Undertaker hard into a corner, then hit a clothesline for a two count. Undertaker came back with a boot to the face, then punched him into a corner. Undertaker choked Batista, then stomped him down. Taker hit some elbows in a corner, then kicked at Batista's legs. Undertaker continued to stomp Batista, then stood on his throat. Batista got to his feet and battled back with punches, to boos from the crowd. Batista hit a back elbow for a two count. Batista missed a clothesline, and the two men kicked each other in the head, knocking them down as the time period elapsed.
Big Daddy V entered the match.
Big Daddy V went to work on Batista, hitting a clothesline, then gave on to the Undertaker. BDV slammed Undertaker, then chopped Batista in the corner. BDV gave Undertaker a Samoan Drop, then stood on his stomach and chest. BDV went back to Batista, hitting chops and slamming him. Undertaker recovered outside the ring. Big Daddy V chopped Batista, then headbutted Undertaker. Taker fell into the door, which broke open and Undertaker fell to the outside. The referees kept BDV from going outside, and Taker got back in the cage. BDV avalanched Undertaker against the cage wall. You know, for such an awesome structure, you'd think there would be more than one small bolt lock keeping the door shut. Big Daddy V turned his attention to Batista in the ring, hitting an avalanche in the corner. Big Daddy V went for a Samoan Drop, but Batista ducked it and hit a spinebuster. Big Daddy V was knocked through the ropes by Batista, and Undertaker DDT'd him on the steel floor. Batista covered Big Daddy V, on the steel flooring, and got the three count.
Big Daddy V is eliminated.
Great Khali entered the match.
Khali went back and forth between opponents, chopping Batista down as Khali worked over Undertaker with elbows. A "You Can't Wrestle" chant broke out. Undertaker hit some shots and went for a chokeslam, but Khali blocked it and hit a double handed chokeslam on Undertaker for a two count. Khali then gave Batista a clothesline for a two count. Khali chopped Undertaker, then put Batista in the Vice Grip. Batista broke out with a low kick and hit a spear on Khali. Taker then knocked Batista down. Singh climbed up on the cage wall, but Taker kicked him down. Undertaker put Khali in the gogoplata (or, as I like to call it, the Bloody Shin Choke) and Khali tapped out (and bled from the mouth).
Great Khali is eliminated.
Undertaker worked on Batista outside the ring and got a two count on the steel floor. Undertaker dragged Batista's back across the steel flooring.
Finlay entered the match.
Undertaker immediately hit Finlay with a jumping kick and whipped him into a corner, but then missed a running kick and got caught in the ropes. Finlay hit Undertaker, then went after Batista and threw him through the ropes and onto the steel floor. Finlay gave Undertaker the Celtic Cross in the ring for a two count, then hit a kneedrop. Finlay and Batista slugged it out on the steel floor, then Batista grabbed Finlay's legs and catapulted him into the cage wall. Finlay fell into the ring and Undertaker stomped him. Batista and Undertaker began slugging it out in the ring, and Batista tried a backdrop, but Taker kicked it away, then nailed him with a clothesline. Finlay crawled onto the downed Batista for a two count. Finlay dropped an elbow on Batista, then threw Undertaker over the top rope and onto the steel floor. Finlay rammed Undertaker into the cage wall. Finlay kicked Undertaker in the head and got a two count on the steel floor. Finlay rammed Taker into the plexiglass wall of the chamber where MVP was. Finlay rammed Taker into an empty pod, and the plexiglass broke. Batista, from the ring, grabbed Finlay and rammed him into the ringpost. Batista pulled Finlay into the ring with a cradle suplex for a two count.
MVP entered the match.
Undertaker was waiting for him, so MVP tried to hold his door shut. Taker got it open and pounded down MVP in his pod. As Taker returned to the ring, Batista attached him and hit some shoulderblocks in the corner. Batista hit a clothesline on Taker, but ran into a boot to the face. MVP came in and hit a Shining Wizard on Batista and a running kick on Undertaker. MVP got a two count on Undertaker. MVP took off his medallion and used the chain to choke Finlay and get a two count. MVP punched down Undertaker and hit a series of shots, using the medallion as a weapon. Taker was busted open. MVP kicked Finlay in the face, then kicked Batista. Undertaker got to his feet, and MVP blasted him over and over with the medallion. Taker wouldn't go down, and dared MVP to hit him again. MVP threw more shots, then seeing the Undertaker not go down, jumped up on top of the pod. MVP threw punches from there, as Taker climbed the ropes to try and reach him. Undertaker grabbed MVP by the throat, and threw him off the top of the pod and into the ring. Finlay crawled onto MVP for the pin.
MVP is eliminated.
Undertaker went for a top rope elbowdrop on Finlay, but Finlay moved out of the way. Hornswoggle popped up by the ringpost, in an opening in the Chamber floor, and handed Finlay a shillelagh. Finlay used it on Undertaker and Batista. Batista tried to lift Finlay for a powerbomb, but Finlay hit Batista in the head with the shillelagh and got a two count. Undertaker grabbed Finlay and chokeslammed him over the top rope and onto the steel floor. Undertaker pinned Finlay.
Finlay is eliminated.
Batista, who was bloodied by the shillelagh, and Undertaker, also bloody, went at it in the center of the ring. They traded punches, with Taker's getting cheers and Batista's getting boos. Batista hit a kick to the gut and powerbombed Undertaker, to a pop. Undertaker kicked out at two, to a bigger pop. Batista punched Undertaker in a corner, but Undertaker grabbed Batista and hit the Last Ride powerbomb. Undertaker collapsed after hitting the move, then slowly crawled onto Batista for a two count. Undertaker mounted Batista and hit a series of punches. Undertaker called for the tombstone. Batista floated over it and threw Undertaker over the top rope. Batista went out onto the steel floor with Undertaker and rubbed his face against the cage. Batista put Undertaker over his shoulder and threw Undertaker head first into the cage. Batista went to do it again, but Undertaker blocked it with his hands. Undertaker, from over Batista's shoulder, pushed off the cage and as Batista fell backwards they tumbled over the top rope into the ring, with Batista now in Undertaker's arms. Undertaker nailed the tombstone piledriver for the three count at the twenty-nine minute mark.
Batista is eliminated.
Winner: The Undertaker.
Undertaker struggled to his feet, then pointed at the Wrestlemania sign.
Backstage, Edge and the Edgeheads looked very concerned about Undertaker earning the Wrestlemania title match. Edge tried to get back on track and work out a plan for his match tonight. Theodore R. Long entered, and told Edge that since Vickie Guerrero wasn't present, he was in charge. Long told Edge that both Edgeheads were banned from ringside tonight.
The Kelly Kelly-Mae Young Wrestlemania commercial was shown.
Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler talked about how Maria needs to decide between Playboy and Santino Marella tomorrow. They showed a video package of Maria and Ashley at a Playboy Mansion party, including appearances by the legendary David Hasselhoff and Hugh Hefner.
Ric Flair vs. Ken Kennedy.
Kennedy hit Flair with a shoulderblock at the start, then mocked Flair's strut. Flair, who has his knee bandaged, chopped Kennedy down and strutted. Flair hiptossed Kennedy, then hit a series of chops. Kennedy dropkicked Flair's bad knee. Kennedy put Flair in a half crab. Flair made the ropes, and Kennedy took his leg and rammed it into the ringpost. Kennedy put Flair in a figure four leglock around the ringpost to further weaken the leg. Back in the ring, Kennedy put Flair in a figure four. Kennedy blocked Flair from chopping his way out of it. Flair made the ropes to break it. Kennedy hit his rolling Samoan Drop for a two count, then went for another, but Flair floated over it and hit a chopblock on Kennedy's knee. Flair chopped Kennedy and hit another chopblock, then went for a figure four. Kennedy kicked it away, then cradled Flair with a handful of trunks and his feet on the ropes for leverage, but the referee caught him. Flair hit a shinbreaker and went for a figure four, but Kennedy rolled him into a small package for a two count. Flair grabbed Kennedy's leg again and tripped him to the mat. Flair applied the figure four leglock for the tap out win at the eight minute mark.
Winner: Ric Flair.
Flair got on the mic and announced himself as the winner, then noted he will never retire.
Backstage, Vince McMahon walked in on Finlay, who was being checked on by a trainer. Vince pointed out that Finlay won't be able to help Hornswoggle tomorrow night when he gets him in a steel cage. Vince emphasized that he will show his son "tough love".
