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May 6th 2002 - The infamous plane ride from hell, featuring a number of instances where WWE performers were out of hand, including an out of it Scott Hall (who ended up fired), Goldust taking the public address system to address his ex-wife, Curt Hennig and Brock Lesnar getting into a physical altercation (with Hennig ended up fired), Ric Flair allegedly prancing naked in the aisles, Michael Hayes being given a haircut while he was sleeping and other antics, took place. Lawsuits from the flight attendants were filed and later settled and a number of talents were reprimanded, as were several officials in position of power, since they were on the flight as well. 2002 - WWE issued the following press release a day after the word of their name change was broken: World Wrestling Federation Entertainment Drops The "F" To Emphasize the "E" for Entertainment The 5/6 episode of RAW IS HEADING IN THE WRONG DIRECTION aired live from Hartford. A couple of the secondary matches on the show were pretty good but the main stuff was pretty bad. In fact, it sucked. 2002 - KCAL Ch 9 in Los Angeles reported that the Los Angeles Police Department arrested 45 workers (illegal aliens mostly), 7 managers and 2 co-owners for illegal counterfeiting of WWF products at a small warehouse in the Fashion District near downtown. They seized $700,000 worth of WWF product. DA's office spokesman said co-owners could go to prison for 15 years to life if found guilty of illegal counterfeiting, money laundry, extortion and tax evasion. 7 managers got a 5-year sentence to prison after they agreed to cooperate with police and DA's office and testify against the co-owners. An INS spokeswoman told KCAL news they will send 41 workers to Mexico and 4 to El Salvador for violation of immigration. 2003 - The Great Sasuke arrived for his first day on the job as a member of the Iwate Prefectural Assembly in Japan, sporting a new mask revealing from his nose down covered with the Iwate Coat of Arms. Sasuke was voted into the office and received permission to wear his trademark mask while working in office. 2004 - During an appearance on WWE.com's Byte This, Tommy Dreamer announced that he was done as a wrestler for the company and would be staying on working in an office role for the company. Dreamer would continue to work independents and would return to the ring fulltime in 2006 when WWE revived ECW as a third brand. He would later leave the company in 2010 when it became obvious they were shutting down ECW. 2005 - Ring of Honor was featured on the WPIX morning news in New York City to promote the company's first event in Manhattan. Mike Johnson filed the following TV report: Several Ring of Honor stars are appearing on this morning's news broadcast on the WB Network to promote the company's debut in New York City tomorrow. The promotion set up their ring on 42nd Street and Second Avenue. 2005 - TNA broadcast Impact. Mike Johnson & Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report: Impact! opened with a video feature on Dusty Rhodes' announcement last week that Tiro Ortiz would referee the Hard Justice main event. After the TNA opening, Mike Tenay welcomed everyone and plugged that they would have comments from NWA champion Jeff Jarrett and AJ Styles. 2006 - WWE hired the performer soon to become known as Hornswoggle to add him to Finlay's persona. 2006 - WWE announced they would be publishing a book by Eric Bischoff, including his side of the Monday Night Wars. The book would eventually become titled "Controversy Creates Cash." 2006 - ECW Original Francine publicly confirms she has signed with WWE as part of their plan to relaunch ECW. 2007 - There was a strange incident on Sunday involving former WWF champions The Ultimate Warrior and The Iron Sheik in Edison, NJ while both were appearing at a football/sports convention. According to several witnesses, Sheik and Eric Simms, a New Jersey-based talent liaison that arranges signings and appearances who booked Sheik into the convention, approached Warrior at the booth he was based out of during Warrior's scheduled signing time. When Warrior saw Sheik, he demanded Sheik leave saying he wanted nothing to do with him and claimed that Sheik had said negative things about him in the past. Sheik got upset and apparently acted as if he was going to go after Warrior, going as far as to slap Simms when he tried to calm Sheik down. Warrior called for security who did approach Sheik once he returned to his own signing area, but nothing beyond that came from the incident. The video ended up on Youtube.com. 2008 - WWE announced that Wrestlemania 24, featuring Ric Flair's retirement match against Shawn Michaels, pulled in 1,058,000 buys for the company, bringing in $23.8 million dollars in revenue with an average North American price of $54.95. 2011 - WWE broadcast Smackdown, headlined by Randy Orton defeating Christian for the WWE World title, less than a week after he had finally won the title. The title change would lead to a huge surge of anger from online fans of Christian, who felt he had finally ascended to the top of the company, only to be shafted. Orton and Christian would feud for several months, trading the belt. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report: We are live on tape from Orlando, Florida and your announcers are Josh ‘Mickey Mouse’ Mathews, Michael ‘Goofy’ Cole, and Booker ‘I feel like I have spent some time in this town’ T. We begin with Christian making his way to the ring as the World Champion. Of course Michael Cole has to rain on Christian’s parade while he enters the ring. Christian says that he has been waiting seventeen long years to do this and he holds the World Title belt over his head. Christian says that he has dreamt about this moment for his entire career. He dreamt of what he would say and how it would sound, and where it would take place. Those dreams pale in comparison about how it feels to stand here as the new World Heavyweight Champion. He says that he knows that a lot of people helped him to get there. He says that he got a text message from Edge and he told him to enjoy this moment because he earned it. Christian says that he is enjoying every second of this. He says that he knows that Edge is watching this at home. He says that without Edge there is no Christian. He tells Edge that he loves him. He also thanks the WWE Universe and his Peeps. They always had his back and believed in him and wanted this moment as much as him and he thanks everyone for being there. Before Edge retired, he said that the title doesn’t belong to any one superstar, it belongs to everyone. He says that Edge was right. Christian is interrupted by Mark Henry who comes out with a big smile on his face. Mark makes his way to the ring and he congratulates Christian for doing it. He wants to tell Christian that he was cheering for him the entire time, not because he is a fan, but because he wanted to be the first one to get his hands on the World Title. Christian tells Mark that if he wants his World Title, he needs to know that it is made out of gold and not chocolate. Mark tells Christian that Edge isn’t here to protect him any more and there is no one to protect him. Great Khali and Runjin Singh make their way out to the ring and Khali is waving his arms in the air like just doesn’t care. Khali tells Christian something in Hindi and Runjin tells us that he was congratulating him, but he wanted to challenge Christian since he is a former World Champion. A man who has fought pythons and Bengal tigers. Christian points out that he has the World Strongest Man and the man who was wearing a tutu on Raw in the ring with him challenging him for the World Title. Christian suggests that with another freak, they can run away with the circus. Cue the Viper’s music and we have our circus party completed. Orton makes his way to the ring with the classic Orton pace. Orton tells Christian that he is no freak, but he is Randy Orton. He says that he is new on Smackdown and if this is how you do things, he is not going to let this opportunity get by, he wants to throw his hat into the ring for the World Title. Teddy Long comes out and he tells the playas that there appears to be a decision that has to be made about who will be the first in line to face Christian for the World Title. Teddy says that he won’t make the decision, instead it is going to be made by the WWE Universe in Orlando. In a shocking upset, Randy Orton is the man who will get the title match against Christian. Teddy says that the match will take place tonight. We go to commercial. We are back and Runjin is telling Khali that they will get a chance. Jinder Mahal is in the back and he shakes hands with Khali and Singh. Mahal says that things will get a lot better now that he is here. Singh tells Jinder that he has his career under control. Mahal says that it must have been Singh who told Khali to put on the pink tutu since it was under his watch. Singh points out that Khali likes practical jokes. Mahal says that he isn’t condemning him, but he finds the choice interesting. We see a photo of Kofi coming off the top turnbuckle as he sent Sheamus through the table to win the title. Match Number One: Sheamus versus Daniel Bryan They lock up and Sheamus with a side head lock take down. Sheamus with a forearm and then he sends Bryan into the turnbuckles. Sheamus with a back elbow and he gets a near fall. Sheamus with a forearm but he misses a second one. Bryan with chops but Sheamus with an Irish whip. Bryan flips over Sheamus and then Bryan with a drop kick that sends Sheamus to the floor and Bryan with a suicide dive. Sheamus with a punch on the floor and he tries to sends Bryan into the apron but Bryan returns the favor. Bryan tries to send Sheamus into the turnbuckles but Sheamus sends Bryan into the ring post and then he hits a back breaker as we go to commercial. Sheamus with a quarter nelson but Bryan gets a boot up when Sheamus charges into the corner. Sheamus with a back breaker on Bryan and follows that with a forearm across the chest. Sheamus continues with more forearms that leave Bryan hanging over the middle rope and Sheamus with a knee lift and he gets a near fall. Sheamus with a head butt to Bryan followed by a punch to the head. Sheamus sets for a superplex but Bryan blocks it and Bryan with a head butt to knock Sheamus off the turnbuckles. Bryan with a missile drop kick and both men are down. Bryan with a series of kicks to Sheamus followed by a round kick to the head but Sheamus is able to kick out. Sheamus with an Irish whip but he runs into a boot. Sheamus with a double sledge to the head that almost flips Bryan. Sheamus sets for Pale Justice but Bryan escapes and Sheamus is sent to the apron. Sheamus tries for the slingshot shoulder tackle but Bryan counters with the LeBell Lock and Sheamus is able to reach the bottom rope at the last moment before he taps out. Sheamus goes to the floor and Bryan sets for another suicide dive but Sheamus with a boot to the head and then he hits a Brogue Kick for the three count. Winner: Sheamus After the match, Sheamus screams that Smackdown belongs to him. We go to commercial. We are back and Did You Know about the Smackdown on 9/13/01? Of course you did if you watched Raw. Cody Rhodes makes his way to the ring and he has his bag men with him as Cody tries to shield his face from the cameras. We see a photo of Rey Mysterio using questionable means to help him beat Cody Rhodes on Sunday at Extreme Rules. Cody says that there is a common expression that he is sure that the fans are familiar with. It is adding insult to injury. That is what Rey Mysterio did at Extreme Rules when Rey seared his eyes with the mist. Cody says that he hates that it will reflect as a loss in the record book. However, he exposed Rey Mysterio and forced Rey to expose himself. Rey Mysterio was desperate, gutless, and a coward. Thankfully he won’t have to deal with the malevolence that pervades from every pore of his body because little Rey has been drafted to Raw. Cody says that his eyes are still burning and still bother him. Even through burning eyes he can see inside and out that everyone are still ugly. As a service to everyone and at great expense to him, he will provide everyone with paper bags. He wants his assistants to hand them out and some fans are anxious to get one. Cody tells everyone to hide their hideousness and conceal their repugnance. While Cody’s face may repulse people, their ugliness offends him. Cody leaves the ring while shunning the camera. We see photos of the successful title defense by ShowKane against Wade Barrett and Ezekiel Jackson of the Corre, including uncomfortable looks between Barrett and Jackson. Match Number Two: Big Show versus Ezekiel Jackson with Heath Slater, Justin Gabriel, and Wade Barrett