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April 27th
On this day in history in ....
1957 - The first ever tag team match involving women in the United States was held in St. Louis, Missouri with June Byers & China Mira vs. Penny Banner & Bonnie Watson.
1962 - Dick Beyer wrestles as the masked Destroyer for the first time and defeats Seymour Koenig in San Diego, California.
1981 - Tommy Rich defeats Harley Race for the NWA World Heavyweight Title in Augusta, Georgia. This ended Race's fifth title reign. Harley would win back the belt four days later.
1987 - Austin Idol defeats Jerry Lawler to win the Southern Heavyweight Title in Memphis, Tennessee in what is arguably one of the most famous matches in Memphis Wrestling history. The match was a steel cage bout, with a cage that covered the floor and ringside area. Austin Idol and manager Paul E. Dangerously had promised to refund the money of every fan in the Mid South Coliseum if Idol lost the match. Lawler, in addition to the Southern Heavyweight Title, also put his hair on the line. The finish saw Tommy Rich (who flew into Memphis from Japan that morning and hid under the ring all day with a six-pack of beer and an air mattress) come up from under the ring after a ref bump and help Idol win the match. Lawler had his hair cut to a crew cut length, while fans were literally grabbing and shaking the cage in anger. This match ended Lawler's 36th Southern Title reign after only a week, and began Idol's 3rd title reign. The Lawler vs. Idol & Rich feud would continue for several months, ending with Lawler & Bill Dundee defeating Idol & Rich in a Scaffold match.
1992 - Barry Windham defeats Steve Austin for the WCW Television Title in Atlanta, Georgia.
1992 - Brian Christopher defeats Tom Pritchard in a rematch for the USWA Southern Heavyweight Title. The title was held up on April 20th after a match against Tom Pritchard in Memphis, Tennessee.
1997 - Jerry Lawler defeats King Reginald (Reggie B. Fine) for the USWA Unified Heavyweight Title in Memphis, Tennessee, starting Lawler's 27th and final run with that particular title.
2000 - The Prototype defeats Smelly in San Diego, California to win the Ultimate Pro Wrestling Heavyweight Title. Prototype is now known as John Cena in WWE.
2002 - Ring of Honor held their third event, a Night of Tribute for Eddie Guerrero who had been signed to return to WWE. Buck Woodward filed the following live report:
We are live at the third Ring Of Honor event at the Murphy Recreation Center, in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Ring announcer Stephen DeAngelis came out to open the show, which is dedicated to Eddie Guerrero, who makes his final Northeast Independent appearance tonight.
As DeAngelis welcomed the crowd, the Hit Squad came to the ring an interrupted him, bullying him from ringside. The Hit Squad got a positive reaction from the New York fans, which was met with a negative response from the Philly fans. The Hit Squad called out the Christopher St. Connection, who they obliterated at the two previous ROH shows. Buff E. and Mace came out to "YMCA", and for you first time readers. the CSC has an effeminate gimmick. The Hit Squad attacked them on the floor, as Allison Danger, who the Hit Squad have also destroyed in the past, came to the ring. She screamed at the Hit Squad, asking them if they think they are so tough because they beat up on women and gay men. THe Hit Squad were about to go after her, when she announced that instead of the Christopher St. Connection vs. The Hit Squad, it would be the Hit Squad vs. the CSC and Prince Nana & The Servant (Elax) in a Three Way Dance. Nana & The Servant ran down, with Simply Luscious, and attacked the Hit Squad. Despite Mafia hitting a German suplex on two opponents at once, the group managed to actually beat down the Hit Squad. However, they were soon arguing amongst themselves, allowing the Hit Squad to recover, and spear all of their opponents simultaneously. Hit Squad then proceeded to destroy their opponents. Mafia hit a kick to the heat on Mace, and a head and arm suplex on Buff E. Simply Luscious was given a spinebuster. Luscious was finished off with a Burning Hammer and pinned, even though I don't think she was a legal participant in the match. Monsta Mac, after almost slipping on his way up, put Luscious through a table with a top rope legdrop, and the Hit Squad left victorious.
After the match, The Hit Squad had the crowd chant "187", which I'm guessing is a message to Homicide, who is currently on his first tour of Japan
The next match featured Jay Briscoe, accompanied by Mark Briscoe, took on Tony Mamaluke.
The two started off mat wrestling, with Mamaluke on top first, but Briscoe managed to get on top and rode him to the ropes, where Mamaluke fell through and retreated on the floor. They continued the mat game, with Briscoe working on Mamaluke's arm. Mamaluke snapmared out of a hammerlock, and hit a hiptoss. He rolled under a lariat, but Briscoe caught him with a leg lariat. Briscoe hit a snap suplex, then a second, before covering for a two count. Mamaluke flipped out of a suplex and applied a Fujiwara armbar. Briscoe made the ropes. Mamaluke went for a jujigatame, but Briscoe made the ropes. Mamaluke continued to work on the left arm, but Briscoe flipped over him in the corner and got a rollup for two. Mamaluke applied a sleeper, turned it into a legsweep, then applied a full nelson with his legs. Mamaluke placed Briscoe in the corner and went for a superplex, but Briscoe kept fighting him away. Mamaluke went for it again, but Briscoe turned it into a second rope gourdbuster. Both men got slowly to their feet, and traded chops. Briscoe hit a flapjack, then a series of reversals on a waistlock ended with a Briscoe cradle for two. Mamaluke got a victory roll for two. Mamaluke went for a backslide, but Briscoe turned it into a double underhook piledriver (Moneymaker) and got the pin. Both wrestlers got a nice ovation following the match, although Mamaluke did not appreciate the fans applause.
Tag team action was next, as Devine Storm (Chris Devine & Quiet Storm), with Brian XL, take on Christian York & Joey Matthews.
Matthews started out with Storm, trading armdrags and legsweeps. They stalemated on a nice exchange, and the crowd applauded. York made a blind tag as Matthews leapfrogged Storm, and hit a top rope dropkick for a two count. Storm hit a headscissors and a rana, and followed with a dropkick. Devine tagged in, but York went to work on him with chops and punches. Storm got a armdrag out of a waistlock, but York hit a spinebuster and applied a Rocking Horse. Storm broke it up, and was elbowed by York for his efforts. Devine hit a spinebuster for a two count. Storm tagged back in, and hit a combination dropkick/legsweep with Devine on York for a two count. Storm hit a dropkick, then tagged Devine back in. Devine hit a running forearm in the corner, but York launched himself at Storm as he ran in and hit a lariat. Devine managed to send York to the floor. Referee Mike Kehner held Matthews back, allowing Brian XL to run across the ring and leap into a backflip over the ropes, moonsaulting onto York on the floor. XL headed to the back after his move. In the ring, Devine hit a Tiger Driver on York for a two count. Devine went for a top rope rana, but was caught and given a reverse atomic drop from the second rope. York made the tag to Matthews, who hit a series of lariats on Storm, who also tagged in, and backdropped him. Matthews pounded Storm in the corner and gave him a facebuster. Matthews hit a neckbreaker on Storm, and backdropped Devine to the floor. York and Matthews then applied a double torture rack to Storm and turned it into a double DDT. Devine came back in, but he and York tumbled to the floor, brawling. In the ring, Storm fought back with Matthews, and managed, after a series of suplex reversals by both men, to lock in a leglace and ankle lock on Matthews. Matthews tapped out. Devine Storm are the winners.
A Three Way Dance was next, with the first person to get a pinfall or submission being declared the winner, Scoot Andrews vs. James Maritato vs. Xavier.
Xavier got an "A.C. Slater" chant before the match started. All three circled each other, then Maritato and Scoot locked up, kicking and backdropping to keep Xavier away. They traded headlocks, while Xavier watched, until Scoot ran into him while charging Maritato. Xavier hit a dropkick on Maritato, but Scoot hit a headscissors on Xavier. Xavier went for a neckbreaker on Scoot, Guido went to flip him out of it, but Xavier turned it into a DDT on Scoot. Xavier then went on the offense against Maritato, working him over with jumping knees to the head. Maritato was whipped into the corner, but h came back with a second rope dropkick. Xavier blocked the Sicilian Slice, and ended up on the ropes with him. Xavier hit a Ferris Wheel superplex on Maritato. All three men began trading punches, and all three knocked each other out. Maritato went for a slingshot suplex on Xavier, but Scoot caught him and turned it into a Michinoku Driver on Xavier. Scoot hit a powerslam on Maritato for a two count. Mariatato came back with a back suplex for two. Maritato went for a sunset flip, but Scoot pulled him up and hit a reverse DDT for a two count. Xavier was slowly climbing the ropes, but Scoot crotched him. Scoot went for superplex, but Maritato jumped up on the second rope and pulled him down with a side legsweep. Maritato covered for a two count, while Xavier got on the top rope. Xavier dove at Maritato, who sidestepped him and caught him in a Fujiwara armbar as he came down. Xavier tapped out. The winner is James Maritato.
From what I understand, an interview was filmed backstage between Maritato and Tony Mamaluke where Maritato, who has abandoned his "Little Guido" gimmick for Ring OF Honor, is upset at Mamaluke for sticking with the old FBI gimmick.
The next match saw A.J. Styles make his Ring Of Honor debut, as he takes on Low Ki.
They started on the mat, with A.J. locking Low Ki in a headscissors. They had a test of strength, which AJ controlled, forcing Low Ki to the mat. Low Ki kicked at Styles leg, and Styles released the fingerlock. They went for it again, and Low Ki fired off a series of kicks to his legs. AJ returned fire, but Low Ki got the better of it, kicking him in the head, then locking in a guillotine choke. Low Ki switched to an armbar, but Styles got out and went into a front facelock. Low Ki reversed out again, and the mat game continued. Styles punched Low Ki on the mat, then the two started trading chops. They backed off after a set of chops, then locked up. Low Ki kicked Styles leg, chopped him, and snapmared him. They traded small packages, then Low Ki hit a kick to Styles face. Low Ki hit a kick to the back of the head, then a chop. Low Ki whipped Styles into the ropes and decked him with a kick to the chest. Styles came back with a stiff lariat for a two count. Styles forearmed him in the back, then went for a vertical suplex, which he changed into a neckbreaker, for a two count. Styles charged into a Low Ki kick, then Low Ki hit a backbreaker and hit an elbowdrop for a two count. Low Ki and Styles traded chops, and Styles scored with an enzugiri that sent Low Ki to the floor. Outside, Styles hit a pair of superkicks, then brought him back in for a two count. Styles hit a jumping vertical suplex for a two count. Styles went for a whip, but Low Ki held his hand and hit a forward roll into a kick. Low Ki then landed a hard spin kick that sent Styles flying through the ropes to the floor. Low Ki chopped Styles on the outside, and set up for a Ki Krusher from the apron to the floor. Styles tried to shove Ki back into the ring, but Ki caught him in a Dragon Sleeper, applied Tarantula style on the ropes. Referee Mike Kehner made him break. Ki set up for a fisherman's buster, but AJ reversed it into a DDT. Styles went for a back suplex, but Ki turned it into a forward roll and into a Dragon Sleeper. AJ reversed out of it, and went for a quebrada. He hit a standing Low Ki, and turned it into a reverse DDT. Low Ki kicked out at two. AJ went for a rana, but Low Ki turned it into a powerbomb, then flipped over into a bridge for a two count. Low Ki unloaded with a series of front kicks to the head of Styles. Low Ki kicked until he almost dropped from exhaustion, then covered for a two count. Styles reversed a whip, but Low Ki caught him in a Tiger Suplex for a two count. Low Ki went for a whip, but Styles turned it into a shortarm clothesline. Styles hit a German suplex, rolled through, then hit a reverse powerbomb for a two count. Styles went for a suplex, Low Ki reversed it and hit a gourdbuster. Low Ki covered for a two count. Low Ki hit some chops, then a handspring into a flying kick in the corner. Low Ki went to the top rope and went for a moonsault into a 450 splash, but Styles got the knees up. Styles then went for a crucifix powerbomb, turning it into a brainbuster on the way down. Low Ki kicked out at two, and the crowd went into a standing ovation. Styles went for a twisting somersault splash, but Low Ki moved out of the way. Ki and Styles exchanged punches and chops on their knees, until Low Ki decked Styles with a kick. Low Ki went for the Ki Krusher, but Styles blocked it, and went for the cucifix powerbomb again, but Low Ki reversed it again, rolling Styles into a small package for the pin. Low Ki is the winner in a fantastic match. The two received a standing ovation after the match, and shook hands (which Ring Of Honor has all competitors do after every match).
After intermission, the next match saw the new team of Don & Marcos taking on H.C. Loc & Tony DeVito.
DeVito and Loc attacked right at the bell, pounding their opponents and whipping them together. DeVito gave Don an exploder suplex, and Low catapulted Marcos into a DeVito superkick. Marcos attempted a sunset flip on Loc, but Loc held him by the legs and dropped him on his head. Loc lifted Marcos on his shoulders, and DeVito dropkicked him from the top rope. DeVito planted Marcos with a released Northern Lights suplex, then went for a moonsault, but Marcos moved. Don tagged in, and hit a top rope dropkick on DeVito, and followed with a hiptoss on Loc. THe match broke down into a brawl, with DeVito hitting a uranage on Don, and Low hitting a full nelson slam on Marcos. DeVito hit a running powerbomb into Loc's neckbreaker on Marcos, and got the easy pin. After the match, DeVito and Loc blasted Marcos and Don with a pair of hubcaps.
The next match saw Donavan Morgan of Pro Wrestling Noah taking on "Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels. They started on the mat, with Morgan applying a side headlock. He switched into a hammerlock, and Daniels reversed into an armbar. Morgan reversed back into a headscissors with an armbar, but Daniels made the ropes. They locked up, with Morgan applying a waistlock, and Daniels taking him down with a armbar. They traded armbars, until Morgan got single leg takedown and went back to the headlock. Daniels tried to escape, but Morgan would not release the hold. When he did, he hit a shoulderblock and went back to the side headlock. Morgan flipped out of a back suplex attempt and went back to the headlock, but Daniels finally broke it with a backdrop driver. Daniels got a two count with a kneedrop. Daniels stayed in control, getting a two count with a legdrop and applying a chinlock. Daniels hit a backdrop and a back suplex for a two count. A series of reversals ended with a DDT by Morgan, after narrowly avoiding a Northern Lights Suplex. Morgan stretched Daniels between the ropes, pulling back on his head. Morgan hit a snap suplex for a two count. Morgan then went back to his headscissors with an armbar. Morgan snapmared Daniels and dropkicked him in the back of the head. Morgan elbowed Daniels in his neck from the floor. A series of hiptoss reversals ended with Daniels hitting a lariat. Daniels peppered him with punches, then hit a dropkick for a two count. Daniels hit some forearms, but Morgan came back with a sunset flip for a two count. They traded two counts on a series of reversals out of the sunset flip, until Morgan grabbed a leglace. Daniels made the ropes to force a break. Morgan hit a suplex for another two count. Morgan hit forearms to the face, then a back elbow for a two count. Daniels caught Morgan with forearms, then hit a German suplex for a two count. Daniels hit a pair of rights, then when Morgan went to duck a third, Daniels hit a reverse bulldog for a two count. Daniels hit a legsweep, then went to the top for a moonsault for a two count. Daniels placed Morgan in the corner and hit him with a palm blow. Morgan kicked him away, and jumped off the second rope into a DDT for a two count. Morgan hit a back suplex for another two count. Morgan got a flying cradle for a two count, but Daniels rolled through into a Crippler Crossface. Morgan made the ropes. The two exchanged cradles for two counts, then Morgan hit a forearm and lariat for a two count. Daniels came back and went for Last Rites, but Morgan reversed into a neckbreaer for a two count. Morgan then went for a cradle suplex, turned it into a rolling neckbreaker (his own version of Last Rites?) and got the pin. Donovan Morgan is the winner.
After the match, Daniels got on the mic and congratulated Morgan for beating him, but refused to shake his hands, saying the "code of honor" was a farce. He did say that if Morgan needed anyone to help him against the likes of Low Ki, American Dragon, and others in the future, he would be there for him though.
The Texas Wrestling Academy "Heartbreak Challenge" was next, in which five students of the Academy face off gauntlet style in four matches.
John Hope vs. Paul London started the series.
Hope took London down with a waistlock, and bridged for a two count. London reversed into a headscissors, but London got out and grabbed a side headlock. London grabbed an armbar, then the two went into motion, running the ropes and leapfrogging each other. London got a rollup for a two count. Hope hit a pair of rights, then a series of knees in the corner. London flipped out of a backbreaker attempt and hit a series of armdrags. Hope went for a monkeyflip, but London landed on his feet. London sent Hope to the floor, then dove off the top rope into a somersault senton on the standing Hope. In the ring Hope caught a London kick and flipped him, with London landing gut first on the top rope. Hope hit an overhead belly to belly suplex, slipped going over the top rope to the apron, then hit an awkward slingshot somersault splash for a two count. Hope hit a powerslam for a two count. Hope dropkicked London in the back, then hit a back suplex for a two count. Hope went for a superplex, but London shoved him off and hit a shooting star press for the pin. John Hope is eliminated. The fans chanted "Na Na Hey Hey Goodbye" at him as he left.
Michael Shane was next out.
London grabbed a side headlock on Shane early, and went for a powerbomb, but Shane turned it into a facebuster for a two count. London missed a spinkick, and Shane hit him in the face with a jumping kick for a two count. London came back with a rana and a backflip dropkick for a two count. London hit a Northern Lights suplex on Shane for a two count. London rolled up Shane for another two, but missed a lariat and Shane hit a cross bodyblock for a two count. Shane applied a leglace, and yanked back on it, similar to a Texas Cloverleaf, but with the person applying it lying on the mat. London flipped out of a suplex attempt, and hit a facebuster on Shane. London went to the top rope, but missed the shooting star press. Shane hit a top rope elbowdrop and got the pin. Paul London is eliminated. The fans applauded for London as he left.