A video package on the Mysterio-Edge feud was shown.
World Champion Edge vs. Rey Mysterio.
Rey came out with his arm bandaged and padded. Mayweather was shown seated at ringside. Edge came out alone. Edge backed Rey into a corner and smiled at Rey, motioning at his bad arm. Rey hit some kicks to the legs, then hit a tilt-a-whirl headscissors. Rey kicked Edge in the head, then pounded Edge with some left hand punches. Rey leapfrogged Edge, who took Rey down with a boot to the face. Rey went to the floor to regroup, and Edge hit him with a baseball slide. Edge threw Rey into the ringsteps, then applied an armlock in the ring. Edge put Rey on the top turnbuckle and went for Rey's mask, but Rey elbowed him away. Edge hung Rey in the Tree of Woe, but Rey sat up as Edge went for a baseball slide and Edge crotched himself on the ringpost. Rey hit a moonsault onto a standing Edge for a two count. Rey hit a second rope swinging DDT for another two count, as Edge got his foot on the ropes. Edge went for a sunset flip, but Rey rolled out of it. Edge rolled back to avoid a Rey kick, but Rey instead gave Edge a drop toe hold into the ropes. Rey gave Edge the 619. Rey was slow to get up, and went for a springboard off the middle rope in the ring, but Edge hit him with a spear as he came at him off the ropes and got the clean pin at the five minute mark.
Winner: Edge.
Rey was tended to by doctors at ringside after the match.
The Big Show's music hit, and he walked out, wearing street clothes and smiling. Show opened his jacket and to show that he has lost a lot of weight. Show got on the mic and said "Guess who's back?" Show said he "missed this place". Show said he would be a champion again. Show said he has already been a champion on Raw, Smackdown and ECW, and that it is only a matter of time that he will be champion again. Show said he has lost 108 pounds. Show was distracted that Mysterio was still at ringside, so Show went out and grabbed him by threw throat. Show said "Does your arm hurt?" and slapped Rey's arm. Show held Rey in front of Mayweather and asked if he was going to "do something". Show got in the ring with Rey and held him by his throat. Mayweather motioned to get in the ring, but his entourage held him back. Show dared him to do something. Show picked up Rey for a chokeslam, and Mayweather ran into the ring. Show dropped Rey, and the ring filled with people for a pull apart with Mayweather and Show. They ended up going face to chest, and Show shoved Mayweather back. Mayweather shoved Show, who didn't move. Show got down on his knees, so he would be eye level with Mayweather. Mayweather hit two punches on Show, then ran out of the ring with his crew. Big Show gave chase, but was stopped by Shane McMahon. Show was bleeding from the mouth and nose, and went back to ringside with Shane. Show kept spitting blood out of his mouth, and talked with Shane as they went to the back. Show said "It's my ring". A replay showed it was actually three punches that landed.
They showed Jeff Hardy in the back getting ready for the Elimination Chamber.
Mike Adamle introduced a video package on the Orton-Cena feud.
WWE Champion Randy Orton vs. John Cena.
They locked up at the bell, and Cena tripped Orton into a small package for a one count. The crowd is louder and more active than they've been since the Undertaker entrance. There were dueling chants for Orton and Cena. Orton knocked Cena down and stomped his head. Orton hit some punches to the head, and kicked him down. Cena reversed a whip into the corner then hit a bulldog for a two count. Cena hit a back elbow, then delivered an elbowdrop for a two count. Orton kicked Cena's arm, and decked Cena as he tried to come back. Orton punched Cena in the ropes and knocked him to the apron. Cena snapped Orton's head on the ropes from the apron, then hit a top rope Rocker Dropper for a two count. Cena ran into an Orton elbow, then Orton choked him against the bottom rope. Orton punched Cena, and Cena grabbed for an FU from nowhere. Orton wriggled out of it and hit an uppercut.
Orton stomped Cena's sneaker-clad ankles. Orton continued the stomping, targeting the arm and shoulders. Orton then began punching Cena's surgically repaired pectoral muscle. Orton set up for a kneedrop, but Cena moved out of the way. Orton grabbed a headlock, then turned it into a sleeperhold, then into a chinlock. Cena battled up out of it, and hit a pair of shoulderblocks, then a back suplex into a powerbomb. Cena did the Five Knuckle Shuffle, and hit the fistdrop. Cena went for the FU, but Orton rolled out and went to the floor. Cena followed him outside, and they slugged it out. They were almost counted out, and both men dove into the ring at the nine count. They stared at each other, then began slugging it out.
Orton hit a side neckbreaker on Cena. Orton put Cena on the top turnbuckle, and hit a series of punches. Orton went for a superplex, but Cena shoved it off. Cena went for the top rope Rocker Dropper again, but Orton moved out of the way and Cena crashed to the mat. Orton set up for an RKO, but Cena slammed it away and applied the STFU. Orton struggled in the hold, then made the ropes. Orton rolled to the floor, and complained about his knee. The referee asked if he could continue. Orton told the referee to count him out. Cena came out, saying he knew Orton wasn't hurt to the referee, who tried to stop him. Orton grabbed Cena and hit an RKO on the floor, then rolled into the ring. The referee got up to a nine count, and Cena rolled back into the ring. Cena yelled at Orton to get to his feet. Orton slapped the referee, and the referee called for the bell at the seventeen minute mark. Orton smiled. Cena complained to the referee, then gave Orton an FU and applied an STFU. Orton tapped like crazy, but the referee had already left the ring. Cena finally walked off in disgust. Orton got his belt and walked off as they announced that Cena was the winner, but Orton was still the champion.
Winner via disqualification: John Cena.
Backstage, Shawn Michaels approached Triple H. Michaels said this is normally where they deliver witty lines and shill merchandise. They both agreed that they would do whatever they had to do in order to win tonight.
Elimination Chamber for a WWE Title match at Wrestlemania: Jeff Hardy vs. Shawn Michaels vs. Triple H vs. Chris Jericho vs. JBL vs. Umaga.
Triple H entered first, then Umaga, then JBL, then Jeff Hardy. So, it will start with Chris Jericho and Shawn Michaels. Jericho came out and taunted JBL, who was in a pod. Michaels made his entrance, and the match began.
Jericho grabbed a hammerlock, but Michaels got out and they traded chops. Michaels grabbed a sunset flip and the two traded reversals for two counts. Jericho went for a German suplex, but Michaels blocked it and Jericho hit a Northern Lights suplex for a two count. Michaels bridged up and grabbed a backslide for two, then Jericho nailed him with a clotheslines. Jericho hit a side backbreaker, then punched Michaels and slapped him on the mat. Jericho hit punches and chops, then Michaels ducked a clothesline and hit a flying forearm. Michaels kipped up and hit a reverse atomic drop, then slammed Jericho. Michaels went for a top rope elbow, but Jericho got his knees up. Jericho hit a bulldog and went for a Lionsault. Michaels got his knees up, but Jericho stopped himself and went for the Walls Of Jericho. Michaels reversed it and went for a Sharpshooter, but Jericho tripped out of it and dropped an elbow. They traded shots and Michaels hit some chops. They collided on simultaneous bodypress attempts as the clocks ran out.
Umaga entered the match.
Umaga went back and forth, knocking down both opponents. He clotheslined both men, then lifted Jericho in a fireman's carry. Michaels hit Umaga with some punches. Michaels charged, Umaga bent over, then lifted Jericho and Michaels and hit a double Samoan Drop. Umaga kicked Michaels over the top rope and onto the steel flooring, then gave Jericho a diving headbutt. Umaga gave Michaels a Bonsai Drop to the back of the head on the steel floor from off the cage wall. Umaga went back after Jericho in the ring and hit a series of shots. Umaga hit another drop on Michaels off the cage, then went back into the ring. Jericho hit some chops, but Umaga decked him with a shot to the throat. Umaga missed a second rope headbutt on Jericho, and Michaels dove off the top rope with an elbowdrop on Umaga. Jericho turned Umaga into the Walls Of Jericho. Michaels added a Crippler Crossface to Umaga's front end as the clock ran out.
JBL entered the match.
JBL kicked Jericho in the face, then gave Michaels a big boot as well. JBL gave Jericho a clothesline, then one for Michaels, who was a bloody mess. JBL gave Jericho a neckbreaker. They replayed to show that Michaels got busted open when he collided with Jericho earlier. Umaga started fighting with Michaels on the steel floor, slamming him, while in the ring, Jericho gave JBL a tornado DDT. JBL and Jericho ended up on the same side of the ring with Michaels and Umaga when JBL backdropped Jericho out of the ring. Soon, Michaels and Umaga were in the ring, with Umaga whipping Michaels hard into the corner and out of the ring.