Before the match starts, Kane decides to join his tag team partner at ring side. They lock up and Jackson pushes Show away and he points at Show. They lock up again and Jackson pushes Show away one more time and he points again. Show with a waist lock take down into a front face lock. Jackson back body drops Show and then he kicks Show and then punches him. Jackson with an elbow drop and a near fall. Jackson with a splash in the corner and then Jackson slams Show for a near fall. Jackson with a reverse chin lock on Show but Show gets back to his feet and he hits a Saito suplex for a near fall. Jackson and Show exchange punches and Show with a clothesline or two. Show with an Irish whip followed by a running butt splash and running shoulder tackle. Show signals for the choke slam and Slater gets on the apron. Kane pulls Slater off and Kane with an uppercut to Gabriel. Barrett with a big boot to Kane. Show goes to the floor and he sends Slater into the ringside barrier and he pushes Barrett down. Jackson with a boot to the head and clothesline when Show returned to the ring and Jackson gets the three count. Winner: Ezekiel Jackson After the match, the member of the Corre want to congratulate Jackson, but he walks away from them and Slater, Gabriel, and Barrett look befuddled. We go to commercial. We are back with the video recap of the Rock’s birthday celebration from Raw. We go to commercial. Match Number Three: Layla versus Alicia Fox They lock up and Alicia with a knee and punch. Alicia puts Layla in the corner and she kicks Layla and chokes her. The referee warns Alicia. Alicia misses a charge into the corner and Layla with a back kick and LayOut for the three count. Winner: Layla After the match, Kharma’s music and maniacal laugh can be heard in the building. Kharma makes her way to the ring and Layla doesn’t know what to do. Layla does the smart thing and she gets out of the ring while Alicia remains in the ring. Kharma stares at Layla before entering the ring. Layla makes her way to the back to avoid the wrath of Kharma. Alicia hits Kharma from behind and that is her first mistake. Alicia shows no fear and probably not a lot of smarts. Alicia tries to kick Kharma but Kharma blocks the kick and hits a short arm clothesline followed by an Implant Buster. Layla runs to the back. Barrett, Gabriel, and Slater are walking with a purpose and they see Zeke in the locker room. They want an explanation from Zeke. Barrett doesn’t want Zeke to be the one walking away from them. Barrett wants Jackson to look at him but he refuses. Jackson with a forearm to Barrett and then Gabriel and Slater attack Jackson. The three on one attack continues and then Barrett throws a chair at Jackson that almost hits Slater. They hit Jackson with more things in the locker room. They drop a bin of towels on Jackson and Barrett tells Jackson that it was a pleasure working with him. We go to commercial. We are back and Did You Know that a lot of WWE related videos are watched on line each month? We are back with a Moments Ago Moment of the end of Ezekiel Jackson’s time in the Corre. Chavo Guerrero is joining Josh and Booker at the announce table. He says that he has an interest in any luchadore who comes to WWE. Match Number Four: Sin Cara versus Tyson Kidd They lock up and Kidd with a hammer lock and Sin Cara with a flying mare. Sin Cara tries for a handspring back elbow but Kidd ducks down and Cara flips over Kidd. Cara with a satellite head scissors and Kidd goes to the floor. Kidd avoids a baseball slide to the floor and Cara with a head scissors off the ring steps. Cara sends Kidd back into the ring and Kidd with a drop kick that knocks Cara off the apron. Kidd with a suplex on the floor and then they return to the ring and Kidd gets a near fall. Kidd with a kick to the back and he gets a near fall. Kidd chokes Cara in the ropes. Kidd tries for a slingshot leg drop but Cara moves. Cara with a series of kicks and Cara hits the springboard back elbow. Cara with a head scissors and then Cara hits a cross body off the top turnbuckle and gets a near fall. Kidd sends Cara to the apron and then Kidd tries to hit a DDT off the top. Cara with an enzuigiri and Cara hits the C4 off the top turnbuckle for the three count. Winner: Sin Cara After the match, Chavo goes into the ring with Sin Cara and he offers his hand to Cara. Cara shakes it and Chavo pulls him closer before letting go. It is time to look at the Be A Star event in Washington D.C. Todd Grisham is in Teddy Long’s office and he asks Teddy if it is fair that Christian has to defend his title tonight and Teddy says that it is not about being fair, but giving the fans what they want. The fans want this match tonight. Teddy says that Orton was in the Last Man Standing Match at Extreme Rules. Teddy points out that there was a WWE Title match on Raw this week. Teddy says that his job is to make Smackdown as surprising, unpredictable, and exciting as it can be. Teddy says that he has a show to run so he has to go. Teddy gives out a single holla as we go to commercial. Match Number Five: Christian versus Randy Orton for the World Heavyweight Title They lock up and Orton with a side head lock and Christian with a shoulder tackle for a near fall. Christian with an uppercut. Orton responds with a back body drop and Orton follows that with a series of forearms across the chest. Christian goes to the apron and Orton tries for the IEDDT but it is too early in the match and Christian back body drops Orton over the top rope to the floor. Christian with a hesitation drop kick that knocks Orton down on the floor. Christian tries for a pescado but Orton moves as we go to commercial We are back and Orton stomps Christian and focuses on the abdominal area and Orton gets a near fall. Orton with a series of knee drops and gets another near fall. Orton with a series of Irish whips as he turns his attention to Christian’s back. Orton with another hard Irish whip and Orton gets a near fall. Orton with a waist lock on Christian. Christian gets out of the waist lock with a few elbows followed by a punch. Orton clotheslines Christian over the top rope and both men go to the floor as we go to commercial. We are back and Christian with a chin lock on Orton. We see a replay of the clothesline before the commercial break and Josh points out that Orton caught Christian with a boot to the head as he came over the top rope. Orton with punches and a head butt as he gets out of the hold. Christian with a back elbow for a near fall. Orton with an Irish whip and then he hits a belly-to-back suplex and both men are down again. Orton punches Christian but Christian punches back. Orton with a kick and punches but Christian with a knee. Orton with a drop kick and clotheslines. Orton misses a charge into the corner and Christian with a pendulum kick followed by a drop kick off the second turnbuckle for a near fall. Christian sets for an inverted DDT or inverted suplex but Orton punches his way out of the hold. Orton sends Christian to the apron and Christian drops Orton on the top rope. Christian with a cross body for a near fall. Christian returns to the turnbuckles for a flying back elbow and then Christian looks like he is going to set for the Killswitch but instead Orton turns around and hits a power slam for a near fall. Christian tries for the Killswitch but Orton gets out of the hold. Christian with a drop toe hold that sends Orton into the ropes. Christian with a slingshot to the floor and he connects with an uppercut. Orton stops Christian when he tries to re-enter the ring and he hits the IEDDT but Christian kicks out. Orton with a kick to the midsection and he tries for the Olympic Slam but Christian escapes and counters with an inverted DDT and Christian gets a near fall. Christian waits too long to take advantage and Orton hits the Olympic Slam. It is time for Orton to twist into the RKO push ups and he tries for the RKO but Orton is sent into the ropes as Christian escapes. Christian tries for the Killswitch, but Orton leap frogs Christian as he escapes. Christian tries for the sunset flip off the turnbuckles but Orton figured it was coming and he hits an RKO and gets the three count. Winner: Randy Orton After the match, Orton celebrates his victory as we see multiple replays of the RKO that gave Orton his latest title victory. CChristian is in the ring and he looks shocked that he is no longer the World Champion. Some fans are as shocked as Christian. Christian leaves the ring to the applause of the fans and then he walks to the back. 2012 - WWE released Goldust, who had been working as a Producer for the company. 2012 - WWE Raw ran Chatanooga, TN. Bryan Anderson filed the following live report: WWE RAW Presents Wrestlemania Revenge LIVE!
On this day in ....
1921 - Dtanislaus Zbyszko defeats Ed "Strangler" Lewis in New York City, New York to win his second World Heavyweight Title, ending Lewis' third reign.
1938 - Don McIntyre defeats Vic Christy for the Montreal World Heavyweight Title in Buffalo, New York.
1946 - Al Szasz defeats Paavo Ketonnen to win the Pacific Coast Light Heavyweight Title in Portland, Oregon, ending Ketonnen's second reign.
1953 - Killer Kowalski defeats Verne Gagne to win the Montreal World Heavyweight Title in Montreal, Quebec, beginning Kowalski's second reign.
1953 - Leo Nomellini and Enrique Torres defeat Ben and Mike Sharpe for the San Francisco NWA World Tag Team Title in San Francisco, California. This ended the Sharpes' seventh reign.
1958 - Black Hawk and Nelson Royal defeat Doug Donovan and Bill Savage for the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Title.
1960 - Ed Francis and Bill Savage defeat Tony Borne and Shag Thomas to win the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Title, to begin their second reign.
1964 - Brian Knobbs is born in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
1966 - Georgia Championship Wrestling held an eight-team tournament for the vacant Georgia NWA Southern Tag Team Title in Atlanta, Georgia. The results:
Quarterfinals:
- The Infernos defeated The Scufflin' Hillbillies.
- Alberto and Enrique Torres defeated Swede Karlson and Jack Vansky.
- Chief Crazy Horse and Bobby Shane defeated Bad Boy and Billy Hines.
- The Mysterious Medics defeated Darrell Cochran and Jack Pesek.
Semifinals:
- Alberto and Enrique Torres defeated The Infernos.
- The Mysterious Medics defeated Chief Crazy Horse and Bobby Shane.
Finals:
- Alberto and Enrique Torres defeated The Mysterious Medics to win the vacant Georgia NWA Southern Tag Team Title.
1969 - Alberto and Ramon Torres defeat Treach Phillips and Karl Von Stroheim for the Tri-State NWA United States Tag Team Title in Little Rock, Arkansas.
1974 - Rip Tyler defeats Bob Sweetan in Shreveport, Louisiana to win the NWA Tri-State Brass Knuckles Title.
1976 - Bob Kelly defeats Duke Miller for the NWA Mississippi Heavyweight Title in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. This ended Miller's second reign and began Kelly's 17th.
1978 - Carlos Colón defeats Ox Baker in Bayamón, Puerto Rico to win his second WWC Puerto Rico Heavyweight Title. At the same event, The Hollywood Blondes (Jack Evans and Larry Sharpe) defeat Victor Jovica and Chief Thundercloud for the WWC North American Tag Team Title, beginning their second reign. Also, Hurácan Castillo and Pierre Martel win the WWC World Tag Team Title from Invader I and José Rivera, ending their second reign.
1978 - Jim Crockett Promotions ran the Greensboro Coliseum, featuring the following results:
-Ted Oates defeated Charlie Fulton.
-Don Kernodle defeated Steve Muslin.
-Swede Hanson defeated Hartford Love.
-Johnny Weaver & Jay Youngblood defeated Mr. X #1 & Mr. X #2.
-Tony Atlas defeated Ciclon Negro.
-Ricky Steamboat & Blackjack Mulligan defeated the Masked Superstar & Baron Von Raschke in a Texas Death Match.
-Wahoo McDaniel fought Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Champion Ken Patera to a double disqualification.
1979 - Ashura Hara defeats Miles Zrno in Tokyo, Japan to win the World Wrestling Union World Junior Heavyweight Title.
1980 - Masa Saito defeats Steve Keirn for the NWA Florida Television Title in Tampa, Florida.
1982 - Black Tiger (Marc Rocco) defeats Gran Hamada for the WWF Junior Heavyweight Title in Fukuoka, Japan. The title had been vacated in April by The Dynamite Kid due to injury.
1982 - Joyce Grable and Wendi Richter defeat Princess Victoria and Sabrina to win their second NWA Women's World Tag Team Title in Kansas City, Missouri.
1982 - King Kamaka and Baron Von Krupp defeat Mark Lewin and Steve Rickard for the NWA Australasian Tag Team Title in Auckland, New Zealand.
1983 - Jim Crockett Promotions ran Charleston, SC, headlined by NWA World Tag Team Champions Ricky Steamboat & Jay Youngblood defeating NWA U.S. Champion Greg Valentine & Dick Slater in the main event.