Spanky was next out.
Spanky and Shane refused to release their grips on the pre-match handshake, and soon the two were exchanging slaps and chops. Shane whipped Spanky to the ropes and Spanky slid to the floor for a breather. Spanky shoulderblocked Shane on his way in, then went for a top rope bodypress, but Shane dropkicked him. Shane hit a backbreaker and a lariat, but when he went to the top rope, Spanky crotched him. Shane fell to the floor, and Spanky went after him and whipped him into the rails. Back in the ring, Spanky hit running kick to the face of Shane, who was busted open. Shane came back with punches and clotheslined Spanky to the floor. Shane rammed Spanky into the rails, then back into the ring. Shane charged Spanky, and he pulled down the top rope so Shane would go flying over it to the floor. Spanky pounded Shane on the floor, then rolled him into the ring for a two count. Spanky hit a snap suplex for two count. Spanky hit a series of knees to the head, then sent him reeling with a forearm. Spanky charged into a Shane forearm, then Shane hit a somersault senton off the second rope for a two count. Spanky came back with punches, as shane shouted at him for more. Spanky delivered a series of punches, but Shane came back with a forearm and lariat. Shane backdropped Spanky over the top rope, but as Spanky held on and went to skin the cat, Shane dropkicked him in the face. Shane hit a tope on Spanky, but back in the ring, Spanky managed a second rope stunner for a two count. Spanky went for a superplex, but Shane fought him off, shoved him to the mat, but apparently was too weak to keep his balance on the top rope and tumbled into the ring. Spanky went for a stunner off the ropes, but Shane blocked it and hit a superkick for a two count. A series of reversals ended with Spanky hitting his walking the ropes flip into a reverse DDT (sort of like an Acid Drop, but flipping over the opponent into a DDT) for the pin. Michael Shane is eliminated.
American Dragon was out next. It ends with Spanky vs. Dragon.
They locked up and reversed front facelocks and side headlocks on the mat. Spanky went for a headscissors, and Dragon went into a headstand, but Spanky drive him head first into the mat. Dragon escaped and got a Texas Cloverleaf, but Spanky made the ropes. They had a test of strength, with Spanky forcing Dragon down, but Dragon turned it into an armdrag and applied a side headlock. Spanky grabbed a side headlock, but Dragon turned it into a headscissors. Spanky grabbed a front facelock. They broke on the ropes, and Dragon hit a chop, followed by a shoulderblock. Dragon slammed Spanky, then hit a pair of elbowdrops for a two count. Spanky clotheslined Dragon over the ropes throat first. Spanky went for a slingshot, got caught in the ropes, and Dragon kicked him in the head. Dragon charged Spanky, and Spanky sent him over the top rope to the floor. Back in the ring, Spanky hit a slingshot into a forearm across the back of the head. Dragon responded with forearms and chops, then got a sunsetflip for a two count. Spanky got out, and grabbed a headlock, but Dragon flipped Spanky across the ring with a beel throw. Dragon hit an enzugiri, and when Spanky went to the top rope, he jumped right into a Dragon forearm. Dragon hit a chop, and a back suplex, and got a two count. Dragon hit some chops, but ran into a boot. Dragon blocked a tornado DDT, but Spanky hit a dropkick for a two count. Dragon tried for a rollup, but Spanky turned and dropped a knee into his ribs. Spanky hit a snap suplex for a two count. Dragon tried for a Dragon suplex, couldn't get it, so he switched to a German suplex and hit that instead. Spanky kicked out at two. Dragon hit two forearms, had a rolling elbow blocked, but hit a kick to the head for two. Dragon hit a powerbomb for two. Spanky reversed an armbar into the move he used to finish off Shane, but only got a two count. Spanky ran into a boot, and Dragon hit the roaring elbow, then a Dragon suplex, but Spanky got his foot on the ropes at two. Dragon went for a back superplex, but Spanky flipped over him into a top rope reverse DDT, and got the pin.
Spanky wins the gauntlet. After the match, Spanky got on the mic and yelled at Dragon to shake his hand. He said this was only the first step on his road to the Ring Of Honor championship. He asked Dragon if he had anything to say to the "showstopper". Dragon said that this was the first time on a major show that Spanky ever beat him. Chris Daniels walked out to ringside as Dragon said he, like Spanky, was going to enter the ROH title tournament. Daniels told them that they were talking about something that did not concern them. Daniels said he did not have to nominate himself, because he will be in the tournament, and will win it. Scoot Andrews then came out, and took the mic, and announced that since they were all in the tournament, he would put his name in as well. Daniels grabbed the mic back from Scoot and blasted him for taking the mic from him. Scoot said they could wrestle in the first round then. As Daniels responded, Xavier came out, and he took the mic, and threw his name into the tournament. Jay Briscoe was out next, and announced he was going into the tournament. Prince Nana was out next, and he ripped on everyone, including the crowd, saying he should be in the title tournament, it was him. Low Ki came out, and Nana was annoyed that Low Ki came out while he was talking. Nana slapped Low Ki, and Low Ki decked him. Prince Nana headed to the back, as Low Ki addressed each of the wrestlers in the ring, putting over their abilities (although when it came to Spanky, he just shook his head). Low Ki got to Daniels last, and talked about his lack of honor, and told him that he would not be the champion. Daniels and Low Ki exchanged insults, and Daniels left. Low Ki talked about the title tournament, which will begin on June 22nd, and told the remaining wrestlers in the ring to be ready.
Time for the main event, as the SAT (Jose & Joel Maximo) take on The Amazing Red and WWF Intercontinental Champion Eddie Guerrero. Huge ovation for Guerrero as he came out to the ring, wearing the Intercontinental Title belt.
Guerrero started the match with Joel. Red wanted to start though, so Eddie tagged him in. They locked up, and Joel backed him into a corner. Joel hit a shoulderblock, but Red came back with a rana and a dropkick. Eddie tossed Red at Joel, who took him down with a headscissors. Eddie then cleaned house on the SAT. When order was restored, Eddie went to work on Jose's arm, but Jose grabbed a leg, only to have Eddie reverse on the mat by grabbing his leg. They went for a test of strength, then Jose hit a shoulderblock and a rana for a one count. Jose went for a backdrop, but Eddie took his legs out from under him and put him in a Texas Cloverleaf. Jose made the ropes for the break. Eddie hit a back suplex, then a slingshot splash for a two count. Eddie applied a chinlock, but Jose escaped and hit a dropkick. Joel tagged in and they hit a double drop toe hold on Eddie, then Jose put him in a surfboard while Joel pulled back on his chin. Joel then dropkicked him while he was still in the surfboard for a two count. Joel applied a chinlock on Guerrero, but Eddie battled up, only to get caught in a German suplex for a two count. Joel then hit a Northern Lights for a two count. Joel went to the top rope, but Eddie met him there and hit a top rope superplex. Eddie made the tag to Red, who came in and hit a standing moonsault on Jose for a two count after taking him down with a spinkick. Red went for a rana, but Jose planted him with a powerbomb. Joel tagged back in and pounded Red, then hit a vertical suplex for a two count. Jose came in, snapmared Red and dropkicked him in the face for a two count. Jose hit a spinebuster for a two count on Red. Red flipped over a Joel backdrop, but got caught by a superkick. The SAT continued to work over Red, with Jose putting Red in a Boston Crab, and Joel hitting a slingshot legdrop across the back of his head. Red hit a spinkick on Jose as he came off the second rope at him, and tagged Guerrero. Eddie went to town on Joel, but missed a charge in the corner. Eddie took back over with a knee to the gut, and hit a brainbuster. Eddie went for a crucifix powerbomb, but Joel turned it into a rana for two. Joel got another victory roll for two, but Eddie hit a lariat and went to the top. Jose went and stopped him. They went for the Spanish Fly, but Red broke it up. Eddie tossed Red into Joel, who was still on the ropes, and he took him down with a rana. Red then hit a dive from the ring on Jose. In the ring, Eddie set for the Frog Splash, but Joel moved as he dove, so Eddie went into a somersault, got to his feet, and grabbed Joel in a crucifix powerbomb for the win.
The fans chanted "Thank You Eddie" and the SAT took the mic and told Eddie how they respected them. Brian XL came to the ring and complained that the SAT got to step in the ring with Eddie, when he deserved to be in the ring with him. Eddie took the mic and asked if he was "Little Bow Wow". He said the SAT got the match because they asked for it, and earned it. He said Brian XL could have a match right now. XL slugged Guerrero, but Eddie returned fire, hitting him with rights, powerbombing him, then hitting a brainbuster. Eddie went to the top rope and hit the Frog Splash to a huge pop, and a pinfall was counted. The fans chanted "We Will Miss You" at Eddie, and he said he would miss them. He said all characters aside, this was very personal for him. He said he has been fighting a lot of demons in his life, and that people have been hearing about it on the internet. He said he officially lost his family in court this week. He said through his problems, he had a new relationship with God. He said he his kids will always be his kids, he will always have his brothers and sisters, but this was his other family, the wrestlers in the locker rooms and the fans. He said that when he first came to the U.S., he wrestled in Philadelphia, and that Philly would always be home to him. He said the fans were always there for him, and that he was grateful for another opportunity to entertain them. Eddie said he wanted to thank Rob Feinstein, saying that when he was fired from the WWF, Rob helped him get booked on shows. The fans chanted "Eddie" to end the show.
2003 - WWE held their Backlash PPV in Worcester, MA, the only in-ring meeting of The Rock and Bill Goldberg. Buck Woodward filed the following PPV report:
Mike Johnson, live at Backlash, called in to inform me that WWE is handing our four different surveys to fans as they enter the building for the show. On one of the surveys, they ask fans whether or not they would be willing to buy "Raw-Only" and "Smackdown-Only" Pay-per-view events. Another survey asked fans their opinions on Wrestlemania this year. Mike will have more on the surveys here on the site tomorrow.
Welcome to our coverage of Backlash. Here is a brief Heat recap:
- Jonathan Coachman hosted with Jerry Lawler, since Lita was fired last week on Raw. They recapped Eric Bischoff firing her last week. Lawler and Coachman will handle the Raw matches on the PPV as well, while Michael Cole and Tazz will handle the Smackdown matches.
- They recapped the return of Kevin Nash, and the events leading to the six-man tag match with Nash, Shawn Michaels & Booker T taking on Triple H, Ric Flair, & Chris Jericho.
- Trish Stratus was being checked out by a trainer. Eric Bischoff came in, and Trish said she was fine. The trainer took Eric to the side and said that she should not wrestle due to injuries suffered at the hands of Jazz. Eric said she better wrestle tonight. Trish insisted she was fine, but was favoring her ribs.
- As a change of pace, they had Tazz and Michael Cole preview the Smackdown matches, while Coachman and Lawler previewed the Raw matches.
- They re-aired the Goldberg piece from last night's Confidential. Coachman said Goldberg received a concussion from Rock's chairshots on Raw last week, but that he would wrestle tonight.
- A vignette on Rene Dupree and Sylvan Grenier aired.
- Rey Mysterio knocking down Big Show this past week on Smackdown was recapped.
- A video package on Terri, Stacy Keibler, Test, and Bill Goldberg visiting some troops aired, although the audio was cut out in the beginning.
- Backstage, D-Von and Bubba Ray Dudley were not getting along, with Bubba apologizing for beating up Spike last week and saying that there was "light at the end of the tunnel" if they played ball with the Bischoff administration and win the championship tonight. D-Von said he was not going to be a puppet, and that they should just let Bischoff fire them, so they can go to Stephanie McMahon and get signed to Smackdown. Chief Morley entered, and said he was going to be the referee tonight, to make sure the tag titles came back to the Bischoff administration. Bubba thanked Morley and shook his hand, while D-Von walked off in disgust.
- A "Mr. America" vignette aired. He will debut this Thursday at Smackdown.
- The events leading to John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar aired. Brock Lesnar, with a bandage on his head, was shown arriving at the building.
- They recapped Rikishi vs. Roddy Piper from Smackdown.
- Josh Matthews interviewed Team Angle, who dedicated their match tonight to Kurt Angle. They even had a giant framed poster of Angle, complete with medals hanging off it.
- Lilian Garcia interviewed The Rock, who had Lilian feel his muscles. Rock said his match with Goldberg was bigger than his muscles. Rock seemed totally confident and was joking around.
- Carlos Cabrera and Hugo Savinovich welcomed all the Spanish speaking fans out there.
- Scott Steiner defeated Rico with a reverse DDT in the only match of the show.
- The events leading to Rock vs. Goldberg were recapped.
- Goldberg was shown arriving to end the show.
Backlash began with a video opening concentrating on the Goldberg-Rock match.
The respective announce teams for the two brands welcomed fans to the show.
The first match of the night saw Team Angle, Charlie Haas & Shelton Benjamin, defend the WWE Tag Team Championship against Eddie & Chavo Guerrero. Team Angle came out with the huge framed poster of Kurt Angle, but the easel they had was broken, so they just held the portrait, until it could be fixed. Charlie started off with Eddie. They exchanged holds, with neither getting much of an advantage. Guerrero went for some quick covers after a shoulderblock, a snap mare, and with a small package, but only got two counts. The fans chanted "Eddie". Eddie got them to chant "Chavo" and tagged him in. Haas feigned locking up, but instead tagged Benjamin. Chavo and Benjamin exchanged armbars and quick covers. Chavo went after the arm of Benjamin, and tagged in Eddie, who hit a springboard forearm to the corner, worked over the arm, then tagged in Chavo, who hit a double axhandle on the arm and applied a short arm scissor. Benjamin reversed a whip and Haas kicked Chavo from the apron, allowing Benjamin to hit a slam and clothesline. Benjamin went into the ropes, and Eddie kicked him from the apron. Eddie came in without a tag, while Haas distracted the referee by trying to come in. Eddie and Chavo did another "phantom tag" after teasing Haas to come in. Eddie pounded Benjamin on the floor. Chavo hit a back suplex in the ring for a two count. Chavo slammed Benjamin, and Eddie hit a slingshot somersault senton backsplash for a two count. Eddie hit some forearms and a back suplex. Benjamin tagged Haas, who backdropped Eddie and hit a series of forearms before kicking him in his corner. Benjamin used the tag ropes to choke Eddie, then came in without a tag and hit a snap suplex on Eddie for a two count. Haas rammed Eddie back first into the ring apron on the floor. Benjamin put Eddie in a camel clutch, then covered Eddie for a two count. Haas held Eddie chest first across the top rope, while Benjamin leapfrogged him and straddled Eddie's back. Haas hit an elbowdrop and applied a rear chinlock. Eddie broke out with a backdrop driver. Eddie dove for a tag, but Haas caught him and hit a spinebuster. Chavo broke up the cover at two, but Benjamin snuck in without a tag and applied a rear chinlock on Guerrero. Eddie broke out with a chinbuster and went for a tag, but Benjamin hooked a leg lace to stop him. Eddie went for a whip, but Shelton hit a short arm powerslam for a two count. Benjamin applied a reverse chinlock and pulled Eddie to the mat for a two count. Benjamin drove a knee into Eddie's back and tagged Haas in, who hit a backbreaker and pressed down on Eddie's chin to further bend his back. Eddie used a knee to the head to break free, and turned a side slam attempt into a headscissors. Eddie got the hot tag to Chavo, who cleaned house with clotheslines, dropkicks and a backdrop on Haas. Haas and Benjamin collided, and Chavo hit a snap suplex on Haas for a two count. Benjamin ran in and powerbombed Chavo. Eddie hit a top rope dropkick on Benjamin. Eddie hit three brainbusters in a row on Haas. Eddie was ordered out of the ring, and Chavo crawled across the ring onto Haas, but only got a two count. Chavo punched Benjamin off the apron, then dropkicked out of a Haas flapjack attempt. Eddie gave Haas a frog splash. Eddie was ordered out of the ring again. Chavo went for the cover, but Benjamin dragged him off of Haas. Eddie went after Shelton on the floor, and Benjamin rammed him into the ring steps. Chavo went for a back suplex on Haas, but Benjamin tripped him from the floor. Chavo fell down with Haas on top of him, and Benjamin hooked Chavo's legs from the floor, allowing Haas to get the pin. Team Angle retain the championship at the fifteen minute mark. After the match, Eddie tossed Chavo from the ring into a plancha on Team Angle (and knocked down the picture of Kurt too). The Guerreros took the belts and walked out of the arena. The cameras followed the Guerreros, as they got in their low-rider (complete with horn that plays "La Cucaracha") and left the building with the belts.
Backstage, Torrie Wilson was telling Test to stop calling her and leaving her messages. Test said he saw Torrie's Playboy pictures and knew she wanted him. Torrie said Stacy Keibler was her friend, and that Test was a jerk. Test said Stacy didn't have to know. Test forced a kiss on Torrie, and when she tried to slap him, he grabbed her arm and said she likes it "rough". Torrie, upset, walked off. As Torrie headed down the hall, Sable walked out from a dressing room, apparently having seen the whole thing.
"Rowdy" Roddy Piper came to the ring with a basket filled with coconuts. He then introduced Sean O'Haire for his match with Rikishi. Piper said that O'Haire would teach Rikishi that "everyone pays the Piper". Rikishi came out and stalked Piper at ringside. O'Haire tried to get the jump on him, but Rikishi rammed him into the steps and the announce table. In the ring, the bell rang, and Rikishi hit a pair of lariats and a Samoan Drop. Piper got on the apron, and Rikishi went after him. Rikishi turned in time to hit O'Haire again, but Piper grabbed at Rikishi's leg, allowing O'Haire to hit a superkick. Piper took some shots at Rikishi from the floor. O'Haire pounded Rikishi in the corner, hit a pair of lariats, and got a two count. O'Haire put Rikishi in a head vice, then kicked him in the back before going back to the hold. O'Haire did it again, then hit a running knee to the face for a two count. O'Haire traded punches with Rikishi, but couldn't lift him, then missed a spinkick. Rikishi hit a avalanche in the corner, then a reverse splash. O'Haire slumped in the corner, and Rikishi went for a stinkface, but O'Haire kicked Rikishi away. Piper came into the ring with a coconut, but the referee ordered him out. Rikishi and O'Haire went for kicks at the same time, knocking each other down. Piper came in again, but Rikishi slugged him and broke a coconut over Piper's head. Rikishi did the Jimmy Snuka pose, but O'Haire grabbed Rikishi in his fireman's carry into a spinebuster move for the win in five minutes. Rikishi glared at O'Haire as he helped Piper up the ramp. Piper said "everyone pays the Piper".