Triple H entered the match.
Triple H tackled Umaga and hit some punches, then went after JBL and gave him a facebuster on a knee. HHH gave one to Umaga, then rammed him into JBL. Triple H gave Jericho a spinebuster, then one for Umaga. Triple H gave JBL a DDT for a two count. Umaga cut off HHH's momentum, but HHH rammed him over the turnbuckles and into a pod. Jericho went for a Lionsault on Triple H, but Triple H got the knees up. Triple H went for a Pedigree on Jericho, but JBL gave HHH the Clothesline From Hell. Jericho then gave JBL the Codebreaker for a pin.
JBL is eliminated.
JBL ran back into the Chamber with two chairs, and plastered Jericho and Michaels with chair shots. He paused when he saw Umaga, then blasted him with a chair anyway. JBL then left, leaving behind the two chairs. Jericho was busted open.
Jeff Hardy entered the match.
Everyone was down, except Umaga, who had just gotten up. Hardy hit a back heel kick on Umaga, splashed Michaels in a corner, gave Jericho a gourdbuster, and Triple H a forearm shot. Hardy jumped off of Jericho's back to hit Umaga with Air Hardy. Triple H and Michaels grabbed Hardy and whipped him across the ring, and Hardy jumped onto the ropes and hit Whisper In The Wind on both men. Umaga gave Hardy a thrust kick. Umaga gave Jericho a spinning side slam. Umaga hung Triple H in the Tree Of Woe. Umaga whipped Michaels into HHH, then hit a headbutt on Triple H for good measure. Umaga kicked Jericho, then pounded Triple H on the steel floor. Umaga hit the posterior ram on Jericho against a pod, breaking through it.
Umaga took Jericho in the ring and set up for the Samoan Spike, but Michaels gave Umaga a superkick. Jericho gave Umaga the Codebreaker, then Triple H gave Umaga the Pedigree. Hardy gave Umaga a Swanton off the top of a pod, and Jericho covered Umaga for the pin.
Umaga is eliminated.
Michaels gave Jericho a superkick, and Hardy covered Jericho for the pin.
Chris Jericho is eliminated.
Hardy gave Shawn Michaels a Twist Of Fate. Triple H threw Hardy out of the ring, then gave Michaels a Pedigree for the pin.
Shawn Michaels is eliminated.
Triple H invited Jeff Hardy into center ring. They slugged it out, and Triple H sidestepped Hardy and threw him out of the ring. They fought on the steel floor, and Hardy rammed Triple H into the cage wall, then hit a DDT on the steel. Hardy pounded Triple H on the outside, then rammed the now bloody Triple H into the cage over and over. Hardy stomped Triple H, then went to the top rope and dove off at Triple H. Triple H blocked it with a kick, and set up for a Pedigree on the steel floor. Hardy backdropped Triple H into the ring. Hardy went for the Swanton, but Triple H moved out of the way. Triple H hit Hardy with a Pedigree, but Hardy kicked out at two.
Triple H grabbed a chair and set up for a Pedigree on it. Hardy hit Triple H with a low blow. Hardy went for a Twist of Fate on the chair, but Triple H threw Hardy down on it. Triple H then hit a Pedigree on the chair for the pin at the twenty four minute mark.
Jeff Hardy is eliminated.
Winner: Triple H.
Triple H pointed at the Wrestlemania sign and gestured that he wanted the belt as the show ended.
So, as of right now, here are your Wrestlemania main events:
- WWE Champion Randy Orton vs. Triple H.
- World Champion Edge vs. The Undertaker.
2009 - TNA signed Sarita.
2009 - WWE broadcast ECW on SyFy. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
At No Way Out, Jack Swagger was able to retain the ECW title against Finlay. We did not see Christian make an appearance, but we will see those three men and Mark Henry. What is next on the Tommy Dreamer ‘Road to Gold’? Will we see any of the members of the roster make a case for participating in the Super Bowl of Pro Wrestling?
We start off tonight with a look back at Christian’s return to ECW when Jack Swagger called out Hornswoggle. Then we see Christian’s match against Jack Swagger which saw Swagger suffer another non-title defeat.
We are live on tape from Spokane, Washington and your announcers are Todd ‘Triple Threat’ Grisham and Matt ‘Not Les’s’ Striker.
Match Number One: Boogeyman versus Paul Burchill with Katie Lea
Boogeyman foams at the mouth before the bell rings. Boogeyman turns his attention to Katie and that allows Burchill to attack him from behind. Burchill with kicks and punches and a head butt. Burchill charges into the corner and hits knees to the chest. Boogeyman with punches but Burchill with a head butt. Boogeyman with a clothesline and Irish whip. Boogeyman with a running back splash and an Irish whip that sends him face first into the turnbuckles. Boogeyman with a splash into the corner and a power slam. Boogeyman goes for the worms but Burchill with a rollup for the three count.
Winner: Paul Burchill
After the match, Boogeyman chases Katie Lea around and into the ring, but she is able to escape.
Grisham and Striker talk about Jack Swagger’s victory at No Way Out.
We find out that Jack Swagger will defend his title against Christian.
We go to commercial.
We are back and did you know that people like watching ECW on SciFi more than anything else on the channel?
Match Number Two: John Morrison with super Slow Mo Power and The Miz versus Tommy Dreamer
They lock up and Morrison with a waist lock but Dreamer with a punch and Morrison responds with an arm drag. Morrison misses an elbow and Dreamer with a drop toe hold and arm drag. Dreamer with a side Russian leg sweep and then he clotheslines Morrison over the top rope to the floor. Miz distracts Dreamer on the apron and Morrison with a thunderous arm wringer. Morrison with forearms to Dreamer and then Morrison connects with a few kicks. Morrison with a side head lock. Dreamer with a suplex and Miz distracts Dreamer again but the referee sends Miz to the back. Dreamer with a neck breaker and back body drop. Dreamer with an Irish whip and bulldog. Morrison misses the springboard spin kick and Dreamer with a pump handle suplex but Morrison gets his foot on the rope. Morrison crotches Dreamer on the top turnbuckle and then Morrison tries for a superplex but Morrison is pushed off the turnbuckles. Dreamer comes off the top but Morrison with a boot to the midsection followed by Moonlight Drive for the three count.
Winner: John Morrison
After the match, Miz returns to the ring.
Finlay and Hornswoggle are in the locker room and Hornswoggle is working out while his dad feeds him. Christian enters and Hornswoggle is sent away. Christian asks Finlay if Hornswoggle is going to be a distraction tonight. Finlay says that Hornswoggle won’t be a problem, but Christian better hold his end up.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Evan Bourne is almost ready to return.
Match Number Three: Tyson Kidd with Natalya versus Caden Matthews
They lock up and Kidd with a drop toe hold into a front face lock and Matthews gets to the ropes. Kidd with a hammer lock followed by a knee when Matthews tries for a reversal. Kidd with a number of kicks for a near fall. Kidd with a snap mare and kick to the back and one to the chest for a two count. Kidd charges into an elbow but Kidd responds with a drop kick. Kidd with a slingshot leg drop onto the apron followed by a springboard elbow drop for the three count.
Winner: Tyson Kidd
We go to commercial.
We are back with footage from Wrestlemania 14 when Mike Tyson was at ringside when Cold Stone won the title.
Tommy Dreamer is in the locker room looking dejected and a towel falls on his shoulder. Ricky says that Dreamer was the first person to welcome him into ECW and he reminds Dreamer who he is.
We see that the Funks are still going to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
We see the WWE Extreme Rewind: Christian pinning Jack Swagger last week.
Match Number Four: Jack Swagger and Mark Henry with Tony Atlas versus Christian and Finlay with Hornswoggle
Christian and Henry start things off. Christian with a waist lock but Henry tosses Christian into the corner. Henry chokes Christian in the corner and then he misses a punch. Christian connects with a series of punches. Henry tosses Christian into the air and he lands face first on the mat. Henry with a punch and he tries to slam Henry but Christian clips Henry and then Finlay tags in and they hit a double drop kick. Swagger tags in and Finlay gets out of the corner. Finlay tries for a leg take down but Swagger stays up. Swagger with a waist lock take down but Finlay gets to the ropes. Finlay with a forearm to the back of the head followed by a short arm clothesline.