1984 - The first-annual Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions was held by World Class Championship Wrestling at Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas. 32,123 fans attended the show, held in honor of the recently deceased David Von Erich, who died on February 10 in Japan. The results were:
- Johnny Mantell and Kelly Kiniski fought to a draw.
- Chris Adams and Sunshine defeated Jimmy Garvin and Precious, when Adams pinned Garvin.
- Butch Reed defeated Chick Donovan.
- Kamala and The Great Kabuki fought to a double-disqualification.
- The Junkyard Dog defeated The Missing Link by disqualification.
- Rock 'n' Soul (King Parsons and Buck Zumhofe) defeated WCCW American Tag Team Champioons The Super Destoyers (I and II (Bill and Scott Irwin)), when Parsons pinned Super Destoyer I, to win the title, ending the Super Destroyers' second reign.
- Fritz, Kevin and Mike Von Erich defeated WCCW Six-Man Tag Team Champions The Fabulous Freebirds (Terry Gordy, Michael Hayes and Buddy Roberts), when Kevin pinned Roberts, to win the title. Kerry later replaced the retired Fritz in the championship team.
- Kerry Von Erich defeated NWA World Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair to win the title.
1984 - King Kong Bundy and The Masked Superstar defeat The Road Warriors (Animal and Hawk) to win the NWA National Tag Team Title in Atlanta, Georgia, ending the Road Warriors' second reign.
1984 - Crusher Lisowski and Baron Von Raschke defeat The Sheiks (Jerry Blackwell and Ken Patera) for the AWA World Tag Team Title in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
1984 - Jim Crockett Promotions ran three live events in one day-
Savannah, GA matinee at the Civic Center, featuring the following results:
-Ben Alexander defeated Gary Quartenelli.
-Mark Fleming defeated Chuck Marbary.
-Jeff Sword defeated Gene Ligon.
-Johnny Weaver & Larry Hamilton defeated Kurt Von Hess & Bobby Bass.
-Pez Whatley defeated NWA TV Champion Tully Blanchard in a non-title bout.
-Ernie Ladd defeated Rufus R. Jones.
-Jimmy Valiant defeated Adrian Street.
Asheville, NC matinee, featuring the following results:
-Vinnie Valentino defeated Doug Vines.
-Sam Houston defeated Ali Bey.
-Jesse Barr defeated Bob Orton Jr..
-Ivan Koloff & Don Kernodle defeated Angelo Mosca Sr. & Jr.
-Dick Slater defeated Brian Adidas.
-NWA World Tag Team Champions Wahoo McDaniel & Mark Youngblood defeated Jack & Jerry Brisco.
Charlotte, NC evening, featuring the following:
*Sam Houston defeated Barry O.
*Doug Vines defeated Barry Hart.
*Keith Larson defeated Gary Royal.
*Adrian Street defeated Brian Adidas.
*Jim Valiant defeated Tully Blanchard.
*Angelo Mosca Jr. defeated Ivan Koloff.
*NWA US Champion Ricky Steamboat defeated Dick Slater.
*NWA Tag Team Champions Wahoo McDaniel & Mark Youngblood defeated Jack & Jerry Brisco.
1987 - Championship Wrestling from Florida, which at this point was being run by Jim Crockett Promotions, ran Miami, Florida, featuring:
-Tracy Smothers & Steve Armstrong defeated Bill & Randy Mulkey.
-Jerry Gray defeated Jim Backlund.
-Ed Gantner defeated Ron Bass.
-Jimmy Valiant defeated Colt Steele.
-Ron Simmons defeated Shaska Whtley.
-Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson defeated the MOD Squad via disqualification.
-Dusty Rhodes & Mike Rotundo defeated Kevin Sullivan & Teijo Khan.
-NWA World Champion Ric Flair defeated Jimmy Garvin via disqualification.
1988 - Makhan Singh defeats Owen Hart to win the Stampede North American Heavyweight Title in Calgary, Alberta, ending Hart's second reign and beginning Singh's third reign.
1989 - Chigusa Nagayo retires from the ring, as she had reached age 26, the mandatory retirement age for female wrestlers in Japan at the time. At her retirement, she was one-half of the WWWA World Tag Team Champions with Lioness Asuka as The Crush Gals, as well as IWA Women's World and All Pacific Champion. She wrestled her last two matches, at least at the time, that night at AJW's Wrestlemarinpiad event in Yokohama, Japan. The Crush Gals successfully defended the WWWA World Tag Team Title against Akira Hokuto and Mitsuko Nishikawa. Immediately following that match, Asuka defeated Nagayo in her retirement match.
Nagayo returned to competition a few years later, after that retirement rule was waived.
1990 - Matt Derringer defeats The Lightning Kid (Sean Waltman) for the Pro Wrestling America Light Heavyweight Title in Barron, Wisconsin, beginning his second reign.
1991 - WCW ran Johnson City, TN, headlined by WCW World Champion Ric Flair, WCW TV Champion Arn Anderson, Barry Windham, & the One Man Gang fighting El Gigante, Brian Pillman, PN News, & Tommy Rich to a double disqualification.
1993 - UWFI ran Tokyo at Budokan Hall, drawing 16,500 for an event headlined by Nobuhiko Takada defeating Dan Severn. WCW World Champion Big Van Vader defeated Tatsuo Nakano via KO at 3:35 after a punch and uranage; Vader was referred to as Super Vader in ring introductions. Others on the undercard included Gary Albright, Bad News Allen and Tom Burton.
1993 - WCW ran Terre Haute, Indiana at South High School before 300 fans, with:
-Robbie V (Rob Van Dam) defeated Rip Rogers.
-Chris Benoit defeated Steve Regal.
-Maxx Payne defeated Rip Morgan.
-Marcus Alexander Bagwell defeated Wrecking Crew Rage.
-Erik Watts defeated WCW TV Champion Paul Orndorff via disqualification.
-Sting & Ricky Steamboat, & 2 Cold Scorpio defeated Rick Rude & Unified WCW and NWA World Tag Team Champions The Hollywood Blondes in an elimination match at 18:53; Austin pinned Scorpio at 14:10 by grabbing the bottom rope for leverage after Pillman grabbed Scorpio's leg as he attempted to suplex Austin into the ring; Sting pinned Austin with a roll up at 14:20; Steamboat and Rude were both counted-out at 17:45; Sting pinned Pillman with a roll up after accidentally landing a headbutt to the groin.
-WCW U.S. champion Dustin Rhodes defeated NWA World Champion Barry Windham via disqualification when Windham hit Rhodes with his boot; after the bout, Rhodes cleared Windham from the ring
1994 - Jack Steel defeats Scott D'Amore to win the Border City Wrestling Can-Am Heavyweight Title in North Bay, Ontario.
1994 - The Mongolian Stomper defeats Mike Samson for the Southern States Wrestling Heavyweight Title in Fall Branch, Tennessee.
1995 - Extreme Championship Wrestling ran Tampa, Florida at the Expo Park, drawing 735 fans, with the following results:
-Joe Malenko defeated Miguel San Juan.
-Death Row 3260 & Stevie Richards defeated Phi Delta Slam.
-The Tazmaniac defeated the Evil Snake.
-Ron Simmons pinned Marty Jannetty.
-Chris Benoit & Dean Malenko defeated Mikey Whipwreck & Norman Smiley.
-Axl Rotten defeated Ian Rotten in a death match.
-Raven pinned Tommy Dreamer.
-ECW World Champion the Sandman pinned Cactus Jack; Shane Douglas was the guest referee for the bout and wanting to regain the title for himself, used his power as a referee to insure Jack lost.
-ECW World Tag Team Champions the Public Enemy defeated the Pitbulls in a dog collar match.
1996 - WCW broadcast Monday Nitro from Daytona Beach, FL at The Ocean Center. The broadcast opened with a graphic noting the recent death of Ray Stevens and that donations could be made in his memory to the Cauliflower Alley Club.
-Hugh Morrus defeated Randy Savage via disqualification at around the 5-minute mark after Savage used his ring jacket to hang Morrus over the top rope; moments later, Savage hit the flying elbowsmash on Morrus; the referee then shoved Savage and raised Morrus's hand in victory, with Savage then slapping the referee and throwing Morrus to the floor; referee Nick Patrick then ran out, with Patrick trying to prevent Savage from a further assault but Savage hit the flying elbowsmash on the initial referee anyway; several more referees then arrived ringside flanked by half a dozen armed law enforcement officers; the referee was then tended to in the ring while Savage was escorted backstage.
-Dean Malenko pinned Jushin Liger (w/ Sonny Onoo) at around the 8:50 mark with a double underhook into a sit-down powerbomb; prior to the bout, it was noted Shinjiro Ohtani was the new WCW Cruiserweight Champion, would debut on WCW TV with the title during the weekend of May 18, and would defend the belt as part of Slamboree; during the bout, it was announced Randy Savage had been ejected from the building by police; moments later, Ric Flair, wearing a tuxedo, Elizabeth, & Woman appeared and took their seat at the Horsemen's VIP table near the entrance stage.
--WCW World Tag Team Champion Sting pinned Lord Steven Regal (w/ Jeeves) at 6:13 when Sting reversed a butterfly suplex into a backdrop and bridge; Regal had tape above his eye and around his right thigh following the parking lot brawl shown the previous week against Fit Finlay; during the bout, it was noted.
-WCW World TV Champion & WCW World Tag Team Champion Lex Luger still had not arrived to the arena for his match against WCW World Champion the Giant and that Finlay, who Regal was to team with at Slamboree, was out injured and would be replaced by Dave Taylor.
-WCW World Champion the Giant (w/ Jimmy Hart) pinned Jim Duggan (sub. for WCW TV Champion & WCW Tag Team Champion Lex Luger, who had not arrived to the arena) at 3:16 with the chokeslam as Duggan attempted to tape his fist; after the bout, Giant hit the move a second time; after the bout, Cobra, David Sierra, and Alex Wright attempted to make the save but all sustained chokeslams; Ric Flair then came out and smashed a chair over the champion but the Giant was unaffected by it; moments later, Sting ran out, attacked Giant's leg, and eventually knocked him to the mat with a double axe handle off the top; after Flair left ringside, Sting put Giant in the Scorpion Deathlock only for Hart to hit Sting with the megaphone; Luger then ran out with his bag and cleared the ring; moments later, Gene Okerlund conducted an in-ring interview with Sting & Luger, with Sting questioning where Luger was since all the chaos was his doing for not being in the building for his match; Luger then asked Sting if he had ever missed a flight in all his years of wrestling, with the show then coming to a close.
1996 - Dick Togo defeats Danny Collins in Nakayama, Japan to win the British Commonwealth Junior Heavyweight Title.
1998 - WCW ran Des Moines, Iowa, headlined by Sting defeating Scott Hall and Lex Luger defeating Scott Norton on top. WCW United States champion Goldberg pinned Perry Saturn underneath.
1999 - Frenchy Riviera defeats Silky Boom Boom for the NWA Georgia Heavyweight Title in Loganville, Georgia.
2000 - The WWF held the first of four annual Insurrextion pay-per-view events, which aired exclusively in the United Kingdom, at Earls Court in London, England. The results were:
- Too Cool (Grandmaster Sexay and Scotty 2 Hotty) defeated The Radicalz (Dean Malenko and Perry Saturn), when Sexay pinned Saturn after the Hip Hop Drop.
- Kane (with Paul Bearer) pinned Bull Buchanan after a chokeslam.
- Road Dogg (with Tori) pinned Bradshaw (with Faarooq) after a pumphandle slam.