Backstage in catering, Sable told Stacy Keibler that Torrie was after Test. Stacy wouldn't believe it, but Sable said Torrie sent Test the advance issue of Playboy. Stacy still didn't believe, but Sable told Stacy that she saw Torrie kiss Test. Sable walked off, telling Stacy she was sorry she had to tell her that. Stacy, very upset, toss her plate of food on the ground and walked off.
Rob Van Dam and Kane were warming up in the back. RVD said he likes being the champion, and wants to keep the World Tag Team titles. Kane said that they would go out and keep them, despite Chief Morley being the special referee.
The World Tag Team Championship was next. Chief Morley came out first, in referee gear. The Dudleys came out together, but still seemed to not be on the same page. Rob Van Dam came out, then Kane, and they had a brief staredown with the Dudleys. Bubba attacked Van Dam before the bell to start the match. They two went back and forth countering moves, and stalemated. Van Dam did his thumbs pose, and Bubba hit a clothsline, then did the pose, saying "Bubba-Ray-Dudley". Van Dam hit a spinning leg lariat for a two count. Van Dam hit a series of shoulderblocks in the corner, then flipped out and ran into a Bubba clothesline. D-Von tagged in and worked over Van Dam with punches. D-Von went for a backdrop, but Van Dam hit some kicks and a corkscrew legdrop. Kane tagged in, and went to work on D-Von's arm, legdropping it. Kane hit an elbowdrop, but D-Von poked him in the eyes. Kane absorbed a series of punches. There was some sort of miscommunication, then Kane hit a big boot. D-Von booted a charging Kane and hit a flying clothesline for a two count. Bubba was tagged in, but Kane knocked him down over and over. Kane worked Bubba over in a corner, but D-Von yanked Kane throat first across the top rope. Bubba hit a bulldog for a two count on Kane. Bubba kicked away a Kane backdrop, but Kane hit a spinebuster for two. Morley was counting all the pinfalls pretty evenly so far. Rob Van Dam tagged in and kicked Bubba down in the corner, then hit a dropkick to the face. Bubba reversed a whip, but Van Dam leapfrogged him and hit a spinkick. RVD hit the split leg moonsault for a two count. Bubba hit a side slam and knocked Kane off the apron. Bubba and D-Von hit the "What's Up" headbutt on RVD. D-Von stomped RVD, and hit a flying back elbow for a two count. D-Von applied a rear chinlock, and Bubba ran in and dropkicked RVD in his exposed face. D-Von covered RVD twice for two counts. D-Von dropped an elbow and tagged in Bubba. Bubba put RVD in a head vice, and bit him on the head. Kane yelled at Morley for allowing the biting. RVD elbowed out of the hold, but Bubba yanked him down by the hair. RVD hit a spin kick, and slowly rolled to Kane for the tag, as Bubba tagged in D-Von. Kane hit a series of clotheslines on D-Von and backdropped him. Kane went back and forth with clotheslines on D-Von and Bubba. Kane hit a sideslam on D-Von, but Bubba broke up the pin. Kane booted D-Von down, and clotheslined Bubba. RVD tagged back in, and hit a top rope kick on D-Von and a back heel kick on Bubba. RVD hit a rolling somersault senton backsplash on Bubba. RVD went for a monkeyflip on D-Von, but D-Von reversed it and hit a neckbreaker on RVD. Kane hit a top rope clothesline on D-Von. Kane went for a chokeslam on Bubba, but Morley hit Kane with a low blow. Bubba hit Kane with a clothesline, but Kane still managed to kick out. Morley tossed Kane from the ring, and went for a clothesline on RVD, but Van Dam ducked and Morley hit Bubba by mistake. D-Von Dudley knocked down Morley and pounded him. Lance Storm ran in and hit D-Von. Bubba gave Storm the Bubba Bomb, sending him to the floor. Bubba clotheslined RVD. Morley went after Bubba, but Bubba lifted him and D-Von joined in for 3D on Morley, sending him to the floor. Kane grabbed Bubba, booted D-Von from the ring, and chokeslammed Bubba. Rob Van Dam hit the five star frog splash on Bubba, and a second referee came in and counted the pinfall. Rob Van Dam and Kane retain the World Tag Team Championship in thirteen minutes.
Stacy went into the women's locker room, and apparently all the women, heels and faces, use the same locker room. Stacy asked Torrie if it was true. Torrie said it was, thinking Stacy meant Test forcing himself on her. Stacy asked why she kissed him. Torrie said it was Test that kissed her. Before she could explain, Stacy attacked Torrie, and the other women (including Ivory, who was wearing a towel, Victoria, Molly, Dawn Marie, and Nidia) broke them up.
Teddy Long, with Jazz, came to the ring, and informed us that Jazz would overcome bigotry and win the Women's title. Jazz took the mic and said "The bitch is back, and the bitch is black"). They recapped how Jazz tossed Trish on a table last week on Raw, injuring her ribs. Trish came out, and was obviously still favoring the ribs. Trish and Jazz went face to face before the match started. Jazz grabbed a hammerlock early, and tapped the ribs. Trish got a two count with La Magistral and hit an armdrag. Jazz hit a knee to the ribs and dropped Trish with a backbreaker. Jazz hit a kick to the ribs, but Trish hit a clothesline for a two count. Jazz lifted Trish with that double armbreaker, and tossed her to the mat. Trish floated over a backbreaker attempt and hit a side salto suplex for a two count. Jazz came back and hit a vertical splash on Trish's stomach. Jazz pulled off the middle turnbuckle cover in one corner. Trish grabbed a backslide, but Teddy Long was distracting the referee, and only made it over for a two count. They slugged it out, and Jazz hit a boot the face. Trish went for a handstand in the corner into a rana, but Jazz blocked it and applied a single leg Boston Crab, jumping off the ropes into the move. They traded reversals on leg moves, with Trish finally getting a Boston Crab and dropping into an STF. Jazz made the ropes. Trish pulled Jazz back into the ring, but strained her side in doing so. Trish hit some chops, ducked a clothesline, and hit a side kick for a two count. Jazz hit Trish in the ribs and delivered a dropkick for a two count. Trish flipped over a back suplex and hit a Stratusfaction, but Teddy Long took off his shoe and threw it in the ring, hitting Trish in the head. Teddy claimed a fan tossed it in. With Trish distracted Jazz rolled her up from behind, but Trish kicked out. Trish went for a sunset flip, but Jazz dropped down on her, and hooked the ropes for leverage to get the three count. In just under six minutes, Jazz is the new Women's Champion.
Backstage, Booker T and Shawn Michaels were talking. Booker wanted to know if Kevin Nash was ready. Nash, sitting on a bench with "Big Daddy" tights on, said he was ready, and told Booker and Shawn that they could do whatever they wanted tonight, and he just wanted them to leave Triple H for him.
The recent events between The Big Show and Rey Mysterio was recapped.
Big Show came to the ring first, then Mysterio, with a special entrance platform on the side of the main stage, made his usual flying leap entrance. Mysterio would not get in the ring right away, and drew Big Show out so he could slide in. Rey then hit Show with a baseball slide. Show, frustrated, kicked the ring steps. Show got back in the ring, and Rey hit a springboard dropkick on him as he came in. Rey ran at Show twice and delivered punches, but then he got caught and Show tossed Rey into the corner. Show hit a chop to the chest. Show whipped Rey across the ring, but Rey slid out. Show grabbed Rey to pull him back in by the head, but Rey yanked Show throat first across the top rope. Rey the went for a springboard, but Show caught him and hit a backbreaker. Show whipped Rey into a corner, then stood on him. Show pressed Rey over his head and dropped him to the mat, but Rey landed on his feet. Rey hit some chops and kicks to the leg, but Show swatted him from the ring with one forearm. Show shoved the referee out of the way and reached over the ropes to grab Rey. Rey had a chair, and hit Show in the head with it. Rey then hit a springboard senton on Show for a two count. Rey hit a 619 to the gut of Show, then a 619 to the back of his legs, then a 619 to his face, taking Show to the mat. Rey then went for a springboard, but Show caught him and chokeslammed Rey for the pin at the three minute and forty second mark. EMT's came to the ring with a stretcher and a hard board. After Rey had been strapped down to the hard board so they could slide him from the ring, Show came out and picked up Rey, hard board and all, and swung him into the ringpost (board first). Rey was stretchered from the ring, saying he was having trouble breathing.
Lilian Garcia interviewed Triple H, Chris Jericho and Ric Flair. They were confident going into their match.
Backstage, Stacy and Torrie were getting into it again. Stacy was tossed into a road case, and a bin of wardrobe items crashed on Stacy's head. Torrie backed off, and was taked away by WWE officials. Scott Steiner showed up, and carried Stacy away. Test approached them, and wanted to know what Steiner was doing with Stacy. Steiner said that maybe Stacy wanted to know what Test was doing. Steiner stood up Stacy, asked if she was okay, and walked away. Test asked Stacy what she was doing with Steiner, as they cut away to go back to the ring.
The history leading to John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar was shown.
John Cena came out in New York Yankees gear to tick of the Massachusetts fans. He got some cheap heat for it, and Michael Cole pointed out that Cena is actually the hometown wrestler here. Brock Lesnar came to the ring, sporting a bandage on his head. They went nose to nose in the ring, and Lesnar turned his back on Cena to give the referee the belt. Cena attacked Brock from behind to start the match. After some brief brawling, Brock took control, hitting two backbreakers in a row, then tossing Cena with a fallaway slam. Brock hit a pair of vertical suplexes and got a two count. Brock applied a front facelock, and Cena worked his way up, but Brock hit a fisherman's suplex. Cena backed off into a corner, and Lesnar stomped him. Cena elbowed a charging Lesnar, but Brock press slammed him. Brock clotheslined Cena from the ring, and went after him on the floor. Brock tossed Cena into the announce table, then stood over him, shoving the title belt in his face. Brock tossed Cena back into the ring. Cena put the brakes on after a whip, and Cena went to the floor. Cena was going after a chair, but Brock hit him from behind and mauled him with knees and forearms. Cena reversed a whip on the floor and whipped Brock into the steps. Cena rammed Brock headfirst into the steps repeatedly, then held up the title belt and yelled at the crowd. Brock was busted open, and Cena pounded it. Cena rolled Brock into the ring for a two count. Cena hit a back suplex for another two count, then choked the bloody Brock. Cena kicked Brock and dropped an elbow for a two count. Cena hit a back elbow on Brock for another two count, and pounded at the wound. Cena ran into a back elbow, and Brock hit a series of knees to the mid-section. Cena came back with knees of his own, and shoulderblocked Brock into the ropes and to the apron. Cena hit some knees to the head, and a second rope legdrop to the back of Brock's head as he was hanging on the second rope. Brock fell to the floor, and Cena rammed Brock's head into the ringpost. Cena rolled Brock back in for a two count. Cena applied a reverse chinlock. Brock snapmared out of it, but Cena kicked him in the head. Cena hit a DDT for a two count. Cena kicked Brock in the head twice, then charged Lesnar, who caught Cena with a spinebuster. Both men got up slowly, and Lesnar hit some knees to the gut, but Cena hit a jawbreaker and a clothesline for a two count. Cena applied a reverse chinlock again, with a body scissors as well. There were chants of "Let's Go Cena" from some in the crowd. They stayed in the hold for a long time, before Brock got to his feet. With Cena on his back, Brock repeatedly rammed Cena into the turnbuckles until he finally fell off. Cena hit a back elbow, but Brock blocked a clothesline. Brock hit three clotheslines of his own, and a powerslam for a two count. Brock rammed Cena into the corner with shoulderblocks. There was some sort of miscommunication, and Brock just lifted Cena into a powerslam for two. Brock drove some shoulderblocks into Cena in the corner. Cena tried to whip Brock into the referee, but Brock put on the brakes. Cena hit a low blow on Brock and rolled him up for a two count. Cena hit a rolling neck snap on Brock for another two count. Brock hoisted Cena over his shoulder and rammed him into the corner. Both men were down. Cena went for his chain, but the referee stopped him from using it. Cena went to Irish whip Brock instead, but Brock reversed it into an F5 and got the pin. In just over fifteen minutes, Brock Lesnar retains the WWE Championship.
The events leading to the six-man tag team match were recapped.
Chris Jericho came to the ring first, then Ric Flair (to a big ovation of Whoo's), then Triple H, then Booker T, then Shawn Michaels, and finally, Kevin Nash. They all had separate entrances with their own music. Jonathan Coachman pointed out how all six men have been World champion at some point. Nash and Triple H started off, but Triple H tagged Jericho before they could lock up. Nash tagged Michaels in. Michaels and Jericho locked up, and they traded punches and chops in the corner. Shawn hit a shoulderblock, and went for a go behind, but Jericho elbowed out. Shawn floated over a suplex and the two traded reversals on a sunset flip for a series of two counts. Shawn bridged out of a roll up and hit a backslide for another two. Jericho slapped Michaels and hit a right hand. Michaels went for a dropkick, but Jericho caught it and went for the Walls of Jericho. Michaels kicked it away, and grabbed an armbar. Nash tagged in, and tossed Jericho around the ring and out of it. Nash knocked Flair off the apron, and dared Triple H to come in. Jericho jumped Nash, and Nash tossed Jericho out of the ring again. Jericho skinned the cat back in, but Nash booted him. Booker tagged in, and hit a back kick and a spinebuster. Booker worked over Jericho in the corner, and hit a flapjack for a two count. Jericho backed Booker into his corner, and tagged in Triple H. Booker hit a back kick on Triple H for a two count. Booker chopped and punched Triple H, but Triple H caught Booker with a facebuster to the knee. Triple H worked over Booker T in the corner, but Booker fired back with shots of his own. Booker T was put in Triple H's corner, but Booker fought out of it. Triple H caught Booker with a spinebuster and tagged in Flair. Flair missed an elbow, and Booker tagged in Michaels. Michaels decked Flair with a series of punches and hit a backdrop. Jericho ran in and Michaels backdropped him from the ring. Triple H ran in and Michaels hit him with a reverse atomic drop and a clothesline. Michaels hit Flair with a flying forearm and Sweet Chin Music. Triple H ran in and hit Michaels with a Pedigree. Nash chased Triple H from the ring. Michaels and Flair were both laid out. Flair made it to his corner and tagged Jericho. Jericho dropped a series of elbows and mocked Michaels' pose. Jericho covered for a two count. Triple H tagged in, and he and Michaels exchanged punches. Triple H hit a jumping knee, but Booker broke up the cover. Flair tagged back in, and chopped and snapmared Michaels. Flair went for a figure four, but Michaels rolled him into a small package for two. Jericho tagged in and gave Michaels a back suplex. Jericho applied a surfboard, but Michaels battled up. Jericho hit a clothesline and tagged Triple H. Triple H dragged Michaels to the ringpost and rammed his leg into it twice. Triple H took a shot at Booker on the apron, then pulled Michaels into his corner for a triple team. Flair tagged in and worked on Michaels leg, dropping a knee on it and yanking it. Flair dropped his weight on the leg, and chopped Michaels. Michaels fired off some shots. Flair hit a shinbuster, but Michaels hit an enzugiri. Flair and Michaels traded shots again, and they collided on a shoulderblock. Michaels draped his arm on Flair for a pair of two counts. Flair tagged Triple H, and Michaels tagged Nash. Nash slugged Triple H into the corner and hit a series of elbows. Nash slugged Flair and Jericho, then gave all three of his opponents bodyslams. Nash clotheslined Flair from the ring, and whipped Jericho into Triple H. Nash booted Jericho, and gave Triple H Snake Eyes. Nash hit a sideslam on Triple H, but Flair broke up the pinfall. Flair chopped Nash, to no effect. Booker T took Ric Flair to the floor, and Jericho sent Booker to the floor. Nash shrugged off a Jericho bulldog, and Triple H went for a Pedigree, but Nash backdropped him. Nash went for a powerbomb on Triple H, but Jericho dropkicked him from the top. Booker T hit an ax kick on Jericho, a superkick on Flair, and did the spinaroonie. Booker missed a sidekick on Jericho, but tossed from the ring and fought him on the floor. Triple H and Nash were fighting in the aisle. Flair and Michaels fought in the ring. Michaels slammed Flair off the top rope. Michaels measured for a superkick, but Jericho ran in and bulldogged him. Ric Flair put Michaels in a figure four. Jericho Lionsaulted Michaels while he was in the hold. Nash went to powerbomb Triple H through a table on the floor, but seeing Michaels was being put in the Walls of Jericho, Nash ran in for the save instead. Nash hit Snake Eyes on Jericho, and set for a powerbomb. Flair went to break it up, and Nash shoved Flair into the referee, and both of them fell from the ring. Nash powerbombed Jericho, but Triple H ran in and hit Nash with a sledgehammer. Triple H covered Nash, as the referee got back into the ring to make the count at just under the eighteen minute mark.
Big Show's attack on Rey Mysterio from earlier tonight was recapped. They reported that Rey Mysterio had been taken to a trauma center.
The events leading to The Rock vs. Goldberg was recapped.