Christian tags back in and he punches Swagger. Christian hits Finlay as he comes off the ropes and Christian hits a sunset flip and a spinning heel kick. Finlay takes his time tagging back in and Finlay punches Swagger and hits a European uppercut as we go to commercial.
We are back and Swagger sends Finlay into the corner and connects with shoulders. Swagger kicks Finlay and throws him out of the ring. Henry with a clothesline to Finlay on the floor while the referee was with Christian. Swagger sends Finlay into the apron and then they return to the ring. Swagger with a waist lock and Henry is tagged back in. Henry with a head butt followed by a kick to the ribs. Henry gets a near fall. Swagger is back in and he kicks Finlay followed by a belly-to-back suplex for a near fall. Swagger returns to the waist lock. Finlay with a version of a stunner but Swagger responds with a clothesline for a near fall. Henry is tagged back in and he stands on Finlay’s chest. Tony Atlas punches Finlay while Henry distracts the referee. Henry with shoulders in the corner and Swagger is tagged back in.
Swagger with a forearm to the back and a front face lock. Finlay tries to get to his tag team partner, but Swagger returns Finlay into his corner. Henry tags in and slams Finlay but he misses an elbow drop. Swagger and Christian tag in and Christian goes after Henry and Swagger accidentally hits Henry. Christian with a rollup and then he hits a drop toe hold into the ropes. Swagger with a belly-to-belly suplex for a near fall. Christian with an inverted DDT and then Christian goes up top but Henry tries to stop him. Atlas also tries to stop him. Swagger gets on the turnbuckles and he tries for a belly-to-belly but Christian sends Swagger off the turnbuckles. Christian with a diving head butt for a near fall. Henry breaks up the cover and he picks up Christian. Hornswoggle comes in and he grabs Henry’s leg. Finlay hits Henry with the shillelagh but Swagger with a boot to Finlay. Swagger tries for the Doctor Bomb but Christian escapes the hold and hits the Unprettier for the three count.
Winners: Christian and Finlay
2011 - SyFy and World Wrestling Entertainment issued the following press release to promote the 600th episode of Smackdown:
Friday Night Smackdown WILL SURPASS LASSIE IN TOTAL WEEKLY EPISODES — THIRD MOST IN TV HISTORY — WHEN 600TH TELECAST AIRS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18 ON SYFY/b>
Syfy and WWE Celebrate with 12 Man Tag Team Match at 8PM (ET/PT)
NEW YORK – February 16, 2011 – After more than a decade on television, Friday Night Smackdown will reach its milestone 600th episode this Friday, February 18, at 8 PM (ET/PT) on Syfy, moving past Lassie into third place for the most weekly episodic programs in TV history.SmackDown also has aired more total episodes than iconic television shows such as The Simpsons, Married With Children and Law & Order.
For the first time ever on SmackDown, a 12 man tag team main event combining Monday Night Raw and Friday Night SmackDownSuperstars, will make the 600th episode an historic night.
The main event will feature WWE Superstars:
- John Cena – CM Punk
- Rey Mysterio – Sheamus
- R-Truth VS. – Drew McIntyre
- Edge – Dolph Ziggler
- John Morrison – Wade Barrett
- Randy Orton – Kane
Friday Night Smackdown debuted on August 26, 1999 and has been watched more than 2.7 billion times by viewers in the U.S. It is seen in 79 countries internationally and airs in 22 languages.
About Syfy
Syfy is a media destination for imagination-based entertainment. With year round acclaimed original series, events, blockbuster movies, classic science fiction and fantasy programming, a dynamic Web site (www.Syfy.com), and a portfolio of adjacent business (Syfy Ventures),Syfy is a passport to limitless possibilities. Originally launched in 1992 as SCI FI Channel, and currently in more than 98 million homes, Syfy is a network of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies. (Syfy. Imagine greater.)
About WWE, Inc.
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., a publicly traded company (NYSE: WWE), is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in global entertainment. The company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family-friendly, PG content across all of its platforms including television programming, pay-per-view, digital media and publishing. WWE programming is broadcast in more than 145 countries and 30 languages and reaches more than 500 million homes worldwide. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, London, Shanghai, Singapore, Tokyo, Toronto and Mexico City. Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: WWE) can be found atwwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/..
2011 - TNA broadcast Impact. Stu Carapola filed the following TV report:
Welcome to the TNA Impact Report on PWInsider.com!
We open up with a look back at Against All Odds, as Jeff Jarrett beat Kurt Angle clean and Angle left his shoes in the middle of the ring and walked away, Jeff Hardy regained the TNA World Title by beating Ken Anderson in a Ladder Match. That all leads into tonight, as Rob Van Dam will challenge the new champion for the TNA World Title in the main event.
We head to the Impact Zone as Eric Bischoff leads Immortal to the ring for our usual opening spot, then introduces the new champion. Bischoff says Jeff is proof that you can take Fortune out of Immortal, but you can't take the greatness out of the Antichrist, and the title is back where it should be. Hardy says something that gets bleeped out, then we cut to the back as Ric Flair gets out of a limo. Bischoff says people thought Immortal was done, but Bischoff puts Rob Terry, Gunner, and Murphy over for going toe to toe with Scott Steiner and Beer Money, and said that Matt Hardy proved how good he is against Rob Van Dam, and needs to bring it again tonight against AJ Styles. Bischoff tells Hardy that they talked about him taking a few weeks off, but he got a call from the network Monday morning and they said that they need Jeff Hardy to pull the ratings, and want him to defend the TNA World Title against Rob Van Dam tonight. Bischoff says he's going to talk to the network, but he knows that Hardy is the guy who can get the job done. Bischoff says there's one more piece of business to get out of the way: everything is back the way it should be, but he's been calling Ric Flair for weeks and he hasn't gotten ahold of him. Hogan warned him about the baggage Flair brings to the table but Bischoff went to bat for him, and now he's starting to question where he's at and he'll give Flair until next week to come out here and explain himself.
Flair's music hits and he comes out to the ring. He gives all the members of Immortal the pound, then said that the last time someone gave him an opportunity, she said that he needs to grow up or she's out of here, and he said that she's out of here. Flair tells Bischoff that nobody tells Flair what to do or how to do it, then congratulates Jeff on regaining the TNA World Title. He says he's tight with the Hardys, and after years of hating each other, he was starting to get tight with Bischoff, and now he'll tell Bischoff and he'll also tell Hogan like it is: they're all one happy family, and he'll bring the family together or he'll separate them. Flair tells Bischoff he'll see him later and WHOOs his way out of the ring.
We go via satellite to Jeff and Karen Jarrett getting massaged in Orlando, Florida and gloating over their victory over Kurt Angle. Jeff says he's a role model to everyone because he knows how to treat children.
We go backstage as AJ Styles is beating Matt Hardy up backstage and Immortal runs in to attack AJ, but then Fortune comes in to even the odds and it turns into a pull apart brawl.
Mike and Taz take us back to Against All Odds to run down the events of the PPV, then we go back to backstage as Sarita and Rosita meet up backstage with Hernandez and say stuff in Spanish that I can't translate.
Time for our first match...
Douglas Williams vs Hernandez
Hernandez runs out and attacks Williams from behind during his entrance and destroys him at ringside, ramming him into the ring steps over and over as Sarita and Rosita cheer him on. Hernandez rolls Williams into the ring and gags him with his t-shirt. Sarita looks into a camera and shoots her mouth off on Velvet Sky, so Velvet runs out and attacks Sarita until Rosita grabs her from behind and chokes her. Angelina Love runs out and now it's an even brawl on the floor while Hernandez wraps his t-shirt around Williams' neck and tosses him across the ring, then KILLS him with a Border Toss that drops Williams on his head more than his neck, and Hernandez covers for the win.
Winner: Hernandez
Seriously, that Border Toss was brutal, and I hope Williams was okay after taking it.
We go backstage to Eric Bischoff's office as he's on the phone with the network and asks them to reconsider putting Jeff Hardy in the ring with RVD tonight. We can't hear the other side of the conversation, but it appears that Bischoff isn't happy with what he's told.