- The Kat (with Mae Young) defeated Terri Runnels (with The Fabulous Moolah) in an arm wrestling match.
- The Big Show and Rikishi defeated The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and D-Von), when Big Show pinned Bubba Ray after a chokeslam.
- Kurt Angle pinned Chris Benoit after an Angle Slam.
- The British Bulldog pinned WWF Hardcore Champion Crash Holly after a powerslam on a chair to win the title.
- The Hardy Boyz (Matt and Jeff) defeated WWF Tag Team Champions Edge and Christian by disqualification, when Edge hit Matt with the ring bell. Edge and Christian retained the title.
- WWF European Champion Eddie Guerrero (with Chyna) pinned Chris Jericho, after hitting him with his title belt while the referee was distracted, to retain the title.
- WWF Champion The Rock defeated Shane McMahon (with Vince McMahon) and Triple H (with Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley) in a Triple Threat match, by pinning Shane after the People's Elbow, to retain the title.
2000 - Shane Black defeats Zero Gravity to win the World Xtreme Wrestling Cruiserweight Title in Hazleton, Pennsylvania. This began Black's fourth reign and ended Zero Gravity's second reign.
2000 - Boyce LeGrand and Robert Thompson defeat Frank and Vic Murdoch for the All-Pro Wrestling Tag Team Title in Pacifica, California.
2001 - Steve King defeats Jason Rumble in Melrose, Massachusetts to win the NWA New England Heavyweight Title.
2001 - The Bloody and Fang Suzuki defeat The Masked Angels (Fleia and Rosetta) for the TWF World Women's Tag Team Title in Tokyo, Japan.
New Name And Logo Reflects International Growth Plans and Increasing Diversity of Entertainment Properties
STAMFORD, CONN., May 6, 2002 - To further capture a greater share of the global marketplace and to represent the growing diversity of its entertainment properties, World Wrestling Federation Entertainment today announced it is changing its name to World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (WWE). The company's website, one of the most popular in the world, will now be found at WWE.com.
A new logo reflecting the name change will be introduced tonight on WWE's top-rated television show RAW on TNN at 9 p.m. (ET).
"As World Wrestling Federation Entertainment, we have entertained millions of fans around the United States and around the globe," said Linda McMahon, CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment. "Our new name puts the emphasis on the "E" for entertainment, what our company does best. WWE provides us with a global identity that is distinct and unencumbered, which is critical to our U.S. and international growth plans."
Mrs. McMahon said the company began considering dropping the word "Federation" from its name when World Wildlife Fund (a/k/a World Wide Fund for Nature) prevailed in a recent court action in the United Kingdom. The court ruling prevents the World Wrestling Federation from the use of the logo it adopted in 1998 and the letters WWF in specified circumstances. The "Fund" has indicated that although the two organizations are very different, there is the likelihood of confusion in the market place by virtue of the fact that both organizations use the letters WWF. The Fund has indicated that it does not want to have any association with the World Wrestling Federation. "Therefore," said, Mrs.McMahon, "we will utilize this opportunity to position ourselves emphasizing the entertainment aspect of our company, and, at the same time, allay the concerns of the Fund."
Mrs. McMahon said the name change provides a distinct and unencumbered global identity that will further cast World Wrestling Entertainment as an integrated entertainment and media company. "World Wrestling Entertainment and WWE will now be the identity that we use from the television base we have established in 130 countries," she said. "As WWE, we will launch our further expanded U.S. and international touring, our international expansion of branded merchandise and licensed products, and our further integration into the film, publishing and music businesses."
The successful development of the "Tough Enough" television series on MTV, a new book deal with Simon and Schuster, and the hit motion picture, "The Scorpion King," executive produced by WWE Chairman Vince McMahon and WWE, are examples of the types of activities the company plans to undertake as it expand its horizons in the global entertainment industry.
New logo art has been provided to business partners, licensees and vendors. The company expects that, for the most part, the changeover to the new name and logo will be completed within five months.
WWE will continue to trade as WWF on the New York Stock Exchange until a suitable replacement symbol is found. The company will be providing the appropriate documentation and filings with regulators to solicit shareholder approval of the name change.
In conjunction with the name change, WWE announced it has changed the name of its entertainment complex in New York City's Times Square from WWF New York to The World, currently the name of its popular night club.
World Wrestling Entertainment (NYSE: WWF) is an integrated media and entertainment company headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York City, Chicago, Toronto and London. Additional information on the company can be found at wwe.com and wwecorpbiz.com. Information on television ratings and community activities can be found at wweparents.com.
2002 - WWE held a live RAW at the Hartford Civic Center in Hartford, Connecticut, which got a 4.6 rating on TNN. Tim Whitehead filed the following TV report:
They opened with a montage of visual images, ending with the word "entertainment". They then cut to a promo to alert the viewers about the company name change, though no explanation was given for the change. That probably was just as well since explaining that they lost a copyright suit to the World Wildlife Fund in a London courtroom would be difficult to put over. Anyway, the promo showed a somewhat elderly lady trimming her hedge into the shape of the WWF logo. She then chopped off the "F" part, poured gasoline on the remaining esoteric double "W", and ignited it. The flames burned it down to a frazzled "W", which will be the new logo of WWE, meaning World Wrestling Entertainment. The slogan "Get the F Out" then flashed on the screen.
So from now on, WWF will be known as WWE. That ends almost 40 years of using the WWF name, or its WWWF variation. In 1963, Vince McMahon Sr. and his business partner Toots Mondt tried to monopolize the NWA World Title by keeping reigning champ Buddy Rogers, whom they had under contract, from defending the belt in other NWA territories in the U.S. When Rogers went to Toronto for a match against Lou Thesz, the NWA hierarchy had Thesz give Rogers one of those "easy way or hard way" ultimatums to drop the belt to him. Rogers complied, and when he got back to New York without the belt an infuriated Vince Sr. created his own title, called the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF) belt. The name of the promotion was later shortened to the World Wrestling Federation (WWF).
Throughout the show, Jim Ross & Jerry Lawler worked to put over the new WWE name, though JR slipped up a couple of times, which was understandable after so many years of saying WWF.
The show opened with Jazz defeating Trish Stratus to retain the WWE Women's Title in a no DQ match in 3:11. Footage aired from last week where Jazz helped Steven Richards win the Hardcore Title and they left together. JR & Lawler reported that they had been together all week. The match was fast paced as Trish really works hard when she's out there. Richards kept distracting the referee. Jazz sent Trish over the top rope. JR called Jazz a female Mike Tyson. Luckily, she didn't try to bite Trish's ear off. She put Trish in a chicken wing and then dropped her on her face. That looked like it hurt. Trish made a comeback and hit the Stratusfaction but Richards pulled Jazz to safety and hit Trish with the Stevenkick, which was legal in this no DQ bout. Jazz scored the pin. Afterward, Bubba Ray Dudley ran in doing the 24/7 deal. He beat up Richards and gave Jazz a bionic elbow. He set up a table, but instead of putting Richards through it, he pinned him with a Bubba Bomb and regained the Hardcore Title. Raven ran in and surprised Bubba with a DDT for the pin. Raven was then kicked in the head and pinned by Justin Credible. Crash Holly pinned Credible after a missile kick. Bubba hit Crash with a garbage can but Trish sneaked in and stole the pin. So Trish was now Hardcore champ, and Bubba grabbed her by the hair to obviously put her through the table. But Jazz shot off a fire extinguisher which blinded Bubba. In his sightlessness, he again grabbed Trish, and this time plastered her through the table. JR sold it as if he had meant to put Jazz through. Blind Bubba was unable to pin Trish, and Richards ended up pinning her to regain the title. He and Jazz fled with the belt. When Bubba got his sight back, he acted sorry that he put Trish through the table and picked her up and carried her out. JR said Jazz, by blinding him, had caused Bubba to do something he wouldn't have done otherwise. That was an enigmatic statement since A) Bubba was about to put Trish through the table when Jazz blinded him, B) Bubba has put Trish through a table before, and C) One of Bubba's gimmicks is putting chicks through tables. Anyway, that aside, it was a fun segment. One of the reasons for doing this during the opening match was to help establish the WWE name, as Lilian Garcia announced each Hardcore Title change using the term "WWE Hardcore Champion", so the WWE name was used several times, as well as for the women's belt.
The NWO came down to the ring. X-Pac was wearing the Kane mask. Big Show got on the mic and said all the "little" fans also have little attention spans. So to remind them what happened two weeks ago, he had footage shown of his turn on Stone Cold Steve Austin. A mild "what" chant started up, but Show turned it into a major chant by threatening bodily harm to the fans if they said "what" after each of his statements. What an idiot. I mean, really, it pissed me off that he caused a bigger "what" chant. Show tried to explain his turn by noting that two years ago, when Austin was out injured, he was in the Wrestlemania main event, but this year, with Austin back, he was stuck at a restaurant (The World, formerly known as WWF New York) where he had to pretend to enjoy hanging out with a bunch of kids. Yeah, but Austin was stuck wrestling Scott Hall, so who got the worst end of the deal? He also noted that at Backlash he was in a prelim match which aired on Heat. Show called himself the biggest and baddest guy in the company and said nobody can stop him. Well, except maybe for the people who put him in those prelim matches and stuck him in that restaurant. He said he's a real life, seven foot tall, walking, talking, fire breathing, pissed off giant. According to him, the NWO just got bigger, and no one, including Ric Flair, can do anything about it. This brought Flair out, who did an uncharacteristically weak promo. He put over Show's size and strength, but noted that he didn't whine and cry like Show. Instead, he said he went out and won 16 world titles by busting his ass night after night in the ring. Flair also said it's tough s**t if the NWO don't like the way he officiated last week's tag match (where he counted X-Pac down even though his foot was on the ropes). Flair said once again that he likes Austin, and announced that the main event would be himself & Austin & Bradshaw against the NWO, as if that was a revelation. Hall asked Flair if that was his big surprise. I must have missed something somewhere, because I could have sworn Flair announced that match a week ago. This very weak segment ended with Hall claiming the main event would include a surprise that would change the company forever.
William Regal beat Spike Dudley in 0:36 to capture the European Title. Footage first aired from the British Insurrexion PPV where Spike retained the European belt over Regal despite suffering an ankle injury, and afterward Regal used the brass knux on him. Spike then limped down to the ring, with JR saying he was in no condition to compete. Regal got on the mic and gentlemanly offered to let the injured Spike forfeit the belt to him. He then called Spike a series of ungentlemanly names. Spike acted like he would forfeit, but then attacked Regal. However, the bad ankle was too much for Spike, and Regal quickly forced him to tap to an ankle lock (though not Kurt Angle's version). Afterward, Regal declared himself to be the greatest European champ ever, and attacked Spike on the ramp as he was being helped out by the ref. Regal mauled Spike's ankle until D-Lo Brown made his long-awaited RAW return by making the save. Regal retreated after a powerbomb from D-Lo. Good seeing D-Lo back!
Backstage, Flair told Arn Anderson that if there's an NWO surprise coming, he wants to know about it. So he announced that he was going to visit the NWO. Arn said, "You're the boss!"