Terri interviewed The Rock, and Rock ranted that he has done it all "except make a white baby". Rock then talked about his chairshots on Goldberg from last week, and said that the crowd could "wipe a cockatoo's ass" with what they think. Rock then said that was the only animal he could think of. Rock called Goldberg a "bitch" and then just stood there smiling for a while before exiting.
Rock came to the ring, and complained to those in the crowd that were giving him a middle finger. Goldberg entered, with the camera following him from his dressing room, but without any security. Jerry Lawler pointed out how all the hallways were clear for his entrance. Rock stalled on the floor before the match. Rock acted nervous getting in the ring, while Goldberg was chewing gum. They had a staredown, and trash talked. The bell finally rang to start the match. They locked up, and Goldberg shoved Rock to the mat. Crowd reaction seems to be mixed. Rock and Goldberg locked up, and Goldberg shoved him down again, this time with Rock falling to the floor. Rock got back in and slapped Goldberg. Goldberg smiled and hit a series of rights and knees to the gut. Goldberg clotheslined Rock to the floor. Goldberg yelled at Rock on the floor to get back in the ring. Rock headed up the aisle for a breather. Rock got on the apron, and Goldberg advanced, and Rock yanked Goldberg throat first across the top rope. Rock decked Goldberg and hit some more punches. Goldberg went for a backdrop, but Rock kicked it away. Rock then ran into a Rock Bottom by Goldberg. Goldberg went for the spear, but Rock sidestepped it, and Goldberg charged shoulder first into the ringpost. Goldberg fell to the floor, clutching at his arm. Rock went after him and tossed him back into the ring. Rock stomped Goldberg, and applied the Sharpshooter. Goldberg struggled in the hold before making the ropes. Rock took his time breaking the hold, then shoved referee Earl Hebner away so he could punch Goldberg in the nads. Rock measured Goldberg for a Rock Bottom, but Goldberg hit the spear out of nowhere. Both men were down, and slow to get up. Goldberg hit some punches and a shoulderblock. Goldberg hit a powerslam, but the pain in his shoulder kept him from covering quickly, and Rock kicked out. Goldberg hit a knee to the midsection, but ran into a shot by the Rock. Rock hit a pair of clotheslines, then hit a spinebuster. Rock kipped up, and measured Goldberg for a Rock Bottom. Rock delivered the Rock Bottom, but Goldberg kicked out. The kickout came late, so Hebner had to pause on his count, and the fans moaned. Rock hit a series of rights, but Goldberg came back with a clothesline. Rock hit a spinebuster, and delivered the People's Elbow, but Goldberg kicked out. Both men got up slow, and Goldberg hit the spear. Goldberg measured Rock for another spear, as Rock slowly got up. Goldberg hit the second spear. Goldberg then delivered the jackhammer for the pin at the thirteen minute mark. The show ended with Coachman wondering if a "new era" was starting.
2004 - Plans for WWE to market a "Stone Cold Brew" are dropped.
2004 - Brock Lesnar turns down an offer from the San Diego Chiefs.
2007 - Memphis Wrestling ran the Fedex Forum in Memphis, TN, headlined by Hulk Hogan, making his first ever independent wrestling appearance vs. Paul Wight (aka Big Show). Brian Tramell filed the following live report:
----Moondog Cujo with "Big Cheese" Sal Corrente beat The Barbarian in pretty much a hardcore match. Crowd was into it. Barbarian had Cujo pinned, but Sal got on the ring apron with Cujo then pinning Barbarian.
----Greg Valentine beat Mr. Hughes with a roll up. Hughes had Valentine pinned with his feet on the ropes, but then ref Bill Rush seen it. Hughes had his back turned and Valentine rolled him up.
----Jazz beat Christie Ricci & Miss Passion in a triple threat Ladies Match.
----Abdullah The Butcher vs Big Al Greene was No Contest in a match that never got into the ring. A bloodbath. The fans got into it.
----Bill Dundee/Dutch Mantell with Jimmy Valiant beat Koko Ware/Bobby Eaton with Slick. Jimmy Hart came down from the announcer's desk to have the formation of the First Family with Koko/Eaton back together [they were a team a long time ago], then in called out Slick to manage them.
----Brutus Beefcake/Bubba The Love Sponge beat The New Assassins with "Big Cheese" Sal Corrente. Assassins looked just like the guys working in Memphis as Fire/Flame. Bubba was horrible in the ring. He did a splash from the second rope for the pin. Beefcake put Sal in the sleeper and they cut his hair after the match.
---- Brian Christopher beat Buff Bagwell with the hip hop drop. Bagwell talked about how bad Memphis was and heeled the crowd. Christopher came out to a huge pop.
----Southern Tag Team Title Match: Ricky Morton/Kid Kash beat "Too Cool 2" [Flex/Tim Grind] for the titles.
----Hulk Hogan beat Paul Wight slamming him and dropping the leg on him. It was around a 10 minute match with the crowd so nuts for Hogan!!
NOTES: No official figure, but I am guessing close to 6000 fans with a gate close to $256,500…Jazz performed her own entrance music to the ring…Koko had Frankie and got Lance Russell to dance with him…NBA's Memphis Grizzlies Mascot - The Grizz came out and was shooting t-shirts out to everyone at intermission…Before the show started, it was announced that "Too Cool 2" [Flex/Tim Grind] had regained the Southern Tag Team Titles from The Moondogs [Cujo/Spike]. That was one of those phantom changes. They announced Grind/Flex vs Rock N Roll Express for later in the show, but it turned out to be Kash/Morton…After Bubba’s match they brought some kid from St. Jude down and Bubba had the kid on his shoulders. VH1 cameras captured that and it was a kewl moment for the kid and the crowd…I got to say "great job" to Corey Maclin and crew for putting the local guys - Flex/Grind in the semi-main event. All my bitching about them not featuring the local guys and they do go and do this -- perfect way to get them over being seen by so many fans. I would have loved have seen them win, but apparently they got plans for Morton/Kash and Flex/Grind down the road…I was told all in all a fun show and crowd loved it.
----Brian Tramel @ www.rasslinriotonline.com with much appreciated help from Randy Dailey. Thanks to everyone for joining me on the site for the match by match coverage. I will continue to cover this story as a possible new era in Memphis Wrestling starts next weekend as they scheduled to do tapings with their regular crew. They promised the crowd a special TV show tomorrow night, so it will probably have clips from the show. Congrats to Memphis Wrestling cast and crew for a recording breaking crowd and setting a new standard for indy wrestling.
2007 - Ring of Honor ran Minnesota with the following results filed by Zeke Campbell"
*In a SHIMMER bout, The Minnesota Home Wrecking crew defeated the Dangerous Angels.
*Jimmy Rave returned, interfering in a match with 2 guys I don't know and beat the crap out of
one of them then challenged the other and won the match.
*Shingo beat BJ Whitmer with a Cradleshark.
*ROH Tag Team champions The Briscoes won the Ultimate Endurance elimination tag bout
to keep the titles, they beat every team in the match. The other teams were Pelle Primeau & Mitch Franklin vs. Mike Quackenbush & Jigsaw vs. Hallowicked & Gran Akuma.
*Brent Albright and Adam Pierce beat Homicide and Colt Cabana when Colt was pinned,
*Rocky Romero won the fatal Four Way match when he pinned Jack Evans.
*FIP champion Roderick Strong defeated Christopher Daniels by countout.
*ROH World champion Takeshi Morishima defeated Austin Aries.
2007 - WWE Studios' The Condemned, starring Steve Austin was released theatrically and promptly bombed at the box office, the weakest of the company's films up until that point. The film would rank ninth for the weekend and would only gross $8,642,858 worldwide.
2007 - WWE broadcast Smackdown. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
Smackdown completes the European tour with their venture to England. What will happen when the local wrestlers face Kane and Boogeyman? Now that we have new tag team champions, what is next for Brian Kendrick and Paul London? Will they be able to get revenge on Deuce and Domino for what happened last week? Will the Undertaker and Batista be able to work together despite the fact that they will be opponents in the Last Man Standing Match on Sunday? Will Chris Benoit get his hands on Montel Vontavious Porter before their match on Sunday? What is next in the budding romance between Teddy Long and Kristal Marshall? Will we hear Jillian Hall sing?
We are live on tape from London, England
We begin tonight's show with Batista and Ken Kennedy fighting in the back and Kennedy is sent into the equipment cases. Batista punches Kennedy and he follows him in the back. From out of nowhere, Finlay attacks Batista from behind.
We go to Cole and Bradshaw and Cole wants to know what is going on in the back.
We se Batista and Finlay fighting as they enter the arena area. Batista sends Finlay into the double decker bus. Kennedy attacks Batista from behind and he punches Batista. Finlay and Kennedy double team Batista but Batista fights back until Kennedy hits Batista in his thigh which is heavily taped. Finlay chokes Batista while Kennedy punches Batista in the leg.
The lights go out and the Undertaker's music plays. The lights return and Taker is in the ring. Taker's presence scares Kennedy and Finlay. Batista turns around and see Taker in the ring. The lights go out and when they come back on, Taker is no longer in the ring. We go to commercial.
We are back and Finlay and Kennedy are in Teddy Long's office and they Kennedy tells Teddy to forget about Backlash and make the Undertaker/Batista match tonight. Teddy wants to make sure that he understands what Kennedy and Finlay are asking for and if they want to see Taker and Batista in action tonight. Kennedy and Finlay tell Teddy that is what they want. Teddy says that they have it. Teddy says that all of the Smackdown fans would like to see Kennedy and Finlay in action tonight. Therefore, Mr. Money in the Bank and Finlay in tag team action as they face Batista and the Undertaker in a No Disqualification Match. Kennedy and Finlay do not appear to be happy.
Match Number One: Kane and Boogeyman versus Dave Taylor and William Regal
Kane and Regal start things off and Regal with a knee and forearms but Regal comes off the ropes into a boot. Kane with punches and a back elbow in the corner followed by shoulders. Kane with a forearm to Regal followed by a punch. Kane with an Irish whip and he charges into a back elbow from Regal. Taylor tags in and Kane punches him followed by a back elbow and Irish whip followed by a running clothesline. Kane hits another running clothesline into the corner followed by more punches. Kane chokes Taylor in the corner. Taylor with a running European uppercut before he tags Regal back into the match with a series of punches. Regal with a European uppercut to Kane and then he tries to rearrange Kane's face. Kane with an uppercut and kick followed by another uppercut. Kane slams Regal's head into the turnbuckle followed by a shoulder. Kane with an Irish whip followed by a side slam and then Kane goes up top for a clothesline for a two count that is broken up by Taylor. Kane grabs Taylor by the throat and that allows Regal to attack Kane from behind. Taylor tags in and Kane tries for a big boot but Taylor holds on to the ropes and Taylor goes outside the ring. Boogeyman with a clothesline to Taylor on the floor before he rolls Taylor back into the ring and we go to commercial.
We are back and Kane rubs Regal's face on the ropes. Kane with a back body drop followed by a kick. Regal is sent into the turnbuckles and then Regal begs for mercy and Kane is sent outside the ring but he stays on the apron. Taylor sends Kane into the ring post while Regal distracts the referee. Taylor is tagged back in while Kane is on the floor. Taylor works on Kane's arm with an arm bar and crossface. Taylor with an elbow to Kane's back and Regal is tagged back in. Regal continues to work on the arm and Regal applies a crossface chicken wing. Taylor tags back in and he returns to the arm. Kane returns to his feet and Kane hits a desperation belly-to-belly suplex and both men are down. Taylor gets up and he returns to the arm. Regal tags in and he connects with a series of forearms. Kane tries to fight out of the corner but Regal and Taylor are able to stop him. Regal and Taylor with a double suplex after Taylor is tagged back in. Kane with an Irish whip and Taylor tries for a cross body but Kane ducks and Boogeyman tags in as well as Regal. Boogeyman with a series of punches to Regal. Boogeyman with a slam to Regal and then he hits a back splash into the corner followed by an uppercut for a near fall. Kane stops Taylor from interfering and then Kane hits a boot to Regal's head allowing Boogeyman to hit a spinebuster for the three count.
Winners: Kane and Boogeyman
Even though The Condemned opens today, we have a video package for the movie. We go to commercial.
We are back with the Slam of the Week: Deuce and Domino winning the WWE Tag Titles last week.
Match Number Two: Brian Kendrick (with Paul London) versus Deuce (with Domino and Cherry)
Deuce pushes Kendrick but Kendrick avoids Deuce at the start of the match when Deuce wants to lock up. Kendrick with a side head lock and Deuce tries to get out of the hold but Kendrick holds on. Kendrick with a back slide for a two count. Kendrick with a front face lock and Deuce with a hammer lock. Kendrick gets out of the hold and he hits a side head lock take down. Deuce tries for a rollup while still in the side head lock. Deuce with a head scissors but Kendrick escapes. Kendrick with another side head lock and Deuce turns it into a top wrist lock. Kendrick gets out of the hold and he returns to the side head lock. Deuce throws Kendrick off but Kendrick returns to the side head lock. Deuce with an elbow to Kendrick and then Deuce with a side head lock of his own. Kendrick escapes and puts Deuce in a front face lock. Deuce with a punch to get out of the hold followed by another punch from Deuce and an arm bar. Kendrick uses the ropes to reverse the hold and returns to the side head lock. Deuce with a shoulder tackle but Kendrick responds with a drop kick and running forearm into the corner. Kendrick tries for a cross body but Deuce moves and slams Kendrick's head into the mat. Deuce with an elbow drop on Kendrick for a two count. Deuce tries for another quick fall but Kendrick is able to kick out. Deuce with a cross-arm choke using Kendrick' arms. Kendrick tries for a sunset flip but Deuce does not go over and he punches Kendrick followed by a cover for a two count. Deuce kicks Kendrick followed by a series of forearms to Kendrick's head. Deuce works on the back and neck of Kendrick and then applies an arm bar. Deuce with an Irish whip but Kendrick with a boot when Deuce charges. Kendrick with a forearm followed by flying forearms. Deuce tries to throw Kendrick over the top rope to the floor, but Kendrick skins the cat and then he hits a head scissors take down followed by an enzuigiri. Kendrick hits Sliced Bread #2 but Cherry distracts the referee. Domino slams London to the mat from the apron but Kendrick with a drop kick to Domino. Deuce with a jumping leg lariat for the three count.
Winner: Deuce
We take a look back at the situation between Undertaker, Batista, Finlay, and Ken Kennedy as we go to last week's episode of Smackdown when Kennedy and Finlay attacked Batista. We go to commercial.
We are back and Kristal Marshall is with the WWE Tag Team Champions Deuce and Domino as well as Cherry. Kristal asks Domino how it feels to be champion and Domino sticks the tag title belt in her face. Kristal asks Deuce the same thing and he tells Kristal to ask Cherry. Kristal asks Cherry and Domino takes the mic and says that there are no questions for Cherry. Domino suggests that they act like a banana and split.
Montel Vontavious Porter comes to the ring and he has something to say. He tells everyone to start the stargazing because he is half man-half amazing. He says that he has shown that when it is show time it is go time. At Backlash it will be show time so there will be a new United States champion. Porter says that speaking of champions he has a special treat for the fans. He has two of the finest champions, who are better than Chris Benoit to face him tonight. Porter says that his opponent has a "brave heart" who can shoot lightning bolts from his arse. Porter introduces the Scottish champion, Hamlet Macbeth.
Match Number Three: Montel Vontavious Porter versus Hamlet Macbeth
Porter works on the arm and gets Macbeth in an arm bar. Porter with a punch and he returns to the arm bar. Macbeth tries to get out of the hold but Macbeth rolls though and hits a clothesline. Porter with a slam for a two count. Porter with an elbow to the back of the head followed by a neck breaker. Porter with the 'ballin' elbow drop and then he chokes Macbeth with his boot. Porter slams Macbeth's head into the turnbuckle and Macbeth's wig comes off. Porter with an Irish whip but he charges into an elbow. Macbeth with a rollup for a two count but Porter responds with a clothesline that flips Macbeth. Porter with a series of knees followed by an Irish whip and running boot into the corner. Porter hits the Playmaker for the three count.
Winner: Montel Vontavious Porter
Porter gets on the mic and he talks about his next competitor but he is interrupted by Chris Benoit who also has a mic. Benoit suggests that Porter take on a real champion. Benoit walks to the ring.
Match Number Four: Chris Benoit versus Montel Vontavious Porter
Porter backs Benoit into the corner and he punches Benoit on the break. Benoit responds with chops and a double back elbow and a snap suplex for a two count. Benoit with a knee to Porter's head followed by knees in the corner. Benoit with a chop and knee to the head. Benoit with a belly-to-back suplex followed by a snap elbow drop. Benoit chops Porter in the corner and then slams his head into the turnbuckle. Benoit with an Irish whip but he charges into a boot from Porter and Porter gets a two count. Porter with a forearm but Benoit with a kick, chops, and forearms. Porter with kicks to Benoit followed by a boot to the head that sends Benoit to the floor. We go to commercial.
We are back and Porter has Benoit in a side head lock. Benoit with a head butt to get out of the hold but Porter with an overhead throw but Benoit is in the ropes when Porter makes the cover. Porter with a suplex and float over into a near fall. Porter with a reverse chin lock. Benoit escapes the hold with an arm drag take down but Porter with a boot to Benoit's head. Porter with a running boot to the head for a two count. Porter misses a spin kick and that allows Benoit to hit a German suplex and both men are down. Benoit tries for the Crippler Crossface but Porter gets to the ropes. Benoit with a head butt to the shoulder followed by a knee and then he puts Porter on the top turnbuckle. Benoit with a series of head butts on the top turnbuckle and then he hits a superplex. Benoit gets a series of near falls on Porter and then Benoit applies the Sharpshooter. Porter makes it to the ropes and Benoit releases the hold. Benoit with knees and punches followed by a forearm in the corner. Porter with an Irish whip and Benoit with head butts to counter a suplex attempt. Benoit locks in the Crippler Crossface but Porter makes it to the ropes again. Benoit with the Hat Trick German suplex combination but he decides to add two more before releasing. Benoit goes up top for the diving head butt but Porter rolls out of the ring and he gets counted out.