We go back out to the ring, where the Pope has some kind of tribal feast set up, complete with a pig on a table with an apple in his mouth. Pope says that in this world, it's survival of the fittest, and he is the fittest and what's laying in front of him (incidacting the pig) is a Sloppy Joe. Pope is going to do something that'll shock us, and take us back 10,000 years to tell us about how Jesus performed miracles, and he's going to perform a miracle tonight and feed everyone. He knows that nobody believes he can perform miracles, but Ronald Reagan and Michael Jackson believe in him, and he pulls out his phone and says he just got a text from Jesus, who believes in him too. Pope says he's going to charge 10 bucks a pop for anyone who wants a piece of the pig, but Samoa Joe's music hits and he comes out to confront Pope. Kato hops up on the apron and nails Pope from behind so Joe can destroy him and hit the Muscle Buster through the table, then Joe takes the apple and stuffs it in Pope's mouth.
Still to come: Rob Van Dam challenges Jeff Hardy for the TNA World Title!
We go to commercial, and when we come back, Robbie E and Cookie are in the ring and say that they had the rug pulled out from under them at Against All Odds since he had planned to face Generation Me, but now he's got his game face on and he's ready to become a 2-time X Division Champion. Frankie Kazarian gives Traci a kiss backstage, then comes out to the ring and tells Robbie that as the OG of the X Division and a member of Fortune, he's going to take the X Division back to the forefront of TNA. TNA was built on the X Division, and tells Robbie to send Cookie to the back so they can do this out here. Robbie convinces Cookie to leave, then nails Kazarian from behind and the match is on...
X Division Title Match: Frankie Kazarian vs Robbie E
Robbie gets an inverted bulldog and a running back elbow for a pair of 2 counts. Robbie tries covering with his foot on the ropes but referee Jackson James sees Robbie and forces the break. Kazarian fires back on Robbie and hits a high kick to the face and a springboard back elbow for 2. Kazarian escapes a back suplex and hits a spinkick, but Cookie comes in and blasts Kazarian in the face with her pocketbook to draw the DQ.
Winner: Frankie Kazarian by DQ
Robbie puts the boots to Kazarian and then Cookie gets on top and chokes him, but Traci comes running out and goes after Cookie. Kazarian pulls her off of Cookie as Robbie shepherds Cookie out of the ring and to the back.
Flair comes into the Fortune locker room and gives them all a big hug, then he tells AJ to slap Matt Hardy around tonight. Flair ices Fortune, and they chug them down...all except AJ, because Storm steals his beverage and finishes it for him.
Up next: AJ Styles faces Matt Hardy!
Matt Hardy vs AJ Styles
They go at it right from the start with a fast paced sequence, and AJ dumps Matt to the floor, then follows him out with a somersault dive over the top. Back in the ring, AJ goes for his springboard forearm but Matt nails him coming over and drives him into the guardrail, then tosses him back in the ring and hits the Side Effect for 2. Flair comes down to ringside as Hardy traps AJ in a three quarter nelson, and AJ tries to fight his way out but Matt goes to the eyes so AJ just tackles him to the ground and starts running him over with clotheslines. AJ goes for the Styles Clash but Hardy tosses him off and comes off the ropes, but loses his footing and barely makes it back to his feet in time to take a clothesline. AJ goes up top and (believe it or not), Flair pushes him off the top and Matt hits the Twist Of Hate for the win.
Winner: Matt Hardy
Flair and Hardy beat AJ down until Beer Money runs out to make the save.
We go backstage as Ken Anderson yells about how someone is going to get their ass kicked, and that someone is Eric Bischoff.
We go back to the Jarretts by satellite from across town, as they're getting all up on each other in the pool and are still gloating about how Kurt Angle is going to be walking her down the aisle.
Back out to the ring as Ken Anderson comes out to share his thoughts. He calls Eric Bischoff out to the ring, and Bischoff powerwalks his way out. Anderson says that he found out that RVD is getting a title shot tonight, and thought he would be first in line for a rematch. Crowd chants triple threat, and Bischoff says that he doesn't like RVD getting the title match any more than he does, but it was the network's decision. Anderson asks when the network ever had any say around here, but Bischoff explains that this is a TV show that airs on a TV network, and since the network writes the checks, they make the rules, and if they want Hardy vs RVD, then that's what they're going to get. Anderson says to put him in the ring if he wants ratings, and Bischoff says that maybe the reason the network didn't choose Anderson was because of the coarse language and hand gestures, and if he was a little more PG and family friendly then maybe he'd get farther. Anderson says asshole about 17 times, and Bischoff says he can't change what the network wants, but he has an idea: if he can't put him in a title match as a participant, he can make him the special referee. Bischoff says that Hardy proved at the PPV that he's the better man, and until Anderson beats Jeff Hardy, he'll never prove otherwise, so he ought to call the match right down the middle. Bischoff asks him if it's a deal and extends his hand, and Anderson pauses for a moment before shaking it, then gives Bischoff the Mic Check. Anderson gets right in his face and says to tell the network that this asshole will get his rematch one way or another.
Velvet Sky and Winter are talking backstage, and Velvet tells Winter to stay the hell away from ringside tonight or it'll be the last thing she does. Winter grabs a pair of scissors as Velvet has her back turned, but Angelina comes in and tells Winter to stay away from ringside or they're going to have a huge problem. Winter says there's no problem, but that Winter cares about Angelina in a way that Velvet never has. Angelina asks what Winter's obsession with her is, and Winter says that all will be revealed.
We go backstage where AJ Styles is screaming about what happened out in the ring with Ric Flair and Matt Hardy, and he challenges Flair to a match next week on Impact.
Back to the ring...
The Beautiful People vs Sarita & Rosita
They start brawling on the floor and Angelina rams Rosita into the guardrail as Velvet takes Sarita in the ring and rams shoulderblocks to Sarita's ribs and then hits a running clothesline and a bulldog, but instead of going for the cover she gets on top of Sarita and repeatedly rams her head into the mat. Sarita catches Velvet with a back elbow and tags in Rosita, but Velvet nails her with a clothesline and tags in Angelina, who hits a running boot for 2. Angelina with another clothesline and a front powerslam, and Rosita tags out to Sarita. Angelina with a weird backbreaker I can't quite describe, then tags in Velvet. Sarita hits a low blow that Velvet sells for some reason, then tags in Rosita and they go for a double team in the corner, but Velvet escapes and hits a double flying headscissors. Rosita hits a jawbreaker and tags out to Sarita, but Velvet sweeps her legs and goes for a DDT and Rosita nails her from behind. This thing hass gotten all disjointed, but Angelina tosses Rosita to the floor and Velvet blows her flying headscissors and goes for another DDT, but Rosita trips Velvet from the floor and Sarita covers with her feet on the ropes for the win.
Winners: Sarita & Rosita
Velvet gets a mic and tells Sarita that she's had enough because she's had Sarita beat every single time, and the only way she's able to beat Velvet is by cheating every single time. Velvet challenges her to wrestle her one more time with no interference, but Sarita says that she's beaten her every single time they've gotten in the ring and calls her a loser. Sarita says that if she's going to face her again, they need to up the ante and challenges Velvet to put her career on the line.
We go back to the Jarretts by satellite from across town, this time in a limo, and they're discussing what they're going to have for dinner...and dessert. We then cut to Kurt Angle, who is walking the streets of Orlando and the Mysterious Cameraman asks him where he's going, and he says he's going to stop by the Jarretts' dinner party.
We go backstage to Madison Rayne and Tara, and Madison brags about brushing Mickie James away and beating everyone in the Knockouts Division. Now she's beaten everyone, and is going to issue an open challenge to any Knockout in the locker room.
Scott Steiner says that Rob Terry challenged him to a posedown next week, but he'll find out that Steiner's favorite pose is his fist down Rob Terry's throat.
We take a look back at Rob Van Dam's title win, the attack that cost him the title, and Jeff Hardy's heel turn at Bound For Glory. We go backstage to Jeff Hardy, who says that the pain he's put him through will be nothing compared to tonight, because he's going to put RVD away once and for all.
We go to some fancy restaurant where the Jarretts are having a lovely dinner and Jeff proposes a toast to Kurt Angle walking Karen down the aisle. Karen hates the wine, so they yell at the waiter and demand that his boss come out right now. From the kitchen emerges Kurt Angle, and the Jarretts run for the hills, and Angle goes "What, no tip?"
We go to Rob Van Dam, who says that tonight, his foot is going to meet his face and his title is coming home tonight.