Booker T visited a 7-11 store. Damn, they're getting a lot of mileage out of that sponsorship. They should have made it complete by having Booker arrive at the 7-11 on a Greyhound bus, eating Skittles. Booker asked the store clerk if he's seen a gold freak hanging around. Booker was pleased to know Goldust was nowhere to be seen, and went to get a Slurpee. Some kids were at the Slurpee machine and Booker promised to get them a Booker T Slurpee cup. Of course, there were none, so Booker said they must have sold out. He spotted a picture of Rob Van Dam on a Slurpee advertising sign and ran RVD down. Booker got his Slurpee and went to pay for it, but there was a guy in a jersey and baseball cap there. It turned out to be Goldust in disguise. Booker called Goldust a creep for following him. Goldust said their losses last week on RAW were because they didn't team, claiming they're unstoppable together. Goldust, who was eating a hot dog, offered Booker a bite of his weiner in return for a taste of Booker's Slurpee. Booker got the hell out of there, and who can blame him?
Footage aired from the Insurrexion PPV of Paul Heyman talking to Shawn Stasiak backstage. Stasiak was scheduled to team with Brock Lesnar against the Hardys, and Heyman told Stasiak to just stay in the corner and Lesnar would win the match himself. But when they got to the ring, Stasiak went in and, of course, ended up getting pinned. Heyman was mad as hell. After this footage concluded, Lesnar was shown doing pull-ups on a ladder as Heyman vowed to gain revenge on Planet Stasiak.
Flair arrived at the NWO locker room and no one was there. He was surprised to find an APA cap among the NWO's items.
Undertaker arrived at the arena on his motorcycle. He told a crew guy to watch his bike. That was a 99.7% guarantee that that bike was gonna get reduced to scrap metal.
The NWO were shown standing in the parking lot, as if waiting on someone.
Brock Lesnar squashed Shawn Stasiak in 2:06. Heyman was hysterical at ringside, screaming for Lesnar to make Stasiak pay and to make an example of him. After a two minute beating, Lesnar hit the Brockbuster and Heyman gave the go-ahead to pin Stasiak. There was a modest "Goldberg" chant directed at Lesnar.
Undertaker returned from wherever it was he went (probably the urinal) and found his motorcycle was gone. The terrified crew guy said Hulk Hogan took it. UT grabbed the guy by the collar, but then just told him to leave, which he did. Since when does UT let someone off so easy for such an offense?
They re-aired the WWE promo with the woman trimming her hedge. JR & Lawler put over that the company has a new name and look, but the same attitude. No explanation was offered. They then aired footage of last week's angle where Undertaker bloodied Hogan up.
Hour two began with Hogan riding UT's motorcycle down to the ring. Hogan did get a big pop and standing ovation. He got on the mic and dared UT to come out and get his bike. UT came out to the ramp top. JR said that no one before had ever dared to take UT's bike and flaunt it in front of him. That's true, unless you count the time Triple H took UT's bike and shoved it off a ledge. Maybe JR meant no one had ever taken that particular bike before. Or, of course, he could have meant that HHH didn't flaunt it. UT said that Hogan's a motorcycle rider himself so he knows better than to take another man's bike. He said he's sent guys to the hospital just for looking at his bike funny. The crowd started the "what" crap again. Don't they flog people in Singapore with the bamboo cane for doing that? If not, they should. UT said Hogan probably wasn't in the right state of mind after the beating he took last week, so he gave him a chance to get off the bike or else he'd be forced to kick Hulk's ass. Hogan cut UT off by saying "blah blah blah" about 324 times. He dared UT to come down and fight rather than standing up there on the ramp top like a bitch. Hulk then started the cycle up and was supposed to ride up the ramp and chase UT on it. But fate reared its ugly head and the bike stalled. Hogan started it again and it stalled again. UT stood there, caught in a time warp. Finally, Hogan got off the bike and chased UT off on foot. UT came off looking like a complete wuss. JR & Lawler tried their best to cover for this. Hulk returned and finally got the motorcycle to run. He drove around all over backstage, looking for UT and calling him out, but he was nowhere to be found. Then Hulk spotted one of the WWF's....uh, WWE's....big semi trucks which conveniently had the doors unlocked and was ready to go. So he parked the bike in front of it and started the truck. And then they went to a commercial break. Maybe the truck stalled and they needed to kill time. Just kidding! Anyway, when they came back from the break, Hogan was still revving the truck. And then he ran over the motorcycle. It wasn't all that great of a visual, as the bike just sort of got stuck under the truck cab. Hogan got out of the truck and continued looking for cowardly UT.
RVD & Jeff Hardy beat Booker T & Eddie Guerrero in 5:41. As Jeff came to the ring, JR reported that Lita's neck surgery was a success. He also announced that Guerrero will defend the IC belt against RVD at Judgment Day. RVD was on fire out there against both Guerrero and Booker. Some really good stuff here. Some near falls as well. Goldust ran in and was immediately dumped out by Jeff. He landed on Booker. RVD & Jeff then laid Guerrero out and Jeff did the swanton followed by RVD's frog splash for the pin. That was a great pinning combo. They didn't do any follow-up on the Booker-Goldust angle.
They replayed Hogan driving the truck over UT's bike two more times. It didn't look any better on replay.
Jonathan Coachman interviewed Terri, who had challenged Molly Holly to a bikini showdown. Terri complained that Molly keeps calling her and the other divas "slutty" and "trashy". She mentioned the Insurrexion PPV as one of the venues where Molly did this. Terri then opened her robe to give Coach a peek and his eyes got as big as her implants. Lawler wondered if Terri had meant erection when she said Insurrexion. You can tell ratings are down when they say stuff like that.
Flair told Arn that there was something fishy about the NWO having an APA cap. He noted that no one actually witnessed Big Show attacking Bradshaw two weeks ago, hinting that maybe Bradshaw and Show were part of some big plot or something.
Terri beat Molly in the bikini showdown. Lawler was in the ring to host the segment, which was not surprising. Both Terri and Molly came out wearing robes. Molly was carrying a pair of scuba flippers. JR called Molly the Hillary Clinton of the WWF. Since when is Hillary pure and wholesome? I guess he meant the condescending and arrogant part, like Tammy Sytch in SMW circa 1993. Molly took her robe off first, and she had on a swimsuit from the turn of the century. That is, the turn of the last century, not the current one. She also put on a bathing cap. Terri then removed her robe and was wearing one of those atom bathing suits, meaning, if you've studied your physics, that it was 99% not there. Molly accused her of being disgusting and having no dignity. Terri said Molly was just jealous because God gave her a better body. Does that mean she even had those implants in her mother's womb? Molly accused Terri of looking like a stripper and said they may as well install a pole in the middle of the ring. Lawler said he could provide a pole. Ratings are definitely down. Anyway, the crowd voted for Terri via their cheers. Molly said they don't deserve to see her virgin body. Before leaving, she gave Terri a lame shot with one of the flippers.
Flair, who, by the way, was wearing a "Get the F Out" T-shirt, went to visit Bradshaw. He wasn't in his locker room. Flair found a Kane mask there and acted concerned. He encountered Jackie in the hallway and asked her for directions to Austin's locker room.
Flair arrived at Austin's room and, wouldn't you know it, he wasn't there. Locker rooms must be out of vogue or something. But Debra was there and Flair told her he needs to talk to Austin. Bradshaw then walked up and wanted to know what was going on. Flair demanded to know why Bradshaw was in possession of a Kane mask. Bradshaw didn't know what Flair was talking about and said all he was concerned about was kicking the NWO's ass.
Undertaker found his broken motorcycle under the wheels of the truck. He shouted "damn" a few times and threw some things.
A limo arrived and Kevin Nash emerged from it. That was a surprise. Not a good surprise, but a surprise.
Austin & Bradshaw & Flair vs. The NWO went to a no-contest in 15:47. Austin acted kind of suspicious of Bradshaw. Austin started off by tagging himself in off of Bradshaw and destroying both Hall and X-Pac. Big Show tagged in to only modest heat. He gave Austin a high backdrop, which was the match's only real highlight. Bradshaw came in and was on offense, but eventually got tied up in the NWO corner. They pounded him forever to no heat. Flair finally tagged in but, after a couple of chops on X-Pac, got thrown from the ring. Flair sold it as if he was hurt taking the bump and stayed out on the floor. Show then put Bradshaw through the announcer's desk, putting him out. This left Austin to get destroyed three-on-one. He held them all off for a while, including a double stunner on Hall and X-Pac. Austin took a bump that didn't look planned. Show taunted JR, who called Show an "overbearing bully". Show hit Austin with a big boot and it also nailed the ref. Flair then "recovered" and went in with a chair. Show grabbed Flair like he was going to chokeslam him. Austin gave Show a low blow and a stunner but there was no ref to make the count. Austin went to revive the ref but, as everyone could see coming a mile away, Flair turned on Austin and hit him with a chair. He hit Austin with more chairshots after he was down but they looked bad because they missed so clearly. Flair grabbed a mic and, after telling some kid in the crowd to kiss his ass, said he was booking an Austin vs. Flair & Show handicap match for Judgment Day. Flair put the figure four on the wounded Austin. The show ended with JR all bent out of shape over Flair's turn and Big Show laughing hysterically. Lame ending to a mostly lame show.
RHETORICAL QUESTIONS:
Will the real New World Order (the UN and EU and NAFTA and all that stuff) sue the WWE (WWF) NWO and make them become NWE (New World Entertainment)?
Or how about BWO (Boring World Order)?
What was the value of Kevin Nash's grandiose arrival (other than a dull swerve)?
Will the Teamster's Union sue Hogan for driving so many trucks without a union card?
How obvious was Flair's turn?
And how stupid was it?
2003 - All Star Wrestling held an eight-man tournament for the vacant World Heavy-Middleweight Title in Croydon, England at Fairfield Halls. The results were:
Quarterfinals:
- Five-Star Flash defeated Mal Sanders.
- Bryan Danielson defeated Santino Herbert.
- Robbie Dynamite defeated Murat Bosporus.
- James Mason defeated Steve Grey.
Semifinals:
- Bryan Danielson defeated Robbie Dynamite.
- James Mason defeated Five-Star Flash
Non-tournament match:
- PN Newz defeated Ricky Knight and Zebra Kid in a handicap match.
Finals:
- Bryan Danielson defeated James Mason to win the vacant World Heavy-Middleweight Title.
2004 - Paul Gomez, better known as Pepper Gomez, dies from kidney failure at age 77. Gomez was involved in an infamous angle with Ray Stevens that led to a red hot feud between the two. Gomez had been peforming a series of challenges where he would allow people to jump off a ladder onto his stomach. Stevens took him up on the challenge, but instead of landing on Gomez' stomach, Stevens landed on his throat.
During the newscast's opening greetings, they cut to reporter Julie Chen, who was bouncing inside the ring as ROH champion Austin Aries, brandishing his title belt, entered the ring. When they went to their first commercial break, they showed Aries and Prince Nana arguing in the ring.
5:15 AM Segment: The newscasters introduced the segment involving a "new wrestling promotion, Ring of Honor." Aries was sparring with Azrieal as Julie Chen introduced them by name and noted they and 30 other wrestlers would be appearing at Ring of Honor tomorrow in NYC.
Low Ki, wearing street clothes, hopped in the ring and interrupted the sparring. Ki got in Aries' face, saying, "Hello champ. This Saturday, you're in my backyard." He slapped Aries in the face. Aries grabbed him in a double leg takedown and they rolled around on the mat with Prince Nana and Azrieal trying to pull them apart. Julie Chen sold it like it wasn't supposed to happen and was scared for a moment, then plugged she would be back with more with ROH later.
6:15 AM: Austin Aries and Azrieal were grappling in the background as Chen questioned Prince Nana about "that guy who came in off the street earlier." Nana explained he was Low Ki and not someone you wanted to mess with, and for more on the situation earlier, be sure to attend ROH's debut at the New Yorker hotel tomorrow, giving the cross streets of the venue. They went to a video package of Chen training in the ring from earlier today with Aries. They went to commercial, plugging ROHWrestling.com.