Winner: Chris Benoit (by count out)
We go to the HollaOffice where Teddy Long and Kristal Marshall are kissing. Kristal says that the last ten days have been wonderful. Kristal says that the highlight was their romantic ride on the London Eye. Teddy says that he picked it just for her. Kristal tells Teddy that she loves him and he says that he loves her. Kristal says that she wishes that she could spend more time with her. Teddy says that she wishes that she could spend more time with her. Teddy says that maybe he could give someone more responsibility so they can spend more time together.
We go to footage from the Kennedy/Taker match where Finlay interfered in the match. We go to commercial.
We are back and Mark Henry is coming back soon.
Jillian Hall comes to the ring and she has a mic. She says that she heard that Prince William broke up with his trailer park trash of a girlfriend. Jillian points out that she is available. She tells him that this one goes out to her tonight. Jillian 'sings' for the fans.
Match Number Four: Jillian Hall versus Michelle McCool
Jillian attacks Michelle when she enters the ring and then she connects with a series of snap mares and kicks for a two count. Jillian slams Michelle'ss face into the mat and then slams her head into the turnbuckle. Jillian with an Irish whip and running kick into the corner. Jillian with a slam and tries for a splash but Michelle gets her knees up. Michelle and Jillian with punches but Michelle with the advantage. Michelle with a back elbow and suplex. Michelle with a kick and side Russian leg sweep into a two count. Michelle with European uppercuts but Jillian with a kick and X Factor for the three count.
Winner: Jillian Hall
After the match, Jillian gets on the mic and she "sings" some more. Michelle attacks Jillian and sends her into the ring steps.
It is time for another segment about The Condemned. We go to commercial.
We are back and Maryse welcomes us back. We take a look back at what Umaga, Vince McMahon, and Shane McMahon did to Robbie Brookside on Raw.
Match Number Five: Ken Kennedy and Fit Finlay versus Undertaker and Batista in a No Disqualification Match
The bell rings and Taker goes after Kennedy while Batista takes on Finlay in the ring. Batista with shoulders in the corner followed by a hard Irish whip. Batista with knees to Finlay's head. Finlay kicks Batista before Taker can be tagged in. Kennedy tags in as well. Kennedy avoids Taker and Kennedy with punches and kicks while Finlay holds on. Kennedy with punches to Taker and then he slams Taker's head into the turnbuckles. Kennedy with kicks to the leg but Taker with a clothesline. Batista is tagged in and he punches Kennedy in the chest. Finlay tags in and he connects with forearms on Batista. Batista with an Irish whip but he runs into a boot. Batista with punches and elbows to Finlay followed by a fisherman's suplex. Kennedy comes in and Batista throws Kennedy into Finlay and both men go over the top rope to the floor and we go to commercial.
We are back and Batista hits a suplex on Kennedy and he gets a near fall after Finlay breaks up the cover. Batista with knees to Kennedy and Taker is tagged in. Taker starts to work on Kennedy's shoulder and it is time to go Old School but Finlay distracts Taker and Kennedy throws Taker off the turnbuckles to the mat. Taker with a clothesline to Kennedy and a boot to Finlay. Taker goes to the other corner and he hits Old School. Taker does the same to Finlay. Taker with a head and arm DDT to Kennedy for a two count. Kennedy with punches to Taker while Batista pulls Finlay off the apron and sends Finlay into the ring steps and apron. Taker throws Kennedy over the top rope to the floor and Taker follows after him. Taker with a knee to the head followed by an elbow and kick to the back of the head. Batista with an elbow to Kennedy on the apron while Taker throws Finlay into the announce table. Kennedy grabs the briefcase, but Taker prevents Kennedy from using it. Kennedy with punches but they have no effect on Taker. Taker with a punch to Kennedy and then Batista is tagged in. Batista sends Kennedy shoulder first into the ring post. Batista with an Irish whip but Kennedy with a drop kick to the knees. Finlay hits Batista in the leg with the shillelagh. Kennedy wraps Batista's leg in the ropes and then Finlay hits Batista in the leg with the shillelagh again. Taker stops Kennedy from working on Batista's leg any more and he punches Kennedy. Kennedy with a front face lock while Finlay continues to work on the leg. Batista with crossfaces to escape the hold. Kennedy tags in and then he returns to the leg. Kennedy punches Batista but Kennedy with a kick. Batista with a spear and then he shakes the ropes and sets for the Batista Bomb but Kennedy hits Batista in the leg. Finlay comes in and he knocks Taker off the apron. Finlay hits Batista in the leg with the shillelagh. Taker comes in and he punches Finlay and then he hits running clotheslines in the corner on both men. Taker tries for a double choke slam but Finlay and Kennedy kick Taker in the leg. Taker ducks a double clothesline and responds with one of his own. Taker with a choke slam to Finlay and then he gives one to Kennedy. Batista with a spinebuster to Finlay for the three count.
Winners: Batista and Undertaker
After the match, Batista gets on the mic and returns to the ring. He says that he does not care about Finlay or Kennedy, nobody keeps him down for a ten count. Batista says that the title belongs to him and on Sunday he will be taking it back.
Taker gets on the mic and says that of all people, Batista should know that Taker is not an ordinary man. Taker says that he will take something that belongs to Batista and that is his soul. We go to credits.
2008 - WWE held their Backlash PPV. Buck Woodward filed the following PPV report:
Welcome to our coverage of WWE Backlash. We will be updating this page throughout the evening with results from the show, so check back often.
Backlash opened with the three announce teams introducing themselves to us. Jim Ross & Jerry Lawler for Raw, Mike Adamle & Tazz for ECW (I've been told Adamle was greeted with loud boos when he came out prior to the PPV starting) and Michael Cole & Mick Foley for Smackdown. Adamle referred to Tazz as "the human suplex machine". Haven't heard that in a long time.
WWE United States champion MVP vs. Matt Hardy.
Mick Foley and Michael Cole reviewed the MVP-Hardy feud as Hardy made his entrance. When MVP came to the ring, they started trash talking. They did the "big fight" style introductions, with Hardy obviously a huge favorite. They locked up at the bell, and the fans were chanting for Hardy. MVP grabbed a single leg, but Hardy kicked him away. MVP dove for Hardy's leg, but Hardy dodged him. MVP hit a shot and rammed him into a corner. MVP went for a whip, Hardy reversed it and MVP leapfrogged Hardy. MVP went to the floor for a breather, but Hardy went after him and tossed him back into the ring. Hardy hit a back elbow and then dropped an elbow for a two count. Hardy took MVP down with a side mare, but MVP got out of the headlock and kicked Hardy in a corner. MVP ran into a Hardy boot, and Hardy hit an elbow to the back of the head from the second rope for a two count. MVP came back with a shot to the kidneys and a back suplex for a two count.
MVP set up Matt for a back superplex, but Hardy elbowed MVP to the mat. Matt went for a moonsault, but MVP got his knees up as Hardy came down. MVP scored a two count. MVP stomped Hardy, snap mared him and hit a kneedrop to the shoulder. MVP applied an abdominal stretch and punched at Matt's midsection. Matt broke out of it, but MVP yanked him to the mat by his hair. MVP hit some knees to the midsection, then applied an abdominal stretch, using the ropes for leverage. MVP broke out of it with a low Samoan Drop and got a two count. Matt hit some forearms, but MVP gave him an armdrag throw, landing awkwardly. MVP dropped several elbows for a two count. Huge chants for Hardy again. MVP picked up Hardy in a fireman's carry, then pressed him up and dropped him chest first to the mat. MVP ran into the ropes, but Hardy clipped him with a clothesline.
They traded punches, with Hardy getting the better of it. Hardy hit a clothesline, then one in a corner. Matt delivered a bulldog for a two count. Matt went for a Side Effect, but MVP elbowed out of it and hit a Hot Shot. MVP went for a Playmaker, but Hardy reversed it into a Side Effect for a two count. Hardy went to the top rope, but MVP dropkicked the top rope, crotching Hardy. MVP climbed up on the ropes and slugged it out with Hardy. Hardy got the better of it, and gave MVP a Side Effect off the second rope. Hardy was slow to cover and only got a two count. Hardy went for a Twist Of Fate, but MVP reversed it into a backslide. MVP put his feet on the ropes, but the referee caught him. As MVP argued, Hardy rolled him up for a two count. MVP blocked a Twist Of Fate and hit a knee to the midsection, then delivered a running kick to Hardy's head. Hardy fell through the ropes to the floor. It looked like Hardy would be counted out, but he got in just before the referee reached ten.
MVP started kicking Hardy in the midsection, yelling "Come on Matthew, you want my title?". MVP hit a kick to the side of the head, then measured for a big running kick in the corner. Matt moved and MVP caught his leg on the top rope. Matt hit a Twist Of Fate and scored the pin at the twelve minute mark.
Winner and new United States Champion: Matt Hardy.
The crowd, which was very hot for Hardy, popped for the title change, and MVP pounded the mat in disbelief in the ring as Hardy celebrated up the aisle.
Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler plugged a mobile vote to select the winner of tonight's Four Way match for the WWE Title. Lawler noted Orton only won 8% of the vote at Wrestlemania, and he went on to win the match.
Backstage, Eve Torres interviewed Matt Hardy. Hardy noted he was a European Champion, Hardcore Champion, Cruiserweight Champion and an eight-time tag team champion, but this title win meant more because he worked so hard for it. Matt said it was the biggest win of his career. Matt said he had one thing to say to MVP, "I am better than you".
Tazz and Mike Adamle discussed the ECW Championship match.
ECW champion Kane vs. Chavo Guerrero.
Chavo was accompanied to the ring by Bam Neely. As Chavo came out, they reviewed the attack on Kane's leg from last week on ECW. Once again, they did the "big fight" intros, which I always like for title matches. Adamle called referee Mike Posey "Scott Armstrong" so Tazz corrected him. That's one. Chavo tried to get at Kane's leg at the start, but Kane knocked Chavo down and gave him a dropkick as he sat up on the mat. Kane was favoring his leg. Kane put Chavo in a Hangman for a bit, then choked him in a corner. Kane pressed Chavo overhead and slammed him to the mat. Kane whipped Chavo into a corner, but Chavo gave him a drop toe hold into the corner and began kicking at Kane's leg. Chavo went for a whip, but Kane blocked it and flung Chavo over the top rope and to the outside.
Kane went after him, chasing him back into the ring. Chavo hit a baseball slide dropkick, then jumped off the apron at Kane, who caught Chavo and rammed him back first into the apron. Kane threw Chavo into the ring and went to the top rope, but Chavo shoved him off the top rope and Kane crashed to the floor. Chavo put Kane in the ring, stretched his leg and gave the leg a slingshot splash on the apron. Adamle noted Chavo leaped over the "three rings" to hit that move. He meant ropes. Adamle and Tazz actually were joking about "pulling an Adamle" during the match. Chavo kept working Kane over in the ropes, and the referee pulled him back. Bam grabbed Kane's leg and whipped it into the ringpost. Chavo applied a leglace in the ring, but Kane punched and kicked out of it. Chavo stood on the second rope and punched Kane, but Kane pulled him off into an Electric Chair.
Both men were down in the ring, but Chavo got to his feet first. Kane reached up and grabbed Chavo by the throat. Chavo kicked Kane in the leg to break away, then Kane decked him with a boot to the face. Kane hit a side slam for a two count. Kane went for a tombstone, but Chavo floated out of it. Chavo charged into a Kane backdrop. Kane hit a top rope clothesline, but Chavo rolled to the apron. Chavo pulled Kane throat first across the top rope and Kane went to grab him. Chavo went to the top rope, but Kane caught him as he jumped off. Chavo managed to swing it into a DDT anyway, and got a two count. Chavo went for a suplex, it didn't work, so he swept Kane's leg instead. Chavo went to the top rope, but Kane went to grab him by the throat. Chavo managed to knock Kane down, then went for the frog splash. Kane reached up as Chavo came down and grabbed him by the throat. Kane got to his feet, never releasing his grip, and hit a chokeslam for the pin at the nine minute mark.
Winner: Kane.
Kane had a brief staredown with Bam Neely before limping off.
Todd Grisham interviewed Randy Orton. Grisham noted that Orton had to survive in an elimination match to keep his title. Orton gave a confident promo, saying it was the "Age Of Orton" and he would retain the title.
Mick Foley and Michael Cole went over the "Tale Of The Tape" for Big Show vs. Great Khali. In discussing Show and Khali's shoe size, Michael Cole said he wears a size 9. Foley said that compared to Show & Khali, that was a children's size, and was "smaller than the shoes Coach left for me to fill".
Big Show vs. Great Khali.
Khali trash talked at the bell, although I don't think Show had any idea what he was saying. Show stepped up chest to chest with Khali and they began jabbering. Khali shoved Show, Show shoved Khali. Khali hit some punches, then Show ducked a clothesline. They traded punched, then traded headbutts. Then they traded chops. Khali hit a short arm clothesline, and Show went down. Khali hit a clothesline and badly missed some kicks in the corner. I mean, you could see the space between his foot and Show. Fans chanted "You can't wrestle" briefly. Show hit a headbutt and went for a slam, but Khali blocked it and hit a clothesline that sent Show over the top rope and to the floor. Khali shoved Show back first into the ringpost, then pushed him back into the ring. Khali hit a boot to the face on Show, then dropped an elbow to the back. Khali applied a crossface. No kidding, he really did. Show struggled in the hold, then got to his feet and picked up Khali for a slam. Show fell back under the weight and Khali got a two count. Khali applied a nervehold. Show is selling Khali's offense like crazy, yelling in pain. Show got to his feet and elbowed out of it, then hit a headbutt.
Show ran into the Khali Chop, and Khali got a two count. Fans are chanting "boring". Loudly. Khali applied a surfboard. Show backed Khali in a corner to break out and hit some back elbows. Show scooped up Khali and slammed him. Show got a two count. Khali hit a back elbow, a punch and a kick, then went for the Khali Bomb. Show broke Khali's grip and gave Khali the chokeslam for the pin at the eight minute mark.
Winner: Big Show
Show was selling like his arm was injured from the nervehold and the effort of hitting the chokeslam. The announcers noted that Khali dominated most of the match.
Backstage, John Cena was discussing country music with Jimmy Wang Yang. Randy Orton walked up to Cena and said that just like Wrestlemania, he was going to go home disappointed. Cena said that no matter what happens, Orton is going him a "broken man".
The events leading to Batista vs. Shawn Michaels, with Chris Jericho as the referee, were reviewed.
Batista vs. Shawn Michaels. Special Referee: Chris Jericho.
Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler are calling this one. Jericho came out in full referee gear, including earpiece. Batista then entered, and there was a slight Batista chant after his music ended, but also some boos. Michaels also got a mixed reaction. Jim Ross noted that Ric Flair was watching from his home in North Carolina tonight. Jericho gave the wrestlers their instructions, and Batista smiled at Michaels while rubbing his jaw, making reference to being superkicked on Smackdown.
Michaels grabbed a waistlock at the belly, but Batista elbowed him away. Batista slugged Michaels and Michaels went for a superkick, but Batista dodged it and grabbed Michaels for a Batista Bomb, but Michaels rolled to the floor to avoid it. Michaels kicked at Batista's legs, but Batista shoved Michaels in a corner. Jericho tried to separate them, and Michaels was able to land some punches. Batista whipped Michaels in a corner and hit a clothesline, then choked him with his boot. Batista whipped Michaels into another corner, then ran into a HBK boot. Michaels hit a chop block to the leg. Michaels went for a Thesz Press, Batista caught it, but Michaels took him to the mat and applied a short arm scissors.
Batista rolled in the arm scissors and went to lift him, but Michaels added more pressure to the hold. Batista tried to roll Michaels into a cover, but Michaels pulled his shoulder up. Batista finally got his feet under him and stood up, dead lifting Michaels. They were near the ropes and fell forward, both men tumbling over the ropes and to the floor. On the outside, Michaels rammed Batista's now weakened arm into the ringpost. Back in the ring, Michaels stomped Batista's arm and hit some kneedrops, then applied a hammerlock. Michaels shot a half-nelson to get Batista in a pinning position for two. Michaels yanked at the arm and wrapped it in the ropes. Batista came back with punches (using his good, right hand), but Michaels hit a drop toe hold and went back after the left arm.
Batista got to his feet and shoved Michaels in a corner, but Michaels grabbed a jujigatame armbreaker and fell backwards over the top rope, stretching Batista's arm. Michaels released the hold, then went to the top rope and hit the left shoulder. Michaels went for another armbar, but Batista picked up Michaels with his good arm and hit a Samoan Drop. Seems like Michaels has more support than Batista right now. Michaels hit some chops, then Batista whipped Michaels into a corner. Michaels flipped up and down in the corner, then Batista nailed Michaels with a clothesline. Batista scooped up Michaels and put him in a corner, then hit some shoulderblocks. Batista hit a one armed powerslam for a two count. Batista went for a Batista Bomb, but Michaels floated out of it and into a Crippler Crossface on Batista. There were chants for Batista and chants for HBK. Batista got near the ropes, so Michaels turned Batista into a pinning position. Batista kicked out and Michaels rolled him back into the middle of the ring off the kickout and back into the Crossface. Batista made the ropes, and Jericho called for the break, to boos.
Jericho ended up pulling Michaels off of Batista, telling him he needed to listen to him. Michaels went back at Batista's arm, but Batista hit a side slam for two. Batista went for a clothesline, but Michaels ducked it and hit a flying forearm. Michaels kipped up, but Batista hit a weak spear for a two count. Batista set up Michaels for a superplex, but Jericho pulled Batista off the ropes when he didn't obey the count. Batista went back for it again, but Michaels shoved him to the mat. Michaels hit a top rope elbow, then began to stomp in the corner. Michaels went for the superkick, but Batista instead picked up Michaels and hit a spinebuster. Batista called for the Batista Bomb.