We go to Mike and Taz, who talk about the Bully Ray vs Brother Devon streetfight that was so brutal that SpikeTV wouldn't even allow them to show footage. Taz talks about how Devon's boys used to look up to Bully Ray like a second father, but he turned their back on them. Bully Ray comes out to the broadcast booth and says that what he did to Devon's kids was so disgusting and vile that SpikeTV won't show it, but his only regret was that he didn't have another table to put the other kid through. Taz yells at Bubba and tells him that he made his point on Sunday and he needs to chill and go to the back. Bubba says that nobody tells him what to do, and he'll smack Tenay in the head if he wants to, but Taz tells him that he's not smacking anyone and to go to the back. Bully Ray smacks Mike's headset off and walks away.
It's main event time!
TNA World Title Match: Jeff Hardy vs Rob Van Dam
RVD drills Hardy in the face with a few punches and then hit a lateral drop, and RVD ducks a wild swing and dumps Hardy on the top rope before catching him with a springboard jumpkick that sends Hardy to the floor. RVD hits a baseball slide and then goes to the floor and gives Hardy a gourdbuster on the guardrail and hits a corkscrew legdrop off the apron as we go to commercial.
We're back and RVD is still destroying Hardy, hitting a slingshot legdrop for 2. RVD with a high kick to Hardy's face and then powers him up for a front powerslam and goes for the split-legged moonsault, but Hardy gets the knees up and then baseball slides RVD ribs-first into the ringpost. RVD tumbles out to the floor and Anderson goes out to check on him and encourage him back into the ring. Hardy hits RVD with a gourdbuster for 2 and then goes for a Whisper In The Wind, but RVD dodges and htis a standing moonsault. RVD hits Rolling Thunder for 2, then gets the stepover leg lariat and goes up for the Five Star, but Hardy shoves him off the top and RVD crashes into the guardrail. Hardy goes after him and rolls him back into the ring and quickly hits the Swanton, but only gets 2. Hardy goes face to face with Anderson as he complains about the count, and that gives RVD an opening to hit a jawbreaker and the Five Star Notebook Splash, but Hardy gets his foot on the bottom rope and RVD only gets 2. RVD and Hardy ram into Anderson in the corner, and Anderson misses Hardy hitting a mule kick that catches RVD in the Zamboni, and Hardy follows that up with a Twist Of Hate for the win.
Winner: Jeff Hardy
Anderson raises Hardy's hand and then gives him the Mic Check. RVD gets in Anderson's face and protests the decision, so Anderson gives him the Mic Check as well. Anderson tosses the Divas Title belt down to Jeff Hardy and heads to the back.
2012 - WWE broadcast Smackdown on Syfy. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
This week we begin with a look back at the match between Big Show and Randy Orton from this past week’s Raw when Daniel Bryan got involved and hit Randy Orton and Big Show with the title belt. What does this mean for the Elimination Chamber match on Sunday night?
Randy Orton is in Teddy Long’s office and he does not look happy as he looks at Teddy. Teddy says that he is sorry but it is out of his hands and it is out of Randy’s hands too. He says that Randy is dressed to compete tonight, but Randy has a concussion and he is not medically cleared to wrestle. Daniel Bryan will get his, but it won’t be at the hands of Randy Orton tonight. Teddy says that there is security outside the office to escort Randy out of the building because he knows what Randy has done in the past. Teddy says that he is concerned for Randy’s health so he cannot wrestle tonight or on Sunday.
Randy stands up and he eventually walks out of the office.
We are live on tape from Fresno, California and your announcers are Josh ‘Can I replace Randy Orton in the Elimination Chamber’ Mathews, Booker ‘Can I replace Randy Orton in the Elimination Chamber’ T, and Michael ‘Can I replace the light bulbs for Sin Cara’s matches’ Cole.
Match Number One: Big Show and Great Khali versus Cody Rhodes and Wade Barrett
Khali and Barrett start things off and Barrett with a kick to the leg. Khali blocks a second kick and sends Barrett to the mat. Khali with back elbows in the corner followed by a chop across the chest. Rhodes tags in and he wants Khali to back off. Cody chops Khali and connects with a forearm but Khali with a forearm to the top of the head and then he sends Cody into the turnbuckles and chops Cody.
Barrett makes the tag and Cody with a kick to Khali’s leg followed by a boot to Khali’s head by Barrett and a running forearm for a near fall. Barrett with kicks to Khali and Cody is tagged back in and he chokes Khali. Cody with kicks to the chest and then he applies a rear chin lock. Cody with a forearm to the head and then he goes to the turnbuckles but Khali grabs Cody by the throat and sends him across the ring.
Show and Barrett tag in and Show with a few clotheslines followed by an Irish whip and butt splash followed by a spear to Wade. Show sends Cody over the top rope to the floor and then Show with a choke slam to Barrett for the three count.
Winners: Big Show and Great Khali
After the match, Khali and Show celebrate in the ring and Show punches Khali. Show leaves the ring.
Teddy Long is on the phone in his office explaining what happened with Randy Orton and he does not know what he is going to do.
There is a man who might know what to do who enters the office and it is Mark Henry. Mark tells Teddy to cut the crap and everyone knows that Randy is out of the Elimination Chamber. Mark says that he is ready to be put into the match. There is nobody else except him. He tells Teddy not to let his pride get in the way of business. Mark tells Teddy that you need him in the Elimination Chamber and you need him as the champion.
Big Show enters and he says that he did Teddy a favor in the ring so he wants a favor from Teddy. Show wants to face Daniel Bryan tonight in the ring. Mark does not like that suggestion and he tells Show to wait his turn. He tells Show to take his heavy breathing and drooling somewhere else. Show punches Henry and he tells Teddy to give him what he wants. Show destroys the office while Teddy tries to calm down Show. Teddy’s efforts do not work and we see Mark Henry down on the floor.
We go to commercial.
We are back with footage from the WWE tour of the United Arab Emirates.
We have a moments ago moment of Big Show showing everyone how to close the Hall of Pain.
Teddy Long tells Security that he wants them to get Big Show out of the building and if they have to, ask him politely to leave. One of the members of security refuses to get near the angry giant. Teddy says that they should ask for backup and he walks down the hall.
We see footage from last week when Ted DiBiase was able to defeat Hunico.
Hunico tells Ted that he stole a victory from him and where he comes from, when you steal something, you take it back.
Match Number Two: Ted DiBiase versus Hunico con Camacho y BICYCLE
Hunico with a kick and forearms until the referee warns him. Ted with punches in the corner. Camacho gets on the apron to distract the referee but Hunico cannot capitalize. Ted tries for a belly-to-back suplex but Hunico lands on his feet. Hunico with a head scissors take down. Ted responds with a boot to the head for a near fall.
Hunico with a divorce court to the arm and he holds on with an arm bar. Ted with punches but Hunico with a kick. Ted counters a head scissors with a sit out front driver. Ted misses a charge into the corner and Hunico goes to the turnbuckles but Ted with a drop kick and Ted lands on his inured arm. Camacho takes advantage of the referee being out of position to drop Ted’s arm on the top rope and then Hunico gets the three count with a rollup and a handful of Ted’s tights.
Winner: Hunico
We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time to take a look back to Shawn Michaels’ return to Raw.
Match Number Three: The Usos versus Epico and Primo featuring Rosa Mendes
Primo and Jimmy start things off and Primo works on the arm but Jimmy with a wrist lock. Primo with a reversal and head butt but Primo feels the impact because you don’t head butt a Samoan. Jimmy with a head butt of his own and then he tags in Jey. Jimmy sends Primo into a clothesline from Jey and Jey gets a near fall. Jimmy tags back in and they hit a double back elbow and a double elbow drop for a near fall.
Jimmy with an uppercut and then he punches Primo in the corner. Primo crotches Jimmy when he gets distracted. Primo sends Jimmy to the mat and he punches Jimmy. Primo with a leg sweep and Epico is tagged in and Primo suplexes Epico onto Jimmy for a near fall. Epico punches Jimmy and Jimmy punches back.
Primo tags back in and he hits a drop kick on Jimmy and does a cartwheel. Primo with a reverse chin lock. Jimmy punches Primo but Primo sends Jimmy to the mat and then Primo taunts Jey before returning to the chin lock. Jimmy with punches but Primo with a kick and Irish whip but Primo misses a move into the corner and Primo is caught in the tree of woe for a moment.