7:15 AM: When the newscasters introduced the ROH segment, they referred to the company as "Ring of Horror." Oops! They showed more footage of Austin Aries and Azrieal grappling including a top rope stomp onto Aries. They went to footage shot from earlier in the day of Julie Chen "wrestling" with Lacey. They plugged the ROH event again as well as the ROH website, while Chen danced around holding the ROH title belt.
8:48 Segment: ROH champion Austin Aries vs. Azrieal. Azrieal chopped Aries. Aries caught Azrieal in a fireman's carry into a running forward roll. Aries went to the top and hit a 450 splash, although the cameras missed the 450. Aries got the pin, with Nana counting the pinfall. They again showed the package featuring Chen vs. Lacey. After it aired, Chen asked Aries if she could keep the belt and he said no because "I'm the champ." Chen tried to plug the website but got flustered so Aries did it. They again plugged the show tomorrow.
Cassidy Riley versus Abyss
Abyss charges at Riley when the bell rings, but Riley moves out of the way and leaves the ring. Abyss chases Riley around the ring. Riley returns to the ring and he stomps Abyss as Abyss re-enters the ring. Riley punches Abyss and kicks him. Riley ducks under a clothesline and holds on to the ropes before leaving the ring again. Riley tries to get back into the ring, but Abyss pulls him out and throws Riley into the guardrail. Abyss slams Riley's head into the ring steps. Abyss throws Riley into the guardrail again before slapping him against the apron. Abyss with a forearm to Riley's back and then he throws Riley into the guardrail one more time. Abyss charges at Riley but Riley gets his boots up. Riley charges at Abyss and Abyss hits the Black Hole Slam for the three count. Your winner, Abyss!
They aired a Hard Justice PPV promo. The commercial is really good.
They aired a video feature on Styles vs. Jarrett with comments from Tito Ortiz about both men.
As they came back to commercial, Tito Ortiz plugged the PPV. TNA X Division Champion Christopher Daniels comes out to join Don and Mike at the announce position. Daniels said that there was never any doubt he would remain the champion. He said that Elix Skipper came “this close" to winning but “this close" doesn't make him the champion and Daniels proved who the true star of XXX was.
Sonjay Dutt versus Shocker
Shocker with a hammer lock followed by a reversal by Dutt. Shocker with an arm bar, but Dutt with a reversal and an escape. Test of strength followed by a monkey flip and float over by Shocker. Shocker with a take down. Daniels noted that he never faced Shocker before but brags that he has a great track record against first time opponents. Dutt with an arm drag, but Shocker with a corkscrew elbow. Shocker with a chop. Dutt with a super tilt-a-whirl head scissors followed by a drop kick. Dutt tries for a second one, but Shocker blocks it. Shocker with a big boot and a clothesline that sends Dutt over the top rope to the floor. Shocker slides under the ropes, but Dutt rolls back into the ring and hits a plancha on Shocker outside the ring. Both men are down.
After they go to commercial, they show highlights of the Lockdown PPV with comments from fans.
Back "live", Dutt hits a sunset flip followed by a rollup. Dutt with a rana, but Shocker holds on for a sunset flip. Shocker with a rollup. Dutt punches Shocker, but Shocker responds with a slap to Dutt. Shocker tries for a suplex, but Dutt counters with a rollup. Shocker with a drop kick to Dutt. Shocker punches Dutt followed by a sunset flip but Dutt rolls through and hits a drop kick. Dutt with a kick and punch followed by shoulder block. Dutt puts Shocker on the top turnbuckle and hits a super rana. Dutt sends Shocker into the turnbuckle followed by an Irish whip and a Nash clothesline. Dutt tries for another super rana, but Shocker blocks it and hits a super power bomb for the three count.
After the match, Christopher Daniels leaves the announce position and comes to the ring. He gets on the apron and teases coming into the ring, but walks off.
Raven talks about his match with Jeff Hardy at Hard Justice, saying that he wants to like Hardy because Hardy is willing to take three hits to give one. He says that he needs to destroy Hardy to achieve his glory. Raven says he wants about life but he's done and seen and destroyed opponents, family and friends to the point he doesn't care anymore. Raven says the only way he can advance is to cause more suffering and pain to others. He says that everyone is comforted by illusions but the reality is Raven is a slaughterer of “so many souls that Allah, Buddah, and God are having a hard time keeping up."Â He warns Hardy to “prepare to be exterminated with extreme prejudice."
They plug that Tito Ortiz will comment on his UFC status on next week's Impact!
They air a Best of Raven DVD plug.
The Outlaw versus Konnan
Konnan with the Rolling Thunder clothesline followed by a hip toss. Konnan with an Irish whip and it is time for some shoes as Konnan removes his shoe and throws it at Outlaw's gut and his back followed by a clothesline. Outlaw leaves the ring and Konnan chases after him. Konnan slams Outlaw into the ring steps. Konnan takes shoes from two fans and throws them at Outlaw. Konnan punches Outlaw and then slams him into the steps again. Konnan slams Outlaw's head into the announce table. Outlaw gets a chair and hits Konnan as the ref calls for the bell. Ron Killings emerges from the Chute of Facial Impact to help Konnan. Brian James comes out as well and he has a chair. James and Outlaw have a standoff with the chairs. Security gets in the way to separate the two sides. They show several replays of the chair shots.
They air a Hard Justice PPV commercial.
They went to footage of Mike Tenay inside the six sided ring, sitting with NWA champion Jeff Jarrett and AJ Styles. Mike Tenay brings up Tito Ortiz as the special referee. Jarrett says that it's just another scheme designed to dethrone Jarrett. He said that he defeated four men to win the title and listed opponents he defeated, including Randy Savage (?!). Jarrett says that AJ Styles is wet behind the ears so Dusty Rhodes came up with a plot because Styles isn't ready. He says that you have to be a champion and Styles doesn't know how to do that. Jarrett says that he's not afraid of Tito Ortiz and he's going to slap Ortiz' teeth “right down his throat."
Tenay says that it's a major opportunity for Styles. Styles says that it's been a goal since he stepped into TNA. Jarrett says it will only be a goal. Tenay tries to ask Styles questions but Jarrett keeps cutting him off. Tenay began getting angry and Styles says he is done talking. He gets in Jarrett's face and TNA staffers pull them apart. They jaw back and forth with Styles telling him to "bring it". Good segment. Jarrett did well coming off like a cocky heel champion while Styles, while not getting the chance to say much, looked good in not backing down. They didn't acknowledge that Styles has defeated Jarrett before, which given the story, may be for the best.
They aired a Hard Justice promo.
Michael Shane (with Trinity) versus Chris Sabin (with Traci Brooks)
Shane attacks Sabin and punches him. Shane with a belly-to-back suplex to Sabin followed by punches. Shane chops Sabin in the corner, but Sabin responds with a chop of his own. They continue to exchange chops and then punches. Sabin gets the advantage. They announced a 10 Man Gauntlet preview for next week. Sabin with a springboard cross body to Shane. Shane rolls out of the ring. Sabin slides out after Shane and then he charges at Shane next to the apron. Sabin bounces off the ring ropes and Sabin with a head scissors. Sabin chops Shane and then Trinity comes over to get Sabin's attention. Sabin chases after Trinity, but Shane attacks him from behind. Shane sends Sabin into the guardrail.
Shane rolls Sabin back into the ring and kicks him in the neck. Shane with an overhead belly-to-belly throw followed by a rear chin lock. Sabin with elbows to Shane, but Shane with a running knee to Sabin. Shane puts Sabin in the Tree of Woe and then chokes Sabin. Shane with a baseball slide to Sabin. Shane punches Shane followed by a rear chin lock and body scissors. Sabin with punches to Shane followed by an Irish whip and Sabin runs into a Shane boot.
Shane punches Sabin and then chokes him on the apron. Sabin is hanging from the apron with his feet under the bottom rope and Shane with a pescado into an elbow drop on Sabin to the floor. Shane rolls Sabin back into the ring. Shane punches Sabin, but Sabin responds with punches of his own. Shane throws Sabin through the ropes to the floor. Shane distracts the ref and Traci, but Trinity does not help Shane by going after Sabin. Shane rolls Sabin back into the ring. Shane with a rear chin lock. Sabin with a kick to Shane. Shane sends Sabin onto the apron, but Sabin with a forearm to a charging Shane followed by a sunset flip that Trinity tries to interfere with, but is too slow. Shane with a clothesline. Shane with a suplex for a two count. Shane chokes Sabin on the rope and then Trinity chokes Sabin when the ref is distracted. Sabin punches Shane, but Shane with an eye poke. Shane punches Sabin and tries for a clothesline, but Sabin ducks under it and hits a rana for a two count. Shane with two Jake Roberts short arm clotheslines. Sabin with a German suplex and both men are down. Sabin punches Shane. Sabin with a back kick followed by a Yokosuka Driver for a two count. Sabin tries for a Cradle Shock, but Shane counters with a reverse atomic drop and a Flatliner for a two count. Shane tries for a power bomb, but Sabin counters and tries for a Tornado DDT, but Shane throws Sabin to the mat face first. Sabin blocks a super kick and gets the three count with a sideroll.
After the match, Michael Shane hits Sabin with a super kick. Traci gets on the apron, but Trinity pulls Traci off the apron. Shane throws the ref out of the ring. Trinity enters the ring and holds Sabin for Shane to hit two more super kicks. Traci comes in the ring and throws Trinity down by her hair and she checks on Sabin. Shane sets up for the super kick on Traci, with Tenay decrying the idea that he's going to strike her....and the show fades off the air.
2006 - Alex Shelley defeats Acid Jazz, champion Jaysin Strife and Brandon Thomaselli in a four-way match in Streamwood, Illinois for the NWA Midwest X Division Title.
2006 - The Turbanators (Jaheed and Johad) defeated The Hillbillies (Bucky and Cletis) to win the NWA Blue Ridge Tag Team Title in Grundy, Virginia. The Night Prowlers (Mad Dog and Pit Bull) had been stripped of the title due to injury.
2006 - The Beastie Boyz (Ape Atomica and Lupo) defeat La Lesione Straniera (Drago and Manuel Majoli) for the Italian Championship Wrestling Italian Tag Team Title in Lecce, Italy. At the same show, Kaio defeats Chris the Bambikiller to win the ICW Italian Heavyweight Title, beginning his second reign.
2006 - Johnny Lightning defeats champion El Fandango and J.T. Hogg in a three-way match in Parkersburg, West Virginia to win the NWA Tri-State X Division Title.
2007 - MIYAWAKI and YOSHIYA defeat Yuji Hino and Saburo Inamatsu to win the Kaientai Dojo Strongest-K Tag Team Title in Chiba, Japan.
2007 - Lupo defeats Kobra for the ICW Interregional Heavyweight Title in Crema, Italy.
2008 - ECW on Sci Fi broadcast it's 100th episode. Buck Woodward filed the following TV Report:
ECW for May 6th opened with a package of highlights and clips from the past 99 episodes as this is the 100th episode of ECW on Sci Fi. The show opening then aired, and we went to the arena, where Tazz welcomed us to the show. Mike Adamle was then introduced as "the new voice of ECW" and Adamle walked out to a chorus of boos. Tazz said that Mike walked off commentary last week with no explanation, and Tazz said that he walked off "in support" of Adamle. He said Adamle would now give his side of the story.