Batista lifted Michaels, but Michaels flipped out of it. Michaels knee buckled under him as he came down. Michaels fell to the mat, clutching his knee by the ropes. Jericho checked on him, and Batista went to pick him up, but Jericho made him back off. A second time, Batista went in, but Jericho made him back off again. Michaels struggled to his feet, and as Batista advanced on him, Michaels popped off a superkick and got the three count at the fifteen minute mark.
Winner: Shawn Michaels.
Michaels kept limping, and two referees came out to help Shawn to the back. The announcers talked about Shawn's history of knee issues.
A commercial for the Wrestlemania DVD was shown. I'm surprised they didn't mention that the complete Hall Of Fame would be included.
Randy Orton continued his locker room visits, this time approaching Triple H. Orton wouldn't look Triple H in the eye as he said that Triple H would not win the title tonight. Triple H said "Pride comes before the fall" as Orton walked off.
WWE Women's champ Mickie James & Maria & Ashley Massaro & Michelle McCool & Cherry & Kelly Kelly vs. Beth Phoenix & Melina & Jillian & Layla El & Victoria & Natalya Neidhart
The heel team came out with Beth Phoenix leading the way, and her music playing. The announcers (Lawler & Ross) discussed Phoenix losing the Women's Title to Mickie James. The babyface team came out to Mickie's music. Phoenix and McCool started out. McCool hit a dropkick and went for a belly to belly suplex, but Phoenix hit a knee to the gut but missed a charge. McCool hit some shots, but Phoenix powerslammed her. Melina tagged in and threw McCool face first into the mat, then applied a bridging chinlock. Melina hit a sunset flip, but McCool rolled through it and hit a dropkick. Mickie James tagged in and traded shots with Melina. James hit a flying headscissors and a clothesline. Natalya tagged in, but Mickie got the better of the exchange at first, only for Natalya to deck her and knock Cherry off the apron as well. Victoria came in and missed her standing moonsault on Mickie in the ring. Meanwhile, Cherry walked around the ring and pulled Natalya off the apron, leading to a brief brawl on the outside. Things settled down, and we had Ashley giving Jillian a slow motion rana. Phoenix kicked Ashley from the apron, then tagged in and worked her over with a cobra clutch. Phoenix used a double chicken wing, but Ashley rolled out of it, kicking Layla, who was running in, as she did so. Mickie was hit by Phoenix, and Mickie ran in and gave her a DDT. We then went into a sequence of every woman running in and giving her finisher to someone else, who would then roll to the floor. The crowd actually got into this segment. It ended with Phoenix getting back in and giving Ashley a fisherwoman's suplex for the pin at the six minute mark.
Winners: Beth Phoenix & Melina & Jillian & Layla El & Victoria & Natalya Neidhart.
We were reminded that Judgment Day, the next WWE PPV, is only 21 days away.
The events leading to Edge vs. Undertaker were shown.
World champion The Undertaker vs. Edge.
Edge came out alone. It was interesting to have Mick Foley give his take on what it feels like to face the Undertaker as the champion made his entrance. They did the "big fight" intros again. I should note, very vocal crowd tonight, which is always a plus. They were chanting for Undertaker at the bell. Undertaker mouthed to Edge "I'm going to hurt you".
Edge tried to duck away from Undertaker at the bell, and when they did lock up, Undertaker shoved Edge through the ropes and to the floor. They locked up again, and Edge grabbed a headlock. Undertaker shoved it off and hit a shoulderblock. Edge got to his feet, but Taker backed him in the corner and hit some punches. Undertaker headbutted Edge and stomped him down. Taker rammed Edge in a corner, then ran into a boot to the face. Edge hit a clothesline and landed some punches, but Taker shoved him in a corner and hit a barrage of punches. Taker hit a short arm shoulderblock, then a second, then rammed him shoulder first in the corner. Undertaker worked over the arm in the corner, then rammed him into the buckles and went for Old School, but Edge raked his eyes. Edge clotheslined Undertaker over the top rope, but Taker landed on his feet. Edge hit a baseball slide dropkick, then went to jump off the apron at Undertaker, but Taker caught him and rammed him back first into the ringpost.
Undertaker whipped Edge into the security wall, then dropped him chest first across it. Undertaker dropped Edge face first across the apron, then placed him on the apron and hit a kick to the face. Undertaker hit the ring apron legdrop, and seemed to hurt his own back doing the move. Undertaker slammed Edge in the ring, then hit a legdrop for a two count. Undertaker lifted Edge for a slam, but Edge floated over and yanked Undertaker headfirst into the mat for a two count. Edge kicked and pounded Undertaker near the ropes. Edge hit a spear to Undertaker's back for a two count. Edge applied a bodyscissors, and Undertaker struggled in the hold, until he was able to turn around in the move and pepper Edge with punches to the face. Edge ducked a clothesline and kicked Undertaker in the back. Edge then hit a baseball slide kick to the back, and Undertaker fell from the ring to the floor.
Edge threw Undertaker back in the ring and hit an elbow to the back, then applied a camel clutch. Undertaker stood up in the hold, but Edge switched to a bodyscissors again. Undertaker made the ropes for a break. Edge punched Taker and went for a chinlock. Undertaker punched out of it, and was Edge got on his back to maintain the hold, Taker dropped back. Edge ducked an Undertaker clothesline, and the two men collided on the rebound. They both got up, and then went down again as both of them hit kicks to the face. They got up and traded punches, with Undertaker getting the better of it. Taker hit an avalanche, but missed a second as Edge moved. Edge bounced off the ropes, but Taker scooped him up and dropped Edge with Snake Eyes, then hit a boot to the face for a two count.
Undertaker went for Old School, but Edge broke free and kicked Taker in the face. Edge put Undertaker on the top rope and set up for a rana, but Taker blocked it and teased a powerbomb, but Edge blocked it. Taker shoved Edge to the mat, and went for a top rope elbow, but Edge moved out of the way and Taker crashed to the mat. Edge scored a two count. Edge went for the title belt at ringside, but as he got on the apron, he dropped it. This distracted Edge, and Taker grabbed Undertaker by the throat and pulled him into the ring. Undertaker went for a chokeslam, Edge reversed, Undertaker reversed again for the chokeslam, but Edge blocked it and hit a Russian legsweep. Edge went to the top rope, but Undertaker grabbed him by the throat and chokeslammed him to the mat. Undertaker went for a tombstone piledriver, but Edge grabbed the turnbuckle pad to block the move. Undertaker yanked Edge away from the corner, and the pad came off as Undertaker lost his grip on the move. Edge rammed Undertaker back first into the exposed steel corner. The referee went to fix the turnbuckle pad, and while he was distracted, Curt Hawkins ran out and hit Undertaker with the title belt. Hawkins ran off. Edge covered Undertaker for a two count. Edge went for a spear, but Undertaker blocked it and hit Edge with DDT for two. Undertaker sat up, and called for a chokeslam. Zack Ryder came out and got on the apron, so Taker threw Edge into Ryder, knocking him off the apron. Undertaker went for a Last Ride powerbomb, but Edge rolled through it and into a sunset flip rollup for two. Undertaker grabbed Edge's arm and put him in the gogoplata. Edge struggled for a bit in the hold, then finally tapped out at the eighteen minute mark.
Winner: The Undertaker.
Undertaker refused to release his hold, and soon Edge was bleeding from the mouth. Undertaker finally let go of it and left. Vickie Guerrero was wheeled to ringside by Teddy Long, then Vickie scurried into the ring to check on Edge. The brought out paramedics, and Edge was taken out on a stretcher while Vickie screamed and cried including saying she was sorry to Edge. They played it up big time.
Backstage, Randy Orton was knocking on JBL's dressing room door. CM Punk walked by, holding his Money In The Bank briefcase, and wished Orton luck before walking away.
They revealed the results of their Mobile Poll on the main event:
John Cena - 48%
HHH - 36%
Randy Orton - 12%
JBL - 4%
A video package on the WWE Title match was shown.
WWE champion Randy Orton vs. JBL vs. John Cena vs. Triple H.
Triple H entered first, then JBL (who know has a Mama Juana ring jacket), then Cena, then Orton. It's elimination rules, No DQ, with everyone in the ring at the same time. There is a referee in the ring and one outside it. They did the big match intros. As you would expect, JBL and Orton were booed, HHH was cheered, and Cena got a very loud mixed reaction.
Orton grabbed the title belt at the bell, but JBL kicked it into Orton's head. Orton fell to the floor. JBL and Cena started going at it, but Triple H interceded and suplexed JBL. Cena clotheslined HHH and started working him over in a corner. HHH whipped Cena in a corner, and he rolled to the floor. JBL attacked Triple H, hitting punches and kicks. Cena tackled Orton on the floor, who was sitting in a chair, and tossed him back into the ring. Triple H threw Orton into Cena, who was on the apron, and Cena crashed into the announce table. JBL and Orton double teamed Triple H in the ring, beating him down and getting a two count together. Orton and JBL missed a double clothesline and HHH hit both men with a clothesline on the rebound. JBL was knocked out of the ring, then HHH dodged a charging Orton, who went shoulder first into the ringpost. JBL pulled Triple H to the floor, and HHH threw him into the ringsteps. Triple H teased a pedigree on the floor, but JBL tripped him into the metal rampway.
In the ring, Orton was giving Cena forearm shots. Orton missed a charge in the corner and Cena gave Orton a Throwback. Cena gave Orton a top rope Rocker Dropper, then applied an STFU. JBL acted like he was going to break it up, then stopped and yelled at Orton to tap. Triple H came in and jumped on the distracted JBL, putting him in a Crossface. JBL raked Cena in the eyes to break the STFU. JBL was expecting Orton to return the favor, but instead Orton yelled at JBL to tap. Cena ended up hitting Orton from behind, into JBL and Triple H, to break up the move. Orton tossed Cena from the ring, then JBL hit Orton with a big boot to the head for a two count.
Orton hit JBL with a kick, then a clothesline. Orton went to the top rope, but JBL hit the ropes to crotch Orton. JBL kicked Orton in the head, then set up for a superplex. Cena and Triple H came over and powerbombed JBL off the ropes as he was superplexing Orton. Triple H covered Orton and Cena covered JBL, both getting two counts. HHH and Cena exchanged punches, with Cena getting the better of it. Cena gave Triple H a suplex for a two count. Cena hit a pair of shoulderblocks, then a back suplex into a powerbomb. Cena did the "You Can't See Me" and went for the Five Knuckle Shuffle, but Triple H jumped up and gave him a spinebuster. Triple H went for a Pedigree, JBL went to clothesline him, but Triple H ducked it. Cena lifted Triple H for a FU, but he floated out of it. Cena lifted JBL instead and gave him the FU. Triple H went for the pedigree on Cena, but Cena backdropped him over the top rope and to the floor.
Cena put JBL in the STFU, and JBL tapped out at the ten minute mark. Randy Orton then kicked Cena in the head, while he still had the STFU applied, and scored the pin on Cena.
JBL and John Cena are eliminated. The second referee left with them for some reason.
Triple H and Randy Orton faced off, then began exchanging punches. Triple H hit a kneedrop for a two count, then sent him over the top rope and to the floor. Triple H went for a whip on the outside, but Orton reversed it and sent Triple H into the steps. Orton catapulted Triple H into the security wall, and Triple H flipped over it onto the concrete. There was a chant for Triple H. Orton suplexed Triple H back over the wall into the ringside area. Orton rolled Triple H into the ring for a two count, then hit a knee to the back. Orton stomped Triple H's midsection, then delivered a double sledge to the back. Orton drove a knee to Triple H's back, then stomped on his midsection. They were selling that Triple H had cracked ribs from the catapult into the security wall. Orton hit a knee to HHH's gut as he got up, then decked him with a punch. Orton hit another knee to the gut, then a kneedrop for a two count.
Triple H mounted a comeback with punches, but Orton gave him a side backbreaker for a two count. Orton applied a chinlock, then added a bodyscissors to it, but only momentarily. The chinlock spot lasted for a long time. Triple H got to his feet and punched out of the chinlock, but Orton came right back with a snap powerslam. Orton then measured Triple H for an RKO. Orton went for the move, but Triple H shoved it off and sent Orton crashing to the mat. Both men were down, and the referee counted. Both men got up and began trading punches. Orton got the better of it, but Triple H reversed a whip and hit a jumping knee. Triple H hit a clothesline in a corner, then a facebuster on the knee for a two count. Triple H clothesline Orton over the top rope and to the floor. HHH tossed Orton over the ECW announce table. Triple H rammed Orton into the Smackdown announce table, but Orton hooked HHH's trunks and sent him head first into the security wall.
Orton took apart the ring steps, and went for a piledriver on the larger section of the steps. Triple H blocked it, then yanked out Orton's legs and sent Orton down onto the steps, banging the back of his head on them. They got back into the ring, and Triple H hit a spinebuster. Triple H went for a pedigree, but Orton backdropped out of it. Orton went for an RKO, but Triple H threw it off and Orton bumped into the referee, but it didn't knock him out. Triple H was distracted by the referee being hit, and Orton nailed HHH with an RKO. Orton crawled onto Triple H for a two count. Orton got to his feet, then measured for a kick to the head. Orton missed the kick, and Triple H went for the pedigree. Orton blocked it and went for an RKO. Triple H spun it around and hit the pedigree for the pin at the 29-minute mark. Randy Orton is eliminated.
Winner and new WWE Champion: Triple H.
The PPV went off the air with Triple H celebrating his victory.
2009 - Lance Hoyt, formerly TNA star Lance Rock, announced he had signed a deal with WWE. He would debut on the main roster as Vance Archer. After being released by WWE, he would go on to tour with New Japan.
2009 - WSOC-TV in Charlotte reported that Reid Flair (real name Richard Fliehr) is facing felony charges after being arrested and charged with driving while impaired and driving with a revoked license (his license was revoked following a previous arrest). However, the felony charge will be for heroin that Charlotte-Mecklenburg police found in his vehicle. The 21-year-old Fliehr was released from jail after posting bond. The arrest led to Ring of Honor backing off on using him, one of the factors that led to his father, Ric Flair, backing out on working with ROH and HDNet.
2009 - WWE broadcast Raw. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We are live from Bridgeport, Connecticut and your announcers are Michael ‘Vintage Brand Split’ Cole and Jerry ‘Why is Manute Bol in the front row’ Lawler.
We start off with Vickie Guerrero in the center of the ring and she has someone to ‘Excuse’. She says that she is so proud because last night her husband Edge captured the World Heavyweight Title by beating John Cena in a Last Man Standing Match. She says that it is her honor to introduce the new WWE Champion, Randy Orton.
Randy is joined by his fellow members of Legacy, Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase. Randy shows the belt to the fans as he poses on the turnbuckles. Randy gets the mic from Vickie and the fans are not receptive to the new champion. Randy says that the McMahon family is mourning because their last hope, their protector, their champion has fallen. After five long years, he beat Triple H. He says that he did not just pin him, he beat him. He kicked Hunter in the skull as hard as he could and put him out. It was just like he said he was going to do. He did exactly what he said he was going to do. Randy says that no other superstars in the back and nobody in the crowd can say that either. He tells everyone that they are all exactly the same. Those in their 20s hope for big things and big success but in the end, you will amount to nothing. Everyone in their 30s or older are already nothing. Randy says that he is not that way. He says that he is a success and he made history. He has created a legacy that has resulted in the destruction of the entire McMahon family.
We go to a Randy Orton video package of his actions against the McMahon family.
The fans continue to boo Orton as he holds the title on the turnbuckles one more time. Vickie tells Randy that she is so excited that Randy is on her show as the WWE Champion. She is happy to announce that Randy’s first title defense will be in three weeks at Judgment Day. He will face the winner of the match between Big Show and Batista. She then congratulates Randy one more time.
Randy tells everyone that they need to know that he is all that they have left. They don’t need to like him, but they have no choice but to respect him. He says that the wrestlers in the back need to respect him too. Vickie Guerrero might be the general manager, but they will answer to him. If they do not respect him, they will face the same fate as Triple H. He says that it does not matter how long you have been in the company. . .
Montel Vontavious Porter comes out and he reminds Randy who he is and he says that most people call him MVP. He says that what Randy has done has been impressive but he wants to put Randy on notice that he is the United States Champion and he answers to no one.
Ted DiBiase gets on the mic and he says that MVP does not seem too bright. If he wants his first night on Raw to be his worst night, MVP should leave under his own power. Porter tells DiBiase that Orton did not give him permission to talk so he is not leaving. Porter says that he does not have two models speaking for him. Porter says that this is not a dictatorship run by Randy Orton. This is Monday Night Raw and he did not come here to be talked down to. Randy is the WWE Champion, but this is not going to last forever. If Big Show or Batista do not beat Orton at Judgment Day, he will beat Orton.
Cody wants to show Porter what Legacy is about. Randy whispers something in Vickie’s ear and Vickie announces that there is a second main event match tonight. For the first time ever, the United States Champion will face the new WWE Champion, Randy Orton.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Did you know that lots more people watched Raw on Monday than the NBA Playoffs.
Michael Cole talks about the changing landscape of Raw. There are now fifteen new superstars on Raw. We run through the new names. Among them are Triple H, Hornswoggle, and The Brian Kendrick.
Brian Kendrick comes to the ring and he tells Lillian Garcia that he is not ‘Brian Kendrick’ but ‘The Brian Kendrick’.