Epico and Jey tag in and Jey with punches to Epico and Primo. Jey with a savate kick and uppercut followed by the spinning forearm. Jey misses the running butt splash but he does not miss an alley oop Samoan drop but Epico kicks out. Epico with a kick and he tags in Primo. Epico charges at Jey but Jey ducks and Epico goes over the top rope to the floor. Primo tries for the lungblower but Jey holds on to the ropes.
Jimmy clotheslines Epico on the floor. Jey with a super kick and then he tags in Jimmy who sets for the superfly splash but he lands on Primo’s knees and Primo hits the lungblower for the three count.
Winners: Epico and Primo
We are told that Big Show has agreed to leave the building. That is a good thing because Daniel Bryan is walking through the back as we go to commercial.
We are back and it is time for Daniel Bryan to make his way to the ring. Daniel says that he takes it that the people saw what he did on Raw. Bryan says that he got two for the price of one. It was finally time to declare himself. It was finally time to show who he really is and what he is about. We see the footage from Monday night in case you missed it at the start of the show.
Daniel says that he understands that Big Show has been escorted out of the building, just like Randy Orton. He says that it was convenient because if either of them were real men and had the guts, they would be in the ring facing him right now. Bryan says that they are not because they are afraid. He says that he can smell it in this arena and he can smell it in the locker room. He says that everyone is afraid of Daniel Bryan.
They are afraid of tapping out and being made ridiculous by beating them again. Bryan says that he keeps on winning. He says that he knows that none of them ever thought that he would be the World Champion. None thought that he had what it took and he proved everyone wrong. This Sunday at the Elimination Chamber, he will prove everyone wrong yet again. Daniel says that he knows he is facing overwhelming odds, but he has been beating the odds his entire life.
Just as he is certain that he would have won the advertised main event against Randy Orton, he will emerge from the Elimination Chamber as the champion.
Bryan says that because Randy Orton is not here, to make it official, he wants to be announced as the winner by forfeit. Daniel celebrates his impressive victory over Randy Orton.
Teddy Long comes out and he has a message for the playa in the ring. He tells Daniel to wait before he starts celebrating his victory (which Daniel had been doing for about 30 seconds before Teddy came out), he has not even competed tonight. Teddy tells Daniel that everybody wants to see him compete. It will not be Randy Orton, but it someone who has agreed to volunteer. Cue the man that Jason Barsky has dubbed ‘The New Guy to Put in Matches that Need an Opponent when Kane is Busy’. Sheamus makes his way to the ring.
Match Number Four: Sheamus versus Daniel Bryan
They lock up and Sheamus with a side head lock and take down for a near fall. Sheamus with a shoulder tackle and then he blocks a hip toss. Sheamus with a short arm clothesline and he sends Bryan into the turnbuckles. Sheamus with punches followed by a back elbow for a near fall. Sheamus works on the arm and then he takes Bryan to the mat and applies an arm bar.
Bryan with punches and kicks but Sheamus with punches. Bryan avoids a clothesline and he kicks Sheamus. Sheamus sends Bryan to the apron and Bryan tries for a shoulder but Sheamus moves and he connects with a knee lift and then he connects with a series of forearms across the chest on the apron.
Bryan goes to the floor and he grabs his title belt and he is going home. Sheamus cuts him off at the pass and connects with a shoulder tackle. Sheamus rolls Bryan in and tries for the slingshot shoulder tackle, but Bryan with a baseball slide to send Sheamus to the floor. Bryan with a running knee off the apron and he sends Sheamus to the floor.
Sheamus returns to the ring and Bryan with kicks to Sheamus. Bryan with a drop kick to Sheamus and Sheamus hangs over the apron in the ropes. Bryan pulls Sheamus back into the ring and gets a near fall. Sheamus with punches to the midsection. Sheamus punches Bryan in the head and Bryan goes for the ankle with a single leg take down. Sheamus pushes Bryan away. Sheamus retreats to the corner and Bryan with another baseball slide to Sheamus.
Bryan with kicks to the chest but Sheamus punches Bryan. Sheamus with a running double slede followed by clotheslines. Sheamus with a clothesline into the corner followed by a power slam for a near fall. Sheamus tries for the uranage back breaker but Bryan counters and tries for the LeBell Lock. Sheamus fights it off and Sheamus hits a shoulder tackle. Sheamus signals for the Celtic Cross but Bryan escapes. Sheamus blocks a kick and he connects with a series of forearms.
Bryan slaps Sheamus in the face and then he turtles in the corner. The referee pulls Sheamus out of the corner. Bryan goes to the turnbuckles and he spits in Sheamus’ face. Sheamus punches Bryan in the ropes and he is held back by the referee. Bryan wants more and Sheamus pushes the referee to the side and Sheamus is disqualified.
Winner: Daniel Bryan by disqualification
After the match, Bryan gets out of the ring and he celebrates his victory.
We go to Teddy Long’s office and Wade Barrett enters and he comments on the way that Teddy has decorated his office. Wade demands to know who his opponents are for the Elimination Chamber match on Sunday. He wants to know who Randy’s replacement is for Sunday.
Cody Rhodes enters the office and he wants to know if Wade is licking his wounds after his latest loss. Cody needs to know who the other person he will have to beat at the Elimination Chamber.
Teddy says that anyone who has ever laced up the boots will get a chance to enter the Elimination Chamber match because we are having a Battle Royal. Cody says that you cannot put a no name in the Elimination Chamber. Teddy says that someone will get the opportunity of a lifetime.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a look at Dwayne’s media roller coaster.
Match Number Five: Jinder Mahal versus Ezekiel Jackson
Mahal with a kick and forearms followed by knees to the midsection. Jackson pushes Mahal away and Mahal tries for a high knee but Jackson moves out of the way. Jackson grabs Mahal by the throat and he sends him into the ropes and hits a shoulder tackle. Jackson with a foearm across the back followed by an Irish whip and clotheslines in the corner. Jackson with an Irish whip and splash into the corner followed by a side slam.
Jackson tries for the Torture Rack but Mahal gets to the ropes. Mahal with a DDT and then he locks in the camel clutch and Jackson is able to get his arms loose and Mahal turns it into a reverse chin lock. Jackson backs Mahal into the turnbuckles but Mahal sends Jackson into the turnbuckles and hits a Flatline and then reapplies the camel clutch and Jackson taps out.
Winner: Jinder Mahal
We see a video package of Tamina and her father alternating hitting a Superfly Splash.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Six: Tamina Snuka and Alicia Fox versus Beth Phoenix and Natalya
Alicia and Beth start things off and they lock up. Beth with a full nelson but Alicia drops down and kicks Beth. Alicia with a drop kick and Natalya tags herself into the match. Natalya is happy go lucky and then she applies a waist lock and tries for an O’Connor Roll but Alicia holds on to the ropes. Natalya with a kip up.
Natalya with a kick and Alicia with a matrix to avoid a clothesline. Alicia with a monkey flip. Alicia spanks Natalya and Natalya pushes back before Natalya goes to the floor. Alicia follows Natalya to the floor and Natalya drives Alicia face first into the mat. Natalya gets a near fall. Natalya chokes Alicia in the ropes and then Beth kicks Alicia when the referee was not looking.
Natalya ties up Alicia and has her in a key lock. Alicia gets to her feet and escapes with an arm drag. Alicia tries for a leap frog but Natalya grabs one of Alicia’s feet and she falls to the mat. Natalya sets for the Sharpshooter and the referee is not able to ask Alicia if she wants to tap out because he has been overcome by an odor from Natalya’s general direction.
Natalya argues with the referee and that allows Alicia to tag in Tamina, even though it is hard to tell if the referee was able to see a tag. Tamina with a Samoan drop and then she goes up top for the Superfly Splash and the three count.
Winners: Tamina and Alicia Fox
After the match, Tamina with a super kick to Beth who tries to attack Tamina. Tamina goes up top but before she can hit the Superfly splash, Beth rolls to the floor.
Teddy is on the phone and he tells someone on the phone that everyone is invited to the battle royal.
John Laurinaitis enters the office and he is accompanied by David Otunga who might not have his bow tie, but he has his travel mug. John wants to know what Teddy is doing because the Elimination Chamber is all about star power and he is going to put a nobody in the match.
John says that he is going to put some excitement into the battle royal. He is going to put someone with charisma into the battle royal so they can get into the Elimination Chamber and become the next World Champion. That man is David Otunga.
Teddy says that David is smart for graduating from Harvard Law School and that makes him an attorney. However, Teddy says that where he comes from attorneys have a lot of stank on them. He wishes David luck and then John and David leave.