Adamle came out to boos, and said that he "lost his cool" last week and he needs to apologize. Adamle apologized to Tazz for "leaving him in a lurch", then apologized to the fans. Adamle said he was a broadcaster longer than most of the fans were alive. Adamle ran down his history as a NFL player, then announcer, and mentioned (to boos) his gig as a host of American Gladiators. Adamle said he had no idea how hard this job would be. He said he loved WWE, and he "loved working for the ECW". Adamle said he would work as hard as he could to bring them the product they deserve. Adamle said we could "despise him" if we want, but told us to enjoy the 100th episode of ECW and "thanks for listening".
Tommy Dreamer vs. Mike Knox - Extreme Rules
Dreamer came out with a cart of weapons, wearing a Toronto Blue Jays jersey (we're in Canada). Stevie Richards jointed the announcers for this match. It was noted that Richards wrestled in the very first ECW match ever, back in 1992. Dreamer and Knox locked up, with Knox taking Dreamer down, but missing an elbowdrop. Dreamer clotheslined Knox to the floor and rammed him into the ring steps. Dreamer went for the cart of weapons, but Knox nailed him with a clothesline. Knox pulled out a cookie sheet and bent it over Dreamer's back. Knox put Dreamer back in the ring and hit a vertical suplex for a one count. Knox straddled Dreamer against the middle rope. Knox went to the floor and got a garbage can and a hockey stick, but Dreamer used a baseball slide to knock the can into Knox.
Dreamer hit Knox with the hockey stick. Back in the ring, Dreamer hit Knox with a Singapore Cane and a boating oar. There was a slight "ECW" chant. Dreamer put the shopping cart in the ring and set up for a DDT, but Knox blocked it and slammed Dreamer on the cart. Knox then went to the top rope, but Dreamer crotched him and hung him in the Tree Of Woe. Dreamer hit Knox with the Singapore Cane. Dreamer piled a garbage can, then the shopping cart, in front of Knox in the Tree Of Woe. Dreamer then dropkicked the cart/can into Knox. Dreamer went under the ring and pulled out a table. Dreamer propped the table against the middle turnbuckle in a corner. Dreamer went for a bulldog into the table, but Knox blocked it and gave Dreamer a back suplex through the table. Knox covered, but got a two count. Knox went to ringside and got a chair. When Knox got in the ring, Dreamer sort of dodged the chair shot and kicked it at Knox. Dreamer hit Knox with the chair, then set up for a DDT on it. Knox blocked it and hit the corkscrew faceplant (Adamle called it the "Knoxout") into the chair for the pin at the eight minute mark.
Winner: Mike Knox.
We had a flashback to the 1st episode of ECW, where the Zombie debuted, only to be caned by the Sandman.
Kelly Kelly danced, in the long-awaited return of "Kelly's Expose". Kelly was dancing, then Layla came in and started dancing. Kelly shoved her and started dancing again. Apparently we are having some sort of dance battle. They took turns shoving each other, then dancing, until finally Kelly slapped Layla and the two had a catfight. Referees came out to break it up.
They showed clips of the Hardcore Holly vs. Rob Van Dam match on September 26, 2006, which resulted in Holly getting 17 stitches to close a gash in his back.
We had flashback to the June 26, 2007 episode, where Roddy Piper rammed a birthday cake into Matt Striker's face, followed by the Boogeyman giving him the worm treatment.
Back to the present, they showed a clip of last week's Chuck Palumbo vs. CM Punk match, where Palumbo was disqualified for ignoring the referee, and then laid out Punk after the match. Lena Yada interviewed Palumbo, who said he would knock out Punk if he got in his face again.
Shelton Benjamin came out to join the announcers for the next match.
Kofi Kingston vs. Matt Striker
Mike Adamle, noting Benjamin's two losses to Kingston, asked if he could beat him. Benjamin said "Asking if I can beat him is like asking if you can stay out here for a whole broadcast. Of course I can." Striker hit a right hand at the start, then delivered a backdrop driver. Kofi hit an upkick from the mat, then ducked a clothesline and landed a dropkick. Kofi hit a double legdrop and got a two count. Striker nailed Kofi with a right hand. Striker tried to throw Kofi through the ropes, but Kofi bounced off the ropes and hit the Trouble In Paradise kick for the pin in about a minute.
Winner: Kofi Kingston.
Shelton Benjamin, who had been saying on commentary that Kofi is an incredible athlete and praising him for his two wins, ran into the ring and gave Kofi a jumping faceplant, leaving him laying in the ring.
Backstage, Colin Delaney was heading for the ring. CM Punk led a group of wrestlers and backstage staff in clapping for him, telling Delaney it would be a "piece of cake".
They showed clips of the April 3, 2007 Extreme Rules match between the ECW Originals and The New Breed, which ended with Elijah Burke pinning Sabu after an Elijah Express through a table.
Colin Delaney vs. Armando Estrada. If Delaney wins, he receives an ECW contract.
The announcers were impressed that Armando, not wearing a shirt, had a cut-up physique. Adamle said Armando was a former heavyweight champion in Cuba. Colin went for a cradle at the start, but Armando kicked out and hit a clothesline. Armando yelled at Colin and slapped him, saying "You want a contract, you stupid punk? I'm the boss!" Armando chopped Colin, then hit a hip toss for a two count. Armando put Colin in an overhead armbar. Colin punched out of it, but Armando yanked Colin down by the hair. Armando missed an avalanche in the corner, and Colin hit a series of punches. Armando tried to avoid a dropkick, but Colin stopped himself, then launched into the drop kick and hit him. Armando yanked Colin to the apron, then picked him up and bent him over the top rope to pound him in the chest. Colin, from the apron, slid under Armando's legs and pulled Armando into a sunset flip for the three count at the two minute mark.
Winner: Colin Delaney.
Colin Delaney ran around the ring in celebration. Tazz stopped him for comment. Colin said all the week's of beatings was worth it. Colin thanked the fans for supporting him, Tommy Dreamer for being his mentor, and thanked everyone who doubted him for giving him the drive to keep coming back out. Colin thanked Tazz and ran off shaking hands with the fans.
The Smackdown Rebound, showing Undertaker being stripped of the World Heavyweight Title, was shown.
Miz & John Morrison joined the announcers, applauding Mike Adamle for getting their names correct. They gave Tazz a "Chick Magnet" shirt, then told Adamle they didn't have "kid sizes" for him.
Chavo Guerrero & Bam Neely vs. CM Punk & Kane.
Miz & Morrison joked about whether Chavo and Bam had recovered from their Cinco De Mayo celebration last night. Bam has wrestling gear on this week. Kane and Bam started off, with Bam going for a leg while Kane pounded Bam. Bam started to kick at Kane's leg, but Kane hit some punches and a clothesline. Kane slammed Bam as Punk tagged in, and Punk hit a slingshot backsplash on Bam. Punk hit some forearms, but Bam hit a shoulder block and tagged Chavo. Bam slammed Punk, and Chavo went for a slingshot splash, but Punk got his knees up. Punk hit a vertical suplex, but Chavo hit an uppercut. Miz asked Adamle if he knew how to call an uppercut. Tazz helped him. Punk knocked Bam off the ring apron, then tossed a charging Chavo out of the ring, but Bam caught him as they went to break.
Back from the commercial, Punk was kicking Bam, then put him in an armbar. Bam reversed a whip and sent Punk into a corner. Miz and Morrison were ripping into Adamle. Chavo tagged in and hit Punk with an uppercut for a two count. Chavo hit some right hands, but Punk returned fire. Chavo tripped Punk and hit a somersault splash for a two count, then put him in a crossface chicken wing variation. Punk tried to fight out of it, but Chavo shoved Punk to the mat. Bam tagged in and stomped Punk. Bam hit a back suplex on Punk. "The Tazz" and "The Miz" were joking around about their "the" status. Chavo tagged in and gave Punk a backdrop driver for a two count. Chavo and Bam worked over Punk in their corner, keeping him away from Kane.
Punk finally mounted a comeback and hit Bam with a springboard clothesline after a forearm from the apron. Punk tagged Kane as Bam tagged Chavo. Kane rammed Chavo in a corner and pummeled him. Kane hit a kick to the face, then backdropped him. Kane hit a clothesline in the corner, then a second. Kane hit a sideslam, then called for the chokeslam. Kane punched Bam off the apron, then threw Chavo over the top rope. Chavo caught himself and rolled back into the ring from the apron. Kane hit a top rope clothesline, then got up, favoring his knee. Kane tagged Punk, who gave Chavo a lariat, then some knees. Chavo tried a waistlock, but Punk reversed and hit a jumping knee in the corner. Punk went for a bulldog, but Chavo shoved it off. Punk hit Chavo with an enzugiri. Bam ran in to break up the cover. Kane kicked Bam out of the ring. Chavo went for Kane's knee, but Kane clipped him with a punch. Punk hit the GTS for the pin at the fourteen minute mark.
Winners: Kane & CM Punk.
Morrison commented that Kane & Punk have weaknesses that can be exploited. Miz & Morrison stood up, holding up their WWE Tag Team Championship belts. In the ring, Kane and CM Punk stared them down, holding up the ECW Title and the Money In The Bank briefcase, as the show ended.
2008 - WWE held a conference call for their stockholders, discussing their first quarterly filing of the year. Buck Woodward covered the call and filed the following report:
WWE held a conference call today to discuss the first quarter earnings release which was sent out earlier today. Click here to check out the numbers. Taking part in the call were WWE Chief Executive Officer Linda McMahon, Chief Operating Officer Michael Sileck and Chief Financial Officer George Barrios. Here is a recap of the conference call.
Linda read a prepared statement, putting over the numbers for the quarter and the success of Wrestlemania, noting it was the highest grossing live event in WWE history. She noted that Smackdown would be switching to MyNetwork TV this Fall, saying it was a "better fit" for WWE and would provide "better financial returns over the long haul". Linda also mentioned the upcoming toy deal with Mattel, and put over the introduction of the kid's magazine, saying it was important to reach fans at a young age. She also praised new CFO George Barrios, who replaced Frank Serpe, who retired after over 20 years with the company.
Michael Sileck read a statement, noting WWE's success in a down economic time. Sileck noted the increase in PPV buys for No Way Out and Royal Rumble this year versus last, noting that "streamlining" their PPV schedule (in other words, dumping New Year's Revolution and December To Dismember) has helped the buys of the remaining events. Sileck noted their continued international growth, in particular their successful live events in Latin America and increased television ratings and licensing deals in Spain. He talked about losing some ground on the web (WWE.com traffic dropped this quarter), and that they are refocusing their efforts when it comes to their online output.
George Barrios then reviewed the financial numbers, which you can check out at the link above. It should be noted that Wrestlemania was part of the first quarter in 2008, while it was included in the second quarter last year, so it is a no brainer that revenue would be much higher for the first quarter this year versus last year. Having Wrestlemania and the Royal Rumble in the same quarter made it, on paper, an incredibly successful quarter for the company. Barrios noted that taking Wrestlemania out of the mix, domestic live attendance was down in this quarter while revenue was "essentially flat" in that area.
A brief Q&A session was then held with investors. Some highlights from this session:
- Regarding "slippage" in TV ratings, it was glossed over as being the "ebbs and flows" of television viewer ship, and that USA Network was thrilled with what WWE is giving them. Sileck noted that Vince McMahon was happy with the creative direction and talent roster.
- They stated that a third of the PPV buys for Wrestlemania came internationally, and that was on par with last year. Over time, they are hopeful to raise PPV prices in international markets.