Match Number One: The Brian Kendrick versus Kofi Kingston
Kendrick with a knee and side head lock. Kingston with leap frogs but Kendrick with a slap. Kendrick tries to get out of the ring, but Kofi pulls him back in. Kofi with a cartwheel out of a monkey flip attempt. Kendrick with a drop toe hold into the turnbuckles. Kingston sends Kendrick to the apron and Kendrick with a forearm followed by a missile drop kick for a near fall. Kendrick with a Camel Clutch with a Cobra Clutch. Kingston with an arm drag followed by a series of chops and a drop kick. Kingston with a leaping clothesline and it is time for the Boop Boop Leg drop but Kendrick kicks out. Kendrick with a drop kick for a near fall. Kendrick tries for The Kendrick but Kingston gets out of the hold. Kingston with a cross body but Kendrick rolls through for a near fall. Kingston hits Trouble in Paradise for the three count.
Winner: Kofi Kingston
Michael Cole talks about the compelling and dramatic Backlash pay per view from last night. We go to footage from the Last Man Standing Match where Edge defeated John Cena thanks to an assist from Big Show. Michael Cole says that it is doubtful that John Cena will be on Raw tonight.
Vickie enters her office and her man is waiting for her. Vickie says that she knew that Show did it for himself because he is so professional. Show thanks Vickie for the shot at the title tonight. Show kisses Vickie, but she does not reciprocate. Vickie tells Show that everything must be professional from now on. Show leaves a bit dejected.
We go to commercial.
We are back with the WWE Rewind: The ‘match’ between Beth Phoenix and Santina Marella after Beth got bopped on the top of the head by Khali for insulting his woman.
Match Number Two: Santina Marella, Kelly Kelly, Mickie James, Brie Bella, and Mickie James versus Beth Phoenix, Maryse, Jillian Hall, and Rosa Mendes
Beth and Santina start things off and Santina does not realize it until it is too late. Beth with a kick and a slap to the chest. Brie tags in and Beth with a kick and slam. Beth punches Brie and then tags in Jillian. Jillian misses a leg drop and Brie goes under the ring. Rosa looks for Brie and we see Brie and Nikki appear. Hornswoggle appears as well and the Bellas kiss Hornswoggle. Hornswoggle chases Rosa away. Beth and Maryse look for Hornswoggle and a fire extinguisher goes off. Santina tags in and gets the three count with a rollup.
Winners: Santina Marella, Brie Bella, Kelly Kelly, and Mickie James
After the match, Hornswoggle gets a look at Santina from an unfortunate angle. Hornswoggle faints and then he runs away.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Michael Cole reminds us that a lot of people watch Raw. Cole talks about the draft again. Time to see some more new faces on Raw and we have Mr. Kennedy, The Bellas, and Matt Hardy.
We see photos of what happened at the end of the I Quit Match when Matt quit, but Jeff still went through the table after the match ended with a leg drop.
Matt Hardy is in the ring and he has a cast and a mic. Matt says that last night Jeff Hardy proved to him that he is nothing more than an insensitive, heartless, barbarian. Because of that, Matt says that he suffered a broken hand. Matt says that he did not quit. He says that he is not a quitter. He says that he has never quit anything in his entire life. After Jeff broke his hand, he had no other option. Matt says that he has no option tonight because he is being forced to wrestle. He wants everyone to know that he is wrestling under protest.
Match Number Three: Matt Hardy with cast on his right wrist versus Goldust
Matt backs himself into the ropes to avoid Goldust and he reminds the referee about his arm. Matt retreats into the ropes again before they lock up. Matt goes to the apron and then to the floor. Goldust is held back by the referee. While Goldust argues with the referee, Matt takes the opportunity to hit Goldust with his cast and get the three count.
Winner: Matt Hardy
Randy Orton walks very deliberately in the back as we go to commercial.
Match Number Four: Randy Orton versus Montel Vontavious Porter
They lock up and Orton backs Porter into the corner and Orton with a clean break. They lock up again and Orton with a side head lock but Porter with a top wrist lock but Orton is able to counter back into a side head lock. Orton with a front face lock but Porter escapes and has Orton in a hammer lock. Porter with a wrist lock and Orton with a fireman’s carry. Orton returns to the hammer lock but Porter with a firearm’s carry into an arm bar of his own. Orton with a knee and forearm to the back. Orton with a kick to the upper chest. Porter with punches to Orton followed by knees to the midsection. Porter with a knee to the midsection and a knee drop to the abdominals. Orton sends Porter into the turnbuckles and Orton with a European uppercut. Orton continues with the European uppercuts. Orton with an Irish whip but he misses a charge and Porter with an arm drag into an arm bar. Orton sends Porter into the corner and he punches Porter. Porter sends Orton into the turnbuckles and then Porter with a running boot into the corner and Orton goes to the floor. We go to commercial.
We are back and Orton has Porter in a reverse chin lock. We see footage from the commercial break of Orton hitting the IEDDT on Porter. Back to live action and Orton still has the reverse chin lock applied. Orton with a backbreaker for a near fall. Orton returns to the reverse chin lock. Porter with a belly-to-back suplex to escape the chin lock and both men are down. Porter and Orton exchange yay/boo punches. Porter with a kick but Orton with a forearm. Porter with an overhead belly-to-belly throw. Porter with a facebuster and then it is time for the Ballin’ Elbow but he can only get a two count. Porter misses the boot in the corner and Orton throws Porter over the top rope to the floor. From out of nowhere, Shane McMahon comes into the ring with a kendo stick and the referee lets it happen. Shane hits Randy in the head with the kendo stick. Shane goes up top and he hits the elbow drop as Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase come to the ring with chairs.
Cody and Ted check on Randy while Shane makes his way to a sky box opposite the hard camera.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a Moments Ago Moment of Shane McMahon’s kendo stick attack on Randy Orton and his escape to the sky boxes.
In case you missed it earlier, we see photos of what happened in the Last Man Standing Match.
Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler wonder how long John Cena will be out.
It is time to see more Raw draft picks including Big Show, Maryse, Chavo Guerrero, and The Miz.
The Miz comes to the ring and he says that they are looking at the most valuable draft pick in the entire WWE. He says that he is a television icon. He was on MTV for years and he was the face of that network. Miz says that he was on all three brands winning titles. He says that he is here to challenge John Cena. He says that he knows that John Cena was in the Last Man Standing Match and he knows that John Cena is not someone who will make excuses so he want John to come out.
Match Number Five: The Miz versus John Cena
Miz wants to know if Cena is afraid of him or will he come out to face him like a man. Miz asks what needs to be done to get him to come to the ring. Does he have to belittle him? Miz mocks Cena’s catchphrase and says that he cannot see him. He then comments on how long John’s movies are in theaters. Miz says that he is tired of seeing the same people in the main event so he is here to grab the brass ring. Tonight he challenged John Cena and Cena declined. That makes him the winner by forfeit. That means The Miz 1 . . . John Cena 0. Miz wants Lillian Garcia to make it official and announce him as winner by forfeit.
We go to commercial.
We are back and in case you missed it last week did you know that WWE sold out shows in Europe. We have the photos to prove it.
Match Number Six: Carlito and Primo versus Jamie Noble and Chavo Guerrero
Chavo and Carlito start things off and they lock up. Chavo with a side head lock into a wrist lock and arm bar. Carlito reverses and so does Chavo. Carlito with a monkey flip to Chavo and Primo tags in. Carlito with a drop toe hold and Primo with a diving head butt. Carlito with a drop kick to Noble and Noble and Chavo go to the floor. Chavo sneaks up on Primo and attacks him from behind and throws him to the floor. Noble attacks Primo on the floor.
Chavo with a European uppercut and Noble tags in and hits a neck breaker for a near fall. Noble with a rear chin lock but Primo with elbows. Primo counters a suplex attempt with a cross body. Noble grapevines the leg and he tags in Chavo who hits a slingshot splash for a near fall. Primo with punches but Chavo with a knee. Chavo with an elbow but when he comes off the turnbuckles Primo with a drop kick and both men are down. Carlito and Noble tag in and Carlito with a clothesline and punches. Carlito with a back body drop and a sit out spinebuster for a near fall. Noble sends Carlito to the apron and Chavo tries to attack Carlito but it fails. Carlito drops Noble across the ropes and then Carlito hits a double jump somersault splash for a two count. Primo with a suicide dive onto Chavo. Carlito with a lungblower for the three count.
Winners: Carlito and Primo
Batista is walking in the back and he is stopped by Josh Mathews. Josh asks Batista if he feels responsible for Triple H losing the title at Backlash. Batista says that he feels for Triple H and it is a matter of time before he comes back. He says that he will beat Big Show to become the number one contender. As far as Randy Orton is concerned, he is going to hurt Orton the same way that Orton hurt him, Hunter, and Hunter’s family. Then he will take what is most important to Orton, the WWE Title. We go to commercial.
Vickie Guerrero comes out and she has something to say. She says that she has an announcement, but she wants to remind the fans of recent current events. We see the same video package from Randy Orton’s opening promo.
As a result of those events and what happened tonight. Next week, Randy Orton will face Shane McMahon.
Match Number Six: Big Show versus Batista in a Number One First Contender Match
They lock up and Show pushes Batista away. They lock up again and Show backs Batista into the corner and he has a clean break. Batista with a waist lock but Show escapes the hold. Show tries for a head butt but Batista blocks it. Show grabs Batista by the throat but Batista escapes the hold and tries for a Batista Bomb but Show pushes Batista away. We go to commercial.
We are back and Show with a near fall. Show with a head butt to Batista followed by a chest. Show with a punch to the midsection followed by another one as Batista comes off the ropes. Batista with a punch and shoulder tackle into the corner. Show stands on Batista’s back and then he stands on Batista’s chest. Show uses the ring post on Batista’s ribs to wear him down. Batista punches and kicks Show but Show punches back and hits a double sledge to the lower back and Batista is down again. Show with a hard slam to Batista. Show follows that with an elbow to the back. Show continues to work on the back with a rear chin lock. Show with a bear hug on Batista after a punch to the kidneys. Batista rakes the eyes to get out of the hold. Show charges at Batista but Batista gets his feet up and then he comes off the turnbuckles but he is caught in another bear hug. Batista tries to take Show down with clotheslines but Show stays up. Batista with a spinebuster and then it is time to set up for the Batista Bomb but Show with a choke slam. Batista rolls to the floor and Show goes after him. John Cena comes out and he is being held back by a referee. While Show focuses on Cena, Batista gets back into the ring and Show cannot get back into the ring in time.
Winner: Batista by count out
After the match, Batista spears Big Show and we go to credits.
2010 - WWE announces that Triple H will star in their film "Inside Out." The film was originally slated to star Dave Bautista, with the company making the change as he would not be under contract when the film would be released.
2010 - DeadlineHollywood.com reported that WWE picked up the options for the Gorgeous George biography in order to turn into a WWE Studios film. They noted it was a six figure deal to acquire the rights for the film, which to date, has not moved forward into production.
2010 - WWE holds their supplemental draft, with the following results:
1. Great Khali and Runjin Singh to Raw
2. Chavo Guerrero to Smackdown
3. Cody Rhodes to Smackdown
4. Natalya to Raw
5. Chris Masters to Smackdown
6. Ezekiel Jackson to Raw
7. Goldust to Raw
8. Hornswoggle to Smackdown
9. Rosa Mendes to Smackdown
10. David Hart Smith and Tyson Kidd to Raw
11. Montel Vontavious Porter to Smackdown
2010 - WWE broadcast NXT. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We are live on tape from Hershey, Pennsylvania and your announcers are Michael ‘Vintage Chocolate’ Cole and Josh ‘Where is Augustus Gloop’ Mathews. Your host is Matt ‘Wow, the streetlights look like giant Hershey Kisses’ Striker.
The rookies are in the ring with Matt Striker. Matt introduces the rookies for those of you watching for the first time. Matt reminds us that the next pro’s poll in two weeks will lead to the first elimination. Matt reminds us that the winner of NXT will earn a pay per view match. Matt reminds us of last week’s challenge that was won by Skip Sheffield. Matt talks about the feature on WWE.com and Matt says that over ten million people were on the site since last week.
Now it is time to see how well they can sell themselves. It is the ‘Seal the Deal Challenge’. Each rookie will try to sell as much merchandise as possible in sixty seconds. The winner will get to wrestle next week against a pro of their choosing.
Skip Sheffield goes first and he has to sell programs at $15 each. Skip sold four programs and made $60.
We see highlights from last week’s upset victory by Heath Slater over Chris Jericho.
Match Number One: Heath Slater and Christian versus Chris Jericho and Wade Barrett
Slater knocks Jericho down and Jericho tags in Barrett. Slater with a side head lock and then he tags in Christian and Christian with a double sledge from the turnbuckles. Barrett runs into an elbow and then Christian with a drop kick from the turnbuckles for a near fall. Christian punches Jericho but Barrett with a running boot. Barrett punches Christian and then tags in Jericho who punches Christian and then the referee warns Jericho and Jericho argues with the referee. Jericho with a belly-to-back suplex and then he punches Christian in the corner. Jericho with an Irish whip but Christian avoids the bulldog and hits an inverted DDT. Slater tags in and he hits a flying forearm and a running forearm into the corner. Jericho with a kick to Slater but Jericho misses a clothesline and Slater with a leaping neck breaker but Barrett breaks up the cover. Christian with a cross body on Barrett and then he hits a pescado onto Barrett. Slater with another inside cradle off a counter of a Walls of Jericho and then Jericho hits the Codebreaker and gets the three count.
Winners: Chris Jericho and Wade Barrett
It is time for our next merchandise selling rookie and it is Daniel Bryan. Bryan decides to give away programs to the fans in the crowd. Bryan announces that he is out of programs. Bryan ended up earning no money due to his philanthropic ways.
We take a look back at last week’s Triple Threat match where Luke Gallows almost cost Darren Young the match only to see Michael Tarver ignore his pro. We see Michael Tarver being told to take advantage of the situation by Carlito. Carlito tells Tarver to carry his bags. Carlito says that he is learning the little details.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Did you Know that NXT is the highest rated show on Syfy since its debut.
It is time for Justin Gabriel to try to see how much he can sell. Justin was able to sell 22 programs and he made $330.
We have a video package for Michael Tarver with the pro’s comments. Punk says that Tarver runs the spectrum where some see a lot. Miz says that he hasn’t seen anything from him. Jericho says that Tarver is at the bottom of the list. Regal says that Tarver is a sleeper and people haven’t taken him seriously. Punk says that Tarver has been saddled with a less than stellar pro. Hardy says that Tarver has a good chance of being voted off first. Christian says that he has skills, but hasn’t seen it yet. Carlito calls him a loose cannon and he says that if he listened more, he would be doing better. Miz says that he needs to do something quick. Tarver says that if there is a way to seize the moment, get out of his way.
Match Number Two: Michael Tarver with Carlito versus Darren Young with Luke Gallows and Serena
They lock up and Young backs Tarver into the corner but Tarver reverses it and he punches Young. Tarver with an Irish whip and Young hits the turnbuckles awkwardly. The referee checks on Young and Tarver is held back by the referee. Tarver with a power slam for a two count. Tarver punches Young in the corner and then gives Young a snap mare and he puts Young in a seated abdominal stretch. Tarver with forearms to the back and Young with a discus forearm and drop kick. Young with a flying shoulder tackle for a two count. Young with an Irish whip but Tarver with an elbow. Young with a punch as Tarver comes off the turnbuckles. Tarver goes to the floor and Young follows him. Tarver with a knee and Young is sent back into the ring. Tarver pulls Young’s shoulder into the corner. Luke trips Tarver on the apron while Serena distract the referee. Young with a full nelson face plant for the three count.
Winner: Darren Young
After the match, Darren wants to celebrate with Luke and Serena but Luke keeps Darren from Serena.
We go back to the Seal the Deal Challenge and it is time for David Otunga. We are told that Justin Gabriel only sold $210 worth of merchandise. Otunga says that celebrities don’t do manual labor and he gets a kid to sell programs for him.
We go to commercial.
It is time for comments about Justin Gabriel. They talk about the 450 splash and Matt says that Gabriel reminds him of a younger Matt Hardy. Punk says that Gabriel’s biggest detriment is his pro but Hardy can teach him how to go on the internet and Twitter. Chris Jericho calls him a one trick pony. Miz doesn’t know who he is. Truth says that he has a good image but needs to be more explosive. Hardy says that he is trying to strengthen the weaknesses that he has.
We see footage of David Otunga’s problems with R Truth and Truth not helping him against Gabriel.
Truth tells Otunga what he should have done last week to counter the sunset flip and win the match. Otunga says that Truth only had to grab his hands. Truth says that he doesn’t give hand outs and it is survival of the fittest. Truth says that if you can’t run with the big dogs, stay on the porch.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Heath Slater gets to sell some merchandise, but he needs to beat $315 which was David Otunga’s total. Slater fell short of Otunga’s total.
Cole and Mathews talk about the current leader and while Cole criticizes Josh’s math skills, Mathews wonders how Michael Cole still has a voice after calling six hours of wrestling so far this week.
Darren Young has his chance to sell programs and he teases with a ‘let me wrestle CM Punk next week’ sales pitch. Young did not beat Otunga.
Michael Tarver is next to sell merchandise but Tarver says that he doesn’t have to sell himself after losing a match. Tarver walks away and says that he is the product.
Now it is time for Wade Barrett to sell programs. Barrett says that he has already proven that he was the top rookie since his team beat Christian. Barrett says that he likes money and he is going to take it and leave. He says that there is nothing that Matt or anyone in WWE can do.
We go to commercial and it is time for comments about Daniel Bryan. Punk says that Bryan is right to be numer one. Jericho says that he is already a superstar. Regal says that he has gotten everything that he deserves. Miz wonders how Bryan is number one. Regal says that Bryan and Miz are like oil and water. Christian says that Bryan has a tough road but Bryan can deal with what Miz is throwing at him. Hardy says that Bryan needs to have a personality. If he can do that, he has a great future.
Matt Striker is with the winner of the challenge and it is David Otunga. Striker asks Otunga who he is going to face. Otunga goes through the options but he says that something is irritating him and there is something who knows a little too much. He wants to face his pro R Truth. He says that it is time that the student beats the teacher.