We go to commercial.
We are back with the Raw Rebound as we look at what has happened lately to Zack Ryder.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Seven: Wild Card Press Your Luck to Get Into the Elimination Chamber Battle Royal
The participants in this match are Drew McIntyre, Michael McGillicutty, Curt Hawkins, Tyler Reks, Johnny Curtis, Tyson Kidd, Ted DiBiase, Heath Slater, Darren Young, Santino Marella, Alex Riley, Ezekiel Jackson, Percy Watson, Yoshi Tatsu, Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso, Jinder Mahal, Hunico, Camacho, Epico, Justin Gabriel, Titus O’Neil, Primo, and David Otunga.
There is pandemonium in the ring and Darren Young is sent to the apron by his new BFF on NXT, Titus O’Neil. Mahal goes for Yoshi and Slater attacks Otunga from behind. Bateman is on the apron and he is eliminated by Otunga. Otunga goes after Young. Curtis and Kidd try to eliminate Curt Hawkins but he holds on to the ropes. Camacho with an elbow to Yoshi’s head. Hunico almost has McGillicutty eliminated but on the other side of the ring, Percy Watson is eliminated. Ezekiel Jackson fights for his life against the ropes. Epico holds on to the ropes when he is sent to the apron. Titus O’Neil is eliminated and so is Jey Uso. Kidd and McIntyre battle against the ropes. Epico tries to eliminate Young and he gets him to the apron. Santino tries to eliminate Otunga but fails.
Drew McIntyre presses Tyson Kidd over his head and eliminates Kidd by throwing him onto Jimmy Uso on the floor. Drew with a European uppercut to Slater but Slater with punches and kicks. Drew rakes Young’s eyes while Heath Slater tries to fight off Ezekiel Jackson from the apron. Mahal with a knee and Slater falls to the floor. Ted DiBiase holds on to the ropes while Young tries to eliminate him. Young and DiBiase both skin the cat but Ted kicks Young to the floor to eliminate him.
Hunico eliminates Yoshi Tatsu. Jackson slams Drew McIntyre. Gabriel tries to eliminate Alex Riley. DiBiase eliminates Camacho and then he has something to say to Camacho with his back to the other wrestlers in the ring, but nobody does anything to Ted. Santino tries to avoid any contact. Gabriel blocks a drop kick from McGillicutty and then he catapults Michael over the top rope to eliminate him.
Hawkins punches Santino while Reks holds Santino and we go to commercial.
We are back and the battle royal continues. Mahal is on the apron and Ted tries to eliminate him but Jinder holds on to the ropes. Santino tries to eliminate Reks but Reks with a rake of the eyes. Hawkins floats over on an Irish whip but Gabriel eliminates him. Riley gets Epico up but Primo stops him. Otunga with a knee to Hunico while Epico and Primo eliminate Alex Riley from the match.
Santino tries to eliminate Otunga and Hunico tries to help. Epico and Primo put Reks on the apron and they send Johnny Curtis into Reks and both men are eliminated. Epico and Primo work over Jimmy Uso and eliminate him. Primo takes advantage of the situation and eliminates his younger cousin. Santino holds on to the ropes but he is not in danger of being eliminated.
Hunico eliminates DiBiase with a reverse rana while he holds on to the ropes. DiBiase tries to kick Ted from the apron, but forgetting that he went over the top rope, Ted pulls him off the apron and Hunico is eliminated. Ted with a clothesline to Hunico before leaving.
Justin Gabriel is sent to the apron by Primo and he lands on the apron. Gabriel returns to the ring and he tries to eliminate Primo but Primo lands on the apron. Primo sends Gabriel to the apron again and Gabriel slides under Primo. Gabriel clothesline Primo over the top rope but Primo lands on the apron. Primo with a shoulder and he gets back into the ring. Gabriel with a back heel kick and then he tries to suplex Primo out of the ring. Primo lands on the apron again and Justin joins Primo on the apron. Primo and Gabriel fight on the apron while Tyler Reks walks away from the opportunity to eliminate two men.
Gabriel with a spinning back kick and Primo falls to the floor. Justin returns to the ring and Jackson clothesline his former Corre partner over the top rope to eliminate him. Jackson with a clothesline to Mahal and then he gets Jinder up for the torture rack but then he simply drops Mahal to the floor to eliminate him.
We are down to the final four and it is Drew McIntyre, Ezekiel Jackson, Santino Marella, and David Otunga.
Santino figures that it is time to pull the sock out of his singlet and it is going to be Cobra time, but Otunga stops Marella. McIntyre joins in the attack. Jacison throws Otunga and McINtyre away. Jackson punches Drew and then Irish whips him but Drew gets his boots up.
McIntyre with a boot to Otunga but Santino eliminates Drew when he gets too cocky. Otunga goes after Santino but Santino lands on the apron. Jackson hits Otunga from behind and he punches Otunga. Jackson sets for a power slam but Santino escapes and he drops down and Jackson goes over the top rope to the floor and is eliminated.
Otunga clotheslines Santino and he thinks about what might be happening. Otunga slaps Santino and sends him into the turnbuckles. Otunga with punches but Santino Hulksa Up. Santino shakes the ropes and pushes Santino. Santino with punches and then he does the split and hits a hip toss but he misses the diving head butt. Otunga with a neck breaker and then he poses because that is what you do in the middle of the match. Otunga is about to send Santino over the top rope to the floor but Santino is able to gain his bearings and he sends Otunga over the top rope to the floor to win the match.
Winner: Santino Marella
We go to credits while Booker and Josh are happy for Santino’s win while Cole thinks that Santino is related to Bryan the way that he is talking about him.
2012 - Ring of Honor debuted in Cincinatti, Ohio. Matt sent the following results from the ROH debut in Cincinnati, Ohio:
*Michael Elgin defeated Adam Cole.
*Tag Tournament: Shiloh Jonze and Rudy Switchblade defeated Chris Silvio and Sean Casey.
*Tag Tournament: Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls defeated Alabama Attitude Mike Posey & Corey Hollis.
*Roderick Strong defeated Eddie Edwards in a No Holds Barred match.
*Samson Walker defeated Mike Mondo. Mondo beat Walker first but another referee came out and restarted the match.
*Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls defeated Shiloh Jonze & Rudy Switchblade in the tournament final so they receive a Proving Ground match against Briscoes down the line. Haste and Nicholls really shocked the crowd with their work.
*ROH TV champion Jay Lethal defeated BJ Whitmer in a Proving Ground match with less than a minute in the time limit. This was AWESOME.
*ROH Tag Team champions The Briscoe Brothers defeated Kyle O'Reilly & ROH champion Davey Richards when they beat Kyle. This was great. Awesome debut.
Mike: sent the following live notes:
I went to ROH's debut tonight, so here are some random notes and thoughts. The Masonic Temple is the strangest building ever. I lived here my entire life and had never heard of it. It was really intimate, sort of a smaller Center Stage in Atlanta with everyone right on top of the action.
Having driven to ROH a lot during the early era, I was initially really pissy about buying ringside seats for a show in my hometown, only to have it feature half OVW talent but the Australian team that won the tournament was just great. I couldn't get over having to see Sean Casey in ROH. After seeing him for years locally, it just seemed like a weird fit.
BJ Whitmer showed up in the best shape I've ever seen him in. It was like night and day and if he doesn't get a ROH job, there's no justice, especially given some of the names on the roster these days. Jay Lethal has really grown as a worker since he was in TNA.
No Holds Barred Match and The main event were each worth the price of admission. Strong vs. Edwards was totally different from their iPPV match a few months ago. Briscoes were great and while I thought there was going to be a styles clash, they worked it really well. The top matches are going to be what sells the DVDs.
I know a lot of people have been hyping Elgin but Cole is the one to watch. I predict he'll be a top guy within the year. You can just see that he's got that knack for timing and bumps. He really reminds me of an early Shawn Michaels.
ROH gave out a pre-sale code for Dayton, which was a nice bonus for those of us who came tonight. It's pretty amazing how often they are running around here these days, but you have to go where the TV airs I guess!
They didn't sell out the venue but I'd guess there were about 400 or so there. It was a loud crowd as the acoustics made the place really pop in atmosphere. It seemed to be a mix of fans who watch the TV and hardcore fans that follow the company online. I hope they come back here soon. I'll probably go to Dayton as well, as long as they freshen up the lineup and have the complete roster in for the show.
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