- Michael Sileck in saying that Wrestlemania cost more in talent fees this year, stated, point blank "We did not pay Floyd Mayweather $20 million, as reported". He didn't say the exact amount Floyd got (or is getting, if he gets a piece of the DVD sales). Sileck noted some of the increased costs for Wrestlemania this year, including the production for the outdoor event and the increased advertising.
- Linda heavily praised Mattel as WWE's new toy partner, noting WWE is providing them a clear "boy's toy" to push.
- As always, the JAKKS-Pacific lawsuit was described as "slowly" moving along.
- Regarding the 9% drop in domestic live attendance in the quarter (minus Wrestlemania), it was explained as being a result of the routing for their tours, and that they expect that over the course of the year, live attendance will be higher.
- Regarding the 6% drop in web traffic and resulting drop in e-commerce, Sileck stated that they making changes to WWE.com and are targeting "lesser known wrestling sites that are existing on our back and divert those users back to WWE.com". He put over the WWE Fan Nation site, and said they have implemented a new method of uploading photos on the site. No mention of the "Industry News" section.
- They are doing 80 International events this year, as opposed to 75 last year. They are looking into doing a tour of China next year, noting they wanted to get past the Olympics before running there.
- Regarding DVD sales, they noted that they have Wrestlemania, a Rock collection and a Ric Flair collection coming out that they expect all to be big sellers. As always, they expect the fourth quarter of the year, with holiday sales, to be their big money quarter for DVDs.
It should be noted that Linda McMahon didn't field the questions as much as normal, with Sileck handling the majority of responses. Shockingly, there was no mention made of WWE's achievement of getting all three popular presidential candidates to appear on their programming recently. Less shocking, there was no mention made of the Wellness Policy, the Jeff Hardy suspension, what Floyd Mayweather really got for Wrestlemania, or the Ashley Massaro situation.
2009 - WWE videogame licensee THQ announced they were developing "WWE Online" as an online gaming property for the Asian market. THQ would later abandon the project.
2009 - Rob Van Dam and Batista were in Louisiana filming the independent action film "The Wrong Side of Town."
2010 - New York Giants legend and Wrestlemania 11 headliner Lawrence Taylor was arrested and charged with rape, according to CBS 2 News in New York City. Taylor later plead guilty to several lesser charges, admitting he had sexual relations with an underage runaway prostitute. In 1995, Taylor did a series of angles for the then-WWF, culminating in a win against Bam Bam Bigelow at Mania 11 in Hartford, CT. While there were plans discussed for Bigelow and Taylor to team later that year after a Bigelow babyface turn, it never panned out.
2010 - Vince McMahon held a conference call with stockholders to discuss WWE's first quarterly earnings filing of the year. Buck Woodward filed the following report:
WWE held an investor conference call today to discuss the first quarter numbers which were released this morning. You can read the numbers at this link. Participating in the call were Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Vince McMahon, Chief Financial Officer George Barrios and Chief Operating Officer Donna Goldsmith.
Vince McMahon started the call with a statement, putting over their profit margin for the quarter as one of the highest in company history. Regarding the drop in Wrestlemania buys, Vince said it was felt this was due in part to "communal viewing" and people watching Wrestlemania in a group, like the Superbowl. He also stated that perhaps the show "wasn't exactly what everyone wanted to see" but that the brand remains strong. Vince praised the upcoming move of Smackdown to SyFy, and put over their international business growth. Vince said they were "very happy" about the kickoff of their new toy line with Mattel. Vince actually said "Michelle" instead of Mattel, then joked "This is too early for me."
George Barrios then reviewed the financial numbers, which you can check out at the link above. He stressed that live attendance was up, and the continued good returns from their international business. Barrios noted that Mexico is now WWE's second biggest international PPV market, trailing only the UK. He remarked that the move of Smackdown to SyFy will be "a very positive development" for WWE.
A Q&A was then held. Some highlights:
- When asked about Wrestlemania losing buys versus last year, Vince said he felt that last year being promoted as the "25th anniversary" of Wrestlemania helped that buyrate, since it created a nostalgia factor. He noted that Wrestlemania contributed greatly to their profit for the quarter, but it wasn't what they had hoped for.
Vince said that "the content business is one in which we are successful most of the time. I'm not saying this was a failure, but it didn't measure up to what we had hoped in terms of budget" and noted it was down 12 percent versus last year. He stated "it was a good attraction, not a great attraction and sometimes you just don't give them great attractions all the time. It's the creative process, and that's the process we're in."
- Vince felt that Phoenix "out performed" what they expected as host of Wrestlemania, and that those involved in that end of the situation should be applauded.
- Vince said he would not use the "economy" as an excuse for everything negative, stating too many blame the economy. Vince said "we're strong, we're not superlative at the moment" and talked about how when he used to just promote live events and they didn't draw, wrestlers would come up with excuses for it, except Bobo Brazil who did not believe in excuses. Brazil who would simply point out that they didn't draw well that night and it couldn't be blamed on "the all night gas station" or anything else people might have gone to instead of the show that night.
- Barrios and Goldsmith commented on the number of live events and PPV events, saying they were constantly reviewing how often they visit certain areas and how many PPV events they put on. They noted they have decreased the number of PPV events this year compared to last year.
- There was a discussion of upcoming WWE Studios releases, and it was noted that unlike past films that cost in the $20 million range, then budgets for the current projects are in the $5 million range.
- The decrease in video game sales this quarter was attributed to the changeover in game platforms, with many companies introducing new systems and WWE's titles being for the now "old" systems.
- It was pointed out that two our of seven WWE PPVevents have seen a buyrate decrease, and in both of those cases, there was another major PPV event that weekend. Vince was asked if having that competition hurt the events, and whether WWE was going to avoid those situations going forward. Vince said that "We're not sure if it has or not, you're talking about two relatively different audiences, completely. The UFC audience, which I guess is what you are referring to, is more of a boxing audience than an entertainment thing, like we are. Nonetheless, there has been some of that (where there has been a UFC the night before a WWE event), but from a scheduling standpoint, we can't control that. Going forward, I don't see any on the schedule at the moment."
- The model for the WWE cable channel is set, and they are now "knocking on doors" and seeing if cable providers are receptive to carrying it.
5-6-12 Chattanooga TN
McKenzie Arena at UTC
5:00pm bell time
The show opened with a promo by the Truth. Santino was introduced as his partner. We heard this from outside the arena. More on that later.
*Truth & Santino Marella def Primo & Epico w Rosa Mendes at 11:09 Good match, hot opener. Rosa Mendes was stunning tonight. Truth got the pin, but I was too busy watching Rosa from ringside to see what led to it. She was shaking it.
Jack Swagger video promo - says he is beating the Funkasaurus later tonight. This was pretty bad, especially for a pre-taped promo.
Tyson Kidd vs. JTG was set for the second bout of the card, but after the introductions Eve made her way to the ring to say there had just been a late change made to this match, and it was now a 2 on 1 handicap match. She introduced Lord Tensai as the 3rd participant.
*Handicap Match: Lord Tensai def Tyson Kidd & JTG with the Baldo Bomb on JTG / Poison Claw on Kidd at 5:25
This was actually a pretty entertaining match for the time they were given. JTG & Kidd were flying around the ring bouncing all over the place with offense on Tensai, and every now and again he would catch one of them and flatten them with a power move. They did a few impressive double team moves including an exchange of kicks that ended with a RVD-esque spin kick from Kidd that looked to bust Tensai right on the button, and followed that up with a variation of Total Elimination with Kidd doing the leg sweep and Tensai taking a big bump off a JTG wheel kick. In the end Tensai caught JTG with the stalling Butterfly Suplex / Baldo Bomb combo to dispose of him, and took care of Kidd with flying attack reversal into a Bossman slam which set up the Poison Claw for the 3 count.
Out next was the former Husky Harris in his new gimmick which is Waylon Mercy 2012. I believe the name he was using was Braden White? Either way he was playing Waylon Mercy to the T complete with the white shoes, Hawaiian shirt, straw hat, & slow southern gentlemen drawl. His hair is much longer now than last time we saw him in Nexus. He looked to have dropped some weight since then too. He cut a promo about how he was just like us southerners here in Tennessee. The promo was eh but his in ring antics were far better.
*Zack Ryder def Husky Harris with the Rough Ryder at 5:21.
The crowd was crazy for Ryder. He got the first monster pop of the night. Husky's in ring style was very entertaining. He was methodical and his mannerisms reminded me of Jake Roberts or Raven, in how he would bust out some offensive move then slink into the corner to lie in wait for his opponent to recover before coming alive again. Funny spot saw Husky smash Ryder in the corner with a 747 splash - and when Ryder stumbled out of the corner Husky caught him and danced around the ring with his limp body like "Last Dance With Mary Jane" - as in dancing with a corpse if ya get the reference. It was absurdly funny. Ryder gets the big comeback hits his spots and nails the Rough Ryder to score the fall. Also of note Michael Hayes, Arn Anderson, and CM Punk (disguised in a hoodie) all watched this match from the control station.
*Brodus Clay w Funkettes & Hornswoggle def Jack Swagger with a T-bone Suplex / Big Splash combo at 6;47
The less said about this the better. Brodus matches need to stay under 2 minutes.
-Intermission
*Eve def Kelly Kelly with a Spinning Neckbreaker at 7:15
Both ladies looked good. It was better than I expected.
Dolph Ziggler promo - introduces Mason Ryan as his new "Insurance Policy"
*John Cena def Dolph Ziggler with Mason Ryan with the AA at 11:50
Monster pop for Cena. Good match, lots of well booked interference by Ryan. Ryan saved the match for Ziggler about 5 times before a miscue saw Ziggler lay out Ryan with a Superkick on accident, leading to an AA on Ziggler. Can we say HBK / Big Daddy Cool Déjà Vu?
*WWE Championship: CM Punk def Chris Jericho at 16:57 with the GTS
The first 5 or so minutes of this was comedy. I didn't expect that. Aren't these guys locked in a heated blood feud at the moment? Jericho played the cowardly heel running and stalling, hiding behind the ref and so on. Punk pulled out some Killer Khan Kung Fu chops complete with poses. Business eventually picked up by the end and the last 10 or so minutes of the match was awesome. Jericho trapped Punk in the Walls of Jericho, and right when Punk was at the ropes Jericho drug him back to the center of the ring and laid back further. Half the crowd thought Punk might tap because the Punk chants were Thunderous here. Punk ended up escaping the Walls by rolling through and we got a pretty sweet false finish with Punk standing up into a huge codebreaker for a 2 & 9/10ths count. The crowd literally gasped as they thought Jericho was winning the belt. Punk rallied and hit the Savage Flying Elbow for a 2. Jericho rolls out and gets a chair, takes a wild swing and a miss right into the GTS to send the crowd home happy.
-The crowd wasn't huge. The balcony was basically empty aside from the section opposite the stage.
- All times stated are bell to bell. The show ran 2:15 including intermission.
- The last 2 rows ringside on both sides of the ramp were totally empty for the first half of the show. Event staff placed some handicapped people and upgraded families with lots of kids in those seats after intermission.
- As is always the problem at UTC, the doors didn't open until 9 minutes until bell time, and the staff at the door was slow and under staffed. There is no excuse for that. The lines were huge behind us as we got in, already missing the entrances of the opener at that point. A ton of people missed that entire match at no fault of their own.
- No return date was given
-Overall fun show, good vibe, they kept it running smooth with minimal downtime, and most of the guys worked hard. We scored lower level ringside tix for $15 a piece day of - so there was some heavy discounting going on there for sure.
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