We see footage of Big Show punching Miz after they lost the tag titles and that explains the bruise on Miz’s face.
Match Number Three: Miz with Daniel Bryan versus Skip Sheffield with William Regal
Before the match, Regal has something to say to Miz.
Miz gets on the mic and he says that it is painful to talk. Due to the trauma to his face from Big Show’s sucker punch, the only way that he could do it to him, he will not be able to wrestle tonight. Daniel Bryan will be taking his place.
Sheffield gets Bryan up but Bryan with forearms and kicks to Sheffield. Bryan with a drop kick into the corner and then he punches Sheffield. Bryan with a heel hook and Sheffield fights for the ropes and he gets there. Bryan with kicks to the chest but Sheffield sends Bryan down and Sheffield with a clothesline that flips Bryan. Sheffield with the over the shoulder boulder holder for the three count.
Winner: Skip Sheffield
2012 - WWE broadcast Smackdown. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We are live on tape from Grand Rapids, Michigan and your announcers are Michael ‘Why am I scheduled to interview Brock next week’ Cole and Booker ‘I have to interview Brock this weekend’ T.
Michael reminds us that Josh Mathews is not with them tonight because of the injuries he suffered at the hands of Brock Lesnar on Monday night during Raw.
Daniel Bryan makes his way to the ring and YES, he has something to say this week.
Daniel has a smile on his face from ear to ear and he says that he did it. He cut the umbilical cord and finally got rid of AJ. He says that this feels so good. There is still something bothering him and he wants to set the record straight. That loss at Wrestlemania. That eighteen second loss to Sheamus at Wrestlemania . . . that does not count. If anything, that loss should go on AJ’s record, not his. That is because AJ lost that match, not him.
Yet, Sheamus runs around with Daniel’s championship as if he won something. It is unbelievable but he plans to rectify that situation this Sunday at Extreme Rules. Sheamus cannot legitimately defeat him once, let alone in two out of three falls.
Despite his personal feelings for the Great White, when John Laurinaitis asked him to be the special referee for the match between Sheamus and Mark Henry on Monday, he promised to call it right down the middle.
Daniel says that he promised himself that he would call it right down the middle and he did. There are some people who have accused him of quick counting Sheamus’ shoulders to the mat. However, the footage speaks for itself.
We see the footage from Raw and the count looked slowed down a bit.
Daniel likes the footage we just saw. He says that there is absolutely nothing wrong with that count. In typical Sheamus fashion, he lost his cool. Daniel says that he was forced to defend himself.
We see footage of Sheamus bringing Daniel back into the ring only to fall victim to the LeBell Lock.
Daniel wants the footage paused to show Sheamus being stretched and about to tap out.
Now it is Question and Answer time with Daniel Bryan. Did Mark Henry beat Sheamus on Monday . . . Yes. Did Daniel Bryan make Sheamus tap out to the entire WWE Universe . . . Yes! Is Sheamus’ entire world title run a fluke because he took advantage of a confused and not very intelligent woman . . . YES. Will Daniel Bryan regain his World Championship at Extreme Rules . . . YES! YES! YES!
Alberto Del Rio comes out to the ring after driving into the arena. Ricardo Rodriguez introduces Alberto and Alberto makes his way to the ring to talk to Daniel.
Alberto asks if Daniel Bryan has been making excuses since losing the World Title at Wrestlemania in 18 seconds . . . Si. Is the winner of the Daniel Bryan/Sheamus match going to eventually lose to the new number one contender Alberto Del Rio . . . SI. Will Daniel Bryan be forgotten when Alberto Del Rio becomes the next World Heavyweight Champion . . . SI SI SI SI
Alberto asks everyone if they are seeing the next World Heavyweight Champion . . .
We will never know because Big Show makes his way to the ring.
Show wants to know if it is ‘yes’ or ‘si’. Show goes back and forth and then he teaches taking a swing at Bryan but Daniel leaves the ring. Show grabs Ricardo before he can escape the ring. Show tells Ricardo to calm down. Show asks Ricardo if it is ‘yes’ or ‘si’. Ricardo simply groans. Show tells Ricardo ‘si’ and then choke slams Ricardo.
We go to commercial.
Match Number One: Big Show versus Alberto Del Rio with the remnants of Ricardo Rodriguez
The match is joined in progress and Show with a chop followed by an Irish whip but Del Rio gets his knees up. Show with a forearm but Del Rio escapes a slam. Del Rio with a kick but Show with a shoulder tackle that sends Del Rio to the floor.
Show pulls Del Rio up to the apron but Del Rio drops Show’s arm on the rope. Del Rio with kicks to the arm and then he hits an arm breaker. Del Rio sets fro the float over but Del Rio remembers that it is Big Show and Show picks up Del Rio and hits a one armed belly-to-back suplex.
Show with a clothesline or two and then he Irish whips Del Rio into the corner and hits the running butt splash followed by a spear. Show signals for the choke slam but Cody Rhodes comes to the ring and he clips Show.
The referee calls for the bell.
Winner: Big Show by disqualification
After the match, Del Rio with a step up enzuigiri. Rhodes gets a kendo stick and a chair. Rhodes waits for Show to get up and he hits Show in the head with the kendo stick but Show gets up. Rhodes tries to use the chair but Show punches it. Rhodes tries to use his belt but Show with a kick and then Show goes after Cody’s shirt. Show whips Cody in the back and Cody leaves the ring and goes up the ramp.
John Laurinaitis is walking in the back with Eve and he tells her to look at things from an executive level. He knows that she is going to do great things as executive administrator. He tells Eve to give her any suggestions for improving things.
Eve suggests that everyone wear name tags so we know everyone.
John asks Teddy to come over and Teddy wonders what his job will be if Eve is the Executive Administrator.
John says that Teddy is just an employee. Going forward, Teddy will report directly to Eve. Eve tells Teddy to get a name tag.
We see footage from the Divas Title match when Nikki defeated Beth to become the new Divas Champion.
We go to commercial with the Divas walking in the back.
We are back with the latest from Damien Sandow. This week’s topic is enlightenment. Buddha once said that the greatest gift is to give others your enlightenment and share it. He introduces himself and he says that he is here to help us. The Age of Enlightenment was an intellectual and social movement in the 19th Century whose sole purpose was to reform society by the advancement of knowledge.
Great luminaries of this time such as Voltaire and Sir Isaac Newton understood the importance of bestowing their knowledge on the ill mannered masses. These men set a golden standard for others to aspire to. A standard that has regrettably fallen by the wayside.
Take WWE for example. A place riddled with self-righteous demagogues whose pollution of simple minds via nonsensical catchphrases and vile entrance music serves only to drive the WWE Universe to worship these falsely anointed idols.
But fear not you simple minded masses for salvation is one week away. Soon the WWE will bear witness to a new Age of enlightenment. An Age of Illumination that will usher in the New Renaissance that you so desperately and unwittingly yearn for.
Damien tells us ‘You’re Welcome’.
Match Number Two: Alicia Fox versus Nikki Bella with Brie Bella in a Non Title Match
They lock up and Fox with a waist lock but Nikki with a sit out jaw breaker and kick for a near fall. Nikki chokes Alicia in the ropes and follows it with a snap mare and a leap frog neck snap for a near fall. Nikki with a seated abdominal stretch but Alicia gets to her feet and she escapes with an arm drag. Both ladies try to take the other down by their hair and then Alicia with a few one foot drop kicks. Nikki with an Irish whip but Alicia with a back elbow off the turnbuckles.
Alicia avoids a clothesline with a matrix move but Nikki pulls Alicia down to the mat by her hair. Brie rolls in while the referee deals with Alicia. Brie with a kick to the midsection followed by an X Factor for the three count.
Winner: Nikki Bella
We go to commercial.
Yoshi Tatus is in the back and Darren Young and Titus O’Neil stop by and he says that they don’t want to fight now. Titus tells Yoshi that he is in the presence of two of the fastest rising Superstars in the WWE today. Titus tells Darren that they have to bow together. Titus wants to know who Yoshi’s tag team partner is going to be tonight.
Yoshi walks away and Titus pulls him back. Ezekiel Jackson stops by and he tells Titus and Darren that he is Yoshi’s tag team partner.
Titus tells Zeke that he is big and strong, but he ain’t got no guts. Darren and Titus walk away.
Teddy is in Johnny’s office dusting things wearing his Amish maid apron with his name tag across the front. The saxophones start playing and the lights go blue so that means only one thing . . . Aksana.
Teddy fumbles for the proper words but he says that it is good to see her. Teddy says that he is glad that his grandchildren’s college fund is safe and he is glad that Aksana is by her side.
Aksana says that when Teddy was the general manager, she never figured that Teddy could have been old enough to have grandchildren.
John Laurinaitis and Eve enter and the lights return to normal and the music stops.
John tells Aksana that the favor that she asked for will happen tonight. John says that Aksana’s friend Antonio Cesaro is going to have a tryout match tonight. He says that if he likes what he sees, he is going to hire Antonio.
Aksana thank Teddy so much.
John tells Aksana that she is going to be the guest ring announcer for Antonio’s match. John asks Teddy what he thinks about that. Eve wants to tell Teddy and John lets her. Eve tells Teddy that he will have his own ringside commentary table. They need another person down there since Josh is still out with his injury.
John tells Teddy that he will have a headset and John will tell Teddy what to say. John says that Teddy will do a wonderful job. John gives Teddy a People Power shirt to put over his maid’s uniform.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Three: Ezekiel Jackson and Yoshi Tatsu versus Darren Young and Titus O’Neil
Yoshi and Young start things off and lock up. Young iwh a forearm in the corner but Yoshi with forearms of his own. Young with a hot shot and then he tags in Titus. Young with a snap mare and Titus with a forearm to the back of the head for a near fall. Titus with a slam and then he tags Young back in. Young and Titus with a double shoulder tackle and then Young with an elbow drop for a near fall.
Yoshi with chops to Young but Young with a forearm to the back. Young knocks Jackson off the apron and then he kicks Yoshi in the leg. Titus tags in and they hit a clothesline and power bomb combination for the three count.
Winner: Darren Young and Titus O’Neil
We go to commercial.
We are back and Michael Cole is in the ring and he talks about how he will be talking to the man who will be in the Falls Count Anywhere Match at Extreme Rules . . . Randy Orton.
Randy makes his way to the ring and Michael welcomes him. Michael says that he is confident that the interview will be conducted civilly. Cole reminds Orton that if a Superstar touches an announcer, they will be immediately suspended.
Randy looks at Cole and he asks him if that was a question. Orton asks Cole that if he is pushed right, he does not act rationally. He says that he is a shoot first, ask questions last kind of guy.
Michael shows us a video package for Orton and Kane.
Michael tells Randy that Kane said that he is a monster again after his win at Wrestlemania. How does Randy feel about meeting a man he turned into a monster because of his failures at Wrestlemania.
Orton tells Cole that he was deep with that question. Orton says that people say that what happens at Wrestlemania goes down in history. When people talk about their issues with Kane, they talk about the match at Wrestlemania. It came at a price. He lost a wrestling match at Wrestlemania. He is going to do more than pin Kane with a three count because Kane did something to his family. A piece of him wants to respect Kane for that but he cannot accept that. Falls count anywhere and he can make Kane suffer like he can never imagine. Not even the devil is capable of unleashing the hell that he will bring on Sunday.
Jinder Mahal’s music plays and he makes his way to the ring. He tells Orton that him and Kane will take each other down on Sunday. When they do, a new breed of superstar will emerge. Orton’s time at the time is over. He tells Orton that he is younger, smarter, richer, and hungrier than Orton.
He says that he will be waiting for Orton on the other side.
Orton looks at Mahal and then he tells Jinder to wait a second. He asks Jinder if he is an announcer.
Jinder says that he is the fastest rising athlete. Orton interrupts him and says that announcers are off limits . . . RKO to Jinder Mahal.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Four: Tyson Kidd versus Antonio Cesaro in a Tryout Match
They lock up and Cesaro backs Kidd into the corner. Cesaro with a forearm and kick followed by a head butt. Cesaro with a boot to the head and then he rubs Kidd’s head into the mat. Cesaro with an elbow to the back of the neck. Cesaro continues the assault with a deadlift Side Salto. Kidd with a kick but he tries for the drop kick to the head but Cesaro recovers and hits Swiss Death followed by the Gotch Style Neutralizer for the three count.
Winner: Antonio Cesaro
After the match, Teddy Long goes into the ring and he raises Cesaro’s arm. Aksana kisses Cesaro right in front of Teddy and it looks like Teddy is on the girlfriend search.
It is time for a look at the situation between Brock Lesnar and John Cena.
We go to commercial with Cody Rhodes walking in the back.
Match Number Five: Great Khali versus Cody Rhodes
Rhodes goes for the leg but Khali with a forearm to the back. Khali with a chop in the corner. Rhodes with a drop kick to the knee and then he goes to the leg and tries to hyper-extend it. Khali sends Rhodes into the turnbuckles but Cody goes up top. Rhodes with a missile drop kick for a near fall.
Cody with an elbow drop to the leg and he works on the knee. Khali with a forearm to the back to get out of the hold. Rhodes with a front face lock but Khali powers out of the hold. Khali with clotheslines and then Khali grabs Cody but Cody with a kick. Khali blocks the Beautiful Disaster and Khali hits the vertical choke slam for the three count.
Winner: Great Khali
A backstage worker is asking about hard hats while Abraham Washington is talking to Epico, Primo, and Rosa Mendes mentioning how it is a tragedy that they were not on Wrestlemania and are not on Extreme Rules. Abe tells them that they need to be part of his management group. Abe says that they need to be utilized. Abe tells Rosa that she needs to talk more. He wants a decision from them by Monday.
Ryback walks past and stares at the tag title belts. Abe wants to offer Ryback his card.
We go to commercial.
We are back and the Usos are watching on the monitor so that must mean it is time for the ‘Random Guy gets destroyed by Ryback’ part of the show.
Jacob Kaye gets on the mic and he says that every week a no name schnook gets a chance to get their shot on Smackdown only to fail miserably. He says that will change tonight. Jacob says that he is looking to get out of Grand Rapids. He will be the first to get a victory over Ryback.
Match Number Six: Ryback versus Jacob Kaye
Kaye charges at Ryback and Ryback pushes him away. Kaye runs into a big boot and Ryback chokes him with his boot. Ryback presses Kaye over his head and then turns it into a power slam. Ryback with a lariat and it is time for the muscle buster and the three count.
Winner: Ryback
After the match, Ryback demands to have them ‘feed me more’ as he does the Chong Li.
We go to footage from last week when Daniel Bryan told AJ that it was really really really over. Then we see what AJ did to Natalya.
AJ is walking in the back and Matt asks AJ for an update on her relationship with Daniel Bryan. AJ starts to walk away and Matt asks for a prediction for Daniel’s match on Sunday against Sheamus. She refuses to answer so Matt asks her about the nervous breakdown she suffered last week.
Kaitlyn interrupts and tells Matt that she is in a bad place and doesn’t have to answer these questions.
AJ starts to walk away and Kaitlyn stops her and reminds her that they are best friends. Kaitlyn says that this is a good thing because Daniel Bryan is a jerk. He didn’t respect AJ and didn’t love her. He did nothing for her.
AJ slaps Kaitlyn and Kaitlyn wonders why she did that and then backs away.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Seven: Sheamus versus Mark Henry
They lock up and Henry pushes Sheamus to the mat. They lock up again and we have the same result. Sheamus with a side head lock and Henry backs him into the corner. Henry with head butts and Sheamus is staggering around the ring. Sheamus recovers and he punches Henry. Henry with a clothesline.
Henry kicks Sheamus but Sheamus kicks Henry in the knee and hits a DDT for a near fall. Sheamus with a forearm to the upper arm. Henry pushes Sheamus over the top rope to the floor with one hand.
Henry goes to the floor and Henry sends him back into the ring. Sheamus with shoulders from the apron and then he hits the slingshot shoulder tackle. Henry rolls out of the ring and we go to commercial.
We are back and Henry with a slam to Sheamus and he tries for a splash but Sheamus moves out of the way. Sheamus punches Henry on the apron and then it is time for the forearms across the chest.
Henry stops him at seven and connects with a back elbow and then he biels Sheamus through the ropes to the floor. Henry sends Sheamus into the ringside barrier. They return to the ring and Henry with a near fall. Henry with a head butt and then he works on the neck with a nerve hold.
Henry with a back heel kick and clothesline and gets a near fall. Sheamus punches Henry but Henry with a head butt. Henry is a little woozy after that one but he is able to work on the neck. Sheamus gets to his feet and he punches Henry and hits a running double sledge but Henry stays on his feet. It fails the second time as well but Sheamus with a flying shoulder tackle and Henry is sent to the mat. Sheamus with a DDT for a near fall.
Sheamus signals for the Brogue Kick but Henry moves. Henry with a body block and he gets a near fall. Henry with a forearm across the chest and then he signals for a running clothesline into the corner but Sheamus gets his boot up. Sheamus goes up top for a flying shoulder tackle but Henry charges and Sheamus rolls through and hits the Brogue Kick for the three count.
Winner: Sheamus
After the match, Daniel Bryan appears on the stage and he applauds Sheamus’ performance.
Sheamus wants the fella to come to the ring. He asks Bryan if he is afraid of him now that he cannot hide behind a referee shirt. He asks if Bryan is afraid that he will kick Bryan’s head off in eighteen seconds. Sheamus repeats 18 seconds and the fans eventually get the hint and start chanting it. He says that Bryan got off easy at Wrestlemania, but on Sunday, Danny Boy, he will not get off easy. It won’t be a fluke and Bryan won’t get to blame AJ. Will he kicks Bryan’s arse to remain World Champion. The answer is YES . . . YES . . . YES . . . YES . . . YES
We go to credits.
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